Hey YO! Hiya Jim! Hi Shawn! Guten Morgen AE! And greetings to everybody else who comes by.
Let's see, I haven't got much time (snuck into work very early to get a bit of this done since my social obligations have been being totally neglected!)
Yo -- I'm so proud of how much writing you're getting done, and that your little one is enjoying kindy! As soon as I get done judging the books for the contest I'm hoping to track down all your work online. I love your stuff, but I haven't had time to do any reading that isn't required. Sigh.
Jim -- I really hope your Dad is doing better. He's had a really rough year! Give him my best and tell him to take it easy. Hope to stop by the Werewolf Cafe again soon. I stopped by last night, but just read a few posts and lurked. It's really gotten BIG. WOW.
AE -- CONGRATS on the novel!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! BIGGGGGG attapersons! Let me know when it is on the shelves so I can get a copy!
Hi Shawn! I'm really glad you've been stopping by!
Uh oh, life is calling. Gotta run. See everybody again soon I hope!
Cie
Monday, February 13, 2006
Hi guys!
Hey YO! Hiya Jim! Hi Shawn! Guten Morgen AE! And greetings to everybody else who comes by.
Let's see, I haven't got much time (snuck into work very early to get a bit of this done since my social obligations have been being totally neglected!)
Yo -- I'm so proud of how much writing you're getting done, and that your little one is enjoying kindy! As soon as I get done judging the books for the contest I'm hoping to track down all your work online. I love your stuff, but I haven't had time to do any reading that isn't required. Sigh.
Jim -- I really hope your Dad is doing better. He's had a really rough year! Give him my best and tell him to take it easy. Hope to stop by the Werewolf Cafe again soon. I stopped by last night, but just read a few posts and lurked. It's really gotten BIG. WOW.
AE -- CONGRATS on the novel!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! BIGGGGGG attapersons! Let me know when it is on the shelves so I can get a copy!
Hi Shawn! I'm really glad you've been stopping by!
Uh oh, life is calling. Gotta run. See everybody again soon I hope!
Cie
Let's see, I haven't got much time (snuck into work very early to get a bit of this done since my social obligations have been being totally neglected!)
Yo -- I'm so proud of how much writing you're getting done, and that your little one is enjoying kindy! As soon as I get done judging the books for the contest I'm hoping to track down all your work online. I love your stuff, but I haven't had time to do any reading that isn't required. Sigh.
Jim -- I really hope your Dad is doing better. He's had a really rough year! Give him my best and tell him to take it easy. Hope to stop by the Werewolf Cafe again soon. I stopped by last night, but just read a few posts and lurked. It's really gotten BIG. WOW.
AE -- CONGRATS on the novel!! WHOOO HOOO!!!! BIGGGGGG attapersons! Let me know when it is on the shelves so I can get a copy!
Hi Shawn! I'm really glad you've been stopping by!
Uh oh, life is calling. Gotta run. See everybody again soon I hope!
Cie
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Saturday
OK, I tried to post yesterday and life intervened. So I put what little I did get done.
Time is moving way WAY WAY too fast for me right now. I can't keep up with everything. The day job is utterly insane and exhausting to the point where I'm stressed out of my gourd and having health problems. My goal has been to switch to part-time in August, but I may not make it that long. I am not willing to commit financial suicide, but I am also not willing to completely ruin my health either. Life is more of a balancing act than I am capable of pulling off gracefully.
New book is going well. Slower than I would like (actually time is going FASTER)but it is coming along. The draft that Cathy is working on is coming along well too. So, hopefully by the end of the month we'll have two finished first drafts before we dive into the books for contract. The goal is to get AHEAD of the game instead of constantly being scurrying behind.
We have conferences coming up, which is good. We got the cover for the next book. We suggested some changes. We'll see how it turns out. Frankly, we don't get official input into the covers at this point (most authors don't which is why you'll see a blonde on the cover of a book with a dark-haired hero). I am still desperately trying to acquire a copy of the original print run of "Castles in the Air" it has become notorious because it was the cover with the three-armed woman. Don't know a thing about the book, but I want that cover!
I look back at the past couple years and I just have to stare in wonder. It just amazes me how much I've learned, and how far we've come. WOW. One of my life goals was to be a "multi-published author of book length fiction." I AM. Seriously, how cool is that?! As I sit here we have out: Road to Riches (the Western from Western Reflections); Hunter's Moon (Sazi); Moon's Web (Sazi); Short stories in The Abyss (Dark romance anthology -- Ian); Secrets (Mystery anthology) and coming in Secrets II; Touch of Evil (new vampire book) is out next month; Captive Moon (Sazi/not Tony's perspective) coming in August; Howling Moon (Sazi/I hate the title, but couldn't come up with anything better) coming in January of '07); and at least more are currently planned for '07 but not detailed out yet. That's a lot of books. That's an actual CAREER. Whoo hoo! It's work. It's hard. But damn, it's also fun!
Well, I have a lot to do today, and writing is high on the list. So I'm going to sign out.
If I don't pop by as much as I should, I apologize. I'm REALLY hoping things will slow down -- but I don't honestly EXPECT them to until I switch to part time. I only have so much energy, and there are only so many hours in the day. Still, I do hope you'll keep coming by. I'd miss you if you were gone!
