Age Has Mellowed Me!

It seems like everytime I leave the house these days I'm in a hurry. I could ask myself why that is but I know the answer. I put off getting ready until the last minute. Today I got in my car, and as I backed out of the garage I noticed the gauge registered at empty. Not to panic, I don't worry about gas until the low fuel signal blinks. I know that aggrevates you men in the audience, but it's plain bothersome to have to stop for gas. Fortunately my car has one of those little computers that tells me how many miles I can travel without being stuck somewhere. I had 64 miles to go. No problem. Waco is just 16 miles away.

Today I went to the mall to have my eyes checked. When I arrived at the office where I've had my eyes examined for the past 7 years, I wasn't on the schedule. Actually, the doctor wasn't in. I learned there was another eye doctor in the mall so the receptionist called and my appointment was all the way at the other end. When I'd made the appointment, I'd lost my little reminder card so just found an eye doctor in the mall. Oops, wrong one. Oh well, one's as good as another. Got my eyes examined, hit several stores, bought a scarf, resisted the Blue Bell icecream, and left.

When I reached my car, my driver's side rear tire was flat. Oh dear. I couldn't drive on it like that but didn't have anyone to call. Hubby is volunteering with AARP and figuring income tax so he wasn't at home. Sears. That was the answer. I could drive around to the Sears Store and they would fix it. Sears does everything. Today they were shorthanded and wouldn't be able to get to it until 4:00. This was 1:00. I asked if they could at least air it up and I knew of a garage that wasn't too far. Plus, Sears doesn't carry Firestone Tires and that is what came on my HHR. Larry insists that all four tires match.

I dropped off my car and walked next door to Wendy's for lunch. I had my Dell Netbook so checked my email, etc. while there. By the time I returned to the garage my tire was fixed. A broken rusty nail was the culprit. My bill was 15.00. How lucky could I get?

I'd just settled in my recliner with my laptop when I got the message that today was my day to post on this blog. Yikes! I hadn't expected my turn to come around so soon. What could I possibly post about? Then it dawned on me, I'd blog about my day. Years ago I'd have been in a tizzy with all the unexpected happenings. Of course, back then I had a full time job, children to pick up from school or take here and there. And, I didn't have a cell phone. Now I'm more flexible. And with my netbook and or phone always at hand, I can always browse the web, read an ebook, or work on my work-in-progress. Even if I didn't have my little computer, I always keep paper and pen handy and can jot down ideas or write scenes.

So, is it age that has mellowed me or is my different response due to technology and resources? You be the judge.

Thanks for reading!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/
http://www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com/

THE BATTLE - 3. Connections

Michael W. Davis

Davisstories.com

“The Battle” is a series of articles of one author’s real life trip through a minefield of experiences as he’s learning to deal with personal difficulty. There is no ulterior purpose, other than to share thoughts in the hope others may find counsel in the shared journey.

All humans possess a network of connections with other people in their lives. This human network comes in layers: family, special buds, friends, business contacts, faces you see in local stores and say hi to each day, etc. This post is about the role the human network plays in our well being, but stick with me for a minute cause I need to interject a little background. Just…hold…on.

In the discipline of applied mathematics, the study and analysis of networks is a special sub field. A few real world examples will help. There are city networks (roadways), biological networks (our nerve or vascular system), infrastructure networks (our power supply), and a ton of other areas of application, including a sub specialty referred to as social networks (e.g. humans touching humans). We all have one, but it varies for each of us in terms of three properties of connectivity: namely depth, breath and strength. Depth pertains to the layers within layers and their complexity. Breath deals with how wide or big the network is, and strength deals with how strong the linkage is between the people in the network. Based on our age, gregarious nature, intro vs extrovert focus and many other factors; the shape, size, depth and importance of the human network to each of our lives is different.

Where in the world am I going with this post, well bear with me, its coming. To some, the relevance of their human network to their state of mind is minimal, in other it is paramount. I’m in the later category, always have been, always will. But I contend as people expand their awareness of what life is really all about, especially as they enter their later years, most begin to draw more and more strength from their network, especially in times of difficulty.

I’ll provide a personal example. Recently I was diagnosed with Cancer, that’s right, the big C word. Now relax, all signs are good it was caught in time. Other then the treatments that are hell, life is good and the future very promising. My point is the tremendous energy that can be gained from your personal connectivity network. I am very fortunate to have a wide and deep network, mostly because I love good people, and I seek them out and do my best to stay in touch. I am also able to recognize and gravitate to individuals who are pure of spirit, broad of heart, and strong in character. I have drawn such powerful support and genuine emotions from my human network. The shared stories, experiences, personal tragedies, and prayers have really firmed up my foundation, and at 300 pounds this old body needs all the support it can get.

