Persephone Jones

Another Soon-To-Be-Best-Seller

2011-09-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

The best CP in the world released another killer story today. Give it up for Kitty Cahill!

Cougar's Kiss

2011-09-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

As of six o’clock this evening, I submitted Cougar’s Kiss to Shadowfire Press, my awesome publisher. At just over 66,000 words, it will be the longest work I’ve had published to date. If it gets accepted. *Fingers crossed*

A few acknowledgements are in order…

Thanks to Kitty Cahill, my gal pal and crit partner for being awesome, fun, and hard-working.

To J, The Husband from Heaven, for being an understanding sweetie when dinner consisted of take-out. Again.

And to my Mom, who’s always encouraged me.

I’ll post again soon with details about the edit process, the final wordcount and the cover. Can’t wait for that! *Sending get well wishes to Coyote*

Let's Hear It

2011-06-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Kitty Cahill, the BEST critique partner, in the world, has a debut today and I want to take the opportunity to plug her latest masterpiece of suspensful erotic fiction, Love's Vision. Awesome job, woman! :)

Busted Cover

2011-03-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

My publisher sent me an e-mail containing the cover art for a new story "Busted." A Jimmy Thomas cover at that. I think this would fall under the category of Impending-Orgasm-Boobie-Clutching Goodness.

Whoo hoo! I loves it.

Thanks, Michael! :)

http://www.jimmythomas.com/

Cougar's Kiss

2011-03-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

Working on a new story for SFP called "Cougar's Kiss." It's an interracial cougar shifter story. And when I say cougar shifter, I mean it in both senses of both words. My heroine is an older woman aka a cougar and she is a shapeshifter/werecougar.

My heroine is inspired by Sondra Locke a la Sudden Impact. (God, I love that movie.) Here's a pic of her. Isn't she lovely?

Below is a movie still from Sudden Impact.

This is my heroine's style of dress and is a good example of her wispy Southern belle look.

Mating Season Cover

2011-03-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

I didn't have any specific ideas for the cover of my latest story (usually I have some vague idea of how I would like a cover to look) so I told the creative powers that be at SFP to go for it. My only request was that they made sure to put a hot Native American guy on the cover. Score!

Here it is...my uber-super-duper cover for Mating Season. My (count it, people!) THIRD release with Shadowfire Press! Is the studly-muffinous hero coverbabe reeking of hawtness or what? :)

Accepted

2011-02-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

Shadowfire Press accepted "Mating Season"! Whoo-hoo! *Snoopy happy dance*

I did it. Comes out April 1st. No, seriously, that's not a joke. :)

Mating Season

2011-02-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

Back on New Year's Eve or thereabouts Michael Barnette of SFP asked me when I was going to send them more stories. I asked him if he was still accepting stories for the Easter line and he said they were. I had the perfect Easter-themed story, Mating Season. So I went to work for all of January getting it polished and submitted it today.

*huge sigh* Now for copious amounts of nail-biting, profuse sweating, and pins and needles-sitting.

This is the first submission without the aid of any CP and I hope I did a good job. Wish me luck!

Man Titty Overload

2011-01-30T22:22:00.000-08:00

I mentioned my hard drive crash to Scarlett Parrish on Twitter (@scarlettparrish) and she generously offered me a bunch of pics of James Purefoy from her personal collection. So kind! :) And the way she put it was hilarious.

"I just flooded your e-mailhole with pics of ovulation-inducing James Purefoy."

Thanks, sweetie!

Then when I said, "To hell with shitty BDSM." She complimented me and said, "That was the best tweet of the night."

Heehee!
Here's a link to Scarlett's pages...
http://scarlettparrish.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/scarlettparrish

I Made A Funny

2011-01-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I was sitting at my desk, trying to write. My neighbors were being noisy. I mean, really noisy. So I tweeted about it on Twitter. And apparently made a funny in the process. I said,

"I swear it sounds like they're violating each other's anal orafices. Not that I care as long as they do it a little quieter."

To which a Twitter bud of mine, @GallagherWitt, said,

"I think that may be the best tweet in the history of ever."

:D *huge grin*

Thanks for the compliment, lady!

Here's some links for her pages...
http://www.loriawitt.com/
http://navywifeadventures.blogspot.com/

Writer Birthday Bling

2011-01-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

Gots me a kewl new keyboard. Been wantin' a wireless one that lights up for forevers. Sweeet. The Logitech K800.
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/keyboards/keyboard/devices/7288?WT.mc_id=p_bazvoice_srchvoice&strf=Partner

And I got me two cool desktop things. A stiletto tape dispenser and a pink heart-shaped Post-It note dispenser.

My First Interview

2011-01-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

A Twitter pal, Sabrina Foreman, asked if she could interview me for her beautiful blog. I said "Hellz yeah!" or something equally as enthusiastic and if you want to check it out, please do. I had a good time answering her questions and would do it again in a heartbeat!

http://thecoffeebutterfly.wordpress.com/

Resolutions 2010

2010-12-31T23:33:00.000-08:00

Lemme start by saying emphatically, that in my humble opinion, resolutions are evil. E. Vil.
But unless you're a super-hero or heroine you're going to fall prey to the resolution-making virus that is New Year's Eve. Even if we don't share them, we're going to make them. And sadly, more than likely, we're going to break them.
Here are mine...I liken the feeling to pulling down one's pants and mooning the world.

1. Write more.
2. Publish more.
3. Exercise more. *muttered bitterly under my breath*
4. Make more writing contacts.
5. Improve thy self-esteem. *a constant up-hill, snowy blizzard, barefoot battle*
6. Actually wrote these down and will have to find the paper and return to this blog...

NaNoWriMo 2010

2010-11-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

I haz a win.

International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women

2010-11-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

Domestic violence is an unfortunate reality. This month, within my family, it became a personal reality.

Don't tolerate abuse. Stand up for those without a voice. Don't judge. Just love.

Celebrate November 25th as a day that should last all year.

http://www.nnedv.org/component/content/article/347-intldayvaw.html

Hard Drive Crash of 2010

2010-11-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

My hard drive crashed unexpectedly last night. I say unexpectedly like they're ever like, "Oh, pardon me--I'm gonna crash right here. You don't mind do you? You might wanna save your valuable shit before I do. K? Thnx."

I am NOT happy. I backup my writing on a memory stick every so often. But not my pics. I had thousands. Tons of pics I had collected over years and years and years.

Not my music.

Not my purchased e-books and stories. Bought and paid for and gone forever.

I HATE computers right now.

The Blur Of Summer

2010-08-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

In June, Texas became the new Fiery Pits Of Hell. Nothing new there.

In July, someone purchased one of my stories. Whoever you are, thank you. :) I appreciate it and hope you enjoyed it.

In August, Husband and I adopted/rescued a kitten. Stormy. She's a cute little shit and I love her. (Pics to come later.)

