Nicole Flockton

Don't Forget

2010-11-05T19:13:00.002-05:00

Hi All

If you are still checking here please change your feed to my new blog at www.nicoleflockton.blogspot.com.

Hope to see you all over there.

NF

I'm moving!!!

2010-10-23T21:43:00.000-05:00

Hi All

I've done it. I've moved my blog to www.nicoleflockton.blogspot.com.

The theme is more in keeping with my website. I've imported all my posts (yes 126) of them all so you'll still be able to find all the information.

I'll keep this blog open for a couple of months but hopefully everyone who reads this will now go to my new home.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

NF

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2010-10-21T21:02:00.000-05:00

So I was at my West Houston RWA Chapter meeting back in September and it came the time for some book reviews. One of the reviews was for Sophie Jordan's new book "Firelight". It is a Young Adult novel. Now the only YA novel I've read recently is Twilight and well, to be honest, I slugged through that book, finally 150 pages before the end, it became interesting. Prior to that I could put the book down for weeks and not worry about it. Not want to sneak pages in at every second. The book is also in Present tense. But the review given was positive and as she was a member of the chapter I'm all for supporting the members. So I purchased the book.

Well am I totally glad that I purchased that book! I was hooked after 17 pages, no waiting for the last 150 pages to get my interest. I also had to read it at every opportunity. I've just finished and I want the next book NOW!

Jacinda is a dragon (draki). She's like every teenager rebelling against the rules. Unfortunately one of the times she rebels, almost costs her, her life. Her Pride have plans for her, and this latest act of rebellion ups the timeframe of their plans. Her mother decides that she will not stand for it and with Jacinda, her twin Tamra they flee the pride to start out. But unbeknown to Jacinda, her mother has plans for her as well.

Jacinda meets Will and her draki flares to life whenever she is surrounded by him. But Will and his family are also the enemy. But she is drawn to him and can't stay away.

That's all I'm going to say because otherwise I'll tell you everything!! Do yourself a favour and go and invest in the book. You won't be disappointed. It's a fabulous read!

NF.

Where I Am!

2010-10-16T21:59:00.000-05:00

Hey All

I've just posted on WinkGirls. Check it out.

NF

Empty Chairs, Empty Room, Empty Heart

2010-09-20T21:08:00.000-05:00

What do you do when the love of your life is taken away. Even though it's expected it's never easy. Every where you turn. In every corner of every room there is a memory. You look into your children's face and you see them. Will it get easier in time? Do you want it to get easier in time? You will never forget but how do you go on? You must because of the children. You're the one they look to for guidance and for hugs. But who is there to guide and hug you? Who is there to help you through that tough time? Your loved one is still with you. Over looking everything you do. They are in your heart. They walk beside you. Even though they are not physically there if you reach out they will be reaching for you too. And every time you sleep and dream of them that is their way of connecting with you.

Time eases the pain but it never truly goes away. Do not be sad for they are at peace. Even though it's the most unfair thing in the whole world.

My heart bleeds for a friend who is going through this. A magic couple so in love with two beautiful kids. Why did it happen to them? I'll never know the answer. No one knows the paths our lives will take. All we must do is take them and know that we were chosen for it. The strongest are chosen for the tougher paths but the reward at the end will be amazing - even though, at the time, they cannot see it.

Be strong, Laines. I know you can do it. You've a beautiful soul and a beautiful heart. I am honoured to know you.

RIP Phil 37 was way to young to die.

NF

Taking the Plunge

2010-09-18T21:55:00.001-05:00

I took the plunge and entered a contest. A contest that put my work out on the web for all to see. I entered the Mills & Boon New Voices Contest.

A few years ago I entered the "Instant Seduction" contest run by the IheartPresents site. I didn't receive any feedback so I will admit to feeling a bit down. But hey it's the life of a writer there are times when you get nothing and other times you get valuable advice. I wasn't sure about entering this contest. I mean you are putting your work out there for people to comment on. People rate your chapter. I will say I was very pleased to see some nice comments. I've only got 5 but hey I'm happy with that. I also have a fairly good rating so far. Not sure if the rating makes a difference but I'm guessing not.

There are a lot of entries and only 10 go into the next round. So even though I'm hopeful and keeping wishing I'll be one of the 10, as I think all entrants are. I'm also realistic. Maybe I will have piqued the interest of one of the judges and maybe I'll get a request. If not I'll plug this baby somewhere else.

But I am proud of myself for doing it.

NF

Change of Name

2010-09-12T20:32:00.000-05:00

Hi All

As you can see my blog is no longer called "Just Nicki". The reasoning for this is I'm linking everything to the name I'm going to use with my writing, which of course is my real name! Unless of course I can't use my real name then I will have to change everything then.

I'm also considering changing the name of my blog address to www.nicoleflockton.blogspot.com. But when I do that I will give you a heads up so that you can change your favourites address so you can still find me.

I did a fabulous workshop yesterday at the West Houston RWA group. It was about marketing yourself and I realised that I need to uniform my exposure on the web. I'll also look at starting up a 'fan page' on facebook.

Keep watching this space for updates with my plans. Change is good and it's all part of the bigger plan.

NF

And a Year has Gone By

2010-08-10T14:50:00.003-05:00

On 10th August 2009 I said goodbye to family and friends in Perth and embarked on our new adventure in Houston Texas. It's hard to believe that a year has passed by.

Last month I was back home in Perth and it was wonderful. It felt right to drive on the left hand side of the road but on the right hand side of the car. It felt wonderful to see my nephews and nieces and to see the way my older nephews and niece ran and played and harassed my two kids. And it was nice to get mum and dad hugs. There is nothing nicer for a child to have a hug from their mum and dad - no matter how old they are. I love giving my kids hugs, it's the best feeling.

Now we are back in Houston and getting ready for the school year to start. The transition from Perth to Houston was so much easier this time simply because we went back to our house, slept in our beds and were surrounded by everything that is ours. Last year we arrived and stayed in an apartment, although lovely it was never 'home'.

As we flew back I was lucky enough to be given an upgrade to business class from my husband - he is the best. Seriously when you are on a plane for over 15 hours business class is the only way to fly! I wandered back to see the family at one stage of the flight and found them all snuggled up together asleep. I'll never forget the picture it made my heart melt. That's my family and I love them to bits.

So now a year has passed and we are settled in which takes us to the next step - starting to explore the States and also taking advantage of the cheap flights to other countries and maybe spending Christmas in some wonderfully exotic place.

Our adventure still continues and now it's time to make it bigger and better!

JN

The Familiar

2010-07-08T20:04:00.003-05:00

I'm blogging to you from my hometown of Perth. Currently sitting in my mum's family room and it feels like it was just yesterday I was here and not nearly twelve months ago. It's amazing how the familiar surrounds you like a warm blanket.

I've been back in town nearly a week and it's been a busy time catching up with my workmates as well as seeing my nephews and nieces. The kids are having a great time playing with their cousins (big and small) again. But until my DH arrives, it doesn't feel totally complete. Only another week a bit before he arrives. YAY!

I also went to my writing group's monthly meeting the other night. One of the other girls said it was like I had never left. Maybe it's because they've been wonderful and kept me involved by Skypeing me in every meeting. Now that is a challenge. It's difficult on my end as much as it's difficult on their end. Sometimes I can't hear and sometimes they can't hear me but I am FOREVER grateful that they do still include me.

I'll admit to even enjoying driving around town, after nearly twelve months of driving in Houston, the slow pace of home is good - I don't get so stressed :)

So this first trip home is exciting and wonderful but I know it's just a holiday and will only be a holiday destination for the next few years. Home, at the moment, is Houston.

JN

I've Blogged

2010-06-26T19:08:00.001-05:00

Hi All

It's my turn to blog over at Wink Girls. Head on over and check it out.

JN

Change

2010-06-14T13:55:00.003-05:00

Change happens and you can't stop it, you just have to go along for the ride and hope that the change is good for you.

Obviously for us the big change was moving to Houston. It's been a great move and I am enjoying our time here. I'm enjoying the pressures of not having to get up and go to work. I'm enjoying spending more time with the kids. The thing I have to get past is the fear of the roads - that's holding me back in expanding and venturing out and experiencing more.

The thing is as we change here so things change at home. Was I silly enough to think they wouldn't? In some aspects I was. It's hard to read about all the things that I long to be a part of and I can't but I have new and wonderful opportunities happening here.

So do I hang on to the old of home? In all reality I can't I have to let it go and move on and just hope that when I do eventually return I can slip back into things. And maybe I can't continuing doing things here that I thought I could keep doing, but when it's something that I love can I really let it go? Only time will tell.

JN

Shona's Release!

2010-06-07T20:18:00.003-05:00

A mere three weeks after her first release WInk Girl Shona Husk has her debut release with Samhain Publishing 'Boyfriend in a Bottle'. How dreamy is that cover!!

It's worth getting this book. It's a fun, quick read and steamy!

Here's the link to the MyBooksAndMore Store where you can purchase it.

Keep an eye out for more books by Shona, she has a unique style and a big sale is not too far away.

JN

The Tyranny of Distance

2010-06-03T20:32:00.002-05:00

Well it's getting close until we make the long trek back home for a holiday. As the date draws near I find myself getting extremely nervous about flying. I will be travelling over with the kids and my DH is joining us a couple of weeks later. So that is freaking me out a bit, but I'm sure I'll be fine.

What is it going to be like to be back in Perth? Will I feel like an outsider? What about the kids friends, will they be happy to see them?

With Facebook I've never been too far away from the friends I have but with the kids, well it's different. As an adult you can not see or speak to people for weeks, months or even years and when you meet up again, it's as if you've never been apart. With kids it's a bit different, they change friends like they change socks. I know my kids are excited about seeing their old friends. I know they'll probably sound a bit Texan. On occasion I pick it up but other times I think they sound the same as always. They are both adamant that they don't want to sound 'American'. :)

I'm pretty sure that my DD's friends will be excited to see her, after all she had developed quite close friendships with a few girls. But as time passes on, will there be the same amount of excitement when we visit. When we return and hopefully get into the same school, how will the kids be treated? Or even how will my kids treat their friends. Lots of what ifs and it really is something that I have no control over. Of course they will have the same issue when we leave, they'll leave the friends they've made here but would we visit Houston as often as we'll visit Perth. As I said it's something I have no control over so I'll just have to hope that everything will turn out fine. And who knows they might make different friends second time around!!

JN

Release Date!!!

2010-05-19T22:03:00.004-05:00

No not my release date but today - 19th May 2010 is the release date for fellow WInk Girl Shona Husk's debut book with The Wild Rose press - "An Elemental Tail".

It has a smoking hot cover and the cover for upcoming release on 8th June with Samhain Publishing is just as hot!

It's a must read and you can buy it here!

JN

Goals Set - then the curve ball called life intervenes!

2010-05-16T21:14:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday I attended my first meeting with the West Houston Chapter of Romance Writers of America. I finally joined RWA at the beginning of the year and once my membership was confirmed I immediately joined the local chapter. I couldn't wait to get to a meeting! Unfortunately it took two months before I finally got there!

When I first joined the chapter and introduced myself to the Yahoo loop a local girl emailed me privately and it turned out her really good friend was from Australia and I had actually met her at a function at the end of January. Pretty amazing considering how multi cultural Houston is and the fact that the population is over 5 million!

The May meeting looms and the topic of the meeting is "Time Management". I so need that! I arrange with hubby for him not to go riding so I can attend the meeting. He can be soccer mum for a week instead of me :)

I arrive with nerves but soon I'm welcomed into the fold like an old friend. Seriously, you have to love the Romance Writers community, they make you feel so welcome. No matter if you've 50 books published or are just starting out. They a free with their knowledge and no question is every too silly or stupid - even if you think it is.

I leave the meeting with my weekly goals in mind. I was giving myself the weekend off to enjoy and then start fresh on Monday. Monday comes and after school drop off I sit down and open my new MS. I reach my goal of two pages and fiddle around with some more of the chapter, take stuff out and add stuff in. I'm all pumped to tackle a round of edits on my requested manuscript that evening.

Then it happened. I'm talking to my friend on Skype and dog is having an "I want to run around silly for a few seconds" moment and gets caught up in the cords. I juggle but SMASH the computer falls to the floor. Screen is shattered. My stomach sinks and I feel sick. This is not happening to me. Tell me it's a dream. Sadly the next day I take it to the place where I bought it and well it seems the hard drive also was smashed!! So I lost EVERYTHING. The work I'd done that morning and all the edits I'd done since I bought this new computer at the end of February. I'd also lost all the work I do for my job! Could I feel any sicker? Nope not at all. Had I done any backups - again sadly no!

Tomorrow is Monday and I vowed to myself I would give myself last week to wallow but come Monday I was going to open the manuscript and start again. Get my two pages done and then get ready to edit in the evening. The time to feel sorry for myself is over. Time to get cracking and get my writing goals back on track so I can reach that gold medal of publication!

Oh and I'll back up and send it to an email address every time I finish!

JN

Author Interview with Robyn Grady

2010-05-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

Hi

I've just interviewed Robyn Grady over at the WinkGirls blog. Go check it out and you could win something!!

JN

What to Say

2010-04-11T20:12:00.002-05:00

It seems I'm having trouble coming up with things to talk about. It's a bit bizarre or maybe it's because when I think of something it's usually at 2am in the morning. I know I should get the notepad out and write things down, but seriously it's 2am I'm tired and want my sleep!

Instead of blogging I should be writing or editing or both but I find so many other things to do which really aren't that necessary. I do like to procrastinate.

I guess I want to make my posts here thought provoking and interesting. Why? I don't know I just want to see comments as well as seeming like I can be serious and make people think! Vain I know :)

But having said that I want to be thought provoking I don't want to be political because, well that can get you in some serious hot water and truly isn't worth it. Best to keep opinions to yourself. See I'm such a wuss.

Hopefully I'll be back soon with something exciting to talk about.

JN

And so the adventure continues ....

2010-03-25T21:09:00.002-05:00

We've been in Houston for 7.5 months and I'm getting used to things, especially the driving. I still feel like they are the most insane drivers in the world but I just try and time my adventures on the interstate highway :)

I still get the surreal feeling where I wonder if its all a dream and I'll wake up back in my old house in Perth. I'll admit it and say I am missing a hug from my mum and dad. I speak to them and see them on Skype but getting that hug, well that's something different.

I'm not pining, sitting on the couch in a ball of misery, sobbing my heart out. I don't do that. I feel it's a waste of time. I'm a wife, mother and a grown woman. I have a family I need to look after and support so I can't be that ball of misery. I won't be that ball of misery!

Skylar has settled into the school system really well. I think it helped that she had a girl take her under her wing the first couple of weeks at school. Also Skylar was able to cope with the workload and it gave her a lot of confidence. I'm extremely proud of what she's achieved so far. She is blossoming and becoming a gorgeous girl. But sometimes I dread what her teenage years will be like with some of the attitude she gives sometimes!

Zane has had the biggest adjustment of all. He had 3 teachers in his first 4 weeks at school and for a young boy of just five that on top of a change of country, change of school system, has made his transition all that harder. He has had a huge learning curve and has come such a long way. I tell him everyday he is a beautiful boy. A smart boy. And I'm so very proud of him. The thing that is setting him back is the lack of opportunity for physical activity. His first real break from the class room is recess which is in the early afternoon. With school starting at 7.50am that's a long time for anyone, not just boys to sit and learn. They don't have the attention span. I've even talked to some of the staff at the school and they agree that some more physical activity is needed. But it just doesn't happen. But I will keep telling him that he can do it all.

Another factor for both my kids is that they have been in school since February 2009. I knew it would be interesting for them seeing as the school years are different here in the US than in Australia. Since they started school in August 2009 they've had a total of 3.5 weeks off school, with the odd long weekend thrown in for good measure. For the kids they would have had their 6-8 week break over December/January. They will be extremely glad when the end of May comes and they get 3 months off. They're going to need it. Not sure how I'll survive but I'll get there.

So the adventure for us continues and it's an exciting one. Now that we've settled in and the weather is warming up, its time to start exploring. Lots of adventures and new things to uncover.

JN

My Turn

2010-03-19T22:55:00.002-05:00

Hi All

It's my turn to blog at Wink Girls. Come on over and check it out.

JN

Emotionally draining

2010-03-17T20:13:00.005-05:00

The last two weeks have been so emotionally draining for me I feel like I've aged 20 years!

My beautiful Siberian husky is a sock fiend! In the last two weeks we've started to get on first name basis with the employees at the Emergency Vet Centre! But having a pet is a commitment that I don't back away from.

After each vet visit I find I'm so emotionally stressed and drained that I can't do anything! I want to write but I feel like I've got no emotion left to attend to any of my writing. But maybe that is the best time to write. When I'm on this emotional stress ride. I can put my characters through the wringer. Take them on a ride that they won't ever forget. Make them strong and learn intrinsic things about each other.

Back to my beautiful Maya, I will train this out of her. She already drops items when I ask her too, just at the moment not socks. But I won't give up. I will defeat her because I'm the Alpha female of this family! :)

One thing I have decided there is definitely a romance story in this adventure. The possibilities are vast.

JN

Revisiting old friends

2010-03-05T15:12:00.003-06:00

So last week I revisited some old friends. It was like old times. It was great remembering how they'd met. But these weren't friends that had visited me from Australia, these friends were characters from two books. The books are from one of my favourite authors - Michelle Reid. Goodness she writes some awesome tales. These two stories just tugged at something in me. So romantic and the heroes - so Alpha. The book titles are "Marriage on the Rebound" and "Gold Ring of Betrayal". I just keep going back to them over and over to relive the romance of these couples. I wish I could write like that!

Then a moment of horror occurred. I walked into our family room and the dog had my book and had ripped it. OH NO! No, No No! Not one of my favourite, favourite, favourite books! Devastation hit. I grabbed it off of her but it wasn't salvageable. What to do? Shall I just leave it and go 'Oh well'? It is just a book after all. No I'm sorry, it wasn't just a book to me, it's an example of fine writing!

So I jump onto the computer and order another copy from Amazon. It arrived two days later so I was able to finish my visit with one group of characters. It's silly to get so attached to characters in a book but when it's a beautifully crafted story you can't help but cheer for them and want to visit with them over and over and over again.

