1. You're feeling: A little tired.
2. To your left: A pile of clothes needing put away.
3. On your mind: The dream I had last night.
4. Last meal included: Pizzahut pizza.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Remember to do everything I need to in one day.
6. The weather: Cool, windy and cloudless.
7. Something you have a collection of: Shot glasses from different states.
8. A smell that cheers you up: Baking brownies!
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Burning rubber.
10. How long since you last shaved?: Um... Saturday I think.
11. The current state of your hair: Very messy (pre-shower state).
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): My headphones.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: I can eat with them.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: History
15. Something you're craving: Spinach
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: An historical event.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: Zero.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My backyard.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Actually, I have no answer for this :)
20. Something that freaks you out a little: Bugs, most bugs freak me out.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Dove chocolates.
22. You have never Left the U.S. 0f A.
23. You never want to Jump out of an airplane.
Home: United States
About Us: Romance Writers Unlimited (or RWU as we call ourselves) was founded in August of 2000. We are a small, tight-knit group of friends and crit-partners who write romances in all different genres.
posted by Elaina Lee at 10:49 AM
Monday, April 28, 2008
1. You're feeling: Okay. I am working on a book I hope to sub to Blaze.
2. To your left: A bottle of Lipton Diet Green Tea. (I love that stuff. It is a new addiction, and it is good for me. Full of antioxidants.)
3. On your mind: Why is my heroine in Vegas for the weekend?
4. Last meal included: Chopped steak, steamed veggies and angel hair pasta.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Plot books by myself. I often ask my husband to brainstorm with me. It helps.
6. The weather: Rained a bit today.
7. Something you have a collection of: I have a collection of Russian hand painted boxes.
8. A smell that cheers you up: A toasting bagel, preferably blueberry. Yum.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Poop. (The kids have that occasional accident that turns my stomach.
10. How long since you last shaved?: Few days ago.
11. The current state of your hair: It's there. Nothing special.
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): I have a plastic gun I got from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. When I get frustrated...bang...it shoots a skull and crossbones light.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Okay, I can eat with chopsticks. If I go to a Chinese restaurant, I prefer chopsticks.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: Romance!
15. Something you're craving: A toasted bagel with cream cheese and a tomato slice on top. A little salt and fresh ground pepper...yummy.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: I'll be glad when it is over.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My bed
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Actress. I can be a little bit of a ham.
20. Something that freaks you out a little: A hanging on stage at RT. Seriously. It happened, and I am still a bit freaked about it.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Fries.
22. You have never been a bridesmaid. The only wedding I ever was in was my own.
23. You never want to pay too much for gas. Oh, too late.
Marianne LaCroix
www.mariannelacroix.com
PIRATE'S MISTRESS, Ellora's Cave, available in trade paperback
2. To your left: A bottle of Lipton Diet Green Tea. (I love that stuff. It is a new addiction, and it is good for me. Full of antioxidants.)
3. On your mind: Why is my heroine in Vegas for the weekend?
4. Last meal included: Chopped steak, steamed veggies and angel hair pasta.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Plot books by myself. I often ask my husband to brainstorm with me. It helps.
6. The weather: Rained a bit today.
7. Something you have a collection of: I have a collection of Russian hand painted boxes.
8. A smell that cheers you up: A toasting bagel, preferably blueberry. Yum.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Poop. (The kids have that occasional accident that turns my stomach.
10. How long since you last shaved?: Few days ago.
11. The current state of your hair: It's there. Nothing special.
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): I have a plastic gun I got from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. When I get frustrated...bang...it shoots a skull and crossbones light.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Okay, I can eat with chopsticks. If I go to a Chinese restaurant, I prefer chopsticks.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: Romance!
15. Something you're craving: A toasted bagel with cream cheese and a tomato slice on top. A little salt and fresh ground pepper...yummy.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: I'll be glad when it is over.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My bed
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Actress. I can be a little bit of a ham.
20. Something that freaks you out a little: A hanging on stage at RT. Seriously. It happened, and I am still a bit freaked about it.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Fries.
22. You have never been a bridesmaid. The only wedding I ever was in was my own.
23. You never want to pay too much for gas. Oh, too late.
Marianne LaCroix
www.mariannelacroix.com
PIRATE'S MISTRESS, Ellora's Cave, available in trade paperback
1. You're feeling: Blah about life, writing but very good about dear friends.
2. To your left: Is a caricature of me drawn by my boss' wife. Glasses and all.
3. On your mind: Going home to relax.
4. Last meal included: A day old cupcake from a bridal shower of one of my girls from school. Sweet and rich, just like I like 'em!
5. You sometimes find it hard to: believe that people like what I write.
6. The weather: is very cool but clear and looks like Spring with sun shining and blue, blue skies.
7. Something you have a collection of: Bleach DVDs. Love them, watch them!
8. A smell that cheers you up: Clean sun-dried clothes!
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: My hubby's chewing tobacco.
10. How long since you last shaved?: A week.
11. The current state of your hair: Shaggy
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): An old red brick with the words St. Joe on it. My patron saint.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Good, better than my kids.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore? Romance then Manga.
15. Something you're craving: A Mountain Dew and a contract from a major publisher!
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: We'll probably lose all the way around!
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None and I'm hoping to keep that record too!
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: Outside under the pecan trees.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Artist, actress, singer. None of them worked out!
20. Something that freaks you out a little: Seeing ghosts or experiencing psychic/ paranormal incidents!
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Mashed potatoes
22. You have never: flown.
23. You never want to: fly.
1. You're feeling: Thirsty. Alaskaboy had the fan on all night. I'm desiccated, I tell you!
2. To your left: Books, tissue box, video camera, and day-by-day calendar loosely piled on desk.
3. On your mind: Water!
4. Last meal included: Aloo Gobi with rice, multigrain crackers with pepperjack cheese, glass of water.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Find trousers with pockets in them.
6. The weather: Hot!
7. Something you have a collection of: Dragons. RAR!
8. A smell that cheers you up: Spearmint.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Industrial chemical smells, or those god awful semen trees. (Don't know what they're really called but they stink of stale semen at certain times of the year. )
10. How long since you last shaved?: Can't remember. Months ago.
11. The current state of your hair: Bed Hair!
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): Bass speaker is part of the computer. So how about my lifeguard koala that sits on top of the speaker!
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Excellent.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: Sci-fi/fantasy.
15. Something you're craving: Aerobics! Haven't been able to do anything more than walk since August last year.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: We're in the poo no matter who wins.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None. (I intend to keep it that way!)
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My bed.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Psychologist
20. Something that freaks you out a little: Rabies, bears, pumas, earthquakes. (Don't have them where I come from.)
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Anything that was eaten when I wasn't hungry; unintuitive eating.
22. You have never: gone scuba diving
23. You never want to: skydive, or go in a submarine.
2. To your left: Books, tissue box, video camera, and day-by-day calendar loosely piled on desk.
3. On your mind: Water!
4. Last meal included: Aloo Gobi with rice, multigrain crackers with pepperjack cheese, glass of water.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Find trousers with pockets in them.
6. The weather: Hot!
7. Something you have a collection of: Dragons. RAR!
8. A smell that cheers you up: Spearmint.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Industrial chemical smells, or those god awful semen trees. (Don't know what they're really called but they stink of stale semen at certain times of the year. )
10. How long since you last shaved?: Can't remember. Months ago.
11. The current state of your hair: Bed Hair!
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): Bass speaker is part of the computer. So how about my lifeguard koala that sits on top of the speaker!
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Excellent.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: Sci-fi/fantasy.
15. Something you're craving: Aerobics! Haven't been able to do anything more than walk since August last year.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: We're in the poo no matter who wins.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None. (I intend to keep it that way!)
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My bed.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Psychologist
20. Something that freaks you out a little: Rabies, bears, pumas, earthquakes. (Don't have them where I come from.)
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Anything that was eaten when I wasn't hungry; unintuitive eating.
22. You have never: gone scuba diving
23. You never want to: skydive, or go in a submarine.
1. You're feeling: sleeeepy (said like in those old B movies where they swung a pocket watch in front of someone’s face)
2. To your left: two decrepit old Xerox copiers (I’m at work)
3. On your mind: plots and more plots (currently working it in my head before I start)
4. Last meal included: breakfast of some Vanilla Activia yogurt.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: read small print (damn my eyes!!)
