"Good writing is supposed to evoke sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon."
E.L. Doctorow
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday Quote
"Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young."
W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday Quote
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Saturday, April 04, 2009
oh my!
It's been forever since I blogged, but I'm still adjusting to this working, having 4 kids, and then softball, girl scouts, dance class, kidnastics, play dates, trips to the park, library, feed the ducks, should I go on?
My brother was in the hospital for a little while, and while visiting him I learned some sad news about a father of my husband's friend. Add on the health issues my grandparents are suffering from, I am definitely counting my blessings, but spending more time worrying about people than writing.
However, I'm working on a BBW that is a lot of fun to write. I got half way done. Now I need to finish it. Because since I started working, I have trouble finishing anything! The damn guilt about the messy house and how I am no longer making three meals a day gets to me. I can be my vision of a perfect mom, or I can be a writer and adequate mom. Why oh why do I burn with this need to be perfect in everything I do?
*slaps self.
Anyway, I hope to have a new release soon. I will keep you all posted :)
My brother was in the hospital for a little while, and while visiting him I learned some sad news about a father of my husband's friend. Add on the health issues my grandparents are suffering from, I am definitely counting my blessings, but spending more time worrying about people than writing.
However, I'm working on a BBW that is a lot of fun to write. I got half way done. Now I need to finish it. Because since I started working, I have trouble finishing anything! The damn guilt about the messy house and how I am no longer making three meals a day gets to me. I can be my vision of a perfect mom, or I can be a writer and adequate mom. Why oh why do I burn with this need to be perfect in everything I do?
*slaps self.
Anyway, I hope to have a new release soon. I will keep you all posted :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
e-Piracy advice on Loose Change
There is a great post over at Loose Change about e-piracy and what can be done about it.
Here's a snippet:
Here’s another myth that needs debunking: Internet Piracy is impossible to prosecute, and no one really tries.
Wrong.
Yes, it’s difficult, and often cost prohibitive, to track down individual posters of one story. That’s not the way our contacts at the US Border Patrol Division of Cyber Crimes work. Cyber crimes cost US businesses millions of dollars a year -- that makes them worth prosecuting. So our trusty Cyber detectives can and do prosecute individuals, including seizing their computers and levying hefty fines, their major point of focus is the host sites that allow Internet users to illegally share files. If sites continually allow users to post illegal files -- music, books, DVDs, etc. -- investigators may well seize servers and prosecute site owners.
Michelle
Here's a snippet:
Here’s another myth that needs debunking: Internet Piracy is impossible to prosecute, and no one really tries.
Wrong.
Yes, it’s difficult, and often cost prohibitive, to track down individual posters of one story. That’s not the way our contacts at the US Border Patrol Division of Cyber Crimes work. Cyber crimes cost US businesses millions of dollars a year -- that makes them worth prosecuting. So our trusty Cyber detectives can and do prosecute individuals, including seizing their computers and levying hefty fines, their major point of focus is the host sites that allow Internet users to illegally share files. If sites continually allow users to post illegal files -- music, books, DVDs, etc. -- investigators may well seize servers and prosecute site owners.
Michelle
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Whiskey Eats
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION! To celebrate the Holidays and thank our many customers around the world, nearly seventy Whiskey Creek Press authors have contributed favorite recipes for our first annual WHISKEY EATS Cookbook. You can get a FREE ebook download of WHISKEY EATS, or purchase a paperback copy at a discounted price. But hurry! The cookbook is only available in ebook and paperback formats through December 31, 2008!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Contest
15 days
15 authors
more than 15 books
Click here to see the contest!
Contest started 12/8 and runs until 12/22.
Good Luck!
15 authors
more than 15 books
Click here to see the contest!
Contest started 12/8 and runs until 12/22.
Good Luck!
Monday, December 08, 2008
15 Minute Quickie
My writing partner and I love to do silly writing things to break our writer's block. I enjoy them so much I decided to share one with you today.
This story's ingredients: alien, pancake mix, a rubber
“What the hell are you doing?” Talya froze in the doorway. Robert had thought he'd figured out what the rubber was, and she could barely contain her laughter. he had filled the damn thing with pancake mix, cut a hole in the tip, and was squeezing out mixture onto the frying pan in the shape of silver dollars.
“What?” Robert turned and stared at her, his eyebrows wrinkling in that adorable manner he had of doing when he was confused. “I followed the directions.”
