Greetings all. It is a lovely Sunday evening.
I am pain free. This may not sound like a big thing to anyone else. But I had a migraine this morning. Took the pain meds, and stayed in a dim quiet room until the pain receded. Of course that left me spacy all day.
I've been having more migraines lately. Stress, I think. I need to not tie myself in such knots about what I want. But I'm a very A type personality. So that's hard. And sometimes, when things have been particularly difficult for a particularly long time, the body rebels. Which is why I've been having so many health problems lately. My body is telling me to chill out. Wise advice, if I could only DO it.
The mystery is almost finished. I'm SOOOOO close. I'd like to think I'll have it done by the end of the day tomorrow, but I know that's not really likely. I always am a bit optimistic about how much I can accomplish in a day. There are days the words just FLY from my fingers, and I NEED to be able to type as fast as I do. Then there are days that they just won't come at all. And you never know which it will be. I do know that it's best if I write at least a little every single day. Which, of course, is hard. Life does try to interfere.
Happy news. The barn swallows that nested on my front porch have hatched their nestlings. Of course this makes them a little nutso trying to keep up with feeding the babies, and trying to protect the nest -- which is right above my front door. I'm trying to use the back door more for a few days, and am staying inside. I'm just so glad they're there. It is considered extremely good luck to have birds nest on your porch. Besides, they're just lovely. And oh do they provide entertainment for the kitties. Good for the birds that there's thick glass windows protecting them from my fierce hunters!
I was reflecting on how much I enjoy adulthood. It's so funny to me. People tell teenagers "These are the best years of your life." I suppose there are folks for which that is true. But, as I've probably posted a million times, when my aunt told me that (I was fifteen or sixteen at the time), I turned to her and said, in utter deadpan (and partial seriousness) "Then shoot me now."
High school life in the small town midwest in the 70s was not kind to a weird creative type heavy on the sarcasm and with goth leanings. (Before goth became a movement and was at least acknowledged as existing let alone achieved anything remotely close to cool or even anti-establishmentarianistic-cool). To say I was viewed as "odd" is putting it both mildly and politely.
My life got (and is continuing to get) progressively better as I got/get older. I found out who I am. I actually got so I mostly LIKE who I am. (Mostly. Oh, I'd change a few things, and I will forever be tinkering with the package, but mostly I'm okay with me.) And I discovered that I like the city. Urban life suits me. (Which is why I'm heading back there).
So when my son (an bit of an odd, creative type, heavy on the sarcasm and so forth --hmnnn, wonder where he might have gotten that?) was not happy in his school years I told him truthfully. "It gets better. Really." He tells me that information helped. Having heard the old drone about "best years of your life" he was fairly terrified that life was going to seriously suck.
Now, I do think there are folks out there for whom high school is the high point. And while I don't mean to be negative, the thought makes me a little sad. Because I would HATE to think that I was going to live into my eighties or nineties, and that the best things to happen to me were over before I was 18! But maybe they don't. Maybe it's okay for them. I do know that they seem to go through life with a level of expectation/confidence that the rest of us never quite seem to achieve.
I mean, let's face it. I'm doing OK. I'm living my dream. I write books. Something I've wanted to do since I was -- um, 4. I'm making good money at it, and I am winning awards. People actually ask for (and value) my autograph. How weird is that? I get to be on panels, correspond and chat with artists whose work I've loved, and who I've admired practically forever, and aspired to be like. AND THEY TREAT ME LIKE AN EQUAL. (Now that is REALLY weird.) And the cool thing is, they're real, nice people. And some of them even have the same odd quirks I do.
BUT with all of that, I still feel self-conscious. I still hate the way I look in the pictures and videos that are an inevitable part of life.
(Side bar here. My mother and sister got on me a few years back. They were going through the family photos and realized there were NONE of me other than the big family portrait. Because, I'd made SURE I was always the one behind the camera! Now they know I hate how I look, but that just GOT to them. And they said that "damn it, you're part of this family, and we're going to have the evidence to prove it! When the descendants look through the family shots, YOU WILL BE THERE! So that I am now trapped into photos on every occasion.)
In my own head I'm still the "odd one." (If life is Roseanne, I am Darlene, only much, much, older.) I go out in public, and I don't have that "aura" that the former sports stars and cheerleaders have, that expectation. There's no logical reason for me not to. But I just don't.
Of course I could be full of . . . ahem . . . BEANS. Because when I'm on a roll, I'm ON A ROLL. Life shines a little brighter, the music plays, and TA DAH! I just wish I were on a roll a little more often.
Then again, don't we all?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday -- Again?
Oh my, it's Saturday again. Already. And here my head has been completely in the book I'm working on.
Still, a promise is a promise. (No matter how small . . .)
Okay, enough Dr. Suess. Got your bowl and milk? Then let's go.
*****************************************************************
I was sweating like a pig. It wasn't that hot. Not really. The weather was pleasant, and the church was air conditioned. But I was nervous. Oh, hell, who was I kidding. I was terrified.
Cassandra had explained the plan to heal me back at the house. It was simple enough in theory. We needed to recreate as closely as possible the circumstances where my powers were bound. When we reached the point where they'd initially been blocked, my subconscious would react, my magic would flare, and Eleanor should be able to see what my father had done and cut through the bindings. Theoretically.
It actually stood a good chance of working. And it wouldn't hurt me a bit . . . physically. Psychologically on the other hand . . . well, let's just say I wasn't having a good time.
Eleanor was using my cell phone to talk to Cassandra, going over last-minute details. Neither Cass nor Tracker could leave the house at the moment, and a spell like the one they'd used last night was too likely to interfere with what we were trying to accomplish here. So they were conversing the way normal humans did it. A new experience for them, I think.
"You don't have to do this you know." Bob laid a hand on my shoulder. "They can't force you."
"It needs to be done." I shuddered. "I know that." But oh, Lord, I did hate it. Oh yes I did.
"If you're sure." He sounded dubious. "Now tell me again how this is going to work."
I gestured toward the baptismal pool. Most of the churches I was familiar with didn't do immersion baptisms. So no pool. We'd wound up going back to the same actual church. Which was probably why I was so freaked. "I put on the robe. Uncle Buford will be the minister. The three of us step into the pool." My mouth went dry, and I had a bitter taste on my tongue. I had to close my eyes and force myself to continue. "It'll start like a regular baptism. Only you hold me down."
"Hold you down?" He was frowning, clearly unhappy with the thought. Him and me both.
"As if you're drowning me."
"Sahara . . ."
"I've got magic. When I panic, I'll draw on it instinctively, try to lash out. And that's when Eleanor will cut the bindings."
"It sounds damned dangerous."
"Uncle Buford will be shielding you to make sure nothing happens to you."
"It's not me I'm worried about."
"I trust you." And I did. He was just about the only person I could say that about. Which was why I'd chosen him to do this with me.
He grunted acknowledgment. Obviously still unhappy.
"If everyone is ready," uncle Buford sounded snappish. "The night isn't getting any younger, and we don't want the reverend, or the police to interrupt."
Across the room Eleanor finished her conversation and folded my cell phone closed. She set it onto the table next to my backpack and strolled over to the edge of the pool. She looked over at Bob and me. "It's time."
Oh joy.
Still, a promise is a promise. (No matter how small . . .)
Okay, enough Dr. Suess. Got your bowl and milk? Then let's go.
*****************************************************************
I was sweating like a pig. It wasn't that hot. Not really. The weather was pleasant, and the church was air conditioned. But I was nervous. Oh, hell, who was I kidding. I was terrified.
Cassandra had explained the plan to heal me back at the house. It was simple enough in theory. We needed to recreate as closely as possible the circumstances where my powers were bound. When we reached the point where they'd initially been blocked, my subconscious would react, my magic would flare, and Eleanor should be able to see what my father had done and cut through the bindings. Theoretically.
It actually stood a good chance of working. And it wouldn't hurt me a bit . . . physically. Psychologically on the other hand . . . well, let's just say I wasn't having a good time.
Eleanor was using my cell phone to talk to Cassandra, going over last-minute details. Neither Cass nor Tracker could leave the house at the moment, and a spell like the one they'd used last night was too likely to interfere with what we were trying to accomplish here. So they were conversing the way normal humans did it. A new experience for them, I think.
"You don't have to do this you know." Bob laid a hand on my shoulder. "They can't force you."
"It needs to be done." I shuddered. "I know that." But oh, Lord, I did hate it. Oh yes I did.
"If you're sure." He sounded dubious. "Now tell me again how this is going to work."
I gestured toward the baptismal pool. Most of the churches I was familiar with didn't do immersion baptisms. So no pool. We'd wound up going back to the same actual church. Which was probably why I was so freaked. "I put on the robe. Uncle Buford will be the minister. The three of us step into the pool." My mouth went dry, and I had a bitter taste on my tongue. I had to close my eyes and force myself to continue. "It'll start like a regular baptism. Only you hold me down."
"Hold you down?" He was frowning, clearly unhappy with the thought. Him and me both.
"As if you're drowning me."
"Sahara . . ."
"I've got magic. When I panic, I'll draw on it instinctively, try to lash out. And that's when Eleanor will cut the bindings."
"It sounds damned dangerous."
"Uncle Buford will be shielding you to make sure nothing happens to you."
"It's not me I'm worried about."
"I trust you." And I did. He was just about the only person I could say that about. Which was why I'd chosen him to do this with me.
He grunted acknowledgment. Obviously still unhappy.
"If everyone is ready," uncle Buford sounded snappish. "The night isn't getting any younger, and we don't want the reverend, or the police to interrupt."
Across the room Eleanor finished her conversation and folded my cell phone closed. She set it onto the table next to my backpack and strolled over to the edge of the pool. She looked over at Bob and me. "It's time."
Oh joy.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Back on Track
Okay, I'm Getting It On Track Again
Okay, finally getting myself back on track again. It isn't easy.
First, I'm getting out the interviews for the visiting dignitaries. Nobody's sent them back yet, but that's okay. I'm the one that delayed. In any event, we should expect to start having people in again in the next couple of weeks.
I have Friday off, which means I can get the calendar of releases done (I think), and some more writing done. We'll see. I have household stuff to do too.ANYWAY, I'm getting there. I actually feel okay today physically. I think resting helped. Now if I hang in there, the next step is that I will feel clear-headed instead of foggy.
Take care.
Cie/C.T. Adams
Okay, finally getting myself back on track again. It isn't easy.
First, I'm getting out the interviews for the visiting dignitaries. Nobody's sent them back yet, but that's okay. I'm the one that delayed. In any event, we should expect to start having people in again in the next couple of weeks.
I have Friday off, which means I can get the calendar of releases done (I think), and some more writing done. We'll see. I have household stuff to do too.ANYWAY, I'm getting there. I actually feel okay today physically. I think resting helped. Now if I hang in there, the next step is that I will feel clear-headed instead of foggy.
Take care.
Cie/C.T. Adams
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Good Morning Everybody
Okay, first, I was naughty. Not BAD, but naughty. I took almost the entire weekend and did nothing---and did it VIGOROUSLY. I watched an entire series from television, start to finish. I ate junk food, sat around and petted the animals.
Here I have a ton of backlogged work and I just didn't do it. WILLFULLY didn't do it. I needed a break. And you know what? I feel better. A LOT better. Not perfect mind you, but the stress and depression seem to have receded, and the physical crap is better from my having rested. Which means I needed it. So PFLTTTTTT to my to do list. I enjoyed myself. And it was worth it.
Cie
Here I have a ton of backlogged work and I just didn't do it. WILLFULLY didn't do it. I needed a break. And you know what? I feel better. A LOT better. Not perfect mind you, but the stress and depression seem to have receded, and the physical crap is better from my having rested. Which means I needed it. So PFLTTTTTT to my to do list. I enjoyed myself. And it was worth it.
Cie
Monday, May 25, 2009
Happy Holiday
Hi folks.
Happy Holiday. Thinking of veterans today. I hope they all can come home soon. I know that war is sometimes necessary to preserve our life as we know it, but I wish it really WEREN'T necessary.
I'm WAY behind on everything, so I can't stay. But best wishes to everyone and CONGRATS to Chris Jones and Kathy Crouch the winners of the cover flats.
Best always.
Cie
Hi folks.
Happy Holiday. Thinking of veterans today. I hope they all can come home soon. I know that war is sometimes necessary to preserve our life as we know it, but I wish it really WEREN'T necessary.
I'm WAY behind on everything, so I can't stay. But best wishes to everyone and CONGRATS to Chris Jones and Kathy Crouch the winners of the cover flats.
Best always.
Cie
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
Hi Guys!
Okay, still not feeling up to snuff. Weird digestive stuff. Ugh. But I SHALL persevere. And I have the whole weekend to recover anyway.
So, on with the serial.
*****************************************
I walked into the living room and into the middle of a conference. Cassandra had apparently set up a circle, and used it to contact Tracker's parents. It wasn't a difficult spell, but it was a complex one. Way, way beyond my abilities at this point. Still, it was useful. From the doorway I could see the magical version of a hologram showing me my aunt and uncle, perched on the very edge of their couch, staring at their son, looking worried and upset. Aunt Eleanor is thin to the point of emaciation, her long dark hair untouched by gray, her skin untouched by time. My uncle is an older, less handsome version of his son.
Looking at Tracker, I couldn't blame him. Yes, the burns were mostly healed, and there probably wouldn't be any permanent scarring. But his hair was scorched off, he was dressed in a lavender track suit with pink stripes and no shirt, and his color looked bad. Worse than it should have considering the amount of healing he'd received. Which meant he'd been up to something other than resting. Damn it.
"I had to." He was arguing with his mother, chin thrust forward aggressively. We can't afford for the shields to fail."
Oh crap. He'd reinforced the shields? Didn't he realize . . .
"SO, without consulting us, you've tied yourself to Cassandra and her spell."
Eleanor Cotter's voice dripped icicles and I was suddenly very, very glad I was all the way over here and behind a serious set of shields.
"He's an adult Eleanor." Tracker's father had a low voice, with a gravelly rumble to it. I've never really taken to much to him. He reminds me too much of my own father. No surprise, they're brothers after all. "He's entitled to make decisions without our input."
"No matter how stupid?" She asked.
"No matter." He agreed.
Tracker flushed, and his eyes were flashing dangerously, but he didn't say anything. Probably just as well.
"So, where's the girl?" Eleanor asked. "Still hiding?"
"Cassandra told you mother, she didn't do anything wrong."
"Then she should have come forward and explained herself."
"Oh yeah, that'd work so well, considering how understanding and willing to listen you all have been." I muttered it under my breath, but they all heard. Tracker turned to face me, giving me a look that said as clearly as words that I needed to be careful. He was probably right. His mother is from one of the oldest families in the magical culture, practically royalty. And she has no sense of humor. His father isn't much better.
"Eleanor, you're being unreasonable." Cassandra spoke calmly. "Sahara left immediately after I struck her and never called or checked back. She had no way of knowing I'd been attacked, let alone that Evan had blamed it on her. And as she still hasn't got the ability to work offensive spells the most sensible thing she could do was go to ground."
"Beulah" Eleanor used my given name as if it were a curse, "nearly got my son killed."
"Mom, she saved my life. She attacked Evan and Helena, and brought me here."
Eleanor turned to Cassandra, "You said . . ."
"I didn't use magic Mrs. Cotter. I used a gun."
There was a long silence. Every one of them turned to stare at me, eyes wide. It would've been funny if the situation weren't so damned serious. The thing about wizards/magic users is that they generally see magic as the only solution. It would never occur to any of them to do what I'd done, or that someone like Bob might have a snowball's chance in hell of defending his family. It's a blind spot, and a weakness.
"You shot him?" Buford senior blurted out the words everyone else had been thinking.
"Yeah. But I didn't do a very good job of it. Just got him in the leg." Bob would be so disappointed. As soon as I got a chance I'd need to clean the gun and find a way to get out and practice with it.
"She shot him." He repeated the words, sounding somewhat stupid.
"And saved my life." Tracker answered. "Then she brought me here---even though she didn't know Cassandra hadn't changed the wards. She risked her life to save me."
"And now you're risking yours." Eleanor was displeased.
"It's mine to risk."
I decided to interrupt. The family squabble was liable to go on indefinitely and Cassandra was starting to wear out. She'd never admit it, of course. Too proud. But I could see it, even if nobody else could. "Look, this is all very interesting, but it doesn't solve the problem at hand. Evan tried to kill Cassandra and blame it on me. He wants whatever it is that's hidden in the basement and we can't afford for him to get his hands on it."
Everyone turned to look at me. I hate being the center of attention, especially with everybody so hostile. But somebody needed to get this discussion back on track. "Cassandra is wearing herself out. So can we please get back to basics? What are we going to do? What's the plan?"
"We haven't come up with one yet." Tracker admitted. "My tying my life force to the shields has bought us some time, and should give Cassandra a chance to recover. But other than that, we haven't done a damn thing but argue."
Great. Super.
"All right. Can I make a suggestion?"
"Go ahead." Cassandra was the one who agreed. Everyone else just glowered at me.
"He wants my crystal."
She nodded.
"Let's give it to him."
There was a cry of protest from Eleanor. Cassandra and Buford Sr. just looked thoughtful, as if they were pretty sure they knew what I was thinking, and were trying to test the possibility in their minds. Tracker just looked worried. He turned to me his voice filled with concern.
"Sahara, he's going to be able to tell if we change the wards. He knows his sister's magic too well."
"I'm not suggesting we change the wards."
"You're not?"
"I'm suggesting we move them."
"Is that even possible?" He turned to his mother. She nodded to him and answered.
"Barely."
Cassandra gave me a long, assessing look. When she spoke her voice was firm, as though she was expecting argument from everyone here and was determined not to give in. "We are not sending you out to deal with my brother unless you are fully capable of defending yourself."
"Well that would be lovely," I admitted. "But since I've never been able to do offensive magic . . ."
"Cass believes she knows how to heal you." Lucille spoke for the first time since I'd walked in the room. I blinked a few times. She'd been so silent, sitting in a dark corner at the far side of the room, that I hadn't even noticed she was there.
"You're in no shape to heal anyone right now." Uncle Buford stated. "And we can't afford for you to pull your power back from the shields."
Cassandra sighed. "I know. But it doesn't have to be me. We just need someone with healing ability, and someone else whom she trusts implicitly."
"I can do the healing." Eleanor didn't sound happy about it. That was all right. She couldn't possibly be less happy about the thought than I was. And then there was that other, trick question. Who did I trust implicitly?
Okay, still not feeling up to snuff. Weird digestive stuff. Ugh. But I SHALL persevere. And I have the whole weekend to recover anyway.
So, on with the serial.
