The Day Before Monday

May those who love us love us,
and those who do not love us,
may God turn their hearts,
and if He cannot turn their hearts
may He turn their ankles
that we may know them by their limping.
~Irish Prayer

That has nothing to do with anything, I just thought it was funny :-)

So, it's hot here. I'm not complaining, really -- I swore I wouldn't complain when summer finally arrived after our month of rain in June. And, to be honest it really isn't the heat that's getting me down, it's the humidity. Yesterday it was only in the 80s, but with the 917% humidity (okay, I might be exaggerating a little...) it made it tough to get out and do anything. Even the dog didn't want to walk in it. Much.

Once I got over the guilties about not working outside in my garden (which is more weeds than garden) I decided to write. I wrote a couple thousand words yesterday, which was awesome... but I seem to have lost my funny bone, which was not. Since most of what I have in process right now is along the lines of a rom/com (except my fantasy), my inability to think funny thoughts made life a little difficult, and I'm going to have to do some pretty major editing on what I wrote because of it. Still, I've been frustrated at not writing, so was determined to do some.

I'm determined to do some today as well. I WILL get something completed and ready for submission by August 31st. THAT is my goal... y'all want to help hold me to it? *G*

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In Pillar Place: Monarch, we hatched another butterbaby -- Jane is now a wiggly-squirmer instead of an egg. So... we have Jane, Lenape, Maria and Nancy thus far. And, despite looking for more eggs on our walk yesterday, we found none (which worries me). AND, we still have no swallowtail babies on our rue or carrots (which also worries me).

Dru asked if the monarch baby always eats its egg. Yes! I don't know for certain why, but wonder if it provides nutrients it can't get from milkweed (protein?). They also eat their skin after they shed it -- and I can't help but wonder if it's for the same reason.

Monarch tidbit: One problem for Monarchs in North America is the black swallow-wort plant. Monarchs lay their eggs on these plants since they produce stimuli similar to milkweed. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars are poisoned by the toxicity of this invasive plant. If you see these non-native species in your area, destroy them as they are invasive and deadly not only to butterflies, but to the native plants.

By the way, Monarchwatch.org encourages the creation of "Monarch Waystations". These are amazingly easy to create, beautiful and help with the conservation of not just Monarchs, but butterflies in general. They even offer seed kits and a neat plaque to put in your garden -- it's a great project for you to encourage your schools and libraries to do if you don't have room to do it yourself. You can find information on it here.

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Random Decisions

Choices are the hinges of destiny. ~Attributed to both Edwin Markham and Pythagoras

Who is Edwin Markam again? I'm going to have to go look... I attended Edwin Markam Junior High, so you'd think I'd know.

Anyway....

Okay... so, I took Judy's suggestion of letting fate choose what I work on. I went to Random.org and put in the four in progress WIPs and for fun, I added the Harlequin American I want to work on this year. It's only in the planning phases, though I have my hero and heroine fairly fleshed out as well as the conflict and how the story begins (in fact, I've written the beginning).

So, I typed them in and hit "randomize" and this is what popped up:

1. HQ American
2. Queen and Assassin
3. Camilla
4. Stiller Creek
5. Playing House

So. Hmmm...

Truth is, I find that terribly interesting. With the exception of wanting to bump Stiller Creek up above Camilla, I rather like the order. I'm going to take the rest of this month to finish my character interviews and do at least 20 scene cards for the HQ American (working title will be The Hammer... don't ask). Then, come April 1st, I intend to give it a NaNo-like intensity. I'll need at least 55,000 words for HQ American. I may allow two months instead of one--so, 1000 words a day--but that's the plan, Stan (and the rest of you).

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Speaking of Judy, today is her BIRTHDAY!! Woo Hoo!!!! She's only 87 years-old. Doesn't she look great?



I don't know if she plans on posting at her blog today, but y'all might take a second to wish her a happy birthday.



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Shhh.... don't tell anyone, but I think it might be a halfway decent day here in the NE. Sunny! Warm(ish) -- in the low 40s! NO WIND (I thought we were going to get blown away yesterday). They're calling for snow again on Monday (please, please let it be rain), but I'm going to enjoy today.

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You Are a Cadbury Creme Egg

You're the type that stole little brother's easter basket so that you could have MORE CANDY!

What Easter Candy Are You?

