Friday, January 28, 2011

Dishing it up with Allison Pang

Hi all!


I’m thrilled to have Urban Fantasy author Allison Pang on my blog today. Her book A BRUSH OF DARKNESS came out this week and she was kind enough to carve out some time to hang with us. Here’s a little intro to Allison:

A marine biologist in a former life, Allison Pang turned to a life of crime to finance her wild spending habits and need to collect Faberge eggs. A cat thief of notable repute, she spends her days sleeping and nights scaling walls and wooing dancing boys....Well, at least the marine biology part is true. But she was taloned by a hawk once. She also loves Hello Kitty, sparkly shoes, and gorgeous violinists. She spends her days in Northern Virginia working as a cube grunt and her nights waiting on her kids and cats, punctuated by the occasional husbandly serenade. Sometimes she even manages to write. Mostly she just makes it up as she goes.

JET: I had the pleasure of reading A BRUSH OF DARKNESS  under its original title way back when and I’m looking forward to reading the final version when it arrives at my doorstep. For those not familiar with this fabulous story, it is a unique blend of human nature and the world of faeries and incubus and unicorns, but I’ll let Allison tell you folks a little about the book…

Allison: It’s the story of Abby Sinclair, who is pretty much a normal girl, essentially tossed into this mystical world that overlaps our own. Everything she does has political repercussions, but directions are hard to come by and she finds herself struggling to figure out how to manage. When her Faery boss goes missing, Abby is forced to try to find her, joined by a perverted unicorn and a sexy incubus, who may or may not be setting her up.

JET: What made you choose Urban Fantasy as a genre?

Allison: I had originally written A BRUSH OF DARKNESS  as a Paranormal Romance, which has many of the same elements as an Urban Fantasy. My editor decided it would read better as a UF, so I rewrote a chunk of the book to fit that. The main difference is that there tends to be more world building in a UF, and the romance (if there is one) isn’t technically required. (Whereas a paranormal romance is really all about the romance.)

JET: What’s been your most challenging hurdle on the road to publication?

Allison: Just learning to trust my own instincts when it comes to my writing. When I first started out I was constantly being swayed by whoever’s opinion I was getting and that was detrimental, since everyone had a different idea of what I “should” have been doing.

JET: What was your favorite moment in the journey?

Allison: Finding out my book was going to auction.

JET: Which authors had the most influence over you growing up?

Allison: Honestly, there are many, but some of the classics like Peter S. Beagle’s The Last Unicorn have always stuck with me. The lyrical prose in particular just struck a chord that never really went away.

JET: When did you know you wanted to take the plunge into the writing world?

Allison: I don’t know really. I’d been writing a little project with a friend for fun a few years ago, and that was my first foray back into writing in nearly 15 years. Somewhere in that process I decided to investigate what was involved with getting published and wrote A Brush of Darkness as a sort of “starter novel”…only it actually sold!

JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?

Allison: Sadly, nothing. I really didn’t do much research on this particular book – just drew on the knowledge I already had.

JET: Any advice for the novices out there?

Allison: Just to keep writing. Nothing will make you better at the craft of writing than to actually do it. (And I speak of personal experience. Sometimes it’s easier to hide behind a ton of workshops and “how to” books than it is to actually put the words on the page.)

JET: All right - now that I’ve hammered you with the big questions, let’s tackle my favorite (and geeky) quick ten. . . starting with Paper or Plastic?

Allison: Paper

JET: Steak or Tofu?

Allison: Gah. Depends, honestly. I was vegetarian for a long while. I’ve got back to eating meat some, but it depends on how its cooked. I don’t mind the tofu, though.

JET: Beach or Mountains?

Allison: Beach

JET: Country or Rock-n-Roll?

Allison: Rock

JET: Classics or Modern?

Allison: Classics

JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?

Allison: Cheesy Horror

JET: Zombies or Demons?

Allison: Demons

JET: Paper or Digital?

Allison: Digital

JET: Salty or Sweet?

Allison: Both?

JET: Coffee or Tea?

Allison: Tea

JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?

