2009

I know I’m not alone in my sentiments of Thank God 2009 is almost over! This has been a banner, BUMMER of a year.

Back in May, my husband lost his job and we’ve held a tenuous grip on things while he searches for a new one. My recently widowed cousin also lost his job when Chrysler received their bail out money then shut down the factory to send the jobs to Mexico.

In the week before Christmas, my uncle was hospitalized for circulation issues, had a bypass and ended up with a raging infection from the hospital. My sister-in-law was hospitalized briefly while they tried to determine what was causing her symptoms. My paternal grandmother was out shaking a rug when she was suddenly hit with a dizzy spell and took a header off the porch landing on her head and received compression fractures of her cervical spine. My maternal grandmother had an unfortunate meeting with a tow truck but fortunately, the only damage was to her car.

I know we’re not the only ones to have suffered the bad. A dear friend lost her uncle on Christmas day, my brother’s wife lost an aunt on Christmas Eve. My best friend has a family member who suffered a mental illness total break down. One of my closest friends is going through a painful separation and probably divorce. Another friend lost her husband to cancer…yet another to another woman…

Others I know have also suffered losses of spouses, children, parents, and other loved ones. It seems as if we look back we can always see the bad things that have occurred.

But how often do we reflect on over the good?

You’d think with all the bad things we’ve experienced I would have a hard time seeing the good. But you know what? It IS there. Buried in the bog, barely visible there are good things in there as well.

Aside from my recent releases, I managed to wring blood from a turnip…errr I mean write three new books!

But more than that—I still have my husband, we still have our home, our daughter is recovered from her recent illness, we learned there will be a new baby joining the family in April. My parents got their farm! My grandmother is not as lonely as she’s been for years because she was given a cat. I had a cousin return safely from Afghanistan!

I have the knowledge that my best friend is merely a phone call away. My parents are a phone call away as well! My husband is still living and healthy (of course the way he pushes on my last nerve this is a fluctuating state…;) ) AND he had a job interview this week--yesterday actually!

Plus, I have the best readers in the world! I have received notes, emails and messages from people who have told me how much they enjoy my work. The notes always seem to appear just when my day looks the darkest.

So while 2009 was a bleak and depressing year, and I am very THRILLED it’s passing by the way, I have to say it did have some pretty good points.

I’m looking to 2010 with hope for health and prosperity for not just myself and my family but for all of us. May 2010 be the year that gives us enough…

“I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Good-bye." *Bob Perks, in Chicken Soup For the Grieving Soul

May you live as long as you want, And never want as long as you live

May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong. And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

May there always be work for your hands to do, May your purse always hold a coin or two. May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane, May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you, And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

I’ll see y’all in 2010!

Hugz
Donica

When not creating tales of suspense, fantasy or the paranormal, Donica Covey breaks the bonds to ATV, shoot, hike or read. She loves spending time with her little “daughter-once-removed” (never say Granddaughter!) or hanging with the K&R Crew. To learn more please visit her website www.donicacovey.com

Starting My Resolution Early

I made a decision last week. I was going to get in better shape. I'd been going to the local YMCA since last summer, but I hadn't made much progress in the goal of losing weight and getting in better shape. I have never lost any of my baby weight from the latest addition to the family, and I still weigh roughly what I did when he was born.

Things jiggle and shake--my hips are still going when I come to a stand-still. Not a pleasant thing. And I'm noticing, since I'm heavier than I ever have been, that joints aren't terribly happy with this weight, either. My knee sounds like popcorn whenever I move it, and I've never had a knee injury.

So I checked the YMCA schedule, and found out they have Yoga Mondays and Wednesdays and Pilates Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mornings. I decided I'd take these classes, since they'd work me hard, but they'd probably be better on my joints than a high-end aerobic class.

And Yoga's easy right? Just stretching and stuff...

Not quite.

I have pretty much had my butt kicked the last three days, in Yoga and Pilates. And they have a Tai Chi class after the Yoga, though I haven't attempted that one. I mean, I want more flexibility, like the gals in the class who can pretty much smell their toes, but I also know that I have a long way to go.

A good portion of my problem is the amount of fat in strategic places that don't allow me to bend/twist/flex in some of these shapes. However, I'm working on it. My diet needs to be curbed as well, but I'm taking that slow, since, well, I love food.

So I'll be a work in progress this year--really nothing new to me, after all, I have a ton of WIP's around me anyway. (We won't talk about my goal of getting some of these WIP's finished this year, that's just a given.)

Have you given any thought to your New Year's Resolutions? Any goals, new ones, or is it the same ones every year?

New review...

CHERISHED WITNESS, my September e-book release from Desert Breeze Publishing, has received a fabulous review. Wahoo!! This is the first book in my New Orleans Detective series. Book two, PRIME SUSPECT, will be released in February.

