Wednesday Reads & News (Good and Not so Good)

First the GOOD news. J Even with still 2500 words to chop (well, maybe 2400, I’m still chopping), my editor is willing to read BITE ME!! Yay! J I’m saving the not so good news for the end.

Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Jul 24: “Seeing Ghosts” by James Garcia, Jr. This is a paranormal/horror book. Blurb from Goodreads: Paul Herrera finds himself bequeathed a mysterious old house near the California central coast by a deceased aunt he never knew. The woman who shows it to him is the spitting image of his wife, taken from him three years before in a senseless car accident which also took his unborn son. While he deals with the ghosts of a past he cannot let go, there are new ghosts Paul must deal with - alone for the week in the expansive two-story house that he will soon discover holds many secrets. Eventually, he will see that he is surrounded by ghosts as he struggles to hold onto the only thing that he has left in this world - his sanity. I enjoyed this story. Some scenes were a little slow, but for the most part, it was a good creepy ghost story. Parts of it kind of reminded me of Joe Hill’s “Heart Shaped Box” (a book I also enjoyed). I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 26: “Stolen” by Allison Brennan. This is a suspense (with some romantic elements), the sixth book of the Lucy Kincaid series. Blurb on back: Nothing is more important to private investigator Sean Rogan than his relationship with FBI trainee Lucy Kincaid. But when his past catches up with him, Sean faces an ultimatum: clear his name and help the FBI take down a rogue agent, or go to prison and lose everything he holds dear. With only Agent Noah Armstrong as his back-up and forced to keep Lucy in the dark, Sean steps back into his old world. But the longer he’s undercover, the more dangerous the game becomes. More than Sean’s future with Lucy is at stake--so is his life. Lucy can’t imagine Sean would keep secrets from her--until an FBI agent casts doubt about who he really is…and who he used to be. Why did Sean quit his job with his brother and move to New York? Why hasn’t he told her anything about his new job? With more questions than answers, Lucy doesn’t know who to believe or who she can trust. All she knows is that Sean is in grave danger, and this time, it’s personal. I zipped through this book (actually read it in two days); it was so hard to put down. I love this series and learned more about Sean (and his family). A great suspenseful read! I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads.

Now for the not so good news. L You know I love riding the bike trails, but apparently they aren’t always safe. On Monday, my daughter and her friend were walking on a bike trail (doing some geocaching) and were robbed at gun point. Luckily the only things the thugs took were their iPhones. When I first heard about the incident, I blamed it on geocaching -- I mean, anyone could lurk around a spot and wait for some unsuspecting person -- but these were kids who had just stolen some bikes and my daughter and her friend just happened to pass them on the path. A scary event in any case. I’m just so glad they’re okay!! It could have been so much worse.

Happy reading, and take care!

 

Stacy

 

Ranking Genres

What genres do you like to read? I used to say I’d read anything, but that’s not really true. Here’s how I would rank them in order of preference (meaning if I had books in all of these categories (and I do), which one I would most likely read first):

1. Paranormal romance

2. Romantic suspense

3. Suspense/Thriller

4. Urban Fantasy

5. Paranormal/Horror

6. Contemporary romance

7. Historical romance

8. Sci-Fi romance

No straight fantasy or science fiction on that list. No siree. And I’m really picky about sci-fi romance. Horror moved down quite a bit, which kind of surprised me. Used to be all I ever read was Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Not so much anymore. I love romance, but not just romance. I’d rather have other stuff involved than just internal conflicts. I’m not all that crazy about the couples hating one another (and if they do, it better not last long).

Of course, a favorite author will bump any genre down the list, and I have lots of favorites!

I’ve told you about needing to delete 10,000 words from BITE ME, I’M YOURS. Well, I managed to hack off over 7,500. My estimation was 5,000, so it’s nice I under estimated. Still, it would have been nice if I had managed to reach that magical 10,000-word mark. I’ll read through it one more time (later on this week) and hope I didn't screw it up too much.

