The Machenwood Chronicles and Other Tales

I HAVE MOVED (and I miss some of you) #blogging

2012-02-22T19:28:00.000-05:00

WHERE ARE YOU?

Please visit me at my new blog site http://rebeccahartwriting.wordpress.com/

I miss you.
Rebecca

And the winner is...

2011-10-25T13:59:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Eva Flowers!!

Your name was selected in a random drawing this morning, so you are the winner of the free electronic copy of Cutlass and Musket: Tales of Piratical Skullduggery!!

Watch for an email from me this week! And thanks for following the blog and participating in the Hop.

Also, be sure to bookmark our new site: http://rebeccahartwriting.wordpress.com/

We've Moved: Please bookmark the new location!

2011-10-22T18:27:00.000-04:00

After wishing and hoping Blogger would get it's act together and fix issues with posting and comments, by both bloggers and visitors, I've made the move over to wordpress.

Please visit and follow us at the new location.

http://rebeccahartwriting.wordpress.com/

I will be deleting this site completely at the end of October, so please stop by the new site and join me there. Hope to see you :)

Rebecca

Spook-a-licious Blog Tour

2011-10-18T16:12:00.003-04:00

SPOOK-A-LICIOUS:

WHERE BOO-KS DEVOUR YOU

BLOG HOP TOUR (OCT 17-24)

Tour Rules:

1) HAVE FUN!!!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, October 17, at Midnight (Arizona Time) THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, October 24, at Midnight (Arizona Time) Winners will be drawn and posted October 25th!

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS & BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING PRIZES. EVERY AUTHOR & BOOK PAGE IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW THEM SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOO!

***Authors & Book Pages have full discretion to choose an alternate winner in the event any winner fails to claim their prize(s) within 72 hours of their name being posted or after notification of win, whichever comes first. Anyone who participates in this blog hop tour is subject to these rules***

ENTER TO WIN:

Free electronic copy of Cutlass and Musket: Tales of Piratical Skullduggery

What do I need to do?

1. Like me on Facebook
2. Follow this blog (click the Follow button to the right)
3. Follow me on Twitter @rebelhart69
4. Comment below and tell me what your favorite Halloween costume was growing up!

Good Luck!!

Be sure to stop by the other great blogs and say hello! Happy Halloween!

Six Sentence Sunday: Lizzie (another from my dusty notebook) #sixsunday

2011-10-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

This week I dipped back into the old notebook and pulled out six sentences from a story I had started about a nanny who is forced to figure out what to do with her young change afer her parents are killed in a car wreck.

Always love to hear what you think. Enjoy :)

Lizzie came downstairs, a barely restrained whirlwind of lace and bows, begging Nancy to help tie the laces on her new shoes. 'I know how,' her little voice vowed. She'd only recently been taught, but in her impish excitement to be off on their adventure had forgotten.

With a shake of her head and a teasing 'tsk tsk', Nancy fastened the laces with a secure double knot and stood, looking down at Lizzie's flushed face. "Shall we be off young lady? Or maybe you'd rather stay inside today?"

Just Keep Swimming...er...Writing

2011-10-13T11:03:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite Disney movies is Finding Nemo. My favorite character from the movie? Dory, of course. She is one of those characters that may appear a bit thick, but the gems of wisdom she shares...are just that, pure gems. Her motto: Just keep swimming is a great metaphor for life -- and writing.

Any writer that intends to stay in the business for any length of time needs a tough skin. There is so much rejection and hard work involved in being successful, you really have to have a never give in attitude. You have to believe in yourself, even when everyone around you may doubt and question. That is what Dory has in spades. There is no obstacle that cannot be overcome if you just keep working at it...just keep swimming.

For each setback and rejection I receive I remind myself of Dory's words.

"Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. What do we do? we swim, swim."

I firmly believe if you do, you'll eventually make it to the other side of the waterway and reach those goals you have set for yourself. No matter how big they may be.

Just keep ~~swimming~~ writing. :)

Six Sentence Sunday: Penance (from the dusty pages of an old notebook) #sixsunday

2011-10-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

My Sunday Six is from a short story I wrote quite a while ago, named Penance.

I wonder why we tell young girls such outlandish stories about chivalry and brave knights. The imagination takes them and creates unrealistic dreams of men coming to rescue them from the mundane life of "normal" people. They are so young and impressionable, they can’t help but be sucked in by the lies. We tell them about things like the honor of men. Now, that is a laugh; not to mention an oxymoron. Men and honor should not be allowed in the same sentence, let alone the premise of a story meant only to blind us from the truth.

Book Review: The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams

2011-10-08T15:09:00.000-04:00

The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic ride!

Lila Gray is snarky, sarcastic and ballsy. A winning combination for any leading lady to my thinking. A lover of both fairy tales and fantasy, The Glass Man delivered in spades. Ms. Adams gives us a wonderfully detailed glimpse into her dystopian world while still holding true to the established lore surrounding the fae and their societal structures.

Lila's "hunter" and nemesis, Parthalan is sexy, dark and devious. *licks lips* I guy you really hate to love. While his pain loving sidekick, Rourke is the perfect blend of powerful foe and twisted lunatic. I think he just might be my favorite character in the novel, aside from Lila, of course.

Toss in Lila's love interest, Liam--a brooding farmer with a secret--and let the sparks fly.

I try not to toss in story details when I write my reviews to avoid spoiling anything for the readers. You will just have to get this one for yourself to see how it all comes together. Suffice to say, I loved this novel and highy recommend it for anyone. It is a must read for any lover of fantasy or romance.

About the only negative I could mention was the fact that it came to an end. If I didn't know there were at least two more Lila Gray novels to come from Jocelyn Adams, I might just be upset about that.

Author Info:
Jocelyn Adams website: http://www.joceadams.com/
Twitter: @JocelynAdams
Publisher: http://jtaylorpublishing.com/

Six Sentence Sunday: The Pirate and the Selkie (WIP)

2011-10-02T11:35:00.000-04:00

I have been working on this one this week, so thought I would post my Sunday Six from the current chapter in progress.

Happy Sunday!

Daniel cringed at her pet name. Skip was short for Skipper--everything Ellie did or said had something to do with sailing--but Daniel still didn’t care for it. Whenever she used it, he had to remind himself why he couldn’t just change form and tell her his real name. The look on her round face when she’d seen him sitting at the breakfast table with her father told him everything he needed to know. She hated Daniel.

Not one to give in so easily, he propelled himself forward until he stood between her and the waves.

Book Review: Mile 81 by Stephen King

2011-09-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

Mile 81 by Stephen King

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At $5.99 for the ebook download, I really expected a novel instead of a short story. I can't even call it a novella -- it was that short.

The story was interesting and I did enjoy the read, but I have to say it was missing some of the dark sparks I expect from Mr. King. Not so much a disappointment for me, as just *meh, it was okay*

Hoping the novel due out in November has more of what I read Stephen King novels for, originality and dark twist you dont see coming.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Fated Encounter by J.A. Belfield

2011-09-25T20:58:00.000-04:00

Fated Encounter by J.A. Belfield

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

http://bexbooknook.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/fatedencounter/

View all my reviews

Six Sentence Sunday: The Pirate and the Selkie (WIP)

2011-09-25T20:18:00.000-04:00

Here is this week's six for Six Sentence Sunday. Comments always welcome. :)

Enjoy!

Ellie glanced over her shoulder, made a quick distance calculation. Her gaze swung up the rigging. She yanked on the steerage, eyes glued to the sails. Right on cue, the sheets of white canvas caught wind and snapped to attention. The ship sliced through the waves in a tight arc until The Surf Runner faced The Siren’s Call.

She steeled herself for another pass.

Acceptance News: Daily Flash 2012: 366 Days of Flash Fiction

2011-09-22T14:35:00.000-04:00

I share the bad news when it comes, so I thought I should also share the good news as well. Only fair, right?

I received an email yesterday that one of my flash (less than 500 words) stories, Parades, has been accepted for inclusion in Daily Flash 2012: 366 Days of Flash Fiction (Leap Year Edition) being published by Pill Hill Press. This is a "for the love" collection, so no monetary payment or free copy, but it will be released in paperback and ebook formats somewhere around Nov. 2011.

I will keep you all posted as things progress and let you all know where you can get copies when it is actually published.

Announcement: I've Launched a Book Review Blog

2011-09-16T10:26:00.000-04:00

Many of you know I have a pen name that I use when writing more "adult oriented" stories. Since I have this blog, and what I consider a respectable following, I thought a long time about how I would go about creating and marketing a platform for my alter ego. I didn't want a mirror of this site, and I definitely needed to do something to allow me to market those works without worrying over the possibility of offending someone of a more delicate nature on this site.

So, what I came up with is Bex Book Nook - a book review blog and resting place for Ms. R. Brennan (my more fun, more outrageous alter ego) I have done a few reviews on this site, and the first one I posted there is a re post of the review I did on this site, but that is where the commonalities will end.

My reviews will be posted there when I complete them. This site shall remain my WIP writing as a lifestyle/career site -- with the occasional story about what silly thing my family or friends did thrown in for good measure.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing some of my followers over there. Not only to see what sort of person lies behind the soft spoken, sweet persona I usually portray to the world, but also for some blunt reviews of all sorts of fantastic new books. :P

Tuesday Teaser: The Pirate and the Selkie (WIP)

2011-09-13T10:36:00.000-04:00

Today's Tuesday teaser is from my current WIP, The Pirate and the Selkie.

Enjoy :)

Captain Harris frowned and shook his head. “That is the biggest pile of pig shit I have ever seen shoveled, boy.” He turned hard eyes on Nelson. “Get the hell to work.”

In Memory of Those We Lost: Never Forget, Never Surrender

2011-09-11T15:04:00.000-04:00

I don't think words are needed...

So I'm a Terrible Person

2011-09-08T17:05:00.001-04:00

As the summer draws to a close, I find that my time is ever so slowly, becoming my own once more. The girls started school this week, and despite the nasty beating we are taking in the Northeast from Mother Nature, all is right in the world.

Okay, maybe not so much.

Despite having a bit more "me" time, I have noticed that I'm still falling behind on my TO DO lists. My critique lists on my favorite writing site keeps getting longer and the stories in my notebook (the ideas for stories, that is) become more and more plentiful. I enjoy supporting my fellow writers and I definitely love writing, yet the lists still grow. I am reading more books in general, which is great, but I still feel like I am behind in everything. I feel like I am letting people down that count on me--people that need my support and encouragement. Coupling this with the daily life pressures of a depreciation on my lovely house to the point I don't have enough equity anymore to refinance it and drop 2% on my interest rate, and the flurry of recent story rejections... I am one depressed little puppy lately.

I know we all have funks and issues that take us from writing and the writing community sometimes, and I am sure I am being far too hard on myself, but it got me thinking.

What do you do to keep yourself focused and on track? What cheers you up when life is kicking your ass? What inspires you to stay with it and keep on trucking?

Inquiring minds -- like me -- are dying to know. And, I could really use some ideas.

Book Review: Cutlass and Musket, Tales of Piratical Skullduggery

2011-08-31T17:15:00.001-04:00

Cutlass and Musket, Tales of Piratical Skullduggery by Jessica A. Weiss

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Welp... I have to be honest here, right? Even though I have a story (and a damned good one if I do say so myself) in this book, I really wasn't all that impressed with the anthology. While some stories were good and held my interest (and that shouldnt be hard since I LOVE PIRATES), for the most part, the stories read pretty flat to me.

I will try to go through and select the stories I really enjoyed -- like a winners and losers type of thing, but at this point I have downgraded my rating from a 4 to a 3. I mean I can't dislike a book that contains something I wrote...

View all my reviews

Tuesday Teaser: From WIP The Pirate and the Selkie

2011-08-30T10:42:00.000-04:00

Things have been moving along nicely with my historical fantasy/romance I gave a working title of The Pirate and The Selkie.

To celebrate the completion of another chapter in Daniel and Ellie's saga, I decided to take this week's Tuesday Teaser from this novel/la in progress. Enjoy :)

Her mother nodded. “We discussed it before he sailed. After you almost drowned.”

The hitch of emotion in her mother’s voice stabbed Ellie with guilt. “Do I have to go?”

“Yes, Ellie, you do.” Momma’s tone turned serious, telling her there would be no arguing.

Ellie’s shoulders slumped under the weight of resignation. She let out a sigh, lowered her head and gave the only response she could.

“Yes, Momma.”

Children and Technology: The Truth About Social Media?

2011-08-29T08:50:00.000-04:00

I had a conversation with my 11 year old daughter, Shelby about Hurricane Irene last night at dinner. What she had to say made me giggle, and showed me that while the information age is great for spreading information, sometimes we need to make sure the info picked up by our children is accurate.

Here is a snipit of that informative chat:

Me: Wow, 10 inches of rain is no joke.

Shelby: They even had to evacuate New Jersey, the whole thing. That's alot of people.

Me: No sweetie, not all of New Jersey, just the Jersey Shore.

Shelby: (with a big smile): Oh, that's okay. They are all in Italy right now, anyway.

So there you have it. My daughter, the holder of all important news. *giggle*

Happy Monday!

Book Review: Little White Lies by Aimee Laine

2011-08-28T17:01:00.000-04:00

Little White Lies by Aimee Laine

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I took this one with me to Cape Cod this month and have to say that I wasn't disappointed. I found the writer's style easy to read and the characters three dimensional and endearing.

