Steps of a Dancewriter

LOL Wedding?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:03:50 GMT

Okay, so my last entry was 'a snippet'. How do you capsulize a wedding day? The emotion of seeing one of your precious daughter married ALONE could eat up pages!! We're still waiting on our pictures, so I've none to share now.

I stood in line from 4-9 between the ceremony and the reception, so I had no way of taking pictures. Not to mention I have the LAMEST Hitachi DVD camcorder on the planet. ( that gripe is for another post ) Understand this much: I can't upload ANY footage without gazillions of weird software to convert and then OPEN the danged files! GRRRRR

Above all that tech stuff, the day was lovely. The whole day went down without a hitch. Seriously. It was perfect from poppyseed lemon cake with rasberry filling and chocoate frosting, to the over 285 guests who streamed through the line with incredibly generous gifts.

The bride and groom were beautiful, gracious and pooped by the evening's end. They honeymooned in Cancun. Man, DH and I were sooooooooooo close to crashing that trip!!

Now, it's back to life as we know it: long hot summer days, kids at home searching for thing to do, DH and I with not enough time in a day to do all we want to do...you know the days we all live with.

Mommy moment: When I was standing in the reception center, just after the ceremony and they put on the bride and groom's music mix ( Rachel and Derek chose ) and Frank Sinatra sang "Fly Me to the Moon"...That's when the tears came...and I can't hear that song now without flying back to that moment. It's a still photograph in my memory of the day I let my little girl go.

Wedding Over

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:51:58 GMT

Rebekah looked like the angel she is...

Childhood friend, Sarah, Rachel and Jennifer

Wedding Countdown

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:15:22 GMT

Saturday we had yet another shower for Rachel. This one, given by her future mother in law. It was lovely and Rachel recieved so many nice gifts! I'm astounded at the generosity of people! *thanks*

My fun was in watching Rachel and Jennifer ( both my girls ) tease and taunt and enjoy each other. Reminded me of when they were little. Sniff Sniff!

30 Year Reunion Coming

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:46:11 GMT

Yikes. Can it really be that long since I was a Palos Verdes Sea King? I look in the mirror and, yes, I can see that it HAS been 30 years...but MAN-OH-MAN...

I have...ISSUES with high school. I wanted to be something I never was while I was there. When my priorities were easily influenced by what I thought was exciting and glamorous, I wanted to be the P word. ( popular ) I was liked well enough, but FAME was not in the cards for me during my tenure at Palos Verdes High School. http://www.palosverdeshigh.net/

And then there are those PEOPLE. The ones I thought had everything going for them while I suffered with fitting in. They fit. Perfectly. Oh, they'll be at the reunion. Most of them are running it. Yeah. Fingers inevery pie then, fingers in every pie now. But then, I wouldn't want to organize a reunion, so I say, "You go for it!" And they should. They created our class of 1978 -- the reunions are, in a way, a social product of their making.

I just want to go WATCH. That's always been the fun, right? Checking out the heavy, bald guys who were soooo hot back then. The ones you don't recognize now with the years, pounds and pressure. The tanned, blonde girls who -- may still be tan, for all I know -- ruled the school with what they wore, said and did. I want to see them now. Where are they? What are they doing? I don't want to ask, though. I just want to SEE.

It's all so silly.

I'm in my place. Happily married 24 years this Dec. Six lovely children who have taught me more about life, committment, honesty, integrity, long suffering and charity than any job I could have landed. And then there's my writing.

And I write about lovely Palos Verdes. Ohh, yes, I've immortalized my life growing up on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in two books so far: An Open Vein and A Season of Eden. ( not autobiographical) And I know it's not over. Too much happened there for me not to glorify the place. Palos Verdes deserves it.

Oh, and so do my parents.

Some of my old teachers and classmates have made it into my stories. Ficitionalized, of course. Mwahaha.

Sigh.

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:56:09 GMT

I'm always amazed at the creative process. In the beginning, 7 years ago, I freaked if I stalled. Obsessed, I wrote through, and dealt with the aftermath. Sometimes I liked it. Sometimes I didn't. But I never let a block stay in my path.

Now, I never freak. Even if the direction I'm going is vague at seven a.m. I force my way. Keep going. I have faith in my characters and they don't let me down. When they're done with a scene, I know it. Then I begin another.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm wonderfully comfortable in my author shoes now. I don't worry about the process, I've seen it to completion too many times. I simply enjoy. That's the beauty of the growth.

By their fruits you shall know them. Right.

Burning the (nearly) midnight oil...

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:38:43 GMT

It's 11:33 here and I'm working on book 2 of my next YA series. Lots of dialog, so I'm tapping out pages fast. I was sooooo happy to hear from my old crit friend, Beccajoy that she signed with Catherine Drayton! I love Becca's stories! I loved them way back when, and now she's taken a huge step. I hope the best happens for her -- the best for her.

