RWA 2012 Conference

Wow, that was a great conference.

Four days of joyful celebratory bliss. There are very few places were I can surround myself with people who are as passionate about books and writing as I am. It's like meeting 2000 sisters that I didn't know before.

Awesome.

Fabulous Blog Ribbon!

Wowza! The Fabulous Tiffany over at http://singlewritermomrants.wordpress.com/ gave me this award.

The rules for the award are as follows:
1. Thank the blogger who gave it to you and share the link back to the awarding blog.
2. Name 5 fabulous moments in your life.
3. Name 5 things that you love.
4. Name 5 things you hate.
5. Pass the award to 5 deserving bloggers.

 Hmmm. This could be enlightening.

  Five fabulous moments in my life:
 Man, I've had so many fabulous moments, it's hard to choose.

Well, one, two and three are easy--the days my sons were born and my wedding day. Nothing tops these. 

But the day I received "the call" from Samhain ranks way up there. I'd been dreaming about being a published author for twenty years. When I got the call, I started crying, hit my knees and said my thanks. Then I proceeded to blubber my news to anyone who would listen (and a few customers who were trapped next to me in the coffee line). When I stepped outside that morning, I found one of those deflated helium balloons on my front lawn, how it got there, I haven't a clue. It said "Happy Birthday!"

Two other fab moments (these tie for 5th) was when I had my book release party and my book signing. I loved these events because I got to personally thank the people who supported me. Ahh, so great.

 Five things I love:
My family and friends.
Long walks.
Warm baths.
Chocolate.
That exquisite moment when the characters rip the story out of my hands and start living.

 Five things that I hate:
 Hate is such a strong word. Can we call it dislike?

I dislike it when drivers talk on their cell phones! Especially when I am crossing in the crosswalk with my kids. GRRRR.
Bullying of any kind.
Rudeness.
Meanness.
Housework.

Hmm, maybe hate was the write word after all.

Thank you for this award.
I will be sending it on to other bloggers who must deserve it more than I do.

 Smooches!

The Reason I've been AWOL

I was off writing a new book! OMG! It's awesome. The best book EVER. I am completely and totally in love. But I fall hard for all my babies when I finish the first draft. It's all sweet honey until... I put on the editor hat and slash the poor thing to pieces. When I get in there to edit I start to realize that things aren't so sweet. Sometimes, in fact, the story is downright stinky. And why shouldn't it be? I pounded out the thing in two months like a race to beat the clock. I can't really tell you why I write as if I am running for my life, because I don't really understand it myself. I just do. It's my process. Write lean mean fast and furious. Edit strong, heavily and without fear or remorse. So as I sit here in love, I know that in a few days I will wade back in, holding my nose and do the dirty work. I will probably hate my beautiful new baby for a while. It's kind of sad. But don't worry. If I do my job right, the book truly will be awesome. Fingers crossed.

A Fan Moment

Had a beautiful moment today. I was in the ice cream shop, okay that part's not important, I'd just walked 6.75 miles, don't judge me!
Anyway...
The sweet girl behind the counter said, "You're that writer, aren't you?"
I blinked. "Yes, yes I am."
"I knew it! You're famous. My mom is a big fan. She's read all your books."
And I honestly don't know her mother. I mean it's not like she's a second cousin half removed, or anything.
I was recognized by a fan. Well, the fan's daughter.
Tooooo. Coool.

Heavy Heart

Still reeling from the news that one of our friends was killed in a "hit and run" cycling accident yesterday. Apparently, the driver did call in the accident, but it saddens me that he didn't stay at the scene so that my friend didn't have to be alone.

Jim, you were such a gentle, kind man. A great man. You will be sorely missed. Love to you, your family and friends.

Rest in peace.

My Writer Friends

Talking about you over at Beyond the Veil. Come check it out.

http://paranormalauthors.blogspot.com/2012/04/kindness-in-my-community.html

Yay, Spring Break, Boo, Strep Throat

My dear son is sick as a doggy, poor guy.

Lots of resting and doctoring going on here. Not much writitng, though.

Stay well!