Gina Marina

The m/m Romance Challenge

2010-01-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

Oh goody ;-D Several family members, including MIL & nieces, have my book blog address but I LOVE to read m/m romance. I'm glad there is a challenge because of all the books that aren't counted on my book blog, most will fit here!

The M/M Romance Challenge

TIMELINE: January 1st to December 31st 2010
RULES: Read five(5) or more m/m romances in 2010

There are 5 reading levels to choose from:
- Read 5 M/M Romances
- Read 10 M/M Romances
- Read 15 M/M Romances
- Read 20 M/M Romances
- Read 20+ M/M Romances

DETAILS:

This challenge is for those who enjoy reading gay romances (also known as m/m or male/male romances) or those who are interested in starting. If you aren’t familiar with this genre, it consists of novels and stories where the main focus is the romantic relationship between the male protagonists.

• You must be 18 years old or older to join.

• You don’t have to select your books ahead of time. Even if you do, you can change your books as you go. Your books can crossover with other challenges.

• You don’t need a blog to participate. You can comment on this post if you’d like to share a book list or reading pool.

• Please create a post on your blog where you’ll be keeping track of your challenge reads and link back to this post so others can join in on the fun. If you use a “Current Challenges” page, or something similar, you can link back from that page instead of creating an individual post.

• You can use the large banner I’m using at the top of this post or you can use the smaller buttons I’ve provided below. Just copy the code provided. There’s no need to save the smaller buttons to your own server. (I have another large banner you can use here, if you’d like.)

• You can join at anytime between now and the latter part of 2010. Just give yourself enough time to read your chosen amount of books.

• Books chosen can be any length, sub-genre, or format. eBooks, paperbacks, young adult books, audio books, and re-reads are all okay.

• Once the challenge starts, I’ll create a page for everyone to post their reviews. Reviews are encouraged, but are entirely optional.

PRIZES:

Everyone who signs up for the challenge between now and January 31st will be eligible to win $15 in eBook Bucks from All Romance Ebooks!

I love to read m/m romance and since re-reads and any length count, I'm going for....20+...although I'm wondering: is it cheating to count Sips?

Title links go to publisher/shopping page

1. Man of Honor by Maria Albert- Jan 3
2. Closeted Secret by Carol McKenzie - Jan 3
3. Safe Word by Alex Morgan - Jan 3
4. An Improper Holiday by K.A. Mitchell - Jan 3
5. Eliot's Hero by Bryn Colvin - Jan 5
6. His Convenient Husband by J.L. Langley - Jan 5
7. Tabloid Star by T.A. Chase - Jan 5
8. With the Ring by T.A. Chase - Jan 5
9. Photo Shoot by Addision Albright - Jan 9
10. Submission Times Two by Claire Thompson - Jan 10
11. A Little Something for Santa by J.M. Snyder - Jan 10
12. Cowboys' Christmas by - Jan 10
13. Shell Shocked by - Jan 10
14. Somebody to Love - Jan 11
15. Love, Always - Jan 11
16. Impossible Dream - Jan 11
17. The Finest Thing by Lily Sawyer - Jan 11
18. My Heros Have Always Been Cowboys - Jan 11
19. Colliding in Freefall - Jan 12
20. Rock Bottom by Celia Kyle - Jan 12
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

F*ck the Foreplay by J.M. Snyder

Stroke of Midnight by Jordan Castillo Price

Thaw by Jordan Castillo Price

Foreplay by J.M. Synder

The m/m meme

2009-12-01T01:39:00.000-08:00

This isn't finished, I'm too tired, but if I draft it, I'll forget to update. See you later!

Found on Moonlight to Twilight blog who has invited anyone to swipe it, post it and then go back and link it. Since my MIL and nieces have my book blog address, it's over here where I'm a little more naughty ;-)

The M/M Meme

Rules:
1. Answer all the questions below in either the comments here or post it on your own site. If you post it on your own site you have to come back and give the link here so I can mosey on over and see if you have a sticky beak.
2. You have to tag two other people once you’re done and pester them relentlessly until they do the meme too.
3. Instead of a meme image thing you have to post a cookie, preferably a twofer. It is an m/m meme after all.

Questions:
1. How long have you been reading GLBTQ fiction? 2006?.

2. What was the first book you read in this genre? Do you really expect me to remember that long ago?

3. Are you ‘out’ as a reader? not to everyone

4. Ebooks, print or both? ebooks mostly, I've been disappointed with the print books I've picked up

5. Do you buy direct from publishers or from secondary sellers? yes

6. Prove you’re a Book Slut. How many books would you say you buy a week? I go in cycles but maybe average 3 a week.

7. Are you a cover, blurb or excerpt buyer? yes. title & recurring characters too

8. Yeah, you read reviews, but do you actually take notice of them? If it's a new author

9. Who’s your fave publisher? Torquere Press. No, Total-e-Bound. Wait, Samhain, Amber Quill.....

10. What about authors? Your top two only!! Just two? Sean Michaels, T.A. Chase

11. Is there a sub-genre you particularly dis/like? love twincest and some D/s

12. Short or long?? *rolls eyes* And, no, I’m not talking about cocks. yes but like the character development in the longer stories.

13. Anything turn you off about m/m or is all just glorious smut to you? Not happy with some of the cruder language (an ass is NOT a boy pussy, thank you!)

14. Finish this sentence. You know it’s m/m twu wuv when… true love? when a man says he's sorry

15. What trope or theme are you heartily sick of in m/m romance?

16. If you could choose any 3 characters for an m/m/m who would they be?
Well, Taylor as Jacob comes to mind now that's he's so buff

17. What new GLBTQ release are you most hanging out for right now? David and Conner by Bobby Michaels

18. What GLBTQ book has completely blown you away this year?

19. What do you think we’ll see more of in m/m romance in 2010?

20. Don’t you agree that author Josh Lanyon should kill off arsehole character Jake Riordan? Haven't read these.

Hmm... now I have to tag two people... I know several people have already done this meme, so I am going to leave it for anyone who has not yet done the meme to please swipe it from my blog and leave a comment letting us know you will be posting this meme on your blog soon.

GLBT Reading Challenge ~2010~

2009-11-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

The Challenge that Dare Not Speak its Name... has it's own blog!

Here's a quick run-down but check out the blog and sign-up. I'm going for the Rainbow level.

Rules/Guidelines:

The basic idea of this challenge is to read books about GLBT topics and/or by GLBT authors.

The challenge runs year-round, and there will be three levels of participation:

Lambda Level: Read 4 books.
Pink Triangle Level: Read 8 books.
Rainbow Level: Read 12 or more books.

You don't need to choose your books right away, and they can change at any time. Overlaps with other challenges are fine.

Now I realize that the purpose is to read mainstream books with glbt characters or by a glbt author but I'm heavy into m/m erotica. So, while I will be branching out for some mainstream, most of my reading will be erotica.

Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg (mainstream (YA?), hardcover. I own this one, I'll just have to wait for 2010 to read it)

I'm hoping that re-read work because I'd love to read Mercedes Lackey's Magic trilogy again: Magic's Pawn, Magic's Promise, Magic's Price.

Review posted

2009-08-05T03:11:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to be part of the Dark Diva Reviews team. My first review is up, check it out.

I've also reviewed Highway Patrol and Wes & Toren but I just turned them in.

Bonds of the Maleri'

2009-06-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Bonds of the Maleri'
Kate Steele

Changeling Press
2008
283 pages (trade size paperback)
Paranormal Romance, Sci-fi
(originally released as 5 ebooks)

This is an anthology. One author, one "world", five stories. I won this book in a contest and it is fabulous. You learn the background in book one and there isn't a lot of backtracking between books.

Erotica, paranormal, romance, sci-fi, m/m. 4.5 stars, a very enjoyable read.

On the faraway planet of Belthola exists a group of extraordinary men. Born with empathic powers, they devote themselves to the service of their planet as mediators, diplomats, doctors, lawmen and scholars. Where help is needed by any planet or people, they generously provide it. But even those with powers have their weaknesses. For the Maleri', the use of their gift can eventually cause madness, even death. The one thing that can prevent such as ill fated end is the taking of a mate. One with whom they can join-mind, body and soul.

Book 1: Mate Hunt
Coltas Oldarie is a healer in need of a mate. He's blacking out and can no longer use his gift. Off to Earth, where many have found their Mates before, he too, finds his. Only there is an older brother protecting what Col wants most.

Book 2: Double or Nothing
spoiler The brother Eric comes with when Col and his mate head back to Belthola. He's like a fish out of water and is kidnapped. Why?

Book 3: Between Love and Law
Head of planet security, Chase has a lonely job. With every promotion, he's let his job become his life. Worried a slip may cause harm to one of his guys. What happens when his mate arrives in the employee of Delmon, a sleazeball mob-like kind of guy? His job? To steal the Blaze of Belthola!

Book 4: Ride 'Em Cowboy
Zeb is sent to Wyoming to learn all he can about cattle ranching only to find his mate. A mate who can not leave the ranch, while Zeb's job is back on Belthola. This isn't looking good for either of them.

Book 5: Redemption
Kicked out of the Brotherhood for taking sides, Jor wanders the Galaxy. He's unmated and the blackouts and pain are worsening. Dane trained at John Hopkins but is on a backwater planet trying to escape the memories of his first mate, Tel. Can true love cure all? Is Redemption possible?

M/M Romance Challenge extra options

2009-05-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

I've already gone past 10 books, maybe I should follow the options....

