Beth Caudill

WIP Line of the Day

2012-01-19T11:30:00.001-05:00

So I've been a bad blogger this year already. To help with saying something on the blog and encourage me to keep writing, I am posting a line I wrote this morning from my WIP Assassin's Soul.

"...her heart stuttered. Notin fear. Or pain. But her heart pounded out her body’s overwhelming desire totouch him again."

Short Story Price Drop

2012-01-13T11:02:00.000-05:00

The Wild Rose Press is dropping the prices on their stories to be more inline with what Self-Publishing ebook are priced at.

This means my short story rosette titles will be available at $0.99 on the TWRP site and at Amazon.

So far Dragon's Mate and Garden Magic have been reduced. Still waiting on Informally Yours to be reduced but it should happen soon. Tell all your friends they can now get my short stories for less than $1.00. :)

New Year's Blog Hop - Winner

2012-01-05T21:31:00.000-05:00

I'd like to thank everyone for the well wishes and I hope 2012 sees all your wishes come true.

The winner of the Gift Card selected via Random.org is:

Tiffany Drew

Congratulations Tiffany and I'll be emailing you shortly. Once again, thank you to everyone for stopping by my blog. May you read many books in 2012.

New Year's Giveaway Blog Hop

2011-12-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

My wish for 2012 is good health for my family. We buried two grandparents this year, one right after Christmas. Sometimes we don't appreciate what we have. Don't let the hassles of everyday life make you take your family for granted

Celebrate the new year by reading a book. Leave a comment about your 2012 hopes for an entry to win a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (winners choice). Only 5 comments count towards the prize. Giveaway runs December 30, 2011 through January 3, 2012.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:45:00.003-05:00

Catch the Christmas Spirit

2011-12-04T07:43:00.001-05:00

Come catch the Christmas Spirit and join me at Sky Purington's What Ever Woman Wants Beneath Her Christmas Tree blog event.

I'll be giving away one ebook copy of Healer's Fate to someone who comments on my blog post. And every comment enters you in the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card. Stop on by.

Kiss of Death: The Place for the Murderously Inclined Romantic

2011-12-01T09:47:00.001-05:00

Kiss of Death: The Place for the Murderously Inclined Romantic
What great romance doesn't have suspense in it? Whether a spy thriller in
Regency times, a paranormal romance with a revenge-seeking zombie, or a
traditional serial killer after the heroine, romance relies on suspense, leading
the reader through the trials of the heroine and hero to see if they will get
their happily ever after ending.

December 1 is Kiss of Death day. Yeah, that's how cool romantic suspense is as a
genre, it gets its own day. To celebrate, we're trying to make #romanticsuspense
a trending topic on Twitter today. Help us by sharing why you love romantic
suspense using the #romanticsuspense hashtag.

If you can call your writing suspenseful, then the Kiss of Death chapter of the
Romance Writers of America has something for you!

"I love so many things about KOD! I'm going with a tie: CLUES-N-NEWS because you
can ask the weirdest questions and get the best answers, and Lethal Ladies
because they helped me grow as a writer and find good friends." - Mina Khan

Formed in 1994, KOD - as we call our chapter - promotes and supports the writing
and reading of suspense and mystery fiction with strong romantic elements. We're
one of the largest RWA chapters with members from across the globe who join our
online family of mayhem-loving writers. Joining gives you access to a wide array
of programs to help your writing develop and grow.

"KOD has been a lifeline when it comes to death-related questions. It's a safe
place to discuss the macabre, run plots by experts, and find support among
fellow suspense writers. They know where to hide the bodies and cover their
tracks! (And if you can make it, the tours at the RWA National conference are
informative and lots of fun.)" - Anne Marie Becker

Top among membership benefits is our College of Felony and Intrigue (COFFIN)
online workshops for only $15 per class for KOD members. In addition, KOD offers
online networking, a critique group, brainstorming support and a book-in-a-week
challenge to help you to get that draft on paper. We support our members with an
active Facebook group and Twitter feed giving you access to the information you
need, whenever you need it.

"I love being a part of a group that gets mystery and suspense. Not everyone
does. I also love reading what people have to say on the loop. I've learned so
much from KOD." - Linsey Lanier

Nothing says romantic suspense like RWA's Kiss of Death chapter. Nothing says
I'm a romantic suspense author like being a KOD member. Join us today during our
annual membership drive. As an added bonus all new members or renewing members
who join in December will be entered to win a first chapter critique from
published Kiss of Death members.

To join Kiss of Death, visit us online at
http://www.rwamysterysuspense.org/join.php for easy PayPal or traditional
payment options. For the joining fee of $35 ($30 for renewal), you'll love us to
death!

Healer's Fate Featured at Kindle Spice

2011-11-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today my novella Healer's Fate is featured at KindleSpice.com. Stop by and check out the listing.

November comes to a close and we have one month left to 2011. I haven't accomplished my main goal of writing a novel, but I started and finished several stories. I'm happy with my progress and I hope to get those stories edited and published.

I've started to think about my goals for 2012. One of the entries will be self-publishing some stories. Aside from that I'm floundering a bit. But there is still time.

Do you have any goals for 2012? Are you going to say the heck with goals - the world is going to end on 12-12-2012 and I'm just gonna live my life?

What's Cooking?

2011-11-27T15:42:00.001-05:00

Having devoured turkey, vegetables and pie - lots of pie - it's now time to consider Christmas dinner. Yes, I can hear the moans. But never fear, the authors at The Wild Rose Press have put together another recipe collection. Surely you can find something to tantalize your relatives in this free ebook. Click on the book cover to get your own copy the 2011 Garden Gourmet.

Join The Wild Rose Press Newsletter for exclusive giveaways this holiday season!
Free Books, Gift Certificates and more!

Ideas Falling from the Sky

2011-11-22T10:54:00.001-05:00

I promised myself I wouldn't start any new stories until I'd finished some. Well I finished one. It's waiting for my freelance editor to have time to review it. But I have my fantasy with romantic elements draft to finish, my fae novella to rewrite, my contemporary paranormal novella to rewrite after edits have come back and I need to replot my sequel to Healer's Fate.

That doesn't take into account story ideas I've put aside because they weren't working or bright-shiny-idea-syndrome took over. Those stories are good but the ones I've picked to work on were too bright and shiny to hold back.

So one would think that my muse would leave me alone for awhile and go visit another author desperately seeking an idea. But no. She dropped two bright-shiny-ideas on my head this weekend to go with 2 publisher call for submissions. Not one new idea but two. As if I didn't have enough going on in my head.

One is my werepenguin idea which developed from a joke the Black line authors at The Wild Rose Press passed around several years ago. I'd never fully written it but the Tidal Whispers anthology call screamed for this story to be written.

The other comes from my Healer's Fate publisher Whispers Publishing. They are looking for horror Friday the 13th short stories. Instantly a story idea of a an ancient shipwrecked vampire seeking a child in the Florida Keys popped into my head. I don't usually write vampires...in fact I've had 0 vampire ideas before. And I've never been to the Florida Keys so where this tale came from is anyone's guess.

But this is how authors get ideas. I can look at a picture or hear someone say they want this and suddenly there the story is. Despite the Thanksgiving holiday, I have words ready to pour out of my fingers. Let's just hope I can keep up and host a turkey dinner.

Fall into Romance

2011-11-17T10:35:00.001-05:00

I'm talking about my love of fall today at Authors by Moonlight. Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win my witch short story Garden Magic.

Can your Character be too bad - even in a Horror Story

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

So I'm working on the edits for my erotic paranormal horror short story. One of the main comments several people said is they don't like the character. He does bad/mean things. Well yeah, the villain is the main character of this story. He does mean things for his own purposes and I've tried to show a caring side as well.

But he's the villain. Of course he's bad.

1) In a horror story is it okay for the main character to be the villain?

2) Should I worry about how much I soften his character?

Winchester Mystery House

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween

While Europe has dreary castles and wonderfully old churches, America has steel and some of their own unique homes. Winchester Mystery House is one of these curiosities. Located near San Francisco, the mystery has almost as much to do with Sarah Winchester as the house. Guilt and loneliness drove her to continually spend money on workmen and construction until no ghosts could find her in the maze of staircases and rooms.

Touring the house and grounds is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. One of these days I hope to be on the West Coast to enjoy a nighttime tour.

Are there any particularly haunting places you've been?