Honesty

2010-06-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

There are many pet causes and personal wars in which I gladly volunteer to fight, but depression, The Big D, The Big Black, The Black Dog, is one that is close to my heart. Unfortunately. It's sort of like that mole that the doctor says would hurt more to remove than leave there. Only he doesn't mention that leaving it there makes you want to jump off a cliff. Now that's what I call a win-win situation, right there.

My point? Depression has robbed me of so much. No scratch that. So freakin' much. The list is too long and sordid to go into but suffice to say, I shall never win the war, but I do occasionally kick depression's ass in a battle. But in recent weeks, it has been it's turn to reciprocate the steel-toed boot in my ass. And boy does that sonofabitch hurt. It has tried its damnedest to take away my peace of mind, my joy, my accomplishments, my sense of self. Well, today, munitions, supplies and backup managed to punch through and aid me when I needed it most. Music, physical activity and connection with my critique partner. They helped me.

Depression, Mr. D, may have me in his clutches again. As a matter of fact, it is inevitable. But not today. Today, I was a feather's width ahead of him. Today, I danced circles around him. Today my smile blinded his black eyes.

Today--is mine.

So, in the spirit of things, here's a video of a performer singing a song that fits the theme of this post. I could be phony and just post when things are happy and shiny but that's not me. Good, bad, ugly--that's honesty.

Thank You For Being A Friend

2010-06-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

A Golden Girl has passed away. Rue McClanahan. Aka Blanche Devereaux.

I adore "The Golden Girls" and watch them constantly. I know the scripts better than the girls do. I still laugh out loud at it.

Rest in peace, Rue. You rock.

Seeing Stars

2010-06-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

OMG.

Here is the cover for my second short story "Seeing Stars." Love it. I have finally achieved beefcake cover status. LOL.

Thanks again to my CP (currently missing in action) Kitty Cahill, my editor Helen Revell, my husband, my mom and of course Shadowfire Press for making it all possible. Big hugs for all!

You can purchase "Seeing Stars" tomorrow at Shadowfire Press!

Welcome Back, Musey Muse Muse Muse Muse

2010-05-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

(Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo and Edie McClurg as Nurse DeFarge in The Golden Girls Episode "Beauty and the Beast")

Finally.
Some wordage.
Not only that, but actual good wordage.
About 2K.
Two thousand and one hundred some odd words on a story that all of a freakin' sudden wants to be written.
Um...
Okay, Muse.
I'll just pretend I didn't notice your MONTH-long absence.
*Shrug*
No biggie.
I'll just sit here and keep typing.
Nooo problemo...

In Heaven's Arms

2010-05-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

"In Heaven's Arms" has officially debuted today at Shadowfire Press. It's my first story to be published. Ever. So I'm very excited. I love my cover. Check out the kewl tats!

I hope readers enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks to my CP, Kitty Cahill, and my editor, Helen Ravell, for helping me make it the best it could be.

And a hat's off to the other Shadowfire Press authors debuting titles today!

Cheers!

Covered

2010-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official. I got my cover for "In Heaven's Arms." Like a stalker, I've been visiting the Shadowfire Press website looking for my cover on a twice daily basis. Then yesterday, I saw a spot where it would eventually be. The title, price and a box for the cover had me smiling. Yea!

Then today, I got an e-mail from Michael that let me know it would "go live tomorrow. Wondering if there was a cover image yet, I went to the Shadowfire Press website and there it was. I right clicked and saved it to my computer and looked at it.

All I can say is...

I LOVE IT!

It's really kewl!

Doing the happy Snoopy dance!

Eh Edits

2010-05-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Finally finished up my edits for "Seeing Stars", my Fourth of July themed short story for Shadowfire Press. I don't know if it was the pollen or just plain 'ol procrastination, or that serious case of "The Blah's" but I took a long time to get these simple edits done.

ARG.

Fortunately, my inner dominatrix cracked the whip and I submitted like a good little girl. (Insert cracking whip sound effect here!) Now I don't have to lay awake in bed tonight feeling guilty. Hooray!

I like the changes I made. Hopefully my editor will too. And I'll have two, count 'em, TWO stories with Shadowfire Press! Woo-Hoo!

A Muse Gone

2010-04-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sad news. A muse of mine has passed away today. Peter Steele, lead singer and bassist for Type O Negative. Loved them. Loved him. He was so deliciously talented, funny and hawt.
Rest in peace, Peter. Your music lives forever.

Returning Author Packet

2010-04-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

I am now officially a "returning author" at Shadowfire Press. Heeeeeeee!
I filled out and signed my set of forms for "Seeing Stars" and sent them off.
I feel a fist pump coming on. In celebration of this latest victory, here is a small fist pump collection of images guaranteed to get you in the mood!

A villainous fist pump. Nice biceps, dude...

A feminist fist pump is definitely in order here.

And finally, the baby fist pump. (Okay, he's probably eating dirt here, but still...it totally works.)

Love Me Two Times

2010-04-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

I feel like Jim Morrison. "Seeing Stars" has been accepted by Shadowfire Press! I am very excited about being a twice-published author. Once again, I want to thank my awesome CP Kitty Cahill for helping me put the finishing touches on Payton and Savannah's story. HUGS! Her Scooby sense told her to tell me some good news was coming my way. And as usual, she was SO right. Then I checked the date. It's the 8th. Eight happens to be my all-time favorite/lucky number.

Now, I'm seeing stars.

Seeing Stars

2010-04-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

I sent my second submission "Seeing Stars" to Shadowfire Press today. It's for their Love and Fireworks: Fourth of July theme open call. Once again, my CP Kitty Cahill, helped me polish it and I send her a big red, white and blue kiss for it! (MWAH!)

Wish me luck!

P.S. When I went to the grocery store this evening, my checker's name was...get this--Payton. Is that a good omen or what? :)

Oh The Horror

2010-03-23T00:59:00.000-07:00

Gotta love the snail mail. It occured to me that I may not have put enough postage on my envelope containing my contracts to Shadowfire. There is but one word for this and that word is

ARG.

But it's all good as they say. If they come back the folks at Shadowfire told me to resend them. I think I'll be taking the envelope inside the post office next time this happens. Did you see that--"the next time"? Optimism! *Gasp*

P.S. Enjoy the evil mail kitty.

Signed Sealed Delivered

2010-03-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

I had my husband print up my contract forms for Shadowfire Press today. He brought them home, I signed and dated them, put them in an envelope, and addressed it. It's all ready to go back to Shadowfire tomorrow morning.

Wow!

The Surreal Life

2010-03-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning going from writer to contracted author. I filled out my new author info packet from Shadowfire Press. Talk about surreal. I never dreamed I'd be doing this.

