Seeking Elora (Book) http://www.Writing.Com/main/books.php/item_id/1197828/action/archive Seems I forgot to add the link to the new blog! Here it is: [Link To Item #1631803] Sat, 16 Jan 2010 10:26:05 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/683998 I've been trying to pop in on some of my favorite bloggers here just to find untouched blogs for the past few months on too many of them. I know some are blogging in different waters these days and I've had an invite to follow, but what can I say? No matter where else I roam and write online, this is home. I may step out here and there to catch...[Read Full Post] Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:13:59 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/681601 Four days ago we lost you and I just find out today. Such a beautiful soul to be lost so soon. One of the best writers on the site, and maybe off, too. I cherish our minor, but meaningful, too-short acquaintance and shared thoughts. Rest well and enjoy Heaven. For those who haven't read his words: [Link To User nc_penman] ...[Read Full Post] Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:11:38 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/680899 I have a new story project! Last night while the family was watching TV, I started taking notes on a thought I had the day before for -- not a novel this time, but a short story collection. I won't talk about the idea here because, as someone said, talking about a story quenches the story fire, so get it down first. When I went to bed, more thought...[Read Full Post] Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:51:53 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/680436 Looks like we may have to shovel the drive for the first time this winter. Wish other things were so easy to shovel away.. So 5 "American" men have been arrested in Pakistan for the intent of going over to help with the jihad. This one's easy enough. Revoke their US citizenship and leave them there. They can try fighting against the US m...[Read Full Post] Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:23:31 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/679418 Off The Moon is available through Ingram and Baker & Taylor and can be ordered from your local bookstore (including in the UK!) or requested from your library. Of course, I always have them on hand and will gladly sign it for you if you get it from Elucidate Publishing instead: [Link: 'http://www.elucidatepublishing.net/books.htm'] (Paypal paym...[Read Full Post] Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:33:46 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/677820 My venting post a couple of days ago (restricted to registered users) did the job and yesterday I was highly productive. I did something I've never accomplished before. I wrote over 10,000 words for my Nanowrimo novel. It didn't even feel like a struggle until around 11 last night when my eyes and hands were getting weary. By that time, I was s...[Read Full Post] Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:17:45 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/677728 Any writer who buzzes around the romance world has already heard of the recent issue between Harlequin and Romance Writer's Association. For those who haven't... It seems that Harlequin is jumping into the world of self-pub. They've started a new line called Harlequin Horizons which is a do-it-yourself press just like iUniverse and Infin...[Read Full Post] Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:21:12 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/677328 A couple of days ago I wrote blog content for my tour date tomorrow with the title Pushing Boundaries in Genre and Trauma I won't write the same content here since you can go read it tomorrow, if you wish, but part of the gist of it was about issues I covered in my newest book. It is the most serious to date. I th...[Read Full Post] Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:48:58 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/676994 I had to walk AWAY from the computer yesterday. My fingers cramped so bad I couldn't type. So, my daughter and I watched The Ugly Truth for the second time since we just bought the DVD. Today they were better but I took a break in between to do some gardening. When I had hand/wrist issues as a teen, the doc said washing dishes would be good for them -- anyt...[Read Full Post] Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:10:00 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/676203 Like many, I have been following the Ft. Hood Massacre. Like everyone, it saddens and hurts me to think of the innocent lives lost. And I can't help but flash back to more innocent days, before the massacre, before September 11th, and before the DC sniper. I met my husband while he was stationed at Ft. Hood. I was young, 20 when we met, barely 2...[Read Full Post] Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:04:34 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/675729 Remember, it's first draft. Abraham slung his backpack over his tired shoulders and headed down the dusty road leading to town. His father asked to take him. Begged, nearly. But Abe didn't want his goodbye, which could be his final goodbye, to be at the train depot. He wanted it at home, on their farm, where he should be helping wit...[Read Full Post] Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:20:18 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/674646 Here's the first stop of my blog tour for anyone who wants to come in and say hello: [Link: 'http://judahraine.com/romancewriteup/?p=673&cpage=1#comment-1063'] Today is an introduction to my work in general and details about what you can win for taking the time to read and comment. Tuesday I'll be talking about Artistic Vision and Creative Do...