What to Do?

Oh, it's agony!  Starting something, setting it aside.  Starting something else, thinking better of the first, setting it aside and going back.  Deciding it's not so great after all and bogging down to do nothing.  What's to do?  Watch Dr. Who, I guess.  In the name of inspiration, of course.

The other day I had a brilliant idea for a new book, so I set aside the one I'd written a chapter on and never gotten back to.  The new idea produced a whopping one paragraph.  It's a week later now.  Ugh!  I think my muse has been captured by an evil alien empire and is being held captive in an icy world somewhere.  Doctor!  Help!

Seriously, though, it's part of the process.  Not a pretty part, but a part nonetheless.  I try not to get too upset by it because it always works out fine in the end.  I think that, just like with life, the hard parts, the parts when you feel like you're in a holding pattern, those are the parts that produce character.  In this case, I just hope that character is a best-selling romantic heroine - or something  like that.  Sometimes I wish I was smart enough to write sci-fi or at least a good mystery.  My brain just doesn't work that way, though, even though I enjoy reading them.

I heard from one of the new editors at Avalon today and my newest (complete) manuscript is "still very much on the radar" with them; however, with the turnover in personnel and high volume of submissions they are running behind.  So, fingers crossed - still.  In the meantime, I do have another book signing scheduled.  This one is at Barnes & Noble on February 6th from 11-1.  I'm looking forward to it.  It's to feature other local authors; I thought it was so nice to be invited!  This time the bookstore is providing the books for sale, so it won't be a consignment sort of thing like it was at Borders.  Makes me feel professional. 

January slipped by without any suggestions from me for romantic things to do.  Anyone out there have any winter romance ideas?  February, of course, boasts Valentine's Day - a natural for romance.  But what do you do that helps you find beauty and lead the romantic life this cold, cold season?  Let me hear from you!

Stay warm!
Shellie

Pens and Petitions

Pens:  Barnes & Noble has invited me to be a part of a book signing featuring local authors in their S. Glenstone store here in Springfield on Saturday, February 6th from 11:00-1:00.  Looking forward to it!  Come out to see me - I promise a free bookmark and some chocolate.  Mmmm chocolate.

Petitions:  In the meantime, please contact me if you are a registered Missouri voter.  I'd love to have you sign a petition to get proposed legislation on the November ballot which would regulate large puppy  mills.  More info at http://www.missourifordogs.com/ .

I've Been Reviewed

This is the first review I've seen of No Penalty for Love .  Check it out.  (For those of you as inept as I am with technology, you click on the title for this entry and it will take you to the blog where you'll read the review.)