Guten Tag

Guten Tag and an early HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Today is a "clear the decks" kind of day so that I can get started on the next things. See, I can't move forward until I have a fresh start, so I'm cleaning off my desk and filing all the research and notes from Cat, and all the miscellaneous crap that multiplies in an office. (Never leave two papers alone in a dark office, they breed faster than rabbits!) Organizing my music, figuring out my bills, starting the new files for the new book, etc. Both the office and the rest of the house have to be in relatively good shape before I can concentrate. That's why I get SOOOOOOOO frustrated when I can't keep things up to my minimum standard. I literally CAN'T concentrate enough to start writing when things are a disaster. Now, once I've BEEN rolling on a story, and it's flowing NOTHING is going to distract me. I mean, a nuclear blast might go off and I'd just kind of look up, blink and go "James, did you hear that?" before going back to the manuscript.

Weird note -- did you know that the people who survived Hiroshima best, with the least injuries and radiation poisoning were IN THE LIBRARY!! That's right. The books not only cushioned the shock, the paper absorbed the radiation. I've read this in a couple of places. It may be apocryphal, but I DON'T THINK SO. If it is true, my house has SOOOOOOOOO much insulation! Because books breed almost (but not quite) as fast as loose papers, which are only a short bit behind junk mail!

Well, gotta run. Work calls.

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!


Cie

From Which of my pets are you:


Which one of my pets are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

You're kiwi, your one mean green, fighitng machine. You take over the cage and terrorize it much like a mobster would.

HI JIM!!!!!!!

Hi Jim! Are you feeling better? How's your Dad doing? I hope all is well at your end of the world and that you had a lovely holiday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!

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OUCH! Stupid accident this morning. Large heavy lamp fell from a height onto the top of my head. I have a lump approximately the size of a pterydactyl egg on the top of my head but it doesn't appear I have a concussion. Feel like an idiot though.

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OK on a totally unrelated subject. Have you ever had a time in your life when you just couldn't seem to manage NOT to annoy people?

I am in one of those spells. It's reached a point where I'm tempted to crawl in a hole and just not interact with people for a while. I probably WON'T, but I admit to the temptation. The thing is, I can't seem to help it. UGH.

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Looking Forward/Looking Back

Hi Guys! Hope you had a very merry holiday.

A couple of things:

First, thank you everybody!

Why, you ask? Because I have an acquaintance who is a VFA (very famous author). Now we're not close, but we've met and talked. I admire her greatly. I think she is a spectacular person, and a terrific writer -- even when I don't agree with where a story goes. But she is a kind and generous soul who has frequently been picked on brutally both with regard to her art and with regard to her personal life (which is none of anybody's blasted business.) I am thanking all of you who have come here since day one because nobody has been a jerk. Not once. No negative comments, despite my having confided more than a few vulnerabilities AND having gotten on my liberal soap box. I am grateful. Because no matter how secure you are being picked on HURTS.

So thank you for coming by, and playing nice, and buying our books... and well... pretty much for just being terrific.

OK thanks to Yo I am a Quizilla addict. (Sigh -- oh well, there are worse things). This is today's result.


You reflect the journey of the spirit. The journey of life as we grow, learn, face our everyday trials. You strive to accomplish tasks and rise above. This is where your spirit finds its strengths. Your journey is sure to have a happy ending, in whatever small form it my come.

********************
On a completely different note (B flat minor) (For those of you who need a map, we have now turned left and are headed into the Twilight Zone). I'm excited, scared, nervous, and happy. Cat has been shipped to the editor. There are things I think are great about it, and things that I'm VERY nervous about. It was a HARD book to write for a lot of reasons, and I completely exhausted myself doing it. I hope Anna will like it, but I'm terrified that she'll absolutely hate it. A part of me realizes that this is part of the process. But oh Lord it just doesn't get any easier. I want people to love our work. I really do.
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AND RANT OF THE DAY (IF you don't want to hear it STOP HERE!!)

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Went and saw King Kong yesterday. Good movie. I, however, being seriously unfond of arachnids skipped the spider and slug scene. Thank you very much, but no thank you.

Two things that drove me nuts.

(1) YOU, YEAH YOU, the one who brought the cell phone into the theater. TURN THAT **@#R$* THING OFF!!!! RUDE doesn't begin to cover that.


(2) In the "WHAT were they thinking?" category. This is an intense movie. A very intense movie rated PG13 with people getting killed and animal battle scenes that were previewed everywhere. There are things in that movie that I didn't want to see as a grown up. SO WHY THE @#$@ were people bringing in their 4 and 5 year olds and itty bitties that needed booster seats? And of course most of them only made it as far as the REALLY scary stuff before leaving so the kids stopped right where they were most likely to get nightmares.

I'm sorry if you disagree. But I think there are movies that aren't meant for kids. I'm sorry if people need a night out and can't get a babysitter. (Believe me, it happened to me more than once.) But if they can't, I believe they should either pick a movie that is more suitable for the kids or do something else. And before they go to a movie with the kiddies, they should check out the previews and reviews to make sure there's nothing too intense. Having the kiddies screaming and crying through the film doesn't improve my moviegoing experience OR THEIRS. Just my opinion.

NOW THAT is a compliment!!!

© The Weinstein Co.
'Mrs. Henderson' Is Dench In Her Prime

By David Germain, Associated Press

Judi Dench could sit motionless on an overturned bucket surrounded by dancing emus, bodybuilders juggling small kitchen appliances and a tableau of naked nymphs, and she still would be the most interesting ....

Just saw this and couldn't resist. What an image! And I DO love Judy Dench. I think she may be who I want to be when I grow up.

Holly Happy Days

VE VISH YOU A MELLY CLISHMAS!
VE VISH YOU A MELLY CLISHMAS!
VE VISH YOU A MELLY CLISHMAS!

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(SOMEBODY got into the eggnog!)


Seriously Cie here -- Happy Holidays of whatever your inclination. I personally celebrate Christmas, but I have friends who celebrate Yule and Hannakah (sp?), etc. So Merry Merry everything!

I was looking for a particular old post to reprint and wound up going through a bunch of my old blogs. WOW. I can certainly tell which ones are from when I'm tired. They have no "spark" to them at all. The one I was looking for was the one asking "When Did Nice Become a Perjorative?" Took a while to find it. I've been doing this longer than I thought!

I also saw my posts from when Onyx was dying. I cried. I still miss him. Don't get me wrong. The cats I have are all wonderful animals. I know I love them just as much. But like people, they are individuals. You can't "replace" one with another.

I got the presents mailed before Christmas, but they will probably wind up being "New Years" gifts. I was just too sick and pooped to get it done earlier. I was talking to my sister on the phone and complained that I just always seem to get sick this time of year. She pointed out (gently, without even resorting to sarcasm) that I end up pushing myself too hard and trying to do too much, and my health just won't support it. SOOOOO A goal for this year is to start the whole holiday thing early and pick things up during the year so that I don't have that last minute rush.

I'm here right now pulling out an old project I started. It's called "Letters to My Son" (When I collaborated with my siblings on it and was thinking of getting it published, it became "Letters to My Child". Basically it's all the "wit and wisdom" (Yeah, right) I have tried to pass on to him distilled into nuggets. Going through it, I find I really do have a philosophy of life. It involves being open minded, tolerant, and kind. It respects hard work, honesty and integrity. It accepts that success should be judged individually rather than in some breakneck competition and that the most important things in life aren't really things. Free will is important, but so is personal responsibility for your actions and their consequences. I know I've told him all these things, and he even agrees with most of it. But I'm a writer. It's not just what I do, it's a big part of who I AM. So I put it down. Even if it never sees print, it's important to me that he has it and it is THERE. Not particularly sensible probably. But true nonetheless.

Fun Opinion Questions

What do YOU think the 3 worst casting decisions ever were:

Example:

John Wayne as Ghengis Khan in "The Conqueror."
Denise Richards as a NUCLEAR PHYSICIST? in the Bond movie (I think it's "The World is Not Enough.")
Tia Carrera as a green eyed redhead in "Kull."

3 worst movies ever. Good bad (i.e., "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" or just plain BAD.)

Thoughts?

FINALLY

OK, good news first. Last night for the first time in a while I was able to sleep without resorting to cough medicine!!! WHOO HOO!!! Yes, the asthma is still bugging me, BUT I BELIEVE (knock on wood, pray to heaven) that the bronchitis is OVER!!!! I'd shout for joy but it would probably trigger the asthma, so we will settle for a soft, but heartfelt, WHOO HOO. (grin).

HOLLY HAPPYDAYS AND MERRY MERRY!!!! Everybody be safe and enjoy as much as you can. Jim, I hope you're healthy again by now, but if not, take it easy!

Let's see, I got tagged by Yolanda so here goes:

Seven things to do before I die (Note, I have a 100 things list, but here's seven)
1) Parasailing
2) Traveling the world. (Particularly Alaska, Europe, Australia and New Zealand)
3) Make at least one bestseller's list.
4) Actually, truly be completely out of debt!
5) Keep writing and being published until I can write full time and actually support myself in the manner to which I want to become accustomed. (BUY OUR BOOKS) (HMNNN Maybe I should get a subliminal message thing going and write *BUY OUR BOOKS* every few lines)
6) Get my health back.
7) Play in a natural waterfall

Seven things I cannot do.
1) Bowl well. *BUY OUR BOOKS*
2) Deal with bigots.
3) Conform. (God knows I've tried. I just don't have it in me.)
4) Deal with class/status situations. (Part of that conforming thing)
5) Auto mechanics. I used to be able to do a little bit, but no more.
6) Remember names. (SIGH. It really is a necessary skill, and people get insulted as hell, but I've had a few head injuries and I literally CAN'T keep names in my short term memory.)
7) Wear high heels. *BUY OUR BOOKS*

Seven things I say/write most often.
1) *BUY OUR BOOKS* (LOL)
2) LOL
3) Thoughts?
4) Hi Guys!
5) Well....
6) Anyway,...
7) Take Care

Seven books or series I love.
1) Laurell K. Hamilton
2) Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden Series
3) Ours (LOL)*BUY OUR BOOKS* (LOL)
4) Dick Francis (Most of them)
5) Robert B. Parker (Spenser series)
6) The Far Side
7) Calvin & Hobbes

Movies I would watch over and over.
1) The Big Chill
2) It's a Wonderful Life
3) Love Actually

Just a Fun Thing if You Get the Chance

Flanders & Swann, "At the Drop of a Hat"
Some of the most funny things I've ever heard. It's from before I was even born!

