Jennifer Wilck's Blog, page 48

Groundhog Day

Today is Groundhog Day. I’m sorry, but that has to be the stupidest holiday ever. The one day a year when normally intelligent people decide to let a rodent take precedence over science. Seriously? Seasons are determined by the Earth’s spin axis tilted with respect to its orbital plane, not by rodents. Spring ALWAYS starts on March 20/21. For those of us who know how to count, that is LITERALLY six weeks away. So spring will start in six weeks, REGARDLESS of what the weather itself is going to do and whether or not a stupid rodent sees its shadow. And the only ones who know what the weather is going to do are meteorologists (and then only some of the times). So if we’re going to celebrate the day, let’s find other reasons.
Such as…
Today is Monday. The beginning of the week. My favorite day of the week, because I get some much-needed alone time. Not that I don’t love my family. I do. But after a weekend of all of us being together all of the time, the introvert in me needs a little space. Just a few hours to breathe. And the anal part of me needs to get back to my schedule in order to make sense of my world. It’s like hitting the Do-Over button every week, the ability to start over and try something new. Last week was awful? Okay, this week will be better. Didn’t get to something before? Let’s try it again now.
Today is a snow day. Because it’s winter, and winter means snow. No matter how much I may complain that I’m cold (technically, I’m cold nine months out of the year, and occasionally the other three from too much air conditioning), it’s supposed to be cold this time of year. It’s supposed to snow. This is normal weather for the season. So as much as I may not like it, I really do have to deal with it. And I have it pretty easy since 95% of the time my husband is the one who does the snow blowing. But the kids are home, again. And my husband is home, although that one was my doing (I figured it was easier than hearing about how his coworkers bet on when I’d make my usual call to “request” that he comes home due to bad weather). And the dog is most displeased with having to go outside in the snow. But rather than complain about it, let’s enjoy ourselves. It means we get to throw our calendars out the window and sleep in and hang out together. Snow days are fun, even if they do throw everything out of whack.
Do you need other reasons to celebrate today? How about:
New Amsterdam (later New York City) became a city on this day in 1653.In 1709, British sailor Alexander Selkirk is rescued after being marooned on a desert island for 5 years, his story inspires "Robinson Crusoe."1st ship load of Chinese arrive in SF in 1848.In 1852, 1st British public men's toilet opens (Fleet St London).Samuel Clemens becomes Mark Twainfor first time in 1863.In 1893, 1st movie close-up (of a sneeze), Edison studio, West Orange, NJ.NYC's Grand Central Terminal opens in 1913.In 1922, James Joyce's "Ulysses" published in Paris (1,000 copies).Ethyl gasoline 1st marketed, Dayton, Ohio in 1923.In 1932, Al Capone sent to prison (Atlanta, Georgia).President Harry Truman urges congress to adopt a civil rights program in 1948.In 1950, 1st broadcast of "What's My Line" on CBS-TV.US female Figure Skating championship won by Dorothy Hamill in 1975.In 1977, Radio Shack officially begins creating TRS-80 computer.South Africa's Pres FW de Klerk promises to free Nelson Mandela & legalizes ANC & 60 other political orgs in 1990.

Please, ANYTHING but Groundhog Day!

Guest Author, A.J. Nuest

Please welcome my guest, A.J. Nuest, celebrating a new release: Thursday, January 29th marks the release of Book III in The Golden Key Legacy...
 A Wizard Rises by AJ Nuest
The homecoming celebration held in honor of Princess Faedrah is fraught with perilous frustration. Her nightmares have returned thricefold and, to her horror, a horrendous blight has spread like a plague throughout the kingdom. Compounding her worries, Rhys’ arrival in her world has been welcomed with the exact horror-filled reaction she expected. Her beloved has been cast into the dungeons, and no amount of arguing with the king and queen will prove he’s her fated love.

