I've only done it once, and that was cowardly. But I commented anyway, because the person who wrote it had made it clear she didn't want to be associated with me.
So I commented anonymously.
Now we've had another falling-out, and someone has posted a negative comment on hers without revealing their identity.
It wasn't me; I don't leave nasty comments. If I don't agree with what the person's written, I will either abstain from commenting, or give my polite opinion, depending on how strongly I feel about the issue. But I do NOT leave sarcastic comments when they aren't needed.
In the meantime, I'm continuing to read her posts; I may even resume commenting in a week or so. Just depends on how the wind is blowing, so to speak. If she accepts my private apology or continues to ignore me, well, we'll see.
Moving on....
My alter-ego had some good news concerning a manuscript:) She'll post the good or bad news when the time comes...she doesn't want to jinx herself.
And as soon as I get more ink in my printer, I'll be doing edits on Chapter 4. And I finished the short story I was writing:) Now to shave a couple hundred, or even a thousand, words off somewhere...I think after the 15th (my critique partner's on deadline) I will give it to her and see what she thinks. My submission deadline isn't until September. So no more work on Head of the Class for at least 2 weeks. Don't want to stress out my partner!
In the meantime, it's the month of May in Indiana. And for racing fans, that means Indy 500 time! Throughout the coming weeks, I'll be posting some of my favorite memories. And if you have some you'd like to share, be it anything from fond memories to griping about the traffic, feel free to join in the fun!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Auto Technology
Maybe I should have taken it?
First the computer gods laughed at me yesterday.
Today, it's the automotive gods who are having a field day.
Let's recap the past year:
April 2007: I'm halfway to my convention in Fishers, IN when my van refuses to go faster than 30 MPH. The kind person who let me use her phone graciously took me to my first stop; my friend's house, where my father was waiting to meet me. He was intending to pick up my 3 kids and take them home with him. Little did he know he would first be taking me to Fishers...And later, all it took was a $5 fuel filter repair.
December 1st, 2007: I'm scheduled to go to Muncie, IN, to be a part of the Midwest Writer's book signing. I'm only four blocks from home when I stop to buy oil, and the brakes suddenly lock up. I can't go forward or backwards! Two hours later, hubby gets it fixed and is totally perplexed at why it happened when the phone rings. Forget Muncie; I have to drive to Noblesville in order to get one of my best friends, as her mother just passed away, and she needs a ride to Evansville.
Last Saturday: My son takes my van to Walmart for a forgotten item and calls 30 minutes later to say the van refuses to back up, and the transmission is screaming. Hubby babies it home, and further inspection shows we're gonna need a new tranny. It's okay; Jackie says she needs a day with 'the girls' and says she'll drive.
6:15 am Today: The phone rings. I smile and pick it up, expecting Jackie to say she's on her way. Nope. It's her hubby.
"Got a slight problem. Apparently I hit something last night, and there's a 4-inch gash in the sidewall of one of the tires."
Ouch. And the tire repair shop doesn't open until 9am.
Ouch, ouch, ouch!But, there's a good side to all of this: 1) my kids were early to school; 2) Kelly gets to hold down the fort for the first two hours until we get there; 3) Mikey stayed in his cage all night; 4) I had time for more than one cup of coffee!So just pray everything goes well the rest of the day? Please?
And let's hope that when my next event rolls around, which is the Cincinnatti trip, all vehicles are in good, working condition!!!
Oh, and another piece of good news? My sister and her family are set to arrive on May 17th! She got her visa to cross the border! Woo hoo! For any new readers, she's in Canada and lost not only her work permit papers, but her US birth certificate. Don'cha love beaurocracy? NOT!
First the computer gods laughed at me yesterday.
Today, it's the automotive gods who are having a field day.
Let's recap the past year:
April 2007: I'm halfway to my convention in Fishers, IN when my van refuses to go faster than 30 MPH. The kind person who let me use her phone graciously took me to my first stop; my friend's house, where my father was waiting to meet me. He was intending to pick up my 3 kids and take them home with him. Little did he know he would first be taking me to Fishers...And later, all it took was a $5 fuel filter repair.
