Another Award

Just found out that Small Packages had been awarded 2004 Erotic Fiction of the Year by the Mahogany Book Club of Craryville, NY! Better late than never! This baby is slowly but surely racking them up! Keep on, baby, keep on!

Happy Holidays

I'm usually swinging from one emotion to the other--Scrooge to Ms. C laus--this time of year, depending on life circumstances. This year--I'm happy to report---I'm Ms. Claus. I need to change it to Ms. Clawssssssss becauuuuuuuse once my honey gets ova heah, I'm gonna ******************** (too explicit even for the internet !)

I've just thown my Grandmama's Mojo Still Working hat into the 37th Annual NAACP award ring and I am hyped. Underground Voices just informed me my story Possession would be part of its anthology! I'm just about finished with revisions on Triango for Kensington books...this has been a hellova year!

Now stay tuned....Devil's Orchestra is about to burn you.................

Take care!

Syd

Introspection

My journey to authorhood has been an exciting one. I've stepped beyond any comfort zone I might have had, spread my wings and been rewarded in meeting many new people. Some who knew of me, many who'd never heard my name but supported me nevertheless.

There were also "angels" who entered my life. Some came bearing a word of encouragement, others had the skills I needed, at the exact time I needed them at an affordable expense. Thank you.

No, this is not a farewell post. Just a realization of the power within all of us that we never use. How little is required to take someone further than they thought they could go.

I hope we all take a moment to reflect on our blessings and good fortune we've encountered daily. Take care.

Devil's Orchestra, it NOT your average novel.
www.sydneymolare.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Today's my birthday. Happy Birthday to me...and so on. I had an online birthday bash in Sydney's Planet and it was loads of fun. Many thanks to the authors who stopped by: Delinda Jasper, www.delindajasper.com, Sylvia Hubbard, www.sylviahubbard.com, Count, www.countkreweproductions.com , Michelle Davis, Timothy Kelly, and of course thoses fans--you know who you are.

It was fun and a little tiresome. I gave away prizes to those who wanted to get one, so I'm happy and they should be happy also. If you didn't get a prize, you just didn't want one.

Another year, more goals...now I'm off on a hot dinner date with my 15 YO sweetie named Gar. Take care!

Self-Evaluation

This week, I've done some re-evaluating of my life. I got naked like I suggested in some of my earliest posts and looked at where I've been, where I am and where I want to go. I was brutally honest with me, myself and I. Thus, I've got a trashcan than needs dumping 'cause I've thrown out what doesn't work, things I don't have time to see if it will finally work and things I am unwilling to commit to fully. **Inhale** My head is clearer and heart lighter. Saying "No" when you mean to, need to or just want to is a right we all need to exercise regularly. I don't plan to be too blunt (as my brother says I am). But I do plan to participate in things that "fit" with me, whatever, wherever and whoever they are.

Peace.

Cover2Cover Book Club Update

I'm back!

Yes, I participated in the Cover2Cover Book Club Conference this past weekend in Houston, TX. I think this is the first one where I've actually gone to a lot of the sessions and participated so fully versus just being a vendor. Very interesting experience.

It was great to put faces to names I'd only read about: Erica Martin, M Bridges, Cydnex Rax, Victor McGlothin, The Gumbo Sisters, Nicolle Parker

Let me also say it was nice to revisit and make some new friends: Tina Brooks McKinney, Erica Perry, Vincent Alexandria

Looking for a Silver LIning?

Devil's Orchestra has got me hyped! I just rewrote the ending and I'm feeling this baby here! Choices...repercussions...redemption. My publicist says it sound like Christian fiction. But I made up a whole 'nother genre: Quasi-Spiritual fiction. I'll just say this: It's NOT your average novel and I know it.

Want to get some clues about the book? I'm holding a Silver Lining Contest to give away some silver for good luck...or to ward off evil. Just join my yahoo group: Sydney Planet, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sydneyplanet/ and jum right in. I'm giving away a .999 pure silver bar every few days. Try your luck. You just might win!

I'm now off to the Texas Size Book Club Conference in Houston, TX. I'll meet, greet and rub elbows with others that have been at it for a minute. And don't think I don't plan to massage that information in. I do.

Operation Restoration

To contribute to the Katrina relief effort, I have coordinated with churches in the Atlanta area to hold Operation Restoration. This is a day set aside to "beautify" and uplift those displaced by Katrina. We will have beauticians, nail techs and barbers on hand to bring back the glow the evacuees may need when looking for work in this new area. Cards will be distributed allowing persons one (1) free service. Please do not discount this as shameless promotion. Looking good on the outside also helps one feel better on the inside.

