Can One Have Too Many Books?

So here we are on another Wednesday, a "Books, Books, Books" day. It's a slow time of the year because everyone is busy with family and holiday preparations, so I decided to keep it short.

During the week I finished Out of the Depths, by Valerie Hansen, Christmas Bells by Emma Sanders (The Wild Rose Press), and Marshall in Petticoats by Paty Jager (The Wild Rose Press). I also started reading The Inn at Shadow Lake by Janet Edgar (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense) and Cross by James Patterson (Little Brown). This week I also plan to read Juliana by Adelle Laudan.

Good thing I'm a fast reader. Actually, I read on my lunch hour and just before bedtime. What are you all reading and when do you fit in time to read?

Carol Ann

Christmas Kitty Perched in the Tree

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No entries for last Tuesday's challenge, so....the same challenge will be up through next Sunday. Be sure to check it out and the cool prize you could win. It's titles Tuesday's Challenge - Use All the Words #1
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Okay, so I've been blaming Templeton for being the culprint of destroying the tree since he was caught in it one time. I should learn never to make assumptions.

Today I'm sitting on the sofa talking to my daughter on the telephone when the Christmas tree begins shaking violently. You guessed it--a cat in the tree. I jump up and see it's Wilbur, the Maine Coon cat, with a big furry body perched on the limbs. I yell and he turns to look at me and...well, he's just so cute that I run to get my camera. By the time I got back to the living room and turned on the camera, he jumped down and looked at me as if I couldn't prove a thing.

Figuring that's the end of that, I resume my conversation with my daughter. But, a few minutes later, the tree begins to move as if stirred by a heavy breeze. Nope, no fans in my living room. It's Wilbur under the tree, poised at the bottom of the center pole...and he jumps into the tree!

Then the rat, Templeton is at the back and jumps up to join him! Two cats in the tree!! At this point I'm too afraid to take a picture for I'm sure the tree will come toppling down at any moment. I yell at them and finally they both take off running into the other room. I breathe a sigh of relief, and resume my conversation once again.

Then a thundering noise like a herd of elephants vibrates the sofa. Two fourteen pound cats come bounding down the hall, around the coffee table, and...Wilbur launches himself back into the tree!"Oh, no! I wonder if she can see me. Maybe she'll think I'm just an ornament if I don't move."

Sunday Reflection - 2006 Goals and Achievements

Last January I wrote the following:

My New Year's resolution is to submit my second manuscript in January to Harlequin Intrigue and during the remainder of the year complete my third novel and revisit/rewrite my first one with a new angle and send both of them out to publishers.

Reflecting back over the year, I feel I did pretty good with achieving most. I did submit my second manuscript to Harlequin Intrigue in February and I received a rejection. The reason, I'm sure now, is that the query letter was written focusing more on suspense than on the romance which really is the driving force of FOXFIRE. I pulled my first novel off the shelf and revised it heavily utilizing some thoughts that had been knocking around in my brain. When finished, I submitted it to a new small press publisher, The Wild Rose Press. I received a contract for HIT AND RUN and it was released in September 2006. Subsequently, I submitted my second novel, and received a contract. FOXFIRE will be published by The Wild Rose Press on January 5, 2007. Additionally, I submitted two short holiday stories which were also contracted and published, and wrote a short story for the Premiere Bouquet Contest and was one of the winners. That story will be published along with other winners in a Spring Anthology.

Though I didn't finish the third novel, I feel I accomplished more than I'd planned in 2006, and I'm well on my way to finishing that third novel.

It's my firm belief that if you want to accomplish goals, personal or otherwise, you must write them down. Place them someplace where you will look at them each and every day. You'll become committed to your goals and find yourself striving to complete them. Then when you reflect back over the year, you'll be amazed at what you've accomplished.

Did you set writing goals for yourself this past year? How did you do? Will you set new goals for 2007?

Issue of the Week - Do You Believe in Santa?

Do you believe in Santa?

Every year I read heartwarming stories of small miracles occurring to families who need help during the holidays. Some benefactors remain anonymous, and some are friends or family members stepping up to share a gift because they care. Yes, I believe in Santa.

Santa is a spirit of love, a spirit of giving, a spirit of caring, and sharing.

Today, I took my grandchildren shopping for gifts for their families. While we were wrapping the gifts, my granddaughter asked her cousin if he believed in Santa. His response was a very hearty yes, followed by the reasons why. I piped in and said that I believe. She then asked everyone who didn't believe in Santa to raise their hands. She looked at all of us and no one raised their hands. Then she asked for everyone who did believe to raise their hands. I know she was bordering on whether to believe or not and when we all raised our hands, she then raised hers as well, and a big smile crossed her face. Yes, I believe in Santa.

I believe in the spirt of goodwill, the warmth in my heart, the helping hand reaching out to help others. I believe in Santa Claus. I believe in love. I believe in God.

Dear Carol Ann #1

It's Friday and the first day of my Dear Carol Ann column. Please leave your question as a comment on the blog.

Looking forward to "corresponding" with you.

Carol Ann

Interview with Author Adelle Laudan

Carol Ann: Good morning, Adelle. Thank you for agreeing to be the first author interviewed on my blog.

Adelle: I want to thank you for this opportunity, Carol Ann.

Carol Ann: Well, let's get started. I said you could "let down you hair" in this interview, and I'm serious about that. I was perusing your website where it says you write fabulous fiction with a twist. Can you share with the audience what that means?

Adelle: You are the first person to ask me that question! As you already know, I am fairly new to the wonderful world of publishing. I am still dabbling in many genres. The twist would be my roots in biker fiction. Some might see biker fiction and think about gang wars and hardened men and women in black leather. I write from the REAL biker's POV. You'd be surprised to know that Bikers have romance in their lives too. Most have loving families and would give the shirt off their backs to help someone in need. It is my vision to show the world this side of "Bikers" in general.

Carol Ann: I see. I remember watching the movie MASK with Cher. That movie depicted bikers in a light I'd never seen before. I loved it! Usually we see the bikers as bad guys who are terrorizing a town. That was a great movie, and even that had romance in it. So tell me, what do you feel is the definition of romance?

Adelle: Romance, to me, is an act of love that touches one's heart. It is not necessarily a candlelit dinner or a walk on the beach at sunset. It can be as simple as a handwritten note left in a place you are sure to find it saying, I love you. It's the simple things we can do for the ones we love to show them how much they mean to us. Nothing says romance faster than a spontaneous act that comes from the heart.

Carol Ann: Absolutely. I think you summed it up well. So, I see you are wearing jeans today. Are you a blue jeans or skirt kind of woman?

Adelle laughs: Definitely a blue jeans kind of gal. I've always been a bit of a tom boy. I've been told I "clean up nice." When I do have to wear "girl" clothing, I am counting the moments until I can get out of them. **laugh**

Carol Ann: I prefer comfort myself! I told you this wasn't going to be your average interview. My next questions is--If you learned a distant relative died leaving you the sole heir to an uninhabited South Seas island, what would you do?

Adelle: Good question. I guess I would first off want to visit this island. If it is a place where my family could live, I'd move us all there in a heart beat. Then I would extend an open invitation to some of my closest friends and family to come build on my island, making it a community filled with all those who are near and dear to my heart.

Carol Ann: I can tell from your answer that family and friends are very important in your life. You seem like a very caring person. So, let me ask you this. If you were at a writing convention, and you noticed an award winner, who wins year after year after year, heading to the stage with her long gown stuck in her waistband, what would you do?

Adelle: I'd tell her. This author is a human being first. The little green monster called envy would no doubt think about NOT telling her. **laugh** My conscience would take over and I'd have to tell her.

Carol Ann: Good for you! I like that about you. I know some people who would let her embarrass herself and then gloat about it. So, if you had the opportunity to address the world via satellite, what would you say about yourself?

Adelle: That's a tough one. I guess I would tell everyone that I am much the same as many of them. I'm a Mom, a friend, a lover, trying to leave my mark in the world--doing what I love most, writing. I'd invite them to read my work and hopefully it would touch their hearts in some way. Finally, challenge them all to do one random act of kindness to someone less fortunate. What a joyous place this world would be, if everyone took the time.

Carol Ann: You know, sometimes just a smile can make another's day. We should all think about doing something kind once a day. Thanks for that. So, Adelle, do you collect anything?

Adelle: We have an extensive collection of pigs. Ceramic, glass, metal, stuffed and even a real live pot belly pig named, Jenny.

Carol Ann: How fun! I'm an animal lover, too, but I never thought about having a pig for a pet. One of my cats is named for a pig though. His name is Wilbur. But that's getting off the subject. Everyone imagines writers as people who are on top of the world. But, in reality, writers can get depressed and down, doubting themselves. Who can make you laugh when you're feeling down?

Adelle: My girls. They are perceptive individuals at ages 11 and 12. When they sense someone is down, they come up with the strangest things. It might be a play they make up or a song and dance. One thing is for certain, after a few moments watching their antics, one can't help but laugh out loud.

Carol Ann: How sweet! Sounds like they might have inherited their mom's creative genes. When we are children we aren't afraid to share our creativity, but as we grow older we are less willing to do so. Can you offer any advice to the readers who have a dream of writing, but are afraid they aren't good enough?

