Spring Break

Yes, I have hit the 1/2 way mark in my Spring Break. 
I think the real work starts today. :-) 
I am cleaning and organizing my creative work area. 
I need to clear out some items that have been lingering around way too long. 
I had planned on doing this project on Christmas break and somehow it snuck into the New Year with me.  So today I take action, stop putting it off and get it done!

1000 Words a Day

I am taking the Challenge. 
I need a kick in the tush to jump start my next book in The Queen's Blood Vendetta series.
I have been working so hard to get this first book ready from format, cover art, etc., I have not been multi-tasking well. 
So, I will ink that on my daily schedule. 
Watch my meter on the side bar and see how I'm progressing.
If you are a writer what ways do you use in working on more than one book at a time?

Glimmer of Hope!!

Yes, that's right!!! 
A glimmer of hope showed up in my trees today. 
I went outside to see my husband off for the day and there they were. 
My brown crackly trees have green blooms on them!! 

I was shocked!! 

I just laughed and my husband said to me, "Aren't you happy I didn't cut these dead trees down?" 

Uh, Yeah!! 

Life begins anew. 

Isn't it amazing how some of the smallest things can bring you joy. 

I love it!!  What a way to start the new week off.

Looking for more glimmers this week, what about you?

Japan Earthquake

Just seeing the beginnings of the news on the earthquake in Japan.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by this.  I was going to write about how hot it is here and the possibility of having to turn on my air conditioning. 

NOT!! 

I feel extremely blessed.  So there will be no complaining out of me. 

Hold on to hope Japan, we live in a very caring society, added help is on the way from several countries.

Too Much Work to Enjoy

I am a great fan of this phrase, "Too much work to enjoy".  So much so, I have made a category for it.

Yesterday, I asked a question on whether you had ever purged something or someone from your life. 

Well, I will answer my own question. 

Yes, I have and I am in the process of doing it now. 

When something or someone has become nothing but grief, well.  Time for a sanity break. :-) 

Time to move on, donate it to charity, delete their phone # or set it out for loose trash.

Do you get the gist of the situation?

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are typically gathered after the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned.  I will go and get my ashes this afternoon and begin my 40 days of fasting.  My fasting won't necessarily be from any particular food, but it may be from something like being negative, Internet surfing, etc. 

Are you observing Ash Wednesday?

Or....

Have you ever felt the need to purge something or someone from your life?

Fat Tuesday

Today is Fat Tuesday, or in french it is Mardi Gras. This is the day where where some people practice the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.  Mardi Gras celebrations are happening all across the world.  I spoke of my daughter's Book Fair at her school and the theme this year is "Mardi Gras".  I wonder what the Mardi Gras celebrations look like in Louisiana this year.  If you are there, send some pics. :-)
Question, are you eating tons of richer foods in anticipation of a season of fasting? 
I'm not,
I'm on Weight Watchers so there will be no crazy stuffing myself with rich foods. :-) 

Are there Mardi Gras celebrations in your neck of the woods?

Countdown to Spring Break

First, before I start talking about Spring Break coming up. 

Today is my father's birthday.  He would have been 74 today.  He died of esophageal cancer 15 years ago.  I really miss him.  I will stop there or it will turn into a big boohoo fest. :-(

Spring break is next week, my daughter has half days all this week.  I am looking forward to the short break of the drop off/pick up schedule.  Getting the closets cleaned out, putting up all the winter clothing and cleaning out the garage are some of the mundane activities slated for next week.  On the opposite end is, sleeping in, staying up late, going to the movies in the middle of the week, day trips, etc.

What do you do on Spring Break that you don't normally do the rest of the year?

Book Fair

Today I will be volunteering at my daughter's school at the "Book Fair".  I absolutely love books and this is where I get all of my required volunteer hours.  Today is preview day for the teachers and students.  This is a really fun time with the the teachers coming in the library and enjoying a continental breakfast, previewing the "Book Fair" and writing out their "book wish list" for the parents and students to purchase.  The students come in with their classes, preview, fill out wish lists and take their lists home to their parents. It's always a fun day.  When is the last time you have been to a Book Fair?