OK, I have to ask, did the subliminal thing help? Are you going to: BUY OUR BOOKS????!!! LOL


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Hi Guys!

I have led a colorful life. Not lurid... (not QUITE) but colorful. I have a few regrets (but then again, like Sinatra, too few to mention). I was discussing that with a friend who has known me since high school. She indicated that all of the "mistakes" have made me who I am and have given me the fodder to be a novelist. It actually did make me feel better about some of my mistakes.

I do like where my life is now, and who I have become. If I changed anything, I would lose the lessons and be a different person. But there were people I hurt or who would be hurt by who I was and what I did, and I do regret that. But the one thing that is and always has been true. You can't change the past. All you can do is learn from it and move on.

I have, and I am.




Quote of the Day (not from a movie, but I like it):

I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was
not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: no good in a bed,
but fine up against a wall.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Welcome to Monday

What Is Your Calling? (Dark And Amazing Pictures!!!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Hey kids -- welcome to the last week before Christmas. Am I ready. NOPE. Am I in a panic -- not QUITE yet, but soon, very soon. (LOL).

Spent most of the weekend asleep. The bronchitis and meds have just been dragging me down. I'm doing better, but I'm still not well yet. Mostly, I think it's down to the bronchitis having kicked in my asthma so that anything and everything is triggering coughing and wheezing. UGH. Probably another week or two of that before I start feeling normal again. (I hope).

I'm gearing up to start writing and also trying to get my goals set again. As I said before, I've achieved most of the goals I had before, and that means I need to get a new set. Exciting and scary. Requires some major thinking too. It's funny how things change. I was looking at the goals from my 20s and comparing them to my goals from the past couple of years. I'm actually glad I didn't get some of the stuff from my 20s. Sort of a "be careful what you ask for" thing.

Can't think of a lot to say. Hope that you are all having a happy holiday season.

Take care of yourselves.

Can't think of a good quote today, so I'll put up my vote for BEST MOVIE ENTRANCE --

Captain Jack Sparrow, riding in to port on the mast of his sinking ship and stepping onto the wharf.

Wednesday Morning

HI!

Kandi -- thanks for the post! I have to tell you, I really needed the encouragement! Don't worry Tony and Sue are doing fine. ;)

My mind is still foggy. Trying to think creatively is like wading in quicksand. Every time I try I feel like I'm sinking fast. I'm hoping that when I'm off all the Rx I'll get back to normal. While I know that part of this is just post-book funk, and another part is being sick, it's really weird and a little scary for me not to have my mind racing along after some story or another.

I was thinking... always dangerous in my current frame of mind. But I remember a girl from my neighborhood when I was a kid. Whenever we played games, if she started to lose she'd change the rules. I think one of the reasons I've been so frustrated is that the same thing happens in adulthood. Every time you start to get a grip, somebody moves the bar.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm a big believer in progress. But changing the job description without changing the money just sucks. (That's metaphorically, not literally about my day job). If they keep moving the finish line, you never get to celebrate a victory. I'm the type that I NEED those celebrations to motivate me to push to the next level. I also need the occasional REST.

Once upon a time, back in the dark ages when God was a baby and dirt was new you were allowed a bit of a slower pace. When you weren't at work you were OFF (GASP). You weren't expected to have a phone with you at all times, check your voicemail, email, and everything from home. Turn around time for a project was measured in weeks or (if urgent) days rather than MINUTES. I love technology, but the fax machine and e-mail have made people have amazingly unreasonable expectations of how much you're supposed to get done how fast. And the stress is killing us. Stress eating, obesity, lack of down time to do things that might qualify as exercise. More and more people are adrenaline junkies. They can't BEAR NOT TO BE HOOKED UP AND A PART OF THINGS. Keep moving. Gotta run.

I'm POOPED. I hereby announce to all and sundry that I am going to try not to play that game regardless of their expectations. Wish me luck with that.

Hi Guys!

Hello. Let's see, a quick update on everything going on.

Copy edits are in on Captive Moon.

Howliday Moon is off to Tor (and we are crossing our collective fingers that she likes it)

Got the royalty statements, it's totally incomprehensible to me, but Cathy gets it and translated, and our agent understands it, so that's cool.

Touch of Evil comes out in March. The ads are out and pre-orders are good. The reviews are either glowing (YIPPEEE) or neutral. But that's not really a surprise to me as this is a very different take on both vampires and werewolves and many people like for writers to color within the lines.

We are in negotiations for the next contract. Looks good so far.

I am officially sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I also need to sit down and really plan out my goals and straighten out my head. If you don't know where you want to go, it's very hard to get there. I also need to figure out where I stand on some issues that have come up in my life.

I am also having some social issues. Probably made more obvious because of the holiday season. Wish me luck working through it.

Bronchitis AGAIN

Ugh.

As usual when I've pushed myself too far, I'm sick. Again. It sucketh big pond scum covered rocks. I have prescriptions out the wazoo and am a veritable crankypants. It will get better, but until it does you probably don't want to listen to what I have to say, so I will adjourn until I am a more civilized human being.

Take care all.

Cie

Stuff

I have discovered a couple of things in the past few days. They're interesting to me, although they may bore the pants off of you guys. (Just in case, you may want to read this at home to prevent embarrassing moments. Otherwise, it's strictly at your own risk).

(1) There are only so many hours in a day. I know. It's obvious. But the fact is, I keep TRYING to manage more than is even remotely humanly possible and then beating myself up because I can't. I have a full time job. I have a home life. I have friends and family. Oh, yeah, and I have this budding career in writing that takes huge whomping chunks of time on top of it. There is no WAY I can do everything perfectly to everyone's satisfaction (especially mine) all the time. When I'm up against a deadline, for example, ALL my correspondence falls by the wayside. My visits to online friends disappear. The blog gets one entry a week if that. I'm not available by telephone. AND I usually get sick besides. Some of my friends understand. Some really DON'T. They keep thinking "It'd just take five minutes" but multiply that five minutes times several people and the time just isn't there. I hate it, but it's a fact. So I have to forgive myself and move on. It's hard. I'm not particularly good at forgiving myself.

(2) I have to do a new list of goals. You know why? Really good news. I've achieved all but one of them. WOW... Had to stop and stare at that for a few moments in utter awe. I FRIGGING DID IT! Things I've wanted to achieve my whole life are happening. I'd do the happy dance, but I'm too blasted tired. (See (1) above -- and remember that we had a deadline for Cat for Monday). I heard and read that putting your goals in writing makes you 90% more likely to achieve them. Well folks, wasn't sure I believed it, but it's been working for me. SOOOOOOO the first free time I have (Monday night, I think, after I've sent Cat to Anna at Tor)I'm sitting down and plotting out the next group of goals. Wish me luck!

(3) I can't please everybody all the time. Hell, I can't please MOST of the people most of the time. Which leads to

(4) The best I can do is the best I can do. If I am truly trying my hardest and doing the best work I can, that's all I can ask of myself. Despite the trend of people saying "I gave it 110%" the fact is, 100% is it. That's all she wrote. The rest is hype and bullshit. And frankly, if you're in it for the long term, you need to spend most of your life at 80-90% so that when the real push comes and it's balls to the wall you've GOT 100% to give. Because once you've given everything, it takes a while to recharge.

For example, Cathy asked me an intelligent question yesterday. It required actual thought. My brain acted like a car with a dead battery on a sub-zero morning. It TRIED to turn over, but it sure as **** didn't WANT to start. Eventually I dragged a coherent concept out, but it took a while and it WASN'T pretty. That is because between work, home life and the Cat book, I was at 100% for a long damned time and the bod and the mind have now got to recharge.

So I need a couple of days where I take bubble baths and eat chocolate, read a few good books and play mindless computer games. Maybe I'll haul out the canvases and paints and finally do the paintings I've been wanting to work on. Whatever it takes to recover. Because I NEED to recover.


SO, I apologize here and now to anybody who was offended by the fact that I lost track of them completely over the past few weeks. I really am sorry. I truly couldn't help it. I'll try to do better (and will succeed up until the defacational matter hits the rotary oscillator again). I apologize that the blog has been both sporadic and boring. And if there's any other way in which I've screwed up -- I apologize for it too!

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

Later!

Cie

FRIDAY!!!!!!!

Cie is doing the happy dance. Actually, not quite. Too tired. But MENTALLY I am doing the happy dance.

First, I'm taking a quick break from the physical labor of hauling closed file boxes. But I'm actually getting things in order, which makes me happy.

Second (BLARING TRUMPETS FOLKS) THE DRAFT OF CATHERINE IS DONE. CATHY HAS IT FOR EDITS. TOMORROW I WILL REVIEW THEM AND MONDAY IT GOES TO TOR!!!!!

WHAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

In case you're wondering why the fuss -- this is the book that was originally the original Sazi book, the one that created the whole world (about a decade or more ago!). But circumstances conspired against it, and it didn't get up for publication until now. Unfortunately, since so many of the things that happen in the other books interact with this, it made writing the timeline REALLY TRICKY as the books overlapped. I think it is a really good book. I'm very proud of it. But OY VEY! So, if there are any mistakes, please be gentle with us. We tried REALLY hard.

And of course there are always the doubts. I am RIDDLED with self-doubt about the writing. What if they hate it? What if it doesn't sell? What if, what if, what if. I tell my inner doubts to shut the h*** up, but they don't listen.

Oh, this weekend also (assuming the second pass of edits doesn't take forever) I am going to pick up all the DC photos. This is a good thing as the stand alone (well, it COULD be the first of a series, but we're not looking at it as one) is going to be partially set there.

I liked DC a lot. I particularly liked the Hamilton Crowne Plaza. GREAT service. Nice folks. It was absolutely worth it to me! I'm not used to traveling and they made me very comfortable!

Well, life awaits. Break is over. Back to the old heave ho of vile (OOPS FILE) boxes.

Have a great weekend.