Actually... I was the baby of the family, so I was the one who had her stuff stolen! Okay, not really... my older sibs were pretty okay. :-)

Over Sleeping and a Moment of Panic

"Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There's plenty of movement, but you never know if it's going to be forward, backwards, or sideways." — H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

So... Dakota woke me at 2:45 a.m. -- pretty typical. I took her out, and then we both flopped onto the couch for some more zzzz's. I figured the coffee pot would wake me up when it went off at 4:30 a.m.

I woke up a little while later, awake but lazy. Didn't feel like getting off the couch. I vegged. I patted the cat, who was asleep on my chest, I scritched the dog and waited for the coffee pot to start.

And waited. And waited.

And... I thought--it can't be that early. I wonder what time it is? I finally got my lazy self off the couch and looked at the oven clock.

5:30!!!

ACK!!!

I raced around, turned on the coffee (I'd forgotten to put it on timer last night, DUH), fed the pets, stoked the wood stove and worked on getting pages up (LATE!!!) for The Long and the Short of It.

Then, I had to do some other website business.

Then I came here.

Sorry I'm late.

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Jen and I are challenging each other to complete our respective mystery novels. We're both at about the same number of words, and both think we can get the first draft done by the end of February. So, I'll post my word count ticker on the sidebar, and you can watch it grow (it had BETTER grow!).

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I realized this morning, in a panic, that it's nearly February. I *think* "One Love For Liv" is coming out in Feb. With all the cover bru-ha-ha, I'm not sure, and I haven't gotten a firm release date from my editor (note to self: email editor). But GAH! That's so soon. I'm NOT READY.

So... I want to set up a virtual tour on the internet. Thirty fun-filled days of promoting my book. Who wants to have me on their blog or website for a day? I can confirm dates once I get my release date... I will do my best to say something witty. Or, even better, YOU can ask ME questions!! Short of politics and religion, there is very little I won't talk about.

Either leave me a comment or send me an email to marianne(AT)mariannearkins(DOT)com.

Thanks!!!

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Today's random quiz:

You Have Your Sarcastic Moments

While you're not sarcastic at all times, you definitely have a cynical edge. In your opinion, not all people are annoying. Some are dead! And although you do have your genuine moments, you can't help getting your zingers in. Some people might be a little hurt by your sarcasm, but it's more likely they think you're hilarious.

How Sarcastic Are You?

Your Brain on WNP

I don't care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don't harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you're never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants. ~Zig Ziglar

The Wet Noodle Posse has begun its year-long guide to finishing a book with a post on goal-setting, and why it matters how your brain works when figuring out what you want to do. So, for a change, my quiz will be at the beginning of my post:

You Are 65% Left Brained, 35% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Yep, I agree with that. Though I am fairly creative, I do tend to lean toward the logical side. That looks about right. So, what does Jill Monroe have to say to me?

Some of her stuff just made me grin. She breaks down goal-setting into Left Brain and Right Brain words. For instance (I edited this slightly, denoted by ...) (and I made the part red that make me laugh):

How Do I Complete My Goal?

LB - Write them down. That's the most important step, BUT always write them in a positive way.

YES: I will complete my 200 pages of my new contemporary novel by March 20.
NO: I won't fail to meet my contract deadline.

RB - You have to write down your goals, too. In fact, getting your left and right brain working together makes YOU a more productive person. Left brain stuff might not come naturally to you, but they ARE skills you can learn. ...

Okay, you have to write them down, too, BUT you can do it on pretty paper with a gel pen. Don't be afraid of glitter.

I was going to post my 2006 writing goals from the blog, but I didn't POST my 2006 goals on the blog. Hmmm... It seems I am keeping secrets from you. Shocking...

So, I found them on my computer and here they are:

2007 Writing Goals

 Submit one short story every other month to Womans World Magazine. -- I did this a couple of times, and then became demoralized. I had several other crit partners doing the same, and IMHO our stuff was far superior to what was being printed. So... I decided I couldn't write to their low standards. That sounds snobby, but it's the way I feel.

 Submit one short story or novella every other month. Again, I managed this through May -- which is why I had so many new releases this year, but after a while, the editing on those submissions took precedence AND I opted to work on some longer stuff.

 Finish Stiller Creek mystery by May 1, 2007. -- This did NOT happen, and it still isn't done. It hovers at about 45,000 words. I think this is partly because I don't know if I can find it a home...it's not a mystery, exactly, but it is, so probably wouldn't fit in a plain contemporary line, but it's not suspenseful enough to fit in a suspense line. URGH. Still, I love the characters and will finish it. Maybe even this year.