Everyone that reached out moved me higher and higher up the state of mind scale, and I can’t reference them all. I picked one as an example, and after you read this one, it should give you a warm and fuzzy about human nature. I have permission to site part of the message from Harvey Tate (http://www.authorsden.com/harveyrtate):

Four years ago I remember sitting in a lonely hospital room in the late hours, wondering if I'd recover from my second bout of congestive heart failure. The night can make you feel mighty dismal. For whatever reason, I began humming the tune "Rainbow Connection" very quietly. The tune kept me from total depression. I kept humming and trying to remember the words. The hours slipped by much easier. Sometime around three in the morning a nurse slipped into the room and told me that she'd seen lots of illness in her job, but the ones who had a positive attitude usually walked out the door. She patted my head like I was a little boy and told me I was going to be fine.

One of the favorite tunes I sing my grand daughter has being Rainbow Connections, but now it will always have another special meaning to me, and hopefully you. My point? Never be afraid to reach out into your human network. We are not really alone unless we want to be. The walls that separate us are by choice and can be torn down. Sure, not all will respond, but many will. Reach out, extend a smile, a hand shake, some positive little words to make someone’s day. You will be amazed how your network grows and grows while willing people just like you, that get lonely, need a hug every now and then; they will flock to your network. And they are real, positive, honest connections. You’d be surprised how many are waiting with open arms to give you a hug, or hold you hand, and if you need one more, hell let me know and I’ll give ya a web hug. And I promise to be gentle. Never broke any ribs yet.

Big Mike
Michael W. Davis (Davisstories.com)
Author of the year, 2008

Blind Consent, “The answers are buried in the secrets of the past.”
Forgotten Children, “Only Sara knows the truth.”
Tainted Hero, “Sometimes good people do bad things.”
Veil of Deception, “Sometimes the truth cuts deeper than a lie

A New Beginning

A couple of months ago, I submitted my last story in the Invisible series (yes, Invisible is really book two but that’s how readers refer to it). There may be other stories in the future, I’ll never rule that out, but for now, it is done.

Which has me asking myself ‘What do I write next?’

It will likely be another series. I love writing series. Once I set up the world, I can concentrate fully on the characters and relationships. It is a wonderful mix of comfort and creativity.

But will it be a contemporary romance? Or will I set it in the future? Should I write one of those post-apocalyptic romances that are so popular? Will there be vampires or zombies in this world (there are vampire and zombie business folks, I’m sure)? (And, no, K.M., you aren’t going to suck me into the sci fi world – that is beyond my creative capacity)

How will I write these stories? Will I keep my lean Kimber Chin writing style, testing how many writing rules I can break, or will I go more traditional?

How long will these stories be? Will I launch them with a series of shorter works or will I write a series of full length novels?

I’m enjoying pondering all these questions. This is an exciting time. I’m, what we call in the business world, blue-skying. Anything is possible. I can take my writing anywhere.

I have until the end of May to figure out the direction. That is when my current business contract ends and I’ll be back to writing 24/7 (and I DO write 24/7 – well, except for sleeping and eating). Until then, I dream and question.

$

Every month, Kimber Chin gives away her favorite romance eBook read the month before. To enter, visit http://businessromance.com/

SERENDIPTY--OR JUST PLAIN LUCK?