Okay, technically that's not entirely accurate. I have in fact dreamed of signing contracts. But in my defense I've also dreamed of doing book signings and giving autographs and doing interviews and yes, even a screenplay for the motion picture adaptation of one of my books! Those were dreams!

This was real! Reality kicks ass.

Woo-Hoo

2010-03-18T18:09:00.000-07:00

The unbelievable has happened. My short story "In Heaven's Arms" has been accepted by the editors at Shadowfire Press. This is awesome news. It will be my first publication. I am sooo excited. :)

(Insert an even louder hysterical scream here...)
This part of my post is going to sound like it just got doused with a box of melted Velveeta cheese but I don't much care, since I have every right to be out of my mind for a second. This would not have been possible were it not for the support of my darling husband, my CP (the uber-awesome Kitty Cahill) and my mom. Not to mention the scores of English teachers who showered me with praise whenever I wrote something they liked.
Lastly thanks to Shadowfire Press for giving this girl a chance.
Hugs for everyone!

Luck O' The Irish

2010-03-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

The luck o' the irish. Wearing green. Being redheaded. Call it what you will. I got some wicked good news today. My short story, "In Heaven's Arms", has passed the preliminary reading and has been sent to the senior editor at Shadowfire Press! That I submitted--yesterday.
(Insert hysterical scream here...)
Needless to say, I believe...

Flying Free

2010-03-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Well, for better or worse my short story "In Heaven's Arms" is complete and out of the nest. I submitted it to Shadowfire Press with my CP's best wishes. I am nervous but also relieved.

Now, onto the next story! Back to work!

CP Heaven

2010-02-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

I just met the coolest--no the kewlest critique partner. She answered an ad I'd placed on the web for critique partners. Nothing much came of placing the ad, or so I thought. Then she sent me an e-mail and I've started chatting with her. Her writer name is Kitty Cahill and she rocks. I'm super excited because we really clicked from the word go. We have a lot in common and are having an awesome time helping each other out.

Dude Where's My Blog

2009-12-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

It just occured to me that somehow or 'nother (as they say in this here neck 'a the woods) I have like virtually no entries for 2009 on this my writer blog.

WTF?

No News Is Bad News

2009-02-01T15:30:00.001-08:00

The open call for the Ellora's Cave Caveman Anthology ended sometime late last year. The information sheet said they would make their decisions/notifications by the end of the calendar year. So since it is officially February I can safely say I probably didn't make the cut.

Meanwhile, yet another unpublished writer friend has been offered a contract with an erotic romance e-publisher. Which leads me to my next thought...am I really that bad?

Fifty Big Ones

2008-11-29T23:43:00.001-08:00

Yes Ma'am

2008-11-19T17:24:00.001-08:00

Conversation with my mother...

Mother: "You belong in one of those clubs."
Me: "An S and M club?"
Mother: "Yeah. You could be a dominatrix."
Me: "You think I'd make a good dominatrix?"
Mother: "Yeah, I do actually."

My Space

2008-11-16T21:59:00.001-08:00

It's kooky, childish, dark, cluttered, cool, scary, cute, and mine. It's my writing space. I stumbled upon this really cool website called The Writer's Cave some years ago and I always said I would take a snapshot of my writing space and post a link to the website. Well, here's both.

Note the books--not a tenth of what I have to my name. But the titles make me out to be a horror novelist and yet I write about sex and monsters. Okay, it's official. I'm warped.

And the muse. Otherwise known as Bosko the pug.

And the link: http://www.paigecuccaro.com/html/the_cave.html

Oops, I Did It Again

2008-11-02T21:26:00.001-08:00

No, not Britney...

Do I hear a thank God?

It's Nanowrimo time again.

The masochistic brain cells in my head are waking up to the possibility for pain and mental anguish.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T19:53:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween to all those who love the holiday/occasion as much as I. And an extra Happy Halloween to my husband and I who were married on this day ten years ago.

Here's a snapshot of my purdy roses.

Kilting Me Softly

2008-10-02T20:57:00.001-07:00

Just submitted a Scottish werewolf short to Phaze. I sent it off just before Oct 1st. Wish me luck!

The Caveman

2008-09-26T16:01:00.001-07:00

It's Friday and I feel like a 9-to-5 regular having just completed my short story "The Caveman." I'm planning on sending it off tonight. Thanks to my fab cp, Cynthia Rayne, I think I have a shot at this publishing thing. :)

Thanks Cyn!

P.S. Here's a link to Cynthia's awesome work. You go CRay!
http://www.ellorascave.com/AuthorsBooks.asp?AuthorCode=CRay

Switching Gears

2008-09-09T20:09:00.001-07:00

After chatting with Cynthia, my super-fab-totally-awesome cp, I decided to work on some smaller, more managable projects and let the novels simmer on the back burner for a while. Ellora's Cave has some tasty calls on their website.

I'm having naughty thoughts already...

Seriously Stoked

2008-08-11T13:56:00.001-07:00

My prayers were answered. I finally, finally FINALLY got a critique partner. And not just any critique partner. She's Cynthia Rayne and she's like totally awesome! She's an Ellora's Cave author and writes erotic romance which is perfect since that's what I write. Yea! (Doing the Snoopy dance)

As they say in Cali, I'm seriously stoked!

Arg!

2008-07-30T22:58:00.001-07:00

No, that's not my pirate imitation. It's the sound of a writer losing her mind.

And I was doing so well...

Then--BAM!

Epiphany.

Fourth book idea. "Look at me! Look at me! Aren't I great? Great idea. Switch Third book plot with new plot. You won't have to make that many changes--"

...just ten or twenty THOUSAND words!"

Damn you muse! (Wailing and gnashing of teeth)

Slow and Steady

2008-07-15T16:58:00.001-07:00

I don't know if I'll win any race but I'm bound to finish this novel if I keep up this progress. I would love to write more but it just isn't possible right now. I'm just ecstatic that I can write anything decent on a regular basis.

I am working on the first chapter, getting a good first draft of it so I can move on. Beginnings are difficult for me. Before I started actually writing TSF I had two to three thousand words of notes, scraps of dialogue, ideas for settings, wardrobe or plot.

Then came the planning. Weeks of it. I put my dry-board to use and bought Post-Its digital note software to help me out. (Try it, it's awesome). All of it really fruitful.

Now the writing. I like my first sentence and paragraph pretty well. Well enough to go forward anyway. I'm using the lyrics for a David Bowie song in the first scene. It's on my playlist by the way.

I also added a cool wordcount progress meter.

Heat, Pug Pee and Hellboy 2

2008-07-12T17:53:00.001-07:00

Man, it is hot! Today was one of the hottest days so far and it took a little out of me. Heat doesn't usually bother me too much seeing as how I don't spend much time outside as a rule. But I did today and now I'm beat.

Well, I also got up waaay earlier than I usually do because I had to take a urine sample to the vet before they closed at noon. I'm anxious for the pug pee issue to be resolved. I've almost slipped and broke my ass twice.

