Jamie DeBree's Blog, page 71
January 5, 2011
Exploring Romantic Suspense: What is "Romantic Suspense?"
According to Romance Writers of America , Romantic Suspense as a subgenre is defined as:
Romance novels in which suspense, mystery, or thriller elements constitute an integral part of the plot.
If you read romantic suspense regularly, you'll know that like every genre, there's room for wide interpretation of what that means, and often even readers won't all categorize a story in the same way. I'm kind of surprised though that a more literal definition isn't adopted, as "romantic" is an adjective that describes the noun, "suspense". In that vein, a romantic suspense novel would be a "suspense novel with romantic elements", which is ultimately where I think my books fit at this point. Of course many readers hone in on the fact that my novels have some rather spicy scenes in them, which I think tends to swing popular perspective back into the romance camp. I did have one reader compare Tempest to an Indiana Jones movie, which was both amusing and flattering – but also apt, I think.
I've also seen romantic suspense described as having equal parts romance and suspense – which is what I try to do with mine, though again, some readers have a different perspective. And really that's the thing about genres – readers are all approaching stories through their own filters and experiences, so while some readers have tagged Tempest as "erotic romance", others have tagged it "literary". I don't really consider it either personally, but that doesn't make those tags any less valid, it just brings home the point that every reader sees things differently. I find that fascinating and wonderful.
So why label books at all? In my mind, it's simply a starting point that tells the reader what basic, overreaching elements the story contains that might appeal to them. By calling my books romantic suspense, readers know that there will be some sort of adventure with high tension involved, and there will also be romance involved, so if they like those two things, they might like my books. The lovely thing about publishing on Amazon and other etailers is that books don't have to be just one thing – Tempest is tagged with several descriptors that fall outside the boundaries of romantic suspense.
In the upcoming weeks, I'll be deconstructing romantic suspense and discussing popular elements in the genre, along with different types and styles of books included therein.
Do you read romantic suspense regularly? What does "romantic suspense" mean to you when you see a book labeled as such?
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January 4, 2011
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 35
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32 | Ch. 33| Ch. 34
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 35
Monica stared at her father. Or was he? "I was the first? But you never sold me..." The meaning behind his words sank in, and what little energy she had drained from her muscles. Harley sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her back to support her. "You bought me," she whispered, nausea tickling her stomach. "You're not my real father. Who am I?"
Harley tried to pull her close, but she pushed him away, anger replacing the shock. She got to her feet, the urge to throw things, break things, hurt someone so strong she thought it might tear her apart. With considerable effort she held steady, her arms shaking as she faced the man who'd made her entire life a lie. "Who. Am. I," she repeated.
Burns rose from the chair. "There's no need for hysterics," he said, flashing her a smile that somehow didn't seem sincere. "As far as I'm concerned, you're my daughter. That hasn't changed, and never will."
Monica shook her head, looking at the floor. Her thoughts whirled with the ramifications of what he was telling her. She didn't want to be his daughter, and now as it turned out, she wasn't, not really. But where did she come from? Who was her mother, and how much money had she taken in exchange for her child? The noise in her head grew louder, and suddenly the room was too small. She needed air. Now.
"I have to go," she said, moving quickly toward the door. "Air. I need air." She flung the door open and stared at the bodyguards standing in her way, then they moved aside and she pushed between them. Vaguely aware of someone calling her name, she bolted out the apartment door, and took the stairs two at a time until she reached the ground floor. Ten more steps and she was outside, striding fast toward the other end of the compound. Five minutes later, she found herself standing in front of Harley's mansion, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath, and no closer to an answer than she had been. And then she felt it, sharper than it had ever been before.
It was time to leave.
She jogged up the stairs and through the house, waiting impatiently for the elevator to take her down to the basement. She'd use the tunnel Betsy had shown her, and escape into the night. She only hoped her father - Mr. Burns - would go easy on Harley after she left.
The corridor was darker than she remembered, and her heart raced, every sound sending another jolt of awareness through her system. Just before she reached the door to the tunnel, her senses went on high alert, and she stopped, peering cautiously down into the near-darkness. "Is someone there?"