Beautiful Day

Today is going to be a beautiful day!  After yesterday, it can only get better. 
I have faith that I will have my "Productive" Thursday and all will be right in my world. :-) 
The weather is going to be fabulous and the weekend is a day away.
I have been worrying my husband about our landscaping.  There are some trees and shrubs that I am fearful that may not have survived the frost.  He thinks they will come back, I surely hope they do.
These trees and shrubs add beautiful color to my writing scenery in my backyard.
I look forward to seeing any glimmer of hope that they will return.  Until then, I will remember them "the way there were" while I enjoy some "out on the patio" writing this morning.  
Did you lose any trees, shrubs or plants in this year's inclement weather and how is the weather in your neck of the woods?

Michelle

Gone All Day

I am just getting in from a long hectic day.
All I can say is, I am so happy this day has come to an end. 
Unbelievable events. 
Enough said.

Michelle

In Like a Lion

It's March 1st!  How did this happen?  This year seems to be flying by. 
I feel like I am coming into March like a lamb. :-)
I am slated to launch "The Queen's Blood Vendetta" this month.  I am hopeful this will happen as planned.  So, in order for this to happen, I need to be more like a lion than a lamb.

ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle

The Oscars

Oh My Gosh!!!

I absolutely love the Oscars!! 
The Red Carpet Glam, the Stars, the Hosts... 
Wait a second, what happened here with the hosts this year. 
OMG, Anne Hathaway and James Franco?
They were so drab! 
I understand trying to capture a younger audience but can we have at least had hosts that had a great sense of humor and could do some improv? 
It was brutal, and it ended early!!  How did that happen?
Oh well, there was a glimmer of hope when Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law hit the stage. 
Did you know there is going to be a Sherlock Holmes sequel this fall?  Can't wait. 
They would have made great hosts.  Love those two together!
Who do you think should have hosted the Oscars?
Michelle

Weekend Plans

What are your plans for the weekend?  Will you spend time with your family, or will you use the time to catch up on some much needed "me" time. 
I will be staying in and getting some much needed rest. 
I feel like I may be coming down with something. 
So, better to take it easy and be out for a few days than a week. 
I'm looking forward to feeling better.

Have a Great Weekend!

Michelle

Most Productive Day

Today is Thursday and I find myself being my most productive on this day.  Why?  Because this is the day that my 2 favorite shows come on. 

Yes, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. 

I love, love, love those shows!! 

I get so much done on Thursdays. I am running around busy, managing my time like I am well, getting ready to go on a vacation! Watching Grey's and Private Practice is a great treat for me, I love the writing and there aren't too many instances where I would rewrite the storyline.

Well, I am off to be productive, because while writing this I have a million projects swirling around in my mind. :-)

Michelle

Borders' E-Mails

I have started receiving e-mails from Borders about their "Store Closing" sale.  This e-mail states that it is only one particular store in Mesa, Arizona that is closing, yet in their bankruptcy papers, it states that all the stores will be closing in Arizona.  I have decided to go to the store and see what all is on sale.  I am hesitant in buying anything knowing that the authors at this point will not be seeing anymore money from Borders.  What do you think about this?  Would you support Borders knowing that the authors are last on the list to be paid?

Thoughts?

Michelle

New Zealand Earth Quake

Christchurch one of New Zealand's largest cities suffered a major earthquake today.  The city has suffered the loss of life and buildings and churches have been toppled.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the rescue crews and all who have been affected by this earthquake. 

M.Rene

Happy President's Day

The family is out at the skating rink and I am here working on the book. :-)  The weather here is a crisp 60 degrees, beautiful.  I am thankful for this time to work undisturbed on a holiday.  Hopefully, I will see some progress at the end of the day. 

How are you spending your day today?

President's Day Weekend

Good Morning All,

I am planning out my 3-Day weekend with the intent of being productive.  These long weekends make me lazy and I find myself looking at Tuesday wondering where the time went. 
I am thinking about checking out my Border's Bookstore which is slated to close. :-( 
( I know here we go again... )
I saw in the news that they are allowed to liquidate starting tomorrow.  So, I am really thinking of going in and seeing how good a "liquidation" sale this is. 

On the other hand,
I really don't want to support them if they are unable to pay the Publishers and in turn pay the authors their royalties. 

