Now that I've sold my third book, here's the reality: I will now head to town to dry my clothes as I still haven't ordered the heating thing for my dryer. Um...been writing. I need to pay bills. Grocery shop. Necessity shop. Take back a lawnmower that didn't come with all the necessities. I mean, REALLY! How hard is it to remember the nuts and bolts? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I need to get the tag for my vehicle. Look at the business cards. Oh...and not beat my cranky chickens. They are on a tangent today, folks.
Mebbe, just mebbe, I'll have time to come back home and work on my Anthology piece. Mebbe not.
Grins*
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Monday, May 30, 2005
GOOD NEWS!
My publisher, Whiskey Creek Press, has offered me a contract for my third book, a Paranormal Romance, titled "The Portrait." I am so excited! I'm on that adrenaline high that will last for quite awhile. So sleep tonight? Heh. Not bloodly likely.
I want to WRITE. Lots. More. Now. LMAO
After I share my news with all the people in my little world. Then I will get back to the business of finishing my anthology piece.
We went over to a friend's house and BBQ'd. Good stuff. Thanks M and B! It's been a lovely holiday. I was having a "good" writing day and brought a little notebook with me. I sequestered myself in her computer room and wrote the ending to my piece. Now, I must transcribe-probably tomorrow.
Hope you're Memorial Day has been a good one.
Sorry about the previous post. Blogger was having a day, itself. I didn't even notice it totally left off my last sentence or two. I think I've fixed it.
Grins*
I want to WRITE. Lots. More. Now. LMAO
After I share my news with all the people in my little world. Then I will get back to the business of finishing my anthology piece.
We went over to a friend's house and BBQ'd. Good stuff. Thanks M and B! It's been a lovely holiday. I was having a "good" writing day and brought a little notebook with me. I sequestered myself in her computer room and wrote the ending to my piece. Now, I must transcribe-probably tomorrow.
Hope you're Memorial Day has been a good one.
Sorry about the previous post. Blogger was having a day, itself. I didn't even notice it totally left off my last sentence or two. I think I've fixed it.
Grins*
I thought Aquaman was hot
Ahhhhhh, the days of the Justice League. The Halls of Justice sparkled on my television set back in the days of my youth. I would sit in front of the television every Saturday morning and absorb the episode. Batman was okay. Superman had that cool lock of hair over his forehead. But Aquaman? Oh my. *grins*
I wanted to BE Wonder Woman. Those boots. That hair. That lasso.
I tolerated those blue twins. Zan and Nan? Jan? Something of the sort.
And then you had the diametrical team. Bad, evil villains intent on ruling the world.
It was its own little microcosm. I wasn't old enough to wonder what was going on with Superman and Wonder Woman. They did pair up a LOT though. Aquaman worked with his sea creatures. Batman did his thing.
What brought this up? Dish TV. I was scrolling for something to watch last evening when it popped across Cartoon Network, I believe. And I felt that rush. That exhilirating feeling of being young again. For just a moment, I was excited about the cartoon prospects. Worries of bills, books, and life in general faded away. I could see the Halls of Justice. I could see Aquaman using those neat, little circles coming from his head to talk to the sea animals. And I loved it.
Super heroes have made a major comeback of late. I believe we, as a society, are searching for heroes in our world. Hollywood is trying to fill the need with celluloid ones. The Fantastic Four is going to be on the big screen soon. I had a "thing" for Thing. I think it was the heart of gold behind the brick wall. He could be normal for so long, and then he would lapse back into his former shape. I liked Wolverine long before Hugh Jackman filled out those claws so well.
It's nice to see heroes up on the big screen fighting for our rights. It's excellent when they have super powers which fascinate the masses. But on this Memorial Day, I'll be remembering our people who have fought for this country and who are fighting still. They are our heroes. With nothing more than combat gear, a gun, and their wits, they are shielding us all from the villains out there. And they're protecting our life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
They may not have the invisible jet, millions of gadgets, or have super powers. But they are the real heroes. And they have my gratitude and prayers.
Crystal*
I wanted to BE Wonder Woman. Those boots. That hair. That lasso.
I tolerated those blue twins. Zan and Nan? Jan? Something of the sort.
And then you had the diametrical team. Bad, evil villains intent on ruling the world.
It was its own little microcosm. I wasn't old enough to wonder what was going on with Superman and Wonder Woman. They did pair up a LOT though. Aquaman worked with his sea creatures. Batman did his thing.
What brought this up? Dish TV. I was scrolling for something to watch last evening when it popped across Cartoon Network, I believe. And I felt that rush. That exhilirating feeling of being young again. For just a moment, I was excited about the cartoon prospects. Worries of bills, books, and life in general faded away. I could see the Halls of Justice. I could see Aquaman using those neat, little circles coming from his head to talk to the sea animals. And I loved it.
