Booking Through Thursday 4/26/12

Today is Booking Through Thursday. Each week a question related to reading is posted and bloggers answer on Thursdays. Click the link above to participate!

This week's question:


Has a book ever inspired you to change anything in your life, fiction or non-fiction alike?

I wear many hats in my life, so I will answer this question in regards to each hat.

Me, Myself and I
The first book that completely changed my personal life was (and is) A Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. Yeah, I'm sure you've heard of it. Some may think that it's just another religious book. My sister gave it to me and I thought, "Okay, I can read it." I didn't think it would change my life. I was looking for answers and God gave them to me through this book.

Me, the Mother
My favorite role has been MOTHER. God has been so good to me. He has provided me the task of being a mother, a guide, a friend to three lovely boys. I am so thankful to have them. One thing I wish to pass on is the love of reading. This has been a very hard task, especially when video games vies for attention. My favorite children's book to read to them has been Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. When they were all toddlers, I loved snuggling with them and reading this board book. I have such fond memories that will never go away.

Me, the Writer
Being a reader is what helps me as a writer. My alltime favorite romance authors lead me to write (or try) like them. Here are my favorite category and contemporary books by these authors. There are so many! (By the way, this category helps me as my role of WIFE.)

Jill Shalvis is hilarious!

Fun, sexy, real

My favorite line ever!

Funny, excellent dialogue!

Me, the Teacher
As a teacher, I try to read great books with my students and hopefully change their lives.  How do I want to change their lives? Make them into readers. Make them think. Hopefully I have done this! The two latest books that I use in class do this.... The Hunger Games and The Lightning Thief.

























All of these books have changed me in some way. Be it as a teacher, as a mother, as a wife or just me personally. I love talking about books. They are my life! Now off to read!

Goodnight readers!

My Writing Journey Part 1

Submitting Journey Part #1

I began writing my first completed novel, Time Changes Everything, when I was pregnant with my third child (2005). I have always written and loved writing romance in high school, but this particular story was written to be published, not just for fun. Of course, It's been fun, but you know what I mean. Little did I know, that it would take me ... oh.... six years to complete it and send it off. :)

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.
Vincent Van Gogh

Please, don't roll your eyes. Yes! I am a serious writer. But, as any mom knows, once you have your kid (third one by the way) life gets in the way. So, the book was put on hold. I finished about 70% and then went on with life for two years without looking at it.

Procrastination is opportunity's assassin. ~Victor Kiam 

I'd pick up my novel every now and then and add a chapter when I had a chance. When I arrived to the end, I just couldn't finish. There was something there... more than writer's block.... it was as if I was scared to finish my book. THE END just seemed so final. Then what? I had been attached to these characters for so many years, I didn't want to say goodbye.

Finally, around Thanksgiving last year, my hubby asked why I didn't finish my book. I think he saw what an avid reader I am and always heard me say "one day I will be published." My baby was five already. My two oldest kids were in the double digits, so they understood.

I started my adventure again. Over my Christmas vacation, I actually finished my novel. What a whirlwind of feelings. I FINISHED A NOVEL! WOO HOO!

but....I finished my novel....sigh.

I was both happy and sad. However, I did not know that I really was not finished. Writing is only the first step. Next came the never-ending editing stage.

And that's a whole other story. Come back next week for more .

Part 2 coming!

Monday Funny for Writers 4/23/12

Monday Funny for Writers

I ran across this video on Youtube and it's perfect for my new Work in Progress, Frequent Flyer. In Frequent Flyer, Hope is a "hopeless" clutz. Luckily she meets Dr. Colin Calaway, an orthopedic surgeon, who happens to remove a foot cast. Check out this video to see how it relates to my story.

And here is an excerpt from my WIP. Hope is the new principal in town who meets Dr. Colin Calaway the day before at school. Now she arrives at his clinic to remove her cast.

                With a sigh, she sat on the examining table and looked at her watch. Her lunch break just finished, but she had informed her secretary that she’d come back late. She had to meet with the Athletic Department to finalize the Family Sports Day plans, plus she had an administrators meeting at five. Since she received her Principal Certification six months ago, her dream had been to work as a middle school principal. Now that she obtained her first principal position in a new town, she didn’t want to let anyone down. First she had to take care of her foot.

