Check out Jennifer Apodaca's Contest

Hey, two posts in one day! Amaaazing. :-)

Just letting you know that my good friend, Jennifer Apodaca (the one who always gets me in trouble at board meetings by making me laugh), has a contest over at Murder She Writes. She's giving away a signed copy of her newest Brava release, Extremely Hot, and a $10 Barnes and Noble G.C. to 2 different commenters who answer her fun question on today's blog (But you have all week to comment! So be sure to hop on over there).

I loved the mystery, the suspense, the romance, and of course, the strong, sexy characters--Luke and Ivy. Don't miss Extremely Hot.

Book Description From AMAZON:

The Rules According To Ivy York:

1. Never Trust A Bad Boy.
2. Never Make Decisions With Your Libido.
3. Disregard Rules #1 And 2.

Ivy York became an accountant because numbers don't lie and cheat. Too bad the same can't be said of the men she's met. Now, as the wildly successful host of the radio show, "The Economic Sex Hex," she advises women to take control of their money and to spot the bad boys before they get too close. And the ultimate bad boy Sex Hex is the Urban Legend, a man known for lovin' women (exquisitely) and leavin' while chasing down stolen property for a hefty fee. No one knows who he really is...but every woman he's ever pleasured would happily take him back for more...

Luke Sterling likes being the Urban Legend almost as much as he likes bringing thieves to justice. And right now, he's on the trail of two stolen figurines famous for conferring sexual prowess--and the trail leads straight to Ivy. Posing as her personal assistant should be a piece of cake, but Luke didn't count on Ivy's own brand of Sex Hex. That good girl game coupled with fierce smarts wrapped around one luscious, curvy body is making him want to prove to Ivy that the Urban Legend more than lives up to his top billing. Suddenly, the hottest show in town isn't on the air--it's between the sheets...

Good luck for the Red Sox?

So, my family and I have been to Boston twice now: once during baseball season in 2004 and once when the Red Sox opened at home this past April, 2007 (we just happened to be in Boston).

Both years they've won the World Series.

I'm just saying... ;-)

Hmm, maybe we should apologize to the Angels. Yikes.

How creative people view every day tasks

Yesterday, I told my husband I was going to go grocery shopping and asked him if he wanted to come along--fully expecting a "thanks, but no thanks" answer.

Instead, he grabbed my camera and said, "Let's go."

I glanced at the camera then back at him.

He shrugged. "It's got a time lapse feature."

"Okay. Just don't let me forget the iced tea this time."

This short video (I swear, it is) proves that creative people--writers, artists, photographers, or what have you--view every day tasks differently than non-creative types. As writers, we observe the various behaviors of the shoppers and employees at the store. And the shapes, colors, scents, and sounds jump out at us and demand our attention: seeing yellow margarine tubs, wishing you'd worn a sweater in the frozen food aisle, breathing in the scent of freshly baked bread, and listening to the announcements of sales over the P.A. system. Maybe a certain score from a soundtrack runs through your head as you meander through the produce department? Perhaps you create your own lines of dialog (in your head again) for the elderly couple over by the apples?

Of course, we store these away in our memories (or jot them down somewhere if your memory is as bad as mine), only to pull them out to use in a story later. At least, I do. :-)

So how about you? What do you do to see the world differently? Do you view every day tasks in a different light, from a different angle, than others?

Happy Writing,

Michele

MUSIC: "Flora/Fauna" by Anamanaguchi from the album Power Supply. (It's upbeat...It'll get you going! LOL)


Kaleidoscope of Consumerism from eric cwiertny on Vimeo.

It's official...

...I'm addicted to this soap.

And get this: It contains caffeine!

Yeah. So, for poor saps, like myself, who can't drink coffee to get their buzz going in the morning, here you go.

Caffeine Soap. You can pick it up at your nearest Basin or order it online. There might even be other stores that carry a similar product as well.

Of course, I have no idea how much caffeine is actually in the soap. Could be next to nothing. In fact, the employees at Basin could be tricking me into handing over my $5.99 plus tax and psyching me into a buzz.

Hmm. What does that say about me? Wait. Don't answer that.

Oh, well. It releases an invigorating scent and wakes me up so I can write!

Have you tried Caffeine Soap? Or are you one of those coffee drinkers? ;-)

Michele

Oh, Jane and Mr. Rochester...Sigh

Okay, this is my new favorite movie! Have you seen the 2006 PBS version of "Jane Eyre"? If you have...Why didn't you remind me to watch it sooner?! LOL

And for those of you who reminded me at dinner last month...Thank you! I can't believe it has taken me this long to see this movie. Sheesh.

As I hadn't been able to catch a replay of it on TV, I finally broke down and ordered it from Amazon a few weeks ago. And now that I've finally seen it, I'm just going to come out and say it...This version of "Jane Eyre" is up there with the 1996 A&E version of "Pride and Prejudice" (Colin!)...Is that sacrilege? I have a feeling it's not going to be leaving my DVD player for a while. It's definitely one of those movies I can play in the background while I write or work on the computer. There really aren't too many movies with which I can do that, as I tend to get distracted quite easily by bright lights and loud noises. ;-)

So have any of you seen this PBS version of "Jane Eyre" ? Do you ever get obsessive like this with movies, too? Or is it just me?

