Flashback Friday: Earliest Memories

Currently Reading: Still on Laws of Attraction and boy, I think Kelley channeled a few of my Arbor U characters' attitudes! I'm loving this:) It's amazing how someone can be the 'voice of reason' for other friends' relationships can be so blind to their own!

What's your earliest memory? I have a friend who says he remembers being in his mother's womb.

Mine don't go back quite that far.

I remember the trailer where I lived with my parents until age 4. I remember watching my mom slide the pocket door to my bedroom closed and me falling out of bed. I remember asking why the slide to my swing set was still under the trailer (There was no room between ours and the next). Playing under the weeping willow trees near the entrance. My babysitter's son and I breaking my swings as we twirled around each other, each on a different swing. I also remember a kid hitting me in the head with a shovel...I'm assuming it was a TOY shovel! And my vague memory of my mother dressing me in a black leather jumper. It was tight, and I hated having to put it on.

I also remember playing in a courtyard of the Purdue West shopping center while my mom did laundry at the laundromat and my dad walking with me. I remember my mom's office at the old high school, and giving 'tours' of the new high school. I also remember spending time in the Home Ec room with a bunch of other kids my age, and jumping up and down on a bed. I also remember falling off! I used to spend hours watching the PE classes swimming in the pool, or maybe it was the swim team. I'm not exactly sure. I also remember my first swim class, and my belly flop off the diving board into my teacher's arms.

I also have a very vague memory of our new house before we bought it. I remember walking into the kitchen and my mom showing me how the stainless steel stove top pulled out, and the black oven doors (two of them) being up above. The room I wanted for my bedroom was painted mint green; it would be later painted pink, and require two coats of paint.

So how far back can you remember? Are they happy memories or traumatic ones? Mine are mainly age 3 or 4.

In one month, my oldest will graduate high school. While looking for funny pictures for the Senior Breakfast Slide Show, we came across several of his from age five. Some he didn't remember, but he does remember his dad putting him on the roller machine, along with his own safety vest and hard hat, and 'helping the asphalt crew pave' two turn lanes. He was barely four.

Today, I'm getting ready to put together his graduation announcements. We've rented a park shelter for his party, and we're getting ready to deep-clean the house, starting Monday. With the exception of Terrific Tuesdays, my posts next month may be short. It just depends on what needs to be accomplished that day. So bear with me; I'll still be around. Just not every day.

So I Overslept Again...

I guess it's the fresh air...or the extra novacaine the dentist had to give me yesterday. Still couldn't get me numb enough, so I'm off to the oral surgeon in June.

Anyway, I did get the kids to school on time, and now I'm hoping to buckle down and write.

I'm attending a farewell party for a friend who's moving tomorrow. We're having dinner at Applebee's after our dance class tonight.

In the meantime, go over to the Writer's Evo blog and post your opinion. Stop by Kenzie's also and see her take on the subject:)

Rain Rain, Go Away.....

So I finally went over to the landlord's house on Monday and showed her the pictures I'd taken over the weekend, and explained we hadn't seen the handyman since the initial inspection Easter Weekend. She was shocked; she thought he'd thrown a tarp over it. She assured me she'd call him again.

Two hours later, we heard someone on the roof, and this lovely blue tarp is now draped over our home. I don't know if you can tell from the picture or not, but the top left side isn't very secure; when the wind blows from the east, it flaps. Let's just hope the winds aren't out of the east the next time it rains!

On the bright side, when I send out my son's graduation announcements, instead of telling people who've never been to our new house before the address, all I have to say is 'The house with the blue bandanna'!

In other not-so-good-news, I've lost another document. I stupidly didn't back it up, thinking surely it would withstand a two-week absence from me and still be all right! Apparently, it felt neglected and decided to disappear from my flash drive. Perfect way to kill the mood to write. I spent all day yesterday saving every document on my hard drive to Dropbox. I got up to the F's in my flash, so today I'll be finishing that up. Note to self: Don't forget to save NEW stuff to dropbox, or at least, email it to myself!! Will I ever learn? My only backup file ends on page 2...and I know I was on page 6 or 7 two weeks ago. Trying not to give myself a concussion from banging my head on my desk....

Currently Reading: LOVED Unexpected Mr. Right!!! Definite Recommended Read! I'm just beginning Laws of Attraction and I say, fantastic trilogy Kelley:) Go over to Parker Publishing and get these books! They will keep you scrolling! Take it from me; I forgot to recharge my ereader batteries!

Print Book: John Irving's Until I Find You. Very interesting; learning about the tattoo world in the late 1960's:)
(Posting this here, due to picture at top)

Have a good day; I'm off to the dentist to have one more filling put in my mouth. Fun, fun....my kids will enjoy laughing at my speech this afternoon!

Terrific Tuesday with Amy Grech:)

Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.
Thanks for having me! My name is Amy Grech and I’ve been scaring people for 16 years. Blanket of White is a collection of 14 short stories published by Damnation Books.

Most of the stories could be classified as horror, though there are a few sci-fi/horror hybrids as well. The title story is quiet horror story, as are “Perishables,” “Rampart,” “Prevention,” Raven’s Revenge,” and “Damp Wind and Leaves.” Two sci-fi/horror hybrids are “Perishables” and “EV 2000.” The more extreme stories would be “Cone and Gone,” “Cold Comfort,” “Initiation Day,” “Crosshairs,” “Russian Roulette,” and “Apple of My Eye.”

Have you ever had an idea for a story, which scared you after you began writing it?
Yes, “Apple of My Eye” really freaked me out. It’s a disturbing story about familial love. A lonely Daddy’s girl goes out on the town looking for a good time. A devious eye doctor sets his sights on the wrong girl with dire consequences.

I’m a glutton for punishment. I’m expanding the story into a novella, or possibly even a novel. Turns out, as written, the story reveals how things play out, but it barely scratches the surface. The girl has a sister, who died by the doctor’s hand…I’ve said too much already!

Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?
I live in Brooklyn and travel to Manhattan several times a week. A lot of my stories take place in various Manhattan neighborhoods. “Apple of My Eye” takes place in the once seedy Alphabet City, where every avenue tells a tale: A is for Alert, B is for Beware, C is for Caution, D is for Death. “Cold Comfort” is set in Central Park and “Prevention” offers a glimpse at the dark underbelly of Hell’s Kitchen.

The title story actually evolved ten years ago, when I saw a real life story on the news about a little girl who had a terminal illness and the compassionate way her father chose to end her suffering. The little girl in my story, Suzy is very remarkable despite her illness. “Blanket of White” has a profound affect on readers who have children.