Adelle: TRY! If writing is your passion, what do you have to lose? Once you put yourself out there, it is incredible the things you learn through the proces to teach you how to better yourself as a writer. Reach out to another writer you admire for a little coaching if you are feeling inadequate. Most writers are more than willing to help out the newcomer. The main advice is to DO IT!

Carol Ann: So true. After all, nothing ventured, nothing gained. So, tell me what you are currently working on?

Adelle: I am currently working on a book called The Iron Horse Rider which will be coming in 2007 to Wild Child Publishing. It is a story about a Biker, a Ghost and a Legend. Of course, there is a touch of romance, as always.

Carol Ann: Awesome! I'm intrigued already. Do you have a website where we can learn about your books and how to purchase them?

Adelle: Sure do. Please sign my guestbook while you're there. http://adellelaudan.com

Carol Ann: Great. Now, I can't let you get out of here without telling me a little about the book you currently have out called Juliana, which was published by Forbidden Publications.

Adelle: Juliana is a story of a woman's healing journey after an abusive marriage. It is a contemporary with romantic elements. Juliana finds comfort in the healing ways of the Native Indian and the essences in her garden. Juliana eventually discovers, Love IS Good. I think Juliana borders on that of an inspirational, a book I am sure will touch your heart. In fact, as a way of saying thank you, here's a copy for you. I hope it touches your heart in some way.

Carol Ann: Oh, how wonderful. **hug, hug** You don't know how much this means to me. I, too, was a survivor of an abusive marriage, so I can certainly empathize with Juliana. I can't wait to read it. Thank you.

Okay, now one final question before we say goodbye. As an author, do you believe the pen is mightier than the sword?

Adelle: Yes, I do believe the pen is mightier than the sword. With the written word comes change, or at least the possibility of change. When a sword is used, there is no room for discussion.

Carol Ann: Adelle, thank you so much for being here and answering my questions. I've truly enjoyed getting to know you better, and I encourage all my readers to hop over to your website. Adelle is one author you'll want to read. **hug, hug**

Adelle: I want to thank you for this opportunity, Carol Ann. I wish you much success in all your endeavors. Thanks for the great questions. Happy Holidays!

Out of the Depths, by Valerie Hansen

Currently I'm reading a Love Inspired Suspense by Steeple Hill in paperback. I've been thinking about writing an inspirational romantic suspense, so this line seemed to be the one to read if I wanted to make sure I'm on the right track. I wanted to write the novel as something that could happen to anyone, without trying to "preach." To be a good inspirational novelist, you need to weave a thread of faith throughout the book, but not to the point that the reader is distracted from the suspense and the romance.

Valerie Hansen has a great handle on inspirational romance. OUT OF THE DEPTHS heroine, Trudy Lynn Brown, is struggling to hold onto her piece of land in Serenity, Arkansas. She owns and operates a campground and canoe rental which recently has become the target of vandalism. Her best friend's brother, Cody Kerringhoven, comes to Serenity to stay while recovering from a white-water rafting accident. Trudy Lynn has always had a soft spot for Cody, so when she offers to let him stay in one of her cabins, she must try to keep her personal feelings hidden.

Cody is suffering from guilt. Another man was killed in the accident that has left Cody on crutches. Since Cody was the guide for the white water rafting trip, he feels responsible for the other man's death. In addition, the woman he thought loved him left him shortly after the accident. Disillusioned and harboring anger and resentment, he agrees to move into the cabin where he can be alone with his dog and stop his family from "pampering" him.

Trudy Lynn has a deep faith in God and she believes she can help Cody regain his broken faith and in turn lead him to forgive himself.

But someone wants Trudy Lynn's land and they will stop at nothing, not even killing, if it achieves that goal.

Valerie Hansen is a master at painting the Ozark landscape. I felt myself fighting off the pesky flying gnats and enjoying the quiet lapping of water as the canoe moved along the river. Though I haven't finished this book yet, I'm truly enjoying it and look forward to reading more of her work. If you are interested in a feel good book, I highly recommend it.

I just received my new ebook reader handheld, so now I can start reading some of the great e-books I've purchased. Keep looking because the next book I talk about may be yours!

So what are you reading? Tell me about it, please!

Tuesday's Challenge - Use All The Words #1

Hopefully, you've read my new blogging schedule and know what to expect. I hope you'll all find something of interest, and I hope you'll give this Tuesday challenge a try. The winner of this week's challenge will win a hand beaded book thong and a Godiva chocolate bar. Nothing goes better with a good romance book than a nice book thong to mark your place while you take a big bite out of a chocolate bar. So give me your best shot on this challenge:

Use all four words in a scene. It can be one paragraph or more...whatever works!!

paramedic, pencil, bathroom, cheese

Make sure you use all four words to qualify to have your name entered in the drawing! You'll have until Sunday night to post your answer to this blog entry. Good luck, and most of all...have fun!

Be sure to stop by tomorrow when I'll be sharing info on the latest romance I'm reading!

A Brand New Blogging Schedule

Since we will be entering a brand new year, I wanted to make some changes to my blogging schedule, too. I hope my readers will enjoy the new "look" to my blog and will invite their friends. I'd like to make this as interactive as possible, so be sure to share with me. The new schedule begins this week, so be sure to check back daily and tell your friends!

• Monday - Announcement of the winner of Tuesday's Writing Challenge - This is just what it sounds like! Since Monday is a "blah" day, the first day of a workweek, it'll be fun to announce a winner and I don't want to detract from that!
• Tuesday - New Writing Challenge - Every Tuesday, I'll post a new writing challenge. Give me your best and you might be the winner of a special prize. Winner will be chosen by random draw. It's all in fun, so don't be afraid to give it a try.
• Wednesday - Books, Books, Books - I'll be sharing bits and pieces of what I've been reading, and I invite you to share what you've been reading, good or bad!
• Thursday - Author Interview - I'll be interviewing authors, asking those questions that you always wanted to know. If you know an author who'd like to be featured here, please invite them to submit their request via my website.
• Friday - Dear Carol Ann - Ask me any question, and I'll give you my "best" answer. This can be about writing, or any subject. It's my version of Dear Abby! Of course, my answers might surprise you!
• Saturday - Issue of the Week - Here I'll speak out about issues I've run across in my writing endeavors during the week. I invite you to share your experiences as well.
• Sunday - Reflections - I'll be sharing release dates, excerpts, and more. It's my way of keeping my readers updated on my writing progress.

You are a Winner

Congratulations, Betty! You are the winner of the latest Tuesday's writing challenge and a free .pdf download of my latest release, LIGHTING THE TREE, a sweet Christmas romance. Please email me at cae@carolannerhardt.com so I can send it to you.

Thank you so much for playing!

MY NEW LOOK

Hope you like the new look of my blog. I think it's a bit easier to read and to navigate. Let me know what you think!

Today I finished reading the galleys for FOXFIRE and sent them back to my publisher. I'm so excited about how well everything is coming together for this release. The cover is awesome.

Would you like a little excerpt? The following scene is taking place on Tyler's deck above the animal clinic. Grace and Tyler have finished dinner and as the sun drops below the horizon they are viewing the scenery--

Grace mirrored Tyler's stance, leaning over the railing. "Did you know that sometimes you can see foxfire glowing along the ground?"
"I thought that was a legend. It's true then? Have you ever seen it?"
She nodded. "It's beautiful and haunting at the same time." His shoulder brushed hers. A shiver crawled up her spine.
He draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. "Are you cold? Do you want to go inside for a while?"
His hand caressed her arm. Goosebumps arose that had nothing at all to do with being chilled.
"I'm not cold. I love being outside. We have one thing in common. I moved here for the mountain scenery and serenity, too."
He turned her to face him. "And we both love animals. We seem to have a lot in common." His thumbs caressed her cheeks.
Her heart tripped faster. His nostrils did that little flare thing again, which she found totally sensuous. "That's true." Her voice came out an octave higher than usual. She cleared her throat.
He lifted her and sat her on the railing facing him. She placed her hands on his shoulders for balance. Her whole body felt as if it were melting. Like the witch in The Wizard of Oz, soon she'd be nothing but a puddle at his feet.
"So when do we see this foxfire?" he asked.
Small talk, she told herself. Focus on the small talk, not on his face. Not on the way the torches add highlights to his dark hair. Not on the fact that his arms surrounded her, resting on either side of her hips.
"Only when the moon is full and the night is bright."
"Ah, unlike tonight." He gazed up at the sky where clouds hid most of the stars.
She stared at the expanse of his neck and the dark hairs that had escaped the neckline of his shirt. "Too overcast," she said.
He lowered his head and stared at her. Not just stared but stared. The message in his eyes tapped on her heart.

Still Four Days to Play Tuesday's Challenge!

Write a short paragraph or two about a handsome rodeo bull rider who is tossed from the back of a bull and wakes up in...

Use your imagination and let me know where he ends up and tell me what happens! Have fun! I'll be drawing a winner next Monday for a free download of my Christmas story, LIGHTING THE TREE, and announcing the winner on my blog. You'll have to check back here to find out if you won or not.

You can give me one word, several words or paragraphs. It doesn't matter...just let your imagination flow and have fun!!

