Nicki Greenwood

Dreaming of Spring

2012-01-25T18:19:00.006-05:00

Those seed supply centers are dumb like a fox. A few weeks ago, they started sending me their catalogs for the 2012 growing season. In the midst of ice and snow and cold temperatures (more or less; we've been lucky so far), who can resist the photos of blooming flowers and fresh produce?

Now is a great time to start planning what you want to grow in warmer seasons. This is when you have the time to map out what (and where) you want to plant. There's no rush, because you can't even plant until the last frost is over. It's a good time to look over what's available for your climate, light conditions, and growing zone. You can choose, realistically, what plants you can afford to buy or trade with others, and those edibles your family will actually use. No sense growing broccoli, if no one in your family's going to eat it! Alternatively, you can choose new vegetables your family might want to "kitchen test."

This will be the second year for my butterfly garden, and I expect everything's going to come back fuller and more vigorous. I'm hoping the milkweed will have gotten a nice foothold, and that it attracts many monarch butterflies. I have a couple varieties of butterfly bush, which is quite the magnet for many species. In addition, there are some empty spaces where I can put some new types of flowers to attract butterflies (and hopefully a hummingbird or two). I also have a shed to landscape. Hooray for blank canvases!

Finally, we have a raised-bed garden awaiting its spring planting. This year, we'll plant more of the really successful stuff. Last growing season, we ate leaf lettuce, baby spinach, and beet greens right up until frost. Definitely going to pack the box with those. I want to try more tomatoes and beans, too. I think we'll grow some sunflowers for the birds, out by the bird feeders. We get a couple volunteer sunflowers every year, from seeds that drop from the feeder and manage to take root, but seeing a cheerful patch of them out there every morning over my coffee will be a great way to start the day.

If you're in a cold climate, I hope you're dreaming of spring, too!

Movie Review: "War Horse"

2012-01-13T06:00:00.003-05:00

First off, I don't have a right to complain, since I saw this movie for free. My mother won tickets, and this had been on my "to see" list, anyway. The trailer looked impressive.

The movie is not your typical "boy and his horse" story. Rather than focusing solely on the relationship between the horse and the boy who raised and trained him, "War Horse" follows the horse itself through its birth and wartime service. It touches on the lives of several other people on all fronts in the war, with the horse connecting them in a Black Beauty-like fashion.

But while "Black Beauty" is a classic for a reason, I can't say the same is destined for this movie. It had all the expected notes of a good film, but it fell short of great. I'm picky about horse films, and there were a few moments when it was clear that this was a trained horse responding to cues offscreen (or CGI'd in motions or behaviors), rather than an animal acting on natural impulse. The film was missing a clear, unifying element, aside from the connective element of the horse's involvement in the humans' lives, and that of wartime courage and sacrifice. In short, too many vignettes, without a focused path to tie them together. I found several cliche moments, which dimmed my enjoyment of some otherwise spectacular scenes.

The highlight of this movie was undoubtedly the horse's wild run through No Man's Land between the trenches of the English and German soldiers at the battlefront. It was a hard scene to watch, and extremely well done. I found myself clapping my hands over my mouth with horror and sympathy for the poor animal as it careened through mud, bombs, and barbed wire. What happens after that is the saving grace of this film, and an interesting commentary on the human element present behind wars. I'm stingy about my "great" films, and I have to say that if this film contained more moments like that, it would have gotten a "great" from me.

I give "War Horse" a 3.5 of 5 stars, for some well-done moments and some cliche ones. Save your hard-earned cash for the rental on this one!

Baby New Year (Taking Her First Steps)

2012-01-02T21:19:00.004-05:00

Well, it's that time of year when we start thinking resolutions! The key to keeping your resolutions is, of course, making them attainable ... by making them look attainable. Break that big task into smaller chunks. For example:

If you're a writer, and writing that whole book seems daunting, piece it off. Instead of "I will write a 100,000-word book and submit it to a publisher," you may want to try telling yourself "I will write two pages a day. By December 31, I will submit its first three chapters to a publisher." (And remember that any writing counts, even if it's a rough first draft. You can go back and edit what you wrote, but not if you have written nothing!)

Even if you've decided not to make a resolution, I hope you're looking forward to a bright, happy, and productive New Year. Cheers!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-26T05:54:00.002-05:00

With Christmas over (Wow, did it go that fast?), we now turn to the coming New Year. I'd like to wish you all a happy, healthy, and productive 2012, and I hope that the next year brings you all good things. Have a safe and enjoyable one!

Christmas Comes Early

2011-12-21T05:14:00.003-05:00

Hubby and I agreed earlier this year that we weren't getting each other anything for Christmas, and we would just focus on the kids in our family. So naturally, we got each other something. :D

His gift to me is an iPod Touch, which he let me "open" early (i.e., it never saw wrapping paper - LOL). So far, I love it. My old iPod was a G4 Nano, and it has served me well. I'm going to pass that down to our son. The new iPod has lots of shiny graphics features, Internet capability, eBook reading capability (the clincher), and lots of storage for songs and video. I can also use it to take notes, photos, etc. Keen! I am not a cell phone girl, but there's no living with me if I can't have my music. Big hugs to Hubby for the gift ... and for ignoring me when I said "No presents." I hope he likes his, too. :)

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-06T07:55:00.003-05:00

Just posting today to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season, and best wishes for the new year. Enjoy the season, and remember to take some time to relax!

Christmas Tree 2011

2011-11-26T07:45:00.003-05:00

This year, we went with a tree the hubby would like: The Great Outdoors. I found the coolest buffalo check plaid ribbon online (Karaboo Ribbons, if you're interested). To that, I added my wooden cranberry string, flicker flame lights, bobbers, a whole mess of clearance lures (with hooks clipped off for safety) from The Bass Pro Shops, wildlife, and S'more characters. There are also some other outdoorsy things, like a cute little sweater. And yes, that's a hunting hat on top. ;) I give you the Greenwood House 2011 Christmas tree:

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:32:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to those of you celebrating with good food, family, and friends today. Enjoy your day, and take some time to think about what you're thankful for this year. Gobble, gobble!

We Have A Winner!

2011-11-19T19:09:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Terri P., who has won a special gift basket giveaway containing a variety of Nantucket-themed items, all packaged in a beautiful lightship basket:

A bottle of Wegmans non-alcoholic Concord Grape flavor sparkling grape juice

A seashell tealight holder

A Yankee Candle votive in Beach Walk scent

An adorable Monet seafood cooking pot trinket box

Decorative seaglass accent stones

This gift basket was offered exclusively at the book signing on November 19th at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY! Click the picture below for a larger view of this wonderful gift basket.

Keep an eye on this blog for announcements of future prizes and upcoming book signings. I'll list them all here as they come up. Congratulations again to Terri P., and Happy Reading!

Hydrofracking Concerns

2011-11-17T05:31:00.003-05:00

Hydrofracking has become a growing concern among environmentalists within the past several years. It's the process of extracting natural gas or petroleum from within bedrock by the injection of pressurized fluids. You can read more about it here - Wikipedia on Hydraulic Fracturing or see a video from Fox News here - America's Energy Boom: What Is Fracking?

The concerns about this process range from possible air and water contamination to the influx of industrial traffic to areas that may not be equipped to handle it. There have also been worries about how fracking affects the stability of the bedrock, resulting in earth tremors. That could lead to rupture of the pipes that inject the fluids into the bedrock, or the wells that store the fluid afterward. The fluids used in fracking normally contain mostly water, but chemicals are used also, and the drilling company doesn't have to tell you which ones.

Fracking does not have enough government regulation to adequately protect the environment due to exceptions in the law. There are known cases of pollutants damaging nearby property and groundwater.

If you live in NY State, please tell Governor Cuomo not to allow fracking. New York has vast and beautiful natural areas that may be damaged by this procedure. It's just not worth the risk until more regulation for fracking can be secured. Go to A Million Fracking Letters and use your voice to protect our environment! Thank you!

Happy Veteran's Day!

2011-11-11T06:23:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to all our veterans and soldiers today, wherever you are. I appreciate what you do to make us safe!

Another Great Review for WATER!

2011-11-09T21:54:00.002-05:00

WATER has received another great review, this time from a reviewer at Romancing The Book, who calls WATER "enchanting and charming" and awards it the Lovely Rose (Recommended Book) rating!

I'm thrilled with the feedback on this book so far, and I can't wait to share WATER with some of you in person at its premiere book signing on November 19th at Books 4 Less!

Exclusive Book Signing Giveaway (11/19/11)!

2011-10-30T20:28:00.003-04:00

I will be presenting a special gift basket giveaway to guests at my book signing of WATER on November 19, 2011 from 12:00-4:00 PM at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY (Click here for directions). The giveaway (a $40 value) contains a variety of Nantucket-themed items, all packaged in a beautiful lightship basket:

A bottle of Wegmans non-alcoholic Concord Grape flavor sparkling grape juice

A seashell tealight holder

A Yankee Candle votive in Beach Walk scent

An adorable Monet seafood cooking pot trinket box

Decorative seaglass accent stones

This gift basket will be offered exclusively at the book signing on November 19th at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY, so if you're in the neighborhood, come and visit! No purchase is necessary, and though you will need to be at the signing to enter, you need not be present at the time of the drawing. If you win, you may pick up your prize at Books 4 Less after the closing of the event. Click the picture below for a larger view of this wonderful gift basket.

Keep an eye on this blog for announcements of future prizes and upcoming book signings. I'll list them all here as they come up. Good luck, and Happy Reading!

WATER Reviewed by Sizzling Hot Book Reviews!

2011-10-25T06:00:00.003-04:00

The reviews are beginning to come in for WATER, and to favorable response! Stacey at Sizzling Hot Book Reviews calls WATER "A touching, humorous story about home being where the heart is. Very refreshing."

Thanks, Stacey, for your awesome review! I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" comes to Syracuse Stage!

2011-10-17T05:44:00.004-04:00

My inner kid is beaming. The last time I got this excited was when they made an IMAX production of "The Young Black Stallion."

November 25th through December 31st, Syracuse Stage is producing "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," arguably one of my favorite books (and movies) EVER. There's not even a question of me not springing for the best possible seats.

I love theater to begin with, and I can't imagine how they'll adapt this to stage, but I. Am. PSYCHED. I loved these books as child, I love them now, and if I opened up my closet and saw Narnia in there, you can bet your booty I'd be off like a shot. So, this holiday season, if you're local to Central NY, come see "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" at Syracuse Stage!

Book Signing Announced for WATER: November 19, 2011!

2011-10-15T23:01:00.003-04:00

Be sure to visit Nicki at her upcoming book signing for WATER at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 12:00-4:00 PM! Nicki will be signing copies of WATER and will answer questions about her books. If you'd like a printable copy of the flyer, please click here.

Nicki will also be offering promotional giveaways featuring her books, and there will be a drawing for a special gift basket that will go home with one lucky winner! Stay tuned for details!

Guest Blogging Today At "Life Is A First Draft!"

2011-10-14T05:48:00.004-04:00

I'm guest blogging today at Life Is A First Draft - come and visit! You can read the opening lines of WATER, and learn a few interesting things about me. Have a great weekend!

