You’ve heard the expression that it’s over when the fat lady sings?

Well, my little personal crises…is not over. And I will fight to the death, to the bitter end. I will not be bullied or trampled or pushed.

Hell hath no fury… You know the rest.

I will triumph.

I had a relaxing non-stress weekend and it was nice.

Friday night I worked on the book and finished drafting chapter 10. It still needs work so I’m going to do some edits on it before I more on.

Went to Kiddo’s soccer game on Saturday and those poor boys got creamed. They played a really good Hurst team and the game wasn’t until 2 pm, which is really late in the day. It wasn’t too hot but those poor boys were running for nearly 50 minutes straight. I think I’d pass out if that were me. Afterward, Kiddo went with his dad and Man came over. We went to dinner at Hoffbrau and had fried pickles. Those things are not only deadly but delish. We stuffed ourselves silly and I got to gawk at hot firemen while Man teased me. hehe

We strolled through the bookstore and Bed Bath & Beyond and looked at all kinds of things we want but can’t afford. Like a $150 stainless steel trashcan. Neither one of us need that but we love it and we want it. Then we headed over to the theater - on a whim - to see if there was anything playing that caught our fancy.

We picked Eagle Eye and OH.MY.GAW. It was so good! That movie totally kicked ass in a major way. We had no clue what it was about or even who was in it. Before we walked into the theater, tickets in hand, I commented that I hoped the movie didn’t suck. When the credits rolled and we were catching our breath, I turned to Man and said, “Hey, it didn’t suck!” LOL

Sunday was a lazy day. I did laundry and lounged around. Started reading Faefever because I couldn’t resist another second. Shh…don’t tell Man. I’ve been forbidden to buy anything between now and Christmas but I couldn’t stop myself.

Okay so it’s Monday. I hope this week goes faster than last…

I watched some of the debate last night and I have to say it was…interesting. I’m really not one to tout my political beliefs in public and I only discuss those things with folks I’m comfortable with… but I have to say I’m rather fightened of what will happen in November. Take that as you will.

Last night, I finish reading Rosemary Clement-Moore’s book, Hell Week. It was great. I had about a fourth of the book left and sat up reading until midnight to finish it. Maggie does more demon hunting, but this time at her friendly local sorority house. I’m really looking forward to the third book, Highway To Hell, to see what more trouble Maggie gets into. This time with her friend Lisa in tow. hehe

Next on the list: Faefever by Karen Marie Moning. THIS is the one book I’ve been salivating to read for the last few months. When I finished Bloodfever I was disappointed I couldn’t get the next one in the series. I can’t wait to start this one and see what happens to Mac. There are only two more books in the series and I will be very sad when it’s all over. It’s a great story.

Third on the list: The Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt. I’ve been reading their blog (and a lot of YA lately, too) so I’m really looking forward to this one. I read a snippet on their website (which you should check out) and my interest was piqued.

And Fourth: Operation Sheba by Misty Evans. A Romantic Suspense that I’ve heard lots of good things about. It sounds like a really fun read (the heroine uses an iPod to stop a hostage situation hehe) and I’m looking forward to it.

And of course, these are not necessarily in that order. Mostly likely I’ll be reading Operation Sheba and Faefever at the same time (an ebook and hardback, respectively).

I did write some yesterday. Got chapter 10 all drafted and ready to go and no I’m on to the next section. For me, this is the hardest part of the book. Eirhan is learning all sorts of things about her mother she never knew and…well…it’s shocking.

Happy Saturday!

…has been drafted and edited… Now on to Chapter 11.

And that’s all for today!

What is it about cookies and milk? Is it like the best nighttime snack ever? It’s wreaking havoc on my waistline but it’s awfully damn good. It’s been a new thing lately - I get the kiddo in bed then I sit down at the computer with a tall glass of cold milk and four Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chunk.

I like to dunk them in the milk until they get all soft. Magnum, P.I. liked to drop them all into his glass of milk and then spoon them out.

It’s delish. And, hey, at least I’m getting my calcium intake with the milk, right?

Finally finished judging all those contest entries. YAY! I’m glad that’s done. Read a couple of great entries that actually made me wish for more than 20 pages.