“If you’re a fan of women in jeopardy/romantic suspense books, don’t miss this one. Even if you’re not, it’s worth a read. I’m not sure if this is Atkins first book but I know Cherished Witness is the first of six titles in the series. I can’t wait to read the second one.” — 4.5 books, Stephanotis at Long & Short Reviews

To read the entire review, go here.

A thank you note to James Cameron

Dear Mr. Cameron,

Thank you so much for delivering one of the most visually stunning movies I have ever had the pleasure to view. Thank you for bringing remarkably talented artist, engineers and scientists together to create cameras, equipment and computers that allow the us all to view the worlds inside your head in glorious 3D. Thank you for not competing against the market best, but your own best. Thank you for setting a new bar for what a movie should be. I thoroughly enjoyed Avatar. In time, I might find flaws with the well worn plot, but for now I’m still reeling from the world that I walked, ran and saw from ground to sky.

Yours sincerely,

Rhianna Samuels

This movie is best seen in an IMAX theatre in 3D.

Believing in Magic

I believe in magic. Destiny. Fate.

My husband's ancestors and mine came to the US on the same ship- completely different years, but the same ship, from the same port.

We only met because of an odd set of circumstances... things that should never have happened the way they did- but they did- and we met. Ended up together. One little change and we'd never have been US.

I was reminded of that a few days ago, at the Rockettes Christmas show of all places. As we were leaving, my husband rushed up the stairs (even he doesn't know why he did that). My kids and I were left behind. Soon, my kids got separated from me too, and a lady who jumped in from of me blocked me from any upward progression.

Then these old ladies with canes edged out next to me. Poor things- the stairs in the coliseum here are teeny to begin with, but to get out of the place you have to go up and up and up, and these ladies were having a terrible time. I asked the ladies to maneuver over to my side, where the rail was, so they could hold it, and on the way up, one of them tipped backwards. I braced her to keep her from toppling over and we made our way up. I ended up being separated from the ladies too.

At the top, I finally saw my husband- he was helping the very same old ladies on the last few steps.

It made me happy that we are both the kind of people who will stop and help someone. To me this means something. I don't know what- but it makes me love him even more.

Betty Whines A Bit

December 26, 2009

Twas the night after Christmas and all through the house...not a package was waiting, not even one of those bags. What a miserable day. Snow and wind from hell! Have you ever went out in sub-zero weather to dig a poop path for your dog? I did, Alice has short legs and hates to get her rear in the snow. I think we got a foot or better of the white stuff and the wind just keeps piling it back where ever you shovel it.

My family seemed happy with all their gifts. They loved the brisquet and baked beans. My daughters little dog decided she wanted to stay with me. She forced my daughter to come back to the front door to get her. I have started taking decoration down. The tree will stay up until after New Years. Then the serious business of cleaning the house. But, then I won't have time to write. Hmmm...one more excuse to not wrap up my wip. It is funny, but I get the same panic attack at the end of every book. You know, the thing of IT HAS TO BE PERFECT...No LOOSE ENDS!!! So, instead of plowing ahead, I tinker with it, add, delete, add again and make a mess.

Okay, I admit it. I have the after Christmas doldrums. Not sad exactly, just kind of out of sorts. This blasted weather isn't helping. I am a summer girl. My children in all their wisdom suggest from time to time I need to join the women's clubs around here! Do you hear me snorting with laugjhter. I love people, but I am going my own way and if I am not in the mood to listen to an hour long speech on the care and feeding of the black footed ferrot, I won't irretate anyone by leaving the fest. Wow, another of my super long sentences.

Oh, my son gave me a couple of Pink Floyd tapes. I plan to listen to them in the car. The music will muffle the curses hurled my way by those people that can't drive!!! Just kidding. I really do love music and have a wide varirty of CD's. I still can't listen to Carol's without getting weepy. Maybe next year.

Okay, it's time to change the TV channel. Wrestling is on and I would rather see a movie.

Signing off until next time. Take care and I wish you all a fabulous New Year!

Just one more thing..I am so uncordinated, i fell back inside the back door wearing an ankle length phoney fur coat. Alice thought she was confronting a Kodiak bear! Hahaha...I love being out of my mind.

Betty

From Mine to Yours

Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Eve has always been a magical time for me. Every Christmas Eve, I feel it--an expectant hush in the air, as if for just a moment the world stands still, and hope and peace become a reality.

This feeling of magic started when I was little. The house sizzled with the expectation of Santa’s arrival. One time I saw Santa coming up from the basement, hefting his bag filled with toys. We didn’t have a fireplace, and my parents told us that Santa came through the basement. It wasn’t till I no longer believed in Santa that I realized I had been dreaming when I saw him.

Then, when I was in my late teens/early twenties, Christmas Eve took on a different expectation--that of party time. My sister and I, along with friends and boyfriends, would go to Midnight Mass. After Mass we all piled into cars and went back to our house where my mother had put out a huge buffet. We talked, laughed and partied, secure with friends, filled with love.

