tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152876792024-03-07T21:26:36.654-06:00Lyn's Licks & Laughs...with alter egos Bobbie Cole & Sunny"I ate what?" ~ Socrates * * *
There's a bit of everything here. You know how writers are schitzo, paranoid, hear voices, etc. Well, this is where most of mine have their say.Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.comBlogger430125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-9174591187556856242012-02-11T19:35:00.001-06:002012-02-11T19:35:09.230-06:00Lyn's Last Blog PostIt's not that I
haven't enjoyed this one--it's that I haven't been writing as Lyn Cash for a
while. Therefore, I'm killing the blog and moving to another one, where I hope
you'll join me if you're of a like mind. This one is to be about a writer's
journey…yours, mine, somebody else's. Readers who know me as Bobbie Cole should
recognize me, as should friends who know me as Sunny.<br />
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Hope to see you
there on March 1st. God bless.</div>
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Bobbie (Sunny)
Cole<br />
~ the adventure begins in March ~<br />
<a href="http://safariofthewriterssoul.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts1"><span id="lw_1329008558_4"><span style="color: #366388;">http://safariofthewriterssoul.blogspot.com/</span></span></span></a></div>
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<br /></div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-86206094361141752352011-12-28T02:16:00.000-06:002011-12-28T02:16:15.187-06:00Quick Trip 2 am<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPcVSU81svUlLyp4ZouPWXFNcmTuqvIwOaFS-FKFFxzugF6t9TZp0oH6iplUOBMIEYySwMTUgyaT1QJiaSJA26uY2uQXKcZIAYvVfRe32rZA8fMua1K1TbpwB8lXwG5e1eTRP/s1600/quick+trip+2+am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPcVSU81svUlLyp4ZouPWXFNcmTuqvIwOaFS-FKFFxzugF6t9TZp0oH6iplUOBMIEYySwMTUgyaT1QJiaSJA26uY2uQXKcZIAYvVfRe32rZA8fMua1K1TbpwB8lXwG5e1eTRP/s1600/quick+trip+2+am.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ever had donut cravings in the middle of the night? Well, here's what it'll get ya. Son & DIL sent me in for a donut run, and there were 4 of the cutest kids horsing around in Quick Trip, taking photos of one another, just having fun. Old gal here got pulled into one of them. So here's a shout out to Marshall (to my left) and Pat (to my right)...and a hello to the girls, Kelsey and...ack...I've forgotten a name. But hopefully one of them will see the blog and let me know. SORRY!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pat, if I understood, just won a state championship in wrestling. Wow. Having moved from Stillwater, Oklahoma a few years ago (hello...Wrestling Hall of Fame), I can appreciate the hard work and dedication that takes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't talked to anyone their age for that long since I last taught in college. Should I put these kids in a book, or what?! Maybe once I get back from Australia. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hawt guys and their incredibly sweet girl friends...not what I'd expected to find when I walked through those doors, but I'm glad I did. They made my day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">~ Sunny</div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-48287879974825225962011-12-19T17:49:00.000-06:002011-12-19T17:49:08.269-06:00Happy Holidays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVmcY2pvcEnxs3JLFlTobHt7CiKQHKH0gjMFKhzPeJc9xsgBXj4jvP2Yq1sgFI9_bLu5VTZ0kU8G-7X7GBDOwB1iIsPb0RcA54q9e5dRZrhxQ7mkGArXezBXhl0W6-z8SOTmJ/s1600/BC_MemoriesOfYou%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVmcY2pvcEnxs3JLFlTobHt7CiKQHKH0gjMFKhzPeJc9xsgBXj4jvP2Yq1sgFI9_bLu5VTZ0kU8G-7X7GBDOwB1iIsPb0RcA54q9e5dRZrhxQ7mkGArXezBXhl0W6-z8SOTmJ/s320/BC_MemoriesOfYou%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>Merry Christma, Happy Hanukkah, and everything else you celebrate. I haven't dropped off the planet, just been busy, then sick, holidays, writing, the usual. I've mailed my packages, haven't filled out a single Christmas card but at least did the packages. Everything here will be rather low key during the winter holidays, but...more on what's coming up in another post.<br />
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For now, just let me announce that my Harlequin Carina Press romantic suspense is now in paperback and was selected for Harlequin's Reader Services, meaning it is AVAILABLE in paperback for anyone who goes to the site. If anyone is interested, it's here (and I've forgotten how to do the hidden link thingie, sorry): <a href="http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=25028">http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.html?iid=25028</a><br />
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Color me happy. *smile*<br />
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Again, all the best for a marvelous holiday.<br />
~ Sunny/BobbieBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-55949244718745435472011-06-20T18:33:00.000-05:002011-06-20T18:33:31.266-05:00I Confess...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAZXcPsv2cTiyiP2jsutviq19ZPOGuUSof3s1Fd5yZ1UwCj8BVcQ5CvDgDw-s4YhcvAgYg6B-UItpMjn8jhM8DWp7Un2BXuCgqHAo6CLmfVXnJNq4fwPrGClIcFwAW3jNLDbc/s1600/TC+July+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAZXcPsv2cTiyiP2jsutviq19ZPOGuUSof3s1Fd5yZ1UwCj8BVcQ5CvDgDw-s4YhcvAgYg6B-UItpMjn8jhM8DWp7Un2BXuCgqHAo6CLmfVXnJNq4fwPrGClIcFwAW3jNLDbc/s320/TC+July+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Literally. We writers are such weird sorts anyway. I'd forgotten I'd submitted this, but I DID, a few months ago. While flitting back and forth from this male/male novel to that romantic suspense, a girl gets squirrely and has to write something "different". I not only made the sale, but my story is the lead one. Title in the upper left corner. July issue, on the stands now. *grin*<br />
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Have a good day, everyone. More later...<br />
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~ Sunny BobBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-18002771005331393012011-05-30T14:07:00.000-05:002011-05-30T14:07:01.924-05:00Say Hello To Hunter Raines!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGveXU9OglbaxXd6IJdgWWh4BvNNLeq8SsXY6k8J1N44qOMHFB2uFkukdoyoc7WlQeiU8jyTphCAf3ML8dAI573pUtwgsiNoCjneL6s6MBmSdGtm8Nm-8qAxVGxLVWtM5u9hnV/s1600/ParadiseFoundFinal%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGveXU9OglbaxXd6IJdgWWh4BvNNLeq8SsXY6k8J1N44qOMHFB2uFkukdoyoc7WlQeiU8jyTphCAf3ML8dAI573pUtwgsiNoCjneL6s6MBmSdGtm8Nm-8qAxVGxLVWtM5u9hnV/s320/ParadiseFoundFinal%255B1%255D.jpg" t8="true" width="202" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been a slug on my own blog, and I don't have anything wonderful to say about myself today, but I promise to have a new post up soon with at least something funny or interesting SOON. For now, if you would, pop over to Cash Cole's blog and read a humorous interview Hunter Raines has done with one of the characters from Paradise Found. = )</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://cashcole.blogspot.com/">http://cashcole.blogspot.com/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a good Memorial Day. Stay Safe!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~ Sunny</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-32016681463744937712011-03-26T01:41:00.002-05:002011-03-26T01:47:32.883-05:00I need to take a class on Tweeting.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S8QBBoEbfL28CAH3sJGiLDchsNDKIFVdLwrJxLCBTrhIafutFtDf067QXRR9gDW5PiTooVGaMsFJgg-we0lGZwUKumrv8mOaZO2b5VDfAjtRtZIvkcTPS2L_VHwVhYNCfNeA/s1600/egg+cracked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S8QBBoEbfL28CAH3sJGiLDchsNDKIFVdLwrJxLCBTrhIafutFtDf067QXRR9gDW5PiTooVGaMsFJgg-we0lGZwUKumrv8mOaZO2b5VDfAjtRtZIvkcTPS2L_VHwVhYNCfNeA/s320/egg+cracked.jpg" width="320" /></a>But if I can't make it to my BLOG, I'm wondering...why bother? Ya know? How do those of you who Tweet, and update Facebook and My Space DO this? I get so bogged down with the should haves in a writer's life that every now and then I have a grade A, homogenized meltdown if the media aspect detracts me from my writing.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">That said, TPTB at Harlequin are right. My romantic suspense that debuted Monday was #5 that day for sales. I have no way of knowing for sure whether the Tweets they did and the Facebook promo is the cause or if it's simply that several people were waiting or surprised that I'd gotten off my butt and had a book out. But...I'll give H's marketing strategies the kudos. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I took a leave of absence from my life a while back. Was rather interesting. I came to the conclusion that i was doing too much of what didn't feed my soul. The results? I made a commitment (yes, another one) to quit smoking. Oh, bite me. I can do this. I also refrained from critiquing anyone else for several weeks until I had a come to Jesus meeting with my muse, who kicked my whiny ass. <br />
