Yesterday, my child and his buddy at school concocted a great idea - they were going to hang out together. My kiddo was going to ride home on the bus with his new BFF so they could play their new cool soldier game together. Oh yeah, and he was going to spend the night.

Imagine my surprise when I get a call from the teacher shortly before dismissal asking if my son was supposed to go home on the bus. Um. No. He’s supposed to go with his grandparents. The next call I got was from the kid himself. He wants to go to his friend’s house and play and he’s just going to get on the bus and go with him. Um. Again. NO!

Of course, his grandparents weren’t going to allow it either. Thank goodness they all have sense. haha We had a long discussion last night about the Rules and when he can and can’t go. I’m so glad the teacher had the forethought to call me bfore any of that happened.

Because…imagine for a moment, if you will… You’re 7 and you decide to go to your friend’s house because, in your world, that makes perfect sense. And now… Mom doesn’t know where you are and you don’t know your phone number to call Mom. Can you say “FREAK OUT”? I explained it to him that way, too. I told him how worried I would be if I didn’t know where he was. We also set the ground rules. I told him I didn’t mind him spending the night or going to his friend’s house, but I had no idea who his parents were and I needed to meet them first. We decided to invite him to his birthday party on Saturday. Maybe he can come and I can meet the other mom and then we can set up that play date.

Of course now that it’s all over with, I think how funny it was. He was certain his idea was brilliant and would work. And in his world, it would have if grown-ups hadn’t intervened. I had a good laugh about it with his grandparents and told his dad about it, too. I guess this is where it all begins, eh?

Truly, I’m thrilled he’s found a friend. I was starting to worry. But I swear, just thinking of what could have happened sent fear through me. I would have seriousl heart failure.

Anyway. Yes, still writing. Not much, but I am writing. And I’m cheering on my friend’s who aren’t writing (AHEM - you know who you are!). I’m also reading a good friend’s YA fiction and loving it. It’s fantastic. I’m devouring it and begging for more.

I can’t believe it’s Labor Day Weekend already. I’m glad it’s a three-day weekend, but it really snuck up on me. Tomorrow is my baby boy’s 7th birthday (*sniff*). We’re having a party at Chuck E Cheese with most of the soccer team. And then he goes to his dad’s for the rest of the weekend. Tonight, though, I told him he could open his gifts from me. Plus, I’m baking him his Birthday Brownie (instead of a cake - he didn’t want that…he’s Anti-Cake I guess). I’ve got to get by the store today at lunch and pick up some decoration for it so it’ll be “official”.

AND! It’s a Star Trek Marathon all weekend. WOOHOO! I’m gonna watch The Next Generation all day on Monday. Today is an all day marathon of Enterprise. Yeah. I’m a nerd. Man said perhaps I could truly earn my Geek Card on Monday. I stuck my tongue out at him. He’s mean.

Okay so that’s it for me. Have a great long weekend, ya’ll! I’ll blog as I can. I’m going to hit the book store to see my book on the shelf in person. I’ll post pics!

Can you imagine the elation I felt when I got the following email from Lynn:

Just wanted to let you know that I was at B&N on Saturday. They had your book on the new release table AND a bunch in the romance section.

I’m in shock. So, today at lunch, I must rush right over and see this for myself. I have been spotted in the wild! OMG!!!! ROCK OUT!!

Yesterday was one of those days that started off crappy and ended up pretty dang good. Had a misunderstanding with Man. I must remember men are insensitive at times and they can’t help being retarded (sorry, guys, but it’s true!) and we women are emotional creatures who can’t help but over-analyze everything a man says (alas, another truth!). He was insensitive about something; I over-analyzed it and got pissy. At any rate, we got it sorted out and I’ve decided that I must never ever get so emotional over a man. He did do the “I’m-sorry-I-hurt-your-feelings” lunch thing, so it was all good.

I’m also a member of two incredible online RWA chapters and I’ve met some awesome, inspiring, fantastic people through them both. I am having so much fun getting to know a few of them. It’s totally recharged my creative batteries. How wonderful!

And yes, I’m writing. Go me! I promise to update the counter soon… in the meantime, it’s time to get the kiddo up and ready for school!

Okay - so! Congrats to the two winners of the signed books:

Amy S
Jane

Please email me your snail mail address and I’ll get them in the mail for you. YAY!

Can I just say…Thank GOD for the school system? It’s like I have a different kid. He’s so…agreeable. He does what I ask. When I ask. I haven’t had to fight him to get him in the tub. It’s … nice. And weird!

Anyway. Here he is on his first day of second grade. He’s so dang cute I can’t stand it.