She waited for Dr. Patel to come in and remove the beast that held her down. As she entered the clinic twenty minutes ago, she saw Dr. Calaway’s name on the clinic door and remembered the concerned father from the day before. Her cheeks blushed as she recalled Dr. Calaway saying goodbye. Did she hold it together enough for him to think she was a good principal? Hopefully he didn’t notice her rapid pulse and sweaty palms when she touched his arm to comfort him. Although he had been obviously nervous, she found his broad shoulders and smoldering green eyes extremely attractive. It had alarmed her so much, that she had to give herself pep talks in between their conversation. It had been a long time since she felt an immediate attraction to someone. She was a little P.O’d that it had to be with a student’s father, who was officially off limits.

 The door to the room opened and a familiar voice said, “Hello, Ms. Robinson.”

              Hope had to blink twice. Speak of the devil. “Dr. Calaway. What a surprise. Where’s Dr. Patel?”

                He smiled, scooted his wheeled-chair up to the table, and sat down. “To be honest, I looked up when you were coming so I could attend you.” 

Six Sentence Sunday 4/22/12

Today is #sixsunday where published and non published writers share six sentences from a current WIP. Again, I will share from my Work in Progress, Time Changes Everything.


Since Amanda and Jake have a past, as childhood next-door neighbors, I wanted to share some reminiscing on their part. Jake and Amanda have just shared Thanksgiving lunch together and now will spend some quality time watching football together.

     Memories flooded back. Ten years ago, Amanda sat on the bleachers with her friend Shannon and pretended to watch a game. Wrapped in a warm jacket, the frigid air beat against her face and her eyes locked on jersey 68, Jake the quarterback. Girls chanted his name all around her as he passed the ball. 

     “You don’t have any friends to watch the game with?” She asked, shaking the memory from her mind.

     “I’d rather sit right here next to you.” He patted the sofa next to him. “Do you mind?” 

Hope you enjoyed today's sentences. I've had a lot of fun sharing. Check out the sixsunday.com website for more entries.

Kreativ Blogger Award

I've always loved winning an award! It hasn't happened very often. Thanks to Kimberly Sullivan who nominated my blog for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Warm fuzzies!

Thanks so much, Kimberly! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my blog as much as I’ve been enjoying yours.

According to the rules for those nominated, I have to:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated me for the award and provide a link.
2. List 7 things about myself that readers might find interesting.
3. Nominate 7 other bloggers, provide links and let them know

7 things about myself that readers might find interesting:

1. Guatemala is the place I call home. I am an ex-pat American who married my Guatemalan college sweetheart. 
2. Even though I live in Central America, I have never taken a Spanish class. I have learned all my Spanish just by being around it. In fact, I studied French for eight years (High School and all four years of college).
3. I've taught Middle School English for 16 years at the American School and I love it! It's so fun to be silly with pre-teens, even if they think I'm crazy. I also love to share the love of reading and writing - and hope that I make a difference in a small way.
4. Acting used to be a creative outlet for me. Some may find this shocking as I tend to be shy around people.  :) In addition to that, I have played piano since I was seven.
5. I was Vice President of Moral Advancement in my college sorority, Pi Beta Phi. I will always remember my "sisters" laughing at me for reading my romance books. One roomate in particular would say, "You're reading another one?" Sometimes, we would recite the "dirty" scenes aloud. Mind you, I was responsible of "Moral Advancement"  - keeping my sisters in line and here I was reading naughty paragraphs.
6. I was born in Louisiana and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Now that my parents live back in Louisiana, I consider that my "settling spot." However, New Mexico will always be what I remember as home. I haven't been back since I graduated college... a long, long time ago. :(
7. Coffee is one of my addictions. Yeah, I know it's cliche for a writer, but it's true! Anyway, I live in Guatemala where great coffee is always available. Lucky me!