Allison: The second book in the BoD series was just turned in, so now I’m gearing up to get started on the third. I’ve also got a few other things in the works – an epic fantasy and a YA Steampunk, but they’re not quite ready for primetime.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog. Folks, you can find out more about Allison Pang and her work on her website: http://www.heartofthedreaming.com/

Next week is the first Friday in February and I'll be highlighting some new releases from my Backspace friends.  Stop by to see what's coming to the bookshelves near you!

Until then,
Ciao.
JET

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Jenny Craig Week 20

Lost half of the pound I gained a couple weeks ago - so not back to before the chocolate binge, but getting there. 

This coming week will be challenging because I go back to work after a month on disability for shoulder surgery.  It should be interesting, especially since there are two snow storms forcasted.  Ugh.  I'm ready for spring and we're only in January. 

I'm going to continue on the exercise path of an hour a day on the gazelle - at least that's the plan.  Hopefully I won't be too drained from work to put in the time!

My end of January goal is to be 9 pounds away from my goal.  Originally, I wanted to be 5 pounds away from goal - but had to revise that because of the chocolate binge.  I'm not going to come near the original goal - so that is now the goal for the end of February.  I think that's doable, as long as I adhere to the program I've set in place. 

Until next week
Ciao!
JET

Friday, January 21, 2011

Dishing it up with Annette Blair

Hi Folks, today I have romance novelist Annette Blair in the hot seat. As an award-winning Author, Annette Blair owes her contemporary roots to Salem, Massachusetts. There she stumbled into the role of Accidental Witch Writer. Magic or destiny, her bewitching romances became her first national bestsellers. With thirty books and counting, Annette writes Paranormal Romantic Comedies for Berkley Sensation and Vintage Magic Mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime.


JET: I had the pleasure of reading Naked Dragon last fall and asked Annette if I could interview her here on my blog. After a hectic fall and the holiday season, Annette was kind enough to fit me into her busy schedule. Annette, can you tell us about the anthologies coming out this month?

Annette: The January anthology is THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCE and I was invited to take part. I believe there are more than 15 stories from some of your favorite writers. Mine is called KISSINGATE MAGIC and it’s a Victorian historical in which a fairy matches a couple for whom love seems impossible. I loved taking a trip to the past and I absolutely fell for the characters in this story.

The February book, it turns out, is on sale now, so it was a January book after all. FALL IN LOVE LIKE A ROMANCE WRITER is by some of your favorite authors, about our own love stories. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

JET: What made you choose Romance as a genre?

Annette: When my children were small my sister gave me a book, THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER. I left it on a shelf for a year, but then I started reading it, and I wanted more . . . and more . . . and more. I have to say that I had always wanted a romance in every movie or TV show that I watched, since I was a kid, and when there was none, I felt gypped. After years of reading romance, I started writing plot ideas down on envelope corners, napkins, index cards, and throwing them in my nightstand.

JET: What’s been your most challenging hurdle on the road to publication?

Annette: Making that first sale was a hurdle for me. I discovered after finishing two books that I didn’t know what I was doing. I had a lot to learn and I joined Romance Writers of America and took many workshops. Ultimately it took me 10 years and numerous re-writes to make that first sale. But learning by doing is a great teacher.

JET: What was your favorite moment in the journey?

Annette: Big surprise: THE CALL was my first favorite. The late great Kate Duffy called to buy the three books for my first sale. Telling my family and friends came next as favorite. Getting my first book in the mail and holding it in my hands ranks right up there, because I cried like a baby.

JET: Which authors had the most influence over you growing up?

Annette: Carolyn Keene, L Frank Baum, Lewis Carroll, Charlotte, Emily & Anne Bronte, Jane Austen, Victoria Holt.

JET: When did you know you wanted to take the plunge into the writing world?

Annette: One day my daughter challenged me to write a romance of my own, and I sat down with my nightstand stash of plot ideas. The book I started that day, Lady Faith, was part of my first sale. I wanted my stories to take my readers away from the grind of daily life and to give them as much joy and hope as my favorite authors gave me.

JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?

Annette: Craziest thing: Before I wrote Thee, I Love and The Butterfly Garden, my Amish Romances, I drove an Amish buggy in Winesburg, Ohio. I was asking educated questions of the ‘tour’ driver and he knew I’d done my homework. So he said, “You know so much, you take the reins.” I drove that buggy—with my husband in the backseat, brave man—all over the yard. We had taken an Amish farm tour on a weekday morning, so there was no one else in line.

