Coping with rejection

It seems the complete story of Gabriel Bonnett and Beth Murphy will have to remain a mystery to Sentinels' fans. Unfortunately, my editor wasn't impressed with draft two of the book.

Like most writers, I've experienced my share of rejections. It still stings a bit, but you learn to cope and move on. You have to -- the only alternative is giving up. But what do you do once that "no thanks" letter couched in apology arrives? How do you deal with your disappointment? The self-doubt? And just what the hell do you do with the thousands of words you've written and now seem to have been a waste of your time?

This time around it hasn't been quite the dilemma that it once was. Honestly, after a certain period of optimism, I was somewhat expecting the R -- shorthand for 'rejection letter' in this business. I'm not sure why... but somewhere along the line I lost faith in this particular story.

And no, it wasn't a "nice" R with loads of compliments and such regarding the strengths of the story. By the tone and what was said, there didn't seem to be even one thing that appealed to her about Gabriel and Beth's romance. Pity. I really like those two characters.

Do I take it personally? Um, a little...but not deeply. I think the big problem here was I had reworked it to death. It lost any spark it might have had in the beginning. It wasn't the story I really wanted it to be. Also, it really might have been better as the first story -- or later in the series. Pre-quels are a very tricky animal. So maybe that's part of why I'm not taking this R quite so much to heart as others.

That, and previous experience. BTDT, as the t-shirt says. ;)

Still... here comes the self-doubt. Although I'm over 11k into the next Sentinels book -- now bumped up to that coveted #2 spot -- I stutter to a halt when I begin to write a scene. Am I making the same mistakes with Samantha's story as I did with Gabriel's? Are my character's goals, motivations, and conflicts (GMCs) as clear-cut and riveting as they need to be? Does their relationship have enough spark...a strong chemistry? Is the action paced well? Fast but not too rushed?

Yes, self-doubt can be a crippling thing when it comes to writing. It brings your muse to a screeching halt. It makes your hands freeze over the keyboard and your thoughts shut down as if someone hit a switch. It can also turn you into a chocolate-guzzling lump, sitting in front of the television watching all day marathons of NCIS...

But I digress. (ahem) What I really want to know is: How do you deal with rejection? How do you tame that demon self-doubt and send him back to Hades where he belongs? Please share ... I have another book to finish.

Show and tell blogging...

I blogged this evening over at Beyond the Veil.

What's in your favorites and history? Do you dare tell?

Spotlight

My good friend, writer Laura Hamby, cast the spotlight on DREAM WALK a while ago. Come check it out.

It's good to have friends. :)

Hot off the presses!

The print edition of DREAM WALK is available beginning today!

You can order it at your favorite on-line bookseller, or try any of these links: My Bookstore and More; BooksAMillion.com; Powells.com; Amazon.com.

If you'd rather, you can also ask your local brick-and-mortar store to order a copy. :)

“Dream Walk” by Meg Allison

Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-1-60504-317-3
Length: 288 Pages

Some nightmares are deadly real.

The Sentinels, Book 1

Camille Bryant is a gifted medium being slowly driven insane by terrifying dreams. When she is forced to accept help from a Sentinel—a mysterious warrior of her race—her comfort zone is quickly invaded. Try as she might, she can’t seem to stop the erotic visions that fill her mind when her rescuer is near.

Ian Spain is a dream walker who’s been assigned to banish the dream demon from Camille’s restless nights. But complications quickly ensue. This is no ordinary demon and Camille is no ordinary woman: both are far stronger than anyone realizes. So strong, Ian suddenly isn’t sure he has the power to vanquish her demon—not when his own hound his every step.

Their passion ignites even as the body count rises and their courage is put to the test in a battle as old as time. Winner takes all.

Warning: Scenes of leather-clad hero may induce spontaneous drooling, erotic fantasies, and unfair comparisons to spouse or significant other.

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

A glimpse of a hero:

Chapter One

Savannah
Present day

Camille jerked awake, her breath coming in short, shallow gasps. Images from the nightmare hovered like nebulous ghosts in her mind. Long damp strands of hair stuck to her face, the thin cotton nightshirt clung to her skin. Kicking off the sheet, she swung her feet to the floor and took a deep breath.

Nightmare. More like night terror. She’d had them as a young girl—moments of absolute horror that had her seeing things crawling up the dark, empty walls. Camille remembered little except the transparent images superimposed on the real world, and her mother’s soothing voice.

She clicked on the bedside lamp. Her shoulders drooped with defeat as she glanced at the clock. Five in the morning. She hadn’t gone to bed until two. With a heavy sigh, she rose and crossed to the adjoining bathroom. She stripped off the sweat-soaked garment and climbed into the shower.

Over the past four months, she had relived the same terrifying visions with the same conclusion. Camille had all but lost her ability to sleep. Lack of sleep made it hard to think, let alone write. Work suffered, not to mention her sanity which hung by a thread.

“He’s coming.”

She jerked her head up from beneath the hot drizzle and glanced around at the swirling steam. With a sigh of relief, she shook her head.

“Don’t scare me like that,” she whispered.

“No worries, child.”

She closed her eyes as a warm, peaceful wave filled her from head to toe. Her guide, her spirit mentor, was the only man she trusted. The only man she’d let close since her nineteenth birthday over ten years ago.

