Home for the Holiday

This time of the year, I always reflect on the things I’m grateful for. This year is no different. Had anyone told me five years ago that I’d be remarried, living three hours away from my family and expecting a child I’d have laughed in their face.
When I left my abusive ex, I swore off relationships. Don’t get me wrong I wasn’t going to be celibate at the young age of 30, but I wasn’t going to live with another man either. I had it planned out perfectly. I’d have a lover or friend with benefits. Someone who lived in his own place and me in mine. I wouldn’t have the headaches of dealing with someone else (besides my children). Children were definitely out of the question. I had three – more than enough in my mind. I had them young and it was time to enjoy my life.
Not to sound like a bitch, but I broke up with a guy ten years my junior because I felt he was going to want more children in the future and I wasn’t going to be the one to give them to him. I also ended a few relationships because the guy wanted me to uproot my children and move twenty minutes from my home. Boy is doesn’t seem so far now! LOL
That all changed when I met my husband. I threw caution to the wind and moved three hours away from my family – for the virtually unknown. I had no friends in RI. I did manage to land a job before moving here, but that’s it. I uprooted my children to a strange new environment, leaving all their friends behind. It took a lot of adjusting and there were struggles along the way. My health took a turn for the worse due to stress. I spent five weeks in the hospital and they thought I was going to die, but they didn’t know me. I’d been through so much in my life I wasn’t going to let a disease like Crohn’s take my life. Shit, my ex could have killed me a few times.
Today as I sit here thinking back and I’m thankful we’re all healthy and happy. I couldn’t imagine my life any differently.
The DH and I are getting ready to leave for NY shortly. We’re spending the holiday with my family. That means three days of visiting. Not that I mind. I’ll spend some time with my dad. We’ll have dinner at my aunt’s with all my cousins and my mom. In the three days we’re there I have to squeeze in time to see a couple of my friends too.
It’s nice because a group of us usually do lunch on Wednesday. When I left NY five years ago I hadn’t realized just how hard it would be to get back home and see family and friends. It seems the only time I get back is for holidays or if it’s something special for my goddaughter and Mother’s Day.
That’s why this trip at Thanksgiving is that much more special. I’m thankful for the friends still in my life. The ones who didn’t abandon me because I moved one hundred seventy miles away. Some did, but I realize they weren’t true friends.
And lastly I’m thankful for all my online friends and fellow authors, who made achieving my dream of being a published writer that much better. I feel like the luckiest person alive.
Today I want to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving!

Off Kilter

My daughter and her family arrived in GA safely.
My son came home last night. It seems things just aren't working out with the gf. So I had to give up my writing space so he could sleep in his old room. I felt a little dejected this morning as I stood in the kitchen wondering where I'd write. Mind you it was four in the morning. As I looked at the kitchen table I knew I couldn't spend two hours sitting in a hard chair. I decided on the sunroom. I fired up the heaters, grabbed a cup of coffee and climbed into a recliner.
The words didn't flow as easily as they normally do. I was distracted by the outside noises. Finally I was able to block them out and found a rhythm. Alas, I reached my word count and then some.
In the process I had to write a blog for tomorrow because I'm headed out of town.
Today's the day we find out what we're having. Part of me doesn't want to know, but the realistic part of me knows I have to. You just can't buy neutral things like you could twenty years ago. Everything is either pink or blue.

Nano Total for today - 3171

Stop back later when I fill in the blank. It's a........

Reaching for that Perfect 10

Somewhere along the line this year got behind me. I can't believe we're in the last week of November. I'm not too sure about making my goal of 10 contracts by year's end. While it's still obtainable, it's unlikely. I've been busting my butt writing this month and I will have at least three books to submit before New Year's.
I realized that I do have two submissions out that I'd forgotten about so if I do hear about them or I should say if they're accepted that would be my 10. Still, I'm not counting on anything. Everyone is busy with the holidays.
I'm moving along nicely with book one in the Lady Shea's Manor series. Paige and Jed are taking unexpected turns. This book will be longer than I expected, but that's okay. Book three was targeted for 20k and I hit 26k by the time I finished.

