For a third year running, I competed in NaNoWriMo. One of the great things about competing in this writing exercise is that there is no shame in not completing it. Kind of like golf, you compete against yourself.

I’ve written about the process, and how it works for me. But I think the biggest thing it’s done for me is unleashed the writing and but the reins on the editing. As a technical writer, I’ve worked in IT for more than 15 years. I’ve done online help files, training manuals, technical documentation for projects and applications. In all aspects of this, I’ve done more editing than actual writing. I’ve edited newsletters, articles and online content. More editing than writing. And what it’s done to me is make me perseverate over the same pages over and over. I can always find something to change or correct. I have a hard time letting go.

And it’s almost impossible to make me submit something… because it’s never good enough. I can always give it one more pass to clean it up. Make it better. Dust it off.

NaNoWriMo says NO to editing. Only writing counts. You post your word count and work against the clock to see if you can make 50,000 words on one novel in thirty days in November. This year was challenging. We spent a week in Houston while DH went to a training class. I wrote in a hotel room and visited with grandbabies. We spent Thanksgiving away from home, and I had to visit with relatives and friends and try to write quietly at night after everyone went to sleep. And I did it!! For the third year in a row, I wrote 50,000 words in a novel.

The difference is that this year, I got a couple of critique partners to go over it with me. They understand my issues and have promised not to let me edit the voice right out of my WIP. So, I send off the second chapter to my buddies and hopefully, I can work through this manuscript and try to make a good story out of it. Then, with some help, I’ll submit it to someone and see if it makes the grade.

For someone who has a hard time letting go, this is a big step.

–Sandee Wagner

Last week, I received Susan Boyle’s first professional CD.  You remember her; she’s the frumpy lady from Scotland that sang so beautifully in the British version of AMERICAN IDOL.  When she first came on stage, the entire audience, including the judges, started chuckling.  She looked like a wannabe of all wannabes.  But the moment she started singing, mouths dropped open and eyes widened all over the auditorium.

As is common today, her entire performance ended up on YouTube and made one million hits in less than a week.  Everywhere, Susan Boyle was on everyone’s lips, in everyone’s email, on everyone’s TV show.  By the end of two weeks, she was as well known as what’s-his-name who became the first African-American President of the USA.

Strangely enough, she didn’t win the contest.  A bunch of dancers beat her out.  Does anyone remember the group’s name?  Does anyone remember what kind of dance they did?  Are they bringing out any kind of DVD?  And if so, is it being anticipated as much as Susan’s CD was?  I understand, her disk pre-sold over one million units.  Wow!

I have a theory about that; I think when the kids were announced as a dance group, they looked like a professional dance group and no one doubted that they would do a great job.  But Susan came out, her graying hair disheveled, and looking like a middle-aged housewife.  When Simon questioned her, she sounded like someone’s mother…not a semi-trained musician.  But when that voiced poured out like gold…man!

I’ve read books like Susan Boyle.  Crappy covers, so-so back blurbs, or maybe having a doubtful premise, but because I was judging it for a contest, I HAD to read it, no matter what.  Then I get into it, and whoosh!  I can’t put the book down.  It’s the kind of story that can keep me from doing my housework (not always that hard, I will admit).  Or maybe I stay up all night, unable to sleep until I know what happens next.

That’s the frumpy book that reads like an angel.  I haven’t written one yet.  I’ve written good books and I’ll write better ones as my skills become stronger.  But I can’t wait to write my “Susan Boyle” book, the one that may look frumpy, but will blow the reader away.

Who/What influenced your writing the most?
I fell in love with books…well, I don’t remember when, just as I don’t remember a time I couldn’t and wasn’t reading. My earliest favorite writers were Tolkien and Heinlein. They had two very different styles of writing, but both were storytellers. And I guess they, and the multitude of other authors I’ve read and loved, have all influenced my writing.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not, then what?
Being a mom is the job I’m most proud of. And for years, when the kids were young, it was the only job I could really dream of. It was all-encompassing. But eventually I realized that they were getting older and one day soon I’d need to get an outside job for some added income (kids are expensive pets to keep ) and I asked myself what I would like to do with the rest of my life. That’s where my love of reading kicked in. I realized I wanted to write. I was very fortunate that my family supported me. They were, and are, my biggest cheerleaders!

You mentioned on your website that your brothers and your husband were all cops. Do their experiences on the job give you fodder for your plot lines? If so, how?
I’ve definitely written characters who were police officers, but I don’t do mystery or action adventure. I write about people and relationships. I’ve had three reader letters recently that commented on the realism of my books–they feel as if they really know my characters. So, when I write a cop, it’s more about him, than the job…if that makes sense.

