Wendy Roberts

How to Write Your Stupid Book: Tip 6 – When do I go on Oprah?

2012-02-08T10:16:00.001-08:00

First of all, the Oprah ship has sailed so forget that.Okay, let’s assume you finished your book. You gave it to friends to read and they all told you it was wonderful because they’re your friends and didn’t want to hurt your feelings. Or maybe it IS wonderful. Who am I to judge? My first book was a convoluted story about a cup of flour’s journey to be a birthday cake (seriously).So what’s your

How to Write Your Stupid Book: Tip 5 – A Rose by Any Other Name Still Stinks

2012-01-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Since it’s been a while, let’s briefly recap how I’m writing my stupid books and notes from previous posts:TIP 1: was all about BICHOKing.TIP 2: IdeasTIP 3: plotting and pantsingTIP 4: internal editorsAll caught up? Good. Today’s post is about names. The name of your book. The names of your characters.I know writers who obsess about these things. I know writers who truly can’t write a single

Snowball Fight!

2011-12-21T14:34:00.000-08:00

Click (or copy and paste) link below to view my fun with my dog, Bella, as well as Obama, Einstein and Oprah. Best people in the world to have a snowball fight with *snort*http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/LnFmYWqJUKQwpGg4Wishing all of you the very best Christmas and much joy in the coming year!I'll be back with more posts in the New Year!

What to get for the author who has everything

2011-12-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

Most people who know me know that I don't enjoy shopping. It makes my eyes twitch and gives me cramps. This time of year is hell on a person like me. I do a lot of shopping online and in-store shopping gets done in November because I don't want to be trampled by crazed lunatics who've been imbibing in too much eggnog.This year, I'm very proud of a couple purchases I made for myself.Deadly serious

How to Write Your Stupid Book: Tip 4

2011-12-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

Tell your internal editor to go to hell. You open your manuscript with the idea of writing a gazillion new pages and finally reaching that mid-way point in your two-gazillion page book. Except the minute you open Word you’ve gotta, just GOTTA, go back and check to see if the fact you mentioned about your protagonist liking chai tea is accurate to the story. I mean, what would happen if you said

How to Write Your Stupid Book: Tip 3

2011-11-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

Plot if you have to but only if you have to.Many authors I know are extreme plotters. They will plot the living daylights out of their stories before writing the first chapter. They’ll have flow charts and colorful graphs and, yes, even point-by-point lists of what comes after what. Some even plot for 50 or more pages before writing a single word in their book. It works for them and they’ve

When Good Turkeys Go Bad

2011-11-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

The following for my American friends.Happy Thanksgiving.

How to Write Your Stupid Book: Tip 2

2011-11-22T11:03:00.001-08:00

But does it have legs?Everyone gets ideas. Some are better than others. For example, the other night I had a particularly vivid dream. Sometimes I get great book ideas from my dreams so when I woke up I quickly jotted notes. Then I let it simmer during the day. As the day wore on I mulled it over. In the end, I decided that using my nail gun on a certain delicate part of my ex’s anatomy might

How to Write Your Stupid Book: Tip 1

2011-11-19T19:10:00.001-08:00

I get a number of emails from fans and writers and also a few from weirdoes. Assuming you’re a fan or writer, chances are good you’ve asked the question “When is your next book coming out?” Maybe you’ve shouted it in all caps or sent it in accusing mother-guilt tone (It’s been a long time since you wrote your last book and I’m patiently waiting). To that I say, I’m sorry. I am writing. I’m just

My dog is an Ewok

2011-11-17T07:45:00.002-08:00

At least she ASPIRES to be an Ewok.Off to the groomers for a short-terrier cut and a new red coat. Don't know if you can see the green bow in her hair. She was not pleased.Sometimes this is how it is with my characters. They may have their own aspirations but it's my job as an author to wrangle them into how I need them for the sake of the story.Hey, I still aspire to be a rock'n roll star. We

Everyone wants a piece of me

2011-11-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Every single morning I walk downstairs with one thought on my mind: COFFEESo important is that first morning cup that I intentionally get up earlier than anyone else in the household so I can enjoy it in peace and quiet. There's just something simple and wonderful when it's just me and my java while I check emails to see if anyone from THE-GREAT-WORLD-OF-PUBLISHING has good news for me (NYC is 3

Busy Writing

2011-11-06T15:15:00.001-08:00

This guy acts out exactly how I think I look when I'm starting a new book :)Right now I'm doing research for a new book. It's not nearly as exciting as it sounds but I'm hoping I'll get to the exciting writing part soon!