[Read Full Post] Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:19:56 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/674189 still no pumpkins. It's on the to-do list today, along with 50 other things. So, Happy Halloween! And if you have free time and want to see what I've been doing off the site: Off The Moon is part of a book cover contest that ends today. If you go to [Link: 'http://www.classicromancerevival.com'] and click on "classic cov...[Read Full Post] Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:09:42 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/674017 Maybe not officially. I haven't gone in for diagnosis. My son was up in time to get ready for school this morning, but instead of getting ready for school, he was busy leaning over the toilet. I went to the library book club Monday night, barely able to finally control my cough just enough to go sit within a group of people, and when someone sneezed...[Read Full Post] Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:56:13 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/673631 I owe lots of return emails and such, so in case anyone checks in here ... I'm still here, kind of. 4 weeks of tonsilitis/fever/exhaustion 1 trip to the ER from an antibiotic reaction + a chest cold setting in on the verge of recovery from above = WAY far behind I'm trying to work through it, finish editing for next month's rele...[Read Full Post] Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:57:07 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/671732 So far the only difference here is the falling leaves. It's fall now. But here in western PA, as in many other states, summer never fully arrived, blending spring into fall without much change. A few warm days that couldn't quite be called HOT sneaked through. It made a lot of us ask just where our local warming was, never mind global. B...[Read Full Post] Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:07:47 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/669074 "For fiction writers and poets, blog should exercise your creative muscles and let you write in an unpressured way. Sometimes it can help you stumble on insights, as well as new friendships. However, for an aspiring writer, you have to be careful it doesn't detract or replace the "real" work of writing the book or the manuscript." ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:21:39 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/667709 [Image #1598934] My photo. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:46:44 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/667365 Abraham Lincoln: "You can't make a weak man strong by making a strong man weak." Anyone up for a flash fiction contest? It's my birthday as well as WDC's birthday and I'm giving the gift -- a merit badge for a well-thought-out and well-written mini story or essay relating to the quote and to longevity. Post the item l...[Read Full Post] Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:05:10 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/666415 WDC is 9, I'm ... a year older in a few days, and my account is nearly 7 years old! Fall arrived early here in Pennsylvania. To be honest, it's mainly been either spring or fall most of the year. We didn't get much summer. But then, it's been a crazy year - not the norm. So they say. ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:46:20 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/666069 I had an hour the other day between where I'd been and where I was going, and no book with me. Not even a notebook. So I parked in front of one building and walked down to the next, a craft store, browsing for something to fill my time. With a brand new blank sketch pad and two hardnesses of charcoal pencils (and a box of erasable colored pencils tha...[Read Full Post] Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:18:47 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/664572 "Once abolish the God and the government becomes the God." G. K. Chesterton On October 7th, the Supreme Court will hear a case by the ACLU trying to tear down a WW1 veteran's memorial in the Mojave Desert. Why? Because the memorial is in the shape of a cross. The ACLU says it's an Establishment-Clause...[Read Full Post] Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:52:20 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/664260 Dancing With The Stars announced their new celeb lineup for season 9. Anyone who has followed me long knows I'm a fan of the show. The hype is getting more than I appreciate, but I love the idea of taking non-dancers, pairing them with pro dancers, and seeing what they can do when they're willing to work at it. I also love ballroom dancing. I&...[Read Full Post] Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:33:23 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/663977 This was posted to the BookSpa list (linked to the left) today and I thought I'd share it. Of course, I had to add my own thoughts (in italics). It is impossible for you to read a book without a red pen in hand, so you can edit the already published and edited book. I use a pencil, since it IS already published. You go to set the table and you find ideas you had jotted down...[Read Full Post] Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:49 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/663588 There's something about waking up to Quarterflash's "Harden My Heart" and then moving on to The Fray's "You Found Me" that makes you stop and think. Harden My Heart: "All of my life I've been waitin' in the rain. I've been waitin' for a feeling that never, ever came. It came so close but always di...