FRIDAY STIR FRY: TOO HOT/TOO COLD

I don't like air conditioning. 

I grew up without it and I'm a summer person. I like it hot. For the past 17 years I rented an older house in a crappy neighborhood and it didn't have central air or heat or even a window unit. And I was fine. I enjoyed opening my windows in the spring, letting in the fresh air. I had a couple of ceiling fans and window fans. I worked in air conditioning during the hot part of the day. If the heat was unbearable during the weekends, I would go hang out at Panera Bread or the Library. And it really never stayed unbearably hot for too many days in a row. 

I really never worried about having my windows open until the last few years. The neighborhood was going downhill with lots of homeless people wandering around and several shootings. And I'm pretty sure my son wasn't happy with the situation. 

Last year, my landlord (an elderly lady), told me she wasn't going to be able to rent anymore. So, I started looking for a new place. 

My new apartment is great and it has air. Because I am getting on in years, I appreciate it more than I use to. This old body doesn't handle heat as well as it once did. But, be warned. You will probably be sweating if you come visit. I keep it on 80 degrees. 

I really, really can't stand being cold.  

FRIDAY STIR FRY - I Caved

http://morguefile.com


 

Okay, I'm doing the book signing I wrote about last week. The determining factor: It is at a book store, which means people actually go there to buy books. And it's a local store, not the one remaining chain store. Buy local and all that. My one and only other book signing was at a library. There wasn't much interest in purchasing books by people going there.

My books came in today, so no backing out now. And the charms I like to attach to my business cards arrived a few days ago. All that's left to buy is the candy. Last time I gave away Hershey's Kisses. I think this time I'm going with those heart shaped Dove candies. Nothing says "Want to read a romance?" better than chocolate. Right?

I still need to make a small poster advertising my next book. Too bad it's not done, but they don't need to know that. Maybe that's the incentive I need to finish it. I have been working on it this past week at my day job ... shhh. That's between you and me. My job is really slow right now, I've got to do something to look busy.  

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Conference and Book Signing

I look nervous. There was no reason to be. I was surrounded by lots of writer friends. We were set up at a library, which is a familiar atmosphere. I think my table looked nice. I think I looked presentable. Sold a couple of books. All in all it was fine. Won't do it again.

I'm not comfortable sitting at a table and smiling and greeting strangers as they walk by. I wasn't pushy. I didn't scream at them, "Buy my books." But, I still felt uneasy. Kinda like a homeless person standing on the street corner, begging for money. Just felt weird.

I had an author table at the conference, also. It didn't feel as weird because everyone there was a writer or attempting to be. A lot more familiar faces and a more accepting group. Sold a few more books. Won't do it again.

I'd rather sit in the audience and relax. I did enjoy sitting next to my good buddy Allison Merritt. My two books looked tiny next to her five or six published books she brought (and she didn't even bring all her work).
http://havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com/

For some reason, this ORACON felt a little off to me. Don't know if it was a disconnect with the presenters, or sitting at lunch with people I didn't know, or sitting at my author table.

The pitch I did to Candace Havens with Entangled Publishing was even a little weird. I handed her my business card and she said she didn't take cards. But, then I pointed out mine had a charm attached, and she took it. My main male character cheats on my main female character thus causing her to leave town. Which is really the whole reason for the book. After the pitch, Candace stated that Entangled doesn't do cheaters. Hum. Okay. But, if I could change that, she would be interested. Yeah, I'll work on that.

All in all, though, it was a good couple of days surrounded by like minded people. Better than "my pay the bills job" any day.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Busy Week

http://morguefile.com

So much has happened this week. Much more than usual in my normally calm life.

First, I received my proof copy of Beyond The Horizon from Create Space. I'm not gonna lie, I shed a little tear. To finally hold my book in my hands was the most amazing feeling. I checked for errors and finding none, I approved it. So my book is now available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback. If you want to purchase, just click the cover on the side bar.

My 60th birthday was this week. I know, I can't believe I'm that old either. I don't think I look a day over 59. My son and daughter in law gave me a die cutting/embossing machine for my other love, scrap booking. And the writer tee shirt I ordered for myself came in. I received some flowers from a couple of good friends. And best of all, I've had the last three days off work. I haven't been a bit bored. I've gone to cafes, coffee shops and the library. I've done some much needed cleaning and some much needed writing. I could so totally not work.

And speaking of writing, I'm finally getting back to my work in progress. Although, it's been a bit tough. This thing starts out pretty good then goes every which way. Going to take a lot of patience on my part to get it back on track. But, it will happen. I need to get another book out there.

Now, I'm going to enjoy the rest of my time off.

What do you like to do when you have some time off?