Nose In A Book

Resolute.

2009-12-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

Hottest Man in Universe 2009

Looking back on the trials and tribulations of 2009--along with the dream come true publication of my exciting first three novellas, editing books for print, travel, skiing, surfing (once, but still), rafting, driving children, participating in cash for clunkers, + all that extreme parenting+ wifing, not to mention the drinking, etc--there was that pedophile Michael Jackson, balloon boy, the pesky economy, the debt, our pesky debt, the break up of John and Kate and the birth of that litter of ~~puppies~~ babies, The Great Star Trek and two RC The Great (see above photo) movies, Adam fucking Lambert (booyah), plus every time I turned around another celebrity dropped to the ground,

Obvious misuse of celebrity

and WTF is Brad Pitt thinking with that carny beard he's wearing?---yeah. I didn't get a whole lot of new work completed. I canna imagine why! Clearly, I have the attention span of a...

Sure, I wrote a lot--but perhaps what I really did was to write often. There's a distinction, yes? Because I didn't actually finish everything for 2010. What I do have is...

drumroll please

one book ready. ***

(It's really frickin' awesome, too.)

(Not to toot my own horn)

(But I love this new book)

::blinks::

MOSIV--In and Out is nearly done. I'm just waiting for notes from my over extended and slightly crispy-fried critique-er. I'm also lounging around hoping that the ending will come smack me on the head. So it's mostly there--but this is like that hand-grenades and horseshoe thing. Almost doesn't count. I have about four almosts. Pfft. Who cares?

Goals and Other Strangers

My resolution for 2010? You mean other than to quit bitching and moaning? (HAH) Finish the projects I have started, write a MOS Christmas story (Tony and Mark) and work on this weird Halloween project with my pal Josh.

That's five. Five new works I intend to write this year. Category length (2) novellas (2) and one shorty-short.

Insert Random Brandon Boyd Photo for Strength and Guidance:

Best Concert 2009 Incubus
Brandon Nom Boyd Nom

Costa Rica, So Cal, Ohio, and Yonder

I'm traveling in 2010. Near and far. I'm excited and I'm coming possibly to see YOU (maybe). Meaning? I am fucking crazy to take this much on. NO. Scratch that. I am motherfucking medication ready insane. However, I aim high and don't exactly care if I fall short (lie) because this girl just wants to have fun (and write well, make some moola, and be with my super family).

And another thing!

I resolve to use my exercise machine. Plus also eat right, tan less, clean more, build a scale size model train, reinvent the wheel, and save Christmas. Plus deal with that pesky ozone problem.

Okay okay, I'm no Captain Kirk, but I am...LB Gregg/LBea/Lisabea hear me roar!

Movie of the Year for LBea

Star Trek

Also beginning to see a pattern with the beards.

Piece of cake, really. ::files nails:: No problemo.

I wish you all a Happy Resolution Attaining New Year. Be Safe. Read a lot. Love your family. And please, remember--Russell Crowe is Robin Hood!! Now that's something to look forward to in 2010.

Let's Get To Work!

Adam Lambert needs a beard.

::cough::

Feeling Good-WIP Song of the Year

***Catch Me If You Can available on March 16 from Samhain!! I just finished the final edits and...it's fabo~as Tumperkin would say. Click here to read more because shameless self promotion is what it's all about, man.

It's here.

2009-12-22T02:00:00.000-08:00

Well, dear readers, it would be just plain weird for me not to post about my favorite author and the last book in my favorite series about my favorite guy--Mr. Adrien-with an e-English and his dastardly on again and off again lover, the incomparable /RC look alike, Mr. Jake Riordan

It's effing awesome. NOT JUST SAYIN'.

There are reviews up, I understand, crowding the pages of bloglandia. Lots of cheering and tossing of ~~panties~~ confetti--lots of tears and tea--lots of screaming Oh no he di'n't!! I think it's safe to say that my pal Josh struck gold again. Fans of the Adrien English Mysteries (And who isn't? I ask you.) will find what they're looking for, and much more, in The Dark Tide.