Joining the Tablet e-World

2011-10-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

8" Vizio WiFi Touchscreen

I decided this year to break down and get an ereader for Christmas. An unexpected deal and a recommendation from my husband's coworker led to buying a tablet instead. I bought the 8" Vizio WiFi Touchscreen from Sam's Club. I'm loving the stylus I bought separately to go with it. Makes working with the keyboard a lot easier.

I've used it for half a week and like it alot. It's bare aside for Pandora, Google Sky Map, Nook, Kindle and Angry Birds applications.

So what have I been missing? What apps do I just have to have to join the electronic world?

Scary Guest Post

2011-10-19T13:34:00.000-04:00

I'm guest blogging today at Read All Over. Read my post here on What Scares You? Leave a comment to enter to win a pair of flower earrings.

For more Halloween blog posting news, check out my Events page on the website.

I'm a Packrat

2011-09-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

My writing friend Sonja Foust is talking about her version of Project 333. She is far more ambitious than I am. Last year, she tackled a 30 before 30 List and now she is whittling away her wardrobe. I collect things. Lots of things. I'm not a hoarder - I can get rid of stuff and my kids can run around the house. But we keep more stuff than we should.

But I can't seem to let go of some things. The t-shirts from my college days. These are comfy cotton shirts which have cute sayings like top ten reasons to be an engineer. I don't wear them but I can't bring myself to get rid of them because of the memories. Folding laundry, I got rid of three pairs of shorts which were kinda tight. I didn't see a reason to keep them over the winter. And now I have a reason to go shopping in the spring. But I can't let go of the rest of my stuff in the closet.

How about you? Can you do a Project 333 or do you have too many memories attached to your clothes?

Six Sentence Sunday - The First

2011-09-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

Garden Magic Inf

As my first foray into Six Sentence Sunday, I'd like to post something from the first story I sold.

Once the older gentleman had gotten off [the elevator], she found herself constantly sneaking a peek at her companion. She was strongly attracted to him.

“Are you meeting someone on the top floor?”

She was startled by his question since it came out of the blue and hung heavily in the still air. “Ye…Yes,” she stammered. “I’m taking a surprise lunch to my fiancé..."

To make this week extra special, I'm celebrating my 13th Wedding Anniversary. Have a virtual glass of champagne on me. And lots of chocolate.

For more SSS excitement, follow the twitter stream #sixsunday or stop by the Six Sentence Sunday website.

Nature Comes Knocking

2011-09-22T10:41:00.001-04:00

Baseball has taken over our lives for the time being. With two kids having games, almost every night we are at the ball field. Coming home after a game, we found a visitor on our front porch column.

Stopping by for a visit.

Now frogs aren't all that special around my house. We live within walking distance of a lake. The brown water frogs are quite popular in fact. But this guy is special. He's the first tree frog I've seen outside a museum / zoo. He was just hanging out on that column away from any of the trees. By the next morning he was gone.

The next day, I was out walking my dog and sitting on the roof-line of the garage was a hawk. (Okay I don't know what kind. I can name the songbirds that hang out back but not the hawk.) Now I've seen the hawks flying in the sky above the forest around the lake so he wasn't too much of a surprise. But I've never seen one close enough to see the brown and white chest feathers. Of course he flew off the minute my dog barked so no pictures of him. But it was nice to see the wild neighbors stopping by.

Here's another photo of my green friend:

Do you mind, I'm trying to catch a meal.

How about you, any wildlife visitors in your neck of the woods?

Status Update - September 2011

2011-09-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

I have forced my muse into focusing on two stories. Unfortunately, she doesn't want to focus on the story I am writing on. I get ideas for one while writing on the other.

The first is an erotic paranormal horror short story. It is the first of two in the series. This story has been easier for me to see in my head if not write. Sex scenes have never been may favorite thing to write and there are several in this story.

The second is a fantasy with romantic elements. This was a very short story I am trying to expand. That means adding in scenes that I didn't imagine with the initial idea. These are the ones that connect my herione from place A to Place B. Because I didn't see them at first, they are being difficult. Particularly the dialogue. I'm slugging through but it is going slower than I would like.

I've joined two critique groups, so I hope this will keep me writing so that I will end up with stories fit for my readers to enjoy. There are more in other stages of development: my fae world series and a contemporary paranormal world series. But I need to focus on no more than two stories at a time.

I appreciate you following me through this drought but I want you to know that I am working toward producing stories for you to read.

Makeover for Website and Blog

2011-09-02T19:33:00.003-04:00

For those of you who are regular followers, you'll notice something changed around here. I've given my website a makeover and carried those changes to the blog.

This is the first major change for my internet presence since I joined the net five years ago. While I've made some minor changes to the website menus before, this was both a color and layout change.

Everything started with the selection of an image for my new logo. My favorite color is purple and there is a hint of it in the sky. An easy choice for me to use for my background and then pull yellow for the lettering. The harder decision was how to simplify the layout. Images play a bigger part in navigation this time. I think it makes it cleaner looking and easy to navigate.

Please let me know what you think.

Natural Disasters R Us

2011-08-26T13:24:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week, I experienced my first Earthquake. I didn't even realize it was an earthquake until ten minutes after the event and twitter chatter clued me in. When you've had trains, wind gusts, and airplanes rattle your house, a several seconds of shaking doesn't amount to terror.

The house swayed and the sofa rattled. That was the extent of the 'disaster' at my house. A bit strange but a nonevent.

Next on the agenda is Hurricane Irene. I grew up in the mountains of West Virginia. No coastlines in sight and very little wind. Growing up we dealt with snow every winter but not too much so natural disasters didn't affect me.

Then I had the bright idea to come to North Carolina for college. Now we get winter ice storms, hurricanes, massive thunderstorms which spawn tornadoes, and wildfires. Usually in central NC we get tropical storm strength winds but nothing too strong. Then came Hurricane Fran in 1996. She was Category 1 storm when she crossed Raleigh.

Because of several storms before Fran, many trees became uprooted and people lost power for weeks. But wind damage isn't the only concern. Hurricane Floyd showed us what flood damage can do to whole towns. And while we've had several quiet seasons the past few years, Hurricane Irene has spawned to remind us that Mother Nature can still pack a punch.

Everyone stay safe and for a few quick pointers on hurricane preparedness, check out my author friend Nancy Lee Badger's page.

Countdown to School

2011-08-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

T-Minus 7 days until the school year begins.

Sanity shall reign again in the household for a few hours. I love my kids but no one should have to suffer 24 hours a day with each other. (Them or Me)

Things I shall miss once school starts:

a) Cuddles
b) Treats
c) Fun activities - Bowling, Board Games, Swimming Pool

Things I won't Miss

a) Mmmoooooommmm
b) He touched me.
c) Mom Mom Mom

Peace be with You

2011-08-09T15:47:00.003-04:00

I disappeared from the internet life for awhile because my grandmother died. She lived to be 95, buried two husbands and had Alzheimer's. For the last year, she didn't know I was her granddaughter. But she was still the one to teach me to cross stitch and bake desserts.

While the news of her death was not a surprise, it still hit me hard. I couldn't write for awhile because romance wasn't in me with my sadness.

While we were at her funeral this weekend, my husband and I viewed other family cemetery plots. My husband is into genealogy and took several pictures to help us start a family tree for my relatives. Being able to trace your roots can be therapeutic.

I have many fond memories and will remember you always Mammy.

Rest in Peace - 2011

Too Quiet

2011-08-02T15:58:00.004-04:00

Can it be too quiet?

While I'm enjoying the fact that all three guys in my life are other places this week. I miss them and the constant noise. I can focus on me and my goals. But not being able to share night time walks or the latest news is depressing.

So if you had a week without your loved ones, what would you do?

Photo Decisions

2011-07-21T15:29:00.003-04:00

I've started the process of searching for a new picture to use as a heading for my website. All part of the website revamp I'm doing this year. Artistic photo creation is not something I'm skilled at. But I can do some photo manipulation. We'll see how it goes.

Here are my candidates:

Castle and Landscape

Castle and Wolf

Castle and Lake

I'm leaning towards the top one. I'd crop out parts of the picture...probably take the middle mountains, castle and sunset - leaving out the road.

Then I have to decide on the text color. Light orange or a medium dark purple?

Which is your favorite picture and colors to match? Do you enjoy editing photos?

