Make Mine Supers (16)

Wanted to stop by and say Happy Tuesday!  Hope all is well!  Donya

Thanks, Holly! :-)  And thank you too, Jody.  I didn't get picked as a main player for pass the plot, but I'm an alternate if someone else bows out. That's OK...I like the idea of different people getting the chance to play, and the random way Dee picks the players is the only truly fair way to do it!

Hi Donya! Hope everyone else is doing well. I'm a little nervous...tomorrow I test for my Blue Belt in Tae Kwon Do.  We "pre-tested" last night, and I got the approval to test. Once you get to that point, the test itself is more a formality, but still, you have to take it in front of a lot of other people.  And I'm excited, too...I worked some more on Daniel's story, and it seems to be coming along nicely.  I'm still struggling with the outline part, so I'm pansting until I have a better feel for the plot and where Daniel wants me to take it.

Have a productive day! And thanks again for the birthday wishes!  (We need one with a party hat. Or a tiara!)

today's the day! :-)  Thank you!

Vertical is good! I'd be horizontal (or crumpled to the ground!) for sure!! Congratulations!The museums sound wonderful! I *love* San Francisco.  Will you get to go to Alcatraz? Or have you already done that?

Happy Birthday! And luck on the test! You'll do great.

Went to the dentist this morning. Have a small cavity. Ick. Oh, well.

Ami

So glad someone else is on the ball, so I didn't miss it! I hope you are having a great one. :)

I am chasing the chance to write today, so a rushed note. I got caught up in seagull rescue when we found an injured one on the road last night, and my morning was caught up finding a wildlife rehabilitation person for it, and I did, but then it's been one thing after the next, though I think now I might have a bit of time to get some writing done... if I can figure out what it is I want to say, LOL.

Hope all is well,

Sam

My day is going pretty well, although I *knew* I should've taken the day off of work...that part stunk! But I'm home now, and I got a beautiful amber bracelet from DH and DD, plus a recorded card from DD which I love! DH bought one from him, too, but whatever he recorded didn't work, so he's going to do it again. :-)

I posted my July Date With Destiny today, if you're interested. It's in that thread in the Write Stuff, or it's on my blog.  I really love "borrowing" other people's characters. I'm still waiting for a Supers hero to play with! :-)

And Kathleen, thanks for the words about plotting the suspense! Right now, one of the characters is *so* looking like the bad guy, but he's too obvious.  I'm going to have to be sneakier about it -- either by changing how people see him, or making it someone else.  OMG, I *just*, and I mean just-this-second, figured out WHO!!! Ooh, ooh, oooh!!!!! Thanks, Kathleen!  I have to write down this thought before it slides out of my 44-year old brain, because it's GOOD!!! Oh, wow.  THANK YOU!!!!   I just wrote it down with my Holly smiley pen that I got at the booksigning...maybe that'll bring me luck!

Sam, that bird is lucky you rescued him! So many people would've gone on their way and ignored him. {{Hugs}} You win my nice person of the day award.

Waving hi to Ami, Rae, and Kay!

Jeannie, Hey the Georgia O’Keefe exhibit sounds wonderful.  I have  BFA of fine arts, and was going back to get my teaching certification when I got sick and started my writing drive.  So that would be one I would have loved to have seen.  

Jodie, Hey chick,  HAPPY HAPPY Birthday!  Hope you have a wonderful one.  Also congrats on figuring out your great char. And who did it.  That was your birthday present from Kathleen… LOL  Hugs and I hope your mom is doing better!  By the way you will be wonderful on the test tomorrow.  No worries.  I have faith in YOU!!  You Rock gal!

Sam, way to go on the rescue.  I agree with Jodie you are such a sweetie to help a poor animal.  Good luck on getting caught up on your writing!

As for me, I have spent part of the day at the hospital.  They stuck my mom back in there again, as I figured they would.  She has an infection and her ammonia level is up some, so she is a little fuzzy so to speak.  All in all she is doing fairly well though. 

