P.A. Moore's Blog, page 11
June 18, 2012
Mid Year Report!
The first 20 pages of my manuscript entitled Deadly Rumors finaled in the top three of the RWA River City Romance Writers Duel in the Delta Contest. Yeah! The story is a romantic suspense and will be sent to Liz Bass of Carina Press for final judging.
http://www.rivercityromancewriters.org/duel.html
http://www.rivercityromancewriters.org/duel.html
May 17, 2012
2012 Goal Updates!
Converted my Facebook page from personal profile to fan page. I am still in the process of getting my information updated. Completed 5 contest entries. Started receiving feedback. Average score 73%.
Completed 3 online courses.
Registered for RWA Conference in Anaheim.
Still looking for a "writing buddy" or friend.
Haven't been able to attend any local RWA meetings or conferences yet.
Still looking for a critique partner.
Finished reading 3 out of 12 novels.
Writing 1250 + words per week.
May 16, 2012
Things I saw on my walk
I've been making an effort to walk at least twice during my work day.
Yesterday, I passed a man cleaning out the side of his house. He said he was just trying to get rid of things that they collected. He had a bunch of stuff stacked on the sidewalk. There was piles of tiles, two pieces of granite, one piece of marble, bricks, octogon shaped brick pavers, dozens of flower pots and this cool looking iron garden shelf. The green planter shelf below caught my eye. I love shabby chic decor. I asked him if I could have the two iron pieces he had and he said yes. I then carried them back to my office and put them in the car.
I went back later with car and got the nice piece of marble and a box full of small flower pots.
Okay, I know the marble doesn't look that glamourous but I will do something with it later.
Here is the box of small flower pots. I am thinking about growing some kitchen herbs in them.
This morning the pile was still there but there was a trailer in front of his house. This afternoon everything was cleaned up.
Today, I noticed this cool scupture in front of one of the houses on the street. It is a wooden golden gate bridge complete with cars and a small boat. The man at the house said I could take a picture. He said his father had made it. I didn't ask his father's name but I wished I had. Anyway, just wanted to share.
Saw three salamander lizards lying in the sun. They scattered before I could get a picture.
Finally, I ran into a veteran who was on a walk from the Veterans Hospital. Still wearing his hospital pajamas and slippers. I've seen him before. Anyway, today he had a bag with a magazine and something else in it. He must have just come from the CVS pharmacy. I couldn't quite make out what he was saying to me but he did keep repeating that he was in the land of the living. Pray for our veterans. PEACE!
Yesterday, I passed a man cleaning out the side of his house. He said he was just trying to get rid of things that they collected. He had a bunch of stuff stacked on the sidewalk. There was piles of tiles, two pieces of granite, one piece of marble, bricks, octogon shaped brick pavers, dozens of flower pots and this cool looking iron garden shelf. The green planter shelf below caught my eye. I love shabby chic decor. I asked him if I could have the two iron pieces he had and he said yes. I then carried them back to my office and put them in the car.
I went back later with car and got the nice piece of marble and a box full of small flower pots.
Okay, I know the marble doesn't look that glamourous but I will do something with it later. 
Here is the box of small flower pots. I am thinking about growing some kitchen herbs in them.This morning the pile was still there but there was a trailer in front of his house. This afternoon everything was cleaned up.
Today, I noticed this cool scupture in front of one of the houses on the street. It is a wooden golden gate bridge complete with cars and a small boat. The man at the house said I could take a picture. He said his father had made it. I didn't ask his father's name but I wished I had. Anyway, just wanted to share.
Saw three salamander lizards lying in the sun. They scattered before I could get a picture.
Finally, I ran into a veteran who was on a walk from the Veterans Hospital. Still wearing his hospital pajamas and slippers. I've seen him before. Anyway, today he had a bag with a magazine and something else in it. He must have just come from the CVS pharmacy. I couldn't quite make out what he was saying to me but he did keep repeating that he was in the land of the living. Pray for our veterans. PEACE!
May 15, 2012
Tranquil Spaces
I've been faithfully plugging along on my GIAM 100X100 challenge. One quarter of the way through (25 days) so far of writing at least 100 words. The challenge is part of a yahoo groups. Once an individual completes 100X100 they graduate to GIAM Pro. There are four other groups.
I am working on creating my tranquil space for the summer. I love to sit outside first thing in the morning and have my coffee. On the weekends, I eat my breakfast outside. Sometimes my family joins me but other times I sit there myself and eat my breakfast before work. After work, I unwind by watering my garden. I haven't purchased any patio furniture for years so I splurged last month and bought this patio table and chairs.