6. The weather: breezy and warm with a 100% chance of pollen.
7. Something you have a collection of: Koala Bears (well, not LIVE ones)
8. A smell that cheers you up: Honeysuckle
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: skunk
10. How long since you last shaved? This morning in the shower (hopefully, we’re talking about my legs and not my face -- during a full moon...arroooooooww!)
11. The current state of your hair: clean... other than that, it’s got a mind of its own.
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): a big vase filled with artificial tulips (again, I’m at work at the moment)
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Well, I can’t catch a fly in the air like the Karate Kid, if that’s what you’re asking.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore? The bargain books in front to see if I can scoop up some research books.
15. Something you're craving: Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Cake (but alas, I'll crave it for awhile since B-R left town and now all we have is Kaleidoscoops.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: Don’t even get me started on that.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: Luckily, none! Now last year was another story…
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: Outside, sitting in my new screened-in gazebo.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: artist
20. Something that freaks you out a little: June bugs… ugh. Always dive-bombing me in the summer.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Dark Chocolate Peanut M&Ms
22. You have never: won the lottery (but I'm willing to!)
23. You never want to: ride a mechanical bull
2. To your left: two decrepit old Xerox copiers (I’m at work)
3. On your mind: plots and more plots (currently working it in my head before I start)
4. Last meal included: breakfast of some Vanilla Activia yogurt.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: read small print (damn my eyes!!)
6. The weather: breezy and warm with a 100% chance of pollen.
7. Something you have a collection of: Koala Bears (well, not LIVE ones)
8. A smell that cheers you up: Honeysuckle
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: skunk
10. How long since you last shaved? This morning in the shower (hopefully, we’re talking about my legs and not my face -- during a full moon...arroooooooww!)
11. The current state of your hair: clean... other than that, it’s got a mind of its own.
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): a big vase filled with artificial tulips (again, I’m at work at the moment)
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Well, I can’t catch a fly in the air like the Karate Kid, if that’s what you’re asking.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore? The bargain books in front to see if I can scoop up some research books.
15. Something you're craving: Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Cake (but alas, I'll crave it for awhile since B-R left town and now all we have is Kaleidoscoops.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: Don’t even get me started on that.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: Luckily, none! Now last year was another story…
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: Outside, sitting in my new screened-in gazebo.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: artist
20. Something that freaks you out a little: June bugs… ugh. Always dive-bombing me in the summer.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Dark Chocolate Peanut M&Ms
22. You have never: won the lottery (but I'm willing to!)
23. You never want to: ride a mechanical bull
1. You're feeling: Reasonably content.
2. To your left: My vodka and cranberry juice and a hibiscus that hasn't flowered in three years.
3. On your mind: Spring cleaning (hasn't reached my hands yet).
4. Last meal included: Sun Chips. Okay, a smoothie, and I'm still feeling the effects.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Get motivated.
6. The weather: Sunny and warm.
7. Something you have a collection of: DVDs
8. A smell that cheers you up: Vanilla.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Poop. No – puke. Okay, both. Hopefully not at the same time or my life is over.
10. How long since you last shaved? 18 hours. How could I forget with all those shaver and hair removal cream commercials on TV?
11. The current state of your hair: Think Rosanna Rosanna Danna. Puffy to the max.
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): My 4x6 colour printer.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Enough to keep the food off my shirt.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore? Fiction.
15. Something you're craving: More Sun Chips.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: As a Canadian, I don't care but I should. I think Obama should win and have Hilary as a guide.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: Zero, baby.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My screened porch when it's clean, sunny and warm, which should be soon, I hope.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Jockey.
20. Something that freaks you out a little: My daughter going to college.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Meat. No, chips. No… bread. Okay, I've eaten too much of everything.
22. You have never: Sailed a boat.
23. You never want to: Clean a fish.
2. To your left: My vodka and cranberry juice and a hibiscus that hasn't flowered in three years.
3. On your mind: Spring cleaning (hasn't reached my hands yet).
4. Last meal included: Sun Chips. Okay, a smoothie, and I'm still feeling the effects.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Get motivated.
6. The weather: Sunny and warm.
7. Something you have a collection of: DVDs
8. A smell that cheers you up: Vanilla.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Poop. No – puke. Okay, both. Hopefully not at the same time or my life is over.
10. How long since you last shaved? 18 hours. How could I forget with all those shaver and hair removal cream commercials on TV?
11. The current state of your hair: Think Rosanna Rosanna Danna. Puffy to the max.
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): My 4x6 colour printer.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Enough to keep the food off my shirt.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore? Fiction.
15. Something you're craving: More Sun Chips.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: As a Canadian, I don't care but I should. I think Obama should win and have Hilary as a guide.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: Zero, baby.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My screened porch when it's clean, sunny and warm, which should be soon, I hope.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Jockey.
20. Something that freaks you out a little: My daughter going to college.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Meat. No, chips. No… bread. Okay, I've eaten too much of everything.
22. You have never: Sailed a boat.
23. You never want to: Clean a fish.
1. You're feeling: Tired and a little anxious, don't know why.
2. To your left: A pillow balanced on the sofa arm. Wondering how it's staying there by itself. LOL
3. On your mind: My current novel. Aha!--there's the source of my anxiety!
4. Last meal included: Dry Fiber One cereal, because the milk had gone sour.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Get up and get going.
6. The weather: Overcast, humid, and just now started raining.
7. Something you have a collection of: Home decorating catalogs. ALWAYS!!!
8. A smell that cheers you up: Anything having to do with the autumn. Cloves, leaves, smoke.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Automotive paint or something noxious my husband is spraying in the garage, even though I've begged him NOT TO a million times because the a/c unit drags it into the house. LOL We go round and round.
10. How long since you last shaved?: Yesterday.
11. The current state of your hair: Unbrushed and in a clip, because my husband is out of town (although on his way home, so quick! I must brush the hair and put on a bra!)
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): A framed photo of my beautiful husband.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Non-existant. I lump it in with playing pool and dancing the Two-Step...I can do it when I'm inebriated, but then as soon as I sober up, I forget how.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: New releases or Romance.
15. Something you're craving: Anything sweet.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: It's kind of exciting but I feel extremely undecided.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None, thank God.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: The library room in our house. It's dark and lovely and filled with books and paintings I never get tired of.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Psychologist.
20. Something that freaks you out a little: The way I'm aging.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Cookies. Blecccch.
22. You have never: Skydived.
23. You never want to: Skydive.
2. To your left: A pillow balanced on the sofa arm. Wondering how it's staying there by itself. LOL
3. On your mind: My current novel. Aha!--there's the source of my anxiety!
4. Last meal included: Dry Fiber One cereal, because the milk had gone sour.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Get up and get going.
6. The weather: Overcast, humid, and just now started raining.
7. Something you have a collection of: Home decorating catalogs. ALWAYS!!!
8. A smell that cheers you up: Anything having to do with the autumn. Cloves, leaves, smoke.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Automotive paint or something noxious my husband is spraying in the garage, even though I've begged him NOT TO a million times because the a/c unit drags it into the house. LOL We go round and round.
10. How long since you last shaved?: Yesterday.
11. The current state of your hair: Unbrushed and in a clip, because my husband is out of town (although on his way home, so quick! I must brush the hair and put on a bra!)
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): A framed photo of my beautiful husband.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Non-existant. I lump it in with playing pool and dancing the Two-Step...I can do it when I'm inebriated, but then as soon as I sober up, I forget how.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: New releases or Romance.
15. Something you're craving: Anything sweet.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: It's kind of exciting but I feel extremely undecided.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: None, thank God.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: The library room in our house. It's dark and lovely and filled with books and paintings I never get tired of.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Psychologist.
20. Something that freaks you out a little: The way I'm aging.
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: Cookies. Blecccch.