 Polish and query one or more novels by August, 2007 (Liv Leigh, Playing House and Camilla are all within this realm of possibility). -- This one I did. I polished and submitted "Isn't She Liv Leigh", now "One Love For Liv" several places. It was accepted by Samhain Publishing and will be out soon.

 Look for an agent - goes hand in hand with number three. -- I did this, too. Submitted to several, got req's for a full from one, but no one bit. I may try this again with the next full ms I have ready.

 Enter RWA contests - at least two this year with whichever novel I plan on querying. -- I decided that contests just weren't the route for me to take. I even accidentally let my RWA membership lapse, oops, and will need to fix that little boo-boo soon.

 Get a laptop or Alphasmart so I can get myself out of the mushroom pit occasionally. -- Got my laptop, YAHOO! And what a difference it makes.

 Hone the craft. Take a class every 2-3 months, or utilize one of the hundred writing books I own - or else work through the Maass workbook on all the novels and longer short stories. -- I mostly did this stuff on my own. I did read through the He Said/She Said workshop from Bob Mayer and Jenny Crusie, but never commented. Now, clearly, I am working through the Wet Noodle Posse one. I love me a good class.

 Write at least 500 new words daily - track productivity on spreadsheet both for taxes and for accountability.--Again, I did this for awhile, but fell off the wagon when LASR got started, and my writing suffered for it. It still does. So does my reading. What was I thinking??? Oh well...

 Commit to doing the prompt in Timeless Tales each week. - Ha. Not only did I not complete the prompt, I stopped posting one because no one else participated. Too bad, too. I love a good writing prompt.

 Update blog daily and website at least monthly if not more frequently. -- As you know, I update here daily. The website? I typically touch it once a week or so. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but certainly more than once a month.

This year, I just want to get back to writing again. That sounds pitiful, but it's the simple fact. I miss writing. I need to learn how to delegate a bit more and find some time for me. I really don't have much currently.

And before this turns into a really pathetic pity-party, I'll just say: Go check out WNP for some good ideas and a giggle.

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Judy surprised me with two autographed books from Lori Foster (one of the few authors who can make me SQUEEE) for Christmas. Apparently they colluded away from our business email to do so... sneaky, sneaky. AND, Alyssa Day graciously sent me an autographed book of her latest, Atlantis Awakening. Wow! What a fantastic series. You can read the reviews of the first two books here and here.

I suppose I shouldn't be so surprised at how genuinely NICE these authors are. But, I am. With one nameless exception, everyone has been just amazing! Check out some of the authors who are donating to our New Years Contest here. Incredible ladies who didn't hesitate to offer any help they could.

I really <3 romance authors. They are the best.

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Your Daily Dakota -- she is nothing if not dignified:

Happy New Year!

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Resolutions.

Every year I make them. Mostly, because if you have no goals, how do you know if you've done what you wanted to do?

I try to make them reasonable. I try to choose those that make me stretch a bit, but aren't so impossible that I give up.

I make more "business" goals than "personal" ones.

This year? I have to recognize how busy I am with everything, and keep things just within reach of my fingertips.

Some things are out of my control, so I won't say, "I will get published with XXX house this year."

My resolutions?

Personal:

1. Raise a happy, friendly, obedient dog.
2. Raise a happy, intelligent, interesting daughter.
3. Eat right, exercise more (note: I'm more interested in being healthy than being thin).
4. Learn how to make more meals my husband likes to eat.

Business:

1. Find a home for "Kitchen Matches".
2. Finish "Camilla" and submit to a particular print press.
3. Write the two vintage short stories (set in 1933 and 1942).
4. Finish the fantasy I began during NaNo, and find a home for it.
5. Figure out promotions for "Liv" and apply toward all future releases.
6. Build LASR to be "the" reviews site on the web.
7. Learn better how to write in HTML/CSS.
8. Find a way to afford (and justify)going to RWA in San Francisco in July.
9. Practice writing articles and find homes for them.
10. Write something every day.

That's it. It should all be attainable. We'll see how it goes.

What about you? Do you set goals for yourself? Do you find that goals energize you or stress you out? I love to have goals set -- it's like a map to help me find my way. I think it's one of the reasons I enjoy doing NaNoWriMo so much: I have my eye on the goal.

