This morning I was going through my normal routine--getting dressed, makeup, hair, quick protein shake, scoop cat box, walk around car to climb in and...AAAHHHH!!! There staring me down was this gigantic brown UGLY!!! spider. I swear it was weilding a sword and shield and was taunting me. "You wanna fight, spider slayer, let's go!" I mean seriously!


So I scream like a scared little girl, run back around the car and grab my weapon...a broom. I tiptoe (yes, literally) back to the other side and take one step toward the spider. It of course takes off in the opposite direction so I'm chasing after it like a mad woman and it disappears. Now this spider is (no exageration!) 2 inches long and wide, so it should be easy to spot in a fairly uncluttered garage. It ran under my car so I took the opportunity to jump in the car and back out thinking I'll see it in the middle of the garage and I can get it with the broom or run it over. IT"S NOT THERE! The freaking thing totally disappeared. So now I'm worrying it's either going to tangle with my cat Susie who has no fear of attacking any kind of bug--poisonous or not--or it's hiding in my car somewhere ready to pounce on me the moment I get behind the wheel. Yes, I'm thoroughly traumatized!


So what is the point of this story? No point. Not really. I'm still wigged out over the thought how huge that thing was, and how my bug man can't get to the house soon enough to spray. **shivers**


So, on the writing front...my short story was rejected by the magazine I subbed to, and another short was rejected by Harlequin. Both rejections I was totally fine with, and the story sent to Harlequin is now in the capable hands of The Wild Rose Press, for hopeful publication. I still have the partial with the agent, which is good, and I'm praying very hard and faithfully that they want to see the full manuscript. On the agent's website it says most queries are rejected at the query letter stage and those people don't get to submit partials. So I'm past the first road block. Of course I really want them to read the full manuscript before they reject me. Really. Read the full thing before you slice my dreams off at the throat leaving my life blood to drip all over the shiny tile floor in your plush corner cubicle...only then will I allow you to hang my severed head on a spike in your Hall of Rejects.


And on that happy note! LOL I hope you all have a wonderful Friday, and a great weekend. Enjoy the sun (or snow depending on where you may be) and play hard!

Ok, so my intent to post a minimum of once a month flopped terribly in March. And now on to April...


There has been a lot happening for my writing recently, and I'm so happy about it. I got the very rough first draft written for another short story, subbed a story to Harlquin, a short story to a magazine, and another full to an agent. Well, I'm still waiting for a response from Harlequin and the magazine, but the agent requested a partial of the manuscript. I was beyond thrilled to get her email. Of course we all believe out writing is the best out there...I mean come on, we're authors, and in order to survive the business you have to believe your work is great--at least in public. When you're alone talking with crit partners you can let your guard down and say it's garbage. :) However, I honestly feel really good about the story I subbed to the agent. Hopefully she'll enjoy it as well as my crit partners did, and she'll request the full. Keep your fingers crossed for me.


In the meantime, I'm working on the second draft for my short story, because I've promised it to my editor, and I am really behind. And then I'll pretty up the full.


Hopefully I'll get back on schedule to blogging, and will eventually update the layout.


Happy writing!

My Newest Release!

Today Kiss Me By Moonlight was released by The Wild Rose Press. I'm so excited. Story number 6! You can find the story at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/


Blurb

Lindsey Carter thought she’d found her Prince Charming in Brandon Thompson. When he pulls a vanishing act after their first date, her prince becomes a frog. However, Fate steps in. At a weekend conference, she gets a second chance to find out if Brandon’s a shining knight or a real croaker. Will playing hard to get earn her a victory in love, or will she be left seeing green?

Excerpt

They’d shared only one date, one dinner, and one kiss. One knock-your-socks-off kiss she couldn’t forget.



Lindsey pushed the button for diet soda, bent over and retrieved the cold can. So far, so good. She turned on her heel and strode back toward her friends. Brandon, she tried not to notice, was now standing, his back facing her pathway. She had a glorious view of his jean-clad tight rear. Longing coursed through her veins, but she ignored it and sneaked a peak at the back of his head.