I have to admit, I did have some trouble in the early going -- I had trouble following what was happening from a backstory perspective. I felt for the first quarter of the book that I had missed something or that sunstroke had attacked me on the beach and that was why I wasn't following the plot. I think some of the secrets in the book were a little more vague than I would have preferred. Coupled with not understanding the mechanics of what living as a mimic is like, well, I felt a little lost.

The author's voice and the personality of the characters I was introduced to is what kept me reading. By the time I hit the halfway point in the book, I was hooked. Charley is spunky and sweet, while Wyatt is just perfectly dreamy :P (dating myself with that reference). The secondary characters really fill the plot out nicely.

When we get to it, the romance isn't corny, but feels genuine, and I found myself rooting for love in a way a cynic like me hasn't for some time. The covert operations kept me reading and turning the page, and while I had an idea who the bad guy was earlier in the story, I didn't quite have the full story. The surprises were a nice bonus.

An enjoyable summer read.

View all my reviews

Six Sentence Sunday: From Current WIP: The Pirate and the Selkie

2011-08-28T09:24:00.000-04:00

Now that my erotic short is complete and submitted, for better or worse, my attentions have returned to pirates (as usual). My six sentences this week comes from my novel/la in progress, The Pirate and the Selkie.

Enjoy :)

Excitement coursed through her. Nothing exciting ever happened on the barren dunes where their house sat.

“Do we have to go to the mercantile, Momma?” Ellie’s voice lit with hope. Mr. Jameson was always nice to her, giving her candy from his bottomless right front pocket every time he saw her. She often wondered if the storeowner kept them just for her, or if the other children also benefited from his magical pocket.

What's All This About Platform: Do I really need one?

2011-08-26T16:51:00.000-04:00

Over the past few weeks, I have heard everyone from fellow writers, to agents, to publishers touting the importance of having a writer's platform. My first question was, "What the hell is a platform? Do I have one and not know it?"

It turns out I do, but I didn't figure that one out until after I looked up what it was. Let me de-mystify it for you. A platform is merely a presence. A place and way to reach your readers--your audience. In today's high tech world, there are a myriad of ways to accomplish this, and it doesn't matter if you have your book sold, or you are still writing it. The sooner you build your name and take steps toward networking and advertising yourself and your writing, the better off you will be when it comes time to start querying agents or if you self-publish, getting the word out about your book.

Here is a list of 5 things you can do as a writer to start building your platform now:

1. Start a blog or website (or both) about your writing and/or anything else you might find of interest to talk about. Once you create it, post regularly -- at least once a week. You can post about anything, really. Just remember that it is your blog, so it should be about you or show a visitor a glimpse into who you are.

1a. Update your content regularly. This way visitors know and can see that the site is active and updated.

2. Attend readings, signings and book launches. What better way to network and get to know other writers in your area?

3. Twitter and Facebook. Yes, I know they are time eaters, and for many, way more work than fun, but once you get used to using them, they are not quite as evil as they appear. Besides, they are a great social networking tool and heck, you might as well take full advantage of the resources available.

4. Join writing sites and follow/support other writer blogs. The more you put yourself out there and show you are willing to help others promote, the more you will be promoted by others. While I don't subscribe to things like giving good reviews to friends merely because they are friends, I do believe in a certain amount of you wash my back and I'll was yours. We all have been new to this at one point or another. And you know what they say about karma.

5. Attend writer's conferences and retreats when possible. While I have yet to do this one, it is on my list. I am just waiting to have a complete novel to really go out and push when I am at one. These are great places to meet other writers, agents, publishers and all sorts of people "in the biz". Networking is really never a bad thing, is it? Kinda like no publicity is bad publicity.

Long gone are the days where an author left the hard work, selling themselves and their work to agents and publishers. In this modern publishing age, it is up to us-- the ones that sweat over the work-- to really push it, and ourselves to the forefront. It all goes back to my personal favorite line-- and something I truly believe.

If you dont believe in yourself, nobody else will.

Good luck and happy writing.

Blog Reaches 5,000 Hits!!

2011-08-25T16:32:00.000-04:00

Wow! While it took a bit more than a year to get there, I have just noticed the blog now has over 5,000 hits.

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for stopping by and supporting the blogging effort.

You guys really rock!

Teaser Tuesday: Enslaved

2011-08-23T13:11:00.000-04:00

Just a small teaser from the erotic short I just completed earlier this week. Hoping to have it subbed out in the next day or so. No worries, the excerpt is completely G rated :)

A small upright canister vacuum hummed into the room. It circled and veered in their direction laden with a tray of brie and fruit. The mechanical waiter jerked to a halt before Marley, scattering a few loose grapes at her feet.

Her eyes widened.

“Not hungry?” the professor asked.

A chuckle burst past her lips. She reached a tentative hand forward and took a strawberry from the tray. “How cute is that? It looks like a miniature version of R2D2. Did you build it?”

“Yes. Milo was my first robot, actually. He’s been with me almost twenty years.”

Character Interview: Jem Stonehouse -- Darkness and Light by J.A. Belfield

2011-08-18T06:00:00.026-04:00

As I promised earlier this week, we have a special guest on the blog today. I managed to fenagle a visit from Jem Stonehouse -- one of the illustrious main characters from J.A. Belfield's new novel, Darkness and Light and I am quite excited about it. *wiggles*

So without further ado, please welcome Jem Stonehouse to the blog.

First off, Jem, how are you adjusting to pack life? All happy and blissful?

Adjusting to living with the pack was made easy by them, and yeah I’m happy. As happy as I’ve ever been. But blissful? You forget I have to live with Ethan.

*laughing* Fair enough. Let’s dive right in with the questions then, shall we?

Sure.

When did you first realize that there may be something quite different about you? Was that before or after the dreams started?

Define different. You mean, like dreaming about werewolves chasing me from the age of seven? I’d always dreamed of them, they just didn’t resonate with me until Sean’s presence showed up.

Though the sniffing issue being a problem for others’ did tip me off that that wasn’t quite normal.

*chuckling* After Peter’s first “attack” on you, why didn’t you leave him? What prompted you to stay and stick it out?

Commitment and loyalty are important to me. It would have been hypocritical of me if I didn’t practice them myself.

What did you think the first moment you saw Sean in the diner? Was there a feeling of the familiar?

The instant I laid eyes on him, some bizarre tingle hit the back of my skull. Although it was the most … weird situation, the sense of déjà vu was too powerful for me to disbelieve him when he said he was Sean. Besides, no one else could have known that name would trigger a reaction, besides me, Poppy and Jess.

If you had only one word to describe Sean, what would it be? What about Ethan (who happens to be my my personal favorite)?

Sean … um … one word? Seriously? Then, I guess it would have to be … elixir.

Ethan, on the other hand … I’d have to peg him as mighty. As in mighty strong … mighty mouth … you get the picture.

How do you feel about Josh’s apparent crush on you? Does it bother Sean?

Josh has a crush on me? Where on earth did you get that idea? Of course he doesn’t—I’m way too old for him.

Have you really accepted Nathan’s “fairy tale” at this point or is it still sinking in?

There’s still some part of my subconscious that pauses and asks: is this all real? Is this all possible? Because I’m really not all that special. I’m just me.

What is next for the pack? Any big plans? Wedding bells perhaps, or maybe a pup? Would it be considered a pup or is that being rude?

Goodness me, it’s a little early to be thinking about bambinos. And as for wedding plans? I’d have to be proposed to first. And who knows what goes on inside Sean’s mind?

If you have to pick one trait of Sean’s that you love the most, what would it be? The one you like the least?

His protectiveness is his trait I love the most, whilst his possessiveness is the trait I like the least, which results in a real pickle because I doubt Sean could ever provide one without the other—to him, they’re probably both seen as the same thing: an incessant need to keep his mate safe.

What is your favorite part about being a werewolf? (Besides Sean)

Cue sigh here.

The total and utter feeling of freedom. The power in my limbs. The connection with nature that comes as standard. The way every instinct instills itself in my brain as though they were just waiting for the command to arrive from dormancy. The equality and unity amongst the pack.

Need I go on?

What part of the werewolf life has been the hardest to adjust to?

Oh … I don’t know. That’s a tough one. I guess I’d have to say the changes—because although the hunt awaits me on the other side, I still have to go through hell first to get there.

What’s your favorite color? Sean’s favorite color?

Chocolate brown is mine. And you’d only have to take a look around Sean’s bedroom to figure out he has a fondness for sapphire blue.

If you were a tree, which would you be and why?

I’d like to say oak because of its regal-ness and the way they mature and have such ownership of pride with age. But I’m probably more of a silver birch—put me amongst all the others in the forest and I stick out like a sore thumb.

Any regrets about your decision to join the pack (or Sean)?

None! Whatsoever! How could have I have when I feel as though I’ve finally come home?

I am sure there are lots of ladies out there interested in finding their own “Sean”. Any advise you can give the readers with respect to finding their soul mates?

Quit looking for him. He’ll find you just as soon as the time’s right. After all, fate refuses to be manipulated—surely you know that?

See this post for my July review of Darkness and Light: REVIEW

J.A Belfield's debut novel, Darkness and Light (J. Taylor Publishing 2011) is available in print and ebook from both Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. For more from the Halloway pack, check out Instinct and Fated Encounter -- two new novellas by J. A. Belfield (Coming soon. Also from J. Taylor Publishing)

Manic Monday: The Return of the List

2011-08-15T12:43:00.000-04:00

Summer is quickly coming to a close, and with that, comes the new school year--and a whole new brand of mommy busy. Monday is the beginning of a new week, and a chance to get better on setting goals and sticking with them.

So... A lot of personal irons in the fire.

1. Still working on Ellie and Daniel's Tale, as well as Machenwood. I would really like to get focused on these--if the muse would cooperate--so I have something to start serious querying with. Both are suitable stories for publication - one fantasy, one more fantastical (paranormal?) romance.
2. Currently writing an erotic short with the hopes of an anthology submission in the next week, at most. This is justly occupying the lion's share of writing time.
3. Have about four short story submissions out, so I am forever hovering over my email in the hope of a gem of good news from those.
4. Back to school shopping for two daughters. (I don't even want to talk about it.)
5. Gearing up for a Labor Day Weekend Halloween celebration at our seasonal campsite. Halloween comes early in my world, making it even harder to find appropriate costumes and decor. Not to mention actual time, were I inclined to actually make the costumes.

Friday Funnies

2011-08-12T14:05:00.000-04:00

Once again, I find a great cartoon from the mind of inkygirl.com that really just tickles me. Thought I should share.

Enjoy!

Turning off the Negative

2011-08-09T09:00:00.002-04:00

If you are an aspiring author/writer (still not sure which one I am), you HAVE to develop a thick skin. Between opening yourself for critique from other writers, to beta readers, to actually submitting your work (babies) for potential rejection by agents and publishers, I'm not sure you have alot of choice. At least not if you plan to stay in this "business" and not want to burn your typewriter (like anyone uses them anymore) in some sort of "I quit" ceremony before you ponder the worthless track your life is taking.

Okay, maybe that is a bit over dramatic, but you get the idea.

Recently, a member of my favorite writing group (Sisterhood of the Travelling Pens - on Scribophile and Goodreads) posted that she had let some family and friends beta read one of her stories only to be berated and beat down for the language she used, the type of story, and even some of the plot points. All because they didn't feel that her subject matter was appropriately christian or suitable for young readers. This particular writer actually began to question her ability to write based on their comments. She began to buy into the hype-- believe her own press, as it were.

This bothered me and actually inspired this little post.

The one thing I have learned in the past year of "serious writing" is this. You have to believe in yourself, what you are doing and your writing. Family means well, as do friends -- but they don't understand writing, publishing or what sort of creativity or work goes into the process. Sure, they mean well, and probably have your best interest at heart. But writing can be a lonely business. Stick with it, do what you think is right and hang the comments and not so gentle suggestions.

If you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will either.

Upcoming Character Interview: Jem Stonehouse of Darkness and Light

2011-08-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

Hello Readers and Review Followers:

I just wanted to take a quick second to announce that I will be doing a character interview next week with Jem Stonehouse, one of the main characters in the recently released novel, Darkness and Light by JA Belfield.

I am in the process of compiling my questions for Ms. Stonehouse and thought I would throw out the announcement (to see if any readers have taken my recommendation and read the book -- just kidding!) and see if any of you had questions you wanted me to ask Jem when I sit down with her to ask my own burning questions.

Back from Vacation! Cape Cod is for PIRATES!

2011-08-08T15:57:00.000-04:00

I am sorry for the lack of postings over the last week or so. I managed to somehow fenagle a week of vacation and took a trip with my boyfriend to Cape Cod. Such an amazing place for writing inspiration and I highly recommend it. Lots of surf, seagulls, ships and sand. Everything a writer needs to get going on her WIP (a pirate tale).

I thought I would share a couple of pics with you all. Maybe they will help inspire your stories the way the trip has some of mine.

Enjoy!

This is my "I'm a mermaid!" pose.

The view from my beach towel. Stunning, right?

My lunch buddy. He even ate bread from my hands :)

My favorite gift shop - The Pirate Cove (shocking, right?) - where anything and everything piratey can be had.

In a Nutshell: How I Feel About the Heat Lately in NY

2011-07-24T22:42:00.000-04:00

I got this one at the office this week, but it suits how I have been feeling about the weather around here lately. Enjoy!

Inspired By The Success of Others? I am!