*****************************************
I walked into the living room and into the middle of a conference. Cassandra had apparently set up a circle, and used it to contact Tracker's parents. It wasn't a difficult spell, but it was a complex one. Way, way beyond my abilities at this point. Still, it was useful. From the doorway I could see the magical version of a hologram showing me my aunt and uncle, perched on the very edge of their couch, staring at their son, looking worried and upset. Aunt Eleanor is thin to the point of emaciation, her long dark hair untouched by gray, her skin untouched by time. My uncle is an older, less handsome version of his son.
Looking at Tracker, I couldn't blame him. Yes, the burns were mostly healed, and there probably wouldn't be any permanent scarring. But his hair was scorched off, he was dressed in a lavender track suit with pink stripes and no shirt, and his color looked bad. Worse than it should have considering the amount of healing he'd received. Which meant he'd been up to something other than resting. Damn it.
"I had to." He was arguing with his mother, chin thrust forward aggressively. We can't afford for the shields to fail."
Oh crap. He'd reinforced the shields? Didn't he realize . . .
"SO, without consulting us, you've tied yourself to Cassandra and her spell."
Eleanor Cotter's voice dripped icicles and I was suddenly very, very glad I was all the way over here and behind a serious set of shields.
"He's an adult Eleanor." Tracker's father had a low voice, with a gravelly rumble to it. I've never really taken to much to him. He reminds me too much of my own father. No surprise, they're brothers after all. "He's entitled to make decisions without our input."
"No matter how stupid?" She asked.
"No matter." He agreed.
Tracker flushed, and his eyes were flashing dangerously, but he didn't say anything. Probably just as well.
"So, where's the girl?" Eleanor asked. "Still hiding?"
"Cassandra told you mother, she didn't do anything wrong."
"Then she should have come forward and explained herself."
"Oh yeah, that'd work so well, considering how understanding and willing to listen you all have been." I muttered it under my breath, but they all heard. Tracker turned to face me, giving me a look that said as clearly as words that I needed to be careful. He was probably right. His mother is from one of the oldest families in the magical culture, practically royalty. And she has no sense of humor. His father isn't much better.
"Eleanor, you're being unreasonable." Cassandra spoke calmly. "Sahara left immediately after I struck her and never called or checked back. She had no way of knowing I'd been attacked, let alone that Evan had blamed it on her. And as she still hasn't got the ability to work offensive spells the most sensible thing she could do was go to ground."
"Beulah" Eleanor used my given name as if it were a curse, "nearly got my son killed."
"Mom, she saved my life. She attacked Evan and Helena, and brought me here."
Eleanor turned to Cassandra, "You said . . ."
"I didn't use magic Mrs. Cotter. I used a gun."
There was a long silence. Every one of them turned to stare at me, eyes wide. It would've been funny if the situation weren't so damned serious. The thing about wizards/magic users is that they generally see magic as the only solution. It would never occur to any of them to do what I'd done, or that someone like Bob might have a snowball's chance in hell of defending his family. It's a blind spot, and a weakness.
"You shot him?" Buford senior blurted out the words everyone else had been thinking.
"Yeah. But I didn't do a very good job of it. Just got him in the leg." Bob would be so disappointed. As soon as I got a chance I'd need to clean the gun and find a way to get out and practice with it.
"She shot him." He repeated the words, sounding somewhat stupid.
"And saved my life." Tracker answered. "Then she brought me here---even though she didn't know Cassandra hadn't changed the wards. She risked her life to save me."
"And now you're risking yours." Eleanor was displeased.
"It's mine to risk."
I decided to interrupt. The family squabble was liable to go on indefinitely and Cassandra was starting to wear out. She'd never admit it, of course. Too proud. But I could see it, even if nobody else could. "Look, this is all very interesting, but it doesn't solve the problem at hand. Evan tried to kill Cassandra and blame it on me. He wants whatever it is that's hidden in the basement and we can't afford for him to get his hands on it."
Everyone turned to look at me. I hate being the center of attention, especially with everybody so hostile. But somebody needed to get this discussion back on track. "Cassandra is wearing herself out. So can we please get back to basics? What are we going to do? What's the plan?"
"We haven't come up with one yet." Tracker admitted. "My tying my life force to the shields has bought us some time, and should give Cassandra a chance to recover. But other than that, we haven't done a damn thing but argue."
Great. Super.
"All right. Can I make a suggestion?"
"Go ahead." Cassandra was the one who agreed. Everyone else just glowered at me.
"He wants my crystal."
She nodded.
"Let's give it to him."
There was a cry of protest from Eleanor. Cassandra and Buford Sr. just looked thoughtful, as if they were pretty sure they knew what I was thinking, and were trying to test the possibility in their minds. Tracker just looked worried. He turned to me his voice filled with concern.
"Sahara, he's going to be able to tell if we change the wards. He knows his sister's magic too well."
"I'm not suggesting we change the wards."
"You're not?"
"I'm suggesting we move them."
"Is that even possible?" He turned to his mother. She nodded to him and answered.
"Barely."
Cassandra gave me a long, assessing look. When she spoke her voice was firm, as though she was expecting argument from everyone here and was determined not to give in. "We are not sending you out to deal with my brother unless you are fully capable of defending yourself."
"Well that would be lovely," I admitted. "But since I've never been able to do offensive magic . . ."
"Cass believes she knows how to heal you." Lucille spoke for the first time since I'd walked in the room. I blinked a few times. She'd been so silent, sitting in a dark corner at the far side of the room, that I hadn't even noticed she was there.
"You're in no shape to heal anyone right now." Uncle Buford stated. "And we can't afford for you to pull your power back from the shields."
Cassandra sighed. "I know. But it doesn't have to be me. We just need someone with healing ability, and someone else whom she trusts implicitly."
"I can do the healing." Eleanor didn't sound happy about it. That was all right. She couldn't possibly be less happy about the thought than I was. And then there was that other, trick question. Who did I trust implicitly?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hi Guys
Hi Guys!
This will be quick. I'm a bit overwhelmed and have to get back to it. (Alas, I have not managed to find housekeeping fairies who will take care of things for me on the home front, and I do have the day job, and the writing has heated up so that my "To Do" list is seriously frightening.
But the book is off to the publisher for editing. And tonight I'm going to read a book by a friend who wants a quote for her cover. (Very flattering, that). Tomorrow I am going to be going in to the day job (I've switched to part-time, but a co-worker and good friend had to go with her husband who was having surgery, so I'm coming in to cover for her.) It will have to be Saturday when I take care of the writing stuff that is backlogged (like the Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial, the contest winner announcements, working on the newsletter, pictures of the goodie bags for the contest for Rosie Hughes, the questions for the contest for Rosie Hughes, interviews for visiting dignitaries, the calendar of who is releasing what when, etc., etc., and more etc.)
OY! Just thinking about it makes me tired and feel like I'm going to relapse.
Lucky the Wonder Dog is back from her visit with "Aunt Tonya" while I was in Denver. She's been to the vet and had all of her updated shots and got a bath. (Visits to the country generally involve her jumping into pond-scum covered water and then rolling in the dust, so the bath thing was pretty much a necessity.) She currently weighs in at 66.1 lbs.
OK. Gotta go. Otherwise I won't get the book read. Be happy.
Cie
This will be quick. I'm a bit overwhelmed and have to get back to it. (Alas, I have not managed to find housekeeping fairies who will take care of things for me on the home front, and I do have the day job, and the writing has heated up so that my "To Do" list is seriously frightening.
But the book is off to the publisher for editing. And tonight I'm going to read a book by a friend who wants a quote for her cover. (Very flattering, that). Tomorrow I am going to be going in to the day job (I've switched to part-time, but a co-worker and good friend had to go with her husband who was having surgery, so I'm coming in to cover for her.) It will have to be Saturday when I take care of the writing stuff that is backlogged (like the Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial, the contest winner announcements, working on the newsletter, pictures of the goodie bags for the contest for Rosie Hughes, the questions for the contest for Rosie Hughes, interviews for visiting dignitaries, the calendar of who is releasing what when, etc., etc., and more etc.)
OY! Just thinking about it makes me tired and feel like I'm going to relapse.
Lucky the Wonder Dog is back from her visit with "Aunt Tonya" while I was in Denver. She's been to the vet and had all of her updated shots and got a bath. (Visits to the country generally involve her jumping into pond-scum covered water and then rolling in the dust, so the bath thing was pretty much a necessity.) She currently weighs in at 66.1 lbs.
OK. Gotta go. Otherwise I won't get the book read. Be happy.
Cie
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Back from Denver
Hi Guys!
I'm back from Denver. Haven't gotten things settled yet.
Also, I'm exhausted, and fighting off getting sick. So while I have a million things to do, I'm going home and going to bed. Sorry.
Cie
I'm back from Denver. Haven't gotten things settled yet.
Also, I'm exhausted, and fighting off getting sick. So while I have a million things to do, I'm going home and going to bed. Sorry.
Cie
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday Morning Breakfast Serial
Thursday morning Breakfast Serial
Okay, I'm getting ready to go, not a lot of time, but I promised, so here you go. (I may post over the weekend if I get to the library. But no promises. There will be a final installment of Rosie Hughes posting on all of the other participant blogs Friday. You REALLY need to go see them. I just don't know if I can get it posted here. We'll see.
****************************
"Did she call you Buelah?"
"Shut up . . . Buford." Tracker flinched. "How do you know . . ."
"We're named for the same ancester dude." I tried to make it sound ironic, but I was probably too tired. I was only a few steps from my bedroom and bath, and I wasn't completely positive I would make it that far. The adrenaline had drained off, leaving me weak and weary.
"We're related?" He sounded shocked, horrified, and betrayed. It made me stop and blink at him stupidly. I mean, I'd always known. It hadn't occurred to me that he hadn't.
"Yeah, cousins. My dad was the black sheep of your dad's family."
He just stood in the middle of the hallway staring at me.
"Look, I'm wiped. You will be too, when the after-affects of the spell wear off in a couple minutes. There's a bathroom two doors down on the right, and the guest bedroom is the next door past it. I don't know where we'll find clothes to fit you, but we'll worry about it later."
He nodded. His face was red, and he looked really annoyed, but he didn't say anything, just stomped past me. Fine. Whatever. I was too pooped to care enough to try to figure out what his problem was. I dragged myself the last few steps to my bedroom. Closing the door I stripped, leaving my clothes in a trail that led to my beautiful, soft, inviting . . .
* * *
I woke up to the smell of steak, and the warmth of a purring cat curled up beside me.
"The boy told me you didn't eat." Lucy scolded.
"Too tired." I admitted. I shifted carefully around the cat, yawned hugely and tried to get my bearings. "How're Cassandra and Tracker doing?"
"Better. Much better." Lucy was already walking out of the room. "Now eat. We can talk after you've had a shower and gotten dressed. We'll be down in the parlor when you're ready. There are plans to be made."
Great. We'd be making Plans: Like how to protect the magical equivalent of weapons-grade plutonium from the evil wizard who was bent on killing me.
A part of me wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head. Instead, I cut myself a big bite of steak and tried to think of something, anything, I might be able to contribute to the cause.
Okay, I'm getting ready to go, not a lot of time, but I promised, so here you go. (I may post over the weekend if I get to the library. But no promises. There will be a final installment of Rosie Hughes posting on all of the other participant blogs Friday. You REALLY need to go see them. I just don't know if I can get it posted here. We'll see.
****************************
"Did she call you Buelah?"
"Shut up . . . Buford." Tracker flinched. "How do you know . . ."
"We're named for the same ancester dude." I tried to make it sound ironic, but I was probably too tired. I was only a few steps from my bedroom and bath, and I wasn't completely positive I would make it that far. The adrenaline had drained off, leaving me weak and weary.
"We're related?" He sounded shocked, horrified, and betrayed. It made me stop and blink at him stupidly. I mean, I'd always known. It hadn't occurred to me that he hadn't.
"Yeah, cousins. My dad was the black sheep of your dad's family."
He just stood in the middle of the hallway staring at me.
"Look, I'm wiped. You will be too, when the after-affects of the spell wear off in a couple minutes. There's a bathroom two doors down on the right, and the guest bedroom is the next door past it. I don't know where we'll find clothes to fit you, but we'll worry about it later."
He nodded. His face was red, and he looked really annoyed, but he didn't say anything, just stomped past me. Fine. Whatever. I was too pooped to care enough to try to figure out what his problem was. I dragged myself the last few steps to my bedroom. Closing the door I stripped, leaving my clothes in a trail that led to my beautiful, soft, inviting . . .
* * *
I woke up to the smell of steak, and the warmth of a purring cat curled up beside me.
"The boy told me you didn't eat." Lucy scolded.
"Too tired." I admitted. I shifted carefully around the cat, yawned hugely and tried to get my bearings. "How're Cassandra and Tracker doing?"
"Better. Much better." Lucy was already walking out of the room. "Now eat. We can talk after you've had a shower and gotten dressed. We'll be down in the parlor when you're ready. There are plans to be made."
Great. We'd be making Plans: Like how to protect the magical equivalent of weapons-grade plutonium from the evil wizard who was bent on killing me.
A part of me wanted to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head. Instead, I cut myself a big bite of steak and tried to think of something, anything, I might be able to contribute to the cause.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
WARNING and a Contest
WARNING: I am going to be in Denver from Thursday night until Monday. DENVERITES BEWARE. Also, because of this, I will have only sporadic access to a computer. (The new laptop has not been delivered yet. Barring a miracle c/o UPS I will be at the mercy of the libraries and my own erratic schedule.) SO I will post a "Thursday morning just before I leave" serial instead of on Saturday. Hope that works for y'all.
I just gave Cathy the manuscript for the first book of an as-yet-unnamed urban fantasy series. That means OPPORTUNITY for our fans! See, we have no idea what to name the SERIES. Book titles we can handle (well, we're not really GOOD at them, but we usually muddle through) but we need to come up with something that "brands" the series and makes it so people know what's inside.But in order to do that, you have to KNOW what's inside, so...
Celia Graves has always been an underdog. A resilient woman, she came through a difficult childhood with both physical and mental scars, but has carved out a fairly happy life for herself. She is 28 years old and single with a black sense of humor. She has always believed herself to be “vanilla human” in a supernatural world, with no psychic or metaphysical talents as she failed all of the standard tests administered in school miserably. While many would consider this a handicap, she definitely doesn’t as she saw the difficulties her sister had with an out-of-control gift and has seen first-hand the dark side of what people will do to try to force someone to use their magical or psychic talents for financial gain.
She is self-employed as a bodyguard in Southern California and thus gets to rub elbows with all nature of people including the rich and famous. She particularly specializes in protection from monsters and metaphysical threats. Her method of protecting her clients involves specialized weapons, methodical planning, and her knowledge of the paranormal. She's an admitted "gadget geek" and tends to buy expensive metaphysical toys to scout out danger.Celia is attractive, with silver-blonde hair and storm gray eyes. She considers herself to be “doing all right” in the looks department but “not having won the genetic lottery.” Since she spends a great deal of her time in the company of actors and “stars” she truly isn’t exceptional looking. She has never bothered with charms to enhance her looks.
She is well above normal intelligence and most of her friendships are relationships that were forged in college. So were the loves of her life. She has two VERY different men who are on-again/off-again. Randy is a werewolf, very fair, yet secretive and distant. Bruno is an Italian stud, but is lighthearted and a very powerful mage. Celia was once engaged to Bruno, but rumor has it she's Randy's "chosen", the other half of his shapeshifter power---and hence, his greatest weakness.
But Celia isn't as "vanilla" as she seems. Her Grandfather was from a race of sirens, residents of the ocean and possessing unique abilities. When Celia is bitten by a vampire, who attempted to bring her over, it didn't kill her. Instead she's changed . . . different, unlike anything the world has seen. What will that mean for her? She doesn't know. All she knows is that humans, vampires and sirens alike consider her an "abomination" who should be put down before she makes others like her.
Unfortunately, she has a job to do and not even fangs or the pull of the ocean are going to stop her from protecting her clients . . . and herself, from all danger.
So, what'cha think? What should we call the series? The first books, starting with NIGHT SONGS will be out as a back-to-back trilogy next summer from Tor.We'll take all suggestions, even silly ones. The winner will (obviously) get the series named what they suggested, will receive an autographed ARC of the first book and . . . if they're so inclined, will become a character in the SECOND book (which we're writing right now!) So, get your fuzzy little brains stewing and come up with something AWESOME!
Submit suggestions to catadamsfans@gmail.com. Note, as always, entering a contest gets you signed up for the newsletter (you can always unsubscribe). Of course if you're already signed up (and thank you) it's not an issue.
I just gave Cathy the manuscript for the first book of an as-yet-unnamed urban fantasy series. That means OPPORTUNITY for our fans! See, we have no idea what to name the SERIES. Book titles we can handle (well, we're not really GOOD at them, but we usually muddle through) but we need to come up with something that "brands" the series and makes it so people know what's inside.But in order to do that, you have to KNOW what's inside, so...
Celia Graves has always been an underdog. A resilient woman, she came through a difficult childhood with both physical and mental scars, but has carved out a fairly happy life for herself. She is 28 years old and single with a black sense of humor. She has always believed herself to be “vanilla human” in a supernatural world, with no psychic or metaphysical talents as she failed all of the standard tests administered in school miserably. While many would consider this a handicap, she definitely doesn’t as she saw the difficulties her sister had with an out-of-control gift and has seen first-hand the dark side of what people will do to try to force someone to use their magical or psychic talents for financial gain.
She is self-employed as a bodyguard in Southern California and thus gets to rub elbows with all nature of people including the rich and famous. She particularly specializes in protection from monsters and metaphysical threats. Her method of protecting her clients involves specialized weapons, methodical planning, and her knowledge of the paranormal. She's an admitted "gadget geek" and tends to buy expensive metaphysical toys to scout out danger.Celia is attractive, with silver-blonde hair and storm gray eyes. She considers herself to be “doing all right” in the looks department but “not having won the genetic lottery.” Since she spends a great deal of her time in the company of actors and “stars” she truly isn’t exceptional looking. She has never bothered with charms to enhance her looks.
She is well above normal intelligence and most of her friendships are relationships that were forged in college. So were the loves of her life. She has two VERY different men who are on-again/off-again. Randy is a werewolf, very fair, yet secretive and distant. Bruno is an Italian stud, but is lighthearted and a very powerful mage. Celia was once engaged to Bruno, but rumor has it she's Randy's "chosen", the other half of his shapeshifter power---and hence, his greatest weakness.
But Celia isn't as "vanilla" as she seems. Her Grandfather was from a race of sirens, residents of the ocean and possessing unique abilities. When Celia is bitten by a vampire, who attempted to bring her over, it didn't kill her. Instead she's changed . . . different, unlike anything the world has seen. What will that mean for her? She doesn't know. All she knows is that humans, vampires and sirens alike consider her an "abomination" who should be put down before she makes others like her.
