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Friday, August 18, 2006
Life expectancy...
| You Will Die at Age 79 |
 You're pretty average when it comes to how you live... And how you'll die as well. |
Personality Test
| Your Personality Is |
You are a passionate, caring, and unique person. You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals. You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily. Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings. You seek out other empathetic people to befriend. Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships. In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily. At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career. With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone. As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style. On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours. |
Thursday, August 17, 2006
| Your Aura is Blue |
 Spiritual and calm, you tend to live a quiet but enriching life. You are very giving of yourself. And it's hard for you to let go of relationships. The purpose of your life: showing love to other people Famous blues include: Angelina Jolie, the Dali Lama, Oprah Careers for you to try: Psychic, Peace Corps Volunteer, Counselor |
No real comment
Well, I'm there. At MySpace. I'm not hugely impressed ... and yet it's kind of neat the amount of *friends* I've already accumulated while networking. One extremely surprising episode came about when I was 'reunited' with an old friend I haven't seen in at least 17 or 18 years. Talk about a small world!
Otherwise, the whole *friends* thing... I now have about 70 ... but it's a bit strong of a word, IMHO. I'm sure most of them, if not all, are very nice, pleasant folk. But friends? Not quite the word I'd choose. It would be nice to create some actual friendships from that list, however. I know it can be done in time.
I have a distinct feeling the whole environment was set up for us wall flowers -- those of us who maybe had a hard time fitting in during high school or college? Those of us who still have a hard time 'meeting and greeting' out there in the real world.
But, that's just my first impression. My quick impression of a world within which I feel totally alien. Yet, there are a lot of interesting people there. I may learn a thing or two. ;)
Will MySpace help sell more books? Huh. I really can't tell. I think the only thing that can sell books is word of mouth and a storyline that grabs the reader's attention -- and keeps it.
A great cover doesn't hurt, either.
Otherwise, the whole *friends* thing... I now have about 70 ... but it's a bit strong of a word, IMHO. I'm sure most of them, if not all, are very nice, pleasant folk. But friends? Not quite the word I'd choose. It would be nice to create some actual friendships from that list, however. I know it can be done in time.
I have a distinct feeling the whole environment was set up for us wall flowers -- those of us who maybe had a hard time fitting in during high school or college? Those of us who still have a hard time 'meeting and greeting' out there in the real world.
But, that's just my first impression. My quick impression of a world within which I feel totally alien. Yet, there are a lot of interesting people there. I may learn a thing or two. ;)
Will MySpace help sell more books? Huh. I really can't tell. I think the only thing that can sell books is word of mouth and a storyline that grabs the reader's attention -- and keeps it.
A great cover doesn't hurt, either.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
My Space
Yes, I've followed the crowd. Which is honestly something I don't normally do, but I've decided to give My Space a try. We'll see if it generates any real interest and the kind of contacts I'd like to have.
Join me here: http://www.myspace.com/meg_allison
Join me here: http://www.myspace.com/meg_allison
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
And another whine...
I am officially feeling sorry for myself.
Oh, yes, this is so fun. Why do I do it? Human frailty, I suspect, or perhaps it's that hormonal crap again. Heaven knows.
But I'm sitting here tonight, melting under the weight of the humidity and wishing I could dive into a swimming pool -- and mourning what I cannot be.
I am not perfect. I cannot be loved by one and all. My novels are not on the top of anyone's Best Sellers' list. And the dream I once had of being published by some Big Name Print Pub seems a mile away.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cry me a river and burn the tear-stained t-shirt already!
But my philosophy is this: Whine if you want to (or need to) and then get the heck over it!
We all need to vent...we all need a moment or two to cry, wail and gnash our teeth in dismay. But if we stay in that corner a couple of unpleasant things are going to happen.
Everyone will eventually get sick of it and leave us alone. REALLY alone.
Nothing will ever get better 'cause we're not doing one damn thing about it.