Waiting for a Cover is Like Waiting to Give Birth

After spending months and months working on your novel, you finally get it polished enough to send off with a query letter and synopsis. Waiting to hear back is nervewracking. You try not to think about how much time has passed, you chew your nails, and you constantly check the mail or email looking for an answer. Then it comes. You have a contract. You are ecstatic, jumping up and down, telling everyone you know, basking in the moment. Next comes the first round of edits. Now you have to read that manuscript again and perhaps make some major changes. After several passes back and forth with your editor you are told...your novel has been sent in for galleys. Woo hoo! Now comes the waiting period for the galley and the most exciting thing...your cover art.

You've lived with the characters, they are with you night and day. You know them intimately. You know their darkest secrets. How will a picture convey their story? How will it appeal to readers? Will it catch their attention? The anticipation is twisting you in knots. You want to see it. You can't wait. To me this part of the publishing process is like giving birth. You know the baby is coming...you are doing your breathing and pushing...and waiting. You are so close to laying eyes on that precious life that you've carried for nine long months. Then, wonder of wonders, the baby is born...

And so is my newest cover! I'm so excited. No release date yet, but I have a visual.

The Cat in the Christmas Tree

Who would ever think a fourteen pound cat could manage to find his way half-way up a six foot artifical Christmas tree? I didn't think it could be done, but hey, maybe I should enter my cat in the Guinness Book of World Records.

I spent Saturday decorating our Christmas tree. Wanted to do something different this year, so I bought all red satin balls, gold ribbon, red and gold glitter ornaments, gold glass beads, and red poinsettia flower piks. The tree turned out beautiful, including the red cardinals at the top. The cats were pretty good all weekend. They knocked a few of the balls off the tree, but since they aren't breakable, no damage done. I hated it when they found a way to dislodge the poinsettias though. Then I had to find the "right spot" to put them back on. Yesterday, we headed to work and I thought I'd come home to disaster...nope. They three cats were angels. Today DH was home from work and he called to let me know the cats were making up for yesterday. He said they knocked about five balls off the tree and had them downstairs. Then while he was eating lunch, he heard a ruckus and found Wilbur with one of the poinsettias between his paws looking all innocent. Then DH started to put it back and found Templeton staring back at him from the tree. Now, the tree is artificial and the cat has no claws! Still he managed to somehow get into that tree and sprawl across several branches. DH finally got the cat out, though it was a major battle. I can just imagine how the tree looked at this point. Figuring that was the worst of it...I came home tired and ready to just collapse. Nope. DH informed me that we had to put the tree into a new tree stand. Why? Because the cats toppled the tree into the corner curio cabinet, broke the old tree stand and I would find a bunch of ornaments on my desk in my now closed off office. **sigh**

Wilbur--The cat with the poinsettia

Took almost two hours to pull those beads out of the tangled branches, hang the ornaments, replace all six poinsettias, straighten the ribbon, then rewrap the glass beads around the tree. Both of us go to work tomorrow...I'm dreading coming home. Maybe I'll lock them up in different closets.

Templeton - the cat in the tree

Charlotte, the innocent one.

The Winner and a New Tuesday Challenge...

New Tuesday Challenge for this week is:

Write a short paragraph or two about a handsome rodeo bull rider who is tossed from the back of a bull and wakes up in...

Use your imagination and let me know where he ends up and tell me what happens! Have fun! I'll be drawing a winner next Monday for a free download of my Christmas story, LIGHTING THE TREE, and announcing the winner on my blog. You'll have to check back here to find out if you won or not.

And the winner of last week's Tuesday Challenge is...TA DA!!!!

Lesa Bennett

Lesa, please send me your snail mail address and I'll mail your free gifts! You can contact me at cae@carolannerhardt.

Today is Launch Day

Today is launch day for the SRN Author's Blog. This is going to be so cool! We are sharing a full week's sample of what you can expect in future posts. Each day of the week will have a different theme.

Monday: The Craft

Tuesday: Learning Curve

Wednesday: Getting over the Hump

Wednesdays are all about relaxing when life gets to be too much, and how we relax.

Thursday: Author’s life

Friday: Prompts

Hop on over and join in the fun.

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Yesterday I chatted with the members of Joyfully Reviewed with other WRP Authors. The winner of my Gift Bag was Shannon! Congratulations, Shannon

No Wonder There are Errors in Published Books...

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae an itnerseting mnid too!
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

*****
Egads, I could read that without stopping. What about you?

All I Want for Christmas...

It snowed this morning! Big beautiful flakes fell around me while I drove to work, so I had a smile on my face all day. I love the first really visible snow of the year. It didn't stick and the sun came out by mid morning, but it really put me in the Christmas spirit. Hubby brought out all the decorations and I'm going to put everything out this weekend. I decided to do something different with the tree this year. I bought wide gold ribbon to weave around it, and some red poinsettia bloom to add to the branches, some red cardinals, red spiky ornaments and gold snowflakes. Also bought several strands of gold beads. Now if it only turns out like I see it in my head...

Now that we have no little ones at home, Christmas morning is boring. Hubby and I usually buy what we want throughout the year, so for Christmas we agree to buy only things that will fit in our stockings. We have to get creative to find things that will go inside. I usually get my bar of chocolate, a watch, CD, stuff like that. This year I told hubby I wanted one of those hand held electronic Sudoku games. I even told him where to get it. He told me tonight that he was afraid he wouldn't get the right thing and I should just go buy myself one. I told him he'd have to come up with something else for my stocking then because I wouldn't buy my own presents. LOL! So we went out to eat and stopped at Target where I bought my Sudoku game. I promised my muse I would only play it at work on my lunch hour or after I'd finished my writing for the day. **grin**

So what do you want for Christmas this year?

How Do You Wake Your Muse?

For the last two weeks, I swear my muse went on vacation. Or maybe she was there and it was me having too many ideas swirling in my brain. Usually, if that happens she pulls me back out of the maelstrom of the tornado and plops me in the chair and has a good talk with me about sticking to business.

I had fifty pages completed on my manuscript. I thought it was going well, until I couldn't go forward. I struggled, and I mean really struggled with where to go. Then my muse told me the story sucked. She asked why I made my heroine such a wimp. So I went back and she was right. No wonder I couldn't move forward. So I began to play around with ideas to beef it up...and my muse went on vacation. I think she was disgusted with me.

Ideas began to take over my mind, a new one every time I blinked my eyes. What to write, what to write became my mantra. Finally I started the story over again, word by painful word. Where was my muse? Why wouldn't she come back? I became frightened thinking I'd reached the point where I'd never write another good story in my lifetime. Have you ever reached this point? Ever felt you couldn't write your way out of a paper box (pun intended)? What did I do?

I looked around my office at the shelves lined with unread Harlequin and Silhoette books I just haven't had time to read. Why not? I sifted through until I found something that looked really good. I read the first chapter, and...you guessed it, my muse returned.

So how do you wake up your muse?

Tuesday's Challenge 12-5-2006

Good morning, everyone! I just hopped out of the shower, so you can picture me sitting in front of the computer in my thick terry robe with a towel wrapped around my head. Or, on second thought, maybe not. It's been very cold her and I think we had a power outage last night because my computer was "off" when I came into my office. Either that or we had one huge power surge because of our neighbor's Christmas decorations. Their yard is very small, but they have an abundance of huge blow up decorations, and each day they add something else! Yesterday it was a lighted carousel of some sort. Now I'm talking really overkill. Their windows and the entire roof also have lights. I'll try and take a picture to show you what I mean.

Anyway, enough of the boring stuff. Let's get on to the Challenge for this Tuesday. Are you ready? Got your fingers poised over the keyboard, or your pencil poised over a sheet of paper? All rightee then, let's go.

Your challenge this Tuesday, should you decide to accept it, is to write me a paragraph or more if you so desire. The first sentence needs to be:

It was exhilarating the first time I...

Now remember, this is not an adult only blog, so be nice! LOL!

You have until Sunday night to post your best, and the winner will be drawn on Monday and posted here on the blog. Be sure to check back next Monday to see who wins! What will you win? A handmade beaded book thong AND an autographed bookmark.

Good luck and have fun!!!

Tuesday's Challenge #1 Winner

All the names were put in my Wild Rose Press mug and given the round and round, over and over, up and down maneuver...and the one I picked as the winner is...


Megan Rose!!!!


Congratulations! Email me your snail mail addy and I'll get your 2007 planner in the mail. There is a link to email me on my website.Be sure to stop in and play Teusday's Challenge #2!!

Sweeter Romantic Notions

*** Grand Opening ***
A Multi-genre, Multi-author resource for
Authors and Readers
of sweet to sensual romance.


When? December 9th ALL DAY

Where? Sweeter Romantic Notions Author Blog

Who?

OWNERS
Diana Castilleja
Dayna Hart

WEB & TECH SUPPORT

Crystal Jordan

REVIEW COORDINATOR

Jennifer Leeland

CONTRIBUTORS

Emily Brevard
Elaine Cantrell
Stacy Dawn
Sara Dennis
Debora Dennis-Mills
Nell Dixon
Karen Duvall
Carol Ann Erhardt
Susan Greene
Adelle Laudan
Dana Mentink
Brieanna Robertson
Katherine Warwick
Betty Womack

Stop by and join in the festivities. Meet our incredibly talented group of Authors. There will be lots of giveaways as well as a very special announcement from our co owners for our Authors. You don't want to miss out!!

