Class is in session

The new round of classes at AC have begun and this time I have a strange, but exciting, mix of students. In the Great American Novel class, I have nine men and two women. Usually its the other way around with more women than men. So it should be very interesting and a whole different look at novel writing from the male perspective. I'm excited. In the critique class I have mostly familiar faces from the last novel writing class. I'm thrilled they are continuing to pursue publication.

I'm a little bummed that the Seminar I was supposed to give to Panhandle Professional Writers was cancelled due to the inbound snow storm. Have I mentioned how much I hate winter lately??

One good item of note is that my new computer came so I will be playing with my new toy all weekend....and maybe taking down the Christmas tree (or maybe not). Technically I have until Valentines Day to remove all vestiges of my favorite holiday(these are my rules so deal with them). At least I'm not still turning on the tree lights every night.

Another shipping incident occurred today only this time with UPS. Supposedly they left my package from Kiplinger on my porch (okay so technically it's a large square of concrete, but whatever) well the package was not there. In fact I'm betting he tossed it onto someone else's 'porch'. Normally it wouldn't annoy me that much except I'm on deadline for the review of this book. Of course Kiplinger has been nice enough to overnight me another copy, but still!! What is wrong with these people?? First DHL leaves poor Jen's Xmas on her 'porch' to get stolen, and now UPS tosses packages willy nilly onto the plains of Texas. My last hope is FED EX...and they better come through!!

On the writing front, I finished the First Draft of the Human Resources book that I was ghostwriting, and now I'm on to a Liposuction book. If nothing else, its always interesting. I'm also still working on my editing website and trying to get it live sometime next week. We'll see how much I get done this weekend!

New Year's....again

Isn't it funny how time speeds up as you get older? It seems like just a couple of months ago I was anticipating 2006, and what it would bring, and now its over already. I have to say that overall the year was fabulous for me. I took my first cruise (which was so great *sigh*) and did several things on my "Stuff to do before I die" list. I think I finally got over my agent phobia and (with the help of some other writers) brainstormed a couple of ideas that will make onto paper this year.

Professionally, I made some leaps and bounds that I never anticipated, pushing me that much closer to living the life I want (and getting that great piece of beach on Grand Cayman).

As I look to 2007, I really feel that tingley anticipation. Like when you know something great is going to happen but you don't know exactly what form it will take. There are so many possibilities given all that I have going on, that I know this could easily be my best year ever. Even if it goes like the last six months it will be very above average, so its a no-lose situation.

I decided this morning to get out a piece of paper and write down all the great things I expect to happen this year. As I read back over the list (and it wasn't long) I looked at each item and caught myself thinking, OMG...what if it actually does happen? What if it all happens???

Then I thought, wait a minute....what do you mean IF?? I wonder how many times that we keep ourselves from achieving all there is? How many times do you tell yourself that you are wishing on a star, or that it's a dream that is far from reality? Well, I say that's crap! You are in control of you and have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to, me too. And I refuse to settle for the life I 'should' have. There is no reason to sit around and wait on life to happen.

I resolve this year to go out and make my life happen. I resolve to get exactly what I want and do exactly what makes me happy and if that means leaving my Christmas tree up until June, then so be it. What do you resolve to do?

Charlie Brown Xmas

So the Saddest thing happened....my oldest daughter (who lives in Durham, NC) didn't get her xmas package.....DHL Sucks BTW.....it was supposed to be delivered Sat before xmas but wasn't delivered until yesterday....AND THEN SOMEONE STOLE IT!!!

I can't believe it I'm so bummed for her.....she's a little hot about it too, see her post for 12/28...http://reblsocr19.livejournal.com/......What kind of grinch rips off xmas???

The money and treats can easily be replaced, but the feeling of violation doesn't go away....merry christmas....

In other news, I've decided to move forward with my own novel editing service....I will be setting up the website over the weekend, then I will share it here so you can all have a peek. Part of what I will be talking about at PPW is how to develop multiple streams of income for your writing business. And the novel editing service will be one of mine. As most writers know, one of the biggest obstacles for the working writer to overcome is unsteady cash flow. You have vast stretchs of time between paychecks sometimes and then have a whole pile of money come in at once. (Well maybe not a whole pile, but at least enough to catch up). A good writer friend of mine, who is also a New York Times bestseller said it's a bit like being a farmer and you have to treat it as such. You may work for months with no income and then get one or two big paydays per year.

