So Stuff has been going on. Good Stuff, but things that I’ve needed to address. I was at RT last month and it was AMAZING! I had so much fun and got to meet a lot of my online peeps in person for the first time, I think I was still buzzing from the experience for at least a week.

I also ended up pitching to a few agents and editors while I was there. This is something I haven’t done in a while and the experience was good for me. And terrifying. I pitched a book that wasn’t finished. Now yes, I know. I did in fact tell said editors and agents that it wasn’t done. It didn’t seem to matter because they all wanted to see the story when it was completed.

PANIC!!

Thing 1 I have learned – don’t pitch something if you’re not ready (mentally or otherwise) to make Shit Happen.

So I’ve been working like a dog to get the first draft done. Three weeks and 34k later, I’m nearly finished. I’m hoping to get into the final few chapters today in fact (reality check: don’t start gardening until I’ve done my words today – you’ll stay out there for HOURS). I’m really excited about this book. It’s the biggest plot I’ve done in the way of complexity. I like to think the scenario is unique and (with luck) at least one of the editors/agents will agree.

On top of that I’ve had final edits for Josh’s story (Calling the Shots – it’s scheduled for October peeps!), three shorts for anthologies I’ve been asked to be a part of, and trying to do promo for my little book Dom For Sale (Buy it – I’ll love you for it – and yes, there will be a follow-up story. I’m working on it next). It’s been a bit overwhelming keeping everything straight.

Thing 2 I have learned – Your calendar is your friend.

I’ve been scheduling everything in and it’s been helping me keep everything timed perfectly. I rarely miss a deadline, mostly because I’m a giant stress bag who freaks out at even the idea. But the unique concept of WRITING SHIT DOWN has really helped me.

Being as busy as I have been, I haven’t been watching TV. Well, except for Big Bang Theory. I don’t watch a lot of shows, but the ones I do I’m hugely devoted to. I’m behind on Supernatural, Spartacus, Game of Thrones…pretty much everything. I want to weep every time someone says, “Hey, did you see–”

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO *flees the room*

People have begun talking. I know this because rooms grow quiet and people edge away from me when I enter them now.

Thing 3 I’ve learned – I’m turning into a giant freak.

So yes, I’m still alive and I’m working. With summer approaching, I’m hoping things will start to settle enough that I’ll be able to relax and enjoy the flowers. Maybe.

Off to write!

PS – Thing 4 I have learned – My husband will send typo corrections via IM when he reads my blog. Fixed those up, sweetie.

I wish I could be that person all the time.

I’ve been run off my feel recently between the day job and the family. I keep my inner rock star primped and ready to go at the drop of a hat, but more often than not she’s stuck sitting in the corner sucking on a vodka and lime while watching reruns of Magnum PI.

I have been writing. And editing. I have had two sales recently that I’m waiting to announce because of paperwork. One won’t be a surprise to anyone. The other is a new venture that I’m excited about. I have a few other pokers in the fire that I’m waiting to hear on as well.

So while my rock star is cooling her heals until she can come out to play at the RT Booklovers Convention, I’ll do my best to keep you all updated on things as they happen. I am still on Twitter (crack) so you know where to find me.

Party on.

But Christine, isn’t the Superbowl this weekend and isn’t your team rematching against the team that knocked them out of the Superbowl the last time they played?? Why yes…and I have a backup plan so I get to watch it.

Still, a trip to Amsterdam isn’t one to pass up! I’m going to have at least a day and a half to get some sight seeing in, and I’m hoping I’ll have an evening or two that I can sneak out as well. But I don’t know where to go first! The sex museum is on the list, and so is the Van Gogh  museum. However, there is so much there and so little time. As a result I need your help!

If you could only go to a few things in the wonderful city of Amsterdam, where would you go??

For a Christmas present, I signed her up for a cake decorating class. She loves all of the contest baking shows, Cupcake Wars, etc., and I thought this would be a good introduction for her.

Last night she did her cupcakes. And they turned out pretty well! Keep in mind, peeps, she’s 12.

Taken with my BlackBerry, so forgive the quality.

Her little flower turned out pretty well.

I think these two were my favourite.

We get to eat them tonight (except the one she made for her new boyfriend ). I can’t wait!

We are sitting here at the ass-end of 2011 and getting ready to celebrate with our families and friends. This year has been a turbulent one, full of ups, downs and amazing surprises. On the writing front, 2011 has turned out to be probably the best of my career to date. I have each and every one of you to thank for that.

