For my first 'Musings' post I thought this was fitting
September 3, 2012
August 31, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Eunice Boeve:
Birthday? April 24
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite animal? Horse
Siblings? six
Favorite drink? coffee
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? strawberry
Favorite author? Impossible to answer (many favorites)
Favorite dish? Food’s food, no favorites
Ice cream flavor? strawberry
Favorite Season? Fall, or maybe spring
Plotter or pantser? panster
Hobbies? Reading, walking outdoors
Dream vacation? To visit England and Ireland
Favorite TV show? The Good Wife
Musical preference? jazz
Pet peeve? Political rants
Favorite place to write? In my office at the computer
Favorite song? An impossible task, let’s go with It’s a Wonderful World
Odd family fact? A horse tossed his head and took a bullet meant for my grandfather
Unforgettable moment? So many… both good and bad.
Favorite Superhero? Sheena, Queen of the Jungle
Spicy or not? Not
Cat or dog? Dog, but like cats too
Favorite candy bar? Almond Joy
Favorite guilty pleasure? Reading while work piles up
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
In 1877 Montana, Josh crosses trails with a Nez Perce woman and her baby, an old washerwoman, a little girl, a murderer, and a young woman with red curls.
BUY LINK
Birthday? April 24
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite animal? Horse
Siblings? six
Favorite drink? coffee
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? strawberry
Favorite author? Impossible to answer (many favorites)
Favorite dish? Food’s food, no favorites
Ice cream flavor? strawberry
Favorite Season? Fall, or maybe spring
Plotter or pantser? panster
Hobbies? Reading, walking outdoors
Dream vacation? To visit England and Ireland
Favorite TV show? The Good Wife
Musical preference? jazz
Pet peeve? Political rants
Favorite place to write? In my office at the computer
Favorite song? An impossible task, let’s go with It’s a Wonderful World
Odd family fact? A horse tossed his head and took a bullet meant for my grandfather
Unforgettable moment? So many… both good and bad.
Favorite Superhero? Sheena, Queen of the Jungle
Spicy or not? Not
Cat or dog? Dog, but like cats too
Favorite candy bar? Almond Joy
Favorite guilty pleasure? Reading while work piles up
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
In 1877 Montana, Josh crosses trails with a Nez Perce woman and her baby, an old washerwoman, a little girl, a murderer, and a young woman with red curls.
BUY LINK
To learn more about Eunice Boeve and her writing please visit her website:
August 30, 2012
August 27, 2012
Hot or Not?
Recently, it has come to my attention that not everyone agrees on what is deemed "attractive". Okay, okay, I've always known this. But this fact was driven home again the other day when I was happily surfing the net, going from man candy blog post to man candy blog post, and I came upon a site that stopped me in my virtual tracks. Ooohhh, why did it stop you in your tracks, Sarah? I'm glad you asked.
I want to tell you it was because I stumbled upon a tasty hunk of man candy that caused all the saliva to dry up in my mouth and my throat to stick shut. I want to tell you it was because he was so damn hot he caused my monitor to fog and I had to toss my laptop aside and run in search of my husband. Yeah, that's what I want to tell you. This, however, would be a lie.
You see, I just don't understand what the blog owner found attractive in this guy. In fact, my reaction was more along the lines of laughing hysterically, then emailing the picture to my writer pals under the heading: Funny or Hot? Soon, the the discussion title morphed into Hot or Not?
We had so much fun with this one, that I thought I would share it with you. So here you go...
I want to tell you it was because I stumbled upon a tasty hunk of man candy that caused all the saliva to dry up in my mouth and my throat to stick shut. I want to tell you it was because he was so damn hot he caused my monitor to fog and I had to toss my laptop aside and run in search of my husband. Yeah, that's what I want to tell you. This, however, would be a lie.
You see, I just don't understand what the blog owner found attractive in this guy. In fact, my reaction was more along the lines of laughing hysterically, then emailing the picture to my writer pals under the heading: Funny or Hot? Soon, the the discussion title morphed into Hot or Not?
We had so much fun with this one, that I thought I would share it with you. So here you go...
