Wednesday Fun - Who Do You Look Like?

It's Wednesday and it's Halloween. What better day than to do a littling morphing. :)

I found this over on AM's blog. She did the one that shows several celeb look-alikes. When I checked out the site they had different ways to do that one and then...I found the one that morphs you into the celeb they think you look most like.

As you'll see, they think I look like Joley Richardson. Oh for that to be true. :D


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Anyway, check it out. See who you look like and let us know. Which one did you do? Morph? or the page with all your celeb look alikes?

Did you dress up for Halloween today? If so, who are you? What's your favorite part of Halloween? Dressing up? Giving out candy to the little kids and not so little kids?

Be sure and check out the Maven's as I think today may wrap up the story. If you haven't read them go back and read each installment. Leave your comment and give it a title. You could win prizes!!

Happy Hauntings,

Vicki

Every Had One of Those Mornings...

I understand just how he feels. :)


Don't forget to check out the Maven's blog. The story, yet to be titled is coming to a close. It's been great fun!!! Thank you Mavens and everyone else who has had a part in the telling of...wait, I'll not give it away. If you haven't read them head on over now and catch up. There's still time, but not much so go now. :)

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Monday Check In and Yep, Contest Time

Good Monday morning (or afternoon). It’s getting closer to Halloween, my daughter coming to visit, and Thanksgiving. So Monday’s aren’t looming over me with the weeks just beginning feeling right now. Too much stuff is happening.

Before we check in and I announce this weeks contest I wanted to remind you to check out the Maven’s. Today’s installment is by Julie Leto. I’m pretty sure ‘A’ won out yesterday and if so than she’ll be writing a love scene. Who better than Julie to write a love scene between two half dead, or are they all dead??? You’ll have to check it out to know. :)

It’s time to check in and let us know how you did this week. I wrote 5494 words. Whoo-hoo!! I’m actually in last act of the book right now. I’ve got about 29,000 words left to go and I need it done prior to December 3rd.

After the fabulous CL Wilson released her first book, Lord of the Fading Lands, I, much like the rest of the reading world couldn’t wait for the next book in the series to come out. Thank goodness this was a quick release and it’s HERE!!!

This week’s contest is Lady of Light and Shadows. It promises to be another fabulous read. The reviews are awesome and I know you’re going to love it.



Man, does she have awesome covers or what? I love them. The covers alone would make me pick up the book.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Since her earliest memories, Ellysetta Baristani has feared magic, even as she has been inexorably drawn to all things Fey, especially the poetry and legends of Rain Tairen Soul. Now claimed as Rain’s truemate and no longer able to deny her own magic, Ellysetta is swept into the very center of a struggle filled with the magic and darkness she has always feared. The High Mage of Eld wants to capture her. The most murderous dahl’reisen who ever lived wants her dead. And her enemies will corrupt even the people she loves most in their quest to claim her magic for themselves.

To read an excerpt follow this link.

You know the drill, leave your comments through out the week to be entered into the contest.

So, how did you do this week? Did you meet your goals, come close, or go beyond? Are you working on a deadline to finish the wip or are you taking your time, writing as you can?

Tell us, we like to cheer you on and will even pull out the red stiletto’s if needed. :)

Hope your week is a great one!!

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Friday Contest Winner - On Saturday

I totally forgot to announce the winner of this week’s contest on yesterday’s post.

Susanhalter is this week’s winner. Please email me at vickilanewrites at yahoo.com with your snail mail addy and I’ll send out your autographed book. I’m sure you’re going to love it. If you’d like to post a review of the book on your site after reading it, please let me know and I’ll link to it from here.

I know I’ve told you about the Maven’s blog, but just in case anyone missed it I wanted to tell you again. They are doing a really cool you pick the next installment of the story line. Tomorrow Diana Peterfreund will be posting the next part of the story.
So, head over, read the story thus far, and pick your choice for what comes next. It’s going to be great!!

Also, over on the Plotmonkeys Saturday Writing Craft, they have author Colleen Collins. She has a great blog on characters lying and cheating. Check it out.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. The weather here is beginning to cool off. Well, not too much but still it’s better than it was.

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Who, What, When, Where, Why and How???

Who are you as an author? What made you decide to write? When and Where do you write? Why do you do it? How bad do you want it? The last question may well be the most important question you’ll ask yourself in your writing career.

The Encyclopedia, The Free Dictionary online has this to say concerning the definition of an author.

An author is the person who creates a written work, such as a book, story, article, or the like, whether short or long, fiction or nonfiction, poetry or prose, technical or literary.

Who? As an author you are the one to pen/type your words, create your world, and introduce us to your characters. It’s your job to make them come to life for the reader. To so submerge them into this world you’ve created, the reader will sigh as they close the book not wanting to leave their new found friends.

