Wednesday Fun - It's A Wonderful World

One day and counting until the movers arrive and take us to our new home. I’m sure you’ll be as glad as I will be when this is over. Tomorrow I won’t have internet access until late in the evening. Brighthouse has to come and hook me up. That being said, I probably won’t be back on until sometime Friday. No Thursday Thirteen this week. You can, however, continue to leave comments for this weeks contest. My CP, Laurie sent this to me and I thought you might enjoy it. You can link back to her guest blog as well.



See ya on Friday,
Vicki

Monday Check In and Contest

How can it be Monday? Where did the weekend go? I’ve got muscles I didn’t know I had and they ache. The painting is done in the new house with the exception of a small touch-up. I got paint on a little area of the crown molding in what will be my office.

The place is clean but me being who I am, I still needed to wipe out all the cabinets, clean the wood floors, and clean the bathroom before the movers come on Thursday. Science Guy and I spent the weekend getting all of the above accomplished. I must say, I’m tired, achy, and really proud of how it looks.

We’re taking boxes over each night this week that we won’t let the movers move and putting that stuff away. Then there are my clothes and shoes. Those go tonight. Yep, everything that hangs with the exception of the outfits I’ll need for work for the next two days and then jeans for Thursday. For those of you who know me well, you know this is a hard thing for me. I never decide what I’m going to wear until the morning when I’m getting ready.

All of that to give you an update and okay try to give you an excuse for not writing this week. I finally had to give myself a break and know that next week I’ll settle back in and write, write, write. So, my check in would be: zip, zilch, nadda.



Contest time. This week I’m excited to be giving away Karen Rose’s new book DIE FOR ME. The book will be available August 28, 2007.

Karen Rose is a Rita award winning, USA bestselling author of Romantic Suspense. If you like suspense then this is the book for you. Her stories are completely real and believable while down right scary. Tip: You might not want to read this before bed. :)

Here’s the back cover blurb:

COME TO ME

The first victim is found in a snow-covered Philadelphia field. Detective Vito Ciccotelli enlists the aid of archaeologist Sophie Johannsen to determine exactly what lies beneath the frozen ground. Despite years of unearthing things long buried, nothing can prepare Sophie for the matrix of graves dug with chilling precision. The victims buried there haunt her. But the empty graves terrify her – the killer isn’t done yet.

SCREAM FOR ME

He is cold and calculating, the master of a twisted game. Even with Vito and Sophie hot on his trail, he will not stop. One more empty grave must be filled, and one last scream must be heard – the scream of an archaeologist who is too close for comfort and too near to resist…

DIE FOR ME Click the link to read an excerpt.

How was your week? Did you write? Did life issues get in the way of your passion this week? Let us know how you did. We’re here to cheer your success or encourage you for the coming week.

Leave your comments to be entered in this week’s giveaway.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Fun Friday Contest Winner - A Day Late

Hi Everyone,

So sorry I didn't post the winner yesterday. Life is pretty crazy around my house with the move. Oh yeah, and the day job...that's been wild this week. Several people were out on vacation and you know what that means. Yep, I was the lucky person to pick up their work. Okay, so I don't mind it too much since they do the same for me when I'm out.

This week's winner of JR Ward's book one, Dark Lover, is...Jill James!!! Whoo Hoo Jill. Send me your snail mail addy to vickilanewrites at yahoo.com and I'll send the book to you.

I know you're going to love it.

Now, I'm off to the new house to paint.

Hope everyone has a great weekend and I'll see you on Monday with a new contest.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Thursday Thirteen - Favorite Websites/Blogs

Thirteen Website/Blogs I visit everyday or most days.

These are in no particular order.

1. Erica Ridley – Actually, Erica’s blog is the first one I visit each day. It’s a great blog on so many things. Check it out if you don’t

2. Diana Peterfreund – OMG, what a great blog. Diana shares moments of her life as a writer, things all writers should/need to know, and just plain fun stuff.

3. Openchannel – Danika is amazing. Her blogs for screenplays fit in so well with those of us who are writing novels. I love her poems and the visits from her past journals.

4. Greenwich Gossip – If you are not reading this blog you should. Bill Clark is an amazing writer and his post are always fun, entertaining, and knowledgable. Also, when reading some of the other blogs, check out his comments. They are the best!!