Sometimes you gotta take it ALL off

2011-10-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Many wonderful things happened this weekend at the Surrey International Writers' Conference.My workshops seemed to be well received by the crowd and I was impressed with the caliber of participants. They came prepared to not only take notes, but pepper me with thought provoking questions. It made my job even more fun!Speaking of fun, the amazing Robert Dugoni made the conference a hoot for all.

Surrey International Writers' Conference

2011-10-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! This weekend I'll be at the Surrey International Writers' Conference.I'll be presenting two sessions:Writing Wickedly Wonderful VillainsandTalking to the Dead and other Paranormal ActivitiesDoesn't that sound fun?Wish you could all come!

Save the books ...

2011-09-22T15:14:00.001-07:00

Random House, Inc. Important Awareness Campaign - Join the movement I just LOVE this picture and had to share it!Personally, I don't watch Jersey Shore but I know a lot of fans :)

Coffee! Yummmmmm

2011-08-10T09:15:00.001-07:00

My newest work contains a lot of one of my favorite things .... COFFEE! I love coffee. Love the smell. Love the sound of the beans grinding. And, of course, lo-o-o-ove the taste of a good cup of coffee. I had to research how to make coffee in a French Press. Simple and delicious! What have you been drinking lately :)

What a thrill!

2011-07-04T13:44:00.001-07:00

I'm off to Thrillerfest!If you happen to be in New York, come on down. I'll be chatting about "How to Make Readers Come Back for More?"So, as a reader, what's make you come back?

To Kill or Not to Kill

2011-06-02T07:01:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I reach a point in a story where I'm not sure whether or not I'm keeping a character around because I've become attached to him, or if he really play a crucial role in the rest of the plot. Like Joe in my current work in progress (name has been changed to protect the direction of the story he he). Should Joe live, die, or just be horribly maimed?As someone who writes by the seat of my

My Jaw Dropped

2011-05-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a book (that I won't name) that used the term "my jaw dropped" and then a couple pages later "her jaw dropped" and then a chapter later "it made my jaw drop". It made me think seriously about my own tendency to repeat. It is probably the number one thing caught by my editor. If she stopped me from sounding like the book that will remain nameless, then I owe her big

Working my way through my TBR

2011-03-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

Tackling my "to be read" pile lately:Breathless - Dean KoontzWicked - Janet EvanovichDon't Cry - Beverly BartonCharade - Sandra BrownLove Me To Death - Allison BrennanThere are more I've read lately but I'm too lazy to run upstairs and look at the pile on my night stand!I'm also busy, busy writing. Thanks to all who keep asking about Ghost Dusters but, yes, it's dead ... pun definitely intended

Feeling Upside Down

2010-12-20T08:06:00.001-08:00

I have a coldand it's making me feel all discombobulated. You know that feeling when you're light headed and everything you say sounds like you're talking in a tunnel? Never fails that I pick up a bug at this time of year when I'm running around like that ol' chicken without a head. Basically I'm ready for the holidays. There are a few small exceptions. Like I woke up in a cold sweat in the

Feeling a little Grinched?

2010-11-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it's done. The decorating that is. Every year I say the same thing: "I'm NOT putting up ALL the decorations." Every year my children smile and nod knowingly as ALL and sometimes more than ALL (the extras bought on sale after Christmas the previous year) manage to crowd the house. Yes, it's true. I'm an excessive holiday decorator. I've found a way to crowd the house with items from all the

And now to hide the body...

2010-11-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

Returned from a research trip to Seattle. Brought the kids so I decided to get their input on where to hide a body in my next book.Their ideas:Between the rows of an abandoned movie theatre => <= The traditional weed choked ditch. And my personal favorite. The taco bus => How about you? Any personal preferences for hiding a body?

Candy!!

2010-11-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

Are you old enough to remember candy cigarettes? Ahhhh yes...the good ol' days! My kids received the more pc version this halloween. They're in tiny boxes and called Peppermint Sticks. There's no red dye immitating a glowing ember on the end though. My Halloween was a great success. I managed to create a house too frightening for most trick or treaters. Might have to tone things down next year if

Are You in the Spirit?