Super heroes have made a major comeback of late. I believe we, as a society, are searching for heroes in our world. Hollywood is trying to fill the need with celluloid ones. The Fantastic Four is going to be on the big screen soon. I had a "thing" for Thing. I think it was the heart of gold behind the brick wall. He could be normal for so long, and then he would lapse back into his former shape. I liked Wolverine long before Hugh Jackman filled out those claws so well.
It's nice to see heroes up on the big screen fighting for our rights. It's excellent when they have super powers which fascinate the masses. But on this Memorial Day, I'll be remembering our people who have fought for this country and who are fighting still. They are our heroes. With nothing more than combat gear, a gun, and their wits, they are shielding us all from the villains out there. And they're protecting our life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
They may not have the invisible jet, millions of gadgets, or have super powers. But they are the real heroes. And they have my gratitude and prayers.
Crystal*
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Ye scurvy blogger bastards
I love my little blogging friends. I'm less fond of having to deal with stupid blogging issues.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
Thanks again to everyone who has e-mailed me and informed me of the wonderful jacked-up world of my comment section.
I think I've fixed it. *fingers crossed*
Michelle W.--rock on, woman.
Jill and Suzanne--thanks for the e-mails. I think I've fixed it. Um...really.
Grins,
Crystal*
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
Thanks again to everyone who has e-mailed me and informed me of the wonderful jacked-up world of my comment section.
I think I've fixed it. *fingers crossed*
Michelle W.--rock on, woman.
Jill and Suzanne--thanks for the e-mails. I think I've fixed it. Um...really.
Grins,
Crystal*
Spontaneous
Yesterday was a rather strange day. One of our friends got a wild hair and called to see if we wanted to have one, too. Of course we did. That's how we ended up spending the day with her and her brood at Bell's Amusement Park in Tulsa. We finished that up with a late dinner at Casa Bonita.
I'd never been to Bell's. My plan for the day was renovation and cleaning. What fun! Friday we were simply vegetables. Though I did type 3400 words on my Anthology piece. YAY! It's about halfway through. That rather rocked.
Anyway...the phone call around eleven yesterday afternoon put a halt to that. And away we went. It was a great time! We spent twelve hours out of the house. We didn't get home until midnight. And we were ATE-UP! Heh. All well worth it. And then some.
Kids rode the roller coaster, log ride, and all the rides that scare the hell out of me. You know, I used to be so adventurous. Back in the day. Now I need a dramamine. But I did ride the Himalayan. It's that cool, little ride that plays music at a deafening decibel while whipping your ass around in a circle at the speed of light. Bliss. Utter bliss. I was screaming my little head off and acting a fool. Once again...bliss. Utter bliss. My throat's a little sore, but it's a small price.
We're back at it today. The bathroom needs serious renovating help. I'm taking a small break to check the ol' computer and answer e-mails and such. I plan on working on my anthology piece a little later.
It's overcast today. Check out my weather pixie. Isn't she cute? Man, she livens up my little blogging notebook. Have a good weekend and great holiday. I don't know if I'll be on tomorrow or not. Mebbe just to work on my writing, unless the blogging bug bites.
Grins*
I'd never been to Bell's. My plan for the day was renovation and cleaning. What fun! Friday we were simply vegetables. Though I did type 3400 words on my Anthology piece. YAY! It's about halfway through. That rather rocked.
Anyway...the phone call around eleven yesterday afternoon put a halt to that. And away we went. It was a great time! We spent twelve hours out of the house. We didn't get home until midnight. And we were ATE-UP! Heh. All well worth it. And then some.
Kids rode the roller coaster, log ride, and all the rides that scare the hell out of me. You know, I used to be so adventurous. Back in the day. Now I need a dramamine. But I did ride the Himalayan. It's that cool, little ride that plays music at a deafening decibel while whipping your ass around in a circle at the speed of light. Bliss. Utter bliss. I was screaming my little head off and acting a fool. Once again...bliss. Utter bliss. My throat's a little sore, but it's a small price.
We're back at it today. The bathroom needs serious renovating help. I'm taking a small break to check the ol' computer and answer e-mails and such. I plan on working on my anthology piece a little later.
It's overcast today. Check out my weather pixie. Isn't she cute? Man, she livens up my little blogging notebook. Have a good weekend and great holiday. I don't know if I'll be on tomorrow or not. Mebbe just to work on my writing, unless the blogging bug bites.
Grins*
Friday, May 27, 2005
Comments
Thank you to everyone who e-mailed me and informed me my damn comments weren't working!
I thought I was unloved. :(
Feeling sorry for myself. Scuffing my toe in the dirt.