So…how do you rank your genres? Or do you go strictly by authors?

 

Stacy

 

Pictures of Holes, Bikes, and Trails

Tuesday got the washer fixed. Price: $80 previous service call + $172.00 parts and labor. Never thought I'd be happy to do the laundry, but I am.

Wednesday got the shower fixed. Price: $80 previous service call + $147.00 parts and labor.

Who knew it would cost LESS to get the shower fixed. Of course, I now have this hole in the ceiling, which means the parts and labor aren’t anywhere near reaching completion (unless my husband does the work - and he has that ability). We haven’t decided if we want to create an access panel - you know, in case we need access to the shower again. At least the shower isn’t leaking any longer. Yay!

Here's where the leak occurred.

Bottom of the U on the pipe is where the water
dripped down. Brass part is new - the old part was
plastic. No wonder it leaked after 15 years.
Now we have this nice hole in the ceiling!

On Wednesday my husband and I rode our bikes again on the Great Miami River Recreation Trail. We took the south route so we didn’t have this HUGE hill to climb. Overall, it was a better route because there were many mini hills to climb--both ways. This time we traveled 10.7 miles. It was a beautiful day and I got some pictures (click to enlarge), so here you go!!

This is MY new bike. Ain't it pretty?

Some parts of the trail is really pretty, like this.

This portion rides alongside a corn field. Hmmm... easy
pickin's here, huh?

Was crossing the river and spotted a couple of
kyakers (sp?). They're there. Really!

Here's a portion of the trail that actually is alongide
the Great Miami River

 

Spotted this blue heron (at least we think that what
this is) in the river. He's standing there in the middle
of the picture.

 

Still going through BITE ME and picked out about 5,000 words worth of scenes. Tomorrow my daughter will come over and I'll get her opinion on whether or not those scenes can go without any harm done. Still not 10,000 words. I'm beginning to wonder if it's even possible!

 

Besides the editing, it should be a nice, relaxing weekend. Are you having one of those, too?

 

Stacy

 

Wednesday Reads -- My 500th Post!

This is my 500th post. Can you believe that? It only took 3 years and 8 months to do it. First, I’m surprised I stuck with it that long. Second, I’m surprised I remembered to say something. I don’t usually see the post number until AFTER I’ve posted. But no special celebration from me, though. Just another Wednesday post. Here’s what I finished reading this week:

Jul 18: “Gabriel’s Ghost” By Linnea Sinclair. This is a sci-fi romance. Blurb on back: Captain Chasidah Bergren, onetime pride of the interstellar Sixth Fleet, is framed for a crime and exiled to a prison planet from which no one escapes--until a seductive ghost from her past shows up to rescue her. Gabriel Sullivan, alpha mercenary and scoundrel, is supposed to be dead. Now he offers her a ticket to freedom--for a price. Someone in the Empire is breeding uncontrollable killing machines, and Gabriel needs Chaz’s help before hundreds of innocents die. Their own lives are on the line--but the long-held attraction that heats up between them may be the riskiest part of all… Not a fan of sci-fi (I hate names I can’t pronounce) or first person, but I’ve taken classes and workshops from the author and thought it only fair I buy and read one of her books and this one seemed interesting. Well, it was more than interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it (even with my little break in there - this is the book that was missing the 50 pages). I’ll definitely check out more of her work. I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 19: “Tempted” by Rebecca Zanetti. This is a novella, book 2.5 in the Dark Protector series, a paranormal romance. Blurb from Goodreads: On the run from a mental institution and her vindictive half-brother, it’s safe to say that Sarah Pringle’s happy life as a schoolteacher is on hold. Too bad that as far as self-defense goes, “run and hide” is the best she’s got. And with the monsters that started her escape hot on her heels, that’s not going to cut it for long… That is, unless Sarah has a bigger, badder, hotter monster on her side. Max Petrovsky is right at the top of the list of alpha male ass-kickers. And he knows exactly what Sarah’s up against. Good thing, because the minute he sees her something primal kicks in, turning everyday attraction into red-hot desire. As long as they’re cooperating, why not mix some pleasure with business? Of course, Max should probably tell Sarah he’s a vampire himself… I really don’t enjoy novellas (they’re just too damn short), but I like to know all that goes on in a series. I like Max and Sarah. Just wish there was more. I gave this 4 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 21: “Becoming Quinn” by Brett Battles. This is a novella in the Jonathan Quinn series, a thriller. Blurb from Goodreads: Most careers begin with an interview and a handshake. Others require a little … something more. Meet Jake Oliver. The day will come when he's one of the best cleaners in the business, a man skilled at making bodies disappear. At the moment, however, he's a twenty-two year old rookie cop, unaware his life is about to change. In a burning barn a body is found; and the fire isn't the cause of death. The detectives working the case have a pretty good idea about what went down. But Officer Oliver thinks it’s something else entirely, and pursues a truth others would prefer remain hidden, others who will go to extreme lengths to keep him quiet. Every identity has an origin. This is Quinn’s. Most novellas I read I find too short. This one was longer than most, but just about right for this story. I had a hard time putting it down, too, even though I KNEW how the character turned out. Because of that, I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

