Writeminded

www.writemindedblog.com

2005-05-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

If you read the title, you'll know where to find us now. Yep, we're moving. We considered the domain bloggersucks.com but we decided to play nice *g*

So anyway, here is the link. We're officially moved. Please come visit us so we don't get lonely. We're leaving everything as it is here for now until everyone gets used to our new home and knows how to find us.

www.writemindedblog.com

Please pretty please update your address to the one listed above and we'll see you there :)

In the swim

2005-05-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Summer's almost here. Yay! Except for the places that never see cold weather, swimming pools will open soon. So will the public beaches along the rivers, lakes and of course our coasts.

A few days ago I overheard a woman dishing swimming pools because they're overcrowded, reek of chlorine and the fact someone always takes a whiz in the water. For those reasons, she much preferred going to the beach because it's cleaner.

Cleaner? No way! Besides for a workout, I prefer a pool, though the overcrowded ones blow doing laps to hell and the chemicals often burn my eyes.

Now I love beaches, whether I'm strolling along the shore, soaking up some sun, or playing in the water. But God only knows how many sea critters and land loafers take a dump in the water, not to mention the commercial waste flushed. I've had seaweed wrapped around my ankles, which is a major ewww to me. I've had my shins dinged with seashells. I've cut my feet on junk semi-buried in the sand.

But in my neck of the woods, the beach is on a large lake. They are a whole different world than coastal beaches. They're small and crowded. The water ranges from murky to muddy. Fishes nibble your butt. And I've caught a glimpse of a snake swimming nearby me, which freaks me out.

I'm not a spider and snake gal, lol. I want to see what is swimming alongside me. So I'll stick with the pool and limit my beach lazing to the rare jaunts to the coast. ~~Jan

Boobphobia

2005-05-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

My apologies in advance for such a deep topic. You see I'm contemplating the issues that truly* matter. And my mind is a truly dangerous thing and I've been mulling. Why are Americans so boobphobic? I don't get it.

And women more than men have a cat when they see a BOOB whether it be in public or on television. Hello? Honey? Have you ever looked down? Never seen a boob before?

Men flop around shirtless with more upfront baggage than many women I've seen, but it's perfectly acceptable. And in case you're wondering, I'm not lobbying for women to go topless. I'm merely curious over the public hue and cry over the BOOB factor.

Have a woman breastfeed in public and you'd think she bludgeoned her child with a stick so great is the shock and dismay. You could hear the thumps in living rooms across America during the Super Bowl halftime when viewers got a glimpse of Janet Jackson's freaking nipple rings. Yawn.

I can remember when I was pregnant with my third child hearing of a woman breastfeeding her infant in either McDonalds or Burger King (I don't remember which) but apparently the manager suggested she might be more comfortable feeding her child in the BATHROOM. My reaction? WTF?? Would he suggest feeding the kid a Happy Meal in the toilet? Did he expect the woman to sit on the pot while breastfeeding? Hell, I wouldn't even piss in some of these bathrooms and he was suggesting a woman feed her baby there.

What I want to know are actual statistics on what happens when someone sees a BOOB. Does a child grow up to be a porn-addicted crackpot if they see a BOOB? Does a man become a serial rapist? What does seeing a BOOB do to the psyche? It's a piece of flesh, in some cases a not very attractive piece of flesh and in other cases a very expensive piece of flesh/silicon. And yet this piece of flesh wields the power to cause shock and dismay, fainting spells, cries of outrage and disgust.

No, I'd prefer not to go around viewing other women's boobs, but it's not going to scar me for life if I see one. And I don't think it's going to turn my children into perverts, serial killers or rapists if THEY see one.

But then overreaction seems to be a fad in this country.

*the author apologizes for the overuse of sarcasm in this post. It would seem it is dripping from her today. But at least she has her boobs to catch what falls from her mouth. And she won't even subject you to an image.

Revisions

2005-05-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of work to do.

I'm not complaining. I got my revision letter for THE HUNT and my editor asked a lot of questions. There's a lot she loves about the book. There's a lot that needs rewriting. Not that the writing itself is bad, just that she want's more of some stuff and less of other stuff . . . like, more in my villain's POV, more backstory of the history between my hero/heroine, more investigative detail. And less sub-plots. LOL. I did go a little overboard there!

I'm excited about it, though. There's a lot of good stuff, and a lot of stuff that is just unnecessary. But I see the potential and know I can make it better.

Anyway, I read the three page letter (don't be deceived by the length; there's a lot of stuff in there!) twice and started the revisions last night on the hardcopy my editor returned which also has comments written on it. I went through chapter one which, admittedly, has hardly any changes. But I still tweaked it.

I don't think I can make a pass at any of my books and not tweak them. Ever. Even then it's done and out, I can always find something to tweak. I've read that many published authors don't read their books one they're in print for fear they'll see mistakes they didn't catch, or something they wish they'd changed.. I don't know what I'll so. I don't know how I WON'T be able to read it.

My goal is to finish the revisions in four weeks. I'm actually excited about it.

AND, the news of the week . . . it looks like I'm going to be getting my covers this week!!! I can hardly wait. My editor described them over the phone and they sound fabulous. I'll post a link when I get them.

Oh, and I found my books listed on the Random House website, and I'm kind of giddy about it.

Not a very interesting blog today, but I'm subsiding on minimal sleep (three sick kids) and everyone is clamoring for my attention right now. So I'm off . . .

Mother Knows Best...For Now

2005-05-20T21:53:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong for a parent to brainwash her children? I mean, we all do it to some extent without even meaning to, right?

I know my parents brainwashed me early on to be suspicious of all marketing messages (they're out to get you!), to believe my hair just wasn't capable of growing long, and to think all chiropractors are quacks.

Funny thing, I grew out of all of these. I majored in advertising (now I'm out to get everyone else!) I grew my hair halfway down my back in college (whether it looked good on me or not--my hair was going to be long, dammit!) I now trust my chiropractor more than I trust most of the MDs out there (and have paid for approximately one wing of my chiropractor's house with all my business.)

So I guess brainwashing's not all it's cracked up to be. Which brings me to my own attempt, inadvertent though it may be.

You see, I've convinced my children, ages 3 and 5, that I'm the best driver on the roads, and anyone who I get annoyed at (and believe me, there are plenty) is less than competent. I don't think there's anything more rewarding than to be driving along, get ticked off at some idiot driver, try to hold my tongue for the sake of the young 'uns in the back seat, and have one of said young 'uns spout off with, "That person doesn't know how to drive!!!"

God love 'em.

I've got them snookered for now. I just enjoy it while it lasts, since I know one of these days I'm going to wake up and suddenly be the dumbest, most embarrassing mom alive.

Mama told me--

2005-05-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

My mom always told us to wear our good clean underwear whenever we left the house. I figured it was so I wouldn't look like a street urchin when I stripped in gym class or was in an accident. Either she was in the minority (which I doubt) or some girls in high school either didn't have nice undies (a possibility) or didn't give a shit that their panties and bras were holey, dirty or both (also a strong possiblity).

At any rate the lesson stuck. I still don nice underwear when I leave the house, though sometimes I bitch to myself that I'm only running out to the store or bank and will be back in a flash. Nobody will see that my undies have holes in them. Maybe yes, maybe no.

A news bulletin the other day hammered home the fact that what hugs your skin could be bared for all the world to see.

During a bank heist, the armed robbers ordered everyone in the bank to strip to their underwear. Not only would this be terrifying, it'd be mortifying for a good many people--me included. I mean, here you are amid a bunch of strangers with guns aimed at you. Men and women wearing a variety of underwear from subdued to sexy, clean to soiled, new to tattered.

Then the cops arrive and the standoff begins. Then the news media swarms in. And suddenly there you are on TV in old boxers with tobacca stains on the butt, holey panties, or a frayed bra with a safety pin securing one strap.

Yep, do as mom says. Wear your good clean underwear when you leave the house. Ya just never know. ~~Jan

Book Report

2005-05-19T05:59:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I was in the throes of a full blown book slump. Nothing I picked up seemed interesting. I didn't read much as a result. I decided to go in search of new-to-me authors and hopefully pick up a few new favorites to add to my list.

I posted about ordering a bazillion in my own blog, and was asked to report back. I never did. Until now.

This is what I bought.

Kinley MacGregor-Taming the Scotsman
Kinley MacGregor-Born in Sin
Kinley MacGregor-Claiming the Highlander
Julia London-Highlander in Disguise
Kasey Michaels-Be My Baby Tonight
Emma Holly-Personal Assets
Emma Holly-Strange Attractions
Patricia Potter-Cold Target
Gayle Callen-A Woman's Innocence
Liz Carlyle-The Devil to Pay
Liz Carlyle-Beauty Like the Night
Liz Carlyle-The Devil You Know
Liz Carlyle-A Woman of Virtue
Susan Sizemore-I Hunger For You
Patricia Grasso- Seducing the Prince
??-To (something) a Wolf

I also received courtesy of Alison Kent an ARC of her new release "Larger than Life," and from Jill Shalvis her new release "Seeing Red."

As I was making this list, I was surprised to see how many bombed out for me. I had thought I liked more of them. The sad truth is, most of them fell flatter than a pancake.

I LOVED Kinley MacGregor's historicals. It took me so long to try them because I was not so fond of her contemporary Dark Hunter series. I'll be buying more of her historicals. Great characters.

Julia London's "Highlander in Disguise." Ugh. Ok to be fair, it wasn't HORRID, but it was not great. Or even good. We'll call it fair to middlin' as my dad would say.

The Kasey Michaels book I bought because of a comment Allison left (at RTB I think) She mentioned it was a best friends theme, got married, heroine pregnant. I perked up. I like those themes. Oi! I'm going to bill Allison for this purchase. My reaction? WTF? Really, that's all I can say. I spent the entire book either arching a brow or crooking my lip in incredulity.

The two by Emma Holly. I bought these based on the buzz I'd heard over her books. Maybe I expected too much. Such as it is when books are hyped. They weren't terrible, but I didn't see the wonderful character development I've heard touted in so many places. In fact, I could have cared less about them as people. The author didn't make me care. It was ho hum for me.

Patricia Potter's book. I haven't read it yet. Can't make myself for some reason. Not sure why.

Gayle Callen's "A Woman's Innocence." Truly dreadful. For a full report, I'll merely direct you here since this is the book I was referring to when I talked about "the promise of a juicy premise."

Liz Carlyle. Well I've only read one of the four so far. I don't even remember which one it was. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't that interesting. The heroine was beyond bizarre, and there was something, not sure what, that I did not like about the author's writing style. It felt heavy, a bit like trying to swim in a swimming pool full of syrup. Which is why I've been reluctant to read the other three.

Susan Sizemore's "I Hunger For You." Ok I lied the other day in my blog when I said I pretty much always finished a book I hated. At the time I was remarking that I had put down a book after about 15 pages and that it was a rarity. Ok it is a rarity, but I made it sound like a one time deal. I had forgotten that I had also done it with this book after the first chapter.

Patricia Grasso's "Seducing the Prince." Now if you want an over the top, utterly ridiculous read, this is the book for you. The heroine spent the entire book making absurd threats against other people. Her response every time someone pissed her off? I'll kill you. Seriously! Even when it becomes obvious that someone is killing off all the people she threatens, does that curb her tongue? Noooo, she keeps making absurd threats. At that point I would have had more respect for her if she HAD killed one of them. The first time was fine. By the umpteenth time she did it, it was theatrical and ridiculous.

This book reminded me of a contemporary soap opera stuffed into an historical backdrop. Nothing about the book told me it was an early 1800s set novel. And believe me, folks, if IM commenting on the lack of period feel then you can bet it's perfectly dreadful. I'm the most non anal, forgiving person when it comes to historical "feel." This book? Dreadful, just dreadful. I don't think I have enough adjectives. Oh and let's not forget the black moment. This was rather hysterical in its self. It was obvious there was no real dark moment so the author had to manufactor one on the fly. So we end up with the heroine being arrested and tried for the murders of all the people she had publicly threatened (yes, I told you she was a brilliant specimen) and we have the hero refusing to lie and give her an alibi. "I cannot tell a lie." Maybe he was a distant relative of George Washington? So the heroine gets pissed and we have the "Separation." Bah!

The last one is the one I was referring to in my blog the other day about not being able to get beyond the first 15 or so pages. I don't even remember the author and most of the title. It was "To..(something) a Wolf." I can't find the book now, probably because I tossed it across the room in disgust. It's probably collecting dust under the sofa. I'm glad it'll serve SOME purpose.

The two ARCs I received were fun, and both authors have an extensive backlist, so wading through it should be fun. Jill Shalvis wrote a really, really terrific hero in "Seeing Red." He was so very real. Female authors just don't get such an authentic male POV that often. And Jill nailed it. I wanted to sop her hero up with a biscuit *g* Her heroine I was less enthusiastic about. In the beginning I loved her more just because I felt she was so different from so many other heroines. And to give her credit, she IS different. Think role reversal, or gender reversal if you will. Actions, thoughts, etc usually written in heroes, Jill gives to her heroine, so that was refreshing. But by the end of the book, I just wanted to tell her to get over it already. Even the heroine couldn't figure out why she continued to hold back from the hero.

Alison Kent's "Larger Than Life" was a different read for me. I've been mulling this book over for a week now, so the fact that I'm still thinking about it is good. I think it was because she made me care more about the secondary characters than she did the main characters. I was more into their story than of Neva and Mick. But the best compliment I guess I can pay, is that if you want something different, something that isn't done over and over ad nauseum in the romance writing world, you should check this book out. I don't remember ever reading another romance like it.

Internal Goals

2005-05-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spoke with my editor about THE HUNT. Her suggestions are right on the money, just like they were with THE CHASE. I'll be getting the manuscript with her revision letter tomorrow . . . which means I have to finish THE KILL tonight. That was my personal goal, and if I have to stay up all night to do it, so help me . . . I will. It's a rough draft anyway. I know how it's going to end. I just have to buckle down and write the last few pages.

Last night I got 18 pages done. Tonight I need to wrap up the ending--I'm a little stuck on a minor point--and focus on some filler scenes that I skipped. About 20 pages. I think. But if I could write 18 last night, I can write 20 tonight. Or 25. Whatever it takes.

It's important to me to finish THE KILL so I can focus all my energy into revising THE HUNT without having another story fighting for attention in the back of my mind. But more important, it's an internal goal. No one will care if I finish THE KILL right now. It's not due on my editor's desk for months. But I care.

When I first started writing--and this is true for any unpublished, uncontracted author--only one person in the world cares whether you finish writing your book. You. No one else. Maybe your husband or your mother or your children play lip service and encourage you, but in all honesty, it doesn't matter to them (they care because it matters to you.) That's why it's so easy to procrastinate, to postpone, to put aside. No one cares if you meet your goal of five pages a night or finishing the book by summer or writing a book at all. No one cares but you.

It took me years to get to the point where I cared enough to buckle down and finish writing a book. Before, it was simply fun to write. I didn't have to finish the books, it was the ideas that appealed to me and I started dozens and dozens of books. It wasn't until I made a personal commitment to myself that I actually finished one of them. HOT LATTE will always have a soft spot in my heart because it was the first book where I typed THE END, even though it was superficial with a gazillion sub plots and will never be published.

Still, it wasn't a waste. Why? Because the hero in HOT LATTE became the hero in THE KILL. A different first name (Mark became Zack), a different backstory, but he's still a cop in Seattle who dates a lot of women but doesn't want to commit; who believes in justice and truth; who has a quick temper and foul mouth, but is the one man you'd want on your side when the chips are down because he is loyal and honest. And he's hot.

If I allow myself to slack, to talk myself into believing it doesn't really matter if I finish the first draft of THE KILL because it's not really due, then I will fall back into my old habits of not living up to my internal goals. No one else will care if I finish THE KILL tonight.

No one but me.

Unidentifiable Food Objects

2005-05-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

My turn to blog, I'm late, not even sure this will post right since my computer (or blogger) is acting up, but here goes anyway.

So the last few days have been...interesting to say the least. I found out Friday that I'm allergic to food. Okay, not quite all of it, but believe me, my world has been rocked. No more dairy, eggs, wheat/gluten, turkey or...ready for this? Garlic. I'm allergic to garlic. Color me annoyed.

I'd already taken processed sugar and white flour out of my diet, and I'd suspected the gluten problem so I've researched a lot about taking it out. Anyway, we headed out to the grocery store (which has a health food section) and a separate health food store on Saturday to stock up on alternatives. Let's just say this, we're going to have to take out a bank loan to pay for healthy food.

I'm now the proud owner of a...box, I guess you'd call it, of tofu. I'm really struggling with that fact as I've always sworn I would never ever ever in a million years eat tofu. (I'm still not eating it plain...it's used as a replacement for eggs in baking recipes.)

I could go on but the last thing I'll mention regarding food is that A) in order to have a good variety of stuff I can eat, I have to bake/cook a lot of it myself and B) I can't stand baking/cooking. Since Friday I've baked a loaf of pumpernickel bread (awesome), some chocolate chip cookies (eh, maybe a 3 on a scale of 10) and some muffins. All gluten-free. And I'm baked out. (No half-baked comments, please. ;))

I have no idea what I'll do when I travel or go to National. But if you see a chick lugging around an extra suitcase full of unidentifiable food, it's probably me. If you don't make any cracks about the tofu, I might even share. :)

Oh, nuts!