Cie

Hello

Hello all. Sorry I haven't been by. I am in the final stretch of many, many things and am just POOPED. I am trying desperately NOT to get sick, so I'm gargling salt water, taking vitamin C, etc. because I have a sore throat, runny nose and plugged ears. This, I believe, is as a result of riding on an airplane with lots and lots of people carrying germs my immune system had never met. ("HI Guys! Glad to meet you. SURE come on over. Let's PARTY!")

Oh, and I'm feeling (as you can guess from paragraph 1) a little surreal.

Let's see. News, news... Do I have any news... hmnnn...

Wellllllll, we're in negotiations with Tor for a contract for 2007. This is, of course, very good news.

I am literally at the last two paragraphs of Cat. I had to go to work so I had to stop. Can't tell you HOW FRUSTRATING that was!!!!! I'm delivering it to Cathy this evening along with all the notes and pictures, etc. that I used to frame the time line to make it fit with all the other existing books. Believe me, it was a trick. If I made ANY mistakes, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!!!

Oh, we're thinking about whether to have a newsletter, a forum or other stuff for the fans. So if anybody has any ideas or preferences, let me know.

Gotta run. Life calls. Be happy.

I don't have a movie quote, but I have a movie/book thought: Dumbledore saying that it's not our talents that define us, it's our decisions and our actions.

Lotsa love.

Cie

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving a day in advance. I don't think I will be on line tomorrow, so I thought I would take a moment to give everyone my best wishes.

I am thankful for so many things but I decided to name 10 (in no particular order):

1) My family.
2) My friends.
3) My animal companions past and present.
4) My faith.
5) The gift of actually being able to do the thing which I love and get paid for it.
6) My home, and all of the myriad of possessions which I have been given.
7) That I live in a time where there are so many modern conveniences (Let's hear it for modern medicine, central heating and indoor plumbing WHOOO HOOO!!!!)
8) That my health has improved enough that I am ALMOST healthy.
9) That I have enough food to eat.
10) For the beauty of nature.

I could go on forever, but I'll stop at 10 because most people have probably gotten bored and moved on by now. But that's OK. They get to. Just like I get to post this.

All of the folks who lost so much in the disasters that have hit all over the world are in my prayers. I have an acquaintance from New Orleans who lost practically all of her worldly possessions and is starting over. It is a daunting thought.

Blessings to you all, whatever your beliefs. Happy Holidays.

Cie

Hmpfh

Still trying to load pictures. I don't know why I can't seem to get the hang of it. Really very annoying!

http://www.ciecatrunpubs.com/touch%20of%20evil.front.jpg

Hope everybody is looking forward to a great Thanksgiving holiday. I am going to be resting and writing! I am very excited about the future right now. And I am more relaxed after the trip than I've been in a VERY long time. I have a great deal to be thankful for.

Of course, in my life, things tend to be a little bit more balanced than in a lot of folks:

Bad news -- clutch went out on the truck.
Good news -- my bank balance was almost EXACTLY the amount needed AND the clutch didn't go out when I was clear the heck in Austin, or on the way to the airport, but when I got back home and within walking distance of a friend's house so I could call the mechanic.

My whole life is like that. Almost completely balanced. From what I understand, it doesn't necessarily work that way for other folks.

Anyway, got the new clutch and the truck is back. Weird, weird, weird. It's like learning to drive a stick shift all over again because the new clutch is so sensitive and, as the mechanic put it "You certainly did get your use out of THAT clutch." (i.e., 'damn woman! You wore the poor thing out! Think you could've replaced it a LITTLE sooner?') LOL.

I had a very happy birthday yesterday. Things are going well for the most part. My blood pressure is even low.

Big smiles to everybody. Can't think of a great movie quote for today's mood, so I guess you guy's are just going to have to be deprived. (I said dePRIVED not Depraved! GRIN)

Cie

I'm Baaaaaaaaack!

Hi Guys!

Back from DC, tired but happy. Let's see...

I think the interview went well. I may have sounded like an idiot, but I gave it a try, which is definitely something! This is a national radio program, and then the interview gets published on the net as well. Since I don't believe we have that station in my area, I'm looking forward (and dreading) seeing the post.

It felt good to be in DC. The hotel (The Hamilton Crowne Plaza) was quite nice, the staff lovely (particularly the door men and the room service guy). I don't generally travel all that well. (I have a fatiguing illness that tends to kick up when I push myself hard to go on trips.) This time, however, I seem to be OK.

Only got to see about half of the sights I wanted to. There simply wasn't enough time and energy to go everywhere! Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial (currently being restored), Jefferson Memorial, WWII memorial, Holocaust Museum, etc. Have to admit the Holocaust museum was hard for me. Wound up getting caught up in the middle of a march about homelessness, which is really OK since, frankly, it is a charity dear to my heart. They were also having a Habitat for Humanity build on the National Mall, which I visited and took pictures of, because that too is one of my favorite charities.

Ate a lot at a terrific deli next door to the hotel. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of it or I would recommend it here. (Sorry).

I am now back, and pooped, but ready to get back in the thick of things.

Movie quote of the day. "Ferris Bueller, you're my hero!"

Thought of the day: If, in order to win the war, you become what you are fighting, you have lost more than any war.

Best wishes.


Cie

Trying Again

Tried to post the other day, and the picture I put up wouldn't work. Couldn't seem to delete it without deleting the rest of the post. UGH. Wish I was better at this stuff!

Heading off to DC early early in the morning tomorrow. VERY excited and nervous. Looking forward to it, but... well, I like travel in the getting on a roller coaster kind of way.

I'll let you all know how it goes. At least I still seem healthy!

Just for Fun

Your a happy go lucky girl! You love excitement and
fun anywhere! Very protective of your friends
and family you will do anything to make people
smile!


What Type of girl are you?
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Quote of the day:

"Rationalizations are more important than sex."
(After astonished looks from the other men in the room.)
"Have you ever gone a week without a good rationalization?"

Greetings and Salutations

Hi!

Cie here. I'm feeling a little better today. Still a headache, but no sniffles or cough. Definitely going to keep up with the vitamin C and rest though.

I have another kitten. This brings the cat total to 4 -- 2 above my usual. What happened was that the tiny stray kitten we had been taking care of (it belonged to a neighbor who wasn't taking care of it properly so I was feeding it, treating it for fleas, and generally giving it love and affection) got killed messily. It broke my heart. So when a non-collared, doesn't belong to anybody stray kitten came up onto my porch I fretted all night worrying that it would get killed too. The next morning, I opened the front door and he walked in like he owns the place.

The older 3 are getting used to it. Tibbs, the big (30lb) white male thinks it is utterly cool and loves playing with Gonzo. (Seeing this kitten the length and weight of a hardback book playing with a 30lb tom is a hoot -- the kitten can literally stand underneath Tibbs without brushing the big cat's belly!) Bacchus is wary, but getting better. Algonquin, however, is still royally pissed. She is SOOOO not amused. She hadn't completely forgiven me for adopting 2 cats last time instead of just one.

I think I annoyed someone with my honest opinion about the subsidy and POD publishing as industries. Alas, it is my honest opinion and I will stand behind it.

Bought the ticket to DC, and am in the process of working out the hotel and sightseeing itinerary. VERY exciting. I'm really nervous about it, but happy.

Well, gotta run. Hi ho hi ho!

Cie

Greetings from the planet BUSY

Hi guys!

Cie here. I've caught a cold. Those of you who know me know I don't GET colds. I go almost directly to bronchitis and pneumonia (do not pass go, spend at least $200.00). Now, I am trying DESPERATELY (see the all caps, I mean it) to take my vitamins, rest in bed, drink plenty of fluids and be CALM. (Stress just wipes out my immune system). I have to be clearheaded and healthy by the 17th when I fly out to DC for the interview and some actual (GASP) vacation. So everybody put in a good word for me to whichever diety you believe in.

The signing the other day was nice. Kind of quiet, but that's OK. We met a very nice man who was pushing his books. He'd brought his wife, who was charming, and much more ambitious than he.

Well, work awaits (as do the cold pills, OJ and sleep.)

Oh and VOTE if you get the chance. Here in the backyard of Texas there are some (at least to me) scarily conservative things that they're trying to push as constitutional amendments. I think that constitutions should be overarching documents that aren't tinkered with. Tinkering should be done with regular old laws by the legislators.

Then again, I'm one of those ****** liberal Yankee types.

Everybody have a great day.

Cie

Hello Again

Sorry I haven't been coming by much. Life has been, shall we say, LIVELY.

Let's see.

They delivered the piano. I closed on the house. The book is moving along nicely (although not as fast as I wanted). We have a book signing in San Angelo on Saturday. I'm being interviewed by Bill Thompson of Eye On Books (http://www.eyeonbooks.com/craft.php)in Washington, DC later this month. I'm getting my car worked on a bit, my teeth worked on a bit (I grind them when I'm stressed, and I broke another one. SIGH). Oh, and I have become addicted to Quizilla and it is all Yolanda's fault.

Do I sound busy yet? I feel like I'm on a gerbil wheel.

Movie quote of the day. (I'll try to remember to do one every time I blog)

"Don't torture yourself Gomez. That's my job."

Gotta run. Hope all is well with everybody and that you'll forgive me for not posting more often.

Cie

HI GUYS

Fun at the Titty Twister.


Which B-Movie Badass Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

OK I took the quiz. This is my "B Movie Badass." Now somebody tell me the movie so I can rent it! :)

Didn't write over the weekend. Took Saturday off and wound up sick Saturday night and most of Sunday. Just a little virus, but what a pain in the neck.

SOOOOOO close to the end. I know I'm ready for the book to be finished. Last night I dreamed a frustration dream about it NEVER ending. But tonight my son has to work, so I have hours and hours to get it done. Just hope I can manage it.

Closing got postponed until today. Piano got delivered yesterday. Life is good, but I still am tired.

Later.

Cie

Hi Guys

Faerie of Compassion-- You are the Faerie of compassion! You are loving, generous, honest, and helpful. You live your life for the sole purpose of helping others. When another person is unhappy you feel deeply for them and try to make them happier. Your soul is pure and without corruption from sins like greed and pride.


OK, I took the test linked to on Yo's Blog and that's what I got. Some of it seems a little too-goody-two-shoes, but some seems right on the money.