WATER Official Release Is Today!

2011-10-07T07:25:00.004-04:00

Today is the official release date for WATER, Book Two of the Elemental Series!

Water Elemental Morgan Clifton has finally found somewhere to belong. As the chef at a bed-and-breakfast on beautiful Nantucket Island, she uses her gift - the power to manipulate water - to cook for guests, and even to influence the weather. At last, she fits in...and then the bottom drops out. The property's been sold, and the new buyer rattles her peace of mind from the first word out of his mouth.

Businessman Trent Williams lives on dissolving dreams - dismantling properties and selling off the pieces. When he arrives to buy the Seaglass Inn, the last thing he expects to find is a mysterious chef who won't leave. The more they battle, the more intrigued he is...especially about the secret she's hiding.

Trent believes in finance, not family. Morgan longs for the ties that bind. Are they running from each other, or are their clashes the first step to finding true happiness?

* * *

Keep an eye on my website for upcoming contests and book signings, or order your copy of WATER now in print or digital format at The Wild Rose Press!

Would You Like Your Scene With Or Without Music?

2011-09-22T07:47:00.002-04:00

So yesterday, I spent six hours editing, and while I recall quite vividly writing this manuscript with music, I realized that editing it with music didn't fly.

That was weird.

I like to write to music, and I often have a soundtrack for each book I write. Music is a wonderful inspiration, especially for an avid moviegoer like myself, who can't imagine a movie without its soundtrack. So it was with some surprise that I realized my fruitless first half hour editing was because the music distracted me. Thus, I turned it off. Voila - three chapters, polished and ready to roll.

I have a large music library at my disposal, but the more I write, the more I realize that as much as a good song can help a scene, a bad one can kill it. I'm a little pickier than I used to be about whether or not to write to music, but still ready and willing to jot down a song that makes me go "Ooh!" (Pandora's great for that, by the way.)

Do you write to music? Do you prefer silence? Some other ritual that gets you into the groove? Every writer is different, and I love hearing what makes other scribblers tick. Let me know!

Literary Agent Chelsea Gilmore!

2011-09-18T06:08:00.005-04:00

A Chat With Chelsea

Yesterday at the CNY Romance Writers meeting, we were treated to a chat with literary agent Chelsea Gilmore of the Maria Carvainis Agency. Chelsea presented an information-packed Q&A with our authors that ran the gambit from the world of self-publishing (no longer the stigma that it used to be) to the future of the industry (still unfolding, but we were assured that there will always be a place for good stories, and agents will always be there to promote us).

The first thing that struck me about Chelsea is her willingness to encourage a potential client. She opened the conversation by saying "We wouldn't be here without you." Chelsea firmly believes that her job wouldn't exist if it were not for writers, and she goes that extra mile to help her clients, whether it be career guidance, editorial feedback, or simply the knowledge that there's a cheerleader in their corner.

Love You, Love Your Writing ... And She Will Too

Chelsea told us that "ego" is important in the world of publishing. She likes it when her authors know their story is good. We need to love our work, she said, because that enthusiasm shows when we're pitching. (And there's no need to get intimidated by the pitch. Pick a few things that stand out in your book and talk about those! She wants to hear what excites you about your work.) She advised us that if an agent turns us down, that it may be a very good thing. After all, if your agent doesn't absolutely love your work, why would you want them to represent it?

Chelsea also shows a wonderfully supportive attitude toward the writers she doesn't sign. She is willing to work with an author whose story has potential, but isn't quite "there" yet. She will often provide some commentary on manuscripts she decides not to accept. If your manuscript isn't right for her, she's willing to explain why.

If she does sign you, she will champion your work as well as your artistic vision. If an editor asks for changes to your manuscript, she will help you ensure that those changes are for the better of your story (and your intent with it) before making them.

Looking For A Few Good Manuscripts

Chelsea looks for cleanly written stories with strong voices. Humor is a bonus! She likes new takes on old stories, and well-written characters are a must. She accepts the following genres: young adult, romance, women's fiction, literary fiction, mysteries (including cozies), commercial thrillers, pop culture, or historical fiction. She does not accept science fiction, children's picture books, or inspirationals.

Chelsea prefers paper submissions including a query letter (don't forget to include your word count), a two- to three-page synopsis, and either the first thirty pages or three chapters of your manuscript, whichever is longer. Previously published work is accepted, as long as the author has received his or her rights back. Submissions should be directed to:

Maria Carvainis Agency, Inc.
Attn: Chelsea Gilmore
1270 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

Thank you so much to Chelsea for coming to the CNY Romance Writers meeting and sharing your insight with us!

WATER Now Available For Pre-Order!

2011-09-16T05:54:00.002-04:00

WATER is now available for pre-order through The Wild Rose Press! If you'd like to order a copy in digital or paperback, please click this link. Make your summer last!

Remembering Our Heroes

2011-09-11T11:15:00.003-04:00

Today I am posting to honor those who died on 9/11/01. Please keep them and their families in your hearts and minds today, and never forget that our freedoms have always come with a sacrifice. Thank you to all who have served and died for our country to keep it free of terrorism.

Fall Is Coming!

2011-08-30T07:25:00.002-04:00

Well, I had to close all my windows a couple of nights ago ... same for last night, but I'll be darned if I turn the heat on while it's still August.

Yep, it's that time of year. The chill is on the air, and we're beginning to turn our thoughts to autumn. The stores are already showing off their fall colors, football is on, and we're preparing the yard for its winter nap. My vegetable garden is full of miniature pumpkins and sunflowers. I have had lots of skippers and cabbage whites in my butterfly garden (but no monarchs, even though I'm hopeful I'll see one passing through for a snack).

The big news this fall is that my second book, WATER, will be available October 7th. I plan to do book tours and signings, and it'll be a lot of fun. I hope to see some of you at the events. Keep an eye on my website for a listing of times and places! If you can't make a signing or tour stop, don't worry - I'll also be giving away some fun prizes, which I will announce on my website as they come up. Even though fall is almost here, WATER will keep the summer simmering for you!

I'm A Mom Again (Sort Of)!

2011-07-27T07:50:00.004-04:00

This morning I had a treat waiting for me when I visited my butterfly garden: the (alleged) Monarch butterfly eggs have hatched! It took three days from the time I first noticed the eggs. They're tiny yet, not even 1 x 3 millimeter in size, and they barely look like anything yet. (They bear a creepy resemblance to tiny maggots right now ... eww.) I will be keeping a close eye on them over the next two weeks while they grow. At two weeks, they should be fat, 2-inch caterpillars with black, white, and yellow stripes, assuming they are in fact Monarchs. Here's the picture I snapped today:

The thing that makes me wonder if they are Monarchs is that the eggs were laid in a cluster, rather than dotted all around the underside of the leaf as I have read Monarchs do. It could be that my Monarch mom was an anomaly. It could even be that these are a whole different species of butterfly ... though from everything I've read, if you find butterfly eggs on a milkweed, they're bound to be Monarch eggs. Time will tell! If you want to learn more about the Monarch butterfly life cycle, which takes about a month to complete from egg to adult, visit Rose Franklin's Monarch Metamorphosis page!

Success (I think)!

2011-07-25T07:48:00.007-04:00

Took a tour of my butterfly garden yesterday, whilst lamenting that I hadn't seen more than two species of butterfly anywhere in the vicinity. (The insects are enjoying it quite a bit, though.) I examined my Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet' (known by the less pretty name Swamp Milkweed), to find a cluster of some 50 eggs which I hope will turn out to be Monarch butterfly eggs!

Only after I mentioned this to my husband did he remember to tell me he'd seen a Monarch flit through our backyard the previous day. *rolls eyes*

I will keep you all posted, as I plan to make daily trips out to the butterfly garden to see how and when the eggs hatch. If my milkweed starts looking like Swiss cheese, and I see little black, yellow and white striped caterpillars, I'll know I've hit the jackpot.

I also saw a pair of damselflies hovering around my Morning Glories. Not sure what species it was, but this is what he looked like. These guys are voracious eaters of pesky insects like beetles, flies and mosquitoes, so I was happy to welcome him:

My 'Pink Delight' butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) was also blooming nicely. Looked like the bugs had been visiting it, since it was a bit chewed here and there. With a butterfly garden, you want things to be a bit ragged. That means you have customers!

The garden is in full bloom now, and it's such a pleasure to see everything so green and lush. I can't wait to see if I get lots of flying flowers, now that I know the butterflies have discovered my garden. Keep watching here for updates!

Guest Blogging Today at Coffee & Romance

2011-07-08T17:45:00.002-04:00

I'm guest blogging today at Coffee & Romance! Go to the Featured Author page at Coffee & Romance to learn a little about me and my upcoming book, WATER. While you're there, feel free to post a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T06:15:00.002-04:00

Wishing all Americans a safe and happy Fourth of July. Be safe, and have a great day!

WATER Release Date and Book Trailer Announced!

2011-06-21T22:59:00.002-04:00

The release date for WATER, Book Two of the Elemental Series, has been announced! It will be released in digital and print formats on October 7, 2011. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned to my website for information on upcoming releases, book tours, contests, and more!

With the announcement of WATER's release date, I have unveiled its book trailer! You can see it here:

Thanks to everyone who made this book possible. I'm very excited about it, and I hope you will be too!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T05:49:00.003-04:00

This one speaks for itself, and it's for all you dads out there.

http://www.wimp.com/dadlife/

Disposable Me

2011-06-10T07:51:00.006-04:00

Trash Talk

One of mankind's biggest weaknesses these days is our shortsightedness - our lack of willingness to do things that would benefit successive generations, long after we're gone. For instance, to engineer products that are so hard-wearing, our great-grandkids will be using them. Some of it is, sadly, willful. Products are made to be disposable - one use (or a few) and we toss them out. Razors, plastic bags, dinnerware. All that stuff goes into a landfill, and much of it won't biodegrade. This is the easy stuff. Everyone can take that step toward reusable grocery bags. But there are other issues at stake, less obvious.

Vroom, Vroom

Cars. Can you really believe that with all the technology available, we haven't been able to engineer a car that can run 100K miles before it even starts showing signs of wear? That we haven't made more of an incentive out of choosing hybrid or electric cars when purchasing a vehicle? That we can't make it more practical for a consumer to think pro-environment? Nobody comes forward with the technology, because it benefits the auto makers and oil companies to continue producing something you have to keep buying, fixing, and gassing up. Good for their pockets now ... bad for the planet later.

Let's face it. Consumers need a reason to choose pro-environment ... and while pro-environment is the pricier option, with no visible return, most folks are going to choose what appears (right now, and superficially) to be the cheaper choice. Hybrid cars are more expensive, with perhaps one or two examples earning back their investment (financially) over the course of the car's lifetime. My next car will be a hybrid, regardless of up-front costs, because it's environmentally the right thing to do. Without incentive to turn to sustainable practices, the oil and auto industries will continue to make those cash-cow products. It's a social mindset we need to change. And because money is what concerns them most, your dollar is your biggest and best voice. Where you put your money is where the manufacturers will put their efforts.

