Wistful Awe

You want to know why Nora Roberts sells so many damn books? I know one of the reasons. She's a master of her craft.

Recently, I read Bed of Roses, the second in her Bride Quartet. In it, there was a scene where the guys are playing Texas Hold 'Em. That scene was freakin' amazing. She was able to show them playing and talking about the game and talking about other shit at the same time and have it flow perfectly. The gestures, the poker taunting, and the regular conversation all blended together and it made me shake my head in amazement.

A Little Extra Cash

So, my online class, "The Secrets of Selling to Woman's World Magazine," just wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. It went quite well! I had about 90 students. :D The Colorado Romance Writers have booked me to teach it again in October. I'm sure that there won't be nearly as many people, but I'm happy to teach what I know to whomever signs up.

In the meantime, I've had two people approach me wanting to purchase the lectures now, instead of waiting until October, so shortly I'll have a couple of checks coming my way. It's not a fortune, but I don't care. Every little bit is welcome. Those hardwood floors were expensive!

Joe won't wear suspenders

I am deep in rewrites for Asking For It. My editor, Grace, and I had a discussion about the changes, and the book is going to be fantastic, however, one of the changes we discussed was changing Joe's profession from Army man to firefighter. I was all gung-ho, until I started enacting the change.

He didn't take well to being a firefighter. The words that had come from his mouth didn't feel right for a firefighter to utter. I think it's because in my mind soldiers are raw, gritty and unashamedly aggressive--living, breathing hunks of masculinity. Firefighters, on the other hand, are like contemporary knights--noble, brave, and honorable--living, breathing hunks of chivalry. They're sort of evolved and a little more civilized.

I know I'm stereotyping, but there ya go. A man's profession is vital to his character. And Joe's just not liking the idea of being a firefighter. Not. One. Bit.

Sorry, Grace.