Yay! It's Monday!

I just read some article about how we should learn to greet Monday with a sense of joy because it's a new beginning, a chance to start fresh, blah, blah, blah.

I'll greet Monday with a sense of joy when it does the same for me. Until then? Monday can bite me.

I have to get some groceries today, but then it's all about the writing. I need to do what I've begun to call "head down" writing. You know, that kind of writing where you block out everything else and just power through? I had hoped to do that this weekend a bit, but I had a chapter meeting then Hotrod found out he had a sinus infection, so I didn't get much done.

Oh well. Tomorrow's a new day and all that jazz. What are you up to?

Caturday!

Office help.

Getting Thin

I'm starting a new diet today. Writing under deadline has shown me that my time isn't what it used to be and my focus has narrowed to such a solitary point that I will expend brain power on the book, but not so much on what's the healthiest thing to eat.

So.

I've taken the leap and decided to try NutriSystem. My mom's done it a few times with good success and I've heard good things about it from some others. Plus, I'm actually doing it along with two of my lovely writer friends, so we can all support each other.

Wish me luck! If you've ever tried NS, I'd love to hear what you thought of it.

Here's a question for you all

Do you ever avoid something because it's popular?

I know that for me, when something gets embraced by the masses, that something will start to lose its appeal to me. Not always, mind you, but occasionally.

The Harry Potter books are an example of this. I've never read them and I have no desire too. They became so popular, I lost interest.

Crocs are another one. Besides the fact that I think they're hideous, everyone has them. That immediately negates their desirability in my mind.

Do you ever feel this way?

The Land of the Living

After several days of being sick (Is it just me or is almost everyone you know getting sick, been sick or just getting over something?), during which I felt like a zombie and probably slept like one too, I have finally returned to the land of the living.

Which is also the land of writers under a deadline.

So after running a few errands, I'll be chained to my desk hard at work making stuff up again.

What are you up to?

This is not a post.

I'm sick. Just a regular cold, it seems, but still, I'll be on the couch all day downing Nyquil and napping. Hopefully I'll be well enough to get back to life tomorrow.

Caturday!

Angry cat yoga.

I'm audi!

I'm off to the Central Ohio Fiction Writer's Conference for the weekend. Y'all be good. I'll have pics of my exciting new red highlights (lowlights?) when I get back. Which look nothing like those in this picture. I swear on my cat's whiskers.

Small Ephiphany

I realized something last night as I was struggling to make word count for the day. Sometimes, I think about a scene too much. And thinking about it - over anticipating it - makes it harder to write. The more I think it's going to be hard to write, the more it is. When in reality, all I have to do is block that noise out and write the stupid thing.

Because even if it sucks, at least I then have something to work with, you know what I mean?

Here's to thinking less and writing more. What's your latest writing epiphany?

It's peanut butter jelly time!

I'm over at the Fictionistas today talking about the classic PB&J. Come on over and chat!

Monday. Again.

At long last, I shall finally be abolishing my roots and returning some blonde goodness to my hair. Yes, I have an appointment with Vincent for a cut and color. About time, trust me.

In other news, it was just a so-so writing weekend, meaning I wrote, but not as much as I would have liked to. Sunday was super busy with church and then chapter contest stuff.

Today I have some errands, but then I'll be writing. And starting to think about what I'm packing for the writer's conference I'm going to this weekend.

What's your Monday look like?

Caturday!

Max contemplates life as a Bullet Catcher. Or Mouse Catcher. Or Lizard Catcher. Or Bird...

In other, more writerly news, I'm being interviewed over at the Midnight Moon Cafe today. Stop by and say hi!

Featured Film Friday

Over the holiday weekend, I finally got around to watching Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was fun, but not a movie I think I'd need to see again. Basically, it was uber predictable. I could guess what was going to happen next at every turn. But the clothes and shoes kept me entertained, so I watched to the end.

Have you seen it? Do you agree with my assessment?

And hey, I'm being interviewed over at Embrace The Shadows today - come check it out!

My favorite ways to procrastinate

Like you need help, right? Still, these sites are great for when you need a break:

Awkward Family Photos

People Of Walmart

Weird Asian News

Don't blame time lost on me. That's all I'm saying.

Wednesday is for writers

Jeannie Ruesch has created a WIP notebook that's worth a look - especially if you like to keep yourself organized. It's not free, but at $6.95, it's hardly expensive. Check it out here: http://www.jeannieruesch.com/mywipnotebook.shtml

Where's My Hassenpfeffer?

Of course this comes from the same people who brought us Hello Kitty. Why wouldn't it? Check out what I'm talking about over at Fictionistas today.

Happy Labor Day!