I'm doing a little better today. I got some writing done before work. Merged two big scenes together because the middle was dragging. I think this works better. We'll have to see.

I'm excited (and scared) about the house, I close tomorrow. I'm excited about the trip to DC for the interview (and nervous). I competed in public speaking in the way back dark ages, so I think I should be Okay, but I have to admit, I'm nervous. Besides, I hate my recorded voice. I sound like I'm about eight. Sigh.

Piano gets delivered this weekend. I don't know if I told everybody about it -- I thought I had told people, but maybe not. I haven't been talking much. Part of that is withdrawal because I've been feeling under a lot of pressure. But the piano, while not a particularly practical purchase, wasn't all that expensive. And I needed something for "me." I noticed that I was losing myself to all the roles in my life, and that the writing that used to be just for enjoyment is now my career and needs to be taken very seriously and treated respectfully. It's good. I love it. But you can't have everything in your life be work related. Some things need to just be for fun. Otherwise you get depressed and... well... cranky. (Sound familiar? Not that I've been EITHER of the above. Oh no, not me. That... that was my evil twin sister! Yeah, right! LOL).

Got a nice recliner. It's not exactly what I want so it doesn't "count." But it's a nice thing nonetheless. What I mean is, I have as a goal buying the perfect Lazy-Boy brand recliner. I know exactly the one I want. I've wanted it for years. But that puppy isn't cheap and I've been waiting until I got my life on track before I bought it. I'm still waiting, but I ran across this incredible deal on a nice reclining chair in the meantime, so I picked it up. But it's not what I want, so the goal still exists. I'm stubborn that way.

One day at a time. I have to have faith. Things will work out. It just takes time. Generally, I've noticed that it takes just about as much time to unscrew things as it did to screw them up in the first place. If so, I have a LONG road ahead of me.

Have a great day.

Cie

Short And Not Particularly Sweet

Hi Guys!

Things are mostly good here. Getting ready to actually buy the house! (WHOO HOO). I'll believe it's real when the paperwork is signed and I actually make the first payment.

Good pre-orders on Touch of Evil. It's looking very good. Makes me happy. There are some weirdnesses and questions as to dates, (different sellers show different ship dates listed.) We're checking into it.

My mother asked me an interesting question this morning. She asked why I never talk about my "real" job. I used to, when I worked at the University. There were lots of interesting people, and things going on, etc. And it occurred to me, when she asked, that while I like my new boss well enough, the job is just a job. I have friends who LOVE working in law. It's truly a calling for them. I don't. Never did. I'm good at it, it pays better than most of the other stuff (but not than the writing -- which is where I'm headed), but there is no joy in it for me. I do what I need to do, to the best of my ability, and that's it. I don't hate it. I don't love it. I just do it. (The Nike career philosophy.)

I'm slowly making friends in the new town, but the old friends from Denver were people I actually "fit" with. I keep in touch with most of them by e-mail. I don't fit here nearly as well. It takes time, and I know it. Over the course of the past year I've met a number of people who are developing into friends. But it's a slow process.

Depressing thoughts. I don't intend to be depressed though. I'm getting my house. My health is better. The books are going great guns. I just need to keep moving forward. Things work out given time and hard work.

Gotta run. Sorry I seem bummed today. I'll work on it.

I think I may be boring.

I think, perhaps, I may be boring.

Other people put snazzy pictures and such in their blogs (or really bad poetry and fan fic). I orate.

I live in a town where there is TRULY almost nothing to do. But even if there was, when would I do it? I work full time in law. (SNORE) I write as close to full time as I can on the novels and short stories (WHOO HOO -- SOOOOOOOOO not snore), I have a son, a house, pets, family obligations... and some ongoing health problems that make me not have as much energy to do other things as I'd like.

I have hobbies, but I couldn't tell you the last time I actually DID any of them.

I do have a warped sense of humor that comes in very handy. (See my post a la Lucy Ricardo), but a quick review of my life indicates that I am quite possibly dull.

But you know what -- I'm not sure I'm sorry. I look at all of the ANGST that was my life in my 20s, and all of these folks that are constantly in an uproar and it's just... exhausting. Maybe a little boring isn't so bad. Or, at least that's what I'm going to tell myself. Rationalization at its finest.

And the Beat Goes On

HI all! Working hard. Cathy came up with a brilliant idea that helped amazingly with the mystery short story for the next anthology. I will (WHOO HOOO) get it sent off later today in all likelihood.

I'm about to state an opinion here. I love writing mysteries. Really do. I like the anthologies we've been in and think they're great. But I have a problem.

THEY'RE POD.
(Print on Demand)

OK, for those of you not in the business. This is the "new thing" in publishing. It has promise in some ways. Using computer technology, they only print the books when they're ordered, no warehousing, no shipping, no waste.

BUT (AND THIS IS IN BIG LETTERS FOLKS)

The distributors don't carry them for the bookstores. Some/Most DO NOT ACCEPT RETURNS which means the bookstores won't carry the books because they'd be risking their shirts. AND YOU CAN'T GET THE BLASTED BOOK unless you order from either Amazon (sometimes) OR DIRECT FROM THE PUBLISHER.

Now books are an impulse purchase. People see it go "oooh" and pick it up. Then they say "hmnn, looks good" and buy. IF they don't see it. They won't buy it. No matter how good it is. You can publicize the hell out of it, but if the public CAN'T GET THEIR HANDS ON IT there won't be sales.

This all may change someday. But this isn't someday. And it's frustrating to see a good book NOT getting bought and read. Heck, just as a test *I* called my bookseller and asked him if he could order me copies. Nope. Couldn't get them. So, I'm going to be writing directly to the publisher myself. But while I will go to the trouble. Most members of the public wont. Which is a serious bummer.

It may change one of these days. But I don't think it will be in time for my poor little mystery anthology. Which is a shame. Because "Secrets" is a damned fine book.

Saturday Morning

HI Guys. Cie here.

It's Saturday morning. I'm hoping to get some things done this weekend, but I've been fighting off being sick all week (which is why I've been tired) so I may wind up not doing a blasted thing other than lay around. We'll just have to see.

But the goal today is to do and be me. I spend most of my life accommodating others. I work in a service industry, etc. The other day in dealing with somebody I discovered something alarming. I almost literally couldn't use the word "No." One syllable, two letters. Should be easy. I kept saying. "I don't think so." "That would be a bad idea." "I'd rather not." And the person just kept pushing. Finally they joked about how "Until you say no, it's still negotiable." So I said "No."

They weren't happy, but they also stared at me and said. "That was really hard for you wasn't it? Why? Why can't you just say no?" And I realized part of it was the time and place of my upbringing. Nice girls just weren't that aggressive. If we didn't want to do something we had to apologize and explain and avoid. What we wanted wasn't supposed to be as important as what the other person wanted, so standing up for it had to be done with the utmost delicacy.

Pardon me, but what a crock of shit. And I cannot tell you how hard it's made things. Because other people think "It can't be that important" or "She didn't say no" and just keep pushing, while all the while I feel like I'm being bullied unmercifully.

I'm definitely going to have to include this for a character somewhere sometime. I am also DEFINITELY going to have to work on it. But the habits of decades don't disappear overnight. So wish me luck.

HI GUYS/YO VIGGO!!!

OK feeling guilty for not having posted. Life has been BUSY. Good busy though. Writing is going steadily. It looks like I'll be able to buy my house (YEA!!!!!). Things like that.

Decided I needed a good break, so when I got "tagged" I filled out the following. Feel free to do the same. I'm dying to know more about you guys. ;)

1) My uncle: Which one? I have a bunch.

2) Never in my life: Have I danced with a lampshade on my head.

3) When I was five: I was hugely excited because I was learning to read.

4) High School was: Hell.

5) I will never forget: to be grateful for the terrific life I've got.

6) I once met: myself in a mirror in a store and said "excuse me" because I didn't recognize myself.

7) There’s this guy/girl I know who: Hmnn, can't think of anything exotic. Sorry.

8) Once, at a bar: I got one of those bend you over backwards so your hair hits the floor kind of kisses from the guy of my dreams. It was a GREAT birthday.

9) By noon I’m usually: Pooped.

10) Last night: I went home after work and crashed.

11) If I only had: Ten million dollars, a trip to the Bahamas and a good looking man to go with me.

12) Next time I go to church, I'll: pray hard.

13) Terry Schiavo: What a terribly sad situation. Horrific really. I feel so sorry for everyone involved.

14) What worries me most is: When my son is depressed or having a hard time. I never know what to say or do.

15)When I turn my head left I see: A poster regarding the Code of Professional Responsibility.

16) When I turn my head right, I see: The courthouse through my office window.

17) You know I’m lying when: You can just tell. I am SOOOO bad at it.

18) You know what I miss most about the eighties: Hair metal.

19) If I was a character written by Shakespeare: I'm not sure. Possibly Portia.

20) By this time next year: I hope to have hit the bestseller's list with one of our books and that my son will be in good shape.

21) A better name for me would be: The knickname I use.

22) I have a hard time understanding: People.

23) If I ever go back to school I’ll: be seriously shocked.

24) You know I like you if: You can tell. Honest. I'm not subtle.

25) If I won an award: it would be for writing.

26) Darwin? Mozart? Slim Pickens? Geraldine Ferraro? I'd have to go with Mozart because I think he is indicative of what children are capable of accomplishing.

27) Take my advice, never: underestimate the power of a woman with PMS.

28) My ideal breakfast is: really not on my diet.

29) A song I love, but do not have is: most of them.

30) If you visit my hometown: don't blink, you'll miss it.

31) Tulips? character flaws? microchips? track stars? Tulips, because with one kissing would be difficult.

32) Why doesn't everyone: take a day off and not worry about it.

33) If you spend the night at my house: I really hope you're a gorgeous, single, male who is seriously oversexed.

34) I’d stop my wedding for: I probably won't ever get married.

35) The world could do without: fanaticism.

36) I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: see my son hurt in any way.

37) My favorite blonde is: Hmnnn, more of a brunette type myself. Maybe Viggo. From everything I've read he also SOUNDS like somebody I could talk to. He writes, acts, and (if I recall correctly) paints. Not that I'll ever get to meet him, but still...

38) PAPER CLIPS are more useful than: a lot of stuff I own.

