It’s Saturday night, and I’m sitting in my comfy recliner, laptop on my…um, well, lap…Jack’s sleeping in his swing. Nick’s gone to a party (Oh, no, I’m not jealous! Really). And I’m…editing. I’m doing my line-edits for The Wizard’s Spell.

And, honestly, I’m having a pretty good time. I absolutely love the editing style of ImaJinn’s editor, Linda Kichline. She’s really great, and I always feel like she takes pains to make sure my writing voice stays completely intact when she suggests changes. I’m zipping through the edits she has for me, zooming straight through Microsoft Track Changes–and I’m remembering why I liked this story so much last year.

I finished up The Wizard’s Spell after a pretty painful time in my life (don’t worry, I won’t bore you with the details), and the book was a good release for me. I immersed myself in the story. Wrote pretty much constantly for a month–as soon as I came in from my then day job, I would write until it was time for bed. And then I sent my little paranormal off.

That’s actually one of the reasons why I like writing so much–writing takes me away. Let’s me forget my woes and go to a whole new world. I really like that.

But, well, I guess I’d better get back to my editing.

And I’ll post an excerpt from The Wizard’s Spell soon.

Oh, and Michelle–if you’re reading this–I haven’t forgotten about my recommended werewolf reads–I’ll post those very soon, promise!

I decided it was time for me to come clean about another addiction that I have–I am completely hooked on bargain books at Barnes and Noble. Jeez, it’s bad. Nick literally has to pull me away from them–and as he does it, I’m clutching a handful of books and muttering about how I really, really need that book on haunted England–no, the book on being your own superstar bartender–no, the book on famous criminals from history–and then, at that point, Nick usually sighs and takes my armload of books away so that I can go back and poke around a bit more.

Yep, Nick’s good guy–he sure knows how to keep me happy.

But, honestly, there is a reason for my addiction. I buy these books (currently enough to fill 3 bookcases) because when I see them in the store, I think….hmm, that would be a good reference for a future book.

Oh, yeah, all those bargain books were purchased because I have plans for them. Wonderful, brilliant plans–plans that I truly hope will one day come to fruition.

I plan to write a time travel–so I had to have all those books on the Middle Ages.
I plan to write a story that features ancient Egypt–so I had to get all those books about the pharoahs and archaeology.
I plan to write a romantic suspense–so I definitely had to buy those books about serial killers, crime scenes, and murder planning.

For every book on my shelf, I have a story to go with it.

Now, if I could just find the time to write all those stories…Sigh…

Anybody out there suffer from a similar addiction? Maybe we can form a Bargain Books Anonymous group.

Why is it that I always find out about the cool ebay auctions too late? Nick sent me this link today from Boing Boing–apparently, there was an authentic 19th century vampire-slaying kit up for auction. Dang.

How much did the winner pay? Try $1000.00.

Here’s a link to the ebay ad.

This so would have been my perfect birthday gift. And Nick–if you’re reading this–you have less than 2 months to find me another vampire slaying kit! Ha–this time you can’t say that I never tell you what to get me!

Okay, folks…I’m gonna have to make this one fast.

I’ve been a bad blogger this past week–I was working like crazy to finish up my manuscript, but I promise I’ll be better this week! Truly!

And, following that being-better idea, I wanted to get in another Publisher Spotlight. This time, I’m focusing on Dorchester.

According to Dorchester’s submission guidelines, they are looking for the following romances: historical, futuristic, time-travel, paranormal, and contemporary. (Hmmm…I think that might pretty much cover all the big categories!)

You can send your synopsis and first 3 chapters to:

Dorchester Publishing
200 Madison Avenue, Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016

Now here’s a worry: Their turn around time is listed as 6 to 8 months. So, if you submit to these guys, don’t bother checking your mailbox for a while.

Oh…and here’s a fun note: Dorchester is also accepting submissions in the horror category. I’ve always wanted to write a straight horror. Yes, I love romance, love the happily-ever-after endings that I can create (come on, the world NEEDS fairy tale endings sometimes) but…I’m a serious horror buff and the idea of breaking loose, of seeing just how dark my stories can go…well, it really intrigues me.

So, I’ll put my horror story down in my “one day” file…and one day, maybe I’ll do it.

Writer’s Digest has an interesting article posted on how to get an agent, or rather…how NOT to get an agent. Since I’m currently on the hunt for an agent, I thought it might be a good idea for me to make sure that I wasn’t starting things off on the wrong foot.

I’ve heard that the right agent can really make a writer’s career…just as the wrong one can break it…or, at the very least, slow it down.

Writing conferences seem to be great for meeting agents–you get to go in, sit face to face, and pitch your work. Nice–but a little intimidating for me. I can’t stand face to face rejection. The mere thought terrifies me. But I’m planning to go to the RWA convention this year, and I think I’m gonna have to work through my fear…and pitch.

Preditors and Editors is a good site for checking out potential agents–they list any negative reports that those folks might have.

Oh, and speaking of negatives…if you’re looking for an agent, and he/she asks you to pay an upfront fee–run, don’t walk, away. Agents who charge reading fees are to be strictly avoided.

So…like I said, I’m on the hunt. And I’m not much of a hunter (unlike my die-hard dad!), so wish me luck.