This is the third time I've tried to write this post. Can this be my unlucky day? Starting in childhood, I've had a series of lucky days. I lived then where the Viking and I have retired to--the south shore Of Lake Superior. Since our village runs along the lake, there are many beaches to use. As kids, we preferred one where there was a vast sandbar stretching out into the water--mostly because neither I nor any of my girlfrinds could swim. One muggy late July day, after a bad storm the night before, four of us nine-year-olds trekked down to this beach. No adults or life-guards. Lake Superior never really warms up much, so we were on the sand as much as we were in the water. This day was hot and muggy rather than being refreshed by the storm. When some boys, mostly classmates,came by, my best friend and I waded out on the sandbar, then walked parallel to the beach, holding hands as we did. When we stepped off into water over our heads neither of us knew what happened--there'd always besn a sandbar here! I tried to hold my breath as I went down. Before i reached bottom, someone grabbed me. My impulse was to cling to whoever it was, but he wouldn't let me, hauling me up to the surface and pulling me along in the classic rescuer's hold until it was shallow enough so I could stand. I stood there gasping and coughing, watching him swim and dive down, finally realizing my friend must be under the water somewhere. I was frozen in place, sure she was drowning, but another boy--the Viking, in fact, came out and walked me back to the beach, putting my towel around my shivering shoulders. Everyone of us on the beach watched in silence as the rescuer finally surfaced and pulled my friend in like he had me. But when he reached shallow water, he had to carry her into shore. He laid her face-down, turned her head to the side and began pushing on her back. (The preferred method of that period.) Water gushed out ot her nose and mouth. Then she came to, vomited and sat up. That boy and the others were boy scouts, where they'd been taught to swim. Just two weeks before they'd learned rescuing and resuscitation. Serendipity--or luck? We did learn later that storn currents on the lake altered the borrom.
When I was till an aspiring writer, I took a writing class where the published writer instructor took only writers who wanted to be published. Two semester sessions later, he sent my finished (and edited by him) gothic ms. to his agent. Who sold it to a NY pub. My very first published book--TULE WITCH. Why did I choose that particular writing class? Serendipity--or luck?
Years later, when I was living in Upstate New York and writing for Kensington, I submitted an idea for a series of five books about five women who lived near one of the five Great Lakes. Mi editor told me to put all the stories into one book. Which I managed to do. Kensington called it Jewels Of The Heart. After the book came out, a column writer for a newspaper near the village where I grew up, emailed me and asked about the book. So I write a blurb and bio, etc. and sent it to her. She wrote a feature article about me and the book. The Viking's brother still lived in the village and he cut out the article and sent it Elmer.in Nevada. Who immediately bought the book and read it. He managed to find my phone number and called me from Nevads to ask if he was the Swedish hero in ooe of the stories. Since I never know who I base heroes on, I told him he could be. As we talked we learned both of us were either widowed or divorced . If I hadn't written the book, and all the other connections hadn't been made, it could be the Viking from my past and I would never have crossed paths again. Since we've been very happy together, how sad that would have been. Serendipity--or luck?
I was thinking about this when I wrote LADY LUCK, about how seemingly unrelated events could bring people together. Which made my story a perfect fit for the first book in Champagne's new In The Cards Tarot Series, where a Tarot card accidentally introduced into the life of a character can change it completely--my card being The Wheel of Fortune. Hope you'll look for it later in 2010. Jane

New Moon and curiosity...

Over the weekend my daughter and I took over the television to watch Twilight and New Moon. (yes I am TOTALLY TEAM JACOB! But that's another blog over at my website http://www.donicacovey.com/)



But I was watching this massive DVD set DD purchased and there was somethiing about the real town of Forks. This got me to thinking--dangerous I know...how do you feel about REAL places in your Fiction?



Most of my books take place in Missouri and Arkansas the two towns I've spent most of my life in. However I never use the actual names of the towns in either state and I change the names of the actual businesses, as well as the people who influence certain characters. I use names like Maxville and Flat Rock but anyone who knows the real towns knows exactly where I'm talking about. (Of course, Maxville was the real name WAY, WAY, WAY back when)



In my latest book I have toyed with naming names--the town name that is NOT actual people--but local businesses, parks, rivers, roads, etc.



How do you as readers feel when you read about your locale in a book? Would you like to read about your favorite hamburger joint? The high school you graduated from got a new gym, want to see it in a book? Do you feel a stronger connection when you read it over and go GEE! I KNOW this place! I went to school there...I made out in that parking lot...I wrecked my dad's car there... I got my first ticket there...we had a bon fire there...that's MY favorite fishing hole...



Writer's how do YOU feel about using real places? Is it something that makes you cringe? Do you feel more comfortable making up a name for a real location to CYB? If you use real places, like businesses, do you get permission from the owners or just wing it and pray? After all you might be using the decor, the name, the service, the people as springboard but it IS Fiction afterall and ANY resemblence is just a coincidence!



I'm curious to know how y'all feel so please let me know!



hugz

Donica

B&N's 'nook' (eReader)

The introduction of eReader has opened new doors for those of us that like to 'hold' a book while reading. Apple's iPad has been predicted to change the industry...but the price may be a bit hefty for some. Not to worry, there are several fabulous gadgets available, and new ones being added all the time.

Such as Barnes and Noble's 'nook'.