So while I was out, Husband and I caught an early matinee of "Hellboy 2." Overall, pretty good but a little disappointing. It got really good reviews which pleased me but now that I've seen it for myself I'm thinking maybe the reviews weren't critical enough. Not critical as in mean, critical as in analyzed. On the one hand I thought it was visually stunning but on the other I felt the visuals almost clouded the story. And the erratic pacing left me antsy. The script was good and there was some good humor but all in all, the whole thing needed cohesion. Still, I'd recommend it. Guillermo Del Toro is a visionary.

Work In Progress

2008-07-08T01:31:00.001-07:00

When in doubt about which of two things to consider always choose neither. Scrapped the candy-themed story and shelved it for later development.

Been working nearly every day in June and this month on To Sy For, the first installment of an erotic urban fantasy trilogy set in a fictional city in Texas. I had actually written what will eventually be Book 2, Happily Ever Aster first. Then I wrote or rather started writing what I thought was Book 2, which as it stands will end up being Book 3, Tal Dark and Handsome. (No, that's not a typo). Only after those two started coming into focus did I start the third story which is Book 1, To Sy For.

So to make a long, convoluted story short, if I can get this novel written, the second and third novels are gravy at least compared to this one.

I hit 10,000 words today so I'm happy. I'm averaging about 1000 a day which isn't as much as I'd like of course but I'll take it over zilch k.

Currently reading "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy. Amazing style.

June Wrap Up

2008-06-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

Lots going on in the world of Persephone Jones. Keeping busy with various projects. Got slightly derailed for a couple weeks but am now doing much better on the productivity front.

More to come...

Friday the 13th

2008-06-13T21:20:00.001-07:00

Cha cha cha
Kill kill kill
Ha ha ha...

Dead in the Head

2008-06-12T18:13:00.001-07:00

Been busting my mental ass trying to form the plot for a Valentine-candy themed story for a July 1st 2008 deadline for Ellora's Cave.

ARG!!!

Tired and Moody

2008-06-02T17:07:00.001-07:00

I don't know what's wrong with me today. I'm not exactly depressed but I feel moody and tired. I feel groggy like I can't get woke up.

I'm being torn in two different directions creatively and am starting to feel both story ideas SUCK. So I don't know which one to work on.

I've got a deadline here people and I think my Muse is on vacation!

Grrr...

Mega Mondo Update

2008-06-01T11:53:00.001-07:00

Husband is doing some work on my website this weekend. He added a music player to my blog which rocks. Pun intended.

Inspiration

2008-05-30T16:17:00.001-07:00

Watching late night TV and surfing the net I caught "The Crow 4" and it featured the four horsemen of the apocalypse characters done in a contemporary style. It got me thinking. What about an erotic, romantic version of the four horsemen?

April

2008-04-22T15:59:00.001-07:00

April was a little better for writing but far from ideal. I tried my damndest to get something ready for Ellora's Cave but my brain had other ideas.

Disappointment and Consolation

2008-04-06T13:46:00.001-07:00

Dark Eden Press is no more. Curiosity and anticipation led to concern when the deadline came and went for the Scottish Nocturnal contest and no winners were announced. So I visited the website and there was a post, a very sad one, stating that the owner's cancer had returned. So she decided to close Dark Eden Press to focus on healing and being with family.

I was totally bummed.

But I have to look on the bright side. I didn't get a rejection. I get more time to tweak my story. I get to submit it to someone else.

Hopefully all will work out and cancer will get its ass kicked.

March

2008-03-25T21:57:00.001-07:00

March has been a bad month for me as far as writing goes.

Kilting Me Softly

2008-01-28T19:36:00.001-08:00

A big deep breath and "Kilting Me Softly" is out of my hands. With much trepidation and fatigue I sent it to Dark Eden Press for their Scottish Nocturnal contest. It was a wee bit over their word count requirement but hopefully that won't be what disqualifies it.

Wish me luck!

Back To The Drawing Board

2008-01-10T22:37:00.001-08:00

Samhain decided not to select "Hot Wings" for their anthology. They said they loved the premise but felt they the hero and heroine didn't meet soon enough. Fair enough and easy to change. I will put them on my "Keep Trying" list.

Sweet Release

2008-01-09T11:11:00.001-08:00

For better or worse, "Hot Wings" is born. I sent it to Samhain's open call for their Red Hot Summer anthology.

I am nursing a cold, I'm tired and the last thing I want to do is think anymore about this story.

It's written and done at least for now. I feel good about the creation I sent out into the world and the rest is in the hands of fate. They make their announcement/decision on February 1. I'll know then how I did.

Beeline For A Deadline

2008-01-07T21:04:00.001-08:00

Just a couple more days until I must submit "Hot Wings" to Samhain for their Red Hot Romance summer anthology. I don't know if my story will be exactly what they're looking for with regard to the theme of summer, but we'll see soon enough. I will need all the time I have left to get it polished and then there's always that awful feeling of uncertainty...

Not that I'll have much time to worry about it. Fortunately, they will make their decision in a matter of weeks after the deadline so I will suffer only so long. Also, I have another submission deadline for Dark Eden Press, a newer publisher that looks really promising. They're in Texas, so that's an added bonus. I have two weeks to get my story right and I'll probably need every waking moment of it.

After that, I can take a breather...but not for long! More deadlines are around the corner in June. Between February and May I am going to send in a few things to Liquid Silver and see how that goes.

Busy bee.

Gimme A "K"

2007-09-17T13:22:00.001-07:00

Still hard at work editing Kalynth Sun. I had about forty to fifty pages of notes for alterations, elaborations, and such. Then a couple of days ago, I had an epiphany. I am going to change my hero's occupation from bodyguard to Chief of Security. It gets them together sooner and helps the erotic plot.

(SIGH)

I may end up entering this thing into Nanowrimo just to get it edited and submitted by year's end. What a way to start 2008!

May We Never Forget

2007-09-11T10:22:00.001-07:00

KS Edits

2007-09-04T15:33:00.001-07:00

I'm in the process of editing Kalynth Sun. I decided to go back to the beginning and let the short stories I've been working on for the last three months simmer a while. Kalynth Sun is for the most part a done deal. I have only to go through and edit a little and make the most of the scenes, give them a little sprucing up and then I'm sending it in.

I am ambivalence at its finest. On the one hand, I am the parent of this child that needs to be out on her own, making a name for herself without me, on the other I want it to be ready for the world, the best it can be. I don't want to have to hide my head in shame over its failings.

I'm giving myself the first part of September to get it done. Then, I'm going to give it another go with a publisher. Kalynth Sun is the only novel-length project I've ever submitted. That was 2005, I think for the JERR/EC Erotic Pen Writing Contest. And while I did very well with the reviewers, my story fell short. This time, it won't.