So, what made you decide to write? Or this could simply say why do you write? You can read the post on why do you write, in its entirety here.

Or maybe it’s one of the ones below.
Is it because:
a. You’ve read 1000 books and decided, “Hey, I can do that.”
b. This years lineup on TV just aren’t doing it for you and your bored
c. Everybody’s writing something, besides it’s pretty cool to tell people you’re a writer
d. Because the damn muse will not shut up. You’re character won’t leave you alone. In fact they’re pretty much demanding you write their story or forfeit all thoughts of sleep and a normal life.

Depending on “Who” you are, you may pick any one of the above. For me, it’s definitely the last one. I go to sleep thinking about the book and wake up thinking about it. I have notepads everywhere in case they speak to me and I’m not near the computer. Trust me, if I don’t write it down I might just forget it. My muse knows this, but she a stubborn one. I pretty sure she feels like once she tells me it’s my job to get and remember it.

When and Where do you write? Are you a morning person, like C L Wilson, who loves to write at 4:00 AM or are you an late night person, like Anne Marie who prefers anywhere from 11:00 pm until the dreaded 4:00 AM? Me, I’m neither of those. I write when I get home from the day job. Regardless of when you write the importance is that you write. You will never see the end if you don’t have HOKBIC (hands on keyboard, butt in chair). Where you choose to write should be the place that most inspires you. If you need absolute quiet then sitting in front of the tube with the kids/dogs playing all around you probably won’t work. If that doesn’t bother you and your creative juices flow between commercials then by all means do that. Basically what I’m saying it pick what works best for you and to use Nike’s phrase Just Do It.

Okay, you’ve answered the who, what, when, where, and why’s. There’s just one more question to ask. This, in my humble opinion, may be the most important question to answer in your writing career.

How bad do you want it? Are you willing to give up television at night in order to write? If you work a day job are you willing to make this your second job to get it done? This is your career and it’s up to you how fast or long it takes to reach “The End”. But if you’re serious about wanting this as a career you must make time to write everyday or almost everyday. How much time you devote will differ from day to day and also depending on your life. But time devoted is the only way you’ll finish the book.

If this is to be a career then yes, it’s your second job until the day comes you can make it your one and only job. How long will it take you? That’s your decision and yours alone. For me, it’s working on it everyday when I come home from pay the bills job. I’ve heard that in order to achieve the things you want most you should act like it’s already a done deal. That means writing deadlines and finishing the book.

So your turn, do you have any Who, What, When, Where, Why and How’s going on in your world? Have you decided this is your career and created a career path for yourself? Or are you simply writing as you have time just for the joy of writing a story?

Oh, any by the way, if you haven’t been to the Maven’s this week for the Choose Your Own Adventure, what are you waiting for. You’ve got several days to read and then choose the next. It’s a writer’s Halloween party going on over there. :)

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,

Vicki

Thursday Thirteen - Weird Things You Would Never Know

The pic is from last year. I was, in case you're not sure a spider woman. Not like spiderman. But with spiders and spider webs everywhere.

These are some Weird Things You Would Never Know!! (But do now) :)

1. No word in the English language rhymes with ‘Month’

2. All polar bears are left handed

3. The electric chair was invented by a dentist

4. TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.

5. The cigarette lighter was invented before the match

6. The Main Library at Indiana University sinks over an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building

7. Butterflies taste with their feet

8. In every episode of Seinfeld there is a Superman somewhere

9. Most lipstick contains fish scales

10. It’s physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky

11. ‘Go’ is the shortest complete sentence in the English language

12. Americans on average eat 18 acres of pizza every day.

13. In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand

Your turn, what weird facts do you know that we don’t?



WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Wednesday Fun

For this week’s Wednesday Fun I’m sending you over to a couple of blogs.

AM has a great interactive story in which you get to participate in writing it. Read what’s written so far and then add your own next six lines. :)

Then make sure you check out the Manuscript Mavens blog where you’ll read the story thus far and then choose where the story is going from four possibilities. You don’t have to write this one. They got different guest bloggers coming in each day to add the next installment of the story from whichever one had the most votes on the previous day. Fun, Fun!!

It’s October and that means time to dress up the little ones and go get the candy. Or maybe you dress up as well. We do at the day job. It’s always fun to see who’s wearing what. :)

Your turn, do you dress up for Halloween? What’s your favorite costume?
Here's a Simpson Halloween if you want or have time to watch it. :)





WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Monday Check In and New Contest

Monday has rolled in again. This time without the omg, it’s Monday theme plastered to it. Why? I’m not sure. Maybe it’s because my daughter and SnL will be here in a couple of weeks and I’m getting excited to see them. Maybe it’s because the day job should be a bit more normal this week. Maybe it’s cause I re-vamped my website. Check it out and let me know what you think of the colors and stuff. Regardless of the reason, I’m not feeling the five-more-days-until-the-weekend that I normally feel on Mondays.

