Happy New Year everybody.
I want to ask you guys a favor. (Oh, and Yolanda -- Thanks SOOOOOO much for posting the review on Amazon! You're great!) I am going to try (I don't know if I'll succeed mind you, but I'm going to TRY) to post a picture of me on the blog today so you can see who you're talking to. (If I fail you can go to the website and look at the author bio page if you're interested). But I'd REALLY like to see pics of you guys as well. Pretty please????
Went to San Angelo yesterday and actually bought a couple of things for MYSELF. (For those of you who don't know me. I tend most of the time to be practical first, then buy for everybody else, THEN if there's anything left it's my turn. Generally, there isn't anything left.) Anyway, I've been very grumpy lately, and I think there are a couple of reasons. (1) I need more time alone, (2) I hate it when my house is a mess and disorganized (and it's cumulative. The longer it goes on, the worse I get), (3) I've been working very hard and not getting any reward for it for myself. SOOO when I got the check from the publisher I went and bought myself a couple of things. (1) New comforter set and matching valance for my bedroom (it was on clearance, I ended up spending 1/3 of what it would have originally cost!!!) ; and (2) a bicycle.
The good news is, I actually rode the bike a bit today. The bad news is how out of shape I've gotten in the past couple of months. UGH. Starting at zero again. I also need to go back to San Angelo and get another valance because the double window is... well... a DOUBLE window. (Duh, why I didn't think of that the first time I don't know.)
Reorganizing the office in a few minutes then starting writing on the mystery. The main trick that derailed me so that I put it aside before was that Cathy and I had totally different visions about who the character was and where the story was going. I was going for a cozy, she was going for action based on how she interpreted my description of who the character was. Either one works. Cloning them together -- not so much. So, the first thing I'm going to do is re-read as far as we got and then make a decision as to which way we're going (Cathy has already said that either is OK with her as long as we both know what we have in mind.) So, that's what's on the plate today. Reading and writing. (Aw DARN). But its the reward for having gotten done all sorts of things that I needed to take care of at home.
TOMORROW, church first, then down to business. I've got some things I've just let go way too long and they'll bite me in the butt if I don't buckle down and take care of 'em.
ANYWAY, when you post the picture, (See, I said when. I'm thinking positive ;) ) why don't you also tell me the last thing you bought yourself as a reward?
Oh and guys, in case I haven't said it lately -- thanks for coming by and talking to me!
Cie
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Friday, December 31, 2004
Ignore this post.
You might as well ignore this post. It doesn't say anything worth reading. I just needed to clarify my thoughts about some boring personal stuff.
Went to the chiropractor. I'm feeling MUCH much better. But as one of my resolutions, I need to get in all round better health. So I'm moving the healthrider out of James' temporary room and into the office so that I will actually use it to strengthen my upper body (which I was told to do by the chiro because of the upper back/shoulder problem -- not use the healthrider specifically, but he said it would work well for the strengthening I need). I am also using a bit of the check to buy myself a new bicycle that actually fits so I can ride it to and from work most of the time. The first three months I was down here I probably only drove my truck 5 times altogether -- but the last couple of months I've been driving everywhere. No surprise, my weight started creeping back up as I got less and less exercise. There seems to be a magic point in my weight where all of the sudden I start having health problems, and I've crept back to that point. SO, it's gotta go.
Got a lot of work done at work yesterday while the boss was out of town. I'm caught up and glad of it. Next up. Writing.
I am a bit of a workaholic. Not COMPLETELY (although my son would say I come pretty damned close). But like many women (hell many people, why be sexist?) I can't really relax unless I know the big things are done. Now everybody has their own "big thing" triggers. Mine don't make sense to a lot of folks. But I haven't been able to relax at all no matter how many fun things get thrown my way, because my "big stuff" is staring at the back of my skull making me feel restless and guilty. I want to start out the new year with things being DONE so I can RELAX for a few days. I'm willing to work hard to accomplish that.
I want my house clean again.
I want there not to be piles of dirty laundry.
I want my office organized the way I want it and things NOT TO MOVE OR BE ADDED.
I want to balance my checkbook and figure out where the money is going to go.
I WANT TO WRITE!!!!!!!!!!
I've been too depressed and stressed to take care of those things and others. I need to get control of my life again so that I don't lose everything I've been making for myself because I'm too sick, tired, deoressed and scattered to take care of things.
Went to the chiropractor. I'm feeling MUCH much better. But as one of my resolutions, I need to get in all round better health. So I'm moving the healthrider out of James' temporary room and into the office so that I will actually use it to strengthen my upper body (which I was told to do by the chiro because of the upper back/shoulder problem -- not use the healthrider specifically, but he said it would work well for the strengthening I need). I am also using a bit of the check to buy myself a new bicycle that actually fits so I can ride it to and from work most of the time. The first three months I was down here I probably only drove my truck 5 times altogether -- but the last couple of months I've been driving everywhere. No surprise, my weight started creeping back up as I got less and less exercise. There seems to be a magic point in my weight where all of the sudden I start having health problems, and I've crept back to that point. SO, it's gotta go.
Got a lot of work done at work yesterday while the boss was out of town. I'm caught up and glad of it. Next up. Writing.