Six O' Clock Update with Persephone

2007-08-23T15:45:00.001-07:00

August in Texas. Triple-digit heat and that time of the month. But shock of all shocks, I'm not complaining.

Writing has been good to me this summer.

Submitted and pending approval/rejection @ Ellora's Cave--"Garnets Are a Goddess' Best Friend" (Story about my namesake)
Just Finished--"Busted" (Sexy BDSM cop story)
Editing--"Hot Chocolate" (Fae) and "Hot Wings" (Shamara series)

I hate to sound like a beer commerical, but "it's all good."

On the homefront, I have good news to report. Jason is moving back home. He found a good job here and will be coming back in two weeks. It was a major decision since he liked his job in Dallas and they liked him, but his health suffered, commuting back and forth five days a week and weekends to see me and help out here.

So, after a year of being separated, we'll be a normal married couple again...
well, more normal let's say.

P.S. Happy Birthday Blogger! Who gets to spank you?

Busted

2007-08-13T21:05:00.001-07:00

"Busted" is the name of my BDSM cop story. I had originally dug it out of the slush pile for a possible submission to Resplendence. But I decided rather than submit something sub-standard, I will keep it and rework it for a later date. I want it to be the best it can be and it's already damn good.

Thematically, it deals with the subject of dominance and submission, something that I have tinkered with before but not to completion. This is my first shot at BDSM so I want to do it justice and not come off as an amateur.

It's a story about a stripper and a police officer. I've always wanted to write a sexy cop story and this fits the bill beautifully. I've always wanted to write about a stripper and my heroine is someone I think readers will not only relate to but laugh at and enjoy. Best of all, it features a big, lovable dog. What's not to love?

Flirting With the Muse

2007-07-30T19:35:00.001-07:00

The muse of erotic love is flirting with me. I don't know what I did or what color underwear she likes me to wear but I've been coming up with some really good ideas as of late, i.e. "Garnets Are a Goddess' Best Friend."

I came up with another story idea called "Hot Chocolate" for a submissions call regarding winter stories. So far, I like where my little story is going. I don't have enough words yet but when it's all said and done I think I will.

And there's another story brewing on the back burner... :)

Final Word Count

2007-07-26T19:12:00.001-07:00

Well, I did it. I sent it off. Final word count: 11,283. "Garnets Are a Goddess' Best Friend" is done.

I am mad as Hell at myself though. I meant to hit spellcheck one more time and I forgot. So I sent my manuscript off with a misspelled word. I'm such a dumb-ass. If it gets rejected for that then I don't want to be with them anyway!

I hope the story is well-received. If not, it was yet another opportunity to flex my writing muscle. And even if they can't tell it, I'm getting better all the time.

8K

2007-07-20T19:10:00.001-07:00

It's after 5 in the morning and I just passed 8 thousand words.

I have a week and a half to get it done.

I don't want to curse myself, but I feel really good about this one.

Off to bed.

Second Draft

2007-07-16T19:09:00.001-07:00

As of 3 AM I am at just over 7400 words on my entry to Ellora's Cave. The short story is starting to take shape and I generally like it. I need to keep at it if I want it to be the best it can be by the end of this month. Ideally I'd like to have it ready in plenty of time so that I might be afforded a night or two to sleep on it. That way if something comes to me in the last hours, I will have time to make any final corrections. Also, with my life being so emotionally tumultuous I am wanting some spare time in case some day-to-day shit hits the fan.

Well, Jason will be up in a couple of hours, so I think I'll just chill 'til then, make him breakfast, and then hit the sack around 5.

Japanese Food, Chocolate and Animated Exhibits

2007-07-10T19:07:00.001-07:00

Friday night Jason, his mom and I went to a little place called Edohana Hibachi and Sushi. It was no bigger than my mom's closet and we sat at the only table they had left which was by the door. The place was packed and clearly a Texas Christian University favorite. Nearly everyone in there was a yuppie or a goodie-goodie college girl. But I didn't care because God, I love sushi! I sipped green tea, scarfed some yummy sushi and sashimi and loved every second of it. It was SO good.

We had our usual favorites which were good and I tried some new stuff that was excellent(Volcano and Panic roll). See a volcano and then panic right? Actually, the panic roll was spicy and the volcano was mild and creamy, but it was all so delish!

Jason's mom made the mistake of mentioning a Marble Slab Creamery in the vicinity so I indulged myself.

Afterwards we relaxed and watched Night at the Museum. I loved Rexy the T-Rex and the monkey. Robin Williams was awesome as usual.

Day at the VA

2007-07-10T19:05:00.001-07:00

When Jason and I lived in San Antonio, he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. I would usually accompany him on his trips to BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center) whenever he had a doctor's appointment. The first time I went with him it was a very unique experience. There's a lot of sad things to see but there's also a really cool prevailing spirit in the faces of the veterans.

I always have a good time when I'm with Jason but this trip to the VA was cool for a somewhat selfish reason. I've been looking for Butter Rum LifeSavers for almost a year now. I don't know what happened but it's like they went off the radar and disappeared. Like Bermuda Triangle disappeared. Everywhere I looked it was "We have Winter Green" or "We have these new sweet and sour pucker your face like your butt ones" but no Butter Rum.

Then in the PX while we were just browsing and killing time until his appointment, Jason grabs a fistful of candy and I'm thinking "Damn, my husband's suddenly craving a copious amount of candy for someone who proclaims to be "not that into sweets" when I see what beautiful bounty he holds in his clutches.

BUTTER RUM LIFE SAVERS!!!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

It was the beginning of a fine, fine day.

A Quiet House

2007-06-25T18:56:00.001-07:00

Well, it's early Monday morning and I sit in a quiet house. Another weekend passed. I was away for a few and see everyone's been posting like mad. It's always cool to sit and chill out, reading the inner workings of strangers' minds. Sort of like group therapy.

As of Saturday evening, over a plate of Frito pie and fried potatoes, I officially became a moron by the way. I was mistaken about the visitors. They weren't coming this weekend but next. I cling to the edge of euphoria with breathy gasp and heaving girded busom...

Okay, not really.

Jason was here this weekend which is always good in this blog author's mind. It's nice to have him here. I'll get to go on a mini-vacation of sorts to the DFW area for three or four days (the first vacation I've had in four years) while the visitors are here, so that'll be cool. I hope I don't have too good a time, I might run away and not come back!

I'm making notes on my second novel while I fill in the blanks on the first, the one I've mentioned in recent posts. Some much-needed backstory is coming into view and I rather like where things are going.