Time is moving way WAY WAY too fast for me right now. I can't keep up with everything. The day job is utterly insane and exhausting to the point where I'm stressed out of my gourd and having health problems. My goal has been to switch to part-time in August, but I may not make it that long. I am not willing to commit financial suicide, but I am also not willing to completely ruin my health either. Life is more of a balancing act than I am capable of pulling off gracefully.
New book is going well. Slower than I would like (actually time is going FASTER)but it is coming along. The draft that Cathy is working on is coming along well too. So, hopefully by the end of the month we'll have two finished first drafts before we dive into the books for contract. The goal is to get AHEAD of the game instead of constantly being scurrying behind.
We have conferences coming up, which is good. We got the cover for the next book. We suggested some changes. We'll see how it turns out. Frankly, we don't get official input into the covers at this point (most authors don't which is why you'll see a blonde on the cover of a book with a dark-haired hero). I am still desperately trying to acquire a copy of the original print run of "Castles in the Air" it has become notorious because it was the cover with the three-armed woman. Don't know a thing about the book, but I want that cover!
I look back at the past couple years and I just have to stare in wonder. It just amazes me how much I've learned, and how far we've come. WOW. One of my life goals was to be a "multi-published author of book length fiction." I AM. Seriously, how cool is that?! As I sit here we have out: Road to Riches (the Western from Western Reflections); Hunter's Moon (Sazi); Moon's Web (Sazi); Short stories in The Abyss (Dark romance anthology -- Ian); Secrets (Mystery anthology) and coming in Secrets II; Touch of Evil (new vampire book) is out next month; Captive Moon (Sazi/not Tony's perspective) coming in August; Howling Moon (Sazi/I hate the title, but couldn't come up with anything better) coming in January of '07); and at least more are currently planned for '07 but not detailed out yet. That's a lot of books. That's an actual CAREER. Whoo hoo! It's work. It's hard. But damn, it's also fun!
Well, I have a lot to do today, and writing is high on the list. So I'm going to sign out.
If I don't pop by as much as I should, I apologize. I'm REALLY hoping things will slow down -- but I don't honestly EXPECT them to until I switch to part time. I only have so much energy, and there are only so many hours in the day. Still, I do hope you'll keep coming by. I'd miss you if you were gone!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Holy Crap it's FRIDAY Again!
Hi guys. WOW. Time is moving SOOOOO fast. I don't even know where to start! Late at night a puppy was roaming the streets near my house. Very busy streets. Sweetheart of a pup, but undernourished. (I bet you can see where this is going.) Anyway, "Lucky" is a hound/pointer mix, has now been to the vet, and is putting on weight. I am attempting to find a good home. I'm a bit over-animaled at the moment. But the critter is cute, and smart, and I may be in real trouble here.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Hello
Hi. It's Saturday. Survived another week. Read a couple of books I mostly enjoyed. This was a good thing.
Have been having sleepwalking/night terrors again. This is not a good thing. Generally that happens when I am stressed out of my gourd and also having problems with the chronic fatigue crapola. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS my sub/unconscious gave me a very clear picture of what's up and what I need to change. SO -- today is for ME BABY. Having loads of fun doing the things I LOVE. Writing is among them. WHOO HOO.
Gotta run.
Later maybe I'll post a couple of paras from the WIP.
Cie
Have been having sleepwalking/night terrors again. This is not a good thing. Generally that happens when I am stressed out of my gourd and also having problems with the chronic fatigue crapola. BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS my sub/unconscious gave me a very clear picture of what's up and what I need to change. SO -- today is for ME BABY. Having loads of fun doing the things I LOVE. Writing is among them. WHOO HOO.
Gotta run.
Later maybe I'll post a couple of paras from the WIP.
Cie
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A Quick Note
Hi guys! Hi Shawn!
I'm writing for the first time since the weekend. Things have been NUTSOLA at the day job. All the beginning of the year stuff combined with my being sick for a few days made me get really behind!!!
Got one of the big scenes done on the new book. First big confrontation. Heroes first run-in with real magic. Lotsa fun. Makes me happy!
Did an interview with a friend on RWA Online about creativity. It was a lot of fun. Made me really examine things like how I feel about my characters. (As weird as it sounds, they're as real to me as the people sitting next to me on the bus -- and I have no more right to change them than the guy I don't like at the fast-food restaurant). I also got a chance to post my views about how "just because a character is a certain way doesn't mean the writer is. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." I can't tell you how many times I've heard rants about how some author wrote about a zealot or a person from a terrible background and that must mean THEY are a zealot or come from a horrible background. The truth of the matter is, NO. You can observe how a zealot acts and write about it (or GASP use your imagination) without being one. And honestly, happy backgrounds are relatively common, but you know what, they SOUND boring on paper. Don't really give your character a lot of motivation either. Angst just plays better. (Sorry Mom). So it's much easier to give your character some familial angst whether you've had any or not.
ANYWAY, gotta get back to work. Life is calling on the red phone.
Later!
Cie
I'm writing for the first time since the weekend. Things have been NUTSOLA at the day job. All the beginning of the year stuff combined with my being sick for a few days made me get really behind!!!
Got one of the big scenes done on the new book. First big confrontation. Heroes first run-in with real magic. Lotsa fun. Makes me happy!
