May21

My Weekend’s Cut Out for Me

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So, yesterday, Deb Werkman had an on-line pitches  here: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/ 

I pitched Runaway  with the idea that she’d give me some feedback on the pitch.  Well, imagine my shock when she said she wanted the full!.  She said my voice was shining through. She also said she  had some concerns with the story which she would address when she saw the full.   So, had a moment of panic because I need to polish it some more.  I wanted to amp up some parts of it- make the romance more “romantic” as it were.  

The weekend is now mapped out for me- gonna get this puppy ready to send!  Good thing the boy went back to college yesterday and the other son is gonna be in his room with his guitars.  Spouse is going fishing so it looks like Dell and I have weekend plans now!  

May20

Martha Grimes

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Martha Grimes is  my absolute favorite writer and has been since the 1980s.  I adore her stories about Richard Jury and Melrose Plant.  She’s so witty and clever.  The characters are so real and fun.  All the books are named for pubs.

I own all of the books she’s ever published.  She  has others besides the Jury series.  They are excellent as well. Search on Amazon and order some. You won’t regret it.

Her latest book is called The Black Cat.  I started it last night and so far, it is as good as the rest.  This one is autographed. As most of you know, my son is in architecture school in Ft. Lauderdale. There is a cool book store in Delray, Fla (just up the road from him) called Murder on  the Beach.  Martha made an appearance there last month on her book tour and my son went and listened to her talk and got me the book.  What a great son!   I sure wish I could have been there. 

Anyway, I highly recommend this series.  I think The Black Cat is #22. 

May19

On a Roll

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Woke up  this moring with the premise of a story I plan to submit to an anthology about Dream Lovers.  Here’s the place that inspired me.  Check out the lovely gardens.  Can’t you imagine a dream lover here?

http://www.heligan.com:80/

May18

Rumpelstiltskin’s Quest- Post Part II

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Submitted it today. Got email today from editor. She said, “your story is a charmer and is definitely in the anthology, Free Range Fairy Tales.”

 She’ll be sending the contract.  YEAH!

May18

Rumpelstiltskin’s Quest

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Is finished and submitted to Whortleberry Press for their newest collection of stories called Free Range Fairy Tales.  This should be a really cute set of stories. I know I had a blast writing mine-   

May18

Amazing Progress

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Had a goal to get 500 words done on the new short story last night and got very close to 3000 done.  Not really happy with the ending so I have to work on tweaking that. Have the whole thing done (since it must be under 4000 words)- just need to edit and play with the end.  I’ll send it to Whortleberry Press, where I’ve been published twice before. This is a romance story again- Rated PG as that’s part of the guidelines for the anthology. This one is an anthology of “Free Range Fairy Tales.”  Should be a fun group of stories. Reminiscent of the old “Fractured Fairy Tales” television show.  Anyone besides me remember that show?

May17

New Short Story

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Gonna start a new one tonight-  that’s the plan, anyway.  It came to me this morning in the shower- have to work the real job first, though. Have a lunch date so can’t work on it during lunch either. I have jotted down gist of it.   I already know where I plan to submit it.  It will be one  under my real name.

Here’s a clue:  And for those of you that know how much I love the British Isles, this castle view isn’t much of a clue, is it? so, here’s another clue: there will be golden hair in this story.   Does that help?

May14

Rock Em, Sock Em Robots vs. Iron Man II

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Went to see Iron Man II last night.  It was a fun movie.  Not nearly as good as the first one but it was a diversion, anyway. Robert Downey, Jr. oozes charm and charisma as always.  He is just adorable and very sexy as well. Gotta love the arms he shows off in that  wife beater tee shirt.  He is such a spectacularly gifted actor, it is a joy to watch him.

Now, let’s talk about the great unwashed.  Yes. I mean Mickey Roarke.  Now, if I thought he was only dirty for the movie, that’d be one thing but I think it is his natural state of being.  Loved the line where Downey told him he was gonna bring him some soap.  I think he meant it for the real man, not the character.   Anyway, every time Mickey came on screen, I was revolted – he is disgusting. Yuck.

Now, to the Rock Em, Sock Em Robots:  There is a scene where Downey and Cheadle are fighting each other- reminded me of that old toy- I kept waiting for one of their heads to pop up like they do!  It was kind of funny. 

AND then there was the fight scene where Scarlett Johansson fought like 72 men.  That was waaaaaay to video game like for my taste. The movements were jerky and rushed and totally fake.  Could’ve left all that out.  Or done it much better.

So, I recommend this as a fun romp but don’t expect great things (other than from the star, Robert Downey, Jr as this role seems to fit him very well).  Suspend reality for two hours and enjoy.

May12

Sigh of Relief

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Today was one of the least crazy days in a long time.  Had two newbie lawyers appear before me today that I wanted to tell that they don’t need to be playing in my ball field if they don’t know the rules, but other than that, a good day.

This ball field is a lot lovelier than my new digs in the Federal Bldg. I have been relegated to the basement.  There are 3 windows but they are under street level so it always looks like it is overcast and grey.  In the old bldg, we had a wall of windows that overlooked the bay.  What a change.

May10

Mother’s Day

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Was nice.  Had both sons at home.  We had Sonny’s BBQ for lunch because that is what my own mother always wants. I think, only one time, since I have been a mother, have  I gotten to eat what I want and it was because my mom was out of town.  So, grateful to have my own mom still be alive, I’ll keep eating Sonny’s BBQ for a long time to come.

I got a gift card to Books a Million and one to JoAnn’s.  My kids know me well and that makes me happy!