So are there any books that you would never give up and you continually go back to?

JN

The First Wait is Over

2010-02-25T19:07:00.002-06:00

Back in November I sent my full manuscript off to Desire. Over the last couple of weeks I'll admit to checking the answering machine to see if it was flashing for a message or checking the mail box for any sign of a letter.

Well the wait is over. Today I received a rejection. Guess I didn't make the Olympic team! It wasn't a form rejection which is a plus. There were things that just didn't work in the story. Those things are what I need to work on. I've sent it off to someone who has never seen the story before to see if she could also pick up on the points the editor did.

At the end of the letter she wished me luck but didn't suggest I send her anything else. But guess what, I'm not going to let that stop me. I also have in my possession another rejection - that one a form rejection, from the same Associate Editor saying to feel free to query her again. Ironically, when I first queried on this story she rejected it then. Then I did an online pitch with another editor and she requested the partial, then the full. Guess it still didn't work for the first editor :)

The plus side of it, at least I know where it fell down and what I need to fix. So I'll give it time. Work on my full requested Medical then look back at it and send it off to another publisher. The more I get it out there the more chance I have of getting it published or at the very least ideas on how to improve my writing.

So this Olympian/Author wannabe hasn't given up!

JN

Olympics and Writing

2010-02-21T10:27:00.004-06:00

So the games are on and I've spent the last week watching them. It's been great and the grit and determination and commitment of the athletes is something to aspire to.

I know Australia won't do well that well, we don't get a lot of snow and are more a summer sport country than winter sports. I think I read on the internet that a base has been set up overseas for our athletes. It does make sense. I'm sure the sponsorship deals aren't as big as our summer Olympic athletes. Of course I have no basis to prove this comment so it's just a pie in the sky comment by me.

I believe a few of the Australian athletes reside in the US or other European cities. It makes sense, particularly with the amount of snow the US has received this year!

As a writer you have the joy and anticipation of getting the call and then waiting for the book to be on the shelves. Depends on who you are published with your book can be on the shelf for quite a few weeks.

If you are Olympian, you spend years training, honing your craft and skill level to reach the pinnacle of your sport. You attend the Olympic trials and do your best to make the team. For some that's when the first disappointment occurs. You then have to wait another 4 years for your chance to make the team. In between there is always the world championships you can attend. I guess you could say that's when you receive a form rejection.

There's the elation of making the team, achieving one part of your goal. The build up and the anticipation of going to a different place and culture. There's the fitting for your uniform and the team camps you attend. This is when you've had the request for a full .

The first big day has arrived, you are preparing to enter the stadium in your shiny new uniform for the opening ceremony. Perhaps you've even been given the honour of carrying your country's flag. We could say you've sent your requested full off and got a letter back requesting revisions.

After much sweat, blood and tears the day of your event has arrived. Butterflies the size of elephants take up residence in your stomach. You get yourself to that place in your mind. You focus and then you make your way to the starting line. You start. Everything is going beautifully, your technique is flawless. You are sailing down the snow covered mountain, or skating on pristine ice. And then in a split second it happens, you twist the wrong way and you fall. Your Olympic dream is over. You don't make the final and you don't get on the podium and you have to wait another four long years to feel the adrenalin rush of an Olympic Games. Yes you attend world championships and win, but you don't get what is revered above all - that Olympic Gold Medal. It's the rejection letter you get after you've slaved over one or maybe two revisions. Do you want to go on? Of course you do, you love it. It's your passion. You don't give up.

What just occurred above, happened to the competitor before you. Now it's your turn. You start off and you sail down the mountain or across the ice with the fastest speed or highest score. And at the end it is your name sitting atop of that list. You are number 1. You are an Olympic Gold Medalist. In a writers life, that's when you get the CALL. You are going to be a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.

It may happen at your first Olympics or your third. It may happen with your first manuscript or it may take you ten or more manuscripts but you get there. The one common thread between you and that Olympian - you never gave up. You followed your dream. And yes you may fall and miss the podium but you get back up and dust yourself off ready for the next Olympics or the next manuscript.

One day I will be that Olympic Gold Medalist and for me it will be when I have that book in my hand. With my name on the cover and know that in a few short weeks it will be on the bookshelf for all to see.

Enjoy the Games!

JN

February - The Month of Love

2010-02-14T11:44:00.002-06:00

Well you could class February as the month of Love. Valentine's Day is celebrated smack bang in the middle of it.

This year I've experienced a different Valentine's Day. Here in the US Valentine's Day is a big event. The kids at school hand out Valentine's Cards to everyone. It seems that this day is a bit bigger than Christmas. My kids didn't get any Xmas cards from their school mates. To be honest I don't think it made a huge difference to them. Zane had never passed a lot of cards out as he'd only been at daycare, whereas Skylar had been at school for 3 years. It's funny that no comments were made by them. Maybe it was because it felt a little different. Of course come Christmas day they were pleased to see lots of gifts under the tree.

A few people believe Valentine's Day is a "Hallmark" Holiday. Perhaps it is. I do appreciate my loved ones everyday. It was actually quite sweet in my household. My gorgeous son told his dad "You are so taking me to Walmart to buy mum some flowers and makeup." Of course there was payback, a few days later he came up to me and said, "Mum, if I get you something for Valentine's Day will you give me something?".

So come Valentines Day I hear the voices of my two kids, trying to be quiet to surprise me with their gifts. It was very cute. My handsome hubby is enroute to India so we miss spending the day together. But he phoned me and that's all that really matters to me.

So what do you think of Valentine's Day? Just a commercial endeavour? Or something more?

JN

Where I'm at

2010-01-30T10:48:00.001-06:00

Today instead of blogging here I've blogged over at WInk Girls. Go take a look if you like.

JN

Interesting Facts about Me

2010-01-28T21:04:00.004-06:00

So I'm procrastinating and instead of doing my edits I was reading blogs. I went over to my friend Rach's blog and voila see she's tagged me for a "Kreativ Blog" award. Woohoo something I can do instead of editting. LOL Also if I don't do it now I won't do it because I'll forget about it.

So what are seven interesting facts about me.

1. I've just moved to Houston Texas with my hubby and two fabulous kids. After living in Perth, Western Australia for over 30 years and being such a family person, it was a very hard decision to move away from everything that I knew to a new country. But I'm here and I am enjoying it.

2. I did Ballroom dancing for 8 years and taught as well.

3. I currently have two requested fulls - one with Desire (been there since Nov 13) and the others is for a medical (the one I should be editting right now!)

4. I started writing after I had my daughter, but according to my school reports, I was telling stories at 5 1/2 years old!

5. My husband is a kiwi and he is incredible in picking out the personality of people the moment he mets them.

6. I had to leave one of my cats in Perth and after having her for over 14 years I miss her every day!

7. I'm addicted to chocolate and coca cola.

So there you have it. Man it was tough to come up with something interesting but I think I did it and I hope you have learnt a little bit about me.

I'm not sure who comes and reads my blogs so I can't think of who else to nominate. :)

JN

Life Changing Events

2010-01-22T20:39:00.002-06:00

Over the last two days I've watched two amazing documentaries.

The first one was called "Brace for Impact". This was about the plane that landed on the Hudson River in New York last January. What an amazing story. I want that captain to fly every plane I go on. All I can say is I think the higher being had something in mind for every single person on that plane, something that I wonder whether the passengers have yet to figure out? Some have and perhaps some others are still searching for a meaning in being on that plane on that day.

The whole incident was just one of those freak things. The flock of birds flying right in the path of the plane. The Captain and First Officer who were in charge of the flight. The weather. The Captain's ability to keep the plane nose up and wings dead straight are, ultimately, what saved the lives of all those people on board.

Seeing the footage of the plane landing on the river was beautiful in it's weirdness. To hear what the people on the plane were thinking as they experienced the event. To hear what the lady in first class heard, the onboard computers, saying 'pull up terrain. Pull up terrain." I don't think they will ever leave her mind. To hear the woman say that, that was it. Selling clothes didn't matter any more, I'm meant for better things, I'm meant to help others and having the courage to follow through with her convictions and changing her career. The Captain hearing the voices of the flight crew saying, 'Brace, Brace, Brace, keep your head down" knowing they were frightened but were on the same page as him.

Even the man who saved those lives, what impact did the event have on him and his family. All things that to me, a person who was on the other side of the world at the time, knew nothing about. Truly amazing show.

The second documentary I watched was "Mega Tsunami - 5 years later". This was about the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. This was gut wrenching to watch. To see actual footage of the waves was amazing - I'd never seen any of that before. I remember the day well, not because of the event, that come after. But because I played a game of Super Golf with my family in our, at the time, annual 'Tommo' event. I won it with my brother.

I can honestly say I didn't know too much about it until the next day. Don't know why I didn't see any news that day but it was at least a day later that I heard about it. To actually see the footage today when I watched it, was mind blowing. I really, really had no concept of just how devastating it was. Maybe because my daughter was 2 and I didn't want her to see the footage, I don't know. All I know is, today it made me cry.

So many peoples lives were changed, by amazing stories of survival, one couple caught up in the hotel and then, after being tossed and bashed and battered about, pop up, literally, in the middle of the ocean. As the husband of that couple said, when they got to the hospital and he didn't know if his wife would walk again, it was nothing compared to the bodies on the ground covered with blankets. My wife may never walk, but we were alive and we had each other.

Lives were changed by the death of loved ones, children, mums, dads, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives. The image of the couple just mere metres from safety, unable to reach the arm leaning out and then swept under and away by the deluge.

With something as tragic as this there is the guilt one suffers for surviving. The mother surviving when her daughter was ripped from her arms and she doesn't remember how or when it happened. The brother that survived when his sister didn't. The person leaning out to save the couple but unable to reach them. That is something no one could ever understand, unless they lived through it.

How many romances came about from these tragic events? Survivors getting together to help each other and then finding love. It does get the mind wondering, but not just yet. For me, at the moment, I feel it would be a little disrespectful to those that have suffered. May seem silly as I don't know those people and they don't know me, but for me it's something I must do.

JN

General Ramblings

2010-01-20T21:47:00.002-06:00

This post is just going to be about things in general. Things that have happened in and around my life since my last blog.

I'm very happy to say that it's only taken my five months but I've FINALLY managed to find a bread that the kids like and will eat. It almost tastes like bread back home. I had despaired of ever finding a tasty bread and something the kids would like. I'll admit to spending sometime just sitting and thinking, "What did bread taste like back home?" LOL, sad but true. It's such a simple food but very complex in taste over here. But now I've solved one problem. YAY!

On a writing level it's been a pretty tough week. Some things happened which turned quite emotional and I don't think it will ever be the same again. Trust and respect has been abused and sadly lost. So I'm going to put it out there, on the worldwide web. That I've written a short story and one of my plot devices was email banter back and forth between the hero and heroine. It's a personal need of mine to put this out there.

What else is happening on the writing front? Well now that I feel happy in how I've tweaked and play with it, I'm ready to send my short story to a contest. Once gone, I'm going to concentrate on getting my medical edited and sent off. I'm itching to start writing something new.

For my family, well we've been here in Houston for 5 months and I think we're getting settled in. The kids have gone through or are going through an intense testing period for their school work. It will be interesting to see their results in the future. My baby boy lost his first tooth on 18th January 2010. It's not possible that he is old enough to be losing teeth. He certainly lost his first tooth well before his big sister did! Speaking of his sister, well she's coping well with her broken leg and come the end of next week she should be out of the cast and then on crutches for a couple more days after that.

So for me everything is falling into place and even though it was an emotional second half of last week, it is something to look upon and learn and grow from it.

JN

100th Post

2010-01-08T11:39:00.004-06:00

What a milestone, I can't believe I've written 100 blog posts. I started this blog a long time ago, if I was a bit more prolific perhaps I would have reached the milestone sooner but still I've reached it now.

So should a 100th post be something witty. Or should it be something reflective. Or should it be philosophical. Or should it be a typical Just Nicki post. I think a combination of everything, if I can achieve that.

So I wake up today and the temperature is -4C - wow I don't think I've experienced anything this cold. Then again, when I was in New Zealand it was pretty bloody cold but I didn't have a fancy mobile phone that could tell me what the temperature is. Of course, the house has central heating so you could walk around in just a t-shirt if you want - sadly that's not me, I feel the cold even with the heating on! I think just knowing it's that cold outside is enough to give me the chills. Currently it's -1C, break out the bikini! I am desperate I'm talking about weather.

Actually I've had a pretty eventful week. Kids went back to school on Tuesday - peaceful house YAY!! I'm chatting away to my friend on Skype when my mobile rings, its my DH telling me our beautiful daughter had a fall at school and didn't want to put any weight on her leg. The call came in around 11.15am. Fast forward 3 and a bit hours and we have x-rays showing a broken leg! She is now sporting a beautiful pink cast and crutches. It hits me some time that my baby has a broken leg. I've never had a broken leg so I don't know what she is feeling or the pain she may be experiencing. I've not cried once which surprised me. Skylar has been extremely brave about it all as well. Of course, now her brother wants a green cast and crutches. Let's hope I don't have two children on crutches. What has amazed me is the resilience of kids, she has taken it all in her stride. I'm so proud of her.

I've not done a lot this week. I did some writing, I re-wrote a short story for a contest. Hopefully I've answered the questions that the girls from my critique group mentioned last meeting. I've not been hit with any new ideas but I figure the 3 I had last week is a pretty good start. I really need to concentrate on my writing now.

My good friend from my critique group Shona Husk sold a story at the end of last year to the Wild Rose Press which is so exciting for her. Now this week she's heard from a West Australian publisher that they are buying a short story she has written for their upcoming anthology. And just yesterday she's received an email from Samhain Publishing which was a request for revisions for a story she sent them a little while ago. She is on fire and I for one couldn't be happier for her. Shona has worked hard on her craft over the last couple of years and has been submitting, submitting, submitting, which is the only way to know what or how you are doing. Yay Shona.

Well can't think of much more to say. So there you have it my 100th post. What will the next 100 bring me??

JN

Welcome 2010

2010-01-03T14:41:00.002-06:00

Well it's the start of a new decade. The last decade proved to be a very productive and interesting decade for me. I welcomed two children, built a new house, lived in a hovel for the time it took to build said new house, welcomed 1 nephew and 2 nieces as well as 5 honorary nephews, found some fabulous new friends in my writing group, oh and moved countries! Wow what a ride.

So what will the next decade bring me. I'm hoping it will bring me a book contract or three, a move back to Australia, not now but in a few years time, I don't think there will be any new babies - I'm over that. I hope it will bring a whole batch of new friends and new adventures.

I read online that some companies have been hit by a Y2K10 bug - how weird. All that fuss in 1999 about the Y2K bug that never happened and now 10 years later, some weird stuff happened and no one thought about it happening.

I've had a pretty good start to the new year, with 2 new book ideas hitting me. They have been written down in my ideas book ready to look at and work out romantic conflict charts and GMC charts. There is also another idea swimming around my brain but it could prove to be tricky. My hero wants to be a former sports star, so this has to be handled with care - former sports heroes are not common place. So the idea might sit for a while, but we'll see. Sports stars can be pushy so he may start yelling at me to get his story down. I'll wait and see.

Here's hoping that 2010 proves to be a great year for all!

JN

The Year in Review

2009-12-30T19:40:00.002-06:00

Well considering my last few blogs haven't had any comments I'm not sure anyone is reading this anymore but what the hey I'll keep making entries. One of my hopes for the new year is to keep doing regular updates.

So what a year it has been for me and my family. The best place to start will be at the beginning of 2009.

We bought in the new year with some great friends in Dunsborough. It was our first family holiday when both my hubby and I had time off. We house sat for friends while they were overseas, so it was a great holiday accommodation wise. We had such a great two weeks we decided that we would camp again next Christmas. We returned home and I went back to work while DH looked after the kids. Then DH went back to work. First day back I get a phone call from and the words that would change our destiny were spoken. They were, "How do you feel about moving to Houston?" Hollowness filled my stomach and my immediate response was "No way." I didn't say that but I thought it. On the writing front, I rewrote half a manuscript and feel in love with my characters all over again.

Move into February and the spectre of moving to Houston hung heavily over me. Also my son started kindergarten and my daughter year 2. I loved the school they went to and the teachers they got this year were beautiful, caring souls. Another reason why I really didn't want to move away. What sort of school would the kids go to? Would it be as good? Would they be treated the same way? I was to find out later that really they were in a fabulous school and that it was the one downside of the relocation. Amongst all of this I continued to write and sent off the partial of my medical that was requested at the RWA Conference in 2008 off to London, and the waiting game began.

March and things were getting serious on the Houston front, DH was to spend 3 weeks in the Houston office to see how it works and meet the people he could end up working with. I was not in a position to let the people I work with know of the situation and it was causing me stress, also school was wonderful for the kids and they loved getting up each morning to start a new day. On the writing front, the medical story was completed in first draft just waiting for any news. Desire still needed to be edited and get sent but, truly my mind really wasn't on my writing.

April came and DH returned late March and loved every minute of his time in Houston. Things stood still for a while and secretly I hoped it wasn't going to work out. But also because of the GFC a job prospect for DH at the end of 2008 wasn't looking so good now. So maybe the move to Houston was a good thing. It's amazing how fate works and things happen for a reason. Not much happening on the writing front, my mind just couldn't do anything constructive.

April melded into May and everything started moving at a fast pace. I couldn't take the stress of keeping it from work and finally, at the end of the month I told them about our possible move. They were shocked, but happy for the opportunity. The marvellous thing was, they wanted me to still do work for them in Houston. They believed I still had the ability to be a useful team member. It meant the world to me because I loved my job and I loved the poeple I worked with.

June came and it brought with it the biggest hurdle we had to overcome, obtaining US visas. That day came and we all trooped down to the US Embassy and waited. They took the passports, letters we had etc had a look and then passed them back to us. They called us up, the guy asked me if I was ready to live in Texas and then asked the kids if they were looking forward to going to school. We replied the dutiful yes. He then took our passports and said, we should get them back in a couple of days. Guess that meant we were going. It was a bit of an anticlimax and we walked out wondering if it was true. The arrival of passports two days later with American Visa's in them confirmed ... we were headed to Houston Texas.