I am a bit of a workaholic. Not COMPLETELY (although my son would say I come pretty damned close). But like many women (hell many people, why be sexist?) I can't really relax unless I know the big things are done. Now everybody has their own "big thing" triggers. Mine don't make sense to a lot of folks. But I haven't been able to relax at all no matter how many fun things get thrown my way, because my "big stuff" is staring at the back of my skull making me feel restless and guilty. I want to start out the new year with things being DONE so I can RELAX for a few days. I'm willing to work hard to accomplish that.
I want my house clean again.
I want there not to be piles of dirty laundry.
I want my office organized the way I want it and things NOT TO MOVE OR BE ADDED.
I want to balance my checkbook and figure out where the money is going to go.
I WANT TO WRITE!!!!!!!!!!
I've been too depressed and stressed to take care of those things and others. I need to get control of my life again so that I don't lose everything I've been making for myself because I'm too sick, tired, deoressed and scattered to take care of things.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Change of Plans
Be flexible. It's one of my goals. See, I have... shall we say... CONTROL ISSUES. (And yes, those were in caps for a good reason). I try really hard to be flexible, but it's SO not my best thing. But you can't control everything and it is stupid to try. Change can be good. (It can also be a pain in the ass, but that's another story for another blog).
So anyway, the beginning of this blog is about change for the new year. I've gotten some bad habits that I need to break, and some good ones I need to reinforce. One of the things I want to do is finish up some of the unfinished stuff that has backlogged on my desk. Since Cathy has asked me pretty please not to work on a Sazi book until the agent and the publisher ok the direction we're talking about going I'm dropping back to a mystery I started a while back. I like mysteries. Besides, working in an "ordinary" world means that I don't have to try to wrestle out the magical theory and laws of what can and can't occur. So I won't need as much heavy duty discussion time. We also had it pretty much plotted out, so that's OK too. (Assuming I can find my notes). And it would be a good way to make use of the short story anthology of mysteries Cathy and I will be in in April. So, that's the plan today. Tomorrow, who knows, it may change.
***OH, GOOD NEWS!! THE CHECK ARRIVED!**** And yeah, it went by way of Colorado. I'm going to be sending some reminder e-mails to get all address changes to all departments. But hey, I can take care of a lot of things with this, including starting a savings account for when James heads back up to Denver.
I haven't written in this blog about world events much. I don't really feel I know enough about things (limited world view, etc.) to really post my opinions. (If you don't have an informed opinion, keep it to yourself until you GET the information). But I wanted to say how sad I am for all the victims of the tsunami. A 9.0 Richter earthquake is just... awesome. I keep thinking, wow, would it have been WORSE in the atmosphere? I don't know my science very well, but someone told me that enough sediment was sent up from the ocean's bottom to equal a mountain the size of (she couldn't remember) Fuji or Kilamanjaro (sp.). That kind of dust would change the climate worldwide had it gotten into the air. I was told the earth actually shuddered on its axis. The scope of this is just beyond my ken. Water three stories high traveling at approximately (someone told me, so again second hand information, but it sounds about right if you have a 9.0) *500* miles an hour!
So many people lost, such terrible destruction. I'm so sorry. And all I can do is donate to worthy relief causes and pray. Not enough. Not nearly enough.
So anyway, the beginning of this blog is about change for the new year. I've gotten some bad habits that I need to break, and some good ones I need to reinforce. One of the things I want to do is finish up some of the unfinished stuff that has backlogged on my desk. Since Cathy has asked me pretty please not to work on a Sazi book until the agent and the publisher ok the direction we're talking about going I'm dropping back to a mystery I started a while back. I like mysteries. Besides, working in an "ordinary" world means that I don't have to try to wrestle out the magical theory and laws of what can and can't occur. So I won't need as much heavy duty discussion time. We also had it pretty much plotted out, so that's OK too. (Assuming I can find my notes). And it would be a good way to make use of the short story anthology of mysteries Cathy and I will be in in April. So, that's the plan today. Tomorrow, who knows, it may change.
***OH, GOOD NEWS!! THE CHECK ARRIVED!**** And yeah, it went by way of Colorado. I'm going to be sending some reminder e-mails to get all address changes to all departments. But hey, I can take care of a lot of things with this, including starting a savings account for when James heads back up to Denver.
I haven't written in this blog about world events much. I don't really feel I know enough about things (limited world view, etc.) to really post my opinions. (If you don't have an informed opinion, keep it to yourself until you GET the information). But I wanted to say how sad I am for all the victims of the tsunami. A 9.0 Richter earthquake is just... awesome. I keep thinking, wow, would it have been WORSE in the atmosphere? I don't know my science very well, but someone told me that enough sediment was sent up from the ocean's bottom to equal a mountain the size of (she couldn't remember) Fuji or Kilamanjaro (sp.). That kind of dust would change the climate worldwide had it gotten into the air. I was told the earth actually shuddered on its axis. The scope of this is just beyond my ken. Water three stories high traveling at approximately (someone told me, so again second hand information, but it sounds about right if you have a 9.0) *500* miles an hour!
