It's a new day!!

Hello everyone.

It has been a while since I've written in my blog. Things have been happening. I'll share some of those things...as well as I have a surprise for you at the end. SO KEEP READING!

Let me start by saying on July 15th my newest grandson, Eli, came into this world. It was a difficult delivery but mother (Molly) and son made it through. Local grandparents (Scott & I), the boys (Scotty & Koby), and our pastor Phil, (Eli's name sake- Elijah Phillip Moore) and his son Luke had it rough (ha-ha) waiting in a huge waiting room and visiting the cafeteria, while Kelly (Pastor's wife) and Pete (Molly's hubby and Eli's daddy) pushed Molly and Eli through delivery. Eli's grandparents who live in England probably had it tougher than us, since they couldn't be here waiting it out. Nana (Janet-Pete's mom) was thrilled to see pictures of her grandson. Molly's keeping them flowing on facebook.

All-in-all, it was a great day! (in the picture below you catch a peak at Kelly and her little baby bump in the background. She's due in October, I believe.)

Isn't he adorable. That was him right after birth, a little over a month ago. He's so alert now. It's fun to hold him and watch him study your face or respond to your voice. Here is a more recent picture. Not that it shows his alertness...but babies sleep. What can I say?

It's a new day, it's a new life. Isn't God good. Eli sleeps in such peace. That's another thing I love to do, watch him sleep. Suddenly a sweet smile will touch his lips. People say that it's gas...no. It's joy. He's seeing images that make him happy, or thinking pleasant thoughts. When he has gas, we know it and he knows it. Look at that handsome face!! Nana says he looks just like Pete when he was a baby.

Another big thing that happened in this period of silence -- I turned the big 60. Guess what? I feel no different from when I turned 50. I remember thinking how old 60 was when I was a kid. I was so wrong. Sixty is just another number. In fact, for my birthday, Scott took me to the beach to celebrate. He knows that's my favorite place to be. Below is a picture of the view from our room.

We spent a few days soaking in the rays, playing in the water, and having fun...just the two of us. It's been almost 42 years and it keeps getting better. I am so blessed.

My son (Chris) and his wife (Rosie) bought a new home. This one is still in Baton Rouge (yeah!!). They got a great deal and a great home. I'm very proud of them and for them.

Our daughter in California (Rachael) has also moved. She's still in northern California (not Louisiana sad to say, but happy for her). She moved from Dublin to Livermore, moving closer to her job and her friends, and activities she's involved with in the evenings and weekends. She too got a bigger place. Rachael said next time we come out west, instead of kicking her out of her room, she now has a guest room so we can stay longer. Isn't that sweet.

NOW for more big news. My next book-The Truth Revealed. It's scheduled out by the end of the month with Oak Tara's bookstore and the first week of September for the nation. Not sure that's going to happen at this time...a small delay I do believe. The good news is my editor/publisher, Ramona, is well and back to work. I didn't realize how concerned I was for her health until I got the confirmation she was back. You know my faith. I KNOW pray is answered. I KNOW God is in the healing business--we are healed by His blood. I KNOW Ramona's faith is strong in God's word, so why was I getting worried? Yes. I'll use the word I don't like to use cause the Bible tells me--to worry about nothing and pray about everything...which I usually do. But I was "in the world"or "in the flesh" as you might say because when I didn't get a response from her (Ramona) directly, I panicked. Instead of panicking I should have been resting on believing she was back, 100%, and hoping she wasn't overdoing it. The woman never stops! She's like the EverReady battery, the pink bunny (with red hair). I think I've told you this before. Anyway, I worried...but when I got word from one of the OT workers Ramona was back, a peace covered me again. I needed it. With it, I'm back to work on the romance I've been working on -- hopeful to complete by the end of September. It should have been finished in July. I really want to get to work on my new Young Adult fiction series - Lincoln Parks' Adventures. As a writer, you have to keep writing. Sometimes I let my emotions tug me off course. That's not a good thing. A writer needs to keep writing, keep growing, keep learning, keep reading, and just keep on moving forward!! I still don't have a definite on The Truth Revealed, book 3 of The Samantha Cain Series, release date, but when I do, I'll let you know.