* * *</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Therefore, I've also been writing my buns off. Short stories, 1st chapter of a new women's fiction, a male/male romance or two. Should have news in a bit on a couple of submissions. One debuts next week. Ack. Another launch day.<br />
* * *</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm amazed at my friends who put up with my obnoxiously harsh critiques of their own work. I do not derive pleasure from those. I simply want them to put forth their best effort when they submit, but i take things too far. I try keeping that thought in mind whenever they blast away at my work. Color me shocked that they still want me back after my self-imposed exile. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvy17sjlF5edNeoWeQes8cpe4Cd0R6WQhwIgGRaCvXomwELcBmVnmfbRVGSp20DryXLXbPEkoH3xTOOzIAZIaxqwOQeBzwqjv1kK6_eST2habZly1GgZ29os8ufYjjdymKfGd/s1600/a+real+man%2527s+bbq.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvy17sjlF5edNeoWeQes8cpe4Cd0R6WQhwIgGRaCvXomwELcBmVnmfbRVGSp20DryXLXbPEkoH3xTOOzIAZIaxqwOQeBzwqjv1kK6_eST2habZly1GgZ29os8ufYjjdymKfGd/s320/a+real+man%2527s+bbq.bmp" width="320" /></a>I'm equally astonished if they like something and publicly say so. Lol. Gretchen Jones did a review of Memories Of You and posted this to Amazon. My humble thanks to her. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm looking forward to spring weather, not just the calendar telling me that the snow we're to get tomorrow is ACTUALLY DURING SPRING. Maybe I just need to adjust my attitude a little further before gearing up for BBQ weather, sandals, and sunny dispositions. Maybe the weather has nothing to do with my snarky 'tude.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Then again...maybe it does. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hope your week has gone well. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Sunny Bob The Industrious </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-25864727321860076682011-03-21T00:05:00.001-05:002011-03-21T00:13:20.540-05:00My first Carina Press Book DEBUTS TODAY!!!!!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbiy-PoYHaXXi5TVudjbgpvKPjb6WY4NQ03FdTxkTkBr72UFaSvlcNUkd1iFGZzw8kpXc7JMB2EyszK_q1iHXBgqvOd13XSq9YxX76y1eBaB-nPYlZhqOI1Lz2JrAr6LtUy9z/s1600/BC_MemoriesOfYou%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbiy-PoYHaXXi5TVudjbgpvKPjb6WY4NQ03FdTxkTkBr72UFaSvlcNUkd1iFGZzw8kpXc7JMB2EyszK_q1iHXBgqvOd13XSq9YxX76y1eBaB-nPYlZhqOI1Lz2JrAr6LtUy9z/s320/BC_MemoriesOfYou%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" width="202" /></a>In my first novel for Carina Press, <span style="color: blue;"><strong>Memories of You</strong></span>, protagonist Charlene Vargas works cold cases for the Houston PD, and when one case dovetails with the disappearance of her boyfriend, resolving both cases puts her in danger. Seth has a new face, given to him after a tragic automobile accident. What's worse, he doesn't remember the woman who can't forget him. Somehow his memory loss is connected to her cold case, and a killer is determined that neither discover who Seth really is and why he was resurrected after the car crash as someone else with a new name and face.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Memories Of You, release date: March 21, 2011</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">ISBN: 978-14268-9134-2</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Price: $4.99</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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Cover Artist: Frauke Spanuth<br />
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Totally inspiring people who helped me get this book into print:<br />
Heather Rae Scott, who told me to write it<br />
Carla Cassidy, who made damn sure I DID write it<br />
Gretchen Jones who provided transportation and beer<br />
Heather Snow who provided the lake house, breakfast, and a kick in the butt<br />
Members of MARA who encouraged me<br />
Jackie Bannon who drove me everywhere but nuts<br />
Angela James who took another chance on me<br />
Melissa Johnson, my fabulous editor<br />
Aideen O'Leary Chung, Emma Cunningham, & other terrific Carina Press staff<br />
and the other MARVELOUS authors of Not Your Usual Suspects<br />
(romantic suspense authors for Carina Press)<br />
...the list is long...and I owe a huge thank you to all of these folks!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">To read an excerpt, buy, or just gawk at a bigger cover:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ebooks.carinapress.com/80433746-792D-4DEB-8B0E-B215C6AAEC6D/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=0AB88471-8D45-4F82-A059-96EF2BC89446">http://ebooks.carinapress.com/80433746-792D-4DEB-8B0E-B215C6AAEC6D/10/134/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=0AB88471-8D45-4F82-A059-96EF2BC89446</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-52297361425301542492011-03-17T13:44:00.000-05:002011-03-17T13:44:18.575-05:00Gad - I hate that huge logo on this blogI haven't been able to shrink that sign. Haven't been here to blog in ages. Forgive me. Social media just ain't my thing. I love keeping in touch, love it when folks email me or post here, whatever, but I feel tongue-tied when I go to post.<br />
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Right now...let's see...<br />
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I have two books out this month. One is a male/male for Resplendence. (Thank you Carol Lynn for kicking my ass). Another is a romantic suspense for Carina Press. I shall have more info on both of them later this month. I PROMISE.<br />
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Hope the rest of you are doing okay this month. It's March - yay! Spring is just around the proverbial corner. Think we just had our last snow of the season earlier this week, so temps will be warming up.<br />
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I'm plotting new books. Planning trips for later in the year. Won't be attending RT convention this year. Some of you may have read, but my buddy Alexis Fleming's spouse passed away a few weeks ago, so things are pretty unsettled with her, and she's my RT buddy. Major hugs to Alex.<br />
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Let's see...there's the RWA conference. Dunno if I can make that one or not either. Cost is astronomical to attend these things nowadays. Love going. Just *wince* hate that cost.<br />
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And there's a new conference with m/m readers and writers, editors and reviewers. That one is GayRomLit, and it will be held this year in New Orleans. VERY affordable. So I'd like to go to that one in October. <br />
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And that's it for this one. I shall return...<br />
SBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-30168106920414290272011-01-06T10:01:00.000-06:002011-01-06T10:01:35.042-06:00Thursday Baking Dayhttp://notyourusualsuspects.blogspot.com/<br />
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Take a look at Wednesday's post over on Not Your Usual Suspects. Those of you who write murder/mystery/thriller material...answer the question at the bottom of the post if you will. - hehehehe - Just don't mention any NAMES if you've killed off the same person more than once.<br />
