I am So Thankful...

I don't know about you, but I have a lot to be thankful for.

My Family - who is always there for me no matter what. I don't think I would make it a day without them and I am thankful that they are my family - and yes, my animals are part of this. :-)
My friends - which I don't think I tell near enough that I'm very thankful they are in my life.
My Job - no matter how much I bitch about it sometimes, I need it and am thankful to have it.
My Health - that's just a given.

The Sun, The Stars, The Moon and everything else that I get to wake up to every day. Sometimes I think we lose track of the little things in life and forget to be thankful for them. There is always someone out there worse off then I am (and better off), and no matter how bad my life might look (or, even how good) from one minute to the next, I understand that in a blink of an eye it could all be gone.

And, thank you for being you!

So I am thankful - for everything! What are you thankful for?

Hugs & Happy Thanksgiving (to my American folks)
LKap - Ann Laurie

Ramble...

I honestly don’t know what to write. I’ve been sitting here for the past 40 minutes looking at a piece of paper. Writing things then erasing them.

It’s almost the same process with my WIP these days, so I guess it’s not just the book it’s me.

I’ve had a lot on my personal plate lately that has taken up what I believe is every creative bone in my body. I can’t tell if I’m coming or going.

And now the holidays are just around the corner. I mean really when did that happen? How did November sneak up on me and I missed it all?

I don’t know about you, but my holiday is going to be small, probably smaller than last year even. Of course, it’s about money, but more important is that I don’t need anything. Sure there are things that we all want, but to sacrifice paying the bills, or getting behind, or stealing from savings for one day out of the year has become ridiculous to me.

Could be that I’m getting older, Princess is older, and I’ve realized that it’s my friends and family that mean more to me than possessions.

Or maybe it’s as one of my friends tells me every year, “This is my Scrooge time of year.”

Either way, I want to make memories, because time seems to fly by me too fast. I can tell you more about my characters than I can about the people around me. SO NOT GOOD!!!

So my quote to live by: We only live once – live it!

I’d love to hear what’s on your mind as we go into the holiday season.
Hugs

LKap
Ann Laurie

NEW BLOG, NEW RELEASE = CONTEST

To kick off my new blog and the 4th book in my good friend Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren Series…

I’m having a contest

Go here to find out all the deets: Ann Laurie

Don't worry I'll still be around here too, but what a better way to celebrate!

October....

October is one of those months you love or hate. I'm in the dislike category.

I suppose I should clarify. I love the weather of October, the change in season that we finally get here in Florida. Those things I love. It's actually the whole scary side of October that I'm not crazy about.

I've watched horror films, but I can't stand them. Odd I know coming from someone who loves paranormal romances and urban fantasy. It's the blood and gore that creeps me out. I can't watch or read horror without having nightmares for weeks.

Oh, the power of the imagination.

And in October there isn't anything but this on T.V. October has become horror month, and it drives me crazy because even the advertising is hard for me to watch. I know I'm a complete and total wimp, but there it is.

Are you a lover or hater of horror?

Hugs,
LKap
Laurie

Craziness....

I've been lax for a few weeks and I'm sorry about that. But I've been busy...Really! Not to mention all the new shows and returning favorites to watch. Crazy I tell you.

I've written two (2) short stories and sent them off. Everyone cross your fingers, and don't you worry I'll be needing a little help with one should it get accepted, since it's a contest of sorts. So, I'll be letting you know more when and if the time comes. And if it doesn't, I'll have it up as a free read at some point

I'm also working on a huge project that needs lots of attention and plotting *eyes rolling* just to make sure it's right. I prefer to be an organic writer, but with this there is no way, so the plotting alone just might kill me, not to mention if this idea ever gets written. Here's hoping. :- )

So in saying all that. What has everyone else been up to?

I can't be the only one that danced outside at 11:09 pm and burned a dollar bill for prosperity in the coming year. Yes, it was the equinox. And yes, again, I'd never done that, but I need all the help I can get these days. So bare with my craziness...LOL

Miss everyone, so just pop in and say HI!

Hugs,
LKap
Laurie

24 Years....

In four days is my 24th Wedding Anniversary!

