Sometimes….

…the “established wisdom” doesn’t help.
For example: I’m a writer and I’ve been told a million times that you can’t please everyone, that reviews are subjective. Rowan Larke’s favorite question when I’m angsting over a review is “Are you going to write your books for *insert name of reviewer*?”
The problem is that the reviews reinforce that inner doubt. What if I can’t tell a story? What if the reason my Erotic Romance does better than my sensual romance is because the sex detracts from the lack of plot/lack of characterization?
What if I really can’t write?
These times come and go. Doubt is a curse and it’s a blessing. Without self-doubt, I would quit striving. If I thought I had it made, I’d get lazy and complacent. Without constant prodding, I’d definitely rest on my laurels.
But the trick is to know when the criticism is applicable and when it isn’t. Reviews are subjective, yes. No one likes to have their plot called “silly” or “common place”. No one likes to have their characters called “flat” or “two dimensional”. And certainly no one wants the world to hear that one’s writing is “sloppy”.
However.
That’s what happens. The doubt creeps in making me wonder if I’ve made the right choices, picked the correct direction, worked on the right aspect of my writing. All of these things get in the way of the creative process. And it’s all PART of the creative process.
Go big or go home.
Every writer I know has those bumps in the road that throw them off–pathetic royalty checks, scathing reviews, generally being ignored–and yet, the ones who persevere are the ones who make it. I know all that. I tell myself all that.
And yet, sometimes….
Today, I hate Google alerts.
Today, I doubt.
Today, it won’t be easy to open my work in progress.
It’s all part of the glamorous life of an author.

The Nameless Just Sayin’

To Whom It May Concern
There are just some days only homemade almond rocha will fix. This is one of them.
Just Sayin’
To The Puppy
Three piles of poop this morning? UGH! Can’t you do just one at a time and give me a break in between? Better yet, GO OUTSIDE!!!!
Just Sayin’
To the *&(&(^&^&_(*&(&* cat
I realized you’re not fixed. (Don’t ask me why. Not my damn cat) I realize you don’t use a kitty litter. But the last time I let you outside to do your business, you disappeared for three days and no one could find you. And when Not My Kid’s mom DID find you, you were all skinny and pathetic. I realize all this. I can handle the cat pee smell. I can handle the poop. But really. Do you have to meow ALL DAY LONG?
Just Sayin’
To God
I’m trying. Honest I am. I’m trying not to find it terribly ironic that I, who don’t really like pets at all, am responsible for two dogs, a puppy, a tom cat and an alligator lizard. I’m trying not to be bitter about dog and cat poop, the smell of my house (and it’s not the scent of pine) and the fact that my mother is possibly descending upon me Friday night with two of her friends. (Oh, I invited them. I did. Yes, I’m that stupid).
I’m desperately trying to do my “good deeds” such as they are with a joyful heart.
But
Sometimes, it just stinks.
Literally.
Just Sayin’
To No One In Particular
I don’t want to clean the play room. I donwannaIdonwannaIdonwanna! It’s gross out there. Hell, if the brother in law I can’t stand was home right now, I’d pay him whatever he asked to clean it. Whatever. He. Asked.
Just Sayin’
To My Blog Readers
You’ll be happy to know that I’ve paid scant attention to politics. I’m too busy picking up poop and making cookies. (And yes, I do wash my hands frequently).
Just Sayin’