If you’d like to spice things up a bit, feel free to use the following suggestions when choosing what books you want to read. You can use as many as you want, depending on how many books you’ll be reading for the challenge. Feel free to expand on this list if you’d like.

- Read an anthology.
- Read an historical.
- Read a new release.
- Read a new-to-you author.
- Read the first book in a series.
- Read a book with a sports/athletics theme.
- Read a book outside your comfort level or from a genre you don’t normally read.
- Read a book where the shapeshifter isn’t a werewolf.
- Read a book that’s been in your TBR pile for longer than 2 months.
- Read any title by one of the first m/m authors you ever read.

M/M Romance Challenge

2009-05-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

The M/M Romance Challenge
March 20, 2009 to August 31, 2009

Rules/Guidelines

1. Choose your sports euphemism (lol!):
- 1st Base – Read 4 M/M romances
- 2nd Base – Read 5 M/M romances
- 3rd Base – Read 6 M/M romances
- Go All The Way – Read 10 (or more) M/M romances

2. All genres are allowed.
- They can be a part of a series or stand-alones.
- They can be long or short.
- Some re-reads are allowed, but try to have at least 2 new-to-you books.
- Overlapping with other challenges is fine, even encouraged.

3. You can join at any time, but remember there is a deadline (August 31, 2009) so keep that in mind when you choose how many books you’d like to read.

4. You don’t have to list your books ahead of time. If you decide to list them, you can change them as you go. Feel free to remove or add titles as needed.

5. You do NOT have to have a blog to participate.
- You can post a mini review or feedback in comments on the review post.
- Just remember to include your book title and author.

6. You do NOT have to review your books to participate.

7. You MUST be 18 years old or older to participate.

~*~

#1 - I'm going to "Go All The Way" and shouldn't this be "homerun?"
#2 - I like the 'short' and 'reread' parts.
#3 - Not only am I joining late, I'm joining too late for prizes!
#4 - I'll just list what I've read so far....
#5 - I think I'll do a mini review as a comment
#6 - I do have a blog.... but my MIL has my book blog address! So do nieces!
#7 - yes, I am over 18.

~*~

1. An Inconvenient Hankering by Sienna Bishop
at Dreamspinner Press, read 3-21

2. A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan
at Dreamspinner Press, read 3-23

3. Heat.Seeking.Missle

4. An Agreement Among Gentlemen by Chris Owen
at Torquere Press, read 3-29

5. Affair in Paradise by Matthew Haldeman-Time
at Torquere Press, read 3-30

6. Perfect Formation by K.B. Alan
at Ellora's Cave, read 3-30

7. Broken Boundaries by Evangeline Anderson
at Ellora's Cave, read 3-30

8. Behind the Lens

8. By Degrees by MB MacDonald
at Torquere Press, read 3-31

9. The One That Got Away by TC Blue
at Torquere Press, read 4-2

10. Chew Toy by Julia Talbot
at Torquere Press, read 4-6

11. The Obsolete Man by Peper Espinoza
at Amber Quill Press, read 4-6

12. Special Delivery by Dierde O'Dare
Amber Quill Press, read 4-6

13. Jake's Reqret by Shawn Lane
Amber Quill Press, read 4-6

14. Allergies by T.A. Chase
Amber Quill Press, read 4-6

15. Taboo Desires by Amanda Young
at Samhain Publishing, read 4-6

16. A Soldier's Choice by D.L. Warner
at Sybaritic Press, read 4-7

17. Gaydar by Kim Dare
at Total-e-Bound, read 4-9

18. Turquoise & Leather by
at , read 4-9

19. Secret Service by
at , read 4-9

20. The Last Bouquet by Carol Lynne
at Total-e-Bound, read 4-10

21. Sunshine, Sex & Sunflowers by
at , read 4-12

22. Summer Bliss by
at , read 4-12

23. Gemini by Chris Owen
at Torquere Press, read 4-13

24. Possessor & Possessed by Sean Michael
at Torquere Press, read 4-14

25. Not Sir by Syd McGinley
at Torquere Press, read 4-14

26. Between Us by AKM Miles
at Torquere Press, read 4-14

27. Drawing Closer by Jane Davitt
at Torquere Press, read 4-14

28. ISP by CB Potts
at Torquere Press, read 4-14

29. Subic Surrender - Michael's story
nifty.org by RimPig

30. A Soldier's Choice by D.L. Warner
at Sybaritic Press, read 4-22

31. ..... will find list & fill in other info later!

??. Bonds of the Maleri' by Kate Steele
at Changeling Press, read 6-21
print of all 5 ebooks, reviewed

Where I purchase erotica

2009-05-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Most of my erotica is electronic. I read Harlequin's Blaze but when I want SEX, mostly I go electronic. Online publishers and clearing houses, erotica and mainstream. There are many more out there, even some that are free, it's just that this is were I seem to wind up. No specific order, not even "favorite first", just listed as bookmarked :)

Torquere Press is strictly same sex or triads, but the others are heavy on hetro. Amber Quill has their mainstream, erotica and same-sex titles separate but on the same site whereas Ellora's Cave has their mainstream titles on a separate site.

Torquere Press also has a subscription service, A Turn of the Screw, where you get several stories a month but only one chapter at a time. When the story is complete you can download the whole thing before it goes on sale.

If you enjoy M/M romance/sex and like the idea of a chapter at a time, check out In This Land. You can read several short stories and the first three chapters for free. It is a subscription (by month) but over 130 posts are available right away.

Bareback Angels, part of Torquere Press

Torquere Press

Liquid Silver Books

Total-e-Bound

Ellora's Cave

Amber Quill

Samhain Publishing

Loose Id

Aspen Mountain Press

Changeling Press

Lyrical Press

Sybaritic Press

Extasy Books

This one says Jasmine Jade Enterprises but the link is a different layout of Ellora's Cave

Dreamspinner Press

Phaze and her sister site Mundania Press

Linden Bay Romance

Red Rose Publishing

Whispers Publishing

Whiskey Creek Press

The Wild Rose Press and their sister-site
for a wilder rose. Also, White Rose Publishing for inspirational romance

Shadowfire Press

GirleBooks free ebooks by the gals (I haven't used this one yet)

disclaimer: links worked when first posted & just because the sites are compatible with my equipment doesn't mean they are compatible with yours. Purchas small amounts to try them out. (I would purchase a short story, maybe $2, and see if formatting was compatible before making a bigger purchase) Ebooks are NOT returnable!

so far behind...

2009-05-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

I enjoy reading so when I found out about Book Challenges, I was thrilled. The thing is that not everyone appreciates a good romp in their books and some of the challenge leaders had specific postings or comments that were religious. So to error on the side of caution, my erotic books are here, and the rest are here.

The problem is that it's May and I haven't even listed my January read, let alone links to publishers or reviews. I'm a bad, bad girl. ;)

I hope to do better but until then....

May 1
TQP Chaser: Used, Rare and Custom Jobs 1: Bid by Chris Owen
TQP Chaser: Used, Rare and Custom Jobs 2: Proposal by Chris Owen
(great, now I have to wait for part 3!)

Erotica Challenge

2009-01-12T01:54:00.000-08:00

To sign up for the Erotica Challenge, visit J. Kay's Book Blog

"As a way to celebrate publishers like X Libris, Avon Red, Ellora's Cave, Samhain, Siren, etc, this challenge will focus only on erotica fiction.

Guidelines:

1. You can join anytime as long as you don’t start reading to your books prior to 2009.

2. Read 10 erotica in 2009.

3. Overlaps with other challenges are fine.

4. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your reading list will be posted. If you list just your blog’s URL, it will be removed.

If you’ll be posting your challenges on your sidebar, then please put the button up and link before signing up.

If you don’t have a blog, leave the URL blank.

5. You do not have to list your books ahead of time. If you decide to, you can change them as you go.

6. You must be 18 years or older to join."

I love that someone thought to do this. I'm only listing books that are close to or over 100 pages. (I read a LOT of shorts) Nothing is reviewed, yet.... now that my list is written down - it's mostly m/m and the one story that has a girl is m/m/f! I know I read m/f erotica, I just haven't done it so far this year.

1. mm: Beautiful Disaster by J.M. Snyder (Amber Quill)

2. mm: Falling by M.L. Rhodes (Amber Quill)

3. mmf: Corporate Passion by Carol Lynne (Total-e-Bound)

4. mm: Gone Surfin' by Carol Lynne (Total-e-Bound)

5. mm: The Elf and Shoemaker by M.L. Rhodes (Amber Quill)

6. mm: Father of Dragons by Emily Veinglory (Samhain)

7. mm: High Line by T.A. Chase (Samhain)

8. mm: A Hidden Beauty by Jamie Crain (Samhain)

9. mm: Harvest Heat by Carol Lynne (Ellora's Cave)

10. mm: A Helping Hand by Shayla Kersten (Ellora's Cave)

11. mmm: Falling in Controlled Circumstances by Pepper Espinosa (Samhain)

12. mmm: Polar Reaction by Claire Thompson (Samhain)

13. mm: A Promise Kept by Stormy Glenn (Torquere Press)

14. mm: Drawn Together by Z.A. Maxfielf (Loose Id)

15. mm: A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan (Dreamspinner Press)

16. mm: Broken Boundaries by Evangeline Anderson (Ellora's Cave)
~This one is Sci-fi and mostly foreplay but there is dubious consent at one point and an attempted rape

17. mm: By Degrees by JB macDonald (Torquere Press)

18. mmm: Agreement Among Gentlemen by Chris Owen (Torquere Press)
~This one has elements of BDSM. London, recency period?