I'll be considering a suitable galpal tribute over the next week or so--possibly with dance, four part harmony, and snacks, I'm so sure--but not today.

All I can say on this Dec 22-with shopping and guests on the agenda-- is Merry Christmas to you, too, Josh.

To make this day even more of a treat (for fans), Josh has posted his playlist for The Dark Tide . Although it pains me to tell you that he apparently forgot to include Lisabea's infamous Jake and Adrien selection from ...my goodness...was that last year? I've added it here for you--because surely he didn't leave this off intentionally.

Right?

Oh, don't make a puss, people. Listen and you'll think--By cracky! That girl knows a thing or two!

Heh. Heh. Heh. This be my jam.

Go buy you some Adrien love.

LB

Medium Plus

2009-12-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

Last night, I took the boy and his girlfriend out for Indian food in Simsbury (or is it Avon? That entire stretch of 44 all seems like the same town). Anyway. I ordered the Chicken Vindaloo THINKING I really should get the Chicken Tikka Masala in its lovely MILD cream sauce, but I don't want to look wimpy, right? Because, secretly, I want to love hot food--I do--but God bless America I just canna dooo eeeet.

What is this stuff?

Also let's be clear that all that food looks exactly the same and I have no fucking idea what any of it is--unless it says CHICKEN CURRY. And I assume the temperature of this food is negotiable because I am a Connecticut housewife. (Words not synonymous with high maintenance)

So our waiter arrives and we have a tiny discussion.

"You see how there are five peppers on the menu?"

"Yes. That is Medium Plus Plus"

LBea thinking what the hell does that mean? This is like Romancelandia grading as far as I'm concerned. What IS an A, really, when there are A++'s? Better than perfect? Hotter than hell?

BUT I DIGRESS.

"Well. I'd like it to be medium." Please note that I'm making eyes at this guy--eyes that want to say MILD. MILD hot, baby.

"Ah. Medium Plus." He writes on his pad.

"No. I want it to be one pepper."

"Vindaloo starts spicy. You want to taste the favor of the peppers, yes?" He might have said flavor of the curry. I wasn't really listening to anything but the whining 'get the Tikka Masala you dolt' from my stomach. My stupid head thinks I can talk this recipe into something milder.

"I understand." Smiles tightly and ignores son who says she wants mild minus minus, "I like hot, but last time I blistered my lips and had to stop eating my food." For a week. Just kidding. " I'd like some kick without burn."

"Yes. Medium Plus."

What the freak is wrong with this guy? And why does he keep saying 'yes'? "Medium. Medium. No plus. Just medium."

"Right." Scribbles on pad. He probably wrote kick it up a notch for the bitch, Ted.

That fucker. By the fifth bite, my lips started to burn (but DAMN that Vindaloo is good) and then...they turned an attractive, startling, berry color. A little swelling. Not much to complain about. ::cough::

I ate one fourth of the Vindaloo and ALL my rice. Two glasses of water. Plus a small effing stack of Garlic Naan and the waiter stops by and says, "You like the medium plus? Yes."

Oh. My. God. He was probably kidding, yes?

PS...It's in the refrigerator and I am considering eating some for lunch.

Wee Three Things

2009-12-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

One: Jessewave posted her review of The Dark Tide. My lips are sealed. And...uhm...I'm a pleased little 'bea'.

Two: My girls leave for a quick trip with their grandmother and I'm scrambled like an egg trying to get them out the door with passports and proper attire.

Three: MY EDITS ARRIVED FOR CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. I'm so stoked. I'm about to pop! However...er....it's a week to Christmas and it's going to be a bit pinchy trying to squeeze everything in. As soon as I have info--will post. For now, my blurb is up on the website. www.lbgregg.com

Happy ~~Wednesday~~ WHAT? Thursday?! Yikes.