I’ve had a minor set-back in my latest submission. I have to figure out how to cut 10,000 words before my ms will even be read. Heavy sigh. Somehow I’ll find those words and cut them. I just hope I don’t ruin the story to do it!

I think I know how directors feel when they have to cut scenes to make the movie the correct length. They feel CRAPPY!!!

Happy Reading!

Stacy

 

Movies and Bicycling

On Saturday, the whole family went to the theatre to see “Red 2.” I have to say, this movie was FUNNY! So much better than the previous two we’d seen recently (“Lone Ranger” and “The Heat”). But my husband made this remark: How is this any more realistic than “Sharknado”?

Now, have any of you watched “Sharknado”? It was aired on SyFy and my daughter wanted us to record it. We caught maybe five minutes of it toward the end and laughed at how BAD the movie was. Yeah, it’s supposed to be bad, it’s on SyFy (as my daughter put it). Definitely not realistic. But what made “Red 2” more realistic (and it’s not realistic, not even close) is the acting (and probably the writing, too). I laughed, but not because it was BAD, because it was FUNNY. Big difference.

Anyway, if you saw “Red” and loved it, you’ll love “Red 2,” too.

On Sunday, the husband and I bought ourselves new bicycles and then promptly went bike riding. TEN miles! I out-biked my husband, even. I guess lifting weights outdoes walking (in which he usually walks 10-14 miles at a time). I had a blast and look forward to going out again. I told him he would have to set the pace as to how far we travel. I could have gone farther than 10 miles. Sure makes me feel good about my exercise routine, even it I’m not losing weight (which I blame on my birthday celebrations and the fact I love to eat).

The bikes are currently in the car, but the next trip we take, I’ll take my camera and snap some photos. I like posting photos on my blog. Makes it more interesting, doesn’t it?

My washer gets fixed on Tuesday! Yay! But…I have to call the plumber again since the shower is still leaking. Boo! Dang, I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to do that.

BITE ME, I’M YOURS is with my editor. Yeah, I finally got around to submitting it. Should know something in a few weeks (because she’s on vacation right now and won’t get to it until she returns -- figures!). But it’s out there, which is good. I can now concentrate on Book 6 (in between washer repairmen and plumbers - ugh).

So, when’s the last time you rode a bike? Before Sunday, it was…so many years ago I can’t remember! Argh!

 

Stacy

 

Pictures of The Wilds

In case you didn't know... yesterday was my birthday. My husband took the day off and we drove to Cumberland, Ohio, where The Wilds (www.thewilds.org) is located. It was hot, but not as bad as I thought. It had been probably ten years since we'd been there and it had grown. Here are my attempts at photos (with my little camera--click to enlarge). Hope you enjoy on this hot Friday!