As she allowed the blank screen in her mind to change, colors swirled like a kaleidoscope. An image formed of shoulder-length dark hair pulled back from a bronzed face. The features sharpened to reveal eyes as dark as pitch, a straight nose, heavy brow and full mouth. Camille’s breath caught. He was beautiful and frightening all at once. This man would help her overcome evil? He looked like a warrior or a fallen angel, not a savior.

~~~~~~~

~~Meg


Indulge your senses...
http://www.megallisonauthor.com

Dream Walk in PRINT!

I just found out that DREAM WALK will be available in print this coming week -- Tuesday, July 7th.

It's available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and will be available at My Bookstore and More starting July 7th.






Book Two of the Sentinels series is currently in the hands of my wonderful editor. I'm hoping this version will pass the test -- but time will tell. Meanwhile, I'm hard at work on Book Three, At Second Sight, which features one of the secondary characters of DREAM WALK as its heroine. More about that over the next few weeks.

Here's a sneak peek at DREAM WALK:

A knock made her jump. She stared at the closed bedroom door, heart pounding as she wondered who else could possibly be up this early? The sun had barely risen.

“Camille?”

She let out a deep breath as Ian’s voice reached through the barrier.

“I need to speak with you.”

She bit her lip. Maybe she could pretend…

“I know you’re there,” he said as if he could read her mind. “Open up.”

She slid off the lock and opened the door. His presence filled her room even as he stood in the hallway, gazing down at her with those midnight-black eyes. A woman could sink into those eyes and gladly drift away toward the promises lingering in the shadows. But she had always been afraid of the dark.

He searched her face like a seer divining tea leaves. From the way his jaw clenched, he didn’t like the revelations. He stared at her a moment and it seemed as if she could feel his mind reaching into hers—seeking the truth. She blinked in surprise. Did he have a psychic gift as well? He gave her a half-smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I need access to your website. I want to see if my tech boys can trace any of the threatening messages.”

“You can use the computer in the study downstairs, but I deleted them all a long time ago.”

“I imagine they’ll hit a brick wall, but it’s worth a try. I need something to occupy my time while you’re writing.”

“All right, I’ll be here if you need anything else.”

“What’s your password? They’ll need it to access the site as the administrator.”

She hesitated for a moment—not because she was giving him admittance to another portion of her life, but because she was afraid. Would he laugh? Judge?

“Beatrix Potter.”

He frowned. “Excuse me?”

“The password is Beatrix Potter.” She sighed when he continued to stare. “She wrote children’s stories about animals. Peter Rabbit?”

He held up a hand. “Yes, I know who she is. I was once a child myself, believe it or not.” This time the smile lifted the corners of his dark eyes where it glittered like stars in the deep-night sky. “You continue to amaze me. You aren’t anything like what I expected.”

“Oh, and what did you expect?”

His smile broadened to a full-fledged grin. Her heart skipped a beat and then raced like a jackrabbit fleeing a wolf. God. He’s beautiful.

“Well, honestly, I expected someone more like Ophelia.” He winked and turned away.
~~~~

Indulge your senses...
www.megallisonauthor.com

Tools of the trade

Every career requires a certain amount of learning or training. Writing is no different. While classes in English, literature, and creative writing can help hone a god-given talent, the learning doesn't stop there. And the best place to learn? From other writers, of course. :)

There are some things -- books, in particular -- that I personally feel no serious writer should be without. First, there's the obvious: Strunk & White Elements of Style; and a good dictionary and thesaurus combo. For the latter, shop around a bit to find one with a lot of choices. Some, I've found, are limited.

Now, for the more subjective list.

On Writing, by Stephen King

I've lost count of the number of writers who say they swear by this book -- that to them, it's like the industry bible. Whether or not you enjoy horror, King is one of the greatest writers ever. He has an amazing ability to string words together and draw you deep into the story and the minds of his characters. This book -- which is somewhat an autobigraphy as well as a how-to book -- is full of fantastic guidance.

Now I give fair warning: it is not for the faint of heart. He's honest, forthwright and his language can be extremely... shall we say, earthy? ;) If cursing bothers you, then pass it by -- unless you can overlook it and instead glean the gems from this work. It just might be worth it, but that's a very personal preference.

Writing the Romance Novel for Dummies, by Leslie Wainger

This book is sitting on my own shelf. While you may not be interested in writing romance, Wainger's book still has great advice regarding characters, plotting, etc. If you are writing romance, then this book is a must-have because it comes from the perspective of the editor -- that person you want to please with your final product.

Another great 'how-to' book for romance writers is:

The Art of Romance Writing, by Valerie Parv

Ms Parv is a multi-published romance author -- probably well-known to the Harlequin/Silhouette readers. She's clever, a fantastic story-teller, and a really amazing lady. Any guidance you can receive from an established pro has got to be worth its weight in gold.

Okay, these are just some of the tools I'd like to endorse for anyone wanting to improve their writing style. Next time, some ideas for researching. But until then, would anyone like to add to the list?

A rose by any other name...

Could be a whole different kind of flower. ;)

Today I'm thinking about words. Note that I'm in editing and revision stage with book two -- SHATTERED (previously titled: Broken). My dear, intelligent editor didn't care for the first version. I understood her objections, asked if I could revise and resubmit with them in mind. She agreed. And such is the way you deal with that.

Of course, she could still hate it when I'm done, but that's a chance I'm willing to take. (Typing with crossed fingers is really difficult, btw.) ;)

But I digress... Revisions often mean I'm looking for new ways to say the same thing again and again. I hate repetitious words. Readers do, as well. If you use a word too often in the space of a page or two -- or use a very unfamiliar word -- it can 'bump' them out of the story. As a writer, you need to keep them reading long into the night. You don't want to give them any reason to put that book down. And therefore you need to smooth the bumps wherever possible. Think of yourself as a one-person road crew.

So, out come the handy dandy Thesaurus. Of course you can use the one built into your word program or one on the Internet. It's your call. But it's one of the better tools in a writer's arsenal.

We'll discuss other must-have books in a later post.

However, inside your thesaurus, make a note to yourself. It should say something like this: USE WITH CARE. You see, not all synonyms are created equal. Let's take the word "rose", since I titled this post with it to get your attention. ;) Thesaurus.com lists possibilities as: flush, blush, pink, red, rosette, rouge.

Could you use any of these in place of the word? Um, probably not...unless you are referring to the color. If you're talking about the flower itself, you're limited. This isn't the best example, really, but the point I'm trying to make is that synonyms don't always have the exact meaning of the word you started with. They are close-to OR similar to. NOT exact...at least, not always.

I was talking with a dear friend who line-edits part time. She mentioned a story she was working on (without telling me the title or author's name) in which it was obvious the writer used her handy thesaurus at every turn. Unfortunately, the words she picked didn't always mean what she thought they meant.