When I was a little older and no longer living at home, Christmas Eve meant more parties. We’d party, go to Midnight Mass, then party some more. Christmas morning was for sleeping in, but Christmas Eve was for fun and good friends.

In my thirties and forties, when my son was little, Christmas Eve took on a child’s magic again. My son’s excited anticipation as he waited for Christmas filled me with happiness and excitement. On Christmas Eve, my husband and I would be up till the wee hours assembling toys and wrapping gifts. The next morning our house was filled with our son’s joy when he beheld his gifts piled under the brightly lit tree.

Now my son is grown, and Christmas Eve holds a different magic. Maybe the magic that had been there all along. I still go to Mass Christmas Eve, but at eight o’clock in the evening. Unlike the earlier years, my main focus now is on the true promise of Christmas--the hope that someday all of us will learn to live together in peace and love.

As you go about preparing for Christmas, anticipating dinners and parties with friends and family, and worshipping in your own way, reflect on what the magic of Christmas Eve means to you.

I wish you joy, love, and peace. Merry Christmas!

Christmas lists...

I now know why Santa checks his list twice. I've had to check mine at least ten times to remember what I've bought for who!

But I wanted to share my other list with you this year. My list of things I love about Christmas:

1. The reminder of all the blessings I've been given in my life, especially the blessing of my faith. Life would be unbearable without it.

2. Christmas music -- there are so many lovely carols and songs. They always brighten my mood.

3. Christmas lights -- those are my favorite decorations. I love lights -- the colors, the twinkling, the way they brighten the dark winter nights.

4. Toy stores -- I love the kind of store that sells a million cool things that you never, ever see on television. Unfortunately, those unique stores are few and far between these days.

5. Christmas cookies -- I'm a regular cookie monster. ;) But simple, cut-out sugar cookies are my fave after chocolate chip.

6. Good will -- I like how this season reminds us all to think of others and to actually DO something for them. Only wish we could all think like this year round.

7. The smells of Christmas, including cinnamon, pine trees, and gingerbread. Oh, and don't forget baking ham! Yum!

8. Christmas movies and specials. My favorites include: A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott; Scrooge with Albert Finney; A Christmas Story; A Charlie Brown Christmas; and You've Got Mail.

9. Fudge... it's one of the few times a year that we make homemade fudge. Which is probably a good thing. ;)

& 10. My favorite thing about Christmas... the looks on the faces of my children when they see the tree Christmas morning and while they open their presents. I revel in the pure joy I see in their smiles... in their eyes.

I hope each of you finds something to rejoice in this holiday season.

~~Meg

How do you write when everything is falling in around you?

Good question. I wish I knew the answer to that. The last week has been one awful event after another.

On Friday morning my PC crashed. My son took it home to try and fix it but found out that the harddrive was damaged. Yes, he was able to get everything I had on my desktop, documents and favorites list, but he has to find a harddrive compatible for my Sony VAIO.

Yesterday I opened my mailbox to a letter from Harlequin. Rejection. Form letter.

I won't go into what else happened but let's just say that in this case, the bad things came in threes.

I'm in a pretty cruddy place right now and Christmas is Friday. So how do you put all the negative stuff away and enjoy the Holidays? Or write for that matter? Any ideas, because I really need help?

Sorry I haven't been around. I'm still trying to get used to working on my laptop.

Jerri

Starting Fresh

2009 has been a wild roller coaster of a year. There were lots of emotional highs and lows in my family, which translated to not much writing for me. Needless to say, I'm glad to see the year come to a close lol!

I've spent this weekend taking stock, reviewing what I accomplished (or didn't in 2009), and making a goal list for 2010. (Not resolutions. That should be a four letter word lol!) I figure if I make it public I'll hold myself more accountable. Hey, it's worth a shot lol. ;)

There are really only two items. The first is to get back in shape. I'm sick of my teenaged daughters stealing all my skinny clothes. Clothes I could wear just 3 years ago! I know how to lose the weight, how to get back in shape, it's just a matter of getting over the laziness that seems to have taken over. :|

Secondly, I didn't write nearly as much in 2009 as I usually do. In 2010 I'm aiming for 1500 words a day five days a week. I've made a list of some of the projects I want to complete and I'm excited about all of them. I can't wait for the new year. Hopefully, I'll accomplish all my goals!

Anyone else setting goals for 2010 yet?

Finally...Seducing the Sheriff is Released

I grew up watching cowboys on the silver screen and later on the smaller screen. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, Kit Carson, The Lone Ranger, Lash LaRue, Hoppalong Cassidy, and so many more I can't name them all.

Long, long after my childhood, I came to love the HBO series. I loved the gritty and explicit language, and the characters tossed it around as easily as they breathed life into those fabulous stories. Timothy Olyphant played the lean hipped Marshall, Seth Parker. Versatile Molly Parker played Alma Garrett, the uptight, and lusty laudanum addict. My favorite actor, Ian McShane, played Al Swearingen, the bar owner and whoremonger. A more disgusting man you'd never want to meet, and yet McShane brought such depth to his character that watching him was mesmerizing, especially during one of his Shakespearean-style soliloquies.