Honestly, I don't know WHAT in the heck happened, but I think I've fixed it. And NO, it wasn't on purpose. Blogger. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I enabled the pop-up window for comments. I hope all is well again. I tried to open it and could. Thanks for letting me know and stopping by!
Grins*
I thought I was unloved. :(
Feeling sorry for myself. Scuffing my toe in the dirt.
Honestly, I don't know WHAT in the heck happened, but I think I've fixed it. And NO, it wasn't on purpose. Blogger. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I enabled the pop-up window for comments. I hope all is well again. I tried to open it and could. Thanks for letting me know and stopping by!
Grins*
Writing update
I've written 2300 words on my anthology story. It's looking up. It only needs to be 8000 words or less. It's all good. *grins*
We're being vegetables today. Movies, junk food, and PS2. Tomorrow is more writing and renovations. Joy and rapture. It's supposed to rain all dang weekend. It's cooler, though, and we need the rain. So, rock on.
And a question from the Twisted Ambiance group. Thanks Kira!
So, my question to all of you is....if given the opportunity, what question would you ask of the Universe?
Hoffa? Capone? Presley? Matters of deep philosophical magnitude? Anything.
Grins*
We're being vegetables today. Movies, junk food, and PS2. Tomorrow is more writing and renovations. Joy and rapture. It's supposed to rain all dang weekend. It's cooler, though, and we need the rain. So, rock on.
And a question from the Twisted Ambiance group. Thanks Kira!
So, my question to all of you is....if given the opportunity, what question would you ask of the Universe?
Hoffa? Capone? Presley? Matters of deep philosophical magnitude? Anything.
Grins*
Loose ends
I mailed off a LOAD of agent queries this morning. I am hoping to hook a good one. *grins* Man, the local post office was SO happy to see me.
I looked at business cards, and the guy there will be putting together some looks for me. I need to check back in Tuesday with my final decision. I'm working on a short story for an anthology. I also need to finish my sampler. Good thing I love words.
Grins*
I looked at business cards, and the guy there will be putting together some looks for me. I need to check back in Tuesday with my final decision. I'm working on a short story for an anthology. I also need to finish my sampler. Good thing I love words.
Grins*
Thursday, May 26, 2005
No tree is safe
I have cost several trees their lives today. I'm still in the big middle of printing and putting together. I love when agents ask for at least a chapter or three. It gives me hope they'll read my words. If this isn't true, please don't rain on my parade.
I've cleaned off approximately half of my desk. It had to be done. And you know what? A lot of it was printouts. I am one print-happy heifer. I like that hard copy. *grins*
I was sent this quite awhile ago, but I love it. And right now it seems applicable. I don't know the original author, but I can relate to all of it.
Expressions for Women on High Stress Days:
You-off my planet
Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
Allow me to introduce my selves.
Sarcasm is just one more service I offer.
I can't remember if I'm the good twin or the evil one.
You say I'm a bitch like it's a bad thing.
Chaos, panic, and disorder-my work here is done.
Is it time for your medication or mine?
How do I set a laser printer to stun?
I'm not tense, just terribly, terribly alert.
Grins*
I've cleaned off approximately half of my desk. It had to be done. And you know what? A lot of it was printouts. I am one print-happy heifer. I like that hard copy. *grins*
I was sent this quite awhile ago, but I love it. And right now it seems applicable. I don't know the original author, but I can relate to all of it.
Expressions for Women on High Stress Days:
You-off my planet
Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
Allow me to introduce my selves.
Sarcasm is just one more service I offer.
I can't remember if I'm the good twin or the evil one.
You say I'm a bitch like it's a bad thing.
Chaos, panic, and disorder-my work here is done.
Is it time for your medication or mine?
How do I set a laser printer to stun?
I'm not tense, just terribly, terribly alert.
Grins*
Booked
I'm booked. Since self-lighting a fire under my ass (no one else will), I decided I needed to send queries/chapters off to agents for my Suspense. I also need to finish a sampler for the AuthorsUnlimited site. Thankfully I sent off most of my reviews the day before yesterday, so that's something I don't have to do today.
I've amassed a list of agents and their requirements. And now is the fun part of printing and mailing. I picked up a new ink cartridge. heh I'll need it.
Personal note: Why is it when chickens are home on summer vacation, they want to eat every thing which isn't nailed down, and some that are? They're bottomless to begin with, but MY GOD!, it keeps getting worse. They literally want dessert after EVERY MEAL. I've nipped that one in the bud. I love the eyerolls. Really, I do. And then there's the visits. You know, when something isn't working/they're fighting/I play mediator/a cloud passes in front of the sun, I must be bothered. If fifteen minutes passes without interruption, it's like a whistle goes off that only children can hear. Because here one comes.
It's still May.