22. You have never: Skydived.
23. You never want to: Skydive.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
1. You're feeling: WARM AND FUZZY
2. To your left: EMPTY RECLINER
3. On your mind: WRITING IDEAS
4. Last meal included: GRILLED STEAK AND SAUSAGE FOLLOWED BY ICE CREAM SANDWICH
5. You sometimes find it hard to: CLEAN BATHROOMS
6. The weather: COLD
7. Something you have a collection of: PRETTY BLUE GLASSWARE
8. A smell that cheers you up: LAVENDAR
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: ONION
10. How long since you last shaved?: AN ENTIRE DAY
11. The current state of your hair: WINDBLOWN
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): CORDLESS MOUSE
13. Your skill with chopsticks: NONE-EXISTANT
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
15. Something you're craving: MORE ICE CREAM
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: CAT FIGHT WITH CLAWS FULLY EXPOSED
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: NONE
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: MY ARTROOM
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: ILLUSTRATING
20. Something that freaks you out a little: SNAKES
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: PEANUT BUTTER CHEESE CRACKERS
22. You have never: GONE ON A CRUISE
23. You never want to: SKYDIVENOTE:
Great blog! Thanks for stretching my mind this afternoon.
Peggy B.
www.peggyborel.com
2. To your left: EMPTY RECLINER
3. On your mind: WRITING IDEAS
4. Last meal included: GRILLED STEAK AND SAUSAGE FOLLOWED BY ICE CREAM SANDWICH
5. You sometimes find it hard to: CLEAN BATHROOMS
6. The weather: COLD
7. Something you have a collection of: PRETTY BLUE GLASSWARE
8. A smell that cheers you up: LAVENDAR
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: ONION
10. How long since you last shaved?: AN ENTIRE DAY
11. The current state of your hair: WINDBLOWN
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): CORDLESS MOUSE
13. Your skill with chopsticks: NONE-EXISTANT
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
15. Something you're craving: MORE ICE CREAM
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: CAT FIGHT WITH CLAWS FULLY EXPOSED
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: NONE
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: MY ARTROOM
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: ILLUSTRATING
20. Something that freaks you out a little: SNAKES
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: PEANUT BUTTER CHEESE CRACKERS
22. You have never: GONE ON A CRUISE
23. You never want to: SKYDIVENOTE:
Great blog! Thanks for stretching my mind this afternoon.
Peggy B.
www.peggyborel.com
1. You're feeling:
Bit yuck. Except that: The hunk arrived on my doorstep. His name is Darcy.
2. To your left:
Darcy
3. On your mind:
Darcy
4. Last meal included:
Dinner with Darcy
5. You sometimes find it hard to:
Not look at Darcy
6. The weather:
Fine, cool. Highest rainfall during April for 77 years.
7. Something you have a collection of:
Um ... Darcy
8. A smell that cheers you up:
Chicken soup with Motza balls
9. A smell that can ruin your mood:
I don't really have one. Maybe when the dog decides NOT to go outside cos it's
too cold.
10. How long since you last shaved?:
Does plucking count?
11. The current state of your hair:
I need to pick up the p-p-h-o-n-e-p-h-o-b-i-a and hightail to the hairdresser.
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer):
Darcy
13. Your skill with chopsticks:
Ultra - they're my weapon of choice.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?:
It's a hundred yard dash. Jackie Kennedy/history/children's/fashion
then I double back and do it again.
15. Something you're craving:
Chicken soup with Matzo balls.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race:
I'm sick of men running the joint.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year:
Was it this year? I fell over in front of the White House. I had my own Fire
Engine with seven hunks who came to rescue me. Had to have seven stitches on top lip.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment:
Home. I'm a cancerian. They are homing pigeons. Luckily for me - home is where
my quiet moments happen. And home means computer. And computer means WIP and WIP
means where I am in my head. In my head is where I go for healing and quiet moments.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good:
If I told you it wouldn't be a secret.
20. Something that freaks you out a little:
Eternity. Outer Space and the concept of eternity. Last night I watched a documentary. I cannot get my head around on and on and on and on...
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately:
I'm not a huge over eater of anything. I have an off button set on very low. My dislike of exercise though is where I let myself down. The treadmill is broken from the move here. I need to pppphoneaphobia the repairman.
22. You have never been nice to those calls I get from Bombay in India. I hate them. They start of by asking me how I am. You rang from India to ask me how I am? Thankyou but I am in the middle of my Work in Progress, making love to my hero and I want to hear how you can get me a deal with my cell phone I cannot miss? GO AWAY ! ! ! I do not want you to ring me. YOU ARE TAKING JOBS AWAY FROM OUR OWN CHILDREN!!!!
23. You never want to own a restaurant again.
Et voila.... c'est moi.
1. You're feeling: agitated, in a good way
2. To your left: bookcases filled with probably 2000 books
3. On your mind: the swirling political vortex and how to stay away
4. Last meal included: Weight Watchers Boston Cream Pie Yogurt
5. You sometimes find it hard to: focus
6. The weather: becoming spring, faking summer, leaving us weary -- since winter ended, this warmth has been too easy; I expect to get a last blast of snow, dammit.
7. Something you have a collection of: dolls -- 7 Brenda Starr; 4 Ellowyne Wilde; assorted witches, including 4 Maleficent, 2 Wicked Witch of the West, 1Bewitched and 2 Glindas; several movie stars -- Marilyn Monroe in How to Marry a Millionaire, Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, and Vivien Leigh as Scarlet O"Hara; also "storybook" dolls -- Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Anne of Green Gables, Little Orphan Annie, Fancy Nancy, and Olivia. Oh and Dorothy, plus a whole shelf of miscellaneous dolls. My adult son thinks I've lost my marbles.
8. A smell that cheers you up: freshly baked sourdough bread
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: cheese (any with an odor, like parmesan or romano make me toss my cookies)
10. How long since you last shaved?: 2 days
11. The current state of your hair: just envigorated last week and I still love the "bob" cut (a new record for keeping the same cut)
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): my iSight camera (I have the "old" one, not built into the computer) is the tallest; roundest is large Maleficent mug holding 20+ pens (pilot point, variety of colors)
13. Your skill with chopsticks: I can eat rice, so I won't starve. I'd say mediocre.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: new fiction
15. Something you're craving: to sit on a beach and read -- under an umbrella, but warm and cozy with the sea and the sand and the salt air. Okay, and lots of shellfish: lobster, shrimp, crab, and clams. Mmm mmm good
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: omg, you soooo don't want to know, but since you asked... I started out wondering, (still) read everything I can get my hands on, like Molly Ivins (my hero!) I realized I could not bear another stint into the Clinton Drama Machine and now hate HC with a flaming red fire -- I could enumerate my cogent talking points but I'll save you; have donated a lot of money to Obama because I connect with him on a visceral level of belief in hope and change. #1 with me is end the war. I'm a bitter, middle-aged rural white woman for Obama!
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: none
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: my huge bathtub (oh, with HOT WATER) (didn't want you to think I just sit in my empty bathtub) (but now that I think about it... I could)
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: psychologist/therapist
20. Something that freaks you out a little: pierced tongues (and private parts, like... well, I'm freaked so I can't say)
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: popcorn
22. You have never: visited Asia. or bungee jumped. or kissed a frog.
23. You never want to lose my innate love of all things WRITING!
1. You're feeling: agitated, in a good way
2. To your left: bookcases filled with probably 2000 books
3. On your mind: the swirling political vortex and how to stay away
4. Last meal included: Weight Watchers Boston Cream Pie Yogurt
5. You sometimes find it hard to: focus
6. The weather: becoming spring, faking summer, leaving us weary -- since winter ended, this warmth has been too easy; I expect to get a last blast of snow, dammit.
7. Something you have a collection of: dolls -- 7 Brenda Starr; 4 Ellowyne Wilde; assorted witches, including 4 Maleficent, 2 Wicked Witch of the West, 1Bewitched and 2 Glindas; several movie stars -- Marilyn Monroe in How to Marry a Millionaire, Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, and Vivien Leigh as Scarlet O"Hara; also "storybook" dolls -- Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Anne of Green Gables, Little Orphan Annie, Fancy Nancy, and Olivia. Oh and Dorothy, plus a whole shelf of miscellaneous dolls. My adult son thinks I've lost my marbles.