December 1st, 2007: I'm scheduled to go to Muncie, IN, to be a part of the Midwest Writer's book signing. I'm only four blocks from home when I stop to buy oil, and the brakes suddenly lock up. I can't go forward or backwards! Two hours later, hubby gets it fixed and is totally perplexed at why it happened when the phone rings. Forget Muncie; I have to drive to Noblesville in order to get one of my best friends, as her mother just passed away, and she needs a ride to Evansville.
Last Saturday: My son takes my van to Walmart for a forgotten item and calls 30 minutes later to say the van refuses to back up, and the transmission is screaming. Hubby babies it home, and further inspection shows we're gonna need a new tranny. It's okay; Jackie says she needs a day with 'the girls' and says she'll drive.
6:15 am Today: The phone rings. I smile and pick it up, expecting Jackie to say she's on her way. Nope. It's her hubby.
"Got a slight problem. Apparently I hit something last night, and there's a 4-inch gash in the sidewall of one of the tires."
Ouch. And the tire repair shop doesn't open until 9am.
Ouch, ouch, ouch!But, there's a good side to all of this: 1) my kids were early to school; 2) Kelly gets to hold down the fort for the first two hours until we get there; 3) Mikey stayed in his cage all night; 4) I had time for more than one cup of coffee!So just pray everything goes well the rest of the day? Please?
And let's hope that when my next event rolls around, which is the Cincinnatti trip, all vehicles are in good, working condition!!!
Oh, and another piece of good news? My sister and her family are set to arrive on May 17th! She got her visa to cross the border! Woo hoo! For any new readers, she's in Canada and lost not only her work permit papers, but her US birth certificate. Don'cha love beaurocracy? NOT!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Blank
Not dreaming about my characters...having trouble writing.
I type a few words and lose interest.
Why?
Stress?
Lack of confidence?
I realized suddenly the other day my word count is at 13 K, and the maximum word count for the submission is 15 K. And my characters have only had sex once, and are back to the getting-to-know-you-let's-see-where-this-takes-us stage.
I need to speed it up. I need to talk to my best male friend, but he's not available for input.
So I guess I'll just have to do what I did during NaNo and rely on my imagination, which is showing signs of disappearing as the stress of having an irate hubby and rising gas prices shut down my creative process.
Which sucks.
Royally.
Please....let our rebate check come in the mail, so my van can be fixed.
Please...let him return to work so we can pay all of our bills, instead of having to pick and choose.
Please...let me have more recipes for pork loin, hamburger, and chicken, or let us have the income to buy stew meat and beef roasts again. I have a craving for beef stroganoff. And not made with hamburger.
Please...let nothing interfere with my 'book tour' this summer? And let my royalties be a steady source of income for me between now and my next contract??
Please...let the gas prices come down a dollar or two, so my hubby's mood will improve?
Do you think I'm asking for too much?
I type a few words and lose interest.
Why?
Stress?
Lack of confidence?
I realized suddenly the other day my word count is at 13 K, and the maximum word count for the submission is 15 K. And my characters have only had sex once, and are back to the getting-to-know-you-let's-see-where-this-takes-us stage.
I need to speed it up. I need to talk to my best male friend, but he's not available for input.
So I guess I'll just have to do what I did during NaNo and rely on my imagination, which is showing signs of disappearing as the stress of having an irate hubby and rising gas prices shut down my creative process.
Which sucks.
Royally.
Please....let our rebate check come in the mail, so my van can be fixed.
Please...let him return to work so we can pay all of our bills, instead of having to pick and choose.
Please...let me have more recipes for pork loin, hamburger, and chicken, or let us have the income to buy stew meat and beef roasts again. I have a craving for beef stroganoff. And not made with hamburger.
Please...let nothing interfere with my 'book tour' this summer? And let my royalties be a steady source of income for me between now and my next contract??
Please...let the gas prices come down a dollar or two, so my hubby's mood will improve?
Do you think I'm asking for too much?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Dream Pt 2
The dream sort of continued, only it took a weird turn...
I am in New York, on a 'field trip', of sorts, with the girls from One Tree Hill. Brooke was to meet with a fashion designer; Peyton was there for support, except she met a guy we were convinced was a mob figure.
The hotel we were staying at was the same one in which my character had a suite in which he lived.