SIGH
Grins*
I've amassed a list of agents and their requirements. And now is the fun part of printing and mailing. I picked up a new ink cartridge. heh I'll need it.
Personal note: Why is it when chickens are home on summer vacation, they want to eat every thing which isn't nailed down, and some that are? They're bottomless to begin with, but MY GOD!, it keeps getting worse. They literally want dessert after EVERY MEAL. I've nipped that one in the bud. I love the eyerolls. Really, I do. And then there's the visits. You know, when something isn't working/they're fighting/I play mediator/a cloud passes in front of the sun, I must be bothered. If fifteen minutes passes without interruption, it's like a whistle goes off that only children can hear. Because here one comes.
It's still May.
SIGH
Grins*
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Addendum
Kim and Sara: I've sent the gifts. YAY! The candle smells yummy. *grinning*
I've run all over God's creation today. And I am TIRED! Ran into a girl/woman I've known since she was a freshman in high school. She graduated from college in 1996. Isn't it amazing how the years just fall away?
Received an e-mail from a wonderful woman who puts a magazine together here in Oklahoma. It's called "She's OK". Hopefully she'll do an article over my writing and books and such. And if she does, I'm going to do my darndest to NOT have a picture in there. heh
All in all, not a bad day. Picked up a Jude Devereaux "Twin" book from Goodwill. I'm already halfway through with it. Actually had a chance to read while the chickens played at McDonald's.
Hope you're evening is lovely.
Grins*
I've run all over God's creation today. And I am TIRED! Ran into a girl/woman I've known since she was a freshman in high school. She graduated from college in 1996. Isn't it amazing how the years just fall away?
Received an e-mail from a wonderful woman who puts a magazine together here in Oklahoma. It's called "She's OK". Hopefully she'll do an article over my writing and books and such. And if she does, I'm going to do my darndest to NOT have a picture in there. heh
All in all, not a bad day. Picked up a Jude Devereaux "Twin" book from Goodwill. I'm already halfway through with it. Actually had a chance to read while the chickens played at McDonald's.
Hope you're evening is lovely.
Grins*
Morning sunshine
I awoke at the buttcrack of dawn today because there was a grocery store in town with hellacious sales going on. Six pack coke/diet coke/dr. peper/etc. for $1. Brisket for $1 a pound. And that place was HOPPING at six o'clock this morning. Everybody's gearing up for Memorial day, I suppose.
Bravejournal is doing some wonky stuff. I can't access Kara's or Olga's blog. And the "Writeminded" gals have moved. I must tweak my template.
Supposed to have a good chance it'll rain today. I have errands to run. LOTS of them. Kim and Sara, I'm sending it today! I haven't had my vehicle, so that was the delay. But I'm all over it. I'll email y'all after I've sent the stuff. *grins*
I don't see this being a particularly good writing day. I need to pick up another black ink cartridge (Why in the blazes do they cost so much? $30. For INK! Let's put this in perspective, shall we? ACK!) And I'll be sending out queries, sample chapters, and such.
I was bemoaning the state of my desk to my best friend yesterday. She looks over at me and says, "But you know where everything is, right?" That would be a negatory. I can vaguely make out the keyboard. The mouse is visible. And hey! What else do I need?
"Alex, the answer is: WHAT IS ORGANIZATION?"
Oh help me.
Grins*
Bravejournal is doing some wonky stuff. I can't access Kara's or Olga's blog. And the "Writeminded" gals have moved. I must tweak my template.
Supposed to have a good chance it'll rain today. I have errands to run. LOTS of them. Kim and Sara, I'm sending it today! I haven't had my vehicle, so that was the delay. But I'm all over it. I'll email y'all after I've sent the stuff. *grins*
I don't see this being a particularly good writing day. I need to pick up another black ink cartridge (Why in the blazes do they cost so much? $30. For INK! Let's put this in perspective, shall we? ACK!) And I'll be sending out queries, sample chapters, and such.
I was bemoaning the state of my desk to my best friend yesterday. She looks over at me and says, "But you know where everything is, right?" That would be a negatory. I can vaguely make out the keyboard. The mouse is visible. And hey! What else do I need?
"Alex, the answer is: WHAT IS ORGANIZATION?"
Oh help me.
Grins*
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Deep thoughts
Okay. Not so deep. But plenty of them.
I've sent out copies of my book to be reviewed. Now I'm not a thin-skinned person by any means, but this is nerve-wracking. Seriously. I'm not going to break into a Sally Fields speech if the reviews are good, but it would be nice. *grinning*
I'm working on the erotica. I WILL finish this one before I start another one. The other one is simply clawing to break free. It's all I can do sometimes to be strong and monogamous. Look for the post in the future: Writing Monogamously. Promises to be all kinds of fun.