In addition, I am asking for book donations. No, you don't have to be an author just select a book you have enjoyed or one you just want to pass along. I do ask that you write an inspiring and uplifing message inside and sign your name beneath it. This adds to the power of positivity and they need all the positives they can get at this time. There is no restriction on the type of book you may mail. I'm taking them all. I'll let them decide what they want to read from the selections. I only asking for 1 book per person.

If you would like to be a part of this effort, please mail your book to:

Carriage and Coach Events
C/O Operation Restoration
415 Wayside Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30045

I hope others will hold their own Operation Restorations in their areas. Thanks again!
To brighten your day, pick up a copy of Somewhere In America! www.somewhereinamerica.net.

Sydney
www.sydneymolare.com

Twists of Fates

I am always left in wonder at how fate works in our life. Fate has shown me that we really need to let the idea go that we actually can run and plan our lives. We think we are, but just use your head. If that were true, why does the reality always veer from the original plan. You wanted to marry a tall, dark, handsome educated man but ended up with a short, redhead with a GED but who loves you unconditionally. Go figure.

I know that in this literary arena, fate has sprinkled itself into my life. It was fate that lead me to Tina McKinney who introduced me to Carol King Brooks, my publicist. Carol "understands" my vision. She doesn't narrow my imaginations, she feeds them. We have and are conceiving some innovative ways to market me and its working. Now isn't that fate? I know you skeptics are saying just good timing. Pshaw!

I also read a great book, The Simple Touch of Fate. This is a masterpiece of true short stories which show fate in action. It touched my life and will do the same for yours. Here are the links:

Book site: www.thefatesite.com
And my review here:
Amazon reviews

Take care and hope you are more blessed today than yesterday!
www.sydneymolare.com

Katrina's aftermath

As the world has seen, Katrina cut a path of destruction through the southern states. Our community felt her vengeance but in most respects we were blessed. Yes, we were without--and many still are--electricity, water and gas. But we have them now, even though the gas is in short supply and the wait is long. Huge trees fell around the homes but none on top of houses. I lost siding and shingles but not enough damage to call the insurance company about. My brother is from NO and his house is under water. But their attitudes are good and insurance was plentiful. They seem to be viewing this as an opportunity to make a change--something they had been considering anyway.

Let us all take a moment to reflect on how blessed we truly are in our lives. Yes, you may not have the money you want or the companion to spend the rest of your life with, but if you are breathing, eating, seeing and able to cool down at will...you are very blessed.

My prayers go out to all the evacuees and others affected by this storm. I especially would ask that if anyone has seen or know the whereabouts of author, Vanessa Johnson or Ama, Louisiana, please post a reply. We haven't heard from her since before the storm.

God bless us all and lets channel our actions and thoughts to the positives versus the negatives. Like my mother always says, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Our world has much wrong with it, but let us not add to the problem but show those in the dark a brighter path.

Be strong.

To Be Anonymous or Not To Be?

Taking photos is something I've always struggled with. There are a myriad of reasons--known, unknown and imaginary--that I'm not the one that 'vogues' when somebody yells out "Cheese!"

But WHY are we expected to flash our fascinating mugs when someone writes our name or we write our own name? Does it change the quality of the content? Will you like it better if I look like you/am exotic/reminds you of your kid/cousin/niece/nephew? And what about the customers that put your book back because you don't look like them/they don't read books by Blacks/Indians/Hispanics/insert predjudice here?

I know for a fact that when I'm reading, it's okay if a photo is on the book but equally fine if its not. I'm caught up in the story between the cover, not the photo on the cover.

Besides, in this day and age, it never hurts to be safe. As my writing is about to kick into a sexy high, I will continue to take steps to guard my privacy and safety.

What do you guys think? How important is it to "visualize" the author before you purchase a book?

Take care and keep reading andI'll keep writing!

Excuse my previous rant

Because that's what my previous post was...a rant. What can I say? Bad day blah, blah, blah. But getting back to spending money, as an author, sometimes the reality is we spend hoping for a payoff that doesn't appear monetarily. But what can take the place of meeting fans and signing autographs...not much.

So yes, I believe you must spend your resources wisely. Should you mortgage your house trying to make the best seller's list? That's on you. Each of us has a different threshhold. And honestly, if I had the interest, I'd do it too.