Humboldt Christmas with Cat and Dog poop

It’s been a busy season.
You know how it gets. Yesterday was the Cub Scout Christmas party. It was actually fun for the most part. The popcorn prizes were messed up…AGAIN. I swear, it’s just not worth it to tempt kids with those shiny pictures in the brochure. I’m with Sally from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Make it easy on yourself, BSA, just send money.
Humboldt County is one of the most beautiful places to celebrate Christmas. It rains, but it’s not an angry torrent most of the time. The weather is cold…but not too cold. The fog adds character to the evergreen mountains on one side and the angry ocean on the other. There’s some Christmas highlights that make it all worth while.
Henderson Center, in Eureka, blocks off F street and has a big holiday party at some point early in December. Fortuna has a small truck parade that coincides with the Main street Christmas celebration complete with Santa. It’s festive. It’s cheerful. There’s places you can find a “classy Christmas” such as a showing of “The Nutcracker” or “A Christmas Carol” by the NCRT or The Ferndale Rep. You can experience the “Redneck” version of Christmas with the Truck Parade. (Nothing beats “Jingle Bells” on a semi-truck horn, eh?).
There’s a change in the colors during the season. The oak trees glimmer with soft golden leaves and the Redwood trees wear their green robes over reddish bark covered pants. The sky turns a gentle gray that dims the sunlight enough so the light touches the Earth with tiny sparkles.
The true meaning of Christmas has hit home for me this year (and yes, this is where the dog poop comes in).
Demolition Boy has a buddy that has hung out with him for over a year. Well, last month, right before Thanksgiving, his buddy (who shall now be known as Not My Kid) got evicted. Well, Not My Kid’s mom got evicted. Not My Kid and his mom spent Thanksgiving with us. They couldn’t keep the puppy (yes, you heard me. A PUPPY) and the cat they had so we took them in. Not My Kid was going to school here in Fortuna while their temp housing was in Eureka, so Not My Kid would stay here during the week and I’d take him to school after I took MINE to school.
The puppy poops everywhere.
The cat, who was an outside cat but has run away twice, has pooped and peed everywhere.
My house smells like a stable.
I hate picking up pet poop.
But you see, that’s the whole thing about Christmas. There’s stuff about the season that makes me nuts. Putting up lights, getting all the crap out of the closet (which is blocked by the Brother In Law I can’t stand’s stuff but that’s a WHOLE other story) and running around like a chicken with my head cut off are all things that make this time of year tough.
But it’s all worth it.
When your kid’s eyes light up.
When you get to chat with friends at a Cub Scout party.
When the Christmas music fills the house along with the smell of freshly baked cookies.
When the lights of the Christmas tree glow and the Christmas village shines.
Yes, even with dog and cat poop, it’s worth it.
It’s worth keeping a floundering family from slipping over the edge of oblivion.
It’s worth it to show our kids that “charity” doesn’t mean shit if it’s right in your face and you ignore it.
It’s worth it when we say the blessing before a fantastic meal and it occurs to me that we’ve ALWAYS had wonderful Christmases.
Even with poop.

Thirteen of my Favorite Christmas Moments

1. Soap Poisoning from “A Christmas Story”
My favorite line? The part where his mom says “I’ll never forgive myself” and Ralphie says “Thanks, Mom.”
2. I Hate People from “Scrooge”

3. The Conclusion from “Scrooge”.
This never fails to make me feel better. It’s uplifting. It’s awesome. I love it. I know it’s long, but worth it.
4. The Nativity from “Donovan’s Reef”

Not everyone considers this a Christmas movie, but I do. I love this movie. It reminds me of my Dad.
5. The Ending from “It’s A Wonderful Life”

6. The Little Dutch Girl from “Miracle on 34th St.”

I have no idea what that second song is, but the little dutch girl is such a neat part of that movie.
7. Hot Chocolate from “The Polar Express”

8. The Ending from “The Polar Express”

9. Mrs. Santa Claus in “Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas”

Yep. It makes me cry.
10. “A Couple of Misfits” from “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer”

11. The True Meaning of Christmas from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

12. Happy Birthday from “Frosty the Snowman”

Well, I can count to five. LOL.
13. Best. Family. Dinner. EVAH. from “Comfort and Joy”

This movie is my personal favorite and when Sam stands up to Jane’s mother…..he’s so damn hot. I own this movie. If you’ve never seen it, rent it. You won’t regret it. I love, love, love this movie. It’s corny and sweet and totally memorable.

