write now

Vengence

2010-06-25T23:24:00.000-04:00

A soldier, haunted by the death if his troops in Iraq, tries to resume his former life as a NYS police officer. Then she returns to town. To keep her safe from a danger that she won’t talk about, he’ll break the rules to be her personal body guard, sacrifice a dream promotion, and risk it all, for the woman he loves
A woman returns from three heartbreaking years in L.A. and opens a chocolate shop, convinced her life will return to normal. But her troubles have followed her home. First she’s stalked. Then shot at. Accused of embezzlement and thrown in jail for a crime she did not commit. Not even her best friend knows what really happened in L.A., and she’ll keep that knowledge from the man she loves, even if it means going back to the devil that started all her heartache.

Vengence is all she has left.

Kasey Kahne

2010-06-24T21:55:00.000-04:00

Some Nascar news. Rumor has it that Kasey Kahne might be leaving Petty Motor sport and moving to the championship team- Jimmy Johnson's!! He'd be driving a Chevy and have a primo team and crew chief and it will make him a household name!! I hope it works out!

More good news for MELTDOWN

2010-06-24T21:39:00.000-04:00

The wonderful contest coordinator of the Book Buyers Best contest, Carol Hughes, was able to get a quote from Sue Grimshaw, the Romance buyer for Borders: "great story, strong writing, wonderful characters, and talented writer." I'm in orbit!!.
I also contacted Sue to thank her personally, and she responded she thought the book was great. WOW.
I have to finish, LOVE LIKE YOU"RE DYING. No more excuses!! But first, my bride chapters need to go out ASAP. Back to work.

Best Book Finalist

2010-06-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

It's been one of those crazy years that I'd rather forget... so imagine my confusion when I opened a package from the Orange County RWA Chapter and found a certificate saying that MELTDOWN is a BBB finalist in the Suspense/Mystery Category. I'd missed the email announcement from the contest coordinator around my April when I averaged about 100 emails a week. Besides the colorful certificate, I received a beautiful pin with a large orange stone. I'm so thrilled. Now I have another reason to smile ear-to-ear this last week of school!

Susan

Kristan Higgin's Visit

2010-05-29T22:04:00.003-04:00

I'm jazzed about the upcoming visit by 2008 RITA-award winning author, and 2010 RITA nominee for single title contemporary romance novel, Kristan Higgins. She will be a guest presenters this Saturday at our CYNRW meeting. I met her at Nationals in Washington D.C last year at the president's meeting. We sat at the same table and got to talking about where we were from and I invited her to visit my home town. I can't wait to hear her presentation about character arc and plotting. Plus later I'll be showing her around Syracuse. I hope construction is finished on 690 and 81, or it will be a short tour. I plan to show her the place we writers hang out after the meeting, the Retreat, and SU and the Carrier Dome. Then we'll hit Armory Square for a few hours. Maybe more than that!

Peace and love,

Susan

Nomination

2010-02-14T09:01:00.006-05:00

Great news to begin 2010. MELTDOWN has been nominated for best book of the year by LASR. I'm thrilled, honored, and all I can think of is cliche's I'm so excited.
If you loved Evan and Cassie's story, readers are welcome to vote until 2/15 at the following site: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/promo.htm

In other writing news, I've entered MELTDOWN in two contests, the NEC Bean Pot and the BBC by Orange County Romance Writers.

And NASCAR's back! Danica Patrick had her first Nationwide race at Daytona on Saturday. She proved she could handle a stock car and drive with the boys. Good job lady! So many little girls can dream of growing up to become racecar drivers.

Today's a triple header- Daytona 500 Sprint Cup race, SU basketball game (same time- good thing I have DVR) and it's the sweetest day of the year.
Happy Valentine's Day to all romance readers!

Susan

Book Talk interview today

2009-10-17T10:53:00.003-04:00

Fun news. My interview for MELTDOWN is up today on Book Talk. They've included
my trailer and an excerpt. Plus I have a contest open to anyone leaving a
comment to my questions. Thanks for stopping by to check it out.
http://booksbypickles.blogspot.com/

Learning Curves

2009-10-04T13:08:00.005-04:00

I've read life is series of learning curves.
I feel like I've fallen off Mt. Everest.

The Chase

2009-09-20T11:27:00.003-04:00

Sounds like the title of a romance novel, but it's the name of the contest to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup. We're down to 12 drivers that qualify and my fav drivers have made it: Kasey, Carl Edwards, Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin. The sentimental favorite is Mark (the youngster) Martin, the baby boomer generation's hero. I met him years ago at The Glen. He was shorter than me,and I'm 5'3". Jimmy Johnston, a hottie, can make history and win 4 in a row. He's Mr. Cool on the track, but could be a male model on the cover of one of my books. Kasey is the young, talented driver that could surprise everyone. He's got a good team behind him, plus his boss is the King, Richard Petty. There's a lot of fans that would love to see the King hoist that Sprint Cup- made by Tiffany's that has to be handled with gloves. Carl's had a rough year, but he gets the tough guy award. With a broken foot he manages win Nationwide races, and he may shock a lot of people by winning the cup. He won 9 races last year, so he can do it if his luck changes. I believe this is Jeff Gordon's year. Ok, put aside that he's confident, some say cocky, but he's one of the greatest drivers ever, and he's been in the top five the last few races. He's a scientist behind the wheel, telling his team the changes he wants to his car.
Let the Chase begin!

Welcome guest blogger Holly Greenfield

2009-08-22T13:17:00.003-04:00

I'm jazzed to have Holly as this week's guest blogger. She's done an awesome job as vice president (soon to be President) of Central New York Romance Writers this year, and is also a fellow TWRP author. Holly's, Beltane Faerie of Fate, was published in the popular Enchanted Faerie Anthology. Bellow is the link to read an excerpt:
excerpt: http://www.hollygreenfield.com/Excerpt%20page.htm

Holly also writes a blog with several other authors at the Author's studio:
http://authorsstudio.blogspot.com/

For a change of pace, today she's decided to chat about the power of positive thinking, something we need more of in these changing economic times.

Positive Thinking:
Positive thinking powers the mind like the moon drives the tides. And the tides are important to the balance of the sea. Just as positive thinking is important to balance in our lives. It is amazing the people out there that scoff at the power and energy of positive thinking. I won't like and tell you being positive is easy, but I can assure the results are worth the effort.

Being positive is not a single action, or a brief moment, but a life style. A way in which we enrich our lives in all that we do, say, think, feel, and touch. "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world" –Buddha.
You don't have to be Buddhist to know that Buddha was a pretty smart guy. He says "All that we are arises with our thoughts." Think about this for minute. Those who already live by the mantra of positive energy know that this is the golden key. But for those who haven't yet accepted that a reversal in thought can change their lives, should take a minute to dissect the Buddha's wisdom. (And know that Buddha isn't the only one to offer such advice).

All that we are arises from our thoughts…
The actions we complete, the words we string together in a sentence, the treatment we extend to others—it's all from the power of our thoughts. If you awake on a rainy morning and from the moment your eyes open, decided that a rainy day is a gloomy, bad day—guess what?—Your thoughts for that day, your words and actions for that day will be gloomy and bad. And as a result so will every interaction you have that day, so will every thought thereafter, and so your inability attempt a positive attitude will inevitably negatively effect those around you. You will not see the joy in what the rain brings to the earth, nor the opportunities if affords you.-- A rain-day from work, a reason to call in and curl up on the couch dressed in cozy pajamas with a good book and just relax. It could offer you the opportunity to play with your children in the rain, to wait it out and hear and smell the clarity that is in air and the songs birds that sing after a good, hard rain. The rainy day could be yours for the taking—all you have to do is want it.
A rainy down is a small scale version of what positive thinking can do for you, but the bigger picture is always the same.
Decide today that this is going to be a great day. Decided today that whatever goes wrong isn't the end of a good day. And that perhaps whatever went awry wasn't exactly wrong, but a different way for it to be done. Decided today to take a lesson from each of your encounters, instead of walking away with anger, frustration or even sadness weighing you down. I don't mean that these emotions are not valid emotions that should be acknowledged, but where we can take a weight off your hearts (and perhaps live a little longer for it), and where we can be a bright spot in some else's day (Perhaps helping them to live a longer as well) then why not make that decision.
By making an effort to see the silver lining in every gray cloud, you will inevitably feel lighter, healthier, and more energetic than you have in ages. And it's not far off to think, that positive energy used in positive thinking will produce positive actions, such as friendlier conversations, unexpected friendships in the oddest of places, healthier eating, healthier habits, a clearer complexion, a loss in excess weight… the positive results from positive thinking are endless. What have you to lose by giving it a try?

