There's a blogfest going around. Not that I'm involved, but I thought it was interesting. Post page 99 of your WIP and see if anyone would be interested in seeing more. And I thought - what do I have to lose? Nothing! So here's page 99 (with a little bit from page 100) from MEMORIES (tentative title, by the way). I'll only say this is a paranormal romance, and nothing more.
The gurney’s shaking took on a violent turn. With any luck, she would fall off.
“She’s seizing,” Danny said. “And look at her face.”
Oh, so that’s why she was moving. She was the cause.
The voices from the sidewalk became louder, but one word came out loud and clear. Vampire. Could it get any worse?
"Shit,” Garcia said.
Suddenly, she felt the gurney thrust forward. The light was gone. She stopped moving. The pain in her face and hands subsided, but she continued to moan. It was the only relief she had, and it wasn’t much at that. She risked opening her eyes and saw she was inside the ambulance.
Garcia climbed in after her and Danny shut the doors. Soon the engine started and the sirens blared to life. And they were on their way.
“I guess you don’t like the sun, which seems kind of funny since your name is Sunshine,” Garcia said.
Yeah, it’s a riot. Can’t you see me laughing? Different parts of her body hurt differently. Her arms and legs ached with the need to move. Her hands and face were stinging, as if they were badly burned. And her stomach tightened with each stabbing pain. All she wanted to do was curl up into a little ball, but she didn’t even have that in her.
The sound of drawers opening and closing drew her attention back to the paramedic. He pulled her sleeve up and swabbed her arm. Next, a pin pricked her skin. What was he doing? He taped a needle to her arm and attached a bag filled with a clear liquid. He then looked into her eyes, flashing that damn light again. What, she wasn’t blinded enough by the sun?
“You know, they’re saying you’re some kind of vampire. Sharp teeth. Burn in the sun.” He stared down at her and seemed to examine her face. His fingers lightly touched her cheeks and forehead. “But I wouldn’t listen to them. They seem to forget that vampires are dead during the day. You’re in shock, but you’re not dead. And I can see you’re hurting.” He patted her shoulder. “We’ll get you to the hospital soon.”
Oh great. If people were talking about vampires, what was to stop a journalist from using that as a headline? She could see it now: “Pittsburgh Invaded by Vampires.” Oh crapola. Jack was so going to kill her.
So, did you want to read more? Did you want to go back to the beginning? I'm really curious!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Something to Make you Laugh (I Hope)
Just when I wonder what I should blog about (since I try to get at least one or two a week - yeah, I'm bad), I get an e-mail from suddenvalues.com. I'm beginning to like those e-mails (even though they are advertisements). They give me some good blog fodder! And who doesn’t love a good laugh (even with the joke is bad)?
Now, it may not be as cold here as some other places, but it's cold enough for me!
Hope you enjoyed them. They gave me a chuckle, anyway!
Now, it may not be as cold here as some other places, but it's cold enough for me!
JUST HOW COLD IS IT?
It`s so cold, I`m shivering like a mobster in a tax office.
It`s so cold that the local flasher was caught describing himself to women.
It`s so cold that your shadow freezes to the sidewalk.
It`s so cold that you have to open the fridge to heat the house.
It`s so cold the lawyers have their hands in their own pockets.
It`s so cold people are looking forward to getting a fever.
It`s so cold our words froze in mid-air and we had to put them in a frying pan to thaw them out just so we could hear we we were talking about.
It`s so cold that the rock rattling around in your shoe turns out to be your toe.
It`s so cold that when I put on my coat to take out the garbage, it didn`t want to go.
It`s so cold that the snowman begs you to take him in at night.
Hope you enjoyed them. They gave me a chuckle, anyway!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Date Night
Last night was nice. It didn’t start out being an actual date, but that’s how it ended.
We wanted to see the movie “No Strings Attached” and were looking at the best time to see it. We planned on seeing the matinee, but since we were waiting for our car to be worked on, the matinee time didn’t work. And the price for a night-time viewing was kind of high (at least where I was concerned).
