Celebrate the Small Things - A Return to Normal

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This week, I'm celebrating the fact that I finished covering lectures for my colleague.  He comes back to work on Monday, which means my schedule will go back to being just busy, as opposed to the super-crazy busy it has been over the past few weeks.  I'm looking forward to this, and having the extra time to devote to my regular classes.

What are you celebrating this week?

Photo Friday - A to Z theme!

I thought I'd use today's post to reveal my theme for April's A to Z blogging challenge!

As you can see, I'm going to be blogging about Washington, D.C.  I lived in Bethesda (just outside of D.C.) for 6 years, and I loved it.  I figured since my books are set here, it would be nice to blog about some of the fun and unique aspects of D.C.  I hope you'll stop by and check out my posts!

Is anyone else participating in the A to Z challenge?  What have you chosen for your theme?

Exciting news!

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I'm thrilled to announce the title of my first book is <drum roll please>..... Deadly Contact!

I really like this title, and I think it does a great job of conveying the important story elements.  Hopefully it will entice you to pick this one up!

But wait, there's more!

I also have a publication date!  Are you ready?  I thought so. :)

The book will be released this November!  That's only <counting on fingers> 8 months away!  I'm sure the time is going to fly by.

The art department is currently working on the cover, and I'll post that as soon as they're done.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what they come up with!

Glutton for Punishment

Well, it's official.  I signed up for the April session of Camp NaNoWriMo.  I tried to resist (really, I did!), but they pulled me back in.  They told me I could set my own word count, which I love (it's 25,000, in case you're wondering...).

Am I crazy to be doing Camp NaNo at the same time I'm doing the A to Z challenge?  Maybe.  But I can't neglect my writing during the month of blogging madness, and I figured this would be a fun way to stay on top of things.  Plus, I'm hoping to use it as a push to finish book 2.

Anyone else want to join me?  C'mon in, the water's fine (and there's s'mores)!

Lucky Leprechaun Winner!

Congratulations go to Cassandra McCann, winner of the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!  Please send me your address, and I'll get your book in the mail this week.

Thanks to all who participated, and be sure to come back next month for another giveaway!

Celebrate the Small Things - Pampering edition

It's that time again!  Head on over to VikLit's blog to sign up for the celebration!

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This week, I'm celebrating the fact that I'm getting a pedicure after work today. Even though no one ever really gets to see my toes (one of the joys of working in a lab means I have to wear closed-toe shoes all the time, and even though I'm not doing experiments anymore, I have to set a good example for my students) I still like them to be pretty.  I have neither the patience nor the skill to paint my nails well, so one of the things I like to splurge on is getting a pedicure.  I generally go once a month, but it's been a while, so I'm really looking forward to this!  Now I just have to figure out what color I want...

What are you celebrating this week?

UPDATE:  As you can see, I chose turquoise.  With the design she painted, my toes look a bit like peacock feathers! :)

Photo Friday - This land is my land!

This week I bought some land.  After looking at my options, I realized it's cheaper to have a house payment than to pay rent on an apartment. For many reasons, it's better for me to build a house from scratch than to try to find a house to buy, so that's what I'm doing.

This is the first time I've ever owned anything, and I think it's pretty cool.  I'll definitely post pictures of the ongoing construction, and I hope that this fall, I'll be writing in my new house!

Blog Blitz Sign-ups!

Just a quick post to help spread the word about the Blog Blitz!  This is the brainchild of DL Hammons, and it's a pretty cool idea: sign up to participate, and DL will randomly select blogs to spotlight.  Everyone who is on the list will get an email, and the goal is to flood that blog with comments and visits.  Kind of like a flash mob in the blog-o-sphere.  It sounds like a great way to build community and offer support, so if this sounds interesting to you, check out the sign up post!

His or Hers?

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Here's a question for you all: generally speaking, do you prefer the hero or the heroine's point of view?

I find that I'm drawn to books that are more hero-centric.  I really enjoy being in the hero's head, and finding out what makes him tick.  This is not to say that I don't also like reading about the heroine, but I guess I'm just more fascinated by the hero.  I find men interesting, probably because they don't always react in ways that make sense to me :)

Paradoxically enough, it's often easier for me to write in the hero's point of view.  I think that's because I'm constantly questioning the character's motivations and actions.  I don't subject my heroine to that much scrutiny, since on a fundamental level I already 'get' her.