Arthur Rubinstein said, "I have found that if you love life, life will love you back." This is a positive attitude, positive thoughts resulting in positive living. How can life not be good to you, when you are good to life! Your argument could be that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Bad, hurtful things happen and weigh heavily on the mind and soul. Of course they happen, but it is how you face them, how you handle the situation that affords you the solace of positive living. The psychologist, William James said, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude." What greater gift could a person ask for, than to be in control of your own happiness?
In being positive you generate positive energy that carries a contagious bug. We all know that when you smile at someone, they have to smile back. Why? Because happiness, positive energy is contagious, and no matter the source of the smile, it is always happy.

I completely agree, Holly.
Thanks for stopping by.
Love and Peace,
Susan

NASCAR AT THE GLEN

2009-08-15T09:49:00.006-04:00

Someone's missing a T-shirt niche for when you leave the Glen. "I survived The Glen '09." I'd have worn one all week.
Per tradition, upon arrival at the beautiful Watkins Glen International raceway, we walked around to check for changes. More fencing, mostly additional grandstands, and the new vendors. We sat at turn 10 grandstand, by the gravel pit that Boris Said sunk into in qualifying and DJ skid across in the Cup race. Not a good year for another one of my alltime favorite drivers Dale. (The license plate holder for my mustang is #88). Another tradition is to walk across the pedestrian bridge during a race. I crossed during the Nationwide race. Imagine these nearly deafening sounds when you're about 50 feet about the track: 'errrrr-wham,' pause 'errr-whamwham' pause 'errwhamwhamwham' pause 'errwhamwhamwhamwhamwham.' Each 'wham' is one car racing under the bridge. The noise reverberates through your body. A cool experience, but not for the faint hearted.
You battle mother nature gambit of weather conditions when you're at the Glen, and parking lot jungles (grass, not blacktop), and stampeding fans (many bruises), that I don't have my normal quantity of pictures. I met a lot of first timer this year, people from Iowa, Connecticut, Tennessee. People with families and friends. NASCAR fans at their finest.
I saw plenty of drivers. Carl Edwards only from a distance, though. He always had someone talking to him. But I followed him on my Sprint device for both the Nationwide and Cup race. A thrill to hear him talking to spotters and his crew chief, getting encouragement that he could pass Kyle Bush. With a team like that I'm confident he'll win the Cup this year. I saw Jeff Gordon as he drove by in a golf cart. He used to smile more. That wreck was nasty. I hope he'll be okay. I spied Kevin Harvick walking by before the Nationwide race, and when his Copart Crew Chief, the handsome Ernie Clue stopped for ice cream, I wished him good luck and I got his picture (check my Facebook). At the McDonald's Funzone I got about 5 feet from Kasey Kahne. Of the four driver Q&A's I saw that day: Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin, Dave Reutimann,(all Toyota drivers) Kasey looked the most relaxed. The kids asked the silliest questions, and I can't remember one of them now, but they were the kind that only kids can think of. You could see the thought process in Kasey's eyes along with the smile. Again, the guy is just TOO cute. And he drives a two ton race car about 180 mph and has driven as fast as 200mph. I admit to a couple of joy rides with old boyfriends, at speed of around 120mph, and the landscape was a blur. A BLUR! I'm in awe of these NASCAR drivers. So congrats to Brian Vickers for winning the pole at Michigan with a qualifying speed of 187.242mph, and Kasey qualified #10 185.782. Carl and DJ are probably unhappy they aren't in the top ten, but they're in my top ten for coolest guys on the planet.
Who's your favorite NASCAR DRIVER? Who do you think will win the CUP?

Short Story Bingo- Welcome Vicki Batman

2009-08-14T19:54:00.002-04:00

Tonight I'm happy to welcome a delightful friend I met at the KOD party at Dallas Convention, Vicki Batman. She's had a lot going on and has wonderful news to share!

His, Susan, and thanks for having me. I've had one crazy week and soon will tell more. Partly, because of the two newly adopted malti-poos, Champ (white) and Jones (charcoal). They are adorable, but potty training is killing all of us.

Susan and I talked at National about how our writing careers are progressing. Congratulations, gal, on your new release. I know you are thrilled.

My short story is now on the newsstands, Charlie's Friend, a September True Romance Happily Ever After. This story answers the never-ending questions of how I met Handsome. It's pretty funny. I like to write wit and humor into my stories.

I've been writing for five years now. I have three books (unpublished), written many stories which are out there in submission, and several essays.

About a year and a half ago, my critique partner said her New Year's goal was to write six to eight shorts to submit to Women's World magazine. Would I read them?

Of course I said yes. And in doing so, I got a crash course in writing a short story. One day I passed from my bedroom to my closet and Wham! An idea hit. (Don't you love it when that happens?) Since, I've been happily writing short stories. I love the rush of putting it down on paper (computer), then layering and layering. Finally, when I think, "no more," I send it to my partner.

She'll tell you she spreads blood (aka red ink) all over the page. I laugh when I get her critiques. Like I have one in my in box today and she found a huge glaring mistake that I'd read over multiple times. Even another friend never noticed. Thank God! for her.

Like all critique relationships, she does have her way and I have mine. I have to choose what I believe is best for my story. I am always eternally grateful when something she does really allows me to deepen my writing. (I only hope I do the same for her. LOL.)

So why stick with writing short stories? For now, I find it very satisfying. Oh yeah, I have a book on the back burner that needs a crucial element weaved in. But that takes too long. Someday I'll tackle that one again because I love the characters.

I'll keep on writing the shorts as long as I have ideas. It is amazing what stimulates the mind. Walking through the closet (I see a pattern here), I glanced over at Handsome's ties arrayed in a row on top of his dresser. Handsome buys the most beautiful silk ones ever. Then, bingo! The idea of a girl and a guy fighting over the same tie clicked. I raced downstairs and put what I had in the head on the computer and Presto! I'd written "Christmas Ties."

So lesson learned: never take the Bing! moments for granted. I believe the come from a special place. (Also learned to keep walking through the closet!!)

Thanks, Susan, for having me. If I can answer any questions, I'll be happy to. Contact me at vlmbatman@hotmail.com or http://vickibatman.blogspot.com. I'll be doing an in-depth author interview on loverly Susan in October.

Happy writing!

Vicki Batman

Guest blogger Mary Ricksen

2009-08-07T08:51:00.003-04:00

Please join me in welcoming fellow TWRP author, Mary Ricksen, as my first guest Blogger. Mary is the author of Tripping Through Time, a touching love story set in Lake Champlain. When asked to talk about her favorite subject, Mary selected this tale about her DH. The toilet and the butterfly- effect. She's also enclosed an excerpt from her book. Thanks again for stopping by Mary!
Susan