I can say this -- to myself, mind you -- because if anyone else pointed it out I'd probably hurt them. I can say this here because the mic is on but nobody's home! So, I am, essentially, talking to myself. Kind of therapeutic, actually.
Huh, maybe this blogging stuff isn't a waste of time after all.
Oh, yes, this is so fun. Why do I do it? Human frailty, I suspect, or perhaps it's that hormonal crap again. Heaven knows.
But I'm sitting here tonight, melting under the weight of the humidity and wishing I could dive into a swimming pool -- and mourning what I cannot be.
I am not perfect. I cannot be loved by one and all. My novels are not on the top of anyone's Best Sellers' list. And the dream I once had of being published by some Big Name Print Pub seems a mile away.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Cry me a river and burn the tear-stained t-shirt already!
But my philosophy is this: Whine if you want to (or need to) and then get the heck over it!
We all need to vent...we all need a moment or two to cry, wail and gnash our teeth in dismay. But if we stay in that corner a couple of unpleasant things are going to happen.
Everyone will eventually get sick of it and leave us alone. REALLY alone.
Nothing will ever get better 'cause we're not doing one damn thing about it.
I can say this -- to myself, mind you -- because if anyone else pointed it out I'd probably hurt them. I can say this here because the mic is on but nobody's home! So, I am, essentially, talking to myself. Kind of therapeutic, actually.
Huh, maybe this blogging stuff isn't a waste of time after all.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
You want fries with that?
I don't ask for much in life. Healthy children; a happy husband; enough income to make ends meet. You know -- the basics of clothing and shelter.
But I would really like at least six more hours in my day. For writing.
I have all these stories floating around -- some in the process of being written, others simple ghosts of ideas -- and I can't seem to find the time to get them down on 'paper'. The ones in process elude me when I do have a spare moment in the computer chair.
So, along with my nice, comfortable life, I want a little more. Don't we all? Oh, there are other things I'd like as well, but the writing issue is uppermost in my mind today. Because when I don't write, I'm not 100% happy. It's like I'm being cut off from my inspiration -- being kept from one of my main purposes -- my battery in need of a good charge and the power is off.
Let me tell you, an unhappy mama makes for an unhappy family. Just ask my kids.
Of course, if you can't get me those extra six hours, how about a babysitter and another computer?
No?
Figures. Guess it's time .... shudder... prioritize. :-(
But I would really like at least six more hours in my day. For writing.
I have all these stories floating around -- some in the process of being written, others simple ghosts of ideas -- and I can't seem to find the time to get them down on 'paper'. The ones in process elude me when I do have a spare moment in the computer chair.
So, along with my nice, comfortable life, I want a little more. Don't we all? Oh, there are other things I'd like as well, but the writing issue is uppermost in my mind today. Because when I don't write, I'm not 100% happy. It's like I'm being cut off from my inspiration -- being kept from one of my main purposes -- my battery in need of a good charge and the power is off.
Let me tell you, an unhappy mama makes for an unhappy family. Just ask my kids.
Of course, if you can't get me those extra six hours, how about a babysitter and another computer?
No?
Figures. Guess it's time .... shudder... prioritize. :-(
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Working out... food for thought.
I learned how to use the gym equipment today at my local YMCA. Yes, I am somewhat behind the times -- one of the last to jump into the fitness frenzy and actually start 'working out' at the gym.
Uh, we'll see how long it lasts. I am not an athletic person but I am determined to age as ungracefully as possible. Meaning: I'm going out kicking and screaming, gray hair colored, weight under control and abs, glutes and what-have-yous as firm as I can get them before gravity takes over and it all starts to sag.
However, as I wandered around the fitness center today and tried out the machines, my imagination kicked into overdrive. Oh, great. Not again!
I have a love/hate relationship with this thought process. Yes, I can always use good material for new stories. No, I do NOT need a new story right now. But muses being fickel, difficult little sprites who rather enjoy making writers/painters/artists pull their hair out by the roots -- a new story is exactly what began to simmer in my brain.