Unfortunately, she has a job to do and not even fangs or the pull of the ocean are going to stop her from protecting her clients . . . and herself, from all danger.
So, what'cha think? What should we call the series? The first books, starting with NIGHT SONGS will be out as a back-to-back trilogy next summer from Tor.We'll take all suggestions, even silly ones. The winner will (obviously) get the series named what they suggested, will receive an autographed ARC of the first book and . . . if they're so inclined, will become a character in the SECOND book (which we're writing right now!) So, get your fuzzy little brains stewing and come up with something AWESOME!
Submit suggestions to catadamsfans@gmail.com. Note, as always, entering a contest gets you signed up for the newsletter (you can always unsubscribe). Of course if you're already signed up (and thank you) it's not an issue.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Visiting Dignitaries/Time Crunch
All right guys, confession time.
I've got all these people willing to be visiting dignitaries. And I haven't had time to write them with the questions. SO, I'm behind. WAY behind. Which is pretty unacceptable, but also unavoidable. To top it off, I'm going to Denver for a long weekend this weekend house hunting. Which means this weekend will be shot for that sort of thing too. I will get to it. I'm just not sure how QUICKLY.
On the happy news front, I found a laptop I liked and bought it. :) Hopefully it will get shipped to me before my trip so that I can use it while in Denver. Probably not. The mail is dreadfully slow here. But I can hope!
Okay. Gotta run. Hope life is treating you well. I'm down to the last little bit of the crud. It kicked in just a trace of asthma. Once that's gone I'll be back to as normal as I get.Toodles.Cie
All right guys, confession time.
I've got all these people willing to be visiting dignitaries. And I haven't had time to write them with the questions. SO, I'm behind. WAY behind. Which is pretty unacceptable, but also unavoidable. To top it off, I'm going to Denver for a long weekend this weekend house hunting. Which means this weekend will be shot for that sort of thing too. I will get to it. I'm just not sure how QUICKLY.
On the happy news front, I found a laptop I liked and bought it. :) Hopefully it will get shipped to me before my trip so that I can use it while in Denver. Probably not. The mail is dreadfully slow here. But I can hope!
Okay. Gotta run. Hope life is treating you well. I'm down to the last little bit of the crud. It kicked in just a trace of asthma. Once that's gone I'll be back to as normal as I get.Toodles.Cie
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
I am so frustrated. I had written the entire huge breakfast serial down to the last line. And it crashed.
ARGH!!!
Blogger saves drafts every couple of minutes, but I started in MySpace, which apparently DOESN’T. So now I have to start over. And it may not be as good. But I’ll try.
************************************
I stepped through the seam in reality, dragging Tracker’s limp body into the lab of my former master’s home. Chlorinated water pooled around us, as I lay him gently on the floor and stripped off my backpack. I screamed "CASSANDRA" at the top of my lungs, my voice echoing off of the thick stone walls.
Something was wrong.
Other than the obvious.
There was dust. Cassandra doesn’t do dust. Dust can ruin a potion. In any quantity it can disrupt a spell. I can’t tell you how many times I was lectured on appropriate housekeeping habits. But there was dust in the lab. And Cassandra didn’t answer my call.
I heard footsteps crossing the floor above me, but they were the heavy, ponderous movements of Lucille, Cassandra’s housekeeper. There was no time to think about it. Tracker was badly injured. Shock was a very real possibility. I ran across the lab to the locked storage cabinet. Using my crystal I was able to get past the wards and open the lock. Everything I was looking for was inside. There were two large crystals their edges diamond sharp, their color the deep vibrant rose of Cassandra’s orders. Several other crystals were there as well. My own, apprentice attempts. They would not be nearly so powerful, but they were mine, which meant that I could unlock every bit of their power, and there were a lot of them.
Pulling the hem of my shirt out to form a "pocket" I scooped all of them from the cupboard."Buelah?" Lucy’s voice called down the stairwell.
"It’s me Lucy. Get Cass. I’ve got an injured man. He needs help!"I dashed back to where he lay. Kneeling in the sooting water beside him, I grabbed the largest of Cassandra’s healing crystals and set it on the center of his chest. Closing my eyes, I concentrated. I wanted to remember this perfectly. Mispronunciation would diminish the power of the spell. Tracker couldn’t afford that. Gathering my talent around me, I began chanting.I opened my eyes as a strong, clean wave of power flooded out of me and into him. Tracker’s back arched, his entire body straining as the magic did its work. I watched as blistered and blackened skin sloughed away, replaced by new, healthy tissue. I focused the power, concentrating on his eyes, his face. It was important the healing be perfect, so he wouldn’t be blinded, or hideously scarred. It was working! I felt a surge of satisfaction as I reached for the second rose crystal.
"NO!" Lucy’s hand swatted mine away. Grabbing me by my collar she hauled me forcibly to my feet. It was easy for her. Lucy is not a small woman, standing six-foot two in her bare feet and weighing in at over three hundred pounds. She shoved me toward the stairs, glaring at me when I turned to look back. "The boy will be fine. I’ll tend to him. You must save her."
She grabbed the fallen crystals, shoving them at me as she pushed me toward the stairs. "I’ve done everything I can, but I haven’t got any magic. She needs you. She’s in her bedroom." The terrified urgency in her voice spurred me on at a run up from the basement lab, through the house to her third floor bedroom, my wet shoes squelching and sliding on the hardwood floors.
I’d always admired Cassandra’s bedroom. It was a large room, a windowed turret letting sunlight or moonlight stream in. The walls were covered with cream wallpaper decorated with delicate pink roses. All of it, bright, light, airy.But that very brightness made it unmercifully apparent just how ill the woman lying on the antique four-poster bed must be. It illuminated the streaks of gray marring the tangle of midnight hair sprawled across her pillow, the crepey texture of the pallid gray skin with marks like dark bruises beneath her closed eyelids. Her grey tomcat, Maurice, was curled up on the bed beside her, refusing to so much as budge when I rushed over to the bed and sat down beside her.
"Oh my God. Cassandra, what happened to you?" Grabbing the healing crystal she had made, I set it onto her chest. As I had with Tracker, I gathered my will, and began the chant. I felt the power of the crystal rise and release, felt it recognize the woman it had originally come from, rushing home to her. But it didn’t heal her, didn’t stop. I felt it move onward, as if Cassandra’s body were nothing more than a conduit.
What in the hell?
I concentrated, using my gift to follow the flow of power. It was going into the wards, to protecting the house. My mouth went dry, and I found myself swallowing convulsively, trying to work up moisture. Cassandra had tied her life force to the wards, to protecting this house. And in finding that out, I also learned why.There were old magics, ancient weapons hidden in this house; terrible, fearsome things that had been entrusted to her family in antiquity. She could not, would not betray the trust her family had held for generations. She would protect them with her last breath if need be, and that was exactly what she was doing.
I grabbed several of my own crystals, laying them in a circle on her breast and repeated the chant. Less power came out, of course, but this time, with the wards fully charged, the power stayed in her body. Color slowly came back to her pallid skin. Her eyes opened, and ever so slowly she turned her head toward me, a pale shadow of her usual smile coming to her lips.
"That wasn’t half bad apprentice. You’re learning." She whispered the words from a parched throat.
"Cass . . ."Sometime during the healing I’d taken her hand, and she squeezed it gently to silence me. "Shush. I need to tell you something while I can. You were right about Evan. I was wrong. I’m sorry."
"It’s all right. Rest. . ."
"No!" Her voice only held a fraction of it’s old strength, but her dark eyes flashed. "You must listen. I can’t hold him off forever. He’s pulled back to regain his strength, but he has something planned. I know it."
"Yes. He does." I squeezed her hand. "I know. He’s been attacking me. And now I think I know why." I met her gaze. "He wants my crystal. Wants to use it to let himself through the wards."
She moved her head a fraction in what might have been a nod. "It’s why I had Lucy come here. To keep her safe. I would have called you back too, but I didn’t know how to reach you." Her eyes were fluttering closed. I could see she was utterly exhausted, but too stubborn to give in.
"It’s all right. I’m here now. We’ll fix this."
I tried to make it sound like I actually believed we could. I didn’t. But it was what she needed to hear, and I could lie for a good cause.
"Move aside." Lucy’s voice was rough. I turned to see her standing with Tracker in the bedroom doorway. She crossed the room, pushing her way past me to take a post beside the bed. "I’ll take care of her now. She needs broth, and rest." She gave me a look. "You look like something the cat," she nodded to Maurice, "dragged in." She cast a glance over her shoulder at Tracker. "The two of you get into some dry clothes and fix yourself something to eat. We’ll talk in the kitchen."
It was a dismissal. I didn’t mind. Lucy was more than Cassandra’s employee. She was her friend, had been for longer than I’ve been alive. I dragged myself across the floor, feet heavy with sudden, overwhelming exhaustion. She was right. I needed rest. And food. I’d done one hell of a lot of magic today, more than I should. I was going to be useless until I had a chance to recharge my batteries.
I just hoped that Evan would give me the time.
I am so frustrated. I had written the entire huge breakfast serial down to the last line. And it crashed.
ARGH!!!
Blogger saves drafts every couple of minutes, but I started in MySpace, which apparently DOESN’T. So now I have to start over. And it may not be as good. But I’ll try.
************************************
I stepped through the seam in reality, dragging Tracker’s limp body into the lab of my former master’s home. Chlorinated water pooled around us, as I lay him gently on the floor and stripped off my backpack. I screamed "CASSANDRA" at the top of my lungs, my voice echoing off of the thick stone walls.
Something was wrong.
Other than the obvious.
There was dust. Cassandra doesn’t do dust. Dust can ruin a potion. In any quantity it can disrupt a spell. I can’t tell you how many times I was lectured on appropriate housekeeping habits. But there was dust in the lab. And Cassandra didn’t answer my call.
I heard footsteps crossing the floor above me, but they were the heavy, ponderous movements of Lucille, Cassandra’s housekeeper. There was no time to think about it. Tracker was badly injured. Shock was a very real possibility. I ran across the lab to the locked storage cabinet. Using my crystal I was able to get past the wards and open the lock. Everything I was looking for was inside. There were two large crystals their edges diamond sharp, their color the deep vibrant rose of Cassandra’s orders. Several other crystals were there as well. My own, apprentice attempts. They would not be nearly so powerful, but they were mine, which meant that I could unlock every bit of their power, and there were a lot of them.
Pulling the hem of my shirt out to form a "pocket" I scooped all of them from the cupboard."Buelah?" Lucy’s voice called down the stairwell.
"It’s me Lucy. Get Cass. I’ve got an injured man. He needs help!"I dashed back to where he lay. Kneeling in the sooting water beside him, I grabbed the largest of Cassandra’s healing crystals and set it on the center of his chest. Closing my eyes, I concentrated. I wanted to remember this perfectly. Mispronunciation would diminish the power of the spell. Tracker couldn’t afford that. Gathering my talent around me, I began chanting.I opened my eyes as a strong, clean wave of power flooded out of me and into him. Tracker’s back arched, his entire body straining as the magic did its work. I watched as blistered and blackened skin sloughed away, replaced by new, healthy tissue. I focused the power, concentrating on his eyes, his face. It was important the healing be perfect, so he wouldn’t be blinded, or hideously scarred. It was working! I felt a surge of satisfaction as I reached for the second rose crystal.
"NO!" Lucy’s hand swatted mine away. Grabbing me by my collar she hauled me forcibly to my feet. It was easy for her. Lucy is not a small woman, standing six-foot two in her bare feet and weighing in at over three hundred pounds. She shoved me toward the stairs, glaring at me when I turned to look back. "The boy will be fine. I’ll tend to him. You must save her."
She grabbed the fallen crystals, shoving them at me as she pushed me toward the stairs. "I’ve done everything I can, but I haven’t got any magic. She needs you. She’s in her bedroom." The terrified urgency in her voice spurred me on at a run up from the basement lab, through the house to her third floor bedroom, my wet shoes squelching and sliding on the hardwood floors.
I’d always admired Cassandra’s bedroom. It was a large room, a windowed turret letting sunlight or moonlight stream in. The walls were covered with cream wallpaper decorated with delicate pink roses. All of it, bright, light, airy.But that very brightness made it unmercifully apparent just how ill the woman lying on the antique four-poster bed must be. It illuminated the streaks of gray marring the tangle of midnight hair sprawled across her pillow, the crepey texture of the pallid gray skin with marks like dark bruises beneath her closed eyelids. Her grey tomcat, Maurice, was curled up on the bed beside her, refusing to so much as budge when I rushed over to the bed and sat down beside her.
"Oh my God. Cassandra, what happened to you?" Grabbing the healing crystal she had made, I set it onto her chest. As I had with Tracker, I gathered my will, and began the chant. I felt the power of the crystal rise and release, felt it recognize the woman it had originally come from, rushing home to her. But it didn’t heal her, didn’t stop. I felt it move onward, as if Cassandra’s body were nothing more than a conduit.
What in the hell?
I concentrated, using my gift to follow the flow of power. It was going into the wards, to protecting the house. My mouth went dry, and I found myself swallowing convulsively, trying to work up moisture. Cassandra had tied her life force to the wards, to protecting this house. And in finding that out, I also learned why.There were old magics, ancient weapons hidden in this house; terrible, fearsome things that had been entrusted to her family in antiquity. She could not, would not betray the trust her family had held for generations. She would protect them with her last breath if need be, and that was exactly what she was doing.
I grabbed several of my own crystals, laying them in a circle on her breast and repeated the chant. Less power came out, of course, but this time, with the wards fully charged, the power stayed in her body. Color slowly came back to her pallid skin. Her eyes opened, and ever so slowly she turned her head toward me, a pale shadow of her usual smile coming to her lips.
"That wasn’t half bad apprentice. You’re learning." She whispered the words from a parched throat.
"Cass . . ."Sometime during the healing I’d taken her hand, and she squeezed it gently to silence me. "Shush. I need to tell you something while I can. You were right about Evan. I was wrong. I’m sorry."
"It’s all right. Rest. . ."
"No!" Her voice only held a fraction of it’s old strength, but her dark eyes flashed. "You must listen. I can’t hold him off forever. He’s pulled back to regain his strength, but he has something planned. I know it."
"Yes. He does." I squeezed her hand. "I know. He’s been attacking me. And now I think I know why." I met her gaze. "He wants my crystal. Wants to use it to let himself through the wards."
She moved her head a fraction in what might have been a nod. "It’s why I had Lucy come here. To keep her safe. I would have called you back too, but I didn’t know how to reach you." Her eyes were fluttering closed. I could see she was utterly exhausted, but too stubborn to give in.
"It’s all right. I’m here now. We’ll fix this."
I tried to make it sound like I actually believed we could. I didn’t. But it was what she needed to hear, and I could lie for a good cause.
"Move aside." Lucy’s voice was rough. I turned to see her standing with Tracker in the bedroom doorway. She crossed the room, pushing her way past me to take a post beside the bed. "I’ll take care of her now. She needs broth, and rest." She gave me a look. "You look like something the cat," she nodded to Maurice, "dragged in." She cast a glance over her shoulder at Tracker. "The two of you get into some dry clothes and fix yourself something to eat. We’ll talk in the kitchen."
It was a dismissal. I didn’t mind. Lucy was more than Cassandra’s employee. She was her friend, had been for longer than I’ve been alive. I dragged myself across the floor, feet heavy with sudden, overwhelming exhaustion. She was right. I needed rest. And food. I’d done one hell of a lot of magic today, more than I should. I was going to be useless until I had a chance to recharge my batteries.
I just hoped that Evan would give me the time.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Books
Hi Catdancing.
Hi everybody else too. Finally getting back on my feet. I'm going to the main post office. The books I promised Catdancing are going to be on their way. They were offered at RT as goodies and I hope you like them. (I have no idea what they're like, having not read them myself. But one is from Jade Lee [previous visiting dignitary], is signed, and if you like romance, you should love it.)
Cathy and I are also having an "Economic Downturn" contest through her blogs with packets of books and swag from the conference available. Stop by and try to win.
Gotta go.
Best.
Cie
Hi everybody else too. Finally getting back on my feet. I'm going to the main post office. The books I promised Catdancing are going to be on their way. They were offered at RT as goodies and I hope you like them. (I have no idea what they're like, having not read them myself. But one is from Jade Lee [previous visiting dignitary], is signed, and if you like romance, you should love it.)
Cathy and I are also having an "Economic Downturn" contest through her blogs with packets of books and swag from the conference available. Stop by and try to win.
Gotta go.
Best.
Cie
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Hi! (Waves vigorously)
Hi Guys!
Okay, today's a better day. Thank heavens! I'm off tomorrow so I can catch up on at least some of the backlog of stuff. I got behind getting ready for RT, then had the trip, then the bronchitis. So my to do list has become a huge and terrifying presence.
Fortunately, the bronchitis is 98% better. The draft of the mss. is with Cathy, and I should be able to send out interview questions to visiting dignitaries, etc. Also, going to one of the bigger towns today so I can send off the Mother's Day gift to 'me mum'.
I had been going to go to Denver this weekend, but I postponed it a week. Too much I need to do ahead of time if it's going to be a productive trip. By productive, I mean, find a house and make an offer. Well, two minutes until work starts at the day job.
Gotta go.Cie
Okay, today's a better day. Thank heavens! I'm off tomorrow so I can catch up on at least some of the backlog of stuff. I got behind getting ready for RT, then had the trip, then the bronchitis. So my to do list has become a huge and terrifying presence.
Fortunately, the bronchitis is 98% better. The draft of the mss. is with Cathy, and I should be able to send out interview questions to visiting dignitaries, etc. Also, going to one of the bigger towns today so I can send off the Mother's Day gift to 'me mum'.
I had been going to go to Denver this weekend, but I postponed it a week. Too much I need to do ahead of time if it's going to be a productive trip. By productive, I mean, find a house and make an offer. Well, two minutes until work starts at the day job.
Gotta go.Cie
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Three minutes and counting.
I only have three minutes before I'm due back from lunch. Life has been incredibly hectic. At least I got the draft of the mss finished enough to go to Cathy.
You really don't want to hear to much more from me anyway. Seriously bad mood. Hopefully I'll be over it tomorrow.
Cie
You really don't want to hear to much more from me anyway. Seriously bad mood. Hopefully I'll be over it tomorrow.
Cie
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
Again, sorry I messed up and missed posting. Illness and travel. Oops.
Okay, when last we left our intrepid heroine she had grabbed her gun and backpack and jumped off of a tall set of shelves in the garden center into the seam in reality she had opened up beneath Tracker's feet, following him into . . . .
I managed to grab a deep breath on my way down. Good thing, because the seam I'd created opened into the deep end of the swimming pool of my former high school.
