4 Generations
What’s Jack up to? Jack has been so good for me lately while I’m busy working that I’m almost scared to talk about it in fear that he”ll hear and start to act all Jack like so… Shhh… don’t tell him I’m talking about him on ye old blog today. And don’t look him directly in the eye. That’s when the trouble starts.
I hope Mother’s Day was good for all you moms out there. I went to Harlem to surprise my mom at her church and picked up Nana on the way. Here is a pic of the 3 of us along with my DD. Sorry it’s blurry it was snapped by my lil brother with his Crackberry. It was wonderful to have 4 generations together for Mother’s day.
Happy Monday!
Best,
Kwana
Bestselling Advice from Suzanne Brockmann
What’s Jack up to? You all know it’s never a dull moment with Jack the terrible terrier. As I type this he’s looking at me with sad puppy dog eyes sitting on his bed on a Jack time out after having gotten into the trash. So you know I’m not thrilled with him after having to clean up a big old mess. Oh well, so starts the week.
This week and the next I will be in crazy editing mode and hopefully have my nose to the grindstone as I have lots of work to do and not a lot of time to do it. Wish me luck and say a prayer that the family cooperates.
On Saturday I went into the NYC for my RWA chapter’s Spring brunch. This year we had a guest speaker attend which is something we have not done in the past and boy did we get some speaker for out intimate little brunch. New York Times Bestselling Romantic Suspense Author Suzanne Brockmann. I know right?
Let me tell you we had quite a turn out at this year’s luncheon with Suzanne there. As it happens Suzanne is in New York directing an off Broadway play until May 22ndcalled Looking for Billy Haines. You can find out info at www.lookingforbillyhaines.com So on top of being bestselling author she can now add director to her resume. Cool huh?
My notes were a little whacky as Suzanne talked while lunch was being served. Literally. She was so sweet. The waiters were coming in with the food trying to figure who had what and she didn’t mind she was like, “Who had the quiche? Salad? Pot Pie?” All with a smile.
She told us her journey from being a stay at home mother is 1992 and how she started out writing screenplays and moved from there to contemporary romance.
She also talked about Role Modeling after bestsellers careers during that time and the fact that category romance is a great place to start out for a 1st time romance author. It’s where she got her start. And guess what? Bantam has reissued all her category romances.
Suzanne also said how in the category years she used to write 6-7 books a year. Yeah, that’s right I said it 6-7 and she set out to make them the best book ever. Keepers that people did not want to give up. There is something to aspire to.
There was also talk about the importance of one on one connections with people when the question of social media came up. And how important is to say thank you when someone reaches out to you to gives feedback on your work. Good or bad. She’s a good egg.
Then we got into the process question and my mind was blown. Now you Brockmann fans know she writes intricate plots and ongoing series with twists and turns. Well she does big honking 80 page outlines. You should have heard the gasp of air suckage around the room. Me the pantser almost fell off my chair.
But to soften the blow she also believes in the crappy first draft and that big outline is taking into consideration up to 3 books out. Whew.
Also for you writers out there, when she’s in story mode she is writing 7 days a week. No breaks. She said that if she takes a day off it will take her 3 days to get back into the story. I can so relate to that. No more breaks for me. One day turns to too many and nothing gets done.
There were so nuggets of gold in Suzanne’s talk and Q & A that I can’t get it all in. The last thing I’ll leave you with is she told us to respect yourself as a writer whether you’re published or not. I believe that is true for whatever dream you are pursuing. Respect yourself and believe in yourself.
Thanks so much Suzanne for a wonderful afternoon.
You can visit Suzanne at her site http://www.suzannebrockmann.com
Now back to the grind for me.
Best,
Kwana
10th Photo Mariah slash Beyonce on a budget
What’s Jack up to? Jack has been an odd one. Very pushy and demanding lately. He wants what he wants when he wants it and is not afraid to show it. A total toddler like dog. So Jack.