Honey, What Have You Done Now???

I am so enjoying reading all the great posts to the Tuesday Challenge! Keep 'em coming! You have until Sunday night to keep posting. For those who might have missed it, check out Tuesday's Challenge and get your entry in for the contest drawing. The winner will be posted on Monday and a brand new challenge will be posted next Tuesday.

Okay, so I came home from work yesterday and hubby was lying on the sofa.

He says: "Did you check out the Kitty Condo?"

She says: "Well, of course. I hopped out of the car with my arms full and said to myself 'I must go into the back yard and look at the kitty condo'."

He says: "I thought you might have looked when you stopped to talk to the cats."

Interjection: We are caring for fourteen feral cats and hubby built a winter shelter for them which is under the deck of our bi-level house. Kitty Condo vs. Cat House.

She says: "All I did was look at the cats sitting on top of our camper and said 'Hi, cats' and then I came inside. What did you do to the condo?"

He says: "You need to check it out."

She says: "Just tell me. Why should I have to walk outside, down the steps, in the near dark to check it out."

He says: "I want you to see."

She says: "What is so important? Why can't you just tell me?"

He says: "I'm getting in the Christmas spirit."

She thinks: Uh-oh. Trouble.
She says: "What did you do...put lights on the cat house?"

He laughs.
He says: "No. Actually I put a Christmas tree on top of it."

She thinks: I wouldn't put it past him. But I'm safe because there's no room to put a tree on top of it. What did he do?

She says: "Puh-lease. Now just tell me. Why does it have to be such a big deal? Just tell me what you did?"

He says: "Nope."

I stomp into the kitchen, open the sliding door, walk onto the screened in deck, open the door and suddenly my legs are surrounded by cats. Lots of cats. I greet them, pet the ones who will let me, then finally weave my way down to the patio.

She says: "What did daddy do to your little house? Let's go see."

I walk around the end of the deck and...

Above the door of the condo is a Christmas wreath, complete with ribbon and pine cones and all I can think is "And they call me the crazy cat lady."

I go back inside and play it off like a true actress.

She says: "Okay. So what did you do? I don't see anything."

He says: "You're kidding. Did you walk all the way around?"

She says: "Yep. I know you painted the trim around the door. I saw that last week."

He gets off the sofa and says: "You're just trying to get even with me now. I know you saw it."

She says: "Saw what? I'm telling you there's nothing new out there. What did you do, put fresh straw inside?"

He walks outside, weaves his way through the cats and down the steps and looks up at me.

He says: "Are you coming down?"

She says: "No. I've already been down there."

He walks to the condo and looks at it.

He says: "If you came all the way down here, then you had to see it."

She says: "Oh, you mean the wreath? Gotcha!"

Ah, life is never dull when you have a husband with a heart of gold and yard full of cats.

It's Tuesday!!!

In case you missed the post yesterday...today is the launch of "Tuesday's Challenge."

It's time to have some fun. Sharpen your creative skills and join me for Tuesday's Challenge. Each Tuesday, I'll post a new writing challenge, and one winner will be chosen each week. You'll have from Tuesday through Sunday to post your answer. Monday the winner will be announced here on the blog!

Spread the word to everyone you know. The challenges will be fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with! Post your answers here as comments on the blog.

The winner of the very first challenge will win a 2007 Monthly Planner to carry in your purse or to use at your desk. And the challenge is....

Give me your best with this starting line: "It was the most dreadful day of my life." You can write as much or as little as you want. Give me a true story or purely fantasy. Just have fun! Winner will be announced Monday, December 4!

Tuesday's Challenge

It's time to have some fun. Sharpen your creative skills and join me for Tuesday's Challenge. Each Tuesday, I'll post a new writing challenge, and one winner will be chosen each week. You'll have from Tuesday through Sunday to post your answer. Monday the winner will be announced here on the blog!

Spread the word to everyone you know. The challenges will be fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with! Post your answers here as comments on the blog.

The winner of the very first challenge will win a 2007 Monthly Planner to carry in your purse or to use at your desk. And the challenge is....

Give me your best with this starting line: "It was the most dreadful day of my life." You can write as much or as little as you want. Give me a true story or purely fantasy. Just have fun! Winner will be announced Monday, December 4!

********************************
Update on my upcoming romantic suspense release. I received the final over the weekend, but am doing one final read-through to make it the very best for you. I'm so looking forward to this release and I hope you are too. The title is FOXFIRE, and it's set in the fictional mountain community of Foxfire, Tennessee. What I love best about this story, are the characters. They each spoke to me and became so real. Here's a little piece of a scene with a very "colorful" secondary character...

A tap on the door turned all their heads. "Yoo hoo, I'm here. Better late than never, I always say." Harri burst through the door, her bright orange hair dimmed only by the turquoise earrings bobbing on her lobes. She stopped abruptly when she caught sight of Tyler.

Grace hurried forward. "Here let me take that," she said relieving Harri of an oblong pan.

Brad slid Harri's cardinal red sweater off her shoulders. "Harri, meet Tyler Sandford, our community veterinarian. Tyler, Harriet Parton. Better known as Harri."

Tyler lifted Harri's hand to his lips. "Ms. Parton, it's an honor to finally meet you. Brad's mentioned you many times. Are you relation to the famous Dolly?"

Harri yanked her hand back as if burned. "A distant cousin of sorts." Her voice dropped an octave and her lips turned downward. She narrowed her golden brown eyes, made more prominent by the lavish application of lavender eye shadow. "What's the old geezer been saying about me?"

"Only good things, I assure you," Tyler responded.

Harri looked him over from head to toe. "You have an interesting aura. Lots of green."

Tyler's eyebrows lifted questioningly. "Green?"

"Suits your profession. I see some dark purple, too." She lifted the glasses hanging on a beaded chain and slipped them onto her nose. "Interesting," she murmured. She removed the glasses and let them dangle around her neck.

Brad slipped his arm across Harri's shoulders and squeezed. "Now, Harri, don't get started with that nonsense." He smiled apologetically at Tyler. "Harri thinks she's psychic."

Christmas Special - Available Now

I have a very special Christmas offer on my website--an autographed copy of Hit and Run and a book thong, personally crafted by me, all tucked neatly into a red and white Christmas stocking with gold braiding. Click here to check it out.

Also, Lighting the Tree is now available for purchase! If you like a heartwarming story of sweet romance, you won't want to miss Brenda's story of finding love, coupled with a miracle delivered by an unlikely Santa. It's only $3.00. Available at The Wild Rose Press.

Hope you all have a wonderful week and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Extreme Home Makeover

Do you watch Extreme Home Makeover? I do, every Sunday evening. I love that show. Well, my son-in-law called me tonight and he's going to help build one of their houses! He works for a company that does stucco and stone work on buildings and new homes. When the company was called and told to pick two men to do this, they chose him and his crew and another man and his crew! Next Friday he has to be at the location at 4am and they will be putting stacked stone on the front of the house. They have to finish by noon! I'm so excited!

My Mind Runneth Over...

You Should Be a Film Writer

You don't just create compelling stories, you see them as clearly as a movie in your mind. You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life. Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling. And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

Well, that was a fun quiz. Thanks to Marly Mathews for that one! Lots to pour out of my overflowing mind tonight. First, I have a release date for LIGHTING THE TREE--drumroll....November 17. Woo hoo! I really like this story and how it fleshed out with the help of my editor, Rhonda. My hubby read it and he loves it...**grin**

FOXFIRE, my romantic suspense novel, is coming along nicely with the edits. Should hae those completed by the first of next week. They were really minor, no rewriting or fleshing needed, but...

I hurt my back and have been in major pain. I have arthritis in my spine and I had some discomfort for the past week or so, but Sunday I stepped out of the car after church and WHAM!!! I was in tears trying to get in the house. Spent the day laying around and refusing to go to the hospital. Monday went to the doctor. Couldn't see my regular doctor who is qualified to do chiropractic adjustments as well as medical treatment. Had to see the new guy in the clinic, who was young and didn't have a clue about me and my "back"ground. So, he says, "What do you want me to do? Give you a stronger pain medication?" Argh! I wanted to strangle him. Then he proceeds to say, "My father-in-law asks me for free medical advice and I tell him, you're getting older. What can I say?" At that point I wanted to punch his face. So...I wound up getting my arthritis medicine changed (at least he gave me a 30 days supply) and told to schedule an appointment with my regular doctor. Missed two days work and went in today, but I'm paying for it now.

So...what's going on in your world?

What are You Reading?

What are you all reading? I picked up THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER, by Kim Edwards, which I'm anxious to read. We are going to discuss it in one of my writing groups. When I was browsing the bookstore, I couldn't resist picking up LISEY'S STORY by Stephen King, too. But what I'm reading right now is Fannie Flagg's CAN'T WAIT TO GET TO HEAVEN. I love it! Fannie Flagg captured me after reading DAISY MAY AND THE MIRACLE MAN.

So what are you reading? Tell me about it. I love to hear about great books.

Ann Cory's The Story Board Winners...

On Friday, The Wild Rose Press authors participated in an all day chat with members of Ann Cory's Story Board. We had a wonderful time getting to know more about each other and the other story board members.