5. Plotmonkeys – Here you’ll find life in the jungle for Julie Leto, Carly Phillips, Janelle Denison, and Leslie Kelly. They share life, writing helps, and jokes. Trust me this is not a blog to miss. There’s always a Friday contest as well.

6. C L Wilson - Her website is great as well as her blog. The first two books in the Tairen Soul series will be out in October 2007 and November 2007.

7. Romancing The Blog – You never know who will be blogging here. This is a great place to learn about new authors, authors that have been around and perhaps you didn’t know them.

8. Pub Rants – Kristin Nelson has one of the best agent blogs around. She is very informative on what an agent looks for, things you should know to ask an agent, query letters, and well pretty much everything you need to know. Along with that she talks about her clients and life in general. I know there are several other really great ones, but this is the T-13

9. December Quinn – I love her blog. Lot’s of information for writers and fun stuff too.

10. Alyssa Goodnight - Can you say fun? Alyssa blog always makes me smile.

11. Manuscript Mavens - Great blog, especially for writers.

12. JR Ward – Her website is amazing. You’ll meet the Black Dagger Brotherhood, read deleted scenes, and lot’s of great stuff.

13. He said/She said – This is a great blog for writers. Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer have a terrific workshop going on here.

There are others that I visit but these are the ones that I visit everyday or almost everyday.

So who do you visit everyday? Don't forget to leave a comment for the contest.




Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Wednesday Fun - What Does Your Car Say About You in the Romance Department

We’ve all heard that the eyes are the windows into our soul. How our appearance can make a statement about who we are. Well, how about our cars and what it means in the romance department. My local radio station 94.9 had this on yesterday morning and since most of us write romance and all of us read romance, I thought you might enjoy it.

Terri Orbuch, Ph.D. has this to say about the cars we drive and what said cars say about us in romance.

"Many people rely on their date’s choice of clothing as the primary indicator of personality, but their date’s car may be an even bigger indicator of who they really are—especially in the love department,” says Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., the host of Detroit’s popular Love Doctor live television and radio programs.

The car: A fully loaded SUV

What the car says about its owner: More often than not, an SUV driver is an organized person who might even be a bit of a paranoid pack-rat, Dr. Orbuch says. “AN SUV driver probably has everything from freeze-dried energy bars to emergency flares in the truck space,” she explains. The 4-wheel-drive tells you that this person wants to be prepared for both emergencies and for spontaneous adventures—a bit of a paradox, isn’t it? Dr. Orbuch notes that this person enjoys control and likes to be at the top of his or her game, whether it be sports, work, family, or trivia and ultimately is a motivated, energetic, and passionate person.

What the car says about its owner’s love style: “An SUV driver likely prefers his or her partners to also be organized, although it’s doubtful you can meet their standards in that department,” says Dr. Orbuch. She notes that the driver probably won’t mesh well with partners who lack a zest for life: “This person is looking for someone with a sense of adventure and even a bit of unpredictability—but chances are, he or she will have an extra toothbrush for you in case you forget yours!”

The car: A red convertible

What the car says about its owner: While it’s easy to assume that the owner of a shiny convertible is either flashy or going through a midlife crisis, Dr. Orbuch suggests otherwise: “Someone who drives this kind of car has two sides, each of which is revealed depending on the setting.” She says its driver can have a shy streak (a sexy car is akin to a conversation-starter), but in general (and especially in relationships) this person is an alpha-type.

What the car says about its owner’s love style: The convertible’s driver likes to lead a stylish life—so his or her mate had better appreciate that flair, too. What’s more, Dr. Orbuch observes, “someone who is social, outgoing and extremely comfortable with others is a good fit. If you’re the driver, you will have no problem if your mate is magnetically charismatic, just as long as he or she can loop arms and feel safe while you do the shining.”

The car: A station wagon

What the car says about its owner: As the SUV has become the most popular “car that hauls” choice in the vehicular marketplace, the driver who remains committed to rolling in a station wagon is clearly a traditionalist. “A station-wagon driver doesn’t like change and can’t seem to figure out what all the fuss is about new technology and such,” Dr. Orbuch asserts. “He or she is highly practical, but may have a secret penchant for high-priced comfort items like his and hers sheepskin seat covers,” she says.