Also I mentioned before, the GREAT thing Oak Tara has done for their writers...I think I told you...If not, I'll reveal it now. In 2014 Oak Tara novels (including mine: Be Not Afraid, Testimony of Innocence, & Crime in The Big Easy--maybe even The Truth Revealed and then my romance I'm working on now) will go in chain stores across America. As I've told you before, Oak Tara, my publishing company is growing more and more every year. I was blessed to be connected to them for as a writer I'm growing as well. All of you who write, know how hard it is to get your books in the stores, bookstores, libraries, schools, and anywhere else a book can go...to get them to go into these places without you having to do the pushing. What a blessing! What a relief!! Oak Tara has opened the doors to Deborah Lynne's novels. YES! All of you who read my blog, my website, and my facebook that I tell about my newest release (who don't live in the Baton Rouge area) will still be able to order my books as you've been doing BUT in 2014 you can run to your local WalMart or one of the other chain stores (don't know their names yet, but when I do I will pass them on) and pick up my book as your buying groceries or whatever you've run into the store to get. My local readers will be able too also. Isn't that EXCITING??? It is for me too.

Another note on Deborah Lynne novels...not only are they in the library in Livingston Parish, but now
they are in the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries as well. This too is so exciting to me as a writer. Sure we want our books to sell, but more than that we (I) want our (my) books to be read and enjoyed by all.

Now for the big surprise I have for you. Another interview.

Everyone enjoyed the interview of Elaine Grant, the author of The Caverns and many more. Now I'm interviewing Sylvia Rochester, author of several novels. Read and enjoy:

1.  How long have you been writing?

            First, thanks for having me on your blog.

            I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, I’ve always conjured up stories.   During high school and college, I turned to writing poetry.  Then, about fifteen years ago, I decided to write a novel.  Boy, was I in for a surprise and a long learning curve.  But I’ve got to say, it’s been a wonderful journey.

2.  How many books have you had published? (and their titles)

            To date, I have eight published books.

            The Sweet Smell of Death, When Evil Loves, Come Back My Love, Shadow of the Soul, Courage to Care, Da Vinci’s Lost Years, Deadly Illusion, and Disrobed for Death.

3.  What made you start? 

            I was inspired by the works of other authors, especially the classics.

            I believe we all have a story to tell, and the ones running through my mind were screaming to be heard.

4.  Do you enjoy writing?

            Oh, yes!  Some say the life of a writer is a lonely one.  I disagree.  I might be the only tangible person in the room, but I’m surrounded by a host of characters, all vying to be heard.

5.  What is the name of your latest novel? Tell us a little bit about it.

            Disrobed for Death, Book 1 in the Bawdy Boutique Series.

            Susan Griffin awakes from surgery with one thought—how to stop a murder before it happens.  Only the intended victim refuses to believe that she has foreseen his death.  Worse yet, she hasn’t a clue as to the murderer, and the day of reckoning is but two weeks away.

            As owner of the Bawdy Boutique, Susan’s forte is fashion and frills, not murder and mayhem, so she calls on the two people she trusts the most--Wesley Grissom, a detective with whom she hopes to rekindle a past relationship, and her assistant manager,      A. K. Williams, a forty year old cougar who’s game for anything.  But when Susan uncovers a conspiracy, she finds herself in over her head and dead wrong as to the killer.

            If you like your mystery with a dash of humor and a can-do heroine, this one’s for you.

6.  Have you started book two in the series? Can you give us a sneak peak?

            Book 2, The Corpse Wore Cashmere, is with the editor and due for release February, 2014.

Susan’s vision comes true when Palmetto’s flotilla recovers the remains of a missing resident.  A witness and the victim’s prior employment point to the Mississippi Gulf coast where the annual pirates’ festival is in full swing.  When a swank Biloxi casino contacts the Purple Pickle to supply costumes, Susan and A. K. jump at the chance.  But even the best costumes can’t hide the real evil, and before the weekend is over, no one is safe. 