Maybe not completely new. But I think I have a new twist to one I've already begun. A new dimension to both plot and characters. Yes, it just might work.
And if I keep working on my form, maybe the rest of the story will fall into place as easily. I guess this means I'm stuck working out for while. Oy.
Uh, we'll see how long it lasts. I am not an athletic person but I am determined to age as ungracefully as possible. Meaning: I'm going out kicking and screaming, gray hair colored, weight under control and abs, glutes and what-have-yous as firm as I can get them before gravity takes over and it all starts to sag.
However, as I wandered around the fitness center today and tried out the machines, my imagination kicked into overdrive. Oh, great. Not again!
I have a love/hate relationship with this thought process. Yes, I can always use good material for new stories. No, I do NOT need a new story right now. But muses being fickel, difficult little sprites who rather enjoy making writers/painters/artists pull their hair out by the roots -- a new story is exactly what began to simmer in my brain.
Maybe not completely new. But I think I have a new twist to one I've already begun. A new dimension to both plot and characters. Yes, it just might work.
And if I keep working on my form, maybe the rest of the story will fall into place as easily. I guess this means I'm stuck working out for while. Oy.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Pats on the back
I like reviews. Okay, so I haven't gotten a *bad* one yet, but I love those little pats on the back. I revel in those comments that tell me -- YES, this story made sense; NO, I didn't figure out the secrets by page fifty; YES, your hero is as yummy as you think he is AND your heroine is not too stupid to live. ;)
Logic dictates that someday I will get a bad review: one full of snark and criticism -- or one that is just a little luke warm in response. I'm sure I'll mope about it a bit, but I'll pick myself up and put that one aside. Then on to the next story. Because I realize everyone will not adore my stories, and that's really okay. How boring would the world be if we all liked the same things? And how much more difficult would it be to get published, if that were true?
Let's not even think about that.
***By the way, check out my new Fallen Angels reviews for Secrets and Shadows & Romancing Jenny.... HERE.***
Logic dictates that someday I will get a bad review: one full of snark and criticism -- or one that is just a little luke warm in response. I'm sure I'll mope about it a bit, but I'll pick myself up and put that one aside. Then on to the next story. Because I realize everyone will not adore my stories, and that's really okay. How boring would the world be if we all liked the same things? And how much more difficult would it be to get published, if that were true?
Let's not even think about that.
***By the way, check out my new Fallen Angels reviews for Secrets and Shadows & Romancing Jenny.... HERE.***
Thursday, June 22, 2006
First Pops' Girls review
Learning to Live received its first review -- earning the Top Pick Award at Romance Reader at Heart! Read the entire review HERE.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Dancing on the ceiling!
I finally get to announce this:
"The Historical that Wouldn't Die".... LIVES! And has found a home at Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Set in 1870 on the Western Coast of Ireland, Alaina's Promise was my first completed novel. It's undergone serious revisions since that time...a time when I had no idea what 'point of view' or 'headhopping' meant. My plotting left much to be desired, as well.
But the story has been streamlined, made more coherent and a little more exciting. Apparently my editor approved. :)
With a tentative release date of January 30th, this coming year is shaping up to be another good one.
"The Historical that Wouldn't Die".... LIVES! And has found a home at Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Set in 1870 on the Western Coast of Ireland, Alaina's Promise was my first completed novel. It's undergone serious revisions since that time...a time when I had no idea what 'point of view' or 'headhopping' meant. My plotting left much to be desired, as well.
But the story has been streamlined, made more coherent and a little more exciting. Apparently my editor approved. :)
With a tentative release date of January 30th, this coming year is shaping up to be another good one.
Friday, June 16, 2006
New release -- it's a comedy!
Learning to Live is now available as a download and trade paperback! I'm excited to see my newest 'baby' make its way into the world. ;)
If you like romantic comedy with a little bit of sex appeal, then you'll love Learning to Live & the other installments of our Blue Plate Special: Pops' Girls series.