It's not as stupid as you think. First, it was wet, to put out Tracker's fire, and cold, to help with the burns. Too, it was not a place that would spring immediately to the minds of my enemies. Oh, they could follow, but they'd have to work magic to do it, and with Evan injured and the trouble my gunshots had probably caused, I didn't think they'd have the time. And it wasn't like I intended us to stay here. Besides, it was the first place I thought of, and the one place I was sure I'd be able to link to. It was, after all, the very first place I'd ever created a seam to.
My feet touched bottom, and I pushed upward with all my might. The wet backpack felt like a lead weight in my arms, but I wasn't about to let it go. Opening my eyes, I focused on the dark shape bobbing slackly on the surface of the water, ash darkening the water around it.
Oh God. Tracker!
I'm not a great swimmer, but I managed to get over to him and turn him over. Wrapping my arm around him from behind, I struggled to drag his limp form across the pool to the steps at the shallow end. He was breathing, but it sounded raspy and wrong. And his skin, where it hadn't been protected by clothing . . . I shuddered. He needed healing; needed help, and needed it now, if he wasn't going to have permanent scarring and permanent disability. I couldn't let that happen. Never mind my past. Never mind what issues I might have with my former mentor. My friend needed healing, and she was the best healer in the business. Checking to make sure the safety was on on the Ladysmith, I shoved it into the main compartment of the backpack.
Swallowing my fear for Tracker, and my own nerves at what I was about to do, I unzipped the little inner pocket and reached inside. The crystal she'd given me when I'd started as her apprentice was where it always was, dangling from a delicate gold chain. If it still worked, Tracker and I would be able to pass through her wards.
I slipped it over my head. Pulling Tracker's still form close, I opened a seam to my master's home, all the while praying that she hadn't recalibrated her defenses and that I wasn't about to obliterate us both.
Again, sorry I messed up and missed posting. Illness and travel. Oops.
Okay, when last we left our intrepid heroine she had grabbed her gun and backpack and jumped off of a tall set of shelves in the garden center into the seam in reality she had opened up beneath Tracker's feet, following him into . . . .
I managed to grab a deep breath on my way down. Good thing, because the seam I'd created opened into the deep end of the swimming pool of my former high school.
It's not as stupid as you think. First, it was wet, to put out Tracker's fire, and cold, to help with the burns. Too, it was not a place that would spring immediately to the minds of my enemies. Oh, they could follow, but they'd have to work magic to do it, and with Evan injured and the trouble my gunshots had probably caused, I didn't think they'd have the time. And it wasn't like I intended us to stay here. Besides, it was the first place I thought of, and the one place I was sure I'd be able to link to. It was, after all, the very first place I'd ever created a seam to.
My feet touched bottom, and I pushed upward with all my might. The wet backpack felt like a lead weight in my arms, but I wasn't about to let it go. Opening my eyes, I focused on the dark shape bobbing slackly on the surface of the water, ash darkening the water around it.
Oh God. Tracker!
I'm not a great swimmer, but I managed to get over to him and turn him over. Wrapping my arm around him from behind, I struggled to drag his limp form across the pool to the steps at the shallow end. He was breathing, but it sounded raspy and wrong. And his skin, where it hadn't been protected by clothing . . . I shuddered. He needed healing; needed help, and needed it now, if he wasn't going to have permanent scarring and permanent disability. I couldn't let that happen. Never mind my past. Never mind what issues I might have with my former mentor. My friend needed healing, and she was the best healer in the business. Checking to make sure the safety was on on the Ladysmith, I shoved it into the main compartment of the backpack.
Swallowing my fear for Tracker, and my own nerves at what I was about to do, I unzipped the little inner pocket and reached inside. The crystal she'd given me when I'd started as her apprentice was where it always was, dangling from a delicate gold chain. If it still worked, Tracker and I would be able to pass through her wards.
I slipped it over my head. Pulling Tracker's still form close, I opened a seam to my master's home, all the while praying that she hadn't recalibrated her defenses and that I wasn't about to obliterate us both.
Friday, May 01, 2009
THANKS and Bronchitis
Thanks so much for making our guest feel welcome!
Now on to the news. You know that stuff they say about "rest in bed." Well, apparently they mean it. I didn't get enough rest what with the conference and stuff, and the crud has now turned into bronchitis. Wound up at the doctor, got a shot, new antibiotics, etc. UGH. Anyway, if I wind up not posting much, you now know why. I'm doing a little better today, so let's hope I'm on the mend.
Cie
Now on to the news. You know that stuff they say about "rest in bed." Well, apparently they mean it. I didn't get enough rest what with the conference and stuff, and the crud has now turned into bronchitis. Wound up at the doctor, got a shot, new antibiotics, etc. UGH. Anyway, if I wind up not posting much, you now know why. I'm doing a little better today, so let's hope I'm on the mend.
Cie
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Visiting Dignitary/Brenda Novak
Okay guys. You've always been a really quiet bunch. But I'd appreciate it if you could be a little less shy than usual and give a really warm welcome to Brenda Novak.
Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why?
Wow—this actually changes from day to day. But, most of the time, I think my favorite character is Clay Montgomery from DEAD GIVEAWAY. I love a wounded hero, and he was so willing to shoulder the responsibility for EVERYTHING that happened in that book. He’d his own worst enemy because of it, but it makes him awfully endearing. J
You have chosen to specialize in, and have made a name for yourself in a particular genre. Any reason why?
I write what I love to read—suspenseful, character-driven stories. But someday, I hope to write a straight historical series (if I ever have the time), in addition to what I’m doing now.
Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
I do get writer’s block occasionally, but only when I’ve made a “wrong turn” so to speak with my story. That’s generally how I can determine that I’ve headed down the wrong path—if I inexplicably come to a grinding halt. Once I unravel to a point where it still feels “right” and head off in a different direction, the story starts to roll for me. So…I think the writer’s block I suffer is merely my subconscious trying to tell me I’m making a mistake before I waste too much time. LOL
Almost every author I’ve met gives back to the community by supporting favorite charities. Do you have one? Could you tell me about it? Is there a particular reason why that charity?
I definitely have a favorite charity! When my youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at five years old, I knew enough about the disease to realize that he’d need constant care and that care wouldn’t be comfortable for him. But I didn’t realize the number of terrible side effects that go hand-in-hand with this dreaded disease. I don’t think a lot of people know that side of the issue. So I decided I was going to do all I could to fight back, to try and improve my son’s life and the lives of all those who are suffering as he is. Five years ago, I started Brenda Novak’s online auction for diabetes research at brendanovak.com. It runs annually May 1 – May 31st. My first year, I raised only $34,000, but my fourth year (last year) I raised $252,300. As you can see, it’s really grown. We’re coming up to action time again, and I’m hoping to break $300,000 in 2009.
So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us a little about it.
I have three new books coming out this summer: THE PERFECT COUPLE (7/28), THE PERFECT LIAR (8/25), and THE PERFECT MURDER (9/29). These books follow up the first three books in The Last Stand series, which came out last summer. I will also have a Christmas novella out in November titled ONE SNOWY CHRISTMAS. You can visit brendanovak.com to read excerpts, view video trailers, read reviews, etc.
What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
My all-time favorite authors are Janet Evanovich and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, but I’m an eclectic reader. I read in my own genre (I have too many friends there to name names—I wouldn’t want to miss any), but I also read the classics and straight historical fiction. Brenda Rickman Vantrease is a new find for me. I really loved her THE ILLUMINATOR. I also love true crime, and Ann Rule is my favorite author for that.
Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
I write full-time (at least when I’m not working on my diabetes fundraisings, which can feel like a full-time job).
Do you have any hobbies?
I run and bike, read and shop, and watch my five kids do various sports.
OKAY, I’m going to do one of those short MEME things here.
Favorite song: Too many to name, but IMAGINE by John Lennon is one of them
Favorite movie or TV show: LAST OF THE MOHICANS
Favorite color: periwinkle
Favorite food: Homemade salsa
Favorite drink: Water (okay, that’s boring, but…LOL)
Is the glass half-full or half-empty: Always half-full
What animal do you think is most like your personality? A bull (since I’m a Taurus—LOL)Vampire/Werewolf/Other: I don’t understand this question. I guess I’m not reading enough paranormal?
If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
BELIEVE!!
********************************
Thanks again for this. Do you mind if I take the piece of advice and put it in our newsletter and on our website in “The Craft Corner”? (If no, it’s okay, but I really would appreciate it.)
You bet!
Oh, and guys -- We've got a little contest going with Brenda. She's visiting both here and on MySpace, so whoever e-mails me first at catadamsfans@gmail.com from either site and says something about Brenda's visiting blog will get a Brenda Novak tote with autographed books and goodies.
Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why?
Wow—this actually changes from day to day. But, most of the time, I think my favorite character is Clay Montgomery from DEAD GIVEAWAY. I love a wounded hero, and he was so willing to shoulder the responsibility for EVERYTHING that happened in that book. He’d his own worst enemy because of it, but it makes him awfully endearing. J
You have chosen to specialize in, and have made a name for yourself in a particular genre. Any reason why?
I write what I love to read—suspenseful, character-driven stories. But someday, I hope to write a straight historical series (if I ever have the time), in addition to what I’m doing now.
Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
I do get writer’s block occasionally, but only when I’ve made a “wrong turn” so to speak with my story. That’s generally how I can determine that I’ve headed down the wrong path—if I inexplicably come to a grinding halt. Once I unravel to a point where it still feels “right” and head off in a different direction, the story starts to roll for me. So…I think the writer’s block I suffer is merely my subconscious trying to tell me I’m making a mistake before I waste too much time. LOL
Almost every author I’ve met gives back to the community by supporting favorite charities. Do you have one? Could you tell me about it? Is there a particular reason why that charity?
I definitely have a favorite charity! When my youngest son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at five years old, I knew enough about the disease to realize that he’d need constant care and that care wouldn’t be comfortable for him. But I didn’t realize the number of terrible side effects that go hand-in-hand with this dreaded disease. I don’t think a lot of people know that side of the issue. So I decided I was going to do all I could to fight back, to try and improve my son’s life and the lives of all those who are suffering as he is. Five years ago, I started Brenda Novak’s online auction for diabetes research at brendanovak.com. It runs annually May 1 – May 31st. My first year, I raised only $34,000, but my fourth year (last year) I raised $252,300. As you can see, it’s really grown. We’re coming up to action time again, and I’m hoping to break $300,000 in 2009.
So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us a little about it.
I have three new books coming out this summer: THE PERFECT COUPLE (7/28), THE PERFECT LIAR (8/25), and THE PERFECT MURDER (9/29). These books follow up the first three books in The Last Stand series, which came out last summer. I will also have a Christmas novella out in November titled ONE SNOWY CHRISTMAS. You can visit brendanovak.com to read excerpts, view video trailers, read reviews, etc.
What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
My all-time favorite authors are Janet Evanovich and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, but I’m an eclectic reader. I read in my own genre (I have too many friends there to name names—I wouldn’t want to miss any), but I also read the classics and straight historical fiction. Brenda Rickman Vantrease is a new find for me. I really loved her THE ILLUMINATOR. I also love true crime, and Ann Rule is my favorite author for that.
Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
I write full-time (at least when I’m not working on my diabetes fundraisings, which can feel like a full-time job).
Do you have any hobbies?
I run and bike, read and shop, and watch my five kids do various sports.
OKAY, I’m going to do one of those short MEME things here.
Favorite song: Too many to name, but IMAGINE by John Lennon is one of them
Favorite movie or TV show: LAST OF THE MOHICANS
Favorite color: periwinkle
Favorite food: Homemade salsa
Favorite drink: Water (okay, that’s boring, but…LOL)
Is the glass half-full or half-empty: Always half-full
What animal do you think is most like your personality? A bull (since I’m a Taurus—LOL)Vampire/Werewolf/Other: I don’t understand this question. I guess I’m not reading enough paranormal?
If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
BELIEVE!!
********************************
Thanks again for this. Do you mind if I take the piece of advice and put it in our newsletter and on our website in “The Craft Corner”? (If no, it’s okay, but I really would appreciate it.)
You bet!
Oh, and guys -- We've got a little contest going with Brenda. She's visiting both here and on MySpace, so whoever e-mails me first at catadamsfans@gmail.com from either site and says something about Brenda's visiting blog will get a Brenda Novak tote with autographed books and goodies.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Serial/Visiting Dignitary/RT
Sorry about not posting the serial. I will assume you all had bacon and eggs instead.
I was at RT. Had a wonderful time, but the entire situation was very technologically challenging. Anyway, back now, and back to work.Promise a better post tomorrow. I believe we're due for a Visiting Dignitary either this evening or tomorrow. I simply MUST check my calendar!
Cie
I was at RT. Had a wonderful time, but the entire situation was very technologically challenging. Anyway, back now, and back to work.Promise a better post tomorrow. I believe we're due for a Visiting Dignitary either this evening or tomorrow. I simply MUST check my calendar!
Cie
Friday, April 24, 2009
WE WON!!!!!!!!
I had to wait to post this until it was official but WE WON!!!! CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN PARANORMAL ROMANCE!!!! WHOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Going to the ceremony in 10 minutes and I'm SO PSYCHED!
THANK YOU to the folks at RT. And yes, we do get a statue, and we get to go up and "thank the Academy." :)
Going to the ceremony in 10 minutes and I'm SO PSYCHED!
THANK YOU to the folks at RT. And yes, we do get a statue, and we get to go up and "thank the Academy." :)
Thursday, April 23, 2009
RT/Computer Fits/Calendar & Contest
RT/Calendar/Borrowing a Computer
TWICE NOW I'VE LOST THIS FREAKING POST! ARGH!!
I'm trying ONE MORE TIME. I am borrowing a netbook from Cathy. It is very hard for me to use because my fingers are large, the keys are small, and the flipping base jiggles every time I hit a key. But I am persevering because there is stuff you need to know.
FIRST, RT is a blast. Hi to everybody. Special Hi to the contingent from Rosemary's Books from Australia. And to the cover models because, well, because.But this is actually a business trip. And with that in mind, I've been working hard. I've done some writing. (Despite the perils of the freaking netbook.) I've also been in contact with LOTS of writers, many of whom have now agreed to be Visiting Dignitaries. WOO HOO. In the course of talking with everyone we (Cathy and I) came up with an idea.
It is very important that books be pre-ordered. The sooner the better. Buyers for the bookstores determine their orders six months before a release date. If they don't know your favorite author IS your favorite author, and that there is a demand, they won't order as many (or maybe even ANY) copies. Since more and more bookstores are going to face out, there will be less available shelf space and less variety. Cathy has done a wonderful post on this on Witchy Chicks blog, and we will probably put an article in the newsletter.
As a service to writers and readers, we are putting together a year-long calendar of releases for authors we know in various genres so that (a) you can order early if you like and/or; (b) you will know a book is available by your favorite author even if it isn't on the shelf. (And if it isn't you can always contact the staff at your favorite bookstore to have them order you one. They're there to help).
ON TO THE CONTEST. That's right folk, it's contest time. We have been told we're getting some cover flats for promotion purposes. SO, we're going to have a couple of autographed flats available to winners. Here's the plan. Those of you already signed up for the newsletter, write to us at catadamsfans@gmail.com with FLATTEN ME in the RE line. Those of you who haven't signed up, this entry will enroll you for the newsletter, but you can always unsubscribe. (But you'll break my heart. Not making you feel guilty or anything. Just saying . . .). SO, new subscribers put SWAG ME BABY in the RE line at the same address. One winner will be drawn from each group at random/name in a hat style. Entries are due by May 15.
TWICE NOW I'VE LOST THIS FREAKING POST! ARGH!!
I'm trying ONE MORE TIME. I am borrowing a netbook from Cathy. It is very hard for me to use because my fingers are large, the keys are small, and the flipping base jiggles every time I hit a key. But I am persevering because there is stuff you need to know.
FIRST, RT is a blast. Hi to everybody. Special Hi to the contingent from Rosemary's Books from Australia. And to the cover models because, well, because.But this is actually a business trip. And with that in mind, I've been working hard. I've done some writing. (Despite the perils of the freaking netbook.) I've also been in contact with LOTS of writers, many of whom have now agreed to be Visiting Dignitaries. WOO HOO. In the course of talking with everyone we (Cathy and I) came up with an idea.
It is very important that books be pre-ordered. The sooner the better. Buyers for the bookstores determine their orders six months before a release date. If they don't know your favorite author IS your favorite author, and that there is a demand, they won't order as many (or maybe even ANY) copies. Since more and more bookstores are going to face out, there will be less available shelf space and less variety. Cathy has done a wonderful post on this on Witchy Chicks blog, and we will probably put an article in the newsletter.
As a service to writers and readers, we are putting together a year-long calendar of releases for authors we know in various genres so that (a) you can order early if you like and/or; (b) you will know a book is available by your favorite author even if it isn't on the shelf. (And if it isn't you can always contact the staff at your favorite bookstore to have them order you one. They're there to help).
ON TO THE CONTEST. That's right folk, it's contest time. We have been told we're getting some cover flats for promotion purposes. SO, we're going to have a couple of autographed flats available to winners. Here's the plan. Those of you already signed up for the newsletter, write to us at catadamsfans@gmail.com with FLATTEN ME in the RE line. Those of you who haven't signed up, this entry will enroll you for the newsletter, but you can always unsubscribe. (But you'll break my heart. Not making you feel guilty or anything. Just saying . . .). SO, new subscribers put SWAG ME BABY in the RE line at the same address. One winner will be drawn from each group at random/name in a hat style. Entries are due by May 15.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Made it to Orlando/visiting dignitary for tomorrow
Hi Guys! Wanted to post earlier, but was on the road to RT in Orlando. Safe trip. Good flights. All is well. OK. On to Yasmine Galernorn's post:
Cie: So, welcome to the blog. Now if you just cooperate, it won't hurt a bit, and I'll hand you back the keys to the handcuffs. . . Oh, dear, we have an audience. Hello readers. Cie waves. (Sotto voice to woman in chair --"Wave your free hand at the readers and smile. NOW.")
ANYWAY, I’m going to dive right in. Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why?
Yasmine: I’m giving you a two-fer here. ~grins~ As far as main characters go, yes—Camille D’Artigo, of my Otherworld Series. Why? She’s free spirited and uninhibited. She’s a witch, a wild woman in many ways, we have similar tastes in fashion, makeup and men *koffs*…she’s lucky enough to have three lovers who accept that she’s not a one-man woman (albeit with some grumbling and testosterone wars). She’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind and yet—beneath it all, she feels intensely responsible for her family and takes care of her obligations before her personal interests. She often says, “I’m my father’s daughter” and means it—her father is a guard in the Des’Estar—the elite corp back in Y’Elestrial, Camille’s home city in Otherworld. She wants to make him proud and so she willingly does her duty, even when it means facing death and disaster.