2011-07-12T12:05:00.002-04:00

As some of you may know, I frequent, and even recommend the site, Scribophile for writers interested in networking and getting feedback on work from other writers. If you find you are searching for a good critique site, that is the one to use (in my humble opinion).

Anyway, some time ago, I started a writer's circle on the site called "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pens" and invited some female writers I knew and had critiqued before to join. My motive at the time was purely selfish, as I found it hard to keep track of new works posted for these writers that I enjoyed reading and interacting with.

What started for my own selfish organizational gain has become one of my greatest writing inspirations. As it turns out, 3 of the members of our little circle are enjoying the hustle and bustle of debut novels being published. The first two of them are now out in print and e-book, while the third is due for release in October 2011.

Shout out here for: Darkness and Light (Review below) by J.A Belfield, Little White Lies (reading now, review to come) by Aimee Laine and The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams (coming in October). -- [all three books are being released by J. Taylor Publishing]

At first, seeing the three of them go though the process of doing book blurbs, getting galley copies, cover art, book trailers, etc made me spike with jealousy. Having short stories published is one thing -- but a whole book. Something with just one author's name. WOW.

My first reaction -- I wanna play, too! But you have to complete a novel to submit one, and I haven't managed that yet.

But the thing that I have learned, above all, from their wonderful and exciting news is this.

Each and every one of their successes inspires me to do more, try harder, and put my nose to the grindstone. If they can do it, if the dream can come true for people I know and ones I call friends, people with jobs, kids and busy lives like mine -- then it is possible for me as well.

Besides, what better than having good books written by your friends for your summer and fall reading lists? Not much, that I can tell ya.

Book Review: Darkness and Light by J.A Belfield

2011-07-05T14:35:00.001-04:00

Darkness & Light by J.A. Belfield

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished this novel up over the long weekend, and I have to say I really enjoyed an hour or so each morning getting into Jem's head and travelling with her as she comes to terms with who she is. As she comes to believe in Nathan's fairy tale, so do we as the reader.

Just a really engaging story and a refreshing break from the glut of vampire tales out there.

Heartwarming, fiery, and romantic. One heck of a trifecta there.

4.5 of 5 stars (just cant use half stars here).

View all my reviews

Happy Independence Day Everyone!! (almost)

2011-06-29T22:21:00.003-04:00

Getting ready to enjoy a long weekend with the family for the holidays, but also had so much I wanted to share before I went. Unfortunately, time is not my friend any more than Mr Murphy is. So I will say that I am happy and blessed to report the girls both did well in school over the past year. Casey, my oldest daughter, gave me a drawing I wanted to share. Some may see a familiar theme to the cover of a certain new book, Darkness and Light by J.A. Belfield (guest appearance on blog to come in August). That is actually purely coincidental. I named the piece Casey's Dragon.

Nice right? That's my girl :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Independence Day. (even though this post really had nothing to do with the actual celebration of the holiday despite what I named the post) To those of you that visit my blog from outside the US - have a fabulous day from the USA.

I'll marshmallow toast you all from camp. If I ever replace my broken digital camera, I might even share pics one day.

Working, Writing and Blogging - What's a girl to do?

2011-06-22T12:01:00.000-04:00

I've noticed lately I have more unproductive days than productive ones. Or maybe what I mean is more days I feel unproductive. The fact is, no matter how you look at it, I get ALOT done in a week. I just haven't felt that way lately. When I don't have time to write, I get a bit cranky. (quitting smoking last week might have something to do with it, too)

I work a full time job as the lead IT Support Specialist (resident geek) for an office of about 250 people. With two daughters still at home (my son lives on his own) and in school (for at least another week), there are always events, games, practices, concerts and any number of other activities to cart the girls to, watch or plan in some fashion. In the summer, I also try to play for a women's softball team (emphasis on try as I tend to miss more games than make it to). Busy, right? The ever present balancing act between the writing and the rest of my life can be tenuous at best, especially in the summer months.

So what is my point here? Simply this. You have to forgive yourself for being busy. Don't let the worry that you haven't written a word in a week get to you. Know that if you are anything at all like me, the urge to write is inherent, and no matter how busy you are or how many entries are on your calendar, eventually the urge and need to write will return and you will get back to it. Eventually the muse comes back and settles himself on a nearby beanbag chair to torment you with delicious stories.

Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the softball game :)

Book Review: Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz

2011-06-12T14:55:00.000-04:00

Seven Day Loan by Tiffany Reisz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not exactly what I expected going in. More of a romance element than I thought and not quite as dark. (Yes Im am a kinkster oddity)

Short and very sweet. Quite enjoyed it.

View all my reviews

Winning Blogiversary Contest Entries

2011-06-07T10:24:00.001-04:00

WINNER

Three Weeks

by J.A. Belfield

Tomorrow is my anniversary.

Five years.

With Louie.

Bastard’s gonna get it.

Bastard’s had it coming to him for three whole weeks.

Thankfully, I’m a woman of patience. I can bide my time.

Until tomorrow.

# # #

Louie rolls over with a grunt, flinging the duvet aside so he’s not the only one to experience the biting morning chill.

The pretence of drowsiness comes easy as I watch him through lowered lashes. All women have it mastered. There’s only so long the headache excuse works for, after all.

“You iron my shirt, Belinda?” He doesn’t look at me.

Happy Anniversary, Darl’, I mouth. “It’s on the wicker chair.” Where I’ve placed it every day for the past eighteen-hundred days, moron.

“Humph.” The firm flesh of his butt tautens and relaxes with each step across the room.

I’ve always loved that arse. Shame it’ll never cross the room again after today.

Maybe I should hack it off. Keep the best bit about him as a souvenir.

I snort at the idea, not realising I’ve done it out loud until he turns and frowns at me.

“What’s so funny?”

My smile is lazy, but I doubt it reaches my eyes. “Nothing, babe.”

He stares at me a moment longer and goes back to his task of spiffy dressing.

On goes his tie, snapped around his neck like a dominatrix’s whip. I could think of a few good uses for that myself—none of them sensual. I successfully suppress my next burst of amusement.

Today will be good.

# # #

Until three weeks ago, my daily routine never altered. Out of bed, once Louie’s departed. Make the house look spanking. Head out to the shops to buy dinner—fresh, just as Louie likes it. The afternoons are my own—those I spend in the park with a book.

It’s amazing what one can learn from books.

Even more amazing is the people one can meet in parks.

# # #

I glance at the clock.

Eleven-thirty.

Almost time.

My body is tremulous with anticipation, the promise of a new beginning feeding me like a drug.

# # #

The supermarket heaves with lower-classed bums too lazy to get out of bed at a reasonable hour. I should be irritated by them—would be if not for my inner excitement and the potential mass of witnesses. The trolley wheels squeak at the aisle corners, and I almost collide with a stroller as I work out my mobile.

Eleven-fifty.

Ten minutes until Louie takes his lunch-break.

# # #

Ham on wholemeal sub, with horrid bitter-tasting lettuce, has been his favourite for as long as I’ve known him. He used to let me make his sandwiches … until he decided I didn’t do them right.

‘Not enough lettuce, Bel,’ he said. ‘Damn, woman, it isn’t that difficult to judge.’

So I relinquished the task of preparing his lunch to him.

I was happy about that.

Really.

Until he went and forgot his fruit three weeks ago.

‘Got to have fruit, Bel. It’s what keeps a man regular.’ He always puffs out his chest when he says it. Proud of his looks, is Louie.

I grabbed a banana that day, and walked to his office, figured I’d make my regular visit to the park on my way back.

Everything would have been sweet and good, if …, actually, everything would have been catastrophic if I hadn’t heard the sexual grunts before I reached for the door to his office.

To be sure, I peeped through the gap in the drawn blinds.

The view inside hit me with nausea-induced dizziness.

Him … on his desk … with another woman.

Not his secretary, as one might expect. A client.

As sad as it sounds, I’m relieved about that.

As mad as it sounds, I still want to cut her throat.

# # #

My thumb against the key illuminates my mobile.

Twelve-fifty-seven.

My lips curve up.

Three weeks is a long time—for rage to boil, for ideas to fester, for plans to be made.

Three minutes seems longer when I’m waiting for revenge.

I know he won’t be late. Louie’s never late for his lunch-break. I know, because for the last twenty days I’ve gone back, to be sure I didn’t make a mistake, to remind myself why I have every freakin’ right to be this goddamned pissed.

I steady my breathing, which in turns regulates my pulse, and the alarm I set on my phone sends vibrations tingling through my forearm.

Closing my eyes, I picture his teeth wrapping around his sandwich. Imagine the work of his chewing jaw. Mentally urge him to make that first swallow.

How can the wife get the blame when everyone who knows us knows Louie makes his own sandwiches? She can’t, right?

Replacing the bitter lettuce in the salad bag had been easy.

Finding something to replace it with had been easy, too.

It truly is amazing the kind of people one can meet in the park.

Take another bite, Louie.

In my mind, he’s almost finished. He’s taking the last bite. Then his ‘guest’ will arrive. I give them five minutes.

Five minutes to hit the desktop—it never takes them more than two.

Five minutes for the toxicity to work its charms—just like the nice old granny assured me.

Five minutes to wipe the smug smile off my face, move my rear around the aisles again, and look like a normal person.

Then I hit dial.

I know he won’t answer. He wouldn’t, anyway, not whilst he’s busy—but he certainly won’t answer today.

Paralysis is the first symptom—paralysis from the brain down.

The dial tone hums a mantra of patience in my ear. Eight rings later, the answering machine picks up.

I listen to his voice one last time. Listen to his false cheer, and the charm that’s never really existed beneath the façade. Listen to the offer to leave a message.

At the beep, I smile. “Hey, Louie. Happy anniversary, darl’.”

2nd Place:

Blink

by Jocelyn Adams

Lloyd’s wife straightened his bow tie. “I can’t believe it’s been forty years,” Sarah said with a smile.

“I know.” Lloyd chuckled and thought of the day he started in the mail room of Keltronics. “Seems like only last year I accidentally delivered Henry Boyd’s dismissal slip to him instead of his boss. Never lived that one down.” He took a comb from the dresser and slid it through his short, graying hair.

Sarah smoothed hands down the skirt of her old blue gown. “Do you really think it’s okay for Randall to come? They’ll be serving spirits.”

Snickering, Lloyd drew up behind her and kissed her bare shoulder. “Our son is twenty-five, not exactly a boy anymore.” The realization made his heart lurch. “This will be one of few opportunities he’ll have to taste liquor, with the short supply.”

She nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”

Lloyd reached into his pocket and withdrew a chain with a small stone on the end. He looped it around her neck. “This will be a night to remember. I thought you should have something to remember it by.”

Quick blinks allowed only a single tear to escape Sarah’s eyes as she whirled and embraced him. “I love you, Lloyd Camby.”

“And I, you, Mrs. Camby.” He kissed her temple and took her hand. “Now come, we can’t be late.”

***

Lloyd held Sarah close as they walked along Kensington Street, one of the few that remained passable after the war left only a few pockets of surviving humanity. The devastation had happened before Lloyd came into the world, during the time of his grandparents.

Resources grew scarce, so vehicles had been abandoned many years before. Houses near Keltronics, the only source of employment left, were coveted.

Lloyd gazed up at the hazy, green sky. He didn’t know what lay beyond the invisible dome Keltronics had erected to keep their city safe from radiation and whatever mutations might still exist beyond the border, but it didn’t matter. His only concern existed for the woman on his arm, and the fine young man they’d produced.

Sarah pointed to the tall building that housed Keltronics. “They put up a banner for you.”

A digital sign stretched across the top of the doors: Happy 40th Anniversary, Lloyd.” It scrolled, flashed and disappeared before starting the cycle over again.

He gave Sarah a squeeze. “How did time slip away so fast?”

She set her head on his shoulder as they carried on. “They’ve been good years, haven’t they?”

Lloyd stopped her at the foot of the stairs and swung her to face him. “Yes, every one.” He pressed his lips to hers, his arms holding her body close. Before emotion could overtake him, he ascended the steps with her in tow.

Floodlights splashed light up the stone, giving it a cheerful presence. Keltronics generated enough electricity to run the whole world had it still been intact, a project Lloyd had improved upon with his Engineering training at the local university.

Once through the doors, the chatting of hundreds of attendees greeted them. Another sign restated the anniversary message. Age had never bothered Lloyd, but watching the reminder blink at him settled tightness through his chest.

“Dad!” Randall bounded up to Lloyd and gave him a few pats on the back. “Happy anniversary.”

Lloyd forgot all but the dark brown eyes of his son, a reflection of his own. “You look fine in that suit. Doesn’t he, Sarah?”

“Oh yes.” She straightened his collar. “Very fine.”

Randall pulled at the thread-bare material.

The owner of Keltronics, Mr. Valentine, spoke over a microphone at the front. “Since our guest of honor has arrived, let us begin the festivities.”

Sarah slipped her fingers into Lloyd’s as they walked to the front. Each step tightened a noose around his throat.

Blink-blink: forty.

Blink-blink: forty.

He’d worked forty years, and turned fifty-five that day. How had his son become a grown man? When had the fine wrinkles at the corners of Sarah’s eyes appeared?

“Let’s make a toast before the ceremony.” Mr. Valentine thrust up a glass of red wine, while a young girl handed similar glasses into Lloyd and Sarah. “Here’s to Lloyd, without whom we never would have stabilized the power grid.”

“Here, here!” The crowd shouted.