What does your normal (writing) week look like?
I make the school drop-off drive, take the dogs for a walk, then I write. I treat my writing like any other job. I work until lunch. Then pick up again and work until I make the school pick-up run.
I tend to have a page-count daily goal. But even when those pages are done, there’s still more work to do. There are interviews, like this. Blogs and guestblogs. I’ve been writing articles and those take work. Then there’s Facebook and other online communities I visit. I tell people those are my water-cooler moments. I don’t have coworkers in the same office as me…I just have the dogs, and they truly don’t have too much to say. So Facebook gives me a way to touch base with people…real people, not just the people in my head! LOL

Do you work with critique groups? How has your experience with them been?
No, I don’t have a critique group or partner.

If you could write yourself into a story, what would your character be and be like?
Wow, now that’s the first time that particular questions been asked. My character would definitely be a mother…and odds are she’d have kids that were… (I’m trying to think of how to put this so my kids won’t be insulted if they read this)… uh, how about a mother who’s kids were very active and creative! LOL This character version of me would have very unruly hair, a rather sanity-challenged (which sounds nicer than crazy) extended family, and a fondness for ugly dogs that no one else wanted to adopt.

Your writing bio jumps from one line to another. Has Harlequin (or any other publisher) offered to pay you to NOT write for them to keep another line from dying? =) Seriously though, how have those changes impacted your writing career?
Oh, I won’t lie, the fact that I’ve written for so many lines that have folded has certainly made my writing career… interesting. Remember that old curse, may you live in interesting times? Yeah, like that! I’m hoping now that I’m writing for SuperRomance I’ve found a long-term writing home, but if nothing else I’ve learned that nothing in this business is ever static. All I can do (all any writer can do) is write stories I love about characters I love and hope that editors and readers love them, too!
Speaking of readers, I will add that I’ve been very fortunate to have readers who’ve followed me no matter what line I was writing for. Seriously, I have the best readers out there!

What do you do to relax (not writing)?
My favorite thing is hanging with my family! And of course, I walk the dogs a few miles each day…it’s a great time to think and mull. I like to do crafts. I cross-stitch and crochet. I do projects around the house with my husband. And because we heat with wood, I do all the splitting. Yep, I’m quite the lumberjack…er, jill. Now, that might not seem overly relaxing, but to be honest, I love it. I spend a great deal of my day sitting on the couch working. Wood splitting, household projects, walking the dogs…they all get me moving and give me time to just be.

What do you wish you had known earlier in your writing career?
Writing isn’t a sprint…it’s a marathon. You’ll have ups and downs. You just have to ride the highs, slog your way through the lows and simply enjoy the moments!

What’s coming up next for you?
I have a November SuperRomance, UNEXPECTED GIFTS. Now, for those who aren’t familiar with Harlequin, the books are available for just one month, so while it’s currently on the shelves, it won’t be in another week or so, though bookstores can still order it, and it’s available all over online. They’re also available as eBooks, including the Kindle format.
I have a December release from Avalon (these are books marketed to libraries, so if you want to read it, you should request it and borrow it!) called EVERYTHING BUT A CHRISTMAS.
Then in February, just in time for Valentines, I have another SuperRomance release, A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY.

Would you mind giving us a sneak peak at your current or upcoming release? =)

Unexpected Gifts
by Holly Jacobs
ISBN #978-0-373-71601-2
Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09

Life happens…and then life really happens!
Teacher Eli Cartwright has it all figured out—the career, the reliable boyfriend and the next few dependable decades. But life has quite a sense of humor, it seems, since her perfectly ordered existence has been completely upended. Because now Eli is counseling pregnant teens—with an unplanned pregnancy of her own!

So Eli is single, terrified…and exuberant. And her colleague, Zac Keller, has never been more attracted to her. But can he convince Eli that life sometimes offers more than one unexpected gift at a time?