Magical powers were supposed to be a gift, or so Rhys McEleod had always believed. Too bad the second he landed in Faedrah’s world the legacy he inherited slammed into his body like a weight. He’s got zero control and his constant visions of Faedrah fighting an evil entity aren’t helping. At least her parents made the right decision and stuck him away someplace safe. Until he can figure out his next move, prove himself an ally and uncover the clues to stopping Faedrah’s nightmares, he’s got no choice but to wait…and learn exactly what he’s become.

It's a $0.99 SALE!!!



The entire The Golden Key Legacy is sale priced!!!   A Furious Muse, Book I...
Since the day of her birth, Princess Faedrah Austiere has been defined by her place within the kingdom. As the single heir to the half-blood gypsy king and his prophesied white queen, she is fiercely protected, shuttered inside an ivory castle and well-trained in the art of war. Yet neither her obligations as future queen nor the black infestation threatening her kingdom fail to hinder the mysterious pull of the antique armoire hidden in her parents’ bedchamber. And stealing the golden key for a leap through time is the only way to confront the dark lord haunting her dreams.
One face. The image of one defiant, relentless woman has been stuck in Rhys McEleod’s head ever since he was old enough paint her luscious curves on the canvas. But the day she walks into his life off the street—sexier than hell and itching for a fight—he’s not convinced she’s the same women he’s envisioned since childhood. That is, not until he spots the golden key around her neck—an object he’d never fully shown in any of his paintings.

Now if he could just persuade his lovely muse he’s not the enemy. Unless the elusive Faedrah Austiere learns to trust him, he’ll never have her in his bed—the one place he’s convinced she belongs.
 ~ * ~ The Sacrifice, Book II...
The second Faedrah Austiere walked into his life off the canvas, everything in Rhys McEleod’s world stopped making sense. Not only does her story sound like a Grimm’s fairy tale, evidently he’s been cast as the villain. If that isn’t enough, the mirror inside that old, beat up armoire at her uncle’s condo is supposedly a doorway to another world. Ever since the pathway opened, something inside him has seemed…off. If what his muse says is true, they are headed for an epic showdown, but he isn’t about to let her go. Nothing is more important than Faedrah’s protection, even if her parents refuse to accept him.

Though certain their fates are bound by more than the golden key Princess Faedrah wears around her neck, it is paramount Rhys’ true identity be kept secret. Should news of his bloodline ever reach her kingdom, their entire quest to save her people could be lost. Their only hope to prove his loyalty is to steal the map to the dark lord’s Crystal Crypt. Yet her a plan endangers her beloved more than the accusations he faces in her kingdom and, to escape evil’s grasp, she and Rhys must take a leap of faith beyond her wildest imagination. 

Pre-Order the Final Installment in this epic time travel fantasy romance! A Time of Reckoning Releases February 26th!   Rhys had one job to do. One measly errand that shouldn’t have been a problem, given the nature of his powers. But when an old enemy reappears, detailing the result of his actions, Rhys is forced to make a choice between a future with Faedrah or dying before his time. Frustrated and out of options, he agrees to her suggestion they to leap forward in time to the future…even though a good chance exists his powers will be nothing but a memory in his world. Flying blind on a wing and a prayer, they prepare to fight for everything they love against a wizard of insurmountable power.
Faedrah does her best to gather their closest allies. The sides are squared in a war to control the future of both worlds. With the stakes so high, only one advantage has been cast in their favor. The sigil of utmost protection inherent in Rhys’ signature. If not enough to thwart the evil awaiting at the Austiere gates, she could find herself imprisoned in the future, while her kingdom and all those she has sworn to protect are lost to the mists of time.
 ~Join the Party on Facebook~ On Thursday January 29th, we'll be celebrating the release ofA Wizard Rises on Facebook!Prizes, Contest, Author Giveaways!Don't miss out! Click HERE to join in the fun!!! AJ Nuest WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ GOODREADS ~ AMAZON ~ PINTEREST Rowena's Key, Candra's Freedom, Caedmon's Curse, Braedric's Bane Click here to purchase: She's Got Dibs, Jezebel's Wish

Preparation

This week is chock full of preparation. By week’s end, I should be a regular Boy Scout (well, except for the boobs part)!
Right now, we’re preparing for Snowmaggedapocalypse. I stocked up on groceries (along with everyone else yesterday)—and survived grocery shopping on a Sunday, right before lunch, with two teens. I filled my car with gas—the gas station attendant’s brain was obviously freezing as he was trying to make jokes that weren’t particularly funny. My husband checked the gas on the snow blower, and we’re currently in the bargaining phase about who is going to snow blow the driveway when. So basically, we’re ready.

