Change of plans

I'm a little bit bummed at the moment. My wonderful editor and her boss decided it would be best to give DREAM WALK one more line edit before setting it in stone. Or, um, pixels?

So, the upshot is my release date is now pending. I'll post the new date as soon as I know it myself.

No worries, I'd rather take a little more time than worry we might have missed a typo here or continuity issue there. Better safe than sorry -- and better to produce the best book possible. :)

In the meantime, you can still read two excerpts ... I suppose I should label them "unedited" at this point, but I don't think those portions of the book changed since the last run-through.

Check out my website for more info.

I am so unspectacular

It's been a while since someone tagged me, but Denise Patrick snuck in with this meme. I'll get her. Yes, I will. ;)

First, the rules:

1) Link to the person that tagged you.2) Post the rules on your blog.3) List six unspectacular quirks you have.4) Tag six bloggers by linking them.5) Leave a comment on each person's blog to let them know they've been tagged.

Six unspectacular things about me. Only six? It might be tough to narrow the list. ;)

1. I love to do word puzzles. The newspaper crossword is how I unwind, that and the cryptiquote puzzle. I have to do both every day.

2. All of my stories have a theme song -- and I tend to listen to that song over, and over, ad nauseum while I'm writing. It tends to annoy those around me.

3. I like to knit with those funky knitting hoops -- the ones with all the pegs. Last winter I made each of my children a hat in their favorite colors. But that's something I can only do in the winter or late fall.

4. I love Dr. Pepper, but I have to drink it half and half, meaning half regular, half diet. Can't stand the taste of either by itself.

5. I hate horror films. Loved them in high school; can't watch them now. Too much blood and gore. I do love scary movies, just not "horror".

6. I have the pieces all cut out -- and two rows sewn together -- of a quilt I started right before my oldest son was born. He just turned thirteen. I vow to finish that quilt. Someday.


Now I'm going to tag some of the ladies of Shades of Suspense:
Catherine Berlin
Marie-Nicole Ryan
Rhianna Samuels
Loribelle Hunt
Emma Wayne Porter
Donica Covey

And now to go into hiding. ;)

Another review...

And five hearts for my latest rom com, Table for Two.

I'm just thrilled people seem to be enjoying this one. It took a while to get it done -- a lot of other projects pushed it aside -- but it was worth the wait. David and Sandra were a fun pair to write and I'm happy to have given them their own new beginning.

Read the entire review at The Romance Studio.

"Ms. Meg Allison has written a unique, fun-loving novella about a couple who could not stand to be together... there were some hilarious parts to this great manuscript. The two were complete opposites. As Ms. Allison gave us more information about this couple, it was still almost impossible to see how she would give readers a happily ever after. The couple was strong and determined but nothing alike.

This is a great book with something for everyone. I highly recommend it to all."

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
August 28, 2008


Ah, I love it! But Denise snuck in and tagged me. I'll have to plot my revenge for that one. ;) I'll post her tag tomorrow. :)

It's in the cards

Years ago people used to say: "Write what you know." The philosophy was if you didn't have an intimate association with the subject -- or a PhD on it, anyhow -- you shouldn't write the book.

Well, that's a bit limiting, don't you think? If we all went by that advice, I can tell you at least half the secret agent; billionaire; cowboy; time-travel; and vampire romances would disappear from existence. Especially the latter.

We can't stick to what we know, but we can learn enough about a subject to write credible stories. Say it with me now: research. Have I mentioned I really don't like this part? :P It takes so much time away from the fun stuff of creating worlds, manipulating characters, etc.

For my current wip, BROKEN, I discovered there's a crucial scene involving my heroine having her future revealed by a friend. Until I got to this point in the story, I hadn't realized just how vital this scene will be. When I first mapped out the book, it was only a stepping-stone to the next scene, but now...things have changed.

I've had some small experiences in my former life with Tarot cards, but not enough to write a believable reading. Sure, I could try to fake my way through it -- after all, everyone has their own style and there are hundreds of different decks of cards these days. But I just know someone, somewhere, would notice if I goofed. And they would, understandably, complain. Or even go so far as to write a bad review or, worse yet, never buy another book from me! All this because I stepped outside my comfort zone without a net or a clue.

So, I bought a book that explains the basics. Hopefully I can draw enough from that -- and long-ago memories -- to create a plausible scene. My heroine needs this guidance; she needs a wake-up call, to be honest. And who better to give it than the best friend with her own special gift? ;)

Almost done... on to the next murder, a little mayhem, the black moment and our Happy Ending.

Do you want it? Do you really? ;)

Dream Walk will be released in two weeks. You can now read TWO excerpts! One on my website, the other excerpt on Samhain Publishing's website. Enjoy!

My real-life muse

I'm working on book two of The Sentinels -- almost done! I can see the light and it's not a train. ;)

However, I hit another tiny snag with a certain character. He's a secondary at this point, but has his eye on that final book. He can be a pain in the rear to write because he's so sarcastic and closed-mouthed. He's going to have to come clean or book five will be a very, very short story.

So what do I do when I hit a bump in my plots? Well, until my sweet editor gets her hands on it and offers her advice, I go to my in-house muse. Aka: My oldest daughter.

She's only read my sweet romances from cover to cover -- yes, I'm old-fashioned -- but she's a wonderful sounding-board for each and every plot. She listens and often comes up with solutions. She never rolls her eyes when I talk about a storyline or wonder how to kill off this person or get the hero and heroine from point A to point C. She's very wise for her years ... and I truly believe she holds on to my muse so she doesn't scamper off when my own thoughts get too chaotic.

Everyone should have a muse, "real" or otherwise. They keep life interesting. ;)

Back to the wip!

First review

Table for Two received its first review ... this one from CoffeeTime Romance. After yesterday, I needed a smile. If you need one, check out Table for Two, it might give you a little lift. ;)

BUY IT NOW
Kindle Edition also available!

Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

"This is a great love story full of funny situations. The two main characters are very different from each other. David is a bit of a free spirit and Sandra is very uptight. Their dates are very funny, especially the monster truck rally. The small town they live in seems a bit too gossipy, especially after the movie incident, but the people for the most part seem warm-hearted and genuinely concerned with each other’s welfare. David’s sister and Jenny and Mark play small but important roles in the story. I really enjoyed it."

Maura
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books

What genre is your life?

Is it romance? Comedy? Horror? Mystery? Chick-lit? A bit of this and that all mixed together?

Probably the latter.

Life is ups, downs, some tragedy, some laughter and a lot plodding along, looking for the sun to come back out.

Someone recently asked why I chose to write romance. The question came from an individual who doesn't care for that particular genre and I couldn't help but hear the note of scorn. No problem. I don't expect everyone to like the same things. I know many dismiss romance as quickly as others dismiss pop music or modern art. I just hope they at least give unfamiliar things a chance. ;)

The answer I gave was simple and precise: I'm a romantic at heart.

But today my answer changed just a bit. I witnessed the aftermath of a family once again sent to the edge of hell and back by heart-breaking loss. I saw such profound grief that it touched my heart. Yet I felt incapable of doing anything to help or give any type of comfort.

Later, I sat thinking about how resilient the human spirit can be, and praying for my own family. That's when I realized times like these are why I read and write romance, whatever form it takes. I need to know at least one thing is going to work out the way I think it should. I find comfort in the fact that good things do happen, despite the hurdles and pits along the way. I want to see two characters -- lost, alone, searching -- find one another and fall in love. I need to be reassured, I suppose. I want that Happy Ever After.