What about you?  Do you prefer to read the hero or the heroine's thoughts?  If you're a writer, which point of view is easier for you to write in?

Celebrate the Small Things - Birthday Gift edition!

Got something to celebrate this week?  Head on over to VikLit's blog and sign up for this hop!

This week, I'm celebrating the fact that my birthday was last Sunday.  I got to spend the week seeing family and friends, which is always nice.  I also got some really sweet gifts, which I very much appreciate.  One of my favorites was this charm:

I don't know if you can really see it, but it's an open book with writing on the pages.  It's pretty cute, and I've been wearing it as a necklace.

What are you celebrating this week?

Photo Friday - Swag!

It's my RWA chapter's 30th anniversary on Saturday, and we're having a party to celebrate.  You're looking at 70 bags of party favors, so that everyone who comes to the meeting can walk away with a goody bag full of souvenirs.

Fortunately, I did not have to stuff all these bags by myself.  One of my chapter mates came over today and we managed to get the whole thing done in about an hour or so.  I'm so glad she came by, because I can only imagine how long it would have taken me had we not gotten our assembly-line going.

I was in charge of ordering the swag for the party, so I have my fingers crossed the members will like what I got.  I think everything turned out well, if I do say so myself. [g]

What's the best party favor you've ever received?

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

It's time for another giveaway!  This hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, Books Complete Me, and Author Cindy Thomas.  Be sure to check out all three sites for a full list of participating blogs.

In keeping with the Irish theme of this hop, I'm giving away a copy of The Wisdom of the Irish, compiled by Suheil Bushrui.  This is a collection of Irish poetry, proverbs, and quotes about Ireland and the Irish.  It's a nice little book, and I think you'll enjoy it.

This hop will run until Friday, March 22.  On Saturday, March 23, I'll post the winner's name, so be sure to check back and see if you've won!

The giveaway is open to US residents only.  Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sacrifices

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My editor emailed me today and said it was time to start working on the book cover (insert a 'this is really happening <squee> here).  She said the art department would contact me shortly, and there was a character description form for me to fill out, so they could start to formulate the 'look' for my characters.  She also told me to send over a file of images, depicting style and appearance for the main characters.

This means I have been given permission, nay, ordered to trawl the internet for pictures of handsome men wearing suits. <sigh>

It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. :)

The Sunshine Award!

Many thanks to S.K. Anthony for nominating me for the Sunshine Award!  What's this, you ask?  Here are the details...

The Sunshine Award is an award given by bloggers to other bloggers.

The recipients of the Sunshine Award are “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogsphere.” The way the award works is this: thank the person who gave you the award, and link back to them. Then answer questions about yourself. Finally, select up to 10 of your favorite bloggers, link their blogs to your post, and let them know they have been awarded the Sunshine Award!

Without further ado, here are the questions and my responses...

What inspired you to start blogging?  As a new writer, I thought blogging would be a great way to connect with other authors.  Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and having someone to talk to, even if only digitally, creates a great sense of companionship and provides me with a lot of encouragement.  It's also a great way to spark creativity.

How did you come up with the name of your blog?  I thought it best that I not try to be too clever, so I used my pen name.  Romance With An Edge came about because the books in my romantic suspense series are all tentatively titled "Edge of...", so I figured that was a good way to link my books to the blog.

What is your favorite blog that you like to read?  It's too hard to pick just one!  I love romance review blogs like Dear Author and SBTB.  I also love to read the blogs of my friends (way too many to list here!) so I can keep up with their accomplishments and cheer them on!

Tell us about your dream job.  I pretty much have it.  My day job is science professor, and I love it!  It would be amazing if I could teach part-time and write the rest of the time, but I really can't complain.  Although if someone could come up with a reason to pay me to sleep, read, and write, that would really be perfect!

Is your glass half-full or half-empty?  Half-full.  There's too much negativity in the world for me to add to it.

If you could go anywhere for a week's vacation, where would you go?  Scotland.  I've always wanted to go, and while a week wouldn't be enough time, it would definitely be a good start. :)

What food can you absolutely not eat?  I've never tried, but I think I would have a hard time eating bugs.  I know they're a major dietary staple in most of the world, but it kind of squicks me out.  I'd have to be pretty dang hungry...

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?  Milk chocolate, unless we're talking about Mounds.  Love me some dark chocolate and coconut!  Mmmmm....

