I’ve realized that without internet or a cellphone the world starts to feel like the olden days. The ones where high tech meant morose code. So here are a few tips to survive the olden days.

1. Have children. They will fill your days with merriment and the need for a stiff vodka. Maybe within the same moment.

2. Have friends who will spend hours on the phone with you, especially one who will read you blog posts from the Internet.

3. Invest in movies. Lots and lots of them. That way you can find out which ones are scratched beyond repair.

4. This one is really a sidenote: Cleaning will not make the list.

5. If you are really in need of the Internet, do not go to the Library. Go to the library to get books, but not use the Internet. Why? If you are Monk-like (the character, not the bald men in orange robes) you will see the keyboard and mouse as large gateways to the plague express.

Case in point: I went to the library to check my e-mail. I touched said keyboard and mouse. I now have the plague of all plagues. So, the solution would be to have your friend (the one you could spend hours on the telephone with) to read you your emails. Hindsight is 20/20.

6. That TBR pile can be diminished.

7. Stand in line for an hour so your kids can take a picture with Santa and then get evangelized when you go to get some free hot coco.

Real conversation:

Person Trying To Save My Soul: When you die, do you know where you will go?

Heathen Sinner: I should be going to heaven.

PTTSMS: Are you sure about that?

HS: Yes. I’m not a horrible person. At the end of the day that’s what really matters.

PTTSMS: Well let me ask you some questions to make sure.

HS: : O

8. Become Julia Childs in the kitchen, which means you would have to go grocery shopping. Right before a very large holiday I can promise you long wait lines to distract you of your non-internet status.

Happy Holidays!

And you can totally add your suggestions in the comments.

For FCC (I believe those are the people) purposes: I do not know Nora Roberts aka La Nora. Though I’ve sat in on her Talks at RWA conference. And every time I see her at those conferences (every time) I have a fangirl moment that I’m more than happy she isn’t aware of. I bought this particular book in the Raleigh (NC) airport at 2nd Ed. Book Sellers. (The cashier at the time was beyond awesome. I perused the murder mystery for a while, but when I asked where’s the romance she stated, “You can never go wrong.”)

Now to the meat of this sort of review…

I’ve been racking my brain on why Jewels of the Sun changed my life. Why this particular book stays in my mind as the first real romance I read. I know it’s not. I read Sunset Embrace by Sandra Brown, Fallen Angel by Francis Ray, Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie, and probably several others before I cracked open the pages of Jewels of The Sun.

I’ve always known it had something to do with Jude Francis Murray, the heroine of this novel. There was something about her journey from America to Ireland that always pulled me into the book no matter how many times I’ve read it. Jude goes there and ends up finding/accepting her true self, love and magic. Not to mention the poetic way Robert’s describes the locale:

“Roll after roll of green hills shimmered under sunlight that glowed like the inside of seashells and spread back and back into the shows of dark mountains.”

Jude is self-deprecating about being a “neurotic tight-ass”, which made me root for her through-out the novel. The theme could easily be How can you live if you never let yourself? And Aidan, the hero, with his charm, Irish brogue and pride is the perfect flawed hero who you want the heroine to fall in love with because you’ve already fallen in love with him yourself.

But still, that’s not why this book resonates with me. Definitely not the reason why I shelled out five bucks for a book that I had at home. (Though it’s put together with tape and a prayer that it won’t fall apart if I breathed too hard on it.) It’s because on the first page Jude lived in in a way that choked the life right out of her.  I understood that type of life, even if it wasn’t on a conscious level. To be honest, before I could find out who I was as a person, I had to be an adult.  Adults are responsible . Fun is out, because the adults who have fun are the cautionary tales of what not to do.  Sacrifice is the name of the game. Hindsight being 20/20 I can read the words and see why this book took my breath away.

“Of course it can’t hurt me. It’s harmless and it makes me wonder. It’s been too long since I let myself wonder.”

So simple, but eight years later those few lines still speak to me. I lived in the extreme, flawed ideal of what it meant to be an adult.  And slowly, but surely if I stayed on my current road I would end up being a neurotic tight-ass or worse bitter and belligerent.

I still have those moments and when I do I always seem to pull out Jewels of the Sun. But the wonderful thing is instead of reading the book and wishing I could be like that I let myself wonder without caveats, or reasoning. I consider my missteps badges of honor. And hell, if I’m going to be someone’s cautionary tale, I might as well make it a damn good one.

Any books that changed your life?

I was born in Dallas and  I actually spent approximately four years of my life within the state lines. Because of this I had dreams of being a Southern Belle. I can be honest and say it had a lot to do with the accent. I always wanted to hold my ‘r’ for no reason at all.

After attending my mother’s wedding, I have to give up this notion. I’m a Californian, who should be a New Yorker.

That is all I’m saying.

Of course it’s the obvious, a book, or several. So while I’m piling up clothes for the start of my journey to North Carolina, I’ve got a nice pile of possible books to take with me. I will have to narrow it down to four.  I do have to change clothes. Le sigh.