Hot or Not?
Don't forget to leave me your vote in the comments section. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
August 24, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Sandra Dailey:
Birthday? Tomorrow
Favorite color? Sage Green
Favorite animal? Dolphin
Siblings? 2 Brothers, 4 Sisters
Favorite drink? Coffee
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Pina Colada
Favorite author? James Patterson
Favorite dish? Shrimp Scampi
Ice cream flavor? Rocky Road
Favorite Season? Football Season
Plotter or pantser? Plotter
Hobbies? Reading and Sewing
Dream vacation? Caribbean Cruise
Favorite TV show? Criminal Minds
Musical preference? Country
Pet peeve? Cell Phone Abusers
Favorite place to write? My front porch
Favorite song? Loving You Is Fun
Odd family fact? John Dillinger (20’s gangster) worked on my great-grandfather’s farm.
Unforgettable moment? Births of my children, equally.
Favorite Superhero? Thor
Spicy or not? Spicy
Cat or dog? Dog
Favorite candy bar? Butterfinger
Favorite guilty pleasure? Long bubble baths
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Ginny (Michigan) wants a teaching job. Brett (Georgia) wants re-election. The two strangers agree to marry. Sparks fly.
BUY LINK
Birthday? Tomorrow
Favorite color? Sage Green
Favorite animal? Dolphin
Siblings? 2 Brothers, 4 Sisters
Favorite drink? Coffee
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Pina Colada
Favorite author? James Patterson
Favorite dish? Shrimp Scampi
Ice cream flavor? Rocky Road
Favorite Season? Football Season
Plotter or pantser? Plotter
Hobbies? Reading and Sewing
Dream vacation? Caribbean Cruise
Favorite TV show? Criminal Minds
Musical preference? Country
Pet peeve? Cell Phone Abusers
Favorite place to write? My front porch
Favorite song? Loving You Is Fun
Odd family fact? John Dillinger (20’s gangster) worked on my great-grandfather’s farm.
Unforgettable moment? Births of my children, equally.
Favorite Superhero? Thor
Spicy or not? Spicy
Cat or dog? Dog
Favorite candy bar? Butterfinger
Favorite guilty pleasure? Long bubble baths
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Ginny (Michigan) wants a teaching job. Brett (Georgia) wants re-election. The two strangers agree to marry. Sparks fly.
BUY LINK
To learn more about Sandra and her writing, please visit her blog:
August 19, 2012
2012 Readers Favorite Award Finalist
With blueberry season in Michigan drawing to a close, things at my day job have finally slowed enough for me to dip my toe back into the writing/blogging world. And let me tell you, I have sorely missed writing! I've also missed having the time and energy to share new accomplishments with you, my readers. So today, I thought I'd share an exciting one.
A few weeks ago I received word that AFTER MIDNIGHT is a finalist in the 2012 Readers Favorite Awards. Wahoo! I just had to share.
A few weeks ago I received word that AFTER MIDNIGHT is a finalist in the 2012 Readers Favorite Awards. Wahoo! I just had to share.
August 10, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Calvin Davis:
Birthday? October 16th
Favorite color? Red
Favorite animal? Eagle
Siblings? One brother
Favorite drink? Espresso
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Cinnamon
Favorite author? Thomas Wolfe
Favorite dish? Hamburger
Ice cream flavor? Vanilla
Favorite Season? Fall
Plotter or Pantser? Pantser
Hobbies? Writing
Dream vacation? Paris for a year
Favorite TV show? Nova
Musical preference? Classical, anything by Bach
Pet peeve? People who spread hate.
Favorite place to write? My den
Favorite song? Angel Flying too Close to the Ground. It reminds me of Vonnie.
Odd family fact? My mother was a maid all of her life (think The Help).
Unforgettable moment? Hearing Martin Luther King’s speech in Washington, DC
Favorite Superhero? Mandella. No, he doesn’t wear a cape, but he can make things happen.
Spicy or not? Not
Cat or dog? Cat
Favorite candy bar? Payday
Favorite guilty pleasure? Too much coffee
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Paris, 1968, flower children, student riots, café bombings and a mysterious woman who captures the heart of an American teacher.
