Things are going swimmingly!

So I can't seem to get back in gear since Vegas - and I have SO MUCH to do!! I accepted another assignment from Kiplinger so I'll add that to the mix. I heard from one book client that I thought had dropped off the face of the earth and the others are all getting stuff to me so I'm swamped, which is good.

I also heard from an old friend yesterday by email and it so weird cause I had just been thinking about her. Its strange to get a blast from the past every so often. It reminds you of who you were then and how far you've come - its surreal. If you had asked me when I was 18 what I'd grow up to be, I hate to think what the answer would have been. I pictured myself something like the woman in American Gothic - and I'm soooooo glad that did not come to pass! OMG! I would have missed so much - and so would my kids.

In our latest bid to take over the universe, we're discussing how to manage the electronic version of the book and when we need to get the "Wealthy Writer Institute" off the ground. So many business opportunities to conquer, so little time.

Vegas is the BOMB!

Back from our most recent tour of Vegas....actually the only thing I toured was the poker tables. I played mostly at Binion's and the Golden Nugget. We went down to Caesar's to eat at Bobby Flay's place, Mesa Grill and it was great! So was the Australian Rock Lobster at Binion's Steak House. Unfortunately we had to return to real life....Bummer.

At least I got a little reading in on the plane. I read Nora Ephron's book, I Hate My Neck, and it was really funny. Quite the commentary for women over 40 - I loved her take on the purse issue. I also started a book called Stumbling On Happiness. Which is basically an explanation of why we think we know what we want, but when we get it it wasn't really what we wanted. It was written by a Harvard Psychology professor who has a surprisingly fabulous sense of humor.

I also discovered a love for mudslide martinis and indulged it on this trip. yummy. On the project front, I have been assigned two more articles for Credit Union Business and am finishing up some projects for Life Success. Liz and I are working on the content for our ghostwriting and freelance class that starts at Amarillo College at the end of May. We're also getting ready for our preconference workshop that we will be doing at the Agents & Editors conference in Austin in June.

I can't believe our book will be out June 1!! So excited. I spent some time today researching more conferences and possible speaking gigs to promote the book. Time is passing very quickly and I've already given notice that I will be quitting my day job in September. In order for that to happen on schedule, I am going back to spending a higher percentage of my time on the marketing and promotion side of things to get as many projects as possible in the works.

We will be having another get together for the members of TAG the third weekend in April. We'll be able to conference in the editors from Louisiana too so that will be neat. And best of all, JEN WILL BE HOME!! She hasn't been home in ages so I can't wait. And now that she is doing some editing for TAG she might as well learn the whole ball of wax.

Book Cover

We got a preview of our book cover this week. Looks neat doesn't it? We are scheduled to do a pre-conference workshop for the Writer's League of Texas at the Agent's and Editors conf in Austin June 15-17. The books are scheduled to be here June 1 so we should have them for the FiW conference as well. So much Excitement!!

Landed two more assignments from CU Business this week and am wrapping up one more ghostwriting project for a client in London. Then I should be good to go to VEGAS!!!

We leave Tuesday for another trip and we're staying downtown again. However I will be visiting the Bellagio for the $1000 tourney on Friday night. We'll also be at Caesar's on Thursday - Kevin got us reservations at Bobby Flay's place. He did them a month in advance and it was still tough to get in!! I need to ghostwrite a book for a celebrity chef!!

Our Ghostwriting/Freelance class for beginners starts in May and we're working on the curriculum. It's a short, six week class but I think it will be pretty good. We're also speaking at the PPW meeting in July so we'll have another chance to present our book.

The ad campaign for http://www.noveleditor.net/ starts next week so I'm hoping April will be a very busy month(if it could get any busier). That's another reason for the Vegas trip - a little R & R before all H*** breaks loose!

Once Upon a Dream

So I've been told that I've let my reading public down with my spotty posts. Sorry - been very busy.

In the newest plot to take over the world, we've had interest from 3 writer's groups to either do a workshop, speak at a regular meeting, or give a seminar at their conference on ghostwriting. All good. We met last Sunday with the girl that will be doing our book cover and gave her our overview. I hope she is more clever and talented than we are!