19. mm: Allergies by T.A. Chase (AmberQuill)
~shifters

20. mm: A Soldier's Choice by D.L. Warner (Sybaritic Press)

Book Challenges

2009-01-12T01:31:00.000-08:00

An interesting thing happened the other day. I discovered (or rediscovered at the best possible time) the book reading challenge. Imagine, people post a list of requirements on their blog (read 20 books this year) and people visit the blog and sign up to do it. There's a whole community out there blogging about books and I just fell into it. So what did I do? Started a new blog and joined a few challenges then to make makes worse - I'm hosting two!

Why am I telling you this? Well, I have many blogs but they are so varied or personal that I started one just for books (dang, no pretty pictures). This was working great until I joined the Erotica Challenge. Most of my family and friends don't know this side of me so I can't tell them about my book blog. In order to fix that, I'll post the challenge over here and everything else over there. After all, people who read erotica shouldn't have a problem with what's posted here ;)

towel boy?

2008-12-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

This gives the phrase "towel boy" a whole new meaning!

thought you'd like to know

2008-10-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

*****Permission to repost or forward granted*****

It's our birthday and we're celebrating by giving you a present!

All Romance eBooks will be celebrating our second birthday on November 1, 2008 and we couldn't think of a better way to mark the occasion than by passing on the gift of an eBook to as many readers, publishers, and authors as possible.

On November 1st all registered customers will receive a code good for one* free download! The customer picks the book, we purchase it, and authors and publishers earn their royalties. It's as simple as that.

And, not only is it simple now, it's simple every day to shop at All Romance eBooks. Simple category searches, simple checkout process, and a simple buy-ten-get-one-free reward program.

Help us sp! read the word to those that read eBooks and to anyone you think might like to try one. We have All the romance you need from all the publishers you love—and now we're giving it away!

Lori James and Barbara Perfetti
All Romance eBooks

*one click buys and bundles excluded

just trying something out

2008-08-07T16:30:00.001-07:00

well, that didn't work!

My PDA is dying

2008-07-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

so I've been considering what to do. Cybook? Sony? Kindle? Palm?

sony doesn't support Mac. Cybook was at the top of the list with Kindle. Palm? Well, I already have several palm books, it has a calendar, address book and other features I've been using.

Amazon has a 30 day return policy. It was expected to arrive on Wednesday - yes, was expected tomorrow. I went to "track orders" just for fun to see where it was and it was already here!

We'll miss you

2008-07-24T01:11:00.001-07:00

A church friend died this weekend. Just to show that life goes on, it was the same day my niece got married. Josie was a lovely lady but I didn't know her well. She was always happy when I saw her and cheered my day. Her favorite group was Van Halen. Isn't that a kick? Her daughter is almost as old as I am! This was on the cover of the funeral program.

May the sun bring you new energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night,
May the rain wash away your worries,
May the breeze blow new strength into your being,
May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.

~ Apache blessing

Good-bye Josie, it will be a while before I stop looking for you at church. Wish I'd known you better.

2008-07-04T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sexy Comments & Profile Graphics

only 100 things?

2008-06-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

Time magazine had an interesting article. The idea was to clear up your clutter by paring everything down to 100 things. Here's the guy's blog.

One lady was quoted as keeping categories, such as "shoes", so she kept most of her shoes and counted it as ONE of her 100 things. That's what I'd have to do with my books. There's no way I'd be able to pare down my collection to less than 100 books. It would be work to pare it down to 100 authors!

Let's make categories: clothing, shoes, accessories, reading material (that includes text/technical books), housewares, music, movies, computer related, hobbies.

So check out the link and come back to comment. Can you think of other categories? Do you have something that demands that you count all of them as one? You may not do this, but do you think you could?

I read, sew, quilt, cross-stitch, do yarn work and scrapbook. In addition to all my books, I have two sewing machines, a serger, countless needles & thread spools, scrapbook tools & papers and skeins of yarn. And fabric. Oh, man, do I have fabric. Really, this one is almost as bad as my books.

I've been reading the comments on the link. I think some of these people just don't get it. Just because the list says "Undergarments" instead of "underwear", the post asked if the guy was going to go commando. Duh!

The paring down is only for personal items. If you live alone, that may be easier. Married? don't touch their stuff or you may not be for long. I don't understand...

plates - though apparently not silverware...

How can silverware not be a shared item in a family setting?

I have never lived by myself. I was with my parents, roommates at college (shared bedroom), then with my husband. We started in a one bedroom/no garage unit. Moved to three bedrooms/carport unit. Now we're in a four bedrooms/2-car garage unit and our stuff has expanded to fit each larger home. Well, we also went from two people to four but I am a...stasher? I know I have too much stuff but we aren't living in wall-to-wall stacks.

Towel Day

2008-05-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

That's right, I said TOWEL DAY. Started in 2001, in honor of Douglas Adams, author of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, people have been asked to wear their towel on the 42nd day of the year. This year it's Sunday, May 25. I guess the date only changes during Leap Year but just remember the 42nd day and you'll be fine.

I've read his books & seen the movie several times but I'm not a hard-core fan. I'll still be taking my towel to church with me.

Give it a try!

2008-05-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

It's still the first week so sign-up. Yes, it says female but that's because all the email info sent out is geared towards females, there's no reason a male can't sign-up and walk across America.

Day of Silence

2008-05-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

I follow a web story that updates on Friday. Sometimes early but most of the time it's late afternoon for me. Imagine how happy I was to log on early on the 25th to see the update already there. I didn't read down farther to find out why, I just considered it a happy day and went from there. This week I read down farther on the opening page and found out that he had posted on the 24 in order to observe a Day of Silence.

What is a day of silence? Basically, to bring awareness the bullying and harassment in schools of the LGBT community. Here's what the website says:

The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. This year’s event was held in memory of Lawrence King, a California 8th-grader who was shot and killed Feb. 12 by a classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. Hundreds of thousands of students came together on April 25 to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.

An eighth grader?! Have we taught our children to be so unbending that anyone who is different doesn't deserve to live? How can our thinking be so rigid? Just because someone is different then you (fat, gay, two-left-feet, etc...) doesn't make one of you better, it just makes you different from each other. Just because you don't agree on something, doesn't make one of you wrong!

This day is as much about tolerance as anything else but they're not "hiding behind the word, we're gay and we're not changing the name".

Next year's date has been picked: April 19. Oh, man, I hope there aren't any Earth Day celebrations that day - that would so suck.

You've got some time; what do you plan on doing to bring to light the bullying of gays? How can you bring tolerance of those that are different then you?

Another site to visit is GLSEN Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. Check out what some of the teachers did when it was unavoidable to lecture.

Sad to say but there will ALWAYS be someone/group that thinks it okay to bully/harrass/beat-up/kill someone else - if only because they got looked at funny. Let us do our part to make them the minority. We all live here, let's make it a safe place.

Speaking of safe places...don't even get me started on Megan's Law or foster care....I don't have the time or calmness needed to discuss these right now

Ready for the beach?

2008-04-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

If this is my view, I am so there!

Insect repellent

2008-04-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

A salesman was traveling through the countryside, selling insect repellent. He came to a farmhouse and tried his pitch on the farmer. "Sir, my bug spray is so good you will never be bitten again, I guarantee it."

The farmer was dubious. "Young man, I'll make you a proposition. I'll tie you out in my cornfield buck naked, covered with that bug spray. If there is not a single bite on you come morning, I'll buy a whole case from you."

The salesman was delighted. They went to the field and he stripped. The farmer sprayed him thoroughly with the bug spray and tied him to a stake. Back to the house went the farmer. The next morning, the farmer and his family trooped out to the corn field. Sure enough, the salesman was there, hanging in his bonds, not a single bite on him. Yet he was a total wreck! Pale, ghastly, haggard, and drawn, but not one bite on him.

The farmer was perplexed. "Son," he said, "Now, you don't have a bite on you but you look like hell! What the devil happened?"

The salesman looked up through bloodshot eyes and croaked, "For crying out loud, Mister, doesn't that calf have a Mother!!!"

from Elizabeth Lowell's bulletin board - posted by Mirm on Jan '03

and just in case you need some help ;)

Who is watching out for you?

2008-03-25T02:42:00.001-07:00

I found this great ad in Horizon magazine. It is a gay magazine but safety is safety and we should all follow the advice:

dang, you may not be able to read it:

Trust your gut:
Don't leave anywhere with anyone you feel uncomfortable about

Get your own drinks/Don't leave drinks unattended:
Getting you drunk or slipping you something are easy ways for someone to cloud your judgment.

Find out who the person is:
Get as much info on him as possible. Look for unique traits like tattoos, scars, jewelry, etc..

Spread the word.
Introduce him to friends and/or the bartender

Watch your belongings:
Don't carry excessive cash. Protect your wallet, money and valuables. (And identity)

It's not your fault:
If you are the victim of a pick-up crime, remember you're not to blame! He is probably a professional and has probably done this before.

This is good advise even if you're there with friends or a date. It isn't that hard for someone to slip something in your drink or dip into your purse. Sad world isn't it.

Also, advise from one of Lori Foster's characters. Use protection, only go for girls (or guys) you know and if they're giving it out too freely, skip 'em.

I did a 5k today

2008-03-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so jazzed! My workout buddy and I (plus my daughter) did a 5k today. Sa ran some of it so she finished first but didn't see the time clock :(

L & I finished in under 54 minutes! Not super fast but I was afraid it would be closer to 90 so I'm happy.

Ready for the next one - in two weeks.

