Woo-hoo! Today I typed “The End” on the rough draft of my paranormal novella, Spellbound (I like that title, btw, but it’ll be tentative until I hear back from Kensington). I was in a writing frenzy today (that usually happens for me near the end) and I think I managed to crank out approximately 25 pages (way higher than my usual 10 pages/day goal). Yes, I still have to go back and revise and rewrite, but, for now–I’m celebrating.

And how will I celebrate? With books, of course! Right after I finished my draft, I ran out and bought Silver Master by Jayne Castle, Tanner’s Scheme by Lora Leigh, and Dark Possession by Christine Feehan. As soon as I finish this blog post, I’ll be off to read…

So, since the rough draft is done and it will thus now get a few days of cooling off/distancing time from me, I think I’ll enjoy a nice, relaxing Labor Day–one filled with books, kiddie pools, homemade ice cream, watermelons, and maybe some fried chicken. (I am so southern!)

Take care, everyone–and Happy Labor Day!

Virginia Reede (one of my sister authors in A RED HOT NEW YEAR) has created a trailer for our Avon Red anthology. If you’d like to check it out, she’s posted it at YouTube.

I’ve got an interview and excerpt material up at Stifled Squeal–and one commenter will win an autographed copy of Secrets, Volume 18: Dark Passions! So, get thee to Stifled Squeal!!

I’ve been recently tagged by the talented Lauren Dane, so, here’s my info:

Four jobs I’ve had or currently have in my life:

1. Writer
2. Counselor
3. Catholic School Teacher
4. Editor

Four countries I’ve been to:

1. Mexico
2. Jamaica
3. Cayman Islands
4. And, here at home, so US

Four places I’d rather be right now:

1. On a beach
2. On a cruise
3. On a hammock
4. In the kiddie pool with Jack

Four foods I like to eat:

1. Catfish
2. Pizza
3. Fried rice
4. Watermelon

Four personal heroes, past or present:

1. My mom
2. My grandmother
3. Harriet Tubman
4. Melton Copeland (grandfather)

Four books you’ve read or are currently reading:

1. The Mane Event by Shelly Laurenston
2. Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna
3. Silver Master by Jayne Castle (okay, haven’t read it yet–but I will soon!)
4. Dark Possession by Christine Feehan (another that I haven’t actually read yet, but I will as soon as possible!)

Four words or phrases you would like to see used more often:

1. Temperatures in Alabama will top out in the mid-70s today…
2. You made the bestseller’s list!
3. (And I’m gonna steal Lauren’s answers for 3) Thank you
4. Please

Four reasons for ending a friendship:

1. Lies
2. Too many fights
3. Behavior that’s far too petty
4. Backstabbing

Four smells that make you feel good about the world:

1. The smell of Jack’s hair
2. A cake baking in the oven
3. The smell of the beach
4. A live Christmas tree

My question: Four Faces Who Bring Inspiration:

1. Nick
2. Orlanda Bloom
3. James Marsters (Spike!)
4. Vin Diesel

Okay, so, now that I’m done, who do I tag? Well, any person who has just read this blog–consider yourself tagged!

My mother and I were talking about the psychic talent of clairscent earlier tonight, so, before I went to bed, I thought I’d put up a quick post about the phenomenon also known as clear smelling.

What is clairscent? Is that what you’re wondering (and you know you were!)? Well, clairscent has been described by researchers as the ability of an individual to pick up the fragrances or odors from a spirit or from another realm/world.

Since my grandmother passed a few weeks ago, my mother has told me several times that she can “still smell” my grandmother. If she gets very upset, she says she can smell her, and the scent comforts my mother.

So, is that an example of clairscent? I like to think so. I like to think that my grandmother is trying to help my mother in the only way that she can.

Perhaps in the future, you should pay much closer attention to the scents that you catch in the air–you never know when someone may just be trying to send you a sweet-scented message.