Fix It And Forget It

Recently I was treated to an irritating example of this throw-away, buy-more mentality. My Crock-Pot's plastic knob broke. I have had this appliance for nearly nine years of light use (as compared to my mother's thirty-year-old model, which is still kicking with its original parts). The Crock-Pot website does not list a replacement part for this knob, and I can only assume that's because they want you to buy a whole new Crock-Pot for $50-plus. Mine works fine ... it's just missing the knob. Also, no replacement knob anywhere on the Internet, by the way.

Off I went with my irritation to the local hardware store for a universal replacement. Crock-Pot, however, designed the pin that holds this knob just oddly enough that any old knob isn't going to fit.

Enter ingenuity. I bought, for five bucks, a tube of heat-resistant epoxy putty. I will fill the backside of the old knob with it, stick it on the pin to assure a good fit, and let it dry. New knob and fifty bucks or so in my pocket. Dinner, I am sure, will taste that much better.

Fix It And Remember

Your grandparents were good at thinking ahead. Root cellars, canning, homemade solutions to daily problems, tools that would last. Take a page from their books and revisit that old-fashioned, reuse-it mentality, because it's not a new concept - just a forgotten one. The knowledge is out there. The Internet and library are full of resources.

Spend your money in smart places. It takes a little more money up front to buy something that will last ... but it is worth it, I promise you. And the earth will thank you by being beautiful for your grandchildren.

If You Build It, They Will Come (Hopefully)

2011-06-05T20:08:00.009-04:00

I've been out in my new butterfly garden nearly every day - at the very least, to fill the birdbath (Coolest birdbath ever, btw - got it at a home store and put a solar fountain in it. Moving water attracts butterflies and hummingbirds - and other visitors, as you'll see). Being in the garden is therapeutic, and also a nice breather to turn to as another creative outlet when I'm not writing. Most of the seeds I sowed early in the spring seem to have survived. Some have begun to flourish. Others, not so much, which may be due in part to the insane rainstorms we have been getting. So, I bit the bullet and bought some live plants.

I admit to going a little nuts ... and I am still not done tinkering. :)

The terra-cotta saucer you see in the background is filled with wet sand. Several species of butterflies will engage in a behavior called "puddling," where they will land on wet sand and sip at nutrients in it, especially salts, which they can't get from nectar. Interestingly enough, this is exclusively a male butterfly thing. You can do something similar in your own yard by burying a dish, pan, or bucket to its rim, filling it with sand and enough water to dampen it, then sprinkling a pinch of non-iodized salt over it. Just be sure to keep it moist.

Besides salts, butterflies also like a lot of things that might gross you out: rotten fruit, carrion, and manure. Boy, that sounds just ... well, it's icky, is what it is, but hey, I'm not a butterfly. I opted out of adding those to my garden anyway. LOL

So far, I have seen one cabbage white butterfly flitting across my lawn (though I think he was more interested in the clover than the butterfly garden). The birds are visiting my birdbath daily, in particular some house sparrows who nest in a birdhouse next door. I have more varieties of insect and spider than I know what to do with, including this potter wasp who surprised me while he was having a sip of water from the wet stone at the edge of my birdbath:

I also noticed a spider carring her egg sac across the ground, presumably to bring it somewhere safe. That was pretty cool - I had never seen a spider "move house" before. So far, no butterflies visiting the garden itself, that I have noticed yet, but I have high hopes. I have provided some caterpillar host plants, and lots of nectar plants for the adults. I hope it's a veritable buffet by summer.

Meanwhile, I'll be the one doing the enjoying.

Guest Blogging Today at LASR!

2011-06-03T06:04:00.003-04:00

Just a short note today to let you all know that I'm guest blogging today at Long and Short Reviews - stop by and visit!

http://lasrguest.blogspot.com/2011/06/guest-blog-nicki-greenwood.html

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T20:01:00.003-04:00

I'm just writing this evening to wish all of you real-life heroes - our soldiers and veterans - a Happy Memorial Day, and to thank you for your service in the armed forces. I'd also like to remember those who have lost their lives in service to our country, and to extend my respect and gratitude to them and their families. Happy Memorial Day!

Got My ISBN# for WATER!

2011-05-27T06:00:00.005-04:00

I have received my ISBN# and my galley for WATER, which means it won't be long before Book Two of the Elemental Series sees publication. When its pub date is announced, I will unveil the book trailer and excerpt. I will also begin putting together some exciting contests and book signings. Keep an eye on the blog for announcements. It's going to be a great summer!

All That ... And Green Too

2011-05-13T15:57:00.004-04:00

I am totally and unabashedly posting today because of last night's "Vampire Diaries" Season 2 finale. Which, if you love the Brothers Salvatore (and all things Damon, in particular), should have made you giddy.

But know this, Ian Somerhalder fans: our favorite blue-eyed baddie is not just another pretty face. Ian is using his resources to ... well, preserve our resources. He started the Ian Somerhalder Foundation to help protect our planet. In the words of his website, the Ian Somerhalder Foundation 'aims to empower, educate and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures.' Who doesn't love a handsome guy who loves critters?

It's wonderful to see celebrities use their monetary muscle to back a good cause (Leonardo DiCaprio is another noteworthy celeb who's very involved with pro-environment causes). Lots of folks talk the talk, but starting an organization whose focus is to protect the earth is definitely a case of walking the walk. And Ian, for the record, you can saunter past me anytime.

To learn more about what Ian and the ISF do to protect the planet's resources, energy, and living creatures (including you and me), check out the Ian Somerhalder Foundation.

On The Bright Side

2011-05-02T20:43:00.005-04:00

It always seems to pour when I want to garden. And, silly me, I find myself doing the gardening anyway.

Last year, it was two days of pouring rain while I did our front foundation landscaping. REALLY pouring. As in, Take Three Showers That Day, Look Like The Loser In A Mud Wrestling Match, pouring. And yet, I have a lovely garden in front, just beginning to wake up to spring. The lamium is already beginning to flower, which makes those early bumblebees happy. One of my "Autumn Joy" sedums did not survive the winter, and will probably be replaced by some spring or fall bloomer. The boxwood is sprouting new growth, and even my astilbe (the blooms of which I have not yet seen because I bought it at the end of the season on clearance last year) have burst from the ground in what seems one day.

This year, I am battling the rain to get my butterfly garden in. I started over the weekend in what was, by divine Providence, the Perfect Weekend to do this. I wasn't finished by the time the sun went down, but I decided to save the rest for today.

Naturally, it rained. But, on the heels of last year's rain battle, I forged ahead anyway and got the last of my plants in, as well as the edging. (Much easier than the edging I used for the front, since this just connects to itself and then stakes into the ground. Not perfect, and not breathtaking, but I hope to have so many flowers in there ya just can't see the darn stuff for long. Hope springing eternal, and all that.) And when I was done, and decided to photograph my efforts, I was rewarded with two very lovely portraits of two of my new charges. The first is the aquilegia, or columbine, you see at the top of this entry.

The second is this beautiful little shot, totally unplanned and somehow perfectly sprinkled with rain. This is dianthus "Neon Star," also called pinks because of the zigzag border of its flower petals. This is a cousin to your familiar carnations, and smells like cloves! Mmmmmm. Reminds me of my mother's Easter baking.

The flowers I am putting in this butterfly garden are purported to be magnets for butterflies and hummingbirds. All of which will, I hope, afford me lots and lots of great new pictures to share with you. Cheers!

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T05:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Earth Day! Today's the day we think a little greener around the world. For ideas on what you can do to participate in the effort to keep our planet healthy, visit EarthDay.org/take-action. Your planet will thank you!

More Reasons To Love Wegmans

2011-04-07T07:44:00.002-04:00

I think there's even an ad campaign about it. When actor Alec Baldwin asked his mother to move out of NY, Carol Baldwin replied vehemently that she wouldn't leave Wegmans.

Wegmans is a Rochester, NY-based chain of grocery stores, offering a wide variety of items that doesn't just stop at food. They also offer takeout, seasonal and home decor, plants and flowers, books, cards, and video, and a growing natural foods department that sparked my interest in environmental living several years ago. I am lucky to live a hop, skip and a jump from one of their stores, and I'm with Carol on this. I wouldn't leave Wegmans, either.

This month, as we celebrate Earth Day, Wegmans has presented an entire webpage on their sustainability efforts. This includes buying local produce, offering reusable shopping bags, and an explanation of their own efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

And for you and me, who aren't a big grocery chain, they include ways you can help at home, including a page on starting your own garden. Check it out and go green!

WATER Cover Released!

2011-04-04T06:14:00.004-04:00

The cover for WATER, Book Two in the Elemental Series, has been released! WATER is slated for a tentative summer release, and with a setting like Nantucket, I hope it's just the beach book you're looking for.

SUMMARY: Water Elemental MORGAN CLIFTON has finally found her haven as the chef at a bed-and-breakfast on beautiful Nantucket Sound. Then slick and sexy businessman TRENT WILLIAMS arrives to buy the property out from under her, and he's equal parts infuriating and irresistible. Can she hang onto her senses and the secret of her gift, or will she lose her heart as well as her home?

Details of promotion and purchase will be added to my website as soon as they become available. Cheers!

CNYRW Mini-Con 2011

2011-03-29T08:24:00.003-04:00

The 2011 CNYRW Mini-Conference was so informative, I think my head is going to explode.

This year's Mini-Con was three seminars for the price of one. And as if that weren't enough, we were treated to two speakers: Anna DeStefano, the bestselling author of more than eleven award-winning books, and literary agent Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency.

Friday night, we had a candid discussion on the state of the industry. Anna publishes with Dorchester whom, as you know, is the first New York publisher to have gone digital with its catalog. If Dorchester succeeds, the consensus is that the rest of the major publishing houses will follow. The wheels turn slowly in publishing, but it's to Dorchester's credit that they were able to look at the facts and adapt accordingly. Good luck to them!

Saturday morning, Anna presented her method of craft and characterization. Character and story are deeply intertwined, and the simple chart she presented allows a character to drive the events of the story through his major personality flaw and its arc. Who knew you could create a 400-page monster from the push of such a little bitty chart? Anna also went over the process of drafting and revision, with the reminder that a first draft is always going to be less stellar than we anticipate, and that's okay! The revision is where we can perfect it. (Thank goodness!)

In the afternoon, Anna and Michelle presented a workshop on industry professionalism, with emphasis on respecting personal boundaries. Michelle gave us the unique perspective of an agent (hint: they're nervous at those pitch appointments, too, so don't sweat it so much), while Anna brought us the point-of-view of an author. The information presented here was helpful not only in business relationships, but personal ones. This was good stuff we could take home and practice on our families, so Anna and Michelle reminded us not to limit it to those "writing things."

What a great Mini-Conference! I feel like we packed a week into two days. Thank you to Anna and Michelle for their energetic, fun, and informative presentations. What a blast! Can't wait to see what CNYRW does next year!

We Have A Winner!

2011-03-25T20:54:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to May P., who as part of The Romance Reviews Grand Opening contest has won a signed copy of my first book, "Earth!" The prize pack includes a signed copy of "Earth," a postcard featuring the book, and a very special 100% biodegradable bookmark! When you're finished reading the book, plant the bookmark in your garden or a flowerpot, and its paper will grow into a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers!

