tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209600452009-02-23T14:33:28.872-05:00award-wining author Mia Zachary's online diary where she ponders the meaning of life, strives to improve her craft and generally mouths offMiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.comBlogger156125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-16247303608423314532007-07-09T23:20:00.000-04:002007-07-09T23:27:10.535-04:00

So what do you think?I love the colors and the mood, even though I think her legs look a little weird.Overall though, I do think this cover captures the tone of the book very well.In case you haven't pre-ordered your copy, get on over to Amazon already!And for a peek behind the scenes, check out the SteeleMidnight.com website!

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-79515827694811251532007-05-22T12:22:00.000-04:002007-05-22T12:33:56.442-04:00

HERE'S THE DEAL:There are only NINE days left to make a bid/ donation to best-selling author Brenda Novak's juvenile diabetes auction. Her youngest son, Thad, lives with diabetes, so this is a very personal cause for her."I appreciate the support of the many people who have come together to make this happen. What an inspiration their generosity has been! In year one, we raised $34,982 that went

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-71791273463321917182007-05-14T23:13:00.000-04:002007-05-14T23:24:39.702-04:00

Even after you're written the manuscript, signed the contracts and cashed the acceptance check, somehow the book isn't 'real' until you see it listed on the Amazon website :)Here is an excerpt from SPIRIT DANCE, my novella in the Witchy Business anthology, which comes out in September. The jury is still out on the cover, but I guess the art department needed something that would be generic enough

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-68691027244631452642007-04-09T14:17:00.000-04:002007-04-09T14:21:20.049-04:00

I'm sorry I haven't been keeping up with this blog. I've always felt blogs should be upbeat and fun and informative, but right now I need all of my strength and concentration to focus on whatever is going to happen for me and my son in the future. Without going into details, suffice to say my life style and circumstances are about to be changed. If anyone has any advice on how to be a single Mom

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-54070483165321356932007-03-16T08:23:00.000-04:002007-03-15T20:30:51.184-04:00

GOOD VIEWGOOD NEWSMy copyedits for Spirit Dance arrived on Monday- and they were so minor I got the done the same day!My brother (finally!) got a jobI met someone who might be able to help my mom find a home health aidI offered to do something for someone without expecting anything in returnGOOD ADVICE"Happiness comes from inner peace; Knowing that who you are now is the best person you can be on

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-31304786095427155112007-03-09T10:25:00.000-05:002007-03-08T22:42:19.684-05:00

GOOD VIEWGOOD NEWSAfternoon Delight was nominated for a Readers Choice AwardThe copy edits are coming for Spirit Dance with no revisionsI won a watch in a contestSomeone insulted me and ten people jumped to my defenseA lady thanked me for bringing her joyGOOD ADVICE"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.Small people always do that, but the really great makeyou feel that you,

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-32447584954196567382007-03-08T22:07:00.000-05:002007-03-08T22:22:07.957-05:00

Okay, color me surprised.Because while I got my wish and Antonella "looks good in a paper bag but can't sing her way out of it" Barba went home, and while it was a tough choice between Sundance and Sanjaya who I thought both sang badly this week, I would NEVER have believed that Phil Stacy would stay on the show after that god-awful rendition of a LeeAnn Rimes song while Jared Cotter was voted

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-85888339119046972272007-03-07T09:28:00.000-05:002007-03-07T22:18:07.674-05:00

GIRLSI was at a community association meeting and missed the first three contestants (Although based on the recap at the end of the show, I'm glad I missed Antonella, who I really hope leaves the show tomorrow).[Oh and by the way, does anyone else notice that Ryan shakes hands with and hugs the guys but doesn't touch the girls unless they ask like Lakisha did tonight?]Haley sang something I'm

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-11386680026431845122007-03-06T15:32:00.000-05:002007-03-07T09:38:02.202-05:00

And so we continue with last year's obsession. I have to admit though, that I'm still so committed to two of last year's contestants ( I loved some of the singers and can't believe others have record deals?!?! ) that I haven't full-heartedly adopted anyone from Season Six yet.Since IDOl will be on again tonight, I won't bore you with my assessments of the top 24 (plus I can't find all of my notes

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1172242990024964512007-02-23T09:54:00.000-05:002007-02-23T10:03:10.043-05:00

GOOD VIEW GOOD NEWSI start back to physical therapy for my back next TuesdayMy house is (mostly) clean and the laundry is (mostly) doneI went to a really inspiring sales training last nightI've gotten very positive feedback on the ASOM site GOOD ADVICE"she made it to that mountain peak that had seemed so far away! she leaped, danced and rejoiced! and then, quietly, holding a pebble from that

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1171855728747973352007-02-19T09:43:00.000-05:002007-02-18T22:28:48.786-05:00

Brenda Novak's Third Annual On-line Auction for Diabetes Research is in the planning stages. In 2005, the auction raised $34,982. In 2006, $62,706. That brought donations almost to $100,000! In 2007, Brenda is hoping to raise even more money for research. Help make it happen just by going shopping during the month of May (The auction works just like E-Bay).Here's my donation:"LAS VEGAS, BABY! To

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1170386394392307362007-02-02T10:15:00.000-05:002007-02-01T22:19:54.406-05:00

GOOD VIEWGOOD NEWSI twisted my back but the pain is much less todayI got my hair done yesterday and today I'm goiong to the nail salonTwo new people want to schedule jewelry shows with meI got back to ASOM and started editing todayGOOD ADVICE"Some days, you're not only a writer. Some days it's okay to be a good mother, a good daughter and a good [fill in the blank], and write just a little bit. "