2005-05-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

I rarely watch TV, but I caught a news snippet last night that had me howling with laughter--after the stunned stupor wore off.

You know how we're told time and again to spay or neuter your dog cat unless you're a serious dog breeder? We'd spayed both of our female dogs, and the female and male felines. No big deal, right? I mean you have this done when the pet is young and they recover will no ill effects. Well apparently some genius has found a new way to dupe money out of pet owners.

I've known plastic surgery for pets was done on many levels with the show dogs. But beyond clipping ears and bobbing tails on certain breeds, I'd never heard this being done on the typical pet. Nor had I heard about fido getting implants for cosmetic purposes.

Neuticles are testicular prosthetic implants for neutered pets. As the owner of one dog explained, implanting these fake gonads in his chocolate lab gave the dog back his self esteem.

Helloooo! Earth to dog owner. I doubt your dog knows diddly squat about self esteem.

The guy went on to say these neuticles look and feel like the real deal. That's where I lost it, so if he imparted any more startling info on the implants, I didn't hear them.

Goes to show there is one born every minute. ~~Jan

Photo Fun

2005-05-16T00:20:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: I emailed all three pics to my editor. She's leaning toward a cropped version of #2, which is the consensus from everyone. #1 is her second choice. But the jury's still out . . .

My hubby emailed the link to a bunch of non-writing friends of ours and got back nine responses -- 3 for #1; 3 for #2 and 3 for #3, LOL.

All of them will find a place on my website, though!

Thank you EVERYONE for giving me your opinion. I really appreciate it. I'm not really comfortable in front of the camera, so I was lucky I got three good pictures out of the 300 or so we took.

Update on photos: Okay, you know I hated my hair cut, but in the photos it looks okay. Seven rolls of film later, it's been narrowed down to three pics . . . for the record, my mom, my hubby and me have a different favorite. Later today I'll let you know who picked which.

So click here and let me know what you think!

Vacation Fun

2005-05-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

I posted a while back about deciding where to go on vacation. Restless, fidgety and all that. The restlessness is getting worse by the way. In the last two weeks, we've been spontaneous freaks, from campouts on the floor in mama and daddy's room, to impromptu dashes to the beach, midnight runs for ice cream, and the latest, an 11pm run to Walmart to let the kids spend their earned money.

Oh yeah, we're ready for summer *g*

A guy my husband works with gave us his timeshare for this year. Oh joy, a free week's stay and countless locations to choose from. The decision process was hilarious let me tell you. We spanned the country in two day's time. We started in Florida, then went to Montana and oops that didn't pan out so we had to settle for.....drum roll....don't laugh. ARKANSAS. LOL. Ok sorry, I had to laugh. Arkansas is not exactly an exotic locale, but the resort is yummy, and they have everything a kid could possibly want from horseback riding, a lake, a miniature golf course, a bowling alley and FIVE different swimming pools to splash in. So yeah, the kids are psyched. They'll be prunes by the end of the week.

Our latest pining has to do with a train excursion. The kids would die for such a trip so we're checking out short runs on Amtrak.

Just don't ask how much writing I'll get done this summer *g*

This and that

2005-05-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my best friend, a non-writer who was the first person who I ever let read one of my books, came over after work to watch the kids so I could go to the mall to get make-up for my author photo. Seriously, I have little to no make-up. I haven't bought anything but mascara in four years. Sad, I know. So on Karin's suggestion, I went to Macy's and the Lancome kiosk. I liked the way the girls put on their make-up -- subtle, natural. That's what I wanted. I don't like wearing a lot of make-up, but I figured 1) I could write it off and 2) I need to wear make-up in my photos and 3) I probably should wear a little going out of the house.

I always take the opportunity to chat up my books. I told the girl I was getting my author photo. The other lady came up and she *loves* romantic suspense. I wrote down for both of them my url and titles and release dates of my books, and said they could see their make-up in action on the author photo when the books come out *g*.

Which reminds me that I really need business cards. (Note to self: order on Monday.) I was waiting until I got covers, but I think investing in 500 now is definitely worth it, and I can print them with covers later.

So now I have the IRS agent (when I called about tax questions); the bra lady at Mervyn's; and the entire Lancome counter at Macy's. That's five people I don't know who'll (I think) but my book.

After that, I had my monthly chat fest/crit group meeting with some local writers from SVR. (Three of us have been together practically since I joined RWA at the beginning of 2003. We don't crit as much as we used to, but I need to get out of the house and I love talking with them. Kathia is the one who came up with my titles for my three books--she is the title GODDESS--no editor would dare change her titles *g*) Two hours talking about books and stuff at Borders? Heaven . . .

Got home around ten, kissed the girls (babies were asleep), checked email (yes, I'm addicted), and couldn't sleep. Picked up SURVIVOR IN DEATH by JD ROBB and couldn't put it down. Seriously, I've always liked Nora Roberts, but her JD Robb books rock. The tone and voice are different than Nora, even though it's the same person. Read 60 pages straight in an hour until my 4 year old woke up looking for me. So it'll be no writing today until I finish the dang book. I have a hard time writing when I'm in the middle of a good book.

My Deadwood first season on DVD came yesterday. We're going to watch one tonight (if we're not too tired after the kiddos go to bed). I was reading the Serial Killer Files a couple weeks ago and there was a case study of the first known serial killers in America, cousins, back during post-revolutionary 18th century. So I'm thinking I have to write what I know (suspense) but maybe I can change the time period . . .

Today I'm getting my hair cut and colored. I have so much gray. It could be worse, I suppose. My grandfather was completely gray by the time he was 25.

Last night I also started getting a scratchy throat. I took some of that Airborne stuff my CPs rave about. Took some more this morning. We'll see if it works. It's not any worse, but . . .

I'll let everyone know how my pics turn out. There's only so much you can do with an overweight, unphotogetic mom of five. (The only REALLY good pictures of me are from my wedding, which is a good thing because we spent a thousand bucks on the photographer.) But if anyone can make the pics look good, it's Dan.

My New Best Friend

2005-05-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

So we've recently covered the state of my house. It's worse than it was four days ago, and it looked like two little blond tornadoes had torn through kicking up dirt and leaving behind debris all the way then. Oh wait, they had and they have again.

Anyway, the friend. His name is Robie. At least I think it's a he, but I have yet to spot any signs of gender. He sleeps in my kitchen next to the sliding glass door in a little bed exactly his size. He does what we tell him without question...he's eternally loyal. He plays well with the kids and keeps them occupied for large chunks of time.

No, he isn't a dog.

Robie is our new pet vacuum cleaner. He's a robot. He's a small disk, maybe about 10 inches in diameter, with a big, strong mouth on his underside.

He sucks.

And I mean that in the best possible way.

Here's where I have to confess that my husband, aka Gadget Freak, has petitioned for this particular addition to our family for months. I laughed in his general direction. I don't mind vacuuming, I told him. He does hard woods, hubby argued. He'll scratch them, I countered. (Cringing at the verbs yet, Larissa?)

Lo and behold, the hubby ordered him anyway, without my knowledge. (He used his corporate AmEx points, so what could I say? Free robot, baby.)

I scoffed. I ridiculed. I rolled my eyes. I mocked my husband's geekiness.

I take it all back.

After dinner each evening, the boys argue over who gets to turn Robie on and off he goes. The boys could watch him for hours, which brings up the one and only downside of the thing: he takes a good half hour to clean our kitchen and nook area, maybe even 45 minutes. But you know what? I can write during that half hour. Play with the boys. Sit on the kitchen table and peek over the edge as Robie scuttles from one side to the other, feeding on cheerios and stray peas and escapee grapes. I can do whatever I want, except maybe sleep, because he is a little noisy.

Yep, Robie's here to stay. He fills a void in the family...that of housekeeper. And he doesn't even require his own bedroom, which is more than Alice on the Brady Bunch could say.

Hummingbirds

2005-05-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

The hummers are back. And no, I'm not talking about the muscle SUVs. I mean the tiny birds with the jewel-like feathers and mega-watt energy.

These living helicopters amaze me. To think something that small migrates thousands of miles at speeds of sixty miles an hour blows my mind.

I always buy red geraniums to attract them, and also hang a hummingbird feeder outside a window. And wait for their show to begin.

Their rapidly moving wings are nothing more than a blur to the naked eye. But when they perch and the light hits them just right, their dusky feathers take on an iridescence, and the throat patch on the ruby-throated males turns a brilliant red.

It's comical watching a mating male and female square off midair, swooping downward or zipping upward in a blink. Like most birds, he has the vibrant feathers, but both male and female fiercely protect their territory.

I've read novels where the author captured that intensity in the mating dance between hero and heroine. LaVyrle Spencer did it well in her historical romance, HUMMINGBIRD. Abigail McKenzie was the drab ordinary woman who saved colorful Jesse DuFrayne's life. He likened her to a hummingbird, small with boundless energy.

I don't know if Spencer chose the title, but to me it is fitting. When they squared off, they showed their true colors. Abby was a flurry Jesse had trouble catching, and holding on to. If you get a chance, read the book and savor her rich characterization. Like the tiny birds, it'll hold your attention until the end. ~~Jan

Phhfffffttttt!

2005-05-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

Did anyone hear that wail of anguish? If you did and wondered what damn cat caught their tail in the door, look no further. It was me realizing I had to blog today. Now normally, this isn't a big deal, God knows I never have a shortage of anything to say. I have opinions on just about everything. Ok, everything. And I'm not shy about stating them.

But today is the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak, and all I really want to do is go pull the covers over my head and revel in the silence. Middle child is back in school after a six day bout with strep throat. Youngest child is also back in school after a bout with the pukies. Oldest child? Well, he hasn't become ill yet, which means about the time I figure it's safe in sick land, I'll get a call from his school. Yes, I'm giving them until noon.

And then there's the husband. I really should just stop there because sick kids have nothing on sick men. He came down with strep Monday and has been home ever since. Need I say more? I think he might be going back to work tomorrow though. woohoo!! Shhh don't tell him I said that.

I made a big mistake last night. I told Amy that I was definitely going to start my new story by Monday. Uh oh. Her words? I'll hold you to it. Insert another wail of agony here. Amy may loathe revisions, but she loves nagging me. It gives her a distraction.

Since I'm posting about mindless, random events, I'll end with a list inspired by Larissa's Romancing the Blog post. She talks about the lack of grit in the novels she reads. But her post just reminded me of the things I hate the most in a romance novel. So I'm going to do a top five. If I listed everything I'd be here until tomorrow, so we'll leave it at five.

Pussy Vampires--you know the self loathing, wallowing in a muck of self pity, only the heroine can save him from an eternity of despair. Get a grip man. Embrace the dark side.
Heroines who freak out over guns. Nuff said. (Really I don't have enough room to go into this rant)
HEROES who freak out over guns. Ai yi yi.
Cutesy, cheesy children and ultra over the top monstrous children. Ok I don't much like children in romance novels period.
Heroines who can't make a single decision for themselves. Insert pushy best friend, mother, aunt, grandmother or other acquaintance who make the decisions for heroine for the entire book.

Ok I could go on and on, but I'm interested to see anyone else's choices. What's your top five?

The Final Stretch

2005-05-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

GOAL UPDATE! 11:05 pm Tuesday night I have 394 pages done, which means I wrote 19 pages today. Yeah!!! Three complete scenes. I didn't get as much done this afternoon as I wanted, my four year old had shots today and milked it for all it was worth. But 13 of those pages were written in 90 minutes tonight. Yeah!

Ok, my editor emailed me and said that she was reading THE HUNT (my second book.) My internal deadline for completing the first draft of THE KILL (book three) was by the time she finished book two, because I'll be getting a revision letter. I don't want to still have THE KILL unfinished while editing book two. And, it'll give me time to let the book sit so I can edit it with fresh eyes (two weeks is ideal for me.)

But she's going to be done by Monday. Gasp! I'm at page 375 and I expect this book to be about 450 pages. Maybe more. I told my CPs that I had 50 more pages to write until I get to THE END (which is true), but I have several scenes I need to finish that I sort of skipped half-done in my excitement to get to another scene, and two scenes I have to write from scratch (I have a one-liner: INSERT scene with Zack, Quinn and John during drug bust here; Kirby gets shot. Does he die?) LOL.

So, really, I have 75-80 pages to write and I'm averaging about 8 a day. Hmm, the math doesn't add up.

I'm going to focus, though. Focus and get this book done. I think it's the best of the three, and I'm really dying to finish it, but the problem is I've been falling asleep at the computer at about 10 at night, so one hour of writing isn't enough to meet my production requirement. But today is a minimum day at the girls' school and I'm picking them up at noon. I'm going to bribe them to entertain my 4 year old for two hours while the 2 year old is sleeping (and hopefully the baby, too!) and I'll see how much writing I get done. On a good day, I can get 8 pages an hour done, usually a maximum of about 25 pages.

Wish me luck.

Oh, and BTW, my editor emailed me. They need my author photo. Monday. I've only lost three pounds. Grr. But I'm getting my hair colored (removing gray) on Saturday. Small consolation.

Does anyone out there have a Jonathon Kellerman book? There's this one author photo of his that I love. It's off-center, bust shot outside against a column of some sort. That's the one I want. No, no, not his chiseled manly man features (he really is quite attractive *g*) but the artsy look rather than a standard head shot. If anyone has any author photos they just love, love, love, would you email me the link and tell me what draws you to them? I have a few I'm using for pose examples, but I can always use more ideas.

I'll let you all know if I meet my goals. Gasp. Did I say that? Goals???????

The List

2005-05-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

I have this list. It keeps getting longer and longer. It's called "Things to get done AFTER revisions."

(Anyone sick of hearing about my revisions yet? *raising my hand*)

My revisions have taken far too long, thanks to my indecisiveness (and the fact that I've started them over no less than four times.) They are going out the door by the end of May. I promise you. I don't care if I'm mid-freaking-sentence in chapter 17, I'm printing the damn manuscript as is and mailing that sucker off on May 31. (OK, maybe June 1, but that's final.)

So. Things on the list. Housework. Garage sale. Painting my parents' dining room and hallway. Reading a book (or 10.) Housework. Taking the kids to the zoo. Lunch with a couple of good friends of mine. Housework. Going to bed early. Watering the plants. Painting my toenails. Cooking dinner. Housework. (Getting a visual of the house here? You're right. Not pretty whatsoever.)

My husband has started saying the phrase before I do whenever we talk about something we need to do. "After revisions," he'll say, and we both laugh.

But it really isn't funny, is it? The fact that this one project has given me so much trouble and has consumed me to the point that I dream in detail about typing? That my 5yo wanders into my office with something he wants to show me, sees me at the computer, and asks, "Are you writing, Mommy?" (NO. I'm reading email. I'm allowed.)

One of my goals for the year is balance. Something tells me I'm failing miserably. The good news is I've finally gotten to the point where I truly don't care how these two characters get together for their happily ever after. I don't care! Just DO IT. Get it over with and let me clean my stinking house!

The importance of being Mom...

2005-05-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

I suppose it's apropos for me to do today's blog since I'm the only one of us that isn't a mother (though I've been called that on occasion and not always in a nice way, lol). Fortunately, I have a good loving relationship with my mom, so this day has always been special for our small family.

To me, the most important job on earth is being a mother. The responsibilities are awesome, but the rewards are priceless. We, meaning our culture, take moms for granted. Most mothers get very little thanks for the continual hard work and sacrifice they make for their family. Most have two jobs--being a mother, which is a 24/7 job, and a paying job either inside or out of the home. Unless mom has a housekeeper and full time cook, tag those endless duties onto her work load, too.

My mother was a stay at home mom, but since we lived on a farm, her day was busy with various chores. Having farm animals is like having more kids in many ways, yet she always had time for me.

That's the important thing about being a mother--having time for your kids.

My three cps are stay at home moms seriously pursuing a writing career. I know for a fact Amy, Allison and Sharon are first-rate moms first and dedicated writers second. If that order were reversed, I wouldn't respect and love each of them like I do.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my writing sisters and my friends. May it be as special to each of you as you all are to your children. ~~Jan

Mother's Day Fun

2005-05-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day weekend, so what have all you moms got planned? My fingers are crossed for a good weekend. The kiddos seem to be feeling better and the fevers are down. Tomorrow, my daughter has a birthday party to attend, and afterwards, as part of my Mother's Day pressie the family is pitching in to clean house.

Lol, I have so much imagination, but come on, what mom wouldn't love to have her house cleaned ANY day?

So that's our Saturday, and I think I heard murmurings between my husband and the chilluns that they were going to make breakfast for me on Sunday and then we might head to the beach provided the sickies have fled the premises.

In the meantime, I hope all of you have a spendiferous weekend and get lots of hugs and kisses from the babies.

Happy Mother's Day!

Life Interruptus

2005-05-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm late. By now our regular visitors have probably detected, more or less, that my fabulous cp's and I are on somewhat of a schedule and today was my day. I'm usually up by 5 in the morning and have a little quiet time before the brood wakes up. But this morning, not only did I sleep in until 6:30 (because wonderful child #5, who's 10 months, decided to wake up at 1 and I paced with him for an hour before he'd go back to sleep; then he woke up at 3 to burp, startled himself, started screaming, and woke up child #3, who proceeded to ask for juice and wanted to sleep on the couch;) but I ended up sleep half the night on the couch and woke up with a stiff neck.