8. A smell that cheers you up: freshly baked sourdough bread
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: cheese (any with an odor, like parmesan or romano make me toss my cookies)
10. How long since you last shaved?: 2 days
11. The current state of your hair: just envigorated last week and I still love the "bob" cut (a new record for keeping the same cut)
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): my iSight camera (I have the "old" one, not built into the computer) is the tallest; roundest is large Maleficent mug holding 20+ pens (pilot point, variety of colors)
13. Your skill with chopsticks: I can eat rice, so I won't starve. I'd say mediocre.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: new fiction
15. Something you're craving: to sit on a beach and read -- under an umbrella, but warm and cozy with the sea and the sand and the salt air. Okay, and lots of shellfish: lobster, shrimp, crab, and clams. Mmm mmm good
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: omg, you soooo don't want to know, but since you asked... I started out wondering, (still) read everything I can get my hands on, like Molly Ivins (my hero!) I realized I could not bear another stint into the Clinton Drama Machine and now hate HC with a flaming red fire -- I could enumerate my cogent talking points but I'll save you; have donated a lot of money to Obama because I connect with him on a visceral level of belief in hope and change. #1 with me is end the war. I'm a bitter, middle-aged rural white woman for Obama!
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: none
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: my huge bathtub (oh, with HOT WATER) (didn't want you to think I just sit in my empty bathtub) (but now that I think about it... I could)
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: psychologist/therapist
20. Something that freaks you out a little: pierced tongues (and private parts, like... well, I'm freaked so I can't say)
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: popcorn
22. You have never: visited Asia. or bungee jumped. or kissed a frog.
23. You never want to lose my innate love of all things WRITING!
All right, Ms Vix... here's mine. Where's yours??
1. You're feeling: Frustrated, inadequate, distracted… my usual
2. To your left: My bed… looking very tempting
3. On your mind: Why exactly would this guy want to talk to the woman his ex lover left him for.
4. Last meal included: Mango, peanut butter toast
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Be around people
6. The weather: is Getting hotter
7. Something you have a collection of: Besides books? Audobon birds-they're lovely. they sing.
8. A smell that cheers you up: oranges
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Lavendar-seriously allergic
10. How long since you last shaved?: 1997
11. The current state of your hair: Needs a cut
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): a pencil
13. Your skill with chopsticks: iffy
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: bargain books
15. Something you're craving: a vacation
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: beating my head against the wall and Canada is looking really good.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: zero
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: my patio, in the morning with a cup of coffee to watch the sky brighten and listen to the morning doves. Coo-coo-ca-chew
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: hermit
20. Something that freaks you out a little: birthdays
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: ice cream—one bite is too much and I’ve had more than one ()
22. You have never been to Paris
23. You never want to go to Paris
Tag, you're it.
ali
1. You're feeling: Frustrated, inadequate, distracted… my usual
2. To your left: My bed… looking very tempting
3. On your mind: Why exactly would this guy want to talk to the woman his ex lover left him for.
4. Last meal included: Mango, peanut butter toast
5. You sometimes find it hard to: Be around people
6. The weather: is Getting hotter
7. Something you have a collection of: Besides books? Audobon birds-they're lovely. they sing.
8. A smell that cheers you up: oranges
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Lavendar-seriously allergic
10. How long since you last shaved?:
11. The current state of your hair: Needs a cut
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): a pencil
13. Your skill with chopsticks: iffy
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: bargain books
15. Something you're craving: a vacation
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: beating my head against the wall and Canada is looking really good.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: zero
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: my patio, in the morning with a cup of coffee to watch the sky brighten and listen to the morning doves. Coo-coo-ca-chew
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: hermit
20. Something that freaks you out a little: birthdays
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: ice cream—one bite is too much and I’ve had more than one ()
22. You have never been to Paris
23. You never want to go to Paris
Tag, you're it.
ali
She's tagged us all with queries, that sly gal and asked us all to respond.
Here I go: (Yes, it is ten in the morning, but hey, it's the LAST day of vacation!)
Here I go: (Yes, it is ten in the morning, but hey, it's the LAST day of vacation!)
1. You're feeling: Tired, where the heck are the coffee filters??
2. To your left: My six year old daughter is playing a game on my I-pod and soliciting a lot of advice. I am squinting at the screen over her shoulder bleary eyed.
3. On your mind: C-o-f-f-e-e
4. Last meal included: Beer and pretzels.
5. You sometimes find it hard to: um, wake up? Get over the fact today is the last day of vacation? Sigh…..
6. The weather: is cool and drizzly and damp and makes me want to go back to bed.
7. Something you have a collection of: Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason novels that were my husbands.
8. A smell that cheers you up: My daughter's cheers of success.
9. A smell that can ruin your mood: Cat or dog pee. Guess who has to clean up the mess?
10. How long since you last shaved?: Yesterday morning.
11. The current state of your hair: Unwashed and uncombed and oily. I think it's a perimenopause thing but, yuck, can I please get over this oily phase?
12. The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): LOL, my empty (because what goes in there is in stacks on the corners) bill sorter.
13. Your skill with chopsticks: Excellent, actually. Really.
14. Which section do you head for first in a bookstore?: Sci-fi, because in my favorite store it's in front of the Romance, which I hit up next.
15. Something you're craving: um, C-O-F-F-E-E and caramel.
16. Your general thoughts on the Presidential race: I like that there is still some undecidedness.
17. How many times have you been hospitalized this year: Whew, NONE, thank you very much.
18. Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: My room, curled up on my new cushy-yet-firm mattress.
19. You've always secretly thought you'd be a good: Diplomat, I can be very calming, except, of course, that I hate confrontations!
20. Something that freaks you out a little: Unexplained noises in the attic
21. Something you've eaten too much of lately: MATZOH
22. You have never: Been South of the
23. You never want to: Clean out pig stalls again.
Labels: coffee, Romance Writing, tag, writing
Saturday, April 26, 2008
It is Saturday, 8:38 a.m. With coffee in hand, I sit here at my computer with a smile on my face and in my heart because I know you are doing the same. I have set my goals for today, have you? The trick is not in planning, it is in following through.
Top priorities on my writer's list are write this blog, finish my critiques for my wonderful family and friends at RWU, write 2000 words on my new novel. I know this doesn't sound like much, but we're having a gumbo dinner tonight here at our place for a few of hubby's co-workers.
What are your goals for today? I'll be checking back to see!
Happy weekend!
Peggy A. Borel
www.peggyborel.com
Top priorities on my writer's list are write this blog, finish my critiques for my wonderful family and friends at RWU, write 2000 words on my new novel. I know this doesn't sound like much, but we're having a gumbo dinner tonight here at our place for a few of hubby's co-workers.
What are your goals for today? I'll be checking back to see!
Happy weekend!
Peggy A. Borel
www.peggyborel.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Author: Writer, novelist
Storyteller: Narrator, teller of tales
As an author, I have been told by many editors and agents over the past year that the descriptions of my settings are wonderful, my secondary characters shine, but my main characters are not 3D enough, they lack life. Frustrated, I surfed the web, read many books, and talked to other writers. Still my heroine and hero stayed flat.
Recently I attended a conference in Houma, Louisiana. One of the sessions I sat in on was with an author by the name of Ernest Hill. Let me tell, you! If I have a chance to attend a workshop by this man, I will be first in line. He is not only an author, but he is a fantastic storyteller. From the moment the session started, he had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Through his spoken words, he painted a picture so vivid of his characters, I felt I knew them personally.
That day I learned the missing dimension to my writing. I simply wasn't digging down deep enough into the very core and soul of my characters. I was only brushing the surface of their personalities. Kind of like yesterday's blog, I wasn't looking past the makeup to who they really are.
Below are two sentences where I try to bring out a character's inner feelings, hoping that you'll connect more with her. Remember! I'm still learning...
1. Lisa turned away from Lance, hiding the tears that slipped down her cheek. Why was he telling her about this affair this now? Now, when her world was already crashing down around her. How much more could she take?
2. His words slammed into her gut like a balled fist. Spoken words spilled from his mouth, from lips she loved to kiss, strangling her heart. Disbelief twisted into her mind that refused to believe. She gazed into his eyes, searching his soul for what she wanted to be true, but seeing naked truth instead. He wasn't lying...this time. Another woman shared his bed. Blinding anger seared through her. In that split second, she wished the bitch dead.
Happy learning! I'm off to write my characters more 3D. See y'all tomorrow!
Peggy A. Borel
http://www.peggyborel.com/
Storyteller: Narrator, teller of tales
As an author, I have been told by many editors and agents over the past year that the descriptions of my settings are wonderful, my secondary characters shine, but my main characters are not 3D enough, they lack life. Frustrated, I surfed the web, read many books, and talked to other writers. Still my heroine and hero stayed flat.