I also downloaded documents from the critique group I’m in to start reading their work. I’m behind on that, too. This weekend I intend to make a very productive one and get lots done. Plus I need to clean house. And WHY don’t toilets ever stay clean? It seems like I’m cleaning them weekly.

I’m seriously close to picking out a new layout for my website. I want something a little more…professional. I guess that’s the word for it. I just want something different. Out with the old, in with the new…

I’m terribly happy it’s Thursday, except Man is on vacation today and tomorrow. He’s going hiking. We have this great relationship where he can go do stuff like that alone, without me, becuase he knows I detest being outside. Actually, that’s not entirely true. I don’t like it when it’s 100 degrees outside but I’m not a big fan of sleeping in a tent or going without facilities either. I can’t squat in the woods and I simply MUST have a shower. He says when he gets back, he’ll have his “mountain man” look going on. HA! I can’t wait.

And, speaking of Man… he decided after his last out of town trip that he missed me so much he wants to make a formal declaration of calling me…Girlfriend. With a capital G. About bloody time is all I said. It’s okay, though. He can’t help it - he’s a man AND a Taurus. So I forgive his slowness. hehe

I have nothing to blog about today.

No, I take that back. I have A LOT to blog about today but I can’t blog about any of it.

I have reached all new heights of suckage, I guess. So instead, I will present you with a picture of Sampson, Cat Extraordinaire. What a life he leads!

That’s all for now… At least it’s hump day!

I loved all the Six Words yesterday! They all made me smile and - because I’d had a dismal day - it really cheered up me. Thank you all for sharing your Six Words. It was so cool.

And so… without further ado… I’ve decided to give one download of TALK DIRTY TO ME and one download of NICE GIRLS DO. So the winners are:

 Ali
Candace

I’ll be contacting you soon so you can let me know what format you’d prefer. Congrats, ladies!

I had a hard day yesterday and I’m relieved it’s over and done with. However, the next week will be difficult, too. I will post more on that after next Tuesday. Long story and you’ll want a good strong cup of coffee (or whatever you drink) for that.

Kiddo went with his dad for a bit last night so I had several hours to myself. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself. So I snacked on stuff and watched Dancing With The Stars and sent out emails and caught up on paperwork. Much needed. Then I wandered around the house for a bit. The cat was no where in sight. I guess he was hiding. However, he did make an appearance when I sat down at the computer. He likes to hang out with me in the office.

Today should be quite busy at the office. I’m glad - I need the distraction of a lot of work. Happy Tuesday!

There’s this really cool book called Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Famous & Obscure Writers. It’s quotes from people who tell their life story in six words. Only six words. Hemingway’s was probaby the most famous:

For Sale: Baby Shoes, Never Worn

So powerful - those six little words. So sad, too.

Recently, my boss brought this cool book to my attention and I got to thinking about what my six words would be. My life in six words? Hm.

I came up with:

Writes books, loves shoes, drinks coffee.

Kinda weak, I admit. But it was all I could come up with on the fly.

So now I’m going to tag YOU. What would your six words be to describe your life? Post them here. I’ll draw a name at the end of the day and the winner will get a free download of TALK DIRTY TO ME or NICE GIRLS DO. I’m feeling like I need a contest today.

Gimme your best six words.

You ever go through one of those days where you just need to clean to keep your mind off of stuff?

That’s what I did this morning. I woke up before the sun came up - which kinda sucks on a Saturday. I couldn’t get back to sleep (too much on my mind I suppose) so I got up and decided to clean the oven.

Well, after a cup of coffee.

The glass oven door had splatters baked on it. I didn’t want to use any chemicals because I knew if I did the self-cleaning thing it could possibly stink to High Heaven. I knew it was going to smell bad enough just running the self-cleaning cycle. I started with warm soapy water but that didn’t do a darn thing.

So I thought about what cleaners I had in the house and I remember my mother buying me this can of Barkeeper’s Friend for my pots and pans (it works wonders on that!). I read the label and LO AND BEHOLD it said it was for glass cooktops! I figured if I can use it on the glass cooktop, then surely I can use it on the door. So I wet down a rag, sprinkled a little on, and started to clean the glass.

