I spent an hour online looking for something I love that will work with my VERY thick hair and not make me look like a fat old lady.

I like these choppy styles, but don't know how they'd go with my wardrobe, ya know?





This is cute, but maybe a little short. The shorter my hair, the poofier.



I kind of like these, but they may make my face look too round. Heaven knows I don't need that. Maybe if I got the second one, but longer. I really like it.





I like this, but bangs overwhelm my face. And again, I'm in my 40s...



I will probably lose my nerve and end up with one of these simpler styles, providing I don't lose my nerve altogether.







I used to change my hairstyle all the time, but now I can't stand to sit in the chair and make conversation with a stranger. What about you? Do you like having your hair done?

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I love rhinos ;)

So Smoke has dropped to number 8 on the bestseller list last time I checked, and Hot Shot...well, who knows how Hot Shot is doing? The buzz was starting to wear off this week, and then....

Tuesday morning Cindi walked into my classroom with a bouquet of flowers. Now I know she knows when my bday is, and I thought, well, she's early. But no, she brought them to congratulate me for my books. They came out during the worst of her health scare, and she felt bad she hadn't done anything to recognize the occasion. See why I love her?



Last night we went to go see my cousin's baby (do I have a picture of THAT? No, because I went straight to Mom's from tutoring and didn't take my camera.) He's beautiful and nameless. She wants a name with the initials JB because that's my grandpa's name, and my uncle's name and her initials and her older son's initials are JB. My cousin is big for tradition. Anyway, he's this gorgeous baby with her dimple and his daddy's cleft chin. (BTW, this is the cousin I based Smoke on.) Afterwards, we went to eat and then went to my parents' land. My aunt and uncle have a house out there, so they came over and brought me this.



I'd been written up in the Reporter last week. The librarian had brought me a copy, but my uncle and aunt went to the trouble of saving the article and the masthead and laminating it "for my scrapbook." Scrapbook, hell, I'm framing it. When they left they said they were very proud of me. :::sniff::: (This is the uncle who READ my very first novel when I was about 10 years old. He also read Hot Shot, come to think...)

So the thrill continues ;)

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I've been blog-hopping and over the past few weeks I've seen several authors blogging about a "secret project." I know how that is, a bit (though I can't keep a secret for anything, FYI), wanting to keep a new project under wraps, nurture it, revel in it before you bring it into the world.

But I think these secret projects are more along the lines of High Concept.

I don't get those, not really. I mean, I kind of have a small idea but don't know if I'll have the skill to write it. I don't get the big, genre breaking ideas. I get a LOT of ideas, but nothing that requires excessive plotting, overarching themes for series, etc.

Are you a high concept person? Do you have a secret project?

I think my email is working now....the dh installed a new version of Entourage and it's going to take some getting used to.

I also realized I don't have to haunt my SPAM folder this week. The editor I'm waiting to hear from is likely at RT.

I think this is going to be my birthday present. It's PINK!

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The boy was inducted into the National Honor Society last night. He goes to the same high school his dad and I went to, and the only thing about the place that's the same is the auditorium. In the boy's three years there, I think this might be the third time we've been there.

Anyway, we live in a kind of nice area of town. Our particular neighborhood is older but established, but certainly the school draws students from some pretty fancy neighborhoods. And I've always had pretty low self-esteem, and being around some of those people just sets that in high gear. (My grandmother would say, "I wish I could buy them for what they're worth and sell them for what they think they're worth," but I've always just figured they were as good as they said they were.) So the dh leans over to me and asks, without me saying ANYTHING about my own feelings (but we have been married 21 years), "Are we achievers?"

That stopped me. We are, but no one would ever know by looking at us. We do it quietly. No one would know by looking that my dh, in his untucked shirt and blue jeans and stubble, has 3 Emmy awards. No one would know by looking at me, with my too-long hair and 2 year old purse that's not a Coach and a blouse from Stein Mart from about 5 years ago (but still in very good shape) that I have 2 published books and have finalled in the Golden Heart 4 times. So my self-confidence grew a bit.

