Thursday, April 30, 2009

How Swine Flu Got Started

I believe our mothers warned us about this sort of thing...

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A Fun Chat Tomorrow!

Author and Agent Online Chat Fest! Chloe Neill and Lucienne Diver will be featured guests in TKA's chat room, Thursday, April 30th @ 9pm ET

UPDATE: During the chat Chloe will give away a Cadogan House Fan Pack, which will include a signed copy of SOME GIRLS BITE, Cadogan House tote bag, Cadogan House mouse pad and "I love Cadogan" bumper sticker!

Did you know that some girls bite? Well, of course, if they're a vampire! Silly, what did you think I meant? SOME GIRLS BITE is the smart new release from talented debut author Chloe Neill that introduces the world to Merit, a new inductee into the world of the CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES. The first book is like a potato chip...you can't have just one. It's so good, you'll be itching to read Book 2, FRIDAY NIGHT BITES, due in stores October 2009.

If you love paranormal romance and urban fantasy, are an up and coming author--or hey--if you just like really good books, join Chloe and her fab agent Lucienne Diver in our chat room on Thursday, April 30th @ 9pm ET. Chloe will answer questions about the CHICAGOLAND VAMPIRES series and her upcoming young adult series VARSITY MAGIC, share her experience as a first time author and offer advice on how newbies should prepare for the rollicking ride of getting their manuscript from 8 x 11 letter-sized to trade paperback. Also our own Lucienne Diver will be on hand to share how she discovered Chloe, and lend her seasoned advice to authors looking to break into the paranormal genre. To learn more about Chloe, visit: www.ChloeNeill.com! Also, be sure to check out a cool new feature on Chloe's blog, WIP (Work in Progress) Thursdays. If you've got a manuscript underway, just share a few tidbits in the comments and she might feature you on her blog!

Here are the chat deets:
What: Online Chat with Author Chloe Neill and Agent Lucienne Diver
When: Thursday, April 30th @ 9pm ET
Where: The TKA Chat Room
How Do You Chat: Visit the chat room here: http://client1.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=115545. Enter a username and password (this can be any combination). Your computer must be Java enabled to chat.

See you there!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Seriously?


Human intelligence no longer necessary. Read all about it over on my Fictionistas post today.

Does...not...compute...

Monday, April 27, 2009

Monday Nonsense

It's Monday. I'm still recovering from RT. And I need to write. So you get this:

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY
(....as well as the idiosyncrasies of the English language)

1. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.....
3. ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.
4. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?
5. THE MAIN REASON THAT SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.
6. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, 'WHERE'S THE SELF-HELP SECTION?' SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.
7. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?
8. IF A DEAF PERSON SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?
9. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?
10. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?
11. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO 'GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?'
12. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?
13. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?
14. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?
15. WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?
16. If A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?
17. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?
18. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?
21. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?
22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.
24. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?
25. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?
26. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?
27. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?
28. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO HAVE AN 'S' IN IT?
29. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED 'HEMORRHOIDS' INSTEAD OF 'ASSTEROIDS'?
30. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?
31. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?
32. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL PERSON IN A CIRCLE THREE TIMES DO THEY BECOME DISORIENTED?
33. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Caturday!

Clearly, the laptop docking station has more uses than I'm aware of.

Friday, April 24, 2009

You're trying me

"Do, or do not. There is no try." - Yoda

There's also no "try and."

I cringe every time I read "try and" instead of "try to." And I've even read this on an agent's blog (not mine, obviously), which chills me to the bone.

Seriously. Stop it. It's not proper English. And it makes me want to hurt something.

Try to keep that from happening, okay? Thanks.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Bunnies Gone Bad

Hollow Easter rabbits should not be left in a car parked anywhere in Florida. That is all.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Off To Orlando!


I'm headed to Orlando today to hang with my peeps at RT. If you're going to be there (or are already there) come say hi! I'll be the tan one. ;o)

I'll bring back pics, I promise. Mostly. Somethings that happen at RT have to stay at RT.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Fake-n-no-bake


I'm over at Fictionistas today, talking about how I'm about to become a glazed donut. Go ahead and check it out. You know you want to.