"Well I had an interesting weekend. It started off quiet and I didn't expect
anything, although in hindsight I should have know better. My husband
decided to fix the toilet. Now right now money is tight, just like for
everyone else. So if he can fix it, he will try. Problem is, well I'm not
sure what the problem is.
I should have realized when he took a blow torch into the bathroom. I
decided to ignore it what could he do in the bathroom? If he couldn't fix
that leaky pipe below the toilet we'd just have to call a plumber. So I went
back to sleep. It was a late night for me, trying to finish a book.
It started when my husband and the dog were making noise at 8:00am. I
ignored it, until he came running in yelling. "Mary, Mary, the dog is in the
pool chasing a raccoon!" I ran to the sliding glass doors just as the
raccoon pooped in the pool and ran up a tree. The dog was wet. I quietly
handed him a large towel, told him to wipe the dog and clean the poop out
and went back to bed. If not for him yelling outside, I probably would have
fallen asleep. I went in, turned the pool on and went back to bed.The
raccoons stay away when the fountain is running. It was 8:15am.
At 8:30am my husband began in the bathroom and I settled for a snooze. At
8:45am I smelled smoke and I thought naw, can't be Well the dog, a huge,
loud, dog, began to bark, and my husband began to yell. "Mary, Mary, the
toilet seat is on fire!!" After putting the dog in the the bedroom I shut
the door, and ran to the kitchen. A pan of water in hand I ran to the
bathroom. My husband had a face mask and gloves on and the toilet was
smoking. I never did ask him why. You know those soft toilet seats have wood
inside? Well a lot more water and a promise to clean up, sent me back to
bed. In a little while I heard him in the closet taking out tools. Naw,
ignore it I thought, he'd already had one catastrophe today.
At 9:00am I heard my car start in the driveway. I got up and asked what he
was doing. "Nothing much," he answered. "Working on the the fuel injectors

and the bitsco beater." Yeah, Yeah, whatever, went back to bed. At 9:15am I
heard him yelling. "Mary, Mary, call 911, call 911, the car is on fire!"
Hmm. two fires in one day. He's broken a record today. I ran outside and he
was running around still yelling to call 911. I hate when I have to call
them back and say forget it, so I'm glad I waited. He turned the car off and
I handed him a hose. Who knew a catalytic converter could catch on fire?
It's 9:30am and I go back to bed. Hoping... At 9:45am I heard him yelling.
"Mary, Mary! No stop, Junior, leave the kitty alone, his head is stuck!"
This was of course at the same time the big, big, dog is barking. But his
bark has a different timbre. I ran outside, still in my nightgown, and held
the dog by the collar. My husband pulled the dog out from under his car. The
cat ran like the devil out from under the car. Hair standing on end, it was
awful. So at 10:00am I went back to bed.
Well at 10:15am the phone rang. It was my neighbor. I thought I had heard my
husband yelling, "Mary, Mary." But I thought I dreamed it. But her phone
call confirmed it."Your husband is chasing the dog down Flagler Drive. The
dog has a mouse trap on his tail and he looks scared. My husband is running
down the street after him. And I was trying to sleep. You know Saturday. Day
off and sleep late kind of thing." At 10:30am after I apologized, I ran for
his car, mine I didn't trust just yet. Oh Lord now he's got the neighbors
involved! By the time I got back it was almost eleven. So I got dressed, and
I hoped I could sleep late on Sunday. The toilet seat is on fire. It could
have been worse.

So I had another interesting weekend. How about you? And somebody asked me
what DH meant and I told them dear husband. Ha!!"

TRIPPING THROUGH TIME

In the waters of Lake Champlain there is magic, and a Celtic Ring with a
mystic spell proves that love is truly timeless.

For years Keealyn McCalley has been under her father's commanding thumb.
After a young child dies in her arms, Keealyn leaves nursing school despite
his disapproval. She ends up staying at a camp on Lake Champlain, in
Vermont.

Depressed and overwhelmed she takes her first drink and before she knows it
she is stoned. Hungover and not thinking clearly she jumps into the lake.
Her misguided act leads her to find an ancient Celtic ring with a spell on
it. Putting it on sends her back to the year 1869. Found on the shore by
Ryan Wolf, she is immediately attracted to his misty green eyes, hard body,
and compassionate nature.

She must learn to trust him not to abuse her, save her heart, and teach her
the powerful healing power of unconditional love.

EXCERPT

Finally, her father left, furious and disgusted

with her. He gave her a non-refundable bus ticket

and his last words echoed in her mind.

"Take your choice, either come home with this

ticket, or go back to school immediately. I'm finished,

do whatever you want, I really don't care. The only

reason I came is your mother made me. As far as I

am concerned you were our biggest mistake."

"To you I am a mistake, but I am a mistake that

has a mind, feelings, and the right to choose how I

want to spend my life. You can't make me into what

you want me to be."

"That's for sure, you can't even come close. Try

living without any money, let's see if you dare to

speak to me like that when you are begging for my

help."

"Dad, I will never beg for your help, I'd rather be

dead. You will not hear from this mistake ever

again."

"Good." Her father shook his head, the look of

disgust on his face apparent. He turned and walked

out of her life forever.

After she left the police station, she ripped the

ticket into small pieces and watched wistfully as the

small pieces blew away in the wind. Finally

emancipated, it was over-bittersweet because now

she could never go home again.

Slowly her thinking became less coherent and

her lungs screamed for air.

The longer she held her breath underwater, the

slower her thoughts came, her mind now numb,

jumbled. She saw fish dart by above her and

followed them with hazy eyes. One seemed to stare

into her face, before swimming to the bottom. It

circled below her, as if trying to get her attention.

She saw something on the bottom. Bright gold,

it glowed, its radiance attracted her and she realized

it was a ring. At that point, she felt indifferent, so it

must have been reflex, or providence, that coerced

her to reach down, pick it up, put it on and then

open her mouth to end it all.

Before the water could fill her lungs she felt a

shock, her body tingled and her blood burned

through her veins. A bright flash of light surrounded

her for a moment and she passed out with a last

thought. I hope I don't go to hell for this. That

Catholic rhetoric they'd drilled into her head still

made her question her actions. Why was I ever born?

Darkness filmed her mind and she gave into the

respite of it.

Off to the Races

2009-08-06T22:39:00.004-04:00

Hey there fellow NASCAR fans,

I'm packed and showered (never know what condition the bathroom will be in) and headed to Watkins Glen International Raceway for the "Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dip at the Glen" Long name for a road race. I hope the skies stay clear so I get plenty of candid pix of my favorite drivers to share. Who are they? For starts, as a romance writer you gotta love Carl Edwards. He's made cameo appearances in HQN and Harlequin series novels. I watched Jeff Gordon munch on his Wheaties at a Drivers Breakfast his rookie year, and right there and then decided I'd be a fan for life. And I have the picture to prove it! And who doesn't love DJ? Check out Dale Earnhardt Jr's My Space page. Love it, and him. Then there's the incredible Jimmy Johnson. Sigh.... The man is perfect. Speaking of perfect, did I tell you my tickets are for the McDonalds Family Zone? Richard Petty will make an appearance Sunday to sign autographs, and so will his #1 driver, the man who won the first road race of the season at Sonoma, Kasey Kahne! Be still my cougar heart!! I promise I'll take loads of pictures! Meantime, check out my facebook page for hius video. What a cutie!!
Susan

Want to feel good?

2009-07-30T22:07:00.005-04:00

Did you have a great day? Want to feel better? Why not donate to help stop leukemia?
My neice is running the NYC half marathon and she's almost reached her goal:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/nyc/nikenych09/clabella
Every little bit helps.
Thanks for your generosity.
Susan

Favorite excerpt

2009-07-30T10:53:00.004-04:00

The weather claims our "extended spring" is over in Central NY, and summer is finally here. That means we're due for some hot days, and we'll be heading to the lake or beach or somewhere cool. If you're like me, you never go anywhere without a book.

Here's one of my favorite Excerpts from MELTDOWN:
Evan grew impatient as he watched Cassie fumble with the key in the old lock. He’d like to get his hands on the guy who remodeled the chocolate shop but ignored the door to her living quarters above the shop. One good kick would pop it open. A few more jiggles on the door handle and it creaked opened into a dim, cold hallway that he coaxed her inside.
She glanced up the stairwell and then faced him. “I want to thank you for a nice evening. And for the basket order of chocolates. I’ll see it gets delivered tomorrow.”
Then she stuck her hand out.
He almost laughed at the outstretched hand and tentative look on her face. Undaunted, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. Her body tensed at first but as his lips neared, she softly sighed and relaxed.
A light burst behind his eyes as his lips touched hers. Not the blinding desert sun that baked a man’s body and turned hope to ashes, rather the soothing yellow sunshine on a lazy summer day. Meeting with no resistance, he parted her lips and tasted the honey of her mouth. He kicked the door shut and moved her up against the wall, all the time tasting more of her sweetness.
Not even a mountain of chocolate could be sweeter.
Inflamed that she hadn’t resisted, his control broke. Over and over he claimed her mouth, paying attention to caress every recess, invading her mouth the way his body desired to invade hers. The fiercer his kisses the more she wilted in his arms. She tasted like chocolate and the desire she was trying to deny herself. Need swept through every inch of him, begging to be satisfied, so he turned up the heat and added more pressure to the kiss. When she responded with a sweet moan, he pressed between her legs, consummating the kiss.
Somehow they’d moved to the stairs. She reclined on a step and he leaned over her. In the soft glow she reminded him of an angel sent to ease his torment. Only a few more steps and they’d be in her apartment. Once inside no way would he tuck her in bed again and leave.
He wished it were that simple.