I had a very relaxing weekend. After working 55 hrs at my day job I needed it. I took T, the grand daughter out shopping with me yesterday. It was so much fun watching her eyes light up at all the Christmas decorations and crowds of people. She talked(or babbled) up a storm. By the time I dropped her off to mom and dad she was thoroughly exhausted. This helped because they were getting ready to hop in the car for a 15 hr drive to GA. I'm still waiting for a call letting me know they arrived safely. Kids! They just don't understand how we worry so much. Yes, I did try to call them, but their phones are off. Maybe they stopped to sleep.

Time for me to do laundry for my trip out of town!

Nano count for today - 2943
Total so far - 34889

Must Sleep

I worked my normal nine hour day yesterday and then had to work again from 8pm-4:30am. I was able to catch a few catnaps during that time, but not much. One reason was a terrible migraine I'm still suffering with. It just won't go away. I'm currently on the couch with both my work and personal laptop trying to get some writing done. I'm 3400 words behind my nano total and would like to catch up.
We leave for NY on Wednesday to visit my family for the holidays. I'll get a lot of writing done in the hotel, I always do. That's when my stories for the chicken soup for the soul come to me too. Every year I've written one or two and every year I sell them. Hey the extra $200 a story helps. Can't beat the money for a 1k story and 30mins of my time.
Tonight the family will come together to celebrate my son's girlfriends 25th birthday. Her family seems to have neglected to remember this milestone for their daughter so it's up to us to make her feel special. While it'll only be pizza and cake, it goes a long way with her.
Tomorrow I look forward to sleeping late. No work, no appointments, nothing!

Hope everyone has a terrific weekend!

And the Winner Is...

Winner of a holiday goodie envelope is MOLLY DANIELS. Please contact me at rainedelight AT yahoo DOT com within the next Seven Days and claim your prize.Thanks for coming by guys.Raine D.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do

This is a repost from my blog at http://sevensexyscribes.blogspot.com on Tuesday! I've tweaked it a bit, but if you read it Tuesday, go ahead and skip it! :)

There comes a time in every writer’s life when they must say good-bye to an editor. Usually it’s when the editor has decided to move on to something new. This past weekend I was approached by two writer’s at different stages of their careers that wanted to know if they should break up with their editor and/or agent.
The first writer is currently under a four book contract with a large NY publishing house. Her agent seems to be getting ready to retire. While said agent hasn’t confirmed the retirement all signs point in that direction. This writer is in a quandary because she knows there is so much that could be done to increase her sales, but her agent just isn’t doing her job. She doesn’t know if she should start shopping for a new agent or wait it out. The agent has rights to the four books. Only two are published at this point.
The way I see it she’s losing sales. Her blood, sweat, and tears are not getting the perks she should see from her agent. Another friend and I suggested she ask the agent point blank her plans for retirement and if she should start looking for another agent. It’s only fair that the agent give her a timeline. If the agent doesn’t give her any information, maybe it is time to part ways. I’d like to know what you think. If only I had an agent and a four book contract deal with a NY Publisher I could answer this issue for her! LOL

The other is a writing duo. They are working on their second ebook and their second editor. This editor is a writer’s nightmare. She is telling them what words to use or should I say, demanding they use "her" words, "her" dialogue and "her" descriptions. She's basically made them rewrite the entire story to make it her own. Now when they were offered the contract, the publisher stated there would be minimal changes needed on their part.
When does an editor go too far? When is it time for the author to step up and say, “Hey I’m not making these changes.” I'm all about learning and personal growth as a writer. Believe me I've a lot to learn still, but if the story is becoming the editors and the writer is losing her voice, I tend to feel it's not a good match.
Personally, I didn’t get good vibes from this situation from the beginning. They were offered a contract in May, received cover art in June and then heard nothing from the publisher for months. Their emails went unanswered. Then one day the publisher reappeared and said they now have an editor for the book. Things only progressed downhill from there.
I advised them to consider opting out of their contract when the publisher went MIA, but because they are new to the business they didn’t want to rock any boats. I understand that, because I’m still new myself. But I’m sorry at what cost is publication worth it?
Edits are one thing, but re-writing an entire story to fit the editor’s needs doesn’t bode well with me. Seriously, at this point is it still my story or the editors?
I’d be interested in your thoughts on this subject.

