Frustrated Incorporated

I can't seem to stop procrastinating today. I have things I want to write, to get out, but it is just not working. How am I supposed to concentrate when John McCain just picked his running mate and Katie Holmes has a new haircut? How can I keep focused when my mind keeps wandering to bills, the rain and the end of the Aussie Rules season? Then, I go and get the mail and my new Bitch Magazine is in there, so that will prove to be another distraction.

With the holiday weekend coming, I know I will have a lot of extra time to write, but I wanted to do it today. Why won't my brain just cooperate? Right now, I am still inclined to fight, but as the day wears on, I tend to give up. If I can even get a few lines down, I will call it a success. Unless my inspiration comes, it might end up being a slow day. But, that is okay. There is always tomorrow. Or much more likely for me, the middle of the night.

'Cause That's Just Who I Am This Week

I spent the weekend trying to sell some of my unwanted possessions. I was fairly successful but I'm still left with several boxes full of books to try and find homes for. I'm going to give it a few more tries, and then I'll have to donate my tomes to a worthy library.

While I was haggling the price of a pizza stone, I also got some more good news. I received an honorable mention in the 4th annual For the Girls Fiction contest. My Story, Glass Houses, is featured on their site. It is a pay service, so if you want to check it out, join this awesome site and read away. Also, my story Behind Those Eyes, went up on The Erotic Woman yesterday. Read all about it.

And, finally. . . it is true: I'm going to be reading my story, This Just In, from Tasting Him at the In The Flesh Reading Series in October. Lord knows what I was thinking, but it is too late to back out now. Check out all the info and come watch me humiliate myself with all the real writers.

All in all a good weekend. How about you?

It's Enough To Drive You Crazy If You Let It

I saw someone this weekend that I used to work with. We are still friends, but we both agreed that our friendship has really changed now that we don't work together. Mostly, because while we worked together, I was a miserable bitch. I hated my job, and this poor, wonderful girl had to be my boss. I made her life difficult, mostly unintentionally, because of how much I was loathe to be at this job. Now that I am free, and doing what I love, she agrees that the change in me has been dramatic.

It got me thinking about all the things I've done with myself since I started working, oh so many years ago. It took me a long to figure out how to translate what I wanted to do into something I could really do. My fear and uncertainty held me back for so long, it took me a lot of wrongs to find the right. It is an impressive list, as I was something of a dilettante. To quote the fine film Wayne's World, "I've had plenty of joe jobs, nothing I'd call a career. Let's just say, I have an extensive collection of name tags and hairnets." No hairnets for me, but all over the place doesn't begin to cover it. In chronological order:

*Bowling Alley counter girl (family biz)

*Assistant to PR director

*Radio station part timer

*Record Store Clerk (of course)

*Book Store Clerk (duh)

*Community Relations for Minor League Baseball Team

*Assistant to Athletic Director for NCAA Div 1 school

*Apartment Leasing Agent
*Massage Therapist

*Body Piercer/Retail Bitch
*Bank Teller

And, finally. . .a writer. God, it sure took me long enough. So, where did your path lead? Feel like sharing?

You Can Never Get Enough, Enough of This Stuff

It's been a pretty good week for me. In addition to getting my first anthology in my hot little hands, it was also my nine year wedding anniversary yesterday. It's hard to believe he's stuck around this long, but my husband might be the only man alive who can put up with me. He has been so unbelievably supportive of me in all this, and I just want to thank him for that.

And, today, for a perfect end to my work week, you can catch my story, "If I Had My Time Again" on Oysters and Chocolate.

Please to enjoy. Let me know what you think. Comment, rate it, rave to me all about it in an email, whatever you like. Have a great weekend. I know I will.

*As for the picture, I thought the blog needed a little eye candy. Mmmm, Chris Evans.

Waiting For Wednesday, I Pray You'll Put Me on the Spot

It's official. My first book, at least the first book I appear in, just landed on my doorstep. Tasting Him, the kick-ass anthology edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel is available right now through Cleis and very soon through Amazon.

It is just such a trip. My name is in there, my story is in there. I've known about the book for a while, since I was on vacation, but it is so surreal in this moment. I'm so very excited, and busy dancing around my house, but I had to stop and mention it. So, as soon as you can, run out and get this great book, and it's sister, Tasting Her. Also, check out the book and other goodies at Rachel's book blog.

More good news on the way, so keep checking in. Let me know what you think of the story. My very first anthology story. I'm still giggling. . . .

When It's Over, Don't You Hate to Have to Put Your Toys Away

I know I do. But, that is why I keep my toys somewhere special. I got tired of having my toys scattered all over my bedroom, in various drawers and hiding places. So, I found a way to keep them all together, and to have fun with it.

It is a very simple process. I get some photo boxes (or any size that will work for you and your collection) I decorate them with magazine cut-outs, photos, quotes, etc and decoupage them onto the box. After a snazzy coat of shiny spray, they are good to go. I line them with fabric and give my toys a brand new home. Since things are getting a bit crowded, I am in the process of making another box. These are two that currently house some of my finest items.

So, if you are in need of a place to keep your boudoir paraphernalia, get those scissors out and get to it. I do love a good craft project!

But It's The Wrongs That Make the Words Come to Life

No one likes to hear the word no. No sucks. I don't like saying it, so I don't that often. For me, getting rejected is the worst part about this path I have chosen. I hate it, and I know I'm not alone. Part of what kept me from sharing my writing for so long was the rejection thing. I never wanted to hear that I'm not good enough, or that my writing wasn't. Which, in my mind, is often the same thing.

But, in order to play the game, you have to face it. Face the rejection and move on. Sometimes, I am able to put it behind me and move on quickly. But, other times, I have to sit in it for a while. Stew about it. Which isn't very smart.

However, sometimes getting stuff rejected ends up okay. After recently having two stories turned away, they have now found new homes and will be coming out very shortly. I'll keep you posted. I know not every no has a silver lining, but they don't all have to be the end.