A. K. wants only a weekend of fun.  Susan, on the other hand, can’t wait to question employees and maybe discover a motive for the murder.  Spurred on by her visions, she ignores warning signs and soon finds herself in the clutches of a killer.  When the local authorities attempt to execute an arrest warrant, the investigation turns upside down, and suspects become victims.

7.  Give us your website so everyone reading this interview can go view not only your books, but also see the gift of art you share with the world as well.

             www.sylviarochester.com.  You can also visit me on Face Book.  Ask to friend me.

8.  Where is the next place you will be signing your book? (give place and time and any details you want to share)

            So glad you asked.  Get ready, Hammond, LA.  Disrobed for Death, Book 1 of the Bawdy Boutique Series, will be available at the Bra la Vie boutique, 221 W. Thomas Street on Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 2 to 4.  Be prepared.  It’s not your typical book signing.  You’ll be greeted by girls in lingerie on swings in the display windows, bubbles machine will be in full force, and I will be wearing red, silk pajamas.  Wine, tea, and refreshments will be served.  Hope you can make it.

* * *

Thank you Sylvia for taking time to chat with me. Keep writing and painting so we can keep enjoying your gifts.

            Thank you, Debbie, for your hospitality.  I look forward to new releases from you, too. 

***

Wasn't that fun??!! I can see Sylvia in red silk PJ's. She is a tall woman who probably could have been a model had she not gotten into world traveling, seeing the darker sides of the world through her military background (I believe). And I love what she said about even when she is alone in a room writing, she may be the only tangible body in the room but she's surrounded by a host of characters...that is so true. I'm like her. I love being a writer and wouldn't change it for the world. BTW, I've read Disrobed for Death and it was great! A real page turner with a lot of laughs, hoots, and serious moments. I can't wait for book 2!!

God bless you all. And to my writer readers - Keep writing!!

Not All About Me: BLOG GUEST AUTHOR PEGGY BECHKO

Not All About Me: BLOG GUEST AUTHOR PEGGY BECHKO: Today's guest author is Peggy Bechko . Peggy has been in the writing biz for quite a while, so I know you'll enjoy reading about ...

Good News in many ways

Good morning to all. My last blog was a little depressing. For those of you who know me personally, you know that is not me. I don't get down or worried. I try to stay upbeat no matter what is going on around me. In fact, some of my friends call me Pollyanna. Well the sunshine is up on the horizon.

Scott (my husband for you new readers) had 3 doctor appointments in 2 days. The first removed skin cancer from his face again. This time it was on the side of his face near the temple. The good news is they got it all and Doc said its the kind of skin cancer, if you get skin cancer, you want it to be. Not bad at all. They looked at the scar from the removal of the skin cancer that had been next to his nose and said it healed nicely. (surgery a few months back). The next good news came yesterday. He saw both his oncologist and his pulmonary doctor. The symptoms he's been experiencing that mirrored the symptoms from three years ago -- they do not believe the cancer is back. Although X-rays showed them the possibility was there which planted the fear in all of our heads a month ago, after doing a CT scan last week, they believe the earlier X-ray that lead them to run the CT scan was showing the pneumonia coming on...remember he was in the hospital for 4 days with antibiotics being pumped into his body. NO CANCER WAS FOUND! You can't beat that. He goes back in 1 month, so they can keep a close eye on his lungs. Thanks for all of the prayers. We appreciated them.

More good news -- My middle child, Molly, who is pregnant with her 3rd child is getting ready for delivery. Eli (the baby) has gotten in position and has dropped. She doesn't believe he'll be holding out to July 21 (Scott's birthday), but that's okay. Eli is big, strong, and healthy...and it looks like he's ready to pop out any day.