Most Interesting fact: The Moon Trees. Did you know there are trees in this country whose seeds were taken into orbit on Apollo 14 in 1971, then the seeds were planted all over the country and they’re marked “Moon Trees.” I find that fact fascinating.

JET: Any advice for the novices out there?

Annette: One thing I learned is that there’s only one guarantee in writing. If you don’t write and don’t submit, you will never publish. Don’t give up. Tenacity is the secret and never stop learning. If you think you’re too old to start writing and you won’t publish until you’re 40, 50, whatever, the fact is you’re going to be 40 or 50 anyway, so you might as well have a published book or three to show for your time.

JET: All right - now that I’ve hammered you with the big questions, let’s tackle my favorite (and geeky) quick ten. . . starting with Steak or Tofu?

Annette: Steak

JET: Beach or Mountains?

Annette: Beach

JET: Country or Rock-n-Roll?

Annette: Rock-n-Roll

JET: Classics or Modern?

Annette: Classics

JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?

Annette: Neither -- Romantic Classics : The Philadelphia Story. Ahhhh.

JET: Zombies or Demons?

Annette: Neither -- Witches

JET: Paper or Digital?

Annette: Oh, hard one. Paper. Maybe.

JET: Salty or Sweet?

Annette: Sweet

JET: Coffee or Tea?

Annette: Tea

JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?

Annette: I’m working on SKITING THE GRAVE, Vintage Magic Mystery 4, about a set of twins and their first cousin, who look like identical triplets . . . to the untrained eye. One is dead, one is missing, and one is my sleuth’s fashion intern. BTW, their mothers were twins who married brothers. (As an aside, I wrote triplet witches inspired by my neighbors. So one day outside, I started a conversation with one. She straightened and said, “You think I’m one of the triplets, don’t you?” Which, of course, I did. She said, “They’re my first cousins.” So that was my inspiration.”)

JET:Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog. Folks, you can find out more about Annette Blair and her work on her Website as well as on on MySpace and Facebook.

Join me next week when newcomer Allison Pang dishes about her debut A Brush of Darkness.

Until then,

Ciao

JET

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Jenny Craig Week 19

I slipped this week.  Gained a pound instead of losing it.  I blame it on all the cookies my daughter made during the snow storm.  The house smelled like chocolate and I was having major chocolate cravings.  I gave in and sadly, it went straight to my hips. 

Trying to shake the chocolate craving will be my goal next week and upping my exercise regiment.  Physical Therapy for the shoulder is still at three times a week - so adding that to my physical activity - at least helps.  I'm trying to get back to an hour a day consistently on my gazelle in addition to all the PT exercises. 

How are you doing on your new year weight goals?  Any challenges?  Any success stories you'd like to share?

Here's to hoping I have more will power next week.

Ciao,
JET 

Friday, January 14, 2011

Dishing it up with David Nelson Bradsher

Happy Friday all! I’m thrilled to have David Nelson Bradsher, Author of THE VAMPIRE SONNETS as my first guest of 2011. His book is a refreshing change of pace in the overloaded literary world of vampire stories. This unique portrayal is written entirely in the form of a Shakespearean Sonnet and I for one was intrigued by the form and the flow of the story.


Before I get into the interview with David, I figured I’d share an excerpt to whet your whistle:

VII-The Creed
An ancient knowledge showed in Nina's eyes.
They glowed with fealty to inhuman ways
that I, a darkling, had to improvise
in order to attract her rarest praise.
She spoke of dealing death, of raping lives;
(each rape would yield the blood that we required).
She said, “The one who kills to feed survives,
and I provide the means for those I’ve sired.
Misfortune trolls the night (with death) to end
whomever dares to tread our measured path,
so be the hunter now—no foe or friend
must slip the application of your wrath.

Our coven's creed is, ‘Kill! Compassion's dead.
When London quivers…paint Her bloody red.’"


JET: Can you tell us a little about The Vampire Sonnets?

DAVID: I’d love to. The Vampire Sonnets is the story of Tristan Grey, a 19th Century Londoner (and carouser) who bites off more than he can chew when he encounters Nina, an ancient vampire, who seduces, turns and integrates him into the Chelsea coven. But Tristan finds himself unready for his new persona, and struggles between both worlds on and off the streets of London. What transpires is the story of half-man, half-monster, and the internal battle he wages with himself, with those he loves (and loathes), and especially, with Nina.