2010-10-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

I tend to lose my head a little over halloween. We had a party last weekend and we're having another this weekend. The house is looking particulary scary and I've had more than a few people afraid to approach my front door without assurance nothing is going to jump out at them. I won't be able to make that same promise on Halloween night though he he he.Not everyone in the family is in the spirit

Ahhhh The Classics

2010-10-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

Tis the season to start with the classics. You know the ones that make you scream ...Friday the 13thHalloweenThe ShiningThe one that brings back memories for me is The Creature from the Black Lagoon. I was 10 when I crept downstairs in the middle of the night to watch this movie on tv and I couldn't sleep for a week!So who makes you scream? Is it Freddie, Jason, or do you avoid scary movies all

When Life Gives You Lemons ... ask for salt & tequila

2010-10-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

Heard back from my fabulous agent and I need to re-work the main character in the new book. I trust her instincts so I'm going to ruminate and reflect about her suggestions ... possibly with some tequila. No, not right now. It's only 9 am! Need to work up to ruminating and reflecting later.Right now I'm off to walk the dog. Some of my best thought process is done while being yanked around by a

Whodunit?

2010-10-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I finished reading A Field of Darkness by Cornelia Read. I recommended it to a friend who promptly asked, Did you figure out who dunit?Answer? Yes. I did.For some mystery lovers it’s important to maintain the element of surprise. They really get annoyed if they figure out the perpetrator of the crime before the final moments in the book. Trust me; I’ve got the emailed fan mail to

Things aren't always as they appear

2010-10-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving so, yup, I'm full of turkey and exhausted from all the work. That's my defense for my momentary lack of brain power this morning.You see, this morning I went to Wal-mart to stock up on a few things. Mainly Halloween candy because I'm craving chocolate. Anyhow, I come out of Wally-land after an hour and I start heading for my blue Dodge Caravan. I stop in

On My Bedside Table

2010-10-07T10:59:00.001-07:00

As always, I’m reading up a storm. In the last month I’ve read three books and I’m working on my fourth so I thought I’d share:Showdown in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon – If you’ve read Jana’s other Mudbug books (Mischief and Trouble) you already know you’re in for a treat. It was funny and intriguing and the characters were colorful in a way that Jana has down to a fine art. The Geometry of Sisters by

Updates and Ramblings

2010-10-04T10:35:00.001-07:00

Life is funny.Not always funny ha ha.Sometimes it’s just funny strange.It’s not that I totally abandoned the idea of blogging. I just needed to put it on the back burner for a while in order to deal with more pressing issues:1) Health issues that involved my gallbladder as well as a host of other issues that seemed to suck the life right out of me.2) My publisher decided not to renew the Ghost

Yes, I'm around ... Kind of

2010-09-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Disposable Parts

2010-05-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about you, but I seem to be made of disposable body parts. Then again, maybe the warranty on my parts is just expiring. I feel a little like the minivan I traded in last year. I should’ve traded that Ford in two years prior to it nickel and diming me to death. That’s how I feel about my body parts right now. Like they’re nickel and diming me to death. Well, not financially because I’

Paperwork will kill you

2010-04-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yup I've been buried under paper. The fun kind and the not-so-fun kind- preparing to do my taxes (not-so-fun)- researching a new novel (fun!!!!!)The problem with dealing with paperwork is that it will take over your life if you allow it. I started with one small box of receipts and I swear it generated into a week of copying, emailing and faxing. It's sick really.When I was hired to work at an

I'm Younger Today

2010-03-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe I'm not younger in actual days, but I do FEEL younger. Aside from the fact that the dog decided to wake me at 3 am by throwing up in my bed, I'm convinced today and this year will make me feel younger. And since it is my birthday I can be younger if I want, right? :)Today is my day for resolutions. Others make them at New Years but I prefer my birthday since that's a new year for me.

Closings

2010-03-02T08:44:00.001-08:00

I went to the closing ceremonies of the olympics and, yes, it was a pretty amazing experience. Even if you put aside for a second that I probably could've gone to Hawaii with a couple friends for the cost, it was still pretty cool. One of the best parts was the audience participation kits. <--- Every person was given a suitcase style box attached to their seats. Nobody was supposed to exchange or

Whew! What a relief.

2010-02-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

Along with most other Canadians, I breathed a sigh of relief when Canada finally got a gold medal on Canadian soil ... um ... snow. Well, the olympics seem to be going along nicely despite the fact that there isn't much snow. I take full responsibility for the fact that Cypress Mtn has had to truck in and make snow since I stated months ago I wanted NO SNOW for Christmas. Last year we had record

I'm not ready yet ...