What has all this to do with my current release? Well, considering it's an erotic western historical, you might say all these cowboys have influenced my psyche. I loved writing the first book in my Loving the Lawman series. I just hope you enjoy Star and Cord's story because I had a lot of fun writing it.

“Seducing the Sheriff” by Marie-Nicole Ryan
Buy from MBaM!
Read An Excerpt Online
Genre: Historical Romance, Red Hots!

ISBN: 978-1-60504-846-8
Length: Category
Price: 4.50
Publication Date: December 15, 2009
Cover art by Angela Waters

Half dressed and going for naked…

Starlight Tyler needs to lose her virginity, as in yesterday. With her mother, a Pinkerton, and a wealthy man she doesn’t love on her tail, there’s only one place to cut their cruel intentions off at the pass—get herself back into the arms of long-lost love Cordero Tate. Pronto.

She never expected to be tripped up by someone else’s past.

Sheriff Cordero Tate is a haunted man on a mission. Come hell or high water, he’ll round up every member of the gang responsible for the deaths of his wife and unborn child…and make damned sure he never puts his heart on the line again. As in never impregnating another woman. One look at Star, though, and all the old feelings come back in a rush. Worse, she’s just as determined to brand him as hers as he is to keep her chaste.

Their exploration of ways around that impasse leads to three nights of unbearable sensual pleasure. Until her past catches up to her…

Warning: This story contains a lot of hard ridin’, some ass kickin’, and a whole lot of lovin’ goin’ on. No doors left unopened.

Read An Excerpt Online

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Marie-Nicole
Hold on for the ride...

Dear Writers

Have you ever seen a movie or an episode of a television program and gone ‘DAMN! I WROTE that!’?

That happened to me recently. I was watching one of my favorite TV programs, Criminal Minds, and as I watched the episode I went, MAN! I wrote that plot! It’s in my WIPS To Be completed file! I felt as if someone reached into my brain and stole what I had hidden in there.

Did they actually? No, they didn’t after all who would be able to get into my private files and steal my material? No one, that’s who! I wasn’t sure how I should react to this shocking revelation though.

Should I be thrilled that someone else and I are on the same twisted wavelength…should I be concerned that if I now finish the book and submit it, I will be accused of stealing the plot? (I doubt this because a) there are no real new plots under the sun and b) I write ROMANTIC suspense—this show doesn’t have a romance angle so….as long as my editor thinks I’m creative and my readers don’t hate it, it’s all good!

What do you think?

May you all have a Merry Christmas! I’ll see ya once more before 2010!

Huggles
Donica

When not creating tales of suspense, fantasy or the paranormal, Donica Covey breaks the bonds to ATV, shoot, hike or read. She loves spending time with her little “daughter-once-removed” (never say Granddaughter!) or hanging with the K&R Crew. To learn more please visit her website www.donicacovey.com

Happy Holidays...

Since I am occupied with a migraine tonight, and I realized I'd forgotten my blog, I thought an early Christmas present was in order for everyone:

More distractions...and a new release!

Well, it's ten days until Christmas...and I'm so not ready. I'm going shopping again today to get a few more gifts and my son's birthday present. Yes, he had the misfortune of being born four days before Christmas, and even though he's now an adult I still try to give him his "special day". It's not easy this time of year.

Birthday's aside, I'm having a bit of trouble getting in the spirit this year. Don't know why. I've enjoyed the shopping I've done, the parties, and ruining the neighborhood with a lawn flamingo Christmas display (don't ask). I just know I'll be happy when the week between Christmas and New Years arrives. The world sort of stops, and I shop and have fun with friends. I'm jazzed for that. Maybe I have seasonal affective disorder. Who knows? I'm just ready to lose the stress and relax.

This year, I have a new book out, too. SKELETON BAYOU was officially released last Friday, the 11th, from The Wild Rose press, and I'm so excited to have it out there. It's set in south Louisiana and is a book close to my heart. Hope you'll check it out.

Here's a blurb: Savannah Love is emotionally and physically battered, but is determined to survive after escaping the hellish imprisonment imposed on her by her psychotic cop-husband. After seven months in hiding, she resurfaces at Mossy Oak, her ramshackle family home on a Louisiana bayou, and attempts to restart her life. The empty house provides shelter, but isn’t the fortress she needs when her cruel ex comes calling.

Mack O’Malley, former cop turned handyman conflicted over a bad shoot on the job, comes to Savannah’s rescue when the psychopath draws them into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Fearful of Mack at first, she soon discovers that beneath his steely exterior lies a resolute defender with a heart hungry for love. Will their alliance save them, or will they fall victim to the Legend of Skeleton Bayou?

When I feel down during this Christmas season, I lose myself in a good book. Hope this one will give folks a great escape whether they need a pick-me-up or just an avenue away from all the hustle and bustle. Romance works any time of year!