He told me at length about the Smiley Face System in which you get a happy face if you were good and a sad face if you weren’t following directions, finishing work, or listening. I told him most definitely we want to always have happy faces. He agreed! And then he told me he bumped his head on the playground. No lump but he said it was sore. Poor guy.

I’m just glad he’s back in school and soccer. I think it helps if he can interact with other kids. He needs that social time. And I need my sanity.

Tonight is soccer practice. YAY. <sarcasm>I get to stand out in the 95 degree heat for an hour.</sarcasm>

In other news… I’m writing! Yes, folks. I am. I started writing in longhand over the lunch hour and took it to the computer last night. Got about 1000 words in. And I have my handy plot board to keep me on track and in good company. I’m getting back into the story (and thinking of the sequel) so I’m really looking forward to getting it finished. I’ve been reading agent blogs religiously of late and BookEnds had a terrific post about futzing here. What really stood out for me was the final paragraph - it made so much sense - and I realized what a terrible thing I’ve done to myself: I’ve not planned ahead. And I’ve not looked forward. I sort of thought this writing thing would just happen for me. But what I failed to realize was - It will never just happen. It’s work. Hard work. And if I have any hope at all of succeeding like I want to succeed, I need to get off my ass and make it happen. I need to map out clear goals of where I want to go instead of shrugging and saying, I want to write books.

Well. That’s fine and dandy, Mik, but every Tom Dick and Harry wants to write a book.

So I did some hard thinking and I took a long look at myself and my life. And it was really hard to tell myself how lazy I’ve been. And how disappointing it is. I don’t want to let myself down again. All I can do it try and it may take me years to get to the level I want to achieve. And you know… that’s okay. I’m still young and most writers write until, well, they can’t anymore.

I’ve also volunteered to judge another contest. Seems they were running short. I should get some entries here soon. I figured as long as I keep myself enmeshed in the writing world, it will keep me motivated and inspired.

Okay. Enough of that deep thought stuff. I’m contemplating changing the name of the blog. Ye Olde Inkwell is starting to get tiresome for me. Plus I have a good idea of what I’d like to change the name to…I’m just thinking here. What do ya’ll think? Talk amongst yourselves whilst I get my kiddo to school.

P.S. I was so bad last night. I totally SPLURGED and spent $75 on Sex and the City paraphanalia. Okay, so like I NEEDED it but OMG I finally found a tote with a stiletto on it! It so rocks. I can’t wait to get it. YAY!

Seriously going now…

A Break in Time

Book 2 in the Adventures of Ransom & Fortune

It’s Release Day! WOOHOO! A Break In Time officially hits the bookshelves today. And, if you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I’ll be signing copies on Saturday, September 6 at 2:00 pm at the new Barnes & Noble in Hurst across from North East Mall.

Now here’s the really fun part. Leave a comment and get your name entered in the contest to win one of two signed copies. That’s TWO winners today!

And I have, in the works, another COOL giveaway, so check back.

Happy reading!

Purchase Information: Get it at Amazon.Com or Samhain Publishing.

The truth could set them free-or tear them apart forever.
Book 2 of the Adventures of Ransom and Fortune

At the mercy of a faulty time machine, Skye Ransom and Dane Fortune are forced to randomly leap through time on a wild, roller-coaster ride of danger as they try to get back to the 21st century. Each jump sends them farther away from home, but brings their hearts closer together in a bond that not even a time bender can sever.

Getting back home may be the least of their worries. Warmed by Skye’s love, Dane’s soul struggles against that of the cold, unfeeling man he once was. Skye’s had enough of witnessing history firsthand. Yet finally getting home could mean she’ll lose Dane forever.

Worshipped by a jungle tribe, thwarted by a mad scientist, and captured by powerful Druids, Skye and Dane face the ultimate test of survival. Even if they get through it alive, will they be able to overcome their strongest enemy to date-themselves?

Read an Excerpt:

(more…)

What a hectic weekend! I’m glad it’s over. I think. I had to come back to work so I could rest.

Saturday morning we had soccer practice and I nearly melted at the field. Afterwards we headed to my mom’s where we visited for a couple of hours. We cooked dinner and it was yummy. Nothing is better than dinner at Mom’s!