Monday, April 20, 2009

'Splain this to me


Why is it "inscription" and "inscribed" instead of "inscripted"? Hmm? Or why not "inscribtion" then? Inquiring, writerly minds want to know. And on a Monday of all things...

Seriously, this stuff makes my brain hurt.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Caturday!

Nope. It's still not interesting. Maybe it we moved it the cat box...

Friday, April 17, 2009

Friday Word of the Day

dis⋅com⋅bob⋅u⋅late [dis-kuhm-bob-yuh-leyt]–verb (used with object), -lat⋅ed, -lat⋅ing. to confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate: The speaker was completely discombobulated by the hecklers.

Discombobulate is one of my favorite words. I use it quite frequently to describe my mental state of being. Please use it in a sentence and you shall be rewarded with the most delicious virtual chocolate you've ever had!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Does size matter?

In the scheme of things, what do you prefer when it comes to blog posts? Short and to the point? Long and explanatory?

Personally, long, rambling blog posts usually mean I don't read the whole thing. There, I said it. I'm a skimmer. I comment on a lot of blogs, and sometimes, I just don't have the time (or the inclination) to read 15 paragraphs about why your coffee maker gets grounds in your coffee (Not that anyone actually posted that, just an example.)

As a result, I strive to keep my posts succinct. I don't always succeed, but that's what I aim for. (I consider today's post short. But then I wonder, is it too short to be interesting? *sigh* Such a conundrum.)

So what size works for you? Does size matter?

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Wednesday Workday

Yep, it's a writing cave day. I have one errand to run outside the house, then I'm gluing my fingers to the keyboard and writing like a woman possessed. Possessed by a muse, that is. I must finish this book! I'm within 50 pages of the end - I hope anyway. Sometimes, this story seems like it wants to keep going and going and going like a literary Energizer bunny. But I have to find a place to stop it soon.

I really need to vacuum and fold two baskets of laundry, too. Why must housework get in the way of writing? Why don't I have a live-in maid? Why can't cats be taught to vacuum? *sigh*

What are you doing today?

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Did someone say chocolate?


I know it's mean of me to post pics of chocolate two days in row, but I'm not sorry. I'm sharing some little known chocolate facts over at Fictionistas today. Come on over!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Better Then You

Then and Than. Two words that can sometimes cause confusion. Especially if you've been staring at a manuscript for too long. Let's see if we can make this easy.

Than refers to the COMPARISON of two items.
Then refers to TIME.

Wrong: Chocolate is better then liverwurst .
Right: Chocolate is better
than liverwurst .

Wrong: If liverwurst is served, than chocolate is my choice.
Right: If liverwurst is served, then chocolate is my choice.

Does that help? Or are you just staring at those chocolate bars?

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Caturday!

Er...Dogurday? Bunurday? Whatever the title, here's a little Easter treat! It's the ever popular America's Top Supermodel Dog, Pepper. As you may recall, Pepper allows Roxanne St. Claire to live with her. She's a giver, that Pepper.

Doesn't the grass really set off the brown of her eyes?
Happy Easter, y'all!

Friday, April 10, 2009

The Only Thing We Have To Fear...

Lately I've noticed several comments online about writers being scared to submit. Literally frightened. So much so, some can't get up the nerve.

Let me just say here and now, I don't get it.

I get that no one wants to be rejected. But to actually fear the process? To shake at the thought of pushing the send button?

Don't those writers understand that for every one of them, there are 100 other writers who aren't afraid to submit, who aren't going to spend days agonizing over whether or not they should send their book to their dream agent or wait until they've revised it for the 209th time? This is not a business for the faint of heart. You need a thick skin and a bold approach.

You know what else? Those fearless writers are the ones who will end up with representation and a contract first.

Dorothy Thompson said "There is nothing to fear except the persistent refusal to find out the truth, the persistent refusal to analyze the causes of happenings."

I love this saying because it really applies to fearful writers. If you're afraid to find out the truth - that your writing isn't up to a certain agent or editor's standards and you're afraid to find out why by working on your craft, why are you a writer in the first place? Getting rejected sucks, but it's not scary. It should be a motivator for you to study the craft more, find out how you can make your work better. Not cower in a corner.

