Leah Hodge's Blog

Dreamin' in Dallas Conference

2011-03-28T13:10:00.001-05:00

For the two of you who don't know, I'm the conference coordinator for Dreamin' in Dallas, which is an event hosted by the Dallas chapter of Romance Writers of America. This is a crazy, awesome conference, y'all!

The event kicks off on Friday night at 7pm with a booksigning that is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and FREE to enter. Books will be available for purchase at the event, and there will also be a cash bar. Because, let's face it, you can't have a room full of authors without a room full of alcohol.

Check out the authors who will be signing.

NYT Bestselling Author Allison Brennan
NYT Bestselling Author Richelle Mead
NYT Bestselling Author Lorraine Heath
NYT Bestselling Author Julia London
NYT Bestselling Author Lori Wilde
Jillian Burns
Gretchen Craig
Jo Davis
Elizabeth Essex
Jana DeLeon
Lucienne Diver
Vicky Dreiling
Nikki Duncan
Addison Fox
Tracy Goodwin
Leann Harris
Candace Havens
Ashley Kath-Bilsky
Kennedy Shaw
Kara Lennox
Dean Lorey
Emily March
Angi Morgan
Beth Shriver
Caroline Clemmons
VickieTaylor
Pamela Stone
Lori Wilde
Wendy Lyn Watson
Jaye Wells

WAIT...IT GET'S BETTER!

After the booksigning is finished, writing craft guru, Margie Lawson, will be giving a kickoff workshop entitled: TICK, TOCK, KILL: The Psychology of a Killer Mind. This is a closed event for those who have registered for the conference.

BUT...IT GET'S EVEN BETTER
Because Saturday morning, Richelle Mead is going to be the Keynote Breakfast Speaker, and kick all of our writerly butts in to gear and get us motivated for the rest of the day. After breakfast we'll head off to three different tracks of workshops. Jo Davis, Allison Brennan, Margie Lawson, Richelle Mead, Jaye Wells, Dean Lorey, Lorraine Heath, and Julia London will be imparting their vast knowledge and wisdom on a variety of different topics.

The Luncheon Keynote will be given by Allison Brennan, and she's going to get us going for the second half of the day. There will be more workshops, editor and agent appointments, and numerous opportunities for networking. Speaking of editor and agent appointments, check out the awesomeness of these ladies.

Beth Miller-Agent-Writers House
Suzie Townsend-Agent-Fineprint Literary
Lucienne Diver-The Knight Agency
Allison Lyons-Editor-Harlequin Intrigue
Kerry Donovan-Editor-NAL
Amanda Bergeron-Editor-AVON

Those of you who missed out on the registration deadline will have to make sure you sign up early for the next conference. The rest of you, I'll see Friday night at the booksigning.
www.dallasromanceauthors.com/conferences

Snow Days

2011-02-01T23:10:00.000-06:00

Seriously people, I live in Texas, where it's supposed to be summer ten months of the year and a balmy cool the other two months. I don't think God got the memo, because it is freaking cold here. I had a friend who live in Helsinki send me a message this morning that it is actually colder in Dallas right now than it is in Finland. That is unacceptable, my friends.

We have solid ice coating every street in North Texas and temperatures in the single digits. The wind chill is supposed to be below zero. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do with temperatures that low. Am I supposed to do something with my water pipes? Should I be sealing doors and windows with plastic and Duct Tape? (Hmm, maybe that's the response for biological warfare). Anyway, my point is I just don't know.

I do know that everyone has holed up in their homes like it's Armageddon outside, and there's is no available toilet paper left in the state. Everyone is staying off the roads (thank God) because none of us know how to drive in this nonsense. School has been closed for 2 WHOLE DAYS. Yes, that's right. TWO. I can only watch the NEVERENDING STORY so many times before things get crazy (though I'm particularly fond of Atreyu, the luck dragon and the terrible special effects).

On the upside: my husband has become a regular Eagle Scout at starting a fire. I won't lie. His fire-starting ability is the thing legends are made of. The way he stacks the kindling. The way he places each piece of newspaper in just the right spot. The way he wields a match as if it were a claymore. It's pretty sexy.

I hope everyone is braving the weather as stoically as I am.
Stay warm!

Top 10 Heroes of All Time

2010-12-30T12:21:00.000-06:00

So going into the New Year, I'm going to start blogging some of my top 10's of all time. Mostly because it gives me something to blog about when I can't think of anything else. And yes, all the top 10's are going to be book related, so hopefully some of you will get a few new books to read out of this (I've added the genre, so you'll know where to find them at the bookstore).

My first list is Top Ten Heroes. And if you notice, they all have one thing in common: They're all complete badasses. Which is what I look for in a good literary hero. These are all modern, btw. I'm not a huge fan of classic heroes. They tend to be a little too wimpy for me. Feel free to argue your position if you think I've left someone off.

Here goes...

10. Ranger-Everybody loves Ranger from Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. The Cuban/American man of mystery, who sometimes dabbles on the shady side of things, is the reason I keep reading. (Mystery)
9. Jean Claude-The Master Vampire of St. Louis in Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series never gets enough page time (IMO). His twisted past and growing powers make him a force to be reckoned with and a dead man to keep dreaming about. (Urban Fantasy)
8. Roark-I love a hero that can do absolutely anything, and Roarke is that guy. J.D. Robb's IN DEATH series just gets better and better. (Mystery/Suspense)
7. Aragorn-The character was great before Viggo got hold of it. Dark and mysterious and hot. Tolkien knows how to create a memorable hero. (Fantasy)
6. John Medina-From Linda Howard's, ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN. I totally fell in love with this character. Maybe because he shot his wife. Maybe because he could kill with the touch of a finger. Who knows? But I read that book several years ago and I still think about him. (Romantic Suspense)
5. Richard Rahl-From Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. Which is not for the faint of heart I should add. Richard is a fighter to the core, but not without a conscience. And it's an impressive man who can go through torture and every other pain imaginable and still come out on top. (Fantasy)
4. Thomas Killian- I don't even know what to say about Killian (which if I'd read this book before my last son was born, Killian would have totally been his name). He's from Anne Stuart's ICE series (ICE STORM). Killian is more of an anti-hero, but one of my favorites. He's a man who has a job and has no qualms or conscience about getting it done, no matter what it means. Just writing this makes me want to read it again. (Suspense)
3. Archer Donovan- From Elizabeth Lowell's, PEARL COVE. The whole Donovan series is really good, so you should check it out, but Archer is my favorite. Better than MacGuyver in sticky situations and a man with brains. (Romantic Suspense)
2. Jack Reacher-What's not to love about Jack Reacher? Lee Child's series starts with KILLING FLOOR, which blew my socks off. Reacher is man who roams from town to town with the clothes on his back, his wits and his gun. He has his own code of honor and never strays from it, while saving the world a little piece at a time. (Thriller/Suspense)
1. Jamie Fraser-Sigh...Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series is my all time favorite hero. All I know is that everyone should read this series. He's flawed but kind, ruthless but compassionate, and he knows how to wield a sword. (Literary Fiction)

The Writing Process...Err...Kind Of

2010-12-28T21:18:00.001-06:00

Someone asked me the other day what my writing process was like. The question actually took me off guard because I don't really have a "process". I've written twelve books, and I've approached each one differently. Yes, they all have basic similarities (I like to write in first person, I like mystery/suspense elements, I like for my characters to get naked at least once) You get the general idea.

When I first started writing I was the ultimate pantser (for those of you who don't know, a pantser is someone who makes it up as it comes along). I enjoyed not knowing what was coming next in my books. I figured if I was surprised by the ending, then everyone else would be too. This absolutely drove my husband insane. Especially because he's always my first beta reader and got the pleasure of finding all the plot holes.

When I reached my fourth book, I decided I needed to be a little more organized in my writing. This is a business after all, and I shouldn't approach my writing on a whim (which is pretty much how I approach everything else in life for those of you who don't know me). I decided story-boarding was exactly what my characters and plots needed. So I spent hours cutting out pictures and gluing things on poster board so I could see my story take shape like a movie before I put words on the page. This worked pretty well for me for a few books, but again, for those of you who know me, my attention span has a tendency to be short, so it didn't work for long.

So...there was really only one option left. And I fought it. Hard. I had no other choice but to...OMG...write a synopsis. A complete outline for my entire book. The word "synopsis" still makes me quiver with fear. I absolutely hate them. Every time I write one I think, "This book is going to be crap. There's no spontaneity. My characters will be cardboard. My plot will be predictable. But I sit at the keyboard and write it out as fast as possible (like ripping a band-aid off) just to get it over with. And I've actually found that writing out a synopsis (for the most part) prevents the dreaded writer's block. Now, I don't really believe in writer's block, but I have been in situations where I've been stuck and had no idea what I needed to do next. If I do happen to hit a snag, I'll read my synopsis, find a scene where I DO know what's going on and then write that. Usually I can figure out what's missing from the earlier scene.

I've tried all different techniques and followed numerous bits of advice. I've been to tons of conferences and workshops, and I've gotten advice from other writer pals. I can't say that what works for me today will work for me tomorrow. Like I said, I have a short attention span. Which is why writing is pretty much the perfect job for me--not like selling shoes or teaching school where everything is the same day after day. I never last long in jobs like that. Thank God.

Is It Over Yet?

2010-12-18T21:08:00.000-06:00

And by IT, I mean Christmas.

I think I might be getting old, even though I've been 29 for a couple of years now and exude youth and vitality from every pore. Btw, don't ever mention the little lines around my eyes or mouth that somehow magically appeared this year. Seriously, I will punch you square in the face and no jury will convict me.

Anyhoodle...

Everything about the "busy-ness" of Christmas just makes me want to quit before I even get started. Or maybe it's just people in general. I personally think people are weird, despite being one. And I don't really like them all that much either. I make exceptions for my husband (to his eternal gratitude), to my children, and to a select group of friends. But mostly people and the choices they make confound me. As a writer, I spend a great deal of time observing other people in their natural habitats and secretly judging their behavior so I can feel vastly superior. And usually the bustle of the Christmas season (and a Toys R' Us parking lot) gives me enough book fodder to last the rest of the year.

But not this year...

This year I find myself reluctant to leave the house. Maybe it's because people aren't as entertaining as they used to be. Maybe they're just depressing, fighting over the last Zhu Zhu Pet or 8 oz. package of pecans. Who knows? What I do know is that the Interwebs are the best way to keep an annoyed writer sane. That way I only have to see one person doling out Christmas cheer--the UPS man--who happens to look like all UPS men are supposed to look like, if you get my drift. I'll post a picture some day.

There could, very possibly, be a moral to my tale of woe, but I doubt it. Instead I'll ramble incoherently and tell you about the man I saw at Walmart who was wearing a white unitard and cowboy boots while shopping for his produce. The cold was not kind to him. Enough said.

I do have some updates on the personal front.

I signed with a new agent a couple of weeks ago--Kim Whalen at Trident Media. I'm really (REALLY) excited to be working with her. I've never heard her name mentioned that it wasn't followed by a "she's amazing." Can't wait for the New Year to start.

Registration for the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference opens January 1st! If you are even thinking about writing a book or a screenplay then this is the conference for you. Check out the website: www.dallasromanceauthors.com/conferences for more information. We've added Suzie Townsend of Fineprint Literary to our stellar lineup of agents and editors. They will all be taking pitch appointments. Also, make sure you come out to the booksigning Friday night, even if you aren't going to the conference. It's free and open to the public. NYT Bestselling Authors Allison Brennan and Richelle Mead will both be there signing books.

That's all for now. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

Holiday Drudgery

2010-12-01T13:32:00.000-06:00

Blaarg...

That pretty much sums up my holiday enthusiasm. I'm pretty sure the last two months of the year, which I like to call Thanksuckmas, are meant to drain every last ounce of energy from a lady writer's body. I've opened a Word document twice today to start writing, but then I look at all the books I have in my TBR pile and think how comfortable my couch is (all the while pretending my Christmas shopping is done), and I decide I can always write later. Or maybe I can just blog so I feel I'm doing something useful.

Other than laziness, nothing much is going on this week. I've got a jewelry party to go to at the casa de Jaye Wells, which will be filled with bedazzled debauchery. And probably wine if I know Jaye. I should also try to put a dent in this Christmas list that my kids "mailed" to Santa. The list seems endless with four children. Though I'm pretty excited that my oldest daughter is getting a Kindle. I can't wait to "borrow" it from her.

Speaking of books...I've been on a reading binge this last week. If you've never read Anne Stuart's ICE series, please do. It's amazing. I also read Meljean Brook's THE IRON DUKE, which is steam punkery at its finest. She has an incredible imagination. I also read Lauren Dane's UNDERCOVER on recommendation from the Twitterverse. It was really good. And so not meant for anyone under 18. Holy moly! And I re-read Julia Quinn's WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON, just because it might be the best book I've read this year. And it's very funny. Which I appreciate.

Later!

Turkey Day

2010-11-22T17:54:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday, just behind the 4th of July. I have no idea why the 4th is my favorite other than I have this small town ideal that floats through my head every year that involves terrible parades, bad fireworks and fried chicken. But I digress...just like always. When I asked my kids to tell me what Thanksgiving was to them I got a couple of great answers. My seven year old said, "It's about pilgrims coming off the rock and sharing corn with the Indians. They wore funny hats." I also heard, "We're supposed to be thankful," followed by a very adult eye roll from my 8 year old because I'd asked such a stupid question. But what I wanted to know was, "What about the food?"

I LOVE FOOD.