This was the open-air bus we took on our tour. Even in the heat, the breeze felt good and not once did I feel over-heated. There are also closed buses, but the windows are tinted and if you want to take pictures, this is the way to go.

This is our tour guide, Ronny. Yep, he was cute. Very knowledgeable, too.

I do NOT remember all the types of animals we saw, so I apologize for that. These are some kind of chineese deer.

Just to show you how close these animals can get - these form of donkeys are in the road blocking our way!

Here's a better look at them. They are actually an animal that begin with an O. My husband said they are mentioned in "Mysterious Island" (by Jules Verne), which he just happens to be reading now!

 

There are four camels in that enclosure. With the heat, you'd think they'd spread out!

These are a form of wild horses.

This giraffe walked right by our bus.

Got a shot of that long tongue of his! Was told it's about 18" long!

There are two cheetahs lounging. One at the tree upper left, the other at the tree in the middle. The carnivore portion of this park was a new addition since our last visit.

These fellas are wild dogs (called dores or doles?). They look like foxes to me!

Couldn't resist the pretty wildflowers.

Another wild dog, that looked more like a hyena. He was taking a dip to keep cool. Water looked yucky, though. Guess he didn't care!

Say cheese! Don't ask what they are - I can't remember.

Cool horns!

The zebras were in a little shelter (barely seen on the right) and decided to come check us out.

There are two rhinos in that lake (far side). This was the closest we ever got to them.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures. If you ever make it to southeast Ohio, you might want to check out The Wilds. The even have lodging there now (which really piqued my interest). Maybe next time I'll be brave and try the zip lines!

Have a fun weekend. The heat wave here looks to break (but it's also forecasted to rain).

Stacy

Wednesday Reads

I probably would have had a book to list (instead of this anthology) IF the book I was reading this weekend wasn’t missing pages 277-324. Yep, that’s right! Talk about frustrating and confusing. I couldn’t figure out how the character ended up back in the ship when I noticed the page count went from 276 to 133 (thought the passage seemed familiar.). Anyway, a replacement is on its way to me (and that misprinted version is on its way back to B&N). Until then, I’m reading short stories and maybe a novella, but not another book. I want to finish the one I started. It was just getting really, really good. You know???

Oh well, it’s not like I don’t have writing to do. Here’s what I finished this week:

Jul 16: “Flights of Fiction” By Author Members of Western Ohio Writers Association (WOWA). Blurb on back: An Anthology of Short Stories set in Southwestern Ohio. In 2008, a group of authors in Dayton, Ohio, got together for the sole purpose of ripping each other to shreds, leaving behind the mangled hopes of promising scribes who lay finally broken and decaying on the floor. After that, robbed of all dignity, they went out for coffee and decided to write a book. Here it is. Pull up a comfy chair and lose yourself in eleven original stories set in and around the southwest Ohio region. Written by just a few of the talented authors from the WOWA, these soon-to-be classic tales let you follow one man’s tragic story at the end of the world in “Dead of Winter;” experience a night at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in “Nose Art;” and get lost in a haunting image from the past in “Tabitha’s Portrait,” plus many more. From detective tales to a trek into the mysterious world of wrestling, Flight of Fiction has something for everyone. Yes, I belong to this writers group, but I didn’t submit anything for this anthology. My favorites in this collection were from Liz Coley, Lynda Sappington, LD Masterson, and Bill Bicknell. It is an eclectic bunch of stories, that’s for sure. I gave this book 3 stars on Goodreads.

Washer repairman came yesterday. Timer is bad ($125 part), but has to be ordered (of course). At least I’m not damaging the washer if I want to manually move the dial. Good to know. I really did NOT want to go to the Laundromat.

