Let's Get It Started in Here! Welcome 2012!

Okay, I know it's been awhile (what an understatement, it's been freakin' months) since I've blogged here. Is it my New Years Resolution to try to blog everyday? Um . . . no.  Once a week? Possibly. More than once every five months?  Hopefully. :)

That's not the point.  I understand those who make blogging their daily ritual--like journaling their accounts of the day, but I'm not sure I could do that.  (I couldn't keep a diary when I was a teenager.)  But writing my thoughts and ideas down when the mood/Muse/ inspiration hit, well I could and can do that pretty well.

Which brings to mind why I've probably not been attending my blog as much.  For the past five months or so I've been busy revising my book, WANTED: ONE GHOST for a revise and resubmit.  Not sure what's happening with it yet but looking forward to finding out soon (hopefully).  Also, while I've been waiting (and if you are a writer, this is of utmost importance) I've been working on another story.  Actually, three other stories.  I've also done some writing contest judging for the first time and of course reading and critiquing others' works.  Writing is not just about . . . well, writing.  I'm finding out in this past year it's a business.

But back to my original thoughts, before I go off on another tangent (which I am known to do), I am looking forward to 'moving forward' with everything this year.  As my children have grown up, one in last few years of high school, the other attending a local community college--I realize though reality is technically just starting for them, my fantasy has taken over.

For decades I've dreamed of writing romantic fiction.  The past few years I've been working on making it my new reality.  I'm looking forward to moving on with a career in writing on a professional level in which I can share my thoughts and ideas with others for entertainment and a moment to escape the duldrums of reality.  I've been honored to have had the same moments of release by reading novels of my 'one day' peers and people I call friends in this business.  Some I've had the pleasure of meeting and discussing our dreams turning into reality.

It didn't happen for them instantly.  They had to work for it diligently, never giving up, listening to their hearts and ignoring logic at times.  This is why they are at the top of their game--they never gave up, never surrendered.  Each step they took was a learning process. Even rejections brought them knowledge.  I believe without rejections we can't grow.  It's learning how to change for the better and trying again until we get it right.

So this year, my resolution will be to do my best, learn and accept that others in my field were right there, too at one point.  But I must stay focused, put in my word counts when I can and as life moves on, move my stories onward to completion.  Our novels may end at 100k or so, but our lives and dreams never do.

All the best in 2012!

Let's Get It Started in Here! Welcome 2012!

Okay, I know it's been awhile (what an understatement, it's been freakin' months) since I've blogged here. Is it my New Years Resolution to try to blog everyday? Um . . . no.  Once a week? Possibly. More than once every five months?  Hopefully. :)

That's not the point.  I understand those who make blogging their daily ritual--like journaling their accounts of the day, but I'm not sure I could do that.  (I couldn't keep a diary when I was a teenager.)  But writing my thoughts and ideas down when the mood/Muse/ inspiration hit, well I could and can do that pretty well.

Which brings to mind why I've probably not been attending my blog as much.  For the past five months or so I've been busy revising my book, WANTED: ONE GHOST for a revise and resubmit.  Not sure what's happening with it yet but looking forward to finding out soon (hopefully).  Also, while I've been waiting (and if you are a writer, this is of utmost importance) I've been working on another story.  Actually, three other stories.  I've also done some writing contest judging for the first time and of course reading and critiquing others' works.  Writing is not just about . . . well, writing.  I'm finding out in this past year it's a business.

But back to my original thoughts, before I go off on another tangent (which I am known to do), I am looking forward to 'moving forward' with everything this year.  As my children have grown up, one in last few years of high school, the other attending a local community college--I realize though reality is technically just starting for them, my fantasy has taken over.

For decades I've dreamed of writing romantic fiction.  The past few years I've been working on making it my new reality.  I'm looking forward to moving on with a career in writing on a professional level in which I can share my thoughts and ideas with others for entertainment and a moment to escape the duldrums of reality.  I've been honored to have had the same moments of release by reading novels of my 'one day' peers and people I call friends in this business.  Some I've had the pleasure of meeting and discussing our dreams turning into reality.

It didn't happen for them instantly.  They had to work for it diligently, never giving up, listening to their hearts and ignoring logic at times.  This is why they are at the top of their game--they never gave up, never surrendered.  Each step they took was a learning process. Even rejections brought them knowledge.  I believe without rejections we can't grow.  It's learning how to change for the better and trying again until we get it right.

So this year, my resolution will be to do my best, learn and accept that others in my field were right there, too at one point.  But I must stay focused, put in my word counts when I can and as life moves on, move my stories onward to completion.  Our novels may end at 100k or so, but our lives and dreams never do.

All the best in 2012!

Wonderful Time at the Baltimore Book Festival 2011

Though the first day, Friday was a down pour and I felt as if I would never get dry and warm again, the event was wonderful!

