Friday Funnies

AMEN!

Any sweating?

Does anyone know when the next Seventy Days of Sweat session will be? I'm currently plotting out a novel and would consider joining if the timing is right.
I think I'd benefit from the vibes of the collective conscious,... share the pain! And glory?

Comment if you do! Thanks :)

Holla!

Thank You Graphic Comments
Big shout-out to all who took time to give me feedback on the blurb I posted yesterday. You, my writerly blog-buds, are AWESOME and I thank you sincerely for the honest and inventive suggestions/analysis/critique.

Law of Averages - unofficial blurb, opinions wanted

The storyboarding course had to be set aside yesterday so I could complete edits on Law of Averages. They've been sitting on my laptop since Christmas Eve but I couldn't face rechoreagraphing steamy sex scenes while my kids were watching The Backyardigans or Spy Kids next to me on the couch. Ewww!

In addition, I had to come up with a blurb - that nugget of story meant to entice the reader to buy. I did up a very short punchy paragraph and sent it off to Kelli, aka editor-extraordinaire, then went to bed. Alas,... sleep was short. The blurb sucked on deep subconscious level and I must have come to that realization sometime around 1am, because I was out of bed and rewriting.

I NEED YOU, PEOPLE!! Please, your honest opinions on the following would be greatly appreciated. Would YOU be enticed to buy?

LAW OF AVERAGES

Megan Frost, an up and coming restaurateur, knows everything there is to know
about the culinary arts, but when it comes to pop culture, she’s been living
under a rock. During a vacation to the sunny island of Bermuda, the yummiest
dish she’s ever laid eyes on rolls that rock right off her.

British musician, Gabriel Law, the famous Dark Angel of Rock, regrets putting his song writing on the back burner. Tired and creatively simmered out, he retreats to
the peace and solitude of Bermuda in order to cook up some original sounds for
his new album. But when he finds a naked, sunburned and self-proclaimed average
girl in his holiday cottage, he happily exchanges seclusion for sizzling
passion.

The ingredients for a sexy, scorching relationship are in place, but the recipe isn’t complete with out a legend, a mysterious taxi driver and a shimmering aquamarine…

Let me know: is it hokey, jokey or okey-dokey? Thanks blog-buds!

Storyboarding Day 1 and Shopping 101

Between last evening and this morning, all the storyboard students had the opportunity to introduce themselves. I was very happy to see some familiar faces on the loop (Hi Red, Linda and Joan!!) as well as some amazing talented multi-pubbed writers and even a striking screen writer.

Armed with my shopping list, my 3 year old helper and I hit Staples for a foam poster board and a basket full of multi-colored post-it notes.
I love office supply stores and couldn't help going a bit nuts. Instead of ONE foam board, I got a 3 pack. Hey- you never know when you're going to need a foam core board, am I right?? And in addition to the 3x3 post-its, I got 4x4 lined post-its in blue, yellow, gold and orange so I can organize all my other to-do and project lists - yipee!!
AND some new pens, despite the fact that Santa had put some in my stocking,
AND another giant calculator because I misplaced the one I had (ironically, I found it when I got home in the place I'd decided to keep my *new* giant calculator... go figure),
a duotang to keep my course notes in,
some new print cartridges for my printer, in case I should run out of ink while printing course notes for my new duo-tang
AND, *deep breath* a 2 GB flash drive because it was purple with swirls and looked totally cute (even my 3 year old thought so!!) - and it even came with a lanyard so I can wear it around my neck (though why I'd want to do that I don't know - but I did,... all afternoon),
AND - yes, there's more - little colorful tab-sized post-its in case I want to mark a specific page in my course notes in my new duotang.

You should see me in a hardware store :D

Fess up - what's your weakness???

New Year, New Look

I was getting tired of the orange, but too lazy to change the entire format, ... just the THOUGHT of entering all the info in my sidebar was just too daunting!
I was aiming for a calmer, more relaxed look. What do you think of the blue? Easier/harder to read? Your comments are always appreciated ;)

* * *
The Wii tourney was a blast. Between chatting, noshing and drinking, the Wii play went on for about 6 hours! And I managed to not look like too big a fool - in fact, I scored a record high (for me) in bowling and managed to smoke everyone in target shooting.
Tennis and cow racing,... not so good.

I can't recommend this gaming system highly enough -- and this is coming from a person that SUCKS at everything SPORTS and video-gamish. I'm hooked ;)

* * *
Before the insanity of Christmas started, I signed up for a course on Storyboarding. I don't regret signing up, but regret the timing. I'm so geared up to begin my novel tomorrow - but the course starts today!! Again, so little time, so much to do/learn...

Otter Love

This clip was picked as one of the best on YouTube in 2007. It's been watched over 9,000,000 times!! Only three of those by me ;) so far...
Enjoy:

Monday's Coming! and Reading Goals for 2008

Is it wrong of me to be counting down the hours until Monday?
As much as I enjoy sleeping in until 8 (or 9, as was the case this morning), I crave the routine of the regular 'work' week. I've blogged about this before, so I don't want to beat a dead horse, but dayum, Monday can not come soon enough.

We're having some friends over tonight for a Wii tournment of fun. *place thumb and forefinger against forehead to form L-shape*
I've been brushing up on golf, but I'm a total loser at tennis, and the fact that you have to get out of you seat and simulate the action of swinging a racket makes me look like a fool AND loser. There's a mental image that will have you cringing tonight!

This weekend, the goal list begins with work on edits for Law of Averages, followed by undecorate the Christmas tree and shovel the heap of fallen needles off the floor. And if I can find a few moments of solitude, I'd like to begin the first book of 2008 - a Susan Elizabeth Philips, whom I've never read before - Breathing Room.

I was going to do another 50 book challenge for 2008, but I'm a little worried that writing a novel and novella and reading 50 books may be too lofty a goal. Perhaps I'll target 25 (2 books/month) and hope for more. Meanwhile, the TBR pile continues to increase at a rate far higher than 2/month! In fact, my Six Degree of Sexy sisters, with their prolificiousness (made up word alert) may grab everyone of those slots!!

What are YOUR reading goals for 2008??

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year and all the best in 2008 to my blog-buddies, met and pre-met :D

It's been awhile since I blogged and blog-hopped, but I've been having fun hanging out with friends and family these past weeks. I love this time of year because of that -- catching up and socializing with people -- there never seems to be enough time for this during the year. Why is that, I wonder? I think I should add 'more socializing' to the resolutions list.

And speaking of resolutions, do YOU have any? Come on, I want to hear them. At least one. And don't give me the 'I don't do resolutions' business because that's admitting that there's nothing about you that you're willing to change, so if you aren't already perfect, you're in denial. Or lazy - LOL

I have a few. And no, I rarely keep them (see 'lazy' above) but at least I'm willing to try :)

Personal Me:

1. lose weight (pretty much a yearly resolution)
2. socialize more
3. go to the gym or do some kind of exerise EVERY DAY (that include's Wii golf!!)
4. get more sleep (not sure how I'm going to pull this one off, but I'll try)

Professional Me:

1. 2008 is the Year of the Novel. I'm going to write one. YEAH! Target - 75,000 words by July, so I have something to pitch at RWA Nationals.
2. write another novella for EC

Santa was kind enough to bring the Kinsons a Nintendo Wii. Smart man. It's SO MUCH FUN. Go buy one, now, if you haven't got it yet. We've been doing lots of virtual sports (which I'm surprising okay at - I've even beat hubby in golf!) and Super Mario Galaxy. SMG is great for problem solving and dexterity, so I have no problem letting my 8 year old at it for hours. I can't wait for him to go back to school so that I can have a turn!
If you have a Wii, here's were I ask you to recommend games. Thanks!

