Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction

Go here to see a larger version. Pretty!

Pay attention to the signs

We had every intention of going to a friend’s birthday party tonight, and then afterwards to see Forever Vinyl. But the friend is in Long Beach (a good hour and a half away) and the band in Torrance, and we didn’t get home from the metal casting workshop (1/3 of the site tokens for Black Oak Lodge are done! And they look awesome! Umberto and William are awesome!) until 5 (because we had to stop at Michael’s), and then I got out of the shower at 5:50 (the party starts at 7) and the first two shirts I tried on were inexplicably dirty and then my tights had a run and a hole in them, and the present wasn’t even wrapped yet, and I said, “Self, the Universe is trying to tell you something.”

So we’re staying home. I’m going to work on a short story, watch a movie, snuggle with Ken, maybe order pizza or eat the rest of the frozen junk food we bought for Thanksgiving), catch up on e-mail, and maybe do some handwork project, because I’m still in a crafty mood thanks to an afternoon of casting and hanging out with crafty people. And lo, it will be good.

More charity goodness!

I’m delighted to report more “sales” to a new charity anthology! This one is Coming Together: Al Fresco, and proceeds will benefit Conservation International. (Again, I say “sale” only in that the works will be published; I don’t get paid.)

But what a table of contents! Along with my story (“Outside in the Rain,” as Andrea Dale), I have a Sophie story written with Teresa (“Slow Burn”). I’m not allowed to reveal the entire list yet, but I can tell you it’s chock full of excellent writers.

You can pre-order the book here if you so desire! (Publication date is Earth Day 2009.) Remember, it’s for a good cause!

Edited to add: Here's the full TOC!

Adam & Eve on a Raft (Robert Buckley)
Afternoon of a Faun (Helen E.H. Madden)
Anal Alley (Sommer Marsden)
Ask for It (Jude Mason)
Blonde on a Harley (Teresa Noelle Roberts)
For Want of a Woodpecker (Ripley Patton)
Foreign Parts (Rachelle Le-Monnier)
Hailey's Comet (Jae Knight)
Happy Endings (Jamie Hill)
Hidden in Fog (Teresa Noelle Roberts)
Mahalo (Allison Wonderland)
Making Rain (Angela Caperton)
Midnight Ménage à Trois (Heather Smith)
Natural Tease (Arya Rewan)
Outside in the Rain (Andrea Dale)
Pantheism 101 (Alessia Brio)
Paradise Valley (Michelle Houston)
Reclining Buddha (Lisabet Sarai)
Rites of Consummation (Nicole Gestalt)
Silver Bells and Cockle Shells (Shanna Germain)
Slow Burn (Sophie Mouette)
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Rita Winchester)
Sparrow Takes Flight (Giselle Renarde)
The Journey Home (Jasmine Black)
The Roof (Selena Kitt)
Untouched Perfection (Moondancer Drake)
Wet as Spring (Robin Elizabeth)
Wildlife (Randy Foster)

Weirder things have happened...

Can writing about an anemiac make you anemic? Because I'm feeling awfully wibbly and wee bit lightheaded right now…

Amused

I caved. So sue me.

One Word Answers:

1. Yourself: luscious
2. Your partner: beloved
3. Your hair: purple
4. Your mother: amusing
5. Your father: stubborn
6. Your favorite item: indefinable
7. Your dream last night: forgotten
8. Your favorite drink: Chardonnay
9. Your dream car: flies!
10. The room you are in: media
11. Your ex: fond
12. Your fear: multilegged
13. What you want to be in 10 years? multipublished
14. Who you hung out with last night? Ken
15. What you're not: balanced
16. Muffins: meh
17. One of your wish list items: Lawrence
18. Time: ticking
19. The last thing you did: bubblebathed
20. What you are wearing: little
21. Your favorite weather: Welsh
22. Your favorite book: yes!
23. The last thing you ate: rye
24. Your life: better
25. Your mood: contemplative
26. Your best friend: missed
27. What are you thinking about right now? stories
28. Your car: Swedish
29. What are you doing at the moment? this
30. Your summer: hot
31. Your relationship status: precious
32. What is on your TV? lots
33. What is the weather like? arid
34. When is the last time you laughed? now

Brilliant quote

[Snerched from the delectable Shanna Germain]

“Murder is a crime. Writing about it isn’t. Sex is not a crime, but writing about it is. Why?”  ~Larry Flint

SCA Funny

(From Alexander, who got it from someone else): This year's Superbowl is Pennsic v. Estrella!

