The Old Lady Saloon Keeper . . .

the look of a new woman!

2012-01-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

I recently had new head shots taken for the blog tours I'll be taking in the next few months. As I went to update my blogs, I discovered I haven't posted to this blog since last June.
Aarrgghh!
Anyway--here it is. And here I am . . . 110 pounds less than 12 months ago.
The benefits:
I can walk up a flight of stairs and not heave for breath.
I can get on the floor and play with the 4 darlings. Of course it takes a fork lift to get me up [but not like before.]
I can cross my legs at the knees and bend over from the waist to tie/untie my sneakers.
I am not ashamed or embarrassed to look at myself [fully clothed] in the mirror.
I don't need to adjust the driver's seat to get in and out of the car anymore.
When I walk into my favorite store to shop for clothes, I no longer veer to the right to the fat lady side. Now I can go to the left and find a number of items that not only fit but are, occasionally, loose. What a gift. Why didn't I do this sooner?
I am off all prescription meds except for asthma inhalers.
The drawbacks:
I've lost almost all my hair and my fingernails are a mess. The solution is wigs and acrylic nails.
Thanksgiving was the first time I regretted having the surgery as I wasn't able to gorge myself in the usual fashion. Christmas was a piece of cake, but I dearly love turkey, dressing and gravy.
How about you?

Looking For Love in All The Right Places

2011-06-25T16:44:00.001-07:00

Do you recall the former TV smash hit, "Cheers"? Check out "Looking For Henrietta".

Author Christine Columbus created a Cheers-type atmosphere and a hero who isn't quite Cliff and not exactly Norm. He's certainly not Sam Malone nor Coach . . . but Henry has a charm all his own and you can't help rooting for him to the very last page.

Christine gave this series the shot it needed by writing in first person and puts us in Henry's heart as he searches for the perfect woman to take to his 25th high school reunion. Looking for love in all the wrong places, he finally finds perfection--and she's been right under his nose all along.

I liked this story from the first paragraph and I know you will, too.
Slainte

For a hot time at the reunion read . . .

2011-06-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Did you ever attend a public event, hoping you looked your best, acted your best, then watch in horror as it turned into a nightmare?
Did you ever have the 'man of your dreams' behave, in public, like a total and complete rectal orifice?
Did you ever crave, need, yearn for revenge?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, now is the time to pick up Karen Bostrum's "Red Leather Reunion".

Beginning with the cover art, which as always is fabulous, the story line is a been-there and done-that type of story, something all of us can relate to in some way, either personally or having watched our best friend experience.

And the dance scene is a honey.
Don't miss this one.
Slainte

Maybe This Time

2011-05-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

What editor can resist a story which includes a reality TV show titled "Get Lei'd"?
Not this one.
Maybe This Time is a three-peat for Jannine Gallant. Her clever word play always makes me chuckle.
I hope you all enjoy this one--and that it garners many excellent reviews.
Siochain
Kathy

the latest reunion attendee is . . .

2011-04-24T09:48:00.000-07:00

Multi-talented author Silver James has followed up her first Class of '85 story and based it in Doogan's Pub, a local hangout briefly featured in Fairy Tales Can Come True.
As much as I like and admire the hero and heroine, my heart is firmly attached to Big Mike Doogan, the hero's father. I liked him so much, I offered to channel my own father to capture some of his more spicy Gaelic curses. Though Silver politely declined my offer, I still like Mike very much.
In fact, in a few weeks time, he'll be visiting Mallory Kane's blog which features Class of '85 characters.
Stay tuned.
Siochain

Anoither coup for one of the class of '85

2011-04-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

The List has been awarded a 4.5 book rating by Long and Short Reviews, which placed it in the running for Best Book of the Week Award.
As the editor of this beauty, I am honored beyond belief.

Other classmates are receiving equally terrific reviews, especially Jannine Gallant.
This is a fabulous group of writers, loaded with talent and quick humor.
I am grateful to have them in my life.
Best
Kathy

We have a new alum at the reunion

2011-02-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

"Embraceable You" enjoyed a loud, joyous release party complete with paper streamers, noisemakers, and a tasteful quintet of kazoo players.
Not.
I recently underwent abdominal surgery; recovery would be smoother if I followed orders, but some of us, as they say in the rooms, have to go out and experiment a bit more. I hope I learned my lesson today and begin to pay better attention to detail.