So many people lost, such terrible destruction. I'm so sorry. And all I can do is donate to worthy relief causes and pray. Not enough. Not nearly enough.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Stuff
Getting ready for the new year. I have Friday off. I HOPE to get a lot of things done, but my son has social stuff in mind. We'll see if a compromise can be reached. I have to go to the post office today to mail out stuff that I was going to mail earlier but the holidays got in the way. (Things like... bookplates :D)
My resolutions for the new year are to be grumpy less often, to help James get set up in Denver when he heads back there in a couple of months, to WRITE a lot (as in finish at least two of the half-finished mss. I've got laying around, and get healthier again. We're scheduled to be at two different conferences this year (RT and RWA) so I will need to prepare myself for those. Cathy's giving a lecture at RT and we're on an author panel at RWA. I've never been on an author panel. I have no CLUE what I'm supposed to do. For someone who isn't particularly fond of crowds I'm going to be spending some time in them. The only thing that makes the thought of it less daunting is the male cover model competition. (What, you expected me to say the comradarie of other authors? Surely you know me better than that by now! ;) )
Gotta run! Hope everybody has a great day! I'll pop in if we get any more news.
My resolutions for the new year are to be grumpy less often, to help James get set up in Denver when he heads back there in a couple of months, to WRITE a lot (as in finish at least two of the half-finished mss. I've got laying around, and get healthier again. We're scheduled to be at two different conferences this year (RT and RWA) so I will need to prepare myself for those. Cathy's giving a lecture at RT and we're on an author panel at RWA. I've never been on an author panel. I have no CLUE what I'm supposed to do. For someone who isn't particularly fond of crowds I'm going to be spending some time in them. The only thing that makes the thought of it less daunting is the male cover model competition. (What, you expected me to say the comradarie of other authors? Surely you know me better than that by now! ;) )
Gotta run! Hope everybody has a great day! I'll pop in if we get any more news.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Greetings and Salutations
Bon jour mes amis. Como tallez vous? Je suis tres bien.
OK enough of the French already. I don't remember very much. When I was in junior high and took French I was TRES bad at it. The teacher required that once the door was closed we could only speak in French. My French vocabulary is VERY limited (and my spelling is worse) and consists mostly of the following:
Ouvre le porte, sil vous plait. ("Open the door please!")
Bon chance. ("Good luck." Spoken by my teacher specifically to me in advance of every quiz -- does that tell you something?)
C'est tres domage. ("Too bad" -- spoken to me when handing back every quiz).
Anyway, I am doing OK today. Not spectacular (I hurt), but we got an encouraging e-mail, our ranking on all of the lists seems to be doing well, we're getting good feedback from readers and more good reviews. So I am concentrating on the happy stuff!
I wish I was multi-lingual. I am good at any number of things (and yes, I know, that sounds egotistical, but everybody's good at any number of things. It's human nature). One of those things is NOT languages. I try, I REALLY try. But I am just SOOOOOO bad at it. Sigh. I want our books to be around the world. I want to visit everywhere the books are. (OK, so maybe Iraq and Antarctica AREN'T on the preferred travel destinations right now, but you get the idea.) It would be so cool to go to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada,... and see people every place I go that I've spoken to on line. Don't know that it's going to happen, but it would be seriously cool. People are people, wherever they're from. Love and heartache are both universal.
If the books do take off, I want to do good things with the money I earn. Granted, first things I would do are: (1) Pay everything off I owe, including buying my house outright; (2) set up a trust fund for my son; (3) set up a trust fund for other family members. Then I want to take a percentage of my money to travel, but a bigger percentage to go to various charities. There are so many things people can do to help if they just do it -- but it's so EASY to just keep spending on things you don't even need. I saw a special that was the equivalent of the old show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" where this entertainer had 20 or 30 watches at thousands (even tens of thousands in some cases) of dollars each! What a flipping waste! You only have a watch on one wrist for crying out loud. If you're REALLY fashion conscious, one with a black band, one with a brown band, one gold, one silver. Poof. Four watches. Five max (what the heck, one diamond encrusted). The rest of the oh, $100,000.00 could go to say.... Habitat for Humanity, The International Red Cross. Now I'm not picking on this guy (which is why he is remaining nameless). I mean, he works HARD for that money. But a collection of cars worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, a dozen or so mansions? He's single, with no children, and travels constantly. I realize its his money but I can't help thinking, "what a waste!".
Yolanda, Jim, you are hereby authorized, if I ever do get that wealthy (don't hold your breath) to kick me right square in the ass if I get that extravagant and don't share!
Gotta run!
Cie
OK enough of the French already. I don't remember very much. When I was in junior high and took French I was TRES bad at it. The teacher required that once the door was closed we could only speak in French. My French vocabulary is VERY limited (and my spelling is worse) and consists mostly of the following:
Ouvre le porte, sil vous plait. ("Open the door please!")
Bon chance. ("Good luck." Spoken by my teacher specifically to me in advance of every quiz -- does that tell you something?)
C'est tres domage. ("Too bad" -- spoken to me when handing back every quiz).
Anyway, I am doing OK today. Not spectacular (I hurt), but we got an encouraging e-mail, our ranking on all of the lists seems to be doing well, we're getting good feedback from readers and more good reviews. So I am concentrating on the happy stuff!
I wish I was multi-lingual. I am good at any number of things (and yes, I know, that sounds egotistical, but everybody's good at any number of things. It's human nature). One of those things is NOT languages. I try, I REALLY try. But I am just SOOOOOO bad at it. Sigh. I want our books to be around the world. I want to visit everywhere the books are. (OK, so maybe Iraq and Antarctica AREN'T on the preferred travel destinations right now, but you get the idea.) It would be so cool to go to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada,... and see people every place I go that I've spoken to on line. Don't know that it's going to happen, but it would be seriously cool. People are people, wherever they're from. Love and heartache are both universal.