I need a hug...

2008-03-18T08:17:00.001-07:00

but this will do for now.

Never wanted to be a shirt before...

2008-03-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

New Story

2008-03-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

Prologue

Wow, she never thought she’d come back to Creekside to live. Sure, she had been back for visits but only once in the last five years. She had managed to return for her Dad’s funeral but she hadn’t stayed..., couldn’t. Now she was ready for a fresh start but never once had she dreamed it would be here. She was back but only because she was the only one who could come to stay.

Dad had been gone for over a year when Cory called. He said Momma wasn’t doing well. He and Marcy had enough to do with their three kids and someone else needed to take care of Momma. How could she refuse? Everyone but Cory had moved away, they all had jobs and family. She had two kids but they weren’t in school yet. She had no spouse and could work from anywhere. Just because she never looked back didn’t mean she hated the place.

She had kept in touch with Momma. There had been many phone calls and never any hint of trouble. Cory wasn’t much help about what she needed to do so she was going into this blind. Not wanting to be under her Momma’s feet, she found a house to purchase.

Chapter One

Coming back hasn’t been easy. There have been many changes but so many things have stayed the same. The strangest thing is that women are coming up to her and telling her how much they love her books, that they’ve opened their eyes. One woman said she and her husband take turns reading them aloud after the kids are asleep. Lisa managed to stammer some kind of reply but she’s not sure what. The real surprise is the age range, some are old enough to be her grandmother and some look like they’re still in high school!

Lisa was relieved to find out her momma was still an early riser and was willing to come over before breakfast so she could run. There was a park on the other side of town with great trails. Lisa had always been a people watcher and the scenery there was fantastic! It was during one of her daily runs that she first saw him, fantasy material as well a model for her books. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his arms and legs in nice proportion. So much better than some of the gym rats she used to watch. From the back anyway, she had yet to see him from the front. She got used to running behind him, making up scenes, wondering how soft his skin was, what it tasted like. It was such a beautiful spring morning she was only paying half a mind to where she was at, too busy thinking of chocolate covered pretzels, she glanced up and saw her inspiration and all thought left her head. Then she tripped. Now that was just stupid. She knew better than to zone out when she’s running outside.

“Oh, hey? Are you all right? Nice roll, anything hurt?”

As a man stops beside her, she realizes it is her fantasy man. “I think I’m okay.” She wiggles her toes, circles her ankles and bends her knees. “Stuff seems to be working.” And gasps as he stands her up, picking her up as if she weighed nothing at all.

He holds her steady then looks at her, “Lisa? Lisa Thompson? I’m Tommy Freeman?”

Good thing he’s still holding her steady because Lisa would swear her heart stopped. Her fantasy man is her little brother’s best friend? No wonder she hadn’t recognized him, there is nothing little about him anymore.

Oh, god, she was just staring at him. “Hi Tommy,” dang, did she just squeak?

Tommy laughs so she must have. “It’s great to see you, are you sure you’re okay? Are you in town visiting your mom? How long will you be here?”

Now it’s Lisa’s turn to laugh, “I’m okay” and laughs again at the face he makes, “Really. I’ve bought a house by momma’s so I guess I’ll be here a while.” She brushes off her clothes a bit then starts walking back to the parking lot.

Tommy looks over at her as he starts to follow and stumbles, “Whoa,” as he laughs at himself, “guess I can’t walk and talk at the same time. The Hunter place? How bad is the inside? I know Mr. Hunter hadn’t been able to keep it up for a couple of years before he went into the nursing home.”

Lisa can’t help but smile, you’ve just gotta love small towns, “Yeah, the poor realtor thought he had an out-of-town sucker. Actually, most of it is just cosmetic. The only major problem is that the rooms upstairs are all too small. I’ve got two daughters and I might have to give them two rooms each. One just for toys and clothes. Either that or knock out a couple of walls.”

“My dad still has his construction business if you decide to knock out those walls.” Tommy glances at his watch as they near the parking lot. “It was really nice seeing you, but I’ve got to hurry. Will you be okay if I take off? Are you running tomorrow?”

Lisa nods.

“See you tomorrow,” and Tommy sprints to his truck.

Wow, another reason to look forward to running.

New "toy"

2008-03-04T10:51:00.001-08:00

M bought a motorcycle. No, this isn't him but I don't have a picture of the bike yet. It's just that the registration expired and the previous owner hasn't done the paperwork yet. So we've paid for a bike but don't have the registration so we can't insure it. Dang. It's been over a week but he said he call "his people" to find out why. sigh.

I have class tonight (4-7, strange time) and a lunch this afternoon. M's going away for work so this morning I said 'have a good day', but added 'see you tomorrow'. It was weird. And since I'll be at the gym at 4:30, it may be late before I see him.

Have a great day

just wanted to share

2008-03-03T01:50:00.000-08:00

Cruising around on the 'net lead me to STUDIO 1088 - The Art of Michael Breyette I love this picture. The Artist says the couple is getting ready for a night on the town but it could be that they've just gotten home. I look at this and think old world/Duke kinds of things.

late for the train

2008-02-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, it may not be what everyone would call creative but I tinkered with a recipe. Since I do NOT consider myself a cook and it came out great, here goes. (original picked up from someone at Spark People, I don't know where they got it.)

Slower Cooker Taco Stew

1 16-oz can black beans (drained)
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 16-oz can corn (drained)
1 16-oz can white beans (drained) Northern something?
2 16-oz cans tomato sauce
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes
1 packet taco seasoning
Chili Power to taste
1 cup barley

Directions

Mix everything in a slow cooker except the barley. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 - 4 hours. Cook barley per package directions and stir i to slow cooker during the last 30 minutes. This makes an awful lot but froze & reheated well :)

If you'd like, add chicken on top of everything, then during the last 30 minutes, remove, shred and stir back in.

Class Canceled

2008-02-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

The last post mentioned my textbook problem. Now my entire class has been canceled for lack of enrollees. Grrr..... I was able to add a different class but the time & days are different, interfering with other plans. ahhhh! I guess it's a grin & bear it kind of thing.

Happy Sunday

the 13? what happened?

2008-02-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

I've been doing a lot of reading. My son and I are reading the same series and it's been hard when we want the same book! How it all started, there was a book sitting out of the end table that wasn't mine. The cover had a man holding a woman wearing a wedding dress with an arrow in her back. That raised an eyebrow so I read the back. I knew it was my son's book but he told me I couldn't start with it since it was book three. Since then I've read 17 books.

The last book in the next trilogy in the series won't be released until the end of March! Worse, it will be hardcover, we own the others in paperback and my son (and my storage) would prefer they all be mmp. I don't think I'll be able to wait a year but the library doesn't have it on order!

I start school next week and ordered my textbook online for half the cost of getting it at the school's bookstore. I log in on the day it was supposed to ship and find an email telling me they don't have it! DANG! Actually, (*^*&$^(*&_)(*. Sigh, it's too late to get it anywhere else, now I have to pay over $100 for it.

I started a new craft project. Someone else sewed holes along the edge of a flannel blanket (hem stitch) and I'm using the holes to croquet around the edge. I'm really excited about it.

I went to a nephew's birthday party. I was great to see family but he's 3 now and he had friends. Can you imagine the noise? Add older brothers on top of that and I stayed as long as I could....

I start another writing challenge on the first. I hope to do as well as I did the first time.

I think that's it. Oh, Happy Valentine's Day!
(I had glass swans on my wedding cake. I wonder where they are?)

February already?

2008-02-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

I haven't written a word since 2007, sigh. My sleep hours have gotten flipped around again so I went to bed at 7 am on Friday. I had two final thoughts - "that's would make a great storyline, I should get up and write it down" and the last thought before falling asleep, "you'll remember, if you get up, you'll stay up." That's the last I remember. Do I remember the storyline? NO! Do I have any idea what it was about? NO!

grrrrr

I really need paper & a pen or something, just a few notes would have done it. I could see the whole story.... sigh

Happy Monday :)

2008-01-07T05:48:00.000-08:00

what the?

2007-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? Tomorrow is 2008!
I wish us all a healthy - and productive ;) - New Year!

Be safe,

Gina

I was going to be all excited about how many words I've written this year. Sigh, 36,347 words, not including notes & half thoughts. Dang it all, I thought it'd be more! That might be okay if was all on one manuscript but, nooooo, I've got 5 - that's right FIVE - stories going. Let us hope your year was MUCH more productive then mine and that next year I can double my word count.

what if ...

2007-12-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

I was cruising around and found a blog with a very interesting entry. (He's gay and it shows in his blog - I found him through his m/m stories on nifty.)

December 10, 2007 Okay, let's suppose some God tells you that from now on you can never leave your house and that everything that you eat and drink and wear and play with has to be ordered over the internet. Money is no problem but the catch is that you're limited to ten stores and once you pick the ten they are fixed. If one goes out of business that's just tough, you do without. So which ten would you pick? Here's mine. Okay, I know it's stupid. You know, it's easy to just criticize.

Amazon, Dean & Deluca, Saks, Neiman-Marcus, Von's, Netgrocer, Zingermans, CDW, BestBuy, IBM

Good Heavens! Only 10? I think I order books from that many publishers alone!

So, I've been thinking about this, I'd need sites for clothes, food, entertainment, exercise equipment(?), crafts, furniture and electronics. Yikes

First off, I'd need a bigger house. One with a huge craft room and a sunroom. I'd go nuts if I had to stay inside here. Plus I'd need a kick-ass gym/pool room.