Keep an eye on this blog for announcements of future prizes and upcoming book signings. I'll list them all here as they come up. Congratulations again to May P., and Happy Reading!

A Little Therapeutic Demolition

2011-03-21T07:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was perfect. Perfect sunshine, perfect touch of lingering chill in the air, perfect absence of snow on the ground ... and perfect decimation of the ugly aluminum shed that's been lingering on our property for seven-odd years.

We built a new shed last summer, and the old aluminum one spent the winter on our back patio housing the snowblower. We didn't have much chance to organize the newly-built shed last year before the snow hit, so everything was basically a cluttered mess in there. Well, we cleaned that up, hung tools, built a shelf for my gardening supplies, and moved the lawnmower and snowblower into their new homes in the new shed.

Then we eyed the Ugly Aluminum Beastie with gimlet glares. The UAB gave a shudder of fear.

Hubby walked over, picked the whole works up, and moved it into the center of the lawn. We started by unscrewing what bolts we could get to. UAB resisted. Then Hubby decided on a better (and certainly more satisfying) tactic. He proceeded to kick it down to scrap metal by sheer force. (I helped, but without quite the grin of delight on Hubby's face.) Let me tell you how nice it is to wreck something that ugly when it's been staring you in the face for seven years on your property. The neighbors even came out for the show. I think they were as glad to kiss it goodbye as we were.

We carried it out to the curb, and the scrap didn't even have the chance to warm the dirt before someone pulled up and offered to haul it away. Bye-bye, UAB! Hello, room for my new greenhouse. (That's going in as soon as the tax refund comes back.)

And just so you know, I slept like a rock last night.

Squirrel Wars 3: Fuzzy Strikes Back

2011-03-07T09:28:00.002-05:00

They're at it again.

After the rousing success of my squirrel-proof suet feeder (not for lack of their trying, mind you; the thing's covered in tiny scratches from their foiled attempts at opening the cage), Fuzzy and his gang regrouped. They have taken to shaking the squirrel-proof tube feeder so that some of its contents will spill to the ground, and they can feast. They are also still hanging upside-down from the roof of my squirrel-proof hopper feeder, and scooping out bits of the food within. Smart little suckers, ain't they? It still takes them quite a while to make any sort of dent in the seed, though, so I suppose I should take my victories as they come.

But Fuzzy's not done tweaking my nose yet.

Yesterday, the Greenwood family spent the afternoon at the local zoo (which, by the way, is still fun in winter, especially if you're one of the penguins - one of them spent a good ten minutes showing off for my son, who loved it). When we arrived home, Fuzzy and one of his little lookouts (or maybe his squirrel hitman) had found their way into our trash can, and were fast making off with the remains of a tortilla. They scattered once we got out of the car, but this time, I just shook my head, pulled out the rest of the tortilla, and dropped it on the ground for them. (It's gone as of this morning, in case you wondered.) You may have won this time, Fuzzy, but I will prevail!

Borders Bookstore Filing Chapter 11

2011-02-17T05:41:00.002-05:00

Borders Bookstores has announced it will be filing for Chapter 11 reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code. They have also announced their intent to close "underperforming" stores, but no word yet on which ones will be affected. They advise patrons to check their website as news becomes available on this. Borders.com will operate as normal. See the full story here:

http://bordersreorganization.com/

"The Romance Reviews" Grand Opening

2011-02-14T08:05:00.006-05:00

THE ROMANCE REVIEWS GRAND OPENING
March 2011
http://www.theromancereviews.com

* Get ready for loads of fun activities!
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PRIZES

Weekly Prizes
$10 Gift Cards – 32 winners!
(8 winners each week)
Hundreds of Book Giveaways

Major Prizes
Grand Prize: $100 Gift Card
2nd Prize: $70 Gift Card
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For Authors
(based on results of book votes)
Grand Prize: $200 TRR Advertising Package
2nd Prize: $100 TRR Advertising Package
3rd Prize: $50 TRR Advertising Package

Main Sponsor
Dorchester Publishing

Participating Authors
Kat Martin
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Squirrel Wars 2: Revenge of the Fuzzballs

2011-02-07T10:10:00.006-05:00

OK, now that I have the birdseed situation ironed out and squirrel-proofed (the Squirrel-Proof Tube Feeder is working - see Squirrel Wars), I have to contend with what the lil' monsters are doing to my suet - as in, eating it in 3 days. At ten bucks a case, I am going to be eaten out of suet and home by the end of the winter. I had - sort of - outsmarted them by using these ingenious little screw-shut chain links, called Quick Links:

and though they try like heck, they haven't managed to open my suet cages. That doesn't stop them wolfing it down faster than a blue-ribbon champ at a pie eating contest. Help, gods of wildlife management, what's a girl to do?

Enter my hero, the unimposing but brilliant Squirrel-Proof Suet Cage:

Hooray! My sleek, wiry green hero, whatever did I do until you came along? This feeder works on the same principle as the tube feeder. Small birds can get through the baffle to dine on the suet, but Evil Grey Fuzzball cannot vanquish the wire to suck down the goods. (Note that I still have to screw it shut with its silvery sidekick, Quick Link.)

Both these nifty gadgets, and the tube feeder as well, are available at Tractor Supply. If you're a birder, it's well worth checking them out. Go, go! Defend your yard against the Squirrel Army of Doom!

All is well now in Greenwood House. I can't wait for spring, so I can sit out there with my coffee again and watch the birds visit - and actually get to eat something.

WATER Under Contract!

2011-02-06T04:50:00.002-05:00

Exciting news! My second book in the Elemental Series, WATER, has been contracted by The Wild Rose Press! I hope to have more info on the website soon, including a cover, excerpt, and blurb for you. Stay tuned!

Bald Eagles In Syracuse, NY!

2011-01-30T10:12:00.007-05:00

This morning, our local paper offered some refreshingly good news: bald eagles, once-endangered, have come to Syracuse, NY's Onondaga Lake, and in surprising numbers. About two dozen have been spotted at one time, fishing an area of open water where the Wastewater Treatment Plant's treated, warm water flows out into the lake and prevents ice formation.

This is very exciting news, especially when you consider that Onondaga Lake has the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted lakes in the United States. It's recovering, in part due to mandated efforts by industries responsible for its pollution, and in part due to Mother Nature's own efforts. In fact, the lake is cleaning itself up ahead of the schedule we mapped out for it.

My one concern among the high notes of the eagles' return is the still-high level of mercury in the lake. The effects on the eagles remain to be seen and are being monitored. Local environmental groups are also working to create a safe-range viewing station where the eagles can be observed, but not bothered. It is, no matter which way you slice it, a huge coup for Central NY and for the environment in general. Hooray!

For more on the CNY bald eagles, visit Syracuse.com's many articles on the subject: http://search.syracuse.com/bald+eagles

Winter Creativity & Family Memories

2011-01-24T08:34:00.003-05:00

My grandmother taught me to crochet. A couple of times. Then my mother and I picked it back up. It didn't catch on. Now that it's double-digit negative temperatures out there, I am having some second thoughts.

Recently I dug out my knitting/crochet basket - the knitting needles are useless to me, BTW, because I just can't even figure out how to get started with that yarn and two tools to mind on top of it. So I put those down in favor of the old crochet hooks.

And it's weird, but I can see my grandmother teaching me all over again. I remember it. I remember a blue hook and purple thread and my grandmother's voice explaining (How did she stay that patient?) how to turn the piece. I may have been near-useless in the kitchen, but Grandma did pass on something that stuck, a form of creativity that I can work with and relate to. And it makes me smile to know I can make something similar to the blankets she made me, to keep me warm at night. Now I can make one for my son ... when I get good at it, of course.

In addition to the satisfaction of making something (and certainly the easier task of minding only ONE tool and the yarn), I find it soothing to mow through the repetition of crochet. It's also a nice creative outlet for when I'm not writing. And bonus: I have something to do while my husband watches all that football this time of year, and I can still spend time in the living room with my family. Sweet!

I will post pictures of my finished project, once I finish it. And this time, Grandma, I WILL finish it. I swear. :)

On Love: An Interesting View Of Romantic Idealism

2011-01-16T14:25:00.005-05:00

I was noodling around on the Internet today, and I came across a discussion about the James Cameron film "Titanic" - why people love it, and why they hate it. It's a thought-provoking piece on a few different counts, but what I found most interesting was its dissection of romanticism vs. cynicism. In particular, why there's so much backlash to art portraying romance.

Mr. Beason talks about the prevailing, cynical worldview in society today, and he seems to believe that is the reason people in general find it necessary to lash out at something that portrays love in a positive light. In short, Joe Cynic has had so many bad experiences with love, that anything depicting love must necessarily end badly, or it's junk.

I'm sure you've heard them all, Romance Writer. I know I have. Some folks who learn I write romance novels immediately want to know, "Are they trashy?" Take it with a grain of salt, buck up, and consider it an opportunity to show someone the new face of romance. It's lovely, gritty, magical, scary, varied, tough, and amazing, and writers today have grasped that concept and run rampant with it. Look at all the talent out there. Look at the bestsellers in film and fiction. Love is alive and well in art, and I think society needs a positive note more than ever. Check out the number of box-office blockbusters and NYT bestselling romance authors, for starters.

So, daunting task that it is, Romance Writer, pick up that pen and wield it with ferocity--and a healthy dose of romantic optimism. The world needs you. :)

You can find the piece that kicked off this entry here, as well as links to the rest of the author's site, devoted to the film: Why People Hate Titanic

New Website Unveiled!

2011-01-05T20:53:00.003-05:00

I'm excited to announce the unveiling of my new website at http://www.nickigreenwood.com! The basic layout has remained the same, but as you navigate through the website you will find a few new surprises: my characters have been paying the site a visit! Check back often to see what the Elemental Series characters - Kincade, Morgan, Elsa, and Ethan - have to say (or doodle) throughout my website.

Enjoy the new look, and drop me a line to let me know what you think!

New Changes To The Website ...

2011-01-02T14:04:00.002-05:00

... and more to come this year! In 2011, I will be updating my website and making a few changes to its appearance and layout. Here's a sneak preview, which you can already see in action on my site:

Not much to go on, is it? Keep an eye on NickiGreenwood.com for more snazz and pizzazz! :)

Happy New Year!

2010-12-26T07:09:00.005-05:00

Well, another year is at a close - but what a year it's been! I have released my first book, EARTH, and held my first book signing. I have so many people to thank this year. First and foremost are my family and friends, who have not only supported my efforts while writing EARTH, but gone out of their way to recommend and share it with others. You are the best cheering section a writer could have, and I love you to pieces.

Second, I would like to thank the amazing owners and staff of Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY. The store stocks EARTH on-shelf in their Local Authors section, and it's been just awesome to come in and chat with them, even when it's not about my books. *grin* (Not to mention, it's The Best Bookstore Ever.) Thanks so much for such a great opportunity, Books 4 Less!

Finally, I want to thank you, the readers, for making EARTH the success it is. I appreciate every one of you who has taken the time to tell me what you thought of the book. I'm thrilled to hear you're looking forward to the next one, and I hope you won't have long to wait! Happy New Year!

