Carly Phillips's Blog: Carly's Web Blogs, page 91
February 23, 2012
Meltdown & Misc Other Things)
It's the President's week break and my kids are off from school and we're in Florida. They each brought a friend. I have a college age daughter and a sophomore in H.S. This means I'm now used to living with three people in my house – me, hubby and daughter. Said daughter is extremely social and rarely around and when she is home, she's on the computer yapping with her friends. In other words, I'm not used to having 6 under one roof. I'm not used to constant "Mom", "Mom" – and noise. It's a SHOCK I tell you! I'm SO happy to have my family all together, and the girls' friends who I really do enjoy, and we're having a really good time. But yesterday I had a mini meltdown. I don't know why. I just know suddenly I was anxious and crazy and didn't want anyone asking me anything. Which of course meant everyone did. Which led to a huge old round of GUILT (we Jewish girls EXCEL in Guilt 101) because I'm so LUCKY to be with my whole family on vacation, how dare wish I was alone and need a corner to myself to go into meltdown mode. I needed a vacation from my vacation. I guess that's why when the kids were younger and people said what's your favorite day of the week I always said Monday, because everyone left the house, went to school and work, and I had peace. The irony of THAT is, if everyone I love, including hubby, said "I'm going out tonight without you," instead of celebrating I'd have an anxiety, "how dare you not want to be with me" attack. I AM SO NOT RATIONAL and clearly INSANE. It's the crazy mix of feelings. Gotta tell you, it's not fun to be me sometimes.
Comments on Carly Craziness?
(Oh let me add it's 6:43 AM and I just realized I panicked, thought I forgot to blog, jumped up to write this and realized NOW it's only Wed. not Thurs. And THIS is a vacation? Clearly I am not relaxed. What's wrong w/me?)
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CARLY LIVE in West Palm Beach, FL
Oh and if you live near West Palm Beach, Florida, PLEASE take pity on me and show up at my signing/talk tomorrow night at the WPB Library. I'm truly afraid it's gonna be just me and my parents. It's FREE but they'd like you to register so they know how many to expect:
Date: Thursday, Feb. 23
Time: 3:00 PM
Place: Main Library, West Palm Beach – 3650 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.
REGISTER: CLICK HERE
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Remembering I now have longer, curlier, brunette/reddish hair – check out the video interview I did with Romantic Times last August about SERENDIPITY series!
February 16, 2012
Carly's Corner
I spent Sunday morning writing up website updates. When I do, I go through every page to see if I can think of new things to add. While there, I came across my "Carly @ Work Section" and thought I'd share my work space with all of you!
So where do I work? I have an office right off my bedroom. A separate room from my room that isn't on top of the husband or the kids and yet is right in the center of things. I'm always around when they need me and they come whenever they please. It's a good thing I can write with distractions. Awhile back, I bought a recliner, an idea given to me by author Vicki Lewis Thompson, who suggested I use it as my place to write with my Alphasmart on my lap. Unfortunately I started to use it to nap, instead. But eventually it did become my work space and I gave up the desk top computer for a laptop – a Macbook Air – that I can't live with out.
The coolest thing about my office? I can do whatever I want there. I used to have my covers and Alias posters up, but a few years ago I redid my office and went for a more adult look. Although I still have stuffed animals I won't part with, and a section of Buddy's old things. I think a home office should be a personal space and I love making it mine.
The recliner is cornered so Bailey loves to go behind it and sleep or store her toys where Brady can't find them. He's still looking for his own "spot" … but if you'll notice, the table beside the chair is really the top of a dog crate. And of course, sometimes the dogs steal my seat. :) 
Buddy on my chair
So what do you think? Is my writing space as exciting as you thought it would be?
February 14, 2012
A Rare CARLY PHILLIPS TALK and BOOK SIGNING!
Date: Thursday, Feb. 23
Time: 3:00 PM
Place: Main Library, West Palm Beach - 3650 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.
REGISTER: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/v...
February 9, 2012
Thursday Musings
Once again I have a few things on my mind, LOL.
Last week when I discussed Shades of Grey, I think my point was unclear – I was mostly frustrated with the fact that people and even friends who won't read my romance novels will read this one because all of a sudden it's "in" and "oh so good." I'm not saying that book is or isn't good. I haven't read it. I am saying the general world's opinion of romance is annoying as is the following along with the masses instead of reading what feels good for you only. OK last week's rant OVER!
Back pain – still hurts but I'm up and around this week. I just hate that when I take meds I can't work because of being groggy and if I'm in pain I can't work because … well I'm in pain. Vicious cycle.
Dog problems – Brady has turned one – and I think Bailey feels threatened. Some snapping (but deliberately not biting) going on. Have a call into the trainer.
I can't wait for you all to read KARMA (Dare's story) in May – and not just because I want you to read the story (I DO!) – but because then I can tell you whose stories are next and it'll make sense to you!!!!
Valentine's Day is next week. Despite being a Romance writer, we don't make a big deal of it in my house – which is honestly fine with me. The fun part for me is that I'm the annual guest blogger at Fresh Fiction, so I'll be sure to let you know the link and the giveaway I'm running there that day!
And finally, I have a new obsession – PINTEREST – I LOVE making poster boards online, pinning my favorite things, and now up next I'm putting together boards of my books and character profiles there! Here's where you can find me: Carly's Pinterest . I hope you'll check it out even if you discover it's just not for you.
Oh! And have you read Serendipity, Destiny, and Kismet yet? If not what are you waiting for?
So plenty to discuss!!
February 2, 2012
Carly's Personal Rant
Let me start by saying I'm laid up with a bad back – in excruciating pain – and in bed for days now. So this is going to be very short. Here we go – people who are close to me, who don't read my books (not my rant, they're entitled to their book of choice even if it's always the "in" book that people are talking about.) Which brings me to my real rant. Everyone around me is asking, "Have you read Fifty Shades of Grey? OMG you HAVE to read it." Yes, same people who sit at a table with me and ask, "anyone have a good book for me to read?"