I have no illusions about the health of my body, and I'll ride out the good metabolism gene for as long as I can before the sticks of butter and pure lard makes me one of those people who has to be lifted out of their house by a crane. I don't understand vegetarians, vegans, and fad dieters, or why you'd deny yourself the pure pleasure of a piece of meat that melts on your tongue like butter or peach cobbler fresh out of the oven. Food is one of life's greatest pleasures; not only the eating, but also the preparing. Watching someone enjoy something you created is one of my greatest joys, which is why I cook Thanksgiving dinner every year for 35 of my closest relatives.

So in celebration of the upcoming holiday, I'm going to share my menu with you. I can't, however, share the pie recipes because they are a family secret. But you can dream and drool. And if you'd like to show up at my door Thursday evening for leftovers, feel free.

Appetizers
Sausage Balls
Vegetable Tray
Fruit Tray
Deviled Eggs
Shrimp Cocktail

Main Course
Cranberry Glazed Turkey stuffed with Citrus and Herbs
Glazed Ham
Corn Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Gouda and cream mashed potatoes
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Dressing
Homemade Yeast Rolls
Broccoli Rice Casserole

Desserts
Apple Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Blueberry Banana Pie
Coconut Meringue Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie
Pecan Pie
Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Get Your Calendars Out!!!

2010-06-06T19:15:00.003-05:00

As probably none of you know (with the exception of my husband because he's the one who has to deal with the carnage and whining), I am the conference coordinator for the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference set to take place in April of 2011. I'm SUPER excited, btw. Planning a conference can be stressful, mostly because you're dealing with other writers who, hmm....how can I put this delicately? Are eccentric at best. Neurotic at worst. Opinionated. High maintenance exhibitionists trapped in a wallflower's body. All of these things. But I'm allowed to say so because this describes me, too. But despite the stress, hours of emails, paperwork and putting out potential fires, it's also completely fun. It appeals to Type A personality. I GET to organize. I GET to file. And I GET to communicate with other writers and industry professionals and assure them they're going to have a great time in Dallas. We have AMAZING authors coming this year, and even if you're not a writer, you should come to the booksigning. Plan ahead, people. Put April 1, 2011 in your calendars.

Here's the lineup:
#1 NYT Bestselling Author: Richelle Mead
NYT Bestselling Author: Allison Brennan
NYT Bestselling Author: Julia London
NYT Bestselling Author: Lorraine Heath
Bestselling Author and writer/producer for Arrested Development: Dean Lorey
Jo Davis
Jaye Wells

And these are just our authors who are giving workshops. Expect between 25-30 more who will be signing books on April 1st. You can check out the website here: www.dallasromanceauthors.com/conference

Hope to see you there!

The Olympics: Week One

2010-02-19T17:38:00.002-06:00

Obviously the rest of the world is as fascinated by the Olympics as I am. I say obviously because the ratings for the Olympics beat out AMERICAN IDOL (which I'm totally not watching this year, btw). But I digress. I'll move along to some of the highlights from this week's sporting events.

Opening Ceremony: It sucked. I know you're probably waiting for descriptions or reasons why, but I don't really have any. I just know crap when I see it. Bed sheets that look like mountains? Really? Lame torch lighting and engineering malfunctions? Though I'm sure it's unfair to compare the Canadians to the Chinese, I'm going to anyway.

I enjoyed the moguls immensely, though it caused me to have sympathetic knee injury from the comfort of my couch (hey, it's a real condition). And I've especially enjoyed the women's downhill events and the shiny medals that have accompanied them. And I'm not afraid to admit that I watch with anticipation as skiers wipe out down the hug icy mountain (medical condition known as couch adrenaline rush).

Pairs Ice Skating was like watching car wreck after car wreck. How did these people even make to the Olympics? Eve I could go out on the ice, fling myself up in the air and then fall down painfully, injuring myself in several unusual locations. Someone needs to ask the pivotal question: What would Brian Boitano do?

Shaun White was incredible, and I had to put the smack down on my friend Mark Henry (the author, not the wrestler) who claims that Shaun needs a little fashion advice and a new haircut. I explained to Mark that snowboarders follow the fashion laws of weed, therefore exempting Shaun White of fashion mistakes. Mark protested and continues to defend his position. Expect mud wrestling and insult hurling to commence.

I enjoyed the trash talking between the Russian dude and the American ice skater (though the Russian gets more points in the trash talking areas) Those Russians are good at it! But skating is the sport and he came out with the Silver. The costumes have been particularly interesting , managing to look flamboyant and painful while molesting one's private areas. It's not an easy look to achieve. Also the music has given me perpetual WTH? face. The fuggirls said it best, "some of the music sounded like it was composed by Ross Geller on his Casio."

Don't forget to check in on Twitter @leahhodge where I'm tweeting the events live!

A Recap of the "Aughts"

2009-12-31T14:41:00.003-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

In celebration of the new year as well as the ending of a decade, I've decided to take a stroll down memory lane. A lot can happen in ten years.

2000-My dad had just been diagnosed with cancer and was facing surgery. I was a junior at TCU and trying to decide what the heck I wanted to do with my life. I spent a month in Ireland that summer, lived with the most amazing family I didn't know and loved every minute of it. I had a December wedding planned to my high school sweetheart, but we postponed it due to my dad's illness. I started writing my first book, but never finished it because I was "too busy".

2001-I was in my last semester of college at TCU, and I finally got married during spring break in Las Vegas. Found out shortly after that we'd brought a surprise home from Vegas, and Ava Grace was born in December. We lived in Valley Ranch because my husband taught in Garland, and I hated the traffic.

2002-We moved into an apartment in Cedar Hill, and the husband and I both started teaching in Midlothian (the town we grew up in). My hair was extremely short.

2003-I found out I was pregnant again, so we decided to build a house in Midlothian. The house was finished and we moved in three days before Eleanor Olivia was born. I started teaching private lessons out of the house to earn extra money.

2004-Life was crazy with two babies still in diapers, and when you add marching band and other things teaching related to the mix, I can't even remember most of the year. Teaching was starting to take its toll as I spent more time at school than I did with my own kids. I felt guilty all the time, and I missed a lot of the things they did.

2005-Teaching schedule got more hectic (for those that don't know band hours are the equivalent of coach's hours as far as weekends, early mornings and late nights are concerned), and the guilt continued. During spring break I started my first novel and finished it by June. I'd finally figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I joined Romance Writers of America and never looked back. I wrote two more books that same year.

2006-Went to my first writer's conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. My eyes were opened, and I got my first full request to see my manuscript. While I was in Arizona I began writing my fourth book, which is the same book that landed me my first agent. Went to another conference in Atlanta. After serious soul searching, I decided to resign my job at the school to write full time and stay at home with my kids. Hardest decision I've ever made, but also the best one. My husband was incredibly understanding and supportive in my decision, especially since it would be cutting our income in half. I wrote a total of four books in this year.

2007-We decided we'd outgrown our old house and decided to build a new one. My oldest daughter started kindergarten, the second started pre-school and Jameson Reed was born. I only wrote one new novel this year, but did complete rewrites on two. Went to a conference in Dallas just before Jamie was born.

2008-Both older kids were in school full time now (yay!). Decided the agent I had was not aggressive enough for me and decided to let her go. This felt like starting my whole writing career over, so it was a very difficult time for me. Went to a conference in Tulsa, where I met some of the most amazing friends ever who broke me out of my career depression. That fall I had three different offers from different agents, but I took my time and picked the one I thought would be best for me. Also found out I was pregnant with baby #4 just before Christmas. Two new books written.

2009- Signed with agent of awesomeness. Wrote two new books and three proposals. Graham Nolan was born. Life became extremely busy (I know, weird, right?) Ability to reproduce any more children was taken away surgically (praise, Jesus!) Went to another conference. Started teaching 25 students private lessons again for some extra money. Became a T.V. addict for the first time ever and watch BONES, FRINGE, CASTLE, GLEE and COUGAR TOWN religiously. Weigh thirty pounds more than I did in 2000. My hair is longer and has to be colored more regularly.

Here's hoping the next ten years have more incredible things in store for me. First item on the bill for 2010 is to join the YMCA and get rid of that thirty pounds!

The Harlequin Debacle (Oh Noes)

2009-11-24T11:26:00.003-06:00

Sounds like a bad horror flick, right?

I've spent a great deal of time reading articles and blog posts since Harlequin made the announcement that they'd created Harlequin Horizons: A self-publishing division of Harlequin Enterprises. And the news is not good. There has been an outcry of disgust from far and wide condemning this new branch of the romance industry's founding father. It's been condemned by RWA, MWA, SFWA and HWA. Yes it's that bad.

As an author, my first reaction to the news ran the gamut from horrified disappointment to sympathy for the suckers who would plop down money for Harlequin to screw them just because they wanted to see their book in print. Believe me, I've been there. When you finish a manuscript there is nothing you want more in this world than to see it in print. But an author should never have to pay money out of pocket to anyone in the publishing industry. Run fast the other way if anyone ever asks you for money upfront. This includes agents, editorial services, or publishing houses. It's BAD. MONEY SHOULD FLOW TOWARD THE AUTHOR. Period.

Anyway, there's nothing I could say that would explain how bad the situation is with Harlequin Horizons better than this blog post. READ IT!

http://www.falconesse.com/2009/11/21/harlequin-horizons-and-the-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-deal/comment-page-1/#comment-7364

Twitter Killed the Blogging Star

2009-10-08T07:35:00.003-05:00

So I've figured out my lack of blogging enthusiasm, and I've come to the conclusion that IT'S ALL TWITTER'S FAULT. The good thing about Twitter is I don't spend nearly as much time on Facebook anymore (unless I need to play Bejeweled Blitz). The bad thing is I share what's going on in my day-to-day life quite frequently, so there's nothing for me to blog about.

I mean, I guess I could tell you how I jumped in the trenches and fought Swine Flu out of my house single-handedly, or how when I took my daughter to the doctor's office everyone had to wear surgical masks so it looked like we were all in some post-mortem Michael Jackson video.

Or I could talk about my weird fascination with Jon and Kate plus eight, even though I've never ONCE seen the show. I just watch in jaw-dropping horror as they go through the media to bash each other post-divorce. Conclusion: Jon is a douche. Team Kate all the way.

I could talk about how awesome GLEE and CASTLE and BONES are, and how absolutely ridiculous and horrible THE FORGOTTEN is, and that I think Christian Slater has gotten hair plugs.

The problem is, I've already tweeted about this stuff. So...If you want to get up to date info while I forget to blog, just join Twitter. It's super easy and convenient in 140 characters or less. Follow me at @leahhodge.

The Blog That Didn't Get Eaten

2009-09-25T11:24:00.002-05:00

So yesterday, I typed this incredibly long blog about about me and T.V. and actors and a funny story and...you get the picture. Well, the Internet ate my blog, and I had to take the rest of yesterday to squeeze my tension ball and talk myself out of throwing my computer out the window. So today you get a quick recap because I don't have the energy to type all that crap again.

I like T.V. a lot lately. Don't know why. I never have before. Favorite shows are BONES, FRINGE and CASTLE. Favorite new shows are GLEE and COUGAR TOWN. I'm still on the fence about VAMPIRE DIARIES. I felt even less enthusiastic about EASTWICK, but I'll give it a few more episodes. I loathed THE FORGOTTEN. It was stupid and illogical.

Yesterday's blog in a nutshell.

What day is it?

2009-09-16T11:24:00.002-05:00

Seriously, working from home plays havoc with my ability to tell time or to know what day it is. I'll be plodding along, lost in a story, and then all of a sudden the garbage truck goes by and I say, "Crap, it's Thursday," and the garbage won't get picked up again. Except it's Wednesday, and the garbage truck was actually driving through the neighborhood to pick up the recycling. Then I sigh in relief, because, hey, I don't recycle. And I don't feel guilty about that at all because I can't even figure out what day it is, much less remember to seperate my plastics and papers.

ANYWAY...

I've been a little down lately, going through writer's depression, which means I've finished my previous project and am floundering around with a lot of ideas but no actual words on the paper. It's only a feeling that other writers can understand. It's like being homeless, or leaving your house dressed in a suit and heels but not wearing any underpants. It's not a comfortable feeling to have your nether regions flapping in the breeze. (There's a parallel there somewhere about story ideas rattling around in my brain, but I've lost focus and can't remember what it is).

So I had a brilliant idea this morning to get me motivated. I TURNED THE INTERNET OFF. Amazing, right? Who woulda thunk? The Internet is no good for me. If I had a typewriter instead of a computer, I'd probably have twenty books written. It's an addiction. And I kicked it in the teeth this morning. I got eight pages written before eleven o'clock. I might even write more this afternoon. Who knows? The whole world has been opened up to me. Or I might even do some grown up things like laundry or dishes (though probably not because I try to limit that stuff to once a week, and I've already filled my quota). And tonight when I go to bed, I won't feel guilty for not getting enough pages done. Let's see how long I can keep it up.

But seriously, don't hold me to that or anything. I fall off the wagon frequently.

Anyway, with the start of a new book means the start of a new playlist. So here it is!
1. Kings of Leon
2. Anna Nalick
3. Radiohead
4. Sheila Nicholls
5. Muse
6. Brandi Carlile
7. The Black Keys
8. Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #2

I'll always take suggestions for new music. Load me up!

Saddest. Thing. Ever.

2009-08-28T08:22:00.003-05:00

And no, the saddest thing is not the fact that my laptop officially bit the dust last week. I didn't even cry. Actually, I did kind of a happy dance in my head while frowning on the outside, so my husband couldn't see how excited I was about wasting money on a brand new/better/lighter/awesomer laptop. So...new laptop is ordered and it will be here Monday. Not having a computer has seriously diminished my time spent on twitter and Mafia Wars (which is the Internet's version of crack), and it hasn't been so great for my writing either, even though I have a new idea that's ready to explode out of my brain.