BUY LINK
Birthday? October 16th
Favorite color? Red
Favorite animal? Eagle
Siblings? One brother
Favorite drink? Espresso
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Cinnamon
Favorite author? Thomas Wolfe
Favorite dish? Hamburger
Ice cream flavor? Vanilla
Favorite Season? Fall
Plotter or Pantser? Pantser
Hobbies? Writing
Dream vacation? Paris for a year
Favorite TV show? Nova
Musical preference? Classical, anything by Bach
Pet peeve? People who spread hate.
Favorite place to write? My den
Favorite song? Angel Flying too Close to the Ground. It reminds me of Vonnie.
Odd family fact? My mother was a maid all of her life (think The Help).
Unforgettable moment? Hearing Martin Luther King’s speech in Washington, DC
Favorite Superhero? Mandella. No, he doesn’t wear a cape, but he can make things happen.
Spicy or not? Not
Cat or dog? Cat
Favorite candy bar? Payday
Favorite guilty pleasure? Too much coffee
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Paris, 1968, flower children, student riots, café bombings and a mysterious woman who captures the heart of an American teacher.
BUY LINK
August 4, 2012
A new member of the family.
It's been a few months since our beloved miniature schnauzer, Pearl, suffered a stroke and had to be put to sleep.
The first dog my husband and I got as a couple, and the smartest girl we've ever known, Pearl will always hold a special place in my heart. But as I seem to do routinely, I decided that it was time for a new dog to come and live with us. A special dog, one that needed a new home - a rescue. And if that wasn't enough, I was thinking a dog like the one I lost before Pearl - a lovely shih tzu we called Tils - would be perfect.
So I got online and I began searching. I found a handful of beautiful dogs who needed to be re-homed because of financial difficulties with their current families. I found even more who where homeless. But I couldn't find the right dog. The dog who called to me ~ who's photo told me instantly that she was the one meant to join our family.
Until I stumbled upon this one...
Sercateps Ebony Pearl
The first dog my husband and I got as a couple, and the smartest girl we've ever known, Pearl will always hold a special place in my heart. But as I seem to do routinely, I decided that it was time for a new dog to come and live with us. A special dog, one that needed a new home - a rescue. And if that wasn't enough, I was thinking a dog like the one I lost before Pearl - a lovely shih tzu we called Tils - would be perfect.
Matilda Marie
So I got online and I began searching. I found a handful of beautiful dogs who needed to be re-homed because of financial difficulties with their current families. I found even more who where homeless. But I couldn't find the right dog. The dog who called to me ~ who's photo told me instantly that she was the one meant to join our family.
Until I stumbled upon this one...
Zoey ~ a one year old Shih Tzu/Pekinese mix that needed a new home.
Which I immediately gave her. :-)
Isn't she sweet?
August 3, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Andrea Downing:
Birthday? April 3rd
Favorite color? Black
Favorite animal? Horse
Siblings? One older bro
Favorite drink? Jim & Ginger
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Island Punch
Favorite author? Michael Chabon
Favorite dish? Anything cooked by my daughter
Ice cream flavor? Phish Food
Favorite season? Winter
Plotter or pantser? Pantser
Hobbies? Reading and Riding and Travel
Dream vacation? Visiting a ranch, having an early morning ride in the mountains with a breakfast cookout
Favorite TV show? Upstairs, Downstairs (orig. version)
Musical preference? Country/Western
Pet peeve? People who promise to phone back and don't, especially when phoning them back means getting stuck with an automated call system
Favorite place to write? My study in NYC
Favorite song? Rainin' You by Brad Paisley
Odd family fact? My daughter was born in Aberystwyth, Wales
Unforgettable moment? Birth of daughter, & first showjump
Favorite Superhero? My daughter's boyfriend, Daniel Safon!
Spicy or not? Moderately spicy
Cat or dog? Both
Favorite candy bar? Cadbury's Twirl
Favorite guilty pleasure? Hot Fudge Sundaes and spending too much on vintage Native American jewelry
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
A headstrong Lady, a hot-blooded cowpuncher, a duplicitous father,& a winter that won't end. Will Loveland live up to its name?