My favorite villain so far (ha! Sneaking in one of the bad guys), is Karvanak—who was in both Dragon Wytch and Night Huntress. Karvanak was a demon—a Rāksasa, and he was one of those hedonistic sociopaths who cares only for his own pleasure. He had no compunction on using torture, he wasn’t swayed by pity or pleas. And yet he was calm, smooth, collected, and frightening in his cold-hearted nature.
Cie: Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
.. ..
Yasmine: Um…no. I know you’ll hate me for this, but I don’t get writer’s block. What happens when I’m stuck is that I realize I’m not hearing the real story or the I’ve been trying to force the character into a situation/nature that simply isn’t right for the book or for them. I go back then, I let myself putter with what I’ve done, I take a day to think about it, and let the work settle into my subconscious. And usually, within a day of just mulling over what I’ve done till then, I’ll find the answer to why things aren’t flowing. Every book and every series has a different mood, a different nature, and I have to make sure that I’m not still hung up in the last one I wrote—that I’ve let that go for now and moved fully into the headspace for the current WiP.....
Cie: Almost every author I’ve met gives back to the community by supporting favorite charities. Do you have one? Could you tell me about it? Is there a particular reason why that charity?
.. ..
Yasmine: Three, actually. My husband and I regularly donate to Meow Cat Rescue—we’re ailurophiles, we adore cats and love them, and try to do our part toward supporting no-kill rescue centers. We also donate to Northwest Harvest. When I was in my 20’s, my ex and I were so poor that many times we had no idea how we were going to eat, let alone pay the bills. The food bank kept us alive more times than I want to remember. So I give back now that I’m in a position to help others—there are so many families struggling to make ends meet and they should not have to worry about how to feed their children, or where they’ll find their next meal.
.. ..
We also support Brenda Novak’s annual Juvenile Diabetes auction—I’ve been part of it since the first year. My husband has Type 1 diabetes and we know how harsh this disease can be. We live with it daily. This year I’m donating three things—a large Otherworld Faerie basket filled with wonderful goodies, a signed-by-the-artist print of Morio, the youkai-kitsune from my series (gorgeous!). There’s only one other one out there right now—the one in my office, and I commissioned my cover artist to paint it. I’m also donating a lunch with me and critique of your first chapter from your WiP. You can find the information for everything (along with pictures) on my website.....
.. ..
Cie: So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us a little about it.
.. ..
Yasmine: Well, as far as new releases: On June 2, 2009 Demon Mistress, the sixth Otherworld book, hits the shelves. On November 3, 2009, an anthology called Never After will be released—it has Laurell K. Hamilton, Marjorie Liu, Sharon Shinn, and me in it. The novella I wrote for it is called The Shadow of Mist and is an Otherworld novella surrounding one of the secondary characters—Siobhan, the selkie.
.. ..
January 5, 2010—I have both Bone Magic (book seven in the OW series) and Inked, another anthology with another OW novella in it (Etched in Silver—the story of when Camille and Trillian first met and how they became sexually bound to one another).
.. ..
And in June 2010, Night Myst will be released--the first in my new Indigo Court urban fantasy series. After that my OW series will be releasing in January, the IC series in June.
.. ..
Berkley is also re-releasing my entire Chintz ‘n China series this year with new covers. I won’t be writing any new books for it—but Legend of the Jade Dragon will be in print again, and the new covers are fantastic.
.. ..
I’m also writing a short story for a Gardner Dozois anthology called Star Crossed Lovers, which will be out from Pocket, but I’m not sure when.
.. ..
Cie: What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
.. ..
Yasmine: Favorite authors of all time: Ray Bradbury, Daphne du Maurier, Amy Tan, JRR Tolkien, Richard Adams…currently I’m hooked on the House of Night Series by PC & Kristin Cast, the Morganville Vampire Series by Rachel Caine, the Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs, the Dresden Series by Jim Butcher, and I’m reading so many more books—I read in almost all genres and you can find just about everything on my shelves. *pouts* I want more Thrall books, btw, from you and Cathy. ....
.. ..
Cie: Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
.. ..
Yasmine: Oh man, I passed having the time for a day job years ago. I write 50-70 hours a week, including research, admin, promo, etc. Been a long, long time since I had a day job though I’ve only the past year or so reached the live-off-my-writing stage.
.. ..
Cie: Do you have any hobbies?
.. ..
Yasmine: I used to have more but now I don’t have time for many. I love movies, TV, music, am a major audiophile and every book has a playlist. I love playing with our cats, hanging with a few close friends, playing hostess and cooking for friends, decorating (as in the house), makeup…are those hobbies? ~laughs~ I’m also heavily tattooed, but I don’t consider that a hobby in itself. LOL
.. ..
Cie: OKAY, I’m going to do one of those short MEME things here.
.. ..
Yasmine: ....
Favorite song: Depends on my mood, right now? Dream Killers by Gary Numan and Social Enemies by Orgy.
Favorite movie or TV show: Again, depends on mood but my overall favorite movie is Rebecca, and my favorite show is InuYasha.
Favorite color: Hmm…plum, burgundy, and black.
Favorite food: Tomatoes. Steak. Lobster. Chocolate.
Favorite drink: Iced triple shot soy lattes.
Is the glass half-full or half-empty: If I don’t like what’s in it, half-full, if I like what’s in it, half-empty.What animal do you think is most like your personality? Black panther is my main animal totem. Vampire/Werewolf/Other: Magical Fae. And not like the Victorians pictured them—the Fae are wild and don’t play by human rules.
.. ..
Cie: If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
.. ..
Yasmine: You must persevere if you want to make it—your words are not set in stone and you have to learn how to take critique and separate yourself from the work in order to make it the best it can be. It can take years—I have seven novels in the closet that will never, ever be in print. They weren’t good enough. They were, however, practice for where I am today.
.. ..
Is there any upcoming event you'd like to tell us about?
.. ..
I’d like to invite people to join us at the Tukwila WA Barnes & Noble on April 25th, where I’ll be answering questions and signing books with Jayne Ann Krentz and Cherry Adair, and then on May 2nd at the Covington WA library, I’ll be part of a paranormal panel and signing books again at an all-day Romance Extravaganza. You can find out more about both on my schedule of appearances.
Cie: There now, that wasn't so bad was it. Now where did I put that blasted key?
Yasmine: Hey, you should have used velvet. MUCH nicer on skin than nasty old steel. ~grins~
.. ..
.. ..
Bio: USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy for ..Berkley..: both the bestselling Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon Series for Berkley and the upcoming Indigo Court urban fantasy series. In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books. Her books have hit the New York Times and USA Today extended bestseller lists numerous times.
.. ..
Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 28 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in ....Bellevue.. ..WA.... with her husband Samwise and their cats.
.. ..
Yasmine can be reached via her website at www.galenorn.com, and via MySpace: www.myspace.com/yasminegalenorn. She is also the co-founder of the Witchy Chicks.
Hi Guys! Wanted to post earlier, but was on the road to RT in Orlando. Safe trip. Good flights. All is well. OK. On to Yasmine Galernorn's post:
Cie: So, welcome to the blog. Now if you just cooperate, it won't hurt a bit, and I'll hand you back the keys to the handcuffs. . . Oh, dear, we have an audience. Hello readers. Cie waves. (Sotto voice to woman in chair --"Wave your free hand at the readers and smile. NOW.")
ANYWAY, I’m going to dive right in. Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why?
Yasmine: I’m giving you a two-fer here. ~grins~ As far as main characters go, yes—Camille D’Artigo, of my Otherworld Series. Why? She’s free spirited and uninhibited. She’s a witch, a wild woman in many ways, we have similar tastes in fashion, makeup and men *koffs*…she’s lucky enough to have three lovers who accept that she’s not a one-man woman (albeit with some grumbling and testosterone wars). She’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind and yet—beneath it all, she feels intensely responsible for her family and takes care of her obligations before her personal interests. She often says, “I’m my father’s daughter” and means it—her father is a guard in the Des’Estar—the elite corp back in Y’Elestrial, Camille’s home city in Otherworld. She wants to make him proud and so she willingly does her duty, even when it means facing death and disaster.
My favorite villain so far (ha! Sneaking in one of the bad guys), is Karvanak—who was in both Dragon Wytch and Night Huntress. Karvanak was a demon—a Rāksasa, and he was one of those hedonistic sociopaths who cares only for his own pleasure. He had no compunction on using torture, he wasn’t swayed by pity or pleas. And yet he was calm, smooth, collected, and frightening in his cold-hearted nature.
Cie: Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
.. ..
Yasmine: Um…no. I know you’ll hate me for this, but I don’t get writer’s block. What happens when I’m stuck is that I realize I’m not hearing the real story or the I’ve been trying to force the character into a situation/nature that simply isn’t right for the book or for them. I go back then, I let myself putter with what I’ve done, I take a day to think about it, and let the work settle into my subconscious. And usually, within a day of just mulling over what I’ve done till then, I’ll find the answer to why things aren’t flowing. Every book and every series has a different mood, a different nature, and I have to make sure that I’m not still hung up in the last one I wrote—that I’ve let that go for now and moved fully into the headspace for the current WiP.....
Cie: Almost every author I’ve met gives back to the community by supporting favorite charities. Do you have one? Could you tell me about it? Is there a particular reason why that charity?
.. ..
Yasmine: Three, actually. My husband and I regularly donate to Meow Cat Rescue—we’re ailurophiles, we adore cats and love them, and try to do our part toward supporting no-kill rescue centers. We also donate to Northwest Harvest. When I was in my 20’s, my ex and I were so poor that many times we had no idea how we were going to eat, let alone pay the bills. The food bank kept us alive more times than I want to remember. So I give back now that I’m in a position to help others—there are so many families struggling to make ends meet and they should not have to worry about how to feed their children, or where they’ll find their next meal.
.. ..
We also support Brenda Novak’s annual Juvenile Diabetes auction—I’ve been part of it since the first year. My husband has Type 1 diabetes and we know how harsh this disease can be. We live with it daily. This year I’m donating three things—a large Otherworld Faerie basket filled with wonderful goodies, a signed-by-the-artist print of Morio, the youkai-kitsune from my series (gorgeous!). There’s only one other one out there right now—the one in my office, and I commissioned my cover artist to paint it. I’m also donating a lunch with me and critique of your first chapter from your WiP. You can find the information for everything (along with pictures) on my website.....
.. ..
Cie: So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us a little about it.
.. ..
Yasmine: Well, as far as new releases: On June 2, 2009 Demon Mistress, the sixth Otherworld book, hits the shelves. On November 3, 2009, an anthology called Never After will be released—it has Laurell K. Hamilton, Marjorie Liu, Sharon Shinn, and me in it. The novella I wrote for it is called The Shadow of Mist and is an Otherworld novella surrounding one of the secondary characters—Siobhan, the selkie.
.. ..
January 5, 2010—I have both Bone Magic (book seven in the OW series) and Inked, another anthology with another OW novella in it (Etched in Silver—the story of when Camille and Trillian first met and how they became sexually bound to one another).
.. ..
And in June 2010, Night Myst will be released--the first in my new Indigo Court urban fantasy series. After that my OW series will be releasing in January, the IC series in June.
.. ..
Berkley is also re-releasing my entire Chintz ‘n China series this year with new covers. I won’t be writing any new books for it—but Legend of the Jade Dragon will be in print again, and the new covers are fantastic.
.. ..
I’m also writing a short story for a Gardner Dozois anthology called Star Crossed Lovers, which will be out from Pocket, but I’m not sure when.
.. ..
Cie: What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
.. ..
Yasmine: Favorite authors of all time: Ray Bradbury, Daphne du Maurier, Amy Tan, JRR Tolkien, Richard Adams…currently I’m hooked on the House of Night Series by PC & Kristin Cast, the Morganville Vampire Series by Rachel Caine, the Mercy Thompson Series by Patricia Briggs, the Dresden Series by Jim Butcher, and I’m reading so many more books—I read in almost all genres and you can find just about everything on my shelves. *pouts* I want more Thrall books, btw, from you and Cathy. ....
.. ..
Cie: Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
.. ..
Yasmine: Oh man, I passed having the time for a day job years ago. I write 50-70 hours a week, including research, admin, promo, etc. Been a long, long time since I had a day job though I’ve only the past year or so reached the live-off-my-writing stage.
.. ..
Cie: Do you have any hobbies?
.. ..
Yasmine: I used to have more but now I don’t have time for many. I love movies, TV, music, am a major audiophile and every book has a playlist. I love playing with our cats, hanging with a few close friends, playing hostess and cooking for friends, decorating (as in the house), makeup…are those hobbies? ~laughs~ I’m also heavily tattooed, but I don’t consider that a hobby in itself. LOL
.. ..
Cie: OKAY, I’m going to do one of those short MEME things here.
.. ..
Yasmine: ....
Favorite song: Depends on my mood, right now? Dream Killers by Gary Numan and Social Enemies by Orgy.
Favorite movie or TV show: Again, depends on mood but my overall favorite movie is Rebecca, and my favorite show is InuYasha.
Favorite color: Hmm…plum, burgundy, and black.
Favorite food: Tomatoes. Steak. Lobster. Chocolate.
Favorite drink: Iced triple shot soy lattes.
Is the glass half-full or half-empty: If I don’t like what’s in it, half-full, if I like what’s in it, half-empty.What animal do you think is most like your personality? Black panther is my main animal totem. Vampire/Werewolf/Other: Magical Fae. And not like the Victorians pictured them—the Fae are wild and don’t play by human rules.
.. ..
Cie: If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
.. ..
Yasmine: You must persevere if you want to make it—your words are not set in stone and you have to learn how to take critique and separate yourself from the work in order to make it the best it can be. It can take years—I have seven novels in the closet that will never, ever be in print. They weren’t good enough. They were, however, practice for where I am today.
.. ..
Is there any upcoming event you'd like to tell us about?
.. ..
I’d like to invite people to join us at the Tukwila WA Barnes & Noble on April 25th, where I’ll be answering questions and signing books with Jayne Ann Krentz and Cherry Adair, and then on May 2nd at the Covington WA library, I’ll be part of a paranormal panel and signing books again at an all-day Romance Extravaganza. You can find out more about both on my schedule of appearances.
Cie: There now, that wasn't so bad was it. Now where did I put that blasted key?
Yasmine: Hey, you should have used velvet. MUCH nicer on skin than nasty old steel. ~grins~
.. ..
.. ..
Bio: USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy for ..Berkley..: both the bestselling Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon Series for Berkley and the upcoming Indigo Court urban fantasy series. In the past, she wrote mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and nonfiction metaphysical books. Her books have hit the New York Times and USA Today extended bestseller lists numerous times.
.. ..
Yasmine has been in the Craft for over 28 years, is a shamanic witch, and describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in ....Bellevue.. ..WA.... with her husband Samwise and their cats.
.. ..
Yasmine can be reached via her website at www.galenorn.com, and via MySpace: www.myspace.com/yasminegalenorn. She is also the co-founder of the Witchy Chicks.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Visiting Dignitary -- JADE LEE
WOOO HOOOO!! Folks, let's give Jade a warm welcome. She's even going to try to pop by and answer comments, so please do. There may even be a prize for the first to write in. ;)
ANYWAY, I’m going to dive right in. Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why?
I shouldn’t confess to having favorites. Really, there is something I love about every book I’ve ever written. Absolutely, flat out adore. But, if you’re going to force me to pick…I am thrilled by the love story between Sabina and Cordain in DRAGONBOUND. I know, I know, you think I’m promoting my latest book, and of course I am. But even my editor said this is his favorite book of mine. Plus, I’m having trouble writing my next book because this one worked so very, very well. I don’t know if I can do it again.
Individually, these two people are good, powerful, strong characters. That’s a must for my books. But for some reason these two gelled more than anyone else. I don’t know what it is, but once the two get on the stage together, the power just quadrupled. Sabina and Cordain FIT. They are the only one for each other, and it’s obvious from the get go.
A little background—DRAGONBOUND is a fantasy romance (and is the sequel to DRAGONBORN, but you don’t need to read them in order if you don’t want) Anyway, think medieval world with magic and DRAGONS. The hero Cordain used to be a dragon. (trust me, it gets explained). When he was a dragon, Sabina was his dragonmaid. She brushed his teeth, oiled his scales, cleaned up his poop…etc. They had a bond then like a woman and her pet, but thanks to secret magic, it grows into something more. But by the time he’s become a man, everything is twisted and difficult between them because of the bad guy. (There’s got to be a bad guy!) And then they have to find their way back to each other while preventing a war! It’s a wonderfully complex story of love, and I’m so pleased with it, I could just bust!
Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
Writer’s Block, IMO, is having nothing important to say. No love story to express. No deeper themes to explore. And through I’m rarely without words, I’m often without important words. Okay, yeah, usually, I just babble. But to get past the …I-have-nothing-intelligent-to-say, I usually meditate, pray, and go rollerblading. I also read because that can sometimes really free up my creativity. Let me stress that I do NOT write religious fiction. I just use the quiet time to open myself up to something intelligent to say. And it turns out, that God has more intelligent things on His mind than anything I could possibly come up with! And He fits it into a format I can understand…which usually has a lot of sex, adventure, and LOVE!
Which genres do you like writing in best? Why?
ROMANCE. I write ROMANCE. Love stories. Sex. And HEA. Within romance, I can write anything, but I like historical romance and fantasy romance, with a smattering of contemporary too! My latest regency-era romance is THE DRAGON EARL. It opens with a woman about to marry an Earl. She’s in her white dress, at the altar with her groom, and they’re all in an old Norman church. When up the aisle walks a guy in saffron robes. He says, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know I’m late, but I’m here now. We can get married.” He’s the long lost earl that everyone thought was dead. He’s been in China in a Buddhist fighting temple learning kung fu. And now he’s back and she’s supposed to marry him. But he’s in a saffron robe and bald!
You’ve already heard about my fantasy romances in Dragonborn and Dragonbound. I also write for Blaze. Newest one comes out in September called In Good Hands.
So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us a little about it.
Check out Dragonborn and Dragonbound. If you have any joy in fantasy romance or dragons…they’re fabulous books!
What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
EVERYTHING! Jim Butcher’s Dresden books are the only books I’ll buy in hardcover. I’m reading Water for Elephants right now and it’s delightful. Also can’t get enough of historical romance.
Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
I write full time!
Do you have any hobbies?
RACQUETBALL! I used to be a pro racquetball player then my knees went out. So…now I play as often as I can, but only as long as my knees work!
OKAY, I’m going to do one of those short MEME things here.
Favorite song: At the moment? My daughter was just Maria in West Side Story, and I cracked up when she sang, I Feel Pretty. It is so her! So…That’s my favorite song right now.