On this Labor Day, I'll be...wait for it...laboring. On my book. Because I need to make up some ground. How that's going to go with Hotrod home, I'm not so sure. I'm hoping he'll go golfing.

What are you doing this Labor Day?

Caturday!

Do you ever feel like you're being watched?

Character Keeper - free writer software

Now that I'm writing this series that involves the same characters, I've come to see the wisdom in creating a "bible" for the series with all the characters, places, descriptions, etc. Then I stumbled upon this software, Character Keeper, which seemed like just the ticket. I've downloaded it and am going to play with it today. Looks very simple to use and if it helps me get organized, then WIN!

You can check it out for yourself here: http://magicalwords.net/software/ or click on the screenshot image to get a better idea of what it looks like.

If you try it, let me know what you think? Either way, stop by the Magical Words blog and say hi to the authors who've made this software possible.

Guest Blogging

I'm guest blogging over at Hooked On Romance today. Stop by and comment to enter for a chance to win a copy of All Fired Up!

I'm wiped.

If I were cute and furry, that would be me, passed out on my keyboard.

Who knew release day was so tiring? And so busy, yet so lacking in accomplishments?

I'm taking the day off from the net today so I can write and catch up. I suggest you do the same, but you know, so you can read All Fired Up, natch. ;o)

You know, reading is one of those things I'm woefully behind on too...how about you? Read anything good lately?

Release Day! And other stuff!

Today's the day ALL FIRED UP officially goes on sale! Can you even believe it? Seems like forever ago I signed that contract. But today, it's official.

YAY!

Go buy your copy here (seriously, go buy one or my kittens will cry and you don't want that, do you?), then head over to the Fictionistas and check out my interview with the lovely Carol Alt and the discussion of her super-fun second book, Model, Incorporated.

And big congrats to my friend, Louisa Edwards, on the release of her book today too - Can't Stand The Heat is in bookstores now so grab a copy before they sell out!

Lastly, but certainly not leastly, today is The Sicilian's birthday. Happy birthday, Dad! I love you!

What Do Pirated Books Cost You?

Sure, it's a funny picture, but real life pirates are no laughing matter. Pirates cost everyone money: the author, the reader and the publisher. Read this post to find out why pirating affects everyone so deeply.

Caturday!

Reason #467 why you shouldn't leave your chaise unattended.

A few tips for new writers

If you're just starting out in writing, here are a few things you should know:

1.If you haven't finished a book, no one cares what your pen name is. Seriously. Even after you've finished that first book, no one really cares what your pen name is. Pen names and the exhaustive effort to come up with one are just tools of procrastination. If you want people to care about your pen name, write a book that will do that. Oh, and just for the record? Some of us use our real names.

2. Support the published authors you know. That means, if you go to a book signing, buy their book. If they ask for comments on their blog, do it. Treat them the way you'd want to be treated when you achieve that same level of success.

3. If you want to be a published author, stop talking about writing and write. And then keep writing until you get to the end. Even if it sucks. If you can't finish a book you're in deep doody.

4. No one is an overnight success in this business. No one's success is comparative. My journey has nothing to do with your journey. Some people sell the first book they write. Some people sell the 13th. Jealousy will eat you alive if you let it. So don't.

5. Don't write to trends, unless you enjoy it. Write what you love, because if it sells, you may have to keep writing it for a long time.

6. Develop a full body callus. Critiques are hard, rejections are hard, reviews are hard. The sooner you figure that out, the better off you'll be. There might be some crying involved, but there's also chocolate and wine.

7. Know when to keep your mouth shut. There are going to be times you want to vent. Don't do it in public unless you're prepared to be called out for it. The internet is a very small place. So are local chapters and writing groups. I suggest a small circle of trusted, like-minded friends.

8. Lastly, when you do make it, remember those who helped you along the way.

How many words a day?

Okay, writers, time to fess up. How many words on average do you write a day? I've come to the very sad conclusion that I am a slow writer.

Sad because I'd love to be one of those writers who can whip out an epic novel in 2 months. But I'm not. I keep my daily goal low because of that and even then I don't always hit it. However, I like to think that my 4 pages is equal to someone else's 10, because I write pretty clean and fairly close to final draft readiness. Not always, mind you, but often enough that I'm taking credit for it turning out that way.

So tell me, how much do you write on average per day? Do you believe the writers who say they write 30 pages a day? How is that even possible? Or is really down-n-dirty fast draft kind of stuff that needs days of revision? Talk to me!

Wednesday is for writers

I don't know about you, but stickies are something I can't live with out. You know, post it notes? I write everything on them. Character names I might want to use, plot points that sound good, details that need to be added in, scene sequences...all kinds of stuff. So what could be better than free virtual stickies that go right on your desktop?