Life is filled with tragic mistakes. Pain and heartache abound and we never know for sure that it will, in fact, be okay. We hope it will. We hold on and cling to whatever faith we possess, waiting for the pain to subside and the next ray of sun to appear.

But sometimes that rope gets a bit frayed and our hands start to slip...

So I write romance because I hope. I have faith. I dream, for myself and others. If my stories give even one person a respite from whatever is going wrong in their lives, then it's worth any scorn or dismissal I might receive. If I can soothe one tattered heart, even for a few pages, it's worth it.

I'm a storyteller. I'm a bit old-fashioned, too. I write about a man and a woman finding each other and falling in love despite whatever danger or insecurities I throw at them. Sometimes they're very real people ... sometimes they're larger than life. But they always get through it and come out stronger in the end.

Whatever my current genre might be, I know love can get me through it. After all, life imitates art.

red-neck humor ... how true

What Jeff Foxworthy has to say about, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

If your Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you live in Pittsburgh.

If someone in a Home Depot store offers you assistance and they don't work there, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you've had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you live in Pittsburgh.

If "Vacation" means going anywhere south of the Mason Dixon line for the weekend, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you measure distance in hours, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you have switched from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again you live in Pittsburgh.

If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit, you live in Pittsburgh.

If the speed limit on the highway is 55 mph -- you're going 80 and everybody is passing you, you live in Pittsburgh.

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car, you live in Pittsburgh.

If you find 10 degrees "a little chilly", you live in Pittsburgh.

If you actually understand these jokes, and forward them to all your Pittsburgh friends & others, you live or have lived in Pittsburgh.

Do you want to 'meet' a vampire?

Can't help you there -- but I can show you where to enter a fantastic contest for the chance to win one of two 'vampire' books. ;)

Book Binge is giving away a copy of ACHERON, the long-awaited installment of Sherrilyn Kenyon's creative Dark-Hunter series. If Dark-Hunters aren't your thing, you can enter to win a copy of Breaking Dawn, Stephanie Meyer's latest installment of her acclaimed Twilight series.

All you have to do is post and leave your email addy. What do you have to lose? ;)

Romance with a little laughter

Table for Two (A Harris Grove Story)
by Meg Allison

Sandra Larsen and David Jenkins have nothing in common—except that their best friends just got married.

Despite their petty bickering and sarcastic barbs, David has fallen head-over-heels for the feisty restaurant critic. He has one week to convince her they should share a permanent table for two.

Imprint: Short and Sweet Novella
BUY IT NOW

Excerpt:

Chapter One
“Strangers in the Night”

The punch tasted like carbonated syrup and the veggie trays had wilted. Other than that, Sandra supposed the wedding reception could be called a hit. Unless you counted the fact that she just lost her best friend.

She took a long sip of her drink and winced as the fizzy liquid made her teeth ache from sugar overload. Maybe she could get some water somewhere.

“Nice party.”

She glanced to her left over the rim of the clear plastic cup and tried not to grimace. David Jenkins had to be the most irritating man she’d ever met. Too bad she’d be seeing a lot of him now that their best friends had tied the knot.

“I said, nice party, don’t you agree?” He looked down at her from such height that she had to lift her chin to meet his gaze. At five eight, Sandra was in no way petite. The man should be on a basketball court.

“Yes, it is.” She looked away, hoping he’d get the hint and leave. Instead, she heard him chuckle.

“Man, you aren’t going to make this easy, are you, Ms. Larsen?”

That got her attention. “Make what easy, Mr. Jenkins?”

He waved a hand in the direction of the dance floor where the newlyweds, Jenny and Mark Thompson, danced to When I Fall in Love. “This being best-friends-in-law, stuff. We’re going to have to get along now, no matter what.”

She raised a brow. “And just what gives you that impression? Why do we have to get along? We’re not the ones that just got married.”

“No, but I have a feeling that if we want to be part of Mark and Jenny’s new lives in any way, we’re going to have to at least pretend to like each other. You know they won’t stand for us fighting.”

No, she and David weren’t exactly bosom buddies. They were as different as night and day, summer and winter…head lice and caviar. She smirked.

But why would anyone really care? So what if they’d squabbled over who should toast the future bride and groom at the engagement party last year? People disagree from time to time, and it all started with one of his inane clueless man comments. David made a lot of them.

The scene she made at the bachelor party last month couldn’t really matter now, could it? She had apologized. Sort of. Sandra had been told by a very reliable source – or so she thought – that David had hired a stripper for the party and she refused to let that little peccadillo go by without protest.

Then the whole incident at the rehearsal dinner…well, that was better left unmentioned for all concerned. Although, in her defense, Sandra couldn’t help it if the restaurant they held it at had received three health code violations in the past six months. If only Jenny had asked her beforehand, it would have been a moot point. Sandra certainly could not, in good conscience, have let David eat that shrimp and lobster platter knowing what she knew.

Yes, the restaurant owner hadn’t been pleased and maybe she could have been a bit more discreet, but really! In hind sight, she should let the big oaf take his chances with a little food poisoning.

She set her half-empty cup down on the buffet table and crossed her arms over her stomach. While she didn’t like David, she disliked the idea of missing out on Jenny’s new life even more.

“Well, maybe we can work on it,” she conceded. “What do you suggest?”

“First off, how about calling me Dave like everyone else?”

“I can handle that, but I’ll call you David.”

He smiled. Sandra moved away an inch. Sure he had a nice smile, but the man was hopeless otherwise.



Indulge your senses... with stories of the past, present & paranormal.
Meg Allison, Author

Blogging about villains...

Check it out ... Villains anyone?

It's up!

So? What do you think? (GGGGG)

Cover envy

I've been given a cover for DREAM WALK, my September 9th release from Samhain Publishing Ltd.

The cover is gorgeous! The hero is perfect -- the background almost exactly what I imagined. Suffice to say, I LOVE IT! But I can't share it yet. (pout) Samhain has this rule about not sharing or posting your cover before the boss okay's it. It's a great policy -- one I totally support. However...I really, REALLY want to post this cover anywhere and everywhere I can!

But I can wait. Heck, it took me this long to get the story done... But as soon as I'm allowed to, I'm sharing its lovely face with the world! ;)

What Spice Are You?

You Are Basil

You are quite popular and loved by post people. You have a mild temperament, but your style is definitely distinctive. You are sweet, attractive, and you often smell good.

What Spice Are You?

Ogling a hero...

I took my oldest daughters to see the new Speed Racer movie. It was entertaining -- cheesy, yes, but rather fun to watch. Just beware of the multitude of flashing lights and ultra-vivid-technicolor. I almost walked away with a migraine from all the chaotic sights.

However, I also walked away with a sincere appreciation for another actor, Matthew Fox of Lost fame. He is the perfect model for the hero in an upcoming novel, tentatively titled: Night Shift. The story is actually taking the characters from an unpublished short story -- a paranormal historical romance -- and tossing them into the present.

The book is still a work in progress, but I have it slated as book four in my paranormal series: The Sentinels.

Unlike many writers, I don't always have a photo visual of my characters, but I find it does help to have some kind of reference point. That way my heroes don't all come out sounding like the same cookie-cutter version of the last one. I can give them slightly different features; different flaws; varied attributes. If I have that photo available, it makes it all the easier to find the right words to convey what I'm seeing in my mind's eye.