Enjoy the sunny days while we can!
Susan

PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!

2009-07-29T11:19:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to stop by today for a chance to WIN prizes and chat at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongAndShortRomanceReviews

I paid $20 for the banner on their website and it's on for month's, so why not stop in for a sec and try to win one?

During tomorrow's author chat, we’re going to be giving away prizes to people who participate!!
There is a virtual “basket” of prizes – winner’s choice:

1. Your choice of book from our Library Thing selection (http://www.librarything.com/catalog/LASR)
2. A FREE static banner from Goddess Fish Promotions (www.goddessfish.com)
3. A six-month cover or banner ad on any of the LASR/WC title and genre pages
4. Your choice of eBook from any of our Publisher sponsors (LASR list may be found here: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/sponsors.htm and WC is here: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/WC/sponsors.htm )!!

Check out her interview here: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/interviews.htm

Hope to see you there!

Busy week ahead

2009-07-26T17:33:00.004-04:00

Tuesday I'll be headed North for an author book signing sponsored by the Old Forge Library. They'll have a tent set up on the knoll by the fire station. Also, in the local author section, the Old Forge bookstore is displaying MELTDOWN. They've had to reorder. Love that cover. Tell a friend!

Tomorrow I'm being interviewed by the website that gave me the awesome review:
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/interviews.htm I'll be a guest on the Yahoo group all day, too.

LASR has contests all week where you can win a $10 B&N gift card and autographed copy of my book by answering questions from various parts of my website and the interview. One question from my book you know the answer. :)
They also wanted a recipe, so keeping with the chocolatier theme, Cassie gave them her grandmother's "Chocolate Meatball" cookie recipe. It will be available on
Friday. So if you're interested in any of this, check out the Long and Short of it's website, the people responsible for my awesome trailer, and banner, and who kick started everything with my first rate review.
Susan

right place right time

2009-07-24T14:38:00.003-04:00

Shame on me for neglecting my blog, but I've been revising and polishing two stories all week thanks to a bit of serendipity at D.C. It pays to volunteer at the agent/editors appointments, people. When I noticed some empty spots, I seized the moment. Luckily my roomate, ALee Drake had her laptop and I brought my flashdrive and I had time to run back to my room, or I would have blown my NASCAR pitch to the Harlequin editors, who asked to see a sample of my writing. You know what a gear-head I am, and how much I love NASCAR, so I'm thrilled to have this chance. Also, I repitched my romantic comedy to another house, and I got an editor and agent request. This all happened after spending four fabulous days meeting old friends, Hi again to Vicki, Kay and Sherry, and going to 'Super' parties, making new friends, Hi to Kristin, and sighting seeing in D.C. with ALee, and having great fun with my chapter mates Dawn and Debbie.

2009 RWA convention in D.C.

2009-07-11T19:49:00.004-04:00

Wow. Hard to believe two years have passed since my last RWA convention in Dallas.
Here I am, struggling with what outfits to wear, shoes to tote. No more than three pairs this year. I need room for copies of my first book MELTDOWN, and promo items. It was at the Dallas convention that I pitched the manuscript,to Kate Dorn of TWRP. So I'm proof that wonderful things happen at conventions. Another thing I like about conventions is seeing someone rather than talking to their virtual self. Real hugs beat cyberhugs. And, forever groupie that I am, I'll see and get autographed books from my favorite authors. At my first conference in Reno I took pictures of every one of them, (see former blog) or rather, a fellow CNY writer Kris Fletcher did. 'Hambone' me. LOL Each photograph is in a special scrapbook with all my experiences from this new journey in my life. What photos and mementos will I add from this experience in D.C.?? And did I mention the parties? 'O)
If things don't get too crazy I'll try to blog about it all!
Love and peace,
Susan

Celebrate our Heroes Tour

2009-06-26T15:27:00.003-04:00

Only four more days for our Celebrate Heroes Virtual Tour, beginning with Kim Mendoza then to me then Beth Trisell and ending with Cami Checketts. Besides free books there will be other surprise give-a-ways. Stay cyber-tuned.

Citizen Soldier

2009-06-25T20:21:00.006-04:00

In honor of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, and because this song reminds me of Evan, I'd like to share with you a great song by the band "3 Doors Down." Enjoy!

The Little Princess

2009-06-22T00:00:00.007-04:00

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far, away, a very special little princess was born.

She had curly brown hair like her mother, the queen, and huge green eyes like her father, the king, and a laugh that made everyone smile and laugh with her. The little princess loved to play games and invited all the children in the kingdom to her castle. She made lots of friends, but was lonely. One day by the slimey castle moat she kissed a smooth-talking frog, who turned into a prince. For ten years they stayed in the kingdom and partied with friends and family before they decided to wed.

Now the little princess is Queen, and she lives with the King and their kingdom is vast.

Blessed with four little princesses, and one tadpole, they live,
Happily Ever After.

Happy 5-0 Allene!

Love ya,

Little Sis

Editor tips- 10 mistakes

2009-06-13T09:18:00.004-04:00

Check out this link. I fellow CNYRW author, Kari Townsend, passed along these tips. When editors speak, it's like that old E.F. Hutton commerical, EVERYONE listens.
http://www.holtuncensored.com/hu/the-ten-mistakes/

What's next

2009-04-21T18:49:00.011-04:00

If you've been following my facebook blurbs, I've been focused on hammering out the sequel to MELTDOWN, LOVE LIKE YOU"RE DYING, and I haven't commented too much on the reception of MELTDOWN. That's because I won't get any numbers for a time. I can get an idea of print book sales, though, by following Barnes and Nobles online. My sister can tell you it's irratically moved around the ranking. I phone her several times daily.

One place I found a numerical ranking was a website called Fictionwise. They sell e-books exclusively. Now remember, tell friends to BUY my print book or ebook from my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. They are the ones who supported me, and we need to support them.

Okay. Here's some e-book sales numbers: One day in March, MELTDOWN ranked #125 out of 9946 romance titles. I nearly fell out of my swivel chair. I still don't know what that means, but at least it wasn't at the bottom of the list. On the same website, compared to my fellow authors at TWRP, it ranked as #7. That made my day!

So I decided to do a little advertising. I contacted my favorite ladies at LASR. They made a beautiful banner. Check it out on their website:
http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/interviews.htm
Treat yourself and read the reviews. Summer's around the corner. Time to stock up.

The picture is of a special get-a-way place in the Adirondacks.
What would you do on that boulder? Fish? Dive off it? Write in your diary? Exchange secrets with your best friend?
Make a comment!

Happy Mother's Day!
Susan

Smashing Book signing

2009-03-13T00:01:00.003-04:00

The night before my book signing, I dreamt I was arrested for speeding, something I'd never do, I swear. "But officer," I cried, "I can't go to jail, I'm on my way to my book signing." Mr. Macho cop replied, "Tell it to the judge."
Actually, I was so terrified I woke up before the policeman got to my car. But all the week before the book signing I kept having one crazy dream after another, all with the same theme: I was certain something terible would prevent me from attending my first book signing. I think that's why I was so amazed when I saw Andrea and Sunny waiting for me at Barnes and Noble. They were so excited and said I looked terrified. Yep. I was expecting the roof to cave in.
I kept thinking the worst, and instead the best thing happened. People not only showed up, but they bought my book. Not only family and friends, bless them, but strangers- wonderful, intelligent, romance readers. And I sold out! Imagine that.
I could tell you more stories, but it's late and the CNYRW mini con is tomorrow. I needed to thank whatever force in the universe worked to make my day a great one. Maybe it pays to have nightmares...

Rockin' Kindle

2009-03-02T19:30:00.003-05:00

Meltdown is now available on Kindle. How cool is that? I thought it would take a few more months, but it became available 2/26. Now the real fun starts.

I won

2009-02-23T20:06:00.002-05:00

Thanks to your votes, MELTDOWN won LASR's "Book of the Week"

Check it out. And be sure to read this weeks great reviews. This is a great time of year to snuggle up with a book and read a good book.
And don't forget to mark the date: Sunday March 8th 2pm- ? Booksigning at Barnes and Noble in New Hartford, NY. See you there!