As another special treat I got the matching lounge chair. I just subscribed to the Sunday New York Times and my local paper so I can sit out every weekend and read the paper. Of course, I've also got a stack of books to read during the summer after work.
My husband has been telling me that he is going to re-paint the deck and I can't wait.
The ground in my neighborhood is very clay like so I have purchased a number of large pots to grow veggies in. By mid summer the vines and plants are very lush. Here are a few of my plants.
I've been working really hard to relax and enjoy life. I found an old Ipod and started downloading free podcasts from itunes. There are several that I really enjoy. I recommend tranquilitydujour and Daily Boost.
For more information see www.tranquilitydujour.com. Kimberly Wilson has created a very cute blog and several e-courses. I purchased the May edition of the tranquilologie: a diy sprinkling of every day tranquility.
Here is the information as Kimberly Wilson describes her Tranquilologie course."Tranquilologie is the study of living a tranquil life with a splash of joie de vivre. It is a state of being mindful in the moment, relishing the simple pleasures of everyday life such as fresh flowers and candlelit dining, and continually creating an extraordinary experience out of the ordinary. This involves starting your day with intention, dressing with a dash of flair, filling your body with greens (and an occasional cupcake), and doing work you love. And above all, not waiting to live the life you desire until . . . the kids are grown, you retire, or you find your knight in shining armor. Tranquilologie is all about living with exuberance, passion, and tranquility - every month of the year."
http://ondemand.kimberlywilson.com/offerings/e-courses/
Daily Boost
http://www.motivationtomove.com/
Motivation to move is the other podcast which has gotten my butt up off of the office chair. He has some free podcasts on itunes as well as a subscription service where one can purchase daily motivation for $99. So far I've only gotten the free ones off of itunes. I can say that I have started walking daily during the day at work. I've even started using my gym membership. He also talks about goal setting and positive thinking. Look for dailyboost on itunes.
I highly recommend both podcasts.
I am working on creating my tranquil space for the summer. I love to sit outside first thing in the morning and have my coffee. On the weekends, I eat my breakfast outside. Sometimes my family joins me but other times I sit there myself and eat my breakfast before work. After work, I unwind by watering my garden. I haven't purchased any patio furniture for years so I splurged last month and bought this patio table and chairs.
As another special treat I got the matching lounge chair. I just subscribed to the Sunday New York Times and my local paper so I can sit out every weekend and read the paper. Of course, I've also got a stack of books to read during the summer after work.
My husband has been telling me that he is going to re-paint the deck and I can't wait.
The ground in my neighborhood is very clay like so I have purchased a number of large pots to grow veggies in. By mid summer the vines and plants are very lush. Here are a few of my plants. 
I've been working really hard to relax and enjoy life. I found an old Ipod and started downloading free podcasts from itunes. There are several that I really enjoy. I recommend tranquilitydujour and Daily Boost.
For more information see www.tranquilitydujour.com. Kimberly Wilson has created a very cute blog and several e-courses. I purchased the May edition of the tranquilologie: a diy sprinkling of every day tranquility.
Here is the information as Kimberly Wilson describes her Tranquilologie course."Tranquilologie is the study of living a tranquil life with a splash of joie de vivre. It is a state of being mindful in the moment, relishing the simple pleasures of everyday life such as fresh flowers and candlelit dining, and continually creating an extraordinary experience out of the ordinary. This involves starting your day with intention, dressing with a dash of flair, filling your body with greens (and an occasional cupcake), and doing work you love. And above all, not waiting to live the life you desire until . . . the kids are grown, you retire, or you find your knight in shining armor. Tranquilologie is all about living with exuberance, passion, and tranquility - every month of the year."
http://ondemand.kimberlywilson.com/offerings/e-courses/
Daily Boost
http://www.motivationtomove.com/
Motivation to move is the other podcast which has gotten my butt up off of the office chair. He has some free podcasts on itunes as well as a subscription service where one can purchase daily motivation for $99. So far I've only gotten the free ones off of itunes. I can say that I have started walking daily during the day at work. I've even started using my gym membership. He also talks about goal setting and positive thinking. Look for dailyboost on itunes.
I highly recommend both podcasts.