Talya burst out laughing. “And where on that box does it say you are supposed to use a condom to pour the batter into the frying pan?”
“Look, I'm not familiar with all your earthly cooking items. Back on my planet we have these things that spit out the exact amount of batter into a pan of oil and fry the cakes into perfection.”
Talya doubled over in glee. Great in bed and hysterically funny. What more could she want in a man? Tre convenient that he was also royalty on the Planet Ardraea.
“You are confusing me. You sounded angry. Now you are laughing. Are you okay?”
Talya gasped for air and wiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “I wonder what you will do when I ask for funnel cake.” She could see it now. The Daughters of Circe would be over for dinner and Robert would whip out a rubber, fill it, and start spreading the stream of batter into the pan.
Michelle
This story's ingredients: alien, pancake mix, a rubber
“What the hell are you doing?” Talya froze in the doorway. Robert had thought he'd figured out what the rubber was, and she could barely contain her laughter. he had filled the damn thing with pancake mix, cut a hole in the tip, and was squeezing out mixture onto the frying pan in the shape of silver dollars.
“What?” Robert turned and stared at her, his eyebrows wrinkling in that adorable manner he had of doing when he was confused. “I followed the directions.”
Talya burst out laughing. “And where on that box does it say you are supposed to use a condom to pour the batter into the frying pan?”
“Look, I'm not familiar with all your earthly cooking items. Back on my planet we have these things that spit out the exact amount of batter into a pan of oil and fry the cakes into perfection.”
Talya doubled over in glee. Great in bed and hysterically funny. What more could she want in a man? Tre convenient that he was also royalty on the Planet Ardraea.
“You are confusing me. You sounded angry. Now you are laughing. Are you okay?”
Talya gasped for air and wiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “I wonder what you will do when I ask for funnel cake.” She could see it now. The Daughters of Circe would be over for dinner and Robert would whip out a rubber, fill it, and start spreading the stream of batter into the pan.
Michelle
Monday, December 01, 2008
Maniac Monday
Today I want to devote my blog to helping out a stranger. Someone who's heart you can touch without much effort, just good will and friendship.
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html
xerox will send a card to a soldier over seas.
You don't get to pick who it goes to, but you will make somebody's day!
Michelle
http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html
xerox will send a card to a soldier over seas.
You don't get to pick who it goes to, but you will make somebody's day!
Michelle
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Rituals and Magick
A good friend wrote this article about rituals. What they mean, why people do them, and how to go about doing one. I found it to be very insightful and full of good advice. She also has other magickal articles on her blog as well.
Cynnara
Michelle
Cynnara
Michelle
Changeling Press Gingersnaps and CONTEST
Our Fifth Annual Very Changeling Christmas Contest begins December 1st
with the first of 12 Gingersnaps:
Gingersnaps: Santa Paws Lena Austin
Gingersnaps: Canine Cop BJ McCall
Gingersnaps: Serendipity 5A Dawn Montgomery
Gingersnaps: Christmas Knight Alecia Monaco
Gingersnaps: Another Chance L. Shannon
Gingersnaps: Cupid Sierra Dafoe
Gingersnaps: Serendipity 7C Lexxie Couper
Gingersnaps: Sophie’s Present Anne Kane
Gingersnaps: Summoning Leila Brown
Gingersnaps: Sugar Plums Kate Hill
Gingersnaps: Pole Serpent Renee George
Gingersnaps: Christmas Party Moira Rogers
12 Changeling Gingersnaps, 12 Chances to Win!
Grand Prize: Free E-Books For a Year
(All Changeling 2009 e-book releases)
Five First Place Winners will each receive free E-books for a month
(All Changeling January 2009 e-book releases)
10 runners-up will receive Five Free Downloads of their choice.
Buy any Changeling Gingersnap during the month of December and you're automatically entered to win. Every purchase of a Gingersnap counts as a contest entry. Winners to be announced at our Changeling New Years Eve party, located at the Changeling Bar and Grill -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChangelingPress
Who’s coming down your chimney this year?
The First three to release are:
Gingersnaps: Santa Paws Lena Austin
Gingersnaps: Canine Cop BJ McCall
Gingersnaps: Serendipity 5A Dawn Montgomery
I've already had the pleasure of reading Serendipity 5A and man oh man did I need to fan myself! With the added benefit of the contest - what winners!