Interview today

2009-02-20T10:11:00.001-05:00

I'm being interviewed today by my friends at author's studio.
Hope to see you there!

Best Book review

2009-02-19T21:29:00.002-05:00

Long and Short Reviews gave MELTDOWN their hightest honor- best book review, highest praise and reserved only for a few. I'm in orbit! Here's the review:
"Susan St. Thomas’s Meltdown ROCKS!! It’s a love story of two tortured souls Cassie and Evan, filled with everything that makes a great romantic suspense read. It will blow your socks off.

Not only did I love this story, I literally couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. There is so much nail biting, edge of your seat action suspense that you’ll need to wipe the sweat of your brow often. The love scenes are so hot that they could speed up global warming and tender enough that you need tissues close at hand, and should be a mandatory manual for all prospective lovers.

It has wonderfully defined and developed characters not only the hero and heroine, but an equally great supporting cast. Her writing style was entertaining and descriptive enough that I could actually see the scenes being depicted. With so much going on at any given time in the story you never loose track of where she wanted the reader to go.

So if you’re opposed to an excellent read, spicy love scenes, great suspense, wonderful characters and a definite best seller then this is not the book for you. For the rest of you out there...well, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy for yourself.
by Larkspur"
Isn't that the best!!!! I hope readers are listening!

Meltdown Winner

2009-02-15T13:32:00.003-05:00

I hope, like me, you're nibbling Hershey's chocolate kisses or other sweet gifts as you're reading blogs today. If you remember, in honor of Valentine's Day my February contest had two prizes: an e-book copy of MELTDOWN and box of Godiva chocolates.
And the WINNER is: Christa Reed. Congrats, Christa!
I'm tickled from head to toe at the well wishes left in my guest book and the emails I've received. It makes me want to return your generosity.
Now I'm off to watch the Daytona 500.

Blog visit

2009-02-09T21:37:00.001-05:00

I was interviewed today by another TRWP author, Sara Thacker
Check it out!

Facebook fever

2009-02-08T11:35:00.006-05:00

The past few weeks have been crazy-exciting-fun.
It began January 23rd, with the release of Meltdown, and a celebratory dinner at Delmonico's with my daughter, compliments of the owners. Several of their romance-novel reading staff, stopped by to check out the book. So exciting. Thanks again Joanne and John for making that night even more special!
Naturally I toted my book to my sister's Superbowl Party. So while the guys watched the game in one room, the women were reading the first chapter in another. And they think all we talk about is kids and fashion. I caught one person looking for the steamy scenes. No skipping, ladies!
Along with face-to-face promos, I've been on-line every night blogging and visiting yahoo group to promote not only the book but my CONTEST. Don't forget: Sign my guest book at www.susanst.thomas.com to ENTER. I've sweetened the pot with a box of mini-Godiva chocolate. (the same color as Evan's eyes)
But my favorite new pass time is making Facebook Friends.
Yes. I've caught Facebook Fever.
Now I understand why college students raved about it. It's fast, fun, and, I admit, I'm acting like a groupie rather than a writer when I see some of my favorite authors befriend me. (KMM!!) It's even more fun when readers send a friend request. Readers! (I shamelessly want to say, buy my book please)
One more bit of news before I take some cold medicine and accidently 'blog' the steamy love scene I'm working on for my next book, Love Like You're Dying: I'm having a book signing. Save the date: Sunday, March 8th, 2 pm- whenever you get there, Barnes and Noble in New Hartford. See why I'm jazzed!

At Last

2009-01-22T21:49:00.000-05:00

Years of scribbling ideas on scraps of paper and lots of daydreaming has led to this day: I'm delighted to announce that Meltdown is available, in both print and e-book format today. I can't compare this feeling to anything else I've ever experienced except to say it's life changing. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped me make this dream come true.

The best way to purchase a copy is from my Publisher at The Wild Rose Press. Simply select the link on this page. As a bonus, if you purchase an ebook you'll be automatically entered in a drawing for a SONY reader, compliments of the Wild Rose Press authors. Way cool!

Speaking of contests, the winner of an e-book copy of Meltdown is JANET, one of the 'Cruise Cherries'. Congratulations, Janet. The next drawing for an e-book is February 14, and since Valentine's Day is Cassie's favorite holiday, she's asked me to 'sweeten' the prize. To win an e-book, and a box of chocolates from Cassie's shop, be sure to visit my website and sign my guest book.
Sweet dreams.
Susan

Just in time

2009-01-01T15:50:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to all. 2009 is an especially happy new year for me, and you know why! In 23 days, Meltdown will be available in both print and ebook from my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, copy this link to read the back blurb (http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=19&chapter=0), and shortly thereafter online at Borders, Amazon or Barnes and Nobles. Consequently, I have a long list of Things To Do:
surf the internet for places to promote my book, set up chats, guest blog, arrange monthly contests, make Myspace and Facebook presentable, make a video for Meltdown, arrange book signings (I'll let you know when and where), and FINISH the sequel, Love Like You're Dying. I know what you're thinking, it's too much to do. So, on my Chihuly calendar, purchased on my San Fransisco visit to Cindy, I've scheduled daily and weekly goals.
Yours truly,
Sleepless in New Hartford.

The sweetest date

2008-11-23T12:20:00.006-05:00

Hello friends,
I've waited so long for this announcement, I'm bouncing in my seat as I type: My first book, Meltdown, will be available January 23, 2009 in e-book download from The Wild Rose Press, and regular printbook from your favorite bookstore, ISBN# 1-60154-523-1. Just in time for Valentine's Day!
It's hard to describe how I feel, but it's a little like this: giddy as a child on Christmas Eve who's certain the gift they asked Santa for is under the tree, and a lurking paranoia that I'm about to wake from a magnificent dream.
But dreams do come true!
More details about contests for a free copy and booksignings to follow on my website, so keep checking. And hopefully I'll figure out how to do a book-trailer on MYspace soon. But for now I'm off to order my bookmarks, postcards and pens!!
Love to you all and DREAM BIG!

California Dreaming

2008-08-01T13:24:00.004-04:00

I made it! I'm in Lafayette, California, about 20 miles east of San Fransisco, visiting my best bud/former Central New Yorker for a week. Cindy and her husband John have this amazing mid-century decorated home in a gorgeous neighborhood. It looks like a movie star's home. Pix to follow.
The sunshine here is nothing like home. The sky stays blue with a rare cloud for eight months, morning to sunset. Amazing. I'm wearing sunglasses indoors. On my first day, Cindy, her best friend Colleen and I, traveled twenty minutes to wine country. Wine tasting in Napa at ten am. Does it get any better? :) And that was just he beginning. My favorite winery is Sittui. EVERYTHING tasted great. I bought lots, so expect wine tasting at my house! (if I come back) After the tasting we bought loads of food at their deli for a picnic lunch in their relaxing arbor. It's there that I met two wine lovers and advid romance readers. Waving hello to Traci from Chicago and Linda from West Va. Hope you enjoy Meltdown. The wineries here are so different than the Finger lakes. One in particular, Hall wineries, is expanding and Frank Gerhy is designing the new tasting room. The roof resembles those loom potholders we made as kids. There are steel sculptures among the vineyards. Way cool. Whitehall Lane winery had a beautiful tasting room, where I met Ashley, a wine consultant who loves her job. Can you blame her? At another winery, Grgich Hills, we tasted zinfandel wines off the vine and learned about biodynamic farming from Paul, our wine consultant. After a little nap, due to the time difference of three hours, not that I was drunk, John barbecued and we enjoyed our new purchases by the pool. A most enjoyable first day.

Changes

2008-03-04T21:51:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! Check out my new sizzling bookcover! More reflective of the degree of suspense, Never My Love has been renamed to Meltdown. That's Cassie and Evan in a hotel room at the Turning Stone Hotel and Casino in nearby Verona. I wonder what they’re doing there?? ;)
Currently I’m working on revisions to Meltdown with my editor. It’s not the quickest process, but I’m one step closer to a publication date. If you can’t wait for the book, check out chapter one on my website. More to follow…

I blame the decision to paint my kitchen the reason why I haven’t blogged in weeks. It’s turned into a face-lift, including new Silestone countertops and ceramic tile mural. I’ve removed wallpaper, painted and sewed table runners, pillows and curtains. It’s been chaotic, but well worth it. In a few weeks it will be Springtime, and Party-time at chez-moi.