Did an interview with a friend on RWA Online about creativity. It was a lot of fun. Made me really examine things like how I feel about my characters. (As weird as it sounds, they're as real to me as the people sitting next to me on the bus -- and I have no more right to change them than the guy I don't like at the fast-food restaurant). I also got a chance to post my views about how "just because a character is a certain way doesn't mean the writer is. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar." I can't tell you how many times I've heard rants about how some author wrote about a zealot or a person from a terrible background and that must mean THEY are a zealot or come from a horrible background. The truth of the matter is, NO. You can observe how a zealot acts and write about it (or GASP use your imagination) without being one. And honestly, happy backgrounds are relatively common, but you know what, they SOUND boring on paper. Don't really give your character a lot of motivation either. Angst just plays better. (Sorry Mom). So it's much easier to give your character some familial angst whether you've had any or not.
ANYWAY, gotta get back to work. Life is calling on the red phone.
Later!
Cie
Friday, January 27, 2006
Sometimes the best plans are NO plans
Sometimes the best plans are no plans. Just relaxing and floating on the stream of life.
I do have to say I am VERY glad that it is FRIDAY!!!! WHOOO HOOO!!!!! OH HECK YEAH!!!! (Hmn, you'd think I wanted to get away from my day job for a couple of days! Surely not! (LOL)
I'm trying to make sure I don't overplan this weekend and just take some time to relax and enjoy. I have a tendency to be very purposeful and driven trying to get everything done efficiently. There's definitely times for that, and it is a quality that helps me achieve my goals. But there has to be balance where you relax, otherwise you "run the car out of gas and/or blow the motor".
I've been running on empty for a while. So it's time to refresh.
Gotta Run.
I do have to say I am VERY glad that it is FRIDAY!!!! WHOOO HOOO!!!!! OH HECK YEAH!!!! (Hmn, you'd think I wanted to get away from my day job for a couple of days! Surely not! (LOL)
I'm trying to make sure I don't overplan this weekend and just take some time to relax and enjoy. I have a tendency to be very purposeful and driven trying to get everything done efficiently. There's definitely times for that, and it is a quality that helps me achieve my goals. But there has to be balance where you relax, otherwise you "run the car out of gas and/or blow the motor".
I've been running on empty for a while. So it's time to refresh.
Gotta Run.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
2nd post of the day. WOW
OK, this song is stuck in my head today. Another favorite.
John Lennon (Apparently from Double Fantasy)
Watching The Wheels
People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings
to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm o.k. they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game
People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice
designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine
watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy
you're no longer on the ball?
I'm just sitting here watching the wheels
go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
People asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and look
at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry...
I'm just sitting here doing time
I'm just sitting here watching
the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
John Lennon (Apparently from Double Fantasy)
Watching The Wheels
People say I'm crazy doing what I'm doing
Well they give me all kinds of warnings
to save me from ruin
When I say that I'm o.k. they look at me kind of strange
Surely you're not happy now you no longer play the game
People say I'm lazy dreaming my life away
Well they give me all kinds of advice
designed to enlighten me
When I tell them that I'm doing fine
watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time boy
you're no longer on the ball?
I'm just sitting here watching the wheels
go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
People asking questions lost in confusion
Well I tell them there's no problem, only solutions
Well they shake their heads and look
at me as if I've lost my mind
I tell them there's no hurry...
I'm just sitting here doing time
I'm just sitting here watching
the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
In Pursuit of an Untamed Water Fowl
Isn't that nicer than saying "a wild goose chase?" The book led me down the garden path for a bit. I was trying to make things more complicated than they needed to be. Sometimes you have to prune back some of the subplots or they overwhelm the book. It is something I may have failed to do with Cat, which is why I'm so worried waiting for the editor to write back. (Actually, one of MANY reasons, another of which is rampant paranoia!)
HI JIM!!!!! HI YO!!!!! HI A.J.!!!!!!
Guys, I appreciate your stopping by. Jim, I'll be sending you a personal response as soon as I can. I was going to write an e-mail last night, but wound up staying late at the day job. Maybe at lunch or tonight! ANYWAY, thanks for writing!
I'm getting happier again. Still having some physical trouble, and work at the day job sucketh a bit, but I'm getting happier... I guess just cause. Anyway, I'm not going to question it!
Gotta run. Life waits for no one.
Cie
(Possible mis)Quote of the day from John Lennon: Life is what happens when you're making other plans.
HI JIM!!!!! HI YO!!!!! HI A.J.!!!!!!
Guys, I appreciate your stopping by. Jim, I'll be sending you a personal response as soon as I can. I was going to write an e-mail last night, but wound up staying late at the day job. Maybe at lunch or tonight! ANYWAY, thanks for writing!
I'm getting happier again. Still having some physical trouble, and work at the day job sucketh a bit, but I'm getting happier... I guess just cause. Anyway, I'm not going to question it!
Gotta run. Life waits for no one.
Cie
(Possible mis)Quote of the day from John Lennon: Life is what happens when you're making other plans.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Posting these song lyrics
I'm posting these song lyrics because, well, I have the song stuck in my head. Fortunately it's one of the ones that makes me smile. It's by the Indigo Girls:
CLOSER TO FINE
I'm trying to tell you something about my life
maybe give me insight between black and white
and the best thing you've ever done for me
is to help me take my life less seriously
it's only life after all
yeah
well darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
and lightness has a call that's hard to hear
I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it
I'm crawling on your shores
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
there's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
and the less I seek my source for some definitive
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
and I went to see the doctor of philosophy
with a poster of Rasputin and a beard down to his knee
he never did marry or see a b-grade movie
he graded my performance, he said he could see through me
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind
got my paper and I was free
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
there's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
the less I seek my source for some definitive
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
I stopped by the bar at 3 a.m.
to seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend
and I woke up with a headache like my head against a board
twice as cloudy as I'd been the night before
and I went in seeking clarity.