Check it out here. Enjoy!

And if you don't use stickies, I'd love to know what you do use to keep yourself organized.

Zombie Kristen

I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about why I'm cranky enough to eat brains.

Defying Monday

I don't have time for more TV shows in my already packed viewing schedule. But I added one anyway. Defying Gravity. When a show builds characters this deftly and trickles in just enough backstory to keep you hungry for more, you make room.

You can check out the previous episodes of Defying Gravity here. I defy you not to get hooked.

Interestingly enough, I'll be watching the night launch of the space shuttle tonight up close and personal thanks to Hotrod winning the ticket lottery and being able to bring up to 12 of his closest civilian friends onto Kennedy Space Center property. Launch is at 1:30 am, so I'll be sleeping in on Tuesday.

If you check out Defying Gravity, let me know what you think!

Caturday! Sort of.

Today's very late edition of Caturday is brought to you by the letter L. L is for the lizard that hangs out in the bird feeder in front of my office window and amuses my kittehs. Thank you, Mr. Lizard. Every day you show up is a few more hours I can write without paws on my keyboard.

Headshots!

I looked at my preliminary headshots yesterday and I have to say, I am whipsawed with confusion over which one to pick. There doesn't seem to be a general consensus from the folks I've asked so far, which is only confusing me further.

So, I ask you, my faithful blog reader, to chime in with your valued opinion.

Which one of these looks like the headshot of an author capable of writing urban fantasy vampire books?

Keep in mind they'll all be black and white in the back of the book, AND these haven't been digitally "cleaned up" yet.






#2















#3

Pre-orders? Coolness!

I just found out ALL FIRED UP is now available for pre-orders! Check it out here - and you know, order one.

It's both nerve-wracking and exciting. Like voluntarily riding a roller coaster that's known to cause vomiting.

Why didn't my contract come with barf bags?

Workin' It To The Bone Thursday

Today is a busy, busy day.

1. I must write.
2. I must do laundry. Yes. Ick.
3. I must meet with the photographer and look at my headshots!
4. I must come home and write some more.
5. I must go out to dinner with friends. Woot!
6. I must watch the season premiere of Project Runway! Yay! I need my weekly dose of Tim Gunn, y'all.

What are you up to today?

Wednesday is for writers

Here's a little gift from me to you: The Cliche Cleaner - just download the free demo, pop your manuscript in there and see how many cliches and overused phrases you've got.

You're welcome.

How hooked up are you?

I'm over at the Fictioniastas today talking about social media. How hooked up are you? Come chat!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

The cover for my September 1st Samhain book, ALL FIRED UP, won the Thorn award for best cover in last week's cover clash over at Embrace The Shadows! Pretty cool for a book that hasn't even been released yet, don't you think? Although if you look at the award, it kind of matches my book cover. lol

Today is a busy day for me - this afternoon I'm getting photographs take for my official author picture. I'm hoping for something a little less perky and a little more "urban fantasy vampire books authors." After all, my photo now doesn't really say urban fantasy so much as it says suburban housewife. Yeah.

And of course, when I get home from that, I'll be writing like a good little author with a deadline.

What are you doing today?

Caturday

Plz come bak lator. Dis kitteh iz brokin.

Featured Film Friday

Once again, I am the last person on the planet to see this movie, but I finally watched Love Actually! I can't believe it took me so long. What a great movie. Even Hotrod ended up watching it with me for awhile. The vignettes really draw you in and I enjoyed how they showed different aspects of love, not all full of light and bunnies - some really hit you hard.

If you haven't seen this movie, and you like romantic comedies, you'll enjoy this. Don't let the fact that it's billed as a Christmas movie stop you from watching it now.

I'm suffering from OABS

You know, Over-Active Brain Syndrome?

My dreams lately have been so strange and bizarre, that I wake up feeling like I need to go back to sleep. Things like petting a stray dog only to find out it's a rat, having to stab an old woman in the eye with a chopstick to keep her from killing me, eating live bugs...those are the kinds of things that have been popping up in my dreams lately.

Is there anyway to turn my brain off at night? Seriously. I need less eventful dreams or my productivity during the day is going to disappear due to the overwhelming urge to nap. Help!

And the ARC winner is...

The winner of my ARC contest for ALL FIRED UP is...

Danielle!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated and helped me get the word out there.

In other news, yesterday was a great writing day. I'm hoping to duplicate it today. What are you up to?

These are a few of my favorite things

I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about favorite childhood toys and the memories surrounding them. Come share!

I need your votes!

The cover of ALL FIRED UP is involved in a "cover clash" this week over at Embrace The Shadows and I need your votes! Click HERE to check it out and register your vote.

