Plot Queens Prattle

2006-09-21T16:56:00.001-04:00

These are fun!

2006-09-21T16:56:00.000-04:00

These are fun!

Thou PC has pissed off the gods.....

2006-08-16T10:58:00.000-04:00

So, last week, my desktop computer had a virus. Cleaned it up after a few days of being terrified to even turn it on, and it seemed to be ok.

Now? Humph!!!!!
Last night, I'm putting edits into the computer and I get an error message. "Insufficient Memory."

WHAT????????

I check my computer stats. Plenty of memory. Haven't even used half. Turn off computer. Reboot. Save.

"Insufficient Memory"

Bastard. We're not talking about ME here. We're talking about my computer, whose memory is quite fine, damnit. Let me save my edited chapter!!!!!!!!

"Insufficient Memory"

KYLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Save the computer!

He tries. He really does. Then, he goes to bed without telling me the fate of my third child (fourth if you count my laptop. Is my computer fixed?

"Insufficient Memory"

Well. Now I have insufficient patience. Anyone have a clue what's going on?

Heather

Days 1 & 2 of a Quitting Smoker

2006-08-01T15:39:00.000-04:00

So, I quit smoking yesterday. I had 3 cigarettes left in a pack, finished the last one around 2:30, and haven't had one since.

Honestly, it's been pretty simple. The only real bad moment I've had was after dinner last night. I REALLY had a hard time at that moment. But otherwise, as long as I don't think about wanting a smoke, I'm ok. I've been keeping so busy that when I realized it's been 25 hours since my last smoke, I was a bit shocked.

No headaches yet. No coughing. We shall see what days 2/3 bring tomorrow.

Goodbye to you........

2006-07-19T10:58:00.000-04:00

I just got the news that Mickey Spillane, author of the Mike Hammer mysteries, passed away. This saddened me. Although I never read any of his books, he occupied a prominent place in my childhood.

When I was between 7 or 9 years old, a new family moved in across the street from us. The father was a hunk, and it was love at first sight for my young heart. I found any excuse I could to go over there and play with his kids just so I could see him.

One day, they announced that company was coming, the man's brother and his family. It was Mickey Spillane at the height of his Mike Hammer mystery fame, and I came to adore him because he always got down in the dirt and played with us kids. (I found out later, he lived across the street from my aunt.) It wasn't until years and years later that I discovered I'd been playing hopscotch, hide-and-go-seek and touch football with one of the most famous mystery writers of the time and his nephews. If I'd only known.....

Nevertheless, I have some really fond memories of the man that everyone equated to his literary character, Mike Hammer, a hard-hitting, no-nonsense detective, who was rough-around-the-edges, harshly-spoken and the possessor of a whole repertoire of curse words. I know differently because I saw another side of him. A soft-spoken, patient, fun-loving, gentle man who loved kids and treated them with a respect and understanding that few adults are capable of.

Rest in peace.
Queen Marge

Who's the boss?

2006-07-13T15:08:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading a blog that said, in essence, when an editor asks for a revision, you have no choice but to make it. In short, it's written in stone. I respectfully disagree. If a requested revision will not benefit the book, then I think we owe it to ourselves as the creators of the book to discuss the matter with the editor asking for that revision.

For example -- a writer friend of mine was asked to make her heroine an undercover agent posing as a prostitute. Not a problem. The editor not only wanted the heroine to masquerade as a lady of the evening, she wanted her to actively indulge in the oldest profession. Yes, she wanted the heroine to be a practicing prostitute.

Now, if you dissect the character's designation as a HEROine, you'll need to take note of those first four letters. To attain that hero status, the heroine must act like a HEROine, not a street slut. Keep in mind that aside from catching the bad guy, which could have been done another way without a problem, there was no good reason for this woman to start earning her living on her back. When the author talked to the editor and pointed this out, the editor worked with her to change the revision to something feasible that would allow the heroine to retain her "hero" status and still catch the bad guy.

This blog also stated that once the contract is signed, the book belongs to the publishers. Once the contract is signed, the publisher has the "rights" to the book, not ownership. That's why the copyright in the front is in the author's name and not the publisher's. That gives the author the right to "discuss" revisions if she/he feels they won't work for the book.

NOTE: the word DISCUSS. Synonyms for this word are not demand, tantrum, threaten, or any other form of non-adult, unprofessional behavior. You may be wrong about your feelings. The editor may be wrong about the revisions. You'll never know if you head into this with the red flags flying.

Publishing is a profession that, like all other professions, demands professional behavior on all sides. As my husband's grandmother sued to say: You can catch more bees with honey than with vinegar.

Queen Marge

Preparing for Take Off

2006-07-03T17:29:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm stashing a bunch of movies right now, waiting until my veg period after national conference before watching them. They include: Old School, Walk the Line, Kingdom of Heaven, Passion of the Christ and everything else I get my hands on until then. Why stash the movies? Because I really want to quit smoking, and watching movies will help with that. Two hour intervals with my mind enganged on something that I can't smoke while doing, since I don't smoke in the house.

Besides, right now, I'm way to busy shopping for conference, working on my deadline book 2, and making lists of household "crud" that has to be done before I can leave my family for a week. House cleaning, food to prepare for the kiddos and hubby, chore lists of things that must be done while I'm gone.

Men don't go through this. They can pack up and leave on a trip in the blink of an eye. No "to-dos" to make a one week trip turn into two weeks worth of preparation. They leave and know we'll take care of things while they're gone. But WE know better. We know that dishes are likely to go unwashed until 5 minutes before we return home. Laundry will pile up. Dust will accumulate. The kids might live on peanut butter and jelly, go unbathed, and end up with rotten teeth. We know the dog will be fed table scraps, bedtimes will be forgotten, and beds won't be made. But, I think our vacations away from them turn into their vacations away from us, as well. It's good for them to have a week here and there without someone nagging about taking care of everything. Let the house fall apart, I say, and maybe they'll appreciate me a bit more when I return!

Queen Heather

I lost my whistle .....

2006-06-27T13:27:00.000-04:00

I might be the only Plot Queen still breathing. Not sure. (If you're out there PQ's.....HI!)

So, I lost my whistle. Huh? My son, 8, came to me the other day, trying desperately to whistle (something he taught himself several months ago). All he was getting this time, however, was air. Not loud, shrilly air, either. Dead, gust of wind air. Poor kid. He tells me, "Mommy, I lost my whistle." (can you tell why I love him so much?)

After I chuckled my expanding booty off, I quietly tucked those words into my Mommy Memory Bank and went about my day.

What does this have to do with anything? Well.... I'VE lost my whistle. I haven't done any new work on my second, contracted story in a couple of weeks. I was on a roll, loving rereading the story I'd written two years ago, adding fresh elements to it. I don't dread going back to it. I actually look forward to "getting time in" each night. But then night comes, I sit on my patio with the best of intentions, and.... lose the whistle.

I'm quite certain that, to get it back, I'll only need to work on another chapter. But how do you get to that chapter when you can't find the willpower to stop doing what you're enjoying (time-killers) and get to work. I know, I know. Just do it. I have a pretty long deadline before this book is due at the publisher, and I think that has a lot to do with it. I like a deadline. I like KNOWING if I don't sit down and write, I'm in trouble. (No, I'm not into S&M, either. That's Queen Laura's territory). Having so much time between now and my deadline of 12-1-06 means I get to kill a lot of time. It's a wrapped reason for procrastination I suppose.

Anyway, if anyone has seen a shiny blue whistle laying around, give me a yell. Will let you all know when and where I find it again.

Queen Heather

That New Book Smell

2006-06-20T16:11:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I went out shopping for new books. Usually, I have enough free ones from contests I judge, friends passing them over to me, conference goodies etc. I used to have monthly subscriptions to some book services until I found out how little authors get paid for those sales. Now, usually, I may pick up an interesting title at the grocery store or Walmart, but other than that, it's the occasional buy off Amazon.

This week, however, I've been craving to hold a new book in my hands, to smell that yummy, woodsy scent of never-been-read stories. So, I shopped.

First, a stop at Books-a-Million before taking my daughter to see Over the Hedge. I picked up Squeeze Play by Kate Angell and Bloody Mary by JA Konrath.

Then, I came home and preordered Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich, Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor, The Dragon Lord's Daughters by Bertrice Small and Dark Lover by J.R. Ward. I haven't yet received this order, and it's killing me! I want Stephanie Plum! Plus, I've heard so much about J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series that I'm dying to see what it's all about...if I'll enjoy it the way I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunters.

There's nothing like holding a much-awaited title in your hands, smelling it, and reading that first line.

What books have you bought lately that you could wait to paw through?

Heather

Appreciation

2006-06-14T01:08:00.000-04:00

On behalf of the Plot Queens, we offer agent Pattie Steele-Perkins a hearty THANK YOU for her generous giving of time and advice! It's been a great pleasure having her guest blog with us!

Does my agent need to be in New York?

2006-06-12T01:15:00.000-04:00

By Literary Agent, Pattie Steele Perkins

The group of agents I belong to fondly referred to as The Cartel unanimously agree that with the new technologies being in New York is not critical to making deals. Most of our day is spent on the phone or on the Internet. We see editors at conferences and regularly visit New York.

I think more important than being in New York is how much experience does your agent have selling your kind of work. I have a long history in the field of romance and women’s fiction. It’s all I do. Editors know that’s all I do so when I send them something its something they are looking for. The members of The Cartel keep each other abreast of when editors move and what they are looking for.

Is my agent doing a good job for me? You should be able to say yes to all of these.
Do they keep you up to date as to where your work is submitted and do they send you rejection letter? I recently took on a client and I was following up on the work her former agent said she submitted. Every publisher I contacted had no record of any submission.
Do they evaluate the rejections with you? Is it a form rejection? Is there something specific you need to address before sending it elsewhere? Are you discussing why the work is missing the mark?
Are you receiving your advances and royalties in a prompt manner?
Does your agent keep abreast of the current trends in the business? A former client was very put out when I suggested her next proposal for a category line wouldn’t fly because the guidelines had changed. She submitted it anyway and she was asked to make revisions.
Is your agent looking out for new opportunities for you?
How responsive is your agent to your emails and phone calls? Do they have a limit on how long they can talk with you?
When your agent says they will contact your editor for you do they?

But an agent is so hard to get shouldn’t I be grateful someone wants to take me on? NO a bad agent is worse than no agent at all? An option clause that is “next work of fiction” means you are tied to that publisher and not able to pursue different work with another publisher.

An agent who is not following up on your work on a regular basis and making sure that the terms of the contract are being upheld is slowing your career down.

My agent isn’t getting me the advances I want would changing agents help? What you want and what an agent can get are not always the same. Previous sales and the book have more to do with the advance than the agent.

Thanks for inviting me to this forum. I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

Pattie

Career Hazards - as seen by a literary agent

2006-06-11T00:56:00.000-04:00

There are a lot of hazards on the road to successful career in publishing some can be avoided some cannot.

One of the major bumps in the road can be an editor change. The new editor may not be as excited about your work as the editor who originally bought you.

Another career hazard is genre’s come and go. Paranormals are hot now Historicals are cool. What’s here today can be gone tomorrow. Some authors have been able to switch from genre to genre but it’s not easy and it means starting over again. I represent Jade Lee AKA Kathy Grill who just hit the USA Today list five years after switching genres.

A major career hazard that can be avoided is shooting your career in the foot.

A few years ago we had an offer from a major house and my author where we walked away from the table because they the publisher wouldn’t agree to our terms.

Both the author and I sent nice notes to the Editor A saying we were sorry the deal didn’t work out and hoped that we would work with her in the future.

A few weeks later we completed a deal with another publisher and Editor B. Two weeks after the deal was complete Editor B left the company and Editor A from the previous house moved into her slot.

The author is still working well with Editor A because she didn’t burn any bridges when the deal failed to materialize.