BTW: I LOVE MY MACBOOK!!!

squee.squee.squee.

2009-12-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks Katie(babs)! AND KATI!

Oh man. I hope this is as good as I want it to be.

Sunday and it's snowing

2009-12-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

Fire is burning, tree is decorated, I'm baking cookies and listening to Vivaldi.

Have a great day~and enjoy the music.

A Story.

2009-12-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning began as any other day. I had some coffee. I did my mom thing. I turned on my little cutie laptop. The comforting whirl of the fan kicked into gear and then that weenie bastard shut off with a disturbing twang--or twinge. Or something--but it stopped when it shouldn't have.

I pressed the button again--and again--and again--whatthefuckiswrongwiththisthing--and again--shitshitshit---and AGAIN (pressing button harder--counting to eleven--pressing button again). I breathed deep. I pressed the button. I walked away. I came back and pressed the button.

Black screen. Nothing. Nadda. Just the fan whirl, ping, black.

Obviously, I frothed at the mouth. Why? Because if you clicked that link, you know that I bought that adorable fucker five months ago. Five months--is this a new record?

I had an inkling that there was a problem the other morning (and I put all my files on a memory stick, thank you very much) but whatever the problem was, it seemed to solve itself and we rolled merrily along. I blogged. I emailed. I looked at Victoria Secret and enjoyed a few snacks.

But yesterday, with the black death screen, there was no question--something was wrong. (I mean other than the fact that I cheaped out and bought that damn computer to begin with because apparently my goal in life is to be a cautionary tale for all my computer buying friends. BUT IT WAS SO CUTE)

So, I slapped on some mascara and I drove the ump-teen miles to Simsbury, with my sleek computer bag and my tiny, cute, piece of poop laptop, to speak with those jokers at Best Buy. The young Geek squad boy smiled at my 'black tie' two hundred dollar service plan (I thought charmingly at first, but now I see that it was apologetically) and the Geek boy opened his precious but thin Geek boy mouth and he said--two to four weeks.

"WHAT? WHAT?" I wept/screeched. "But I have the black tie!!!"

Ok. Stop right here. I am so fucking sick of microsoft I could spit. Pa-tooooey. I spat. At Christmas time, no less. I bought the norton. I bought the service plan. I bought a three hundred dollar computer for seven hundred dollars after all was said and done and--

it doesn't work.

IT CRAPPED OUT ON ME.

::paperbag::

This is not the first time. Not the second. Or third. If I had a kid who didn't learn a lesson after this many failed attempts and cash out the window, I'd think that they were either 'special' or believed in miracles. I. Mean. Really.

So. I text G and he's in a meeting. He texts: Buy a mac.

That's it. Those are my instructions from my dearest. I leave Simsbury and I go to West Hartford to the mall and I go di---rect---ly to the Mac/Apple whatever-its-called store and I quibble. MacMini or MacBook. Quibble quibble quibble (the very problem that got me into this mess, fyi) and, since I'm in a room full of 'genius'es (and clearly I don't belong here) I start to talk myself into an easy/cheap fix.

But my darling dearest husband knows me well (or possibly BigGirl texted him that I was being a dork) and G texts me again.

Don't be cheap.

I am on my Christmas present right now. I drank the koolaid (and charged my cc up a smidge) but this? I'm here to tell you--it's merry Christmassy delicious.

Although I did purchase a service plan.

thank you.

For Your Listening Pleasure

2009-12-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

I don't care what anyone says--I love this.

Mariah delivers a jubilant version of a song that is often sung in such a somber, nearly whining, manner. O Holy Night has a joyful message and she nails it. Her 'whistle' range is nothing short of miraculous. And that dress? Dang. I want to be buried in it.

Buckeyes

2009-12-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

For Sula and TPig.

Heh

Taken from a blog post I did two years ago. This is a family favorite.