Now here's where another important writing tool comes into play: the Dictionary. If you're in doubt, look it up. This is not the editor's job, it's yours. Many editors will just send a polite rejection letter instead of even trying to fix copy with a lot of errors.

Also, remember I said unusual words will bump a reader? There are times when even the best synonym just doesn't work. For example, I have a really hard time writing scenes where a door is involved. Sounds dumb? Think about it.

Here's a very short example from my latest novel, DREAM WALK:

"The bundle of towels held like a shield, she walked the long
yards to her bodyguard’s room. For a moment, she simply
listened before tapping lightly on the door. Silence. She
frowned. Perhaps he had gone back to his car for something?

She knocked louder. Nothing. With a shrug, she opened the
door and stepped inside. It would be better to leave the linens
on the bed and scoot out again. Without pinpointing the reason,
she knew it wasn’t wise to risk another confrontation so soon."

Normally I would cringe at the use of the same noun twice in such a short space. But with 'door', I've found my options are limited. Any other term draws too much attention. Here are some possibilities: aperture, egress, entry, entryway, exit, gate, gateway, hatch, hatchway, ingress, opening, portal, postern, slammer.

Um, yeah. I don't talk like that. Do you? IF you do, great, use the word that sounds natural -- to you and to your characters. But in my world of limited vocabulary skills, a door is a door is a door. ;) Of course, in other instances, the words like "exit; entry; gate; or opening" would work, but not in these two paragraphs.

Now that you've gotten some of your story written, you have permission to go back and edit a bit. ;) Start by making sure your word choices are the best for the story. Do the words flow? Do you have to stop and think about what a word means or how to pronounce it? If so, then maybe you need to consider a change. Of course the real test comes when you get a beta-reader, aka critique partner, to look over your stuff.

But the words you choose are vital: They set the tone of your story. The words you tend to use are also a part of what we call your "voice". Every artist has a style -- and so do writers. The trick is to let yours be heard.

So open your document; grab a thesaurus and carefully... very carefully check for those pesky repetitious words. I will say, however, that it might be better to completely re-write a sentence or paragraph or MORE rather than use an iffy synonym.

Each writer's tool is important... and each should be handled with care.

Now what?

Hopefully you've been writing down your story. I've actually had a really good week in that department -- all but three chapters in SHATTERED are completely revised; wrote over three-thousand new words for book three, AT SECOND SIGHT.

Compared to my recent attempts at working, this is fantastic, trust me.

Now that you've started writing, what's next? Well for most of us there's a point -- sometimes more than one -- when we get stuck. This can be in the "sagging middle" or some other area in the story. The trick is to not let it get you down... and to keep on writing.

My experience as a writer has taught me that there are different levels in my creative process. The one I love happens much too infrequently. It's when words pour like water from my fingertips. I can visualize the scene; the dialogue; the sensual information without a hiccup. It feels as if someone is dictating the story from one word to the next. I love "the zone"...and it's during these times that I'm most productive.

The other extreme is "pulling teeth" writing. That's when it feels like I'm digging every other word from the bottom of some deep pit in my brain. One sentence is a struggle. An entire scene is almost torture! Sometimes this is the point where I give up and close the document. If I can feel it's going to be a "pulling teeth" kind of session, I often won't even try. But that's the worse thing you can do.

The best way to get past the hiccups in your writing is to keep on trucking. ;) Write as much as you can -- even if it's very little. But write something. The only way to finish is to DO IT. The bad days will pass and when those little road blocks come down, it is such a rush!

On writing... where to begin

A year or two ago I wrote a few posts regarding the how-tos of writing. I decided to offer my own two cents on the subject after a book signing where quite a few people asked me some basic questions: How do you write? How do you get published? It seems a lot of people are wannabe writers. I've decided to offer advice once again with the hope that I can find something useful to say. :)

But how do you get to "wannabe" to "being"? Sounds almost philosophical. ;)

First I'll ask this: Do you want to write? No... Better question: Do you need to write?

I've found that most writers do so because they have something to say--something they just can't bottle up inside. They have stories playing out in their minds, with plots and characters in a wide array of settings. My first scenes in a new story often resemble a movie trailer, but it doesn't have to be visual image in your head. Everyone is different and therefore the creative process varies.

The first step towards becoming a writer is very simple. If you have an idea: write it down. Don't worry about the words you use, at first. Don't worry about imagery, form or synonyms. The main thing is to get your idea, your story onto paper... or the computer screen.

Once you write down as much as you can, then you can go back and make it pretty. But even then, you should always limit how much time goes into editing. Save the bulk of that for the final rough draft.

Now don't be impatient. I said to write down the idea. My beginnings are often a scene or two -- sometimes from the middle of the story. Sometimes I don't even know where the image is going to play. But you have to get that idea down on paper before you lose it. You have to start so you can finish.

So get moving! The world has plenty of room for great stories. We want to hear yours.

Now while you're doing that... I have some work of my own to do. ;)

to be continued

Borrowing kids

Well, not really 'borrowing'. It's more like a temporary adoption thing. ;)

Of course I'm talking about sleep-overs, the great tradition of allowing your children to have friends over to hang-out all night. The name is a misnomer since sleep rarely has anything to do with these activities.

I don't mind the festivities too much. My children are pretty good at picking friends who are polite and basically well-behaved. Who can possibly mind a 13 yob who tells you what a great cook you are? And as long as it's not my hand they're filling with shaving cream, all's well. ;) I also find it's a good opportunity to learn more about who my kids hang-out with...who they may or may not emulate.

So, from time-to-time our house will have a few extra kids on board. Yes, the noise level increases, as does the mess and number of dishes, but no worries. I don't do the dishes anymore... that's the kids' job. ;)

What exciting plans do you have this weekend?

Chuzzle lessons

My favorite computer game at the moment is Chuzzle. I love puzzles and adore the furry little googly-eyed creatures who inhabit this colorful game. I really love the sounds they make when you get three or more in a row -- and the explosions. It's almost as satisfying as slamming a door. ;)

However, I've also learned something from this odd little game. A life lesson, of sorts.