If you like romantic comedy with a little bit of sex appeal, then you'll love Learning to Live & the other installments of our Blue Plate Special: Pops' Girls series.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Quirks R Us
I have a quirk.
"Oh, really?" Go ahead and laugh. You know you want to.
I write, therefore I have to be a bit 'off', don't you think? Maybe. At least I have to be a bit different from most people. Most people do NOT make up stories in their heads. Took me years to realize this and the phenomenon still fascinates me.
My particular quirk -- at least the one I'm willing to divulge in a public forum -- is this:
I cannot write an unnamed story.
Nope. Can't do it. I've tried and failed.
I have to have a title or the words don't come. Nothing. It's as if the title cements the story; sets the tone; directs or defines the plot. The title seems to bring it to life like the lightning bolt that jolted Dr. Frankenstein's monster off the table and into our nightmares.
If I have a title, the rest can be as vague as a character's name and a general premise. Sometimes the title leads me to the rest as if it were a guidepost. Strange, huh? I don't know if anyone else writes this way and I'm honestly afraid to ask. But it works for me. I suppose nothing else really matters.
Current titles in the works or on my to-do list:
Table for Two (rom com)
Chameleon (paranormal rom suspense)
Autumn of the Armada (historical)
Small Town Junk (contemp suspense)
Phone Tag (rom com w/paranormal elements)
A Perfect Fit (rom com)
I love titles that do double duty -- ones with hidden or multiple meanings. But I won't tell you which ones fit that billing. You'll just have to read the stories to find out for yourself. ;)
"Oh, really?" Go ahead and laugh. You know you want to.
I write, therefore I have to be a bit 'off', don't you think? Maybe. At least I have to be a bit different from most people. Most people do NOT make up stories in their heads. Took me years to realize this and the phenomenon still fascinates me.
My particular quirk -- at least the one I'm willing to divulge in a public forum -- is this:
I cannot write an unnamed story.
Nope. Can't do it. I've tried and failed.
I have to have a title or the words don't come. Nothing. It's as if the title cements the story; sets the tone; directs or defines the plot. The title seems to bring it to life like the lightning bolt that jolted Dr. Frankenstein's monster off the table and into our nightmares.
If I have a title, the rest can be as vague as a character's name and a general premise. Sometimes the title leads me to the rest as if it were a guidepost. Strange, huh? I don't know if anyone else writes this way and I'm honestly afraid to ask. But it works for me. I suppose nothing else really matters.
Current titles in the works or on my to-do list:
Table for Two (rom com)
Chameleon (paranormal rom suspense)
Autumn of the Armada (historical)
Small Town Junk (contemp suspense)
Phone Tag (rom com w/paranormal elements)
A Perfect Fit (rom com)
I love titles that do double duty -- ones with hidden or multiple meanings. But I won't tell you which ones fit that billing. You'll just have to read the stories to find out for yourself. ;)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Join our Reader Loops!
If you like to talk about good romance and want to keep up-to-date on two up-and-coming e-publishers, then join our reader loops:
Moonlit Romance publishes romance with a little steam from PG to soft R; except for the upcoming imprint, Moonlit Madness which will present the hotter side of love. Click on the logo to join in the fun and learn more.
By Grace Publications is a publisher of both Inspirational and Sweet romance. Click on the logo to join with our authors, editors and publisher in discussing romance presented the old-fashioned way.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The reviews roll in...
My first Samhain book, Secrets and Shadows, is due out August 22nd, but the reviews are coming in already. So far, they're really great! :)
You can read the one at Euro Reviews here: http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=278
(Their reviewer, Chantay, gave the story 4.5 flags and had some very nice comments to add.)