Hmm...

What would you do?

M.Rene

Borders Again?

Sorry,  I'm still hanging on to this story. 
I quite don't understand this comment from one of the Border's executives;
"Borders aims to stay viable by enhancing its customer rewards program, strengthening its e-book business and expanding more into non-book products." 
I get the e-book business, the publishing world is in the midst of an e-revolution, but, "non-book" products.  Well that's it, I am running to the nearest Borders Non-Book Store to pick up some "non-book" products.

Need I say more?
M.Rene

Borders Books Files Bankruptcy

Yes, Borders has filed for bankruptcy. 

I have seen this coming for months and also their inability to compete with Barnes and Noble for a few years.  I remember Borders being the first "big" bookstore I visited.  I absolutely loved the setting, big comfy couches and chairs, wow, people were actually sitting, reading and enjoying.  The last time I was in Borders it seemed like the coffee shop, toys, stuff was getting equal billing with the books.  Sad... 

Before I continue, I want to send my heartfelt sadness to the employees who are losing their jobs. 

Here is a list of the stores that are closing; Borders Closure List. 

On a negative note their bankruptcy means that they will not only be closing stores but they have a long list of publishers that will not be paid. This means that the authors may not receive their royalties from books already purchased or purchased in the future.

Interesting....

M.Rene

Post Valentine's Day

How did your day turn out?  I hope you treated yourself special and shared the love with someone else.

I had a great day and I am so thankful for those who bring joy into my life.

Today will be a busy day.  I will be adding an extra measure of exercise today for the sweet overdose I engaged in yesterday. 
I will update my blog pages, tighten up the description for "The Queen's Blood Vendetta" and wrestle with the graphics for the companion graphic novel.  I will post some pics and you can tell me what you think.

Enjoy your day,
M.Rene

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today is Valentine's Day.  What are your plans?  A fabulous meal with your sweetheart, wonderful gifts, enjoying a nice glass of wine or will you treat yourself to something absolutely decadent?

In my house it started last night with a great meal cooked by my husband.  Classic steak, fresh tossed salad and a baked potato. Absolutely delightful!!

I woke up this morning to a bag full of goodies, coffee made etc; what a way to start a day. 

One of the things I know I will do for sure is to watch "Pride and Prejudice", it is one of my favorite classic romance movies.  Love it!!

Do something special for yourself and someone else today!

Also, Happy Statehood Day Arizona!

Have fun,

M.Rene

Blackberry

Error, reset, blank screen, hmm....  The Blackberry died on me yesterday or better yet, hopefully it's just sick.  My husband took it in to be repaired this morning.  I am looking for good news at the end of the day. 
I look forward to its return and putting a Kindle app on it. I'll keep you posted... 
Well, its fairly quiet around here ( aside from the dogs barking ) the phone isn't ringing constantly, this will be a productive day.  Fridays are normally my most productive day, I try to make a big push going into the weekend.  I tend to go into relax and renew mode on Saturday and Sunday.  The weather is fabulous outside at 70 degrees so I will be working on the patio today.

Back to writing. 

Hope all is well with you today,
M.Rene

Reading for Pleasure -vs- Reading for Writing

My daughter went with me last night to a meeting and where she was waiting was a television.  Someone asked her what she'd like to watch and she kindly said, "Oh, I'll read instead." :-)  She whipped the I-Touch out and started reading.  That's me, or that use to be me.  This made me think about the amount of reading I do for writing and the absence of my pleasure reading.  I have a voracious appetite for books.  Yet, I barely have the time or even try to make the time anymore for pleasure reading.  I spend the better part of my leisure time (ha!) reading up on the craft.  Mind you, I put in a solid 8 hours a day on my writing, all aspects of it.  I barely eek out 1 pleasure book a month for a book club I am in.  I am accustomed to reading at least a book a week, but for the last year, it is has been one book a month.  I will start reading our book club selection and all of a sudden those characters are running around in my head and my novel's characters really don't share well, so guess who wins out?  

Are you a writer?  Have you, or are you experiencing these same things?  Do you have any suggestions?

Let me know.