Welcome Guest Author Raine Delight

Today I'm excited to have guest author Raine Delight. Her Devon Falls series is very tasty, so if you haven't tried her books run over to Aspen Mountain Press and grab a copy NOW! :) http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/

Raine is interviewing two of her characters today and she's giving away a Wolfie gift bag, with a holiday CD, candies and other fabulous goodies to one lucky commenter. So, let's get right to it, shall we!

Raine’s Muse interviews Jaxon Sinclair and Alicia Stevens.

Raine’s Muse settles in his easy chair and sips from a mug of coffee. Tapping his foot, he waits for the the ladies of Devon Falls to come for their interview. He looks at the clock and before he could grumble about tardiness, a knock on his door makes him smile.

Standing up, he goes over and opens the door to the three ladies who smile as they walk into the den.

“Welcome ladies. I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding the place.” Muse says as he takes jackets and puts them away in the closet.

“Hey Muse,” Jax says as she sits on the love seat, “How’s it hanging?”

Laughing softly, Alicia smiles as she sits down on the leather seats, “Wow, muse, you really got some nice furniture this time around. Raine has been very good to you, hasn’t she?” A sly smile crosses her lips as she settles in for the interview.

Muse blushes a little, “Well...Um…it seems she wanted to reward me for getting Jax and Rod’s story done on time and I got some lovely leather furniture.” Clears his throat, “Shall we get started, Ladies?”

The murmuring consent had muse settle in his chair and as he raised his coffee cup, he grimaced at the cold coffee as it hit his lips. Muttering a blech, he picks up a recorder and turns it on.

Thank you for sitting down with me to answer some questions. – Muse

Alicia answers, “It is our pleasure Muse. We wouldn’t be here without you and frankly we really like talking with you, no matter what Damien and Rod had to say after their interview with you.” A smile teases her lips as she glances at Jaxon and Alicia, who are giggling softly.

Q: Alicia, you own the Dew Drop Bakery/Coffee shop. How has business been?

Alicia sits back and laughs, “I love my business and even though it is hard work each day, I think it fills a niche here in Devon Falls. We have our loyal customers who come in every day and then the visitors who come into town are always amazed to see something so “City-like” in such a small town.”

Jaxon agrees, “Yeah, those city folk seem so amazed that Devon Falls is not as backwards as they may think.” Grinning at Alicia, “Besides, once they taste Alicia’s cooking, they moan and groan like they died and went to heaven.”

Muse nods and smiles as Alicia tries not to blush, though her eyes sparkle at the compliments.

Q: Jax, how does it feel to have the local lothario, Rodrick Dracon, interested in you?

“Gee thanks Muse. I was in a good mood before you had to mention that man.” Grumbling and trying not to leave, Jax looks at muse and sighs, “Do you know how hard it is to resist that man? I swear he devises new tricks to get me interested. What does it take a swift kick in the pants to let him know I am not interested in him?”

Alicia hoots in laughter, “Who are you trying to convince: us or yourself? Frankly, it is about time you got together with him. Those sparks you both been showering us with are blazing hot, Jax. Besides he has one nice ass, don’t you think?” Alicia wiggles her eyebrows and smirks as Jax tries to not smack her cousin.

Muse laughs at Jax’s disgruntled expression, “Yep, you two are perfect for each other. I think this is my best pairing to date so far.”

Jax leans forward and glares at Alicia and muse, “If it was up to the two of you, I would be Rod’s sex toy and that is it. I want something more and if he thinks a wolf mating brand is the one thing that binds him to me, he has another thing coming.” Muttering about clueless cousins, annoying muses and other dire things, Muse moves along to the next question.