I'm blogging at Six Degrees of Sexy tomorrow (Wednesday) on writing about exotic locales. Please stop by and holla.

Poetry Train

If you're looking for Poetry Train - I posted it at Six Degrees of Sexy. CLICK!

Merry Christmas

Twas the night before the night before Christmas
and all through the house
the cats were shredding the wrapping
faster than a hungry mouse

Merry Christmas! I'm off to brave the mall - not to BUY anything - just to observe the frantic faces of all the men last-minute shopping for their wives, girlfriends, kids, .... hehehehehehe

I'm taking the next few days away from the blogosphere but wanted to wish everyone

* * * HAPPY HOLIDAYS * * *

Christmas musings and Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Word Count for the past 2 weeks = 0
Anyone out there being productive this month? Nevermind - don't answer. It'll only make me jealous ;)

I read Christine d'Abo's newest EC release last night - Chasing Phoenix - and holy commolie it was hot. And a really cool concept. The hero, Michael, attends a performance art play, blindfolded! - and suspects that the 'performer' is a coworker. I dare you to go read it and NOT stare at everyone in your place of employ the next day. It's amazing what kind of kinky little secrets people harbor ;) You can buy it HERE.

Now that #1 son's birthday party is out of the way, AND the Toronto Romance Writers newsletter is finished, I'm happy to say I'm finally getting into this thing called Christmas. Most of the shopping is done, aside from stocking stuffers, -- and I can't wait until the kidlets see what 'Santa' has in store for them.

For Light (aka 8 yr old son), that crazy Santa got a Wii. Sadly, it's hubby and I that are most eager for that treat. Pathetic, aren't we? I just HOPE that SOMEBODY is buying my Guitar Hero (HINT HINT).

For Sweetness (aka 3 yr old son), Santa found a Smart Cycle. Have you seen these? It's a little bike that hooks up to the television and the kidlet must cycle in order to play the games. Exercise mixed with learning -- the perfect gift for those of us practically house-bound by winter.

And it was no easy feat finding that sucker! Mr. Wylie and I (helping Santa, of course) have been combing toy stores everywere, practically daily, because they keep selling out. Mr. Wylie drove to an out-of-the way Walmart late last night and found one. Ironically, they said they were sold out, but he found one that had been mis-shelved. Double YIPPEE.

After seeing Sweetness's Christmas concert yesterday morning (too cute for words!) I spent the rest of the day baking -- a double batch of shortbreads, butter tarts and fudge, the latter for Light's school Christmas party. Today I'm going to tackle a treat that I learned from Mr. Wylie's granny - a Portugese treat called (but not spelled correctly) bishcottes. They're not overly sweet -- more like a biscuit than a cookie -- until I dribble uber-sweet icing over them!

Then I'll do my personal faves - Chocolate Coconut Macaroons. They are SO delish and easy to make that I've decided to share the recipe:

CHOCOLATE COCONUT MACAROONS

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup shortening

2 cups sugar (white, granulated)

3 cups rolled oats

1 cup shredded coconut

6 tbls cocoa

1 tsp vanilla

Bring milk, shortening and sugar to a boil, stiring frequently. I wait just until the bubbles form around the edges because if you overboil, the cookies won't set properly.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in the remaining ingredients. Mix well, then drop the mixture by the spoonful onto wax paper and leave to set. Use a tablespoon for monster cookies or teaspoons for bite size macaroons.

These freeze really well too.

What's YOUR favorite holiday baking treat? Either to eat, or make...

This thing called television

There was a longish stretch (long for me, anyway) from Sept to mid-Nov where I didn't watch television. Not even House! And before my next writing project kicks in (more about this later), I decided it was time for some catching up.

Dexter - thank the heavens for 'on demand'. I was able to catch up on missed episodes and then see the season finale last Sunday. I know some people have issues with the ending - but it was okay by me. They wrapped the season up nicely - nothing to dwell over for eight months until it returns. 'Emotional me' was completely satisfied. 'Writer me' wonders how they're going to top season two.
If you haven't seen this intriguing show yet, it's worth a trip to Blockbuster.

House - my viewing has been spotty this season thus far, but I've seen enough to get the gist of the storyline, and MY GOD, that man is obnoxious. I love him ;)

Journeyman - this is a show that I've 'fluked' upon 3 times over the past few weeks, and though I'm feeling a bit lost on the concept (but maybe it hasn't all been revealed?), I've liked what I saw. Sort of Quantum Leap meets The Time Traveler's Wife.

Bionic Woman - meh. I've seen two episodes. Can't say I'd set the Tivo for this one (if I HAD a tivo ;)

Bones - yeah, I'm into this one. Which is funny because it's not really my kind of show. But it's been coming on after House, and one of my cable stations has been showing reruns so I've now viewed about 8 episodes, some from past years. I really enjoy the banter between Bones and the cop (whose name I can't remember). It's like a gentleperson's CSI. Not so drama-rama intense.

Californication - I saw the first episode back in ... August was it? ... and thought, Wow-here's one show that's going where not many others will. The dialogue/acting/characterization (David Duchovny is brilliant) are all excellent and the proverbial envelope gets pushed around enough to offer some squickish moments. I'm not sure where it's going in terms of plot, though. It's not your typical linear storyline. I'm not sure how the ratings are for this show, but I quite enjoy it for a 1/2 hour diversion.

LOST - the countdown to Jan 31st is ON! I'd all but forgotten this show, except that Bonnie Staring posted a really HAWT picture of Josh Holloway (Sawyer *le sigh*) that made me itch to see what they have in store for us this season.

I've got a couple of weeks left before New Project begins. Got any recommendations? What am I missing? What's YOUR fave show?

*added later*

Happy Birthday Brad! You make 44 look FABULOUS!

Thanks for the advice and support!!

I'm over at Six Degrees of Sexy with a classic poem from Lord Byron. Please do stop by and leave a comment, or your name - or heck, just have a read of 'She Walks in Beauty'.

But before you go...

Thanks y'all for your advice and support about my little 'Bright-faced Sweetness' problem. Leading by example is the best bet (I'm afraid if I make TOO much out of it, it will backfire) and reading lots of books with hidden messages is part of the game plan.

That said, my older son had a birthday party over the weekend and the guests were very diverse in ethnicity (out of 8 children, only four could be classified 'caucasian') and Sweetness didn't blink an eye or make any untoward comments. In fact, he was stuck to one little boy with a face 'not bright like mine' the whole time. Maybe (with fingers crossed) it was a one-off episode triggered by another child's comment.

AND - Christine d'Abo has a new release!!! I haven't had a quiet moment to read it yet -- not without trying - but alas, the shovel beckons. It's called Chasing Phoenix (great title, eh?) and you can buy it now from Ellora's Cave. Just click HERE.