I've queried Ms. Drayton a time or four before. I queried her because Markus Z still reigns as my fav YA author. You can't beat FIGHTING REUBEN WOLFE and GETTING THE GIRL.

As I still wait to hear back from the many queries I sent out 2 months ago...sheesh, you read that right...I am getting out review copies for NAILED and A Season of Eden. Boxes of books are stacked four feet high in the entery of our house.

Everyone ignores them now. LOL. "Another book? Oh, that's nice."

A writer isn't a writer in his own house, much like a prophet isn't a prophet in his own land.

Check it out:

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:46:56 GMT

My good friend and author Dawn Brown's book is out today!! Dawn's a great author. Her stories are unique and her characters are hard to say goodbye to when the story is over! Check it out at Samhain Publishing! Or go to her enlightening blog: http://dawnbrown.org/blog/

Rainy Days and Fridays

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:32:25 GMT

The Carpenter's had it right. Rainy days and Monday's always get me down. 'Sept it's Friday. And it's not raining -- yet. It has been, but rain doesn't usually get me down, that's the thing. Rain is great for writing. Especially as I'm writing book two: Penitence. The skies are stormy, the air unsettled, Heaven looks...angry. As it is in Penitence.

My characters are going to pay the price in book two. All of them. But especially Matthias. We aren't sure where he is at the moment, we just know he's not around, so SOMETHING is happening to him.

Something.

Blogging: The Ultimate Vanity Press 3

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 03:53:50 GMT

Yeah, I'm on a roll. A NASTY roll. LOLOL. I'm also on a lot of loops and groups and one just recently posted this thread: What is everybody working on???

Does anybody -- any other competitive author -- REALLY want to know how well everyone else is doing? What they're writing? Beating them to the finish line so to speak? I seriously wonder.

Everybody pops out of the woodwork to post, of course, lest they look like a dead head. Kind of interesting to read ( and therein is the reason for this thread, I guess ) what other creative ( yet competitive, come on, admit it. They're on the bookshelf and you're not ) minds are thinking about.

Is this a case of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer perhaps?

(( shrugs)) Not sure. I keep a real, REAL low profile on these loops, lest I get caught in a tangled noose.

Blogging: The Ultimate Vanity Press Part 2

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:34:17 GMT

Since part one got such an overwhelming response, why not post part two, right? LOL. Yeah. Like it matters. So what if I'm having a crappy day. I can take it all out here and no one ever knows. Which is fine, because my poor husband. Man, he's probably thinking about now: "What happened to you? You were the sweetest woman when I married you! Then you started WRITING!!!"

Honey, I can't help it. Life happened. Dumped all this STUFF in my lap and the only way I can deal with it is to purge it out through words. Curbed words, but words nonetheless.

SIGH.

And it feels so good. NOTHING feels as good as writing. NOTHING. Take that as you want to, I don't care. It's mine, the way I feel, what the act does to me, for me, and all of that, so it really doesn't matter what anyone else THINKS I'm saying right here.

Does this sound tight? Stressed? ANGRY??? The kids are in my face, that's why. And then I'm WRITING about them, so I'm really never without them, unless I am asleep, which doesn't happen much these days -- at least not for the full 8-10 hours I'd like to escape from it all so what's the point of laying on a mattress?

Oh, this isn't Friday, is it? Nope. Thursday. Sheesh. DH is going to be gone this weekend with Scouts. Two weeks in a row, so we're doing 'date night' tonight. Seeing Indiana Jones. ( 2nd time for me ) Will I be able to stand it again? Iron Man was so much better.
Now I'm rambling.

This is what happens when it takes agents/editors months to reply to your queries. You go nuts! If you're considering submitting, be prepared for insanity.

Blogging: The Ultimate Vanity Press

Fri, 30 May 2008 15:55:58 GMT

Well, isn't it?

Subbing Update

Tue, 20 May 2008 17:31:51 GMT

5 rejections thus far - they're ( the rejections) getting longer, wordier and more passionate this time around -- but lest you think they're anything but stock rejection notices, they are still STOCK rejection notices.

Perhaps the wordiness is an attempt to pacify off the spurned-writer-turned-stalker? (( shrugs))

One request. Full.

Waiting.

Whilst I wait, I am getting review copies of NAILED ready to send out for the Sept release date.

YAY!

Submitting AGAIN

Tue, 13 May 2008 20:34:12 GMT

I'm submitting my latest ( one of my latest, lol ) WIP's to agents and editors again. Dangit the query letter is strong. The novel is strong. I remind myself of the story, the characters, the power in the message and I hope some agent/editor sees what I see in the experience of the read. Submitting is not for the weak-hearted. Like aging, the ugliness of rejection ( or the lines, wrinkles and sags - of aging ) are hard to take. I hate it. At the same time, for national distribution, this step is necessary.