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I’ve been married for over half my life. But if you’ve ever met my HHB you’d know why. He’s my rock, my laughter, my chef, my trainer, my lover, the best father imaginable for our daughter, and my sanity—just to name a few.

He’s always believed in me more than I’ve ever believed in myself. And for that alone I know he’s more than I deserve.

Which brings me to the song I’ve dedicated to him, when I found this I immediately sent it to him (after I dried my eyes, of course.)

I hope you enjoy one of my favorite artists: Christian Kane (Amazing singer, actor and I’ve given you eye candy!) I know I’m generous like that. :- D

Winners....Sorry I'm late....

In the flurry and excitement that was a four day weekend for me I completely forgot to do this - my apologies. And since I was forgetful both commenters win..YAY!!!

PatriciaW & Vixen Pearl

Please email me at lauriekap at yahoo .com by Saturday the 11th to claim your books. If I don't hear from you prizes are forfeit. Email me your snail mail and two genre's you like and I'll see what I can do (since this is a grab bag) :-)

So for my littlt ditty:
I've chosen #1 and #4 - couldn't use #2 no matter how much I wanted to because he's the muse for a story I'm already working on...LOL

Okay this was a bit rushed, but here goes

International business man Stephan Francotti was finally taking a much needed vacation. His yacht, docked in Dubi, he soaks up the sun before he attends a private auction that evening. The last thing he expected was to have a woman climb aboard and threaten him at gun point to take her away from the most decedent place on earth.

Shannon Blake had been kidnapped and taken to a foreign land where she overheard she was going to be sold to the highest bidder. Shannon slips away in the dead of night with help from an undercover agent sent to uncover the sex trade organization. All he gives her is the name of a yacht and tells her to go as far away as possible. Could she trust that this millionaire wasn’t the one who had her kidnapped and would become her saving grace? She wasn’t sure, but currently she was out of any other options.


Hugs
LKap

Let's Play a Game

I need some creative energy and thinking outside the box never hurts right?! And I love to see all the angles people can come up with for the same thing.

Pick any 2 (only 2 - from top to bottom 1-4) Tell me which you picked and their story?

Keep it concise and PG-13 please.

Sometime Sunday night I’ll pick a random winner for some Free books.

I’m not posting my blurb until I announce the winner. ;-D

Reincarnation……

Some of you are aware that one of my WIP’s has a reincarnation theme.

Which then got me to thinking, about things in our lives we like without being able to explain them.

I have quite a few things where I can tell you the moment my life was changed and why I do certain things. Take being an animal lover for instance. It happened when I was in second grade where we watched a movie on animal abuse – I know, right – second grade!!! From that day forward I brought home any stray that needed a home. And, I’m still that way.

Cause => Effect

It’s that simple.

But what about those things you can’t explain….

For instance I love lace. Have no idea why. My mom isn’t the lacy type, neither were my grandmothers. Me? Yep – even added Italian Victorian lace to my wedding dress. It is something so simple that pulls me and I can’t explain it. Like my fascination with Italy, Pearls, the sea – I can’t explain why, it just is.

So then, the brain goes into overdrive and I start to wonder why I’m pulled to a certain look in a man. Where did I acquire that personal taste?

Hence, bringing me back to my original thought – Did I live in another time? What did lace have to do with my life? Was there a man in my past life that had the same characteristics as the characteristics I look for to this day?

I can’t answer these questions, probably no one can (okay, someone can try), but would I believe I was a Mafia princess in the 1800’s (just taking in all the things I love and coming up with something semi-logical…LOL), even if someone told me that – probably not. :-)

But in looking at all of that, I can see how my brain works on plots, causes and effects. Funny how that happens huh?

So have you got anything you like or dislike that you really can’t explain?

Let me know – I love this stuff :-P

Hugs,
Laurie
LKap

The Bench...Really?!

I know there are a lot of blogs about RWA 2010 Conference, and this one is no different. I just happen to have a different take on where the magic happens. Go figure, right?!

I learned more about the craft, met new people, hung out with old friends and put faces to internet friends. But, all in all, my most memorable time at this conference, as well as all the others, is the bench.

Outside, away from the hustle and bustle that is conference. Where people meet to relax and unwind. Where water, iced coffee and pink lemonade abound. That is the bench!