Overheard at the Kinsons, Advice welcomed!!

This is a personally upsetting version of 'Overheard at the Kinsons'. Read on and you'll see why...

I picked up Sweetness (aka 3 year old son) from a preschool program and we walked out at the same time as another little boy, whom I shall call P, and his father. We got in the car and
I say: P seems like a nice boy. Did you play with him?
Sweetness: Well, I don't really like P. (this shocks me because Sweetness loves everyone)
Me: Why? Is he not a good sharing buddy?
Sweetness: Um, no.
Me: Does he play rough?
Sweetness: Um, no.
Me: Then why don't you like him?
Sweetness: Because his face is not bright like mine.
*JAW DROP*

P is black. I was absolutely horrified that Sweetness would judge on skin color because he surely doesn't get this vibe from home! At all! I can't stress this enough.
Goodness - we're Bermudian - so many many many friends are of African-Bermudian or Caribbean descent.
Needless to say, I was shocked to my core and had to resist the urge to shout at him for saying such a thing. I calmly explained that people come in all shades... etc etc... but I'm not sure this was/is enough.

Any suggestions out there? How else could I have handled this?

Thursday Thirteen #35

Thirteen Uses for Peroxide

It’s cheaper than bleach and just as effective. Apparently it's used in many medical practices to clean and sterilize — which is why you never smell the overpowering stench of disinfectant. This is all according to some doctor's wife, as forwarded to me by a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend... you get the picture ;)

1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle) and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.


2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of germs.


3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe, or spray it on the counters.


4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to kill salmonella and other bacteria.


5. If you suffer from foot fungus, spray a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water on them (especially the toes) every night and let dry.


6. Soak any infections or cuts in 3% peroxide for five to ten minutes several times a day.


7. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic system like bleach or most other disinfectants will.


8. Tilt your head back and spray into nostrils with your 50/50 mixture whenever you have a cold with plugged sinus. It will bubble and help to kill the bacteria. Hold for a few minutes, and then blow your nose into a tissue.


9. If you have a terrible toothache and cannot get to a dentist right away, put a capful of 3% peroxide into your mouth and hold it for ten minutes several times a day. The pain will lessen greatly.


10. If you like a natural look to your hair, spray the 50/50 solution on your wet hair after a shower and comb it through. You will not have the peroxide-burnt blonde hair like the hair dye packages but more natural highlights if your hair is a light brown, reddish, or dirty blonde. It also lightens gradually, so it's not a drastic change.


11. Put half a bottle of peroxide in your bath to help rid boils, fungus, or other skin infections.


12. Add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing, pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.


13. Use peroxide to clean mirrors. There is no smearing!
    

Hope you found some useful tricks here. Feel free to add your own tried-and-true helpful hints. Baking soda, anyone?

Molly O'Keefe is visiting - yeah!

Molly O'Keefe, author and all-round awesome drunk-writer-chick, is airing her dirty laundry (quite literally!) at Six Degrees of Sexy today. Please come over and say hello. AND, she's got a goody-bag to give away to one lucky commenter!

Overcoming

Confessing my inexplicable predjudices over at Six Degrees of Sexy. Please feel free to leave me a slap upside the head or comment on my ignorance ;)

Poetry Train Monday

On Sunday, the Kinsons bundled into snow gear and drove to a nearby farm to collect a Christmas tree. Yes, it was cold, but we sat nestled in a forest of snow-covered fir trees next to a big bonfire and sipped hot chocolate while big fat flakes of snow fell from a breezeless sky. It was like sitting in a postcard... except for the really cold cheeks. Both! ;)

Now, I realize this poem is full of symbolism about suicide, but I fell in love with this piece as a child too young to dig deep into the symbolic roots, so I read it exactly for what it appeared to be -- someone stopping to enjoy a snowy evening! And just for today, I'm going to interpret it in its literal sense:

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.


He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.


The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Ho Ho Ho-No!

There's a very good... no GREAT interview with author M.A. Ellis at Six Degress of Sexy today. M.A. will have you chuckling over buttercream icing and erotic poetry readings. There's also a hidden message about persistance ;D

Amy Ruttan is guest blogging over at Shelley Munro's and shares some FASCINATING historical research regarding stamina and contraception... (and by fascinating, I really mean EWWWY gross stuff that will make you thank your lucky karma you live in the 21st century)

This weekend I'll get to catch up with Christine d'Abo, who I haven't seen since March!! *woohoo*, at the Toronto Romance Writers Christmas social. Party on, C!

On Sunday, the Kinsons will make the annual trek to the Christmas tree farm (oh joy, says the mother who's inevitably left to decorate the beast by herself) where we'll tromp through knee deep snow, wrap our frigid fingers around too-hot-to-drink hot chocolate and stand shivering next to a giant bonfire and try to avoid choking to death everytime the wind blows the smoke our way.
Shucks, am I sounding Bah Humbug-ish? I'm not really, *ha ha ha* though looking at the box of unsigned, unmailed holiday greeting cards on my dining table is leaving a hollow pit in my tummy. When? WHEN??
All this xmas stuff and writing too *shrug* ...

And when I come up for air, I have to plan my son's eighth birthday party which goes down next weekend. Loot bags, cake-baking, present shopping, oh my!

What are YOUR plans this weekend? And is anyone else feeling the stress of the season yet?

December - ACK!

Busy Busy Busy - My blogs will be very spotty for the next few weeks!

December is always a bit crazy in the Kinson household - and not just because of Christmas...
Birthdays abound - mine is Dec 2, my bil is Dec 5, son is Dec 13, BFF Tracey Dec 17, mil is Dec 19, neice is Dec 27 - and on the brackets, my nephew is Nov 25 and BFF Leslie Jan 9.
Deep breath and ...TO THE MALL!!!

On top of this, I finished my revisions on Law of Averages -- it was supposed to be only one minor revision but you know I had to go and tinker with the whole damn manuscript!

What's keeping YOU awake at night this December??

Happy Hanakkah to those of you who celebrate!

Overheard my 3 year old singing a carol yesterday:
Deck the halls with lots of holly, fa la la la la la la la
It's the season for the dollys, ....


I leave you with more funny kid stuff:

A number of primary schools were doing a project on "The Sea." Children were asked to draw pictures or write about their experiences. Teachers got together to compare the results and put together some of the 'better' ones. Here are some of the descriptions of "ocean life."
1. This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6)
2. Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can> give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves in to chargers. (Christopher age 7)
3. Oysters' balls are called pearls!(James age 6)
4. If you are surrounded by sea you are an Island . If you don't have sea> all around you, you are incontinent. (Wayne age 7)
5. I think sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She's not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)
6. A dolphin breathes through an asshole on the top of its head. (Billy age 8)
7. My uncle goes out in his boat with pot, and comes back with crabs. (Millie age 7)
8. When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would be better off eatingbeans. (William age 7)
9. I like mermaids. They are beautiful and I like their shiny tails. Howdo mermaids get pregnant?(Helen age 7)
10. When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small. (Kevin age 6)

Thursday Thirteen - Wylie's Answer to People

I put a Thursday Thirteen up at SIX DEGREES OF SEXY, so please hit the link and go on over.