Keep on keeping on. And write what makes you sing.

Coming soon! Devil's Orchestra. It's not your average novel.
www.sydneymolare.com

When is Breaking the Bank Worth It?

I believe in spending money wisely. And i know many times authors spend money, money, money and get consignments, forgotten promises and low purchases. I want to level this playing field a bit since I already know which way the wind tends to blow. Namely, I want to put on an event and actually recoup my money plus some.

I cannot and will not (if I can help it) be bound by the logic that I will lose money before I even began. I'm not rich and if that is the case, I'll hold onto my dollars and find lower cost alternatives. For example, how many of you have held an online book launch? Just set up a chat and talk your butt off about your upcoming book. Make the rounds. Find the radio station. Get an angle and promote your platform.

All I know is I plan to put MORE into my authoring--that's more time, energy, creativity. The money I'll continue to watch like a hawk. I've tried it the "normal" way, let's see how far I get taking the "alternative" route!

Wish me luck!

Want your nights to sizzle? Try THE POUT, @ www.thepout.blogspot.com

Back in the Saddle!

Camp is over and I'm back to working my author gig. Nothing like 18 kids to put your priorities in order.

I'm lining up booksigning at conferences around the country. I'm pretty excited, too, can't you tell? I'm also delving more into my erotic side. My writing, my reading...let's just say expect me to reveal more of the real "me" in the coming months. Tastefully, of course.

Small Packages continues to be my trailblazer. And always remember, if you want a Somebody Holla! sleepover, just hit me on my email, sydneymolare@yahoo.com or sydney @sydneymolare.com. It will be a night you won't forget. Check out some of the pics on my photo page @ www.sydneymolare.com

Take care!

Let me say, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

I am so happy to finally get a moment to catch my breath! Things have been popping for me in the literary world and I'm happy as all get out! I'm not a best-selling author...yet but I'm on the road.

Can I give another shout out to my pulicity queen, Carol King Brooks? I think we are a tag team made in Heaven! She directs and I follow (if you know me, you know that can be hard as Hell!) so that in itself is great!

I'm off for 3 weeks to do a veterinary camp, yeah, y'all did remember I was a veterinarian? Well, for the next 3 weeks I'll be immersed, overwhelmed and run amuck with 18 kids, ages 12 - 16 years of age. It's refreshing and tiring as all get out! But I love it.

Keep reading and I've got a new erotic collection dropping soon so stay tuned for it!

Run with me, walk behind me...just get the heck out of my way!

Get to know ME!
www.sydneymolare.com
www.somewhereinamerica.net
www.thepout.blogspot.com

"Well Were Moving on Up!"

I'm making headway and got some wake behind me (for you non-nautical people, a wake is a wave from the boat coming through). Just sold a story to....get ready for this one...HUSTLER magazine!!!! Then I got notice that my piece "Possession" http://www.undergroundvoices.com/UVMolare.htm was selected for the "Best of Underground Voices" Anthology. Am I cooking with Crisco or what?

Seriously, I am making some good headway into the bookstores and getting my name out. My publicist is "working, working, working day and night!" and I'm right there with her. We've got something really hot and delicious planned for later this summer. ATL watch out!

So keep writing and networking and for anybody wanting some freelance leads, try theses:
www.worldwidefreelancer.com and www.fundsforwriters.com

Peace out!

I'm Freeeeeeee!!!!!

The last time I posted an I'm Free title was the day I got my divorce papers :). However, this event is not nearly as profound just...my son is spending time with his father. AHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Got the house to myself for one whole week! I'm been productive too. I'm writing my behind off and editing like I haven't in a minute. Shoot, I even cleaned the place from top to bottom except for my son's room. Didn't feel like navigating that mine field.

Did I mention that I now have an agent? That's correct, I have been signed my Ms. Sha-Shana Crichton or Crichton & Associates. She already has me onto new projects. I had heard that she likes to crack the whip...good. Push me more than I push myself and you will get results everytime.


Find out what all the hooplah is about: www.sydneymolare.com !

We Hollered Alright!

Thank you Jackson Mississippi Reader's Club for allowing me the opportunity to hold a Somebody Holla! Sleepover! We had a great time! There were games, a sex diva, gifts, and plenty of surprises from the women...and of course the book reading was truly close to the bookclub in Small Packages.