Let me explain for the Chuzzle-impaired...

On some levels, a chuzzle will become 'locked'. When that happens, you cannot move it or the row it's in -- at least not in every direction. This limits how you can move and, therefore, your number of possible moves. If you get too many locked at one time, you lose.

But I've discovered something quite by accident. Sometimes, if a move doesn't present itself right away, all you have to do is keep playing and wait. Eventually the little fuzzballs will move around enough so that the colors line up and you can pop those locked spaces. I've also found if you can get a locked one all the way to the bottom of the box it will be taken care of by the natural course of the game.

Now here comes the analogy...

Sometimes in life we come upon a road block; an obstacle to achieving whatever it is we want. We can try to work through it; we can fight our way around it. However, there are times when there really doesn't seem to be a way to win. If we can only keep going ... keeping working with our goal in mind, eventually, in the natural course of life, the solution will be there. The obstacle will be taken away. The problem solved.

Notice I said to 'keep working'. At no time should we ever give up on what's really important, but maybe we need to find a new strategy. Perhaps we need to re-evaluate our priorities and make sure we're seeking after the right thing. And sometimes we need to put our faith in something bigger than ourselves.

It will work out. We will overcome. Sometimes we just have to be very patient... and play a game or two to pass the time. ;)

In a rut...

And looking for advice.

Come on over and leave your .02 behind. ;)

Shades of Suspense

eBook of the Month!

DREAM WALK has been voted April's eBook-of-the-Month at Jennifer's Random Musings!
This is really a great honor and thrill. :)

Now if the weather would only warm up, my week would be complete. ;)

Heroes and spring

It's my turn to blog today at Beyond the Veil. Come on over and check it out -- I'm talking about heroes that I really can't buy in romance. Do you have any?

And while the calendar has proclaimed Spring is here in the U.S., the weather itself has been very quiet on the subject. Nights are still getting damn cold! But things are looking up. I hope. I'm really, REALLY ready for some sunshine and warmth.

Website update

My website is back up and running. I've made some changes, in other words did some stream-lining. Hope you like it. :)

Indulge your senses...
www.megallisonauthor.com

Book of the Month

DREAM WALK has been nominated as April's Book-of-the-Month at Jennifer's Random Musings. It was a lovely surprise -- many thanks to whoever nominated it. :)

All the nominees are listed; polls for both the e-books and print books are down the page at the right.


**NOTE: My website is undergoing some construction and is temporarily unavailable. I'll let you know when it's back up and running.**

Irony

I found this quote the other day and it kind of made me stop... and stare... and then laugh. It's just so ironic, considering.

"And love makes one calmer about many things, and that way, one is more fit for one's work."

No, it's not the words themselves, but the speaker... Vincent Van Gogh.

Something tells me he didn't always feel that way. ;)

Valentine's Day

I have a confession to make. I hate Valentine's Day.

Gasp!

Yes, I'll admit it, despite the prospect of tarnishing my image as a romance writer. I have disliked this day from my earliest childhood when we were forced to decorate bags for the purpose of collecting those funky little grade-school cards. The results were always heartbreaking.

Let's put it this way: I was not a popular child. I wasn't outgoing and perky. I wasn't athletic or overly pretty. I was rather plain, wore glasses, was somewhat smart and painfully shy. Got the picture?

Years later I heard most schools require children to give everyone in a class a valentine. That's almost worse, in my view. How good can it feel to get a card from someone who either ignores or teases you otherwise? Talk about insincerity!

So the holiday holds bad memories for me. Subsequent V-days weren't much better since I was invariably single and dateless at that time of year. Bummer.

Marriage has softened the melancholy haze of February 14th. But, honestly, except for loving the chocolate and our occasional night out alone, the holiday is still at the bottom of my list. I'd rather my dh be romantic and express his love without being guilted into it. I prefer spontaneous shows of affection -- like the time he came home from a yard sale with a box full of lighthouse figures. Just because he knows I like them. Or the night he came home from work with my favorite candy. He saw it at the store and thought of me. :)

If you want to impress your lover on Valentine's Day, do something special -- you notice I didn't say expensive. Money is not the object. A true show of affection, caring and thoughtfulness is. Who are they? What do they really like?

Thought and care are so much more romantic than throwing down a big wad of cash.

Now that I've admitted my view on this whole love-fest thing, I've created a little Valentine of my own in the form of a free short story. You can download it HERE.

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Whether you're single or part of a couple, have a great weekend and enjoy something you love.

Changing the world

I was listening to the radio recently when John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change" came on:

"Me and all my friends
We're all misunderstood
They say we stand for nothing
There's no way we ever could
Now we see everything is going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
We just feel like we don't have the means
To rise above and beat it"

I somewhat like the song, honestly -- but I find the message a little sad. I wonder if this is how John's generation really feels? Hopeless? Ineffectual? Probably.

I know there are many times I wonder "Why bother?" Nothing I do or think or feel seems to make much of a difference. The world goes on exactly as it wishes and only the rich and powerful seem to direct its course.

But then I'm reminded that few people can actually change the course of an entire planet. Yet, we can make a difference -- maybe a small one, but a difference nonetheless. The concept isn't new.

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, though no one thinks of changing himself." ~~Leo Tolstoy

Every time you make a good decision; every time you do the right thing by helping another, by being less selfish, by caring -- you change yourself. When you change, its the Butterfly Effect in action. Your small deeds ripple outward, influencing others... changing your surroundings... improving your small corner of the world.

Of course you can do the opposite -- be selfish, hard-hearted, hurtful, etc... it still affects the world in small but noticeable ways. But is that the kind of world you want?

Maybe we need to stop bemoaning our fate, our government, our economy, and start finding ways to change ourselves. One person at a time. One family at a time.

First we have to choose -- Do what's right OR do what's easy? Try the former and I promise you'll see some positive changes.

Five nymphs!

