February 10, 2007

MEASURING TIME

    Day 1                                                 Day 2

I left my office today only to shower and eat. That means my photographic range was somewhat limited. It also means my life has narrowed in to only my deadline. Well, that and watching the fern on my desk grow (cats have been locked out, so no amusement there).

My fern is spooky, you literally can watch him grow. Yesterday, he threw out a tendril and strained for the window as I wrote. By nightfall he’d hooked around my window muse and was curling around it (photo one). And today, if you look closely at the second picture, you can see just how much more he grew. I’m beginning to feel as though he’s a sentient being, watching me.

Or … maybe that’s deadline mania? At any rate, you can see just how small-minded I have become. A bit like reality television, eh? Just wait for tomorrow — day 3 of the fern saga on Loreth’s reality blog ;)

Who knows … we could get real Stephen King-ish. I could be strangled by my desk plant. Stay tuned.

February 9, 2007

EDITORIAL HELP. NOT

That’s the ‘shredder‘ look in his eye. How do I know? Because he’s already ‘done’ the tissue box today.

He’s banned from my office if this happens again! This is a cat who really does eat homework. He even opens drawers and cupboards to get at it. And … he waits until you’re in the shower to do it. He’s wicked, and he’s smart, and he’s sneaky.

But I love him anyway.

February 8, 2007

SWAMPED

Sometimes the barrels are clean and smooth. Sometimes they close out on you and the rip threatens to suck you under. Ever get those days? When the surf just ain’t right, but you’re out in it anyway? And you look up and gulp as the next wave rises, wondering how the hell you’re going to get it through all that crushing power headed your way?

That’s pretty much when you’ve got to relax, and go all Zen — or you’re gonna drown. Or so I told myself when I looked up today and saw it was already well into February 2007, with March looming, and April and May swelling behind it, and my book is due in New York this day next week, and another proposal needs to be in by the 28th.

I also signed on the dotted line today to do a Harlequin continuity before the year is out. That’s four books to complete this year. Good thing I love water  — and that all I want to do at the moment is swim. Just got to remind myself to breathe, eh? :) .

And yes, this is an area where LOST was filmed. In the summer that ocean can be as smooth as glass. But in the winter? Well, that’s what made Oahu’s North Shore famous.

And yes, I enjoyed the first LOST episode of the season. I’m well and truly hooked … again.

I also have to admit that I still watch SURVIVOR. Religiously. Maybe it’s that stranded on the island thing? I argue it’s the psychology that intrigues me (oh yeah, I can see you guys rolling your eyes already). Whatever it is,  I better finish editing my chapter before the premier starts tonight …

February 6, 2007

LOOKING FOR LOST IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

DH and I  overlooking one of the many places in paradise where LOST was filmed.

Can’t wait for tomorrow!!! I’m such a LOST junkie it’s pathetic, and even more so since we visited Oahu in December. I’m going to be one of those horrendously annoying viewers who leans forward and points to the television at every critical plot juncture and says to anyone who cares listen (the cats most likely): “There, did you see that strip of sand, did you see that rock? I’ve been there!!”

Aren’t you lucky you won’t be at my house on Wednesdays ??

February 5, 2007

all three SHADOW SOLDIERS DOWN UNDER

I am delighted to see that RULES OF RE-ENGAGMENT has been paired with Carla Cassidy’s THE BODYGUARD’S RETURN for a March 2007 release in Australia and New Zealand.

This is the third book in my Shadow Soldiers trilogy, and follows the release of the previous two — THE HEART OF A MERCENARY, and A SULTAN’S RANSOM in January and February of this year.

Now if I could only find a way to get myself down under

February 4, 2007

THE SIMPLE PLEASURES

… healthy gourmet fare, courtesy of my mum and sister.

The ability to put food on the table, and share with family — these are true treasures.

Hah — but really exciting was not having to cook! As was the chance to squeeze a bit more writing into the weekend.

Now, I have a question for you. Do you know how many calories (yup, we’re old school here — I don’t do metric in this department) you personally need each day to maintain your body weight? Do you know how much energy you actually consume each day? And expend — just sitting at your computer, for example? This is going to be a little project of mine this year … as I hopefully train for another marathon … and try to trim some ‘poundage’ (while obviously still eating as much as possible).

Stay tuned (or be warned ) ….