C ROWE - MYERS

THE BLACK ICE CONSPIRACY

2011-10-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce the release of THE BLACK ICE CONSPIRACY on the 4th of this month.

THE BLACK ICE CONSPIRACY is a fast-paced, biting novel about a private, secret underworld organization made up of dedicated and wealthy individuals who use their power to fight terrorism in the hope of bettering the lives of those who cannot defend themselves.

In the novel, Black Ice is a clandestine organization owned and operated by a board of international elites who control and manipulate governments, industry, and media organizations worldwide.

Highly trained undercover operatives are sometimes deployed for missions of a more sensitive nature. The primary tool they use to dominate nations is the system of central banking. They have funded and sometimes caused most of the major wars of the last 200 years. They manipulate populations into supporting them and maintain a grip on the world economy through the tools of both inflation and depression. Professionals working for Black Ice are placed in high positions in government and industry.

Black Ice works to maintain world peace, freedom, and equality, working behind the scenes to go beyond the limits of official organizations. In the Black Ice mindset, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. They view themselves as the watchdogs of the modern world.

World freedom has been threatened by a new mind-control virus. Can Black Ice stop the madness? Will Jason St. Claire defeat the leader of Dark Star—the man who was once his best friend—the man who taunts him with memories of a love long lost, but not forgotten?

Andrea Weston is dead—why can’t Nicholas St. Claire accept that? Was his father to blame? Was Andrea nothing more than a sacrificial pawn? Nicholas must know the truth—whatever the cost.

Reviews:

Highly Recommend - Outstanding Spy Thriller

Black Ice is one of my favorite suspense novels. The book has a little bit of everything including suspense, romance, action, adventure, and mystery. I picked it up at a neighbor's house and started reading it. By the next day, I had driven to the book store and bought my own copy. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book. I never knew what was going to happen next.

Barnes & Noble, Anonymous

"This is a strong and timely concept, immediately apparent and intriguingly written...The author's voice is strong and clear."

"The organization is good and the flow is unusually adept...There are quite a few transitions in the beginning...they're handled well and keep things moving at a strong pace."

"There should be a strong audience for this book...very good first book...tightly written and immediately engaging."

--Qualifying review - WRITER'S SHOWCASE

ACAPULCO BLOG

2008-07-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

In Nov of 2007, Randy and I and a couple of friends, Lyn and Gerald Haney, took a vacation in beautiful Acapulco, Mexico. I put the pictures on a separate blogsite: http://acapulcovacation.blogspot.com/ We had a wonderful time.

Vacation

2006-06-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

This was our first trip with our new RV. (new to us) We love it.; Taking it on this first trip, though, was an adventure. First, it cost us $400 for a hitch to pull it behind the SUV. Then, after we left Tyler, we had a flat on the car (a screw). Got that fixed. After crossing the Ark line, on the interstate, we had a flat on the RV and Randy discovered the new-looking tires were weather cracked. By the time he had the flat fixed and we were ready to go, the battery on the car was dead. There we were, broken down on the interstate shoulder, miles from nowhere. Finally, someone stopped and jumped us off, but before we could get to a tire place, we had another flat. This time we limped to a gas station and unhooked. We zoomed to Walmart, but their repair department was closed. Randy explained our situation and begged for them to help. They sold and mounted us two tires. We were so thankful. (First, thing the next day Randy drove to Hot Springs and replaced all the tires and a spare.) After the tires were mounted, we drove to the RV park. It was wonderful. We headed straight for the pool.l After that, we drove back to town and ate. The part was so nice. We spent the next day at Magic Springs. (Mostly the water park) The next day we rode go-carts, and bumper boats. The high-light of the day was a fabulous steak house. The food was to die for. The park had a train-ride for the boys around the camp and a candy hunt with flashlights in the dark. We swam every night in the pool, roasted weinners and ate smores, played farkle by lantern, and watched DVDs in the camper.