Lloyd turned to Sarah, clinked his glass against hers and committed her copper eyes to memory. “I must go now, love.”

Her smile cracked and tears leaked from her eyes. “I know you asked me to be strong, but I can’t.”

“You know the rules. Any man who produces a child will make way for another’s child to take his place, as Ben did for Randall. Accept a new husband with my blessing, so Randall can take over our home.”

“But why?” Her sob burst out. “Why must it be this way?”

“With our limited resources, the human race will be lucky to survive another generation. I’ll do what I must to ensure a future for our son.”

Sobbing, she nodded and stepped back into their son’s arms.

Although Randall’s chin quivered, he steadied himself. “Dad….”

“Don’t let her watch, son.”

Mr. Valentine appeared beside Lloyd and gestured to a doorway. “This way, Lloyd.”

Lloyd held his composure by sheer will as he entered the theatre where his co-workers had begun taking their seats.

“Kneel center stage.” Mr. Valentine indicated a padded area.

Lloyd complied as he watched Randall and Sarah sit down in the front row.

Mr. Valentine fitted a metal collar around Lloyd’s neck, where needles would soon spear his flesh and inject the killing agent.

A hush fell over the crowd, all teary eyes on him. Lloyd gazed at his family, his heart aching. Do it for them. A new sense of calm settled over his soul. He smiled at Sarah, and she nodded encouragement.

A priest appeared to his right. “We are gathered this day to witness the passing of Lloyd Camby.”

Mr. Valentine squeezed Lloyd’s shoulder. “It’s time.”

And the Winner Is: Blogiversary Contest Results

2011-06-06T16:55:00.000-04:00

After careful consideration while staring at a camp fire this weekend, I have chosen a winner of the Blogiversary contest I announced a little over a month ago. Before I announce the winner, I would like to thank everyone who entered. I really enjoyed all of the stories that were submitted. I am hoping to be able to offer more of these sorts of events and writing exercises in the future.

The winner receives a signed copy of Cutlass and Musket: Tales of Piratical Skullduggery and their story will be posted along with the 2nd place entry on the blog tomorrow morning. (I was just going to post them here with the announcement, but the stories deserve their own headline and word of mouth advertising.)

Without further ado, here are the results:

WINNER: Three Weeks by J.A. Belfield

2nd Place: Blink by Jocelyn Adams
Honorable Mention: The Anniversary by R.C Kinkead

Congratulations, Julie. Looks like I will be sending another package across the pond.

Thanks again to everyone for making my first blog contest a success!!

Blogiversary Contest Update

2011-06-02T18:05:00.000-04:00

I have started to read through the entries for the contest and the first thing I have to say is WOW, you guys are a dark bunch :P

I should have all the entries read by tonight. I will post the results and winning entries with my Monday Morning check-in. Good luck and thank you to those that entered. Your support of my blog and the contest are appreciated.

Keep Your Chin Up and Submit, Submit, Submit!

2011-05-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

Instead of the usual Monday morning check-in, I decided I would visit a topic that I struggle with on a regular basis. The submission process.

When I decided to take the plunge and submit some writing for publication, I really had no clue what to do, how to do it, or what to expect. But like any good hacker -- I mucked along and read submission guidelines, then crossed my fingers and hit the send button. After I got my first rejection (and yes my first reply was indeed a rejection) I thought -- Okay, this has got to be the hardest part of the process.

I was so wrong.

The hardest thing for me to deal with has been the wait between sending my babies in for consideration and hearing back on whether or not these children were acceptable for the general reading public. As anyone who submits work for publication can attest, this reply can take anywhere from a few days (my shortest turn around time was six days - from Pill Hill Press) to a third of a calendar year (as I am seeing with one of my current submissions - 120 days and counting). After a while, you just learn that it is what it is, and part of the "work" of being a writer is having the patience to wait for your response -- good or bad.

Recently, I had subbed in a story for an anthology. While many sites taking electronic submissions now offer a auto reply stating they received your story, so many more do not. This particular site, did/does not. I sent in my story prior to the deadline and settled myself in for the long wait to come. It wasn't until others i knew sent submissions started to hear back that I thought something must be up. Where was my letter? My acceptance or rejection. I dropped an email to the submissions address to query them regarding my submission.

I found out yesterday, it was indeed lost in the Internet nether world and had not been received, but since the deadline had passed, that they would unfortunately have to pass. I did receive the standard -- but please submit again in the future.

Suffice to say, for about 24 hours - I was devastated. My confidence screamed at me that the story is good enough to be included and if they had received and read it, I would have gotten an acceptance like some of my friends had. But all that didn't get my story read or published. Only I could do that.

So here I am today - fresh story in hand and looking for a home. And that, ladies and gentlemen, brings me to my point for today.

If you are a writer, there will be setbacks. There will be disappointments and there will be rejections. Have faith in yourself and your stories. Persistence and confidence in yourself will be the keys to your success. The publication that missed out on my story -- well, they missed out.

Like every good story, eventually it will find the right home. As it is my baby, it is my job to find out where that home is. And the only way I know to do that is...

SUBMIT SUBMIT SUBMIT... If that doesn't work -- SUBMIT again!

Thursday Humor

2011-05-19T15:19:00.000-04:00

Just a little giggle to get you through your Thursday. Enjoy!

Thanks to Inkygirl.com for the giggles!

Book Review: The Blood That Bonds by Christopher Buecheler

2011-05-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

The Blood That Bonds by Christopher Buecheler

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I checked this one out, I did so mostly because it had a cool looking cover and I was into reading some horror type works. I didnt know going in what sort of tale I was getting into. Once I realized it was a vampire story, I was a bit worried, as they are not usually my kind of thing.

But I have to say that I really and thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters, especially the MC, Two were vibrant and the writing active and engaging. I even feel in love with the male leead and otehr prominent characters in this one.

The beginning of the book really drew me in and got my sympathy for Two going right off the bat. Heroin addict and prostitute in a bad situation -- easy to root for an underdog like that.

As the story progresses, we get a more detailed look at the vampire family that Two has been brought into -- Her Master (maker) Thereon is easy to fall for, as are the other siblings in the clan.

There were parts of this one that actually made me cry (so not going to spoil anything) and I haven't read a book that could do that in a long time.

Will definitely be checking out the next in this series. I believe it is called Blood Hunt.

I highly recommend this one if you enjoy vamp tales. However, I would say this is NOTHING like the Twighlight vamps -- so if that is what you are looking for -- th is may not be the book for you.

View all my reviews

My Mother's Day Present: Shelby Glasses - Part 2

2011-05-13T23:32:00.000-04:00

As my regular blog followers can attest, I have a rather unique 10year old daughter named Shelby. For Mother's Day this year, she didn't make me a homemade card like she usually does. Instead, she found a song to send me for Mother's Day. According to Shelby -- this is what I mean to her. (I can tell you right now -- the below video is classic Shelby).

Enjoy!

Book Review: MARKED by P.C. and Kristin Cast

2011-05-09T10:15:00.002-04:00

Marked by P.C. Cast

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit that I set this book aside in the first chapter and told myself I couldn't read it--that it was too YA to be something I would really get into and enjoy. However, my sixteen year old daughter had read the first three books in this series and was set on having a novel we could discuss and both enjoy. So at her prodding and questioning, I picked it back up.

I am glad I did. Once I got past a chapter of "K-babble" I was really able to submerge in the story and found it impossible not to root for the MC, Zoey.

Thoroughly enjoyed the read and I plan to get started on Book #2: Betrayed, this week.

View all my reviews

NOW AVAILABLE: Cutlass and Musket, Tales of Piratical Skullduggery

2011-05-07T15:13:00.003-04:00

This collection of pirate adventures is now available in paperback (e-book formats coming soon). The anthology features one of my short stories,  titled Lost Hope. I have not yet received my contributor copy, so havent read the other included stories, but I am really looking forward to it.

Details:

Arrgh, you scallywags. Rip open these pages to find yerself lost in the world of pirates and their misdeeds. Join them as they travel to misty islands of fortune, sail the seven seas for mysterious items, kill those that betrayed them, and lay siege to monasteries. This collection of new work brings you 18 short stories and a new novella by M.S. Gardner. But beware...if ye escape Davy Jones' Locker, ye may still face the plank.

Here is a small excerpt from my story, LOST HOPE:

Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean -- August 1649

     Sailors shouted to each other, their feet scuffling across the deck as their swords clashed in battle. The air in the lady hole reeked of gunpowder and death. Thankfully, the cannonballs, which had been smashing into the ship’s hull with regular, deafening precision, had stopped. A young couple huddled together in the dark. The man wrapped his arms around the woman, who feverishly rocked a swaddled bundle. She cast a wide-eyed glance at her husband as the infant wailed its dismay at the top of her lungs.

     “If you don’t hush her, Margaret, they'll find us,” the man said.

     The woman rocked faster. “I’m trying.”

     The door to the tiny compartment screeched open. The couple squinted toward the portal. A tall shadow filled the doorway, backlit by bright sunlight. Green eyes glowed from the dark form, its thick voice echoed through the tiny closet.

     “What do we have here? Looks like a family of bilge rats.”

     Untangling himself from his wife, the man stepped out first, blocking access to his family. “Please, sir. I’m a man of means. Allow me to pay safe passage for my family.

     The woman released a startled scream as her husband dropped to the deck with a sickening thud. Blood gushed from the wide slice across his throat; his unseeing eyes stared at the azure sky.

     Rough hands pulled the hysterical woman from her hiding spot, and dragged her, kicking, onto the deck. Tears streaked down her pale cheeks. She closed her eyes and rocked the crying child, her voice cracking as she whispered repeatedly, “though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill.”

     One of the deckhand stepped forward and placed a hand on his captain’s arm. “Cap’n, let me and Joe take the baby back to The Albatross. Elsa’s been waitin’ a long time for a child of ‘er own. ‘Sides, the wee one shouldn’t be witness ta this.”

     Nicor’s eyes narrowed as his gaze fell to the hand on his sleeve. Catching the look, Matthews quickly released the Captain’s arm.

     Nicor’s lips curled into a dark smile. He nodded. “Aye, Pops, take the baby to her new mother while I get acquainted with this lovely prize.” The captain’s gaze swept back to the woman huddled on the deck.

     The sailor squatted and tried to pull the crying bundle from the rocking woman. At his touch, the woman jerked away, locking her bleak eyes on him. “Please, keep her safe for me.”

     Pops nodded. “Aye, miss, ye have me word.”

     The woman let out a sigh and released her hold.

     Pops rose, nodded to his captain, and took the whimpering child away. As he crossed the deck with the baby, the woman drew a hidden dagger from beneath her skirts and plunged it into Nicor’s heartless chest.

     The pirate captain’s rich laughter filled the air as he pulled the useless weapon from his body. He glared at the wide-eyed woman. “Ah, biscuit, you are really going to wish you hadn’t done that.”

     Pops nodded to his brother, who held a rope at the rail. Cradling the child close to his heart, he took the rope and swung across the space between the two ships. Pops Matthews landed deftly on the deck of The Albatross as the strangled cries of the woman’s tortured death filled the salt-kissed air.

How to Purchase this Anthology:

Pill Hill Press Affiliate Book Shop

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble

Staying The Course

2011-05-05T16:02:00.001-04:00

In my relatively short time as a "serious writer" I have learned a few things, forgotten some others, and mucked my way through numerous rejections and a few golden acceptances. Each step in the writing process has been educational and exciting. But I am a year in at this point, and I have found myself in a bit of a rut.

As summer approaches, so does the busy time of year for me-- the time when both my daughters start softball for the summer, get ready for summer camp adventures, SAT's (for my older daughter), open up the seasonal campsite, mow the lawn, do my gardening *takes a deep breath* This is just the stuff I know about as it is on my schedule. Incidentals -- well I just squeeze em in when and wherever I can.

I have managed to schedule myself fairly well with respect to my blogging on a regular schedule and staying up to date on social networking efforts. I have also made a concerted effort to read more. (As a single parent trying to find time to write, adding this one has been particularly difficult -- who has the time?)

What has fallen off for me over the past month or so, is my writing time. Each day that goes by that I haven't taken the laptop out to write some words is a day that I go to bed feeling I have wasted. I need my FT job, but it too gets in the way of my writing -- the thing I want to be doing with myself.

When I get this way, there are a few tried and true methods I have used to get past them.

1. Take a walk -- I realize time walking is not time writing. However I get some of my best ideas while walking and thinking.

2. Listen to music -- The greatest of inspirers (is that even a word) for me. Both of my recent acceptances have been stories conjured during a session of tunage (and family stresses tuneout).

3. Read a book -- Now I know I mentioned above that I barely had time for this. However, I have noticed that in doing this, even for an hour a day, I have opened up some creative veins I had thought long dry. I guess I am one that is inspired by others. Either that or I read stuff and realize that I can do just as well. Either way, it helps spark the synapses enough to get me itching to write something.

What are some of the things you all do to get the creative juices flowing? Do you have a set writing routine that gets you "in the mood"?

Tuesday Humor: I Couldn't Resist (Happy Tuesday)

2011-05-03T09:44:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine sent this to me by email this morning and it really tickled my funny bone. Thought I would share.

Take that Mr. Trump.