The next few weeks passed in a blur! Panic to get the house ready first for the idea of renting out. Declutter and get rid of excess toys, clothes, furniture etc. Add into that a whirlwind trip to Houston for a looksee and before we knew it, it was the kids last day at school, my last day at work and our going away party. The cars were sold, house was on the market, furniture shipped, cat sitting in Sydney waiting for his flight to Houston and the goodbyes to family and friends were given. And on the writing front - I was too emotional to think about anything but saying goodbye to everything I knew and was comfortable with.

Truly the last few months have all blended together. So many things to sort out, cars, school, house, life in general. I've enjoyed being here. The shopping is great, I'm a stay at home mum but still work for my old work which I love. The kids are happy, although my son has had struggles at school but after the Xmas break, I hope it gets better for him. My daughter has surprised me and has taken all this in her stride and coped better than I ever thought she would. And my DH well, it was always a yes for him and he is enjoying every second - that is when the kids aren't sending us batty!

On the writing front, once I got here I got settled and let my emotions settle down. On the day our furniture from home arrived I got an email from my dad. Attached was a letter from M&B in London requesting the full of my medical. I was over the moon. In November I sent off my full Desire to New York. I haven't sent off the medical yet because in my letter there was some ideas on how to make the story a bit stronger. I'm taking everything that editor said and making sure I achieve what she wanted before I send it off.

So now its the second last day of the year for me in Houston and I've started working on a new idea for a medical story. Opening scene is handwritten and the GMC and romantic conflict charts are done. It's a start and I'm very happy with it. I'm going to do the same for a story I started last June which is going to be for Desire. I'm determined to learn my craft and get the story strong.

I wish for all of you to have a fabulous 2010. I'm going to enjoy this new adventure in Houston. I miss my family terribly but with techology today, they aren't that far way. Also planning a trip home in July of next year which will be great.

May all your dreams come true and if 2009 was not the greatest year for you, look at it as a learning year. We can learn from everything. What I've learned from this year, well I can live on the otherside of the world and I'm not a dribbling mess.

I surprised myself.

JN

Wink Girls and stuff

2009-12-11T08:56:00.002-06:00

Hi,

Not sure if anyone is still following this, but if you're interested I just posted a blog on the WinkGirls blog.

It's getting to that wonderful time of the year when the jolly fat guy in the red suit comes shimmying down the chimney and spreads lots of love and laughter and gifts to everyone.

For me it will be bittersweet, the first christmas in 39 years that I haven't spent with my family. No breakfast get together at my aunt's place with my extended, no rushing madly home to check on the food in the oven (it would have been my turn to host christmas with my immediate family this year) and then no chilling in the evening with more food and my DH's mum. I'll still get to see the kids faces when they open the gifts but it will just be the four of us and we will have to start a tradition of our own.

I hope to get more writing done now too. Need to structure my time better and I do plan to do that. I mean just this week I took a notebook in the car while I waited for the kids to come out of school and wrote some words. I could take the laptop and write - good in theory I should just follow through.

It's all just a matter of being willing to follow through and not wimp out.

JN

Superstitious - Not me!

2009-11-20T16:26:00.004-06:00

Last Friday was Friday 13th. So many people stress and stay at home that day. It's a Friday though, doesn't everyone look forward to a Friday?

For me 13 is my lucky number, why? Well I was born on the 13th. I've had a few black Friday's including my 21st birthday. So how can the 13th be bad. I'm not that superstitious, I even had a black cat - Theodore. It was so cute when he was asleep his whole face was just blank, even his nose was black. I guess the only superstition I do have is not putting new shoes on the dinner table. Nothing else really bothers me. In fact my next Friday 13th Birthday will be in the year 2013. How many people will be hiding that day!

I've always considered that the best things happen to me on the 13th. First one - my birthday. I started a job I loved on 13th November, that year it was a Monday, but I stayed in the job for nearly 5 years and worked with some absolutely fabulous people. I look back at that time with such fond memories.

My DH and I found my engagement ring on 13th May. So for me it made perfect sense to finally send off one my requested Manuscripts on a Friday 13th and so I did. So again, a momentous moment in my life occurred on the 13th of a month.

Now I wait, wait for a response and either good or bad I will not regret sending it on Friday 13th.

JN

Time for Change

2009-11-12T10:43:00.001-06:00

Thought it was time to change up the look of my blog, particularly after seeing a psychopath had used the same template as I had for a blog. *Shudder*

I wanted something more red in colour to match my website but this was as close as I could find. It's similar to the WInk girls Blog but that's okay.

Back to my editing.

JN

New Beginnings

2009-11-03T13:19:00.003-06:00

Well we've moved into the house. It's nice to be surrounded by familiar things and sleep in my own bed. The kids appear more settled. There are still a heap of boxes that need unpacking and still a bit of the apartment to pack up but it will get done and then we'll be able to relax and settle into a routine.

Even Scooter the cat seems quite content. Extremely happy to go outside and roam around. He never wanted to do that at the apartment and I didn't mind there were trucks and cars coming and going around the complex. The weird thing is Scooter sees the furniture and it obviously clicks in his mind that its all his. He has also worked out that we have a garage that he can get into again. Back home he lived in the garage, he ate and slept out there. So at this house, he sits at the laundry door and goes, let me out, the garage is my domain. I have to keep telling him, that it's okay for him to be inside now, in fact I want him inside. Maybe he has been suffering from Cultural Shock and is happy with the familiar again. But I'm so glad we made the decision to bring him over, I'd be lost without him.

For me I go in and out of Cultural Shock, some days I'm really good and other days I see an email or realise there's a major Australian event coming up (like Melbourne Cup) and I'm not there to celebrate or get dressed up. But there are plenty of new traditions that I can get involved with.

We celebrated our first 'real' Halloween, the kids went trick or treating last year but here in the States, well it's an institution. The kids had a ball getting dressed up and going from door to door and getting treats. I think they got more enjoyment out of handing out the candy to the kids that knocked on our door!

The next big holiday will be Thanksgiving. Kids get some time off school which will be nice and hopefully my DH will be here to help celebrate and not off on another business trip. Although the way his schedule is it's highly likely he'll be away. Fingers crossed he won't be.

JN

Emotional rollercoaster

2009-10-25T19:48:00.002-05:00

I've climbed back onto that sucker and it's really not a pleasant ride. :) For me to explain what I mean I have to go back to over a week and half ago.

October 14th was a momentous day for my DH and I, we closed on the house we purchased in Houston - we had a home again. We are mortgage payers again. Silly as it sounds, it's a nice feeling. The whole process of settlement is completely different here than it is back at home. We were present and so was the seller at handover. It was a lovely process and to meet the daughter of the previous owner made it even more special.

The next exciting thing was all our furniture, plates, beds, sheets and toys were all arriving at the house two days later. Yay get to see our stuff again. The only down side, my DH was flying out for work for two weeks the day after our stuff arrived!

So the morning of the big move I wake up all excited and do what I always do - check my phone for emails I may have received overnight. There sitting in my inbox is an email from my dad with an attachment. The attachment is from Harlequin Mills & Boon. Back in February I sent off a partial that I pitched at the RW Australia conference in 2008. I could see the letter and it was about 5 or 6 paragraphs long. My heart beat faster and I said to my DH, oh looks like I've got a rejection, but it doesn't look like its a form rejection so that's good. I guess the reason I thought it was a rejection was because the only exposure I had to a full request was a two paragraph letter.

So I went over to the computer and started it up. All the while dreading what I was going to find. So eventually I open the email, then the attachment and when I get it to a readable size I start to read it out to my DH. It wasn't a rejection but a request for a FULL!! The editor also went on to suggest some changes to make my heroine stronger. OH MY GOODNESS, editorial advice it was an amazing letter and I was on top of the world. Also she said that my style was fluet and my voice engaging and sparky. WOW!

It was a fabulous rollercoaster ride so far, but as with all rollercoasters, there is a downside. I guess that happened the next day when I waved my DH goodbye. The moment he left, it was like my kids became possessed. Needless to say for the rest of the week, there were tears and lack of sleep didn't help.

Throw in a couple of family bereavements which are doubly hard when you are thousands and thousands of miles away. And it's just got even hairer!

So now it's a week since DH left and I think I'm reaching the end of the ride. I feel a bit more in control. We spent last night at the house and I got to sleep in a bed I hadn't slept in for nearly 3 months. It was bliss. Also the kids loved seeing all their toys and played nicely with them. The most amazing thing was, we had no tv and really the kids didn't miss it. How much of watching TV is leading to my problems?

I'm hanging out for the day when we move in officially, I think we'll all be more grounded when we are surrounded by our stuff and can relax because it's our home.

Only a couple weeks to go.

JN

Converted

2009-10-07T08:19:00.002-05:00

We are getting into the digital age, well let's be honest we've been in it for a while. I've had a mobile phone for the last 15 years, computers at work and home for over 20 years but when it comes to reading I've always been a paperback type of girl.

I like the feel of a book in my hand, the turning of the pages, the flicking through to see what happens because I'm impatient (yes that is bad I know). The continual going back to the book to revisit characters, favourite scenes, crying and laughing and just sighing over the endings. Being transported to the Greek sunshine on Santorini, or the the smell of the vineyards in Italy or the Australian outback or even, the danger and excitement of a fire station, any place other than the house that needs cleaning, it will be there when I've finished visiting my favourite characters. :-)

But now you can buy e-books, where with just the press of a button you can turn the page, increase the font size, hold a super slim device in your hand instead of the weight of a historical saga.

I've resisted the lure of the e-reader. I've bought a few e-books and they've wallowed aimlessly on my hard drive. Two of the girls from Wink have e-readers. One raves over it, it's the only way to go now, the other, not sure what she thinks I'll have to ask her. I'll admit to have scoffing at them saying, nope paper books for me all the way.

Well I guess now I'll have to eat humble pie. My wonderful husband bought me an e-reader for my birthday and I LOVE IT!! Yes I'm being converted, but not totally. In a way I'm sad that I won't have all those favourite books by my favourite authors on my bookshelf, but instead they'll be on my hard drive. It does mean I can buy lots more books and my DH can't shake his head when he sees the metre high pile of books to be read on the floor. But I do have authors that are my absolute favourite and now I'll have paperback and digital version of their books. I guess I can live with that.

I've had it less than a month and I think I've read 6 books on it, I still have a pile of paperbacks I need to read, so I'm alternating between the two. The amazing thing is with the e-reader I'm reading books in a day and half. I can't flick through the books to see what's happening, I have to click that button and vicariously read and read and read till I find out what happens. The only downside is, that it's going to be hard to flick through the pages and find those favourite scenes when I want to avoid the housework!

So yes in the space of a month I've gone from being a non-believer of the wonders of e-readers to an absolute believer of the wonders of an e-reader. How many more are going to be converts in the near future?

JN

Twilight Zone

2009-09-29T09:53:00.002-05:00

That's kind of how I feel at the moment - living in the twilight zone. We've been in Houston for 7 weeks now and we've bought two cars and a house. Everything we need. But still it doesn't quite feel 'real'.

The other day we were heading out and my DH got a coffee, he handed over the money and that's when it hit me again, we're living in the States. I just can't go a few kilometres down the road and then I'll be at my parents house. Or the familiar shopping centre which has bread my kids like. Now I have to find those places and believe me, finding a bread the kids like is a challenge!

For me my life changed dramatically, I'm not working. I don't have to get up and spend 6 hours in the office. It was never a burden, I loved my job and the people I worked with. Fortunately with technology today I can still do work for them, which I love. It makes me feel useful and still gives me a connection. I can't see the WINK girls face to face anymore, now its over a crackly speaker and sometimes I can't hear everything that is said but I still look forward to that Wednesday morning, once a month when I connect with my girls.

For the kids, well adjusting to American school life has been difficult for them. It's a whole different ball game. They've come from a place where they were separated from the other school grades. They were loved and cared for and nurtured. It makes me realise just how lucky they were. For the kindergarten kids, it was great, they had their own playground, there were no big kids to scare them and for their first year at school - it was great. Also the teachers didn't yell or growl at their old school, sure they may have raised their voices on occasion but they used different methods to get their attention. Would it be a bad thing to suggest to the teachers here to try this way instead of yelling? Maybe it might be a little too soon for that.

All I can do is nurture the kids and give them all of my love and try not to yell at them myself! Now I don't have the stress of working and rushing out to do a lingerie party I do have the time to sit with them. I'm making preparations for dinner early so that when I pick them up from school I can help with homework and if the weather permits take them to the playground to let off the excess energy they have. It's weird for them not to run around and play at lunchtime at school - they're not used to sitting in a cafeteria!

For my DH he is in the thick of things with work - the reason for our move. He's finding they do work differently here but knowing my DH, he'll adjust quicker than all of us. He's just that type of guy. Takes on the challenges life throws at him with guts and determination - it's why I love him.

So it may sound that I'm not enjoying my time here in Houston but I truly am. I'm enjoying that I don't have to work. I'm really looking forward to moving into our house. It's such a pretty house and I can't wait until we can move all our furniture in there. I also love the fact that our cat Scooter made the journey with us. It has certainly made it feel more like home.

We are all adjusting and in time, everything will be natural. I'll even find a bread the kids like!

JN

Big Moves

2009-07-12T18:09:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had to make a decision that will take you away from everything you know and are familiar with? Well we've just made it. We're moving to Houston, Texas USA. We are moving for my DH's job. Great career opportunity for him. For me I'm dead scared about leaving all I know behind.

We've spent the last week there and it was great and exciting but as we were driving back home from the airport yesterday it hit me that next time we go it could be well over a year before I see the familiar streets of Perth. How am I going to cope? There will be no more spontaneously lunches with my parents, no family parties. I love my family so leaving them behind will be hard.

But on the upside I will have my own family with me. My unit that my DH and I have created. It will be our chance to tighten our family unit. Make us a stronger team. It's perhaps what we need to cement us together tight. We will only have each other and we will have to love and give each other strength and support.

With technology nowadays, extended families aren't that far away, not like they used to be.

So as we embark on this new adventure I know that there will be times when all I want to do is get on that plane and come back home but there will be other times when I'll be having so much fun that I won't even think of what we've left behind. It will always be there and really, just a couple of flights away.

JN

RWA Roadshow

2009-06-01T07:13:00.002-05:00

Well the RWA Roadshow has come and gone in a flurry of learning, making new friends, reacquainting yourself with old friends and spending time doing what we love - writing!

I acted as MC, a role I loved doing. I prepared an opening which incorporated the speakers and the workshops they would be presenting. I presented it like it was an anthology of 3 books by 3 different authors, each story unique, each author unique. I think it was well received.

The energy for the whole day was incredibly high, even though the weather was a bit lousy. Everybody had a great time and hopefully learnt a lot.

One of the highlights were the visitors, we had 3 people come from interstate and one international guest from Denmark - very exciting.

So planning will begin for next year's Roadshow. It's sure to be just as successful as the past two.

JN

I'm Live!!!

2009-04-21T08:35:00.004-05:00

I know I've been very remiss and have not posted for a while, but now I have to. I have a website!!! I've finally got around to getting it setup and now I'm live. My website is http://nicoleflockton.com

I think it looks very pretty!! But then of course I did choose the page design :-)

It's a busy time for me, I'm in the middle of editing my full manuscript requested by Desire and waiting on news of a partial I sent to M&B Medical. But in between all of that I'm helping to organise a one day writing workshop. Romance Writers of Australia are putting on the roadshow again in Perth - very exciting. Make sure you check out RWA Perth Roadshow. The line up of speakers is going to be fabulous.

Hope everyone is happy, healthy and writing up a storm.

Hugs
JN

Falling Love Again

2009-02-14T00:42:00.002-06:00

Kind of appropriate title considering today is Valentine's Day. I'm sitting here singing along to all the love songs that the music video tv stations are playing. Some are making me well up with tears others are bringing back memories and others I'm singing loudly along too. Goodness there are some great love songs and some really corny ones.

So in the months since my last blog life has been going along steadily and during that time I've been attempting to edit my manuscript that has been requested by Desire. I've also been writing my new medical story for the request I got at conference. You get so attached to your work that you make excuses for why you badly want something to work. Well for me I kept getting told that my medical was a lot better and more enjoyable than my Desire. I used the excuse that my hero in the medical wasn't Alpha. But it wasn't washing. Who wants to discard over 30,000 words as useless!

At the beginning of the year I thought perhaps it was time to listen to my crit group, maybe they were onto something. So I decided to submit a brand new chapter instead of trying to edit old, old, old work and if they didn't like it well then it was my characters not my writing. Well what can I say I think it turned out to be the best idea ever. By the end of the first week of February I had re-written 3/4's of the book and finished it!

I had fallen in love with my characters again. And if felt fabulous.

The words flowed out of me and I think this is their story not the story I had written 5 years ago. I also think it's a better story.

So now it's a matter of editting the new 7 chapters and then taking the plunge and sending it out. I also plan to finish my medical by the end of March.

I've got a renewed spirit with regards to my writing and am loving the whole process again. Simply because I fell in love again.....

JN

Friends

2008-10-17T09:25:00.003-05:00

So it's Friday night, DH has gone away, what's the perfect thing to do - watch a chick flick of course. I'd bought 'Sex and the City' Movie last night. I'll admit I didn't really get into it until late in the last series. I loved it and wished I had a group of girlfriends like that. Ones that will support you in the highs and lows of your life.

So I'll admit and say I cried most of the movie. There were so many touching scenes and made me wish for that group of girls that I could rely on. It's also like the TV series 'Friends' the dynamic the group generates. The sad thing is, it's probably not real, it's all staged and written by clever writers and then transferred brilliantly to screen. Having said that I'm sure there are groups like that out there - well I'm going to believe that there are :)

Imagine knowing that all you had to do was call and within a short space of time your support network is there, helping, listening, laughing and crying with you.

