Celebrate the Small Things - Words With Friends edition

I have to say, it's been a pretty good week.  My summer school session started on Tuesday, and I think I have a good group of students, which is always a pleasure.  Still, it is summer so I'm kinda-sorta counting the weeks until the end of the summer session (for those of you keeping track at home, 1 down, 5 to go!).

Today, I'm celebrating the fact that I get to hang out with my dear friend, Angi Morgan.  I haven't seen her in a couple of months, and we're camped out in her house, catching up and getting some writing done. Of course, no visit to Angi is complete without paying some special attention to her fur babies, Roxie and Texas!  I suspect my kitties will be less than thrilled when I come home smelling like dog, but they'll get over it :)

How was your week?  What are you celebrating today?

If you've been reading my blog, you know that Fridays are reserved for a post where I celebrate the little things that have happened during the week.  This is a blog hop hosted by VikLit, and it's one of my favorite blogging things to do.  I encourage you to check out her blog and the full list of participants, because who doesn't love reading about good things?

My current obsession...

Is this series.

I'm currently reading book 12 in the Harry Dresden series (Changes), and I have 2 more novels to go before I can start the new book.  I normally don't like to read books from the same author back-to-back-to-back like this because I tend to get burned out.  But in this case I. Can't. Stop. Reading.

I don't know what it is about these books, but they've gotten under my skin.  I want to just sit and read and immerse myself in Harry's Chicago, and I'm constantly looking for an excuse to pick up the book.  It's a literary addiction, and while I'm loving it, I'm also scared of the day I finish because I know it will be a while until the next installment arrives.

What's your current literary obsession?  Have you read the Dresden Files books?  If not, what's the last book that really stuck with you?

Memorial Day--Thank You!

As we remember and honor those who gave their lives in service, let's also take a moment to thank those who continue to serve.

Celebrate the Small Things - Holiday weekend edition

Hi everyone!  Sorry I've been so absent lately.  It's been a busy week for me--my Mom is getting ready to move, so we've been running around taking care of errands and last-minute details.  I'm happy to say I've been getting some writing done, and tomorrow night we're taking a break and going to the movie.  I always see the latest superhero flick with my uncle, and in keeping with tradition, we're going to see X-Men.  I'm really looking forward to it, as it's been a while since I've seen my movie boyfriend, Michael Fassbender, on the big screen. :)

What about you?  How was your week?  What are you up to this weekend?

If you've been reading my blog, you know that Fridays are reserved for a post where I celebrate the little things that have happened during the week.  This is a blog hop hosted by VikLit, and it's one of my favorite blogging things to do.  I encourage you to check out her blog and the full list of participants, because who doesn't love reading about good things?

Monday Motivation - Be happy!

I guess this means I should eat more cupcakes.  What about you?  What makes you happy?

Celebrate the Small Things - Blast from the past edition

Hi everyone!  Sorry I'm so late with today's post--I'm at a work conference in Boston and am just now stealing a few minutes to myself.  It's been a great meeting so far, and I was surprised and delighted to run into an old friend from grad school today. I had no idea he would be here, and we spent the lunch break catching up and reminiscing about our time in grad school.  It was a lovely bonus to this conference, and I'm glad I got to see him again.

How was your week?  What are you celebrating with us?

If you've been reading my blog, you know that Fridays are reserved for a post where I celebrate the little things that have happened during the week.  This is a blog hop hosted by VikLit, and it's one of my favorite blogging things to do.  I encourage you to check out her blog and the full list of participants, because who doesn't love reading about good things?

In sickness and in health...

I got married last Friday (yay!).  We opted for a small, courthouse ceremony, and it was absolutely perfect--just what we wanted.

On Saturday, we had a reception dinner with family and friends. Everything was going great, until Mister starting feeling a little 'off.'  I dropped him at home and then took his family back to their hotel.  I arrived home a bit later to find that he was starting to feel better.  We climbed into bed to watch the video of my brother's toast, when Mister suddenly shot up and bolted to the bathroom, expelling his fancy dinner in a matter of minutes.

