Resolutions, resolutions, and more resolutions. It's that time of year again when people go crazy and make resolutions they don't really want to or know how to keep. For about 10 years my resolutions was to lose weight. It never, ever worked until a good friend and I decided to join weight watchers. This isn't a plug for ww but it certainly worked for me. I hope everyone out there who makes a new years resolution figures out a way for it to come true.

My resolution this year should be about writing, but it isn't. I just want to make it through the next 5 and 1/2 months of teaching with no complications. I'm hoping to stay relaxed and try to enjoy the good kids and perhaps finding a way to help a few of the more challenging students without ripping my hair out.

And then on to retirement. I can't wait.

Welcome to the world of electronics. I know I have been avoiding many new and wonderful things. But I took a giant leap this Christmas with an mp3 player and a Kindle. I have downloaded music, but if I don't do some everyday for a while, I'm sure I will forget how to do it. I haven't bought a book yet or downloaded any of the ebooks I have on my computer. (My husband has been very busy) And I'm sure I will get too frustrated to do it myself. With the first question I'm sure I will stop, throw my hands in the air and walk from the room.

Sunday morning found the Young family with mixed emotions. My youngest daughter discovered her flight to New York was cancelled. Yeah! my fondest dream, have her home for a few more days. Guilt, I knew her husband wanted to get back so he could work. Little did he realize, no one was going to work. So, happily and a bit guiltily, I have her home for a few more days. We don't know when she will be able to afford to come back to Salem, but we do know we will going to New York in the early fall. Thank you blizzard of 2010 for arriving at the most appropriate time. May every one on the East coast be fortunate and safe in these upcoming days.

Christmas 2010 has found the Young family truly blessed with two editions to our family. We have a son-in-law and a wonderful baby girl born in June. Now with two granddaughters my husband and I have found wonder and delight in watching the children grow. Their smiles light up my heart and their wonderful spirits give new meaning to my life. Their pictures near my computer never cease to make me smile even when the day is not going as planned. I’m looking forward to a new beginning as I retire in five and a half months. I will, I hope, once again have time to write. However, my fellow angels on the Rogue’s angels blog are looking forward to the release of St.Patty’s Day Tales. A wonderful work of elves and faeries and gnomes and time machines and the list goes on.

Hope everyone out there has a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Welcome Tiamoon! It is wonderful to hear from you. I've enjoyed your part in the stories.

Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]
Meadows of Gold [St. Patty’s Day Anthology, March 2011]
By C. L. Kraemer

Stories of faeries defending their homes in the meadows against the night elves.

Tiamoon, gnome warrior

You’ve appeared in two anthologies so far. Do you like the way your story has been presented?

I’ve no complaint with the presentation. I was, after all, just doing my job to protect my valley and friends.

Have you always lived in the valley outside Eugene?

No my original people were from Ireland but famine and overpopulation drove us to the new world. We discovered the glen a couple generations ago.

Most gnomes are protectors of the land. Why did you choose the warrior life?

It’s the calling of my family. We chose the honorable warrior path when no others stood up. There was a need; we fulfilled it.

You seem to have a love/hate relationship with the faeries. Why is that?

Faeries are such nefarious creatures. They only live to have fun. Personally, I don’t care how they choose to live. The truth is most people don’t realize how powerful they are. They’ve taught all others how to use magic. When they mess things up… they really mess things up.
The one thing they don’t know how to do is stay out of trouble.
That’s where I come in. They get offended and act as if they can do things for themselves but they just make it worse.
I guess we agree to disagree.

Do you think you’ll be around for another anthology?

It’s a possibility. I’ll have to talk to C.L. Kraemer when she gets back from associating with the dragons.

Buy now at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_056.htm

Welcome Gitty! Hope you enjoy your interview on my blog.

Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]
Meadows of Gold [St. Patty’s Day Anthology, March 2011]
By C. L. Kraemer

Stories of faeries defending their homes in the meadows against the night elves.

Gitty Saun – female night elf

As a night elf, how do you view your role in the Lending Library and Meadows of Gold?

Everyone knows night elves are better at, well everything, than everyone else but I didn’t think the writer was very empathic to me.

Didn’t you try and start a war?

No. We, uh, we were exercising our right to own property. America really is a terrific country, you know.

I understand your brother was involved in a duel.

He is the exception to the rule regarding night elves. Most days I think he wears his brain in his trousers.

What was the reason for the duel?

All this talk about Morgan is tedious. I’m more intelligent and all around smarter but I may as well tell you. Everyone in the valley knows anyway. The story I heard was Morgan was with one of his human girlfriends and some outsider with an accent insulted her. Morgan was standing up for her honor; more like making sure he had a steady supply of mead. I heard the new guy wasn’t inclined to apologize to Morgan issued a challenge for a duel.

In Meadows of Gold, it looks as though you have a love interest. How did you two originally meet?

I, [small cough], won’t talk about… Blade. That was a long time and different life ago.

Will you be appearing in another story?

As far as I’m concerned, no. Not unless the writer is willing to be nicer to me. I’m done.

Buy now at: Lending Library [Valentine Anthology, February 2010]

Welcome CL Kraermer and Cyre Drake. The second interview--wow--I can't wait to meet all the characters of Dragons.

Dragons Among Us by CL Kraemer

In a human world where most two leggeds are oblivious to day-to-day changes around them, shapeshifters and dragons must find a way to live without discovery.

Cyre Drake is a very young full blooded European dragon living in Mt. St. Helens.

I understand you first appeared back in 1999. Can you tell us about that?

My introduction to the world was in a story bearing my name. It’s where I first met [cheeks turning a deep green gray] Aleda. She’s really pretty and has beautiful… eyes.

The August release of Dragons Among Us seems to pick up the thread of your story.

Yes. You get to see how Aleda and I met in more detail and how things happened after our first meeting.

You blush every time Aleda’s name is mentioned. Is she someone special to you?

Uh, uh, I guess you could say so. I’ve never had any friends so it was nice to meet someone near my age who didn’t scream and faint every time I talked to her.

You and Aleda attended a conference tackling problems in the shifter/dragon world. Do you think you’ll be able to offer some solutions?

I think between the two of us we’ll be able to brainstorm some usable possibilities. There are many others working on solutions, too. The problems involve all the world.

Will we be seeing you again soon?

I’m set to appear in Dragons Among the Eagles. I think it might be released summer of 2011. You’d have to ask my writer.

Buy at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_066.htm

Meet Aleda and some of the other wonderful characters created by C.L. Kraemer. In the next week I will post interviews of Cyre Drake from Dragons then Gitty and Tiamoom from the Valentine and upcoming St. Paty's Day Anthology. Please join me in welcoming C.L. Kraemer and her characters.

Dragons Among Us by C.L. Kraemer

In a human world where most two leggeds are oblivious to day-to-day changes around them, shapeshifters and dragons must find a way to live without discovery.

