Monday, December 31, 2012

And, That's How It Ends

 
Well, it's almost here. 2013. Am I excited? Of course. Am I ready for a new chapter to begin? You betcha! Regrets? I've had a few....but, all in all, 2012....I can't complain. I accomplished a lot this year. Having my first paperback novel published was a big one. But, there were also a lot of intangible things that have changed this year. And, that's the stuff I want to keep working on for next year. I'm not one to wait until January 1st to start changes. I like to kick things off when the mood strikes. I started dropping weight on June 4th. Still going, but getting closer to the goal every day.

Goals are what it's all about for me. Rules suck. But, goals on the other hand, well that's another ball game all together. Apparently, I'm not alone in that feeling.

As for my goals for 2013...it's all about shedding. Shedding pounds, shedding useless habits and things. Shedding the shackles of owning a home. And, shedding all the bullshit that seems to accumulate everywhere.

I'm gonna learn to swim and if all goes well, to surf. And what better place to learn to surf than in Australia. So, to that end, if all goes to plan, we're heading back to Australia in 2013. I'm planning to cartwheel again in 2013, hopefully without breaking something. And, I will get my hot air balloon ride this year, no matter what! Hear that Universe, it's happening, so get on board. (literally and figuratively)

For work, I want to keep creating stories I love, stretching myself and writing things I can be proud of. Numbers aren't nearly as important to me as they once were. For right now, it's all about being in love with the words on the page and if others love them too, all the better.

So, those are the goals for 2013. It's an evolving list, but that's what I've got so far. One last Man Candy for the year, and also to help kick off the New Year right.

Happy New Year!!!!
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Monday, December 17, 2012

For a Little While, You Can Do No Wrong

When Kathryn asked me if I minded being tagged in a meme, I said no way. Bring it on. What came was My Next Big Thing. It's supposed to be all about what I'm working on at the moment. Unfortunately for me, my current WIP is a bit scattered at present. I'm hoping to get it under control soon. Who knows? Maybe this will help. At any rate, here we go.


1. What is the working title of your book?

Right now, as I'm still in the middle of this story, my working title is kind of up in the air, but right now, I'm leaning towards Go Coastal. It's a road trip book, but I wanted to stay away from any cliche puns in the title. That might change, but right now, Go Coastal is the title at the top of my manuscript.

2. Where did the idea for your book come from?

I pieced together the idea for this story from a couple different places. At the beginning of the story, the main character is working at a bank when a hold-up takes place. As a gun is pointed at him, he realizes how little he's lived and all that he'd miss out on if he died at a job he hates. I worked at a bank for several years, and while I never experienced a robbery situation, it's hard not to think about when you do that kind of job.

Then, the second part of the story, the main character is tired of always doing the right thing and being Mr. Dependable. When an opportunity to drive across America with his roommate's brother, he decides on a whim to join him. I've always wanted to drive across the country and decided to write about it until I get the chance.

3. What genre does your book fall under?

Erotic romance.

4. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Since I'm still working on the first draft, I'm not quite sure when it will be done. I'd love to say soon, but with the holidays coming up, I might not make it before the new year. Fingers crossed, by the time the 31st arrives, this draft will be ready for some editing.

6. Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My desire to travel more was the inspiration for this book. I think a lot of people can relate to wanting to get away, to leave it all behind and go on an adventure. It's a theme I've worked with before, but I wanted to do it in a different way.

7. What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

It has sex in it. And, I think it's pretty funny. The book, not the sex. Although.....

8. Which other writers will take over from you next week and tell us about their Next Big Thing? 

Since most people are super busy right now, I'm not going to single anyone out, just invite everyone who is reading this to take part. If you do, let me know by dropping a comment. And, thanks, Kathryn, for including me. Even if I am a Geelong supporter.
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