The toilet looked like a scene from a horror movie.  Armed with Clorox wipes and determination, we cleaned up, pausing when his stomach demanded it.

I told him he was testing out the 'in sickness' part of our vows a little early.  He was not amused.  In hindsight, I probably should have waited until his head was out of the toilet before making light of his food poisoning.

Poor Mister had a miserable night, but fortunately he was feeling much better the next morning.  And me?  I'm just glad he's recovered.  I love him, but there's only so much vomit I can take before my own stomach starts to revolt! :)

How was your weekend?

Celebrate the Small Things - From Miss to Mrs.

Well, today is the day.  I'm putting a ring on it, and making an honest man out of my Gentleman Friend.  I'm going from Miss to Mrs., and he's stepping into the role of Mister.  Here's hoping this is the start of a wonderful marriage!

I've got my old, my new, my borrowed,
and my blue--I'm all set to go! :)

Have a great weekend!

If you've been reading my blog, you know that Fridays are reserved for a post where I celebrate the little things that have happened during the week.  This is a blog hop hosted by VikLit, and it's one of my favorite blogging things to do.  I encourage you to check out her blog and the full list of participants, because who doesn't love reading about good things?

IWSG - How do you learn?

Welcome to another edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group!  This hop is spearheaded by Alex J. Cavanaugh, and there is a website where you can add your name to the list and join us!

I don't know about you, but I've noticed that when I'm writing, whatever book I'm reading at the time influences my writing style.  For example, I've been listening to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series on audiobook while driving.  If you're not familiar with her work, she writes epic novels that are packed with evocative descriptions and great dialogue.  Because of this, I notice that when I sit down to write I pay more attention to description and character emotion, and I spend more time exploring those aspects of the story.  I'm not trying to copy Diana's style, but being immersed in her example makes me more aware of those parts of my own writing.  Does that make sense?

I've also been reading a lot of Jim Butcher's Dresden series as well, and it makes me think more about humor and how it can be effectively used in writing.  The story and characters have to be right for it, but it's definitely something I want to try to explore in my own work.

Are you aware of other authors influencing how you write?  Do you have a favorite author (or three) that you use as an example of how to do something well?  Please share in the comments--I'm always excited to find more inspirations!

FATAL FALLOUT cover reveal!

Woo hoo!  I'm so excited to share the cover of FATAL FALLOUT with you all today!  Take a look--isn't it gorgeous?

FATAL FALLOUT is Thomas's story--you may remember him as James's friend in DEADLY CONTACT.  The book comes out in August, and here's the back cover blurb:

Torn between duty and desire, two strangers must risk all for love 

Nuclear physicist Dr. Claire Fleming has one rule: never get close to anyone. But when her colleague is murdered and she's targeted next, she must place all her trust in FBI agent Thomas Kincannon. Soon Claire forgets her tenet as she fantasizes about Thomas's touch. 

Thomas is wildly attracted to Claire. But his life and his job are too complicated for any romantic entanglements. Despite this, they share a mind-blowing kiss, and there's no turning back. When Thomas's niece is abducted, the stakes become dangerously higher as Claire insists he trade her for the child. Somehow, Thomas must find a way to rescue his family and protect the woman who let her protective walls down just for him.

You can pre-order the book at all the usual places:
Harlequin Digital | Paperback
Amazon Kindle | Paperback
Barnes & Noble Nook | Paperback
BooksAMillion eBook | Paperback

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for some snippets! :)  I can't wait to share this one with you all!

Celebrate the Small Things - A to Z survivor edition

Yay!  I'm back, and I'm so happy to participate in this blog hop again.  I got a little distracted during the month of April, due to the A to Z Challenge. Posting every day is a lot harder than it sounds!  But I'm proud to say I did it (for the second year), and it was quite a bit of fun.  I hope everyone enjoyed my theme of romance authors, and maybe even found a book or two to try.

What about you?  How have you been?

If you've been reading my blog, you know that Fridays are reserved for a post where I celebrate the little things that have happened during the week.  This is a blog hop hosted by VikLit, and it's one of my favorite blogging things to do.  I encourage you to check out her blog and the full list of participants, because who doesn't love reading about good things?