Aleda Sable is a young black woman working on her master’s degree in Portland, Oregon as she works to pay her bills at Portland’s Choice, a less than reputable newspaper. On her annual vacation to the area around Mt. St. Helens, she uncovers her identity.

You made a recent discovery that changed your life. Can you tell us about that?

Wow! What a shocker. I have an – unusual background. I remember bits and piece of a childhood where stepping outside the lines resulted in extreme punitive measures. Vague recollections of running through hallways pretending to be a dragon littered my memory as well as an incident of fire breathing I put down to a magic trick I’d learned from a childhood friend.
My first shifting changed my life. I’m still learning how to fit into the human and dragon world.

What do you think of the young dragon you met?

Cyre? He’s so much fun! I like that he’s innocent and doesn’t have any ulterior motives. He was very thoughtful, and helpful, when I was learning in dragon form. I guess you could say he’s my mentor. I’m still getting the hang of the dragon world and he’s helping me through the pitfalls.

How are you going to combine both worlds?

This has been the real challenge. Learning my lifespan has just gone from the 80 years of most humans to 750 years as a shapeshifter has my brain in a spin. All those hold Highlander television shows flashed through my mind.
I’m trying to decide if I want to live as a human, dragon or both. I think it’s going to take awhile but I’m not worried. Time is now something of which I have plenty.

You seem to have been thrust into a position as a representative.

Yeah, that was spur of the moment. Cyre’s sister, Brittany, felt I would be a good candidate to represent the shapeshifters who are facing the sudden shifting problems.

Are we going to hear more of your story?

Yes. I’ll be back in Dragons Among the Eagles, which will, hopefully, be published in the summer of 2011. By that time I hope to have a better handle on which lifestyle I’ll decide to live.

Buy now at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_066.htm

Interview: Velvet LeBon

Tell us a little about yourself--Velvet--or is it Constance?

I much prefer Velvet. It has such a rich texture, don't you think? But one can't rely on any of my answers, you know I was never very good at telling the truth. This is the truth. I love my work…and men…and controlling them. I have untold power and I love to use it to make them squirm.

Uh, that sounded pretty honest for someone who doesn't like to tell the truth. How did you come to this profession the owner of a brothel in Denver no less?

I enjoy the finer things in life. I can buy whatever I want and I don't have to ask for handouts from a man. A woman has to enjoy what she does…doesn't she? I mean…I could never be a school marm.

Velvet, you didn't answer the question.

Oh, I didn't did I? Well, one affair led to another…I just couldn't say no. And it became more and more apparent that I was very good at what I did. So…I decided I should be paid for my…a services. After awhile other girls were asking for my advice and help int the business. One year led to another and before I knew it, I owned my own house.

What did Wild-Cat-Who-Stalks-the-Night mean to you?

Dakota? He is soooo sexy. And what a man…wow! I would have enjoyed keeping that one on a short leash but he was too proud. I had to cut him loose.

What do you think of the Senator?

Ah, Lawrence, he risks too much over his infatuation with Emma. I'm afraid his little house of cards will collapse around him. Otherwise we are like two peas in a pod. We think a like.

Who came up with the idea for an auction?

That was the senators…again it's that damn infatuation of his. He's going to ruin both of us if he doesn't pay attention.

How did you meet Christine?

She has this great relationship with villains. And since I'm the best villain of all time we sort of connected.

Anything else you might like to add:

Oh, yes, you can read more about me:

Buy now at Rogue Phoenix press:

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_025.htm

Excerpt:

Emma stepped into the main cavern, and a shadow rose along the wall then to the ceiling. Her hand flew to her mouth and she tried desperately to stifle the scream that rose to her throat. Terror, vivid and savage, rushed through her. She battled a growing sense of panic, biting down on her knuckles.

Someone was in the cavern with her, someone who had entered boldly and without rancor.

From the narrow opening she could see him standing there, swaying, as if he could barely keep upright. He was very tall, and when she recognized him, he looked good to her even though she could make out little of his features.

"Dakota," she whispered.

"Emma..."

His voice was weak and thready. She could see the blood covering his shirt now. He slid down the rocks until he sat on the floor of the cavern, his head falling to rest upon his knees.

"You're hurt," she said.

He nodded, a strange smile playing across his lips. "You noticed, did you?"

Don't panic, she warned herself. He's hurt, but he made it back from wherever he went. After a moment's hesitation, Emma rushed forward, not knowing what she must do for him, realizing only that she must do something.

She bent down to his level, his hand touching her cheek, then falling away. Her gasp escaped her as his hand lay motionless on the cold, wet rocks. His eyes closed tight.

Then, as if he guessed her thoughts, he said, "Stop it, damn you, Emma, I'm not dying. There is nothing for you to worry about."

"I'll worry if I want to. Now let me have a look."

"No. Give me a minute to rest here, and I'll tell you everything that happened."

His voice was deep, rich, and it seemed that by sitting instead of standing, he'd regained much of his strength. As usual, his words were touched with an arrogant authority, a harshness, even a ruthlessness. But the knowledge he was more himself than she'd imagined gave her courage.

But his face…

His skin was pale, and as she touched his cheek and his neck to find his pulse, she was struck by the heat and the dampness, the contrast vivid and terrifying.

Despite the raging fever consuming his body, he watched her with eyes as sharp and brilliant as a wildcat's beneath his imperious, high-arched brows.

"You've been shot," Emma whispered, finding breath at last. Her fingers brushed over the wound and came away bloodied.

She looked up into his eyes.

They were haggard with pain and exhaustion. They stared at her, challenging and with a determined purpose.

"Bounty hunters?" she asked, furious with him for ven­turing out, angry because he'd hurt himself, and she didn't know what to do for him. She had been afraid of this ever since they set off on what he'd called a dangerous mission, one he'd been loath to be part of. Now he was hurt and in pain.

"They didn't follow me." One hand rested on her arm.

"I'm going for a doctor."

"No!" His grip tightened, then relaxed. "It's only a flesh wound."

She stood up abruptly and walked away from him, deter­mined to gather supplies and slip from the cave.

"You need a doctor."

The determination in her voice unsettled her. She could get lost out there, but she had no choice. Dakota wouldn't live without professional help.

"You can't go out there." He was upon her before she knew it, his hands planted firmly on her arms as his fingers formed steel bands around her. She opened her mouth to argue with him.

"I won't hear of it." His finger moved to touch her lips and stop whatever she planned to say.

She was forced to gaze into his endlessly brown eyes and see the determination and stubbornness that was Dakota. He'd made up his mind and that was that.

Well, she'd made up her mind too. "I won't let you die."

"Listen to me, Emma. Stone Pony will see that you get the right medicines. I don't need a doc--"

He stopped short, inhaling deeply. Emma knew he strug­gled to stand, that this last effort had stolen his strength.