A male figure detatched from the black wall, moving slowly toward her and blocking her way out. "Just me," Harley said, stopping to look down at her with such concern it brought the tears she'd been fighting to the fore. "I had a feeling you might decide to run. I was hoping I might be able to change your mind." He reached out to touch the side of her face and she batted his hand away. He stepped closer, repeating the gesture. The look on his face was so caring that she allowed it. She didn't want to feel alone anymore, and somehow she knew he'd stay beside her, no matter what.
The tears fell finally, sobs wracking her body as she leaned into his broad chest. His arms curved around her, holding her tight as he pressed a kiss to her temple. Then he was lifting her, carrying her down the hall. She clung to him as he set her gently in the middle of his bed and laid down beside her, pulling a blanket up to cover them both.
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January 3, 2011
Weekly News & Goals - 1/3/11
I'm changing up the "Everyday Romance" posts a bit – I'm re-titling them "Exploring Romantic Suspense", and I'll pick my topics from the romantic suspense books I'm currently reading/writing. This week's I'll explore just what romantic suspense is, and then we'll go from there. I think it will provide some interesting discussion of emotions, motivations, and how fiction translates to the real world.
So without further ado:
This Week on The Variety Pages
Tuesday: Ch. 35 of The Biker's Wench
Wednesday: Exploring Romantic Suspense – What is "Romantic Suspense"?
Friday: Ch. 36 of The Biker's Wench
Goals for the Week
No, I'm not going to report on last week's goals this week. Why? Because it's a new year – they don't matter anymore. New year, new start. With that in mind, here's what I've got planned for this week.
Writing
Two scenes for The Biker's Wench
Two scenes for Angel Eyes
One scene for The Entertainer
One scene for The Minister's Maid
Crit two chapters for the local writer's group (meeting Sat.)
Business
Draw up a starting contract for a new BSB author
Update the BSB web site
Send out ARC's of Desert Heat
Format DH for ebooks
Press release for DH
Personal
Eye drops morning/night
Lotion feet morning/night
Take the stairs at work all week
So there we go...off and running! What are you up to this week? Is there a goal you're reaching for? Post it, we'll cheer you on!
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January 1, 2011
Resolutions 2011
It's that time of year again - the time when those of us who love lists and organization look to the future and predict our productivity for the coming year. If you're not one of the goals/resolution crowd, I've seen a few people picking one word to define their focus for the upcoming year - perhaps that would suit better? Seems like a great idea to me.
I'm listing all of my resolutions below, for those who might be interested in more than just my writing goals. Writing first, of course - then you can skip the rest if you choose. I'm extremely optimistic for this year, and really looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish in the next twelve months.
Resolutions 2010
Writing
At least 500-800 words per day, six days per week.
Complete & publish two more romantic suspense books.
Complete my first thriller/suspense novel and prepare to publish in early January 2012.
Complete several (3-5) erotic short stories and publish both individually and as a collection.
Read The Novel Writer's Toolkit by Bob Mayer for craft study.
Write ahead on my serial novels as much as possible, and stay ahead until at least next fall.
A short list at first look, but packed with an insane amount of exciting possibilities, as well as monetary potential. The titles I'll be working on this year are already planned out and started. So I feel pretty good about my ability to complete them within a year.
Business
Continue to grow the Brazen Snake Books name via new titles
Explore the possibilities of a publishing collaboration with a few select authors
Build up a library of resources on the site for all writers to refer to and use.
These are purposely vague, because ultimately, the business is a marketing tool, and an "umbrella" to keep all of my genres together, but separate. So I'll be using this as I need to, in whatever way seems the most logical & lucrative choice at the time.
Personal
Listen to music more. It's one of the only things that quiets (or drowns out) my racing mind, and I think more of those breaks will be beneficial to all aspects of my life.
Read 85 books, as I committed to on Dolly's yearly reading challenge .
Take better care of my eyes, my feet and my teeth. All chronic issues that can be kept from getting worse with a little daily attention.
Re-establish and follow healthier habits as far as working out and eating go.
