Cold feet. What a dilemma and I don't mean cold feet in the sense of backing out of something. I literally mean cold feet. I cannot keep my tootsies warm. In the wintertime I have to use a heating pad for about an hour or so before going to bed at night or I can't sleep. I can't walk around without thick socks and shoes on all the time, even in the house, never mind how cold I get without proper insulation in boots when outside. Even in the summertime, I have difficulty shedding my socks and shoes for sandals because the air-conditioning kicks on, instantly freezing my bare feet.

My husband thinks I'm nuts and jokes about it with family and friends, because he's completely opposite. His feet get so hot that the minute he steps over the threshold into our house his shoes come off, and I can hear him spout, "I can't take it any more," as he flings his socks and shoes down the hallway.

He completely uncovers his feet at night and of course wears TIVA's spring, summer, and fall, much to the dismay of our children. If he could get away with it, he'd probably wear sandals year round--- and to further humiliate our children, he'd wear socks with sandals in the wintertime. "Snicker, snicker," and I'd probably let him just to see the reaction from the kids. It's so fun to cause them silly embarrassment just because we are their parents. Payback, right?

So, anyway, I do what I must to stay warm so I don't catch pneumonia and my husband does what he must to cool off. What a pair we make, the neighbors must think we're insane... one bundled to the teeth (feet included of course), the other in the thinnest jackets known to man. Brrrr!

If anyone has the ideal way to get rid of snakes, please let me know. Spring will be here all too soon, and it never fails that every snake, big or small, within a ten mile radius finds its way into my yard. My neighbors are witnesses to how fast, and how high, I can jump from the lower half of my yard to the front door. Which is quite a feat, given the massive boulders I have to leap over in order to reach the front steps. I could probably make the Olympic team if any coach happened by at the time of my sheer panic.

Many a snake has been deafened by my blood-curdling screams. My family and friends don't quite share in, this, my reasonable fear. They just laugh, point, and make fun of my stark-white face and tell me they're not sure who's more frightened, the snake or me. I can definitely say, without any equivocation whatsoever, "Duh! It's ME!

Note to self: Jot down all the words describing the terror I have for snakes in my notebook to reference later when my characters face a similar horror.

Outlines and worldbuilding are very important to the process of writing a book, and most especially when creating a series. Though most of the material is never used, the information garnered is essential. These tools are what keep the story on tract, the underlying structures. Thus, influencing how the story unfolds, how the characters interact with one another, and keep the scenes and dialogue true to the storyline, so there's no meandering, no situations that crop up that are not pertinent that could only serve to confuse, frustrate, and bore the reader. Death to any book!

I never really appreciated how difficult the English language was until I had the fortunate experience of meeting people from different countries and I watched their struggles to master the rules and exceptions to the rules. It's a wonder that anyone can make sense of the language at all. Having said that though, I find it incredible when I can successfully combine simple and complicated sentences and take my readers on a wonder adventure, that they can catch a glimpse of all the dynamic scenes, people, and goings on in my head. Language is an amazing tool of communication.

I have been reading, "Gotham Writers' Workshop, Writing Fiction, the Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School," as I've been revising my manuscript. What an amazing book to have in one's library. As the title suggests, it is definitely a practical guide, giving step by step instruction and exercises that help any author obtain his/her goals. The writing process is broken down so that the book is easily understood and easy to follow--- a must read!

In interacting with the world today, some times it is easier to sit behind the computer and communicate instead of physically getting out in the world and reaching out to those around us. This past Christmas season, when I took the time to intermingle with my fellow shoppers and stop and watch those hurrying this way and that, my heart was touched by the occasional passerby that helped a crying child by just winking and smiling, or the man that opened a door for a woman in a wheelchair, or the teenager that picked up a package for someone who had accidentally dropped it and didn't know it.

There is still good in the world and it gives me hope.

May the new year bring you much joy, especially in the little things!

Facing a new year, I have taken a moment to look back at the past year. Last January, I decided to take the plunge and taking my writing to a new level, take it more seriously. Though I have always loved to write, I now have time to dedicate to my craft. So, I set some lofty goals for myself and I'm proud to say that I have followed through on every one, probably for the first time in my life! (He, he, a little pat on the back!)

I attended several conferences, joined a critique group, joined a couple of writer groups, joined Twitter, subscribed to two writer magazines, submitted some of my work, and dedicated more hours to writing, revising, and seeking advice. And because of all my effort, I have learned more in the past year than I have in the last seven years (all put together). But I must say, it wasn't easy putting myself out there. As a matter of fact it was actually quite scary! A bit on the shy side, I had to swallow down several hard knots lodged in my throat, take a deep breath, extend a shaky hand, all the while feeling my face growing redder by the minute because of nerves, and say, "Hi."

I was pleasantly surprised to find out how gracious and friendly other writers are, and how willing editors and agents are to help--- thank you to all! It's not such a scary place anymore. Though I was turned down, and rightfully so, I might add, I received wonderful critique and so many encouraged me to continue, that they liked my writing, but that I needed a bit more work to get my story up to snuff.

I hope by writing this in my blog, it will give others the courage to also try. I know how frightening it can be to put what you have created out there for others to judge, something that is so near and dear to your heart. You can do it!

So, now, taking a huge gulp of air, I'm preparing myself for the new challenges ahead, fixing my manuscript, perfecting my query letters, and taking the plunge again, submitting.

I'm anxious to get started, anxious for new adventures, both inside my head to be written on the blank page and finding new friends and work in the writing world!

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!

What is your favorite Christmas story? Are you going to share it with loved ones this holiday season? I would love to know what it is. Please share.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory? Write it down, expound, and turn it into a wonderful story for all of us to read.

Yup, I'm finally going to do it. I'm going shopping for Christmas. I put it off as long as I could, but it's getting down to the wire now. So here goes! Check in with you later.

One of the keys to good writing is read, read, and read some more. If I'm not reading in the genre that I'm tackling at present, I'm reading about writing to improve my writing skills, and reading and revising my manuscript to make sure the story is the best it can be.

There are so many wonderful books, websites, and blogs to help educate, inspire, and guide. I'm constantly amazed at the information available and the willingness of others to share their knowledge. It's awesome!

On the right side of this blog, I have included several websites and blogs that I have found most helpful. Check them out. I think you will too.

This week has been great. I took advantage of the weather and put my fingers to the keyboard uninterrupted. I do believe things are finally coming together. A little more tweaking and I can finally grind the story changes out. I'm really excited to have such large blocks of time to myself. What a luxury!

Some days it is so hard to write, too many interruptions, juices not flowing, discouragement. That's when I have to slog through it, push the work, motivate myself. Sometimes, these kinds of days are the most rewarding even if I only come up with a few paragraphs or ideas. Sometimes, this is when my greatest work is achieved because I just kept at it, just kept telling myself not to quit.