Just remember, every time another cover gets a vote, a kitten dies. You don't want to kill a kitten, do you?

I didn't think so. ;o)

Also, there's still time to enter the ARC contest I'm running. Win an advanced copy of ALL FIRED UP! Check that out HERE.

Happy Monday!

Caturday! Sort of.

A pair of mourning doves has made a nest in one of our palm trees. Here you can see Mrs. Dove sitting in the nest. The nest is actually in some of branch pieces that remain after the dead branches are trimmed off. After a while, the remaining pieces fall away on their own. Here, the pieces are hanging off the tree, but still firmly attached, and that's where they've made their home.

And home it's going to be for a while, because there are eggs in there! Here you can see them - two, which is typical for mourning doves. We're gonna have babies! (In about 15 days, that's how long it takes them to hatch.) I'll be sure to post pics of the little ones when they arrive.

Featured Film Friday

I know I'm the last person on the face of the earth to have seen this movie, but I finally got around to watching Slumdog Millionaire. I have to say, I wasn't that interested in it, but with all the hype, I figured there had to be a reason.

Wow. Was there ever. I really loved this movie! What a great job of storytelling. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? If you have seen it, what did you think?


(And because I said I'd update you on my writing progress, things are going very well! I'm on track and going strong.)

I has an owie

I'm not sure what I did to it, but ever since yesterday's workout, my left knee has felt about 100 years older than the rest of me. I've been limping around like someone stole my walker. Trust me, it's very sexy.

I really can't think of a reason for it to hurt. I did the elliptical, which I always do, and some squats, but that was about it.

Could it be that I am actually getting old? No. That can't be it.

ARGH!

In other news, don't forget the contest I'm running to win an ARC of my paranormal romance coming out on Sept 1st! Deets here.

ARC Contest!

I have an ARC of my Sept 1st Samhain release, ALL FIRED UP, to give away, so I've decided to run a little contest and do just that.

First of all, the link to the Coming Soon page on Samhain's site:

http://samhainpublishing.com/coming/all-fired-up

And the book's blurb:

Alrik Gunn knows from bitter experience that change isn’t always for the better. From the woman who annihilated his Viking clan to the goddess who tricked him into centuries of slavery, betrayal has dogged his existence. The Goddess of Love is going to let him avenge his family, but for a price. As a Phoenix—a merchant of change—he must grant a human woman three chances to change her life.

When former Irish dancer Calleigh McCarthy tosses a carved-bird statue that belonged to her ex into a roaring bonfire, she unwittingly summons an honest-to-god Phoenix. A sexy, irresistible Viking who offers her an unbelievable bonus—three get-out-of-her-crappy-life-free cards. She’ll take it, even if it means guarding her cautious heart against the dark pain behind Alrik’s eyes.

Alrik has vowed never to let love sway him again, but Calleigh’s innocence and kindness throw him off balance. Yet even as his need for revenge fades and his love for her grows, he is bound to let her make her choices without interfering.

One wrongly chosen word, and any chance for happiness—for either of them—will go up in flames.

Now, the deets:

To enter the contest and a chance to win the ARC of ALL FIRED UP, here's what to do:

1. Post a comment in the comments section of this blog post.
2. Tweet something about the book on Twitter including @Kristen_Painter and the hashtag #afuarc.
3. Post something on your own blog about the book, then comment with the link on this blog so I know about it.
4. Link to this contest on your blog.
5. Join my yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/kristenpainter/join

Each one of these gets you a entry. Do all five and you get five shots to win. You've got a week - the winner will be announced on Wednesday, August 12th.

Comments? Questions? Are you ALL FIRED UP yet?

Interview with Gena Showalter

Hey, y'all! I'm over at Fictionistas today interviewing the fabulous Gena Showalter! Come on over and say hi - one lucky commenter is going to win a signed copy of her new YA novel, Intertwined!

It's Monday. Again.

Actually, this Monday isn't that bad. Granted, it's only 8 AM, but still - I'm down 4.5 pounds from last Monday, so that's fantastic! Plus, today starts my new routine.

1. Get up.
2. Pack Hotrod's lunch.
3. Work out.
4. Shower.
5. Write until my daily page count is met.

Seems simple enough, doesn't it? Well, this is week one. I'll let you know on Friday how successful I was at sticking to that.

What's your routine?

Caturday! Celebrity Edition

Piktur fur treats. That wuz the deal. Pay up!

Today's non-cat is Claude! Claude owns super agent Elaine Spencer of the Knight Agency. Elaine just happens to be my agent and after I saw pics of her cute little pup, I just had to have him for Caturday! Say hi to Claude, y'all!