Marie Force's Blog, page 13
February 16, 2012
Dear Diary: The Beautiful Thing About Ebooks
There are so many beautiful things about e-books. They are easily accessible, user friendly and never go out of print. They are available on a moment's notice and fit neatly on groovy devices we take with us everywhere we go. From the author's point of view, they are also easily updated, which is what I spent this morning doing. I updated the entire McCarthy series and created new files for the various retailers. I redid the Author's Note in each book to account for the fact that there will soon be five books in the series, and I updated the About the Author pages, as well as the reviews and list of available books to include new ones. It was a good "housekeeping" job that needed to be done. I'll also be refreshing the book descriptions on the various retail sites to include reviews, testimonials and a listing of the other books in the series. While all of this takes time and effort, I'm thrilled to be able to do it myself.
Speaking of housekeeping, I've just done a slight overhaul to my website. I've added a "Connect" button that lists all the ways readers can connect with me, from this blog to the reader groups on Facebook to Twitter and beyond. I've added a "Reviews" link to keep all my reviews in one central place, and we added a tab for the Treading Water Trilogy. The website is always a work in progress, so if there's anything you'd like to see there that I've missed, just let me know. On the back end, my lovely web guy Dan helped me to set up a sidebar feature that will allow me to make a single update to the sidebar that will then show up on every page. That might seem like a small thing, but as the site grows, it's a huge time saver to be able to hit every page with one update. It's the little things that make my life easier!
On the writing front, I hit 12,000 words on Fatal Attack yesterday. It was one of those perfect days when everything is firing on all cylinders. That book is off to a great start and the hardest part—the set up—is done now. I got to write a really fun Sam and Nick at home scene last night that I loved. I so enjoying hanging out with them. At this point they feel like old friends, and I know them so well that writing them gets easier all the time. The hardest part of the Fatal books is always the police investigation portion. I like where that part of Fatal Attack is heading. While at the gym yesterday (let there be no wasted time), I figured out the nuts and bolts of what will be the book after Attack, Fatal Mistake. That one is going to have a sports theme to it, and I'm looking forward to writing that. I'm also plugging away on my historical, Duchess by Deception, and thinking about the opening chapter of Season for Love, book 6 in the McCarthys of Gansett Island Series. I'll need to do that opening chapter soon so I can include it in the back of book 5, Hoping for Love, when that's released in March. So, there's a lot going on inside my poor tired brain, but it's all good and I'm having so much fun!
The new dog Louie seems to be settling in well. It's amazing how fast he and Brandy have worked out things like whose bowl is whose, who is allowed on what portion of the sofa, who I belong to (BRANDY, if you ask her, and LOUIE, if you ask him) and various other pack details. I posted a video of them playing tug of war with one of their toys last night. They sound like cute little one-horsepower motors! Since we're still training Louie on the invisible fence, we're not letting him run free in the yard yet, so we have to walk him out to his rope on the tree (hopefully, for just another day or two). One thing I have noticed about him is for a skinny little 39-pound dude, he is FREAKISHLY strong. Yesterday, I was bringing him in, lost my balance and ended up face down on the cement porch with skinned knees and a bruised elbow. I imagine it was quite a sight for any passing motorists! I managed to hang on to him as I recovered my senses, but it was a lesson to make sure I'm being careful where he's concerned. He's small but scrappy! I also discovered today, much to Dan's dismay, that Louie is a digger. Brandy went through a fierce digging phase that has only recently ended. Poor Dan...he fights a losing battle with the grass and the digging dogs are not good for growing grass. I see a lecture from Dad in poor Louie's future... I wonder if he will listen?
Song I can't get out of my head: still Set Fire to the Rain by Adele. Day five.... My family is going to shoot me any minute.
Who I love on American Idol: Phillip Phillips. My daughter predicts he will win. What do you say?
Looking forward to: More Idol as well as Grey's and Private Practice tonight
Hope you're having a great day!
xoxo
Marie
Speaking of housekeeping, I've just done a slight overhaul to my website. I've added a "Connect" button that lists all the ways readers can connect with me, from this blog to the reader groups on Facebook to Twitter and beyond. I've added a "Reviews" link to keep all my reviews in one central place, and we added a tab for the Treading Water Trilogy. The website is always a work in progress, so if there's anything you'd like to see there that I've missed, just let me know. On the back end, my lovely web guy Dan helped me to set up a sidebar feature that will allow me to make a single update to the sidebar that will then show up on every page. That might seem like a small thing, but as the site grows, it's a huge time saver to be able to hit every page with one update. It's the little things that make my life easier!
On the writing front, I hit 12,000 words on Fatal Attack yesterday. It was one of those perfect days when everything is firing on all cylinders. That book is off to a great start and the hardest part—the set up—is done now. I got to write a really fun Sam and Nick at home scene last night that I loved. I so enjoying hanging out with them. At this point they feel like old friends, and I know them so well that writing them gets easier all the time. The hardest part of the Fatal books is always the police investigation portion. I like where that part of Fatal Attack is heading. While at the gym yesterday (let there be no wasted time), I figured out the nuts and bolts of what will be the book after Attack, Fatal Mistake. That one is going to have a sports theme to it, and I'm looking forward to writing that. I'm also plugging away on my historical, Duchess by Deception, and thinking about the opening chapter of Season for Love, book 6 in the McCarthys of Gansett Island Series. I'll need to do that opening chapter soon so I can include it in the back of book 5, Hoping for Love, when that's released in March. So, there's a lot going on inside my poor tired brain, but it's all good and I'm having so much fun!
The new dog Louie seems to be settling in well. It's amazing how fast he and Brandy have worked out things like whose bowl is whose, who is allowed on what portion of the sofa, who I belong to (BRANDY, if you ask her, and LOUIE, if you ask him) and various other pack details. I posted a video of them playing tug of war with one of their toys last night. They sound like cute little one-horsepower motors! Since we're still training Louie on the invisible fence, we're not letting him run free in the yard yet, so we have to walk him out to his rope on the tree (hopefully, for just another day or two). One thing I have noticed about him is for a skinny little 39-pound dude, he is FREAKISHLY strong. Yesterday, I was bringing him in, lost my balance and ended up face down on the cement porch with skinned knees and a bruised elbow. I imagine it was quite a sight for any passing motorists! I managed to hang on to him as I recovered my senses, but it was a lesson to make sure I'm being careful where he's concerned. He's small but scrappy! I also discovered today, much to Dan's dismay, that Louie is a digger. Brandy went through a fierce digging phase that has only recently ended. Poor Dan...he fights a losing battle with the grass and the digging dogs are not good for growing grass. I see a lecture from Dad in poor Louie's future... I wonder if he will listen?
Song I can't get out of my head: still Set Fire to the Rain by Adele. Day five.... My family is going to shoot me any minute.
Who I love on American Idol: Phillip Phillips. My daughter predicts he will win. What do you say?
Looking forward to: More Idol as well as Grey's and Private Practice tonight
Hope you're having a great day!
xoxo
Marie
February 15, 2012
Dear Diary: Much to Report
Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day! Ours was very nice with flowers and candy and a nice dinner with the kids. We talked about going out but the idea of dealing with crowds and slow service wasn't appealing. Maybe we'll go out tonight instead. I'm all for any plan that involves me NOT cooking!