I think I've gotten off topic.

Oh, yeah.

Saddest. Thing. Ever.

Has anyone seen the Burger King Commercial with Debbie Gibson (She'll always be Debbie, not Deborah, to me), Tone Loc and Brian Dunkleman (co-host with Ryan Seacrest on Season 1 of Idol)? I don't really have to say anything else. As soon as it comes on and Heart starts singing Alone in the background, the fissures in my heart widen and desolation fills my soul, and in my head I'm screaming WHY? WHY? Sally Field style circa Steele Magnolias.

This, of course, is completely different from the Bluebell Homemade Ice Cream commercial (The one that shows the little boy sitting on the porch of a big farmhouse, eating ice cream and looking cute and mischievous), and then his whole life flashes before your eyes (including his first kiss ~sigh~), and then it shows him again at the end of the commercial as an old man, still eating ice cream, and though the commercial doesn't show it, you know it's the last bowl of ice cream he'll ever eat because he's clearly going to DIE. This commercial is only mildly depressing in a Demi Moore, one tear rolling down the cheek like in Ghost, kind of way.

...And my therapy session is over for the day.

The Ugly Truth

2009-08-16T10:49:00.002-05:00

So...I'm going to pretend that I've been keeping up with the blog, and that you already know all the fascinating aspects of my life over the past ~~weeks~~ months.

I do have a reason for my laziness. And I have a place to lay the blame. It's all my agent's fault. The lovely/amazing Tina Wexler. "Just check out gofugyourself.com and that should help with the research you're doing." Ummm...yes...it did help. Tremendously. And now I can't break myself away from it's awesomeness. So thank you Tina.

The hubs and I ~~escaped~~ got the opportunity for a rare date night last week, so we ate barbecue and went to see The Ugly Truth. I won't go off on a tangent and talk about the new movie theater we went to and how they sell milkshakes to go along with the popcorn, because the combination of popcorn and milkshakes is heaven sent. I'll instead talk about how surprised I was that the movie actually got a few laughs out of me. I'm not a Katherine Heigl fan, but I found myself not annoyed just because of the pure raunchiness of the film. And because of Gerard Butler.

Has anyone seen the promos for the new Brian Boitano show on Food Network? Yes, you read that right. Olympic figure skater, Brian Boitano, has a new cooking show aptly named What Would Brian Boitano Make? I'll be tuning in for sure, because who doesn't want to know what Brian Boitano would make?

And last...I have a confession to make.

I spent two days this past week reading the Twilight series. No, I should say, I spent two days this week devouring the Twilight series. Two days, people. Four books. I started reading the first book about a year ago and only made it past the first couple of chapters before I had to shelve it away. But my seven-year-old daughter wanted to watch the movie and read the book, so of course, I had to read it. And I have absolutely no idea what kept me so captivated. I admittedly cringed several times throughout the first book. There should have been a vaguely creepy element to it. He watched her in her bedroom at night without her knowing it and she didn't care. He loved her, but he shouldn't. He was deadly, but he sparkled. WTH? But I kept reading. And after deciding that Twilight was not, in fact, appropriate for a seven-year-old, I picked up the second book in the series. Because I wanted to. I had no excuse. And I have to say that no matter how cringe worthy I found the first book to be, the last three in the series were absolutely outstanding.

So there, I have confessed. And probably I'll be one of those people who will stand in line and sit in a crowded theater to see New Moon. I wonder how many other closet Twilight readers are out there.

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T12:34:00.002-05:00

It's my favorite holiday. Maybe it's because of what the 4th stands for, or the fact that slow- cooked barbecue never tasted so good on any other day. Or maybe it's the small town parade, the red, white and blue crepe streamers that flutter over the town and the flags lined up straight as soldiers along the sidewalks. Or maybe it's just the fact that I get to set explosives on fire one day a year, and no other holiday can ever compare to the awesomeness of that.

Fire+Kaboom=GOOD

Oh, and homemade ice cream. That's important, too.

So enjoy your 4th, keep all appendages safely attached and hair unsinged.

And then there were four...

2009-06-27T17:59:00.003-05:00

Wow. I am the old woman who lived in a shoe. Except I'm not really that old, and I occasionally (when the planets align) know what the heck I'm doing.

Graham Nolan Hodge was born on June 18th, 2009 and all are healthy and exhausted.
It's been a crazy couple of months, and thank God I finished my last book back when I still had a few working, non-hormonal brain cells. I can feel myself slowly returning to normal, and I'm pretty sure the beginning of a new book is somewhere on the immediate horizon. And probably Jenny Craig is in my near future as well. It'll be nice losing the baby weight and not have to worry about getting pregnant again. Yes, you've guessed it...I got my tubes tied. There comes a time in life when you realize you eventually have to put all your children through college and pay for their weddings. It's daunting to say the least.

Anyway, I can't remember what happened in May, and June is almost over, so I have no updates. So what do you say we start on a clean slate? Meaning I'll try to remember to blog more than once every two months.

On the book front, summer is the time of reading awesomeness, and since I haven't picked up anything to read for the last couple of months (due to my lack of being able to pay attention to anything for longer than 30 seconds) I've got a heck of a TBR pile sitting on my bedside table. I just finished the new Janet Evanovich book, and Laurell K. Hamilton and Lee Child are next on the list.

On a completely random topic, has anyone seen the movie The Brothers Bloom with Rachel Weisz and Adrian Brody? It looks fantastic, and I'd like to hear from anyone who's seen it.

Not Forgotten

2009-04-10T13:47:00.002-05:00

I know my blogging duties have been remiss as of late. But I have a good reason. I swear. I spent last weekend at the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference/Booksigning, and I'm just now able to function again on a human level. Yes, the conference was that good. I've got lots of pictures to download and many stories to tell. It's on my to do list for this Easter weekend. So you can all rest easy and stop worrying that I've forsaken blogging forever. Stay tuned for a complete recap of the conference.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Quick Note

2009-03-31T11:07:00.002-05:00

Today is Release Day for Red-Headed Stepchild by my good pal Jaye Wells. The book is awesome, so I encourage you to head to your local bookstore and purchase it.

In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she's on. She's never brought her work home with her---until now. This time, it's personal.

Husbands...

2009-03-26T15:57:00.002-05:00

So in casual texting conversation with my husband, I remind him not to sign up to take his students on any trips this summer because of the baby. You'd think this would be the end of this conversation. Not for Mr. Hodge. Mr. Hodge decided to open his big texting mouth and stick his foot inside. The conversation went as follows:

"Why? What baby?" he texted.

"Ummm...Our baby. You know, the one that's due in June." Dumbass, I'm thinking.

There's a delay of several minutes before I get another text. "You know I was just kidding, right?" he says. I can smell his fear over the layers of text messages. The fear that he'll have to sleep on the couch for the next three months. The fear I'll go hormonal pregnancy crazy on him in the middle of the night and he'll wake up without and ear. It's a scary place to be. Live in fear.

On a brighter note, we're going out for some yummy birthday dinner tonight. My birthday was actually Sunday, but none of us were feeling well enough to go anywhere. Mostly, I care about having dessert, but I'll eat my dinner first to be a good example.

Stick a fork in me...

2009-03-23T12:28:00.002-05:00

I'm done.

There's been a reason you haven't heard a peep from me in so long. I was on the downhill slide of finishing my latest book. And as of 4:02am last Wednesday...It. Is. Finished. I had a lot of excess energy on my hands after finishing the book, so I watched the second episode of Castle and read for about eight minutes before finally zonking out. (If you haven't been watching Castle, btw, get on it. It's gooood stuff, and you can never go wrong with Nathan Fillion).

It's actually amazing that any writing got done last week, especially the last sixty pages of the book, because we were overcome with the stomach virus from hell at the house of Hodge. It wasn't a pretty week. But I did finish, and I've had feedback from a couple of readers, so I'll send it off to the agent and see what she has to say.

In the meantime, I'm going to spend the next two weeks vegging out and catching up on my reading. My brain is tired, and it's time for some relaxing. And there's no better place to do that than Austin, TX. We'll be going there this upcoming weekend. I'll post pictures if I can remember to take them.

And then next week is filled with all kinds of readerly goodness. My good pal Jaye Wells has her debut book, RED-HEADED STEPCHILD, coming out on Tuesday with much pomp and circumstance, so make sure you put it on your shopping list. Her booksigning is also next week, followed by the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference at the Radisson in Plano. Come join us Friday night at the booksigning, which is open to the public and free of charge. And yes, there will be a cash bar available. Lushes. It'll be a fun and wild week for sure.

After all the tomfoolery has commenced and we are chased out of the great city of Plano, I must come back to my humble abode and get back to work. I've got a young adult novel that is finished but needs a great deal of attention before I can do anything with it.

I need suggestions for books to read over the next two weeks. Load me up!

So close...

2009-03-13T12:58:00.003-05:00

I'm in the end days of my current WIP. The plan is to have the whole thing finished by a week from Sunday. The potential problem is that next week is Spring Break and the husband and kids will all be underfoot. I know they can survive without me. They've done it before. The problem is that the kids will hunt me down in another room to ask questions that their dad is perfectly capable of answering. And probably they'll all get tired of ordering pizza or making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches next week, but I've learned that kids are pretty resilient about such things.

In other news, we're getting closer to the Dreamin' in Dallas Conference the first weekend of April. If you've never been to a writer's conference, this is the one to choose. There are tons of great workshops that will benefit writers of any genre, and six industry professionals will be taking editor/agent appointments. Not to mention if you're a reader, there's a booksigning with more than thirty authors. The cut-off date is coming soon, and there are a few agent/editor appointments left. You can check it out at www.dallasromanceauthors.com/conferences .

I've been buried in the writer's cave for the last couple of weeks and have no idea what's going on outside the walls of my house. Let me know if I've missed any major events.

The Glamorous Life of a Writer

2009-03-08T11:31:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd give you guys a little insight as to my daily routine. Especially when I have days like this one. True story.

I rolled out of bed a little after six, pulling on whatever clothes happened to be lying on the floor next to the bed, usually some form of sweatpants and sweatshirt so I don't have to wear a bra. After shuffling around in a stupor for half an hour, I slipped on my fluffy house shoes and somehow managed to get the kids out the door and to school on time. Every day is a miracle.

I was usually awake by the time I got back home. Usually. I made a pitcher of iced tea and had several oatmeal raisin cookies for breakfast (Stop judging. It's oatmeal and raisins. Completely healthy). The weather was beautiful in Texas, so I lugged all my equipment outside and set up on the patio. I checked email, Facebook, MySpace and any other time consuming activity that I could think of before opening my manuscript. My son woke up right as I was about to start doing serious work. And he always made life interesting.

He'd been going through a phase where he takes his diaper off and revels in the freedom of having his privates flapping in the wind. I'm cool with that. Sometimes I wouldn't mind having the occasional au naturel day myself. So I continued to write, and my son's privates continued flapping. The dog napped under my feet, and everything was right with the world. Then my son got a brilliant idea. He decided to poop on the patio. Yes, you heard me right. So I immediately mobilized into action, praying none of the neighbors chose that moment to look out their windows. I was cleaning things up, trying to keep my son out of it when the dog came up and grabbed the biggest piece of poop and ran off. Into the house. Now, I'm six months pregnant, so I don't run as fast as I used to. But I managed to chase the dog through the house and back outside. My naked son thought this was hilarious and was laughing hysterically on the ground, and there was still a big pile of poop on the patio. By this point I was really hoping there were no witnesses. It wasn't one of the best moments in my life.

So the mess was cleaned up, a diaper was put back on and the dog was banished to the farthest corner of the yard. I sat back down to finally get some serious work done on my manuscript, and you can imagine my frustration when I found there was no possible way I could write the love scene that was coming up. To say I was out of the mood would be an understatement of epic proportions. Such is life.

Probably most writers can't live up to the glamour that is my life. Usually at the end of the day, by the time dinner is made and the kids have finished their homework and baths and gone off to bed, I don't have a single sensible thought left in my brain. Nighttime used to be my most productive time. Not anymore. I'm lucky now if I have time to tell my husband good night before my head hits the pillow. I'm told that someday I'll look back on all of this with fondness and sweet nostalgia. We'll see. But I think as soon as my last kid graduates from high school I'm going to throw a party, run around naked in my living room and sleep till noon. Not necessarily in that order.

Good News!

2009-03-07T14:28:00.001-06:00

I just got the word that my book, Whiskey Rebellion, won first place in the Suzannah contest. Yay for money and editor requests!

Getting in the Mood

2009-03-01T14:20:00.003-06:00

I'm writing to you live from my bathtub. The water is warm, the bubbles light and frothy, and the lights are dim. Red candles are lit for a little added ambiance and the radio is turned low. This is all in an attempt to get in the mood. I'm at that special place in my book. The place that will determine the futures of my hero and heroine and have a huge impact on their relationship.

Yes, you guessed it.

My hero is about to get shot protecting the heroine. There will be lots of blood and mayhem, but my heroine is no shrinking violet. She'll take matters into her own hands.

What? Isn't this the scene you thought I was writing?

Announcement

2009-02-24T12:36:00.002-06:00

This is Tuesday. Some of you might not realize the importance of Tuesdays, but believe me it's BIG. Tuesday is book release day (Applause). Which means today is like Christmas for those of you who spend as much time in bookstores as I do.

Today, my good pal Mark Henry is dancin' in his pointy-toed Moccasins because book #2 in the Amanda Feral series, Road Trip of the Living Dead, is out. Get off your hiney's and go buy it. This is also the release day of the new Christopher Moore, J.D. Robb, Janet Evanovich and Kim Harrison.

Happy Reading!!!