Next, I'm off to Greenville, SC for the next sleepover. Of course I'll make a stop in Memphis for the Sisterhood Showcase for a minute and hopefully rub elbows with Pearl Cleage. Wish me mucho lucko!


Still looking for a good read? www.sydneymolare.com

Somebody Hollering Again!

I'm off to a "Somebody Hollah" sleepover in Jackson, MS tomorrow. (JMRC I love you!) I plan for it to be a fun filled event! Though looks like some of the "services" will not be available, I will be in full force with gifts, stories and a sex diva to show you how to "Spice it up"!

And for those who have no clue as to what I'm talking about. This is a bookclub "sleepover". We will recreate the book I wrote, "Small Packages" in which the Somebody Hollah bookclub reads a book one night followed by an orgy of shopping the following Saturday. While we can't do everything, I do have some "clues" to help them remember what was going on at a particular point in the story. Sound like something you and your girlfriends or bookclub members would like? Well, read the book Small Packages, www.sydneymolare.com and yes there are links to Amazon, Barnes & Nobles and Booksamillion there, then let me know. I'll come to your area and do a signing and have the sleepover! HINT: If you know of an inexpensive male "stripper" service, we can truly "do the do!"Again you've got to read the book to understand...

Anywho, I'm so excited! Wish me much luck!!!!!!

www.sydneymolare.com

Can you say "Hooty hooooo?"

Am I geeked or what? Finally, my writing is creating a BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Betcha wondering how I know? Got "contacted" that's how. My erotic musings/writings/experiences--of other folks cause of course I'd never write about my own-- have sparked an interest down the road. They want to see more.

That just means, as writers we need to keep pushing , networking, pushing, selling, pushing, and GIVING back. Anywho, wish a chica luck!

Ciao baby!

Watch Out Dallas!

I'm onto the next stop, Dallas, Tx. My books finally arrived--box beat all to hell--but the books were intact. Just a rough ride. In fact the address label was shredded. However, I live in a small town and they took the PO Box number and the "lare" and figured it was probably my stuff. Thank God for small favors! That means: I'M BACK IN BUSINESS!

I'm really excited about Dallas. The bookstore owners seemed hyped, I'm hyperactive and raring to go! My gut tells me this one will be a blast. I've planned, advertised and paved the way so I plan to show up and show out! Hope to see some of your there, April 30th. Jokae's 11 - 1pm and Black Images 2 - 4pm.

Blimp in the Road

Well, I made the faux pas of all faux pas and it is costing me. I did a booksigning in another state in which i mailed my books. Upon leaving, they did agree to mail it to the next stop--another state. Unfortunately for me, the second signing was cancelled and the books refused. So back to the first signing. Since then, we've played email tag in an attempt to get those 50 books back to me. I mailed some and carried others but decided to mail them ALL in an attempt to lighten the luggage. Stupid me.

I have missed two booksigning opportunities locally, I have a book signing in 3 weeks, no responses anymore from the previous club and $720 in books floating in the US mail. I'm am on the hook for ordering more.

Let this be a lesson. Never let someone else be responsible for your merchadise. A very PAINFUL lesson here...

Lazy daze

It's Spring Break and I needed a break. I'm not stressed just backed up with taxes, cleaning and thinking about how to sell more books. My creative juices have been flowing...except they are on everything BUT my latest manuscript. I tell you, writing about the devil has got me tense! I'll push through and finish it. I need to since the cover model is breathing down my neck. He's ready to become a star! In fact, he plans to hold his OWN booksignings and sign across his photo. Ain't that something? He's a unique that is for sure.

For you writiers, if you are not already having people sign up and leave their address and an email you should! It's a great way to build you own personal customer base! Just think, if they like your book, you can email them whenever you have a new release and a few thousand folks may buy without you lifting your tush from your chair! You can't beat that with an ugly duckling! Nevertheless, have a great day! I plan to... Peace out, Sydney www.sydneymolare.com

Priceless Networking

The tour is going well. After 3 booksignings, looks like I have a few weeks off before we're off to the races again! That's good because I need to finish, edit and print my upcoming release Devil's Orchestra. But I digress. I want to share a good thing that happened after my booksigning in Alexandria VA.

The day started off tiring...got up at 2 am to leave by 2:30 to be at the airport by 4:30 am prior to the 6 am flight. So, I'm already tired. First leg of flight was great. The connecting flight was delayed. That was good because we sat on that plane for an hour while the continually tried to get it started and keep it started and something said to me, "Girl, you don't want to be on this flight here." I was glad as heck when it was cancelled. But the downside, I didn't get into DC until 4 pm and the signing began at 3 pm.