1. Amazon
2. Costco

Food: Albertson's, Von's, Swann's & Netgrocer all deliver to my area. I should check on Trader Joe's

Electonics: Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry's, Apple.com, CDW

Clothes: I'm a simple girl, I could live with JCPenney & Target, even Wal-mart.

Entertainment: that's almost the same as electronics

Crafts: I need a site that has sewing, quilting, cross stitch, scrapbook, beads/jewelry. All the supplies plus tools.

Books: All Romance eBooks carries books from the publishers I go to but I'd really hate to limit myself here. I don't think Amazon carries everything I buy.

I have pets, do I add a pet store or just hope that the others will have what they need. And what do I do when I want a new pet? I'd better hope someone gives me a dog for my birthday ;)

And what about medical care???? My DD said that's what WebMD was for.

so lets see,

1. Amazon
2. Costco
3. Albertson's
4. Von's (just in case-cause netgrocer doesn't have fresh milk)
5. Apple.com - iTunes is part of apple :p
6. Fry's
7. JCPenney's
8. Target
9. All Romance eBooks
10. ....this would have to be my craft place & don't think there is one that has everything I'd need.

edit: I'm like a dog with a bone on this one. I know a chiropractor that will come to the house but who will cut my hair? I found a masseuse that I think will come to the house but I'm not sure they'll come this far out (or do a girl!). I'm a hermit that likes to party. Yea, I know, but I would like to move to a much larger home where the private spaces are private and the public spaces are open, inviting & fun so I can have people over.

{If the barn and riding arena are covered and connected by a covered walkway to the house....do they count as "inside"?}

Anyways, I found my #10. Best Upon Request. Concierge Services that make life easier. There. They can go to my quilt shops, buy tickets to fly my friends out, go to my favorite restaurants and bring back food, they'll even plan my parties & clean up afterwards. They aren't in my state so everything would have to be arranged over the internet. This works right?

I think that's it.

I also want a University tutor so I can finish school and a music teacher. If I'm going to be locked up, I might as well learn to play the piano better. Oh, will a fencing instructor come to the house? Looks like a job for my concierge!

2007-12-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

to all...

and to all a

Another semester gone, another lesson learned

2007-12-22T17:03:00.001-08:00

This semester I learned that I can't take two classes with such a large break in between them. I had enough time to finish my math homework, eat lunch & go shopping. Or go home & take and nap, and sleep through my alarm :(

The bad news: I failed PSY 101 and must retake it.

The Good news: after a rocky start in math.... I was sick at the beginning of the semester so not only did I miss days, I missed a test. Later I missed another week and failed that chapter's test spectacularly. I loved the way the teacher taught but didn't like that he penalized us for missing days. I went into the final with a C in the class but got an 86% on the final and an B in the class. I wonder what I'll learn next semester....

I'll have the next level of Algebra (2nd out of 3) and will be retaking PSY 101 as an online class ~crossing fingers~...

New Year Resolutions

2007-12-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

I was surfing around today, visiting some favorite spots, when I stopped by Silver Expressions, a blog of Liquid Silver Books authors. Red Garnier's post today was her list of New Year's Resolutions. Great idea so I stole it ;)

1. Diet & Exercise. Isn't this on everyone's list? I've got a beach vacation coming up this summer. Plus the health benefits and just-getting-through-a-busy-day, without-getting-exhausted benefits. :)

2. Homework. Yeah, I've gone back to school, just a couple classes at a time, but still. I've got stuff to relearn and new stuff too. I don't need straight A's but I do need to pass each class.

3. Housework. Ug. Sigh. And "do I have to?", another sigh. Yep. I have too much stuff (a lot of it books) so not only do I need to keep up on the housework stuff, I need to throw some of it out :o or give it away.

4. Reading/Writing. More of one, less of another. I kept track for a couple of months, I read 37 books in one month. Sure, they're not epic length but still.... I need to cut down on book purchases & reading so there it more time to write. Plus, I need to read some of the books I've already purchased but haven't read. I will read 12 unread-but-purchased books this year.

5. Writing. This really does need two resolutions. I WILL finish, polish & submit something in 2008.

6. Family time. Less reading, more face time. We're getting another board game for Christmas :)

7. Website/blog and MySpace. I'd like to update my website (two). Update my blog more often (three!). Figure out what I'm doing at MySpace

8. Friends. Virtual and f2f, we all need to spend time with friends.

9. Blogs, MySpace, Live Journal, Shelfari & Yahoo!Groups. I have lots of places to visit and really need to, not only manage my time I spend there, but also make sure I visit everyone.

What would you like to do in 2008?

Poetry Train

2007-12-10T01:01:00.000-08:00

Chapter One

It was a beautiful night out. Wade didn’t get to spend as much time watching the sunset as he use to. He’s got a new cat. Shush has been with him for many years but seems to be enjoying the new kitten. Wade hopes he keeps Shush feeling young.

School is finally finished. He parent’s gave him Grandpa’s place as a graduation present and helped him fix it up. After that, he was a bit limited in available jobs but he found a great one just when he thought he never would.

The house is one the small side but it’s just right for him and two cats. Plus it’s got five acres, plenty of room to add on. It’s a ways out of town but traffic is light and his job is this side of town too.

He once asked his Dad why they kept the property since they never went there. His Dad would mumble something about legacy and change the subject. He learned not to ask. The good news is that he’s four hours away from his parents. Not a quick, drop-in distance.

Wade loves his job as a physical therapist but it can be stressful. Everyone seems to know a cute daughter/friend/niece/sister he should go out with. He hasn’t learned how to handle that yet. It isn’t that he’s hiding; he just isn’t comfortable flaunting his private life. Are there handbooks for this kind of thing? The worst blind date ever didn’t even start out as a date; it’s just that him and the local “drama queen” were the only ones at the table that weren’t part of a couple.

As Wade lies out on the back patio, he hears rustling noises. He’s not sure what wildlife is out here so he picks up Shush and Majesty. He sees several sets of eyes as he turns to bolt into the house.

Safe

He has just enough presence of mind to make sure he doesn’t land on the cats.

(picture from Big Cat Rescue)

A man knows he's getting older when...

2007-12-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

he changes from Head and Shoulders to Mop n'Glow

Yes the cable is back up but I'm still mad at the company. There were suppose to CALL when the problem was fixed! TWO DAYS and then some grrr...

I've got homework and If I'm a good girl, I get to make Chocolate Chip cookies yum yum

Book for today: A Matter of Necessity by T.D. McKinney available from Amber Quill

Two FBI agents, deep undercover, infiltrating a new ring supplying weapons, possibly weapons of mass destruction.

Sound tame? The supplier is gay and doesn't trust straight men and just to make things interesting, the guy is into public displays of affection! The partners do what they must & become partners in every way.

Bagging the bad guy doesn't end the story, he's carrying a grudge & he has friends on the outside.

ahhhh!

2007-12-01T10:22:00.001-08:00

cable is down at our house. Sneaking in on M's work computer so no other blogs or surfing & I missed In This Land!

grrrr, I hope your weekend is better them mine

Poetry Train

2007-11-26T08:36:00.000-08:00

First stop on the Poetry Train is Rhian's blog. There are 16 links from there at last count. I always check out TA Chase's blog and hope to stop by the others later this week.

The picture has nothing to do with the following WIP but still...

~*~*~*~

It was a beautiful night out. Wade lay on the back deck with his cat curled up by his side as the sun went down. He may hate doing all his homework right after school but the rewards of evenings like this were worth it.

It’s so quiet and peaceful. Just the purr of Shush, huh, that’s a little loud for such a tiny cat. Wade sits up and sees four sets of eyes watching him from the foot of the lounger.

Stray cats. And they’re hungry. Wait, how does he know they’re hungry? Wade’s hand curls protectively around Shush as he scoots up in the chair.

Hungry

Cute

Safe

Wade passes out.

Wade comes too with a heavy weight on his legs, warmth against his sides and Shush sitting on his chest, licking his face.

Sorry

Whoa. Wade looks around Shush to see the other cats on the lounger with him. Mighty friendly, must not be strays. He starts to sit up and feels the first hint of claws.

Stay

We’ve been waiting

“Sorry guy. You have me a little, um…, confused. Can I sit up please?” Wade feels stupid talking to the cats like they’d understand but he talked that way to Shush all the time.

Hungry

“I’m not suppose to feed strays”

Hungry

“If I feed you, will you go away?”

For now

Wade went into the house. Happy that Shush was now eating the adult food and that his mom has just gotten a new bag.

Wade carries the bag outside. “I can’t leave plates out here so I’m going to have to put the food on the deck.” No voices, no meows, so he scoops the food out onto the decking. “I count four, so that’s what I’ll leave.”

He picks up the bag of food and Shush and walks backwards towards the house. The cats all look up at him at the same time and seem to nod before going back to the food.

Wade puts the food away and brushes his teeth on autopilot.

The cats don’t come back the next night and after a while he stops looking for them. Then he forgets.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T03:29:00.000-08:00

Poetry Train

2007-11-19T01:09:00.000-08:00

We all have our masks.
The light that conceals us.

We surround ourselves with them,
Changing our selves.

We’re all, though, very similar;
Just in a different light.

Nice, huh? Not mine. Credit for poem & photo goes to my son. More of his stuff can be found at Deviant Art.

Enjoy your weekend

2007-11-10T07:29:00.001-08:00

Sneakers

2007-11-10T07:07:00.001-08:00

Luckily we opened the fridge to get a snack before...

curiosity killed the cat!

