Flipping the Bird

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was filled with turkey, stuffing and pie. My folks, sister and nephew are here with me this holiday weekend. I like to cook the turkey on it's breasts (against Martha Stewart's advice, I might add) and the tricky part is always flipping the bird from the chest to it's back, out of the roasting pan and onto the platter. This year, I managed the feat quite nicely, only splattering drippings onto the countertop and backsplash, instead of landing the turkey on its plucked behind on the floor. Yeah me.

The next morning we awoke at 5:30 am to take on the bargain shoppings for all those after Thanksgiving Day sales. We didn't even think of doing the whole Walmart gig and its probably a very good thing. Getting crushed for cheap electronics doesn't sound like a great holiday to me. We reviewed the ads, made our list and then planned our strategy. We were more than ready. It was raining like crazy, of course, but that didn't deter us. We had a mission.

We made it to Albertsons by 6:30 am and when we approached a checker to find our booty, they quickly curtailed our question with an apology. "So sorry, we just sold the last 20" flat screen television for $69". We all looked at each other in confusion. The checker, who couldn't help but wonder at our befuddled faces, asked "You were looking for the TV's in the ad, right?"

At this point my mom and I exchange a look of embarrassment before admitting, "Well, no. We actually came in this early for the large Hersey bars that are on sale 10 for $10's. We didn't even know about the tv." How's that for sad? Of course, the checker got a good laugh over us. We saved a whole $.39 a bar on that deal, so screw some mega flat screen, to-good-to-be-true television deal, baby. lol

We made it home by noon, laden down with gifts. I think my sister won the spending contest (yes, everything is a competition) but she also had some birthday presents to pick up so she said it didn't count. Plu-ease. I have gotten zero writing done this week because of the holiday so Monday morning (notice I know I will not be able to write this weekend with company) it's time to buckle down.

Fifth day off the Fizz...

And I am doing okay. Not great mind you, but okay. What's the fizz you ask? It's Mountain Dew. Yes, my beloved Dew. Problem with my Dew is that I was drinking several cans a day and now my jeans don't fit. Yeah, I am in my fat jeans and I HATE that so I am off the Fizz (and chocolate) until I can wear my jeans comfortably again.

The caffeine withdrawal headaches have been consistent for a couple of days now, but nothing a little Excedrin can't fix. I can do this. No matter how the Dew beckons and sings its sweet siren song, I can resist it. I will resist it. Sigh. I miss my Dew.

Finally, I can share

Okay, way back at the end of September I hinted I had something to share and the details are finally worked out so here it goes...

I suggested (actually whined would be a better word) to my agent a YA vampire anthology and she and an associate came up with a great premise about three teens who win a modelling contest and are sent to NY for the summer. There they get caught up in the nightlife, the parties and of course, get turned into vampires.

Not only is it a great premise, but they hook me up with Julie Kenner and Johanna Edwards and Berkley bought it. Yeah us. I don't know the release date yet, probably not until 2007 or maybe 2008. Will let you know as soon as I know.

Do the happy dance for me.

When your editor comes a calling...

So my editor called yesterday. I noted the NY number on caller ID but it didn't even click who the caller was. Yes, I am that oblivious at times. Anyway, she calls and I am delighted to get her undivided attention for a moment. I'm not one of those writers who calls their editor all the time, or at all. Unless it's an emergency, email is always my method of communication.

Anyway, she calls to talk to me about miSTAKEn and POV. She tells me that she would like to see miSTAKEn done in first person POV with Colby and make Piper's romance the subplot. Great, I say. Can do. Not a problem. She tells me she has started F4F and will have it done by next week. Great, I say. I can wait a week. Not a problem (since I had been waiting 8 weeks already, another week is nothing in this business). We talk marketing for a moment and then we ring off.

Then I replay the conversation in my head. Did I just agree to do book 3 in Colby's voice and make Piper a subplot?! The entire point of book 3 is to tell Piper's story. I don't have a full book worth of story with Colby right now. Time to get back to the outline and redo the book.

I shouldn't be so starstruck when my editor calls me at home. I shouldn't feel so thrilled to hear her on the line and bask in the glow of being so important as to merit a phone call. I should just get over myself and listen to what I cheerfully agree to before well, cheerfully agreeing.

Don't worry to much about me though. I had a book 4 about Colby that will be incorporated into book 3 and Piper will still find love with a demon slayer. It may be a bit longer than my other books but hey, a good read is still a good read. No matter the length, right? Just cheerfully agree. Great, not a problem. :)

Sure you can sing, but can you dance?

Last night at our monthly ERWA meeting, we had a wonderful speaker and writer, Rebecca Forster. She talked about all the important elements needed to make a great story but I took away one particular tidbit. Writing is a very competitive business and everyone is good. What makes your stuff great? What are you doing to rise above the pack and get noticed?

She cited several examples of good writing and then she showed edited versions of the same work that made it great writing. It was an AHA moment for me. I really saw the difference and it was so powerful. Now I will look at my editing, not as just spell and grammar check but how can relay the same information in a more powerful way. Crafting the words for a tighter, seemless story.

Rebecca writes legal thrillers and I can't wait to pick one up and read it.

Fish anyone?

Since I haven't blogged religiously, I will post a picture to make it up to you. Here is a lovely fish entree they offered at the Emerald City Writer's Conference last month. Despite this little guy, the other food was actually pretty tasty.

Drive by Blogging

I have been remiss, I know. My bad. On the positive side, I have been working my keister off. miSTAKEn is shaping up to be a great book and I will have a nifty announcement in the coming week to share with you. Yeah, I know I mentioned something about that at the end of September, but I should really be able to say something very soon. Remember, my life moves at the speed of the publishing world which can sometimes be v e r y s l o w.... :)