Skyrockets in Flight - Winners

2011-07-12T15:14:00.004-04:00

Thank you to everyone for stopping by the blog this past week. We had such a great turnout, I increased the number of bookmarks I'll send out to 4. The winners were selected by random number generation.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble $5 Gift Card - Gloria Schumann

Bookmarks - Rhianna
Carol L.
Aubrie
JoAnna

If are a winner listed above, please email me at contests [AT] bethcaudill [DOT] net to receive your prize.

I hope everyone has a great summer.

Happy 4th of July - Blog Hop

2011-07-04T00:01:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th of July

My kids are excited at the prospect of fireworks. They love the explosion of color in the sky. Although the youngest is still a bit afraid of the loud noises. He holds on tight and cringes then gets excited at the colors.

We'll celebrate with neighbors and a picnic. How about you? Leave a comment with your July 4th plans and I'll select one winner to receive a $5 gift certificate to B&N or Amazon and one winner to receive a crystal bookmark.

Thanks for stopping by my blog on the Skyrockets in Flight Blog Hop Delight.

July 4th Blog Hop - Giveaways

2011-06-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

From July 4th to July 10th, I will be a part of the Skyrockets in Flight Blog Hop. Each blog will be linked via Linky and they will all be giving away prizes.

I will have two prizes: A $5 to either Amazon or B&N and a crystal bookmark.

Click on the graphic below to find out all the details:

Support Our Troops and Eat Cake

2011-06-14T15:49:00.004-04:00

Taste of Home is raising money for our troops to call home. Head over to their Flag Cake page and you automatically help raise 10¢ for the USO. Every dime raised allows a service member to call home free for 2 minutes.

Help our troops call home and bake a delicious cake for your 4th of July celebrations.

New Life for Old Stories

2011-06-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

My short stories have been migrated to the Nook and Kindle. Enjoy my elemental dragons, everyday witches and wary wolves in a new format.

Dragon's Mate -
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragons-mate-beth-caudill/1031339400
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Mate-ebook/dp/B0053HOVUA

Garden Magic -
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/garden-magic-beth-caudill/1031339495
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Magic-ebook/dp/B0053HOWR2

Informally Yours -
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/informally-yours-beth-caudill/1031339514
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Informally-Yours-ebook/dp/B0053HP3VG

And don't forget my fantasy werewolf novella:

Healer's Fate -
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healers-fate-beth-caudill/1029825898
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Healers-Fate-ebook/dp/B004IAT94G

X-Men First Class

2011-06-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I watched X-men: First Class.

I have to say I'm not sure how close it is to the comics. Most of what I remember from the comics comes from the 80s. For me the first class is Jean Gray, Cyclops, Iceman, Beast and Angel. With the professor and magneto having some hidden mysterious past.

I find myself unable to form an opinion of the movie. It was a good action film. But other than having things tie into the existing series, I have a hard time making myself believe this is an X-men movie. Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Kitty, Storm, Cyclops, and Jean Gray are the X-men to me and because they weren't in it. I can't relate them to the X-men I grew up with.

I have to say I've always found Magneto to be an interesting fellow. While he has become more evil in the later timeline, I felt more for him in this movie. He is lost-living in fear; for revenge. Xavier has no such issues. He is self-confident, sure of himself and his powers. It doesn't make me dislike him but I have nothing to hope he gains.

I do wish they had shown more of a relationship between Moira and Xavier. Because their estrangement is one issue I've always been intrigued by. His betrayal at removing her memories deserved so much than something stuck onto the end.

While I sat on the edge of my seat watching the movie, I feel this doesn't mesh well into the existing series. I didn't have this disconnected feeling with the Wolverine Origins movie. I'll probably go see it again once it hits the discount theater.

What's your opinion of the new X-men movie?

Your Writing Will Change

2011-05-31T00:05:00.001-04:00

Over time, my writing is changing. Most writers hope for this because the standard theory is your writing will improve with practice.

I spent a lot of time taking classes trying to improve my writing. I was weak in plot, dialog, showing emotions. Did I mention I've taken a ton of classes?

Now I look at my writing and want to throw it all away. The things I did well like description and world building have fallen away. I can still create the worlds...but I can't find the words to describe it. I have tons of crappy dialog and no inner narration.

I've completed three separate rough drafts this month. And I would show none of them to anyone. It's more than being rough work. It's that they are bad and I know it. The stories are there in my head. Characters demanding their time in the spotlight. Too bad they are all covered in pea soup green.

The important thing is I am still plugging away. Still re-rewriting a lot. Someday one of these stories is going to make me rich. That's the theory anyway. I can only hope that time will make these stories better.

Impulse Book Buying

2011-05-24T13:36:00.005-04:00

Today I did it again.

I bought a book on impulse - never heard of the author, haven't read any of it but the blurb.

The last book I did this with was Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews. I absolutely love that series so I have high hopes for this new one I picked up.

Want to know what mysterious book I bought today?????

Among Thieves by Douglas Hulick

After getting home I went to his website: http://www.douglashulick.com/

Turns out this is his debut novel. Good I don't have to wait to start reading because I have book 1 in the series. And I'm really excited to read this.

Why?

1) His tag line: Honor can get you killed.
2) Back cover blurb: He's a crime lord's flunky...who based on the tag line has honor.

oooo.

Reminds me of The Legend of Nightfall by Mickey Zucker Reichert or maybe Gambit from the X-Men universe. These are the pirates of the city. The thieves and assassins with their own codes who break the law but help others as well. Can't wait to read it.

Who was the last unknown/debut author you tried?

Country or City?

2011-05-05T00:05:00.000-04:00

I mentioned our trip to the zoo for Spring Break. Well, I missed a turn off and ended up driving too far south. Luckily when I stopped, there was an Old NC highway that took me straight to zoo. Just doubled the initial driving time.

While I was sightseeing, I thought about all the standalone, in the middle of nowhere house I saw. I mean, there are no towns, no exits...just farmland, forest, and the occasional house. Some were mobile homes, single family homes, and a few Manors (bring entry ways and gates included).

Being a city girl born and bred, I had to wonder what these people did for a living. Why were they living there and how did they make money. Particularly those in the manors.

Anyone wanna play a guess game with me?

Answer the questions:
1) Why are they living in the middle of nowhere?
2) What do they do for a living?
3) What do they do for fun?

Summer Movies!

2011-05-03T00:05:00.001-04:00

I don't do a lot of movies in theater. Until Summer. Every year there are a few I have to see at the box office. This year seems to have more than usual and is especially comic book friendly.

Here is my summer movie release Have-To-See list:

May 6 - Thor
May 13 - Priest
May 20 - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

June 3 - X-Men: First Class
June 17 - Green Lantern
June 24 - Cars 2 (okay this is for the kids...but I have to take them)

July 1 - Transformers: Dark of the Moon (This is for Hubby)
July 15 - Harry Potter and The Deathly Hollows (part Two)
July 22 - Captain America: The First Avenger

And in the fall - October 14 - The Three Musketeers

How does your movie season shape up? Do you still enjoy the theater experience or do you wait for it to come on those cable movie channels or NetFlix?

It's A Zoo Around Here

2011-04-28T00:05:00.000-04:00

Last week was Spring Break for the kids. I took them to the North Carolina Zoo for an afternoon. Here is a slideshow of the pictures:

How often do you visit your local zoo? I try to take our kids once or twice a year.

Garden Time

2011-04-26T10:09:00.009-04:00

It's spring here in North Carolina and I spend some time out in the garden. By August I've given up playing in the dirt as too much effort. :)

I planted some bulbs late and was pleasantly surprised to see two of the hyacinths bloomed.

This weekend I also added three new plants - two different purple foxgloves and a purple calla lilly

I've said before I love roses and this morning I made my first cutting of the year. Here is a picture of one of the plants (post cutting) and a picture of my three vases with white, cream, and apricot blooms:

How about you? Do you have flowers in your garden? All greenery and shrubs?

Whispers Publishing - Explore Our World Contest

2011-04-14T10:28:00.003-04:00

Whispers Publishing Explorer Our World contest ends April 30, 2011.

They want new and unusual settings for stories. Check out the details here.

Good luck to those who enter.

Healer's Fate for Nook is here

2011-04-12T00:05:00.001-04:00

So being the narcissist that I am (joking mostly...every author searches for their name...it's keeping up with the business), I randomly searched the B&N site for my name yet again. And expected the search to return no results as usual.

Except.............

Healer's Fate popped up for Nook. So now all of you who have been waiting to read my wonderful fantasy, werewolf novella can go forth and buy from Barnes and Noble.