If the books do take off, I want to do good things with the money I earn. Granted, first things I would do are: (1) Pay everything off I owe, including buying my house outright; (2) set up a trust fund for my son; (3) set up a trust fund for other family members. Then I want to take a percentage of my money to travel, but a bigger percentage to go to various charities. There are so many things people can do to help if they just do it -- but it's so EASY to just keep spending on things you don't even need. I saw a special that was the equivalent of the old show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" where this entertainer had 20 or 30 watches at thousands (even tens of thousands in some cases) of dollars each! What a flipping waste! You only have a watch on one wrist for crying out loud. If you're REALLY fashion conscious, one with a black band, one with a brown band, one gold, one silver. Poof. Four watches. Five max (what the heck, one diamond encrusted). The rest of the oh, $100,000.00 could go to say.... Habitat for Humanity, The International Red Cross. Now I'm not picking on this guy (which is why he is remaining nameless). I mean, he works HARD for that money. But a collection of cars worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, a dozen or so mansions? He's single, with no children, and travels constantly. I realize its his money but I can't help thinking, "what a waste!".
Yolanda, Jim, you are hereby authorized, if I ever do get that wealthy (don't hold your breath) to kick me right square in the ass if I get that extravagant and don't share!
Gotta run!
Cie
Monday, December 27, 2004
Good Morning
Good morning all.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Christmas day was great for me. Spent lots of quality time with my son.
************** UPDATE/COOL NEWS********************
Just found out that Moon's Web (Hunter's sequel) is available for preorder now from Amazon.com. TOO COOL. Cathy's going to post the info on the website.
*******************************************************
We now return to our regularly scheduled post -- already in progress.
I am a grumpbucket today (yesterday too). I'm trying to get over it, but bear with me if I seem crabby. Little things are getting to me.
OK I just deleted a whole long bitch session because you really probably don't want to read it. But the good news is, this attitude is going to be a wonderful help in my getting into Catherine's head. Cat is grieving and part of that process is frustrated anger. Today is a REALLY good day for me to write that part. Then maybe I won't do something stupid that will hurt someone's feelings unnecessarily.
Anyway, I'll be writing the Agent's assistant today to see where the check got sent. It hasn't arrived. REALLY hope they didn't forget to forward my new address and contact information to bookkeeping, but I'm thinking my check may be in Colorado. Lord knows how long it would take them to forward it down here -- assuming the forwarding order hasn't expired. UGH! (Okay, deep breath. Calm, calm, I will NOT be a grump. I will NOT be a grump...)
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Christmas day was great for me. Spent lots of quality time with my son.
************** UPDATE/COOL NEWS********************
Just found out that Moon's Web (Hunter's sequel) is available for preorder now from Amazon.com. TOO COOL. Cathy's going to post the info on the website.
*******************************************************
We now return to our regularly scheduled post -- already in progress.
I am a grumpbucket today (yesterday too). I'm trying to get over it, but bear with me if I seem crabby. Little things are getting to me.
OK I just deleted a whole long bitch session because you really probably don't want to read it. But the good news is, this attitude is going to be a wonderful help in my getting into Catherine's head. Cat is grieving and part of that process is frustrated anger. Today is a REALLY good day for me to write that part. Then maybe I won't do something stupid that will hurt someone's feelings unnecessarily.
Anyway, I'll be writing the Agent's assistant today to see where the check got sent. It hasn't arrived. REALLY hope they didn't forget to forward my new address and contact information to bookkeeping, but I'm thinking my check may be in Colorado. Lord knows how long it would take them to forward it down here -- assuming the forwarding order hasn't expired. UGH! (Okay, deep breath. Calm, calm, I will NOT be a grump. I will NOT be a grump...)
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Let's See -- Some Answers
Hi Guys! Hope you're all happy and well. I figured I'd answer a couple of questions.
Yolanda -- The website for the Horror Writers Assoc. is: http://www.horror.org/. It has all kinds of information, and an e-mail address where people actually respond to your question. Hope you've checked into the RWA Online. They are such cool people!
Jim -- Moon's Web should be able to stand on its own merits. I really don't think you need to read the first one first. (However, I have to admit I encourage everybody to read everything just... well just CAUSE). Seriously, they can drop into the second book without missing step in my opinion. But just in case (aw darn) you'll get a peek at the first couple chapters when we get the new website up. (And who knows, we may do a charity thing for an ARC [Advance Review Copy] like we did last time.)
Anyway, wishing everybody happy holidays. I'm off to get cat food for Algonquin. (Onyx's "wife/mate" our female cat)
OOOOHHH I almost forgot!!! We're up for a Lambda Literary Award, in romance. They apparently acknowledge the best portrayals of gay, lesbian and bi-sexuals in writing. I guess Linda's having her own influence. (BIG grin). I think that's really cool because, honestly, we WANT to be fair to all of our characters and be open-minded and not be judgmental. If they thought enough of us to give us a nod, it means we did a good job. WHOO HOO!
Anyway, be safe, be happy (and Jim, be sure to use your sunscreen. Actually, you too Yolanda. It's summer down there, isn't it?).
Best wishes.
Cie
Yolanda -- The website for the Horror Writers Assoc. is: http://www.horror.org/. It has all kinds of information, and an e-mail address where people actually respond to your question. Hope you've checked into the RWA Online. They are such cool people!
