Finally a GREAT Book on creating a novel

In the past five years, well, since I started writing fiction, I have read, skimmed, even studied many books on writing. There are several that I have found to be helpful–i.e.WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL by Donald Maass. But, generally speaking, I find most books on writing to be dull and overly complicated. This week, I bought a book called FROM THE INSIDE OUT. It’s by Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck whom I happen to know through ACFW–both award winning, multi-published authors (and really nice ladies). But they didn’t tell me about their book, my agent did. He thought it might help me think through a few holes in a story I’ve been working on and WOW, he was right. This is an easy to read, very practical, very accessible approach to story building. Honestly, the most useful book I’ve come across. It’s only $15 if you download it onto your computer from their MY BOOK THERAPY website. I highly recommend you check it out…

Happy Writing

Tags: books, novels, rachel hauck, susan may warren, Writing
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Sacrifice for Lent

I’m not Catholic, but I love the idea of giving up something that I enjoy or indulge in for the the few weeks before Easter. It’s sort of a daily reminder of the ultimate sacrifice that Christ offered for us.

This year, I decided to give up sodas, mainly diet coke and diet dr pepper. So far it has been brutally hard!!! I’m seriously wondering if I can make all the way to April 4! Anyone else give up something for Lent?

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Judging the Ritas

One of the privileges of being a published author and belonging to Romance Writers of America is that you can sign up to judge the RITA awards. The Ritas, if you’re not familiar with them, are like the Grammies for romance writers. There are  12 categories ranging from Best First Book to Young Adult. And each year at the RWA National conference there is a lovely and very formal awards ceremony where the winners are announced. I was sent seven books to judge. They have all been good. ONE is outstanding and I’m hoping to see it as a finalist in the Romantic Suspense category.

Speaking of  the conference, I’m not sure I’m going to get to go to RWA National this year. It’s in Nashville which is perfectly convenient, but I have a huge conflict that I’m not sure I can work out. Still, if you write romance and are not already a member of RWA, I urge you to join and get to a conference. They are great! The first night there’s a HUGE author signing, then three days of seminars and workshops, and parties and the awards ceremony…it’s a good time!

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Dooty Call

Okay. I’m not even kidding you– this completely true. Today, I was driving by a huge work out facility in my town (notice how I didn’t stop, but drove by) and I spotted this hideous green truck in the parking lot. On the side of it was written DOOTY CALL. If I could have, I would have stopped to take a picture with my phone (a terrible habit I’ve gotten into, btw, which I’ll have to talk about another time). Apparently, it’s a company that comes to your house and cleans your doggy’s business out of your yard so that you don’t have to. Now, I don’t know whether to think these guys are geniuses or if I should cry for them. Who is that busy? And if you are that busy, why do you have a pet? In my opinion, if you have a pet, you should take care of it yourself. If you don’t have time then you shouldn’t have a pet. When did pets turn into luxury items? Having a dog is not like having a swimming pool, you know. It should be part of the family.  Right? I don’t know, but I just feel like if you don’t have time to clean up after your own pet then you need to do some serious prioritizing. So, I wonder how DOOTY CALL is DOOing with all the snow we’ve had???

This is my dog Bear. I’ve trained him to go in my neighbor’s yard

Good Boy!!!

Tags: Bear, dogs, family life
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Valentines Day

When did Valentine’s Day turn into something for kids? I thought it was supposed to be about getting flowers and going out for a romantic dinner. The last few years at my house Valentines Day has been all about my kids who I’m afraid are starting to see this as a second Christmas. First, they get TONS of candy from their classmates. NO ONE only gives the little cards anymore. There MUST be candy or a gift attached or the poor kid will be marked for life as an outcast. I’d like to know what group of mothers started this annoying tradition. My children also EXPECT gifts. I blame this on the grandparents although I suppose I’ve contributed to this as well. Yesterday, my children received books, candy, stuffed animals, toys, and MONEY. Money for Valentine’s. Sure, nothing says I love you like twenty bucks from granny, right? (Sorry, Mom, but it’s hard to keep up.) The money MUST be spent, of course, which begins this chanting of “Can we go to Target? Can we go to Target?” (Thanks, Mom.)

What did I get for Valentine’s Day? Nothing! Not a single thing. Ok, I bought myself a pair of Lucky jeans and a nice BCBG blouse the other day and told my husband not to worry about it…but I didn’t really mean that. So this is for you guys who didn’t do a think for Valentine’s….Hello, we don’t really mean it when we say “don’t get us anything”…men are such slow learners!

Ok, rant over. And small correction. I did get one thing…this (which basically makes up for how lame the rest of the holiday was…)

Tags: Valentines Day
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