How the cat got his name: The picture I didn't get had the kitten with his entire head in the shoe.

Maybe we should have named him couch potato?

Dang, this one is dark. The black kitten found a high perch and settled in to watch the show. I have no idea what was on but he's done it since.

quick drop in

2007-11-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T10:18:00.001-07:00

Tried something new this year, actually used a pattern!

Writing: nothing
School: A on last Psy test & B on last math test.

Tonight? helping at a church thing, no costume though - dang.

My daughter "killed" me yesterday

2007-10-24T23:36:00.001-07:00

My daughter is going to Mortuary School and yesterday's homework was filling out paperwork. One of the papers was a death certificate. She said the teacher had a book with celebrity's certificates but she thought she could find one online. Not as easy as she thought so I asked if she wanted to kill me instead.

I wanted to die of something unusual but she had trouble finding puffer fish poisoning so we went with being gored. Yep, my occupation is Rodeo Clown. The main cause of death was a really long word that meant excessive bleeding with the secondary cause of death being another really long word that meant the bull's horn slipped under my ribs and punchured my liver. She had to list time, date and place. I died at 2043 (8:43 pm) the day before my birthday. I was DOA. Dang, don't remember my age, think it was 48.

I forgot to ask if any of the other students "killed" a relative. Heck, maybe they haven't even talked about it yet.

Cool, huh? (The picture is from a 2001 rodeo on the Professional Bull Riders site.

TTFN, I've got a math test tomorrow I should be studying for.

Update: I got the "official" words: The immediate cause of death was exsanguination (excessive bleeding due to internal or external hemorrhage). The underlying cause that initiated the events resulting in death: hepatorrhexis (rupture of the liver - the bull gored me).

and my age: 52

The teacher only went over things and didn't collect the papers. Man, it would have been funny.

2nd Challenge, 1st Check in

2007-10-17T01:06:00.000-07:00

There's another 70 Days of Sweat Challenge going on between October 15, 2007 and January 15, 2008. That's 93 days this time because of vacations and holidays (wasn't that nice?) Today is the first check-in:

I've got 4 WsIP but one had some lost data when the hard drive crashed. My goals for this weekend were to type in the two short stories I started since the last challenge and "find" the lost data.

I'm happy to report that the two stories were already typed in. One is 827 and the other is 2,117.

The lost data has been found. (I had emailed it to a friend to read - yea) and has been reformatted, word count: 13K!

The story that began it all has stalled out at 16k. I've been concentrating on the one with a due date and school work.

Good news: I got an A on my math test Monday. Won't know until Thu what I got in Psychology.

Thanks to Johan Roest for the photo. Check out his site for many, MANY more. (I "cut" this one because he isn't!)

quick stop

2007-10-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

just wanted to share

2007-10-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

I've got school stuff coming up, not sure when I'll be back - Friday?

Have a great week,

Gina

back to school

2007-09-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

...and just in time. I went on Tuesday and had an in class assignment then on Thursday, we went over the study guides for a test the next Tuesday. The teacher said it would be the hardest test all semester and I was crossing my fingers for a 'C'.

Nope, did a little better than that
~*~*~Happy dance~*~*~It helps that the teacher uses a sliding scale and dropped one of the questions completely (didn't discuss in class - most of us got it wrong) but I still got 62 out of 74.

Got to run, still have math homework to do.....

oh, wait.... have a

HAPPY THURSDAY

Gina

70 Days of Sweat

2007-09-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, 70 days already. Did I complete my goals? No. Am I satisfied? Mostly. I had a wonderful family vacation, had the computer crash, started school & got sick. Yep, a very busy 70 days!

The first ms I started was Sara's Jewels and I've stalled at 16K. I put it on the back burner when I started the next ms because of a deadline for subbing. This was the info given in my first post for Sven.

1) book title: don’t know yet
2) Hero: Tom Freeman / cabinetmaker
3) Heroine: Ginny Rockwood / author
4) setting: small town America (valley)
5) length: 18K

1) Sara’s Jewels
2) Dave Hoffman / webmaster
& Alex (still working on it) / horse trainer
3) Sara Phillips / works at a horse breeder
4) Southern California
5) 75K

A great big thank you to the sponsors of this challenge: Alison Kent, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Tyler, Jo Leigh, and HelenKay Dimon.

~*~*~*~

Second ms progress:
* I have a title, "Let the World Go Away".
* Ginny's name is now Lisa.
* I hit 13+k on this one but my current doc says 7115 so it looks like I'll be retyping. Now I'm REALLY glad I write longhand first. (Actually, I had lots of scene docs and did one last printout after I put it all together. I'll be retying but it will be from a print not handwriting - whew)
* I'll be back into it this next weekend (I've got a psychology test next week)
* I'm five scenes away from being complete, from first kiss (short) to the wedding/honeymoon (long)
* I've had a published author do a read through for me & received some helpful tips.

First ms progress:
* I haven't looked at this one in too long. I have no idea where I'm at!

Third ms progress:
* That's right, I started a third while between classes last week. It's still longhand so I don't know how many words, maybe 1k.
* PLUS, I've got an idea kicking around for a FOURTH - this one will be f/f! I found a couple that "would love to talk to you".

Have a great weekend.

Author dies

2007-09-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

Robert Jordan died Sunday at the age of 58 from a rare blood disease. One fan said it best "The Great Lord of the Dark has won. There will be no Last Battle."

According to Associated Press:

In a 2004 online chat on the USA Today Web site, Jordan said he hoped to finish the main "Wheel" series in two more books. Book 11, "Knife of Dreams," came out in 2005. He was working on book 12 at the time of his death.

Links:

Obituaries in the News by the Associated Press, scroll down.

The New Zealand Herald

The UK SF Book News Network

The Kansas City Star had a short (and I mean short!) notice, scroll down

www.cinemablend.com has a poll about ending this series, & others, unfinished or having someone else pick up the reins.

The Red State even has something about RJ Forget Politics for a moment with comments enabled.

Prayers and Hugs to the family.

I feel like a Nyquil commercial

2007-09-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

The new semester started and I'm already ill. Usually there is some buildup of not feeling well but this time it hit me fast. Stuffy one night and down for the count the next morning.

I've got two classes this semester and I like both teachers. One I had before in an online class so it's really interesting to actually be in class with her - lots of energy.

I've done a lot of reading, little to no writing.

Worked out Monday with a friend, hope I can make it tomorrow.

Babysat three kids on Saturday. A cousin from out of state came here for a football game. I watched the kids (5, 2, 9mos) because, for some reason, they didn't want to take them to the game ;) Oh, man, I hope they're not sick now....

I'm off to bed, hoping I can get son to go to the store for juice.

Happy Tuesday

gone for a bit...

2007-09-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

want to keep the previous post up for a while. I'm spending most of the day over at LiteraryNymphsChat. School starts tomorrow but I hope to be back Friday.

All Romance eBooks & MySpace

2007-09-01T09:01:00.001-07:00

I received an important email, and while I know I'm not widely read, I want to to my part. Here's a link. Here's the email:

*************Permission to re-post granted**************

I'm asking for your help to get the word out that folks need to "re-friend" us on MySpace and I'm asking that you "friend" us if you have an account.

Most of you know that ARe has been using MySpace to communicate with readers about The eBookclub. We opened our MySpace page for that purpose and in 2 months we'd managed to accumulate close to 6000 friends.

Apparently that's too tempting for some hackers. MySpace and Scrapfairy Designs have been quick to respond and our page is back up at the same address but with only 1 friend, Tom.

ARe--The eBookclub is featuring a wonderful read for the month of September and our second eBookblub meeting is going to be in a couple weeks. We have a great fall season planned and are determined to get back on our feet as quickly as possible.

Please repost this to reader an! d author forums, loops, and on your MySpace page if you have one. Sending a bulletin to your friends asking that they do the same would be a huge help to us. We're relying on the power of social networking and the good will of our affiliates, readers, and authors to help us. We don't want our bookclub members to think that we've wavered in our commitment to this project or that All Romance eBooks *gasp* deleted them. Here's the address:

http://www.myspace.com/allromanceebooks

Lori James
COO
All Romance eBooks, LLC

P.S. For those of you who don't know....ARe--The eBookclub is a on-line Bookclub specific to romance eBooks. Each month we select a new release to feature. We advance purchase copies from the publisher and give them away to the first fifty members that attempt download. We also promote the book with special Behind the Scenes features, excerpts, and interviews, and host an on-line chat (usually with the author) at The Romance Ga! lleria. This is a great way for people that love romance to get intro duced to eBooks and for people from all around the world that already are fans of romance eBooks to meet and share the experience of a fabulous read.

come on baby, just a little more....

2007-08-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday

Cover Models

2007-08-28T05:43:00.001-07:00

Do you ever stop to think that maybe you picked up this book instead of that book is because the cover model was the same as another book you liked? I hadn't.

While surfing around, I checked Tess Harrison's blog and found an announcement that a cover model had died. Going through his site, I have many of the books he modeled for. Rob Ashton will be missed by many who don't even know he's gone.

Sunday Flash at SEx

2007-08-27T04:44:00.000-07:00

Not mine, I was sleeping but I stopped by SEx to read what was going on. Here are two of my favorites. Stop by and check out the others.

Today's blog is "Why do you read e-books?" Think I'll go over and put in my two-cents.

Happy Monday :)

another funny

2007-08-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

Larry gets home late one night and, Linda, his wife says, "Where in the hell have you been?"

Larry replies, "I was out getting a tattoo."

"A tattoo?" she frowned. "What kind of tattoo did you get?"