But more to the point: Dru and Rory are here and looking good. Here's an excerpt:

Suddenly, Dru remembered the back-up phone tucked inside the double zippered pocket in her satchel, right beside the extra flash cards and rolls of antacids. Hot damn. All was not lost. With a grin, she hefted the bag over her shoulder and turned toward the bathroom. “I won't be long.”
Before she made the first step, he slid in front of the door, blocking her access. “Give it up.”
Down to her last strike, she pulled the affronted female card. Granted, she used it maybe once in a decade, but Fiona was probably tearing her hair by now. “I beg your pardon?”
Leaning forward, he brought them nose to nose. “Play much poker, Horvath? Your face just lit up like the Fourth of July, which tells me you've got something more stashed in the tote. Unless you let me search it, it stays with me.”
Clutching the canvas bag to her chest, she sneered, “The only thing in here is my outfit for tonight, McElroy. If you think I'm parading around naked in front of you, one of us is a couple fries short of a happy meal.”
His response came in the form of another gimme motion with those thick, blunt fingers. “I'll close my eyes if I encounter any lacy unmentionables.”
She knew the instant he found the back-up. The screw-you look morphed into a smirk. “It's not wise to mess with Homeland Security, sweetie. Those guys eat small animals for breakfast.”

I hope you enjoy.
Siochain

After All These Years

2011-02-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Jannine Gallant created another pair of dynamic, funny and multi-layered characters when she dreamed up After All These Years.

Best yet--the reviewers agree. This story is wowing them--and rightfully so.

For a fun interview with Chantal Day, the star of this story, take a walk over to Mallory Kane's blog: www.WildWomanKane.blogspot.com. Chantal kept us all in stitches on January 30th. It's still there, if you look for it.

I know you'll enjoy it.

Changing the Environment

2011-01-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

Funny how making changes in the every day environment will bring a new lease on life.
Shortly before Christmas the husb announced we give each other a Christmas gift of new living room furniture.
Uh huh. Just like the back deck he gave me a few years ago. I saved the gift card, occasionally pull it out to brush off the accumulating dust bunnies.
But, nope, he did what he said he'd do and on the day after New Year's, we went shopping. With style ideas and a maximum dollar amount in mind, we spent a few hours in a medium price showroom. What he found took my breath away. We bought the whole set, including throw pillows and angora throw which feels like sin against my skin.

Now for the new lease end of the deal: the living room is neat and clean for the first time in too many years. We're both taking more time and using more care in putting things away, not allowing dirty dishes collect.

It is absolutely grand. And I love it.

We are a finalist

2011-01-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday wile surfing my favorite sites on the Net I discovered the annual Predators and Editors Poll is out. I stopped by with the intent of voting for--The Wild Rose Press, of course.
Guess what I found?
My name is on the editor list!!!
Yowza. I wonder how that got there. And I am thrilled someone would nominate me.
After looking a bit more, I discovered a book [Package Deal by Donna Bolk] and an anthology [Out of the Dark, by Dara Edmondson, Lainey Bancroft and Kat Henry Doran] are also on the list.
What a day yesterday was for me.
On top of that, I was formally discharged from PT.
Yahoo and yahoo!!
Slainte

Another winning review for two Class of '85 members

2010-12-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

Sharon Buchbinder, author of An Inn Decent Proposal, released today by The Wild Rose Press, received a 5 star rating from Night Owl Reviews, a well-known review site. It is well deserved as this story is a pip.
Icing on the cake came when the reviewer said how much she adored the entire series.
Yippee

Slainte

The latest arrivals are here!

2010-12-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

I am so very pleased to display the latest alumna to grace the Summerville Inn for the Class of '85 reunion:

After All These Years by Jannine Gallant will be released January 29, 2011. This delightful story, set for the most part in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York state, features a former cosmetics mogul, victimized by a hostile takeover, seeks refuge in her family's unused mountain cabin, then encounters a former love who lives nearby.

Embraceable You by Kat Henry Doran will be released February 23, 2011. The cover art took my breath away for it captured the romance between Druzilla Horvath and Rory McElroy which takes place over the course of only a few hours during the Eastman Awards banquet at the Inn. I'm sure you'll agree Tina Lynn, one of WRP's very talented artists outdid herself here.

Veronica Lynch's The List will follow three weeks later on March 16, 2011. Rather than people or places, artist Tina Lynn chose to use a literal 'list' for the cover. I couldn't be happier. it's different and unique enough to catch the eye of a browser at a book store.

Several more stories, just in and newly contracted by Margo Hoornstra and Jannine Gallant, both veterans of the reunion will be coming out in the spring, 2011.
Stick around, won't you?

Siochain!