Then at 6:45, child #2, a third grader, woke up and said, "Mommy! We have the Mother's Day tea! It starts at 7:15. You promised!"

So, I jumped into the shower with only half a cup of coffee down. I dress, hair still wet, dress the baby, and #2 and #5 children come with me for the tea. At 8, I leave, come home, grab the other three children (thank God for older kids, 11 year old child #1 dressed children #3 and #4.) But, child #1 is upset because child #2 had "private time" with mommy and she didn't get any. k So I have to promise to take her someplace with just her (and the baby, because he doesn't count in terms of private time). The girls are two years apart and the one biggest complaint is they want their own room. I told them when mommy hits the NYT bestseller list. They ask, when? I say, if they're lucky by the time they're in college. They don't think I'm funny.

I get back to the school and remember that child #3 -- a pre-schooler who'll be 4 years tomorrow -- has a mothers day "snack" party. So I sit with him and have a muffin and juice and he gives me a bouquet of flowers he drew (yeah, I was getting sappy, probably because I was still struggling to keep my eyes open with a half cup of coffee.)

I leave the classroom, walk all the way cross campus carrying baby #5 and trying to prevent 2-year-old child #4 from running into traffic, and realize I forgot my backpack in #3's classroom -- with my keys, wallet, phone, and extra diapers.

Back we go. Get it. Walk across campus again. Get in car. Drive to Target.

Target with a 2 year old is not always fun. It really depends if she has her listening ears on. Today, her listening ears were nowhere to be heard. I swear, everyone in the store knows her by name. But we had to go. We needed all the butt products -- baby wipes, diapers and toilet paper. Not to mention stuff for #3's party tomorrow.

Oh, yeah, tomorrow I have a party with anywhere from 5 to 20 4-year-olds. We're renting a jump house (good thing!) But I needed party favors and bags and arts and craft things.

But after Target I was really dragging. I went to drive-thru Starbuck's, thanking Henry Ford all the way (though I have a Honda) for inventing cars so we have fabulous places like drive-thru coffee. Triple venti nonfat-no-whip-mocha. Yum. Then it was off to Dollar Tree to get the stuff for the goodie bags, but at least I was marginally alert by the time we got there.

So, it's 11 and I have to pick my pre-schooler up by 12:30. What to do with the two kids? And I have to dump all the stuff in the car before picking up #3 otherwise he has no place to sit. So it's drive-through Taco Bell, get home, split the cheese quesadilla between #4 and #5, and check email -- then learn I spaced and didn't blog.

Now, child #4 is pulling my hands off the keyboard because she doesn't want me to sit at the computer. I smell a poop -- #4 or #5? Your guess is as good as mine. I have twenty minutes before I need to leave to get #3, then -- if I'm really, really lucky -- #3 will happily eat lunch in front of the television, #4 and #5 will nap at the same time, and I might have an hour of peace.

Before I need to clean the house to get read for the on-slaught of children tomorrow at 10.

And it's not even noon. Why have I not lost any weight?

Slugs R Us

2005-05-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

I'm such a slug. A sloth. Okay, a lazy ass. I haven't exercised once since I got the request for revisions from the editor (and yes, if anyone's counting, it's been almost 2 months. I'm hurrying, really, I am.)

I've exercised pretty regularly for the last few years, and on and off before that. But since sometime in March, nada.

We have a treadmill and a weight machine in the basement. Now, before you laugh and shake your head, I KNEW we shouldn't have bought them. There's no kiss of exercise death quite like Buying Equipment. But the husband, well, he hasn't figured out yet that he gets really enthusiastic about something until we shell out the money for it. It's like he thrives on shopping around for the right model, comparing all the gadget features, and then once the decision is made, he's on to something else. But I digress....

I've been pondering what in the name of God could make me exercise more regularly, because currently the idea is to get up EARLY to do it. (Yes, Danica, I aspire to do what you did at least once.) But since I've been staying up later in revision hell, I need every minute of sleep I can hoard.

So I think I've got an idea. It's a little Flintstonesque, but it could work. All I need to do is put the treadmill in my office and then have the husband somehow hook it up so that in order to have power to my computer, I have to walk on the treadmill.

What do you think? And back off, the patent is mine.

Let's get physical

2005-05-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

It's time for my annual visit to the doctor. You know the one where you strip to the skin, get looked over head to toe and have your boobs, butt and pelvic examined and end it all by having a needle drilled into your arm for the battery of blood tests.

My mom used to call these annual visits a physical. I have to get my yearly physical, she'd say and put it off as long as she could. Back then they threw in chest x-rays just for the hell of it.

Time marches on. Instead of a physical, women went for the yearly breast exam and pap. They stopped routinely doing chest x-rays and made up for it by drawing more blood. New tests now to check for a myriad of things, and it's preferred you fast twelve hours.

The clinic where I go now calls this yearly ordeal a woman's wellness check. I got a hunch this name evolved through the politically correct bombardment (I won't delve into that debate now for the sake of my sanity) because for several years when this term came about, I was corrected by the gal booking the appointment. Oh, you need a woman's wellness check.

Yep, I'd say. My annual pap exam. Call me hardheaded but I've never succumbed to the new name.

At any rate, I called my doctor yesterday and told the receptionist it was time for my pap and blood workup. She set me up an appointment for this morning.

Gee, I'm can hardly wait. *snort*

I used to get *the* exam in December, and setting up an appointment was a bear because lots of other women chose that time to get it too. An insurance thing. My doctor was run ragged.

So I decided to get the annual tests done around my birthday. I'm doing this for myself, I reasoned. Yet it's a couple of months past my birthday now--a month later than last year.

Pelvic exams don't hurt or embarrass me. It doesn't take a lot of time out of my schedule, and I like and admire my doctor. So why do I put it off? ~~Jan

And the Remember When winner is.....

2005-05-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

*drum roll, please*

Kim Westgaard was this month's winner. Congrats for answering the questions correctly and for being the lucky name pulled from the hat!!!

Kim, drop me an email at jankenny@webtv.net and let me know which you prefer, a $10 gift certificate from Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

Thanks everyone for playing along this month. ~~Jan

Jumping into the Fray

2005-05-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Last week Kacey wrote about "Fear of the First Page." In a lot of ways, this is what my post is about, but to me, it's a step further. I don't really have an issue with the first page. Or even the second page. It's the first CHUNK that bothers me. Why? Because I know from past experience that I will have to rewrite it again. And probably again. And, hell, AGAIN.

Her process certainly mirrors mine. Come up with a germ of an idea, write a few chapters, get to know the characters etc. The problem is once I get to know them, they usually drift away from those first chapters. So much so that the ending never fits the beginning.

So now, I can't get past the first page, the second page, the first chapter because I KNOW I'll have to rewrite it. Big deal, right? Well try telling my fingers this because they just won't cooperate. I have a good idea of what I want to write, the direction I want to go, but I'm locked in this fear of staggering revisions and wasted time on misdirection.

They say it's supposed to get easier with each manuscript. THEY are wrong. At least for me. It's gotten progressively harder. It didn't bother me to write dreck when I was writing the first five or so manuscripts. I just wrote to my hearts content, winced, then revised. But now, I'm embroiled in this paralysing agony of "I don't want to write this manuscript 5 times in order to get it right."

So I'm doing more thinking, more mulling, posing more questions, contemplating the alternatives. And I'm driving myself nuts.

My dear pal Amy told me during my last mull fest that truly I wasn't investing any more time by diving in and then having to revise 3 and 4 times than I was spending countless weeks PONDERING. In the end, the manuscript was still finished in the same amount of time.

Yeah but I have more hair when I'm not pulling it out over revisions.

Remember When contest

2005-05-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

How good is your memory? Steel trap or sieve?

Whether you have amazing total recall or are a head scratcher, you'll have no trouble playing the May 2 Remember When contest. The rules are simple--you have 24 hours to answer ten of the fifteen questions correctly and send your answers to me at jankenny@webtv.net

I'll draw one lucky name and post it on the blog May 3. The winner gets a $10 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or Amazon for the book of their choice, though we hope you'll pick one of our fav authors' works. ;)

So put on your thinking caps and pick ten questions out of the fifteen below. The deadline to get your answers to me is May 3 midnight CDT.

Remember When...

1) What's the title and release date of Jill Shalvis' next book?

2) Jan Kenny has two novels complete with diverse characters playing tug of war in her cranium. Name the two genres.

3) Brenda Novak is hosting a silent e-auction on her website to benefit the __________________.

4) Name the classic novel Allison Brennan just bought because she'd never read it before.

5) Suzanne McMinn has a machine that makes what drink?

6) Name the title and genre of the novel that got Sharon Long a top agent.

7) In school, Allison Brennan was voted most _________________.

8) Name the lead characters in the story Amy Knupp co-wrote and illustrated in third grade.

9) What's the title of Celia Stuart's novella, and the title and publisher of the anthology?

10) How does Sharon Long begin a story?

11) What's the title and release date of Lani Diane Rich's next novel?

12) What did Amy Knupp give up March 1?

13) Karin Tabke co-authored You've Got Murder with _________________.

14) In Jan Kenny's not so humble opinion, what makes or breaks a novel?

15) What is the title of Carla Neggers' August '05 novel?

RTB column

2005-05-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

My column at Romancing the Blog is up today. Fear Factor, about romantic suspense and why I love it.

Enjoy!

Faulty premises

2005-04-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to read a book but you just couldn't buy into the premise of the whole plot?

Usually I'm pretty easy. My suspension of disbelief is pretty willing to go with the author. But there's one kind of story I struggle with as a general rule.

Marriage of convenience.

This remains one of the more popular hooks if you go by what Harlequin publishes, and yet, it seems to me it's the farthest from realistic. (Secret babies...sure, it happens. Ranches...yeah, although maybe they aren't as romantic as romance novels portray them. Cops...yep, pretty darn real.) But how many people have you ever heard of who have gotten married for a reason other than love? It just seems to me that in this day and age, the thought of getting hitched for reasons other than love is archaic.

That said, I've read a few where the author got me past my hang-up and I went on to enjoy a really good story. That's saying a lot. And another qualifier...I can buy this a lot more easily if the story is historical.

There's also a story I read a few years ago that, to this day, I can't buy the premise. I read the whole book, and it was otherwise very good, but it stands out in my mind. And I am prone to forgetting stories soon after I read them, even the ones I love. It was by Barbara Delinsky. I think the title was THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR. It was about two families, next door neighbors, with a few kids each, who were the best of friends. But one day, the husband of Family A had some exciting news (I can't remember what) and he ran next door to share with Wife B. And I do mean SHARE. They ended up doing the nasty in the heat of their excitement about his news.

Huh? You're happy so you unbuckle your belt?

The rest of the story was about how the two families dealt with it when the secret got out, which of course, it did. Like I said, the rest was good. I'm just surprised I got past that initial WHOOPS.

So what are some of the premises you struggle with believing? Is there a book that stands out in your memory as making you wonder...WTF?

Age of reasoning

2005-04-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

Before I hit my thirties (or the thirties hit ME hard) it wasn't unusual for me to have several late nights out during the week, then get up at the crack of dawn, shower, down three cups of coffee and put in eight hours at work. I rarely ate breakfast, and what I did eat was usually a sweet roll or a donut. I often skipped lunch or munched on junk food, and grabbed dinner after seven p.m.

Sure I was logy some mornings, but I still worked all day without a problem. Turning thirty changed all that. For one thing the party-hearty night life no longer appealed to me. Forget the smoky bars with their go-deaf decibel level. Going out on weeknights revolved around sport activities for me, either as a participant or spectator, and shopping and/or socializing over a civilized dinner at a nice restaurant.

Then I started writing seriously. I worked during the day, so that left evenings and weekends to write. Pursuing the second career--writing--was more important than the nightly activities I'd been doing. I'd escape into a story world until the witching hour, or sometimes later.

Another decade sure changed that habit!

Instead of working the day job, I pull evening hours now. And it's a damn good thing! I write my best stuff in the daytime. My eyelids start drooping around ten pm and my brain refuses to process complex thought.

Oh, I get the occasional inspiration in the wee hours and rush to write it down, but regularly churning out quality text at night? Forget it!

Does this mean I'm getting old? Well, the years are starting to rack up, but does that mean I act my age now? Occasionally I do. Okay, okay, rarely I do.

I've matured. Sort of.

I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing Daisy Dukes and tube tops anymore, and I need a solid breakfast to fuel the system. These days going out for a night on the town is a special event.

Yep, I've reached the age of reasoning. I've finally realized that writing about someone making an ass out of himself or herself is a whole lot more fun than being one. ~~Jan

Win a book!

2005-04-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's contest time again!!! I'm hosting the May 2 Remember When contest, and the winner gets a $10 gift certificate to either Barnes & Noble or Amazon.

So be sure to check back on May 2. You'll have 24 hours to test your memory and send your answers to me. I'll announce the winner May 3.

Pop Quiz

2005-04-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's Friday morning. You have no weekend plans, but you begin to have an itch to do something. Husband says figure out what you want to do and we'll do it.

So.

What do you do?

Humor me for a moment. My poor overtaxed brain needs inspiration. Pretend you have no plans and are going to do something spontaneous. What would you do?

UPDATE : Ok well, it's not exotic, new or otherwise glamorous. Hell, when you live where I do, EVERYTHING is at least a day's drive lol. So we're heading out to a hotel that has a really cool pool with a water slide, so the kids will have a blast. Oh and me too of course *g* Picture me hurling myself down a water chute. Ok, never mind, DON'T try to picture me doing that.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I'll "see" you on Sunday sometime :)

Yearnings

2005-04-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Reading Amy's boy post brought back a lot of memories for me, and I had to shake my head at some of the things I used to think, or at least the things I thought I wanted.

Like her, my first two children were boys. (I'm just waiting for her to have that third) *g* I always wanted boys. From the time I was very young, that time when all young girls thoughts turned to mush and the maternal instinct kicks into overdrive. Of course, don't let my sister hear me say that because she swears she was passed over in the maternal drive department. Either that or I stole hers.

Anyway, I always wanted boys. I even went as far to say that I did NOT want girls. I maintained this stance all through my first and second pregnancy. I was thrilled that both were boys. Only when I became pregnant with my third child did I start to waver just a bit. It wasn't that I overtly wanted a girl, on the contrary, I still said I wanted a boy. But there was a niggling in the back of my mind that maybe if I did not have a girl, I might in some way miss an experience. At any rate, I finally decided I didn't care, but I still murmured when no one was listening that I wanted a boy. After all, by this point I had no idea what to DO with a girl.

Case in point, when I was in the hospital after having my daughter, the poor child didn't get a diaper change forever because I kept feeling for wetness in the FRONT. Ok yes, I'm embarassed to admit that, but it never occurred to me to feel elsewhere.

After much examination, I think I did not want a girl because of my own very volatile relationship with my mother. Girls are such a pain in the ass. I know because I'm one *g* I just didn't want to go down that road with a daughter of my own.

But as they say, time and experience do a lot to change one's thinking. I am in awe of a perfect, tiny little 5 year old girl. I honestly cannot imagine my life without her. I LOVE doing girly stuff with her, and if you knew me, that is pretty laughable. I love the closeness I have with her, and I pray daily that we keep the bond that we share.

She is a huge mama's girl. My husband loves to watch us. He often remarks that he can see us doing the things we do years in the future. And you know? I hope he's right.

Don't get me wrong. I love my boys. Love em to pieces. But now I am a bit amused by the fact that I was so afraid of having a girl. She has me wrapped around every little piece of her. She's brought a balance to our family that I never thought we needed or were missing, but God, I can't imagine life without her.

Guilt Factor

2005-04-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

Back in December when we launched this blog, I posted about goals and giving notice to my day job. For nearly thirteen years I worked in the California State Legislature. I used to love my job. I was one of those people -- still am to a large degree -- who is naturally optimistic and believes I can change the world.

A few things happened to make me hate my job. I won't go into them all here, but some of the jerks might find themselves dead (in a book! I promise, I'm really a nice person.) Actually, it would probably be more fun to make them despicable secondary characters, one of those people everyone knows and can't stand. Hmmm . . .

Anyway, I digress. The primary reason I quit my day job when I did was because I have five kids. I would have quit after I had kid #3 in 2001 if we could afford it, but we needed both incomes. But as more kids came and child care costs increased, we were in a catch-22 -- I couldn't afford to work or not work. By cutting corners, paying off debt, and a gazillion other little things -- including dumping a $1700 child care expense -- I was able to quit and budget my advance to last.

When I quit I was so excited. I'm a stay-at-home-mom! I can write full time! Yeah!

Not.

I love being home with my kids, but I find myself looking forward to the day that the baby, who's 10 months old, starts kindergarden. I even decided he could probably stand a year of pre-school, at least in the mornings. My 2 year-old -- the one who grabs my hand off the mouse anytime I'm sitting at the computer -- is a joy to be around (when she's not throwing sand on the patio, breaking dishes, or trying to do the laundry herself and pouring a box of detergent into the washer . . . but I digress.)