Maryland Romance Writers did a terrific job this year with having interesting and exciting events going on every hour of the three day festival.  Book readings, raffles, panels on romance writing, steampunk, erotica, chocolates, Jane Austen, Victorian tea, healthy writing and everything else in between.  I think there was a little something for everyone.  Great job to all my friends and fellow writers who were there and the dedication they showed to bring about a fantastic weekend.

I even had the chance to be on a panel along with Christi Barth, Eliza Knight and Amy Villalba about "How to Become a Romance Writer".  A great big thank you to our fearless leader, Sharon Buchbinder for helping us out in a pinch too.  I also had the honor of doing a reading and raffle with Christi Barth, Eliza Knight and Rebecca York.  I read from my latest finish project--Wanted: One Ghost (check out my latest excerpt) which I hope people enjoyed and raffled off my basket themed on the story line with local ghost stories, teas, milled corn meal from Wye's Mill (one of the oldest mills still in production in Maryland) and a special chatelaine I had made for the occasion.

All in all it was a great time!

Wonderful Time at the Baltimore Book Festival 2011

Though the first day, Friday was a down pour and I felt as if I would never get dry and warm again, the event was wonderful!

Maryland Romance Writers did a terrific job this year with having interesting and exciting events going on every hour of the three day festival.  Book readings, raffles, panels on romance writing, steampunk, erotica, chocolates, Jane Austen, Victorian tea, healthy writing and everything else in between.  I think there was a little something for everyone.  Great job to all my friends and fellow writers who were there and the dedication they showed to bring about a fantastic weekend.

I even had the chance to be on a panel along with Christi Barth, Eliza Knight and Amy Villalba about "How to Become a Romance Writer".  A great big thank you to our fearless leader, Sharon Buchbinder for helping us out in a pinch too.  I also had the honor of doing a reading and raffle with Christi Barth, Eliza Knight and Rebecca York.  I read from my latest finish project--Wanted: One Ghost (check out my latest excerpt) which I hope people enjoyed and raffled off my basket themed on the story line with local ghost stories, teas, milled corn meal from Wye's Mill (one of the oldest mills still in production in Maryland) and a special chatelaine I had made for the occasion.

All in all it was a great time!

Baltimore Book Festival-2011

I'll be appearing at the Baltimore Book Festival on September 23- 25, 2011 along with my other friends and authors from the Maryland Romance Writers chapter.  All weekend long it's going to be a great, fun-filled adventure with lots of great entertainment. Featuring over 200 local authors and celebrities, panel discussions, local bands, children's activities, food, cooking demos and more.

At 1:30p.m on Sunday, September 25, I'll be one of the four panelists on How To Become A Romance Writer along with Kathy Love, Amy Villalba, and Jaime Michelle.

At 2:00 p.m. stick around for Readings & Raffles.  I have the honor of participating in this event with the great, Rebecca York who will be reading from her Harlequin Intrigue More Than a Man.  I'll be reading from my latest book, Wanted: One Ghost and we will be raffling off baskets of goodies.

Come on out if you're in the area and see all the wonderful activities going on.  Check out the site at www.baltimorebookfestival.com for more information and schedules of activities.  Hope to see you there!

Baltimore Book Festival-2011

I'll be appearing at the Baltimore Book Festival on September 23- 25, 2011 along with my other friends and authors from the Maryland Romance Writers chapter.  All weekend long it's going to be a great, fun-filled adventure with lots of great entertainment. Featuring over 200 local authors and celebrities, panel discussions, local bands, children's activities, food, cooking demos and more.

At 1:30p.m on Sunday, September 25, I'll be one of the four panelists on How To Become A Romance Writer along with Kathy Love, Amy Villalba, and Jaime Michelle.

At 2:00 p.m. stick around for Readings & Raffles.  I have the honor of participating in this event with the great, Rebecca York who will be reading from her Harlequin Intrigue More Than a Man.  I'll be reading from my latest book, Wanted: One Ghost and we will be raffling off baskets of goodies.

Come on out if you're in the area and see all the wonderful activities going on.  Check out the site at www.baltimorebookfestival.com for more information and schedules of activities.  Hope to see you there!

Third Week--Healthy Writing

Let's get going!!!  Okay, I am so motivated today!  I am happy to report in the past three weeks I have lost 5 pounds (approx. 1 1/2 pounds a week which Weight Watchers approves of).  I've gone from my size 14 pants back down to a 12 comfortably--which a month ago I couldn't get the flaps to meet to button).  My goal is back down to 10's at least.  I don't think I was ever an 8--can't remember but I'd be happy at a 10. 

The power walking at 5:45 a.m. is really motivating for me.  It gets my blood pumping!  Now I just need to motivate my writing.  Last week was really difficult for word numbers.  I did work on writing but more of critiquing and revising.  So again, finding the balance on that is difficult.  Plus life got in the way a bit more than I expected.  Hoping this week is a slower pace while getting my daughter ready for her Junior year of high school next week.  (Back on schedule a bit.)

I love hearing from you all so post your comments when you can!

Hugs and best writing!!