Monthly Archives: August 2009

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Stepping over bumps, on the road to authorship …

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I love some of the reactions I receive when I mention that I’ve just completed my manuscript, and I’m submitting for agents and editors. One of the following usually happens:

1. The person is as elated over my accomplishment as I am. They wish me well and tell me to keep them posted on my progress.

2. The person will say, “that’s great” and then mention they’ve just written a book as well, and are submitting. We both suggest putting some time aside to encourage each other.

3. The person will say, “Oh, you know most books only sell 500, and it’s so competitive out there. By the way, if you don’t mind my asking, how much does a book sell for these days? I have a few I’m looking to publish.”

By far, number 3 gives me the most grief.

You know the old adage. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” There are too many who don’t take heed.

I don’t mind having the reality of the publishing industry quoted. Frankly, I’d prefer good wishes that aren’t doused by the flames of insecurity or envy, with industry statistics used as a cover.

I follow the industry and I’m learning the business. Everyone has a story to tell. Yes, authorship is competitive, but so is practicing law. According to WikiAnswers, there is one lawyer for every 265 Americans.

While, I can’t surmise that there’s as many would-be authors as lawyers in the world, I will say that each of us has a chance to sell our work, and without belittling someone’s else dream to do the same.

Someone has suggested that becoming a bestselling author is like trying to win the jackpot. That dose of wisdom really made me wonder. What’s that say for all the authors that ARE bestselling novelists? My guess, is that it’s a mighty big jackpot and that means there’s room for me.

I’m going to continue to write, and hone my skills with the wonderfully encouraging words of well wisher number 3, etched on my brain. I will learn the business, and listen to the advice of the experts. Also, I will hand well wisher number 3 a copy of my book.

Does anyone else get these types of well wishes?

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The way Idris Elba moves …

idris_elba_blackprwireIt’s Christmas in August. Okay, not really. But I was watching the movie, “This Christmas” with Delroy Lindo and Loretta Devine.

Cute movie.

Nice warm family movie with the usual trials and tribulations that usually end with a happily-ever-after, or at least a happy-for-the-moment.

But then the credits started to run, the soul train line introduced the cast, and my heart started to race.

Two words: Idris Elba.

Hot damn.

Now, mind you I’ve seen this movie before. But I guess I wasn’t paying attention to how Idris moves. Good gracious. He did this little hip sway and this bop, and it was all over for me. It’s the subtle things that catch my attention. As I’ve mentioned before, dancing can be sex standing up.

I had to get this off my chest … Now I can finish the stalled love scene I was working on, with Idris (one of my yummy pops) on my mind. :)

Inspiration certainly comes in all shapes, forms and moves. Woo hoo!

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Dirty Dancing with Patrick …

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Okay, I’m sure most of us have seen “Dirty Dancing” with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, right?

Do you remember the scene where “Baby” is taken to a party with just the hotel workers and she dances with “Johnny” for the first time? His hips are plastered to hers, and he teaches her how to move them in a sensuous dirty dance.

The dance ends and she has learned the moves (lucky girl). However, he leaves her standing in the middle of the floor exhilarated, and looking like a nut because she doesn’t know what to do next.

That’s how I feel right now.

After two weeks, I’m finally coming off the RWA Conference high. After two successful pitches, and a slew of wonderful workshops, and my winning honorable mention in the Stroke of Midnight contest, I’ve had a little trouble staying focused. A pure nut.

I have managed to complete the first three chapters of my second manuscript, (Woohoo) but it’s been like pulling teeth.

I’m probably trying to do too much at once. My new office is coming along, but it’s taking a lot of my writing time because I’m moving shelves and setting up printers. I need to be settled in one place so I can focus.

I’m going to keep plugging away. There will come a moment when I look at the sign hanging over my computer, which reads, “ASS IN CHAIR” –a piece of advice I’ve borrowed from Nora Roberts, and get busy. So, enough blogging for today. It’s time to get my AIC.

Care to share? How do you stay focused after doing something equivalent to dirty dancing with Patrick Swayze?