2010-02-10T09:06:00.001-08:00

The 2010 Winter Olympics are going to start here in just a couple days. I'm feeling a little like I do every Christmas, I know it's coming but I just need a few more days to get ready.I've already been caught up in torch traffic through my city. Not fun. Sure it's amazing to see the Olympic torch making its way through the streets of your home town but not so great when you're fighting tens of

Little Things

2010-02-01T06:08:00.001-08:00

It's all those little things that tend to get in your way.For example, this weekend I was all set to host a double-header sleepover party for two of my boys but things did not run as smoothly as planned. Let's just say that when you find yourself standing in line at the local hardware store buying a plunger and a mop you just KNOW the next few hours are not going to be fun, relaxing or coming up

Cemeteries and other fun stuff

2010-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

My trip to Seattle was great fun! I signed a stack of books at the Seattle Mystery Bookshop. There are many fabulous things about this gem of a book store in Seattle. For example, it's haunted. That's a bonus when you write about ghosts. Also, the staff are fabulous. Every year I come in and ask Fran for her recommendations and she brings me a stack of books that she's read recently and tells me

Signing Books in Seattle

2010-01-07T20:12:00.000-08:00

I'm heading down to Seattle to do a little research. Looking for a few new nooks and crannies to kill a person or two :)On Saturday I'll be signing books at the wonderful Seattle Mystery Bookshop. Come by if you get a chance!

Come Over and Visit

2010-01-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging over at MUSE INTERRUPTED today about pesky New Year's resolutions. Come over and visit. You might win some books :)

Off Like a Herd of Turtles

2010-01-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

Things are not moving as quickly as I'd like this week. Kids are back at school but it seems to be taking me longer than usual to hit my groove. Things on my 'Must Do' list today:* Walk the dog. Not a whimpy little walk that I've done lately but a serious long walk so I can get back into exercise.* Must put away all the Christmas paraphernalia. Even though I've bagged and boxed numerous items, it

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Did you stay up late and celebrate the coming of 2010?Are you happy to see that old, dusty 2009 gone, or was it a good year for you?In my case, 2009 wasn't so great so I'm hoping for good things in the new year to chase away some not-so-good feelings left over from 2009. I usually leave resolutions until my birthday in March but I definitely have a few things I need to accomplish personally and

2009-12-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

Hope your holiday season is fabulous!I'm busy wrapping, cooking and preparing.How about you? :)

What are you Wishing for?

2009-12-18T08:37:00.000-08:00

My kids have wish lists a mile long. They know they're not getting most of the things but it doesn't stop them from wishing. I've found that as I get older, my wish list gets shorter. I'm not talking about the peace-for-mankind kind of wishes or the everyone-has-good-health kind. I'm talking about what's wrapped and under the tree.I found myself asking for socks and slippers this year. My God,

You know the answer, right?

2009-12-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

Over at the Barnes & Noble Dead & Kicking thread there's a contest going. Do you know the answer to this Dead & Kicking question?What brought Sadie out to Bellevue Square Mall?If you know the answer and post it on the Barnes & Noble site you'll be entered to win a book. So come on over!

Winner of the Contest is ...

2009-12-02T06:23:00.000-08:00

D R U Congratulations Dru! Drop me an email at wendy at wendyroberts dot com and give me your snail mail addy for the books and the email addy you'd like the amazon gift sent too. I'm still enjoying myself over at Barnes and Noble's online Mystery Book Club so, if you can, please pop by for a visit. There are many wonderful writers there this month ... Brenda Novak for one, so come on by and say

Today's the Day!!

2009-12-01T05:54:00.001-08:00

Wooooo Hooooo!Dead and Kicking hits book stores today! I'm sooo excited :)Hope you get a chance to pick it up!You have until the end of today to post comments and get in on the contest to win a signed Ghost Dusters series and a $100 Amazon gift certificate!