Let me ask you? Is this erotica book suddenly OK to read because it's IN? Whereas my "trashy" romance novels aren't worth their time?
That's my rant. Have at it, people. And if you have read said book, is it Romance the way WE here in the jungle think of Romance? Happily ever after Romance?
January 29, 2012
WINNER!
The winner of the $25.00 Amazon gift card (name picked at random by anonymous family member!) is:
Daniela C. (Comment #129)
CONGRATULATIONS!! Please email me the address at which you'd like me to send you the gift card at: carly phillips @ mac . com (no spaces) and I'll get it to you ASAP!
SUNDAY FUNNY
Grandma's birth control
The doctor that had been seeing an 80-year-old woman for most of her life
finally retired. At her next checkup, the new doctor told her to bring a
list of all the medicines that had been prescribed for her.
… As the young doctor was looking through these, his eyes grew wide as he
realized she had a prescription for birth control pills.
"Mrs. Smith, do you realize these are BIRTH CONTROL pills?
"Yes, they help me sleep at night."
"Mrs. Smith, I assure you there is absolutely NOTHING in these that could
possibly help you sleep!"
She reached out and patted the young Doctor's knee.
"Yes, dear, I know that. But every morning, I grind one up and mix it in
the glass of orange juice that my 16 year old granddaughter drinks…….
And believe me, it helps me sleep at night. ."
You gotta LOVE Grandmas!!!
January 28, 2012
What'cha Reading?
Hopefully by now I've finished my top secret RITA entries and can move on to the books I've downloaded on my Kindle. Honestly I'm not sure what they are since I haven't allowed myself to turn it on for fear of temptation. LOL. So you guys need to tell me on this Reading Saturday – WHAT'CHA READING these days?
January 27, 2012
Carly's Contest
We all want extra money to buy books, right? So here you go: a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
You know the drill and in case you don't – post a comment for a chance to win and check back on Sunday to see if you got lucky!
January 26, 2012
Thursday Thoughts
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRADY MAN! Last Saturday, January 21, Brady turned one year old. He's a great dog and I adore him. He'll never take Buddy's place but that's not his job. His job is to be his goofy, loveable self and to LOVE me. Which he does. Just like I love him!
GO PATS! For those who don't know, I've been Tweeting during football playoff games and have come to really enjoy watching the games (so to speak) with my Twitter friends. I'm irreverent and some say funny and no matter if you're a Giants fan (COUGH!) we'll have fun on Superbowl Sunday so FOLLOW ME!
CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL Beginning this past Sunday I stopped drinking Diet Coke, which I was doing in restaurants, occasionally at home, and at friends' houses. It's been like being a narcoleptic. All I want to do is sleep. I'm hoping that passes soon. But it as the articles about diet soda contributing to weight gain that got me. I'm also reducing my sugar intake. Easier said than done, especially since if I'm not drinking diet coke, then I shouldn't drink/consume artificial sweeteners for the same reasons. But I am trying!
EXERCISE – YES I AM! 30 minutes on the treadmill a minimum of three days a week, trying for more. If I can do it, anyone can. Nobody hates exercise like me. Nobody hates to sweat like me. Nobody hates boredom like me. My goal is NOT weight loss. Yes I'd love that to be a side result (so far its not happening) but I'm doing it for one reason – GET THAT BLOOD FLOWING IN MY BODY. I had a wakeup call when a chiropractor said to me, get your blood flowing and it'll help everything that hurts. And I thought of my dad and his problems, I thought of my genetics, and I said, I MUST DO THIS or else. And I am. When you don't have a goal that you aren't obtaining (like weight loss) it's a huge help – I do it, keep reminding myself why when I want to quit, and feel proud after that yes I accomplished my goal. First time in my entire life.
THE HEARTBREAKER – Ever since THE BACHELOR went on sale for $1.99 eBook, people have been downloading/rereading the series. And they're looking for THE HEARTBREAKER in eBook form. NOOK readers have had no problem but KINDLE readers couldn't find the third in the series. Well guess what? THE HEARTBREAKER is available for Kindle now! The last two books, THE PLAYBOY and THE HEARTBREAKER are full publisher price, but THE BACHELOR is still $1.99!! Here is my CHANDLER BROTHER book page – click on each book individually for the separate links for each book's eBook!
ADVANCED APOLOGY – Ever since our Blackout Week (due to hackers) we've all promised to make a greater effort to post during the day here in comments, even if we're busy. It's been hard this week with my daughter's midterm schedule, doctors in between, I started physical therapy on my upper neck/back, and life in general. And today I'm leaving for a few days, so you may not hear from me till tonight or tomorrow. I haven't forgotten you and I'll be around as soon as I'm able!
So I've left you with plenty of topics to grab onto and discuss until I get back. Pick one!
January 19, 2012
The More Things Change …
NO THEY DO NOT STAY THE SAME.
Soaps.
I'm sad. I've lost All My Children and One Life to Live and General Hospital is potentially on the chopping block. Suddenly my afternoons are empty from 1 PM – 3 PM EST and I'm afraid it will get worse. My evenings without them on Soap Net are empty. I feel adrift. And if any of you think I'm exaggerating, I'm not. Somehow these shows defined my life, my writing, my days.
I know you're all expecting a long post since this is our first week back, but I don't have it in me. What I would like are suggestions on what to watch, DVR, rent or put on the TV during that blank time during the day. I write to noise. Not music, that doesn't work. I'm so desperate yesterday after Khloe and Lamar I watched an E! special on Snoop Dog's life.
HELP!
