Monday Updates

Well, my pretties, I am enjoying my day off, and posting to bring you all up to date. Nothing huge to talk about, but I post up-dates for those who follow me (yes, all ten of you *waves*).

This past week had me working on my 7th book in series and I got the brainstorm of an ending for it. I worked on a bedroom scene and posted about the differences between urban fantasy and paranormal romance here. If you don't know what the difference is, this will help. The word "romance" should give a big clue, however. Anyone who knows me/my writing knows I am not a romance writer or fan. I'm also not a a fan of erotica. If you want an entertaining read about my view point on this, go head on over to my other blog, but come on back and read the rest of my ramblings.

"Cat Whisperer" is needing a bit of a fluffing. I have to work on some little "side journeys" I call them. This book isn't just about the cats/kittens, it's about my husband. I'm often amazed at how he can control animals. Only this week he had to get Half Pint down from a tree. He had chased Tango up there after the usual loud cat-brawl. He got Half Pint down and brought him back over to the house. Eventually he got the two males to calm down and he petted them while talking to them. I don't know what is is about him, but the cats mind him. Just like he trained dogs--which were not much easier, but he trained them to obey.

It hasn't rained since Friday, I believe. And so I went for a nice walk out in our park. You can check that out here.

I've turned my attention on another back burner. My mystery I was working on, I put down to work on other things, and to let it rest. I was having trouble with the plot. Decided that if I just let it chill a while, I'd come up with a solution, and I did. Not quite ready to work on it. I want to get a few things done first, and maybe I'll work on that one this fall or winter, when I have time. If I do, that is.

The other day (I guess it was Friday), I came home and found that my husband had moved furniture around. Okay. He hasn't done that in a while. He called it our "summer" look. Whatever. I told him no wonder he was complaining of his back having a twinge. But at least he took most of the weekend off. He did have to get on the big mower and do the yard, as it was long. The grass has had lots of rain, and is keeping him busy in the park, which is super good. But he needs a day off. He and I are going to go out tomorrow, browse a nursery, go to lunch and brouse a local antiques place. It's on a farm, and antiques are in their 1839 barn. I got the idea of using the barn (at least mentioning), in a section of my WIP. I can't wait to go and see it again. We have not been there in over a decade, I'm sure.

I haven't heard from my publisher about my books as yet, but I should be hearing from him soon. Surely? I will become an Indie soon, because he is quitting the publishing business of other authors. He was the first one to publish my books, but now it would seem that I should be able to do this myself and make a little better royalties. I'm not going to get rich. I'm not even going to be comfortable. I'll be happy to get a $100 check every once in a while from Amazon.

Speaking of Indies, my good friend Shelly Arkon is giving away free copies for Kindle only of her short story "Partner's Progeny" You'll want to check this out. I'm sure everyone who can download to Kindle will want to check out my friend's book, and you can do that at her site, "Two Fur-Peeps and A Writer"

Well that's all the news and updates I've got. Have a good week and see you in the usual places, if not here!

Mid-Week Check In ~ Tribute to Dark Shadows/Jonathan Frid

Hello, my pretties. Just to keep you guys up-dated, I have a post over on Bloody Good Vampires, along with my blogger Buddie, Carole Gill. Together we did a tribute to Dark Shadows, marking the passing of Jonathan Frid who played the original Barnabas Collins on Dark Shadows (1966-1971). My post is first and Carole's is under it. If you are any sort of fan of the Dark Shadows original show, or are curious, you'll want to check this link out. We've both posted some links there that will definitely be worth your while.

And come on back weekly for more of our take on vampires, and anything to do with vampires, and dark Gothic horror!

And lastly, I want to thank those of you who have voted in my lame (but fun) poll "Is Nicolas Cage a Vampire?" If you have not voted, well, what are you waiting for. Poll ends in 2 days! I have only 10 votes so far and I will post the results next week.

I have finished the first draft of the short story, "Mother Knows Best", and I'm going back to edits on my 3rd novel. But I wanted to drop in and say hi to everyone and leave my messages and where to find me.

Memo-News-Up Dates

I've been busily writing the climax portion of my WIP (a.k.a. 4th book; Crescendo). I'm going to consider what to do with the third and fourth book, and untill I come up with what, I'll keep it mum for now.

Yep. I sort of feel like the person crawling out of the grave in this picture. You know I don't mind horrific themes as long as they don't goss me out. That's why I quit reading horror (I won't read S. King anymore), and also quit writing it. Just not my bag. I like soft/gothic horror, and when that isn't good enough, I go for a psychological horror. You know, the thump in the night, oh, and the true monsters of the world. Not something made up (although I've come up with some good ones, I think). The world is full of them. Terrorists only topping the list, you have rapests, serial killers, and child molesters in good company. The list is endless.

The last one was subject in my fourth book. Why? I think I was going for a theme. Well, yeah, actually I was. Why do I hedge? I can't explain about it, but it will be there when you are all able to read it when Crescendo comes out in the future (my hope next year, but I don't know how much control over this will be). It is the fourth book in the Sabrina Strong Series.

As a matter of fact I still don't know when the second one will be out. But as soon as I do, I'll let you know. I've already got some appearances set up, but I'm waiting to set up any more because I still don't have a release date. *sigh*

But!!! I've finished the climax of Crescendo just this morning and I hope to get the rest of it (the resolution), done this weekend! I'm still under 90K--which leaves me a lot of room for adding details. This was the first first draft where I didn't do my usual going-back-and layering-in before I was finished. I only went and put in some details or changed a few things before I forgot to do it. I wrote this one in 3 months. I don't know if it's a record, but it might be for me (while working f.t.).

What's next for me, writing-wise? I'm going to announce that later on this month, after I feel comfortable about it. But I'm about to work on a new mystery series. Plus I'm entertaining a YA book which I need to consider much more in-depth and read some more titles. That's sort of my back-burner book. The mystery series is something I want to do next.

Some of you might be new to this blog. If you have not checked out what I'm doing this month you might want to check out my plans (for October) HERE. And for a treat, if you are so inclinde, my short story for the month has already begun. I will be giving short excerpts from it every Friday and Main Feature Fridays, and to get the first installment go HERE.

Well, that's it for my up-dates. Hope you all have a great weekend! And please stop by throughout the week, I've got some interesting things, plus I'm going to get you all excited about decorating for Halloween on Monday, so swing by!