Monday, December 29, 2008

Ah, the blessed lull after Christmas

This year, I asked for books for Christmas. I know, I know... our economy could be better and the publishing industry is considered semi-superfluous. Be that as it may, I asked for books.

Santa treated me well. My secret santa gifted me Shadow Dance by Julie Garwood and Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie. Both awsome titles I devoured shortly after opening the box.

My DH gifted me with Flat Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy, along with all of Heather Grothaus' titles: The Warrior, The Champion, and The Highlander, and two works by my friends Tony and Lori aka Tori Carrington, Sofie Metropolis and Dirty Laundry.

I can't wait to get to those.

I found a way to wrangle copies of Double Your Pleasure, featuring Lori Foster when I needed to earn free shipping. Oh yeah, I love that one.

All I can say is that my resolution for the upcoming year is to read the books I own before I go to the library and stock up. I love the library and think everyone should go once a week, but I also love having my own brand new books in my hands.

So happy new year and happy reading.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

When in Doubt, Cut it Out or Replace with a Better Word

I'm coming tothe conclusion that all those who think writing is easy are sorely mistaken. Don't get me wrong, I love to read and I love to write. Gimme a saucy alpha male any day. But the more I work with my crit partners, the more I understand the invalubility of honest critiquing and the willingness to rework a piece. Kathleen, aka Kiss Carson, told me to get rid of every HAVE, IS, WAS, WERE, and HAD in my piece. What a difference! Night and day. Ashley Ladd suggested more wold building. I thought the wolrds my characters existed in were rich, but she showed me how to add even more depth. Courtney, a former editor for the Wild Rose Press suggested I get rid of all passive voice. It's hard when that's how most people talk. And also, Michelle Witvliet simply stood behind me and said, just do it. It's good to have friends with faith giving you the occasional kick in the seat.

But, now I need to return to the Bat Cave and work on revisions.

Enjoy the eye candy!

Wendi

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Wow, time flies!

Today's the start of the Christmas shopping season for me. I rather like to people watch as I'm shopping. The stores were packed, as expected. Women marched through the aisles in search of the perfect treasure while men roamed rather aimlessly looking for whatever happened to be on the list for the special her in his life. Kids ran and screamed as harried parents attempted to keep them in check.

As an onlooker, the scene was amusing and sad. Soon enough, the children will grow, the parents won't be around and that special someone probably won't remember the awful tie you bought because you thought it matched his eyes.

But then again, this is the time for giving and loving the ones around you, so soak it all in and romance it up. You never know what you'll find behind the next display, aisle, or corner. It could be love!