Michelle
with the first of 12 Gingersnaps:
Gingersnaps: Santa Paws Lena Austin
Gingersnaps: Canine Cop BJ McCall
Gingersnaps: Serendipity 5A Dawn Montgomery
Gingersnaps: Christmas Knight Alecia Monaco
Gingersnaps: Another Chance L. Shannon
Gingersnaps: Cupid Sierra Dafoe
Gingersnaps: Serendipity 7C Lexxie Couper
Gingersnaps: Sophie’s Present Anne Kane
Gingersnaps: Summoning Leila Brown
Gingersnaps: Sugar Plums Kate Hill
Gingersnaps: Pole Serpent Renee George
Gingersnaps: Christmas Party Moira Rogers
12 Changeling Gingersnaps, 12 Chances to Win!
Grand Prize: Free E-Books For a Year
(All Changeling 2009 e-book releases)
Five First Place Winners will each receive free E-books for a month
(All Changeling January 2009 e-book releases)
10 runners-up will receive Five Free Downloads of their choice.
Buy any Changeling Gingersnap during the month of December and you're automatically entered to win. Every purchase of a Gingersnap counts as a contest entry. Winners to be announced at our Changeling New Years Eve party, located at the Changeling Bar and Grill -- http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChangelingPress
Who’s coming down your chimney this year?
The First three to release are:
Gingersnaps: Santa Paws Lena Austin
Gingersnaps: Canine Cop BJ McCall
Gingersnaps: Serendipity 5A Dawn Montgomery
I've already had the pleasure of reading Serendipity 5A and man oh man did I need to fan myself! With the added benefit of the contest - what winners!
Michelle
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Wacky Wednesday
Every year since Harry Truman was in office, the president pardons a turkey.
President Bush pardoned Pumpkin the turkey (named by the American people via Web vote on the White House website) Wednesday morning.
So what happens then to a pardoned turkey?
It goes to Disneyland.
That's not a joke. The turkey really is going to Disneyland.
To see more read the entire article.
Man I love reading stuff like this. It makes the end of the work day seem that much closer!
LOL
Michelle
President Bush pardoned Pumpkin the turkey (named by the American people via Web vote on the White House website) Wednesday morning.
So what happens then to a pardoned turkey?
It goes to Disneyland.
That's not a joke. The turkey really is going to Disneyland.
To see more read the entire article.
Man I love reading stuff like this. It makes the end of the work day seem that much closer!
LOL
Michelle
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday Tidbit
I found an interesting article on yahoo about men and why they cheat.
What do you think?
Dating 101
When you're dating a guy, you can forgive him for some indiscretions, but it's nearly impossible to turn the other cheek if he strays. Well, Cosmo did some investigating to ascertain the traits that may make men more likely to cheat, and some of our findings were surprising eye-openers.
But before you freak, realize that just because he possesses characteristics of a mangy scoundrel doesn't mean he's actually cheating on you. "You have to listen to your gut as well as read the clues," says Gary Aumiller, Ph.D., a psychologist and coauthor of "Red Flags! How to Know When You're Dating a Loser." Run through this list of wandering-eye warning signs to see if your partner is predisposed to prowl... and find out how you can deal.
They go on to list 4 factors and have links to other articles on men cheating.
I have to say that their list doesn't surprise me, and I'm thrilled my husband doesn't fit all of those things ;)
Michelle
What do you think?
Dating 101
When you're dating a guy, you can forgive him for some indiscretions, but it's nearly impossible to turn the other cheek if he strays. Well, Cosmo did some investigating to ascertain the traits that may make men more likely to cheat, and some of our findings were surprising eye-openers.
But before you freak, realize that just because he possesses characteristics of a mangy scoundrel doesn't mean he's actually cheating on you. "You have to listen to your gut as well as read the clues," says Gary Aumiller, Ph.D., a psychologist and coauthor of "Red Flags! How to Know When You're Dating a Loser." Run through this list of wandering-eye warning signs to see if your partner is predisposed to prowl... and find out how you can deal.
They go on to list 4 factors and have links to other articles on men cheating.
I have to say that their list doesn't surprise me, and I'm thrilled my husband doesn't fit all of those things ;)
Michelle
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Maniac Monday
Links.
I don't get it.
I write erotic romance. Why would I want to link with a game company? Or any of those other people who email me to ask me to link to them. Erotic stuffies and games. Unless they are sexual games, I just don't think we're compatible, hon.
I've turned down a couple that might have been good, but it was one of those things where I couldn't decide if I wanted to 'endorse' their products.
Guess I'll just keep an eye on my email and look for more offers of linkage.