Favorite movie or TV show: I’m a Whedon-ite. I love his work. So…Serenity was awesome, Firefly (the tv show), Buffy. I’m enjoying Dollhouse too, but haven’t decided if I LOVE it.
Favorite color: Today? Green grass…fresh in spring.
Favorite food: Chocolate and coffee. No particular order.
Favorite drink: Mocha Latte. Duh. See above!
Is the glass half-full or half-empty: The glass is a whole yin/yang entity. It cannot be taken in parts without being diminished.
What animal do you think is most like your personality? A dog. Which is sad because I’m really a cat person.
If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
It’s a marathon not a sprint. Work a little every day and there’s no stopping you. Try to do it all at once and you burn out. Big time.
Thanks again for this. Do you mind if I take the piece of advice and put it in our newsletter and on our website in “The Craft Corner”? (If no, it’s okay, but I really would appreciate it.)
Sure. No problem!
ANYWAY, I’m going to dive right in. Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why?
I shouldn’t confess to having favorites. Really, there is something I love about every book I’ve ever written. Absolutely, flat out adore. But, if you’re going to force me to pick…I am thrilled by the love story between Sabina and Cordain in DRAGONBOUND. I know, I know, you think I’m promoting my latest book, and of course I am. But even my editor said this is his favorite book of mine. Plus, I’m having trouble writing my next book because this one worked so very, very well. I don’t know if I can do it again.
Individually, these two people are good, powerful, strong characters. That’s a must for my books. But for some reason these two gelled more than anyone else. I don’t know what it is, but once the two get on the stage together, the power just quadrupled. Sabina and Cordain FIT. They are the only one for each other, and it’s obvious from the get go.
A little background—DRAGONBOUND is a fantasy romance (and is the sequel to DRAGONBORN, but you don’t need to read them in order if you don’t want) Anyway, think medieval world with magic and DRAGONS. The hero Cordain used to be a dragon. (trust me, it gets explained). When he was a dragon, Sabina was his dragonmaid. She brushed his teeth, oiled his scales, cleaned up his poop…etc. They had a bond then like a woman and her pet, but thanks to secret magic, it grows into something more. But by the time he’s become a man, everything is twisted and difficult between them because of the bad guy. (There’s got to be a bad guy!) And then they have to find their way back to each other while preventing a war! It’s a wonderfully complex story of love, and I’m so pleased with it, I could just bust!
Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
Writer’s Block, IMO, is having nothing important to say. No love story to express. No deeper themes to explore. And through I’m rarely without words, I’m often without important words. Okay, yeah, usually, I just babble. But to get past the …I-have-nothing-intelligent-to-say, I usually meditate, pray, and go rollerblading. I also read because that can sometimes really free up my creativity. Let me stress that I do NOT write religious fiction. I just use the quiet time to open myself up to something intelligent to say. And it turns out, that God has more intelligent things on His mind than anything I could possibly come up with! And He fits it into a format I can understand…which usually has a lot of sex, adventure, and LOVE!
Which genres do you like writing in best? Why?
ROMANCE. I write ROMANCE. Love stories. Sex. And HEA. Within romance, I can write anything, but I like historical romance and fantasy romance, with a smattering of contemporary too! My latest regency-era romance is THE DRAGON EARL. It opens with a woman about to marry an Earl. She’s in her white dress, at the altar with her groom, and they’re all in an old Norman church. When up the aisle walks a guy in saffron robes. He says, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I know I’m late, but I’m here now. We can get married.” He’s the long lost earl that everyone thought was dead. He’s been in China in a Buddhist fighting temple learning kung fu. And now he’s back and she’s supposed to marry him. But he’s in a saffron robe and bald!
You’ve already heard about my fantasy romances in Dragonborn and Dragonbound. I also write for Blaze. Newest one comes out in September called In Good Hands.
So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us a little about it.
Check out Dragonborn and Dragonbound. If you have any joy in fantasy romance or dragons…they’re fabulous books!
What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
EVERYTHING! Jim Butcher’s Dresden books are the only books I’ll buy in hardcover. I’m reading Water for Elephants right now and it’s delightful. Also can’t get enough of historical romance.
Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
I write full time!
Do you have any hobbies?
RACQUETBALL! I used to be a pro racquetball player then my knees went out. So…now I play as often as I can, but only as long as my knees work!
OKAY, I’m going to do one of those short MEME things here.
Favorite song: At the moment? My daughter was just Maria in West Side Story, and I cracked up when she sang, I Feel Pretty. It is so her! So…That’s my favorite song right now.
Favorite movie or TV show: I’m a Whedon-ite. I love his work. So…Serenity was awesome, Firefly (the tv show), Buffy. I’m enjoying Dollhouse too, but haven’t decided if I LOVE it.
Favorite color: Today? Green grass…fresh in spring.
Favorite food: Chocolate and coffee. No particular order.
Favorite drink: Mocha Latte. Duh. See above!
Is the glass half-full or half-empty: The glass is a whole yin/yang entity. It cannot be taken in parts without being diminished.
What animal do you think is most like your personality? A dog. Which is sad because I’m really a cat person.
If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
It’s a marathon not a sprint. Work a little every day and there’s no stopping you. Try to do it all at once and you burn out. Big time.
Thanks again for this. Do you mind if I take the piece of advice and put it in our newsletter and on our website in “The Craft Corner”? (If no, it’s okay, but I really would appreciate it.)
Sure. No problem!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
ROSIE HUGHES/Meds are Kicking In/OOPS/NEWS/Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
ROSIE HUGHES/Meds are Kicking In/OOPS/NEWS/Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
Jeez -- I MUST have been gone a couple of days. There's LOTS to say.First -- THE ROSIE HUGHES PROJECT is with Jackie Kessler today. This may be the finale folks and there may be penguins. Truly "must see" blogging. Go forth. I trust you to come back.
http://www.jackiekessler.com/blog/
(I hope the link works. Tech is not my forte lately.)
Second -- THE MEDS ARE KICKING IN. Hallelujah! WOO HOO! I'm feeling LOTS better and should be able to fly to RT without exploding eardrums now.
Third -- OOPS! In the course of fevered idiocy I scheduled TWO Visiting Dignitaries for next week -- WHEN I'M AT RT. And then promptly forgot to post the information on one of them. So I sent out a special alert to the folks getting the newsletter (and if you haven't and want to, go to catadamsfans@gmail.com) and am posting here and on Blogger.
Monday we will have Jade Lee. And yes, I know I'm not varying the questions very much. There is madness to my method. . . um, switch that. (Although it's probably true either way). (1) I want to get different authors from different genre's take on things; (2) I'm on deadline; and (3) Do I look like Diane Sawyer to you?
On the 22nd (which is, I believe, Tuesday, but I will have to check) we will have Yasmine Galernon. WOO HOO!
Fourth -- NEWS -- A couple of things that are cool.
Jim Butcher hit #1 on NYT. WOO HOOO!!! It is so COOL when good things happen to a friend.
AND
Laurell K. Hamilton will be doing a Visiting Dignitary interview in July. :)
AND
The authors participating in The Rosie Hughes Project are working out the kinks, (NOT THAT WAY -- Get your mind out of the gutter!) and are kicking around the possibility of putting together the entire series into a book for sale, with illustrations, and all proceeds to go to charity. Stay tuned.
AND
Cathy and I are going to RT. There will be a big signing. There will also be all kinds of events. I do not know if I'm going to be blogging here much. I'll try, but it may be you get a recap when I'm back home.
Fifth - I want to apologize for a minute here. I've been writing very short entries for Rosie and The Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial the last couple of weeks. I'll do better after May 1. (Although Rosie will be over by then.) But the actual book writing has to take precedence, and if I get too "into" another world and hero/heroine I have problem getting back into the head of Celia in the book. So I have to be careful. Bear with me.
OKAY, that said. Do you have your bowl and milk?
When last we left our intrepid heroine, she was in the garden center at WalMart with Tracker, trying to escape Helena Troy (parents can be so cruel) and Evan. Tracker was unaware of the danger and thus got caught in their trap and is screaming in agony.
Old Friends/Old Enemies (Continued yet again)
Tracker was screaming.
CRAP. I had to do something. Had to. I had a gun. I even know the basics of how to use one. (You can't work for Bob and not get the firearms safety lecture. Too many loaded weapons lying around.) But you have to see the target. To do that I'd have to get in a position where they might see me first. I shuddered with real and reasonable fear, and with revulsion as I began to smell burning hair and flesh.
NO! Taking a deep breath, I slung my backpack on my back and began climbing the metal shelving like a spider monkey. I was trying not to make much noise, not that they'd be likely to hear me over Tracker's screams and Evan's laughter.
Yeah, LAUGHTER. The bastard.
They hadn't noticed me. Laying flat on the top shelf I got in the pack and pulled out the revolver as quickly as I could. Praying, I switched off the safety, and began firing.He stopped laughing when the first shot (my third) hit him in the thigh. Screaming in rage and pain, he fell to the ground, his left leg useless. Helena screamed too. Ducking around the corner, she gathered her magic and sent a blow where I'd been, missing me by a scant inch as I crawled down the top shelf until I was at a point just above and beside Tracker's moaning form. I felt Evan and Helena gathering for another blow. There was no more time. Gathering my own power I decided to try the only thing I could think of, opening a seam in reality beneath Tracker's body and diving in after him.
It was our only chance. It had better work.
Jeez -- I MUST have been gone a couple of days. There's LOTS to say.First -- THE ROSIE HUGHES PROJECT is with Jackie Kessler today. This may be the finale folks and there may be penguins. Truly "must see" blogging. Go forth. I trust you to come back.
http://www.jackiekessler.com/blog/
(I hope the link works. Tech is not my forte lately.)
Second -- THE MEDS ARE KICKING IN. Hallelujah! WOO HOO! I'm feeling LOTS better and should be able to fly to RT without exploding eardrums now.
Third -- OOPS! In the course of fevered idiocy I scheduled TWO Visiting Dignitaries for next week -- WHEN I'M AT RT. And then promptly forgot to post the information on one of them. So I sent out a special alert to the folks getting the newsletter (and if you haven't and want to, go to catadamsfans@gmail.com) and am posting here and on Blogger.
Monday we will have Jade Lee. And yes, I know I'm not varying the questions very much. There is madness to my method. . . um, switch that. (Although it's probably true either way). (1) I want to get different authors from different genre's take on things; (2) I'm on deadline; and (3) Do I look like Diane Sawyer to you?
On the 22nd (which is, I believe, Tuesday, but I will have to check) we will have Yasmine Galernon. WOO HOO!
Fourth -- NEWS -- A couple of things that are cool.
Jim Butcher hit #1 on NYT. WOO HOOO!!! It is so COOL when good things happen to a friend.
AND
Laurell K. Hamilton will be doing a Visiting Dignitary interview in July. :)
AND
The authors participating in The Rosie Hughes Project are working out the kinks, (NOT THAT WAY -- Get your mind out of the gutter!) and are kicking around the possibility of putting together the entire series into a book for sale, with illustrations, and all proceeds to go to charity. Stay tuned.
AND
Cathy and I are going to RT. There will be a big signing. There will also be all kinds of events. I do not know if I'm going to be blogging here much. I'll try, but it may be you get a recap when I'm back home.
Fifth - I want to apologize for a minute here. I've been writing very short entries for Rosie and The Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial the last couple of weeks. I'll do better after May 1. (Although Rosie will be over by then.) But the actual book writing has to take precedence, and if I get too "into" another world and hero/heroine I have problem getting back into the head of Celia in the book. So I have to be careful. Bear with me.
OKAY, that said. Do you have your bowl and milk?
When last we left our intrepid heroine, she was in the garden center at WalMart with Tracker, trying to escape Helena Troy (parents can be so cruel) and Evan. Tracker was unaware of the danger and thus got caught in their trap and is screaming in agony.
Old Friends/Old Enemies (Continued yet again)
Tracker was screaming.
CRAP. I had to do something. Had to. I had a gun. I even know the basics of how to use one. (You can't work for Bob and not get the firearms safety lecture. Too many loaded weapons lying around.) But you have to see the target. To do that I'd have to get in a position where they might see me first. I shuddered with real and reasonable fear, and with revulsion as I began to smell burning hair and flesh.
NO! Taking a deep breath, I slung my backpack on my back and began climbing the metal shelving like a spider monkey. I was trying not to make much noise, not that they'd be likely to hear me over Tracker's screams and Evan's laughter.
Yeah, LAUGHTER. The bastard.
They hadn't noticed me. Laying flat on the top shelf I got in the pack and pulled out the revolver as quickly as I could. Praying, I switched off the safety, and began firing.He stopped laughing when the first shot (my third) hit him in the thigh. Screaming in rage and pain, he fell to the ground, his left leg useless. Helena screamed too. Ducking around the corner, she gathered her magic and sent a blow where I'd been, missing me by a scant inch as I crawled down the top shelf until I was at a point just above and beside Tracker's moaning form. I felt Evan and Helena gathering for another blow. There was no more time. Gathering my own power I decided to try the only thing I could think of, opening a seam in reality beneath Tracker's body and diving in after him.
It was our only chance. It had better work.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
UGH/STILL PUNY
Hi Guys!
I'm still puny. The flu has transitioned into a sinus infection that has blocked both of my Eustacian tubes. (I don't know if I spelled that right, but you know what I mean.) I am on drugs because I'm supposed to fly to Orlando to RT next week. You do not want to fly with your ears acting up. NOT a good idea at all. So I'm resting and taking heavy drugs, and trying to remember all of the stuff I have half done and need to finish. ARGH!!
I have started buying the swag for THE ROSIE HUGHES PROJECT prizes. I had to wait 20 minutes for my prescriptions, so I spent the time (and a fair amount of money) shopping for all things PINK.
Also, we'd been talking about a forum, but we're thinking maybe a Yahoo group instead. Checking with the folks on our mailing list for the newsletter is on my "To Do" list. A list that is growing longer by the minute.
Well, I'd better go. I'm kind of grumpy what with not feeling well and I don't want the post to get any more whiny than it already is. Be good, be happy.
I'm still puny. The flu has transitioned into a sinus infection that has blocked both of my Eustacian tubes. (I don't know if I spelled that right, but you know what I mean.) I am on drugs because I'm supposed to fly to Orlando to RT next week. You do not want to fly with your ears acting up. NOT a good idea at all. So I'm resting and taking heavy drugs, and trying to remember all of the stuff I have half done and need to finish. ARGH!!
I have started buying the swag for THE ROSIE HUGHES PROJECT prizes. I had to wait 20 minutes for my prescriptions, so I spent the time (and a fair amount of money) shopping for all things PINK.
Also, we'd been talking about a forum, but we're thinking maybe a Yahoo group instead. Checking with the folks on our mailing list for the newsletter is on my "To Do" list. A list that is growing longer by the minute.
Well, I'd better go. I'm kind of grumpy what with not feeling well and I don't want the post to get any more whiny than it already is. Be good, be happy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Shannon Butcher Visiting Dignitary
So, welcome to the blog. Now first I want to deny all those pesky rumors that have arisen that I’ve resorted to beating other authors about the head and neck to drag them here, which is simply not true! They’re here because they WANT to be. REALLY.
ANYWAY, I’m going to dive right in.
Yes, ma’am. Anything you say, ma’am. Please don’t take out the hose again.
Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why? I have two favorites. My favorite hero so far has been Caleb from NO CONTROL. He sprang to life in my head fully formed, and was the easiest male character I’ve ever written. Plus, he’s all sexy and honorable, which I love.
I also have enjoyed writing the character Nika Madison, who readers won’t get to meet until January, 2010 when book two of The Sentinel Wars, FINDING THE LOST, comes out. She’s tortured and tragic and brave in a way I don’t think I ever could be. I haven’t yet written her story, but it’s bubbling in the back of my brain, anxious to get out. Her story will be the next paranormal I tackle.
Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
I don’t really think I get writer’s block, mostly because I refuse to allow it to happen. I have times when the writing is hard, but a block implies something I’m unable to get past. Sure, sometimes I question if I’m headed on the right path with a story (and often have to delete huge chunks of suckfulness), or have a difficult time getting a scene just right, but I don’t stop writing. I take my writing seriously and treat it as a profession the same way I did engineering. I can’t imagine what kind of reaction I’d have gotten from my boss if I’d told him, “I’m sorry I can’t work today. I have engineer’s block.” J
You and your husband are both successful writers. Do you share an office? Act as each other's beta readers? Or do you avoid it like the PLAGUE?
No, we do not share an office. I need things neat and orderly and quiet in order to work. Jim enjoys his chaos. Immensely. In fact, I’m not even allowed to dust or vacuum his office, which works fine for me. As long as there’s a door I can shut so I don’t have to look at it, we’re good.
We occasionally beta read for each other, but it’s becoming more rare. The busier we get, the less time we have for it, which is probably one of those blessing-in-disguise things, as our writing styles are very different. We do, however, spend hours talking shop. We hash out plots and characters and discuss the business side of writing on a daily basis. It’s one of my favorite things about being married to a writer. He gets it.
Almost every author I’ve met gives back to the community by supporting favorite charities. Do you have one? Could you tell me about it? Is there a particular reason why that charity?
I’m a fan of both the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.Komen.org) as well as American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 and died at 44, so it’s definitely one of those causes that’s near and dear to my heart.
So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us about it.
I’m really excited about the release of my new paranormal romance series, The Sentinel Wars. It’s a project I’ve been toying with for years, and it’s a thrill to finally get to hold the first book in my hands. I wasn’t sure it would ever actually happen, but BURNING ALIVE comes out May 5, 2009.
I also have a new romantic suspense coming out this October, called LOVE YOU TO DEATH. It’s a stand-alone, and definitely some of the creepiest stuff I’ve ever written. So creepy, in fact, that I actually went out and bought a gun and learned how to use it, just in case.
What about appearances: Tour dates, signings and such. Gimme details!
I’ll be signing books at Mysterious Galaxy Books in San Diego on May 9, 2009, as well as at the Barnes & Noble store in Independence, MO on May 16. I’ll be attending a couple of conventions this summer in Chicago and Washington D.C. and you can find details for all of those at my website: www.shannonkbutcher.com.
What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
I tend to read what I write, so I stick mostly to romantic suspense and paranormal romance. I do pick up other flavors of romance, but it’s not very often that I veer away from some kind of romance, ‘cause they just make me happy. I love Sherrilyn Kenyon, Suzanne Brockmann, J. R. Ward, Lori Foster, and Linda Howard, just to name a few.
Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
I’m fortunate to be able to write full-time, and started doing so within a few months of leaving my previous day job as an industrial engineer.
Any favorite hobbies?