I got to thinking about nationals, and I got to wondering should I go next year?  After reading posts I realized that I haven’t went far enough in my writing.  I keep stopping, saying I will start back, but haven’t.  I have blamed it on several different things, which don’t get me wrong I have had a lot going on, but I know I could have found time had I made myself.  I want to write, but a part of me is scared I think.  I have never sent a work in before, and I don’t know when I will ever get this WIP finished to send in, or if I should send it in at all.  So have a lot to think about.  Any thoughts or advice will be greatly appreciated.  How did you all know you were ready to write and or submit?  I don’t know if I am letting my fear overtake me or what. 

Hope all is doing well!  Hugs to all that need or want them.  Donya

Kim, I'm sorry about the headache. They *suck* and I hope yours gets better soon! As for masseuses (masseurs?) I've had them done by both a man and a woman, twice each.  With the guys, I felt better (safer?) leaving my undies on, but it wouldn't have mattered...they were all utterly professional.  Frankly, I got the better massage from the woman, almost as if the man was afraid he might hurt me. I felt like I'd wasted my money. Now, that's not to say all men give wimpy massages, but that was my experience.

Donya, I'm so sorry to hear your mom is back in the hospital. {{Hugs}}

Thank you both for the birthday wishes!

I think it's still Tuesday. This week...how many days are in this week? Feels like 900.

Happy Birthday, Jodie!! Sounds as if you had a terrific day! Love reading your excitement about the plotting!

Donya--I agree that the RWA National conference is full of great education and great energy. If you want to test the waters you could always try a smaller conference. I know our chapter conference costs about $50 + hotel (but the hotels are also cheap). You might be able to find something close to you to try. We've had some interesting speakers at ours, and the energy is great, but on a smaller scale.

On the question about knowing when to submit, I messed around quite a bit because I was nervous. I entered a contest. I bought a critique (yay, Susan!), I had my cousin (an editor) read it. Eventually I ran out of stalling tactics. I told my critique partner I was never going to sell and she said, "Well, you haven't sent the book in, so I'd agree you're not likely to sell." That made a lot of sense so I got serious. I decided to try attracting editorial attention through a contest, which in this business that depends at least partly on luck, is not as silly a strategy as it sounds. There are lots of avenues to pursue when you're ready. 

I imagine it's something like looking for a house. When you're ready, you'll know. I think we all get nervous about one thing or another. It's part of the game. 

Went to the library tonight with the kids and Rick. I love the library. Everything is free. I love being able to say Yes to every request the kids make!

I'm doing my last author proof of Plan B: Boyfriend. The copy editor made a note that I have characters named Danielle, David, and Tina Simmons. None of them are related. I must really like the name Simmons.  

Off to do some more checking!

Writer Ellen 

LOL, good morning Holly :)  I can say that, it's 12:24 am here :).  Now I need to go to bed... 6 a.m. will roll around to quickly!

Is it Friday? Someone please tell me it's Friday!!

No?

No one?

Sigh.

Off to work again. 

I love the part after the RWA conference where my mom and I spend a month or two sending the books I picked up back and forth and sharing our opinions. This year my grandmother moved into assisted living and apparently the books are making her a huge celebrity. New kid with new toys.   I haven't found a keeper yet, but I've enjoyed quite a few. 

Hope you all have a great day!

Writer Ellen

After the conference my husband took a week off so we had a nice little staycation *g* We did go into Cleveland to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (very cool!) but other than that, we stuck close to home. Which was actually nice since I always need a bit of time to readjust after conference

The Supers party was fabulous! Thanks to everyone who made it happen! I was so sorry I couldn't stay longer since I had another commitment *sigh* I need to manage my conference time better. Dinner with Victoria, Randi, Susan and Amy (my rebel soul sister *g*) was so much fun and everyone looked simply gorgeous for the Harlequin party! The Awards ceremony was such a crush I didn't get to see anyone and I can't believe I never got to meet Sam! I looked for you at the Supers party but must've missed you somehow. I also looked and looked for Wanda but didn't see her either (although I know she was there *g*) I thought this conference was going to be laid back for me but it didn't end up that way so I felt I was constantly running from one event to the other *g*

Deb, thinking of you and your sister and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathleen, so sorry to hear about your computer! Hugs!!

