The Magic Mavens

Welcome to December!

2009-12-03T07:24:00.000-08:00

Looks like the weather is already turning bad and from waht was heard in the misery...errr I mean Missouri region it's going to be a bad one. What better time to curl up with an informative and fun newsletter and maybe a book or three by our four wonderful authors?

First, for the newsletter: you can find a copy by clicking here: http://magicmavens.webs.com/MMDec2009.pdf

Many people are giving or receiving ebook readers this holiday season. These readers can be easily loaded with so many fabulous titles to choose from, we hope you'lll add one or two of ours! Why not check out the line up of books the Mavens have to offer? What nicer way to say Merry Christmas than with the gift of reading? You can find all the Mavens' titles listed on their individual websites and most can be purchased from their publishers: http://www.champagnebooks.com/ http://www.samhainpublishing.com/ http://www.thewildrosepress.com/ http://www.bookstrand.com/ http://www.cobblestone-press.com/

Keep warm and KEEP READING!
Hugz
The Magic Mavens

November News

2009-11-09T15:29:00.001-08:00

The Mavens have changed up the way they do their newsletter. The changes include a revamped format and a new website location for newsletter access!

If you'd be interested in reading the November edition of the Magic Mavens Newsletter please follow the following link: http://magicmavens.webs.com/MMNove2009.pdf

Enjoy!
Hugz
The Magic Mavens

Tanabata

2009-07-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

In the July edition of the Magic Mavens newsletter we mentioned several celebrations that occur around the world in month of July. One of those celebratiosn isTanabata. It was inspired by the famous Chinese folklore, The Princess and the Cowherd:

Orihime (Weaving Princess) the daughter of the Tentei (Sky King, or the universe itself) wove beautiful clothes by the bank of the Milky Way (Amanogawa). Her father loved the cloth that she wove and so she worked very hard every day to weave it. However, she was sad that because of her hard work she could never meet and fall in love with anyone.

Concerned about his daughter, Tentei arranged for her to meet Hikoboshi (Cow Herder Star) sometimes called Kengyuu who lived and worked on the other side of the Amanogawa River (Milky Way).

When the two met, they fell instantly in love with each other and were married shortly there after. However, once married, Orihime no longer would weave cloth for Tentei and Hikoboshi allowed his cows to stray all over Heaven.

In anger, Tentei separated the two lovers across the Amanogawa River and forbade them to meet. Orihime became despondent at the loss of her husband and asked her father to let them meet again.

Tentei was moved by his daughter’s tears and allowed the two to meet on the 7th day of the 7th month if Orihime worked hard and finished her weaving. The first time they tried to meet, however, they found that they could not cross the river because there was no bridge.

Orihime cried so much that a flock of magpies came and promised to make a bridge with their wings so that she could cross the river. If it rains, the magpies cannot come and the two lovers must wait till next year.

The following variation of the story is known in China and Japan:

A young farmer named Mikeran discovered on his farm a robe which, unbeknownst to him, belonged to a goddess named Tanabata. Soon after, Tanabata visited Mikeran and asked if he had found it. He lied and told the goddess that he hadn't but would help with her search. Eventually the pair fell in love, were wed and had many children.

However, one day Tanabata noticed a piece of cloth which had once belonged to her robe on the roof of Mikeran's hut. His lie discovered, Tanabata agreed to forgive him on the condition that he weave a thousand pairs of straw shoes, but until that time, she would leave him. Mikeran was unable to weave the shoes in his lifetime and thus never met Tanabata again. However, it is said that the pair meet once a year when the stars Altair and Vega intersect.

In present-day Japan, people generally celebrate this day by writing wishes, sometimes in the form of poetry, on tanzaku, small pieces of paper, and hanging them on bamboo, sometimes with other decorations. The bamboo and decorations are often set afloat on a river or burned after the festival, around midnight or on the next day. This resembles the custom of floating paper ships and candles on rivers during Obon. Many areas in Japan have their own Tanabata customs, which are mostly related to local Obon traditions.