Cat is in the News

2006-05-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I last posted. Since then, I have had a book signing at the Texas Store and gotten my fiction column in a new newspaper - The SNAP - In my column I will be running short mystery novels. I am working on editing my latest book POCKET FULL OF DiE for publication. This my third and, I hope, final edit. But you never can tell. Art work for Pocket Full of Die is being completed, and I can't wait for the results. :D Summer is fast approaching. School has about 10 days left and then, I'm out. Did I mention I'm teaching this year. Love it. Cuts out some of my writing time, but not all of it. I hope to get a lot done this summer. May be keeping the grandsons, but as you can tell from the pic on this site, that won't be a problem. LOL Love having them over. Got an invitation from an editor to send him some of my work. Getting that ready now. Hope to have it out by the end of this week. Keeping it real................... Duncan is 2 1/2. He is modeling his mom's new Avon lipstick. Isn't he a cutie???

NaNo

2005-11-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time again. Thank goodness for November! What is November, you ask. November is National Writer's Month and the contest know affectionately as NaNo. I participate every year and love every minute of it. Working, as I am this year, is proving to be challenging, but I have to say that my word count is right on cue and the story, she is a-flowing. Back to work. Going to try to get in a few more paragraphs before turning in. See you in the post script. ......Cathy

Good Fortune

2005-10-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, Long time, no write. I know. However, in my absence I landed the perfect job. (For me, that is) Most of you know I'm a teacher. In this job, I supervise AEP (students who have committed some infraction) When they come to us, they work silently at their desk from 8 until 3. I supervise, help if they need it, keep their work organized and write!!! Is that great or what? They work. I work. I am really enjoying it. They even provide a computer at my desk with DSL internet access. The only thing is that I can't go on this site. All blogs and message boards are restricted. Boo Hoo! Oh well, small sacrifices are sometimes needed. :)

Delay

2005-07-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well, the book was set to debut before Christmas. Looking like the original plan is back on. The publisher originally wanted the book for the spring or fall catalogue in 06. We thought we could get it done earlier, but alas, not to be. So, I won't have it out by the time school starts. :( Oh well, probably better this way. Won't have to rush the artwork. :) This is the fam at the Helen Trout Zoo. I'm taking the pic. Trust me, it's better this way. LOL The extra child on the far left is a friend of my grandson's. We love this zoo. Lots of green everywhere, as you can see. The day was very hot, but they have frequent rest spots with fans. Lovely.

Dawn of Pelayaces

2005-07-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

The artwork for Dawn is coming together. I may have the book in hand by Christmas. I hope so because I have several evernts coming up and will need the copies. I've never written a book which needed so much extensive artwork. I am enjoying this part of the process. I have another book in need of artwork and will have to get started on it next. Then, it'll be time to think about Pocket Full of Die.

Finally Finished

2005-07-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Well finally!!! I am so happy to announce that I am finally finished with Dawn of Pelayaces. The book is a science fiction/fantasy chap book. My first. I am very excited and plan to send it to the publisher later this week. The book is now with my editor who is possibly more excited than I am. LOL I expected to have the book a lot sooner than I did, but sometimes the creative muse takes its own sweet time. :D I can't wait to share it with you. Hope you like reading it as much as I loved writing it. Onward and upward. Cathy

2005-06-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Aren't they precious???

2005-05-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Beautiful lake shot.

2005-05-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Niagra

2005-05-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ducks on the icy pond.

2005-04-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Barnes & Noble Book Signing

2005-04-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Introducing Black Ice

2005-04-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

Signing the Books!

2005-04-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Book

2005-04-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

Riding During the Storm

2005-04-10T23:41:00.000-07:00

During the Snowstorm

2005-04-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Hottub at Lodge

2005-04-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Our Ski Lodge

2005-04-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

Ski Slope

2005-04-10T23:06:00.000-07:00

Sculptured Horses

2005-04-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Frozen Lake

2005-04-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

Italian Eatery

2005-04-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Spirit Catcher

2005-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Frozen Lake

2005-04-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Niagra Falls

2005-04-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

Toronto from the CN Tower

2005-04-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

The Snowstorm

STILL HANGING IN THERE

2005-01-14T03:38:00.000-08:00

Where does time go? I want the next big scientific breakthrough to be a way to bottle it and take it out as I need it. Then, maybe I could get done all I want to get done. :) I am trying to finish THE DAWN OF PELAYACES and am beginning the edit on POCKET FULL OF DiE. Besides that, I am writing weekly on QUEEN TAKES A PAWN and TIMELESS FIRE. I have promised a short story to one of my publishers, but still have a couple of months on that one, so will keep it on the back burner. Someone asked me yesterday how I wrote on several storylines at once. I don't know how, but I can't not do it that way. TIMELESS FIRE is a split storyline with two different century stories running at once. I wouldn't make a good Buddist. The whole "Be here now," philosophy evades me. On the 22nd, I have a workshop coming up where I will teach plotting. Should be interesting. G0t a few minutes to write and need to take advantage. Nuff said. Onward and upward.

