Hubby's Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Sean!

Vacation Time

Today is my last day before vacation from the day job. It’s a much needed a vacation. We’re not going away during this week. There’s too much to do around the house that can’t get done while working our stressful jobs. It’s okay, because the weathermen aren’t offering a promise of sunny days. Each day holds a high chance of rain.

Our true vacation will be in August when we go to Virginia. I’m looking forward to that vacation, but not rushing the summer away by any means.

I’m in talks for a three book deal with a publisher. The contract will be a ghostwriting gig. I’ve written over thirty books under a pen name, so doing this will be knew to me. It’s an exciting prospect though.

So our vacation will be a working one for me, but not stressful work. I love writing.

Any fun plans for the weekend?

My mom and son are traveling here from NY for a three day visit. Tomorrow I’m throwing a birthday party for both my mom and husband. I had hoped the kids could use the pool, but it doesn’t seem likely. It’ll still be a good time.

Celebrating

To the most important woman in my life: Mom

Welcome Summer

My favorite season!

The End of Craziness is Near

Life has been overwhelmingly busy. I’m working on new contracts. My day job has demanded 75+ hours a week and the school year is coming to an end. Oh and add in a sick two year old. Talk about crazy. As the weather starts to brighten here in Rhode Island, so is life. Work at the day job is slowing down, my projects are almost done for June and I’m gearing up to send out emails for July and August work.

Balance has played a key role over the last few weeks. Things had to be left by the wayside and blogging was one of them. In your career you have to find balance. You can’t make money if you’re focusing too much on social media, yahoo groups and neglecting your writing.

So I had to disappear from these for a time to balance the important things…making money and caring for my family.

With the summer weather I tend to find it difficult to want to sit at my desk and work, but I do it. The sun and pool taunt me from my office window. They beg me to join them.  My checkbook reminds me I must work. The bills that continue to fill the mailbox monthly remind me that if I want to play I must work hard. But I do spend time in the pool. My reward for a job well done? My iPod, a cold drink and my purple float, drifting around the pool.

Do you reward yourself when you accomplish a project? If so how?

Happy Father's Day

I'd like to send father's day wishes to my dad, husband, father and son-in-law. I have beautiful children and grandchildren because of you!

Have You Arrived Today?

I was reading an author’s blog on the ABC’s of writing. She started with Arrive.

Arrive – or show up. This is exactly what it takes to become a successful writer. If you don’t show up, put your butt in the chair and write every day you don’t stand a chance at success.

Showing up every day is not easy. Who has time to write when laundry is piling up, dishes need to be clean, the dog needs to be walked and anything else you can think of to distract you. Sometimes when I procrastinate even cleaning the refrigerator is more appealing than putting my butt in the chair.

If you have children they demand attention. You’re constantly running to baseball practice, dance recitals and doctor’s appointments. The beauty is the downtime it offers. While your little one is practicing jot down some ideas for a new query or outline the article idea. You might even be able to write the first paragraph.

Stealing fifteen minutes here and there can be just as rewarding as sitting at your desk for an hour.

The bottom line is we have to write, write, write. If only 100 words a day, you need to write something.

100 words will lead to 2, 3, 4 and soon 500 words. Before you know it you’ll have a fleshed out query, article, story or anything you want to publish.

So what are you waiting for? Write something now!

 

Happy Friday!

Conversations...

I’ve had a few. Life had dealt our family a little more than we can handle lately, but in all the dark I’ve come realize how wonderful it is to have friends in this business.

One came from an editor her comment: You’re one of my favorite writers.  *blushes* It’s nice to be appreciated.

Another was with a friend. Her daughter has an eccentric art teacher. She was telling me how the teacher names all her paint brushes, holds funerals for them when they break and if you hold them under water too long she’ll say: gulp, gulp, gulp…I’m drowning.

This conversation gave me a chuckle in a time I really needed one.

Another friend created a banner for a new release for my alter ego. I wasn’t expecting it, so it was a wonderful surprise.

Writers understand how lonely this business can be and how we might need a shoulder at times. So thanks to those who’ve brightened my dark days.

Can a Baby Ruin Your Marriage?

Recently, I read this article on how a newborn can ruin a marriage. As a mother who has given birth to five children, I can relate. Who the heck wants to be intimate when you're up every 2-3 hours feeding an eating machine? When that child is napping the only thing you can think about is sleep.
You're constantly tired and even cranky. Sex is the furthest thing from your mind. And it's the reason you're in the situation.
So yes, I can agree with this article. The only thing I'd add is if you truly love your mate, you'll do whatever you can to make it work. Someday that child will be off on his or her own and it'll only be you and your mate. Remember why you're there. You committed to a lifetime...good or bad. :o)