My experience working with an editor.

This weekend I've been working with my editor on BITE ME, YOUR GRACE. On Sunday, she called me around midnight her time.

I'm all, "Wow, you're up late!"
She replies, "Well, I'm reading the most awesome book."
I'm about to say, "Oh yeah, I totally know how that is..." Then I discovered that she was talking about MY BOOK!

WOW, working with a professional editor is AMAZING! At first I was petrified at the intimidating prospect of one of the top romance editors in the country scrutinizing my work. I thought she was going to hate it. But she didn't. In fact, it was almost like talking with my critique partners. She had genius suggestions to make the book its very best. And when I disagreed with something, she didn't get grumpy. Instead we brainstormed together until we came upon a solution we both liked. And it was AWESOME!

I cannot believe how incredible it is to have a professional in the industry who loves my book, believes in it, and is on my side to help me make it shine.

Time zone differences can be tricky, though. :)

Anyway, I can't wait to meet her in person and give her a big hug!

Why I've been neglecting you all.

As you can see, I haven't been blogging for awhile. Aside from the usual summer fun, I've completed the first draft of my rock star romance novella, finished the first revision of my 2nd regency paranormal romance, and... just this weekend... went through the first round of revisions with my awesome editor for BITE ME, YOUR GRACE!

Also, I've been helping out at the local bookstore and enjoying a brief vacation that I can't really afford...but really need before I go back to college this fall.

AND, I've been helping out my awesome critique partners, Shelley Martin and Bonnie R. Paulson with their upcoming releases.

WINGLESS by Shelley Martin comes out August 2nd:

Cover art by Valerie Tibbs: http://www.tibbsdesign.com/

And Bonnie's second installment of her apocalyptic thriller series is out right now!

It has been an exciting month! 

Onion Twist Bread!

In a mixing bowl, mix a package of dry active yeast with 1/4 cup warm water and let sit for ten minutes.


Then, Stir in 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup hot water, 1/2 cup milk, a beaten egg, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. After that, mix in 2 more cups flour.

On a floured surface, knead in enough flour to make a moderately stiff dough. My husband's huge hands were useful for this part. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for about an hour in warm place.

Now make the filling. Mince about a 1 1/4 cup onions and 2 tbs garlic and cook in 1/4 cup of butter until clear but not brown. Mix in 1 tbs poppy seeds, 1 tbs sesame seeds, and 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika and set aside.

After the dough has risen (it didn't seem like it did much for me) beat the living crap out of it. Punch it! Punch it hard!!!

 Roll the dough into the closest thing resembling a rectangle and then slice it lengthwise into 3rds.

Spread the filling along the the centers of the three pieces.

Roll the pieces up, doing your best to seal the seams. Then place the pieces diagonally on a greased pan. Starting in the middle, braid the pieces by tucking the left piece under the center and then the right UNDER the new center. Press the ends together. On the other end, bring the outside strips alternately OVER the center strip and press ends together.

Isn't it pretty? But you can't cook it yet. First you have to cover it and let it rise again for another hour. Then bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Butter it and coat with Parmesan and poppy seeds. This is not only yummy, it helps disguise your bad braiding job. :) 

Bake another ten minutes and then make a feeble attempt to allow it to cool before you eat it. As you can see, mine split open a bit, but it tasted awesome!

REAL Character Mashups: Do any other writers do this?

I have two friends who are both computer guys as well as musicians. Both are also excellent with intellectual debates. Other than that, they're complete opposites. One's country, one's rock and roll. Needless to say, I'd been dying to watch them have a conversation/ debate.

The opportunity arrived on our annual 4th of July barbecue. As there were many fun guests, great food and festivities going on, it took awhile for me to get them together and talking. Maybe they waited until I was done with my hostess duties to indulge me, or maybe they just decided to placate me since I wasn't exactly subtle as to my intentions. Either way it was well worth the wait and I got a front row seat.

As I'd suspected, they got into an epic debate about computer stuff. 90% of it was gibberish to me, so I had to observe their tones, facial expressions and body language to figure out who scored a hit. It was as fascinating as I'd hoped.

Which brings me to my question: Do other writers do this? I know we all create interesting fictional characters and thrive on watching how they react, but does anyone else do this with real "characters?" Does anyone else think, "I want to see how this guy reacts to that guy?"

If so, how does it inspire your writing?

4th of July, Redneck Style

Okay, I've never seen any rednecks go this far, but it's still funny. Happy 4th of July, everyone! 

7 Summer Series Reading Recommendations

Summer is a great time to read through a series so I thought I list a few I enjoyed.

H&W Investigations Series by Jess Haines

The Dark Protectors by Rebecca Zanetti

The Windham Family series by Grace Burrowes

The Sons of The Revolution by Shana Galen

Alexa O'Brien Huntress by Trina M. Lee

Eternal Guardians: Elisabeth Naughton

....and Just 'cuz I finished rereading it. The Dark Tower by Stephen King