An author got a copy edit from hell. She called me and I called the editor. At first the editor was a bit defensive and then I said “All I ask is you take a look at it.” Fifteen minutes later she emailed me back to say she was taking the manuscript home for the weekend and redoing it.

In another case of copy edit discontent the author went through the copy edit and used a foul phrase rather than stet. When the publishing house merged with another and authors were let go she was on the list.

Similar situations but the first author just signed a three-book contract with a major publisher and the other is unemployed.

Through the aid of technology some authors have found a new way to shoot themselves in the foot…vitriolic rants about editors and publishing houses on the various private loops. More than one editor has told me that they know everything that happens on the loops.

My advice is to avoid what can be avoided and be willing to take detours along the way.

Pattie Steele Perkins

Steele Perkins Literary Agency

An Agent's View on Changing Publishing Houses

2006-06-09T15:00:00.000-04:00

I watched with fascination as the new Katie Couric deals with CBS evolved. First it appears as if everyone has left the table happy. Katie’s old boss, Katie’s new boss and Katie.

Katie’s old boss knew he could not give her what she wanted…the anchor position that belongs to Brian Williams.

It wasn’t about the money for Katie. It has been reported that she will be making less at slightly CBS. OK what’s a few million less you say but what would she have gotten if NBC thought they had a chance of keeping her. Katie knew what she wanted and was willing to take less to get it .The other specifics of the deal have not been reported to the best of my knowledge.

There are several lessons to be learned from how this deal was conducted. Even Kathie said that when she was negotiating with CBS it was the “worst kept secret in America”. From what I understand she got permission to negotiate earlier than her NBC contract would let her. And during the negotiations Katie didn’t let slip to Star magazine through “people close to her” the specific details of the progress of those negotiations. She didn’t use her platform at NBC to make her negotiation points and even when she finally made the announcement that she was leaving she said she was leaving to “work on the CBS evening news”. The conventional wisdom is that part of deal for her leaving was NBC would not allow her to say what position she was taking at CBS.

So what are the lessons you ask?

First know what you want and be willing to stick to it. The entire world will be watching in the fall to see if “Cute” Katie can anchor. If you want to change genres for instance as Nora Roberts did are you willing to take a pay cut and a lower print run to do it? Are you willing to put up with bad reviews and readers leaving because its different from what you normally do? For Nora JD Robb worked out. The jury for Katie is still out.

It is always good to have a confident sometimes referred to as an agent to bounce things off of when you’re making a critical career move. But a deal isn’t done until it’s done. Either side may walk away from the table. Discussing deal points or the process of the negotiations on line while the deal is in process may kill the deal.

Most authors have an option clause. If you want to leave the house you are currently with you must live up to the terms of that option just as Katie couldn’t negotiate with CBS earlier than her contract allowed unless she got permission.

If your changing houses leave your former home as graciously as Katie did. You never know you may want to go back at sometime. Complete all the work you still owe your former publisher in the same timely and meticulous way you have done in the past. All the time Katie’s deal was in progress she went to work every day and did her job as she always had. She didn’t slip into the anchor chair just to show CBS what she could do. When the deal was done she made the announcement the way NBC wanted her to.

Steele-Perkins Literary Agency
26 Island Lane
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-396-9290

Life in Literary Land. . .

2006-06-07T23:30:00.000-04:00

or Why I didn’t Read Your Proposal Today as I said I would.

Okay, you submitted the perfect Query letter…why does it take so long to get a response.

The good news is you did do the perfect query letter and the agent or editor is interested in your work if you are waiting for a response. You have proceeded to the next step in getting published. Form rejections within weeks of submitting the material usually means you have queried the wrong editor or agent or there is something wrong with the material.

But why does it take so long? (To be said with a WHINE)

As hard as it might seem to believe agents are looking for great stuff. It’s every agent’s nightmare to see a book they could have acquired be picked up by another agent. So there is some urgency to the slush pile.

So why does it take so long? (To be said with a WHINE)

Where and when we read something is critical to giving it a good read. Everyone gets a good read when I am reading on my back patio overlooking the lake. I am in the zone. But some days it rains.

What I love most about being an agent is everyday is ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN DAY. I never know what I am going to hear when I pick up the phone. But that also means that when I have planned a reading day that can go right out the window when I hang up the phone.

The ringing phone could be the next big deal that will take days to negotiate. Each deal is unique to the author and the work that is why they call it the “art of the deal”. Most deals I am prepared for but then there was the day the editor called and asked, “How much do you want?”

Then there was the phone call from the editor the hero needs to do less “erecting” in the first three chapters. How much is less. I immediately read the three chapters and counted the erections. There were 8. I asked the editor how many she wanted? 3. But that’s not the end of the story. My assistant told her teenage daughter and her friend the story while she was driving them home from school. By the next day it was all over my small town that I count erections for a living.

And author D called one morning to say the person who gave her a quote for her previously published book was not going to let the publisher use it on her current book. Author D was worried the publisher would have to strip the covers of her current book that was hot off the presses. I said that I was sure the publisher would work it out. The editor assured me they would work it out. By five o’clock that same day they were stripping covers.

Then there is the normal stuff. Intellectual property disputes, sub rights sales, authors delivering late, authors having surgery, checks to process, royalties to review, bad covers to discuss, changing editors, contracts to review, bad copy edits, conferences, writing blogs, contests, career planning calls, calls from authors asking how you blow up a boat and make it seem like an accident. Answer: If you mix the diesel and gas at the pump that is very easy to do the boat will explode and burn to the waterline with no evidence.

So it’s impossible to read in the office. Editors read on the train. There is nowhere I go that I don’t take something to read. I actually got annoyed at my doctor for taking me on time because I didn’t get to read.

The scariest part of this job is missing the next New York Times best seller because I didn’t take the time I should to see its potential. Finding the time is the next hardest part of the job.

The best part of the job is reading something and saying OH MY GOD…this is sooooo good. It’s like finding the Holy Grail.

Pattie – Please feel free to ask me questions.

Agent's POV - The Query Letter

2006-06-06T19:51:00.000-04:00

Think of your query letter as a job interview.

For a job interview you’d wear the appropriate clothes for the job. Dress your query to get a job as a writer.

Your query letter should be one page long. Use plain white bond paper. Binders, folders and gimmicks like putting it in a small garbage can should be avoided. Yes this has been done!

Make sure the manuscript pages are formatted properly. A manuscript that is bound like a book confuses things. Use the traditional manuscript pages.

If you are going to email query make sure your subject heading will not go into spam or cause the person to delete the query before they open it. “Looking for Literary Agent” works better than “The End is Coming” even if it is your title. Make sure the agent/ editor takes email queries.

Make sure the font size and style in the query is easy to read.

Include your address, contact information and a SASE.

There appears to be services that will send out queries for you. Make sure they target the editors/agents know who handle what you do. Ask how they present the material.

Tell the reader of the query letter what job you are applying for.

The first paragraph should describe what you are writing… romantic suspense… historical romance…women’s fiction for instance. Be as specific as you can such as “paranormal Scottish historical romance” and be sure to include the word length.

The second paragraph should be a brief synopsis.

The third paragraph should give your writing credentials...for instance if you are a member of RWA include it. At my agency RWA member go to the top of the reading pile

If you are making multiple submissions make sure you include it in the letter.

Do not have any misspelled words or grammatical errors.

Do not use another agent’s name with my address

Do not call to discuss the project.

Do not drop the project off.

Do not phone when following up. A polite email after about 6 weeks is appropriate.

Do not leave messages or emails that threaten or demand the material be read immediately. Your material will most likely be promptly returned.

Do not leave messages that Ron Howard has contacted you about film rights.

Use delivery confirmation but do not require signatures. With delivery confirmation you can assure yourself it got there without disrupting the office.

If an agent/editor says they can’t find your submission, politely offer to resend it. If you feel the agency is disorganized don’t resend it they won’t miss it. Refrain from making suggestions on how the office should be run.

If you send it right before the National Conference or after Thanksgiving add six weeks to the response time. August is for vacations and once the holidays arrive nothing happens until January 10th.

If you receive a rejection you feel is unwarranted do not email the agent/editor and try and make your case or worse than that question their ability to do their job.

If you receive revision suggestions and an offer to resubmit the partial this means they are interested in the project.

If you disagree with the revision suggestions do not call and or email the agent/editor to argue your position.

Here are some real quotes from real query letters:

My book is original, does not fit any of the current genre and I don’t want it edited to fit one. Actually, it requires no editing except for a careful proof reading of my quotation marks.

I am looking for a suitable publisher; one I will be proud to have published my book. I designed this book to be a best seller, if their advertising and marketing departments are capable of making it one.

And last but not least:

My husband requested that I send you this first chapter to a literary agent with fallopian tubes. From the research that I have done, I would say that you do qualify.

Pattie

Meet Agent, Pattie Steele-Perkins

2006-06-05T16:39:00.000-04:00

Pattie Steele-Perkins has spent her entire professional career guiding and nurturing creative talent initially as the Creative Director of a major television production house and for the past fifteen years as a Literary Agent.

As a Creative Director she honed her negotiating skills with New York talent agents and became familiar enough with the SAG contract to quote it verbatim.

As Literary Agent she feels that negotiating equitable contracts for her clients is only part of her responsibility to them. Equally important is developing a career path that meets the individual creative needs and style of the author.

In order for the Steele-Perkins Literary Agency to keep pace in today's dynamic publishing world Pattie works with a consortium of other independent agents to keep abreast of current trends. She also attends classes on current publishing law.

Pattie has been a member of RWA since beginning her career as an agent and is also a member AAR.

Q) How did you make the leap from television production to fiction and publishing?

This question always makes me smile. I quit my very high paying job as Creative Director because I wanted to write a book.

Exactly what I would not advise anyone to do!

The first thing on my to do list was to get an agent. So I went to the local agent’s office.

Exactly what I would not advise anyone to do!

In short order she made it clear that if the book was written…which it wasn’t…it would take as much as two years to see it in print. OOPS there was the little matter of the car and boat payments. She saw I was well read in the field of romance and offered me a commission on any books I sold from her slush pile.

And thus my career as an agent began. She introduced me to all the eager young editors at the major houses. Those editors for the most part are all Directors and Vice Presidents of those or other houses now.

What I love best about being an agent is dealing with all the smart creative people and finding ways for them to reach their full potential and goals.

Q) What are your submission guidelines? Do you accept email queries?

I take email queries but prefer snail mail of a synopsis three chapters and SASE. I really can’t tell from a query what the author’s voice is like or if in the plot works.

Q) What do you NOT want to see, and what you really feel the market is lacking?
I never say never because you just never know. If I love a project but there isn’t a market for it I ask the author to store it under their bed. Kristi Goldberg wrote a wonderful story in 1998 about an “older” (40s) divorced couple who come together again after the hero has a stroke. When Harlequin announced their new Everlasting line I called Paula Eykelhof and pitched it to her. It’s one of the launch books for Everylasting in February 07

Steele-Perkins Literary Agency
26 Island Lane
Canandaigua, NY 14424
585-396-9290

Check Out The Idea Boutique

2006-06-02T02:38:00.000-04:00

I'd throw myself under a bus . . .

2006-05-26T14:38:00.000-04:00

Because of some recent events with both my family and my friends, I began to wonder exactly how far friendship should go. The answer is: there is not limit. Friendship, TRUE friendship, is infinite.

A woman recently said to a group of us that she'd "throw herself under a bus" for someone. We all laughed. While I understood the sentiment, I doubted if she would actually take her own life for a friend, but then I thought about it. The sacrifices we make for friends don't have to be a literal interpretation of that phrase. The sacrifice comes in many forms: emotional, time, support, understanding, trust, and the list goes on.

Without my friends, would I have been as successful with my career as I have? Maybe. But who would have held my hand through the tough spots? Who would have boosted me over the bumps in the road? Who would have been there to cry with me and laugh with me and celebrate with me? Who would have been there when I just need someone to bitch to? My success is so much sweeter because of the dear friends I consider to be the wind beneath my wings.