Got home and I literally fainted on the couch. I dragged myself to bed where I immediately passed out again. The kiddo woke me up early on Sunday. We got up, had breakfast then bought groceries. I really HATE buying groceries sometimes. Especially when I’m so dang poor. After we got home and unloaded groceries, it was time to head to the birthday party. It was at this place called Amazing Jake’s and there were TONS of activities for the kids to do. Arcade, rock wall, laser tag, miniture golf. After three hours of that, I was tired. Headed home and kiddo went with his dad for dinner. I ran around like a crazy person. The knobs in my shower busted so I had to replace them. The man at Lowe’s so was helpful and nice. I know I’m going to have to rip that entire stupid shower out someday but I’m trying to hold off at least one more year.

Came home, did laundry, cooked myself some dinner. Kiddo came home. Put him in the tub and then got him in bed. I collapsed shortly after.

Today is the first day of second grade for my kiddo. I hope he has a great day and an even better school year.

Very short post here as I’m running. Still.

The city has my street torn up right outside my driveway so it makes it rather difficult to get in and out of it. I hope they finish that mess today and get it out of the way.

Oh and come back tomorrow for a big announcement!

Over the last few days, I’ve been working on plotting my fantasy book. This is the YA though, knowing me, it’ll switch to a fantasy romance. hehe We’ll see how it goes. I deliberately did NOT put in any romantic elements as scene cards. I’m going to let the story take it’s course, but follow the cards as close as possible.

You’ll notice a few holes. Those are the four missing scenes I need to fill the space to finish out the story. However, in reading over them last night, I realized I probably have enough story to sustain a 70,000 word book. Awesome.

So tonight is the night. I’m going to officially start writing once again on the book. Or rather writing/editing, since this is a rewrite. I’m ready to get started again and I’m getting excited about facing the page once more. I’m already thinking of other story ideas.

The cat was very interested in the plot board last night. He kept petting himself on it. I guess he’s decided it’s his. hehe

Last night was Meet The Teacher night. I’m getting fairly irked with the school records - it seems they think I don’t exist and I was STILL not listed on the school records. I was not happy about that. However, his teacher seems really nice. I can only hope for a good year this year.

And…am I the only one annoyed by the dumb questions the NBC folks ask of the athletes in the Olympics after an event? “What was going through your mind when [insert Olympic activity here]?” or “What was your emotion when [insert Olympic event here]?” Or even, “What are you feeling now?” Especially of the ones who didn’t medal or final. And the one that REALLY got under my skin was the broad that interviewed the divers after the semifinals and finals. Especially our gal who didn’t make the finals. She was so upset and sad and all I wanted to do was hug that little girl and here’s this woman asking what was going through her mind. I so wanted to slap her.

Okay that’ sit for me. We have a busy weekend ahead. Happy Friday everyone!

WOOHOO! Look what showed up on my doorstep yesterday! Click to see a bigger picture. And sorry about the glare on Dane’s head on the back cover. I had a time getting the picture to take right without my big fat shadow in it to begin with. :)

So, um. Yeah. I’m pretty excited. It was great to see it in person finally. The cover looks SMASHING. I LURVE IT.

Last night, I wrote more notes on the fantasy book, scribbling scenes on index cards. They may not all make it into the book, but that’s okay if they don’t. The key is, I think, getting them all down on paper before I start writing again. Then I put them in order so I could see where the holes were - I have four more scenes to fill in and then the entire plot should be done.

gasp

Holy cow. I think I just plotted. And no one helped me.

I have to agree with something Devon said - being a Pantser is something that’s going to have to become a thing of the past if I’m going to succeed at this. And that might have been my problem all along.

And, of course, as I’m writing all these scenes down, somewhere in the dark recesses of my brain there are new characters calling to me…whispering to me about their snowy existence… NO! I shout. NO! NO! I have to write this one first!

…but I may jot some notes down anyway…

Okay today I’m back in the office. I managed to catch up after class since I had taken my computer home on a just-in-case basis. I’m glad I won’t have a mountain of email to sift through. Well, I WILL. I just have already done most of it.

Tonight is Meet The Teacher night at the school. I hope he gets a good one…

Okay. So, it’s no secret now I’m in sort of self-induced slump. I can blame it on a lot of things but what it really boils down to is…I’m not cutting it.

For me, I tend to let myself get into routines, whether they’re good or bad ones. I tend to allow myself to make excuses and say, “Well, I’ll do it tomorrow.” Because that’s what’s easiest. I can also blame it on a lot of other things that’s going on in my life (of which I can’t blog about here), but again - that’s just another excuse.

I’ve analyzed it a lot. Yes, the writing should always come first. But the reality is, it can’t. There’s no way I can shirk my duties as a mother in the evenings to sit at the computer. As much as I’d like to. The reality is, I have a child to take care of and raise (single-handedly) and that is really what comes first. Before the writing. I can let my house be dirty one more day and the laundry pile up another week, but I can’t ignore my kid. It’s a harsh reality. I don’t want it to be that way, but alas, it is the way is should be. I don’t want my son growing up saying how Mom sat at the comptuer all the time and ignored him. I don’t want to miss out on anything he does.

