Audio Box
What’s Jack up to? Right now he’s hunkered under my bed like he’s in for the night. Sorry, Jack you’ve gotta go to your own bed. You know I don’t go for critters sleeping under me. Ahem, no jokes please!
Today I just finished listening to Janet Evanovich’s Lean Mean Thirteen on my ipod. So much fun! For years I never thought of myself as an audio book girl. I mean honestly, is there anything better than a new book? The feel of cool crisp paper beneath your fingers is just delicious.But thanks to Jack I’m now doing lots more walking and I’m totally in favor of a good audio book. And thanks to the library I can get the book on cd and download it to my ipod quick and easy. Fantastic.
My favo
rite audio books have been all the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum books. I often find myself laughing out loud as I walk down the street. The reader is wonderful at instantly pulling you into the story and every character has a distinct voice that fits them perfectly.Besides that, I’m just in awe of how Janet Evanovich has made this world with these amazing characters that feel like they could be friends that you can hop in you car and go to visit. It’s something I strive for as a writer. The book’s over, but I can still picture them going on and living their lives. Now that’s what I call a good series!
Another plus with the JE audio books in at the end of most of them is this cool question and answer session with Janet. So you get to hear in her own words how she makes up this world and what her life is like. So much fun for us newbies in the writing game. Check them out and let me know what you think.
So tell me are you an audio book person, strictly paper only or are you one of those cutting edge modern-nistas with an e-reader?
Best,
KwanaIt’s Sew Not Over
And the fun keeps on coming. To keep us out of withdrawl, PR keeps the competition going with a new challenge for the designers. 12 have done collections and the winner gets 10 grand. The best part we get to vote. Check them out then cast your vote PR fans. Please no hanging chads!
Still Winter, Eh?
What’s Jack up to? Hopefully being sweet and easy. Let’s have a quiet day, Jack. Please.Remember that sweet little birdie from the other day? A hopeful sign of Spring. Well, he was just a big fat tease.
I went to bed with clear skies and I relatively clear head…I woke to this:.jpg)
Yep, same tree from the other dayAnd a head, chest and throat that’s anything, but clear. I suspect the flu came in silently last night with the snow. It snuck up so fast, there was nothing I could do to stop it. Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, aching body, what a mess. So it’s me, my laptop, a little misery and lots of hot tea today. Not so different from any other day, I guess..
Ugh! Am I really expected to shovel today? You’ve got to be kidding me.Well, I hope you have a good one with a bit of sunshine.Best,KwanaRunway Rage
What’s Jack up to. It’s late so he’s all curled up and sleeping like a baby. Ah, bliss.
Survivor was a wild one this week. Attitudes and arguments galore. I thought blood would be drawn during that crazy football/sack challenge. I’m now ripping up my application. No diet is worth that abuse!I can’t believe that Yau-Man was voted out. I should have known though because he was my pick for the winner this season. Shows once again that I sure can’t pick them. And what’s with Cirie who has turned into this power hungry megalomaniac? Too bad for her that she’ll be out soon.
I tuned into Make Me A Supermodel and once again couldn’t help feeling like I was watching the poor man’s ANTM. The water tank? Been there done that. The animals on the catwalk? What tha!? That’s so stretching it. Then for much needed drama they decided to to a mid-season haircut, hoping the poor Frankie would do a freak out. He disappointed them all and took the cut like a man. For what it’s worth I’m rooting for Jacki who made it to the bottom 3 this week.
Jacki in the tank photo from Bravo
Not that it’s awful, but maybe now I feel all model shows should have cat fights and the airbrushed perfection of J. Manuel. And Tyson I just can’t get with. He wants so bad to be Tyra that he just talks for no reason, dishing out the tough model love. Allegedly he even went so far as to bad mouth Miss T, saying he’s got more clout. Um, Dude you may be all that, but crazy Miss T is really all that. And excuse me wasn’t that you I saw tipping in on ANTM cycle 9 to make the girls all drooly?
Best,
Kwana
Reality Roundup
What’s Jack up to? Today he’s being a little devil and sneaking in where he doesn’t belong causing trouble at every turn. Oh, you’re lucky you are so cute, Jack.I have to say I loved the Project Runway reunion and I will miss the show when it’s over.