Q: Alicia, how does it feel to be with Damien again? Have you forgiven him for leaving you?

Alicia sighs and miles weakly, “Forgiveness is a work in progress. I can’t forget he left me and had lots of women,” as Jax mutters “Gorgeous models who look like twigs”, glares at Jax and continues, “But we are communicating differently now as well. We talk, laugh and basically work through our problems without the pain of the past to define what our future may be.”

Muse nods and gets up for some water. “Would you like something, ladies? I have water, pop and cold coffee, which I don’t recommend.” After a brief walk to the refrigerator, he hands Alicia and Jax some water as he sits back down.

Q: Both of you are dating the Dracon brothers who are powerful shifters. How do you feel about that and what was your first thought when you saw them shift into their forms?

Alicia lights up and smiles broadly, “Damien is gorgeous dragon and I can’t help but glide my hands around his scales. He looks so pretty and everything.”

Jax bursts out laughing and snickers, “Did you just call Damien a pretty dragon?”

“Yes so what. He is beautiful in dragon form.” Alicia says defensively.

Jax leans back and giggles, “I am trying to picture a “pretty” dragon that doesn’t want to eat you for dinner.”

Alicia snaps at Jax, “Well, you are dating a wolf shifter. What about you, how did you feel seeing him change?”

Jax slowly stops giggling and a sad look crosses her face, “Rod hasn’t shown me his wolf yet since we are still trying to deal with the whole, “You are my mate” thing that is between us. I am sure he is beautiful as well. I just haven’t seen his other form yet.” Shrugging, Jax takes a sip of water and glances out the window as Alicia looks stricken.

“Ok next question since you both look sad” muse says.

Q: What attracted you to your mates, ladies?

Jax sits up and glares at muse, “Mate? I haven’t decided if Rod is my mate so stop right there. I don’t need no two bit shifter telling me I am his anything and frankly, why can’t I decide if he is what I want?”

Muse looks at Jax calmly, “Because Jaxon, you both are perfect for each other and if I wanted you two together, I damn well was going to find a way to do so. So get over it. Besides all the sexual tension you two threw at me was giving me hives.”

Laughter erupts as Alicia looks at Jaxon and muse glaring at each other and wipes her eyes, “Jax give it up. You and Rod are perfect for each other and you have to admit he is one sexy man. So how does he look without his clothes?” Looking curious, Alicia draws close to the edge of the chair and looks expectantly at Jax.Sputtering, Jax says, “You want me to discuss my sex life with you both? Are you insane?” Shaking her head back and forth, “Nope not going to happen.”
Alicia laughs and nods to muse, “Yep she has it bad if she is denying it so much.”

“Damien is a man who is wild and untamable. He was always my prince in shining armor and frankly, this second chance is a godsend because we both grew up and still love one another.” Alicia answers with a dreamy smile on her face.

Muse looks at Jaxon, “And you Jax…what attracts you to Rod?”

Jaxon swallows and looks to the floor, “He is sweet when he wants to be and he is nice to look at.” Looks up at the other two, “What, you want me to get all schmaltzy and romantic. Nope, not going to happen.”

Sighing, Muse looks at Jax and mutters about obstinate females.

Ok last question for you both.

Q: Can you tell me what Jenna’s wedding is shaping up to be like?

Alicia and Jax look at each other and laugh hysterically. Muse looks at them quizzically as they wipe the tears from their eyes and as they giggle say, “Ask Jenna, I am sure she is dying to tell you what she wants for a wedding.”

“Yeah, it seems Marc’s mother has definite plans that do not match what Marc and Jenna want, so expect some serious fireworks there, especially as that side of the family is old fashioned and all.” Jax says as she wipes the tears in her eyes.

Muse sighs and looks at the time. Standing up, he gathers their coats and says, “Thanks ladies for an interesting time. I am glad to say you both were a lot better behaved than Damien and Rod was when they were here.”

