Monday, December 22, 2008

Books, books everywhere and not a one to read


I'm looking to start a new book.
When I started writing my husband thought it would be great if I could just earn enough to pay for all the books I buy. I'm not quite there. What can I say? It's an addiction.

Not only do I buy a lot of books for myself, but I give a lot of books as gifts. This year I'm giving away copies of:

Devil May Ride (of course)
The Tales of Beedle the Bard (J.K. Rowling)
Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
Trust Me (Brenda Novak)
When Twilight Burns (Colleen Gleason)
Unlucky (Jana DeLeon)

There are a few others but I've wrapped and mailed them so I don't remember LOL! Are you giving away books as gifts and, if so, which ones?

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Done your shopping? Give a goat!

Have you finished your holiday shopping but all that buying has left you, well, unfulfilled? Try Heifer International.

On this site you can donate farm animals to impoverished families.

A flock of chicks for only $20



A trio of rabbits for $60.

Helping to stamp out poverty around the world just might make the holiday season more meaningful for you than another gadget in your home :) Do you have a favorite charity?

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Gift Cards

For years I resisted the urge to buy gift cards for presents. It just felt so impersonal.
However, I've slowly come around and I've found myself buying a few gift cards here and there.
Teachers get gift cards for coffee as Christmas gifts and some teens on my list will get gift cards too. I have to mail a bunch of gifts and, hey, there's no denying gift cards are cheaper to mail then, say, golf balls.

I admit a Starbucks card makes my day.

How about you? Are you on the gift card bandwagon? Do you like getting them?

Poopy Puppies

I've been busy with poop patrol. Housebreaking little Bella is a work in progress but actually she's pretty good. Of course, it's the times when you're most busy and distracted that she'll decide to have an accident. Plus, we're in the middle of a cold snap here in the Pacific Northwest and although she had only one piddle accident in the first three days, she's had a couple more recently. I think it's all about the fact that she's too busy shivering and shaking in the icy cold to actually remember why she's outside!
Speaking about bathroom habits of dogs reminds me of my very first published book, Dating Can Be Deadly. In the book I mentioned an exotic drink called a Poopy Puppy. To make one you mix together Amaretto, Butterscotch schnapps, Kahlua, Bailey's and a splash of Coke and serve it over ice.
If you've got housebreaking tips, share them in the comments.

Friday, December 12, 2008


Winner of the Spot the Book contest is:

Becky Hutchison!!

She spotted Devil May Ride at the Barnes & Noble in Annapolis MD.

Congrats Becky! Thanks to everyone who took the time to spot (and buy!!) Devil May Ride!

Today is a day where I must get a lot done so I'm making a list. Top of the list is a phone meeting with my editor and the second item is laundry. Can't write if the pile of clothes topple over and kill me lol!

What are the top two things on your To Do list today?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Busy, Busy, Busy

This weekend was a ton of fun! I spent the weekend in Seattle and while the hubby took the kids Christmas shopping, I had my signing at the Seattle Mystery Bookshop. I love that store! Every single time I'm there I tell them I wish I could live there and I'm not joking. Give me coffee and food and I'd be content to hunker down with all those great books and never leave.

Signings are always more fun when friends drop by. My new friend Mary Buckham not only came for the signing and bought books but she also took me to lunch afterward. It was great fun to talk shop and find a kindred spirit.

Don't forget about the SPOT THE BOOK CONTEST and email or post comments about where you've seen DEVIL MAY RIDE :)

Today I'm off to do some shopping because some nitwit on the radio reminded me there is only 2 more weeks until Christmas *aaaack*!

What is keeping you busy this week?

Thursday, December 04, 2008

I Spy With My Little Eye ...

The Spot the Book contest continues! So far DEVIL MAY RIDE has been spotted in:

Leominster, MA
Antioch, ca.
Annapolis MD
Books-a-million
Amazon
Los Angeles
NYC
Seattle
North Brunswick, NJ
San Francisco
North Haven (CT)
Cranston, Rhode Island
Lynnwood, WA
Davenport, IA
Auburn, ME
Baybrook, TX
Grand Forks, ND
Provo, UT
Eurgene, OR
Laurel, MS
Boulcer, CO

Can you add a location? Draw is Dec. 12th

Saturday I'll be signing books at the Seattle Mystery Bookshop. Come down and visit if you get a chance!

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Today's the Day!


I'm out to stalk book stores this morning and, yes, I'll even buy a copy of my own book. There's something about picking it up off the shelf and taking it to the counter that just adds a euphoric dimension to the writing process for me.

I'll be doing my first Devil May Ride book signing this Saturday at noon at the Seattle Mystery Bookshop.

Don't forget my SPOT THE BOOK contest. Let me know the book store & city where you spotted Devil May Ride & you’ll be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Draw date Dec. 12th.

So what are your plans for this terrific tuesday? Have you started your shopping? Finished?