I've thought about that quite a bit, and decided that it would be a very good thing to pursue various writing opportunities not only to even out the cash flow, but also so I would not have all my eggs in one basket (forgive the cliche). If your income is dependent on one publisher then if you lose your contract or that line folds, you're screwed. And this happens everyday. So it makes sense to plan for that eventuality. It would be like a corporate employee looking at the odds of experiencing a layoff. It happens to most people at least once in their lives (and sometimes more than that) so why not plan ahead and protect yourself.

Long time no blog.....

Very busy as usual. Many book projects in the works as usually, but they seem to be piling up which is normal for year end I guess. I'm also working on the presentation I will be doing for Panhandle Professional Writers in Jan. I will be talking on how to break into freelancing and ghostwriting, but I know I'll spend most of the morning addressing another issue. I can't figure out for the life of me why so many people spend so much time talking about writing and very little time doing it. When there is so much work out there, it baffles me why they wouldn't go get it. I guess some think that in order to be a great writer you have to suffer. I'm not really big on that. I'd rather work.

In other news, I actually had to show up for jury duty for the first time ever. AND I got picked. It was a simple one day trial (in fact it was ridiculous) but I did get to start a new book. It's called Team of Rivals and is about the events and the people surrounding the Lincoln presidency. I like historical books, but I usually shy away from politics since they are usually one sided. This book has proven unusually good. It gives backgrounds and family situations of all of Lincoln's eventual cabinet members so you have a really good understanding of who they were as people and why they thought the way the did. Very good book. Though jury duty really sucked.

Christmas times a comin'

Don't you just love the holidays???? I do. I'm already shopping for ideas for this year's Christmas tree theme. WHAT???? Your tree doesn't have a theme?? tsk tsk......

Though I'm nearly swamped with ghostwriting, editing and article projects that I must complete ASAP, I'm also back to working on my own stuff. One of the books we brainstormed in Santa Fe is a holiday book I've been thinking about for years. Literally years. They had a great suggestion on that I use a red cardinal to enhance some of the imagery. So the other day I was in the Hallmark store and saw a little ceramic cardinal that was exactly like what I want for the book. So I bought it and put it on my desk at home for inspiration. Can't wait to start writing it!

In other news, I finally got a good picture of my son and his girlfriend Laura. They are both students at Rhodes in Memphis. Aren't they cute?

Must get back to the grind now.

Back From Vegas

Tired, but happy. Vegas was wonderful as always. We stayed downtown this time and I really enjoyed it. I played at the Golden Nugget Poker room most of our stay. I won a tournament at Fitzgerald's and placed 5th in one at GN. Most of the money I won was in cash games. The best game was on the day we left. A 3-6 Full Kill game. I made $125 per hour on that one. Wish I made that in real life. I hadn't realized how much my game has improved in the last two years. Playing in a regular game at home makes all the difference. Hopefully we'll be going again soon.

We had a terrible time getting home, our flight from DFW to AMA was canceled at midnight and we ended up spending the night at the airport because Nascar was in Dallas over the weekend and there were no hotel rooms. It was a miserable night. But other wise it was a good trip overall. Can't wait to go back. The sad part is that it was the last trip of the year. So all that's left now is work. Bummer. And do I have a lot of that to do!

Whirlwind....

I'm back on the merry-go-round once again. I'm just now digging out from the work I left undone before leaving for the weekend last week but I swear that someone has backed up a dump truck of more stuff to do and is slowly drowning me. I guess everyone wants their projects wrapped up before the end of the year so there's been a mad rush to get things scheduled this week.

The writer's retreat in Santa Fe last weekend was great. We all had a good time and got lots of work done. But after three days, it leaves me brain dead. Thanks to Anita, Liz and Susan for all their help with my two book ideas. I hope to get started on them soon.