Murmuring thanks and shrugging on jackets, Jax and Alicia gave muse a hug goodbye and walk out the door. Before muse can close it completely, Jax pops her head back in and says, “You asked me what attracted me to Rodrick before. Well his ass for one. It is all tight and yummy looking and the way he lights a fire inside me even as he annoys me to death. There you asked I answered. Happy now?”

Muse smiles as Jax leaves as he closes the door and murmurs “Those two are perfect for each other and it is time for them to see it. Now onto Grady’s story and the woman he is meant for.”

Slacking

I've been slacking with my blog lately, I know. I've been writing like crazy though, so that's a good thing right? Writing means possible new releases in my future.
Speaking of new releases I FINALLY received my release date for Heat Waves - Dec 4th!! Still no cover yet.
I'm sooo excited. I'll have two releases in December.

I'm happy to say I finished book three of the Lady Shea's Manor series over the weekend and began writing book one. I'm confident I'll get this one done by months end and I'll work on book two in December, along with Laney's Delights. I'm really excited about writing that story. I had to put it aside to work on other stuff. Oh crap and I forgot I have a Jan 1 deadline for a Valentine short. That's half done so I'll be working on that next month too.

I had a great idea for a St. Patrick's Day story, but think I've missed the deadlines for that. There's always next year. It's almost time to start thinking summer stories. Hmmmm, I love the warm weather.

Weekend NaNo totals:
Saturday - 1782
Sunday - 2252

Happy Friday the 13th!

I have a busy day at work and not much going on in my personal life. I did get my H1N1 shot this morning, so I'm now protected.
Other than that I'm writing, writing, writing.

Yesterday's total - 3,137
Today's total - 1,718
Overall total - 21,086

Hope everyone has a lucky day!

I'm on the Coming Soon Page

Yes! I finally made it to the coming soon page for Body Shots! I'm excited about this release. I enjoyed writing this book. The cover is nice too.

In other news, I may lose my writing space sooner than I thought. The guest bedroom is going to be turned into a nursery sometime after the holidays, but my son informed me needs to move out of his girlfriends house. He was afraid to tell me things weren't going well, because he didn't want to stress me out. I'd be more stressed knowing he was living with someone he didn't get along with or didn't want to be with just to keep me under stressed. I told him his bedroom (the guest room) is his to move in to and he can stay as long as it takes to decide what he wants to do next. So I suspect in the next day or two I'm going to need to find a new place to write.

Today I'm off from the day job and going to enjoy a day out with the DH.

In NaNo news - today's total is 2,002. Grand total - 15,997. I'm a little behind, but I'm certain I'll catch up. And even if I don't I'm thrilled at the progress I've make thus far. My current wip is just about done and turning out better than I hoped.

Happy Wednesday!

New Releases - Carnal Reunions!

Today a group of talented authors are celebrating releases. Check out the Carnal Reunion authors releases today: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/53.html

Fran Lee, Taylor Tryst, Paris Brandon, Cindy Spencer Pape, Anny Cook, Regina Carlysle, and Tessie Bradford. You can't go wrong with any of these wonderful authors!

Just One of Those Days

Had a busy weekend, but a FUN one. Saturday was full with an all day mini-conference at my local chapter. Great speakers and lots of useful information. Saturday night the DH had a party for me. By the time everyone left I couldn't keep my eyes opened and I collapsed into bed.
Sunday, I took the day off from writing. While the DH had a house full of guys for the football game I went out and started shopping for the holidays. I got the grand daughter just about done and my god-daughter is finished. While that's only a small dent in my list, it felt good to accomplish something.

Today is all about doing nothing! Me on the couch with my work laptop. I managed to write 1500 words. I'm a few hundred short of my target for NaNo thus far. I'm sure I'll catch up later this week. The story I'm working on is flowing nicely and I should be able to wrap it up by Friday the latest. I'm really hoping to have most of the series completed by the end of Nano, if not all of it.