Random Whiskey Wednesday

It’s been a busy, busy week.
Christmas Cookie Weekend turned into Christmas cookie week. I’ll take pictures.

Taking care of someone else’s boy regularly is much harder than I thought. I mean, when I go head to head with my kids, it’s a battle wills I have a chance to win. With someone else’s, no such luck. I might win the battle and lose the war. *sigh*. I hate fighting over stupid stuff with a kid. But it was twenty degrees outside and a t-shirt isn’t going to work. A coat. Wear a damn coat. And you’re not leaving the house until you do. Yep. That went well.

Rewriting is not fun at all. I’m going to finish and I can see the end, but man, does it suck.

Do you need a little relaxation for the holidays? I suggest Jodi Redford’s “TAKING LIBERTY” which is one of the best Sci Fi Romance books I’ve read in a while. The action was fantastic and the world building was stellar. I fell in love with her hero along with the heroine and the tension between those two was electric. I especially loved her aliens and Jodi is a brilliant writer. I’m keeping an eye out for more of her sci fi. She and I exchanged a few emails and I was SHOCKED to discover it was her first sci fi. Yes, it’s that good. Good SFR is tough to find, so I hope we see a lot more from her soon.
I also suggest “The Dickens With Love” by Josh Lanyon (if you like m/m romance). The research Josh did for this book really makes this story shine. I love the characters and the plot is terrific. Josh always writes hot sex scenes and these are smokin’, but he ALSO adds the element of holiday angst and emotion that gives the story depth.

This hasn’t been an easy year. I’ve never been so eager to see a year come to a close. As 2009 winds down, I realize it’s been my most challenging, least productive year since I started writing in 2005. My writing has improved and I’ve kept my nose to the grindstone, but it HAS been a grind. My resolution for next year is to love writing again. I’ve had glimpses this year, but not many.

Good news!!! For those of you who follow my blog, you know that the Redneck works out of town five days a week. He’s been on the road for over four years and it has been a monotonous ride. He found out that he’ll be working close to home–only thirty minutes away–starting next March. Nothing is ever set in stone, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll get to have him home for a while. I know that doesn’t sound like I’m jumping up and down, but I’m always cautiously optimistic. When he’s really home, I swear you’ll hear my “YEE HAW” all the way to Canada.

Oh, and I’ve been following along with Alaska Steve on his vacation. He has some absolutely stunning pictures of the Capitol and New York. Don’t miss them.His D.C. pics were gorgeous, but I love the take he had on Seattle.

Got any ideas for a Thursday Thirteen? LOL.

SHADOWPLAY BY PORTIA DA COSTA

Blurb

No ordinary holiday in the country…

When wayward, sophisticated Christabel is forced to take an extended country holiday she foresees only long days of bucolic boredom and sexual ennui. But she has reckoned without the hidden agenda of Nicholas, her deviously sensual husband, and the presence of unexpected stimuli within the grounds of a brooding old mansion house. Almost immediately, she is drawn into a web of transgressive eroticism, where power and pleasure shift and change like the shadows playing across Collingwood’s secretive walls. Swept in with her are the delusional but libidinous Daniel, a prisoner of his own obsession with the past; his beautiful wild-child sister, Augusta; and the golden, ambiguous Jamie, personal assistant to the all-controlling Nicholas.

As the summer passes, and ever darker and more challenging liaisons unfold, Christabel quickly comes to relish her enforced sabbatical.

Excerpt

Reviews

Available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

A Don’t Spoil The Mood Just Sayin’

To The Universe
I hate to tell you, but I’m ENJOYING the Christmas season. Last weekend was Christmas Cookie Weekend. And just like every year, I have gone all out. I’m not even remotely finished, so Christmas Cookie Weekend has morphed into Christmas Cookie week. Don’t mess with me. I don’t want to hear about politics or Tiger Woods or Oakland’s new murder records. Just let me walk around in my self induced sugar high.
Just Sayin’
To the Dirt Faced Okie Boys
Nice Job boys. Check out the picture of the tree you decorated.