Movie Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

2010-12-19T09:17:00.008-05:00

Most of the people who know me are aware than I am a Narnia fan, and have been since I was introduced to the series as a child - so you'll have to forgive me if I babble here.

After the fiasco of Disney bailing out on the Chronicles franchise after Prince Caspian, it was uncertain whether Dawn Treader would even make it to theatres. Fox rescued the film, teaming with Walden Media for this third release of the Chronicles of Narnia.

I wonder if Disney is kicking themselves now.

It's rare that I can say I found a movie to be better than the book on which it was based (Only once, really, and that was The Horse Whisperer, if you want to know). Dawn Treader now makes that list, for a skillful adaptation, and yes, for some new/altered material not originally in the book itself.

With the absence of Peter and Susan Pevensie in this movie, I was concerned whether it would be as enjoyable, and indeed, it seems the rest of Hollywood worried about that as well. If Dawn Treader didn't do well in theatres, word was that the rest of the Chronicles would probably not be made. Narnia isn't Narnia without all four of the Pevensie kids. But Will Poulter, who plays newcomer Eustace Scrubb in this film, is brilliant from the first word out of his mouth. He fills the void of missing Peter and Susan wonderfully, and you forget that you're witnessing only half of the Pevensie foursome in this movie.

The book always seemed to lack some cohesion and forward motion, but they have added a plot thread to the film that pulls everything together terrifically. Fans of the series will be delighted to see faithfully adapted elements of the book (as well as a return to the sweeping epicness that made Lion such a blockbuster). There are nods to the things that made Lion such a great film, but it is not a rehash of everything that went before. I was leery of the added elements I had heard about, and also of how they would portray some of the elements of the story that, to me, bordered on the silly. They navigated these perfectly.

And as to the additional material, I was satisfied in the extreme. This is a great example of revision done right. And Poulter handles the weight of this franchise's fate with such skill that I'll have to eat my hardcover copy of the Chronicles series if the rest of them don't get made. Bravo to the Dawn Treader and its crew, and I hope to see the rest of the series in theatres!

CNYRW 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award!

2010-12-14T05:38:00.002-05:00

I am thrilled to announce that I was awarded CNYRW's 2010 Amber Schalk Volunteer of the Year Award! This award is given yearly to one lucky peer-nominated recipient for RWA chapter service throughout the year. I designed and maintain the CNY Romance Writers website, and it's always been a labor of love to me, so it's more play than work. So it was with complete surprise that I received this award. I quite literally rose out of my seat wondering if they actually did say my name. :)

A huge thank you to everyone who nominated me for this award, and I will hang it proudly over my writing desk. CNYRW is such a wonderful and supportive chapter, and I truly appreciate this honor.

Christmas Tree 2010

2010-11-30T05:48:00.003-05:00

Every year, it seems, we do a different theme for our tree. This year, my son was able to help a little more, and he's also getting old enough to understand about Christmas. So it was lots of fun to come up with a theme he could appreciate: Candyland! We did a tree based on all those yummy treats found on a traditional gingerbread house, complete with garland that looks like frosting. Hubby and son put up the tree, then Hubby strung the lights, and while the little peanut napped, Hubby and I decorated the tree. When the peanut woke up, he was thrilled, and even more so when he got to help put the train underneath it and then play with the musical snowman sitting under it. So we now have the 2010 tree, the Candyland Tree:

Next year, we do a tree with the hubby's favorite pastime: fishing! Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T19:04:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there who'll be spending tomorrow with the ol' turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. If you're on the road, be safe, and if you're hosting dinner, be sure to save me a plate! Yum!

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Movie Review

2010-11-20T07:27:00.005-05:00

*Beware Spoilers - Do not read if you don't want to know details!*

Went to see HP7.1 last night, or as anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows it, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part One." After the initial "wow" factor wore off (I didn't see it in 3D, by the way, but I bet it's good that way), I can safely say I rate it a 4 out of 5.

The movie opens with some wonderful detail on things we haven't yet seen in the Potterverse, most notably, Hermione's home and her parents. (Her room is so ORDINARY! It made my Muggle heart happy to see it.) We then get a look at Ron in his non-Hogwarts habitat, and also Harry in the now-vacated Dursley home. We only get a glimpse of the Dursleys as they scoot out of there, so my hoped-for semi-resolution with Dudley was absent.

The first real alteration of plot was that, rather than keeping Hedwig in her cage, Harry lets her loose before their departure from Privet Drive. Hedwig later swoops in to attack a Death Eater as he tries to curse Harry when they're escaping, and instead of dying trapped in that owl cage, she dies a hero (I cried, even though I knew she'd die, fifteen minutes into the movie--poor Hedwig, but such a heroic scene!)

We meet Bill Weasley in this movie, scarred from his werewolf attack by Greyback in the previous book (not shown in the previous movie). It's only briefly mentioned, and people who haven't read the books might be wondering how the heck Bill and Fleur wound up together and engaged. The movie does operate on the assumption that you have read the book, and haven't been living under a rock for the past ten-ish years where the Potterverse is concerned.

From there, the movie passes quickly on to the rest of the plot. They added a few scenes which I found awkward, but which will certainly make the Harry/Hermione fans happy. I see the reasons why they added these scenes, but I didn't care for them. After Ron's departure from the trio (er, now a duo), there's a new scene of Harry dancing with Hermione in an effort to cheer her up. There's a point during this scene where there's a clear attraction to Hermione on Harry's part, which she quickly cuts short. Later, you can see Harry having a moment of residual attraction, and she does the same. Hermione's all Ron's, and she knows it even during Ron's absence. After Ron's return, things go back to book, but the unfortunate problem with these added scenes, is that when Ron goes to destroy the locket Horcrux, the vision of Harry and Hermione intertwined actually has some validation, rather than being all in Ron's head. (Quite a racy scene, if you want the truth--there art the Harry/Hermione fans happy, again.) Romance-wise, there's much less Harry/Ginny feeling in this film than Harry/Hermione. That's too bad, because Ginny is then reduced to a convenient love interest.

Ron! Let me say how awesome Rupert Grint was in this movie. He stole the show, as far as I'm concerned, even if he wasn't in all of it. He's huge, too. Ron must be eating his Wheaties, because he towers over Harry and he looks like a tank. And he's got acting chops, that Rupert. Great, great work!

I really felt that, for the most part, HP7.1 felt more like a checklist of plot points than a cohesive story. The problem with cutting the book in two (it ends when Voldemort gets the Elder Wand) is that you don't get the beginning-middle-climax-end of a typical book or movie. This is just beginning-middle, and it feels just as unfinished as it sounds. The movie ends on a down-note, and I feel it would have served the story better to release the entire two-part film with an intermission, a la "Gone With The Wind."

In spite of all that, it's still a rocking good movie, and the kids of Harry Potter have grown into handsome/beautiful young adults. Again, I give it four of five, and I look forward to Part Two (still a disappointing half a year away, sigh)!

Public Speaking / RWA E-Pub News

2010-11-18T05:26:00.003-05:00

Public Speaking

Anyone who knows me knows I have some funny pet peeves about the English language. I have no problem with slang and vernacular (like "ain't"), but they have their place. And it's not in the professional forum. There, the rule should be Handle With Care.

Yesterday I was listening to National Public Radio's news, and the deejay was speaking with an (if I recall right) ex-Senator regarding the Arms Treaty. The ex-Senator pronounced the word nuclear as "noo-kyoo-lar" something like fifteen times, and each time she did it, I cringed. This is a serious subject, and a person clearly familiar with the importance of nuclear weapons talks. One might consider how one sounds in such a situation, if one wants to be taken seriously--right? (The deejay, incidentally, said "nuclear" properly during this talk, and that didn't stop the ex-Senator from mis-pronouncing it. Which brings up another discussion point on listening skills, but that's another rant.)

What does this mean to you? Well, sooner or later in your professional career, you will have to write--or speak--publicly. Always, always think about the structure of your words, and if you're speaking, their pronunication and proper use. Language is fluid, and it should evolve--but proper English hasn't changed all that much in several hundred years. If you're hanging with your pals at a casual party, go ahead and use "ain't" if that's in your vernacular. If you're speaking (or writing) in a professional forum, make sure your words reflect that.

Handle With Care.

E-Publishing News

RWA has announced in the Hot Sheet from its November 13-14 meeting that they will be limiting their list of non-Vanity/non-Subsidy publishers to "those that have been in business for at least three years and are currently acquiring romance." This widens their playing field for non-Vanity/non-Subsidy publishers, but RWA hopes to keep its list of said publishers limited to those that have a track record. For more info, check the RWA website.

B&N To Launch NOOK In Color

2010-11-03T05:50:00.004-04:00

The new gadget currently making waves in the world of eReaders is Barnes & Noble's NOOKColor eReader. Where before we could only get our data in black and white, the NOOKColor will feature display in - you guessed it - color! You can click the link to learn more about it. It features a 7-inch color touchscreen, which is Way Cool. Hold onto your pants. It won't be long until we are using those dandy touch computers they have in the lab in "Avatar."

I still have my concerns about this summer's announcement that the Barnes & Noble chain has been put up for sale, but it's likely that with the release of this new NOOK, B&N is hoping to stay on top of the digital book revolution. To which I say, go for it! Where else can I sit down with thousands of books and a cup of Starbucks?

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:12:00.002-04:00

Just blogging this afternoon to wish everyone a safe and happy Halloween, and please watch for little ones if you are out driving tonight. Wishing you lots of sweets and treats!

Research Via Movies

2010-10-27T05:51:00.003-04:00

With WATER completed, I am now turning my attention to research for the next book, AIR, and getting a little research done on story as well.

An easy way to get a handle on story - plot, structure, characterization - is to check out movie commentaries featuring the writers or directors. In particular, pay close attention to what scenes they say they edit or delete, and why. I find this an invaluable reference for the art of tight storytelling. Sometimes they will also mention why a scene needed to be added. This is important especially as an aid to character continuity. You don't want your character to jump from point B to point Q on his arc, or your reader (or viewer) will go, "Huh?" Hence, the addition of a missing scene to illustrate character growth.

Movies and tightly plotted books are not all that different. The tools are a bit different, but you are still telling a story, and cutting away the deadwood helps your story shine. The next time you watch a movie you've seen before, make sure you watch it with the commentaries enabled. You might be surprised how much you learn!

Barnes & Noble Launches PubIt

2010-10-06T05:37:00.006-04:00

Barnes & Noble has launched a self-publishing program called PubIt!, which allows authors to send their material straight to eBook on their Nook reader. You can learn the full scoop here:

http://pubit.barnesandnoble.com/pubit_app/bn?t=pi_reg_home

Royalties are given at a scale, so eBooks that sell for $2.99-$9.99 will net you 65% of the List Price. Anything outside that price range, with a low limit of $0.99 and a high limit of $199.99 (the range limits at which B&N will sell your book) gets you 40% of the List Price. That's pretty hefty either way. But there are ...

