Surviving the holiday

Every year I promise myself not to eat so much, avoid some of my more annoying relatives, hide my credit cards, stay out of the mall and write more. Sorry to say none of these things happened. Another year has gone and I've racked up my credit cards, gain ten pounds, nearly got trampled in Macys, and found a cousin I'd forgotten. Every time I tried to sit down and write something happened. Either I'd forgotten a present I didn't wrap or the cake I was suppose to make or a party I hadn't brought a dress for. The only good thing about the whole affair is that I have eleven months to prepare for it (or not prepare). I need a rest.

The third book of the Maggie and Odessa Mysteries is finally out. Semisweet took some time to write, and I should take a break, even though I'm already thinking about the next book. I'm always thinking about the next book! I hate resolutions but here goes. Lose the damn ten pounds, spend less, call my cousin more and write, write and write. Happy New Year all.

Giving In…

Okay, I give up. It was suggested to me that I should have a book trailer. Whatever! As usually, I'd totally convinced myself I don’t need something, like that new pocketbook (with matching shoes of course) and find it in my closet anyway. I guess I have a new book trailer. Even a hardheaded woman can change her mind…or not.

Here Comes the Holidays

The typical holiday chaos is coming up, and I'm gearing up for it. Too much food, family and did I say too much food. Usually around this time, I don't even attempt at getting any writing done. Between errands, reconnecting with friends I haven't seen in years, early holiday shopping, party planning, I'm too tired to write. Though the holidays give me the best ideas for stories, especially with my family. There is always drama. What family doesn't have it? Luckily, my immediate family tends to be extremely well grounded in the area of dealing with crazy. They know like a bad cold, it will pass. At least that's what my sister plans for because she's having Thanksgiving at her house (Thank you God!). My only role this year is to bring dessert.
This got me thinking about recipes in my books. At first, I was keen on the idea, but something always stops me. Usually, it's my sisters threatening me with lawsuits if I give up the family recipe to strangers. I've yet to give any of my family members my grandmother's recipe for her famous Tea Cakes. My grandmother would make a batch for the entire family and ship them out before Christmas. As children, we use to fight over them. Since we're all adults now, not much has changed. Sadly, my grandmother passed away several years back. But before she went, I sat in her kitchen for over three hours getting that recipe from her. I loved it. Especially, when her idea of a measuring was using a old chipped china tea cup. It gave conversion a whole new meaning for me. When all was said and done, I walked away with a great experience and the only written recipe to my grandmother's Tea Cake.
I don't know about placing recipes in the book but I thought here's one of our family favorites. Just don't tell my sister J

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Pound Cake.
1 cup of butter (soften)
1 ½ cup of sugar
2 ¼ cup flour
¼ teaspoon salt
8 oz of Cream Cheese
4 Eggs
2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Teaspoon Vanilla
12 oz package of Chocolate Chips
Direction: Dry mix flour, salt and baking powder. Creams butter and cream cheese in bowl. Beat in sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, alternate with dry mix until thoroughly mixed. Add chips. Pour into greased bunt pans. Bake at 350 degrees 50 -60 minutes, until done.

Book Trailer or not to Book Trailer?

I've been debating whether to do a book trailer for my new book Semisweet. At first, these trailers seemed all the rage but now, not so much. Does anyone really look at them? Does your book sells improve by any margin that makes it worth the effort. It's hard to say. I've never met anyone who saw a book trailer and ran out and brought a book. Most look a little dodgy. Unless you pay a pretty penny for a professionally made one, they all look a little home made. Therefore, for the time being, I'll leave that off my marketing agenda list and work on a nifty press release or something. I might have better luck throwing flyers out of a moving train. Mmmm that's a thought.

I know when I peruse a book store or search online several things catch my fancy. The book blurb usually does it for me, or there is a nice intriguing cover. It depends. Mostly, I fall in love with an author and have to read every single one of their books. I put them on my wish list and beg my family to buy the book for the holidays or my birthday. Or a finally break down and buy it myself. This is why I have too many books in my house. None of which I purchase because I saw a Book Trailer.

The story continues…

With the new Maggie and Odessa book finished, I look forward to seeing the reaction of the readers. Titled, Semisweet, their story continues as usually, with the ladies finding out more about themselves as well as solving a little mystery. I am working to get the book out by Christmas time if everything stays on track.

I've always been a fan of the book serial. I love the Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, the Domestic Diva series by Krista Davis as well other series. I'm hoping the Maggie and Odessa books are as successful and enjoyable. The one thing I was sure of when I started it, I wanted both characters to change and grow. Nothing kills a terrific series than reading the same old characters over and over again doing the same old things. I'd like to think I'd stop writing them when or if they get tired and flat. As for now, the characters are at the beginning of their journey, and I can't wait to see where they might end up.

Here we go -

Writing can be an incredible endeavor, but what comes after is much more complicated. When your novel is completed and the last word is typed, you have to start from scratch, to get the work to the reader. I've been working on the third Maggie and Odessa book. I hope that learning from my past mistake (a clueless editor, clueless me), marketing, distribution and the damn cover design. I admittedly hate this part, but I embrace the fact it is a necessary evil. Since I'm not one of a Random House top ten bestselling authors, I have to do this process on my own. After getting over the shock of such a monumental task, you learn to embrace the lunacy and freedom.

For the last few weeks, I've been trying to update my website, and I'm back to the blogging. Social Network is so crucial to getting the word out. Not being a networking geek, I'm learning as I go. Twitting, blogging and managing a facebook page is a part time job, sometimes. So now here I go – again.

A Romantic Notion

I haven’t written in a while. I’ve been busy with the new book and few other things. I recently went to a book signing, which was great fun. Readers where interested in more face time with Lee and Odessa in the next book. It sounds like a good idea. I love the notion of a mystery/humorous/romance book. I’ve sure it’s be done a thousand time before but who cares. I’ve always treated both Maggie and Odessa’s romantic relationships as secondary plots. Maybe the idea of bringing both Lee and Roger as characters that are more prominent would add to the series. I’m sure I’ll work it out and it might be fun.
Recently I attended the Book Expo in New York City. It was a great experience. I had the chance to met authors and publishers. Set in the Jacob Javits Center on the Westside of Manhattan, it is an expansive space. I must have walked ten miles just to cover everything. I met great people there and would likely go again next year. If you every have the opportunity to go, it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet authors at their book signing. There were a lot of famous ones there. If you do go, bring your walking shoes.