This year we commandeered not one, but two benches and deemed them the V.I.P. area. There was always a steady stream of people and Christine swears I never left (although I did quite often). Although, I did seem to be there whenever she strolled up. Hmmm

The best part about the bench…whenever there was a lull, suddenly a text would beep on my phone that said: V.I.P.

Nothing more was needed. We knew right where to go to find comfort amongst friends.

The conversations we’d have, no matter if it was at 2:00pm or 2:00am were by far the funniest, most interesting and compelling I had with anyone at the conference. I can honestly say I laughed, cried and contemplated the mysteries of writing and life on those benches with people that I hope will be in my life forever.

On the bench there was no pretense. We were mostly women—poor Jaci’s Biker Dude was totally outnumbered—but he was AWESOME and I’m sure up for Sainthood by now. And my new, bestest bud Sarah, who not only has a rock star mom, Maya, she is a rock star in her own right. Such a great girl—I’m just sayin’. Luv that girl!!!

But, I digress…

We were women just talking about life, and writing while finding common ground as people. Never once did I feel as if it mattered to these awesome people around me who was published, or who wasn’t, who was an editor or an agent. The only thing that mattered on that bench was that we all “clicked”.

No one can teach you how to have moments like those. It’s about being yourself and hoping everyone around you gets you and your wry sense of humor.

REALLY?! **insert head tilt here** ;-D

Hugs & Smooches
Laurie

Gearing Up....

As many of you know RWA Nationals is just around the corner. And I'm totally stoked.

Not only are there great workshops and parties, but I get to see friends (fellow authors) that I only get to see once a year.

I'm already anticipating what to take, what to wear, what to eat, drink and yes even when I'm going to fit in exercising.

Whew - are you as exhausted as I am already?

I didn't make any agent/editor appointments this year, as I don't have a manuscript completed, but that doesn't mean I won't enjoy talking to them at the bar or with friends.

The itinerary is getting full and as each day passes I find I'm getting edgier and edgier for this trip to be here.

I love all the information, but honestly, I can't wait to once again see my friends that through the rest of the year are email buddies or occasional phone friends.

So since I won't be around next week, I raise a glass of pink lemonade in salute and hope to see you all in Orlando.

Tell me what is the one thing you won't travel without?

Me = a book (even though I'll be getting way more than needed at this conference)

Hugs,
LKap
Laurie

Vampires

Is it really so hard to understand why women are in love with vampires. I've collected a few pics and to me it's quite obvious.








And for they guys - well she is HOT


Who is your Favorite?

Hugs
LKAp
Laurie

Vacations from Hell...

So Princess and I spent a week at my Mom's in Illinois.

Okay, so technically not a week since our flight was delayed three times before it was finally cancelled and we had to spend the night in lovely Detroit, MI (cough, cough) because of tornado's.

Now I wouldn't normally mind, since we can't control Mother Nature, but.... Had we left for the hour long flight at the 2nd delay we would have missed all that, but you see Delta has a crappy scheduling group obviously, because we didn't have a CREW!!!

I don't get it - you book a flight but don't schedule a crew. WTF - oh well, they were nice enough to give me a $59 credit for my hotel room. Which I still had to pay out $80 cash, mind you. Nope, not a full comp - why, you ask? Because they coded it as an act of nature, there by negating any of their own responsibility. I would like to call them a lot of names for this infraction since I was out $100 before I ever even left the airport, but really what good is that going to do me. And then there was the delayed flight the next morning because there wasn't a pilot - again...WTF.

But with all said and done a full 26 hours later we were finally at my mom's in BFE, Illinois. No Internet, there were only 2 places in her house where my cell phone worked correctly and town (and I use this term loosely) was 6 miles away.

Yeah, here I am stuck with a 22 year old who has just been plucked down the rabbit hole and isn't afraid to say it. Yes, I needed a Xanax that night. ;-)

All in all the trip was nice. Mom was doing well, but I still need to figure out all the red tape to move her to Florida, because I can't stand for her to be practically alone in the middle of the country.

Up side - Princess and I went on daily 4 mile walks. Which, in the country, is very peaceful and didn't feel like exercise at all. For which, I was thankful and actually miss.