[Read Full Post] Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:43:28 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/663446 10 days of travel + 3 weeks of company + 3 weeks of hubby's vacation ------------------------------------------- = almost no blogging! But things are normalizing now so be warned, I'm back, and I intend to kick this blog in its hiney and get it moving again. In the meantime, I notice Blogville is echoing. I hear some of our bloggers have moved t...[Read Full Post] Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:47:57 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/662998 The blurb may still be reworked, but here's the cover and info for my fourth book, Off The Moon, mainstream fiction with strong romantic elements, due in November 2009. [Image #1548220] "Riveting" Ryan Reynauld has immersed himself in a world of music, parties, and acquaintances w...[Read Full Post] Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:29:10 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/662296 Arresting a man for looking like he's breaking into a house is not nearly as big a deal as giving out a victim's home address to criminals who threatened him along the highway with a gun. Why is one in the news and the other pushed under the carpet? Who are we supposed to be protecting? If you look like you're breaking and entering and y...[Read Full Post] Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:13:04 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/660661 Okay, so getting no comments about my excerpt below either means: 1) it stinks royally and I should dump the whole story 2) it stinks royally and I should change the whole beginning 3) it's incredibly sharp and vivid and everyone's in too much awe to comment Yes, well, it could be that I'm nearly never here anymore and rarely readin...[Read Full Post] Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:29:06 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/660585 A friend posted a pet peeve on her Facebook the other day: using it's and its incorrectly. I agree. It bugs me to no small extent, especially when, unlike many English grammar rules, this one is easy enough to remember and use. So for the sake of other authors (as I've seen it misused by authors too often) as well as for anyone who cares abo...[Read Full Post] Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:38:36 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/659576 [Link: 'http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6466571.ece'] Never mind the garish outfit, since the actions are more garish, and dare I say: a touch hypocritical? The Obama girls (wife, kids, and mother) took their own private jet to London this week for shopping and sight-seeing. Their concern for the captured GI who will l...[Read Full Post] Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:50:58 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/659364 I was honored to be the first to interview David about his book, Keeper of the Word, this week before he disappears into mostly non-online writing mode while finishing up his novel. It's on my site blog: [Link: 'http://lkhunsaker.blogspot.com'] I know some people have trouble posting comments there although I have it marked to...[Read Full Post] Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:32:54 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/658641 Is he kidding? Our 18 year olds can join the military but they can't get a credit card unless Mommy or Daddy sign for them? Come on. What about learning individual responsibility? It's not the availability of the cards that's the problem: it's that we aren't teaching our kids RESPONSIBILITY! It's that we aren't BEING res...[Read Full Post] Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:40:44 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/658007 Okay, so when a new Johnny movie premieres, I tend to be there opening day. I'm not apologizing for it, either. We went to see Public Enemies this afternoon, although our local theater wasn't bothering to play it . Yes, I drove the 30 miles on opening day to check out Mr. Depp's newest work. It was well worth it. I won'...[Read Full Post] Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:12:00 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/657419 [Link: 'http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=574970'] About universal health care. Points that NEED to be read. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:57:04 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/655846 [reposted from my site blog June 20, 2009] Today is my first in roughly three weeks that I've been able to simply stay home and go about my normal day, whatever that is. My little sister got married a couple of weekends ago and we made the trek to Illinois to be there and be part of it. Why do bunnies and pink go...[Read Full Post] Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:21:16 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/655555 When you run 20 miles down the road because your local fabric store doesn't have enough of what you need and sends you to the store that does have enough to make up for it and they send you back with the wrong thing [almost right but too off to use together] and THEN tries to charge you $27 shipping in order to send the RIGHT one to the closer stor...