Look, if you're too afraid to submit but you want to pursue writing as a career, you have a choice to make. Get over it, or do something else with your time. What else is there?

Thursday, April 09, 2009

Dirty Harriet

Last night, Hotrod and I took the class to get our concealed carry permits. And I shot my S&W 9 mil for the first time.

It was a little scary at first. Not because I was afraid I was going to shoot myself, but because I was afraid I would yelp like a girl when I fired the first round. It was loud on the range, even with the headphones, and I knew the gun would have some kick to it. I squeezed the trigger and sure enough, when that round fired and I saw the muzzle flash and heard the pop of the explosion, I squealed like I'd just seen a spider. (The instructor was very helpful and stayed with me until I felt comfortable.)

Once I knew how it was going to feel, I was fine. It was a lot of fun, actually. There's something very satisfying in knowing how to handle a gun. I can't wait to go back and shoot again! I brought my target home and while every shot didn't hit the paper (I know that first one didn't), I'm proud of the one that hit dead center.

Beware. I'm now cute and lethal.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Chugging Along...

I've been taking a slow but steady ride on the progress train lately. It's good, but frustrating.

See, I like to go fast, but the progress train is no Ferrari. Am I getting where I need to go? Yes, but not fast enough.

I'm doing well pushing toward the end of my WIP, but I want it done already!

I'm struggling to keep up with working out daily, but I'm getting a decent workout in at least 5 days a week. Of course, that means I'm not losing weight as fast as I'd like either.

Why are we such an instant gratification society? Why don't I have more patience? What things do you wish would happen faster?

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Love/Hate Relationships


I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about Love/hate relationships. What are yours? Come tell!

Monday, April 06, 2009

It's how fur?

I thought I'd start Monday off with a writing tip type thingy.

Further vs. Farther - do you know the difference?

Farther refers to length or distance. It is the comparative form of the word far when referring to distance.

Further means "to a greater degree," "additional," or "additionally." It refers to time or amount. It is the comparative form of the word far when meaning "much."

Correct: Manhattan is farther north than Miami.
(Refers to distance)

Correct: This idea requires further study.
(Meaning "additional study," refers to amount)

Correct: By my watch, we should be further along.
(Refers to time)

I hope that clears things up. (Also, if you say further and farther over and over, they stop sounding like words that mean anything.) Now get writing! Let's make this Monday productive, shall we?

Saturday, April 04, 2009

Caturday!

Shoes! Not just for breakfast anymore.
(Seriously, what is the obsession? 90% of my shoes have been tasted by one of the four-legged residents of this house. Not. Normal.)

Friday, April 03, 2009

I Think It's That Time

It's that time of year when a young man's fancy turns to - oh, honestly, who cares what a young man's fancy turns to? I've been thinking about shoes.

And purses.

And cute little flirty tops.

But before I can buy any, I need to clean out my closet and make room. There's a lot of stuff in there I'm not wearing. I don't have the excuse of winter clothes either. Yes, we get cool weather in Florida, but not the kind you really need a whole 'nother wardrobe for.

How often do you clean out your closet? (And no, that's not my actual closet, although I do have a shoe wall in the back like that. Well, not exactly like that. Mine doesn't have any open spaces.)

Thursday, April 02, 2009

Word Of The Day

Today's word of the day is RAPSCALLION. I love this word! Go ahead, say it, you know you want to. There! Don't you feel better? I often tell my naughty cats what rapscallions they are.

rap⋅scal⋅lion

Noun
a rascal; rogue; scamp.

Origin:
1690–1700; earlier rascallion, based on rascal

Please use today's word of the day in a sentence and I will send you a cyber cookie!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

This Just In!

Apparently last month's alien abduction was not as harmless as I originally thought. I woke up this morning and realized that at some point during the night, I had actually given birth to an alien baby.

The baby seems to be doing well, although Hotrod is mysteriously missing. Also, I might add, the baby does not seem hungry.

In other news, Elvis is coming for dinner.