you don't have to have a blog

That's what my oldest son just told me. Really, he's right. Not yet, anyway. But I keep trying. Keep hoping for that breakthrough that'll take me to the next level. With each new manuscript, I hope and pray that this'll be The One. The story that finally sells.

Then again, my argument for keeping a blog is to prove that yes, if given a chance (i.e., selling!!!), I will self-promote. Because publicity budgets aren't what they used to be, and I realize the responsibility to get the word out there about your work now falls squarely on the author, not the publisher. Anyway, that's why I keep trying, in case anyone else out there (e.g., my family?) wonders why I'm not giving up and abandoning said pursuit.

sunburned and exhausted

Chances are, I'm going to need a vacation from my sister's vacation. But we're having a great time. We've been to the beach, Legoland, the movies, and painted ceramics (yes, I know, but it's fun!). Next up: more beach, opening day at the horse races (I've never been, so this should be interesting), one of my cousins is putting on a fire show for us, etc. Too bad Comic-Con is sold out, but it's also kind of a relief. I don't think we need any more on our agenda!

sad times

One of our dogs died yesterday. She was young and healthy (or so we thought), so it caught us by surprise, but sometimes I think it's easier that way. Like, it sucks now, but at least it hasn't been sucking for two years without a break.

Anyway, she's gone and we're all heartbroken. Next week should be happier, since my sister and her kids will be visiting. Because I don't mind saying I love playing tourist in my own town.

something that bums me out

Last night at Borders, I was going through the YA section looking at all the new hardcover titles. Hate to say it, but I do three things during this process: (1) judge books by their covers (including blurbage and imprint), (2) read opening paragraphs (or more, if I really love something), then (3) flip to the acknowledgments to see who represents said author.

Last night, I found quite a few new books I didn't fall in love with. A couple gems, I loved. But we all have different taste, so fair's fair. Anyway, what bummed me out was that three (3!!!) of the mediocre reads, in their acknowledgments, the author credited their editor with providing the original idea for the title.

Now, one of my good friends and mentors does spec writing, and all have to say about that is more power to her! She takes lackluster concepts to spectacular places. But when a single-title book starts as someone else's idea, I think the storytelling suffers. It's like it's fake from the get-go. The author's voice may still be there, but there's something huge missing. Like the book has no soul. I'll get off my soap box now, since as someone trying to break into the market for the first time, I'm probably just jealous. But still. As a reader, I'm not buying it.

tv party

Yes, REPO MAN was one of my favorite movies back in high school, but we won't be watching any Hill Street Blues or Dallas this afternoon.

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So anyway, it's not been hot enough to go to the beach yet this summer. Low 70s with a cold breeze. Maybe I'm a wimp, but I don't like bringing jackets with the sand toys. The kids, of course, are ready to kill each other. Which made me think, how did Mom get through vacations back when we were kids? When we had no money and all our friends were on expensive trips with their families. Oh, yeah...TV!!!

Normally, there's not enough time to watch TV, and even if there is, we only have $13/month cable, which means we get none of the cool stations. Luckily, the library has all the more popular shows from the last few years on DVD. Right now, my boys and I are creeping through the first season of Lost. Just don't tell us what's shaking all the trees, okay?

happy independence day!

So I'm alive! I made it through my surgery. Every time I have surgery, I have to wonder, Is this it? Will I not wake up? An easy way to go, really, if you think about it, but still. I wanted to hang in there quite a few more years, so I'm glad everything turned out okay.

My nose is all right, but chunky-looking, which I can't say I'm too pleased with. I guess that's the swelling. If it's not, I'll have a few choice words to say to my ENT. Anyway, I can already breathe better through the right side, which is nice. What's not so great is the constant drainage and the dry throat. But both are lessening, so hopefully all that discomfort will soon be a distant memory. And at least I don't have bandages all over my face like the dude from Serbia!!!

s.d. fair fun

So you know how sometimes, you'll be at the fair (or Disneyland or Sea World or wherever) and there'll be some kid screaming his head off while his parent guides him toward the exit? Today that was me (the parent, that is). And the kid was screaming because one the "friendly" rescue parrots in the have-your-picture-taken-with-exotic-birds photo booth bit his ear lobe so hard, it tore and probably could have used a stitch.

Other than that, though, I guess we had a good time.