Jim -- Moon's Web should be able to stand on its own merits. I really don't think you need to read the first one first. (However, I have to admit I encourage everybody to read everything just... well just CAUSE). Seriously, they can drop into the second book without missing step in my opinion. But just in case (aw darn) you'll get a peek at the first couple chapters when we get the new website up. (And who knows, we may do a charity thing for an ARC [Advance Review Copy] like we did last time.)
Anyway, wishing everybody happy holidays. I'm off to get cat food for Algonquin. (Onyx's "wife/mate" our female cat)
OOOOHHH I almost forgot!!! We're up for a Lambda Literary Award, in romance. They apparently acknowledge the best portrayals of gay, lesbian and bi-sexuals in writing. I guess Linda's having her own influence. (BIG grin). I think that's really cool because, honestly, we WANT to be fair to all of our characters and be open-minded and not be judgmental. If they thought enough of us to give us a nod, it means we did a good job. WHOO HOO!
Anyway, be safe, be happy (and Jim, be sure to use your sunscreen. Actually, you too Yolanda. It's summer down there, isn't it?).
Best wishes.
Cie
Saturday, December 25, 2004
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Happy holidays to all! Stopped by to say "Hi!"
First, thanks to everybody. We got a holiday "present" from our readers -- today we reached the best ranking yet on Barnes & Noble.com. WHOO HOO!!!
Family presents arrived on schedule (except for the ones in Ohio -- but that WASN'T my fault!).
My aunt Camilla is in the hospital. Her appendix ruptured last night. But they think she's going to be fine.
Got lots of great presents. Today will be spent watching some of the movies, and baking cookies to go in the new cats cookie jar my Mom and Dad gave me. Of course it's traditional to wear clothes you were given, so the beautiful shirts will get their chance.
This can't be too long of a post -- I have to drive to the next town over for church. We have a church in my denomination here, but the priest is very rigid in his beliefs and they really don't mesh with mine. I end up coming away furious for a week -- which sort of defeats the purpose. So I go to the next town over, where they have a priest who is a really mellow, happy and more laid-back kind of guy.
Hi to everyone. Thanks to all who have bought the book. Special thanks to the folks who stop by the blog regularly and "chat" with me. I hope Santa gave you all EXACTLY what you want.
Saw a great sign on a lit billboard the other day. Santa -- Define "Good."
Merry Christmas!
Cie
First, thanks to everybody. We got a holiday "present" from our readers -- today we reached the best ranking yet on Barnes & Noble.com. WHOO HOO!!!
Family presents arrived on schedule (except for the ones in Ohio -- but that WASN'T my fault!).
My aunt Camilla is in the hospital. Her appendix ruptured last night. But they think she's going to be fine.
Got lots of great presents. Today will be spent watching some of the movies, and baking cookies to go in the new cats cookie jar my Mom and Dad gave me. Of course it's traditional to wear clothes you were given, so the beautiful shirts will get their chance.
This can't be too long of a post -- I have to drive to the next town over for church. We have a church in my denomination here, but the priest is very rigid in his beliefs and they really don't mesh with mine. I end up coming away furious for a week -- which sort of defeats the purpose. So I go to the next town over, where they have a priest who is a really mellow, happy and more laid-back kind of guy.
Hi to everyone. Thanks to all who have bought the book. Special thanks to the folks who stop by the blog regularly and "chat" with me. I hope Santa gave you all EXACTLY what you want.
Saw a great sign on a lit billboard the other day. Santa -- Define "Good."
Merry Christmas!
Cie
Friday, December 24, 2004
Sometimes you need your daily iron(y)
Hi Guys!
Sometimes you need your daily dose of iron(y). Yesterday was a GREAT day. We got the e-mail from the publishing house (see previous post), Cathy got her payment for "on publication" and a box of books from UPS. I rushed home hoping that my payment and books would have arrived as well. WELL, kinda sorta. Cathy got the right check, but a box of the wrong books. I got the right books but, you guessed it, no check. I took her over half of my books. She e-mailed Anna to ask what the heck they want her to do with the box of somebody else's. (Apparently a 2002 bestseller).
I'm HOPING that my check arrives today. If it doesn't, I'll get by. But BOY that sure would be a nice Christmas present. Still, I gotta laugh. We each got half.
On a completely different subject: I'm thinking of joining the Horror Writers' Association. The authors involved are very cool and reputable, and I would like to branch out in that direction. I sent an e-mail inquiring as to whether or not we qualify. We'll have to see.
Oh, and for TODAY's irony: I got my Christmas shopping done. I mailed everything on "the last day that we can guarantee they'll get it by Christmas if you send it priority." (Now understand, I'm known for giving NEW YEAR's presents not Christmas presents, so this was a pretty big deal). Three packages. Two to Illinois, one to Ohio. So now there's this HUGE snowstorm, cuts power all over Ohio, and (you guessed it) the mail isn't going to be getting through on time. My sister and I both decided it was hilarious. (Then again, she may just be looking for something to find funny since her power has been off for a day and a half and will probably still be off until Sunday. But hey, on the good news front, they ran into a friend of theirs who had a spare generator, so they could use it to run the sump pump and get rid of the seven or eight inches of frigid water that had gotten into their basement!) I'm just glad everybody's ok.
Anyway, I'm wishing everyone a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you celebrate other holidays, Merry (insert name of your particular holiday here)! Best wishes to all, and thanks for coming by! (come back soon!)
