The End

It's late here, and geez all I can say is, I hope I never have to pack up house again! Today I moved so many boxes I suppose I'll see them in my sleep for the next week. Big thanks to Mom and Dad, for helping me with it.

I never realized I had so much stuff until today. And just think, I'm not a pack rat.
Now it's just down to bare bones essentials here. What's left can just be moved in my car.

Still not word on my sub to HQ. Thought, my fingers are still crossed. And isn't it crazy that August is almost over?

So what's new with you?

When One Chapter Ends, Another One Begins

WOW! I'm done with work. It's a little nerve wracking to think for the first time in fifteen years, I am without a job.
In the past months I've stepped way out of my comfort zone. Those who know me, know I'm a creature of habit to the extreme. I love my routine and I don't take to change very well.

I guess selling my house, leaving work, and moving to the UK would un-nerve the best. But I'm getting through it with much support from Adam(fiance), and my mom.

Yay me! I'm proud that I'm actually doing it. It's been quite the adventure thus far.
One chapter in my life has ended and another is beginning.

On a writers note, I submitted a first chapter and synopsis to the HQ Medical Romance Line. They put out a call this month, and they are fast tracking all replies. This means that everyone will get an answer by the end of August. Keep your fingers crossed for me :)

One more thing. I'd like to give a big shout out to the nurses of 7 west at the hospital. You've been a great bunch to work with, I will miss our laughs and silliness. I wish you all the best for the future.

33 and Life

Today I turned thirty-three. Looking back on my life so far, I can say I've lead an extremely interesting one so far, that has been filled with many bumps along the way.

Many times I wondered how I would even make it, especially the last two years (pre Adam AKA Muffin head) where I went through a rough two years, where everything that could go wrong, did. Yet, I'm still here.

All this thinking made me wonder, what I have learned in life so far? And what's most important to me?

Things I've Learnt:

- Never spit against the wind.
- Don't sweat the small stuff.
- Don't hold grudges(even when you dislike the person, I know this is hard, but trust me, it really isn't worth it.
- Take each day one step at a time and remember, tomorrow is a new day and you can always start fresh.
- Material things mean shit, if you don't have your health and well being.
- Live for today, because tomorrow might not come.
- Live life without regret.
- Stay positive, it could be worse, you could be dead.
- Don't dwell in the past(this has been a hard one for me), learn to let go. To forgive is divine.
- Stay motivated and work hard, you will achieve your goals. It really is possible.
- Hold your loved ones dear, what would life be without them?
- Be happy.

Things That Are Important to Me

- Love, My sweetie has shown me that true love does exist, and the myth about soul mates is very much real.
- My cat. Yes, some may think it's silly but he is a part of my family and he has helped me through some rough times.
- My family, even though we dislike each other at times.
- My writing. It's an outlet for me and I express myself through my words. I'm blessed to be able to do so.
- The future. I'm looking forward to discovering what's waiting around the corner.

All in all the struggles have been worth it. I'm at a point in my life where I am experiencing happiness for the first time. It's great, I deserve it, we all deserve it.

Happy Birthday to me! :)

A Contest

I've decided to have a little contest to help reduce my TBR pile of books to help with my move.
Two winners will win a book, selected from my very own bookshelf. The winners will be picked randomly on September 12th.
To qualify you have to follow my blog and leave a comment. The winners will be anounced via the blog.
Books selected are new and unread :)

Only comment if you want to be included in the contest.

Hard, Trade or Mass?

This question came to me this morning as I was making breakfast(Yup, I'm pretty random). Which do you prefer when purchasing books?
Hardcovers are usually pricey, thus way outside my budget. Though, I have to admit, I have indulged in the past.
I hate trade. I dislike the awkard size and often find the book too flimsy.
I guess, my personal fav would be mass market. It's compact size and usually decent price appeals to me.

On another note: Sisters of Orion, chapter two will be up soon.

Author Interview: Abby Wood

Please join me in welcoming Abby Wood to Write Outside the Box. Abby is a writer of erotica.

R- When did you start writing?

A- I've always loved to write, but started seriously learning the craft about 4 years ago. Two years ago, I decided to take the plunge and write stories with the goal to be published.
 
R- How long did it take for you to publish your first work? What do you have to say about the publishing process?
 
A- It took four months from sending off my very first submission to receiving my first contract. I started out writing only mainstream romance, and have slowly grown into writing erotic romance too.

R- You write erotica. What do you think about the increase in the demand for erotica? What was it about erotica that drew you to write about it?

A- I loved reading erotic romance stories and had a friend ask me if I ever thought about writing the sexy books. Since I had the love of a good sexy story, I tried it, and found out that I came away knowing my characters even more. I can go much deeper into their "being" when I write erotic stories. Their personalities, desires, and life experiences mold them sexually. I love to discover my characters.

I love to see the increase in demand. It shows me that people are opening up their minds and relating to a sexual life that everyone has, and shouldn't be something that is never talked about. The nice thing about erotic/erotica is that there are books for everyone's taste.
 
R- What are your three fav books/authors and why?

A- Lol This is the hardest question to answer, because I like so many. Robyn Carr stands out, because I like how she molds her stories around a community. Nora Roberts, because she's Nora. Lori Wilde, for her humor. Julia Quinn, who is rounded storyteller. And, the list goes on!
 
R- Could you tell us about your latest release?

A- My latest is a book called Twice Her Age that came out with Loose Id in July, 2010. Here's a little blurb…

Debbie Nordall was tired of the guys her age who only wanted to party and change girlfriends every other week. She wanted someone older, wiser, and more sophisticated to love.
Mick Reed spotted her right away. The woman at the bar was confident, beautiful, and young... everything he wanted. She was the woman who would commit to him fully, and in return, he'd give her anything she wanted. Was he fooling himself to think that age didn't matter?

 
R- What advice would you give to up and coming writers?
 
A- Keep writing! I know that everyone says that, but it is true. Also, don't give up if you receive a rejection for your story. Publishing is very subjective, and what might not work for one publisher, another publisher will love.

R- What can we expect to see from Abby Wood in the future?

A- More books! I have a three book series called Within the Circle coming out in October about triplet sisters who are also Pagan witches. I have a novel length paranormal called To Play or Obey? coming out in November that has some of the sexiest vampires you'll meet. To Play or Obey? is book one in a new series called Peckerwood: Population 336. There is something secretive about the town of Peckerwood, you won't want to miss it. ;-)

Thank you so much for having me here today. If you'd like to visit my website, you can find it at www.authorabbywood.com, you can also find me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MsAbbyWood and a fan page at Facebook at www.facebook.com/AbbyWoodFanPage

R- And thank you Abby, for taking the time to answer our questions. Abby has also agreed to answer any questions you may have for her. Just leave them in the comments section.

Coming Soon: Interview with author Abby Wood

Look for my interview with author, Abby Wood, coming soon.

If you, or anyone you know, would also like to be featured sometime in the future, just send me a message.

Thanks.

How Clean?

How clean are your first drafts? I'm curious to know.