Still turned away. Her heart dipped in disappointment. He hadn’t even noticed her.
Steeling her determination, Lindsey pressed on. She blew on the top of the can, puffing away dust and focusing on something other than the gorgeous specimen now standing just to her right. Her hand dropped to her side, just as he took a half step back.



His fingers bumped into her pinkie, briefly curling around the digit in the gentlest of caresses. The shock of the connection seared up her arm like a bolt of lightning. Lindsey fought not to react, to keep walking at a normal pace, despite every nerve ending begging to stay, to pull closer to Brandon. Her gaze shot up to gauge his reaction, but all she saw was his profile—firm jaw, straight nose and high cheekbones.



Had he tried to grab her attention? Lindsey bit back a snort of disbelief. He probably didn’t realize she was behind him. Nope, the touch was definitely unintentional.



Finally back with Tara and Shelly, she released a pent-up breath and her shoulders sagged. “I did it. I walked past him, and didn’t jump him. I did good.”

Blasts from the Past...


Over the past two weeks I've reconnected with people from my youth. One of whom I haven't spoken to in probably 15 years. One of those friends was in Las Vegas this week, and we hooked up last night. We went out to eat and hung out for a bit. It was a great reconnection. Of course my poor hubby had to sit between two girls chatting for several hours, but he was a good sport about it.

Sadly, I don't have much writing news. I've got a few goals for the new year pertaining to writing. I have one short I need to finish writing for TWRP's Sweetheart line, and I really want to finish the first draft of full length (100,000 word) novel by the end of the year. I figure first draft is a doable goal. My friend and crit partner pointed me to a magazine that publishes romance stories of 3000 - 5000 words. I have a completed story that needs tweaked, but I'm going to submit the story to them in hopes they like the story. They pay a flat fee and I'd get copies of the magazine. Anyway to get my name out there is good, so why not? I'm praying hard, and keeping my fingers crossed that they like the story.

I'll keep you all posted.

Happy New Year!!

Shameless Promotions!!!

I am happy to announce that my newest short story Fearless Heart will be released for sale on October 22, 2008. I got the inspiration for this story after falling off a horse and earning my first concussion. And since I did it, why could Miranda do it too? Of course the man who picked me off the ground was a cowboy, he wasn't my cowboy, so I had to give her one of those too.

I also received my very first review on this story (stumbled across it actually). The review had an incredibly low score because the reviewer thought the story wasn't long enough to develop plot or characters, but she enjoyed the first part of the story. Well, if your biggest complaint is the story isn't long enough, I'm happy to hear that complaint.

I have to thank my crit partners Stacy, Jane, Marie and Natasha for helping me get this story ready for submittal. And I also have to thank my fabulous editor Stacy Holmes for her patience and hard work in making this story shine. I love you guys so very much, and am proud to call you my friends!

Terror of terrors...

I am supposed to enter a synopsis in a contest, with a deadline of October 1. Ugh! The problem isn't that the synopsis isn't written yet. No, the problem is sheer terror.

What if they totally hate the synopsis? What if they tell me my writing is pure filth? What if I don't win the contest, does that mean I'll never get published?

Now I take a deep breath...in...out...nice and slow. Ahhh, feel bettter? Nope. :)

Seriously, I know the contest is good experience, and I need to get my name out there. Synopsises are necessary to getting published, and writing them is not my strong point. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the comments made by the judges are constructive, to help me strengthen the synopsis.

I'll keep you all posted!

Ready for the weekend...

This week the day job has dragged on, and on, and on...you get the picture. The workload has been light, which I'm not complaining about, but I've had to get creative in finding stuff to keep busy. I attempted to hang pictures in my boss's office only to pull a ligament in my right hand while fighting with a ladder.

Today I thought I could treat myself to a relaxing pedicure and manicure, and my cell phone kept ringing. First it was a manager, then it was a coworker, and then the boss called. So much for a Friday afternoon of relaxation.