Yesterday was the last night of my writing classes for the semester. So sad. I had a wonderful group this fall. I can see several having published within the next few years. I hope most of them join the critique class next spring so I will get to hear the last part of their novels. Last night Jodi Thomas (www.jodithomas.com) spoke to the class, and as always was wonderfully inspiring. They don't know how lucky they are to have the likes of Jennifer Archer (www.jenniferarcher.net) and Candace Havens (www.candacehavens.com) speak to them as well. The published authors here are some of the most generous people I have ever met, and I know its not like that everywhere. This is the perfect place for a writer to learn from the best and be nurtured through all of the hard times ahead. There's alot to be said for "Good Writer Karma" as Candy Havens says.

Lots of ghostwriting projects piling up right now too. I'm on the search for more ghostwriters if anyone is interested. Most of these projects are with clients who want to be motivational speakers. Many are from Canada & Australia and all seem to be easy to work with.

I'm also leaving for Las Vegas on Nov 1-5. This is a trip my hubby planned and is for pure recreation. I will probably be spending 12-14 hours a day at the poker table, which is exactly how I like it.

Santa Fe Writers Weekend

It is a cold and dreary day today but I'm working diligently on my projects this week to get ready to be gone to Santa Fe over the weekend. We are having a brainstorming session (me and 3 other writers). I can't wait!! Mountain air, a Kiva fireplace and hot coffee....mmmm....makes me very writer like. Everyone is bringing at least one or two book ideas to brainstorm and I think I will go back to one I started a couple of years ago. Some writers that first read the idea thought it would be difficult to sell. But I still like the idea and want to explore it. I think that sometimes when experienced writers tell you that it may be hard to sell, they are saying that it is very different: and isn't that the whole point? Ultimately it may never see the light of day on a bookshelf, but the idea just won't die and keeps pestering me beyond reason. So I guess this may either be the start of something great or an exorcism of an idea. Either way it will be great to finally explore it.

The Classes I teach at AC are almost over. So sad. I always get so much renewed energy from the students. I will be doing the same slate of classes for the spring beginning in Mid January, but we may change the line up a little for the fall and include a Ghostwriting/Freelance class. I'm speaking on that subject at the Panhandle Professional Writer's meeting in January so we'll see what kind of interest there is for a class.

I'm finishing up the ghostwriting project for the Real Estate book this week (woo hoo!) and will be starting another one concerning cosmetic procedures. How I got to be the plastic surgery guru, I don't know. Just happenstance I guess that those projects gravitate toward me. I will be working on my next article for the January Issue of Credit Union Business as well which will be about Supplemental Executive Retirement plans.

Meanwhile, I will be planning my own retirement to the Cayman Islands.....I hate winter.

Cruise Photos!!

Hopefully I can get them to post....we'll see.

Here is the ship we went on. The Conquest. It was so absolutely wonderful I can't even tell you how great it was. The theme of the ship is art so everything was decorated by artwork from the masters and all the dining rooms and lounges were named for them. We had dinner every night in the Renoir dining room and lunch in the Monet dining room. (the casino was still called the casino - get real)

This is my favorite picture from the cruise and it is now the screen saver on all my computers. It is Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. Looks fake doesn't it? I may have it made into a big puzzle or something its just so darn pretty. Wish I was there *sigh*.

This is sunrise in Jamaica as we were sailing toward Montego Bay . Jamaica was beautiful, but depressing with the way the people have to live. But then most things look better from a distance.

Here's some on Island scenery in Jamaica.

Here's the square across from the dock in Cozumel. The shopping and the Mexican food were great! I just wish I had brought more CASH!

Here's one of me and my little turtle buddy. It is a seven month old green sea turtle. Of course if I was holding one like this in the states, I would probably be arrested for a felony. In Cayman, they eat them. The Turtle Farm is just that - they raise them for food. It should probably be called the Turtle Ranch.

Kevin took this picture and I think everyone has commented on his limited photography skills. He did better on this one :

Our last sunset. So sad. We're already planning the next one so I'm sure I'll have more pictures soon.

More Projects

Ready to work again. Though I'd really rather be in the islands. *sigh*

There's something about fall that puts me in the writer mood. I don't know if it's the old 'school days' mode or what, but it makes me want to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Lots of projects coming up in the next few weeks which is perfect timing. Classes at AC are wrapping up (I can't believe their almost done) and my other projects will be finished this week.