[Read Full Post] Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:12:54 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/655276 Today I'm catching up. Well, today I'm getting my bearings back so I can start catching up. We got in late last night after a week and a half "back home" for my sister's wedding and to visit family. It's funny how "home" is always that once it is. We had a great time and if I get up the courage I may post a small photo of mys...[Read Full Post] Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:40:28 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/654810 You know how often wanna-be writers use this line? -- I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it's already been done. -- I have an idea, but I'm not sure what will be selling when I finish it. -- I have an idea that I want opinions about, but I don't want someone to steal it. -- I have a great idea, but I need help with the plot. ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:17:18 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/652593 All writers know that moment: when you put down words that flow from somewhere within and it's simply perfect. It doesn't come often, but it does come. I said a couple of days ago I had my 2nd draft done. It was. Except it apparently wasn't. The end bothered me. It wasn't just right but I figured it would come during edits. It cam...[Read Full Post] Wed, 27 May 2009 11:52:47 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/651852 (This is a repost from my site blog. Had to do it, [Link To User davidmcclain] ) AHHH! There are so MANY social networks out there and although some of your friends may already be on the one(s) you're on, some are on different ones and how do you keep up with all of them when they're all over the place? Well there has to be a limit. I&#3...[Read Full Post] Tue, 26 May 2009 20:41:25 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/651759 About 3 minutes before midnight last night, I finished the second draft of Off The Moon. I'm not sure how other authors view the whole process, but to me the end of the second draft is a huge milestone. It means all that's left is some minor shaping, checking for places that need a touch more description, taking out extra "that" and ...[Read Full Post] Mon, 25 May 2009 20:14:30 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/651599 Sorry.. again. I'm not really here at the moment. I'll be back, though! My head is thoroughly within my WIP and I'm hitting the end of the big rewrite, which has meant going through the printed version and finding what wasn't working at the end that had me stopped. Finally, I pulled much of it out, copying the sections into OneNote o...[Read Full Post] Sat, 23 May 2009 11:44:38 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/651236 "This has turned out to be a disaster," she says. "Most of what these kids are reading is at an arrested intellectual level. That's not what you want." from "Death to the Classics" [Link: 'http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/Elementary/?article=DeathToClassi...'] Yeah, welc...[Read Full Post] Mon, 18 May 2009 19:53:13 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/650494 "If Barack Obama had come in and done what he said he was going to do and look at the stuff and see what is working, then Cheney would have continued to do what he was doing -- working on memoirs, finishing his house," she said. "He's got a good life. He's got stuff going on. He doesn't care about being on...[Read Full Post] Thu, 14 May 2009 10:00:37 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/649668 I am so sick of the media-hyped up fear mongering over the dreaded and deadly "Swine Flu" pandemic. Come on. Anyone know the real numbers on this thing? The most over-the-top rhetoric has come from the World Health Organization director general, Margaret Chan, when she raised the level of alert of an impending pandemic. "It is all ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 12 May 2009 12:50:48 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/649374 To all those celebrating today, I hope you're having a nice time with your moms/kids/grandkids. I'm cheating in this entry and linking to a Mother's Day writing-related entry I did for CRR this morning: [Link: 'http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/'] If the weather holds up, which is a bit iffy, I'll be working outsid...[Read Full Post] Sun, 10 May 2009 13:39:56 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/649059 I'm here, I'm here, I'm here.... (visualize Horton Hears A Who) Warning: Scattered Thoughts Ahead I'm going back to calling my work Literary Romance instead of Mainstream Romance. Why? Everyone who writes non-erotic is now called mainstream romance. I disagree, but I'm outvoted. You can't fight eve...[Read Full Post] Fri, 08 May 2009 22:14:56 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/648858 I know, it's been a while. Since a friend emailed to check on me yesterday, thought I'd post a small bit about ... *shrug* ... I guess I haven't had much to say in between personal life stuff I won't bore you with. Now and then I get to the point where I don't figure it's making much difference to share my opinions and though...[Read Full Post] Tue, 05 May 2009 10:09:32 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/648287 [Image #1554011] Most of last week, including into yesterday, I was fighting migraines at some point through each day. Thank chemists for Advil Migraine! Still, I've managed to rewrite several long chapters for my WIP, get the rest of my bulbs planted, plant a bunch more seeds, transplant some of my herbs growing fairly...