39) If I do anything well, it's: because I work hard at it.

40) And by the way, you should: not take things so seriously.

Welcome to Another Weekend

Welcome to the weekend. Time flies when you're having a life. So many good things, and so many busy things. I'm happy mostly. (But still planning on buying that Lotto ticket -- I'll let you know how it goes ;) Oh and Jim, sorry that didn't work out for you.)

Read a really fun book last night. It's called "Sophie Metropolis" it was very good. A fun book. Not heavy, just light-hearted fun.

(OOPS, work calls. I'll stop back later if I can.)

Cie

Just a Quick Check-In

Things are going well. I didn't sleep much last night, but other than that, very good things are happening and I am mostly happy. Probably the only things that would make me happier is a NYT bestseller or a WHOLE BUNCH (we're talking millions folks, I'm thinkin' big), like win the lotto kind of money. Since neither appear to be on the horizon for the next week (although I may buy a ticket), I will make do with what I've got and be grateful for it.

Saw a hysterical E-bay offering for men's leather pants. Made me laugh SOOOOO hard. Needed it too.

Well, gotta run. Life is calling. Be good. Be happy. Be careful.

:)

Odd POV Post

I do not suffer from a normal point of view. I have my very own.

In art class, freshman year in high school I noticed something "weird" about my work. (Actually there were several things weird about my work, still are, but moving right along...) Everybody else showed the light on all of their pieces coming from one side (the right I believe) with the shadows on the left. Mine was the exact opposite. On every piece. Weird. Since we weren't doing still lives or anything -- just stuff we chose for ourselves, it didn't matter. But it was definitely "odd".

Now perhaps it was merely that the other art students (all 40 or so of them) were morning people who used easterly light when setting up their work as opposed to my formerly night-owl self. But I kind of doubt it.

I also look at things from a very different point of view most of the time. So, I'm wondering if perhaps I was hard-wired a little different. I'm not complaining. Just wondering. And, since there is no way to prove it one way or another, wasting a bit of time.

Recently I've run into several people who really truly believe that they are entitled to an "enriching and satisfying work life." "I don't want a JOB, I want a CAREER." Which, I suppose is utterly lovely. But to have a CAREER you have to (a) figure out what you want to do, (b) train for it and (c) get hired to do it. (Which takes a bit of time, money, focus and more than a bit of luck.)

My mother told me once, a very long time ago when I was complaining about work sucking (and believe me when I say that the following truly pissed me off) that "That's why they call it WORK and they pay you. Otherwise they'd call it PLAY and you'd be paying them."

But she's right.

Bad news flash. Most people do not love their work. They're ok with it, may be good at it, but they do not, for the most part, LOVE and get a lot of satisfaction from it. That doesn't mean it isn't worth doing. In fact, it probably makes it more worthwhile on a whole lot of karmic levels (and keeps the world running with garbage collection, commuter buses, plumbing, and may other things that I don't think the workers doing them love). The thing is WORK shouldn't be the center of the existence. It's PART of it, even a big chunk. But it is not, and should not be, the whole enchilada. (IMHO) Wanting to work at what you love is where the whole cliche about the starving artist came from. Much more practical is the blue collar schmo who supports the wife and kiddies, but plays lead guitar in his rock band on the weekends.

Perhaps I'm being unfair. I am, after all, writing -- which I love and get satisfaction from. I even hope to do it full time (someday, oh please someday soon). But at the same time I have spent the past 30 years working, generally at more than one job. Some I liked more, some less, but they did not define me, they were not giving me "an enriching and satisfying work life." They did give me the paycheck to pay the rent and feed the kidlet until he became an adult.

"Life is what happens while you're making other plans." (John Lennon I believe.)

I'm seeing so many people who are not enjoying their life because they keep trying to force it to be something it isn't. It makes me sad, and very frustrated.


SO, I would like to take this moment to thank the Yurgis of the world. The workers who do what they gotta do without a lot of complaining, getting by a day at a time, paycheck to paycheck. I lift my glass to the secretaries, bus drivers, plumbers, janitors, garbage men, police, bus drivers, cabbies... EVERYBODY who plods along doing what they gotta for their check and doing what they wanna on the side.

Slante!

SEEKING OPINIONS

Hi guys!

OK, I have a problem with a bunch of books I've read, some by very famous and beloved (by me) authors.

They have a kick butt heroine. She is tough as nails, a perfect match for their Alpha male. Then, by the end of the book HE invariably rescues her, HE does all of the killing and SHE totally wimps out.

I hate it.

A LOT!

I think that if you really are kick ass you're not going to let super hunk do the dirty work for you.

But I've got it on good authority that romance readers aren't willing to accept a heroine who's that "bloodthirsty" no matter how much the bad guy has done and no matter how justified (or psychologically necessary) it is.

I think that wimping out your heroine and having her be the one rescued plays into the old "Prince Charming riding to the rescue" fantasies we've been raised on, and provides a great deal of satisfaction because of that, but I really think it does a huge disservice to the heroine and to the realism of the story.

I've been told I'm SOOOOO wrong about this from the romance angle and that I'm emasculating my males. I really strongly disagree. (BOY is that an understatement). I figure if they're big boys, they can handle it.

I guess I'm looking for a vigorous discussion. Maybe if I hear lots of discourse from the other side I'll even change my mind.

*************************************

I have posted the above in 3 different places for discussion. I have a feeling I'm going to get beat up on. But I feel really, REALLY strongly about it, so I'm willing to take the chance.

ANYWAY, everybody who views this, please comment and let me know where you stand.

Growing up.

It's funny to me. Kids can't wait to grow up. Most adults wish they could go back. We never seem to be content with what we have. I'm sure there's wisdom in there somewhere. Maybe someday soon I'll be smart enough to find it.

I'm in an odd mood today. Some good/some bad, all odd.

The short story for the anthology is done. I decided to add two sentences to the ending, so I have to go home at noon to do that. But then it's done and get's e-mailed out this afternoon. WHOOO HOO!!! I am now moving on to the next book. I am hoping to get the draft finished while Cathy works on the (sadly extensive) edits of Catherine. Bad news EXTENSIVE edits -- primarily because of the fact that I saw the blasted thing too many times. Good news, I have time to finish another draft.

I need to relax really, and sit down and decide where it is I want my life to go and how I intend to get there. The writing is part of it -- but it's not ALL of it. Writing is my joy and career. It shouldn't be my life. There should be more.

I tend not to take care of myself for one thing. I work full time and write, both of which *have* to be done. Then I schedule myself to the point of insanity doing things that actually do *need* to be done, and try to do things for others that *should* get done. At which point what I *want* tends to fall right off the bottom of the list. I keep hoping I'll get to it when I "catch up."

The sad part is, you never do catch up. There's always something that jumps in to fill the void. You just have to DO IT. I kind of equate it to laundry. You generally (well, *I* generally) aren't naked when you're doing laundry -- so there is always more and you are NEVER truly finished.

So my goal for the next week is to do SOMETHING every day that is JUST FOR ME.

WE INTERRUPT OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BROADCAST

To sing the Hallelujah Chorus.

The draft is DONE. Finished. Finito. The END.

THANK GOD!

(And no, I'm not being sacriligious. I am well and truly thanking my creator that the blasted thing is FINISHED.)

You see the trick is, THIS was originally the story that started the series. I have written it, completely, a minimum of five times. (I've lost count, but I have five different versions on disk and on this computer. There may, however, be more). Every time it was JUST ABOUT ready something happened. Then the world changed, and our writing improved, until the first drafts looked really pathetic.

BUT IT IS NOW DRAFTED, TO CATHY, AND FROM THERE IT WILL GO TO ANNA.

I would do the happy dance, but I'm too damned exhausted.

I hope to take 2 or 3 days to rest and catch up on all of the STUFF that accumulated while I was in the mad rush of writing. Then on to a short story and to finish the first draft of another book.

Wish me luck.

It's FRIDAY!!!!

WHOO HOO!!!

I am SOOOO glad to get to the end of the week.

The folks in the path of the hurricane are in my thoughts and prayers. We're far enough inland to be well out of danger unless it spawns a wayward tornado. This Sunday (after the draft of the book is DONE -- whoo hoo!) I am going through my closets and garage and getting everything organized for donation. Because there are bound to be people in need. I'm at least grateful that the intensity has dropped a bit. As bad as a category 4 was, I don't even want to think what the category 5 could do!

Catherine is in the end game. It may be good. It may be terrible. But it is, very nearly, DONE. Caught a plot thread that needed wrapping up last night, so that's what I did.

Pre-sales on Touch of Evil are doing well. (WHOO HOO - let's do the happy dance again).

Well, I'd better run. Real life awaits. But everybody be safe and have a good weekend. (Jim, say hi to your Dad for me and keep me advised!)

Cie

HI GUYS!!!! (WAVES)

Hi guys! Life is going pretty good. I worry about the folks in the path of hurricane Rita, but all we can do is wait. I particularly feel sorry for those people who were relocated TO Houston who are now running from the weather again! They must feel like they really pissed somebody off!

The book is coming along well. Last night was a transition scene and one of the "dropping of the gauntlet" moments. I'd hoped to get a little more done, but transition scenes are always the hardest for me. It shows too, which is why my drafts are so choppy. Thank God for a writing partner who knows how to edit!

Tonight is the last big scene before the climax AND, if things go well, the re-write OF the climax. We'll see. A part of me is SOOOOO nervous. What if it's crap. Unretrievable, unrelieved dreck? I'm like this every time, and I've done it enough now to KNOW that, but it doesn't make it feel any less real.

Well the world (and breakfast) awaits. Take care of yourselves out there.

Cie

GOOD NEWS

Good news day today.

First -- excellent German review of Moon's Web and an excellent review of the upcoming Touch of Evil online. Whoo hoo!

Second -- PROGRESS IS BEING MADE. Major scene number one is now written, along with 3/4 of the transition to major scene number two. That is on the plate for tonight. Then there is just the transition and updating and polishing the FINAL CONFRONTATION. (The last version that I am working from, I was so fried at the end that I rushed everything. You do NOT try to build tension for this big climax through the whole book and then only give it a page or two. SO not). ANYWAY, WHOOO HOOO. I'm seriously looking at having this delivered to Cathy for the editing process on SATURDAY AFTERNOON!!!!