1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1/4 Cup Butter softened
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 Cups Confectioners Sugar
1/2 Cup Flour
1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, Melted (Good ones. Don't cheap out. Like I do.)

You know where I'm going with this. Line 2 cookie sheets with wax paper. Beat peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Gradually beat in confectioners sugar and flour until blended well. Roll into balls and put them on the cookie sheet. Refrigerate for an hour. Spear 1 ball at a time with a toothpick (or skewer). Dip into melted chocolate, about 1/2 way. Cover toothpick hole with and artistic dab of melted chocolate. Cover and refrigerate.

These are f/n awesome and your kids will eat them until they're sick. So, um, that's probably not a good idea. I dole them out in pairs. Ours look like the picture, except we add a dashing squiggle on the tip.

O Christmas Tree

2009-12-06T07:46:00.001-08:00

Today is the day! And it couldn't be a better one. At a balmy 26 degrees F, sun shining, snow covering the trees, it's time to make the yearly sacrifice of a tree for Christmas. I'm so excited. Although my excitement may wane once I try to haul that sucker into the house and ... if it touches my 'wall paper'... I could be in for some trouble. ::cough::

Still. Time to make Christmas. And buckeyes.

Hope you all are having a terrific Sunday!

Did ya ever...

2009-12-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

Find something out just a second too late?

I was literally halfway through my first can of please let me lose eight pounds Strawberry 'n Creme nasties, thinking this crap always makes my stomach hurt--when a friend emailed me about my fb status . (my RL one) It says something like--Starting SlimFast today!

She said--Recalled. Just now. Throw them out.

Timing is everything. Isn't it?

Boo. Now I have to actually eat right and exercise more. Damnit.

The Bitch is Back

2009-11-30T08:44:00.000-08:00

And she's gained eight pounds.

Other news:

In an effort to branch out--to grow as a writer I suppose--I'm working on a paranormal-ish story. ISH.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?! I said I wouldn't do this!

Ahem. So today, 1 December (happy birthday G and mom!) and the first day of Advent (love Advent FYI) I'm back to work. And man, this is what non-complainers call 'challenging'.

::pushes up sleeves:: Let's do this thing.

(Please send ~~cookies~~ slim fast.)

Happy Day.

2009-11-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

For those of you gathered together with family today--eating and chatting and possibly drinking, playing games, watching football--I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I'm profoundly grateful for the love and support of my family--my kids and my hot sexy hubbie, G--and very thankful to all of you who have put up with my sporadic, sometimes half-hearted, often crazed, blogging. Thank you everyone. ::clinks glass::

For those of you not celebrating--Hey. Have a great day! Read a good book!

Today's agenda:

EAT G's fabulous turkey (no that is NOT a euphemism)

Play games

DRINK

eat more

chat, nap, eat

go on midnight shopping spree with teenagers

Oh. I'm in Williamsburg, so tomorrow we're going to Busch Gardens. Six teenagers and G and I.

Hoo-boy.

DIK Squared.

2009-11-20T09:55:00.001-08:00

I'm over there again today! This time, I'm horsing around with my pal, Josh Lanyon.

Where in the world is she?

2009-11-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

DIK!!!

NEXT!

2009-11-16T15:17:00.000-08:00

I finished the first draft-- 40K-- Men of Smithfield: In and Out.

Well everything except the last chapter (I'll do that next draft). This is technically the last Men of Smithfield. I think. I don't know--I sort of make these things up as I go. Flying be the seat of my stretched out yoga pants. But the idea was four seasons--four books. Secretly I'm toying with a thing for Mark and Tony. We'll see.

Next up is a tiny novella I'm farming out--and then Romano and Albright II for Samhain, which will be category length. And then? A surprise. Heh.

Right now? I. Am. Effing. Tired. In theory, I'm catching up on housework. In practice? I'm working on overdue edits for the print version of Happy Ending (SORRY!).

