FRIDAY STIR FRY - Some Updates and Other Stuff

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A couple of Friday's ago, I wrote about my attempt at finding a new hangout. Well, after three weeks of exhaustive research - ha ha - I'm sad to report I haven't found a new bar home. I've tried out 7 different places and none of them feel right. The bar stools are not comfortable, their happy hour sucks, or their service sucks or I don't feel like the employees or the patrons are interested in getting to know me at all.

I've thought about giving up. But, I'm afraid going home from my brain numbing job everyday and staring at my four walls will eventually drive me more insane than I am.

Now, on the book front - my publisher is officially closed as of today. But, it's okay. My friend, who is awesome at creating book covers, has already sent me several to choose from. I received my rights back for my contemporary romance Beyond The Horizon, so now all I have to do is make sure the formatting is good for Kindle and move forward. I hope to have a re-launch in the next week or so.

I'm also attempting to write a short mystery for this contest:

http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/2015/03/whodunnit-contest-guidelines-are-up.html

I've never written one of these type stories, so it is a bit challenging. It's no more difficult than finding a new hangout. I may not be a professional bar locator, but I am a professional writer.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Writing and Other Stuff

http://www.morguefile.com


Winter still has a stranglehold on us. Barely above zero today and this weekend - snow, freezing rain, sleet, regular rain. They keep saying Spring is just around the corner. I think it wasn't looking when it tried to cross the street and got ran over by a bus.

So my big plans for Saturday and Sunday - writing and editing.
(and let's be honest - probably some Netflix)

That's my plan, but as we all know, the best laid plans and such. I need to finish a 750 word story for Sleuths' Ink quarterly contest. It would help if I could figure out who dun it. I'm also putting together and editing some of my short stories for a secret project. More on that later. And, of course, I'm still struggling to finish my second novel. That sucker is killing me. 

And speaking of killing, 9 people, including the shooter, dead this morning in a small town about 90 miles from here. What the hell is going on? That's close to 20 people killed in and around this area in the last two weeks. Many of them are being blamed on domestic violence. It is a well known fact this part of the country is a hot bed for abuse. But, I've never seen anything like this. Yesterday our state auditor shot himself. So disturbing and sad. 

My book, Beyond The Horizon, deals with an abusive relationship but at least there is a happy ending. Not for these poor people and their families. 

Perhaps cabin fever is playing a role in all this. Another reason for Spring to hurry up, please. 

   

  

FRIDAY STIR FRY - ORACON 2014

Well ORACON 2014 has come and gone. What a whirlwind. The volunteer, board and speaker dinner Friday night didn't end until 9:30. Then I had to be at University Plaza at 7:15 Saturday morning to start checking people in. I'm still a little tired. And since I'm treasurer, I'm working on tying up final income and expenses.

I never liked going to conferences for my regular job. Probably because I hate it and I'm not crazy about my co-workers. This conference is totally different. I always come away inspired and in awe of all the talent in the writing community. Everyone is ready to share experiences and offer support.

We had a good turnout (around 90) with some new people attending, which is always a positive.

And drum roll please . . . I won 2nd place in the Weta Nichols contest. This is not a small feat. Our contest receives entries from all over the country. I think there were around 20 contestants in my category, contemporary romance. Liz Pelletier of Entangled Publishing was the final judge and she said to send her more. Yea! Now all I have to do is write it. :-)

Several of our members finaled which just goes to show how gifted they all are.

Planning will get underway for next year's conference soon. No rest for the weary.

Did you go to ORACON and what did you take away?