At a competitive price of around $250.00, here is what I've found in researching the latest eReader on this site
http://www.cantputdown.com/content/review-ereaders:

The nook:

...includes everything necessary to start reading right away so you can basically turn the device on and start using it; once it is charged.
...offers two ways to browse. You can use the first ever full-color 3.5" touchscreen where you can use your finger to swipe through titles and tap to open the book you would like to read, or you can use the large virtual keyboard to find exactly what you are looking for.
Uses E Ink display technology--basically real ink that is digitized. Makes for a crisp reading screen.
...No-glare screen
...Has 5 adjustable text sizes
...has both AT&T's 3G Wireless Network and Wi-Fi technologies. You can receive Wi-Fi for FREE at any Wi-Fi hot spot and of course all Barnes and Noble stores will offer free Wi-Fi access to nook users.
...has 2GB on-board memory. Stores up to 1,500 books, newspapers or magazines. You can add a 16 GB memory card that will hold up to 17,500 books.

You can access eBooks -- including thousands of free classic titles and bestsellers by tapping the Shop button on your nook. A number of nook features apply only to eBooks purchased through Barnes & Noble.com. These are stored in your online digital library and include: bookmarks, highlighting, notes, lending, rating, recommending, and cross-platform reading. The nook also supports PDFs, as well as ePub and PDB files.
You can sample any eBook that Barnes and Noble has to offer before you decide to buy. Many bestsellers and new releases will cost $9.99.
You can use your current Barnes and Noble membership card to purchase your eBooks online.
With the nook you can easily bookmark, highlight words or passages, make notes and export notes or look up words with the built-in dictionary. When you bookmark, you will begin reading right where you left off.

If you happen to forget your nook at home you can easily continue reading on your iPhone, iTouch, Blackberry, PC or Mac through Barnes and Nobles FREE e-Reader software. Remember when you bookmark, your place will be saved whether it is on your nook or iPhone!
Share your eBooks with friends or family. Most eBooks can be lent for up to 14 days. You can send an eBook to their nook, computer or cell phone with Barnes and Noble's FREE e-Reader software. NOTE: However, it sounds like you will be able to share any given eBook title up to one time only.
Read up to 10 days without recharging and with wireless shut off. Wireless activity will drain the battery quicker.
Installed rechargeable Lithium battery that you can actually change out yourself. The expect the lifespan of a Lithium battery for up to 2-3 years. You can also charge your battery via either USB connection to your computer or a power adapter.
You can use your nook as an MP3 player and it holds up to about 26 hours of audio. Has built-in speakers and has a universal 3.5 mm headphone jack.
'nook' supports the following file types:
EPUBZ and e-Reader formats
PDFs
MP3s and graphics loaded onto your nook via your computer or micro SD card
JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP files to create your own personal screensavers
You can load your own pictures onto you nook and create your own personal screen savers.
Be sure to check the coverage viewer for mobile broadband 3G coverage in your area.
If you unfortunately lose your nook device you can go to your B&N.com account to de-register your nook or call Customer Service toll-free at 1-800-THE-BOOK (843-2665) to de-register the device from your account.
Every nook has a User Guide in its Library

Best of all, you can go to any Barnes and Noble & 'test-drive' a nook!

I'm planning to check one out this weekend...so excited!

Until next time, happy eReading!

Angie

http://www.angelaashtonbooks.com/

available via Champagne Books-- http://www.champagnebooks.com/:

Amulet of Fate

Once a Rebel (book 1 in Orphan Train series)

Corsair Cove

and coming August 1, 2010...

Adrian's Angel

The Other Side of the Canoe

Today, the river that runs a few hundred feet past my house was in the news.

I've known this river since I was twelve years old. I sat on its banks to read my paperbacks on spring days when the grass was just dry enough to sit on without soaking my butt. The first warm rays of the late afternoon sun were so welcome after a dismal, cold and dark winter. Sometimes a groundhog poked its head out of a nearby hole and regarded me with suspicion before slipping back into its lair.

In winter, I once watched otters slither down a homemade snow slide into the frigid water. I saw footprints on the river. Ducks, mice, gulls, crows, and muskrats scampered across the frozen surface. Sometimes I saw slushy human footprints too, and marveled at the stupidity of the human race. Moving water doesn't freeze well.

When I was a teen, my friends and I traversed the banks of the river from Aurora to the border of East Gwillimbury. I fished off the old abandoned dam at the end of our street and caught a 'sucker fish', our name for carp. They weren't good eating, but I heard you could fertilize a garden with it.