The other review from Coffee Time Romance wont' be posted in full until August. But here's a little peek at what their reviewer, Charissa, had to say:
"Fraught with lushly written twists and turns, this story is a fantastic read. The author has created two characters with strength and vulnerabilities that endear, and the danger that lurks around every corner leaves you guessing right up to the very end. The smoldering sexual tensions that grow page by page are the crowning touch." (Rating: 4 cups)
Am I psyched? Oh, yeah! These reviews and the comments made show me that I've done my job very well. What more can a writer ask for?
You can read the one at Euro Reviews here: http://euroreviews.eu.funpic.de/bookdetails.php?book_id=278
(Their reviewer, Chantay, gave the story 4.5 flags and had some very nice comments to add.)
The other review from Coffee Time Romance wont' be posted in full until August. But here's a little peek at what their reviewer, Charissa, had to say:
"Fraught with lushly written twists and turns, this story is a fantastic read. The author has created two characters with strength and vulnerabilities that endear, and the danger that lurks around every corner leaves you guessing right up to the very end. The smoldering sexual tensions that grow page by page are the crowning touch." (Rating: 4 cups)
Am I psyched? Oh, yeah! These reviews and the comments made show me that I've done my job very well. What more can a writer ask for?
Monday, June 05, 2006
Chat tonight!
I'll be chatting tonight from 9-10 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, in the chatroom at Moonlit Romance. Pop on in and *meet* me and other Moonlit authors, editors and our wonderful publisher -- you may even win a prize! :)
We'll be discussing my upcoming release: Learning to Live, the third installment in the Blue Plate Special: Pops' Girls series.
We'll be discussing my upcoming release: Learning to Live, the third installment in the Blue Plate Special: Pops' Girls series.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Done!
Yes! Another one is done and out the cyber-door!
Oh, yes, I was about an hour late on my deadline--but hopefully no one will notice. If they do, well, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
Am I satisfied with the story? Yes and no. It didn't exactly take the turns I thought it might. It didn't wind up the sexy read I might have expected...although there are moments of major tension.
I have a hard time judging here, because this one was so hard to write! And I'm not 100% sure why. Maybe me heart wasn't in it? Maybe it was circumstances in real life? I have no idea. But I did it -- and it's cute, a little romantic, hopefully a little funny now and then. If not, there's always editing. ;)
Oh, yes, I was about an hour late on my deadline--but hopefully no one will notice. If they do, well, I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
Am I satisfied with the story? Yes and no. It didn't exactly take the turns I thought it might. It didn't wind up the sexy read I might have expected...although there are moments of major tension.
I have a hard time judging here, because this one was so hard to write! And I'm not 100% sure why. Maybe me heart wasn't in it? Maybe it was circumstances in real life? I have no idea. But I did it -- and it's cute, a little romantic, hopefully a little funny now and then. If not, there's always editing. ;)
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Irony, anyone?
I've been playing around with promotional items and came up with a great idea -- why not print out my very pretty banner (made by fellow Samhellion, Rene Lyons) as a bookmark?
It looks good! Perfect size. Simple; to the point; pretty.
And then it hit me. A writer whose mainly pubished in e-books...making bookmarks? Huh. Slightly ironic, don't you think?
Then again, all my titles thus far are or will be available in Print on Demand form. AND if someone should use my little bookmark in some other book...they'll have my name and website addy right there with them. As a gentle reminder, perhaps. So, yeah, this could work.
If not, hey, it gives me something to do while I'm waiting for the decision on that never-ending-but-it-did (Thank God) historical.
It looks good! Perfect size. Simple; to the point; pretty.
And then it hit me. A writer whose mainly pubished in e-books...making bookmarks? Huh. Slightly ironic, don't you think?
Then again, all my titles thus far are or will be available in Print on Demand form. AND if someone should use my little bookmark in some other book...they'll have my name and website addy right there with them. As a gentle reminder, perhaps. So, yeah, this could work.
If not, hey, it gives me something to do while I'm waiting for the decision on that never-ending-but-it-did (Thank God) historical.
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