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Yes, I snagged a photo or two of friends to add to that other blog. <br />
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And for those who are shaking their heads...I KNOW...two blog posts in a week? Something must be up with the blogger. Well, sort of. I've just made a determined effort to pop in more often. Now if I can just get to the blogs I want to VISIT...<br />
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I accidentally deleted my old blog info in the template while screwing around with "let's see how this looks" - who knew that Blogger would permanentely disfigure the place?! Somewhere on my hard drive there's a copy of all the blogs I used to visit so I can find them again.<br />
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In the meantime, I do know how to visit my own and will try to do so more often.<br />
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Today is baking day. I plan on pumpkin loaf, banana loaf, pumpkin COOKIES (thanks to Anita, a friend in south Texas who sent me her pumpkin recipe book!!!), chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, and something else. Oh, yeah. Something a bit less sweet. Fried chicken tenders, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans with Herbs Du Province. (Did I spell that right?)<br />
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The Boy is in Las Vegas for a business trip, so The Girl and I are on our own. She doesn't have long for lunch, so I'd better get busy cooking.<br />
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Have a great day, everyone.<br />
~ SunnyBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-31952023046057358442011-01-03T10:28:00.000-06:002011-01-03T10:28:04.758-06:00The girl ain't right...While I force myself not to make New Year's resolutions, I invariably gravitate toward them, and not in a good way. I berate myself for not having done this or that the previous year (or decade), I loathe the blank page when dozens of "should have done" or "should do now" messages float through my brain. I curse the first cigarette or a day that passes without my having walked a considerable way toward improving my health. <br />
<br />
Not this year. A friend of the family visited - one who loves being a domestic goddess - and every time she wanted to make pancakes or pick up something, I bigod let her. So she doesn't put the toilet seat down. Her pancakes are divine, and I love her company. <br />
<br />
Did I smoke? Bite your tongue. Did I walk? Heavens, no...it's too friggin' cold. But did I enjoy myself? Absolutely. I read good books (Thank you, Carol Lynne and Sarah Ban Breathnach), ate well (Thank you, Jen), did some stretches, bought a Pilates CD, shopped till I dropped, and made a To Do list rather than a God-You-Suck-So-You'd-Better-Do-These-NOW list.<br />
<br />
What's on my To Do list? Bake gingerbread. Every article online, every word of mouth newsfeed, and every intuitive bone in my body tells me to pick up Home Cooking and More Home Cooking, written by a novelist who happened to write two cookbooks before she passed away. Laurie Colwin. Her gingerbread recipe has made it into several books by other authors, so even if I'm the only one who'll eat it, I'm making it. I'm also thawing chicken to make either her roast chicken recipe or the baked one. Then as soon as I can get to the grocery store for supplies, I'm trying her baked spinich casserole.<br />
<br />
I'm also pampering myself. The facial scrubs and potions, foot massages, hot tea or cocoa in bed before I retire, and warm, fuzzy clothing that caresses my skin. <br />
<br />
This one isn't new, but I'm enjoying it, nonetheless. I call my father almost every morning. Sometimes he gets an evening call, but usually I start the day with talking with the old guy. He's a hoot, a lot of fun, with a dry wit and some interesting stories. He's one of those people who doesn't say much most of the time, but peeling back the layers of memories he has just thrills me. Now and then he'll offer up a story that fires my imagination and makes me want to write.<br />
<br />
On my To Do for today was to blog. I totally suck at this. Rarely do I tell myself "hey, I think I'll spill my guts for cyberspace". Now I'm of a mind that if it gets my fingers busy typing, and if Pop fires my imagination, and if friends keep me supplied with books and coffee, I'm bound to write more in 2011 than I did in 2010.<br />
<br />
So thanks for reading, whoever you are. And if anything I say motivates you to write - or even think - then good.<br />
<br />
Have a spectacular day...<br />
Sunny BobBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-22147612394194372352010-12-14T15:05:00.001-06:002010-12-14T15:06:08.904-06:00Biker Bars & Blogging<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I’m blogging Wednesday the 15th over at the Carina Press blog, Not Your Usual Suspects, hosted by mystery, suspense, and romantic suspense authors. If you haven’t checked them out, they are a HOOT. My blog mate tomorrow is the fabulous Caridad Pienero, and among the goodies we offer up is a chocolate chili recipe for those who like hot, spicy, and sweet combined.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Before I sign off, will share a funny my twisted friend Janet sent me. Said she’d heard I was at my favorite biker bar and that it wouldn’t be difficult to spot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhZqPjr2kjsTcoeoj51fV-t6eH7xbOki_b2vw2NoCtaQsUnZfA1zJVExtDA56CO5r0HHPQr8_hz1scfIO699VVuKBpCM1sPmzFuw9eB87MN1mY8TKfHC1rWbCWZNMQRK1zDwe/s1600/biker+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhZqPjr2kjsTcoeoj51fV-t6eH7xbOki_b2vw2NoCtaQsUnZfA1zJVExtDA56CO5r0HHPQr8_hz1scfIO699VVuKBpCM1sPmzFuw9eB87MN1mY8TKfHC1rWbCWZNMQRK1zDwe/s320/biker+bar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I told you…the woman just isn’t right, RIGHT?</div><br />
<br />
Again, take a look at Not Your Usual Suspects if you get the chance!<br />
http://notyourusualsuspects.blogspot.com/<br />
<br />
Have a great day - stay warm!Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-18987697189717289762010-11-07T11:27:00.004-06:002010-11-07T11:49:11.294-06:00thank you - it's a great dayIf I've neglected to send you a personal thank you, consider it done here. <span style="color:#3333ff;">(Hello, Janet!)</span> Yeah, it's the old girl's birthday. Someone asked me 'how's it hanging' earlier - ha. Well, it's ALL hanging, but I like to think I do it with flair. *snort*<br /><br />The Kids are at a wedding, and I'm throwing cyber confetti from here. It's a beautiful autumn day. I have the pets riding shotgun as I fire off manuscripts. I'm working, alas, but it's a good day to do so.<br /><br />Gretchen took me to a terrific movie (go see <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>RED</strong></span> with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Richard Dreyfuss, John Malkovich, etc) and be prepared to laugh your arse off. It's wonderful fun. We went to the Fork & Film, so I had food along with the movie. Later, a clerk at Starbucks thought we were a nice pair and asked if Gretchen was my DAUGHTER. Alrighty. It's time to whip out that bottle of Miss Clairol I've been storing for ages. Nothing like a wake-up call on your birthday weekend. Bitch. That's okay. I am strong. My ego is in-friggin'-tact. Doesn't bother ME - I'm not BITTER.<br /><br />Jackie phoned before boarding her flight (biz trip). Friends have called or emailed. My parents phoned and sang happy birthday to me. I'm having fun, despite the fact that someone at Starbucks thinks I have a daughter who is only 10 yrs my junior. So...maybe I'll go red. Or purple. I used to do drugs and dye my hair eggplant. Anyone got a doobie? <span style="color:#ff0000;">I'm KIDDING. I'm more into Starbucks fraps these days. R-E-A-L-L-Y.</span><br /><br /><br />Hope the rest of you are having a terrific day.