Book Review: Sinisterotica (Pill HIll Press, 2010)

2011-05-01T17:59:00.005-04:00

Sinisterotica: A Collection of Erotic Horror by Stella Berkley, Lila Shaw, R. Brennan (and 21 others)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For adult audiences only please :)

View all my reviews

Happy Blogiversary Contest

2011-04-26T14:57:00.001-04:00

So, rather than the usual Monday morning check-in (for those of you following that, it is pretty much the same as it was last week), I thought I would announce the small contest I have put together to celebrate the anniversary of my blog. This will be a writing contest (shocked right?).
The details are listed below.

GENRE: Open
LENGTH: FLASH (less than 1k words)
THEME: Anniversaries
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: May 26, 2011 (Midnight EST)
PRIZE: 1st place will receive a FREE print copy of Cutlass and Musket: Tales of Piratical Skullduggery (signed by one of the featured authors -- that being me)

First and second place entries will be "published" on this blog and will have their story advertised by me on my website, and twitter (so hopefully it should get some readers) All rights remain with the author and they are free to submit or post elsewhere at their discretion.

Entries can be mailed to rebecca(at)rebeccahartwriting(dot)com

Looking forward to reading some interesting entries.

Happy Anniversary

2011-04-22T16:29:00.003-04:00

I just noticed today while surfing the net that April 19th marked the one year anniversary of this blog. One year since I started to take writing seriously enough to start submitting work and opening myself up to possible rejection.

In looking back, I have to say I have grown immeasurably as a writer over the past year, learned a ton, and reached a few milestones as well. I think I will offer some sort of contest to celebrate this auspicious occassion. I'll need a bit to think on this, but will give you all some info in the next few days.

In the meantime, Happy Anniversary to The Machenwood Chronicles and Other Tales!

Wednesday Morning Check-in

2011-04-20T16:50:00.001-04:00

Welp -- Monday came and went with no check in post from me this week. The picture to the left illustrates what my week has been like.

Because I promised myself I would stick to this. Here is my TO DO List for this week:

1. Still waiting on replies for submissions already out. Waiting on replies from Boulevard Magazine (still) and have also subbed pieces to Pulp Empire's Pirates anthology and some shorts to Vestal Magazine and Short Story America.

2. Work on Machenwood - This one is serious for me this week. I have pushed aside some muse tickles for other stories. I WILL finish this one. It is now the front burner piece.

3. Continue social networking efforts. - This is just an ongoing process. So far, so good. Up to 75 followers on twitter and my blog follow list is growing in slow increments.

4. Catch up on critiques and reading lists on Scribophile and Writer's Digest. With work being such a bear this week, with training a new hire and all that, I have fallen behind on this particular activity.

5. This weekend I will be looking at travel trailers as I need to pick one up for this summer. I managed to get a seasonal campsite at one of the local campgrounds, so will hopefully spend a good amount of time this summer enjoying the outdoors with the family.

All this is in addition to the usual stuff, like laundry, cleaning up after my daughters, and the always present mom-taxi duties.

Most of the others in my writing circles are also parents-- maybe not single ones, but still -- busy to be sure. Yet we manage to juggle work, family, and writing, (some I know are even tackling the debut of first novels)- not to mention keeping up with each other and critiquing their work when possible. How do we do it all and remain sane? (wait...was I sane before?)

BOOK REVIEW: On Writing by Stephen King

2011-04-16T10:08:00.000-04:00

On Writing by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely fantastic --full of helpful tips and ideas. All of this offered in a nicely comedic presentation full of personal experiences. A great book for anyone who ever considers writing as a career.

View all my reviews

How to Get Rejected

2011-04-12T20:53:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I subbed out a flash piece I wrote called "Leaving Eric". The story is about a woman named Brenda telling us how she left her boyfriend/husband Eric.

I happened to be browsing Duotrope and came across a Husband and Wives theme and I thought, "Meh, that might work." I checked it out, and Woohoo! -- accepting flash length works. "I'm in!"

Today I got what has to be the BEST rejection a writer could ever receive. I have included it below. I would happily of included the name of the kind editor, but I do not know what sort of etiquette would apply to a situation of that sort.

Anyway, here is what I got in my email. (A 1 day response -- love the no waiting thing *cough* Boulevard Mag *cough*)

Hi, Rebecca, I just wanted to let you know that I really liked your submission, “Leaving Eric” - the end was satisfying and clever in a macabre sort of way - but unfortunately I’m not going to be able to take it for the “Husbands and Wives” themed issue. It was sure a “finalist” (actually there are two folders we put submissions after initial reading, “Sorry” and “Hotlist,” and yours made it to “Hotlist”), but it just didn’t work for the mix I’ve chosen. But if it’s any consolation I wanted to tell you how much I admired your writing and hope you’ll continue to submit to NAME WITHHELD.

Thank you, Editor. You really made my day. :)

Monday Morning Check-In

2011-04-11T14:30:00.003-04:00

Here we are at yet another Monday. It is amazing to me how quickly the week goes by sometimes.

This is my To Do list for this week:

1. Still waiting to hear from Boulevard magazine. Duotrope says I should be hearing in the next week or so -- at least based on the average response time. Man, I hope so. I feel like they have had it forever.

2. Posted the final version of Ellie's tale to my crit group. So once the feedback comes in, I will be subbing that out for the anthology call for submissions and crossing my fingers.

3. Machenwood. With the short story basically complete, it is time for Ana and Ric to get some attention.

4. Take a look at Duotrope for upcoming themes that I find interesting.

5. Continue working on social networking.

6. Subbed my flash piece - "Leaving Eric" out -- (to Pedestal magazine's Husband and Wives issue) so I have another pub to wait for a reply from.

Not a bad list this week. It looks like I may actually accomplish some of these writing goals. One foot in front of the other.

On a side note -- WELCOME BACK SPRING!!

Thursday Humor

2011-04-07T13:22:00.000-04:00

Thankfully, this is not what happens on my favorite critique circle at Scribophile. (shameless plug for the best critique site I have found to date)

Happy Writing and Critiquing!

Monday Morning Check-In

2011-04-04T14:18:00.000-04:00

This looks like me at the office (just so you know)

Welp, here we are at week #2 of my track your own progress and follow your TO DO list efforts.

This is what we have on the burners for this wonderful week.

1. Still waiting to hear back from Boulevard magazine. (2 months and counting). This particular magazine is listed on the Most Challenging Fiction Markets -- but I didn't think they meant the surviving the wait part of the process - heh.

2. Finish the first Draft of The Call of The Sea:Ellie's Tale -- I managed to get part 2 down this past week, so it is on to the climax section. (my favorite part) I have to have the draft done so I can get to the editing before the submit deadline (which is 4/15/11)

3. Continuing efforts to stay connected via social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc) While I am still new at much of this, things are moving ahead slowly. I have some new blog followers and actually have managed about 30 followers on twitter this week. Baby steps :)

4. Get back to work on Machenwood -- This is the big one for me this week. Ana, my MC, is just starting to whisper in my ear again, so I am really hoping to get myself past Chapter 18 this week.

5. Read On Writing, by Stephen King

Looks like another busy week. Happy writing, everyone!

Thursday Humor

2011-03-31T13:06:00.000-04:00

Came across this one today and just had to share. Happy Thursday!

Monday Morning Check-In

2011-03-28T10:47:00.000-04:00

I have decided to start to track my writing progress and journey toward publication in a series of these weekly posts. My thought is that by documenting my journey, I will not only remain organized, another writer may learn from it, and maybe avoid some of the pitfalls I am bound to come across. (I am intimately acquainted with Mr Murphy, so this is not outside the realm of possibility) I will try to share the ups and the downs, as well as share any information I come across that I feel might be useful to anyone following this blog.

This week's To DO List:

1. Complete the 1st draft of Pirate and Selkie short story.
While I think at this point I probably have enough story here to fill a novel length work, I am reluctant to do so since I specifically started the short to submit for an upcoming publication. Do I hold it and work it into a novel, knowing I still have Machenwood on my plate, and last years NANO novel to complete?
2. Clear my critique list on Scribophile.
I am in fairly good shape on this one, as I only have about five in my list to get to this week.
3. Pray I hear back on my submission to Boulevard magazine.
I sent them my Parades flash piece about two months ago, and I anxious to hear back one way or another so I can at least look at other potential publishing avenues for this story.
4. Continue social networking efforts.
I have managed to set up a website, goodreads account, a twitter account and managed (I think) to tie all those pieces together and link them all to facebook as well. If I have taken one lesson from the various sites and blogs I follow, it is that you have to get your name out there. There needs to be a place for people to find you in the web world to really make a go of this sort of career. Self promotion and marketing are as key as writing a piece of classic fiction.

Not a bad list for one week, I guess. Let's see if my full time job and lovely daughters decide to work with me this week. Oh, and if you see Mr Murphy, don't tell him where I am.

Three Great Authors Signed - J. Taylor Publishing - Congrats Ladies!

2011-03-25T12:33:00.001-04:00

I enjoying sharing good news.

Especially when the good news happens to writers that I am "close" to. Not in locational proximity, but the three authors debuting with J. Taylor publishing per this most recent blog post: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/blog/ are all part of my favorite critique circle and people I consider friends, at the very least, colleagues.

Please join me in offering congratulations to Aimee Layne, JA Belfield and Jocelyn Adams. Way to go ladies -- I am so proud and happy for each of you. It is well deserved and about time, too.

Can't wait to pick up copies of the books when they are out in print or e-book.

I have links to each of their websites on My Favorite Authors page on my website, or there are links to each on the blog posted at the link above.

March: In Like a Lion

2011-03-15T21:29:00.002-04:00

Or so the saying goes. Welp, the Good News Train is marching through my life this March.

First, my cousin Gary John Mercer, just returned from a tour in Afghanistan safe and sound, and that is cause for celelbration in its own right.

From a writer perspective, I have had two fantastic things happen this month.

The first of those is learning that a short story I wrote has been accepted for inclusion in an anthology to be published this year. I had been somewhat relucatant to post about it on my blog (and used a pen name) as the story genre is erotic horror. NOT for everyone--certainly not my kids. Even the cover is too racy for PG rated audiences. For those that do enjoy that sort of story -- and of course it was damned good--there is a link on the right side of my blog under publications to the website where it will be available for purchase once it is complete.

The anthology also features offerings from two of the ladies in my favorite critique group. (Stella Berkley and Lila Shaw) Check them out.

The other bit of good news, I just got this evening. A short story I wrote placed 2nd in a contest with about fifty entries. *BIG SMILES* Very excited about that. The honor came with a small monetary prize, which is an added bonus.

I'm still trying to decide if I want to post it here or on my website or hold onto it and see if I can submit it to a magazine or something of that nature. I know one thing for sure. The future is looking bright these days.

It must be spring!

I've been Twitterpated :P

2011-03-14T14:17:00.003-04:00

Okay, not really. But I did manage to create a twitter account for myself and register a website and domain as well. The page is empty at the moment, but over the next few days should be up and running at http://www.rebeccahartwriting.com/

Stop by and say hello or follow me on twitter
#rebelhart69 (I think that is how they look...I am still learning)

I Could See This Conversation Happening At My House.

2011-03-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

Just a little Thursday humor. This was sent to me by a co-worker who knows my daughter, Shelby. This is something I could TOTALLY see her asking me.

Enjoy :)

Poetry Anyone?

2011-02-26T10:14:00.001-05:00

I got this notification in one of my email newsletters. While I am not a poet, I thought since there is no fee to enter, some of you out there may be interested in this one. Cash Prize!

WERGLE FLOMP HUMOR POETRY CONTEST - NO FEE

10th annual free contest. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $3,600.
Top prize $1,500. Submit one humor poem by April 1 deadline.
No entry fee. Winning entries published online. Final judge:
Jendi Reiter. Sponsored by Winning Writers, proud to be one
of the "101 Best Websites for Writers" (Writer's Digest, 2005- 2010).
Guidelines and online submission at www.winningwriters.com/wergle

What are Shelby Glasses?

2011-02-09T19:38:00.001-05:00

A few days ago, a writer friend of mine (Joce Adams *shout out* - Great Writer - check her stuff out. There's a link to her blog in my sidebar somewhere) recently asked me to critique one of her stories with an eye toward the 9 year old voice.

As some of you may know, I have two daughters. The youngest of which is my ten year old, Shelby. I told Joce I'd put on my "Shelby Glasses" and see what I could find to pick at.

Just this evening, I found some of her schoolwork on the counter, a common occurrence. One of the pages had some paragraphs of writing on it, and I thought it might be a story of some kind, or a book report.

It turned out to be some kind of journal page. There are two sections. Friday and Saturday. What I read for Saturday explains Shelby Glasses perfectly. You will have to let me know if you agree.

The following is not edited in any way. It is VERBATIM what is on the page and what made me laugh today.

Saturday

On Saturday I went to my friends and slept over. Once we went on youtube we looked up Etrade baby grounded. After that we did a complete minute to win it night. I won and I got (dramatic pause) 1 Penny!! It wasn't worth dropping an egg on your head. I had to take 2 showers to wash it out. surprisingly it makes your skin nice and soft.

(NOTE: I wasn't able to make the !! properly after Penny --the way shelby wrote it- because it is a smiley face using the periods as the eyes)

I was particularly impressed with the addition of the stage direction for dramatic pause and the importance it warranted to add it for her teacher to get the full affect of the story.

Shelby glasses ROCK.

The Sharp Angle: Conquering the Logline

2011-02-03T11:44:00.000-05:00

I decided to cross post this, as recently I had learned about the existence of this thing called a logline. Not to mention, many of you I know check in are in the query letter and synopsis stages, so I thought this might be an appropriate cross post. Thanks to Lydia Sharp for allowing me to share it with you all.