The Reunion list continues to grow

2010-11-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

A decision has been made to make December 31st the deadline for submissions to the Class of '85. That gives us time to get a few more stories out there.

The second decision was to space out the releases in 2011 to every 3-4 weeks. I think this was a wise decision; it will give the authors a chance in the sun for a prolonged period of time.

For 2011, we have After All These Years by Jannine Gallant, scheduled for release on 1/28/11.
The List by Veronica Lynch will follow the end of February.
Embraceable You by Kat Henry Doran will come out the end of March. Author Margo Hoornstra [Glad Tidings] has submitted two new stories which look like they will fit right in with the rest of the class.

As soon as we have cover art it'll go up here.
Soon
Kathy

More Alums at the Reunion

2010-10-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

And two more have been added to our wonderful party!!
What kind of woman buries her husband in the morning and sleeps with his best friend that night? And so begins Glad Tidings, a delightful Class of 85 story with a holiday flair to it will come out 12/1/10.

An Inn Decent Proposal, which features the old and glorious Summerville Inn, with a fabulous cast of out-there characters, including a New Jersey mobster wannabe, comes out 12/29/10.

In each case the cover art is gorgeous; I am thrilled to have both stories join the party.

On a sadder note, our extremely talented cover artist Nicola Martinez is no longer with us. We will miss having her beautiful covers for the stories. And... we have come to the decision to close submissions to the Reunion effective December 31st. We are hoping to have enough submissions between now and then to take us well into 2011.

I hope you enjoy some if not all of these stories.
moi

Things are looking up

2010-10-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today is Monday. I've not needed narcotics for pain control since Saturday. I've also learned, painfully, not to overdo on computer work. "Light" typing means exactly that: not hours on end spent at the keyboard editing class of 85 stories.
In my defense, I overworked because of an inner compulsion to send three more class of 85 stories on the road toward release. I shall hold off on announcing the titles and authors until we are closer to the actual date but I am pleased to say two are from repeat authors Sharon Buchbinder and Jannine Gallant. Great stories. Really great. Lots of laughter.

Since my last post regarding the Class of 85, two more stories have been scheduled for release:
STAR POWER by MJ Fredrick comes out this week. It is a fun story about a Brad Pitt type movie hero who wasn't much in high school but turns into a hunk on screen. His mother shames him into attending the reunion. He can't say no to Mama--and to stave off potential groupies [and there is a few hysterical funny scenes about this very thing]--he brings along his personal assistant. Both are secretly in love with each other; it's interesting to see how each comes to grip with that fact.
Simply gorgeous cover art features the real deal Charlotte-Genesee lighthouse which stands on the bank of the Genesee River as it feeds into Lake Ontario. The art work is lovely as you'll see to the left.

SOMETHING MORE by Keena Kincaid, a November release, is all about secrets and how avoiding them like the elephant in the middle of the living room can bring families down. this is a very strong story. I am proud to be part of it.
I hope you'll enjoy them too!

it hurts to get old

2010-09-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

I now understand what they mean when they say the cure is 10 times worse than the original problem.
It's called a rotator cuff repair and it ain't for sissies, believe me.
Today is post-op day 5 and I am finally down to 4 Percocets a day [as opposed to 8] and I didn't nap once!!! Mark that one down in your calendars.
I admit my mobility is much improved over what it was Friday night [immediately after surgery] which was NONE, it's still not great.
The pain is now only when I move so that's an improvement, a big improvement.
I think I might live.
slainte

A generous promo opportunity

2010-09-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

A member of the Class of '85 authors' loop has made an offer to me as editor and the other authors to participate in her group blog Fuzzy Pink Slippers for the entire month of September.
This is a very generous offer; I am incredibly grateful to her for doing this.
It came about after I asked the authors on the loop to stop by the weekly WRP chats during the month of September as this month is when the Last Rose line is honored.
This is turning into something fascinating.
I am very grateful.
Hope you will be able to stop by either the WRP chats, every Tuesday at 9PM [est] or Fuzzy Pink Slippers.
Peace
Kathy

An Update on The Class of '85

2010-09-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest releases and those scheduled to come out during the month of September.

Lonely Road to You is out now.

Corvette Confessions--isn't this a great cover? will be released on September 8th. I'm so sorry I am unable to post the cover art here.

Fairy Tales Can Come True will follow on September 15th and is here to the right.

Bonded For Life will show up on 9/22/10--I am unable to post the cover art here.

and Transatlantic Loving will finish up the month on September 29th. the cover art, as you can see is perfect for this story.