During the evening I offered giveaways and the winners are:

Mary Rieves - winner of a download of TWISTED SPELL
Barbara Huff - winner of a download of TWISTED SPELL
Michelle Yakel - winner of a download of HIT AND RUN

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Writing Oneself Out of a Corner...

Welcome to my writer's mind on this blustery winter's night. The day began as any other Monday...hop out of bed, shower, dress and rush to work to clock in seven minutes late. Freeze my buns off in my cold office because only cold air blows from the vent above my desk. Stare at the clock and wonder how I'm going to finish the latest chapter in my current manuscript. Sigh.

Kristin has escaped her abusive ex-husband's house with her three year old son, Joshua. She's desperate to keep the boy safely out of his father's clutches. Driving toward an unknown destination, she flips on the radio and hears...


. “…body of the prominent attorney, Peter Courtland, was found by the housekeeper. The nanny, whose name has not yet been revealed, remains in critical condition in Memorial Hospital. Mr. Courtland’s son is believed to be with his ex-wife, Kristin Smith. Police are urging anyone with information on Ms. Smith’s whereabouts, to contact them immediately.”

Good stuff. Now I have her in a real dilemma, just the way she needs to be to create a page-turning novel. But...now what? Okay, I like killing the bastard. He's mean and evil, and an attorney to boot. Satisfaction with a capital S. I even know who really killed him. But I haven't figured out why yet. Hmmm. Wheels turning. Maybe Peter owed him money. Nah. Peter is loaded. Money wouldn't be an issue. But Peter is a real scum-sucking bottom feeder (in the words of Grace Wilson, heroine in FOXFIRE).
What would cause someone to get so angry that they'd kill him in broad daylight?

(Back to reality). Boss walks in and asks me to book airline flights to bring his son home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sure thing! Log onto the internet and search out the best flights from Denver to Columbus. Two hours later confirm the flights and receive a big thank you.

(Back to my writing dilemma, and not feeling a bit guilty since I just spent two hours doing personal stuff for the President. What's a little mind tossing on my part going to hurt?) Okay, so Peter is dead. A man killed him and he had to have a good reason. Hmmm. What if Peter is involved in an illegal adoption ring? What if he failed to come through with a child? Oh! What if he planned to give his own son away? That would make a good twist. Nah. Peter's dead and Joshua is with his mom. Won't work. Aha! Peter is a renowned attorney, but his clientele are the big-money dilberts that can afford to pay the best to keep them out of jail. What if Peter screwed up and someone went to jail? Maybe a mobster's son or daughter. Wouldn't that make a man angry enough to kill? Might work.

(Back to reality) Director of Operations pops his head in to ask if I have a list of all personnel authorized to charge gasoline expenses. Explains a new program we are going to adopt. Give him info, smile and wave him on his way. Close door and get back to plotting.

Okay, last plot might work but will require a lot of layering to make it strong enough. Also, if Peter is such a hot attorney, losing a case would be major news and might easily pinpoint the real murderer. I've got it! Peter has been having an affair with one of his client's wives! The client has found out the truth and, being a less than upstanding citizen has no problem offing his attorney. No one would suspect him, for why would he kill the only man who can keep him out of jail? That might work.

(Back to reality) Pres pops his head in again. Hands me the signed expense reports and questions a Director's expense reasoning. Tell boss that I'll call and get the scoop. Wave him off. Go to the bathroom and soak my frozen fingers in a sinkful of hot water. Go back to office and lather hands with super moisterizer. Pop in a breath mint. Go back to plotting.

How will the murder affect Kristin? Will the cops let her keep Joshua? How will the murderer deal with Kristin since he believes she knows he was with Peter when she escaped with Joshua. Okay, Kristin saw a man pass her as she drove away from the mansion. She and the man made eye contact. He gave her a chill but she hasn't yet put together the argument she overheard with the man. If he becomes a suspect, he'll want to make sure Kristin doesn't tell. Yeah, that could make for some great suspense writing.

Oh, shucks, here comes the Pres again. Guess I better start plugging away at the pile of work on my desk. End of day...toss around some more ideas on the drive home. Check emails. Fix dinner. Clean kitchen. Head to office. Check emails. Update website. Open blog to do an entry...

Nine pm and not a single page written. Welcome to my world.

Free Download - The Winner is...

...jennybrat

Congratulations to jennybrat, who won a free download of TWISTED SPELL! Send me an email at carolann@thewildrosepress with the format you'd like and I'll get your free download to you right away!

One Day to Go...A Humorous Tale

Only one day to go! Tomorrow night at 7pm est I'll be drawing the name of the winner to the FREE download of "Twisted Spell". To enter the drawing, all you have to do is read my October 16th entry and post your answer!

And now, as promosed, a humorous tale...

On Thursday, my dh and I headed off for our annual Fall Camping Trip. Here in Ohio the Fall has been much colder than usual, so we knew it would be a "bundle up" adventure. We arrived on Thursday afternoon and by the time we were set up, we realized several important things we'd left behind...essential things...the remote control for the TV (gotta watch Survivor) and the coffee pot. So...we drove back home, picked up fast food for dinner, gulped it down in the warmth of our own kitchen and then drove back to the campsite...arriving 20 minutes into Survivor. No roaring campfire that night. Friday--still a bit brisk, but overall, not too bad. Saturday, same thing. Repeat of Friday. Nice fire, cooked brats over it, enjoyed the day playing some "corn hole" (a beanbag toss kind of game) and after dark a few games of "speed" rummy. News reports said it would rain Saturday night and a cold front was coming in. We decided to get up early, eat and break camp so we'd miss the bad weather. Sunday morning...eat breakfast really fast...hurry to break camp. Fussed with the poles of the awning attached to the camper. Hubby climbs up the 4 ft. ladder to wrestle with the "bad word" things...the awning tips and dumps all the water collected on the top right down the front of his shirt and jeans. Ooooo, COLD!!! Back up the ladder, wrestle some more with the poles. Finally, success! We begin rolling it up toward the camper and realize we can't put it into the attached holder because the camper is still cranked up to full height. Hubby moves ladder and climbs up. His idea is that we'll put the rolled awning to the top of the camper and deal with it later. Great idea. He is stretching to put it up there and asks me to please steady the ladder. I turn and reach for the ladder at the exact smae time that...his pants fall down around his ankles!!!! Now I'm laughing so hard, hoping we won't get arrested and wishing I had my video camera! I pull his pants up, tears rolling down my cheeks while he climbs down and tightens his belt. Now, my dh doesn't just laugh. When he gets really tickled he giggles. And giggles. So, he's giggling, I'm belly laughing and finally I decided that God had made that happen. We were so frustrated and racing to beat the weather and God decided we needed to lighten the tension. We're home, unpacked and I'm still laughing. That's a sight that will remain behind my eyes forever...and probably find its way into a novel very soon!

Don't forget to enter the drawing! I'm sure you'll get a good laugh and a happy warm feeling when you read "Twisted Spell".

Til later...

Just Released Yesterday...

Halloween is fast approaching and I'm so excited to announce that TWISTED SPELL is now available at The Wild Rose Press. It's a sweet romance with two very opinionated characters...but sometimes opposites attract. If you love romance popping up where you least expect it, and a smile or two along the way, you'll probably love this story as much as I loved writing it. My husband gave it two thumbs up!
The contest for a free download of TWISTED SPELL is still open until Monday night, October 23. See my "Friday the 13th...And a New Contest" post on October 16th for the details!

Friday the 13th...and a New Contest

How does time pass so quickly? The whole weekend is gone and I haven't posted since last week. Let me tell you about my day on the most superstitious day of the year. The dreaded Friday the 13th.

Friday the 13th started off to be a horrid day. My internet service was inoperative. I'd spent the previous evening troubleshooting and came to the conclusion that the modem had crashed...the second one in four years. I removed it and took it to work with me and called the cable company hoping I could return it, get a new one, and hook it up myself. No such luck. They had to schedule an appointment and come out because it just might be something other than the modem. Rats. The earliest appointment was on Monday afternoon, and I had a deadline to meet over the weekend! Totally unacceptable to a writer. I decided to leave at noon on Friday since I had already put in lots of overtime. Hubby called and told me that WOW cable trucks were outside and he asked them if they were troubleshooting. They were...so I crossed my fingers and hoped I would arrive home and find my problem solved. Woo hoo! It worked. I hooked the modem back up and voila!

Then I downloaded my email and learned I had won first place in the Crimson Rose division for the first annual Wild Rose Press contest! My story will be included in an anthology which will be available in print after the first of the year. Then hubby and I went shopping for a new desk for my office. Found just what I wanted at Staples for $180.00. Since that was such a good bargain I decided to also get a flat screen monitor. They were on clearance. The one I wanted was not in stock, nor was the Sony which was $20 higher. So...the clerk offered me the display model Sony for 10% discount. I snatched it up. Then went to the cashier and the desk was also on clearance. I bought the desk and a 17" Sony flatscreen monitor for only $247 including tax!!!

Drove home all happy and found Amazon had delivered my book order. Woo hoo! No more worrying about Friday the 13th any more. Besides, for a woman born on Halloween, that should tell me not to be superstitious!