Recently I attended a conference in Houma, Louisiana. One of the sessions I sat in on was with an author by the name of Ernest Hill. Let me tell, you! If I have a chance to attend a workshop by this man, I will be first in line. He is not only an author, but he is a fantastic storyteller. From the moment the session started, he had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Through his spoken words, he painted a picture so vivid of his characters, I felt I knew them personally.
That day I learned the missing dimension to my writing. I simply wasn't digging down deep enough into the very core and soul of my characters. I was only brushing the surface of their personalities. Kind of like yesterday's blog, I wasn't looking past the makeup to who they really are.
Below are two sentences where I try to bring out a character's inner feelings, hoping that you'll connect more with her. Remember! I'm still learning...
1. Lisa turned away from Lance, hiding the tears that slipped down her cheek. Why was he telling her about this affair this now? Now, when her world was already crashing down around her. How much more could she take?
2. His words slammed into her gut like a balled fist. Spoken words spilled from his mouth, from lips she loved to kiss, strangling her heart. Disbelief twisted into her mind that refused to believe. She gazed into his eyes, searching his soul for what she wanted to be true, but seeing naked truth instead. He wasn't lying...this time. Another woman shared his bed. Blinding anger seared through her. In that split second, she wished the bitch dead.
Happy learning! I'm off to write my characters more 3D. See y'all tomorrow!
Peggy A. Borel
http://www.peggyborel.com/
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
"Mirror, mirror on the wall, whose the fairest of them all?"
"Not you," whispers the voice in my head as I stared at my reflection.
No lies this morning... freckles still sprawl across wrinkles at the corners of my mouth, eye, and forehead. Black circles form halfmoons under watery eyes. Chapped lips crack at the corners. Thank goodness for makeup!
Like ourselves, each character we create has flaws, too. How much makeup we decide to use to cover these imperfections is up to us, the writer. The more we use, the less our readers will see of the true heroine or hero. The trick is to use just the right amount of base powder or liquid so our characters will seem real. Add mascara sparingly to highlight their eyes, the window to their soul. Use only enough lipstick to color them with qualities we will fall in love with. Give them a consciense by adding a touch of blush.
Put on your professional makeup artist hat today and have fun creating your characters! Happy writing!
Peggy A. Borel
www.peggyborel.com
"Not you," whispers the voice in my head as I stared at my reflection.
No lies this morning... freckles still sprawl across wrinkles at the corners of my mouth, eye, and forehead. Black circles form halfmoons under watery eyes. Chapped lips crack at the corners. Thank goodness for makeup!
Like ourselves, each character we create has flaws, too. How much makeup we decide to use to cover these imperfections is up to us, the writer. The more we use, the less our readers will see of the true heroine or hero. The trick is to use just the right amount of base powder or liquid so our characters will seem real. Add mascara sparingly to highlight their eyes, the window to their soul. Use only enough lipstick to color them with qualities we will fall in love with. Give them a consciense by adding a touch of blush.
Put on your professional makeup artist hat today and have fun creating your characters! Happy writing!
Peggy A. Borel
www.peggyborel.com
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Ever had a day where your characters just won't talk to you? They refuse to reveal the next big hurdle they must overcome? That is where brainstorming comes in. One way I like to brainstorm is to log onto newspaper websites of big citys. The headlines are usually packed with interesting and unbelievable occurances.
Take for instance the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/ . Three headlines from today are:
1. Airlines to Charge for Second Bag
2.At 60, He Learned to Sing So He Could Learn to Talk
3. The Body in Depth
In the next few paragraphs you will discover a rough outline for a possible story from the three news articles above.
A wealthy man had a stroke and lost his ability to speak well. In the business world, he needs his voice. Through extensive research, he finds a therapist who has had much success in helping her patients rediscover their voice. However, upon calling her office for an appointment, he finds that her appointment book is filled for the next year. He has his name added to a long waiting list.
Weeks down the road, he receive a phone call and is told that the therapist has an opening that afternoon, but he will have to be at the clinic to check in no later than four o'clock that day. He rushes to his computer and books a flight on-line, then races to the airport with two suitcases and credit card in hand.
Upon checking in, he is told by the girl behind the counter that he'll have to pay extra for his second bag. When his credit card doesn't go through, he scrouges in his pockets only to discover he has no cash. He had forgotten to stop at the bank and his atm card was lying on his desk where he laid it while making his plane reservation! Frustration mounts as he tries to communicate to the lady his problem, but the darn words just won't leave his brain.
He is forced to step to the side and open both suitcases, attempting to stuff everything he'll need into one suitcase. Things he decides to do without he leaves in the second suitcase which he'll put in a locker there at the airport. (I'm smiling, can you see? Can you imagine what things this man might have in his suitcase that other passengers are chuckling about? I can!)
Finally, with everything sorted, he checks one suitcase, obtains his ticket, and rushes to the lockers only to discover he doesn't have enough change. Panicking, he holds out his hand, begging those around him for a spare nickle or dime. (He has always snubbed beggers in the past. Asking for a handout is beneath him.)
With seconds to spare, he tosses the excess luggage into a locker and then drops in the coins from generous givers before grabbing the key. He makes a wild dash for his gate and barely makes it onto the plane.
Eventually, he makes it to the therapist's office and checks into the clinic. He discovers that she has done extenstive research on the human body. Her healing methods he's not quite so confident with, but he is willing at this point to try most anything. Through singing, he learns to reuse his vocal cords. Being in close contact with her every day, he discovers love.
Okay, now it's your turn! Here are five lines from the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ . Are your creative thoughts brainstorming yet? Mine are!
Woman finds 8-foot alligator in her Florida kitchen
Dentist sues Bulls over mascot's high-five
Albany, N.Y. mail carrier saves baby falling from window
Man stuck in elevator
Hawking: Unintelligent life is likely on other planets
Enjoy and have fun! See y'all tomorrow right here at RWU's blog spot.
Peggy Borel
http://www.peggyborel.com/
Take for instance the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/ . Three headlines from today are:
1. Airlines to Charge for Second Bag
2.At 60, He Learned to Sing So He Could Learn to Talk
3. The Body in Depth
In the next few paragraphs you will discover a rough outline for a possible story from the three news articles above.
A wealthy man had a stroke and lost his ability to speak well. In the business world, he needs his voice. Through extensive research, he finds a therapist who has had much success in helping her patients rediscover their voice. However, upon calling her office for an appointment, he finds that her appointment book is filled for the next year. He has his name added to a long waiting list.
Weeks down the road, he receive a phone call and is told that the therapist has an opening that afternoon, but he will have to be at the clinic to check in no later than four o'clock that day. He rushes to his computer and books a flight on-line, then races to the airport with two suitcases and credit card in hand.
Upon checking in, he is told by the girl behind the counter that he'll have to pay extra for his second bag. When his credit card doesn't go through, he scrouges in his pockets only to discover he has no cash. He had forgotten to stop at the bank and his atm card was lying on his desk where he laid it while making his plane reservation! Frustration mounts as he tries to communicate to the lady his problem, but the darn words just won't leave his brain.
He is forced to step to the side and open both suitcases, attempting to stuff everything he'll need into one suitcase. Things he decides to do without he leaves in the second suitcase which he'll put in a locker there at the airport. (I'm smiling, can you see? Can you imagine what things this man might have in his suitcase that other passengers are chuckling about? I can!)
Finally, with everything sorted, he checks one suitcase, obtains his ticket, and rushes to the lockers only to discover he doesn't have enough change. Panicking, he holds out his hand, begging those around him for a spare nickle or dime. (He has always snubbed beggers in the past. Asking for a handout is beneath him.)
With seconds to spare, he tosses the excess luggage into a locker and then drops in the coins from generous givers before grabbing the key. He makes a wild dash for his gate and barely makes it onto the plane.
Eventually, he makes it to the therapist's office and checks into the clinic. He discovers that she has done extenstive research on the human body. Her healing methods he's not quite so confident with, but he is willing at this point to try most anything. Through singing, he learns to reuse his vocal cords. Being in close contact with her every day, he discovers love.
Okay, now it's your turn! Here are five lines from the Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ . Are your creative thoughts brainstorming yet? Mine are!
Woman finds 8-foot alligator in her Florida kitchen
Dentist sues Bulls over mascot's high-five
Albany, N.Y. mail carrier saves baby falling from window
Man stuck in elevator
Hawking: Unintelligent life is likely on other planets
Enjoy and have fun! See y'all tomorrow right here at RWU's blog spot.