I hope you can enjoy some, if not all, of these great stories.
Kathy

Let's Celebrate Those Last Roses

2010-08-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

September around the Wild Rose Press is reserved for the old broads of the Last Rose of Summer line.
On September 24th, I am delighted to announce the release of OUT OF THE DARK, the first and only and probably last anthology to come out of this line. It is three stories about three women who find their lives irretrievably changed after they spend time in jail.
The authors had a great deal of fun writing their stories. I had a lot of time laughing as I read and edited them!
These are wonderful examples of the talent which hangs out at the Old Lady Saloon and I love them.
Peace,
Kathy

And The Beat Goes On

2010-08-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

We are putting out the Class of '85 like a card shark fans a deck.
Here they are the rest for the month of August.

"The Serious Moonlight" likely my favorite of all the covers so far because of the mood the colors and moonlight create, comes out 8/18/10. Its theme is beauty and the beast with a twist. Yes, the hero bears scars from a childhood accident which put him at the mercy of children who turned into unthinking, cruel teens. The heroine, back in the day, was easily influenced by her two best friends. While she learned her lesson a long time ago, it is the two friends who 'grow up' during the reunion. It's a terrific story with a message we all can learn from.

The Lonely Road to You, also a great cover, complete with [if you look real real close] a terrific shaggy dog] which is perfect for the story which brought me to tears at the end. As I told the author, I don't do tears. She proved me wrong. This beauty comes out 8/25/10.

Peace

The Class of '85 update

2010-08-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

As of July 30th, we have 13 contracted titles with perhaps 3 or 4 under consideration. The first story will be released on August 11, 2010. Getting It Right.
When I look back on everything, we really didn't get moving on this series until April. From submission to publication: less than 4 whole months. Wow.
As soon as new cover art is announced I'll post them.
Peace

Class of '85 cover art

2010-06-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Four covers have been completed. They are beyond beautiful.
The Wild Rose Press artists always do a lovely job. This time, Nicola Martinez outdid herself. The covers tell the stories.
The authors are thrilled.
So am I.

Stay tuned for the next crop.
Siochain,
Kathy

The First Contract is Offered!

2010-05-08T18:41:00.000-07:00

The Class of 85a has existed for less than 60 days and last evening the first contract was offered.
This is too good!
Great story, great ending, I am pleased.
Here's to many more successes.

A brand new project at Last Rose of Summer

2010-03-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder what happened to the Class of '85? Ever want to change history a little? Maybe exact a bit of revenge on the Prom Queen or redeem the Boy Most Likely to Serve Time at a Maximum Security Prison?

We are about to find out!
We are launching a new series at LROS entitled "The Class of '85".
Stories will revolve around an invitation to the 25th reunion of Summerville High School, class of '85. Summerville, a fictional city [sort of] sits on the shores of Lake Ontario in Western New York State.
Length is up to the author, 7,500 -- 40,000 words. Sensuality level is at author comfort, sweet to spicy.

This will rock the Wild Rose Press back on its socks!
Please join us if you'd like to rewrite history with us--and have some fun.

Siochain

Hazards in the Workplace--Part Deux

2009-12-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

Another excellent example of hazards in the workplace: multi-billionaire, professional golfer Tiger Woods who, while on the pro tour, it appears, managed to suffer multiple episodes of zipper failure with women he wasn't married to. incomplete sentence, improper grammar, I know. You fix it, then let me know how you did it.

It seems young Mr. Woods, of the foul mouth and temperament, believes marriage vows don't apply to him. Don't get me wrong; I'm not so naive to believe adultery occurs in a vacuum. It takes two to tango; he is blessed, as all of us are, with the ability to JUST SAT NO and walk away, virtue intact.

Of course, if these women are to be believed, some of this alternative activity had to have occurred while he was on an extended medical leave of absence while recovering from knee reconstruction surgery. Oops, I forget, different body part just north of the knee doesn't care if the leg must be elevated and iced.

Un huh.
Keep on asking for privacy, Tiger.
Let Elin know I'd be glad to hand her the next club should she ever feels the need.
Jerk.

Hazards in the Workplace

2009-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

Since Valentines Day of this year, Rochesterians have been consumed with a case of multiple murders committed as a result of violence in the workplace. Prior to the lovers' day, a man named Frank Garcia was employed as a nursing supervisor at a number of nursing homes in the area. He was fired from two facilities for what was later learned to be allegations of sexual harassment. Taking issue with the terminations, Mr. Garcia elected to punish the women by shooting one as she was on a cigarette break outside the nursing home; he also shot a passerby who tried to help the woman. Both were DOA. Garcia then drove to a nearby county where he located the residence of the other complainant, tortured her and her husband, then shot them in the head at point blank range. Their children, one of whom suffers from cerebral palsy, were forced to remain in another room but heard the gunshots which killed their parents.