7 other bloggers I'd like to nominate:

1. Rachelle Ayala - Author Rachelle shares writing tips, author interviews and self-publishing advice.
2. Chantel Rhondeau - Romantic suspense author with weekly writing tips, publishing insight and book reviews.
3. Angela Quarles - A self proclaimed geeky Historical and Time Travel romance writer. My favorite posts are her Monday Hunks Who Read!
4. Moodywriting - Author with amazing writing tips, publishing insights, and marketing ideas.
5. Evanne Lorraine - Sexy erotica romance author provides daily tips, book reviews, writing insights, funnies and more.
6. Lacey Devlin -  a new friend who has guest bloggers, writing workshop information, and writing tips.
7. Harlequin Junkie Romance Reviews - Reviews of my favorite, Harlequin romance books. Plus, giveaways, blog visits, author interviews and more.

Booking Through Thursday 4/19/12

Today is Booking Through Thursday. Each week a question related to reading is posted and bloggers answer on Thursdays. Click the link above to participate!


This week's question:


What are your literary “pet peeves”?

I love this question! Everyone has a pet peeve, but I never thought of them in terms of literature. But, of course I have some. I would say that I hate it when people assume I am not a "real" reader or writer because I read and write romance. Romance is a real genre, people!

When I was 13, I picked up my first Harlequin Superromance novel in Krogers supermarket. I can't even remember the title, but the author was Dawn Stewardson. I thought, "What the heck." I had never been introduced to the romance genre and usually just read what was assigned at school. But, this book rocked my world and turned my reading life around. How can that not be real literature? If it changes someone's life.... it is!

This was one of the first Superromance books I read and loved as a teenager.

And by the way, since I'm ranting, just because I write romance, doesn't mean I'm not a real writer. It is just as hard as any other type of writing. We still have to build our characters, build romantic suspense or tension and have those inner and outer conflicts. I am proud to be a romance author and know I work hard!

So, why don't you go and pick up a good romance book and enjoy the reading. It was damn hard writing! (Nathaniel Hawthorne)

Wednesday Tea - Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis 4/18/12

Wednesday's Tea - Grab a cup of tea (or coffee, or heck - a milkshake) and join me in book discussions or reviews.

Jill Shalvis has been added to my favorite author's list. As an aspiring published romance author, I crave reading books by authors who I want to write like. Well, this one is it! Head Over Heels is a character-driven love story between Chloe and Sawyer, two past "outcasts" who don't want love, but find it anyway.

Sawyer is a man to drool over. Who wouldn't find a bad-boy turned sheriff enticing? He is the town hero who always saves people from harm or just steps in when needed.  Not only that, but he is a caring son, a good friend and a hardworking man. Ah! Be still my heart!

"He was in uniform, gun at his hip, expression dialed to Dirty Harry, and just looking at him had something pinging low in Chloe’s belly."

Chloe is a free-spirit who doesn't like to be tied down. But, for some reason, Lucky Harbor and the people in it make her to want to stay. Getting to know her stepsisters, opening their B & B, and helping solve crimes keeps her busy, but slowly Sawyer incorporates her body and soul.

"If at first you don’t succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.” - Chloe Traeger"

The sexual tension between good cop Sawyer and trouble maker Chloe is hot! Jill Shalvis does an excellent job at adding those yummy, never thought of love scenes, that make your heart pitter patter or at least want an extra-long morning in bed with your hubby! Even when there isn't sex, the tension between the two is palpable.

"Smile. it's the second best thing you can do with your lips." – Chloe Traeger

If you want to read a sexy, funny, heart-warming story, Head over Heels is the right choice. I look forward to reading more from the Lucky Harbor series. I hope you do, too!

Monday Funny for Romance Writers 4/16/12

After spending the weekend in "edit mode," this is how I feel:

But, I promise, I will be nice. How about this instead?

That's better!

Have a happy Monday!

Melinda

Six Sentence Sunday 4/15/12

Today is #sixsunday where published and non-published writers share six sentences from their work.  I will share 6 sentences from my finished Work-In-Progress Time Changes Everything. It's mighty hard to pick out six sentences, but here it goes.