So I searched on Fandango to see how much the theatre by the mall was at night, since they offer a military discount (the theatre by our house does, too, but only for active duty). Then I thought about dinner (we had a gift card for a restaurant nearby), and the next thing we knew, we planned dinner and a movie.
It was afterward that I realized we actually went to dinner and a movie WITHOUT any kids! I can’t remember the last time we did that. I liked it, too (no offense to my children).
As for the movie, we enjoyed it. I’ll consider it a “keeper” (one we’ll probably purchase when it comes out on DVD). I consider myself lucky that my husband enjoys the romantic comedies. Now, if I can only get him to accompany me to scary movies!
We wanted to see the movie “No Strings Attached” and were looking at the best time to see it. We planned on seeing the matinee, but since we were waiting for our car to be worked on, the matinee time didn’t work. And the price for a night-time viewing was kind of high (at least where I was concerned).
So I searched on Fandango to see how much the theatre by the mall was at night, since they offer a military discount (the theatre by our house does, too, but only for active duty). Then I thought about dinner (we had a gift card for a restaurant nearby), and the next thing we knew, we planned dinner and a movie.
It was afterward that I realized we actually went to dinner and a movie WITHOUT any kids! I can’t remember the last time we did that. I liked it, too (no offense to my children).
As for the movie, we enjoyed it. I’ll consider it a “keeper” (one we’ll probably purchase when it comes out on DVD). I consider myself lucky that my husband enjoys the romantic comedies. Now, if I can only get him to accompany me to scary movies!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Looking Back
35 years ago on this day I fulfilled a decision that changed my life and set me on the path toward my husband. Didn’t know that’s what I was doing at the time, but it’s what happened.
Granted, the actual decision was accomplished six months earlier. Not sure of the exact date. I only know it was sometime around my 18th birthday.
So, 35 years ago yesterday, my parents drove me down to Los Angeles, California and on the following day I was sworn into the United States Army. It was a decision I never really regretted (since I did re-enlist – which probably would be the real decision that led me to that path toward my husband, since I hadn’t met him yet!), except for maybe during the vacation they put me on between basic/individual training and my first duty assignment. I kind of wondered what I got myself into during that time, but I quickly got over it. What choice did I have?
While I was only in for about six years, I sometimes wonder what I’d be doing if I didn’t join the Army. Would I have gone to college (I did eventually), gotten married, had kids? I don’t think I would have. I think I would have been too scared to go out into the world! Because I was scared. Of everything! How I ever got the courage to join the Army I’ll never… Oh yeah, now I remember. I was joining with a friend. She, however, couldn’t go through with it.
So, thank you U.S. Army, for the life I have. Because I don’t think I’d want it any other way!
Granted, the actual decision was accomplished six months earlier. Not sure of the exact date. I only know it was sometime around my 18th birthday.
So, 35 years ago yesterday, my parents drove me down to Los Angeles, California and on the following day I was sworn into the United States Army. It was a decision I never really regretted (since I did re-enlist – which probably would be the real decision that led me to that path toward my husband, since I hadn’t met him yet!), except for maybe during the vacation they put me on between basic/individual training and my first duty assignment. I kind of wondered what I got myself into during that time, but I quickly got over it. What choice did I have?
While I was only in for about six years, I sometimes wonder what I’d be doing if I didn’t join the Army. Would I have gone to college (I did eventually), gotten married, had kids? I don’t think I would have. I think I would have been too scared to go out into the world! Because I was scared. Of everything! How I ever got the courage to join the Army I’ll never… Oh yeah, now I remember. I was joining with a friend. She, however, couldn’t go through with it.
So, thank you U.S. Army, for the life I have. Because I don’t think I’d want it any other way!
Monday, January 17, 2011
What’s Your Idea of a Vacation?
What’s your idea of a vacation? Do you dream of going on a cruise? Going to Europe? Hawaii? Alaska?
Or do you prefer to stay at home where it’s quite, safe, and cheaper?
But if money wasn’t a REAL issue, what place sounds like fun?
My husband wants to see Yellowstone National Park. I’ve been there and I’m not keen on camping. But I could probably handle a lodge with all the amenities.