And who doesn't like to ogle a hero now and then?

Chick-lit and Guest Blogger...

This past May marks the date for the release of Cindy K. Green’s sixth book title, Meeting Mr. Right Online. It is a sweet, chick-lit novella. What is Chicklit you might ask? Here is a little introduction from the author.

Chick-lit is primarily about young women in their 20’s or 30’s dealing with life (some newer titles include older women as well). It contains a light, humorous and most importantly a confiding tone (like you’re speaking to your girlfriends)—almost always in the first person. The themes focus around love, relationships, friendships, professional dilemmas, and a penchant for fashion—usually facing hilarious and embarrassing situations. But what it all comes down to is the heroine figuring out herself and what she really wants out of life. There is usually some kind of epiphany that blows her mind away and finally she can see clearly about what she really wants—or more importantly—needs.

Chicklit is a completely different genre from romance because the focus is on the woman and how she navigates her way through the twists and turns life throws at her. But the romantic angle is usually at the forefront of the story. Another things about chicklit is that it does not always end in a happily ever after for the heroine and her love interest. Now I am an HEA girl all the way, so never fear, mine is very romantic and sweet and ends with an HEA.


A few questions to Cindy about writing this book.


How did you go about writing this story?

This story resulted from a few factors. I was reading a couple of chick-lit novels last spring, I’d just watched several episodes of a certain tv show with my sisters which resulted in the names of all the side characters, and I really did have an online friend like this who I had come to rely on and then all of a sudden didn’t hear from. My friend though was only a friend and we started writing again in a very short time. But the situation made me think…What if??? It all went from there.

Did you plot out this story or write it pantser style?

There was no plotting to this story until toward the end and then it was only ideas of what I wanted to happen to bring about the conclusion. I began writing this story on my PDA late at night in the dark (this is also how I wrote NovelTea #1). Sounds weird, right? :D Well, we authors are an odd lot. LOL! I was in the middle of editing a full-length novel and to those of you who have ever done that we know how consuming it is. I needed to write something new. So, there in the dark as my husband slept, I began this story.

Is the finished version much different from your first draft?

Yes, actually, it is. It is about 5,000 words longer to begin with. I changed the heroine’s profession, adding a secondary plot line about her work worries. And I made her love interest British instead of American. My husband calls me an Anglophile as I love all things British especially Period Dramas and British television. I thought, ‘I can write an English bloke.’ I had a couple English author friends read through his passages to make sure he seemed real. It seems he passed muster.

Meeting Mr. Right Online
By Cindy K. Green
Sweet/Chicklit Novella
By Grace Publishing
$1.49

Watch the book trailer

Blurb:
What’s a girl to do when she’s thirty-three and all her friends have started their lives and left her behind?
Lucinda Kelley works for a local cable television show, assists her sister in her tumultuous relationships, and yearns for the day she can meet Mr. Right. All that seems to change when she meets Londoner Julian Crawford in an on-line tv chat room. Eight months later, via email he has become her best friend and closest confidant. Then one day the messages cease, and Lucinda feels lost until she makes a vow to end this infatuation with someone she has never met and move on to something real. When an alarming revelation is exposed, it could be Lucinda’s undoing or it might be exactly what she was looking for.
Excerpt #1: The Opening


Good evening, this is Amber Heffernan reporting live for Channel 11 entertainment news outside the beautiful Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. In just a few minutes, the glamorous Lucinda Kelley will emerge with her new husband, that handsome British financier. This couple has been in the media limelight since they first started seeing each other almost six months ago, outshining all of the other popular Hollywood pairs. The bride was married today in a Vera Wang strapless scoop-neck wedding gown, and I’m told she looked absolutely stunning. When the couple exits the hotel, they will travel to JFK International Airport to board the family jet to Jamaica where the twosome plan to depart for a two week honeymoon. After that they will settle into their Malibu home in California where Lucinda produces her award winning television sitcom…

The computer beeped letting me know it had finally booted up, and there I was, daydreaming again. I really had to stop doing that. I clicked the button once more, hoping this time it would be there. I held my breath for the few seconds it took to check my email messages, feeling that depressed, empty sensation yet again when I didn’t see it. Rubbing my forehead, I closed my eyes. This was absolutely ridiculous. Why did I torture myself so?

Read a couple more excerpts and watch the book trailer on my website.

**********
Cindy K. Green is a multi-published author with degrees in History and Education. Previously a middle school English & History teacher, she now homeschools her own children and writes in several genres: Inspirational, Contemporary, Suspense and Historical romance. Find out more about Cindy and her books at www.cindykgreen.com.

What happened to Spring?

It's hot. Blazing, melting, nobody wants to move HOT! We never really had Spring here in the lovely Eastern USA. Winter and fall-like temps followed us through the end of May with little good days in-between...and now we're up in the 90s with humidity that makes the air thick enough to swim through.

Ugh.

Yeah, yeah, when it was in the 20s I swore I wouldn't complain, but I guess I lied. What happened to Spring? Anyone? Anyone? Beuhler?

Joyfully Interviewed!

I've been interviewed and was very impressed with the interviewer's questions. I could tell she did her research. :)

Read it here: Meg Allison interview

What color do I need?

You Need Some Orange in Your Life

Orange will make you feel open, lively, and artistic. And with a little orange, you will project an aura of friendliness. If you want bolder experiences, you've got to get a little orange in your life! For extra punch: Combine orange with red or yellow The downside of orange: It's too powerful and unusual for some people to deal with The consequences of more orange in your life: You will become more creative in almost every aspect of your life You will find humor in the most serious and dismal situations You will feel like life is exciting, even when you're doing ordinary things

What Color Do You Need?

Need inspiration?

Then check out my post at Shades of Suspense.

You'll find some pictures of men who have inspired my heroes...at least in the physical description. ;)

Expecting eloquence?

Then you're at the wrong blog today.

Children are ... interesting. That's the best way to put it. It's after days like this that I sort of wonder if the "crazy old cat-lady" thing is such a bad idea?

However, I'd miss the not-so-little darlings if they were gone. Who would make me laugh? Hug me for no reason? Tell me the worst knock-knock joke ever? Keep me on track and moving in the right direction?

Yep, kids are great. I love mine completely. But they sure can make the muse head for the hills. Ever try to read a love scene with children clamoring for dinner, demanding justice because big brother said something mean, or slamming the front door every two minutes????

You should try writing one in such situations. ARGH!

A new review...

Winter Wonders
Anthology by Cindy K. Green, Joann Carter, Meg Allison, and Muncy Chapman

The Long and the Short of It


This brief 79 page book is a compilation of four short, sweet, winter romances. All four tales were enjoyable, easy reads. It's definitely a curl-up-with-hot-chocolate-and-relax-by-the-fire sort of book that leaves one with a warm and agreeable aftertaste - you know, the type where you close the cover with a dreamy smile and a satisfied sigh.

#3 GWEN'S RESOLUTION by Meg Allison
Folks, I am a consummate sceptic in the "love at first sight" arena, but Meg Allison's beautifully woven story has softened my stance. She paints a wonderfully believable portrait of being in the right place at the proverbial right time and falling in love. Gwen is determined to stop sitting home alone, feeling sorry for herself. She's going to be bold and brave by celebrating New Year's Eve on her own. Her plans are changed, however, once she meets Tad.