We'll see which projects I take on myself and which ones I assign to other writers, but it's looking good. This morning I'm consolidating plans for our writer's weekend in Santa Fe. It will be a brainstorming session with myself and three other writers. I love these kinds of events as they really get the juices flowing.

Need to touch base with some of my other writer buds. One in particular has been on my mind lately so I think I will give her a call and see if we can do lunch.

Back to Reality

So sad to be back.....the cruise was wonderful! We ate, drank and made merry!! The islands were beyond my expectation, except for Jamaica. We took a tour to the Appleton Rum estate and it was a 2 hour drive through some really depressing areas of Jamaica. The scenery was beautiful, but the people didn't have electricity or running water and the roads were terrible. Its not exactly a place you feel safe either. So definitely not something I would do again.

Grand Cayman however was another story. Being a British territory it was very clean and wonderful (though a tad expensive). Seven Mile beach was so beautiful, you stand there thinking that it's fake. But it's not. The Sea Turtle farm was fabulous!! So different from here where they are almost sacred beings. There, they raise them for food! I would totally love to buy a house on Grand Cayman ...and their tax free status is certainly attractive. Maybe someday.

Cozumel was great too, and very cheap. They have recovered nicely from the hurricane, a short ten months ago and we had some great Mexican food and I bought a fabulous necklace that I love. We are already talking about going back there for a long weekend. (Tip: cash is king in Mexico!!)

I hated to come back to real life, but that's the way it is. At least I have the writer's weekend in Santa Fe to look forward to (Oct 20-22). Then its off to VEGAS BABY!!! (Nov 1-5). Did I mention that I made $340 on the last day of the cruise playing poker? Schmucks abound even on the high seas.

Now it's back to work. Bummer.

For what it is worth.....

Had lunch today with the fabulous Jodi Thomas. For those of you who don't know, Jodi has been my long time mentor. Whenever I'm in a tough spot writing wise, or just need that little lift, Jodi's there. You can't buy that.

So today I was struggling with choices. Which things are important. Sounds familiar, does it not?? But she had the same sage advice. Go with your gut. And my gut says that my work is the most important thing. As easy as it is to push aside your own dreams in order to make a buck, it is also just that easy to reconnect and say, "Wait a minute, that's not what I signed on for." Everything falls into perspective. My original dream started more than 20 years ago...yes 20. And I still won't give it up. If anything I'm more dedicated than ever. I do have something to say to the universe, and it's important. Even if I don't feel so at times.

Every writer comes to that cross road, and I've been there many times. But I always choose my writing. It leads me to bigger and better knowledge of self, if nothing else, and that is irreplacable.

Color Me Worthless

As the cruise approaches I find it harder and harder to concentrate. I think my mind has already left for Jamaica, but we are actually still 16 days away. *sigh* A quick update on the busy busy fall schedule:

Classes: So far I haven't lost anyone yet. Which is very good. Sometimes after the first class, there will be a certain amount of attrition when they realize that these classes are for serious writers, not wanna bes. But so far so good. More good news on that front, the wonderful and funny Candy Havens has agreed to speak at my Thursday night class on Sept 21. What a treat that will be. Her new book just came out last week and you can check it out at www.candacehavens.com.

Writing Projects: I've pretty much wrapped up the plastic surgery book and am already starting on the real estate book. The Canadian novel that I edited is in the bag and I'm looking forward to having most everything wrapped up before we go cruisin.....on the ocean, with fruity drink in hand....woops...got distracted again.

Pricker update: Just when you think all is well, we've had yet another incident with the cactus. The same day I posted about how big they were and how much they'd grown, someone (I'm guessing a kid) came along and kicked the crap out them. So I go home after my first class last week and my husband was like, "I've got some bad news." So I'm thinking maybe someone has died - or worse, they CANCELLED THE CRUISE! But no. It was the fact that there were now pieces of my wonderful little cactus scattered all over the alley. Sad, Sad day. But I was too tired to go look at the damage until the next night. They were stomped all right, but seemed to be perking back up. Now, a week later, they have sprung back to life and are growing very well. I'm still convinced they are the perfect plant. Not only do they deter adolescents wielding cans of spray paint, they apparently are indestructible.