What the car says about its owner’s love style: This driver is looking for a partner who is honest and sincere, just like he or she is—someone who isn’t afraid to trust and commit to a good relationship, Dr. Orbuch notes. “If the driver doesn’t have or want kids, it’s likely that he or she wants to get involved with a date’s extended family big-time—like for cookouts with the folks, family reunions, and so on,” she says. “His or her perfect partner is someone who will be a formidable badminton teammate at the next family gathering.” Nothing wrong with good, clean, wholesome fun, now is there?

The car: A Honda Accord or other sensible sedan

What the car says about its owner: Someone who drives this practical vehicle is most likely educated and intelligent, Dr. Orbuch says. “This driver probably likes discussing politics and is very well-read and mature,” she explains. “People who drive these kinds of cars don’t take big risks in life, but hey, that mentality has served them well up to now!” What you may find pleasantly surprising is that the driver probably has a lot of savings socked away. “This kind of person has invested his or her money well and may very well be enjoying a cushy lifestyle, but is just smart enough to know that a car is a horrible investment,” she explains. Ultimately, he or she cares about value, not flash.

What the car says about its owner’s love style: Its owner will most enjoy someone who likes to converse about life, Dr. Orbuch suggests. “He or she thinks that support, friendship, and honesty are essential to a good healthy relationship,” she says. Additionally, he or she probably doesn’t mind spending a lot of money on a mate—“especially when it comes to travel, fabulous hotels, and great restaurants,” she says. The thinking is: “I save when I can to splurge when I want.”

The car: A Jeep Wrangler or FJ Cruiser

What the car says about its owner: Believe it or not, this person is not a risk-taker, but would very much like to be. “More often than not, this kind of person’s life is pretty routine; he or she is super responsible,” Dr. Orbuch says. “However, this person has a slightly immature streak — that’s OK, by the way — that wants to step out and go wild. This car helps the owner express that part of his or her character; this individual wants to be perceived as young, carefree and spontaneous.”

What the car says about its owner’s love style: Because this driver is most likely not much of a risk-taker, when looking for a partner, he or she will be seeking someone who is. “He or she is up for something exciting and unpredictable and is probably looking for someone who is adventurous.” While the owner of this car is probably very tolerant of high-maintenance people and drama queens or kings, ultimately, Dr. Orbuch says, his or her main criteria in a mate is someone who knows how to have fun.

The car: A Toyota Prius or any other hybrid

What the car says about its owner: You guessed it: The person behind the wheel of a Prius chose an environmentally-friendly car because that cause is meaningful to him or her. “This driver is an energetic volunteer or cause-supporter who is often earnest and serious,” Dr. Orbuch notes. “This person is wearing his or her priorities on a sleeve (well, on the car…) and is interested in making a statement.” Just know that he or she “probably doesn’t have a sense of humor when it comes to rainforest preservation, veganism, or Dennis Kucinich,” she says. Ultimately, these drivers have good souls, she says: “People appreciate their commitment to their beliefs, even if they may be prone to preaching.”

What the car says about its owner’s love style: The hybrid driver is likely searching for someone who shares his or her politics and passions. “This driver is probably most apt to meet his or her perfect mate at a political march or a benefit,” says Dr. Orbuch. She also suggests that because this person may be a bit uptight in the love department; finding a mate who can loosen him or her up is essential.

The car: A BMW or other luxury sedan

What the car says about its owner: Owners of these types of cars — think the BMW 7 Series — believe that they’ve made their money, darn it, and they’ve got the right to spend, flaunt it and enjoy it. “They might be a bit annoying in the boasting department, but they are successful people who have earned some bragging rights,” says Dr. Orbuch.

What the car says about its owner’s love style: Dr. Orbuch says these people tend to be slightly insecure when it comes to relationships. “They are usually nervous about making big mistakes in the love department,” she explains. It’s important for them to feel successful in all aspects of their lives. While these drivers don’t mind someone who is impressed by their money, Dr. Orbuch says that they really do hope to meet someone who will like them for who they are. “The perfect mate for this kind of person is someone who is self-sufficient but genuinely happy to dote on a partner,” she says.

So, I drive an SUV. I do not have freeze dried energy bars in my car or anything like that. I do tend to keep stuff in the back of the car though. I only keep things there until I’m ready to take them into the house. Hey, it’s got that extra space in the back, right? The romance part is pretty dead on. I like adventure and I probably would have an extra toothbrush if you forgot yours.