So I've decided to share my good luck with my readers. On my Author's page at The Wild Rose Press, you'll find the blurbs for my upcoming release, FOXFIRE. Find the answer to the question: "Tyler Sandford, DEA Agent, moves to Foxfire, Tennessee, in search of a killer. What is his cover to protect his true identity?" Just post the correct answer and I'll enter you in a drawing for a free download of my Halloween Story, TWISTED SPELL. Winning name will be drawn and posted here on the blog on Monday, October 23. Good luck!

I'm Holding My Book!!!

Now I know it's for real! I'm actually holding my book, HIT AND RUN, in my hands. I'm impressed with the printing and very excited about the numbers. My Pop Fiction friends all ordered on Monday, which drove my numbers on Amazon down from 3,000,000 to 10,000! I've been told anything under 100,000 is good. I've been watching for the past few days and my number has fluctuated from 12,000, 23,000, back to 11,000 and now is climbing at 45,000. Eeek. Sure wish I hadn't learned about the numbers. LOL!

I'm still very excited about having my book available in paperback format. I hope you all will consider buying HIT AND RUN. It might make a great present for the readers on your Christmas list (hint, hint).

Here's an excerpt which I hope will entice you to hop on over to Amazon.com and type in erhardt, hit and run. Setup:

Beth and Jilly are returning from a run through the park. As they approach the house, they see Jilly's husband, Keith, parked in the driveway.

"What do you want?" Jilly asked.

"I want to talk about these divorce papers." He pulled a packet from the car. "I'm not signing them. I want to come home. Honey, we can work things out, but not if you keep pushing me away."

"No, Keith. It's over."

"I'm sorry about the baby. I know you're upset, but I love you. I know you love me. In a few years, we can talk about having another baby. Please, just think about it."

"Sign the papers, Keith, and you'll be free," Jilly said.

He gave a bitter laugh. "But, I don't want to be free."

"It's over."

"Honey, it'll never be over. Don't you know that?" He reached his hand toward her.

Jilly backed away. "It was over the night you beat me and I lost our baby."

"What are you talking about? Beat you? Are you having a breakdown or something? How can you blame me for that? Come on, baby." He took her arm. "Let's kiss and make up."

"Leave her alone," Beth piped in.

Jilly jerked her arm free. "Beth, let me handle this."

Keith pointed at Beth. "You're the problem. Filling her head full of lies. You never wanted her to get married in the first place. You think she doesn't know you wanted me for yourself? Anyone could see you were jealous." He grabbed Jilly's arm. "But I chose Jily, and I'll never let her go."

And the Winners Are...

Last night I joined Coffee Time Romance for a nice chat and sharing of excerpts. What a great bunch of readers and authors! I ran two contests during the two hours of my time, and the winners are:

Halloween Contest - Michelle Yakel

Michelle won a Halloween themed dishtowel and matching hot mit. Congratulations!

Color of Hero's Eyes Contest - Cathiecaffey

Cathie won a special "love themed" bookmark and a bar of Godiva Chocolate. Contratulations!!

I'm in Print!!!!

Hit and Run is now available on Amazon.com. So for all of you who have waited for the print version, hop on over and pick up a copy! You can also order an autographed copy directly from my website. I'm so excited about this. It's almost like having a baby and waiting until it's born so you can hold it close to your heart. The good thing is it won't wake you in the middle of the night crying for a bottle. LOL!

My Halloween story is coming out soon. It's a fun story about Halloween, misconceptions, first impressions, and love. I really enjoyed writing this one, and I'm thinking of bringing the characters into a full length novel soon.



Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

The Book is in the Mail

Ah, what sweet words to hear from my publisher. The print version of my book is ready to go. It should be up on Amazon real soon. I'll keep you posted. I'll be filling the autographed pre-orders from my website soon, so if you haven't yet signed up, please hop over to my site and do so.

On Friday, October 6, The Wild Rose Press authors will be participating in an all day event with Coffee Time Romance. Please join me from 8pm - 10pm EST along with Wild Rose Author, Christine Columbus. I'll be sharing some excerpts, answering any questions, and giving away some prizes. Stop by and say hello. I'd love to hear from you. Many other authors will be available to answer questions and they will share their excerpts throughout the day. Come and meet us and have some fun!

Woo Hoo - Happy Dance Time!!!

I am so excited. I just heard from my publisher that my novel, FOXFIRE, is going to be published!! This is my favorite novel. I fell in love with the characters in this one, and I hated to end the book. Usually the first novel is our "baby", and that was HIT AND RUN. However, FOXFIRE is my "baby". I can't wait to see this one in publication.

Gotta run...I'm too excited to type.

Welcome to My Crazy Life

I think I'm living in a situation comedy. You every watch the Simpsons? I only watched them one time and decided it was too far out for me. However, that episode I did see a character called "The Crazy Cat Lady". One of my co-workers keeps sending me clips through email. Why? Because I am the crazy cat lady! If you haven't read one of my older posts, we have a feral cat colony living in our back yard (and we live in a residential subdivision). We felt sorry for them and began feeding them and they had several litters of babies in our woodpile under the deck. Okay, so I searched and found an organization who helped us get them all neutered/spayed. Whew! No more babies anyway. The black cat is "Boo". The cream colored one is marked just like a "ragdoll" and she has blue eyes. Her name is "Mittens". The black and white one is a male, "Oreo".

Okay, now if that is crazy enough, my hubby has been acting "very strange" lately. I'm really worried about him but this is kind of funny. Tonight he received his license plate stickers and he was in the kitchen trying to decide if he should wait until tomorrow to put them on (his birthday and they expire tomorrow) or go ahead and do it now. Well, why not do it now? You know "never put off til tomorrow what you can do today." He heads outside and the telephone rings. I answer. It's our son. He wants to talk to Dad. I walk outside to the driveway and through the gate and hand him the phone. Then I look down and see...something wet and bubbly on the driveway. Hmmm. What is this? I keep staring and it keeps running and finally it dawns on me. I ask him if he "took a leak". He nods. I, staring open-mouthed, can't believe what I'm hearing or seeing. "Well, I had to go," he said.

Today I had to sit through a "drug free workplace" meeting. Mind you, two years ago, I had to take the "train the trainer" drug free training, the supervisor drug-free training, and the employee drug-free training. Now why do I have to take this over again? And we had a lot of warehouse workers and drivers in this session. Funny, how one man kept naming ingredients for Meth, the issues of working with drug users, the effects of specific drugs and alcohol, and then when the trainer talked about the random drug tests we have to take, this person asks, "Why do I have to keep taking them all the time? I'm always the one who has to go. I think they are picking on me." At that time the guy sitting next to me and I both lost it. I laughed so hard I had a coughing fit and had to leave the room!

Now I'm probably burning dinner while writing this blog entry...

And here is my horoscope for the day: Some zany ideas will put you in a tailspin. Your first instinct may be to pass on these kooky brainstorms, but hold on. Write everything down and save it for later. A lot of this may come in handy pretty soon.

Egads, welcome to my crazy life!!

New Socks and a New Contract - It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

I stole this picture from my daughter's blog. She is a very skilled knitter. Last year she made me a pair of socks and I loved them so much I wore a hole in the toe. I didn't want to tell her, but finally I broke down and let her know. Would you believe she was able to reknit that toe back together in the same pattern and you can't even tell! She uses like four needles to make these socks (I think it's an addiction). Please check out her blog to see all the other beautiful things she's made or is in progress. Anyway yesterday she called and asked me to meet her for lunch. She gave me this pair of socks. Aren't they gorgeous! And these socks are so warm. They are really soft wool of some kind.

And, woo hoo, I received a contract from The Wild Rose Press for my Halloween Story, "Twisted Spell". It's a Sweetheart Rosette (aka short story) and will only be available as an e-book download. I had so much fun with this one. I love Halloween. It's my birthday! So naturally I had to step up to the plate and pen this little fun sweet romance. Here's a little teaser:

Blurb:

Dora is a preschool teacher who has a nasty neighbor she wishes she could cast an evil spell over. On Halloween she points a finger at him and mutters a meaningless string of words. When he runs away, frightened by her witch's costume and supposed spell, she figures it serves him right for being so grouchy.

But when she returns home to find him injured, she is amazed to find how handsome he is when he's not yelling at her. Will she be able to resist the spell he seems to be casting on her?

Excerpt:

Dora was half-way through her sewing project when a terrible ruckus erupted outdoors. First came Boo’s loud screech, followed by a yelping dog. She ran out the back door at the same time her neighbor exited his. He began screaming at Boo. Boo jumped the fence and scurried through the kitty door to safety.

Then Mr. Grinch glared at her. “Keep that blasted cat out of my yard!” He pointed a finger at her. “Or else!”

She placed her hands on her hips. “Or else, what?” She stuck out her chin.

His face turned the color of her late blooming red roses. “Lady, what kind of nut case are you?”

“I’m a witch.” She narrowed her eyes and pointed back at him. “And you’d better not hurt my cat. Or else.” She left him sputtering a string of obscenities and went inside to check on Boo, who was calmly grooming himself in his favorite spot on the sofa.

The next morning Dora hurried out the door in full witch attire, complete with a pointed hat. Heading for her carport, she watched Boo leap onto the fence separating her yard from her grouchy neighbor’s. Then she saw that horrid man pointing a super-soaker water gun at her cat. “Hey!” Dora yelled, marching toward the fence.