(Watch Cie doing the happy dance).

Hi Guys

OK today is a better day. I'm feeling a little better about myself, and things are going very well. I'm in the home stretch writing wise. In fact, I'm going to Wally-world this afternoon to buy colored paper to run out the draft of the book for editing. I'm about 24-48 hours ahead of actually having the draft finished, but I want the paper as encouragement.

Two new scenes and beefing up the ending. It's all planned. I'm really excited and getting my momentum going.

THEN I print it out and go through the frustrating process of looking for (a) repetitive situations. (Which usually happens when you get interrupted and don't remember that three days ago you already said that. OOPS). (b) Repetitive words. (Every book has one. I don't know why. One book it was "slid", the next "eyebrows", but there's bound to be one, and I need to find that sucker.) and (c) GAPING PLOT HOLES. ("You can't have Bob do that." "Why not." Bob died three chapters ago.").

When I have everything I can find fixed (a day or two) I will send it on to Cathy, keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't absolutely DETEST it. I'm incredibly excited, and nervous.

Sometimes I truly Hate Myself

I suppose everybody does. But I'm good at it. YEARS of practice. And the habit of doing stupid things and SAYING ***REALLY*** stupid things.

I have a temper. It doesn't serve me well.
I'm insecure. Which triggers the temper.

I snarled at somebody who didn't deserve it when I was tired and feeling insecure. Now they're rightfully pissed and avoiding the hell out of me. I've apologized -- but once something's out in the air it doesn't just "go away" no matter how much you may want it to. I feel like complete and total assh*** and wish there was a way to fix it. There just isn't. All I can do is continue to apologize and hope we can move on eventually. Oh, and not doing it again would be good. I REALLY hope I can manage THAT.

Greetings and Salutations

It's FRIDAY (watch Cie doing the happy dance -- badly). Seriously, I am SOOOOOOO glad this week is over. Excited too. Why? Because

(1) this morning there were (DRUM ROLL HERE) NO CRISES!!!! Not one. I had the opportunity to get ready for work without ANYTHING major going wrong. WHOOO HOOO!!!!

(2) We have a signing at Kady's Books in Houston tomorrow.

IT'S THE WEEKEND (and boy do I need one!)

Well, back to the salt mines. Have a great day folks!


Cie

At the risk of looking like Lucy Ricardo

OK, this is just one of those things that I should probably keep to myself but won't.

There are some days when it just doesn't pay to get out of bed.

The only purpose for these mornings is as writing fodder (and you can count on seeing the following incident in an upcoming short story).

I have plans for the next couple evenings, and we have a signing I want to look good for on Saturday. SO, I got up early this morning, canceled my exercise plans and set about coloring my hair. Simple enough, right?

WRONG!!!

I get started. Everything's fine. I go to the shower to rinse out the goop and...

The drain plugs. Completely. (INSERT SWEARING HERE).

I climb out, begin toweling off and...

The cat blasts into the bathroom at a full run and DIVES INTO THE TUB filled with (probably toxic) hair goop.

I DIVE to slam the door shut so that the (now traumatized) cat can't escape, GRAB the traumatized pussycat (folks, I don't recommend doing this naked -- REALLY), and carry him clawing and screaming over to the sink where I commence to rinse the toxic goop off of his wildly squirming body. (Trust me, he LOVED that).

Let the cat out of the bathroom. Pull on some clothes and leave, making ABSOLUTELY SURE that the bathroom door is shut and latched so that I can safely go to the store for drain stuff.

They're out.

OK. Finally get drain goop, go back home.

THE FRIGGING DOOR IS OPEN.

Shrieks ensue. My son rousts from a sound sleep to help me gather and check pussycats. BELLY crawls under beds to check all three cats -- are they fine? Are they wet? SH**!!! (they are all three completely dry Thank GOD)

Go back to the bedroom and tend to the drain.

AND ALL THIS BEFORE I CAN GET READY FOR WORK!!!

If anyone wants autographed copies...

They are available from Damon at Waldenbooks in San Angelo (We're also doing a signing outside of Houston this weekend -- see our events spot on our website). BUT, if none of that works for you. Please read the following. We're participating along with several other authors. (Note, they're romances and chick-lit primarily because it's a romance site. We're probably the most "action" oriented of the group).

*Permission granted to forward*

As many of you know, RWA® Online has teamed with Author, Author! online booksellers to offer our authors' and our workshop presenters'books in a virtual signing (hence "cybersigning") during the month they are released. These books are available to everyone (yes, that's EVERYONE).

Featured titles this month:

Anna Adams: Another Woman's Son
Claire Cross: Third Time Lucky
Carly Phillips: Hot Number, Summer Lovin', Brazen
CT Adams and Cathy Clamp: Moon's Web, Hunter's Moon
Lucy Monroe: Blackmailed into Marriage, Ready
Lori Avocato: The Stiff and the Dead
JoAnn Ross: Blaze

Previously featured and still available

A Dose of Murder - Lori Avocato
Loving Mercy - Teresa Bodwell
Sex on Holiday - Sylvia Day
Love Is All Around - Lori Devoti
Here Comes The Bride - Laura Drewry
Uncontrollable - Susan Kearney
Death Is Forever - Elizabeth Lowell
Shall We Dance - Kasey Michaels
Beach Blanket Bad Boys -- Signed by Lucy Monroe
The Real Deal - Lucy Monroe
Finders Keepers - Linnea Sinclair
The Backup Plan - Sheryl Woods
Three Down the Aisle - Sheryl Woods

We hope you'll take advantage of our cybersigning project to increase your personal library and to support the featured authors. Each book is personalized to the buyer so, get your signed copy today!

To place your order or for more information:

http://www.rwaonlinechapter.org/cybersigning.htm

http://www.author-author.net/

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS

Hi guys!

BOY does time fly when you're having deadlines! WOW. I hadn't realized how long it's been since I wrote. I'm surprised if anybody is still stopping by!

Things are good for the most part -- there are always going to be frustrations, but that's life.

I have been very disappointed in the federal government's handling of the disaster. If I get started on THAT I'll just get cranky and up on my soap box. So, I won't. I just ask that everybody do what they can.

I'm hopeful about the future. Dreams do come true, but you have to work at them. The present can be difficult, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel and it does NOT appear to be a train!

I'm working hard on the Cat manuscript. Tonight is the big love scene. I spent the weekend trying to find "down" time where the hero and heroine aren't too blasted BUSY and exhausted to do anything. It's very tricky for me. I'm much more into "action" than "romance" in the writing. But I don't want to skimp on it either, or have it be unbelievable. On the other hand, I'm not going for porn either. Balance is everything.

Well, gotta run.

Hi Guys

Sorry about the rampant politicism of the previouis blog(s). I am moving forward with my efforts to donate and do the right thing for all the hurricane victims (New Orleans wasn't the only decimated spot), and I'm praying hard to know WHAT to do.

It is hard, and sad, and very, very scary.

I'm taking today to do household stuff, finish a project or two and write.

Tomorrow, I am doing NOTHING and I am doing it VIGOROUSLY. I'm so blasted exhausted I can't even THINK, so I need to REST. Editing will come in the next couple of days, and definitely writing. But while it's work, writing and it's subsets are also my JOY. It makes the rest of the work/work bearable knowing that there will come a day when I don't have to put up with anything I don't think I should. But that day is not today, so I not only pretend to conform, but pretend to be "happy" about it -- though it kills a little part of me to do so.

(GEE, aren't I just a little ray of sunshine today! SORRY!)

I'll write again when I'm more rested and in a better mood. Take care of yourselves and each other.


Cie

A SERIOUS POST

OK. I can't get past it. So I'm going to vent a little. This is totally mine (Cie's). It is NOT Cathy's, or anybody else's opinion and nobody else should be held accountable for it.

There are heroes everywhere. I am so proud of each and every person who has volunteered a boat to go looking for survivors, to the crews struggling to save patients at hospitals or shelters, the drivers ferrying terrified residents out of the chaos, the rescue crews and their dogs, searching for survivors.

BUT

1) WHY THE HELL wasn't there a better evacuation plan in place for emergencies?
2) WHY IN THE *HELL* are some of these people shooting at the people trying to save them so that it's difficult if not impossible for the rescuers to DO THEIR WORK?
3) HOW IN THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN!!!!
4) TRYING to LOOT *****HOSPITALS***** (insert swearing). That is SOOOO low I can't even express it.

I can understand being frightened. I can understand keeping a gun with you for self-defense as you make your way to the evacuation points. I can't SEE gangs and violence and looting just for the sake of chaos.

I hope that our government learns from this.

I hope that things like the bases they were closing can be converted into long-term housing -- because, like it or not, this is going to be a long term problem. Some of the pollution issues could even be permanent.

It breaks my heart, truly, that the poorest, most ill and helpless are the ones suffering the most from this. I hope we can all pull together doing what we can, to help others in the spirit that "there but for the Grace of God, go I." I hope it. I pray for it. And I do see some of it. Truly. But seeing the other... it both makes me angry and fills me with despair.

Where is the unity our country showed after 9-11?

Hell, where is the ORGANIZATION we're supposed to have in place thanks to 9-11 and the huge allocation of resources to "security?"

I am not a political creature. I don't understand how we could NOT have been more ready for a disaster.

I hope and pray that every single person will do what they can. I truly do.

Welcome to the Weekend

THIS IS NOT A SERIOUS POST. IT IS A HAPPY POST. In fact, it is happy enough that I almost feel guilty. I know others are suffering, and I do intend to pray and do things to help, but my life is marching on. So, please excuse me if it is in poor taste to seem happy right now, but I really can't stand to stay negative too long.

***********************************

Welcome to the beginning of the holiday weekend. Hope everybody is having a good time. Yo, if you don't have a holiday, please raise a glass anyway, just 'cause. :)

I FOUND EM!!!!

What, you ask? The cards and note pads that I promised to send with the old cover for Moon's Web. I was SUPPOSED to send them to two of our FIRST fans and then LOST the blasted things. (Can you tell I needed to clean my office? NAH, say it 'aint so.) SO, we'll try again.