Tomorrow looks to be a hot day to spend at The Wilds. Sure hope my first day at age **mumble, mumble** isn’t my last day because I died of heat stroke! Guess that’s the chance you take in life, huh? Time to go find the sun screen and water. Yes, lots of water.

So, have you ever had a bug fly into your eye? Not a pleasant experience, is it?

Happy Reading!

 

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old TOMORROW!)

 

A Couple of Pictures of my Birthday Dinner and a Conspiracy??

And a couple it is! I probably could have taken more - e.g. when my friend put the soup on the table, or when we had dessert, but I didn’t. Bad me. L

By the way, she made Outback’s Creamy Onion Walkabout Soup (I found the recipe on-line and sent it to her). They don’t serve it at OUR Outback anymore (figures), but apparently still serve it at others. If the one near you still has it, let me know. Maybe I’ll go and visit! Haha! J

BBQ Bacon-wrapped Shrimp - YUM!

Salad & fixin's along with way too much corn!

She fixed all this food for five of us. We managed to eat most of it anyway (the soup and shrimp disappeared, that’s for sure).

For dessert, she made strawberry shortcake. Well, strawberry fixin’s and angel food cake. There was a little bit left and I CLAIMED it yesterday. Mine, mine, mine!

I was a bit disappointed she couldn’t stay past dinner (she usually spends the night), but she had to work on Sunday and didn’t want to make the drive back then. I had my son bring over “Despicable Me,” too! Oh well… Guess I’ll save it for another time.

* * * * *

I don't know about you, but it always seem like when one thing needs fixing, others follow suit. Almost as if they conspire together just to mess with me. Well I say: Cut it out!

My daughter has been driving our truck (until she finds a car she can afford). A few weeks ago she complained about some strange noise in the back. Turned out to be the universal joint. Friday she complained about the brakes squeaking. Turned out all four needed to be replaced! Should we be glad she’s driving it and discovering these problems or worried she’s causing them? Hmmm…

If the problems had just stuck with the truck, I probably wouldn’t suspect collusion.

Friday I washed a load of towels. No problem. Saturday I started my weekly wash. The cycles on the machine were not advancing. A load I started at 7:30 was still running at 10:45 (yeah, I don’t always pay attention, especially when I’m doing something else). I have to call a repairman today. Sure hope they can come over quickly and that it’s not pricy. Can’t really afford a new washer (especially since this one isn’t all that old) and don’t relish going to the Laundromat.

And lastly, there’s the upstairs shower. Not sure if I ever mentioned that here before. It had been leaking (this wet hole in the ceiling was a good indication). The plumber wasn’t sure what was causing it without cutting a hole in the ceiling and bringing in another plumber, but thought MAYBE water was seeping in through the faucet, especially since there wasn’t a notch in the cover to drain the water. When he pulled it free, you could see where water had gotten in it before, just from the lime deposits inside. He put in a notch and replaced it. So far it has stopped the drips, but the ceiling hasn’t really dried out, either. I’m giving it another week. If it’s still damp, then I’ll have to call him back. I sure hope it’s dry. Then we’ll only have to worry about fixing the ceiling.

So, do you suspect conspiracy when more than one thing breaks down within a short amount of time? Or do your belongings love you?

 

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 3 wake ups!)

 

Mission Accomplished!

Wow! I honestly didn’t think I’d make it. What is that? Cleaning the house, of course!

In any novel/movie/TV show, when a character makes plans, conflict ensues. Right? Well, no difference in real life, I suppose. No sooner had I planned on cleaning the house when I get hit with projects.

First, I was asked if I could judge a contest. Now, I had originally applied to judge, but apparently my name was not written down, so I wasn’t included in the initial assignments. But…problems occurred and I was asked if I could help. Sure. I’ve never done it before, and I didn’t have anything else besides cleaning (and maybe watching “True Blood”). I hadn’t even received the piece I was to judge when I got an e-mail from my editor.

That’s right. Line edits are due! Yikes! Ah, but there isn’t much to fix. Whew!