[Read Full Post] Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:22:33 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/647073 "We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father's n...[Read Full Post] Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:17:16 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/646422 I just found this and thought it could be a fun contest. Looks like it needs entries! Anyone interested? [Link To Item #1518824] I'm taking both dogs to the vet's today, with my daughter. Last time Roxie went (also her first time) my daughter had to pick her up and carry her in because she wouldn't go in the building. Chicken-dog. This will be ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:20:46 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/645650 The article about Obama and Biden's tax return is rather uninteresting for the most part. However, the comments from readers, and the ratings for the comments are quite interesting. The pro-Obama remarks are being rated very negatively to the point most of them don't even show anymore unless you click on them. The remarks in criticism to his policies hav...[Read Full Post] Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:18:09 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/645575 Major kudos to our Navy SEALs for rescuing Captain Phillips! Now all the fuss is that the pirates may exact vengeance on other countries' hostages because they're angry we rescued our own sailor. Uh.. so we should've just left him there to be one more? Not hardly. Three quick shots. Three fewer criminals. One rescued hostage. Makes sense...[Read Full Post] Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:02:18 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/645058 grass greening trees budding goldfinches flock snow still falling melting fast earth out of shock baseball in swing motorcycles return activity in bloom spirits stunted in winter's cold rising in tune website revamp other falls flat sigh and move on so many voices and yet so still writer's oxymoron ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:01:52 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/644352 Baseball should be played in warm sunshine, birds passing cool breezes brushing the skin Metal benches sotted with muddy dirt with old blankets thrown overtop protecting jeans and hands Spring showers are fair game, just for sport for the laughter of children leaving the game wet and dirt-streaked NOT freezing wet h...[Read Full Post] Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:50:48 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/644210 Yesterday my oldest baby turned 20! We went to lunch and ran errands, then she went on to school while I tried a new veggie lasagna recipe and baked her Red Velvet cake and worked on my new website design. I also received that pretty Nanowrimo winner badge you see up above for reaching over 50K words during March. My total was 57,672 and the first d...[Read Full Post] Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:40:01 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/643448 How's that for a title? Those of you who have been following me here for a while know two things already: 1- I've only been in this area about a year and a half after traveling for the 20 years before that with my military spouse. 2- I've been fighting social phobia forever and am working through it to force myself to market. That makes t...[Read Full Post] Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:15:40 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/643086 I've been involved with a group of authors working at trying to clarify some of the misunderstanding I mentioned yesterday and I'm excited to be able to announce that our deliberation on the subject has turned into a new venue for romance: Classic Romance Revival What is classic ...[Read Full Post] Sat, 28 Mar 2009 12:03:51 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/642626 I know there's a lot of genre confusion these days with genres blending together and books that could rightly be called sci-fi historical romantic thrillers and so on instead of simply sci-fi or simply romance. That's all well and fine, and often very interesting, but I have to stand up and defend my own genre when the title of it is being so horribly misuse...[Read Full Post] Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:03:26 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/642427 Just thought I'd share what helped clean my computer since it worked! My sis's job had a tech come into work to clean theirs when they were infected and said this is what he did: - downloaded free spyware from superantispyware.com - downloaded free drive cleaner from ccleaner.com - ran the spyware - ran ccleaner - rebooted ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:56:43 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/642218 It's SO unfair. *sigh* Maks is out early again. And granted, Denise is not a dancer. But wow, she was better than Holly! And this after leaving early last season when he had a good partner and she got injured right off the bat. Why didn't they replace her like they did the 2 who were injured last minute this season??? Guess I'll keep watching. I...[Read Full Post] Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:05:45 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/642097 So I just wrote and entry and am deleting it.. replacing it with this. Nothing much interesting has been here for a while and I'm considering a WDC break of sorts. Never know. I might actually find something worth readers' time soon. Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:04:12 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/641490 ..the purpose of TAXING the AIG bonuses they shouldn't be getting in the first place? Why are we not all screaming and stomping about not only the bonuses but the way they sent a bunch of STIMULUS money (uh, for reviving the US economy) OVERSEAS??? And now they're all getting bonuses? For what, exactly? The company would be going under withou...[Read Full Post] Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:16:31 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/641327 Well, he's not only arguing with me. He's arguing with tons of "rules" of writing. I picked up a huge book of his short stories from the library and have been reading them one after another and what strikes me most is that much of what I tell writers in my reviews, Hemingway contradicts. Because he does a lot of it! His opening li...[Read Full Post] Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:46:50 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/640646 [Image #1539129] As if I needed another project ... I started one. Today I went photo hunting in support of it. Now that it's set up, it will only take a few minutes now and then to add to it, and I've already pulled one other local writer/photographer to contribute. It's partially community service, partiall...[Read Full Post] Sun, 15 Mar 2009 19:11:23 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/640564 Yes, it's that time. Dancing with the Stars has returned! I felt like a kid in a candy shop last night, finally having something on television I look forward to all week. I was a bit iffy coming into this season, since last season was too overtly political and I don't want my favorite still-running show to disappoint by increasing that this year, but I have ...[Read Full Post] Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:35:30 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/639724 I said in a comment yesterday that I couldn't make myself blog political; it's just too depressing seeing things start I expected would start after this election. I'm not saying much today, either. No one likes an "I told you so" ... so just this: [Link: 'http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29596179'] Pentagon: Chinese vessel...[Read Full Post] Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:25:58 EDT http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/639556 I love when something trips a reminder of something I used to love and have forgotten. The radio did this the other morning by playing a song from the mid 70s I'd forgotten I loved: Lady by Little River Band What a gorgeous song. It'll end up in my novel. Of course, that started the wheels turning and I had to g...[Read Full Post] Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:02:11 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/638957 All those things are supposed to be good for you, right? Apparently not so much when it's just below freezing, even if the sun is shining. I thought I did it. I though I managed to live in the same house as my husband who brought back an illness from a business trip and actually bypass it! That's rare for me. I don't bypass illness brought within 1...[Read Full Post] Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:38:04 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/638632 Today is March, the month spring returns. We have lots of sunshine today, albeit still plenty of cold, and I'm watching a red-headed woodpecker enjoy the suet cage just outside my den window. A bit earlier, I read a lovely blog entry (off-site) that mentioned taking notes with colorful markers: [Link: 'http://karlakassebau...[Read Full Post] Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:32:58 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/638266 I've extended my contest for another week since it has only one entry. The one prize is a romance merit badge and a coupon for a free download of my first novel, Finishing Touches (for those who have that one already, I'll substitute). All entries get a detailed review. [Link To Item #1528489] Also, I've just sent out a free ...[Read Full Post] Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:53:46 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/638175 No, I don't mean dating as in going out for dinner. I'm talking about book dating - specifically, the way editors will tell you not to add anything to your novel that will "date" your book, such as listening to your 8-track tapes or mentioning specific currently popular bands. I've been pondering this since it came up in a writin...[Read Full Post] Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:36:25 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/637945 I love anyone who keeps a great attitude through horrific times and trials. There are a lot of those people around. I know. I seem to be surrounded by them. Recently another friend was diagnosed with cancer. Another. I've been surrounded by that, also. When I emailed to check up with her, she said the treatments were awful but each one brought h...[Read Full Post] Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:24:47 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/637522 I hope I come through clearly from somewhere beneath the snow and Monday morning low battery. Not much to say, anyway, only brushing off my brain before I become engrossed in writing/rewriting again... Hey, my contest is still going on until the end of the month and I have only one entry: [Link To Item #1528489] Never mind the 3.0 rating. *sigh* That was from a spammer. Yep, someone left a &#34...