It took a lot of elbow grease and scrubbing and Barkeeper’s Friend, but I got the door clean. It’s all shiny and pretty now. And it doesn’t stink! It only dried out my hands. :/ Of course I realized as I was cleaning I should probably be wearing rubber gloves, which I put on but my hands are still a little dried out.

I highly recommend Barkeeper’s Friend - it’s amazing and relatively inexpensive. It’s a great cleaner and not abrasive at all. I’m going to try it on my glass cook top next and see how it does.

I’m running the self-clean cycle right now. Of course it stinks but the oven is going to look like new once it finishes! Next I have to clean the front of the dishwasher… mop the floor… vacuum… dust… lots to do! I think I’m in cleaning mode now.

Right now, though, I’m going to have another cup of coffee.

I can’t even begin to express how happy I am it’s Friday. It’s like a relief… and then in some ways, I’m a bit freaked out it’s Friday. Tomorrow will be a difficult day. In fact, the next 10 days will be difficult.

I will explain once the 30th has come and gone. Until then, suffice it to say I have knots in my stomach and constant worry. Yeah it sucks so bad.

I don’t have much else to blog about either. I have been plotting and writing a little, but no major progress yet.

Very boring and short post today and my apologies. My brain just isn’t in it today I guess.

Today - swing by the Samhain blog at 9 am to catch my post! I post a fun interview with one of my favorite characters. Just click here.

As per ya’ll’s request - here’s the recipe for the meatloaf.

The secret to keeping it moist is - wax paper, a little water, and ketchup. Enjoy!

1.5 lb ground meat
1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 pkg onion soup mix
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. ketchup

Mix ground bee with bread crumbs, egg, soup mix, water. Pack lightly into a 2 quart glass loaf dish. Cover with wax paper. Cook in microwave 5 minutes at Medium-High. Top with ketchup, cover with waxed paper. Rotate dish 1/2 turn. Cook 15 minutes at High or until done. Remove and let stand 5 mins.

And that’s it! Easy, huh?

Last night was very frustrating for me. I had truble with everything. Couldn’t find things… had a hard time plugging stuff in. It was annoying. So I gave up. I will get back to writing tonight for sure, though.

But now - off to work and school!

The last few nights, I’ve sat down to write on the Magic story and I realized I have to work out some backstory before I can move on. So last night was all about getting the that down and right before I can move on - specifically because it sets up the rest of the story (and the next book). I want it to be right.

This book is hard to rewrite than I ever imagined, but yet I’m really happy with the way the story has turned out so far. I still feel like I’m plodding along, though. I just don’t see how I could speed things up any more. I guess the most important thing is I’m writing every day.

Anyway… last night for the first time in my entire adult life, I made microwave meatloaf. Oh, sure, I’ve baked it in the oven before but in these busy days, who really has time to bake a meatloaf for an hour? Forget that. I opted for the microwave version in half the time. I have to say… it was tasty! Very moist and yummy. It didn’t dry out on the top. Even the kiddo ate it! It was my sister’s recipe from way back and I finally tried it after all these years. I can’t believe I waited so long. I will never cook meatloaf in the oven again. I also made mashed potatoes (from scratch) and steamed broccoli.

Yesterday was a particularly unnerving day for me. Lots going on in my world - which is about to go under a major upheaval. I was on edge most of the day and will be for about the next week or so. I don’t like feeling stressed out or nervous but unfortunately that’s the way my life will be for a little while yet.

As soon as I can, I’ll blog about it.

The weather around here has been absolutely gorgeous. Low temps at night and the highs have only been around 80. We need jackets in the morning (which I LOVE). I had to put the heavy comforter on the bed the other night. However, the down side to this great weather is alleriges. Ragweed is very high, making all of us miserable even though we’re trying to enjoy the loveliness of the day.