Still, I was a little nervous. Contest deadline was Friday. Edit deadline was the following Wednesday (but I hate to make her wait). And I had to have (okay, wanted) the house clean by Saturday.

All turned out well, though. Contest piece was returned on Wednesday (easier than I thought) and my edits were finished on Thursday (I just need to re-read it and make sure I didn’t screw up anything - yep, picky that way). And the house? Floors are the last thing left and they will be done this morning.

Yep. I even shocked myself. You know, it’s kind of nice to have a clean house. Let’s see how long I can keep it up. J

Now I’m all ready for my friend, who is coming over Saturday to cook me my birthday dinner. Can’t wait. If I remember, I’ll take some pictures, just so you can be envious of me (because our friend really does know how to spoil us rotten!).

If you haven’t checked out WRiTE Club yet, it’s not too late to join the fun. You just have to sign up first (if you want your vote to count, that is). There’s a bout posted each Monday and Thursday, and you have a week from the posting date to vote.

Daughter is half-way through BITE ME (Book 1). She’s found lots of nit-picky stuff (better her than the editor, right?). At least they’re all minor (so far). But on Monday I will start work on BLIND TEMPTATION (Book 6). My goal? Write 3,000 words each day (although I would like to see if I can do 5,000). Sort of my own Na-No, if you will. I really want to see if I have it in me (writing a first draft in less than 30 days), especially since I don’t have an outside job taking up my time.

You got any plans for the weekend? Hope the weather cooperates for you (if you need it to, that is).

Happy Friday!

 

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 6 wake ups!)

 

Wednesday Reads

BITE ME, I’M YOURS is with my daughter for a final review, which I've timed perfectly since I must clean my house this week. My friend is coming over, and while she’s seen my messy house, it has been awhile since her last visit and well, yeah, the place is a mess. Figured if I take it slow and do a little bit each day, I won’t feel so overwhelmed. So far, so good. But, in between cleaning, I’ve been reading (and trying really hard NOT to write my next novel - if I started it now--and I want to very, very much--I’d never get the house clean). This is what I finished this week:

Jul 7: “The Shadow Tracer” by Meg Gardiner. This is a stand-alone thriller. Blurb: Can a person ever really disappear for good by going off the grid? And what happens when vanishing is no longer an option? Sarah Keller is a single mother to five-year-old Zoe, living quietly in Oklahoma. She’s also a skip tracer, an expert in tracking people who’ve gone on the lam to avoid arrest, prosecution, or debt--pinpointing their location to bring them to justice. When a school bus accident sends Zoe to the ER, their quiet life explodes. Zoe’s medical tests reveal what Sarah has been hiding: Zoe is not her daughter. Zoe’s biological mother--Sarah’s sister, Beth--was murdered shortly after the child’s birth. And Zoe’s father is missing and presumed dead. With no way to prove her innocence, Sarah must abandon her carefully constructed life and go on the run. Chased by cops, federal agents, and the group responsible for Beth’s murder, Sarah embarks on a desperate journey. Can her knowledge as a skip tracer help her stay off the grid, remain one step ahead of her pursuers, and find a way to save her daughter? I love Meg’s books. Both of her series and her stand-alones. They grab a hold of me and won’t let go. I was so glad to finish my writing project on Friday so I didn’t feel guilty not putting this book down! If you love suspense, you’ll love this book. I gave it 5 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 9: “Consumed” by Rebecca Zanetti. This is the fourth book her Dark Protector series, a paranormal romance. Blurb: Katie Smith is the best of her class, part of an elite hunting race trained to eliminate werewolves from the hills of Western Virginia. She’s good at it because she has the kind of focus an drive that won’t back down no matter how steep the odds. Call is southern sass. Whatever it is, there’s no denying her willingness to risk everything for the only man she’s ever cared about--a man on the verge of losing his very humanity… For the past ten years Jordan Pride has dedicated his life to protecting his people form a deadly shifter virus. But in a rare moment of distraction, Jordan’s guard drops just long enough for his fate to take an irreversible twist. Unless the woman he loves surrenders everything to him, again and again, under a full moon rising… The first three books of this series dealt with vampire brothers. I liked them okay, but thought the heroes were a bit on the mean side--her vampires tend to be a bit on the mean side. But I really like her shifters and love Jordan and Katie. No meanness! This is my favorite of the series so far. I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads.