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
yeah we go to the doctor, we go to the mountains
we look to the children, we drink from the fountains
yeah we go to the bible, we go through the workout
we read up on revival and we stand up for the lookout
there's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
the less I seek my source for some definitive
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
~Indigo Girls, words and music Emily Saliers
CLOSER TO FINE
I'm trying to tell you something about my life
maybe give me insight between black and white
and the best thing you've ever done for me
is to help me take my life less seriously
it's only life after all
yeah
well darkness has a hunger that's insatiable
and lightness has a call that's hard to hear
I wrap my fear around me like a blanket
I sailed my ship of safety till I sank it
I'm crawling on your shores
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
there's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
and the less I seek my source for some definitive
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
and I went to see the doctor of philosophy
with a poster of Rasputin and a beard down to his knee
he never did marry or see a b-grade movie
he graded my performance, he said he could see through me
I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind
got my paper and I was free
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
there's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
the less I seek my source for some definitive
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
I stopped by the bar at 3 a.m.
to seek solace in a bottle or possibly a friend
and I woke up with a headache like my head against a board
twice as cloudy as I'd been the night before
and I went in seeking clarity.
I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountains
yeah we go to the doctor, we go to the mountains
we look to the children, we drink from the fountains
yeah we go to the bible, we go through the workout
we read up on revival and we stand up for the lookout
there's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in a crooked line
the less I seek my source for some definitive
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
the closer I am to fine
~Indigo Girls, words and music Emily Saliers
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Hi Kids
Cie here:
I HATE TRANSITION SCENES!
I am sitting down at work checking my e-mails because I am assiduously avoiding a transition scene. I absolutely know where the action goes next, but I have to GET there. ARGH!
Got rid of some of the hostility by cleaning house yesterday. I've also been baking. Generally speaking I have this interior "Threshhold" that if things get too chaotic or dirty beyond it I go nutsola. I don't like that about myself, but it's the truth. So yesterday I got things back to my comfort level. I hope they'll stay that way, but I'm betting they won't. My cats and my son have a very different comfort level. They LIKE messy -- or at least messier than I like it.
Went to Y's blog and wound up getting tagged.
What were you doing ten years ago?
Working my ass off doing between two and four jobs. (Yeah, that's right, I said FOUR. (1) Full time legal secretary at the law school; (2) part time legal secretary for a criminal defense attorney; (3) house-sitting; (4) part time typing for bail bondsmen. (I was also raising my son and TRYING to write my books).
What was I doing 1 year ago?
Working full time at the law office here in Texas, working part-time writing books and doing all of the miscellany that goes with it. (Signings, conferences, etc.) Helping my son get back on his feet.
5 Snacks I enjoy:
Pepsi
Milk Chocolate
Plain potato chips
My home made jerky
My brownies or chocolate chip cookies
5 songs you know all the lyrics to:
OK, there are too many of these to mention. Once upon a time (in a galaxy far, far away) I had a photographic memory and an excellent audio memory. (These went away after a particularly nasty little head injury when I was 18 or 19) Because of this all of the pre-injury stuff is filed away, including all of the Old-School country music stuff my parents loved and I hated desperately.
5 things you'll do when you're a millionaire (thinking positive):)
1. Pay off all my old debt, including the house and the vehicle.
2. Give to charity.
3. Set up trust funds for my son and my aging parents.
4. Re-fund my retirement 401K
5. Switch to writing full time.
(Wow, don't I just look like the party girl!)
5 bad habits:
Biting my nails.
Not getting enough rest or taking good enough care of my body.
Eating and drinking too much sugar.
Pushing myself too hard to accomplish more than is actually physically possible.
Procrastinating about things that I feel helpless over.
5 things you like doing:
WRITING.
Reading.
Singing with my son.
Playing computer games.
Seeing my books on the shelves in the bookstores. (Yes, I AM a closet egomaniac!)
5 things you would never buy or wear again:
BIG hair.
Spandex. (Other than a swimsuit -- or maybe not. I really don't like to swim either)
(IF I CAN HELP IT) High heels and pantyhose
Midriff tops.
5 favorite toys:
MY COMPUTER
My CD Player and stereo.
My truck.
My Zen garden
My art supplies.
5 people you would give this to.
ANYBODY WHO HAS THE TIME AND WANTS TO.
I HATE TRANSITION SCENES!
I am sitting down at work checking my e-mails because I am assiduously avoiding a transition scene. I absolutely know where the action goes next, but I have to GET there. ARGH!
Got rid of some of the hostility by cleaning house yesterday. I've also been baking. Generally speaking I have this interior "Threshhold" that if things get too chaotic or dirty beyond it I go nutsola. I don't like that about myself, but it's the truth. So yesterday I got things back to my comfort level. I hope they'll stay that way, but I'm betting they won't. My cats and my son have a very different comfort level. They LIKE messy -- or at least messier than I like it.
Went to Y's blog and wound up getting tagged.
What were you doing ten years ago?
Working my ass off doing between two and four jobs. (Yeah, that's right, I said FOUR. (1) Full time legal secretary at the law school; (2) part time legal secretary for a criminal defense attorney; (3) house-sitting; (4) part time typing for bail bondsmen. (I was also raising my son and TRYING to write my books).
