Penny Watson's Blog, page 7

Trying Something New

File under TRYING SOMETHING NEW...


1. Block Print Art Class

I am taking an art class for the first time in 30 years. Or maybe longer! It's a block print class, and I already went to our local art store and bought tools and ink and paper so I can work on some projects at home, too.

PASSIFLORA is above.

Below is KINGFISHER...



The class has a nice bunch of ladies chatting about our kids and birds and life and stuff.

Woo hoo!

2. I am trying a totally new process for writing...juggling more than one proj...

Time to play...What the heck should I make for dinner?

How often does this happen to you?

You're running around, getting stuff done, and all of a sudden you realize...it's 5 pm and you have no clue what you're having for dinner?

It happens practically every night at my house. Every once in a while I get on a super organized kick and try to plan out my meals for a week.

And then the next week, I'm back to panic mode at 5 pm.

With that in mind, I have a great dinner option for those of you who need quick, easy, and versatile!



Chicken Saté with Peanut Sa...

I'm 51. What Can I Do?

I've been thinking a lot lately about age. And women. And what we can do, when we can do it.

And really...who can stop us?

Maybe you need a bit of inspiration. Or a reminder that not only does life not end at fifty, but maybe it starts again at 51.

Last year I turned into a hermit.

Really.


I didn't write. I didn't travel. I didn't participate. I was tired. I was overwhelmed. I was discouraged.

But I made it through that year. And I watched my kids--both of my adorable kids--make the transition into...

Beyond The Unicorns

Betrayal, lies, deceit, theft, false identities, professional jealousy, backstabbing, manipulation.

Sounds like a TV movie? A suspense thriller?

It could be.

But it could also be practically any week of the year in the romance publishing world.

Why does this matter?

Because someone, somehow, thought it would be a good idea to promote the concept that the romance world is filled with wonderful people who are always supportive and kind and trustworthy and have your back.

It's the rainbows-and-unicorn...

Five Fun Quirky Films

As you all know, I love quirky stuff. Including movies!

The weirder it is, the better.

I especially respect film makers who are willing to take a risk and break out of the generic mold...even if it means the movie won't experience huge blockbuster status.

Here are some of my favorite quirky films, including some horror/sci fi in the honorable mention category.



STRICTLY BALLROOM
This 1992 Baz Luhrmann film has all of my favorite things wrapped up with a bow. Quirky kooky Australian humor, wacky cha...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!
I hope all of you have a wonderful day. I just bought myself some chocolate. 
Some 2018 updates...I have workshops coming up!
See my 2018 Calendar.
April: Southwest Florida Romance Writers WorkshopTitle: THE CARE AND FEEDING OF A ONE-OF-A-KIND WRITING CAREER
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May: Cambridge School of WestonTitle: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A ROMANCE WRITER
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June: Three Rivers Romance Writers WorkshopTitle: TIPS FOR SIMPLE LIVING
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September: Toronto Romance Writers Northern Hearts Conf...

Here we go...

Happy New Year To All!



All my best,
Nina

Merriest Days

Happy Christmas To All!
Love,Penny

An Unexpected Christmas Gift

If you had asked me, more than a decade ago, what my expectations were as I started my writing career, I'm not sure how I would have answered.

Honestly, just the thought of having a book published seemed almost impossible.

I treat my writing the same way I treat all creative endeavors...what can I make?

Can I take the story in my head and put it down on paper and make it sing?

Can I create something with these plants? These flowers? Cook something? Knit something?

Will it fail or will it taste goo...

Review for WANT IT by Elisabeth Barrett

Review for WANT IT by Elisabeth Barrett


As most of you know, I have a wee little problem with Harlequin Presents...as in, I read them every day. They are my go-to happy place. To be honest, I have not been reading a lot of non-HP romance lately.

Until now.

I discovered a new-to-me author and she is FABULOUS! Woo hoo!

Order of events...

1. Was wasting time on Facebook and I saw this cover. I thought...Hmm, very nice! 

2. Read the book blurb...saw the words "six brothers" and "distillery" and "b...