TOO BUSY

2005-01-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

Today has been another busy day. Too busy. Up at 6:45 and write an article for the newspaper. Rush to town for a little shopping, Back home to write two more articles. Out to supper. To basketball practice. Then off to cover the School Council Meeting for the newspaper. Home at 9:00 to write a chapter for Timeless Fire, then off to bed. Been that way since Thanksgiving. Way too busy! :) Tue: Dentist app and Ladies meeting Wed: Babysit Duncan Thur: Sub all day Fri Interview with Constable. Back to the grindstone. LOL

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2005-01-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful year!!!

2004-12-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

Spiderman and his helpers

December

2004-12-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

2004-11-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

At the Rose Garden

WRITING FOR NANO

2004-11-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Having the flu is always hard, but having it during NaNo is expecially frustrating. Also, I have three reporting assignments this week. But the flu is the worst. Duncan, the baby has had it for two weeks. He's had to have breathing treatments. Also, Christmas shopping has started!!! Didn't intend to begin this early, but the sales have started already so it has begun. Tomorrow is another shopping day--another day without much writing. Some time I'm going to have to get in a lot. The story I'm writing is science fiction. Jeremy wakes up on Pelayaces, a planet with duel suns. He finds himself caught up in a war between two different races fighting for domination of the planet. Jeremy explores a land completely different from his own, discovering new and interesting plants and animals. Waldo, his fellow travelor, is the scientific genius of the pair and the one who managed to land them on the strange planet. The question now is how are they going to get back home?

2004-11-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

Monet's Seine

NANO

2004-11-03T21:32:00.000-08:00

Well the third day of NaNo is over. The novel is going well - as yet unnamed. I am really enjoying the work. This is my third year to participate in NaNo and I look forward to the contest every year. Well, need to do a little more work before bed. Onward and Upward.

Automatic Writing

2004-10-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Today I am starting a new novel. Tryed to outline it first, but the story has yet to fully emerge from the nebulous misty clouds of ideas where the imagination likes to play. Writing this story feels like automatic writing - or at least, how I think it would feel. Maybe automatic writing feels like this. And if so, maybe automatic writing is this. Or maybe this is automatic writing -- only the spirits want to write fiction instead of relaying truths about the universe. Frivilous spirits bored with the afterlife. Looking to live out their endless days through fantasy. Frustrated artists seeking to live vicariously through their imagination. Reading would be easier. Write on.

2004-10-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Monet Coquelicots

Reporting

2004-10-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

The reporter career is really taking off. :) I am now covering town council meetings. Interesting stuff! Government at the grass roots level. Next, I may be running for governor. NOT LOL Now to write it up. Today, I interview the constables. They always have good stories. Speaking of which. One of our deputies gave me a great idea for a story which I hope to get published soon. There are so many idea for good tales. :)

2004-10-29T03:27:00.000-07:00

Monet

Night is a Lonely Hunter

2004-10-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

What is more lonely than the arts--expecially writing? I guess some people write in groups--screenwriters maybe. But novelists--the voice inside their head is their constant companion. So what's so alone about that? I have my Monet puzzles. :) Who can look at Monet and feel anything but a sense of awe? :) Maybe I have just peeked over into the abyss. Two new novels coming up, and I'm not quite sure where to begin. Not like me. Usually, I just start. Probably what I'll do this time as well. So many possibilities. New worlds to conquer. Dream worlds. Sweet dreams! Those words echo through the fabric of time, don't they? Grandmother to granddaughter--and sugar-plum fairies danced in their heads. Colored marbles fitted into perfect wooden circles on a Persian rug. And the child played by the light of the evening lamp while he read. The grandfather. Sweet dreams. :D