Why do I need books?

Well, my flight starts in Oakland, CA where I connect to a flight in Salt Lake City, UT. From there I catch another flight to Atlanta, GA where I finally get to Raleigh.

How long will this all take?

The flight, added together, is about six hours long. But that’s not ALL!  Added together, the time I’m waiting to get to my next flight is three hours, but in flight time that means by the time I actually make it to North Carolina, my kids would have graduated from high school, got married and had children of their own.

I need books.

Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie is a definite if I can’t find Bet Me. Or maybe Agnes and the Hitman since I haven’t read that in while.

Also, Three Fates by Nora Roberts. It’s one of her big books and I actually have it in paperback.  I once read that book during a Nascar race in Fontana and I still had plenty of book left to read by the end of it.

And, the last two places I’ll leave for new books, which will be in a pile until I choose the one that won’t make me throw it at a flight attendant, because it’s too good to lose. Did I mention I’m flying Delta?

I’m going to need books.

I’ll have to go through the process again on the flight home and I hope the local library sells them on the cheap.

So tell me about the last trip you took. Did you bring anything good to read?

When I first started writing I know I didn’t accept this concept fully. I had a full-time job. I had school. I had my children to take care of. Yes, I stole time to write and I produced about three books in the span of three years. Then someone came along and said, well, this book has merit and we think it will sell. I had started to understand, just a little, this was real work. It wasn’t all sunshine and daisies.

While editing my first book, I was working on another. When that first book hit the world, I was busy editing on the second one. Still editing I was busy promoting. When I finished edits, I was busy writing the next story and still promoting. Last year, was a lesson in what it means to be a published author.

But this year I’ve not only realized it’s a calling, accepted that it has it’s own share of lumps, but it’s a J.O.B. Before NaNo I was working on an older ms to get ready to send out into the world of publication. 3/4 in I had to accept the ending sucked. It needed a lot more work than I could have put into it within two weeks of time I had. I put it aside, while thinking of all the things I could do to fix it. Then NaNo started and I wrote my little butt off. That book is done and I’ll gladly ignore it until I can read it with a fresh perspective.

And, after this short span of celebrating, I’ve survived yet another book, I’m thinking about that older ms again. The tweaks that it needs to be DONE and ready. Then, Lynne’s story that needs to be edited. Then the museum story I keep coming back to and wanting to write.

There seems to be always something in the pipe line. I’m not idle with this writing gig. There isn’t that big of a difference from when I worked at my old job. I complete one thing and have about five others on the to-do list.

And that’s not even considering crafting a query and synopsis that are the bread and butter part of submissions.

Moral of the post, it’s a job like any other. Treat it as such. Trust me you’ll have less of a headache if you do.

What are you working on right now?

Why you ask?

Cause I’m going to try my best to write about 5,000 words today. I’ve done it before. But I’ve never done it the day after I read 53,000 words and added about 3,000 more. *While editing what I could*

Yeah, I’m heading to the end of the novel. (And I’m sooooo not going to make it to 75k.) I can smell it. I can see the last four scenes I need to write. I’m wearing my writing juju sweater. The End is pretty much set in stone.

Brain leakage is on the horizon. Stay tuned…

This has been a hard year for me and I’m sure I’m not the only person. So, my list is longer than usual.

1. I’m thankful I have the parents I do. They love me and are supportive in every way.

2. My sister for being a smart ass when I need a little bit of levity.

3. My children who drive me crazy and make me laugh. And with them it can be both at the same time.

4. My quasi-in-laws. Boy do I go into fits when ya’ll call me or come by, but you pick up the kids when I get that crazed look in my eyes.

5. My friends. Every last one them. Gawd knows I’m not the easiest of friends to have.

6. Though it’s collecting dust, my Paralegal Certificate–ok, honestly right this second I have no idea where it is. Still I’m thankful to have it.

7. I’m thankful for every reader I have. Whether they became adoring fans or just bought my book once.

8. I’m thankful for whoever or whatever gives me ideas for books.

9. I’m thankful each day I have.

10. I’m thankful that I’m only 22k away from finishing this book ’cause it’s driving me crazy now.

Ok. What are you thankful for?

From Drop Box

And, anyone who tries to tell you differently is full of it.

Now I’ve got 24k more to write.

So, I haven’t reach brain dead yet, but there is still hope.

It wasn’t long ago that I was a newbie. I still remember those days fondly when I thought all you had to do was write the book. Let’s go back in a time machine and read a website. One that I’ve stumbled upon because it’s Harlequin.

Oh, and look it talks about The Book Publishing Process. I should know more about that so I know what to expect. Harlequin should know about what it takes to get published.

“Our Harlequin Horizons team will assist you though the book publishing process every step of the way, but it’s up to you to take the first step.

I’m taking the first step. I’m actually reading the website instead of finding the address or the e-mail addy and sending my manuscript off.

