You know those times in your life when things seem overwhelming so you gear yourself up and say, “The only way through it is to do it”? Yeah, I’m in one of those, have been for awhile, but I was doing things because I had to not because I wanted to. The slog. And then something appeared on the horizon that I decided I wanted. And suddenly everything I was wading through became Things To Get Done Because I Want That Goal. Which is an ENTIRELY different thing. A goal is a good thing; a goal with a brand new future waiting behind it is an excellent thing. My advice? Get yourself a goal.

How did you aim for happiness this week?

This week I’m watching Apollo Robbins videos and reading about magic and neuroscience for Rocky Start. It’s fascinating. And I also started Louise Penny’s mystery series and it’s great so far. I love it when I find a series I like: endless possibilities.

What did you read this week?

Today, I am writing Rocky Start and Bob is revising Lavender. Then we’ll trade off. It’s a plan.

What did you do this week?

As I have whined to you all before, so far 2023 has kicked me in the teeth, or at least it felt that way. I’m handling it, my teeth are loose but not lost, and one of the ways I’ve been handling it is working my way through Rosalind James’s New Zealand rugby romances. Full disclosure: I know zip about New Zealand (yes, I was there once, for a couple of days of romance conference and book tour which means I saw most of it through a car window and met most people signing books; it was beautiful and the people were wonderful, but I still know zip) and even less about rugby (I grew up in Ohio and went to school just south of the Canadian border, I know football and hockey, that’s it). James’s books are gentle, based on family and even the rugby stuff is about teamwork, plus she’s a good writer, so that makes her good recovery reading. Also, I have some major rewrites coming up there and it’s good to read somebody new that you like to see how they do things. Think of it as a second look at romance writing. Times changed, what’s happened? Continue reading →

I’ve been reading a lot of rugby romances by Rosalind James that are set in New Zealand. It’s like hockey without ice. In New Zealand, which is one of the loveliest places I’ve ever been. Very soothing.

What did you read this week?

I’m working. I’m shoveling snow, bathing dogs, sorting through clothes, changing sheets, throwing out half the house . . . the usual. Also getting back into Rocky Start after two weeks of being sick as a dog, so I’m trying to be extra cooperative since I just dumped everything on Bob during that time. Turns out “extra cooperative” makes Bob extra nervous. I should have done this years ago.

What did you work on this week?
Continue reading →

Okay, it’s not exactly warm here up north, but things are shifting, we’re not getting a lot of freezing temperatures and . . . basically I’m short on things to be happy about so I grabbed that one.

Give me some good stuff, people: What made you happy this week?

This week, I read a lot of Book Bub samples. Just the samples. Nothing tempted me onward. I think I’m just getting too picky in my old age. I did fall down the rabbit hole that is “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” on You Tube, and then I went on to “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” “Kiss the Girl,” and Robin Williams being fabulous all over the place as the Genie. Turns out, Disney is musical Wellbutrin.

So what did you read this week?

We’re moving from scene sequences to acts (me) and to single ms. (Bob). I think Bob is also on his way to the Outer Banks, which is good because I’m still at about 50% after weekend before last. But still work is getting done.

What did you do this week?

Well, so far February has sucked, but one good thing: It’s forced me to make a big decision I’ve been putting off, and now that that’s decided, everything is so much simpler. Simple is good. From now on, I’m with Nike: I’ll just do it.

What made you happy this week?