9 Months Later: It’s not what they’re expecting

~~~~

Just a bit about this book. I’ve volunteered with our local teen parenting program for years. The staff that works with these girls…well, they’re amazing. And because of them, the number of teen-moms who finish high school have risen, and they’ve got great stats on moms who go on to continue their education in college or some other educational program. I thought a woman who did similar work would make an excellent heroine, and I can only hope that Eli Cartwright can shine some light on these unsung local heroes.

And the hero, Zac Keller, comes from a rather untraditional family. He’s all heart…and was the perfect hero for Eli. I’m happy to report that he has a cameo in the February book. He gives a job to a very ‘special’ character in A One-of-a-Kind Family.

I guess that’s it! I want to thank you for letting me come visit today! People can always find me online at www.HollyJacobs.com, and they can find a link to my Facebook page there. I always welcome new watercooler friends!

I must confess: I’m a shopaholic. Shameless sale hussy. Clearance Queen. Bargain Babe.

And for the first time in 1o years, I didn’t get up at 4 am…but I did shop the Black Friday Sales at 8:30–in Dallas.  For me! I’ll try to get a picture on The Twisted Sisters blog later.

But that’s not my topic. I broke a routine, and for me that’s a big deal. Bigger than scooping an awesome bargain!!  This year has been my time to deviate from my carefully normal ordered  life.  I discovered that I can write almost anywhere, not just my office, or when it is quiet, or only in the morning. I don’t even have to ‘have’ a lap top. There are notes on several napkins, paper towels, and the backs of envelopes.

During the next few months, I will be driving my husband to work (in Dallas) as he recovers from double shoulder separation/tendon repair back to back surgeries. As much as I LOVE to shop, and I do know where the bargains are, I will be writing, or doing research either camped out in his office building. Or if the weather is nice, across the street at the Frisbee park. 

Are you going to break a routine that may be holding you back?

Are you one of “those”? You know. The type of person who gets up at 3 a.m. in order to hit the hottest sales in town?

 Are you a Black Friday shopper?

You get to stand in line in either/and/or cold, freezing rain or snow only to be shoved aside once the doors are opened. Or you rush to the desired merchandise counter (Electronics. Am I right?) and you’re fifth in line but they’re already “out” of the sale item? {Hmm. Should have read the fine print on the ad . . . limited quantities meant only 3 per store.}

Now who doesn’t love a bargain? Everyone that knows me knows I’m tight fisted so you’d think I’d be first in line. However, I just can’t force myself to get up to go do “battle” at the malls. To me, it just isn’t worth it. I’m really happy for those that do brave the crowds and walk away with some really good deals. Even if they are a little bloodied and bruised afterwards. {grin}

But me? I can guarantee you I’m still lounging around in my jammies having my OJ and Wheaties.

What about you? Do you, or don’t you, shop on Black Friday?

(Oh. And if you do, I don’t look for you to respond to this blog anytime soon. {snort})

Linda

I’m thankful that my 12 shift is over and it was fairly quiet.

I’m thankful that I got my admits IV in one stick.

I’m thankful that Swanson’s makes an awesome turkey dinner which is in the toaster oven now.  Yum!

I’m thankful that Chik A’Fil (?) donated chicken sandwich lunches for the families and nurses today, with brownies!  And I got two!  Double yum.

I’m thankful that all my family and friends live a free country and have the peace they needed for a blessed Thanksgiving.

Now, excuse me while I have my Thanksgiving dinner.

When asked to log in and post what I’m thankful for, it made me think of all the people I know on Facebook who’ve been posting DAILY what they were thankful for all November.

There are many things that I’m thankful for every single day. My loving and constant husband. My healthy and happy children. My adorable and perfect grandchildren. These, I thank God for each and every day when I send my prayers up.

Today, I’m specifically thankful that we made an 8 hour drive yesterday and only saw ONE wreck. It only involved two cars and all the passengers and drivers were standing there discussing the accident. I’m Irish enough to think, “it could have been worse!”

–Sandee Wagner

I’m extremely grateful that I have a job, my home, my health, everyone in RWI, my family and my loving husband (listed in reverse order of importance). I am so blessed that I have family and friends that I can share this holiday with and I sincerely hope you do, too.

My wish to you is that you continue to have good fortune. Or that good fortune will find you and bless you wherever you are.

Happy Holidays!

Linda Trout

Slut Susan checking in with my thankfulness.

I’m thankful–

Thanksgiving doesn’t come every day.

#4 got her new dishwasher (and he’s not a cabana boy.)

We don’t have a Starbucks or Braums in Cleveland so I’m able to keep my weight under 250 pounds.

I’m one of six siblings so I’ve never been spoiled.

I like myself enough to think I should have been.

For all four seasons . . . even though I enjoy some most in retrospect.

Things irritate the fire out of me so I look forward to Heaven.

Hair color.

Indoor plumbing.

DH–who’s given me the best that life has to offer–kids, love, memories and laughter.

Friends.

A game warden was driving down the road when he came upon a young boy carrying a wild turkey under his arm.

He stopped and asked the boy, “Where did you get that turkey?”

The boy replied, “What turkey?”

The game warden said, “That turkey you’re carrying under your arm.”

The boy looks down and said, “Well, lookee here, a turkey done roosted under my arm!”

The game warden said, “Now look, you know turkey season is closed, so whatever you do to that turkey, I’m going to do to you.

“If you break his leg, I’m gonna break your leg. If you break his wing, I’ll break your arm. Whatever you do to him, I’ll do to you. So, what are you gonna do with him?”

The little boy said, “I guess I’ll just kiss his butt and let him go!”

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!

Today is one of my favorite holidays–Thanksgiving!!

We’re hoping all the SLUTS check in today to say what we’re thankful for.

I’m thrilled that despite Don’s injuries, all of us are healthy. We will be childless–none of the 5 will be here, but I’m sure we will be remembered.

From Slut Nancy, I’ve posted for her:     I  am thankful just to be here. Last year I was still in treatment for the cancer and did not know if I would ever see another Thanksgiving…and now, here I am, six months in remission and going strong! And so, of all the blessings in my life that I am thankful for, just being here is enough for now.   Nancy

Nancy, we’re glad you’re here too, and a part of RWI !!!!