I've also let my mainstream fiction (Suspense) slide to the wayside. I was reminded by a friend, thanks Kel!, and I'm going to be submitting it to agents. I love the story. But, as we all know, this stuff doesn't happen overnight. I put it on the backburner to focus on the romance I knew I could sell.
But it bothers me. I belive it to be a solid story. Humorous. Suspenseful. Heavy on the sarcasm. In other words...Snarky Suspense. Now who wouldn't want to buy that? *laughing*
So I will probably only tap out a thousand words or so on my erotica and put the rest of my efforts into querying agents and such.
The erotica is right around 20,000. I believe I'll top out somewhere around 50,000. Once again, it's not the story, it's the TIME. I need to FOCUS. FOCUS. FOCUS.
*blinking*
Now what was I saying?
Grins*
I've sent out copies of my book to be reviewed. Now I'm not a thin-skinned person by any means, but this is nerve-wracking. Seriously. I'm not going to break into a Sally Fields speech if the reviews are good, but it would be nice. *grinning*
I'm working on the erotica. I WILL finish this one before I start another one. The other one is simply clawing to break free. It's all I can do sometimes to be strong and monogamous. Look for the post in the future: Writing Monogamously. Promises to be all kinds of fun.
I've also let my mainstream fiction (Suspense) slide to the wayside. I was reminded by a friend, thanks Kel!, and I'm going to be submitting it to agents. I love the story. But, as we all know, this stuff doesn't happen overnight. I put it on the backburner to focus on the romance I knew I could sell.
But it bothers me. I belive it to be a solid story. Humorous. Suspenseful. Heavy on the sarcasm. In other words...Snarky Suspense. Now who wouldn't want to buy that? *laughing*
So I will probably only tap out a thousand words or so on my erotica and put the rest of my efforts into querying agents and such.
The erotica is right around 20,000. I believe I'll top out somewhere around 50,000. Once again, it's not the story, it's the TIME. I need to FOCUS. FOCUS. FOCUS.
*blinking*
Now what was I saying?
Grins*
Ass-deep in reviews
Quite the visual, eh? *laughing*
I'm such a bad parent. I'm letting TV babysit my children while I feverishly send out reviews for my first book. The sounds of the cartoon "Recess" are filtering back here.
I actually did write last night. Only about 1200 words or so. I fell short of the 2000 goal, but I DID write. Yay!
I have LISTS of review sites to sort through and apply to. And that means I have to *gasp* catalog what I have going on. I don't know where my organizational skills have wandered off to. Perhaps they're on my desk AKA the pit. Um...perhaps not.
I need to head into town tomorrow and mail some stuff. Then I need to look at business cards. Pick up some groceries for Memorial Day. Oh, and about a billion other things. Give or take.
It never fails to amaze me how I lose track of days when the chickens are out of school. And here I was, thinking it was Wednesday!
Grins*
I'm such a bad parent. I'm letting TV babysit my children while I feverishly send out reviews for my first book. The sounds of the cartoon "Recess" are filtering back here.
I actually did write last night. Only about 1200 words or so. I fell short of the 2000 goal, but I DID write. Yay!
I have LISTS of review sites to sort through and apply to. And that means I have to *gasp* catalog what I have going on. I don't know where my organizational skills have wandered off to. Perhaps they're on my desk AKA the pit. Um...perhaps not.
I need to head into town tomorrow and mail some stuff. Then I need to look at business cards. Pick up some groceries for Memorial Day. Oh, and about a billion other things. Give or take.
It never fails to amaze me how I lose track of days when the chickens are out of school. And here I was, thinking it was Wednesday!
Grins*
Monday, May 23, 2005
I'm it!
I don't know HOW this happened. I'm simply sitting here. Minding my own business. When WHAM! Demented Michelle puts the whammy on me. Oh, she is so not right.
Okay. Here goes:
Total number of books: Used to be in the thousands. The losing them part of the equation is rather painful, and I'm not sharing the details. Now I might have a couple of hundred.
Last books I bought: I think it was the "Key" series by Nora Roberts. I also picked up a couple of "Blaze" books in the bargain bin. Sidenote: I loathed both of them.
On the "to buy" list: More JD Robb books. Any and all of them. Marjorie Liu-I think it's called "Tiger Eyes." Harry Potter-Here I come. I may see about investing some money in a few books by the authors' blogs I read. I'm really looking forward to Allison Brennan's trilogy. Check out the "Writeminded" blog.
Last books I read: I read "Insomnia" by Stephen King again. That makes my umpteenth time. My own. *laughing* I had to edit the first one. Somehow, it was SO much more fun writing the dang thing. I read quite a few YA while I was doing the Book Fair at the chicken's school in February. Oh. And I read an e-book I won at a chat. I have a book by Suzanne McMinn, but I haven't had the chance to pop it open yet.