Friends are sometimes like the seasons . . . they change, they each have their beauty and their dark side, they may flourish and they may die. But TRUE friends return to us. . . always. True friends forgive us when we say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing. True friends love us despite our blemishes, both physical and emotional. Cherish them, polish them and keep them safe like the precious gems they are.

Elizabeth

American Idol Results Are In

2006-05-25T09:33:00.000-04:00

Usually Thursdays are set aside for movie reviews, but with the closing of this American Idol season, I thought I'd chat a bit about my thoughts on the results.

1 - I still think Chris Daughtry got ripped off. Granted, he didn't need the show -- I believe he would have succeeded in the business without AI.

2- What the heck happened to Clay Aiken? I almost didn't even recognize him. Was that black hair or is the color on my TV screwed up? I do have admit that the Clay Aiken wanna be's reaction to Clay on stage was priceless, however.

3- The cheesy awards for best/worst reminded me of those dreaded yearbook surveys in highschool. Two hours. Really? It could have been cut to an hour by losing all that.

4- I wish Kelly Pickler hadn't chopped off all her beautiful hair!

5- Elliot can saaaaaaaaaaang!

6 - I'm probably going to get kicked on the street for this, but I would like Katherine so much more if I didn't feel like she was trying so hard to be sexy all the time. She comes across as so arrogant.

7 - Chicken Little - ok, don't even remember his name, but have this to say : Still not a fan. Did he ever really have a chance?

8- OMG! Was that really Prince? It was, it was!!! Quality of show just skyrocketed.

9 - Did I mention I hope Taylor wins?

10 - More people voted for American Idol than the any president ever. Really? Priorities people!

AND THE WINNER IS....................
TAYLOR HICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least the overwhelming voters got it right :)

Heather

THE NAME GAME

2006-05-22T21:03:00.000-04:00

THE NAME GAME

YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name) - Snowball Cedar

MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your mother's side, your favorite candy) - Hazel Hershey

YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name) - L Bar

YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, favorite color) - Cougar Purple

YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) - Michaele Jacksonville

YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name) - Bar Gri Zeu

PORN STAR NAME: (middle name, street you grew up on) - Michaele Blanding

SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, the automobile you drive) - The Purple Jimmy

Above is proof of why I never take part in these :)

Laura

THE NAME GAME

2006-05-22T19:32:00.000-04:00

I found this at What the Flop and decided to do it here. Hopefully, the other plotqueens will join in too!

Comment up, people!

THE NAME GAME

YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name) - Dominque Owl

MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your mother's side, your favorite candy) - Barbara Licorice

YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name) - H Wat

YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, favorite color) - Bear Pink

YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) - Diana Merced

YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name) - Wat Ltz Sad

PORN STAR NAME: (middle name, street you grew up on) - Diana Plantation

SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, the automobile you drive) - The Pink Cavalier

Ok, other than my superhero name, mine are all duds!

Heather

Romantic Times Fairy Ball

2006-05-22T08:59:00.000-04:00

Queen Dolores and Queen Elizabeth dress for the RT Fairy Ball in Daytona, FL.

THE IDEA BOUTIQUE

2006-05-20T12:49:00.000-04:00

Check out this great new blog where authors finally get to answer the question :Where do you get your ideas?

Guest bloggers lined up include : Gena Showalter, JA Konrath, CJ Barry, Anne Frasier, Catherine Spangler, Annette Blair, Candace Havens, & Lucy Monroe.

THE IDEA BOUTIQUE

Heather

Writing Through The Pain

2006-05-18T21:49:00.000-04:00

A couple weeks ago I injured my shoulder. Nothing permanent, but it requires keeping it in a sling and not using it very much. Means my family is doing most of the cooking and cleaning around here, which is a good thing, but the downside is writing is almost impossible.

Since I write on a schedule, and try not to fall too far behind cause giving up my weekends for makeup days really sucks, I try to force myself to work even when I don't want to. Nothing like having to stay home while everyone else is out playing to teach you not to be a slacker. Anyway, I saw my page count falling more and more behind. I had to do something to catch things up, but what?

Okay, writing 4.4 pages a day wasn't going to happen. Sitting at my desk with what felt like twin golf balls inside my shoulder, and typing one handed, made for some very slow progress. So slow that there were days that I felt no progress was better and would hurt a heck of a lot less. Then, reality smacked me on my sore shoulder: there are people--at least one, anyway--who know about my writing deadlines. Doing nothing meant admitting I wouldn't make my deadline. If theres one thing I hate more than just about anything in this world, it's admitting I've failed.

So, how do you write when it physically hurts to write?

Good question, and one that took me about three days to find an answer to. To put it simply, you write.

All right, stop laughing at me. I know it sounds stupid--not to mention painful--but it really is the only way to keep moving forward so you don't have to admit defeat or give up all your weekends for the next month and a half to catch back up. Believe me, I know it's not easy writing through the pain, but you have to do it. No, you're not going to make those 4.4 pages -- or whatever your goal is -- a day. There are days I can only get a sentence or a paragraph at a time, but the point is, I'm writing something and a sentence here and there will add up to a page eventually.

Am I still behind? You better believe it.

Am I still going to give up weekends of playtime to catch up? You better believe it. (It's that fear of failure and looking stupid thing kicking in.)

So why bother, you might be asking? Well, instead of being 4.4 pages behind every single day, I'm only 3.4 or even 3 pages short. It might not sound like much, but every page I write now is one less page I have to write when the sling comes off and I can use the shoulder without wanting to cry. And honestly, knowing I getting something done, even if it's well below my goal, makes it easier to accept that I have to give my body a chance to repair itself. Then there's that thing of knowing I might just not have to give up eating and sleeping to make my July goal, cause I did that to make the GH entry deadline and it's not a lot of fun!

What about you? What drives you to write through the pain? If you have a secret that works for you, especially if it's less painful, please share!

Laura

Quit wanting & wishing, and choose

2006-05-15T10:16:00.000-04:00

I wish I could quit smoking. I want to lose fifteen pounds. I really do! Those are MY wishes and wants, but I hear other people's all day long, via internet, phone, TV, family.

I wish I could sell a book. I wish I had time to write. I want to live the dream. I want to start working out.....

Yada yada yada. I'm as guilty of this as anybody, so don't look at me like that! But here's something I heard today that I'm thinking about incorporating into my wishing/wanting ways.

QUIT WANTING AND WISHING, AND CHOOSE!

Think about it. Saying I wish I could quit smoking and choosing to quit smoking are two different things. Wanting more time to write and choosing to make more time to write are different. One is a decision, made by you, controled by you. If you don't succeed, YOU are to blame. So guess what that means. Wanting or wishing for something means it's NOT controlled by you. If you fail, you're NOT to blame, the universe is because it didn't give you what you wanted or wished for. Granted, you can't choose to lose weight, per se, but you can CHOOSE to start taking better care of yourself. And I don't know about you, but I'm pretty stubborn and hard-headed. Once I make a decision, that's it. It's done and you aren't changing my mind.

So I'll start with this: Today I choose to less impatient with my kids and more patient with myself. I choose not to let myself get anxious because my editor isn't calling. Today, I choose to just be unstressed.

(PS - in case you cant read the picture..... WHEN YOU WISH UPON A FALLING STAR, YOUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE. UNLESS IT'S REALLY A METEORITE HURTLING TOWARD THE EARTH WHICH WILL DESTROY ALL LIFE. THEN YOU'RE PRETTY MUCH HOSED NO MATTER WHAT YOU WISHED FOR. UNLESS IT WAS DEATH BY METEOR. ... From despair.com

Heather
(ps...will let you know if this choosing thing works tomorrow LOL)

PQ Cover release

2006-05-12T20:49:00.000-04:00

Our own Queen Elizabeth is debuting the cover of Baptism in Fire (Aug 06) right here on Plot Queen Prattle.

We give you the definition of sizzling!

Pattie Steele-Perkins Update

2006-05-11T08:48:00.000-04:00

As of today, it appears Literary Agent Pattie-Steele Perkins will be joining the PQ's on or around June 1. Be sure to check back for further updates.

The Problem with Impatience

2006-05-08T16:14:00.000-04:00

Here's the problem with being an impatient person. You spends days, weeks, maybe even years anticipating something, but eventually, that something comes and A:) it's a let down, or B:) you revel in it for two minutes before moving on to anticpate the NEXT thing.

Case in point: I'm patiently (cough cough) awaiting my editor's decision on which of my proposals will be my second book. I'm patiently (choke) awaiting her opinion on the first book. Every day is agony. I'm going slightly psycho. But I know that, should I find out both of those today, I'll take a day to feel light as air (or completely stress if her opinions are less than glorious) but then a new wave of anticpation begins and all of my focus will once again be centered on what's not here yet. The cover! What will my cover look like??? Revisions. How much? How bad? Reviewers. Oh...that's going to require my moving out of the house for the health of my children, I'm sure.

So how do you enjoy the present moment? Why am I not still overjoyed that I sold a book at all? It was my life's dream. I should be the happiest, cheeriest person alive. But I'm moody and gloomy and... yes, impatient.

I couldn't wait for my children to be born. Then I couldn't wait for them to walk. To talk. To start school. I'm going to have to work on this, because my kids have grown up so quickly, it's a blur, and I don't want that to happen to my publishing experience too. Maybe if I get a handle on it now, I'll actually be "present" to enjoy the rest of my kids' childhoods.

Heather

Launch Sequence Started.....

2006-05-02T10:56:00.000-04:00

I'm fighting a touch of a head cold this morning, so I've dedicated myself to catching up on my TiVo'd shows. Everybody Loves Raymond is on. Oh! I love this episode. It's called "All I Want For Christmas."
Maybe I should save it so the hubby can watch. Maybe if he watches he'll understand why I have a sly smile everytime he cooks a meal (Ha! I say everytime like it's a normal occurrance.)

In the episode, Raymond is trying to figure out how to get Debra in the "mood" more often. He's told by a female coworker that he needs to try a little harder. "Men think the mushy stuff stops with I DO, but women still want the mushy stuff," she says. Quite by accident, Raymond discovers the truth of those words when, on Christmas morning, he's vacuuming under the Christmas tree in his boxer shorts. Debra claims a little shiver. Light bulb moment of Ray. Debra says it's not just the vacuuming. She's watched him play with the children that morning, felt him taking care of his family in more ways than being the bread winner. Ray's not as dumb as he looks. He catches on, offering to clean up the dishes etc., giving more and more shivers to dear Debra.

GUYS SHOULD WATCH THIS EPISODE!

My hubby has recently started cooking a meal here and there. He does it surprisingly well. Occasionally, I wake up on a Saturday morning to find him washing dishes. I've been known to come home from a long critique meeting to find the twelve loads of laundry done. My dear men, these activities have gotten him far more from me than any romantic dinner ever has. These are the moments when I go all weak in the knees, the moments when I think, "My God, I think I married the perfect man." It's those moments of watching him teach the kids how to ride a bike, of showing concern over his mother's feelings, of offering to rub my head when I have a headache and I didn't have to ask (asking takes away from the sexiness, fellows. I'll just lay that out here for your benefit. Never make the woman ask for what she wants or needs!)

Anticipate what I want or need before I even realize it. Holy cow! Now that would guarantee your luck.

How about it? What's the one thing your significant other does that is your number 1 turn on??? What turns your hubby/other from average joe to romantic hero?

Heather

Guest Prattler : Pattie Steele-Perkins, Literary Agent

2006-04-30T23:57:00.000-04:00

Soon (check back for specific dates) literary agent Pattie Steele-Perkins of the Steele-Perkins Agency will be joining the Plot Queens as our guest blogger.

PATTIE STEELE-PERKINS

Steele-Perkins Literary Agency

Pattie Steele-Perkins has spent her entire professional career guiding and nurturing creative talent initially as the Creative Director of a major television production house and for the past fifteen years as a Literary Agent. As Literary Agent she feels that negotiating equitable contracts for her clients is only part of her responsibility to them. Equally important is developing a career path that meets the individual creative needs and style of the author.