The first review for DREAM WALK has been posted -- and it's wonderful! I'm so thrilled the reviewer enjoyed the book. :)

Title: Dream Walk
Author: Meg Allison
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Publisher URL: http://samhainpublishing.com/
ISBN: 1-60504-191-2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nymph Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymph Reviewer: Mystical Nymph

"It’s always a pleasure when an author manages to grab my attention in the first pages of a book and keeps it until the end. That’s exactly what Ms. Allison did with her latest release, Dream Walk. It’s the first in her new series, The Sentinels and if this intricately plotted and crafted book is any indication, the readers of this new contemporary paranormal romance series are in for an awesome ride."

READ the ENTIRE review ... it really made my week! (GGGG)

Thirteen reasons I love cats

"In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat."
- Warren Eckstein

1. A warm cat on an aching body is better than a heating pad. Unless her claws are extended.

2. Cats are very intelligent creatures. When they want to be.

"A cat is more intelligent than people believe, and can be taught any crime."
-Mark Twain Notebook, 1895

3. Cats can be very entertaining. Offer him a ball of foil or a string and you have a great show in the making.

4. Cats love to pose for photographs and they usually make very good subjects. Unless you use a flash.

5. A cat's face is most expressive. Particularly when they're annoyed.

"Beware of people who dislike cats."
- Irish Proverb

6. Cats always seem to know when their human needs to cuddle.

7. A cat can find the greatest pleasure in a sunbeam.

8. Cats are very clean. Of course this can be rather disconcerting when they immediately bathe the exact spot you just petted. Are they trying to tell you something?

9. Cats are normally very agile and graceful. And when they make a misstep, they seem so human and embarrassed. It rather pacifies us mortals.

10. Cats are wonderful pest-catchers. Now if only they could hold on to the little vermin...

11. A cat's purr is the most soothing music.

12. Cats come in so many colors, patterns and textures...there's sure to be one type to please the pickiest pet owner.

13. My fondest memories are of the many cats we've served over the years. Each had its own unique personality and quirks, and will never be forgotten.

"No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch."
- Leo Dworken

Murder, anyone?

I love a good murder.

Okay, there really isn't such a thing as a "good" murder, even if the victim is hated by one and all. But I find myself enthralled on a daily basis by tales of crime and mayhem on either television or in books. I love the excitement of the chase; the intrigue; the clues. I suppose what I really adore is not the brutal act itself (no need to call the cops) but the puzzle left behind.

I have always loved puzzles. My brains seems to thrive on them. I work out the crossword every day and the cryptiquote. I love jigsaw puzzles, but have a hard time leaving one unfinished once I start. And so I turn to crime shows -- CSI in all its incarnations; Law & Order; Monk; etc -- for entertainment...for a chance to unwind.

As a child I played endless games of CLUE with my mother -- and now play up to three different versions with my own children on those long, snowy weekends. ;) Yes, I often win, but not always. My kids seem to have their mother's aptitude for crime ... they know how to put the pieces together and figure out the 'who, what, when or why'.

So what exactly is the attraction? Why does my brain seem to require the stimulation of putting clues in place? Of ferreting out the red herrings? I'm not sure. But I do know it keeps my mind working. It seems to keep my young.

Maybe I should have been a cop? Nah. I'm much too squeamish and I prefer my 'danger' to be completely vicarious.

2008 CAPA awards

This is the first time any of my stories have been nominated for The Romance Studio's CAPA award. It's a great honor for me -- unfortunately the story that received the honor is no longer in print ... um, or digital. LOL!

But I still wanted to brag a little. That's my right, after all. ;)

TABLE FOR TWO was nominated in the Contemporary Romance category. Someday, somewhere, I just may try to bring this little gem back out of retirement -- it didn't have a very long 'shelf' life since the publisher, By Grace Publishing, had to close it's doors at the end of December.

Congrats to all the other nominees -- especially to Marianne. :) Good luck!

Better late than never?

Good question.

My writing career started somewhat late in life, although I was pleased to have my first published story before the big 4-0 came around. Barely. A few years later and I find myself at an interesting crossroad: one publishing company closed; another booming; and my muse has been thoroughly taken over by things that go bump in the night.

I love the paranormal and have for many years. Ghosts and mysteries have long been my favored form of entertainment -- not to mention a family history of, shall we say unique experiences? But I'm not sure I really ever thought about writing something otherworldly. Not until a story idea took an unexpected turn.

I dare say I'll have a hard time going back. I'm becoming accustomed to thinking outside the box. I enjoy taking each "What if?" question one step further. I revel in the power that allows me to create my own version of reality.

And now as we begin another year of possibilities, I find myself both eager and nervous. Eager to triumph ... Nervous of the journey. But then I'm reminded that getting here wasn't a piece of cake. The road behind is strewn with discarded words, incomplete stories, disappointments, and a pile of rejection letters.

My one regret is that I didn't start this adventure years earlier in a time when publishing stood wide open to new talent. A time when some of the great writers my generation grew up with were just beginning to sell and flourish. Then again, it's likely I wasn't ready. Everything has a season and this is mine.

That's the beauty of writing. You don't have to be young, beautiful and in perfect form to make your mark. You only have to have talent, a bit of luck and a hide as thick as an alligator.

Yeah, I think I have it covered. ;)

Changes...

By Grace Publishing and Moonlit Romance are now both closed. My stories with these publishers are no longer available or are in the process of being removed from the various Internet sites. This included my CAPA nominated novella, TABLE FOR TWO. The nomination is a bitter-sweet conclusion to my association with Unique Enterprises, its owner, editors and writers.

I've made changes accordingly to both this blog and my website. Both have been done with some mixed feelings. A writer puts a little of themself into each and every story they write -- whether it be suspense, comedy or paranormal intrigue. I enjoyed the light, funny stories I wrote for these publishers. Through this, I learned a lot about writing short. I learned about ploting. I also learned a bit about myself.

If you had a chance to read any of my BG or MR short stories or novellas, thank you. If you haven't...

I'm not sure what will happen to these tales. I've made no decisions as far as possibly resubmitting or rewriting any of them. Honestly, with all the current stories and characters I have in my head, it's doubtful these old favorites will see the light of day. Although I am toying with the idea of posting some of briefer stories as free reads.