Click here to spend a few hours reading.

Whispers Publishing Trailer Ad

2011-04-03T13:17:00.002-04:00

My Healer's Fate publisher has produced a book trailer ad. It displays a lot of covers for ebooks. You'll find mine about 48 seconds into the video. I hope you enjoy:

On the Other Side

2011-03-31T09:47:00.003-04:00

So Tuesday I talked about how the Three Musketeers is being remade yet again. And how it would be nice for new ideas to come out. Yet 4 months after Disney announced it will no longer make fairy tales, I still feel betrayed by the company.

I understand wanting to appeal to a broad range of consumers - they are a corporate company after all - but you don't have to slap the face of the customers who have supported your company for 80 years.

My mom loves the Disney Company and so do I. I still remember the trip my parents took me to Walt Disney World when I turned 11 and had dinner in the Castle. I have collected all their animated movies in both VHS and DVD. Being able to own a share of Disney stock was a dream once upon a time. But times change.

The announcement of Disney buying Marvel worried me for the characters I loved but I was willing to give it a chance. Marvel appeals to both males and females and they have a loyal following. So long as Disney remembered characters get hurt and can die, it should be good.

But the company doesn't have to announce that they want boys to buy their product because the girls who have supported their company for 80 years aren't good enough. And that's how this announcement makes me feel.

The company can make any movies it wants to and nothing says they have to make fairy tales. Movies like Oliver and Company and 101 Dalmatians aren't fairy tales. Mickey Mouse and the gang have had their own movies throughout the years. My two boys have not liked any of the Disney movies except Cars. I tried showing them Winnie the Pooh, The Jungle Book, Bambi, Toy Story, and Lion King. Some of these are even story lines Disney hopes to draw on in the future yet my boys don't like them. In fact, they preferred seeing Dora the Explorer to Disney.

All I can say is good luck to Disney in the future, I hope their choice to go in a new direction works for them. Because their choice to kill fairy tales has lost them a supporter.

Fairy Tales are the stuff of dreams. Killing someone's dreams is wrong.

Can you have too much of a good thing?

2011-03-29T20:44:00.004-04:00

Earlier this week I came across a video trailer of a new version of The Three Musketeers. While I was skeptical, after I watched the trailer...I can't wait for this to come out. I've seen the trailer at least ten times now.

My husband when I offered to show it to him, said 'Oh yeah, another one.'

So I ask, can you have too much of a good thing?

Here are the Three Musketeers (or spinoffs) I can remember seeing:

At Sword's Point (1952) - had a female lead so as a young girl I remember it.

The Three Musketeers (1973) and The Four Musketeers (1974) - Michael York

Return of the Musketeers (1989) - Michael York

The Three Musketeers (1993) - Chris O'Donnell, Keifer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, and Oliver Platt

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) - Jeremy Irons and Gabriel Byrne

The Musketeer (2001) - Lots of aerobatic sword play

The Three Musketeers (2004) - Disney - Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy

The Lady Musketeer (La Femme Musketeer)(2004) - Female lead and older Michael York

These are the ones I can name off the top of my head without having to search. I may have seen others. I rate this up there with King Artur and Robin Hood. Every few years a new version comes along.

So judge for yourself - Is this another bad do over of a good book or does it have something to offer? As I said, I love this trailer and can't wait. And in case you miss him, Orlando Bloom plays a very dark haired Duke of Buckingham. I may finally get the long blond-haired Legolas out of my head (probably not but maybe I can have them both).

Blogs - Yet another Bites the Dust

2011-03-24T00:05:00.000-04:00

Aside from trying to be writerly and concentrate on stories not blogs, facebook, and every other distraction, I've discovered yet another blog I followed has died. I can think of two group blogs I am keeping track of and they are both with Regency Historical authors. One is The Goddess Blogs which does have several authors who don't write historicals, but the authors I care the most about are the Historical writers. And there is Lady Scribes - I picked this up to support a fellow RWA chapter member.

Five paranormal blogs (includes the one group blog I used to be a part of) have shut down. I miss them. I loved interacting with the authors and you had so many different takes on things with a group.

But I do understand the time constraints with balancing writing and a blog. As a reader, I wish they could stay active.

How about you? Missing any blogs lately? Have blogs become a thing of the past now that twitter and facebook are here?

Author's You Would do Anything to Read?

2011-03-03T10:04:00.003-05:00

I have to admit...I didn't touch the computer yesterday. Why you ask? Because I just had to read a book by one of my favorite authors. Tuesday was the release day for Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop.

Because it is released as a hardback and the library doesn't have it in there system, I had to read the book at a bookstore. I LOVE these characters and no I couldn't wait. I managed to read half the book before the store closed. But while I was at the bookstore, one of her previous books released as a paperback and I picked it up.

So I got home and started reading the paperback book...and finished at 5am. Only to get up at 7am with my oldest son and start the process of breakfast. By the time both kids went to school, I couldn't go back to sleep. So I went back to the bookstore and finished the new story.

I got home in time to get everything I needed that night and picked the kids up. Wednesday is our busiest day because we have some appointments right after school. I finally got home at 7pm. Ate dinner and collapsed in bed. Yes I did it to myself knowing the schedule for the day...but I had to read that new book....and I wouldn't do anything different.

So is there an author you would ruin your day for? Have you taken time off from work to spend the day reading?

Entertainment Guides - Do you find them useful?

2011-03-01T00:05:00.001-05:00

I have nothing new to report on the writing front. Slowly chipping away at Rewriting Heart of the Pack and I've trashed the first two chapters on Amends of Shade and Sunlight again. Hopefully third time is the charm and I can get it right so I can move on. (I am not one of those that can write scenes out of order. I feel like I build as I go. Chapter one has to be stable before you can put Chapter Two. It's not perfect and I do rewrite. But the actions have to be there for me to continue on.)

So since my writing isn't going anywhere fast, I thought I'd ask about Entertainment Guides. Our kid's school sell them as fundraisers so we buy them for that. Out of the whole book, Dick's Sporting Goods coupons allow us to break even. While we don't use a ton, we do get some savings. Although if it wasn't for the school, I'm not sure I would buy them outright.

Do you use an Entertainment Guide with coupons in your city?

Free Read - The Shoe Thief

2011-02-16T12:31:00.003-05:00

I've posted a new short story on my website. It's called The Shoe Thief. You can download it from my website here.

How one writer celebrates her Birthday

2011-02-11T11:35:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday. Yep, another year has gone by. Not sure I'm wiser yet...but definitely feeling older. But I think that has more to do with my kids than my age. :)

I celebrated by having lunch with another local author, Valerie Mann. It's always nice to talk with other authors. Helps keep those writer juices flowing. Other than that, it was a boring day of tracking down customer service agents to get them to stop billing us for an account we closed and picking the kids up from school.

How about you? Any special Birthday plans you have for this year?

To Buy an eReader or To Not Buy an eReader

2011-01-31T22:45:00.003-05:00

I've firmly been on the paperback book shelf. I love my books.

But I have several friends and authors I follow that are ebooks only. Several I've purchased their books and they've languished on my hard drive. After being on the computer all day writing, I don't want to read something on my computer.

So I've been thinking more and more. Do I get an ebook reader. $100 to $150 isn't a bad price point. $600 is too much for me to get the ipad but for a little over $100 I could consider an ereader.

But I'd still keep my paper books. What do you think? eReader or Not to eReader?

Word Scramble

2011-01-27T00:05:00.000-05:00

I don't have much to say this week so let's do a word scramble:

Faery Realm

List all the words you can make using the letters in Faery Realm.

WorldBuilding - Evolution of Character and World

2011-01-20T00:05:00.001-05:00

Your Characters affect your World....Your World affects your Characters.

My hero is a Fae-Court sanctioned assassin. In grief over the murder of his child by the child's mother, he spoke a sentence which turned into a geis - he was forced to kill every member of the mother's clan.

In what kind of world could this happen? The Fae are nature loving so killing a tree to produce paper would be against their culture. So how will they communicate. The spoken word becomes most important to them. So much so, that what they say comes to pass.

As a writer, this becomes an important thing. It seemed simple when I wanted to create my hero. But now, every word must be examined...for intent, for literal translation. Every fae character will need to think before speaking. Mistakes will have to affect the landscape in some way.

And now as I think of quests for my heroine to go through, I need a library of spells. But I can't have a room of books. So how will I describe what the heroine needs to find? And since the bubbles of spells has been done in Harry Potter (see Book 5) I want something else. Something unique to my world.