Gwen and Tad are both depicted with depth and gentleness. And Ms. Allison didn't overshoot the brevity of the story by trying to take them beyond the beginning of their relationship - a be-ginning that promises to bloom into "Happily Ever After".
I think this may have been my favorite of the four stories!
Review by Black-eyed Susan

Wednesday Morning checklist

1. Got up and dressed by 8 a.m.

2. Drove dds to fiends for babysitting purposes.

3. Logged on to computer.

4. Went to cook eggs for ds1.

5. Checked on computer and got distracted.

6. Smelled eggs 'cooking'.

7. Ran to kitchen. (exercise portion of my day)

8. Fed burned eggs to dog.

9. Cooked more eggs for ds.

10. Back to the computer.

Is it Thursday, yet?

Theme song

Do you have a theme song? A song that represents your mood; your life?

Each of my books has one...some even have an entire soundtrack. :) I need music to inspire me; to open that flood of images and words that become a novel or short story.

For my paranormal series, The Sentinels, the soundtracks include some of the same songs: My Immortal, Everybody's Fool, and Bring Me To Life, all by Evanescence. The story I'm working on now is titled: Broken. Its 'theme' is the song by the same name...by Seether featuring Amy Lee, to be more precise. I really love her voice. The song is dark, haunting and very much sets the mood for the novel. If I could, I'd give each reader a copy of it along with the book. :)

Check out the video -- it's interesting.

Back to my soundtrack...it helps me keep in the mood and on-target when I'm working on a certain book. And it kind of helps drown out the household noise. (aka: the kids) ;)

Homemade definitions

Does your family have their own definitions for various words or phrases? We do -- it's only natural with a large family and our off-the-wall, sometimes dark, usually sarcastic senses of humor.

One of my favorites entered our set of family jargon about year or two ago. Unaware of what the mysterious "PMS" stood for that my oldest daughters and I often complain about, my oldest son (then 11) came up with his own unique version:

Paranormal Mood Swings

I think it fits rather well.

Those blog quizzes...

Are really interesting. And addictive.

Sometimes I find the results spot-on; other times I wonder if the quiz writer had a clue. LOL!

So far I know my "power color" is Indigo; I have my own leprechaun and rock star names; I know I'm romantic and a dreamer (didn't need a quiz to figure that out); and I'm not as big a pessimist as I thought. Odd. I'm also 60% Irish and 64% Southern. Now that's a fun combo.

But it has me wondering -- why do so many people like these quizzes? Are we bored? Trying to "find ourselves"? In need of some more challenging computer games or a new book to read?

I'm not sure, honestly. But I do know once I start clicking on the answers, I can't do just one! They're worse than potato chips. And even though I'm happily married, I still can't resist finding out what kind of flirt I am and if men find me sexy. I feel the need to try another quiz, and another until I've wasted half an hour or more discovering some rather useful insights into my personality.

Yeah...well, maybe not useful, but entertaining at least.

SOLD!

I am thrilled to announce that I've sold my third novel to Samhain Publishing!

This one is a paranormal romantic suspense set in Savannah, GA.

DREAM WALK
Book One/The Sentinels

Some nightmares are deadly real.

Camille Bryant is a gifted medium being slowly driven insane by terrifying dreams. Then she is forced to accept help from a Sentinel -- a mysterious warrior of her race.

Ian Spain is a dream walker who can enter and manipulate others' dreams. His specialty -- vanquishing demons. But he finds Camille is much more than she seems at first glance; her tormentor no ordinary apparition. Is he strong enough to win this battle?

As the body count rises, their powers and courage will be put to the test in battle as old as time. Winner takes all.

Oh, my, what a mood!

I managed to do some writing this morning. It was almost that Zen-like state that I love so much when words just pour across the page. Good, right? Yes and no.

In the scene I wrote, the hero is at perhaps the lowest point in his long life...a point of no return. To write it, I had to delve into those emotions and really feel them myself. I had to become one with his thoughts; to really understand and accept his decision. Afterward I was left with one downer of a mood. That, combined with other little irksome events in real life, made the whole day a bit of a struggle.

For me, writing is a lot like acting. (I love to act, btw, just don't have the chance to do it anymore.) I have to 'get into character' so I understand what the hero or heroine is feeling and thinking. I need to feel those emotions so I know what they'll do next or what they'll say if a particular event happens; if a certain thing is said.

Sometimes this process is fun ... sometimes it's not. But it always manages to be a bit cathartic in the end. I just have to get past the downers and bring my hero -- and myself -- back up again.

What muse are you?

Your Inner Muse is Thalia

You are most like this playful muse of comedy. Life is all about laughter to you, and you're a natural comic. You make people laugh until their sides split. And you're always up for some play time!

What Muse Are You?

The waiting game

I think I spend a lot of my life waiting. Waiting for things to happen; waiting to hear about submissions; waiting to do this or that when we have more money and/or time.

Sound familiar?

It's sad, really. We should spend more time 'doing' and less time 'waiting'. We need to jump into life with both feet and take charge. Sure, there will always be things we have to wait for, but that doesn't mean the rest of our lives should be at a standstill.

For instance, I have two submissions out and without a verdict, as of today. But while we sit and wonder what will happen next, why not start something new? I should dive into a new project or find something completely different to occupy my mind and time. Believe me, I've been trying! So far I've managed to read ... oh, four novels ... finished a novella after subbing the novel; and am starting another novel. I have the bare-bones outline; character study; the opening line! Yay!

Unfortunately, I'm a little obsessive. I check the inbox at least twice a day, all the while knowing it will likely be weeks before I'll hear anything. I have a hard time concentrating when I'm in this annoying state of mind. (It's annoying to me and to my family, lol!) But I will say I'm trying a lot harder this time around to keep that other project going and to keep my hands and mind active with other things.

I'd rather be doing than waiting... sometimes it just takes a bit of self-control to keep moving.

Begin again

It seems I'm forever starting over. One novel done and submitted ... still awaiting a verdict on that one ... and a novella is also in another editor's Inbox. So what do I do? Begin again, of course.

It can be a little daunting but it's a necessary part of this business. You have to keep busy; have to keep producing. After all, you don't want the world to forget your name!

But honestly, writing keeps me from going insane while I wait and wonder about that latest submission. I also know this next story will be even better. You learn just a little more with each book you write. Everyone learns by experience and writers are no different.

So...now that I have my mythology firmly in place, on to the next soon-to-be-happy couple. The first hurdle: that opening line.

Can you do this?

Speaking of 'stupid' labels, here's a couple that I've noticed lately. Have you ever looked at a certain popular brand of facial tissue... which rhymes with fluffs? They actually give you step-by-step directions on how to blow your nose. Uh-huh.

I don't know about you, but my mama taught me that quite a few years ago. I've passed that knowledge on to my own children. I just assumed that everyone learned such a thing as a child. Was I wrong? Or do they really think we're not that bright?

Meanwhile, on the instructions for heating a frozen pot-pie it reads: "Remove carefully from oven -- CAUTION filling may be hot." Oh-kay. Thanks for the warning but... DUH?!

So, are we a world filled with inept, illogical and/or careless consumers? Or are manufacturers just terrified of getting sued?

Makes you wonder.