Caveats:

1) Content - B&N reserves the right to determine whether your material is acceptable for publication, meaning it cannot be "illegal, libelous, infringing, offensive, harmful or potentially harmful, threatening, harassing, legally obscene, defamatory, or intentionally hateful in any regard (see link above)." Nor can it contain advertisements, or solicit action from the reader (i.e. reviews). It also cannot contain the author or publisher's contact information, which I assume means that if your reader is looking for you on the web or through E-mail, you're out of luck putting that in your manuscript. The onus is on the author to determine whether content is compliant with all applicable laws, where it pertains to legality of your content.

2) Limited Distribution - Your book is only going to be available through B&N and its Nook reader, and is only offered in the United States. Anyone with a Kindle or Sony, etc., is probably going to be out of luck for reading it. Remember that your data is only good as long as you can read it. Ya gotta have the right gadget to get a PubIt! book. They did make some allowances here: you can read it on your "PC, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Android smartphone enabled with our free NOOK eReading software (see link above)."

3) No Printie - It's eBook only, so you won't be able to get your book in print as well, unless you are an author whose books would also normally be available through brick and mortar stores (i.e. mass market).

4) No Marketing (Maybe) - B&N chooses which eBooks they will market, which means you will have to do the advertising legwork yourself ... which is a little harder when you can't put your contact info in your eBook.

5) Rights - Not mentioned with enough specificity for my comfort, anyway. They do say that if they find someone selling your eBook, i.e. infringing on your rights to sell it, "we will make commercially reasonable efforts to remove the eBook in question from future sale through PubIt! and we will make all commercially reasonable efforts to pay you the royalties due in connection with any sales of the eBook. This will be your sole and exclusive remedy (see link above)." This sits a little funny with me. "Commercially reasonable efforts" seems rather open-ended. There's also no spelled-out rights-reversion clause. I find that bothersome. Call me an old dog, but I like everything spelled out on paper before I give up my books.

6) Longevity - Recently, news came up that the B&N empire would be up for sale. With that up in the air, I wonder about the longevity of the company and its Nook reader. Again with the rights-reversion question.

So, in short, writer beware. Before you go into this with guns blazing, check and double check. The pay looks good, but you'll have your work cut out for you both before and after. Cheers!

LASR Halloween Scavenger Hunt!

2010-10-03T06:33:00.003-04:00

The Long and the Short of It is having a Halloween Scavenger Hunt! The celebration will run 10/30/10 – 10/31/10 - two days of trick-or-treat fun - and spotlights ghosts, shifters, vampires or witches (or anything else that goes bump in the night). LASR offers a slew of great prizes, including a $50 Amazon or BN gift certificate, and lots of treats from participating authors! For more information, visit LASR by clicking the banner below:

No costumes necessary. Happy trick-or treating!

Website Back Up!

2010-10-02T06:53:00.004-04:00

My website (http://www.nickigreenwood.com) is back up and running. Whatever technical problems it was having seem to be resolved, but if you have trouble accessing it, you can always reach me here at my blog or on Facebook. Thanks for your patience!

Main Webpage Down

2010-10-01T08:49:00.002-04:00

Look like my main website is down (http://www.nickigreenwood.com). My web host is aware of the problem and is working to resolve the issue. I apologize for the inconvenience, and I'm hoping they have it back up and running soon. Sorry, all!

WATER is Finished!

2010-09-30T05:28:00.002-04:00

Last night, I finished the first draft of WATER, the second book in the Elemental Series of paranormal romances. I will spend the next couple of weeks revising, and then I'll have to bid it goodbye as I send it on to my editor. After that, it's on to Book Three, AIR!

I feel safe telling you this little hint, though: WATER features Morgan, the water Elemental, now the chef-in-residence at a bed-and-breakfast on Nantucket island. Look for more exciting news on WATER as it comes up!

Digital products affecting all Torstar businesses - thestar.com

2010-09-16T05:29:00.000-04:00

Digital products affecting all Torstar businesses - thestar.com

Just more proof that the waves haven't finished being felt around the industry with regard to the digital revolution. Phew!

10th Annual Rebecca Eddy Memorial Writing Contest

2010-09-03T05:37:00.002-04:00

Sharpen your pencils (or get to your keyboards)! Entries are now being accepted for the 10th Annual Rebecca Eddy Memorial Writing Contest. I won this contest in 2008 with my short story, FINDING HOME. There are two categories, Short Story (500-5000 words) and Poetry (maximum 20 lines). Entries will be divided into four age groups, 10 and Under, 11—14, 15—18, and 18 and Over. Works submitted can be of any format or topic, and the contest is free. Prizes are awarded in each category. For full rules and entry form, please click the links below. Please note that I do not sponsor this contest - I am merely forwarding this on for informational purposes. Any questions regarding the contest should be directed to the contest coordinators. Good luck, and happy writing!

Official REMWC Rules

REMWC Entry Form

Go Green, Be Serene

2010-09-02T05:23:00.003-04:00

Recently, I redid our front landscape, switching from a plain-lawn foundation with one lonely Dwarf Alberta Spruce, to a properly mulched, planted bed with a variety of flowers and shrubs. I intend to keep up my new, flowery landscape with organic methods. Yesterday, Mother Nature sent me a little thank-you note for my efforts.

I arrived home yesterday afternoon and made a short trip out front to check how my landscaping is holding up during our recent hot weather. Among the plants I put in the bed were two specimens of Lamium maculatum "Shell Pink," commonly referred to as spotted deadnettle. As a ground cover, Lamium seemed to be the answer to the erosion problems I was having, wherein part of my lawn would wash into my driveway during each heavy rain. This little plant, I had learned, was also a good welcome wagon for bees and butterflies.

And so it is. Just as I walked out to look things over yesterday evening, a bumblebee trundled along and visited both plants, dotting each flower carefully before going on his way. So I spent a few minutes of my otherwise hectic day watching him work, and strangely enough, all the noise and craziness of my day drained away just like that. Amazing how your perspective can change when you disconnect from technology and get your hands messy for a while.

Next spring, I have plans to expand my wildlife offerings, and make a little less lawn with a little more flowers. I have learned this summer what most gardeners already know - that it's good for the soul to get outside and play in the dirt. I'll let you know how I progress!

We Have A Winner!

2010-09-01T05:36:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Jackie W., who has won the 2010 "Hot Fun In The Summertime" contest, a prize pack featuring my first book, "Earth!" The prize pack includes a signed copy of "Earth," a postcard featuring the book, and a very special 100% biodegradable bookmark! When you're finished reading the book, plant the bookmark in your garden or a flowerpot, and its paper will grow into a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers!

Keep an eye on this blog for announcements of future prizes and upcoming book signings. I'll list them all here as they come up. Congratulations again to Jackie W., and Happy Reading!

More Toddler Humor

2010-08-25T05:45:00.002-04:00

My husband knows two knock-knock jokes. My son just makes his own.

Toddler: "Knock-knock."

Hubby: "Who's there?"

Toddler: "Superman."

Hubby: "Superman who?"

Toddler: .... "Th-That's it. That's his name."

Geez, Dad, keep up. LOL

Dorchester Goes Digital

2010-08-16T20:10:00.002-04:00

Dorchester has officially announced a decision to abandon production of mass-market paperbacks, and begin offering only E-books or trade paperback, print-on-demand books. This comes on the heels of a recent decision by RWA to remove Dorcester from its 2010 Nationals roster over billing/contract disputes.

What does this mean for Dorchester? It appears they are hoping to level out their decline in revenue. Their sales have dropped sharply as the popularity of E-readers has risen, and with this move, they are looking to adapt to the changing market. It may also (speculating here) ease those aforementioned troubles with contracts and payouts, once the ball begins rolling favorably again for Dorchester.

What does this mean for readers? For readers, it's simply a question of finding your favorite romances from this publisher in a new format. E-readers are sharper, more versatile, and more adjustable for the avid reader than ever (you can adjust the font size yourself for better readability). Go to your local electronics store, or ask a fellow reader, and you're bound to run into a few examples of this new gadgetry.

And finally, for authors, this is a look at the new face of publishing. More publishers are likely to follow Dorchester's example, because print-on-demand requires that they only produce as many print copies as are ordered, while E-books are popular because they are instantly available and can be stored in a mobile, hand-held library for the consumer's convenience. That increases selling power, as well as profit margin.

This may also level the playing field between old dogs like Dorchester, and relative new kids like The Wild Rose Press, both of whom will now be following a similar model. You may see greater competition between publishers, not only with regard to pricing, but for your most sparkling stories. Buckle down, scribblers, it's a whole new neighborhood out there. Bring your best game to the playground.

Toddler As Comic Relief

2010-08-06T05:31:00.002-04:00

One of the best things about being a parent is the way my son makes me laugh. He's a toddler now, and he's developing a sense of humor. Even when he's NOT working on his sense of humor, he's funny.

We took him to his first theater movie, Toy Story 3 (which he almost sat all the way through, and which Mom and Dad enjoyed as much as he did, BTW). After that, he Really, Really Wanted a Buzz Lightyear. So off to the store we went and got him one (which Mom and Dad enjoy as much as he does, BTW). It really is a cool toy. It talks, it knows when the helmet is up or down, and it responds to your voice or noises. Where was this thing when I was a kid?

The first night he has it, he's playing in the kitchen with it while we are making dinner. Buzz comes out with (paraphrasing here), "I'm Buzz Lightyear, from Gamma Something-Something, Sector Something-Something. Who's in charge here?"

My son, without missing a beat, answered, "Me."

Yep. You got it, kiddo. *snort*

Renn Faire Revisited - 2nd Trip 2010 Recap

2010-07-26T16:30:00.002-04:00

Must have been the weather. It was PERFECT yesterday for our second trip to the Sterling Renaissance Festival. While we didn't get the Ultimate Parking Spot this time, we did get a great day. We saw a Pirate Show, our toddler went on just about every ride possible, and we caught a showing of Don Juan & Miguel. I bought an ocarina from Fire Om Earth, and I am currently learning how to play it, much to the distress of my family's ears. *grin*

We ate at the tavern, too. I had my first Portabello Mushroom Sandwich, which was pretty good, but their pierogies were to die for! I was supposed to meet a friend there, and we somehow managed to miss each other ALL DAY! She and her family had an awesome time, too.

Oddly enough, now that my middle class noble outfit is complete, I find myself wanting to go backward and revisit my wench outfit (the first outfit I put together for the Renn). I had added some pirate trappings to it, but I think next year I'll just wear that, rather than the blue. I wasn't afraid to get it dirty, for one thing. The grass was still wet in most places from all the torrential rains we've been getting. It's nice to change things up, anyway. Yarrgh!

RWA Removes Dorchester From Conference

2010-07-22T05:36:00.002-04:00

I'm a few days late in posting this, but RWA has canceled all Dorchester Publishing events, including editor and agent appointments, at the Nationals conference due to a matter of the publisher's unfulfilled contractual obligations with some of its authors. This does not mean Dorchester is banned permanently from the Nationals. It appears Dorchester is working on the issue, but as of the conference it will not be resolved. They should be welcomed back next year (provided, I'm sure, that they make good on the current problem). Read the full story at Publishers Weekly's blog here:

RWA Dings Dorchester Over Unpaid Bills

Hat Trick

2010-07-19T16:25:00.004-04:00

Question: What's a self-respecting pirate wench to do when faced with hatlessness for an upcoming Pirate's Weekend at the Renaissance Festival?

Answer: Make one!

A friend invited me to the Pirate Invasion this weekend at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. This is one of the few years I have gone to Faire more than once in a season. I had the clothing - a wench outfit I bought in the early years of my trips to the Renn. But I had no hat, and almost no money for one, because I bought a fancy tall hat for our last trip to the Renn more than a week ago.

So, I did what any cheapskate person with a knack for creativity does. I made a hat out of one I already had at my disposal! First, I wrangled an old, flat-crowned straw hat out of my mother. Sucker had a scary-looking multicolored sweatband, and the brim was curled up all the way around so that it resembled a chip-and-dip set. Yikes!

Then I did some hunting around for tricorne hat designs, and lots of watching of the three "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies (Oh, so painful and all, having to watch Orlando Bloom kiss Kiera Knightley's knee like that. Flutter!).

I re-blocked (reshaped) the hat crown by wetting it with warm water and stuffing it with wet paper towels, then squashed it down onto an upturned bowl of the appropriate size to mold it as it dried. Good thing I did that first, because I think the sweatband was glued as well as stitched, so the water helped loosen the glue.

Once it was shaped and dried, I removed the old sweatband. I then sewed on a new maroon sweatband to match my clothing, and used black seam binding around the brim. I then spent some cash on feathers to decorate it, and sewed the brim up into a tricorne, using buttons I already had on hand.

The result, as you can see, is a (mostly) proper pirate wench's hat, and I discovered afterward that using straw or seagrass for these is pretty common - though not as popular as wool or leather. The crown's a bit high, but I love the result. Can't wait to show it off at the Faire!

Newsletter!

2010-07-15T06:07:00.002-04:00

I have created a newsletter list, where you can quickly access the latest updates, book releases and contests. The newsletter is a low-volume, announcement-only list, and you can reach it here: Nicki Greenwood's Newsletter

I respect your time and privacy. Your information will never be given to any third party, and you may subscribe or unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time with no hassle.

Feel free to invite friends, and thanks for your support!

2010 Renn Faire Recap

2010-07-12T05:54:00.004-04:00

I worried all week that the weather would not cooperate, but magically, Saturday morning dawned cool and clear. It takes a good hour to get dressed up, start to finish, for the whole family. By then we just stopped and got something quick to eat. We arrived at Sterling, NY about a half hour early, but they were doing a skit at the gate, so everyone was well-entertained.

Lots of new things to see this year. The joust is bigger and better, there are new merchants and entertainment, and new pubs and seating. I'm excited to see all the additions. The little peanut didn't have much attention span to sit down for anything but the glass blower, but we did enjoy some of Don Juan and Miguel's show. I was really disappointed that we missed Hey Nunnie Nunnie, as they're a new favorite. We had to move at the toddler's speed. :P He did get to go on the Carosello (sort of like the Flying Chairs at the State Fair, but manpowered), and we both rode the Dragon, which was a (miniature--yes, dragon-shaped) version of the Pirate ride at the State Fair, again, manpowered. He also won a prize at the Mud Ball Toss. He was thrilled about that. :D

We skipped the turkey leg this year (sigh) in favor of chicken tenders and fries, which were more toddler-friendly and easier to clean up after. We did get our apple dumpling with vanilla ice cream, though, and it's just as good as it always is. There are more food options this year, too, which was nice. I missed the lovely wine slushie, but did get a taste of the red and white varieties available (red's better, if you wondered).

Peanut's stamina wore down after about four hours, so we called it a day after that and came home. It has taken us twenty years or so, but we finally got the Best Parking Spot Ever underneath a tree. Car was not roasting at all. Woot!

Best part of the Renn this year, for me, was seeing all the new artisans. Hubby, of course, liked the joust and swordsmith. The peanut liked "The knights!" And I think we all enjoyed getting home after all that. Another great year at the Renn! This is me in our yard, pre-trip:

2010 "Hot Fun In The Summertime" Contest!

2010-07-08T08:47:00.005-04:00

Hi All! I'm excited to announce the 2010 "Hot Fun In The Summertime" contest, featuring a signed copy of "Earth," including a postcard featuring the book, and a very special 100% biodegradable bookmark! When you're finished reading the book, plant the bookmark in your garden or a flowerpot, and its paper will grow into a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers!

CONTEST RULES: To enter the contest, CLICK HERE to access the entry form. Incomplete entries will be discarded, and entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Only one entry per person or household, please. A winner will be drawn at random and contacted privately. No purchase is necessary, and your information will never be distributed to any third party. Your first name and last initial will be used to announce the winner on a future blog entry at http://www.nickigreenwood.com. Contest ends September 1, 2010.

Keep an eye on this blog for announcements of future prizes and upcoming book signings. I'll list them all here as they come up. Good luck, and Happy Reading!

Keep Cool!

2010-07-07T21:48:00.006-04:00

In the humanitarian interest of keeping people from melting just breathing this week, I include today a frosty little reminder of what some of us will be seeing in another six months:

Drink LOTS of water. Stay indoors with air conditioning or a fan. Head underground to your basement if it's finished, or take a trip to the mall. Get a kiddie pool and lie in it in the backyard! And don't forget to provide lots of water and escapes from the heat for your animals, also. Children, the elderly, and pets suffer worst in this weather.

I am glad to see the weekend will be somewhat better, here in Central NY. I plan to go in full dress to the Renaissance Faire - but I would have waited if this weekend wasn't going to be cooler. Phew!

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-04T06:01:00.002-04:00

Taking a moment today to wish all Americans a happy Fourth of July. I'd also like to thank our soldiers for the sacrifices they make to keep our country free to celebrate days like this. Be safe, everyone!

Movie Trailer Goodness!

2010-06-29T06:04:00.003-04:00

I'm such a movie junkie, I really am. Especially fantasy. Two movie trailers were recently released for movies I am dying to see. The first is Part 1 of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," and I believe the movie is being released in November. Lots of running around in this one. The dragon looks spectacular:

The second is "The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader," and the film will be released over Christmas. I love Edmund, and this movie's got lots of Ed, so this one's going to be chock full of fun. Looks great - I hope it does well. That ship is beautiful:

I know where I'll be this holiday season!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-19T07:10:00.005-04:00

Sunday is Father's Day, and I hope all you dads out there are prepared for the onslaught of slobbery kisses, ties, and strange but adorable crafts your children have made for you. My husband will most likely go fishing after the festivities. He's entitled! Enjoy your special day, dads!

Cell Phone Geekiness

2010-06-09T05:47:00.003-04:00

I am usually the last one to get a new techno-gadget, with the exception of my beloved netbook. (Yes, I talk to him, and yes, it's a him. :P) So it was with great surprise that I found myself staying up late last night to play with my new cell phone.

I lost the old one a while back, and it's a mark of how much I dislike phones to say that it took me a couple months to get a new one. This one's only a prepaid model, as before, but it's a little bit more bells-and-whistles than the old one. A camera, for instance. Even a crummy camera with crummy resolution is an upgrade to my old paperweight of a phone.

I promptly took photos for wallpaper, and then went searching for ringtones. I found a fabulous website, Myxer.com, where you can find ringtones as well as create your own out of any MP3 file. You can then download it via USB cable, or send it right to your phone wirelessly by plugging in your number. It only costs a couple bucks to do, and I found it to be great fun. Not hard at all, and I am a greenhorn about this sort of thing.

So. It ain't a Blackberry, it ain't an LG, but it will allow me to make and receive emergency calls, which is all I ever wanted out of a cell phone. And with cool music clips, too. Sweet!

Book Signing: Saturday June 12, 2010

2010-06-06T05:33:00.003-04:00

I will be hosting another book signing at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY on Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 12:00-4:00 PM. Come in and chat with me about EARTH! You can find directions here: http://tinyurl.com/ygbgclg

Hope to see you there!

Guest Blogging Today at Mysteries and Margaritas!

2010-06-01T05:29:00.002-04:00

Today I'm guest blogging at Mysteries and Margaritas! The article features a bit about my current book, EARTH, as well as my favorite authors and what's on the horizon for me. Thank you to Kari Lee Townsend for the interview, and thanks to the ladies of M&M for hosting me!

Wild Kingdom In My Backyard

2010-05-25T05:51:00.006-04:00

So, I have a new patio set and grill, which has helped me to enjoy my backyard. The warm weather has also encouraged the hubby and I to open our windows at night. This getting back to nature has also brought to our attention a variety of feathered and furry critters.

In addition to the Grey Squirrel (the bird-feeder battle against whom you can read about in a previous blog post), we have this fellow, who obligingly showed up during last weekend's barbecue:

This is a Pileated Woodpecker. He flew in, landed on the neighbor's maple, and hammered away for a few minutes before taking off again. How nice of him to join us! :P

Then, last night, I heard a noise that I sleepily thought was my toddler in the next room. When I woke up, I discovered we had an owl hooting in the backyard. I listened to him hoo-hoo-hoo-rrrrr for about a half hour before he decided to take his business elsewhere. He did a pretty good job of shutting up the songbirds this morning - they must have been afraid to make a peep while he was about. I identified him as a Barred Owl this morning, using the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's "All About Birds" website. It includes pictures, natural histories and habitats, and samples of each bird's call. If you're a backyard birder, you owe it to yourself to check out this page. It won a Webby Award, and with good reason!

So, while I woke up extra early, courtesy of our feathered caller, it's been fun to garden and birdwatch, now that the weather's cooperating. Guess I have to start my own birdwatching list now!

We Have A Winner!

2010-05-17T05:24:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Marcia R., who has won a gorgeous giveaway containing a variety of organic and earth-conscious items, all packaged in a beautiful rattan-bound wooden box:

A Beanpod soy candle in Earthly Embrace scent

A packet of organic Burpee sunflower seeds

A clay pot in which to start your sunflowers

A bar of Clearly Natural glycerine soap in Berry scent

A canister of Green and Black's organic Hot Chocolate mix

This gift box was offered exclusively at the book signing on May 8th at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY! Click the picture below for a larger view of this wonderful earth-friendly gift box.

Keep an eye on this blog for announcements of future prizes and upcoming book signings. I'll list them all here as they come up. Congratulations again to Marcia R., and Happy Reading!

The Darcy Thing

2010-05-10T16:29:00.009-04:00

I have been obsessing over Elliot Cowan's performance as Mr. Darcy in the British miniseries "Lost In Austen" for the past week. The movie is based on Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice." I am not a swooner, but this man had me swooning and wishing for a fan by the end of the movie. This, from a woman who always thought Mr. Darcy was an arrogant you-know-what for so many years. I liked Bingley. (I still do, though I feel he needs to be a little less wishy-washy.) :) Then I got older, and along came Colin Firth's portrayal of Darcy. Nice, nice. Still an arrogant jerk though, and I never fully got his turnaround by the end of the film - the point at which he went from arrogance and subjection to class constraints, to a forthright individual who was worthy of Elizabeth Bennet's affections.

Cowan changed all that for me. Darcy was always handsome and attractive, but way too prickly for me when compared to his friend Mr. Bingley, who was immediately likeable in all respects. Elliot Cowan brought out that inner struggle and character arc for me in a way the book and previous performances of it never had. You can see him changing his mind about the heroine (who is not Elizabeth Bennet, incidentally - just take my advice and rent the movie) as the show progresses. It's very well done, and that inner conflict is evident. I think that's what was missing for me all those years - to see that progression clearly, to see that Darcy does have some soft spots under all that armor. Just goes to show how important emotion is in grabbing your reader/viewer. Plus, it doesn't hurt to look at this guy for three hours:

My favorite scenes of the movie are, or course, the romantic moments, but my favorite shot is this one:

There is something so romantic about the image of the master of Pemberley seen walking his grounds from a distance through the hedge, like something out of a dream. I'd like to step into that one, if you please!

In short, bravo to Elliot Cowan for finally bringing me the Darcy I could fully appreciate. (Sorry, Colin Firth!) :D

Exclusive Book Signing Giveaway (5/8/10)!

2010-05-06T06:14:00.001-04:00

Reposting this to remind you of an exciting giveaway coming up at my first book signing!

I will be presenting a special gift box giveaway to guests at my book signing of EARTH on May 8, 2010 from 12:00-4:00 PM at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY (Click here for directions). The giveaway (a $40 value) contains a variety of organic and earth-conscious items, all packaged in a beautiful rattan-bound wooden box:

A Beanpod soy candle in Earthly Embrace scent

A packet of organic Burpee sunflower seeds

A clay pot in which to start your sunflowers

A bar of Clearly Natural glycerine soap in Berry scent

A canister of Green and Black's organic Hot Chocolate mix

This gift box will be offered exclusively at the book signing on May 8th at Books 4 Less in Liverpool, NY, so if you're in the neighborhood, come and visit! No purchase is necessary, and though you will need to be at the signing to enter, you need not be present at the time of the drawing. If you win, you may pick up your prize at Books 4 Less after the closing of the event. Click the picture below for a larger view of this wonderful earth-friendly gift box.

Keep an eye on this blog for announcements of future prizes and upcoming book signings. I'll list them all here as they come up. Good luck, and Happy Reading!

Just Write It!

2010-05-04T05:35:00.002-04:00

One of the things I have noticed about writing is that I usually don't love my first draft. I like things about it, which become the "meat" of the book - but for the most part I plow through it to get words on the page. Where I really start enjoying a book I've written is in revisions. That's where I can dig into the exciting parts and expand them.

As Nora Roberts says, you can fix a bad page, but not a blank one. It's best to get those words down first, and then worry about rearranging them. You can't sell a book if you haven't written one, after all.

It is hard for me, Type A personality that I am, to muzzle that internal editor enough to stop worrying about the words so much the first time around, and just let them be. I have found, though, that with practice it gets easier. I notice too that having written a synopsis prior to writing a book, while easier, tends to "spoil" the book for me. The answer to that is not to take your synopsis too seriously. The major plot points should not change, but you can deviate while writing the book if a good idea hits you. It's like they say in "Pirates of the Caribbean" - it's more of a guideline. Just write it - and then worry about polishing the details. :)

FOXNews.com - Interior Department Approves Construction of Controversial Offshore Wind Farm

2010-04-29T06:02:00.001-04:00

FOXNews.com - Interior Department Approves Construction of Controversial Offshore Wind Farm

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Tsaheylu* To My Little Friend

2010-04-23T05:52:00.004-04:00

"Avatar" was released to DVD and Blu-Ray yesterday, and for the first time ever, I broke down and got a Blu-Ray DVD.

You really can tell the difference between DVD and Blu-Ray (hubby and I took a look at both versions, which came in my copy), even on my ancient television. I don't have a flat-screen yet (prohibitive cost and all, and my TV ain't broke), but I do have a PS3, courtesy of the hubby, and it will play Blu-Ray. My "Oh, what the heck" purchase turned into "Oh, wow!" The picture was surprisingly crisp. Mind you, I don't intend to re-purchase all the DVDs in my movie collection just to get the Blu-Ray versions - but with the new flatscreens coming out by the time I will need one, I probably won't have to.

I was pretty shocked that they released this movie so soon, but the downside is, there are no special features on this disc. (No ads or trailers either.) I believe they are saving those extras for a Fall 2010 release. I'm told they'll be releasing it AGAIN in 3-D next year. Three releases for one movie seems rather wasteful, don't you think? I am irritated that they wasted resources on a version people are going to toss when the bigger, better version comes out (I'll be passing my watered-down one on to a friend who doesn't buy movies as often as me, but likes them). I think I will wait until the fullest version comes out to actually purchase another copy, in the hopes that they'll include all possible formats in the 3-D release. James Cameron is certainly squeezing every possible penny out of this movie, but I'm concerned about how much waste he's producing to do it.

On the upside, the movie is still fabulous. If you don't mind waiting to buy your own, just rent a copy for now. :)

*Tsaheylu (sah-HEY-loo) - the Na'vi word for the bond between the Na'vi, the indigenous people of Pandora in Avatar, and all living things on their planet.

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T05:32:00.004-04:00

Today's the day where we try, officially, to be better stewards of our planet. With that in mind, try doing something a little "greener" today. Choose a washable coffee cup instead of that drive-thru Styrofoam one. Install CFLs instead of those energy-gulping incandescent bulbs. Think about a programmable thermostat. Carpool to work. Plant a tree. There are so many ways to tread a little lighter on the earth. Try one. Try a few! Your planet will thank you. Happy Earth Day!

Movie Review: Clash of the Titans

2010-04-19T05:18:00.006-04:00

Better late than never, eh?

After the disappointment of the first installment of Percy Jackson, I had pinned some high hopes on this return to Greek mythology. The trailer looked pretty amazing, but I didn't see much plot underneath all that action, even though they had an already-established movie to draw from (the original Ray Harryhausen creature classic of the same name has a cult following).

I wasn't disappointed about the action, that's for sure. They promised action via the trailer, and they delivered it almost all movie long. There's very little downtime in this film. Perseus and his crew spent most of the movie trekking across the countryside avoiding being stabbed or eaten in various exciting ways. Nice job there.

I find, however, that as a writer I learn best from what isn't in a movie. What's missing from this one is the human story. It's your basic summer action film with all the emotion stripped out of it. There's a nod to Perseus's angst about his dead family, but for the most part there is no pause to feel in this film. The love story between Perseus and Andromeda (for me, one of the driving forces behind the myth and the original film) is conspicuously absent. Instead, Perseus is paired with a woman called Io, who was cursed with agelessness.

Grand. What's that got to do with Andromeda?

There's a sense of scratching the surface in this movie - a brotherhood of men with their own backstories, which might have been interesting if they spent more time on it. Even the performances of the gods (Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes as Zeus and Hades, respectively) lacked the magic of the original. The interaction of the pantheon was a big draw in the first movie for me, and it was missing here. Their names are not given - with an exception or two - so they're left sitting there, a backdrop that's rolled out without delivering on what could have been a great thing.

And on the subject of great things wasted ... Sam Worthington, who did such an incredible job emoting in "Avatar" even as a CG, nine-foot blue tiger, was given so little to work with here in the emotion department. And this guy can emote and make you care even while kicking arse. Watch "Terminator: Salvation" if you still don't believe me. His performance in that movie blows John Connor out of his combat boots.

Lacking the emotional element, this movie does have some unexpected highlights. The Scorpiox and the Djinn were interesting. I did find it odd that Pegasus was a Friesian (a horse of the Netherlands), while his herd was your standard white flying horses. The fact that he had a herd bothered me, since Calibos (another human story stripped down to bare bones) was supposed to have killed them. I like Friesians though, and Sam Worthington on a Friesian is even better. Yay, me.

The Kraken was another highlight, of course. They spent a lot of time and effort on making the big battle look good, and it shows. There's also a town fanatic in Argos, who believes (erroneously) that sacrificing Andromeda and returning en force to worshipping the gods will make everything all better. It's a nice commentary on the folly of any sort of blind fervor, and I did like that about the movie. The battle with Medusa was notably terrific, too.

In short, "Clash of the Titans" was one of those "almost" movies. Almost the outstanding piece of cinema that it could have been, if only they'd rounded it out with the emotional draw it should have had. I'll still buy it, I'll still watch it on a rainy Sunday, but I still love my Harryhausen classic best. :)

One Nice Thing

2010-04-16T05:53:00.003-04:00

It's amazing how a kindness can lift you out of a funk. I had been in one for the past few days, and then out of the blue, someone gave me a compliment that both surprised me and made me feel loads better. It changed my whole outlook for the day.

Do someone a big favor today. Say something nice to them. Your spouse, a friend, the lady at the coffee shop. Just one person. Pass that good feeling on! You'll find it makes you feel good, too.

Why Ralph Vaughan Williams RULES

2010-04-09T22:36:00.005-04:00

I think I'm in love.

I was driving home tonight, and the radio was tuned in to Classic FM, which I like because (a) the classical/jazz/opera/showtune music is beautiful and (b) it really does make kids smarter - my son's pretty bright, just ask him *wink* and (c) loooong periods of music without obnoxious commercials, and without the cost of HD radio.

This evening, they played a concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, of Ralph (say "Rafe") Vaughan Williams's Symphony No. 5 in D. Classic FM does like to play a lot of Vaughan Williams. I recall liking other pieces I'd heard by him, but I didn't even know the composer at first when I heard this concert.

On first blush, I thought, "Oh, this is nice."

Then I thought, "Wow, this is really good. It reminds me of the old movie scores - the really sweeping ones that I loved as a kid."

Then I heard Romanza: Lento.

BOOM. It just about brought me to tears. I drove home and sat in my driveway to listen to it and, not wanting to miss anything, rushed into my house (with a frenzied hello to my husband) and up the stairs to find out What That Song Was.

I went to Classic FM's website and, bless them, they had a playlist up. After that, it was a short Google-walk through Amazon to download the music, and voila. I now have all kinds of writing ideas spawned by this one song. This music reminded me why I like to write by soundtrack, and furthermore, why I love to write a sweeping, dramatic story most of all. Wistful Sigh. I will now have to buy everything else this man has composed.

Ralph Vaughan Williams lived 1872-1958, and is well-known for his lyrical style and the "Englishness" of his music - sweeping and timeless and spanning a broad range of emotions. I'm already planning scenes to soundtrack with his music. Productivity, here I come!

In short, one more good reason to support public radio. So I guess I should add (d) Ralph Vaughan Williams is my new crush.

Same Blog, New Look

2010-04-09T12:24:00.003-04:00

I have decided, after toying with a Wordpress blog, to return to using Blogger as it is more user-friendly for the time I have to work with it. I have also integrated it into my website, giving it an all-new look that matches my main website. I hope you like the new look! Feel free to drop me a line with some feedback either way. Cheers!

EARTH Is Officially Released!

2010-04-02T07:51:00.002-04:00

Today is the official release day for my debut novel, EARTH! You can buy it in paperback for $11.99, or in a tree-friendly e-book format at a slim $6.00! Click here to buy, and join the adventure!