Take Pride In What You Do

2006-04-30T13:36:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or have you notice that pride in a job well done is missing in a lot of people these days? Forgive me while I go off on a rant here, but. . .

Recently, my middle daughter went to her Jr/Sr Prom. Anyone who's been through this knows the expense of the tickets and pictures, not to mention the dress and hair and nails (and a bottle of Ms. Clairol and a stiff drink or three for Mom). But when you see your child standing there looking all red carpet (No, really, she's standing on a red carpet), the scrimping and scraping you had to do made it all worth it.

Then when you get those photos back they're fuzzy! I had to eat a lot of macaroni and cheese so I could show off my little girl looking all regal and majestic only to discover that I now have a bunch of blurred pictures that can't be redone.

Yeah, I called the company--after nearly half an hour on the phone hunting them down because putting a phone number on the order form would have been way to flippin' easy!--and they offered to replace my fuzzy pictures with the pose from the free photos they took (which, by the way, were in perfect focus). They did ask what they could do to make it right. Not sure they appreciated my response when I requested they rent another tux, pay to have my child's hair and nails redone, get them back into Disney and have those pictures redone. She offered me a refund, like that's supposed to make everything better. Needless to say, it didn't please me at all.

Yeah, I should be happy that I have at least some pictures to show off, and I am, but my question is: If the photographer knew there were three or four couples who might have messed up photos -- she complained that the bigger students couldn't see her and she was getting bumped around -- why didn't the male photographer who took over retake those pictures that could have been less than perfect? Wouldn't it have been better to waste a little film than take away someone's moment to shine? When I mentioned this to the company, their response was, Hmm, we didn't think of that.

Anyone care to help me smack some pride back into these people?

Laura

KING KONG (2005) - DVD

2006-04-29T22:28:00.000-04:00

Action/ Adventure - DVD Starring: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrian BrodyHere's the problem with remaking classics: You always know the ways the story ends. This, I don't really understand. Remakes of other fiction tales like King Kong are not true events, in which case, why can't the ending ever change? They change the endings to books all the time. Why not to movies?

I purposely did not go with my husband and son to see King Kong at the theaters. #1 because I knew the ending, and do not like to cry in public. #2 because I make it a point not to see anything in which an animal has a leading role (CGI created or real). They promise tissue moments, which I do NOT like. Don't get me wrong. I sniffle at a good romantic moment... the dying scene in Terms of Endearment. But animals are different. I'm much more sensitized to their suffering. (A therapist would have a field day with me!)

Tonight, however, I sat and watched the full movie with the family. The ending hadn't changed (duh) and I sat sniffling with my daughter. Other than the first 45 minutes, which I could have lived without, the movie was great. Will I watch it again? Maybe. But if I do, you can be sure I'll have to do laundry during the last ten minutes!!!!!!!!!!

Are you prone to the animal movie disease like I am???

Heather

Market Trends

2006-04-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

When it comes to reading, I'll give anything a shot. Doesn't mean I'll finish it, but they at least have the opportunity to gain my attention and hook me as a reader. This isn't just new authors or a new genre, either. I own every book Stephen King has ever written, and there are even a couple of his on the shelf that I've never finished. Why?

Hmm, trends, maybe. It seems the market gets flooded with an idea because one person had a great book so now everyone has to do it. This isn't always a bad thing. I love horror and suspense and some chick lit as much as the next person, but some of these authors should really stick to what they're good at.

No, I'm not going to point fingers or name names, cause I was taught if you can't say something nice to keep your mouth shut, but there comes a time when people really need to ask themselves if writing the "Flavor of the Month" is really worth the risks involved. Disappoint me once, I might forgive you. Do it twice, and you usually don't get a third time.

Okay, I know if you want to make money in this business, you need to stay on top of the trends, but despite my love for horror and suspense, I'll always make time for a good book by a new author or one of my favorites even if--and especially when--they write outside the trends.

Laura

Vacation Memory

2006-04-27T18:53:00.000-04:00

What's your favorite vacation memory?

If asked this last week, I might have said when we took our girls to New York City for the first time. Or maybe the time we took the extended family to Stone Mountain for the week. But, an event more special has moved way up in the ranks.

My husband and middle daughter are into wheeling their Jeeps, so every year, we spend the weekend camping out and trail riding with about 400 other people. Last year, as everyone was making last minute plans, a prayer request came through. One of the members rolled his Jeep. He had massive brain trauma. They didn't think he'd make it.

Little Mac was on everyone's mind last year as we prayed and waited for word on his condition. It was touch and go there for a while, yet his friends never gave up on believing he'd pull through. Well, not only did he, but you can't tell he was in a life threatening accident at all. A year and three weeks later, seeing him stand before the group at dinner and telling all 400 of us that he couldn't have made it without his family, is a moment none of us will ever forget.

This year, despite the heat and rain and less than perfect conditions with the campground, will always be one of the best vacations ever.

Laura

Trendy Woes

2006-04-26T04:27:00.000-04:00

I recently heard a couple of editors say that they're sick to death of romantic suspense stories that deal with serial killers, and I really hope that their opinions don't affect the market. Those are my favorite kind! I don't like domestic suspense much. It bores me. Maybe it's because I read horror, too, but I like the gory killers. (Not in real life, mind you. I'm not THAT sick.) They always get their come uppance in the end, so is it wrong that I enjoy them grizzly?

Add to that, the disappearance of Harry Potter, who will be gone from my life after the next book. Someone needs to create SOMETHING that will fill that void.

There aren't many trends that bother me, though I admit to being a little sick of bright pink covers that enclose pages of snarky (and most the time, they're not snarky, just bitchy) chick lit. I enjoy some of it, but like every genre, there are a lot of bad that take a bit of the shine away from the great.

Heather

Outside of Romance

2006-04-26T03:54:00.000-04:00

I adore romance. Romantic suspense, historical romance, paranormal romance. I read it because it lifts me out of my gloom and into worlds where good things always come to those who deserve it.

But I do read outside the genre. I'm a huge Harry Potter addict. It's the one series of books that I read completely as a reader. I do not critique. I do not look for hows and whys. I simply get lost in the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. I read a few other fantasy authors, but some of them make reading work. Yes, I like world building and such, but the endless droning on about description makes the pacing drag. Harry Potter manages to put in all that glorious description in entertaining ways, so that you're not even aware you're reading it.

Other than Harry, I also love thrillers and horror fiction. Give me a haunted house or satanic rituals that freak me out and I'm yours. I just read The Abandoned by Douglas Clegg.... wierd wierd book, but I read it quickly, needing to know what was going to happen next.

Heather

Heather's List of Seven - Laura

2006-04-25T11:35:00.000-04:00

*Heather asked these questions to her fellow queens.* *Laura answered:* *Heather's List of Seven*
What song/artist/album do you listen to while writing...if any?	This week -- Anything by Jon Bon Jovi. Next week? That's still up for grabs.
Clinch covers. Love em or hate em?	Honestly, I don't mind them at all. Okay, as long as they have something to do with the book in some sort of way.
Cartoon covers. Love em or hate em?	Hate'em in a major way. I'd rather have the clinch than the cartoon.
Why write romance?	Can you think of a better genre to teach young girls today about love and commitment and that not all men are dogs? Me either.
What is your favorite smell?	Rain
Recommended blog, not your own.	http://www.orderofpowers.blogspot.com/
What's the first romance novel you remember ever reading?	The Flame and The Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

A World Discovered

2006-04-25T08:28:00.000-04:00

I was eight years old. It was nearing the end of summer vacation, and my friend Maureen Creamer and I had reached the "Mom, I'm bored" stage. Having grown tired of listening to us, she handed us each a book and said in a commanding voice "Read!" The book she gave me was BLACK BEAUTY. It was to be the very first novel, sans pictures, that I would ever read. But it certainly wasn't the last.

I'm sure Mrs. Creamer never knew what she launched the day she handed two little girls those books to give us something to do during the waning days of summer vacation. Though I never developed a love of horses from reading Black Beauty, (I have never had an affinity for animals that are bigger than me), I developed a love of reading and books that would stay with me throughout my life.

I don't have a favorite type of book. My reading preferences are very eclectic. All I ask is that the author grab me by the throat and thrust me into a world filled with an adventure that I couldn't have otherwise. I can get just as engrossed in a romance in a medieval Scottish castle as I can in an eerie paranormal in a haunted antebellum mansion or the story of a snow falcon surviving the traps of a human predator. I've read everything from the biography of an English queen to the adventures of a cannibal named Hannibal Lecter. And I've been on adventures that have taken my breath away or brought tears to my eyes and an ache to my heart.

Is it any wonder I ended up being an author?

Good reading!

Elizabeth

More to Celebrate!

2006-04-24T14:51:00.000-04:00

Our own Dolores has sold the third book in her series of Sweet Meadow stories to Medallion Press. Look for Jail Bertie and the Peanut Ladies to be released in 2007.

For now, book 1 - BIG HAIR AND FLYING COWS is still on sale, and her second book - BARKING GOATS AND THE RED NECK MAFIA will be on sale later this year.

Celebration!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-04-24T14:31:00.000-04:00

A thousand cheers for our own Elizabeth who's latest release MIRACLE IN THE MIST won the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award.

We're very proud of our girl!

She'll be at the Romantic Times Booklover's Convention May 16-21 in Daytona to accept her award.

Pediatric oncologist Dr. Steve Cameron has lost faith in himself and his professional skills. The possibility of miracles in his business seems nonexistent. Then a mysterious bag lady in Central Park talks him into taking a vacation at a cabin in the Hudson Highlands. But this isn't just any cabin. It's a gateway...
Village Healer Meghan Peese has been waiting for Steve, waiting to heal yet another broken spirit who has entered the magical, misty valley. This time, however, with this person, something goes terribly wrong. Meghan has fallen in love.
But Steve must leave to fulfill his destiny. And Meghan cannot leave the village with her memory intact. Besides, a destiny of her own awaits.
All they can cling to is love, faith, trust and a . . . Miracle In The Mist.

But wait...there's more.

2006-04-24T08:28:00.000-04:00

If I were lucky enough to step off plane and be at my dream destination, I would chose Ireland, the land of my heritage. A land of green rolling hills, of mist and magic. I can picture myself exploring the hills and ancient ruins, wondering how legends came to be. I can envision myself listening to the heavy brogue of the shopkeepers' and sipping mulled wine. Alas, I am not so lucky for I visited not the Emerald Isle, but a place now known to my family as Jekyll and Hyde Island.

The trip started out well, meaning the portable DVD was keeping my three children relatively subdued. We arrived at the island full of excitement and anxious to see our new home for the week, an ocean view suite with two bedroom. I'd made the lucky find on the Internet, enough said. As with most as dreams, this was just an illusion. My first clue to possible disaster lay in the fact the that hotel was located on the opposite side of the street to the ocean, hence the advertised "ocean view" now came into question. We checked in with relative efficiency and went to look over the suite. My loving husband commented that if we craned our necks and stood in the stairwell, we could view the ocean between the two condos directly in front of our building. As in any good, "As seen on TV ad, wait there's more. I opened the room door only to be assailed by the pungent scent of raid on a spring morning and dead cockroaches on the shag carpet. My best estimate suggested the room had last been remodeled in 1960, Turning in disgust, I went to pull the door open, only to have the door handle come off in my hand leaving me trapped in the suite from hell. Needless to say we checked out and went on a room hunt to several hotels before finding what appeared to be the last available room on the island, no suite, no kitchen but maybe that was Karma's way so saying I didn't need to cook on my vacation. My husband filled the bell hops cart and pushed it into the room, leaving it in the center of the room. My youngest son , a burly, two year old decided to push the cart in the rest of the way, striking the table ,which hit the chair which went through the plate glass sliding door shattering it. Returning the the front desk, I informed them of the broken glass door and begged for another room. Of course I offered to pay for the window, too.