Influential authors:
Stephen King: He's the master.
Erma Bombeck: If I could string together words like she did and make people commiserate and laugh, I'd have it all.
Nora Roberts: I want to be able to engage the reader such as she does. The romances have lively characters and great dialogue.
JD Robb: She can create a future world and characters so real I feel as if I'm with them. Amazing talent and stories.
James Patterson: Fast-paced dialogue and story. Love writer/reader engagement.
Edith Wharton: Clever. Very clever.
Clive Barker: His descriptions give me nightmares. He is master of setting and mind games. Awesome author.
Jude Devereaux: One of my first loves. She led me down the romance road and showed me how good it could be.
I'm tagging some people. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Silma
Kel
Michelle W.
Ya know I love ya!
Grins*
Okay. Here goes:
Total number of books: Used to be in the thousands. The losing them part of the equation is rather painful, and I'm not sharing the details. Now I might have a couple of hundred.
Last books I bought: I think it was the "Key" series by Nora Roberts. I also picked up a couple of "Blaze" books in the bargain bin. Sidenote: I loathed both of them.
On the "to buy" list: More JD Robb books. Any and all of them. Marjorie Liu-I think it's called "Tiger Eyes." Harry Potter-Here I come. I may see about investing some money in a few books by the authors' blogs I read. I'm really looking forward to Allison Brennan's trilogy. Check out the "Writeminded" blog.
Last books I read: I read "Insomnia" by Stephen King again. That makes my umpteenth time. My own. *laughing* I had to edit the first one. Somehow, it was SO much more fun writing the dang thing. I read quite a few YA while I was doing the Book Fair at the chicken's school in February. Oh. And I read an e-book I won at a chat. I have a book by Suzanne McMinn, but I haven't had the chance to pop it open yet.
Influential authors:
Stephen King: He's the master.
Erma Bombeck: If I could string together words like she did and make people commiserate and laugh, I'd have it all.
Nora Roberts: I want to be able to engage the reader such as she does. The romances have lively characters and great dialogue.
JD Robb: She can create a future world and characters so real I feel as if I'm with them. Amazing talent and stories.
James Patterson: Fast-paced dialogue and story. Love writer/reader engagement.
Edith Wharton: Clever. Very clever.
Clive Barker: His descriptions give me nightmares. He is master of setting and mind games. Awesome author.
Jude Devereaux: One of my first loves. She led me down the romance road and showed me how good it could be.
I'm tagging some people. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Silma
Kel
Michelle W.
Ya know I love ya!
Grins*
The first Monday of the rest of my summer
It's the first Monday my chickens are out of school. Two are in here with me. The others are watching TV. This will all come abruptly to a screeching halt. I need to have some type of organization going on so I can allot time for chores/writing/life in general.
By the day and hour?
I know damn good and well I am NOT typing my erotica with two chickens reading over my shoulders.
Lo and behold, the chickens have been sent outside. I must now go and try my hand at vinyl/laminate stuff for the bathroom.
I've already promised myself to work on the erotica, and I will. Even if I'm in here at dark-thirty tapping away. At least I'll have kept my promise.
I need at least 2000 words today to feel good about the whole thing. I guess I best get to working on that bathroom.
Grins*
By the day and hour?
I know damn good and well I am NOT typing my erotica with two chickens reading over my shoulders.
Lo and behold, the chickens have been sent outside. I must now go and try my hand at vinyl/laminate stuff for the bathroom.
I've already promised myself to work on the erotica, and I will. Even if I'm in here at dark-thirty tapping away. At least I'll have kept my promise.
I need at least 2000 words today to feel good about the whole thing. I guess I best get to working on that bathroom.
Grins*
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Hot water heater blues
Yesterday morning I awoke to the sound of my feet sloshing on my wood floor. Seems my hot water heater sprung a BIG leak. Huge. Massive. Baaaaaaaaaaaaad.
It was a gas tank. We decided to purchase an electric one. But first...there was a mess to clean.
Water to be sopped and mopped. Fans blowing on the floor to dry everything out.
Oh, and the small task of removing the first tank.
I am oh-so-ignorant when it comes to home improvement. I say this honestly and without rancor. I mean really. How hard can it be?
I had no idea the first tank would be so damn heavy, not to mention the second tank was even more of a pain in the ass. The first tank was a 30 gallon and came with the house. We thought we had ALL the water out of it. Silly, silly us. We didn't. We thought we would carry it through the house to the front porch. Negatory. We ended up prying the screen off the laundry room window (where the HWT lives) and shoving it out. Never a dull moment around here, folks. And then we watched in amazement as water literally POURED out of it. There was much cursing and gnashing of teeth at this point. I believe I may have kicked something. It's all fuzzy.