Fall is in the air....

Yes folks, the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and brand new textbooks is all about me this week. I will once again be teaching writing classes at Amarillo College. These classes are always a great boost to my own writing as I see all the talent we have here and want to press forward that much harder.

We are also just 27 days away from our cruise. Jamacia here we come! Barring any wayward hurricanes of course. As long as we get on the boat I don't care where we go. I plan to be playing poker most of the time we're out to sea anyway so no big deal. I love the idea of being completely away from everything. There's no excuse to check up on work or the multitude of projects I have to do, I will be out of the country. In fact I think that is what I will put on my out of office, "Dee is currently out of the country and unable to answer your email at this time. Hopefully she will be back. If not, good luck." That's so tacky isn't it? hehehehehehehehe

I also hired another writer to do a golf book for Life Success. It's basically a parody of the business world using golfers that this caddy encounters on a daily basis. Pretty neat. Meanwhile I'm still hard at work on the plastic surgery book. Now on the fourth chapter concerning boob jobs of one type or another. My favorite so far was the man boob chapter. Don't ask me why.

I also got another assignment from Credit Union Business Magazine which is a great thing. They have such a beautiful and well written magazine that I'm really proud to be a part of it. Don't know where it will be slated on the editorial schedule, but I will let you know.

Pricker update - for those of you following along, the prickers are now about knee high. Which is amazing and probably due to the fact that we've had more than 1/3 of our yearly rainfall in less than a month! It's a tropical downpour everytime I turn around and it's starting to negatively effect my roses. They are desert plants, not water lillies!

Kids are back at school and life is settling into a routine again for us. A very quiet routine which is a great thing. Except for classes, and the book projects, and the articles...and ....and.....and...

Eureka!

You know I just figured out that if you don't sleep, you get a whole nother 8 hours in your day. Imagine that! I stayed up til 1:30 this morning inputing changes and printing out a copy of Frenemies for Jenny to take to Colorado with her. I dropped them off in the wee hours. Was very proud of myself too...until I got up and realized I left my last four chapters on the printer. So I'm sure Jenny will be wondering what the heck happened.

Though I should be tired, I'm excited because my author copies of Credit Union Buiness came today and the article looks great. My kids are now gone and the house is quiet. IT'S FABULOUS! I will actually be able to get some work done . And it's a good thing because I'm loaded up with projects over the next couple of months. Hi Ho Hi Ho its off to work I go.

Damned if you do....you know the rest

It's a hard week of work I'm looking at folks. Three chapters on the plastic surgery book, a chapter outline on the real estate book, final edits on the Canadian fiction novel PLUS working with two writers and one copy editor on a total of five(count 'em FIVE other projects). And I can tell you that working with writers is right up there with herding cats. Not that I'm complaining, but I am. It's either boom or bust in the writing life and you never get to choose. So since it's boom right now, there are many sleepless nights in my future. And that's just the way it is. Did I sign up for this or what??????

On top of which, the collegiates are home. I have two college kids(although one of them just graduated so I guess she is a grown up) and they are home until Wed. At which time they will drive cross country and start their lives once again in Memphis, TN and Durham, NC respectively. I hate to see them grow up, but then again, three days of their crap strung all over my house and I'm ready to say Buh-Bye!!!

Needless to say I'm looking forward to my cruise to Jamaica like you can't believe. It's 41 days away and my sister has lost 30 pounds. Don't get me wrong, I'm really happy for her, but still, the desire to send her a humongous box of Twinkies is still there. But instead, I'm sending her the latest novels by Jennifer Archer(www.jenniferarcher.net) and Linda Castillo (www.lindacastillo.com). I hear that since she's been dieting that she's a regular at B & N. Not a bad replacement I must admit, but these authors are a must have. You know, maybe she should write a book on dieting through fiction. It could be a NYT bestseller......lots of drama and suspense.......yet zero calories......the dieting wave of the FUTURE!!!!