<br /><br />~ <span style="color:#993399;">Sunny</span> <span style="color:#ff6666;">Bob</span> <span style="color:#009900;">The Elder</span>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-72105550028155241892010-10-16T22:45:00.002-05:002010-10-16T23:11:53.052-05:00some days we should just stay in bedHelluva summer. Interesting autumn. Lots going on - I haven't blogged much - sorry (to the two or three of you who visit). I'll skip the maudlin parts that have happened and cut to the "why I should have stayed in bed today" part.<br /><br />400 pages of critiquing for friends and CPs...okay...been there, done that, almost done, but I have 8 contest entries to judge for someone. No big deal. Okay, it is, and I'm sick as a dog, but I'll get 'er done.<br /><br />Go to store for Puffs with lotion (gotta have that softness during hard times), diabetic cough syrup, ice-cream, and pistachios. Gimme a break. A girl needs her comfort foods and stuff. So I've perused the aisles and can't find the damn nuts. It's late and I want to go home. There's a cute guy squatting in aisle 10, stocking the lower shelves. I'm worried about having enough $$ on me for the pistachios and want to check the prices between two brands, but I can't find either brand.<br /><br />Me: Excuse me?<br /><br />Cute guy: Yes?<br /><br />Me: I need to see your nuts.<br /><br />CG: Excuse me? You want to see my...what is it you're looking for?<br /><br />Me: (turning red) Your nuts, please. (I can't think of the word pistachio to save my ass.)<br /><br />CG: (flustered and trying to rise, not making it - and he can't talk, only point for a second to the next aisle over): 11. Aisle 11.<br /><br />I nod, unable to say thank you. There's a scraping sound - shoes scuffing floor? Someone farting? I have no idea - I only hope it's not me. I see him fall and his butt hit the ground from the corner of my eye. (And we used to think it was bad having to ask where the tampons were. I can't wait until the day I have to ask for adult diapers.)<br /><br />Aisle 11 - still no nuts. Well, one - me. So I shuffle toward the front to check out, and a clerk who knows me asks how the writing's going and asks if I found everything. I mumble something about the damn nuts, and she sends a nice, tall, elderly man for them. He's gone forever - I have the line backing up behind me, waiting. And he's deaf as a post to boot, so he talks rather loudly. He comes back announcing to all "We can't seem to find our nuts tonight. Give me a minute." And he takes off again.<br /><br />By then, everyone is sniggering up their sleeves or pissing themselves. Evidently, I'm not the only one in the store with a dirty mind.<br />* * *<br />I get to the car and daughter-in-law wants to know what took me so long.<br /><br />Me: Don't ask.<br /><br />So...I'm not critiquing tonight. I'm not judging manuscripts. I'm going back to bed, where I should have stayed all along.<br /><br />More next time...Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-1361366993174371702010-08-27T11:15:00.002-05:002010-08-27T11:21:02.231-05:00Fiction From The Heartland Contest!!!Why YOU should enter MARA's Fiction From the Heartland Contest<br /><br />· FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK<br /><br />o You get TWO full page critiques, one from a published author.<br /><br />o Our contest provides detailed feedback on your entire entry,<br />including big picture story feedback from your synopsis<br /><br />o You will receive your comments back in time to prepare to enter<br />the RWA Golden Heart®<br /><br />· Manuscripts that final are read by BOTH an EDITOR and an<br />AGENT<br /><br />o Check out 2010's Fabulous Line-Up!<br /><br />§ Agents<br /><br />· Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone<br />Literary Agency<br /><br />· Sara Megibow, Nelson Literary<br />Agency<br /><br />· Laura Bradford, Bradford<br />Literary Agency<br /><br />· Karen Solem, Spencerhill<br />Associates<br /><br />· Claudia Cross, Sterling Lord<br />Literistic<br /><br />§ Editors<br /><br />· Category Romance - Susan Litman,<br />Harlequin/Silhouett e<br /><br />· Contemporary Single Title -<br />Danielle Poiesz, Pocket Books<br /><br />· Historical - Tessa Woodward,<br />Avon Books<br /><br />· Romantic Suspense - Lauren<br />Plude, Grand Central Publishing<br /><br />· Paranormal - Meredith Giordan,<br />Berkley Publishing Group<br /><br />· Erotic Romance – Meghan<br />Conrad, Ellora's Cave<br /><br />· Young Adult - Natashya Wilson,<br />Harlequin Teen<br /><br />· Inspirational - Melissa Endlich,<br />Steeple Hill<br /><br />· Trained judges, who judge in the genre they write. No MARA<br />members are allowed to enter our own contest.<br /><br />· Overall winner receive $50 and a commemorative plaque<br /><br />· Did we say FEEDBACK?<br /><br />Here's what some past entrants have said about our contest:<br /><br />"I attribute my first sale to this contest." - Laura Abbot<br /><br />"I had no idea when I entered the MARA Contest how it would change my<br />life. Not only did I win the contemporary catagory and the best<br />overall, but the judging editor requested the entire manuscript and I<br />went on to become a published author! I can't recommend this contest<br />enough." -Donna Delaney<br /><br />And 2000 RITA® winner for Best First Book (The Maiden and the<br />Unicorn), Isolde Martyn thanked MARA and the Fiction From the Heartland<br />Contest in her acceptance speech<br /><br />So be sure to polish up your entry and get it in today! Deadline Sept<br />10th, 2010. www.mararwa. com <http:><br /><br />Questions? E-mail: <a href="mailto:MARAContestCoordinator@gmail">MARAContestCoordinator@gmail</a>. com<br /><?xml:namespace prefix = mailto /><mailto:maracontest><br /><mailto:maracontestcoordina>><br /><br /></mailto:maracontestcoordina></mailto:maracontest><mailto:maracontest><mailto:maracontestcoordina></mailto:maracontestcoordina></mailto:maracontest>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-27760199667011130632010-08-23T13:56:00.002-05:002010-08-23T14:13:19.509-05:00Am I On Candid Camera?Does anyone even remember Candid Camera? - Or am I becoming ancient?<br /><br />This has been the weirdest month. As you can tell, it's been a while since I've blogged. Went to the lake with friends - had a blast. Critiquing, cooking, conversation - the works. It was relaxing but also energizing for me. Hope the others feel the same.<br /><br />Then I pup sat for Carol - always enjoy my times with the Dudmeister. She rescued me yesterday, as a matter of fact. I was in a really whiney mood, so she showed up and whisked me away to Casa Carol's for the day. Fed me the most delicious pot roast dinner imaginable.<br /><br />Today...one weird thing after another. I submitted a partial to a contest last Friday. Late. Heard back first thing this morning with a form rejection email, which is okay - made me wonder if anyone had actually <u>read</u> the sucker, but...oh, well. Then I get a "high" when I find out that Knights & White Satin goes to print with Ellora's Cave next week. Nice high. Okay, a VERY nice high. The book has been out for 2 years and has done pretty well in ebook, if I do say so. Made some heterosexuals laugh and cry, so I figure I must've done a good job with it.<br /><br />Then I get a contract via email that has been lost in cyberspace for a couple of months. Another high. Can't open the damned thing. Bummer! So now I am waiting to see what it is I'm agreeing to (nice to know since I'm already in the line edits on the book). *wry grin*<br /><br />I need to develop a website and put the blog on that. Am a real techno dummy who happens to be broke at the moment; otherwise, I'd tackle it myself or hire someone to do it up right for me. Not that I'd VISIT it any more often than I visit here, but it'd still be nice to have.<br /><br />The Kids surprised me yesterday - they made a big day trip, drove through some pretty country, shopped at a few outlet malls and came home with a nice Coach purse for me. I've promised to downsize the bag I carry, and I've done pretty well for a few months. So #1 Son bought me a new purse that is gorgeous.<br /><br />I also aped friend Heather Rae and picked up a blazer for myself like hers - a boyfriend jacket. Was marked down for some reason, probably because of my size - I have shoulders like a football player.<br /><br />Speaking of ball - I found myself sitting in bed the other night, all alone in the house, flipping channels back and forth, watching a Chiefs game and a Royals game (love Kansas - what can I say?)