What was I doing 1 year ago?
Working full time at the law office here in Texas, working part-time writing books and doing all of the miscellany that goes with it. (Signings, conferences, etc.) Helping my son get back on his feet.
5 Snacks I enjoy:
Pepsi
Milk Chocolate
Plain potato chips
My home made jerky
My brownies or chocolate chip cookies
5 songs you know all the lyrics to:
OK, there are too many of these to mention. Once upon a time (in a galaxy far, far away) I had a photographic memory and an excellent audio memory. (These went away after a particularly nasty little head injury when I was 18 or 19) Because of this all of the pre-injury stuff is filed away, including all of the Old-School country music stuff my parents loved and I hated desperately.
5 things you'll do when you're a millionaire (thinking positive):)
1. Pay off all my old debt, including the house and the vehicle.
2. Give to charity.
3. Set up trust funds for my son and my aging parents.
4. Re-fund my retirement 401K
5. Switch to writing full time.
(Wow, don't I just look like the party girl!)
5 bad habits:
Biting my nails.
Not getting enough rest or taking good enough care of my body.
Eating and drinking too much sugar.
Pushing myself too hard to accomplish more than is actually physically possible.
Procrastinating about things that I feel helpless over.
5 things you like doing:
WRITING.
Reading.
Singing with my son.
Playing computer games.
Seeing my books on the shelves in the bookstores. (Yes, I AM a closet egomaniac!)
5 things you would never buy or wear again:
BIG hair.
Spandex. (Other than a swimsuit -- or maybe not. I really don't like to swim either)
(IF I CAN HELP IT) High heels and pantyhose
Midriff tops.
5 favorite toys:
MY COMPUTER
My CD Player and stereo.
My truck.
My Zen garden
My art supplies.
5 people you would give this to.
ANYBODY WHO HAS THE TIME AND WANTS TO.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Hi Guys!
Good Morning. It's Thursday. For some reason I keep trying to make it Friday instead. SIGH. Not that I'm looking forward to the weekend or anything! LOL.
Writing has slowed a bit. But I know where it's going and I know it's there. The trick is that this is an entirely new world. That means I'm doing a lot of backstory and world building -- things that won't be used in the book, but help me relate to the characters and their history with each other, world rules, etc. For example, The Battle of Kittens is something that happened in the past. It was, in fact, one of the most ludicrous situations the heroine was ever in. It also turned into a real political mess. It will never see the light of day in the book, but it is important to her history with Pug and their relationship. Another is the situation of how she met Pug in the first place. (Pug, by the way, is a gargoyle -- one of the smaller stone trolls.) All of it is fun to think about, and useful in the grand scheme of things, but it doesn't get the pages out. It just makes me more able to get the pages out later.
I'm HOPING to successfully change the avatar for this blog. I'm wanting to add the cover for Touch of Evil, which is coming out in March. We'll see. For some reason I'm not nearly as good with computers as I used to be. I think it's a combination of (1) lack of concentration, and (2) I don't have nearly as good of equipment to work with as I did at the university. Still, I SHALL PREVAIL. (RAWR) (Picture me standing with my fist pumped and a red cape billowing behind me.
Writing has slowed a bit. But I know where it's going and I know it's there. The trick is that this is an entirely new world. That means I'm doing a lot of backstory and world building -- things that won't be used in the book, but help me relate to the characters and their history with each other, world rules, etc. For example, The Battle of Kittens is something that happened in the past. It was, in fact, one of the most ludicrous situations the heroine was ever in. It also turned into a real political mess. It will never see the light of day in the book, but it is important to her history with Pug and their relationship. Another is the situation of how she met Pug in the first place. (Pug, by the way, is a gargoyle -- one of the smaller stone trolls.) All of it is fun to think about, and useful in the grand scheme of things, but it doesn't get the pages out. It just makes me more able to get the pages out later.
I'm HOPING to successfully change the avatar for this blog. I'm wanting to add the cover for Touch of Evil, which is coming out in March. We'll see. For some reason I'm not nearly as good with computers as I used to be. I think it's a combination of (1) lack of concentration, and (2) I don't have nearly as good of equipment to work with as I did at the university. Still, I SHALL PREVAIL. (RAWR) (Picture me standing with my fist pumped and a red cape billowing behind me.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Hmmmnnnnn.....
Hi guys, welcome to another Friday.
I was looking at someone else's snarky blog (nobody who visits here). It was cute, but maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it. Then again, maybe it just didn't suit my sense of humor. My boss thought it was hysterical (which is why he told me to take a look at it). He thinks the writing is terrific.
**************************
OK, one of my new goals/resolutions is definitely having mixed reviews.
I am generally fairly non-confrontational -- particularly when I have to interact with the person on a regular basis. It has to be a pretty serious matter before I'll bring it up. Otherwise, why shovel excess defacational matter? Because, let's face it, nobody wants to hear that you think they were wrong about something -- because if they thought it was wrong, they WOULDN'T have done it.
BUT one of my resolutions is to take more control of my life and stand up for myself a little better. The thing is, no matter how nicely you try to do this, most people who interact with you are fairly invested in the status quo. Even if they think they want you to do more, they want to choose what more you do. It doesn't work that way. If you're going to be more assertive, it will probably have to be across the board. So, I'm running into some friction across the board, and the question becomes "What do I do about it?" Do I go back to the background, or live with the friction until they "get used to it"?