The list for walking wounded does not end with 4 corpses:
An eye witness to the first shootings, the significant other of the Good Samaritan, will live with the vision of her lover dying before her eyes and being helpless to assist him.
Garcia's wife, according to the news reports, delivered their third child two days after his/her father's rampage. During the trial it was printed the couple had three children under the age of 3.
Though they will likely consider themselves above it all, heads of two separate HR departments own a piece of this cluster f&*k. Garcia had a documented history of violence. Plus, how many other women came forward but were "persuaded" their complaints amount to nothing more than "he said/she said"? Could his termination been handled in a different manner?
If two women came forward and lodged complaints, chances are there are 10 to 50 others who suffered in silence and now have to wonder if they did the right thing by maintaining a silence.
The social worker friend of Garcia who helped him break the law by purchasing a gun for him. A SOCIAL WORKER, people.

The player to be named later

2009-11-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

The player to be named later is on board, ready to practice the plays and counteract the estrogen swirls created when his older sister and cousin Meredith get together.
His name is Kieran James; he weighs 10 pounds 2 ounces and is 23 inches long. And he's a snuggler. Let's hope he's as placid as his other cousin Owen.
What a bundle of love!!
Mother and Dad appear to be doing very well.
We are thrilled to death!
Siochain

The high moments of editoring

2009-11-13T18:45:00.000-08:00

okay, so last week [last blog entry] I spoke about the low points of being an editor. That galley, BTW, went to final production late last night. We shall have a release date by Thanksgiving, I hope.

so one of the high points happened a few minutes ago when i opened an email from an author who'd been rejected by another editor, with my blessing, several months back. The rejection letter was well written, supportive, and encouraging--something WRP takes serious. Long story short, the author is taking the editor's advice by lengthening the story into a rose length story. She's pleased with the treatment received by the editor and myself.

What a nice way to end the day, the week, the month, the year.
How was your day?
Siochain

The low moments of editoring

2009-11-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

Probably the thing I loathe the most about being an editor is correcting galleys, over and over, until my teeth ache. I tend to rush when I'm tired. When I rush invariably I make mistakes, and that makes me nuts.

Recently a manuscript, IMO one of the best examples of the Last Rose of Summer, has been the cause of extreme bouts of agita--due to incompatibilities between the author's word processing program and mine. To the fault of no one, progress has become my worst nightmare.

It meant I had to read every sentence, several times to, among other problems, ensure quotation marks were present and curved in the correct direction, and consistent in appearance with the marks in the previous lines of dialogue. Ugh. Ick. Dreck. Ewwwyeew. Too awful for words. I thought I'd caught them all.
Not.

I discovered the "NOT" after I sent the galley to the author for her comments and changes. In most cases the author lists for changes are short.
This one went on for 38 pages. Count 'em, boys and girls, thirty-eight. No mistake, no exaggeration.
Most were relevant and responsible to the "readability" and overall clean, error free appearance of the book.
And, sadly, many of her comments regarded inserting quotation marks where there were none. Ugh. Ick. Dreck. Ewwwyeew. Shrieks, ranting, weeping and renting of clothes. Not a pretty sight.

But. . . finally, it is completed. A task that should have been finished in late summer now will go into final production by Thanksgiving.
Not fun. Not nice.
It's time for a nap.

Siochan

Finding inspiration when I wasn't looking for it

2009-10-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

I recently decided the blurb lines for my blog sites and signature lines for my email addresses needed a shot of B-12. As I surfed the web today, I found a wealth of quotations which, while forcing me to recall the bad old days, also inspired me.

Margaret Thatcher: "I usually make up my mind about a man in ten seconds, and I very rarely change it." More women should take Madam Thatcher's advice. Then stick to it.

Bella Abzug: "The test for whether or not you can hold a job should not be the arrangement of your chromo-somes." I was reminded of the women who went through high school and nursing school with me. Bright, intelligent, hard working women who wanted to become physicians but were told they should not attempt something so rigorous for 1. it would make them unattractive and therefore would never find a husband or 2. could not absorb all that detailed information because after all they were just a 'girl'. Grrrr.

Joan of Arc: "I am not afraid . . . I was born to do this." If only more of us heard and heeded that inner voice.

That is for another day.
Suaimhneas

The Last Roses are Blooming!!