But to be honest, I can’t think of any place I want to see. Especially now, when what I consider a vacation is free time to write!
Hmmm, a cruise is sounding pretty good about now… I can write and not be expected to cook. I think we have a winner!
But please, share your ideas. I could always change my mind.
Or do you prefer to stay at home where it’s quite, safe, and cheaper?
But if money wasn’t a REAL issue, what place sounds like fun?
My husband wants to see Yellowstone National Park. I’ve been there and I’m not keen on camping. But I could probably handle a lodge with all the amenities.
But to be honest, I can’t think of any place I want to see. Especially now, when what I consider a vacation is free time to write!
Hmmm, a cruise is sounding pretty good about now… I can write and not be expected to cook. I think we have a winner!
But please, share your ideas. I could always change my mind.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Ho Hum
Wow! I miss one day of writing and I feel…lost.
I know I shouldn’t feel that way. I mean, it’s only one day, right? And writing isn’t my paying job (yet), so why do I feel bad for missing one day? Is it because I’m in the middle of a book? I’d like to say yes, but I feel the same way after I’ve finished one book and try to take a break before starting the next. It’s hard taking that break!
Some people say I write fast. I say I don’t write enough. I want completed stories ready for that day when someone asks me, “What else do you have?” And in order to have those completed stories, I feel I need to write – EVERY DAY.
It’s unrealistic, I know. I’m just surprised at how quickly writing became important in my life. For years I wondered if I could write. My husband was the one who kept nudging me that way. Who knew what kind of monster he would create when I finally went for it?
So, for you writers out there, how does writing affect you? Do you feel lost when you miss a day of writing? Or do you consider it a vacation?
I know I shouldn’t feel that way. I mean, it’s only one day, right? And writing isn’t my paying job (yet), so why do I feel bad for missing one day? Is it because I’m in the middle of a book? I’d like to say yes, but I feel the same way after I’ve finished one book and try to take a break before starting the next. It’s hard taking that break!
Some people say I write fast. I say I don’t write enough. I want completed stories ready for that day when someone asks me, “What else do you have?” And in order to have those completed stories, I feel I need to write – EVERY DAY.
It’s unrealistic, I know. I’m just surprised at how quickly writing became important in my life. For years I wondered if I could write. My husband was the one who kept nudging me that way. Who knew what kind of monster he would create when I finally went for it?
So, for you writers out there, how does writing affect you? Do you feel lost when you miss a day of writing? Or do you consider it a vacation?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
What I Read Last Week
I’m doing something here I’ve NEVER done before: comment about a book I’ve read. It’s not easy for me to tell you WHY I like the books I do – I just do. Maybe it’s the characters – or the relationships – that capture my attention. I’m a sucker for romance, yet for years I read nothing but Dean Koontz and Stephen King. I’m glad I finally branched out, though, or I may never have started writing (and missing out on the joy in my life)!
Anyway, this year I thought I would try and mention some of the books I’ve read this year. Books from authors you might not have heard about. Authors that belong to my RWA chapter, for example! It’s the least I can do for my chapter-mates.
I just finished reading “Beyond the Rain” by Jess Granger. It’s a sci-fi/futuristic romance novel. Normally I don’t read sci-fi. I like watching it on TV and in the movies because I don’t have to pronounce the names, they’re spoken, not spelled. But the romance hooked me, and Jess belongs to my Cincinnati chapter, so I decided to give her a try (the fact the book was in print was a plus, since it’s the only way I was able to read it as I don’t own an e-reader – but it is available as an e-book).
The blurb on the back of the book says (and isn't the cover pretty?):
After five years behind enemy lines, Captain Cyani is ready to retire to her home world of Azra as one of the Elite – the celibate warrior sisterhood that rules the planet. But first she must complete one final mission to rescue her fellow Union soldiers. The last thing she expects to find is a prisoner, chained and beaten – but radiating feral power and maintaining an unbroken spirit…
Soren is one of the Byralen, an enigmatic people who possess a unique hormone that they use to bond with their mates – and that is sold as a sexual narcotic in the shadow trade. For years, he has endured torture at the hands of his captors as they leeched his very essence. The last thing he expects is to be freed from slavery by a beautiful warrior woman with radiant blue dyes.