I haven't decided. I have responsibilities, but I also have to be true to myself. It's something to think about.
****************************************
Did the first half of my goal setting. Now comes the hard part -- the plan on how to reach them and the back up plans, and the list of things I'm willing and NOT willing to do to get there. Wish me luck.
*****************************************
Looking forward to a weekend. Book is going well, mostly.
Sorry this is so disjointed. But that's the way my mind is working today. Very short, harsh, impatient thoughts. Not good. Definitely not good.
I was looking at someone else's snarky blog (nobody who visits here). It was cute, but maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it. Then again, maybe it just didn't suit my sense of humor. My boss thought it was hysterical (which is why he told me to take a look at it). He thinks the writing is terrific.
**************************
OK, one of my new goals/resolutions is definitely having mixed reviews.
I am generally fairly non-confrontational -- particularly when I have to interact with the person on a regular basis. It has to be a pretty serious matter before I'll bring it up. Otherwise, why shovel excess defacational matter? Because, let's face it, nobody wants to hear that you think they were wrong about something -- because if they thought it was wrong, they WOULDN'T have done it.
BUT one of my resolutions is to take more control of my life and stand up for myself a little better. The thing is, no matter how nicely you try to do this, most people who interact with you are fairly invested in the status quo. Even if they think they want you to do more, they want to choose what more you do. It doesn't work that way. If you're going to be more assertive, it will probably have to be across the board. So, I'm running into some friction across the board, and the question becomes "What do I do about it?" Do I go back to the background, or live with the friction until they "get used to it"?
I haven't decided. I have responsibilities, but I also have to be true to myself. It's something to think about.
****************************************
Did the first half of my goal setting. Now comes the hard part -- the plan on how to reach them and the back up plans, and the list of things I'm willing and NOT willing to do to get there. Wish me luck.
*****************************************
Looking forward to a weekend. Book is going well, mostly.
Sorry this is so disjointed. But that's the way my mind is working today. Very short, harsh, impatient thoughts. Not good. Definitely not good.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Guten Tag
Good afternoon everybody.
AE had great news! Happy times!
Let's see, book is ROLLING -- FINALLY!!!! WHOO HOO!! I was getting very frustrated. I'd tried a couple of different beginnings, but they just weren't working. Now I've found one that seems to work, and I'm incorporating the other information, which means I have quite a few pages done!
I'm getting healthier. It's slow going, but I'm actually feeling like myself quite a bit of the time now. I just have to be very careful not to push to hard.
Still trying to decide what conferences I am and am not going to this year. It's hard.... I dunno...
Well, I would love to tell you all wonderful exciting news, but we're kind of in between things right now. Just keeping on keeping on. Soon as we know more, I'll post it. In the meantime, good things are on tap, I just have to be patient.
Oh, and I've managed to stop pissing people off. It just suddenly stopped, very much like it just suddenly began. I'm telling myself it was pre-Christmas stress on all sides. Probably not true, but as explanations go, it'll do.
Later guys. If you see a great quiz, let me know.
Cie
AE had great news! Happy times!
Let's see, book is ROLLING -- FINALLY!!!! WHOO HOO!! I was getting very frustrated. I'd tried a couple of different beginnings, but they just weren't working. Now I've found one that seems to work, and I'm incorporating the other information, which means I have quite a few pages done!
I'm getting healthier. It's slow going, but I'm actually feeling like myself quite a bit of the time now. I just have to be very careful not to push to hard.
Still trying to decide what conferences I am and am not going to this year. It's hard.... I dunno...
Well, I would love to tell you all wonderful exciting news, but we're kind of in between things right now. Just keeping on keeping on. Soon as we know more, I'll post it. In the meantime, good things are on tap, I just have to be patient.
Oh, and I've managed to stop pissing people off. It just suddenly stopped, very much like it just suddenly began. I'm telling myself it was pre-Christmas stress on all sides. Probably not true, but as explanations go, it'll do.
Later guys. If you see a great quiz, let me know.
Cie
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Howdy!
Just stopped by for a moment because I'm getting mapquest and heading out.
The book was stalled -- and I finally figured out why. For some reason this story needs to be told in 3rd person. Weird, because normally I'm a first person kind of gal. But, there you have it. It is what it is. Hope it'll still work for a publisher. Have to see.
Anyway, gotta run. I'm Salvation Army bound with lots of donatables. Sadly, filling the truck only got rid of half the stuff in the garage -- so I'll be doing this again next weekend. Oh well.
Cie
The book was stalled -- and I finally figured out why. For some reason this story needs to be told in 3rd person. Weird, because normally I'm a first person kind of gal. But, there you have it. It is what it is. Hope it'll still work for a publisher. Have to see.
Anyway, gotta run. I'm Salvation Army bound with lots of donatables. Sadly, filling the truck only got rid of half the stuff in the garage -- so I'll be doing this again next weekend. Oh well.
Cie
Friday, January 06, 2006
Aloha!
Hi guys. Welcome to the weekend (almost).
First, an observation. A lot of folks are annoyed because US stamps are going up two cents. Well, I'm kind of in favor of it. (What, in favor of spending MORE money? HUNH?) Well, it's been a few years since they raised the rates (3 or 4). How much have gas prices gone up in those years? How many vehicles do they have on the road? I'm amazed it hasn't gone up sooner and more! I mean, I know how bad inflation's affected MY life, and I only have one car. And I assume their employees occasionally want a raise and stuff...