Then during the ceremony, one of the girls spoke on character. I wanted to find her afterward to get the quote she used but it was something about who you are on the inside matching who you are on the outside. I really liked that quote.

The school has a HUGE string orchestra (when I went, there might have been a dozen). This orchestra took up most of the stage. What was neat to the former music teacher in me was when they called for all the NHS candidates to stand, a full third of the orchestra rose. Now, the inductees are juniors, and the orchestra is all grade levels, so that confirmed, to me, the connection between music and achievement in school. (Maybe I'm looking at it backwards, maybe the kids in orchestra have parents who push them more, but I like to think of it as the other way around.)

I did get the giggles when the principal was outlining why these children were chosen. Organization? Studies? HOW did my kid get in?

BTW, he's the only junior on the UIL team going to State! It's the day before his SAT and they leave the day of his last TAKS test (that was fine planning on the UIL committee, wasn't it?) but he's going to State!

Alas, he still doesn't know how to sort his dirty clothes - instead, he dumps them on the bathroom floor so you can't even walk into the bathroom!

The other night I wasn't getting ANY email from the MJ account - my loops overwhelmed the poor thing and locked it up! I had over 1000 emails in trash!

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So I have a Google Alert for MJ Fredrick and this morning I had a notice that Mrs. Giggles reviewed Hot Shot.

GULP.

She didn't like Gabe, but gave me a 77. Here's the review. It's just another rite of passage. Interesting she mentioned ER, though, since Clooney was the inspiration.

I managed 3 pages last night in between picking son up from school, taking son to band practice, picking up dinner for myself (because dh also had band practice) then picking ds up from band practice. It takes me as long to get to the kid's house where they practice as it takes me to get to work on the other side of town, so I essentially made 3 commutes yesterday. Listened to a big chunk of Nora's Red Lily.

The week isn't looking any easier, either.

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Blargh.

I still don't get how these promo loops work (although I had over 800 messages YESTERDAY. A SUNDAY!) Do you just send a blurb/excerpt? Just jump right in? Fallen Angel Reviews is the one I'm worrying about. And Kwips and Kritiques. And Samhain Cafe.

I need some good news soon....

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1) get up to p. 105 in StTA (starting from scratch, having trouble with the first scene)
2) SARA
3) Newsletter
4) The boy’s induction to National Honor Society
5) Getting observed
6) My cousin’s having a baby
7) The boy is playing a gig one night and practicing another
8) RT party for the left-behinds on Friday
9) Driver’s ed
10) Keep up house
Wow, and I’d thought this would be an easy week!

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After a crappy week at school, the kind that makes me never want to go back, I made a list of things to look forward to. I think we only have 35 school days left…

This week, my cousin is having her baby and Juno is on DVD.

The next week is my birthday, Supernatural, Lost and Grey’s Anatomy come back, and Fiesta holiday.

The next week 27 Dresses and Golden Compass come out on DVD and Iron Man is at the theaters.

The next week is teacher appreciation (what a joke) and Mother’s Day. Also the next book in Nora’s trilogy and PS I LOVE YOU on DVD.

The next week is a field trip. (Okay, that’s a stretch because I hate field trips.)

The next week Indiana Jones comes out.

The next week is Memorial Day holiday.

Then the next week is the last week of school!

Also, I should hear from Susan and from The Wild Rose Press editor, and I should get my refurbished iBook in there, too.

What are you looking forward to?

Did I mention HE’S A FIREMAN???

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I have to feel sorry for my dh (which is better than feeling sorry for myself, which I’m also doing). Being married to a writer isn’t easy, especially a romance writer.
A lot of brooding is involved. I’m either brooding over my story or over not being able to write my story. I’m brooding over a rejection or over my writing schedule.
Some snapping is involved too, like when he feels compelled to show me a YouTube video or some such when he clearly HEARS the clickity-clack of the keys.
A lot of plotting over breakfast or dinner…he should be glad we don’t eat lunch together.
Then there’s the inspiration. “Why are we watching this show again? Oh, your BOYFRIEND is in it.” And the movies, and the pictures…

What does your SO have to put up with because of your writing?