So, when do you clean your house? If you’re a cleanaholic, wanna come over? J

Happy Reading!

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 8 wake ups!)

 

Movies and WRiTE Club

Husband and I took advantage of the yucky weather and hit the theatre this weekend. While it sucks to get older, it’s nice we don’t have to pay full price for tickets. Except for the $5 Tuesdays, we pay the matinee price regardless of what time the movie. It’s nice going to the movies at night once again! This is what we saw:

On Saturday it was “The Lone Ranger.” It had its funny moments (which I enjoyed) and its lagging moments (movie ran a bit long). When I saw the teasers, I guess I expected a different film. John Reid (character of the movie title) was shown as a righteous idiot (which is how Tonto saw him, too--not that he had it all together, either). A bit of a disappointment for something I had looked forward to since I saw the first trailer.

On Sunday it was “The Heat.” Let me just say…I liked “The Lone Ranger” better. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this film and I was correct. I like Sandra Bullock, but Melissa McCarthy…not so much. I don’t know if it’s the writers or her, but her comedy isn’t funny and I doubt I’ll ever see another movie with her again, regardless of who else is starring in it.

So, two movies, two duds. Figures. I am looking forward to “Red 2” (seen enough previews for it). I certainly hope it doesn’t disappoint me, because I really enjoyed “Red.”

I did get a lift on Sunday. I saw the list of contestants for The WRiTE Club (hint, hint).

By the way, WRiTE Club starts today. Whatcha waiting for? Go check it out!

Have any of you seen the commercials for “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”? It’s coming this fall to ABC. I’m definitely checking that series out.

 

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 10 wake ups!)

 

Happy Friday

How many people had a wet Fourth of July? It rained for most of the day here. While the Dragons did play, and we had tickets, I didn’t feel like sitting out in the rain to watch, so we stayed home and watched “Captain America” instead (good movie!).

Yes, the Dragons won. I’m really surprised they got a game in, too!

My husband said he will be able to take my birthday off, so if the weather is good, then we’ll either go to the Wilds (near Zanesville) or take a lunch cruise on the BB Riverboat (in Cincinnati). I haven’t decided yet. I’m leaning toward the Wilds. I just hope it’s not a rainy day.

Should finish going over BITE ME, I’M YOURS today, then I can print it out for my daughter to read. When I do, I’ll first treat myself to “True Blood” (I haven’t watched this season’s episodes yet) and after that, I’ll finally clean the house. Have a friend coming over on the thirteenth, which is the motivation I need to clean; otherwise, it just doesn’t get done. Yeah, I’m bad.

Once the daughter has read my story (and she better read it fast), I’ll fix whatever mistakes she’s found and then send it off to my editor. Gosh, I can’t wait!! I’m so close!

So…what’s your favorite jelly/jam/preserves? Mine is raspberry. Mmm, mmm, mmm.

 

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 13 wake ups!)