How about you? What kind of car do you drive? Do you match up with the Love Doctor?

Happy Wednesday Everyone,
Vicki, 9 days until the movers come

Monday Check In and Contest

This past week I’ve not written at all. It’s been packing, throwing away, and more packing. I don’t actually move for another week, which means I’m living in total chaos right now.

Hopefully, I’ll have words, pages, revisions, or edits to report next week. You all know how much I love the 100 words/100 days. It keeps me in my story. Now I feel I’m going back in cold. Yuck! Not the way I like to work but it can’t be helped.


This week’s contest is the first Black Dagger Brotherhood, Dark Lover, by JR Ward. This is the first in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and since she the fifth is coming out in September, I thought I’d introduce you to the boys. Ummm, if you meet them, don't call them boys. Especially Zsadist, who the brothers call Z. He's really cool but don't tell him I said that. He doesn't take to well to it. Oh, his book is the third in the series. :)

You may have read her other work, written by her actual name, Jessica Bird. If so, then you already know she is a fabulous writer.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a must read even if paranormal is not the normal genre you read. You will become totally immersed within their world, knowing them well, and yes, pulling for them. You might even wish to become a shellan or wish you could be one of the brothers.

Here’s a blurb from the book. You can check out her sight for an excerpt.

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There also exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Among them, none relishes killing their enemies more than Wrath, the leader of the Black Dagger Brotherhood...

The only purebred vampire left on the planet, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But when one of his most trusted fighters is killed- orphaning a half-breed daughter unaware of her heritage or her fate - Wrath must usher the beautiful female into the world of the undead…

Racked by a restlessness in her body that wasn't there before, Beth Randall is helpless against the dangerously sexy man who comes to her at night with shadows in his eyes. His tales of brotherhood and blood frighten her. But his touch ignites a dawning hunger that threatens to consume them both…
So how’s your week been? Did you write, edit, revise, or even think about your current wip? Or are you like me, life has taken over for a short time and you’re fighting your way back?

Don’t forgot to leave your comments all week to be in the drawing for JR Ward’s book. You’re going to love it!

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Fun Friday Contest Winner

Yeah, for Friday's! It's almost weekend time, the time I normally love. It's been a great week even with the packing at night. With the exception of writing. I've not had much time to write and probably won't for the next couple of weeks.

The winner of this week's contest, Julie Leto's new book, is Alyssa Goodnight. Congrats Alyssa!

She's has a wonderful blog so be sure and check it out if you're not already reading it.

Alyssa email me at vickilanewrites @yahoo.com with your snail mail addy and I'll send your book to you.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend doing everything you love.

WW's & PD's
Vicki

Thursday Thirteen

We Found A House - 13 Things About Moving

1. Boxes – I have some but will need more.

2. Arranging the furniture in my head, over and over again. My oversized red chairs aren’t going to fit in the living room.

3. Packing – 2 weeks ahead of time (this is Science Guy’s idea, I’m the procrastinator on these things). I am throwing away junk though.

4. Taking the blow dryer out of the box – It’s two weeks till we move. I’m going to need it.

5. Giving away things that I don’t need or want and someone else does.

6. Yard sale – do I really need to say more? I hate to do them, like going to one, hate to do them.

7. Movers to move us – Yeah! This is one of my fav’s since it makes it so much easier and quicker.

8. Placing the furniture in the new house. No longer in my head or on paper. More than likely anything I thought of will change.

9. Unpacking the boxes – deciding where things will go in the kitchen.

10. Throwing away more junk.

11. Decorating – The pictures and stuff like that.

12. Buying new stuff to replace the stuff I throw out thinking it was junk. :)

13. Rearranging the furniture, again.



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!



Happy Thursday!
Vicki

Wednesday Fun

It Wednesday. Hump day for the 'day job' work week. And it's time for the middle of the week funny.

Some of you may have seen this one, since it's been around several writers loops. I thought it was funny though and wanted to share it for anyone who hasn't seen it.



You should be able view the video here. In case you have a problem here's the link you can click and go to YouTube.

Historical Romances

Do you have a favorite YouTube video? Share the link with us in the comments if you do.