Peggy Borel
http://www.peggyborel.com/
Monday, April 21, 2008
Wikipedia says:
"A rainbow spans a continuous spectrum of colours. Traditionally, however, the sequence is quantised. The most commonly cited and remembered sequence, in English, is Newton's sevenfold red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet."
"Rainbows can be caused by other forms of water than rain, including mist, spray, dew, fog, and ice. Moreover, rainbows can have shapes other than a bow (arc), including stripes, circles, or even flames. (See circumhorizontal arc)."
At first, I wanted to explore the possibility of using the rainbow to create stories using the dictionary definition of each color of a rainbow. Googling "meaning of each color", I came across a very interesting website: Working with Color in Dreams @ www.dreamgate.com/dream/hoss/ . Below is what Bob Hoss has to say about each color in dreams.
RED: 1) I feel intense, vital or animated. 2) I feel transformed. 3) I feel assertive, forceful. 4) I feel creative. 5) I want to live life to its fullest. 6) I want to win, succeed, achieve. 7) I feel sexy or have strong sexual urges. 8) I have a driving desire. 9) I need something to make me feel alive again. 10) I need to be more assertive and forceful. 11) I need to get out and enjoy myself. 12) If red appears as blood or inflammation – it may relate to an illness or injury.
ORANGE: 1) I want to expand my interests and develop new activities. 2) I want a wider sphere of influence. 3) I feel friendly and welcoming. 4) I want more contact with others. 5) I feel enthusiastic, outgoing and adventurous. 6) I am driven by desires and hopes toward the new, undiscovered and satisfying. 7) I feel driven but need to overcome my doubts or fear of failure. 8) I must avoid spreading myself too thin.
YELLOW: 1) I feel a sense of joy and optimism. 2) I feel alert. 3) I am seeking a solution that will open up new and better possibilities and allow my hopes to be fulfilled. 4) I feel the new direction I am taking will bring happiness in my future. 5) I am hopeful. 6) I need to find a way out of this circumstance or relationship. 7) I need a change. 8) I may be compensating for something. 9) I am acting compulsively.
GREEN: 1) I need to establish myself, my self-esteem, my independence. 2) I want recognition. 3) I need to increase the certainty of my own value and status, through acknowledgment by others of my achievements or my possessions. 4) Hard work and drive will gain me recognition and self esteem. 5) My opinion must prevail. 6) I must hold on to this view in order to maintain my self-esteem. 7) I want what I am due. 8) I must maintain control of the events. 9) Things must not change. 10) Detail and logic are important here. 11) I need to increase my sense of security. 12) I need more money to feel secure. 13) I want to withdraw and retreat into my own center.
BLUE: 1) I feel tranquil, peaceful and content. 2) I feel a sense of harmony. 3) I feel a meditative awareness or unity. 4) I feel a sense of belonging. 5) I need rest, peace or a chance to recuperate. 6) I need a relationship free from contention in which I can trust and be trusted. 7) I need a peaceful state of harmony offering contentment and a sense of belonging.
VIOLET: 1) I like to win others over with my charm. 2) I feel an identification, an almost "mystic" union. 3) I have a deep intuitive understanding of the situation. 4) I feel a sense of intimacy. 5) The feeling is erotic. 6) I seek a magical state where wishes are fulfilled. 7) I yearn for a "magical" relationship of romance and tenderness. 8) I seek to identify with something or someone. 9) I need intimacy. 10) I engage in fantasy in order to compensate for my feelings of insecurity.
Yes, I deviated from my original path for color usage. But isn't that so much like our stories? We start out in one direction and then our characters take us in another. I still will explore using the colors of the rainbow to create my settings and character personalities, but for today, I'm finding colors in dream fascinating!
Enjoy!
Peggy A. Borel
www.peggyborel.com
"A rainbow spans a continuous spectrum of colours. Traditionally, however, the sequence is quantised. The most commonly cited and remembered sequence, in English, is Newton's sevenfold red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet."
"Rainbows can be caused by other forms of water than rain, including mist, spray, dew, fog, and ice. Moreover, rainbows can have shapes other than a bow (arc), including stripes, circles, or even flames. (See circumhorizontal arc)."
At first, I wanted to explore the possibility of using the rainbow to create stories using the dictionary definition of each color of a rainbow. Googling "meaning of each color", I came across a very interesting website: Working with Color in Dreams @ www.dreamgate.com/dream/hoss/ . Below is what Bob Hoss has to say about each color in dreams.
RED: 1) I feel intense, vital or animated. 2) I feel transformed. 3) I feel assertive, forceful. 4) I feel creative. 5) I want to live life to its fullest. 6) I want to win, succeed, achieve. 7) I feel sexy or have strong sexual urges. 8) I have a driving desire. 9) I need something to make me feel alive again. 10) I need to be more assertive and forceful. 11) I need to get out and enjoy myself. 12) If red appears as blood or inflammation – it may relate to an illness or injury.
ORANGE: 1) I want to expand my interests and develop new activities. 2) I want a wider sphere of influence. 3) I feel friendly and welcoming. 4) I want more contact with others. 5) I feel enthusiastic, outgoing and adventurous. 6) I am driven by desires and hopes toward the new, undiscovered and satisfying. 7) I feel driven but need to overcome my doubts or fear of failure. 8) I must avoid spreading myself too thin.
YELLOW: 1) I feel a sense of joy and optimism. 2) I feel alert. 3) I am seeking a solution that will open up new and better possibilities and allow my hopes to be fulfilled. 4) I feel the new direction I am taking will bring happiness in my future. 5) I am hopeful. 6) I need to find a way out of this circumstance or relationship. 7) I need a change. 8) I may be compensating for something. 9) I am acting compulsively.
GREEN: 1) I need to establish myself, my self-esteem, my independence. 2) I want recognition. 3) I need to increase the certainty of my own value and status, through acknowledgment by others of my achievements or my possessions. 4) Hard work and drive will gain me recognition and self esteem. 5) My opinion must prevail. 6) I must hold on to this view in order to maintain my self-esteem. 7) I want what I am due. 8) I must maintain control of the events. 9) Things must not change. 10) Detail and logic are important here. 11) I need to increase my sense of security. 12) I need more money to feel secure. 13) I want to withdraw and retreat into my own center.
BLUE: 1) I feel tranquil, peaceful and content. 2) I feel a sense of harmony. 3) I feel a meditative awareness or unity. 4) I feel a sense of belonging. 5) I need rest, peace or a chance to recuperate. 6) I need a relationship free from contention in which I can trust and be trusted. 7) I need a peaceful state of harmony offering contentment and a sense of belonging.
VIOLET: 1) I like to win others over with my charm. 2) I feel an identification, an almost "mystic" union. 3) I have a deep intuitive understanding of the situation. 4) I feel a sense of intimacy. 5) The feeling is erotic. 6) I seek a magical state where wishes are fulfilled. 7) I yearn for a "magical" relationship of romance and tenderness. 8) I seek to identify with something or someone. 9) I need intimacy. 10) I engage in fantasy in order to compensate for my feelings of insecurity.
Yes, I deviated from my original path for color usage. But isn't that so much like our stories? We start out in one direction and then our characters take us in another. I still will explore using the colors of the rainbow to create my settings and character personalities, but for today, I'm finding colors in dream fascinating!
Enjoy!
Peggy A. Borel
www.peggyborel.com
Sunday, April 20, 2008
There are many shades of love - romance between a man and a woman, brotherly love for a sister, adoration of a mother and father for a child, the bond between a toddler and doting puppy. It is a known fact that people do many things they normally wouldn’t in the name of love. What would you be willing to do for love?
It’s a beautiful day along the river, sunshine glistening across the water. A grandfather sits to rest on a park bench near the edge of the pier, his two-year-old grandson’s stroller nearby. He smiles at the child he adores and is rewarded with the gift a childish squeal of joy. Beautiful memories are being created.
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind twists and swirls. Without warning, the stroller skitters forward and teeters at the edge. The older man rushes forward, grabbing for his grandson but misses. The man, who does not know how to swim well, watches in horror as the toddler disappears over the edge. Water splashes into the air as the small boy disappears below the surface…
This story is heart wrenching, an unimaginable occurrence. As a writer, I challenge you to enter the heart and soul of this grandfather. Using your five senses, close your eyes and step into this man’s shoes. Enter his world at the point where the sun is shining and life is filled with promise. Then feel the shock, disbelief, and horror when the dark cloud of disaster settles over him. Use the five senses (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) to describe your internal and external reactions to the situation, then go even deeper into his emotions.