How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?
I usually start writing first, then when I hit a snag, I’ll do some research. Some writers I know think facts are boring. I find research can be quite fascinating.

Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?
Love hurts. Sometimes being single is the safe bet!

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?
I’m definitely a pantser and proud of it! Flying by the seat of my pants is extremely exhilarating! I know a story is going well when my characters take over and I become a voyeur, along for the ride! I’m fortunate enough to have my characters in the driver’s seat more often than not!

How long did it take for you to be published?
I published my first story in a local magazine called 14850 while still in college back in 1993 for contributor copies. Four years later, I made my first pro sale along side fiction luminaries Jack Ketchum and John Shirley. I’ve had a steady stream of sales ever since: over 100 short stories published in various genre anthologies and magazines.

If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?
Rejection is a natural part of the process. When an Editor takes the time to send a personal rejection, you’ve done something right—send another story!

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?
I carry a little notebook with me everywhere and often jot down story ideas while I’m riding on the subway. I do the bulk of my writing on my trusty iMac.

I must have music while I write. Music helps me vanish into the zone. Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Peter Gabriel, Mazzy Star, Moby, R.E.M., U2, and Tori Amos provide endless inspiration.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?
When I turned 12, an Aunt introduced me to Stephen King’s novels. I started with Cujo and never looked back. Stephen King inspired me to become a writer.

Other influences include: Franz Kafka, H. P. Lovecraft, Joyce Carol Oates, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and Alice Sebold.

What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?
I have a twin brother named Andrew who’s a minute older than me and no, he’s not a writer.

For Fun:

Are there any Easter scenes in your books?

No, I’m afraid not.

What is your favorite Easter memory?

I loved waking up Easter Morning for an Easter Egg Hunt was always fun when my brother and I were little.

Do you garden, or do you have a black thumb like me?

I tend to kill plants; perhaps it’s the horror writer’s curse?

Blanket of White True love knows no bounds. Crosshairs A young boy learns the perils of hunting fare game firsthand. Prevention Murderous twins help their dear mother into and out of trouble. Perishables A nuclear fallout survivor finds sustenance in an unlikely place. Plus two more never before published storied by Amy Grech. A total of fourteen dark tales in all!

“Amy Grech is that kind of writer every reader dreams of discovering. She's simply amazing. She played my emotions like she owned them. There were stories in Blanket of White that left me breathless. Her characters are utterly convincing, and the tales they tell are as tense as a family about to have their darkest secrets made public. Seriously. Read Amy Grech. You are going to tell everybody about the good thing you've found.”

— Joe McKinney, Author of Dead City and Cataclysm



Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.
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Monday Snapshots

My daughter S's 'Honorable Mention' in the Art Show for her Water and Dye...














This one didn't place, but I think she did a fantastic job!













Our 'Atomic Cloud' leak in the living room roof, which finally sprang free over Easter Weekend. It still hasn't been fixed. Calls to landlord went to the voice mail 'Don't leave a message; we don't use our voice mail...', so I'm going over there and SHOWING these pictures to them.








Another look at the damage to the wall....which has progressively gotten worse in the three years we've been here.
















Spot on other side of the couch, near the front door....also gotten worse in the past three years...












Over the front door....(Neither of these leak.)












This one was fixed above several years ago, but you can see where the plaster's cracked. This one is on the opposite side of the room, just to the right of the piano.

I have a reoccurring nightmare of this one opening and water spilling all over the antique piano and stereo console, which sits to the right of it.





Found out our next door neighbors will be moving in a month or so. I've joked we should just move into theirs!

On a good note, K formally accepted Purdue's offer and enrolled in the Gold Rush and Star Programs:) Four more weeks until Senior Week is here!

Saturday's Stupid Saying

Even a broken clock's right twice a year.
sportscaster Rex Chapman, covering an NBA playoff game between the Seattle Supersonics and the Sacramento Kings

Not much to say this morning. Roof is still leaking, since the handyman the landlord sent three weeks ago has never come back. I guess we'd better start packing any valuables in case the whole roof collapses. We're under a threat of rain for the next several days.

I may try to do some writing today; it all depends on what the family decides. I've spent waaaaay too much time on chat loops this week, and haven't written anything new since Tuesday.

So have a good weekend and stay dry!

Flashback Friday: Play Ball!

Currently Reading: Loved, loved, LOVED Angel's Den AND Getting Lucky With Luciano! Both are definite Recommended Reads! I couldn't put down Angel's Den by Jamie Carie; I read the whole thing yesterday. Wow...what a page turner! And couldn't put down Luciano during the final two chapters! I'm already on chapter two of Unexpected Mr. Right:) Fantastic job, Kelley!

Print: I'm now reading John Irving's Until I Find You.

2000: I took a blank check to Sam's Club and enjoyed picking out supplies for my new 'office'. After paying for everything, we headed back to the ball field and unloaded. Four days later, my 'trial run' began. The Girls Softball Season began, and I opened up the concession stand and worked it solo. My son was in his third year of Pee Wee baseball, so at first I also opened it up for practices. I didn't open it fully; I only provided drinks and cold snacks, though I was willing to heat up hot dogs for anyone really hungry.

I had kept the prices the same as the previous years, and soon realized I had a good memory for repeat customers. Soon I had several identified not by their names, but what they always ordered. And my new cheese machine was a hit, although it needed to be taken home, washed by hand, and then run through the dishwasher for extra sterilization.

I also ended up giving informal math lessons to teenagers. One kid in particular wanted to know how I could add so fast in my head. I showed him how basically everything was based on the dollar. Chips and candy bars were fifty cents; drinks and hot food were a dollar; cheese and the smaller candy were twenty-five cents. I then began tossing out simple 'orders' and having him do the math in his head, making the 'orders' more complicated as he 'got it'. Soon he was one of my better helpers:)

I also took the time to explain to younger helpers how to make change. The rule was 'No one under fourteen to be in the stand', but I dropped it to age twelve after several training sessions with teenagers who worked several games with me.

After attending meetings with the coaches, I met the team concession reps and stressed the importance of restocking the drink cooler. Instead of having the fountain drinks, we were now using the bottled Pepsi drinks. My biceps grew during this year, from moving crates of 20-oz Pepsi products!

The month of April was a fantastic learning experience, and it showed me which snacks were more popular with people. We felt confident about the upcoming Little League season.

Who Knew Lunch Could Be So Entertaining?