It hasn't even been four full months and I'm already trying to justify getting a babysitter two mornings a week while child #3, who'll be 4 next month, is in pre-school. Why? Because I'm too darn tired to continue writing every night like I used to do before I quit my day job. Baby isn't sleeping through the night yet. I'm up at 5 every morning. I'm drinking 9 cups of coffee a day. More than once I fell asleep at the computer at 9 o'clock. Something has to give.

I realized that now writing is my career. I have to write otherwise I don't get paid. I didn't quit my day job because I'd won the lottery, but because I found a new career and I have to think of my writing like that. Because if I don't meet my deadlines or write new material, I'll be "fired" in the form of no new contracts. Which will put me back to where I was last year -- needing to work outside the home.

Soooooo, I'm buying a laptop. I'm interviewing babysitters to come over a few hours a week. I'll be heading over to Starbuck's to see if I can write -- just write, no distractions.

I'm fortunate in that I write fast. Last night in two hours I cranked out 15 pages. When I'm on a roll, 8 pages an hour is definitely doable. So three hours at Starbuck's should yield me 20 pages or more.

Of course I'm guilty. I wouldn't be Catholic if I didn't have a strong guilt streak. I wanted to be a published author so I could stay home with my kids. But to be a published author, I need time to write.

I'm hoping these mornings will be a good compromise.

Life With Boys

2005-04-26T20:37:00.000-07:00

When I first found out my older child would be a boy, I was happy, thrilled, over the moon. Until it set in that I had no idea about how to raise a boy. (The truth is, I have no idea how to raise a girl either, but that didn't occur to me back then.)

When I found out baby number two would also be a boy, I was ecstatic. They could play together! The blue wardrobe would have a second life! The boys would be best friends!

So now, three years after the younger one's birth, reality sets in and I begin to learn about Life With Boys.

It's dirt, sand, and more dirt. The measure of a good day is how much debris falls out of the pants when we strip down for bath time.

It's bathroom humor. The younger one has the admirable trait of passing gas at the dinner table on a regular basis. And each time, he comes up with a different explanation for the noise.

"I have seals in my bum and they're barking."

"I'm playing an instrument." (As in musical.)

"I'm mowing the lawn."

It's "Mommy, we have an emergency." No panic in the voice, really, but who could walk at the sound of those words? I rushed upstairs to find our cheap mirror--you know, the kind you stand up against the wall (or some people even get ambitious and hang them on the back of the door)--shattered.

Me: "Um, what, exactly, did you guys do?"

The 5yo: "He was on top of it trying to slide down the ramp and I was holding it and it all broke."

Well, um, yeah. It did. Mirrors are NOT slides, unless you're a boy and EVERYTHING that has a slope to it is a slide.

And last but not least, it's a rake as weapon. The boys were in the backyard the other day playing. The younger one started wailing. Come to find out, the older one had whacked him upside the head with the rake--totally accidental, mind you...it always is--and despite blood curdling screams, the elder continued about his raking business as if nothing had happened.
And nothing had, really. Because when you're a boy, it takes a lot more than just screeches and blood to pull you from the Business of Being A Boy.

Good thing they're so damn cute.

S-E-X

2005-04-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

Birds do it. Bees do it. And in the majority of romance novels, story people do it, do it, do it...

I've read hundreds of romance novels, from historical to contemporary to series, and sad to say the physical culmination of the romance got to be damned boring. Why? Nothing new in them. I'd read a slight variation of the same sex scene again and again.

The author spent too much time on the mechanics of copulation and fudged on the internalization of the hero and heroine. Simply put, the scene came off as gratuitous sex meant to titillate the reader instead of furthering the story.

Generally speaking, romance novels have at least one sex scene between the hero and heroine, and like all the other scenes, it should have a beginning, a middle and an end complete with goal, motivation and conflict. Lovemaking scenes further the plot, whether they bring the characters closer or drive a bigger wedge between them. Doesn't matter if you have one love scene or a dozen, all should be necessary to the plot/character growth.

That's the tricky part. To me, love scenes that are heavy on sex mechanics are boring with a capital B. I'm not as much interested in how they do it but why. I want to get inside the point of view character's head and heart, know what he/she is agonizing about, how this intimacy is affecting them beyond the physical. Put me in their skin so I can feel their tension, their fear, their expectation.

Any dialogue between them should keep the story moving forward, whether the sex is red hot or a comic fumble-tumble. Doesn't matter if the characters are baring their souls or lying through their pearly whites, if you're writing deep third point of view, the reader is right there, feeling their angst, frustration and, you betcha, their raging desire.

I've heard too many writers admit they hate writing sex scenes. Granted they aren't easy simply because this is the place where your hero and heroine are most vulnerable. The writer has to pull out all stops here so the scene is fresh. Don't give the reader an excuse to skip your love scene because it's the same old thing they've seen in hundreds of romance novels.

The characters in each novel are unique. It stands to reason the love scenes should be, too. ~~Jan

Seedlings

2005-04-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

As I stated in my own blog, on my way out of town on Friday, I mailed off Beyond the Night to my agent. Whew what a relief. But I also printed a copy to bring with me because my step mother and sister like to read my stories when I complete them.

In conversation with my stepmother, I remarked that for the first time, I had no idea what I was going to write next. Usually, I have my next idea lined up by the time I hit the midmark of my WIP. Not so this time. Everytime my mind flickered in a new direction, I promptly shut myself down and forced my attention back to the book I was having so much trouble writing. I got so accustomed to doing it, so eventually, I ceased to imagine at all.

So here I was, Beyond the Night finally at the completion stage, and no idea what to do next.

Ironically enough, I went to bed just a few hours after this discussion with my stepmother. Only I didn't sleep. I laid awake for hours, my mind swimming with tidbits of new plot ideas, kernels, seedlings, vague images, fuzzy characters. It was as if the flood gates had opened after a long self-imposed drought.

The next morning, I awoke with the ideas still alive in my mind. I spent the day with them simmering in my consciousness. They are still flitting about my head like butterflies in summer.

Imagine dropping a huge bag of marbles on a concrete surface and watching them scatter about like ripples racing across a lake when the surface is disturbed. Constant motion, dizzying almost. It's what this sudden rush of creativity feels like.

I had in mind a short reprieve from writing, but with this sudden onslaught of ideas, I doubt I'll find much rest. The only problem is, I had planned to take this next week to clean my house *g*

I think I'll carry around a pencil and a notepad while I'm vacuuming and doing dishes.

.

Internal Conflict

2005-04-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my local RWA meeting and two Superromance writers gave a presentation/workshop in internal conflict. (Amy, I thought of you the whole time!)

What was particularly interesting is those who were brave enough to become a guinea pig were told what they THOUGHT was internal conflict was not. It took me a little time to digest what they were saying, but it makes sense.

One writer posed that "internal conflict is the reason why your character responds to the external conflict in a unique way." One presenter said that internal conflict is what makes your character unique, and is usually developed when they are very young and helps form/shape the person they have become. Internal conflict is all backstory.

I'm not 100% sure I agree that internal conflict can't be something that happens later in life that is life altering. The argument is that if something external happened that created the conflict, it'll always be external and never internal. I'd argue that not everyone is angst-ridden, and that internal conflict is how that person handles the external conflict based on the person they are--even if they had a normal, healthy childhood.

However, I have a lot to think about. None of my heroes have real internal conflict. Zack is the only one who has internal conflict over anything, but it might not be real because it's over what his sister did (an external issue).

The good thing is, I have more insight into Zack and why he is the way he is. I just need to flesh it out a little more. And that will happen after I'm done with the first draft.

Have I confused you? Well, I'm confused, too. At least the workshop gave me a lot to think about, so it was definitely worth the time.

Courage

2005-04-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

I've been suffering from the sporadic disease called self-doubt lately, questioning every aspect of the story I'm revising for an editor, wondering if it would be better to just toss the whole damn thing in the fireplace and say burn, baby, burn.

Don't worry, I'm coming out of it, and I would NOT throw away this opportunity for anything when you get down to it. But if you'd asked me three days ago, I'm not sure what I would've told you. I gave my patient husband all kinds of static and drama. (We're even still married, bless his heart.)

In the meantime, I have a saying that hangs on my wall (oh, okay, it doesn't hang yet...it's propped against my desk, but hey, we haven't quite lived here for a full year) and it reminds me how I need to keep on truckin', er, trying. Maybe it will mean something to someone out there reading this. If not, at least it covers my blog responsibilities for the day. *g*

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.'" --Mary Anne Radmacher

Learning Curves

2005-04-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

The plethora of how-to books on the market today astounds me. A stroll through the stacks in a library or bookstore offers a person a variety of books all claiming they can teach you how to do something and do it well, from whipping up a meal that'd rival a chef from a five-star restaurant to remodeling your house or creating a professional landscaped lawn/garden.

Catch phrases publishers use are the bait that reel buyers in. Some hint their instructions are so simple even a dufus can learn their technique. Some tease us by stating they have the *secret* to success. Psst, buy me and you'll be at the top of your game/edge out the competition/be the envy of your friends.

Writers are especially inundated with how-to books. Granted there are a few out there I consider standards every writer should have on hand. But most are a rehash of a proven method--another author's take on how to achieve the same goal which is write a damned good book. Nothing wrong with that. One author's verbiage will sail right over one head and flip the light bulb on for another person.

Early in my writing career I went overboard on the writing how-tos. Out of the dozen I bought or received as gifts, here are the ones I go to time and again because I know I'll find the answer within. Christopher Voglar's The Writer's Journey, Debra Dixon's GMC & Stephen King's On Writing.

These three are the best of the best for me and so I walk by the writing how-tos now. That's not to say the others out there are bad, it's just that the information in these three work for me. Every writer has to find his/her own yardstick.

Now I'm slowly acquiring a small library of writer's guidebooks written by professionals so I'll understand the ins and outs of the specific professions/jobs of the main characters that tend to appear in different guises in my works. There are a multitude of these type of how-tos.

Want to write about a cop, FBI agent or PI authoritatively? You can find great books on the subject by the people who've walked the beat--from the local level all the way to the top. Need to verify your research for an historical work? There are books detailing every facet of life from the Dark Ages to the mid 1900s. Writer's Digest has a great line-up of guidebooks in their Everyday Life and Howdunit Series.

Aside from the published how-to books, there are very affordable monthly online writers' courses taught by pros on various writing techniques as well as every facet of research. Students have the benefit of posting specific questions to an expert. Lectures and lessons can be printed/ saved on a CD.

I've taken many online classes over the years--some great, some so-so. They're fun. Informative. And they're addictive.

Just like the how-to books, a writer can easily get inundated with online workshops. Or worse, become a *professional student* of writing instead of a writer.

As the learning curve bows more and more, the smart author had better wise up and realize when enough is enough. Yeah, just write the damn book and do the detailed research afterward. ~~Jan

Restless

2005-04-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

I get restless about this time every year. I start longing for endless summer days when the kids are out of school and we simply float from one adventure to the next. As I was driving the kids to school today, I was thinking of the upcoming summer break, and I realized how very short the vacation is. And then another year, another grade, and the kids get older. How very depressing.

When I was a child, summers lasted forever! Two and a half months to a child might as well be two and a half years. It was terrific. Now as an adult I look at in terms of two paychecks, ten weeks, less than a fourth of the year. In other words, I blink, and it's gone.

I didn't always love summers. I'm much more of a winter person. I love gray, gloomy days, leafless trees, fires in the fireplace, frost in the morning etc. I've lived in the south all my life, but I am extremely hot natured. My mother used to shudder because I'd walk outside in the dead of winter barefooted.

But now, I love the beach, the lake, fishing, sun, fun, just reveling in the short lived freedom that summer brings. The break from discipline and the monotonous routine of the school year.

I know in a lot of places, year round school is becoming popular. I have a friend in Washington DC who would love to have one, but I can't imagine not having that break in the summer. The time to be a child, to break free from the contraints, expectations and just BE. I hope that is never taken away from children.

And if you're wondering what on earth this has to do with writing. Well, I'm supposed to be polishing up the last bits on my ms, spit shining it and getting it ready to mail out to my agent in the morning, but instead, I'm sitting here dreaming of summer vacation and coming up with various destinations for our summer odyssey.

More Books

2005-04-21T02:56:00.000-07:00

Amy had a post awhile back (I couldn't find it, otherwise I'd link to it) about her TBR pile. Or maybe that was an email and that's why I couldn't find it. Oh well.

My TBR pile is bigger that your TBR pile. *g*

Seriously, I buy books that I don't have time to read.

My second box came from bn.com and I'm tickled. I took THE HALO EFFECT by M.J. Rose to the gym with me yesterday and read two chapters while jogging on the elliptical glider. This is not a book that's easily put down. Yeah!

I've already read most of Sol Stein's two books on writing. I'll be blogging about them at some point when I have time to let them sink in. My gut -- they're not *quite* as good as Stephen King, but I'm really glad I have them. They're accessible and interesting and there's a lot of good advice.

I reviewed Maass Workbook. The book is better. I won't be using the exercises -- they don't do it for me -- BUT the intros are good because they take recent books and show what is right. Since I learned to write by reading, I like the examples. And at the very end of each exercise (that I'm not doing) is a paragraph called "conclusion" that are all pearls of wisdom. The book is worth the cost just for those (though if you hang out here long enough, I might do a blog on a few of them . . .)

I've skimmed all my forensic books and two of the three were worth the money. One of them is ho-hum. I'll skim it one more time, but it might be returned. Sad.

I can't wait to go book shopping again. But I have to read at least half of what I just bought . . .

Good read!

2005-04-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

I received the anthology MEN OF COURAGE II in the mail last week. It contains three novellas by Lori Foster, Donna Kauffman, and Jill Shalvis.

I immediately turned to Jill's story and started reading, since she'd been so kind to send the book in the first place. :) Wow! Yummy story! The hero is delicioso, the tension is sky high, and I HAD to keep reading to be sure they got their HEA. I'm normally a very SLOW reader, but I finished this in two quick evenings. (It would've been one but there's that revisions thing....)

The book is one of the new Harlequin Signature Selects. I don't know if it's still for sale, but if so...buy it! The stories by Lori Foster and Donna Kauffman look good too...I intend to dig into DK's next, because it features storm chasers, and living in Tornado Alley, I've always been fascinated by these insane people who chase tornadoes.

Nothing like two ex-lovers trapped on a boat in the middle of a storm. :)

I Love Books

2005-04-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day! Must be a record.

BUT, I just got my first shipment from my BN.com shopping spree. Last Thursday I went on-line and ordered a bunch of books, and then I went again yesterday and ordered a bunch more.

I love the UPS guy. *g* He also brings my regular shipment of coffee. I just upped it from four to five pounds a month.

Soooooo, what did I get? Oooo, let's see . . . in this box, there's only one fiction book, Saturday by Ian McEwan. This is the only book I've ever bought because of a review. I haven't read his other stuff, and this book doesn't look too intimidating in size (less than 300 pages ... maybe I can learn something about small is beautiful).

The other books are all research. On the recommendation of a friend, I bought Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, and then on a whim because it was there, I bought How to Grow a Novel as well. I'm not big into writing craft books, but the Stein books seem to be more in the vein of the ones I like (King and Vogler). When I'm done, they might be the subject of a blog *g*.

The other three books I bought are all about forensics, and I'm DYING to read them. The next book I'm thinking of writing deals heavily with forensics. I'm in the middle of reading The Serial Killer Files now (very heavy stuff, to be read in small doses, but fascinating -- I can get through about three case studies a night, not because they're complicated or long -- in fact Schechter is remarkably accessible in his writing, especially for a college professor -- but just because the subject matter is so depressing.)

Anyhoo, as Karin would say, I'm particularly interested in cracking open The Forensic Casebook which looks both accessible and interesting and the information is broken down by "working the scene."

Now I can't wait to get my second shipment! All fiction. Three for my oldest two daughters (the Super books by Jax Abbott because her alter ego swears they're appropriate for tweens. If they're not, I'll hunt her down and ... oops. That my next book.)

I also got Rebecca because believe it or not, I've never read it. And Wuthering Heights because I HAVE read it and want to read it again, but can't find my copy anywhere. I bought The Halo Effect by M.J. Rose and Sex, Murder and a Double Latte by Kyra Davis, even though I don't read a lot of chick lit. I barely have time to keep up to speed in my sub-genre (wait, I'm behind), but I'm anticipating having a break in writing in a couple weeks when I finish THE KILL, so I need to add to the hundred or so books in my TBR stack.

Oh, I just looked at my order and saw that I did get the Maass workbook . . . Edie loves it, so I thought I'd check it out. I might be sending it to a lucky winner of the next contest if I hate it . . .

Well, if a blog is supposed to be rambling, I blogged pretty good today! And no, I don't have any time to read all these books. I'll just have to write faster so I have more time.

On Plotting

2005-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be having a workshop at RWA National this July with romantic comedy author Patti Berg (yes, we write completely different books! But I love good romantic comedy.) Our workshop is called: No Plotters Allowed. Solutions to Writer's Block for Those who Can't, Won't or Don't Plot.

I'll admit, it was my idea because I hate to "plot." To me, "plotting" means character charts, character arcs, planning chapters, scenes, any sort of outline or detailed synopsis. And the ending? Yikes!