There is also a traditional Tanabata song:

Sasa no ha sara-sara
Nokiba ni yureru
Ohoshi-sama kira-kira
Kingin sunago

Translation:

The bamboo leaves rustle, rustle,
shaking away in the eaves.
The stars go twinkle, twinkle;
Gold and silver grains of sand

Read my Interview

2009-05-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hey all, there's a new blog in town and I'm their very first interview. Check it out at the GreenBeez.

Hey there!

2009-05-05T08:33:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to pop over and say hello and let you all know that Becka and I are both participating in a really cool contest. It's called Get Hooked on a Series and it's being sponsored by Moira Rogers. From now until June 1st you can try you hand at winning one of 50 books! Each book is the first book in a series. If you're looking to broaden your horizons author wise then I hope you'll head over there and check out the books being offered!

It couldn't be more simple to enter: go to http://moirarogers.com/?q=node/347 then check out click on the book covers to read blurbs and excerpts. Pick your favorite then scroll down the page and check your choice.

Good luck and have fun!

Hugz!
Donica

ANNOUNCEMENT

2009-04-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

My First Cruise!

2009-03-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

OMG, I highly recommend going on a cruise. I think just about all cruise lines offer the same amenities. I left Galveston Port on the Carnaval Exstacy on Feb 16th and returned on Feb 21st. The entire time, I was pampered and treated like a queen. What a great escape and yes, it did give me more than my fair share of plot ideas.

Every night, they folded the towels to look like cute animals with chocolate pieces for eyes. The food riveled that of the classiest restaurant in town with a variety of flavors to choose from. Every evening, they offered an assortment of entertainment. During the day, you could choose between hanging in the casino, indulging at one of the many bars, laying out in the sun or pampering at the spa. Yeah, I was a wimp. I spent my relax time writing. LOL.

Boarding was a bit tricky for me. I forgot my credit cards and of course we traveled 3 hours to get to the port, so I borrowed my husband's cc. In order to use it, they faxed my husband a form to fill out that he faxed back. That was the only glitch in my entire trip so I was happy. I roomed with the travel agent that booked our package. This was a promotional trip for the magazine I work for. She was full of information and a joy to be with.

The next day I spent prowling the ship and getting accustomed to things. I bought one of those wrist bands to wear to prevent seasickness, and it worked like a charm.

Tuesday we docked at the Yucatan Peninsula. I'd booked an excursion to the Uxmal ruins and had a most enjoyable experience. At this Mayan city, they did not practice human sacrifice as they did in other Mayan cities. And no, the world is not ending in 2012 because the Mayan calendar is ending. The Mayans set their calendar to fit a pattern of rotation and in 2012, the rotation will end to begin anew. What a great relief. *Grin*

Can you find the iguana?

The next day, we docked at Cozumel. I was scheduled for two events, a driving tour or Cozumel and a submarine trip 100 feet down. The driving tour was very pleasant. I hooked up with an older man who needed a "photo" buddy. He had me take all sorts of photos of him in various places. At one point in time, he asked if I knew what he planned for those photos. "Why no, I don't believe I do." He replies, "I'm gonna keep a few for myself but the rest I'm sending to my ex-wife so she can see what she's missing. I invited her along so she could pay for the trip but she refused." Too funny.

On this excursion, we stopped at a tequila plant, a small operation but fascinating. It takes 10 years before the blue agava is ready for harvest and the fruit or pineapple as it's called is unbelievably large. After that tour, we were invited to sample shots of flavored tequila. I came home with coffee and almond flavored tequilas.

We finished the tour and our guide dropped us off at downtown Cozumel with instructions to return to the van by 1:30. What!? My submarine trip started at 1:30. Needless to say, after a very tasty lunch, I had to catch a cab. I told him my group met at the end of the pier but no, he drops me at the submarine place. So, I walk three blocks and try to find the pier. No such luck. Now one could tell me how to get back there. So - I ran back to the submarine place, went inside and told them what happened. The guide there said my group was looking for me, decided I wasn't coming and were trying to sell my ticket. Anyway, he cleared things up with them and that group walked the distance to meet at the submarine place. Go figure. Anyway, the dive was perfect and the underwater scenery, breathtaking. I took a ton of photos with the expectation that none would come out with my little point and click, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The following day, Friday, I talked myself into indulging. I had my first facial and Swedish massage. OMG. So, well worth the mula and yes, I'll be repeating that experience as soon as I can round up the extra bucks. We returned home at 8:00AM the following morning. Ah, well. Back to reality.