That light at the end of the tunnel? I hope it's not a train.

Sorry for the recent radio silence. Bad news and stress to varying degrees pretty much derailed my brain.

The biggie is that Grimoire is sick and it looks like he’ll need an expensive operation. It could be one of several things, all of which aren’t good, and the best option is surgery. The problem with being contractors is that while we have money, we have to balance how much money we have coming in over the next year or so. Bottom line is, I’ll update here when I have more news about how he’s doing. (A request: Please don’t ask. I swear I’ll update. It just makes it harder for me to keep having to field questions when I’ve already woken up in the middle of the night sobbing, you know?)

Meanwhile, Ken’s brother has been visiting on something of a work vacation. He’s helped us, Ken’s mom, and their other brother with various home repair stuff. He left today, so now the house will cease to smell like coffee and cigarettes (he smoked outside, but the smell permeates). Seriously, he was an amazing help and it was great to see him, but in the end I wasn’t mentally or emotionally up for house guests. Add in Ken’s mom staying over for two nights and multiple out-of-town guests either visiting or we visited, and… This isn’t coming out right at all. It was fabby to spend time with everyone. It’s just that it all happened at once.

And I’m dealing with a misunderstanding with a dear friend, which makes my heart ache, but the bottom line is I have to protect myself and the work (thank you, Nikki Giovanni and Jenny Crusie), and it’s a private matter I can’t in good conscience speak more about beyond that.

On top of all of that, I realized I’d overcommitted myself again, which is my own damn fault. Cue much tearing of hair and rending of clothes and gnashing of teeth.

So. ::claws self up by her bloody shredded fingernails:: What’s good?

In the midst of the worst of it, Pati sent me light and energy and Alia gave me rose-scented candles. Both were unexpected and extremely touching. Thank you. Morgana has been a rock in a storm, as well as a source of much-needed hilarity, and Christine brought me the sweetest-smelling rose from her garden and helped me brainstorm. My massage therapist is also a friend who makes me laugh and who knows how to cut to the chase. (We’re also each other’s workout and eating-right cheerleading buddies.) I’m blessed to have them all in my life.

Thanks to Ken and Dennis, we now have a new garage door (people door, not car door, but it means we’ll be able to use the remotes on the car doors again), a sensor light at the back door, and concrete where it was needed (which means we’ll be able to put in a new back gate that will allow much easier access to the Shire shed). And Morgana and Brian also have a repaired sidewalk.

I got to hang out with Gillian and Donna and Jenny and Darla and other like folks, and my local writer peeps (Erica, Tanya, Susan, and Miriam), and The Ormslick (hee!), and of course Mom and Dennis.

Lots of folks showed up to my guest blogging at Naughty & Spice, and I had a fantastic time!

And while the writing hiccupped due to the sadness and stress, it’s getting back on track. I have a very silly idea for my story for the Denise Little Workshop, and should have it finished Saturday at the latest. I also have another fun story (erotica, requested by the editor) to finish in that time frame. Ghosted continues apace. I’ve had some recent sales as well as several stories that are waiting publisher approval—one in particular will be very exciting if it comes to pass. ::fingers crossed::

We’re headed off this coming weekend to a Superbowl party—we have no interest in the game (um, who’s playing?) but it’s a great chance to see friends—and the next day we’ll visit two other sets of friends in that area. I’ll have Afalwen with me, of course, so I’ll be able to keep up with work, at least a little…

Other projects and various life stuff are under control again, and although I have a lot on my plate, it all seems to be at manageable levels again. I’m not going to Isles Collegium this Saturday in order to have the day to focus on writing and, well, everything else. That way I can justify going away for two days.

More soon…

Sometimes we have to repeat the same lesson over and over...

"And while I don't expect you to save the world, I do think it's not asking too much to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who would offer you depression, despair and disrespect."

—Nikki Giovanni

*\o/*

Sale! My story “Queen’s Up” has been accepted for the Lesbian Cowboys anthology. What a yummy cover, too. I’ll post again when it’s available for sale.