But you know me. If the 37 agents I've chosen to query say "no thanks" it will only mean I'm onto yet another of my own creations. Creating my own work from conception to publication has been tremendously satisfying. I love it.

What a difference.

Crossing fingers.

Saturday Vacation

Sun, 11 May 2008 01:36:58 GMT

We need one -- a vacation, that is. It's not a good time to take off to Cancun. Or anywhere for that matter at the moment, so we went to Thanksgiving Point, a beautiful destination spot 20 minutes away.

This place proves what you can do to acres of barren land if you have bazillions of dollars like Alan Ashton.

Secret Garden

Tulips were everywhere. The park was peaceful and energizing.

Meeting Readers - Kimmie's VideoMemoir

Mon, 05 May 2008 23:35:30 GMT

Meeting Readers

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:20:00 GMT

Last week, Jennifer and I drove to Las Vegas to meet with Kimmie, a reader I became aquainted with via My Space. Kimmie is from New Zealand and had traveled with her dad to Vegas for a gaming convention, so we arranged to meet. She loves my books and it was a treat hanging out with her

We shopped, got lost in the maze of shops, had dinner with her delightful father and hung out until waaay late for this mother/author!! Kimmie and Jennifer hit it off wonderfully -- the two managed to fend off encroaching weirdos as we all walked along the Strip back to Bally's after dinner.

My, has Las Vegas changed.

They say it's family friendly??? What family??? Pornographic images are everywhere. Not my family, thank you very much. I had to resist the inclination to cover Jennifer and Kimmie's eyes with my hands!! ( Leaving my own uncovered YIKES )

That said, seeing Kimmie - MEETING HER - is something I will never forget and was the memorable part of the trip.

If distance makes the heart grow fonder, our hearts are VERY fond of Kimmie in New Zealand!

Mother of the Bride!

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:34:01 GMT

My second daughter is getting married! We're all every excited and adore future SIL very much. The date is July 10. Good thing I just finished my WIP!

GET READY!

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:47:55 GMT

Dancing With the Stars CONTEST begins TONIGHT!! Enter to win by posting your guess of which star will be sent home each week. Winner gets my newest release from the dance/romance series: SAVAGE Join the fun!

In Love

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 02:01:14 GMT

Every story is your brain child, and you love them all or you wouldn't take the time to go through growing pains and help them to adulthood.

When I'm asked, "Which is your favorite?" I say, "A mother can't have favorites--that wouldn't be fair!"

I have to admit, my current WIP is so thoroughly enjoyable to write each day that this mother might change her stance on favortism--at least where my fiction is concerned.

For the first time I am stepping into a paranormal element. Some fantasy. It's been libertating to start doing something, stop myself, then say, "Wait! I can do that!"

I've retitled the project, and am getting used to the feel of it now. Like renaming a child. For nine months before our last child was born we all called him Joshua. Then he was born. He wasn't Joshua. For two days we sat in the hospital staring at him trying to figure out WHO he was. It takes getting used to when you change a title but I think the new one fits just right.

If you're an author, do you have favorites? have you changed you titles?

PRESS! lol

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:15:07 GMT

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Boundaries

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:35:21 GMT

"I can't control what my characters do! They just do it!"

I hear this all the time. I've said it. As a writer I understand this predicament. I can't control what my children do, but do I let them do whatever they want? No. They live within the boundaries I create. Boundaries I feel responsible for and committed to.

Anyone who creates something others will see has a responsibility to consider the domino effect of their work. Ever seen a movie that was so disgusting and gory the images are with you to this day? Ever read a book so disturbing you couldn't stop thinking about it and the essence left you feeling mucky and dark inside?

Contrast this with something unforgettable and uplifting-something with absolutely nothing objectionable in it. ( like The Sound of Music for instance ) When was the last time that kind of entertainment was in your life?

It seems so much of what we're presented in the way of entertainment be it books, film or music, is getting bolder, louder, sexier, harsher,grosser -- you get my drift. Our senses are becoming dull.

I find that I can watch an old film or read an old "classic" and actually be bored. A sad thing to say.

Where will bold, loud, sexy, violent, gross creating end? Take a look at what you create from the core of where it comes -- you -- and consider guiding your characters and their situations from birth. Maybe we'll start a new trend, something we aren't ashamed or embarrassed about handing to our children.

"Mommy wrote this. But you can't read it, it's too violent, has too much swearing and there's sex in it."

?

Writing Again

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:56:33 GMT

And it feels good. For a few reasons: First and foremost, DS is making strides in a new and positive direction. Which means that when I bury myself in my WIP ( which has a teenaged boy who suffers with an addiction ) then it's not as painful to 'go there'. It's also great to have something to look forward to.