...and before long I heard myself yell "run, you sonofabitch". Dogs looked at me like I was nuts. Probably was. And I wondered...am I turning into one of those old sports fans who will probably wear their baseball caps to bed and dream of stats or Darryl Strawberry, Pete Rose, or whoever? Never thought I'd see the day when I was alone in the house, could watch any cable channel (and I'm nuts about movies), and spend my time screaming obscenities at a television set, encouraging someone whom I'll never meet, to pick up his feet and boogie. *shaking head* I'm channeling Maxine, the cartoon character. Have this picture of myself in a bathrobe, munching popcorn with a bug-eyed dog sitting next to me, making pithy comments about life and sports. Say it isn't so...ack.<br /><br />Have a great week, everyone.<br /><br />~ Sunny LynBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-41120801682851943292010-07-28T11:56:00.007-05:002010-07-28T12:46:56.406-05:00A Helluva Series<img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499005047933450530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQV0h9hQZPGMszxuTLzjow0bKcCo5a5CJQcnyRAToi2w7b2Z6In9qa1Dib77fnYExdU5ML32Qt3AqWRe6kfE_ltqeEa6q7OvjmHsDj4uLEBykqIE8DRishQmhgdY08iRl9dAh/s400/HellHathNoFuryv3%5B1%5D.jpg" />Friend and fellow writer Carol Lynne has an amazing series, for those who like male/male romance and haven't read these. I've read all but one of the older books, and I really enjoyed them. Couldn't believe she made Lucifer a character and that it worked! But she does a great job. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTffgRHTHBfGESU96cHryy0U7wf0ghRndlsMAto5seaVsfpIk89bI2L4wcQBvMabCH5grM0gmHFyiPQkclj8hCe-Pgs1ucQmo8sgvNVgdsQXAaY2zFdbPkGEDsqcGbmMa_zzot/s1600/HellonWheels%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 143px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499004367149848514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTffgRHTHBfGESU96cHryy0U7wf0ghRndlsMAto5seaVsfpIk89bI2L4wcQBvMabCH5grM0gmHFyiPQkclj8hCe-Pgs1ucQmo8sgvNVgdsQXAaY2zFdbPkGEDsqcGbmMa_zzot/s400/HellonWheels%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>Lu leaps off of the page and is so sympathetic that you can't help but want a happily ever after for him.<br /><div><br />A disbeliver? Read the 1st book and judge for yourself. The dialogue is snappy, the premise believable (okay, we are talking about an amiable devil here, but what the hell, right?)...</div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaG55xAxTQ7iNkz8WZ8ZLzhXGTVm9muYxDG7tOA5dHZcz1aS8Mp6yViflHiSUN6MttkObzDwzoWrFDNG84IBUpl4_DPjM1j2hqHS891oA-YFcA6ETHaXZZCxEht1eATYOM2Cgd/s1600/FinalStormingHellsGatev2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 184px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499003012808740434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaG55xAxTQ7iNkz8WZ8ZLzhXGTVm9muYxDG7tOA5dHZcz1aS8Mp6yViflHiSUN6MttkObzDwzoWrFDNG84IBUpl4_DPjM1j2hqHS891oA-YFcA6ETHaXZZCxEht1eATYOM2Cgd/s400/FinalStormingHellsGatev2%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Start with Lucifer's story, Hell Hath No Fury. Then read Ice Water In <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYem6Yj587kDnYjK4JlJXhxPkERMN0E4P6px9lKaCLRLDLXR39z1clWwRyc2WumeU07oD-H6-TooSbCSI9hHkGBeJscj1jO3oEiVEwVxcNw6AFL6d8GFZ06eRUt9J3NYa0SK0g/s1600/icewter2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 142px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 179px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499003912459222578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYem6Yj587kDnYjK4JlJXhxPkERMN0E4P6px9lKaCLRLDLXR39z1clWwRyc2WumeU07oD-H6-TooSbCSI9hHkGBeJscj1jO3oEiVEwVxcNw6AFL6d8GFZ06eRUt9J3NYa0SK0g/s400/icewter2%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>Hell, Hell On Wheels, and finish with Storming Hell's Gates, which features Archangel Michael.</div><div><br />Here's the link for Hell Hath No Fury. </div><div><br /><br />http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=176-201-107-438-6 </div></div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-82527548008133973352010-07-11T16:16:00.006-05:002010-07-11T21:54:55.216-05:00Dammit Dolls Expressing ThemselvesMicah Doll knew he was a different sort of dolly from the beginning, but he was unaware of his place in the world until he attended the Gay Pride Parade in Washington last month. He was so enthralled with finding others coming out of the doll closet at the Miss Gay Universe pageant--next thing Micah new, he was headed for Las Vegas, where he was certain he would discover hidden talents he hadn't known he possessed.<br /><br />Friends and theatrical talents Phil & Jim met him at the airport and whisked him to their condo, where they gave him a crash course, training him unmercifully in voice, dance, and stage makeup. When he was ready, they drove him to the Belagio to audition for a chorus line. The powers that be were so impressed that they signed Micah for a feature act to do in drag, where he performed Cindi Lauper tunes as the exotic Mimosa.<br /><br />Mimosa's troubles started after the first show. Mimosa took off her makeup and headed home. So giddy with the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkx8x9MkjmHMjCO5-sXlRaruugcVl2ROJCR_GyoiGwnNNM39KA6ecf804zygN39hW1sFV44MHe7HyBLe3zFtsIK8AByBQBhXh51NlSygT2D23-XhWPJMy5HzFHKl409A6xBaD/s1600/Nick-Dammit-vegas2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492846950361342962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkx8x9MkjmHMjCO5-sXlRaruugcVl2ROJCR_GyoiGwnNNM39KA6ecf804zygN39hW1sFV44MHe7HyBLe3zFtsIK8AByBQBhXh51NlSygT2D23-XhWPJMy5HzFHKl409A6xBaD/s400/Nick-Dammit-vegas2%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> applause and her ability to sing before hundreds of people, she forgot Vegas politics and horned in on a photo shoot between two celebrities. Nic was okay with the intrusion, but Michael's agent, Angelo, took offense, and Mimosa was once again Micah, this time running for his life from intrepid Italian entrepreneurs.<br /><br />Then he spied it--luggage that wasn't fully zipped. Micah weazled his way into the frayed, red suitcase, where he found a plethora of male/male romance novels to read until he landed. Where? He had no idea. He rifled through the worn clothing, loose tickets and trinkets, keepsakes, and jewelry. Ah! A small flashlight. Then he saw the papers he needed. He'd hitched a ride with m/m authors Carol Lynne and Cash Cole, on their way home from a writers' conference. Perhaps they could help him until he got back on his cotton feet.<br /><br />Cash Cole, like Mimosa, however, was merely a pseudonym, a persona to be donned now and then. Once they landed in Kansas City, Cash morphed back to her old self, an embittered writer named Bobbie Cole. And Bobbie was upset that she'd be missing the upcoming Romance Writers of America conference in Orlando. Recognizing a Dammit Doll when she saw one, Bobbie grabbed poor Micah by his legs and pounded the nearest table as soon as she arrived home. Yelling <em>dammit, dammit, dammit</em>, she whacked until Micah thought his stuffing would pop out.<br /><br /><strong><em>It's a metaphor!</em></strong> he tried telling her. Surely, an author would know what that meant. But she was relentless. frustrated.<br /><br />It was then that Micah decided he'd look for others of his ilk at this RWA conference. When Bobbie finally relaxed her grip on him and took a nap, Micah jumped onto the internet and found the links he needed. The dolls were gathering, alright, at the writers' conference. They were to gather on Thursday night at the RWA Moonlight Madness jamboree on July 29th.<br /><br />He studied their origination at <a href="http://www.mararwa.com/Authors/dammitdoll.html">http://www.mararwa.com/Authors/dammitdoll.html</a><br />then made his own reservations for the conference. Maybe he'd arrive early, but it'd give him time to check out nightclubs and find work. He had to support himself, after all. And this time he wouldn't be so eager to climb into the spotlight with other celebrities. He'd be his own doll.