Barnes & Noble Mystery Book Club

2009-11-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

I love book clubs. Even before I was a writer, I thrilled to discuss books in a cozy library or coffee shop.I can't sit down with each and every one of you to discuss the Ghost Dusters books but I am discussing them over at the Barnes & Noble Mystery Book Club site. Why don't you grab a cup of coffee and join us? It's easy as pie to ask questions and join in the fun!Have you ever been a member of

I'm Grateful

2009-11-25T06:06:00.000-08:00

I'm off for a few days but in light of U.S. Thanksgiving this week, I'm reminded of my old gratitude journal that I haven't visisted for a while. Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? It was a daily habit that was on my night table for years and slowly I got away from it. This morning I wrote in it that I'm grateful for family, friends and my health. Although my health isn't the best right now,

4 Stars!!

2009-11-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

Romantic Times gave DEAD AND KICKING four stars! I went to my local book store to pick up the magazine in order to read the full review but it isn't in Canada yet. I should've just stopped at Barnes and Noble when I was cross border shopping this morning but it totally slipped my mind. Most likely because my mind was warped and distorted by my shopping list. While waiting in the border lineup (a

Oh no ... it's started!

2009-11-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

I saw the festive red envelope in my mailbox yesterday and carefully avoided opening it until today. Ugh. It's started. The annual fill-your-calendar-every-night parade of holiday parties. I wanted to pop it back in the mail return to sender with a scribbled note on the back that said, Look, I'm sorry but there's a law against inviting people to holiday events and making them feel like they

New Trailer Up On Site

2009-11-16T08:26:00.001-08:00

My web gal has the new flash intro up on my site for DEAD AND KICKING. If you get a chance, pop over to wendyroberts.com and tell me what you think :)It is still blowing a big wind in my neck of the woods. Mother Nature has a big thorn in her butt and decided just to topple trees and small children for fun. And today's garbage day so the big debate this morning was do I put the garbage and

Sometimes things just take care of themselves

2009-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

I hate raking leaves. Really. My kids did it once this year. Only once and only because they wanted to jump in the pile. Then again give me a break. I mean what's the point of raking leaves when the tree is still half covered, right? My neighbor does not get this reasoning. My leaves upset him because they blow in his yard. So yesterday I raked and raked until the lawn was pristine. Perfect I

BIG Announcement

2009-11-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

I'm counting down to the release date of DEAD AND KICKING on December 1st and I want to share the excitement! :)I'm running a blog contest from now until release day. Enter a comment on my blog between now and release day and your name will go into the hat to be drawn on December 2nd.What's the prize you ask? 1) A signed set of the Ghost Dusters books (Remains of the Dead, Devil May Ride & Dead

ONLY 27 MORE DAYS!!!

2009-11-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

Have you pre-ordered your copy yet??I'll be announcing a BIG CONTEST in the next couple days so stay tuned :)

Oh the Horror

2009-10-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

I toddled off to the Surrey International Writers Conference without telling you. It was in my own backyard but I got to stay at the hotel and work until late so it was just like getting away. I also hooked up with some great people to help me with research for my current novel and I've spent a few days emailing back and forth with them making sure I get some things just right.As you can see by

Turkey and other Decapitations

2009-10-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend was Thanksgiving up here in the Cold White North (neither cold nor white this weekend but it'll come). I did not put on the feast and instead we attended at my mother-in-law's. Nice because it's all the fun with far less work. Then again no turkey sandwiches today. Oh well. I'm willing to pay that price.My goal this week is to write at least 40 new pages in my work in progress to

Afraid of the Swine?

2009-10-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

My youngest is home sick with the flu. Fever and general yuckiness that I can feel seeping its way over to me. I'm attacking with mega vitamin c and other goodies.All this talk of Swine Flu doesn't help. In Canada 600 people have died from H1N1. In a regular year, over 4,000 die from the annual flu. I'm of the belief the panic about the swine is overrated. Can I please put in a request that

What Motivates You?

2009-09-29T09:15:00.001-07:00

Sometimes to get myself moving on a project I need a little motivation. I'll write an extra page for some chocolate but that's a helluva lot of chocolate if you're talking 400 pages so I need to mix things up a bit LOL!The same is true for my kids. I thought I'd hold a contest to see who could make their bed the most times before heading off to school during the month of September. The prize was

Things that have kept me from blogging lately...

2009-09-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

- went away to the Coastal Dance Rage convention with my daughter and the hotel's internet sucked.- I had a 3 day migraine jag that ended with me finally giving in and going to see a new bone cruncher.- We have 4 computers in the house and after one imploded two others were sabotaged by children including a mother board damaged by a too small sd card and a major spillage accidentWhat's your

Cherries are Fun!