When I submitted my third book proposal to my editor, I'd already written a third of the book. I couldn't possibly know what was going to happen -- even an inkling -- without getting to know my characters, and I can't get to know them until I meet them -- which means writing. The proposal was 10 pages -- the first 6 related what happened in the first 140 pages of the book (the part I'd already written), the last 4 on what I thought would happen in the last 280 pages of the book. (So far, I'm on page 257 and because my synopsis was vague enough, I haven't detoured too wildly from it! Just a little . . . )

People have different processes for planning the story, and I'm the last person that will tell you there is a right or wrong way to write. Everyone needs to develop the system that works best for them. And, sometimes, there isn't even a system.

I'm a crock pot. I put ideas in my head -- rarely on paper -- and stew on them. Sometimes I'll jot a quick email to my crit group ... "What if . . . ", but usually I stew until I have something with meat on it and then I can start writing.

As I was re-reading Stephen King's ON WRITING (a must read for any serious writer, in my opinion), I realized why I have a problem with plotting.

In King's view, stories consist of narration, description and dialogue. (pg159). "You may wonder where the plot is in all of this. The answer -- my answer, anyway -- is nowhere. ... I distrust plot for two reasons: first, because our lives are largely plotless, even when you add in all our reasonable precautions and careful planning; and second, because I believe plotting and the spontaneity of real creation aren't compatible."

I think this is why I have an aversion to plotting, or planning, or even thinking too much about my stories before I write them. Maybe you can plan the life out of a good story.

He goes on to say that stories are found things, and I wrote about this in my Romancing the Blog column earlier this month. I do believe this. A story starts with a spark, a situation, a character, a "what if . . . " and goes from there. We simple record what we see happening in our mind . . . a scary proposition, when you really think about it!

I'm not saying that people who "plot" or, rather, "plan out" their stories are doing it wrong. On the contrary, they are doing it right for themselves. And I've been known to "plan" a bit every now and then.

(And I have inside knowledge that many people who claim to "plot" don't hold themselves to any sort of outline. :))

But everyone, plotters or non-plotters (I hate the word "pantzer" and refuse to use it), should trust their story instincts. And if you don't trust your instincts, trust your characters ... it's their story afterall.

And you never know, one of them may just come to life . . . just ask Maggie Kelly.

Editing

2005-04-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

What I really wanted to do is rant, but I figure no one is interested in the fact that I finally dragged the family to see a movie I've been lusting over forever only to have the 5 year old start puking in the middle of it.

So I'll talk about editing and the fact that I *think* I'll be through with the hard copy edits for Beyond the Night today. I'm positively giddy over this fact. Part of the reason it took me so long to finish the story to begin with was I figured it would take me eons to revise the beast. But it's gone a lot better than I expected.

Tomorrow morning, if today goes as well as anticipated, I'll email my agent and let her know I'll have the manuscript completed in its entirety as soon as I enter the hard copy edits to the computer file and it'll be winging its way to her. And then I want a time to discuss with her what's next.

I've been thinking a lot about what's next. Do I write another adventure? Do I go with a more traditional historical? I have 125 pages written of a traditional historical that my agent loved, but we decided to market Beyond the Night after Her Majesty, My Love, so I shelved it for the time being. But I also have two romantic suspense proposals I want her to read because I have Harlequin Intrigue in mind for those two.

Decisions, decisions *g*

But first, I have to get back to my edits.

Confessions of a creative oddball

2005-04-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

I've read a lot of author bios, and I'd guess about 75% of them start off by explaining how they've written stories since they could hold a pencil, or typed out alternate endings to their favorite books since the invention of the typewriter. For some reason, this always makes me squirm.

Why, you ask? I don't fit in that mold. Or so I always thought.

The thing is, I did write. I just didn't consider it "writing" until recently, when I really thought about it. Scratching your head yet?

I met a girl named Anna the first day of kindergarten. We became friends and hung out together throughout grade school (and are still friends today, but that's not the point.) The point is...our favorite thing to do was write, illustrate, act out, and wing stories, plays, "radio" scripts, and just about any other medium you can incorporate into some kind of "game" or something to do on a rainy...or not so rainy...day.

I think there's a reason I hadn't remembered this. They weren't really your average writing debut. They were a whole lot stranger (and annoying to parents who had to deal with us closing ourselves in the "studio" or insisting on "ten more minutes" because the "show" wasn't over yet.)

There was our third grade effort, a story we wrote and illustrated, for the heck of it, for the opaque projector (extra credit if you know what that is.) It starred Purple Popo, Orange Obo, and a host of their color-challenged friends. I don't remember the plot, the conflict or even the resolution, although I'm sure it was a happy one.

There was also the radio show we taped (this one for personal home use. No teachers were subjected to it.) It starred a cast of approximately 30 or so characters, but the only one I remember was the one named Port. He got canned from the show for some reason.

And the marathon attempt was our sixth grade play/puppet show that starred, well, ALL of the stuffed animals we owned, which numbered close to 100. Yes, we dragged them all to school. Yes, we actually wrote this story down in play form during every indoor recess. No, it didn't have an ending, much to our teacher's relief, who was probably wondering what in the name of God she would do if we actually "finished" and wanted to put the production on for our classmates.

I should be totally embarrassed just thinking about these early creative attempts. Okay, I am. But my point is, even though I didn't lock myself in my room or climb up in a tree to churn out tome after adolescent tome, I was writing. Early. I now feel like I can claim to be a "normal" writer. (I'm ignoring all the writers out there laughing their collective ass off at that term.) And once my website is up, you will NOT find this info in my bio. *grin*

Character Blues

2005-04-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

I'm a plotter. I LOVE to plot. Now before I send Amy into faints, I'm not talking "planning." You know, figuring out every minute detail, outlining, knowing the story from A to Z. Because it just doesn't happen that way.

I love coming up with the "what ifs." The twists and turns of a story, the endless possibilities. The DRAMA. Oh dear, Amy just fell out of her chair. Give me a sentence and I can come up with ten different scenarios off the cuff. It's what I love about writing the most.

But here's my problem. My weakness. Characterization.

I use Amy as an example a lot because as much alike as we are, we are mirror twins when it comes to writing. I always said if she'd give me back my half of our brain, I could be a more rounded writer. See, I come up with the story first. The plot. I plug in "hero does this" and "heroine does this" because I don't have a clue who the hero or heroine is until well after I figure out my story. Then when I have a terrific plot imagined, I begin to ponder what kind of character best fits my scenario.

Amy? She's just the opposite. She figures out her characters. Comes up with names, appearances, character traits, sordid past, weaknesses, strong points, faults etc. THEN she figures out a story to best highlight these characters.

Drives me nuts.

I begin my story having a kernel, a seed, of what the hero and heroine are all about. As the story progresses, I get to know them, much as if I am reading the story for the first time. As the story unfolds, so too do my characters. By the end, I know them intimately. And herein lies my great aggravation.

I always, ALWAYS have to completely rewrite my first three chapters. Why? Because the characters I begin and the characters I end with are usually quite different. In the beginning, I don't KNOW them well, so they often aren't the same as what they end up. It's very frustrating. VERY.

For my last manuscript, I had to rewrite my beginning FOUR times before I nailed it. My only consolation is revising the first three chapters is usually the extent of any major revisions I have.

Why this big long whiny ass post about having to revise so damn much? Because I'm now editing Beyond the Night. When I read back over the opening, much to my surprise I only pinpointed one passage that needed reworking. I was expecting, no, I KNEW I would have to rewrite it. Had already geared up to do it. Then when I read it, I didn't see that huge disparity in the characters motivation, character, personality etc.

So either I'm completely off my rocker and am in firm denial, or maybe I just might be getting better at this whole character thang.

Just gotta be

2005-04-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss in my blogging duties because, frankly, I've had nothing to say. (Please, those who know me, don't laugh.) It's true, I was voted Most Talkative in school. It's true that I'm quite opinionated. But I decided when I started blogging that I'd avoid personal "stuff."

Funny thing is, I enjoy reading the personal stuff on other people's blogs. It's so much funnier/heartwarming/enjoyable than my boring life. Even the bad things that happen, these incredible writers put a unique or poignant spin on things -- usually in fewer words than it takes me to order a Venti nonfat no-whip Mocha at Starbuck's.

Sharon is so down-to-earth, tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred (how's that for three cliches in a row!) She doesn't mince words (another cliche!) When I read her posts, I want to shout, "You go, girl!" I admire it, but can't write it.

Amy is witty with a naturally humorous voice. When I read Amy's posts, I always smile. Sometimes I laugh out loud (LOL for email junkies.) Even the bad things that happen, she writes with an ironic and/or humorous twist. I admire it, but can't write it. In fact, when I sent my agent my attempt at chick lit/romantic comedy/mystery thingie, she basically said I'm not funny, stick to suspense. (Ok, if she's reading this, she didn't REALLY say it like that, but that's what she meant *g*)

(Okay, Amy, I'm serious -- as soon as ATW is done you need to write your mom lit because you really have that tone down!)

Jan is a unique combination of Sharon and Amy. She's down-to-earth and witty in an ironic-twist kind of way. What I love about her blogging voice is the way she has a theme to her blogs. She starts at point A, goes through a series of seemingly non-related subjects, then wraps her thoughts up with a pretty bow. A lot like my husband's political commentary. I love it, but I can't write it.

Me? I write about business. And business has been slow lately. I've been writing (yeah!) and pumped out 24 pages on Sunday alone (double yeah!) But I'm just trudging along, waiting for my editor to read my second book and trying not to stress that it's dreck.

So, with nothing to say about business, I have nothing to say. Who, really, would be interested in anything I have to say about my kids, my husband, or my cat's latest catch? I'm not looking for anyone to tell me they'd love to hear about it, seriously, because others do it better. Just check out the blogs we link to -- there you get a host of fun and different voices.

I learned a long time ago, and I'm still learning, that I have to be me (was that a song?) Seriously, I don't want to imitate anyone or try to be something I'm not.

The whole purpose of this blog, other than the fact I haven't written one in nearly two weeks and am feeling guilty (that's Catholic guilt, the worst kind *g*), is that I started a bunch of different stories and nothing came out right because I was trying too hard to be like Sharon, Amy and Jan, who all do the relation thing so well, in their own unique voices.

So the moral of the story is: stay true to your voice.

Tug of war

2005-04-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Don't tell Amy, but I've had serious trouble keeping my AITC lately. Or more precisely, keeping my mind focused on my WIP. Part of the problem is getting whammed with some serious life interruptions. But another part that bugs me no end is that I have two plots churning away in my head. Two very different stories--think polar opposites.

Since I'm trying damn hard to break into the romantic suspense genre, common sense tells me I should funnel all my energy into getting my RS done as a second or alternate book for the one I've queried agents on. I love my hero in this new WIP. I think I have a damn chilling story, my villain has twisted cause, and my heroine has serious personal issues. Ah, conflict out the wazoo. Probably the best I've come up with yet. So why aren't I pounding the keyboard fast and furious on it???

Well, I keep getting tidbits of scenes and dialogue for my proposed bitchlit mystery. Granted I did break down and write the first chapter, thinking that would satisfy the demon in me. Nope, didn't work because it promises to be a blast to write. Last night an entire scene dropped out of the ether and embedded itself in my head, squeezing thoughts of my intense suspense to the side. Goes to show my bitchlit protagonist is one pushy broad.

As I have no earthly idea how to proceed sanely, I'll stumble along as I've been doing with my RS while jotting down those magic gems for the lit mystery. Unless somebody out there has a better idea??? ~~Jan

Yeeeesssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!

2005-04-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOD!! It's finished! I'm done!! HALLELUJAH! The manuscript from hell is finished!!! Let the celebration begin!!

YAYYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYYYYAAYAY!

Beyond the Night is now finito, finis, done, finished.

Woohoo!! Break out the booze and the dancin' shoes.

YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES!!!!!!!

.

Time-wasters R Us

2005-04-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to think I have a problem with attention span...or lack thereof. Here's approximately how my evening went last night...and this was a relatively motivated writing session. The unmotivated ones are much uglier.

Sit down. Check email. Respond to several.

OTF. (Open the file.)

Scan over the three pages of the scene I wrote earlier. Write a couple paragraphs.

Check email. Send one to critique group, begging for someone to share the pain of having AITC (ass in the chair.)

Back to manuscript. Write a couple pages. Lots of dialogue, so they fly. (Would making the entire book dialogue be a bad thing?)

Reward! Take a ten minute surf-break. To my dismay, the WWW seems deserted.

Back to work. Yeah, I'm motivated! Rah rah and all that. Struggle through final 2 1/2 pages of scene. Bring it to an abrupt end. Does that work? Don't know. Don't care.

Break time! A bowl of sugar-free ice cream and a yahoo game. Fortunately, I picked a game I don't like, so I was bored after one round. Back to writing.

New scene. Frantic search for pages I'd written and cut from manuscript earlier...they might work for this scene. Ten minutes of searching. (Organization and me, well, not really old buddies.) Eureka! Found it!

Bummer. It sucks. Starting fresh on new scene. Inch way through beginning and set-up. Dying to get to...you guessed it...dialogue!

Ahh, made it through the boring necessary crud...time to check email! Respond to critique group, none of whom are joining me in misery this evening. But still, it's something to email about.

Back to ms. Puzzle over last metaphor I wrote. Rewrite it. Move on. Anguish, pain, guilt, blah blah blah (the characters', not mine. Well, anguish, maybe....) Fly through a few more pages. Almost done with the scene...better take a break.

Email and another surf around. Still dead. This is a conspiracy. They're forcing me to work.

Back to ms. Finally engage brain and hands at the same time and finish the damn scene. Or almost. I still need an ending but I'm done for the night.

After all that, it was a productive day...13 new pages. But for some reason I have a sneaking suspicion I could somehow have done it in half the time.

Just think, this is how I act when I LOVE my job! Am I the only one? Should I see a doctor? Or should I just continue to lobby for a new 28-hour day?

New Toy

2005-04-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

I LOVE getting new toys in the mail. And for those of you with your minds already in the gutter, I'm not talking about that kind of toy.

I just received, courtesy of a very cute UPS guy, a brand spanking new laser printer from Dell. What is it with the UPS guys anyway? And the best part? I only ordered it on Wed. Yay! I love instant gratification.

Ok and to celebrate this occassion, Im thinking finishing my $^&*@ WIP in short order would be terrific. Then I can test out new pressie by printing out the full to send to my agent. A plan, a plan, I just love it when a plan comes together.

Now if I can just keep my son from going on a printing spree so I don't run out of paper. (He is an aspiring author too) Cute! We fight over my meager supply of high quality printing paper all the time. I imagine he will be as excited as I am over the new lovey.

Mine, I say! Back away from mama's new toy.

Scholarship competition

2005-04-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

I never do this, and this will likely be the only time I use my blog to solicit *g* But it's for a very good cause.

A young man is in need of your votes in order to win scholarship monies, and his mom, I know, would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to send an email to vote for Blake. Blake is a senior and plans to attend college in the fall. Wouldn't it be great if you could help him achieve his goal?

So please take two seconds, open your email and put BLAKE in the subject header. Send the email to janvote@romaguera.com

Here is the link for the competition just so you can verify that I'm on the up and up ;)

http://www.romaguera.com/new%20site/pages/finals/blake/blake.html

.

Medical Malarkey

2005-04-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't had an insomnia-induced rant for a while...guess I'm overdue! *g*

My subject du jour? Doctors! Medical insurance! Doctors offices! And all the other stuff that makes going to the doctor a pure nightmare. I'm so fed up, my blood pressure is already ticking up as I type.

I won't even go into specific situations with doctors and my own health care...I'm thinking this blog can only hold about 20,000 words at a time or so and I'd run out of room. But, never fear, there's plenty still to vent about.

1. Waiting. HUGE pet peeve. I've tried 5 PCPs in this town for myself alone, and all of them kept me waiting way too long. The worst, however, is the pediatrician. I know from an inside source (ie a nurse who used to work for the group) that this particular office overschedules by 25% EVERY DAY. Policy. They have cancellations, they say. Well, sure, but 25% worth? There is NOTHING worse than having to wait over an hour with a sick child to see a freaking doctor. Grrr. The sad thing is, once we get IN there, I really like the boys' doctor.

2. Bedside manner. This seems to be worse with male doctors, seriously. I hesitate to stereotype, but they've done it for me. I had one guy get annoyed because I was asking too many questions. HELLO? I believe this is MY body we're talking about here. Another one actually had the gall to doubt me when I told him I had a sinus infection. This is after I told him I have a sinus infection at least once a month, have had sinus surgery and can tell the exact hour when one sets in. Well, "just in case," he sent me to get a sinus x-ray. As soon as the x-ray developed, the (female) lab tech said, "Oh my gosh, you POOR thing! Those sinuses are a mess!" Duh.