WW's and PD's,

Vicki

Tuesday Check In (late) and Contest

I sat there all day. Was I picked for jury duty? Nope. Good thing I took what all writers would take; a great book, my last two chapters, and my Quickpad. I read, edited, and wrote. All in all I can’t say that it was a day wasted. Actually it was like having a free day to do what I love best. Just not in the comfort of my own home.

Time to check in with the word count for the 100x100 this week:

AT&B:
Last Sunday’s ending word count: 23,285
Ending word count for the week: 24,807
Total new words added this week: 1,522

Not the word count I would like but I’m still writing forward. With finding a home, packing, and moving at the end of the month as long as I’m writing I’m happy.

Okay, now for the fun part. This week’s contest is for Julie Leto’s new book Stripped.

Lilith St. John is a witch—really! And she hasn't been too good lately. (It seems using her powers to make Detective Mac Mancusi totally infatuated with her was a big no-no. Who knew?) After all, what woman could resist having a sexy guy like Mac aching for her every minute they were apart? But the council isn't pleased—in fact, they're stripping Lilith of her powers. What's a witch to do?

Especially now—when Mac's suddenly back in her life, looking to rekindle the magic…
You can listen to an audible here: Stripped audible

Thanks to everyone who left comments on their favorite authors. The coming weeks contest will have several of them. I know it’s hard to pick the fav’s when there are so many. This is a great way to learn about authors that we may not know.

Erica, you can be sure your book will be on the contest as soon as it hits the shelves. :)

As always, leave your comments today and during the week to be included in the contest.

WW’s&PD’s,
Vicki

Monday Check In

Today's post will be late. I be at the local court house for possbile jury selection.

This afternoon or evening I'll post last weeks word count and this weeks contest.

Until then I thought I'd leave you with a question for upcoming contest. Who is your favorite author, books you'd love to see on the weekly contest, and what is it about them that you love?

This may introduce us all too new authors. :)

Also, if you'd like to guest blog on a Tuesday, email me at vickilanewrites at yahoo.com with your blog.

Vicki

Fun Friday Contest Winner

TGIF!!! I don’t know about you but I’m so glad Friday is finally here. Don’t get me wrong, I love my ‘day job’ as far as ‘day jobs’ go. But to say it’s been once of those weeks is putting it mildy. We have people leaving and that means one thing. Until their positions are filled, others must do their work. Again, really not complaining, I’m very much a team player. I’m just plain tired. I wrote nothing last night. Nada, zip, zilch. It’s not been a very productive week for my writing. So…glad it’s Friday!!!

Okay, enough about that. Now on to better things, like the winner of this week’s contest.

Cue drum roll, please. The winner of Carly Phillips book Cross My Heart is none other than… Bill Clark! Yeah! Big Congrats!!! He is also our resident, can you say, genius. No, really, he is. I might add a little plug here. If you aren’t reading his blog, Greenwich-Gossip and comments on other blogs you are missing out on some really great stuff.

Bill, please email me your snail mail addy at vickilanewrites at yahoo.com so I can mail out the book. If you haven’t read Carly’s books before you are in for a treat.

Don’t forget to check in on Monday with your past weeks progress.

Happy Friday Everyone,
Vicki

Thursday Thirteen

1. “Charm is getting the answer ‘yes’ without ever having asked the question” ~Albert Camus

2. “It’s never to late to be what you might have been” ~George Eliot

3. “If you think you can or think your can’t, you’re right” ~Henry Ford

4. “The best and most beautiful things in life cannot be seen or even touched…thy must be felt with the heart” ~Helen Keller

5. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages” ~William Shakespeare

6. “A person who won’t read has not advantage over one who can’t read” ~Mark Twain

7. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dress in overalls and looks like work” ~Thomas Alva Edison

8. “A good film is when the price of the dinner, the theatre admission and the babysitter were worth it” ~Alfred Hitchcock

9. “I am the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries” ~Stephen King

10. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” ~Walt Disney

11. “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same” ~Flavia

12. “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly” ~ Langston Hughes

13. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away” ~Unknown

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!



View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



These are a few of my favorite quotes. How about you? Is one of the above yours or do you have another one? Share it with us in the comments.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Wednesday Fun - Could You Pass High School

Wow. I guess it’s a good thing I graduated a while ago. I made good to great grades in high school. No, really I did. I did so well last week with vocabulary. That’s it, there weren’t enough English questions. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Now, to slink off to brush up on my politics and math.