My God, was that a glimmer of optimism shining faintly in the dark?...nah. :)

Dreaming While Waking

2007-06-13T18:52:00.001-07:00

Ever had one of those dreams where you’re not exactly awake but not exactly asleep either? It’s called lucid dreaming and I’ve had some of my best ideas while in that mode. I hadn’t had one in a long time and this morning I had a good one. For a long time now I’ve been working on one of my stories, a 50k word science fiction erotic romance novel. Well, the ending always had me feeling ‘blah’ and like it didn’t deliver, anti-climactic in other words. It doesn’t matter how good the story is if the ending sucks. It’s the ending that a reader finishes with so it needs to be as good or better than the beginning and the middle. This morning it all came to me. An extra scene or two and a stronger sense of resolution. Finally. Now I regroup and plan my attack. It looks like I’ve got a good chance of getting it published considering that when I entered the manuscript in a contest a couple Summers ago, I got really good marks. I’ve been reworking it on and off since and at long last I might be seeing the end of this project.As we say in Texas I really really really want to finish this ‘summbitch.’

Turdsday

2007-05-17T18:44:00.001-07:00

Thursday or as I like to say sometimes, Turdsday.

Today was my husband's birthday. Unfortunately, we're apart this year due to the fact that he has to work in another town to make decent pay.

The town where I live has shit for computer jobs and it's a little goodie-goodie town where everyone knows everyone and if you're not a part of the good-ol-boy network (or the Cult as I like to call it) then you're on your own. (Cue up the Children of the Corn music.)

But Jason will be here the last weekend in May and we'll party then.

Happy Birthday, Jason. XXX

Kids These Days

2007-03-24T17:10:00.001-07:00

I watched the teeny-bopper supernatural horror flick "Covenant" last night or early this morning (whichever you prefer).

SIGH...

You know what I'm gonna say before I say it, don't you?

Super-pretty bad boys jumping off cliffs reminiscent of "The Lost Boys", fake chase scenes where the actors aren't trusted to drive on a real road, bad CGI, gay boy band reject actors (the actresses even joke about it) and a silly little plot all make for a very slick little pooper of someone's money. What do you expect from a film where the climax posits good pretty boy against bad pretty boy playing a witchcraft version of catch?

The only nice thing I'll say about this movie is that from a female feminist's perspective, I appreciate that this movie was about male witches rather than females.

...Okay, two things. The soundtrack's not bad, either.

Made Up

2007-03-24T15:12:00.001-07:00

My clown phase. Artists go through phases. And I guess I'm in my clown phase. I've been buying makeup like crazy lately. Eye shadow pencils, sparkley shadow, eyeglide, lipglide, fancy lip moisturizers, mascara. Even a big fancy metal makeup case to hold it all. We're talking a couple hundred dollars worth of stuff. And I've never been one of those people that felt compelled to wear makeup if I was going out somewhere. If I had time and more to the point felt like applying it, I would wear it, but never one of those "I-can't-step-foot-out-the-door-because-I'm-not-wearing-any-makeup" people. Is it vanity? Age? Neurosis? Or a new obsession?

Be scared. Be very scared.

This Is The Zodiac Not Speaking

2007-03-22T12:28:00.001-07:00

For the first time in the history of our relationship, my mother and I thought we would go to a movie together. The Zodiac would've appreciated our efforts. The breezy March night was virtually dripping with disappointment.

So Thursday night, off we go in search of the Zodiac. The first theatre unapologetically reported "technical difficulties" and further said that they would not be fixed because that night was the last night for Zodiac.

Undeterred, we ventured across town to yet another theatre only to find that Zodiac was not showing there.

Finally, we went to a third theatre, the newest in town, and got tickets to the 10:35 showing. The theatre employee had difficulty printing the ticket but finally produced two of them and I rejoiced, even though they said 7:30 on them.

So, happy and encouraged, my mom and I went to a nearby Fazolli's and dined where we enjoyed some pasta but no extra bread. You know they're supposed to walk around and offer it. Well, they didn't. (Don't get me started on my fast food horrors as of late.)

So after we finished eating, we went back to the theatre and got a drink, went to the bathroom, and sat around until the 7:30 feature ended.

Finally, the 7:30 crowd left and we went in. My mother and I were the only people in the theatre. We sat through some awful country music and read the coercively boring advertisments as they scrolled and repeated on the screen ad nauseum. Finally, around 10:50, a janitor comes in and starts cleaning. I send my mother out to inquire WTF is going on. She comes back with guess who? The little moron theatre employee who sold me the tickets and tells my mother and I that there is no 10:35 showing of Zodiac. Furthermore, there never was a 10:35 showing of Zodicac during the week. And, he blames the girl who took our tickets for selling us the incorrect tickets when in fact, he did. Our compensation? Two free tickets and free admission any Wednesday.

Poor mom. She was dieing to see Zodiac. What's worse is she never goes to the show/movies. And she didn't get to this time, either. And it doesn't look like we'll be going anytime soon. Other than "300" there's nothing coming in the remote future I'd pay a penny to see. So needless to say, since my husband and I have seen "300", my mom and step-father will get to see it for free.

But that leaves two free admissions to see something else. Choices, choices.

300

2007-03-18T17:47:00.001-07:00

I think it's safe to say, someone named Persephone would be interested in Greek mythology. Even safer to say that they would appreicate well-made movies about Greek mythology. Okay, maybe even shitty ones, since the selection of Greek mythology movies is so scarce.

"300" would make any Greco-Roman proud.

Jason and I went to see it Friday night. We hadn't been to the movies at night in a long time because it's more expensive to go at night, but we splurged and ended up having a good time. And was this the movie on which to splurge or what?? Believe me, this film lives up to the hype unlike so many others. It's an absolute stunning visual experience. While violent and drizzled with a bit of nudity, the barbaric savagery of the setting deems it appropriate in its context. So much comes together in this magnificent piece of work (script, acting, cinematography, score) that I'm not at all surprised it's sweeping the box office. If you get a chance, go see this flick. This is one I'll be picking up for my permanent collection. It rocks.

New and Improved

2007-03-04T20:58:00.001-08:00

My husband, aka SuperGeek, has published an updated version of my website. He's still tweeking it here and there and perfecting the imperfectable but I'm proud of it. Now if I could just do my part and get published.

P.S. Don't forget to say 'hi' to my babies, Roy and Ruby.

Nothing To Lose My Head Over

2007-03-01T18:53:00.001-08:00

A headless statue of Hera was discovered in Dion Greece last year and will be formally presented tomorrow but can be viewed on the web as of an hour ago. I thought I'd mention it since I have an interest in Greek mythology and my pen name and alter-ego is that of Persephone. I also found the statue to have special significance due its decapitated state. It tells me that not getting a notice of acceptance from Amber Quill isn't the end of the world and (warning, pun approaching) is nothing to lose my head over. I'll just keep plugging away and one day when I least expect it or forget entirely that I had even submitted something, I'll get a nice little note in my in-box stating that someone loves me--truly loves me. Okay, so I don't really care if they love me, just as long as they love my stories. In true goddess fashion, I sat down and worked on another one of my stories in the Shamara series and spent the night brainstorming versus sobbing in my beer. Hera would be proud.