Mr. Grinch stopped. His eyes widened and something akin to fear darkened his gaze.
Unable to resist, she pointed a finger and muttered, “Eye of newt, and spider legs…”

Her neighbor ran inside the house, slamming the door behind him.

Balancing Act

Some days I feel as if I'm walking on a tightrope across a vast expanse with nothing below as far as the eye can see.

Every high wire artist knows one must have perfect balance on both sides to avoid falling. As an author, executive assistant, wife, mother, grandmother, cook, housekeeper, bookkeeper, blogger, and webmistress I struggle with keeping the correct balance. The main problem is finding time to do all the things that need to be done and still find the time and energy to write.

I'm fairly organized with every aspect of my life except for...my home office. Though I clean and organize, just a few days later I have accumulated piles of papers, books, mail, and so much more.

Then today I read my horoscope and it says:
The stars hand you an all-access pass to your heart and soul. It's time to explore. Learn what makes you tick and what holds you back from being the best you can be. Dig deep and learn all you can.

Oh, no!!!

A Chicken Soup Day

Okay, I put on a pot of 15-bean soup when I left for work today. We had bean soup and cornbread. Yummy! So why the title of this blog entry? Well...

I returned home today to find a message on my answering machine from one of the editors of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. She had been trying to email me (at an old address) for permission to publish my story "Hands of Time" in an April 2007 release of Chicken Soup for the Mother Daughter Soul 2.

This is a story I wrote back in 2002 in about one hour. It just poured onto the screen with no editing. I submitted it to Chicken Soup after my writing group encouraged me. I was surprised and happy when they published it in the Chicken Soup for the Soul Celebrates Mothers. This was a small hard back book accompanied by photographs by Sharon Wohlmuth. A year later they published the story in its entirety in Chicken Soup to Inspire a Woman's Soul. This will make the third Chicken Soup book it will appear in!

My story "Through the Eye of a Child" is out this month in A Cup of Comfort for Grandparents.

And in just a week or so my book "Hit and Run" will be available in print. I consider these early birthday presents!

Yes, October 31 is coming soon. Be sure to check out my contest on my website and enter to win a gorgeous necklace.

The Planets are Aligning

I've always been intrigued by things mystical, magical, and mysterious. I'm a natural born detective. I believe in psychic ability. I'm enthralled with beginnings and endings, and I'm filled with curiousity. I have a keen sense of intuition. I work hard for the things I want and do not believe in giving up. Some may see me as secretive and elusive, but I'm very loyal. At times I may coil in upon myself to regenerate. I'm passionate about all things and people in my life.

Who am I? I'm a scorpio, and I'm a writer.

My horoscope for the day:

Someone in a position that counts could help you make your dreams come true. Go out of your way to convey the depth of your planning and the passion behind your ideas, and this person is sure to get on board.

OSU Tailgate Party

Each day I wake up with excitement wondering what adventures are in store for me. Keeping a positive attitude is one of the things I strive to do daily. I try to look at thing optimistically, and I'm always ready to learn or try something new. I'm not really an outgoing party animal...quite the opposite in fact. I tend to be shy around people I don't know or don't know well. That said, can you imagine me actually attending an OSU (The Ohio State University) Tailgate Party? See my grin...I did it! I really did it! I've never seen anything like this in my life. I've never ventured close to the "horseshoe" on game day. Shucks, they turn over cars and set things on fire around campus on game day. **shudder**

My adventure today started when I asked my daughter to accompany me to the Great American Tailgate Party hosted by Jack Daniels. We headed off with our tickets in hand with no idea what we were in for! Where would we park?

Surely there would something fairly close to our function. So we turned down Lane Avenue and immediately found ourselves in the worst traffic jam I've ever seen. The streets were crowded with students proudly wearing their colors and they were packed tightly shoulder to shoulder! An hour later we finally parked in a shopping center about one and a half miles away. It took us a half hour to walk back and we found ouselves jammed into an area where everyone was screaming and drinking and we couldn't budge an inch. To top it all off, we are both around five feet tall, and these hunks were six feet and over. We finally managed to push and shove our way toward the Jack Daniels Tent where we were invited only to find we couldn't get in that way. Sooooo we had to make our way back out and up to the next gate.

I won't bore you with all the details, but I can now say I attended an authentic OSU tailgate party. Great food, good drinks, and a big screen TV for those who didn't have tickets and wanted to watch the game there. We left with our loot as soon as the game started and made it back to our car just as a tow truck was busy loading up two car next to ours. Yep, they tow away cars of people who park there and head off to the game! Five minutes later and we wouldn't have had transportation. Home again, home again and now I'm limping around with padding over the blisters on my feet. I'm sure this day will find it's way into a book before long. Isn't it fun the things we will collect? I wonder when I'll ever wear the Jack Daniels T-shirt and the plastic necklace, let alone drink something again from that plastic cup?

Do You Understand E-Books? Do you Like Contests?

What do you know about e-books? There is a divided audience between those who like to hold a book in their hand and those who enjoy reading on the computer screen (or a PDA device). Most people who say they prefer holding a book haven't ever tried an e-book. I like both e-books and print books. I like to take a print book to bed and read it to help me fall asleep. I also like e-books. I have an old Palm Vx which I've used to read many different books. It's lightweight and very compact (the size of a man's wallet). I carry it in my purse when I'm traveling or to work. I store the e-books on my computer. The problem with that is the screen is very small.

I decided recently to try downloading a free reader device and purchased several e-books that are formatted for it. I use MobiPocket. The advantage of this is that I can read these from my computer screen--much larger print than a paperback or PDA device. It's fun! I have a virtual bookshelf that shows all the books I've purchased. With the click of my mouse I can choose a book to read. When I'm finished reading, I click my mouse to "bookmark" the page. It's so cute. One corner of the page folds down, and I don't have to feel guilty about doing it! When I'm ready to read that book again, it opens right to the page where I left off, just as if I had placed a bookmarker in a "print" version. Now I have the best of all reading worlds!

Why don't you give it a try? E-books are fun, easy, and very economical. What do you have to lose by giving it a try? There are tons of e-books available through many different internet bookstores, but my favorite place to shop is The Wild Rose Press Bookstore.

To entice you to try an e-book, I'm giving away a very special gift on my birthday-- Halloween, October 31st. You could be a winner if you qualify by reading Hit and Run and answering the question: Where does Ryan propose to Beth?

Download a copy of Hit and Run now. so you can enter the contest before October 31st.

You can find out more about the prize (hint: it's a necklace) and submit your contest entry form at my website.

******
My horoscope for today: The stars get practical on you, especially when it comes to your health. Is it any wonder you feel lousy if you're drinking too much caffeine, not sleeping enough and eating too much fast food? Straighten up and fly right.
******

Inside the Villian's Head

My horoscope for today: It's all about you, baby! The spotlight turns in your direction, and the stars amp up your magnetism. You're practically irresistible. Some might coast on their charm, but not you -- you're all about action.

An Excerpt from Hit and Run -- Villian's POV

Keith read the legal mumbo jumbo again. The words blurred through a red haze of anger. Drawing in a deep breath, he fought against the rage he'd been fighting all his life. Would he never get past the anger?

Jilly had helped him. He'd slept without nightmares for a long time after marrying her. If only--

The doorbell rang. He dropped the papers with a curse. The doorbell sounded again with a relentless shrill. He stomped to the front door and found Roger Parkins leaning on the button.

"What the hell do you want?"

Roger moved and the ringing ceased.

"You know what I want, Carson. You owe me money."

"I told you I'd get it."

Roger shoved his way into the house. "Your time's up. Pay me now, or I go to the cops."

Keith clenched his fists. It would be so easy to take this dope out with one swing. Just one. The anger simmered just on the verge of erupting, but he managed to push it back. His temples throbbed, making it difficult to focus. "I need more time." He opened his fingers, one at a time, releasing the tension.

"How much time?" Pacing across the living room, his frayed pant cuffs dragging the floor, Roger tried unsuccessfully to portray a menacing offensive.

"Two weeks," Keith responded.

"Too long." The pacing continued.

"What's your hurry, man?" Keith asked. "I told you I'd get it."

A noticeable tic pulsed under Roger's right eye. "I need it now."

"Give me a week."

"A week? I've been waiting weeks already. You're stalling me."

"I'm having a little problem getting my hands on the cash. Give me a week."

Roger pointed a finger in Keith’s face. "One week, or else." He glared at Keith for a moment, spun and scurried out the door to his truck as if the devil were on his heels.

"Don't hold your breath," Keith muttered.

Roger gunned the motor and the dark blue pickup fishtailed away.

Stupid loser. He'd never see a penny of the money. Every dime belonged to Keith. He'd earned it. Paying Roger wouldn't get him off his back. He'd blackmail Keith forever if he buckled. Besides Keith had plans of his own. Plans that didn't include a wife, a sobbing kid, or this hillbilly junction.

He sauntered back to the kitchen and picked up the papers again. He'd have to find a way to deal with the turn of the cards. Swallowing the last ounce of beer, he smashed the empty can against the table. Staggering into the living room, he dropped into his recliner. He had no intention of giving Jilly a divorce and no intention of paying blackmail money to the druggie.