Michele

What are you reading?

Hi All,

So, despite the fact that I had pre-ordered J.R. Ward's Lover Unbound, I still haven't had a chance to read it. And yes, that's even after I tried to bribe an author who had read the ARC; however, she refused to give over any details--she was very good. Me? Not so much. I'm ashamed. ::shaking head:: ;-) (I owe her an apology for having to endure my teasing--LOL!)

Also, at the top of my TBR list: Demon Moon by Meljean Brook. I read Demon Angel and I'm definitely in the camp of the readers who loved the epic premise of the constant battle between Heaven and Below. I think this story spoke to me because I studied Milton's Paradise Lost for an entire semester during my senior year in college and Brook gives Milton a nod in her story.

But I also enjoyed every scene with the sexy vampire character, Colin, and Demon Moon is his story. So, I have the book...I just need to sit down and read it!

Oh, and if you haven't checked out Chris Marie Green's Vampire Babylon trilogy (it kicks ass)...Check out Book One: Night Rising. The Vampire Babylon trilogy is published under Ace, which is a Urban Fantasy imprint. I just thought you should know since the other books mentioned above are considered paranormal romance.

Anyway, I'm trying to make a dent in my TBR pile, but I've been writing, plotting, and working on an article. And did I mention I've been working on my stories? I'm really excited about that part. :-)

What have you guys been reading or writing?

Michele

Christmas in September

You know, I’ve been pretty darn lucky lately. I’ve read some damn fine paranormals, two of which are from one of my all-time favorite authors, Christina Dodd. I’m hooked on her Darkness Chosen series.

I just finished the first two in the series, Scent of Darkness and Touch of Darkness, and can’t wait for the final two to hit the shelves, which will be in July and August 2008. (Dang it. Write faster, Christina. ;-) Tee-hee.)

What I love about her writing, and this thrilling, shape-shifter series in particular, is the detailed mythology she creates that carries through the entire series. What is it, you ask? A 1000 years ago, a warrior ancestor of the Wilder family made a pact with the Devil...and now the Wilders need to break that pact. But the problem? The more the Wilder men shape-shift into a wolf or a hawk...or whatever else Christina has planned for her sexy, Alpha heros...the closer they come to turning pure evil and the closer they come to acting as savage and ruthless as their Ukrainian relations. So, they must use their power wisely.

You know, I’ve been reading Christina’s historical romances for years and years (a big shout out for The Runaway Princess—woo!) and what sucks me into her paranormals is the mix of historical elements, the contemporary storyline, the mythology, the suspense, the chemistry and emotion between the characters, and, of course, the paranormal premise. This series has it all and she does it well.

Another favorite author who can hook me and reel me in with her paranormals is Maureen Child. I know. I read these books several months ago, but she also knows how to add just the right mix of elements and swirl them together perfectly--as evidenced by her Nocturnes, Eternally (11/06) and Nevermore (2/07). And she wrote historical romance as well! (And made me cry several times with this one. On Christmas Eve. Thanks a lot, Maureen. ;-))

And guess what? It’s here! It’s here! It’s here! And I didn’t have to tackle the mailman yesterday and say, “Where the hell is my box from Amazon, buddy?”

Okay, I wouldn’t really do that. I think he carries pepper spray or mace, or something. Besides, he knows where I live.

But J.R. Ward’s Lover Unbound has arrived and there’s much rejoicing. Well, at least by me. Who’s with me? Huh? Huh?

Vishous! Sigh.

But first, I must write. I have my own paranormal to finish. :-)

Happy writing and reading everyone!

Michele

P.S. To see an interview with Christina Dodd on Romance B(u)y the Book, click here: http://videos.lifetimetv.com/?fr_chl=494e8bc8fd79bf6af979ac2adde10a0fbea1c318&rf=bm

Where Stories Are Born and Other Miracles

So while I was writing on my laptop, my husband turned away from the Angels game and suggested we plan another trip to England and Scotland. Possibly next summer.

ME: Yippee! Jane Austen's House!
HIM: Uh, no.
ME: But...But...Jane Austen's House.
HIM: No. Been there. Done that.
ME: But Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy merchandise.
HIM: Definitely. Not.
ME: (a moment later) Where did the Bronte sisters live?
HIM: Why don't we go to Spain instead?
ME: Oooh! (fingers flying over the keyboard)
HIM: What are you doing?
ME: I'm Googling Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Don Quixote, baby!

Yeah, the poor guy can't win. :-)

The following was posted after our first trip to England...

The Miracle of Jane Austen’s House (and gift shop)
Originally posted on The Writer’s Vibe, August 2006

Yes, my friends, it was indeed a miracle! Three miracles, in fact. The first one being that we walked around without a map until we finally stumbled upon the tiny, picturesque village of Chawton where Jane Austen had lived. (We knew we were close when the houses started to sport thatched roofs).

Yeah, yeah. I know what my friends are thinking: Michele didn’t have a map of the entire area in her trusty file folder? Nope, no Google Earth either. Not this time, folks. We’d set out of London that morning, knowing an adventure waited for us near Alton…Somewhere.