Before they installed a proper bridge across the dam, we crossed via a narrow beam, but I often looked down at the churning waters and shuddered with trepidation.

My boyfriend had this brilliant idea. "Let's canoe from Cook Bay to your house!"

Being the love-struck teen that I was, I instantly agreed. We set the canoe in the water on a cloudy day and paddled upstream with the puppy he had given me. Quasi was so well behaved and she peeked over the gunnels, never attempting to jump out.

When it started raining we took shelter under the bridge at Green Lane. (I thought he was going to kiss me, but it turned out I had crud on my cheek. I thought that crap only happened in the movies). We then continued south. At times the water was so shallow we had to get out and carry the canoe, sloshing over smooth pebbles in our sneakers while Quasi stuck her tongue at us with glee because she was getting a free ride.

All in all, it was a pretty crappy trip and I chalked it up to my boyfriend's impulsive nature. (By the way, we didn't stay together. I married a very non-impulsive guy except for the time we drove to Niagara Falls on a whim.)

Today, I discovered why the helicopters hovered over my street and why the ambulance screamed across Davis Drive followed by a police car. A man had paddled his canoe southward on the Holland River and got caught in the intake valve of the dam at the end of my street. He must have struck his head and was swept over the falls along with his canoe. His body was recovered after some difficulty due to the violent undertow at the lower side of the dam. This is our local news report.

His name was Peter Stanton. He ran a school of dance here in town, and I remember watching him float across the dance floor with a fellow teacher during a night out with my girlfriends. He will be missed.

2. THE BATTLE

Part 2 – The Invasion

By MichaelDavis (Davisstories.com)


“The Battle” is a series of articles of one author’s real life trip through a minefield of experiences as he’s learning to deal with personal difficulty. There is no ulterior purpose, other than to share thoughts in the hope others may find counsel in the shared journey.

By the age of forty, most of us have encountered the physical invasion that occurs when we enter “the medical zone.” Except for me. That’s right, except for a triple broken elbow and a few stitches when I sliced my hand, I have done my best to steer clear of the smelly scary halls of hospitals. It should thus be of no surprise for those among you that have spend tons of time in those “places”, I was in for a real shocker during my journey to cure cancer.

Amazing how many ways and places they can find to invade the body. In two short weeks I have been poked and probed like I was a food sources for a nation of vampires. Of special delight was my first PET scan. I encourage everyone, if you are given a free token (it’s $4300 so you can’t just pay with pocket change) for a trip into the radioactive isotope world of the PET machines, run, don’t walk to the opportunity (just kidding). In my case, it was especially memorable because of my size. You see, I’m 6’2” and 52 inches in the shoulders. The breath dimension of my body (go ahead, say it, I’m a bear) places me in about the.01 percentile range for ergonomic dimensions. They pushed and crammed and strapped my body with straight jackets and blocks till I would slide through with a little grease here, and a little lube there.

Because my Cancer is in the throat, for twelve minutes of the scan, I was also required to wear a medieval mask (I am not kidding) like you see in some S&M movie. Why? Modern radiological technology is computerized and very precise. They need accurate points of reference for the tumor relative to your body so they can triangulate and minimize as much collateral damage as possible (this is a very good thing). The mask has a mouth piece you grasp to anchor on your face as they clamp (that’s right, I said clamp) the sides against the table (again, this is a good thing). Now, I know each of you are going, “OMG! I could never”…but you can. To survive, to expedite recovery, you really can. For me, I was not uncomfortable with the mask because I understood its function and importance to the treatment effectiveness. You can breathe, there is no pain, just slight pressure on your face and the angels in the hospital do all they can to soothe the experience because they do understand the mind trip you are going through. I repeat, there is no pain, so remember that if you’re “called to the experience.”

Personally, other than the straps pulling my arms in to fit my large frame into the tube and restrict movement, I was fine with the experience, for the first twenty five minutes. Then, I became…well, I need to explain another fun part of this test. The PET machine works by detecting how radioactive material highlights normal and abnormal cells (cancer). Thus, you must glow for a short period (figuratively of course). The PET techs are careful to minimize their exposure to you after injection (by the way, the injection was, nothing, I really felt no burning or hotness flowing through my body at all, like many had stated). Remember, they are hit eight hours a day, we once a year or whatever but to a very minimal degree for us. After injection, I was escorted into the hallway (“please follow me, at a distance”, (g)), and I actually set off an alarm. Might be me again because they use a drop for most humans but a gallon jug for me, because of my big butt (again, a grin). He cut off the alarm and lead me into a dark room to sit and meditate for an hour as the glow juice works its way into your tissue. They also have you drink a bunch of “kool aid” like juice (the sugar is important to the process). This will be more relevant in a moment.