Stupid product labels

It's been a rough week -- sick kiddos and so forth -- and I needed a good laugh. Thought I'd share these stupid product labels. My question is: Are consumers really this dumb?

1. On a blanket from Taiwan
NOT TO BE USED AS PROTECTION FROM A TORNADO.

2. On a helmet mounted mirror used by US cyclists
REMEMBER, OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE ACTUALLY BEHIND YOU.

3. On a Taiwanese shampoo
USE REPEATEDLY FOR SEVERE DAMAGE.

4. On the bottle-top of a (UK) flavoured milk drink
AFTER OPENING, KEEP UPRIGHT.


6. In a US guide to setting up a new computer
TO AVOID CONDENSATION FORMING, ALLOW THE BOXES TO WARM UP TO ROOM TEMPERATURE BEFORE OPENING.
(Sensible, but the instruction was INSIDE the box.)

8. In some countries, on the bottom of Coke bottles
OPEN OTHER END.

9. On a packet of Sunmaid raisins
WHY NOT TRY TOSSING OVER YOUR FAVOURITE BREAKFAST CEREAL?

10. On a Sears hairdryer
DO NOT USE WHILE SLEEPING.

11. On a bag of Fritos
YOU COULD BE A WINNER! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
DETAILS INSIDE.

12. On a bar of Dial soap
DIRECTIONS - USE LIKE REGULAR SOAP.

13. On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert
(printed on bottom of the box)
DO NOT TURN UPSIDE DOWN.

14. On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding
PRODUCT WILL BE HOT AFTER HEATING.

15. On a Korean kitchen knife
WARNING KEEP OUT OF CHILDREN.

16. On a string of Chinese-made Christmas lights
FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR USE ONLY.

17. On a Japanese food processor
NOT TO BE USED FOR THE OTHER USE.

18. On Sainsbury's peanuts
WARNING - CONTAINS NUTS.

19. On an American Airlines packet of nuts
INSTRUCTIONS - OPEN PACKET, EAT NUTS.

20. On a Swedish chainsaw
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP CHAIN WITH YOUR HANDS OR GENITALS.

21. On a child's superman costume
WEARING OF THIS GARMENT DOES NOT ENABLE YOU TO FLY.

22. On some frozen dinners
SERVING SUGGESTION DEFROST.

23. On a hotel provided shower cap in a box
FITS ONE HEAD.

24. On packaging for a Rowenta iron
DO NOT IRON CLOTHES ON BODY.

25. On Boot's "Children's" cough medicine
DO NOT DRIVE CAR OR OPERATE MACHINERY.

26. On Nytol sleep aid
WARNING MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS.

Spotlight!

Join me this week as my story, Learning to Live, is put in the spotlight at the NEW Unique Enterprises Authors' Blog!

It's a great blog featuring a lot of contests, fun writing prompts and excerpts on a monthly and daily basis. You won't want to miss out!

Happy New Year!

Free Comments & Graphics

Happy Holidays!

Whatever holiday you may celebrate this time of year, may you have peace, joy and good health!

More personally to all my friends and family... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

NOW in print!

I love digital books, don't get me wrong, but there's something soothing and comforting to me about reading a book in print. I suppose it all goes back to childhood when I was learning to read and being read to by my mother. It brings back a lot of those intimate, emotional feelings that no computer screen or e-book reader ever can. That said, I am not averse to getting an e-book reader for Christmas. *AHEM* (So much for subtle hints. ;) )

So here's to doing things the old-fashioned way! And here's where you can buy a copy of ALAINA'S PROMISE in PRINT OR in DIGITAL. It's a great story either way -- it all depends on what you prefer. :)

It can also be found on AMAZON or at your local book store, just give them the ISBN # 1-59998-408-3 .

How much do you know?

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 7/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: Most Christmas trees are edible. The needles are a good source of Vitamin C.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

An early present!

I am so thrilled with this new review for ALAINA'S PROMISE! I've coveted those five angels from the very beginning -- and now they're here! And dressed all in red, aren't they gorgeous? (GGGG) Yeah, there's only one above, but you can see all five when you click the link below. ;)


"Meg Allison is a wonderful author and she made me fall in love with the characters in this book as well as with the country of Ireland. ..."

Reviewed by: Missy

There's nothing more exciting than to hear how much someone has enjoyed a story you've written! That's what this is all about, you know. Writers are nothing without readers to entertain. :)

Thanks, Missy!

Read the entire review here: Fallen Angels Reviews

Wintry anthology

Winter Wonders
(anthology)

This month from
By Grace Publishing!

Featuring four wintery stories:

Gwen's Resolution
By: Meg Allison

Gwen sets out in the cold, snowy wonder one New Year's Eve to keep her sole resolution: she refuses to let single-hood spoil her fun anymore. But when fate takes her by the hand she comes face-to-face with the one thing she thought impossible—love.

Snow Kissed
By: Cindy K. Green

Today is one of those days Logan Reilly wished he’d stayed in bed. Not only does he have to deal with the annoying Winter Wonderland Carnival, but his close friend, that whimsical lover of snow, Holly Armstrong, was leaving town forever. The question is why didn’t she tell him and why today of all days does he realize he loves her? Can he change her mind and make her stay?

Smuggler of the Heart
By: JoAnn Carter

Disheartened and tired, Samantha Warren returns to Vermont during the winter break. Her passion for history rekindles after finding an old smuggler’s chest hidden in her grandparents' attic. Will she be able to return to New Jersey without her heart being smuggled like the chest once was? Or is it already too late? '

Maybe Forever
By Muncy G. Chapman

When Marcy Mayfield gives shelter to a near-frozen man during the worst blizzard of the season, her tender heart rules over her sensible head. But what if this stranger turns out to be the escaped prisoner reported loose in her area?

Christmas Movie Quiz

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Christmas Story

Loving, fun, and totally crazy. Don't shoot your eye out!

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Have a wonderful, safe holiday!

Are you romantic?

You are a Total Romantic

For you, love is like a fairy tale. Or magic. Or a Meg Ryan movie. Problem is, you sort of want all three. You bring the spark in the relationship In turn, you expect your guy to keep the fire burning Not a bad deal, as long as you find the right Prince.

Are You a Romantic or Realistic Girl?

Coming soon... a choice

This DECEMBER from By Grace Publishing...

Gwen's Resolution
(c) 2007 Meg Allison
featured in WINTER WONDERS anthology

Gwen sets out in the cold, snowy wonder one New Year's Eve to keep her sole resolution: she refuses to let single-hood spoil her fun anymore. But when fate takes her by the hand she comes face-to-face with the one thing she thought impossible—love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, I'm wondering ... have you ever made a New Year's Resolution, only to have it blow up in your face soon after? In a good way? Or a bad way? (GGGG) Yeah, I think it can be either/or.

We go through life making decisions, sometimes they turn out well. Sometimes we end up with more trouble than we ever dreamed of and sit there mumbling: "What the hell was I thinking???"

Choices. It's a big part of life. A good part. I'd hate not to have the ability to choose, really... even if I do screw it up once in a while. ;)

Friday Quiz

You Are a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You are a traditional person with very simple tastes. In your opinion, the best things in life are free, easy, and fun. You totally go with the flow. And you enjoy every minute of it! Your best friend: The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Your mortal enemy: The Ham Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

Happy Halloween!

FREE read!