BUY LINK
Birthday? April 3rd
Favorite color? Black
Favorite animal? Horse
Siblings? One older bro
Favorite drink? Jim & Ginger
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Island Punch
Favorite author? Michael Chabon
Favorite dish? Anything cooked by my daughter
Ice cream flavor? Phish Food
Favorite season? Winter
Plotter or pantser? Pantser
Hobbies? Reading and Riding and Travel
Dream vacation? Visiting a ranch, having an early morning ride in the mountains with a breakfast cookout
Favorite TV show? Upstairs, Downstairs (orig. version)
Musical preference? Country/Western
Pet peeve? People who promise to phone back and don't, especially when phoning them back means getting stuck with an automated call system
Favorite place to write? My study in NYC
Favorite song? Rainin' You by Brad Paisley
Odd family fact? My daughter was born in Aberystwyth, Wales
Unforgettable moment? Birth of daughter, & first showjump
Favorite Superhero? My daughter's boyfriend, Daniel Safon!
Spicy or not? Moderately spicy
Cat or dog? Both
Favorite candy bar? Cadbury's Twirl
Favorite guilty pleasure? Hot Fudge Sundaes and spending too much on vintage Native American jewelry
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
A headstrong Lady, a hot-blooded cowpuncher, a duplicitous father,& a winter that won't end. Will Loveland live up to its name?
BUY LINK
To learn more about Andrea Downing and her writing please visit her website:
July 27, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Silver James:
Birthday? I’m a Pisces.
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite animal? Wolf and horse are tied (but my Newfoundlands and cat would be upset so Shhhhh!)
Siblings? One brother, deceased
Favorite drink? COFFEE!!! (or margarita depending ;-) )
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Lime
Favorite author? J.D. Robb
Favorite dish? My homemade chili
Ice cream flavor? Chocolate chip mint
Favorite Season? Autumn
Plotter or Pantser? Puzzler
Hobbies? Reading
Dream vacation? Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
Favorite TV show? NCIS (Uhm…Gibbs. Need I say more?)
Musical preference? Depends on my mood—I run the gamut from Celtic to hard rock
Pet peeve? Stupid people
Favorite place to write? My writer’s cave (home office)
Favorite song? Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” or Daughtry’s “What About Now” (See? Eclectic. LOL)
Odd family fact? I have an English highwayman in my family tree and my husband’s traces back to the James Gang.
Unforgettable moment? Birth of my daughter
Favorite Superhero? Thor (gotta love a man with a big…hammer)
Spicy or not? With jalapeños!
Cat or dog? Both
Favorite candy bar? Hersey’s Dark Chocolate with almonds
Favorite guilty pleasure? Café du Monde café au lait and beignets
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Secrets, lies and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
BUY LINK
Birthday? I’m a Pisces.
Favorite color? Blue
Favorite animal? Wolf and horse are tied (but my Newfoundlands and cat would be upset so Shhhhh!)
Siblings? One brother, deceased
Favorite drink? COFFEE!!! (or margarita depending ;-) )
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Lime
Favorite author? J.D. Robb
Favorite dish? My homemade chili
Ice cream flavor? Chocolate chip mint
Favorite Season? Autumn
Plotter or Pantser? Puzzler
Hobbies? Reading
Dream vacation? Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
Favorite TV show? NCIS (Uhm…Gibbs. Need I say more?)
Musical preference? Depends on my mood—I run the gamut from Celtic to hard rock
Pet peeve? Stupid people
Favorite place to write? My writer’s cave (home office)
Favorite song? Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” or Daughtry’s “What About Now” (See? Eclectic. LOL)
Odd family fact? I have an English highwayman in my family tree and my husband’s traces back to the James Gang.
Unforgettable moment? Birth of my daughter
Favorite Superhero? Thor (gotta love a man with a big…hammer)
Spicy or not? With jalapeños!