Kids are good. Husband, good. House, disaster. Lisabea? I'm at defcon five for grooming, people. I need to color, lacquer, pluck, whiten, moisturize, shave, cut, and firm. Also changing out of these yoga pants would be a winner. Maybe I could justify them if I did some yoga? Or knew someone who did yoga? Or even knew what people who do yoga actually do?

I'm just going to call them 'running pants'--because believe it or not--I RAN TODAY.**

**not far. I actually went for a quick walk and ran past three houses and then, in horror, I grabbed my chest because it never occurred to me that I'd feel like running and need, you know, a running bra. So. I stopped running. Tomorrow I will run with the appropriate equipment and maybe do that run/walk thing that people who don't run but have flabbed out writing for four weeks do. I can wear these same pants!!

Sunshine Day

2009-11-14T05:18:00.001-08:00

Saturday morning and I'm in the homestretch. MOSIV is nearly roughed.

What think you of the title: In and Out.

I know there is a movie of the same name, but wait! This title compliments the other three and it defines the characters, sort of, as one is an agoraphobic and the other a gardener. Let me know your thoughts.

I opened my email this morning and snickered myself silly.

What's fantastic is that one of my dearest, longest term (I'm not saying OLDEST) friends in the world reconnected with me via facebook and...she's out there lurking. So excellent.

mwah!

ME ME (meme)

2009-11-13T05:23:00.000-08:00

Tagged By Jenre--which is just in the nick of time, because I need a blog post. I'm in the THICK of MOSIV--In and Out.

Kris' Thing A Ling

Rules:

1. Answer all the questions below in either the comments here or post it on your own site. If you post it on your own site you have to come back and give the link here so I/Kris can mosey on over and see if you answered correctly have a sticky beak.

2. You have to tag two other people once your done and pester them relentlessly until they do the meme too.

3. Instead of a meme image thing you have to post a cookie, preferably a twofer. It is an m/m meme after all. ;)

Questions:

1. How long have you been reading GLBTQ fiction?

Couple years for the new stuff--old school? Since I was about fifteen.

2. What was the first book you read in this genre?

Elizabeth Lynn's Dancers of Arun.

3. Are you 'out' as a reader?

Are you kidding?

4. Ebooks, print or both?

Depends entirely on the cover, the author, the cost--but both.

5. Do you buy direct from publishers or from secondary sellers?

Both

6. Prove you're a Book Slut. How many books would you say you buy a week?

I am not a book slut. I joined a twelve step.

7. Are you a cover, blurb or excerpt buyer?

Er. This makes me want to write better blurbs. Shit.

8. Yeah, you read reviews, but do you actually take notice of them?

If my name is on there I try to stick my head in the sand. Good place for my head when the reviews roll around because it's the tiny things that stay with me. Boo.

9. Who's your fave publisher?

::cricket::

10. What about authors? Your top two only!!

Seriously? Has anyone LOOKED at my blog. Joshie Fanyon and JL Langley.

11. Is there a sub-genre you particularly dis/like?

I'm so sick of vampires I could stake one through the heart. KIDDING!

2. Short or long?? *rolls eyes* And, no, I'm not talking about cocks.

I'm Goldilocks--I like 'em juuuuu-uuust right.

13. Anything turn you off about m/m or is all just glorious smut to you?

hah.

14. Finish this sentence. You know it's m/m twu wuv when...

When it's Jake and Adrien.

15. What trope or theme are you heartily sick of in m/m romance?

If it's written well? I like everything.

16. If you could choose any 3 characters for a m/m/m who would they be?

Okay--well...er..LB doesn't really dig m/m/m all that much--but I'd say Butch, V, and Nate Hawkins.

And Jenre' s answer made me throw up a little in my mouth.

17. What new GLBTQ release are you most hanging out for right now?

The Dark Tide (AE book 5) by Josh Lanyon. Durh.