(Note: The above is based on a true story that occurred this weekend in Chicago and can be found here (Complete Story). My heart and prayers are with this family. May their bond of love keep them strong.)
It’s a beautiful day along the river, sunshine glistening across the water. A grandfather sits to rest on a park bench near the edge of the pier, his two-year-old grandson’s stroller nearby. He smiles at the child he adores and is rewarded with the gift a childish squeal of joy. Beautiful memories are being created.
Suddenly, a huge gust of wind twists and swirls. Without warning, the stroller skitters forward and teeters at the edge. The older man rushes forward, grabbing for his grandson but misses. The man, who does not know how to swim well, watches in horror as the toddler disappears over the edge. Water splashes into the air as the small boy disappears below the surface…
This story is heart wrenching, an unimaginable occurrence. As a writer, I challenge you to enter the heart and soul of this grandfather. Using your five senses, close your eyes and step into this man’s shoes. Enter his world at the point where the sun is shining and life is filled with promise. Then feel the shock, disbelief, and horror when the dark cloud of disaster settles over him. Use the five senses (see, hear, feel, taste, smell) to describe your internal and external reactions to the situation, then go even deeper into his emotions.
(Note: The above is based on a true story that occurred this weekend in Chicago and can be found here (Complete Story). My heart and prayers are with this family. May their bond of love keep them strong.)
Friday, April 18, 2008
Did you know that Pecan Trees are the last to bud out after winter? When they do, Spring is officially here. I was sitting outside earlier today under a pecan tree. I looked up and saw a ton of buds and new leaves. When had they sprouted? Sometime this week but I'd never noticed. I was excited and a little disappointed that I hadn't noticed it earlier. I know I checked at the end of last week but the branches had been bare. Now at the end of this week, the trees are erupting with life. It's magical the way nature works.
In my writing, I love to discover something I wasn't expecting, just the like the budding leaves on that tree. When I find unique characteristics about my hero/heroine or even an unexpected plot twist, it's great. I have discovered a new leaf budding out from my imagination where it will one flourish into an endearing tale.
In my writing, I love to discover something I wasn't expecting, just the like the budding leaves on that tree. When I find unique characteristics about my hero/heroine or even an unexpected plot twist, it's great. I have discovered a new leaf budding out from my imagination where it will one flourish into an endearing tale.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Romance is in the air. The fresh fragrance of Spring also awakens my writing call. I love to write in the Spring and in the Fall. Spring gives me the impression of newness and Fall centers on closure for the year and for a novel, short story or even a chapter. I love both seasons!
I love romance novels. From the time I was fifteen and reading Gothics, I loved the romance of the stories. Then I switched to full blown romances. My first romance was Rosemary Rogers, 'Savage Love'. Oh Lord, the experience left me drooling for more. I grabbed any and every romance I could find. Katherine Woodiwiss blew me away, Johanna Lindsey fired my desires, and so many more that I could go on forever. They were excellent and inspired my own imagination.
LOL! I remember once, I told my Mom about this wonderful new author I'd found. She too had found one she wanted me to read. So I went up to her house for the weekend and brought the book with me so that we could trade. To my surprise, it was the same book. Which one? 'The Black Lyon' by Jude Devereux. I wrote to Ms. Devereux and told her what happened. She responded with short note card, handwritten by her, telling me how much she appreciated my enjoyment of her book. Such class.
Today there are some fantastic romance authors too. My favorites are listed on the side here. They also happen to be some of my very best friends. Hopefully one day I will be able to stand along side of some of these greats!
I love romance novels. From the time I was fifteen and reading Gothics, I loved the romance of the stories. Then I switched to full blown romances. My first romance was Rosemary Rogers, 'Savage Love'. Oh Lord, the experience left me drooling for more. I grabbed any and every romance I could find. Katherine Woodiwiss blew me away, Johanna Lindsey fired my desires, and so many more that I could go on forever. They were excellent and inspired my own imagination.
LOL! I remember once, I told my Mom about this wonderful new author I'd found. She too had found one she wanted me to read. So I went up to her house for the weekend and brought the book with me so that we could trade. To my surprise, it was the same book. Which one? 'The Black Lyon' by Jude Devereux. I wrote to Ms. Devereux and told her what happened. She responded with short note card, handwritten by her, telling me how much she appreciated my enjoyment of her book. Such class.
Today there are some fantastic romance authors too. My favorites are listed on the side here. They also happen to be some of my very best friends. Hopefully one day I will be able to stand along side of some of these greats!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
If you only could have heard my comment when I realized that I forgot about the blog. Whew, good thing I remembered before the day was over.
So Johny, if you’re reading this, go buy a copy my novel, Love’s True Enchantment and start practicing your lines. You can call Natalie too. That way you two can get your chemistry on for when the shooting starts.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
To be or not to be…Hamlet, William Shakespeare.
Well, after dreaming for years, I took a chance and sent something out to try and become published. I received a rejection--a wonderful, personal rejection--not a simple form letter and this verified that I had talent. This was what I wanted. I knew it. I could feel it in my blood. Thus answered the question of to be or not to be.
Next I came to the question of: to be or not to be published with a large press or a small press. For years, I fought against submitting to smaller presses or e-pubs. Nothing was wrong with them, no, but I wanted to hold my book in my hands and I couldn’t do that with an e-pub; at least, not at that time. I stopped and thought long and hard, deciding in the end that I wanted my novel published. If the larger houses reject it then I would try with the smaller ones. Was immediately accepted by an e-publisher and so thus was the question answered.
Monday, April 14, 2008
After hours of pondering what to say in this blog, I decided to grab the steer by the horns and simply pull him down. For the last few days, I’ve been watching the response to an author’s underhanded tactics of removing less than four or five star reviews for her books on Amazon.
Some of the comments in response to this situation sent chills up my back. What the woman did was horrid but the decision by several reviewers ‘not read anymore romances’ and another comment of ‘this turned them off for romance books’ added the candle to the top of the cake. This can’t be happening but it is. I hope most of the reviewers realize that this is a few authors and not to assume the entire genre does this.
Me? I want the good with the bad. I want to know what reviewers think so I can improve and hopefully write a better book because of it. This is a sign of being a professional. We as authors need to remember we are in the public eye and not only will our works but our professional image will make or break us in this field.
My mother always taught me the ‘Golden Rule’. Obviously, others never learned it. They should have. The internet is a fabulous tool but it can also be someone’s downfall. There’s too much information and if you’re caught lying, bullying, it will be remembered. This isn’t the type of mark you want branded on you when you’re striving to be a successful author. Nope, not at all.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
13 Movies to inspire with Romantic Themes:
Here are 13 movies which fed my romantic heart and often inspired -
13. Only You (1994 - PG) - Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. star in this romantic comedy you can actually watch with the family! Funny, often sweet, with a nail biting 'will they really get together?!', can't go wrong with this movie.
12. Serendipity (2001 - PG-13) - Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. While classified as a comedy, there weren't many laugh out loud moments in this (in my opinion). But the wistful wishing of the hero and heroine to find each other after so many years definitely brings in tons of romance to make up for the lack of comedy.
11. Sweet Home Alabama (2002 - PG-13) - Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey star in this funny romance with a heroine who gets caught up in a love triangle of her own making! Living in Alabama, I naturally had to choose this one.
10. Just Like Heaven (2005 - PG-13) - Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. Just Like Heaven was a pleasant surprise. A bitter-sweet romance that often was funny when the storyline was anything but.
9. Gross Pointe Blank (1997 - R) - John Cusak and Minnie Driver. Despite the rather depressing and often violent content (can't have a movie about an assassin without there being some violence) I found this movie hilarious. John Cusak was brilliant in this film as was Minnie Driver as the one the Hero let get away...
8. Music from Another Room (1998 - PG-13) - Gretchen Mol and Jude Law. A sweet romantic comedy with a sub-plot that drives the story as much as the hero and heroine. This movie, completely unknown to me before I sat down and watched it, blew me away. The story, the struggle of the heroine to accept love and of the hero to prove how much he cares for the heroine and their destiny to be together is so inspiring.