We finally settled into a new room and decided a good meal was in order after such a poor start, the fact that we had no way to cook any the of groceries we bought three hundred miles was a moot point. We loaded back up into the car and it wouldn't start. We returned to the front desk and discovered the island had no mechanic, that the car would need to be towed fifty miles to the nearest shop.

One order of room service, a trucker with a set of jumper cables and two margaritas later, the kids were settled in bed, the car was running and we'd made it through the first day of vacation.

Next time, I think I'll just close my eyes and stroll in the imaginary mist of the Emerald Isle.

Kat

VACATIONS PAST

2006-04-23T11:16:00.000-04:00

Ok, my fellow queens are probably sick to death of my Turkey stories, but this topic is all about that for me. My family took so many amazing vacations while we lived in Turkey, that most of my childhood revolves around that place. From Castle in the Sea, to Castle by the Sea.... to Ephesus and Virgin Mary's home. That said, if conditions were more peaceful right now, I'd jump on a plane and head that way tomorrow, just to show my kids that Turkey is a beautiful place full of lovely people. Turquoise seas and ancient history is an actual smell there, not to mention the great deals on leather, carpets, and gold!!!!!!!!!

Heather

PMS = Pre (or Post) Manuscript Syndrome

2006-04-20T21:20:00.000-04:00

Normally, when I start a new book, I get what I call Pre Manuscript Syndrome. You might recognize the symptoms: pacing and/or sitting on your behind. Avoiding the writing because the idea is so brilliant, you just know that writing the words will ruin it all. Finishing chapter 1 (hallelujah!) only to realize you want to change the plot, or the characters, or everything. This involves headaches occcasionally... cramps are not uncommon. Negative self-talk. Deflated ego. The vacant stare when your beloved family and friends are talking to you - caused by your inability to do more than think about your great new plot.

It's not until I get a little further into a story (usually around ch 5 or 6) that I start to gain confidence. The headaches start to wane. It's my brain's way of telling me I'm on the right track, that things are settling in as they're supposed to. I then travel through the rest of the book a little bloated, sure that this is the best thing ever written until..... PMS 2 takes over (Post Manuscript Syndrome). You might recognize these symptoms as well: pacing and/or sitting on your behind. Avoiding rereading the work because the idea was so brilliant, you just know you screwed it all up. Finishing the last chapter (hallelujah!) only to realize you want to change the plot, or the characters, or everything. This involves headaches occcasionally... cramps are not uncommon. Negative self-talk. Deflated ego. The vacant stare when your beloved family and friends are talking to you - caused by your inability to do more than panic that you had a stupid plot that will never see the outside of your hard drive.

Do you see a pattern?
And remember...we LIKE to do this! We are an odd bunch of coconuts.

Heather

Squawk Radio

2006-04-19T15:33:00.000-04:00

Squawk radio has posted a fabulous list of TEN SIGNS YOU JUST MAILED OFF A NEW BOOK TO YOUR EDITOR (posted by Elizabeth Bevarly). Take a look. To all you writers, it's a hoot.

Squawk Radio

Heather

Spring Sap . . .

2006-04-19T05:45:00.000-04:00

Does anyone but me get sappy about Spring?

I just love this time of year. Maybe it's the newness of everything or the balmy breezes coming through my open windows and clearing out the stale air of winter, or maybe it's just Spring Fever doing its thing. I'm not sure exactly what it is, but no season turns me on (not sexually) like Spring does. I do know that a big part of it is the appearance of baby "everythings."

Two days ago, my Sheltie was raising cane, so I checked to see what the cause was. Low and behold, a mommy raccoon was diligently moving her entire family of babies from one spot to another in the woods beyond our yard. Each one of her furry children were carried in her mouth with great care to the new nesting spot, then she'd return, sit in our oak tree, scan the surroundings for predators, then take off to get the next baby. The entire transfer took almost an hour, but what a fun process to watch.

But the greatest joy for me this Spring was the return of my snow owl (whom I have christened Hedwig--after the owl of Harry Potter fame) to roost in my yard. She's lovely and very friendly. No, I don't go near her, but she doesn't seem to mind any of us moving around the yard or the dogs barking at her. She just sits very elegantly on a tree branch near our shed and surveys the activity. The closest I've ever gotten to her was the evening she swooped down over my head as I got out of my car. Talk about an attention getter!

I am such a pushover for all things furry and feathery, as long as they're smaller than me -- and don't slither. I don't do anything that slinks and slithers through the grass on its belly. Nope. I was never fond of snakes, but the year I found the pigmy rattler while mowing our lawn put the final stamp on my aversion and firmly planted stark terror of these things in my heart and mind. I will give them their living space and hope they give me mine, but we will never be friends.

Anyway, I hope that this spring brings all things bright and new to all of you.

Happy Spring, everyone!

Elizabeth

The State Of A Nation

2006-04-18T07:43:00.000-04:00

Have any of you noticed the way Americans vote? Is it not sad that more people vote for TV shows and Online Polls than they do in the National election? What doES that say about us as a nation?

To borrow a line from one of my favorite comedians, "I don't mean to go off on a rant here," but we live in the greatest nation in the world. We have freedoms people in other countries can only dream about, and yet we don't take advantage of them.

It is our right to vote. And that right is protected. We don't have to worry about snipers outside the polling locations. There are no car bombs or people strapped with explosives trying to prevent us from making our choices known. Our soldiers don't have to patrol our polling sites with loaded weapons. Yet, the polls are nearly empty.

So why don't we vote? Why is it that we care about who's the next American Idol more than we care about who is our next President or Senator or Congressman? Why is it that we complain about the state of our economy or broken boarders or about the less than perfect job our elected officials are doing, but do nothing to make a difference? How can we, as a Nation, expect to have our rights--all of them, not just the ability to vote--protected if it's obvious by the lack of poll participation that we don't care what happens to this country?

Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox. Now, if you're reading this and want to blast me for my thoughts, go ahead, but make sure you answer the original question: Why Don't American's Vote?

Laura

Memories of Easters past

2006-04-17T09:13:00.000-04:00

Easter, a time for renewal, devotion, bunnies, candy, colored eggs . . . and flowers -- lots of very fragrant flowers.

When I was eleven or twelve, my parents weren't going to be attending Easter services, so my young, very popular Sunday school teacher, Miss Yeager, invited me to sit with her during church. What an honor! I was the envy of every kid who was compelled to sit with their parents, and I (in all my young naivety) soaked up their envy and her undivided attention like a thirsty sponge..

She had recently gotten engaged and her devoted fiance had presented her with a corsage for Easter -- three very large, very white, VERY fragrant gardenias. After taking our seats and the services had begun, I realized my mistake. I was sitting on her left and my head and nose were exactly the right height to be in line with the corsage of death. After an hour and a half of inhaling the flowers' strong perfume, I left the church with a headache and an upset stomach and couldn't eat Easter dinner, and even worse, I couldn't I indulge in any of my Easter candy until two days later.

Strong memory? Absolutely. It wasn't until many years after that that I could smell and appreciate the aroma of a gardenia again.

My fondest memories tend to involve my children--decking my girls out in frilly dresses, shiny black patent leather shoes, and perky little bonnets and seeing my son in his first "big boy" suit and tie, then trotting off to church as a family. Those are memories that will never fade.

I hope everyone had a blessed and Happy Easter and that you didn't miss out on overindulging in chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and colored eggs, and, while doing so I hope you all made your own cherished memories and that you remembered the reason for the celebration.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

As Seen On TV...3

2006-04-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

Do you fill your sleepless nights watching infomercials? Don't have sleepless nights? You're a lucky person and I don't like you. :-)) I, on the other hand, have always been a night owl so I get to watch almost every infomerical ever made.

When we moved into our new house, I turned one of the bedrooms into a storage pantry and jokingly call it the Butler's Pantry. My husband calls it the As Seen On TV Room. I have no will power when it comes to gadgets that will make my work easier. However, reading the instructions is more work than I can handle.

I'm a sucker for the diet ads that promise to make me thin while I sleep. As I've already said, I don't sleep much. Therein lies the reason I haven't had a svelte body since a was a child when I jumped from size 6X to 14 overnight. I have almost every exercise tape very produced. I keep them in order of how easy they are to WATCH. At this very moment, I considering ordering the new Yoga Booty Ballet. I love the ballet, but since it seldom comes to our town, I'm sure this cd will bring me lots of enjoyment.

Then there are the ads for skin care. I'm thinking about taking the many different products and mixing them in a vat and bathing in it. Naw, since my body is only used to a quick shower once a day, I may go into shock and I'll need to order Mental Health is a State of Mind by one of those world-renown doctors I've never heard of.

AS SEEN ON TV....2

2006-04-15T15:31:00.000-04:00

No, I haven't ever given into the temptation of buying from an infomercial (someone up there is looking out for my impulsive nature, thank you very much), but that doesn't mean I haven't been tempted. There are a few that I shamefully admit to being tempted to buy. The spatula that actually grabs and flips. Then there's this ladle, which, at the moment, I can't remember its use, but it looked cool when I saw it. And I admit to always wanting to try the Proactive skin care line. It seems by PH balance went haywire after I had my second child, and this gal who rarely got a pimple in high school is getting paid back in spades in her late twenties.

Oh, you know, maybe I have bought from an infomercial. I was a member of the Principal Secret skin care line for a while. Every three months, a box was delivered and the product was all right. But to be fair, I joined that through a mailer, not off TV!

Heather

As Seen on TV . . .

2006-04-14T04:33:00.000-04:00

Before I get started on the "As Seen On TV items," there are two things you need to know about me . . .

1-- I hate commercials and therefore infomercials as well. And the chances of me watching one for a half hour or an hour are slim to none. I avoid both whenever possible, which isn't easy and which leads me to my next fact . . . .

2 -- I married a gadget addict. My husband loves things that do things in a, presumably, easier way. So he's the sucker for the infomercial items, not me.

Remember the Flobie? It's a gadget that hooks up to a vacuum cleaner to give yourself a haircut while it sucks up the refuse before it hits the floor. He has one and uses it faithfully to cut his own hair. Despite its origins and weird name, I have to admit, it does a good job, and I'm not always having to harass him to go get a haircut. Maybe it's the exception because the price tag was not the signature $19.95.

Remember the dodad that was recently featured on the infomercials that can not only retrieve a dropped dime off the floor but can also flip an egg? It had a graduated series of three oval wires on a handle and was supposed to be the be-all-and-end-all of kitchen utensils. My first concern is why would anyone want to flip an egg with something they'd used to pick things up off the floor? But . . . We got not one, but two (they were on special). Two days after they arrived, both hit the trash in pieces. So much for the new kitchen wonder tool and his . . . $19.95.

Mr. Gullible is now trying to convince me that the canister that's supposed to cook spaghetti standing up is worth the $19.95 (Do these people not know any other price?). Personally, I've never had a problem with cooking it in a regular pot. Will it taste better if it's cooked standing up? Will my friends spread the word that Elizabeth's spaghetti is a gourmet treat because she cooks it standing up? I doubt it, and I don't see Emeril or Paula or Bobby or Wolfgang running out to get one of these things.

FYI - Did you know that there's an aisle now in Walmart near the checkouts that has all the "As Seen On TV" items and cheaper than . . . as seen on TV? Now my husband doesn't have to wait weeks for the mail delivery. He can buy his toys instantly and take them home right away. Oh joy!

Elizabeth

VICKI HINZE- Music

2006-04-13T12:09:00.000-04:00

I'm not going to get specific on the music because there isn't much I don't like. From classical to jazz to rock and soul, I like it. I used to say I didn't care for country music, because the twang really annoys me. But it's changed so much in the last decade that I find I love a lot of it, too. For two days, Faith Hill's Breathe has been in my head. And I love Sugarland and Bon Jovi's new release. And of course I support Carrie Underwood. She's fabulous--and Kaylin (3) knows all of the words (and noises) in Jesus Take the Wheel. What Gran wouldn't love that??? But I love Josh Grobin and--oh, shoot. I said I wasn't going to go here. We'll be still talking for the next month.