The ghostwriting book has to be at the printer by April 10, which doesn't give us much time for layout after I get back from Vegas. But it shouldn't take me long to get back up to speed on the software, after I lived it for two years solid it should be like riding a bike. (Okay a very big bike down a really steep slope)

The plan for finishing projects prior to Vegas is well under way. Two more books to write and two to edit. If I can write a third, then I'll do that too. Vegas is in 13 days...tick tick tick. The lipo book first draft is done and as usual all I think about is how much I'd love to have some of that!! But I really think the tummy tuck is much more important.

I finished a sort notice assignment for Kiplinger's on time and the book was really good. It's called Your Credit Score (I know, not very original but to the point) and it was really eye opening.

We sent off our proposal for the nonfiction idea to one agent which I pitched on the phone (by the way sports fans, never do this you risk incurring the ire of the great agent gods). However it is time sensitive since Bob Proctor and crew are taking the nation by storm. I figure if we don't hear from her soon we'll start pitching other agents. I still think she's the one, but who knows.

The Amarillo Group has taken on numerous new members who want to have a go at the freelance life. I think several of them are promising and we should be receiving several projects in the next couple of weeks to keep our experienced writers in the money and also try out some of the newbies.

Next up on the schedule is 'The Magic of Wealth' which should prove to be a fun one and then a business book which intrigues and interests me. One of the questions I've gotten the last few days is "What about your fiction?" WHUT???? It's not like I've forgotten, but the truth is that I can't work for free! Can you?? And I really think the recent experiences are leading me down a path that may offer even more opportunities both for fiction and non-fiction so I'm taking it as it comes and not stressing over it. Positive vibes people, positive vibes.

One of the more interesting results of the turmoil, changes and outcomes of the last couple of months is how non-stressed I am. Shouldn't I be like overwhelmed? Panicked? At the very least concerned? No, not really. It's really much easier than people believe to be successful. You don't have to struggle and you don't have to suffer. You just have to go with it. Maybe it's a function of age that you don't fear the beast in the closet anymore. You don't worry in advance and you just deal with the issues as they arise - which is always better than worrying and making the problems bigger than what they are.

I think that's my advice for this blog. Just go with it. Look for the opportunities and take them, see where they lead.

Picks and Shovels

For those of you who haven't heard, there's a new non-fiction book in the works. Liz and I are using our ghostwriting experience to write: Picks and Shovels - Cashing in on the New Gold Rush in Ghostwriting. Which, BTW is turning out to be a gold rush *laughs in a greedy yet contented fashion*. We are anticipating finishing by April 1, don't know the production schedule yet.

The title for the book came from a friend, NYT Bestselling author, Jodi Thomas. We were at lunch talking about the idea for the ghostwriting book and she said that we were like those people in the California Gold Rush who, instead of wasting their time looking for gold, sold the picks and shovels to the miners....they were the ones that made real money. She's right!! Our ghostwriting helps others achieve their dreams of publication. We provide the tools and then they go out into the world to find their fortune. I just love that.

In other news, I got another assignment from Kiplinger, so I will be reading this weekend. I also received a full manuscript back in the mail that I submitted to someone. At first I thought no, I have no clue, then opened it. It was a manuscript I submitted to an agent in June of 2005!!! So....almost a smooth TWO YEARS later she says that she feels my pacing is too slow for the current market....really....she should know about slow. Good thing I have several sources of moola.

The last session of my critique class is tomorrow. So sad. It went so fast this semester!! Of course, when you are busy everything goes fast. I've been searching this evening for some more markets to submit to. I have a few ideas for one particular magazine and I think I may target it for a while and keep a log of how long it takes to break in, and then how long it takes to move up. So far, in my experience, its has taken less than two months to break into a given market(assuming hard work of course) and less than six to move up(again assuming hard work). So I think I will try a little experiment with a couple of the 'biggies' and see if they skew my average.