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1170221601810360052007-01-31T00:23:00.000-05:002007-01-31T00:33:21.823-05:00

(the above image was an early test version but I needed a picture for this entry so there it it)It's ready, it's been uploaded and it is gor-geous!!Here's the link for the website I had designed for my October 2007 romantic mystery, ANOTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT. Barb Hoeter of RFDesigns did a fantastic job of interpreting my request for "sexy, sassy, edgy, typical Vegas" and I could not be happier

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1169765570597074612007-01-26T10:34:00.000-05:002007-01-31T00:23:10.293-05:00

GOOD VIEWGOOD NEWSI took the week off from writingMy CPs loved ASOM and gave me great suggestions for making it betterI like the three RITA books I've read so farMy jewelry business is off to a good start for the yearGOOD ADVICE"A writer has with [her] writing is analagous to that of a committed relationship, with the same joys and pains, pleasures and demands. Commitment entails consistancy,

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1169614077506055422007-01-23T15:38:00.000-05:002007-01-23T23:47:57.520-05:00

I got a contract addendum in the mail yesterday from Harlequin. I won't bore you with any of the details except the one that said the finished manuscript for ANOTHER SIDE OF MIDNIGHT is supposed to be 75-80k words.What the %$*&*(&&%^&^&???The manuscript I actually submitted was 100k words and the last chapters haven't been fleshed out!?!?Suffice to say I freaked out totally, wondering how in the

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1169209105329442282007-01-19T07:15:00.000-05:002007-01-19T07:18:25.346-05:00

The manuscript is done.The last ten chapters are in second draft, but hey, done is done.Now I'm completely done in, so I'm going to bed.To sleep. For a week.

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1167919759819475542007-01-15T08:09:00.000-05:002007-01-15T08:25:23.120-05:00

is my agonized scream of panic-filled anxiety. Today is deadline day and I'm not going to $$#%^&**$$ make it....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Unprofessional? That's up for debate. The bottom line is I need another dayor two to turn in a best effort so I'm taking them on the premise the editor would rather have Late then Crap.I had to take a break and read my

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1168554933702341522007-01-12T08:28:00.000-05:002007-01-11T17:35:33.716-05:00

GOOD VIEWGOOD NEWSIn this dark night of an impending deadline- bone weary, panicked and insecure- a faint light shines down, illuminating the summit and giving hope now that the goal is within sight. (Days left: 5. Pages left: about 75)GOOD ADVICEThe point is not to overcome your self-doubts about being an artist. The point is to move through your self-doubts. Many of us believe that "real

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1168399555642881462007-01-09T22:19:00.000-05:002007-01-09T22:25:55.656-05:00

Between all of the great food over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and the compulsive deadline snacking, I've put back on 10-11 pounds !@%#$%$&$#*&#^!!!That might not sound like much to you, but to me it's huge- pun intended. I worked really hard last year to lose 35 pounds and I can't believe how easy it was to pack some of them back on.So once my current book deadline is over in about

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1167974918561688602007-01-05T00:11:00.000-05:002007-01-05T00:28:38.580-05:00

This is supposed to be my Philosophy Friday entry but it's after Midnight and I have a January 15th deadline that it making me want to puke everytime I even glance at the calandar.I fell like this photo today, churning and seething with anxiety and waitin for lightning to strike, either in the form of inspiration for the next/ last chapters or as punishment if I miss this deadline after getting

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1167714209701158092007-01-01T23:04:00.000-05:002007-01-02T00:07:59.020-05:00

Why do we torture ourselves making up goals for the year? Do we really want to do these things or do we just feel obligated to make up some kind of list?Alright, in keeping with the spirit of masochistic tendencies, I'll name a few things it would be cool to accomplish:Lose the six pounds I've put on since ThanksgivingLost the pounds I put on last holiday seasonTalk about my CP Lisa's book so

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1166499475119254892006-12-18T22:24:00.000-05:002006-12-18T22:37:55.140-05:00

Though somedays, with the lack of sleep, I'm not so sure.I apologize for not being around in forever [and, yes, I do know my website needs a serious update] but I've been super busy with Life. I started a new job and am dealing with some family issues, as well as an overdue manuscript.Add to that taking my boys to New York City this weekend, all day Christmas Eve with my MIL, all day Christmas

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1162177926988980462006-10-30T10:04:00.000-05:002006-10-29T22:12:06.990-05:00

You say it's your birthdayNa-na na-na na-na na naYep the Big... Um... Not 30 Anymore. And yet I'm okay surprisingly. I usually spiral down into a deep depression around my birthday, especially 'milestone' ones.Not this year. I'm taking steps to make changes. My Mom said something in a casual conversation a few weeks ago that for some reason struck home with me. She said, "Go live your life". But

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1156961273866325642006-10-22T09:00:00.000-04:002006-10-29T22:04:40.406-05:00

Today, there is more hope than ever for people touched by breast cancer. However, there is still much work to be done to promote early detection and to help those impacted by the disease. To help make a difference, I'm participating in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Washington, DC on October 22, 2006.My last book, AFTERNOON DELIGHT, featured a one-year

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20960045.post-1161216607917475762006-10-19T07:55:00.000-04:002006-10-18T20:10:07.933-04:00

Thirteen Ways to Avoid Working on the WIP1 Blog hop and read a bunch of other Thursday Thirteen lists2 Go grocery shopping and read the nutrition labels on everything3 Return home and consider which combination of groceries to cook for dinner4 Call your mother who then proceeds to chat for an hour5 Call your mother back because you forgot to tell her something6 Get in 'brainstorming position' on

MiaZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09581751782070739744noreply@blogger.com0