That's Entertainment!

I've been suffering from insomnia the past few days. Not the productive 'I'm up, I may as well work' kind but the 'barely awake during the day, up until 3am tossing and turning but too tired to move' kind.
Bleh.
The only good thing to come out of this is the fact that I'm catching up on television. I haven't watched much since the new fall season, either regular tv or movies, so I'm due for some serious couch potatoing.

Notes on a Scandal - chose to skip this one in the theatres because of the subject matter. Heavy topic. Lately I've been prioritizing entertainment over good acting (?? Yeah, I don't know why either). Well thank God for The Movie Network! Caught this AMAZING film a couple of nights ago and didn't regret a moment. Cate Blanchett and Dame Judi Dench were fabulous. Believable, honest portrayals of two not-particularly-nice woman who have you cheering for them despite their shady personalities and peculiar motivations. Two lonely people struggling for human contact/acceptance. It was brilliant. See it.

Catch & Release - Jennifer Garner, Timothy Olyphant, Kevin Smith. I loved this movie like I never expected to. That J.G. is such a cutie you just can't help but love her. She's so unglamorous yet somehow manages to come off as classy, true, genuine. Someone you'd like to hang with, be BFF. As for Mr. Olyphant (a yummy surprise), I knew I'd seen him somewhere before but the lack of mustache and western gear threw me off. He was Sherriff Seth Bullock on Deadwood. 'Course, that didn't come to me until 30 seconds before the end credits rolled.
Highly recommend this one. It feels like a low-key picture, but the depth will surprise you.

Double Dare - a highly entertaining documentary about stunt women, two imparticular - Zoe Bell (pictured right) and Jeannie Epper, that I had NO intention of watching, but was hooked within the first five minutes and very happily sat through the entire 1 1/2 hour show. Fascinating look at the world of stunt women, the challenges they face in a male dominated profession, blah blah blah. Zoe Bell, a young Kiwi who doubled for Lucy Lawless as Xena, was incredible to watch. By the end of the award-winning documentary (2004) we learn that she's been picked to double for Uma Thurman in Kill Bill.
Yeah - I know that doesn't SOUND interesting, but it was a good show. It had to have been to keep me awake until 2am.

C.R.A.Z.Y. - I don't know what to say about this French-Canadian movie except SEE IT. Not your standard Hollywood fare. Amazing performances, captivating story in a disturbing yet familiar sort of way, and will never be accused of being regurgatative. (is that a even a word? But you know what I mean, right?)

Finally, if you haven't been watching Dexter, why not?

If my insomnia doesn't end before the writer's strike, you'll be hearing the nitty-gritty on ants vs termites on the National Geographic channel.

It ain't no optical illusion...

Male readers of this blog, you are excused. Go.

TMI Alert:
So I went to the salon today - not my usual place - to get some general maintainance done for the holidays. The spa woman, a stranger to me, waxes my eyebrows then says to me: "Shall I do your upper lip?"
Upper lip?? OMG, why would I do such a thing?
"Why?" says me, suspiciously. "Do I need it?"
And she gives me That Look: eyebrows raised, half-smile, slight shrug of the shoulders. The Look to make me feel like an idiot for even asking.
And what she's basically saying with That Look is that for the past 40 years I've been walking around with a mustache.
AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Where are my friends?
My trusted homies?
My regular spa lady????
My MOTHER who's ALWAYS been brutally honest about the size of my ass so why wouldn't she tell me about my Hairy Lip?
Have they all let me down? Allowed me to walk around looking like a grandma from the old-country?
Look at the picture of me on the sidebar. Do you see it? It's SO OBVIOUS now that I'm looking... *shame*

What else are they keeping from me?
Bad breath?
OMG - maybe my writing SUCKS and they're not telling me about that either!

I'm a whiskered, foul breathed HACK...

BTW - that lip thing REALLY hurts.

Poetry Train Monday

I posted a really great Charles Bukowski poem over at Six Degrees of Sexy. If you are a writer, want to be a writer, thinking about writing, curious about the writing life, this poem is for you.
It's dedicated to TL from Tennessee Text Wrestling - one of the finest new authors I have the priviledge of knowing.
Go HERE.

Mini-bloghiatus

Busy week/weekend. My sister-in-law and bro-in-law from Bermuda will be arriving at my dorr at any moment. Yipeee!
But while I'm on bloghiatus, go over to Six Degrees of Sexy and see the fabulous interview with author Jan Springer. She's a hoot!

A bone to pick with Wylie?

Remember that Hometown Meme?
I did Bermuda, which is not my hometown, but I did spend 18 years on the island so felt imminently qualified.
Well, I had my hands slapped by Chris K, an old and dear friend. (clarification - She's not old, our friendship is) Here's what she had to say:

I went to your blogspot tonight just to check up on you and noticed that you did not want to do the Thunder Bay Hometown Meme because, and I quote, there’s “not much fodder there”. I’m aghast! Now, I stayed until I was 30, so maybe I got more of the flavour of our beloved city than you did. *G* With that in mind, I’m answering the questions in hopes of reminding you of all that northwestern Ontario has to offer! (Now, note I’m not there any longer and wouldn’t move back on a bet, BUT I do love to go back to visit and it ain’t cuz my family is there, I can assure you!)

Best Place to Eat: Well, the Hoito is an easy answer (mainly because it’s true!) But for a fab evening out for fine Italian dining you’ve got Armando’s and Vincenzo’s, and Harrington Court has always impressed the heck out of me for just about everything they do.

Best Shopping Mall: *sigh* Gotta be Intercity; all the others suck! *L*

Famous Landmark: A little number known throughout the universe as the Sleeping Giant (one of Canada ’s top wonders, by the way!)

Best Tourism Attraction: Again, the Giant; the view from Hillcrest Park is particularly spectacular. We’ve also got Old Fort William which, believe it or not, is pretty good! Also Sibley, the amethyst mine, Eino’s Saunas out on the highway.

Place For the Kids: Uh…having a little trouble with that one…this could explain all the petty crime…*L* Is Wiggles & Giggles still open? (Wylie's note: NO. But there is cool mini-golf dome!)

Popular Outdoor Activity: Skating, skiing, snowmobiling…in the summer I’d have to say lighting fires in the bush or drinking in a rock quarry…

Breathtaking Views: Hillcrest Park , the rock cuts on both sides of the highway, anywhere in downtown PA for Lake Superior…I think I’m seeing the problem, you’re a Fort William girl! *L*

Only Found in THUNDER BAY : Persians! (I still miss them) (Wylie's note: these are scrumptious cinnamon buns with pink icing - to die for)

This is a public service announcement courtesy of someone for whom time has softened all the bad memories…. *L*

--Chris : )

My apologies Chris. You're right. Thunder Bay is a pretty swell place and it holds many many dear memories. (Did someone say field party?)
Thanks for letting the blogosphere know just what a quaint little spot it is.
(And you're off the hook with the picture 'cause I couldn't find my yearbook. Lucky ;)

Bits, Bobs and an Informal Poll

What a weekend!

We (as in the 'The Six Degrees of Sexies') had a fun chat over at the Delicious Naughties (I know, these names! Heee) and we'll be having another chat on December 16th at Ellora's Cave. Thanks to the Naughties for hosting us! I've got lots of new books on my 'to be acquired' list - next payday.