New Release - Breaking All The Rules

2009-02-16T10:34:00.001-08:00

I'm excited to announce a new release. Breaking All The Rules is an erotic short story, published by Carnal Passions.

Because of the level of heat in this story, I'm not going to post an excerpt, instead if you'd like to read an excerpt, visit my website. (grins)

Enjoy!

~Phyllis~

I've been TAGGED

2009-01-17T18:43:00.000-08:00

Celia Yearny, a wonderful author friend who has a new release out called All My Hopes and Dreams just tagged me. She came to a book signing we had in San Marcus and was our number one promoter and this before her book was out. What a doll.

Anyway, I'm supposed to list six things that make me happy. Geez, that shouldn't be too hard. I'm always happy, well most always.

My six things: 1. My hubby. He's the most wonderful man and buys me flowers all the time just because. Gotta love that.
2. My two children, both in college and both loving to try my patience, but watching them grow has been one of my greatest joys.
3. Dancing two-step at the Hall of Fame on Thursday night.
4. Chocolate. I confess, I'm addicted.
5. Writing yummy heroes and complicated plots.
6. Going on interviews for a local magazine and discovering all sorts of fun folks.

So now I get to tag six more folks:

Candace Morehouse
Big Mike Davis
Regan Taylor
Kim Lenox
Sharon Cullen
Rebecca Savage

Rules: Link to the person who tagged you (http://magicmavens.blogspot.com/)Write down six things that make you happy. Post these rules. Tag six others. Notify me that you've tagged six others--or not.

Best Review EVER

2009-01-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

Celestial Dragon was my first published book and came out in June of 2006. Two and a half years old and it's still generating awesome comments and reviews but this one is special. Why? First because it was unsolicited and second because he obviously enjoyed the book very much. Check out the ebookguru.org for the complete review. In the meantime, enjoy a brief snippet from Trevas:

"I’ve read and reviewed some books from big name authors in the past couple months. If you read through my reviews, I’ve posted my thoughts on books from the likes of Terry Brooks, George R.R. Martin, and Mercedes Lackey. Here’s the thing though - Ciara Gold’s Celestial Dragon blows all of them away as far as reading enjoyment is concerned.

From the second page on I was hooked. I was drawn into the story, and not only was I prompted to read the book through in one sitting (as an avid read I do often do that if I find a good book), I also bought the next book in the series the next day. Really, the only thing that disappointed me is that there isn’t yet a third and fourth book in the series!"

I confess, this is a duplicate post to another blog I'm on. What can I say? I was just thrilled with this review.

SOS

2009-01-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging today at the Shades of Suspense blog. Hope you'll stop by and say hello!

Hugz
Donica

Nominated for Best Historical

2009-01-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

I just had to share. Love Romances Cafe nominated Kaitlin's Silver Lining as one of their best historicals for 2008. I'm floored. Really. Voting will be on their loop site in the polls section. There are a ton of great authors and stories listed there, so I hope you'll take a moment to browse through and vote.

Kisses Of Fire - on sale now for only $2

2009-01-01T10:46:00.001-08:00

Yes, you read it right. My short story, Kisses Of Fire was just released today, and is only $2.00!!!!! Unbelieveable, I know!

She needs money for her bar, he seeks incriminating evidence to close her. Will the auction be the key, or will her kisses turn his loins to fire?

Cassidy O’Malley needs money to save her bar…hoping auctioning off her waitresses and herself for a night of pleasure might do the trick. How can she protect her heart when a gorgeous hottie bids on her and all she wants to do is kiss him…endlessly.