Before I do the word count and the contest for this week I wanted remind you to check out Anne-Marie’s blog today on writing software. AM, as we call her, has a wonderfully sassy voice which comes through in her blog as well as her writing. So, go check it out and on Tuesday she’s starting an interactive writing week. Sounds like it’s going to tons of fun.

Also, I’m sure you’re all reading the Manuscript Mavens blog each day, but be sure and check it out this morning. Their having a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ and today is day 1. So many fun things happening this time of year in the blog world.

Now onto this weeks check in. Word count: 4042 and that’s with two days of zero writing. I’m finding that my best writing day is Sunday. I still try to write everyday but on Sunday’s I can leave the computer on and write for a while, do what I need or want to do for a bit and then come back and write some more.

It’s contest time!



This week’s contest is featuring Julie Leto, Rhonda Nelson, and Mia Zachary in their new book Witchy Business.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

CASE FILE #1:
Regina St. Lyon's powers have been waning. Maybe she did betray love, but what else could a duped girl do? At the time, banishing hotter-than-thou Brock Aegis to the Middle Realm seemed like a good idea. But now Brock is back...

CASE FILE #2: Benedict DeWin is practically wizard royalty--and as magically gifted as a stale loaf of bread. But then he meets Bryony Flynn, another magical "failure"- whose only gift is to make certain things grow. Not that Benedict is complaining...

CASE FILE #3:
Born to a family of seers and shamans, Siobhan Silverhawk has accepted her magicless lifestyle. But when she meets recent widower J. B. Pendleton, Siobhan figures she has magic enough to make a love potion--which seems to have worked a little too well!

Case File #1 is Julie Leto’s story and if you read Stripped you’re going to love this book. If you haven’t read Stripped then what are you waiting for. Go get the book, get both books. :)

Here’s where you can read an excerpt for Witchy Business Case File #1.

So, how was your week? Did you meet your goals? Did you write, plot, think about your current wip or spend time critiquing and polishing your baby? How close to writing ‘The End’ are you?

Leave your comments so we can cheer and encourage you for the last week and the new week ahead. Oh yeah, and it will also enter you into this week’s contest. All comments through out the week will enter you.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,

Vicki

Saturday - Check Out The Plotmonkeys

Over in the Plotmonkey's jungle today they have author Cindi Myers. She is giving fabulous tips for writing.

If you haven’t been reading the Plotmonkeys what are you waiting for? This is a must read blog IMVHO. It’s both fun and informative.

During the week you'll become family as you read about their daily lives. Friday's is contest day! WhooHoo!! Gotta love contest and they have one of the best around. On Saturday’s you’ll find mini writing workshops to strengthen your craft. And Sunday's they announce the Friday winner. :)

Also, on Monday be sure and check Anne-Marie Caroll’s blog on Writing Software. On Tuesday she’s doing an interactive writing blog. Anyone who knows AM, knows that she has a great sassy comical voice. This is one blog you’re going to love.

I’m off now to a “Writers in Residence” workshop. Always learning, always improving the craft, and always taking advice from well-known authors who’ve paved the path.

Happy Writing Everyone,
Vicki

TGIF and This Week's Contest Winner

Friday, Friday, Friday...Okay, so you get the drift of how I'm feeling this week. :)

It's been a crazy busy week at work. It will slow down in another month or so but 4th quarter in a 24/7 live TV broadcast for sales...well, the holiday seasons are coming so we're busy, busy, busy.

This week’s winner is none other than the wonderful Patricia!!!. WhooHoo Patricia!! Confetti flying through the air, horns going off and there's a celebration all around. Major congrats!!

Email me your snail mail addy to vickilanewrites at yahoo.com and I'll send Rita Herron’s book to you.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Relax, Read a great book, Write your great book...generally just enjoy yourselves.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Thursday Thirteen - Do's and Don'ts

I found this picture searching the web this morning. I believe it came from this site. I added the TT.



This week’s Thursday Thirteen is a few do’s and don’ts for writers. Keep in mind this is my list and may or may apply to how you write.

1. Do – your research, from the weather to local food and attractions. You may not need it all but it’s better to know than not.

2. Don’t – assume that it’s the rainy season in June because it is in your home town. Trust me on this. If you’re wrong someone(s) will point it out loud and clear leaving you to look silly for not doing number 1

3. Do – try to write everyday. While this is not always possible, try it as much as possible even for a short time each day.

4. Don’t – go weeks without looking at your wip unless you’ve written ‘The End’ and are letting it rest prior to revisions. The longer you go without writing the harder it is to get back into the story. Your character’s will have grown while you were away, causing you to have to get to know them all over again.

5. Do – find a critique partner. A trusted one. Big thing here. When you start with a new cp make sure both sides understand that it’s just that. Starting. If it doesn’t work out then either side should be able to say so. Without feeling being hurt. This is your career.