I’ve spent the last few weeks alternating between cyber shopping and regular shopping. I was never one to watch the shopping channels, but after being housebound for a bit with the crud, I suddenly became enchanted by many items being hawked on TV. I almost said it has saved me from stressing, but I know that I have only postponed the tension until the first credit card bill of the New Year. I vaguely recall someone mentioning that having credit card bills is not a good thing.

I spent the weekend wrapping presents. Let me rephrase that…I spent the weekend trying to wrap presents. I adopted two cats this summer and have discovered they are precious, cute and a pain in my ass. My expensive gift wrap and bows look chewed, scratched and mauled. I have small pieces of cardboard from where they confused one present with a chew toy. I swear someone told me they were endearing creatures. (No, don’t write me hate mail. I concede they are loved and eat better than I do.)

I am looking forward to seeing a large portion of my family at different times over the next couple of weeks. I want to see Avatar and Sherlock Holmes, and in that order. Hope to see you there. I want to sit back and watch Star Trek in high definition with my family. I want to drink excellent Merlot and savor rich chocolate truffles while while playing scrabble with my witty and smart siblings. I want to finally buy my mom a present that she wants and likes.

I hope you all get what you want. Have a great holiday and remember to celebrate life.

Rhianna

Dear Santa,

For Christmas this year, I'd like to submit the following list:

1. an unwavering motivation to get things done. I have the first three chapters of so many novels, it is ridiculous. I need to finish them more often. Which means I need to be able to BICHOK instead of getting distracted.

2. the guts to put myself first. Everyone else interrupts my writing all day. I need to carve out some Me time.

3. a cure for the Pied Piper syndrome. I love my kids. I do. But sometimes I can't even go to the bathroom without someone talking to me through the door. I have to be able to give myself a Time Out. I used to get those. Not sure what happened.

I guess I'm feeling selfish today. It's all about me. That's okay. I can feel selfish, as long as I don't ACT selfish. Right?

Hello friends,

Well, I made it for a year with no colds or any surprises. Welcome to cough...cough...cough and more of the same. I have always fought the S word because my poor husband was so ill for three years. When I was young, my kidletts had it all, strep, colds and anything else you can catch in school. I may have had bad days, but I couldn't take the time off. You all know what I mean.

I have decided I want to lay around in my pj's and sleep till this is over. Nope, can't do that. I am two chapters away from wrapping up my latest wip and so far I have not thrown it against the wall. It really shocked me when I checked the word count. It qualifies for print!!! Many thanks to Pam and Jerri for finding my bloopers as I write.

My daughter had an open house party tonight and she was shocked by the big turnout. She had worked so hard preparing food and the house was spectaculary clean. I probably mentioned this before but next week we are doing the cookie baking thing. Now, my niece has decided she wants to join us. It should be a laugh a minute. I burn everything. Give me an iron bar...I'll burn it! LOL I think that resonates in my writing. I have very little patience and turn up the heat.

Siren has accepted a short mss I sent and it is set [tent] to be released in May of 2010. That will give me something to think about while I wait to hear if they want the current ms. Yes, that was a very long sentence. [:

Okay, again I have not said one thing that will help anyone create a book. That's why they don't ask me to teach.

I will close this by saying I have tasted the bitter dregs of life already...Winter has really arrived and I am getting grouchy. Peace be with you all and I'll see you soon.

Betty

What I Learned in 2009

I know Christmas isn't here yet but I've been thinking a lot about the past year and have come to the startling conclusion that I've learned a lot. 2009 did not start out well for me. I was in a job I loathed (okay, loathed is probably too tame of a word but its early and I can't think straight yet. But trust me, I HATED that job), my health was deteriorating due to said job and a boss that was the role model for Devil Wears Prada. It affected my entire life. But things got better. I left the job, found another I love and along the way learned a few things. So even though its not New Years yet, I thought I'd share some things I've learned in 2009.

I learned....

-That I'm stronger than I think

-But I'm not as strong as I'd like to be

-That "no" still hurts. People say you develop a tough skin in this publishing business but "no" still means "no" and it still hurts.

-To trust my kids' instincts. Sometimes they know whats better for them than I do.

-That my husband really is a wonderful man for standing by me during those horrible months when I cried every day and was a mess emotionally and physically.

-That its not about the publishing, its about the writing. At least for me.

-That the Crock Pot won't cook if its not plugged in.

-To look out every window and use every mirror in the car when backing out of the driveway so I won't hit my husband's beloved Jeep Wrangler. Again.

-To smile in the face of mean, nasty people.

-To be myself. People will still like me if I just act like myself.

-To turn a "no" around to my advantage.

-That I much prefer to work shift work and be on my feet than sit behind a desk Monday through Friday (this was a surprise to me because I thought I'd love having weekends off. Not so much)

-That when you're really, really thirsty a Pina Colada is probably not the best thing to drink.