Currently Reading: Still on Unexpected Mr. Right! I'm almost finished; only have forty or so pages left. I'm also nearly finished with Love's First Light:)

This is no joke. I was ready for Bill Engval to show up.

The SU and I decided to eat at Subway on Monday. After paying for our sandwiches, I turned to my left and discovered the iced tea machine was empty. No problem; I turned back to the counter and asked if they had any in the drive-through.

"No; she's making a pitcher right now. It won't be ready for at least ten minutes."

Okay; I debated between water, lemonaid, and fruit punch. I chose fruit punch.

Five minutes later, a worker appears with the two empty containers and proceeds to go about refilling them. An elderly lady walks up, empty cup in hand.

"It's not ready yet; I'm just now getting ready to make some."

"How much longer?"

"You want sweet or unsweet?"

"Sweet."

"I'll have it ready in six minutes."

Lady returns to her seat. Meanwhile, another LOL (Little Old Lady) pays for her meal and approaches the worker, who informs her the tea isn't finished yet.

"I want tea."

"I know..." The worker tells her it will be about five minutes.

"I only like tea with my meal." She goes to the cashier, who tells her she's sorry, but there's none available. In a huff, she takes a seat.

A few seconds after that, a LOM (Little Old Man) walks up, the lid to his cup off. He's obviously looking for a refill. He says 'Excuse me' to the worker and reaches for the Unsweet Tea handle.

"Sir, I'm making it right now. If you'll wait a few minutes..."

"I want unsweetened." And reaches for the handle again.

"Sir, there's nothing in there yet."

Apparently, he didn't believe her and held his up under the nozzle, turning it once, twice, and then a THIRD time!

"When will it be finished?" And then HE walks over to the counter!

The SU and I were cracking up! What part of 'I'm making it; be patient' do these people not understand?

As Bill Engval says, "Here's your sign!"

Where were the Candid Camera guys?

Have a good day!

Terrific Tuesday with J Travis Grundon

Today I am honored to have my good friend and author J Travis Grundon with me! Travis introduced me to my current Laptop Society aka Crit Group aka Writer's Guild and has also encouraged me to stretch my imagination. He moved away last summer, so we don't get to see each other very often. Thank God for Face Book!


Welcome! Please introduce yourself and tell us about your latest release.

My name is J. Travis Grundon, my friends call me Travis. I recently served as an editor and contributor on Forrest J Ackerman's Anthology of the Living Dead. I also have my own collection of short fiction, Eclectic Collection due out this Spring. This book features amost of my previously published short stories from Concrete Blood, Twisted Dreams, and more.


Have you ever had an idea for a story which scared you after you began writing it?

It's funny you should ask, because I recently spend 6 hours working on a Lovecraft influenced story that had me very unnerved. I was all alone, with the lights off, and eerie music playing. Soon, I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder, and being startled by the silliest things. I thought the story had a great, creepy feel to it, but as I was near the end of the tale...my computer died, and I was unable to retrieve the story and the idea had left me.


Have you incorporated actual events from your own life into your books?

I try to write from real life. I think life is truly stranger than fiction. Even if I'm working on horror I try to make the characters as real as possible. I tend to draw from the people around me, or make up stories about strangers.


How much research do you do? Do you research first and then write, or do you write first, then research as needed?

I research as needed, but It can be a double edge sword. I often get lost in my research.

I am working on a pro-wrestling fiction book, and spend hours watching WWE and TNA, or reading about wrestling in the old days.

I am also very intrigued by the Mothman phenomenon. I have spent countless hours reading and listening to (audio book) John Keel's book. I've watched the movie, so much I know it by heart, and I have devoted more time into Mothman web-searches, than I have to sleep in the last three months.

.
Is there any message you want readers to take from reading your work?

I want to give the reader the same experience I look for when I read a book. I want to change the way they look at something.

Even for people who've never read Psycho (or seen the movie), Robert Bloch changed the way we think about taking a shower, just like Stephen King made us change the ways we look at the death of a pet. Then Thomas Harris changed the way we think about fava beans and a nice Chianti. The author of Choke and Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk, even changed the way many of us looked at things like soap, a foot massage, and people we've know our whole life.

In my opinion a great story teller can change the way we think about everything. I want to be one of those authors.

I try to work in in subliminal messages, about my work being as great as Chuck Palahniuk. It would be nice if readers caught that.
(Please, note: I'm probably only joking!)

Are you a plotter or a pantser? And have you ever had a story take on a life of its own?

Every story I write takes on a life of it's own. 99.9% of the time I don't control what I write. If I need to finish one story, or start something with set guidelines, my mind will produce something on the other side of the fence. This is why I have so many “Work In Progress” files on my computer.

I also talk about my characters like they are real people. I'll hear their voices feeding me dialog, at the strangest moments. I'm sure a lot of people think I'm crazy, but I think you have to be a little crazy to write fiction. An author really needs a certain level of schizophrenia to write convincing dialog.




How long did it take for you to be published?

It didn't take long to get published. It just took the testicular fortitude to walk up to a publisher and an editor and say “Hi, I'm Travis. I'm a write and I was wondering if you were open for fiction submissions at this time.”

The publication I'm talking about wasn't actually open for submission, and they sure as hell didn't publish horror, but they told me that they would take a look at what I had. I agreed that it sounded fair. I send them three stories, and they like two of the three well enough to publish them in back to back issues of their magazine.





If you could go back and tell yourself anything when you first began your writing career, what would you say?

I would LOVE to go back in time and tell myself not to let it go to my head. Once I had two stories published in a small press magazine, I thought I was the the neatest thing since Oxi Clean.

It can be hard to find the confidence to follow your dream and not cross the line into being an egomaniac, at least it was for me. I sadly burned a lot of bridges, hurt a lot of friendships and stifled my own career. A sea of rejection letters and failed projects brought me back to earth. Some of the past damage can't be fixed, but I would like to think I have my head and heart in the right place now.

Laptop or pen and ink? What are your ‘must-haves’ when writing?

Coffee and music are a must. I have said more than once that the more caffeine I have in my system the faster my mind works and I can write for hours.

Music drives me. I love so much music that I have a multiple playlists for every story or project I'm working on. I'm particularly fond of jazz and movie score music when I write.

I like to write on my laptop, so I don't have to write the same thing twice, but I do A LOT of hand writing. I carry a notebook around with me everywhere, and I constantly have ideas written all over my hand and little scraps of paper.