The Lovely Debra from Lifescapes tagged me with the 10th post challenge where you are supposed to post your 10th blog photo. Now I had to dig way back to January 2008 for this 10th photo and the post was back when I was blogging Project Runway which I have not been doing for the past 2 seasons though I still watch the show. I will say I was not surprised with the final 2 at all this season but wanted Emilio to win. Ahh well. I also give thanks to Anthony for providing the entertainment this year.
Now this 10th pic was of a Christian Sirano design from one of the challenges. Christian turned out to be the winner and stand out of the show. Attached is a more recent youtube clip of Christian being just Christian. I love that he carries a date book like I do. Beyonce!
If you care to play along in the 10 photo post let me know and I’ll come for a visit. I’d love to see your 10th photos.Best,
Kwana
Never Be Forgotten
What’s Jack up to? Jack was in rare form yesterday morining. Getting me on my toes right away by nabbing the DS’s lunch sandwich out of his bookbag and running off with it. What a way to start the day. Jack never let’s me forget that he’s around.
Speaking of never to be forgotten don’t forget to scoll down and enter Amanda’s Muse givaway. Thanks so much for guest hosting Amanda! The winner get’s all three of her Muse trilogy books. Yay! And in honor of Amanda here are a few pics from my dear twins past trip to Paris and Versailles also this video clip from the movie Marie Antoinette.
Best,
Kwana
Guest Blogger Alert: Author Amanda McCabe Muses on Mayfair
What’s Jack up to? Jack is happy to today because there is a guest blogger (with a nice giveaway) on ye’ old blog. Yay! And how can Jack not be thrilled? Look at the company Amanda McCabe keeps. Here she is with her pug Victoria and checkout sweet Abigail in her Halloween costume.
Yep, Jack in not alone in having an, um… interesting owner. Now here’s Amanda!
Hi everyone! I’m so excited to be back at Kwana’s blog today, and excited to be talking about my “Muses of Mayfair” trilogy from Harlequin Historicals. These books, To Catch a Rogue, To Deceive a Duke, and To Kiss a Count (plus the prequel, a Harlequin Historical Undone short story, where a real Greek Muse comes to wreak havoc on Regency London!) are out in April, May, and June. They’re very special to me since I got to re-visit two childhood dreams—to have sisters and to become an archaeologist! Neither came true alas, but that’s what writing is for…
I became fascinated by archaeology when I was kid and found a beautiful book my parents owned about famous archaeological sites around the world. There were gorgeous photos and detailed articles about the sites’ discovery and exploration. I spent hours poring over this book! But then I tore up the newly-planted grass in our backyard to search for Viking treasure (with assistance from our German shepherd, who was very enthusiastic about this kind of research!). My dad was not happy, and my fledgling career as the new Howard Carter was nipped in the bud. But I never lost my love of history and a good tale of adventure and discovery, and I was able to use this with the Muses.
The Chase sisters are a product of the Regency-era love of the classical world and infatuation with its artwork. Their father, Sir Walter Chase, is a famous scholar and antiquarian who named his daughters after the Muses. Now the 3 eldest—Calliope, Clio, and Thalia—follow in his footsteps as scholars in their own rights. They form the Ladies Artistic Society to further their studies—but their bookish lives are overturned by the unexpected arrival of 3 sexy, dangerous heroes!
