Posted by: Author | January 3, 2012

Three Up, Three Down

I love to see movies and, in recent months, I’ve been unhappy with what has been out there to be seen. Finally, in this Christmas season, there have been a few come out that I was anticipating seeing. Since I was sick since I got back from my trip, I didn’t feel like sitting in a theater. BUT, Saturday afternoon, I decided I felt good enough to try it.  I went to see Sherlock Holmes. I’m a fan of Guy Ritchie movies even though they can be quite violent and I’ve been a fan of Robert Downey, Jr. since the 1980s – It also doesn’t hurt that I’ve been a super, mega fan of Sherlock Holmes stories since I was in elementary school (and before you say, “elementary, my dear Watson,” please remember Sherlock never actually said those words in any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories).  The movie was fantastic! Lots of action and humor. Perfect.

On Sunday, I went to my mother’s for the traditional pork and black eyed peas New Year’s Day menu. And no, I didn’t get the lucky dime in my peas. There is also the traditional lore that what you do on New Year’s Day is indicative of what you’ll do all year, so I decided to take in another film (I also edited a book release that day). Since I was already out and about, I went to see the newest Mission Impossible.  I enjoyed it for the most part. As most action/adventure movies do, there came a point in the action where I said (in my head, not out loud as I can’t stand talkers in movies) “If that dude gets up one more time, I’m leaving.” You know the scenes I mean- the guy is hit and hit bad, but keeps getting back up and fighting more- drives me nuts.  This was a good film, but they could’ve cut about 20 minutes from it and it would have been fine.

On Monday, my office was closed and I decided to hit one more movie. I went to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It was wonderfully well done. It was super dark and somewhat disturbing, but I thought it was superb. Saw some good friends in the lobby afterwards and had a nice visit.

So, three days, three movies. All recommended.  I hope you’ll check out some or all of them.

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Posted by: Author | January 2, 2012

A Good Start to 2012

I’ve had a pretty productive start to 2012.  While I was gone to London, I got the edits on my  two books coming out soon. I have a book to be released in February from Siren-BookStrand called Sebastian’s Salvation which is a bi-racial romantic suspense story. I also have a historical/mystery/romance book called The Gambler, which is book one in a series coming out from Desert Breeze Publishing in April. I’ve completed the first round edits on both of them this past weekend. I have to say that, having been through the editing process many times now, that the editors I drew on these two stories were quite wonderful to work with. These two edits have by far been the most angst-free for me. I know those of you who read this blog who are writers know how we can react if the editor doesn’t seem to “get” us. It’s always a stressor for me and I was so happy to have these two folks work with me on these stories.  They both seemed to respect my voice but helped to make the story stronger and have better flow. Invaluable assets, in my opinion.

Now comes the wait for part two edits and the cover art.  I’m shivering in anticipation!

I also have three short stories coming out in the next few months. First, sometime this month (turned in final proof on Saturday) is a story called Sophie’s Snow Day. In February, my story called The Coroner’s Heart will be out and sometime after that, my story called Boxers and Briefs will be coming. All these short stories are coming out with Still Moments Publishing in various anthologies- Snowbound Hearts is first, then Valentine’s Delights and finally, Spellbound Hearts.

Sophie’s Snow Day is a paranormal as is Boxers and Briefs. The Coroner’s Heart is a straight contemporary story.

I’ve been a busy bee and will shortly be getting my rear in gear to turn in The Gambler’s Brother, book two in The Gambler’s Inheritance series. I also hope to start a new WIP soon. Or maybe another short story for an anthology. Lots of ideas simmering.

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Posted by: Author | December 30, 2011

Friday Facts-December 30, 2011- Union Jack

The Union Jack is the current flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and was designed in 1801. There are three crosses on the flag. One is the Cross of St. George who is the patron saint of England, one is the cross of St. Patrick who is the patron saint of Ireland. The third is the cross of St. Andrew, who is the patron saint of Scotland. Wales is not represented on this flag.  The blue field on the bottom with the white cross is the St. Andrew cross. The top red cross with the white edging is the St.George cross and the white field under that top cross with the red stripe is St. Patrick’s cross. I think it’s a neat combination of the three lands’ flags.

The apartment where we  stayed in London had a Union Jack framed over the table. We decided it was a bath mat that the owner had stapled to a wood frame. It has the texture of such a mat. Here’s a photo: 

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Posted by: Author | December 29, 2011

Absent

Sorry I’ve been absent. Started getting a sore throat in London and didn’t have much of a voice on Christmas day but didn’t really feel bad. Then, the long trek home. I believe that the recirculated air on the planes made me sick. I have a horrible head and chest cold. My poor back hurts sooo bad from coughing, I can’t think straight. Yesterday was my birthday and I made the decision to drive over to Tallahassee yesterday morning so I could get a hotel and rest before court today. I usually get up at 4:00 a.m to drive over but I knew I’d never drag the carcass up that early with the way I feel. So, no birthday celebrations. But that’s okay. I put the whole birthday thing in perspective a few years ago when my son had to have an emergency appendectomy in NYC on vacation on my birthday. So, in perspective, a bad cold is nothing, right?

Happy Thursday!

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Posted by: Author | December 28, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

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Posted by: Author | December 25, 2011

Heading Home

Up super early to get to airport to come home. The trains are all down in London for boxing day so have to take bus which is longer and way less convenient as the bus stop for the airport is all the way across town. Have a 9 hour flight and then an 8 hour layover so it’ll be a 27 hour day by the time I get home. Fun times.

Also got cover while I was gone for my short story release in February. Love it.

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Posted by: Author | December 25, 2011

Merry CHristmas!! Photo from Examiner.com

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Posted by: Author | December 23, 2011

Friday Facts- December 23, 2011-Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace started out as the palace of Thomas Wolsey, Archbishop of York. He built it in 1514.  Legend has it that Henry VIII badgered the man until he gave it up to the king.  He was allowed to keep an apartment there until he fell from favor and was arrested.

The plan is to head to Hampton Court Palace to see the wonderful architecture of the castle said to be the favorite of Henry VIII. They also have a 1540 Christmas Celebration with Henry and his wife, Kathryn Howard.  I can’t wait to see this place. I’ve got a family connection to the Tudor Court and this is going to be fabulous. I’m sure I’ll give you all lots of details when I get home. For now, Merry Christmas, 1540 style.

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Posted by: Author | December 22, 2011

Dining Out

Went out to eat at an awesome Turkish restaurant last night in Southwark. They had live music and tonight they will have belly dancers. Hate to miss that. Lol. It was a lovely place and the staff was quite friendly. I had a wonderful drink called an Alexsandrin Rasputin. Lots of fruits and a bit of Russian vodka. The meal was excellent. #1 son had lamb and #1 fiancé and I had chicken shish. I’m ashamed to say that #2 son and his father had Papa John’s pizza in the apartment.

Under the floor where we sat was Roman ruins. The floor was thick green glass and you could see the ruins under there. Wicked cool!

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Posted by: Author | December 21, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

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