Last week I took a trip to Virginia to visit a writer friend of mine. We met years ago before either of us were published...but both with a burning desire to see our works in print. Today we are living the dream within us. Life as a writer. It was a great visit. We saw a little history and met up with some of her newer writer friends at a place called -- The Mudhouse Coffee House. It was pretty cool. The five of us sat around with our laptops open, chatting, sipping brew, and writing at the same time. I actually managed to finish one chapter and write a few pages in the next chapter. We had a great time.

A great idea hit me while my friend, Elaine Grant, and I were sitting out on the upstairs porch talking writing. I had just finished reading her latest book--the first in a series--and she was telling me about the plans for book 2 and book 3 of the series. I said I need to interview you for my blog. So I did. I'm going to copy and paste it below. Check it out.

*****

I’d like to welcome – Elaine Grant, a fellow author, and an amazing writer … I knew this the first day I read a manuscript she had been writing. Her words flowed beautifully, painting a picture in your mind. Her characters are well developed and bring the story to life. Join me as I ask her a few questions. You won’t be sorry.

1.     What type of books do you write, Elaine?

I write contemporary romance, suspense, paranormal and historical, all of which contain a love story.

2.     Do you enjoy writing?

I do enjoy writing though like any occupation, it has its ups and downs, frustrating times as well as joy filled moments.  Holding a book and knowing it is my own unique creation is always a thrill.

3.     How many of your books have been published? And how many of them are still available?

I have five published books.  Make Believe Mom, An Ideal Father, and No Hero Like Him are published by Harlequin.  All are still available in ebook format at Amazon.  My last two from Mountain Writer Publishing, Roses for Chloe and The Caverns are available on Kindle in ebook format as well as trade paperback from Amazon.

4.     What is the name of your latest novel you’ve had published? Tell us about it…

The Caverns is my latest.  Seventeen years after leaving his small hometown of

Cumberland Cove, Tennessee to serve a prison term for the death of a high school friend, Cade Youngblood returns to bury his beloved uncle.  Still the pariah of the village, he enlists the aid of his former high school sweetheart, now a Cumberland Cove police officer, to help him clear his name.  But some folks don't forgive or forget and at least one is willing to kill to protect a dark secret. 

The kernel of this idea came to me while visiting Tuckaleechee Caverns near Townsend Tennessee.  And yes, some of the action takes place in "The Caverns."

I just received word that The Caverns is a finalist in the Tampa Bay Area RWA 2013 TARA Contest.

5.     Congratulations!! Where can we find your novel? And is it available for our electronic readers?

The three books from Harlequin are available for all e-readers at Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, Kobo, etc.  Roses for Chloe and The Caverns are only available for Kindle at this point, although they may become more widely distributed at a later date.

6.  Will there be a sequel to The Caverns?

Yes, The Valley is the next in The Tennessee Mountain Home Series, and should be available in the Fall.  The Mountain, the third book in the series, is slated for a Christmas release.

7.    Can you tell us a little about these next books coming out?

The Valley and The Mountain will continue the lives of Scottie, Cade, Trish, Nick and the other characters of Cumberland Cove as well as introducing more people as time goes by.

*****

I’ll let you all in on a little secret. I’ve read The Caverns and it was fantastic…a great page-turner.  You won’t want to put it down. There is one thing I need to say, there are a couple of curse words in the novel…but I found I skipped right past those few words. You can too, cause I promise, you don’t want to miss this read. (I only point this out because those of you who read my blog know I write in the Inspirational line of fiction and normally that is the line I choose to read. But there are a few authors who write such compelling works, that I read them too -- and Elaine Grant is one of them.)

I hope those of you who love mystery, suspense, and even thrillers, make sure you get The Caverns. You won’t regret it. 

You can go to my website www.author-deborahlynne.com and look under my recommendations of other authors to read, or go straight to hers http://www.elainegrant.com/.

Take care and have a blessed day.

Time Ticks On!

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I have posted on my blog...sorry. A lot has happened this past week. The good thing is, no matter how bad or sad it may be, I know God will get me through it all. And in some of it, I hope He uses me to share the hope in Him.