Go easier on myself when stuff doesn't get done around the house, when blog posts are late, etc. I can only do so much, and I need to remember that and allow for it.
That's plenty of goals for this year, I think – enough to keep me busy and moving forward, for sure.
Now I have a couple of serial chapters to write before the day is gone...what are you up to this first day of 2011?
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December 31, 2010
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 34
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32 | Ch. 33
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 34
When she heard Harley's voice, Monica frantically tried to think of a way to get his attention. Inching down the bed, she steeled herself for the pain and rolled off the edge, landing on the floor with a thump that jarred every part of her body. She tried to cry out, but only managed a few weak sounds around the cloth in her mouth. Scuffling sounds carried through the floor to her ear, and she hoped - prayed - it was Harley.
Voices rose outside the door, and when she heard "my wife" in that low, raspy timbre, she nearly started to cry again. Blinking back the tears she forced herself to breath slowly, in and out through her nose. Don't panic. Breathe. Footsteps drew near, and she lifted her head to watch the door. The knob turned, but it was her father who stepped into view.
"Was this really necessary, Jared?" He glanced over his shoulder and the guard slipped into the room, bending down as he flipped open a large pocket knife. Before he could cut her bonds, Harley was by her side, elbowing the other man out of the way. He removed the gag from her mouth, then went to work on the rope binding her with the knife Jared had relinquished. Once she was free, he helped her up to sit on the bed and knelt before her, rubbing her wrists with strong, warm fingers.
She looked down into those steel blue eyes, surprised by the depth of emotion reflected back. "Thank you," she whispered, her mouth dry from the gag. Without thinking, she reached out to cup the side of his face, and he leaned into her touch, turning his head slightly to press a kiss to her palm.
"Isn't that just sweet. Don't get too attached, son. She doesn't like to stay in one place."
At her father's voice Monica dropped her hand, the moment broken. She tried to reclaim her other hand, but Harley held it firm in his grasp as he rose to face Burns.
"Oh, I don't know," Harley said thoughtfully. "I think she'd put down roots just fine if she felt safe enough. Now why don't you tell us what's really going on here. I think we have a right to know, since you seem intent on dragging us into it."
Burns nodded. "You're right," he said, turning to his bodyguards standing just inside the door. "Make sure we're not disturbed," he said, watching the door shut behind them. He took a seat in a wicker chair by the closet. "You may as well sit down. This could take awhile." Harley took a seat on the bed, one arm braced casually behind Monica. She looked at her father, not entirely sure if she wanted his explanation, but needing to know.
"For many years now, I've...arranged for unwanted children to be obtained by people who want them. People who are willing to pay a lot of money for the convenience of not having to deal with government red tape, as well as the shortened time frame. The baby who just left is going to a couple who can't have children, and can't adopt due to some, shall we say, indiscretions in the mother's former life."
Monica frowned. "So you just give babies to people who aren't fit to adopt the right way? How do you know those kids will get a good life?"
"We don't," he said with a shrug. "I don't do business with pedophiles, and I have someone drop in on the client for a surprise visit sometime within six months of the transaction. After that, we have no further responsibility. Just like adopting a pet."
Her stomach roiling, Monica shook her head. "How can you say that? You're talking about people's lives - children's futures. How can you just sell them to the highest bidder and move on to the next?" Harley stood, pacing near the end of the bed.
Burns leaned forward, propping his forearms on his knees. "Those kids don't have any chance at all without me. We get them from orphanages, desperate mothers, prisoners, drug addicts. Without me, they'd be turned over to child services and probably forgotten in the system or worse, given to foster parents who just want another government check."
"How long," Monica asked, trying to stay calm. So many children had visited when she was young, kids she didn't know who stayed a day or two, and then she never saw again. Could this really have been going on all that time?
He sat back in the chair, glanced at Harley standing across the room and then looked directly into her eyes. "You were the first."
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December 30, 2010
My Writing Year in Review 2010
Last year was an interesting year – far better than 2009, to be sure, but not without its ups and downs. I went through a lot of mental shifts, the most drastic resulting in the decision to open my own publishing company, and commit to self/indie publishing. It's less drastic though when you realize that I've always had the intention to self-publish my serial drafts (hence the reason I serialized them). Knowing I could never submit them since they were already, in effect, "published" took all the pressure off, and allowed me to write them without worrying about marketability. It kept me writing, when I might otherwise have quit.
