Spreading Holiday Joy and Germs

Hello everyone!

Sorry for the long absence from the blog. I assure you I've felt just awful about it. I've been entertaining family from far flung reaches of the earth. I am not used to children in my living space (currently, one is sticking plastic ants and snakes down my shirt)  and thus I fear I am allergic to them, for I come down with the most awful symptoms. Or, my theory of kids being walking petrie dishes is confirmed.

Sometimes I think I am turning green, not with jealousy, but like the Grinch. I can't stand all the noise, noise, noise. Can't we just carve the roast beast and be done with all this merriment.


I did find this enlightening personality quiz on Buzzfeed, and I scored quite high. But as my wise friend always said to me, "this, too, shall pass."

I think I can hold out. I got some great remedies and am figuring out new flavor pairings (Hot dogs and mac and cheese DO NOT go well with hot toddies.)

But you will all be happy to know that I did complete my NaNoWriMo commitment, though I have no title, I am happy with how the story turned out.

 I had planned on editing it and the third in the Angel Hacker Series, while I was on holiday break, but as you can see, there is a snake up my shirt.

I'll get to it eventually.

So I wish you a great new year, and hope I can get everything edited and published in this next year.

Angel's Code

My first book was released on Sept. 17th.  It was quite the learning process, publishing a book.  I would like to thank a few people who helped along the way.

First, my mentor and friend, Danica Winters.  If it weren't for her, I would have never started this process.  Her guidance helped me develop, edit, rewrite, edit, rewrite and finally submit my book.
I'd also like to thank the other women in my critique group, Kristi Fitzgerald, Melanie Calahan.  I couldn't have written as much as I did without you.

Second, I'd like to thank Jennifer Conners and the staff at Books to Go Now for their hard work and dedication to new authors.

Third, I thank my family and friends who supported my endeavor.  It was quite the trial.

So in the name of self promotion, here are the links where you can find the book. :)  I hope you enjoy it.

Amazon copy
Barnes and Noble copy

My Three Lives

I came to the realization today that I'm living three separate lives.  A multiple personality disorder manifested into my daily life.

I used to only have two distinct jobs during the year and they only overlapped on the outer fringes of their existences.  First is the job I hold at a sorority as a cook and the second takes place during the summer at the Farmer's Market.  Now I wear this third hat, published (almost officially) author.

As I have mentioned, my three parts never collided like they have the past two weeks.  When I wake, I am cook extraordinaire.  Afternoon rolls around, and between batches of bread for the market, I try to plot a few lines for my next book.  Then it's back to sling in' hash for the college girls.  I go home and become farmer chick, checking up on my garden, picking the ripe tomatoes and peas, and exterminating some noxious weed or offending insect that dares cross my path.  My nights are illuminated by the glow of my computer screen, researching, writing, and editing. Editing.  Editing...

And though I know the market life is about to wind down, ready to hibernate until next spring, I feel grateful I've been able to balance it thus far.  I guess it's a good thing I don't have much of a social life or children - the dogs take care of themselves.

Please excuse me, there is a hungry girl/baking timer/confusing sentence/errant weed calling my name.

                             Beans

                                               My market stall

                    My poor neglected dog