Worldbuilding defines the rules characters live by. A character's actions defines the World they live in. You can not have a world without characters and you can't have characters without a world to move within.

How to tell what movies your kids will like?

2011-01-18T15:06:00.003-05:00

Anyone have good tips for telling what movies your kids will like?

At Christmas, my nephew received How to Train Your Dragon and we watched it. My youngest loved it but the oldest was 'bored'. This past weekend I watched Prince of Persia with my parents who were visiting. The oldest loved it and the youngest stayed in his room watching cartoons.

Any tips on how I can pick movies that everyone in the family will love? No longer will the cartoons suffice. Is this a sign I'm getting older when the kids will watch anything but what you want them too?

What's in Your Fantasy

2011-01-11T10:43:00.003-05:00

Examining the ideas I enjoy playing with the most, I've settled on Fantasy Romance as the genre I want to write. However, I have a hard time defining the difference between Fantasy Romance and Paranormal Romance.

Aside from an otherworld feel to the story, what do you look for in a Fantasy Romance?

The only author I can say for sure might be close to this genre is: Tanya Huff with the book The Enchantment Emporium. Any recommendations for another author to check out?

Clear Out the Clutter

2011-01-05T21:56:00.008-05:00

To start the New Year, I cleaned off my desk. I pulled all my craft articles into a pile and stuck them out of the way on my bookcase. I took all my printed out floor plans, character pictures, and notes for stories into file folders and placed them on the right hand corner under the hat. That way I won't get distracted from my current WIP.

Here is an after picture (I forgot to take a before):

My newest addition is a Jim Shore wolf to inspire me. He joins Sorcerer Mickey and Eeyore:

During the Christmas sales, I bought a bed for my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to sleep in while I write:

Isn't she cute. Sorry for the fuzzy pictures. I'm not the best photographer.
What preparations did you make to start the New Year?

Welcome to 2011

2011-01-01T00:05:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

May 2011 bring you joy and happiness.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T00:05:00.000-05:00

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

May you and your families be safe and joyful.

Outdoor Christmas Decorations

2010-12-23T19:25:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, my family took a tour of our town in search of Christmas decorations. I love seeing outdoor decorations.

Except this year, it appears very few people have put them out. One block of town-homes that used to sparkle with decorations, was swallowed by darkness as only one house had lights. Other places that used to compete for gaudiest, cut way back on their displays.

My husband and I discussed some reasons why there was a distinct lack of holiday cheer on display. Some ideas included: the economy, the high divorce rate, an abnormally cold December here in the South, and an aging population.

While no one issue could be blamed for the darkness, I can say that I missed cheery lights and big blowup snowglobes in the yards.

How about you - Are you missing outdoor Christmas decorations? What do you like best - A few tasteful lights or big gaudy displays?

Time Flies - 2011 Goals

2010-12-16T00:05:00.003-05:00

In a little over two weeks the New Year will be here. I can't believe 2010 is almost over.

After the holidays are over, I need to get back into a good writing schedule. I've found a month long program that I hope will help. It's called Better Writing Habits: Make Over Your Writing in 31 Days. You can read about the program here and here.

I'll also be spending part of 2011 figuring out a new scheme for the website. I like the red rose with black background, but I've had this same look for over 3 years. It's time for a change. I'm not sure into what yet...but that will also be a goal for next year....a new look.

So my goals for 2011 are a) more writing, b) make RWA PRO status, c) new website look, and d) lose @least 25 pounds.

What are your goals for the new year?

Christmas Songs - Old Favorites or New?

2010-12-14T13:48:00.003-05:00

I love listening to Christmas songs. Except this year, there are lots of songs I don't know or new renditions of old songs. And I'm not impressed by these new versions. I like the old versions of carols sung by classic artists like Dean Martin and Julie Andrews.

I'll admit I'm getting older (not old...just older) but I didn't think I was too set in my ways. Is it wrong to want to listen to the version of these songs I grew up with? Also, I'd like to hear more carols sung by choirs than individuals. Christmas songs are one type of music where multiple voices does enhance the sound.

So how about you? Do you want old classic versions of Christmas Carols or new renditions from hip artists?

Holiday Cooking - Chocolate Pretzel Rings

2010-12-07T00:05:00.000-05:00

I have three parties coming up this weekend. I've started the list of groceries I need to buy to make all the recipes. Some items I keep in stock...just not the quantity needed. The problem is finding the time to make everything. They are all recipes I've made before, just not at the same time. I need to find some holiday spirit because between helping in the school Christmas shop and baking, there is plenty of mischief to be found.

To help with your own holiday cooking, here is a quickie recipe:

Chocolate Pretzel Rings

48 Miniature Pretzels
48 Chocolate Kisses Candy - foil removed
1/4 to 1/2 cup M&M candy

Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place unwrapped candy kisses in rows on the pan. Bake for 2-3 minutes or until chocolate is softened. Remove from oven and smush a pretzel into each candy kiss. Add two M&M candies into mouse ear sections of the pretzel (chocolate acts as a 'glue', holding candy in place). Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes or until chocolate is firm. Store at room temperature. Yields: 4 dozen.

Cloning Machine

2010-12-03T10:59:00.002-05:00

Would someone please invent a cloning machine?

It's the holidays and that means there is even less time to do things. School wants help, family wants attention, and the writing muse waits for no one.

I would like to have one or two clones to make sure everything gets done. I'd like to be able to breathe and relax. Not be the Little Red Hen who runs around shouting: The Sky is Falling, The Sky is Falling.

I know invention of a Time Machine is at the top of everyone's list...but for me, I want a Cloning Machine.

Checklist Fanatic

2010-11-30T00:05:00.001-05:00

I'm a checklist Fanatic. Calenders, To Do Lists, etc., no matter the form I like knowing what I need to work on and seeing items crossed off. Usually I have more stuff to add by the time an item gets crossed off but that's beside the point.

Not everyone likes seeing a list of jobs, meetings, or events (my husband for example). But I find comfort in deciding my plan of attack for the day based on a to-do list. When I saw a few people talking about The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande, I decided to try it out. I'm not one to read Non-Fiction but it sounded interesting.

Mr. Gawande is a surgeon who believes checklists can be used in any profession to streamline productivity. He states examples from aircraft pilots, architecture and engineering, restaurant chef's, finance, and his own career in surgery. While I would have preferred more discussion of how to form a good checklist, he provides intriguing stories of checklists in use by real people.

Thinking about it, writing has its own versions of checklists. A Character Profile is a checklist of sort ranging in size from one to ten (or more) pages. The Three Act Structure, W Plot, Snowflake Method, or Novem Story Structure each help a writer plot their story in its own way. Whether you are a plotter who would take each step before starting to write or a pantster who would check off each step in editing, hitting each stage is imperative to a complete story. Otherwise there might be a gaping hole through which your editor will drive the rejection truck of Doom. Another list hanging on my bulletin board is the 12 steps of Intimacy. A guide by which you can develop a relationship between your hero and heroine.

Each of these lists gives writers a place to come back to reality when their world grows out-of-hand. They can be tailored to each story based on a writers individual need. Is this a complete list? No. Editing a story brings its own list of activities with the 'overused word' list and repeated passes checking individual story elements.

While writing may be organic, there are complex topics which can be broken down into a manageable bites. So the next time you think writing a story is hard....make a checklist of scenes, characters, or plot points. You may find it easier to tackle one step at a time.

Astronomy Pictures

2010-11-23T14:48:00.003-05:00

I love space. I still want to go into outer space. Too bad I haven't hit the lottery yet.

Everyday I check this site: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/

I particularly love the Hubble shots but there have been some others like a night shot of the moon that also had a flower with due illuminated by moonlight which are good.

I leave the site up in one of my browser tabs and check it everyday without fail.

What are the sites you check the most and is there one you have to look at before you can start the day?

November is here - Please Vote for Me

2010-11-04T10:54:00.002-04:00

November is here. I'm participating in National Novel Writing Month. I won't be posting alot to the blog. I need my word count on my story. :)

I'd appreciate it if you could go to D. Renne Bagby Presents First Chapters and vote for me. There is a Vote Now link on the right hand side of the page. Click it and scroll down to the 48 hours of Halloween section.

You can vote on Best Cover and Best First Chapter. I voted Informally Yours for the Cover and Healer's Fate for the Chapter. I love my HF first chapter.