I LOVE beads. Little bits of shiny glass, metal and crystal are like heroin to me. I can’t get enough, so I’m constantly making and giving away beaded pieces so I have an excuse to buy more beads.
I’ve also been known to quilt and do some costuming, but those obsessions have been completely overshadowed by my current bead addiction.
If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
Write. Write a lot. Slog through those first difficult books where you might not know what you’re doing, and learn your craft. Every one of those bad books is important. Once you get through those, don’t stick the good stuff in a drawer. Submitting your work for rejection is hard, but if you don’t, you’ll never see your name on that shelf at the book store. How sad would that be?
I’m also a big fan of critique groups. I’d recommend you choose the members of your group as carefully as you would a spouse (‘cause a bad crit partner can suck the will to write right out of you), but they’re definitely worth the effort if you get a good crit partner or group.
Now Folks, Shannon has a contest going on her website for April, so you need to stop by there. It's got VERY cool prizes. And for our readers here, the first one to comment gets an autographed copy of NO ESCAPE her romantic suspense book.
ANYWAY, I’m going to dive right in.
Yes, ma’am. Anything you say, ma’am. Please don’t take out the hose again.
Is there any one character you’ve written that is your absolute favorite? Why? I have two favorites. My favorite hero so far has been Caleb from NO CONTROL. He sprang to life in my head fully formed, and was the easiest male character I’ve ever written. Plus, he’s all sexy and honorable, which I love.
I also have enjoyed writing the character Nika Madison, who readers won’t get to meet until January, 2010 when book two of The Sentinel Wars, FINDING THE LOST, comes out. She’s tortured and tragic and brave in a way I don’t think I ever could be. I haven’t yet written her story, but it’s bubbling in the back of my brain, anxious to get out. Her story will be the next paranormal I tackle.
Writing is hard work! Have you ever had the dread WRITER’S BLOCK? If so, what do you do to get past it?
I don’t really think I get writer’s block, mostly because I refuse to allow it to happen. I have times when the writing is hard, but a block implies something I’m unable to get past. Sure, sometimes I question if I’m headed on the right path with a story (and often have to delete huge chunks of suckfulness), or have a difficult time getting a scene just right, but I don’t stop writing. I take my writing seriously and treat it as a profession the same way I did engineering. I can’t imagine what kind of reaction I’d have gotten from my boss if I’d told him, “I’m sorry I can’t work today. I have engineer’s block.” J
You and your husband are both successful writers. Do you share an office? Act as each other's beta readers? Or do you avoid it like the PLAGUE?
No, we do not share an office. I need things neat and orderly and quiet in order to work. Jim enjoys his chaos. Immensely. In fact, I’m not even allowed to dust or vacuum his office, which works fine for me. As long as there’s a door I can shut so I don’t have to look at it, we’re good.
We occasionally beta read for each other, but it’s becoming more rare. The busier we get, the less time we have for it, which is probably one of those blessing-in-disguise things, as our writing styles are very different. We do, however, spend hours talking shop. We hash out plots and characters and discuss the business side of writing on a daily basis. It’s one of my favorite things about being married to a writer. He gets it.
Almost every author I’ve met gives back to the community by supporting favorite charities. Do you have one? Could you tell me about it? Is there a particular reason why that charity?
I’m a fan of both the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.Komen.org) as well as American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 and died at 44, so it’s definitely one of those causes that’s near and dear to my heart.
So, what does your schedule look like for the next few months? Anything new coming out that we should keep an eye out for? Tell us about it.
I’m really excited about the release of my new paranormal romance series, The Sentinel Wars. It’s a project I’ve been toying with for years, and it’s a thrill to finally get to hold the first book in my hands. I wasn’t sure it would ever actually happen, but BURNING ALIVE comes out May 5, 2009.
I also have a new romantic suspense coming out this October, called LOVE YOU TO DEATH. It’s a stand-alone, and definitely some of the creepiest stuff I’ve ever written. So creepy, in fact, that I actually went out and bought a gun and learned how to use it, just in case.
What about appearances: Tour dates, signings and such. Gimme details!
I’ll be signing books at Mysterious Galaxy Books in San Diego on May 9, 2009, as well as at the Barnes & Noble store in Independence, MO on May 16. I’ll be attending a couple of conventions this summer in Chicago and Washington D.C. and you can find details for all of those at my website: www.shannonkbutcher.com.
What type of books do you read for pleasure? Any favorite authors?
I tend to read what I write, so I stick mostly to romantic suspense and paranormal romance. I do pick up other flavors of romance, but it’s not very often that I veer away from some kind of romance, ‘cause they just make me happy. I love Sherrilyn Kenyon, Suzanne Brockmann, J. R. Ward, Lori Foster, and Linda Howard, just to name a few.
Do you have a day job, or do you write full-time?
I’m fortunate to be able to write full-time, and started doing so within a few months of leaving my previous day job as an industrial engineer.
Any favorite hobbies?
I LOVE beads. Little bits of shiny glass, metal and crystal are like heroin to me. I can’t get enough, so I’m constantly making and giving away beaded pieces so I have an excuse to buy more beads.
I’ve also been known to quilt and do some costuming, but those obsessions have been completely overshadowed by my current bead addiction.
If you could only give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, that would help them in the business, what would it be?
Write. Write a lot. Slog through those first difficult books where you might not know what you’re doing, and learn your craft. Every one of those bad books is important. Once you get through those, don’t stick the good stuff in a drawer. Submitting your work for rejection is hard, but if you don’t, you’ll never see your name on that shelf at the book store. How sad would that be?
I’m also a big fan of critique groups. I’d recommend you choose the members of your group as carefully as you would a spouse (‘cause a bad crit partner can suck the will to write right out of you), but they’re definitely worth the effort if you get a good crit partner or group.
Now Folks, Shannon has a contest going on her website for April, so you need to stop by there. It's got VERY cool prizes. And for our readers here, the first one to comment gets an autographed copy of NO ESCAPE her romantic suspense book.
Sick, Visiting Dignitary, Contacted
Hi Guys.
I've got the crud. Respiratory/Flu symptoms with a fever. This is going to be very short and sweet. I'm not sure I'll be up and around tomorrow as I am contagious as he@*. So I am going to pretend it's tomorrow and post the Visiting Dignitary blog early and separately.
Oh, and I heard from my friend. Which makes me happy.
Gotta go. Can't stay upright too long with the fever. UGH.
I've got the crud. Respiratory/Flu symptoms with a fever. This is going to be very short and sweet. I'm not sure I'll be up and around tomorrow as I am contagious as he@*. So I am going to pretend it's tomorrow and post the Visiting Dignitary blog early and separately.
Oh, and I heard from my friend. Which makes me happy.
Gotta go. Can't stay upright too long with the fever. UGH.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial
Okay, now that you've gotten caught up on Rosie, you can have your morning serial.
Old Friends/Old Enemies - Continued (again)
"Oh shit." Tracker muttered. I couldn't have agreed with him more. Helena, at her best is hell on wheels. I don't even like to think about what she's capable of at her worst.
She's stunning, really seriously beautiful, with blue black hair that hangs down to her hips and milk white skin that wouldn't dare get a pimple. Her features are absolutely perfect. She'd be utterly irresistable if she wasn't so damned scary. As it is, most men, women, children and small animals are smart enough to stay out of her way. There was no way her coming here was a good thing. And if she'd found us, her mentor wouldn't be far behind.
Helena's a great match for Evan in looks, attitude, and power. Oh, and she was my supervisor on my first job. She knows me just as well as I know her. That was so bad. Because she'd know that no matter what she did to me, I couldn't use magic against her.
Life is seriously unfair.
While I am occasionally dense, I am not generally completely stupid. I swore, grabbed my backpack from the cart, and ran down the nearest aisle, dashing past fifty pound bags of potting soil and spray guns with fertilizer. I felt magical energies shifting as Helena gathered power to strike, and her reinforcements arrived through a portal.
"Helena NO." Tracker shouted. "Don't. She's innocent. She didn't do it!"
"Of course she didn't." Evan's voice was smooth, seeming to come from a spot not twenty feet away from me. I couldn't see him over a pallet of landscaping bricks, but I could tell he was sneering. "I did."
I felt him loose a bolt of pure power, and Tracker began to scream.
Old Friends/Old Enemies - Continued (again)
"Oh shit." Tracker muttered. I couldn't have agreed with him more. Helena, at her best is hell on wheels. I don't even like to think about what she's capable of at her worst.
She's stunning, really seriously beautiful, with blue black hair that hangs down to her hips and milk white skin that wouldn't dare get a pimple. Her features are absolutely perfect. She'd be utterly irresistable if she wasn't so damned scary. As it is, most men, women, children and small animals are smart enough to stay out of her way. There was no way her coming here was a good thing. And if she'd found us, her mentor wouldn't be far behind.
Helena's a great match for Evan in looks, attitude, and power. Oh, and she was my supervisor on my first job. She knows me just as well as I know her. That was so bad. Because she'd know that no matter what she did to me, I couldn't use magic against her.
Life is seriously unfair.
While I am occasionally dense, I am not generally completely stupid. I swore, grabbed my backpack from the cart, and ran down the nearest aisle, dashing past fifty pound bags of potting soil and spray guns with fertilizer. I felt magical energies shifting as Helena gathered power to strike, and her reinforcements arrived through a portal.
"Helena NO." Tracker shouted. "Don't. She's innocent. She didn't do it!"
"Of course she didn't." Evan's voice was smooth, seeming to come from a spot not twenty feet away from me. I couldn't see him over a pallet of landscaping bricks, but I could tell he was sneering. "I did."
I felt him loose a bolt of pure power, and Tracker began to scream.
Rosie Hughes
Things are moving very quickly in the Rosie story. You miss a chapter now, you'll mis a LOT. SO, DON'T MISS IT, DUH!
(LINKS ARE PULLED DIRECTLY FROM JACKIE KESSLER'S LAST POST, BUT WITH THE 3 NEWEST CHAPTERS ADDED)
Chapter 1 - C.T. Adams
Chapter 2 - Cathy Clamp (scroll down)
Chapter 3 - Brad Sinor
Chapter 4 - Sue Sinor
Chapter 5 - Rachel Caine
Chapter 6 - Jackie Kessler
Chapter 7 - C.T. Adams
Chapter 8 - Cathy Clamp (scroll down)
Chapter 9 - Brad Sinor
Chapter 10 - Sue Sinor
Chapter 11 - Rachel Caine
Chapter 12 - Cie Adams (You're already here, go down a few days.)
Chapter 13 - Cathy Clamp http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=141026485
Chapter 14 - http://sinor-sb13.livejournal.com/#post-sinor_sb13-1267
(LINKS ARE PULLED DIRECTLY FROM JACKIE KESSLER'S LAST POST, BUT WITH THE 3 NEWEST CHAPTERS ADDED)
Chapter 1 - C.T. Adams
Chapter 2 - Cathy Clamp (scroll down)
Chapter 3 - Brad Sinor
Chapter 4 - Sue Sinor
Chapter 5 - Rachel Caine
Chapter 6 - Jackie Kessler
Chapter 7 - C.T. Adams
Chapter 8 - Cathy Clamp (scroll down)
Chapter 9 - Brad Sinor
Chapter 10 - Sue Sinor
Chapter 11 - Rachel Caine
Chapter 12 - Cie Adams (You're already here, go down a few days.)
Chapter 13 - Cathy Clamp http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=141026485
Chapter 14 - http://sinor-sb13.livejournal.com/#post-sinor_sb13-1267
Friday, April 10, 2009
Grumpy
Grumpy
Shouldn't be grumpy today but I am. Frustrated. Maybe it's hormones. Maybe it's the fact that I apparently angered someone who I like quite a lot. Enough that she's not talking/e-mailing, contacting me in any way to tell me what it is I've done.
Argh.
Okay. First, let me say, I'm not the worlds most socially adept individual. I've spent a goodly part of my life living in my imagination, inside my own head. This doesn't necessarily lead to the greatest social skill set. Observation -- oh yeah. Writers observe the heck out of things. What kind of gestures people use, facial expressions, turns of phrase. But for me, the whole social thing . . . not so much.
One of my big problems is expectations. Everybody has 'em. And they are so ingrained that nobody thinks they should have to SAY anything about them. (Okay, I have my own expectations too, so I'm not down on everybody else here.) But if you don't TELL someone that you expect that "If you like me you will call once a week, e-mail daily, and never, ever, say I'm wrong about anything." they're probably not going to live up to it.
Now some expectations come from basic societal norms. And you'd think I'd be OKAY on that one. You'd be wrong. Oh, I got the top ten. Religion saw to that. But otherwise, um. . . you want me to what? And then there's the regional variations. And I'm now in Texas, which is SOOOO different.
But there you go. Either things wiill straighten out, or they won't. Have to go to work.
Shouldn't be grumpy today but I am. Frustrated. Maybe it's hormones. Maybe it's the fact that I apparently angered someone who I like quite a lot. Enough that she's not talking/e-mailing, contacting me in any way to tell me what it is I've done.
Argh.
Okay. First, let me say, I'm not the worlds most socially adept individual. I've spent a goodly part of my life living in my imagination, inside my own head. This doesn't necessarily lead to the greatest social skill set. Observation -- oh yeah. Writers observe the heck out of things. What kind of gestures people use, facial expressions, turns of phrase. But for me, the whole social thing . . . not so much.
One of my big problems is expectations. Everybody has 'em. And they are so ingrained that nobody thinks they should have to SAY anything about them. (Okay, I have my own expectations too, so I'm not down on everybody else here.) But if you don't TELL someone that you expect that "If you like me you will call once a week, e-mail daily, and never, ever, say I'm wrong about anything." they're probably not going to live up to it.
Now some expectations come from basic societal norms. And you'd think I'd be OKAY on that one. You'd be wrong. Oh, I got the top ten. Religion saw to that. But otherwise, um. . . you want me to what? And then there's the regional variations. And I'm now in Texas, which is SOOOO different.
But there you go. Either things wiill straighten out, or they won't. Have to go to work.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Stuff/OOPS
Good Morning!
Okay, first things first. My SISTER ROCKS!!! Ahem. See, here's the thing. Cathy and I have decided to do things like contests and such, and since our next book s COLD MOON RISING (note the first word) I thought I'd come up with something WARM to give as the ultimate prize for whatever contest we came up with. So, my sister makes quilts. Really, seriously, functional and beautiful quilts. And after some smooth talking (begging, grovelling, etc.) on my part, she will be making a quilt for the winner. (Actually, she was more than happy to do it, but that just doesn't play as well in the blog, now does it.) It will be in midnight blue and silver, have embroidery in the center, and I will post pictures for everyone everywhere when the time comes.
What I'm thinking, is that we may do what a friend of ours did. Basically, for a contest with prizes above a certain value the Feds require that no purchase be required. Fair enough. So she has had folks send in a digital snapshot (from their cameraphone, one of the cheapy throwaways or whatever) of themselves holding the book. They can be holding a library copy, a copy inside the store that they don't actually buy (but why WOULDN'T you buy it. I mean, REALLY. Unless, of course, you're seriously broke. I've BEEN seriously broke, so I can relate to that. I wouldn't want you to starve to read our books. [Well maybe . . . no. No. I wouldn't. But if you feel inclined to eat lots of cheap mac and cheese and Ramen noodles, I certainly won't stop you. ;)])
On to the next thing. Buying books. (See a trend here? I KNEW you were observant.) A major chain (that shall remain nameless because, honestly, I'm scattered enough this morning that I'm not sure I remember correctly and I don't want to screw it up) is going to ALL FACE OUT. Now this will give you the opportunity to see the cover big and bold, yes. BUT it means that there will be less books on the shelves A LOT less books. So many of your favorite authors may not be available except through preorder. This is going to be hard for folks who aren't really big names (a la, Nora Roberts, Laurell K. Hamilton, etc.), because they won't have things on the shelves for browsers. People may not even know they have books out! If you want the smaller name author's books, you'll need to preorder them at the bookstore and kind of keep track of when things are due out.
Cathy is going to do a big article and post on her blog and stuff that will have more details (and it will probably appear in our newsletter, too). But as an author, PLEASE preorder from your bookstore.
Also, for those of you who got ARCs (or are getting ARCs, I'm working on it, REALLY). If you liked it, PLEASE post a positive review on Amazon. (If you didn't, obviously, don't lie.)Let's see, Saturday is the breakfast serial. Monday we have Shannon Butcher as a Visiting Dignitary.
(Okay, on an aside here. I decided I wanted to do up some kind of nice gift for the folks that guest blog. I swear to you, I am such a dufus. I was fading off to sleep and thought, "Maybe hand-made bookmarks, something nice, but flashy. Maybe with the initials of the program." An image flashed through my mind. Big BOLD metallic letters saying "VD". Umnnn. . . maybe not.)
OY! It took me a while to go back to sleep after that.
Cie
Okay, first things first. My SISTER ROCKS!!! Ahem. See, here's the thing. Cathy and I have decided to do things like contests and such, and since our next book s COLD MOON RISING (note the first word) I thought I'd come up with something WARM to give as the ultimate prize for whatever contest we came up with. So, my sister makes quilts. Really, seriously, functional and beautiful quilts. And after some smooth talking (begging, grovelling, etc.) on my part, she will be making a quilt for the winner. (Actually, she was more than happy to do it, but that just doesn't play as well in the blog, now does it.) It will be in midnight blue and silver, have embroidery in the center, and I will post pictures for everyone everywhere when the time comes.
What I'm thinking, is that we may do what a friend of ours did. Basically, for a contest with prizes above a certain value the Feds require that no purchase be required. Fair enough. So she has had folks send in a digital snapshot (from their cameraphone, one of the cheapy throwaways or whatever) of themselves holding the book. They can be holding a library copy, a copy inside the store that they don't actually buy (but why WOULDN'T you buy it. I mean, REALLY. Unless, of course, you're seriously broke. I've BEEN seriously broke, so I can relate to that. I wouldn't want you to starve to read our books. [Well maybe . . . no. No. I wouldn't. But if you feel inclined to eat lots of cheap mac and cheese and Ramen noodles, I certainly won't stop you. ;)])
On to the next thing. Buying books. (See a trend here? I KNEW you were observant.) A major chain (that shall remain nameless because, honestly, I'm scattered enough this morning that I'm not sure I remember correctly and I don't want to screw it up) is going to ALL FACE OUT. Now this will give you the opportunity to see the cover big and bold, yes. BUT it means that there will be less books on the shelves A LOT less books. So many of your favorite authors may not be available except through preorder. This is going to be hard for folks who aren't really big names (a la, Nora Roberts, Laurell K. Hamilton, etc.), because they won't have things on the shelves for browsers. People may not even know they have books out! If you want the smaller name author's books, you'll need to preorder them at the bookstore and kind of keep track of when things are due out.