April 29, 2012
Southern Cal Spring Getaway
I spent the weekend in Long Beach with my hubby. We stayed on the Queen Mary ship hotel in Long Beach harbor. It was all very romantic and provided a bit of inspiration for my writing. The hotel rooms are very nice. The bathroom was entirely upgraded and I enjoyed the shower. The porthole window we had was very small and a bit too high for me to see out of. While the art deco design is evident throughout the ship/hotel, the public spaces of the hotel are a bit worn. Nevertheless it was a lovely weekend.
I love romantic sensual lingerie. I make it a habit to pick up something new every time I go away with my husband. I love Natori items and I purchased this sleep shirt from their website for the Long Beach trip. It is made of polyester but it looks and feels like silk. Love it. [image error] I had the opportunity to attend a book signing for More Forensics and Fiction written by D.P. Lyle. at the Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in Redondo Beach. They are an independent bookstore and as much as I love my Nook, I do support small businesses. I purchased $71.00 worth of books including D.P. Lyle's book, Donald Maass Fire in the Fiction, a book called Cinder and a book entitled Kindred. I can't wait to get started reading.
Anyway, I've decided to write a romantic mystery and am doing research. D.P. Lyle suggested I read more mysteries and he rattled off a list of male authors that he knows personally that he recommended I read. Listening to Dr. Lyle gave me some ideas for my next story as well as some inspiration. I was a bit shy and didn't ask as many questions as I could of or should have.
Last weekend, I planted my vegetable garden and purchased a new patio set. I've been wanting to upgrade the set for years. I spent this week having my morning coffee and breakfast on the patio.
I have registered for RWA National convention in Anaheim this July. I'm looking forward but would like to have a completed manuscript. Even though I know that it won't be edited enough for submission but I would like to be a little farther along in my writing.
D.P. Lyle suggested I attend the Mystery Writers workshop at Book Passage in early July. I looked it up and it is $595 and the week before RWA National. I already took the week off from work to attend RWA so I doubt that I will be able to attend the Mystery Writers conference but who knows.
Mini goals:
I've rejoined GIAM 100X100 and am attempting to complete 100 days of writing at least 100 words.
Finish editing Movers and Shakers and re-submit.
I love romantic sensual lingerie. I make it a habit to pick up something new every time I go away with my husband. I love Natori items and I purchased this sleep shirt from their website for the Long Beach trip. It is made of polyester but it looks and feels like silk. Love it. [image error] I had the opportunity to attend a book signing for More Forensics and Fiction written by D.P. Lyle. at the Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in Redondo Beach. They are an independent bookstore and as much as I love my Nook, I do support small businesses. I purchased $71.00 worth of books including D.P. Lyle's book, Donald Maass Fire in the Fiction, a book called Cinder and a book entitled Kindred. I can't wait to get started reading.
Anyway, I've decided to write a romantic mystery and am doing research. D.P. Lyle suggested I read more mysteries and he rattled off a list of male authors that he knows personally that he recommended I read. Listening to Dr. Lyle gave me some ideas for my next story as well as some inspiration. I was a bit shy and didn't ask as many questions as I could of or should have.
Last weekend, I planted my vegetable garden and purchased a new patio set. I've been wanting to upgrade the set for years. I spent this week having my morning coffee and breakfast on the patio.
I have registered for RWA National convention in Anaheim this July. I'm looking forward but would like to have a completed manuscript. Even though I know that it won't be edited enough for submission but I would like to be a little farther along in my writing. D.P. Lyle suggested I attend the Mystery Writers workshop at Book Passage in early July. I looked it up and it is $595 and the week before RWA National. I already took the week off from work to attend RWA so I doubt that I will be able to attend the Mystery Writers conference but who knows.
Mini goals:
I've rejoined GIAM 100X100 and am attempting to complete 100 days of writing at least 100 words.
Finish editing Movers and Shakers and re-submit.
January 4, 2012
Happy New Year and all that!
I had a great fall and holiday season. My husband and I renewed our wedding vows on a cruise during Thanksgiving. It was great fun and very, very romantic. Look for a love story taking place on a cruise and possibly a vows renewal story in the coming year.
I took a break from writing this fall. I didn't intend to, I just couldn't get it together to write or edit anything. Maybe it was planning for the cruise or the holidays. I don't know. I've managed to read many great stories over the past few months. I've been enjoying the color nook that I got last Christmas. I've ventured into some genres that I previously didn't think that I would like such as paranormal and historical. A good story is a good story.
