WOOHOO!! I received my cover for my newest romance The Christmas Angel! The Christmas Angel will be available this holiday season! I'm so excited!!

I hear women my age talking about the two or three degrees they've gotten, the promotions they want and corporate ladder they want to climb. They have so many goals for where they want to be career-wise in the next five years. Quite honestly, I don't have those desires. I could care less about climbing the corporate ladder or becoming management or Vice President.

My only career goal is to have one full-length novel published by Harlequin. If my boss doesn't give me a promotion or a raise, I'm no worse off. More money would be nice so I'm not killing myself working overtime, but will I lose my house over it? No.

My best friend growing up is one of those career oriented women. She got a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and because she wanted to make more money went on to get her CPA. She has two kids, but she would rather be in the office than raising those two kids. She is wants to become the general manager of the accounting office she works for, not because it will make her happy, but because it brings in the most money.

I'm sorry, but I would much rather be happy, and relatively stress free, as a secretary and writing in my (not so) spare time, than killing myself for a job I get no satisfaction in.

I think I'm broken.

Today marks the 4th anniversary of my dad's, Rev. David B. Goodrich, passing. My dad died 8 days after my 27th birthday.

My dad was my hero. He's the man I judge all other men by. I know he wasn't perfect, no one is, but to me he was. My dad always encouraged me to try. If there was something I wanted to do, he would tell me to go for it, because if I didn't I'd always be left wondering what could have been. Because of him, I have followed my dream of writing. My first short story, "It's In His Kiss" was submitted on Dad's anniversary last year, and was contracted within a week. I just knew my dad was jumping up and down with joy right along with me.

Every time I feel like I can't go on, will never achieve anything, I think of my dad. And I remember the unending love and support he gave. Even if he isn't here with me now, I know he is still watching over me.

Happy Homecoming Anniversary, Dad. I love you!

This morning I was cooking breakfast for myself and hubby, and as I was waiting for the sausage patties to brown, I sat down to my kitchen table to squeeze in a few moments of writing. Then hubby decided he wanted to air out the kitchen and opened the window...HOWEVER, he forgot to turn off the security alarm.

Let me just say, I have never ever seen my cat move that fast! The alarm squealed (loud enough to wake the neighbors) and Susie flew off the chair, tore around the corner and then up the stairs. I don't think she touched one step! Yes, I know, poor kitty, but watching her was the funniest thing. LOL okay, I guess you had to be there.

So what's new with me? Well, I have started blogging with four fantastic, talented writers (Stacy Dawn, Browyn Storm, Marie Peck and Jane Keegan). We call ourselves Princesses of the Pen. A little egotistical? Maybe. But when you get into the blog you'll find it appropriate.

Writing has been up and down for me of late. I finished a short story called 'Fearless Heart' that will be submitted to The Wild Rose Press Yellow Rose line. Even after four contracts, I'm still knee-knocking nervous to submit stories. I am also working on another short story, untitled so far.

Ugh, I've rambled enough. I've got to get cracking on editing. Have a great week everyone. And I hope you join us at Princesses of the Pen at http://princessesofthepen.blogspot.com .

If you've been wondering why it's been a little slow on the blog lately, it's because I've been working and writing. Here's the proof LOL.

July has been a great month for me with TWO releases!




Dreaming of You

Ali has finally met a man who can send shivers down her spine and curl her toes, all with a single smile. Too bad he’s only in her dreams…or is he?

Seeing Double - The Legacy Of The Celtic

Brooch (5)

Jamie Holland escaped the cold of Florida for some much needed rest and relaxation. With the help of a beautiful brooch, she meets sexy Dan English. Will their encounter lead to the perfect romance…or just a summer fling?

Both NOW AVAILABLE from The Wild Rose Press and Fictionwise

Check out the Diva Bookshelf!

First I have to say...WOOHOO!!!! I DID IT! lol I actually figured out how to get the Diva Bookshelf thing to paste in my links. Whew!

Now availabe on the Diva Bookshelf is my very first short story "It's In His Kiss".

Blurb
Is it possible to fall in love with someone without ever having seen their face? Emma Long didn’t think so, until she met Tyler Maxwell in an online cooking chat room.

Tyler knows in his heart Emma is the woman for him – he’s already in love with her and he could care less what she looks like – but she isn’t so convinced. Tyler proposes a meeting in Las Vegas, without exchanging pictures before hand. Emma is worried they won’t meet but Tyler believes their souls will lead them to each other. “And how do we know it’s real?” Emma asks. Tyler responds, “It’s in the kiss.”

Excerpt
“I’m really tired of this, Emma.”

Was he breaking up with her already? “Of what, our conversation?”

He breathed deep into the mouthpiece and she could have sworn she felt his breath ruffle her hair.

“Of not knowing you. I want to see the smile I hear on the phone every night. You’ve become my best friend but I don’t even know what you look like.”

For the first few weeks in the cooking chat room, he had only been a screen name. As they started emailing more, and finally talking on the phone, he’d become so much more. Yet they both balked at exchanging pictures.

She chewed on her lower lip. She, too, wanted to see Tyler, finally give him the hugs she had been sending via email; have dinner with him and talk face to face. “We could exchange pictures.”

“Still not enough.”

Of course it wasn’t enough, but with two thousand miles separating them what did he expect? “What do you suggest?”

There was a slight pause before he said, “I’m coming to Las Vegas next week.”

Emma’s heart skipped a beat and she gripped the phone tighter. He would be right here in her hometown.

“Emma?”

“Um, yeah.” She plucked at the fringe on a decorative pillow.

“So?"

Happy reading!

My cat stole my cereal!!

No seriously! I was sitting at my writing desk enjoying a nice bowl of strawberry frosted mini wheats, and my cat begged me to pick her up. Normally all she does is get on the lap and then jump off - she isn't much of a people cat. Well this morning, Miss Susie Q (Susie for short) got on my lap and promptly jumped on my desk and stuck her furry face in my bowl, proceeding to drink the milk from the bowl.

Okay, eeww!

My cat is the finickiest cat I've ever seen. She refuses to eat people food (for the most part) and will only eat Kit n Kaboodle hard food, and for moist food she won't eat anything other than Meow Mix shrimp and white fish. About a year ago she would only eat starkist tuna in water. I kidd you not!!

She has graduated onto granola, and she loves to lick the salt of my crackers. Takes away the appetite very quickly.