Cathy is going to do a big article and post on her blog and stuff that will have more details (and it will probably appear in our newsletter, too). But as an author, PLEASE preorder from your bookstore.
Also, for those of you who got ARCs (or are getting ARCs, I'm working on it, REALLY). If you liked it, PLEASE post a positive review on Amazon. (If you didn't, obviously, don't lie.)Let's see, Saturday is the breakfast serial. Monday we have Shannon Butcher as a Visiting Dignitary.
(Okay, on an aside here. I decided I wanted to do up some kind of nice gift for the folks that guest blog. I swear to you, I am such a dufus. I was fading off to sleep and thought, "Maybe hand-made bookmarks, something nice, but flashy. Maybe with the initials of the program." An image flashed through my mind. Big BOLD metallic letters saying "VD". Umnnn. . . maybe not.)
OY! It took me a while to go back to sleep after that.
Cie
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Rosie Hughes
Cathy has gone all out on Rosie Hughes guys. You need to go look!
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=141026485&blogId=481810657
I'm trying to get lackey packets out, so this is just a short post. More tomorrow.
http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=141026485&blogId=481810657
I'm trying to get lackey packets out, so this is just a short post. More tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Shirts
Okay, it's dumb. I know it's dumb. I'm on deadline. I should be thinking books. But I wanna do shirts. Minion shirts.
SO Posse mine. Since you probably won't get many chances to see us in person at signings this year (I'm in the process of moving to Denver, so travel will be minimized a bit) I'm going to do something else.
SO, those of you who are members of my posse. Here's the idea. You send me a photo of you holding your homemade card at catadamsfans@gmail.com (CJ, since you haven't had a chance to get your card yet, just send a photo.) with: I AM NOT A NUDIST in the RE and your shirt size and address in the email, SIGNED with your "not too terribly insulting" nickname.Now I'm in the process of designing, buying, and printing the shirts, so it'll be a while.
But I'm REALLY HOPING you'll participate.
Cie
Okay, it's dumb. I know it's dumb. I'm on deadline. I should be thinking books. But I wanna do shirts. Minion shirts.
SO Posse mine. Since you probably won't get many chances to see us in person at signings this year (I'm in the process of moving to Denver, so travel will be minimized a bit) I'm going to do something else.
SO, those of you who are members of my posse. Here's the idea. You send me a photo of you holding your homemade card at catadamsfans@gmail.com (CJ, since you haven't had a chance to get your card yet, just send a photo.) with: I AM NOT A NUDIST in the RE and your shirt size and address in the email, SIGNED with your "not too terribly insulting" nickname.Now I'm in the process of designing, buying, and printing the shirts, so it'll be a while.
But I'm REALLY HOPING you'll participate.
Cie
Monday, April 06, 2009
KINDLE/BIG NEWS
ATTENTION ALL READERS --
We just found out that our books are going to be available in Kindle. Some are already there, but more are on the way! So, if you're looking for a good read in e-format, we're going to be there for you.
WOO HOOO!!!!!!
Special thanks to our publisher for making it happen.
We just found out that our books are going to be available in Kindle. Some are already there, but more are on the way! So, if you're looking for a good read in e-format, we're going to be there for you.
WOO HOOO!!!!!!
Special thanks to our publisher for making it happen.
Rosie Hughes v. Kristan Higgins and OY
Okay, today Kristan Higgins was scheduled for a visiting blog. But Rosie Hughes (like all good villains) has proved a LOT harder to kill off than originally suspected. And it's my turn. SO, in order to do both things properly (even I am not schizoid enough to post both in one blog in one day. So no.) I'm having Kristan's visit on MySpace, and Rosie here.
The MySpace address is: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=481456558
She is awarding a prize to the first person who posts a comment. So go read.
All right. On to Rosie:
Chapter 12 - It's a Tough Unlife for Vampires
This was really and truly not my day. I mean, most vampires don't get days. But even for a day this one sucked rotten eggs. Way worse than that time in Savannah. Even worse than getting thrown off the building.
And it was all Max Hunter's fault.
Well, all of it except for the sunblock running. THAT could be laid at Pollyanna's door. I'd kill her for it if Morgana hadn't already done the deed.
Poor Morgana.
Sighing, I huddled further back in the shadows of the belfry of one of the city buildings. I needed rest, but how was I supposed to sleep with some stupid committee meeting going on? Talk talk TALK.
So, if I couldn't sleep, I might as well make my plans for the untimely (and ultimately slow, painful and ugly) demise of one Max Hunter. Hmnnn now let's see . . .
The MySpace address is: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&bID=481456558
She is awarding a prize to the first person who posts a comment. So go read.
All right. On to Rosie:
Chapter 12 - It's a Tough Unlife for Vampires
This was really and truly not my day. I mean, most vampires don't get days. But even for a day this one sucked rotten eggs. Way worse than that time in Savannah. Even worse than getting thrown off the building.
And it was all Max Hunter's fault.
Well, all of it except for the sunblock running. THAT could be laid at Pollyanna's door. I'd kill her for it if Morgana hadn't already done the deed.
Poor Morgana.
Sighing, I huddled further back in the shadows of the belfry of one of the city buildings. I needed rest, but how was I supposed to sleep with some stupid committee meeting going on? Talk talk TALK.
So, if I couldn't sleep, I might as well make my plans for the untimely (and ultimately slow, painful and ugly) demise of one Max Hunter. Hmnnn now let's see . . .
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial and Reminder Re Rosie
OKAY, go read Rosie Hughes at Jackie Kessler's blog. It's hysterical. Then, when you're ready for something more serious, get your bowl and milk and read your Saturday Morning Breakfast Serial:
Chapter 3 - Old Friends/Old Enemies (continued).
I parked my butt under the heater vent as the bus lurched forward. Fate being as it was, I had a ton of money in my backpack, but had been forced to scrabble for enough change for the fare. I was so not putting a twenty in the slot. I mean, dream on.
I only took the bus a few blocks before exiting at one of the better hotels. There was a line of taxis out front, and taking a taxi would be quicker, warmer, and would drop me off right at the door to the store. Once there, I grabbed one of the blue plastic carts and went on my squeaky-wheeled way through the aisles. First stop, juniors where I was picking up the warmest coat I could find. Then accessories, for hat, gloves, scarf, etc. I was beginning to feel as if I'd never be warm again. There are folks out there who love the cold.
I'm not one of them.
I was in the toiletries section, stocking up on some of the things I'd left behind, like oh, you know, a toothbrush, hairbrush, that sort of thing, when I heard a familiar voice.
"Sahara, wait up!" I turned to find Tracker loping down the main aisle, headed in my direction.
My first thought was Oh hell. NOW what? Don't get me wrong, Tracker is my cousin. He's also my best bud. We'd worked together back when I'd had a job for the new age crystal manufacturing company my mentor's family owned. But he shouldn't know I was here. And he'd always promised not to use his best skill (you guessed it -- tracking) to hunt me down unless it was an emergency. So instead of staring at his studly form with lust (which was the reaction of 3 cashiers and two female stock clerks) I probably wore an expression of flat out horror.
"We need to talk." He said it sotto voice. Of course that didn't matter when half the folks in the store are staring and listening as avidly as they can. They couldn't really help themselves. He's just so stareworthy. He's big, around 6'8" or so, built lean but muscular, with the smooth grace of a hunting cat. His eyes are jade green, his hair tousled and naturally blonde. If I wasn't related to him I'd probably be a drooling idiot like everyone else. He'd had the sense to come here dressed for the weather, and was wearing jeans, work boots, a heavy plaid flannel shirt and distressed leather bomber jacket.
"Oh hell." I looked around, hoping for somewhere with at least a semblance of privacy amongst all the wide aisles and bright lighting, and finally found it when I caught sight of the sliding doors leading out to the garden center. Nobody in their right mind would be out there right now: which should make it just the perfect place for the two of us.
We'd barely made it through the doors when he started talking. "You have to turn yourself in."
"Hunh?" Clever, I know. But I'd had a rough day. Repartee was beyond me at the moment. Besides, I didn't have a freaking clue what he was talking about. I hadn't done anything turn in worthy. Then again, I hadn't done anything worth having people hunt me down and kill me either. So maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised.
"I know you. It had to be an accident. If you just come in and explain." He was so damned earnest. I just wished I knew what he was talking about.
"Explain what?"
"Sahara." He used that tone. You know the one. Sad, a little condescending. The 'don't bullshit me.' tone.
"I haven't done anything."
"Exactly!" He smiled. "Which is why you need to come back with me and turn yourself in. My dad can help you."
I wasn't sure how to answer that, but I didn't get the chance. I felt the shift of energies, saw the air a few feet away blur, just as a seam split reality. I caught a glimpse of Helena Troy (yeah, that really is her name), Evan's apprentice.
Oh crap. This was going to be bad.
Chapter 3 - Old Friends/Old Enemies (continued).
I parked my butt under the heater vent as the bus lurched forward. Fate being as it was, I had a ton of money in my backpack, but had been forced to scrabble for enough change for the fare. I was so not putting a twenty in the slot. I mean, dream on.
I only took the bus a few blocks before exiting at one of the better hotels. There was a line of taxis out front, and taking a taxi would be quicker, warmer, and would drop me off right at the door to the store. Once there, I grabbed one of the blue plastic carts and went on my squeaky-wheeled way through the aisles. First stop, juniors where I was picking up the warmest coat I could find. Then accessories, for hat, gloves, scarf, etc. I was beginning to feel as if I'd never be warm again. There are folks out there who love the cold.
I'm not one of them.
I was in the toiletries section, stocking up on some of the things I'd left behind, like oh, you know, a toothbrush, hairbrush, that sort of thing, when I heard a familiar voice.
"Sahara, wait up!" I turned to find Tracker loping down the main aisle, headed in my direction.
My first thought was Oh hell. NOW what? Don't get me wrong, Tracker is my cousin. He's also my best bud. We'd worked together back when I'd had a job for the new age crystal manufacturing company my mentor's family owned. But he shouldn't know I was here. And he'd always promised not to use his best skill (you guessed it -- tracking) to hunt me down unless it was an emergency. So instead of staring at his studly form with lust (which was the reaction of 3 cashiers and two female stock clerks) I probably wore an expression of flat out horror.
"We need to talk." He said it sotto voice. Of course that didn't matter when half the folks in the store are staring and listening as avidly as they can. They couldn't really help themselves. He's just so stareworthy. He's big, around 6'8" or so, built lean but muscular, with the smooth grace of a hunting cat. His eyes are jade green, his hair tousled and naturally blonde. If I wasn't related to him I'd probably be a drooling idiot like everyone else. He'd had the sense to come here dressed for the weather, and was wearing jeans, work boots, a heavy plaid flannel shirt and distressed leather bomber jacket.
"Oh hell." I looked around, hoping for somewhere with at least a semblance of privacy amongst all the wide aisles and bright lighting, and finally found it when I caught sight of the sliding doors leading out to the garden center. Nobody in their right mind would be out there right now: which should make it just the perfect place for the two of us.
We'd barely made it through the doors when he started talking. "You have to turn yourself in."
"Hunh?" Clever, I know. But I'd had a rough day. Repartee was beyond me at the moment. Besides, I didn't have a freaking clue what he was talking about. I hadn't done anything turn in worthy. Then again, I hadn't done anything worth having people hunt me down and kill me either. So maybe I shouldn't have been so surprised.
"I know you. It had to be an accident. If you just come in and explain." He was so damned earnest. I just wished I knew what he was talking about.
"Explain what?"
"Sahara." He used that tone. You know the one. Sad, a little condescending. The 'don't bullshit me.' tone.
"I haven't done anything."
"Exactly!" He smiled. "Which is why you need to come back with me and turn yourself in. My dad can help you."
I wasn't sure how to answer that, but I didn't get the chance. I felt the shift of energies, saw the air a few feet away blur, just as a seam split reality. I caught a glimpse of Helena Troy (yeah, that really is her name), Evan's apprentice.
Oh crap. This was going to be bad.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Stuff
Stuff
CONGRATS TO CATHY on joining Witchy Chicks!!! YAY.
Okay I blogged yesterday, and it vanished. Poof. It didn't say much, but that's not the point.
Tomorrow there will be a Rosie Hughes posted by Jackie Kessler at her blog. You gotta go there. I hear there may even be penguins. There will also be your Saturday morning breakfast serial. I can do this because I've actually made PROGRESS ON THE BOOK. (Everybody stand up and cheer. Yes, I know, your co-workers will think you insane. Don't worry about it. They already do, or at very least suspect. . . [just joking])
Day job is now calling. I must go be a good girl. But I will blog tomorrow. And I HOPE it will actually post.
Cie/C.T. Adams
CONGRATS TO CATHY on joining Witchy Chicks!!! YAY.
Okay I blogged yesterday, and it vanished. Poof. It didn't say much, but that's not the point.
Tomorrow there will be a Rosie Hughes posted by Jackie Kessler at her blog. You gotta go there. I hear there may even be penguins. There will also be your Saturday morning breakfast serial. I can do this because I've actually made PROGRESS ON THE BOOK. (Everybody stand up and cheer. Yes, I know, your co-workers will think you insane. Don't worry about it. They already do, or at very least suspect. . . [just joking])
Day job is now calling. I must go be a good girl. But I will blog tomorrow. And I HOPE it will actually post.
Cie/C.T. Adams
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Fully Caffeinated and Functional
Okay, up, caffeinated and functional.
First, you NEED to go check out Rosie Hughes. REALLY.
> http://rachelcaine.livejournal.com/131162.html
Next, I'm not hearing from the posse regarding shirt sizes. Only one response. Does this mean you're closet nudists (or nudists without closets, because, after all, for a nudist, a closet is somewhat redundant/meaningless)?
Oh, we will be sending out the interim rebooted newsletter tomorrow. Look for it. This one is the work of Cie's own little fingers, future ones will probably be done by people who actually know what they're doing (GASP).
I'm also on deadline now, so posts will be short (how sweet will depend on how the writing is going). Bear with me. The book's due on 5/1 so it's only for this month.
Oh, and Bacchus came through the vet visit okay! But he may well be older than I thought (he was adopted from a no-kill shelter and they guesstimated his age). I now have samples of geriatric kitty food for him.
BESTEST.
Cie
First, you NEED to go check out Rosie Hughes. REALLY.
> http://rachelcaine.livejournal.com/131162.html
Next, I'm not hearing from the posse regarding shirt sizes. Only one response. Does this mean you're closet nudists (or nudists without closets, because, after all, for a nudist, a closet is somewhat redundant/meaningless)?
Oh, we will be sending out the interim rebooted newsletter tomorrow. Look for it. This one is the work of Cie's own little fingers, future ones will probably be done by people who actually know what they're doing (GASP).
I'm also on deadline now, so posts will be short (how sweet will depend on how the writing is going). Bear with me. The book's due on 5/1 so it's only for this month.
Oh, and Bacchus came through the vet visit okay! But he may well be older than I thought (he was adopted from a no-kill shelter and they guesstimated his age). I now have samples of geriatric kitty food for him.
BESTEST.
Cie
No. Not morning. Yawn. Hit snooze alarm. . .
Didn't sleep worth a @#$&* last night. I am not doing morning yet. I am hitting the snooze alarm. Will post tomorrow.
G'night.
Cie/C.T. Adams
G'night.
Cie/C.T. Adams
Monday, March 30, 2009
REMINDER/ROSIE HUGHES
OKAY folks, Rosie is progressing apace. Cathy's post tells the sad tale of poor Pollyanna, while Brad and Sue have left a real cliffhanger. You need to go look.
Visiting dignitaries have begun sending in their interviews. Since I'm on deadline, I used pretty much the same questions for everybody. (But this way you can compare the information).
Drawing for the ARC (possibly two since Cathy has been appropriately bribed with cyber chocolate) is this evening at 5:00 my time. If you haven't already registered go to catadamsfans@gmail.com . Winner will be notified by e-mail so that they can send a snail-mail address for mailing the prize.
The Duet Gazette Newsletter au deux (rebooted, version 2.0 or whatever) will be coming out April 1. It has all sorts of information in it. So you want it. (You know you do!) To sign up enter the contest above.
There is going to be Rosie Hughes swag. We are in discussions. It is in the planning stage. The contest will probably involve trivia, so be sure to go read it and pay attention.
Okay, gotta run. Day job calls.
If you can't be good, be careful.
If you can't be careful, be GOOD.
Bestest.
Cie
Visiting dignitaries have begun sending in their interviews. Since I'm on deadline, I used pretty much the same questions for everybody. (But this way you can compare the information).
Drawing for the ARC (possibly two since Cathy has been appropriately bribed with cyber chocolate) is this evening at 5:00 my time. If you haven't already registered go to catadamsfans@gmail.com . Winner will be notified by e-mail so that they can send a snail-mail address for mailing the prize.
The Duet Gazette Newsletter au deux (rebooted, version 2.0 or whatever) will be coming out April 1. It has all sorts of information in it. So you want it. (You know you do!) To sign up enter the contest above.
There is going to be Rosie Hughes swag. We are in discussions. It is in the planning stage. The contest will probably involve trivia, so be sure to go read it and pay attention.
Okay, gotta run. Day job calls.
If you can't be good, be careful.
If you can't be careful, be GOOD.
Bestest.
Cie
ATTENTION LACKEYS/MINIONS/POSSE MEMBERS
Attention all Lackeys/Minions/Posse Members.
I need your tee-shirt size. Unless, of course, you aren't ever planning on showing up at one of our events or book signings. In which case you won't be able to claim it anyway. But JUST IN CASE you actually HELD ON to that ugly, cheesy, hand-made (yes, I made it with my own two hands, computer, and office supplies) ID card, I have a deal for you. If you show up with it at any event where I'm live (and I don't intend to go to any dead. REALLY), you'll get a special Posse Members Only shirt. And YES it will probably be cheesy too. I LIKE cheese. E-mail the shirt size to: cat_cie@msn.com with "SHIRT SIZE" in the RE.
Mucho happiness. I gotta get back to work. Deadlines and whatnot.Cie
I need your tee-shirt size. Unless, of course, you aren't ever planning on showing up at one of our events or book signings. In which case you won't be able to claim it anyway. But JUST IN CASE you actually HELD ON to that ugly, cheesy, hand-made (yes, I made it with my own two hands, computer, and office supplies) ID card, I have a deal for you. If you show up with it at any event where I'm live (and I don't intend to go to any dead. REALLY), you'll get a special Posse Members Only shirt. And YES it will probably be cheesy too. I LIKE cheese. E-mail the shirt size to: cat_cie@msn.com with "SHIRT SIZE" in the RE.
Mucho happiness. I gotta get back to work. Deadlines and whatnot.Cie
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