The second tank is a fifty gallon. It was lighter. But here's the fun part. The damn pipes did NOT match up. We ended up bringing in cinderblocks and 2 x 4's to prop it up to give it enough height. We were constantly moving and tweaking and yes. Cursing. heh
EVERYTHING in the laundry room floor came to live in my bedroom. I couldn't even attempt to get on the computer yesterday. There was a narrow path from doorway to doorway.
There are trails of extension cords throughout the house. Saws, brooms, etc. litter the floor.
We're adding another breaker for the new HWT and the three extra rooms. And then there's the pleasant task of putting down vinyl/linoleum in the bathroom. Can I get a yeehaw?
So I must go. There are things to tear up/down and everywhere. I've made an appointment to write Monday. No exceptions. I also need to look over my first galley and send in my Author info sheet for my second book. Summer vacation? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Yeah, right.
Grins*
It was a gas tank. We decided to purchase an electric one. But first...there was a mess to clean.
Water to be sopped and mopped. Fans blowing on the floor to dry everything out.
Oh, and the small task of removing the first tank.
I am oh-so-ignorant when it comes to home improvement. I say this honestly and without rancor. I mean really. How hard can it be?
I had no idea the first tank would be so damn heavy, not to mention the second tank was even more of a pain in the ass. The first tank was a 30 gallon and came with the house. We thought we had ALL the water out of it. Silly, silly us. We didn't. We thought we would carry it through the house to the front porch. Negatory. We ended up prying the screen off the laundry room window (where the HWT lives) and shoving it out. Never a dull moment around here, folks. And then we watched in amazement as water literally POURED out of it. There was much cursing and gnashing of teeth at this point. I believe I may have kicked something. It's all fuzzy.
The second tank is a fifty gallon. It was lighter. But here's the fun part. The damn pipes did NOT match up. We ended up bringing in cinderblocks and 2 x 4's to prop it up to give it enough height. We were constantly moving and tweaking and yes. Cursing. heh
EVERYTHING in the laundry room floor came to live in my bedroom. I couldn't even attempt to get on the computer yesterday. There was a narrow path from doorway to doorway.
There are trails of extension cords throughout the house. Saws, brooms, etc. litter the floor.
We're adding another breaker for the new HWT and the three extra rooms. And then there's the pleasant task of putting down vinyl/linoleum in the bathroom. Can I get a yeehaw?
So I must go. There are things to tear up/down and everywhere. I've made an appointment to write Monday. No exceptions. I also need to look over my first galley and send in my Author info sheet for my second book. Summer vacation? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Yeah, right.
Grins*
Winners!
I want to thank all those who entered my first contest. I believe I'll try to keep up and have a contest every month or so. I apologize for not being able to procure a color-changing candle. I will have one for my next contest! My local retailer sold out of them. The first prize winner will receive their choice of a Yankee Candle with the gift card. The second winner will receive a gift card.
And the first prize winner is: Kim W! I will be contacting you for your snail mail address and preference of candle.
The second winner is: Sara!
I had a great time with this, and I hope y'all will stay tuned for more contests to come. Oh, and more bemoaning the state of my tore up house.
Grins*
And the first prize winner is: Kim W! I will be contacting you for your snail mail address and preference of candle.
The second winner is: Sara!
I had a great time with this, and I hope y'all will stay tuned for more contests to come. Oh, and more bemoaning the state of my tore up house.
Grins*
Friday, May 20, 2005
Desktop
I don't have a large desk to begin with. (I think it's about a yard long) That is fine with me. But I, being a woman in a rush lately, have scattered all sorts of unnecessary items upon my desktop.
Here's a sampling:
several books (From "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" to "Key of Valor")
an iguana beanie baby
frog heads off of my favorite pair of frog socks (no frogs were harmed in the making of said socks. they came off in the dryer, dammit!)
ear plugs ( I can't sleep with noise in the house)
a broken watch (not my own)
headband
a pair of clean socks (these are actually mine. the only place I can keep socks. they are a hot commodity around here. I think they're left alone because I tend to snarl when anyone comes near my desk.)
a washcloth my baby chicken folded into a "rabbit" (she was so proud)
fingernail clippers (can't type with crooked nails)
pictures
nose spray (damn sinuses)
videotapes (I'm pleading the fifth on what kind)
loose change
various circulars from area stores
a Kermit the Frog bookmark
And then there's my "office" supplies: pens, pencils, sticky notes, stapler, unstapler, hole punch, scissors, highlighters, disks, erasers, printer paper, computer and all accessories, rubber bands, paper clips, push pins, notebooks, staples, thesaurus, dictionary, envelopes, sharpies, and permanent markers.
And so I borrow (loosely) the Capital One question: What's on YOUR desk? And what does it say about you?
