PP gal Vicki Batman: I've got the Giggles over Mr. Sexy Runner

I've got the Giggles over Mr. Sexy Runner

At least three times a week, I work out at Jazzercise. My route there takes me along the west side of the small lake in my neighborhood. Eventually, the road connects with a main street, then another. I reach my destination in fifteen-ish minutes.

So what does this have to do with "giggles" and "Mr. Sexy Runner, Vicki?"

Most days, I pass Mr. Sexy Runner. LOL

One particular morning, a dark, heavy fog reached the pavement, blanketing everything. Ghostly, tree trunks stretched skywards, their limbs resembling thin fingers eventually disappeared in the mist.

PP Kathy Ivan has Most Excellent News!

Congratulations, Kathy Ivan!

Your story, Desperate Choices, placed FIRST in the Long Suspense  category in Oklahoma Romance Writers of America's first annual International Digital Awards contest.

Signs from the Universe

I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason and the Universe sends messages. We just have to be paying attention to receive them.
In May 2011, I got laid off without warning. It was the first time I’d been without a job in, oh, twenty years. It was probably one of the most stressful times of my life. With a few little enjoyments thrown in. Like I got to pick up my son from school the last month. We hung out together a lot. We made numerous trips to the library. All the while, I looked for work and sent my resume out to about a hundred places a month.

Meanwhile, I started writing. But I found I had a hard time focusing on the writing because I was so worried about the bills and the money.

Get to Know: Cynthia Woolf & Tame a Wild Wind

Welcome, Cynthia, to the PP. Let's get to know you:

How did you get from your day job to writing romance?  I am lucky in that I am able to write full time. 

What are your three favorite books of all time?  Honors Splendor by Julie Garwood;  Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood;  The Lyon’s Lady by Julie Garwood.

Basically anything by Julie Garwood, Johanna Lindsey, early Amanda Quick.

Morning, afternoon, or evening person?  Early morning person, I mean really early, like 3 AM.  I get more done at that time of day than any other.  When you have insomnia you don’t sleep much.  J  So I get lots of writing done.

Music--with or without? What kind?  I don’t use music when I write.  I know that a lot of people do.  Two of my critique partners listen to music when we do our “just write” sessions.

The Top Ten Reasons BEEF STOLEN-OFF Will Sell

I am so insecure when it comes to my own writing. I have another book coming out this year and three coming out next year. I couldn’t suck, right? Yet, insecure me sometimes looks over my shoulder to make sure someone isn’t chasing me to take it all away. Last year when LIVER LET DIE first came out I put together this top ten list, and I decided that it still applies—maybe even more so. At the time I whined about the fact that Berkley bought three books from me after only reading three chapters and that I was  worried they wouldn’t like the finished project. Thankfully, they loved that first manuscript as well as the next two. I am currently working on Book 4 in the Clueless Cook series for them and just recently I signed a two book deal with Midnight Ink for my paranormal mainstream mystery series.  Now, I can’t seem to get my rump in gear and write those stupid books, so I’m whining again.

I WANT MY HAPPILY EVER AFTER - By Kathy Ivan

Let me preface this blog by stating: I am a hopeless romantic. A card carrying, flag waving, cry at sappy commercials romantic. A good love story makes me happy. Watching the characters meet, connect, argue, fall in love, these are all things I thoroughly enjoy reading. There's nothing like a wonderfully romantic story to make me feel good inside.

Now here's my RANT. I want my happy ending. Like any modern day fairy tale, give me that Happily Ever After. I know the trend with chick lit and women's fiction can often be happy for now, and that okay, but when I'm reading a book regardless of the specific genre, that has been touted and categorically stated to be a romance, you darn well better give my that satisfactory conclusion, the hero and heroine professing their love and wanting to be together forever.

Fireworks Anyone?

Happy Birthday America!  It's almost the fourth and this month I wanted to do something a little different.  I want to hear from you what you love about living in America.  We say we're the greatest country in the world, but I want to know what makes you appreciate living here.