To my reader

Lord, I don’t even know where to start. The words Thank You can’t adequately express the depth of my appreciation for your support. The reviews (both positive and negative), the comments, emails, Twitter conversations…everything…it keeps me going. You are all wonderful and I hope that at least some of my musings have kept you entertained over the past year. I will have more for you in 2012 and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

To my editors

Brianna, Deb, Jane, Delilah and Kristina. You took my words and helped me make them shine. Writing is a partnership and I wanted to say thank you for your guidance, words of wisdom and insight. I wish you all the best in 2012 and I hope to work with you all again very soon.

To my fellow writers

Wow, what a year, eh? There’s been so much craziness this past year, it’s hard to know where to stand most days. We need to be agile in the publishing world, dodging through the changes and praying we come out the other side with out goals met and dreams chugging forward. I have a feeling 2012 will be just as crazy. I also know that the support I see online on the loops, on Twitter and Facebook, the network of communication will continue to grow. Our goals are to tell stories and hopefully build a career. Well, that’s my goal. And knowing that I have all of you in my corner cheering me on makes the journey not only more fun, but saner. And I hope you know that I’m there for you too. *high-five*

To my critique partners

Oh JK, Wylie, Kimber, Amy and Del…I would be so lost without all of you. Not just as a writer, but as a person. I would say more, but I hope you all know by now. I love you all.

To my family

Hello. Let me introduce myself. I’m your wife/mother/daughter/sister/in-law. I’m that crazy person who sits at the desk in the hallway drinking coffee and muttering incoherently to herself. Yes, I know I work full time and sometimes abandon you to my muse. I’m sorry for that. But I also want to thank you for giving me the support to do that. It means so much to me to be able to pursue my dream, but not as much as knowing you all want me to succeed. I promise I won’t leave you alone quite so much in 2012.

And yes, I’ll make cinnamon rolls now.

Merry Christmas, happy hanukkah, happy Kwanza, merry festivis pole…best wishes to you and your family regardless of what you celebrate.

I love fall. I love getting back to the routine of things and letting my life take on some semblance of order. Being a creature of habit, there is something calming about getting the kids back to school.

I’ve officially started back up with my writing. Not that I really took much of a break, but I didn’t beat myself up if I missed a few days without getting words on paper. No more! Now I will be filled with self guilt for not completing my WIP.

Ah back to normal.

Lots coming from me in the next little while. I hope I won’t be annoying the hell out of everyone with all of my announcements. I promise I’m going to mix things up a bit. In addition to my own stuff, I’m going to have more guest bloggers. It’s great for you to get a chance to meet some of the amazing writers I have a chance to chat with.

I’ll also be making a few appearances this fall. That sounds really funny to type. I’ll be at Word on the Street in Toronto at the Carina Press booth on Saturday, September 25th. I’ll also be at Romanticon in Akron, OH from September 29th to October 3rd. If you are in either area, I would love a chance to say hello.

I’ve been blown away by some reviews my work has been getting recently. My stories in Girls Who Bite and Steamlust have gotten call outs in both Romantic Times and Publishers Weekly. I’m so thrilled to be a part of these anthologies, let alone have my little offering be mentioned. I hope you enjoy them as well.

On the book front, I have many releases coming. Here’s what my release schedule looks like for those who are curious.

Girls Who Bite (Cleis Press) – available now

Double Shot – Long Shots #1 (Carina Press) – October 3

Steamlust (Cleis Press) – October 11

A Shot In the Dark (Carina Press) – November 7

Agony/Ecstasy (Berkly Heat) – December 6

Pulled Long (Carina Press) – December 12

Phew! I hope to have some more sales to announce in the next little while. Before we know it, 2012 will be here!

*does a snoopy dance*

Worse problems to have, right?

I love this time of year. There is something about late summer and early fall that makes me feel really settled in my skin. I get most of my annual writing done in these months and have lots of fresh story ideas come to mind.

Its also the time to get back to routines. I find back to school time almost better than New Years for motivating me to do all the things I’ve been putting off. New clothing, new supplies, new routine, all great to give the body and mind a kick start.

This fall is also going to be busy for me on the release front. I have a small amount of guilt about the promo spam I’ll have to blast you all with, but I’m hoping you’ll forgive me. I’m really proud of the stories that will be coming out and I love that there is a little bit for every reading taste. All hot and spicy too!