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DONE! And I came in at almost 3200 words! Who knew it would take 3 weeks???? ARGH! I wrote 25000 words in 6 weeks before that, and in Nano, 50000 words in a month. But I'm mostly happy with it - I'm going to let it sit.

Does anyone watch NCIS? Is it just me or is there not much character development? I mean, Gibbs: caffeine addict, 3 ex-wives, builds boats in his basement. Tony: lecherous shallow guy. McGee: bumbling computer geek who writes novels on the side but doesn't even create his own characters. Am I watching in vain? Will we learn anything else?

Here's a funny for you. A bit racy-be warned.

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You know you really have to swallow your pride when you hand your essay to your journalist son and he GETS OUT THE RED PEN!!! He had issues with my casual style. Sigh.

I'm guest blogging about the journey of Hot Shot over at Southern Fried Chicas. Come say hey!

I should be done with this essay today.

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Promo is kicking my butt. Last week I took part in the Spring Showers Promo, guest blogged on THREE blogs and joined three more promo loops (wherein I have NO idea what I'm doing.) I came home Friday to over 400 emails! I went digest on Samhain Cafe, but still get at least one digest an hour. I can't even read them all, much less dive in and promote myself! And next week is already time to do my newsletter again.

How do you published authors balance promo and writing? Do you EVER get away from the computer?

I finished watching all my SPN episodes, and I want to get to at least 2000 words today before work.

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The Romance Studio is giving away a copy of Hot Shot today. (Not at 6 AM, though ;) )



I had another really cool story dream, but it was about a spy agency and those have been done to death. And the hero was not an actor, just some guy with wavy blond hair (maybe Dean from Natural Born Charmer??) Still, I'm going to write it down.

My goals this week:

1) Finish Supernatural essay - over halfway there, but the second half will be tougher. I have 7 episodes of Season 2 left to watch and about 7 episodes of Season 3 on the Tivo.
2) Read the three Smart POP books I have to make sure I'm doing it right.
3) Guest blog at Southern Fried Chicas on Wednesday.
4) Find a balance for promo time - it's currently kicking my butt.
5) Renew RWA membership, which wasn't renewed because I never got a bill.
6) Critique group
7) Get stuff for baby shower on Friday for one of the teachers.
8) Keep up house (or at least the room where I watch Supernatural ;) )

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Hot Shot’s first review!!

Charity has good news!!

Anybody else have good news?

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Cindi's bloodwork came back from the last doctor visit and she does have lupus. Any positive stories you want to share about living with it would be much appreciated. She's pretty upset. She has 3 little kids.

On a cheerier note, I'm listening to Natural Born Charmer right now and it is GREAT.



I wonder why they changed the cover for the paperback - I loved the hardcover cover. Neither REALLY fits the story, anyway. I am in love with this book.

Before that, I listened to Agnes and the Hitman. Now, I didn't like Don't Look Down, but I LOVED Agnes. Very sexy.



It's been awhile since I loved a Nora the way I love Blood Brothers. I can't WAIT till Book 2 comes out, but I REALLY can't wait for Book 3, because I want to learn that hero's story.



And I've been on a historical kick. Three of my favorites are:







But boy, do I wish I could read faster.

The dh saw a Kindle and was intrigued, but I have over 200 books to read!!!

What have you read lately that you loved?

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So...it's Thursday, and it's been a long week in the classroom. I never thought I'd say this, but thank goodness for the field trip tomorrow (please, God, let me find the signed permission slips!) But I look at my list of goals and I haven't gotten much done. I mean, I haven't cut out my fabric, I've not written more than 100 words on the SPN essay, and I'm not letting myself write anything else till it's done. We did driver's ed the one night (starting at 8:30 - argh!) and I haven't gone to the post office yet. I have watched 7 discs of Supernatural, though, and took a page of notes last night on the first three episodes of Season 2. And I've judged the Merritt entries and cleaned house, a little. That's it. Yeesh.