Cie
Sometimes you need your daily dose of iron(y). Yesterday was a GREAT day. We got the e-mail from the publishing house (see previous post), Cathy got her payment for "on publication" and a box of books from UPS. I rushed home hoping that my payment and books would have arrived as well. WELL, kinda sorta. Cathy got the right check, but a box of the wrong books. I got the right books but, you guessed it, no check. I took her over half of my books. She e-mailed Anna to ask what the heck they want her to do with the box of somebody else's. (Apparently a 2002 bestseller).
I'm HOPING that my check arrives today. If it doesn't, I'll get by. But BOY that sure would be a nice Christmas present. Still, I gotta laugh. We each got half.
On a completely different subject: I'm thinking of joining the Horror Writers' Association. The authors involved are very cool and reputable, and I would like to branch out in that direction. I sent an e-mail inquiring as to whether or not we qualify. We'll have to see.
Oh, and for TODAY's irony: I got my Christmas shopping done. I mailed everything on "the last day that we can guarantee they'll get it by Christmas if you send it priority." (Now understand, I'm known for giving NEW YEAR's presents not Christmas presents, so this was a pretty big deal). Three packages. Two to Illinois, one to Ohio. So now there's this HUGE snowstorm, cuts power all over Ohio, and (you guessed it) the mail isn't going to be getting through on time. My sister and I both decided it was hilarious. (Then again, she may just be looking for something to find funny since her power has been off for a day and a half and will probably still be off until Sunday. But hey, on the good news front, they ran into a friend of theirs who had a spare generator, so they could use it to run the sump pump and get rid of the seven or eight inches of frigid water that had gotten into their basement!) I'm just glad everybody's ok.
Anyway, I'm wishing everyone a VERY Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you celebrate other holidays, Merry (insert name of your particular holiday here)! Best wishes to all, and thanks for coming by! (come back soon!)
Cie
Thursday, December 23, 2004
HAPPY DANCE!!!!
Whoo hoo. Cie is happy dancing again! We got an e-mail from our editor at Tor that said that our sales rate is *very high.* In fact, the top brass even noticed. When your sales are high enough to impress your New York publisher you get to do the happy dance!
Now, I may be nuts (Aw, who am I kidding, I AM nuts, but MAYBE not about this) but I have this weird idea in my brain that if you impress the big wigs then maybe they'll be REALLY INCLINED to look favorably at your next set of books? Teehee. And that maybe, just maybe, that royalty check in October is going to look REALLY GOOD. (Cie resumes the happy dance).
Now, I may be nuts (Aw, who am I kidding, I AM nuts, but MAYBE not about this) but I have this weird idea in my brain that if you impress the big wigs then maybe they'll be REALLY INCLINED to look favorably at your next set of books? Teehee. And that maybe, just maybe, that royalty check in October is going to look REALLY GOOD. (Cie resumes the happy dance).
OHHHH my aching head. :)
The only problem with throwing parties is the inevitable overindulgence. (Wicked grin)
Hi guys! Thanks to everyone who stopped by yesterday for the party. I feel much better now.
Hope everybody is ready for the holidays because they've arrived. I'm actually feeling kind of festive after yesterday's silliness. This is good because my mood has been all over the place lately.
Cathy and I are going to be talking to the agent (for sure) and editor (possibly) about the future direction of the Sazi books. We'll see what we find out. I'm hopeful. In the meantime I'm going ahead and getting started writing just to get "back in the saddle." When I'm angry, frustrated and/or depressed I have a really hard time writing, so some of the things in my personal life have kind of gotten in the way of my creativity. I'm crossing my fingers that I'm past it.
One of the things that we're hoping to do is set two separate Sazi books in approximately the same time frame. THAT is tricky. I can't have Lucas HERE if at the same time she has him THERE. I mean, he's good, but he ain't THAT good. But we'll both be working in the same world again, which means much richer discussions and less crankiness for all parties. (Oh hell, I'll be honest. I'M generally the one that gets cranky. Don't mean to. But I just DO.)
So we're moving forward in a good direction. (I think). I just hope that the agent and publisher agree. (Keeping toes crossed. Fingers are for typing.)
ANYWAY, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and are not TOO hung over from all the virtual champagne. ;)
Cie
Hi guys! Thanks to everyone who stopped by yesterday for the party. I feel much better now.
Hope everybody is ready for the holidays because they've arrived. I'm actually feeling kind of festive after yesterday's silliness. This is good because my mood has been all over the place lately.
Cathy and I are going to be talking to the agent (for sure) and editor (possibly) about the future direction of the Sazi books. We'll see what we find out. I'm hopeful. In the meantime I'm going ahead and getting started writing just to get "back in the saddle." When I'm angry, frustrated and/or depressed I have a really hard time writing, so some of the things in my personal life have kind of gotten in the way of my creativity. I'm crossing my fingers that I'm past it.
One of the things that we're hoping to do is set two separate Sazi books in approximately the same time frame. THAT is tricky. I can't have Lucas HERE if at the same time she has him THERE. I mean, he's good, but he ain't THAT good. But we'll both be working in the same world again, which means much richer discussions and less crankiness for all parties. (Oh hell, I'll be honest. I'M generally the one that gets cranky. Don't mean to. But I just DO.)
So we're moving forward in a good direction. (I think). I just hope that the agent and publisher agree. (Keeping toes crossed. Fingers are for typing.)
ANYWAY, I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and are not TOO hung over from all the virtual champagne. ;)
Cie
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
I GET to be happy!