Yesterday at lunch, Man and I walked down to Starbucks for our daily coffee. On the way back, we stopped at the corner of 4th and Throckmorton and sat on a bench under a tree. We people watched for a good 30 minutes, which is always entertaining with the downtown crowd. You can tell so much about a person by the way they walk and talk. There was the lady with the neopolitan colored outfit. The lady who wore 4 inch heels (honestly!) downtown and had a hard time walking in them and over-compensated by swinging her hips more than necessary. The group of men who were oblivious to anyone and everyone around them and who made a lady carrying a Burberry bag in one hand and a cigarette in the other step into the street into oncoming traffic. I swear, those guys should have been paying more attention and allowed the lady some room on the sidewalk. Even Man had a comment about that.

It was a really nice respite before we had to go back to the stuffy office for the rest of the day. I so wanted to stay outside. But, alas, our jobs were waiting for us when we returned to work.

And speaking of work…it’s that time again. Happy Wednesday!

This pretty much sums up how Sampson and I spent Sunday…laying around on the couch. I figured we both earned the day off after getting so much done on Saturday.

I started the next major section of MAGIC on Sunday, too. I’m going to have to rethink somethings regarding the Big Secret becuase I totally reveal it. I’m not sure how it’s all going to go down yet but the next section will be crucial in setting upt he backstory with Eirhan’s parents. I have to get it right.

I was very pleased, however, with the progress I made on Saturday. You’ll note the word meter moved by at least 10,000 words. It’s been a while since I updated it, so I was happy to see I’m nearly at the half-way point. I got about 2,000 words in on Satuday and just a handful on Sunday while I plot in my head. I did come up with some interesting backstory for a very pivotal character. He’ll play a larger role in Book 2.

Anyway, so it was all good. I also went to church. They’re doing a production of The Music Man next October. I can’t believe I did this - but I signed up for auditions (which aren’t until May). At least that gives me plenty of time to change my mind.

Part of me thinks it’ll be so much fun to get back into a musical production but the other part of me is terrified I won’t remember had to dance. It’s only been, oh…20 years! I guess I better start working out now.

Sunday was such a GORGEOUS day I had to share it. Below are two pictures I took of the early morning. The first is from the back door, the second from the front door.

 

Every was so green and lush. And the sky was so blue. We had some wind but other than that the day was just perfect. I love this weather! I hope it sticks around for a while and we don’t go back to the hot and yucky humidity.

For dinner, I roasted a pork loin and vegetables. It smelled so good and was quite tasty. I love those kind of meals that you cook for a couple of hours. The anticipation is almost as good as the meal itself.

This is the fourth week of school - already! I can’t believe how fast time is flying by. The holidays will be here before we know it and that’s a very scary thought.

TIme for school and work… Happy Tuesday!

I’m pleased today to interview suspense author, Misty Evans. She’s here to talk about her new super awesome release, Operation Sheba.

You can get her new book and read an excerpt by clicking here!

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? And how did you get your start?

The writing bug bit in fourth grade. I entered an essay contest with a story about my dad and won second place. My essay appeared in our local paper and I saw my name in print. All through school, I wrote bad poetry, dorky song lyrics and horrible short stories, sure I was destined to become a writer, actor or rock star. In college, reality came calling and I majored in business, sneaking in a minor in English lit. Every job I had, I ended up writing and editing newsletters, press releases, you name it. I wrote my boss’s memos on many occasions.

After the birth of my twin sons, I left the business world behind. The writing itch, however, was impossible for me to shake. I started writing short nonfiction stories about my kids, finances and being a stay-at-home mother. Several were published. Then September eleventh happened.

My closest friends were mothers of young children like myself and we were all worried and scared about what the future held for our kids. One day I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned off CNN and started typing a humorous mystery with my friends as the characters. That story gave me back a sense of control over my world. I served up a big heap of justice to the bad guys and could sleep again at night. My friends loved it, btw, and I wrote a couple more stories with them in the spotlight.

2. Where do you find your inspiration?

Music, movies, people walking down the street, annoying neighbors, you name it. Anyone who ticks me off should beware. I know a hundred ways to put you in a story and torture you. <insert maniacal laughter here>

3. What is the one writer’s tool you can’t live without?

Besides caffeine? Wow, hard to name just one. Can I have two? First, my sources. I can’t write accurate agent characters without them. Second, my Flip Dictionary. I have a tendency to write “that” and a few other words a thousand times in every story. The dictionary gives me choices my editor prefers!