<br /><br />Micah scanned the web page. The next doll's story would be up soon at Heather Snow's home on the web. Maybe she'd be kinder to the doll she encountered. She was, after all, an historical romance writer. Weren't those people more sophisticated, less rough? He hoped so. Making a note of Heather's web address, <a href="http://www.heathersnowbooks.blogspot.com/">http://www.heathersnowbooks.blogspot.com/</a>, Micah closed out of Bobbie's computer and packed for his next adventure.Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-77876841492047363252010-07-10T12:52:00.003-05:002010-07-10T13:01:03.306-05:00friendsI love my friends. It's weird how often I measure myself against them, using them as yardsticks when I want to stretch my wings and try something new at which they have succeeded (or drag them into a venture with me). Some friends are my age, and we commiserate on aging, aging parents, cashing in too early with dreams we once had. Other friends are much younger, and they keep me on my toes, making me reevaluate how badly I'd like to do something that will either rejuvinate me or put a new crop of lines on my face.<br /><br />One friend has a son who is dying. They've fought the battle with cancer for years, and now his doctors have sent him home to let Hospice care for him. He's stubborn and insists he's getting better and will soon be back at work. God, I hope so.<br /><br />Another pal is so busy stewing over things that have already happened in her life that I fear she's missing out on some "right now" things, such as how wonderful she is AS she is, not to mention moments that cannot be recaptured. I want to tell her to slow the hell down. Time is such a thief. (Ask the aforementioned friend.)<br /><br />This one makes me laugh. She and her family went camping and didn't have time to get their car cleaned. Someone wrote on it: I wish my girlfriend was this dirty.<br /><br />And from one side of the USA to the other,<br /><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;"><strong>HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIZ WOLFE</strong></span> and<br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HEATHER RAE SCOTT!!!!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">Pleasant weekend to all. Look here tomorrow for a Dammit Doll adventure. If you haven't heard and care to look, here's what the Dammit Doll adventures are all about this month:</span><br /><br /><br />http://www.mararwa.com/Authors/dammitdoll.htmBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-54125956766156556022010-07-01T18:18:00.003-05:002010-07-01T18:34:46.970-05:00Happy JulyI am at Casa Carol's for a few days with buddy Dudley while his mama is vacationing with her family. Anyone in my neighborhood with a beer and a backrub? I mean it's such torture here. She stocked the 'frig and all that jazz with fresh fruits & veggies, a blueberry pie (ssh - don't tell the carb police), and some nice meals for me. I have the use of her laptops, so I can get on the internet when I'm supposed to be writing.<br /><br />And I AM writing. Also reading. Have 3 manuscripts to critique (yes, Jackie, Leigh, & Aimee, you are with me in spirit this week), 4 books of my own to read, and a slew of Carol's lining her bookshelves. If you like tearjerkers, pick up her Cattle Valley Days books. That one about Nick becoming mayor and facing a disaster. OMG. Book #12. WAAAAH. And the latest one, a follow up called Neil's' Guardian Angel!!!! ANOTHER tear jerker. (Pretty hot cover, too.) It's here: <a href="http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=806">http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=&P_ID=806</a><br /><br />Okay, I have some news of my own. I sold to Carina Press. Color me happy. It's a romantic suspense, a Bobbie Cole book. No clue when it'll debut. Gotta meet my editor and go through edits and all of that first. But Sunny Bob is now a Harlequin author. And it feels gooood. :) I wouldn't have gotten the book done, much less submitted, if not for <a href="http://heatherraescott.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">Heather Rae Scott</a> , so thanks, girlfriend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for pushing me, critiquing me, encouraging me, and listening to me whine about it all.<br /><br />Happy 4th of July, everyone, whether you are in the states or not.<br />hugs<br />Sunny LynBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-88358973010718258642010-06-20T19:33:00.011-05:002010-06-20T20:06:59.640-05:00never to old to rock 'n roll<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8k_rqxKXF6wUKDLseV-RybuxAWIJsT6-JJY_7kc_P_-v2amWolb36dR_rPUCBEwmHBX8taKFDgp4FcwPIIEkT235Ha4ayvTehPyPT5_7U29a0dXBP5m6Zy0TwXZFJoRyzXnj/s1600/061510%2520Royals%25203%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 336px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 248px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485023194474120818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8k_rqxKXF6wUKDLseV-RybuxAWIJsT6-JJY_7kc_P_-v2amWolb36dR_rPUCBEwmHBX8taKFDgp4FcwPIIEkT235Ha4ayvTehPyPT5_7U29a0dXBP5m6Zy0TwXZFJoRyzXnj/s400/061510%2520Royals%25203%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>I have had the best damned time the past couple of weeks. Figured I was due, but I didn't push my luck. I thanked the powers that be and kept my eyes peeled for open doors. (Easier to go through one that's already opened rather than have to knock or find a bulldozer, ya know?)<br /><br />I attended my first Royals game...and they won (seems they haven't had a lot of winning streaks lately). Son got 3 tickets, 2 together, 1 alone, so I opted for the lone one and happened to sit by 4 guys celebrating a birthday. They introduced themselves to me, had a few beers, said a few cheers, flirted their butts off. I, on the other hand, was totally engrossed in watching the Royals whip the Houston Astros. The game was exciting, though, one of those that was close for several innings, with one team getting ahead by 1 or 2, the other 0 for the inning, and back and forth. Until the 5th inning when the KC Royals had 7! It was pretty exciting stuff. <div><div><br />I thanked my son, by the way, for buying this house we're in. Climbing stairs umpteen times a day has paid off royally. I wouldn't have been able to walk from parking lot to baseball field or to have climbed up and down those stairs to get to that underground pub if it hadn't been for living here.</div><div><br />Joined a new critique group - well, new to me, and these ladies are sharp. Great with the hugs or butt kicks, whichever is necessary.</div><div><br />Met some really nice folks at a party at fellow friend and writer Sally's place. Was interesting that 2 people who knew me as Bobbie 20 years ago were there - and 1 of the new friends I met knew someone in MARA besides Sally...this lady had been a member years earlier, long before I joined. Out of the seven women there, seems we were all writers of one sort or another. Of course, there I was at nearly 6' tall, and the others were tiny, like size 2 to 4 and maybe 5'3" except for Sally. I felt like a moose. But they were great and I enjoyed myself.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Diana, Sally, Madonna, Anita (the birthday girl), some damn woman, Wendy, & Terri</div><div></div><div></div><div align="center"><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s2LwQOgKRKW8-90uKT_WH9EL4sRPfZBAhyBnKmi86l2n6_JkyUkooMmM7jOqnyUOiaCpu7zBdeuRA31RldhEkw0TdPKNayJPuprNsmQH1ZlTTIVn_SDHBNpH7RUrxkTbckpd/s1600/IMG_8801%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 103px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485024175947273154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s2LwQOgKRKW8-90uKT_WH9EL4sRPfZBAhyBnKmi86l2n6_JkyUkooMmM7jOqnyUOiaCpu7zBdeuRA31RldhEkw0TdPKNayJPuprNsmQH1ZlTTIVn_SDHBNpH7RUrxkTbckpd/s400/IMG_8801%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Hitched a ride home with Gretchen who took me to meet up with Erin, who was to take me home, and we had dinner at Zona Rosa then went to an Irish pub that was hell and gone from Kansas City but tons of fun. The owner wears a kilt and has a trained tenor voice that can melt bones. </div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0dcutoDCAaUQz391KA7dQUz_sTxSxzukQ0yNTM_zuEf6-4of6Wh_yVFelx2q27Qb3q1EFMfrkYziPixFrtg-P9xxkUinSiWmJxq_KCREXOikETHMzk3-Dsjx-l41lZfQYguL/s1600/DSC00087%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485023447145952418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0dcutoDCAaUQz391KA7dQUz_sTxSxzukQ0yNTM_zuEf6-4of6Wh_yVFelx2q27Qb3q1EFMfrkYziPixFrtg-P9xxkUinSiWmJxq_KCREXOikETHMzk3-Dsjx-l41lZfQYguL/s400/DSC00087%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>I had kismet moment chasing kismet, revelation after revelation, and so many lessons were brought home that I'd either not learned or had forgotten over the past couple of weeks. #1 is that we are all struggling...some of us just grab the proverbial bull by the horns and get back on the bull until the ride is over. Some of us get sidetracked--okay, we all do at times. But persistence pays off.