We dodged the Joan Collins-type chaperone character and I discovered the suite. Nothing happened; we simply talked. But later, as the antics of Brooke and Peyton grew outrageous, I called on my friend for help. It was one of those frantic phone calls in which the only information revealed was 'Help! Peyton's being chased by this unsavory guy and Brooke can't find her...'
But in the end, the guy was miraculously apprehended; the girls were tearfully returned to the hotel; the chaperone and the rest of the crew blissfully ignorant of all actions.
And myself? I knocked on my friend's door and asked quietly, "How did you know?"
"Because I know you, and I've come to expect things like this."
I entered the room. His son is playing a video game, and there is a strange woman and young child sitting on the couch. I introduce myself and apologize for the interruption.
"But...you did it all with one phone call," I continue. "You never left; We never saw you. And yet you still managed to be the hero in the end." I'm thoroughly confused.
"Kenzie...I can't explain it. I've matured over the past several years, but you refuse to see it." He's getting slightly angry. "Now don't you have a plane to catch?"
"Actually, we're leaving in the morning." I shoot another inquisitive glance at the silent woman still in the room.
He shifts in his seat. "I think your friends would like to see you."
"Why?" I challenge him. Somehow, my shoes are off, and my cardigan sweater is unbuttoned. I don't remember doing anything to my clothes.
"Because I have plans tonight." He frowns and leans over to hand me my shoes and pull my sweater together, so my tank top is covered.
Suddenly, the woman pipes up, "That's okay; if your wife needs you..."
I shrug and give her a smile. He is not amused.
"She's not my wife," he snaps.
I fasten my sweater and pull on my heels. "That's right; just an Old and Dear Friend, right?" My sarcasm overflows as I feel my own anger rise. I get to my feet and head toward the door. "Enjoy your evening."
Suddenly, his hands are at my shoulders. "Awww, Kenz..."
And suddenly, I jerk wide awake AGAIN! What is it with these weird dreams? And I wake up just when things are getting interesting? What does it mean when you and your 'soul mate' argue in your subconscious?
Not exactly the ending I wanted, but then again, maybe it will continue again tonight?
Stay tuned!
I am in New York, on a 'field trip', of sorts, with the girls from One Tree Hill. Brooke was to meet with a fashion designer; Peyton was there for support, except she met a guy we were convinced was a mob figure.
The hotel we were staying at was the same one in which my character had a suite in which he lived.
We dodged the Joan Collins-type chaperone character and I discovered the suite. Nothing happened; we simply talked. But later, as the antics of Brooke and Peyton grew outrageous, I called on my friend for help. It was one of those frantic phone calls in which the only information revealed was 'Help! Peyton's being chased by this unsavory guy and Brooke can't find her...'
But in the end, the guy was miraculously apprehended; the girls were tearfully returned to the hotel; the chaperone and the rest of the crew blissfully ignorant of all actions.
And myself? I knocked on my friend's door and asked quietly, "How did you know?"
"Because I know you, and I've come to expect things like this."
I entered the room. His son is playing a video game, and there is a strange woman and young child sitting on the couch. I introduce myself and apologize for the interruption.
"But...you did it all with one phone call," I continue. "You never left; We never saw you. And yet you still managed to be the hero in the end." I'm thoroughly confused.
"Kenzie...I can't explain it. I've matured over the past several years, but you refuse to see it." He's getting slightly angry. "Now don't you have a plane to catch?"
"Actually, we're leaving in the morning." I shoot another inquisitive glance at the silent woman still in the room.
He shifts in his seat. "I think your friends would like to see you."
"Why?" I challenge him. Somehow, my shoes are off, and my cardigan sweater is unbuttoned. I don't remember doing anything to my clothes.
"Because I have plans tonight." He frowns and leans over to hand me my shoes and pull my sweater together, so my tank top is covered.
Suddenly, the woman pipes up, "That's okay; if your wife needs you..."
I shrug and give her a smile. He is not amused.
"She's not my wife," he snaps.
I fasten my sweater and pull on my heels. "That's right; just an Old and Dear Friend, right?" My sarcasm overflows as I feel my own anger rise. I get to my feet and head toward the door. "Enjoy your evening."
Suddenly, his hands are at my shoulders. "Awww, Kenz..."
And suddenly, I jerk wide awake AGAIN! What is it with these weird dreams? And I wake up just when things are getting interesting? What does it mean when you and your 'soul mate' argue in your subconscious?