Nevertheless, I was hanging with Tina McKinney since we were staying in Baltimore after the event. She remembered that Zane was having a Pamper party and so we struck out towards the event! It was great. People wall to wall, and Zane was just as gracious as everyone says. In fact, if you had not seen her photos, you would be hard pressed to know this literary diva! So I ate, rubbed elbows and met some new friends while Tina was put to work signing her books.

The following day, we detoured to a store so that Tina could autograph more stock books and Zane happened to be signing here. I managed to get some one-on-one conversations in when the crowd thinned down. She had some great tips I plan to use. The kicker: we say the new Strebor offices.

So what can I say: I met the top selling author in the US, got to tour the new digs, met a zany, sensational author--Allison Hobbs (Pandora's Box, Insatiable) and passed an otherwise dull day in good company.

The trip? A few hundred...

Networking...PRICELESS!

Wish me well! Peace out!

Simply Sydney Tour Update

Well guys, just back from the first leg of my "Simply Sydney" tour in the Big Easy and let me say it was just fantastic! Sold a case of books at two stores and met tons of new fans. I truly enjoyed my stay. I also had some great company, authors Maseyree (It Just Gets Better with Time) and Tina McKinney (All That Drama!). And as usual, Small Packages was my best seller!

I'm on to Alexandria VA for a Chocolate Covered Event on February 26th. So, if you are in the area, stop by.

There is always room for another good book!

Author jealousy. Did you hear the collective gasp. Oh no! This doesn't happen/doesn't exist/I-love-all-my-fellow-authors...yeah right. Author jealousy is a very REAL institution. You know, no congrats on your good news. No fellowship when you are at conferences. Eye rolling, lip smacking because all the books on the table are actually yours.

I just don't get it. If you r book is good, folks will always continue to look for your work. AND if you are floating off of past accolades, you've got to step up the pace or your readership will dwindle. I'd rather be a striving good writer than a "has been" writer putting out junk. But then again...hmmm...if I float on my name and put out a bunch of novels, I can retire earlier...I can now see the logic. Carry on!

I've got the money honey!

Well, that magazine has decided to set things right. A few more emails and now...I've got money! Wish things had gone differently but I call a spade a spade. No hard feelings. Just good news. Keep the faith, it works!

Good Day all around

Hey, Hey!
Today has been a great one. I'm off to a booksigning tomorrow--well actually I'm traveling tomorrow and signing Friday and Saturday--but I'm definitely on a high about it. I guess the main reason is, I'm going to a market where my books have been selling like hotcakes! They are raring to meet the author! Hot dang a doo! Move over book kings and queens. Sydney's coming through!

If anyone has time, come out and support me. I'll be at Rust College, in Holly Springs, MS Friday and Saturday. It's supposed to be a blast and I plan to blast off with the good people there. Let's do the doggone thang together!

See you there!

Simply Sydney!

I have got a queen of a publicist! I thought I was hyper, she definitely has my behind beat. I'd been slow about losing these last few pounds but I better get ready 'cause sistergirl has BIG plans for me. And I plan to be ready!

A new year, a refreshed outlook...I am so blessed. Yes, there is plenty of stress out there, but I'm not picking that sucker up! I figure that stress will eventually wear its own self out versus wearing me out. So, what I use to not walk past, I now do. What I once worried about, I push it to another corner of my mind and most importantly, I speak my piece. If you don't want to hear the truth, push down on the pedal and speed past!

I am excited, relaxed, invigorated and high on life. Hope you guys can join me!

Sydney Molare
www.sydneymolare.com

Beward of squandering Advertising funds

Sometimes I'm convinced that the con artist have decided to target authors. I mean they are coming out of the woodwork. Everyone is an agent, copyeditor, critquer, publisher, etc. and the list is growing by the second. The big thing they leave out of their spill is--they have NO track record of having provided a flea with oxygen let alone making your manuscript the next big thing.

Now, I have an ongoing saga with a magazine publisher out of Atlanta--I'll let them remain nameless for now. I was one of the first authors to advertise in this publication, at a time when I hadn't sold a book, so of course money was an issue--but I thought it would be a good stepping stone. I think I did this 2 more times plus individual ads. The truth, after almost $2000, I have yet to sell a book due to this publication.

Now the bone I've got to pick? Even though I'd been told I would be a featured cover author, the editor to date has taken my funds but either doesn't think my work is good enough to merit being a cover author and won't say (Amazon.com reviews would make that statement a blatant lie!) or this magazine treats its clients badly. I'm good for the money but not the exposure--no give and take.

The last straw? A former publicist scheduled a sign & Dine for Nov 7. After paying the remainder fee, I got an email from the editor asking what date did I want to do the Sign & Dine. This was a week before the event was "supposed" to happen. In the end, THEY had not written it down, and that weekend really didn't work but she would "work" me in...Now I don't know about anyone else, but I want the full benefits of advertising that go along with my dollars and I'd not been advertised at all. The event wasn't free either. It was $250 just to have the sign & dine. That translates into selling 21 books before I make any money.

So, I cancelled. Guess what I have yet to receive? Yes, my money. This may get nasty...

I met a goal today!

One of my writing goals is to submit to 4 contests, call for submissions etc monthly. Well, remember that persistence theory i have? Today, my story "Possession" was accepted by Underground Voices for their February issue! A paying market folks! Am I excited? You betcha! But then again, I'm always excited whenever my writing reaches more and more readers.

Got a dose of daily inspiration now it back to the keyboard!

Peace out.

Syd

Writer's Trinity

Pushing, persistence and patience. Definitely the writer's holy trinity. Pushing past your doubts to enter contests, submissions, interviews, and presenting you work to agents and publishers, persistently networking with authors, agents and publishers and finding the patience to wait until they have time to review your work and get back to you.

Now not everyone in the publishing industry adheres to these guidelines. There are renegades amongst us! **Gasp!** These are the folks that grab the manuscript by the footer, publish the book prior to waiting for industry permission and then, amazingly, make real money.

Let us not fool ourselves. Traditional publishing is one step short of author slavery. They own the rights, the date of publication, how many they will print and you MUST meet the preset numbers or find yourself homeless again. Yet, the "dream" is to be published traditionally. It's "acceptable."

I've crunched the numbers...Let's see, they give you a $25,000 contract for one book. The print run is 15,000 copies. Now if your book sells for $12, then that 15,000 copies translates into $180,000 gross. Minus your $25,000 and print costs, the publisher nets a cool $100,000 or more...and you wrote the sucker. They just have the distribution! Kind of rubs you raw, huh?

This is one of the reasons why I began my publishing company, Fishbowl International, Inc. It's a flat fee hybrid publisher. Yes you must pay to get everything set up, but once the books start rolling off the press, you only pay $2 per book. Anything over and above that after print costs is YOURS! That's right, if your book costs $3.50 to print, add Fishbowl's $2 for a total of $5.50. If you sell that sucker for $12, then the remaining, $6.50 is YOUR profit. Visit www.fishbowlinternational.com for more information.

Think about it...

Riding the author wave

Still rollercoaster riding with my writing. One person loves me to death, the next asks if I'm native or a foreigner. What's that mean? Since I'm a thinker, it definitely puts some doubt in the house.

I finally realized that it all comes down to one thing--patience. Unfortunately for me, patience and I don't set eye to eye. I want what I want, when I want it, how I want it, and no deviations from the set path unless I (currently known as one-step-from-deity to my lovers) say so. That's the way LIFE is supposed to be.

I've been doing the throw out the agent line, get a nibble but no deep hook yet. Guess the last author standing gets the contract. **Sigh** Better fluff out that pillow some more. Seems like it's gonna be a long one. Peace out.

Knee Deep In Wonder

You know how you think you've got it all figured out and God puts a monkey wrench in your plan? That's how life has been for me lately. I 've set the goal, made the resolutions and sure enough, things...shift. Not necessarily in the negative, just not what I'd planned in the first place.

Take my writing career. I've written a number of books and am having a difficult time focusing on the last one. BUT, my publicist just gave me another hot idea and to be honest, I'm all over it like white on rice. AGAIN, this is a deviation from the "paper plan." Yet, I don't want to miss the opportunity either. I think I'm going in circles here.

I think the real issue is the lack of acceptance I've felt when I step outside of the "box". Yes there is a literary box that shifts authors into certain genres, ethnicities, just categorization at its zenith. When an author wanders outside the familiar, the unspoken gasp is very audible. Shame too. I always believed that being a writer was like being an actor, you should be able to write from any perspective and with enough research, imagine yourself as anybody or anything. It's reflected in my writings also.

Guess I'll just have to sit around a little longer and wait and see!