By now, I'm sure all of you know my husband Scott who is a survivor of lung cancer -- caused by Agent Orange that he was affected by when marching and aiding soldiers in Viet Nam. He was a medic. Anyway, some of the same symptoms he had felt before, started coming back on him. When they took his last chest x-ray, his lung doctor and his oncologist saw something and they said it could be the cancer coming back. He was set up for a CT Scan to determine what it was. Before that appointment could happen he got an horrific case of pneumonia that put him in the hospital for a week. The doctor who treated him for his pneumonia also saw what the others doctors had seen and she too thought it might be the cancer back. When he came home from the hospital, his body was bone tired and of course all the information given him while in the hospital didn't help his emotional state. His CT Scan was done yesterday. He is feeling stronger each day although he is still coughing and coughing up some blood. Sunday during church he felt something in his chest. I asked him if he was alright and he nodded. Then yesterday, Monday, he told me he believed God healed his lung Sunday in church. Praise the Lord!

The week my husband was in the hospital, a friend of mine's husband (he too was a friend) got sick and God took him home to be with Him. Sad to say, we don't understand how God decides these things. Erick's body was sick and maybe God took him home so he wouldn't have to suffer things that would come later. We wonder as believers, why didn't God just heal Erick. I know his kids and wife would have loved to have him hear longer. It's sad, so sad...for his family, for his friends. We feel the loss so strongly, but we have to know God did what was best. Rena, we love you. We miss Erick too.

We also have a sad situation in my family, that I won't share in print...but know this too will pass. God will never leave nor forsake us...so we just continue to walk in faith in Him and know that our later will be greater than our past. So this sad situation we all shall put behind us and be here for the family member who needs us. Greater days are ahead!!

To put a smile back on your face -- we've been watching the growth of my new grandson, Elijah, mature in my daughter Molly's belly. Eli is giving her fits!! He is making his way to join the world soon. In fact his due date is July 21 - Paw-pa's birthday. We're not sure he's going to wait that long.

As a writer, I want to update you on my latest. The third book in The Samantha Cain series went in to my publisher, Oak Tara Publishing. My editor read The Truth Revealed and loved it. So its in the stages of being made ready for release. I don't have a date yet, but as soon as I do I will let you know. In the mean time, I'm working on a romance. Hopefully it will be ready for release before the end of the year. We'll see.

For you writers I have two things I'd like to share with you. Berries, Bridges, & Books Conference is coming up July 13th. I'll attach a copy of the registration for those who live in the area and wish to attend. Their conferences are always informative as well as fun. Sorry, it won't let me attach here. Email me at deblynne8@gmail.com and I will email a copy to you. That I've done, so I know it works.

Another thing for you fellow writers, I just went through an on-line class that Sylvia Rochester gave in RWA called take out the trash. I took notes cause I thought she did such an awesome job and all of us need help editing our manuscripts, taking out the things that shouldn't be there. I thought I'd share my notes with you. Her teaching was fantastic, just like her books. Go check her out at http://www.sylviarochester.com/. This is her website. She is a writer and a painter -- great in both!!

my notes:

Clean-up Manuscript

Words that clutter:

so	very	that	although	yet
rather	just	nearly	even	sort of
almost	in spite of	perhaps	quite	for a moment
then	suddenly

More often, the sentence would read better without the above words. TRY REMOVING IT.

Words that are redundant:

back - He turned back… He turned…
She eased back into her chair, letting out a sigh that hissed exasperation.

up (when the direction is obvious) - He jumped up onto the porch. Better: He jumped onto the porch.

down (when the direction is obvious) - He looked down at this feet. Better: He looked at his feet.  …no grass trampled down. Better: no trampled grass.

Redundancy in Punctuation:

“Help!” she screamed. Omit she screamed. The exclamation mark indicates the word was said with ferocity.

I won’t go into grammatical mistakes except to touch on the misuse of the comma. I find the rules change at the discretion of the editors. My advice? Give them the correct punctuation. Let them decided to accept it or not.