In light of all that, my resolutions for last year hit some snags, and that's perfectly okay. If you've been around long, you know I don't hit all my weekly goals either – for me, the important thing is to *reach* for something…because I will always end up farther along if I have a goal than if I don't. All that said, here's how I did with my reading/writing resolutions in 2010.
Establish/keep record of books read during the year
- Create a spreadsheet on January 1st for recording books.
- Update spreadsheet once per week, and list books on the blog weekly.
My goal for reading last year was 100 books for Dolly's 2010 Reading Challenge . After deciding that a spreadsheet was both boring, and something I wouldn't keep up with, I tried out various social reading sites, and made myself a home at Goodreads last Jan. All told, I've read around 85 books this year, approximately (because I didn't record everything I read, usually for genre reasons). I have an account under my pen name as well, and am working on adding the racier titles there. Close enough to "goal" for me…
Don't over-commit – be more cognizant of time constraints, and schedule projects accordingly.
- No short stories promised unless they're complete.
- Write blog posts and serial novel installments at least a few days ahead (preferably 1 week when possible.
- Don't commit to anything without first double checking schedule and knowing for sure I have time to get it done, or that it's important enough to me to push something else off the schedule for.
We all know I suck at this, right? 
I just spent nearly all of Dec. editing and formatting to get a book out on time that, had I been thinking, would have been done either earlier or later. But I have done better this year, and I don't commit to anything that I can't fit into a pre-defined, sustainable slot on my schedule. I call that progress, at least.
Polish and submit at least two novels for publication
- Finish revising HPC by end Jan/early Feb.
- Submit HPC by mid Feb.
- Start revising DH by early Feb.
- Submit DH by late March/early April
Ironically, reaching for this goal is what pushed me firmly into self-pub territory. I spent months working on HPC, trying to revise it to fit the market I wanted to submit to. And it killed any interest I had in finishing and subbing that story – I trunked it. I realized that not only did HPC not fit the line I thought it would, but DH didn't either. At that point, to keep going the trad. publishing route, I would have had to start from scratch, writing new novels that hopefully would fit certain markets…and throwing all that work away and putting the writing career I want on hold probably for another full year. Instead I decided to publish Tempest & DH myself, and keep moving forward. Goal tossed out.
Write at least two more drafts.
- Schedule writing time/daily word counts to finish drafts in 8-10 weeks (except NaNo, of course)
- Start next draft in January
This is incomplete – for many different reasons. I did complete another serial draft, but it sucked and I trunked it. I currently have four drafts in progress, one of which is half-done and I dare say my best work yet, which matters more than rushing it out. It would be done by now, but I had to learn how to balance revisions and publication duties with daily writing…and I floundered while I was learning. But the important thing is, I learned, and I'm still moving forward.
Work out a method for writing and editing/revising at the same time (on different projects), just in case I ever land a multiple-book contract.
This I've done. It was fairly simple after I realized I can't do revisions late at night anyway, because my brain just doesn't work analytically enough that late to be effective at technical fixes. So when I have edits to do, they happen earlier in the evening. My drafting remains late night, as always. That "multiple-book contract"? I gave it to myself…I've got four projects underway at the moment, and a book release next month.
One of the most important things I did last year that wasn't on my goals list is learning how to revise a novel. It was one of those big, epic things that took me months of thought, instruction, and messing around with before I could manage to make any progress at all, plus I basically ruined a novel learning it. The time was well spent though, and absolutely necessary.
I think all that work on revisions and edits have made me a better writer in terms of structure as well, because in tearing apart my stories, I got a better feel for how plot structure and character arcs work. I still have plenty to learn of course, but I've come a long way, in my opinion.
So there you have it. Chalk 2010 up to a good writing year, and on Saturday, I'll post my writing resolutions for 2011.
