ACFW Conference in Dallas

Seems I have a lot going on with the Lone-Star state this year. Tonight, a Cairn Terrier puppy is flying in from Waco to join our family and September 21-23 is the conference in Dallas. I've never been. First time for me, and I have to admit, I'm a bit nervous. I tend to talk too much when I'm nervous. What if I drive people off? What if they see me coming and run and hide? I'm very excited about all the things I'll learn, all the people I'll meet and I hope, I hope, whoever my appointments are with like me. I mean really like me as in we want your book, like me. I've got a roomie and I've never shared a room with a stranger before. I'm breaking out of my comfort zone all over the place! What will I do with my free time? There are so many questions! Did I mention I can't wait?

Fun Questions for a change

Here are some fun questions I was sent.

Tired of all of those surveys made by High School kids?

'Have you ever kissed someone?'
'missed someone?'
'told someone you love them?'
'drank alcohol?'

Here are some questions for some people who are a little more mature... ok old folks like us!!!!


1. What bill do you hate paying the most? ALL of them!

2. What's the best place to eat a romantic dinner? P.F. Changs


3. Last time you Puked from Drinking? Never - have never been drunk

4. When is the last time you got drunk and danced on a bar? There's enough alcohol in the world to get me to do that!

5. Name of your First Grade Teacher? ?????

6. What do you really want to be doing right now? Enjoying some peace and quiet.

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up? A wife and mother who writes books!

8.How many colleges did you attend before you settled on the one you graduated from? none


9. Why did you wear the shirt that you have on right now? Just bought it yesterday!

10. Gas prices? Ridiculous!

11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would you go and who? I want to live closer to my parents, if I could take my kids and grandkids with me.

13. Last thought before Falling asleep last night? God Help Me!

14. Favorite style of Underwear? Hanes Her Way

15. Favorite style of Underwear for the opposite sex? Boxer briefs

16. What Errand/Chore do you despise? Moping and bathtubs.

17. If you didn't have to work, what would you do? WRITING!

18. Get up early or sleep in? Depends on the night before

19. Your Favorite Cartoon Character? Mulan. She kicks butt.

20. Favorite NON sexual thing to do at night with a girl/guy is?
Carry on a good conversation

21. A secret that you wouldn't mind everyone knowing? But then it wouldn't be a secret . . .

22. What was your First Car? 1969 Chevy Impala. A putrid green

24. Your Favorite Lunch Meat? Ham

25. What do you get everytime you go into a Walmart? Probably pet supplies

26. Beach Or Lake? Beach

27. Do you think Marriage is an outdated ritual that was invented by people who died at 20? God santifies marriage.

28. Who do you Stalk on myspace? No one

29. Favorite Guilty Pleasure? M&M's and Starbucks

30. Favorite Movie you wouldnt want anyone to find out about? I don't really watch any movies I'd be ashamed to watch with anyone I know.

31. What's your drink? Diet coke.

32. Cowboys or Indians? Depends on if they are hot or not! I grew up with both so I can see pros and cons on both sides.

33. Cops or Robbers? Cops

34. Do you cheer for the bad guy? Nope

35. What Hollywood star do you think resembles you best? Can I make a wish?

36. If you had to pick one cast member of Grey's Anatomy, which one would you be? ???.

37. What do you want when you are sick? To be left alone.

38. Who from High School would you like to run into? My old friends.

39. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now? KLUV

41. Stiffler or Oz? I have no idea what this means

42. Norm or Cliff? Neither

43. The Cosby Show or the Simpsons? Cosby

44. Worst Relationship Mistake that you wish you could take back? Old boyfriend

45. Do you like the Person who sits directly across from you at work? I sit with detention kids all day. Does that answer your question?

46. If you could get away with it who would you kill? I kill people in my writing everyday.

47. What Famous person would you like to have dinner with? I'd have to think about this one.

48. What famous Person would you like to sleep with? I'm not that kind of girl!

49. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose? Yes. When my then three-year old son set his mattress on fire.

50. Last book you read for real? Murder, Mayhem & A Fine Man

51. Do you have a teddy bear? Not anymore.

52. Strangest Place you have ever brushed your teeth? Airport bathroom (I know, not strange, but I lead a pretty boring life.)

53. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go? Highway 101 and head north.

54. How many times a day do you text? Sometimes not even once.

55. At this point would you rather start a new career or relationship? Career. Full-time writing

56. Do you go to church? The Vineyard.

57. Pencil or Pen? Pencil. Mistakes erase better.

58. Describe your favorite Day? Sleeping late, watching a chick-flick with popcorn and a soda, and writing.

Shades of Crimson

Finished the last chapter yesterday. Yahoo! Such a feeling of accomplishment. It's always a bit sad though to finish something you've spent so much time on. These characters will be with me for a while, though as I now have revisions and will move on to books two and three in the Upton Falls Series. Now, to find more and different ways for my hero and heroine to avoid the "bad" guy.

Last Chapter

Well, Shades of Crimson is down to it's last chapter. If I ever get it written, that is. I've been in a funk the last couple of days. Feeling a bit depressed and can't pinpoint why. I'm still gathering notes on the conference, thinking about the second book in the series and not sure I even want to write it, unless a publisher shows interest and I know that's not the right attitude. Haven't written anything on the first-person cozy I started. Also had a story started that takes place in, of all places, Booger Hollow, Arkansas. Yes, there is such a place. Population 7 counting one coon-dog, and goes on to spend time in the now vacated Dogpatch, USA. Will probably change some of that story line. How much of a book can you write that takes place in a closed down Amusement Park? Anyway, I'm rambling, and should do some work on marketing the three print-on-demand novels I have out. Did I mention the Language Arts teacher at the local Junior High absolutely loved them? Still freaks me out when someone says that.

Nearing the end

Well, I've got 10,000 more words to go in my wip. Feeling pretty good about finishing the first draft by conference. Hey, I might even have an edited version to pitch, God willing.

The publisher interested in my fourth book received the revisions. Said it might take 2 - 3 months before they get back to me. Yikes! I was so hoping to hear back by conference. I don't know whether I should pitch that book or not.

I'm reading Dee Henderson's, The Witness. Haven't read any of her books before, but someone mentioned that I write like her, so of course I had to pick up one of her books. What a compliment! I can see the comparison. Hopefully, a publisher will to.

Novel Submitted for Revisions

Got a lovely not so rejection letter the other day on my completed novel, Mountain of Fear. The publisher wanted revisions with the sexual tension increased. I was skeptical at first and after e-mailing the editor, decided to go with the revisions. They weren't asking for sex or obscenity, just the tension to up the romance part of the story. I hope I was able to do what they asked and will be waiting on pins and needles to hear back. Pray with me, ya'll!