Tomorrow I am going to the local RWA chapter meeting for the first time in about 2 years. I'm excited. I can see just from the website how they are working on changing. I think it will be really nice to have a group to participate in here in town. And surprisingly, Las Vegas's RWA chapter isn't as big as I thought it would be. I mean, with 2million people there has to be more than a handful of writers, right?

Have a wonderful weekend. Play hard, sleep long, and enjoy the time away from the day job. I know I will.

The Bell Has Sounded...

And millions of children/youth/adults are groaning. Yes, it is that time of year again. School started this week . And I am one of the many students who
walked back into the classroom this semester...Ok, so it was a cyber
classroom, but darn it I am going back to school. This semester I feel a bit like I'm cheating. My classes are Microsoft Office for Offices and Word Processing 1. Can you get any easier than that? Honestly, if I don't ace these classes, I should lose both my day job and my editing job. (But I won't tell my boss if you don't!)

This week has been a bit off for me. I missed work Monday and most of Wednesday due to nasty migraines (regular and sinus migraines), and it hasn't been pretty. My boss kicked me out of the office Wednesday, so I went home and even took work with me. I sat on my overstuffed comfy couch, turned on the television, had my work on my lap...and I woke up three hours later with the Cartoon Network on. I haven't watch CN for a very very long time, and I have no recollection of how the TV stopped on that particular channel. I think the cat stole the remote while I was sleeping.

How's the writing going for you all? I'm making some progress. I finished two synopsiseseseses (sure that's how you spell it! Don't argue with me, I'll send Her Evilness after you!) for two stories. I, of course, thought they were sheer genius, but then the other princesses did crits and reminded me that I'm delusional, and I need to rewrite/revise both synopsises (yeah, you can spell it like that too in Johannaland) before I even think of submitting them to a publisher.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

I'm very happy to say I've been remissing in posting because I have been busy with writing projects...and work...and life. My hubby and I celebrated our 10th anniversary in January, and I wanted to post then, but time just got away from me. I can't believe we are almost at the end of August already. Classes start Monday for me, as I am still plugging away at duel degrees. I know I've got a ton of classes left before I actually achieve those degrees, but at least I'm working on them. :) If I had listened to my parents in 1995 and stayed in school I would already have graduated and would probably be working on my Masters now. Ah well, you live and learn, right?

So, in my writing life, I've just finished edits on two short stories for The Wild Rose Press. Fearless Heart (Yellow Rose) will release on October 22, and Kiss Me By Moonlight has yet to be given a release date, but should be released by the end of the year. In addition to those two stories, my story Seeing Double: Book 5 of the Celtic Broach Legacy will be included in an anthology, which is 12 stories by 12 different authors. This will be my first time in print, and I've got to tell you, I'm pretty stoked. As soon as I get that cover I'll post it.

In the mean time, here are my two newest covers and a little about the stories.

FEARLESS HEART

BLURB:
Miranda Hansen has been in love with Luke Dannon since the first time she visited the Lazy D Ranch. For the past fifteen years, she kept coming back, trying to find the courage to confess her feelings and prove she’s not the typical tourists he distrusts. This time, she’s not backing down. She’s going to prove to Luke she belongs on the Lazy D with him. Will her fearless heart prevail or will Luke’s pride destroy all she’s ever dreamed about?

EXCERPT:
Miranda eyed the animal, her eyes level with the top of his back. “Don’t you have one a little shorter?” It was the same scene played out every year. She had been riding horses her entire life, but each time she pretended to be a helpless female Luke puffed up and preened like a peacock, and if it gave her a few extra minutes with Luke, she was happy to play along.

He gave a baritone chuckle. “Don’t worry darlin’. Junior’s almost as gentle as I am.” He winked a vivid blue eye and patted the saddle. “Put one foot in this stirrup, and I’ll help you up.”