The Sharp Angle: Conquering the Logline: "A blog reader recently asked if we could discuss how to craft a logline, to which I said, 'Of course!' I lurrrrrve this topic. First, pleas..."

The Next Big Goal? Keeping an Eye on the Prize.

2011-01-31T11:37:00.001-05:00

I had two big dreams growing up. The first big dream was to be an Olympic Beach Volleyball player. The other, less tangible goal (imagine that) I had was to be a published writer.

Obviously, I am not living the beach dream. I have but to look out my office window at the 8 inches of unmelted snow to realize that. My tan is long faded, and my body has managed to survive the birth of three children via C-section. I'm lucky I can survive my Women's 18+ summer softball season, let alone compete on a level I was far from reaching back in the prime of my late teens and early twenties.

However, I am about to be a published writer, thanks to Wicked East Press and their Pirate anthology. Dream realized -- or will be very soon.

A dream attained. How many people can say that? I count myself blessed to be among them. But, I also find myself wondering what the new goal is. Do I want to make another small attainable goal, or go for the big guns and lay it all out there?

Welp, I have decided. I want the big fat dream now. I want to make a living doing what I love to do -- writing.

Now, I realize I can't just quit my job and pursue the dream. I have a life, kids, responsibilities, a mortgage. I've proven I can write an interesting story, now it's time to prove I can make a living doing so.

I don't know what the future holds, but it should be one hell of a ride. Maybe even something to write about.

Finding Time for Yourself

2011-01-27T16:48:00.000-05:00

As a working, single parent, the idea of finding "me time" can be a bit daunting-- as anyone in a similiar situation can attest. In my world, me time = writing time. It is what I want to be doing when there is nothing pressing me in another direction.

My biggest issue however, seems to be guilt. Guilt over not giving the kids enough attention when I get home. Guilt over spending the evening with my nose in a laptop knowing my retired boyfriend has been home alone all day with nothing to do BUT wait for me to get home so he can chat with someone other than the dog. Some days my fingers itch to write, but I can't force myself to pick up the laptop because I know the look that will inevitably follow. I guess that would be self-imposed guilt?

This little dilemma got me thinking. There are a lot of you out there also carrying a workload, and a life outside writing, so I am turning the question to you all.

How do you find time to write? Do you have a specific routine? Certain hours of the day set aside for writing? Do you feel guilty when you are shutting everything out while you pound through a new chapter?

How do you manage to juggle all the little balls without dropping any?

What the Heck Happened to the Thermostat?

2011-01-25T13:40:00.001-05:00

I realize, being born and raised here in Upstate NY that a certain amount of snow and cold weather are bound to be part of my life. Especially between the chilly winter months of December and March.

However, I did not -- I repeat for any of those that may be hard of hearing -- NOT sign up for, get in line to order, or even THINK about ordering, a negative 27 degree morning yesterday. (And that ain't wind chill, folks that is just plain temperature)

No - I don't live in Alaska, Fargo, ND, or Canada.... so what the heck? Who turned off the heat? Can ya turn it back on please?

Even local school buses wouldn't start in the arctic chill of yesterday. So I say, here and now -- Enough stinking winter already!

*steps off her soap box and hunts for her Snuggie*

That is all :)

The Value of Contests and Writing Prompts

2011-01-16T13:50:00.001-05:00

When I first began to take my writing seriously enough to consider the possibility of publication, I really had no idea what I was getting into. I joined a few groups and crit circles. My favorites of which, if anyone out there is in search of that sort of thing are Scribophile and the Writer's Digest Forums. I have also had some moderate luck using Critique Circle.

The first two of these sites, Scrib and Writer's Digest, offer occassional member contests. Each will give writers a set of guidelines and some kind of prompt. Always with the idea of spurring creativity in their member groups.

I had always considered them a "neat idea" and tried one or two of them. Some, like Scribophile, offer prize money for the winners, others just acknowledgement.

I've never placed in the top, but I have written three or four stories I would not have written were it not for the contests. The last of which, "Lost Hope", written for a combination of two separate prompts and a call for submissions, is to be published in the coming months (see previous blog posts for details). For me, that the the culmination of a dream, so in essence, aside from any results from the contests, I've already won.

My point is this, and maybe most of you know it already: Any excuse to write, any reason to put pen to paper in search for that crazy, fickle guy, Inspiration, is something you should grab onto with both hands. Genre be damned! Get out there, write something. Toss a lasso on some creative juices.

Who knows, maybe there is a dream on the end of that rope.

Success! My First Acceptance

2011-01-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

I got the email today, and after a good thirty minutes of "Oh my God" and "Woohoo", I am still on cloud nine. My short story, Lost Hope was accepted for publication in a pirate anthology called, Cutlass and Musket: Tales of Piratical Skullduggery being put out by Wicked East Press. The projected publication date is February 2011.

No monetary payment, but I do get a contributor's copy of the anthology when it is printed, and for a first acceptance, that is just fine by me. :)

Just can't wipe the smile off my face.

Here is a copy of the book's cover art:

Happy Holidays Everyone! - Santa brought me a Nook!

2010-12-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to take a quick moment and wish you all Happy Holidays and the best for each of you in 2011. I have been so busy with the family events and Christmas prep that I have not posted in a few weeks, but I promise it shall pick up now that there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

On a side note, I got a NOOK for Christmas. Does anyone else have one? Like it? Hate it? Have any tips or tricks?

I'm the World's Worst Mother

2010-12-07T15:38:00.001-05:00

So it turns out, I am the worst mom on the planet. Or at least, that seems to be what my daughters want the otuside world to believe. Kinda like this lady. Remember her?

Today is my prime example. I get up at 6:45am and as usual, my girls are getting ready for school. Now anyone with children knows what a hectic time this can be. Making sure papers are signed, lunches are made, everyone is dressed, teeth brushed, etc.
Innocently enough, I ask my daughter Shelby (10 yrs) where her coat is.

"I forgot it at school."

How this is even possible when it is 20 degrees outside is beyond me. When you walk outside in that temperature, you automatically ebgin to shiver, rub your arms to stay warm. You'd think you would notice the missing layer at that point. But, Shelby can be a bit scattered, so this is not a huge shock.

"Ok, where is your backup coat? The one from last year," I ask.

"I lost it last week."

"You mean to tell me you have no coat at all???"

"No, but I got my sweatshirt." She holds up a red sweatshirt with a zip front."

"If you don't bring your coat home tonight, you are grounded. You can't go around without a coat, Shel, it's winter!"

After some pre-teen grumbling, she says, "I'll bring it home, I promise."

Then teenage daughter, Caey comes upstairs ready to roll out the door. Her coat, you ask? The thin windbreaker she got for volleyball.

"Where the heck is your coat. You can't go out like that?"

"I can't find it. Haven't seen it since last winter."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Nope. I looked downstairs. It isnt there."

"Just great."

Now they are both standing at the bus stop with either no coat or a windbreaker waiting for the bus in the howling winter winds. I can hear the teachers and bus driver now.

"Doesn't your mother know you don't have a coat? Are you that poor? Does she know it's 20 degrees?"

Yup, worst mother ever.... that's me.

So ask me what I did at lunch today? Yup, that's right. Mom went to Target and bought two new winter coats, a pair of snowpants for the lil one, and some hats and mittens.

The irony here? I would be willing to bet at this time next week, I will be having the same morning conversation and watching my unorganized, half-dressed daughters standing at the bus stop in little but their clothing and wondering how I became sush a sorry excuse for a parent.

*Sigh* Happy Winter everyone!

Nanowrimo 2010 Draws to a Close

2010-12-01T16:37:00.001-05:00

As the hectic month of writing frenzy comes to an end, I find myself perplexed by the prospect of reading the 50k words I just wrote. I have never before just typed furiously with no thought to looking back or editing it while I write. It's not that I believe that what I wrote is total crap, it is more a concern over the amount of time and work I put in vs how much I will actually end up keeping. I guess no matter how you slice it, words on the page are words on the page, and a damn sight better than where I was at the beginning of November.

And now I undestand why December is Nanoedmo - (National Novel Editing Month). Im not even sure if that is a real thing, but I saw it on a blog I follow today and it seemed so appropriate. That is what my December is looking like.

That in addition to catching up on my crit circles and all the posted works I didnt take the time to read in November, and creating shorts for two contests with the same deadline for the end of December.

Then, of course, that is that little holiday they call Christmas.

But, Im sure my kids will understand when I tell them Santa took a sabatical to edit the Great American Novel. Right? :P

Happy Thanksgiving :)

2010-11-24T12:24:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note before the holiday preparations really kick into high gear to say to all those who happen to stop by or follow this blog. Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May you have countless blessings to give thanks for in the coming year.

The Waiting Game

2010-11-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

As I have only just started trying to send out some of my work for possible publication, this process it new to me. I am not, as a rule, the most patient of people. I have three works out now waiting for acceptance or rejection (my babies...).

I sent one to ARCT magazine, but have learned they are now on semi-permanent hiatus. No further works would be read, and all right for previously selected pieces have been reverted to the author as the magazine is closing. Bummer, but at least I know.

The second one was submitted to FlashMe Magazine for their SFH issue (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Horror). Originally, authors would have been notified by email in October, but they have extended the deadline and pushed back the publication date, as this will be there last issue before a 5 year hiatus. Slush should be read by the 15th of November and final voting on held submissions complete by tomorrow Nov. 19th. They hope to have all authors notified by Thanksgiving. No news is good news, right? I hope so as that one is a paying market.

The final short I have submitted was to Everyday Fiction (everydayfiction.com) and that story is in Process.

I find myself checking email and the site for the two still pending submissions everyday, and my hopes rise for them the longer it takes. What scares me a bit, is the higher my hopes get, the harder they will crash to Earth when a rejection comes rather than an acceptance.

For those of you who have submitted work, how do you pass the time waiting for replies? Are you like me, checking constantly, or the laid back - it will come when it comes type? How do you keep your sanity without biting off all your nails.

Inquiring minds want to know.

A Salute to Mr Murphy

2010-11-08T11:27:00.001-05:00

Murphy's Law and I have always had a love/hate relationship. He loves to hang around me, and I hate his constant presence in my life. Being irish, I had always thought that I was lucky, but it turns out that there is a different irish luck. That is the kind I have.

I'm that person you see with their car on the side of the road with the hood up one day after their inspection. Or the one with a flat tire on the day of an important meeting. Im the girl in line at the grocery that ends up with the half open bag of chips or the case of beer with three broken bottles in it.

I used to lament this fact about my life, but I have come to embrace it over the past few months. Afterall, it isn't like this is a new development in my life. It has been an ongoing theme that I do not see coming to an end anytime soon. A positive attitude does wonders, and learning to accept who you are and what your life entails is the first step to not letting life derail your best efforts. I am still kicking. :)

So I say here and now, Hooray for Mr Murphy. I salute you, Sir. Good game. (And what else ya got?)

Anthology Call for Submission - Dead Robot's Society

2010-10-20T14:27:00.001-04:00

Just thought I would share this one with anyone who might be interested:

The Dead Robots’ Society Podcast and MWS Media, LLC are proud to announce EXPLORERS: BEYOND THE HORIZON, a short story anthology to be published in 2011. The stories in EXPLORERS will feature characters forever changed by their discovery of lands and worlds beyond their own. Whether it’s by charting new stars, trekking across fantastical realms, sailing new oceans or traversing the wild and unknown spaces between dimensions, readers will find the unimaginable in the pages of EXPLORERS.

OPEN SUBMISSION CALL:

Submissions are now open for EXPLORERS: BEYOND THE HORIZON. All submissions must be primarily science fiction or fantasy. Horrific elements are acceptable so long as the emphasis is on science fiction or fantasy. The submission period will end at 11:59PM (CST) December 31st, 2010.

NO reprints. Unpublished manuscripts only. One manuscript per author. Do not exceed 5,000 words.
Please follow standard manuscript formatting.
Submissions must be sent as e-mail attachments in .rtf or .doc format to submissions@deadrobotssociety.com.

This is a paying market with royalty sharing. Space is limited, so good luck to everyone. Please see the FAQ section of the website (http://deadrobotssociety.com/) for answers to most of your submissions questions.

Mommy? Is there a Santa Claus

2010-10-18T15:50:00.001-04:00

I am not sure how many of you out there are parents, but that wonderfully hectic time of year fast approaching. This year, we spoke to the girls about the possibility of having a "toned down" Christmas in favor of saving some money and taking a family vacation to Arizona in February.

My sixteen year old daughter, well aware of the truths of Santa, readily agreed. My ten year old, however, had questions.

It wasn't until I heard the questions that I began to understand the workings of her young mind.

Shelby: First let me ask, is there really a Santa?
Mom: What does that have to do with anything?

Shelby: If there really isnt a Santa, and you say were going to have a smaller Christmas, than that means we wont get too many presents. If there is a Santa, even if you tell us it will be a smaller Christmas, Santa will still bring what he usually brings, so it will be the same as always.

How does one argue with that logic?

Mom: Ok... Shelby, you got me. There is a Santa, but he only brings kids one gift. The rest are from moms and dads. So you will still get one, but the others you would normally get, wont be as big -- so you would get less under the tree, but we would take a nice trip in February.

Shelby: Then how come we get lots of presents under the tree that say from Santa, and only one or two from you?

Damn, got me again...

