Thanks!

I am thankful for life, love, family, friends, health, happiness.

I’m thankful for wonderful food to share and my talent to cook tasty meals.  I’m thankful for Marie Callender’s pies, Millstone flavored coffee and our local deli’s specialty dips and spreads for our snacks.  I’m thankful my daughters cook the side dishes I don’t like, but others consider a specialty, to eat.

I am thankful for great books to read and my ability to write.  I’m thankful I completed both my romance novel and the edits on my memoir, a month early, and can choose what project to start next.  I am thankful for a publishing controversy that brought all kinds of information and opportunities to my attention through blogs and articles.

I am thankful the oven worked this morning, and that I had a new bag to put into the vacuum.  I am thankful for science and technology, and that my grandma taught me as a child to always give thanks for running water and refrigeration.

I am thankful our dog is responding well to his new diet and no longer sheds ferociously or oozes smells.

I am thankful the horrible slice on my thumb, from the lid of the can of black olives, didn’t require a trip to the emergency room for stitches or a tetanus shot.

I am thankful that the professional chef, who is part of our family now, sliced the turkey for me (see sliced thumb above) and was rather impressed at the flavors and moisture of our main bird and gravy.

I am thankful that every day is a beautiful day and that I have chosen to live in joy.

2012 the movie

We’d heard this movie was more special effects than story so I wasn’t disappointed.  Actually, the Hollywood schlock machine and tried and true cliches were so obvious, I almost loved this movie.  I will see it again when I can sit in my  home and laugh hysterically without disrupting the audience.   Ed feels the scale is off on the JFK carrier and the White House.

If you want to see this movie and don’t want any spoilers, stop reading now.  Then again, I think every scene in this movie is a redo of other scenes from past movies.  The dialogue even sounded familiar.  The original premise of the sun’s heliosphere expanding I think is the reverse of what’s been reported by science, but, it’s Hollywood!

I’m still laughing that the chick with the enhanced boobs, caught between two watertight doors, somehow is the only one who drowns and discredits the basic mechanics of water-tight.  She could have hooked up with her boob Dr., who obviously needed to be sacrificed for the John Cusack reunion-good-daddy plot.  Or she could have been shown in the final scene with one of the nerds, or as a mother to the villains boys.  She had a lot of potential for a campy finale shot, but alas, sealed in a watertight chamber beneath a grate covered with animal dung, she drowns.

There was so much action and special effects, character types had to be obvious.  Both villains have thick floppy hair, loose jowls and thick lips.  Both nerds wore almost identical glasses; the older always with a sardonic twist to his lips, the younger one has dramatic emotional shifts.

The theater audience chuckled when Danny Glover appeared as the representation of Prez Obama.  His only daughter is the heroine of the primary romance so it’s a good thing she’s older and into art and books.  Because that’s what the hero likes too.  But to have the hero being one of only 500 to have read Cusack’s book, and remember it with all the books he reads, um, really?

Woody Harrelson is great fun as the trickster.  And of course every weekend Dad who takes his kids camping, and encounters an 8ft fence with all kinds of warning signs, immediately encourages the kids to climb it and enter a restricted zone because viewing rotted animals is a good learning experience.  But then, how else would the poor author and the heroic bookworm meet?

The airplane scenes were hilarious too because, the first thing most pilot’s do is climb into the air.  The earth is also crumbling and imploding beneath the airplane so basic physics would assume there is more distance between sinking ground and climbing airplane, but…  There’s also the logistics of the end of the airstrip being so close to extremely tall buildings…

There’s a cute scene with a spiritual teacher and his student, followed by a family matriarch chopping off the head of chicken, followed by a brothers in conflict scene.  Then the sight of elephants and giraffes flying through the air in slings under helicopters, traversing the Himalayas, to enter the arks in the final hour instead of already being in their pens…

Actually, the only thing I found scientifically feasible in regards to the earth-crust-displacement theory is having China appear when they were expecting to ditch the cargo plane into the ocean.

Of course there was a ticking clock, and a Captain Kirk sermon by the hero about what’s the point of living if we lose our humanity.  There was a cute wonder dog rescue scene, and too many more sight gags to mention.

So while I won’t say it’s a must see movie, it really makes all the earth-implosion-doom-stories, tons of fun.  The timing was off for the final song by Idol Star Adam Lambertt.  It would have been better to have that playing already before untouched Africa came into view.

controversy in romancelandia

How fun!  I love a good controversy because I usually learn more about the issue from all the differences of opinion infused with solid facts.