</div><div><br /><br />I learned more about Madonna, not the singer, the writer, and she's quite interesting. Great conversationalist--who knew? She's usually so quiet. But she's a character, great sense of humor, interested in so many things, big traveler, and her husband is just nuts about her - it's so obvious. Thirty years of marriage and the man's eyes still hold that love and admiration every time he looks at her.</div><div><br /><br />One of my pals is 65 and looks like she's in her 30's. She has a home gym of sorts, works out, rides a Harley, drives a sports car, and cooks and decorates and has all sorts of interests. And she has a bubble machine - lol. Loved it. Bubbles all over that back yard.</div><div><br /><br />Anyway, that's why I've been absent. Nothing wrong. Just resting up from the move, busting ass around here getting things put away, and spending time with family and friends. Hope the rest of you are well and happy and that the Universe grants you a ballgame, a kiss (got one or two of those this past week - lol - another story), clean laundry, and balm for what ails you.</div></div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-68482428284591108252010-05-29T21:49:00.002-05:002010-05-29T22:05:41.662-05:00moving, muscles, mayhemHave moved. Just haven't finished moving. Internet, cable, all that jazz come on Tuesday. Yesterday the new dining table, chairs, and kids' new bed arrived. I've discovered muscles I didn't know I had, while others are rebeling and letting me know how pissed off they are.<br /><br />Right now am Dudley sitting for Carol (God bless that woman for rescuing me today/tonight) while she's at a ballgame. I have a promise to get a book in to an editor, and it wasn't happening at home, so I'm working on it tonight and tomorrow morning until C arrives. Then Jackie is kidnapping me - lol. Have I mentioned that I adore my friends???<br /><br />What I have learned...a new appreciation for those who work fast food. They've kept us afloat the past couple of weeks. I've learned that my legs are still useful, that I CAN climb stairs (over and over)...I just can't carry anything heavy, and I tend to fall (that balance thing that comes with head injuries). BUT...I can grab a box of books or clothes and do the "old lady with the walker" thing getting them up those flights of stairs. Hoist box a couple of steps ahead of me, climb using box as the walker. And so on...<br /><br />I can also rig up a makeshift closure for a fence that isn't fixed yet so that I don't have to take the dogs out on a leash any more. That 'driving a team of horses' thing was kinda wearing on me. Was beginning to feel like Charlton Heston with chariot and horses in Ben Hur. Didn't realize I was losing weight until my jeans dropped to my ankles when I coughed once. Ack. Broad friggin' daylight while in the garage waiting on a repairman who took care of the front part of the fence. (I took care of one corner of the back.)<br /><br />Have had Taco Bueno till I'm turning avacado green and my kidneys hate me.<br /><br />Got on internet at Carol's tonight and cleaned out the mailbox. Thanks to those of you who haven't sent me a ton of mail. A pox on those who have. (just kidding...well, maybe a mild case of rash)<br /><br />On the good side, I have an office again! YAY!!! And what books I'll read within the next month (if all goes as planned) will go on the big new bookcase while others slumber in the closet. Not having them all out there again collecting dust. Daughter-in-law loaned me her laptop for the weekend (mine crapped out...the LED/monitor went kablooey).<br /><br />To those who know how grave my dad's health situation was during the move, he's better. For the phone calls I've missed...sorry, phone is acting up and I don't always hear it ring. Have to keep an eye on the red light that alerts me I missed a call, damn it. The Kids are fine, except had to go to an emergency care clinic with DIL whose ankles and legs are swelling from being on them and working such long hours even during the move than afterwards at night cleaning out the old place.<br /><br />Till next time...hugs...thanks for caring and popping in here while I've been gone.<br />~ Sunny LynBobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-60198549097338579782010-05-17T10:32:00.002-05:002010-05-17T10:39:32.101-05:00moving sucks'nuff said?<br /><br />less than a week...yay...(groan)<br /><br />no smoking. have a writers' meeting I'm in charge of on Saturday. moving day is Saturday - lol. house is a total wreck. dogs are losing fur every time they meander the path to the back door. kids are grouchy as hell. all I'd need is for Mother Nature to visit, but there'd be a big star in the east since no ute since 1997. but then I'm looking for a miracle of some sort this week. that, of course, would be a disaster, no? don't need any more of those.<br /><br />coffee pot is on the fritz, has to be cleaned with vinegar most likely, to remove residue, mineral build-up. ants invaded...and kids blame the houseplants. uh, no, but might be that the freakin' dishes need to be done instead of sitting in the sink, and trash needs to be bagged and hauled out. doh. (when's the last time YOU saw an ant carry an aloe vera to his hole rather than food?)<br /><br />beer...bourbon, backrub, Calgon, something...please, carry me awaaaaaaaaay.Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-77070649229391435532010-04-29T11:23:00.007-05:002010-04-29T11:47:55.734-05:00RT Columbus, Ohio 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yOChVnCez4TncfwZdByhyYgIWlvIzg2gVuC9ANaOYVKYWCDFSpomEwV_SynHki3Y_c44KXqzk0mr1j1yzb56GTQSs7eRkoDeiFJijQrVZ_RlYBv1s1iaJYywWBfn-aoT3Z_g/s1600/IMG00550%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465597670200442066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yOChVnCez4TncfwZdByhyYgIWlvIzg2gVuC9ANaOYVKYWCDFSpomEwV_SynHki3Y_c44KXqzk0mr1j1yzb56GTQSs7eRkoDeiFJijQrVZ_RlYBv1s1iaJYywWBfn-aoT3Z_g/s400/IMG00550%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><~~~ the lovely and stylish Molly & Pat </div><div>***</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The first thing everyone has asked is WHY Ohio in the first place? I'm betting it's because it's mid-America and because EC, the biggest contributor (as in their authors and readers, as in their party, which is always a highlight at RT) is based in Ohio. But other than that...I agree. What the hell?</div><div>***</div></div><div></div><div>Ah, didn't get a photo, but for those who know Raelene Gorlinsky, the publisher for RT? She looks fabulous. I swear, the diet she's on, the way she had her hair fixed (and I didn't see her in a hat - lol - she had just arrived when she came and sat at our table outside), whatever it was...she looks 10 years younger. Very pretty. And Jeania with EC is still cute as hell. The woman never ages.</div><div>***<br /></div><div>I met some nice local folks there (and wonderful staff at the hotel), but the location sucks. Columbus is a former industrial city, and I'm not sure what it is now, but the downtown area is pretty bleak and void of eye candy. There are some terrific boutiques and food places, but...meh. Lex and I had to take a cab to Wal-Mart and go through 'da hood' (and people, I've lived in da hood in Oklahoma City, and this one scared the crap out of even me)...e-friggin-gad. Did some people-watching, though, and the norm there for women of all ages seems to be Capris, ankle socks, athletic shoes, and ankle tattoos. Amazing. Didn't see but a few flip flops in Wal-Mart, only a few bottle blondes with heels, and no sandals. But tons of the Capri/Nike/tats.