Rhian's having a HUGE ROCKIN' PAR-TAY to celebrate her one year blogoversary. There's prizes and silliness all over the place.

Happy Birthday Robin L. Rotham, author of that hotness Alien Overnight. Go over and wish her a happy 78th. That ought to piss her off :) :) :)

I'm so evil.

If you have a moment to kill, head over to the Redlines and Deadlines blog for a fun confernce adventure. Check it out HERE.

The weather in my neck of the woods was lovely enough to do outdoorsy stuff. Most of my neighbors got a jump-start on their Christmas lights, but the Kinsons? We goofed about, jumped in leaves, chased the kids on bikes and kicked balls. We'll also be the one stringing lights after a blizzard in a -10 chill, swearing our heads off.
Live and learn? Not us...

Informal Poll
How 'bout you? Christmas is coming. Are you:
A) decorated, shopped, and sipping eggnog
B) refusing to let commercialism trap you in the chaos until the calendar reads DECEMBER
C) looking forward to January
D) grateful that you're Jewish ;)

Warning: No trace of HUMBLE in this post

See that thing on my sidebar that says CURRENT WIP? Over there to the right -- go look. Look now, because soon it'll be gone. Not gone-gone, but moved down to the MY BOOKS section.

Law of Averages has been ACCEPTED by EC!

*Postscript: deleted the next two paragraphs, because I managed to annoy even myself*

My Day to Piss Off Other Authors? Bwahahaha

Her Royal Redness has a new book out today in the Spin Devil series (altogether now: SQUEEEEEEEEE!)

Spin Some More is Jason's story - his turn with the plush little devil. You can read all about it and buy it by clicking HERE.
You won't want to miss this piece of the series. Trust.

And if I can be so blatantly braggy and tease your need-to-read-Red, I just finished reading the yet-unfinished fourth Spin Devil book and it's the best one yet. Sebastian the ultra-alpha is back, need I say more?
SO H-H-HAWT!

Hmmm... I probably shouldn't have said anything. Telling author secrets and all. Red might kill me now. Or not let me beta read for her anymore. Which would be devastating...
(Too bad - it's so freaking hot I had to change my underwear...)

----

Found this cool 'thingy' on Carrie Lofty's blog.
Gee - I hope she's not going to be pissed 'cause she got an elementary school reading level on hers...
Well heck, just to make her feel at home... "Hey Carrie! Neerer, neerer, neerer" :P

bwahahahahaha

No TT, just an FJ

That's Funny Joke!
I'm writing tonight (or TRYING to...) so I'll leave you with this funny joke that was sent to me by my friend Shelagh.

The Perfect Husband
Mike wakes up with a huge hangover after attending his company's Christmas Party. Mike is not normally a drinker, but the drinks didn't taste like alcohol at all. He didn't even remember how he got home from the party. As bad as he was feeling, he wondered if he did something wrong. Mike had to force himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a couple of aspirins next to a glass of water on the side table. And, next to them, a single red rose!! Mike sits up and sees his clothing in front of him, all clean and pressed. He looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order, spotlessly clean. So is the rest of the house.
He takes the aspirins,cringes when he sees a huge black eye staring back at him in the bathroom mirror. Then he notices a note hanging on the corner ofthe mirror written in red with little hearts on it and a kiss mark from his wife in lipstick:
"Darling, breakfast is on the stove, I left early to get groceries to make you your favorite dinner tonight. I love you, darling!
Love, Marg"

He stumbles to the kitchen and sure enough, there is hot breakfast, steaming hot coffee and the morning newspaper. His 16 year old son is also at the table, eating.

Mike asks, "Son...what happened last night?"

"Well, you came home after 3 A.M.., drunk and out of your mind. You fell over the coffee table and broke it, and then you puked in the hallway, and got that black eye when you ran into the door.

Confused, he asked his son, "So, why is everything in such perfect order and so clean? I have a rose, and breakfast is on the table waiting for me??"

His son replies, "Oh THAT... Mum dragged you to the bedroom, and when she tried to take your trousers and pants off, you screamed, "Leave me alone, I'm married!!"

Broken Coffee Table $439.99
Hot Breakfast $6.75
Two Aspirins $0.50

Saying the right thing, at the right time ..........

PRICELE$$!!!

From a UK newspaper. *ahem* Excuse me while I pop out to Toys R Us...

Smile Award

I'm giving my 2 cents on Zannie Adams' latest release, Hold, over at Six Degrees of Sexy, so head over after you read this:

My good friend and critique partner extraordinaire Thomma Lyn has gifted me with an award.

Thanks TL! It made my day. My week. My MONTH!

I'd like to pass this wonderful little gem of an award on to two ladies who never fail to make me smile, giggle and laugh out loud on a regular basis, Red Garnier and Amy Ruttan.

Lest We Forget

I listened to my 7 year old son recite the first verse of this poem and next thing I knew, my vision blurred with tears.
Let's pray that our youth never know the experience of a battlefield.
Let's hope our children do a better job with tolerance, knowledge and understanding that we have done.




In Flanders field the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Doctor Major (later Lieutenant-Colonel) John McCrae (b. Guelph, Ontario) of the 1st Field Artillery Brigade wrote this poem on May 3, 1915 after the battle at Ypres.




Oh! You who sleep in Flanders’ fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew,
We caught the torch you threw,
And holding high we kept
The faith with those who died.
We cherish too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valour led.

It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders’ fields.

And now the torch and poppy red
Wear in honour of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught
We’ve learned the lesson that ye taught
In Flanders’ fields.

Written by Miss Moina Belle Michael, an American, on Nov 9, 1918, the Saturday before the Armistice was signed. She read John McCrae's poem, In Flanders Fields and it made such an impression on her that she wrote this in reply.

PEACE.

Blog Roundup - it's good stuff people!

Busy week. Busy busy week. Haven't had much of a chance to get out and visit you all, but I've compiled a quick (if incomplete) list of the more interesting things I came across:

The Esteemed Editors of Ellora's Cave have a blog (I know! Totally cool!) and have put together the funniest, 'EW'-inducing Thursday Thirteen I've seen in awhile. If you're a writer, or a reader of romance (or any book where sex may be a factor), check out these hilarious-icky euphemisms. CLICK HERE for Redlines & Deadlines.

If you haven't heard,... Amy Ruttan sold ANOTHER novel to EC/CP (YAY Amy!) so go show her some love HERE.

Leah Braemel did another great community-service post to help you find those nasty ECHO words in your manuscript. You know, the ones you use ALL THE TIME, over and over, without realizing? The ones that make you look like The Dreaded Amateur!
Leah's intimate knowledge with MS Word can help you. GO HERE for her uber-informative lesson.

SHG from West of Mars is looking for bookmarks. A great promo-op authors!! GO HERE for details. (And thanks, SHG!)

Nicholas has a scary-factual commentary on child-care HERE. I warn you - it will make you want to yank your head out of the sands of ignorance (where mine has been firmly planted), but it's important to read. You'll be astounded.

Sparky FINALLY got off his ass and got a job *wink*. Go wish him luck or give a "neerer neener neener - I'm at home in my pajamas at 11am" chant at the very least!