When I first started writing some nearly six years ago I literally couldn't sleep, I was so anxious to get up and get back to the computer. My mind buzzed constantly, my whole being soaked up every creative thing I saw, read, experienced--whatever--yearning for an outlet.

Being back with my characters--who have remained in limbo for three months--feels like going home and finding everything the same, waiting for me. Indeed, each character seems happy to have me back!

Angels Amongst Us

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:01:41 GMT

Last night, my daughter and I were shopping in a clothing store. At the checkout was a woman. Behind her sat a young man in a wheelchair, wheeling back and forth. I was talking to my daughter when I felt a hand grab mine. I turned and this young man ( in his late 20's ) was looking earnestly into my face. He struggled for words. My heart went out to him. Having a handicapped daughter, I wasn't afraid, nor did I feel uncomfortable with him reaching out to me. We had a static conversation because his words came out that way. We introduced ourselves. I told him I wrote books and we talked about that and the books he liked, as well as what my daughter was up to. All the while, I was absolutely taken by the light coming from him. His pure spirit radiated. My heart both sung and tore for him. Having a child with a handicap has taught me so many things of which I'm grateful for: lack of fear being around other handicapped people being one of the greatest lessons learned. As I've dealt with my own tumultous feelings for the condition of the handicapped, I have been forced into deep thought, pondering WHY? This is the gospel according to Katherine of course, but I believe some of God's choicest spirits come to earth with the blessing of a handicap for protection. Some of Life's greatest snares have no hold on these individuals and how lucky for them! Sure, you could argue that they don't get to experience some of Life's greatest joys as well but that is short-sighted. I believe in an eternal life, Earth life being just a small part of the whole. So I don't shed any more tears over my handicapped daughter's earthly condition. Other opportunities will be hers eventually because God is fair and loves each one of us equally.

The mother of this young man quickly whisked him away and my daughter and I left feeling sober. We talked about the chance meeting and why it had taken place. My current WIP has a guardian angel in the story, and I found my image of my main character meshing with the light in this young man's face. I couldn't stop thinking about him or our meeting.

Nothing in this life is wasted or accidental. I'm not sure why this young man was shopping at this store at the same time we were, but I am so thankful he reached out to us! I am left counting my blessings that my daughter's condition has enabled me to see, first hand, the sweet spirits residing in these disabled bodies.

Please reach out to the handicapped! They have so much to offer.

~Home Again~

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:48:47 GMT

I've decided that living in New York would be the best of this world if: A) You are rich B) You are young WHY? Because the city seems intolerant of much less. Regardless, I love being there. Probably because when I go it's for a trip -- something temporary.

Aaron loved it. We enjoyed taking him everywhere, seeing his reaction to the flashing brilliance of Times Square and the weirdness of Ripley's Believe it or Not. He adored the Museum of Natural History and savored his burger and Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendiptiy. He couldn't get enough of the subway!

We froze. But two days on Canal Street took care of that as we were escorted in and out of secret alleys and over sweatshops whilst we shopped for designer knock-offs.

Central Park was a highlight. We skated at the rink and Aaron climbed plenty of rocks.

Ate great Indian food on the Upper West Side. ( The Bombay House here in Provo still rules, however, and we've now eaten Indian at 3 different NYC places, one in London and one in Chicago!)

We attended church on Sunday, always a treat to meet fellow members who live in the city. It's always hard for me to leave New York. I love the endless city noise, the tempo, the energy. I came home and looked out over the vast snow-covered valley I see every day from my home and thought, "Wow, look at all that space! Look at the mountains! The lake! The endlessness of it all!"

Relative.

Going to the Big Apple

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 02:40:19 GMT

Anyone who knows me knows my obession with New York City. It began back when I was nine, visiting my cousin Cheryl, also nine. She had my dream life: Penthouse apartment, private school complete with cutsey uniforms, fine dining, super fine shopping, concrete and architecture instead of grass and bugs. Yeah, that's what I wanted. I pretty much coveted her life through my teens.

So it's no suprise that I try to get to New York as often as possible. We used to go every other year. It's been two since I was last there--Joe and I met his parents and had a ball showing them around. I met my then-agent, Nadia Cornier. I was so enthused about writing, about the industry in general. I walked along "publisher's row", dreamy-eyed as I stared up at the publishing houses where my manuscripts SAT. Yes, SAT. LOL. Erm, obviously things have changed in THAT arena.

Now, we're taking our youngest child, Aaron, who hasn't had the travel excperience our other children have had with us. I'm really REALLY excited to show him around: Empire Sate Building, subway system ( he's a train addict ), Central Park, FAO Schwartz, the museums and Canal Street where I intend to do my usual plane-load of shopping for "designer" bags. ( I pack and extra suitcase for the haul )

Sigh. Gyros on the street.

Can't wait.

If you've been and want to tell me your fav place to see, share it. I'm always adding to my list of "must sees"...