2009-09-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Each month of the year, the various lines at Wild Rose Press are featured. September is the month which focuses on the last roses. Since sales in the last quarter were the best ever for this rather quiet line [believe it or not, not all readers hold their breaths waiting for older heroes and heroines!] I took a look at the "Coming Soon" link on the WRP website.
Over the coming months we will release full length novels which involve an Alaskan adventure [Honorable Intentions, October] and two people who unite in their obsession to find a bone marrow donor for a critically ill teenager [The Trouble With Tessa, November]. Also slated for a November release is a darling short story with a Christmas theme [JD's Christmas Wish]. Lastly, in January we will be treated with A Fairy Tale for Gwynn, a widow with toddler twins and a tweenager with an attitude meets Mr. Wonderful--an actor looking for permanency.
We have some great stories scheduled for the first 5 months of 2010, including one of mine, but more on those later.
Siochain.
Kathy

A New Blog For Me

2009-08-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

Some of you know I make tote bags for fun and profit, plus it keeps me off the streets.
Until recently photos of the bags were posted on my website, but this became too difficult to manage. Many of the bags on the website have been sold or "reinvented" into a different style. Plus, having made almost 30 new bags this summer, I would have been bugging the web mistress to add and delete bag photos every few days. Not fun for anyone.

So . . . while updating another blog, one of those "well, duh" moments struck. I'd recently learned another computer skill--adding photos to my blogs. I could do this.
And I did.
To see up to date pictures of the bags I've made this summer, go to www.KatsKarryAlls.blogspot.com
Peace

Sharing Gifts With Others

2009-08-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Recently two people [actually more than two, but these two are foremost in my mind right now] shared their gifts with me.
A member of my writers' group brought in copies of articles from the recent Writer's Digest. Not only was it an excellent, well written article, it was something this man did not have to do. Now that I think about it, he does this often. I shall have to make the time to thank him.

The other gift came from a second chapter member: one of our newest members [she recently rejoined after an absence of maybe 10 years, maybe less] shared memories and lessons learned from the founder of the chapter on our blog. it was a lovely tribute from one friend to another. I shall have to take the time to thank her privately.
Peace
Kathy

Toss out that loaf of stale bread

2009-08-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

until recently if anyone asked me how to handle writer's block, I'd have responded with my favorite acronym: BTSOOM.
At a recent writers' group meetings, other members had abeen pushing writing to different audiences or targets, shorter romances, less than 5,000 words. Impossible, was my continued response--until I tried it.

What a difference it has made to my entire frame of mind!
Unbeknownst to me I've had writer's block for years, since finishing Try Just Once More back in 2006 I'd started many stories, outlined several, researched sort of for a few, completed nothing.

Until I wrote 2 shorts [less than 1,000 words] for an e-zine. I didn't think I could do it and almost gave up a few times. I submitted in the end of July and early August. They responded, saying they might go on hiatus and pick things back up again in 2010 and offered me the option to submit elsewhere.

So I did!!
I took one of the ezine stories and expanded it to just a tad over 3,000 words. It was a struggle at first finding those last 500 words, but I did it and submitted it as a stand-alone story but part of a series titles based on the vanDyke poem I call Those Who Love.
The second was somewhat easier to write due to the amount of external conflict [take back the night march].
I am quite pleased with myself.
More than that, I am feeling better about myelf and my writing than i have in a very long time.

Peace

What Writing Exercise Are You Doing?

2009-07-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

I really must get my act together and post to this blog more often.
Have any of you ever participated in writing exercises?
My writer's group has one coming up: Pick a movie and change the ending.
Obviously, not all movies apply: Saving Private Ryan, Gettysburg, Apollo 13, Last of the Mohegans; you get the drift.
problem is, I can't think of an ending I'd change.
Oh wait. There's the first James Bond movie with Daniel Craig. The heroine doesn't die at the hands of the bad guys, but James decks her for her duplicity, then walks off toward the nearest casino.

Mrs Doubtfire: Sally poisons mega-annoying Peter Pan-wannabe Robin Williams and takes off with Pierce Brosnan, and has hot sex till she can't walk comfortably.

Gone With The Wind: After Rhett says, Frankly, my dear . . . he shoots Scarlett.

The Big Easy: don't change a thing; it's perfection unlimited.

Now I believe we should expand this to TV programs:
NCIS--every episode should end with Dinozzo, bound hand and foot, with electrodes attached to his head and I get to throw the switch.

Law and Order SVU, bring Adam Beach back and get rid of the ever-sneering Mariska Hargitay.