"I... do... not... need... a..." he said, each word separate and distinct.

He swallowed hard, his throat moving convulsively. A wild fear filled Emma along with her realization he might not survive the night. She tried to support his weight, but she couldn't.

They fell to their knees.

And then he keeled over.

Buy now at:

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_057.htm

Her life was at stake... ...And so was her heart.

When Emma St. John received her brother's letter imploring her to escape her stepfather's vengeful scheme and to trust Dakota Barringer with her life, she was willing to chance it. But the handsome, brooding riverboat owner Emma found in Natchez was a danger of another kind. For Emma soon found herself surrendering to an unrelenting desire.

Tell me a little about yourself Emma.
I grew up in a loving family but my father died when I was young and my mother married the senator. My brother Jacob detested the man and left to find adventure in the west. I have a little sister by the name of Claire. I adore her even though the senator is her father.

Why did you run from your home?
My stepfather drugged me then kidnapped me. When I woke I was in a brothel. I learned my mother had died. I managed to escape from there, heading west to find Jacob. I remembered a letter he sent me and went in search of a riverboat owner by the name of Dakota.
Dakota what?
Just Dakota. He is a white man who was raised by the Lakota Sioux.
Was that scary?
No, I was too afraid of the senator and Jacob trusted him, so I knew he was the only person I could turn to for help.

Why did you bring your little sister, Claire, with you?
I couldn't leave her to grow up with the senator as a role model. I was sure he murdered my mother but I didn't have proof.

When did you find out you were accused of murdering your mother?
I escaped the senator on a train. When I stepped from the train, I saw a handbill that read--WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE EMMA ST. JOHN-- Chills swept up my spine, and my grip on Claire's hand tightened so much she asked me what was wrong. I couldn't tell her. It was then I realized the senator had framed me for my mother's murder.

What did you think when you first saw Dakota?
He seemed--nice enough.
Tell the truth…
He was so handsome my breath caught in my throat then I wanted to touch him everywhere. I wanted him to…uh…
Kiss you?
Oh, I did. I was so hot…and my skin felt as it was on fire…
Was it love at first sight?
Yes… but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't believe in love and he thought I was… he thought I was a prostitute. Then when he figured out I wasn't…he wouldn't look at me or talk to me because I was white.

Did you ever expect to find yourself riding cross-country?
I didn't know how to ride a horse when we started. I had to learn fast. I was sore everywhere but I wouldn't admit to any weakness.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?
When Dakota was shot…I…I had to keep him safe and I didn't know how.

How did you meet Christine?
Dakota introduced us. She knew him first.

Does she run around with other characters?
Too many. It gets so confusing in her head sometimes. She knows a wonderful lady who keeps a boarding house in Mist Harbor, Oregon, and female Doctor in the Dakotas and a real nice female Pinkerton agent who lives in Denver.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
There is so much, I couldn't possibly say everything. But if you want you can read all about Dakota and me in her book Dakota's Bride.

Buy now at:
http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/

Meet Dakota Barringer: Raised by the Sioux when his parents were killed, Dakota had been betrayed once before by a white woman. He wasn't about to trust another, especially one claiming that her stepfather, a powerful U.S. senator, had framed her as a murderess. But he couldn't deny Emma's intoxicating effects on him. Now Dakota would risk his very life to protect the innocent beauty who had seduced him with her tender love.

Hi, Dakota, will you please tell us a little about yourself?

As you just read, I was raised by the Sioux when my parents were killed. My grandfather is wealthy and once he discovered I was alive, he tried everything he could to bring me to live with him. When he left the Dakotas and went back to England, he left me with my mother. Years later he tried to civilize me--an impossible task--I might add.

Do you know of other white children who were brought up by the Sioux then tried to meld into the white world?

There were none in my tribe although I'm sure there were many white children brought up by Indians. I was alone but the Sioux never made me feel as I was different from others. I had many good friends when I grew up.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

Living in the white world has been my biggest challenge. I found I was treated as if I were a game. Women wanted to know what it would be like to date a savage. I usually gave them what they expected.

Have you encountered prejudice from anyone? White or Sioux?

Oh yes, prejudice is everywhere. But as I said before, most of the prejudice came from the white women. I fell in love with a lady I thought was very special. She used me. Then she told me she aborted my child. I was devastated and swore off all white women, believing they were all the same. I vowed never to trust a white woman again.

How did you meet Emma Barringer?

I, well, uh, I-- Emma was a saloon girl on my riverboat. I seduced her then found out she'd been given an aphrodisiac. I'm not real proud of what I did, but I've got to say--if I believed in love at first sight--that was love at first sight. I fell hard for a white woman.

How did you meet Christine, your author?

I met her in another story, one she hasn't published yet. It was called Ghost Dance. I was a secondary character and I guessed she kind of liked me because my story grew from there. Of all the secondary characters in the book, I think I talked the loudest--so loud she couldn't hear any others.

Does Christine run around with other characters?

Gosh, she has been running around with a Russian Prince, a gun slinger, a Pinkerton agent and another Russian nobleman.

Anything you would like to add?

Go to Rogue Phoenix Press and read my story. You will find excerpts and great reviews. Check out all the stories and enjoy the adventure.

http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_057.htm

I'm finished, I'm finished. I love the way it ended. My critique partners are so brilliant. I love the time machine and the new travels of Cary and Conn. Oh my but I do love writing with the fae fold in the story. A new dimension is created that provides so much fun. I do believe I've a gaurdian fairy resting on my computer desk as I write.

Now to get started on our next project: a journey through time for one of my historical characters to Disney World. What would a knight in shining armor think of Minnie Mouse? or any of the other wonderful Disney characters. Would my knight try to rescue a damsel in distress? Would he survive a ride on Space Mountain? Oh my, the possibilities are indeed endless.

Husband in Eugene watching the Ducks. I'm home babysitting, wathcing the Beavs and trying to edit more of my St. Paty's day anthology. I have 2 chapters left. It has to be done by Oct. 1. Will I make it? I certainly hope so. It helps when Ana takes a nice long nap.

I'm working on edits the rest of the day for my part of the St. Patrick's Day Anthology. Star-Crossed is finally finished and I'm thrilled it will be edited by my friends and co-authors the Rogue's Angels. Of course I have my work cut out for me because I have to finish my own edits, layers, and revisions by October 1st our mutually agreed upon deadline. When I'm finished with that, I will begin work on something. I'm not sure what. I have so many thoughts running through my head. Should I work on something new or revise and finish something that is at the bottom of my computer?

I'm back from a two week vacation in Disney World with my family. Loved it and had an absolutely great vacation. The sun was hot and I actually have a bit of a tan. I've spent the week back trying to catch up on writing and publishing. I have to finish my St. Patty's day anthology which I have named Star-Crosssed. I meant to write yesterday but I couldn't put words on the paper. Maybe next week as I manage to finish past projects.