One of the members of my Fatal Series Readers Group wondered what Sam and Nick were doing for Valentine's Day. So I penned a little story that features Sam taking the lead on romance's biggest day. Yes, you read that right! SAM is taking the lead for once. If you'd like to find out whether or not she pulled it off, join the group and click on the "Docs" tab at the top. I also just revealed the name of the book that will follow Fatal Attack to the group! I spent my gym time today pondering the murder mystery for the next book, and wondering if there's something wrong with me because I get a charge out of thinking up new ways to kill people. Hmmm.... Lots of fun stuff coming up for Sam and Nick! I'd like to know if the 2500-word Valentine's Day story counts toward my word count for yesterday. The husband says no. I say yes. LOL! I made some good progress on FATAL ATTACK yesterday, and I like the direction this one is taking.
On the McCarthy front, the copy editor reported in last night that book 5, HOPING FOR LOVE, is her favorite one yet. Yay! She said, "Well, I think I said the last book was the best one yet, but I was wrong, because THIS ONE is the best one yet! OMG, love, love, loved it." Thank you Linda Ingmanson! Linda does a great job editing my self-published books, and I love working with her.
I'm pleased and excited that TRUE NORTH is now available in print. I'm working on getting all of my self-published books available in print, so watch for the McCarthys in print, coming soon! Will post the links here and on my website when I have them.
A couple of updates from yesterday: Thanks to my Facebook friends, I figured out why the iPhone wasn't ringing. I'm now intimate with my mute switch. Who knew? Thanks to everyone who helped! I'm getting the hang of it, and I know I will like it. Eventually. On the home front, Louie is settling in nicely and Brandy seems to be getting used to her new "brother." They love to wrestle and chase each other around the house. He's fit right in like he's always been here, which is great. Dan had a feeling about him, and I have to say he was right! (Don't tell him I said that though.... LOL)
I want to talk a little bit today about pre-orders and why some of my books aren't available for pre-order and others are. The simple truth is that Amazon and other retailers don't yet offer pre-order capability to self-published authors. I really hope that will change before too much longer. This means the new McCarthy book won't be available for pre-order, but will go on sale on the designated release day in March (still to be determined) and not before. I wish this wasn't how it worked, and I've talked to Amazon about changing the policy, but no movement yet. The Fatal Series books are published by a division of Harlequin. Since traditional publishers are the only ones who can do pre-orders, that is why the Fatal books have been available for pre-order when the others are not. I hope that sheds some light on the behind the scenes situation. I know this is frustrating for a lot of readers. Believe me, it's frustrating for me too because I answer a LOT of questions about this issue! Here's hoping there will be a change in this policy before too much longer!
Have a great day!
One of the members of my Fatal Series Readers Group wondered what Sam and Nick were doing for Valentine's Day. So I penned a little story that features Sam taking the lead on romance's biggest day. Yes, you read that right! SAM is taking the lead for once. If you'd like to find out whether or not she pulled it off, join the group and click on the "Docs" tab at the top. I also just revealed the name of the book that will follow Fatal Attack to the group! I spent my gym time today pondering the murder mystery for the next book, and wondering if there's something wrong with me because I get a charge out of thinking up new ways to kill people. Hmmm.... Lots of fun stuff coming up for Sam and Nick! I'd like to know if the 2500-word Valentine's Day story counts toward my word count for yesterday. The husband says no. I say yes. LOL! I made some good progress on FATAL ATTACK yesterday, and I like the direction this one is taking.
On the McCarthy front, the copy editor reported in last night that book 5, HOPING FOR LOVE, is her favorite one yet. Yay! She said, "Well, I think I said the last book was the best one yet, but I was wrong, because THIS ONE is the best one yet! OMG, love, love, loved it." Thank you Linda Ingmanson! Linda does a great job editing my self-published books, and I love working with her.
I'm pleased and excited that TRUE NORTH is now available in print. I'm working on getting all of my self-published books available in print, so watch for the McCarthys in print, coming soon! Will post the links here and on my website when I have them.A couple of updates from yesterday: Thanks to my Facebook friends, I figured out why the iPhone wasn't ringing. I'm now intimate with my mute switch. Who knew? Thanks to everyone who helped! I'm getting the hang of it, and I know I will like it. Eventually. On the home front, Louie is settling in nicely and Brandy seems to be getting used to her new "brother." They love to wrestle and chase each other around the house. He's fit right in like he's always been here, which is great. Dan had a feeling about him, and I have to say he was right! (Don't tell him I said that though.... LOL)
I want to talk a little bit today about pre-orders and why some of my books aren't available for pre-order and others are. The simple truth is that Amazon and other retailers don't yet offer pre-order capability to self-published authors. I really hope that will change before too much longer. This means the new McCarthy book won't be available for pre-order, but will go on sale on the designated release day in March (still to be determined) and not before. I wish this wasn't how it worked, and I've talked to Amazon about changing the policy, but no movement yet. The Fatal Series books are published by a division of Harlequin. Since traditional publishers are the only ones who can do pre-orders, that is why the Fatal books have been available for pre-order when the others are not. I hope that sheds some light on the behind the scenes situation. I know this is frustrating for a lot of readers. Believe me, it's frustrating for me too because I answer a LOT of questions about this issue! Here's hoping there will be a change in this policy before too much longer!
Have a great day!
February 14, 2012
Dear Diary: Dogs and Phones and Chaos, Oh My!
Wrangled the blog back from Brandy's clutches....
Chaos seems to be the word of the year around here. First it was the home renovations. Now it's the new dog. We've decided to call him Louie, which is close to his shelter name of Luigi, but a little more to our liking. He's a very good boy, but he and Brandy love to wrestle. Right next to me. While I'm trying to write. That doesn't make for the most conducive environment for concentrating. I'm getting used to them, but it's going to take a few weeks to get into a routine that includes the new boy in the house. Brandy is exhausted without all her usual nap time during the day. They usually crash and burn right around the time that Dad gets home from work. Last night he commented on what good dogs they were. I said it was because the holy terrors wore themselves out playing all day. Here's a photo that shows Louie's face a little better:
He's a cute boy. He's SUPER skinny (we are going to fatten him up) but strong as an OX. I tried to take the two of them for a walk today, and when they nearly pulled me over the second time, I had to give up. They make me feel like a 90-pound weakling!
Speaking of weaklings, I haven't made it to the gym yet this week, but I'll be there tomorrow to meet the trainer. Good thing I have two standing dates with her each week.
I finally broke down and bought an iPhone this weekend. Yesterday, I spent 10 minutes figuring out how to make a phone call on it. I like the phone, for the most part, but it's like anything new. It takes some getting used to. I'd like to figure out why it doesn't ring when I get a phone call. That is even baffling my daughter, the iPhone queen.
Yesterday was my big TV appearance on a local morning show, The Rhode Show, which features goings on in and around Rhode Island. The big news of the day, other than Whitney Houston's passing, was the PowerBall winner being a Rhode Islander. We're still waiting to hear who the lucky winner is. We know the ticket was bought in Newport, which is two towns over from me. Anyway, my spot was about romance novels and how they make for a good gift for your Valentine. You can watch it here. The show was really fun to do, but of course I look at myself on TV and all I see is 100 pounds of FACE. I hate my fat face. I always have. My brother said I only looked a little bit like Chris Farley. Thanks, bro. That made me laugh!
I've been working all day today on Fatal Attack, the next book in the Fatal Series. I'm enjoying being back with Sam and Nick again and immersing them in another mystery. I'm closing in on 10,000 words, and will keep you posted on my progress.
Miscellaneous items:
Song I can't get out of my head: Set Fire to the Rain by (who else?) Adele. Did you see her interview on 60 Minutes? If not, well worth viewing online. She's someone I'd love to hang out with. She seems very "real" and down to earth despite her fame. And she swears! I already love her!
Downton Abbey: Did you watch the two-hour show on Sunday? I'm not at all pleased with Lord Grantham after that episode. I'm not digging the second season quite as much as the first. A lot of it seems rushed for some reason. I dunno...
What are you doing for Valentine's Day? We're making dinner with the kids and staying in. I think of VD in restaurants the same way I do NY Eve: amateur hour. Too crazy for me! I am so romantic, huh? Dan got me a dozen red roses and some chocolate, and I have silly little gifts for him and the kids. Hard to believe that this time last year we were wrapping up the voting for Sam & Nick's wedding. Time flies! Whatever you're doing today, I hope it's fun!
xoxo
Marie
Chaos seems to be the word of the year around here. First it was the home renovations. Now it's the new dog. We've decided to call him Louie, which is close to his shelter name of Luigi, but a little more to our liking. He's a very good boy, but he and Brandy love to wrestle. Right next to me. While I'm trying to write. That doesn't make for the most conducive environment for concentrating. I'm getting used to them, but it's going to take a few weeks to get into a routine that includes the new boy in the house. Brandy is exhausted without all her usual nap time during the day. They usually crash and burn right around the time that Dad gets home from work. Last night he commented on what good dogs they were. I said it was because the holy terrors wore themselves out playing all day. Here's a photo that shows Louie's face a little better:
He's a cute boy. He's SUPER skinny (we are going to fatten him up) but strong as an OX. I tried to take the two of them for a walk today, and when they nearly pulled me over the second time, I had to give up. They make me feel like a 90-pound weakling!Speaking of weaklings, I haven't made it to the gym yet this week, but I'll be there tomorrow to meet the trainer. Good thing I have two standing dates with her each week.
I finally broke down and bought an iPhone this weekend. Yesterday, I spent 10 minutes figuring out how to make a phone call on it. I like the phone, for the most part, but it's like anything new. It takes some getting used to. I'd like to figure out why it doesn't ring when I get a phone call. That is even baffling my daughter, the iPhone queen.
Yesterday was my big TV appearance on a local morning show, The Rhode Show, which features goings on in and around Rhode Island. The big news of the day, other than Whitney Houston's passing, was the PowerBall winner being a Rhode Islander. We're still waiting to hear who the lucky winner is. We know the ticket was bought in Newport, which is two towns over from me. Anyway, my spot was about romance novels and how they make for a good gift for your Valentine. You can watch it here. The show was really fun to do, but of course I look at myself on TV and all I see is 100 pounds of FACE. I hate my fat face. I always have. My brother said I only looked a little bit like Chris Farley. Thanks, bro. That made me laugh!
I've been working all day today on Fatal Attack, the next book in the Fatal Series. I'm enjoying being back with Sam and Nick again and immersing them in another mystery. I'm closing in on 10,000 words, and will keep you posted on my progress.
Miscellaneous items:
Song I can't get out of my head: Set Fire to the Rain by (who else?) Adele. Did you see her interview on 60 Minutes? If not, well worth viewing online. She's someone I'd love to hang out with. She seems very "real" and down to earth despite her fame. And she swears! I already love her!
Downton Abbey: Did you watch the two-hour show on Sunday? I'm not at all pleased with Lord Grantham after that episode. I'm not digging the second season quite as much as the first. A lot of it seems rushed for some reason. I dunno...
What are you doing for Valentine's Day? We're making dinner with the kids and staying in. I think of VD in restaurants the same way I do NY Eve: amateur hour. Too crazy for me! I am so romantic, huh? Dan got me a dozen red roses and some chocolate, and I have silly little gifts for him and the kids. Hard to believe that this time last year we were wrapping up the voting for Sam & Nick's wedding. Time flies! Whatever you're doing today, I hope it's fun!
xoxo
Marie
February 13, 2012
Dear Diary: Brandy Has Her Say
Hey,
It's me, Brandy. Don't tell my mom that I took over her blog, but I have some major news to report. I've been tricked. I wouldn't have thought my Mom and Dad would be so devious, but it just goes to show that you never really know people, even when you sleep between them every night. Here's what happened....
They took me to this place that any fool would know is a dog pound. I'm a few years removed from the shelter life myself, but I know a shelter when I see one. Of course my first thought was about my overwhelming taste for socks. Had they had enough of rescuing their socks from my clutches? Were they turning me back in for bad behavior? And what kind of life could I expect as a non-reformed sock felon once I was back behind bars. Word on the street is that the inmates are hard on sock-nappers. I'll admit it. I was scared. There were so many smells and noises and critters. My senses were on overload. They took us into a back room. My mom, dad, sister and brother were all there, which gave me some hope. My brother would never let them turn me in for sock-napping. He loves my antics and often encourages me to be naughty. We're BFFs. I felt safe with him by my side. My sister, on the other hand, she'd turn me over in a New York minute. I kept an eye on her...
One of the shelter ladies brought a guy in on a leash. I guess he isn't what anyone would consider hideous, but he's certainly not as cute as me. He has floppy black ears and a black face, but his body looks like it was stolen from one of those big dogs who say MOO instead of WOOF. You know the ones I mean? Anyhow, so they expected me to actually PLAY with this guy, but who can be bothered? I had naps to take and socks to steal at home (weekends are great for socks because that's when they do most of the laundry). I just wanted to be back in Mom's car with my head out the window, listening to tunes on the way home. So I did what any nervous future convict would do. I ignored the guy. Mom and Dad seemed kinda disappointed. I couldn't figure out why. Here I am keeping an eye on Mom while Dad plays with the MOO dude.
The next day, Dad took me back again. Just me and him this time. No one there to look out for me except Dad, and he's been pretty firm with me on what we're calling the whole "sock issue." Rut roh... They made me play with the MOO dog AGAIN. Sniff. Whatever. I'm still not interested in him. I think I was pretty clear on the matter.
Well, you won't believe what happened yesterday! They brought the MOO dude HOME TO MY HOUSE! They walked him around MY yard and brought him into MY turf. Inside, he thought it was just fine to get up on MY sofa and sleep in MY new king-sized bed that Mom and Dad just bought for me. Harumph! Who does he think he is? Last night, he started getting frisky with me, so I showed him who's boss. We played chase around the house and then we wrestled. He's not BAD to wrestle with, but there was no doubt that I won. I pinned his skinny rump to the rug in two seconds flat. He plays a little dirty, but I can be dirty too when need be. He'd better keep his face out of MY bowl, or things are gonna get ugly around here. I'm not sure how long he's planning to stick around (I heard some horrible talk between Mom and Dad about "Brandy needing a playmate." WHAT? Brandy needs more treats, more belly rubs and more running time with Dad. Brandy does not need a playmate!) Speaking of running, Dad took me and the MOO dog on a four-mile run yesterday. Dad and I usually go further than that, but he said we had to take it easy on the new guy. Sheesh! The insults just keep on coming!
The ultimate insult was when the new dude (they called him Luigi at the pound, but there's talk of changing his name to Louie, which is a dumb name if you ask me) got all snuggly with my mom. Everyone who is anyone around here knows she is MINE. My brother and sister even know better than to get too close to her when I'm around. Mine, mine, MINE. She said the MOO dude is "snuggly." What the heck does that mean? Snuggly. Ugh. He'd better watch himself. That's all I got to say. Here he is making himself right at home... The nerve of some people's children. Mom says she will try to get a better picture of his "cute" (meaning not hideous) face today. They'll be taking him back any day now. I'm sure of it. Until then, I've got to go wrestle him into submission again. Show him who's boss around here.
Later.
It's me, Brandy. Don't tell my mom that I took over her blog, but I have some major news to report. I've been tricked. I wouldn't have thought my Mom and Dad would be so devious, but it just goes to show that you never really know people, even when you sleep between them every night. Here's what happened....
They took me to this place that any fool would know is a dog pound. I'm a few years removed from the shelter life myself, but I know a shelter when I see one. Of course my first thought was about my overwhelming taste for socks. Had they had enough of rescuing their socks from my clutches? Were they turning me back in for bad behavior? And what kind of life could I expect as a non-reformed sock felon once I was back behind bars. Word on the street is that the inmates are hard on sock-nappers. I'll admit it. I was scared. There were so many smells and noises and critters. My senses were on overload. They took us into a back room. My mom, dad, sister and brother were all there, which gave me some hope. My brother would never let them turn me in for sock-napping. He loves my antics and often encourages me to be naughty. We're BFFs. I felt safe with him by my side. My sister, on the other hand, she'd turn me over in a New York minute. I kept an eye on her...
One of the shelter ladies brought a guy in on a leash. I guess he isn't what anyone would consider hideous, but he's certainly not as cute as me. He has floppy black ears and a black face, but his body looks like it was stolen from one of those big dogs who say MOO instead of WOOF. You know the ones I mean? Anyhow, so they expected me to actually PLAY with this guy, but who can be bothered? I had naps to take and socks to steal at home (weekends are great for socks because that's when they do most of the laundry). I just wanted to be back in Mom's car with my head out the window, listening to tunes on the way home. So I did what any nervous future convict would do. I ignored the guy. Mom and Dad seemed kinda disappointed. I couldn't figure out why. Here I am keeping an eye on Mom while Dad plays with the MOO dude.
The next day, Dad took me back again. Just me and him this time. No one there to look out for me except Dad, and he's been pretty firm with me on what we're calling the whole "sock issue." Rut roh... They made me play with the MOO dog AGAIN. Sniff. Whatever. I'm still not interested in him. I think I was pretty clear on the matter.
Well, you won't believe what happened yesterday! They brought the MOO dude HOME TO MY HOUSE! They walked him around MY yard and brought him into MY turf. Inside, he thought it was just fine to get up on MY sofa and sleep in MY new king-sized bed that Mom and Dad just bought for me. Harumph! Who does he think he is? Last night, he started getting frisky with me, so I showed him who's boss. We played chase around the house and then we wrestled. He's not BAD to wrestle with, but there was no doubt that I won. I pinned his skinny rump to the rug in two seconds flat. He plays a little dirty, but I can be dirty too when need be. He'd better keep his face out of MY bowl, or things are gonna get ugly around here. I'm not sure how long he's planning to stick around (I heard some horrible talk between Mom and Dad about "Brandy needing a playmate." WHAT? Brandy needs more treats, more belly rubs and more running time with Dad. Brandy does not need a playmate!) Speaking of running, Dad took me and the MOO dog on a four-mile run yesterday. Dad and I usually go further than that, but he said we had to take it easy on the new guy. Sheesh! The insults just keep on coming!
The ultimate insult was when the new dude (they called him Luigi at the pound, but there's talk of changing his name to Louie, which is a dumb name if you ask me) got all snuggly with my mom. Everyone who is anyone around here knows she is MINE. My brother and sister even know better than to get too close to her when I'm around. Mine, mine, MINE. She said the MOO dude is "snuggly." What the heck does that mean? Snuggly. Ugh. He'd better watch himself. That's all I got to say. Here he is making himself right at home... The nerve of some people's children. Mom says she will try to get a better picture of his "cute" (meaning not hideous) face today. They'll be taking him back any day now. I'm sure of it. Until then, I've got to go wrestle him into submission again. Show him who's boss around here.
Later.
February 9, 2012
Dear Diary: I Might Be a Valley Girl
The whirlwind that is launch week continues with lots of fun and excitement surrounding FATAL FLAW! Thanks to everyone who has written to tell me you've enjoyed the latest installment of Sam and Nick's adventures. One of the comments I've heard a few times is that series are supposed to go downhill after book 3, which was news to me. LOL! Readers have told me the Fatal Series is getting better, and they can't wait for the next one. Of course I love hearing that and will continue to do my best to make sure we're heading uphill rather than down. Thanks to my Nook readers for putting FATAL FLAW in the Barnes & Noble Top 100! That's quite a thrill!
Fatal Series readers might be interested in hearing my interview with RT Book Reviews in which I talk about Sam and Nick and what makes them special to me. Like most people, I hate to watch myself on video because I always think, Do I really sound like an overgrown Valley Girl? Apparently so! I'll be on TV in the Providence, RI, area on Monday, talking about romance in advance of Valentine's Day. I'll post the link to that interview when I have it. I'm going to do my best not to sound like a Valley Girl this time. Like... Oh my GOD! :-)
McCarthy Series Readers may want to join the fun at the McCarthys of Gansett Island Readers Group on Facebook where this week the girls are casting the guys for the imaginary movies they are going to make of the books. If you have some thoughts about who could play Mac, Joe, Luke, Grant, Evan, Adam or Big Mac, come on over and join in the fun! Speaking of the McCarthys, Evan's book, HOPING FOR LOVE, is heading to the copy editor today! I can't wait to get it ship-shape and out to you in March. More to come on a release date when I have it.
I had a really great time yesterday with my friend Karen Lawson's book club in Defiance, Ohio. Thanks to the magic of Skype, I was able to join in their chat about TREADING WATER, which was really exciting. You all know how much that book means to me, and to be able to debate the issues in the book with readers was such a thrill. Thank you Karen and the ladies of Defiance. I think I'd like to live in a town with that name. Do you think it comes with an attitude to match its name? Maybe I need to set a book there. Hmm... If you'd like to Skype me into your book club, let me know! I'd love to come. It's so much fun to talk about my books with readers!
I've really fallen off the gym wagon this week (and last). I somehow managed to hurt my foot, and I've been trying to stay off it. Dan has diagnosed me with a stress fracture. I'm really hoping that isn't the case as I imagine the fun my brother and cousins would have teasing me about my foot being under such STRESS that my bones are breaking! Let's face it, they could have a field day with that one!
Well, I am off to finish a re-read of FATAL FLAW to refresh my memory and get myself in the right frame of mind to dive back into FATAL ATTACK! Have a great day!
Fatal Series readers might be interested in hearing my interview with RT Book Reviews in which I talk about Sam and Nick and what makes them special to me. Like most people, I hate to watch myself on video because I always think, Do I really sound like an overgrown Valley Girl? Apparently so! I'll be on TV in the Providence, RI, area on Monday, talking about romance in advance of Valentine's Day. I'll post the link to that interview when I have it. I'm going to do my best not to sound like a Valley Girl this time. Like... Oh my GOD! :-)
McCarthy Series Readers may want to join the fun at the McCarthys of Gansett Island Readers Group on Facebook where this week the girls are casting the guys for the imaginary movies they are going to make of the books. If you have some thoughts about who could play Mac, Joe, Luke, Grant, Evan, Adam or Big Mac, come on over and join in the fun! Speaking of the McCarthys, Evan's book, HOPING FOR LOVE, is heading to the copy editor today! I can't wait to get it ship-shape and out to you in March. More to come on a release date when I have it.
I had a really great time yesterday with my friend Karen Lawson's book club in Defiance, Ohio. Thanks to the magic of Skype, I was able to join in their chat about TREADING WATER, which was really exciting. You all know how much that book means to me, and to be able to debate the issues in the book with readers was such a thrill. Thank you Karen and the ladies of Defiance. I think I'd like to live in a town with that name. Do you think it comes with an attitude to match its name? Maybe I need to set a book there. Hmm... If you'd like to Skype me into your book club, let me know! I'd love to come. It's so much fun to talk about my books with readers!
I've really fallen off the gym wagon this week (and last). I somehow managed to hurt my foot, and I've been trying to stay off it. Dan has diagnosed me with a stress fracture. I'm really hoping that isn't the case as I imagine the fun my brother and cousins would have teasing me about my foot being under such STRESS that my bones are breaking! Let's face it, they could have a field day with that one!
Well, I am off to finish a re-read of FATAL FLAW to refresh my memory and get myself in the right frame of mind to dive back into FATAL ATTACK! Have a great day!
February 7, 2012
Dear Diary: The Cheese Whiz Effect
Someone was asking me today if I'm keeping busy with my new job. Umm, yes. Yes, I am. In fact, I have no idea where the days are going. Time is flying by as if I stepped into a machine that puts life on overdrive. You know that January was full of home renovations that took way too much of my time and brain space. This month, it's all the details of incorporating my business and establishing new bank accounts and various other details that involve phone calls from the lawyer, the accountant and the bank.
Today, I actually used a Cheese Whiz analogy to describe the way my writing life has exploded to fill the available time. You know how the whiz is compressed into the can but explodes the minute you let it out? That's what's happened to me since I left my job to write full time. The new "job" (that still never really feels like a job) has exploded to fill the available space, and I love everything about it!
Thanks to everyone who gave Fatal Flaw such a great release day! I so appreciate all the lovely emails and comments about the book. Once I get Hoping for Love off to the copy editor, I'll be back to Sam and Nick and their latest adventure in Fatal Attack. All the chatter on the Fatal Flaw Readers Group has me jonesing to get back to that world for another visit. If you've finished the book and want to join the chat, just click on the link. We'd love to have you!
Today, I actually used a Cheese Whiz analogy to describe the way my writing life has exploded to fill the available time. You know how the whiz is compressed into the can but explodes the minute you let it out? That's what's happened to me since I left my job to write full time. The new "job" (that still never really feels like a job) has exploded to fill the available space, and I love everything about it!
Thanks to everyone who gave Fatal Flaw such a great release day! I so appreciate all the lovely emails and comments about the book. Once I get Hoping for Love off to the copy editor, I'll be back to Sam and Nick and their latest adventure in Fatal Attack. All the chatter on the Fatal Flaw Readers Group has me jonesing to get back to that world for another visit. If you've finished the book and want to join the chat, just click on the link. We'd love to have you!
February 6, 2012
Dear Diary: Launch Day and Other News!
Happy Launch Day for FATAL FLAW, book 4 in the Fatal Series! Sam and Nick are back with a whole new adventure.Back from their honeymoon, Senator Nick Cappuano and D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland are ready for some normalcy after the whirlwind of their wedding, but someone has other plans for them. When Sam discovers wedding cards containing thinly veiled death threats, she's not sure if she or Nick is the target.
Already on edge, Sam and her team start investigating a series of baffling murders. The victims are well-liked with no known enemies, and the murders are carried out in a clean and efficient manner. Unable to find a clear motive for the deaths, she feels like she's chasing her tail.
With no obvious connection between the victims, Sam soon suspects that she may be the ultimate prize in the killer's clever game. When the danger starts to hit a little too close to home, she has two goals: find the elusive murderer and manage to live long enough to enjoy her happily ever after.
Read an excerpt!
Get it at:
Kindle/Amazon
Nook/Barnes & Noble
iPad/Apple
Kobo
Carina Press
All Romance E-books
Audio Book
Audible
iTunes
I'm really excited to get this one out to readers. I finished it back in July, and it's been hard to keep quiet about everything that happens in this new book. When you're done reading, join the reader chat at Fatal Flaw Readers Group on Facebook. But don't join the group until you're done reading since we'll be spilling spoilers over there.
My lovely beta readers, Ronlyn and Kara, who love to tease me about everything they can think of, reminded me last night about some of the off-color names I had for Fatal Flaw during the writing. I can't repeat any of them here, but suffice to say this book put me through the paces. For the first time in 20 books, I rewrote the entire first chapter when I was three-quarters of the way through. Something just wasn't working, so Ronlyn, Kara and I put our heads together and discovered the story had a... wait for it.... FATAL FLAW! LOL! Once we figured that out and I redid the first chapter, it was smooth sailing to THE END. I learned a lot writing this particular book, and I think it'll be easier to write future Fatal books knowing what I do now. Let's hope so anyway!
In other news from this weekend, HOPING FOR LOVE, book 5 in the McCarthys of Gansett Island Series, is now finished! I love the way Evan and Grace's story came together. It was so fun to write Evan as he resisted the overwhelming feelings he had for Grace until he could no longer deny that his life as a single guy is O-V-E-R. It couldn't have happened to a better man, and Grace is a lucky girl to have one of the McCarthy brothers madly in love with her! I had planned to write Tiffany's book next, but over the weekend I decided I might do a "winter on Gansett" book before I get to Tiff. I'm toying with the name SEASON FOR LOVE for this one. Let me ask you this: How do you feel about reading a Christmas-related story when it's not Christmas on the calendar? I'd love to hear your thoughts on that!
For my fellow New England Patriots fans out there, I have one word for us all: OUCH. That one hurt. They didn't look like our usual Patriots last night with the receivers missing more than they caught. While there is always next year, I plan to lick my wounds for a few more days anyway! How about you?
News on my latest addiction: Downton Abbey. If you aren't watching this show, you're missing out on some great TV. I realized this weekend that Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) is the same guy who didn't recognize Julia Roberts' character Anna as a huge movie star in Notting Hill. Loved that scene! Today I found season 2 of Downton online and started watching the two-hour season premier. After an hour, I had to LITERALLY drag myself away and get to work. It's that good. Do you watch it?
Well, back to work promoting FATAL FLAW and proofing HOPING FOR LOVE. I'm also planning to do some work this week on my historical romance in the making: DUCHESS BY DECEPTION. Did I tell you my agent LOVED the first half? Now I just need to finish it up, and I can't wait to get to that as well as the next Fatal book, FATAL ATTACK. Busy, busy! Hope you have a wonderful Monday!
February 3, 2012
Dear Diary: HTJB, Inc. & A Giveaway
February 2, 2012 is a day that will go down in infamy in my life as an author for it was the day that my company was founded: HTJB, Inc. went on the official books with the Rhode Island Secretary of State yesterday! HTJB stands for: House That Jack Built. Read the full story behind the company name here. This is one of those things I used to dream about way back when, long after I finished Jack's book, Treading Water. I'd say, if I ever form a company around my books, it will be HTJB. I can check off that item on the to-do list. HTJB is a reality, and I'm so excited!
I'm also excited about the launch on Monday of Fatal Flaw, book 4 in the Fatal Series. In honor of the upcoming release and the formation of my new company, I thought it would be fun to post a new excerpt today and offer a giveaway copy of the book to one lucky commenter. What I'd like to know is this: What is your all-time favorite Sam & Nick moment? Please include your email address with your comment! I'll use a random calculator to pick a winner tomorrow morning.
Without further ado, here's a glimpse at Flaw:
Thefront door swung open. "Hey, babe," Nick said. "You coming in?"Celiahad promised to call if she needed help, so Sam tore her eyes off the housedown the street and let her husband usher her into their home, a renovateddouble-sized townhouse he'd bought so she could be near her dad and work. Ofcourse its Capitol Hill location put him in close proximity to his office too. "What'sthe matter?" he asked, taking her coat and hanging it in the closet when Samwould've tossed it over the sofa. Why hang it when she'd need it again in themorning?"Ithink my dad is sick. He's all congested and wheezy sounding, and he has afever.""Whatdid Celia say?""She'son it, but I'm worried about pneumonia.""Andwhat's this?" Nick asked, gesturing to the garbage bag full of wedding cardsthat sat on the floor next to her."Morewell wishes that went to Dad's house—at least I hope they're well wishes."Nickkissed her forehead and then her lips. "My poor wife's first day back to workwas far more stressful than it should've been, wasn't it?"Shenodded. "And now this with my dad. Maybe I should go back over there. Just incase.""Ifthat's what you want to do, I'll go with you. We can sleep over there tonight.""Really?You wouldn't mind?""I'drather have you there where you can be near him than watch you wear out a pathin the carpet over here worrying about him."Samhadn't realized she'd been pacing as they talked. She stopped and looped herfingers together, filled with nervous energy. "Sorry. Anything with him totallyfreaks me out. We've been so lucky to get two pretty good years since theshooting. All that time we've known how precarious his health is now. A simplecold is anything but for him."Nickcame to her and put his arms around her. He unclipped her long hair and combedhis fingers through her curls. Breathing in the scent of Nick, the scent ofhome, Sam closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest. At times likethis, she could no longer remember what it had been like to live without him. "SometimesI feel guilty because I'm so grateful he survived the shooting even if I hatethe way he has to live now," she said."Ithink he's come to terms with it. In his own way.""Yeah,but it still sucks." What really sucked was the case remained unsolved morethan two years later, despite ongoing effort by Sam and all of Skip's formercolleagues at the Metropolitan Police Department. "I'm beginning to give up onever solving his case.""Youwill."Samdrew back to look up at him. "You sound awfully sure of that.""I'mawfully sure of you." Keeping his eyes firmly on hers, he lowered his head andcaptured her mouth.Samlinked her hands around his neck and teased him with her tongue, making himgroan."Thiswas the longest day," he said. "Ispent most of it missing you and daydreaming about Bora Bora."Shekept her lips close to his. "Me too."Hishands found their way to her bottom and squeezed. "How soon until we can goback?"Samlaughed. "Not soon enough."Hesurprised her when he suddenly lifted her and arranged her legs around hiswaist. "No reason we can't relive some of the magic right here at home.""Isthat so?""Mmm-hmm."His kisses became more urgent as he lowered them to the sofa. "I feel like I'mgoing through withdrawal or something.""Justthink," she said, running her fingers through his hair, "we get to stay on thisdrug for the rest of our lives.""Doyou promise the same number of daily doses I received in Bora Bora?"Samlaughed and brought him down for more of those heated kisses he was doling out."Sothat's a 'yes'?""You'rerather persistent this evening, Senator."Hishands were busy divesting them of clothes. "I'm rather horny too."Normally,he was the epitome of finesse, but tonight he was all about urgency. The momentthey were both naked, he surged into her and dropped his head to her chest."God, I needed this."Sheloved watching his legendary control waver and then break as he took fiercepossession of her. Sweat dampened his back and brow. Sam gave herself over tohim, loving him more than she'd ever imagined possible."Babe,"he whispered. "Can't…" He moaned and tightened his hold on her."It'sokay." She ran her hands down his back and clutched his backside, which seemedto send him careening completely out of control.Hisface was tight with tension as he came hard. His fingers gripped her arm andshoulder so tightly she suspected there would be bruises, not that she cared."Sorry,"he said, breathing hard."Forwhat?" She brushed the damp hair off his brow."Youdidn't come.""Youcan make it up to me next time.""AndI will. I promise." He ran his hand down her arm and linked their fingers. "Iwish we'd never had to leave Bora Bora.""Isthat so?""Theywere the best days of my life. I could've stayed there with you forever.""Youwould've missed work and your friends and your life here after a while.""Ihad everything I needed right there with me.""Youwould've gotten fat and lazy and slovenly."Hechuckled and brushed his lips over the side of her breast, sending a shiver ofsensation rippling through her. "We found a good way to burn off calories.""Wecertainly did.""Morethan anything, I liked having you all to myself.""You'llhave me all to yourself every night.""Notthe same. Not nearly enough."Samplaced her free hand on his face, urging him to look at her. "What's this allabout?"Hesitating,he looked away for a moment before he brought his gaze back to meet hers."Having you all to myself showed me how little time together we get at home.""It'llbe better now that we're officially living together.""Itwon't be better. We'll always be competing against a million other demands fortime to ourselves.""True,but as long as we make our relationship the top priority we'll work it out.""Itold Christina today that from now on I'm only giving two nights a week and oneweekend day to the campaign.""Canyou do that?""Ihave a sixty-five-point lead over my Republican opponent, so I'm willing torisk it.""Isthat an unusually high lead?""Iguess so," he said modestly. "We got a nice bump out of the wedding.""Gladto be of assistance."Thatsexy grin of his made her go weak in the knees even when she wasn't lying nakedin his arms. "Anyway, since we've got a pretty solid lead, I don't see the needto spend so much time campaigning. Especially," he added, kissing her, "when Ihave so many other things I'd rather be doing.""Youwon't get any argument from me.""Ihad a feeling you might approve." He propped his chin on her chest. "So do you wantto go over to your dad's?"Samthought about that for a minute. "Celia said she'd call if anything changes, soI guess we can stay here.""Wantsome help going through the cards?""Sure.The faster I get that done, the faster I can go to bed.""Whydo you think I offered to help?""Andhere I thought your offer was entirely unselfish.""Ohno, babe. Not entirely."
Copyright 2012. Marie Sullivan Force. All rights reserved.
Go forth and comment on your favorite Sam & Nick moment! Remember--to be entered into the drawing--you MUST list your favorite Sam & Nick moment HERE ON THE BLOG, not on Facebook, and you must list your email address. Thanks!
Have a great weekend and GO PATS!!!!!!
I'm also excited about the launch on Monday of Fatal Flaw, book 4 in the Fatal Series. In honor of the upcoming release and the formation of my new company, I thought it would be fun to post a new excerpt today and offer a giveaway copy of the book to one lucky commenter. What I'd like to know is this: What is your all-time favorite Sam & Nick moment? Please include your email address with your comment! I'll use a random calculator to pick a winner tomorrow morning.
Without further ado, here's a glimpse at Flaw:
Thefront door swung open. "Hey, babe," Nick said. "You coming in?"Celiahad promised to call if she needed help, so Sam tore her eyes off the housedown the street and let her husband usher her into their home, a renovateddouble-sized townhouse he'd bought so she could be near her dad and work. Ofcourse its Capitol Hill location put him in close proximity to his office too. "What'sthe matter?" he asked, taking her coat and hanging it in the closet when Samwould've tossed it over the sofa. Why hang it when she'd need it again in themorning?"Ithink my dad is sick. He's all congested and wheezy sounding, and he has afever.""Whatdid Celia say?""She'son it, but I'm worried about pneumonia.""Andwhat's this?" Nick asked, gesturing to the garbage bag full of wedding cardsthat sat on the floor next to her."Morewell wishes that went to Dad's house—at least I hope they're well wishes."Nickkissed her forehead and then her lips. "My poor wife's first day back to workwas far more stressful than it should've been, wasn't it?"Shenodded. "And now this with my dad. Maybe I should go back over there. Just incase.""Ifthat's what you want to do, I'll go with you. We can sleep over there tonight.""Really?You wouldn't mind?""I'drather have you there where you can be near him than watch you wear out a pathin the carpet over here worrying about him."Samhadn't realized she'd been pacing as they talked. She stopped and looped herfingers together, filled with nervous energy. "Sorry. Anything with him totallyfreaks me out. We've been so lucky to get two pretty good years since theshooting. All that time we've known how precarious his health is now. A simplecold is anything but for him."Nickcame to her and put his arms around her. He unclipped her long hair and combedhis fingers through her curls. Breathing in the scent of Nick, the scent ofhome, Sam closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest. At times likethis, she could no longer remember what it had been like to live without him. "SometimesI feel guilty because I'm so grateful he survived the shooting even if I hatethe way he has to live now," she said."Ithink he's come to terms with it. In his own way.""Yeah,but it still sucks." What really sucked was the case remained unsolved morethan two years later, despite ongoing effort by Sam and all of Skip's formercolleagues at the Metropolitan Police Department. "I'm beginning to give up onever solving his case.""Youwill."Samdrew back to look up at him. "You sound awfully sure of that.""I'mawfully sure of you." Keeping his eyes firmly on hers, he lowered his head andcaptured her mouth.Samlinked her hands around his neck and teased him with her tongue, making himgroan."Thiswas the longest day," he said. "Ispent most of it missing you and daydreaming about Bora Bora."Shekept her lips close to his. "Me too."Hishands found their way to her bottom and squeezed. "How soon until we can goback?"Samlaughed. "Not soon enough."Hesurprised her when he suddenly lifted her and arranged her legs around hiswaist. "No reason we can't relive some of the magic right here at home.""Isthat so?""Mmm-hmm."His kisses became more urgent as he lowered them to the sofa. "I feel like I'mgoing through withdrawal or something.""Justthink," she said, running her fingers through his hair, "we get to stay on thisdrug for the rest of our lives.""Doyou promise the same number of daily doses I received in Bora Bora?"Samlaughed and brought him down for more of those heated kisses he was doling out."Sothat's a 'yes'?""You'rerather persistent this evening, Senator."Hishands were busy divesting them of clothes. "I'm rather horny too."Normally,he was the epitome of finesse, but tonight he was all about urgency. The momentthey were both naked, he surged into her and dropped his head to her chest."God, I needed this."Sheloved watching his legendary control waver and then break as he took fiercepossession of her. Sweat dampened his back and brow. Sam gave herself over tohim, loving him more than she'd ever imagined possible."Babe,"he whispered. "Can't…" He moaned and tightened his hold on her."It'sokay." She ran her hands down his back and clutched his backside, which seemedto send him careening completely out of control.Hisface was tight with tension as he came hard. His fingers gripped her arm andshoulder so tightly she suspected there would be bruises, not that she cared."Sorry,"he said, breathing hard."Forwhat?" She brushed the damp hair off his brow."Youdidn't come.""Youcan make it up to me next time.""AndI will. I promise." He ran his hand down her arm and linked their fingers. "Iwish we'd never had to leave Bora Bora.""Isthat so?""Theywere the best days of my life. I could've stayed there with you forever.""Youwould've missed work and your friends and your life here after a while.""Ihad everything I needed right there with me.""Youwould've gotten fat and lazy and slovenly."Hechuckled and brushed his lips over the side of her breast, sending a shiver ofsensation rippling through her. "We found a good way to burn off calories.""Wecertainly did.""Morethan anything, I liked having you all to myself.""You'llhave me all to yourself every night.""Notthe same. Not nearly enough."Samplaced her free hand on his face, urging him to look at her. "What's this allabout?"Hesitating,he looked away for a moment before he brought his gaze back to meet hers."Having you all to myself showed me how little time together we get at home.""It'llbe better now that we're officially living together.""Itwon't be better. We'll always be competing against a million other demands fortime to ourselves.""True,but as long as we make our relationship the top priority we'll work it out.""Itold Christina today that from now on I'm only giving two nights a week and oneweekend day to the campaign.""Canyou do that?""Ihave a sixty-five-point lead over my Republican opponent, so I'm willing torisk it.""Isthat an unusually high lead?""Iguess so," he said modestly. "We got a nice bump out of the wedding.""Gladto be of assistance."Thatsexy grin of his made her go weak in the knees even when she wasn't lying nakedin his arms. "Anyway, since we've got a pretty solid lead, I don't see the needto spend so much time campaigning. Especially," he added, kissing her, "when Ihave so many other things I'd rather be doing.""Youwon't get any argument from me.""Ihad a feeling you might approve." He propped his chin on her chest. "So do you wantto go over to your dad's?"Samthought about that for a minute. "Celia said she'd call if anything changes, soI guess we can stay here.""Wantsome help going through the cards?""Sure.The faster I get that done, the faster I can go to bed.""Whydo you think I offered to help?""Andhere I thought your offer was entirely unselfish.""Ohno, babe. Not entirely."
Copyright 2012. Marie Sullivan Force. All rights reserved.
Go forth and comment on your favorite Sam & Nick moment! Remember--to be entered into the drawing--you MUST list your favorite Sam & Nick moment HERE ON THE BLOG, not on Facebook, and you must list your email address. Thanks!
Have a great weekend and GO PATS!!!!!!
February 2, 2012
Dear Diary: The Sound of Silence
Ahhhhh, it's done! The big carpet/tile upstairs/downstairs disaster is finally finished and no one will be coming to bang around in my house today. I am soooo glad we did it, but I'm even more glad it's over. It looks fantastic, and we are very happy with the outcome. Working in a "war zone" of renovation and repair is not conducive to creativity, that's for sure. We have one final frontier to face and that is the replacing of the doors on all the rooms. We think the guy who lived here before us went to a door yard sale because they are all different. That has bugged me for more than nine years, so we're finally doing something about it. And then we will REALLY be done!
Sorry to miss a day of the diary yesterday. I was at a funeral in the morning for one of my dad's cousins, who died over the weekend. He is in Florida, so my brother and I went as his representatives. Ironically, Mary ended up being buried about 100 yards from our mother, which should please both ladies as they were great pals in life. I like to imagine my mother up there welcoming Mary, and saying something to the effect of, "Glad to see you! We could use a spark plug like you around here!" And I like to think of Mary telling my mom, "You won't believe what Marie is up to these days!" since my mom didn't live to see any of the great stuff that has happened with my books. (Although I like to believe she knows all about it and is helping to make it happen.)
I had to laugh the other night when our governor delivered the state of the state message (verdict: it's not good), and the local news never mentioned the governor's name until 11:10 because they were too busy with Super Bowl coverage. As always, in Rhode Island, our priorities are straight!
Today it is back to work on HOPING FOR LOVE and lunch with my childhood best friend. Looking forward to both! Another bit of good news: my agent really loved the "half a historical" I submitted to her. She is a lover of all things historical, so to have struck a chord with her feels like a big accomplishment. I'm excited to get back to work on that book and finish it up. It's a whole new genre for me, and I'm loving the grand experiment. I hope you will too when you get to read it!
Have a great day!
Sorry to miss a day of the diary yesterday. I was at a funeral in the morning for one of my dad's cousins, who died over the weekend. He is in Florida, so my brother and I went as his representatives. Ironically, Mary ended up being buried about 100 yards from our mother, which should please both ladies as they were great pals in life. I like to imagine my mother up there welcoming Mary, and saying something to the effect of, "Glad to see you! We could use a spark plug like you around here!" And I like to think of Mary telling my mom, "You won't believe what Marie is up to these days!" since my mom didn't live to see any of the great stuff that has happened with my books. (Although I like to believe she knows all about it and is helping to make it happen.)
I had to laugh the other night when our governor delivered the state of the state message (verdict: it's not good), and the local news never mentioned the governor's name until 11:10 because they were too busy with Super Bowl coverage. As always, in Rhode Island, our priorities are straight!
Today it is back to work on HOPING FOR LOVE and lunch with my childhood best friend. Looking forward to both! Another bit of good news: my agent really loved the "half a historical" I submitted to her. She is a lover of all things historical, so to have struck a chord with her feels like a big accomplishment. I'm excited to get back to work on that book and finish it up. It's a whole new genre for me, and I'm loving the grand experiment. I hope you will too when you get to read it!
Have a great day!
January 31, 2012
Dear Diary: The First Month
Here we are at Jan. 31, the end of my first month as a self-employed writer. So how did it go? Well, it's been an interesting time of transition and discovery, that's for sure. As I've mentioned before, I expected things to go on pretty much as they had when I was working full-time from home for an outside company. The biggest surprise of this month is that wasn't the case. I'm finding I have to be a lot more self-motivated than I was when I had requests from coworkers and contractors and association members framing my days. It's also been an adjustment "giving myself permission" to write during the day after so many years of only being able to write at night. That adjustment seems to be happening finally. Yesterday, I wrote nearly 5,000 words in HOPING FOR LOVE. Yay! I'm really loving this new McCarthy book, and I hope you guys will, too. I've been torturing poor Evan, who can't quite figure out what's so different about this one woman who turns his head around and makes him forget all about his best laid plans to stay far, far away from anything that smacks of commitment. Super fun!
Another thing I'm trying to "train" myself to do as new life enters the second month is to allow for an occasional night or *gasp* full day OFF. Imagine that. I honestly can't remember the last time I took a full, complete day off from all things "work" related. Nothing about writing books or corresponding with readers feels like "work" to me, so that's part of the so-called problem. I like my work. Thus, it doesn't feel like work to me. Not a bad problem to have, all things considered!
I'm getting excited for the release on Monday of Fatal Flaw, book 4 in the Fatal Series. Here's what you can expect in the new installment:
Back from their honeymoon, Senator Nick Cappuano and D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland are ready for some normalcy after the whirlwind of their wedding, but someone has other plans for them. When Sam discovers wedding cards containing thinly veiled death threats, she's not sure if she or Nick is the target.
Already on edge, Sam and her team start investigating a series of baffling murders. The victims are well-liked with no known enemies, and the murders are carried out in a clean and efficient manner. Unable to find a clear motive for the deaths, she feels like she's chasing her tail.
With no obvious connection between the victims, Sam soon suspects that she may be the ultimate prize in the killer's clever game. When the danger starts to hit a little too close to home, she has two goals: find the elusive murderer and manage to live long enough to enjoy her happily ever after.
If you haven't yet pre-ordered a copy, you can get it here:
Kindle
Nook
iPad
Also, if you haven't yet joined the Fatal Series groups, we're having a lot of fun chatting about the earlier books as we prepare for the launch of book 4. Find the groups here:
Fatal SeriesFatal Affair
Fatal Justice
Fatal Consequences
Fatal Destiny
After you've read the new book, you can join the Fatal Flaw Reader's Group to dish with other readers. Just don't join until AFTER you read so we don't have to worry about spoilers.
Thanks to all of you for reading my books. You'll never know how much I appreciate you!
Have a great day!
Another thing I'm trying to "train" myself to do as new life enters the second month is to allow for an occasional night or *gasp* full day OFF. Imagine that. I honestly can't remember the last time I took a full, complete day off from all things "work" related. Nothing about writing books or corresponding with readers feels like "work" to me, so that's part of the so-called problem. I like my work. Thus, it doesn't feel like work to me. Not a bad problem to have, all things considered!
I'm getting excited for the release on Monday of Fatal Flaw, book 4 in the Fatal Series. Here's what you can expect in the new installment:Back from their honeymoon, Senator Nick Cappuano and D.C. Police Lieutenant Sam Holland are ready for some normalcy after the whirlwind of their wedding, but someone has other plans for them. When Sam discovers wedding cards containing thinly veiled death threats, she's not sure if she or Nick is the target.
Already on edge, Sam and her team start investigating a series of baffling murders. The victims are well-liked with no known enemies, and the murders are carried out in a clean and efficient manner. Unable to find a clear motive for the deaths, she feels like she's chasing her tail.
With no obvious connection between the victims, Sam soon suspects that she may be the ultimate prize in the killer's clever game. When the danger starts to hit a little too close to home, she has two goals: find the elusive murderer and manage to live long enough to enjoy her happily ever after.
If you haven't yet pre-ordered a copy, you can get it here:
Kindle
Nook
iPad
Also, if you haven't yet joined the Fatal Series groups, we're having a lot of fun chatting about the earlier books as we prepare for the launch of book 4. Find the groups here:
Fatal SeriesFatal Affair
Fatal Justice
Fatal Consequences
Fatal Destiny
After you've read the new book, you can join the Fatal Flaw Reader's Group to dish with other readers. Just don't join until AFTER you read so we don't have to worry about spoilers.
Thanks to all of you for reading my books. You'll never know how much I appreciate you!
Have a great day!