2009-09-14T06:35:00.001-07:00

Starting tomorrow I will be discussing DEVIL MAY RIDE as a guest on Jennifer Crusie's Cherry Forum. Come join the fun!Go to the forum page here, then click on Cherry Forums Book Club (under Reading). It's always a fun time with the Cherries. Come join the discussion :)Sooo what's up? Anything exciting planned for your week?

Sie Sprechen Deutsch?

2009-09-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Now Back to your Regularly Scheduled Laundry - AND A CONTEST!

2009-09-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

How is it possible that you leave with a mid-sized suitcase for a family and return with a massive pile of laundry?I did manage to get some good writing pages done. Mostly because I get up hours before anyone else so I can clickety clack on the ol' laptop before anyone needs/wants me for anything. I had hoped for wifi at the cottage. Had been promised that there was a somewhat finicky connection.

At the Lake

2009-08-22T19:36:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA lately. I'm at Cultus Lake until September first.Peaceful. Tranquil. Except when you're sharing a 2 bedroom cottage with 4 kids, a dog and a guinea pig. Still the pages are coming along.How is your summer going? Kids go back to school on September 8th. Far too late in the year for my liking but then the teachers didn't ask my opinion.

What's in Your Purse?

2009-08-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

I read an article recently that said most purses contain three items: keys, a wallet and a phone. So why the hell is mine so heavy?A few days ago I realized my right shoulder was killing me. Aching like I'd done kind of strenuous workout. Since I've avoided anything strenuous beyond typing, I know it wasn't a workout style injury. It didn't occur to me that it was purse-related until my friend

And the Winner is ...

2009-08-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

...Laura HambyAnd you've won some awesome Allison Brennan stories:...As well as a few treats from me :)So, Laura, email me your snail mail addy (wendy at wendyroberts dot com).I'm off to Seattle for a few days of work and pleasure!

Pictures

2009-07-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the writers hard at work on Bowen Island :) Here we are in the beautiful gardens of the Old Dorm. Trust me, we were just about to write. Or maybe we'd just finished.This is me at Snug Cove. Our path to dinner went right past this beautiful spot. Honest, we were writing hard before we left.I was sitting at the table in the distance and, yes, I believe some pages were

So Cool!

2009-07-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed my time on Bowen Island with friend Mary J. Forbes. Dan the man who runs The Old Dorm B & B where we stayed, made sure we were well pampered and taken care of. We'd feast on his marvelous breakfast, write, wander the lagoon to visit the cantankerous swan that likes to bully the ducks and then return to write some more.There were only a few restaurants open mid-week on Bowen but

Where oh Where Have You Gone?

2009-07-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

I'm in Bowen Island this week writing my little heart out with friend and author Mary J. Forbes .How is your summer going? Are you travelling the world? Firing up the barbeque in your own back yard? Post a comment about your favorite vacation spot, include a link to pictures if you can, and I'll put your name in a draw for some great summer reading material!Prize draw will be in about 10 days :)

Poor Wienermobile!

2009-07-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

If you're having a bad day just count your blessings. Like you probably don't have the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile crashing into your home. The giant hot dog on wheels was driving down a road and the 22-year old driver was trying to turn it around in a driveway. She thought she was in reverse and went forward.<-- I don't know what she's smiling about!Sometimes you just got to have patience..Even if

Lost & Found

2009-07-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

I recently read this article about a woman's wallet found in a cherry tree in New York's Central Park. The woman had her wallet stolen in the park in 1982. Recently workers were chopping down the tree and found the wallet inside the hollow trunk. Twenty bucks was missing but the driver's license and credit cards were still in tact. <-- The article made me think of this book. I received the Anne

Oh Canada

2009-07-01T08:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Canada Day! Or, as we like to call it around my house, Happy Oldest Child's Birthday!Yes, sixteen years ago I spent Canada Day in 16 hours worth of pain to bring forth my first born. In honor of my pain the country announced a national holiday and my daughter always has fireworks on her special day. It's the least everyone could do lol!Here are the names of a few other Canadians you might

Have You Seen A Ghost?

2009-06-24T07:16:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I did a ghostie post but one came up yesterday. I was talking to a friend who lives in New Westminster, an area not far from where I live now. New Westminster is an old area with many not-so-safe neighborhoods but more areas of great history and charm. When I first moved to the West Coast, I moved into an apartment in this area.At that time of my life (my late twenties)I

Catch and Release?

