I really love doing multiple author panels/signings. It’s fun to talk about craft, about ideas, about inspiration. Writing can be such a lonely business, and it truly is a kick in the pants to see how others are succeeding. It’s that ‘you can do this’ push you need. And I’m grateful for it everytime I get together with these lovely, talented ladies.

As with most signings, there were lots of goodies. Cookies, chocolates, and even frappuccinos! Unfortunately, I was unable to have ANY. *sniff, sniff* I started the Biggest Loser Club about two weeks ago. I finally got fed up with this excess baby weight, which despite having breastfed (TMI, maybe?) and running after a very energetic toddler, seems to have gotten stuck on my hips, butt and thighs. It was time to say GOODBYE. Summer is coming and I refuse to hit the beach looking like a whale. So, I took charge and joined the Club. I’ve lost 2.5 lbs so far, and I’m eating healthier than ever before. Plus, it forces me to work out on a nearly daily basis, which despite feeling like I hardly have the time, I squeeze in much to my benefit. I feel great. I have much more energy and I’m anxiously looking forward to reaching my goal weight! So, I’ll be posting about that occasionally, and maybe you guys can cheer me along? Pretty please?I can use the support. Especially when being stared down my yummy, sodium full chinese food. I think that might be more my weakness than chocolate. *sigh*

On a completely unrelated note, I am SO excited to be a part of the upcoming Coyote Con, hosted by Drollerie Press, and part of MayNoWriMo, hosted by Joely Sue Burkhart. I’ll be doing guest blog posts, and taking part in panels about digital lit, YA fiction, fairy tales in fiction, and more. It’s going to be such a blast. I really hope you’ll take the time to check it out! It’ll be well worth your time, I guarantee it!

Check out the info below!

And of course, I’m scheduled to work on Black Friday, so I’ll be here with some fun stories about that. I expect to have a very large Caramel Machiato and maybe a slice of cheesecake to comfort myself after getting yelled at by rabid customers.

So I’m understandably anxious and already missing my Peanut. On the plus side, I’ll have new influences to inspire my muse which has been in a serious writers depression. I’ve been stuck on the same chapter for months, despite rewriting it like four times. I need a boost. A creative rewire. Though I wonder, is working Black Friday the answer? Probably not. But maybe a few days not changing diapers or being flung with baby food will be good for me.

If you look carefully at the shelf below mine, you’ll see Gena Showalter’s books and Nalini Singh’s!!! Imagine that! I’m in fantastic company, wouldn’t you say? There is no feeling like seeing your book on a store shelf. It’s totally surreal. *squee*

Also, my awesome hubby bought us tickets to the Paramore/No Doubt concert yesterday. What a show!!! I tend to use a lot of Paramore music on my fantasy series. Their song Conspiracy was practically written for the series, it fits so perfectly. Check it out:

No Doubt was fantastic too. High energy, great performers, and she sounded amazing. I’ll admit I was jealous that she looks so good after having children, but you know what, it just means I gotta work harder to get myself in shape. Period. Bah.

The concert did inspire me to get back to my fantasy sequel which has been on hold while the muse played with the YA fantasy. But that one is now at 6500 words, so that one is on a steady pace as well. I really like where it’s headed and the tone that it has. Very different from any of my other stories.

All in all, I’m thrilled about the happenings in my life. Only cloud: my Peanut has his first cold. Mommy took him to the docs and they told me to just keep an eye on his fever, but he seems to be getting better already. His nose is really runny but with lots of crying and fighting, I give him some saline drops and he feels much better. So stubborn. *shakes head* We got him a new bouncer/exercise machine thing from Baby Einsten and he loves it! He tries to talk to the the little plastic froggy which makes me laugh. Ha ha.

Little Sister graduates from high school today so I gotta go get ready. Congrats, sweetie! So proud of you.

Of course, I absolutely hate how I came out in most of the pictures. I look so puffy! *blah* But, I do have something I really want to share with you. At my first book signing, it was an endless stream of books and people coming and going. This time, I had a few people sit and chat, ask me questions, etc. I even got to do a reading! This was absolutely my favorite part of the event. So here it is! *Side note: ignore the funny faces I tend to make. I’m way overanimated.*

In celebration of two successful book signings I’ve decided to do a little something special on my blog. I’m going to post two deleted scenes from Dark Hollywood Nights! So check back in tomorrow for post #1 and then Thursday for post #2. Those who read and enjoy, leave me a little comment and I’ll enter you into a raffle to win a goodie envelope, including booksmarks, business cards, and magnets.

I got into several discussions about old classic movies (which I love). One in particular that served as a big inspiration while writing Dark Hollywood Nights was A Philadelphia Story. I’m all about witty banter between main characters.

Either way, the experience was unlike anything else. I admit, I was terrified of it being a huge failure, but I’m proud to say I sold all of the books we had available and they’re going to try and order in about 20 more (some people had to order theirs because by the time they got there, we’d sold out)! I’d call that a success.

So here are a few pics for your enjoyment:

And of course, the book shot!

What a rush! I had a fantastic time. The staff at B&N were so helpful and attentive. The event ran smoothly and we all had some great chatter and laughs. It was a good time all around.

Still editing. About three chapters in. Trying to focus my attention on this project so that I can get it done efficiently. I tend to get distracted during edits. I start new projects, plan turnovers on old ones. It makes the editing process take longer than it has to on my end, not to mention, I procrastinate until I’m on a crunch. Which is never good. So this time, I’m being disciplined.

So far, it’s paying off. I’m focused, I’m involved, and I’m moving forward at a steady pace.  I do miss my other projects though. It’s funny how I forget how much I love to write on them until I can’t and them I get all itchy to do it. When it’s just me and the WIPs I’m usually doing everything BUT writing… oh the irony.

Either way, I wanted to let you all know that although I wish I could be here to play, I am in fact working, so.

In other news, my very first book signing is this Saturday! I am so nervous! I have some fun promo items to give away. Bookmarks, business cards, magnets. B&N ordered the books so I’ll be signing and smiling. And there will be coffee which is always awesome. I’ll try and take tons of pics so I can post them here on Monday! Maybe it’ll be the push I need to work faster.

Happy Hump Day!

Thankfully, in situations like this, I have the awesome Melissa to rely on. She has done what I, in my pregnant useless state have been unable to. She has chronicled my road to print publication as only a bookseller can. And I love her to death for it. I admit, I miss the bookstore terribly. Little things- the way it smells like coffee and new books, the smiles, the laughs, the inside jokes. Gah. It’s just not the same being away from there. I fully intend to rectify that by visiting as often as possible once my gag reflex stops being upset by odd scents and motion sickness. This, btw, should be VERY soon. *crosses fingers*

Anyway, I’m uber proud to present my book, in all it’s bookstore glory:

So check it out: Click Here. Come on, you know you wanna. Do it. I’ll give you a cookie.

Heck, let’s get really crazy. Let’s visit the Barnes and Noble website, shall we? *clicks away*

OMG. Do you see that? Barnes and Noble is selling my book! *squee!*

Countdown with me, will ya? September 23rd is just around the corner! I hope to have a fun blog party and maybe…. (I’m not making any promises here) I’ll have some fun giveaways as well. Ha ha. I’m a struggling artist here, give me a break.

Hope you’re all having a fabulous hump day!