WATER is Finished!

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

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

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

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!

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!