2009-06-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Last night on the news I watched President Obama deftly smack down a pest that was bothering him. I was impressed because I'm really more of a fly chaser than a fly killer. It's not that I don't WANT to kill flies. I'm just not fast enough. When I go after a fly it turns into a huge circus with me screaming at the kids "Do you see it? Where did it go?" and them yelling, "Over there by the lamp!"

How are YOU feeling?

2009-06-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

June is always a crazy month for me. It's such a mix of feelings.<--I'm feeling a little like this. Intense panic because school will be out in about ten days. TEN days and that means the kidlets will be around ALL the time. I want to get a ton of pages done every day between now and then but it seems life just keeps getting in the way of serious writing time. I also feel a certain amount of

It's Dangerous Being a Writer

2009-06-11T06:36:00.001-07:00

A few months ago I was happily sitting at my computer killing people off, rescuing my heroine and catching the bad guy. Normally I'm kept quite safe while I put my characters in jeopardy. Not that day. You see I tend to type in awkward positions. I tuck my legs underneath my body and lounge in strange angles. This started a few years ago when the car I was in was rear-ended by a semi-truck.

It's a bouncing baby girl!

2009-06-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Aquarium as a new addition. Twenty-year-old Beluga whale, Aurora, gave birth to her latest calf on Sunday. Click here and you can go to the beluga cam and see the cutie patootie and her mom.I've been busy trying to wrap my mind around my new work in progress. For the first time ever I find I'm writing scenes out of order. It's driving me crazy! A friend told me that it's no

How's your elbow?

2009-06-03T06:15:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I fell off a chair and broke my elbow while trying to kill a spider for my daughter. After that I developed a live and let live attitude about spiders in the house. I also get pains in my elbow where surgery took place to remove bone fragments. I didn't think that pain had anything to do with my cell phone usage but apparently a lot of people "stress out the ulnar nerves" by over

Cover!

2009-05-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is the new cover for Dead and Kicking. It goes on sale December 1st and it'll be the third book in the Ghost Dusters series. As you can see, it is a TOTALLY different look than the other two covers. My editor thinks the new look will drive up sales. I love the colors.What's your opinion? Does the cover speak to you? I want it to shout: PICK ME UP! BUY ME! READ ME!

Point of View

2009-05-27T06:18:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been attempting to write the same scene using multiple points of view. It's a writing exercise I use sometimes when I don't feel I have proper emotion in a scene. The problem is that this particular scene didn't feel particularly right in any point of view. In the end I had to admit that it needed to be deleted. Not that I ever really delete anything LOL. What I do is save it in a

Is it really JUST a number?

2009-05-21T10:12:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about age lately. More specifically, I've been thinking about a character's age. I originally had her about 28. I wanted her young but not too young. Old enough to know better, but still capable of youthful mistakes. When talking to a friend though, she thought 28 was too young. She figured 35 was the new 28. That conversation brought about a landslide of "what ifs" and "

Batter Up!

2009-05-17T08:16:00.001-07:00

It's Victoria Day here in Canada. In my neck of the woods there is very little actual celebrating of Queen Victoria's birthday. Instead, the May long weekend means one thing around my house. Baseball. Every May long weekend there is a ball tournament and that means for a few days we are punished, um, I mean thrilled to have the opportunity to sit on hard wooden bleachers for hours on end during

What if you had some extra cash?

2009-05-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yet again my research has taken me into some weird and wonderful places on the web. I had a character who came into some extra cash and vowed to use it for something silly. Of course silliness can come big or small. Take the above pictured magnetic floating bed you could pick up if you had an extra million or so. <-- If you only had $10 to buy something silly. You might go with something like

Chocolate Powered

2009-05-06T06:27:00.003-07:00

This car from Warwick Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre is powered by chocolate, has a body made from potatoes, and a steering wheel made from carrots. <----Another thing powered by chocolate.Yesterday I went to the market and loaded up on tons of fresh fruit and vegies to nibble while I worked at the computer. In the end, the berries and broccoli went uneaten and there was a pile of

2009-05-06T06:27:00.001-07:00

Shop for a Cause

2009-05-01T06:16:00.001-07:00

Today marks the beginning of the 5th annual online diabetes auction put on by author Brenda Novak.I've donated the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Bundle you see in the picture above. There is a ton of fabulous stuff up for auction! If you like to shop, and I know you do, then pop on over to Brenda's Site and bid often! If you have your eye on something particular, let me know in the comments.

But do you love the ocean THIS much?