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Your Daily Dakota -- her new favorite pastime:



And, as a bonus shot, I give you the reason Santa should never, ever bring Sweetart candy canes:



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And OH MY HEAVENS HOW DID I FORGET???

My next story, "Don't Fence Me In" releases TOMORROW!!! You remember, the one with the lovely cover?



If it's any incentive to buy... Judy tells me it makes her cry every time (yes, she's read it...right now she is my one and only crit partner!).

You can read a blurb and an excerpt (both at my website).

I should probably think of a promotion of some sort... Crikey. Where does the time go? Anyone have any thoughts for a great promotion I can set up in less than a day??

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You Are An Intro-Extrovert!

Sometimes you're social - sometimes you're shy You've got a bit of an Introvert / Extrovert split going on You enjoy all sorts of situations. Parties, small groups, and alone time. Too much of one, and you'll long for the other. You need variety! Chances are, you've got both serious and fun friends - and they don't get along.

Are You An Extroverted or Introverted Girl?

Santa Wishes

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~Dr. Seuss

My DD told me about three weeks ago that all she wanted from Santa this year was a good yo-yo.

Yes, folks, you heard right. None of this angst over trying to find a Wii or other fancy-schmancy electronic toy. In fact, my DD has no desire for a gaming system at all.

A yo-yo.

I was thrilled. How simple is THAT? And so, last Friday following a mammogram (woo! not...) I took some extra time for shopping. I started at WalMart, KMart and Target. Surely they would have something as common as a yo-yo.

Nope.

Okay, time to pull out the big guns. I went to Toys 'R Us, being a brave person and willing to fight the insane crowds. However, also being a smart person, I stopped just inside the door and went to customer service.

Apparently yo-yo's are not them. They had none. Sold out.

I know! I'd try Sports Authority! I pulled out of the parking lot and climbed the hill toward the main drag to get to SA. Unfortunately, THE MALL was between me and SA. The traffic was horrendous, backed up forever. I was on top of a hill looking at the road. As far as I could see? Cars... unmoving cars.

I love my DD, but I just wasn't going to tackle that mess. I'd just go home and order one online. It was ten days 'til Christmas. That would be enough time.

My DH had sent me some links to yo-yo's at various yo-yo stores online. Every single one he sent was out of stock.

Who knew yo-yo's were so popular? I mean--have YOU seen a kid playing with a yo-yo lately? I haven't.

Finally, I researched what different shaped yo-yo's did, what different kinds of axles, different string, different materials meant for yo-yo use. And I found a site that carried them.

I bought three.

I paid extra for priority shipping.

Dear heavens, I hope they get here on time.

Yo-yo's. More difficult to find than the Wii.

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Worked a bit on "Kitchen Matches" yesterday. Decided to try my hand at something that *might* work at Harlequin American (maybe the "Romance" line, but probably "American", because I love to build a fun secondary cast and Romance doesn't really lend itself to a community of charaters).

My main character is named Sunny (it's really her nickname, but she's gone by it her entire life). She's a former cheerleader and wanna-be-but-failed country singing star... and I need a last name for her. I tried on several yesterday but don't like any of them. I even thought about Bono, LOL...

So, I'm working on hammering out a decent plot and a strong hero, lots of conflict and a cast of characters for my fictional town of Fair Play. The basic idea came from a short story I wrote a couple years ago for a writing prompt that I called "The Hammer". My writing group said it wouldn't fly for publication -- it didn't have a real conflict -- but I liked the general set up and the H/H. So, I kept it in my old files and now think I'm ready to tackle it again.

My big project for 2008.

I also want to finish my secret baby cowboy mystery. And "Camilla". Maybe polish "Playing House", though the more I mess with it, the more I think it may never see the light of day despite my deep affection for Tish and Derek.

Another short story or two -- set in the thirties and forties. Man, I love that time period.

Hmmm... I think I've got most of my goals for next year. Cool. I'll make 'em official next week.

What about you? What are you hoping to accomplish in 2008?

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I hit "random quiz" at Blogthings and this is what I got (and, yes, it made my head hurt this early in the morning.... but apparently, I did okay!):

You Are Incredibly Logical

Move over Spock - you're the new master of logic You think rationally, clearly, and quickly. A seasoned problem solver, your mind is like a computer!

How Logical Are You?

LOL...