Mark Carrington is on a mission—to find some incriminating evidence to help his father close down the bar. For years, the Carrington’s have tried to get this land from the O’Malley’s, and Mark is determined to win. But when he gets to know the sexy co-owner he wants more than the bar. He wants her body and soul.

**excerpt**
“Do I hear six hundred and fifty?” Joan called out. No more bids were voiced, just the cat-calls and whistles from the horde of anxious men.

“Okay, six hundred going once. Going twice...”

“One thousand dollars.”

The voices in the room silenced. Gasps and clinking glasses were the only sounds. Cassidy pressed her hand to her chest. All heads turned to the voice on the other side of the room.

Joan waved her hand. “I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t see you. Would you mind standing and repeating that bid?”

The man rose and the scraping of the chair’s wooden legs echoed through the suddenly silent bar. Cassidy recognized the wannabe cowboy who’d ogled her so openly when she’d first entered. Why would a man so gorgeous want to bid that high on her?

Even from across the room, she could spot a drunk, and this particular hunk was not one of them. So why did he bid that amount? His blank expression didn’t tell her anything about what he expected. Yet, by the heated gleam in his earlier gaze, she figured she already knew.

“I said, I bid one thousand dollars.”

Joan laughed. “Sold, to the gentlemen in the corner.” She motioned her hand. “You can come and collect your prize.”

Cass swallowed a lump of fear, yet anticipation rose in her chest. Suddenly, an image popped into her mind of her and this man in a lover’s embrace while his mouth moved passionately over hers flashed through her head.

Impossible! She would definitely not let that one happen.

The man swaggered toward her. Damn, even his walk was sexy. All he needed was cowboy boots and a hat. He still looked too business-style for that.

Keeping his focus on her, he stopped at the bar and handed a wad of bills to Joan. Her cousin didn’t hesitate to take the money, even giggled once the bills were in her grasp. That was when Mr. Cowboy Wannabe smiled, and it was all for Cassidy. Her knees melted. She scolded her body. He could try and charm her all he wanted, but now she knew his plans and she was not going to let him win!

He reached out to her. She really didn’t want to go with a man who thought she was a hooker, but her body didn’t listen to her panicked mind, and she slipped her hand into his. Warmth from his body speared through her, creating havoc like she’d never known. Her throat turned dry, but her blood pumped faster and hotter through her veins, yet she followed him as he guided her down the stairs and to his table.

Too many people in the bar doused any idea of their first meeting to be private, and Cassidy was now pleased with the auction’s great attendance.

He pulled out her chair. Her jaw dropped as she sat. Where was he from? Nobody did that any longer.

The grin stayed on his face as he sat across from her. “Would you like a drink?”

She shook her head, planning to deny, but found herself answering, “Yes.” Damn her lonely hide.

He chuckled and signaled to one of the bartender. She didn’t take her attention off the stranger to see which one of her cousins served them.

“What would you like?” the strange man asked.

For you to go away. “White wine.” Now where in the hell did that answer come from? She didn’t want to drink with him, and she definitely didn’t want to drink something with alcohol. But his sensuality disturbed her. She didn’t know how to handle her dizzy feelings.

He turned to the server and nodded. “You heard the lady.” Linking his fingers, he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Well, Cassidy Hilarion, what have you planned for our date tonight?”

To escort you home and make you take a cold shower. She knew what he wanted.

She swallowed hard. “Are you going to introduce yourself?”

“I’m Mark Carey.”

“Well, Mark Carey, I thought we’d start out with dinner tonight.” The audible squeak in her voice horrified her and she cleared her throat.

He grinned. “And how do you plan to end the date?”

Dumping ice down your pants.

To purchase ebook ($2 only!!) - click here

I hope everyone had a great New Years! I know my year is starting out great already!!

~Phyllis~

Fairwell RWA...for now

2008-12-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Today was my last RWA chapter meeting, and I left with mixed emotions. I've been part of RWA for approx ten years, and I've enjoyed every year. Two years ago I was President of my chapter, and before that I volunteered in other positions. I've always helped with the contests, and this year I coordinated three categories. YIKES! That was a challenge, but I made friends along the way and had fun. Today in my chapter meeting, I was presented the "Service Award". It brought tears to my eyes. I wasn't expecting that. What an honor! And it makes it harder to leave my friends and the ladies in this group.