I've also discovered that if I write something on paper, when I go to type it later, I may have a better idea or way to express what I was thinking.

Who are your favorite authors? Who would you say influenced you the most?

Despite my lack of free time, I love to read. I read everything from novels and short story collections to comics (graphic novels) and several magazine.

My favorite writers and authors include Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Love Craft, Raymond Chandler, Mickey Spillane, Robert B. Parker, Robert Bloch, Jack Kerouac, Hunter S. Thompson, Earnest Hemingway, Chuck Palahniuk, Etgar Kerret, Steph Chbosky, Bret Easton Ellis, Amy Hemple and Nick Hornby, just to name a few.

I also really enjoy comic scribes Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Garth Ennis (Punisher) and Daniel Way (Deadpool).

Film has also influenced me much like books and comics have. Movies like Snatch, The Big Labowsky and Taxi Driver are great stories, and they have all of the qualities of a great books, interesting characters, witty dialog, and a rich plot line.

Some of these ideas, wouldn't transfer to book well, but others are incredible and I think if Guy Richie or the Coen Bros., made books instead of movies they'd be just as successful.

This is the style I love the most. These authors and writers are where my real influence comes from, outside of real life.



What would your readers be surprised to learn about you?

If there is any crazy secret...it would be that I'm a sucker for a romantic comedy and I LOVE movies that make me cry. I think a few of my “shocking” favorite movies include Definitely, Maybe, Sweet November, French Kiss and Legends of the Fall.

For Fun:
Are there any Easter scenes in your books?

None, that I can remember, but I think I may need to write one!

What is your favorite Easter memory?

I don't know if it's my favorite, but I remember one Easter, when I ate three boxes of Peeps and I got really sick. I haven't been able to eat them since, and I haven't wanted to.

Do you garden, or do you have a black thumb like me?

I'd like to think I have normal thumbs. I love nature and organic foods, but I don't like dealing with hoes and spreading my seeds!

Thank you for being here today! Please tell us where we can find your books.

Thanks for having me and please look for Concrete Blood on Amazon and Forrest J Ackerman's Anthology of the Living Dead everywhere fine books are sold.

Also watch for Eclectic Collection by J. Travis Grundon, available everywhere, Spring of 2010!!!

Website: www.travisgrundon.com
Blog: http://jtravisgrundon.blogspot.com

Happy Monday!

Currently Reading: I'm loving Kelley Nyrae's Getting Lucky With Luciano! The humor is also a bonus, and can't wait to return to it!

Print: Am halfway through Jamie Carie's fourth book, Love's First Light:)

I'm blogging over at Romance Books R Us. Go over and leave me a comment?

Update on wip: I did manage to get to the middle of page 3:)

Come back tomorrow for my interview with good friend J Travis Grundon!

Saturday's Stupid Saying

Frozen Tasteless Smoke Treated Tuna Steak
label on a box of frozen fish, Indonesia

Not much to say today. I'm going to be doing laundry, working on my new wip, and going grocery shopping. I managed to write an entire page yesterday, so at my current speed, I should be able to add a page and a half! If I'm lucky, and the family leaves me alone, I'll get more accomplished.

Have a good weekend and I'll report my progress on Monday:)

More Track Pictures and Flashback Friday: Starting A New Job

Here's the discus pics I promised:)

The wind-up...















The throw....













His best one only measured 59' last night, but again, there were others who scratched or threw shorter distances. And the team won again!












Here's W attempting the high jump...one of K's friends tried to help him....













He told him to try diving over the bar forwards instead of backwards. Didn't. Quite. Work. But he had fun!

After this shot was taken, he helped C raise the bar again so he could continue practicing, dusted off his hands, and informed me "Mom, I need to practice jumping HIGH!"





1990:
My stress level with the Idiot in my life (see Valentine's Day) had begun to affect my job. After some discussion with my very understanding boss, he reluctantly had to let me go. I applied for and got a position at a home for physically and mentally disabled adults and children. After six weeks on the job ( I'd begun working in mid-March), my strengths were beginning to be noticed. I was good at working with the extremely low-functioning ones; my imagination kicked in with the aid of the radio as I worked with them and 'danced' with those in wheelchairs. I was also good with the higher-functioning adults, as we worked on life skills. I was also particularly good with getting everyone's teeth brushed after meals, and encouraging a few of the behavior problem ones to cooperate with me, without getting bitten:)

According To The Stars....

Currently Reading: LOVED April's Sexy Games! And started on Ral's Woman by Laurann Dohner yesterday and am finding it hard to put down:) I was late getting out of the car to get my youngling, and when I picked up my daughter from driver's ed, she rather huffily asked if we could get going. Kids. Don't they understand the lure of a good book anymore? Next time S is deep in Twilight, I'll get exasperated with her, ha ha! Print Book: Enjoyed Mommy By Mistake and am interested in reading Rowan Coleman's other books. Now I'm reading Why Hoosiers Can't Pronounce Indianapolis. Never heard of it? Think of it as the Hoosier version of the Redneck Dictionary.

I'm going to be famous.

Seriously.

"If you start a creative project around the time of the new moon on Wednesday, it will work out better than you expected. (Pssst: It could even make you famous!)

Yes, I know; I saw it too. 'Could'.

Guess I'll keep going...and hope that if the above does come true, let's hope that's famous in a good way.

'Remember When...'
Sunday, I was listening to a classic American Top 40 countdown from 1984. With all of the 'retro' stations and the 'we play anything' song lists, I was curious about the top ten songs from this time during my senior year of high school. How many did I remember, and how many are still played today?

Not many.

Here's the list:
10) Jump-Van Halen (I do hear this one occasionally)
9) Adult Education-Hall and Oats
8) Hold Me Now- Thompson Twins (This one's played every now and then)
7) Here Comes The Rain Again- Eurythmics (Yup...heard this one the other day)
6) Miss Me Blind- Culture Club (Remember Boy George and his strange hair?)
5) Automatic- Pointer Sisters
4) Hello- Lionel Richie (Loooooved this one, esp the video!)
3) Somebody's Watching Me-Rockwell (Heard sometimes)
2) Against All Odds- Phil Collins (Another fave from Phil!)
1) Footloose-Kenny Loggins

So 4 out of 10. And how many can you instantly recall? My opinion doesn't count, as I just heard them the other day. But it did bring back memories of my prom! And Casey Kasem stated this was the first time Michael Jackson did NOT have a hit in the countdown. But he did sing back-up on Rockwell's song (Rockwell was Barry Gordie's (MJ's producer) son).