Not exactly the ending I wanted, but then again, maybe it will continue again tonight?
Stay tuned!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Dreams
Do you dream in color?
I do.
Several months ago, my blogmate Kelly interviewed a couple of her male characters, and they said some flirtatious things. Well last night, one of my favorite characters invaded my dreams last night, and I woke up too early!
The dream went something like this:
I let myself into the house. He is sitting on the floor, surrounded by boxes.
"We need to talk," he says, looking serious.
Uh-oh...I don't like the sound of this. "What's the problem?" I set my briefcase down by the front door and make my way over to him.
He stands, and we leave the crowded living room for the spacious master bedroom. I lay down on the bed and curl up on my side, watching him pace.
"I was there...today. In front of the stadium. I bought hot dogs for the kids and saw you."
Relief flows through me. He came to the signing after all! But..."Why didn't you come over to the table?"
"You had several people at your table, and you looked so beautiful, so animated, and it hit me...you're going to do well with this! And where does this leave me?" He sits on the edge of the bed, and I see the little boy who just wants to be loved and appreciated.
"I will never leave you," I whisper softly. "I love you."
He get up and spoons his body around mine. "Can we research some more?"
I feel his hands unbuttoning my shirt. "You've been reading Sommer's blog again..."
And all of a sudden, my eyes flew open and I'd slept through my snooze button again. It was 6:30; there was no sexy man trying to entice me to get naked; just a snoring husband and another morning waiting for me. Time to get up, make the coffee, watch the news, and wake up my kids. Thursday morning, and all I want to do is go back to bed and finish my dream!
Maybe he'll return tonight?
This is the second time I've dreamed about someone's blog post. The first one was Anny Cook's, when she was doing research on the nutritional elements of acorns!
I do.
Several months ago, my blogmate Kelly interviewed a couple of her male characters, and they said some flirtatious things. Well last night, one of my favorite characters invaded my dreams last night, and I woke up too early!
The dream went something like this:
I let myself into the house. He is sitting on the floor, surrounded by boxes.
"We need to talk," he says, looking serious.
Uh-oh...I don't like the sound of this. "What's the problem?" I set my briefcase down by the front door and make my way over to him.
He stands, and we leave the crowded living room for the spacious master bedroom. I lay down on the bed and curl up on my side, watching him pace.
"I was there...today. In front of the stadium. I bought hot dogs for the kids and saw you."
Relief flows through me. He came to the signing after all! But..."Why didn't you come over to the table?"
"You had several people at your table, and you looked so beautiful, so animated, and it hit me...you're going to do well with this! And where does this leave me?" He sits on the edge of the bed, and I see the little boy who just wants to be loved and appreciated.
"I will never leave you," I whisper softly. "I love you."
He get up and spoons his body around mine. "Can we research some more?"
I feel his hands unbuttoning my shirt. "You've been reading Sommer's blog again..."
And all of a sudden, my eyes flew open and I'd slept through my snooze button again. It was 6:30; there was no sexy man trying to entice me to get naked; just a snoring husband and another morning waiting for me. Time to get up, make the coffee, watch the news, and wake up my kids. Thursday morning, and all I want to do is go back to bed and finish my dream!
Maybe he'll return tonight?
This is the second time I've dreamed about someone's blog post. The first one was Anny Cook's, when she was doing research on the nutritional elements of acorns!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Euphemisms
Updated Word Count: 8,021 in the past week. Doing well...page 28, ready to start ch 6:)
I can't keep my fingers silent. I read on another blog that she prefers the term 'fucking' over 'making love'.
I disagree. And this is my blog, so I get to state my opinion.
'Fucking' refers to selfish sex. The two partners are only doing 'it' for their own selfish pleasure. And I'll agree with her on this point: You CAN be in love and still 'fuck'.
'Having sex' is a step above 'fucking'. The two partners are somewhat selfish, but they may not necessarily care about their own pleasure. It may be that one partner is only seeking to pleasure the other, and not expecting anything in return.
'Making Love' is unselfish. Each partner cares deeply about the other, or at least shows how much they care, by taking time to put the others' needs above their own. This is a deep, rich experience, and usually draws each partner closer together.
Go ahead; disagree with me.