Welcome, Lulu!

Hope you had a fabulous birthday, Jodie!

Ellen, I have no advice on the best hair dye but the thing I love about hair color is that if you don't like it, you can always change it back *g* Hope you find something that works for your kids!

Donya, so sorry to hear about your mom. Hugs to you, too!

I've started my latest story and just finished the longer synopsis today which means tomorrow I can start chapter one! Hooray! Hopefully I'll come up with a hooky first line between now and then

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday!

Beth

Hello_All,

Happy_Birthday_Jodie!

I've-been-checking-the-Goodwill-store-weekly-to-see-what-their-latest-finds-are.

Anyway,I-found-that-they-had-paperback-books-on-sale-for-10cents.I-got-a-book-called

"His-7Day-fiancee"-by-Gail_Barrett.Its-a-Silhouette_Suspense.

Holly-did-you-formulate-at-least-3-plots-for-new-books-while-at-the-convention?

My-car-is-in-the-shop.I'm-driving-a-rental.

I-have-to-find-one-more-book-to-have-the-complete-set-of-the-"Diamonds_Down_Under"

series.

Aurelene

High five, my fellow rebel! :)  Have fun with your new story.  I'm at synopsis stage.  Bleah.

Jodie, belated happy birthday to you!

Happy writing tonight, Marcie...and whoever else is writing!  Off to synopsize.

(bleah)

Amy

Oops, I thought it was Reiki that involved massage of the hands and feet.  Reflexology, maybe?  Whatever it's called, it's wonderful!

Carrie

We're still mostly petless and I feel sad. My husband's allergies need to be addressed. Hmm. I wonder who can take care of that?

I have to order a shower gift for my sister-in-law-to-be. (Yes, Carrie, while you were away, one of the brothers-in-law got engaged. Still two left.) I've left this job for myself as a little end of the week treat because I love fancy dishes. I don't know why, but I really, really love all that stuff--china, silver, vases, gravy boats--I love it all. Michael and Alicia have excellent taste so I know this is going to be fun! 

I'm only bummed that I can't do it in person. Scranton is such an odd little place, but one of the things I always liked about it is that people stick around so there's always someone you know in town. In the store where most people go to register for their fancy wedding gifts, they'll have a table set with the china, crystal, and silver patterns for a bunch of couples and little cards telling which is which. I always like to see who's getting married and what they've chosen for themselves. Oh well. I'll miss that pleasure but still get to buy something wonderful.

Hope you're all well! Marcie, it's Thursday!!

Writer Ellen

Would you do me a favor and tell my friends on the Superromance thread
that I haven't forgotten about them?  Just too crazy busy at the moment
to drop by.

Go see what she's offering here- http://community.eharlequin.com/content/super-sized-summer-tote

First, thank you all for the birthday wishes! 44 is turning out to be okay. :-)  I managed to earn my blue belt last night -- yay!! And DH got his yellow belt -- he did great (so much better than the Frankensteinian stomping he did in the beginning, LOL!!)

Ellen, I love the library too! We often borrow audiobooks for the car (right now I'm listening to JR Ward to and from work).  And you're so right..."You want that one? Sure! Get 3 more!!"  And I love hat the books you got at Nationals are making the rounds of Assisted Living. You never know what hot love affair they might start!!

Holly, great advice about just writing. I found that when I made myself sit down and just write (garbage or not) I was more productive. And btw, I peeked at your Twitter (I don't twitter...er, tweet? whatever!) but I was ROTFL on your comment about Crapal Tunnel. TOO FUNNY.

Linda, LOL about having an extra year on me. :-)  When is your local conference? Do you have something ready you could pitch?

Hi Beth! Did you come up with a good first line hook? How's that first chapter coming?

Hey, Ami! Did you get any writing done? I'm sorry I've been such a slug about responding back...thanks for the comments on Thomas! I'm thinking of entering it in the Golden Heart contest...what do you think? I know it got an R with Supers, but...