Cat or dog? Both
Favorite candy bar? Hersey’s Dark Chocolate with almonds
Favorite guilty pleasure? Café du Monde café au lait and beignets
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Secrets, lies and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
BUY LINK
To learn more about Silver James and her writing, please visit her website:
http://www.silverjames.com
July 20, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Arial Burnz:
Birthday? April 4, mumblemumblemumble – Aries (Hrmmmmm…I’m noticing a trend here…April…Aries…Arial)
Favorite color? Forest Green
Favorite animal? Unicorn
Siblings? 2 sisters, 1 brother
Favorite drink? Iced Tea
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Licorice!
Favorite author? Doh! I can only pick ONE? Right now, it’s a real toss-up between Sarah Grimm and AJ Nuest
Favorite dish? Macaroni and Cheese with Tuna and Peas (comfort food…and the name of a play I’m writing)
Ice cream flavor? Nutty Coconut (Baskin Robbins)
Favorite Season? Autumn
Plotter or pantser? OCD Plotter
Hobbies? Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG
Dream vacation? Ireland (Hubby and I are going to move there!! We are determined!)
Favorite TV show? Supernatural
Musical preference? Celtic
Pet peeve? Self-absorbed people on their cell phones and driving
Favorite place to write? At my desk I bought while in England. Wrote my first book at this desk.
Favorite song? Princess Leia’s Theme by John Williams
Odd family fact? I’m a descendent of Romany Gypsies
Unforgettable moment? First kiss with my husband
Favorite Superhero? My husband
Spicy or not? For reading? Spicy. For food…eh…a little spicy.
Cat or dog? Both – 2 cats and 1 dog
Favorite candy bar? Dove Dark Chocolate
Favorite guilty pleasure? Working from home (freelance writer, cover/graphic artist and editor)
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Hot Scottish vampire in the early 1500s of Scotland fights clan enemy, defeats the bad guy, and falls in love with beautiful redheaded widow
BUY LINK
Birthday? April 4, mumblemumblemumble – Aries (Hrmmmmm…I’m noticing a trend here…April…Aries…Arial)
Favorite color? Forest Green
Favorite animal? Unicorn
Siblings? 2 sisters, 1 brother
Favorite drink? Iced Tea
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Licorice!
Favorite author? Doh! I can only pick ONE? Right now, it’s a real toss-up between Sarah Grimm and AJ Nuest
Favorite dish? Macaroni and Cheese with Tuna and Peas (comfort food…and the name of a play I’m writing)
Ice cream flavor? Nutty Coconut (Baskin Robbins)
Favorite Season? Autumn
Plotter or pantser? OCD Plotter
Hobbies? Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG
Dream vacation? Ireland (Hubby and I are going to move there!! We are determined!)
Favorite TV show? Supernatural
Musical preference? Celtic
Pet peeve? Self-absorbed people on their cell phones and driving
Favorite place to write? At my desk I bought while in England. Wrote my first book at this desk.
Favorite song? Princess Leia’s Theme by John Williams
Odd family fact? I’m a descendent of Romany Gypsies
Unforgettable moment? First kiss with my husband
Favorite Superhero? My husband
Spicy or not? For reading? Spicy. For food…eh…a little spicy.
Cat or dog? Both – 2 cats and 1 dog
Favorite candy bar? Dove Dark Chocolate
Favorite guilty pleasure? Working from home (freelance writer, cover/graphic artist and editor)
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
Hot Scottish vampire in the early 1500s of Scotland fights clan enemy, defeats the bad guy, and falls in love with beautiful redheaded widow
BUY LINK
To learn more about Arial Burnz and her writing visit her website: http://www.arialburnz.com
July 13, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Nicole Graysen:
Birthday? February
Favorite color? Purple
Favorite animal? Wolf
Siblings? None
Favorite drink? A-Treat Sarsparilla
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Wild Strawberry
Favorite author? Janny Wurts
Favorite dish? Corn Pie
Ice cream flavor? Cherry Vanilla
Favorite Season? Winter
Plotter or Pantser? Pantser
Hobbies? Cross Stitch and Growing Roses
Dream vacation? A beach retreat in a house with large windows overlooking the ocean and a deck with a pool and spa.