What's the most valuable thing you learned this year with regards to your writing? And what's your biggest goal for next year
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December 29, 2010
Just For Fun: The List of Fours
This is what happens when I'm up late, and actually decide to leave a comment on a really long blog meme. Who'd have thought I'd be penalized for leaving a comment?
Anyways, here are my answers, in a nicely concise format (unlike Gary's , which are vastly more entertaining – go read them, but read mine first since you'll be gone awhile).
1. Four shows that you watch:
- Criminal Minds (seriously, probably my favorite cast of characters on TV right now)
- Castle (Nathan Fillion? Hello…)
- Chuck (No terribly hot guys, but great plot, IMO)
- NCIS (Um, Mark Harmon & Michael Weatherly. 'Nuff said.)
2. Four things you are passionate about:
- Writing
- Hating mornings
- Time to myself
- Personal responsibility
3. Four phrases you say a lot:
- "Groovy."
- "That's cool."
- "Alrighty then."
- "That's crazy!"
Apparently I was born in the wrong decade…
4. Four things you've learned from the past:
- A professional attitude and demeanor goes a long way, regardless of personal feelings.
- Work with your natural inclinations, rather than fighting them to make a change.
- If you want to accomplish something, don't just wait for it to happen. Make it happen.
- The only emotions you can control are your own. Don't let other people's attitudes get you down.
5. Four places you would like to go:
- Universal Studios
- Several countries I haven't been to
- Somewhere down south (I've never been in the southern states).
- The Pacific Northwest (never been there either)
6. Four things you did yesterday:
- Finished formatting Desert Heat for print
- Updated a few web sites at the day job
- Took down the Christmas decorations
- Finished off leftover cheesecake
7. Four things you are looking forward to:
- Working full-time as a writer
- Sleeping in this weekend (and every weekend)
- Getting the siding replaced on our house (we have metal siding that's peeling badly right now)
- Our annual Halloween Party.
8. Four things you love about winter:
- Snow (not cold, just snow)
- Hot chocolate
- Chili
- No yard work
9. Four bloggers who should share their list of fours:
I'm not sure who's already done this…so I'll just be opposite of Gary, and say if you read this and *don't* leave a comment, consider yourself tagged.
December 28, 2010
Serial Novel: The Biker's Wench, Chapter 33
Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 5 | Ch. 6 | Ch. 7| Ch. 8 | Ch. 9 | Ch. 10 |Ch. 11 | Ch. 12 | Ch. 13| Ch. 14 |Ch. 15 |Ch. 16 |Ch. 17 |Ch. 18 |Ch. 19 |Ch. 20 | Ch. 21 | Ch. 22 | Ch. 23 | Ch. 24 | Ch. 25| Ch. 26| Ch. 27 | Ch. 28 |Ch. 29 | Ch. 30 | Ch. 31 |Ch. 32
The Biker's Wench
Chapter 33
A baby was crying on the other side of the door when Harley reached room three-twelve. He hesitated briefly, then knocked twice. A short, stocky man peered at him through what space the chain would allow, then closed it and slide the metal lock free. The door swung open wide, and a woman carrying a child seat carrier stood just inside the door. She met his gaze with her own icy one. "You're the driver?"
He nodded, frowning as he glanced around the entry. "Where's the package?" Behind the woman on the floor lay a canvas tennis shoe. It reminded him of someone, but who?
"Right here," she said, gesturing to the carrier. "It's none of your concern, you just have to drive us there, and drive me back. You do have the address?"
"Yes." He pushed past the smaller man, slipping by the woman and went to the shoe. Picking it up, he turned it over in his hands. "Who's shoe is this?"
The man strode over and tried to take the item out of Harley's grasp. "It's nothing, just something Lanie dropped." He gestured at the woman, then looked pointedly at his watch. "You're going to be late. You need to--"
A loud thump came from behind a closed door down a short hall, followed by a weak wimper that Harley almost didn't hear. Suddenly remembering, he looked inside the back of the shoe to find the faded initials he'd expected. These were the shoes Betsy wore around the ranch when she wasn't working - and she'd loaned them to Monica earlier that morning.