I would LOVE for everybody to be having the kind of wonderful luck Cathy and I are. I know it probably isn't going to happen. But I would LOVE it. But there were times when things were really going well for others in my life and my life well... um.... shall we say "sucked big scum covered pond rocks?" I am so incredibly excited about the good things going on with regard to the writing! I mean, I've been putting together stories since I was what.... six? We didn't get our first book published until 2002. That's quite the wait. So I want to dance on the clouds a little. I'm so happy it almost doesn't seem possible that this is all real. Unfortunately, there are a lot of folks who are having a hard time now. I don't want to be tacky, or rub people's noses in it, but I really want to ENJOY the good times (they're always so damned fleeting). Have you ever tried to "celebrate quietly?" Doesn't work. SO, I am hereby nominating those of you who read this post fellow partygoers. Please put on your virtual paper hat and get out your kazoo while I flip on the stereo and crank it up. Somebody get the glasses. Somebody else pop the virtual champagne.
Any suggestions as to tunes? Right now I've got Kiss "Smashes, Thrashes and Hits" but I'm open to suggestions.
Cie
Have moved on to a punk CD my son made for me with my favorite songs from several different bands. Not Christmasy, but definitely lively and making me happy!
Looking for music suggestions..... until then AC/DC
Any suggestions as to tunes? Right now I've got Kiss "Smashes, Thrashes and Hits" but I'm open to suggestions.
Cie
Have moved on to a punk CD my son made for me with my favorite songs from several different bands. Not Christmasy, but definitely lively and making me happy!
Looking for music suggestions..... until then AC/DC
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
WHOOO HOOO
HUNTER'S MOON was nominated for a Romantic Times award in the category of Best Contemporary Paranormal! WHOOOEEEE!!!!
Happy Holidays
Greetings and happy holidays. It's been a tough year for nearly everyone I know for some reason or another. Still, life is very, very good. I got all the packages packed. They're shipping today. They may or may not arrive in time for Christmas, but I just couldn't manage it any faster. I'd HOPED that our author copies of the books would arrive so I could send some to people with the Christmas stuff, but they haven't, so I can't. Ah well. Still, it is frustrating.
It felt really good to be writing yesterday. I've been having a hard time getting into the groove. I think a big chunk of it is physical exhaustion, and another chunk is depression over losing Onyx. But every day it gets a little better.
Currently listening to a CD of Christmas music by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Lots of electric guitar. I'm not good with traditional Christmas music, but this actually does it for me.
Best wishes to everyone.
Cie
It felt really good to be writing yesterday. I've been having a hard time getting into the groove. I think a big chunk of it is physical exhaustion, and another chunk is depression over losing Onyx. But every day it gets a little better.
Currently listening to a CD of Christmas music by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. Lots of electric guitar. I'm not good with traditional Christmas music, but this actually does it for me.
Best wishes to everyone.
Cie
Monday, December 20, 2004
Cathy Suggested This
Hi Guys! Cathy suggested I post the address and telephone info on the Waldenbooks since they have lots of copies and I had suggested people could order from them. I would direct you to Hastings' too, but as of yesterday they supposedly only had 3 left and none of them were on the shelves (which meant they were probably in the check-out line [GRIN]). SO, yes, please support Hastings, but if you want autographed copies RIGHT NOW you can get 'em at:
Waldenbooks Sunset Mall, San Angelo, TX 76901 (325) 949-7040
Toodles.
Cie
Waldenbooks Sunset Mall, San Angelo, TX 76901 (325) 949-7040
Toodles.
Cie
Guten Monday Morgen
Yeah, I know, I probably got the German completely wrong. But hey, I'm in a good mood.
Got all the Christmas shopping done (have to pack and ship today). Got the signings done. (Which, while they will be seriously cool when there are people out there who actually know the series and like the book, are a little tough when you're an unknown.)
Sales are going well. Buzz appears to be good. Meeting seriously cool people online (Yes, that would be you Jim and Yolanda -- among others ;)) Got a plan of action ironed out with Cathy over the weekend (hope to run it by the agent soon). Son is doing well. Part of what was bothering my health was a minor infection. Now that that is clearing up, I'm feeling a little bit better. Still having some of the other symptoms, but any improvement is much appreciated.
The new website will look really cool when we can get it up. Right now it's on delay because Cathy has two articles and a bunch of contest entries due, and I don't have the software available at my day job to do it. So I have to be patient which, as you probably guessed, is not my best thing. There's an old Queen song that sums me up pretty well. "I want it all. I want it all. I want it all. And I want it NOW!" (big grin).
Ah well. Such is life. I'm off to write. Wish me luck.
Have a great day.
Cie
Got all the Christmas shopping done (have to pack and ship today). Got the signings done. (Which, while they will be seriously cool when there are people out there who actually know the series and like the book, are a little tough when you're an unknown.)
Sales are going well. Buzz appears to be good. Meeting seriously cool people online (Yes, that would be you Jim and Yolanda -- among others ;)) Got a plan of action ironed out with Cathy over the weekend (hope to run it by the agent soon). Son is doing well. Part of what was bothering my health was a minor infection. Now that that is clearing up, I'm feeling a little bit better. Still having some of the other symptoms, but any improvement is much appreciated.
The new website will look really cool when we can get it up. Right now it's on delay because Cathy has two articles and a bunch of contest entries due, and I don't have the software available at my day job to do it. So I have to be patient which, as you probably guessed, is not my best thing. There's an old Queen song that sums me up pretty well. "I want it all. I want it all. I want it all. And I want it NOW!" (big grin).