If a sentence has two independent clauses (i.e. each clause has a subject and verb) and is separated by a conjunction, put a comma before the conjunction. Example: Mary hit Sam, and Sam cried all the way home.

If a sentence has one independent clause and one dependent clause (no subject), do not use a comma. Example: Mary hit Sam and ran away all the way home.

Define indefinite words:

it they some many few Name the object. Who are they? Quantify some, many and few. If you mention an animal, don’t refer to the creature as a cat, dog, horse, etc. Give the specific breed, sex, color, etc. If you mention a car, give the make, model, color, etc. If you mention time, define the duration--ten minutes or whatever. Check your adjectives? (Are they bland? Why? Choose adjectives that will play on the senses and add sparkle to the text.) Cold – How cold? Icy, bone-chilling, numbing, frosty, artic. Hot – How hot? Blistering, broiling, sizzling, scalding. Rough – sandpaper, loose gravel, beard stubble Odor or fragrance – Again, give me some examples. (fresh flowers – even name the flowers; stench of garbage; freshly baked bread) Sometimes the use of a metaphor will give the reader an even better sense of description. (Like a belch from the briny deep, the sun’s rays scorched the garden’s tender sprouts.) Show don’t tell: What a character is experiencing—You can do that by giving the reader a vibrant description about a particular instance. Substitute robust, concrete adjectives, throw in a few metaphors, and the reader becomes an active participant in that particular scene--feeling, seeing, tasting, smelling what the character is experiencing. Don’t worry if what you’re trying to show happened in the past. Indicate a scene break. Present the scene you wish to recall as though it’s happening now. When you finish, return the reader to the present by indicating another scene break. The reader will follow with no problem. You will not only show not tell, you’ll have kept the text active. Choose your verbs wisely: Do you tend to use the same words over and over? BORING! If I may use a cliche, variety is the spice of life. Check for those words that occur frequently throughout the manuscript and substitute another similar word. Walked – try strode, ambled, sauntered, strolled, shuffled, staggered, etc. Ran – jogged, scurried, scampered, hurried, dashed, rushed, loped, etc. Cry – whimpered, sobbed, sniveled, bawled, wailed, blubbered, howled, etc. Smile – beam, grin, smirk, leer Did I hear someone say adverb? (modifier of verb or adjective) I look at adverbs this way—too many rocks sink a boat. I prefer to throw my rock overboard in lieu of better cargo. Tightening the manuscript further: Check for words such as felt, knew, figured, and heard. Omit these words by explaining how the character felt and what he heard or saw. You don’t need to indicate a character looked at someone before speaking. That’s assumed. However, if the character looked away, this might indicate the character’s receptiveness. Search for these words: began, started, knew, realized seemed, appeared. You don’t need these words to introduce an action. She knew John lied. Better to say: John lied. POV tells us she knew. She started to cross the room. Better to say: She crossed the room She knew he hated her. Better to say: He hated her.  Are you using the correct word? Spell check only checks for spelling, not usage. Here are a few examples. When in doubt, check the dictionary. Then vs. Than – Then refers to time. Than means rather. Affect vs. Effect – Affect is a verb. Effect is a noun. Its vs. It’s – Its refers to an entity. It’s is the contraction of it and is. Stationary vs. stationery – Stationary means immobile. Stationery is writing material. Diner vs. dinner – Diner is a restaurant or a person who eats. Dinner is a meal. Further vs. farther – Further means to a greater extent. Farther means actual distance. Altar vs. alter – Altar refers to a raised structure in a church. Alter means to change. Passive voice: Eliminate passive voice whenever possible. Do a search for any form of the verb to be. If the subject is acted upon, the sentence is passive. One way to remedy the situation is to let the object do the action. Remember, the use of was or were does not always make a sentence passive. Examples: Joe was hit by the ball. (Passive-the subject received the action.)  The ball hit Joe. (Active-the subject did the action.) Joe was hitting the ball. (Active-the subject (Joe) did the action…was hitting is the verb. What Else To Look For White space – make sure you don’t have lengthy segments of narrative. Dialog helps to keep up the pacing. Perhaps you give more description than is needed. Do your chapters end with a hook? What about the opening line(s). Did you have a smooth transition? Did the scene(s) move the story forward? Don’t divulge everything about a character, only what is necessary. Is the dialog natural? Too many tags? Not enough? Search for said. See if you can eliminate the tag. Vary your sentence structure. Are you consistent with the characters’ physical descriptions. Blue eyes can’t turn brown in a later scene. Do the stakes increase as the story progresses? Make sure your twists and surprises are plausible. You have to have a reason to drop a dead body from the ceiling, and the character better be someone pertinent to the story. I enjoyed talking to you again. Remember, no matter how tough life gets, you can get through it all leaning on The Lord! He will never leave you nor forsake you...and that's a great thing to know.