Stop by my website for a short read this October! It's written by one of my favorite unpublished authors. :)

Title: A Bad Start

Enjoy!

Movies, anyone?

I need a little help and some recommendations for scary flixs to watch this Halloween.

Hop on over http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com/ and voice your opinion. :)

Raven Hunt!

I'm participating! Click on the image and check it out.

a FAMILIAR excerpt

FAMILIAR
a short story by Meg Allison
featured in AFTER DARK anthology
By Grace Publishing

excerpt (c) 2007 Meg Allison

She could swear she had stepped backward in time. The feeling left her a bit disconcerted. Penny had expected things to be different and not so much the same, yet it seemed as though the world stood still.

Then she blinked and the landscape transformed before her eyes. The grocery store had a Piggly Wiggly sign in place of the original; Jefferson’s had four modern gas pumps in place of the two relics; the Clip n’ Curl awning had been replaced with one in a muted shade of pink champagne; and there was a travel agency where the five-and-dime had once flourished.

Smells were familiar—the scents of apple brown betty from the diner and diesel from Jefferson’s filled the air along with the fainter scent of a brush fire burning nearby.

“Penny Lane.”

Startled, she spun toward the voice and the almost forgotten nickname that had vanished along with another part of her life. Given the sudden shift in scenery, she wasn’t too surprised to have her late husband standing behind her, smiling in the afternoon sun. This had to be a dream.

“Lou, what are you doing here?”

“I came to take you to the hardware store.”

“I don’t need anything there.”

“Yes, you do, sweetie,” he insisted and held out a hand. “You have work to do on the house.”

“I don’t need anything!” She crossed her arms over her middle, reluctant to touch her husband in any way. A shiver of unease snaked over her skin. “I’m not going.”

“Stubborn as a mule,” he said with a shake of his dark head. “But everything you need is in that store.”

He disappeared. Penny blinked at the empty space.

“I’m dreaming,” she said aloud, somewhat comforted by the visible proof. “This doesn’t make a lick of sense.”

* * * *

a FAMILIAR blurb...

Familiar
A short story by, Meg Allison
AFTER DARK anthology ~~ Sep. 28, 2007
By Grace Publishing

Sometimes things can be too FAMILIAR.

Penny Brown returns home to West Virginia hoping to get a fresh start.

But a ghost in the kitchen and prophetic dreams make her homecoming feel a bit spooky. It doesn’t help that she’s falling in love again. Could it merely be déjà vu?

***Stop by tomorrow for a short excerpt!***

The Evil quiz

You Are 26% Evil

A bit of evil lurks in your heart, but you hide it well. In some ways, you are the most dangerous kind of evil.

How Evil Are You?

In love with ... love

If I had to give one answer as to why I write romance opposed to anything else, I'd have to say that it's because I've always been in love with 'love'.

I'm a romantic at heart. I enjoy the little tingles I get when I'm in the arms of the man I love. I adore the passion, the sweet cuddles, the smiles and everything in-between. ;)

I suppose it's always been a part of me and that's why I have to write romance. There are no two ways about it. The stories my muse speaks of involve a man, a woman and all those wonderful, scary and tempestuous emotions that spark every romance. I also prefer a happy ending. Yeah, call me sappy, but if the ending is sad or just plain sucks, I'm not a happy reader. So why would I write it any differently?

But you don't always know how those two will get together, because while I do insist on a HEA (happily ever after), I also like to add a bit of mystery and some danger. Maybe throw in some broken trust or a chip on one of the character's shoulders the size of Missouri. It all adds to the tension, both sexual and otherwise, and makes for a much more consuming read. It also makes it more fun to write. ;)

So, yes, I'm a sappy romantic. But don't be surprised if you have to step over a dead body or two before you get to that happy ending. Not everyone can survive.

Themes and things...

Did you notice the new header? I've changed it from Romance Ink to what will now be my 'theme'. I never realized a writer needs one of those, lol! Although I understand now that I've seen them often enough.

It's part of the writing business -- this tricky little bit called self-promotion. Writers either tend to love it or hate it. We jump in with both feet and our wallets open wide. Or we avoid it like the plague and hope that somehow our stories will sell without it.

Doesn't work like that, unfortunately. So here I go... off to promote again. Hopefully this time I'll do it a bit better. ;)

So, if you have a minute or two, drop by my WEBSITE, read an excerpt or two and "Indulge your senses... "

You'll be glad you did. :)

Changing seasons

Fall has long been my favorite season. I love the changing leaves, the cooling temperature and the smell of woodsmoke along with the subtle hint of ice in the air. I love Halloween -- the scary stories, costumes, caramel apples, bags of candy, and mugs of hot apple cider. It also helps that my birthday is right in the middle of it all. :)

But I think the main reason I adore the season is that it puts me in mind of starting over. Sure, that might seem more appropriate for Spring, but Fall, for me, is the time to reflect on the past year; to slow down a bit from the hustle and energy of summer; to re-connect with my inner peace and my muse. Winter tends to zap my energy and motivation; the preceding season does just the opposite.

Nothing inspires me more than a fall sunset cast against the backdrop of orange, gold and red leaves. Nothing stirs my memories more than the smells in the air and the chill in the breeze... memories of a first crush; bonfires and laughter; mountain retreats and roaring fires.

All of us have seasons or things in our lives that inspire and fuel our spirits. What are some of yours?

To use it, or not? That's the question

I haven't been writing a whole lot, lately. But I have been reading. As a matter of fact, I've been delving into some historicals that I had laying around, waiting for my time and attention span to slow down a bit. Although I'm not sure either of those things happened, I did manage to finish a book or two.

One story left me wondering: How do other writers figure out what research to use and which to discard?

I have my own somewhat haphazard method. If it fits and is necessary to add flavor, tension, enhance the romance, and/or explain something in the story, then use it. If it comes off like the characters are writing a history text, let it go.

But there is still a fine line to tread and I think the end result is highly subjective. Some might say my hero rambling about the history of Ireland should have been cut. I, however, felt it needed to be included so the reader could connect with the setting AND the hero. He loves his homeland, his people and their history. He's proud of the roots that have bound him to the rocky, harsh soil that is the western coast. It also allowed the heroine to begin that fateful journey of falling in love.

In retrospect, I could have done it differently. But most writers get that feeling now and then once the story is done. The thing is, you write the best way you can 'at the moment' and hopefully grow enough by the next story to do things *right*. Or at least differently.

The only sure things...

besides death and taxes are the changes we experience throughout our lives.

Just when I get used to a certain schedule -- or lack thereof -- everything gets turned upside down and I have to readjust. Fast.

Take the new school year, for example. My oldest son (age 12) will now be taking two classes on-line via virtual classroom technology. Great for me, because I have two less things to 'worry' about; he's not so sure it's a good idea. But not only will the dynamics of our school year change dramatically, I have a feeling our relationship will, as well. For those two classes, at least, I will no longer be the main authority on the subject at hand. I will not be his teacher, mentor and guidance counselor. He'll have some stranger for that. :\

Yes, I know in my heart this is a good thing. He needs more of that outside influence as he grows older. But part of me is still reeling from the fact that one of my 'babies' won't need me 24/7. He's growing up -- an obvious occurrence since he's now an inch taller than me. :P

However, despite my moments of angst, I know he'll always be my boy. He'll always need me on some level and our special relationship will continue to grow and thrive as long as we both learn to bend with the changes and adjust to those new dynamics.