4. How many words/pages do you do in a day/week/month? And how do you keep yourself motivated to do them?

I track progress by scenes and chapters. Once a scene gets in my head, I have to get it down on paper. As I write through the story, bits and pieces of plot or characterization pop up and I go back and edit. I often write the first draft in four months, but spend another couple of months editing and polishing to get my characters and plot just right.

Motivation isn’t a problem for me, actually. It’s lack of time. With my twins and my other commitments, I have to be very creative and flexible with my writing schedule. I often get up at five a.m. or take my laptop on road trips.

5. Whose work has influenced you the most?

I read everything from historical fiction to comics and it all influences me. Overall, though, my mother’s storytelling had the greatest influence on me as far as my writing. She’s from the South, and let me tell you, the woman knows how to tell the best ghost stories! They still keep me awake at night!

6. This month is the release of your novel, OPERATION SHEBA. Where did you get the idea for that?

All those hours in front of CNN after the planes crashed. I started reading about terrorists, which led me to the CIA. The organization is so misunderstood and undervalued. I wanted to join, seriously, but my age - ahem - was an issue. Also, my total lack of foreign language skills. I’ve got a handle on French and am now tackling Italian. Hehehe.

7. Tell us a little about the book.

Action, adventure, intrigue, sex, a good dose of humor and a romantic triangle. I nicknamed it Calgon…like the bath stuff. It will take you away…

Here’s the blurb:

Julia Torrison - codename Sheba - is keeping secrets. Seventeen months ago she was a CIA superagent, tracking down dangerous terrorists with her partner and lover, Conrad Flynn. A mission was blown, literally, when a bomb Julia built exploded early and Conrad died. Yanked back to Langley and given a new identity, she is now the Counterterrorism Center’s top analyst, spending her days at CIA headquarters and her nights in the bed of her boss. Her former life as a secret agent has been sealed off.

Conrad Flynn - codename Solomon - has his own secrets. For starters, he’s not dead. Going under the deepest cover possible, he faked his death to save Sheba’s life. Now he must tear that new life apart and ask her to help him hunt down a traitor-her new love.

Is Con a rogue operator or just a jealous ex-lover intent on revenge? Julia must risk everything personal and professional in order to decide. Drawn into a web of seduction and betrayal, she is forced to play the spy game of her life, flushing out an Agency mole and stopping a hostage situation using nothing more than her iPod and her intuition.

8. What are you working on now?

More super agent stories. The second in this series in my editor’s hands and I’m writing the third book. I’m also working on edits for a paranormal comedy that won Samhain’s Tickle My Fantasy Contest. That novella will be in an anthology with three other fabulous stories in 2010.

Thanks so much for the interview!

It was my pleasure! I’ll close with information about my contest for readers. In honor of my character, Julia (who uses an iPod to stop a dangerous hostage situation), I’m giving away an iPod to one winner. Contest details are on my website at www.readmistyevans.com.

…a day makes! Yesterday was dreary and rainy. Today - the temperature is 70, the sky is blue and the sun is out. It’s a gorgeous day!

And my yard needs to be mowed. :/

This week brings cooler temperatures. We’re supposed to get down in the upper 50s overnight and then upper 70s for the high during the day. I do believe Fall has finally made an appearance here. It’s about time! I’m so looking forward to it, too. I love this time of year. I’ll need to shake out my heavy comforter and get it on the bed. Tonight it’s supposed to be chilly too. WOO!

Yesterday I got a lot accoplished - a lot of paper work done and organized; photos printed and organized; ink and toner changed (although I bought the wrong toner so I had to go back to the store and exchange it and that was annoying). And… I wrote! I got in about 2,000 words and finished a major section. The story is taking an unexpected turn and I’m absolutely thrilled. I have another large chunk to write/edit where the heorine learns some deep dark secrets. It’s one of the most important moments of the story.

Anyway… I need to get ready for chuch… and a cup of coffee… and today, Man comes back from his business trip. YAY! After church this afternoon, I plan to get my pork loin into the oven and WRITE.

Have I mentioned I love this weather? It’s most agreeable for me!

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