The Oscars and More...

2009-02-23T18:32:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I'll admit it. I'm a complete awards show addict. I love everything about them. The drama, the missed lines, the cheesy jokes and the fashion faux pas. And last night was no exception. I got the kids bathed early (because they were excited to see the pretty dresses and Hannah Montana) and we had junk food for dinner. Oscar night is like a holiday (at least that's how I justified things to my husband when he got home). We ate popcorn, candy, pie and other yummy goodies and drank lots of sugar-filled soft drinks. It was wonderful. There were a lot of great awkward moments last night, so I was happy. What do you guys do for the big night?

On a completely random note...

If your significant other did something completely stupid, would you prefer: 1.) Makeup flowers or 2.) Makeup pizza and beer?

Yada, yada, yada

2009-02-15T14:22:00.002-06:00

We're back from San Antonio, and I'm exhausted. It always seems a little strange that people take trips to relax and get away from the stress, but by the time you get back home you're no more rested than when you left. I spent four days basking in the eighty degree weather of South Texas, hanging out by the River Walk and getting a ton of writing done while my husband cavorted about the Music Educator's Convention learning stuff. Food was plentiful and the company enjoyable. It's not often we get to got somewhere without the kids, so we tried to take every advantage possible while away.

Oh, well. I'm back home and facing reality, which includes laundry and more revisions of the book that has to be sent back to my agent this week. I have a lot left to do, so maybe the laundry can wait for awhile. The hubs is out for the afternoon, two of the kids are taking naps and the other is watching Mary Poppins. I'd better take advantage of the peace and quiet while it lasts.

A Million Things To Do

2009-02-09T12:37:00.002-06:00

It's going to be a hectic couple of days at the house of Hodge. The hubs and I are leaving for San Antonio Wednesday morning (without kids) and won't be back until Saturday. YIPPEE!!!!

So along with packing and making sure the kids have everything they need for the rest of the week, I have my writing to deal with. No prob! I'll be writing the whole time I'm out of town. Okay, almost the whole time. I can't say I'll be thinking of writing too much while I'm enjoying the atmosphere at Howl at the Moon or scarfing down Mexican food at Rosario's, but I'll use my time away from the computer to people watch and plot. Promise.

I've got to get back to the grindstone.

Peer Pressure

2009-02-05T21:03:00.002-06:00

This is a thing going around on Facebook. People pass it around, and it takes up time out of your day. Which means I love it. I stole the idea about pasting it to my blog from Dean Lorey. As usual, you're the man, Dean.

So here's my list of useless facts that most of you probably don't care to know about me.

1.) I have a Coke first thing every morning instead of coffee.

2.) I try to read at least one book a day, sometimes two or three if I have a free day. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures.

3.) I never had aspirations of being a career woman when I was growing up. All I ever wanted was to have a large family, be a stay at home mom and be a good wife. I know, I was born in the wrong decade.

4.) My husband is my best friend. I never get tired of hanging out with him.

5.) I started writing my first book when I was eighteen.

6.) I didn't complete my first book until I was twenty-five, but I've written ten books since then, and I'm only twenty-eight.

7.) I love being a writer. It gives me an excuse to have all the crazy people inside my head.

8.) I could eat macaroni and cheese every day. I love it!

9.) I'm very slow to make new friends. I'm mostly a solitary person, so it usually takes me a while to warm up to someone.

10.) I love my family more than anything in the world. I never could have imagined what a joy my children are.

11.) I met my husband when I was 14. We were high school sweethearts.

12.) I love to travel. I'm perfectly content to wake up on random mornings and say, "Let's go here today." There are still so many places I'd love to see.

13.) I spent a month in Ireland when I was in college.

14.) I hated high school. If I could go back and do it over I'd try to graduate early and get the heck out of there.

15.) I've gotten pregnant twice while on birth control pills.

16.) I performed at Carnegie Hall when I was in college.

17.) I spent four years in college majoring in Percussion. It is now completely useless since I'm writing books full time, but it does give me an advantage when playing Rock Band.

18.) I'm addicted to all the dinky Yahoo games and can spend hours assembling cartoonish burgers or pretending I'm waiting tables.

19.) The cleanest place I've ever been is Switzerland.

20.) I got married in Las Vegas and don't regret one minute of it.

21.) Purple is my favorite color.

22.) My guiltiest pleasure is watching iCarly with my kids. I love that show.

23.) I've had impacted wisdom teeth for years, but I can't seem to stop getting pregnant long enough to get them taken out.

24.) It's my secret dream to have laser hair removal and never have to shave again.

25.) I love to sit down in the shower.

There you go. May all your dreams be fulfilled.

Shazam!!!

2009-01-28T19:41:00.002-06:00

It's a snow day, which means the kids and husband have been home all day and the house is now a national disaster area. It's been awhile since I've blogged because I've been in a "special mood" because of the book I'm working on right now. I didn't want to bring you all down and contribute to the national depression rate. I've locked myself in my cave the last couple of weeks, and I've been beating my head against the wall, growling at those who come into my path (Congrats to those lucky ducks). But things are all good now, and I feel like I can stop hiding and roam among society once again.

I did manage to get out of the house for Kay Thomas's booksigning last Saturday. Her debut novel, BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF, hit the shelves this January. I suggest all of you go out and get a copy. It's a great suspense read. I got to hang out with my writer pals, watch the stack of Kay's book dwindle to zero and partake of cake. I like cake. Congrats, Kay!

I rejoined word wars with my pals Jaye and Mark because they were very sad without me. I bring sparkle and sunshine everywhere I go--unless I'm in bad writer mood. I missed the witty banter and inappopriate comments that get me through the day, so I won't be forsaking them again.

You guys head over to Jaye's Blahg where she's giving away a signed copy of BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF.

I have to go and watch Lie To Me, which I am loving so far.

Gettin' Jiggy With It

2009-01-11T10:56:00.002-06:00

Yes, they were actually playing that song on the radio just now. Ahh, how it brings back memories. I figured I needed to blog since I'm getting random emails asking me why I haven't blogged in a while. Pushy people:-) I've thought about blogging. Really. It's just that so little has gone on since the New Year started I didn't figure it was worth mentioning. But I'll try to remember a few things for your nosy entertainment while I'm laying on the couch in my pj's, watching my kids play Lego Batman.

Word count this week has been pretty dismal. It's always hard getting back into the routine when the kids have been off school for a couple of weeks. I finally got some good work on a new mystery Thursday and Friday. The young adult book I've been working on, The Mark of Shadow, is on hold right now until I clear a few things from my plate. I have revisions for another book coming in the mail at the beginning of next week, so all my attention will be focused on that. It's exciting. (Yes, I did say that revisions are exciting. I love getting feedback and seeing where I've made mistakes, so hopefully I don't make the same ones the next time). As soon as revisions are finished and sent back, it's back to the rewrites of The Mark of Shadow. My goal is to be finished with it by Spring Break. My reward for finishing will be a couple of days spent in New Orleans. (Actually, I have an airline voucher I need to use by a certain date). The new mystery takes place in the Big Easy, so I need to do a little research, soak up the atmosphere and take a lot of pictures. With a new baby on the way, there's no telling when the new mystery will be finished, but my goal is September 1. That's about all I have planned out as far as "resolutions" for the New Year go.

The Entertainment Section
We saw Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler last night. The kids loved it, and we enjoyed it as well. An all new Bones starts this week, which as you all know is my favorite show ever, so don't call on Thursday nights. And as far as books go, I made my weekly trip to Barnes and Noble on Tuesday to pick up the new Janet Evanovich book, Plum Spooky. While I was there, I randomly picked an author off the shelf. I picked Cleo Coyle and the first book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. And it was AWESOME. I read both of my buys that night and went back to B&N the next day to get a couple of more books. I finished those and went back the next day. You see the pattern here, right? It's a great series, and I'm glad I found it, even though my book budget is very much over the limit this month.

Goodbye to 2008...

2008-12-31T11:50:00.002-06:00

Thank, God!

2008 was a weird year, but the most important thing was that it zoomed by. Getting older was a lot more fun when I was fifteen going on sixteen, or twenty going on twenty-one. It was one of those years that was mostly insignificant and partly boring. The extent of my exotic travels took me to Tulsa Oklahoma, where the strangeness of the bats was only beaten by the strangeness of the filking (see earlier posts if you're confused). Let's just say that I'm really looking forward to 2009. I've listed some highlights of the year below. As you can see, the list isn't very long.

1.) On the writing front-I finished an adult mystery and a young adult urban fantasy, three short stories and two proposals. Not too bad. My goal since I've started writing is to finish 3 books a year,but with a very active one-year-old, I find that goal is harder to reach than it used to be.

2.) On the friendship front- 2008 was a year of new friendships. My local writing organization has really started to become a second family, and I've met some of my closest friends through it. The Conestoga Conference changed my life. I never would have learned how cool Jaye Wells was, or how disturbing Mark Henry was if I hadn't attended.

My friend Jo Davis' first book, TRIAL BY FIRE, made it's way onto the shelves in August. It was an awesome read and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series. My friend Jaye Wells sold her first book to Orbit back in the first part of the year. RED-HEADED STEPCHILD will be out at the end of March, so mark it on your calendars. I've read it, and I can tell you it's a page turner. Another pal, Kay Thomas, also sold her first book to Harlequin Intrigue this year. BETTER THAN BULLETPROOF will be out on January 13th. And then finally, my friend Franny just recently sold a very cool paranormal proposal to NAL. It'll be out in 2010, so I'll let you know more about it as the time draws near. I'm thrilled for my friends who've had these very first sales and releases. Go get these books from the store and keep the publishing industry afloat.

3.)On the book front-2008 was a great year for book releases. I read two of the most entertaining and gripping books I've experienced in a long time in 2008. The first was Linda Howard's DEATH ANGEL. This book was so out of the norm for her and not like anything else she's ever written. She stepped away from the romantic suspense's she normally writes and delivered a fast-paced thriller, complete with an anti-hero you loved to hate and page after page of twists and turns. Congrats to Linda! The second book that was highly anticipated and delivered in 2008 was SWALLOWING DARKNESS. Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series just gets better and better with every book.

4.) On the personal front- The year was spent at home with the new baby and working on new books. The occasional Rock Band marathon became the norm, and every once in a while we'd venture out of the house and go to the movies. It was also a great year for movies. And no, I have no desire to see The Dark Knight like everyone else on the planet. I did enjoy movies like Iron Man, Tropic Thunder, Wanted (despite the loom of fate), Horton Hears a Who, Indiana Jones, Tale of Despereaux and Kung Fu Panda. I'm still determined to see Hancock and the Curious Case of Benjamin Button this week. The last thing about 2008 is we found out at the end of September that we're going to have another baby. And yes, we were extremely surprised. It'll make for a hectic year, juggling three other kids and writing, but it will round out our family nicely.

Everyone have a safe and happy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas to All...

2008-12-24T21:38:00.002-06:00

Well, the kids are tucked into bed, and the husband and I are decked out on the couch in pajama'd splendor, waiting for them to actually fall asleep. I can hear the occasional snicker coming from upstairs and the door squeaking as they try unsuccessfully to open it quietly. Apparently, children don't learn the finer points of deception until they reach their teenage years.

We've got a long night ahead of us (Toys must be assembled that have thousands of tiny pieces and decals must be put into the most awkward spaces possible), but we're going to persevere. The milk and cookies are set out, and the Norad Santa Tracker says that the man in red is in Brazil, so I think we have a little time to recuperate from the hectic night.

So to all you others out there who are facing a similar fate, grab a bottle of wine--Or if you're like my husband and prefer to put toys together with Jameson's and Coke--And have a very Merry Christmas!

Books for Christmas

2008-12-20T11:45:00.002-06:00

Everything is in the dumps right now with the economy and such, including the publishing world. But you guys can help! Books are a great Christmas gift. Give them to everyone. It's cheaper than a movie and it lasts longer, too.

Is out...

2008-12-17T20:53:00.002-06:00

I can't think of anything else I want for Christmas. Does anyone else feel like it's not really Christmas. I drive around town and hardly anyone has lights up this year. Christmas trees look like something out of A Charlie Brown Christmas, and the garland and tinsel seems limp. We had snow yesterday and tomorrow it's supposed to be seventy degrees.

The only good thing about this year is I haven't stepped one foot inside a shopping establishment. I've done everything online, and it's been awesome. Seriously people, stop going out and shopping. It just puts the rest of us in a bitter and unhappy frame of mind. There's nothing like standing in line behind a bunch of people fistfighting over the last Wii. And no, I'm not kidding. I live in the most lame town in America and the Walmart here still managed to have more than one fight break out on Black Friday.

Sorry to be so Bah-Humbug, but I'm having trouble getting into the spirit of things. Maybe some of you should share your holiday stories to put me in a better frame of mind.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas...

2008-12-16T21:15:00.005-06:00

On the fifth day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me,
5 Gel Pro Mats

(These things look awesome, folks, and I want some baaaaad)

On a completely different note--

It snowed today. In Texas! Not only did it snow, but it snowed all day long. This is the puny tree in my backyard. Probably those of you up north are laughing right now, but this is serious stuff down here. This is the kind of weather that causes mass chaos and a governmental meltdown.

This is the front of my house, which strangely enough looks weird dusted with white. Most things look better with a layer of snow. Just not my house. You can see the slickness of the sidewalks in the picture. Also a good reason to stay off the roads and away from the crazies. And this is Texas, so there are a lot of crazies driving around, sliding across the pavement at high rates of speed with their shotguns propped across their laps for easy access.