-To write tight

-To take time for friends

I'm sure there's more but enough about me. What did you learn in 2009?

Sharon
www.sharoncullen.net

Latest Release:




Read excerpt

WHAT'S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Several years ago there was a movie called Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. I’d not heard the term “bucket list” before, but as it turned out I had my own bucket list, only I called it “things I want to do before I die,” or TIWTDBID.

I’ve had this list for over fifteen years. My list is on a small slip of paper, now dog-eared, that I carry in my purse. I decided a while ago that I had to set goals for myself, things I wanted to do before I ended up in that nursing home. They say you regret what you didn’t do, not what you did. I wanted to have as few regrets as possible when I’m sitting in my rocker in that home. With one exception, I completed everything on my list. Through the years I crossed off a few items because they were no longer so important.

Let me share what is on my TIWTDBID list: go to England(did that); go back to Italy (did that); see Grand Canyon again (did that); publish book (did that); finish painting and renovating house (this will never happen and I’ve crossed it off the list);see Navajo lands (did this-spent four glorious days touring Arizona and Utah, all the while on the Navajo reservation); retire from full time work (done); rent a house at the Jersey shore (crossed off list. I love the shore and the ocean, but there are so many other places I want to see); drive the California coast (done); go back to Maine-this is the only item I haven’t completed. However, my as-yet unsold werewolf paranormal is set in Maine, so I sort of went back.

Now I’ve got to make a new list. Maine will be number one on that list. Number two will be to take another trip to California and see things we missed the first time. Something else that will be on the new list: visit Australia again. Seeing Australia wasn’t on my original list. I’d always wanted to go there, but never thought I would. However, a surprise multi-national family reunion in late 2001 brought me to Australia. Now I want to go back. So it goes on the list.

What other items will be on my new list? I’m not totally sure yet. I’ll have to use a fresh sheet of paper, but I’ll save that little dog-eared list I’ve carried for fifteen years. As I get older, the list shrinks, but the important thing is that I have a list. Another item on the new list will be to contract for more books. I’ve published two books and three short stories (I sold two of the shorts very recently). I would love to sell to a publisher who will put my books on bookshelves, but that seems an impossible goal. However, remember Australia. I didn’t put it on the original list because I didn’t think it could happen. Yet, it did. Lesson learned: have faith and dream big.

You’ll notice that most items on my list have to do with travel. I love to travel. During the past fifteen years, I’ve also been to other places that weren’t on my list. Hopefully, I’ll do lots more traveling. I’m sure there are those who have more exciting things on their list, like jumping from airplanes or bungee jumping, or taking a boat ride along the Amazon. It doesn’t matter what’s on your list. The important thing is to have goals and write them down, then work to accomplish them.

As in anything in life, stretch your imagination, but be realistic too. And don’t beat yourself up over the things you didn’t accomplish. There are times when you have to accept that some things aren’t going to happen. Like the song says, “you have to know when to hold them and when to fold them.” I crossed off the New Jersey shore house without regret. We may not have completely renovated the house we live in, but some things have been done, and it’s a beautiful old house, a little worse for wear in spots, but someday we’ll sell it and someone else can finish what we started. And I’m okay with that.

So, what’s my point? I have several: think about what you really want to do before you’re in that nursing home, then write it all down. Don’t wait till you’re too old to do what you want. You may never get the chance. (I don’t mean this to be a downer, but good planning never hurts). Do it now. You may have to revise your goals as you go along, and that’s okay. Some goals, upon completion, may disappoint, like not seeing as much of California as I’d hoped. That’s okay too. I’ll go back there. Like the other song goes, “dream the impossible dream.” Know what you want to do and forge ahead. These are all good life lessons too.

What’s on your bucket list?

Digitally speaking...

One of the best investments we've made in recent years -- besides my laptop (GGGG) -- has been a small, rather inexpensive digital camera.

I love this little camera. We've recorded birthdays, holidays and everyday silliness on it. Not to mention the thousands of shots my little ones have taken of the family pets. Some of our cats are probably still seeing spots from the flash. ;)

It's wonderful! As long as we have batteries in the house, we're good to go. No worries about buying film. No need to wait on developing. Just download and send and/or print up the good ones.

I think it's all about the instant gratification. We all want satisfaction and we want it now! In some ways, I suppose it doesn't really matter... as long as we realize that in life, not everything can be resolved so easily. Sometimes we have to learn to wait, and plan, and hope... Sometimes we even have to fail.

But back to the camera...

Last night my family and I finally decorated our Christmas tree. This is the latest we've put one up in the last ten years, so it was an even more anticipated moment than usual. Of course we took pictures of the result!

In all honesty, it probably looks like any of the other 9-foot-plus tree we've had over the last twelve years. But it's still special. The experience of that evening will be remembered -- not, perhaps, in minute detail, but in combination with all the other tree-trimming sessions over the years. And those memories are forever recorded on that little camera. Thankfully, I remembered to buy batteries this time.