Mom: Well, moms and dads put Santa's name on the other cards because you are always so happy when you see lots of Santa gifts

Shelby: Isn't that the same as lying?

Mom: No, not exactly. You asked if there was a Santa, not if he brought all those gifts. So technically, mommy hasn't lied to you.

Shelby: Ok, I guess Arizona would be fun, then.

I guess my question here is: When the heck did children get so dang smart and world wise? Is it just mine? Or are all ten year olds this savy these days?

Man I feel old :P

Nanowrimo, anyone?

2010-10-09T11:53:00.001-04:00

November is fast approaching, and it is getting close to the chaos of Nanowrimo's annual fiction writing event. I participated last year, and did manage to get about 20k words done for what has become The Machenwood Chronicles (my current WIP). Didn't "win", but in a way I did, since I did manage to get a good start on a story that I think has some great potential for publication down the road (like when I actually finish it).

I am planning to give it a go again this year, but working on something different--though I have literally no clue what at this point. I have a few more weeks to come up with some sort of plotline. Anyway, thinking about it got me curious.

Is anyone else planning on participating in Nanowrimo this year?

Submissions - Torture and Growth

2010-09-22T12:51:00.001-04:00

It wasn't until I started to actually submit short pieces of fiction for potential publication, that I realized what a difficult task it is to send your "babies" out into the cold, cruel world of editors. You spend so much time loving and nuturing them, obsessing over every word and punctuation mark, only to send them to a faceless potential publisher and wait the seemingly endless days, weeks, and months for your reply.

For me, the responses have all been rejections so far, but I hold tight to hope. I have only just started on this submission journey and there is a long road ahead -- and hopefully light at the end of the tunnel.

What I have learned, aside from a basic sense of patience ( a difficult lesson for me) is that the mere act of submitting can be very liberating. To have built enough confidence in your work that you honestly believe you have a shot at that elusive acceptance. What a feeling. :) Somehow it makes the entire idea and process of being a "writer" feel real. I am loving that feeling.

I have three submissions out now, and they may or may not end up in print or on the web -- that remains to be seen. But either way, I am feeling like a winner for just taking that first, big step.

May we never forget -- September 11, 2001

2010-09-11T18:04:00.001-04:00

Just a simple first post back. This one speaks for itself.

May we never forget those we lost.

Where the heck have you been?

2010-08-16T10:49:00.001-04:00

Summer is almost over already, and I have been completely remiss in my blogging duties. For that I apologize -- mostly to myself. I made a promise that I would post on the blog here at least once a week, and it has been almost a month since my last posting.

Things in my world have been unbelievably hectic, like most single parents I would wager. Alot summer BBQ's, camping, a trip to Six Flags, a few birthdays, my brother's engagement (CONGRATS JAY!) -- alot to stay on top of.

However, I am vowing now (again :P) to post something of interest every week. Topics will vary, and I am even considering doing some book and movie reviews and things of that nature. We shall see how it goes and what topics wiggle their way into the recesses of my brain.

See you on Friday!

My quote of the week: If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy.
(Anonymous)

Anything can be torture when you can't escape...

2010-07-19T13:10:00.007-04:00

About three years ago now, I moved with my family to the country from the suburbs. And for the most part, I love it. This weekend, however, I learned that even the best laid plans can be torn asunder -- among other things.

This weekend, we took the girls, along with some friends, tubing on the Battenkill River. This is apparently a pretty common activity for those that live in my area, as the river is very winding and slow moving. It draws fisherman, kayaks and "tubers". So we decided we would see what all the fuss was about. It certainly looked like fun all the times we have driven past the river to see the groups of tubes floating down it.

We mapped our route on the river, rented tubes, left one car where we were planning to end our ride and drove the other two up to the start point. We planned to be on the river about 5 hours and packed lunches and drinks for the ride. We had prepared.

At the start, my friends spent a good deal of time berating me for not having done this before. "You have this practically in your back yard, and you have never done it before? This is awesome!"

And admittedly, it was an amazing and fun ride down the river on a very sunny and hot day. Perfection. Our theme for the trip became -- We are making memories!

Well, it turns out, that what we thought would be five hours on the river became eight hours. By the end of trip, we were all rounding bends in the river and praying desperately to see the bridge where we parked our car. The funny thing about tubing, is that you really have NO CLUE as you are riding about where you are or how much further it is till the end. Side note: 10 yr old children do NOT like being stuck in a river for 8 hours. And "do you see a bridge, yet?" and "Are we still getting slushies when we are done?" became the questions of the hour. Oh, and two of us managed to loose our shoes during the trip.

The theme of our trip changed at some point to -- "We are making memories, Dammit! Shut up and enjoy it!"

We finally made it to the car to learn that Pete had locked his keys to his car in one of the other cars, which was parked at the beginning of the journey. So he had to hitch a ride with some other adventurers to the car to get his keys and drive one of the back to meet us and all the tubes that we still had to return, as we had rented them.

The tube rental place charged $8 per tube for a 5 hour trip. We missed the fine print where they stated that you get charged $5 per hour per tube for being late. So, when we arrived to return them, looking completely exhausted, waterlogged and VERY happy to have the river behind us. --they were not pleased and were looking for another $150 in fees for keeping the tubes out. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! We finally settled on paying half of the fee and had to go to the store and take out cash to pay.

What a weekend!! Making memories can be hard work!

A New Start - Fear and Hope

2010-07-13T12:18:00.001-04:00

As scary as the prospect is at my ripe age of fourty, it is time for me to make a clean break and a new start. For myself, and for my daughters. After a six year relationship and the purchase of a house and two dogs, it is time for me to strike out on my own once again. Love is nothing without trust.

For a long time I told myself things like "it is better than being alone" whenever things seemed bleak or I felt betrayed. I told myself I wasn't a quitter, that I would stick with it and by doing so, by making that sacrifice, things would improve. It won't get worse, right? Wrong.

It turns out, despite or greatest desire to the contrary, life just doesn't work that way. There comes a point where you have to weigh all the sacrifices, all the times you turned the other cheek, or believed the promises and vows made against all the lies, half-hearted attempts at regaining the trust, and stress of trying to save a relationship that is, for all intents, dead.

I guess the underlying message in this, at least for me, is that people don't change. It doesn't matter how badly you want them to, how much you love them, or how much you sacrifice. The only thing you can ever change, is YOU.

So... that is my lesson for today and the first step to making a new start.

TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE. I am not about to waste it :)

Summer Reading

2010-06-30T16:21:00.002-04:00

Hey All:

I have been putting together a bit of a summer reading list for myself and wanted to see what you all suggested for a great book to read this summer while sunning in the sand and surf. I do not get much chance to read in the winter months, so save up my reading for times when I am at the beach or watching over the kids at the park.

It's been a long time since I have followed the best seller lists and usually choose a book by an author I am familiar with in a genre that I prefer (usually historicals and fantasy).

This time, I would like to get some suggestions from others on what sorts of books you would recommend.

Soooo, what is on your reading list right now?

The Dragon and the Raven

2010-06-14T13:27:00.001-04:00

Just a little something... not sure yet where it will end up.

Ghostly clouds of the unknown swirled behind exotic, yet blank emerald eyes. The curtain of true sight slipped open. Pictures floated, still blurry to her mind's eye, then grew clearer, closer, begging to be known and understood. Shelby was familiar with this sensation. She took a deep breath and let it wash over her, her shoulders relaxing as she closed her eyes. Only with her eyes shut tight, could she truly see. The darkness began to ebb, the tendrils of smoke retreating to give her a better view.

A man approached her from the gloom. He was tall, well built, his carriage was arrogant and self-assured. He strode silently closer, almost stalking her. His face became clearer as he neared, but he was unfamiliar to her, a stranger. His features were set in stone, unyielding. The man was handsome, even with his too strong chin and hawk-like nose. Clear blue eyes bore into hers, burning into her memory, freezing her where she stood. She was powerless, but strangely unafraid. He wanted something of her. She sensed it in him. What it was, however, she couldn’t determine--wasn’t meant to know. He stopped then, the space between them so small that he towered over her petite frame.

"Who are you?" she croaked, amazed that she was able to speak at all.

Shelby had to tilt her head back in order to meet his gaze. Their glances locked for a breath of time, sending a wave of strange anticipation thru her limbs. His searing look paralyzed more than her body. Her mind too, seemed numb, trapped in a thick mud of confusion. She should have known not to bother asking such a silly and simple question. They never answered, no matter how much she wanted them to.

Proving her point, without speaking a single word he moved closer still, closing off the air between them, the heat of his body mixing with hers. He lowered his dark head toward her and Shelby abruptly realized his intent. Too late. His lips brushed hers softly, his power unmistakable. The man’s scent swirled over her senses, musky and masculine. She felt herself leaning easily into his embrace. Her mind now gone, only sensation and touch remained. He drew her against his hard body and his lips fused with hers.

Shelby clung to him weak with unsettling emotions, responding instinctively to his demanding exploration of her mouth. She trembled as he pulled her even tighter to him. A longing she didn't understand began to bloom, swirling up from her toes and igniting her stomach with churning fire, like the scalding heat of a sleeping volcano about to spill forth its inner strength.

She shivered then, the kiss was over and she couldn't breathe. Her eyes opened languidly as her body shuddered from the suddenly cold air that now separated them. It took her a moment to realize he was gone.

All that stood before her now was a small fire. Realizing how chilled she was without his heat she moved closer to the flickering warmth. Confused eyes stared into the flames as they licked hungrily at the dry wood. She tried fervently to collect her thoughts as she watched the fire. It began to grow and transform as she looked on.

It took on a life of its own, changing shape until Shelby could finally see the form of a fierce dark dragon with menacing black eyes entwined within the orange flames. She was unable to suppress the terror that overwhelmed her. The power of the emotions and stark terror shook her to the core. She closed her eyes tightly then, wishing the visage away. When she cautiously opened her eyes once more the dragon was gone. The fire was once again, a simple source of light and warmth.

The dark clouds once more swirled in around her, closing, chocking off her vision until things were once again black and obscured within her mind. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking as they adjusted to the light of the room. She looked about and smiled softly, she was back. She was safe. The vision was over.

Summer is Here and Life is Busy!

2010-06-03T11:35:00.001-04:00

As usual, when the weather changes for the better, my schedule seems to fill up faster than the Walmart parking lot on a Rollback day. Picnics, camping, softball games, practices, birthdays, etc. I love and hate it all at the same time. It definately makes it a requirement to schedule in my writing time.

The Machenwood story is progressing fairly well and I am up to Chapter 6 now. Still haven't reached a point where I feel I can incorporate the notes I already have, but maybe that is a good thing -- since it means I will have that much more to add to the story as I go.

I found a great site for getting feedback and critiques. I would suggest it to anyone that wants to get a readers perspective on their stories or chapters.

The site is http://www.critiquecircle.com/ -- I posted the first two chapters for feedback and got 12 critiques during the week that my story was in the queue. Alot of great suggestions and edits that I missed. It has been absolutely invaluable to me. It gives me a chance to get a real feel for the readers reactions and also allows me to read and critique other writers work -- a great way to see different writing styles and learn from each other.

I am lovin' it!

Memorial Day Weekend - More Camping!!

2010-05-27T16:46:00.001-04:00

Heading out tomorrow (after a half day of working) for a relaxing, fun-filled weekend of camping with the family. I should have some great pics and stories to share when I get back. With the girls coming along, it will be impossible not to.

We aren't taking a long trip this weekend, just an hour away to a campsite where one of my best friends has a seasonal site. Thank goodness, as I don't think I can do another 12 hours in the car. :P

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Be safe and I will see you on Tuesday!

Miss Bucket Butt

2010-05-19T19:33:00.001-04:00

Just thought I would share another picture from our prospecting adventure this past weekend. I call this Miss Bucket Butt. If anyone asked me what my daughter, Shelby, is like I can just hand them this picture.

I've also provided a nice one I like to call - Camp Monkey (also courtesy of Miss Shelby).

I think I could fill a book with her adventures, maybe I should give it a try. *ponders*

Enjoy. :)

The 49ers Still Exist

2010-05-17T16:34:00.003-04:00

So I went gold mining this weekend...

That's right, I said gold mining - as in prospecting, panning for gold.

My boyfriend is retired now and this is the hobby he has picked up to keep himself busy, and he is really loving it. So being the supportive girlfriend I am, I said I would go with him (and take the kids) to a weekend outing he was planning to attend in Marion, NC. Twelve hours in the car later, we are in NC and I learn that the typical 49er does still exist and is not a figment of the past. These gents come complete with a million interesting stories, full ZZ Top type beards and usually some knee high rubber boots. Not a single one I met was anything but wonderful kind and more than willing to shre his knowledge and techniques with you, or let you see the things they had found over the years.

Their faces light up like children when taking about their mining adventures, friends made and lost, or any other mining topic you show a true interest in. They are true gems and just a wealth of information for anyone, interested in gold propecting or not.

I had a great time learning, meeting a bunch of new people, and watching my daughters enjoy learning to pan and trying not to talk with a southern accent on the way home.

Here is a picture of "The Nugget Man" as he is referred to in mining circles. (Check out the nugget he is holding - the thing weighs 2 pounds... think about that for a second at today's gold prices)

Just an absolutely fabulous and informative weekend.

Real life trumps writing -- unfortunately.