“By following our publishing process you can make informed choices about your publishing journey and ultimately end up with the book of your dreams.”

I like that sound of that. Harlequin is going to give me the down and dirty tips to getting published with them. I mean it’s HARLEQUIN, they know what they are talking about. Some of my favorite authors started there.

“Before you even start down the road of self-publishing, you must decide what your final goal will be.”

Wait. Time Out. This is the book publishing process? Self-publishing. Doesn’t that cost money? I mean I was just at the other website where they talked about a different process. One that involves working on my craft. Getting to know the industry. What it takes to write a compelling story. Crafting a query letter. Somehow writing a synopsis that doesn’t involve vodka and pulling out you hair. One where you get an advance. One where you can walk into a bookstore and see your name on a book.

Yeah, I thought that was the book publishing process. But this is Harlequin.

“Is your goal to be picked up by a traditional publisher? Or maybe it has always been your dream to see your name in print and you would be content with that alone. Whatever your final publishing goal is, defining it from chapter one will guarantee you achieve the dreams you hold in your heart.”

I totally want to see my name on a book and have readers. I want to write stories that come alive on the page. I want one of those Nora Roberts commercials “Everybody reads Nora Roberts” and she’s with Harlequin. So, let me keep reading.

After selecting your package you will have the option to add additional editing, design and marketing services that will enhance your book. Speak with one of our Publishing Consultants for guidance to select the right package and services for your unique needs.

So, I don’t have to work on my craft? I just can pick a package and my book can be published. I can have my own Publishing Consultant who will take me through the entire process. There is a lot of stuff I don’t know and that will be helpful.

Our online submission process and trained check-in coordinators make it easy for you to submit your manuscript and any other necessary materials. You will receive an e-mail within three to five days introducing you to your design team and telling you about the next steps.

Three to five days?!!!!! Man on some of those threads at EHarlequin like the Submission Care Group people talked about waiting a freaking YEAR. And just to be rejected. But, wait a minute, my materials? Does that mean my query, synopsis, and full manuscript. I bet that’s what they mean. But, wouldn’t they have already decided that my book is good enough to publish?

You can rest assured that you will always have creative control over your book and that our designers will listen to your vision. When the initial design and layout of your book is complete you will receive a draft for your review and approval. No changes will be made without your approval and we will not move forward until you are completely satisfied that your book reflects your vision.

Holy crap! I’ll have control over my cover and what can and cannot be edited. Christina Dodd ended up with that three-armed whooper. And, OMG! I’m going to have complete control? My CP kept telling me I didn’t need all that backstory. That my book actually started on page 100. And I can keep it? Man, ’cause I really felt that I needed those scenes to set up the later conflict. And, really showing Cade vulnerable after his childhood puppy died will have the reader understanding why he’s so closed off. I knew! Where do I send my manuscript?

Before your book finally goes to the printer you will work with your publishing team to determine the price of your book, your royalties and other post-printing details. Once your book is published people all over the world can buy it through our online bookstore and you are free to start your marketing efforts. Congratulations! You are finally a published author.

Royalties? My book available world wide? Published author? This is all I’ve ever dreamed of.

Do you see the problem here? Do you see how and why it’s misleading? At what point in time in this Book Publishing Process is it really stated how hard it is to make sales, especially as an author who isn’t established? Where does it point out that POD is damn hard to get your book in a bookstore? There is one sentence that talks about online bookstore. One. Do you see how this description aligns itself with the real process of Submission to Contract to Book on the shelf?

*Our online submission process
*submit your manuscript and any other necessary materials (Q and S, Partial, Full)
* the initial design and layout of your book is complete you will receive a draft for your review and approval (galley?)
*Imagine the joy of seeing your book on your shelf or even the shelves of your local bookstore (What author hasn’t imagined this?)
*Before your book finally goes to the printer (print runs?)
*the price of your book, your royalties and other post-printing details

At the very least 6 lines. And one reference to Online Bookstores World wide. Tell me how is this truly self-publishing? How on this planet does it not seem misleading? You know when this was first announced I couldn’t get my mind around how anyone would fall for this. How anyone who could not do extra research to find out this publishing route may not be the one they wanted to take.

Then I found 1200 reasons to discredit my belief. And then I started to remember how I was as a newbie, truly remember, that I had no idea what it really meant The Road To Publication. There wasn’t an easy out or a shortcut. But,there had to be one. I wanted readers. Deep down my misguided self believed all I had to was get my book in print to do that. Some type of fairy dust magic could happen if people just read my words. It never really crossed my mind to make my words worth reading. It never really crossed my mind in order for a reader to buy me, they had to know I existed.

So the problem isn’t only desperate people will fall for these promises. The problem is not knowing it takes more than penning the novel. The problem is not knowing that once the book is in print and available worldwide, the hard work has just begun.

I’ve yet to find on the website this part of the process being explained that doesn’t come wrapped nicely in a package (for a price).