JET: What’s been your most challenging hurdle on the road to publication?

DAVID: For me, it was probably my inability to let go of the manuscript without thinking there was more I could do. Even now, after publication, it seems I constantly agonize over things I could have done better. It’s one of the drawbacks of being a perfectionist. As far as getting the book published, new ideas are always a challenge, and the idea of writing an entire story in sonnets is definitely a challenge, and getting it past the editor’s desk is an even greater challenge.

JET: What was your favorite moment in the journey?

DAVID: I remember this vividly. The moment I turned it in was like breathing after being underwater for two minutes. It was a such a relief to know that it was out of my hands, my meddling hands, and I knew I could actually relax for a bit until I had to approve the ripped proof of the book. I don’t think you realize how tense you are during final revisions until you finish it and the elephant gets off your chest. There were so many moments of satisfaction during the writing of the book, but I don’t think anything hits you more than the end of the journey. Still, I can’t wait to start the next one.

JET: Which authors had the most influence over you growing up?

DAVID: The first author I remember having a real effect on me was Mark Twain, especially Huck Finn. His ability to tell a story, to delve so deeply into his characters, left an indelible mark on me, and it’s a mark that remains to this day. Poetically, Shakespeare is the obvious, and correct, answer, but I’ve also been influenced by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and more contemporary poets like Richard Wilbur, Tim Steele and Jennifer Reeser made me realize that there was still formal poetry in the world, and it was good.

JET: When did you know you wanted to take the plunge into the writing world?

DAVID: When I was a kid, my best work was when I was able to write a short story, or even an essay. Anything where I could create, outside the formula of academia, inspired and interested me. I’m sure there are teachers out there who would be amazed that I’ve had a book published, at least based on my performance in their classes, but if I was bored, I was detached. In writing, I was given the freedom to go my own way, and that made all the difference.

JET: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of book research? Most interesting fact you uncovered?

DAVID: When it became apparent that The Vampire Sonnets was going to be a full-length novel in verse, I decided that my limited knowledge of vampires wasn’t going to be enough to pull it off, so I decided to integrate myself into the gothic community to determine what I could and couldn’t do. Now, I didn’t dye my hair jet black, only wear black, and paint my nails (all of which I found to be inaccurate stereotypes), I did approach people I probably never would have come into contact with. I found them to be knowledgeable, passionate, and very misunderstand. I’m grateful for those relationships, and they, of course, have and will persist beyond the book. I tried to take their passion and instill it in the book.

JET: Of all the novels and stories you’ve written - which one is your favorite? Why?

DAVID: Definitely, The Vampire Sonnets. It’s something that grew from a single sonnet into something that took on a life of its own, and to look back at the first few sonnets, and even the first few full drafts, I’m amazed at how far it’s come.

JET: Any advice for the novices out there?

DAVID: The best advice I can give anyone is to believe in your vision. New ideas are scarce, and met with skepticism and fear from a conservative industry, but if you have something new and fresh to offer, be persistent, indefatigable and positive. In most cases, there won’t be a knock on your door. You have go out there and knock someone else’s door down to be heard. All it takes is one, much like love. OK, that sounded really hokey, but it’s true, right?

JET: All right - now that I’ve hammered you with the big questions, let’s tackle my favorite (and geeky) quick ten. . . starting with Paper or Plastic?

DAVID: Oh, paper, for sure. It’s better for the environment, and I need the paper for when I want to write longhand. Besides, I’ve always been irritated by the sound of crinkling plastic…though the cat loves it.

JET: Steak or Tofu?

DAVID: I’m a carnivore, and to me there’s nothing better than a juicy steak, a baked potato, and a salad. Besides, anyone who likes vampires has to like the sight of blood, right? …Right? OK, maybe not…but I do.

JET: Beach or Mountains?

DAVID: That’s a tough one, especially when you live in a state (NC) that has both. I live in the middle of the state, too, so they’re equidistant, but I’m going with the beach. I say that with the caveat that it’s winter, and I absolutely love the beach in the dead of winter, when I can walk out from my place at Emerald Isle and not see another soul on the strand. Of course, ask me in the summer, when the beach is full of tourists and noise, and I guarantee a different answer.