Grins*
Here's a sampling:
several books (From "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" to "Key of Valor")
an iguana beanie baby
frog heads off of my favorite pair of frog socks (no frogs were harmed in the making of said socks. they came off in the dryer, dammit!)
ear plugs ( I can't sleep with noise in the house)
a broken watch (not my own)
headband
a pair of clean socks (these are actually mine. the only place I can keep socks. they are a hot commodity around here. I think they're left alone because I tend to snarl when anyone comes near my desk.)
a washcloth my baby chicken folded into a "rabbit" (she was so proud)
fingernail clippers (can't type with crooked nails)
pictures
nose spray (damn sinuses)
videotapes (I'm pleading the fifth on what kind)
loose change
various circulars from area stores
a Kermit the Frog bookmark
And then there's my "office" supplies: pens, pencils, sticky notes, stapler, unstapler, hole punch, scissors, highlighters, disks, erasers, printer paper, computer and all accessories, rubber bands, paper clips, push pins, notebooks, staples, thesaurus, dictionary, envelopes, sharpies, and permanent markers.
And so I borrow (loosely) the Capital One question: What's on YOUR desk? And what does it say about you?
Grins*
Season Finales
WARNING! This blog will talk about some season finales. If you've skipped some in order to watch them later, I warned ya. *grinning*
Let's kill people.
That seemed to be the running theme in the few season finales I've watched. And they always have that damn cliffhanger which leaves me cursing and kicking the nearest piece of furniture.
"Without a Trace" let Viv do ok with her surgery, only to have Danny and Martin being shot at (repeatedly with machine guns) in the last two minutes of the show. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
"CSI" ended with a girl in jail smiling. I don't know if she's smiling because of what Nick (who had been tortured for two straight hours) said, or because when she gets out, she's going to finish her father's dirty work. This episode had Quentin Tarantino ALL over it. He was the guest director.
I watched the preview to "NCIS". Now, I don't watch this very often. Gibbs is smug. My favorites would be Ducky and the freaky, smart chick with black hair. Abby, I think. She rocks. *grinning*
And apparently, ONE of their team will DIE. The viewers have been warned.
Now, I don't mind what television shows do within reason. But I get oh-so-pissed when they start killing off the people I love to see. "CSI:Miami" killed of Speed. You know, the unkempt cutie that took a lot of pictures? I haven't watched it since. Screw that. Whoever said that I shouldn't hold a grudge can kiss my ass. heh You make me cry, forget you.
And I understand that some people may want off the show. That's fine. But do what "Law & Order: SVU" did with ADA Alexandra Cabot. Keep her alive. But give her a plausible explanation to leave. This woman was shot like five times. She's injured, but she's OKAY. Of course, the viewing audience didn't find that out until the very end. Damn, I had to expend some tissues on that one.
I think there's going to be another death on "CSI: Miami" because I vaguely remember a preview saying one of the CSI's will be gone. Let him/her retire! Not that I care. I don't watch anymore. Put THAT in your microscope and examine it.
Grins*
Let's kill people.
That seemed to be the running theme in the few season finales I've watched. And they always have that damn cliffhanger which leaves me cursing and kicking the nearest piece of furniture.
"Without a Trace" let Viv do ok with her surgery, only to have Danny and Martin being shot at (repeatedly with machine guns) in the last two minutes of the show. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
"CSI" ended with a girl in jail smiling. I don't know if she's smiling because of what Nick (who had been tortured for two straight hours) said, or because when she gets out, she's going to finish her father's dirty work. This episode had Quentin Tarantino ALL over it. He was the guest director.
I watched the preview to "NCIS". Now, I don't watch this very often. Gibbs is smug. My favorites would be Ducky and the freaky, smart chick with black hair. Abby, I think. She rocks. *grinning*
And apparently, ONE of their team will DIE. The viewers have been warned.
Now, I don't mind what television shows do within reason. But I get oh-so-pissed when they start killing off the people I love to see. "CSI:Miami" killed of Speed. You know, the unkempt cutie that took a lot of pictures? I haven't watched it since. Screw that. Whoever said that I shouldn't hold a grudge can kiss my ass. heh You make me cry, forget you.
And I understand that some people may want off the show. That's fine. But do what "Law & Order: SVU" did with ADA Alexandra Cabot. Keep her alive. But give her a plausible explanation to leave. This woman was shot like five times. She's injured, but she's OKAY. Of course, the viewing audience didn't find that out until the very end. Damn, I had to expend some tissues on that one.
I think there's going to be another death on "CSI: Miami" because I vaguely remember a preview saying one of the CSI's will be gone. Let him/her retire! Not that I care. I don't watch anymore. Put THAT in your microscope and examine it.
Grins*
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