Captive Moon is FINISHED and to the editor. (Let us all now pause to do the happy dance)

Howling Moon (sorry, hate that title, but may be stuck with it.) Personally I prefer "Moonlight Special" as suggested by my son. But alas, that may have to wait for another book. But there WILL be other books, so I continue doing the happy dance.

The kidney infection is getting better SLOWLY. Of course the fact that I've been completely exhausted and pushing myself instead of resting in bed like I'm supposed to doesn't have ANYTHING to do with the extended healing time. Nah, 'course not! (Yeah, right). Ah well. Life does not stop. At least mine doesn't. I'm doing the best I can. Sometimes it's better than others.

Work/work is currently a severe pain in the patootie. (DELETED SECTION BECAUSE... WELL, YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT).

Anyway, speaking of work. Back to it.

Have a great weekend.

Hi Guys

First, my condolences to all who have lost friends and family in this disaster. Please, everyone, do everything you can to help the victims.

On a more personal note --

I'm POOPED. Cathy and I have been really pushing ourselves. My health isn't happy. The Antoine book is, however DONE. It will be sent off to the editor TODAY!! WHOO HOO!!! Cat isn't far behind.

I'm hoping to take this weekend to just REST and recover. We'll see.

In the meantime, everybody be good to themselves.

Our Tsunami

They are calling this hurricane "our tsunami". Considering the size of the waves they're describing, I guess it isn't far wrong.

I'm just stunned. I know, I'm supposed to have words for everything. I'm a writer. But there are no words. I read where they're putting refugees in the Astrodome and they've cleared the calendar there until DECEMBER. Holy Freak Batman DECEMBER. It's only September 1 tomorrow.

I'm completely flummoxed -- and wind up sounding like an airhead every time I think about it (see previous post). It seems WEIRD also having other countries offering US aid. Kind of backwards. Could well be we'll be needing it too. Wow.

Pray for everyone.

OK Weird

I wrote something about Katrina, the Red Cross, and why I don't understand random looting. (Although it occurs to me that if you don't have safe food, and you don't have access to emergency services... I dunno. I'm such a regular customer at my local grocery, I'd probably leave 'em a note with my list so they could charge me. But that's the advantage of using little local stores. I had a couple in Denver (They eventually sold out for big money -- SIGH.) that I went to for YEARS, we watched each other's kids grow up, they delivered to my house when I was sick with pneumonia free of charge, special cut my meat, special ordered things for me all the time. Same with the little family-owned pizzaria. I miss that. A lot. Even though I'm in a small town now, I don't get that level of service most of the time. Although the butcher at the meat shop is beginning to know me though, which is improving my service there.

ANYWAY, back to the point. I believe in helping others, so as soon as I can I'm sending donations to the relief efforts. The people in the gulf area have been so hard hit. The photos of the devastation are just amazing. It's such a BIG disaster, I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around it. I've been sending e-mails to folks I know in that area making sure they're OK. I haven't heard from some -- but then power has been out, etc. So I'm keeping them in my prayers and hoping that there won't be too many deaths.

HMNNNNNNN Stuff and Fan Fiction

HI Guys!

OK, the weekend is almost here again. Where the HECK is the time going I feel like George Jetson on the treadmill!

Let's see...

They did a second small print run on Hunter's Moon. :) BIG good news. It's still selling steadily and well. :D

Moon's Web is selling solidly, but not as well as Hunter did at this time. :( (Which means folks, PRETTY PLEASE go tell everybody -- word of mouth helps.) Basically I think a couple things might have happened. (1) We had the change of covers, so some of our publicity went out with the old cover and folks got confused (maybe another author who has had that happen said it really had a negative effect on her sales. I dunno.) (2) When they were promoting Hunter they were promoting the start of the whole line -- so now the line is out and they're back to normal so we didn't get any extra marketing push and special placement.

BUT

We're getting MUCH more fan mail on Moon's Web (probably triple), and the reviews are coming in BETTER than for Hunter. SOOOOO I think it will build, maybe more slowly than we'd like, but I believe it WILL build. But word of mouth is good. (HINT HINT ;))

COOL NEWS -- It looks like I may actually be able to go to The Vampire Lestat Ball. Keeping my fingers crossed. (Sorry about the pun. Couldn't help myself). AND there is a possibility (depending on if I can haul my heinie to Washington DC) of my getting an interview on "Eye on Books" at a future date. This would be seriously cool because (a) Well known site with a seriously cool interviewer; (b) The interviews go up on the website for them, which is excellent exposure since he interviews the really big names (which we, of course, want to become). That's still up in the air, but we're working on it.

Health is so/so at the moment. Ugh. Working on that too.

OK ONCE UPON A TIME...

I said I would give my opinion on fan fiction.

My opinion is.... "Whatever."

I know. How inflammatory is that!!!!

But, seriously, I would be flattered as hell that somebody loved the books and the characters enough to want to play with them. But I'm not going to read it and risk getting my... ahem... heinie sued off. I think some fan fiction is as good as the original works -- and some is just absolute dreck, a lot are fun, some are really and TRULY perverted (I may never look at Harry Potter the same way again after having stumbled across one particular piece when looking for samples to see what all the kerfluffle was about!)

Some authors think that by doing fan fic you're saying they screwed up by not putting something in, or going the direction they did. Nyeh.... metz metz. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I mean you can't exactly make everybody happy and it's foolish to try. You do the best you can and hope there's an audience out there who will agree with you. (And buy books -- LOTS AND LOTS of books ;))

I do feel bad about a couple of things -- for one literacy is down. People don't read fiction. UGH! I do have hope for the younger generation though. The Harry Potter phenomenon made reading cool again.

SKUNK

Well, have to say, I'm not looking forward to work next week. At all. See, we have this little problem. It's black, with a wide white stripe down it's back. At least I ASSUME that's what it looks(looked) like. Somewhere around or under the building where I work there lurs(lurked) a skunk. It has occasionally been spraying the area. Particularly the area by our office. Bad enough. But now I think it may somehow have crawled under the building and died. At least that's what it smells like. OOOO baby, and in summer too!

I love animals. I do not love skunk smell. Last time we had to deal with this it lasted over a month -- and it wasn't nearly this bad.

Life is such an adventure!

Welcome to Friday

Welcome to Friday.

I've been thinking of buying a piano. I used to play when I was a kid. I miss it. I actually did have some talent at it -- not enough to make a living, but enough to enjoy myself. So I think I may get one now that I'm a grown up and spend what little time I have for relaxing playing the piano and singing the blues.

Yup, the blues.

My son tells me I was born the wrong color and in the wrong generation, because my voice was absolutely made for the blues. I love it. And I love gospel music. And really GOOD bad songs. There's a certain joy to singing something that is just SOOOOOOO bad it's wonderful. (Think "Why Don't We Get Drunk and Screw?" or "Let's Do Something Cheap and Superficial" or how 'bout a new one "Alcohol", or the ever classic "Copa Cabana"). My voice isn't what it used to be. I'm aging, and it's suffering from disuse. But I can still have fun with it, and I want to. Just like I want to do more of my paintings. But everything takes time, and there are only so many hours in a day. (Again I say unto you -- "Sleep? I don' need no stinkin' sleep!")

I'm going to be spending the weekend writing. That makes me happy. The book is coming along -- probably well. I can't be sure. I'm at place where I usually wonder if I'm wasting my time, if it's irretrievable, unreadable dreck, etc.

But I'll keep plugging.

HI GUYS!

Hi guys -- stealing away for a couple minutes very quickly to update y'all.

Things are going well. BUSY, but well. Cathy and I are each making progress on the manuscripts we're working on. (Our style of working is to each do a book separately, then trade for editing, then trade back). Work is nuts! Personal life is cranking as well. So, believe me, I'm not missing out on blogging by choice, there are just so many hours available and sleep has to come in there somewhere. (Sleep, I don' need no stinkin' sleep -- LOL)

I'm going to try to take time to do a REAL update this evening. Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get to. I still have opinions on things like Fan Fiction and... well... everything. I just feel as though life has become a downhill slalom: WHEEEEEEEEEEEE oh shit there's a TREEEEEEEEEEEEE, WHEW missed it, WHEEEEEEEEEE.

ALSO, want to take a quick minute to welcome the new folks. HI MOONCATX!!!! (Cie is jumping up and down and waiving).

Gotta run -- the lift's arrived. (GRIN) Later.

HI GUYS/HAPPY WEEKEND

OK, I am doing this quickly while I have a minute. Things are insane busy. Good busy, but still insane.

The next mystery anthology is coming up quickly, and other things are going on as well. I'm really hoping that I will have good news to pass on soon.

If so, maybe I'll host another Blog Party -- if, of course, anyone would be interested. Hmnmnn. We'll have to wait and see.

Well, better run. Sorry this is so short, but I have miles to go and things to do.

Later.

Cie

OY!

Oy! My schedule has been NUTS. I keep thinking I can make it slow down, but that just doesn't seem to be working. I've never down-hill skiied, but I'm wondering if it's like this - exhilerating and a little crazy.

I can't even say what's got things so riled up. They just are. Work at the day job is crazy, but it has been for a while now. Writing is going well, but it isn't getting nearly the time I'd like to give it. Just... stuff I guess.

Have to take the cat to the vet again, his eye isn't healing up very fast. It's better, but it's not healed. This has been going on for a couple weeks. UGH. Hate having him feel bad. Hate vet bills. (Almost as much as I hate MY medical bills).

Raining again. It's been doing that a lot lately. I understand the midwest is having a drought. We are SOOOOOOO not.

Hope you have all had the chance to pick up Moon's Web. Hope you love it! Either way, like it or loathe it, please (pretty please) drop me a comment or e-mail to let us know how we did.

Jim, if you get a chance could you do me a favor? Drop me an e-mail with suggestions as to where to stay in New Orleans. I'm going to try to go to Lestat. Keeping fingers crossed that life won't intervene again!

Later guys. Thanks for stopping by, even though I haven't written much.

Cie

Thanks and Stuff

Thanks Yolanda for posting the review for us! Appreciate it. Also, glad you like the new cover for Kate/TOE. We're not posting it up anywhere like the blog or website yet because we want Moon's Web to get the glory for a little while. (But Jim, if you're interested and can get big attachments I can sneak you a peek).

