Not Much Getting Done

Most of my week has been centered around cleaning up around the house or work. Yes, I do have a day job. I've also been watching my favorite Science Fiction shows, Defiance, Warehouse 13, Continuum, Primeval New World and Falling Skies. I'm also rewatching Terra Nova on DVD.

My one writing victory was to get my part of the collaboration with Julie Campbell done and off to her to add the next section. We're running a bit behind on it but both us have other things going on in our lives. Not to mention the wonderful warm weather just makes one want to go out and bathe in the sun rather than type away on the computer.

I'm also on the list of participating authors for MileHiCon. Got their update email with all the exciting panels and events that are planned.

The WorldCon in San Antonio, TX is right around the corner but finances prevent me from attending. Am waiting to see where the one in 2015 is with Spokane, WA, Orlando, FL and somewhere in Finland in the running. Kansas City, MO has a bid in for 2016...so far.

While I'm trying to finish this, there's a tiny paw on my leg begging for attention. Adara likes to sit on my lap and groom my arm. Unfortunately, it is just too hot, so she went to bother one of the male cats, who just wants to sleep. He ignored her so she is off to get into mischief.

Guess I'd better go check on her.

Bridging the Gap

I had an unexpected weekday of last week so I arranged to meet with my two teen collaborators. We sat at their dining room table with me on my lap top and them on their ipads. We had a great time doing research of various animals and plotting out the final book, which will help with the first four in the series. When we finished we had all the species for the first four installments and a very good idea what power our bad guy has.

I can't wait to get started on this young adult series. I've even decided to see if I can market it to a large publishing house, instead of a small one, even though the very idea scares me. Still, I know the market is looking for good books. Better still, it will appeal both girls and boys, the latter rarely finding anything they actually want to read.

What I've learned from tutoring is that boys lag far behind girls in reading. While I don't mind writers catering to the female audience, the male one has been largely ignored.

Hopefully, this will be a series that bridges the gap.

Seasons

Summer has arrived. Temperatures are the 90's this week and I really don't want to do anything. Maybe my biggest question is what happened to Spring? We had an elongated winter with snow storms well into April/May. After that is was chilly and then bam! Summer stomped in.

My own personal seasons have been just as stormy. The transmission went on my van in late fall and I ended up having to drive my husband's car for several months. My father-in-law had a major medical issue and landed in the hospital - while my husband was out of town. Then my father had an accident and broke his elbow.

After that my husband went to live with his dad for what was supposed a temporary unknown length of time. Two months later he returned and told me he didn't want to be married anymore.Of course, he did this just before CoSine where I was schedule to be one of the participating authors. I was pretty much in shock for about a week or so.

Eventually, I got a new car with my husband helping with the financing. I own my new vehicle free and clear of payments. Not only did I get all the features I wanted but over and beyond what I had asked God for.

I did start a new job in September and six months later, I got promoted. Having never been salaried before, I'm finding it a treat to not have to punch a time clock.

Now at work, we're starting a new season. Many of our seasoned agents have moved on to a new department and most on my team are all new. It's an exciting, busy and yet scary time.

As for my writing, I'm working on that as I have time. I talked to my publisher at Denver Comic Con and my new book 'God's Gift' will be released, barring unforeseen circumstances, later this year. 'Different Dragons' which I edited is out and I have writers fighting to get into Volume 2. There are two collaborations in the works and a few short story submissions in my future.

This season of change has taught me many things and I'm blessed to have God who watches out for me. I face the future with hope rather than fear.

Denver Comic Con

I spent the weekend at Denver Comic Con sitting at the WolfSinger Publications table. I'm thankful my publisher agreed to allow me to do this. She even made up a sign that I was there and had an announcement done on Sunday to say I was there.

The outcome was that ten copies of 'Winter Awakening' were sold. Another eight of the two anthologies that I edited 'Time Traveling Coffers' and 'Different Dragons'.

There were several folks who made a point to stop by. A woman and her two children who heard the announcement. A lady I rescued on the light rail. Someone who bought a copy of 'Different Dragons' on Friday night, learned I was there on Saturday and came back on Sunday to have me sign her book. A young lady I had met a Lifeway. And many others.

My most precious moment was when a young adult bought my book and asked to me to take a picture with her. I'd never had that happen and it was a bit of a surprise. But one thing I've learned from many of the pros, always be gracious with your fans and make them the highlight, not yourself.

I did take a bit of time to walk by and see the various film/TV guests. I'm not one to collect celebrities autographs. Richard Hatch was the only exception I've ever made to the rule. I got to say 'Hi' to good friends and fellow authors, David Boop, Peter J. Wacks, Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta. And enjoyed the various costumes people wore all the way from infants to those who are more mature.

Will I go back next year! Absolutely!!!!