Go, go, go...

As usual, life never slows down here.  I'd love to tell you all the crazy things I've done since conference, but they happen so much in my life, it's hard to keep track.  Some of you know that the military is sending my boyfriend overseas in less than 3 weeks which means our schedule is packed.  Not only is he trying to get everything ready, but his friends and family want to see him as much as possible.  Which means event after event.  I love it, love him, but it had been difficult to get my requested submission ready - ALTHOUGH I'm proud to say that I finally have the damn thing completely spell checked (thanks to a day of vacation).  So yes, off it goes today!  Less than two weeks after it was requested.  

After that, the boyfriend is my priority until he leaves and then I'm spending the next year glued to my computer so I can get some of these stories out of my head, which will both of us VERY happy.  Not only will that mean I'm going after my dream, which he fully supports, but it reduces the chances of other men hitting on me when he's not here, something I've assured him I am more than capable of handling.  I'm more than capable of running off men - after all, I've had years of practice.

The next project I'm working on is the thief book.  You'll see a little blurb about it on my website since I already know how it's going to go.  I just don't have a title for it yet.

And now what you've all been waiting for:  my latest fiasco - if you can call it that.  On the fourth of July, we went to a friends house in the country to watch fireworks.  Apparently their neighbors kid is a Class A fireworks guy and does shows all over the the world.  It all started when he blew up their basement before he hit puberty...anyway, we get their early and being in the country, the men want to do a little target practice.  Fine, no big deal.  I've grown up around guns and am use to this.  However, even though most of my family lives in the country, I am not used to finding snakes near the shooting area, especially with a huge frog in their mouth.  When the guys find it, they are excited.  They have a moving target.  Well, I'm excited too.  So excited that I leap on top of a chair and refuse to get down until the damn thing stops moving. 

Did you know a snake will still move for a while even after it's head is blown off with a shot gun?  I didn't.  Then the 2 minute walk to the house turned out being more like 10 because I'm staring at the ground before I take a single step looking for his buddies because of course I'm wearing flip flops.  If I would have known about the snakes, I would have had my cowboy boots!

Well, that's all for now.  I'll post more soon.  Until then, you'll have to find your own laughs.

Back from the Big Apple

I just got back from the RWA conference and I'm happy to say that I've made a lot of new friends, have a request for a full from an agent, and am more siked than ever to write.  The problem?  I'm exhausted.  Yup, completely and utterly exhausted.  But that is nothing that a nap with my favorite pillow won't fix.  After that, all bets are off.

I'm also happy to say that I didn't do anything completely 'Jackie' style like usual.  So no klutzy, embarrassing moments; however, my mouth was in full Jackie mode.  Several women cracked up when was waiting in line at a book signing and I made the comment that I hoped no one tried to shove a box of books up my ass like they had at the last one.  So yes, no censorship, or filter, or anything.

So to the sum up the trip:

Monday:  Bobbie and I arrived.  Jade Lee was in our shuttle and we ended up having lunch with her after Bobbie told her get her skinny butt in the van.

Tuesday:  We did the site seeing thing.  Went to the Statue of Liberty and then had lunch in China Town.  It was a lot of fun.  After that, the literary signing was going on so I volunteered with that.  I got a picture with Kenyon and Love, two of my absolute favorite authors.  I also met Janet Chapman, another all time fav.

Wednesday:  The conference was in full swing and I went mainly to the PRO events after sleeping in a bit.  I met a lot of wonderful women who I talked to throughout the conference.  Even with everything that goes on at the conference, this is one of the most valuable things.  I learned a lot about houses, agents, editors, market trends, etc., from women who are dealing with the personally.  If you were ever debating about going - the networking and friends you meet are worth it alone.

Thursday:  Free books everywhere you looked (and everyone who knows me knows I love free - especially books) and programs.  I pitched to an agent and she asked for the full.  I was so excited, I ended up with a bottle of Beam after the Irish Pub.

Friday:  Again, more free books and programs.  I met a lot of people I hope I stay in contact with this time (I wasn't too good about that after DC).  I even put on a dress and heals for the RITA and GH awards.  The shoes didn't stay on long, but I did my best.

Saturday:  Came home to my honey, who met me at the airport with a kiss and a Dr. Pepper.  Who wouldn't love a man like that?

Now, I just have to get my book off to the agent and keep my fingers crossed.