It's a lot like writing ... we learn and grow; our use of the language and storytelling grows with us if we allow it. But we have to be willing to bend. We have to be willing to stretch those creative muscles and admit when maybe, just maybe, something else might be better.

Yep, life changes are a lot like writing ... or maybe writing is a lot like life. ;)

Mama didn't tell me...

I grew up an only child and therefore missed out on a lot of the dynamics you find in a large family. Well, I'm not missing out anymore. But here is a short list of the things my mom neglected to mention. Partly because she'd forgotten; partly because I'm sure I wouldn't have listened in the first place.


Siblings will fight 24/7 about nothing in particular if you let them.

Children's voices have the knack of making a grown woman cry if they hit a certain pitch. Especially if the woman has a headache to begin with.

Male children are just as emotional -- and sometimes more so -- than female children.

While teen girls get bitchy one week a month, boys can lose it whenever they want. There is little or no warning. No chance to prepare and seek shelter.

When one child is gone -- no matter which child -- the noise level is reduced in half; the number of fights reduced by 1/3; boredom level rises by 1/5.

When all else fails, bribe them for some peace a quiet. You know you will, so let's make it 'legal', shall we?

Having more than one child is an adventure. Having more than three is a zoo. Good thing I like zoos. ;)

You will love your children more than anything; you will never, ever stop being their mother; you will never stop worrying about them.

You will forever be known as so-and-so's mom. And honestly, that's not such a bad identity to have. ;)

The last days of summer....

Summer is coming to an end here in the good ol' US of A. No, in truth it lasts until the end of September, but you'd never guess that by the weather.

Am I looking forward to fall? Yes and no. Like most moms, I anticipate school starting back. I love Halloween -- it's one of my favorite holidays -- and this coming season is my favorite over-all.

But, unlike most moms, I can't look forward to my kids running off and leaving me alone for five or six hours a day. We home school. Yes, voluntarily. ;)

However, I do look forward to the new classes; to learning and re-learning new things along with my little brood. I enjoy watching their eyes light up when something 'clicks'. Most of the time I manage a silent chuckle when they ask the age-old question: "When will I EVER need this?!?!?!"

My answer? I usually say: "You won't, but do it anyway! You can torture your own kids with it someday."

Humor can soothe a lot of angst. ;)

What kind of Fairy are you?

The Air Fairy is teeming with creative energy. She loves all art, music, stories, imaginion, anything that helps her escape her own boring reality. She pours all her emotion into what she does, which makes her an extraordinary artist. Her natural exhuberance gains her many friends, but she likes being by herself doing what she does best, dreaming! She's friendly, but sometimes seems distant and often loses herself (or others) in her thoughts. She might seem eccentric, but it's just her being herself, which is what everyone should do!

Writing contest!

Romance Junkies is having its annual Writing Contest. I was bored and managed to talk myself into entering. Twice. Oy!

Anyhow, the first entry is up this week. Title: DREAM WALK. Yes, I used another name because that's what they ask us published folks to do. LOL! If you have a chance, drop by and read the entries and VOTE!

Post-submission rules

I spent the last few weeks finishing up -- and obsessing -- over a new submission. With most of my writing at this time, I do not have a deadline unless it's self-imposed. This time, it wasn't. Which meant simply this: I HAD to get it DONE!

I'm happy to report that I did. (At least, I think I did...it's all a little fuzzy at the moment.) I got the story submitted right under the wire. Literally. Now I have to wait until the appointed time to find out if the editors like my story enough to offer that golden contract.

I have a few rules that I've worked out for myself that must be followed after each and every submission. And since my brain is about mush today, I thought I'd share them here:

The number one rule is simple but difficult to stick to:

DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT read the story before you hear back from the editor.

**I learned that one the hard way. You can't imagine the number of typos and other goofs I've 'discovered' after sending the story off -- no matter how many times I've proofed it up to that point. It's disheartening and discouraging and will make your wait seem even longer. If you've sent it out, you're done. At least for now...don't torture yourself any further. The editor will surely do it for you. ;)

2. Start another story ASAP...or continue with a wip you've left dangling. This is so important for me, because the post-submission blahs set in so quickly. If I don't jump right back on that horse, then I'm sure to run into one monster of a writer's block. Not fun. Besides, loosing yourself in another story will help the time you wait go by a bit faster.

3. The last 'rule' -- CELEBRATE! Even if the story isn't sold, you've finished it! You are among the small minority of writer-wannabees who actually wrote: THE END. It's an accomplishment and something of which you should be very proud. :)

Anyone else have rules they want to share? Whether it's for after submitting, finishing a first draft, or finishing ANYTHING important to you? :)

20 Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With

Sunglasses on and point Hair Dryer At Passing Cars.

See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise

Your Voice.

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask

If They Want Fries with That.

4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It

"In."

5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once

Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions,

Switch To Espresso.

6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For

Smuggling Diamonds"

7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With

The Prophecy."

8. Don't use any punctuation

9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.

10. Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat

with a serious face.

11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To

Go."

12. Sing Along At The Opera.

13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems

Don't Rhyme

14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And

Play tropical Sounds All Day.

15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You

Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The

Mood.

16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your

Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.

17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I

Won!, I Won!"

18.

When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The

Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're

Loose!!"

19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The

Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

20. And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......

Send This list to Someone To Make

Them Smile.

Move those glutes!

One of the big hazards with spending hours a day at the computer -- whether you're a writer, a paper-pusher, accountant, student or whatever -- is the definite lack of exercise we get. Add to that our 'must have' snacks, which honestly do sometimes spark creativity, and we can wind up more than a little out of shape. OR in a shape we'd rather not discuss... pears come to mind, however. ;)

I realize just how far I've let myself go when I manage to get sore from doing simple things like weeding the garden. Yeah, that's bad! So...off to the gym I go; determined to keep those pounds from creeping up on me again and sure that this time, I'll get that buff, trim and toned body I've always dreamed of having.

Trouble is, determination and life often collide. As do my inherent leanings toward the couch-potato syndrome AND my love of all things sweet. :P But I think I've finally come up with a compromise:

I move whenever possible. It can be weeding the garden or walking the dog or jumping on the trampoline with the kiddos or taking things up and down the stairs instead of getting one of the kids to do it. I make myself take whatever opportunity I can to put my body in motion. (That, combined with what I learned at Weight Watchers about eating habits, goes a long way in helping.)

For instance, instead of sitting on my butt and reading that book I can't put down, I take it to the gym and read while on the exercise bike. Reading is my reward and the bike doesn't seem so monotonous. I would try the treadmill, but my 'graceful' gene is somewhat limited. ;)

We all need to take time and put our glutes in motion! It's so essential for a more vital and healthy life. And while reading a hot love scene can get your blood pumping, pumping iron can give us all a real work out...and more stamina. If you know what I mean. (GGG)

Randomness in random order...

My dear friend, crit partner and colleague, Laura Hamby, tagged me. :)

Here are the rules: Each blogger should list 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 random facts as well as these rules. They then need to tag 7 others and list their names on their blog. They are also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, letting them know they have been tagged and to read the blog.

So, here goes...