Blessings, Vicki

What makes you cry????

2006-04-12T18:55:00.000-04:00

I admit to being a bit of a stony gal. Not too emotional (unless you count my mood swings). I'm not sappy. I don't cry at Kodak commercials. But still, there are a few things that still get to me.

1 - The National Anthem. It gets me every time.

2 - 4th of July fireworks - especially when a patriotic soundtrack is played in the background. It's not the fireworks that choke me up, it's what the holiday stands for.

3 - Military funerals. All funerals sadden me, but military funerals are so respectful, it's hard not to bawl like a baby.

4 - Any event in which I should feel pride. My kids' school performances, graduations, award ceremonies. Hearing my sister sing, or that my father was given an award.

I'm seeing a pattern here. I'm a military brat, brought up to respect and be appreciative for what the armed forced do for us daily. My father served for 22 years in the Air Force. My brother is still in the Air Force, and my brother in law served in the army.

9/11 gave a lot of U.S. citizens a reason to grieve, a few months of honest gratitude to our military and civil servants. But since then, our patriotism has waned. I'm not sure the majority of our country remember what it is we're fighting for. That's devestating. And that my friends, is what really makes me cry.

Heather

Music - Words to live by

2006-04-12T15:19:00.000-04:00

Reading Heather's post about Bon Jovi had me pulling out his CDs, and saying a prayer of thanks because I had all those old tapes converted not too long ago, just to listen to him again. (Alright, so I've always had a thing for Jon Bon Jovi and most of his albums were already on my computer, but work with me here.)

As I listen to a bunch of his albums again in their entirety, some for the first time in years, I discovered something amazing. Not only is he sexy as sin, with a smile and voice to die for, but he's smart, too.

Okay, stop laughing at me right now. I've already admitted I have a thing for Jon, so I don't need therapy...Yet. But seriously, listen to the words of some of his songs. Bounce, from the album with the same name, is an amazing song. It talks about not letting life, or anyone else, get you down. It says no matter how many times it looks like he's down for the count, he's going to bounce back again. Now tell me what writer shouldn't take those words and make them a mantra to live by? The life of a writer isn't an easy one, and there are some big bumps in the road we face daily. Who doesn't need something to remind them that they're not alone in the struggle?

Then there's Have A Nice Day. How cool is it to listen to a song that says when the world gets in my way, I say Have A Nice Day. Can you think of a better way of remembering that we're all faced with challenges, faced with people telling us we can't make it, faced with our own doubts and fears, but that we don't have to lay down and let it or them win? Forserious--to borrow a word from my 17 year-old here--we have enough to deal with just trying to get the words on the page, do you really have the time to stress out over the little things?

Okay, tell me I'm weird, if you want, but the price of doing that is you have to share a song--artist and album please so we call hunt them down--that speaks to you and offers ways to survive the struggle.

Laura

Writing Sanctuary 3

2006-04-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

Although I have a computer room, my sanctuary is my screened in back porch. Although I go out on by back porch any time, my favorite time is in the morning. I love the quiet before my world begins to stir. I take my morning coffee and a book out there. It's very relaxing. It helps me get focused for the day. Sometimes, I work out there, too. There are very few places in my life without interruption. That's just how my life is.

Vickie

Introducing............Vicki Hinze

2006-04-11T10:58:00.000-04:00

Dolores: I am thrilled our first guest author is Vicki Hinze. Anything Vicki has to say will carry wisdom and encouragement for everyone who reads her blog. Her talent as a writer is only surpassed by her ability to quickly sum up a situation and know the right way to handle it. God knows I've turned to her on many occasions, and she always gives me good advice. She reminds me a lot of my deceased grandmother. (I promise there is a compliment in that statement.) My grandmother was so smart, level-headed, and was the person you wanted on your side in a battle of wits. I feel the same way about Vicki.

Heather: When I first joined RWA in 1999, it didn't take long for me to acquire a list of "must reads." Everyone had an opinion as to which books did certain things really well, but several of my fellow writers recommended one particular book that seemed to do everything well. It was FESTIVAL by Victoria Barrett (aka Vicki Hinze). I'm very picky about what I devote my time to read, and usually, a book has about 30 pages to catch my attention before I give it away. FESTIVAL was amazing from page one and continued that route till the end. That says a lot about Vicki, herself. She's amazing from the moment you meet her till the second you say goodbye. Since then, I've met Vicki a few times and have had several email conversations with her, and I truly consider her a friend - which is a label I use very discriminatorily. She's full of insight and doesn't judge. She won the 2004 RWA Pro Mentor of the Year award, and there's no doubt in my mind that she deserved it. Everybody has a core personality that defines who they are, and yes, Vicki is an astounding author, but more than that, she is a teacher, mentor, friend.

Laura: It's been almost ten years, but I still remember the first time I met Vicki Hinze. I was attending my very first chapter conference where she was one of the guest speakers. I was eager to learn, but too scared that I would be the first ever to ask the stupid question, so I sat through the entire day and never asked those hundreds of questions burning on my tongue. As the day drew toward a close, Vicki approached me and asked if there was a question I'd like to ask. Boy, did I, but being painfully shy makes talking to a stranger nearly impossible. Seeming to understand my silence, and the fears that had me wanting to run, but at the same time rooted to the floor, Vicki just started talking. In a matter of minutes, the fear vanished because she was no longer a stranger. In all the years that have come and gone, and all those still ahead, I know I have someone in my corner. Someone who understands. Someone who always knows what it is you need at that given moment and willingly shares. It could be words of wisdom or a gentle hug or a stern talking to, but it's always given with love and you know it. I'm honored to call Vicki a friend and to be sharing this tiny piece of the world with her.

Marge: When the Plot Queens decided to make Vicki Hinze our first guest blogger, to say I was thrilled is putting it mildly. Vicki has been my best friend for almost fifteen years, but more than that she's been my confidant, my mentor, my teacher and above all my soul-sister. (I can say that because her mom adopted me unofficially years ago.) There has never been a time when I have called for her help that she hasn't been there to offer it. Most times, she knows I need her before I even call. She is one of the most giving human beings I know. If they give a gold star in heaven for each of our good deeds on earth, then I'm sure they've had to replenish their supply many times to keep up with Vicki. To put it briefly, she's the best, and I couldn't love her more if we shared the same bloodlines, which I'm sure we did in another life.

Writing Sanctuary 2

2006-04-11T08:16:00.000-04:00

After having a 4 person family living in a two bedroom house for seven years, I thought I'd find my sanctuary in an office of my own. Turns out, the office became more of a writing supply room when we finally moved to a four bedroom abode. I have two young children, making it impossible to find sanctuary in ANY room (screaming tends to travel). However, I have found that my sanctuary comes in "time" rather than "space."

My kids go to school, and I write, uninterupted. It's a beautiful thing. My sanctuary, so to speak. But then there's spring break and summer vacation and that sanctuary gets vandalized. So that peaceful time during the day turns into the quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Yeah, that leaves me a little tired come morning, but it's worth it to keep my sanctuary holy.

Heather

Vicki Hinze's Writing Sanctuary

2006-04-11T08:04:00.000-04:00

My office is a sanctuary both for writing and for me personally because I spend so much time in it. I love being in it. I'm surrounded only with things that matter to me. Everything else has been taken out. There are scads of things on the walls. Awards behind the door, so I can open it and look at them when I'm feeling shaky about writing that next scene/book. A spiritual corner with angels and crosses and photos and objects important to loved ones with me only in spirit now. My 29 book covers--to remind me, yes, you can. See? You did--when I need it. Flowers and jars with "Blessings" and "Answers" written on them. The jars are empty, but if I stick my hand in, I believe I'll find an answer and so far, I have. Photos of my grans, treasure boxes, angels reading, A rock-filled glass tower table with four candles, fairies and photos of friends and family.

And on my desk, my Bible, my compass, so I never forget my way, a "thinker" so I remember to think before I act. An angel puppy with a gold halo given to me by Plot Queen Marge Smith, in memory of my beloved Alex. A tall crystal given to me by friend, Lorna Tedder, to remind me of my purpose in this life and my will to stay the course to fill it no matter how tough life gets. Two calendars, a scheduler a scribble-filled pad for doodling (mine and my granddaughter's--she's 3 and helps me work). And of course, my beloved quotes. Lots and lots of quotes.

As you can see, this is totally my space and it's filled to the brim with things I love. How could it not be a sanctuary?

But when I run into trouble on the writing, I head to the kitchen table. Why? Because when I was a little girl, my dad told me that 99% of genius is created at the kitchen table. I've believed it all my life. And going to provides resolutions without fail!

Personal sanctuary is the beach. Whenever life beats up on me, I head to the water. Looking out on the horizon, I get perspective, and whatever is wrong with me or mine or in my life seems small in the overall scheme of things. Small can be dealt with and constructively resolved. The steady roll of the water against the sand is a constant, and that constant is dependable and that brings me peace.

Blessings,
Vicki

Vicki Hinze's Dreams vs. Goals

2006-04-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

I'm honored to be asked to share my thoughts with the Plot Queens. They're an amazing group, beloved and much admired.

Dreams versus Goals.

The Difference. My dreams are untethered, unfettered, and unencumbered by realities, much less harsh, logical, analytical realities. My dreams are me-isms. What I want, think, feel and believe and, about this, it matters not what others want, think, feel or believe.

My dreams do not revolve not around others' visions of success, or quests for fame or fortune. They aren't identified or driven by bottom lines and fiscal accountability but are fueled by purpose and an intense desire to honor my life and in some small way make a difference. My dreams are a product of the idealist, the believer in all things good and right and just and fair--(in my view, of course)--and a desire to illustrate ethics by example and in my work. To blaze trails worth following.

My goals are more grounded in reality. They are short-term and long-term and specific. To write specific books for specific reasons. To focus on mastering one aspect of craft. To do all I can do to expose my work to readers who might find merit in it. Goals are ruled by the realist, who understands bottom lines and reasonable rates of growth, and expectations.

I've realized a lot of dreams and goals--writing and finishing a publishable book (nearly 30 times, so far)--winning specific awards that were important for the symbolism I attached to them. Reaching this or that level, these or those reviews, that specific feedback.

The most rewarding dream and goal fulfilled is in the feedback from readers. That feeds the soul of the idealist and the realist.

I haven't won a RITA award, which has been both dream and goal. But I'm still writing, so the dreamer and realist still hopes. :)

Blessings,
Vicki

Prattle's First Guest Contributor - VICKI HINZE

2006-04-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

The Plot Queens are sooooo thrilled to announce our first guest contributor, award winning author, Vicki Hinze. She'll be posting sometime this week, so be sure to visit us often!

Vicki Hinze has authored twenty-one novels, two nonfiction books and hundreds of nonfiction articles, many for international publications, writing for Silhouette, Bantam Dell Publishing Group, Spilled Candy Books, St. Martin's Press, and Pinnacle. She currently has an additional three books under contract.Her first published novel, a romantic suspense, was a bestseller that sold in nearly a dozen foreign countries. Since then, she's shifted writing focus several times. After co-creating the first single-title open-ended continuity series, she turned to military life and has been is credited with a Career Achievement Award for being one of the first to write military romantic suspense, military romantic intrigue, and military romantic thrillers.

Vicki holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing and a Doctorate in Philosophy, Theocentric Business & Ethics. She actively lectures on writing craft and technique and philosophy.Her articles have appeared many respected publications and e-zines (Novelists, Inc., Romantic Times, Romance Writers' Report, The Outreacher, The Rock and others) and have been extensively reprinted in as many as sixty-three foreign markets. She has coordinated and/or judged national and international writing competitions, served on various writers' association committees, has been honored by Romance Writers of America with their National Service Award and in 2004 was named PRO Mentor of the Year.Vicki is a charter sponsor of International Thriller Writers (ITW) and a member of The Authors Guild, Novelists Inc., Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Published Authors Network, Emerald Coast Writers, and other writing organizations.