"I got a hundred dollar bill on my privates," he said proudly.

"What the hell were you thinking?" she said, shaking her head in disgust. "Why on earth would an accountant get a hundred dollar bill tattooed on this privates?"

"Well, one, I like to watch my money grow.

Two, once in a while I like to play with my money.

Three, I like how money feels in my hand.

And, lastly, instead of you going out shopping, you can stay right here at home and blow a hundred bucks anytime you want."

Larry is recovering in room 233 at the local hospital.

Dinner & a Movie

2007-08-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

Friday night: Dinner and a movie. Sa didn't go to the movie but did go to dinner. Sc didn't go to dinner but did go to the movie.

We saw the Simpson's Movie. F.U.N.N.Y. Plus, there was male nudity. NOT full frontal and it was really funny how they did that.

If you watch the show, you'll get it. It's just on a bigger screen and it lasts longer. The opening sequence is different but Bart still writes on the chalkboard. It starts off with a Itchy and Scratchy movie and Homer stands up in the theater and calls all of us suckers for paying money to see something we could see at home.

Bart goes on a hike and we get to see the four states that border Springfield. None of which actually touch each other.

I'll give this one a B. Glad I saw it, will watch it again on cable.

just wanted to share

2007-08-24T15:10:00.001-07:00

New Online story

2007-08-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

I bought Guys in College by Matthew Haldeman-Time from Lulu.

At the end of the collection was a story called "In This Land". The story wasn't complete but Matthew has more on his website. Think Pharaohs and m/m sex and very involved story lines.

The story time is during the Dynasty of the Seven Siblings. The first child is Pharaoh, no matter what the sex is, who marries a Queen and a King. Each of the seven siblings have a specific job to do except that this time there were eight children.

The story so far is that the Diplomatic sibling is looking for a King for the Pharaoh. That makes it sound too simple. Check out his website, you can read the first three chapters and a couple of shorts for free. If you like the story, you can pay (paypal) $1.99 for 30 days of access to the rest of the story. There should be four chapters added a month.

I've already had to get up twice because my butt fell asleep and wasn't happy about having to interrupt the story :)

Happy Wednesday

too funny

2007-08-20T06:55:00.000-07:00

Joke from Jodi Olson:

A guy falls asleep on the beach for several hours and gets a horrible sunburn.

He goes to the hospital, and is promptly admitted after being diagnosed with second degree burns.

With his skin already starting to blister, and seeing the severe pain he is in, the doctor prescribes an IV with saline, electrolytes, a sedative, and a Viagra Pill every four hours.

The nurse, who is rather astounded, asks, "What good will Viagra do him, Doctor?"

It'll keep the sheets off his legs."

Jodi can be found at MySpace or at her Yahoo! Group or website. Her newest/first book is "Playing House" and can be found at Romance Divine

I have two words for you

2007-08-19T03:01:00.000-07:00

BACK UP!

Actually, I mean your computer files. I didn't lose too many files. I was worried about my ms and some of my recent ebook purchases but they're okay. What's NOT okay, is all my bookmarks.

The articles I found while surfing around that I wanted to read again. The picture sites of eye candy. Author & publisher sites. Oh, man, the author sites! I may have had 50 links just in my author folder.

So while you're thinking of it, make a list of ALL your bookmarks and then BACK UP EVERYTHING. While you're at it, make a list of user names and passwords. The "autofill" and "remember this password" are gone. Don't forget all those email addresses, I not only lost a couple years worth of emails & jokes, I lost all the addresses.

I'll be gone for a while, trying to recreate folders and bookmarks and looking for program disks to reload. Office is gone! I use the spreadsheet more than you'd think but can't open any of the files.

I'm leaving now, to cry....

Happy Anniversary...

2007-08-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

to me! We'll be going out to dinner but not sure if we'll do a movie or not. M wanted to see Wild Hogs so maybe we'll just rent it.

Busy checking out all my Yahoo! Groups before finishing laundry

Happy Thursday

TTFN

Update: This is the front of the card I got, inside it says: They'll have to pry us apart.

We did go to a movie, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix. I never did finish the book for the second time because of the "lines" the new Dark Arts teacher has Harry do. I like how they did it in the movie, but man, the teacher? shudder. Just look at her! All sweet looking but she hides the wickedest witch inside. Total proof of never judge a book by it's cover. Plus the cats in her office were just plain creepy.

My kids said the last "I must never tell a lie" line isn't in the book, I haven't gone back to check but it was perfect.

Monday? Already?

2007-08-13T10:00:00.001-07:00

I don't know what happened, how could it be Monday already? Let's see, I last checked-in on...Tuesday? Not good, not good at all.

Wednesday, Aug. 8: daughter's birthday. She choose dinner and a movie. We met both sets of grandparents at Olive Garden then we went to see The Bourne Ultimatum. I'm not going to say is was "the best movie ever". I will say I'm satisfied with the ending and would pay full price to see it again. :)

Daughter made her own birthday cake Tuesday night then when she hadn't cut into it by Friday, her brother did. By Saturday it was all gone and she hadn't gotten any. Sigh, I guess this time, I'll bake the cake.

The rest of the week/weekend was normal stuff. I went to the gym with my workout buddy on Friday instead of last Monday. I called in to Jury Duty (call again Monday after 7).

Sunday is Flash Fiction at SEx. Stop that, it's called Silver Expressions Blog and feautres authors of Liquid Silver Books. One of the authors starts it then you can comment with your own. I've done two (patting myself on the back) but couldn't come up with anything yesterday. It was Flashes of Animal Instincts. There was some great stuff.

Y wrote one of my favorites: "She was torn, he was the most beautiful specimen that she had ever seen, in both his forms. He was walking on the beach as a man, beautifully bronzed and nude. She watched from the ocean where he couldn’t see her.

She knew that it wouldn’t work out, they weren’t compatible. She felt a longing for him and a hunger that would not subside. He looked around and dove into the water, taking his animal form of a sea otter. She watched as he darted through the cove, coming at her.

Hunger won and she opened her jaws and ate him."

I'll be taking rides on the Poetry Train today and hope to post favorite links tomorrow.

A BIG thank you to Lisa

2007-08-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

for the link to Les Byerley's website. Les does book covers and photography. You can find Lisa Andel here

Back from vacation

2007-08-06T01:22:00.000-07:00

There are over 500 photos to go through now, here are just a few.

This is one of the views everyone goes for, and I mean everyone. We're at the Watch Tower and the viewpoint was so crowded we almost missed the shot. Luckily, we wondered over to the other side where it wasn't paved. Awesome isn't it.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This is Angel's Window. There a couple of view spots along this trail. The one where S was standing, the top of Angel's Window and at the end where S caught the lightning. The storm was on the other side of the canyon but the static was so bad our hair was standing on end.

There are two strikes here, one is more horizontal and across the clouds.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's a lot harder writing in the car than I thought it would be and with all four of us sharing a room, there was no late night writing. Except one room had a dimmer switch and I had an idea....An idea that has led to a flow problem that I've got to fix before writing any new scenes. grrr

I was checking over old blogs. I didn't read any of the print books I bought the week before vacation, not even the two I took with me. As for the ebooks? There were actually ten purchased before the trip that were ready to go and half were read before we left! Three are still waiting for me to find the time. I'm still finding it hard to believe that I haven't bought a new ebook since I got back. There are several out there, I just haven't bought them yet. Must not feel well ;)

Vacation & Progress

2007-08-04T22:34:00.000-07:00

S took his digital camera and two memory cards, one was 4 gig, so what happened? Lots and Lots of photos. I haven't gone through all of them yet. Here's one of rain at the Grand Canyon. I think we're on the North Rim.

And one of me walking across the Colorado River. That's right, I walked across the Colorado River, twice. We stopped at the Navajo Bridge since M's a civil engineer. The old bridge is now the Historic Navajo Bridge and it's set up as a walkway. I got half way out and thought "why not" then I had to walk back to the car. M asked if I wanted to walk it once or twice. Silly me chose twice. I know I'm small, but I'm right in the middle, wearing a blue top.

I did work on my 70 days WIP while on vacation. I moved the first kiss up several pages and rearranged the remodeling project. Instead of doing just her room, she's doing all of upstairs and I mean ALL of upstairs. Now I've got to reread and see where my flow problem is! grrrr

1. a "non-date" (got it - 1: dinner at house - first kiss!, 2: shopping)
2. 1st official date - with children (got it - swimming)
3. 1st official date - without children (got it - dinner out)
4. picking up her books from storage - out of state, hotel stay both ways
5. Honeymoon

I'm up to 12,750

Just finished reading...

2007-07-26T00:51:00.000-07:00

Fireflies
by Ally Blue

A Sidhe warrior in exile. A young man with powers he's only beginning to understand. In their hands, the fate of two worlds.

Another book where I can't tell you anything because I want to share it all. I was delayed getting this up (finished Friday) and have already read it a second time.

There is a warning: this title contains the following: explicit male/male sex, graphic language, violence, and the inappropriate us of plants.

Trust me, the inappropriate use of plants? HOT

Check out Ally Blue's website. A direct link to Fireflies can be found here and the book can be purchased at Samhain Publishing

~~~

I've been a busy girl this week, Ellora's Cave had three m/m books out. I think Masked Submission was my favorite of the three. PhD student, Professor, Dom Club, secret identities, betrayal, sacrifice....check all of them out. Then again, Pledge Slave started out with a bang and just kept on going. Finnegan's Promise was sweet (okay, and hot)

~~~

I picked up five ebooks and 2 print books to take on vacation. Plus my two WIP and a line edit that I need to turn in ASAP when I get back. I'm hoping for a job to pay for all the books I buy!

you can find the most amazing things...