No ballroom dancing for me tonight. We have another track meet. And today will be our last day of eighty degree weather, as rain is moving in tomorrow. And still no sign of the handyman, so I guess I'll put the buckets and towels back under our 'mushroom cloud' leak in the living room.

Pictures Say It All:)

Thought I'd show you what I've been up to lately:)

Here's me, my youngest W (striped shirt) and his new buddy B on Easter Sunday (B went to church with us).









Fellow authors and friends BB Walter and J. Travis Grundon. Unfortunately, Travis' mom passed away unexpectedly April 1st. While it was good to see him, we were all sorry for his loss. Travis is also next week's Terrific Tuesday author, so please stop by next week:)









My friends T and B. B began giving ballroom dancing lessons; here's him teaching T to waltz:)













Sunday, we had a farewell dinner for my adopted daughter S and baby S. She's moved to Kentucky yesterday to live with the baby's father. Hopefully, they'll be back next month for K's graduation! I'm going to miss my 'nephew/grandson'....









I forgot to take the camera to K's first track meet last week; here he is preparing to throw the shot put.












The 'wind up'....












He throws!













Good effort!













That particular throw measured 32'! He's not the best, but certainly not the worst:)












W, enjoying himself during the meet. Camera batteries died right after I took this, so no pics of the discus. K threw a personal best of 70', so hopefully after the next meet tomorrow, I'll have more pics:)

His team did win on Monday!

Terrific Tuesday with Laura Tolomei:)

RECOGNIZING VIRTUS




As most of you know by now, one of my favorite themes is re-incarnation. Traces of it can be found in practically all my books and Vthe Virtus Saga is no exception.

The three main characters already have a long history between them even if apparently, it’s the first time they lay eyes on each other. And the feeling’s never one-sided alone…

Virtus Saga
The Books
Book 1 The Sex – available
Book 2 The Game – May 15th 2010
Book 3 The Festival
Book 4 The Fitting
Book 5 The Pledge
Book 6 The Heat
Book 7 The Trace
Book 8 The Guardian

The World
Sex, sex and more sex without limits or boundaries—not in numbers, not in gender, whether it’s the phase, the pledge or the heat—such is Sendar’s very foundation, an apparently peaceful planet, without the usual pestilences associated with mankind, wars, hunger, violence. But is it really so?

The Characters
Lost while returning home, Duncan Caldwell, only son and heir of Prince Charles Caldwell, finds shelter in Ylianor Meyer’s rundown shack. The beautiful woman has a very familiar air, but for the life of him, he cannot remember who she is or resist the attraction he feels, despite his aristocratic tastes. So he offers her a job as Black Rose’s stable keeper, only to find out she’s the daughter of his father’s mistress. But will this stop the fatal pull drawing him to her bed?

Lord Christopher Templeton is fiercely in love with Duncan Caldwell, a love started before either was old enough to know what love is, which continues until Duncan decides it’s time for him to find a woman. But Chris is determined to hold on to his prince no matter what it takes, even if he has to face the hated rival he had already driven away from his lover’s side, once, so long ago.

Ylianor Meyer has been in love with Duncan Caldwell since the very beginning, growing up with him on the green hills and cliffs of Black Rose. Banned by Prince Charles’s mate, she hasn’t seen Duncan for over 10 years, but when he walks in her rundown shack, she knows she still loves him as passionately as when she was merely nine-years-old. So she follows him, no matter what the consequences, no matter what his despicable lover will do to drive her away…again.

Lord Arthur Fairchild, leader of the High Council, knows time is slipping away from his grasp and Sendar will be condemned if his hero doesn’t come forth soon. So he summons him—not just him, but also the ones he’s connected to by lifetimes of bonding love and feelings so strong they’ve transcended time and space. And the uncontrollable power, the Virt, the energy running wild on Sendar only complicate matters.

The pyramid
Three-sided like the three lovers full of power and explosive feelings, Virtus controls Sendar in ways they have yet to discover and if they can, change.

The story
Unknown to most, powerful forces dominate Sendar’s feudal-like society, the ability to wield destructive energy so strong in some people, it’s threatening to devastate their world. But to reach a new balance you have to learn, grow, blend with the world from which you come, then go beyond it before the world collapses into chaos. And that’s what Duncan, Chris and Ylianor must learn to do if sex, power, magic, passion and jealousy won’t stand in their way.


The Sex
Virtus Book 1
By Laura Tolomei
GENRE: GLBT, Gay, GLBT, Fantasy, Paranormal, Adventure, Ménage, m/m, m/m/f, m/f
ISBN: 978-1-55487-516-0
LENGTH: 308 pages
HEAT LEVEL: 4 flames
RELEASE DATE: March 15th, 2010
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
COVER ARTIST: Angela White

BLURB
If Sendar stood a chance perhaps it would be thanks to the arbitrary twists and turns of a blind destiny. Or maybe someone would discover the truth about the ancient ways and compromise our peaceful existence forever. Either way, people needed a hero to shed new light on the age-old mysteries. And he was just about to answer their prayers.

EXCERTP PG
Christopher Templeton
All my father’s fault anyway, for wanting to send me, his third and youngest son, to the Caldwell’s to broaden my horizons, or so he claimed. Clinging to his two brothers, eight-years-old Chris had wanted to tell James Templeton it was a useless attempt for his convictions would never change no matter how far he went, but his young age had prevented any serious argument. Still, he was old enough to know what he wanted from life and women were definitely not on the list, in spite of what his father said or did.
Alas, nothing stopped the tragic—or rather blessed, as he later came to see it—chain of events. Exiled from his home, Fair Haven, little Chris had set out on a long journey, for which he had no taste or choice either, cursing the Caldwell’s at every step, along with anyone even remotely connected to them, until destiny had caught up with him at Black Rose’s last bend.
Twisting around the many hills leading up to the estate, he first heard a boy’s happy shout. “Ready or not, here I come.” Another curve and he glimpsed the back of him, dark head lit by Stella’s rays. “It’s no good running, Ylianor.” The boy kept yelling at a little girl. “I’ll catch you.” He seemed all set to go while Chris approached the last bend, but curiously something stopped him and he looked over his shoulder one second before Chris came into full view on the other side of the hill.
With a heart pounding so fast it could’ve dropped out at any moment, Chris had stared at the piercing black eyes transfixed, unmoving, unable to talk, think, breathe or do much else besides recognizing the dark-haired boy, though he had never set eyes on him before in his life. And that the other boy knew him, too, Chris read it clearly in the inquisitive gaze. So it happened, impossibility becoming reality as the unconscious tried to shed light on age-old connections that obviously neither had ever forgotten, though they seemed incomprehensible at present.