I’m also preparing my manuscript to send to my agent. I gave myself a deadline of February 1. Last night, I met with my critique partners and they gave me suggestions for several of the chapters. I’ll implement those (or some of them) this week, do one last polishing and send it off.
And then, I’ll be all ready for JeRoWriMo (Jersey Romance Writing Month), my writing chapter’s version of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Those of us participating are trying to write 30K words during the month of February. It breaks down to about 1,700 a day, which may or may not be doable. I participated two years ago, and it was great. The discipline really helped and I loved it. This year, I’m a little nervous about being able to get it all done, but I have a new manuscript I’m working on and 30K words would be a big help!


That’s it for me, and quite frankly, I think that’s enough. Because, really, I’m not a Boy Scout!

Following the Rules

My manuscript that’s contracted to my new agent is almost ready for me to submit to her. I’ve spent the past few weeks going through and making my last-minute edits and changes to what I’ve written. The changes are mostly areas where I think the story needed a little boost, or clarification. I’m waiting on another round of suggested edits from my critique group and then I plan to submit it to her on February 1.
In the meantime, I’m going through her list guidelines for polishing the manuscript. This is all before she goes through it and edits it. It’s exactly what I’m looking for—an agent who is involved in the editing process, but oh, boy. I’m discovering all the grammar and punctuation rules I’ve either totally forgotten about or never learned in the first place.
Most of my knowledge of grammar and punctuation has come down to “what sounds right.” I’m a big reader, and I know how to use things correctly, but not always why or the name of the rule. It can make things a little challenging when the guidelines say something about comma usage and I realize it’s a rule I’ve completely forgotten about (although I’m reassured by how many times I actually did follow the rule, albeit by accident).

But the goal here, in addition to getting the manuscript published by a large publisher, is to make it the best work possible. And after all of this, I’m confident it will be!

Throwing It All Away

I’m on a purging binge. Wow, that sounds like I’m going overboard with an eating disorder. Let me rephrase. I’ve decided that my house has too much stuff in it and needs to be emptied. Quickly. Okay, that sounds much better.
When I was growing up, I used to save almost everything. Then I got married and found that my husband actually does save everything and suddenly, I was the one who was throwing things out. It’s great he’s sentimental about so many things, and while we may disagree on some of the things he feels the need to get sentimental about, we’ve come to an understanding.
I don’t throw away his stuff. Ever. Not without express permission. And even then, it’s probably better if I just let it be.
But unless we want to move (actually, I kind of do) or build an addition (I definitely don’t), we need to get rid of some stuff. Because we are busting at the seams and I do not want to be featured on Hoarders.
So I’ve started going through things and emptying us out.
And I have to say, despite all the times I make fun of my husband for saving things, I’m just as guilty, if not more so, than he.
My closet was one of the first things I tackled. Do you know that I still had clothes in there from before we were married? Not that I wore any of them, but I still had them. Now, keeping a pair of jeans from high school because I can still fit into them might be considered a matter of pride (a huge fashion faux pas, but a matter of pride nonetheless). But keeping suits I wore to work in the 90s is just ridiculous.
I had piles and piles and piles of stuff from the kids that were shoved in my closet too. Artwork, school papers, projects. I’m not getting rid of those, but there’s no need to keep them in my closet. After organizing them and storing them in bins, and pulling out the extra clothes, and organizing my shoes (nope, not touching those), you’d be amazed at how big my walk-in closet really is. I’m almost tempted to fill it with more stuff.
The next thing I’m going to tackle is my guest room. Actually, that’s a misnomer, since we never have any guests stay there. Let’s call it a storage room, because everything we don’t know what to do with goes there. The dresser is filled with serving pieces, the closet is filled with…I don’t know what. The bed has things on it that I can’t fit anywhere else. Add the floor, which has presents for whatever holiday is coming up and the room is a disaster. So that’s what I’m going to tackle next.