[Read Full Post] Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:53:14 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/637277 In May, 2008, an organization called the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine released a petition at the National Press Club, with the signatures of 31,000 scientists rejecting the U.N. consensus of man-made climate change. Nine thousand of the names reportedly belong to Ph.Ds. "You've got Al Gore. You've got the environmentalists. And...[Read Full Post] Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:17:57 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/636687 Don't you hate it when you see a delicious-looking BIG fish fillet overflowing its bun advertised as premium white fish all over commericals and posters ... and then get a fillet so small you can barely see it between the bun? *sigh* It's just as fake as thinking you're being good to yourself eating fish when it's actually worse, ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:01:36 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/636601 The article title asks how the economic stimulus will affect me. [Link: 'http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/how-the-stimulus-bill-could...'] Easy answer, really ... my taxes will go up higher than they already are, and they're already outrageous. But let's look at the points in the article: Millions of wor...[Read Full Post] Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:05:59 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/636321 Here's the info release sent out by the group moderator: ----------- All you ever wanted to know about Self-Publishing, but were afraid to ask! Join us at The Book Spa to hear from a bevy of successful self-published authors. They'll give you the no-holds barred low-down on self-publishing, the ins and outs, whys and wherefores, and are...[Read Full Post] Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:51:14 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/636116 Has it actually been a week since I've posted here? I do have a bit of an excuse -- my net was down for a few days, along with my phone lines. Got them both back yesterday, luckily at no expense since the problem wasn't here but down the road a bit. You know you're in a little town when the repairman calls and tells you which house he repaired the line in front of by identifyi...[Read Full Post] Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:11:18 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/635742 A few years ago, I started watching Chicago (the musical with Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere). I was interrupted after 20 minutes or so and half-considered renting it since them. Part of what made me hesitate is that the beginning is pretty ... uh, raunchy, although humorous. Still, I like musicals and so finally gave it the full chance a couple of day...[Read Full Post] Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:00:08 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/634452 So the BO Admin is trying to cut a bunch of money from the stimulus package in order to get it to pass. Since according to those popup things here and there online, my IQ is higher than his, and likely higher than many of our representatives and senators, I thought maybe he'd like some help. (yeah, I know those ads aren't necessarily trustworth...[Read Full Post] Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:22:26 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/634114 Wow, this white is horrible! When I'm writing, I turn my Word page color to an off-white so it's easier on my eyes. And we just got done painting white basement walls to a soft silver gray because, you know, white backgrounds are cold and harsh, and the soft gray helps bring out the color of the paintings on the walls instead of overwhelming th...[Read Full Post] Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:22:47 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633451 I'm trying a new tactic to get my work further out there into public view -- I'm serializing Rehearsal: A Different Drummer in my site blog by starting at the beginning and posting more of it each Sunday. I may not get the whole 560 page novel there, but maybe I will. It will largely depend on how much interest is shown, if comments let me know it's wor...[Read Full Post] Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:57:33 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633260 The second floor of my house has a little landing that overlooks the living room and leads to the two main bedrooms. On that landing, there is a little nook, barely usable. Since we've been here, I've been contemplating what to do with it. That is, until I found an old school desk at an antique store a few months ago. At that moment, I knew ...[Read Full Post] Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:12:01 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/633014 It's past January 20th and I've seen no hint of the magic wand so many were expecting. In fact, economists are now saying the new president's new plan will help nothing. It will instead make things worse. Great, 'cause that's what we need. Never mind lots of us were yelling this would happen. Doing exactly what Herbert Hoover did...[Read Full Post] Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:50:00 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/632708 This entry is inspired by two things: Andra's entry today in her site blog: [Link: 'http://almarquardt.com/blog/2009/01/words_use_with_caution.html'] and things I've been pondering/worrying about for some time. Everyone who has been reading my blog for some time knows how politically opinionated I can...