Well Shit

2007-03-01T01:00:00.001-08:00

AQP’S 4TH ANNUAL AMBER HEAT WAVE CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Okay, so I didn't win a contract with Amber Quill. I'm wondering if I'll get an e-mail response or if I'll get any sort of constructive criticism for my story. I really liked my story and thought it was good. Original, erotic and well-developed, I feel it had a lot to offer. Three of the seven winning pieces were gay themed, (not that I have anything against gay erotica mind you) but if that's what they were looking for, they might've said so or had a special call for gay stories.
Oh well. Back to the drawing board as they say. I will NOT be deterred in my quest to be published! Two major erotic romance publishers really liked my work and would've published it were it not for a few easily-fixed problems. So, keeping that in mind, here I go again.

Here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I've ever known

P.S. Note to self: Work on my cartwheels for possible Whitesnake reunion video.

Something Witchy

2007-02-27T23:53:00.001-08:00

An infamous man once said, "If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."

I'm anxiously awaiting word from Amber Quill on my witchy thing and I hope I did it well. I submitted "Hot Wings" to them for their anuual contest and I'm hoping I made a good impression. Even if I don't make the final cut, I'd like to think I will have shown them something of my potential as a writer. Tomorrow is the 28th, the last day of the month. Announcements will be made on the 1st. Anticipation is a witch. Wish me luck.

My Heart Is a Dirge

2007-02-21T20:15:00.001-08:00

Have you ever felt your heart would literally break inside you?

Have you ever felt it would burn its way out of your chest and leave a giant gaping hole where it used to be?

Can you feel the assault of sorrow sitting high on your chest when you breathe?

Can you hear the gossip song of the wind in the trees, whispering as you walk by?

Do you notice the small surge beneath your eyes as they float on the flood of your tears?

Feel the numbing stillness take hold?

I miss you.

One Is A Lonely Number

2007-02-21T20:05:00.001-08:00

Loneliness

1 Coming from the word solitude or solus meaning “alone” or sole meaning “single.”
2 The state of being lonely.
3 Undesired solitude.
4 One.
5 The feeling of isolation occurring when one is by one’s self or with others.
6 Being unable to converse, exchange or accompany.
7 Remote or apart from things and people.

Perplexed

2007-02-20T21:06:00.001-08:00

how can you tell whether you're tired or depressed?

i'm sitting here and just staring. tv is dull and boring. the weather is wet, humid but not as warm as it could be. still, outside looks and feels like sweaty underwear.

i'm bored. i'm lonely. i'm depressed. and i guess i'm tired.

Not In the Mood For Love

2007-02-14T12:00:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Hardline Hindu activists protested against celebrations of St
Valentine in the Indian capital on Wednesday, calling them immoral and a corruption of the country's ancient civilisation.
Marking the year's most romantic day has become increasingly popular in India, led by retailers who do healthy business selling rose-coloured greeting cards and heart-shaped balloons, and restaurants offering discount candlelight meals for two.
But it has also sparked demonstrations.
About 150 members of the pro-Hindu political party Shiv Sena gathered in New Delhi, shouting "Down with Western culture!" and "Death to Valentine's Day!" as they waved saffron-coloured flags.
"Valentine's Day promotes obscene cards and nudity and encourages our youngsters to be publicly affectionate in parks and other places -- this is against our ancient civilisation," said Jai Bhagwan Goyal, head of Shiv Sena in the capital.
"This western creation is corrupting our young people and making them have immoral thoughts ... we are already seeing that there are more evil crimes like rape happening in India."
In Mumbai, the scene of violent protests in the past, love seemed to conquer all and the day passed off peacefully.
Tens of Shiv Sena protesters burnt Valentine's cards in Jaipur and tried to enter the city's main park to harass courting couples, but were stopped by police.
Satellite television, the internet, films and travel have led traditionally conservative middle-class Indians to adopt more liberal attitudes towards sex.
But public hugging and kissing, even in urban areas, still invite angry stares, lewd comments and even beatings.

I think somebody needs to get laid.

What Is The Sexiest Job?

2007-02-13T13:30:00.001-08:00

What Is the Sexiest Job? Dan Malachowski, Salary.com

Making a lot of money doesn't necessarily make you sexy.
In last year's poll conducted by Salary.com, firefighter hosed down the competition and won the title of "sexiest job" of 2006 with 16 percent of the nearly 5,000 votes. These brave, uniformed public servants won out over other high-paying jobs like doctor, lawyer, and chief executive officer.
What job will be sexiest in 2007? Read on to find out how to cast your vote.
Heart Trumps Riches
Take it from the wife of a firefighter: "How could you not find it sexy when a person is willing to risk his life for another's; literally walk through fire? You can't put a price tag on that. It is not just a job to them, but a way of life. It is who they are."
Flight attendant also flew high, finishing second in the poll with 13 percent of the vote. (A complete list of the 2006 sexiest jobs and their salaries is available at Salary.com).
CEO Holds StrongMoney and power still matter, however, as chief executive officer (CEO) climbed the corporate ladder to third in the poll, capturing 11 percent of the vote. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the average CEO across all U.S. metros earns a cool $610,000 per year.
Other high-paying jobs like doctor and lawyer did not fare quite as well, finishing ninth and tenth respectively. The doctor may be feeling sick after only receiving 7 percent of the vote, while the job title of lawyer obviously lost its sex appeal with 4 percent.
Popular TV Character Jobs Also SexyOther hot jobs in the poll included reporter and interior designer, each receiving 10 percent of the vote. The recent "sexiness" of these jobs may be fueled by the popularity of TV's Debra Messing, who played interior designer Grace Adler on "Will and Grace"; Sarah Jessica Parker, who was newspaper columnist Carrie Bradshaw on "Sex and the City"; and casts of such home-improvement shows as "Trading Spaces" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." These people may look good on screen, but like the firefighter, they aren't making too much dough.
Is It the Milkman?
We also found out -- based on a large number of write-in votes -- that you don't necessarily have to be a firefighter to be considered hot.
Some of the most popular write-in votes included dental hygienist, pilot, marine, police officer, physical therapist, chef, and high-level executive jobs for women. And if your job wasn't listed, don't give up yet! There are people out there who also mentioned these jobs as sexy: parcel deliverers, CPAs, electrical line workers, radiological technologists, and of course, the proverbial "milkman."
Vote for Sexiest in 2007
Can firefighters extinguish the competition for another year? You can vote for the sexiest job in Salary.com's new poll, through the end of February.

Everybody's Working for the Weekend

2007-02-11T21:00:00.001-08:00

I had a pretty decent weekend. My husband was here and we celebrated our St. Valentine's Day early since the special day falls on a weekday. We went to TGI Friday's and ordered that three course combination appetizer/entree/dessert deal. We got the green bean fries with some awesome Cucumber Wasabi Ranch dip and the pork dumplings with the Szechaun dipping sauce.