Dakota's Bride gets 4.5 from LASR

I can’t remember the last time I was so engrossed in a book: Dakota’s Bride took over my weekend, and even now, am wishing to go peruse it one more time…In the heart of the American West, we discover a mystery and something of an adventure alongside a good old-fashioned romance.

Epic style plot twists and unpredictable machinations contrive to keep us guessing throughout this long western tale. Young Clare, brother Jacob, the famed Boston Madame Velvet -– and even the bad guys are all notable characters. No secondary character is simply stereotypical, which keeps this tale amazingly alive.

Check out entire review:

http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/dakotas-bride-by-christine-young.html

Dragons Among Us
By C. L. Kraemer

Writing about dragons isn’t new, and it isn’t completely unique. Hundreds of books will be released on the subject. So why did I pick something so… common?

I think the idea that dragons have become common triggered my choice. How could I make an oft-written subject different and my own? It was when I put the infamous writer’s phrase, what if, to work that the answer was revealed to me.

When I started researching dragons for some background to my story, I discovered in most cultures dragons have important functions dictating the flow of rivers, type of the day’s weather and life and death issues. The knowledge opened my eyes and my mind to my characters. I began writing a follow up book to a short story I had published in 2000. My husband liked the characters and felt they deserved a bigger venue of their own.

Thus began Dragons Among Us. I have brought dragons into the 21st century and imbued them with more emotions than roaring fire and killing knights. This novel started life to be a finish to the story. But as all writers are aware, once you give the characters a say in their world, amazing and wondrous things happen. My small book morphed first into a trilogy then into a series. What finally happened was the base book became the start for a nine-book series. My reading opened my thinking to how many different types of dragons existed and how many different types I could create.

I set down some general rules, which I backed with research. Dragons live to be 3000 years old. Most European and Chinese dragons have five digits on their talons while Japanese dragons only have three. European dragons are recognized as large creatures varying from 25 feet to 45 feet in length and have tremendous wingspans. Chinese dragons often resemble snakes with wings and also measure in the 25 to 45 foot length but their legs are short and squat giving them an undulating motion when they walk.

Each of my dragon clans is visually identified with colors. Persian dragons are varying shades of tan to match the surrounding countryside.

Chinese dragons vary according to where their birthplace is, for example: lowland dragons are light yellow with white edging, midland dragons are green with brown edging and highland dragons are black with brown and yellow mottled edging. The emperor’s dragons are golden with golden eyes. Master dragons of the compass points are different colors: Ao Chin is a white dragon of the south who has countenance over renewal and death; Ao Jun is a red dragon of the west and has countenance storms that occur when he fights in the air; Ao Kuang is a blue dragon of the east and his countenance is spring; and finally, Ao Shun is a black dragon of the north and his countenance is also storms caused when fighting in the air.

Swedish/Norwegian dragons are basically iridescent white and their scale edges are different colors which relate to their eye colors.

Indonesian dragons resemble Komodo dragons and tend to be different shades of green with brownish scales edges.

European dragons are large winged, grey green creatures.

American dragons like Americans are a mix of colors and sizes according to their parental lineage.

I also created a shape shifter group called Sapien Draconi; shape shifters who change from humans to dragons. These shifters are recognized by the different eye colors they have when in dragon form. Where full-blooded dragons have amber to gold eye colors, shifters have mixed colors, turquoise with amber flecks, green with blue flecks. It’s how the full-blooded dragons can spot the shifters and how the shifters spot each other in their human forms as they live among the population.

When I started writing this book, three years ago, I did some reading about creating fictional fantasy worlds. The one set of rules I had to continually go back and make adjustments for was; create the world, set the rules, don’t deter from the rules.

When writing fantasy it is paramount to set rules hard and fast about the characters’ environment. Should I decide to make the grass a lovely burgundy and the sky color puce, readers will believe this as long as I’m consistent with my world rules. The moment I deter, I’ve lost credibility.

I hope my kind, friendly and curious dragons will win the hearts of many. I plan to continue the journey of each clan in a different book.

Quest for the Amber Ruby- It’s the prequel to Dragons Among Us.

Dragons Among the Pyramids- Persians dragons

Dragons Among the Fjords- Swedish/Norwegians dragons

Dragons Behind the Great Walls- Chinese dragons

Dragons Among the Rain Forests- Story of Vala, important character in Dragons Among Us

Dragons Among the Heather- British Isles dragons

Dragons among the Stars- Indonesians dragons

Red, White and Blue Dragons- American dragons

So, the St. Paty's day story is coming to the end. But there will be some surprises. Too many elements, to wrap my head around, it's now spinning. When you write an Anthology that is not really an anthology, it is mind-boggling. I never thought my story would blend into Chris K's story and then into Genene's, with a massive !@#$#@!? making everything happen. Can't tell you what it is, because I don't want to give anything away. A bandit, or was it a batman that made the historical romance about two star-crossed lovers take a strange turn. I'm not sure which one. Maybe it was both. I'm looking forward to finishing this one and plan to spend a lot of time on it--after THE WEDDING!!!!!!! OMG it starts a week from today.

Excerpt: My Angel

Devil held her hands behind her back, her breasts now push­ing against his chest, almost as if he had planned the scene. Settled across his lap, Angela could feel the power of his muscles, the danger of the man. He had unseated her from her own horse, had played Sir Galahad to her damsel in distress— but he was no white knight.

Gathering what little was left of her willpower and on the edge of frustration, she meant to tell him what she thought of his actions.

"Let go of me," she said, stunned at her own audacity and the fact that it was the last thing she wanted to say.

His jaw clenched tight, his words spoken in a tense monotone, Devil said, "What a sassy little spitfire." Then he seemed to relax. "All spark, nothing more," he murmured, his breath ruffling her hair. "Can you deliver on the promise in your eyes? A kiss, perhaps, for the man who just saved your life?"

Angela swallowed hard.

"Take your hands off me,'' she said in her most commanding voice.

He laughed and pulled her closer, the intimate brush of his wild black hair across her shoulders sending her mind into a whirlwind of imagination. In his arms she couldn't think of anything but the way he felt against her and the need that seemed to overpower all rationality.

"Never, sweet angel," he whispered. "Grant me leave for one kiss and I promise you'll beg for more."

Lord, he made her melt. Could he really do that to her? Make her beg for more? "Arrogant..." she said softly.

He winked. One mesmerizing brown eye twinkled merrily at her. "True," he said, just as he lowered his mouth to hers....

He was right. She did want to beg and plead for more.

