Hot, Not, Whatever

HOT

Burn Notice
Historicals
Spartans
Pink hair
Chefs

NOT
Caring what authors wear to signings
Vampires
Dark, depressing books
Head-hopping that pulls you out of the story
Wearing the same hair you had in high school
Mom jeans

WHATEVER
Star Jones "shocking" admission she had gastric bypass.
Series books that go on too stinking long.
Diet plateaus
Plotting
Professional jealousy

So...what's on your list?

Blog Round-Up

My agent is being interviewed at Dear Author today!

Tapping into dark places when writing and what to do about it.

Deja vu in romance covers, anyone?

Genres you wish you could write.

What makes a bestseller just that?

---------------------------------------------------
On another note, I'm taking that evil boxing class again today...

Tune-ses

Do you make soundtracks for your books to listen to while you write them? Do you listen to music to help you get in the mood for different kinds of scenes? Or are you one of those who needs quiet? Tell me how music fits into your creative process.

Besides all that, what have you been listening to for pleasure lately?

Pow! Zowie! Bam!

I took a boxing class last night and man, did I get my butt handed to me. Wow! What a workout. I was drenched in sweat by the end of it. Even though it was strenuous, it was fun. Putting on those gloves and smacking that stand-up punching bag released a lot of endorphins. Kicking it really wore me out though.


Also, I discovered that jumping rope isn't quite like riding a bike. Apparently, you can forget how to jump rope. *insert eye roll here* At one point, the jump rope connected with the ceiling fan. I believe that's all of that tale I'm going to tell.

Anyway, it was a good class, even if I am walking around like an old woman this morning. A thrashing is good for everyone now and then, you know? And I'm not sure if it's related, but as of this morning's weigh in, I'm down 19 pounds!!!

Skinny jeans, here I come!!!

______________________

Quick shout-out to Erica Ridley - one of my TARA chaptermates - who just signed with an agent! Go Erica!

Traffic Jam, part II

Unfortunately, Alan Rickman didn't produce the results I'd hoped for. A few more unique visitors, but not the avalache of people I'd expected. Interestingly enough, the keyword searches that have brought people to my blog lately are:

* kristens heart print bras - this from the icy regions of British Columbia. Okay, maybe not so icy this time of year, but I'm a Floridian. Anywhere above Atlanta and I'm putting socks on. Also, to my best recollection, I do not own any heart print bras.

* lil ole me - Two searches using these words. Another British Columbian and a fellow Floridian.

* Roxanne St. Claire - Another FL searcher. Perhaps Rocki owns some heart print bras.

So, as you see, no Alan Rickman searches. Odd, don't you think? Especially with Harry Potter so newly released and all. If anyone else tries this, I'd love to know what your results are.

They Look So Innocent...

But looks can be deceiving. These two, and their brother, are menaces. Menaces I tell you!

Hotrod is away on a business trip, so I anticipated a lovely, snore-free evening of sleep. It was not to be.

See, my three nocturnal hellions couldn't decide whether or not they wanted to be inside or outside. When they were outside, that was fine because whatever trouble they were getting into on the lanai (I did find the back-end of small frog on the pool deck this morning, but I don't really want to dwell on that) was quiet. Until they decided to come in. Then the crying and pawing at the sliding door begun. It didn't fail to wake me up.

After dragging butt to the door to let them in (1:47am, 3:50am, 5:47am), they would then proceed to run amok through the house until deciding they wanted back out.

When Hotrod is home, this isn't an issue because we leave the slider open enough for them to come and go on their own. When he's not home, I keep everything shut and locked.

Ugh. I need a nap.

New Words

Well, what do you know? Ginormous is now officially in the dictionary, along with Bollywood and soduko. I think that's cool. I love new words! Who doesn't? Someday, I hope to make up a word that sinks into the general consciouness. Now that would be cool.

I also love how words come to mean new things or become new slang. Here are some I've heard lately:


Major - meaning cool. Ex: "That dress is major."

Proof - meaning "That's the truth." Substitue for word. Yes, this is one I'm personally pushing. Shut it. Ex: "He is so hot." "Proof."

Money - meaning something that is supremely good. Substitute for "the bomb." Ex: "That movie is money."

Heard any new words lately? Share!

Traffic Jam

At the PRO retreat in Dallas this year, Colleen Gleason said that a mention of Alan Rickman on your blog would dramatically increase your traffic. So, today is going to be an experiment. Here's Mr. Rickman's photo...

And of course, one of him in all his Snape-y goodness.

I'll let you know in a few days if this has made a difference in my blog traffic.

Roooooox-anne

Another RWA pic: myself and the fabulous Roxanne St. Claire and her new BFF, RITA!

What's sad is that I really love that butterfly dress and can't imagine when I'll get to wear it again. What's not sad is that I'm now down a total of 18 pounds! Droppin' it like it's hot, baby!

Don't You Think This Is Me?

I think my love of all things leopard goes without saying - as does the Bermuda Triangle pull that sparkly things have over me. With that in mind, don't you think this is the perfect top for me? The description reads, "Sequin animal-print cardigan - Lavishly bejeweled cardigan in gold and silver with rhinestone-button front." Seriously, what could make this more perfect? Or is it too much? (Personally, I think it's Leopard Perfection.)

Yes or no - should I get it?

Proof

I thought I'd pop up a pic or two of my Nationals experience. Here's the lovely (and funny) Leanne Banks, Jax and I about to head into the Harlequin party. The congo line followed shortly thereafter. Isn't Leanne hot?

My only regret is that the photog didn't get my shoes. They're these fabulous strappy chocolate leather platforms with gold studs - delish! Anyway, I was rockin' that leopard print, if I do say so myself.