BLONDE LOGIC

2004-10-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Most of you know I'm writing the novelette in weekly installments for the the local paper, The Banner. The novel is called BLONDE LOGIC. The owner of the paper called me last night and told me I've coined a new term in East Texas. BLOND LOGIC He says he hears people using it in causal conversation. Like: "Well, I figured out the problem, but had to use a bit of blonde logic. In the novel, I use it to mean skipping over logic and going straight to intuition. Cool, huh? I've been working on the research for two new books. Fun stuff. I love the research part of it. I guess I love all parts. I have been put in charge of three new columns for the paper. I guess I'm a real reporter now. LOL Yes, I actually get paid! It's not my favorite type of writing, but still, I do get paid to do what I love to do and that's write. I can't complain. :) Christmas shopping is starting already. (which is where I'll probably be dragged today) Fun, fun! I will write tonight when I get in. I'm getting used to the schedule. Run all day. Write all night. :D What a life! Onward and upward!

2004-10-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Monet -Woman Doing Needlework

A New Start

2004-10-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Friday, a memorial service was held for my neighbor. The wife and kids left town for a few days afterwards to get away. My husband plans to have the remains of the fire cleaned up by the time they return. What's new? Well, I am trying to get a children's science fiction in my mind. I have a publisher waiting for the story. Yes, that's a bit backwards, I know. LOL They want fantasy with no magic. I've taken a week to think and plan, and the time has come to act. Or I could continue to work Monet puzzles instead. :) For those of you who haven't downloaded any of my puzzles, you are missing out!!! They are really great! But back to the writing. I am going to do the yearly November contest, so I need to get to work. Tomorrow will probably will be a real work day. Outlines and research!!! Plus my regular stories. Wish me luck! Onward and Upward!

2004-10-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

Queen's Tea '04

Horrible Tragedy

2004-10-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, at four o'clock my husband woke up. Something was wrong. He looked out the window and told me to call 911. He said the neighbor's house was on fire. I did. Then, I dressed and went out the door to see if I could help. He was already outiside. When I left the house I could see the orange glow in the sky. My neighbor's boy's clubhouse. I pounded on my neighbor's door until someone woke up. My friend, Kate came to the door. I told her about the fire. She ran outside. "Where's Harry?" she asked. That was her husband. "I haven't seen him," I said. My husband was using a water hose to fight the fire. The clubhouse, build about five feet off the ground had collasped. The fire was hot, with flames shooting more than ten feet into the air. She asked him. "Have you seen Harry?" "No," my husband said. "Isn't he inside the house asleep?" "No," she said. "He was sleeping in the clubhouse." We were horrified. We knew there was no way he could have survived the fire and had to be still inside the burning rubble. Her two sons had come out by then. She told them to go back inside. We fought for about thirty minutes before the firetrucks arrived. My husband's efforts saved their home. We were heartbroken for their loss. It was so sad. They were the nicest family. The funeral is Friday. All prayers are appreciated.

2004-10-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Lookin' Out My Backdoor!!!

Time Goes On

2004-10-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe so much time has passed since I last posted. I've been busy! Had dinner with two publishers, submitted a children's book for publication, and began editing another novel for publication. My Mallory novel was rejected by the NOIR publisher. He said Mallory was too nice and normal for the genre. :) He wanted someone damaged. He did say the writing was good. Tomorrow is garage sale day, although we may go Christmas shopping instead. I also have an interview to do. Busy, busy! The weather has finally turned to fall. I am wearing a robe and covered by a blanket. :) Should be in the fifties tomorrow--which is nice. Does anyone out there like puzzles? I've found some great jigsaw puzzles. Such fun and works the brain also. Brain fun!!! Onward and upward!

Down and Out

2004-10-07T20:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just get in the dumps. Don't know why you just do. The world who sang your praises yesterday--hates you today. Or worse yet, ignores you. Sound like I had a nothing day? No, very productive. Worked on plot outlines for three different. Have a great work day. Maybe it the waiting. I say it's for the rain, but it's more than that. No risk no gain. Tomorrow night I meet with a published of teen fiction. I am writing a teen mystery which I hope they will want to publish. Fingers crossed. Should be going to bed, but want to finish some needlework. first. Nightowl, that's me. Onward and Upward.