Happy 2008

2007-12-31T15:52:00.001-05:00

Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!
After a year with more downs than ups, lucky for me I've landed in a pile of Crimson Rose petals. My heartfelt thanks again to Siren Publishing for returning my rights, and especially The Wild Rose Press for offering to buy, Never My Love. Don't worry. This epublisher has it more together than the epub that shall be nameless. I'm anxiously awaiting my new cover, and as soon as I have it and a firm release date, I'll let you know. Please take a moment to checkout their website. There are so many fine authors at TWRP that I'm sure you'll find something entertaining.

On a personal note, Ricky graduated SUNY Albany, with a B.A. in psychology. Yeah, Ricky!! I'm so proud of him. Erica graduated SUNY Albany, with a B.A. in communications last year, and although she got into five law schools, she decided to pursue an MBA in Economics and Fraud from Utica College. Currently she's working in the Oneida County District Attorney's office. She hates when I mention that, but I'm so proud of her.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. (Santa left some pretty neat presents under the tree for me.) Mom and my sister, nieces and nephew are all fine, and I pray to God we continue to be blessed 2008. Oh, and I've been elected president of CNYRW!! CNYRW ROCK!
I look forward to hearing from all of you in 2008. May this year be your happiest!
"There are never enough stars in the sky, sunshiny days, sleep-in mornings, quiet afternoon, rainbows to wish on, or good friends like you."
Love and Peace, Susan

Magic happens

2007-10-08T08:57:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!
It's been a while since I've blogged, but I've been experiencing a writing draught. It's like the flu, annoying, painful at times, hard to shake without plenty of rest, a downright nasty feeling for a writer. Actually, I was unaware I was suffering until it lifted.
It began in August. Not only had my romance writing trickled down to barely one-hundred words a day, but I'd become critical of every word I typed. Not even my worst rejection letter, a business card stapled to my SASE saying "No," in pencil, had quelled my enthusiasm in such a monumental way. For weeks after Dallas I'd been on a writer's high, bursting with words, largely due to making new friends (special Hi to JP, Vicki, Kat, Kathy, Melissa, Mary, Maggie, Melanie), and my meetings with Diana Carlise and Brenda Chin. Then those blasted letters started arriving from Phoenix Bankruptcy Court. I won't bore you with what's happening, but the fight to get my rights back to, Never My Love, had eroded the part of me that found writing a joy, and cursed my folly to pursue my publishing dreams.
Everything changed this weekend. For all the failed attempts to drive there the past two years, I wanted to hang a sign, "Lake Placid or Bust," on the Mustang. After several wrong turns(a 3 1/2 hour ride according to Mapquest took 6 hrs), in a raging downpour I'd arrived in Lake Placid. It's true what they say. Magic happens here.
As I approached the town, two black swooping structures, one half the size of the other, loomed in the distance between colorful leaves, reminding me of a mother dragon and child. Frightened at the thought of skiing down the things, I raced past. A banner over the road declared the, "Flaming Leaves Festival," was underway this weekend at the Ski Jump Hill, a serendipitous sign. Eager to see more, especially all the places I'd written about from memory, I turned down Main street.
Main Street had changed, cramped with more stores, choking with traffic. The sidewalks were pumpkin-colored cobblestones, something I'd forgotten. I ate lunch at Charlie's, the former Goldberries Restaurant, Cassie's favorite. Roomer's, the night club where Cassie and Evan met after four long years, wouldn't be open until evening, but ZigZag's, a local bar, was open. There, I had a drink, silently toasting my return, praying Cassie and Evan's story will someday become published.
Next I drove, not walked, up the steep hill to the Wood Lake Inn, recalling a romantic scene set there. Due to the mist, Mirror Lake was barely visible, but I sentimentally took photos. Unfortunately, the rain was so heavy, I decided to leave early, without climbing to the summit of Mount Jo, or seeing the endless view from White Face Mountain. I promised myself that next time I'll stay the weekend, climbing during the day, and dancing in Roomer's Night Club until dawn. Maybe I'll talk to few mountain men. ;)
Thank you Patricia, for being the most patient, adventurous, traveling buddy. Next time I won't turn off 87N, no matter how badly mother nature is calling. (Good thing we didn't bring Harold!)
So, do you have a magical place? Take a minute, or more, to share. And be sure to check out the changes to my website. I've decided to post the first chapter of, Never My Love. And the magic continues...

Driving with the Top Down

2007-07-22T20:32:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

My summer has started off great-- quality time spent with family and friends, and lots of sunshine. Perfect convertible weather. So far, I've driven to Inlet, Old Forge, and Lake George, all with the top down, at times playing poker with the weather gods. Can I make it to the next stop before that black cloud dumps on me? Yes, I've encountered a sudden shower, but no real damage ever happened. I love to drive with the top down. It's amazing the things you see with an unobstructed view. Course, the trade off, you're exposed to the world. Sorta like writing a romance novel.
Last week I traveled to Dallas, to the annual convention of Romance Writers of America. Imagine 2000 romance writers, mostly female, in one hotel. Then imagine a fire alarm at 2AM. Not a pretty sight for those firemen. We may put our heroine's in sexy lingerie, but as a group, we sleep in bazaar clothing. That's just one of dozens of stories I could tell you, but I'm saving the best ones for future books. HA! Names will remain anonymous, as usual ;)
One of the best parts of the conference, besides an endless supply of chocolate desserts and free books, is making new friends. Judy, Kathy, Melissa, Vicky, Kat, Melanie, Mary and Maddie, thanks to you, this trip was amazing. I hated to leave, and wish we didn't live hundreds of miles away. I hope our paths cross again.
The most nerve wracking, scariest part of the conference, was pitching my books to editors. I am the world's worst pitcher, meaning I can't sum up my 400 page manuscript in two to five sentences, but I'm great at asking for help. And it paid off. Blaze editor Brenda Chin requested the first three chapter of my new manuscript, Run to Me (former Wanted Republican). Yahooooooo!
Wild Rose editor Diana Carlile, requested Never My Love, which is the best news since my present publisher, Triskelion, is having financial problems.
Never My Love will not be coming out in August 2007.
God, that was hard to type. Yes, I'm disappointed, but not discouraged. I'm told by New York Times Best selling author, Maggie Shayne (storybroads.com), that these things happen in the publishing business, and if I want to be part of it, I have to move forward, not look back... just keep writing. And that's what I've been doing since receiving the unfortunate news. Maggie, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your encouragement and support.
So family and friends, I'm spending the rest of my summer vacation working on several news books, with the goal of publishing them someday. Until I have happier publishing news, I'll keep hoping for more sunshine than rain, and driving with the top down, despite a few black clouds.

Rewind

2007-06-11T21:41:00.000-04:00

Whoever said you can't go back never went to a Reunion. Last weekend I did just that, and I had a blast. The campus was almost like I'd remembered, with a mix of old building struggling to keep their dignity with new structures. I met up with former roommates that I hadn't seen in *** years, and after a few minutes, it was like we'd never been apart. Some even looked like they'd stepped out of a time machine, (Ellen), and all looked fantastic to my teary eyes. Each of us brought pictures of our beautiful children, and some had grandchildren! We compared jobs and family stories like we used to compare lecture notes. It seemed like yesterday we were eating cafeteria slop, walking down the big hill to the "Library" for a beer, or up all night studying for a chemistry exam. We vowed to stay in touch, and to return in five years, God willing, to do it all again. We'll bring more pictures, drink more wine and tell more stories. It's true what they say: Time flies by faster and faster as we get older, but for once it was wonderful to press rewind.
P.S. Please stop by my website, and sign my guestbook at www.susanstthomas.com. And check-out an excerpt of Never My Love, on sale August 2007 from Triskelion Publishing.