You Passed High School with an C

You have the brains of a high school graduate... at least!

Could You Pass High School?

Come on, take the test. Let us know how you did.

Writing Wishes,
Vicki

Guest Blogger Aaron Childs

Today’s guest blogger is Aaron Child’s. He is currently working towards a degree in business and this is from one of his writing assignments. Yes, it’s a true story and we thought you’d enjoy reading a page from his childhood.

The contest for Carly Phillips book Cross My Heart continues until Friday. Be sure and leave your comments to be entered.

Also, a reminder of Brenda Novak’s and Karen Rose’s "whodunit contest" is still going. Be sure and check it out. Not only are the prizes incredibly but how fun to play sleuth.

Now for your reading pleasure, here’s Aaron:

Broken Arm

Being wedged between a door and wall is not the most comfortable place. My older brother, Chris, had left me on my own to hold the door. My Mother, Father and sister were pushing but could not hear me screaming until it was too late. The pain was more than I could bear but my parents would experience the greatest pain of all.

When I was in the first grade my parents were very playful. They would be washing the dishes and Father would splash Mother with some water. She would splash him back and the flood gates seemed to have opened up. Water went flying through the air, in slow motion, until it hit its target. The floor became slippery and everyone armed themselves with the weapon of his or her choice. I let out a war cry and used a cup to drench my Father. My sister, Regina, tried to wrestle the cup from my little hands. Chris grabbed a squirt gun from his room and started his onslaught. Mother yelled at Father then turned her attention to Chris. Mercy was not a common virtue that night.

My cup was empty and Chris ran out of ammo. Things became interesting at this moment. My Father charged us like a human juggernaut. Chris and I knew what was coming. If Father caught us, Chris and I, would be tickled until our faces turned blue. Chris and I both turned simultaneously and bolted down the hall. My Father, Mother and Regina followed in hot pursuit. We kept running until we reached Chris’ room. We slammed the door and blocked it with our bodies. We pushed with all our might because failure was not an option.

Chris realized our efforts were futile and abandoned his post. He ran to the back of the room and I was left to face the strength of a mob. The door began to open and I became wedged between the door and wall. As the door was closing in on me I saw my left arm began to deform.

My arm bent at the elbow but something was wrong. Tears dribbled down my cheek and I began to cry. My arm was bending the wrong way! I screamed louder and the door released me from my prison. I was free but the pain remained. My family came to my rescue and realized my arm had been broken. I was drowned in apologies and whisked to the emergency room. A cast was placed on my arm and the apologies still came. Caution murdered my parent’s playfulness that night and things were never the same.

I love the last line.

So, how about you? Any takes from childhood that is never to be forgotten? Are you dying to blog but don’t want to have your own week to week, day to day? Email me at vickilanewrites at yahoo.com with your blog idea. I’d love to have you.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Monady Check In and Weekly Contest

I can’t believe its Monday and time to check in again. This is definitely not one my highest word counts for the week since I’ve been finishing edits. Note to self: never let edits go beyond a couple of chapters. Now that they’re completed I’ll be writing forward again. WhooHoo!!!

Here’s the count for the week:

AT&B:
Last Sunday’s ending word count: 21,636
Ending word count for the week: 23, 285
Total new words added this week: 1,649

Since the beginning (I’m on Day 44) of the 100x100 I’ve added a total of 23, 285 words.

Now for the fun part, the contest. This week’s contest is for Carly Phillips book Cross My Heart.



She's gone from riches to rags—and back again!

Ten years ago, Lilly Dumont was the ultimate poor little rich girl, complete with a huge inheritance...and an uncle determined to take it from her. With the help of her first love, she faked her own death and ran away to New York City, leaving behind everything, including her own name. Lilly Dumont was gone, but Lacey Kincaid was going to make it. Only neither one ever forgot Ty Benson.

Now Lacey's back to claim her inheritance. And her sizzling reunion with Ty has made her homecoming something to remember! Only not everybody's thrilled to see Lacey alive and well... And it's up to Ty to make sure his childhood sweetheart doesn't disappear again—for good!

It you’d like to read an excerpt please go to Carly’s site Cross My Heart Excerpt

This is an awesome can't put it down book. Once you've read it you'll be dying to know Molly and Hunter's story. Guess what? Carly being the fab author that she is has written their story. Sealed With A Kiss will release on September 25th. I'm so excited and I know you will be too!

