Blog Hopping

Today, I'm the guest blogger at You Gotta Read.

Come on by and tell us, do you prefer a complex plot, or not?

Another Excuse

But a cute one, no? There are days I wonder why I can’t get any writing done. The moment I turn to my desk during the day, this is what I see. She must be there. Some days it’s not too bad, but if it’s a strechy day, she tends to stand and arch up in front of the screen constantly which makes it hard for me to see, and we argue. Not much though. She usually gives me the cat eye, and I sit down and be quiet. I’m a well trained person. Just ask her.

Renegade Renovation #6 - Wild Things Part Two

During a trip to the local coffee haven, my partner told me he saw the most interesting snake outside by the stairwell, back at the soon-to-be-house. He claimed he got a good look, and then it disappeared.

“That’s nice.” I said, only half listening while driving. Something about him finding a snake.

You’re bright, I’m guessing you already know the end of the tale, as it were. But it makes me feel better to share it with someone. And who better than you?

Later that evening, after having shuffled lumber, plywood, siding, and other assorted construction materials around all day, the only thing I wanted was a place to sit. Remember, this place is under construction. So it’s not like there’s a cushy sofa or anything. I plopped myself down in a camp chair. The one closest to the cooler. Sat there for a few minutes, stretching...relaxing. Contemplating the progress of the job.

I finally got up the energy to dig around in the cooler for something cold to drink. Twisted the cap off, took a long pull and set the bottle on top of the glass topped table on the other side of the chair. (I know, glass?? You’re saying. Well, it was here, so I’m using it.) As I released the bottle, I took a better look at the table top, making sure the bottle didn’t fall off. Once my gaze focused on the table, I shot right up out of the chair as if my butt were attached to a rocket. Emitting a girlie squeal, I ran for the nearest exit.


Would it be remiss of me to mention that the hero of this story wasn’t really keen on trying to get rid of this critter? We returned to the scene, and there under the table, in all his scaly black and yellow glory sat a young Ringneck snake. (By young, I mean small, as in I feel stupid for squealing small.) Head held high, in the traditional snakey pose, on alert. My hero picked him up, and calmly put him back outside where he belongs. The man gets kudos because he didn’t laugh within range. But he was sporting a broad smile as he walked away.

Rather anti-climatic ending, don’t you think?

Renegade Renovation #5 – Wild Things

Here is one question which will definitely go on my renovation FAQ’s now that I have an answer. The question: Have you come across any surprises during your renovation? You know, things you didn’t expect?

Well, I hadn’t. Until recently. And believe me, they were two I didn’t expect. At all.

Surprise number one. I’d been noticing a couple little honey bees flying around front, but hadn’t really paid much attention to them since all the work has been going on inside. They kept to themselves and didn’t really seem to bother anyone. Except the guys who showed up last week to repair the soffits. And they were kind enough to share their surprise with me. I guess it belongs to me anyway, eh? Surely you can see where this is going, right?

Now mind you, I’m the crazy woman who will jump out of her car in traffic if a bee flies in. You can imagine how concerned I was to discover my little tenants. While it may seem like I live under a rock most of the time, or a race car, I really don’t. I have environmental concerns like everyone else.

Honey bees are a protected species here in Kentucky, and they are extremely important to our environment. So, I contacted a beekeeper. Here is what is left after the first part of the removal.


I couldn’t bring myself to take a photo when they first opened the soffit. Way too many bees. Apparently this hive is several years old. It filled the entire area. The nice beekeeper, who will forever remain on my Christmas list, removed the rest of the bees after I took the photo. The bees have gone on to their new forever home with the bee man. And we are all very happy.

Tomorrow, surprise number two!

On Writing

While this book isn’t new, it’s timeless, and one I highly recommend to aspiring writers. It won’t take you long to read it and more importantly, you won’t fall asleep while turning the pages. In his usually highly entertaining style, Mr. King gives you two views into the writing world.

The first is a short memoir of his life, and the second is where you’ll truly find the inspiration, and how-to, or how-not-to writing gems. Being a huge King fan, I found both completely enjoyable. He made me laugh out loud more than once. I confess, it’s the only writing book to have done so.

If you are looking for a straightforward book, such as, a step by step guide to writing a best selling novel, this isn’t it. But what it is, written in his quirky straight forward fashion, (which I love so much), is an incredible book about writing.

Here's a link if you'd like to get your own copy. On Writing

Celebrate the End of Summer with Lyrical Press!

Ever wanted to know the deets on your favorite editors and authors? Well, Lyrical Press is giving them up.

Come join the Lyrical Press Blog Event. Starting today! Read on for the details.

LPI celebrates a great summer of reading with the End of Summer Blog Event. Monday through Friday, August 24 – 28, we’ll feature author and editor profiles on the LPI Blog. Many author profiles will include giveaways, so please come visit for your chance to get to know Lyrical Press and win prizes.
We’ll round out the week with two live blogcasts:

Saturday, August 29, 6 – 9PM Central Time: Author Chat
http://lyricalpress.blogspot.com

Many, many LPI authors will be joining in the fray while Editor in Chief Emma Wayne Porter announces giveaway winners and hands out even more free goodies. Readers are invited to ask questions, hang out, and get to know the people behind all those stories.

Sunday, August 30, 6 – 9PM Central Time: Editor Chat
http://lyricalpress.blogspot.com

During this live blogcast, the LPI editorial staff gets its day in the hotseat. Readers are invited to give their opinions on what kind of stories they want to read. Authors are invited to ask questions about submission guidelines, and maybe even pitch an idea or two. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to speak directly to publishing staff, and be heard!

Renegade Renovation #4 – Floored!

My apologies for not posting recently. The evil day job turned into an evil day and night job until my task in the big ATL was complete. Thank goodness it’s done and I'm home. Now I can get on to what I really want to tell you about.

Remember all that jazz with the drum sander? After several rounds, a coat of sealer and a coat of finish, the floor looks great! Well, for a sixty year-old floor, it came out pretty good. So it won’t have to be covered with carpet or another kind of flooring. Its unique beauty can shine through. And I can walk around barefoot. Yay.

Take a look. Here’s a before from when I started and the color it is now. Check out the little inlays. Courtesy of moi. Aren’t tools fun? That’s where the old ventilation used to be.



I’m thrilled. Now it’s time to finalize the floor plan before framing starts. Uh oh, I think I feel a headache coming on. Tell me, I wanted all theses choices didn’t I? Sure, I did...