And maybe I’ll find that this house is actually big enough for the four of us. Or even better, I’ll get to go back to making fun of my husband for being the saver in the family.

I've Got News

I’m very excited to announce that I just signed with a literary agent for my current work-in-progress. The book is a contemporary romance (of course) but is not part of my Jewish romance series.
I’ve wanted to look into agents for a long time. From the very beginning, I’ve pitched myself to them, without any luck. Many of them just said flat-out no; others made suggestions that I took and valued. And then I found Whiskey Creek Press and Rebel Ink Press, neither of whom required an agent and both of whom I’ve loved being part of.
I’m still with Rebel Ink Press and I can’t wait to continue to submit my stories to them. I love the editors there and I’ve made friends with many of their writers. I’m currently working on Book 3 (as yet, untitled) of my Women of Valor series and my vision for that series is at least 3 more full-length books, and possibly a novella or two.
But I also wanted to try my hand at getting an agent. Call it the challenge, call it career advancement. I don’t know exactly what to call it, but in publishing, it is completely possible to follow a variety of different routes, may of which are at the same time. It’s why some authors self-publish at the same time as traditionally publish, as an example.
So, as I’ve seen agents who interest me, or pitching events to agents, I’ve participated. One such event is #pitmad, on Twitter. Held four times a year, it’s where writers boil down their stories to approximately 125 characters, add a tag for the type of story and the hashtag #pitmad to their tweet and press send. Editors and agents who are participating that day “favorite” any pitches that sound interesting to them.
The first time I participated, an editor showed some interest, but since I was looking for an agent, I didn’t respond. You don’t have to respond, so I didn’t do anything wrong. This time around, an agent responded. Once they favorite your tweet, you follow their submission guidelines and your query goes to the top of their pile. There’s no guarantee they’ll like what you submit, but you have a better shot, similar to pitching at a conference.

Since the #pitmad event in December, my agent and I have emailed and spoken on the phone. Today, I forwarded the signed contract to her, so it’s official. I can’t wait to see what happens in this next stage.

Oh, To Be Brave...

I took my car to the shop last week and the guy treated me like I was a helpless female who couldn’t find my lug nut key with a map, and proceeded to announce to the entire establishment that of course I wouldn’t know where it is.
I’m not. I can. And seriously?
Since I’m a lot braver in my own mind than I am in real life, here is how I wish I had responded (with a nod to Amy Sherman-Palladino and Lorelai Gilmore):
Excuse me, Sir, but I went to college and my degree did not come out of a Cracker Jack box.
My dad, who personally recommended you and this establishment to me, insisted that before I learn how to drive, I learn how a car works. Thanks to him, I know how to check my own oil, jumpstart my car, change a tire and pump my own gas, even if I do live in a state where pumping my own gas is illegal.
The only reason I don’t change my own tire is because I’m not convinced the car won’t fall on my head, and since you are far cheaper than a neurosurgeon, I’m here so that you can remove the bolt from my tire. Yes, the bolt that is not causing my tire to lose air pressure but is making a thumping sound—and no, I won’t imitate the noise for you.
As for the location of the lug nut key, I don’t actually know where it is right at this very moment. And do you want to know why? Because the last time it was used was by your own service people, who gave me four brand new tires only six weeks ago. So perhaps you should ask them, rather than me.
Now, do you think you can manage this on your own, or do you need my assistance?