It's a New Year -- 2009! A new journey with new experiences is laid out before me. It promises to be an entertaining trek and I hope you'll join me for the ride. :)

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all a New Year filled with health, happiness and romance!

Free story

My short holiday story is now up and available for download. It's a sweet, somewhat ghostly tale -- and a sequel of sorts to DREAM WALK.

I hope you enjoy Spirits of Christmas. :)

Christmas Eve

The stockings are hung by the chimney. The gifts are wrapped and ready, but still in their hiding places. The ham and turkey are in the fridge, and the oven sits quietly in anticipation.

The children are all happy, excited and antsy -- they know the Big Kahuna (aka S. Claus) is coming tonight. They have visions of toys dancing in their heads and long for the dinner that is to come. Their mouths water at the thought of warm cinnamon rolls and bacon they know we'll have for breakfast tomorrow ... a meal that will come exceptionally early at our house. ;)

And through it all, I feel this sense of peace... a twinge of satisfaction, knowing another Christmas will be a success. They'll get some of what they wanted -- some things they never thought of, as well. But they'll be happy. They will do the present dance and sing Christmas carols.

Then the letdown happens. And though we know to expect it, that sneaky, blue feeling will settle over me like a fog. It's all part and parcel of the event.

But we have more to look forward to: A New Year. New goals to reach for ... new experiences to share ... new stories to tell ... new opportunities to grow and celebrate.

Life is an amazing adventure. May you all enjoy every day of it. Have a blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.

More December contests!

December is the month when we all think about giving... and I'm participating in some other great contests with that spirit in mind. :) Some are taking place at my publisher, Samhain Publishing, LTD.; another at the Beyond the Veil blog; and still another at the CataNetwork website.

Check out my website for more information -- and the chance to win some great prizes, including books! Now who doesn't love free books? ;)

Contest!

Beyond the Veil

Best Seller!

I am so thrilled to announce that DREAM WALK is now #8 on the Best Sellers list at My Bookstore and More -- Samhain's official distributor of digital and print books. :)

This is my very first 'best seller'. (GGGGG) Thanks to everyone who has downloaded a copy...and if you haven't, yet, what are you waiting for? ;)

My Bookstore and More Best Seller List (for December 8th)

1. Bound By Love by T. A. Chase

2. Seducing Jane Porter by Dominique Adair

3. About a Dragon by G. A. Aiken

4. Cat of a Different Color by Dana Marie Bell

5. Devil's on Horseback - Zeke by Beth Williamson

6. Going For It by Elle Kennedy

7. By the Book by N. J. Walters

8. Dream Walk by Meg Allison

9. Rough, Raw and Ready by Lorelei James

10. Not in Kansas by R. G. Alexander

Dream Walk released!

Dream Walk is now available!

Come check it out!

Thanksgiving in the U.S. is just a day away. The turkey is thawed in the refrigerator; pies are made; and our cleaning frenzy is at an end. All in the name of tradition...a tradition that I really enjoy.

In honor of the holiday, here's a list of things my children are thankful for:

1. Indoor plumbing... "You never know how much you depend on [it] until you're out there in the woods with a roll of toilet paper, trying to decide between the pine and the maple." (from ds1, 13, the camper)

2. Home... "'Cause it's not cold ... and not food-less." (ds2, age 9 on Dec. 1st)

3. Chocolate, fuzzy animals, and hot guys... "They make the world go around." (dd2, age 16)

4. Pie and cars... "I like pie."(dd3, age 10)

5. Fleecy blankets... "They're warm and snugglie and my cat likes them." (dd1, age 18, after complaining: "No fair, [dd2] got all the good ones!")

And I am thankful for each of them...and their daddy. :)

What are you thankful for?

Paperback heaven

After a long spell of feeling I had nothing to read, I now have three books to choose from. The trouble now is -- which one do I read first?

First is DEADLY HARVEST, book two in the latest series by one of my favorite authors, Heather Graham. I adored the first in the series, DEADLY NIGHT. It is a wonderful read filled with suspense and ghosts.

So far, DEADLY HARVEST is just as suspenseful with imagery that sends a shiver down your spine. There are also plenty of characters that keep you guessing about the villain's identity. Ms Graham is a masterful storyteller -- her greatest asset is her ability to create stories that seem very plausible. Stories that have you jumping at shadows or looking over your shoulder at night.



Second is from another favorite author, Kerrelyn Sparks. Her Love at Stake series is fantastic -- sexy, funny and highly entertaining. All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire is her latest offering ... quite a mouthful for a title, but so far the story is good. Very engaging. And I think all her fans have been waiting for young Ian to get his chance at "true love".

Third is the thirteenth Dark-Hunters book, One Silent Night. Honestly, I bought this mostly because I have to see what happens next. I'm not so sure I'm loving the stories as much as I once did.

I will add that I'm still plowing my way through the epic ACHERON. Yes, I finally broke down -- after finishing my last novel -- and started reading it. I'm presently about half-way through. Partly because the book is so dang long AND because I've had to put it down from time to time.

My opinion? Does anyone really care? LOL. Probably not, but I'll give it anyway. The writing itself is good: ie, vivid, absorbing details and a lot of raw emotion. As a writer and storyteller, I completely understand why Ms Kenyon started ACHERON at the point where she did. I also know she's never been one to hold the punches when torturing her characters. *Torture being a literal term here.*

However, I find his backstory to be ... I don't know. A bit much? A little hard to take? Not unbelievable, really, just ... depressing. Very, very depressing. And right now 'depressing' is the last thing I need.

But I will finish it, because I bought the hardcover AND I have to see what type of women could possibly be up to the challenge of healing such a man. She'll have to be one incredible character.

So, what are you reading?

Birthday surprises

My very talented and thoughtful children made me this wonderful bat birthday cake... AND found this adorable bat mug for a present. My kids are great.

Publisher Closing

On a sad note, I need to announce that Moonlit Romance and By Grace Publishing -- both owned and operated by Unique Enterprises -- will be closing their cyber-doors after December 31, 2008.