Life is Good

2007-05-13T20:59:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Phew. It's been some month:
1. No, I didn't get the chemistry job...
2. Yes, I did have a root canal, and my jaw still hurts from all those needles...
3. Yes, I'm having mysterious chest pains, not related to my heart, but it could be gall bladder trouble...
4. Yes, I'm going to my LeMoyne class reunion. Several of my suite mates are attending. I can't wait...
5. I killed the biggest spider I've ever seen, today. Massive. I get the chills thinking about it...
6. Decided not to teach summer school this year so I can sit by the pool and write more novels...
7. My son is coming home from college this week. Love you, Ricky!
8. My daughter will be working as an intern for the Oneida County District Attorney's office again this summer. Way-to-go, Erica! Fingers crossed that she gets an acceptance letter for law school soon. Love you too, sweetie...
9. My website is days away from launching, thanks to my multi-talented critique partner, Nicki Greenwood. (check out her blog at http://www.nickigreenwood.blogspot.com). I can't wait for you to see it!
10. Big news: I secured an appointment with Harlequin senior editor Brenda Chin, at our Romance Writers of America annual convention in Dallas. I'm going to pitch my contemporary romance, The Politics of Love, for the Blaze-line. Fingers crossed she requests a partial manuscript...
11. Eighty more days until the release of my e-book, Never My Love. Meantime, I strongly recommend my fellow Triskelion authors. There is something for every taste in reading. CHECK IT OUT: www.triskelion.com. And be sure to check out my fellow Central New York authors at: http://www.dm.net/~cnyrw/
12. I spent mother's day with my family at my sister's camp overlooking the Old Forge channel, and contemplating future novels. Life is good...

Finally!

2007-04-22T11:34:00.000-04:00

OMG-- this weekend has been beautiful!! We've waited so long for sunshine, and now it's here. There's buds on the trees and the grass is greening and I have an abundance of tulips and daffodils bordering my house. Yesterday, I put the top down on the Mustang and drove to see Ricky at SUNY Albany. There, the air seemed electrified, more so than usual. Today is the biggest day of the year, Fountain Day. The college turns on this huge fountain in the center of the quad, and the kids do what college kids do, run in it, play Frisbee, toss each other in it. As you can imagine, security has been maximized. While I dipped my toes into the water, Ricky asked if I wanted to go back to being a college student. "Hell no," I replied! I love my life right now. This has been an amazing year. My first book is coming out in August!! Erica's home, having graduated from SUNY Albany, cum laude in Communication. We recently visited Widener Law School, in Wilmington's, Delaware. Yes, Erica wants to be a lawyer. My dad would be so proud. Mom's doing well, and can't wait to spring clean. And I interviewed for a Chemistry teaching job in New Hartford last week. (Say a prayer that I get it!) So after dropping off a, Tony's tomato pie, to a bunch of hungry roommates, I bid adieu to the college scene. On the way home, I thought about the time I would go back to visit. Definitely when my kids were babies, where I could hug them and hold them and protect them from life's traumas. In light of what's happened this week at Virginia Tech, you're probably like me, and have phoned a loved one or hugged someone you care about a little harder. I wish we all could live in peace and be happy with everything that this planet has to offer. It's times like this, that make little things much sweeter, like visiting your son just to say hi, or sitting on the deck with your daughter, listening to her plans and dreams for the future. Enjoy your sunshine!

Easter time

2007-04-10T20:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter! Hard to believe a year ago I'd spent Easter Sunday in Assissi, Italy, without my family but a group of wonderful friends. We had a seven course Italian feast, including several wines. How many of you have ham for Easter? This year, I'm back with my family in Central New York, and I broke with tradition by serving Vodka riggies. Ricky, Erica, Mom and my niece, Danielle, really enjoyed the meal. I broke the Italian tradition of a huge meal and tons of desserts, but with teaching and writing somethings gotta give. Hey, what's more important? Right answer: being together! Besides, we had more time to play Rummy. The last time Mom played cards with my kids, they played go-fish. They really enjoyed playing "an adult card" game, and showed no mercy with their poor grandmother! This is one holiday that I didn't stress over. A good day. It's so nice to spend holidays with family.

That time of year

2007-03-11T23:18:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year, when young and old hearts think of love. But here in CNY, what's really exciting is seeing those six-foot tall mountains of snow finaly whittle away. This year, there was so much snow they used dump trucks to haul it out of town. After a few glorious, warm, spring days, the land is green. Not shamrock green, more like tortise shell green-brown. Still, it's a welcome sight after weeks of seeing white. Soon the grass will be speckled blue with crocuses. Such a pretty site. And the air will smell perfumed, instead of rotten leaves.
Robin's are another sure sign it's spring. I saw my first robin yesterday. He moved off the road in the nick of time. But the real sign that spring's here, is all the sports cars on the road. Yesterday, my Mustang came out of hibernation, stored in my Mom's garage for the winter. She laughed at me as I put the plates on. Yeah, I was that excited. On the drive home, I almost put the top down. Maybe next week!
I wish you all love, and a happy Spring!

The "Call" Celebration

2007-03-04T23:55:00.000-05:00

Saturday, March 3, was a special day... My fellow Central New York romance writers celebrated my "call." I want to thank our president, Midge, for planning my awesome "call" celebration, especially the added personal touch of NML's cover photo on the cake. Midge, you're the best. Since the party, I've been proudly showing off my engraved pen and cardholder set, and have been busy emailing the party photos to family and friends. Truly, it was wonderful to be honored in this way, and deeply appreciated. I'll never forget today.
And to those of you members who answered my questions for the past two years, no matter how stupid, thank you for your patience and willingness to share your knowledge. The specialness of this chapter is no exaggeration, and I can't wait to brag at this year's presidents meeting in Dallas.
Special thanks to my critique partners that made Never My Love a reality: Gwen, Jen, Arlene,(the Laptop dancers) and, "my coach," Nicole. For all their time, hard work and friendship, they deserve a lifetime supply of chocolate kisses!
My journey to becoming a writer was the hardest thing I've ever done. Publishing is a tough business, especially for romance writers. There are those who still persist in belittling our work as not literate, or trash. Hogwash. It's easy to pen a story where people are tortured or killed. Try writing a story where the two most unlikely of characters meet, iron out their differences until annealed to mutual respect, and have a world of trouble treatening to keep them apart. To top it off, have a satisfying, happy ending. Only the insane would even try. Instead, college professors, lawyers, teachers, physicians, and even jet pilots, along with other extremely talented men and women, write this way every day. Why? Because we love making people feel hopeful rather than hopeless.
That's why I have always loved the romance genre in all forms, whether an historical, regency, paranormal, futuristic, vampires, werewolves,changelings, mystery, suspense, or romantic comedy. I read them all. From my first novel by Sandra Brown, Sunny Chandler's Return, I have been hooked.
So if you've never read a romance, hopefully, Never My Love will be your first of many! ^-^
Susan

Why I wear flip-flops in the winter

2007-02-17T14:44:00.000-05:00

Some of you may think I'm crazy for wearing flip-flops in the winter. That tells me you don't live where I do, the famous "snow belt," of New York State. For those of us who live here, wearing flip-flops, and even shorts in the winter is our way of thumbing our nose at Old Man winter. We also have beach parties, play lots of Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys, and some northerners occasionally sport a Hawaiian shirt. Are we crazy. No way. The scientist in me would explain that we have so many months of cold weathers that we get acclimated to the weather. For example, one time I visited my cousin Maria, (hi Maria!), in Orlando. It was early April, and she still wore her winter coat and gloves. But we showed up wearing T-shirts, shorts and you guessed it, flip-flops and we were still warm! The writer half of me would romanticize that we aren't in denial, just having loads of fun and making the best of a sucky situation. So the next time you see guy on the weather channel getting orgasmic at the amount of snow that's falling up here, imagine him in a Hawaiian T-shirt, Bermuda shorts and flip-flops. That should keep you chuckling for days! LOL

Resolutions

2007-02-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

I rarely a procrastinator, but I finally made a list of New Year's resolutions. First on the list: Make time every day to write. Okay, that's an easy one. There's so many people talking in my head that some days I feel schizophrenic. I've learned to not fret, and just write down whoever's story is on my mind, even though I end up working on about five different stories at once. Right now I'm working on two more stories in my White Knight series for Triskelion, BROKEN and LIVE LIKE YOU'RE DYING. There's my romantic comedy's, THE POLITICS OF LOVE, and it's sequel, WANTED:DEMOCRAT. Then there's my NASCAR book, SAFE AT LAST. Whew! Thank goodness for winter and spring break.
My next resolution is to reshape my flabby body. Like Cassie in NEVER MY LOVE, I have a sweet tooth. And then there's my love of Italian food, and Finger Lakes wine, and chocolate ice cream .... Anyway, I've decided this is my last diet. If I don't succeed, then so be it. But I'm trying very hard this time. If I bring Hershey's kisses into my house, my security alarm will go off and the police department will show up and arrest me. ^ _ ^
My last resolution is to declutter my house. That's the toughest. But I need more room in my den for my writing stuff, and my new postcards, business cards, and book markers. Over the years I've started so many collections: depression glass, milk glass, Precious Moments, tons of Disney stuff, a tea cup collection, beanie babies, even Magic cards (my son's). What's a collect-oholic to do? Watch out e-bay, here I come!
What do you collect? Anything really weird? Drop me a note!