I know I do have the Wink Girls that will be there to share the highs and lows with me. We've just had a brilliant high with one of the girls selling her first book. Congratulations Loretta! Can I say that I'm super happy and I'm super jealous as well, I wanted to be the first to sell - doesn't everyone. LOL Guess I have to submit more for that to happen. :) But I am happy for Loretta and know that it's the first of many from our group. The time has come for the Wink Girls to celebrate!

Well the editting and writing is not getting done and if I'm to be the next one to sell then I need to get my butt into gear and get my work in the post!

JN

Me so bad!

2008-10-02T00:01:00.003-05:00

I should have blogged long ago I promised myself I'd be more punctual but you know life just gives you stuff that you have to deal with.

I had some exciting news the other week. I received a letter in the mail from Diana of Desire. She has asked to see the full manuscript of the story I pitched to her online! I squealed the news down the phone to my DH. I'm still not sure what he made of it all :)

So now I'm in edit mode, whilst still working on the submission to HM&B for the Medical I pitched at conference. I want these babies to sparkle so I'm not rushing. Only thing is I have changed some plot points so I need to do a bit of rewriting - but that's okay because my writing has improved so much.

I'm now wishing for more hours in the day, a big lottery win so I don't have to work and can spend my days at home writing and the evenings with the hubby and kids. It's a dream I know but hey, life would be boring if we didn't have dreams.

My dream of becoming published is a little closer - well being asked for a full is huge when you think about the fact that this time last year I'd done no submitting at all!

Well back to the real job.

JN

So what's new

2008-09-09T07:11:00.002-05:00

Well I thought I'd post while I was away at conference but I swear time went by so fast and I was so busy that I wasn't able to catch up with people that I wanted to!

Conference was such a buzz. There were 6 of us Wink Girls at the conference. A really good number for a WA group. Actually I think WA was represented really well this year. I was bandying around the idea of having a conference in Perth. There seemed to be a positive response from some authors and other attendees. We will have to a proposal forward and see how it goes down, but just say we will give it a great go to get the conference over here.

I was still deciding whether or not I wanted to pitch my story to HM&B. I thought it was an opportunity that I won't get again for probably another year so I should just do it. Well lets just say the pressure was mounting! The reason the pressure was mounting is this.

Our group had a total of 10 pitches. Some of the girls were fortunate enough to have two pitches to two different publishers. I only had one as that's all I wanted to do. Well anyway at afternoon tea on the Saturday 6 of the 10 pitches had been completed and there were 6 requests. I was pitch number 7. Can I just tell you I was panicking. What if I was the only one that didn't get a request? Sure I was in two minds before I landed in Melbourne but once I was there, of course, I wanted a request!

Anyway my time came and at the end of my 5 minutes I had in my hand a business card which I had to attach to my partial and synopsis. Was I on a high? You bet I was. Anyway by 10am Sunday all 10 pitches were completed and the total number of requests ...... 10!

It was a wonderful outcome and one I'm not sure we can't top but lets just say our little group is going to be extremely busy over the next couple of months.

So now I'm busy re-working my 3 chapters after my discussion with the editor and then I'll do some deep editing and send out to the girls then off to the editor. Goal is to have it out by the beginning of November which means I have a lot of work to do.

I'm also going to enter a synopsis contest and also look at another proposal for a Desire project.

It's an exciting time and I just have to get rid of the procrastinating voice in my brain.

Hope everyone who reads my blog is happy and healthy.

JN

Update

2008-08-11T22:56:00.002-05:00

Hey All

Well it's been a month since my last post and I've been busy. Not so much with the writing but more with life in general.

So the update of my pitch. I got a request for a partial and full synopsis. I was so excited. Felt like I had really bombed in the pitch but was super glad to have the request - great outcome for me as the full really isn't that ready to send just yet.

Anyway slaved away for two weeks on it and finally sent it off on 1st August. I wanted it to be just right and spent a good time giving it the time I thought it needed to make it sparkle and shine. Didn't really want to rush it either! It will take about a week to get to the US so it's probably sitting on Diana's desk now waiting to be opened and read. I've had a bad feeling about getting the address wrong but that is just the negative vibe in the mind. So now it's a waiting game for me and one I'm not to patient with LOL. I go to the mail box everyday wondering if there is something in there fore me. Or I check my emails every five minutes even knowing it's the middle of the night.

So what do I do now? Well I continue to edit edit edit as she is going to ask for the full and then submit and guess what? Wait!

Also I'm pitching at the Romance Australia conference which comes up in 10 sleeps so I need to polish that pitch and the manuscript which kind of needs a bit of writing to be done on it.

I'm really looking forward to conference to meet up with people I've chatted to online with. This year it's all about networking for me I think. Although I say that now but when I get there I'm sure I'm going to be bitten by the shy bug. :-)

I'm going to take my nifty little laptop away so maybe I'll blog while I'm away.

JN

News!

2008-07-09T19:58:00.002-05:00

Well what a week I've had. Monday was a full day with kids on school holidays and a trip into the city to visit their dad for lunch. Took them on the ferry and my son kept asking when would he see the 'fairy'. Eventually he got the idea that it was a boat not a pretty girl with wings.

Tuesday started out normally, rush and get the kids up and dressed while I get ready for work. Arrive at work and open the email. Now this Tuesday I was hoping to see an email from a certain person - but I was a bit afraid to look. But there amongst the junk was an address I was familiar with and a subject line I was almost too afraid to believe. The subject line was "Desire Editor Pitch."

Let's just say my heart started pounding and my hand shook as I rolled the mouse over the subject line and pressed 'click'. There on my screen where the words I didn't think I'd see. The words I had to read a couple of times before they sank in. The words that everyone who entered the contest wanted to see. Those words were, 'You've been chosen as one of the winners of our Desire Pitch Contest. =) Congratulations!'

I didn't scream I just sat for a moment saying 'Oh my God' 'Oh my God'. First thing I did was ring my hubby - he was a bit vague but I think he was excited for me. The next was send an email to my fellow Wink Girls then because I just had to tell someone rang a couple of girls. For the whole morning I was floating trying to concentrate on work and not getting very far.

This is an awesome opportunity for me. I'm now going over my synopsis and reading through the first three chapters and then the next three and then the next three. I'm going to make this sparkle and shine and stand out for the editor to love so much she wants to buy it!!! :-)

My pitch is next Tuesday 15th. It's going to be a late night for me but it's going to be so worth it.

I'll keep everyone posted as to how I go.

JN

Challenge Update

2008-06-28T21:09:00.003-05:00

Hi All

I'm going to post how the challenge has affected me over at Wink Girls
but not just yet. If you head over there you'll see my writing buddy Loretta has blogged about titles.

My post will go up in a couple of days so please keep an eye on it but why not head over there anyway and comment on titles.

But you might want to check out my word meter!!!

JN

Home Stretch

2008-06-23T22:18:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe just how much I've written over the last 23 days - go check out the word counter!! I'm so happy with my achievements.

You can't help it but when you write you think this is probably all drivel but hopefully there is something good here. That's what I'm feeling at the moment. I think there are some good parts and other parts I'm like that is utter crap. But you know what? It's not set in stone. It's all fixable.

The book I'm reading at the moment is a fabulous book by Michelle Reid, one of my favourite authors. As I read, after I've exhausted my writing capacity, I think back and go, nope there is no way my manuscript is to this standard. Then I have to think, well she has, I think, written over 50 books she's knows her stuff. But I'm actually going to use this book as a tool on how I can enhance my writing.

So what I've got down is the bare bones stuff. Come edit time that's when I up the ante and inject more descriptive texts, more emotive texts, just more of everything that will make an editor sit up and take notice.

I'm onto my third story now, about 12k into it and it's kind of leaning toward category - I think. But I'm going to just keep going and see how it pans out.

However, for the moment I'm really proud of what I've achieved in such a short time - who would have thought. Certainly not me.

JN

12 Days to Go

2008-06-18T22:35:00.002-05:00

Well there are only 12 days left, including today of the challenge left. My word count is just over 30,000. I'm absolutely stoked with that amount. That is taken on computer word count. If I worked my word count on 250 words per page my word count would be around 33,000. But how can I count blank space when I finish a chapter?

Anyway I'm still on my second story. It's proved to be longer than I thought which is good although I think when it comes to editting I might lose a bit but then again I could add more. So it probably won't be category length but maybe a good length for an e-publisher. I'm close to winding this one up and then I need to start the next one. Might have to have a look through a 'Story Idea' document I found on my computer. See if something jumps out at me.

I'll admit to say I've hit the saggy middle of the month the last two nights the words have struggled but I hope I've turned the corner and tonight they'll flow. They need to otherwise I'll get behind schedule. I had actually worked myself to be one day ahead of where I should be. The last two days have put pay to that!

I'm going to try and update my word counter when I finish writing tonight. So keep a look out and see it grow!

JN

Week Two of Challenge

2008-06-11T06:18:00.002-05:00

Well it's halfway through week two of the challenge and I'm pretty much on schedule. Word count after 10 days is 16,612. I'm extremely pleased with that, I haven't written that much in a long long time.

The weekend was, as I predicted, as waste of time only managed to get 1,373 words written over the whole weekend. But I'm back on track now. Although having said that looks like my darling son may have passed his cold onto me. God love children *sigh*

On another note my Desire query was sent off a week ago. I printed it out at work and gave one last read. Found a couple of errors which I sorted out and did a re-print. Then signed and put it in an envelope and my friend from work mailed it for me. Why didn't I mail it you ask, well putting it in the mail tray was a big thing for me. Also with someone else mailing it I wouldn't be tempted not to send it!!

So now I need to work on my pitch for the Desire online pitch competition and hope to get a call up for that.

What an amazing few weeks it has been for me. I've done so much and really feel like I'm achieving something. Now if only my characters in this new story will co-operate. They are playing hard to get and it's looking like this story will be longer than 10,000. Enough for a full length category story? Not sure but they have been telling me things which have got me thinking there is more to them than I initially thought. How exciting!

Everyone stay warm.

JN

Challenge Update

2008-06-03T08:36:00.002-05:00

Well it's day three and after my first two fantastic days I wasn't sure how I'd go. I was extremely tired when I woke and really didn't think I had it in my to write anything. But surprisingly I wouldn't let myself sit down and vege out in front of the tv. I put a lingerie order in and managed to get my son to be by 7.30pm! Then it was open a new word document.

You see I had finished my first short story last night so I had to start a new one. Initially the words took a while coming, in fact I was pretty sure that if I got two pages done I'd be pretty happy. But once I got into it the words flowed and in between fighting with the boy, who wouldn't go to sleep, I managed to get a grand total of 2,033 words written.

I'm very proud of myself I exceeded my expectations. So now for me it's just tweak my query letter and synopsis, yes I know I was supposed to send it off today, but I wanted someone to give it one last look over. I went to the post office and bought the stamp and IRC and so tomorrow I'll email it to work, print it out and kiss it goodbye!

Not sure how much writing I'll get done tomorrow. Have the wink girls meeting at my house and this coming weekend will probably be a total write off as I've got something on every day. I'm really glad I had a good start. Might email my story to work and see if I can squeeze in a couple hundred words there.

Keep writing!

JN

What's New

2008-06-02T05:25:00.002-05:00

Well if you noticed on the side bar I now have a word counter. I signed up for the Romance Writers of Australia June Nano. It's not the 'official' Nano just one of the girls suggested doing it and well I signed up. I wasn't too sure how I'd go seeing as for the last couple of years I've done zilcho on the serious writing front. So 1st of June arrived and I started. By the end of the first day I had amassed a great total of 4,558 words. I was really proud of myself.

Well it's day two and you can see by the counter that I'm over the 10k mark. The words just flowed it felt so good.

My goal for June was to write 5 10k novellas so the first one is done and dusted. Of course it's the first draft so I'm sure a bit of it is drivel but I felt most of it is pretty good. I'm also try to write a bit of erotica so that has been a bit of fun!

I'm also going to enter the Desire pitch on eharlequin. I'm hopeful something will come of that as well and tomorrow I'm sending a query letter and synopsis off to Desire for my completed MS. I entered the same MS in the Instant Seduction contest and I've not had any response so I'm guessing it didn't strike any chords with them. So I thought I'd give Desire a go. Also I'm going to do a bit of a plot change on it which may have been a problem with the contest I entered. It's all a learning curve and I'm really pleased to say that this year before I go to the RWAus conference that I have submitted. YAY Me!

Well I'm going to start a new story now. Another idea has been floating around for a while so I'm going to try and get a start on it tonight. Let's hope I haven't used up my muse.

JN

Hello out there

2008-04-14T08:13:00.002-05:00

So does anyone remember me?? It's been a long time since I last blogged, 4 months to be precise, how bad is that!! I wanted to be so good and do at least two blogs each month but as you can see that hasn't happened.

So what has been happening in the world of Nicki? Nothing to exciting, no major writing news, but then again to get that I have to submit. Now how long have I been saying that? I'm really bad I know :(

Hubby has been doing quite a bit of travelling in the last couple of months so you'd think that would give me lots of time to write. Not so always managed to find something else to do. Am I committed? You bet! Why am I holding back? One word - fear. Now why do I have to be afraid of something so magical as writing? So now I have to stop making excuses and sit down and just bloody do it!!!

So having said that I shall sign off and tackle some tasks!

Be good to yourself.

JN

Almost Over

2007-12-18T05:27:00.000-06:00

Well in 14 days time we'll be in 2008 and yet another year has passed us all by.

I've had a good year. It started off with me changing jobs and moving to a much friendlier working environment. Like getting up and going to work each day, which in itself is a good thing. :-)

The highlight of the year would have to have been going to the Romance Writers of Australia annual conference. Jennifer Crusie was an amazing speaker, only wish I could have bottled what she exuded to all of us so whenever I feel down, writing wise, I can open the bottle and get all inspired again. But one thing is for sure, now I've been to one, I'm going to darn well try and get to one every year!

The year has finished off nicely, hubby just got a new job, been contracted to a major Australian company which is so very exciting for him. He is going to do a fabulous job I just know it.

Did I managed to submit this year? Umm no. Bad Nicki :-) It seemed I always had a reason as to why I couldn't submit just yet. Pitching at conference. Waiting for contest feedback. etc etc. Read that all as being a procrastinator and a scaredy cat. Although there is this awesome contest where the winner will receive an editor for a year. I want that soooo badly. I've got to write a kick-ass synopsis and first chapter. I'm pretty pleased with my first chapter and then going to work on the synopsis. Holidays are coming up so I will have time. NO PROCRASTINATING!!! You can all come in and remind me to enter the contest. LOL

What a year for my two kids, Skylar is beginning another big adventure in school next year, grade one. The boundaries change now, it's not all about fun and play now, but I'm sure she'll do great.

Zane will be starting a 3 year old kindy in preparation for fulltime kindergarten in 2009. I think he'll love it.

My DH is entering an exciting phase in his employment life and I know he will excel in it.

Me well I'm going to watch my brood with pride and love and I'm going to submit the damn book next year and put pen to paper for a few more!

And just because I can, a recent picture of my two precious babies proudly showing their favourite Australian Rules Football team colours.

Keep safe and have a wonderful festive season.

JN

My Turn To Post

2007-11-08T19:17:00.000-06:00

Hi All

It was my time to post at Musings by Wink go check it out. It's worth it I assure you ;-)

Have I ever led you astray? LOL

Anyway you might have forgotten about my blog but I hope you haven't.

JN

What do you do?

2007-10-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

Recently a high profile AFL (Australian Rules Football) player based in my home town fell foul of the law again. This is probably his 4th indiscretion and it appears it could again be drug related. He had rehab earlier this year and appears to have fallen off the wagon. Or was he really 'on the wagon' when he left the centre? I just don't know and quite frankly don't think anyone really knows but the person involved. He had everything a great career, good money and heaps of opportunity when he finally retired from the sport. But now he is at the moment a 'disgraced' player. I feel for his parents and his teammates who he has let down. I don't feel people should be soft on him because he was given chance after chance after chance. Once could say he has fallen on his own sword. But I sincerely hope he can come out the other side.

So my concern is with young children what can I do to make my kids understand the dangers of drugs. I was never tempted but then drugs really weren't that huge when I was growing up. Yes they were around when I was clubbing but I know I had the sense to avoid it. Too scared of throwing up so basically wouldn't try anything if there was a chance of that happening!

It really worries me how I can keep my kids safe. I'm not talking about wrapping them up in cotton wool or anything but trying to keep that stuff away from them.

I guess it will all just be a matter of education and guiding them.

Ack not looking forward to the teenage years or young adulthood at all.

I just hope that we can instill enough good values in them both to make informed judgments and decisions.

JN

Ramblings

2007-09-22T08:14:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a month since my last blog. I admit that I've struggled about what to write about.

I was so pumped after conference to get stuck into my writing but unfortunately life has got in the way. Have I let it do that or is it just the way my life is. A bit of both I guess. I want to write but I find, even after telling myself I am a Great Writer, that I'm struggling to actually do something about it. Like right now I could be writing but I'm blogging :-)

I've actually decided to try and target another line. I'm still going to submit my full length wip to London but I'm also going to try and do a Spice Brief a new line of ebooks. It's email submission and the word length is 5,000 - 20,000. I figure for such a small length it's a good way to actually get quick feedback on my writing to actually see where I'm at. Of course the return time might be ages, but it's still worth a try.

So having said that I think I'll go off and do something about it now.

Oh before I go I've finally succumbed to the ebay bug. In a matter of 4 days I've placed 4 items to sell and purchased one pair of shoes! I'm putting my baby stuff up and so far have had bids on both items that hits my reserve price. We shall see if I get more than my reserve. I'm hoping so.

Be nice to each other.

JN

Conference and other stuff

2007-08-16T07:45:00.000-05:00

Had a fabulous, fabulous time at conference. Blogged over at Musings by Wink about it all. Well only a small portion and I'll definitely post more here I think. I can go on and on because this is my blog :-)

Don't you hate it when your plans go awry? Tonight we had a plan, hubby and I would get the kids into bed by 7.30pm, he'd go and do the grocery shopping and I'd stay home and write.

Well let's just say, got one child in bed by 7.30pm the other in bed by 7.45pm, hubby left to do the shopping before said second child went to bed. Then daughter, who was in bed first, decides that she really does want her hair in curls so I had to do that! Seriously she does look really cute with them so I didn't mind :)

Here's a picture of her with them.