6. Don’t – try to go it alone. A fresh pair of trusted eyes is amazing. (See the trusted theme here)

7. Do – attend workshops via the internet or in person. There are tons of great ones out there.

8. Don’t – think you know it all and can’t learn anything from another ‘Show Don’t Tell’ workshop. (Insert the name of any workshop there). There is always some nugget to learn in a workshop. Of course some nuggets are tiny and some are boulders but learning and improving your craft is just that.

9. Do – join a local chapter or an online chapter and RWA

10. Don’t – think you don’t need what number 9 has to offer. The encouragement, help, and information you will find in being a member of a local and/or online chapter is amazing. While being a member of RWA is not required to be published it doesn’t hurt and the opportunities available to you are great.

11. Do – write your voice and style. Number 5 talked about a critique partner. That is not someone to write your book for you. Ummm...that’s called a ghost writer. Learn from their crits and know when you have to say no this is my voice.

12. Don’t – drive yourself crazy with writing styles. I must be a plotter or I must be a pantser. Find out what works for you or for the particular manuscript you’re working on and stick with it.

13. Do – to quote the beloved and much missed Miss Snark, Write Well and Query Widely

14. Don’t – forget to read. As Stephen King says in his book On Writing if you don’t have time to read you don’t have time to write.

I realize there are fourteen instead of thirteen this week but I had to end it with even do’s and don’ts. It’s one of those strange things about me. :)

As I stated above these are a few of my own personal do’s and don’ts. There are more, so many more, which could be added.

With that said, it’s your turn. What your own do and don’t when it comes to writing?

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,

Vicki

Wednesday Fun - What Not To Do

After searching the internet for today's Wednesday Fun I stumbled across this. I've never heard of Mr. Safire or his book. While this is not one of the contest books I thought you might enjoy it.




William Safire's Fumblerules (4 November 1979, New York Times)

William Safire's "Fumblerules":

• No sentence fragments.

• Avoid run-on sentences they are hard to read.

• A writer must not shift your point of view.

• Reserve the apostrophe for it’s proper use and omit it when its not needed.

• Write all adverbial forms correct.

• In their writing, everyone should make sure that their pronouns agree with its antecedent.

• Use the semicolon properly, use it between complete but related thoughts; and not between an independent clause and a mere phrase.

• Don’t use no double negatives.

• Also, avoid awkward or affected alliteration.

• If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times: Resist hyperbole.

• If any word is improper at the end of a sentence, a linking verb is.

• Avoid commas, that are not necessary.

• Verbs has to agree with their subjects.

• Avoid trendy locutions that sound flaky.

• And don’t start a sentence with a conjunction.

• The passive voice should never be used.

• Writing carefully, dangling participles should be avoided.

• Unless you are quoting other people’s exclamations, kill all exclamation points!!!

• Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.

• Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.

• Use parallel structure when you write and in speaking.

• You should just avoid confusing readers with misplaced modifiers.

• Place pronouns as close as possible, especially in long sentences—such as those of ten or more words—to their antecedents.

• Eschew dialect, irregardless.

• Remember to never split an infinitive.

• Take the bull by the hand and don’t mix metaphors.

• Don’t verb nouns.

• Always pick on the correct idiom.

• Never, ever use repetitive redundancies.

• "Avoid overuse of ‘quotation "marks."’"

• Never use prepositions to end a sentence with.

• Last but not least, avoid clichés like the plague.

Check out Wikipedia,William Safire if you would like to read more about the author. You can find the book at Amazon if you’re interested.

So, have you read his work before? Is this type of humor with a learning curve something you like?

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

Monday Check In and Contest Time

Monday is here again. Have you ever noticed how long it takes for Friday to come around and yet Monday loves to zoom right on in? For some reason I think when God was creating seven days, Monday was his hyperactive child. Flying around the room, arms raised, hands waving wildly and with a loud voice screaming out, “Pick me, pick me.” While Friday sat back in the corner staring off into some unknown universe without a care in the world, not even thinking about being picked.

Okay, probably not one the best analogies of the weekdays but you get the idea of my thoughts on Monday verses Friday. :)

Check in time.

This week I wrote 3577 words. WhooHoo! I’ll gladly take them. At least until I’m in edit mode. Then who knows how many will stay and how many will be shipped off to the deleted scene/words folder. However, since I had three days this week I didn’t do any writing they’re great words right now. All I can say is, thank god for Sundays.

Contest time.



This past Saturday we had Rita Herron as our TARA workshop speaker. She was awesome. Rita has sold over 30 books to date and was one of the Sweet Valley writers when she started her career. From Sweet Valley to intrigue she made the jump with flying colors. I’ll blog about the workshop and dinner later this week.