2009-04-27T06:09:00.001-07:00

Eternal Cruises is offering you a chance to ride the "voyage to infinity". Perhaps you love the ocean soooo much that you wish you could ride the waves forever. You've thought about having your ashes sprinkled in the Atlantic but there's so much pollution and you'd really rather not ride along with empty water bottles and fish poop. Well, now you can book a cruise with Eternal Cruises. Once

Do You Chew?

2009-04-23T07:02:00.000-07:00

You may have heard that gum chewing is the new coffee. That is to say that chewing a piece of gum supposedly makes you more alert. At least that's what the scientists at the Wrigley Science Institute would like you to believe. Yesterday I performed my own little experiment. I was out of coffee and had no time to stop for a Starbucks but I did have a pack of gum. I crammed a couple pieces in my

How Gross is too Gross?

2009-04-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

I enjoy a good gross-out. That doesn't mean that every book I read has graphic autopsy scenes or horrific detailed murders but, yes, some do. In addition to the thrillers, mysteries and crime novels I read, I also enjoy a lot of feel good romances. Sometimes when I write I need someone to point out that I've gone too far. That the scene I've written is perhaps a little too stomach turning for my

Hurray for Copy Editors!

2009-04-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

As I wade through copy edits of Ghost Dusters Three, DEAD AND KICKING, I am just pleased as punch that I have such a wonderful copy editor to catch all my errors.Without Becky Vinter my stories would baffle even the most forgiving reader. I'm only half way through the edits and already notice that Becky has saved my poor heroine from much unintended silliness.For example, without Becky's keen eye

The Hunt and the Hunted

2009-04-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Our normal routine regarding Easter Egg hunting involves a trail of little chocolate eggs from the kids' rooms all over the house. This year because of our little puppy, Bella, we couldn't have chocolate all over the floor so the Easter bunny got creative and the chocolate was higher up. There were even pulleys involved he he. I thought the kids might be getting too old for this annual hunt for

Mentors

2009-04-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

I've been a member of the Big Sisters organization for 20 years. My "little sister" is now 28 with a couple kids of her own. Yesterday there was a spring luncheon for Big Sisters and Sam (my little sis) and I were asked to attend. I had no idea that Sam was giving a speech dedicated to me and the positive influence I've had on her life. I was extremely shocked as well as touched.There were other

Body Parts

2009-04-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's not what you think. I'm not talking about this kind of body part --> I'm actually talking more about these kind of parts. <--The every day parts that we all have. The ones that start showing a little wear and tear after a few decades on this planet.While my sis was in town our conversations inevitably seemed to end up circling around our bodies and their inevitable demise. We talked about

Fun Times

2009-03-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

What do pedicures, palm readers and high calorie lunches/dinners have in common?My sister is in town for a visit :)Today is the pedicure day. My toes have been sadly neglected and so has my sister time. I introduced my sister to pedicures on her last visit. I believe my brother-in-law is now cursing me for the expensive habit I've created he he. I love that we have a new tradition.Do you have any

Grumpy?

2009-03-26T06:51:00.001-07:00

We all know people who are a little grumpy but we love them anyway. Or maybe we just put up with them?Right now I'm struggling with a character. He's in his seventies and quite a curmudgeon but I don't want him to come off as a stereotypical cantankerous old geezer. I want him to have some redeeming qualities or at least a real good reason for being so bad-tempered. Otherwise why would my heroine

World Water Day

2009-03-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was World Water Day. I talked to my kids about what they can do to conserve water. I confess I love a long hot bath or a really hot shower but I read a 5 minute shower with a regular shower head can use 25 gallons of water. We've got a reduced flow shower head so that helps.When you consider that contaminated water and poor sanitation are a factor in 88% of all diseases in the

It's my party ...

2009-03-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

And I'll drink coffee and be lazy if I want to lol!Yup. It's my birthday. And my birthday falls on the kidlets spring break this year so they're all here to celebrate. Well not HERE exactly because they're all still asleep and I'm at the computer. This afternoon we're going to stay at a local hotel for one night. It has one of those fabulously scary water slides. Of course I'll be the one sitting

What was he thinking?

2009-03-18T07:27:00.000-07:00

We've all done it; something that seemed like such a good idea at the time and then, in hindsight, was just plain silly. Reading the news yesterday though I've got to wonder if Marcel Fournier of Vermont should get some kind of award for extreme bad ideas. You see Marcel is a hunter but he doesn't believe in playing by the rules. The rules were no killing of anterless deer (does) and no hunting