Here's to a new week! :)

TGIF!

My book Body Shots will be available on Dec 15th at: http://www.jasminejade.com/ It's part of the Wet theme series. I've seen some of the other covers, but not mine yet. They're all the same, but have a different caveman in it. Have you seen the cavemen? Not that any would be a disappointment, but I'm hoping, no I'm praying I get Angelo! Check him out. He's the hottie in the middle, with the long brown hair and the sexy body. Wait they all have sexy bodies. I'd like to help him out of those clothes and...damn I guess I'll just have to add the next thoughts to one of my wips!

I'm still going strong with Nano. I woke up late this morning and thought I wouldn't meet my minimum, but I was wrong. I got in such a groove I lost track of time and was late waking my daughter up for school. Ooooppps! LOL She was a good sport about it.

Today - 2,021

Now I'm gonna have to find a way to sneak a nap in during the day.

Writer's Bliss

I'm happily submerged in a story. This story is book three of a series called Lady Shea's Manor. I started this book awhile ago. I went strong for the first few thousand words and fizzled out. I decided to go back to it and I'm so glad I did. The words are flowing nicely. Kim and David's story is unfolding before my eyes. While I haven't written books one or two yet, I have a premise for them.
Nano always has a way of bringing out the writer in me. When I'm not writing I'm going over what I've written in my mind. Playing the "what if" game, so that when I return to my laptop the next day the story isn't stalled. I know at least the next scene and let the characters decide from there. As a pantser I can't think too far ahead or I get blocked. Strange? Maybe, but that's the way my brain functions. I don't question or try to force it to change.
I suspect I'll finish this book by the 13th and then I'll move on to book one - Paige and Jed's story. My editor asked that I write book one and synopsis' for the other two. I'll be able to do better than that, by the time Nano ends.
Nano also fills me with tons of ideas for other stories. So I've been filling my mini notebook with different ideas for future books. I hope to go strong until at least April. Then I'll have to figure out a new routine.
I hope everyone out there doing their version of Nano is having as much fun as I am!

Today's count so far - 2,204
Total = 8,351

Good News

I'm off bed rest! YAY! I'm so glad because I'll be able to attend my local chapters mini-conference this Saturday. It's an all day event with wonderful speakers including fellow EC author Ashlyn Chase.

I also received word from my EC editor that Ignited will be released on January 26th. Nice way to start off the new year. Body Shots is out on Dec 15th, so back to back releases are nice. Now if my other editor had a release date for Heat Waves that would be perfect. And if all goes well my short story will be in a Valentine's Day anthology from Noble Romance in Feb. But I digress and have gotten ahead of myself.

On this fourth day of Nano I've hit 6,147 words. Not too bad. A little short of the goal, but I'm determined to reach at least 50k by the end of the month. Until tomorrow - Happy Hump Day!

P.S. I have a cool contest for newsletter subscribers in light of my birthday month. You could win a free book and gift card. Why not join today. Subscribe on the right!

Check Out My Interview

Leave a comment and you could win a copy of Talk Dirty to Topaz.

http://liaslater.blogspot.com/2009/11/writer-with-sizzle-amber-skyze.html

Busy Monday

Back to work. Enjoyed three days off. Today I'm extremely tired as I try to get through the day. Not much to blog about. Son's birthday was a hit. Not many trick or treaters to report. So, I'm munching away on tons of chocolate that I don't need! Tomorrow is another day.

Nano thus far today - 1751

Happy Monday!

Let the Writing Begin!

Today kicks off NaNo. I had a healthy start - 1994 words. I average about 1k when I write, so this was a good day for me.

I finished the ending to a story that has been bugging me for a long time. I let it sit for a month and today decided to put The End to it. YAY for me! :)

In other news, my first official newsletter went out today. I had my first contest winner and a new contest announcement.

I also learned I won a copy of Cicada by Afton Locke over at: http://sixsexysirens.blogspot.com/2009/11/paranormal-power-week-winners.html how cool is that?

November is starting off pretty good.