Her book Anything For His Son is a fabulous read.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

The Boston blackout turned terrifying for Ethan and Rebecca Matalon when their five-year-old son was kidnapped. Rebecca suddenly forgot she'd been in town to finally get divorce papers signed. All she could focus on was little Jesse, her adorable boy who was afraid of the dark, taken by a vengeful madman.

Ethan had saved people all over the world on his secret missions, but could he save their son? His arms gave strength and comfort to Rebecca—the woman he'd never stopped loving—but their life together wouldn't be worth saving if they lost Jesse. Frantic, trapped in a nightmare, Ethan had to focus. But time was running out, as darkness was descending….

Check out the excerpt here.

At Rita’s website you’ll find great writing tips for the writer along with her other books.

So how was your week? Did you reach your writing goals? Have you set any new deadlines for yourself? What about new books? We love to hear about the books you’re reading and what you loved about them.

I’m wishing everyone a great week whether its writing, reading or whatever you love to do.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

TGIF and This Week's Contest Winner

And The Winner Is (insert drum roll here)…Karen Lingefelt! Congratulations Karen, I know your going to love reading The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell. I’d say to email me your snail mail but I know how to get this one to you. :D

TGIF!!! I don’t know about you but it’s about time Friday rolled around! Seriously, this has been a long week.

It’s going to be a great weekend though, starting as soon as I leave the day job. Tonight I’m going to dinner with NY Best Seller Rita Herron along with several other members from TARA. I started to name everyone who is going tonight but then realized it looked more like I throwing out names. So suffice it to say their wonderful people who many of you love. :) I’m so excited we’ll be able to sit and chat with Rita.

We will also be toasting >, C L Wilson for her USA #127 listing and she's a debut author. How cool is that. I wasn't kidding when I told you to run and get her book. I still get excited for her when I think about it. Pardon me while I Snoopy dance around the room. :D

Whew..lot’s of dancing has been going on since the numbers released, but I’m back now.

Then tomorrow (Saturday, for anyone reading this blog late) Rita will be at our TARA meeting doing a members only workshop. I’m sure I’ll have lots to tell you about the meeting and all her wisdom that she’ll share with us.

There’s a book signing after that with Rita Herron, Julie Leto, Karen Rose,C L Wilson (Cheryl), Kimberly Llewellyn, Debby Mayne, and Ann Jacobs. How’s that for an author signing line up!

After the signing we’re taking Rita to dinner again. :)

Sunday will be spent writing and relaxing.

So what’s planned for your weekend? Are you crazy busy? Or is your time free to do anything you’d like to do?

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Monday I’ll announce the new contest.

WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki

CL Wilson on the USA Today List and a Book Meme

OMG!!! Debut author CL Wilson’s book, Lord of the Fading Lands is number 127 on the USA Today list!!! How awesome is that!!!

I honestly can't say that this surprises me since the book is one of the best I've read. Her world is incredible and you are sucked into it immediately.

In case your reading this and don’t know who I’m talking about (how could you not know?), check out the book on her site and then run to the nearest bookstore and BUY this book! It’s amazing. It's a must read. :)

I’m so excited for her. The next in the series, Lady of Light and Shadows, comes out October 30th. This is a must read series.

WhooHoo Cheryl!!! Lot’s of Snoopy dancing, cyber wine, and chocolates (all writers need chocolate) going around in your honor today!!

I was tagged with a meme by Jill James so instead of the normal Thursday Thirteen I’m going to do the meme.

Total Number of Books: I had a major change in my life six years ago. When I moved out of the house (my ex and I no longer together)I got rid of most my books. I know, how can you do that? I really didn’t have a choice. Being a reader and a writer this quickly changed. I realized I can’t live without books!! Now I have around 25 hardbacks and 275 paperbacks.


Last Book Read: Hearts of Gold by Jessica Bird (aka JR Ward). This was written prior to the Blackdagger books. Now I’m trying to find all of the books written under Jessica Bird. This is no easy feat as my cp, Laurie K. and I found out this past weekend.

Last Book Bought: JR Ward’s Lover Unbound and Leaping Hearts by Jessica Bird. The list could be much longer actually.

Five Meaningful Books: I’m right there with Jill on The Diary of Anne Frank. The Five Love Languages, The Bible, The writer in my must say Bird by Bird and Stephen Kings, On Writing.

So, I will tag Danika, Diana P., and December Quinn

Next week back to the regularly scheduled T13. :)

It’s your turn now. Join the meme or leave a comment and let us know what’s the last book you read, or bought, or meaningful to you.

And don’t forget to go get CL Wilson’s book.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Wednesday Fun - What Superhero Are You

Happy Wednesday Everybody! Since it's the middle of the week I thought it would be fun to find out what superhero you are deep down. :) As you can see, I'm Buffy. The tag line pretty much sums it up for me. Saved the world time to party. :D

You Are Buffy the Vampire Slayer

"We saved the world. I say we have to party."