Until next time,
M.Rene

World Reader

I came across this organization recently in my morning reads, WorldReader .

Worldreader.org’s mission is to make digital books available to all in the developing world, enabling millions of people to improve their lives.  They identify schools, train teachers, work with communities, and partner with publishers to bring millions of books to underserved children and families in the developing world.

How amazing is that!!  I love that someone had the foresight to establish an organization such as this.  Donating Kindles to developing countries and underserved communities is outstanding.  World Reader has a I Read pilot program in Ghana.  Imagine how the world of the Ghanaian children expanded once the Kindles touched their hands.  I'm sure they never thought they would have this type of access to books.

Check out their blog here World Reader Blog , so inspiring!

Kudos to World Reader!

Have a Great Day,
M.Rene

I Write Like....

I saw this site on Amanda Hocking's blog the other day.  If you aren't familiar with her, she is an incredibly talented and successful Indie Author. Her books are burning the map in sales and I have literally watched her success rise over the last 6-9 months. I thought the "I Write Like" site title was interesting enough to peruse.  Well, I cut and pasted a couple of paragraphs from "The Queen's Blood Vendetta" and this is what they came up;

I write like
Ian Fleming

I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!

Ian Fleming is well known for authoring the "James Bond" novels.  Odd, I would have never compared my writing to his, other than the action.  I learned something interesting about Ian Fleming in this exercise of procrastination, ( I call it like I see it ) he also wrote "Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang".  Yes, the children's book, what a departure, but how fun can that be. 

Okay, back to editing and polishing.

What are you working on creatively today,
M.Rene

Bohdan & Xena

What a difference a week can make.  Last week we were experiencing unseasonably cold weather.
Cover the pipes!  Cover the trees!  Gas outages!  Head for the hills! 
Wow, what a week!
Today, we are back to normal, the 70's. 
All this week we will have beautiful weather, perfect for writing outside on the patio. 

Bohdan and Xena will be out in the backyard with me, I'll be writing, they'll be playing.  I have written them into the storyline of  "The Queen's Blood Vendetta" as an introduction to the "graphic novel" (comic book) that will be a companion book to QBV.  I will of course have my camera ready to take pictures of them running, jumping and horse playing to help with the graphics of the novel.

Here is Bohdan,

and here is Xena in her favorite spot, catching some sun.

How is the weather in your area?

Enjoy,
M.Rene

What is Your Version of Success?

Happy Day All,

Yesterday I was talking about my inspiration.  Well, this article was in my e-mail box this morning from Creativity Loft .  I am posting Tivi's article in its entirety.  She has a great site that is motivational for the "Creative Entrepreneurs" out there.

Here it is;

What is YOUR version of success?

I was talking to a friend recently and she told me that her family didn’t like that she went to college.

From her story, I got the impression that they looked down their noses at her for going.

I’ll be honest, my gut reaction was to scoff and say “THEY look down their noses at YOU for doing something with your life?”

My Southern heritage dictates the following life path:

“Birth –> Preschool –>Elementary School –>Middle School –> High School –> College –> Respectable Career –> Marriage –> Kids –> Mid-life crisis –>Die”

You may throw in grad school, a dog, a divorce, a second marriage or a risky decision, but that’s pretty much it.

It took me a while to say “Do you HAVE to go to college to ‘do something with your life?’”

Different people value different things.

To some, college is a step towards a better life. To others it’s a waste of 4 years and thousands of dollars.

To some a “respectable career” is that which brings them padded pockets and hundreds of employees beneath them. To others it’s something that just pays the bills and gets them home at a decent hour.

Success is different to each person.

And your authentic version of success is probably even more different than you’d ever thought.

Think about it.

How much of your current version of success was determined by external influencers?

Success in my career, as society taught it to me, was getting a college degree in one field, then getting a job in that field, then working my way up in a company, sticking with the same company all my life (no matter if I hated it) until I retired, then I’d die.

Bleak stuff, in my opinion, but I chased it. And I’m glad I got out before the “die” part.

But, truthfully, there’s nothing wrong with this version of SUCCESS, if it is YOUR

This applies to your creative business too.

If you’re an artist, society may be telling you that success is becoming the next Ashley G and Drew, but is that really what you want?

I firmly believe sometimes we define SUCCESS as things other people tell us we should have. But what type of “success” will you have when you obtain all those things and aren’t happy?

What are the trade-offs for gaining those things other people tell you are what you should be chasing?

You want to be a New York times best-selling author and have movies made from your books– why?

Because you want to make a living from your writing. OK, well is there another way to accomplish the thing you REALLY want; make money from your writing?

The cliched road to success may not be the one for you. Look at Sarra Cannon, she’s finding success publishing her books herself. Or Amanda Hocking- a self-published rock star who sold more than a million books on her own!

Look at your life and business and ask:

“Am I reaching for MY authentic version of success? What do I really want for and FROM my life and my business and how can I incorporate those into my version of success?”

Come on, you’re a creative person. Use that brain of yours.

Now, what is YOUR version of success?
Check out Tivi's web-site here Creativity Loft .

I think Tivi hit some great points on what success looks like to different people.  I am reaching for my "authentic version" of success everyday in all areas of my life.

What about you?

M.Rene

Biggest Fans & Inspiration

My daughters?  My daughters!!  They have so much confidence in me. "Mom, come on get the cover done, blog, Facebook, keep writing, you can do it!!"  Wow!!  I wonder where or better yet, "who" they got that confidence builder mantra from?  They are wonderful young women and I am blessed to have them encouraging and inspiring me. 
Well, I have decided to turn my cover woes over to a professional.  Yippee!!!  Yes, I know I can continue to fight with PhotoShop, but is that the best use of my creative time?  No, definitely not.  My writing time is much more important.  So, that is off my plate.  I have not turned over the formatting of my book to a "professional" yet.  I see that looming in the very near future.  Today, I am combing through the first half of my book one more time, ( I really don't think it will be the last ) polish, polish, polish. 


The journey continues.


To those who are experiencing hazardous weather, be safe,
M.Rene

Writing Weather

It is cold outside!!! 
I am in Arizona and in my neck of the woods it is 34 degrees and that is unseasonably cold here.  Normally, we hear about unseasonably warm on a consistent basis.  But for the next few days we will have what we consider cold, cold weather. 

I stayed up last night late into the wee hours working on my cover.  Well, Photoshop won and I am not playing with it today, I will work on formatting The Queen's Blood Vendetta for Kindle.  I will also complete my outline for the second book in this series. 

The Queen's Blood Vendetta is a Paranormal Romantic Thriller.  I never thought I would be writing a Paranormal or have a teen age girl as my main character.  I have a few finished manuscripts in Mainstream Romance and Romance Suspense.  I am thinking about updating them and releasing those also in the not to distant future.  My youngest daughter who is 13 and a voracious reader inspired me to try another genre or genres.  She reads across several genres including Paranormal, Science Fiction, Teen Romance, Christian Thrillers, Time Travel, Mystery and Mainstream fiction. I was amazed how I absolutely fell in love with the ease of writing this story.  I am hoping the second installment in the series will flow so easily. 
Back to writing and moving closer to my release date of March 2011.
Stay Warm,
M.Rene

Indie Bound!!

Hello All,

I have been a writer all my life, through jounalizing, technical writing, short and full length novels.  I have been on the merry-go-round of "querying", participating in "on-line pitches" and I have found myself not hearing that traditional publishing music anymore and dizzy from the ride. 

I am self-publishing "The Queen's Blood Vendetta" . 

Okay, I said it, I'm doing it.

Self-publishing is an incredible amount of work and not for the weak at heart.  First getting the book written, edited and polished is a daunting process.  I will format the book for Kindle, Nook, Kobo and any other e-reader platform that I deem necessary.  I will publish the paperback book on Amazon. 

I am in the process of designing the book cover.  I am hoping that I will not obsess too much longer on the art, colors, shading, title placement, author's name placement etc.  I want my love/hate relationship with Photoshop to become more love than hate.

This blog is the beginning of a long list of marketing ideas that I will put into place over the course of my writing career for each book I publish, so please bear with me as I continue to add to this blog in getting it where it needs to be. 

Oh, yes in the midst of all this I am in the process of writing the next book in this series.   


I'm excited and yet terrified,
Michelle