And seeing as I'm sharing photos better include one of the boy.

I also sell Intimo Lingerie and had a presentation last night so I had to fix that order up. Consequently it's now 8.50pm and I've yet to do any writing.

Oh yes that's right, I set the washer to come on but forgot to fill it with clothes and soap. So it's just given it's self a merry old wash!

Guess there is always tomorrow night. :-)

JN

Conference!

2007-08-08T22:05:00.000-05:00

Well today's the day, I fly out to Sydney to attend the Romance Writers of Australia conference. I'm so excited. I finally get to meet the people that I've chatted to over the internet for the last 4 years.

I'm nervous as well, been a while since I've been on a plane. But I have a traveling companion so it's all good.

I've got my editor appointment confirmed so I shall be polishing my pitch on the flight, well maybe not I might be too excited.

I'll be back on Monday with lots of news either here on on Musings by Wink.

See you soon.

JN

Books I've Read

2007-07-27T07:22:00.000-05:00

What better thing to do when you are sick than to read a book?

I was feeling unwell on Sunday and had just finished a book that took me 2 weeks to finish. Not because it wasn't good, it was a Kate Walker book, they are always fabulous, but I just didn't have the time!

So I decided I wanted to 'lose' myself in a book. I looked through my large TBR pile, Desire? nope. Presents? nope. SIM? Nope. Blaze? nope. Sweet/tender hmm maybe, what have I got.

Then I spied an author, Jackie Braun. I read one of hers a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. So I picked it up. What did I find but a series. Hmmm haven't read one of those for ages. Okay I'll give it ago. The back blurb sounded good.

Open the first page, our heroine is being strangled. Well that's a different start. We also find out in this scene that she has been married 3 times! Divorced twice and widowed. Well now this is a big leap of faith for this particular line.

Next scene enter our hero, a paparazzi photographer who seems to have a vendetta against our heroine. Wow this is getting more intriguing by the minute.

It was a FABULOUS book about misunderstandings. The realisation that you only get one chance at life and to learn from your mistakes. But also it's about taking a chance too. How can a woman who has married 3 times attempt a 4th time? Did she really love her 3 other husbands? What was her motivation for marrying them?

Jackie handled all those questions brilliantly and in a believable fashion.

The second book was a 'reunion' book. Not quite as intense as the first but still a fabulous read that I finished in one day.

The third book, again tackled an interesting subject. The heroine was still married, even though she had been separated for 2 years and had given her husband divorce papers. Now he hadn't signed them and she hadn't really pushed him too? Why the reluctance? Did she still love him?

It's clear from the start there is an instant attraction between the hero and heroine.

The hero is trying hard to be honourable, yet he finds it difficult to be in the same room without wanting to devour her. But he succeeds.

Yet again Jackie delivered a believable, truly magic story. I was completely satisfied with her reasonings and he was extremely honourable.

The names of the books are "A Woman Worth Loving", "Their Unfinished Business" and "Saying Yes to the Boss". The series is called "The Conlans of Trillium Island".

I would really recommend them to you all. If you can track them down do yourself a favour and read them. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I wasn't. It's the first time in I don't know how long that I've read 3 books in 3 days.

JN

My Turn

2007-07-17T04:24:00.000-05:00

I blogged over at "Musings By Wink" check it out!

JN

It's up and running

2007-06-26T05:45:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Take a look over to your right, you'll see a new link it's called "Musings by Wink". That is the blog set up by the members of my writing group. It would be great if you would take a look at it. We'll tell you all about our highs and lows. We'll discuss things, we'll disagree but it will be a lot of fun.

Hope to see you over there sometime soon.

JN

Short Musings

2007-06-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

So how's this two posts in a week! Maybe I'm getting back into the groove of writing.

Actually that is pretty close to the truth, I've been working on my MS all week. Except last night when I had a writers group meeting at my house. But that could still be classed as a form of writing as we were discussing others stories and craft issues.

I'm working on editing my chapter 3 of my MS. In August I have the Romance Writers of Australia conference which I'm so excited about attending. I'm going to do a pitch and I want to make sure my MS is ready for sending in after she asks me for a partial. I'm being positive that the editor is going to ask for a partial. LOL

Speaking of my writing group we are looking at starting up a blog to recount our various journeys of writers block, nail biting anticipation of contest results and submissions. Also we plan to blog about the things that press our 'hot' buttons. We even have an international member of our group. Heather is an relocated Aussie girl in the US. We do miss seeing her at our meetings though.

So keep an eye out on the side of my blog for a new link to a new blog. It will be great if you could visit it occasionally.

You know I think I've finally found my routine again and now have time for writing just about each night. Even if it is just for 15 minutes. More to the point I'm making myself sit down and DO IT!!

As Flylady says, "You can achieve almost anything in 15 minutes" or something along those lines. :-)

JN

How Things Change

2007-06-14T07:39:00.000-05:00

Well I guess I'd be lucky if anyone still visits but what the hey I'll post anyway.

I've discovered something recently and that is I'm bored with the internet. What used to hold me in its thrall. What used to be a need, alright an addiction, just doesn't appeal to me anymore. The sites I used to avidly visit just don't seem to be the same. Guess my life has moved on and everyone I spoke to all the time have moved on with their lives too. We all met at a point in our lives when we needed the internet I guess. I'm disappointed in myself that I don't have the same passion for the sites as I did.

For me having two kids now and working has cut into my internet time considerably but I think the big thing would be that my friends aren't at the end of that MSN board anymore. They're lives have all changed be it children entering their lives, study, activities for kids etc. I find it all a bit sad really. I miss those chats. I miss the laughs we had and how fabulous I'd feel just after having a quick chat with them.

Guess I'll have to try and make some real friends now, not imaginery internet friends. ;)

But to all my friends who still visit this blog. I miss you and I do love you!!

JN

Greener Pastures

2007-03-21T04:48:00.000-05:00

We've all heard the saying "The Grass is Greener on the otherside". Sometimes its true and sometimes its not.

As you know I've just started a new job and with every new job there is a risk that perhaps the old job wasn't that bad. Even though my old job had good sides there were plenty bad sides to it. I initially applied for my new job because it said "Family Friendly HOurs" and in the advert school holidays considered for the right candidate. I didn't care what they did I was sold with the first line.

So I applied, got nervous when they called for the interview and doubts about my abilities and should I go for it set in. I decided I had nothing to lose and went for the job.

The interview was conducted in two parts. The first part was with the mortgage broker who I would be helping further down the track and the second part was with the financial planner that I would be employed by. Thought I did well in the interview but had to wait over a week because they had more interviews to do.

So on the day when they said they would get in touch I chickened out and turned the phone to silent. Really didn't want to hear but I really did want to hear. Anyway to cut a long story short I got the job. Hard decision to make, lots of factors to take into consideration and negotiations on wages needed to be sorted. But it was all done.

I've just completed my first month there. I've been told by boss and the other girl in the office that they are very glad I'm there and I'm doing a wonderful job. The mortgage broker always thanks me for helping her out. But the best thing today was when my boss got in and I asked if he wanted a cup of tea, he handed me a block of chocolate and said "I got you some chocolate to celebrate your 30 day anniversary with us". I almost cried. It was a wonderful gesture and I still get a warm fuzzy feeling each time I tell the story.

School holidays are approaching and I can't have time off but I can take my daughter into work with me. How cool is that!!

So for me the grass turned out way way greener on the other side.

JN

Time Flies

2007-03-06T06:49:00.000-06:00

My last blog was on 1st January now it's 6th March where has the time gone? Nearly a quarter of the way through a new year.

I've had a lot happen in the last few months. I've entered another competition and am putting the final touches to my entry for another contest. I think I'm becoming a bit of a contest slut. *grin*

My daughter has started Pre-Primary and is really enjoying herself which is great. She likes her teacher and has made a couple of new friends which is great.

The biggest thing that has happened is that I've changed jobs. After much deliberation I decided my family was more important than work. So now I've got a parttime job. I only work 4 days a week so I get to spend a day with my son and I get to pick my daughter up from school. That's the best feeling seeing her face light up when she sees me there.

Also I'm getting home at least 2.5 hours before I was and the kids are getting to bed at a reasonable time. I've also got more time for me which is great. Also my hubby and I get to spend time together which is great.

So even though my salary has gone down a lot the quality time I have with the kids and my hubby it's all worthwhile.

Guess I should try and blog more.

The only downside to the new job is that I drive to the location now because of picking up my daughter I don't get the bus which means I don't get a lot of reading time!! Will have to make up for it some other way.

JN

Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2006-12-31T20:23:00.000-06:00

You are supposed to imagine that line being sung by John Lennon. I always seem to think of this song around this time of year and I guess that's what the song is all about.

"Another year over and new one just begun"

So today is the start of 2007 and what will I achieve this year. Well my main goal will be to continue to provide love and support to my hubby and kids and extended family. There'll be a couple of new babies in the family and a new baby in my cyber family.

Work wise I think I'll be on the hunt for something new. I hope to be able to go back to parttime but I do need to get out of the place I am. Not good JuJu there. LOL Something happened on the last couple of days which proved that my boss, even though he is very smart in the property world, when it comes to employees he is a weak man. Anyway that is in the past and I'm letting it go. Wrapping it up in a box and put it out into the world.

My daughter will be in pre-primary and that is going to be another huge year for her. My son will be 3 and moving up a room at daycare some time this year.

My hubby is going to continue to study hard and juggle finishing off the house. There are just some things that I can't do, like decking.

I aim to enter a couple more writing contests and finally send my ms off to either sink or swim. It's all a learning curve and I have to look at that way.

So I wish everyone who reads this, a really happy, healthy and successful 2007. May all your dreams come true.

JN

Test Blog

2006-10-29T08:15:00.000-06:00

Hmm really weird. I've tried posting a blog and it doesn't seem to be working. Is the fates trying to tell me that I shouldn't post that blog as it may ruffle a couple of feathers?

Well this is just a short one that I hope will show up!

JN

The Blog that Wasn't

2006-10-28T07:02:00.000-05:00

So its been a while since I posted. What can I say, life has got in the way and finding computer time is very limited. I'm still reading alot and would have to say I've passed the 100 book challenge but have lost track of it all so book reviews look like they've bitten the dust. LOL

Speaking of reading its been a long time since I read any blogs and decided to do that today. Read one of my friends' blogs and to be honest have to stay was a bit miffed at one of the comments. So I decided to do a fact hunting mission. In fact I had written all my findings down in this post but then decided what was the point. I know what I am and what I'm not. I know what my country is and what it's not.

But I will just mention this because it is very surprising. In 2004 Australia was 18th on the list of beer consumption and China was 1st. Who would have thought!

Be good to yourselves.

JN

Life & Love

2006-09-28T01:03:00.000-05:00

As the world knows on September 4 Australia's Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin died in a freak accident. I've just watched the Australian Interview with Terri's his wife and spent the better part of the hour crying my eyes out.

I'll admit I was never a huge fan of him but what he did he did with passion and believed in it so much. That you can't help but admire what he believed in. Watching the interview, the guy had a special connection with all sorts of animals and his family.

The interview was amazing and Terri was amazing throughout it.

But with anything like this you always think of immortality. Of the times when you brush off the ones you love because sometimes what they want now, interferes with what you are doing at the time.

I know myself sometimes I'm very selfish with my time. If I want to play on the computer or read a book I don't want the kids to bother me. I know, after seeing this interview, that I'm going to try my best not to do that. There is no doubt that I'll slip back and maybe what I need to do is watch that interview time and time again just so I can remember that life is precious and in the blink of an eye your life could change.

My Zane has chicken pox and today I put him to bed because I wanted to play on the computer. He didn't want to go to bed right then. So I got him up and gave him a cuddle and he feel asleep in my arms. I looked down at him sleeping and was overcome with love for him. It's so special when they cuddle in and then fall asleep. So what if I am only now getting on the computer? What I shared with my son is way more special.

I think the saying, we don't appreciate what we have until it's gone is something we should really live by.

JN

Proud Aunty

2006-08-25T01:41:00.000-05:00

Well I'm feeling pretty proud of my 16 year old nephew at the moment. Benjamin is the second son of my eldest sister. He is also the middle child. We've all heard about the middle child syndrome. Well Benjamin doesn't suffer from that because he's found something that he excels in. Something he has been doing for over 10 years and that is Karate.

With his karate journey he has made two trips to Japan and consistently over the last few years has made the West Australian team for the National competitions.

At the moment he has been away for nearly two weeks and has competed in two major Australian championships, each run by different national organisations.

His current tally is 3 1st places, two as individual events and one as a team event. Two second places and one third place. It's just fabulous how well he is doing this trip.

So he may be the middle child but he is certainly not going to grumble about that. Go B!!!

JN

Aww Kid Moments

2006-08-15T08:10:00.000-05:00

As a mother don't you just love those "aww" moments. I've had a couple recently which just melt your heart.

There are times when you could cheerfully throttle your child (and I mean that in the nicest way) especially when they keep testing the boundaries and ask you the same question over and over and over and over again.

So the first 'aww' moment was on Saturday. I was putting Zane in the car to take him to the doctor. He had a sore ear the week before and so we were just going to see if it was looking better.

I'm leaning over him to click his seatbelt in and he looks at me and goes "I love you". All together now. "AWWWWWW" LOL I always say it to him as I put him into bed. So for him to come out and spontaneously say it was so cool! Apparently he'd been saying it to Jason too. So now when I say it to him he says it back!

Then tonight I was driving home after picking Skylar up from my sister's house. My folks have been sick with bad colds the past two days so they haven't been able to have Skylar. Step up to the plate my sister!! She's been great and I really am fortunate that I have a great support not only from her but from my sister in law and niece who had to have Skylar on short notice yesterday! I am truly blessed with a wonderful family.

But the "Aww" moment came when a song came on the radio. I hear this voice in the background singing heartily along to the song. The song was by Ashlee Simpson. It was her 'Boyfriend' song. LOL It's so cool to hear her sing.

Skylar has been so good she has taken to the change of her routine, with my sister taking her to school, so well. For a 4 year old she is really mature and I just love her to bits that she accepts these changes.

Now to stop the kid gushing! LOL

But I will attach a couple of cute pictures of them.

JN

The Blog Year in Review

2006-08-12T07:06:00.000-05:00

Well it's been 12 months since I started my blog. So on review what has happened of significance in the last year.

Just after I started blogging my uncle died. It's hard to imagine that he has been gone a year. Is it bad not to constantly think about a loved one that has passed on? I mean he was my uncle and we weren't that close so I guess in a way I don't have to think about him every day. But I know he is in a happy place.

I made the decision to start working full time. Boy I'm now finding that it is hard slog working everyday. Getting up at 5.15am, leaving at 7am and getting home aroun 6.15pm. Boy does the mother guilt kick in big time when I think about the lack of time I now spend with the kids.

A month after blogging commenced we finally got the keys to our new house and moved in. There is still a lot to be completed around the house and I despair that it will never get done. We had such high hopes on having the house fully completed before we moved in. Unfortunately they took a long time to build. So we achieved the completion of the inside of the house but the outside is still a major work in progress. But we are here and it's great.

Christmas and New Year came and went with all the usual excitement and fun. Plus it was the first christmas in the new house so that was cool. Christmas day here was a big success.

School starts, let the mother guilt kick in again. I took time off to take Skylar to school for the first two days and then life presented us with a fork in the road. Jason gets made redundant. Step in my wonderful parents. Not only do they take Skylar to school every day but they pick her up as well. My parents and sister in law have been wonderful in having her after school during the week. Not to mention my sister who steps up to the plate when my parents can't take her. Each day I have the opportunity to take Skylar to school I do and every time I wish I could keep on doing it. Not yet but I know I'm going to have to make alternative arrangements soon. Can't keep relying on my folks. They aren't getting any younger.

I enter a writing competition. Wow huge step for me in looking towards putting my work out there. Still get green with envy with every call story I read but I'm never even going to get a rejection let alone a sale if I dont actually submit. So currently working on another competition which requires the first 3 chapters of my WIP. When they are competition ready I think that will be the time to submit as well.

Jason has another career change just last month, but its a good one. He is in the industry he has been studying for, for the last 2 years. Positive move onto bigger and better things for him.

And on a lighter note, volunteer to coach my niece's netball team after her coach lets them down. Only had one victory in my 5 games of coaching. Only have another 2 games before the season ends. I enjoy it, just wish I could take the training but doesn't fit in with work. Maybe next year......

So they are the really major things that have happened in the past year. But do you know what, that is the past why dwell on that. The future is clear, each day is a brand new beginning. Sure you are bound to make mistakes. You should have painted a straight line but you drew a squiggle instead. All I know is that my life is rich and fulfilled with my hubby and my kids and my family. And each of them fill my particular easel with love and joy.

So it's been a year of blogging, but I'm here for another year and God willing quite a few years after that.

JN

Book Challenge - 54 - 56

2006-08-03T08:20:00.000-05:00

Had some thought about doing a deep and meaningful blog but now, can't be bothered. Maybe tomorrow LOL

So I'll just go for a boring old book review blog. I will become more enlightening one day, well I hope too. Hope to have scads of people signing on just to read my pearls of wisdom.

Hmm been at this almost a year and so far haven't had too many 'pearls' and don't have scads of people coming to read. LOL One can dream can't they???

But anyway onto the reviews.

Book 54 – Sale or Return Bride by Sarah Morgan – Presents/Modern/Sexy

This was a great, great book. I loved it. It reminded me of why I totally, totally love Presents.

We had Sebastien who is our Greek Alpha Hero and we have Alesia who is our strong heroine.

Alesia’s grandfather, Dimitrios, blackmails her into marrying Sebastien. She needs money for her mother’s surgery and Dimitrios will give Sebastien back his family company. Sebastien believes there is more to this than meets the eye and only agrees to marry Alesia if he thinks she is attractive.

Dimitrios has disowned Alesia and her mother since his son has died, over 15 years ago.

Alesia is a fiery character that after a few drinks her tongue gets loosened and slips a couple of things out.