To These Guys

HILARIOUS! And great singing. (I had to add this song to go with the picture doncha know)
Just Sayin’
To my characters
Nice of you to finally get it together. Now, if you could just do that ONE AT A TIME! Sheesh.
Just sayin’
To Whoever Sent me the Really Nice Carpet cleaning Vacuum
Um, okay. I don’t know whether to take that as a “Here’s something I know you’ll love” or “Jeez, slob, clean up your house!”. I haven’t opened it. Until I know who sent it…Weird, I know. But it’s a little disturbing to come home to find a box at the back door, only my name on it and no return address except Target.com. *shakes head* It’s just a little freaky.
Just sayin’

Science Fiction Romance Holiday Blitz–A Chance for Free Books

Don’t miss out on this. It’s so easy. Just visit the blogs listed on THIS POST at The Galaxy Express and leave a comment. Then, on December 12th go back to see if you’ve won. There are some fantastic books up for grabs by Anne Aguirre, Jess Granger, Patti O’Shea and many, many more.
If you’re like me and have a difficult time finding Science Fiction Romance to read, this is your chance to get some FOR FREE!!
Go check it out!!!!

Thirteen Holiday Releases To Get You In The Mood

1. Christmas Magic by Adelle Lauden
2. My Christmas Wish by Ember Case
3. The Dickens With Love by Josh Lanyon
4. Christmas Hookup by Lex Valentine
5. All She Wants For Christmas by Crystal Jordan
6. Christmas Moon by Loribelle Hunt
7. Fairies And Wishes by Karen Erickson
8. Oh Yes, Virginia by Elaina Huntley
9. Her Knight Before Christmas by Deborah Dennis
10. To Do List by Lauren Dane
11. “Snowball In Hell” by Josh Lanyon
12. The Cowboy Christmas Bride by Cindy Spencer Pape
And of course 13. The Christmas She Rules by Jennifer Leeland

“Tickle My Fancy” by Sela Carsen, MK Mancos, Misty Evans and Vivi Andrews

Isn’t it gorgeous!!! The Tickle My Fantasy anthology is out in print today!!

Go ahead. Try to resist the magic. We dare you!

Carolina Wolf by Sela Carsen (psst! This is me!)
Debra knows that the teensy amount of witchcraft in her veins isn’t worth getting excited about. Yet someone—or something—thinks it’s worth attacking her. Rescuing her seals Maddox’s fate, but only if he can protect her from a rogue of his kind. A werewolf with a nasty streak…and a preference for raw meat.

The Ghost Shrink, the Accidental Gigolo and the Poltergeist Accountant by Vivi Andrews
Lucy is doomed. Not to death. To nightly visits from recently deceased Casanovas without the bodies to scratch her itch. Then a living fantasy arrives on her doorstep. Is her dry spell at an end? Not hardly. Jake has been sent to prevent her from getting laid until a particular horny phantom—and key witness in his investigation—pays her a visit.

ParaMatch.com by MK Mancos
Even though she lives without a paranormalady, Lucille has managed to carve a niche for herself with a paranormal matchmaking service. Enter Jager, deposed king of the Titans and successful paratrader. She can match anyone, except him. She doesn’t know that he’s out to negotiate the deal of a lifetime—a future with her.

Witches Anonymous by Misty Evans
Amy is done with Devil-worshipping. After swearing an oath never to use magic again, she’s in the market for a normal guy to complement her new lifestyle. And Adam looks like perfect hero material. Lucifer, however, isn’t about to be nice about letting her go…

Warning: This book contains hunky werewolves, smart-A** women and men who think that’s sexy, magic, angels, medieval legends, inter-species romance, disco music and flatulent Boxers. (The dogs, not the underwear.)

Read An Excerpt Online