Favorite TV show? No Longer in Production: Stargate SG 1 – Babylon 5 - Charmed Current Shows: Once Upon A Time - NCIS – Leverage - Eureka
Musical preference? New Age, Soundtracks and 80s music
Pet peeve? Slow drivers in the fast lane
Favorite place to write? Somewhere in my house. It varies based on the book and whether I'm working on a first draft or edits.
Favorite song? Listen to Your Heart by Roxette
Odd family fact? My pinkie fingers bend away from each other if you hold them side-by-side.
Unforgettable moment? The night my husband proposed
Favorite Superhero? Storm from X-Men
Spicy or not? A bit spicy
Cat or dog? Dog
Favorite candy bar? Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
Favorite guilty pleasure? Ice Cream and Reading
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
When your life is a curse, every moment should be savored and vengeance sought at the earliest opportunity.
BUY LINK
Birthday? February
Favorite color? Purple
Favorite animal? Wolf
Siblings? None
Favorite drink? A-Treat Sarsparilla
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Wild Strawberry
Favorite author? Janny Wurts
Favorite dish? Corn Pie
Ice cream flavor? Cherry Vanilla
Favorite Season? Winter
Plotter or Pantser? Pantser
Hobbies? Cross Stitch and Growing Roses
Dream vacation? A beach retreat in a house with large windows overlooking the ocean and a deck with a pool and spa.
Favorite TV show? No Longer in Production: Stargate SG 1 – Babylon 5 - Charmed Current Shows: Once Upon A Time - NCIS – Leverage - Eureka
Musical preference? New Age, Soundtracks and 80s music
Pet peeve? Slow drivers in the fast lane
Favorite place to write? Somewhere in my house. It varies based on the book and whether I'm working on a first draft or edits.
Favorite song? Listen to Your Heart by Roxette
Odd family fact? My pinkie fingers bend away from each other if you hold them side-by-side.
Unforgettable moment? The night my husband proposed
Favorite Superhero? Storm from X-Men
Spicy or not? A bit spicy
Cat or dog? Dog
Favorite candy bar? Reese's Peanut Butter Cup
Favorite guilty pleasure? Ice Cream and Reading
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
When your life is a curse, every moment should be savored and vengeance sought at the earliest opportunity.
BUY LINK
To learn more about Nicole Graysen and her writing please visit her Website:
June 29, 2012
Friday Quickie
25 quickie facts about Babette James:
Birthday? November 14
Favorite color? Garnet red
Favorite animal? Horse
Siblings? 1 brother, 2 stepsisters & 2 stepbrothers
Favorite drink? Coffee
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Key lime Pie
Favorite author? J.R.R. Tolkien
Favorite dish? Shrimp Scampi
Ice cream flavor? Mango Sorbet
Favorite Season? Spring, if it weren’t for allergies
Plotter or Pantser? Pantser!
Hobbies? Bread Baking, Painting, reading, writing
Dream vacation? A tour of Ireland
Favorite TV show? Once Upon A Time
Musical preference? Classical and New Age Instrumental
Pet peeve? Rude drivers
Favorite place to write? My desk
Favorite song? Depends on my mood
Odd family fact? An ancestor sailed on the Bounty
Unforgettable moment? Being offered the contract on Clear As Day
Favorite Superhero? Batman
Spicy or not? Spicy
Cat or dog? Cats (But I love dogs too)
Favorite candy bar? Mounds
Favorite guilty pleasure? A spa day
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
She doesn’t believe in happily ever after. He dares her to risk all for love. What’s a girl to do when her summer lover wants forever?
BUY LINK
Birthday? November 14
Favorite color? Garnet red
Favorite animal? Horse
Siblings? 1 brother, 2 stepsisters & 2 stepbrothers
Favorite drink? Coffee
If you were a jelly bean flavor, what flavor would you be? Key lime Pie
Favorite author? J.R.R. Tolkien
Favorite dish? Shrimp Scampi
Ice cream flavor? Mango Sorbet
Favorite Season? Spring, if it weren’t for allergies
Plotter or Pantser? Pantser!