Moon's Web is doing well and we're very proud of it. The whole cover thing is tricky because some of the publicity went out with the old cover, so it keeps cropping up (and OOOPS the space cadet forgot to send the stuff to Jim and Yo. SORRY! I'm writing myself a note now!)

Writing on Cat went marvellously during my vacation, but has slowed down this week as I try to get my feet back under me at the "real" job. One of these days I hope that writing will be the "real" job and the day job just filler. Not yet, but VERY soon I think.

Well, speaking of which, I'd better get back to it.

Cie

QUICK CORRECTION

Re-read previous post. Hunter and Web might be on the shelves, but with Cathy as the sole author.

But I'm glad that we're co-authors.

And I'm happy with the direction my career is taking.

And I'm rested enough that I'm actually thinking creatively again!

Amen I say unto you -- WHOO HOO!!!

WHOO HOOO

OK, vacation's drawing to a close (SIGH). BUT, the good news!

THERE WERE COPIES OF MOON'S WEB IN WALMART IN SAN ANGELO YESTERDAY!!! WHOOO HOO!!

Not at any of the other stores yet, but IT'S OUT!!!! (Cie is doing the happy dance).

I do not think I will ever, ever not be thrilled at seeing my book on the shelves of a store. Even better, seeing it in somebody's hands as they're browsing and don't even know I'm there. Since this is what I've dreamed of doing since I was 4 years old, I just can't quite get over it. My mind just won't wrap itself around the fact that it's REAL. They exist, in real paper and print. The people in my head are actually out there being loved and/or hated (or ignored) by people I've never even met (and, even in countries I've never had a chance to visit.) How cool is that?

I mean, truthfully, how many people actually GET to live their ultimate dream?

The new book is coming along. I had one day last week when I had the galloping "OhmiGods" where I look at everything I've written and think it's utter dreck and why do I even bother? So I just shut off the computer and went for a walk. Didn't even look at it again until the next day when suddenly, while it wasn't even close to perfect, it wasn't THAT bad, might be salvageable if I... and pretty soon I was rolling along. There are days when I'm just TOO negative and have to step back because otherwise I'd delete it all and never get anything done. Once you have a complete project you can edit the hell out of it if you have to. But you have to GET to that finish line. Otherwise you run out of joy and energy and the project just dies. I can't tell you how many half-finished projects I have.

Funny thing, the other day I was backing up the computer prior to doing a complete overhaul (see previous blogs regarding rants on viruses) and I ran across this really seriously cool scene that was obviously the beginning of something. Had a helluva hook, really grabbed me. AND I HAD NO FREAKING CLUE WHAT THE STORY WAS. It was just GONE. Something I started, didn't finish, and didn't outline a plot since I figured I'd remember it when I saw it.

Cathy said, oh well, we can always replot it, and I suppose we can. But what a waste. And I probably quit on one of those super negative days. But at least I'm learning. "Back away from the computer." If I hadn't, there wouldn't BE copies of Hunter's Moon and Moon's Web on the shelves. (BIG GRIN. CIE IS NOW DOING THE HAPPY DANCE AGAIN BECAUSE ****IT'S ON THE SHELVES*****!!!!)

HI GUYS!!! (WAVES VIGOROUSLY)

I've been on vacation this week. (As you know from previous posts). I have been plugging along on the new book. It's going well for the most part. Although, frankly, you occasionally get these setbacks. For example, I wrote a lovely scene a couple of months ago. Very intense. There is one of the seers who isn't sure the new attack victim can be trusted to keep her mouth shut, so she performs this rite that makes a blood oath that will cause the attack victim's death if she breaks the oath. Sound familiar? It should if you've read the latest Harry Potter. Yup, totally separately came up with the concept of the "Unbreakable Vow." But now that she's used it I can't, so I have to revise that whole section -- a section I'd completely forgotten about because I was so much further along in the book. Sigh.

Things like that happen all the time. Makes me wonder about that whole "collective unconscious" theory. But any way you slice it, the rewrite has to happen.

BUT even so, I think the first draft will be done by the time I go back to work on Monday. HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!!! Yes, it will need work and polishing, but that's OK if we've got the plot lines down and the real sense of the book itself. At least I hope so. Crap but it's hard writing third person. And, of course, I'm back in the throes of "everything I write is crap, they're never going to accept this, woe is me." (Insecure? Moi? Surely you jest.)

James is doing OK. My health is OK. I'm actually RELAXED for the first time in ages. So, hey, good news all around.

Oh, and while I haven't been posting anywhere much because of writing deadlines, I have popped by a couple places. Mostly lurking because of time constraints.

Hope all is well with all of you too. Write if you can.

Cie

IM ON VACATION!!!!!

WHOOO HOOOO!!! WHOOO HOO!!!!

I'm on vacation. Nah, nah, nah nah nah!!

(Envision if you will Cie dancing around like a madwoman shouting "I'm FREE!!!")

Now, don't get me wrong. I have a pretty good job when it comes down to it. But I work HARD at the law office. Then I work hard on the books, and at running the house and being a mom and... well, you get the picture. Actually taking time for MYSELF to do what I want is virtually unheard of. I have, other than trips for visits to relatives (which, while quite nice, are not playtime and thus don't count in my book as a vacation) or business trips had precisely ONE vacation in the past... um, let's see, twenty years or more. I think I'm due.

Now, originally I was going to the RWA Convention. But illness and circumstance conspired against me. So I canceled. But I can't say as I regret it. Because now, I actually am going to get the chance to do something for ME.

Rather than plan the heck out of my time off, I decided that this vacation I was going to roll with it. If I want to go somewhere, I will. If I don't, I won't. Sleep when I want, read, go to movies. But most of all, dare I say it (Yes, I DO!) I am going to WRITE!!!!!!! Because truth be told, the one thing that makes me connect back with ME and be happiest is writing the books. After all these years, despite the fact that it's hard work, it is still my joy. A person is very, very, lucky if they get to get paid for what they love most and getting paid for it doesn't ruin it for them. I have to look up quite often and say "Thanks!" to my maker, because truth is, I've been given a pretty spectacular life. Oh, I've worked hard, and it's had some bad times. (The health problems sucketh big time). But overall, oh YEAH, I've been given the golden ticket, and I know it.

So, for the next week, I'll be popping by AND I'll probably be disgustingly, outrageously happy. So get ready. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.


Cie

PS No cover yet on Touch of Evil (affectionately referred to as TOE or Kate)
Actual copies of Moon's Web have arrived at the publisher. Should be out soon. WHOO HOO!!!
OH, and we won another award for Hunter. The placque (sp?) is going up in my office.

Everybody have a great week!

Cie

Hi Guys (WAVES!!!)

Hi guys!

I'm incredibly busy lately, but I don't want to neglect you guys. Good things are happening. We've had a request for copies of HM and MW from a German site that is trying to promote new American authors. WHOOO HOO!!! Want to encourage that (1) because we want an international audience, but also (2) because Captive Moon is SET in Germany. How cool is that. Also, Yolanda, just FYI, Cathy and I have been kicking around the idea of putting something in your neck of the woods. Of course that would mean we'd have to pester you about authentic Australian details!

Moon's Web comes out very soon. Happy times. Vacation coming, which means LOTSA writing. WHOO HOO!

Well, back to the grind. Please keep coming by!

Cie

WHOOO HOOO

HI GUYS!!!!

All right -- it's ALMOST time. I can't believe it, but Moon's Web is due out any time. Official date of release is August 2, but sometimes they get out early, so soon... very soon.... Those of you who got advance copies, if you could post what you honestly thought (good or bad - although if it's bad I doubt you'd be here reading this, because you'd have given up on us) hither, thither, and yon. (i.e., Amazon, Barnes&Noble & anywhere else you can think of).

I got my computer completely clean and running like a champ. (I think I posted about that the other day), I got to meet with Cathy extensively today to talk about the book she's working on -- the draft of "Captive Moon" (Antoine's story, third person)(BTW, it is really, seriously going to kick butt from what I can tell. Of course, I admit to being just a TEENY bit prejudiced [grin]). I got my work caught up, my insurance paid, and TA DAH!!!! I CAN NOW WORK ON CATHERINE!!!!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! I can't EVEN tell you how much I've missed writing. I have been SUCH a cranky pants!

ANYWAY, I'm off to the house to WRITE!!! (Happy, happy, joy, joy, happy happy joy!!! Oh, how happy, you have made me. OH how happy, YOU have made me!!!)

Toodles guys!

Cie

It's Raining It's Pouring

And MAN did we ever need it! WOW! What we don't need is the lightning, but oh well. I will need to be careful because, once you've been hit by lightning once, you're more likely to be hit again. Don't want to get hit again. OH NO. No thank you very much.

Anyway, gotta run. Happily planning the vacation. Will keep in touch.

Cie

Vacation

Hi Guys!

I am not going to Reno. Between the bronchitis/pneumonia that I caught and everything else that has been going on, I'm pooped. So I'm taking the time I would've spent at convention and resting and writing in seclusion. I want to finish Catherine. I also need some ME time. This is an opportunity for both.

I regret missing the convention in some ways. The networking opportunities, the chance to actually meet some of the people I've had the opportunity to talk to online... but after some serious soul-searching I had to admit I'm just not up to it right now. Next year instead.

In the meantime, everybody take care of themselves. I'll try to keep in touch. I've not been blogging as much because my schedule hasn't permitted it, but I think things are going to slow down a titch, and I should be able to keep up again.

Cie

OK TRIED TO POST THIS EARLIER AND IT DIDN'T WORK. TRYING AGAIN. Not that it's brilliant or irreplaceable. I'm just that stubborn!

Welcome to a New Week

Welcome to a new week. I think today is going to be a good day. I got some things done this weekend that I've been needing to do just to maintain sanity. One of the biggies -- I had to completely strip down and reformat my computer because I've had a virus and was getting total system failure every... oh, ten minutes or so. Hard to write that way. VERY nerve wracking. So I managed to get the whole thing done and the machine runs like a champ! WHOOOO HOOO!!!

I'm also making plans for a little vacation. I'm not sure what I'm going to do, but whatever it is, it's going to be for me. I've been needing a little TLC, and I plan to get it!

Well, not much to say. Looking for good jokes if you have 'em.

Later.

Cie