Then suddenly, the miles we had endured in our pilgrimage and the soreness in our tired legs and aching feet was all worth it because finally on the right hand side of the narrow road was Jane Austen’s house and gift shop. And they took credit cards! Did I mention all the merchandise—photos, bookmarks, ect.,--with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy? Okay, I didn’t actually purchase said merchandise, as my husband was with me on this journey. Awkward!

Anyway, this was the 17th century house she’d lived in when she wrote and revised her novels. I stood next to the writing table she'd used, hoping to soak in some of the creative aura around it. Hmm…Can inanimate objects have an aura? Well, whatever it was, it worked because I bounded out of that house eager to write and I’ve been on a tear ever since that day. Miracle Number Two. Can I get an Amen?

The third miracle came about when my family and I realized we still had enough stamina to walk another seven miles around London that day, which we did. Thus, we knew it truly to be The Miracle of Jane Austen’s House (and gift shop).

I had a similar experience a few years back when I visited Louisa May Alcott’s house in Concord, Massachusetts. Well, not the walking part, as we had a car on that trip, but the thrill of being in a place where one of my favorite stories had been created. (I seem to recall hovering near her writing desk as well). That excitement kept me going until I finished my first novel. But I didn't stopped there, as several more stories are on their way!

So what about you? Who wrote your favorite novels? Have you visited the places where those stories were born?

Michele

I Believe I Can Fly

This summer, I realized I can fly. Do you ever have one of those moments when you think, You know what? I can do this. That happened to me.

With the help of some awesome OCC friends, I plotted out one of my paranormals and now know exactly where I'm going with that one (I'm so excited about this story and hope to be finished by the end of the year!!). And I have outlines for the next two in the trilogy, which I'll write as proposals.

I also have two more stories that need a bit of revising and polishing, and then they're ready to go. And three more ideas completely outlined and ready to be written as proposals.

If I set my goals, focus, and work my butt off to reach those goals...Then I'm going to experience lift-off, my friends. I'm ready!

I'm so fortunate to be able to surround myself with people who set goals and reach them, as it's such a motivator as well. Those friends truly, truly inspire me (not to mention give me a swift kick in the arse when I need it!). I'd be lost without them and feel I owe them so much for their generosity and guidance.

And as difficult as it is for a writer to become a published author, it's reassuring to look around and see so many friends who are published. Of course, if you want to be successful and fly, you have to work hard, you have to have the talent, the perseverance, and plain ole good luck to help you along.

Oh, and speaking of flying, talent, perseverance, and hard work, we went to the U.S. Women's Soccer (gold jerseys) match against Finland (blue jerseys). It was the last game in the U.S. before they left for China to contend for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. This team is ranked #1 in the world, and some of the players are wives and mothers...a few are as old as I am! (gasp). These women inspire me.

Watching this video makes me think I should probably join a gym or at least get off this chair and go out for a walk, or something. ;-)



USA VS. FINLAND from ericcwiertny and Vimeo.

The video was shot with our older point and shoot Sony Cybershot DSC-T33 and the still photos were shot by our Nikon D70.

Music: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes covering "I Believe I Can Fly"

So what do you believe you can do?

Michele

P.S. 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup opener, USA vs North Korea, begins September 11th. Go USA! :-)

Online Class: And Then What Happened? Scene, Sequel and More with NYT Bestseller Jill Marie Landis

Hi guys,

I'm back to this blog after a summer vacation hiatus.

And as I've been hanging out with most of you, you know I've been alive and kickin'... I even met some of you at the RWA conference in Dallas (Hi Spyscribbler!), which was so cool! :-)

So, as I'm easing back into posting here (don't want to throw too much at you too soon, LOL), I have the information for a fantastic online class titled And Then What Happened? Scene, Sequel and More.

You can bet Jill Marie Landis has some great advice and suggestions to offer in this class!

Happy Writing,

Michele

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And Then What Happened? Scene, Sequel and More.
A four-week online class featuring
New York Times Bestseller Jill Marie Landis
September 10 – October 14

You have characters. You have a plot. You might even have a synopsis! You’ve written three terrific opening chapters. Now what? Now it dawns on you that sitting down day after day, keeping those pages rolling, isn’t for the faint of heart. Now you’re feeling stymied, panicky and overwhelmed. Sound familiar? Then join New York Times bestseller Jill Marie Landis for a four-week online class designed to help you push through to the end. She’ll help you increase productivity, tighten each scene for more impact, and make your scenes come alive with action and emotion.

About Jill
OCC member Jill Marie Landis is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 romance novels. Her work has received many distinguished awards, including RWA’s RITA, and has earned her a slot on the nation’s top bestselling lists. You can find her at www.jillmarielandis.com


Enrollment Information: http://www.occrwa.com/classes_September.htm
COST: $20 for OCC members $30 for non-members

Enrollment deadline: September 8th, 2007

For more information about this class, please click http://www.occrwa.com/classes_September.htm or e-mail moderator Marianne Donley at MHDonley@aol.com with any questions.