I want the weekend to be here already. I'm SOOOOOO not motivated to be in the law office. I finally started making progress on the book, and darn it, now I have to be HERE?
Oh well. Need to make the best of it and work hard. So adios mi amigos.
OK -- Took a quizilla (AGAIN)
What vampire archetype am I?
You are the Lone Wolf. Dark, silent, mysterious you
stalk the hidden corners of the night. You
avoid the living and the undead, preferring the
high roofs of the city and the low tunnels of
the streets.
What Fictional Vampire Archtype are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
First, an observation. A lot of folks are annoyed because US stamps are going up two cents. Well, I'm kind of in favor of it. (What, in favor of spending MORE money? HUNH?) Well, it's been a few years since they raised the rates (3 or 4). How much have gas prices gone up in those years? How many vehicles do they have on the road? I'm amazed it hasn't gone up sooner and more! I mean, I know how bad inflation's affected MY life, and I only have one car. And I assume their employees occasionally want a raise and stuff...
I want the weekend to be here already. I'm SOOOOOO not motivated to be in the law office. I finally started making progress on the book, and darn it, now I have to be HERE?
Oh well. Need to make the best of it and work hard. So adios mi amigos.
OK -- Took a quizilla (AGAIN)
What vampire archetype am I?
You are the Lone Wolf. Dark, silent, mysterious you
stalk the hidden corners of the night. You
avoid the living and the undead, preferring the
high roofs of the city and the low tunnels of
the streets.
What Fictional Vampire Archtype are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Bon Jour Mes Amis
Hi guys!
It's Thursday morning. Life is pretty good. There are things I need to get done, things I want to get done, and life is pretty busy, but it's a good busy.
Took a Quizilla quiz as to which villain I would be. I, my friends, am an EVIL GENIUS... BWA HA HA HA HA...
Writing is slow. I kind of hit a snag. Part of the problem is that I've not completely recovered from the last book. But I need to get excited and get moving.
Let's see... is there anything else? Not really. Kind of a slow day.
Everybody have a good one.
Cie
It's Thursday morning. Life is pretty good. There are things I need to get done, things I want to get done, and life is pretty busy, but it's a good busy.
Took a Quizilla quiz as to which villain I would be. I, my friends, am an EVIL GENIUS... BWA HA HA HA HA...
Writing is slow. I kind of hit a snag. Part of the problem is that I've not completely recovered from the last book. But I need to get excited and get moving.
Let's see... is there anything else? Not really. Kind of a slow day.
Everybody have a good one.
Cie
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Bon Giorno
Hi Guys! Cie here.
OK, yesterday was a fantastic day! Whoo hoo, gotta love it kind of day. Today, not so much. Oh well. Still grateful for yesterday.
I'm about to launch into a mini-not-quite-rant. (I know, very weird).
I like what I write. If I didn't, I wouldn't write it. (DUH). I don't think I should have to "defend" it. But I live in a part of the country (the bible belt) where people either love it (but won't admit it) or tell me (in a well meaning way) how much they wish I'd write for "our side," i.e. inspirationals.
OK for the record, I'm a relatively good little Catholic girl. I still have the guilt from when I wore the cute blue and green plaid, pleated uniform with a starched white blouse and Peter Pan collar. (I also still have the VERY vivid memory from when I accidentally stumbled into a gay bar where a transvestite hooker was working the bar in the same uniform... but I digress). I don't think I'm WRITING FOR THE ENEMY. It's IMAGINATION for heaven's sake. There are good guys, there are bad guys. There are points being made (hopefully with relative subtlety) about open mindedness and tolerance... Anyway, it's weird. I ABSOLUTELY believe what I write has worth, but I feel so incredibly attacked and defensive. Very weird.
Ah well, I have to go back to work. But I had to mention that because it's really been bugging me. So have the comments about "But you look so normal."
OK, yesterday was a fantastic day! Whoo hoo, gotta love it kind of day. Today, not so much. Oh well. Still grateful for yesterday.
I'm about to launch into a mini-not-quite-rant. (I know, very weird).
I like what I write. If I didn't, I wouldn't write it. (DUH). I don't think I should have to "defend" it. But I live in a part of the country (the bible belt) where people either love it (but won't admit it) or tell me (in a well meaning way) how much they wish I'd write for "our side," i.e. inspirationals.
OK for the record, I'm a relatively good little Catholic girl. I still have the guilt from when I wore the cute blue and green plaid, pleated uniform with a starched white blouse and Peter Pan collar. (I also still have the VERY vivid memory from when I accidentally stumbled into a gay bar where a transvestite hooker was working the bar in the same uniform... but I digress). I don't think I'm WRITING FOR THE ENEMY. It's IMAGINATION for heaven's sake. There are good guys, there are bad guys. There are points being made (hopefully with relative subtlety) about open mindedness and tolerance... Anyway, it's weird. I ABSOLUTELY believe what I write has worth, but I feel so incredibly attacked and defensive. Very weird.
Ah well, I have to go back to work. But I had to mention that because it's really been bugging me. So have the comments about "But you look so normal."
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Radio Interview is UP
The interview I had in November with Bill Thompson of Eye on Books is up now. The url is below if anybody wants to take a listen. I sound MUCH better than I thought I did. (Of course, since I was sure I'd come off as an idiot, that doesn't take much! LOL)
http://www.eyeonbooks.com/ibp.php?ISBN=0765349140
http://www.eyeonbooks.com/ibp.php?ISBN=0765349140
Monday, January 02, 2006
Howdy Y'all!!!