7. Shakespeare in Love (1998 - R) - Gwyneth Paltrow and Ralph Fiennes. I waited too long to watch this movie! Just having seen it two years ago, I was honestly a little scared, knowing what I know about Shakespeare... But this film left me feeling surprisingly warm and fuzzy.
6. King Arthur (2004 - PG-13) - Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. While not classified as a romance, let's face it, King Arthur is a romantic tale. And, I can forgive the lack of betrayal that was, in my opinion, essential in the tale of King Arthur. I just enjoyed this movie that much.
5. Passionada (2002 - PG-13) - Sofia Milos and Jason Isaacs. If you've never seen this movie (or heard of it for that matter), I highly recommend it. Especially for Jason Isaacs fans. You see a side to him in this film you never see before. Soft, kind and... a loser! Oh yes, a loser who falls head over heals in love! Very romantic and sexy, this movie will get you in the romantic writing mood.
4. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002 - PG-13) - Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce and Dagmara Dominczyk. Again, another one that's not technically a romance... then again what else would you call this tale of lost love which turns forbidden? Ah okay, all that revenge stuff just makes it even better! Plus... we have a very young Henry Cavill in this, who we all know went on to do great and wonderful things in The Tudors. Oh yes, this movie definitely inspires!
3. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991 - G) - Gabrielle Anwar and Michael Schoeffling. An awesomely inspiring tale of human spirit, will and enduring love. This movie never fails to leave me with goosebumps at the end.
2. Romancing the Stone (1984 - PG) - Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas. You had to know this would be on the list. An action/adventure tale about... a romance author! Plus, lets face it, this is one of the few romantic comedies your husband will actually sit through!
1. Disney's Beauty and the Beast (1991 - G) - This is the movie that started it all. My father took me to see Beauty and the Beast in the theatres and boy did it ever make an impression on me! My husband took me again on our one year wedding anniversary to see the film at the I-Max and that was an experience I'll never forget. Romantic to the point of tear-jerking (for me anyways) you can't go wrong when you're just in the mood for romance with Beauty and the Beast.
So, what do you think should have made the list? What romantic movies inspire you?
Sadie
Here are 13 movies which fed my romantic heart and often inspired -
13. Only You (1994 - PG) - Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. star in this romantic comedy you can actually watch with the family! Funny, often sweet, with a nail biting 'will they really get together?!', can't go wrong with this movie.
12. Serendipity (2001 - PG-13) - Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. While classified as a comedy, there weren't many laugh out loud moments in this (in my opinion). But the wistful wishing of the hero and heroine to find each other after so many years definitely brings in tons of romance to make up for the lack of comedy.
11. Sweet Home Alabama (2002 - PG-13) - Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey star in this funny romance with a heroine who gets caught up in a love triangle of her own making! Living in Alabama, I naturally had to choose this one.
10. Just Like Heaven (2005 - PG-13) - Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. Just Like Heaven was a pleasant surprise. A bitter-sweet romance that often was funny when the storyline was anything but.
9. Gross Pointe Blank (1997 - R) - John Cusak and Minnie Driver. Despite the rather depressing and often violent content (can't have a movie about an assassin without there being some violence) I found this movie hilarious. John Cusak was brilliant in this film as was Minnie Driver as the one the Hero let get away...
8. Music from Another Room (1998 - PG-13) - Gretchen Mol and Jude Law. A sweet romantic comedy with a sub-plot that drives the story as much as the hero and heroine. This movie, completely unknown to me before I sat down and watched it, blew me away. The story, the struggle of the heroine to accept love and of the hero to prove how much he cares for the heroine and their destiny to be together is so inspiring.
7. Shakespeare in Love (1998 - R) - Gwyneth Paltrow and Ralph Fiennes. I waited too long to watch this movie! Just having seen it two years ago, I was honestly a little scared, knowing what I know about Shakespeare... But this film left me feeling surprisingly warm and fuzzy.
6. King Arthur (2004 - PG-13) - Clive Owen and Keira Knightley. While not classified as a romance, let's face it, King Arthur is a romantic tale. And, I can forgive the lack of betrayal that was, in my opinion, essential in the tale of King Arthur. I just enjoyed this movie that much.
5. Passionada (2002 - PG-13) - Sofia Milos and Jason Isaacs. If you've never seen this movie (or heard of it for that matter), I highly recommend it. Especially for Jason Isaacs fans. You see a side to him in this film you never see before. Soft, kind and... a loser! Oh yes, a loser who falls head over heals in love! Very romantic and sexy, this movie will get you in the romantic writing mood.
4. The Count of Monte Cristo (2002 - PG-13) - Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce and Dagmara Dominczyk. Again, another one that's not technically a romance... then again what else would you call this tale of lost love which turns forbidden? Ah okay, all that revenge stuff just makes it even better! Plus... we have a very young Henry Cavill in this, who we all know went on to do great and wonderful things in The Tudors. Oh yes, this movie definitely inspires!
3. Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991 - G) - Gabrielle Anwar and Michael Schoeffling. An awesomely inspiring tale of human spirit, will and enduring love. This movie never fails to leave me with goosebumps at the end.
2. Romancing the Stone (1984 - PG) - Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas. You had to know this would be on the list. An action/adventure tale about... a romance author! Plus, lets face it, this is one of the few romantic comedies your husband will actually sit through!
1. Disney's Beauty and the Beast (1991 - G) - This is the movie that started it all. My father took me to see Beauty and the Beast in the theatres and boy did it ever make an impression on me! My husband took me again on our one year wedding anniversary to see the film at the I-Max and that was an experience I'll never forget. Romantic to the point of tear-jerking (for me anyways) you can't go wrong when you're just in the mood for romance with Beauty and the Beast.
So, what do you think should have made the list? What romantic movies inspire you?
Sadie
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
She walks across the shiny tiled floor and plucks her pencil from her apron pocket. "Hi, I'm Belinda. What'll ya have?"You look at the laminated menu and notice the All-Day Breakfast Special. For only $3.99 you get three eggs, bacon or sausage, toast and juice, accompanied by a bottomless cup of coffee. Sounds good. "Gimme the Breakfast Special."
"Fried, boiled or scrambled?"
"Scrambled."
"Bacon or sausage?"
"Brown or white?"
"Apple or orange?"
"Decaf or regular?"
In about ten minutes, you have a satisfying plate of Coronary Club for just under four bucks.
Let's mosey down the street to a high end cafe.
A carefully coiffed waiter approaches, handing over a leather-bound folder.
"Good morning, my name is Alphonse but you can call me Al." He slides into the booth and leans earnestly forward. "Our special this morning is the Petit Déjeuner a la New Orleans. It consists of fluffy, mouth-watering scrambled free-range Omega-3 eggs, three crisp slices of grain-fed pancetta, artisan bread toasted to golden perfection, unsweetened organic orange juice and a steaming cup of cappucino made from Fair Trade coffee beans, roasted on the premises."
"Sounds great. How much is it?"
"Only $13.99."
Hell, when you describe it like that, it must be worth the extra ten bucks! Imaginative copy writing has raised the lowly breakfast to a culinary delight.
In case you don't know where I'm going with this, let's discuss one of the Cardinal Sins of the Novel Writer: Telling instead of Showing.
Telling:
The weather was very hot.
Showing:
Cloying mist hung in the air while a blistering sun climbed above the hill behind them. Day after day, puffy clouds sat at the line where sky met sea, keeping a discreet distance. They only moved closer to the island at sunset, often providing David and Margaret with a fantastic light show of pink and red and yellow. Day and night abruptly exchanged places, and under the cover of darkness the clouds occasionally crept over the island. They often went to sleep on a sultry, humid evening, then woke in the morning to a jungle dripping with the night's rain.
Telling:
It was a cold day.
Showing:
For the rest of the afternoon the pond was alive with the muffled sound of metal blades scraping on windswept, uneven ice mixed with chatter and laughter. Occasionally a cracking sound echoed off the densely treed, steep hillsides when two wooden sticks collided. The sun, a pale white disk, barely succeeded its feeble attempt to penetrate the icy haze in the platinum sky.
Is it worth an extra ten bucks?
-- Sandra Cormier
Excerpt One is from my first novel The Space Between (July 2007). Excerpt Two (unedited) is from my upcoming novel Bad Ice (July 2008).