#WriteWed When Inspiration Disappears . . .

So sorry to have missed you yesterday, but it was a hectic day since my daughter, one of her friends and I went to see Jimmy Fallon. I had to finish a lot at work before I could go, took them to lunch and then went over to 30 Rockefeller Center to line up for the show. Along the way my daughter got interviewed for one of the skits and we can’t wait to see if it made it into the show. Here’s a picture of us waiting in line!

But back to reality. What happens when inspiration disappears? I have to confess I’ve been struggling with what to do this year and when. I have a new proposal and just got back some comments from my new agent! Yeah. That’ll get me going, but what really got me going was attending my local writing group’s meeting last Saturday. You can check out the Liberty States Fiction Writers here along with their awesome March conference that has both readers and writers tracks.

We had a wonderful speaker – Anne Frazier Walradt – a dear friend and amazing lady. I talked with others about what they were doing and I mapped out a schedule for me for the year. That seemed to open floodgates in more than one way. Suddenly I had some ideas for a new story and then another dear friend asked me to join another box set for mid-year. It has to be new material so . . . have to think about that story as well.

Friends inspire as do fellow writers. Much like Weight Watchers or AA, there is something about being with people with common goals and ambitions and yes, problems, that makes you feel not so alone and can help you keep on moving in the right direction.

I guess the morale of the story is – When inspiration disappears, find like-minded individuals to help you keep on the path if you feel you are drifting away from your intended course.

March 11, 2013May 10, 2017

#ManCandyMonday Hrithik Roshan #Bollywood Hottie

I had a fabulous weekend! My writing buddy Nisha Sharma and I hunkered down to get some serious writing down, but we also took time to hang with my daughter and the equally fabulous Gail Freeman, Past President of the Liberty States Fiction Writers.

I was working on my latest WIP – TO CATCH A PRINCESS (working title). This is the romantic suspense follow-up to THE PRINCE’S GAMBLE and I am so loving how this story is working out. I hope you’ll like it also!!

But in between the writing and talking writing, Nisha introduced me to the hunks of Bollywood with the action film DHOOM 2 (or BLAST 2 in English). OMG is the main actor, Hrithik Roshan, a hottie. Gorgeous face and eyes. Amazing body and boy, can he dance. I discovered that about Bollywood movies. At any time the actors and actresses can break out into dance and song with dozens of extras behind them in synchronized movement.

Kind of interesting and it was hard not to appreciate Hrithik every time he came on the screen, especially when he was bare chested! LOL! But in a more serious vein, Hrithik has won numerous Best Actor awards for his work in various movies, so he’s not just a pretty face.

Hope you enjoyed today’s Man Candy Monday.

Photo Credit: Hrithik Roshan at Madame Tussauds – FilmiTadka Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license – Filmi Tadka@en.wikipedia.com

February 7, 2012

What can you get with $40? Lots and lots of fun & #giveaways!

Create Something Magical Conference What if I told you that for $40 you would get at least 7 free books from Avon, Grand Central Publishing and Samhain, samplers from Forever Romance and Penguin Books, a dessert reception at a very special Lady Jane’s Salon, readings and genre panels with bestselling authors, a karaoke party with hot finger foods, water bottle from Secret Cravings Publishing, pad folios from Carina Press, free raffle tickets for an assortment of gift baskets including one with a Kindle, courtesy of Secret Cravings Publishing, a book fair, plus lots of other swag? Also toss in there the ability to spend time with other readers and rub elbows with an assortment of authors at the reception and party?

Whoa, that was a mouthful! I know it’s hard to believe, but all that can be yours for $40 at the Create Something Magical Conference on March 17 in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The conference is being run by my home writing group, the Liberty States Fiction Writers!

If you’re a writer, you get all of the above as well as an assortment of workshops on the craft and business of writing, plus your choice of appointments with over 20 editors and/or agents. Yep, 20 editors and/or agents waiting to hear your pitch in a variety of fiction genres.

March 3, 2011May 9, 2017

Thursday 13 – Conference Tips!

On the 19th I’ll be at the wonderful Liberty States Fiction Writers Create Something Magical Conference. It’s a great event with some awesome workshops and 20+ editors and agents taking pitches. Plus, there are going to be a bunch of gift baskets, including one with a Kindle, some nice giveaways and a book fair that’s open to the public. If you’ll be in the Woodbridge, NJ area that Saturday, please drop by. The book fair is from 5:30 to 7 pm on March 19th.

So with that conference at hand, today’s Thursday 13 is all about some conference tips. Here goes.

1. Have a business card at hand, even if you’re not published. You want to start making connections and people need to know how to reach you.