18. What GLBTQ book has completely blown you away this year?

I've fallen behind on my reading. Man. This Me-Me is really embarrassing.

19. What do you think we'll see more of in m/m romance in 2010?

Smithfield.

20. Don't you agree that author Josh Lanyon should kill off arsehole character Jake Riordan?

Kris needs electro-shock therapy.

OK I have to choose two people for this ME ME:

Carolyn Jean
Renee

Bye! I have to drive to Boston--twice--this weekend. O.M.G.

Writing

2009-11-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

I'm writing. Nose to the WIP.

However--a questions, fair readers.

Do you ever read a shower sex scene and think: YOU PEOPLE ARE WASTING A PRECIOUS RESOURCE?

Is it just me? I'm writing this scene, and no matter how hard I try, I wind up turning the water off and moving these guys else where: the floor, the bed, the wall...somewhere else.

Am I the only one who is eco-conscious?

On a personal note...

2009-11-04T15:34:00.000-08:00

littlegirl's volleyball team kicked all kinds of butt today.

It's been an incredible year for my youngest. I can say without hesitation that seventh grade was a nightmare--new school, death of beloved Grandpa, over weight, unhappy, lonely, struggling academically. She climbed into the car every single day last fall and all through the winter and she cried.

For a mother, this is heartbreaking. Everything in us wants to protect, to defend, to smack the mean, tormenting, little biotch girls in the head, but we can't. It's our job to see the longer road, while taking the higher road.

We have to be strong.

G and I did everything we could think to do. Tutoring, therapy, listening, helping, meetings, conferences, appointments... but in the long run, we had to say---You can't quit. You have to get over it, and you have to get on with it.

I cried, or nearly so, every single day.

This year, she's a different person. She's made friends, she's found her niche, she's gained ground (although slimmed down), and most important of all, her confidence has grown. She came through the terrible stuff, and she's strong.

I'm thinking about that tonight--what it means to survive junior high, which for most of us was the worst period we can remember--and how hard it is to find yourself, and to like yourself, when you're different from your peers.

I don't often discuss my kids here on my blog--and probably I mention littlegirl least of all, because I am tremendously protective of her. But I'm grateful and proud that she's come through that difficult, miserable time and maintained her wonderful, sweet, funny, unusual outlook.

Anyway. Yay for littlegirl. I luff her.

Don't Forget!

2009-10-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away two copies of Josh Lanyon's I Spy Something Wicked--and Jake Riordan makes a pressing announcement.

Also, Samantha Kane is mean. So. Mean.

Have a Happy Halloween everyone!

I'll see you back here on Monday.

Happy Friday Before Halloween!

2009-10-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

Three Incredible Facts!

Today is Jenre's Birthday.

Happy Ending is a Jury Choice Finalist

for the Rainbow Award.

booyah!

In celebration of both my birthday and Halloween
I'm giving two Lanyon books away right...
HERE

This random photo of Russell Crowe is for my viewing pleasure.

So I want you all to have a great weekend. I plan to eat Sticky Toffee Pudding --and I'm also going to see a live production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. What are you doing?

work work work

2009-10-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm here! I'm writing like the wind.

News for Fanyons!

I just asked my BFF Josh what the deal-y is with his upcoming books, because it's a freaking Lan-slide and even the most committed fan can't keep this stuff straight. My birthday is swiftly approaching and, well, there are presents to buy for myself.

Here's the list:

I Spy Something Wicked- October 29th (?!) That's TOMORROW.

Strange Fortune - November 5. YES! That's a NEW DATE. More news to follow on Friday. If you purchase this beautiful new fantasy novel within the first two weeks--you'll receive The Fanyon Fun Pack. (not actually the name of the gift bag--Uhm. Don't tell Josh. But consider this the unofficial Sweetbea stamp of approval )

Old Poison - November 24 The Sequel to Dangerous Ground. Very smexy book. Very hot. Very yum. Fast. And, er, that dude has a massive elbow.