Every month in our chapter meeting, we're given treats if we finish a book, or if we are rejected by a publisher or agent. (yes, treats because we are working toward our goals!) This month I was proud to raise my hand to both. I was able to finish a book - my first ghost story called Love Only Once. As soon as my crit group finishes with this, I'm sending it to an agent who has already shown interest. (grins)

I realized today, that if I hadn't been with Romance Writers of American, I might not have had the courage to keep plugging away. I wouldn't have dusted myself off after those awful rejections and keep querying other stories and other publishers / agents. Being with other writers has helped me tremendously. If you're not with a writer's group, I highly encourage you to join one. Nobody else knows your sorrows or your joys relating to writing. It's totally worth it!

~Phyllis~

My Short is Up

2008-11-19T20:43:00.001-08:00

For those of you that have read Kaitlin's Silver Lining, I have a short holiday story that will be posted Thursday, November 20 at the Writer's Vineyard. This story involves two of the secondary characters, Luke and Charlie. And while you're there, take a gander at some of the other awesome stories and excerpts and enter several wonderful contests.

A new Contract!

2008-11-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

Whoop! I just heard back from my publisher and they offered a contract for my Viking Time Travel! Very exciting. Of course, I can't read the word documents they sent because this computer doesn't have word but I should have my computer issues solved by this weekend I hope. I'll keep you updated on a release date.

Do you like Free Stories

2008-11-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

For Holiday Book Lovers Only

Leave the gloom and doom of today's newspaper headlines behind and
escape into a celebration of the holidays with The Writer's Grapevine.

Every day during November and December on the Writer's Grapevine,
an excerpt or original short story from a favorite author will be
shared. These favorite authors range from New York Times
Bestsellers to brand new, about-to-be-discovered talent, sharing
their tales of romance, science fiction, mystery, and horror. There
will be Thanksgiving turkeys, Kwanzaa love, dead bodies under the
Christmas tree, and stolen New Year's Eve kisses. My short story will post
on November 20.

Of course, what would a holiday celebration be without presents?

Share your favorite holiday memories and enter to win a gorgeous UK
hardcover of Eloisa James' An Affair Before Christmas.

Do you love holiday shows and movies? Tell us about them and you
could win a copy of A Christmas Wedding Wager and a copy of either
Viking Warrior Unwilling Wife or A Question of Impropriety from
Michelle Styles.

Did we miss a great book? Perhaps yours? Name your favorite
holiday book (even if it is your own) and enter to win a prize pack
from Barbara Baldwin and an ecopy of Linda LaRoque's Forever
Faithful.

Get into the holiday spirit. Drop by the Writer's Grapevine
and join the fun.

I got tagged!

2008-10-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends, Phyllis Campbell, tagged me. She's been my critique partner for years and a fabulous writer and one of the magic mavens! So now, I need to think of 6 things about myself and share with you all.

1. I have the most wonderful family in the world. Both kids are now in college and make me proud each and everyday. My husband is my soulmate and my best friend. And my mother, she's golden. She's my best promoter.

2. I can count the number of jobs I've had on both hands and then some. I've been a babysitter, a waitress, a janitor (for a church), a sales clerk for art supplies, a sales clerk for fabric, a dental assistance (one of my more interesting endeavors), a receptionist, a librarian, a teacher, an artist, an editor, and a writer.

3. I keep the website for two organizations; Northwest Houston RWA and Brazos Valley Art Education Association.

4. I'm hopelessly addicted to chocolate but I'm trying to wean myself. (Of course you couldn't tell by the amount I consumed today, though)

5. When it comes to art, I'm a sponge for new ideas and media, but my favorite medium is printmaking.

6. I"m a great cook. My daughter wants me to open a restaurant. Sheesh, I could do that in my spare time. No worries. My favorite dish to eat is shish kabobs, but my favorite to cook is stuffed pork chops with mash potatoes, stewed apples and pumpkin pie.Yum

So now I need to pick six people to tag. So ....