This was taken from my front porch. Remember how I blogged about my neighbors and their insistence on putting everything in their yard to celebrate Christmas? This is only a small part of it. The singing Christmas trees, wooden cutouts, reindeer and blowup snow globes are hidden from my view but can be seen clearly from the front of the house. Also shown here are the puny trees in the front of my yard and the weird-ass grass we planted that seems to be multiplying in epic proportions. Note to self: Strange grass grows in Texas. Trees do not.

On the Fourth Day of Christmas...

2008-12-15T10:15:00.006-06:00

Okay, so I'm a little behind. I got swamped with a seven-year-old's birthday party this weekend and forgot to post.

On the fourth day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me,

Four chocolate pies

Three excited Children

Two days of quiet

And Season 3 of Bones on DVD

On the First Day of Christmas...

2008-12-12T17:37:00.002-06:00

Make sure you sing along in your head. I'll post a new one everyday as we countdown to Christmas.

On the first day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me,

Bones Season 3 on DVD.

Dear Santa,

2008-12-08T12:21:00.002-06:00

I've decided this year for Christmas that I don't want anything wrapped under the tree in shiny paper with my name on it. But I would like a few things of a different nature. I've attached my list below, and I leave it to you to decide which ones you think I deserve. I've been mostly nice this year, with the exception of a few conventions I attended and that trip to San Antonio. And I've kept most of my naughty thoughts to myself except for those same conventions and that trip to San Antonio. Please don't scrimp on the generosity.

Leah's List:

1.) No more dirty diapers- If, by some miraculous event, you could keep my son from pooping for the next year I would greatly appreciate it.

2.) Winning the Lottery-I know, you hear this one a lot. But if you could find a way to grant me this windfall of cash so I can continue to stay home and write books instead of having to put on pantyhose and find a real job, I'd be forever grateful.

3.) Having a strange woman appear at our door begging to cook our meals for free- We'd let her sleep on the couch if only she'd take the annoying duty of cooking dinner out of my hands. And if she washed the dishes when we were finished I'd even give her a blanket and a pillow.

4.) Maybe the same strange woman has a brother who would enjoy mowing our lawn (for free of course)- We're compassionate here at the Hodge household. We like to keep families together. And though we might run out of couches to sleep on, we have a lovely shed in our backyard that could feel downright homey with a few scented candles.

5.) 48 hours alone with my husband- This is the tough one. I haven't been alone with my husband in almost eight years. I consistently forget what he looks like and our alone time is often interrupted by bad dreams, tummy aches or crying infants. Of course, after eight years of not spending any time together, we might find that we don't want to spend 48 hours alone with each other after all. I'll leave this decision in your capable hands.

You don't have to wrap any of these gifts, but it wouldn't hurt to drop me a note and let me know what's taken care of. I'd hate for my children to starve while I'm waiting for the strange woman to show up at the door.

Christmas, A Holiday Meant to Suck the Life Out of You

2008-12-05T07:59:00.003-06:00

Has the Christmas season always been so full of useless crap?

I'm fortunate enough to live in one of those competitive neighborhoods. You know the kind I'm talking about. Where the Yuppies mow and trim their hedges the same height every week and give you disgusted looks if you don't follow suit. Every holiday is a reason to put up decorations or some kind of wreath on the door. And again, if you don't do the same you might as well hang your head in shame and turn in your HOA badge. Christmas is no different. Only more extreme.

This is only our second Christmas in this house, but let me tell you last year was an eye opener. At the crack of dawn, on the day after Thanksgiving, the neighborhood is full of hired workers putting up Christmas lights and yard displays of epic proportions. We thought, "No big deal. We'll put up some Christmas lights. Piece of cake." We were so wrong. We lined our yard and house in lights, while secretly coveting the dancing Christmas trees and singing snowmen of our neighbors. We weren't about to go out and drop a bundle on decorations just to keep up. Wrong again.

Every day we'd drive down our street one of the neighbors would have added something new, each of them topping the other in grandness and size. Now I'm a pretty competitive person, so you can see how it would be simple to get caught in this mindless trap. But finally we had to stop. We'd never be able to outdo the neighbors, especially the guy across from us who always measures his grass with a ruler. So we're the house on the street with only simple Christmas lights lining the roof. And I'm okay with that. Mostly. I've learned to ignore the disgusted looks and shaking fists as we drive by.

Is there a lesson in all this? Probably somewhere. Enjoy the holidays!

More Good News!!!

2008-12-01T18:31:00.002-06:00

I just got the email that one of my manuscripts is a finalist in the Suzannah contest. For those of you who don't know what the Suzannah is, it's a contest that's open to both published and unpublished writers. There are no categories. All entries send an anonymous manuscript, which is then assigned a number. Judges pick the top six manuscripts out of those entered, so the finalists are a mish-mash of published and unpublished and category romance all the way to mainstream.

Just thought I'd share!!!

Stuffed and Proud of it!

2008-12-01T16:55:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone had a drama-free Thanksgiving. The most exciting moment of my holiday was wrestling a 23 pound wet turkey and doing unspeakable things to its insides. The turkey was yummy, so my embarrassment, as well as the turkey's, was well worth it.

My pal Mark Henry launched his new website today, so everyone take a gander in that direction and enjoy the hilarity and strangeness that follows. www.markhenry.us You won't regret it. Though it might not be appropriate for anyone under 25 or over 60.

We did a little post holiday word wars today, and I finished my eleven pages before I had to pick up the kids from school, so that's always a positive sign. I actually have this book pretty well plotted out--I know. I'm amazed, too--and I can see the end looming before me. I'm about a hundred pages out, so hopefully I'll type THE END just before Christmas. That's also a good thing about Young Adult novels. They are a heck of a lot shorter than what I usually write.

On a GOOD NEWS note. I just found out today that my manuscript, WHISKEY REBELLION, won first place in the Get Your Stiletto in the Door Contest. HOORAH!!! I took the news gracefully by scarfing down a box of mac n' cheese (the kind with the powdered cheese because that's the best) and then I continued writing. My life is so glamorous. I might even change out of my pajamas at some point today, though it's almost night again, so I might as well leave them on;-)

Anybody have any good news they'd like to share? Actually, what I could really use is a few embarrassing stories. You never know what's going to end up in a book.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-26T22:22:00.002-06:00

Enjoy your holiday, however you may spend it. I've been cooking like a demon and plan to enjoy my labors by stuffing my face and then laying on the couch with my pants unbuttoned for a while. May you all enjoy similar extravagances.

Ham and Family...Not Necessarily in that Order

2008-11-24T09:54:00.003-06:00

So this is the week of Thanksgiving. The week where everyone trundles off to their respective family homes and stuffs themselves with items only made once a year with the pretense of being thankful for the family around them. Or that's how I hear it is in most families. Mine is actually okay for the most part, minus the occasional fire that's accidentally started or neurotic moments of drama.

Everyone meets at my house for Thanksgiving (both sides) and I do all the cooking and whatnot to make sure everyone has enough food shoved in front of their faces so fragile topics, such as politics, never have the opportunity to be brought up. It works for the most part. The two most memorable Thanksgivings for me are when I was young and my mother caught her shirt on fire leaning over the stove. She wasn't hurt, so we're allowed to laugh. The second is when I was pregnant with my first child and my sister stabbed me in the stomach with a carving knife. Yes, it was an accident, and I wasn't hurt. The knife was deflected by the button on my jeans. It's for reasons like the two listed above that I prefer to do all the cooking for Thanksgiving.

Do you guys have funny family stories to compete with those? Feel free to let me know!

Word Wars

2008-11-16T21:50:00.002-06:00

So I've found just what I needed to get my butt in gear and write this YA novel. A couple of friends of mine (Mark Henry and Jaye Wells) thought it would motivate all of us if we turned our writing into a little competition. And Word Wars was born. We've been meeting each weekday morning when Mark gets his Seattle behind out of bed, usually 10am our time, and we set a word goal for the day. We each type in our beginning word count and then the countdown begins. We type fast and furiously for thirty minutes then stop and check in. Everyone posts their new word count and the person with the lowest is the loser and has to tell an embarassing secret. It's a very motivating way to get a book done. We do several sessions of word wars, and by the end of each day I've had a minimum of ten pages. If I keep at it, I'll have this book finished before Christmas, which is perfect timing. So all of you looking for motivation to get that book finished, hook up with a buddy and start your own round of word wars.

Random Tidbits

2008-11-10T21:32:00.002-06:00

Okay, so maybe I bought more than the three books I was going after last week. It's possible I somehow could have been persuaded to buy seven books. In fact, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what happened. I will take this opportunity to say that Laurell K. Hamilton has outdone herself with Swallowing Darkness. I could not put this book down--Not for crying children, a hungry husband or the tons of laundry that was multiplying and taking over the household. Granted, it only took me a couple of hours to read the book, but it was the most tense two hours of my life. No one writes action/fighting scenes better than Laurell. Period. The other books I bought were all good, but none lived up to Swallowing Darkness, so I won't mention them right now. Maybe later.

I've joined up with dozens of other authors to stress myself out during the holidays by participating in 70 Days of Sweat http://70daysofsweat.com/wordpress/ . The goal is for all of us to write between 60k-100k words (basically an entire book) in the next seventy days. I have a great need for this kick in the pants because I'm currently working on a Young Adult novel that I'd like to have finished by the end of December. Okay, I'd not just like to have it done by the end of December--I have to have it done by the end of December--because in January I have to start work on a story for a mystery anthology I'd like to submit to, which has to be finished by March. But it's all good because things will be suspended for the entire month of April. I've got three words to explain why: Romantic Times Convention. Nuff Said.

It seems like everyone is using the month of November to get caught up on their writing before the holidays hit. No one's blogging much, including me (sorry!). I have a list of blogs I follow pretty regularly, but does anyone have any suggestions for others I might enjoy?

Get Out And Vote!!!!

2008-11-04T09:01:00.003-06:00

If you didn't early vote, then today's the day. Suck it up, take a book and your ipod, and go stand in line. Whether you're in line five minute or five hours, it's worth it to cast your vote. And that's the last I'll say on the matter.

Today is Tuesday, and the election is not the only thing happening today. It's also book release day, and I'll be making my way to Barnes and Noble this afternoon to pick up some much anticipated reads. Multiple book releases on the same day plays havoc with my writing because I want to read instead of work on my own book. And I'm pretty sure that's exactly what's going to happen.

Novemeber is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and I'm already terribly behind. The goal is to write 50,000 words in the month of November. It's still very doable because I'm a splurge writer, which means I'll write 80-100 pages in a few days and then not touch it again for a week. It's not the best habit for a writer, but it's how I work best. If I'm on a roll, my husband and kids know to stay out of my way and fend for themselves until I surface for air. Sometimes it's two or three days. They're good people.

On a completely different note. I'm rearranging my office. Again. This is the third time my office has changed, and we've only lived in our house since July of 2007. I'm hoping this time things will stick and my muse will flow more freely now that I have curtains and shelves. Don't roll your eyes. I like for everything to have the appearance of order before I get to work, even though it's complete chaos on the inside of the drawers.

Since I didn't leave a Halloween post, I figured this would work as an apology.

Whoosh...And Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T21:50:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since my last blog because of craziness at the Hodge household. You know, those little necessities in life like grocery shopping, softball games, ballet, family dinners, dinners with friends, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera... Oh yeah, and writing. I'm about fifty pages in to book numero nine and things are going well. Of course, they always do at this point in the book. It's page 150 where things start to become problematic. I also finished a short story this week and got tons of research done.

It's been a strange week since I last blogged. Bizarre things have happened--One of which I'll have to blog about at a later date (maybe after the Christmas holidays) and another of which will never be told to a single soul (excluding my buddy Jaye cuz it's impossible for me to keep everything to myself). So I've consoled myself through all this bizarreness by writing like a fiend and losing every fake facebook dollar I have playing solitaire. Not just regular solitaire, but Vegas-style solitaire. It's a thing of pure evil.

Next week is an exciting week for books. The new J.D. Robb comes out for those of you who have been following the Eve Dallas series, as well as the next Laurell K. Hamilton book in the Merry Gentry series. There's also a new Sherilyn Kenyon Dark-Hunter book coming out Tuesday. I should have all three read by Thursday at the latest, so I'll make sure to blog about how they turned out.

We've got a jam-packed weekend, starting with trick-or-treating tomorrow night. The Hodge children are all going to be characters from The Wizard of Oz. I hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend.

Enjoy your extra hour of sleep Sunday morning!!!

Swallowing Darkness

2008-10-23T10:40:00.002-05:00

The countdown is on for the next book in the Merry Gentry series, Swallowing Darkness. This series has gotten better and better with every book, and I can't wait to see what's going to happen. I've been reading a lot of really positive reviews, and it looks like this is going to be a book of complete awesomeness.

Diamonds and Broccoli

2008-10-20T14:19:00.002-05:00

Yeah, you heard me. The kiddos were playing a little go fish yesterday and my youngest asked if she could have broccoli, which come to find out means clubs. And lets just say that the playing card adventures didn't end there. My pal Jo Davis www.jodavis.net gave us some naughty playing cards in our Buns and Roses goody bags (see earlier post). The cards are an advertisement for Ellora's Cave, and if you don't know what Ellora's Cave is then check out their website and you can see how naughty the cards actually are www.ellorascave.com Anyway, my kids somehow got hold of the cards and let me tell you there is nothing worse than having a five-year-old ask, "Mommy, what's that?" The cards are now properly put away for the grown ups to play with at a later date.

I had a rough week last week, and I'm just now coming out of my pity party/slump. I feel much better now and am on to other things. My pal Jaye www.jayewells.com used her wordsmithing skills to tear me a new one and get me back on track, so all's good now. I've actually got three different manuscripts going right now, and I'm getting a steady amount of work done on each of them. I'll let you know what becomes of them.