And they said it wouldn't last!

As of today, my husband and I have been married 23 years. We're not the type to do anything special to celebrate. Our wedding day was very simple with only family in attendance. Would I have loved to have had the huge wedding my sister’s had? Not in a million years! Why spend thousands of dollars on one day when that money could be used as a down-payment on a home or having a nest-egg to fall back on. That might just be my take on weddings. Any scene I've written where my characters shared nuptials has been simple, nothing too elaborate--the two saying their vows with a handful of people who are important to them.

What about you? Did you have an elaborate celebration or something intimate? What about a honeymoon? We didn’t have one.

So, if you could go anywhere in the world with your spouse, where would that be, and why? I’d like to go to Egypt and I know my husband would too because after 27 years together, I think I know him pretty well.

Have a great day!

Jerri

Good news

Sorry for being so late today! (And it's gonna be short.) I spent a long weekend visiting family in Atlanta. It's always great to go home, but this trip was special. My 4yo old niece has been fighting cancer for over a year now and it would appear the fight has been won. *g* It's such wonderful news to get during the holiday season. I hope over the next few weeks of holiday insanity we all stop and take a moment to appreciate our blessings. I certainly will!

INSPIRATION

The mere word “inspiration” inspires me to do great things. The dictionary defines the word as “stimulation for the human mind to creative thought or to the making of art.” Without inspiration, there’d be no writers. Without writers, there’d be no books. What a horror of a thought. I can’t imagine a world without books. Inspiration is the stimulating brainwave enabling authors to produce the books you love to read.

Unique as pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, each writer reacts to inspiration, sometimes called a muse, in his or her own way. Can you imagine how boring the literary world would be if it were any other way? There’d be no incentive for readers to poke around a bookstore or browse books in a library, looking for a book to whet their appetite, which by the way is one of my favorite pastimes.

Did you ever wonder what inspires your favorite story weaver to write a particular novel? How they conjure up their plots, settings and unique characters that make you run out to buy each new release? Movies, T.V. shows, the newspaper, real life news, or even a song, are a few, but none of these come close to drilling a hole in the ice. Newspaper articles often give me ideas, if not for an entire story, then a scene or two. The majority of my ideas come from my good friend, Imagination, who dwells in my head and never shuts up.

Many writers research their story’s settings on the internet or at the library, while others prefer to use familiar surroundings for their characters’ tales. I need to feel comfortable with the area where my stories are set so as a rule I use places I’ve been to, even if I only passed through. Many of my books take place in Maine because that’s my stomping ground, and I know the state like the back of my hand.

Character development comes more easily to some than others. For me, characterization is the most difficult part of writing. A number of my author friends keep pictures of the hero and heroine by their computer. I tuck my characters’ physical appearances into a corner of mind and drag it out if need be.
I’m working on improving my characters’ development and have come up with a method that helps. I “become the character” and write in a journal for several days. In a week or so, I know what makes these characters tick or what ticks them off, their likes and dislikes, their goals and especially their weaknesses and strengths.
What about the Big WB? Writer’s block. If I stop writing for a few weeks, I refuse to panic. Won’t even consider the WB word. Instead, I write the stories inside my head. If it’s still in my head in a day or two, then I get the inspiration to put it on paper.

To sum up, there are as many methods of writing as there are writers. I’m not sure if my approach is an oddity, but I begin by choosing a setting. Nothing exists about the book except for this special place. After I’m comfortable and familiar with it, I develop characters, thrust them into Dodge and watch them deal with whatever sticky situation my zany mind comes up with.

They say everyone has at least one story to tell. What about you? If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, give it a try. The universe can never have too many authors.

Pam Champagne
www.pamchampagne.net
Ribbon of Rain, June 10, 2010

Samhellion Scavenger Hunt Contest

Want to win a Kindle 2 or a Pocket Sony e-reader? The Samhain authors from The Samhellion are running a four week scavenger hunt and contest with two Kindles and two Pocket Sony e-readers up for grabs--one will be awarded to a very lucky winner each week of the contest. The first week runs from 12/4 noon until 12/10 at noon EST.


All of us authors will be offering up the chance to win a free e-book as well. My 2008 EPPIE Winner, Too Good to be True, is the e-book I'm offering as my prize in the first week of the contest. If you have a Twitter account, you can follow the updates on Twitter. The graphic on the right of this post is the graphic for my part of the scavenger hunt. I don't have all the details yet, but you can check them out as they appear on the Samhellion site.


I also have a freebie short story, Mistletoe and Mario, which will be released at the same site on December 11. I don't have a link for it yet, but I'll post it on my web site and Twitter as soon as I have it, along with the cover. Mario and Alexa appeared in See You in My Dreams as teenagers, but now they're all grown and renewing their relationship after nearly ten years apart.


And last but not least, Seducing the Sheriff releases from Samhain Publishing on December 15th.