Cindi FINALLY got the test results today and it is NOT cancer. It's Raynaud's Syndrome, which the doctors tell her is in the second stage and CAN change to lupus BUT it's manageable and we all can take a deep breath.

Your prayers and good thoughts for someone you don't even know mean the world to me.

Wow, today is WILD. I'm so glad I canceled tutoring. I kinda wish I'd taken the day off.

First, HOT SHOT RELEASES TODAY. (Not at 5 AM, though ;) )

Second, I'm guest blogging at Marianne’s AND Romance Bandits AND Samhain.

Third, a Hot Shot excerpt is up at
Coffee Time’s Spring Showers Promotion - come talk to me!

And last, I got an email that Where There's Smoke is Joyfully Reviewed! I made the reviewer CRY! (Weird that makes me so happy ;) )



Here's another excerpt of Hot Shot - come see me around the blogosphere!!!

“You’re limping. I want to look at your feet.”

“They aren’t burned.” And she had some defensive issues of her own. Was it him she wasn’t willing to admit weakness to, or herself?

“Blistered, though, aren’t they?”

She stammered, glanced away. “A—yeah.”

“First fire, new boots?”

“I have on two pair of socks,” she said.

Yeah, definitely some defensive issues there. He leaned forward and crooked his finger. “Let’s look at those feet.”

“They just…I…”

Her discomfort amused him. He wasn’t asking her to strip, for crying out loud. Why was she so skittish? “Sit and take ’em off.”

She did, grumbling more now than on the trail. Delayed reactions were fine with him. She’d done what she’d been told, and had done a fair job of it. Maybe that’s why he couldn’t dredge up any resentment.

She thrust her feet toward him and immediately he saw the outer sock, blackened on the top from soot, had been worn through.

“Peel.”

“I can take care of my own feet.”

He couldn’t tell if she was blushing under all the soot, but her jerky movements told him she was embarrassed as she stripped off the socks. He motioned for her to place them in his lap for inspection, which she did with more force than necessary, near a place a man wanted as little force as possible.

He picked up one foot, was amused by the hot-pink toenail polish, amazed by the softness of the skin. Calluses hardened a few places, the rest was city-girl soft. He allowed himself a brief picture of what she might be like on her own turf. Would she wear girly dresses? High heels? Fix up her hair? Hard to tell what she’d be like dressed up, the way she looked now, in her baggy fire gear and covered with ash. But he’d imagine she wouldn’t be too bad.

Of course, sandals wouldn’t be very flattering. He could see some blisters forming, traced a testing finger over the high arch of her foot. She jerked and shouted, the sound startling the girls as it echoed off the cave walls. He grinned.
“Ticklish?”

She scowled and tried to pull her foot away, but he tightened his grip on her heel.

“I have some cream in my pack.”

“So do I,” she said through her teeth.

Stubborn wasn’t as bad as most people made it out to be. It would keep her alive till he could get her back to safety. He wanted to smile again, but her other foot was still free and dangerously close to where it could do damage.

He released her and she scrambled to her side of the cave.

“Fine. Then put your clean socks on and put the dirty ones still in one piece over them.”

He watched to make sure she followed directions, then shut off the flashlight and closed his burning eyes.

Gabe dozed, his head against the wall. How could he relax when Peyton’s heart still drummed a mile a minute? The terror of the past few hours only now hit her. She’d understood it was serious at the time, but the pure audacity of their victory kept her mind churning.

Woman against nature. Considering the huge force she was up against, she felt damned lucky to come out even.

In the dim light of her headlamp, she saw the children were asleep, piled together like puppies. Josie curled against the wall, her back to them. So Peyton watched Gabe.
His strength was apparent in every aspect of his body, his broad shoulders and muscled arms accented in the black T-shirt, his wide callused hands, his stubborn jaw, black with both stubble and soot.

He was handsome, rescued women and children, true hero material.

God help her.