Available soon at Rogue Phoenix Press

Back to the St. Patty's day anthology, my faeries and my star-crossed lovers. Boy did they throw me for a loop yesterday. Casey announced they were married. I didn't see that coming. Talk about blindsided. There I was typing away and wondering how they were going to get out of the little predicament they were in and low and behold they suddenly jumped into a bigger predicament, so to speak. What on earth could Casey have been thinking? Now the bigger question. Are they wed? Did they tie the knot with Padriac's help? Stay tuned. I don't even no the answer. But I think I'm going to have to listen to their hearts. Tomorrow is the big day. I will figure it out. I promise you two, I will have the answer in the morning.

Still celebrating.

I just received my new cover for My Angel. Genene has done it again. This is a fabulous cover. Thank you Genene!

Check out the shrot blurb below.

An excerpt will follow tomorrow.

My Angel can be purchased at Rogue Phoenix Press in August.

I'm celebrating the rerelease of the second book I sold to Kennsington. After receiving my rights from the first house to publish this book, My Angel will be published by Rogue Phoenix Press in August.

Angela is:

A beauty in buckskins.
When her father decided to send her to a finishing school back East, Angela Chamberlain refused to be confined to stuffy drawing rooms. Instead, the daring spitfire who could shoot like a man and ride like the wind longed for a life of adventure and romance--and she knew exactly who could give it to her. Devil Blackmoor was a hired gun with adangerous reputation. But Angela was willing to go to the ends of the earth to capture the handsome devil's heart.

A DEVIL IN DISGUISE.
He'd come to America looking for excitement, but Devil Blackmoor got more than he bargained for when he encountered a beautiful rebel who answered his kisses with a wild innocence that touched his very soul. Yet standing between them were more obstacles than either ever dreamed. For Devil had strapped on a gun for the wrong man, and that made Angela his enemy. Now, he'll have to choose between his duty and the woman he loves more than life.

I'm so thrilled. For the first time in a very long time, I am into my characters head. They have a personality and I'm not pulling my hair out, trying to understand them. I've been writing, writing, writing and I just might be able to finish this story by the first of august. I have approximately 16 pages to go. And of all things, Casey has told Kelly they cannot see each other again.

So, will this come true? Those of us who love romance know they will see each other again. But what obstacles will they encounter on this journey. And will discovering that Conn, one of the pagan faeries, is somehow related to Casey O'Connell. Hmmm... this puts a new twist on all this and I would really like to know what it is.

Any suggestions out there in TV land...ooops blog land?

A great big thank you to Paty for letting me post her insights on writing about the blind. Her books sounds intriguing and I wish her lots and lots of sales. Come back sometime soon, Paty.

My hero in Doctor in Petticoats is blind. It's a risky thing to do and you wouldn't believe how hard it is to write in a blind person's POV and not over use words like hand and touch. I made the conscience decision to have him blind when he was in an accident in the third Halsey book.

An older relative of my husband's spent several summers with us before she passed on. She was blind, angry about losing her sight, yet she was intelligent and knew how to use her other senses to make up for her loss. I enjoyed learning about her, how she felt about losing her sight, and her thoughts on life in general. I used what I'd gleaned from her visits to hopefully structure realism in my blind character. While she lost her sight gradually, my hero lost his in an explosion. He could see the man throwing the dynamite one minute and was in complete darkness the next.

I also researched the blind school which was operational at the time of my book. I called ahead and asked if I could look at their old records to get a feel for how the school was run, who and how many employees they had, and a feel for the students who attended. Reading through the old records was enlightening and fun. It was a state run school and people didn't have to pay to send their family members there. But they were tested. Some comments on the documents were: "He's feeble of mind but should be trainable." "She isn't trainable." It makes you wonder what they put them through and what they considered "feeble fo mind and untrainable". Was it attitude, low I.Q. to lost in their blindness to learn?

A superintendent ran the school with several instructors of classes to teach them a trade, like broom making, crocheting, caning on chairs, and they were taught singing everyday to boost their morale. They also learned to read ?? and use a type writer like machine that punched ??.
In the real world the doctor wasn't in the school but visited regularly and was paid by the state to do so. I changed it up a little and have my heroine's father contribute to the school in order to get her the job of school doctor.

Blurb for Doctor in Petticoats
After a life-altering accident and a failed relationship, Dr. Rachel Tarkiel gave up on love and settled for a life healing others as the physician at a School for the Blind. She's happy in her vocation--until handsome Clay Halsey shows up and inspires her to want more.

Blinded by a person he considered a friend, Clay curses his circumstances and his limitations. Intriguing Dr. Tarkiel shows him no pity, though. To her, he's as much a man as he ever was.

Can these two wounded souls conquer outside obstacles, as well as their own internal fears, and find love?

Excerpt
Her head rested on his chest, one arm across his middle. He grasped her leg pushing down on his injured one and draped it over his thighs. He breathed in the citrus scent of her hair and waited for the throbbing in his leg to abate. The weight of her limbs comforted him in a way he hadn’t experienced since childhood. Her warm curves pressed against him, fitting to his body perfectly.
Clay brushed a hand over her silky hair. Dull brown, she’d said. It was too downy and sweet smelling to be a dull brown. He traced her small ear hidden under soft, short curls. His fingers followed her velvety skin up along her hairline, down the middle of her forehead, so smooth and warm, over a small bump of a nose and pouty, supple lips. He traced the pointed edges at each side. What would it feel like to taste them? A puff of warm air misted his fingers, and she mumbled.
Clay continued his exploration, moving down her chin and the side of her face. The pads of his fingers ran over a ridge. He held his breath and traced the ridge from just above her jaw all the way to her temple. The narrow pucker of skin lay two finger widths from her hairline and ran the length of her face. A scar? How had it happened? And when?
This was why she pulled back from his touch and gave such a disparaging view of herself. Had someone left this scar on her? If so, he’d find that person and make him pay. His hands fisted. He flexed his aching knuckles and squelched his rage. It wouldn’t do to show how her disfigurement riled him. His limbs gradually relaxed, and he pondered how to help her overcome her poor view of herself. How did he bring up the topic of her scar without upsetting her?
Clay wrapped his arms around Rachel’s middle and clasped his hands, holding her from rolling off the bed. Her warm breath puffed across his chest. His heart expanded at the latest knowledge about the woman. He was falling for Rachel’s caring nature, her witty conversation, and her touch that heated his body like no other. He’d give up on ever getting his sight back if he could end each day with her wrapped in his arms.

Blog Tour Contest

This is day nine and blog twelve of my fifteen blog/twelve day tour. Leave a comment and follow me to all the blogs on my tour and you could win an autographed copy of my June release, Doctor in Petticoats, a B&N gift card, and a summer tote filled with goodies. To find out all the places I'll be go to my blog- http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com/ to find the list.