The Dickens With Love - December 1 (G's birthday). A tasty Christmas treat coming from Samhain. I have news that this is a fun little book. Think: glow in the dark condoms.

The Dark Tide - December 22 Adrien V. It's my Christmas Wish and it's the book I've been waiting for all year. Way to drag out the suspense!

Work? Josh Lanyon redefines the word.

Catch Me and Stuff!

In my own writing life--I have the print edits to attend to for Happy Ending. I'm not sure of the release date. And I have some paper work to complete for Catch Me If You Can.

Would you like to see the tagline and blurb for Catch Me?

The fear of getting caught is half the fun.

Lowly art gallery assistant Caesar Romano is freely out of the closet. Now he’d just like to get out of his Nana’s guest room. Everything—his reputation and his financial freedom—is riding on the success of tonight’s gallery opening. If only he could shake free of the past so easily.

A mysterious gatecrasher, Dan Green, looks like a promising addition to his pending new life—until Caesar’s ex shows up and suddenly the opening disintegrates into a half-naked dance melee. When the glitter settles, a missing sculpture of Justin Timberlake has Caesar up to his eyebrows in extortion, intrigue and a wild sexual adventure underneath, inside, and on top of a variety of furnishings.

As the cast of suspects piles up, so do the questions. Like who’s really blackmailing whom. And what does a stolen paint-by-numbers clown matter when Dan is so outrageously capable of blowing Caesar’s resistance to smithereens?

IDK. I'm a smidge nervous. Release is March 16 from Samhain!

The last Men of Smithfield--which I'm calling 'the spring one'--has morphed from a silly romp into a flat out mystery. This was unintentional! I'm balancing keeping things fresh (every book should be different in the series) with keeping things familiar (every book should feel like Smithfield--or at least close to it). So it's funny, it's dark, it's sexy, it's violent, it's townie--it's The Men of Smithfield.

I'm 15 K in and I can feel it taking shape. That's the best part of writing--when things begin to gel. I'm shooting to have this one released in late January/early Feb. We'll see. I need to finish the rough draft first!

Halloween

Last but not least, littlegirl went to school today (they're doing the big 'fun day' today) dressed as a bumble bee. A slightly petulant, adorably thirteen year old, eighth grade, bumblebee. Her fuzzy suit is puffy and has a hood with antennae. Her toothpick legs stuck out of the bottom. She had black chucks on.

Yes. She was about as cute as it gets.

Happy Wednesday!

By the light of the night

2009-10-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

when it all seems alright...

I know the sound is out of sync--but this just makes me happy. High school. Saturday at midnight. New London. Early eighties. And my twenty ~~five~~ something year crush on Tim Curry.

Hullooo

2009-10-23T07:34:00.001-07:00

Yeah. Cover Me is in the ARe top ten and it's number one mystery.(today) heh. Mystery! Toot goes my horn. Thank you everyone. It ain't the NY Times best seller list--but that's on the todo for the future list.

I'm writing like a fiend this week. Sorry it's been so quiet. Between the writing and this pesky swine flu, I've been lurking only. All three teens had it--I don't know if I have it because I don't have a fever. Just blechy and pale--wan. I'm lying on my fainting couch with my delicate wrist to my clammy brow. Yes. Pathetic.

HOWEVER--Dudes and dudettes--I'm hammering out the fourth Men of Smithfield (untitled) and it's...ridiculous. I'll post something soon.

Now the REAL news is over at Josh Lanyon's. You go pop over to Joshie's Live Journal and see what that brilliant nut is up to. :) Tell him I sent you. Heh. There's some Jake and Adrien news for those of you not in the know.

And please see what my darlin' CJ has to say about Meljean's latest and most amazing novel--Demon Forged.

I'm lurking. I'm just quiet. I'm glad you all enjoyed my free fiction.

Have an excellent weekend.