What Superheroine Are You?

So, who are you? How's your week going?

WW's and PD's
Vicki

Eight Things You Might Not Know about my CP, Laurie K.

Last week, CL Wilson tagged me for the 8 Things about You meme and I then tagged others. It’s been great reading their memes and learning new things about them.

One of the people that I tagged is my cp, Laurie K. and since she doesn’t have a blog of her own I’m posting it here.


Well here goes. That is if I can think of eight things about me that would be found interesting. Bare with me as I think it through my tangled mind and dig deep to find these things.

1) I was a licensed cosmetologist – although not any longer since moving to Florida. Only because I needed a paycheck and couldn’t wait for it to come to me, ‘cause I really miss that creativity.

2) We use to own a ranch. Yes, I said ranch. We had 12 head of horses that we trained, bred and would rodeo with. I didn’t compete, but my husband and daughter did. Although I would barrel race and rope for the fun of it. You haven’t lived until you’ve baled hay and cleaned stalls out!

3) I gave up writing for 12 years. I was a stay at home mom and would write when my daughter was in school. After my husband was in a car accident I had to go back to work and didn’t start again until Vicki and I got close and I forgot how much I missed it.

4) I was part owner in my parent’s jewelry business (after I was 18 of course). I did everything from N.Y, Rhode Island buying trips, road sales, paperwork and all the packing and shipping. I learned a lot about life and how a business works from the time I was 13 until I was about 25.

5) I have six dogs. Yep 6!!! They range from 3lbs to 135 lbs. Each one is so unique and different I couldn’t imagine my life without them. Most are dogs I have rescued in one way or another and the furthest away was from St. Marteen. He was a stray and if you’ve ever been, you know dogs are all over the place. I couldn’t handle it so I went to a rescue hospital and brought a puppy home. He’s the best souvenir I could ever have!

6) Okay, here is a compulsive piece of myself. If you know me you already know this. If I like an author I will purchase their books in hard and soft cover and collect everything ever written by them. Most of my books if I purchased them look like I’ve never read them. This is because I have such a respect for the written word and what it takes to go into it. I feel like I’m ruining a painting or something if I crease the spine and don’t even think about writing in them or turning a corner down. That is the ultimate sin in my mind. My husband thinks it’s funny to hold my books hostage because he knows how anal I am. He also knows what will happen if he even accidentally bends a page too. ;-)

7) All of my tattoos are characters in my book.

8) Last, but certainly not least. I have been married for 21 years and have a 19 year old daughter in college. This use to be a surprise to people, but I think age is starting to creep up on me so it’s not such a shocker anymore. Well, maybe the married that long part ;-)


Laurie K.

Monday Check In and New Contest

Monday. Yep, it’s here. Time to go back to the day job and start another week. It’s not so bad since I really like where I work but I’d so much rather be home typing in my pj’s. :)

I took last Friday off and it was great. I wrote in the morning, ran some errands, and read in the afternoon. I loved it. But alas, since I’m not a full time writer as of yet and the bills want to be paid…to the day job I go.

It’s also time to check in. I had several days last week that I didn’t write. At all. Zero, nada, zip. The scene that I’m doing right now just wouldn’t come. I knew exactly where it was going to end up but getting it there. Finally Sunday night I just sat down and decided I was writing it. It might all be cut but I was going to write the scene.

You know what? I’m thinking it turned out pretty good. Would it have turned out as good if I’d done it earlier in the week? I don’t know, it might not have been the same scene at all.

All that to say, this past week I wrote 2733 words and trust me most of those were written on Sunday. Next weeks goals are to write every night except Tuesday (I have a meeting to attend).

Okay, for the fun part. You may have noticed I’m trying to hit most genres in these contest. Something for everyone and if you haven’t read a great historical in awhile then this is the one you want to read.



This weeks contest is by New York Times best selling author Samantha James. Her book The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell is a fabulous historical romance.

Isn’t the cover georgous? I love the colors and her dress is sexy. Flip open the cover and oh yeah, he’s hot.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

A cruel twist of fate changed Simon Blackwell’s life forever. A man of intense passions, he resolved to deny his emotions and desires forever—taking refuge in the wilds of the moorlands and shutting himself off from the world. But on one extraordinary night, on a rare trip to London, the unthinkable occurs. An intoxicatingly beautiful stranger stirs the sensuous hunger he has sworn to resist. Simon Blackwell believed that no woman could tempt him.

No woman…save Annabel McBride.

Annabel knows nothing of Simon’s secret pain. But one irresistible kiss plunges her into marriage with a man she scarcely knows, a man who hides a shattered past. She can feel the blistering heat of the fire that burns within this exquisitely handsome man, making her yearn for much more than the union in name only he has promised her.

