When people find out what I do for a living, I often get the response of “I’d love to write, too–but I just don’t have the time.”

Well, if you truly want to be a writer, you have to MAKE TIME.

I know, I know–this is a terrible point in the year for the old “you’ve got to write!” talk. The holidays are coming. People have turkeys to cook. Gifts to buy. Festive songs to sing. But…

If you want to write, don’t wait until the New Year rings in–don’t wait until you make a resolution for 08 in which you vow to write 3 pages a day–write now. Why? Because I don’t believe in putting things off until tomorrow. I’m not Scarlett–she likes to worry about things tomorrow.

If you are a person who wants to write, truly wants to write–you will find the time. You won’t let a job, school, family, a move (cough-cough–okay, the last one is directed at myself!) stop you.

Take thirty minutes. Skip a favorite show. Stay up late. Write during lunch. If you want to write a book, claim the time and get started.

Best of luck to you!

Note: This rant was inspired by my previously blogged visit to FedEx. Did I mention that the FedEx clerk wants to write? So many people have the desire to write inside of them–time to let that desire out. What is the worst thing that can happen? Rejection? Come on, been there, done that. Try!

I hope you have a spooky but safe Halloween!

I’m blogging about ghosts over at The Bradford Bunch today. With Halloween looming tomorrow, I just had to write about my favorite childhood ghost story (good old Bloody Bones). If you get a chance, drop by and share your favorite ghost story with me!

I finished my copy-edits for HOTTER AFTER MIDNIGHT (woo-hoo!) and happily took my package to the local Fed-Ex today. The place was deserted and the clerk was nice and chatty (I love that). My manuscript weighed in at 4.75 pounds–not too shabby.

All was going well until the clerk asked me if I wanted to insure the package. Now, I’ve already mentioned that the place was deserted, so, since no impatient folks were tapping their feet behind me, I decided to find out just how this whole “shipping insurance” thing works.

Keep in mind…this is the copy-edited version of my manuscript. A copy-editor has already spent hours pouring over it and making marks in red pencil. I’ve spent hours reviewing said marks.

Back to my story…So anyway, I asked the clerk just how much the manuscript would be worth, if it happened to become lost. He leaned over the counter (not that anyone else was gonna overhear) and told me, “They’ll pay you for the paper.”

Uh, the paper? Not for my hours of lost labor? Not for the copy-editor’s lost labor? Just the pages? What is that–like five bucks? Jeez.

So, now I’m desperately hoping that I never lose a manuscript–because those pages are so worth more than five dollars to me.

A RED HOT NEW YEAR received 4 1/2 stars from the Romantic Times! And, SECRETS, VOLUME 21: PRIMAL HEAT received 4 stars!

Here’s an excerpt from the review of A RED HOT NEW YEAR (big thanks to Lauren for passing this along):

“Each author brings something different to this intensely satisfying anthology — werewolves, dragons and more. Fully formed characters, hot and spicy erotica and strong writing make this one for your keeper shelf!”

 And here’s a little teaser from the review of SECRETS, VOLUME 21: PRIMAL HEAT:

“This perfect blend of story, romance and sizzling sensuality has hot alpha heroes and ladies who can hold their own with them. These stories will keep readers warm on a cold winter night.”

Winter is coming, you know–it’s right around the corner. You’d better grab up the book so you can stay warm! 🙂