I had a lot of fun with this story. Set in an undefined time in the Old West, it’s got a poker-playing cross-dresser, her sozzled daddy, their threatened ranch, and an almost-mustache twirling villain. And a sexy saloon girl. What would be the point without a sexy saloon girl?

These dreams go on when I close my eyes...

Last night I had a long involved dream about Lawrence* that included him giving me a baby hedgehog.

Is that a euphemism I’m not aware of?!

(Amazingly, there are tons of dream interpretations about hedgehogs. My favorite so far is “Alternatively, it refers to losing your soul.” Sold my soul to rock-n-roll, baby!)

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*Lawrence Gowan of Styx, for those of you who are new to this roller coaster.

Guest Blogging at Naughty & Spice

I'm guest-blogging over at Naughty & Spice today, talking about music, passion, writing, and the musicians we love. Please stop by and leave a comment! One lucky commenter will win prizes!

These are my people

Happiness is going to a party were, within 10 minutes of your arrival, someone says (in response to another comment, “What was the monster in Hitchhiker’s Guide that did that?”, and at least five people simultaneously say along with you, “The Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal.”

And later, someone quotes The Pirates of Penzance.

And most of the attendees not only get your Styx jokes, but cracked some of their own.

Yeah. Good times. :-)

A spot of promo for a good cause

I recently mentioned a sale to Coming Together: Against the Odds, and wanted to remind my faithful readers that I also have a story in the charity anthology Coming Together: At Last, which benefits Amnesty International.

If you'd like to see a gorgeous promo video for Coming Together: At Last, you can check it out at any one of these links:

YouTube / MySpace / Facebook

(It's provocative, but safe for work unless you have an exceptionally prudish boss.)

And here's a link to my post of the press release.

The only roller coaster my back will allow is called Life

Been a bit roller-coaster-ish the past couple of days, but I’m feeling more like I’m on solid ground again. Life wouldn’t be interesting without ups and downs, of course!

Ken went off on a rally of sorts Friday—basically, a bike guy wanted to spend his birthday organizing a 24-hour 1K mile ride, followed by pizza and general hanging out. I guess I got a little maudlin at his absence (I kinda get used to having him around!), plus I had some health issues creeping up on me that I didn’t realize until later, so Saturday…damned if I know what happened Saturday, but it must’ve happened.

Sunday Ken got home just before I left for CB&TL, where I met Ellenie and Erica and we talked and wrote. I wasn’t as productive as I wanted to be, but I moved forward, and that’s all I care about right now.

Brian was away, so Morgana came over for dinner (lemon-garlic chicken, brown rice, steamed broccoli, nomnomnom) and then we all headed out to a little bar to see Forever Vinyl, a rock covers band (mostly 70s and 80s, with a bit of 90s). They were awesome! and if I hadn’t been feeling under the weather, I would’ve danced all night. A friend of mine is in the band (he and his wife are Styx fans) and they dedicated “Renegade” to Ken and I. Hee!

If you like classic rock and get the chance to see them, do it!

(Of course, now I want my two favorite local bands, Forever Twelve and Forever Vinyl, to play shows together. The Forever Tour. The Eons Tour. The Oh My God They’re Still Playing Tour. Not that Forever Twelve ever bloody tours! Ahem! ::glares accusingly south, taps foot impatiently::)

After that, we came home and I had some wine and we watched some TV, and then as hard as I tried, I couldn’t sleep. All sorts of minor ailments, tossing and turning, anxiety, you name it. When I finally realized I should’ve taken Melatonin, oh, hours earlier, I discovered that it wasn’t on my nightstand, but still in the overnight bag. Between all that and an early call waking me up, I got about four hours’ sleep.

I spent the first part of the day feeling like someone was rubbing sandpaper on my eyeballs, thanks to the lack of sleep and the Santa Anas. Yuck. I’ve had my contacts out most of the day, which means I can’t really focus well (they can’t correct me to 20/20 with glasses) (that explains any typos in this post), but since I’m loopy and half-dead, it doesn’t really matter all that much.

Had a chiro appt in the morning (we talked nutrition) and then met my workout buddy Jen for the first time since, um, October? But it felt good (despite all my ailments) and I’m pleasantly stiff now, reminded that I had a good bout of exercise. We’re hoping to get together again tomorrow.