Kimber Chin has to be my idol right now. She has the energy of three people and is one of the most positive people you'll ever meet. On top of that, she's a wonderful writer. I LOVED Breach of Trust.

Vicki Gaia is one of my crit partners and a great friend. She writes fabulous stories which rich backgrounds. I love her work.

Rayka Mennen is one of my dearest friends and a great crit partner. I love the way she weaves a story together and I wish she'd hurry up and write more!

Linda LaRoque has a fabulous story in progress that I've had the honor of critiquing. I can't wait for her to finish it. And she has a book coming out soon called Forever Faithful.

Diana Castilleja is a member of the Texas Authors of Romantic Fiction and dynamite on wheels. I adore her for the efforts she makes on our behalf and she's also a talented writer.

Linda Mooney is another member of Texas ARF and an inspiration. Like me, she teaches school and still finds time to be a multi-published author of romantic fiction. I enjoy her work as she writes fabulous stories.

Donica Covey is another talented writer who was the instigator of the Magic Mavens. She's a great friend who keeps us all organized and on track with our newsletter.

Becka Goings amazes me with her ability to promote. Her books consitantly get great reviews and sell well.

PS. There were a ton of authors I would have liked to have tagged but Phyllis nabbed up three of the ones I'd chosen and Ginger Simpson had already been tagged and I couldn't find a website for Rebecca Savage. The others don't blog.

Becka's Birthday Bash

2008-10-03T23:12:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone! If you've been following my books for the past few years, you might know I hold an annual birthday party for myself every year. :) It's called Becka's Birthday Bash, and it lasts for an entire week, the week of my birthday, October 9th.

This year, it will be held from Oct. 6th to Oct. 10th on my author loop, The Magic of Romance. I will be posting excerpts, posting fun facts, fun questions, holding contests and giving away sweet wrapped "mystery" birthday gifties. :D If you'd like to come and partay with me, you can join my group at:

http://groups.google.com/group/themagicofromance

The best part is, all of my author friends are coming as well! (Well, most of them. :P) You'll be reading their excerpts and entering their contests as well! So it won't just be a Becka Bonanza. :D

I'll be giving away some sweet prizes - you don't want to miss it!

Remember, Oct. 6th thru Oct. 10th, Monday through Friday of next week. Hope to see you there!

http://groups.google.com/groups/themagicofromance

~~Becka

Booksigning in San Marcus Texas

2008-10-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hope to see some of you there! This was originally scheduled for September 13, but Ike had different plans for Texas. Man, what a storm. We were quite lucky because we suffered very little damage or ill effects from the hurricane but our neighbors all around us, and I do mean all around, weren't so lucky. We had power but the smaller towns that border us to the east, south, west and north were without power for a week.

Oh, and I have an interview up at Abandoned Towers. Too fun.

I have a new cover & book trailer!

2008-09-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to show everyone my new book cover. The Wild Rose Press really did a great job finding the right pics for this story. I'm very impressed!

~~~
Is she the goddess Artemis?

Phoebe Alphius, daughter of the governor of Turkey, was told at the tender age of ten that she was the goddess Artemis, reincarnated. Yes, she has the silver-blonde hair of the goddess, and she has the bold personality and hunts better than any of her brothers. Does that mean she is Artemis? All these years people have treated her different, and she’s tired of it. She wants a normal life. She wants to find love. But just as Artemis, she’s going to die a virgin. Unless she dresses as her maid and sneaks out of the palace and ventures into the marketplace...

Captain Barrington Winston, Marquis of Cantbury, knows Turkey will be the last country he visits to do his trading before returning to England to his dying father. But when a beautiful servant girl catches his eye, he’s drawn to her. He doesn’t understand why, but he enjoys the way his loins heat up whenever she touches him. He must have this woman before he leaves...or forever. Whatever it takes.
~~~

I also have a book trailer for this. It's PERFECT! Check it out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkWQZMw_OUQ

~~Phyllis~~

Announcing a Blog Train - chance to win 16 Books

2008-09-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Get Your Ticket for the Blog Train Excursion
Want to win a 'virtual' basket of books? Who wouldn't want SIXTEEN of the best ebooks available. All you need to do is to visit Ginger Simpson's blog for the start of the Blog Train Excursion on Monday, September 8th.