I'm also in somewhat of a Bones funk. Bones is on hiatus until November, so I'm not getting my weekly Boothe/Brennan fix that seems to be essential for me to function in society and carry on polite converation.

ROCK BAND II:
The hubs and I went to Game Stop yesterday and traded in the old rock band for the new, much like Donald Trump does with his wives. We immediately came home and set up shop, stretching our muscles and preparing for marathon rocker status. I can now say that they've outdone themselves with this new version. We love it (and of course the kids love it, heh, heh, I mean, we bought it for them in the first place.) It has a bunch of new features that kids of all ages will enjoy, so go immediately and invest in your child's musical education and so you can be a fake professional drummer like me.

Did anyone else go out and buy ROCK BAND II yesterday? What do you think?

Reality Catches Up

2008-10-16T08:14:00.002-05:00

I've been in somewhat of a fog all week. I'm in the middle of a new book, and the pages have been coming swiftly and surely over the past few days. The problem is that when I write, things happening in the outside world cease to exist for me. My world is on a computer screen, and I hate for the real world to intrude. Which means that dinner doesn't get fixed, laundry doesn't get washed, clutter doesn't get picked up and the floors don't get vacuumed. My house is a national disaster area right now. I have three small children and a large husband who contribute to such national disasters, and in return they put up with me when I'm off in Lala land.

But all things must come to an end at some point. I've reached that point. The writing is still flowing smoothly, so I can't stop completely or I'll get cold, but my children are out of clothes and my husband is going to have to go to work commando if I don't get some laundry done. We've eaten out every night this week (Cotton Patch, Sonic, McDonalds) and grease is beginning to clog all things vital. So I'm off to clear the clutter and light some candles because the baby is not smelling good today.

Public Speaking

2008-10-14T11:30:00.003-05:00

I hate it.

That doesn't mean that I can't do it, or won't do it if asked, but I still hate it. I'm used to standing in front of a crowd and talking--I was a teacher for four years, so you get over stage fright pretty quickly when teenagers are staring you down. I've found that most writers don't like to be the center of everyone's attention. We like to stand back and observe what's going on around us, search out whoever's embarrassing themselves the most, and then write about it.

I was asked to speak to the entire 4th grade class at one of the local schools today. I was supposed to sit on a panel of authors and talk about writing (how exciting it is, how much fun it is to create all the time, my ideas and my routine). But what I didn't realize was that the other people on the panel were all young adult writers. I don't write young adult. I write mysteries, oftentimes gruesome ones. So everyone starts in about their characters and what they do to research, and then it's my turn. I tell them I write mysteries and thrillers and that my research consists of reading about crime scenes and murders and autopsies. There's nothing like seeing a room full of kids and their teachers judge you because you're a weirdo. And there I am, talking about how fascinating these subjects are, while my fellow panel members talked about how they write about kids in wheelchairs and teenagers falling in love.

So in the end I told the kids to write whatever they want. There's no right or wrong when you're writing. Not ever. If they have an idea, write it down and create whatever comes to mind. It doesn't matter what people think of your stories, only that you keep writing and learning the craft.

Buns & Roses

2008-10-11T10:08:00.003-05:00

Isn't that the greatest title? I just wanted to remind everyone that the Buns & Roses Tea for Literacy is tomorrow from 2pm-5pm. I'm told there are just a few tickets left, so go to the website www.bunsandroses.org and get yours today. It's going to be amazing. Sherrilyn Kenyon, who is absolutely wonderful, is the keynote speaker. Every guest gets to pick a table to sit with their favorite author (more than 30 will be in attendance) and all the proceeds go to the Richardson Public Library and Adult Literacy. It's a great cause and a lot of fun! Hope to see you there.

Here's the lineup:

Guest of Honor
Sherrilyn Kenyon

Emcee
Candace Havens

Adele Ashworth
Sandy Blair
Celya Bowers
Dixie Cash
Judy Christenberry
Jo Davis
Geralyn Dawson
Jana DeLeon
Leanna Ellis
Katherine Garbera
Laura Griffin
Nancy Haddock
Rachel Hawthorne
Lorraine Heath
Anna Jeffrey
Sophie Jordan
Karen Kelley
Julie Kenner
Kara Lennox
Kim Lennox
Julia London
Dianna Love
Janis Susan May
Trish Milburn
Pamela Morsi
Alisha Paige
Kennedy Shaw
Kathryn Smith
Catherine Spangler
Kerrelyn Sparks
Jodi Thomas
Melody Thomas
Lori Wilde

2008-10-10T11:43:00.002-05:00

My buddy, Jaye, posted today at the League. Pretty interesting stuff, so you should check it out.

http://www.leagueofreluctantadults.com/2008/10/whats-my-name.html

It's all about how a name should have meaning, and that's especially important for writers when naming your characters. She gives a website that will analyze your name. Here's mine.

Thought, analysis, introspection, and seclusiveness are all characteristics of your name. You have a good mind, and are especially good at searching out and finding the truth. You are so very capable of analyzing, judging and discriminating, that very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding. You are the type of person that can really get involved in a search for wisdom or hidden truths, often becoming an authority on whatever it is your are focusing on. This can easily be of a technical or scientific nature, or it may be religious or occult, it matters very little, you pursue knowledge with the same sort of vigor. You can make a very fine teacher, or because of a natural inclination toward the spiritual, you may become deeply emerged in religious affairs or even psychic explorations. You tend to operate on a rather different wavelength, and many of your friends may not really know you very well. The positive aspects of the 7 expression are that you can be a true perfectionist in a very positive sense of the word. You are very logical, and usually employ a quite rational approach to most things you do. You can be so rational at times that you almost seem to lack emotion, and when you are faced with an emotional situation, you may have a bit of a problem coping with it. You have excellent capabilities to study and learn really deep and difficult subjects, and to search for hidden fundamentals. At full maturity you are likely to be a very peaceful and poised individual.
A tendency to be highly introverted can make you a bit on the self-centered side, certainly very much self-contained . Because of this, you are not very adaptable, and you may tend to be overly critical and intolerant. You really like to work alone, at your own pace and in your own way. You neither show or understand emotions very well.

This is a pretty accurate description of me. For those of you who are curious about your own names, here's the link.

http://www.paulsadowski.com/NameData.asp

Teenagers in Love

2008-10-09T18:17:00.002-05:00

So I spent yesterday watching marching bands perform. And no, I'm not just some lame-o who follows marching bands across the country and devours their every performance (you know who you are). I don't teach band anymore, but I do go to help out when they call me, which is what I was doing yesterday. I had a great time hanging out with my old colleagues and yes, watching the bands. But the moment that sticks out in my mind was a particular story about teenage love.

When a teenager likes someone, the first thing they expound on is how cute so and so is, or how funny or how cool the bleached tips in his hair are. Normal teenager. Right? Apparently teenage band members are different. This particular girl didn't gush about his hotness or even his brains. This is the reason he was attractive to her, and I quote, "I love the way he backwards marches." Apparently, this girl needs to spend some time at "Band Camp."

On a good note, major congrats go out to Caitlin Kittredge, a.k.a. Kitt Kittredge American Girl, for selling a new YA series in a three-book deal to Delacorte.

On a completely different note, since my husband seems to be dead set against having another baby, I've been thinking I need to get a puppy. What do you think? Will it be easier to talk a man into a baby or a puppy?

Reprisal of Previous Blog...Detrimental to Society

2008-10-06T21:45:00.004-05:00

I want to take a moment to address a previous topic from an earlier blog. I know many of you have been wondering on the status of our dear, sex-crazed friend, David Duchovny. Well people, you're hearing it first here, and I heard it first on the People Magazine website (If you'll remember I also blogged previously about my addiction to gossip websites).

David Duchovny is now a rehabilitated man. (Applause)

"David is out of rehab and about to start a new movie," Stein tells PEOPLE. "He successfully completed his treatment."

So this is my last lingering question, and David Duchovny will go away in the blog archives of cyberspace, only to resurface the next time he has to be treated for sex addiction. How exactly does one become cured of a sex addiction? I have two schools of thought on this: 1.) They drug your strained peas and remove all of your sexual organs while sleeping or 2.) They make you have so much sex (probably with toothless granny 'hos) that you don't want any more by the end of the six week treatment period.

Does anyone have any valid information to back up my theories? I have been known to be wrong about things in the past.

Thursday Quickies

2008-10-02T08:06:00.004-05:00

More people are killed by donkeys annually than are killed in plane crashes.

Are you awake now? So next time you're in Kazakhstan and you get on a plane where people are boarding their donkeys, run like crazy in the opposite direction because it can only lead to tragedy. Don't ever underestimate the feral donkey.

Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn't wear pants.

Donald always was one to cause trouble. So the moral of this post is to avoid ducks and donkeys at all cost.

My daughter has a double header softball game tonight, so I need to mentally and physically prepare this afternoon. There is nothing more stressful than watching your child play sports. And why the league felt it was necessary to make six-year-olds play a double header is beyond me. Obviously these kids are headed to some national championship that I wasn't made aware of, probably in Japan, or maybe even Milwaukee. I don't assume to question the intellects of those who make the decisions, but that doesn't mean I can't mumble under my breath about them as they walk by.

Food for Thought

2008-09-29T08:17:00.003-05:00

I've got a short one today because I'm on a writing roll and want to get back to it. I've decided to give you all an odd little factoid to discuss over your morning coffee and bagels. Though I don't see how anyone eats bagels. I'm more of a pancakes and bacon kinda gal myself. Anyway, this post has nothing to do with bagels or bacon. It has to do with pens.

Did you know????

On average, 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year.

Pretty amazing, huh? So stop sucking on those pen caps because how embarrassing would that be to only be one death out of a hundred?

Dreams and Exorcisms

2008-09-23T11:42:00.003-05:00

I had a really weird dream the other night. I can be honest in saying that it's probably the weirdest dream I've ever had, and I've had some strange ones. If anyone can interpret any part of this, feel free to share your conclusions about my disturbed psyche.

It started with my two oldest girls being late for school (They've never been late to school once, so put down the phone to CPS). They weren't just a little late. They were hours late. So I pulled up in front of the school to let them out, waved goodbye and made sure they got in okay (just like always) and then Whitney Houston comes out the front doors in that outfit she wore in The Bodyguard--The shiny silver one with the weird headpiece when she sang Queen of the Night. Whitney Houston promptly arrested me for being an irresponsible mother.

I was in handcuffs and being led toward this giant magnet when I decided to fight back with my X-Men powers. Do you know those bugs in The Mummy? The weird beetle looking things that burrow into your flesh and devour you from the inside out? Apparently this was my special power. I pulled one out of my brassiere (because apparently my subconscious thinks this is the perfect place to keep flesh eating bugs) and flung it at Whitney and watched fascinated as her skin deflated and all that was left was a pile of shiny Mylar.

I guess I escaped from the cuffs, because the next thing I knew I was in a dressing room at Nordstrom's. I had the baby in the stroller and a pile of clothes to try on, and for some reason K.D. Lang was the dressing room attendant. Of course, I'm trying on this awesome piece of evening wear (because I always wear strapless dresses and 4 inch heels when I go on my weekly shopping trips to Wal-Mart) and I suddenly realize the baby's gone. I freak out and K.D. Lang organizes a search party with the precision of a four-star general.

I notice a strange character dressed in black, so I take off running after him (in my stilettos) all around the city. We end up at this abandoned hotel, and my heart is racing because I know he's going to jump out and clobber me at any moment. We engage in an awesome fight in the hotel hallway. His X-Men power was dissolving into this weird mist just as I was about to land a punch. It was extremely frustrating, but somehow my powers morphed into not only having command over flesh eating bugs, but I also had eight octopus arms. The nefarious character and I eventually come to an empasse, and we agree to become partners. We then eat the leaves of some strange plant (which just magically appeared in the hallway) that will keep us from ever using our powers against the other ever again.

Then I woke up in a mumbling, incoherent state that caused my husband to laugh uncontrollably. Anyone have any ideas as to this dream's meaning, or do I need to call a shrink, immediately followed by a priest?

Blah...

2008-09-19T10:59:00.002-05:00

As you read this, just imagine me sitting at the computer in my comfy flannel pajama pants and an old, ratty college sweatshirt. I've got on my bathrobe too, because I'm freezing, and socks with a hole in the big toe of my right foot. My hair is piled on top of my head with a clip, and I've got Kleenex shoved in both pockets and the box on my lap.

Yep, you've got it. I have a dastardly cold.

Blah!

I'll leave you with this final thought as I make my way back to bed: "Why does the baby pick today of all days to wake up earlier than usual and not take a nap at nap time?"

Wastin' Time

2008-09-16T12:11:00.002-05:00

I've hit a spot in the research and development stages of my new book where I've got to take a couple of days and chill. It's probably going to be the best book I've ever written, and I say that because it's a really difficult book. And I mean REALLY. I'm going to have to give it everything I've got, so I'm going to take a couple of days and make some crucial decisions about plot development. I've outlined this book two different ways: Good vs. Evil and Evil vs. Evil. Guess which one my gut wants to go with? And that just adds another layer of difficulty to the book. So in my two days of pondering/biting my nails to the quick in indecision, I'll bring you up to speed on some of my favorite things.

BONES: Is this not the best show on television? I caught a rerun of the very first episode around Christmas last year, and I immediately went out and bought the first two seasons. I caught up on season three on the internet, which left me in perfect position to watch weekly once the show started back up in January. This show rocks, and I've decided I need to go buy the first Kathy Reichs book and check out the origin of such greatness.

FRINGE: I haven't seen it yet, but it's TiVo'd. My husband loved it, and said I would too, so I guess I have to check it out. I was in love with Alias for the first two seasons, but J.J. Abrams managed to screw that up. We'll see if he does the same with Fringe.