Website: http://www.patyjager.net/
Blog: http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com/
Buy: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

One page a day. Well, yesterday I managed two pages. I'm stuck on a dance competition. I just don't know how to write it and my ending thought this morning was "that's lame" I guess I'll have to work on it more tomorrow. However, just sitting here thinking about it gives me some ideas. Should Casey and Kelly enter the competition or should they just watch? Hmmm....
There is a thought. Casey is not a good dancer. Well, she might be able to dance if she wasn't so clumsy...

Hmm... more thoughts. I do believe I know where I am going with this. A little chatter in the authors head is always a good idea.

Kelly and Patrick agree to disgree? Will they come together about Casey? No doubt the fae folk will have their work cut out to keep everything in tune with the universe. When Florence and his two friends arrive to confront Kelly and Casey's brother, will the two men stand together agian, against Florence? Will Florence provoke a fight? Or will he slink away like the coward he truly is?

Stay tuned for the continuing saga revolving around two star-crossed lovers and the feud that has haunted their families for over 100 years.

Schools out for the summer? :)

Today Moya and Conn chimed in on all the excitement in the church. Frustration eating at the poor fae folk, they are no longer sure about Casey and Kelley discovering the origion of the feud. After all the ridiculous act happened over 100 years earlier. Now the argument has escalated, each generation, becoming more angered than the last. Instead of dying a slow, greatly needed death, the feud has grown hotter.

So chime in: is the feud what will keep these star-crossed lovers apart or will the fact that they are of two very different religions. I have the feeling the couple will find a way to shatter all obstacles placed in their path.

What do you think? Will Casey's and Kelly's love survive?

I'm writing!!! Happy Dance Time!!! I know, I'm telling myself it is only a page and a half, but I started. I found myself getting into the story and feeling the characters again. So will Casey find out the truth about the feud? Was it really over such a little thing?

Are Casey and Kelly really starr-crossed lovers. Do they have a future? You will have to wait until St. Patty's day 2011 to find out.

I'm going to skip the next mind style for now and move on with the present and goal setting for the supper.

Yes! Woohoo....school is out for the summer.

I'm going to take a page out of Genene's book and set aside an hour every day to write my anthology. Nothing will get in the way...I say nothing. Yes, I am determined. If I don't write the anythology this summer, I don't know how it will ever get done.

Also, I plan on taking as much time as I need, to finish reading My Angel so it will be ready for reviewers and publishing by August.

And...I plan on working so hard on Rogue Phoenix Press stories that I will be ahead of the game when school starts in the fall.

The next mind style I want to address is Abstract Random.

Flakes: In layman's terms this one word sums up the Abstract Random personality type. Gregore says when they are at their best they are like beautiful snow flakes, each one incredibly unique and together they cover the world with a dazzling art display. they are the emotional, heart centered, sensitive point that establishes rapport with other points in a spirit of good will.

Priorities include:
Emotional, Personal, Empathy, Flexible, Sensitive, Sociable, Vivid Imagination, Go with the flow, Bright and colorful.

Favorite Sayings:
"If it feels good, do it." "Take time to smell the roses." "The heart has reasons, that rason has no knowledge of." (In a strange way I understand that)

Partial List of strengths:
Establishes quality relationships
Accurate "gut feelings"
Celebrate music, art, nature and literature
Enthusiasm and passion
Warm fuzzy people

Partial List of Annoyances to other mind types;
Can be an off the wall flake
Operates on "ish" time when others don't
Extreme moodiness due to an inability to balance the extremes of their emotions
Overly sensitive to correction

Personal Preferences:
Must have freedom of movement, expression of thought, and emotional exercise
Need a place to which they can retreat to recollect, recharge, and reorganize
Want to work and share with others
"all for one and one for all" non-competitive.

New Review: Dakota's Bride


Dakota’s Bride is a remarkable story. I love the description of Dakota; he is a man who oozes charm and lots of chemistry, especially when he and Emma are bonded together. This incredible romance is one I positively fell in love with and is good enough to read again and again. Christine Young sketches characters and landscapes that this reader could visualize. I particularly enjoyed sharing the journey that Dakota and Emma endured. The supporting cast blended well in this unforgettable read that I loved.

Cherokee Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

To read the complete review: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/dakotasbridechristineyoung.html

Mind Styles to help build character profiles:

How well do you know your character? How can you develop conflict just with a character profile? Dr. Anthony Gregore published The Style Delineator in 1982 culminating twelve years of study and research.

This resource guide can give writers a way to enhance conflict and humor as well as bring the hero and heroine to a deeper understanding of each others personality. We all understand that characters must undergo change and growth if they are to find true happiness. We understand too that the conflicts must be resolved before the end of the manuscript. Conflicts are not always on the physical level. Sometimes the problems that separate the characters are on a psychological level.

Gregore defines four personality types: Concrete Sequential, Abstract Random, Concrete Random, and Abstract Sequential.

One mind style at a time:
Concrete Sequential--These are the "recipe kids." They want to know the who, what, when, where, and why of every task encountered, with the what receiving the major emphasis. Being Concrete and Sequential the view is always so clear…to them. They wonder "will the rest of the world ever be so precise and to the point?
Favorite sayings--"If it's worth doing do it well." "I'm from Missouri, show me." "If it isn't in writing, it doesn't exist." "What you start, you finish." "As it is written, so shall it be."

Priorities:
Orderly, Persistent, Structured, Diligent, Direct, Organized, Detailed, Practical, Concrete, Product Oriented, Realist, and Conscientious.

Partial list of strengths:
1. Solid as the "Rock of Gibraltar"
2. Makes, gathers, appropriates, names, and labels
3. Honest and straightforward
4. Reliabel and trustworthy
5. Excellent at providing structure
6. Accurate, precise, and particular

Partial list of annoyances - to other points:
1. Perfectionistic, one way demands
2. Can be inflexible and rigid
3. Do not like change
4. Viewpoint of an external materialistic world
5. Sometimes they lack sympathy and compassion
6. No nonsense approach to work

Personal Preferences:
1. Quiet with minimal activity
2. Informed on the correct way to do things
3. Quiet, stable, ordered, and predictable
4. Dependable, trustworthy, co-workers
5. High qualitative and quantitative standard
6. Concrete rewards for meritous service

More mind styles coming...
Are you a Concrete Sequential or CS? Do you write characters who seem to have these traits?

Book Tasting:

I just ran across a promotional tool that actually makes some sense. The idea is based on the concept of Wine Tasting or Food Tasting. The author gives the reader a taste of his/her book without ramming it down their throat.

Tastes: free reads, a chapter excerpt, a taste of the dialogue, or an exciting taste of a scene.

When I was able to write every day, I would post a taste of whatever I was working on or post a quesiton about several different ways the scene would/could play out.

With so many authors crying out "read my book!" new, different, and creative ways for promos are always necesarry.

Always looking for ideas.

