Memos
Coming up in 2007 and 2008 ... so far
Halfway through March? Impossible!
I started the year with such good intentions ... But here I am still eating all the wrong things while I watch America's Next Top Model. And, yes, I've been ignoring my web page. The thing is that sometimes, like it or not, the non-writing life; family, teenagers, dogs, leaky pipes, and marauding ants lay waste to the most noble of intentions. (Excuses? Did someone say excuses?)
But here I am to let you know that I'm in a Brava anthology-coming out May, 2008. It's titled BADDEST BAD BOYS, and I'm in it with Shannon McKenna (dear goddess what a writer!) and Cate Noble, whose story will have you positively aching for the pleasures of a private island. My contribution is called After The Lovin'. It's the story of two unlikely lovers thrown together by fear, distrust, and bad weather, and manage to fall in love in spite of everything. If you read it, I hope you like it.
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2008, The Year of the Rat.
In the Chinese astrological calendar, the year of the rat symbolizes the beginning of a new twelve year cycle. As a writer who loves new beginnings, this is a happy-making occurrence. I'm looking forward to the Rat's Year; a year when the old ways of doing things — which don't appear to be working too well these days — are abandoned, and bright new ideas lead the way. I'm all for those bright ideas, too. In a writer's life, there can never be too many of those! The problem is we have to emulate the rat to ensure the year is a good one for us. And the rat is no slouch. I'm told we have to be clever, observant, quick on our feet, and primed to spot the opportunities coming our way. Sounds a lot like work. I think I’m tired already...
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Omaha is grand...
Every once in awhile, writers feel compelled to forsake their solitary garrets, open their front doors, head out, and take in a bit of real life — or go hang with other writers, which is the next best thing. My compulsion took me to Omaha and the RWA Kiss of Death Retreat. It was my first trip to Nebraska, and it was too short — didn't get nearly enough time to wander old town, but I did meet and greet some fellow writers and learn a few things-about detective work (Lt. Danny Agan), suspense (Erica Spindler), and editing (Margie Lawson) while I was about it. So thank you, Omaha!
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Cheers to the Tacoma Readers' Group...
I don't know why there aren't readers' groups on every corner in North America; they are great! And the group in Tacoma, Washington is among the best. Started by Bev Estep thirteen years ago, the group has grown from an initial three to more than forty members. They meet once a month to talk books while enjoying a fine pizza. Their meetings are casual, informative-and loads of fun! Not only do they all love reading — in all genres — they have a good time dissecting books, recommending books, and trading books. Their meeting place is full of strong voices sharing informed opinions on what they like and dislike about today's fiction, and they have a lot of laughs while they do it.
I was honored to be invited for a second time this September as one of their guest authors; this time breaking bread-actually eating really good pizza-with author, Marianne Stillings, whose next book, SATISFACTION, is out this November. It was a delight to meet her and all the members of the Tacoma Readers' group. (Thank you, Veda, for the kind invitation. I think I'm going to get a button that says, I Love Readers' Groups.) And if anyone reading this is missing some fun, focused socializing in their lives, you might want to think about starting a readers' group. Good times, good reading, and like-minded people ... what could be better?
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My new pal...
I've heard readers say they dislike authors who use their sites to extol the cuteness, intelligence, and general wonderfulness of their pets. An author's website should be about the books, they say, and in principle they're absolutely right. (Although considering a writer's pet is often more interesting than the writer, they might want to revisit that opinion. : ) But because I talked about the loss of our dear dog friend, Roan, in early May, I feel compelled to introduce Zuke, the new kid on the block. I promise not to bore you with his potty training, general puppy silliness-and there's been plenty so far-or other tales from Dogville. Instead, I'll let his picture do the talking. Please meet Zuke, who has already staked out his own spot in my heart and warmed it while doing so. (Now if he just knew how to punctuate...)
Special thanks for our beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback goes to Wendy MacLean, the caring and very knowledgeable breeder responsible for our fine new boy.
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Dog stories...
If you've poked around my website, you've seen pictures of my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Roan, my writing buddy. And while a picture is worth a thousand words, it takes at least a few words to tell sad stories. And my sad story is that we lost Roan in early May. He was almost ten years old, and losing him — holding him while the vet put him into his final sleep — was one of the hardest and saddest days of my life. Roan was stubborn, neurotic, silly, talkative, unpredictable, and the best listener in the house. We were his slaves and he was ours. When we lost him to cancer, my husband and I were convinced we would never get another dog. And we had good, logical reasons — or so we thought; it was one less responsibility in lives filled with them, it was exhausting even thinking about going through the puppy stage, the training, the housebreaking ... but most of all we didn't want to face loving and losing another canine pal. It was just too painful. Too raw.
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Come the fall...
I'm looking forward to some book signing events, both of them in my home province of British Columbia. If you’re in the neighborhood, I hope you’ll drop by; I'd love to meet you. The first signing will be September 15th in Chapters Metrotown in Burnaby from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., and the second will be October 13th at the wonderful Indigo Park Royal in West Vancouver from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
These will be fun signings, mainly because of the company I'm keeping — a group of terrific and very talented romance authors. Here's the list with their latest release after their name: Bonnie Edwards, BUILT, Naomi Bellis, STEP INTO DARKNESS, Susan Lyons, TOUCH ME, Kate Austin, SUMMER DREAMS, Lee McKenzie, THE MAN FOR MAGGIE, and Laura Drewry, CHARMING JO. Not every author is at both signings, so you might want to check their web pages for their participation dates.
Do come and say hello if you can...
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Tacoma in September:
I'll be heading down to Tacoma, Washington, a jewel of a city, in the fall — the date's not confirmed yet, but the plan is to have lunch with a very special group of readers — maybe forty in all? — who've been meeting regularly for years. They're a fun and eclectic group, and they read all types of fiction: suspense, mystery, romance — and whatever else piques their interest.
Last time I went to visit with them, I had a great time, so I'm really looking forward to seeing Tacoma again. It's always a treat to spend time with readers. And if I'm lucky I'll get to the Tacoma Museum of Glass. Amazing place!
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Omaha in October:
I've never been to Nebraska, but that's where I'm going in October. It's the annual retreat for the KISS OF DEATH ROMANTIC SUSPENSE CHAPTER of the Romance Writers of America. I'll be doing a workshop, but more than that, I'll be mixing and mingling with writers who are actively writing romantic suspense. For one intensive weekend we'll be focusing on: “Thriller: Building High Emotion and Suspense in Your Novel.” The other exciting thing about this retreat is the company I'll be keeping: NY Times, USA Today bestselling author, Erica Spindler, will be there!
P.S. I discovered that some amazing people have Omaha roots, among them: Fred Astaire and his sister Adele, Marlon Brando, Gerald Ford, Henry Fonda, Nick Nolte, Nicholas Sparks, Paula Zahn ... Warren Buffett, of course. The list goes on and on. There must be something in that Nebraska air. I hope I catch some of it.