The funny side - It was so peaceful (yeah, even with my surroundings) and I had not slept well for three weeks (wonder why), I actually started to snooze. Hour later, the tech came in to get me and I paused for a nature break (I figured that would be helpful, given I was not allowed to eat from 7 AM till 3 PM, only water, lots and lots of water). Once the scan started, I was fine, for 25 minutes. Then I began to feel…you know. I’m an old man. Nature calls are very critical as a normal routine, but Lord I should have known better than to drink so much water. By thirty minutes in, I’m dying. I tried to think of greasing fries, chicken and biscuits (I was really starving) but no lakes, no oceans, yet the mind can be cruel. Finally I gave the signal (a lifted finger, no not that finger) but nothing happened. I started waving that finger of mine like it had a life of its own. Finally, I heard the machine slow down. The young lady slowly walked in and asked, “Mr. Davis, are you alright?” I pleaded, “Please sweetheart, unstrap me quick, I don’t want to embarrass myself” (yeah, like there was any chance of that). Now remember, I was doing a full torso scan (explain why later) but they only required I unbuckle my belt and pants, pull them around my knees. She unstrapped my arms, and I bolted like a rocket, literal dragging my pants on the floor, just no time to worry about that angle of my profile to the sweet young angel I left behind, “Back in 30 seconds.” Five minutes later, I returned and we only had to redo the last six minutes of the scan (they do the scan in slices).

Another funny angle – It takes 20 hours to remove the isotope from your body from nature calls, unless you drink water like crazy and then roughly 10 hours. During that period, they suggest you not hug family members. So, I got no snuggling that night, and I missed it!

Good news – They did a full body scan to check for spreading (migration of the cancer to other areas) and I was totally clean. OMG, what a relief for both of us. Sure, the throat treatments will still be ….ooooh…but things are looking positive. I know its weird to ignore the discomfort part of this experience, but my current view is, no gain till there’s pain, and I really want to start, now. Oh, and how does this relate to writing. I’ve already derived a neat idea for a suspense novel and a short story from the last few weeks; so many new experiences, so little time (g).

That’s it till the next phase. Back in a month. Anyone those wanting to interact offline, email me at general@Davisstories.com. I will try to respond to everyone, but it may take time, especially as I get farther into the treatments.

Michael Davis (Davisstories.com)
Author of the year, 4/09

MARS MIGHT BE TOO CLOSE TO VENUS

While writing KILLER DOLLS, we wanted the characters to have depth, a sense of non-conformity yet remain within the distinctive ranks of their gender. We did not wish to lie about what makes them who they are. Being a male and female writing team gave us an advantage. One of us would often tell the other, "A man/woman would not act that way." Once, for the fun of it and to wade into the truth of the yin and yang of the gender diversities, they created a list, with a bit of help from Google of ten things that differ between a man and a woman.

• Ask a woman how she stubbed her toe and she'll say she walked into a chair, ask a man and he'll say someone left a chair in the middle of the room.
• An English professor wrote the words, "Woman without her man is nothing" on the blackboard and directed the students to punctuate it correctly.
The men wrote: "Woman, without her man, is nothing."
The women wrote: "Woman! Without her, man is nothing."
• Man has his will, but woman has her way. (Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.)
• A man is as good as he has to be, and a woman is as bad as she dares. (Elbert Hubbard)
• A man thinks he knows, but a woman knows better. (Chinese proverb)
• Men always want to be a woman's first love, women like to be a man's last romance. (Oscar Wilde)
• Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths. (Lois Wyse)
• She says, "He forgets stuff I tell him, so I have to repeat myself over and over again."
He says, "She nags me."
• Women always worry about the things that men forget; men always worry about the things women remember.
• REMOTE CONTROL
Female.... A device for changing from one TV channel to another.
Male... A device for scanning through all 375 channels every 5 minutes.

Though humorous, there is a lot of truth in these quotes and thoughts. Men and women simply see life different. Men are usually more global, women usually live in the details. Yet there is a commonality when love exists, that special tenderness expressed to the other when no one is around, that first realization that crackles and explodes when one realizes they are in love, the emotions that surround the birth of a child, the ache when there is loss.