The Misadventures of Hotrod

I came home from conference to find Hotrod had valiantly attempted to "keep house" while I was away. The highlights of this included laundry and vacuuming. Let me start with the laundry. My powder pink sports bra is now the color of cotton candy that's been used as exhaust baffling. Of course, he did fold the laundry. And by fold, I mean things that belong to me were laid on top of one another, regardless of being inside or rightside out, regardless of whether they're tops or bottoms, workout clothes or capri pants, underwear or outerwear. Same goes for his stuff. Le sigh.


The vacuuming was apparently room selective. Meaning he selected to only vacuum the living room and dining room. I can tell because the tumbleweeds of cat hair in front of my office are impassable. I think one has grown teeth.


Lastly, as I have come home sick, he offered to stop by and pick up some soup for me on his way home from whatever he was doing. Very sweet, right? He came home with three cans of Campbell's chunky soup, two microwavable bowls of Campbell's soup, two packages of Chips Ahoy Rainbow Chip cookies, a custard pie, a cheesecake, a cookies-n-cream parfait, fried chicken, a bag of potato chips, and a bag of tortilla chips (family size).


Ahem.


Those of you playing along with the home game may recall I recently lost 17 pounds. That wasn't just a passing fancy. I worked out at conference before I got sick and I plan to continue working out as soon as I feel well enough. I'd like to lose another 20 pounds. Which means Hotrod is no longer allowed to do the grocery shopping. I know he meant well, but please! After purchasing all these evil foodstuffs, he promptly left on a business trip. Arrgh! This is especially frustrating because my willpower is low when I'm not feeling well. (I would like to say that I came home from Dallas and found I hadn't gained any of the weight back.)


I'm going to be glued to that treadmill when I get better.

Still Sick(ly)

What is wrong with me? I can't be sick! I have things to do! I need to workout, get pages done on my WIP, write thank-you notes, follow up with authors/agents/editors I spoke to about doing interviews, etc on Romance Divas, clean my house, unpack, do laundry, scrub the remaining spray tan off myself...you get the picture. Instead, I'm barely conscious on my couch. Not so much what I had in mind.

Maybe I'll read. I did come home with a quite a few books that look promising. What are you doing?

Home Again

Hola, peoples. I'm home. And still suffering from the mysterious malaise that set in not long after kissing Jill Monroe. *ahem* In fact, I have almost no audible voice today whatsoever. Anyway, this is going to be short because I'm about to retire to the couch with some good drugs and hot tea.

Conference was good. And not so good. Rocki St. Claire won a RITA! Carolyn O'Neill (another chaptermate) won her category in the Beau Monde! But then, I didn't win my category in the GH - but I had the most applause!

The worst news was finding out my dear friend, Ronda Thompson had passed away. I'm still in shock and disbelief over that one.

More news and stories to come. With pictures.

Not going to Nationals?

Don't worry...Romance Divas is doing the next best thing! Romance Divas announces the first annual "Not Going to Nationals Cyber Conference" from July 11-15, right on the forum. And it's all free! http://www.romancedivas.com/

July 11:

Workshop: PC Cast and Kristin Cast (topic TBA)Workshop: Character Development with Sophia Shaw NEW WORKSHOP! Q&A: TBA (either with an agent from the Larsen-Pomada Agency or a panel on multi-cultural romance)

July 12:

Workshop: Book Signing 101: Tips to Help Make your Signing a Success by Jackie Kessler

Q&A: Legal Issues for Writers by Amanda Brice

July 13:

Workshop: What to Expect After You Sign the Contract by Marley Gibson

Q&A: Erotic romance with Portia da Costa and Madelynne Ellis

July 14:

Workshop: Writing Novellas and Short Stories by Sasha White

Q&A: How To Write Both YA and Adult Romance by Berta Platas

July 15:

Workshop: Trim That Fatty Writing! by Rhonda Stapleton

Q&A: TBA (either with an agent from the Larsen-Pomada Agency or a panel on multi-cultural romance)Plus, Deirdre Savoy will also be doing a workshops for us (topic and date TBA)! So there will be two days with not one, but TWO fabulous workshops, plus a Q&A!!!!!

Additionally, the fabulous and funny Mary Janice Davidson is our Author Of The Month and will be doing a workshop and chat!

Just For Lil Ole Me?

Well, I do declare. Jill Monroe has dedicated today's blog post to me. Y'all must stop by and check it out. Then you must rush to Amazon and buy her book!

I *heart* Shopping

Found some fabulous, fun threads at Cache yesterday. I do love that store - yes, it can be a bit over the top, but a few pieces mixed in with more classic pieces and you've got a one-of-a-kind outfit. Well, sort of one-of-a-kind.

Anyway, now that I'm down 16.5 pounds, clothes shopping is a lot more fun. Can't wait until I lose more!

Still, there is much to be done before I head for Dallas. Must get busy!

Nag Me. You Have My Permission.

For the first time in my history of attending RWA National Conferences, I am bringing work out clothes that I intend to use. The hotel has an exercise room and I plan on getting my butt into it. My fabulous roomie, Jax, will be joining me. We are determined to work out. Therefore, if/when you see me, you have my permission to ask me if I've worked out that day. (Jax hasn't given her permission to be nagged, but I say what the heck, have at it.)


See, I've been doing so well with my diet and exercise program (15 pounds gone now!) that I'm a little afraid of going to conference and blowing all my hard work. I figure this way, y'all can help keep me honest. Deal? Deal.

Good Genes

Here's a recent pic of my bro and my darling nephew. What can I say? Good genes run in our family. Hehehe!
And just for the record, my brother is usually better groomed, but they were camping and apparently that renders him incapable of shaving.