3. Insurance. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to have what I do, but as I try to branch out and cure my ailments holistically (which to me means curing the whole body by maintaining healthy habits instead of just treating symptoms), NOTHING is covered. Now I fully realize there are plenty of quacks out there. But just because someone doesn't have an MD, or even someone who DOES have an MD but practices other "kooky" things like accupuncture, it doesn't mean they can't help my health. I could go on for another ten pages on this one, but I'll stop. *g*

4. Prescription drugs. Again, I'm thankful for the advances made in medicine and the options we have to cure some really ugly stuff out there. BUT...pharmaceutical companies tick me off to no end. They spend MILLIONS of dollars advertising to consumers every year. Tell me, how many average consumers are capable of deciding WHICH drug is best for them? "Well, doc, I'd really like to try the XXX because the chick on that ad was a lot better looking." Why can't they take this advertising money and SAVE PEOPLE MONEY on drugs that are outrageously priced? $10 for a pill? Ludicrous! I've become more sensitive to this issue as my parents age and no longer have Rx insurance.

Okay, now that my blood is pumping, I guess I'll go try to write and calm down. God knows I needed SOMETHING to wake me up!! :)

Contest Angst

2005-04-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Writing contests are money makers. I believe that's the first and foremost reason chapters host them. Sure they cost, too, in volunteer time and outlay to set the whole thing up and keep it running smoothly. But I don't think many chapters go in the hole then turn around and offer the same contest year after year. There's the added bonus, too, that finalists and judges join a chapter after having an especially good experience or rapport with the coordinators.

For the writer entering a work in a contest, the hope is to final and get their work before the judging editor/agent. That's number one. Secondly, the writer can gain valuable feedback from the judges. The key word here is *can*.

I've gotten fabulous comments and suggestions from judges, both published and unpublished. Typically unpublished writers judge more harshly, and I suspect it's because their mind is stuck on all the supposed rules they've heard pertaining to the craft, whereas the pubbed ones know half those rules are crappola.

And on the flip side, I've gotten judges who've trashed my work. Probably most of them were playing by the old rule game and docked me because the romance/plot didn't unfold in the first chapter, but I suspect some judges are simply bitter writers who've failed to succeed, so out of frustration they judge harshly. Some may think that by cracking down on every little thing, they're helping the newbie writer. Then again, some probably don't engage their brain so much.

One person who's judged my work absolutely hates my writing/style/plots/voice. I know this is a fact because I've pulled this judge at least twice. The comments/handwriting on my entry were the same. I'm tempted to go back through all my contest entries just to see if my bad luck stuck with me and this person who finds so little worth in my work has been dinging me for years.

So am I going to give up on entering contests??? Nope. I've already entered three works in contests this year, and I'm toying with the idea of entering two more prestigious ones. One reason -- get my work in front of an editor who'll hopefully love my writing/style/plot/voice and want to see more.

At a time when few big publishers will accept even a query from an unpublished/unagented writer, contests do seem to be a good way to get attention. Just my opinion, though. What's yours??? ~~Jan

Things I've contemplated

2005-04-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

while writing a book.

When writing a love scene...wtf? Do people REALLY think this shit. Ok scratch that, I'm starting over.

I think giving the heroine a hangnail would constitute more action than the present scene.

Oh geez, what a whiney ass. I wonder if the reader would care if I bitch slapped the heroine and pushed her off a cliff?

When contemplating the hero...Dude, you've got to get it together. What self respecting man would act like such a sissy.

Does this scene serve a purpose? Does this character serve a purpose? Hell, does this BOOK serve a purpose?

I do not have the fortitude to write this scene.

I do not have the fortitude to write this book.

Would having the hero and heroine die a fiery death negate the HEA? I know it would make ME live HEA.

All this boob talk is seriously making me want a lift. Hmm maybe if I could sell this dreck, I could afford one.

And the hunter is . . .

2005-04-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

Kris!

(applause, whistles, slaps on the back)

Congratulations, Kris!

(Just so you know, I put everyone's email address on a piece of paper and pulled from a hat. Very scientific. ;)

And the Bonus Question was #8, Brenda Novak's charity (juvenile diabetes). Great cause, and an incredible line-up of auction items. Check it out by clicking on Brenda Novak on our blog roll.

The FIRST people (early riser!) who answer it correctly was . . .

Melissa!

(Right on! Whoo hoo!)

Kris and Melissa, please email me at allison@allisonbrennan.com with your full names, snail mail address (unless you pick Amazon, but I'm mad at them now so I'm hoping you don't ;0) and I'll get your prizes out ASAP.

A BIG BIG BIG Thank You to everyone who hunted with us. It was a lot of fun! Jan is our next contest slut, er, hostess and will be coming up with something fun for next month.

Until then, keep blogging!

The Hunt is On!

2005-04-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

It's April first and that means you're at the "write" place.

I'm hosting this month's contest . . . stealing Sharon's great idea for a scavenger hunt. The prize is . . . $20 gift certificate to your choice: Starbucks, Borders, Barnes & Noble or Amazon!

But that's not all . . .

I'm also going to be sending the winner a bound galley when I receive them . . . so it's like winning twice! A gift certificate now, a bound galley in a month or two. All that would be better is an all-expense paid trip to Ireland, but that's a little out of my budget.

But that's not all . . .

There's a bonus question, only you don't know which question it is. Whoever answers it correctly first will win a $10 gift certificate to one of the fab four stores above.

The rules? Damn, I hate rules, but I guess for a contest you sort of have to have them. So . . . answer at least ten of the fifteen questions below and email your responses to me at Allison@allisonbrennan.com by midnight PST. (Yes, I cheated -- some of the questions have more than one part, but I think you'll have fun going to new and different websites to find the answers!) The winners will be announced sometime Saturday.

Let's go hunting!.

1. Name Allison's three heroines.
2. What author was last profiled on MJ Rose's Backstory blog?
3. Name the title of one of Alison Kent's current releases.
4. Name the three writers who blog at Literary Chicks. Name their March guest blogger.
5. Name one romance writer (other than the goddess Nora) currently on at least one of these bestseller lists: NYT top 15; PW top 10; USA Today top 50.
6. Paperback Writer writes under five (5) pen names. List all five.
7. Name one of Jill Shalvis's "bad traits" for romance heroes. Name one of your own.
8. Brenda Novak is having an auction for what charity cause?
9. What state does Joely Sue Burkhart live in? What state does Carla Neggers live in?
10. What book are you currently reading?
11. Name Gaelen Foley's upcoming release.
12. Name the last movie you saw in the theater. Rate it 1-5 with 5 being the best of its kind and 1 being the worst of its kind.
13. Name the title of Allison's April 1st Romancing the Blog column and the bestselling author she quotes.
14. What is the PAX League?
15. Jane Porter writes for which Harlequin line? Name her chick lit debut novel from Warner.

Tick Tock

2005-03-31T12:50:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to visit tomorrow, April 1, for a one-day scavenger hunt hosted by moi . . . you won't regret it!

Allison

Pulling Teeth

2005-03-31T05:11:00.000-08:00

That's what if feels like sometimes. To what do I refer? Writing love scenes. You know, SEX. That topic of such great debate lately.

I don't know about everyone else, but I can't just sit down and hammer out a sex scene. I have to be in a certain mood. Otherwise I envision things like making the heroine knee the hero in the groin as soon as he drops his pants *g*

So last night, after FOUR days of putting it off, I finally wrote it. And then at the end, I realize I had written it entirely in the heroes POV. Lord, I hope it works because I don't want to have to revisit it. How do readers feel about love scenes entirely in the heroes POV? Do you feel cheated if you don't know what the heroine is thinking and feeling?

At this point, I don't particularly care what India is thinking or feeling. I'm so fed up with this story and ready to be finished that she ought to just be grateful that I don't give her an STD *g*

Ideas Schmideas

2005-03-30T08:07:00.000-08:00

I've seen a lot of talk on authors' bios and blogs lately about where they get their ideas. No one seems to have a good answer for this, which makes sense. It's kind of like trying to explain how the brain works. Or doesn't.

This kind of goes along with the whole writer vs. storyteller thing that's been discussed lately also. (Sharon is over there groaning at my lack of originality and glomming on to topics that have been "ALREADY DONE" but so be it. *g*)

I'm without a doubt a writer before a storyteller. My favorite part of writing a story is when I have all the dreadful plotting/planning/details figured out and I can just...WRITE!!! (Of course, in reality, this never works out right, because no matter how much plotting I try to do, the story comes out differently than planned. But that's a whole 'nother post.)

I've garnered interest from an editor based on my WRITING...she said as much in my revision letter. And based on the four pages of suggestions for changes to my story, if they didn't like my voice or my writing style, I'd be left out in the cold completely. To sum up the four pages, "We like your writing style, however, your storytelling muscle needs a Whole Lotta Work." LOL

OK, better than having neither, right?

But now, as I try to fix all the problems with the story (and we're talking major, major changes) I'm beginning to wonder how I get my ideas. Because right about now, after brainstorming on a particular subplot for several days, I'm not convinced I GET ideas. I'm wondering if I might be braindead.

Am I the only one out there who really has to force the ol' idea generator? Maybe it's an illusion, but it feels like all my CPs just glide through the storytelling part and have more ideas than they know what to do with. Am I alone?

Or am I, indeed, braindead?

Amy

PS...Our apologies to Theresa and anyone else who may have posted comments while our blog was having problems. It appears those comments were inadvertently lost when the fix was executed. I read Theresa's post last night and loved it, so I'm sorry it's gone. Hopefully our problems are fixed for good. :)

Can You Hear Me Now???

2005-03-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

My cps will tell you I harp on voice constantly. To me, the authors written voice makes or breaks a novel. A strong voice grabs you by the throat and draws you into the story. You can't put the book down because you care about the characters and what happens to them.

Readers will either love or hate a strong voice. Unlike the vanilla voice that plays it safe, a strong voice tells it like it is. No hedging around issues. Just solid assurity in the written word from the author's take on life.

If a reader flings a novel with a strong voice at the wall, it's most likely because the writer punched all that reader's buttons. The book elicited strong emotions, which is what authors strive to do.

There are powerful voices in all genres, and that quality is equally effective in romantic suspense, mystery, historical and contemporary works. Doesn't matter if it's a light or dark story either. That voice will come through and touch the reader.

Take a look at the books on your keeper shelf. Chances are you remember catch lines in each work, characters' attitudes and certain scenes you recall. Those books stuck with you because the authors' voices spoke to you.

It often takes writers time to trust their unique voice. But the effort is worth it when the author's work resonates with an agent/editor and ultimately the readers.

That's what I'm shooting for -- the day when all three finally hear my voice. And love it!
~~Jan

A study in opposites

2005-03-29T06:39:00.000-08:00

Today's post comes to you courtesy of the current article over at Romancing the Blog. Now before you ask, no I'm tagging onto the SAME conversation, I merely want to discuss something inspired by the bru ha ha over whether or not there should be a separate category in the RITAs for erotic romances.

As I was writing my response to the article in the comments section, I began to think about the characters I've written in my stories and how different they were from my core belief system. I quickly realized that for the most part, they are in opposition. Hmm interesting huh.

I once joked to Amy that someone reading my stories might perceive that I'm a card carrying member of the heathen society. But I find delving into opposing beliefs is fascinating. It also helps me understand differing viewpoints. It also lets me know that good people are found across the board, whether they sacrifice chickens or run naked down the street chanting in tongues.

A steady mantra in writing is that authors "write what they know." Well, in my case, it's more a matter of writing what isn't intimately familiar to me. And well, I find that what I "know" is rather boring.

Which brings me next to READING stories, characters, beliefs that are diametrically opposed to my core belief system. Now before my good blog pal Brenda whacks me on the wrist for not "getting" her objection to reading erotica for the RITAs, I DO understand her objections. Clearly. And I can't compare my reactions to hers, because she firmly believes that to simply read the material is wrong. Not just wrong, but a sin. You can't argue with that. Well you could, but is it fair to ask a person to commit a sin, something they believe will compromise their relationship with God?

So what about you as authors? Do you write characters that align with your belief system? Readers? Do you only read stories that promote your values? Do you think there is anything to learn from exposing yourself to the other "side?" Do you think it's harmful to expose yourself to other ideas?

Contest, Writing and Procrastinating

2005-03-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

Come back on Friday, April 1st for another scavenger hunt where the prize will be a gift certificate to either Starbucks, Borders, or Amazon -- your choice! There might even be a second prize . . . but you won't know unless you visit us on Friday.

My newsletter is going out today -- sometime. So if you want it, you have a few hours yet to sign-up at my website. It'll probably go out during my kids nap-time. And my website is updated, too, with the blurbs for my books if you want to check it out.

I've made some progress writing. About twenty pages this week, but it's been piecemeal. It's so easy to procrastinate. And I have my next Romancing the Blog column due Friday and everyone else has taken all the good ideas! :) Something will come to me . . . probably in the middle of the night and ruin my sleep.

See you on Friday!

Allison

Sweet Stuff

2005-03-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

So for health reasons, I gave up all processed sugar and white flour as of March 1st. This may not sound like a big deal to you, unless you have any idea about my eating habits.

Can you say sugarholic? (Who cares about the white flour...this post is about the sweet stuff! :))

I used to eat Lucky Charms for breakfast. Every single day. Sweets after lunch. Dessert after dinner. Every single evening. A treat run to Dairy Queen or Coldstone Creamery at least once a week. I lived for sugar! I had sucrose running through my veins instead of blood. (Hmm, wonder why I have health problems. LOL)

Grocery shopping has never been such a chore, and believe me, in normal times, I'd rather scrub the kitchen floor than go to the grocery store. Have you ever checked out the labels of everything you buy to see what has some form of sugar in it? If not, I can help you out. Everything has sugar in it. Bread, bagels, frozen foods, cereals, anything in a box, a bag or a bottle has it. As someone said to me the other day, "There's sugar in the air we breathe anymore."

So, 27 days later and I'm still kicking. The only sugar I've had that I'm aware of is that in ketchup--sometimes you just gotta have some ketchup, and they don't make the darn stuff without sugar.

The surprising thing is, I haven't suffered. I've had brownies. Chocolate chip cookies. Chocolate bars, even. And all of them were sweetened naturally...no Equal or Splenda or any other potential cancer-causing agent. It's amazing what a little determination can do for a girl. That and a sweet tooth the size of Tyrnannasaurus Rex's incisor. :)

Adventure?

2005-03-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ahem. cough cough.

I've gathered you here today to talk about something important. Yes, important. Well, important to me anyway. DO try to look interested please.

Hmm where was I? Oh yes. I was going to ask does anyone like adventure? You know, Indiana Jones, lost cities, treasure, caves etc.

Oh! Yes, you in the back with your hand raised. You like adventure? What? What's that? You thought I was asking who wanted cookies?? f'ing moron.

Make your own damn cookies. Preferably on your own time. I hope you choke on them.

Sigh...where was I again. Adventure. You in the front row. Your snoring is bugging the shit out of me. Someone knock her in the head. Gee, I hope that wasn't my agent. Oh good, she's on the floor now. Can someone put a book over her head? Very good. Thank you.

Now back to adventure. There just isn't enough of it represented in the romance field, you know? Don't get me wrong, I HAVE noticed adventure historicals, but everyone's writing Egypt this Egypt that. Mummies, pyramids, curses and the like. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Mummy movies. And really, what's not to love about Oded Fahr? Excuse me. Does anyone have a napkin? I need to wipe the drool from my cheek.

And you see, I'm the type of person who loathes going along with the trend. If ten people are walking one way, you can bet I'm going the other, even if it's off a cliff.

If one more person yawns, I'm going to pull out the stink spray. There is only one exit. No windows. And see this? For you in the back, I'm holding a key. The only key to the only door which just happens to be LOCKED.

Ahhh I just love a captive audience.

What's that? You have to go to the bathroom? That sounds like a personal problem to me. I've through with the potty training stage. You can ask Amy for help though. She might be more inclined to give a damn.

Me? Bad attitude? What on earth would possess someone to say something like that? I am merely posing intelligent questions. Whining? Hmmph. I am NOT whining. I am merely...

Ok ok maybe I'm whining. I want to read a good adventure. Even more I want to PUBLISH some really good adventures. So if I publish them, you'll buy them right? RIGHT?

Sigh...ok, if you'll buy the damn books, I'll bake the damn cookies.

Happy now?

Winner!

2005-03-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Joyce, who was selected out of the hat by my 5-year-old.

Joyce, email me at aknupp@sunflower.com with your choice of books from the list.

Thanks, everyone, for playing! (And rumor has it our next contest will be on April 1st, coordinated by Allison, so keep coming back!) :)

Looking for a winner!

2005-03-23T07:27:00.000-08:00

Just to thank you for stopping by our blog, we'd like to give you the chance to win a book by some of our favorite authors. All you have to do is answer the five questions below (that have no right answer) in the comment section here. Open to US and Canada residents only (sorry to our other international friends!) The winner will be randomly drawn from everyone who enters before midnight, central time, tonight and posted on this site tomorrow (Thursday).

What can you win? Winner gets their choice of one of the following NEW paperback books, (no, we're not cleaning out our bookshelves!):

HIS EVERY KISS by Laura Lee Guhrke
HER MAN TO REMEMBER by Suzanne McMinn
MURDER LIST by Julie Garwood
WORTH EVERY RISK by Dianna Love Snell
THE RAPIDS by Carla Neggers
HONEYMOON SUITE by Lynn Michaels
TIME OFF FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR by Lani Diane Rich
A HOME OF HER OWN by Brenda Novak

Here are the questions to answer:

1. What's the last good book you read?
2. What's under your desk?
3. What is/was for lunch today?
4. What's the worst vacation you've been on?
5. Will Sharon EVER finish her current manuscript?

