Wizard was watching TV, and I took a break from writing  to read for a few minutes.  So Wizard says:

“Look at the dish.”

I ignored him. He’s BEING A GUY. Saw some pretty or hot girl on TV and his brain goes into neutral. He’s just trying to get a rise out of me.

He’s quiet for a whole minute, then says, “Witch.”

“What?” I may have snarled it because CAN’T HE SEE I’M READING?? Why is it that when I read Wizard suddenly needs to talk?

He sings out, “I like dishes.”

He seriously said that. To me–the woman working LONG days, barely sleeping, and I just took a  fifteen minute break because my hand is cramped and my elbow won’t bend anymore. All I want to do is READ FOR 15 FREAKING MINUTES. And he’s calling women dishes to make me insane. Too late, I’m hit insane a long time ago. So refusing to look up, I snap, “If you like dishes so much go unload the dishwasher.”

He comes right back with. “No can do, witch. I like to look but I don’t touch any dish but you.”

Okay, yeah, I laughed.

Our weekend was good. We went out to dinner Saturday night and it was soooo good. The last couple times we’ve gone out, it’s been pretty disappointing, so this was really nice.  And I am writing, much happier with the book, but running late and that twists my stomach into knots. But all I can do is keep typing!

How was your weekend?

It’s Friday! And there’s a weekend! And guess what I’ll be doing? Never mind. Talking about work all the time is ridiculously boring.

Here’s three pictures of couples. Just for fun; which one would you pick to star in a romance novel?

Couple #1

Couple #2

Couple #3

I’d probably pick Couple #2.

Have a great weekend!

I’m cranking hard on this book, and ti’s coming together, so yay!  I still have a LOT to write, but I’m feeling it now. You know something sad? Once I do get this book in (Please God!), I am actually looking forward to cleaning my house. I never thought I’d say that!

Okay, a lot of you have probably seen this on Facebook, but I want to show it here too. So for our Wednesday Worthy Candidate–here’s the cover of HER TEMPORARY HERO:

So do you think this guy on the cover is worthy or not? (FYI-no one is going to hurt my feelings–the publisher designs the cover, not me. I’m happy with it but I didn’t have much say beyond filling out a cover-art form.)

HER TEMPORARY HERO is up for pre order at several vendors, including Amazon, B&N and Kobo, but I’m not going to link it yet because right now it’s $3.99 and during release week of July 14th it will be 99 cents. That’s a much better deal!!

Wait there was a weekend? My days are getting confused!  I’m writing as fast as I can, trying to get this story out. I might make the deadline but at this point I’m not thinking about anything but the story. And I have to say this, Wizard is being AWESOME about it. He’s doing dishes, or pitching in where ever he can.

Probably because he wasn’t to retire early

When I popped my head up from work and scanned Facebook I  saw an author is pulling their books off Amazon after their blog tour is over because of “spoilers reviews.” Then I saw all the freak out going on around that big announcement–and that their sales is going up significantly after that announcement. All I can say is that author as accomplished their promotional mission. Why don’t I think of these things? LOL!  I am seriously not clever enough. I’m usually thinking about my next book (or cupcake) to come up with a marketing plan like that.

In other news, we had a great time at the graduation party for our two nieces. And Wizard and I spent a little time in the pool.

Now I’m back to writing and begging the characters to stay on track. They’ve made me change this story twelve times, I’m doing it their way, so please just cooperate now!

OH!!! And I’m going to be making some cookies for a bridal shower at the end of July. If you have any suggestions, throw them out! I will ultimately end up doing what my niece (the bride) wants, but I love talking about cookies!

So how was your weekend?

We’re counting down to the release of HER TEMPORARY HERO! I just saw the cover last night–it’s hot. There’s one last tweak they are doing. But otherwise, the book is ready to go!

Too bad this book I’m writing isn’t all done and ready to go yet I’m doing a massive push now. But Saturday I’m taking a break to go to a graduation party. One of my nieces is graduating from high school and another from college. I won’t miss that! But otherwise, I’ll be racing against time on this book.

But when this book is done, I’m taking a week off (Why do people laugh and Wizard roll his eyes every time I say that? Really I am!! Well I’ll be getting ready to promote HER TEMPORARY HERO but still…I’m taking time off!)

What are your weekend plans?

Quickie post today. Here’s our candidate:

Do you think he’s worthy?

Hope everyone had a great Father’s Day! Wizard’s was nice. BLB and his girlfriend came by and we had fun.

The workshop I gave on Saturday was a great experience. I wish I’d thought to take pictures, but I was too distracted by a fairly wicked case of nerves (I was the afternoon speaker so I had to wait hours!). I expected a small turn out due to Father’s Day weekend but people kept showing up. What’s really awesome is many old friends came and that meant so much to me (okay–I tried to talk them into leaving before my workshop–but they know me and ignore my special brand of insanity.) Once I got onstage and looked out at all the round tables filled with OCC/RWA members, I realized why I was more nervous than usual. I’ve belonged to this chapter since long before I was published, and I desperately wanted to share something of value with them. They have supported, inspired and consoled me through the years and that is not something I take for granted.

So I did the workshop to the best of my ability. I told the brutally honest story of my career, and how learning to better utilize tropes the conception, execution and marketing of my books was one of the things that helped me resurrect my career and gain some success. From there I went on to teach the process as I’ve learned it. For those who are wondering, tropes are easily recognizable themes used over and over because they hook readers; and they are in almost all stories and movies. Examples of tropes are marriage of convenience, ugly duckling, forbidden love, secret baby, good brother/bad brother, revenge, blackmail, fish out of water, etc.

When I finished, I was surprised at how many people stopped me or came up to me to tell me they really liked the talk. And I got some great feedback if I want to develop the workshop further which is great. It was a truly awesome experience and I always love talking to other writers and readers

I also managed to finish my galleys (final proofreading) for HER TEMPORARY HERO and review a contract. Now I’m writing, writing writing!  Man I’m cutting it close but life has just been a runaway train lately.

Enough about me! Bailey is visiting! Wizard picked him up and brought him home. Here’s a cellphone picture of him in his toy basket.

I think he needs MORE TOYS!

How was your weekend?