Writing the Perfect Valentine

If you want to write your own perfect Valentine, you'll have to be willing to strip away that protective guard we hide our feelings behind to protect us and unveil your vulnerability.  That is step one.

Next, start writing using basic words, such as love, kind, and happy.  Then explore the thesaurus to change it up a bit.  So, instead of writing "I love you" jot down "you are my passion" and continue writing little quotes that directly relate to how you feel.  It won't be an easy task.  Conveying emotion paper is difficult even for a romance writer, but it can be done.  Go with your gut, listen to that inner voice and I guarantee that what you will end up with, is a Valentine your love will hold onto for years to come -- after all, isn't life all about giving of one's self?  I think so.

Have a great day and weekend

At Least Michael Terrance is Honest

There have been some reviewers and readers that have brought attention to Michael's temper in Absolute Obsession.  Yes, I'll agree at times his temper is worrisome, but there is so much more to him than that, including being a romantic to a fault.

The thing is, Michael could have easily been portrayed as a perfect lover and husband, but that wouldn't be him.  He insisted on being truthful about the man he is and wanted me to write his story honestly.  Quite frankly, that honesty and temper gives him depth -- he's real when he enters your mind and I can guarantee  you'll want to know who he really is.

Would I change Absolute Obsession for those who insist on bringing light to the negative -- never!  Michael's story is exactly that... Michael's story and it couldn't be written any other way.

Have a great day. 

The Secret to Romance

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, many are thinking about what is an appropriate gift to buy for the one they love, some may be worrying that they can't afford those expensive gifts and some will simply buy whatever is out there on the shelves.  It's all very nice and we do appreciate it when we receive those gifts.  However, when looking upon that empty box of chocolates, after popping the last succulent one into our mouth, is that our romantic quota for the year?

I believe there is a misconception as to what romance truly is.   Romance isn't diamonds, jewellery, boxes of chocolate, flowers, or anything of the like -- it isn't defined by material goods, or a dollar value.  Romance is a soft touch as you pass by, a wisp of a kiss just so you can be close, a hug with a snuggle into the nape of my neck, listening when I have so much to tell you and yes, my favorite, the sweet nothings whispered in my ear -- that is romance.

So for all you men out there who are struggling to figure out what to get, the above is the gift that keeps on giving and will immortalize you in our hearts.

Have a great day.

A Humorous Antidote

What kind of person would I be if I couldn't laugh at myself?  I had the occasion to do just that yesterday, especially when I knew the looks and snickers were directed at me.

Again I was at the gym (yes, I'm addicted) and you can just imagine my surprise when the gym pants I pulled out weren't mine.  Somehow a pair of my mom's sweat pants got into my drawer and made into my gym bag and of course, I wouldn't look closely at them -- heck they were in my drawer! Anyway, my mom wears a few sizes larger than me and because there was no way I was going to go all the way home or skip the gym, I put them on... they slid down, I pulled them back up, they fell down again.  So with them crumpled on the floor, I put my workout top on, which is spandex and fits snugly, then tucked my pants under my shirt -- it became my belt.  Unfortunately the pants were very baggy and... too short, I looked like a wanna be Erkel, all that was missing were the suspenders.  Needless to say, during my whole workout I was constantly tucking my pants under my belt-shirt.  You can just imagine the looks... it was hilarious.

How did the pants get in my drawer? The conclusion I could come up with is:  Last summer my mom stayed with us for a couple of weeks and somehow those pants in these past months made it from her house, to our spare bedroom, through the laundry, then into my drawer -- the strange thing; it took them six months to make to my dresser -- spooky.

Keep on laughing

Have a great day and week-end.  

Words of Commendable Encouragement

At the beginning of this month, when I went to the gym, I noted something a tad different -- it was busier.  My guess was because of all the New Year's resolutions that had been uttered the weeks prior to January 1, 2012.  Some of the new faces were there simply to get in shape, maybe tone and do a little weight training.  Others were there to lose weight and feel better about who they are -- it is to those that I give the following words of encouragement, as I myself was once a very large woman.

I know what it feels like to walk in the gym and not have that perfect model body (not that I have one now mind you).  The embarrassment, the feeling of inadequacy, the stares from those who have those perfect bodies, all those horrible feelings that are added to the already crappy pile of sh** you place on yourself.  What I want you to know is this:  I do look at you when I see you working hard on the treadmill, or the bike, or jogging, or ... Well you get the picture.  But I'm not thinking what you think I'm thinking -- I'm not thinking "how could someone let themselves get like that" (I know all too well how easy it is) or "that's disgusting".  No, I'm not thinking that at all, what I'm thinking is "good for you", "keep it up", "don't let the skinnies get to you" and I'm trying to get up enough courage to approach you, to give you a high five and encourage you to keep going -- keep going, you've already taken the hardest step. You go guys and gals!!!!

Have a great day

Titles

I've heard it said, on numerous occasions, that one of the hardest things for some authors to do, is pick a title for their masterpiece.  Up until now, I found that interesting, because for me, the titles were always the next thing that popped into my head after the first paragraph did.  However, the bunch that took the stage this time are stubborn.  Yes, another book is on the horizon and the story is being told, but my characters have yet to reveal the title and honestly, it's driving me crazy. Arg!!! (I think they're rebelling).

As their words flow across the pages, the fact that their story doesn't have a name is never far from the forefront of my mind. Which, of course, means, I'm constantly shushing them when my brain decides to change direction and runs through a plethora of possible titles.  In essence... this bunch has me struggling.  Hmm, maybe I'll push them to the back of the line and see who's next.  I'm allowed to do that, after all, I'm the author.

Have a great day.

What Do I Do Now?

The weekend went well and Soul Control is now in the hands of the judges at Amazon. Fingers crossed that my *##@@ 300 word hook sends it to the second round and if not... well, we won't think about it.

For the past couple of months I've been working on Soul Control and it is now fully and utterly complete.  I've read over and over, and I don't think I can tweak it anymore.  Now what do I do?

Well, I'm simply going to give my brain a rest, even though I'm certain others are already sneaking in the back door and will soon step on stage, wanting their stories written -- until then, I'm going to enjoy the silence, because it will probably only last a day, if I'm lucky.

Have a great day.