"I'm not going anywhere," he said, walking toward that door. The guard hit him in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Harley bent over, and took a right hook to the jaw that caught him off balance. He fell backwards to the floor, kicking a foot out as he went down to connect with the inside of the guard's left knee. The other man went down, and Harley threw himself on top, fastening his hands tightly around that thick neck. He leaned down, so he was eye to eye with the guard as the man fought for air. "That's my wife you have in there, you little prick. You really think anything's going to stop me from getting to her?"
The front door opened, and four hands grabbed Harley, dragging him off the man. "I see I didn't quite make it in time," Mr. Burns said as he approached, his goons holding Harley by each arm. "I hear my daughter is snooping around where she doesn't belong - that's why she's been detained." He smiled, the expression one of indulgent amusement. "Why don't you run along and deliver that package for me, and I'll have her waiting for you when you get back."
"Says the man who tried to marry her off to the highest bidder," Harley said, breathing hard. "I'll just stay here and make sure she's okay. After I do that, we should probably have a talk about why you want me to deliver a baby to Reno."
December 27, 2010
Weekly News & Goals - 12/27/10
Another Christmas has come and gone – I hope yours was fun and not too stressful. Mine wasn't too bad, a few glitches but otherwise pretty smooth. My biggest issue with most holidays is all the face-to-face social time required by the holiday. After over 24 hours worth of being around people other than my husband, I was dead-tired and longing for solitude. Such is the plight of an introvert...
I did get some writing done this weekend though, and two writer friends sent me wonderful books that I can't wait to read. I also received an Amazon gift card that is being put to very good use funding my ebook habit. Now we're on the slide down to the new year, which is one of my favorite times of year due to the fresh start it denotes for me.
This Week on The Variety Pages
Tuesday: Ch. 33 of The Biker's Wench
Wednesday: The Four Things Meme (compliments of Gary James )
Thursday: My Year in Review
Friday: Ch. 34 of The Biker's Wench
Saturday: Resolutions for 2011
Goal Reports
You'll be happy to know I finally got my Christmas cards done, and mailed them today. We'll call them "interim cards" this year. As a bonus, I included my thank you notes, so it's all done at once (and since I'm horrid at thank-you notes, they got done this year). I also survived Christmas, which is handy for my future plans. I still need to un-decorate this week – I can't stand having Christmas up when a new year starts...it feels like I'm sullying my nice fresh start.
As far as writing goes, the only thing I didn't get done was my suspense chapter, because I was just too worn out after the socializing to write on Saturday night. It's all good though – the suspense serial doesn't start until Saturday, so I've got time. I have just a little bit to finish on the Desert Heat formatting too, so I'll order those tomorrow.
Goals for the Week
Writing
Two chapters for TBW
One chapter for TPM
One chapter for AE
Finish Desert Heat print formatting, order copies
Format DH for ebooks
Business
Write a press release for DH
Send out digital review copies for DH
Personal
Store Christmas away
Clean house
Review last year's resolutions
List this year's resolutions
That's my plan for the week. Do you make resolutions/goals for the new year? How did last year's goals go for you?
December 25, 2010
Season's Greetings from Me to You
As you can see, I was playing yesterday. For those of you who have slow connections or just prefer not to watch video online, read on. I'm far more eloquent in text than I am verbally anyways, so you're not missing much if you opt to just read.
I want to thank everyone who reads this blog, whether or not you comment, for making me part of your week. To those who read my serial novels, you are so very important to me even if you never comment, because just knowing you're out there is the driving force behind both my consistent writing and the work I put in to drafting a little more cleanly every time. To those who buy my books - thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You give me hope for the future - one where I'll be able to be a full-time writer. I hope you continue to enjoy my stories.
Blog friends, Facebook friends, twitter friends - I have connected with so many incredible people this year that I can't begin to tell you how lucky I feel to have been a part of such a wonderful community. Your continued support is incredibly important and very much appreciated, and I hope I can give back to each of you even a portion of what you've given me.
2010 has been a wonderful year for me, and I hope it has been for you as well. In either case, here's to a 2011 full of new friends, great opportunities, and continuing progress forward.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