I want to be a published romance novelist.  Harlequin is the leading global publisher of romance novels and my first choice.  Their Superromance line is my favorite and my #1 target for publication.  It’s fascinating to me that this past week, in the world of publishing, Harlequin is being hit hard with controversy directly from the organizations that represent a large majority of Harlequin authors.  It’s primarily about what’s called a new self-publishing option for romance authors who have been rejected for publication in any of Harlequin’s imprints.

If you’re interested in anything about the world of publishing, Jackie Kessler has a very informative article about the current controversy and explains it well.  ( linked thru Janet Reid) The best part is Jackie’s insights regarding self-pub and Vanity Presses.  Basically, who makes the money and who has the rights, publishers or authors?

Kristen Nelson has posted that Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America both have the same opinion about Harlequin’s latest ventures.  Nora Roberts also provides some clarity.

There are some points I find fascinating about this.  Harlequin mentions that this self-pub imprint is like Thomas Nelson Publishers began with their West Bow division, which a friend recommended to me for publication of my memoir.  But I had already researched LuLu.com which is one of the original self-publishing models and feels a lot less Vanity-Pub, as it grants the author more rights and profit for less money.  Now I can’t help but giggle at the thought of TN authors who may be members of RWA or MWA getting a new perspective on this self-pub (or Vanity?) division of TN.  I wonder if any Christian Authors associations have challenged TN on these same issues.

Self-pub should not be confused with e-pubs.  Harlequin also just announced last week that they have a new division called Carina Press which is their new e-pub line, but won’t be associated with Harlequin books currently available in e-format.  E-pubs were the big publishing controversy most of this year. 

The most important thing to me in all this controversy is Harlequin is a global company and authors submit to Harlequin from all over the globe.   While RWA and MWA are attacking Harlequin on behalf of their membership, these amazing organizations are really looking out for the rights of all authors around the globe who are not blessed with such dynamic and determined Board of Directors.  Their objective is to prevent publishers from profiting from aspiring authors with empty promises.  Publishers should be investing in great stories, and promising authors, worthy of a readers time and the publishers imprint and logo.

Many organizations like RWA, MWA and AAR (Association of Authors’ Representatives) are very vocal in the ethical practice of not charging authors reading fees or expenses.   Those that don’t comply end up listed as Preditors.  So if all these publishing professionals are concerned about not taking advantage of writers dreams to be published, it makes sense that they are incensed at a new publishing model of empty promises for a lot of cash, from a major publisher.

The sad part of this controversy is these new business practices are creating stress for tons of authors, editors and agents who really had nothing to do with it.  The only plus to this whole controversy is most of the global community of romance readers will not be affected as the books they love to read will continue to arrive on bookshelves.

Personally, I hope this all gets straightened out soon.  I was dreaming of going to the RWA National conference in Nashville this summer and being an insider as a Harlequin Author, wearing a First Sale ribbon.  It sure won’t be as much fun if Harlequin isn’t there, or recognized as an approved publisher.

there be dragons

Two weeks ago I was introduced to a new world of repentant demons and was in awe at the world building, pacing and how utterly human these immortals are as they prowl the streets of Chicago.

This week – another first book of a series Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke introduced me to dragons.  Oh wow!  A 700 year old dragon (Pyr) with his own booth at a craft fair in Ann Arbor, and he’s wearing a Hawaiian shirt and straw hat for camouflage.  Seriously, this book is awesome, and the heroine is an Accountant!  

Again, I am in awe at the magic and power of mythical creatures who are walking the streets these days, drinking lattes in lawn chairs one minute, and sprouting wings to do battle in the skies spewing dragon fire, the next.  It’s crafted so well it’s a compelling and believable story.  The imagery is clean and vibrant, the conversations sparkle, and the prophesy is mysterious and ambivalent.

I never got into reading Paranormal Romances with vampires and werewolves, but totally recommend Jessa’s repentant demons and Deborah’s dragons.  I already have book 2  – Kiss of Fury on my to-be-read pile and look forward to reading it.  But not yet, I have some contemporaries and historicals to read next because as this article states, romance readers are promiscuous.

Happy reading!

seeing the light

Today was peaceful.  Edits on my memoir are going better than anticipated and I’ve adjusted my goal to have them complete and set that manuscript into a resting phase for a week.  Then a final review and off to Carla again.

I’ve got four beta readers currently reading my romance novel and a proposal on the editors desk.  There’s a stack of novels on my To-Be-Read pile and I know the authors so they promise to be good reads.  Aside from one daughter’s car repair issues, nothing but good news.  This post is proof that – it does happen!

Of course I am also itching to get started on the projects waiting.  A trilogy of romance novels on the shelf to be re-crafted…  Oh what I’ve learned since those stories first flew from my fingers!  The characters are still clear and vibrant in my mind, their trials, their joys.