2004-10-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

Designer Pillow

THOUGHTS

2004-10-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

Today the dialogue is running though my head and sending me twenty degrees past nuts. Happens that way sometimes. I think it’s a writer thing, but I could be wrong. Maybe it’s a me thing. How would I ever know—having lived in only my own head. Thoughts run simultaneously on parallel lines which never connect. Good for writing. Bad for life. People yaking outside--thoughts running inside. Makes the world a noisy place. Estascy resides in a focused thought. Finished my short story yesterday. Called it THAT'S ALL THERE IS. I know -- not the catchest. But the proper title was definitely improper. If you read it, you'd know what I mean. Started a new book today. No name for it either. A teen-age mystery. My first. Kind of fun. Not as serious as my normal fare. Gutsy, edge of your seat clean fun in the spirit of Nancy Drew. What next? BLONDE LOGIC, TIMELESS FIRE, NEW BOOK, and NaNo. What fun! Onward and Upward.

2004-10-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

Geranium

Lost Weblog

2004-10-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

I already wrote this once this morning. Disappeared into the mists. Don't know what I was thinking about then, but now I'm thinking about dark. Moveis--books. Noir, that is. The movie "Seven", you say. Too dark for me. I'll see your "Two days in the Valley" and raise you one "Storyville." (Spader- at his best) The public has been in denial since Todd Brownings's "Freaks." Noir is more than just content. I hear a lot about the content, but not much about the style. The realistic, clean-cut style is what first drew me in. It wasn't as much reading the story as stepping into it. I've never been a sucker for a happy ending. Tolerate them pretty well, though. When I have to. Cracker is my idea of a good time. :)

2004-10-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Front Garden

EVER NOTICE...

2004-09-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

How you always seem to get your best ideas when you're in the tub or driving down the road? Sometime when you couldn't possibly write them down or take action? I do my best thinking at the most inopportune times. What's up with that? Whole paragraphs come into my head. Brilliant stuff! Really! Tape recorder? No, the ideas don't travel that path. They go straight to my fingers. We went to the fair last night. My daughter and I walked up to one of those huge medical booths. I was dressed very casual in jogging shoes, black knee pants, a white open cotton shirt over a black shell, and my hair in a ponytail. One of the nurses who lookedto be about 40 something told me they had a prenatal table I should look at if I was thinking of starting a family. LOLOLOL Amanda and I walked over to the table in shock. :) I said: "I wonder how young she thought I was." My daughter said: "Medical biology research must have gotten a lot further than I thought." Hahaha! Leave it to my daughter to put everything into perspective. The presidental debates wiped out CSI and Missing Without a Trace. What the... Tell me it ain't so. Did I watch??? I got the highlights from The Daily Show. Hey--if it won't fit in an email--don't even bother! Tomorrow, we take my mother out to eat for her Birthday. A tea room!!! Yum! But first, I'm getting my nails done. What? You didn't think I was that type of gal? Oh, contraire! I may write about blood and guts, but I do it with sculptured nails. Thank you! Well, time to dress and close the post that wouldn't end. Onward and Upward.

2004-09-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

PECAN GROVE

Almost done.

2004-09-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today has been full of editing and British mysteries. Of course, I think all things go better with British mysteries. :) The subtlety maybe. The complexity of the plots. Maybe it's the lack of pretense. My killer envys his British counterarts their clever intrigues. However the killer in Pocket has several surprises up his sleeve. Mallory will have to work overtime to catch him. Now for Blonde Logic. I need one more chapter before I call it a day. Price is about to discover an important clue. Read it next week's paper to discover what it is. Onward and Upward.

2004-09-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

Lovely tree

2004-09-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

BEAUTIFUL SUNSET

BACK IN THE SADDLE

2004-09-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I've taken some time off after the book was finished to edit. Not been completely idle, but not writing 6,000 a day either. :) I am planning a writing workshop and came up with an idea which I think will be really good for the new writers. I have helped design a creative writing course I used in several schools and feel good about using some of the same ideas now. "Cold Fire" is still doing well. It recently got a great "heads up" from one of the top noir writers, Charlie Stella. Tuesday, I gave an book presentation for a ladies club in my area and introduced the members to the world of BLACK ICE. They were very nice and receptive. Tonight I worked on Timeless Fire. I'm going to do several more chapters in that before going back to Blonde Logic. The edit for POCKET FULL OF DiE is almost finished. Onward and Upward.