I had so much fun creating 3 very different heroines and finding the perfect men for them, as well as exploring their sisterly connections. I also loved putting them 3 different settings and plotting the mysteries surrounding ancient objects. Calliope and Cameron in To Catch a Rogue are in glittering London and Gothic Yorkshire, chasing after a statue of the goddess Artemis (based on one I saw in the Louvre!). When I wrote To Deceive a Dukeit was the middle of winter and I wanted some warm sun, so Clio and the Duke of Averton get sent to Sicily to protect a precious hoard of temple altar silver (based on the famous “Morgantina silver” in the Met). I loved finding out what was really going on between these two! And Thalia and Marco in To Kiss a Countgo to Bath, also chasing after the silver and the villainess who has stolen it—or has she? The genteel Bath façade of tea and assemblies conceals danger and skullduggery galore! (Plus I do have a weakness for Italian men like Marco…)
So I had a fabulous time re-visiting my childhood passions and playing “Regency Indiana Jones” with the Chase Muses! What did you love as a child? And what are some of your favorite archaeological sites or art objects? I’ll give away a complete trilogy to one commenter…
“Great conversations, an engaging plot with lots of complications, and realistic, charming characters make To Catch a Rogue and Amanda McCabe a winner” –Cataromance
“Amanda McCabe has crafted a spell-binding, sensuous read grounded in Greek mythology. Filled with muses, romance, intrigue, and mystery, this thrill-of-the-hunt Regency historical evokes visions of Aphrodite and Apollo amongst the ton setting. Like any great read, I was sad for it to end!” –The Season
Amanda can be found at her website at: http://ammandamccabe.com/
or on her blog at: http://amandamccabe.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much for being here Amanda! It was a pleasure having you guest post today.
Now, comment away people. Winner will be announced on Wednesday’s post.
Best,
Kwana
Cooling in the shade
What’s Jack up to? Always looking for a good spot to chill.
I’m trying to stay deep in editing mode so am light on spare words just popping in to wish you a good day today. Find a chance to chill ok?
And Happy Earth Day! Do something good for the earth today. Refill that water bottle again and again. It’s cool.
Best,
Kwana
Yarning
What’s Jack up to? Jack has been enjoying the nice weather we’ve been having so far this week and keeping me very good company while I sit outside to get some editing done, this is until the annoying bees on the porch drive us away. Ugh. Anyone have a remedy to keep the bees away? Jack and I would really like to enjoy the porch more before the dog days of summer come.
Today it’s more editing and then a Wednesday much needed yarn break and chat session with The Knitsters. Thanks to the PIC for directing me to this calming pic.
What do you do for a mid-week mini-break?
Best,
Kwana
Back to Reality
What’s Jack up to? Jack’s being Jack. Chilling after a weekend of well… chilling. Yeah, his life is good.
Me, I’m recuperating after the busy weekend with the DH and the Dear Twins. Thanks so much for all the well wishes on the DH’s birthday and all the support on the Borders True Romance post this Saturday. It was great and so nice of you all.
Today it’s back to writing, editing and the mom, work, drive grind although a little time to luxuriate would be nice.
Best,
Kwana
And Another One
What’s Jack up to? Jack’s wishing you a Happy Monday! He’s had a good weekend full of sunshine, naps, food and walks. But then again he lives a dog’s life so there’s that. Don’t you sometimes wish you could be in his shoes? Just for a day?
Another busy week is planned on ye old blog and in life (when is it not?). In life hopefully lots of writing will get done, and then there’s tons of family stuff both fun and chore-ish.
On ye old blog, there will be an exciting interview and a giveaway for tomorrow so come on back, a birthday (oh 2) later in the week (not mine) and some other assorted stuff thrown in once I work all that out.
Wishing you all a fab week.
Best,
KwanaP.S. Tax day is the 15th are you all up on that hat messery? I actually saw a sign today for a tax tea party in my area. Really want to go park and see who in the world from may area shows up to act a hot mess, but no don’t want to get disappointed in folks so won’t. grrrrr….
Leave Em Hanging
What’s Jack up to? Jack and I can’t get over the sudden warm weather. Um, there’s a season, it’s called Spring. Can we try that first? I mean wasn’t it just a few weeks ago and we were waist deep in snow? Jack and I hung on the front porch for quite a while until the beaming sun ran us inside but Jack did have fun guarding the house from the other side of the window.
As for me the big upside of the warm weather was doing laundry early and getting hung outside to dry. There’s nothing like sun dried laundry. One of the little joys of a nice warm day.
Not a joy of laundry though? Folding and putting away. Yeah my life is sooo glamorous. How about yours?
Best,
Kwana
P.S. Thanks to Random.org The winner of the 2 Kids and a Dog giveaway is Christine! Congrats Christine. Please send me an email at kwanawrites (at) yahoo (dot) com with your mailing information to claim your prizes. Thanks to everyone for playing.