2007-07-20T04:03:00.000-07:00

I went to a favorite place, clicked a link, followed another and another, pretty soon I was so far from where I started I wasn't sure how I got there. However I did come a cross a picture to post in honor of my other WIP. It involves half brothers, raised not knowing of the other, that look so alike they might as well be twins. Throw in a woman and watch the sparks fly.

I'm up to 11k now on my current WIP. Amazingly enough I was able to write some in the doctor's waiting room, even with the kids, until a couple of parents showed up and distracted me. There is a county fair happening nearby and someone is selling funnel cakes with powdered sugar, strawberries and hot dog as the topping. You read that correctly. A quarter pound hot dog on top of your funnel cake. Sorry, it turned my stomach.

I guess this one needs a warning:

hey...

2007-07-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

So I'm looking for a writer's group (forgetting all about RWA) I hit Craigslist and found two. Both are at least 30 miles away. Now I didn't expect one to be in my backyard but 30 miles here can take up to 90 minutes! Depending on the traffic.

One of my local libraries has a writing group that has reserved the meeting room before but not since June. They're going to pass along my name and number. Cross your fingers.

There are three local publications that MIGHT have an ad or something but really, looks like it will have to be RWA....

Romance Writers of America. You must join a chapter to do you any good. You must join National before you can join a chapter. When I first checked into it, I was only looking locally but when I was surfing yesterday I clicked "special interest" chapters and found one for me. Passionate Ink. An online chapter for the erotic writer! ~happy dance~ I'll join RWA for next year (membership year goes Jan-Dec, non-prorated) then join Passionate Ink (who's membership year is different but can be prorated) grrr.

Anyways, I'm still looking for a local group and may attend the more local RWA chapter as a non-member but RWA and Passionate Ink look to be the best for me.

Got to run.....

Good morning

2007-07-19T05:16:00.000-07:00

I really don't want to post and lose that great pic. Gotta find where there's a place to borrow them. I've found some HOT guys but they all say copyrighted. Sigh.

WOO HOO! I hit 11,000 on my WIP. I've got two more scenes to do & a problem to fix before going back through to see if I need to fix anything else. I was really worried I wouldn't make the 10k minimum now I'm worried I'll fall in the 3,000 word space between a Quickie and a Novella!

I had to change Ginny's name. M thought it was slang for something "Ginny is also a common misspelling of Guinea, a derogatory slang name for Italians" from Wikipedia, so I changed her name to Beth. It works just fine.

I ordered business cards! True it's a little premature but half of them were free (just shipping) and this is something I don't want to give up on. Then today I got an email saying they're giving away custom magnets from your business cards. Too cool.

Falling asleep. Night.

mmmm, Wednesday is starting to look good!

2007-07-18T02:38:00.000-07:00

I should be typing (over 9k now) or doing laundry but what am I doing? Surfing for men! sort of

I found a great guy, he's one of my favorites from TA Chases's blog so when I saw him at sexyluv, I had to grab him.

Enjoy your Wednesday. ;)

Sexy & Romantic glitter graphics from S e x i l u v . c o m

quick update

2007-07-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

I'm on my way to the gym but wanted to say how excited I am. I've got five scenes to do and the book is complete ~happy dance~

1. a "non-date"
2. 1st official date - with children
3. 1st official date - without children
4. picking up her books from storage - out of state, hotel stay both ways
5. Honeymoon

yep, I have a happy ever after planned.

I've got the first scene complete and then added one after it (not typed up) so I've got four scenes to do and already have a total of 8,809!

Adrianna Dane asked to add me to her friends list at Shelfari. How cool is that!

Jodi Payne Party!

2007-07-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Jodi was at a chat tonight hosted by Coffee Time Romance. It was so cool talking to her and the other's that logged on.

I want to tell you EVERYTHING but my son is chomping at the bit, I guess this is just a reminder to me

P.S. Jodi? I won't hold you to that publicist position - we're on opposite coasts - but I do like the number one fan part ::blush::

here he comes - more later

quick update

2007-07-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

I'm at 7,395 words. ~~happy dance~~ It isn't much but it is writing every day.

The dishwasher broke and while I'm not handwashing (THANKS daughter), I am shopping for a new one. We ended up purchasing it at the first place we looked but I'm glad we went to the others just to compare.

TTFN

bulbs given to Ginny

2007-07-14T01:49:00.001-07:00

Daffodil

Hyacinth

Tiger Lily

working title plus...

2007-07-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

I log on this morning and the first thing I do is check TA Chase's blog. He's got Founder on it! I was a bit confused at first but was so excited. I shouldn't really be surprised. I've like all the books he's "pimped".

I started writing last night and when I took a break, fell asleep. Not sure what that says about my book. M came to bed and I was laying there with my paper on my lap and a pen in my hand, fast asleep.

Between last night and I what I was able to do today, I've got another 1,117 words ~ Woo Hoo! I should be getting that much a day but I'm just excited that I'm writing EVERY day.

Ginny's name may be changed, not sure yet and the working title of her book is "Let the World Go Away".

book info for challenge

2007-07-12T04:11:00.000-07:00

1) book title: don’t know yet
2) Hero: Tom Freeman / cabinetmaker
3) Heroine: Ginny Rockwood / author
4) setting: small town America (valley)
5) length: 18K

1) Sara’s Jewels
2) Dave Hoffman / webmaster
& Alex (still working on it) / horse trainer
3) Sara Phillips / works at a horse breeder
4) Southern California
5) 75K

18k looks good but may be able to go longer. Working title is now Let the World go Away and Ginny stands for Virginia. Q: is small town America in Virginia and does Ginny get teased? Is that why she never wants to come home?

Sara's Jewels: gads, still sitting on shelf, no deadline!

Still, 18 + 75 = 93. 93k/70days = 1,329 words a day.

sigh

Progress

2007-07-12T03:16:00.000-07:00

I typed everything in. Some of what I wrote didn't make it into the word doc and parts were expanded.

Word count: 4,547

I know it doesn't seem like a lot but it's almost half (5k) of the minimum required ~yea

Then, since I thought I had caught my second wind, I wrote some more. Half an hour later, here comes Sneakers. He doesn't know what "I'm working" means so I barely got my papers moved before he settled in for a nap. Still, it was a good half hour. I'll have to type it up before I know what the word count is.

All typed up. 510 more words! I'm at 5,057 and that's HALF the minimum needed for a quickie. The maximum is 30k. That's so doable!

Still, can't blame the cat for stopping me from writing, it was a good place to end and now requires some thought about forgiveness and misunderstandings

Just finished reading...

2007-07-12T00:13:00.001-07:00

Founder
by Jodi Payne

This one was heart-wrenching for me. I wanted to shake Aubrey! Jodi sucked me into the story, I kept reading, waiting for the HEA, hoping it was coming up soon. I rejoiced for every day/mile Aubrey went without...and if I keep talking, I'll tell you too much & blow the story so I'll grab some words from Jodi's site...

"Founder, my debut solo novel brings you the story of Aubrey Jacek, a tough, seasoned cowboy and barn manager with a great love of horses and a problem with the bottle, and Kelly Ayers, the handsome younger farm hand who gives Aubrey a reason to clean up his act."

More can be found at Jodi's site and the book can be purchased at Torquere Press

What do you mean it's Wednesday?

2007-07-11T23:48:00.000-07:00

I need to blog my progress over at Alison Kent's blog but that requires typing my story. I write long hand then have to kick somebody off the computer (usually son) so I can type it up.

So now that I'm on the computer and can type - there's no way I'll get a word count before Thursday (10 more minutes for me) ~ sigh

So Happy Wednesday,

Gina

P.S. I haven't seen the new movie yet (daughter did - awesome!) but I'll be getting my copy of HP on the 21st. Amazon promised!

Woo Hoo and OMG

2007-07-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

So I'm writing an older woman/younger man story, hoping Ellora's Cave likes it. I'm still reading blogs and checking in places when I see that Alison Kent has started a Seventy Days of Sweat on her blog.

"The rules are simple. You agree to write 4 - 6 pages a day (depending on the length of your book) every day between the dates listed above. If you need to take off a day, you make up the pages another. If you don’t like to write 7 days a week, too bad. This challenge lasts for only 10 weeks, and if you have to get up early on the weekends to get the pages done, you do it."

Now that I'm got my blog cleaned up and ready for author stuff I'm going to jump over.

Todd McCaffrey book signing

2005-02-06T07:20:00.000-08:00

A new PERN book was released on January 25. I was one of the lucky ones, the bookstore put it out early so I got it on the 19th!

Todd was at Barnes & Noble on Friday (2-4). There were only about 40 people there so the question & answer period was very personal. He read chapter 17 (?) to us. Some there hadn't read the book yet and some were still on the original Dragonriders trilogy.

I didn't read his whole website before the signing, he wrote part of Dragonlover's Guide to Pern. I have the book but didn't get it signed this time because I didn't know! dang, dang, dang.

It was very cool and I promised him I would keep my whining for the next book to a minimum!

Dragonholder: signed by Todd and Anne ~ written by Todd about Anne
Dragon's Kin: signed by Todd and Anne ~ co-authors
Dragonsblood: Signed by Todd ~ Todd did this one by himself

Happy New Year

2005-01-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

July 07: I've deleted the original post but still wanted the beginning here. Plus, Happy New Year wishes are always good!