I'm still on my quest for authors I haven't read yet. I just devoured the Lee Child series. Twelve books in one week. It was amazing. I also just finished my first Tess Gerritson book and thought it was delightfully gory and Sociopathic. I finished Agnes and the Hitman by Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer, a much better collaboration than their first attempt. I loved Agnes. You don't often get to see heroines that are totally nuts and say exactly what they're feeling all the time. I'm about to get into Jackie Kessler's series because it looks awesome, and I'm going to head to Barnes and Noble this afternoon to seek out another author that has A LOT of books in a series. That'll keep be occupied for at least a week.

Ciao~

NKOTB

2008-09-12T09:07:00.001-05:00

So the most important years of my childhood are coming back to me. The sweet feeling of a first crush, the euphoria of instant attraction, the flushed skin and breathless anticipation. You've got it, the New Kids on the Block are back.

The intellectual side of me knows that this is terrible. They were a fad twenty years ago, displaying mediocre talent, and chances are that as they've aged they're probably a little less than mediocre. I also look at their pictures from back then and think, "I thought that was hot?" Which goes to show that the eighties were a completely worthless decade filled with bad music and worse fashion.

As disturbing as all that is, I'm still grossly fascinated by my teen idols making a comeback. And apparently thousands of other women feel the same way, because their new album debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts. So along with the thousands of other women, I've been listening to their songs (which are beginning to grow on me in a middle-aged sort of way) and waking up earlier than usual to see them perform live on all the morning talk shows. I don't know what all this means, but some facts are absolute. They are definitely hotter now. Of course, in twenty years when they make another comeback in their SAS shoes and wind suits, I'll probably wonder what I was thinking yet again. So the moral of this ridiculous story is to live in the present. Or maybe there isn't a moral to this story at all.

...And then there was Sunday

2008-09-07T22:14:00.000-05:00

I think I heard somewhere that Sunday was supposed to be a day of rest. That would be negatory in the House of Hodge, or the Hodge entourage as someone called us today. The hubs and I spent Sunday taking our middle child to the emergency room. Why is it always the middle child?

It's not a good idea to play baseball upstairs, but for some reason the kids don't believe us when we tell them things like that. They like to find out on their own. So our accident prone middle child (this is the same one who had to have her stomach pumped when she got into her grandmother's medicine and the same one that sliced her head open when she was jumping on the bed) was apparently crowding the plate and got mowed down by our oldest child, smashing her face on the foot board of her bed.

Of course, the hubs and I were doing our Sunday grocery shopping at Wal-Mart during this catastrophe and the kids were with my parents, so we walked in the door to complete chaos and hysteria. There was a lot of blood, since it was a face wound, and a very deep gash. We cleaned it up, stuck a band-aid on it and loaded her up in the car for a trip to the ER. It was a standard ER visit--Four hours of waiting followed by thirty minutes of actual procedure. She got her stitches and a red popsicle and all was well. The hubs and I fared okay, too.

Since I have such a nice segue planned out with the hospital trip and all, I thought I'd mention an interesting (disgusting) thing that one might find in hospitals. My friend Jaye and I talked about blogging about this particular thing on a special occasion, like Christmas, but I figured now was as good a time as any. Look it up if you feel so inclined.

Get ready for it...

BLACK HAIRY TONGUE

Happy Labor Day!!!

2008-09-01T17:21:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has had a lovely three-day weekend. The house of Hodge started the festivities at the Cotton Patch Friday night. I can tell you're already drooling. Don't be ashamed. A little spittle never hurt anyone.

We kicked off Saturday with a fajita/swimming party with several of our pals. As you can probably guess, eating took up a large percentage of our holiday weekend. I've been toying with the idea of dieting for the last several months, but I really enjoy food. The smells, the textures, the tastes. My dream would be for some newspaper to randomly knock on my door and beg me to be their food critic. My two loves: writing and eating. I have pretty good metabolism, so I don't weigh 400 pounds. Yet. But I only probably have another good ten bikini years left in me.

The hubs and I capped off the weekend by going to see the late showing of Tropic Thunder. For those of you who haven't seen it. GO. NOW. It was the perfect combination of hilarity and embarrassment. Tom Cruise has been on the bottom of my favorite stars list ever since he went wonky on Oprah's couch, but he pretty much redeemed himself in this movie. It was a strategic career move, and I'm curious to know how many hours of hip-hop lessons he had to have. This movie is definitely not kid friendly. I can't tell you how many young kids were in the theater last night with their parents. I just wanted to scream, "What are you thinking?"

I'm going to go enjoy the last four hours of the holiday with my family. We're grilling steaks tonight.

Addiction

2008-08-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

I have an addiction.

It's a pathetic addiction, not even worthy enough to visit Betty Ford or Promises, and probably some of you share this addiction with me and don't even know it. Don't be shy, I know you're out there. Those of you who gravitate towards the gossip magazines in the check out line like an obese person gravitates towards a box of donuts. Or even worse, those of you who subscribe to Star and People online so the breaking stories pop up in your email.

That's me. The even worse.

For example: Why am I so fascinated by the fact that David Duchovny has a sex addiction? I was never a big fan of the X-Files, and I can't think of anything else I've seen him in, but the fact that he has a sex addiction and it's posted all over the front pages of the news makes me chortle a little to myself.

And then I start asking myself the important questions.

What (specifically) about sex is he addicted to? Does he wear women's underpants? Does he own the world's largest collection of midget porn?Is he the creepy Peeping Tom, hiding behind rose bushes in the yards of Beverly Hill's mansions. You'd think this kind of addiction would be pretty common in Hollywood. Or at least you'd think you'd have a better publicity person to keep it all quiet. Was it really necessary to make a statement to the press? Whatever...Their stupidity is obviously my gain.

Where did David Duchovny go wrong? It's hard to tell by the photographs. Maybe it was something in the tea.

Facebook...The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2008-08-28T20:28:00.000-05:00

Ahh, Facebook...Where do I even begin?

For those of you who have ventured into this perilous world, I know you understand the joy and the pain experienced with the touch of a button. This is evil in its purest form. An evil so great that it can slow work production by 92% (I don't know if this random statistic is true, but it feels true). For something so small to hold such power over mere mortals has to be created by the Devil.

I have a routine I go through every day. It hardly ever varies, unless one of the kids is sick or I have an appointment somewhere. I wake up, bundle the kids off to school, come home and immediately check my email. I never have email at 7:30 in the morning, but I check it anyway just to be sure. When I find that there is no email in my inbox, I immediately go to Facebook, so I can see what's happened to all my friends over the last eight hours when my eyes were closed. My heart beats quickly and I can't help but smile. Maybe I have a new friend today, or maybe someone has sent me a piece of flair, or maybe someone has joined my Mob Wars.

It's a sad existence. Right?

I somehow find the power to minimize (not shut down completely) Facebook and begin work for the day. For the last couple of weeks my days have been filled with research. I've got information pouring out of my ears, and I'm not even close to being finished. But during bouts of research, usually about every fifteen minutes, I find I have to bring the dreaded page back up and see what I've missed in the lives of "my friends." Some of which I haven't seen in ten years.

But here's the quandry...

As a writer, it's always good to have your name out there and get as many contacts as possible. So it's not like I can just quit Facebook cold turkey. And it takes more willpower than I possess to only check it once, or even twice, a day. I mean, someone might have challenged me to a game of Bouncing Balls or Word Twist (both of which I dominate at). I can't just let these challenges go unanswered. What kind of message would that send to my opponents? Of course, I have to balance my ten-page-a-day minimum with these challenges.

Maybe some of you out there know how to fight this addiction to evil. Please feel free to share.

A New Year.....Sorta

2008-08-26T13:25:00.000-05:00

The first day of school...Does any more really need to be said?

I have a first grader and a kindergartener who both went skipping into school with joy on their little faces and thoughts of the fruit roll-ups in their lunch boxes. The air was crisp and clear, and the only cloud in the sky was hanging over my head as I watched them walk to their respective rooms. But I didn't cry. I stood bravely with the other parents and waved, my lip trembling slightly, but neither one of them turned back in my direction. They were both ready to face a new adventure. And I was alone.

But then something amazing happened when I walked through my front door. It didn't include midgets on unicycles or naked men with giant palms waiting to fan me, but it was close. There was silence. And PEACE. I thought about celebrating the moment and rolling around on the floor in giddy abandon, but I got a hold of myself and did the laundry instead.

I'm going to use this new found freedom and peace to finish researching my new book. You'd think information about prohibition era New Orleans would be easy to come by, but alas, it's not. Oh...I don't think I mentioned the latest WIP in earlier blogs. It's The Untouchables meets the vampire world, with all the corruption of cops, madams and the undead thrown in for fun. I'm really excited about it.

Countdown....

2008-08-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

We're in the final days of summer in the Hodge household. Next Monday, the kids and husband will be off to school, and I'll be a free woman for another 180 days. My brain will slowly begin functioning once more, multiple pages will get written and I won't have to stop to fix snacks, set up video games or interfere in squabbles. Oh blessed, blessed day.

We've got meet the teacher night tonight. My 5 and 6 year old are trying to figure out what to wear, even though the event is still 4 hours away. They are girls to the core, and my husband always shakes his head and says "they take after you."

I'm in the middle of reading Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. I'm in love!!! There's not a lot in the literary world that can make me cringe, but Mr. Child managed to do so in book 2, so my hat goes off to him. Apparently the thought of being stuck in a small enclosed space with rats scurrying over my body is enough to do the trick.

A big thanks to the hubs for telling me I should read the series. It's not often he gets to be right about anything, so I'll let him take a short victory lap and enjoy his moment in the spotlight.

It's Raining, It's Pouring............

2008-08-18T14:23:00.000-05:00

I don't remember the last time we had this much rain in the month of August. I mean, this is Texas, where you can fry eggs on the sidewalks, smell melted tar as you drive down the highway and watch steam rise off the pavement in visible waves. Everything is brown and dusty for seven months of the year and men opt to wear no shirts under their overalls instead of wife-beater tank tops. It is eighty-two degrees outside. Just to give you perspective, it was eighty-two degrees for a good part of December last year.

Why do I live in Texas? It's not because you're considered an outsider if you don't belong to the NRA, or because people think that putting their collection of junk cars without wheels on their front lawn is classy or the even the fact that all the women in the state own stock in Aqua Net so they can achieve "big hair." I don't really have an answer to the question myself.

Maybe someone else knows. Let me know if you've figured out why I like to punish myself by living here.

Where did I go wrong?

2008-08-16T23:22:00.000-05:00

My 6 year old daughter just came in the room and asked if she could dance in her pajamas out on the sidewalk while holding her piggy bank. Her thoughts were that if she danced with the piggy bank in hand then it would be easy for the people driving by to give her money.

Maybe it's just me, but this seems like the beginning of a future I don't really want her to have. My daughter, the 6 year old stripper. Not that I'm against this entrepreneurial thing she has going. I guess we could always open a money market in her name that way she'll be a millionaire by the time she graduates high school.

Obviously my husband and I are so proud right now. We're both immediately going to get sterilized so we don't have the pressure of influencing any more children. The next twelve years are going to be very interesting.

Why are kids so funny? The things they think of never cease to amaze me. Any of you have funny kid stories?

Friday!!!

2008-08-15T12:31:00.000-05:00

The weekend really doesn't mean anything special to me, considering I work from home. When I'm writing I have a tendency to lose track of the days and the time. If I get a new idea on a Friday night or Saturday afternoon, it's best I sit down and work write then so I don't lose the thought. Sometimes I'll write fourteen hours straight if things are really rolling and some days I struggle to get a page in several hours. But for all of you who work regular M-F jobs, here's to you. It's Friday!!!

We're planning on going to the Ranger game tonight. It's been raining pretty steadily here, so I don't know if we'll actually succeed in making it there. I know, I know, you're probably thinking I should be grateful for the rain and go outside and soak it up before it evaporates. It's been over 100 degrees for the last two weeks, which means the added rain is going to be like living in a boiling cauldron. Not to mention my hair does NOT do good things in humidity. Still, I'm thankful (kind of) for the rain.

The hubs and I are taking a trip to Shreveport, Louisiana on Sunday. He's found someone who wants to buy his tuba, so we're hauling it across state lines to get the deed done. We're then going to take the check and ~~cash it at one of the casinos so we can blow several thousand dollars at the nickel slots~~ deposit it into a money market account like responsible adults.

Thanks to everyone that suggested books for me to read. I've gotten through several and am already looking for more. Let me know if you have any more MUST READS!

Cougarific!

2008-08-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

How old do you have to be to qualify for cougar status?

I'm only twenty-eight, so let's pretend a unique and witty female writer who happens to be twenty-eight wants to go cougar on Michael Phelps. Would it count? This is only hypothetical of course, so it's not like I'm saying I'm the unique and witty female in question. Let me know your thoughts on this. I always strive to be accurate.

On a completely different note, my husband tells me I'm abandoning him because I haven't rocked in a while. You all know what I'm talking about--the amazing invention that is Rock Band. I've heard it's saved more than one marriage. The hubs and I used to play nightly, when it was still a shiny new toy just out of the box. I'm a drummer--no, really. I spent four years in college majoring in music so I could be an expert fake drummer for a fake band. Is there something wrong with that picture? It's not like I'm putting those four years to good use anyway because now I'm a writer.

But the hubs gets that occasional sad face and asks, "Why won't you rock with me anymore?" The guilt sets in and I'll take my place once again on my golden throne, reading through the fake music as it scrolls across the T.V. I enjoy it more whenever we have friends over. It's fun ridiculing those who are rhythmically challenged. Or maybe the Rock Band image is tarnished because I had to hear the hubs play "Green Grass and High Tides" four hundred and thirty-seven times before he beat it on guitar expert level. Will Rock Band II salvage our marriage? I'll keep you posted.