Thanks for playing and be sure to check back tomorrow to see if you've won!

Heads up!

2005-03-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you know we're posting another little contest tomorrow. Even easier than last time, and the prize is winner's choice of a book from a select list. Don't expect it first thing, but as soon as I can get to it! :)

Be sure to stop by and play!

.

Emotional Angst

2005-03-22T06:45:00.000-08:00

How do you feel about it? Love it? Hate it? Of course I'm referring to it in the context of a novel. But I'm wondering, am I the only freak who loves a book that I read in tears?

I LOVE an emotionally compelling book. Don't get me wrong, I can read a fluffy book, but I crave darker, more emotional reads. I love reading with a knot in my throat and the sting of tears in my eyes.

I love a lush, beautiful read. It's a little disappointing that the trend is toward lighter and fluffier because it makes it harder to find darker stories. Historicals especially have been trending toward fluffy.

I spent the better part of two hours last night wading through countless books and blurbs on Amazon. I read over a few contemporaries, but mostly I hit the historicals. If I saw one "blue stocking meets rake hell hero" I saw a hundred. Sigh...

In the end, I settled on two Liz Carlyle's, one Patricia Grasso and one Lisa Kleypas. My next project is to round up Laura Lee Guhrke's backlist which is out of print.

March Sadness

2005-03-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

My Jayhawks lost. In the first round. To a team called BUCKNELL!!!!

Oh, the horrors.

I'm off to mourn.

And if you know what I'm talking about, I hope your team is having better luck than mine did!

Heroes, heroines, miscellaneous mutterings

2005-03-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

I had already blogged in my own blog when I realized I hadn't blogged here for awhile. Ooops. Anyway, for today's post then, I'll simply direct you to the following link and my thoughts on recent conversations about heroes and heroines.

Happy Weekend!

http://www.sharonlong.com/blog/blah-g.htm

Unstuck

2005-03-17T22:09:00.000-08:00

For the first time in three months, I'm writing something new.

I'm so excited, I don't want to go to sleep for fear my muse will desert me again. Seriously, though, it's good to be back into writing mode. I think for too long I had "other" things to do. A lot of which had to do with my books, but just as many that didn't.

Like making cookies. I've made more cookies since I quit my job than I did since I've been married. No wonder the baby fat isn't melting away!

Or email. It's my vice. I suppose it could be worse and I could smoke or drink too much, but I spend far too much time on email.

Now, though, I can put my email aside and focus on my WIP. I had a major breakthrough today and I'm really excited about this story. I think it's my best yet. Which is scary, really, because what if it's the worst and I just can't tell?

Over the last week, I'd been editing the beginning of my book in order to get back into it. I started with 140 pages. When I was done editing, I had 152. (I love edits, suddenly it seems like I have so much work done!) Seriously, I wrote one new scene and expanded a couple others.

Now, I'm at page 158. That's six good pages. More than I've written in a long time. Another 250-300 to go, and this book is done. LOL -- I'm not even halfway through!

But that's okay. At least I'm writing again.

Allison

Snotty

2005-03-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

I'm waging war with some nasty bug that has attacked my respiratory system, and the facial tissue companies are making the ordeal hell. When I feel a major sneeze coming on, I grab a tissue. There is a time issue involved here. I can't control the sneeze or the gunk that spews forth. I need that tissue in my hand immediately. So why do they make it so damn difficult to pull one out of the box?

The first tissue came out in shreds, and the next couple I tried to free weren't in much better shape. The fourth one tore off under the little plastic covering, which meant I had to stick my fingers through the slit and coax a tissue up out of the nested ones.

By the time I did get a one out, the sneeze had exploded and suffice to say one tissue wasn't enough for cleanup duty. At least now the tissues pull out a bit easier. But I know it won't last. Once I near the bottom of the box, I'll grab for one tissue and get three all stuck together.

One major company prides themselves as the only brand of facial tissue that comes in colors. I got a suggestion for 'em. Make the tissues easier to tug out of the box!

Granted I don't like being sick and I'm a miserable patient possessing no patience. But I intensely dislike idiotic packaging on products, but that's a whole nuther rant. ~~Jan

Me? Lazy?

2005-03-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

Me again. Yeah, I'm going for the title of Blog Hog. :)

Just had to share what an insensitive horoscope I found for myself, thanks to Steph.

From Astrology for writers, editors, filmmakers
Libra:
Lovely Libra. Lazy Libra. They are so lovely one never cares if they are lazy. And now, with Jupiter in their sign for the next several months, they are thinking they are without original sin. SO not true. BIG STARS NOW: Jupiter.The trick with Jupiter is to NOT think you can just wait for the world to come to you.

HMPH, I SAY!

When do you supposed the world will knock on my door? *fluttering lovely eyelashes*

Heh.

.

Renegade Three Year Old

2005-03-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

How many times did your mom wish children "just like you" upon you? I can't count the times I heard it.

Well, mom, your dream is coming true.

Although I was apparently an angel as a young girl (really! That's from my mom!) I grew horns when I turned into a teenager. Beyond the normal teen angst stuff, I was pretty much a contrary rebel. Without a cause or clue, I guess you might say.

Fast forward to now. My dear 3-year-old appears to have gotten the contrary gene and has activated it ALREADY! Some examples:

* My family is big on college basketball, especially at this time of year. My mom is probably the biggest fan of all, or at least she screams at the television the loudest when the game's on. So the other night we were all (my parents included) sitting around watching Kansas, "our" team, and sweet son of mine asks which color team "we're" cheering for. We tell him the blue team. "I LIKE THE WHITE TEAM!" he proudly proclaimed. As soon as he found out what team that was, he started yelling, "Yay, Missouri!" To utter those words is the worst kind of treason in my mother's eyes. Good thing she lives for her grandsons.

* During our daily quiet time, I give dear 3yo the choice napping or playing quietly in his room. If he's overtired, I will usually suggest lying down and listening to his music. Well...if I suggest it, you can be sure he WON'T. But I've learned if I tell him to have fun playing, 3 times out of 4 I'll find him slumbering away, tucked into his bed. Definitely a conscious decision. *shrug* Oh well, whatever it takes.

* The latest incidence of Rebel Boy was this morning. As we (both boys and I) were heading downstairs for breakfast, he shouts out "Last one down the stairs is a rotten egg!" And then he started walking backwards, away from the stairs. I stopped and stared and asked him if he had to pee or something. No. Then the light dawned. "Ooooh, you want to be the rotten egg?" He nodded with a mischievous look in his eye.

At this rate, I can hardly wait to see what he comes up with when he's 14. God help us.

.

Spring Break

2005-03-14T09:30:00.000-08:00

This week is spring break for the kiddos. Our original plans got shot to hell because my husband couldn't take vacation. Back up plan in place. The kids are going to my dad and stepmoms tomorrow to spend the week and my husband and I are coming in on Friday bearing CRAWFISH *g*

So crawfish boil this weekend and the kids get to spend the week at Ma and Peepaw's.

This made me a little sad as I was thinking about it this morning. It didn't seem too awfully long ago that it was ME all excited about a trip to grandma's. When I was a kid, there wasn't much better than a visit to my grandmother's. I used to bug my dad mercilessly to go, and we usually did every Sunday. (And as much in between as I could persuade him)

Maybe this is why it is so important to me, and why I am so grateful that my kids are able to spend time with THEIR grandparents. And more than that, that the grandparents love them to pieces and enjoy their visits. I smile at the kiddos' excitement as they scream and clamor on and on after I tell them of an impending visit.

This past time, however, they asked to go. No prodding from me, not at my instigation. As soon as they learned our spring break plans were no longer in the works they asked if they could go visit Ma and Peepaw.

Ahhh to be young again. When the best things in life are visits to Ma and Peepaw's, eating Peepaw's spagetti, beating Ma at Nintendo, going to camp, eating snowcones and truly living in the moment. No one does this better than children. I learn from them every single day.

Domestic Goddess Wannabe

2005-03-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed how much you feel compelled to do housework when you HAVE to get some writing done?

As an unpublished writer, I set my own deadlines. When I feel like it. Now, I do write 6-7 days a week most of the time, but unless my critique group is having an Ass-In-The-Chair week, I don't set very specific goals.

Now that I've got the attention of an editor, I've set two deadlines...one for getting a new proposal out to her and one for getting my revised manuscript back to her. So because these concern an EDITOR and not just Amy's head, they are serious deadlines. *g*

So I really need to book, no pun intended.

And you know what? The dust that hasn't bothered me for the last few weeks suddenly is begging to be Pledge-a-fied. The hardwood kitchen floor that probably still has goop on it from my son's birthday is beckoning to me. Laundry? Gotta keep on top of it, even if it's never bothered me before to have 3-4 loads waiting for a couple days (which then mysteriously procreate and turn into 7-8 loads.)

And the baking! OMG, I haven't even baked slice and bake cookies for months, but guess what? Need. To. Bake. Now. I have a bunch of new recipes to try since I just took sugar and white flour out of my diet, and even in the days before I got the editor's letter, I just didn't have time to bake. Now? Every time I walk into the kitchen, the oven calls out to me.

The good news is, other than some apple-honey bread I made this morning, I've managed to fight off the evil urges to clean and cook. So really, other than some bizarre internal compulsions, all is well at the Knupp house, and my proposal should go out on time. :)

.

Have Titles, Will Publish

2005-03-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about >my title being changed.

The good news is . . . I have new titles!!!!

My good friend and CP Kathia (who writes wonderfully fun fluff and chicky lit and has her manuscript requested by several editors) came up with THE CHASE, THE HUNT and THE KILL and I gave them (along with others) to my agent and editor. They loved them!!

THE HUNT was the original title of my second book and I'd always liked it, so I'm glad I could keep it.

Now I can finally put together the newsletter I've been trying to put out for a month, finish my monthly blog of RWA PRO, and put my blurbs up on my website. You can sign up for my newsletter at my website -- when it finally goes out, it'll also mean that I've updated the website. Yeah!

It surprised me how much I was waiting on just to get titles for my books. But it's really going to happen. In 11 months THE CHASE will be out ...

Allison

Death of a major appliance

2005-03-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

Buying appliances is a gruesome task, in my not so humble opinion. The cost boggles the mind. And there are just too damn many styles to choose from. Refusing to venture into the high-end price range slashed the selection in half. From there we narrowed it to two we liked.

It might not have annoyed me as much if we hadn't gone through this Great American appliance hunt last summer when our refrigerator turned into a heating device and flooded the kitchen. Having another major appliance do the death spiral came too soon on its heels. But there's no way I can live without a washing machine, so appliance shopping we went.

The sales guy wasn't pushy, though I caught him staring at my boobs and crotch a little too long for comfort's sake, so I played my old tit for tat game and tortured him with some pointed staring, only I kept my gaze directed below the belt. He turned an unbecoming shade of red and ceased being a total ass, so I concluded he got the message.

We bought the new machine and set a delivery date and returned home happy as fleas on a fat hound. That was the good news. The bad news was that our old washing machine didn't die gracefully.

Nope, when its transmission croaked, it dumped a yucky thick stinky grease all over the floor. That had to be cleaned before we brought the new machine in, which meant the old one had to be moved.

Do old washing machines weight a ton or what??? Moving it out of the way pushed it close to the back door, and a mutual decision was made to keep pushing the damn thing outside on the porch in the event it continued to leak this nasty sludge.

Cleaning the oily gunk off the floor was not easy. This wasn't a wipe-it-up/wash-it-down job and you were done. Oh, no. This was a scrape it up with a putty knife and then wash-and-scrub-and-wash-and-scrub the floor chore.

But it's done. The new machine arrived and slid into it's clean niche, and the delivery guys earned my respect by going about their business bringing the new unit in and hauling the old washer off to appliance heaven.

The stack of clothes is on there way to being clean. And I'm crossing my fingers that no more major appliances die on us anytime soon. ~~Jan

Plot Devices

2005-03-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Plot devices are always a hot topic in writers' circles. But what about in reading venues? I don't hear as many complaints from readers. I know writers tend to be super critical of what they see as "cliche."

But I usually find they feel cliche is whatever they don't write ;) If you know what I mean.

Take contests for instance. If I had a buck for every time I heard a judge go on and on about how "cliche" the entry was that they were judging, I could fund a third world country.

Me? I like the set of devices that most other authors turn their noses up at and take the "I'm better than thou" approach with. Secret babies? Cowboys? Amnesia? Hell, if it's well written, I'll read a narcoleptic, amnesiac rodeo queen who can't remember how she got pregnant or stay awake long enough to find out.

But to pick a few of my favorite devices, I'll go with pregnancy, married hero and heroine stories, and reunions. Suzanne McMinn wrote a really good combination married H/H and amnesia. Lurvely story.

So what are your favorites? Let's leave off the ones you hate, because I guarantee the ones you hate are probably ones I love ;) My only requirement is well written.

Distractions

2005-03-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Usually I have 2 hours to myself Monday and Wednesday mornings to write while my kids are in preschool. Today was my lucky day to help out with the 3yo room. My 3yo son could hardly wait because not only would Mommy be at school with him, but we also "got" to bring snacks and drinks!!! Banner day for the Knupps, let me tell you.

So I thought I'd go do my duty and then come home and get busy on the proposal/revisions this afternoon.

Oh. My. God. I'm so freaking worn out from "assisting" with the ankle biters, I can hardly keep my eyes open.

And then I remember the benefits of a nap. Yes! It's a compromise. I get some serious thinking done (in the thirty seconds before I sink into unconsciousness) and my poor fatigued body gets some snoozing. Problem solved.

Now if only I could find a way to keep the boys from waking me up, oh, 13 times in the hour I try to rest. I need a "pause" button on both of them. :)

Wanna Play?

2005-03-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

If you do, here is what you're playing for. A 15 dollar Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift certificate. Your choice. But c'mon, buy a romance novel with it at least ;)

The game is an online scavenger hunt through some really cool blogs and websites, owned by some even cooler people. Our hope? That you have fun, and that if you aren't already familiar with the author's sites you visit, that you meet some really great new people. And hey, buy their books *g*

Why have the contest? Well, apart from our own entertainment (it's all about us you know) It's our way to say thanks to all the people who have come by to listen to us whine and for throwing us your support as we struggle down the road to publication.

So here's the deal. I'm going to ask twelve questions and provide a link to where you can find the answer. You choose 5 of the questions to answer. Now if you are by chance on the list, you can still play. That's why I posted 12 ;) If you're on the list of questions, choose a different 5 and play if you want.

When you have answered the 5 questions you chose, email them to sharon@sharonlong.com no later than 7pm CST. A winner will be drawn from all the correct entries and announced later tonight. (ok so I can't type, this originally said 4pm, it was SUPPOSED to say 7pm)

Here are the questions

What is Suzanne McMinn's new signature drink?
Name one of Stephanie Tyler's Navy SEAL hunks
Name one of the historical novels Larissa Ione lists on her website as having completed
Name #5 on Jill Shalvis' list of things that annoy her
What did Sharon Long finally name her current work in progress?
How many tattoos does Cece have? (Celia Stuart)
Name Sasha White's upcoming release, due out March 28th.
What is Katie Bryan's favorite hour of the day?
Who is Brenda Coulter a huge fan girl of?
What was the original title of Allison Brennan's upcoming 2006 release?
Where did Amy Knupp go on vacation in January?
What article of clothing does Jan Kenny have a self-proclaimed weakness for?

You can find the answers to these questions either on the author's website or in their blog. Happy hunting! We hope you meet some new to you people and like them as much as we do :)

Clarification: The answers to the last two will be found HERE in our archives. I've had a few people ask, and I'm sorry it wasn't clearer.

Contest Tomorrow

2005-03-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Be sure and check in tomorrow for our first contest. You know the one solely for our entertainment ;) But hey, we hope you have fun too. Hint: It's going to be an online scavenger hunt. The prize? To be announced tomorrow. Be sure and stop by if you want to come out and play.

Wanted: Grindstone

2005-03-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

I need to put my nose to it.

Why? I got a request for revisions!

The R came on Saturday, as it always does for me for some reason. I saw the publisher's return address peeking out at me and my heart crashed head-on with my liver (or one of those mushy organs down there). Then I dug the envelope out and it was thick. Not your average thanks but no thanks. (This is all before coming back into the house, mind you.)

So I come inside and toss the rest of the completely insignificant mail on the table and rip into The Envelope. Four pages. I flip to the end and see it's gone from assistant editor, who I subbed to, to editor. Cool. Whether it's random or not, I'll take it. :)

To make a four-page letter into two sentences, it says the story isn't there yet, but we like your writing. Rewrite approximately 85% of it, and we'll look at it again, although WE CANNOT PROMISE YOU A THING. lol I love that. They did the CYA line two times, at the beginning and the end. With all the freaks roaming the world, guess I can't blame them.

I have my work cut out for me. Larissa said she had about 19 changes to make if I remember right. (How's it going, Larissa?) By my count, I have 29 "items." About 4 of them are what I would consider MAJOR, and that doesn't include the entire dark moment.

Do I sound like I'm complaining? I'm so not. :) I'm thrilled. And overwhelmed as hell.