Half dressed and going for naked…

Starlight Tyler needs to lose her virginity, as in yesterday. With her mother, a Pinkerton, and a wealthy man she doesn’t love on her tail, there’s only one place to cut their cruel intentions off at the pass—get herself back into the arms of long-lost love Cordero Tate. Pronto.

She never expected to be tripped up by someone else’s past.

Sheriff Cordero Tate is a haunted man on a mission. Come hell or high water, he’ll round up every member of the gang responsible for the deaths of his wife and unborn child…and make damned sure he never puts his heart on the line again. As in never impregnating another woman. One look at Star, though, and all the old feelings come back in a rush. Worse, she’s just as determined to brand him as hers as he is to keep her chaste.

Their exploration of ways around that impasse leads to three nights of unbearable sensual pleasure. Until her past catches up to her…

Warning: This story contains a lot of hard ridin’, some ass kickin’, and a whole lot of lovin’ goin’ on. No doors left unopened.

You can read a PG-13 excerpt here.

Marie-Nicole

http://marienicoleryan.com/

WOOHOO!

Yes I’m still excited. This time for a different reason. The third (and final??) book in my Gateway Guardian series is DONE! I just sent Hunting Mickey into the publisher last night! I know with the holidays approaching I won't hear one way or the other on it but I’m hoping to start the new year with a contract for this book!

I had such a great time writing this book. I know, I say that about all my stories. This one was a roller coaster of emotions. It emotionally drained me every day because there was some new tragedy or challenge to cope with.

In case you’re interested…(and I know you are:) )…here’s the information:

When all hell breaks loose, you know the honeymoons over--sometimes life’s a bitch…

Agent Mickey Flannery is finally going to take his wife Terese on the honeymoon they missed five years ago. The plans are made, the plane is landed and they arrive to the news they’ve been chosen for an upgraded holiday—a week on a private island all amenities included.

The private beach soon turns into paradise lost when they learn their gracious host is none other than Rafael Lesandro Rivera, Ramiro’s son, and he’s out for blood.

Can Mickey keep Terese and himself alive long enough to find a way of escaping the man who them join his hunting party—as the prey?

Well, I’ve got to get going, My daughter and I are going to a theater to see The Nutcracker Ballet. I’m kind of excited. I’ve only been to the Fabulous Fox Theater once, my SIL and her mom took me to see my favorite musical CATS!

My daughter has always wanted to go to this place and she recently said okay mom, let’s go. So….We’re going with her French class. Meeting at the high school and riding a bus (not looking forward to THAT part of it.) 6 hours with a bunch of teens…could be worse I suppose. We could be trying to go see New Moon…

See y’all in a couple of weeks!
Hugz
Donica

When not creating tales of suspense, fantasy or the paranormal, Donica Covey breaks the bonds to ATV, shoot, hike or read. She loves spending time with her little “daughter-once-removed” (never say Granddaughter!) or hanging with the K&R Crew. To learn more please visit her website www.donicacovey.com

I Got My Purple Cover

I'm pleased to brag, I'm going to have a new book out in print in early 2010... This is Moonlight and Shadows, books one and two, Unholy Night and Darker Trinity, an anthology from Lyrical Press. In fact, it's so new and exciting, the cover's not even up yet. But I love it, and I had to brag about it.

It is a two-story anthology, with Unholy Night and A Darker Trinity, the first two books in the series, together in one print book.

These two books are my first two with my Immortal Knights Templar, and the third, Broken Shine, will be available in February of 2010 in ebook, and later in the year in print.

I could ramble on about the stories, I could, but I wouldn't want to bore you. Instead, I'll ramble on about how cool this is.

These books were two books I never thought would see the light of print, as they were a bit short for print by themselves. Though I liked both stories, I thought they'd only be available in ebook format. They're a bit racier than Fantasy Girl, they're paranormal, and A Darker Trinity is a M/F/M vampire romance. Not exactly the same thing as Fantasy Girl's comedic contemporary romance feel.

But now, they will be in print, together, with this amazing cover that I love.

Talk about something incredible to be thankful for this holiday season!

What are you thankful for this season?

Holiday Distractions

I was going to blog about villains again, but right now my brain is on hiatus. I don't know if it's because of all the delicious food I ate last week or just because it's now December. But I can't get myself in gear. Last week ruined me. It happens every year. Good food, great company, and all the hilarious stories told by relatives. Distractions roll in, and my motivation rolls out. I just want to eat, sleep, and laugh.

I'm trying hard to stay focused and write, but it's hard. So please forgive me for this rambling blog post. I'm working on a new single title that's dark and gritty, and it's hard to think of dark, evil things when having fun. At least, for me it is. The company is gone now and I'm back in my regular routine, but I still find myself wanting to spend time with my friends, my cats (Shipper, my manx, is pictured here), and my family or even shopping rather than by myself writing. And that needs to change. Ack! What do you do to stay motivated during the holidays?