Goals for 2012
Attend RWA Convention in Anaheim - I get so motivated from being around other authors. I want to network, find out what's new in the industry and take some workshops. I wasn't planning to attend but it will be substantially cheaper to attend a RWA conference in California than elsewhere. So I better take advantage.Attend at least 6 local RWA chapter meetings. - I always leave the meeting so motivated. I learn so much and the group of women who belong to my chapter are fantastic. Write 1000-1500 words a week.Enter at least 2 contests for feedback and possible bragging rights.Complete at least 1 online writing class per quarter online. - Just like attending RWA meetings, I learn so much and stay motivated by participating in online class. Blog at least once a month.Read at least 12 novels this year from authors that I have not read before.Update goals on a monthly basis to revise and evaluate progress. Complete at least one 50,000+ word novel and submit for PRO eligibility.Complete novellas in progress.
I took a break from writing this fall. I didn't intend to, I just couldn't get it together to write or edit anything. Maybe it was planning for the cruise or the holidays. I don't know. I've managed to read many great stories over the past few months. I've been enjoying the color nook that I got last Christmas. I've ventured into some genres that I previously didn't think that I would like such as paranormal and historical. A good story is a good story.
Goals for 2012
Attend RWA Convention in Anaheim - I get so motivated from being around other authors. I want to network, find out what's new in the industry and take some workshops. I wasn't planning to attend but it will be substantially cheaper to attend a RWA conference in California than elsewhere. So I better take advantage.Attend at least 6 local RWA chapter meetings. - I always leave the meeting so motivated. I learn so much and the group of women who belong to my chapter are fantastic. Write 1000-1500 words a week.Enter at least 2 contests for feedback and possible bragging rights.Complete at least 1 online writing class per quarter online. - Just like attending RWA meetings, I learn so much and stay motivated by participating in online class. Blog at least once a month.Read at least 12 novels this year from authors that I have not read before.Update goals on a monthly basis to revise and evaluate progress. Complete at least one 50,000+ word novel and submit for PRO eligibility.Complete novellas in progress.
September 15, 2011
Decisions- I Said Yes to the Dress!
I chose the first dress pictured below. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I love romantic clothes. This dress has it all ruffles, roses, pearls and shimmer. It doesn't matter that my sister, my daughter and a few people at work didn't like it. The dress is my style. I am happy to announce that I won the dress on ebay and plan to wear it for my vows renewal in November. I plan to style it up with layers of pearl necklaces, a lace shrug and a romantic birdcage veil. I wish that I had listened to my own heart. I wasted a little bit of money purchasing two other dresses that aren't right. I now have to try to re-sell them on eBay. Oh well. They will sell. Maybe I can even make a profit.
The goddess dress was pretty but it is long is just not right. It is just too heavy for me. The middle dress is pretty but it probably won't fit and it is for much younger girl anyway.
I am looking at a few head pieces on Etsy dot com to wear during the ceremony. There are so many custom made head pieces or fascinators to choose from. I especially like the ones with the vintage pins and a little bit of feathers. I don't want anything too big or with too much veil. I need to make a decision about that soon because most of these are custom made and will take a little bit of time to arrive.
I have decided to make the bouquets for the girls. My colors are purple, lavender, white and silver. I bought several bunches of silk flowers at the dollar store. They aren't as nice as the single stem flowers at Michaels but they should make a nice bouquet. The green sticky floral tape is a bit more difficult to work with than I thought. I also discovered that I need a lot more flowers than I thought. Still it is cheaper than buying flowers, so I will stick it out.
The goddess dress was pretty but it is long is just not right. It is just too heavy for me. The middle dress is pretty but it probably won't fit and it is for much younger girl anyway.
I am looking at a few head pieces on Etsy dot com to wear during the ceremony. There are so many custom made head pieces or fascinators to choose from. I especially like the ones with the vintage pins and a little bit of feathers. I don't want anything too big or with too much veil. I need to make a decision about that soon because most of these are custom made and will take a little bit of time to arrive.
I have decided to make the bouquets for the girls. My colors are purple, lavender, white and silver. I bought several bunches of silk flowers at the dollar store. They aren't as nice as the single stem flowers at Michaels but they should make a nice bouquet. The green sticky floral tape is a bit more difficult to work with than I thought. I also discovered that I need a lot more flowers than I thought. Still it is cheaper than buying flowers, so I will stick it out.
September 12, 2011
My Vow Renewal Ceremony Plans & Dress Choices
Hubby and I will be married 21 years this Novemeber. We're going on a cruise (with the kids) and I've decided that I want to participate in the vows renewal ceremony available on board.