I'd like to thank everyone who came out and commented on all my blog stops in October.

Halloween Blogs

2010-10-30T18:45:00.004-04:00

This weekend I'm on several great blog sites celebrating Halloween.

Interview - Mariposa's Musings
Edgar Allen Poe article - Paranormal Romantics @ 6pm 10-30-2010
Complete First Chapters for Healer's Fate and Informally Yours - D. Renee Bagby's First Chapters Blog HF @ 1am 10-30-2010 and IY @ 5pm 10-31-2010

Long and Short Reviews Scavenger Hunt

Favorite Do it Yourself Costume?

2010-10-28T00:05:00.001-04:00

The time is approaching for taking the kids trick - or - treating. While now a days you can find whatever you want to be in every party store or online. Growing up, I had to make my own costume. So today's question:

What is your favorite do it yourself costume?

a) Ghost
b) Witch
c) Hobo
d) something else (please state what other costume you made up.)

For myself, I dressed as a hobo. Suspenders, flannel shirt, a stick, and a handkerchief were the necessary outfit for a hobo. Simple. I didn't like the ghost because I hate having something cover my face. And I never did a witch as a kid...that's more something I do as an adult.

Candyland

2010-10-26T00:05:00.000-04:00

My husband went shopping and brought home the Halloween candy. And of course...he told me there was candy in the house and I couldn't touch it until after Sunday the 31st. It's easy to ignore what isn't in the house....not so much when you know it is sitting in the pantry.

So let's take a poll. What is your favorite type of Halloween candy?

A) Chocolate Bars
B) Sugar Candy (Jolly Ranchers, Lollipops, etc)
C) Candy Corn

I love chocolate bars. What about you?

Informally Yours - New Review

2010-10-23T21:36:00.003-04:00

Just in time for Halloween, I received a 3 Diamond Review from Meredith T. Cole at Got Erotic Romance for Informally Yours.

"Good short read packed in a short number of pages. . . .The hero seems very mysterious, yet at times very alpha."

Opinions Wanted - What to do with short

2010-10-21T00:05:00.000-04:00

Would you rather have a short (~1000 words) story offered from the authors website for free or find the story in an ezine/magazine that you may or may not have to pay for?

I have a couple really short stories that I don't know what to do with them. I thought about releasing them through the newsletter and then a few months later on my website. My problem is they are not romance which is what I list on the website.

Would you offer these as free stories to try and draw readers....or should I consider trying to sell them for publication?

Some Halloween Fun

2010-10-19T00:05:00.001-04:00

Here is a jigsaw puzzle for some fun:

Forgotten Stories

2010-10-14T00:05:00.000-04:00

While coming up with a blog post for the TWRP Black Rose Blog, I remembered how much I enjoy the story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The Johnny Depp movie is okay. I love the Disney version - The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.

But recently with having kids who get excited about dressing up for Halloween, I'd forgotten about this story. Now I get to re-enjoy this tale.

Have you ever forgotten about a story? Did you enjoy it as much when you remembered and read it again?

Character Secret

2010-10-12T00:05:00.000-04:00

I'm struggling to get to know my characters. I don't usually try do this when I write, but then again I've never written a full length novel. So I'm trying some tips to see if I can finally get the word length right.

I don't do character interviews and my brain seizes up when I see pages of character charts to fill out. Family Histories, psychological makeup, and every physical attribute known to man take all the fun out of writing a story. This works for some people...just not me.

So I've a adapted a short mini-list of things I think I need to know - eye and hair color, weight, height, Supernatural ability (given I write fantasy and paranormal stories most of my characters will have something here), Expression (I use this as a representation of their Image to Others - girl next door, black sheep, etc.), and Career.

Last year Diane Chamberlain spoke at the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers RWA chapter about building characters. She has a long sheet of questions she answers for all her characters. While I personally couldn't do all of them, I did pick up two items to add to my list - Fear and Secret.

I think the characters fear could be useful in some situations. I haven't fully embraced it but it is now on my list. However, I love the idea of the characters secret. I hope it helps with understanding my characters internal conflict. [Goal, Motivation, and Conflict is the cornerstone of a story. There are external and internal aspects to each. I don't fully understand it. I've read Deb Dixon's book Goal, Motivation, and Conflict - the bible for this - twice and still don't understand it in my own writing. It needs to be there and it is in some form, I want it to be better.]

My current problem is I don't have any ideas for my heroine's secret. I know the hero's...but nothing is coming for her. What kind of secrets do you keep? What kind of secrets do you like to read about? (please no hidden babies)

Promotion - Will it ever End?

2010-10-07T10:53:00.006-04:00

Promotion - Will it ever end?

The answer I'm afraid is no. To sell a product, you have to get the product in front of people. And whether writers like it or not, we sell a product...ourselves and the stories we create.

People like to celebrate and we've created holiday's to give us an excuse to have fun. My husband likes to call them 'Hallmark Holiday's'. Others use it as a way to bring attention to certain topics - Banned Book Week or Breast Cancer Awareness (visit my friend Lilly Gayle's blog to hear about her story)

So as a writer of fantasy and paranormal creatures, I've decided to embrace the Halloween spirit and embark on another round of promotion. Find out why I like Edgar Allen Poe, go on a scavenger hunt or find out what my favorite Halloween songs are. Here are all the events I'll be participating in:

October 14 Got Romance Reviews
October 19 TWRP Black Rose Blog
October 30 & 31 D. Renee Bagby First Chapters - 48 Hours of Halloween

Start of a Novel - Not as Easy as One Would Think

2010-10-05T00:05:00.000-04:00

Right now I'm having a heck of a time keeping to a plan. I'm trying to take some of the ideas out for there for writing stories and making them a part of my process.

1) Think about the authors you love to read. What appeals to you about their writing? How can you apply it to you're own writing?

This particular storyline will involve using crystals as a way to focus power. The authors I'm using as inspiration are Anne McCaffrey (her Crystal Singer trilogy) and Anne Bishop (her Black Jewels series). Both are great at world building. And Anne Bishop's characters are great - dark, dangerous, funny, and unforgettable.

2) Set Writing Goals

I've never been good at that writing everyday thing we are supposed to do. So I'm trying to make a concerted effort with this story. Here is a blog article by Jessa Slade with a link to her spreadsheet on tracking word count goals.

I spent all Sunday night fixing formulas so it would work with my new story. All ready for Monday morning. All set for me to start filling in numbers.

3) Characters

I managed to pick out my characters before hand and have them fixed in my head. Except their names. Ugg I forgot about names...but usually this isn't a problem I just ignore it and move on until inspiration hits. Except my heroine isn't going along with that. She wants her name and she wants it now. She refuses to let me write a word until she has a name. Stubborn character.

Instead of writing, I'm searching different sites looking for inspiration to hit. My heroine is picky too. Doesn't like anything I've found so far.

Anyone with a name suggestion for a Divorced female, business woman, early to mid thirties? She owns her own jewelry store and designs the merchandise.

4) Blurbs

Almost forgot. I also wanted to try writing two blurbs before starting the book. The single sentence blurb (no more than 25 words) and the 100 word blurb. I've read that it helps with keeping the book on-track through the middle of the book. I thought I'd give it a try before the book instead of after the contract has been signed which is when I developed the blurbs for my other stories.

So while I planned to start writing Monday...I hope to start Wednesday or Thursday. And I'll make up the days I miss. Good thing I decided to only put 6 days into my writing schedule. My daily goal M-S is 750 words. I left Sunday as an open day to either makeup or get ahead or do other things.

Last Blooms of the Season

2010-09-30T17:16:00.003-04:00

It's finally dropped below 90 degrees in North Carolina. Fall is coming, although by the calendar it's been here a week and a half. I cut one of the last set of roses off the plants this past weekend. Here is a picture for your enjoyment:

Anniversary - There is Love

2010-09-26T13:55:00.003-04:00

To celebrate my twelfth wedding anniversary I give you this song from YouTube:

Help pick my Hero picture

2010-09-23T00:05:00.000-04:00

I'm in the process of picking images to go with the hero and heroine in my next story.

Here is a link to the image for my heroine. She was easy to decide on once I found this image.

However, I'm having trouble deciding on my hero. At first I wanted Taylor Kitsch because of how he looked as Gambit in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. But something was off. I think he looks a little to young.

Then there is this guy. I love the two scars at the eyes but I wonder if he looks too much like the heroine with the black hair.