I was able to show my daughter where I grew up and hit a few bars with her in my hometown. Where, of course, she started a scandal. Being pretty and a new girl, it was comical to watch the boys fawn and the girls fume.

Now here is where I wish I had the pictures, but alas, Princess has been working non-stop since we returned. So while enjoying the company of some dear old friends at the bar in the middle of no-where, a school bus pulls up and low and behold a train of men (okay young boys) files out. Upon closer inspection we realize that this isn't just any ordinary school bus - this is the equivalent of the "Redneck Limo" and the boys were part of a bachelor party. So classic and perfect I couldn't have written the scene any better myself if I tried. And don't think this will not be in a book of mine.

So classic and ingenious - the "Redneck Limo" was and still is one of the highlights of my trip. It gave us all a great laugh and my only regret is that I didn't ask to see the inside to see if it was equipped with a stripper poll - now that would have been classic behind those dark tinted windows. (yes all 25 windows were darkly tinted)

Now we are home all safe and sound - after yet another delay getting out of Detroit, but we're here. I have more memories and special memories of being with my daughter and showing her a bit more about my old life, sharing in a birthday party for my oldest and dearest friends daughter, and laughs with mom and old friends.

Sometimes going home isn't so bad after all.

Any good stories from your travels?

Hugs,
LKap
Laurie

My Girls!!!

Since I haven't been writing lately - and I consider this blog another form of writing, I decided to let you see my girls...Aren't they adorable. ;-D




Brown/Red dog on her back is my daughters new pup - Betsey
This is when I love her best....LOL! No really she's a great dog, just lots of energy.

White/Blue (gray) dog is Pennelope
Again supposed to be my daughter's dog, but tends to be mine more. And yes that is a heart on her forehead.

Tan/white - this is my girl - Trixie
Who obviously is a ham for the camera. For a 3lb chiahuahua she's a little pistol, but then again I am her human mommy...LOL

Hope they made you smile like they make me smile.

Hugs
LKap

Women & Men, Oh How the Tides have Turned...

Was talking with a friend the other day that tripped this, as well as the conversations I've had with Princess and realized we, as women, have completely messed up men.

Yep, I said it!

Let's take the romance genre as an example of the man we want. Most of the women I know want an Alpha male. This is what they look for in a perfect hero. If he was a wuss the book (I'm pretty sure) wouldn't ever sell. They are looking for a male to stand up to them (and with them), but be man enough for us, as women, to be our own person.

Am I right? I know it's what I want.

But in saying that, I want to be my own person--with limitations. What do I mean by this?

I want to be treated like a woman should, like ladies used to be treated.

No, I don't want to do all the cooking and cleaning and taking care of the babies, but nor do I expect this completely from a male either. Don't get me wrong I've done it, and loved being a stay at home mom. But the flip side is that as a human being I didn't have the self-worth I needed to be a complete person. I like to work and bring home money and if someday I'm able to quit my job and work from home all the better. There is nothing, let me repeat this...NOTHING wrong with being a stay at home anything. It's the hardest job you'll ever have and I respect it.

What I don't respect is that there are more men out there thinking that women need to support them so that they can stay home and do nothing. I mean nothing. No cooking, no cleaning, no lawn work, no helping out while the woman works. This is not a real man to me.

Now, there is a caviat here - times are hard and there are those without work. Totally acceptable as long as they are willing to help out.

All of this became very clear to me when I was talking to my friend and my daughter's recount about the latest "tool" she's seeing. Most of them barely work, and even if they do I've found that she is still paying for things, like dinners, food for their apartments (ummm, she lives at home...), helping to pay their bills. And this one always gets me - she drives them around. WTH! So not a man of worth in my head.

This is my opinion of course--men should open doors for women (car, house, resturant...), Men should drive (I feel odd when I have to drive and HHB is in the passenger seat), which leads me to another new trend--men should come to the house to pick you up for a date, not the other way around, and men pay for dinners/movies, whatever. Sure if you're partners it comes out of the same account, but it's the principle in my mind.

Woman's rights haven't gotten us better pay, or equality - not that I can see. Sure, I can speak my mind and vote, but if there isn't a strong man treating me like a lady and respecting what I do--no thank you!

I have a great man of worth, so this isn't something I deal with except through friends and daughter, but I see/hear it so often it's getting painful.