[Read Full Post] Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:54:12 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/632335 Thanks to the helpful comments for my last entry. It was venting and opinion-seeking and I've made it private now, as it did its job. Quick entry.. This morning I received an email from a blogger in Australia saying he was featuring Rehearsal: A Different Drummer today as a newly released Ebook: [Link: 'http://www.ebooksjustpubl...[Read Full Post] Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:14:21 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/631502 Today may be Obama's first day as President, but it is also George W. Bush's last day, and I believe the country owes him a thank you. Approve or not, admit it or not, President Bush did good things for us and we would be wrong to acknowledge what we don't like without acknowledging what we do (never mind how the media was intent on doing j...[Read Full Post] Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:23:57 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/630940 [Link: 'http://www.newsweek.com/id/180097?GT1=43002'] Are they kidding? (you'll have to read it - it'll take too long to summarize) A couple of quick thoughts: -- Of course we didn't hear that President Bush was having wholesome organic meals at the WH. That's a plus sign for him and we can't have that, can we? Inst...[Read Full Post] Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:04:40 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/630460 "Really, I think one's art goes only as far and as deep as your love goes." Andrew Wyeth One of America's best painters is now gone. I can't feel sad about this the way I feel sad about Patrick Swayze fighting cancer. Wyeth was 91. That seems "fair" enough to me. He'd hit his high popularity...[Read Full Post] Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:18:45 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/630027 Just an email forward today: Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield. One from Springfield, another from Petersburg, and the third from Chicago. They go with an official from the Governor's staff to examine the fence. The Springfield contractor takes out a tape measure and does some m...[Read Full Post] Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:40:32 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/629451 Anyone know why the Roman Colliseum was built? Simple: to entertain the masses. The more complicated answer is so politicians could sway the masses by giving them entertainment and keeping them happy, which also kept them deeply in their pockets. The better entertainment the emperors provided, the more the masses cheered them and the more they looked the...[Read Full Post] Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:28:12 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628910 First ... I finally went to an orthopedist about my hand this morning -- a rather disinterested overpaid man who barely looked at it and acted like I was wasting his time. I'm sorry, but 4 weeks of swelling and pain in a writer's hand (or anyone else's) does matter. Anyway, he said it was a sprain and "I would do physical therapy" for...[Read Full Post] Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:14:54 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/628586 I suppose it's high time to consider my year's goals. Writing -- Last year, my big goal was to write every day, regardless. I didn't quite do that but close enough to be satisfied with my year's work. Since last year's emphasis was on volume, I've been thinking this year should focus on fine-tuning to submission level, and submitting. For th...[Read Full Post] Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:06:13 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/627981 oops ... HAPPY NEW YEAR! Guess I haven't said that yet. Hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and nice start to 2009. Me? Dunno ... kinda hoping the saying about the bad dress rehearsal meaning a good show might apply to a year starting under kinda 'odd' circumstances leading to a better year than it might seem. I wanted to start the new year...[Read Full Post] Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:51:36 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/627855 I'm starting to think bruised fingers still swollen after a week has passed may not be a good sign. I'm both annoyed at being so slowed and a bit worried that it may last longer than I expected. Yes, I should go in, but I don't like my current doc's office and have yet to find another. Today's chore, maybe. ~~~ Nanowrimo is now adding anot...[Read Full Post] Sat, 20 Dec 2008 11:50:34 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/625329 Yesterday, I saw a bumper sticker that said, Freedom FROM Religion If I was a more nervy person, I would've walked up and tapped on his window (he was in his car) and said, "Hey, guess what? You HAVE freedom from religion. You don't have to believe anything you dont wanna believe! You don&#39...[Read Full Post] Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:17:29 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/624982 Success is all in who you know and who you are, anyway. It's going more that way all the time. *Dems Embrace Nepotism* Republican New York Rep. Peter King - who is considering his own run for the seat - asked why New Yorkers would feel more comfortable with Kennedy "than with people who have worked in the trenches and worked their way ...[Read Full Post] Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:30:10 EST http://www.Writing.Com/main/books/entry_id/624802