I don’t know what it was about this book but I just loved it. Whether it was because it was a marriage of convenience or Sebastien was a real Alpha but I just LOVED it. There was something in this book that truly spoke to me. Might have to pick it apart to find its little secrets.

Definitely going to be a keeper for me. It was released in the US in November last year.

Book 55 – Their High Stakes Affair by Katherine Garbera – Desire

This book is the second in Katherine’s series. I did enjoy it but life has been getting in the way lately and I just haven’t had time to do much reading. Grrrr

This story is about Scott and Raine. Raine is a tv producer and Scott is a player in a Celebrity Poker Challenge show being held at Hayden’s Las Vegas Casino hotel. Hayden was the hero in our first story. Celebrity poker shows must be all the rage.

Scott makes a bet with a fellow player that he will be able to bed Raine. Raine overhears this conversation and figures she’ll make Scott fall for her and then dump him.

Of course the plans get waylaid and they end up falling for each other. The bet comes out and Raine loses her job.

Scott has found true love and does all in his power to make Raine realise that what they share is true and real.

A nice story and one I would have finished in a quicker amount of time if only I had more time!!

Book 56 – Million-Dollar Love-Child by Sarah Morgan – Sexy/Presents/Modern

After being blown away by one of Sarah’s books I opened this with anticipation. This book is about Kimberley and Luc (love the way that is spelt possibly because my H’s name is spelt that way in my MS). Anyway they had a torrid but brief affair 7 years ago.

Kimberley turns up at Luc’s office wanting money, he in turns finds that he is still very much attracted to her and says he will give her the money if she stays with him for 2 weeks. Kimberley needs the money desperately because her son’s life is at risk, Luc’s son but he doesn’t believe her.

I did enjoy this story but not as much as her other one I recently read. Still a lot of powerful writing and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for her books in future.

Book Challenge - Books 51 - 53

2006-07-07T01:26:00.000-05:00

Okay back again. This next lot of books are a series. Hope you enjoy my little ramblings.

Book 51 – A Touch of Paradise by Patricia Thayer – Sweet/Silhouette Romance

This is the first book in her “Goodtime Café Series”. It revolves around Nate and Tori.

Tori is an heiress from San Francisco running from her wedding which she found out was arranged by her father. Nate is the local Sheriff and finds Tori asleep in her car after it had broken down. Both find themselves drawn to each other.

Nate is hoping to buy back his family’s ranch which was lost when his father dies. Tori is trying to come to terms with her life and find her way. Both find their way into each others arms.

Tori’s father arrives in town and immediately demands his daughter return home. He then turns up to the auction and drives the price of the ranch higher. Tori agrees to return to her father if he will not bid against Nate anymore. Nate gets his ranch but at the price of his relationship to Tori.

Nate is also a talented wood whittler and Tori has sent some of his sculptures off. They are a success but in the end after a couple of people talking to him Nate drives Tori’s car to San Francisco to get her back. Tori at the same time is arranging her life so that she can go back to Nate.

A really sweet story and amazingly I read it in one day!

Book 52 – Familiar Adversaries – Patricia Thayer – Sweet/Silhouette Romance

So this is the second book in Patricia’s series. In the first book there was mention of this family who had given the Hunter’s a really hard time. I thought that someone from that family had to get it together with the Hunter’s. And I was right!

This book is about Shane, Nate’s brother and Mariah Easton. Mariah and Shane had a brief relationship back in high school but because of the ‘feud’ between Mariah’s father and the Hunter family they had to sneak around.

Mariah is now back as the ‘Project Manager’ on Shane’s construction project. Having to share an office causes their passion for each other to re-ignite. They head off to Vegas to bid on another construction deal and end up getting married.

Mariah wants to keep it quiet because of her father and Shane isn’t happy. They spend the next two weeks apart and Mariah finds out she is pregnant. Also there has been acts of vandalism on the construction site. It turns out it is Mariah’s brother and some friends committing the acts. It seems he is intent on keeping the feud going.

In the end Mariah stands up to her father and the news of their marriage comes out. Shane attempts to make amends with the family and in the epilogue we see that Kurt has made a move to put the feud behind them.

Book 53 – Lights, Action …. Family by Patricia Thayer – Sweet/Silhouette Romance

Okay so this is the third book. I ended up saving the books so I could read them all in one go. This book is about Emily the final Hunter sibling. She has written a film script on the family history taken from her great grandfather’s journals. The script has been bought and is going to be made into a movie.

Enter Reece, the stunt man for the movie. He has also just been given custody of his niece as her mother has died. Sophie is quiet and shy but she comes out of her shell when she meets Emily. Also Reece is attracted to Emily.

The whole family features in this book which I think is nice we get to see the other characters and I love that when reading continuation books.

Reece doesn’t want to get involved with Emily because she is just starting out on her career to be a writer and he is retiring to get a ranch and stable home for Sophie.

The movie hits a problem when the main star hurts his shoulder and a backer pulls out. The town rallies around and the film gets the funding to continue.

After a scare with Sophie disappearing briefly Reece feels that he needs to move on before Sophie gets too much closer to Emily and her family.

Two weeks apart and both are miserable and in the end Reece buys a property nearby and will manage Nate’s ranch and Emily says she can write anywhere.

All in all this series was really sweet and enjoyable.

JN

Book Challenge - Books 49-50

2006-06-27T03:09:00.000-05:00

So it's been a long time since I blogged about the books I'm reading this year. Well its almost halfway through the year and I've read 72 books. Well the 72nd book isn't a Harelquin book but I'm still counting it because its a fabulous book.

So here its the next two books. My next three I read are all part of a series and I read them one after the other so I'll post them all in one post.

Looks like I have a few of these posts to do. Blog is going to be a bit boring for the next few. LOL

Book 49 – His Secretary Mistress by Chantelle Shaw – Modern/Presents/Sexy

This was Chantelle’s first book and I really enjoyed it. Jenna and Alex first meet each other in a rain storm. She is running late for her first day on a job and he is also running late. After speaking to his secretary he finds out the new assistant was late as well. See where this is heading? LOL

Anyway I’m not sure if it has been released yet in the US but I suggest you get it. It kind of harks back to the early 90’s Presents. Not saying our Alex is a brute just some themes I felt were reminiscent of those days.

I really did enjoy this book and shall look out for more of Chantelle’s releases.

Book 50 – Betrothed for the Baby by Kathie DeNosky – Desire

The final book in Kathie’s series. This is Hunter and Callie’s story. Although the back blurb says our heroine’s name is Cassie. Good typo there.

I really enjoyed this book as well. In fact I liked the whole series.

Hunter has been given a Medivac company to look after. He is a former helicopter pilot but after an accident that killed his fiancé and unborn child he hasn’t flown in years.

He arrives at this little town in the middle of Texas and finds Callie, his pregnant flight nurse. Of course his protective instincts kick in and he wants to ground her. She digs her heels in and says she is perfectly capable of flying.

The thing that annoyed me about this book is that Callie continuously baked when she was stressed. Making all sorts of cookies. It’s not really a big thing because it doesn’t affect the storyline at all just drove me crazy. LOL

Anyway the father of Callie’s baby comes to town and Hunter says they should get married to prevent him from getting his hands on the baby.

A near miss makes them both evaluate the trueness of their relationship.

Looks like there could be more to this series as well. Guess time will tell.

If you've read any of these books I'd love to hear what you thought of them.

JN

Contest Etiquette

2006-06-26T02:38:00.000-05:00

WOOHOO this is my 50th post. Yay me. LOL

Okay so as you know entered a competition didn't make the second round which I was totally cool about. The point of the exercise was for me to actually DO something with my writing. Actually follow through on a commitment.

A couple of weeks ago the finalists were annouced. There was 6 finalists in all. Great opportunity to have your synop put in front of an editor. But here is what kind of annoyed me. There were only 3 finalists. Once person had 3 entries make the final round, another person had 2 entries and one person had 1 entry. Is that really fair?

The contest rules state that you can enter more than one entry. You pay a fee for each entry but you can put in as many as you want. But I think when it comes to the final round only one entry per person should go through. So in this instance one person had 3 places in the final and guess what she placed 1, 2 and 3. Why bother entering?

So I'll say it again, its not sour grapes on my part, I honestly didn't think I'd get the marks that I got and for me it was stepping out of my comfort zone.

I think everyone should have an equal and fair opportunity. Now the contest co-ordinator would have known that this one person had 3 entries go through to the final round so a co-ordinator would have the power to pull out the other entries by this person, thus giving another 2 people an opportunity to get their work in front of an editor.

I feel the contest rules should change and am considering writing to the contest co-ordinator about it. When it comes to the crunch everyone should have a fair go, particularly when it could be a chance at your dream - publication.

Incidentally this particular person that scoped the pool in this comp has finaled in another major RWAus comp and won another of this years competitions. It is obvious this person is talented and I wish her well but give someone else a go!

JN

Birthday Pictures

2006-06-19T03:24:00.000-05:00

After much struggling I've got the photos attached.

The Birthday cake

Butterfly Skylar

And because I love this cake so much, Zane's birthday cake last year.

Each cake has been made and decorated by my incredibly talented husband.

Time Flies...

2006-06-19T02:02:00.000-05:00

Wow its been nearly a month since I lost blogged. How did that happen? Anyway what has happened since then.

Oh yes the Birthday party. Well what can I say it was a HUGE success. We had 25 kids, including Skylar and Zane, and about 20 or so adults. The weather was supburb. It was sunny and warm which I was thankful for.

We had the party at my mum's house and they have a really large undercover patio area as well as a strip of grass. The face painter was a hit and the only game that I ended up having to play was pass the parcel because all the kids were having heaps of fun playing with the tub of toys my mum got out.

The biggest hit of all was the cake. Another masterpiece by my hubby. Every single mother was so impressed. They wanted to know who made the cake and when I told them, some what proudly that it was my wonderful hubby they were all in awe. They wanted to know if he had a cake shop and if he took orders.

I swear if Jason did decide to make a business of cake decorating he would have had about 15 orders there and then.

Skylar had a ball and got a heap of presents. One minute we had one kid there, the next we had 20!

I have to say though I have the best parents in the whole world. It first started out with them letting us have the party at their house. But then on Friday night when I had all the family over I started to get the stuff ready to make the lolly bags. My mum comes in and said "Dad got me to make 21 lolly bags for you." I couldn't believe it. The job I was dreading was done! Only problem was I wanted to have a few spare. Mum said no worries she should have enough lollies at home to make some more.

The next morning I arrive at her house and she tells me that there are now 33 lolly bags. WOOHOO! Plenty. Also my dad then says, "I've interferred again. I was thinking yesterday about the mum's of the kids. They'll stay and need food so I've bought 40 sausages and rolls and we'll have a sausage sizzle." Could my dad be any better! Thank goodness he did this because I wouldn't have had enough to feed the kids and the parents.

All the kids seemed to enjoy themselves and left with happy faces. All over but next year I think we'll only ask a few kids. LOL

In another post I'll load a picture of the Cake and Skylar with her face painted.

JN

Birthday Countdown

2006-05-22T07:58:00.000-05:00

5 sleeps and counting. That is until Skylar's party on Saturday.

So I succumbed and invited the whole class plus a couple of extras so, so far I have 16 little kids coming. ACK!!!!

I've organised a face painter and the games I'm going to have are pin the tail on the donkey and pass the parcel. Will have to think of something else I think. Any suggestions? Easy kids party games?

I'm sure its going to be an interesting day and well I've just checked the weather forecast and it will be fine which will be great and it means they can run around my parent's backyard.

I went to a party of one of the kids yesterday and it was at a play centre. That is a good idea. LOL

I think I'll start a bank account just for the kids birthday parties.

I'll give a report on Monday.

JN

The Price of Life

2006-05-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

What is the worst thing that could happen to you? The thing that could possibly scare the beejebers out of you?

Well for me it's something happening to me or my kids. I sometimes get scared of something happening to me and not being there to see my kids grow up. It just doesn't bear thinking about. Or what about something happening to one of your kids? Again something I don't want to think about. But for a guy a work it's something that he lives with day after day.

I'm not going to give his real name but I'll call him John. Late last year John thought he'd take his two kids on a holiday. Somewhere nice, somewhere where they could have fun and just be together. You see John is divorced so anytime with his kids is precious. So after a family discussion they came to the conclusion that they'll go to Bali.

I think some of you maybe able to see what is happening here. Yes that's right they went at the time of the second lot of bombings in Bali. Just as Bali was getting back on their feet after the devasting bombings of 2002 it happened again.

Now for me I'd never known anyone associated with either bombing until John started to work with us. On that fateful Saturday night, John's son lost his life, John and his daughter were badly injured. John's daughter suffered burns and shrapnel wounds and I think it was about a week or so after the inital bombing that she was told of her brothers' death. At the funeral John was delivered by ambulance and on a hospital bed. John is currently in a wheelchair.

You can see the pain in John's eyes and the first time we had drinks in the office it was a big effort for him to come along. John spends every morning in rehab hoping to gain the use of his legs again. Last week he told me a little about his injuries and showed me a wound. He has shrapnel from those dirty bombs buried deep in his body.

He told me today that he had a time trial at rehab. He accomplished 199m in 6 minutes using his crutches. He then showed me how he could take a few steps with out the aid of the crutches. He has set his goal and his goal is to walk again unaided. The spinal injury he suffered has put his balance off a little. He also told me that he has set the goal to walk without crutches because if he'd just set the goal to walk with them he would then accomplish that and never try for more. He spoke with a steely determination and I couldn't help but admire him.

His daughter lives in a country town so he lives on his own. He is fiercely independent and initially I didn't know what to say to him. But now, after him volunteering that information today, I'll ask him about his rehab and I'll do my best to try and encourage him anyway I can.

We hear about the devastation of the bombings, the lives lost but this is where the real story lies. The grit and determination of a person injured to get back what was taken from them. He will carry around the guilt and plenty of what if's for the rest of his life. But time will heal him and with his determination I don't doubt that in a couple of years time he'll be walking again.

Go John!!

JN

Contest Result

2006-05-15T07:45:00.000-05:00

You may recall that earlier I posted that I had entered a Query and Synopsis contest. Well I didn't make the second round. Missed out by about 3% but hey I got an average of 83.8% score on my entry and for my first contest I'm extremely happy with that.

All the judges felt I had a good feel for the line and liked my plot.

I found the comments helpful and will read them again and look them over to see how I can use them to improve my MS.

Each judge had different views and I guess that would be expected seeing as I might love a book and the next person might dislike it immensely.

Each of the judges were past contest finalists/winner and all were published, one in a genre other than romance and the other two in romance.

So for my first contest experience I'll have to say that I'm extremely pleased I took the plunge. Even though it was scary to put it out there I made the first step on the way to getting myself ready for publication.

The Letter and Synopsis are really what sell your book. The fact that I can send the first three chapters is a bonus too.

Now all I have to do is see how I want to interpret the comments and see how they fit into the tone of my book.

As one Aussie author said:

"It's so good to get feedback too, from the judges. I know you know this already, but just work on the stuff that really resonates with you, the comments that make you go - oh yeah, that's what I was wondering - or where they all agree on something. Maybe there's something to think about in that case. I do love contests, but it's always worth remembering that it's *your* work and that in the end, the only judge who really counts is the one with the power to buy your manuscript."

Her comments are very valid too and one I will take note of.

So as I said, even though I didn't make the second round I am really pleased that I finally took the plunge and did something positive in my quest to be accepted.

JN

Book Challenge - 46 - 48

2006-04-25T01:38:00.000-05:00

Okay so there was only one reasonable post between book reviews. LOL Still thinking about the party dilema. Might just invite a few. LOL That's today anyway.

Book 46 – Cause for Scandal by Anna DePalo – Desire

Okay what is it about this current Dynasty Series by Desire. I read this book in an afternoon. No saggy middle, no need at all to flit through the book to find out information just a straight sit down and read it all in one go.

This book is about Summer and Zeke. Summer is trying to get an interview with our rock star hero Zeke. She fails on her first attempt and her twin sister suggests she ‘sexes’ up her appearance to get backstage to see Zeke.

It works, in fact it works so well that they end up in bed hours after they first met. Summer is engaged and a virgin, so giving her virginity to Zeke after a few short hours is telling in itself.

She breaks her engagement the next day. Zeke finds out that she is not a groupie but in fact an heiress. When he meets with “Scarlett”, Summer’s twin, he notices straightaway that she isn’t the same woman that he spent the night with. The press published a picture and it said that his companion was Scarlett.

Scarlett becomes very distant from her sister as the story goes and having read the blurb for the next book I know why. LOL

Anyway Summer grows as a character and it is revealed later on that she modelled for a photographer friend of hers and Zeke purchased one of the pictures of her and she has been his muse. The hint was there that this was the case but its nice that it was indeed validated.

I really really enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next book. I really haven’t been disappointed at all with this series.

Book 47 – His Wedding Night-Wager by Katherine Garbera – Desire

This is the first book in a three book series – What Happens in Vegas. *Sigh* Why do I always pick books that are part of a series. LOL Actually this was in with Anna DePalo’s book and I have enjoyed Katherine’s books previously.

The back blurb promised so much. I thought a good story of revenge. But even though I really really enjoyed the book I was kind of let down.

It was clear from the start that Hayden still had feelings for Shelby, other than just wanting to bed her.

It was a fast paced book and I think Katherine did do the characters justice, I just would have liked to have seen Hayden make Shelby suffer a bit more. Hmm maybe I’m too used to alpha males. LOL

The other thing that interested me was Shelby’s partner, Paige. Now there is a story waiting to be written I’m sure and I hope Katherine considers writing her story. Paige isn’t part of the series.

Book 48 - Reunion of Revenge by Kathie DeNosky – Desire

This was the second book in her “The Illegitimate Heirs” series. Another great read for me as it only took me just over a day to read it.

Nick and Cheyenne had a past and her father broke them up. Now Nick is back to take over the family ranch and Cheyenne is his foreman. The attraction is still hot between them and her father now is not as strong as he used to be … or is he?

A lovely reunion journey between our two main characters and the truth comes out just what Cheyenne’s father did. Fortunately all gets forgiven.