It was during one of the darker moments these past few years when I was asked, “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?”  My answer?  “Read, write and play house!”   And that’s what I’m doing right now, with the addition of playing with my grandson – who wasn’t even a glimmer when I said those fateful words.  My house is tons nicer now too!

It was such a simple dream.  And it came true.

So I’ll adjust my life dream now to:  write, read, play, publish, promote – with one foot firmly planted in romancelandia where happy endings and dreams come true in every book. 

energy recharge

Today was the monthly RCRW meeting, including a great workshop by Paty Jager called I’m still a Guy:

The workshop will use Brad Paisley and other country songs to show you what a guy really thinks. We’ll explore their thought process and why a grunt and one word sentences are, in their mind, completely effective.

We even had a few males in the room to say, yep – that’s how we think!   The surge of oxygen to the brain from the laughter always stays with me long after the meetings.  

During the Kudos part of the meeting I got my applause for completing my romance, getting it off to beta readers, and the partial on the editors desk.  It’s awesome to have that kind of support and understanding of the job completed.  A dozen of us usually continue the fun by sharing lunch after the meeting and as we settled around the table the conversation focused on the ECWC last month, and I was able to share a memorable event for me.

I had a group appointment with agent Alexandra Machinist and knew she doesn’t represent what I write, but I liked her and wanted to know more about her so I could recommend her to fellow writers.  She began by telling us that everyone was welcome to send a query and pages to her office and we could just talk about publishing books.  We were welcome to pitch our story to her but if we were nervous she warned that she tends to be blunt.

“Well I’d like your advice,” I said.  “I think I’ve written two main publishing taboos.  It’s a memoir with an Erma Bombeck flavor and a lot of happy Catholic stuff,”  I paused and watched her as I finished, “and a quadriplegic.”

Her eyes widened and she jerked as she said, “You’re screwed.”

My friends at lunch today – howled with laughter just like I did (more than once) that day. (And yes, I totally recommend Alexandra as an agent if you write what she represents.)

I needed that extra punch of laughter because tonight I’m working on 7 pages that are very emotional.  Fortunately the red pen edits are like blood splatters on the pages and a lot easier to work with then when I first wrote this chapter, and had to open a vein from my heart and bleed all over the keyboard.

Now a guy may say, “You’re screwed, give up.”  But a romantic hero would give me a hug and let me do what I had to do.  (Ed’s at our weekend place with his pilot buddies because they spread dirt on the runway today.)

And a dozen women who understand the power of love stories and a writers dedication to get it right, know I am not screwed, and it’s the story that matters.

**  So OK, I wrote this post hours ago, as a delaying tactic to get into the rewrites.  It was also a motivational thing for me, making myself accountable to do those pages tonight.  They are done now, and much better.  I’ve even updated the excerpts on my memoir website.  Now I’m going to put my feet up, have some wine and read the free romance I downloaded today.

11-11 Celebrate Vets

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent.

Today I chose to consider the numerical vibration of 11-11 as a message of illumination – to the duality of being human.  Veterans Day is a perfect example.  We honor the humans who have fought for freedom, the duality to this heroism is the vehicle of war.  Death vs Life in parallel as symbolized by 11.

Since I’ve been told my memoir could be marketed to Veteran Associations as well as Disability World and Catholics, I spent today contemplating this duality energy as I reviewed the whole manuscript and the marked edits.   Those that have encouraged my dedication to get-it-written these past three years are also aware I’ve taken every opportunity to set-it-aside.   Fortunately it’s now been read and edited by friends and family who are even more encouraging because, it is a beautiful book, or will be when polished with smooth transitions into a compelling story.

As I reviewed all the red-pen comments and corrections, and flipped pages, I debated whether to begin with the final chapters (most emotional) or the middle section (largest with least edits).  I reviewed the outline which explains the themes of each chapter and the events chosen for the stories.  My desire to get to the writing was building.

Then my grandson started whining.  He wanted a bottle and a nap.

While doing the tasks of comforting him I was suddenly surprised by the idea that I can cut the memoir by a third – maybe more!  Now I am excited to do the work.  I was pleased with how much better my romance became last month when I sliced 30K words.  Then yesterday I read one of Terri Reed’s inspirational/suspense romances and was impressed at how much STORY she told in so few pages.

That was my ah-ha today and it’s appropriate it happened on Veteran’s Day.  Daddy was a WWII Vet and everyday hero who, from the age of 36, had no issues carrying Mom’s purse.

I hope everyone had a moment of illumination today!

My Celebrating

When a project is complete – celebrating is required.   My personal celebration event was wonderfully timed – and with two events.  I volunteer for Make-A-Wish and this past weekend kicked off my weekly collection of the Santa Letters from Macy’s through the holiday season.  Santa to me is – the manifestation of the spirit of generosity – regardless of all the commercialism.  Having access to hundreds of letters to Santa last year, there was no way I would miss touching on that awesome potential of a child’s trust in generosity, this year.