2010-05-11T12:44:00.001-04:00

I have been having a hard time with inspiration lately and I can only really blame the real world for infringing on my writing one. Here in NY we are looking at furloughs for state workers, of which I am one, meaning a 20% drop in pay while there is no budget in place. It is hard to keep your mind on a fantasy world where good wins over evil knowing at any time now word will come down from the great legislative powers that we will be forced to take on unpaid day per week until a new budget is passed. This from the same legistators that are working a 3 day week - and not a full five like us working saps and going home early because "why stay when there is no progress?" The same group that voted themselves raises. Now because they cant agree on what to cut where, the rest of the masses suffer and wait for them to wake up.

My thought? Since you can't do your job when you do manage to show up, how bout you take a furlough day and leave the unwashed masses alone?

Ok - so that is my rant for today and my excuse for the lack of recent blog updates.

Happy Spring!!

Talk About Inspiration...

2010-05-03T23:17:00.001-04:00

I just finished Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. What a great read. The man has an amazing ability to apply poetry to fiction, and weave a story with incredible detail. Just loved it, and I usually am not the biggest fan of more futuristic fantasy works.

I am so inspired to work at the craft of writing right now. If I could craft a story-spell with even one tenth of the skill of that man, I would be one very happy writer. :)

First Day of May - Feeling frustrated...

2010-05-01T11:03:00.001-04:00

Happy May everyone. Spring. The time of new beginnings and rebirth. For nature, and for me.

Writing is hard. It takes work and perseverence. I keep at it and hope that what I write is something that people can get into and enjoy. I had always thought I was pretty good at that. Putting words to paper to create a story that readers could enjoy and relate to. I have always had positive feedback for the most part on my natural talent in that regard, and maybe a few critiques on my formatting and some grammar issues. But overall, I thought I had a pretty good ability to weave a story.

The past week or so, I have been working with an editor that has been kind enough to read my work and give me some invaluable feedback on the things I need to work on. I am so happy to have someone that is honest about her thoughts and really tells me like it is.

On the flip side, I am completely frustrated. When I send pieces in, they come back with more red markings then original text, the things I thought I did well, I am apparently inept at. It is very deflating, and maybe that is the point. Break her down to build her back up? Make sure she really belives in herself? See if she will give up or if she really has the fortitude to go forward? I am alot more stubborn than I look...

I guess we will find out. Going to go out today and ejoy the sunshine, then hopefully later, I am going to once again completely redo my first chapter of Machenwood and see if I can find and express my "voice". Maybe it won't get squished this time, it that editing sea of red pen.

Wish me luck!!

Lizzie - Short Fiction Piece

2010-04-26T23:35:00.003-04:00

The unpredictably smooth rhythm of the rain against the windowpane had effectively lulled the child curled in her lap to sleep as Nancy stared out into the dark barrenness framed by solid oak. Graceful shielding fingers lightly stroked the little girl's soft brown curls. The surge of protective emotion almost overwhelming Nancy as she clung to the small life in her lap. The heat of the fire blazing in the hearth nearby did nothing to warm Nancy as her mind tumbled over the chilling events of the day.

The day had dawned fresh and lovely, sun shimmering in an azure sky, complete with a smattering of fluffy white clouds. A perfect day for a trip to the park. Elizabeth, or Lizzie, as Nancy called her, would play on the swings, run about in the healthy air, feed the ducks, and have a long talk with her favorite, Mr. Daffy. She would smile with the joy and wonder reserved for the young. Watching Lizzie look at the world with her fresh innocence always served to set Nancy's usually plain face with a bright and almost beautiful glow. She smiled, remembering the look of pure adulation on Lizzie's cherubic face when Nancy announced the day's outing. The girl danced about for a good ten minutes giggling and chattering about the things they would see and do. She then had hurried upstairs to dress as Nancy went about the chore of packing up a small lunch for them both and gathering a soft blanket for them to settle on when it came time to eat. Oh, and mustn't forget crackers for Mr. Daffy. Lizzie would be hard pressed to forgive Nancy should she forget that detail in her packing.

Lizzie came downstairs, a confined whirlwind of lace and bows, begging Nancy to help her tie the laces on her new shoes. She knew how, a little voice vowed. Nancy had recently taught her, but in her impish excitement to be off on their adventure, Lizzie had forgotten. With a shake of her head and a small "tsk tsk" to the child, Nancy fastened the laces with a secure double knot and straightened, smoothing her skirt as she looked down into Lizzie's excited and flushed face.

"Shall we be off young lady?" Nancy asked teasingly. "Or perhaps you would rather stay inside today?"

Lizzie wrinkled her pert little nose then. "Oh nooo, Nancy, pweeeeeeeese can we go to the park?" she begged, tugging lightly on the apron tied loosely around Nancy's waist.. "Momma and Daddy will be gone all day and inside is boring." Nancy could not help but be affected by the child's puppy-eyed pleas and nodded. "Of course, lil one, I have packed us a grand lunch and we shall spend the entire day frolicking and playing with your precious ducks." She reached down to tweak that wrinkled nose, causing the girl to giggle. The sound lilting and delicious to Nancy's ears.

Having reassured the small child, Nancy turned and lifted the basket, placing it in the crook of her elbow. Tossing the apron on the back of a kitchen chair, Nancy reached downtaking Lizzie's small round hand in hers and headed out into the fresh spring air. They walked at a relaxed and steady pace to the park a few blocks away, Lizzie chattered away about this and that, her tiny mind racing with thoughts and ideas to express.

That grand afternoon provided all of the pleasure that the morning had promised. They laughed, played on the swings, enjoyed a rousing game of tag, followed by a bout of hide and seek. Lizzie earned herself a small friend or two with her winning smile and impish personality. Lunch was made better by the exercise mingled with the sweet smell of the breeze and the kiss of a brilliantly shining sun.

Settled comfortably on a park bench, Nancy couldn't help but laugh as Lizzie clumsily chased her favored ducks about on the sloping hills that surrounded the small pond. The startlingly urgent ring of Nancy's cell phone interrupted the perfection of that moment. Still laughing at her sweet charge she answered the intrusion.

"Hello?" Nancy listened distractedly as she watched Lizzie begin to tell Mr. Daffy her favorite joke, coincidentally, also the only one the young girl knew.

"Yes, this is she." "Who is this?" A long pause. "Oh God. Yes, ...yes I will be right there. Yes, I understand. Thank you."

It's funny how quickly storm clouds roll in, that when you're not looking, the sky can grow dark and foreboding, like some punishment for not being vigilant enough. Nancy hung up the phone and tucked it back into her pocket, her face pale and suddenly older then her twenty-six years as she turned her attention once more to the face of innocent and blissfully ignorant youth. She took a deep breath, gathered up the empty picnic basket and moved to where Lizzie squatted beside a small mallard, tossing crumbs of her bread crust in his direction, trying desperately to coax it close enough for a light pet.

Nancy pressed back the flood of panicked emotion, cleared her suddenly dry throat as she called to the child while stuffing her shaking hands into her pockets. "Lizzie? Darling, ... we have to go now. The sky, ...yes, umm it looks like it is going to rain dear-heart. We must be getting home now." Nancy was amazed at how calm and even her voice sounded, considering the turbulence coursing through her.

Lizzie looked up, a small frown on her sweet lips. She stomped her little foot as she turned her eyes to the sky a moment and contemplated the validity of what her nanny had said. With a soft, almost adult sigh the girl nodded. "Guess your right, momma would have a fit if I got my new shoes all muddled up."

Nancy's heart sank when the girl mentioned her mother, her already pale face going stark white. She recovered quickly. "Yes, yes, say goodbye to Mr. Daffy and let's be off then."

The rest of the day whirled by for Nancy. The seemingly unending list of unpleasant chores and duties weighed her down as the clock ticked by with the speed of a comet.

Upon returning to the house, Nancy had tucked Lizzie in for a hopefully long nap. Then leaving her charge in the care of the household cook, she had headed off to the morgue to identify the bodies of the young couple tragically killed in the crash that afternoon. That particular chore took a great tool on the woman. She answered a few questions for the police investigator and was given the details of the cause of death of each of the girl's parents. Nancy stepped from the police station looking much like an apparition, her face ghostly white still and her stomach churned unhappily. Nancy had respected and genuinely liked her employers, and the idea that life was so quickly snatched away had the young woman visibly and understandably shaken.

She returned to the house to make a long list of the most unpleasant and dreadful phone calls, informing all sorts of people, from distant family relatives to the cold strangers working at the bank and utilities company of the day's horrible tragedy. She listened to an endless string of condolences and sighs of genuine dismay.

"Yes, Ma'am than you for your concern. Yes...yes their daughter is here with me and fine. Yes I will, thank you." Nancy hung up the phone, the list finally completed and her own emotions coldly blank, as if something within had turned off as a defense against the constant pounding pain of it all. By the time Lizzie woke from her nap Nancy was ragged, harried and exhausted to the very soul.

Unable to decide how to tell the girl what happened and still being a bit numb herself, Nancy opted for a bit of a stalling lie. She explained to the girl that the trip her parents took, would last a bit longer still and that they would not return this evening. No, not tomorrow, either. The next day...well no. She was not sure when exactly. Finally Nancy stemmed the tide of questions and consoled the girl by assuring Lizzie that she would stay with her until they returned. That everything would be taken care of and not to fear. Yes of course she would help her feed her goldfish as well. Didn't she always?

A streak of blinding lightening and the accompanying crash of bellowing angry thunder wretched Nancy back to the present, back to the feel and smell of the little girl nestled obliviously in her lap, the soft even breathing of the small form bringing a rush of tears to the woman's eyes. She took a deep calming breath, her mind still racing with unpleasantness. How could she make this sweet girl understand cruelties even she could not yet comprehend? How could God and fate be so cruel and harsh with one so wonderful and till now, happy? However could she explain to Lizzie, that mommy and daddy were never, ever, coming home from their trip?

Six Months of Mondays...

2010-04-26T11:56:00.001-04:00

Ok, so it turns out that I do not like Mondays. Last week, I took Monday off to deal with some issues revolving around my children. Not a biggie, I am a state worker so have plenty of time saved up to use. However, when I arrived on Tuesday my boss made mention of the fact that a large majority of the days that I take off are Mondays. He even joked that I should just work a shorter week and skip the whole Monday thing all together.

I have a good relationship with my boss, but I took this as one of those "Im not really taking you to task for this, but I am aware so you should be to" sort of comments. In response I vowed that I would be in on Mondays for the next six months.

What did I get myself into? Six months is a very long time. That would be a total of about 24 Mondays, give or take. Twenty four where did the weekend go and why am I here days. Torture right?

Well I am here and it is Monday. Two down and about 23 or so to go. Wish me luck!!

Great weekend for my girls :) Gotta love that.

2010-04-24T22:58:00.001-04:00

One daughter with the game winning 2 RBI sinlge in extra innings with two outs and bases loaded. The other with an RBI single and a walk, as well as another win. Summer is comming! Camping coming up twice in May. I can already feel the excitement and my level of busy starting to build.

Really feeling positive about alot of things.

What is Irking me today...

2010-04-22T13:11:00.002-04:00

One thing that absolutely drives me crazy, is the seeming uncontrollable need some people have to pass the buck or justify their desire to do nothing to help when asked. I work in IT for an office of about 200 end users. Now normally, my day can be pretty boring since if everything works, I have nothing to troubleshoot or fix. However, every so often, a day like today comes along and I get a bonafide real issue that needs to be looked at.

Now procedure here, is to open a "help desk" ticket for any issues we are unable to fix ourselves. Then a prgrammer for that will look into it, being they are the "experts" on the stuff they write. So I open my ticket and the programmer calls me. We go through some basics, mostly things I had already done before even contacting them, but I understand that procedure is procedure. As we continued to talk about the issue and what was happening, each time I tried to interject a point or explain what procedures we used, the programmer kept interrupting me mid-sentence to tell me what I had to do. Finally, after not being able to complete a single sentence in about 5 minutes of conversation, I got a little aggressive.

"If you would just let me finish my sentence, I would tell be able to explain that we already tried that."

He apparently was not pleased with this response from someone as lowly as a support tech, because at that point, the only advise I was given was the generic "have the user reboot the machine and let me know if that works."

The IT blow off. If all else fails, its not a program issue its a reboot issue.

Well in the end, the programmers information was useless and it wasnt until I spoke with a few other users in the building to see if they too were having the same problem, that we were able to figure out the problem. Us, the non-programming, actually give a shit people that use the program day to day.

So if we were able to fix it, what is my beef?

This simple thing. Take pride in your work and do not be so quick to pass blame or push an issue or problem off on others. Your attitudes and effort are noticed by the people around you.

And for those other "regular" folk out there. Believe in yourself and know that any problem at all can be solved with just a bit of stubborness and due dilligence.

Now that I am here...

2010-04-19T13:43:00.004-04:00

I am hoping to use this site to hash out storyline ideas, get feedback on completed works and in general, start to network within the business and see what shakes out.

Most of my writing work is fiction based and includes historical and romantic fiction as well as some fantasy and general fiction as well. From time to time you may also fine a poem, but that one will be rare.

Please feel free to comment on anything you find in this blog. Honest critiques of the works included here are also welcome and encouraged.

New Adventures

2010-04-19T11:31:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone:

Welcome. This is the first small step in creating an online presence, my own blog, and eventually becoming a published writer. I will be trying to do a bit of writing each day, as well as share the ups and downs of my endeavors into being published.

More to come soon.

Thanks for coming by.
Rebecca Hart