Have a great weekend all. My in-laws are visiting so I won't be around. See you Monday and happy writing to all you NaNo-ers :D

Sexies Flirt with the Naughties??

The Six Degrees of Sexies have joined the Deliciously Naughty Writers for a

Holiday Scavenger Hunt

There will be lots of great prizes, so please see the ad below and enter!

And to launch this little party, we've got the Naughties chatting with us at the Sexies blog.
GO HERE NOW!

On November 18th - they've invited us to Club Naughty from noon until six and on December 16th we'll all be chatting on the Ellora's Cave loop. Think you can get a word in edgewise? I dare you :D
I'll post the chat links closer to the date.

CONTEST: CLICK HERE!

Hometown Meme: BERMUDA

This Hometown Meme comes to you compliments of Rhian's tag (thanks Rhi! :P Sparky)

The Rules: Answer the questions, tag 5 people and then go off on your travels to there hometowns. ONLY ONE answer for each of the questions. No ties!

My dilemma? Which 'hometown' to choose? I've only lived 'north of Toronto' for a couple of years so don't feel like an expert (yet), spent 18 years in Thunder Bay, ON (not much fodder there), another 18 in Bermuda and an odd year here and there. Hmmmm... I'm going out on a limb here and guessing that Bermuda probably has the most appeal.

Best Place to Eat:
This is really tough because Bermuda has so many good restaurants - SO MANY! Lovely, gourmet, world-class yummeries.
But I'm going to choose one that is uniquely Bermudian, a restaurant that tourists rarely venture to because of its location and decor (colloquial would be a compliment). The Black Horse Tavern in St. David's serves the best fresh wahoo ever. EVER. They're known for their shark hash and fish chowder.
The service is shaky, the decor minimally 'diner', though I always chose to sit outside next to the water at the long wooden picnic tables, yet it's the one restaurant I miss and the first I'll go back to on future visits.

Best Shopping Mall:
There are none! That's why so many Bermudians can be found in the King of Prussia Mall on any given day. And why they charter planes for shopping excursions to Atlanta just prior to Christmas. There are a fair number of shops in both Hamilton and St. Georges, if you're into boutique shopping, buying china, crystal, perfume or Louis Vuitton luggage :)

Famous Landmark:
No, not technically a 'landmark' but y'all could care less about Spanish Rock, so I'm going with something that Bermuda is famous for. No, not the Triangle - but good guess :D
Gotta say its pink sand beaches. The sand is made of crushed coral and gets the pink hue from the skeleton of a little animal called a formaniferan (foram for short). And the color/texture of the beach sand changes subtely from beach to beach: world famous Horseshoe Beach is soft, fine and light pink but Church Bay, just a few miles down the coast, is coarse and purplish.

Best Tourism Attraction:
Tourism used to be it's prime source of income (recently taken over by international business) so this is very hard to whittle down to one. But I'm going to say the Olde Towne of St. George. Yeah - it's kind of cheating because within the town there are many lovely attractions :D
It's been continuously colonized since 1612, has narrow cobbled streets, original architecture and historical landmarks a plenty.

Place for the Kids:
The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, and it's really not just for kids. I worked at this fabulous world-class facility for five years and let me assure you, it may be small, but it's award winning from it's education programs to it's successful breeding of endangered species and exhibitry.

Popular Outdoor Activity:
Again, the most obvious answer is golf (most courses per square mile in the world) but I'm not a golfer so I'm so not going there! I'd have to say snorkeling and scuba diving. Bermuda has reefs that are accessible from shore teeming with colorful fish, and a huge number of shipwrecks to dive.

Breathtaking Views:
From the top of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton, you have a marvelous 360 degree view around the island. It's only 21 miles long and a mile wide, so it's easy to take in from one end to the other.

Only found in BERMUDA:
Horton's Rum Cakes. Mmmmm.

Who to tag... So many of my cohorts are up to their eyeballs in Nano! What the heck:

Thomma Lyn - there are mountains in her midst so maybe she'll grace us with pictures.

Tempest Knight - because she lives someplace totally cool that I hope to someday visit.

Shelley Munro - same reason.

Nicholas - because he needs something else to discuss besides socks ;)
But seriously - N actually hails from across the pond so I'm kind of hoping he'll share his hometown secrets rather than those of his adopted city.

Julia - because eastern Canada is a beautiful place to visit, even though Christine isn't there any longer ;)

Thanks for playing along!

The Steaming Sexies

Three of the Sexies have new books out, and their releases just happen to coincide with my 3-day break from writing. Well timed, ladies ;)

Here's the blurb for Red Garnier's Stroke of Midnight (LSB):

Some wounds take a long time to heal…

A summer in their family Aspen cottage sounds just like the thing to help Elena Wolverton get over a tragic accident. Her body needs to recover, and so does her soul.

Elena’s sister Vivian brings a friend along for the week, and Porter Rowe is the stuff of dreams. The stuff of Elena’s dreams; awakening her to longings she hasn’t felt before.

Elena knows a man like Porter could finish with what’s left of her, break all that remains. Or he could help her forgive, forget, and have a second chance at happiness.

Contains: multiple partner sex F/M/F, oral sex, graphic language.
---

God I love the disclaimer! The ones on my books say: "Contains: SEX, but nothing daring or envelope-pushing by any stretch of the imagination." :D

I read this scorcher last night and I have one complaint -- It's TOO SHORT! Elena is an endearing woman and Porter Rowe is fantasy-material. Well done, Ms Garnier. The outside temps in my area may have dropped, but the thermostat in my bedroom went WAY up!!

BUY IT HERE and then pop over to Six Degrees of Sexy to enter Red's contest.

Tonight I shall lay me down to sleep with Renee Field and Christine d'Abo's release Sweet and Spicy Spells (EC). Here's the blurb (I'm closing my eyes to cut and paste 'cause I love reading a book when I having absolutely NO idea who's who or what's what):

Two sisters, two brothers — and a whole lot of sexy spells.

Kisha hasn't been able to cast a single correct spell. Not a good thing when you're a witch. Kisha has two days to master her powers and Foster is the wizard who's been sent to help. To kick-start her system, Kisha has to discover the uninhibited joys of orgasms, and Foster is more than happy to use his "wand" for the task.

Priscilla is perfect — tall, busty and beautiful. All Hallow's Eve coincides with the annual Cauldron Cup where Priscilla has to defend her title. What she isn't expecting is Zack Kane to zap back into her life after five years. Passion flares as spells and clothing fly.

When the siblings uncover a plot to assassinate the members of the witch council, they must put their differences aside to save the council…and themselves.

---

I don't think its premature of me to say it's HOT, cause it's coming from Ellora's Cave, or that I love it already because Renee and Christine are very talented ladies, so

BUY IT HERE!

Thursday Thirteen #34 - 13 Evacuation Essentials

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #34

Chatting with a friend from CA, discussing the fires, etc. She told me that some people had all of ten minutes to evacuate. Not to make light of the situation, but it got me thinking....

What would I grab if I only had time to choose 13 items?

(besides my kids, because that's rather obvious).