HGTV's House Hunters: every time some rich bee-yotch says she won't buy some house worth the high six figures; she doesn't like the bathroom because it doesn't have his and her sinks. I like to see a homeless person [who hasna't bathed recently] to burst in the door and ask how she'd like living with bathroom facilities down the hall, shares it with 10 others, and BTW there's no lock on the door.

Nanny 911. I'd send each of those beastly kids to dog obedience school a[in place of the family pooch] and shoot the parents.

The Closer: I'd give Lt. Flynn a love interest: preferably a nurse, an ER or ICU nurse, whom he meets at an AA meeting. She looks like Edie Falco with the same "Do You Feel Lucky?" look in her eye. they then bang like bunnies.

that's all for today, folks
Kathy

What's on your nightstand?

2009-06-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

No, not the personal items.
I mean the To Be Read pile.
At last year's RWA conference in San Francisco, I like many attendees, came away with a bunch of free books. One was the second in JR Ward's Brotherhood of the Dagger series. It only took me about 6 months to wade through the pile to get to it.
I will readily admit: I am not a fan of vampire stories. Correction: I wasn't never a fan of vampire stories.

boy, has she turned me around!!!!
The humor is fabulous. The humanity is refreshing. And the sex is great.
The internal conflict is individualized to each of the seven heroes and crafted so well it feels effortless. I'm sure it wasn't all that easy.

I now have hooked my daughter on them.
If you have a chance, pick one up but try to read them in order.
Peace.
Kathy

Maine RWA Retreat

2009-05-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you, all MERWA members for hosting another fabulous retreat.
The workshops were well attended and quite interesting. The pitch sessions revealed there is some fascinating work going on out there. I hope everyone follows up and submits, submits, submits!!!

Jessica Andersen's workshops on World Building and Punching Up Your Writing were fun and educational. She even agreed to think about coming to Rochester to present the same workshops next year!!!
Wahoo!
Until next time,
Peace to all
Kathy

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-05T16:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend, my husband and I are getting away to his family's cottage on a small lake northwest of Syracuse. He loves the place and goes there often to fish, rest and relax.
This time we're taking one of our daughters, her two kids and the dog as her husband will be away for the weekend.
Our precious Meredith, who just turned 3, loves the cottage as much as her Papa does, though for perhaps different reasons. There is a long hallway leading to the bedroom wing, perfect for running endless marathons and trying out her new bowling set. A huge great room with hardwood floors is perfect for setting up her new four-car train set--and for running around. Her brother will be able to creep and crawl to his heart's content.
I have manuscripts to read and perhaps one of my own to start building the foundation by interviewing the lead characters.
I hope all who read this have a wonderful spot to celebrate mothers everywhere.
Peace,
Kathy

Getting back on the saddle

2009-04-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I tried--going to an editor chat.
They wouldn't let me in.
Because I forgot to write the password down and keep it in a safe place.
This computer age stuff is for the birds!

As I have the next week off from diaper and training pants duty--thank the sweet baby Jesus and all the saints in heaven--I plan to spend the time sewing my fat chubby fingers off. Several babies are due in the extended family and I like to make diaper bags for the expectant parents. If I like them I make two--one more masculine for the dad and one in the mom's fav colors or prints. Before I send it off I like to stuff the bag with baby things like rattles and pacifiers [can never have enough of those puppies] and boppy covers.

When the diaper bags are completed I'm making a book bag for my niece, fixing a Curious George backpack I made for my darling Meredith, and various Dora the Explorer accoutrements for Mere's bedroom. I've stocked up on 50% off coupons from JoAnn fabrics which should help the cost.

And . . . months ago I promised my two favorite critique partners purple totes with coordinating pansy pockets and straps. It's spring, let's celebrate!!!

Peace

Conference Wrap Up

2009-04-12T12:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe almost 2 months has gone by since I last posted anything.
Something has to be done about that!!!
I have to go to an Editor Chat right now but I'll be back
Peace,
Kathy

To Conference[s] We Will Go!!

2009-02-12T08:19:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year, spring is blooming, conference planners are running themselves ragged. This year I have been invited to two: New England's Let Your Imagination Take Flight [March] and the annual Maine Retreat [May].
I'll run my mouth at both, of course. Sex Offenders at NEC and TBA for the Maine folks.
I can't wait. I've never been to NEC and I've always wanted to go. It'll be fun to see all my pals at the Maine RWA chapter again. We had great fun last year.
Also, I've been asked to be a final round judge for The Laurie Contest this year. This is a first for me [final round, I mean]. Gee, my name will go in the RWR and everything!!!
Big stuff, aren't we?
Peace

Quote for the day

2009-01-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

While having blood work drawn the other day I saw this on the message board and couldn't stop laughing. I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.