Ylianor Meyer
Having witnessed the incredible experience, memory played it back in slow motion, frame by agonizing frame, still unexplainably fresh after all this time. Incredible as it seemed, Ylianor was sure Duncan had felt Chris’s presence a fraction of a second before their eyes ever met.
Time had stood still while they stared at one another and Ylianor saw them discover a prior connection so strong it was virtually impossible to unlink. Destined to be as one in the spiritual realm, the two souls had met again, under different names, shapes and circumstances, for one more journey together in the material dimension, their paths inextricably entwined since the beginning of time. When exactly they had forged their bond seemed impossible to tell and even if the conscious level had no recollection of the previous lifetimes, their souls called out in recognition and full acceptance of their destiny.


Laura Tolomei
Website www.lallagatta.com

Monday Morning Ramble

Currently Reading: Still on Sexy Games:) I also finished Just Rewards by Barbara Taylor Bradford....and nearly cried twice when two more original characters 'died of old age'. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of family members in series which span over 1oo years, but thankfully, there's a family tree at the beginning of the book! Now I'm reading Mommy By Mistake by Rowan Coleman.


So Tiger Woods scolded himself over the weekend. Big Deal! He's been busy repairing his reputation, not his golf game! And I thought he did pretty damn well, finishing fourth. Remember Michael Jordan's comeback? He threw an air ball in his first game! A pro basketball player, who can't even hit the net? That's nearly unheard of. So quit beating yourself up, Tiger. You're still in good form. You just had a couple of lousy shots this weekend. Get over yourself.

In other news, a Tennessee mom sent her adopted son back to Russia. Alone, with a note explaining why she was sending him back. Yes, an outrageous way to return a seven-year-old child. There's no word on if the adoption was finalized, or if she tried other resources before shipping him off. But still...sending him off ALONE?? The kid already has psychological issues; now he's going to have more, because he's been rejected twice. First by birth mom, and now by adopted mom. And no, don't jump all over me for the 'rejected by birth mom'...I'm simply speculating on how HE sees it.

I did see an expert say there are little resources for international adoptions, but I still think a better solution could have been reached.

And finally, RIP Dixie Carter, better known as Julia Sugerbaker on Designing Women.

Did I do any writing this weekend? No. But at least I have characters whispering in my ear again...they just don't want me to write anything down just yet. Whenever I pull up a wip or open a document, they run and hide. So maybe this week they will not be so shy?

On a disturbing note...did anyone know that Limp Bizkit made a remake of George Michael's Faith? Oh my aching ears...am hearing it on the Retro Rock channel.

Saturday's Stupid Saying

The wet nurse wants rock candy to decoct papayas
English subtitle in a Hong Kong kung0fu movie

Currently Reading: I'm enjoying Sexy Games, especially a particular scene in which the heroine concocts a way to get around a 'no sex' rule! Veeeery clever:) Print: I'm up to part 3 of Just Rewards. And given the discussion on purple prose over at the Writer's Evo blog, I think I'm reading some. All the descriptions get tedious after a while, even though they leave a vivid picture of the surroundings and the clothing!

Not much to say today. Have one load of laundry and I hope to write something today! I wrote in my journal for a few minutes while the youngest commandeered the computer. I then went through the longhand wips, but just came up blank. Today I plan to investigate the ones on my flash drive. Wish me luck! My creativity just feels clogged! I need some creative Drain-O for my imagination.

I did get the SU to take me out to dinner last night. We went to the Mexican restaurant, in honor of Regina's birthday yesterday:) Everyone have a good weekend!

Flashback Friday: Easter, Choir Contest and Skipping Ahead Five Years...

Currently Reading: Still on Sexy Games; I've made it up to Ch 6! Print: I'm now reading Barbara Taylor Bradford's Just Rewards.

1970: A funny thing happened this Easter: The Easter Bunny left us Hula Hoops! Being a nice sunny day, my sis and I dressed for church and headed out to play. Unfortunately, we didn't know the grass was still damp. My mom has a wonderful picture of us with our wet shoes and muddy hems: I'm standing in the street, having chosen to roll my hoop in my long skirt; my sis is standing in the yard with her red hoop around her waist, with her new white shoes with grass stains! Both of our hands were dirty from the ground; we were slightly late getting to church, as Mom made us wash our hands and tried to salvage W's shoes!

1980: Our annual Choir Contest was in April (I think!). The weather was bright and sunny, not at all like the solo/ensamble contest, which was miserable, and I was fighting a cold! I did earn second place for my rendition of 'Lullaby'. Anyway, we performed three songs and got a 1st place for Girl's Choir:)

1985: A much better Easter memory occurred this week: I'd gone home for the Easter holidays and returned to college. My roommate's boyfriend called and asked her to bring a friend along for his buddy who was home on leave from the Air Force. She asked another roommate first, who wasn't interested. I was in a rebellious mood and volunteered. E looked uncertain, but told T to bring S over to meet me. Half an hour later, I met the man who would inspire my Arbor U series. We had a love/hate/very co-dependent relationship for years until I wised up!

Ever Have One Of Those Days?
Tuesday, I could barely get away from the computer and phone. Today, I can't seem to stay home! We had things to do on Tuesday, but every time I tried to leave, I'd either get another email from a friend or the phone would ring. And today, I woke up motivated to get things accomplished. My SU decided to take his time, so by the time we finally walked out the door, my motivation was shot. Ever have that happen? I should have just left without him. But, I was hoping for breakfast at Denny's with him. Maybe next week...

Happy Birthday to Regina Carlysle!!!!

"I Want My Old Walmart Back!"

Yes, change is good. But in a store you've memorized?

Change SUCKS!

They are 'improving' our Super Walmart. The new color scheme is okay, albeit a little on the bright side over in the food section. K wonders if the goal is to blind shoppers with the brilliant neon yellow so they forget to look at the rising prices.

I think the pharmacy area is staying the same; at least, they haven't touched it yet. But the rest?
Grrrr....
-Electronics is now at the BACK of the store, instead of a quick hop past the jewelry counter.
-The only difference I see in Toys is the bicycle rack has been moved to the END of the section instead of out in front by the pharmacy (thankfully...W always wants to go look at the bikes while I'm getting shampoo, toothpaste, etc!)
-Housewares and office supplies are no longer 'conveniently' across from the food; now the only time I'll wander through is if I go through the pharmacy side door and turn left. I used to browse after buying cookies....
-Cleaning supplies are pushed against the far wall by the dairy counter. I used to go past the clothing department, turn right into the laundry aisle, and get pet food on my way to dairy. Now I'll have to change my route...
-They've done away with the self-checkout stands. Double grrr....
-As I was leaving yesterday, I noticed they're changing the food aisles around, and the bakery section was being remodeled. Damn it...I'm going to have to take extra time now to discover where the hell they've moved my usual products!!
-And never saw sporting goods...and the craft section has shrunk...whatever happened to 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'???

On the other hand, our only other supermarket got overhauled last year and the changes are GOOD! Things are easier to find and workers are always on hand to help you.

Update on Roof:
Handyman never returned; Rain fell last night and roof leaked again. Thankfully, I was prepared with towels and buckets. If I didn't post it and you're wondering what the hell I'm talking about, our LR roof sprang a leak Saturday morning. I called the landlord, who sent out the handyman Monday. He said he'd throw a tarp on it, but hasn't come back. Landlord will be back in town next week; hopefully something will be done soon.

I'm off to the dentist to finally repair the filling which fell out in February and to fill another tooth on that side. The right side of my mouth will be numb this afternoon. I predict my children will enjoy making fun of me until the novacain wears off and I can speak clearly again!

"We Have A Project For You..."

Currently Reading: Finished Strip Poker For Two while at the dr's office. WOW! I really enjoyed the phone sex scenes! Great story April! Recommended Read:) Next up: April's Sexy Games.

First of all, everything's okay with the SU. The eye dr was happy with his exam, and he only has to put drops in his eye four times a day instead of every two hours. Yay! He also seems to be rebounding from his drop in blood pressure/irregular heartbeat this morning.

Secondly, I was not able to go to crit group last night, as K's first track meet was at the same time. I was disappointed to miss it, for a dear friend, the one who introduced me to everyone, was in town again. BUT, he contacted me and said 'the party' was moving to another friend's house. After the meet was over, I fed my family and headed over.

Turns out everyone was brainstorming, and since one member of our group is now teaching ballroom dancing, someone suggested he and I collaborate on a storyline similar to a Dancing With The Stars theme to it.

Also, it was mentioned the project I signed up for, but wrote the wrong story for, is still green-lighted. Only...they still want me to rewrite my story or create another one. I was fully prepared to be left out of the project, but it looks as if I'm being given a second chance:)

So now I really have to get motivated and find some writing time. Maybe this will finally unclog my creativity? I'm still waiting to hear from my publisher concerning Kenzie's Class Reunion and my Forbidden Love; and edits on Kenzie's Teacher's Pet.

And since my festival agreements are beginning to arrive, I'd really like to get cracking on the TP edits, so I can have some sort of idea when this book will be released!

Check Back Later...

The SU has something going on with his heart. Apparently he passed out while I was taking W to school, and his BP is either 110/65 or 90/65. I can't get a good 'read' on it, and when I put the stethescope to his heart, the beats are irregular. Plus, he has an eye appointment at 11:30.

Heading down to shower and get ready in case I have to take him to the hospital. Had good news to share, but it will have to wait. So check back later today:)

Everyone have a great day!

Head Scratch Moment...

Note: The author scheduled for today has been rescheduled. Check back next week for another Terrific Tuesday Interview:)

Currently Reading: Strip Poker For Two by April Ash:) I'm on Chapter 3 and can't wait to get back to it:) Print: Still on Only A Duke Will Do.

Found On The Writer Beware Blog:
I bought an e-reader for travel and was eager to begin "Under the Dome," the new Stephen King novel. Unfortunately, the electronic version was not yet available. The publisher apparently withheld it to encourage people to buy the more expensive hardcover. So I did, all 1,074 pages, more than three and a half pounds. Then I found a pirated version online, downloaded it to my e-reader and took it on my trip. I generally disapprove of illegal downloads, but wasn’t this O.K.?

Cohen's response: "An illegal download is — to use an ugly word — illegal. But in this case, it is not unethical." Although the questioner violated copyright law, s/he is in the moral clear because s/he paid for the book, and "[b]uying a book or a piece of music should be regarded as a license to enjoy it on any platform."

He goes on to say...
Sadly, the anachronistic conventions of bookselling and copyright law lag the technology...It’s true that you might have thwarted the publisher’s intent — perhaps he or she has a violent antipathy to trees, maybe a wish to slaughter acres of them and grind them into Stephen King novels. Or to clog the highways with trucks crammed with Stephen King novels. Or perhaps King himself wishes to improve America’s physique by having readers lug massive volumes.

With a little stretching, Cohen's you-bought-it-you-can-steal-it argument can cover anyone...

I'm having an issue with this. Under his rationalization, since I've bought and downloaded numerous e-books from my blogmates, I am now free to steal a print copy, simply because I've already bought it. Bull sh*t.

But on the flip side, one commenter wrote:
I'm a writer who's currently published only electronically, so piracy hits me particularly hard. When I eventually get a hardcopy book out there (which might happen within the year), though, I personally will have no problem with someone who pays the higher price for a paperback (since my publisher is sane on this subject) then downloading a copy of the e-book, or even getting a copy from a friend who has the e-book. They already bought the book, and if they want to read it on their e-reader as well as in paper, that's fine with me. My publisher might well complain, but I have no problem with it.

Go over and see for yourself. There's a considerable argument in the comments.

What's your take on it? Once you buy a physical book, do you 'have the right' to download a pirated copy? Or is it a gray area, such as buying a CD and then putting it on your iPod?

NCAA Championship:
Congratulations to the Duke Blue Devils for their win over the Butler Bulldogs, 61-59. It was a nail-biter to the final seconds! Better luck next year, Butler!

Anticipation...

Currently Reading: Still on Only A Duke Will Do and Mitch. I should finish both today:)

An interesting discussion was held Saturday night, over what the Easter Bunny would possibly leave in the baskets this year. And yes, this discussion took place after the six-year-old youngling was fast asleep.

SU: She buys her own Christmas gifts, too, and wraps them up to leave under the tree.

K: How can you do that? Why not enjoy them right away?

Me: For one thing, I'd have nothing under the tree if I didn't. And secondly, have you never heard of delayed gratification?

SU and K: Forget that...we want it now!

That got me thinking....have we as a society gotten so used to the NOW we've forgotten patience? We have TV on demand; movies on demand; money at our fingertips (ATM and credit cards), and for the past 15 or so years, information on demand, ala the internet. Who waits by the mailbox, waiting for letters anymore? Now we haunt our email inboxes. We leave impatient messages on people's voice mails. And get mad if their cell phones are off, or they don't get back to us 'immediately'.

Food prep is also speedy. We have thirty minute meals, ten minute entrees, and fast food. We also search for the shortest lines at the supermarket. And six years ago, I was incensed with my parents when they allowed my teens to opt to leave the Disney World area and go back to the motel, in order to swim. What happened to the parents who made me wait in long lines just to ride It's A Small World? My daughter was thrilled when I 'forced' her to go on Pirates of the Caribbean. Granted, most of the line was air conditioned. And she also endured the sweltering, 90 minute wait for the Jungle Cruise. My son, who absolutely refused, was disappointed when she eagerly recounted the two rides.

"Maybe....I should have gone on it."

Yes, you should have. We were at Disney, for heaven's sake! If you're hot, go sit in an air-conditioned cafe and drink lots of water while waiting in line!

Authors have to exercise patience while waiting for acceptance letters, release dates, and royalty checks. And granted, everyone has to wait for new movie releases and TV shows. But when was the last time you put off buying something so you could enjoy it more?

Delayed Gratification. This also means actually earning a reward. I've put off buying wine until a wip is completed. Saving up to buy something. Saving up for a trip instead of eating out. And yes, seeing packages with my name on it, rather than already enjoying a new outfit, book, or CD. Even movies.

The next time you get the urge to buy something, put it off for a day or two. The anticipation might just enhance your enjoyment once you finally know it's yours. (Note: This does not pertain to sale items, lol!)

Final Game Tonight!
Butler vs Duke! I'm going with Butler, the hometown fave!

Saturday's Stupid Saying and Update On Hubby

Happy Easter!

We Sell Handguns

sign in front of a Racine, Wisconsin store

Currently Reading: Still on Mitch by Dakota Rebel:) I've only got twenty or so pages left, and am anxious to see how the secondary conflict is resolved. I was actually disappointed she put it in, as it's reminiscent of a certain other series, but as it also goes along with her first published book, so I understand the reason behind it. You can tell Dakota put a lot of heart, love, and thought into this book. Recommended Read.

Next up: Strip Poker For Two by April Ashe

Print Book: Finished Whispered Secrets last night, and this one was MUCH better than the first one, imho!

Next up; Only A Duke Will Do by Sabrina Jeffries

SU's Eye Update:
He's following the dr's orders, somewhat, and can be found lying down on the couch, or in bed for certain stretches of time. But with the weather being near 80 at times the past few days, I've often found him on the porch swing.

I have to put three different drops in his eye, every two hours. I've made up a chart, in order to keep track, and am constantly watching the clock, so if I do need to go to the store, I can be back in time for the next round.

He's also fighting with his cardiologist concerning his INR/ProTime numbers, and is getting tired of his every other day blood draw. But hopefully today's number will satisfy the cardiologist and he can go back to his regular, every two week schedule.

What are your plans for Easter? Usually we do ham and all the trimmings, but since we had the party last week, I think we may just go the casual route this year. We can't go to anyone's house, due to his inability to stay down, so maybe after church we'll just have a nice relaxing day. Not telling you what the Easter Bunny's bringing the kids; they have a habit of reading this! I'll fill you in on Monday:)

Whatever your plans, have a safe and happy Easter!

Final Four:
Butler vs Michigan St
Duke vs West Virginia

I'm picking Butler and Duke...but it could just as easily be Mich S vs WV! Check back on Monday...

RIP John Forsythe, aka 'Charlie' and 'Blake Carrington'. In the late 70's, my sis and I longed to know what Charlie looked like! Didn't watch Dynasty on a regular basis, but never missed an episode of Charlie's Angels!

April Reading Schedule

I'm up to Ch 18 on Dakota Rebel's Mitch. Afterward, I'll be reading:
Ral's Woman-Laurann Dohner
Strip Poker For Two- April Ashe
Sexy Games- April Ashe

Print Books:
Finished Married Lovers by Jackie Collins and am now diving into Secret Whispers, the sequel to The Heavenstone Secrets by VC Andrews. Since I found the first one slightly tedious, I predict I'll get through it quickly. And the next book up is Only A Duke Will Do by Sabrina Jeffries.

The rest of the print books purchased last month are:
Just Rewards- Barbara Taylor Bradford (Again, I can't remember if I've already read this one)
Mommy By Mistake- Rowan Coleman
Why Hoosiers Can't Pronounce 'Indianapolis'- John W. Terhune (I've actually wanted this one for several years)
Love's First Light- Jamie Carie
Angel's Den-Jamie Carie
Until I Find You- John Irving (Given to me by my father...he found it slightly distasteful, but knowing my love of JI's books, he passed it on for me to keep; he doesn't want it back!)
Trying To Save Piggy Sneed (A compilation of JI's works; again, it's mine to keep:)

Projected Buying Schedule:
4-5
Unexpected Mr. Right-Kelley Nyrae(Parker-publishing.com)
Lucky Luciano-Kelly Nyrae
In The Dark-Rob Graham (AMP)
The Gift-Rob Graham (AMP)
Czech Mate-Sloane Taylor (AMP)

4-12
Golden Opportunity- Donna Marie Rogers (TWRP)
Finding Their Way Back-CSP (TWRP)
Curses-CSP (TWRP)
Phantom’s Pleasure- Brynn Paulin (TEB)
Simon Says-Ashley Ladd (TEB)

4-19
Anytime Darlin’-Julia Barrett (Resp. Press)
Body of Art-Bronwyn Green (Resplendence)
Two Plus One-Brynn Paulin (Resplendence??)
Chasing Temptation-Regina Carlysle (Resplendence Pub)
Dragon’s Blood-Brynn Paulin (Resplendance Pubb)

4-26
Flavors of Ecstasy- CSP et al (EC)
Stone and Fire-CSP (EC)
Out of Her Dreams- Fran Lee (EC)
Marry Me, Marietta-CSP (EC)
Exploring Ari-CSP (EC)

Again, it is highly unlikely I'll buy every book on this list, so they may overlap into May. But my TBB list has now been reduced to 63, and this doesn't count any new books which I may have overlooked. And as you can see, I've lumped them by publisher. I finally got tired of site hopping, in order to buy the books. And I'm also catching up on a few authors' backlists!