So good!

And dems jist da appatizahs!

Must to my delight and surprise, the Spanish fantasy flick Pan's Labyrinth came to town and so fearful the God-fearing folk of this neck of the woods would run it out of the theatre with giant crucifixes, I ran to see it. And boy, did it NOT disappoint. It possesses the dark and light of magic, the sweetness and savagery of life and best of all, features a female as the main character. The soundtrack is heartbreaking.

If it comes anywhere near you, check it out. However, I will make an advisement. This film is violent and contains adult themes including torture and violence to children. So, leave the small kiddies with a sitter and use judgement with the older ones.

I also watched Grudge 2 with my folks. Not as good as the first, but decent. Choppy and not all that scary but if you're curious how the grudge and those dark-haired ghosts could get us all the way over here in America, watch it.

My husband is jonesing to see "23" as am I and "300" hooked me with its awesome photography and huge muscled men. Of course, the Nine Inch Nails music didn't hurt it none!

The only thing that would have made the weekend better is if my husband and I could've been alone in our own place. But, all in all, still a really good weekend.

Second Base

2007-02-09T15:58:00.001-08:00

No, not the sexual second base, ripe with fondling and groping, especially of the breasts and sometimes referred to as "hands in the blouse" and possibly stimulation of the genitals outside of the clothing, but...

Second base as in the second story, book, novel, brainchild, literary work. After slugging it out with a bout of PMDD (see this lively topic get dealt with in a previous post) I think I finally have a skeleton that might dance on its own. I realized I lacked conflict and decided to rain a shit-storm on my characters. But it's too early to tell yet if this will help at all.

My hero and heroine will have roughly the same amount of enemies, nemeses, and baddies after them. I just hope there's time enough for what really counts--SEX.

Gimme a Hug

2007-02-07T12:50:00.001-08:00

ROME (Reuters) - Call it the eternal embrace.
Archaeologists in Italy have discovered a couple buried 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, hugging each other.
"It's an extraordinary case," said Elena Menotti, who led the team on their dig near the northern city of Mantova.
"There has not been a double burial found in the Neolithic period, much less two people hugging -- and they really are hugging."
Menotti said she believed the two, almost certainly a man and a woman although that needs to be confirmed, died young because their teeth were mostly intact and not worn down.
"I must say that when we discovered it, we all became very excited. I've been doing this job for 25 years. I've done digs at Pompeii, all the famous sites," she told Reuters. "But I've never been so moved because this is the discovery of something special."
A laboratory will now try to determine the couple's age at the time of death and how long they had been buried.

Funkin' PMDD

2007-02-06T03:00:00.001-08:00

I HATE the four or five days before my menstrual cycle.

As many as 3-8% of women may have a more severe condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMS and PMDD are not the same. Women with PMDD become seriously depressed for a week or more before their periods.

A woman may have PMDD if she has 5 or more of the following symptoms during the premenstrual week and for most cycles during the past year:

Depression (feeling despair or hopelessness, not just sadness)
Anxiety (keyed up, on edge)
Severe mood swings (feeling suddenly sad or extremely sensitive to rejection)
Anger or irritability
Decreased interest in usual activities (work, school, friends, hobbies)
Difficulty concentrating
Decreased energy
Appetite changes (overeating or cravings for certain foods)
Sleep problems (can’t sleep or wake up early, or oversleeping)
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness or headaches

I'm A-Workin'

2007-02-05T12:54:00.001-08:00

Last night after an entire day spent organizing all my writing clutter, I printed up and did a read-through of Tal, Dark and Handsome, editing as I went. This story is good. I am going to pretty it up and see what I can do about getting this submitted somewhere.

Until then, here's a sexy beast.

Sick

2007-02-02T22:44:00.001-08:00

I'm sick of being sick!

Twice in one month.

Jeez.

Can one human body really contain that much snot?

Whilst in a foggy cold medicated haze, I submitted something substandard to Phaze and got rejected all in a matter of two or three hours. I had too beefy a story to be contained within a short story's parameters. But the good news is I now understand what they're looking for with the HeatSheets. So all is not lost.

Also, Ellora's Cave has a specific call for submissions that I didn't know about until a day or two ago. I don't know yet if I will try for any of these, but I have a little time to decide.

Meanwhile, I'll just keep blowin' my spooky honker.

You and Your Third Dimension

2007-02-01T12:49:00.001-08:00

It's Aqua Teen Hunger Force! Run, run for your lives!

Hot, Hot, Hot

2007-01-25T01:42:00.001-08:00

I had to start a new post. I didn't want too much of my creative endeavors tainted by my vicious, unpatriotic, un-American evil Democrat-loving hate-mongering.

(snicker)

Had a really good idea for yet another story and spent the night outlining it. I don't want to give too much away but...it's...dirty. Yeah, that's it. Dirty.

Got hot just thinking about it! That's a good sign, right?

Keep On Rockin'

2007-01-25T01:23:00.001-08:00

Keep on rockin' in the free world...

For as long as you can, my friends. I can't help but think current kings aside that we'll get nuked any day now.

Did you catch our Vice President on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer? I don't usually blog on politics but I can't not blog on this. Folks, that white-haired smirking bastard thinks he's got you fooled. And worse than that, he's the rudest son-of-a-bitch that ever walked.

Sigh. That doesn't feel a whole lot better to tell you the damned truth.

Oh, so, lemme get this straight. Your daughter isn't a lesbian, she's just friends for fifteen years with another woman both of whom have never been married and, and, and they like children and came up with this neat idea to have a child by artifical insemination because neither one of them ever got married and so they decided they'd raise it together. And you're "proud" of your daughter, right? And asking questions about her is "out of line."

All-righty.

And Hillary wouldn't make a good president because "She's a Democrat." In other words this thing called the Constitution that all those people died for two or three hundred years ago in that thing called the Revolution and are dieing for today isn't good enough? I guess I missed that day in school when we sailed from England and away from King George to this place called America and the greatest minds in history drew up this crappy 'ol document that outlined a protection and respect for all our beliefs, I say, I say, all our beliefs, and that stupid, uneccessary two party thing. Right?

M'kay.

Sigh. That feels more like it.

Working on a story for Phaze that I'm not certain I'll have done in time. But I'd rather not send it in if it's not as close to perfection as possible. Time constraints considered, I might make it.

F

2007-01-19T22:18:00.001-08:00

The weather is cold, quiet and gray. I sit at the computer all day and bleed my brain.

Hard and fast at work on an untitled WIP that I am planning on submitting to Phaze. The letter this year is "F."

"F" is for fury.
"F" is for force.
"F" is for frontier.
"F" is for frost.

I'm going to try for all four, but if I can only manage to write two out of four, I'll be happy.