Driven by her rigid sense of honor, Cyani risks her life to free Soren. But after so many years of slavery, his hormones are so unbalanced that he will die if he does not bond with a woman. Can Cyani be the woman he needs to survive, or will this forbidden bond destroy them?
I really enjoyed the book. Even the strange alien names weren’t too hard to figure out how to pronounce. The worlds were explained through dialogue since the two main characters came from different planets, making it easy for me to follow. But it was the romance and characters that really sucked me in. All in all it was a great read for me. If I didn’t limit myself to 1 hour a day (and the 20 minutes at the gym while walking on the treadmill), I’d have inhaled it. But I gotta write, too, thus the limits.
I liked it so much, I’ve already added the next book, “Beyond the Shadows” to my wish list at Barnes & Noble. I look forward to reading more of her work. I suggest you give her a try.
Anyway, this year I thought I would try and mention some of the books I’ve read this year. Books from authors you might not have heard about. Authors that belong to my RWA chapter, for example! It’s the least I can do for my chapter-mates.
I just finished reading “Beyond the Rain” by Jess Granger. It’s a sci-fi/futuristic romance novel. Normally I don’t read sci-fi. I like watching it on TV and in the movies because I don’t have to pronounce the names, they’re spoken, not spelled. But the romance hooked me, and Jess belongs to my Cincinnati chapter, so I decided to give her a try (the fact the book was in print was a plus, since it’s the only way I was able to read it as I don’t own an e-reader – but it is available as an e-book).
The blurb on the back of the book says (and isn't the cover pretty?):
Soren is one of the Byralen, an enigmatic people who possess a unique hormone that they use to bond with their mates – and that is sold as a sexual narcotic in the shadow trade. For years, he has endured torture at the hands of his captors as they leeched his very essence. The last thing he expects is to be freed from slavery by a beautiful warrior woman with radiant blue dyes.
Driven by her rigid sense of honor, Cyani risks her life to free Soren. But after so many years of slavery, his hormones are so unbalanced that he will die if he does not bond with a woman. Can Cyani be the woman he needs to survive, or will this forbidden bond destroy them?
I really enjoyed the book. Even the strange alien names weren’t too hard to figure out how to pronounce. The worlds were explained through dialogue since the two main characters came from different planets, making it easy for me to follow. But it was the romance and characters that really sucked me in. All in all it was a great read for me. If I didn’t limit myself to 1 hour a day (and the 20 minutes at the gym while walking on the treadmill), I’d have inhaled it. But I gotta write, too, thus the limits.
I liked it so much, I’ve already added the next book, “Beyond the Shadows” to my wish list at Barnes & Noble. I look forward to reading more of her work. I suggest you give her a try.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
That CRAZY English Language
The following is from an e-mail I received from suddenvalues.com. Not sure who wrote it, but thought I should at least give credit to WHERE I found it. I thought it was funny - and being a writer - so true!!
That CRAZY English Language
(No wonder it’s hard to learn)
The bandage was wound around the wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
We must polish the Polish furniture.
He could lead if he could get the lead out!
When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
I did not object to the object.
They were too close to the door to close it.
The buck does funny things when does are around.
When I saw the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.
I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
The soldier had to desert his dessert in the desert.
I'm sure if I put my mind to it, I could come up with more, but why bother when this list was available? Hope it brings a smile to your face (like it did mine)!
That CRAZY English Language
(No wonder it’s hard to learn)
The bandage was wound around the wound.
The farm was used to produce produce.
We must polish the Polish furniture.
He could lead if he could get the lead out!
When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
I did not object to the object.
They were too close to the door to close it.
The buck does funny things when does are around.
When I saw the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.
I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
The soldier had to desert his dessert in the desert.
I'm sure if I put my mind to it, I could come up with more, but why bother when this list was available? Hope it brings a smile to your face (like it did mine)!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I Did It!
I took that first step today and made it to the gym (and noticed my last visit there was Sept 2009 – ugh!). And you know what? I feel great!