Time to Query

Its time once again for another round of magazine queries. You have to consistently send these little babies out if you want consistent cash flow. And who doesn't want that?? Speaking of cash flow, I got my brother's money in the poker game on Saturday, as expected. I really should write some articles on how gender differences effect poker players. It is really interesting.

The collegiates will be home this weekend!! Exciting and sad too cause Jen won't be a collegiate anymore. She'll have a real job. And who knows when she will be able to come home again. Oh well, that's the way things should be I guess. Today I'm working on the plastic surgery thing again and waiting on final edits to come in from the author for the Canadian book. I'm anticipating a very busy weekend again next week.

Weddings, Poker and Books OH MY!!

I hardly feel like I've had any down time since conference but I'm not as tired as I thought I'd be. This weekend is a great time to catch up so I'm working on the plastic surgery book this afternoon. The only problem is that this kind of book makes you really look at yourself in the mirror every morning and think....you know I could do something about all these wrinkles...and the droopy eyes and the turkey waddle...and.... and.....geee........I'm old.......when did that happen??

Tonight Kevin and I are going to a wedding. Jodi Thomas' oldest son is getting married. I can't even remember the last wedding I went to. It seems like all we go to these days is funerals. How depressing. Does that mean we are getting old or what? At least tonight will be a happy occasion.

In other news, the little brother laid down his Harley yesterday and broke his arm and shoulder in four places. Like everyone in the family didn't tell him that would happen. So was he grateful that he didn't die? Or didn't split his head open? Or be paralyzed for life? NO. He was just glad they didn't have to do surgery because that would have ruined his new tattoo. Yeah. I know. So glad he has his priorities straight after 35 years. So now that he is laid up, he called to see if I could come over and play some poker with some of his buddies he works with at the hospital. He said it was a great time to take his money since he's doped up on painkillers. Yes, I was laughing. EVERYDAY is a great day to take his money at the poker table. I guess if I was a good sister I would suggest some great books for him to read to improve his game. Naaahhh. I'd rather just take his money. Obviously he has to learn everything the hard way.

Atlanta RWA Conference Wrap up

Conference turned out to be great! I was able to talk to and meet everyone on my target list. I also ran across a few other people that turned out to be great contacts. The big news is that Jodi Thomas(my long time mentor and critique partner) won her third RITA. They also inducted her into the Hall of Fame. Winning a RITA is very much like winning an Oscar(except it is for writing) and just as hard. To win three times in the same category is truly a career accomplishment and one I hope to achieve one day. I also took lots of pictures at the awards and at the author book signing. As soon as I get them burned to CD I will post a few of them.

Some of the more interesting people I met turned out to be Canadian. Which is really handy since I've been editing a book for a Canadian lady that had some uniquely Canadian expressions and slang that I didn't get. They sat at the bar with us one night and explained most of it. I also found out that one of them had family from Jamaica (where we are cruising to in a short 54 days) and she gave me the low down on what to do and see.

I'm still very tired, but ready to get back to work. I'm copy editing a book on wellness during pregnancy today and then will be working on the plastic surgery book. I also accepted an assignment to ghost write a book for a group of realtors that is designed to help women get into real estate. It looks like fun. The publisher that I ghost write for has asked me to be a project manager for them and I think I'm going to do it. Seems like a natural for me.

Book Covers and Editing Projects

I finally got a photo of the cover for one of the books I did a copy edit on.

It is for an optometrist with a really interesting story. I also accepted another ghost writing job, this one for a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. Looks to be just as interesting.

I'm finishing up the edits on another book which took me a little bit longer but hopefully I'll have it done before I leave for Atlanta next week. I have the preliminary cover for that one too, but it's not been given final approval yet so I can't post it. It is really a neat cover though.

The ghost writing and the editing have proven to be very steady work. I also have two articles coming out this next month, one in Route 66 Pulse and the other in Credit Union Business magazine. I'll post those clips on the website as soon as I get my copies.

In other news, Class Registration opens up at Amarillo College on July 24th(next Monday) for the two writing classes I'm doing this fall. They are "Writing the Great American Novel" and "Critique for Writers". I hope to see some new faces as well as a few familiar ones. If you know of anyone in this area who might like to give it a whirl, have them call AC at 806-371-2921. Or register online at www.ACTX.edu.