1. I love chocolate milk made with Nesquik and skim milk.

2. My favorite shoes are a pair of orange sandals with a big sequined flower on top. They're wearing out, however, and I'll cry when I have to throw them out. :(

3. My favorite season is the fall. I love the bright colors -- red, orange, yellow and gold -- that the leaves turn. I love the way the air smells. I love hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick. I love Halloween. :)

4. I love thunderstorms as long as the lightning doesn't strike the ground or anything close. I like the way the air smells and the rain washes everything clean. Just keep the power on and give me a book to read. ;)

5. My favorite dessert is homemade chocolate chip cookies -- made with real butter, of course -- and a glass of ice cold milk.

6. I sing a lot -- and loudly at times. I love all kinds of music except rap and opera.

7. I've seen just about every animated Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks movie made since... oh, 1990. ;) I own many of them AND I still like to watch most of them.

Hate to be a party-pooper, but I'm not going to tag anyone back. Just did this not long ago and can't think of seven new friends to bug. ;)

I understand them?!?!?!

You Have Your PhD in Men

You understand men almost better than anyone. You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well. Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful.

How Well Do You Understand Men?

Well, apparently I do! Who knew? LOL! Certainly not me...well, I wasn't completely sure on this. But it makes sense. I've been told by at least one male -- another romance writer, Josh Lockwood -- that I do very well in writing the male POV. I suppose 'understanding' them in general terms helps. So how well do YOU understand men? And if any male wants to take the quiz, I'd love to know how accurate it really is.

Have a great week!

Just the facts...and then some.

I'm in the midst of writing a short story and I've discovered I now have to go back to finish my research. Oh joy.

I'd rather be writing, honestly, but I know the story will suffer if I try to fudge the facts even a little. Sure, as writers we have the liberty to 'make up' people, places, crimes, fashion... hell we can create entire worlds and realities! But for this story -- a paranormal, historical romance with suspenseful elements -- I need facts. Dates. Places. Even names. I need a sense of the environment and culture of the time. All this goes into making a story -- yes, a fictional story -- seem more real to the reader.

Can I tell you a secret? You've probably figured it out already, but I HATE this part. If I were a wealthy woman I'd hire someone to do the ground work for me. Seriously. Let some poor flunkie sift through the mounds of info and verify the truth from total fiction or speculation. That alone would save hours of my time. Like I said, I'd rather devote those hours to creating the story.

But even a small fortune wouldn't get me out of all the research. I'd still have to jump in and look at the information for myself. As a writer, you're lucky to use even half of the info you come up with in the actual story. If you use too much -- particularly in historical -- the reader's eyes can glaze over and you've lost them. It's all about balance.

But you cannot write about something if you don't know it or understand it. Remember, I didn't say "write what you know", that's very limiting. What I am saying is you have to know what you're writing about. You have to learn about it.

Being a writer is more than stringing words together in a decent fashion. It's so much more. It involves imagination, creativity, long-suffering, diligence, an open mind, and constant learning and growth. Even if it's that stuff, like Algebra, that leaves you wondering: "Will I ever need this?".

Um, probably not. But do it anyway. ;)

How's it growing?

Summertime at our house means lots of things, but the primary change is that we plant a garden. Willingly? Not me. See the black thumb? Plants do NOT thrive under my 'care'. Hey, I figure I've gave birth to and raised (to some extent or other) five fairly healthy children. That deserves some credit, right?

My dh, however, is the farm boy. Literally. He grew up on one and knows quite a bit about the whole planting/harvesting process. What he still can't seem to figure out is why I do NOT want to plant vegetables that no one -- except him -- will ever eat. I love him, really, I do. But come on! They're called 'wax beans' for a reason! IE: They taste like WAX!

Anyhow, every year we go through the garden thing. He plows, tills, fertilizes, plants seeds and/or small plants, and we wait. Water. Weed. Wait some more. Repeat, ad naseum, until the whole thrill of growing our own veggies wears really thin. That time comes around August when the temps are up in the 90s; the humidity is about 70%; and the weeds are fast beating out the real plants.

Don't get me wrong -- I do enjoy growing our own food. Being able to pluck fresh tomatoes and corn right off the plant is great! And it tastes so much better than anything you can buy in the store. But it is a lot of work and I sometimes wonder (mostly on those 90+ days) if it's worth it all.

Yeah, when I think about it, I admit it is worth the work. We learn a lot from our garden. We've learned just how well zucchini can be frozen and how much the kids love zucchini bread in the fall. :) We actually have fun doing the work together, as a family. It's one of those schmaltzy bonding things we do. ;) Our kids learn the value of work and see the results in a relatively reasonable amount of time. Plus, it does save some money here and there.

Most importantly, we've learned what to grow and what not to bother with... remember those Wax Beans? Heh. Only two of plants actually grew from those seeds. *No, I didn't do a thing to them -- although I was sorely tempted.* We also learned, very early on, that 43 tomato plants is way, way too many. Even for a family of seven. :P

Soothing the beast...

I've never written a shapeshifter character before. It's an interesting change of pace -- minor pun intended. ;) But honestly, I've got to believe that even with the added benefit of changing physical forms, a hero is a hero.

He still has to be sexy, intelligent (Yes, that is a must), gentle with his heroine, tough on the villain, and maybe even a little tough on himself. What else does a hero possibly need? To give him an extra gift -- or maybe curse -- only adds to the drama unfolding. It gives us another conflict that has to be overcome.

Not too far off from real life, isn't it? We all have 'gifts' and 'curses'. Things we have to live with or without. We all have conflict. Life without conflict is impossible unless you're either very deluded or living in a vacuum. Conflict can help us grow even though it causes pain.

But I think that's why so many people love to read -- and why so many love romance. If there's one thing you can count on in a true romance, it's that there will be a happy ending. The "HAPPILY EVER AFTER" fairytale finish that we don't always get in the real world. So we like to read about flawed heroes and heroines... ones with obstacles to overcome. We need someone to cheer on to victory ... confident that the writer will somehow make it work out in the end. The good guys win and love prevails. We need that, because it gives us a little bit of hope, perhaps. Not to mention a small hour or two of escape from the turmoil in our own lives.

Although having a hero who can shift at will from man to beast is a new experience for me, it's not as difficult as I first thought. He seems to relish the power I've given him -- it has completed his personality, his backstory and his conflict.

Just one more thing to figure out ... What happens to his clothes?

LOL! Yes, I am the practical one. ;)

Summertime blahs...

A fellow author was complaining recently about her teenage daughter's penchant for sitting around doing nothing. I started thinking about it, wondering how many other moms and dads out there have this problem?

I remember during my summers off of school. I would be so thrilled for about a week or two, then bored out of my mind. I'd spend most of my time reading and watching television, with the odd trip or two to a pool with friends. Summer vacations were few and being a typical teen, I was determined to NOT enjoy them. LOL!

How do you keep your kids busy when the excitement of "No school!" becomes the whine of "I'm Bored!" ??? Or maybe worse yet, they just sit there like lumps of modeling clay, baking in the glow of the television screen, refusing to do a blasted thing?

I make mine read. Well, the older two don't need any threats where that's concerned. We also have the blessing of a YMCA family membership, so many afternoons are spent at the pool. They also have sleepovers; the odd movie here and there; lazy days watching cartoons and bouncing on the trampoline. My children are pretty good at keeping themselves entertained. It's when they start arguing that I have to step in and give them something different to do.

Anyone want to share their tricks or secrets? Or you can just vent if you'd like. (GGG)