Keith stretched out his legs and folded his arms behind his head. Roger had to be dealt with. Keith couldn't take a chance on letting him run off at the mouth to the cops. Roger knew about the prostitute in Denver. It was an accident. Keith hadn't meant to kill her. His mistake was running and now he couldn't stop.

Anger had been the bane of his existence since he'd left his old man for dead all those years ago. Usually he could control it, but sometimes it got too intense. It was during one of those moments when he'd hurt that prostitute.
He had to silence Roger soon.

The wheels began to turn.

He had a lot of planning to do.

Party Time!!

Tommie: Come on out everyone, party time!!

Beth: What are you doing, Tommie? We can't all be out at one time. You know the rules.

Kristin: Who says we have to follow the rules?

Tommie: Rules, smules. It's party time!! The blog owner is busy packing for a trip. She's going to take four days off and we get to take over!

Beth: You can be an incredible dumb*&& Tommie. If she goes, we go. Everyone knows that.

Kristin: Well, maybe we don't have to. I have an idea.

Tommie: Do tell. You wimps don't know the first thing about revolt. Stick with me. I can show you how it's done. After all I work for one of the top covert government agencies in the world.

Beth: And you're full of yourself, aren't you? You think you're so tough, but I know you're all talk.

Tommie: Talk? I'm a woman of action, not just words.

Beth: Then why are you stuck in Chapter three?

Kristin: Ladies, please!!! Stop. This is crazy. The last thing we need to do is fight. You know what happens when things get all heated up.

**a long pregnant silence**

Suddenly the air begins to change. The very essence of it grows heavy, weighing upon the entities floating in the swirling vortex. A chill descends.

Riker: Tommie? Where are you? You know I'm going to find you. You're next. You're the next kill.

Keith: Bethie? I'm coming for you...soon.

Peter: You can't hide from me forever, Kristin. I have the means to track you down, and when I do...

Stop the Insanity...

Egads, Can you believe what is happening here? All of the characters living in Carol Ann's world have been friendly and supportive for years. Now suddenly everyone is jealous of Beth's success. I haven't been around as long as Beth. She was the first to move into this world, so why not let her have her moment? My name is Kristin and I'm the current character whose story is being written. I'm not sure why Tommie got stuck in chapter three like that. I just hope she doesn't decide to attack me. I've had a rough time and I'm a bit vulnerable right now. I'm in Chapter Four so hopefully soon things will get better for me. I've actually met a man who is so kind, supportive, and...yes, I'll admit it...sexy, too. Oh, I checked on Carol Ann's horoscope for the day. Here's what it says:
You have lots of pursuits -- practical, financial and social. So many, in fact, that you can easily feel overwhelmed. While you love to take on more than you can handle, scale down if you want to excel at anything.
So, instead of focusing on her writing, do you know what she's doing? She's watching "Dancing with the Stars". As soon as that's finished she's going to be in a Author Chat. Geesh, all that after working all day, and she's in a very busy time of her works season as well...and she's planning a trip to Tennessee. She leaves on Thursday. What will it take to get her to 'stop the insanity?'

Email from Beth to Tommie

Dear Tommie,
I really am unhappy that you are keeping me repressed and trying to break out while it is my turn to have my story told. Your time will come, and I don't think you'd like me trying to overtake Carol Ann while she was promoting your story! You are a selfish person. You seem to have a serious case of "me-itis" that is really beginning to tick me off. I don't take well to people telling me what to do, and I'm not going to sit back and let you take over. You thought you had me stuffed inside, didn't you? Well, I showed you. See I now have control and I plan to stay in control for the near future. Quite frankly I think you belong stuck in Chapter Three. Ha-ha-ha! Maybe the muse isn't ready to take you any further. Me, now, I've actually reached my happily ever after. I got my man. He's a hunk, a wonderful hunk, with a great sense of humor. So all I can say to you is "bite me."

Beth

You Think You Have A Problem????

See, I know I have a problem and so do quite a number of my friends who reside inside the mind of this blog owner. Let me introduce myself...

I'm Tommie Andersen, with an E not an O. And I have a story to tell. The problem is getting the attention of the only person who can get it in the hands of those who might care. She's too busy right now with promoting Beth's story and with writing Kristin's. How's a poor gal like me to get her story told. Oh, sure, Ms. Erhardt has sketched out my tale while listening to me one night when I grabbed her attention. She even wrote the first few chapters and I think she posted the first one on her website. But seems I'm stuck at the end of chapter three where I insist on being part of the task force to capture the man who is responsible for the scar on my face. See he's called The Baby Snatcher, but I know his real name--Avery Riker. I can identify him. I just hope he doesn't find a way to get out before...

Oh, no, my link is growing weaker. Someone is trying to override me. Is it Ms. Erhardt or...?

Horoscope for the Day

Look what I woke up to this morning for my horoscope:
Scorpio - Tap into the collective unconscious for fresh inspiration for your work, social life and creative projects. Go people-watch. Meditate in a spot of great natural beauty. Your muse is out there waiting.

So, does that mean I should call in sick from work? I've got to finish writing my contest story and I need to start writing my holiday story...then there's those five pages a day on my current wip that needs to be written...

On the other hand, if I want to pay bills and eat, guess I'd better go to work. Oh, muse, will you wait for me??

Even Publishers Make Mistakes

In addition to writing novels, I also write inspirational stories for Chicken Soup for the Soul and Cup of Comfort. I have a new story coming out in Cup of Comfort for Grandparents, titled "Through the Eye of a Child". The book should be on the bookstore shelves this week or early next week. My contract states that I receive a specified one-time payment for my story and a copy of the book. Today I received the check, but it was for only one-half of the contracted amount. I was pretty upset. I came into my office and pulled the contract. **grin** Hubby was close on my heels, very upset that someone would dare to do such a thing to me, his favorite author. He was amazed when he saw how organized my file system was. **grin** Anyway, the amount in the contract is exactly what I thought and the publisher had shorted me by a significant amount. Next step was to log into my email and pull up the publisher email and notify them...but waiting in my inbox was an apology from the publisher. Seems they had cut the amount incorrect for ALL the authors who are included in the book. We were told to go ahead and cash the check and an additional check was being cut now and should be mailed right away. The book is being mailed next week.

Ah, so now I feel very powerful. See...even publishers make errors.

Now if only I could come up with a great idea for a book series where other authors did all the writing and I published...and then I reaped all the royalties...but that's another story.

I remember being approached by people who were interested in my true life story of surviving domestic violence which was published on my personal website. They wanted me to allow them to print my story in a book which would be published to help others who were in similar situations. Of course they would have to charge for the book because of the publishing expenses. Hmmm. I declined. Don't misunderstand me, I am all for helping in any way I can. I had many, many women write me about their experiences in being in similar situations and having escaped. Some wrote me and asked for advice on how to get out. I always directed them to sources I had linked on my website. There are many organizations who help. But about allowing my story to be published, maybe I was wrong. Have any of you ever been approached for something similar? If so how did you respond?

You Are a Blue Flower

A blue flower tends to represent peace, openness, and balance. At times, you are very delicate like a cornflower. And at other times, you are wise like an iris. And more than you wish, you're a little cold, like a blue hydrangea.

What Color Flower Are You?

The Ties That Bind

How did you spend your weekend? We traveled to Muskegon, Michigan, to visit family. What a fabulous trip. We left Columbus in the rain and as we entered Michigan the sun appeared. The entire weekend weather was perfect. Sunny and in the mid seventies. My husband's sister and husband have two new additions to their family--Chester and Ellie, two small and very chubby dogs. LOL! They are so cute. We visited with cousins, reminsced through old snapshots, talked about old times, ate too much and had fun playing Speed Rummy. The trip reminded me of how precious family is to us. Sometimes we take families for granted, but that should never be. We never know how long we'll have each other. That was brought so clear to us a few months ago when a dear cousin drowned in Lake Michigan. He was dearly missed on this trip. I look at our family that is nearby and realize that I do take them for granted sometimes. I'm going to make more of an effort to encourage family get-togethers in the future. It's not worth it to worry about whether the house is perfect, or if there are enough seats for everyone. What is important is the family bonding time, the sharing of memories, the laughter, the new memories we will build for future generations to remember...and hopefully carry on the tradition.

Happy family bonding to you all.

Hit and Run - Now Available for Purchase - It's Been a Great Day!!

Yes, it's true! I've been dancing on a cloud all day. My novel is now available for purchase at The Wild Rose Press!! It's been such a fantastic day. Lots of great things are happening at my publisher. Great new releases and plenty of opportunity to win contests.

We are having our first annual Premiere Rose Bouquet contest. I wanted to enter, but had no idea of what to write. Then today the perfect story popped into my head. The main character tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Hey, I want to be in the contest. Why don't you write about this..." Any of you other writers ever have that happen to you? A scene just painted itself in my mind, complete with dialogue and I'm rarin' to go.

Don't forget to sign up for a free download of Hit and Run. Nothing to this contest. Just enter your name. It's my way of celebrating the release of my very first novel. It's a story close to my heart, as I guess all first novels are. I never dreamed it would ever get published, but I'm glad the story is being told.

No matter what story I'm telling, an animal always manages to wriggle into it. Honest, I don't start out planning that, but it happens just the same.

I had some other good news, today, too. Ally, my editor with Hit and Run, is going to read my novel, Foxfire. Woo hoo!!

It's been a super day!!