I also booked my flights for Oregon in February, for the Denise Little Workshop on the coast, plus a hotel the last night in Portland so I can fly home the next morning rather than rushing back for a flight after the workshop. I think I’ve got a carpool arranged, too. Eeeexcelent.

And I lay on our comfy media room sofa and read and dozed, which was nice. We’ll call today a day off, and get back to work tomorrow. (I called in sick today, and my boss agreed. ‘Cause she was suffering inside this wreck of a body with me!)

Now, I think, some more TV and cuddling with my beloved before I head off for an early night. Tomorrow I’ll talk about a new sale, some promo stuff, and the many errands we have planned. (I can tell you’re all on the edge of your seats.)

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Currently Reading: Not Flesh Nor Feathers, Cherie Priest; Martha Stewart Living (I got a free subscription); Realms of Fantasy
Lately Listened To: Forever Vinyl, baybee!
Recently Watched: Long Way Down; How I Met Your Mother

Ugh

Effing Santa Anas effing 83 effing degrees in effing January muttergrumbleptui.

Sale! For a good cause!

I'm delighted to announce that my story "Always a Bridesmaid" has been accepted into the charity anthology Coming Together: Against the Odds, a collection of erotic fiction with mystery themes.

Of course, "sale" is something of a misnomer, because all proceeds go to support the charity Autism Speaks. That's a good thing, though!

But it's another publication, and a story I'm quite fond of. Come to think of it, the story really has been a "bridesmaid" for a long time—it's one of those that gets accepted and then the anthology folds, or doesn't quiiiiite make the cut, or whatever, even though everyone says nice things about it.

I see Teresa has a story in this one, too, so you'll get both halves of Sophie.

So, for lots of reason, yay!

Epiphanated

Well, I kind of bailed on Saturday’s goals, but I’ve been reasonable productive overall. Here’s a brief update.

I’ve gone to CB&TL several times with my writer-friend Ellenie, and we were most productive. I’ve fallen a little behind today, due to working on other things, but the night isn’t over yet… Ghosted is slowly moving forward, and Teresa and I are almost ready for the online workshop we’re teaching this weekend.

Got a rejection today from Paradox for “Berengere.” It’ll go back out soon, along with a couple of other stories I was waiting to send until this month when markets opened back up.

Finally got to the gym today, and did cardio and the back machine. Dude, they have a Trivial Pursuit game on TV now! I could’ve done an hour of cardio instead of half an hour! But I knew better than to overdo it. Still, I know when to time my workouts now. :-) My massage therapist and I are each other’s workout cheerleaders now, via e-mail (and our twice-monthly sessions). We each have free rein to harangue and humiliate the other if we don’t meet our weekly goals…

We did a big grocery shopping today, our first since the holiday traveling, finally replacing a lot of items we’ve been out of. That will ideally keep us from eating pizza several times a week. ::whistles innocently::

We also cleaned the sewing room today, so now the cutting table is free of piled junk and we can get to work on our Italians for Black Oak Lodge. I’d like to get my corset cut out tomorrow.

I’m almost done with my holiday thank-you notes, and still need to talk about Yule (and Thanksgiving, come to think of it!) here.

I’m mostly done with the Shire’s newsletter, although I’m still waiting for some information before I can wrap it up. I feel bad that it’s late (and, in truth, there may not be a January newsletter at all, depending on how things suss out), but I know it’s not because of anything under my control.

We’ve been watching some fun shows, including Long Way Down, the documentary following Ewan MacGregor and Charlie Boorman on a motorcycle trip from John O’Groats, Scotland, to Capetown, South Africa; and season two of Alias. Much amusement is being had by all.

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Currently Reading: Thirteen Orphans, Jane Linskold; Martha Stewart Living (I got a free subscription); Romance Writers’ Report
Lately Listened To: WRDH (Radio in Dayle’s Head)
Recently Watched: Long Way Down; Alias

Photos from the New Year's Eve show

...for those interested, are here. Includes a bonus! FailBlog-worthy sign.

Entitled

Would you pick up a book called Possessed, Undressed, and in a Mess if you were in the mood for a funny sexy paranormal romance?