1. my laptop


2. photo albums


3. important papers folder (passports, insurance, etc) - but I'd leave the bills to burn :)


4. snacks for the road


5. toothbrush


6. t-shirts, socks, undies (grab a bag, shove em in, who cares about coordinating)


7. jewelery box


8. the kittens


9. kitten food/litter


10. Kidlet essentials: a few toys, books, DVD's


11. kid's time capsules


12. cell phone


13. credit cards

Have I missed anything? What would you choose?

** Thoughts & prayers to those affected by the fires **

AAAACCCCKKKK - Law of Averages is OUT OF MY HANDS

I just hit 'send'. Law of Averages is shooting through cyberspace towards my uber-awesome editor Kelli. (Hmm... will she still be uber-awesome if she rejects it?)

OF COURSE! :)

Now the waiting begins. The gut-gnawing, nail-biting, little-ball-of-panic-in-the-bottom-of -your-belly that flips over everytime you see your email inbox with a (1) beside it. Will it be her? Will they accept? Reject? Love? Hate? Want to change?
AAAHHH
You know I'm going to totally crack under this pressure. Especially since it'll be a good eight to twelve weeks (on the early end!) before I find out.
Oh valium, where are'st thou?

Over THERE!

I'm over at Six Degrees of Sexy today and YOUR opinions are needed. Please come on over and leave your two cents!

The End

Last night I finally got to type the two sweetest words a writer knows. Six little letters that when strung together produce a satisfied smile of accomplishment, a sigh of relief, or if you're like my buddy Christine, a snoopy dance.

THE END.
(translated into writer's speak - WOO HOO!)

Law of Averages is DONE.
I'm going to put it away for a day and then go back for a final polish, a spit and shine, then send it off to my editor by Halloween.
I feel particularly good about this story because I've never produced a piece so fast, approximately 6 weeks for 35,000 words. Of course, my housework went undone, my laundry piled up to new heights and I've barely seen my children, but we all make sacrifices, right?
And I really LIKE this story and the characters. I hope you will to, if my editor accepts it for publication ;D (feel free to cross you fingers on my behalf)

* * *
I blogged over at Six Degrees of Sexy today -- SEX and FOOD. Please pop by and prepare to lick your lips.

Thursday Thirteen #33 - Movies

I don't often watch movies twice. If I do, it's because it's got one of the following qualities:

• is an exceptional film


• speaks to me on some personal level


• is a musical (it's a feel-good thing)


• stars Brad Pitt

Not a complicated matter. Here are 13 movies I've watched multiple times.

1. The Red Violin - the story is wonderful and the music is brilliant. Joshua Bell does the music and he will blow you away.


2. Legends of the Fall - one word: Tristan *sigh*


3. Moulin Rouge - the colors, the music, the tragic love story!


4. Chicago - the music, the dancing, and all that jazz...


5. Citizen Kane - This movie was released in 1941 and can still hold it's own. The story telling and filming was fabulous. If you haven't seen it yet, please, do yourself a favor.
   
6. Rocky Horror Picture Show - I probably saw this one about 30 times in my youth. Don't scoff! In what other movie can you throw toast and dance in the aisles?


7. Something About Mary - something about it just cracked me up,... about 3 times.


8. Gone With the Wind - I actually have seen many of the old classics many times, but this is one of my faves. And Bette Davis in Now, Voyageur.


9. The Wizard of Oz - reminds me of my childhood. My mother would let me and my big sis eat our dinner in the living room on t.v. trays when it came on every year at Easter time


10. Fight Club - that ending!! I started from the beginning as soon as it ended, just to see all the hidden images and clues. Hmmm... and wasn't Brad in this one? ;)


11. Phantom of the Opera - Gerard Butler + tragic love story + great music = perfection


12. The Bourne Identity - I was a HUGE Ludlum fan and was delighted that they made this movie ROCK, despite the fact that it strayed so far from the book. I never saw Matt as an 'action hero' until this, and he was the perfect combo of intense, tough and troubled.


13. Casino Royale - Daniel Craig's 007 was worth seeing a second time. Maybe even a third.

There are many more, but this is a pretty fair representation.

What movie do your find worthy of rewatching? Leave you answer in comments...

Blog Roundup

Where've I been, what've I seen...

Red Garnier received a stellar review for her latest, Bona Fide Liar, from JERR. In this blogger's humble opinion, those 5 stars are very well deserved! It's available now from Ellora's Cave and if you haven't read it yet, Go. Now. And while you're there, pick up Divine Assistant.

Writers - Check out Leah Braemel's blog for a helpful MS WORD tool that I had NO idea existed (but wish I had) that will save you time, time and more time.

Thomma Lyn wrote a heart-warming short story about her kitty Marilyn Monreow. If you love animals, get a tissue...

Sparky Duck has kindly reminded me of my age, with a post about one of my all time fave albums, U2's The Joshua Tree, which is almost 20 years old. I shan't say how old I was when I purchased it... suffice to say I didn't have to ask my Mom for the money ;)
Go see the Sparkster and click his links to the YouTube U2 videos. (say that fast)

Terra Kent had me in giggles. Click HERE.

To make a short story long...

I have a knack of underestimating. And that's and understatement.

On October 12th, when my WIP was 12,000 words, I announced that I could see the proverbial light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. I was oh so close to my 15,000 goal.

Twenty days later (and an additional 20,000 words) and I still haven't written 'The End'.

I'd like to say that I've only got the end scene to write, but I don't want to jinx myself. LOL
Seriously, true. I just need to come up with a sex-bomb ending and this puppy is done, fini, complete.

But can I, as a romantica writer, admit to being sexed-out? I'm getting 'Tab A' into 'Slot B' burn-out (and yes, we've already covered 'Slot C'...)

Or perhaps I just need a few days away from this manuscript, away from these characters that have kept me awake for the past month. This is the fastest I've ever written --yet still shamefully slow next to my Six Degree Sisters!
I don't know how you NaNo Sweaters do it! My hat's off...

Thursday Thirteen

I defer to the imagination of Six Degree of Sexy gal Christine d'Abo. Please pop over and see 13 alternative places to get your wild thing on. Your gonna love it!

Nocturnal Sabotage baby!

I stole this from Leah Braemel's blog. And since I'm reading Eve Kenin's Driven, a raucious urban fantasy, it was apropos!!

Get Your Cyborg Name

I used my last name instead of my first because it was infinitely more imaginative.
Go on, try it! You know you want to...

Grammar Lessons

I had a bad day yesterday.
Well, technically, it was my 3 year old, Sourpuss (previously known as Sweetness), that had a bad day therefore, by association, so did I.
He was a terror. Just would not listen. At all. Naughty, naughty, naughty...

My 7 yr old, Light, came home from school with grammar homework, 'Place the proper punctuation at the end of each sentence - question mark, exclamation or period.'
While he's busy scribbling away, I'm at my wits end with Sourpuss who had just put the cat in the garbage can.

Light: "Hey mom. How come everything you say ends with an exclamation point?"

Grrrr!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I found my voice

Quick recap to catch you up:
Last year, about this time, I began a pirate historical. I shot out of the gate like a racehorse, galloped along until, about 6000 words in, I stalled.
Never having done a historical, AND being as anal as I am, I got all caught up in details, spent hours upon hours of researching bits about time periods, pirates, etc until writing wasn't fun anymore.