2. Mingle. Make connections.

3. Don’t mingle. LOL, yes a little bit of a contradiction, but you need to learn body language. If two people are close together and in a serious discussion, it’s not the right time to butt in.

4. Enjoy yourself. Yes, it’s work, but it’s also a chance for you to unwind.

5. Choose your workshops carefully. Make sure they are ones that fit a need that you have.

6. Dress professionally.

7. Dress comfortably. You can do 6 and 7 and it’s important to find that balance. If you’re not comfortable, those vibes carry to others.

8. Don’t drink too much. You can’t believe how often I’ve seen people break this rule.

9. If meals are being served, choose a table where you can meet new people.

10. If you’ve got the time to spare, stay after the conference ends and the fun time begins. It’s part of networking, but it’s also part of finding time to share with other creative people. It can be really rejuvenating.

11. Prepare your pitch. Stand in front of a mirror or sit with a friend and practice it. See if it sounds natural.

12. Don’t be nervous in front of the editors and agents. They don’t bite. Really they don’t.

13. Have fun! You’ve probably spent some money to attend, travel, stay, get new clothes, etc. Take the time to enjoy yourself a little.

Hope you found these tips helpful! Hope to see you at the book fair!

January 7, 2011November 26, 2018

Not So Fun Battle of the Bulge!

Well, yesterday you read about one of those changes I want to make for the New Year and some of you may possibly have the same goal – to lose weight.

My friends and I at the Liberty States Fiction Writers have even set up a loop for members to share ideas on how to lose weight and also, to encourage each other so we will feel fabulous for our March 19th conference! That’s one of the things I love about this group – that everyone is willing to be supportive of one another, whether with respect to writing, losing weight, sharing sorrow or savoring success. They are there for each other. LSF Writers, you rock!

But back to the weight loss. Here are some free sites that you can use to help you keep track of your goals, plan menus, etc.

Lose It!
Livestrong The Daily Plate

Here’s a good resource for recipes and other suggestions:

Kraft Healthy Living

Hope you find these sites helpful as well! Have a great weekend.

August 13, 2010May 10, 2017

Fun Friday

So sorry that I missed our first Thursday Thirteen, but I was off to the airport at 4 a.m. for a business trip. I am so whooped today!

But I am looking forward to a fun weekend down the shore and with my friends at the Liberty States Fiction Writers. This Saturday is our August Movie Day and we’re going to spend some time together deconstructing and analyzing the brilliant new Star Trek movie.

Now I have to confess I grew up watching the Star Trek series and loved some of the new shows. But even if you’ve never watched a Star Trek episode, you’ve got to love this movie. The characters are fascinating and the story line is compelling. It’s also amazing to see how J.J. Abrams basically rebooted the franchise with this adaptation of the original history in the series.

I’m happy we chose this movie to analyze because it has so much to offer both aspiring and veteran writers!

And if you’re a geek like me, drop by the official website and play around. Take a 360 tour of the bridge of the Enterprise.

Try it! You’ll like it! Have a great weekend and enjoy!

May 14, 2010

Fun Friday – Arts, Crafts & News

This weekend will be hopping for me! First there is the Liberty States Fiction Writers Mayke It Happen get together! Can’t wait to go and hang out with all of my buds and talking about our writing projects.

I’ll be down the shore and hoping to see some sun! But just in case it’s rainy, I’m sharing a fun project with you from my friend Kathy Cano-Murilla, the Crafty Chica aka the Goddess of Glitter! As writers and readers, we always seem to have a vast collection of pens and I thought this crazy pencil cup would be fun to share with you!

If it is sunny, I hope to get some time in along the boardwalk, researching some more spots for . . .

BOOKS 3 and 4 IN THE SINS SERIES!

Yes, you heard it here first! I’ve accepted an offer from Grand Central Publishing for two more books in the SINS series. Not only that, you won’t have to wait that long to read about the continuing adventures of the Carrera clan as well as some new and very dangerous people that will enter their lives (can we say some non-human people with very unusual and deadly powers?)

As you know, STRONGER THAN SIN will be out in November 2010 and you’ll be able to read both Books 3 and 4 in 2011 if all goes as planned! I can’t wait to share these exciting paranormal romance stories with you and I know you’ll all like to see what’s up with Mick, Caterina and Liliana as well as find out more about the dark creatures who will threaten the Carrera clan. As for who will be the hero and heroine in book 3 — here’s a hint: You’ve read about them already in one of the SINS-related books/prequels and you’ll see more of them in STRONGER THAN SIN!

That’s all the beans I’m spilling for now! Hope you all have a great weekend!