JET: Country or Rock-n-Roll?

DAVID: Rock-n-Roll, for certain. In fact, I’ll take it one step further, and say heavy metal. Growing up in the 80’s, complete with a mullet, how could I be anything else. Peruse my iPod, or my CD collection, and you’ll see more Aqua-Netted hair than a salon, and more leather than an S & M convention. To visual? Sorry, that’s the problem with asking a writer such questions.

JET: Classics or Modern?

DAVID: Being a formalist in poetry, I have to say classics. I already mentioned Huck Finn, and Catcher In the Rye, The Great Gatsby and Lord of the Rings are all amongst my favorites. That doesn’t mean, of course, that I don’t enjoy modern lit, too, but most of my influences came during my impressionable years.

JET: Silent Film Classics or Cheesy B Rated Horror?

DAVID: This is where I may surprise you. I love, and I mean, LOVE, Cheesy B Rated Horror, and even C rated Horror, in many cases. In fact, my brother and I share an affinity for it, and make it a regular habit to find those types of movies on Net Flix, and we’ve found some seriously hidden gems out there. Dead Snow is one I’d definitely recommend. Scandinavians know how to make cheesy horror.

JET: Zombies or Demons?

DAVID: I know Zombies are all the rage, and I love some of the recent offerings, but you’ve got to give it up for demons. They’re more multi-dimensional, and there’s nothing better than pure evil to spice things up. Much more interesting, in my opinion. I mean, zombies kind of lurch around, devoid of any personality, but demons come at you in so many different ways, and some of them can actually be charming…well, until the eat your face, but you know what I mean.

JET: Paper or Digital?

DAVID: Once again, as a writer, I’m going with paper. It’s in my blood, you know.

JET: Salty or Sweet?

DAVID: Oh, salty. In my food, and in my women. Much more satisfying and interesting. Sweet can be sour, but salty just makes you crave more. Of course, you may have only been referring to food, but my mind works in mysterious ways, so I just went with it.

JET: Coffee or Tea?

DAVID: Here’s one of those that would have been tea a few years ago, but thanks to long writing sessions and a girlfriend who loved the stuff, I have to say coffee. I’m not one of those zombies standing in line for the caffeine shot at Starbucks, but I do like the pick-me-up it gives me, and the imagination can do some spectacular things when you’ve got a slight caffeine buzz.

JET: Thank you for indulging me. Before we wrap this up, can you tell us what you're working on now? What's next?

DAVID: Up next is MVP, which will interest fans of mythology and football. Anyone who has read The Iliad or The Odyssey, or watched Clash of the Titans, knows that the gods of Olympus enjoy futzing with those of us on earth, and they play favorites, so I thought it would be interesting if the gods were football fans, watching the Super Bowl, and decided to influence the outcome to match their whims. Stay tuned for that. Like the Vampire Sonnets, it will be written in verse, but instead of Shakespearean Sonnets, this will be written in heroic couplets.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat on my blog. It has been a real pleasure.

Folks, you can find out more about David Nelson Bradsher’s Vampire Sonnets at the following places: www.nelsonpearlpublishers.com or the Vampire Sonnets Facebook Group.

On tap for next week – Annette Blair.

Until then,

Ciao

JET

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Jenny Craig week 18

No change on the scale - and only a minimal amount of exercise beyond physical therapy - so having no change wasn't such a bad thing. 

Next week I'm planning on getting my activity level back up to par and my arm back in the game. 

After all - I got through the holidays and lost weight - now I have to do the post holiday reassessment and get off my butt and get back into the regiment I was in before my shoulder surgery. 

For those that saw a backward step in their weight loss plan over the holidays, no worries, it's easy to get back on track - just like physical therapy - you just have to grin and stiffen your resolve. 

Here's to a successful year.
JET

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Backspacer's books...a nice diversion from the pain of physical therapy!

Just a little illustration of a fraction of the books the members of Backspace, past & present, have published that I own and could find easily.  Nice reading during my post surgery time to heal.    