I can't keep my fingers silent. I read on another blog that she prefers the term 'fucking' over 'making love'.
I disagree. And this is my blog, so I get to state my opinion.
'Fucking' refers to selfish sex. The two partners are only doing 'it' for their own selfish pleasure. And I'll agree with her on this point: You CAN be in love and still 'fuck'.
'Having sex' is a step above 'fucking'. The two partners are somewhat selfish, but they may not necessarily care about their own pleasure. It may be that one partner is only seeking to pleasure the other, and not expecting anything in return.
'Making Love' is unselfish. Each partner cares deeply about the other, or at least shows how much they care, by taking time to put the others' needs above their own. This is a deep, rich experience, and usually draws each partner closer together.
Go ahead; disagree with me.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Earthquake and Edits
Sounds like a strange combination, right?
I finished the edits on chapter 3 last night. Discovered I am overly wordy in some spots, and less in others! Lisa also graciously pointed out where rearranging the wording makes the sentance flow a little better! Thanks, Lisa:) And she also pointed out that when two people are talking on the telephone, the other person cannot be seen. Sorry; I was picturing a split-screen! Too much TV, I guess!
And then this morning, we were rudely awakened by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Rare in my neck of the woods! This was my 2nd one; I stayed in bed, wondering, 'What the hell....?" If I'd been in California, I guess the knee-jerk reaction would have been to dive into the doorway. Me, I lay in bed waiting for the house to fall on top of me! Bad Kenzie...
But no damage. And we apparently had an aftershock while I was downstairs and missed it. Maybe I'll feel the next one.
Haven't written anything all week, and I'm hoping to rectify that oversight. Monday...what did I do? Can't remember. Tuesday, I chatted on the Novel Sisterhood and outed myself. Got great preliminary reviews on both of my blurbs...can the writing hold up as well? Stay tuned...Wednesday, I received word that my Wild at Heart manuscript had arrived on an editor's desk, and when it has been reviewed, she'll let me know yea or nay. And Lisa is loving my Head of the Class. I'm getting ready to send her chapter 4. God, there's a lot of sex in the first couple of chapters! But that's what the public wants, apparently! Hope the general story is received well, along with my steamy sex scenes!
I'm living vicariously through my blogmates this week. Kelly, Anny, Brynn, and Bron, not to mention other authors whose books I've read, are all in Pittsburgh this week. I found out next year the Romantic Times Convention will be held in Orlando. Hopefully, I'll be a published e-author next year, and can afford to go? (But will hubby let me is the question!!)
I finished the edits on chapter 3 last night. Discovered I am overly wordy in some spots, and less in others! Lisa also graciously pointed out where rearranging the wording makes the sentance flow a little better! Thanks, Lisa:) And she also pointed out that when two people are talking on the telephone, the other person cannot be seen. Sorry; I was picturing a split-screen! Too much TV, I guess!
And then this morning, we were rudely awakened by a 5.2 magnitude earthquake. Rare in my neck of the woods! This was my 2nd one; I stayed in bed, wondering, 'What the hell....?" If I'd been in California, I guess the knee-jerk reaction would have been to dive into the doorway. Me, I lay in bed waiting for the house to fall on top of me! Bad Kenzie...
But no damage. And we apparently had an aftershock while I was downstairs and missed it. Maybe I'll feel the next one.
Haven't written anything all week, and I'm hoping to rectify that oversight. Monday...what did I do? Can't remember. Tuesday, I chatted on the Novel Sisterhood and outed myself. Got great preliminary reviews on both of my blurbs...can the writing hold up as well? Stay tuned...Wednesday, I received word that my Wild at Heart manuscript had arrived on an editor's desk, and when it has been reviewed, she'll let me know yea or nay. And Lisa is loving my Head of the Class. I'm getting ready to send her chapter 4. God, there's a lot of sex in the first couple of chapters! But that's what the public wants, apparently! Hope the general story is received well, along with my steamy sex scenes!
I'm living vicariously through my blogmates this week. Kelly, Anny, Brynn, and Bron, not to mention other authors whose books I've read, are all in Pittsburgh this week. I found out next year the Romantic Times Convention will be held in Orlando. Hopefully, I'll be a published e-author next year, and can afford to go? (But will hubby let me is the question!!)
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