How much time do you spend blogging?  A few hours a week.  I try not to let it take over my life, because if I spend too much time blogging I don't get any writing done.  It's important to read  other blogs and comment, because that's how I maintain connections, but I try to get that done in the space of a few minutes a day.

Do you watch TV?  If so, what are some of your favorite shows?  I watch a little TV, mostly as background noise.  I loved 30 Rock, Scrubs, and West Wing.  I also like pretty much anything on the History or Discovery Channel (I loved Dirty Jobs!).  I'm always up for a Stars hockey game (and I'm watching one now, as a matter of fact.)

I'm going to share the love by nominating 5 other blogs for this award!  So, in no particular order, here are my picks!

Azia Said What?

Defending the Pen

Here's the Story

Scribblings of an Aspiring Author

Write Me

Thanks again, S.K.!

Celebrate the Small Things - Spring Break edition

Come celebrate with me!  Head over to VikLit's blog to join in this hop!

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This week, I'm celebrating the fact that my spring break starts today.  I've been looking forward to having a few days off, and I have big plans to get caught up on a) sleep, b) my writing, and c) schoolwork.  In that order. :)

What are you celebrating this week?

Photo Friday - Road Trip!

What's that, you ask?  Why, it's a map of San Antonio!  I'm heading there today with a fellow RWA chapter-mate to take a Saturday writing class, taught by legal thriller author Robert Dugoni.

I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Dugoni at SIWC 2011.  I took a short class from him there, and even got to have lunch with him.  I found him to be an excellent teacher and a kind and interesting person, so when I found out he was teaching a class closer to my neck of the woods, I jumped at the chance to learn from him again.

Fellow writers, have you taken any writing classes before?  Who would you most like to take a class from?

Fellow readers, which author(s) would you most like to meet?

IWSG March edition - Social Media Madness

Be sure to stop by Alex Cavanaugh's blog to sign up for this hop, and to see a full list of participating blogs!

I have a question for y'all: what's your relationship with social media?  I blog (obviously), and I generally tweet and Facebook (although to be fair, the three accounts are all linked, so it's not like I'm posting unique content to each site).  I do not Pinterest, I do not FourSquare, I do not Google+ or MySpace.  I know that as an author it's important to develop a social media profile and build a brand, but how much is too much?

I'd rather focus my energies on a few key efforts so I don't spread myself too thinly.  Better to be good at one (or a few) things than to be bad at a lot of things, right?  I just hope I'm putting my eggs into the right baskets...

How many social media accounts do you have?  Is there a platform you prefer, or do they all rank the same for you?

What are you reading?

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What have you guys been reading lately?  I've just finished a couple of good books, and I thought I'd share my thoughts with you.

I'm slowly working my way through Jennifer Ashley's MacKenzie series.  I just finished book 2, Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage, and I really enjoyed it.  I was most impressed by the way Ms. Ashley wove the backstory so seamlessly into the action and character internals.  As a reader, I never felt bashed over the head with extraneous information, and I was never bored or wishing the pacing would pick up.  If you haven't read this one, I think it's a great example of how to do backstory the right way.

I'm also reading the SEALed series by Mary Margret Daughtridge.  I enjoy her books for the characterizations--with a few well-placed descriptions or lines of dialogue, her characters really come alive for me, and I find myself thinking about them when I'm not reading.  I've read two of her books so far, and have enjoyed both.  I have two more ahead of me, and I hope she publishes more!

What about you?  Have you read anything that really stuck with you, either for the story or some element of the writing?  Please share!

New winner!

Since the original winner did not contact me to claim her bookmark, I've drawn another name.  Congratulations to Krysta Banco!  Please send me your address, and I'll get your prize in the mail next week!

Celebrate the Small Things - Go Stars!

It's Friday--let's celebrate!  Head on over to VikLit's blog for the details and to sign yourself up!

This week, I'm celebrating the fact that I get to attend a Dallas Stars game this weekend!  I love hockey, and the Stars are my favorite team. I'm really looking forward to the game, and I hope the new jersey I ordered gets here in time! <fingers crossed>

What are you celebrating this week?

Photo Friday - Sleep is for the weak.

In my next life, I want to come back as a cat.

Not just any cat, mind you, but a pampered cat.  One who gets to sleep all day, wakes up to eat, then naps some more.

This sounds especially appealing to me right now, as I'm covering extra classes while one of my co-workers is recovering from surgery.  I'm so tired I could cry, but I know it will get better after I adjust to my new schedule.

Do you ever get to nap?