We all know how difficult it is for the smaller e-presses to stay open. I appreciate the opportunities and encouragement offered to me over the last few years by both the owner, editors and other authors of UE. I'm not sure I would have ventured into e-publishing without them, and I consider them all to be my friends.

If you haven't had an opportunity to purchase my stories at Moonlit or By Grace, you still can before December 31st. For more info on the stories available, including excerpts, reviews and BUY links, please visit my website:

After Dark (anthology of three spooky romances)

Romancing Jenny (a Harris Grove story)
Learning to Live (a Pops' Girls story)
Pops' Diner anthology
Table for Two (a Harris Grove story)

Winter Wonders (anthology of wintry romances)

Checking the calendar

I thought the weatherman might have been exaggerating. I hoped he was. But no...we woke up this morning to a sight more reminiscent of Christmas than Halloween.

Is it just me, or did we warp right through Autumn? Maybe it's a fluke? Whatever the case, I suppose I can curl up under my fleece throw with a good book and some hot chocolate. Or maybe I can conjure up a magic romance that takes place in the wintry forest. Something with a roaring fire -- yes, that's the ticket.

What do you see outside your front door? Does it inspire or make you want to crawl back in bed?

Author Interview -- Jeff Rivera

Please welcome a new voice in the writing world, Jeff Rivera. I think you'll find his bio is reason enough to spark some interest in his work. :)

Mr. Rivera's first book, Forever My Lady, will be released tomorrow, Tuesday, October 28th, from Grand Central Publishing.

BIO

Once homeless and living in his car, award-winning novelist Jeff Rivera writes passionate stories of those often forgotten and neglected by society. He believes even in the eyes of a gang member, even beneath the soiled clothes of a bag lady or behind the tears of a lonely kid in the back of the class, there lies a common thread that links us all, the universal human story. He has made it his personal mission to help change the way the world thinks in a positive way through his stories. Mr. Rivera currently lives in New York City.


Q: Could you please tell us a little about your writing background
and how you made your first sale?

I've been writing since I was 6-years old when the kids would make fun of me about it. I kept going and used it as a way to write about what I was going through emotionally but I'd never seriously thought about writing a novel any more than the average person does until I received rejection after rejection by Hollywood on the Forever My Lady screenplay. It was because of that rejection that I became motivated to just tell my story and decided to write my novel. I went from self-published to published after Grand Central acquired it.

Q: Readers and writers often like to get a behind the scenes peek of an author's writing routine. It would be great if you could please share your typical writing day schedule.

Well, when I'm not procrastinating I'm writing. I don't need a particular time of the day. I can write at any time and even though writing in the evenings or the middle of the night is best for me, you'll often find me on Facebook or Myspace chatting with my online friends.


Q: Please tell us about your latest novel and what we can expect from your characters.

My first novel is called, Forever My Lady, published by Grand Central publishing. The mass market edition is coming out on Tuesday, October 28th.

It's a coming of age love story about a boy whose only friend is his childhood sweetheart Jennifer. She sticks with him no matter what even as his path leads him into becoming a juvenile delinquent. He promises her he'll turn his life around that they'll get married and have children and she promises to never leave him. But he finds out from a friend that she's planning on marrying someone else. I think whether you are a lover of love like me, or you like in-depth characters you'll find what you're looking for in Forever My Lady.

Q: What's up next? Do you have another project in the works? If so, please tell us about it.

I just sold another book, a Young Adult book and I'm working on a third. So many ideas I have and it's just a matter of time before I crank them all out.

Q: Would you like to close with a writing tip?

I would say take a genre that is wildly sellable then do another twist on it, take the genre you're most passionate about and turn it on its head.


For more information, please visit Mr. Rivera at his WEBSITE.

Celtic Thunder -- or how to inspire a muse

The surest way to start a story spinning in my brain is by playing some inspiring music.

My dh took me out on the town tonight to our first concert in ages. Being the sweet, thoughtful man that he is, he knows I enjoy Celtic music -- it's become my way of connecting with my Irish heritage. While writing ALAINA'S PROMISE, I would play those CDs over and over for hours on end.

So when he saw the newest sensation was coming to a nearby venue, he insisted we go. An early birthday present for me, and something he could enjoy, as well.

It was wonderful! Celtic Thunder, in case you haven't heard, is a group of five men, ages 16-40, with powerful, wonderful voices that bring almost any song to life. It was a fantastic evening all around. My only wish is that they would have done a bit more traditional Irish music, but still, I enjoyed it immensely.

And so did my muse, apparently. She wants to return to Ireland for another romp over the cliffs...only this time she's thinking of haunted castles, too. Ah, yes, inspiring. But she'll have to wait and log those notions on the "to be written" list. First come, first serve, after all.

Back to the grind

BROKEN is done and submitted. I'm really proud of myself, actually. This is the shortest length of time I've taken to write a full-length novel -- a little over 94k in around five-six months. I had hoped to finish more quickly, but it is a personal best, and one I hope to improve on for book three.

But after working non-stop on BROKEN, and dealing with personal issues, my brain was pretty well-done. Fried. I needed a respite.

Now my little break is over. I've done some reading, some goofing off in front of the idiot box (aka television), and have managed to get rather bored with it already. So my muse is telling me it's time to get back to work. Just as well since I have characters demanding their stories be written.

In the past I have found the best way to 'forget' about a submission is to jump right into the next project. At this time, there are two projects calling to me. One is a paranormal novella, working title: INTO THE RUSH. It's a bit different from my current series and para world, but I really like the characters and their situation.

Then there's that third Sentinels story, AT SECOND SIGHT. This one follows one of my DREAM WALK secondaries into a little danger and romance of her own. The poor girl needs both, believe me. She's been alone and bored for far too long. ;)

Rainy days

There's an older song that goes something like this: "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down". Apparently the singer/songwriter suffers from SAD. ;)

Monday is not my favorite day, either. But rain I can usually handle. I love the rain...a good thunderstorm or gully washer most of all. I love the fresh scent of the air; the patter of raindrops on the roof. I even like to watch the dark clouds swirling overhead, sometimes resembling an odd set of brushstrokes on canvas.