OK. The new year has officially started. I'm doing my whole "rah rah" routine with the motivational CDs and have started a new book that combines fairies and ghosts and may or may not work, but is lots of fun to write.
I was GOING to clean out the garage and house and take all of the "stuff" to Salvation Army, but they're closed today. Probably just as well because the fatigue hit like a ton of bricks this morning. Wound up going back to bed for 4.5 hours. Good news is that I now feel almost human. For the record, I do not recommend getting an "unidentified chronic fatiguing illness." Fortunately for me I have LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG periods where it is in remission, especially if I'm careful. And boy oh boy do I intend to be careful. I remember what a pain in the.... ahem... patootie it was when this was active. I feel so very badly for all of the people who have to live with this stuff ALL the time!
I probably shouldn't be confiding this. Too personal. But I feel like most the folks who come by here are good folks, so I'm not too worried. And it lets people know WHY sometimes I can't carry through on my wonderful intentions. Too, stress (either physical from an illness like oh, say, bronchitis; or prolonged mental stress) can trigger the symptoms. So if I seem to be extremely stress-averse, you now know why.
I think this is going to be a very good year. I hope to accomplish a lot. I hope NOT to piss off anybody irretrievably. But I have promised myself that I am not going to be too hard on myself. I do not deliberately set out to anger anybody unless they deliberately attack me and won't stop. Then, well, if they INSIST... Still, most people aren't that aggressive, thank goodness. And if I go through life TRYING to be nice and accidentally do stupid or offensive things, well, all I can do is apologize and move on.
Things are looking promising for my son. I'm glad. I so want him to be happy! I think things are finally coming together for him. Good thing too. He was starting to get very depressed.
Well, back to the book. Since I can't do the donation thing, I'll just listen to my motivational stuff and WRITE. No hardship since that's one of the things I truly love best.
Best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves. If you pray, keep all the folks who were devastated by Katrina in your prayers. At this point I think the shock has worn off and the true depression and impact is sinking in. God bless 'em. I wish I could do more, but (a) I don't even have a clue WHAT to do other than donate to charities and hope it makes it to them and (b) I'm kind of flailing around myself.
I was GOING to clean out the garage and house and take all of the "stuff" to Salvation Army, but they're closed today. Probably just as well because the fatigue hit like a ton of bricks this morning. Wound up going back to bed for 4.5 hours. Good news is that I now feel almost human. For the record, I do not recommend getting an "unidentified chronic fatiguing illness." Fortunately for me I have LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG periods where it is in remission, especially if I'm careful. And boy oh boy do I intend to be careful. I remember what a pain in the.... ahem... patootie it was when this was active. I feel so very badly for all of the people who have to live with this stuff ALL the time!
I probably shouldn't be confiding this. Too personal. But I feel like most the folks who come by here are good folks, so I'm not too worried. And it lets people know WHY sometimes I can't carry through on my wonderful intentions. Too, stress (either physical from an illness like oh, say, bronchitis; or prolonged mental stress) can trigger the symptoms. So if I seem to be extremely stress-averse, you now know why.
I think this is going to be a very good year. I hope to accomplish a lot. I hope NOT to piss off anybody irretrievably. But I have promised myself that I am not going to be too hard on myself. I do not deliberately set out to anger anybody unless they deliberately attack me and won't stop. Then, well, if they INSIST... Still, most people aren't that aggressive, thank goodness. And if I go through life TRYING to be nice and accidentally do stupid or offensive things, well, all I can do is apologize and move on.
Things are looking promising for my son. I'm glad. I so want him to be happy! I think things are finally coming together for him. Good thing too. He was starting to get very depressed.
Well, back to the book. Since I can't do the donation thing, I'll just listen to my motivational stuff and WRITE. No hardship since that's one of the things I truly love best.
Best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves. If you pray, keep all the folks who were devastated by Katrina in your prayers. At this point I think the shock has worn off and the true depression and impact is sinking in. God bless 'em. I wish I could do more, but (a) I don't even have a clue WHAT to do other than donate to charities and hope it makes it to them and (b) I'm kind of flailing around myself.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Friday, December 30, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
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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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.
************************************
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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Tuesday, December 27, 2005
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.
*********************
AND RANT OF THE DAY (IF you don't want to hear it STOP HERE!!)
*
*
*
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.
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.
*********************
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.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
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.
'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.
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.
Friday, December 23, 2005
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?
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
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
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
Monday, December 19, 2005
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, December 14, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
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
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
Sunday, December 04, 2005
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
(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, December 02, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
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
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
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
Monday, November 21, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
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!
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!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
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?
brought to you by Quizilla
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
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
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
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
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
Thursday, November 03, 2005
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
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
Monday, October 31, 2005
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
Thursday, October 27, 2005
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
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
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, October 21, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
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.
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, October 15, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, October 14, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, October 07, 2005
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
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
Thursday, October 06, 2005
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.
:)
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.
:)
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
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!
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!
Friday, September 30, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, September 26, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, September 23, 2005
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
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
Thursday, September 22, 2005
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
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
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
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).
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).
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
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.
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.
Monday, September 19, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, September 16, 2005
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
(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
Thursday, September 15, 2005
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!!!
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!!!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
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/
*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/
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