The contest will actually be a blog scavenger hunt. You'll link from site to site and find hidden words to put together and form a famous quote. Make sure to mark your calendar and come join in the fun. If this turns out well, Ginger will do it again next month as she already have a list of authors wanting to participate.

And the best yet is that I'm one of the featured authors on this scavenger hunt. Yep, I get to bring up the caboose. LOL.

First Week Blues

2008-08-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is the middle of my first week back at school. I'm exhausted, but at the same time exilerated. School is such a pivotal point for so many.

Turning points in my life revolve around school. Think about it. First there's kindegarten and that very, very first day. The nerves, the stomach aches, recess, storytime, and naptime. Why don't they have naptime in the older grades? But going to school marked the beginning of independence from our parents.

Junior high marked the start of "going together." The first time we took a look at the opposite sex and didn't think they were gross. In my day, the big thing was to trade ID bracelets. When that happened, you were seriously going together. Of course, in most cases, it didn't last past a week but still... We also started taking a keener interest in fashion and make-up and girly-girl stuff.

High School, the part of our lives that most of us would never ever want to repeat and yet, it's the part of my school career I remember most; the bad and the good. I enjoyed a bit of rebellion, though for the most part, I was pretty tame as a teen. I learned to perform before large groups, I volunteered time at the hospital and I excelled in school. But I failed miserably at relationships as I was too shy to attract the attentions of a boyfriend. Probably for the best. I think I could have easily fallen in the category of "follower" and could have been led astray by the right guy. Ah, the follies of youth.

College marked another turning point as I moved out of the house and came into my own. Met my first DH and earned a degree. But I didn't "find" myself until I returned to college three years after earning my first degree to get certified to teach.

Now, each year begins in August for me and not January because time is marked by the school calendar. I look at each new face and wonder what trial they will face, what challenges and successes. Life is ever evolving.

Even for those that don't teach, their lives are ruled by the school calendar if they have school=age children. And again, pivotal moments revolve around school as they watch their children grow and mature. Gotta love the cycle of life.

Scared crapless!

2008-08-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, a writing group out of Utah asked me if I'd like to give a workshop at their big conference Sept. 12 & 13. My hotel stay would be paid for (even though it's only a 30 minute drive!), my meals, and the registration fee. I couldn't pass this up! BUT...my workshop had to be on research since I'm a historical author. (biting nails) I don't know why, but I'm scared crapless! I don't know what to talk about. I don't know what kind of handouts to get for them. And my workshop has to be 50 minutes long. AUGH!!

What's really worrying me is the agent I'd like an appointment with. I checked out her website, and she is looking for historical ROMANCE authors! OMG! This could be my lucky break! But...what if she comes to my workshop and thinks I suck? That is not a good image to have. I'm only given ten minutes to pitch to this agent, and I have three stories I could pitch, too! "Excuse me, agent, but can we meet for drinks later tonight and talk?" LOL

So the weeks are counting down, and here I sit biting my nails and getting an ulcer because I really don't know how to go about talking research. My workshop is titled "Digging Up The Past".

Any suggestions are appreciated!!

~Phyllis~

Review for Tides of Maryna's Love

2008-08-22T08:24:00.001-07:00

I just had to drop in and brag! I received my first review for Tides of Maryna's Love! I'm so thrilled with it. See this morning started out completely sucking and then I find this email with the review link and it brightened my day.

Here are some snippets from what Orange Blossom from Long and Short Reviews had to say:

" If you enjoy classic television from the likes of Bewitched, then this is the tale for you..."

"With all the dark paranormal romantic fiction out there today, I found this lighthearted and sweetly written book refreshing..."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was a complete delight and just perfect for these late summer afternoons."

To read the review in its entireity pleas head over to Long and Short Reviews

Have a great weekend!
Hugz
Donica