 

Wednesday Reads

I cheated a bit on my book count, since I’m including novellas and short stories. Hey, I need all the help I can get to reach 90 by December 31st. This is what I finished this week:

Jun 28: “How Hard Can it Be?” by Robyn Peterman. This is a romantic comedy. Blurb: What happens when an accountant decides to grab life by the horns and try something new? Apparently a pirate named Dave, a lot of pastel fleece, and blackmail--just to start with… Visualize and succeed, Oprah said. I was sure as hell trying, even if my campaign to score a job as the local weather girl had ended in a restraining order. Okay, TV was not my strength. But a lack of talent has never stopped me before. Which is why I’ve embarked on a writing career. I mean, how hard can it be to come up with a sexy romance? Leave it to me to wind up in a group of grandmotherly porno writers who discuss sex toys and apple cobbler in the same breath. Also leave it to me to leak an outlandish plot idea to a bestselling author with the morals of a rabid squirrel. And only I could get arrested for a jewelry heist I didn’t commit--by a hunky cop whose handcuffs just might tempt me to sign up for a life of crime. Maybe I’ve found my calling after all…. This book made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me go “awwww.” I found a new author to follow (like I NEEDED any more books to read--I’m so screwed). I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads.

Jun 30: “Pirate Dave & His Randy Adventures” by Robyn Peterman. This is the story that was written in “How Hard Can it Be?” Blurb: After all was said and done, the disgusting novella meant to destroy a story-stealing NY Time’s best-selling author’s career was successful. Rena Gunderschlict, an accountant with no discernible literary talent, and her band of adorable porno writing grannies, came up with the worst piece of literature, (and I use that word sparingly), that was ever written. Amazingly enough, it became a cult classic. Who in the hell knew there was an underground need to know and love a Time Traveling Vampire Warlock with erectile dysfunction and his conjoined lady loves, Laverne and Shirley. Apparently the need was there and so this spoof was spawned. A laugh-so-hard-you-wet-your-pants profane parody meant for those with an open mind and questionable maturity level, this is the glorious full version of their story. A funny spoof of a bad paranormal romance. I don’t know how she thought up some of this stuff, but I can imagine what fun it was to write. I had fun reading it. I gave this novella 5 stars on Goodreads.

Jul 1: “Dragonstone-A Kingdom of Chalvaren Romance” by Paula Millhouse. This is a short (39 pgs) romantic fantasy. Blurb: Elf prince Kort Elias journeys to a new world in search of a stolen royal dragon egg and discovers a lost elven princess, a prophecy, and danger; and only true love--and an erotic magic he's never experienced--will set them free. Book says it’s intended for mature audiences, so I wasn’t sure if this was an erotic romance or what, but it’s no steamier than a normal romance. I wasn’t quite sure what the era of Earth was, as that was never explained (bows, arrows, and axes seemed to be the weapons of choice), and not sure what Chalvaren is, either, or if I should know. But it was a very well written short, even for this non-lover of fantasy. I enjoyed the story and I guess that’s all that matters, huh? For a quick romantic read, it hit the spot. I gave this short 5 stars on Goodreads.

So…Do you like reading short stories or novellas?

Happy Reading and enjoy the holiday!

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 15 wake ups!)

Happy July

I love July. Could it be because it’s the month of my birth? Probably. When I was a kid, it meant summer vacation, and I LOVED summer vacation. Yeah, what kid didn’t, huh?

I always felt bad for those students who had to spend their birthday at school. I never did. So yeah, it was hard to get used to having to WORK on my birthday. In fact, I would usually try to take the day off - why ruin a tradition?

Now…well, I don’t work. The unemployment has expired and after 52 weeks of sending out at least two resumes a week, garnered two whole interviews that led nowhere. Am I sad? Heck, no. Will I continue to look for work? Not unless I have to.

I have a job and it’s called writing. Sure, it’s not paying yet, but will be after January. Of course, it won’t pay as much as I used to make, not right away anyway. But maybe someday. Hey, I can dream! Besides, stranger things have happened.

Do I still look forward to my birthday? Sure! It’s my day and I love it. And will I work on my birthday? Probably, because I love writing. But, if my husband can take the day off, then I would, too. What would we do? I have no idea, but I’m sure we’ll figure something out.

Now I must go back to my job so I can hopefully have TWO books coming out and then work on that third. Because right now my vampires are taking precedence over my ghost and alien.

What do you like doing on your birthday? You have any traditions?

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 17 wake ups!)