Writing Sanctuary - Finding where the muse lives

2006-04-10T09:04:00.000-04:00

Sharing a house with two teenage daughters and 3 1/2 cats--and the neat freak I discussed in a previous post--makes finding a quiet place to write almost impossible. My writing area takes up one wall in my dining room. This means there's always the television going in the next room. Hungry children passing by me constantly on their way to search out something else to eat. Phones that never stop ringing. Other people's children stopping by for food or to visit with my girls or to just bug me (Yes, this happens on a daily basis around here).

So how do I find that zone where my muse lives and keep myself there? To be honest, I handcuffed her to my wrist and forced her to fit into my schedule, whether she wanted to or not.

And, I learned to find the swinging door into her world, even if she didn't wanna let me in. First step is to examine your writing habit. I like solitude. Can't write without it. Hmm, maybe that was true once, when the girls were two! Ain't gonna happen again til they go to college. Necessity forced me to change my habits. Since I'm like most people and hate change--hey, my comfort zone is a nice place to hang out and gives me lots of excuses to avoid writing and to play Pogo--I set one killer deadline for myself. In September, with only five chapters of my book finished, but with several contest wins under my belt, I decided I would enter the Golden Heart. This meant I had a total of two months to complete the book. I'm not a fast writer because, well, I like to Pogo! But I finished the book on time. How?

That's easy really. 1 - I told other people about this goal. This means, no matter how many interrupts I had, I would reach that goal because I'd rather shoot myself in the foot than admit I'd failed at something. And 2 - I learned to jump in and out of that zone at a seconds notice.

Hello! You've said that already, but how, you might be yelling at me right about now. Okay, I'll share, but only if you promise not to laugh

I set daily writing goals for myself and when I reached that goal, I stopped writing. Even if I was in the middle of a sentence or even in the middle of a word. Why? Well, other than because I wanted to Pogo--hmm, think I'm seeing a nasty habit here--it gave me a starting point for the next day. If the girls interrupted me with their trips to the kitchen or phones or friends, I wouldn't finish the thought before listening or answering or growling at them. I'd just stop in the middle of the word. Then when they returned to their end of the house, I could read the paragraph, and pick up literally where I left off.

If you live in a crowded house and want to try this method of stopping, here are some keys you must follow:.

1 - Don't be afraid to make a note about what might be happening next right in the middle of the page. Don't jot them in a notebook or the back of a receipt. If you live in organized chaos like me, you'll lose them about the time you finished writing it down. I usually change the font to red so they stand out and can be found easily. This way, if you have this great hook to end the chapter and you get interrupted, you'll have some idea how "She'll show him!" will actually come about.

2 - No stressing out if you can't remember at first exactly what you wanted to happen next. Trust me here, if it's a good idea, and flows with the plot, your brain will remember when you stop worrying about it and just write. And if it never comes to you, then you're probably better off with that kick-butt scene you wrote in its place.

3 - Break yourself in slowly. If you're used to writing while the kids are a school, but summer break is around the corner and you know life will run amuck the second that bell rings, start practicing now. Set the timer on the stove, microwave, or cell phone for 90 minutes. When the alarm rings, get up from the desk, walk around, check email, play Pogo, whatever your weakness is for 10 minutes. When the break is up, set the alarm again and get back to work.

Since kids don't interrupt on a schedule, you might want to alternate the times you set the alarm for just to get used to those frequent stops and starts. Also, make a note of how many pages you wrote in that time intervals and race with yourself to either meet or beat that goal, even if the time between breaks changes. Why? Because as one of the fellow Queens pointed out to me, after a while, you'll learn to write the same number and quality of pages in a shorter amount of time. Which means, you can write more to meet those killer deadlines, interruptions or not.

Laura

Goals vs Dreams

2006-04-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

I used to dream about being published. When I sold my first short story to Woman's World Magazine, my dream had come true. I saw my story in a publication, and it had my byline. After that, it became a goal to get more short stories published, and I did.

For me, I guess dreams are something that haven't come true, yet. At least that's how I see them as I'm thinking about them and writing this now. Dreams that come true can eventually turn to goals, if we act on them, and then maybe we just dream on a bigger scale.

Now, I'm dreaming about selling a full length manuscript. When that comes true, I'll set a goal to sell more manuscripts, but maybe I'll still be dreaming too, only my dreams will be bigger. Maybe I'm not making any sense at all here. LOL

Okay, let me look at it this way. I can't say that dreams don't have any actions behind them to make them come true, because they do. We set goals, and we accomplish them. That's action. But dreams are hope. We need dreams. We have to have hope.

Vickie

Goals vs Dreams - Is there a difference?

2006-04-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

This is a question I've been thinking about lately. Is there a difference? Is one better than the other? Since I'm not the kind of person to think that deep, I had to break it down into a category I could easily wrap my brain around.

As a parent, I dream of having perfect children. Then reality smacked me with a two-by-four and reminded me the hard way that such creatures don't exist. Once I recovered from the goose-egg throbbing on my forehead, I realized that my goal is to have children who are independent, able to stand up for themselves, and not afraid of a lot of hard work to achieve their own hopes and dreams. So did my dream fall short? Heck no! I'd rather have outspoken, determined, driven children any day. Even if it makes them less than perfect in other people's minds.

Okay, I think I'm understanding this dream/goal concept. Let's try one more.

As a writer, I dream of selling to Blaze. Of seeing my name on the book cover. This is a good dream. But is it enough? Nope, cause at the end of the day, if all I have is this dream, then it's nothing more than something to keep the nightmares away when I sleep. Now, if I mix in my goals--to read everything I can get my hands on, study the market, and practice what I learn by writing book after book despite the rejections--I'm getting somewhere.

Does that make goals more important than dreams? No. I think it's a two way street. You can't have one without the other. If you have no dreams, then there's nothing for you to work toward. Setting goals for yourself is great, but if you can't keep that dream firmly in your head the entire time, you'll eventually forget what it is you're working toward.

To answer my own question, yes, there's a difference between Goals and Dreams. One keeps you working, the other reminds you what it is you're working toward.

Okay, that's all the serious I can handle in one post. So, what about you? What kind of goals do you set for yourself to make the dreams a reality?

Heather's Take on American Icons

2006-04-06T17:11:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm sure it's a generational thing, but I have to point out a man who has never lost his sex symbol status. Twenty years after I fell in love with him, he's still as beautiful. Long hair, short hair, leather pants, jeans, Jon Bon Jovi has never lost his charm.

At 20 we was crazy cute, but at 40 plus, the man is just breath-taking. And look at the other muscians from the 80's. So many have aged far beyond their years, looking older and worse than some of those who came before them. But not my Jonny boy. He's still yummy as ever.

Heather

DJ's Take on American Icons

2006-04-06T17:08:00.000-04:00

When I was younger, I thought James Garner was one of the cutest guys on the movie screen. His movies with Doris Day in the '60's was the start of my infatuation with James Garner. Over the next four decades, he and I both grew older, but his awesome ability as an actor never waivered. Nor did his great looks. (I, on the other hand, can't make that claim.)

My favorite James Garner movies for each decade:

60's Support Your Local Sheriff
70's Support Your Local Gunfighter
80's Tank
Murphy's Romance (My all time favorite)
90's Breathing Lessons
My Fellow Americans
00's One Special Night
Space Cowboys

Nick Nolte is another actor I thought was a very good-looking guy. I really liked several of his films like I Love Trouble, Prince of Tides, the 48 Hours series. I watch Cannery Row everytime I get a chance. However, the years and his lifestyle have not been kind to him. I have a hard time watching his recent films because he looks so rough and hard-lived.

Dolores

American Icons Continued

2006-04-06T17:06:00.000-04:00

On the topic of American Icons declining...or not declining....

Let's face it...no one really ages well. Some just do it better than others--like Richard Gere. I swear than man is just as hot as he was ten years ago. Maybe it's his lifestyle or visits to that Tibetan monastery or his yoga lessons, but whatever it is, he should bottle it.
Then you have those that really show every year that has passed--like Robert Redford. Lord, that man's face looks like a road map of the NY City streets. When I saw him in The Horse Whisperer, I barely recognized the guy I drooled over in The Way We Were.
Then there are those that try to fight Mother Nature.
Last night I caught the very end of American Idol and found one of my favorite male artists doing a song -- Kenny Rogers. Now, Kenny may have aged, it's hard to tell, but whatever he did to his face to counteract it should have been left undone. I have a hunch it was a facelift, because his eyes looked tight and drawn, almost Oriental, and his skin looked so bloated that he didn't even resemble the man on the front cover of my CDs. On top of that, he's cut that gorgeous mane of silver hair short (I suspect that may be to cover balding). I was so turned off by his appearance that I barely heard any of the song. But what I did hear, I can say that along with his looks, Kenny's voice needs rehabilitating as well.

Elizabeth

The Decline of an American Icon

2006-04-05T08:30:00.000-04:00

Remember this guy????
Whatever happened to Johnny Castle?

Since we're not on a first name basis (much to my chagrin and not for lack of wishing it were otherwise), I can't say. I do know that I am disappointed that he hasn't made any movies lately. Having watched Dirty Dancing over 58 times, I have to say that I really miss Patrick/Johnny Castle.

I hope that Johnny and Baby are off somewhere living out the happily ever after that was implied at the end of the movie. Unfortunately, I don't think the same can be said for Patrick. I've heard some pretty ugly things about Patrick over the past few years, and it distresses me to think that his life isn't as happy as I imagined that Johnny's and Baby's is. Having seen pictures of him recently, it's obvious that his excesses have taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally.

It's my fondest wish that he get his life back on track and go back to making more movies.

Elizabeth

DEADLINE MONSTERS

2006-04-04T11:38:00.000-04:00

Ah, procrastination, the bane of every writer's existence. I've found that, for me, the best deterrent to procrastination is a looming deadline monster.

In the last year I have written three books (something I would never have thought I could do) all over 80,000 words. For the first book, I had eight weeks to write it. For book two, I had more time -- 12 weeks. For book three, I started out having five months, which was shortened to 8 weeks, then to 6. Amazingly, I made all three deadlines with time to spare.

Why? Two reasons -- the DEADLINE MONSTER and a husband who understands deadlines and is willing to live on takeout and pizza for an indeterminate length of time. But mainly it's the deadline monster looming over me, prodding my conscience, barring its teethe when I even think about taking time off, and growling aggressively when my mind begins to wander.

I have always been very conscious of getting things done on time, so getting a book written by the date in my contract has become an obsessive thing for me. The thought of missing a deadline makes me break out in a cold sweat.

However, if I'm not working toward a deadline, I can find all manner of distractions-- a TV show that I just can't miss; laundry that has to be done, but that under normal conditions could wait until my husband starts screaming for clean underwear; cooking which you can see from one of my other blog posts is not my favorite pastime; and any number of other things that have nothing to do with writing.

Bottom line is if you want me to do something, put a date on it and I'll have it done. let me pick the date and you could go to your grave waiting for me to finish it.

Elizabeth

THE SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN METHODS OF PROCRASTINATION

2006-04-03T20:58:00.000-04:00

One of the biggest things that aids in my procrastination to write is reading. I absolutely love to read, and when I find a book that sucks me into the story, I'm notorious for reading it nearly nonstop until I get to the end. It could be a book on tape or CD that sucks me in, and in that case, I'll walk around the house with a headset on while I cook dinner or wash clothes or whatever. I've worn out lots of walkmans this way. Sometimes, I'll listen to the headset and play Freecell on the computer. Some nights, I'll go to sleep with the headset on. I don't just fall asleep with it on. I plan it. What I'm leading up to is that a good book can really hook me, until all I want to do is read. I actually have a cd in the player while I'm writing this, but it's on pause. Hmm, this is starting to sound like an obsession, rather than just procrastinating.