When I was desperately searching for my spread sheet from two years back to find the wayward submission *not the least bit bitter here,* I also ran across the spread sheet I started last April after the non-compete ended. Some of you who follow my blog (you poor lonely things) will remember the 'One Thing' list. I started it as a way to force myself to do one thing every day to advance my writing career. Wow...I mean wow!!! Who knew that one thing a day could have brought me so far so fast. I stopped keeping track last fall when I was doing so much every day that I couldn't keep up. Now I do those things almost without thinking, they have become such a natural part of my life. It makes me wonder....hmmm....what if I had done TWO things a day....or FIVE???? I'm almost afraid (yet excited) to think how far along I'd be now.

hi ho ...hi ho...its off to work we go....

Yes, at it turns out the writers have banded together.....we are now called sort of ...officially...."THE AMARILLO GROUP". I realize that this isn't really original, but hey....we is what we is. And currently we are a well banded group of professionals who can perform. And really - isn't that what it's about?? We had a group meeting today and the feel from everyone was really good. We are so much stronger than if we were going at this individually. We will hopefully have a deal with publisher #1 on Monday (all signs seem positive) and will be approaching other publishers soon. The whole idea is to circumvent the cash flow problems that most writers experience by lack of steady work flow. Money makes me happy and apparently I'm not the only one. I will function as project manager for the group and hope to scare up so much additional business that we can't handle it. Part of that business will come from the editing website, http://www.noveleditor.net/ . The final changes are being input over the next few days and the print advertising campaign will begin in April.

The latest issue of Credit Union Business came out, with an article on SERPs(Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans) by yours truly, and so I'm trying to think of some ideas to pitch them for spring. Nothing comes to mind right now, but I'm sure that it will by the end of the week.

The newest Executive Summary is due to Kiplinger's Financial by tomorrow (yikes) but since we had some trouble with initial delivery(did I mention that DHL sucks?), I'm hoping they will take that into consideration. However, I've never missed a deadline - never - and don't intend to start. Whatever I have to do, I will do. Though this book has been really interesting, the Author used the word exacerbate every couple of paragraphs for the entire book!!! Where was the editor that day???STARBUCKS???.... This needed a much heavier hand, but I will deal with it as is, as usual. It's still an interesting book on trade triggers and what moves the financial markets which is totally my cup of tea...if I drank tea .....which I don't...

As always, keep your mind in the middle and strive toward your goals. Where does that come from?? Well, of course from the Professional Bull Rider's association. What's better than a bull rider's butt? ummmmm.... not much.... cherry o ...till next time.

Wars and rumors of war....

Isn't interesting how people band together in times of stress? While I can't spill all the details here, I've been really surprised at how some fellow writers have rallied themselves out of a tough spot. It's even further evidence that just when you think the worst has happened, another door opens up - and may be even better. We'll see.

On the slate this week (yes JUST this week) is the final draft for the HR book. Turns out the client loved it so hopefully the hard part is behind me. I'm hoping to get it out by Friday. Also on the list is the book on Vedic Astrology. While I know zip on this subject, I don't have a problem learning. I knew zip about Australian Immigration Law too and recently finished the first draft of that book which I think was pretty good. Haven't heard from the client though, so we'll see. This weekend I have to finish the Executive Summary for Kiplinger. The summary is on a trading triggers book which is really interesting. It's a fabulous thing to get paid to read books you would read anyway. I also need to put the final edits on the editing website and let it go 'live'. I would have already done this, but the last edits Jenny sent me were lost in the computer shuffle (apparently old computers get totally confused when you ask them to save to a .pft file - who knew?) so if you read this Jenny, please resend!!

I got a reject from an editor last week on a book partial that I'd even forgotten I'd sent. It was submitted last March (yes I had to look it up - thank god for spreadsheets). She said she'd read several similar in the past few months but that my opening line was one of the best she'd ever read. Too bad they don't buy just one line. As it would happen, part of tonight's writing class was on opening lines. I usually read a few from great authors, then give the class the assignment of writing a great opening line. They always love that assignment and so do I.

This is my first blog post since setting up my computer last Sunday. I love love love it. The bigger screen is so much easier on my old tired eyes. I really should give it a name. Maybe Lois....nah...sounds like a granny. How about Charlene....yes that's it. Smart with just a hint of sassy.

Yes the tree is still up.

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.