Finally, there are these images of Josh Holloway.

So what do you think? Who would you cast as a businessman with strong freezing powers. He'll be decked out in Sapphires and white gold (I think, still need to do a bit of research on gems)?

Halloween Enjoyment

2010-09-21T10:27:00.005-04:00

Halloween will soon be upon us. It's a great time of year for Paranormal Authors to celebrate.

I'll be participating in a few events:

48 Hours of Halloween @ D. Renee Bagby Presents First Chapters

Halloween Blog-A-Thon Sponsored by Paranormal Romantics

There will be prizes so don't be afraid to stop by and comment. More details forthcoming.

Poll for October Contest

2010-09-16T00:57:00.002-04:00

It's time for me to plan my October website contest. The past few years I've had a release in October I could tie into a basket. I don't have a release so this leaves me floundering for a theme.

So my question is this: would you like a fall basket with stuff. Or a few gift certificates. If I do gift certificates, do you want them from a publisher or something like All Romance eBooks or Amazon/Barnes and Noble?

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Turning the TV Off

2010-09-14T13:16:00.004-04:00

I admit...I'm a tv addict. I don't watch soap operas or talk shows. During the day, I watch History, HGTV, Food Network, and TNT. The hardest for me to stop is TNT. Reruns of Charmed and Supernatural are hard to miss. Oh and now on AT&T Uverse we have TNT-W so you can get the episodes again if you missed them. Aggg.

So the kids are in school. There are 4 hours of the day that I need to write. The TV must not get turned on. If it is....I'll get sucked in. So I've been relying on my music to make up for the TV. Turn on music, turn off TV. New mantra.

I made it through yesterday fine. But today...at lunch I turned on the TV. Tried catching up on news...but then I saw Charmed...and it was a Zanko episode (YUM!). And then a funny Supernatural episode (Double YUM). No. I resisted. It was hard. But I am now plugged into the ipod and at the computer sans TV.

What about you? What can't you resist doing?

I Have a Secret Passion

2010-09-12T17:44:00.004-04:00

I admit...I'm an Amazing Wedding Cakes fan. I love this series.

I would love to be able to make creations like I see on TV. I've made most of my kids Birthday cakes. Baseballs, Soccer Balls, Thomas the Tank Engine mini cakes, and Hot Wheels cars have graced their parties. But nothing like the amazing things I see on this TV show.

Sandcastles, Purse cakes, a Fairy Castle, and even a Halloween cake. The Halloween cake was the best. White with black marbleing laid the foundation. Dark Red roses add a splash of color and a white chocolate skull topped the cake. It was fabulous. I wish I could do that. I wish I could think of something that amazing on the fly like these cake designers.

And worst of all, every time I watch the show...I get hungry for cake.

How about you? Any reality shows you envy the people?

Blog Winners

2010-09-09T13:57:00.005-04:00

I want to thank everyone for their comments last month and for adding my blog as one you follow. There were 39 total entries after listing comment, follower, and newsletter subscriber points. I used random.org to select the two winners.

Book Set 1 - Aubrie

Book Set 2 - Catslady

Congratulations. Please send your mailing address to contests(at)bethcaudill(dot)net

Weekend Photos

2010-09-07T12:04:00.007-04:00

Over the Labor Day holiday I visited family and walked around Washington, D.C. Here are some pictures for inspiration:

Enterprise Shuttle

WWII Memorial

White House

I'll announce the winners of my August Blog Contest on Thursday.

The Last Day of August

2010-08-31T11:11:00.004-04:00

Three-quarters of the year have now passed as we celebrate August 31, 2010. How are your goals going? Mine are lost somewhere with the socks. There is still time left to complete everything. I just have to tell myself this.

My writer friend Sonja Foust has a thirty by thirty list she is working on. She is far more ambitious than I am. But also doesn't have any kids. Looking at my schedule, I have some type of sports practice 6 nights a week. And that other night, my husband takes to work until 8 to 8:30 at night. That doesn't really leave me able to go out and enjoy a night like Sonja's recent art and wine class. I would love to do something like that but it just isn't possible at this time in my life.

Right now my only goal is try and get up with friends one night a month. One night can't be too much to ask for...

How are your goals going? Are you enjoying the year or do you fear your life has become set by everyone else in the family?

From Dusk Till Dawn: Sunday Night Pages and Wrap-Up

2010-08-30T13:54:00.004-04:00

I did get to read a bit last night - 43 pages. I picked Katie MacAlister's Steamed because this is my Romance Book Club selection for September and we meet in two weeks.

While I had a good time with the Read-A-Thon, I think I read more during the day. Waiting rooms, carpool line, and while the kids do homework offer more time for me to enjoy a book than at night. I think my brain clicks off after 7pm and I can't engage in the story.

My overall Totals for the event:

Finished Two Books - Whisper Kiss and Death's Excellent Vacation
Started a Book - Steamed
Total Pages read - 519 pages

During what time of day do you read the most?

From Dusk Till Dawn: Saturday Night Pages

2010-08-29T17:37:00.004-04:00

Murphy is definitely applying his Law to my life this week. So far we have unexpected expenditures of new tires for my car and a new toddler bed. Yes, my youngest has decided jumping on the bed is his new favorite activity. Except he broke the bed.

We had to check out 3 Target stores before we found a bed in stock. Yes, we checked the website first...but just because the website says it's in stock...doesn't mean the store has the item by the time you get there.

So we were on the way home and my husband gets an on-call phone call. He got to spend the next 6 hours on conference calls. I got to entertain the kids. Then we got to dismantle the old bed and put the new one together.

Needless to say by the time we finished, it was after midnight and I had no desire to read. So a big fat zero for last night. I prefer when life follows my schedule and doesn't throw random bumps in the road.

From Dusk Till Dawn: Friday Night Pages

2010-08-28T17:49:00.002-04:00

I have to admit, I almost forgot to read last night.

Eureka and Haven on Syfy have become my Friday night staple. But I did start around 9:30pm. I read until midnight and I also read from 7:30am to 8am. No one else was up so I enjoyed a few minutes of silence while the kids still slept.

I continued reading the Death's Excellent Vacation anthology. I read 9 stories for a total of 213 pages. I did finish the book but I didn't get to the last story [13 total stories] until 8am so I'm not including it in my count.

I'm still not sure what to read tonight. Anyone with suggestions?

From Dusk Till Dawn: Thursday Night Pages

2010-08-27T09:39:00.004-04:00

Thursday night was a bust. I ran errands all day so I had to use the night to catch up on emails. I let the oldest watch a taped documentary on Einstein with me and had to answer a question every so often as well.

Given the night would not be ideal for reading, I decided to read an anthology instead of a novel. I picked Death's Excellent Vacation and read 84 pages. Not great but I managed three complete stories.

Book-Crazy has some great people doing challenges along the way for this read-a-thon. I'm not really into some of them, but I did have two that I liked:

At the Vampires and Tofu blog, we were asked to tell our favorite childhood read. My favorite growing up was The Little Engine that Could. There was just something about "I think I can. I think I can." That stuck with you. My kids love the Richard Scarry books. The oldest loves Cars and Trucks and Things that Go. While the youngest enjoys my copy of Animal Nursery Tales.

At Reading Through Life, we were asked to name our favorite comfort food we would eat after a hypothetical 15 hour fast [part of Ramadan]. My comfort food is waffles and bacon. You can eat breakfast anytime with a meal like waffles.

From Dusk Till Dawn: Wednesday Night Pages

2010-08-26T09:16:00.005-04:00

Last night I didn't get as much time as I would have liked. Hubby went to a program so I juggled the kids most of the night.

My Page Count: 179 pages

I'm about done with Whisper Kiss by Deborah Cooke. Between appointments and waiting to pick up the kids, I'll probably finish this afternoon so I'll be starting a new book tonight.

Here is my problem. I've been wanting to try the Linnea Sinclair books I have. But I don't have the first in the series. Should I try them anyway or pick something else?

Wednesday's a Busy Day

2010-08-24T17:32:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow starts the new school year at my house. Yeah, I get a few quiet hours during the day. But I also get to spend time running errands like returning unneeded school supplies (the general list you get a month [ie, for tax free weekend] before school starts is not quite the same as the teacher list you get two days before school starts) and groceries.

But I can't think of a better way to end a busy day than to read. If you want, signup to participate in the Dusk-til-Dawn Read-a-Thon. I will try and post something here every night.