Book Launches and the Olympics....

2008-08-11T01:05:00.000-05:00

Who could ask for more?

It's been a pretty rockin' weekend in the house of Hodge. It started with the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I'm a huge Olympic fan, and yes, I'm a crier. They start in with the sappy music and the story of an athlete's difficult road to success and I'm a goner. I'm a sympathetic athlete from the comforts of my couch, which is why I have buns on steel and abs to die for. (Sarcasm)

And then there's the fact that I've had an eight year crush on Dutch swimmer, Pieter van den Hoogenband. Hey, Hodge could be of Dutch origins, right? It's good to teach your children about their possible heritage.

Saturday was also a pretty busy day. My good friend, Jo Davis, had her first book signing, followed by the book launch party. We're so excited for her. You're going to be hearing her name a lot in the next few years, especially in movie news (hint, hint). We had a great time visiting with friends and Jo's family. There was a barbecue buffet and an open bar, followed by more time in the actual bar of the hotel once the party shut down. Nobody knows how to celebrate like writers:-)
Congratulations again, Jo!

Sunday was my daughter's 5th birthday. Does anyone have any idea how hard it is to break a pinata? Let me tell you, I was surprised, but eventually Spongebob was defeated and his innards of chocolate fell to the ground. It was a proud moment. We grilled some burgers and opened gifts, just hanging out with family. It was a nice day, and my daughter was thrilled. What more could a mom ask for?

After everyone left, I thought I'd relax on the couch and wind down a little. But no...No sooner had I sat down than the men's 400 meter relay came on. I was back on my feet in no time, screaming as the last man barely edged out France. Whoosh, I was spent after that. I know, I know, I shouldn't have exerted myself by jumping up and down, but no one's ever accused me of not supporting my country. What are a few heart palpitations as opposed to the Olympics? It only happens every four years after all.

Out of the Funk

2008-08-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

I've been in a little bit of a writing funk lately. After my last book was finished and sent off, my brain was so tired that I had to take a breather for a week or so. That week turned into a month. Then the month turned into two months. You get the idea. I was worried to say the least. This isn't at all typical for me. I've always got a book to write, and I average about three a year. Characters and story lines pop into my head at inopportune moments and I'm hooked. But this time I had nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Was I dried up? Finished as a writer forever? I thought this might be the case, but fortunately I had an opening scene pop into my head last week, which was followed closely by my protagonist and her thoughts. I was RELIEVED. I wasn't dried up. I got serious writing done for the first time in weeks yesterday, which is why I didn't blog. I'm now ready to storyboard and make my new world more visual. This is perfect timing because school is about to start and I'll have the house to myself in the day time (For the most part). Once I storyboard, I'll get to work on my outline. My goal is to have the final draft finished before Christmas. Okay...You heard it first hear folks, so now I have no choice but to follow through.

For those of you who are writers, do you you ever have droughts?

Amazing...

2008-08-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

I don't have a lot to post today because I've spent the entire day reading Acheron, by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is almost 800 pages of glorious goodness. I started the book around midnight last night and finally had to get some sleep around dawn. I did NOT want to put the book down. It made me sad that my weak human body couldn't perservere for such awesomeness in written form. I took up the task once again about 9:30am and turned the last page just a few hours later. There were plenty of tears, lots of laughter and most of all satisfaction for the tortured Acheron.

I'm spent for the rest of the day. I've got to recuperate before I can return to reality. There were a lot of great books that came out this week and they're all in my "to be read" pile. My good friend Jo Davis' book, TRIAL BY FIRE, was also released yesterday, and let me tell all you folks that you'll never look at firefighters the same again. That book is HOT, HOT, HOT. Pick it up, or come meet Jo in person Saturday from 2-4pm at the Barnes and Noble at the Firewheel Town Center in Garland, Texas.

ACHERON!!!!

2008-08-04T21:18:00.000-05:00

The day I've been waiting for is here. Finally.

For those of you who have never picked up Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark-Hunter series, shame on you. I can't recommend these books enough, and I've waited years for Acheron's story to be told. So when Barnes and Noble opened their doors this morning, I was there with my members advantage card in hand and a dopey smile on my face. I elbowed and shoved until I held the thick tome in my hands, and then made my way to the check out line, stroking the embossed letters reverently. My body shook as I handed over my card and watched the check-out girl put the book in the green plastic bag. My drive home was a blur. All I could think of was the story waiting for me once I opened Acheron's pages. I didn't care about the horns blaring at me or that I was weaving in and out of traffic at dangerous rates of speed. I had to read. I HAVE to read.

Today's post is going to be short. Go pick up the Dark-Hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. You won't be sorry.

The Weekend...Didn't I use to be cool?

2008-08-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

Maybe I never was. I can tell you as soon as my husband reads this he'll shake his head and look at me like I've grown a third arm. "Of course you're not cool," he'll say with a pitying look in his eyes for his deluded wife.

But surely there was a time when we'd go out and do something fun and adventurous--head to the movies, an art museum, a party, the book store or to a nice restaurant. But now we just stay at home, growing wider as our behinds become one with the couch and perfecting our ability to dominate in various Facebook games.

Do we stay home because once my husband hit thirty he can't eat after a certain time or he'll be up all night with heartburn? Could be. Or maybe we just realize that home and family is more of a comfort now that we have a house full of kids. We're not quite up to Brangelina's standards, but maybe someday. We did manage to take the kids to the pool yesterday and cool off for a couple of hours followed by a lovely cookout with some good friends.

No, I wasn't able to partake of Lollapalooza like one of my friends or go to a wedding that had the potential to be a three-ring circus like another of my friends, but I enjoyed the time I spent at home with my family and appreciate the normalcies of life. Do I miss the good old days? Nope, not at all.

What about you? Do you like to go out or stay at home?

Where Did the Summer Go?

2008-08-01T12:51:00.000-05:00

Seriously...I just realized that it's August 1st, and my kids and husband will be off to start another school year in a couple of weeks. I'll miss them (no, really) but it seems strange to start the school year off when it's 107 degrees outside. When I was a kid (and we actually started after Labor Day) I could have sworn that the weather was cooling off so you could actually wear those new fall clothes that your mother just bought. Now you have to wait until December (in Texas anyway) and you can only wear them till February, because by then it's already heating up again. Friday night football games were chilly enough that you'd have to buy hot chocolate to keep warm, and London Fog coats were zipped up to the neck and covered our Halloween costumes. No more. My kids have never had to wear a coat while trick-or-treating.

Okay...nostalgia hour is over.

I've had a couple of questions regarding my earlier post about filking. It sounds dirty, right? When my pal Jaye and I walked into the Radison, there were signs everywhere--Filking Rooms on the Second Floor and Friday Night Filking. I'm not afraid to admit I was disturbed. I didn't know any of the people at the Convention other than Jaye, and I definitely didn't want to filk with strangers. I'm not that kind of girl. I was worried that I'd have to get naked, and I hate doing that when I'm alone, so I couldn't imagine what it would be like in a room full of people. Had I shaved my legs? Would I be arrested? Was this something that only happened in Oklahoma?

It turns out that filking is the sci-fi/fantasy version of folk singing. It was actually pretty cool, but I didn't stay long because I didn't want my long island iced tea to go to waste in the bar.

For those of you interested, there's a great blog on the League of Reluctant Adults about what it means to be "author hot." I know you're curious, so check it out. http://www.leagueofreluctantadults.com/2008/08/hot-hot-hot.html

Dinner and a Movie

2008-07-31T10:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a pretty good day. It was my turn to get up early with the baby, so I was able to get a good bit of the revisions done for my newest book. The great thing about working from home is you never have to put pants on if you don't feel like it. I stayed in my nightgown until 4:00pm, doing revisions and chatting with my good friend Elizabeth (who lives in Chicago) on Facebook. Elizabeth just got engaged, so we're all extremely excited that she's not going to grow up and be an old maid (yay Liz!). Don't get me wrong, I know it sounds like I had a busy day, but I did manage to get a couple of rounds of Word Twist in and manage my Mob Wars. (For those of you who don't know, Mob Wars and Word Twist are the equivalent of Facebook crack).

This is basically what I look like with no pants. Don't be jealous.

I did have to put pants on at 4:00 because my husband came in and wanted to take the kids to see a movie (I've got three kids) and out to dinner. This is the summer, NO SCHOOL, and those of you that have children probably realize how important it is to get everyone out of the house regularly so death and destruction don't occur in the living room. So we went to Mexican Inn,

and then we went to see Wall-e, which was an outstanding family movie. I didn't cry at all unlike my BFF Jaye, who cried buckets. I'm obviously made of tougher stuff than Jaye. www.jayeblahg.blogspot.com

I've got a list a mile long of movies I want to see while they're still in the theater, but it's been a busy summer.

What's your favorite movie that's come out this summer?

Weinies Need Not Apply

2008-07-30T09:22:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have never forayed into the vicious jungle that is Wal-Mart at back-to-school time, let me give you a few survival tips.

1.) Never look anyone in the eye. It shows weakness. If there is only one bottle of glue left in the entire store, (which I have seen before) by the time you make eye contact with your competitor (because it is a competition) they've already elbowed you in the throat and reached in for the grab. So don't dawdle.

2.) Large women with shoeless children are in their natural habitat, so don't get in their way.

3.) Back-to-school shopping is not a game. It's life or death. So it's okay to use your basket like you're at a bumper car rally. Everyone else will be doing the same thing. This is survival of the fittest people, and you don't want to get kicked off the island too early.

4.) They will never have all the supplies that are on your list, so take your blood pressure meds before entering the store. This is some kind of conspiracy contrived by the stores to make you hunt for the gold bullion that is scissors, construction paper and wide-ruled spiral notebooks.

5.) Did I mention the large women with shoeless kids? The ones who call their children "brother" and "sister" like they were adopted by the Berenstein Bears?

Does anyone have any interesting stories of shopping in America's "wonderland"?

Getting Back to the Real World

2008-07-29T10:20:00.001-05:00

It always takes a couple off days to wind down after a conference and remember you have responsibilities like children, husbands, work and dogs (not necessarily in that order). I'll post some pictures below of the conference so you can see the craziness first hand. Also, you can check out Mark Henry's blog because he has some great pictures as well.
http://mdhenry.livejournal.com/83427.html

This is Mark Henry's dog. She has nothing to do with the conference or Blue Drank/cream-filled olives, but she sure is cute. Somehow Mark's pictures ended up on my computer. I don't remember why. It's hazy.

I forgot to mention in yesterday's post about filking, which I still don't completely understand, so another trip to Wikipedia might be in order. Filking happened frequently over the four day trip. I also forgot to mention the man with no pants on the fourth floor of the Radison. I would have gotten a picture but I was too stunned to lift the camera to my face. Believe me, I'm just as sorry as you are that I missed the shot. It was legendary.

All right, all right, no more convention talk (for now). I promised we'd talk about something serious--The amazing summer book releases of 2008 (That was said in my head by movie-phone guy)

Okay, here's a starting point of the books I've read this summer. Feel free to agree or disagree with my reading choices, though if you disagree be prepared to take the consequences. (Just a side note: I read everything. Any genre. So don't judge).

1.) J.R. Ward-Lover Enshrined (If you haven't read this series you should be ashamed)
2.) Janet Evanovich- Fearless Fourteen
3.) Linda Howard- Death Angel (this book was REALLY good)
4.) Catherine Coulter- Tailspin
5.) Lisa Gardner- Say Goodbye

Has anyone read any of these?

Conestoga or Bust!!!

2008-07-28T17:11:00.001-05:00

I just got back from the Conestoga/Fur, Fangs and Fey Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and let me take a moment to thank everyone that made me feel so welcome. It was a great few days, and I've come back home wiser, poorer, more sophisticated and infinitely smarter. If you don't know what a cloacal kiss is, then I suggest you take a moment to find a dictionary.

Here are a few other things I learned in the great city of Tulsa:

1.) Stay away from Mark Henry-After four days you end up singing all of your sentences and then certain husbands won't make out with you until you return back to normal. But please buy his book (Happy Hour of the Damned) because it's funny and makes you throw up a little in the back of your throat.

2.) Dean Lorey (writer of Arrested Development/Major Payne/My Wife and Kids) makes poor choices-The grass is not always greener on the other side. Remember this so you don't end up depressed and longing after the funny women when you realize that blonds are not always better.

3.) Say "no" whenever someone wants to give you a "Squid Packet" -Just take my word on this. I know from experience.

4.) Don't accept cream-filled olives from strangers- Just take my word on this too. It's never pretty and only marginally romantic (I don't care how sexy Lee Horsley is)

5.) I was separated at birth from Jaye Wells- Go buy her book people. Seriously. It comes out in April, and it is dy-no-mite. (Red-Headed Stepchild, Orbit Books)

6.) Kit Kittredge, "American Girl" is just how I imagined her to be after seeing Abigail Breslin portraying her in the movie. www.caitlinkittredge.com

7.) I want to grow up to be Jeanne Stein- fo shizzle

8.) Never partake if someone offers you "Blue Drank"- See numbers 3 and 4 above.

There are so many more tidbits that contributed to my increase of knowledge this past weekend, but Long Island Ice Tea was the drink of choice for Conestoga and I don't remember what else I learned. I do remember all the amazing people I got to hang out with, so thank you all for a terrific conference.

I've got to go get some writing done (since I haven't produced anything in the last five days). My next series of blog posts are going to be about favorite summer book releases. What are your favorite reads of summer 2008?