Though our stories always have a decisive plot, a story that can almost overpower the romance, the romance is there in truth, in the reality of emotions, in the thoughts and impulses that real men and women experience. We might lie when it comes to that perfect bosom that exists without cellulite, or that tree-trunk thick manly thighs that rarely exists outside bodybuilders and photo enhancement, but we never lie about emotions. Even in our novella SNAKE DANCE where the characters are not human, the emotions are true.

So the crux of this blog is celebrate those difference, enjoy them, tease about them but never forget as much as we are different, we are the same where it counts, our love for one another.

We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who emails us at angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a gift and add you to any future mailings.

Angelica Hart and Zi
KILLER DOLLS
SNAKE DANCE
CHASING GRAVITAS
angelicahartandzi.com
angelicahartandzi@yahoo.com

SNAKE DANCE AND KILLER DOLLS available at~
Champagne Books www.champagnebooks.com

If the door opens, seize the opportunity

I spent a wonderful weekend in Rockdale, TX at the Tejas Art and Book Fair but not as an author. Nope, I wore my art hat for this one. Because of my work for Flair Magazine, I was invited to visit with a local high school art class regarding careers in art. The talk we gave was motivational in nature and carried the theme; If a door opens, seize the opportunity.

That advice has followed me all through my life. I didn't choose to be an art teacher; art teaching chose me. Because I worked as an artist, I felt compelled to write. As a teacher, I watched students create each day but I didn't have time to join in. The need to create grew until I thought I'd explode. With small children at home, finding room to paint became difficult. Writing didn't require messy supplies or a large space. So - writing became my creative outlet. My husband's co-worker discovered my new love and invited me to join her critique group. The journey led me to Champagne and my first contract.

I have a BFA with an emphasis in commercial art and a minor in math. I've never used my degree as it was intended. Instead, I went back to school for certification to teach. For the first time, I'm finally using my commercial art degree. How? Why? Because I was published. Eh? My next door neighbor was good friends with the publisher of Flair. On the very first issue, the publisher lost her editor so she asked the friend if she knew anyone who was a writer. I was called and wooed with pizza. I've been with the magazine almost three years now. I started as the editor but when the art director position came up, I moved into that slot.

What a fun circle. I write because I'm an artist, and I'm an artist because I write. Regardless, I took the job because the door opened. I knew nothing about journalism. For that matter, I knew nothing about indesign, but I wanted the opportunity to put dormant skills to work. The door opened and I walked in.

This past weekend, I wore the art hat but as I was milling about the crowd, I ran into someone who recognized me as an author. She'd been at the booksigning in Bremond. My circle just got broader.

Conferences or do I want to spend all that money?

With our Silken Sands Writer Conference just around the corner, and yeah, I'm doing a workshop on writing for the e-market, I thought I'd offer a view or two on conferences, big and small.

Conferences take time and they take money. Last weekend Epic, the writers' organization for Electronically published held theirs in New Orleans. RWA, the organization for Romance Writers will hold their national conference in July, Romantic Times will be meeting soon and smaller conferences are being held all over the country for all kinds of authors, publishers and readers.

Now, to my question. Do I want to spend all that money?
Yep! Conferences cost. There's travel expenses, hotel, food, registration, and of course all the materials you have to prepare or the books you'll buy while you are at the conference. So what does the conference do for you and what can you offer to the conference?

I love doing workshops. I enjoy meeting long time writing friends who also love the conference scene. And if I have a book to promote, then a conference is often worth the cost. But I'll defer here to mention that I much prefer the small conferences. RWA national brings together several thousand people - agents editors, authors, promotional people and as yet unpublished writers. To be honest I really think you get lost in the shuffle.

I been to National conferences, medium sized conferences, and small conferences. Personally I prefer the small conferences. I have more of a chance to talk to writers. And I have yet to meet an author who doesn't read something. So I'm really talking to readers. I also get to meet and spend time with one or two agents or editors and share some of my knowledge. There is also the thrill of meeting a stranger who has read your book and who thinks it's wonderful.

As you might guess, large conferences cost lots of money. I estimate the national conference for attendees to the RWA conference can spend as much as three thousand
dollars for transportation, registration, hotel and meals, even though the conference is being held in the middle of the US this year. Romantic Times Readers Conference is scheduled to meeting in Ohio and again for many who must travel the expense will be great. So, the question is - is the cost worth the expense?