Vows renewal ceremonies seem to be all the rage these days and most cruiselines offer packages on board. They cost a little bit of money but in the small package that I selected we will renew our vow hosted by the ship's Captain in a special location on board, a signed certificate in a folder, a two layer cake, champagne glasses as well as music, photographer (1 - 8X10 picture included). Oh yeah, one rose bouquet for bride and rose for groom's lapel.
Hubby laughed when I mentioned it but he said he would participate as long as it doesn't conflict with his shore excursions. No problem.
I told him about my plans to dress our daughters up in matching bridesmaids/flower girl dresses and son in a matching vest. The kids ( all teen agers are very excited and agreed that they would wear whatever dress that I picked out for them. Husband said "I'm not wearing a purple shirt. In fact, I'll pick out my own outfit."
Woo hoo! So I guess he's in.
So now I'm trying to figure out what to wear. I don't want a full length wedding dress. I did that the first time. It was complete with the giagantic Princess Diana sleeves.
Anyway, now everything is strapless and I can't wear strapless as I am too top heavy. That being said I bid and won a strapless dress with a few beads that are very pretty. I want it to be dressy but casual. Here are a few options that I have selected. Pictures are from e-bay. What do you all think?
This one with the roses around the neckline is my favorite. I have a feeling that the second one isnt' even going to fit but I bid anyway because it is really hard to find a shorter dress.
Maybe I can diet down to fit it during the next 10 weeks.
Next week I will post about my efforts to make bridesmaids bouquets for the girls.
Oh my gawd. I just bid on another dress. I really, really like this one and I hope that the seller accepts my offer. It's a grecian goddess dress style. I. LOVE. IT. I probably should have offered more.
These are pictures from ebay just to acknowledge the photographer.
Vows renewal ceremonies seem to be all the rage these days and most cruiselines offer packages on board. They cost a little bit of money but in the small package that I selected we will renew our vow hosted by the ship's Captain in a special location on board, a signed certificate in a folder, a two layer cake, champagne glasses as well as music, photographer (1 - 8X10 picture included). Oh yeah, one rose bouquet for bride and rose for groom's lapel.
Hubby laughed when I mentioned it but he said he would participate as long as it doesn't conflict with his shore excursions. No problem.
I told him about my plans to dress our daughters up in matching bridesmaids/flower girl dresses and son in a matching vest. The kids ( all teen agers are very excited and agreed that they would wear whatever dress that I picked out for them. Husband said "I'm not wearing a purple shirt. In fact, I'll pick out my own outfit."
Woo hoo! So I guess he's in.
So now I'm trying to figure out what to wear. I don't want a full length wedding dress. I did that the first time. It was complete with the giagantic Princess Diana sleeves.
Anyway, now everything is strapless and I can't wear strapless as I am too top heavy. That being said I bid and won a strapless dress with a few beads that are very pretty. I want it to be dressy but casual. Here are a few options that I have selected. Pictures are from e-bay. What do you all think?
This one with the roses around the neckline is my favorite. I have a feeling that the second one isnt' even going to fit but I bid anyway because it is really hard to find a shorter dress. 
Maybe I can diet down to fit it during the next 10 weeks. Next week I will post about my efforts to make bridesmaids bouquets for the girls.
Oh my gawd. I just bid on another dress. I really, really like this one and I hope that the seller accepts my offer. It's a grecian goddess dress style. I. LOVE. IT. I probably should have offered more.
These are pictures from ebay just to acknowledge the photographer.
Goddess Fish Promotions Blog Tour Partner
Hi Everyone! I've just become a blog tour partner for GoddessFish Promotions. I will be hosting some authors here and show casing their books. I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership between myself, goddess fish and the authors that I am able to host.
September 3, 2011
Highly recommended! Bumped by Sibylla Nash
Just finished reading Bumped by Sibylla Nash.
I love this story. It is well written and engaging. A great "chick lit" read that kept me turning the pages. You won't be disappointed if you purchase this story. I can't wait to read more of Sibylla Nash's work. Good job! It is available in print and ebook format on amazon and barnes & noble.
I love this story. It is well written and engaging. A great "chick lit" read that kept me turning the pages. You won't be disappointed if you purchase this story. I can't wait to read more of Sibylla Nash's work. Good job! It is available in print and ebook format on amazon and barnes & noble.