Hobbies? Bread Baking, Painting, reading, writing
Dream vacation? A tour of Ireland
Favorite TV show? Once Upon A Time
Musical preference? Classical and New Age Instrumental
Pet peeve? Rude drivers
Favorite place to write? My desk
Favorite song? Depends on my mood
Odd family fact? An ancestor sailed on the Bounty
Unforgettable moment? Being offered the contract on Clear As Day
Favorite Superhero? Batman
Spicy or not? Spicy
Cat or dog? Cats (But I love dogs too)
Favorite candy bar? Mounds
Favorite guilty pleasure? A spa day
Summarize your book Twitter style – 140 characters or less:
She doesn’t believe in happily ever after. He dares her to risk all for love. What’s a girl to do when her summer lover wants forever?
BUY LINK
To learn more about Babette James and her books, please visit her website:
http://babettejames.com/
http://babettejames.com/
June 26, 2012
Welcome Guest Blogger J Corti-Petska
Writing two books (or more) at the Same Time
To be truthful, writing was the one area in which I have never been able to multitask. For whatever reason, I could write only one story at a time. I couldn’t even think about the plot for a different story while writing my WIP. I have tried but failed miserably. Actually, it was often quite humorous.
For those who write contemporary, it may not be as difficult. But I don’t know because I write historicals. I tried writing a historical western while working on a medieval once. It was like balancing and twirling fine china plates on the tip of wobbly poles. Only one survived.
Writing westerns is vastly different than writing medievals—cowboys and knights—how dissimilar can you get? While the basic structure of a romance is the same, culture, attitude and speech cannot compare. About 25 years ago, I had written a few books with a co-author. Because we collaborated on westerns, I decided to work on a medieval that I’d been making notes on for months. We’d take turns writing chapters: I’d write the odd-numbered chapters, she’d write the even-numbered ones. The next book, we switched so we each had the opportunity to write the very first chapter.
One day, my friend called and asked why our 1870s cowboy hero was challenged to a duel—with a broadsword worthy of a hearty knight. Strange, I thought, but soon it faded from my memory. Then a few days later, she called again and questioned the reason I changed syntax. Hmmm… I reread what I’d written and sure enough, I had done just that. It wasn’t until I returned to my medieval that I realized what had happened.
For one thing, a knight doesn’t say, “Howdy, ma’am.” I kid you not. It jumped off the page and smacked me in my face when I went back to edit the chapter. Little nuances of historical westerns had begun creeping up in my medieval. I’d find my characters speaking with a southern drawl. My western characters began to speak quite stiffly. But when I outfitted my knight in denims, I knew I had to make a choice.
To this day, I can’t even think about another story other than the one I’m working on or I’ll lose the momentum in my WIP. Of course, these days, if I have more than one idea floating around in my head, it’s like a cowboy riding his destrier into a stampede. (Yes, I said destrier.) I carry a small spiral-bound notebook wherever I go so I can jot down the ideas popping up in my head. I don’t think on them too long, at least not until I’m ready to write the story based on a particular idea. I’d blame it on aging, but you already know that for the last 40 years, multitasking when writing has not been a waltz around the dance floor for me.
One story at a time, I continually remind myself. Otherwise, I’d never accomplish finishing a single book. I’m curious. How many writers out there can write two (or more) books simultaneously? Uh…would you mind sharing your secret?
Alessandra Podesta writes illicit tales unsuitable for a young lady. Exasperated, her father sends her to visit relatives in Naples to curb her wild imagination. But in her undying need for adventure, she toys with the affections of her tutor and is forced to marry him. When she unknowingly falls into a dangerous game of supremacy between two countries, she trusts the wrong people and endangers her life.
French tutor Dante Santangelo is secretly aiding the French in maintaining their rule over Naples. When he is manipulated into marrying the visiting cousin of the Valente Family, he seizes upon the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the family, who are under suspicion of helping the Spanish. When Alessandra's life is in jeopardy Dante must choose between love and duty. Will he offer up his life to save Alessandra? Or remain duty-bound to the French?
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