FRIDAY STIR FRY - Holiday Parties

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So, it's that time of year when holiday parties abound. Pot lucks and gift exchanges. Yeah, not my thing. Both my writer groups have these. One this week, the other next week. 

I don't like cooking or shopping for food and if I go, I'm obligated to bring something edible. With my disability, it is difficult to get around let alone lug food and a gift into the meeting. And, I don't want a gift. I'm at the stage in my life I'm trying to get rid of stuff, not bring more crap into my life. And let's face it, these gift exchanges are usually crap you wouldn't buy for yourself.

Of course my wonderful writer friends are telling me to come anyway. One even said she would cook something for me and bring a gift. Sweet, but no. Again, just not my thing. Also, I'm not much into small talk and oohing and awing over a present or asking for somebodies recipe.

I have to go to the one next week because I'm chairman of our JANO writing challenge - which is open to everyone and kind of like NaNo. Find info here: 

 http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/p/about-jano-during-january-2010-sleuths_13.html

I need to update everyone and conduct a prize drawing for last year's JANO. So, I kinda have to be there. Although I have thought of just giving the info to somebody else and skipping. There's still time for that option.

I know I sound like a mean old bitch. And maybe I am. But if I don't enjoy these things, why should I go? I would rather sleep in, watch a movie, and write.  

Comment and let me know what a bad person I am. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Rain and Writing and Stuff

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Tired of rain, so I thought I'd post a picture of the sun to remind myself and others what it looks like. Enjoy.

Yep, it's been pretty soggy in these here parts. At my place, I keep my windows open, and all this moisture has made the inside of my whole house damp and yucky. Not as bad as some people around here. Homes have flooded, roads have washed away and there have been a bunch of water rescues. We need some 90 degree days. I mean for goodness sake, it is summer right? At least the calendar says so. Apparently Mother Nature is confused. Wish I could give some of this to people out west. I know they are suffering without rain. Heck when Tom Selleck is stealing water, it's bad.

On the writing front - not much news. I have written some, but of course, not nearly enough to meet my CampNaNo goal. I am starting to get a feel for the story again, so that's good. I plan on writing a bunch this weekend. (of course that's the plan every weekend but . . . )

Looking forward to Sleuths' Ink Mystery Writers  meeting this Saturday. We are having a Poison Tea Party (without the poison, I hope). We will have all kinds of tea and goodies. Perhaps some tea leaf readings. We are to wear fancy hats and write a poem for a contest. I have both and I'm breaking out a fancy purse. I used to collect Enid Collins purses so I dug one of them out. What do you think? 

Had a blast at last year's party. This group is so much fun. Maybe I'll have pictures next week. Until then I hope we all get the weather we want.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Big News!

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Notice something different to the right? It's a new e-book for your reading pleasure. I jumped into the Amazon and self-published my first book. The process was much easier than I thought it would be. Priced at a very reasonable 99 cents, how can you pass it up?

It's a collection of eight stories I've written over the last fifteen years including the first one I ever penned. Disclaimer here: I had to re-write that one and a few others. It's amazing how much I've learned about writing since that first attempt. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? I'd be remiss if I didn't credit some of my education to both writing groups I belong to - Sleuths' Ink and especially Ozarks Romance Authors who conduct a monthly critique group. I've learned so much from having my writing evaluated and by critiquing other members' work.

I think you'll be surprised at the variety. It's not all happily ever after. I have a bit of a dark side. A few have won or placed in contests. The others have just been sitting on my computer waiting for somebody, anybody to read them. I had to grant their wish.

A special shout out to Allison Merritt who designed my cover.

And don't forget, the best way to make an author happy is to leave a review.

Be sure and come back next week when I'll be hosting and interviewing a very talented author, Tierney James. She writes thrillers and will be giving us a taste of her new release.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Writing and Other Stuff

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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 - YEA!!!!!!!!

Today's the day I've been waiting for all my life. No I'm not getting married or getting my driver's license for the first time or taking my first drink at 21. I'm finally a published author. Wow.

I don't expect to make a lot of money. Publishing has changed so much in the last few years, that only the already established authors make big bucks. Us little guys, not so much. All I really want is for people to read my book and like it. That's it.

There are so many people I need to thank. Forgive me if I leave anybody out.

First and foremost, my son Zach. He believed in me and gave me encouragement every step of the way. Even when I was being a recluse at his house during Thanksgiving because I was behind on word count for NaNo.

My beta readers, Nancy Yeomans and Allison Merritt for steering me in the right direction.

Members of Ozarks Romance Authors critique group for their great advice.

Members of Sleuth's Ink who are the best cheerleaders anybody could have.

My editor Amanda Siemen and all the wonderful people at Breathless Press.

And all my friends, especially Rob Evans and Stacy Durst who gave me hugs and beer when I needed moral support.

I'm taking time to enjoy this moment, then back to work on my new novel. If you're in Springfield Saturday June 28th come by Trolley's on the square from 4 to 6 and celebrate with me.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Can't Say I Don't Have Anything To Do

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Nope. In fact, I'm bordering on too much to do. I'm still waiting on line edits for Beyond The Horizon (the line editor's computer crashed, so she had to start over - bummer).

But, waiting doesn't mean lying around doing nothing. The publicity person at Breathless Press e-mailed me 12 - yes 12 - blog hop tours I need to compile and return to her. They are scheduled for the month of June. Apparently my release date will be sometime during the month!! Believe me, I will shout the date from the rooftops as soon as I know.

I still need to write a story for the Sleuths' Ink contest - check it out here.   http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/p/whodunnit-guidelines.html
Only 2 days left, but, by golly, I can do it and so can you.

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining, because I'm not. I'm thrilled beyond words. I couldn't have asked for a better or more supportive publishing house. The story and characters I love will soon be born to the world. I will be famous. Well, maybe not famous, but my name will be on a book. How cool is that!

And finally, this time next week I will be another year older. Here's to hoping I have a little time to celebrate.

Now, please tell me how busy you guys are because I know I'm not the only one.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Done

   

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1409594







 

After serving two years as president of one of my writing groups, Sleuths' Ink, http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/ I'm done. Whew!

Don't get me wrong, they are a wonderful group of people to be associated with. All talented and supportive of each other. It's just . . . well - the responsibility was starting to wear on me. Getting to the meetings early to set up, deciding on the agenda, making sure I reserved the room we use at the library which entailed me staying up until midnight every six months so I could get our e-mail request in a minute after midnight (I'm not a late night person). Signing up volunteers for projects, making sure we had speakers lined up and writing the president message for the newsletter each month.  Not to mention the occasional problem that would crop up.

Good luck to my successor. I, for one, am going to enjoy my freedom. Our meeting is tomorrow and I may not get there before it starts. I'll just slip in and have a seat anywhere I want. And talk out of turn. Take a nap if I so desire.

Now if I could get somebody to take over the treasurer position I volunteered for with my other group, Ozarks Romance Authors.  http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/

Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment.