Diana Orgain's Blog, page 20
March 1, 2011
FORMULA FOR MURDER – Release Day Contest
In the third installment of the Maternal Instincts Mystery Series: 
Sleuth and first-time mom Kate Connolly and her baby are the victims of a hit-and-run, but escape unharmed. A witness identifies the car's French diplomatic license plates, yet when Kate and her hubby try to get some answers, they get le cold shoulder. But there's something going on at the French consulate that's dirtier-and far deadlier-than any diaper.
Order your copy today – available where books are sold:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
To celebrate the release of Formula for Murder, we've teamed up with San Francisco baby apparel company Libraknits to give away a FREE luxurious handmade baby hat to one lucky winner!!! Just enter our contest and spread the word to win the LibraKnits luxurious handmade baby hat of your choice!!!
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December 23, 2010
Time Management meets Bob
(Blogging over at the The Ladykillers today: but I've copied the post here too for your convienance)
Meet Bob. He is 22 months old. According to some child-rearing books children between the ages of 18 to 24 months are "Developmentally at a level similar to Neanderthals two million years ago."
Seriously? I'm living with a Neanderthal? Oh, don't worry, the book goes on to explain that Neanderthals were smarter, more verbal, and more agile than ape-men (what a relief) but also more aggressive and stubborn.
Well, you got that part right.
So what does Bob have to do with Time Management?
First off, there is a lot to learn from Bob – he's stubborn and tenacious – which may be qualities all writers need to possess.
Secondly, he does what he wants. I laugh as I write this – but it's pretty much true. If he wants to sleep- he does, if he wants to eat- he does, if he wants to play in the garden but it's raining he pounds on the window with his little fists – you get my drift. He either does what he wants or fights for it.
So how does all this relate to "Time Management"? I think we all make time to do what we like to do. The question I get asked more often than anything else is, "With three small kids, where do you find the time to write?" My answer is, "I make the time."
It's about priorities.
Here are my tips about making the time:
We're all busy, when you can make out a little time to write, even if it's ten minutes – have an idea about what you'll be writing (i.e. the scene where she finds the body or the confrontation between characters x and y)this way, you are making the most of the precious few minutes you've set aside.
Therefore, think about your story before you sit down to write. I love to do this when I'm working out. It's the part of me that loves to multi task. Asking yourself the "what if" question while you're doing a repetitive action like on the treadmill is great to get ideas flowing. If you don't like working out – doing household chores like dishes or laundry can get pretty repetitive too.
Working on a novel? Then rinse and repeat step 1 and 2. Seriously, all it takes is thinking about your story (planning) and writing (executing).
Want to kick it into high-gear for 2011? Here are your bonus tips:
a. The more frequently you do step 1 and 2 the easier they get.
b. See yourself doing steps 1 and 2. Writing a to-do list with "write 1000 words" on it, is not enough to actually get yourself to do it – trust me – I'm a consummate list maker. What will actually get you doing your to-do list is seeing yourself accomplishing your tasks (sounds a bit new-agey – sorry- but it's true). You need to engage your frontal lobe (this is a part of the brain that our Neanderthal friend in the beginning of the story, Bob, has not developed yet.) So, before bedtime take a few minutes (and I do mean few minutes – this takes about 2 to 3 minutes – YOU HAVE THE TIME TO DO THIS) and use your mind to see yourself writing. What time is it? Where are you? Who is watching the kids? What are you writing? Work through any road block you may have, to complete the task of writing, in your mind at that moment. Don't wait for the next day to work through these potential blocks because then your time will be spent on that instead of writing.
So that's it – now go do it! Remember you are NOT a Neanderthal -you have evolved past that.
(Disclaimer – I don't actually think Bob is a Neanderthal either – I love my little guy with all my heart.)
Bookmark this page and check back in 2011 and let me know how my tips are working out for you!
In the meantime – Merry Christmas to you and yours and have a very blessed 2011!
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November 11, 2010
Shoes!
I'm blogging over at the Ladykillers today. Our topic was shoes and I interviewed 3 yr. old Tommy on his new rainboots, but we had a little situation that needed big sister, Carmen's, help. The situation could have led to many secrets revealed – which is just the thing mysterys are made of! Check out the post at the Ladykillers to see my little cuties in action!
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October 26, 2010
FORMULA FOR MURDER
Just received the copyedits from my editor for FORMULA FOR MURDER. The third in the Maternal Instinct Mystery series to be released in March 2011. Am fast at working polishing and am surprised that the munchins are letting me concentrate! Now, back to work – oh -and below is the cover.
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August 19, 2010
Crime TV…or Not
Posting over at the LadyKillers group blog today – our topic is TV Crime Shows…only I really don't watch them – so I've broken out of the mold and talk about Reality TV instead! hehehe
http://theladykillers.typepad.com/the...
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July 9, 2010
Guest Post
Please welcome the author of DYING FOR A DATE, Cindy Sample, as she blogs about "The Love Interest" over at http://theladykillers.typepad.com/the...
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March 8, 2010
March 3, 2010
Motherhood is Murder – Launch
Hi All,
Please accept my apologizes for not getting the next podcast episode up – I had laryngitis, of all things, last week and this week with the launch of Motherhood is Murder I haven't had a moment to record. Next week I'll be at Left Coast Crime, but will try and do my best to get back on track.
Thanks for tuning in and for your support!
Best,
Diana
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February 27, 2010
Book Signing Tour Photo
Last night we had a great time at Towne Center Books in Pleasanton, complete with party games, scavenger hunts and wine. Who could ask for anything more? Below are Penny Warner, Dana Mentink and myself. For additional book signing time and places check out my appearances tab.
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February 18, 2010
Bundle of Trouble – Chapter Nine
Chapter Nine – The Third Week – Digging In
Hope you are enjoying the podcast – I made a promo for Motherhood is Murder and it will play directly after the chapter – enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and hope to see you at an event soon!
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