But Simon dares not love again--for fragile love can be lost in an instant. And now Annabel must find a way to open his heart to the most glorious risk of all…

You can go here to read an excerpt. The excerpt is chapter two, how fun is that.

It’s your turn now. How was your week? Did you meet your goals? Did you read any great books or discover a new author? What are your goals for next week?

Oh, and just in case you didn’t see it I announced last weeks winner on Sunday’s blog.

As always, Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Contest Winner and a Joke to Make You Smile

This weeks winner is Nancy!!! Congrats and I know you're going to love Sealed With A Kiss. Email me at vickilanewrites @yahoo.com with your snail mail addy.

Here's a little joke to make you smile. Yes, it's a blonde joke and No, not all blondes are silly. I'm sure we all know someone like this. And they aren't always blonde. :)

Blonde Needs a New Car

One day, she told her problem to a brunette she worked with at a salon. The brunette told her, "There is a possibility to make the car easier to sell, but it's not legal."

"That doesn't matter," replied the blonde, "if I can only sell the car."

"Okay," said the brunette. "Here is the address of a friend of mine. He owns a car repair shop. Tell him I sent you and he will 'fix it.' Then you shouldn't have a problem anymore trying to sell your car."

The following weekend, the blonde made the trip to the mechanic. About one month after that, the brunette asked the blonde, "Did you sell your car?"

"No," replied the blonde, "Why should I? Now it only has 50,000 miles on it!"


See you tomorrow for our word count check in and a new contest. Since it's not been that great a week for me I've got to get cracking.

Vicki

You've Written 'The End' and It's Time to Begin The Next WIP

So you’ve written ‘The End’. Your baby’s polished and out the door to face the world of agents and/or editors all alone.

There you sit, staring at the blank screen or pad of paper before you, knowing full well its time to begin the next wip.

Oh you’ve got plenty of ideas brewing. You may even have a short outline. But now you’ve got to interview the next set of characters. Get to know them. Their likes, dislikes, and omg their conflicts. Maybe you’re on deadline. You’re fingers sit on the keys waiting and still you stare, no longer at the blank screen / paper but now off into space wondering…

Speculating how is Sam (insert your hero’s name here)? Or asking yourself, what is Abby shopping for now? (you know the drill by now, insert heroine’s name)

You see, you’ve been with them for months and for some of us years. Going through every happy and sad moment right along with them. You wanted to kill Sam when he forgot Abby’s birthday and then had tears when he made it up to her with a surprise trip including rose petals lining the pathway. (One of mine really did do something like that only it wasn’t a forgotten b-day).

The thing is you miss them. They were you’re comfort. If you had to you could write scenes out of order during this book. Some that wouldn’t happen for several chapters since you knew them so well. And now their gone.

Should you write a sequel? They could visit in. That would be lovely. No, their book really didn’t leave room for another. Besides, it’s time to let go. But how do you do that?

Take a couple of days to read, paint, watch a movie, or clean house and do laundry. All the things you’re characters didn’t let you do while writing their story. Refresh your mind. Then begin that new wip. Allow yourself to write POS (forever grateful to Nora Robert’s for that one). You can fix it later. The important thing is to write.

Look through magazines find out what/who your hero and heroine look like. Maybe go to the mall have lunch and people watch. What are they doing? Take notes as you watch their quirks; perhaps hear a snippet of conversations, and anything else that make you smile.

In other words do whatever it takes to get you into that new work. You’re muse may have stubbornly stepped out when Sam and Abby’s story was completed, but not for long. In all actuality she is just as curious as you are about the new couple. Oh, she won’t tell you that at first. No, she likes to be in charge of what words hit the paper.

In no time you’ll be back in the swing and a new story has emerged. Lives are taking shape; conflicts are getting in their way, danger, sexual attraction, odd things happening, and love / hate begins to blossom.
You sit back and smile. Once again you’ve got a new world building and new lives to get to know.

Shaking out your fingers, cracking your knuckles, and stretching your neck from side to side you back you begin typing as words pouring out. Your muse is back. She didn’t go far and she’s ready to work. You grin as the screen / page is no longer blank.

The race to the end of the book is back on with a new set of friends and family. A new baby is born.


So, what do you do when you’ve finished your book? Tell us how you get started on the next one.

On Sunday I’ll announce this week’s winner.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki

Thursday Thirteen - Not so Much, Today its a Meme I was Tagged With

Here are the rules:
• Players offer eight random habits/facts about themselves.
• If you're tagged, write your own blog about your eight things and post these rules.
• At the end of your blog post, choose someone to tag (supposed to be eight but however many you can do is fine, no tag police will come get you) - and list their names.