As I said, I prefer the smaller conferences. They are less expensive, and I personally feel you have a better chance of meeting a few people who can make a difference. But that's only my opinion. Lots of people love the hustle and bustle of a larger group. I like it small and less expensive. However, the question must always be asked. "Is this conference worth the expensive for me?"

eReaders

I just came across this article a few days ago. It highlights the results of a survey done just after the Apple iPad announcement. The article (and the link I found it through) make a big deal about how sales of the Apple iPad are going to impact sales of other eBook readers.

...the survey shows Amazon and its e-Reader competitors are poised to take a big hit early on from the iPad's entry into their market.

In fact this emphasis is illustrated in the title of the article - "New Survey Shows Huge Wave of Apple iPad Demand Striking Amazon". As as writer I often shake my head at the preposterous headlines that I come across and this is one of them. The article makes it sounds like the iPad will be a tsunami that will wipe Amazon off the map.

Maybe not. In fact, almost probably not. While the Amazon Kindle does have its flaws - crude design, high pricing, and (perhaps worst of all) a proprietary format, - it also has a lot going for it - Amazon's Whispernet, the automatic link to Amazon, and long battery life, just to mention a few. As the cost goes down (and it will - see my posting on $150 eReaders) and the Kindle and other eReaders improve, these eReaders will be posed as a competitive alternative to the iPad.

In an ideal world, I can see the Kindle and other eReaders supplementing the iPad, extending the reading experience by allowing readers to read books on more than one device. As fantastic as the iPad is expected to be, there will be times when one doesn't want to haul around a $500 piece of electronics. A $150 or, even better, a $99 eReader would allow the reader more options and would encourage reading (and hence book sales).

And that brings me to the final point in all of this.

...the iPad launch is likely to strengthen overall e-Reader demand...

The same survey shows that the third highest use of the iPad (37%) will be reading eBooks.



The larger the market grows, the more opportunities there are for everyone - from readers and writers to publishers, bookstores, and eReader companies. And that is definitely a good thing. So bring on the tsunami - personally I can't wait.

David

Posted by David Boultbee

Are We Hard Wired to Desire Doctors and Cowboys?

An interesting article came out yesterday regarding the psychological reasons that women read romance novels. The research only focused on Harlequin books, but undoubtedly the results could be applied to any romance novel – and give us authors some good ideas for future titles.

According to a Canadian study, it’s our mating instincts that make women long for a man who is “wealthy, fit, fertile, committed”. And apparently the types of man we desire most are doctors, sheriffs, and cowboys. The most Harlequin popular titles, according to the study, are those with the words love, bride, baby, man, marriage, cowboy, night, and nurse – representing our mating strategies that focus on reproduction and long-term commitment.We want someone wealthy, physically fit, and protective.

That’s why the long-held, traditional formula for romance novels involves a happily ever after by the last page of the book. We want to read about an ordinary woman, such as a nurse, who falls in love with her wealthy doctor boss and ends up with a marriage proposal.

What I find interesting is that things haven’t changed so much in the last century. Many of us women like to think we’ve progressed beyond the quintessential dream of the rich man who provides us with a white picket house and two point five children. But take a look at Harlequin. They’ve been highly successful for more than half a century based on offering books with titles like “The Cowboy Tycoon’s Marriage to the Nutty Nurse, Mother to His Love Baby” (obviously not a real title…).Clearly, not much has changed in the past 50 years.

Another thing I took away from this article is that Harlequin does not produce books that are going to make the bestseller lists any time soon. These slim volumes are definite fluff, written purely to entertain love-starved women. You won’t find Champagne publishing “The Billionaire Sheriff’s Night Bride”. Nope, I like to think that Champagne authors adhere to a higher standard. We write plots that go beyond the mating instinct and delve into the character’s psyche, motivations, spirit, adventure, intelligence, and so much more.

So next time you’re looking for something other than an hour long escape into the fantasy of marrying a rich doctor, try one of the great titles offered by Champagne. We do romance right. Look for "The Poor Garbage Man has a Fling with the Female Serial Killer" coming soon... (not!).

Candace Morehouse
www.candacemorehouse.com

Book Signing in Georgetown, Texas

Hi all,

I'll be signing copies of Forever Faithful, Investment of the Heart, and When the Ocotillo Bloom at the Hill Country Book Store March 6, 2010 from 12:00 to 2:00. If you're in the area, please stop by and say hello. The book store is located at 719 S. Main Street, right on the historic square.

It's a quaint book store privately owned by Margarite Holt and a delight to browse. I hope to see you there.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

http://www.lindalaroque.com/

http://www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com/