I happily 'postponed' it to start a new story - a dark paranormal! Galloped out of the gate, got over 25,000 words in and stalled. The horse up and died.
It just wasn't fun anymore...
My writing sessions turned into web-surfing marathons, blog hopping, chatting, solitaire, etc.
Again, I've never done a paranormal and couldn't decide how to build my world, how to make things work, how to NOT overcomplicate. It distracted me until I lost sight of the story.

In mid-September my editor at EC, the uber-awesome Kelli, sent out an appeal for submissions to next years Jewel of the Nile series. I read it and dismissed it. Oddly, I didn't delete it. Normally I would have. I HATE a messy IN BOX.
A week later I opened back up and thought, what the hell - Let's see if I can pop out a Quickie length.

Fastforward to present:
I'm absolutely delighted to announce that writing this story has been the most fun I've had since Destiny by Design. It's been flowing out my brain, I'm connected to my characters (I wasn't with the last two book attempts) and I'm having a blast.
Once I got started I couldn't stop. It's not been submitted or sold yet, but for the first time in a LONG time, I'm reading it back and thinking - Yes. This is good.

What have I learned?
I think light contemporaries are my forte.
I may eventually go back to the others, but I think I have to learn more about my craft. Learn how to use my contemporary voice in a historical or paranormal, not try an entirely different voice (I just don't have the dark tormented thing down).

As a newbie, I don't kid myself into thinking that I'm poised on the brink of creating the next best seller, but if I ever want to get there, someday, I've got to take babysteps, learn, listen, practice. And what better way than by having fun with a sub-genre I enjoy.

I found my voice!

Informal poll: How do you go from a dark voice to light, a spooky paranormal to a sexy romp? Have you even tried or plan on stepping outside your comfort zone?
Please share your experience!!

Saturday Cartoons: Career Day

My friend sent this to me by email with the caption:
Why you should always check your child's homework.
ya think?

Have a great weekend y'all!


Note to self: Stop wearing maribou slippers and devil horns during writing sessions and for God's sakes, clear assortment of 'research' toys off desk...

Confessions of a Thoughtless Blogger

Oh beloved blog o' mine, how I've neglected you...
And all my blog-buddies, whom I've tried to visit on a semi-regular basis, but haven't been a very good commenter, I'm sorry! But it's been for a good reason.
Two, in fact:

1. Sleep. Desperately trying to catch up, which means in bed by midnight, not 2am. To be honest, this isn't a voluntary stance... I had to give up caffeine as a result of the gallbladder attack and dang y'all, it's a bitch. I can barely make it through the morning and daren't sit down between 3pm-5pm or I can't stop my head from bobbing.

2. I'm on the homestretch for my current wip. I know, I said that last time, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe by Monday or Tuesday, if I can catch a few hours over the weekend.

This weekend is the Toronto Romance Writers meeting and I look forward to meeting fellow blogger Julia from the Atlantic chapter. (Hi Julia *waving* - looking forward to our lunch!)

Eve Silver will be giving the lecture - and you know I writer-crush on Eve. Man that woman writes sexual tension like no other. I'm currently reading her new urban fantasy Driven (Eve Kenin), from Dorchester's new SHOMI line. But more on that when I'm finished.

What on your calendar?

Tidbits

If you haven't yet, go check out Red's latest post at Six Degrees of Sexy. These three, very simple tips can make your writing stronger: http://sixdegreesofsexy.blogspot.com/2007/10/writers-craft-few-easy-tips-from-red.html

I've always wanted to read Lani Diane Rich (great name, eh?) but still haven't got around to her, yet. Perhaps I'll save her for the 2008 50 book challenge! If you want to know more about her, if the books she pens are your cup o' tea, check out this post by M the Apprentice Writer: http://apprentice-writer.blogspot.com/2007/09/new-release.html

Rhian has a terrific post up called Balancing Act. If you're in a relationship, married, partners, etc., go check it out. It's funny (of course it is, it's Rhi!) personal and oh so wise: http://creativegoddesses.blogspot.com/2007/10/balancing-act.html

Tomorrow I'll be participating in my first ever list-mom day over at Ellora's Cave, along with other authors who share the greatest editor in the world - Kelli!!
Please stop in and say hello!
Here's the dirty:

Thursday, Oct. 11th -- Chat with Kelli's Kittens at EC!
Come chat with Kelli's Kittens on Thursday, Oct. 11th for a full dayof fun, mayhem, prizes and excerpts at the Ellora's Cave chat loop!Featuring excerpts from Ellora's Cave and Cerridwen Press authors Red Garnier, Mary Winter, Sierra Dafoe, Wylie Kinson, Ann Bruce, MarianneLaCroix, and more!Starting at 10 a.m. eastern -- come join us!
http://groups. yahoo.com/group/ellorascav echat/

One HOT Thanksgiving, Law of Averages

Hope all of my Canadian friends had a terrific Thanksgiving.
I had to be so careful with the food this year (see post re ATTACK), and sadly had to pass up the gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and just about everything else that had taste! But the turkey and oven-baked unseasoned squash was delightful.
No really...

The weather in my neck of the woods was unseasonably HOT. Thanksgiving Day had us in shorts. SHORTS! The temps hit the 80's and the humidity was almost unbearable. Felt more like August then October. But I'm not complaining because winter will be on us soon...

And despite being very tied up with family-type activities, I managed to get a few thousand words done on my latest novella, Law of Averages, bringing the word count to over 15,000. (insert Woo Hoo!) If the Gods smile on me, I should be finished by Saturday.
(insert laughter here) Course, that means skipping another TT, but it's the name of productivity, so it's a must!

ATTACK!!

Whew - it's been awhile!

I've been avoided my blogging duties in order to write and am happy to report I've had a very productive week. In 10 days, I've managed to get 11,000 words done - which is really pretty good for me considering the kids/extra-curricular activities/family stuff... AND the fact that I edit as I go and I'm a ridiculously slow writer.

I never really considered what a time-suck Thursday Thirteen is, but really -- it's hours! First coming up with a post then visiting all the fun and informative TTers. By foregoing it last night, I managed to add 600 words to my story. I've done about 30 TT's (I lost track at some point!), which would suggest that I could have written 18,000 words in that time. A novella. A quarter of a novel.
I'm not giving up on TT, but will skip it if the muse is especially strong. It's a matter of priorities, right Christine? :)

And in other exciting TMI news, I had my first experience with an excruciating little issue commonly known as a gallbladder attack. It's not generally called a gallbladder upset, or a gallbladder malfunction. Not a gallbladder cramp or a gallbladder strain. No, it's specifically called a gallbladder ATTACK, and for very good reason. It hurts like a whole freaking mortar attack is taking place in your innards.

I've birthed two large babies (one with no meds, the other with partial) and managed to keep my dignity in tact (wait, I'd better just confirm that with Mr. Wylie... ... ... Yes, he assures me that no significant dignity was lost) and for the record, I'd rather go through that again than have another ATTACK. I writhed on the floor of the emergency room. WRITHED. ON THE FLOOR. FOR FIVE HOURS.
No dignity.

Except for the part where I live in mortal fear of it happening again, I'm good now. Pain's all gone.