"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. if you give her a house, she'll give you a home. if you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her."
So . . . if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.

My Christmas Wish List

2008-12-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

This is what I really, really, realllllyyyyyy want for Christmas--and throughout all of 2009:

1. A hero who makes me drool. Making me laugh counts, too. And if he can make me weep, all the better. I'd like to find a hero who yells, "Hey, Kath, over here! Look at me; let me show what I can and will do for you." I want heroes like the three men in Kathleen O'Connor's "Men Of Paradise"; Diane Amos' "Getting Personal"; and Lainey Bancroft's "The Trouble With Tessa", all from TWRP due out in the spring of 2009.

2. A heroine with a backbone. Perhaps it's always been there but might need a little softening. On the other hand, it might emerge as the story progresses. That's even better. The one with the strong exterior shell but who underneath is a mass of fears and anxieties is best of all. She'll make the hero work to "uncover" her weaknesses. And I'd really like it if she has a past.
For great heroines, IMO, Check out Dara Edmondsen's "Compromising Positions" and Nicole McCaffrey's "The Model Man", both Last Rose of Summer best sellers in 2008, and Diane Amos' "Mixed Blessings", due out in 2009, also part of the Old Lady Saloon.

3. I want someone [hero or heroine] whose motivation goes beyond wanting to acquire a tract of land so he/she can build condominiums on it because they grew up poor. Yawner of all yawners. How about someone who might be scared to death each day, but goes out there and does it because it's the right thing to do? Think TV's Monk; the psychic hero on "The Mentalist"; or Charlie Crews, on "Life".
For those of you who aren't familiar with these three darling men--all heroes in my book--Adrian Monk, a former police detective, suffers from numerous phobias and idiosyncracies, yet he manages to reach beyond them to solve crimes and save lives. "The Mentalist", a new fall show on TV, focuses on a psychic who advises the California State Police on violent crimes and who, on a daily basis, is reminded that his much loved wife and child were murdered--in part due to his arrogance and Grand Canyon sized ego. Charlie Crews is a cop who spent 12 years in prison for the murder of his police partner, railroaded by other law enforcement officers. He is released on appeal, wins a gazillion dollar lawsuit against the LAPD, yet returns to work there as a homicide detective. Think about the stress of working with some of the same people who put you in a maximum security cage for 12 years, hoping they'll watch your back, knowing they won't.

4. I realize Hogwarts has been taken. I'd still like to discover a setting that jumps off the page and becomes as real as the humans. The kind of place that I feel I MUST visit sometime [Kathy O'Connor's gated Florida community "Paradise"] even though I loathe hotter climates--or go back to so I can burn it down [No Man's Land in Kat Henry Doran's "Captain Marvelous"]. It can be a small town or a big city, or a neighborhood inside a big city. It might be a college campus or a high school. Check out Eileen Dreyer's "Sinners and Saints", a 2006 release through St. Martin's Press. If New Orleans isn't your cup of chicory, read Sandra Brown's "Envy" for a look at one of the sea islands off the coast of Georgia.

5. Conflict is the basis for the story and it must consist of something more serious than what can be resolved in a 5 minute conversation. Sorry, the reluctance to offend the other's sensibilities, or fear of what the parents might think are more than yawners to this editor. They put me into a coma faster than a duck . . . never mind.
I want to think from the beginning of the story "these two do not stand a chance of a popsicle in hell of staying together". I want to know that one of them would give up their life-long dream in order to keep the other in their life--and if it's NOT the heroine who does all the changing/giving/making compromises, that's even better.

6. Proper spelling, punctuation, a dearth of frothy prose, limited speech tags, and tight narrative goes a looooong way with this Wild Woman Editor, so take advantage of spell check, a thesaurus, and a good critique group.

What Goes Around Comes Around--13 years late

2008-12-07T13:14:00.000-08:00

Victim advocates are doing their own particular happy dance today, thanks to a Nevada criminal court judge named Jackie Glass who, before handing down his sentence, told OJ Simpson he was both stupid and arrogant.
Gee, who knew.
9 to 33 won't bring back Nicole Brown or Ron Goldman; this advocate hopes it brings a bit of solace to the families of these victims of a man's arrogance.
And for The Dream Team: guess what, guys? The glove fit this time.
It fit perfectly.
Wahoo!!!!