2004-09-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

Rock Garden

Editing

2004-09-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

Editing is the word of the day. Even though today is Detective Monday and article deadline day. :) I have a week and a half left. All is going well. Many social occasions rearing their ugly heads. I have a book appearance tomorrow at noon along with a luncheon. That will be a nice change of pace. My books are selling well in the stores and the short got another good review. So, all is well. Did I mention today was house-cleaning day? Yes, that too. LOL Got to do it sometime. Oh well. A housekeeper is next on my list. :) Onward and Upward!

2004-09-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

Enchanting Garden

Finished!!!

2004-09-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

Pocket in the Die is finished!!! I typed the last word yesterday morning. Yea. Today, I finished the first proof. Tomorrow I begin the line edit. (and any re-writing) I have two weeks to polish! My short story is up at the Hardluck Story Site. Warning: if you decide to take a peek. It is NOIR. (the characters are dark and perverse) http://www.hardluckstories.com/sum2004-CMyers.htm Monday night, I was the guest speaker at the East Texas Writer's Guild on planning and plotting. The writers were very welcoming. A great group.

New Word Count Record

2004-09-07T05:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I broke my old record for word count in one day. I wrote over 6,000 wds on Pocket Full of Die. Yipee! I needed it too. I am getting close to the deadline and want to finish early to have more editing time. The book is going well with the killer continuing to up the ante. More and more clues are coming out though. I'm getting close to the wrap-up. Right at 50,000 wds. :D Didn't do my articles yesterday, so today is the day. Have to do those as well as my word count. :D Bought a huge watermelon--end of the season this month. It was wonderful!!! They have been so sweet this year. Well, I'm off and running. Onward and Upward.

2004-09-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

More flowers

Labor Day

2004-09-04T23:23:00.000-07:00

Doing the Labor Day thing. Worked on plotting today. Got a lot accomplished. Then went to a friends lakehouse and learned how to play Texas Slow-Hand (Poker) Randy won the pot!!! Took Weston to B-day party earlier. The entire yard was made like a carnival. The kids loved it. Then, babysat Duncan for the afternoon. Then were out of town to friend's lakehouse Just got in and it is about 1:30am. Hope to get more done tomorrow. Onward and Upward.

Keeping the count

2004-09-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well, got it going on. I was the reader for Children's Hour at the Library this morning. I read Nursery Rhymes. Had a good day of writing. Am well past 3,000 wds for the day. I did my regular post on Timeless Fire and spent the rest of the time on Pocket Full of Die. Timeless Fire is heating up with Niki cooking up a plan to save Michael and destroy him at the same time. What a gal! In Pocket, our killer is meeting new people and wrapping them in body bags. He is enjoying the nightlife the local clubs have to offer with a tiny sidetrip to Indiana. :D I am going to write more on this story before bed. Tomorrow is garage sale with Amanda. Our girls day out. :D My writing for the paper is going well. The owner called me yesterday. Offered me a higher position (with more money) and let me know about some possible Writing Awards coming my way. Keep fingers crossed. :D Want to get 500 to 1,000 more. Onward and Upward.

2004-09-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

A corner of my garden

BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL

2004-08-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

9:30 my time and only a couple of sentences on story. :( Did finish and post Timeless Fire. Did take care of weblogs. Did sell eighty dollars more in books today. Yeah. But need to work on submission piece. My killer is getting restless without me to calm him down. No telling what'll he do next. LOL Demetri and Gail are going to investigate a case which may be connected in Indiana, while Mallory and Theo are investigating another murder at Lake Palestine. Are they connected? The killer is feeling cornered. Making mistakes. I need to get back to see what he does after this. Onward and Upward.

2004-08-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

WATER SUNSET

2004-08-30T22:51:00.000-07:00

Lake in Yosemite

Made It!

2004-08-30T22:37:00.000-07:00

Made my goal again today. Wrote the first thousand this morning. Then, it was time to do my work for the paper. I wrote three articles and worked on the fourth. I had started back to work on Pocket, when Randy came in from golf and invited me out for Mexican Food. Did I refuse? Nearly broke my neck getting to the door. Hahaha! Of course this was Mystery Monday, but PBS ran the convention so my night was shorter than usual. Book is coming along well. Now at 40,000. This is my ninteenth day of working on it. I'll have it finished and edited by the fifteenth. I have a couple of speaking engagements coming up during the last few days, but I should be almost done by then. The killer is getting a little cocky now, but not slowing down. Mallory will have to work hard to catch this one. Onward and Upward.

2004-08-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Summer flowers

Sunday and closing.

2004-08-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

I have written over 4,000 wds today and over 3,000 yesterday. So, everything is going well. The plotting cards are working out great--although I must confess to adding in extra characters quite frequently. Sunday night are for British mysteries as are Mondays. Weston received a medal Saturday for the Summer Reading Program. He was so proud. Has a wonderful imagination. I would love for him to become a writer, but he is set on being a policeman and refuses to budge. Randy plays golf tomorrow so I'll have the entire day to write. Hope to get ahead again. Wrote today on Pocket Full of Die and Timeless Fire. Love writing the two novels at once. Well, three counting Blonde Logic. Love writing that one too. Onward and Upward.

Plotting!

2004-08-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Last night was like pulling teeth to get my word count. I was at the end of my scene layout and not sure where to go. So I have spent the morning plotting out scenes. When I got to 30 new ones, I stopped (becoming a little overwhelmed with the wealth of material I had to draw from) Discarding my usual method, I took a note from my writer friend, Zette, put them on notecards and arranged them in the order I wanted to write them. It is so nice! I dropped her a note thanking her for being such a good example. :D The writing goes so much faster when you know where you're going. :) I did 3500 plus hand writing today. A good day for writing. The story is really moving now. Relationships are developing. My killer is getting very confident and a little careless. The police are working overtime to catch him. Onward and Upward.

2004-08-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Weston enjoyed the B-Day party!

2004-08-25T20:05:00.000-07:00

I want some cake!

Wed and Out

2004-08-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

I got to keep little Duncan this morning. He is at such a sweet age. Climbs on everything. Explores everything. (Just like I did--and do) LOL Well, Opie2, the Opossum is back outdoors. We found him last night all snuggled up in the rag drawer. He was so comfy. His little nose darting back and forth sniffing everything. We unched him up in the dip net and gently laid him on the ground. He is happy. I left food for him. Word count is past 2,ooo. Need to make 3,000 tonight. Think I'll visit with the killer a while. He's always up to something interesting. LOL I am almost half-way done. The plot is developing nicely with threads running everywhere. Be nice to get them all tied up into nice, neat bows. :D Onward and Upward.

2004-08-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Roses

Past 2 --Going down the home stretch

2004-08-24T19:11:00.000-07:00

My two and a half mile walk this morning almost made me a cripple. :D I wore a pair of new shoes and half way through I could stand it no longer. I took the shoes off and walked barefoot!!! That was bad, but better than those awful shoes. :( The writing is going well. Past two thousand and on my way to three thousand. If I can keep this up, the submission will be finished in plenty of time. Yeah!!! I have posted my story on the story blog and am going to add the history. Then back to the writing. Onward and Upward! Happy Birthday to Jade!

2004-08-23T20:56:00.000-07:00

Golf Course Water Trap

Nearing the Mark

2004-08-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

I'm nearing the 3,000 mark which was my goal for the night. Actually, I've crossed if I count the newspaper writing I did. But I want to have 3,000 done on Pocket Full of Die. Another twist is coming up. (Like the whole novel isn't full of them already) :D Did my interview for the newspaper today and mailed off my new chapter of Blonde Logic. The paper prints a chapter every Friday. I'm ahead on that, but won't be for much longer. Same thing with Love's Timeless Fire. Just one more posting and I am caught up. Back to the old keyboard! LOL But I love it. Writing that one is a lot of fun! Well, my killer is getting lonely without me. Better get him finished and put to bed. Onward and Upward.

2004-08-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Stained Glass2

Toward 4,000.

2004-08-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am very near the 3,000 wd count and going toward 4,000. I have 24 days left to finish the book. The plot if falling together very well with loose threads everywhere. Now to get to the 60,000 wds length. I am editing as I go and will do a final edit at the end. Life has been busy and tomorrow is Deadline Monday--my day to get my stories in to the paper. Well here's back to work. The rain has been nice to work by. We've had three days of storms. Not bad enought to cut the electricity!!! That would be bad. :D Well, Onward and Upward! I hit the 4,000 wds mark right at 12:00!!! Finally! If I could do that every day, everything would be great! Added several new scenes I am pleased with and a new twist. Time to rest. Onward and Upward.

2004-08-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Dog and Fawn

You won't believe this!

2004-08-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

Last night about 12:00, I opened the back door to let the cat inside for the evening. The second I opened the door, she ran inside along with one of the year-old kittens. Or so I thought. When I took a closer look, I saw that what had rushed into my house was a baby opossum. Can you believe that??? It ran under the desk and hid. My hubby was already asleep so I decided to wait until morning to tell him. He couldn't believe it either. They only come out at night. So, we're going to try tonight. I am almost at 3,000 wds for today. I have worked on Pocket during the day and Timeless Fire to take a break. I want to get a lot done today, because I have interviews to do for the newpaper tomorrow. The novel is going well. I am pleased, especially with the killer's POV. Onward and Upward! It is 10:00 and I have reached the 3,000 wd count. I am going to try to get ahead 1,000 more for tomorrow!!!

2004-08-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

Stained Glass

Headway

2004-08-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today is a red-letter day. I have added over 6,000 wds to POCKET FULL OF DIE. Yeah! That makes up for a couple of re-editing days! I have a go-ahead on the submission and my plot is laid out. A few more days like this and I will easily make my goal. Today Duncan is one year old. We had a birthday party over my daughter's house. We will have his big party on Saturday. You should have seen him eating the chocolate cake. I took some pics. If they came out, I'll post one. Onward and Upward!

2004-08-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

Lakefront

Working through the Story

2004-08-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Telling a story depends on many different factors. The story itself, the audience, and of course, the ability of the storyteller. One can re-write the same story in many different ways, highlighting different events, focusing on different characters, or using a different POV. That's what I am doing now. I started a novel--for a general mystery audience and attracted the interest of an publisher. Then, I re-focused the story with more of a specialized noir audience in mind. The style underwent a slight change as well as the attitudes of the protagonists. The story became, at once, more realistic and more serious. I am have 30 days to complete the story and about 50,000 wds left to go. Today I worked on more editing. Tonight, I will add to the basic story. Onward and upward! :D

Beginning to Take Shape

2004-08-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Pocket Full of Die is beginning to take shape. The words are flowing and the plot is developing. I finished my 3,000 plus words today in addition to my Monday deadline of articles. I sent three into the paper along with the new chapter of Blonde Logic. Today was the deadline for the second tax extension. More paperwork and hassle. :D The preparer left out part of my work and will have to do it over again, meaning another extension. :) More fun. School started today! (and the beginning of a new exercise committment. LOL) Hope to get more writing done before bed. Onward and Upward!

2004-08-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

Wedding Cake

One step forward--Two steps back

2004-08-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

Well this is the first day of my writing frenzy---not too much writing, but a lot of frenzy. :D First, I got up at 7:30 and wrote for a couple of hours. Decided it was good. Went for a couple of errands and when I came back--the writing had disappeared. Without A Trace. Had to re-write the entire scene. Have had to re-write a couple of other scenes, but publishing rep says they are MUC H improved. So, I guess that's not too bad. Going to write some more tonight before I turn in. And try to save it this time. LOL Onward and Upward!

2004-08-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Snowball Trees!

2004-08-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Flowering Plum Tree

New Goals

2004-08-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

New adventures and new goals are always exciting. Stirs the blood! Well, I have a new goal to share. A British Publishing editor read a couple of my stories and has asked me to submit one of my unpublished books. Yeah!!! Except for the fact that it is largely unwritten also. I told him I could have it to him by Sept 15th--so that is my new goal. I lack about 50 to 60,000 wds having it finished. It is doable, but will require focus and nose to the grindstone for the next month. I love challenges! Onward and Upward!