Catching Up!

Hi everyone.

Sorry I haven't blogged in over a month. Last month I was finishing up book 3 of the Samantha Cain Series. By the first week of April it was off to my publisher. I'm waiting to hear back from her now. The Truth Revealed was a touching tale. I hope you all enjoy it when it's released. I'll keep you posted.

Shortly after my last blog, I spoke to a group of 4th graders. They were a joy for me. Not only did they listen well, but they asked interesting questions. I hope after our talk, they found learning to write well will help them in so many ways in their life. A few already had dreams of becoming a writer. That was exciting to me. I didn't know I wanted to write until I was 33 years old. The school I spoke at teaches the arts in a big way to the students. Their gifts range all over the spectrum and it was a pleasure to see they want to follow their passions. A few days before we left on vacation I received a large manila envelope filled with thank you notes. Some had included drawings. It was a privilege and an honor to receive such heart felt notes. Thank you kids, for taking time to write to me.

view of the sunrise from the portico:

Speaking of vacation. We took a week and few down to Porta Plata. It's in the Dominican Republic. The resort we stayed out was fantastic. A 2 story, 3 room villa, included our own private pool. Of course being on an island, we didn't swim there except in the late evening and night time. In the day time we made a point of sunning on the beautiful beaches.

The resort I believe had 7 or more different beaches, but we were spoiled on Serenity Beach and on NV Beach. I managed to go the full week without burning. 30 block helped me to only tan. My husband and son both burned, but already Scott's has turned to tan. I hope Chris was as lucky. Rosie (my daughter-in-law) kept herself covered in sunscreen as well. And Jerry, well he kept a t-shirt on so as far as I know he didn't burn as well. When you sun near the equator you have to be careful. Also with the breeze off the water, it never felt hot even though it was in the 80's everyday. LifeStyles has entertainment nightly in the different areas of the resort, so we never had a dull moment. I have to say, my favorite was the day we spent on a 32' Catamaran. The skipper of Tip Top took us out in the water, set the sails, and we were skimming across the ocean. We anchored twice to go snorkeling and once to eat. Yes, they had a motor boat come out to us and served hot food. There was music and dancing after lunch. That calypso beat makes you want to tap your feet...even at my age. What a blast we had. Papo, the excursion director, kept everyone laughing. The last night there, they held a BBQ at our villa for us. There were only five of us, but there was enough food cooked to feed an army.

The least favorite part of the vacation was the last flight from Miami to New Orleans. I got food poisoning I do believe. It hit me at about 30000 feet in the air. What a miserable time I had, but the flight attendant let me stay near the back, instead of running up and down the aisle. What a blessing. And when we got home, I slept for almost 24 hours. We've been home 5 days and today is the first day I actually have energy to get up and move around. So I cleaned house. Boy did it need it.

Tomorrow I will be back to writing. I've had a few of my readers ask when I'll write another romance, so that's what I'll be working on. I'd started it over a year ago and set it aside. It's back to being priority, so I hope to have it ready for my publisher in 3 to 4 months. The working title is 'After You're Gone' -- but I'm thinking that doesn't sound very romantic. I'll keep you posted on that as well.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer. It is around the corner. Kids will be out of school soon, so be careful and watch out for them. God bless you all!