The real story

2007-01-15T21:08:00.000-05:00

What a week! I've heard from so many friends who've stopped by to check out my blog. Some are from as far away as California, where it's sunny and warm. I will get to San Fran some day Cindy. And then there's friends from NYC, hi Rosemary and Maria from Tennessee, who are too shy to blog but are readers. I'm so happy to hear from all of you. If you're lurking, e-me!
The highlight of my week was the receipt of the cover of my first book, Never My Love. Isn't it beautiful? That's Mirror Lake, Lake Placid, New York, in the fall. Just spectacular. Cassie and Evan re-meet there one beautiful fall day. But that's all of the story I'm going to reveal now. Stay tuned.

This time of year the real story is the weather. Up to this week, mother nature had Central New Yorkers fooled into thinking she went right from fall to spring. We got four inches of snow. NBD Usually we have four feet. I'm not complaining. I have to drive forty miles to work every day and I'm loving the lack of the white stuff. We had an unusually warm fall and a green Christmas with temperatures in the low sixties. I can't believe I rushed like a lunatic to get my Mustang off the road by Halloween. The car has never seen snow, and I wanted to keep it that way. Too bad I missed the convertible days in November.

Yes, I have a Mustang convertible. My new toy. A birthday present to myself that was long overdue. Ladies, do yourself a favor and don't ask for diamonds. Get a convertible. Mine's a 2001, laser red with beige roof and interior. Gwen knows! She's been cruising with me. Yes, Cindy, I have a cool car. You should see it. It's the first car I've ever owned that I really wanted, and it took me a year to find it, but it was worth the wait. The sun behaved for weeks and I went cruising every weekend. I had the Beach Boys or Turtles blasting, or my daughter favorite download, Mustang Sally. What fun! I can't wait to get it back on the road. Lake Placid or bust!

Just another Sunday?

2007-01-07T16:19:00.000-05:00

Hi all,

I want to thank Melanie and Nancy for stopping by to say hi. Melanie, I can't wait to meet you in Dallas. I hope you like to party! I can't wait to introduce you to one of my favorite authors and fellow CNYRW, Nancy Henderson. She'll be there, too!

Just another Sunday?? After last week I thought I'd be in better shape today. Not physically, I've given up on ever being a size four again. I'll be lucky to stay in the teen sizes if I don't get my butt to the gym! Anyway, I've been mentally exhausted from returning to my for-pay-day-job, while my other-fulltime-job, can't turn off. Yikes. The writer in me, Susan, is trying to take over my day job!
Do you know what it's like teaching to a class of eighth graders and being struck by an idea? Imagine this.... I'm trying to teach them the science behind why we are afraid of falling objects, and for the guys I used the example of spitting from the top of the Empire State Building. You can't do it, not because it's gross, but it hurts(and you'll be arrested). The spits got added energy due to it's height, even in your mouth. (of course they loved that example) For the girls I had them imagine getting engaged on Valentine's Day. How romantic! But when you catch your dream-man less than a week later kissing another woman, you head back up those steps to the top, and you know what you want to do with that ring? Now, what do you think would happen to your ex-fiance if your former engagement ring hit him in the head while he stood on the sidewalk...
Suffice to say I got my point across about the energy of falling objects depending not only upon the weight of an object, but times the height (always the teacher). Then it struck me. I knew who this scene was made for. Emma! She's the best friend of a run-a-way bride in, "The Politics of Love," my WIP romantic comedy set in Boston. Unfortunately, Emma's story is the last in a trilogy centered around people who meet and have opposite politcal offiliations. But that didn't stop me from pounding out the first scene for Emma's book on my lunch break!

I'm often struck with ideas at the worse times, like yesterday, driving to our month meeting of the CNYRW. My mind works overtime on that drive. By the time I got home I was exhausted! But before I went to bed, I jotted the ideas down. So you think my alter-ego would be finished and just shut up today so I could relax? No. Rather than relax, which means phoning friends or reading a romance novel or e-book, I still felt supercharged. I jumped out of bed, changed my T-shirt and went right over to my laptop. After several hours, I had a plot outline and characters GMC for this paranormal I've been dying to write but never figure out how it ends happily. Whew! I don't know if this happens to other authors, but I'd bet my house that it does. Fellow writers, would I lose my house?

I have to say that without making a penny from my writing I feel like I've hit the lottery by becoming a romance writer. And if I inspire just one person to pick up a pen, and believe they can become a writer, that makes me even happier. *g*. See you in a week!

first blog

2007-01-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, I decided to try blogging today...

Last year's New Year's resolution, a personal goal, actually came true. A RWA recognized publisher offered to publish one of my books! I received the "call " 8-1-06, from the submissions editor at Triskelion, and my entire life pivoted 180 degrees. Now, I'm one of those people thats addicted to reading romances. My keeper shelf in my bedroom is a unit with at least 100 books. In my computer den, I have two more units with at least 300 more keepers. There's no way of knowing how many I've borrowed from the library or given away. I read about 4 books at once, and rarely miss a day of reading. There's books in my car, different areas of the house, even my garage. I like just about every kind of romance except the real gory stuff. That kind of stuff lives with me for days and I'd rather be thinking about a Lisa Klepas character, or expecting to run into one of Susan Elizabeth Phillip's characters on the street. They are two of my favorite writers, and there are so many more. (some other blog). A few summers ago, while sitting peacefully by my pool, I reread every book I had saved. Not only was it the first summer in twenty years that I'd had off, but by the end of the summer I'd decided to stop dreaming of being a writer and rejoin CNYRW.

It's still hard for me to believe I'm a writer, let alone soon to be "published." In my head I'm still just a fan of romance writers, the most hard-working, creative, self-less writers on the planet. You don't believe me? Well, here's the story about my first National Conference in Reno: First of all, I was so excited to attend that I got to Syracuse's Hancock airport a day early. No kidding. When the ticket lady asked me if I knew what day it was, I thought she was joking, (I'd been up all night afraid I'd miss the 6:30am flight) . I had two choices, come back the next day when my ticket was good, or catch a later flight. I'd entered the airport so early that my ticket was flagged and I got the full body pat-down check. To make matter worse, my connecting flight was delayed due to bad weather in O'Hare. I was so tired by then I was nauseous and wished I'd stayed home. As luck would have it, I spent the four hour lay-over with Charly Phillips, who I absolutely love. We kept each other sane. When we finally boarded, I spied Heather Graham , another writing goddess, in first class. We'd never met, but I'd brought one of her books with me to get autographed at the conference. Later we ended up playing craps together at the hotel's Casino. Turns out we both love the game. This was just the beginning of a slew of cosmic-level coincidences, too numerous to mention. The next day I picked up my badge, and spent the day star struck. Besides an avid reader, I'd previously been an online reviewer for aromancereview.com. At the afternoon booksigning event, I flitted around visiting all the author's that I'd critiqued. I even snagged the very wonderful, and goddess in her own right, fellow CNYRW Kris Fletcher, two-time Golden Heart finalist, to be my personal photographer so I have the pictures to prove how giddy I'd been that day. I was such a groupie, that I forgot I was a writer until some women who'd come all the way from San Fransico for the booksigning event noticed my first-timer badge. We were waiting in line for Deb Macomber's autograph, and naturally chatting when they asked me what I wrote. They were amazed that I was a new writer, and asked if I had a business card. When I handed them my business card, it finally hit me. I'm a writer! I missed the Atlanta conference, but I've booked my flight to Dallas, as a PUB. Yippee!