My favorite moment was Heidi calling Victorya out for being such a pill then Tim Gunn agreeing with her! Man would someone tell me why she has such a stick up her butt. It’s kind of hilarious.
The Kevin cry fest was too funny. Aww little Emotionita, Were you really crying over the accessory wall?
Now I know this is totally rubbing some of you the wrong way (Mar I love ya), but the “fierce” (in his own mind) Christian won the fan favorite. Now I would have been happier if it was Chris ,but I’m not surprised at all that it was Christian. He was serving it all season with the designs and the attitude. I mean he even had Tim saying “fierce”. Congrats, Christian!
ANTM– oh, my! Were there really fights in the prelims? Goodness what will happen in the house? What did we learn last night? I guess it’s that crazy comes in all shapes and sizes.Anya, is that a Hawaiian accent? Really? I’m not sure the folks in Hawaii would agree. Eek.
Claire, Why is your hair cut like that on one side? She’s just begging to have it all cut off on the makeover show. Can you say wig fest?
Kim- oh Lord, I just hope she smartens up as the show goes on. Is there anybody up there?My surprise was Allison. She grew on me and has a real Sarah Silverman quality about her. I think she may go far. It should be an interesting season.One other point, like Survivor and making fire, girls when you know you’re going on the show, why don’t you learn to walk? These are some of the worst walkers Ev-ah! Miss J please work it out!I can’t wait to see how the season goes. Should be fun.Best,KwanaModel TV
What’s Jack up to? Today he’s chilling on his perch, high on the couch where he can watch all of the block’s goings on and bark at whoever has the nerve to walk by our house.
I was reminded by some friends that tonight is a fun night for TV. It’s the premier of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 10.
Have we really watched this thing 10 times? Oh well… I’ll be back again.
This time they are in New York which is where all model shows should be in my opinion. Now the girls will really have to put up with something. I’m sure the digs will be quite smaller and the designers just that much tougher in the fashion capital.
There is also a new judge, Paulina Porizkova, who ‘s replacing Twiggy. Ms. Twiggy was growing on me. She’ll be missed.
Now, I’m going to be totally foolish and make early predictions just based on the girl’s first pictures. Here are my top 4. Now how much to you want to bet that they will be the first 4 out?! That’s always the way with me.
So there’s Fatima who has quite an Iman look that I think the judges will point out over and over. And there’s Anya who reminds me of Liv Tyler a bit.
Dominique who has a cool exotic look. And the tough girl Marvita, who if I ‘m not mistaken is back from the previous season. Did she go to anger management?
Then it’s the Project Runway reunion show tonight. Let the whining begin! Waaa….Best,
Kwana
Vision Quest
What’s Jack up to? Once again he’s proving himself to be the cagiest little dog ever. Would someone tell me how he’s learned to open the sliding pocket laundry room door so easily? Dude those are paws not hands and stay out of my clean laundry. I didn’t wash it for you to lay in it. Ugh, Jack!So for a few hours yesterday evening I perused the mall on a quest. And I do mean a quest because when I get it into my head that I have to find something there is really no putting me off. I’m relentless. Now you may ask what was the reason for said quest. Well, I was in search of a new everyday bag.
Bag shopping for me is no light deal. It takes much care and preparation. I’m a former designer born and raised in New York and although it may sound shallow (so what I never claimed to be deep) I love a good bag. For me a new bag is heaven. What’s not to love? Bags don’t hurt your feet and in most cases don’t make you butt look big.
Now, it’s a recession going on and I’m not rolling in the dough by any stretch of the imagination, but I think that a good bag is an investment. At least it is for me. Sure trendy is great and I do go for that every once in a while, but trends come and go and even if you get a good knock off it’s bound to fail you down the line in the quality department. I’ve had cheap bags break at the most inconvenient times. And Mom has had the same Louis Vuitton speedy bag since I was a teen and it still looks great today.
That said, I do believe the prices are just crazy. What’s with some of these unknown makers throwing a 695.00 price tag on a bag? You’d better prove to me there’s something that makes that bag worth it besides the color. For another fun debate check out Brown Girl Gumbo’s post on the subject.
What also gets me is seeing a 15 year old prancing around with said 695.00 bag. Sister, you don’t have a job and I don’t care what your daddy makes you should not be sporting a 695.00 bag. Reality will hit one day and it will hurt like hell.
All that said, the lovely DH went on his best behavior (no sports on TV) and patiently walked with me while I looked at pretty much every black bag in the mall. He also gave really smart and well thought out opinions on the contenders. Was that really my DH talking stitching, construction and weight? Oh I was so proud, something has rubbed off!
There were stops at Nordstrom, Coach, Michael Kors, Burberry, Banana Republic and for wishing, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Ahh… is there really nirvana in the bottom of a Pelham bag or bliss in the pouch of a Damier Speedy?
I think yes.
bags from coach and Marc by Marc Jacobs
Now, this little black bag had a lot of criteria to stand up to before making the cut. It had to be the right size, not too big or too small, the right weight and the right look, not too trendy and defiantly not boring. It’s a lot to ask for, but this bag would be my new BFF for years to come- we had to connect. After many steps and some back tracking the winner of the bag bowl was found in a surprising place, Cole Haan. There it was. Black –check, good size- check, good weight-check, excellent construction-check, Gorgeous- super check. Yes!
Tip- notice the lack of hardware-keeps the bag light weight and you can wear it with anything.Best,KwanaLife Support
What’s Jack up to? Chillin’ and just being Jack, which pretty much means I have to watch him every minute or else who knows what I’ll find later.Check out this cute little birdie that came to visit the other day in the dead of winter. I can’t believe he stayed long enough for me to get the shot. Could it be a sign that spring’s on the way? I sure hope so. I’m a tired of the cold right about now.
The other day I went into the city and met up with some good friends that happen to be my core critique group. Meeting them always gives me a much needed boost of writing energy.There’s something about coffee and more coffee and talking things out with folks who really know what you’re going through that just puts it all in perspective. Having people that I can go to for that extra push, well shove, I need to continue moving forward is something I’m truly grateful for.Writing is a solitary and often times thankless job (at least until that mega-deal!) and having the support of my crit partners has been an integral part in my process of growing as a writer. Lord knows, I’m so much better than that first book. Besides who else can you really talk to about POV? You know your DH or boyfriend is really just nodding, but doesn’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
Thanks for all the support ladies; you’re all better than a pair of Spanx any day!So, what are some of the support systems you have in place to keep you on the road to fulfilling your dreams? Please share.
Best,
Kwana
TV Talk
What’s Jack up to? Right now he’s being a sweetie and sitting by my side enjoying the fire. Toasty hmm, Jack.I’m chiming in Late on Survivor this week. check them out, not working so hard. Tough life, eh?
It was a good episode with a nice last minute twist with taking Mary out. Poor Mikey, he was totally side-swiped on that one. I know it was a long lonely walk back to their sad little camp.Buh-bye. Mary
Even though Kathy is super annoying and at times sadly ignorant she has a sweetness that’s growing on me. I kind of want to see her stay around a while. That said, if her team loses next week, she’ll be on her way to homesville.
Seeing what happened to Mary and Mikey, these other couples had better watch out. Ozzy and James are you hearing me? Do a handstand or something and get your blood back to your brains where it belongs.
On another note what’s up with the people never being able to make fire? Come on. Once you get the call that you’re on the show don’t you think you should grab some flint and get to learning?Pluh-ese.So, I’m still hanging in there with Lipstick Jungle. The setting and wardrobe is just too fly.
Although I’ll admit as far as the story goes, Wendy, the Brook Shields character has grown on me. She’s doing a good job playing the over taxed working mother. Showing strength and vulnerability. The other two, not so much. Life is just way too easy for them.
Come on who gets dressed like Victory (love the dress by the way) and breaks out a bottle of wine to work from home after her business has crashed and she’s just let go of all of her employees? Who?
And Nico, am I supposed to really feel for her, having that affair? If you’re doing it do it and have a blast. I just can’t feel sorry for you while you’re lounging on the floor having your photo taken by your boy toy. You’re a big executive, do you really think they are not going to come back to haunt you? Although props on the snakeskin bag. Let’s follow the steps shall we?1. We’re working, we’re working busy day. No time to spare.2. Hi, ya cutie.3.Ok, maybe I’ve got a little time on my hands. Let’s go. All work and no play…
best,
Kwana
Gena Showalter- Interview with a star
What’s Jack up to? Why he’s resting up for the holiday weekend. Don’t party too hard, Jack. I don’t think I can keep up.