The only thing that confused me was that in the first book when the brothers were discussing each company they had been given to make their own. Nick mentions how silly it was for a desk jockey to be given a ranch to run. It turns out it was his family ranch. So how can he be not experienced in running a ranch. That was an anomaly that I would have expected in a series written by different authors. Not one written by the same author.

Until next time.

Birthday Party Dilema

2006-04-18T23:09:00.000-05:00

Well it had to happen one day and here it is, the birthday party dilema.

Skylar's 4th birthday is coming up soon and time to think about having a party. Now over the past 3 years its been pretty easy - family and a couple of her friends. But this year something new has been added to the equation - School. Who do you invite from school? Do I invite the whole class, being 23 kids, or do I just invite the kids she plays with and a couple of her other friends.

Saturday we head off to our first party of the year so I guess I could see then who got invited. Plus there is another one in May. Or alternatively I could just ring one of the mum's and ask her what the 'done' thing is.

My gut feel is not to invite the whole class as there are some kids I think she doesn't play with. I'm sure its really not that hard and I should just make a decision. Invite all or just a few.

Another thing how do you keep 23 kids occupied for a couple of hours. I know I was chatting to my nail technician on Saturday and she said her daughter was at a party and they had hired a Magician! I'm thinking pass the parcel and musical chairs. That's it!! LOL

Oh well I'm sure I'll work something out.

JN

Books 43 - 45 Book Challenge

2006-04-17T20:49:00.000-05:00

Okay this is the last book challenge post for a few days. I've only got one more review as I've read 46 and am on my 47th book. Decided to do 3 books at a time.

So here is the next one. All these books are part of the Do Not Disturb Blaze Series.

Book 43 – Private Relations by Nancy Warren – Blaze

Okay this is the 4th book the “Do Not Disturb” series. This is the story about Kit and Peter.

Kit is the PR person for Hush hotel and Peter is also in marketing and he just happens to be the man who leaves Kit at the altar. He gets cold feet and keeps driving.

So its three years later and Hush are running a Fantasy Weekend Promotion. One particular fantasy has really caught Kit’s attention. It turns out to be the fantasy of her ex-fiancé. It also seems that Piper, Kit’s friend is in on the plan and knows that one of the winning entries is Peter’s.

So Kit and Peter are thrown together and after the first night Peter realises that he still loves Kit.

He must convince Kit that this time is the right time to get married.

It was a great story and there was a nice little side story about a friend of Peter’s and the other Fantasy weekend winner.

I can’t wait to read the last book in the series which is released this month (April). I also do have the 5th book and am deciding whether I start that or pick something else.

Book 44 – Hot Spot by Debbi Rawlins - Blaze

So the 5th book in the series won out. This story was about Madison and Jack.

Madison is a freelance photographer and Jack is TV Anchorman. Madison has just got a great assignment for a magazine and Jack is the subject of the photo shoot. He is trying to shy away from the sexy anchorman image and wants to be taken as a serious reporter. Unfortunately the magazine spread is for “The Sexiest Man” for Todays Man Magazine.

I really enjoyed the story and both these characters decided to go after their dreams no matter what.

Now I’m reading the final book in the series.

Book 45 – Room Service by Jill Shalvis – Blaze

Okay so this is the last book in the Do Not Disturb series about Hush Hotel. I admit I was hoping to see a bit of a Piper the hotel owner in it but truly I guess it would have detracted from the story.

Em is a TV Producer trying to entice Amuse Bouche’s chef Jacob Hill away from Hush Hotel and be the star of her new cooking programme. There is a couple of sub stories in the book as well. Em’s best friends and a couple of Jacob’s colleagues, who happen to both be female.

Anyway Jacob steals a kiss from Em in the elevator and both are struck by the powerful feeling of emotions they felt with that one kiss.

In the end Em doesn’t get her man for her show but she does get her man in Jacob. He hasn’t had the best childhood so trusting his feelings and his heart were hard for him.
Really enjoyed the book but as I said would have liked to have seen a glimpse of a couple of the earlier characters from the series, somehow an ending to tie everything up.

JN

Book 42 - Book Challenge

2006-04-17T09:01:00.000-05:00

Okay the only reason I'm doing this one separately is because the next three books I read are all part of a series and I wanted to post them all together.

Book 42 – Reflected Pleasures – by Linda Conrad - Desire

This is the second book in Linda’s series. It was released in Australia last year but I hadn’t got around to reading it until now.

The story starts out with a Gypsy handing a mirror to our hero Tyson Steele. The gypsy is carrying out her father’s wishes and the gypsies a repaying a debt to Lucille Steele, Tyson’s great aunt.

When Tyson looks into the mirror he doesn’t see a reflection. Just clear glass. The mirror will show him his true desire, so the gypsy says.

Merri is our heroine and she is from a rich family, a former model and just wants to live a normal life. So she takes the job as Tyson’s Assistant.

From the moment they met they both tried to deny their feelings for each other. Merri is trying desperately to keep her family history from Tyson and he hates anyone who lies to him. So as their relationship progresses she finds it harder and harder to reveal the truth.

At an organised event for Tyson’s charitable foundation the press are there and Tyson overhears their conversation. Tyson feels very betrayed that Merri has kept her true identity from him and wants nothing more to do with her.

After an ear bashing from his aunt Tyson looks at the mirror and sees his true love, Merri. He rushes after her and rescues her from the press and they sort out their problems.

I have one more book to read in the series and I hope we find out in that book just what Lucille did to help the gypsies.

Sorry for the double post ;)

JN

Book Challenge 39 - 41

2006-04-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

Okay catching up real fast to what I'm reading. I've read 46 books in total, three over the easter break which is great!! I'm ahead of my goal so I think I'll make the 100 books by the end of the year. Bar anything hectic happening in my life. LOL

This is going to be a long post I think.

Book 39 – Bought by Her Husband by Sharon Kendrick - Sexy/Modern/Presents

Well there was a controversial discussion about this on the Eharlequin thread earlier this year. The book hasn’t been released in the US yet so I’m not really going to say much about it.

The opening scene is so totally unexpected for a Presents. Now I know that there are a lot of readers out there that just can’t stand the Alpha Male and think he is a brute. I love my Alpha Males and would love to be a Modern/Presents writer. That’s my aim anyway. LOL

So back to the story. Alexi and Victoria had only been married a short time when he caught her in a situation that he read all wrong. Typical of our alpha males and he is Greek so he is pretty proud. They’ve been separated for 7 years and he hasn’t been celibate, far from it in fact. I admit I don’t like men who don’t keep to their marriage vows. But I got over it.

I would have liked to have seen Victoria with a bit more backbone. There were glimpses of it but not enough. Alexi could have been a bit more humble but what we got of that I was satisfied.

I set out to be really disappointed by this book and disenchanted at the way the line is going. But I have to say that I was satisfied with the outcome and did enjoy the story.

Surprisingly I will make this book a keeper and will read it again.

I really want to discuss more about it but if I do it will give it all away. It is one I recommend you go out and get and just give it a chance after the first confronting scene.

I’m not sure what the release date will be in the US. I’ve checked back releases and upcoming releases and its not showing up. But keep a look out for it.

Book 40 – The Desert Virgin by Sandra Marton – Uncut Series – Sexy/Modern/Presents

Okay this is the second book I’ve read in the “Uncut series”. A new sub-series for the line. Uncut is supposed to push the boundaries and perhaps be a bit more explicit in the love scenes than your normal Presents.

I loved this story, read it in one day in fact. But I didn’t feel it was any different than the other Presents stories. It was a steamy read. It is the start of the “Knight Brothers” series by Sandra.

Cameron Knight and his brothers have Risk Management company. They go into situations that normal people wouldn’t venture into. Cam’s father asks him to go to this oil country to finalise a deal.

Leanna has been kidnapped and sold the sultan. The sultan gives Leanna to Cam and believes what the sultan has told him that Leanna is not as innocent as she seems.

Anyway they escape the Sultan but are chased by him. They find a place which they thought they would be safe in but of course they aren’t.

Cam gets shot but his brothers are coming to his rescue and he survives. Leanna is taken to Dubai. When Cam wakes up he wants to know how his ‘Salome” is. That is the nick name he gave her. He doesn’t know her real name and therefore can’t find her.

He goes to the ballet with his father and there she is. So he goes to her hotel room and waits for her.

It is then discovered that she was also sick after their rescue but kept calling the hospital to find out how he was doing. She never contacted him because he didn’t contact her but then again she should have realised he didn’t know her name. LOL

I’m looking to reading the next books by Sandra.

Still not sure what to make of the Uncut line as it just seems like the same as a normal Presents to me.

Book 41 – His Best Friend’s Bride by Jodi O’Donnell – Sweet/Tender/Silhouette Romance

This was a sweet read but our heroine, Julia did annoy me a fraction. This was a 2002 release by Jodi and she writes for Special Edition as well.

Griff, Julia and Reb have been friends since birth. In fact it opens up at the hospital just after the three have been born. There is a situation that happens and you don’t know just which boy is which. LOL

Reb and Julia are engaged but Griff has always loved Julia but has been stoic in his silence because he didn’t want to upset his best friends. Reb is having second thoughts and Julia doesn’t know what to do.

Unfortunately she also becomes aware of feelings for Griff that she was denying herself. But for the sake of all their friendships she would marry Reb and deny her true love, which is Griff.

Reb knows that Julia and Griff should really be together. Has known that Griff has always loved Julia and Julia loves Griff just doesn’t admit it to herself.

In the end he does the gentlemanly thing and we find out the true answer to the opening hospital scene.

I really did enjoy this read and would love to find Reb’s story if she has written it.

Books 36 - 38 Book Challenge

2006-04-16T08:54:00.000-05:00

Okay so here is my next instalment. I hope everyone has had a great Easter.

Book 36 – The Ruthless Groom by Bronwyn Jameson – Desire

This is the third and final book in her ‘Princes of the Outback’ Series. This is about Alex the eldest brother. He has just been stood up by his bride to be Susannah. He heads off to where she might be and meets up with her best friend Zara. Instant attraction between the two. An accident forces them back to the cabin where the tension between them rises up.

What was good to see was that both felt a little guilty about their reactions to each other. Both felt that they were betraying Susannah. Of course Susannah advises that she can’t marry Alex and both are free to explore their feelings.

Alex is quite a passionate person but because of how his father was he suppresses those emotions. He likes to keep control of his feelings.

Zara finds herself pregnant and she isn’t sure how to tell Alex. She keeps putting it off. Eventually her flat mate calls him and Alex rushes in like a bull at a gate and Zara is immediately put offside. To me there was actually a question of whether she was ACTUALLY pregnant. She had morning sickness symptoms and the home test said yes. But there was a snippet that said she needed it confirmed by the doctor. I’m assuming all was well. LOL

A quiet chat with his mum is all he needs to realise that he handled the situation all wrong. He goes back and tries again. This time he is successful.

There was an epilogue to the story and it was a summation leading up to the wedding of Alex and Zara. It showed that both Rafe and Tomas were extremely happy and Angie and Cat were both pregnant.

I Love Bron’s books and can’t wait until her next one comes out.

Book 37 – The Playboys Protégé by Michelle Dunaway – Sexy/American Romance

This was a 2002, I think, release in the US and is a part of a series by this author. I really dislike it when I find a book belonging to a series and I can’t get the rest of them. LOL Oh well.

Grandpa Joe has set up Harry and Megan. They had an instant dislike to each other but we all know that that really means attraction. Anyway they are sent away as part of a negotiating team to take over a chain of restaurants. Megan has a really good business mind and finds all the problems with the presentation. Due to her recommendations on how they should handle things, they win the bid and Harry finds himself quite attracted to her.

The other members of the team leave and Megan and Harry are left to tie things up. Harry’s sister lives in New York so they met up with her for dinner. By this time both Harry and Megan have developed strong feelings for each other. Grandpa Joe comes to attend the final meeting and offers Megan a promotion, which by rights, should be Harry’s.

Harry is devastated that he has once again been looked over by his grandpa and decides to leave the family firm and stay in New York all the time believing that Megan had betrayed him. Megan heads back to St Louis heartbroken. She has lunch with Harry’s father and realises that she can’t take a job that is supposed to be Harry’s. She goes back to New York to try and reconcile with Harry. Initially he doesn’t want anything to do with her but his sister talks some sense into him and then he rushes over to where Megan is and tells her again he loves her and that he was being pigheaded.

I really did enjoy this read and would like to see if I could somehow get the other titles in the series. But I think I will have to order them from Amazon and so maybe I won’t. LOL

Book 38 - Angels & Outlaws by Lori Wilde – Blaze

This is the first book the “White Star Series”. The story starts out the White Star being stolen. The we see our heroine, Cass on a ledge 8 stories up trying to retrieve her scarf that flew out the window. Enter Sam our hero, who is also a cop. He has come to interview Cass on her suspected involvement in high end robberies. He immediately thinks Cass is trying to kill herself. He lost a woman by suicide as a rookie and determines that she isn’t going to go the same way.

Sam is instantly attracted to her and Cass is attracted to him, only both aren’t sure how to handle the situation. Sam because she is a suspect and Cass because she doesn’t do long term relationships.

Their journey to find each other and letting go of past guilt starts.

Once I got started on this book I really did enjoy. The mystery of the White Star continues and I do have the second book in my TBR to read.

Books 33 - 35 In the Challenge

2006-04-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

Well I've decided I'm going to try and get all the reviews out of the way and just do a blog on the reviews when I finish a book. Try and keep on top of things. Well that's the plan and I should keep to it. LOL

Anyway here is my next instalment.

Book 33 – Taking Care of Business by Brenda Jackson – Desire

This is book 2 in the Elliotts Dynasty Mini-Series. This is Tag and Renee’s story.

This is a book about overcoming the obstacles and prejudices about an inter-racial relationship. Renee is an African American and Tag the quintessential rich boy. Tag is smitten the moment he sees Renee and I really don’t think the colour of her skin entered his mind.

For Renee though it was hard to get past. Why would a rich man like Tag be interested in a woman like her? Not to mention the preconceived ideas of the people around her making her believe she is ‘dreaming’ to think Tag would interested in more than just a ‘roll in the hay’.

Brenda did a beautiful job of writing this story. It was fun and it was romantic and nothing was going to prevent Tag from getting his woman.

So far two books from this series and both have been exceptional reads.

Book 34 – Ms Longshot by Sylvie Kurtz – Bombshell

Okay we are now onto book 4 of the “It Girl” Series and so far I don’t know when the other two will be released here.

This was another first person story and whether it was because I had just finished a first person book or the fact it was better written, I don’t know, all I know is that I found myself enjoying this book more.

Our heroine is Alexa. She has been an agent for a while but hasn’t done a great deal of field work. She has a disability. As a teenager she was involved in an accident and she lost part of one of her legs. She has learned to adapt and not too many people are aware of her disability.

She is sent undercover as a horse groom to find out why champion show horses are being killed. She is a horse lover and former show rider herself.

She is the groom for our hero’s horses, Ross, his horses appear to be the next target.

This story was a good read and one of my favourites of this series and there was a hint of a romance right at the end which was good enough for me.

Book 35 – Engagement between Enemies by Kathie DeNosky – Desire

The story opens up where three men discover they are brothers and who their father was. Having read a similar scenario not long ago I wasn’t sure to continue. But I’m glad I did.

Emerald Larson has a plan, a plan to get her three grandsons, whom she has been watching since they were young boys, into the family business. The interesting thing is she has put all three boys into situations that are so outside what they are used to do they will either sink or swim.

Caleb is the first grandson we read about and he is asked to take over the running of an investment advisory business. He has no idea what he is doing but Alyssa does and he starts to rely on her.

Alyssa is determined not to ‘fall’ for Caleb. But she does and when they spend a couple of nights away on a business trip, their feelings surface and when they are caught returning to the office after spending the night in the car tongues start wagging. To stave off the gossip they ‘pretend’ to be engaged to save face. Emotions run hot and they give into their attraction.

It was a lovely story and I can’t wait until I can read the rest in the series. The only thing is book 3 is released this month here but I don’t know about book 2. Wish they’d release them in order. GRRRR

Happy Easter everyone!

Okay Another Book Challenge - Books 30 - 32

2006-04-09T23:35:00.000-05:00

So I thought maybe I would blog about something different but nope not doing it. LOL I've now read 41 books so I think I'm ahead of schedule which is good. Also the good thing is I'm up to date with my reviews so soon I'll finish and blog straight away. That is if I'm diligent about it. :)

Okay so here we go.

Book 30 – Mistletoe Marriage by Jessica Hart – Sweet/Tender/Harlequin Romance

This is a marriage of convenience book between Sophie and Bram.
They are great friends and at one stage Bram was engaged to Sophie’s sister. Now Sophie’s sister is married to Sophie’s one time fiancée and Sophie must face them for Christams. Bram comes up with the idea that they are now engaged with the view to breaking it off just after Christmas.

As they start to ‘act’ for their families both encountered feelings that were strange and new to them. Also her former fiancée starts to flirt with her and he leaves her cold.

I enjoyed this book but I can’t say it really moved me. Could be because the name “Bram” just didn’t work for me. LOL In the end both Sophie and Bram realise that friendship can truly turn to marriage. And Sophie realises she makes a lucky escape and didn't marry a shallow person.

Book 31 – The Wedding Surprise by Trish Wylie – Sweet/Tender/Harlequin Romance

I LOVED this book. I couldn’t put it down. When I started it my thoughts went to the Reality TV Show “My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancée.” The book was a similar premise to the show.

Caitlin and Aiden must prove to their families that they met over the internet and are in love and are getting married. Caitlin’s father has hit financial hardship and that is the real reason she joined the show. Aiden is the producer of the show and must keep that from Caitlin.

What they both didn’t count on was the fact that they could actually fall in love. There are some really beautiful lines in this story. I had some real AWWW moments.

I truly recommend you try and find this book it was a sweet and beautiful romance. She is definitely going to become an auto buy for me now.

Book 32 – Leathlly Blonde by Nancy Bartholomew – Silhouette Bombshell/Intimate Moment (Aus)

Well this is the first book I’ve read in first person and I did struggle through it. LOL It is also the third book in the “It Girl” series.