Hi Aurelene! I'm a big-time Goodwill shopper. :-)  I don't buy my clothes anywhere but there (or other secondhand shops). I consider it recycling.

Hi Marcie! How's your story coming? Is it a Super?

Hi Amy! Synopsis. Ick. I know they're necessary, but...Ick.

Hi Carrie! Yep, DH and DD picked a great gift.  And yes, Kathleen gave me a great one too. :-) Heatwave and no electricity = bad.  Glad you didn't have to cook everthing!

Donya, how's your mom?

SO glad it's almost Friday. Work has been particularly stressful this week, and I don't see things easing up any time soon. I also don't get a real lunch break because I have to leave early to get DD from camp -- I eat at my desk. Frankly, I'm ready for school to start again -- I really miss my lunch hour!!

 And guess what? I was picked as an alternate for this summer's Pass the Plot (an Intrigue), but because people didn't respond back, I wound up getting a chapter. So...I'm up first, after BJ Daniels starts. *Gulp* No pressure, right?

Holly said:  ...we're signing in Porty Clinton, PA

Ummmmm...no, we're not.  We're signing in Port Clinton, OHIO!  So if you haven't heard of Porty Clinton, PA, it's okay, because Holly made that place up.

This is why she's not allowed to navigate by herself when we travel.  I arm her with Mapquest Maps, and a GPS unit, and sometimes, if I'm feeling really brave, I let her look at the travel Atlas (remember those old things?  Big book of MAPS? <G>).  She DID manage to find a town on the atlas on our way down to Washington, DC, but you know...in this case, she'd be turned to the page of PA and wondering why she couldn't find Porty Clinton on the map. 

But hey, a roadtrip with my friend is always something I look forward to because we always have fun.  And she has her strengths, and I have mine, which is why we make a good team.

It's FRIDAY everyone!!

Jodie, congrats on the blue belt, and happy birthday a tad late.

Okay, okay, Port...Not Porty.  I typed that town so often in the book, you'd think my fingers would manage it on their own.  I should know better than posting before enough coffee.

 And Susan, you know that it was Gertie navigating to DC...she'll manage PORT Clinton, too!  She's a goddess of navigating!

Holly--type queen! 

Did anyone besides ME notice that Holly focused only on the fact tha she accidentally added a -y to the end of the town's name, and completely MISSSED the fact that she put it in the WRONG STATE????

LOL.  Yes, that just further illustrates my point of her lack of direction and geography skills. <G>

Oh, geez, I totally just focused on the Y...darn. I do know it's in Ohio...I typed that a zillion times too.  Oiy.

Jodie-our conference is March 19-21, 2010 in Pensacola, FL. Anything to pitch? I have some prospects, but oh, just the thought makes me nauseous.

Bless your heart, Kay. Between the cold and the leaks. You need to take some vitamins to boost your immune system. You're probably just exhausted from all of the traveling. Even though all of that is fun, it's still tiring.

Porty Clinton-I thought you were just being funny.

Hello to all that I didn't mention.

LindaC

Jeannie, with hubbies like that, who needs worst enemies or torturers?  (And this probably demonstrates why you are so slender and I am battling my usual ten pounds extra.)

My thought of the day:  Synopses suck.  (Didn't say it was going to be an original one.)

I'm off to start my synopsis OVER because the previous version was...well, wrong.

Oh and Jodie, congrats on your belt! 

Amy

But...backstory is okay and needed in a synopsis.  It's just in the story that you don't want it all dumped into the front end.  :)

That's my theory, anyway.

And as to being wrong...I'm starting the chapters AGAIN for Hadyen.  Damn this is a slippery one that's giving me fits.

But I was right that what I'd written the other day was wrong.  It was the wrong spot, it threw too many characters at the reader at once, and now I have a new plan that will zero in on the hero and heroine.  So, I think it will end up being a very, very good thing.

But still, it's painful to have happen, especially when you're trying to make FORWARD progress so you can it done.  LOL.