.jpg)
Today I’m honored to be interviewing New York Times bestselling author (and fellow agency sistah) Gena Showalter!
Gena’s newest book in her Alien Huntress series Savor Me Slowly is out now and her contemporary women’s fiction novel Catch A Mate has been released in mass market as well as audio book form. To top things off her teen alien huntress story Red Handed has been optioned for TV. Wow!
Hi, Gena thanks for being here. It’s a real honor.Thank you so much for having me!! I’m thrilled to be here.
1. First off a traditional question. What made you want to be a writer? It is something you always knew you’d do?I began playing around with my own stories in junior high, but soon learned that crafting them was a little too much work for my fourteen year old self. It wasn’t until I began bouncing around from one major to another in college (all in the medical field, strangely enough) that I realized writing was my true love and it was the only thing I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.
2. Tell us about your road to the New York Times Bestseller List. Were you an ‘overnight’ success?I wish I could claim to be an overnight success, but it took me about ten years. First, I had to write seven books before I sold one (most of those books will never see the light of day). And I did not make a single list until my. . . eleventh release, I think it was. The Nymph King turned out to be my breakout novel. And to think, when the hero of that book first appeared in one of my books, he wasn’t meant to have his own story. He had other ideas, though, and I’m so glad he did!
3. I’m amazed at the amount of books you have published and the amount of books to come. Your upcoming release link on your website take us to May 2010, when we’ll all have a spaceship of our very own! What’s your typical work day like? What’s your discipline? Do you write 24/7 to get it all done?My writing schedule seems to change with every book. Used to, I wrote the rough drafts long hand in about 3 weeks, writing seven days a week until it was done. Now, I write a chapter a day, five days a week, until the rough draft is done. That usually takes me a month and a half. Then, I read over the book, adding everything I missed the first go round. Then, I read over it again to make sure everything flows smoothly. The entire process takes about 3 months.
4. You write in many different genres: paranormal, contemporary women’s fiction, urban fantasy and young adult. How do you change genres in such a seemingly effortless way? Come on tell us, do you love all your babies equally or are some more of a challenge to raise than others?
Changing genres keeps me from burn out because each genre taps into different emotions. My contemporaries tend to be lighter, funnier. My paranormals have become darker, more sensual, more emotional. The young adults bring out the kid in me.
Of all those genres, though, the paranormals are my favorite. Especially the ones I’m writing now. The possibilities are endless. Anything I can think up, I can write.**Bonus question from a fan (my daughter). Growing up were you anything like your character, Jade in Oh My Goth? What inspired you to write her?
My junior high years, I was indeed a bit like Jade. Wore black, dressed punk, rocked out. (I feel so weird saying that now LOL) So when I sat down to write Oh My Goth, I wanted to show the struggles of someone who is considered a freak but wants so badly to be happy with who and what they are. (I was often called Casper, Ghost, Mustache Girl) Though don’t get me wrong. In high school, I became more like Mercedes: captain of the cheerleading team, rude to others.
Now, when I think back to the girl I used to be, I can only shake my head in wonder. I’m so different, almost as if my personality was cut up into little pieces and put back together out of order.5. What’s one piece of writing advice you’d like to give aspiring authors?
Write the book of your heart. Never write to trend. Because, by the time you finish, the trend will be over.
6. What can we look for next from you?
I am so excited to launch my new Lords of the Underworld series (May, June, July 08) They features immortal warriors who opened Pandora’s box, releasing a horde of evil demons upon the earth. Now, as punishment, each warrior carries a demon inside himself.Maddox, the hero of The Darkest Night (May 08) is the keeper of Violence. He’s been cursed to die every night, only to awaken the next morning knowing he has to die again. Lucien, the hero of The Darkest Kiss (June 08). Reyes, the hero of The Darkest Pleasure (July 08), is the keeper of Pain and is forbidden to know pleasure.
Once again, WOW! Thanks so much for being here and I can’t wait to pick up the next book(s)!
Thank you for having me!!
For a laugh Check out this fun video of Gena being interviewed by fellow author (and comedian), Jill Monroe below. Enjoy!Best,
Kwana
