ALABAMA SLAMA!

Okay, so, the fabulous Jen Daiker and I are making a Disney Deal with the universe for when we land agents. I was supposed to post about that today. But, you see, it has to wait a couple days (I'm sorry, Jen!) because Alabama needs YOUR help. And if not your help then at least your support.

The Southern Princess, aka Courtney Barr is raising money to help victims of the storm that tore through Alabama, leaving many people homeless or worse. The auction starts tomorrow and I INSIST that you go to the ALL 4 ALABAMA Blog and become a follower. Now. Go. It only takes a few seconds.

Read a few of her heartbreaking posts about how bad it is down there, and I guarantee you'll want to help however you can. One great way is to bid on lots of priceless stuff, including signed books, ARCs, and agent critiques!

So please, (I'm not being bossy anymore. I'm pleading for your support) PLEASE go follow the the ALL 4 ALABAMA Blog and help spead the word via Twitter, Facebook, or your blog. Remember, the universe loves paying back good deeds with good karma.

Oh, and don't forget the other spectacular storm victim auction already underway. HELP WRITE NOW.

See, Jen, I'm creating a lead-in to our deal with the universe post. :)

KEEPING COMPANY WITH NIKOLAS & Co.

A couple months ago, a writer friend, Kevin McGill, asked me to be part of his Story Makers section of his website: http://www.nikolasandco.com

I was flabbergasted and flattered, but of course I said yes. Yesterday, my short story (very short—only 4 pages) Eternal Amusements went live. I combined my love for angels, amusement parks, and possible takes on heaven and/or the afterlife. (It was my first attempt at a short story since high school, so go easy on me.) If you’re interested, you can read it here.

Even if you don’t want to read my story, you should check out Kevin’s site. His MG book, Nikolas & Company will be released June 23^rd. It contains fire-breathing winged lions, nymphs, and lots of magic. Need I say more?

ROONEY UPDATE

Back in December, I posted about my American bulldog, Rooney. Many of you have emailed and asked how he’s doing (which I truly appreciate), so I figured I’d give an update.

In November, after a surgery to remove a questionable mass, Rooney was diagnosed with cancer. The vet recommended chemotherapy. They wanted to inject poison into my baby, over and over. Or we could do nothing and hope for the best.

As tough as it was, I chose chemo. I wanted to give him the best fighting chance possible.

I cried. A lot. Through many tummy aches, weak limbs, scratching his eyes and face so much it caused infections (chemo made him itchy), and lots of hair loss. But he’s still here.

He’s still wagging his tail, playing with toys, and smacking me with his mammoth-sized paws when we wrestle. He still snuggles up beside me as I type on my laptop for hours, still gives his sister, Moby (lab/border collie mix) lots of kisses, and he still snorts with happiness and jumps around when I ask him if he wants to go for a walk or ride.

(See that blur where Rooney's tail is, that's him wagging cuz he's cuddled up with his sis.)

If he hadn’t gone through chemo, I’m not sure I could report any of the above. I don’t know if he’d still be here. The vet estimated 2-6 months without chemo. I can’t fathom that. Not after all we’ve been through together. Rooney endured a rough existence before I rescued him. I want him to enjoy a long, happy, love-filled life. With each day that passes, and with each night I get to kiss him goodnight, I say a prayer that we will have many many more together.

Just like I said in my original post, Rooney and I have learned…

Where there is love, there is hope.

And that hasn’t changed.

PRODUCTIVE PATTERNS

Happy April!

I'd say Happy Spring, but since I live in Florida I feel like it's been spring since February. To all of you Northerners, I hope the weather is getting warmer and more enjoyable.

I've noticed April is my Finish month. As in, I always seem to finish my projects at the end of March/beginning of April. Whenever I query a project, it's always in the spring. I don't know why that is. But I'm pondering this pattern as I polish and shine my query and MS for Queryland.

Does anyone else notice a seasonal pattern with their writing? What are you working on right now?

MORE BASE!

Thanks to everyone who voted and commented on my BASE jumping poll. I've decided it can go in the query. If agents don't know what it is, and are curious, they can google it.

One of my MCs BASE jumps daily as a way to deal with his emotional pain. For him, adrenaline rushes help ease his heartache. Well, okay, and he might have a little bit of a death wish too but whatevs.

For those who didn't know, BASE stands for Building Antenna, Span, Earth. Meaning, poeople wear winged flight suits and a parachute and leap from inanimate wicked-tall objects like mountains, bridges, skyscrapers etc. No, I haven't done it. Although, call me crazy, I'd love to try it because I've been skydiving a few times and absolutely love it.

Here's one of my fav BASE jumping videos in case you want to see what it's all about. It's shot in breathtaking Norway and it gives me excited (and envious) chills every time I watch. Enjoy!

BASE JUMPING ANYONE?

WITHOUT GOOGLING IT, (or reading any comments--they may be a spoiler) PLEASE answer my poll question:

Do you know what BASE Jumping is?

I'm writing my query and trying to figure out if I say one of my characters was BASE Jumping, will agents know what that means? Or will it cause a HUH moment?

Thank you in advance for your feedback!