The other event was the BodyMindSpirit Expo taking place in my town.  I love everything woo-woo and am tickled that it’s called “New Age” when everything about it is so ancient.  This is a positive energy overload because no matter what the message is, live with joy, be healthy, we are all greater than we think.  Belief matters!

Of course, many people also believe that celebrating the completion of a creative project should be something more personal and tangible.  Did that too!  The primary bathroom in our home has new towels, curtains, and rugs.   So every time Mother Nature calls, I am thrilled with what I see around me.  It’s golden with dramatic black accents.

But even more fun, though not prearranged, as I walked into the BMSExpo the first woman I saw was someone I adore.  Then I saw one of my friends from my romance writers group, and later, another.  And my sister appeared because it was only a short hop on The Max for her, and she knew I’d be there.

I also had a work-in-process book project, from friends, to review.  It’s non-fiction and getting me tuned up to the work I have waiting, edits on my memoir, to get back to Carla next month.  Ed’s also back from his journey through international, and east coast time zones, contentedly snoring in his own bed.

Blessings and joy abound, because I have created them and celebrate them.  Three days of grandma play stretch before me.  Life is good.

wee hee!

My romance novel is done and off to beta readers, the hard copy is printed.  A proposal was sent to my #1 editor choice ten days ago, and I’m now doing the happy dance at a project complete!

When I decided to target this romance novel to a specific genre line, to meet the word count requirements I had to cut what was written by one-third!   What a lesson in re-writing I chose!  LOL!

It’s all good.  This dedication to storytelling will help as I tackle the edits waiting on my memoir.  But not today – next week is soon enough.

Writing – THE END – needs to be savored.

as the adventure ends

Our youngest daughter is sleeping now, after her whirlwind trip in Switzerland and Slovenia with her dad.  Lyndsay will leave in the morning to drive back to Bend, where she lives.  Totally exhausted, her initial comments focused on the negatives, getting lost, stuck in traffic, no sleep, so much time in the car, language barriers, and lousy orange juice.

Then there was the disappointment that when they arrived in the village of her grandfather’s family – there was a huge event taking place for All Saints Day – and everyone was packed into the tiny church cemetery – from everywhere – and they were all dressed up – in suits and jewels – while Lyndsay and her dad were in jeans and sneakers….

I was at this church cemetery last summer and it was quiet, beautiful.  Two grave sites were being tended with new plantings by family members.   The tiny memorial gardens and markers listing all the names are charming.  I have a picture of myself, with a woman only a few years older than me, from last year, who is now a new name on the stones.  I still feel this cemetery as a happy place.  A tribute to those that have come before, contributors of who we are now, deserving of honor.

Lyndsay’s comments about her visit to the same place didn’t diminish my feelings.  She’s only 20, and it’s her first connection with a bigger world, that is part of who she is and the heritage that she’s thrilled to claim.

After those first bursts of releasing personal responsibility of being an international traveler – once she saw me, mom, at the airport waiting to take her to a good bed – Lyndsay was then able to relax into the babble of castles, villages, views of cloud covered alps, going past the Starbucks and eating a meal in a hard to find bistro only the locals know…

She has stories of tossing francs, euros and pennies into the dishes for using toiletry facilities.     She has experience with driving on the wrong side of the road.  She’s navigated with maps in different languages.  She’ll return to her current home with a new set of skills, a new perspective.

But tonight, she liked what I did with the bathroom while she was gone this past week, the new curtains and rugs.  Then she wanted the dog to sleep with her, in her bed.

And I’m sort of giddy in the feeling that – as a mom – I’ve done good!

marked souls

I took an awesome journey through a world of repentant demons on the edge of madness…What a treat for Halloween!

Seduced by Shadows – A novel of The Marked Souls by Jessa Slade – is book one of a forthcoming series.  I was totally sucked into this world of immortals dedicated to fight all the nasty little evils in the world so the clueless humans can keep living their lives and avoid the apocalypse.

Usually, a book that is all about the battle between good and evil, and saving humanity from itself or Armageddon concerns, would not hold my attention…I stayed up reading until 2:30 am and began again at 10:00 am the next morning.  Granted, my time requirements this weekend are eating, and answering calls from Mother Nature, but not even that stopped me from turning page after page.

It’s a great story with a full cast of powerful characters in mortal peril, within a very familiar and exceptionally unique world.  There’s surprising twists and turns, laughter, passion and tears.  It truly delivers on the promise made by the author that;  “Love conquers ALL – which explains the scars”.

Thank You, Jessa Slade, for the GREAT STORY!