Ah well. Such is life. I'm off to write. Wish me luck.
Have a great day.
Cie
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys! I appreciate the moral support. (Heck my morals can use all the support they can get. ;) )
Cathy and I did get a chance to talk on the trip. In fact, we're very much on the same page and managed to map out both a plan and almost another complete book plot. VERY cool. Apparently I worry too much over all the wrong things. (Then again, we already knew that).
The signing went really well. (Thanks again Jimbo!). The folks at Waldenbooks were great. If anybody is in the area and needs books, we autographed all the copies they have in stock, so you can get your copy there. OR, if you're not in the area, you can look up Waldenbooks at Sunset Mall in San Angelo, TX on the web version of the telephone book and order a copy by phone. If you already have -- Happy reading. I REALLY hope you like it! If you have any questions about things that aren't spoilers we'll be happy to talk to you about it here or in our "guestbook."
I'm so glad you guys decided to come along for the ride! THANKS!
Cie
Cathy and I did get a chance to talk on the trip. In fact, we're very much on the same page and managed to map out both a plan and almost another complete book plot. VERY cool. Apparently I worry too much over all the wrong things. (Then again, we already knew that).
The signing went really well. (Thanks again Jimbo!). The folks at Waldenbooks were great. If anybody is in the area and needs books, we autographed all the copies they have in stock, so you can get your copy there. OR, if you're not in the area, you can look up Waldenbooks at Sunset Mall in San Angelo, TX on the web version of the telephone book and order a copy by phone. If you already have -- Happy reading. I REALLY hope you like it! If you have any questions about things that aren't spoilers we'll be happy to talk to you about it here or in our "guestbook."
I'm so glad you guys decided to come along for the ride! THANKS!
Cie
Here we go...
Hi Guys!
Getting ready for another signing. It's about an hour away by car, which will give Cathy and I time to discuss some of the career decisions coming up. Could be a lively trip. We both have very strong opinions -- and they don't always mesh. BUT the good news is that we work well together and when we do finally hash things out it works out better than either individual plan would have (at least I think so).
One thing I worry about (and Cathy constantly tells me I'm silly -- but hey, I'll admit it, I'm insecure) is that we won't get a chance to expand the Sazi world to include viewpoints from more and different characters. If everything comes from Tony's viewpoint Cathy will do all the primary writing. That would have me being left out of the loop in my own world which would hurt. A lot. I want us to be marketable and successful, but I do believe there's room for huge growth. BUT I trust Cathy. I don't think she'll let that happen. We just have to find the right way to move forward and our agent will help us to do it right.
Gotta go curl my hair. Wish me luck.
Getting ready for another signing. It's about an hour away by car, which will give Cathy and I time to discuss some of the career decisions coming up. Could be a lively trip. We both have very strong opinions -- and they don't always mesh. BUT the good news is that we work well together and when we do finally hash things out it works out better than either individual plan would have (at least I think so).
One thing I worry about (and Cathy constantly tells me I'm silly -- but hey, I'll admit it, I'm insecure) is that we won't get a chance to expand the Sazi world to include viewpoints from more and different characters. If everything comes from Tony's viewpoint Cathy will do all the primary writing. That would have me being left out of the loop in my own world which would hurt. A lot. I want us to be marketable and successful, but I do believe there's room for huge growth. BUT I trust Cathy. I don't think she'll let that happen. We just have to find the right way to move forward and our agent will help us to do it right.
Gotta go curl my hair. Wish me luck.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Thanks Everybody
I want to thank everybody for the condolences. The support is appreciated. Hi Yolanda! So cool that you're actually getting to read our book in Australia. I LOVE the thought that people all over the world are getting to see our work. Just so cool! And I love the internet, where I can actually "meet" and talk to people from different places and cultures.
Cathy googled us and found a couple of discussion boards talking about the book. We joined in and chatted with folks. It's not only fun, but a great way to find out what people like, and don't like about the world. While some things are set for the world and the books, I think it's important to get a "read" what people want and think about your characters, etc. We want to entertain, make people happy, take them away from the hum drum for a little while. If they think about real issues, so much the better. I, for one, do not want to be clubbed up the side of the head with somebody else's view of "how things should be," so we won't be doing that to others. (Sort of the golden rule as applied to writing.)
Probably not going to make the bestseller's list unless the word of mouth goes insane. Kind of a bummer, but not a surprise considering the holidays. I never thought I'd be able to say that the Grinch stole my Christmas listing. (wink).
Gotta get back to work. Take care and have a great day everybody.
Cie
Cathy googled us and found a couple of discussion boards talking about the book. We joined in and chatted with folks. It's not only fun, but a great way to find out what people like, and don't like about the world. While some things are set for the world and the books, I think it's important to get a "read" what people want and think about your characters, etc. We want to entertain, make people happy, take them away from the hum drum for a little while. If they think about real issues, so much the better. I, for one, do not want to be clubbed up the side of the head with somebody else's view of "how things should be," so we won't be doing that to others. (Sort of the golden rule as applied to writing.)
Probably not going to make the bestseller's list unless the word of mouth goes insane. Kind of a bummer, but not a surprise considering the holidays. I never thought I'd be able to say that the Grinch stole my Christmas listing. (wink).
Gotta get back to work. Take care and have a great day everybody.
Cie
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