I actually wrote last week, well kind of sort of, I plotted and I read my part of the anthology. It was fun to get back to my characters and the detailed scenes which I was able to outline will creat a quick write. I also discovered that I was in need of plotting the fae folk scenes. I knew they had become a bit redundant. So quadruple scene plotting for each chapter is just what the writing doctor ordered.

Klarissa said:
"Highland Honor is an exciting historical with lots of passion and danger. I felt drawn to Callie and Colin's lives and wanted to learn about them. With some questions unanswered Ms. Young leaves it open for more stories with these great characters. If you love Highlanders, you'll love Highland Honor."
Read the entire review.
Buy Highland Honor from Awe-Struck Publishing.
http://awe-struckreviews.blogspot.com/

The readers luncheon in Portland yesterday was a great experience. Jane Porter's speach was wonderful, a little funny, poignant and eye opening. Every time I hear anyone speak of their experiences growing up and the difficulties they had to live through I am grateful. I wonder how there are so many disfunctional families and people in the world. Yet I teach. And I see the children and it is so hard for me to understand how people can be so cruel and unfeeling. Is there a way to fix this? I wonder. Our wonderful politicians seem to think that all families have money and live the way they do. Yet we see time and again how disfunctional they are. Are we all so flawed?

Title: Dakota's Bride

Authors: Christine Young

Genres: Historical, Romance

Available: Feb 18, 2010Online Link:

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.aspx?daoid=5969Score:

4.25 / 5

Review:

Emma St. John is on the run from a very dangerous and evil man, her stepfather. Upon her mother's mysterious death after a long illness, Emma overhears her stepfather discussing how he systematically poisoned her mother until she died. After hearing this devastating news, as well as hearing her stepfather's horrible plan for her, Emma decides to run away taking her younger sister Clare with her. They are both now on the run and Emma's stepfather has accused her of murdering her own mother, kidnapping her younger sister and stealing her own inheritance money.

Emma has an older brother, Jacob, who left years before their mother died, to make a life of his own away from their stepfather. The only resource Emma has is to follow the instructions left by her own brother in a letter on the day he left, telling her that if she should ever need help to seek out Dakota Barringer for assistance. Paying for passage on the paddle wheeler boat owned by Dakota, Emma and her sister have a room aboard the ship; however, Emma is expected to work as a serving girl to the many men on board. By the turn of luck she ends up assigned to serve at Dakota's table, but before she has the time to let him know who she is and what she needs, their chemistry for each other, and a little wine, do the trick to bring these two together in other enticing ways.

Betrayals, hidden agendas, dangerous Pinkertons looking to collect on the reward offered for Emma's capture and an endearing love story outline this unforgettable tale. I followed along the trails with Emma and Dakota eagerly awaiting the resolution of their story. This is definitely a page-turner you will not want to put down.

Purchase ebook or print at: http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/

Sunshine Award Paty Jager

gave my blog a Sunshine Award.

Thanks Paty!

According to the guidelines, now that I picked your blog you need to:

Put the logo on your blog in a post.

Pass the award onto 12 bloggers. Link the nominees within this post.

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blogs. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award. So here are my twelve Sunshine

Award nominees:

Rogue's Angels

Genene Valleau

Alice Sharpe

Anne Patrick

K.J. Dahlen

Kevin Voglino

Melody Tink

Nickie Flemming

Preston Sexton

G.L. Loyd

G.L Didadelusky

Clay Renick

Scene writing 101:

Even if you are a panster, like me, plotting each scene is way too important to forego. I go through many steps when I decide what will happen in my scenes.

First: I make sure I know whose POV I'm in.

Second: I write the first sentence and try to write the last sentence. Knowing how the scene will end and making it a cliff hangar sot the reader will keep turning the pages is important.

Third: the scene has to be set.

I always include the internal and external conflict. The hurdle that has to be jumped as well as the character change. Every scene must move the characters forward on their journey.

Knowing who your characters are and how they will react to everything is of ultimate importance. Your characters cannot grow through the story unless the author knows where they came from. Their past will create their future.

Have fun writing scenes but if you're a panster like me, you should still take a real look at plotting your scenes if not the entire book.

Dakota's Bride,

I'm celebrating the rerelease of Dakota's Bride. Twelve years ago in December, Dakota's Bride was released by Kensington. It was my first published book and I had the great honor of Kate Duffy editing my book. Kate was a legend in the field of publishing. She passed away this last fall and the writing world mourned her loss. She was great fun and had a fantastic sense of humor.

Dakota's Bride is the first published book in the series that began with a book called Ghost Dance. Other books in the series include: My Angel, The Locket, The Talisman, and Forevr His.

www.roguephoenixpress.com

Trends in Romance,

Mind boggling doesn't come close to trying to figure out the trends in romance writing created single-handedly by the big publishing houses. When I first began to read romance, my favorite historicals were centered around the War Between the States. Suddenly this was taboo. The houses were not accepting these stories. "Write something else they would say." Then as an after thought they would mention that the author had to be passionate about thier story, "Write from the heart" LOL. As I progressed in my writing skills and publish a western romance, I discovered that now they (the big pub houses in New York) wanted highland sories. So, I picked up my pen--keyboard--and wrote three highland stories. They sold well, but they were turned down by my previous house and picked up by an epub. But the epub wanted regencies. So, once again, I tried my hand at this time period. I went to London, bought numerous books, and studied them. I'm not sure how these books will do. I have one at awe-struck and another one about to be published. Time will tell :0).

Oh, and I forgot to mention loving pirate stories. And they to have seen thier time. It has come and gone--but I think they may have come back. By the time I write them they will probably no longer be a trend. Thank goodness for epubs. One can truly write from the heart and be passionate about the story.

January 20th, high school swimming is over for the year. And what a rewarding year. The girls team did a great job! I am so proud of them. As a team we finished 4th. My wonderful year round swimmer finished her high school career with an unprecedented 8 state championships swims. Our relays finished 3rd and 4th. I am so proud of them.

Last night while they were all shopping I was able to work on my St Patty's day anthology. I revisted my characters and started developing the bad guy. I love my bad guys as all my readers will know. They are my favorite to write because I don't have to be PC. I can pull out all the stops and make them just as bad as their evil hearts.

What fun. Now I have several months to decide if I will do this all over again, (coach swimming). Ah... it is so much fun when all goes well. And I have such a hard time thinking about giving up the team I built from the ground up.

Book signing was a success.

On Valentines Day the Angels had their first booksigning at the humane society, donating a dollar a book. We had a lot of fun with friends, family and new friends. Libby, a black lab, drew names for the door prizes. We will be planning our next signing for the year 2011 on St. Patty's day.

The Angels: Allana, Cinnamon, Sable and Amber.

District swim meet.

Prelims at districts were awesome. Cascade girls and boys swam great. Lots of personal records. The girls are hoping to win the meet tomorrow. If they do, I'll get wet. Wouldn't have it any other way though. I'm keeping my fingers crossed they will all swim as well tomorrow as they did today. After tomorrow we are all looking forward to State.