I'll be starting off with Whisper Kiss by Deborah Cooke. I can't think of anything better to read than a dragon story.

Happy Reading.

Friends are Important

2010-08-21T12:35:00.002-04:00

Friends are an important part of our lives. Lately I've not seen my close girl friends very much. Between my life and their lives...getting together seems like the last thing we have time for. Except you need to make time.

They give support when you need it, even it is just to listen to you rant. I can't rant to my husband...he always wants to fix the problem. I don't want him to fix it, I just want him to listen. ;)

So call up a friend and suggest dinner, a movie, a stop at the local ice cream store, or a few hours at the mall. Make the time to keep in touch.

Blog and Publisher Contests

2010-08-17T00:26:00.002-04:00

I'm looking to expand my blog followers. So I'm offering some incentive: September 1, 2010 I will select two winners to receive books from my trip to RWA National. Each comment on any of my August 2010 posts will earn you one entry. Followers of my blog will receive an extra entry.

Whispers Publishing, publishers of my novella Healer's Fate, is holding a contest for African American stories between 10,000 and 30,000 words. Read all the contest entry details here. Deadline is September 15, 2010.

From Dusk Til Dawn Read-A-Thon

2010-08-05T00:05:00.001-04:00

I'll be participating in the 2010 From Dusk til Dawn Read-A-Thon.

Only the pages you read from Dusk till Dawn will "count" toward the Read-A-Ton - though, as always, page count does not matter at all, it's all about having FUN, while doing something we ALL love!

The Dusk Till Dawn Read-A-Thon will run from August 25th though August 29th between the hours of 8 PM till 8 AM - in whatever time zone your in!

Check out this blog for all the details. Hope you will come back and participate.

Good to be Back

2010-08-03T10:28:00.003-04:00

I'm back from the RWA National Conference held in Orlando, Florida. There were good points and bad points.

The Food
While it was great of RWA to provide meals some variety would have been nice. Three days of bland chicken with a mystery sauce, some type of potato, and a few vegetables. Oh and all they served to drink was iced tea. While you could ask for water and get a small glass, you could never get refills. One day a few of us at the table asked 4 times for water refills. Never received a single drop.

The Workshops
This was my third RWA conference and I think I have overdosed on the workshops. This year there were only a few that stood out. One was the Linda Howard 12 Steps of Intimacy class. She also announced that this was her last public speaking event. She would still write, but would not be doing any more speaking events.

Another one that was good was the I've Got a Fever: Taking Sexual Tension from Lukewarm to Hot class. It took place during the last workshop slot on Saturday and would not be on the conference CDs due to movie clips being used as examples. The clips were from: Pride and Prejudice, The Thomas Crown Affair, Catch and Release, and The Painted Veil.

The People
It's always good to meet new people and make friends. You can also get together with people you have only exchanged emails with. Friday I met up with fellow The Wild Rose Press authors and was able to put faces with names.

The Books
As always I've come back with a stash of books. I gave a few to my Mother-in-Law for watching the kids. But I still have quite a pile. So I'll be randomly selecting people from my newsletter list to receive some of the haul. I will also give two books away on the blog this month. Leave a comment on any post this month to enter and if you are a follower, you will get an extra entry.

Found a Dress

2010-07-22T22:46:00.002-04:00

I took the day while both kids were in summer camp to go shopping. A few girlfriends came along and we made a day of trying on dresses. It was good to be out with friends and have a "girls only" day.

For the curious, here is the dress I bought to wear to RWA's National Conference Awards Ceremony.

Now to figure out shoes. Are black sandals dressie enough? Black flats okay or do I have to go find navy flats?

Shopping Rant

2010-07-20T12:06:00.002-04:00

I've begun the trek into preparing for RWA Nationals in a week. I am female and I dislike shopping for clothes.

A) Clothes never fit right. My top is a Missus size and my bottoms are Women's sizes. Hey, I had two kids...my hips expanded. This of course means I can't ever find a dress to fit correctly.

B) I go into sticker shock every time I look at a price tag. They want $50 for this flimsy top? At least several stores are having sales at the moment.

C) Shoes never fit right. First off my feet are already a half size apart. Secondly, depending on style...my size changes. I could wear a 9, 9 1/2, 10 or 10 1/2 depending on how the shoe is designed. Why?

Now all of these are really nuisance things. I believe the ultimate reason I hate shopping for clothes is because what looks good on a slim mannequin doesn't look half as nice on me. If obesity is such an issue in the US, why are womens clothes stuck in a dark, back corner?

New Post at the TWRP Black Rose Blog

2010-07-19T09:38:00.002-04:00

I have a new post up at The Wild Rose Press Black Rose blog. We are discussing our favorite authors this month. I listed some favorites from different genres. It's so hard to pick just one.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop....

2010-07-15T15:40:00.002-04:00

So far this month, I've gotten a grade three sprain and ended up on bed rest. Yesterday, hubby's battery died in the 90+heat. On the way to rescue him, a cop pulled me over and gave me a ticket. I don't agree with the speed the cop said I did but you don't argue with a cop. So now I have a lawyer, a court date, and fees to look forward to.

Now I'm waiting for the third bombshell to hit this month. I can only hope it isn't an airplane accident or hotel fire. As I will be traveling to Florida for the RWA National Conference in two weeks. Since everything else has happened near the house, I hope whatever else Murphy has in store happens here (and that we don't lose the house and no one else gets hurt.)

I do hope working on writing is in my future again soon. I planned to start yesterday but that didn't happen. And today I've had to concentrate on foot pain and entertaining my oldest. Tomorrow I have both kids so it doesn't look promising.

How many more days until school starts?

Next Set of Books I'm Waiting to Buy

2010-07-08T14:04:00.003-04:00

Laid up in bed and on medication, I can't do much. So I'm going to list some books I'm looking forward to buying:

Swordsong by Skhye Moncrief - A Time Guardians Tale

Daring a Duke by Claudia Dain - The Courtesan Series

Prophecy by Heather McCollum - Book 1 of The Dragonfly Chronicles

Water Bound by Christine Feehan - Book 1 of a new series set in Sea Haven

The Brazen Bride by Stephanie Laurens - A book in the Black Cobra Quartet

Bounds of Justice by Nalini Singh - A book in the Psy/Changling series (and one step closer to Hawke's story)

Swept Away By A Kiss by Katharine Ashe - Book One of series

Shooting Stars by Sonja Foust - A new story. Yeah

I'm sure there are more that I'm forgetting but this is what's off the top of my head. Quite a few of these are fellow HCRW chapter mates. Congrats.

Klutzy

2010-07-02T13:47:00.006-04:00

So I am a klutz. I fall, sprain or break stuff all the time. I own my own pair of crutches. I've fallen upstairs, stepped in holes, and twisted ankles walking in a hallway.

Last summer I poked an eye with a rose bush. Apparently this summer, my feet are the culprits. Earlier this week, I broke the baby toe on my right foot. Today, I stepped in a hole, fell, and sprained my left ankle.

Apparently, my body has decided to help me avoid painting the inside of the house. Right now all I can do is rest my feet on pillows because walking hurts too much.

Anyone else have these type of misfortunes?

Sport Role Models - Not A Good Example

2010-06-29T10:32:00.004-04:00

I'm very conscious about what sports I let the kids watch. I even have issues with how they talk on ESPN when reporting the news. Particularly basketball. I won't let him watch the NBA (college is fine) because of the commentary and actions of the players. They aren't good role models.

For the last three days I've been watching my oldest play in a baseball All-Star tournament. There were lots of issues but overall it had gone okay. Until after last night's loss. A parent started yelling at the head coach and the head coach yelled back. I pulled my youngest away - leaving my husband to watch the oldest. Lots of yelling, cursing, a death-threat (which was taken seriously because the two people involved lived in the same neighborhood), and finally a physical fight broke out. The local police for the tournament location were called. A bunch of people went to the Magistrate to file reports and whatever charges are going to result from this.

We talked to our kids on the way home about how the situation could have been diffused (Everything happened in front of the kids.) Also about the consequences of losing your temper (something we have a hard time with the kids.)

Needless to say, the people who lose are the kids. The family will be banned from playing in the league (which hurts as two other kids in the family play in other All-Star age groups), a couch may not come back because he is tired of belligerent parents, and as my husband asked my oldest...how many of those kids will want to play baseball again tomorrow or even in the fall.

We as adults need to remember every thing we do is an example to kids and act accordingly.