Friday, January 7, 2011

Welcome 2011

Welcome to the first Friday blog of 2011. I usually reserve the first Friday of the month to showcase my Backspace brethren releases, however, January seems to be quite a light month – well, non-existent actually – at least as far as the release dates on our internal forum calendar.


So, with the absence of information, I thought I’d showcase one of the authors I am having on my blog this month after a brief commentary on self-publishing.

Self publishing – taking the leap.

I’ve been reading Joe Konrath’s blog lately on self-publishing and I want to take a second to give my own voice to this debate. The one thing I want to stress to those thinking of taking this leap – get a decent editor, not just a proofreader – because, while occasional grammatical mistakes are annoying, they can be forgiven, but sloppy writing, inconsistent point of view, head hopping and the telling of a story cannot.

A good editor can point out excessive amount of back-story, or annoying head hopping or the fact that the pace is stunted by detailed descriptions riddled with clichés.  A good editor helps turn passive voice into an active, engaging voice.    

A good editor will point out the holes in your story, the places that need ironing out, things that work, things that don’t. They help you build a stronger, more solid foundation and push you to reach further, to capture the reader. Without this influence, the book doesn’t stand a chance.

If you can't afford a decent editor, find a good critique partner that isn't afraid of telling you like it is or a writers group that will offer both critiques and support.  This step in the process is essential to your growth as a writer and a chance to hone your craft. 

And on that note – speaking of critique partners… I’d like to take a moment to showcase a new writer whose first book – an urban fantasy - is coming out on January 25, 2011. Allison Pang and her book - A BRUSH OF DARKNESS.

I hooked up with Allison in one of Margie Lawson’s deep editing classes and I knew from the first assignment we swapped that this girl was going places. I had the pleasure of reading and offering feedback on A BRUSH OF DARKNESS before it had that title and let me tell you, even the rough draft kicked ass. Talk about god given talent. Allison will be swinging in on January 28th to talk a little more about her journey to publication, but in the meantime, here’s the description of A BRUSH OF DARKNESS:

The man of her dreams might be the cause of her nightmares.


Six months ago, Abby Sinclair was struggling to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Now, she has an enchanted iPod, a miniature unicorn living in her underwear drawer, and a magical marketplace to manage. But despite her growing knowledge of the OtherWorld, Abby isn’t at all prepared for Brystion, the dark, mysterious, and sexy-as- sin incubus searching for his sister, convinced Abby has the key to the succubus’s whereabouts. Abby has enough problems without having this seductive shape-shifter literally invade her dreams to get information. But when her Faery boss and some of her friends vanish, as well, Abby and Brystion must form an uneasy alliance. As she is sucked deeper and deeper into this perilous world of faeries, angels, and daemons, Abby realizes her life is in as much danger as her heart—and there’s no one she can trust to save her.



Thanks for swinging by today. Next week I have David Nelson Bradhser dishing it up about his unique book Vampire Sonnets and on the 21st I have award winning romance novelist Annette Blair dishing it up about some of her new projects as well as her Works Like Magick series.

Until next week,
Ciao
JET

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Jenny Craig - week 17

Another pound gone!  I hit 15 pounds now.  Yay - only ten more to go! 

This with the holidays and being at my in-laws going off plan for dinners and not exercising.  Wo - not bad.

Next week I start physical therapy and that should help too.  I'm hoping to reach goal weight before End Game is released on Valentines day.  That's ten pounds in six weeks.  Optomistic, hell yeah - but I think it is doable. 

Wish me luck and happy 2011!
Ciao,
JET

Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year's Resolutions

Hi folks.  Happy New Year!

I figured I'd write a special blog today - inspired by an email I received from my friend Tamara. 

Let's talk goals for 2011 and at the end of the year - we can look back and see whether we met our goals or exceeded them!

Here are a few of mine...

Goal #1 - Lose the remaining ten pounds of my weight goal and keep it off for the rest of the year. 

Goal #2 - Publish two books in my Steve Williams FBI series this year - Hunting Season in May and Georgia Reign in November.

Goal #3 - Write and publish five more short stories this year.

Goal #4 - Finish editing Crystal Illusions and Dome Warriors

Goal #5 - Work on completing Saving Face

Goal #6 - Continue blogging at least once a week.

Happy New Year - here's to meeting our 2011 goals!

Ciao.
JET