I may have to give that some serious thought, and I intend to, right after I finish listening to this book on CD. :-)

When I can't afford to procrastinate, I simply do what I have to do. Recently, I submitted a full manuscript that was requested. The minute I received the request, I printed a fresh copy of the entire manuscript, made sure all the pages printed properly and in sequence, and then got it in the mail that same day, so it would be fresh in the editor's mind when she got it. My only draw back was rushing to get it to the post office before they closed that day. I put everything else on hold to get this done. For me, if I have to do something, I'll do it.

How do you keep yourself from procrastinating?
Vickie

Quotes

2006-04-03T15:23:00.000-04:00

"The only way to it is through it."
I love this quote because I sincerely believe that anything worth having requires much work and determination. I used to use the quote "If you want to see the rainbow, you must first endure the rain." Same theme, more words. Both mean a lot to me.
----Heather

"Don't buy someone else's problems."

I have a tendency to over-worry about other people's problems, even the ones that don't effect me. By remembering this, I have time to solve my own.

----Elizabeth

"I can't control what others do, I can only control my reaction to it. "
Sometimes it is almost easier to control someone else than to make yourself do what is right in reaction. There are many times when I'd rather tell someone how stupid they are for doing something . . . Well, stupid. But since it usually isn't my place, I just count to ten and think of ways I can work around whatever obstacles Mr. Or Ms. Stupid put in my way. Of course, it comes easier with practice. At my age and with things I've had to deal with, I should be an expert.

Another favorite is the one I used to rate my friends: A friend will accept my collect call from jail. A good friend will bail me out of jail. A dear friend will be in the cell beside me saying, damn that was fun.

----Dolores

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll still be among the stars."

This is my favorite saying because I can't think of a place I'd love to be more than with the stars--both those in the sky and the greats in the industry.

----Laura

The Problem with Being Creative

2006-04-03T10:59:00.000-04:00

This is a topic I've recently discussed with a fellow Plot Queen, one that plagues me constantly, and from talking to her, I know I'm not alone. It's not restricted to writers, either. Everyone has a bit of imagination in them, and that little flicker can lead to real mental issues.

So, here's my question... Do you ever freak yourself out for no good reason?

My husband goes out of town to spend the night. I'm an independent, strong-willed person, but what do I do? I create all sorts of scenarios in my mind. What-If questions, so to speak. What if someone breaks in? How will I get my kids to safety? What if there's a fire? Maybe I should double check the instructions on the extinguisher. Which child do I run to first in the case of an emergency? And my pets, what about my pets?

The thought of being the sole person responsible for those lives is terrifying and sparks my imagination like nothing else.

This weekend was a prime example. A friend did nothing to cause this concern. She simply didn't answer her phone. I'd thought a family member of hers had tried to contact me, which led me to believe something was wrong. Then, my friend never answered on the other end. All weekend long, I imagined her lying at the foot of her stairs, possibly being eaten by her pack of dogs (they say that happens...don't laugh). Turns out my friend is alive and well and once again, my imagination created a life of its own.

How paranoid are you? How much of what you tell yourself is truth rather than made up stories waiting to be verified?

Heather

Evening Shade

2006-04-02T15:23:00.000-04:00

We asked: What canceled/retired TV show would you really like to see return in new episodes?

I was so disappointed when they canceled Evening Shade with Burt Reynolds. Besides the most obvious reason, (Burt's tight jeans) I loved the unusual cast of characters who lived in the small Arkansas town. The offbeat humor kept me in stitches every week.

Unlike other shows popular at the time, Evening Shade has not reappeared on my television in syndicated reruns. Maybe it's the fact that I haven't watched them over and over again, that I can't repeat the dialog verbatim to the exact movement of the actor's lips, or that I can't recall each episode that makes me long to see the shows again.

Other than the one episode where the women stole the male campers' clothes and car and left them to get back to town on their own with tin foil strategically wrapped around there bodies, (memorable because Burt was minus the tight jeans) I don't remember specific things. I just know I laughed and laughed during every show.

I'd love to see Evening Shade return.

Dolores

TV Revisited

2006-04-02T12:19:00.000-04:00

What TV show do I wish would come back? BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER.

Oh, Spike, where art thou? He's just not the same now that he's playing Brainiac on Smallville.

The first season of Buffy was rather silly, each show episodic, no real story line to carry through each episode. But then season 2 came along...Spike, Angel (never really liked Angel, though his show was pretty good).

The ensemble cast was witty and sarcastic and kick butt. Buffy was the least interesting one of the lot, but through her, the rest of the cast got to grow and become powerful characters. My naughty Spike even gained a soul! I admit to having missed Buffy the first time around, and got hooked when the reruns started on the FX channel. I even got my husband hooked.

Who do you miss most from BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER?

Household Chores continued........

2006-04-01T20:43:00.000-05:00

I hate doing anything that has to do with cleaning the kitchen. Cleaning out the refrigerator--hate it. Loading and unloading dishwasher--hate it. Scrubing kitchen floor--well, you know.
I would iron clothes for a family of four every week if I never had to clean a kitchen again.

I like to cook. No, I love to cook. But the fun goes right out the window when it is time to clean up. And I certainly do make a mess when I cook. My sister-in-law, God rest her soul, used to hand wash every dish, piece of silverware, or pot as she finished with it. Of course, it took her three hours to cook a very simple meal, but her kitchen sparkled before she sat down to eat.

I, on the other hand, can put together a meal for eight in forty-five minutes, start to finish. There won't be any pots or pans still in the cabinets. Nor will there be a piece of silverware still in the drawer or a clear spot on the counter to set another thing, but dinner will be served promptly.

Since my built-in dishwashers grew up and moved out, I tend to look in other directions for help with my kitchen duties. My thanks to Captain D, the Colonel, and my all time favorite #5 at the New China Drive-thru.

Bon appetite,
Dolores

The Danger of Thinking

2006-04-01T14:17:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about this cooking crap. (Ask any of the Plot Queens . . . things get dicey whenever I start thinking.)

I'm not much on math, but I've been married for almost 42 years, at three meals per day, that's 45,990 meals. Is it any wonder the best thing I make nowadays is reservations?

Elizabeth

Household Chores - The task that never ends

2006-03-31T15:57:00.000-05:00

You know, this question is one I've been thinking about lately as the chores pile up. Since my children are really busy with school and friends and work and, well, you get the idea, a lot of their tasks have fallen on my To-Do list. Because I'm such a wonderful mom? Nope, cause I live with a neat freak and there are certain things that must be done to keep the man happy. Honestly, most times, I think it's a big waste of time. I mean, come on, you clean the kitchen, go have a cup of coffee and watch TV, then when you venture back for another cup of coffee, the dirty stuff multiplied like flippin roaches when I wasn't looking. And the laundry basket. Why is every time I've determined there isn't another dirty piece of clothing in my house, I go in to get the last load out of the wash, and you guessed it, dirty clothes have materialized out of thin air and filled that basket again.

Anyway, after careful pondering about the tasks I'd give up if I could, I made a list like:
Laundry -- oh I hate matching socks
Dishwasher--what's up with cleaning the dishes before it cleans the dishes?
Guess I'm not talking to it sternly enough
Cooking -- okay, I fed them last night...I think
Bathrooms -- Why does the toothpaste come out of the tube with no problems then adhere itself to everything it touches?
Cat boxes -- This is one of those chores I've attempted to pay my children to do. Anyone have some handy tricks to teaching a 9 year old kitten how to use the potty?

You know, after reading over this list, I could probably come up with at least a half a dozen more. I think I've decided the chores I hate the most are the ones that start with C and end with S and all the letters in between.

But, as I said, neat freak can only handle my clutter for so long before he goes on a cleaning rampage. Not so bad, you think? If he's so picky, let him do it himself? Sure, tried that once. Then felt so guilty that he was doing all the work himself I went in and asked him what I could do to help. Ever clean your entire kitchen with a toothbrush? Yeah, I'll tackle everything on my list and a few I didn't think of to make sure I never have to do that again.

What about you? Why, other than the obvious reason of living in a pigpen gets old really fast, do you force yourself to do the chores on you I-hate-doing list?

Laura

BLAST FROM THE PAST 2

2006-03-31T13:05:00.000-05:00

Oh my God, Heather just pulled a memory from the back of my mind that I've been suppressing for the last ten years. Have you ever wondered what the guy that first stole you heart looks like today or how his life went after he was stupid enough to dump you, the best thing that had ever happened to him, or ever would? Haven't we all. LOL

A few years ago, I had occasion to visit my hometown for a booksigning. After the signing, I stopped off at the local supermarket/variety store. As I was going in, I bumped into someone on their way out. It was HIM!

Now, before I tell you more, let me back up and give you some backstory.

I met this guy through my dad, who worked with his dad, and it was love at first sight. What wasn't to love? His Irish mother had endowed him with gorgeous blue eyes and his Italian father’s genes had given him a full head of dark black, curly hair. (I'm a sucker for dark-haired men, even though my husband is blonde. Just look at my books – all my heroes have black hair and probably always will.) But I digress.

We started going steady (yes, that’s what it was called back in the Dark Ages) and spent almost every waking moment together – for the next five years. We went to my junior and senior prom together, spent endless hours at each other’s house, ate meals together. . . . In short, we were inseparable. In my senior year, we got engaged. Life was good. The future looked rosy, and all was right with my teenage world.

Then SHE came on the scene. A friend of mine. She was dark and sultry and willowy and well endowed and all the other things you want to slap a rival silly for. Soon after that, the ring came off my finger, and I was subjected daily to seeing them holding hands, whispering sweet nothings in each others ears and, worst of all, the knowledge that all my friends knew I'd been dumped. Thank God, I only had to endure four more months of humiliation remained before graduation. After that, I never had to see either of them again – until I walked into that supermarket ten years later.

Back to the present story . . . We did the “Hi, long time no see” thing, then the awkwardness set in. He asked how I'd been doing, and I told him, with smug satisfaction, that I was married and had two beautiful daughters. Then the good part came. He'd married HER, and they'd had two kids, but now THEY WERE DIVORCED. Shame on me for feeling a strong surge of satisfaction, of payback, but I did. SHE had left him. SHE had dumped him. He was officially a dumpee. YES!

And that’s not all. All that beautiful, dark black, curly hair? Gone. Bald as a billiard ball. And back then, it was NOT the style or by his choice. Back then it was totally in the hands of Mother Nature.

Me? I went home and kissed my hubby, the one with the full head of gorgeous blonde curls.

Elizabeth

Plotqueencollage

2006-03-30T21:23:00.000-05:00

BLAST FROM THE PAST

2006-03-30T21:09:00.000-05:00

I took my daughter to the dentist on Tuesday. A traumatic experience on its own. But as I'm sitting in the waiting room, reading my book and minding my own business, a loud voice starts a boisterous conversation with the receptionist. I glance up. OMG! I know her! Went to school with her! Even considered her a friend until 11th grade. She glaces at me, recognition dawns, and I think, oh no. What exactly does she remember? Does she remember the kindnesses I showed her when we were friendly, or (of course) how I cut off our friendship when she became less than popular with the "in" crowd? No, I was never cruel. Never teased her. But I WAS friends with those who tormented her.

It was hard to carry on the friendly chat after that. She even brought up the fact that she'd been the most hated girl in school. I wanted to pull her aside and tell her that it had only been jealousy that inspired the cruelty from the other girls, but I was stuck between my conscience and my urgent desire to not draw any more attention to myself. I didn't want the nurses to hear my apologies, to know I was one of those people. These people were drilling holes in my daughter's mouth while all of this was going on, remember?

Blast From The Past tells me she's moving, says it was nice to see me and leaves before I can make a solid decision. I wish I would have caught up to her.... But I didn't.

Have you ever seen someone from your past that stirred up old memories you were less than fond of? I'd love to hear about it.

Heather

Welcome!

2006-03-30T17:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Plot Queens' first ever blog!!!!!!!

Here you'll hopefully find mindless musings and entertaining tales. We shall soon find out!