I know I know. The key is balance. I haven’t found that yet, mostly because the future is still so uncertain. I have to find a way to make it work for me and I haven’t found that way yet. It’s been in upheaval for about six months now and I still haven’t figured it out. It may take another six months; I don’t know.

Here’s what I do know. I talked to some great folks over on one of my chapter loops and they offered up some sage words of advice, too (and thanks to everyone who commented yesterday!). I guess you could say I got lucky last night when the kiddo decided to fall asleep at 7 pm. I had the entire evening to myself. I took out some 3×5 index cards and labeled the top of one “SCENE” and the top of another “CHARACTER”. Then i proceeded to fill them out. I wrote a scene for everything in the fantasy book I had been thinking about or already written. I wrote character cards for every major and minor character in the first book and the second.

As I started writing the scenes down (in pencil so I could erase hehe), the world began to come alive again. I could feel the characters moving around again and talking. It was great fun. By the time I finished what I could, I had blue index cards all over my kitchen table. I put the characters in order of importance. I started to label the scenes in order of the book. I haven’t put them in chapters yet, but that will come later. In the meantime, I’m going to continue with this exercise. I think it will keep me engaged with the story until I can actually sit down a the computer and start writing.

Because, I’ve decided, I need something I can put my hands on and see in front of me. I want to be able to flip to that certain scene and see what I was thinking at the time I made the note.

Of course, this may not work for me next week…but I thought I’d try it. It’s about the only plotting thing I haven’t tried!

We’ll see how I do tonight…

I think I’ve decided I need a guidance counselor for my second career choice - that being a writer. It’s funny, you’re in high school and you start thinking about careers, no one ever talks about being an author. Or how terribly hard it is. Or how much self-discipline you need. It’s never on the list of choices for careers, is it?

When I was in junior high, I remember taking one of those career quiz things. You know, the ones where you answer the questions and it’s supposed to tell you what your strengths are and what job would be best suited for you. I remember how incredibly disappointed I was when mine came back and said I should be a CPA. I detest math. And not only that, I totally suck at it.

I think another problem for me is I never really figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up. (I still don’t know.) I did everything I possibly could. Piano lessons; violin lessons; dance lessons (ballet, jazz, tap, musical comedy, modern); concert band (saxophone); marching band; orchestra; newspaper staff; creative writing class; aerospace/aviation class (I was going to be first a pilot, then an astronaut–HA!). I drove my mother crazy until she finally said - pick two things and that’s it!  

I find myself doing the same thing with my writing. I want to write contemporary. No, fantasy. No, YA fantasy. No, time travel. No, historical. Oh, hell, I want to write them all! But I also find that there are only so many hours in the day. And I’m just not sure if I have the staying power, if that makes sense. I wonder if I’m truly self-motivated enough to make this happen. And I’m also wondering if this is something I truly want to do. I’m not sure anymore. I question it daily. I question it when I sit down and read the pages and pages I’ve written and I hear this little voice in the back of my head. You so suck. No one is going to want to read this drivel. You think you can get an agent? HA! Good luck. There’s nothing about your writing that’s high concept or can stand out from the rest. You’re fooling yourself if you think you can do this. You may as well give up now, while you’re still ahead.

Seriously. That’s what I hear. It’s inner demons, isn’t it? Demons that never want to shut up. They’re hard to overcome sometimes.

I’m not saying I’m quitting. I’m saying I’m re-evaluating (still). I’m trying to figure out what my next course of action is. After two rejections, I’m wondering what I should do next. I’m wondering if my writing is strong enough to make it to the next level (that being NY). So I’ve been thinking about what I should work on and submit next. I need a plan - I function much better if I have a plan. And I think that’s why I’ve had such a horrible time at writing.

I guess I’ll figure it out eventually.

I’m off to Flash class today and tomorrow. And it’s very cloudy and overcast today. We’re supposed to get more rain, which makes me (and the ground) happy! I’m very sore from this weekend and I’ve had some strange things going on - my chest hurt so bad last night it hurt to lay down. I’m going to chalk that up to bad indigestion.

Anyway…gotta get the kiddo up and get on the road to class. Happy Tuesday!

Hey I’m on spotlight over at Mel’s blog. Stop by and comment for a chance to win prizes! YAY!

Click here.

Newer Posts »