Michelle
I don't get it.
I write erotic romance. Why would I want to link with a game company? Or any of those other people who email me to ask me to link to them. Erotic stuffies and games. Unless they are sexual games, I just don't think we're compatible, hon.
I've turned down a couple that might have been good, but it was one of those things where I couldn't decide if I wanted to 'endorse' their products.
Guess I'll just keep an eye on my email and look for more offers of linkage.
Michelle
Monday, November 10, 2008
Maniac Monday
Well it certainly has been a maniac weekend. I wrote about 9k this weekend and am feeling really happy that I finished Leandros 3. Now I just need to edit it, and start working on my Jewelry series :) YAY.
Many people participate in NANO. I do as well. Every year I sign up, and every year I fail. I think it is just the knowledge that I have to write 50k or everyone will know I can't, that makes it so I can't. LOL Did I make sense? Well, I'm signed up again even though I know I won't write 50k this month. I can. I could. But because it is Nano I won't even come close.
Rules. For some reason they hinder my ability to write. If you are sitting there thinking that you aren't going to sign up for Nano because you can't possibly write 50k in a month, you should sign up. There is bonding, and speedwriting sessions, there are others you can talk to about writing and your short comings or successes.
Even if I don't win, I'll still be signing up for Nano next year. Winner or not, I enjoy the time I spend speedwriting and chatting with my writer friends.
Michelle
Many people participate in NANO. I do as well. Every year I sign up, and every year I fail. I think it is just the knowledge that I have to write 50k or everyone will know I can't, that makes it so I can't. LOL Did I make sense? Well, I'm signed up again even though I know I won't write 50k this month. I can. I could. But because it is Nano I won't even come close.
Rules. For some reason they hinder my ability to write. If you are sitting there thinking that you aren't going to sign up for Nano because you can't possibly write 50k in a month, you should sign up. There is bonding, and speedwriting sessions, there are others you can talk to about writing and your short comings or successes.
Even if I don't win, I'll still be signing up for Nano next year. Winner or not, I enjoy the time I spend speedwriting and chatting with my writer friends.
Michelle
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Working/Writing Chats
I found this great info in my email box today:
Realms of Love is having a block party launch! Saturday and Sunday for every weekend during NaNo at 8am, 3pm, and 7pm Eastern there will be a speedwriting, morale lifting, get that wip done or else party! We'll be posting word counts, chatting up writing, and having an all around good time. Who' s invited? You are! Just drop by the Realms of Love, log in, Click on Chat (Under "Explore the Realms") and play!
So all you writers who really want to make that novel happen... Come on by Realms of Love Saturday and Sunday November 1 & 2 and get that extra bit of support that just might help you make that dream a reality this year.
For more details about NaNoWriMo visit their site at http://www.nanowrimo.org/ I just got a "site overloaded" error when I tried to connect. Please be patient.
Upcoming Chats
We've got Laura Baumbach chatting in the Realms of Love Chat Castle, Monday, November 3. A couple other ManLove writers are "on the fence." Be sure to give your favorite author a push in the right direction.
Lizzie T Leaf and Raine Delight chat with you Monday November 10.
Hope to see you at any of the chats I can make :)
Michelle
Realms of Love is having a block party launch! Saturday and Sunday for every weekend during NaNo at 8am, 3pm, and 7pm Eastern there will be a speedwriting, morale lifting, get that wip done or else party! We'll be posting word counts, chatting up writing, and having an all around good time. Who' s invited? You are! Just drop by the Realms of Love, log in, Click on Chat (Under "Explore the Realms") and play!
So all you writers who really want to make that novel happen... Come on by Realms of Love Saturday and Sunday November 1 & 2 and get that extra bit of support that just might help you make that dream a reality this year.
For more details about NaNoWriMo visit their site at http://www.nanowrimo.org/ I just got a "site overloaded" error when I tried to connect. Please be patient.
Upcoming Chats
We've got Laura Baumbach chatting in the Realms of Love Chat Castle, Monday, November 3. A couple other ManLove writers are "on the fence." Be sure to give your favorite author a push in the right direction.
Lizzie T Leaf and Raine Delight chat with you Monday November 10.
Hope to see you at any of the chats I can make :)
Michelle
Sunday, October 26, 2008
blogged at LAW today :)
http://www.leagueofamazingwriters.com/wp/
I blogged about NANO and how I do every year.
Michelle
I blogged about NANO and how I do every year.
Michelle
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