CL Wilson, Cheryl, tagged me with the 8 Things About You Meme. So in lieu of the normal Thursday Thirteen I’m going to do the meme. Oh yeah, and tagged a couple of people. :)

What? You don’t have a blog and I tagged you? No worries, you can email me your meme and I’ll post it next Tuesday. Yes, Laurie that means you too. :D

Okay, here goes:

1. I used to work for a motivational company, traveling all around the US. We held one-day seminars but would be in the city for a total of 3 – 4 days each place.

2. I’ve held private functions for stars, politicians, and sports figures. I met a lot of people and enjoyed it for the most part. It’s not always what it’s cracked up to be. Lot’s of late late nights. Both 1 and 2 were before I met Science Guy and really had no life to myself.

3. I worked for American Cancer Society in the Advocacy Department and the FDOC (Florida Dialogue on Cancer) in the Florida headquarters for 2 years. Traveling to Tallahassee to the capital as well as multiple conferences in Florida. I met some really great volunteers during that time, who give an amazing amount of time to ACS. One of the best conferences I attended was the NAACP in Daytona, Florida, where we (ACS) where on the venue to do workshops.

4. I love singing and used to do it quite a bit. Not so much anymore though.

5. If I could have a career other than writing it would be acting. I love, love, love acting. Nothing like opening night. It’s been several years now since I’ve done theater and still miss it. Unfortunately it takes way too much time from writing.

6. Although I’m not really ‘goth’ (well, maybe just a tad) I prefer black and have a ton of it in my closet. It’s not even the whole black makes you look slimmer thought. I just love the color.

7. My favorite vacation to just plain relax is going to the beach. Taking morning beach walks and watching the sun setting in the evening. This is the kind of vacation where I actually come back feeling rested.

8. I paint, Donna Dewberry style when I have a little extra time. Not so much of that right now since I’m in my own personal deadline.

Well, that’s all for me. You may or may not know any of those things about me.

Rubbing hands together and deep, just a bit wicked laughter emerged as I decide just who should I tag. I have to pick those Cheryl didn’t.

Danika, Laurie K., Patricia, Alyssa, December, Bill, Julie S. Carly Phillips, Leslie Kelly.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,

Vicki

Wednesday Fun

Some of you may have seen these before since they've been in the email route. Still, they're pretty amazing to see again or for the first time. The last one is pretty amazing. The next time you think you need a career change...well, this is probably not the one you want. :)

Amazing Cloud Formation


Edge of the Storm


Fire Starter


Holding The Sun


Not a Great Day for Surfing


Only in Thailand


Only in India


Only In Hawaii


Only In America


How's Your Day Job?


I hope your weeks going well. Lot's of reading and writing.

Which picture is your favorite? Don't forget to comment to be entered in this week's contest. It's Carly Phillips new book Sealed With A Kiss.

WW's and PD's,
Vicki

Monday Check In and This Week's Contest

Last week’s winner is…drum roll please, Julie S.!!! Major Congrats! Email me with your snail address at vickilanewrites at yahoo.com and I’ll send it out.

Monday, the coveted weekend is over. I don’t know about you but I’m thinking weekends should be three days. Two just never seem to be enough. By the time I’m through running ‘weekend’ errands, cleaning the house, and trying to throw a little bit of fun in it’s over. I’m so looking forward to the day I can work from home in the pj’s. :)

This morning there’s a cool breeze blowing and although it reads 73 on the outside thermometer it feels just a bit cooler. Maybe fall is beginning to wake its sleepy head down here in sunny Florida. It’s been a killer of a hot summer so we’ll take the change no matter how slight.

I’m checking in this week with 3987 words. Not to bad considering I had 3 days this week with absolutely zero writing. Of course that also means my daily word count to finish by December 3rd has increased by about 100 words.



This week’s contest is Carly Phillips new book Sealed With A Kiss the sequel to Cross My Heart

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Molly Gifford has it all—a hot legal career and Daniel Hunter, her equally hot boyfriend. But what she desperately needs is a family—her family. So, when she discovers her real father, she doesn't hesitate to pack her bags and go to him. Even though it means leaving the man she loves behind.....

A year later, Daniel Hunter's still trying to get on with his life. That is, until Molly shows up at his door, begging for his help. Her newfound father is under arrest for murder, and Hunter's the only attorney in the area with the skill and reputation to get him off.

Hunter can't resist helping an innocent man. And, unfortunately, he still can't resist Molly. But this time, he'll be the one walking away—even though it'll break both their hearts to do it...

To read more of Molly and Hunter’s story check out Chapter One on Carly’s website.

Like so many of Carly’s fans I fell in love with Molly and Hunter in the first book and wanted their story. It’s a great read and I know you’re going to love it.

As always leave your comments this week on the blog to be entered into the contest. You can leave them on any or all of the weeks blog post.

So how was your week? Did you write? Read any new books? Are you meeting your goals? Let us know what’s happening.

Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki