I was asked the following question by an interviewer: At what point did you feel you had “made it” as an author? I replied that the closest I’ve come was when Evan sent me flowers. Now I have to say that having a story of mine completely disliked by Mrs. Giggles is right up there.

Now I can’t say I’m not upset, because I’m a sensitive gal, as you all know. But it’s better to cut my teeth on a scathing review now, so hopefully I’ll be better prepared for them later. However, I hope (pray, beg) this review doesn’t turn readers off from reading my other works. Only time will tell. In the meantime, here’s the link to the review.

http://www.mrsgiggles.com/books/day_caroline.html

I received my first review today for Magic Fingers, the short story that’s in the Sex On Holiday Black Lace anthology.

It threw me off to see the words “Contemporary Erotica”, which it is, in a way. (it’s actually erotic romance, gotta have the HEA for me. ) However, since it’s my only contemporary story, and I don’t think of myself as a contemporary writer, it was startling to see my name linked with the contemporary label. I’m very relieved the reviewer enjoyed it, since I haven’t gotten any feedback on this story from anyone besides the editor.

In any case, here’s what was said:

“Take an exotic Island, sand, sun and the beach add to it a gorgeous man with magic fingers; and you have the ingredients for a whirlwind romance. This was a great short story and probably a fantasy of a lot of women in the world. The characters were well written and very believable. The sex is so incredibly hot, it can melt stone. Check out this sexy read, for your own get a way. ” - Coffee Time Romance

:cheer: :bounce: :dance:

See ya there!

…to go to Starbucks. *g* Yes, I’m addicted and it’s all my sister’s fault.

I celebrated small victories today, the happiest of which was a sweet post by a Passionate Ink member who said she found a home at PI after two years of floundering at the National Level. I teared up, because I’m sensitive like that. (Okay, I’m a sap, but I wasn’t the only one. Another PI board member got teary too!) It’s to fill that sort of need that PI was created, and I’m so very, very happy it’s become a positive place for our members.

Only a week until I fly to Reno. Pretty darn exciting… :yay:

*growls*

I am forever mixing “-ed” and “-ing”. I didn’t used to do this. It only started in the last three months and it’s driving me :drool:

And M-W.com is really making me They added pop-ups to their service, so every time I look up a word, a new pop-up comes up. I have a pop-up blocker and for some reason it doesn’t work on M-W.com .

So, how’s your weekend going? *g*

I was fifteen when I first met and fell in love with him. :love: Fifteen when I gave him my heart.

No, I’m not talking about my husband. That didn’t happen until a few years later. I’m talking about LL Cool J. Ladies Love Cool J. Yes, we do. I do. Hey, I said that to my husband, too. There’s something about those delicious lips of his that make me say YUM! Something about the way the dimples deepen in his cheeks when he smiles. :drool: Something about his dark chocolate eyes :choco: that melts my heart and makes me want to take a bite.

Is it any wonder then, that years later as I’m searching my memory data-bank for the perfect hero for my new story–now titled MAKING HIM WANT IT–that LL’s scrumpcious image would come to mind?

Ladies, meet Jamal James. You may need to change your panties.

Okay, you’re right. It’s an image of LL Cool J’s album cover, but you get the idea, yeah? He’s in the inspiration for my hero, Jamal James, in MAKING HIM WANT IT. Hell, he makes me want it, fo-sho.

While my sister was here she introduced me to a new obsession: Venti sugar-free vanilla lattes. (my modification–half and half instead of milk. Makes it creamier and low-carb)

I love them. They are so freakin’ good I’ve had one a day and have to fight with myself not to buy more than that. I’m such a coffee addict. :cafe: While in Reno, if you catch me before 10 AM and I don’t have a cup of coffee in my hand be prepared for the blank stare :drool: while you’re speaking. I’m not kidding. No coffee = no working brain cells

In other news, first round edits for Misled arrived on my desk yesterday. In order to slow down the pacing, I’ll have to rearrange scenes and add a prologue. Again, this is just initial edits. Line edits will come when I’ve finished this, so I need to work on it or the story (already a year old) will never get published. I’m spending the majority of my work day (now 17 hours long) working on STW, which is the one under deadline.

I moved the Passionate Ink message board to its own domain the night before last, so that’s one thing off my To Do list. I have to mail some ms copies to my agent tomorrow. It’s been offered for twice, but I still haven’t sold it. I really hope to find a home for it soon. I really love the story. :love:

How is everyone else doing? Life and work treating you well?

Man, :yawn: Starbucks is really calling me right now…