But for the next few weeks I’m going to relax and enjoy the rest of the summer. I’ll keep going with my 1k a day challenge (and it’s going pretty well!), with the hopes that I’ll get the final Long Shots book done. Then it will be on to Romanticon and a chance to meet a lot of you in person. I can’t wait!

Until then, have a glass of sangria for me and enjoy!

My edits for most of my fall releases are done. No Master will be out in seven days (OMG!) and I’ve decided to take it easy on the writing front for a few weeks.

My master plan is to play video games and hang out with my children. World domination will soon follow.

I also want to take the opportunity to get caught up on my reading. I’ve been able to get through a number of novellas and short novels that have been sitting on my e-reader for a while in recent days. I’ve posted some reviews over on Goodreads, but I’d recomment getting the following if you are looking for something new.

Do Over by Mari Carr. If you have been married for any length of time, you will appreciate this beautifully written novel. It’s about a couple who have a special weekend getaway to get reacquainted with each other. I cried more than once.

Sweet As Sin by Inez Kelley. This is another book that had me crying. The struggles of the hero and heroine in this book prove that sometimes love isn’t enough. The resolution was immensley satisfying.

Outcast Mine by Jamie Craig. A well written m/m sci-fi romance that had be flipping the pages at a rapid rate. Great action and hot sex.

I’m traveling for work this week, but when I get back I’ll officially slide into summer mode. How about you? Any special plans for the summer?

I’ve been drinking the wonderful black gold since I was 12 (someone told me it would stunt my growth. I was 5′ 10″ by that time), so I would have a cup a day.

But two weeks ago, I was told by my doctor I had to give it up for a while (stupid stomach issues). I wanted to cry. You see coffee is more than the taste for me. The ritual of getting up in the morning, making a perfect cup which I then take and enjoy it while reading (or writing).

I miss that warm fuzzy feeling I get in my chest (not a caffeine rush!) that I’d get when enjoying a cup. The way my whole body seemed to relax when I was enjoying a mug. *sigh*

And for the record, I’m just as hyper off coffee as I ever was ON coffee.

Am I nuts? I know not everyone drinks coffee, but there must be some of you out there that have a favorite beverage that you’d give up your left arm, rather than have to stop drinking it?

I’ve just found out that No Master, book three in the Bounty series, will be released on July 6th from Ellora’s Cave. This story focuses on Korbin, the Admiral of the Black and his second in command Zain Strand. Here’s the blurb!

No man in the galaxy inspires more fear than Korbin, the Admiral of the Black. His life as leader of the pirates leaves little room for trust, so when Korbin’s second in command disappears without a trace he suspects the worst.

Zain Strand has left his life as a sex slave behind and risen within the pirates’ ranks, but he’ll abandon it all to rescue an old friend from recapture by the slavers–even if that means a suicidal confrontation with his old master. He doesn’t expect Korbin’s arrival, doesn’t want Korbin’s help…but Korbin gives Zain no choice.

Posing as Master and slave to infiltrate a slave auction, Korbin and Zain embark on a journey of lust that rapidly reveals their deeper feelings. When Zain’s old master discovers their ruse, Zorbin must do everything in his power to save both their lives and their new-found love.

I’ve also been diligently working on edits for a number of my fall releases. The first two books in the Long Shots series are done and off, and I’m nearly done the edits for book three. While I always love the books I write, I’m finding myself particularly excited about this series. Not only because it will be my first with Carina Press, but also the characters really jumped to life for me. I can’t wait to share them with everyone.

My release schedule for the year is currently the following:

No Master – July 6th, Ellora’s Cave
Girls Who Bite – September 13th, Cleis Press
Double Shot – October 3, Carina Press
Steamlust: Steampunk Erotic Romance – October 11, Cleis Press
A Shot In the Dark – November 7th, Carina Press
Agony/Ecstasy – December 6th, Berkley Heat
Pulled Long – December 12th, Carina Press

I’ve also been moving this week. It was an insane weekend of packing and lugging, but we are 99% done. One room left to finish and some cleaning. Then the unpacking fun begins. My kids are settling down and the dogs are slowly adjusting. The only one who doesn’t seem thrown off by the whole affair is my cat. She’s a trooper!

And don’t forget my new blog! I post every Tuesday over at gee/k/ink, a place where we discuss all things geeky and kinky…and trust me when I say the conversations have been very interesting! Stop by and say hello.

So how is everyone doing? Let me know!