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhAABxyZ0EsJhblTBEmS1sNxWvzoqwyZBXcskXATO0zdXRnFf8jDml5-kGF3dx3Is_MA92Ptp_EEQJQeZ9fftZO3w8fMd9IuobF0C2DPIxS-2wyEHK-NitHC9XMXkUXuf7U1k/s1600/IMG00553%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465597926218695058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPhAABxyZ0EsJhblTBEmS1sNxWvzoqwyZBXcskXATO0zdXRnFf8jDml5-kGF3dx3Is_MA92Ptp_EEQJQeZ9fftZO3w8fMd9IuobF0C2DPIxS-2wyEHK-NitHC9XMXkUXuf7U1k/s400/IMG00553%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><~~ a sample of Theresa's knitting expertise - omg this was pretty! </div><div>The thrills for me were meeting up with friends and editors. Shared drinks and conversation with Angie (Carina Press - I'm too lazy to link you today). Had meals and convo and tons of laughs with Theresa (Red Sage Publishing), Molly, Lex, Sahara, Jill, several authors, readers, and RT representatives. Of course, there's Kathryn The Great (Kathryn Falk, founder of Romantic Times Magazine, discoverer of Fabio and his ilk. </div><div>***</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKopeRNYG1dt7ufU6UlWsO-ud06QzZqD_tRngQVN0nis-_ci9t42zC5ANF6m4-rfEiJj_-CDfh1wFYSY9eho1L3QcbyFfUiMY08-bF1dNdnLxV2RiR5HAHZR2yKVK5tMiiVkkp/s1600/IMG00534%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465598460454761810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKopeRNYG1dt7ufU6UlWsO-ud06QzZqD_tRngQVN0nis-_ci9t42zC5ANF6m4-rfEiJj_-CDfh1wFYSY9eho1L3QcbyFfUiMY08-bF1dNdnLxV2RiR5HAHZR2yKVK5tMiiVkkp/s400/IMG00534%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div><~~ Alexis at our room's window - it always pains me to say goodbye to my friend, and this trip was a short one for me, but it was better to at least spend some time with her than none at all. </div><div>***</div><div></div><div>There are probably a few waiters at the restaurants who are either delighted or dismayed that I didn't stick around. (Yeah, Sunny showed her ass when we were kept waiting. You really don't want to know how I got them to wait on us.) I only flew in for 3 nights prior to the convention so I could see Lex, T, Molly, and others.</div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm in the midst of packing up a house (we're not moving far, but it still has to be done), or I'd leave more tidbits (and there's a lot of shake up in the publishing industry at present) and photos. But for now, this is it. Enjoy.</div><div>***<br /></div><div>~ Sunny</div>Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-39761255793300543922010-04-22T15:58:00.003-05:002010-04-22T16:15:17.288-05:00How about that? Two posts within a week.I just spent the most wonderful day with another writer friend. Rain, my first Krispy Kreme donut experience, author to author chit chat, hugging a warm puppy (well he was warm after he nestled against my boobs for a bit). Thanks, Carol.<br /><br />It's always nice to talk with someone who has been in the trenches and survived the war. Have had one acquaintance tell another this week that (for whatever reason) she wouldn't sell what she was writing. Not "you might not", but you won't. And it took me several hours to calm down after that. I would hate to be the cause of another writer floundering with doubt demons simply because I was a friggin' know-it-all. First reaction with me is usually to smack somebody, even if verbally, and worry about the aftermath later. But it got me to thinking.<br /><br />Over the past ten years I've done some major housecleaning and reorganizing of my personal life. If it (or even they) weren't working for me, if it/they were toxic, then...bye bye. Hurt like hell a lot of times, but wounds heal better when they're not perpetually reinfected with the same affliction. Self-centeredness or self-preservation? Maybe both. And if the world works the way I think it does, there are probably those who got rid of me for the same damned reason! As it should be.<br /><br />So...my advice was to let it go. (Okay, my first advice was f*** her, but I softened. A little. I'm channeling David Carradine's Kung Fu character.) Path of least resistence, that sort of thing. How can you climb higher if you're willingly swimming with sharks? And there are a lot of sharks in this business, so either learn how to swim better, strap on the equivalent of a bulletproof wetsuit, or get out of the water. And sometimes getting out of the water simply means rising above it, not giving up.<br /><br />So that is my Thursday advice. Don't give up. Do what you have to do within reason, don't hurt others (shame on the "you'll never sell this" folks), hone your skills, and have a few safety nets in the form of good friends, mentors, self-confidence, and passion.Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15287679.post-17899915836146384992010-04-19T15:30:00.005-05:002010-04-19T20:58:54.264-05:00IssuesReturned from writers' retreat energized. Tired, looking like hell, back hurting, but...oddly energized, because I learned a few things. #1 - I have issues.<br /><br />Many of us are so afraid of putting ourselves onto the page that our characters tend to be "cardboard", one-dimensional, two- at best. Some are scared that we'll reveal too much about ourselves and that nobody will like us. Others try so hard that nobody likes them or their characters anyway. And a smaller portion of us fear we'll scare the shit out of folks. It goes beyond "what if they don't like me" to "what if they want to lock me up or avoid me altogether?" - and then...<br /><br />Some of us are genuinely clueless. We know the mechanics of writing but not characterization, because we are either so shallow that we only scratch the surface, or we're so friggin' deep we're in danger of drowning ourselves.<br /><br />Somewhere in the midst of character chaos lie those of us who haven't made peace with our baggage from the past. I'm one of those. I'll think I've buried the dead and emerged like some phoenix from the ashes, but whenever my stuff is read aloud, I marvel...<em>you are still angry as hell, and it shows. You're not psychotic, but you definitely have issues.</em> I can say this because I know I drop my pants and put myself 'out there', on the page, every time I write something. And when it's read aloud, it ain't always pretty. Anger comes in many disguises - mine is cloaked in sarcasm and innuendo.<br /><br />What to do? Keep writing, I guess. Hell, I dunno. I know that I never really smoked, drank, swore, or even skinny dipped (which I love - lol) until I was nearly 29. What happened doesn't matter. What matters is that whatever pushed me toward becoming an adrenaline junkie is still there, lingering in the murky past. It can't drag me back--I'm not afraid in the least of that. But it can cloud the waters of my mind, make me lose focus of what matters most. I used to do drugs and dye my hair purple. Now I just write. But my female characters (okay, protagonists) who are afraid to show emotion, reveal what they truly fear and feel, won't garner me any sympathy or requests for manuscripts until I allow them to soften a bit. They can smart-ass themselves out of danger or relationships, but the chill factor needs to heat up, thaw them, give their arthritic attempts at communication some vitamin E or something. Adrenaline junkies take risks, but they're not necessarily emotional ones...and emotion is what sells, folks.<br /><br />Back to the drawing board. I've joined a new critique group. Haven't belonged to a do-or-die crit group in ages. Never for once thought I knew it all. Just dropped out of my own life for a spell and watched it from the sidelines. That's the trouble with allowing others to infiltrate your subconscious and become a part of your everyday life - lol. If they give a damn about you, they remind you (even if they are unaware of doing so) that you're still breathing, that you're not dead yet...and, therefore, neither is your writing.<br /><br />~ Lazarus Sunny Lyn *shaking off the dust and starting fresh...again* (I've had more fresh starts than Richard freakin' Nixon)Bobbie (Sunny) Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10039523903143674505noreply@blogger.com4