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Well, we’re almost done with Chanukah and we’re approaching the holiday break and we haven’t killed each other yet. That is the definition of a good thing.
I’ve learned I’m much better choosing Chanukah gifts than I am at choosing camp care packages. We haven’t given anything that someone doesn’t like. Even my niece and nephew liked their things (at least, they appeared to).
I packed up Banana Girl for Costa Rica and only forgot two of her meds (luckily, we were able to run out and pick them up). While both teens are looking forward to getting a break from each other, neither one was ready to kill the other and we got some cute pictures of them saying goodbye.
The husband has been home a few days and it hasn’t set my world completely off kilter by interrupting my typical daily schedule. We’re getting stuff done and spending time together, which is one of my favorite things.
Since Banana Girl is in Costa Rica for the break, it will just be The Princess at home, and not the whole time either. We were talking last night and if we’re correct, she hasn’t gotten to be the “only child” since Banana Girl was born. All of us are looking forward to spending the time together.

So, whatever you’re celebrating, wherever you’re going and whomever you’re with, enjoy the holidays!

Welcome Joanne C. Berroa

Joanne is a fellow Rebel Ink Press author. Her latest book, Rapture on the High Seas, is a pirate romance that just came out. She was kind enough to answer my questions, so read on to get to know her. 

What inspires you to write?
I love to tell stories. I began telling ghost stories as a child of about 7 to the neighbor kids. We all used to sit out on one or another’s porch till late at night telling ghost stories and everyone loved mine the best.
How do you develop your characters? 
I start out with a basic outline of what each character is like and how they will interact with the other characters. Then I give them each free reign and let them do what they want as long as they remain true to the general outline.
How long have you been writing?
I began writing down those ghost stories and evolved into science fiction and then finally romance novels. It all began at the tender age of 8.
Do you outline ahead of time or do you write from your head (are you a plotter or a pantser)?  
Oh, I’m definitely a plotter. I always write a detailed, lengthy outline that consists of more than just plot, and includes feelings, perspectives, and even dialogue. I keep to this as much as possible, and if I vary from it, I go back to the outline and readjust it to fit and/or write alternate endings and such.
What is your writing routine? 
The creative juices flow better at night. I like that time because everything I needed to do during the day is usually done by then, like housework, cooking, shopping, errands, etc. It’s a quiet time all to myself and the juices flow like crazy. Sometimes I’m up till 2 a.m.  I quit when I get bleary eyed, but even as I lay in bed, my brain is still writing.
What do you do when you’re not writing? 
I guess you could say I’m a regular wife and mother in that I do pretty much normal things. Up until just recently I taught piano, but I’m retired now. I still write articles and do profiles for a local newspaper, however.
What are you currently working on?    
I’m currently working on a sequel to my popular The Diamond Cross romance/saga. It takes place in 1907 and picks up where the Diamond Cross left off. It’s entitled The Diamond Legacy.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure? 
Iced coffee with lots of creamers, and Milky Ways.
Blog: www.joannecberroa.blogspot.com
Web Site: www.joannecberroa.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoanneCBerroa
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=joanne%20c.%20berroa&sprefix=joann%2Caps
BIO            Back in 1983, Dell Publishing published my novel, “The Barbary Coasters.”  It was set during the 1860’s in the Barbary Coast of San Francisco and was part of a series of books written by different authors called, “The Making of America.” My pseudonym was Lee Davis Willoughby.            I’ve written articles for several computer magazines over the last thirty years doing software and hardware reviews and ads.  I was also a photographer for cover art for two magazines back in the 80’s, and currently write profiles for businesses and professionals for Micromedia Publications, a local newspaper publisher who puts out the Southern Ocean Times.            Rebel Ink Press has released five of my romances with a sixth coming out in Dec. 2014.              I live in southern New Jersey with my husband and have two grown sons. I love to hear from my fans!

Joanne C. Berroa
Title: Rapture on the High Seas
Genre: Contemporary pirate romance novella
Rebel Ink Press: Dec. 10, 2014

Blurb:

Laurel Vanderman Delacroix is the daughter of billionaire Victor Vanderman, owner and CEO of multi-national World One Bank. Although Laurel has a high level job within the family business, her life is unfulfilled, and she takes an extended African vacation with friends aboard her multi-million dollar yacht. She never expects to be hijacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, some three hundred miles out in International waters off the coast of Tanzania. She has no way of knowing that this is no random act of piracy. Someone who wants to bankrupt her father set the hijacking in motion, and the perpetrator doesn’t care what happens to Laurel and her friends in the process.
The Somali pirate leader who captures Laurel and her friends aboard Bubbles is extremely competent and dangerous, which makes him a force to be reckoned with. He’s also an astute businessman with millions in his Swiss bank account. Will this Somali pirate carry out his mission and put Laurel’s and her friends’ lives on the line, or does he subscribe to another agenda? Will he capture Laurel’s heart along with his ransom demands, or completely destroy it?
Rapture on the High Seas is a contemporary story of intrigue and betrayal. Above all else, it’s a sensual tale of love that’ll leave you feeling warm all over and believing that nothing is ever as it seems
Excerpt:
His scowl made her heart hammer, and he crossed the distance between them with panther-like grace. Before she could blink, a six-inch blade materialized in his right hand. He yanked the sheet away and slashed the scanty material at the center of her bra, severing it. With precision and skill, the knife drew no blood, and she felt no pain. The bra fell open, exposing Laurel’s upturned breasts to his lascivious gaze. She gasped. The haughty pirate touched the tip of the knife to his lips and licked it. His face harbored a smug smile. “That could’ve been your throat, Mrs. Delacroix. Luckily, I was aiming a bit lower.”
She squinted and said, “You don’t scare me. Just who are you, anyway?”
“My name’s Rayn Ammar. Speak my name with caution.”

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=joanne%20c.%20berroa&sprefix=joann%2Caps

The Importance of Chanukah

Tomorrow is Chanukah. Actually, tomorrow night is. And we are, once again, planning our family celebrations.
From a religious perspective, Chanukah is a minor holiday. There are no commandments governing what we have to do or must not do, other than lighting a menorah.
But just because it’s a minor holiday, doesn’t mean it’s unimportant. Each year, I get into arguments with people over how much weight to give to the holiday. You see, living in a Christian world, Chanukah has taken on significance as a way to give Jewish children something to celebrate as their Christian friends are celebrating Christmas.
Christmas has become commercialized and I think people are concerned that if we put too much significance on Chanukah, it will become commercialized too. They are concerned that by turning Chanukah into a major holiday, we are essentially assimilating and turning it into a “Jewish Christmas.”. Either way, the standard answer I get whenever the subject comes up is that Chanukah is not a big deal.
Here’s my problem. I don’t think it’s necessary to compare the two holidays and I don’t need to turn it into a big deal. I don’t think things have to be fair—just because one religion celebrates something at a certain time of year, I don’t believe it’s necessary for another religion to have something to celebrate at the same time. For the record, I don’t think things between my two kids have to be equal all the time either and I certainly don’t compare my kids to each other and force them to do the same as their sibling.
But I do believe that each holiday should be celebrated and I don’t believe that we should be teaching that a holiday is not important. When holidays become unimportant, they stop being celebrated. Once one holiday is not celebrated, other holidays stop being celebrated as well. That can lead down a slippery slope of not celebrating one’s religion, of not recognizing the importance in one’s religion, of not taking pride in who you are. And that would be a shame.
Sure, Chanukah is a holiday that emphasizes and celebrates our children. We give children presents, we play dreidel games with them and we sing mostly children’s Chanukah songs. But it can be more than that without inflating the holiday unnecessarily or turning it into a materialistic free for all. It can be a time to share with one’s family. My husband and I can pull out the menorah we received as a wedding gift and think about how wonderful our life has been as we light the candles on that particular menorah. We can find ways to rededicate ourselves to each other and to our family, just as the Jews rededicated the temple. It offers us a chance to talk about why we celebrate our holidays the way we do and provides the opportunity to show our children the beauty that can be found during Chanukah.
When I refuse to attend a meeting during Chanukah, or insist on decorating my house, it’s not because I want to make Chanukah more than it is. It’s because my religion is important to me and I want to celebrate it and Chanukah is just one more way of being able to do that.

And people who prevent me from celebrating the holiday make it that much harder for me to celebrate my religion, regardless of the religious importance of the holiday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wi1H3UnKhk&list=UUnlNKKYly365T1779K1PmUg