The story is about Porsche who is a rich, rich girl and has just become a Gotham Rose secret agent. Her assignment was to pretend to be the girlfriend of an actor, Jeremy, big name and soon to be Oscar winner. Only problem is he is trying to be gay and she finds his high school teacher mentor, Sam, very attractive.

There were quite a few times I almost gave up on the book, but I would skim ahead and find that I needed to find out what happened next. The author sucked me each time and that is a measure of good writing. So I stuck with it but again I found the romance lacking.

Okay so that's the next 3 books. A mixed bag of different genres there but all pretty enjoyable.

Keep smiling.

JN

Another book Challenge - Books 27 - 29

2006-04-03T21:13:00.000-05:00

Book 27 – Expecting the Playboys Heir by Penny Jordan

And yet another book in a series. LOL This is the second book in a Penny Jordon series. I blogged about the first book (Bedding his Virgin Mistress) earlier.

So this story is about Julia and Silas. Julia is being harassed by her best friends husband and Silas concocts a story that they are dating. They have a history of not being the best of friends they are loosely related. Silas told his mother at Julia’s 18th that he wanted to marry her. He would inherit the family estate and Julia would be a perfect wife.

Her friends husband attempts to drug Julia but Silas is there and manages to prevent anything awful happening to Julia. Julia has trouble getting over the experience but does and resumes her relationship with Silas. When she suspects that she is pregnant, a psycho woman turns up saying she is also pregnant by Silas.

In the end it all works out well. I do have the 3rd book in the series but strangely don’t feel inclined to read it at the moment.

Book 28 – Mistress to a Rich Man by Kathryn Ross

This book opens up with our heroine, Libby, in a bar having a drink with her friend. There is a tv on and she notices a man, a man who happens to be her father although she was told he was dead. He is an actor and is making an appearance at the Cannes film festival.

Libby is licking her wounds after being left high and dry by her boyfriend. She decides to contact her father and asks to see him. She gets no joy and decides to confront him. In steps his manager our hero, Marc. He will do what he has to do to protect his client and he believes that Libby is looking for a quick financial fix and will sell her story to a tabloid paper.

As they get to know each other Marc finds himself conflicted. There are circumstances that point to Libby being out to sell her story and other things that show her not capable of that. Her father is avoiding her which makes it worse. In the end a resolution is found for all. A good read all in all.

Book 29 – Baby of Shame by Julia James

If we hadn’t had to travel from my mum’s back to our house I would have read this in one sitting.

I admit I haven’t been a big fan of Julia’s books. But for some reason this book hit the note with me.

Alexis and Rhianna had one night together only and that one night resulted in a baby. There was a major misunderstanding and that was due to the effect Alexis had on Rhianna. When they meet up again 5 years have passed and Rhianna is ill and has just been hit by a car. Alexis has also just found out that he is a father.

There is much confusion with Alexis believing that Rhianna is a drug addict. He takes her and his son to his island. There Rhianna recuperates and the truth about her supposed drug addiction and the troubles she has gone through the last 5 years surface. Also what surfaces is the reasoning behind her actions on the night they meant and how Alexis's reaction the next morning set Rhianna and their son on the path that they were on.

I think I’ll make it a keeper.

I've actually cheated and started typing a book review document and then pasting in my blog. LOL That way when I finish a book a can give a reviw and not try and think about the book a month later!

Until tomorrow when I may blog about books or something else.

JN

Book Challenge - Books 24 - 26

2006-04-02T21:19:00.000-05:00

Okay so here it is another instalment of books. I really have slowed down a bit on my reading. I've read 38 books so far. I think the reason I've slowed down is I'm back to a slower bus trip and been doing more life stuff rather than reading.

But here it goes.

Book 24 – The Tycoon’s Trophy Wife by Miranda Lee – Modern/Presents/Sexy

This is the second book in her series, “Wives Wanted”. This story is about Reece and Alanna. They linked up a year ago when Reece had been dumped by a woman after he hit financial hard times. So he hooked up with an agency and met Alanna.

They have a very intense, sexual relationship. It is a marriage of convenience. Both are starting to feel difference feelings and both aren’t sure how to handle these changes. Then fate steps in by way of an accident and Alanna loses her memory. She doesn’t recall being married to Reece but thinks she is still married to her, violent husband.

Their journey to finding each other again is a wonderful story. I knew I would really enjoy this story and I did. I read it in about 2 and a bit hours. What a way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I would recommend this one.

Book 25 – A Scandalous Marriage by Miranda Lee Sexy/Modern/Presents

So this is the third book in Miranda’s series. I found both the 2nd and 3rd books at the 2nd hand store on the same weekend. LOL

So this is about Mike and Natalie. Natalie runs “Wives Wanted” the agency that hooked up Alanna and Reece. Mike needs a wife for a business deal. Natalie needs some money to help her parents out of a tight financial spot. So she volunteers for the job.

This was another quick read for me although not quite as quick as Reece and Alanna’s story. They both have a journey to complete, certain things they have to get from their past to get to each other at the end. Another great read.

Book 26 – Back in Her Husband’s Bed by Melanie Milburne – Sexy/Modern/Presents

This Author is an Aussie author so I find myself supporting the home team authors. LOL I’ve had a bit of hit and miss with Melanie but I did enjoy this book.

Carli and Xavier were married and have been divorced for about 5 years. They met at a friends wedding and immediately fell in lust then love. But there were differences between them that they both were too stubborn to try and repair and ended up divorcing. As the story goes on you find that Carli only asked for a divorce in the vain hope that Xavier would fight for her.

Obviously didn’t happen and after a chance encounter Carli ends up pregnant. Xavier, after having a taste of her wants her back in his life so he forces the issue and Carli moves in with him.

Also it seems that the couple from the wedding where they met are having problems and look like divorcing.

I actually liked the way these two characters grew. A big problem in their early relationship was their failure to communicate and they said things to each other that they didn’t really mean.

What I would like to see from Melanie would be a book about their two friends. It was left up in the air if they were getting back together. Keeping my eye out and seeing if she will write their story.

So that's it for this time.

JN

Follow up on Flylady

2006-04-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

I'm glad that some of you have checked out the Flylady site. It is true that you can get inundated by the emails. The reminders, as I stated because of living on the other side of the world, get an immediate deletion. I read some of the testimonials and some I don't. The only ones I truly pay attention too are the ones from Flylady and Kelly. Then if after a couple of lines I don't find it relevant the delete button gets used.

I bought a note book the other day and that is going to be my 'control journal'. I have made a note of my morning, after work and before dinner routines. Some of the things on my list are things I've put down that I need to get done, not necessiarly ideas from the site.

The thing I love is the 'doing something for 15 minutes'. Today I used it when I was ironing. I would iron for 15 mins then go do something else, then back to the ironing. Makes an arduous task manageable. I'm hoping that I will find the more I do during the week the more time I have for me and family time on the weekend.

So this site is really a personal thing. It is what I needed something to give me an idea on how to get a handle on things. Little things at a time, a bit here and a bit there and eventually it will get done. I know our study will take a while but a little bit here and there and I will start to make headway.

It was so daunting walking into the house and seeing the mess and going where do I start! Then I'd go, tomorrow I'll do it and well tomorrow came and avoidance as well. This time I just tackle a little bit and then move on.

And I feel like I've accomplished something, even if it is just a tiny thing.

As silly as it sounds I needed someone to give me an idea or a format for me to follow and Flylady was it.

JN

FlyLady

2006-03-31T07:15:00.000-06:00

You know its a real challenge to try and keep on top of things. Me I've got a husband to love, two beautiful kids to nurture, a house to maintain and fulltime work as well. Something has got to give and generally its the house. Well for me it was. Yes that's right was.

A friend told me about this website Flylady

This site is my new best friend. LOL I've been "Flying" for a week. My sink is shining, the main living area of my home is looking the best its looked in a long time. I'm only on day 8 and am taking each day at a time. Following their baby steps.

I like their adage of "You are not behind! I don't want you to try and catch up; I just want you to jump where we are. O.K.?"

Last Friday, before I started Flying, I would look at my house and think "where will I start". Well I started with the sink and on Sunday I ironed in 15 minute bursts. That was the best, I got the basket of ironing done and other things as well.

Wednesday night I set my oven timer for 5 minutes and did a quick pick up around the family/dining area. Thursday night my daughter comes home and walks into the family/dining area and says "Wow mum, its nice and tidy" . I admit I felt 10 feet tall then. LOL

Just a simple thing, but for me it was big. The great thing about it is, DH has got on board too and cleans up the kitchen after himself whereas before he didn't.

Some of the things they have listed on their site I did anyway but I admit I feel in control of my home situation and I haven't felt like that for a very long time.

I like "flying".

JN

So what next?

2006-03-31T01:43:00.000-06:00

Well I've been busy organising my life at home and had no time to check in on my blog. So I do today at work.

I've been mulling over what I've been feeling since I read the comments to my last post. I guess no one likes to be found wanting. Nor do they like to be told what they should be doing and not doing.

I guess for me I should just stick to the light and fluffy stuff, forget the serious stuff because I always seem to be lacking in something.

Take this example for instance. I made a comment on a friend's blog. I really wanted to write an insightful reply but I seemed to struggle with what I wanted to put down but I still replied. Then I visit today and see a really, really insightful reply and think, "Geez I've just got no idea" and I think if I want to be a writer and I can't answer a simple query in an intelligent way how the heck am I going to be able to write a publishable book.

I always thought myself to be quite intelligent. I did well at school and I can generally hold a fairly good conversation. But lately, well I seem to be lagging behind.

So will I attempt something serious again? Give me a couple of weeks and I'll have shaken this funk and yeah I'll attempt it again and no doubt in some eyes I'll have made a complete bungle of it. LOL

In the meantime back to the regular light and fluffy posts.

JN

Will it Ever End?

2006-03-19T22:08:00.000-06:00

So I heard on the radio news today that its the 3 year anniversary of the war in Iraq. Apparently there is still a need for allied forces to be there to stop terrorists entering and causing another attack. I'm pretty sure that is what George Bush said. But he certainly doesn't appear to want to let control of Iraq go.

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't the main culprit for the September 11 attacks Osama Bin Laden and isn't he in Afganistan somewhere?

I only caught a bit of Farenheit 911 and I must make an effort to see it all but it really made me think. What if it's true? What is the relationship between the Bin Laden's and the Bushes?

I was always amazed at how the fight moved from Bin Laden to the need to get Saddam Hussain. Was George Bush Jnr trying to finish what his father started back in the early 1990's? A lot of other nations got pulled into the Iraq war, Australia included. And what of Bin Laden? Is he really dead or is he still floating around somewhere. Granted Saddam was evil to his people but he certainly didn't mount a strike as devasting to another nation as September 11 was.

I guess we'll never find out the truth. I just hope that it all ends soon and I know there will never be world peace but its nice to hope sometimes.

It's a bit scary that I'm blogging something that borders on serious ;-)

JN

Commonwealth Games

2006-03-19T00:06:00.000-06:00

So currently taking place in Australia is the Commonwealth Games. You could say its the watered down version of the Olympic Games. It is just countries of the Commonwealth competing and in most cases Australia is always at the top of the medal table.

I admit this time I didn't think too much about it but now its started I can't help but become very patriotic which is very hard when I live with a New Zealander (DH). The rivalry between AUS and NZ is rather large and both of us are very patriotic. LOL

This year we've had two of our swimmers pull out due to illness. Now these two competitors are currently Olympic Champions, Grant Hackett (1500m) and Ian Thorpe (200m 400m). I can say that on the first day of competition we struggled in the pool. The absence of these two men were telling but then yesterday (Saturday) we had an awesome day.

The thing is when I watch the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games I get really choked up when I see a competitor winning be it either from Australia or another country, but more with Australian competitors. The Australian weightlifter than won the gold medal last night was so emotional, crying when he was presented with the medal. Here I am sitting on the couch choking back the tears.

I remember watching the Athens games. Zane was just a few weeks old and was feeding during the night so I would turn the tv on a watch the games. Saw our hockey team win the gold medal. That was amazing because it was extra time and we have been waiting so long to win that gold medal.

I have no idea what it is about the Olympics etc but there is just an emotion there that just gets you right in the guts and I know I'm forever swallowing back the tears.

Hmm then again sometimes TV adverts make me cry. Guess I'm a bit of a sap. LOL

But GO AUSSIE!!!

JN

Book Challenge - Books 21-23

2006-03-16T22:07:00.001-06:00

Okay slowly catching up on my blogs. The problem is if I don't blog straightaway about the books I kind of forget what they are all about. LOL

Anyway here we go

Book 21 - Flawless by Michelle Hauf - Bombshell/SIM (Aust)

This is the second book in the "IT Girl" Series. The series is basically about wealthy young women who are actually secret agents. Sort of like Paris Hilton meets Charlies Angels. This story is about Becca. She is a gem specialist and must track down some missing diamonds. She also has to work with MI-6 Agent Dane Ashton. These two spark off each other from the beginning. Dane has a secret agenda and at the end of the story I was still not sure if he worked for the good guys or the bad guys or he was just out to settle an old score.

It was a pretty good read but I'm finding with the Bombshells that I really am a romantic at heart so I do need a HEA and I sort of got it with this book. It only took me about a day and half to read it and there was plenty of action.

Book 22 - The High-Society Wife by Helen Bianchin Sexy/Presents

I have to say I do like Helen's books immensely. They are quick reads but they tend to be always the same. This is about Gianna and Franco. An arranged marriage, a joining of two children from families that started a corporation together. She loves him but is pretty sure he doesn't love her. Enter ex-lover from years ago. All of a sudden Gianna is unsure of Franco's feelings towards and this woman decides that she wants him back.

I really did enjoy the book but I just didn't Get it. Why after so many years does the ex-lover decide she wants Franco back? She basically tells Gianna that Franco will be hers and to just give him up. Of course Gianna gets more and more insecure and then accuses Franco of having an affair with the woman.

Most of the ex's always do a bit of stalking and at the end the hero always says that of course he loved her, he wouldn't have been interested in a marriage if he didn't. And the threat of a lawsuit usually sends the ex-lover scuttling away.

There was one book of Helen's that took a different twist to this theme and that was that our herione had a violent ex-husband who came back and gave her a bit of a touch up.

I'll continue to read Helen's books because as I said I do enjoy them but they are a bit predictable. I wouldn't mind seeing a change of theme from Helen but I don't see that happening.

Book 23 - For Revenge or Pleasure by Trish Morey Sexy/Presents

Now for a totally different theme how about a plastic surgeon as our heroine? That is what Jade is. An Aussie living in LA working at a well known cosmetic surgery. She does most of the laser surgery and has a good heart and great intentions for how she can improve the lives of young children born with birth marks. She is a bit naive about her business partner, Grace, but later in the book you understand why she is that way.

Our hero, Loukas, is hell bent on revenge and Jade is the perfect woman for that. He wants to find out the ins and outs of the surgery where she works because he wants to bring down Grace. I know this book will be released in the US in June 2006 and I highly recommend that you go out and get this book. You won't regret it.

Trish is a relatively new author but her writing is amazing. The depth that she went to in this book is brilliant. The sexual chemistry she created between Jade and Loukas is there from the very beginning.

She portrays Jade's shyness and naivety, towards Grace, beautifully and when the truth comes out you ache for Jade.

Loukas is ruthless in the beginning and when you see the reason why you feel sympathy for him. But you also see that he has a wonderful side when he is with Jade. They are both hiding secrets and both must travel individual paths to get to the end. Along the way they open up and expose themselves to each other.

A must read this one.

Okay getting there slowly. Thanks for taking the time to read this everyone who does.

JN

Books 18-20 of Book Challenge

2006-03-12T22:52:00.000-06:00

So here I go another rundown of books. I thought about doing blogs in advance but I don't think that will work because of the date written to date published. It will get lost!! LOL I've got so far behind in my blogs. I've read 30 books.

Book 18 - A Venetian Passion by Catherine George (Sexy/Modern/Presents)

Okay so Catherine has created a little series around a particular family - The Dysarts. Read all the childrens books and now this book is about the friend of Fenella Dysart.

I have to say this herione annoyed me something cruel. Laura was a very stubborn person that would never accept a gift. Everytime our hero, Domenico, tried to do something nice she threw it back in his face.

Needless to say the did work out their differences and a happy ending was had by all. The interesting thing in this book is that Laura's sister had a crisis. I'm now hoping Catherine will write her book.

I do enjoy Catherine's books very much.

Book 19 - Taken by the Highest Bidder by Jane Porter (Sexy/Modern/Presents)

This was an intensen read. Most of Jane's books are that is why she is a great author. This book was about Sam and Cristiano. Cristiano is a Formula 1 driver and also a consummate poker player. He 'won' Sam from her husband who was a complete loser at the game. It comes out in the book that Sam's stepdaughter is actually Cristiano's half sister. That was one of the reasons he played Sam's husband till he had nothing left to give. He knew that if he got hold of Sam he would get hold of his half sister. The fact that he was extremely attracted to Sam helped to seal the deal.

Sam is an innocent even though she has been married twice and about to get married again to Cristiano. Her first husband died on their wedding day and well she only married her second husband to protect his daughter.

Once I got into this it was a hard book to put down. Lots of little turns, but it was also about the growth of our heroine.

Book 20 - Billionaire's Proposition by Leanne Banks - Book 1 The Elliots Dynasty Series (Desire)

OH MY GOODNESS. This book was ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL. I started it on the Bus in the morning and finished it on the bus on the way home. This book flowed and flowed. I turned page after page and was so engrossed in the story I didn't realise just how quickly I was reading.

Gannon and Erika work together and have a past relationship, but he chose to end the relationship because there where whispers around the office of just how much time they were spending together. Now a year later he wants Erika back on his team at his magazine. He lures her back and at the same time the passion between them once again arose.

Still the same problem abounds, Gannon doesn't want the whole office to know of their relationship. Erika has been there done that once and doesn't want to go there again. In the end he decides they need a 'break' and she moves back to the other magazine she was working on.

Oh and Erika wants a baby and decided Gannon would be the ideal father. In the end Gannon makes a public declaration of his love towards her.

Can't wait to read the next instalment of this series!

JN