What's on your nightstand?

No, not the personal items.
I mean the To Be Read pile.
At last year's RWA conference in San Francisco, I like many attendees, came away with a bunch of free books. One was the second in JR Ward's Brotherhood of the Dagger series. It only took me about 6 months to wade through the pile to get to it.
I will readily admit: I am not a fan of vampire stories. Correction: I wasn't never a fan of vampire stories.

boy, has she turned me around!!!!
The humor is fabulous. The humanity is refreshing. And the sex is great.
The internal conflict is individualized to each of the seven heroes and crafted so well it feels effortless. I'm sure it wasn't all that easy.

I now have hooked my daughter on them.
If you have a chance, pick one up but try to read them in order.
Peace.
Kathy

Maine RWA Retreat

Thank you, thank you, thank you, all MERWA members for hosting another fabulous retreat.
The workshops were well attended and quite interesting. The pitch sessions revealed there is some fascinating work going on out there. I hope everyone follows up and submits, submits, submits!!!

Jessica Andersen's workshops on World Building and Punching Up Your Writing were fun and educational. She even agreed to think about coming to Rochester to present the same workshops next year!!!
Wahoo!
Until next time,
Peace to all
Kathy

Happy Mother's Day

This weekend, my husband and I are getting away to his family's cottage on a small lake northwest of Syracuse. He loves the place and goes there often to fish, rest and relax.
This time we're taking one of our daughters, her two kids and the dog as her husband will be away for the weekend.
Our precious Meredith, who just turned 3, loves the cottage as much as her Papa does, though for perhaps different reasons. There is a long hallway leading to the bedroom wing, perfect for running endless marathons and trying out her new bowling set. A huge great room with hardwood floors is perfect for setting up her new four-car train set--and for running around. Her brother will be able to creep and crawl to his heart's content.
I have manuscripts to read and perhaps one of my own to start building the foundation by interviewing the lead characters.
I hope all who read this have a wonderful spot to celebrate mothers everywhere.
Peace,
Kathy

Getting back on the saddle

Well, I tried--going to an editor chat.
They wouldn't let me in.
Because I forgot to write the password down and keep it in a safe place.
This computer age stuff is for the birds!

As I have the next week off from diaper and training pants duty--thank the sweet baby Jesus and all the saints in heaven--I plan to spend the time sewing my fat chubby fingers off. Several babies are due in the extended family and I like to make diaper bags for the expectant parents. If I like them I make two--one more masculine for the dad and one in the mom's fav colors or prints. Before I send it off I like to stuff the bag with baby things like rattles and pacifiers [can never have enough of those puppies] and boppy covers.

When the diaper bags are completed I'm making a book bag for my niece, fixing a Curious George backpack I made for my darling Meredith, and various Dora the Explorer accoutrements for Mere's bedroom. I've stocked up on 50% off coupons from JoAnn fabrics which should help the cost.

And . . . months ago I promised my two favorite critique partners purple totes with coordinating pansy pockets and straps. It's spring, let's celebrate!!!

Peace

Conference Wrap Up

I can't believe almost 2 months has gone by since I last posted anything.
Something has to be done about that!!!
I have to go to an Editor Chat right now but I'll be back
Peace,
Kathy

To Conference[s] We Will Go!!

It is that time of year, spring is blooming, conference planners are running themselves ragged. This year I have been invited to two: New England's Let Your Imagination Take Flight [March] and the annual Maine Retreat [May].
I'll run my mouth at both, of course. Sex Offenders at NEC and TBA for the Maine folks.
I can't wait. I've never been to NEC and I've always wanted to go. It'll be fun to see all my pals at the Maine RWA chapter again. We had great fun last year.
Also, I've been asked to be a final round judge for The Laurie Contest this year. This is a first for me [final round, I mean]. Gee, my name will go in the RWR and everything!!!
Big stuff, aren't we?
Peace

Quote for the day

While having blood work drawn the other day I saw this on the message board and couldn't stop laughing. I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.

"Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply. if you give her a house, she'll give you a home. if you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her."
So . . . if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.