What I don't like, however, are endless days of rain. No sun. No light. Just gray, dim skies and landscape for miles and hours on end.

This time of year the rainy gloom is more tolerable. Thanks to the lovely array and shades of red, orange, and gold dotting the landscape, everything seems more colorful, less dreary. Even the deep gray of the sky and the ever-deepening mud don't bother me.

I suppose that's one reason Fall is my favorite season. I've always loved the way the air becomes cooler. I relish in the occasional whiff of woodsmoke on the breeze. The colors; the holidays; the full silver moon so low on the horizon. Have you ever stopped to watch a sunset over the a patchwork of brightly colored trees? It's beautiful. Enchanting. It's a picture worth capturing -- an image worth savoring.

My dh said he once dreaded this season. It reminded him of how life was passing by -- of all the things he hadn't accomplished, yet. Luckily his outlook has changed, because I've never seen it that way. To me, Autumn is about resting...renewing our spirits...it's about coming home.

But then there's that rain ... we need a little of that, too, don't we? Otherwise we'd get much too complacent in our lives. We become lazy or take what's important for granted.

So I'd change those song lyrics, if I could. Mondays still get me down. But rain? Bring it on.

Oh, wait. That's another song! ;)

Day late, dollar short

I live with this constant notion that I'm always one step behind the other guy. A day late, a dollar short, as the saying goes.

It's true in many aspects of my life and has been for years. As a teenager, I was always the last to wear whatever fashion was hot. I was always the last to hear about the great new television show, movie or rock group. It was something I learned to live with, but it always bothered me. Always made me feel like the odd one out.

Now, I'm way past those insecure teenage years, and still I'm out of sync with the world.

I'm usually one step behind. Answering loop posts one day late after the discussion has moved on. (One bad part about being on Digest for your Yahool groups. ;)

Fashion is still a mystery to me. I wear what I like, what fits and is comfortable. Usually what's on clearance. ;) Style isn't something I worry about too much anymore, although lately I've realized I need to keep up my appearance just so I don't get too down on myself.

Professionally, I feel like I'm shuffling through quicksand at the moment. The slowness of my own output brings me down. The lack of feedback and the seeming indifference to my work by colleagues, etc, makes me wonder if I am, yet again, missing something?

Personal relationships are good, however. It's there that I seem to be on top of the world, at one with the time-keeper of my universe. And I suppose that is the most important aspect of life. Without family and friends, who would I have to dress up for? Who would I share my professional success, failures and complaints?

So I may still always feel a step behind... a day too late... a dollar lacking... But I'm blessed to know I'm loved, despite it all.

Something more lighthearted ...

Your Hair Should Be Brown

You are an intelligent, well respected person. You are very confident. You take yourself seriously, and other people take you seriously too. You are a good leader, and you can be trusted with someone's life. You motivate people well, and you command respect easily. You are competent, successful, and organized. You can't stand chaos. Some people mistake you for being cold, calculating, or elitist.

What Color Hair Should You Have?

Well, good thing I'm a brunette. ;)

Jumping the hurdles

We all have hurdles in life -- those nasty little surprises that seem to come from nowhere and knock you on your butt. I've had a big one recently and it's sucking the life right out of my muse. It's hard to be creative when you're in a state of shock.

My mom, my best friend and confidante, was diagnosed with breast cancer last week.

We have no history of the disease in our family -- at least not on her side, so it wasn't something I really considered possible. Luckily they caught it early during her yearly mammogram. She went in for a biopsy with the assurance that only one in ten turns out to be malignant. Her response: "Well, I'm a ten!"

Honestly, she's taking the news better than I am. I've been wallowing and fretting something awful. I mean, how terrible would my life be without my best friend? Sure, I have my kids and husband, and we're all very close. But that mother/daughter relationship just isn't something I'm ready to lose. Not sure I'll ever be ready.

So I'm in the midst of jumping this hurdle, trying to follow my mom's lead and just take it one step at a time. She's amazing. If nothing else, I know her faith and her attitude will pull her through whatever comes next.

In the meantime, I've decided to do what I can to make a difference. And there's something you can do, also. Go to the Breast Cancer Awareness site and click on the link there. The sponsors will donate one free mammogram to women who can't afford them. It only takes a minute of your time; there's nothing to join; nothing to buy. You could help save someone else's mother, sister or friend.

Three in a row...

Good reviews, that is, for my rom com novella, TABLE FOR TWO. This one is from The Long and the Short Of It. If you read the entire review and leave a comment in the box beneath, the book could win their Book of the Week honor. :) Either way, this brightened my evening considerably.

The Long and the Short of It -- 4.5 books
"Table for Two is a sweet read but more than that it is an engaging tale of two people who just needed to take the time to get to know one another... this charming contemporary story is one I recommend highly." Review by Orange Blossom

One down, three to go...

Finally. I finished BROKEN, the second book of The Sentinels. I think this is the fastest I've ever written a full-length novel -- about 87k in around four months. IF I can keep myself working at this pace, I'll actually be able to do more stories in a shorter amount of time. Yeah, that's almost like saying: "What else could go wrong?"

Anyhow, I'm halfway through with the polishing phase. Trying not to overthink the plot or second-guess myself too much. It's difficult, however. Had some bad news on a personal front this week. Creativity, drive and determination have taken a big hit -- but I'm fighting to keep going and not let myself wallow or fret.

Again, easier said than done. :\

Blogging and chatting today ...

Join me today as I begin my guest-blogger stint at Beyond the Veil!

I'll also be participating in an all-day chat at the Samhain Cafe loop... we're talking about Demons and Angels.

Hope to see you there!

Author interview

"Forget everything you know about vampires..." and check out my interview with Zebra Books' new rising star, author Sara Reinke.

She's the creator of The Brethren Series, which includes DARK THIRST (July, 2008) & DARK HUNGER (September, 2008)

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? ;)