Monday 30 July 2007

One week to go ...

Next week sees the release of His Convenient Affair. It's been a long time coming and I still have to pinch myself that it's actually going to happen.

Writing fiction is the hardest thing I've ever done. In comparative terms, I sailed through a master's degree and various post-graduate stuff and even had some non-fiction work published. I love writing, any writing, but fiction provides me with the greatest challenge. I'll happily sit at the computer until my muscles ache and my head spins. Sometimes hubby has stumbled into my study in the early hours and groaned, "Enough! Switch off the computer and come and get some sleep" (or words to that effect:))

I love every minute spent creating characters and plotting storylines - not that I sit here grinning like a satisfied idiot all the time. I've been known to curse, thump, cry, yell and gesticulate my way through a manuscript, when even the neighbourhood cats give me a wide berth. I love the frustrations, the excitement, the creativity, the joy and the heartache.

His Convenient Affair is a special book for me and one I've dedicated to my late father. He was the person who encouraged me to dream, to go for the things I want in life and not to stop until I achieved them. He taught me to believe in myself. I feel him at my shoulder as I write through the tough bits, encouraging me to keep on keeping on during those times when I question myself and my dreams.

It's exciting to think that this time next week I'll be nudging my first release, but it also feels a bit scary. I suppose coming face to face with your dreams always feels that way. Here goes ........

If you'd like to read an excerpt from His Convenient Affair please click HERE.

TJ

Friday 13 July 2007

A Friday funny...

This was posted on one of my author loops ...

A LESSON IN GRAMMAR

Harry is getting along in years and finds that he is
unable to perform sexually.

He finally goes to his doctor, who tries a few things
but nothing seems to work.

So the doctor refers him to an American Indian
medicine man.

The medicine man says, "I can cure this."

That said, he throws a white powder in a flame, and
there is a flash with billowing blue smoke.

Then he says, "This is powerful medicine. You can
only use it once a year. All you have to do is say '123' and it shall rise for as long as you wish!"

Harry then asks, "What happens when it's over, and I
don't want to continue?"

The medicine man replies: "All you or your partner
has to say is 1234, and it will go down. But be warned -- it will not work again for another year!"

Harry rushes home, eager to try out his new powers
and prowess. That night he is ready to surprise Joyce. He showers, shaves, and puts on his most exotic shaving lotion. He gets into bed, and lying next to her says, "123."

He suddenly becomes more aroused than anytime in his
life ... just as the medicine man had promised.

Joyce, who had been facing away, turns over and asks,
"What did you say 123 for?"

And that, my friends, is why you shouldn't end a
sentence with a preposition.

TJ

Tuesday 10 July 2007

Wish you were there?

If, like me, you're feeling a bit left out because you can't attend the RWA Conference, why not hop on over to Romance Divas and join in the forum discussions/workshops at their Cyber Conference?

See you there ...

TJ