Happy Halloween!

I hope all of you who celebrate have a safe and happy Halloween. Here in NY, it looks like a bit of rain, but it won't stop me--er, my son--from trick-or-treating completely. Dress up and be silly!

An Honest Look at E-Publishing

J. A. Konrath has been writing thrillers since his first book deal in 2003, and in a recent blog, he has shared with us some facts and figures on his E-publishing vs. print publishing experiences. The caveat to keep in mind is that your experience may differ from his, but he has posted a detailed look at his sales numbers here. Go look - it's worth it!

Help! I'm Being Invaded!

As much as I like ladybugs, this is a bit much. Harmonia axyridis, the Asian ladybeetle, has decided to pay me a visit and bring thousands of her friends. They're all over our new vinyl siding. We haven't seen this many ladybugs since we were kids.

When we first moved into our house, several years ago, we had a few of them getting inside. We fixed that with some caulking. When we knocked our chimney down, we found a giant nest of them, which, of course, we got rid of. This year, when we sided and insulated the outside of our house, I suspect we evicted a bunch of these little buggers.

I haven't gotten that far in my research yet, but I suspect they are doing their fall swarm, looking for their usual way in under our old cedar shake siding for a cozy winter bunk, and are going to be disappointed now that the house is better-sealed. The best hope I have, since I don't plan to fight them with pesticides (they eat crop-destroying aphids), is to gracefully wait until cooler air moves in and they go away in search of better lodging. It remains to be seen whether we have this problem in future years. As far as I can see, our crawlspace attic is ladybug-free.

No aphids here, nosirree. :)

Michael Hauge Workshop 11/7/09

I'll be attending Michael Hauge's workshop in Connecticut on Saturday, November 7th, 2009. Michael will be presenting an all-day workshop on "Story Mastery." I hope to come back with lots of great new information to work into my writing. Say hi if you see me there!

Release Date for EARTH Has Been Moved Up!

BREAKING NEWS!

The release date for my first book, EARTH, has been moved up to 4/2/2010. I just got the news from my editor. This is great, because I can now have the book in-hand for signings on and near Earth Day. I can also start contests earlier!

More news will follow as it becomes available. :)

Kate Duffy, Editorial Director of Kensington Books, Has Passed Away

As usual, I am the last to learn of things. I only realized that Kate had passed away when I received my RWA eNotes. I was shocked, of course. Kate was a powerhouse editor, and known for launching and guiding the careers of many brilliant authors of romance. She was loved and respected by many within and outside of the industry.

My thoughts are with Kate's family and friends this evening. Thank you, Kate, for everything you did for romance. We will miss you.

World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions

Got to see these beauties last weekend. What a horse geek I am. I sat there in awe for most of it. My favorite parts were the half-pass, a diagonal dressage (equine dancing, for you non-horse types) maneuver, the extended trot, which looks like the horse is floating (really beautiful to see), and of course the "airs above the ground," during which the horse rears up (called a "levade") or jumps into the air (called the "capriole").

Dressage horses are serious athletes. It takes a lot of work to get them into the shape they need to be to perform these maneuvers, and it's breathtaking to watch them do it.

But my favorite part was the Andalusian stallion. If I was awed before, I just about drooled when they brought him out. What a stunner. Check out that gorgeous, heavy mane and tail!



How do I get me one of those?!?! Simply an amazing-looking horse. :)

For more photos of these lovely horses, check out my Facebook page, where you'll find an album of a few of the best pictures that came out.