Oh, and the editor also said I could send a proposal for another project right away, while I work on the revisions. YAY! Problem? My "proposal" is not quite done. I have half a rough synopsis done, and three polished chapters (actually more than that), but I need to add a couple things to the chapters. So my first goal is to finish up this proposal in the next week or so. Then dive in and hope I don't hit my head on the bottom. Wish me luck and sanity, if you've got any to spare.

Bait and Switch

2005-03-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ever read a book or watch a movie that has a really juicy premise? You salivate over the possibilites, become totally engrossed in the mystery and intrigue. Then you get to the end and wham! The author hits you over the head with something completely different.

This happens a lot, and it's a huge let down. There are several instances, but I'll just name a few.

Contact
Signs
The D'avinci Code
The Forgotten

In Contact, we are immediately intrigued in the idea of other life out there. We eagerly await the construction of the machine, grit our teeth when the arrogant jerk steals Ellie's spot, and lean forward as we anticipate the mysteries of the universe unfolding.

Instead we are stuck with an ambiguous ending that is fuzzy and muddled. The author drops the ball. HUGE let down.

In Signs, I was particularly annoyed. Yeah, yeah, I know. It wasn't REALLY about aliens or an invasion. Those were just outlandish props used to guide a disillusioned minister back to his faith.

But I maintain that this could have been an awesome story, and the them of faith refound could have still been kept.

There is so much build up, tons of suspense. Who is out there? Then we spot the first alien on footage of a birthday party, and it's shocking, titillating. Lean forward some more, eagerly await the fate of the minister and his family as they wait out the night in their basement.

Then.......NOTHING.

I remember getting to this point and thinking WTF?? All we get is a radio announcement that overnight some remote tribe in Africa figured out a way to defeat the aliens and they packed it in and left.

COMPLETELY anticlimactic. I was frothing at the mouth. The alien angle could have been more fully developed without taking away the central theme, and then it would have been a truly fantastic story.

And then there's D'avinci Code. Interesting read. Sparks the imagination. Reader ponders the what ifs. Get to the end. Kaput. Fizzle. Sigh....

I don't really understand this phenomenon. Are authors afraid to hypothesize, or are they being purposely obtuse? I can't believe they lack the imagination, because the entire work to the end is a magnificent display of creativity.

Why then is the ball dropped?

Another recent example. I watched "The Forgotten" last weekend. Glued to my seat wondering who's "watching" and who's "listening." I wanted some sort of explanation. Something to make me sit back and say "oh!" with wonderment. Instead all I got was one of the insiders telling the heroine it wouldn't fit into her brain.

Try me! Really. Let the watcher have a chance to reflect on the possibilities. Instead we watch people being snatched into some vortex to nowhere, and there never is an explanation. And to me, that is far more interesting to expound on than the deeper symbology of "parental attachment."

I don't expect these authors to present a story as fact. I merely want them to back up the juicy tidbits they throw out with something that satisfies my craving for the unknown. In other words, don't drop the ball!

Passion...or Illness?

2005-03-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hello, my name is Amy, and I'm a bookaholic.

No, seriously. I have an illness that makes me buy books whenever I see them. I also buy my kids both a new book whenever we see kids' books.

I moved into my new office the other day, and in doing so, got rid of a few books I'll NEVER read. Most of them I picked up used at the library book sale. So...after giving a bunch away, I shelved all the books I have yet to read, as well as my keepers.

My to-be-read pile (okay, shelf) has 123 books in it!!!!

I'm a slow reader, due in part to very little time to spend reading. It takes me a week to read a long category or a page-turner single title. It takes me three weeks to read a fantasy book my husband thought I couldn't live without.

So...at an average of, oh, say a week and a half per book, I currently have just over 3.5 years' worth of reading to do.

No pressure.

And really, that wouldn't be too bad, if only I didn't have the compulsion to buy MORE MORE MORE! (In all fairness, getting to "know" authors online hasn't helped...because there are so many books I hear about that I HAVE to have!)

Really, I'm just a victim! ;)

Am I the only one? Or does anyone else have a TBR pile that's taller than they are?

Hump Day

2005-03-02T05:37:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up, I listened to KFOG (out of San Francisco) and Wednesdays were hump days. You know, the middle of the week -- everything is smooth sailing after.

Not for me. At least, not this week.

Remember when I told you about my copyedits? I had to make all the changed on hard copy. Not a big deal. I actually like reading hard copy; I find a lot more errors.

Well, now I need to make all the changes in the computer. Something I normally wouldn't have to do, but the timeframe being as it is, I need to get it done -- and by early next week.

I happily volunteered. Not a big deal (though far more time-consuming than I thought it would be) . BUT I forgot how much I did not want to read this book again! It's a good book, and it's better with the edits, but I've read the dang thing so many times I'm sooooooooo tired of it.

Worse, I'm seeing things I want to tweak. But I already sent back the manuscript!!!! (Ok, I'm keeping a log of additional changes I want and will be emailing them to my editor. They are all tweaks except for one thing I didn't catch.)

I hate it. Not making the changes, but the urge to tweak. And, I hear, this is par for the course. One author in an on-line class told me to keep tweaking until they pull the manuscript from my weary fingers.

Resist the urge, Allison. But I fear resistance is futile.

Allison

Deleted Comments

2005-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Some readers have related that they have been unable to post comments. So I've installed Haloscan because I've not experienced any problems with them (until now) lol.

SO my apologies for any comments that were deleted in the switchover. We really do love you, and we hope you'll keep visiting despite our attempts to silence you *g*

The Dreaded R

2005-03-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

I don't expect literary agents to go into great detail why they pass on my work and me. They're busy, I'm busy. Just read the query and give me a yes or no. Nevertheless, I am encouraged when an agent gives a brief reason why my work isn't for them, or compliments me on something they felt I did very well.

Though the standard wording on rejection letters doesn't benefit the author as far as feedback goes, I understand the reasoning for it. It's a time crunch issue. If the work isn't right for the agent or agency, it's easy to slap the form rejection in the envelope and ship it back. They aren't wasting valuable time with someone who isn't going to make them a red cent when they need to be busting their butts to place their clients' work.

Still, it's the overused phrases that make my eyes cross. *Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your work, but I'm not sufficiently enthused to offer representation.*

I hate that phrase, mainly because I've seen it too many times and it doesn't tell me a damn thing. It's a standard thanks but no thank from busy literary agents. Next in line for most loathed phrase is, *as you know, this is a subjective business...*

Don't I know it! It's the only explanation why an agent and editor got behind an author to publish a work that I bought and struggled to read 30 pages of and ultimately threw the book at the wall. Subjective??? Yeah, I got it. It's the love/hate thing.

*We have decided your manuscript would be difficult to sell in the current marketplace. We do encourage you to submit this elsewhere.* What a minute! If you really believe that sucker is that hard to sell, why encourage me to send to other agencies?

*Though we are impressed with your writing and creativity, after careful consideration, we feel that this project is not quite right for us.* No problem. Damn shame they couldn't figure it out before I snail mailed the full to them.

And a snippet from my absolute favorite rejection letter which is hand written-- *There is much to admire in your work. It's funny and the pacing is good. However it's a very crowded marketplace and in the end I didn't feel that your work had what it takes to break out, something new and fresh that commands attention. I am sending you best wishes along with my regrets.*

Publishing is a crazy business. It has the highest highs and lowest lows. Would I want to be an agent? Hell no! It's hard enough being a writer.

~~Jan

The New Do

2005-02-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

We finally have our new "do." And to celebrate, we're going to have some fun contests in the coming weeks. Purely for our own entertainment, you know ;) We're easily entertained, so they won't be too difficult or time consuming.

In the meantime, welcome to our new home. Hope you find it as comfy as we do.

The Beauty of a Nap

2005-02-26T14:29:00.000-08:00

I do some of my best thinking during naptime. And I mean MY nap, not the kids' (although the fact that they go to quiet time while I collapse for a few minutes strongly enhances my Nap Experience.)

Take today, for instance. I've got about half my story written now, although it's not the first half. (The ol' writing out of order syndrome strikes again.) I sat down to write for a while this afternoon while the kids were at a birthday party. I had an idea of a scene I might know enough about to write--one that happens to occur sometime late in the story. Probably. I dunno.

Then I started thinking, hey, this might make up part of the dark moment! (Insert eyes lighting up with excitement here.) So I opened a new document. And stared. Opened up the scene I'd written that would come somewhere before the new one. (Pardon the vagueness.) Read it. Was disappointed to find I'd ended it with a "have no idea what happens next. Maybe blah blah blah or possibly blah blah blah." *sigh*

Not helping.

The boys came home and blessed Quiet Time came along. I thought, oh good, more peace so I can try to concentrate. And then the hubby announced he was going to rest for a while.

AHA! Yes! A nap! Exactly what I need to figure this mess out in my head!

So I laid down and pondered. And guess what? Before drifting off to sleep, I figured out the entire sequence of events leading up to and including the dark moment! Pardon me while I chant...V-I-C-T-O-R-Y. (No, I was never a cheerleader.) Now I just need to jot down a bunch of notes so I don't forget, and dig in!

The other place I get some good thinking done is the shower. So what about you? Do you have a strange place where you do your best thinking?

PS. Steph, does this sound something like the whole out-of-order CF falling into beautiful place? If so, I'm liking it. :)

Happy Friday!

2005-02-25T09:53:00.000-08:00

Kicking off the weekend. Yay! What's in the cards for everyone? Writing? Reading? Slothdom? I'm usually a fan of the latter. But if anyone's got sweet plans, I'd love to hear about them.

The venue changed for my plans. Was supposed to go to our family camp in Louisiana, and my dad was going to boil crawfish. Food plan is the same, but now we're going to congregate at my dad's house.

Aren't relatives fun? I just got off the phone with my mother (unfortunate me) and her jaw is torked because I won't drive three hours out of my way this weekend so I can deliver her computer to her. Backstory: She wanted me to order her a new computer. Company shipped to my address by mistake. She's on the way to camp so I was going to drop it off this weekend. Now that it's at my dad's house, she is three hours out of the way. BUT my dad and stepmom said that they were going to camp early in the week and they would drop it by my brother's house so she could pick it up there. (She lives 5 minutes from my brother)

Now that you know way more than you wanted about my psychotic family.... *g*

Happy Weekend everyone!

The Hunt

2005-02-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

I want my mailman.

No, not that way. I just want him here now...with the mail. Actually, he could send a robot in his place and that'd be okay, as long as they deliver the damn MAIL. And while I'm being so demanding, I want him here, with the mail, WITHOUT a rejection with my name on it.

Sharon called me psycho, and I think she's right. I've finally hit it. But hey, at least it gives me something to look forward to during the day. (Look forward to is actually a bit of a misnomer in this case.)

I'm due to hear on my manuscript. The editor I'm waiting to hear from has always responded to me within about three months, maybe 3 1/2 max. By this Friday, it'll be four months since I submitted. Who, me count the days? Nah. Not at all.

The more time that goes by, the more I'm losing hope. And I'm mostly okay with that. It's only my second ms and I'm well into the next one, so I can send it out soon and start the process over. But not knowing is enough to drive me up my new Gothic Amethyst walls.

However, as much as Not Knowing sucks, it doesn't come close to the suckage of Rejection.

Motivation

2005-02-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

Just the title is cheesy ain't it? But I'm curious. Being an externally motivated type of girl, I wondered how many of you are internally motivated? See, I'm jealous of internally motivated people. These are the type of people who are go getters, who find the drive to succeed buried within themselves.

Me? I'm motivated by external forces. I have no idea why, mind you, but there it is. I need something looming over me to propel me to action. Some consequence or reward. I just can't dig down and break out the motivation myself. I just don't tick that way. Sigh...

To that end, you can guess that I'm a procrastinator. Waiting until that last possible moment to complete a task. To me, that is the epitome of being externally motivated. There is no impetus for me to do something ahead of time, only the consequence of failing, or of something "negative" which is why I'll pitch in with a frenzy to do it last minute.

My husband is one of those internally motivated people. I marvel at his drive, and you can guess, we clash quite a bit over the "priority" given certain things ;) It's not that I think my way is the best. I'd give my right arm to possess this marvelous quality. My guess is, that if you're not born with it, it just doesn't happen.

Which means I'm screwed.

Don't Wanna Play No More

2005-02-20T14:13:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned earlier, I've been writing out of order. Main reason? I don't have an outline or even a 2 page synopsis to work from.

I know some general things, like the theme of the story, most of the subplots and how they end, and a lot about the main plot. I have no idea what the dark moment is (this is new for me...usually I have to know it in order to not hyperventilate.)

But I've been writing the scenes I do know. I'm over a third of the way through the pages (not book. I have 80 pages of consecutive story, then the jumping game begins.)

Now I've hit that point where I have no idea what I'm doing. I have no confidence I can wrap this up into a story. I don't know for sure what any of the turning points are. Still no clue about the dark moment. Oh, and I haven't "seen" the first kiss or any other major romantic steps between the hero and heroine. Problem there.

And it's getting down to crunch time. As in, better-figure-it-out-before-you-waste-any-more-time-writing-the-wrong-stuff.

I'm in an overwhelmed panic and I have no idea what to do next. Yes, this happens to me every time. Yes, I've made it through with my other manuscripts and have managed to pull a story together somehow. So I should be reassured, right?

Wrong. Because I can't even figure out what to focus on in order to move forward.

So while Steph thrives on this clusterfuck effect, I want to run screaming and hide under a nice big rock until someone stops by to sort the damn story out for me.

If you don't see me for a while, check the backyard.

Disorganized Living

2005-02-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ducked into my doctor's office to look at a wall plaque. Her office is small, crowded with books, the tools of her profession and prized pictures. Her collection of lady bugs takes up a good deal of the remaining space.

She has a gorgeous roll top desk, but you can't appreciate it because of the medical journals and stacks of patient files. I told her I thought her desk was more cluttered than mine. She said her one at home was clean. :))

Obviously she does not have time at work to keep her desk organized. She's too busy saving lives.

Though the only life and death issues I deal with in my writing are fictional, I can relate to the cluttered office.

For a year I've procrastinated about cleaning out my office and reorganizing. My office is small, crowded with bookcases and too many of my bears. Collections clutter an office, but like my doctor with her lady bugs, I like having bears sitting on shelves. My old Pooh bear shares space with one of my K.C. Chief's bears. A writer friend sent me a koala bear from Australia that clings to my radio antennae. My mom gave me a writer bear, so he's there, too. Yes, most of my bears are male. :))

Books? I've got way too many of them. My bookcases are overcrowded. Books are crammed atop books. Boxed manuscripts are stacked on the floor. There's a mountain of paper on my desk, snippets of works in progress, blurbs I'm working on, reference books that I want close by, pens, pencils, sticky notes. For those staring-into-space times, I have worry stones and dice. Two corkboards are papered with the important stuff that'd get lost on my desk. So far they haven't pulled away from the wall under the weight.

My priority is to pound out stories that will sell, and like most writers, writing time is sometimes in short supply. It's easy to put off cleaning when a story is bugging you to get written. And so far the bears haven't complained. ;) ~~Jan

Question:

2005-02-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

Why don't the pages of my manuscript multiply as fast as the laundry pile?????

Name That Title

2005-02-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

It's sad but true.

The title of my book is changing. The never-again-to-be-called KILLING SECRETS will be titled something else. I don't know what, yet. I just sent a list of ideas to my agent and hopefully she doesn't shoot down all of them.

When I first wrote this book, I called it THE COPYCAT KILLER. Ok, not too original, but I liked it. My agent changed it to DEAD LETTER. Ok, more original and it fits the theme better. Just as it was growing on me, my editor said, naw, we don't like it. Fine. They bought the book, they can name it anything they want. They picked KILLING SECRETS. It grew on me. I put it on my website. I tell people who ask me.

Well, it's gotta change. There's good reasons, which I don't really want to go into, but they are good so I understand.

But I'm not good at titles.

Sharon doesn't title her books until they're like half written. She calls them by the H/H names. I still don't remember the title of her WIP; I still call it "Ridge and India" because when I first started reading it she didn't have a title. (I know "Night" is in the title somewhere.) But her titles rock. I can't see anyone wanting to change them because they're perfect for her story, that whole double entrendre thing.

Anyway, I have another writing friend who is a whiz with titles. She comes up with the best titles for her contemporary romance books (no, this is not Sharon, Amy or Jan, who all come up with better titles than me). She came up with three titles for my three books that everyone else seems to love, too.

I sent those with an "*" to my agent.

So I ask you, do titles matter? What's more important to you, as a reader -- titles or cover art? What draws you in?

Until next time,
Allison

Boobs

2005-02-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Suzanne, I now know way more about myself than I wanted to know.

I'm as interesting as my blog
If I were a website I would be CNN
And supposedly she wants me to compare my boobs to fruit

*hack!*

I'f I'm as interesting as my blog, and my blog is as interesting as watching paint dry, what then does that say about me?

And CNN? C'mon, could I at least be Fox News?

And we won't discuss the fruity boobs. Closest I could come to comparing them to any sort of fruit would be a slushee. Note, I did NOT say slurpee, which conjures a whole nother bag of worms.

I must find a way to repay Ms McMinn for her help in psychoanalyzing myself.