You know the drill; leave a comment anytime this week to be entered into the contest. On Friday I’ll announce the winner.

How’s your week been? Are you doing the 100x100 or the Sweatin Seventy? If you haven’t joined either than why not start today. If you have let us know how your week went.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Fun Friday Contest Winner

It's Friday!!! Yeah, the last day of the week. Time to go home and enjoy the weekend I posted about in the T13.

The winner of this week's contest is none other than Melissa Childs. WhooHoo and congrats!!! You won Linda Lael Miller’s book McKettrick’s Luck.

Melissa please email me at vickilanewrite at yahoo.com with your snail mail address.

If you're doing the 100x100 don’t' forget to check in on Monday with your word count. If your not doing it but want to check in with how your doing and goals for the upcoming week that'd be great! Here you'll get encouragement and Cheers as we travel the writing road. Kinda like off to see the wizard. :)

One more note here, on Tuesday I have guest bloggers. Well, sometimes I have guest bloggers. If you would like to guest blog then please email me at the same address above with the blog in the body of the email. The blog needs to be fresh, as in not somewhere on your own blog as I will link back to your blog. Also, please remember this is a very large community and I won't post anything that is considered rude or a public rant to or about someone.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,

Vicki

Thursday Thirteen

Before I start this week’s Thursday Thirteen I wanted to tell you about a really cool contest going on. It started yesterday. Brenda Novak and Karen Rose are doing a Who Dunnit Contest. Each week there are updates in the story and the first person to solve it wins an awesome prize. There are lots of other prizes to be won as well. Check out the site and let me know what you think. Who Dunnit It Contest

Be sure and leave your comments. Tomorrow I’ll announce this week’s winner.

Thirteen Things about I Love About The Weekend 1…. I don’t have to go to the day job – Don’t get me wrong for a day job mine is not bad. I love where I work and who I work with. Still I’m looking forward to the day that writing is my day job. 2. I can sleep in –Well, that’s not entirely true if you know me. I can’t sleep in no matter what day it is. I can, however take a nap if I want to. 3. My house gets back in somewhat order – I’m a writer. Really that should be enough said on that one. 4. Catching up on movies – There’s no time during the week to do this. Usually on the weekends we watch at least one new movie. 5. Writing – This is one of my very favorites. I can write anytime of the day for as long as I want. This is when I write the most words. My muse loves the weekend. 6. Visiting with Friends – Really, that’s pretty much it on this one. This is when I have the extra time. 7. Cooking – I love to cook but during the week it’s got to be something fast and easy. So on the weekends I like to cook the things that take oh so much longer. 8. Reading – This seems to be the only time that I read anymore. During the week I come home from the day job and start the second job. Writing. Which means reading usually has to be done on the weekends. 9. Shopping – Okay, so I’ll shop anytime but the weekends there is more time to look around, take my time, try things on. 10. The beach – I love, love, love the beach. Science Guy and I used to go to the beach in the evenings and walk but not so much anymore. If I’m going to make it there it has to be on the weekends. 11. Spending time with Science Guy – Yes, we see each other everyday, when we wake up, eat that quick weekday dinner, watch a bit of TV (after I’ve finished writing for the night), and so on. But the weekends is when we can spend real time together. 12. Taking a day trip to nowhere – I love to do this. We don’t do it every weekend but it’s so much fun to just pick a place and get in the car and go check it out. We’ve found some really cool places this way. 13. House hunting – Well at least for now. This is the only time that we can drive around and look at the neighborhoods we think we want to live in. I do believe we found the place last weekend but until everything is signed and over with I still have to look. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. December Quinn (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wednesday Fun - How's Your Vocabulary?

I thought this might be interesting considering most of us are writers and all of us are readers. Or at least we all should be. :)

Oh, and by the way, I didn't cheat. This is my actual score. Of course I did have to look up the words it says I am. :)

Check it out and leave a comment with your score and what it says about you. Remember all comments will be added for the Friday contest. In case you forgot, this week it's Linda Lael Miller’s book McKettrick’s Luck.

Now, for your vocabulary testing pleasure???

Your Vocabulary Score: A-

Congratulations on your multifarious vocabulary! You must be quite an erudite person.

How's Your Vocabulary?

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki