Wanna hear something strange?

Yep, very strange.

I decided to work on an old contemporary romance I wrote years ago. Why, you ask? Mainly because I LOVE the characters. Also, the story incorporates a love in my life--Rodeo, horses and country people.

I've learned a lot over the years, my growth as an author has increased with each new story over the years since I first became serious about seeking publication back in 2001. At that time, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with Jean Walton. She gave me friendship, advice and honesty which helped me during this budding process. She read my contemporary romance and recommended that I send it to Wanda Ottewell at Harlequin American Romance. I sent it at the end of 2002 but Wanda had moved to a different division. The new Editoral Director, Jennifer Greene, (after 8 months of biting nails) sent me a full page letter explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the book. Can I say thrilled here? Not necessarily because she didn't accept the book (I don't blame her, it was not ready, I was not ready) but because she took the time to sit down and write the letter to me. It wasn't a generic form letter.

So I put the book aside and concentrated on my paranormal stories. But this novel has never left me alone. I have since rewritten it and will submit it again to the publisher. (Ran into Diane Moggy, a MIRA editor, at a conference. She informed me to resubmit the book since I received such a good response on the original copy.) This year I decided that I will put aside the insecurities of submitting to a large publisher. I will send this rewritten book to this publisher.

Well, as I was researching the different lines and trying to decide where this story would fit, I found the one where I feel it would fit and guess what? The editor for that line is none other than Wanda Ottewell. Go figure, right?

To me, it's like a brilliant light guiding the way. Adds to my confidence and makes me want to finish tightening this story so that it will be accepted.

Here's to the New Year, new goals, hopes and dreams.

Monday is a bright and shining day!!

Yes, I have had wonderful sunshine for the past few days. It's cold but I can accept that if it's a beautiful, sunny cold. You know the kind. Clear blue skies, the light so bright you have to squint, the warmth on your face, oh yes, love it! These kind of days make me want to do things. Clean house, organize the pantry, closets, you know, that sort of stuff.

Well, I've done all those things so I thought I'd read. So I've been reading for days now. It's lovely, really it is. I get totally absorbed in the stories. My kids come and wave a hand right in front of my eyes to get my attention. I freeze and try to back up a bit. Really don't like when people invade my bubble especially when I'm at a GOOD part. LOL! But then again, my kids know me well enough to realize that I will continue to be in the Regency era until the end of the book if they don't do something radical. My youngest uses slight of hand to remove the book from my clutches which elicits a frown from me. How dare he interrupt such glorious dialog between the hero and heroine?

Sigh...but so is life. Have to put off the enjoyment for the sake of the real world.

So, how is your Monday so far?! Be sure and let me know!

Putting the power of magic into words

I guess that is the only way I can describe my writing. I want others to see the magic in the world, not just children and young people but everyone.

I will have another book out this year, hopefully, more than just one. But, Dragon Wish, my full length fantasy romance, is what I would call the book of my heart. It has taken me over 3 1/2 years to write this story. When I finished, I just didn't want to send it out into the big bad world, but I did and hopefully everyone will be able to visit my magical world of Avaris.

May all discover the blessings that come everyday to us!

Start of a New Year!

Wow, has it really been November since my last post. Where have I been? Writing? Of course, I took two weeks off from the world during the holidays. It was inspiring and uplifting.

So this year, I hope to start off right by working hard and having a few more books contracted.

Here's Happy New Year to all and may this year bring many, many needed blessings to each and everyone!