Then more time for writing and publishing. I am so looking forward to the spring, sunshine, free time, Annaheim and the next Young to come on the scene sometime in June.

Writing today and trying to figure out how to put the time machine into play. Can I send the villain back to the future? Perhaps. I may have to see what my other anthology partners think about that.

Busy day, Super Bowl Sunday, a Bridal Shower, a Rogues Angels meeting, Sunday Dinner, and we were supposed to have Brian and Kari for lunch/brunch but she had to work. It must be tax season. Who has to work on Sunday?

Hoping to see them soon, maybe we'll treck down to Eugene for a dinner with them.

New Goal:

My villain is waiting to be heard. I have had his scene in my head for over a week and have had virtually no time to write. This weekend he will be put on paper as well as the pagan fairy godfather who is directing the poor young man's misdeeds. Oh how I love to write the villains story. I can do anything that pops into my head. What fun awaits.

The covers--

I wanted to thank everyone for helping me by advice and opinions. I believe we, Genene and I, have decided which cover we want. Of course there will always be a few tweaks to the covers. The heart cover popped. But it seemed, as Jenee and a few others said, a bit of a cliche. But the book is historical romance. As Alice said, maybe all we needed on the other cover was to bring the hero and heroine more into focus. With that done, I believe we have a cover. I can hardly wait to have Dakota's Bride re-published. It will be fun to have the book out again.

The heart cover? or the cover with the bracelet of bells?
Or one of the new ones?

I have a cover for the second release of Dakota's Bride. I am looking for input and would like to know your opinion. Dakota's Bride will be released by Rogue Phoenix Press March 1st. Please take the time to vote. All votes will be put in a drawing for a POD of Dakota's Bride. Be the lucky winner.

Casey and Kelly have taken one more step forward. Kelly realizes he is in love with Casey and wants to spend his life with her. He is awe-struck gazing into her eyes. The fae folk feel victorious. Unfortunately they also realize there are two huge stumbling blocks the star-crossed couple must climb over before they can marry. The feud and thier religion stand in their way. If it isn't enogh for the families to hate each other, one is catholic and the other protestant. With the help of Moya and Oran their faierie godmother and godfather I am sure they will over come every obstacle put in their way.

I have set a writing goal for myself. I fully intend to do my best to keep these goals. I am sitting down now at the computer and will read another ten pages of the new anthology. Hopefully I will start writing on the anthology by the end of this week. Setting goals are so important to me. I have always set goals and I don't understand why I stopped. I achieve so much more. My goals are tiny ones. I'm taking baby steps.

I am also intrigued by the story. Last night is the first time I've visited Casey and Kelly and the family feud that may keep them apart. Are they star crossed lovers? Will they end thier lives as Romeo and Juliet did. I don't think so since I have always been a fan of happy endings. But these two lovers will find it difficult to convince their families that theirs is a strong and true love, one that will survive through time.

I want to write, I want to write, I want to write. And I would love to teach if there weren't so many obstacles standing in the way. Why can't everyone love to learn? Learning is fun! And exciting! I think most writers love to learn, they love to research and create new lives through thier imagination. I love to learn everything. It doesn't matter if it is how to do a new type of math problem, something historical, or just something I can take home and tell my husband. Learning keeps the brain cells alive. That and fish. I guess that is why my family loves trivial pursit. We pursue all kinds of knowledge even if to most it is trivia. Why don't people care enough about themselves to try? Some psychologists might say it is because of low self esteeem. How does one have this condition when there are so many people who insist there are no consequenses for actions? I know the answers are convoluted, it is just that I have a burning need to vent today. After two horrendous days when the moon isn't even full, I am trying very hard to stay positive. If anyone is out there listening, thank you.

My daughter doesn't like my background. What does everyone out there think. Obviously, I really liked it. But she thinks it's scary. Where does one find backgrounds for blogs? As far as my resolutions have gone, I haven't done anything. I did ask my husband to find Ghost Dance on one of our archaic computers but he has been so busy with taxes that I think he probably forgot. I'll ask him in a couple of weeks. I have thought about my St. Patrick's Day story but I haven't looked at it. I need to read it again. It shouldn't take too long to get into the swing of things.

Crazy, crazy and it's not even a full moon, but I walked into swim practice today and got yelled at for absolutely no reason. I'm still not sure why. I'm a nice person. I don't try to take advantage of situations. And I always, well almost always, follow the rules because I'm always the one that gets caught if I don't. But this lady lit into me for no reason at all. And then when she called the mangager of the pool she found out I was right. So did I deserve an apology? Of course I did. Did I get one? Of course not. And to top it off she raked me over the coals for talking to my swimmers wrong. I just told them we could only swim for an hour today instead of an hour and 5 minutes. Go figure. I don't thin it is any of her business what I say to my swimmers. I guess I'm still ........

Resolutions:

Resolutions are like goals. We all have them either in our mind or written on paper somewhere. I've found that writing goals down will help me keep them. Goals have to be specific and time bound. They are short term and long term. So what are my goals for the new year?

To begin with I have to finish my St. Patrick's Day anthology story. I had hoped to finish it last summer but only managed to write about a third of it. Now, I have to start from the beginning. This is a good and a bad thing.

Second, I would like to pull Ghost Dance from the mires of my very old computer, reread it, edit it and submit it to RPP for publishing.

Then I would like to finish the third book in the 12 book series I began several years ago. Allura being the first book, The Wager the second book, and A Marriage of Inconvenience would be the third.

And I would like to publish at least one post a week on all of my four blogs. (Maybe I can do this one too)

Realistically though, I will be happy to just finish the St. Patty's Day story.

So goals vs. resolutions? Hmm are they one and the same or are they different?

Warm Ups:

It seems everything we do has a warm up. I coach swimming and we warm and we warm down. So it can also go in writing. To get the best writing during a short amount of time many of us warm up. When I'm writing daily, I like to warm up and/or warm down on my blog by giving a brief run-down of what is happening in my manuscript on that day. Many use writing drills to warm up and improve writing skills.

My favorite, a technique I use not only to warm up but to improve my writing.

Challenge: write 26 sentences begin each with a different letter of the alphabet. Make sure you write them in order beginning with 'A' and of course ending with 'Z'

What is your favorite warm up or drill?

Happy Dancing: Another great review Long and Short reveviews gives Forever His 4 books.

A captivating and intriguing story that sucks you in and takes you back into 1895 with a timeless tale filled with high drama, a ruthless criminal and two lovers who are intended to be together. If you want to keep on the edge of your seat , turning pages and wondering what will happen next or if Etta and Jacob will make it through all of their troubles, then this is the book for you.

Check it out the entire review at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/forever-his-by-christine-young.html