The last ten days have been crazy.  I don’t even know where to start.  It’s all still so surreal.  Giving Up the Ghost and Murder in Romance are both under contract with Turquoise Morning Press with release dates of June 27, 2011, and August 22, 2011, respectively.  Thanks, Kim (the cupcake diva).  *much love and kisses*  Hey...that sounds like an acceptance speech.  “And I’d like to thank the Academy...” *curtsies*

But seriously, this is what I’ve worked so hard for and now it feels like my dreams are coming true.  I’ve endured the rejections and the harsh criticisms and, I can honestly say, I have learned something from all of it.  Big hugs to TMP for giving me this opportunity!

Despite my shock, excitement and anxiety, I started a new series in the midst of the craziness.  Seduction in Memory Grove.  After much blushing and squinting my eyes at the words, I think I figured out how to write romantic erotica.  Hubby read it, shook his head and said, “You are nasty! I had no idea you could write like that!”  I’m now an amateur literary porn star! Yay me! The first book, Pull the Trigger, is being considered by an unnamed publisher.  I won’t reveal who they are in case they reject it thereby creating an awkward moment where I would have to come back and put little xxx’s and skulls and crossbones over their names and look spiteful. *snickers*

So, now I’m trying to set up a workable schedule.  I’ve submitted my author input for the cover art on Giving Up the Ghost but still need to format the manuscript for my editor.  I have to get back to writing Murder in Romance since I actually have a drop dead date on it.  I’m outlining the second book for  Seduction in Memory Grove titled Mount Up. Yeah, there’s a cowboy involved. *swoons*

On another note, my heart fluttered a bit yesterday when my twelve year old told me she wanted to be a writer like me.  She wrote a few paragraphs of a story and asked me to read it.  All in all, it wasn’t bad.  I gave her the talk about first person versus third person and the importance of grammar, sentence structure and syntax.  And that she really needed to excel in English and Literature classes and read as much as she could.  At that point, her eyes glazed over and she said, “But, I hate those classes and I don’t like reading that much.” *sigh* Not likely that she’ll follow in my footsteps.  This opened the door to the what am I going to do with my life? talk. 

She outlined all the reasons why every career suggestion I made would not work for her.  Out of constructive advice, I said, “How about you just start by getting your Bachelor’s Degree.”

Her face took on a thoughtful but decidedly confused look.  She responded, “Why?  I’m not getting married until after college.”  I then explained the difference between a Bachelor’s Degree and a bachelor party.  It’s a darn good thing she’s cute because I think her college fund will go for a boob job and she’ll make an excellent trophy wife to a professional athlete someday.  I hear Reggie Bush is single again! 

“Yes, Reggie, you can call me Mom.”