I was surprised the place wasn’t busy. I mean, I only had to wait for one machine – a miracle! I walked for 20 minutes (over 1 mile), then I used the leg machines (some of the weights were probably too light, so I’ll have to adjust for next time), then I used the dumbbells, making sure I used light weights. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow. I hope I didn’t overdo it! It’s hard to tell on the first day.
I forgot how great I felt after going, though. So, I’ll probably not have any problems going on Thursday.
I’m on the road to building muscle and I’m happy!!!
I was surprised the place wasn’t busy. I mean, I only had to wait for one machine – a miracle! I walked for 20 minutes (over 1 mile), then I used the leg machines (some of the weights were probably too light, so I’ll have to adjust for next time), then I used the dumbbells, making sure I used light weights. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow. I hope I didn’t overdo it! It’s hard to tell on the first day.
I forgot how great I felt after going, though. So, I’ll probably not have any problems going on Thursday.
I’m on the road to building muscle and I’m happy!!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Everyone. May your resolutions (if you made any) last longer than a week!
I’m fiddling with a resolution. Not so much a resolution, but a decision. It’s a decision I made in 2005, and stuck with for many years (that was until I changed jobs in 2009). It’s a decision that needs to be made again.
I did it right in 2005. I took baby steps to get healthy. So, I will take baby steps again. I will go to the gym – the place I had extended my membership (paid in full!) three months before my last visit. Even if it’s just to walk on the treadmill for twenty minutes and maybe do a few weight lifts (on the light side). I need to get back into shape, but I need to do it slowly (that really is the key).
I liked feeling healthy. I liked how my clothes fit then. I liked how my body didn’t ache when I woke up in the morning! I want that feeling back (plus, I’m cheap and don’t want to buy new clothes). It will take time, and patience (ack!), and persistence. But I can do this. I know, because I did it before.
So on Tuesday, I will shake the dust off my bag, find my workout clothes, make sure my iPod shuffle is charged, and head on over to the gym after work. If I’m smart, I won’t go home first. I know that first step will be the hardest. I’ve been away too long and the place will be busy (as it always is at the first of the year). But I also know that first step will be the most important.
And why Tuesday? Actually, my plan is to go on Tuesdays & Thursdays (see, very small baby steps). My husband teaches those nights and won’t be home anyway. I know it shouldn’t matter if he’s home or not, but if that’s what it takes for me to start, then that’s what I’ll use.
So wish me luck (‘cause I’m sure I’ll need it) and I’ll let you know how I do. Maybe telling the world (although I’m sure the world’s not reading, but they COULD) is the kick in the butt I need.
I’m fiddling with a resolution. Not so much a resolution, but a decision. It’s a decision I made in 2005, and stuck with for many years (that was until I changed jobs in 2009). It’s a decision that needs to be made again.
I did it right in 2005. I took baby steps to get healthy. So, I will take baby steps again. I will go to the gym – the place I had extended my membership (paid in full!) three months before my last visit. Even if it’s just to walk on the treadmill for twenty minutes and maybe do a few weight lifts (on the light side). I need to get back into shape, but I need to do it slowly (that really is the key).
I liked feeling healthy. I liked how my clothes fit then. I liked how my body didn’t ache when I woke up in the morning! I want that feeling back (plus, I’m cheap and don’t want to buy new clothes). It will take time, and patience (ack!), and persistence. But I can do this. I know, because I did it before.
So on Tuesday, I will shake the dust off my bag, find my workout clothes, make sure my iPod shuffle is charged, and head on over to the gym after work. If I’m smart, I won’t go home first. I know that first step will be the hardest. I’ve been away too long and the place will be busy (as it always is at the first of the year). But I also know that first step will be the most important.
And why Tuesday? Actually, my plan is to go on Tuesdays & Thursdays (see, very small baby steps). My husband teaches those nights and won’t be home anyway. I know it shouldn’t matter if he’s home or not, but if that’s what it takes for me to start, then that’s what I’ll use.
So wish me luck (‘cause I’m sure I’ll need it) and I’ll let you know how I do. Maybe telling the world (although I’m sure the world’s not reading, but they COULD) is the kick in the butt I need.
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