Happy New Year!

As 2008 draws to an end, I find myself reflecting on everything I accomplished this year. I sold my first novel, snagged a top agent and made amazing friends. Sure, there were disappointments...but the good far outweighed the bad. I wouldn't trade a thing.

Tonight, I'll bring in the new year with my two very special men. We've got reservations at Ruth's Chris, our favorite restaurant and afterwards, we'll toast each other and prepare for a year in which all our dreams come true.

My wish for all of you, is that all your prayers are answered and all your dreams come true.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bedtime Stories

Last week Saturday, the family and I were treated to an advance screening of Bedtime Stories. It is Walt Disney's newest flick and Sandler was more than charming in his first family-friendly comedy.

If you've got a chance, check it out and let your imagination run wild. It opens on Christmas Day and is a testament to the fact that dreams really can come true... if you believe.

Christmas is coming and....

I'm sick. I've been battling the flu for almost 10 days now. Every time I think there's a reprieve on the horizon, my chest swells up and my body gets so hot that I swear you can roast marshmallows on my forehead.

I've got so much to do....Shopping for the Christmas gifts that cannot be bought online-and shopping for everything I need for Christmas breakfast and dinner.
Did I mention that I also have five chapters to write before the end of the year?

I have been reading though :) A beautifully written book set in Kentucky. Can't wait to get through the rest of it.

How is everyone else doing? All the shopping done?

Bookworm Award

My friend and chapter mate Katie Reus tagged me with the Bookworm Award.(YAY Katie!)

Here are the rules: Open the book closest to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following there.

Here goes.....

Book: Third Degree
Author: Greg Iles

The silence in the room was the prelude to the roar of being buried alive.
"You're not going to say anything?" Warren demanded.
Her mind grasped at the nearest concrete detail."I'm getting a migraine. That's why I came home early."
"You poor thing."

In other news...I received my edits in the mail today and I'm happy to say that my editor loves the story and their are no major changes to be made.

How is everyone else doing?

The Importance of being happy.

So...I've been on a roll lately. Little Fabulous One has been cracking the whip and I'm proud to say that this is the probably the most seamless my writing has been in a long time.

Then why the title of this blog you may ask? After a great day of edits, I had dinner with family and sat down to watch a movie that I've been wanting to see for the last few years. I had to turn it off after twenty-five minutes.

You see, the story line dealt with issues that although true, tend to weigh heavily on the heart. Instead of basking in the glow of what I hope will be a NY sale for me, the trials and tribulations of the movie's characters began to bring about feelings of sadness and bewilderment.

With that said, I've made a vow. Until this book is finished, I will refrain from reading, watching or listening to anything that does not uplift my spirit or enrich my soul.

I won't be down for long though. On Thursday we are going to the movies to watch 'Four Christmases' and then on Friday Little Fabulous One arrives for the weekend bringing a whirlwind of fabulosity and cheer. Then, as if that isn't enough, on Saturday my BFF arrives. (She will be known from now on as Latina Diva) So the wine, laughter and goodwill will be flowing here in my household and I can't wait to indulge.

Can you tell that I simply adore my friends? In the past few years, I have found that it is imperative to have people around you who will be happy for you as you strive to accomplish your goals. Since embarking on this writing journey, I've made some amazing friends and unfortunately lost a few. These two have been there for me when I needed them the most and I only hope that one day I can return the favor.

What are your wishes for 2009? Mine are quite simple. I'd like continued health and happiness for my family, a NY sale (or two, or three :) ) and for all my friends to have their wishes come true.

Have a great night everyone! May happiness find you wherever you may be.

Back to work!

I know I've been remiss in posting on my blog but I have a very good reason. My parents were here and I was spending as much time as I possibly could with them. They live in Jamaica, and I must confess that flying home has taken a back seat to my writing career for the past two years. I'm definitely going to fix that.

They left this morning and I cried like a baby as I waved goodbye. I'd gotten used having them around.

So...after moping for about two hours, I retreated to my office to work on the edits my CP (lets call her Little Fabulous One) sent me for my latest WIP. After about fifteen minutes the sadness disappeared and three hours later, I've only just come up for air and Thanksgiving leftovers.

I'll miss my Mommy and Daddy terribly...but its back to work in my house. After all, I've got a best seller's list to make. :)

Art of sensuality

I managed to snag an ARC of this amazing book and it is definitely worth the read.
I give you ART OF SENSUALITY by the hugely talented Jax Cassidy.


Title: ART OF SENSUALITY
Author: Jax Cassidy
Publisher: Parker Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-6004-3044-2
Page Count: 250 pgs / print
Release Date: November 17, 2008

Art was not only a passion of Machiko Barrett, but also a destiny…a way of life she has known since her talent was discovered at three years old. Caught in a turbulent storm of celebrity, scandal and corruption, she disappeared from the art world only to re-emerge fifteen years later as an au pair to the two young children of renowned Parisian gallery owners. Her sheltered existence is disrupted when she is lured back to her one true passion: painting.

While Machiko struggles to find her own identity through her art, she encounters Caleb Holden, a sexy, unpredictable and irresistible neighbor with a penchant for collecting art, and women. As he discovers the girl within the woman, the secrets of Machiko's past return to haunt her, revealing scars she never knew existed. She must learn to conquer her fears and allow him into her heart or risk slipping back into a cold, lonely world that once held her spirit captive. Through Caleb's determination to educate Machiko about trusting herself and her abilities, he opens her eyes to the art of sensuality, and awakens the woman buried deep inside the broken girl.

Author Bio:
Jax Cassidy is a multi-published author and has written under the pen name Cassidy Kent. She is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, an award winning romance writer's website and discussion forum. In between skydiving for charity and campaigning against human trafficking, she enjoys the company of close friends and indulges her caffeine fix at the nearest cafe. An avid traveler and an adventurous spirit, Jax has drawn inspiration from her experiences and often blends the exotic mix of Eastern and Western lifestyles into her writing. When she isn't locked up in her office penning her latest manuscript, Jax can be found creating abstract paintings for future art shows, or dividing her time between California, Texas, and Florida.

For more information on Jax, please visit her online at www.jaxcassidy.com or www.jaxadora.blogspot.com

Ready, Set...tweet!

Do you tweet? Can you produce a hot, steamy, erotic short in 140 characters or less? Do you think you have what it takes? Why don't you take a shot at the contest being put on by my friends over at Ravenous Romance.


Ravenous Romance™ TwittErotica Contest

Are u the Twitter Master? Can u get ur message out in 140 characters or less? If so, then prove it. We challenge u to put ur fingers to ur twit & send us ur hot, erotic short, but remember, short is the key... it has 2 fit in2 140 chrctrs...or less! Check back on Dec 1 to read all entries + the winning Tweet!

Winner receives a $15 gift certificate to Ravenous Romance = 3 novels or 15 shorts!
Submissions: Twitterotica@RavenousRomance.com

Ready, set...tweet!

I've been Hacked!

My web designer is working on reloading my files and getting me online. The process will take about 48 hours maybe sooner!

Abi

VOTE!

The polls have opened on our last day to choose the new leader of this our great country.

No matter what your political persuasion...get out there and cast your ballot.

Embrace your right to help change the future of our nation.

last SNL post before election.....

Senator McCain was amazing last night! He was a good sport and one day could have a lucrative career in comedy should he so desire.

This will be the last SNL post before we all hit the polls on Tuesday.

Please enjoy this last video.....

And you know I'm just Sarah Palin...

The Write Stuff!

No...not my ode to New Kids on The Block :) But a small pat on the back to me! I've been writing steadily for four days now and I feel energized and inspired.

Three weeks ago at Moonlight & Magnolias I took a workshop given by the fabulous Stephanie Bond on 'Writing Well & Writing Fast'. Let me tell you, she is one amazing presenter and gave many strategies on how to improve your daily page output.

I've put a few of her tips to work for me in the past few days and am happy to say that I am on my way to not only finishing my new WIP in record time, but I think it is my best work yet!

Here are a few of her suggestions that are working for me:

- Write a synopsis FIRST. (It is much easier to complete a book if you know where you are going.)

- Set daily goals for yourself and stick to them no matter what. (I write between 10-12 pages a day, which for me, is about a chapter a day.)

- Write in spurts. (I now use a cheap kitchen timer set in half-hour increments to keep track of my time. I take a short rest between sets and am done for the day within three-four hours.)

Have a great day everyone!

Two SNL posts today!

They were on fire last night! Sarah Palin was a really good sport. I was on vacation and I'm pretty sure the entire hotel heard me laughing. Please enjoy!


I URGE YOU PEOPLE...BE COOL!




CAN I GET A WHAT WHAT FROM THE SENIOR SECTION!

throwback thursday

When I hear Chaka Khan's voice I get get chills. No matter where I am, no matter what I'm doing. When I hear this song in particular, I think of DH. You see, we got married at a really young age, and many people thought we wouldn't last as long as we have.
But...love conquers all and thirteen years later, when I look at him, I still feel the same love I did when I walked down the aisle thirteen years ago.

Please enjoy Chaka Khan's Through The Fire

Your time is up!

I'm actually on time with my SNL posting this week. Please enjoy SNL's take on last Thursday's debate.

Moonlight & Magnolias 2009

I've been back from conference a full five days and I'm still trying to recoup!

This was hands down the most fun I've ever had at a conference.

I arrived at registration on Thursday night tired from my eight hour drive from Orlando, but filled to the brim with nervous energy. My jitters soon left me however, when I was greeted by warm smiles and excited faces.

On Friday morning I volunteered in registration, which was wonderful because I got to hand some of the most prolific authors of our time their conference packets. You should have seen me...I literally went numb when Stephanie Bond walked up to the desk!
That afternoon, myself and all the other conference attendees had the opportunity to spend the most amazing three hours with Margie Lawson as she took us through her deep-editing strategies. Later that evening, GRW treated us to a wonderful cocktail/appetizer hour, where we all mingled and got to know each other better.

Saturday was a whirlwind of activity. I spent time with authors such as Tami Brothers, Nicki Salcedo, Carmen Green, Chudney DeFreitas, J. Perry Stone, Walt Mussel, Cinthia Hamer and Tracy Truman (who placed second in the Maggie Awards for her unpublished paranoral novel. YAY Tracy!)

My sister authors from Parker Publishing, Seressia Glass and Marcia Colette were also in attendance, bringing loads of fabulosity and fun.

Annette Batista from Between Your Sheets was there taking author headshots and with her was Jeptha (Jai) doing makeup. Those two ROCK! Jai made me look great, and Annette is a genius with a camera. I didn't take headshots, but I did get to participate in a 'just for fun' photo shoot with Tami Brothers and few other beautiful ladies.
Before the gala that night I got to spend quality time with my amazing Agent Michelle Grajowski. Then at dinner Trish Milburn, C.L. Wilson, Julie Heaton, Heather Osbourn and Winnie Griggs joined the fun.

The gala was outstanding! Everyone was dressed up, gorgeous and ready to party. And, after watching talented authors receive their Maggie Awards we did just that! I won't say too much more about this...just that we danced the night away until they made us leave.

Check out the photo gallery on my website for pics.

Next year's conference will be October 2nd - October 4th.

I can't wait to do it all again and I hope to see you all there!

And then you know...we'll do that!

I know I've been remiss in my SNL postings...but they did it again!
Enjoy!

Oh hey... you know...sure...

Another laugh riot!

Exclusive online workshop with NYT Bestseller Allison Brennan!

Permission to forward......

November 3-28, 2008
An EXCLUSIVE, one-time only, PASIC Event from New York Times Bestseller Allison Brennan

FROM THE CALL TO THE CAREER AUTHOR: A WRITER'S BUSINESS JOURNEY

Instructor: Allison Brennan

Cost: $30.00 payable by PayPal

What happens after you receive THE CALL? You’re going to be published. . . then what? Join New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennanon a writer’s journey from The Call to Staying Published.

Part One: The Call to Publication

Learn what happens after you sell, who the players are from your agent to editor to publicist and more; what does everyone do in a publishing house and how do they impact your book and you career?

What should an author expect from their agent and their editor?
How do you query an agent after you receive The Call?
What are common contract clauses and what do they mean?
What are foreign rights? Subsidiary rights?
What happens in production?
What is expected from the author?
And much more . . . The nuts and bolts of what is required for every author after a sale.

Part Two: The Three Ps: Publication, Placement and Promotion

What do you HAVE to do before your book is released, what MIGHT you do,and what should you NOT do?

Pre-book buzz–what is it and how do you get it?
What is co-op and other publication terms? How are books distributed? What are wholesalers and what do they do?
How are bestseller lists determined?
What do sales numbers mean?
How do you read a royalty statement?
Velocity, word-of-mouth, reviews, interviews, fans, blogs, MySpace, and your space.
What will your publisher do, what MIGHT they do, what can YOU do?
Is promotion worth it?
promotion?
Pros and cons of promotion–from authors, agents, editors, and publicists. That's just the beginning . . .

Part Three: The Career Author

What it means to be a career author and how to get there; roadblocks; and success. Blunt and to the point, you’ll never again say to an author, “I wish I were you.” Stories from authors who are successful, and those who are struggling.

What they’ve learned and why it’s never the same path for any author.
How to be a career author from the viewpoint of agents and editors.
How to rebuild your career.
Professional jealousy; career management; changing agents; changing houses; and everything in between.
the “day” job, and practical issues like managing deadlines, speaking engagements, and family.
Dos and don’ts of being active online–i.e. you’re now a public figure, what does it mean?
The rudest questions authors get and how to answer them without telling the person to go jump in a piranha infested river.
Questions and answers.
About the Presenter:

Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romantic thrillers. A three-time RITA(r) finalist, two-time Romantic Times "Reviewers Award" finalist (including a win for Best Suspense of 2006 for THE KILL), Allison is published in a dozen languages and in the UK. She's a member of Romance Writers of America, where she serves as President of PASIC (for published authors), as well as International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. She lives in Northern California with her husband and five children and when she's not writing, she's playing video games or a myriad of kid sports and activities.

NOTE: Allison has developed this workshop exclusively for PASIC and this will be the only time it is offered, anywhere!!

Deadline to Register: October 31, 2008

Click here to register

Throwback Thursday!

Back in the day I loved Expose. I think I know every single one of their songs by heart. My husband was, and still is a huge fan. Next month the two of us are joining a group of friends and are going to see them here in Orlando and I can't wait!

Please enjoy 'Seasons Change'.

Stay Sexy,

Abi

Progress

I'm making progress on my new book and am loving the way it is going. Last week I suffered from some mild angst because I had ideas swimming around in my head that refused to come out. Now I can't seem to keep my fingers off the keyboard.

And my hero? I am loving my first real 'Alpha Male'. Joshua is hot, sexy and comes with three brothers who will each have a story of their own. I have been grinning like a true idiot all day!

In other news, I have family coming to town this weekend. My sister, her fiancee and my aunt will be visiting me. This will be their first time coming to the new house that we moved into five months ago, and I can't wait to see them.

I've also been working out! Every morning I get up at 5:00 a.m and walk four miles with my neighbor. I'm not going to lie to you...it is hard work. My rear end is killing me, but I feel so refreshed when I come home, I'm ready to take on my new book.

How have you been doing?

Stay sexy,

Abi

I was so busy...

Trying to get my proposal together that I forgot to post my 'Throwback Thursday' video. I think you'll agree though that I've more than made up for my faux pas.

I was only thirteen when Quincy Jones put together one of the best collaborations in R&B history. Even at that young age, the voices of Al B. Sure, James Ingram, El Debarge and Barry White were enough to send me over the deep edge.

Please enjoy 'The Secret Garden'.

Right on target

"So if a deadline is looming, try to avoid small talk as much as is politely possible."

The above is a snippet from today's horoscope. I'm working on a new proposal and I seem to be finding all kinds of reasons not to keep my butt in the chair and write! I've probably talked to every member of my family at least twice today!

The characters, the plot and even the dialogue are swimming around in my head, but when I sit down everything goes quiet.

How do you work through those times when you find yourself unable to what you love the most?

I can see Russia from my house!

This is hilarious...I can't stop watching!

Shoes!

Ok...so every author dreams about what they'll do when they receive their first big NY advance. I know the right thing to do would be to save, marketing your dream costs money, but I'm human and at night when I close my eyes I see SHOES!

Not just any shoe mind you, but red-heeled divalicious CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTINS.

I'll most likely do the right thing, but let me show you what I'm talking about.















It's all in the shoes when it comes to fashion. What are going to do with your first NY sale?

Throwback Thursday

I've always been a big fan of music. No matter what the genre, if it has a catchy tune, chances are you'll find me singing it.

When I was growing up in the eighties, my parents were listening to the tunes of the sixties and seventies. These throwbacks always bring a smile to my face, because they take me back to my childhood, to a time when I was ridiculously happy and carefree.

I'd like to start my new blog tradition with a song that I remember my parents dancing to, their cheeks pressed together as they held each other close and swayed to the rhythm. It is also the song that makes my husband and I fall into each other's arms as soon as the opening bars sound.

Please enjoy Mr. Bobby Caldwell as he sings What You Won't Do For Love.

Have a great day....

Kick A$$ Conference

Kick A$$ Characters By Authors Who Know How To Kick A$$
September 12-13 at Romance Divas

Featuring:
Bob Mayer
Lori Avocato
Maggie Price
Lindsay McKenna
Barry Eisler
Linnea Sinclair
Larissa Ione
Merline Lovelace
Want to know how to write authentic action, suspense, law enforcement, and military romance? Ask authors who know firsthand! Romance Divas is hosting a 2-day workshop with some of the hottest names in the genre. It will take place at the Romance Divas Forum. All are welcome. To get access to the forum you will need to register by entering the site and clicking on Forum.

A Good Day For An Outing

Yesterday I did something I've been meaning to do for quite some time now. In the morning after I took DS to school, I packed up my laptop, notebooks and gel pens, then headed to the nearest Barney's for a caffeine induced writing fest.

It felt good to work in a place other than home for a change. Don't get me wrong, I love the comfort and solitude that being at home affords me, but it was a real treat to set up shop and write while sipping on a decadent cappuccino.

The change of scenery also helped me focus and I was more productive than I'd been in a long time. I really needed that boost because I have some work due to my agent ASAP.

Will I be returning to my new writing haunt any time in the near future? It depends on how I'm feeling. Should my creativity falter and I need a huge boost, I'll more than likely drive the five miles, take my headphones out and get writing. But until then, you'll find me at home working on my next Pièce de Résistance.

Totally off topic...I want to wish my friend Jax a Happy Happy Birthday! I wish for you closets full of red-heeled Diva Shoes and a year of ultimate joy.

All the best everyone,

Abi