Black Friday at the Death Star

Just say no, people. Just say NO.

Post Oak Light Show - White Trash Christmas

I love this song! *grin*

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm back! Wow, what a mess! Everyone is out shopping it seems. I just wanted to take a moment in case I can't tomorrow to say I hope you all have a fantastic TG and that you enjoy time surrounded by those you love most~!

Anything You Can Do...

Writing Status - I'm writing this blog, does that count?
Mood - Blech
Playing on ipod - A Different Kind of Christmas Card by Morten Harket

**Puts on flame retardant clothing and zips up**

Hopefully, this blog entry won't get me into hot water. I actually had a lengthy internal debate on the subject and ultimately decided what the hay?

So...I was reading up on my loops and came across Harlequin's decision to form a vanity press. My understanding is it's a scam and a way to take money from the unsuspecting. It's all well and good that writer's are sharing the knowlege and being proactive. I'm all about protecting the innocent.

My issue comes from something else entirely. A little character trait that is none too attractive.

Arrogance.

It's something I've been scratching my head at since I received my first acceptance letter and started working the circuit. Bless my humble heart, I assumed all authors were created equal once they received that all important contract. Shock doesn't even begin to describe what I felt when I learned some people don't view you as squat until you can spout off a "name-brand" publisher that's accepted you.

Anon author: "You're published where?"

Me: "Insert Press Here."

Anon author: "That's nice."

Me: "Thanks, I'm hoping-"

Anon author: "You know what? I have tons of *insert chore here* to do. It was nice talking to you."

(Sadly, that is based off a convo I had once)

I'm aware that camaraderie exists with individual presses, but ultimately, aren't we all trying to live the dream? Is it necessary to split and divide (and heft our noses into the air) when we reach certain acclaim? I recently had a story accepted at one of my dream pubs, but you know what? Big whoop. Reading and writing are subjective. I've seen material offered by lesser known pubs that blow the "big-three" outta the water. It's all a matter of chance. You just never know.

Personally, I wouldn't go the vanity press route. I have ink cartridges, folders, and tons of shelf-space for the work I never intended to share. It was easy enough to print out my own. But you know what? If someone realizes what they are doing, and it makes them feel good to feel "published"... What's the harm?

*sigh*

I suppose, for me, I'm about building up those around me. Not tearing them down. It takes up too much energy to be hatin'. (Which is why I had the hubs take over all that e-piracy bologna) The industry is tough, and I think time would be better vested in spreading encouragement versus engaging in high schoolesk drama to make ourselves feel better about...well...ourselves.

I don't care where another author is published. If they write something that rocks my socks, I'm going to be fan. I don't care if it's a place like FictionPress or some fanfic. And unless someone is raking in a lucrative advance for their work, I don't they really have the right to put on airs either.

Guess what, Dorothy. Oxygen is free, which means we all have the right to a big, heaping lungful. Be careful if you take that broom out for a spin. I hear the witch isn't dead at all but is now appearing in some musical called Wicked, and the lolli-pop guild has her back.

Does anyone else know what I'm talking about? If not, just excuse the quasi-rant. I'm running on fumes here.

Morten Harket Hotness

Everyone else shares their hotties, so why not me? This man is A-MAZ-ING! Can you believe he's 50??

Let me refresh your memory of his Ah-Ha days...

And Now...

Firsts

The other day I had the pleasure of reading this story.

A-maz-ing!

The hero, Thorn, rocked my socks. I just love an Aussie!

If you like your erotica hot and sticky sweet, don't miss this one. Oh, and that Rosalie Stanton chick is a pretty cool cat! So you're supporting a great cause! *grin*

Le Blurb...

Savannah is looking at entering college as a virgin. After getting her heart shattered by one of the high school’s notorious playboys, she turns to her best friend, Thorn, and implores him to help her solve the tiny problem of her virginity.

What she doesn’t know is Thorn has been in love with her since the second he laid eyes on her, and asking him to touch what he can’t have is nothing less than torture. After succumbing to her advances, Thorn makes it his mission to convey everything he hasn’t been able to put into words into touch, hoping Savannah will feel in his hands and mouth what she has never seen in his eyes.

Firsts is available at Loose ID.

Surreal...

Writing Status - Reading Today
Mood - Giddy
Playing on ipod - From Yesterday by 30 Seconds to Mars


I'm holding a book in my hand, and just inside the flash fiction anthology is my story Redemption. I cannot even begin to describe how it feels, to cradle a weight in your palm that isn't entirely another's creation but your own. Even cooler? My story is the very last one readers will see.

Sorry, just had to share. I'm carrying the blasted thing around like it's the Holy Grail.

Crimson Moon Release Date

I finally got a release date from The Wild Rose Press. Crimson Moon will be released on August 13, 2010.

New Website

Writing Status - About to start
Mood - Excited
Playing on ipod - Hot Mess by Cobra Starship

The children wouldn't leave me alone to write, but I did accomplish something today. The website for my smut alter ego Aline Hunter is up and running.

www.alinehunter.com

I mailed off the contract for Eternity and a Day to Loose Id this morning. I have never been more nervous! I'm not sure why. I've done this before, but somehow, it feels...different.

Tonight marks the return to NaNo. Hopefully I will be productive and get some writing done.

I Heart Brains Review

Just when you're ready to cave, something good happens. Hungry For Your Love and A Kiss Before Dying have been been reviewed at Night Owl Romance. Hungry For Your Love got an awesome 4.5/5 hearts, while A Kiss Before Dying got 5/5!

This is what they said about I Heart Brains...

This was a quick, amusing and oddly romantic story. Woman loses her loser husband and donates the body. Guy dies and goes in search of a new body. Fate, destiny, whatever you want to call it collides to give them both a second chance at a better life.

I said if anything, it would be good for a laugh. *chuckles*. Thanks Lexile, for taking the time to review the book!

Back to the writing cave. Here's hoping I'm inspired to get off my arse!!

Sidetracked

Writing Status - Finishing up a review
Mood - Overwhelmed
Playing on ipod - Round Here by the Counting Crows

The last few days have been crazy! Dental appointments for the kids, calls from my Dr. requesting blood work (I suffer from hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism since the levels keep shifting to an fro, they are trying to figure out a medication plan), and the usual mommy song and dance. That means my NaNo story has been suffering as a result. I plan on writing throughout the day, so hopefully, I'll gain some ground.

I have also received what is potentially big news about my full-length erotic romance, Eternity and a Day. It's not official yet, but if/when it is, I can't wait to share.

Hope NaNo is going well for everyone and that you're achieving your word count goals!