Oh how the world changes. Yep, I'm sure glad I have an old fashioned man who believes that woman are still to be charished and taken care of. Am I old fashioned -- you bet! I want a man's man who works hard and takes care of his family and lets me help.

Whatever happened to the man who respected the woman? The cowboy on the white charger? The dominant (Alpha) to the submissive ? (couldn't resist throwing that in...LOL)

Are you seeing the same thing? Or have I lost my mind?

Hugs
LKap

Negative Energy…..

We all have this whether we want to believe it or not. I actually consider myself to be an energy vampire.

Let me set this straight:
No I don’t believe I’m a vampire, I don’t have teeth that elongate and the taste of blood—well yuk! Not to mention I get queasy now-a-days when I see it. There is also the fact that I love the sun too much. LOL

But lately I’ve noticed that I feed off of people’s emotions, they can be saying one thing and I’m feeling a completely different emotion from them. There are places that I don’t enjoy going because of the outward “fake” appearances that are so contradictory to what I’m feeling that I leave with a headache and in a depressed state.

Now this is really nothing new, I’ve always been pretty good at reading people and my first impression is almost always right. Why? Because, like my headaches tell me a storm is coming, they also seem to signal a bullshit meter. Sometimes I take a chance and ignore it, but it’s not the norm for me. Nor am I happy when my first impressions are right and I have to face the personal consequences.

Negativity is a powerful emotion just as love is. And I believe that Karma is the way the universe equals good and evil. It might not happen in my time, but it will happen and that always gives me hope.

And why does this give me hope?
I don’t need to be a player in the cosmic scheme of things—I’ve already done my part in the play, now I only need to sit back and wait. The rest as they say “will take care of itself”.

So since I’m feeling a bit of that negative energy around me and a lot of others, I am counteracting it. I’m sending the power of positive out into the universe. Whether it’s a poem, which inspired me to be better than the negative—a quote—maybe even a little charm. Call it a surrounding white light for me and my true friends and family.

“Carrying around anger is most debilitating to the person who bears it.” ~ Partial quote by Katharine Graham, Newspaper publisher & Pulitzer Prize winning memoirist.

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~ Author Unknown

He who has so little knowledge of human nature as to seek happiness by changing anything but his own disposition will waste his life in fruitless efforts. ~ Samuel Johnson

Swelling on the negative simply contributes to its power. ~ Shirley MacLaine

So I LKap, wish for you happiness and peace of mind to feed your own well of good against the powers of evil trying to suck the greatness out of you.
If someone revels in the negative, take away their power with your own positive light, positive thinking, anything positive will negate the negative. Remember, you have the power to change a negative into a positive.

From the famous words of Fanny Brice, “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”


Just for fun a little ditty to do with a mirror facing away from you, while you turn in a complete circle - imagine this in cyber space twirling around protecting you from harm – now of course if you’ve sent harm ~ BE GONE!



"circle of reflection
cicle of protection
may the sender of all harm
feel the power of this charm"

Now I’m letting my inner child out to play. “I’m rubber, you’re glue what you say bounces off me and sticks to you.” :-P

Stay positive and laugh (if for no other reason then for people to question why)

Hugs,
LKap

YEHAW... Ride 'em Cowboy...

So I'm in the mood for inspiration, and I think I've found it.
Hope you enjoy what I've found for my Thursday Eye Candy.











Don't they inspire you to write?
They do for me...must get back to it.
Hugs
Laurie
LKap

Winner and Writing Ramble....

Drum roll please............
from the randomizer - The WINNER is....

Anonymous TARA you are the winner of a shiny ;-)
Contact me so I can get you your prize.

So now onto my writing ramble.

A friend suggested that I give examples of how stories come to me. Well as of right this minute I'm working on one book and decided to do another open call submission. Which means, these characters aren't ones I've let cultivate in my head. I have to create them out of nowhere, basically.

Most times my characters just show up. I know what they look like, they typically even give me their names, I know their basic personality traits and as I put them to paper more of those traits just come out. And I love it when they do something that surprises me and I didn't expect them to do it!!!

For the novella I'm brewing in my head--those traits aren't there yet. And it scares me shitless to think I have to totally create these people from scratch.

Well last night after some long talks with other authors, and friends, I only had a small grasp where this book was going. But in saying that...The damn arrogant man (which is a trait of his I know now) woke me up early in the morning to converse with the other male character. And yes, I looked like an utter fool telling the voices in my head it was too early for this. And HHB asking me who I was talking to. ;-)

But, this is pretty typical for me. I usually get the man's POV first. Don't ask me why...I just do. So my heroine is tight lipped - which is pissing me off at this point since I don't have a lot of time here. But I got a jumping off point for the book--which helps some.

I say some because I only have a few minor conflicts in my head and they are not as strong as I'd like them to be at this point. So more cajoling must be done. And honestly I'm wondering if it will be worth it in the end.

It will, I know it will. I'm accomplishing two things with this task. One, I have a forced deadline. As an unpubbed author I feel it's important to push myself with limits that will be expected of me when I am published. Two, It's also forcing me to create something out of my norm. Also once I'm pubbed there will hopefully be times I'm asked to write with another author, or write to a specific theme. This exercise will only make me stronger. Or so I hope. :-)

So there you have it. My mind, how it works, and how crazy I really am first thing in the morning.

BTW - any writing suggestions on how to get this moving - I'm all for it!!!
I love hearing how others do this process.

Hugs,
Laurie
LKap

Sparklies...

Why is it most women want things that sparkle and shine?

I’ll admit, wholeheartedly, that I am said woman. Just take a look at my jewelry chest. Of course most of it isn’t the “real” stuff, but I’m not tellin’ what is and what isn’t. If you can’t figure it out, I’m not sayin’ a word. ;-)

I even have four different wedding sets. Why? Honestly…who the hell knows. But they were shiny and bigger than my original (which, BTW I still wear most often), and I wanted them.

And it’s not just about jewelry, we like bling on our bags, our jeans, shirts—name it we want it sparkly. I know I’ve gone off the deep end when HHB will look at me funny when I pick up a shirt with sequins all over it and he says, “Of course you like that.”

Which then, leads me to think that men do not like shiny, sparkly on their women. Any men out there – I’d love to pick your brains on that.

The way I see it, as in the animal kingdom most of the male species are the pretty ones, while the female species just picks the one that demonstrates the brightest colors, strongest alpha traits, or prettiest tune. I know there are more examples but I won’t completely bore you.

I’m finding though that we as females are trying to “out-shine” our counterparts, who are supposed to make other males feel inferior to them, that they have won the prize of the female. But here we are trying to shine and sparkle our way into the lime-light.

Odd when you analyze it because if we chose the alpha male, wouldn’t we want to not draw attention to ourselves so that every other female knows how great we have it and try to steal said cream of the crop away? Or then the other theory I have is that men just don’t like to be out-shined—which probably makes more sense….LOL… My mind, sometimes has a mind of its own.

What’s your theory on why we like shiny, sparklies?
One lucky winner will win something shiny (it will be a surprise) - but you have to comment to win. ;-D


Ciao
LKap

Sasha White is BACK.....

As many of you know I'm a reader fan and friend to the amazing Sasha White!

I'm so excited to let you know she will be releasing a NEW short story with Samhain on Tuesday April 4, 2010.

And this book is HOT!!! I loved every word and the chemistry was spot on. I know you'll enjoy it to. So check it out.

One Weekend
Length: Short Story
Price: $2.50
Publication Date: April 6, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60504-976-2

Three lovers. Two days. One bed…
Angie Wilson is a lucky girl. She loves her job, her life, and her man, Rick Craig. What red-blooded woman wouldn’t revel in the attentions of a good-looking, athletic boyfriend who’s secure enough to encourage her most adventurous appetites?

One of the worst heat waves in memory has hit town, and by Friday Angie is ready to really let loose. Craig and his best friend, Mark, are chilling on the patio with cold beer when she gets home from work, and the three get comfortable. As the night moves on and the talk turns to sex, Angie longs for more than just cool air on her bare skin.

And the heat’s making her just crazy enough to go for it.

Other BIG new from Sasha is that she's started a Forum on her website, which is so very cool. Look for a big party next weekend Saturday 4/10 10am E.S.T with chats and give-aways. I know I'll be there!

Enjoy!!! (I did)

Laurie

LKap