Jake looked at her and fire lit his eyes. “You’ve grown up, Mandy. You’ve turned into a beautiful woman instead of that awkward teenager. I guess time changes everything.”

Amanda took a big sip of her drink. She smiled at his handsome face, remembering how in love she had been with him when they were growing up. “I don’t know, Jake, sometimes time stands still.”

Thanks for reading!

To read Six Sentence Sunday from other writer's, click  the picture link at the top. Come back for more next week. See ya then!

Monday Funny for Romance Writers

I know it's not Monday, but it sure feels like one to me. After 10 days off work and a fabulous vacation, I am having a hard time getting back into the groove. So my psuedo-Monday funny is below. Gotta love this hilarious Liquid Plumr Commercial as it reminds me how I see "romance" in everything I do. LOL!

Have a nice "Monday" or rest of the week!

Melinda

Back home... now to work!

Home at last! Now if I could just get back "to work." My head is not in it, but my heart is.

I was disconnected from the internet for a few days, and it felt weird. I didn't realize how much I have either a laptop, my Kindle, or Blackberry attached to my hip. No matter where I am, I can check my email, or even work on writing. But, this time around... nope! It was new to me... and fabulous. I really did have an excuse as to why I wasn't working. I did feel an immense wave of guilt as returning home today, I saw my critique partners worked like crazy on my chapters, while I was sitting on the beach drinking piña coladas. Sorry guys! I won't let you down. My query is out at the end of this week! That is my goal. So, late nights, early morns, I am going to write my butt off this week.

In case you wanted to see how our vacation went (and even if you didn't) here are some pictures of our trip to Panama.

My Middle and Little

My big and middle on the beach

Panama City reminds me of a mini-Miami

My prince charming and I at the Panama Canal

There it is! I probably won't be around much this week, but will share my perils next weekend once I send my work to the publishing house. 

Thanks for reading!

Query Time

Peanut Butter Query Time!

After so many years, I am ready to pitch my first novel. Exciting, right? Frightening is more like it. After working hard, I will hand over my baby to an editor in hopes of becoming published. The editor I am aiming for, Harlequin Romance, is accepting "Fasttrack Submissions." Woo hoo! There is a deadline of April 23 and authors will hear back by May 15. How do the editors do it? I don't know, but God bless them! Now, I am working on the dreaded query letter, synopses (2 pages only? How in the heck....) and my first chapter. Of course, I am still in the editing stage and my best critique partners have stepped up a notch at www.critiquecircle.com. Thanks go out to Brittney, Linda, Judester, Jennifer, Kimberly, Rachelle!

Of course, in the middle of this news, I have a vacation planned for Easter. So, I'm heading out the door and leaving on a jetplane to the beautiful country of Panama. The small metropolian city and white sand beaches await, but I have this query on my mind! I hope I can enjoy my vacation.

This....

or this? 

I choose the beach vacation! However, when I come back, I will be in super editor/writer mode. I probably won't be the nicest person to talk to, and maybe my kids will starve. All humor aside, I look forward to getting closer to my dream. I think you all for your support!

Ironically, one of my favorite blogs, Romance University, published an article today perfect for me. Funny how it works out that way, huh? Check it out when you ar ready to query: Four Key Elements Every Pitch Needs.

Six Sentence Sunday 4/1/12

Happy April Fool's Day!

Today is #sixsunday where published and non-published writers share six sentences from their work.  I will share 6 sentences from my finished Work-In-Progress Time Changes Everything.

Every Sunday I think it gets harder and harder to choose just 6 lines. I cheated a bit and have 8 sentences. Shhhh. Don't tell anyone. Hopefully you enjoy today's pick.

To hell with it, she thought, with kisses like that, what could one night as Jake’s real date be like? It was time to find out.

She cleared her throat, leaned into his muscular body, and wiped her lipstick off his lips. “Not bad, smooth talker. But,  you may be in for a surprise tonight, too, Jake Edwards.” She walked ahead of him, swaying her hips more than usual. After a few steps, she stopped, peaked across her shoulder and said, “If you play your cards right.” She heard a growl behind her as she moved towards the boat, feeling Jake’s eyes on her.