The thought of how he was going to help her—one hand over hers and the other planted firmly on her backside—sent shivers down her spine. But still, she did as instructed, and in a moment she was settled bareback on Junior.

Luke, with effortless grace, swung himself up on his black stallion. He sat tall and proud, yet relaxed in the saddle.

If he didn’t acknowledge his affections this afternoon, this would be the last summer she’d visit the ranch. She’d start a new job, a new life. Miranda came to the ranch, to him, straight from graduating top of her class in veterinary with a prosperous job offer—the dream job for any vet. But before she accepted the offer she needed once more chance to convince Luke they belonged together. When it came to loving him she was fearless, and to get through his thick head, she was going to have to take drastic measures—including give up her dream job to be with him.

KISS ME BY MOONLIGHT

BLURB:
Lindsey Carter thought she’d found her Prince Charming in Brandon Thompson. When he pulls a vanishing act after their first date, her prince becomes a frog. However, Fate steps in. At a weekend conference, she gets a second chance to find out if Brandon’s a shining knight or a real croaker. Will playing hard to get earn her a victory in love, or will she be left seeing green?

EXCERPT:
It’d only been one date, one dinner, and one kiss. One knock-your-socks-off kiss she couldn’t forget.

Lindsey pushed the button for diet soda, bent over and retrieved the can. So far, so good. She turned on her heel and strode purposefully back toward her friends. Brandon, she tried not to notice, was now standing, his back facing her pathway. She had a glorious view of his jean-clad tight rear.

Her heart dipped in disappointment. He hadn’t even noticed her.

Steeling her determination, Lindsey pressed on.

She blew on the top of the can, puffing away dust and trying to give her mind something to think of other than the gorgeous specimen now standing just to her right. Her hand dropped to her side, just as he took a half step back.

His fingers bumped into her pinkie, briefly curling around the digit in the gentlest of caresses. The shock of the connection coursed up her arm like a bolt of lightning. Lindsey fought not to react, to keep walking at a normal pace without breaking into a frenzied run.

Finally back with her friends, she released a pent up breath, her shoulders sagging in relief. “I did it. I walked past him, and didn’t jump him. I did good.”

Another year has come and gone. I look back on 2007 and know that I accomplished a lot as far as my life goals are concerned. I continued with school, published two more short stories, and started working as an editor.

I have a handsome husband who loves me, and whom I love with my entire being, a beautiful home and a loving and supportive family (immediate and extended). All in all I am a lucky woman.

Here's hoping and praying 2008 is just as wonderful and blessed as 2007.

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.

Wow! I can't believe over a month has gone by since I've posted. In the past month, my short story was in the top ten list for best sellers, I was chosen to participate in a twelve book series with eleven awesome WRP authors, and we had an addition to our family. Yep, my sister-in-law gave birth to a beautiful little boy, David Broderick on December 6. This morning I saw the picture of my new nephew, and like his sisters he is a beautiful baby. :)

We had our company Christmas party Saturday night, after which I was incredibly ill all night and all day yesterday. I am home from work today recuperating from twenty four hours of worshiping the porcelain throne. My mother-in-law made me home made chicken noodle soup to help me get well. Thanks mom!

For 2007 I have set a lofty writing goal. And that goal is to write ten stories, and at least one of those must be a full-length novel. I am truly hoping I'll have more than one full-length though, as one of them is halfway complete. The Christmas story I wrote will be extended and may reach full-length status by the time I'm finished with it, and I have a reality show type story I am working on.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years, and hopefully I'll post again before the end of the year.

I am finally truly official! My first short story was released for publication on Friday, November 10, 2006. The first time I saw my cover posted on the website www.thewildrosepress.com I got teary. I've dreamed of getting published my entire life, and it's such an awesome feeling to have that dream become a reality. Hopefully I will have many more successes with this publisher.

New picture

I finally have a picture for my author page at Wild Rose Press. It was taken over two years ago but it was just given to me a few weeks ago.
What do you think?