Time Out!

The Sisterwriters want to thank all of you for stopping by our blog. From now on, blogs will be few and far between because the four of us are taking time out to WRITE! Maddie and Magdalena have their own blogs requiring time and creativity. You can find links to their blogs on this site. Who knows, I may even start up my own blog, but right now I want to finish my final 2009 novella for Resplendence Publishing.

Speaking of novellas—Janet, Magdalena and I have a new Christmas novella coming out in a few days. Check the Resplendence Publishing website for details or our private websites. You'll like these novellas, because we go back in time. If you wanted to know what Legend, Tennessee, was like in 1944, 1968 and 1975, check out our new releases!

S'long! This isn't good-bye. Just a little break in action.

Jan

Creatures of Habit

My husband says our dogs are creatures of habit. I put them out every morning while I take care of the cats, check e-mail, and eat breakfast. (Husband is still in bed at this time.) Then I bring them in and feed them. I shower. I put them outside again until I get ready to leave for work. My husband does his morning thing. When he gets out of the shower, the dogs are either in their crates or nearby. They know the routine.

Sometimes I am tired of routine. I’m like my dogs—a creature of habit.

Over the years, I have developed shower habits. I take pills, dry hair, put on “my face” and dress at the same time over and over again almost every day. Then I drive to work. I have a pattern for that too, one destined to get me into the parking garage avoiding the most traffic. Did I mention the stop at Starbucks? Parking in the garage is always the same and in almost the same place day after day. The hike under the Second Street Bridge, near the new arena construction, is the same. Sitting down at my desk, taking the laptop out of the drawer, firing it up, logging in and checking e-mail, is always the same.

Nighttime rituals are similar too. I have a routine for getting ready for bed, washing face, brushing teeth, and taking pills. The dogs and cats know it. When I crawl under the covers, Lenny expects to be placed on top of them. Red jumps up by herself and Gloria, the cat, comes to tell me good-night. (In case you’re wondering, my husband kicks most of the creatures out when he comes to bed.)

Do you get tired of routine? Or does it bring you comfort? It can, I guess, knowing what to expect daily. Sometimes, though, I want to break free of it all. Like this morning when I’m still in my pajamas after eleven a.m.!

Jan

Writing and Publishing in the 21st Century

In September I will be giving a presentation on the topic of writing and publishing in the twenty-first century. I haven't begun to write it yet. Maybe you think I'm a slacker, and maybe you'll think it even more when you learn that I was asked to do this presentation months ago.

But the publishing industry changes every day, it seems to me. I've made some notes on things I think are interesting, but would like your input.

If you were presenting the program, what points would you especially want to make?


If you were sitting in the audience, what would you be particularly interested in learning?

I'll look forward to any comments. In the meantime, Happy Friday!

Magdalena

Why Do I?

Why do I write?

I was thinking this weekend why I spend so much time writing. First, I believe it’s a God-given talent. I love doing it. To me, it’s like fitting puzzle pieces together, making the words say exactly what you want them to say. I also like figuring out motivations of characters, and I always put a little bit of myself into the characters I create. Finally, I like to disappear into a fantasy world where there is a happily ever after ending. Too much, these days, our world is crazy and scary. Whatever happened to common sense?

Tell me what motivates you to write.

Why do I ride horses?

I found this quote today while researching the Internet for my latest novella. This says exactly why I ride horses.

In riding a horse we leave our fears, troubles and sadness behind ... on the ground.

Jan

Blue Ribbon Review for Kentucky Woman!

KENTUCKY WOMAN, book two in the Bluegrass Reunion series, is a beautifully written contemporary, capturing the struggles of a single mother wonderfully. Jan Scarbrough created such wonderful characters. I related to Alex on many levels, warming to her character from the beginning. Both the hero and the heroine are family oriented and goal driven with a strong sense of duty. The fears of rejection and hurt they face and their compassionate nature is touching. I can’t wait for book three in this wonderful series.

Thanks Pamela at Romance Junkies for the great review!
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4.5

Now at Fictionwise!

A new Ladies of Legend story, Where Her Heart Is, by...um...me, was released today at Fictionwise! Go here to read the blurb, purchase and download your ebook.

Of course, all of the Ladies of Legend books are also available from Resplendence Publishing. Here is the Where Her Heart Is page.

Thanks for letting me share!

;)

Magdalena

I Have Produce!

Approximately thirty-something years ago when I was a newlywed, I had no children and I taught high school English. I had more time and energy than I knew what to do with so I started a garden. I remember picking and stringing green beans. I’d fry green tomatoes and buy and fry okra. Shoot! I’d make my own homemade cornbread. I actually planned meals and cooked.

Then children and jobs and life intervened and I quit gardening and cooking. I did raise a son to become a chef, but I don’t know how that happened. My point is that sometimes things go in cycles. I’m back to gardening—the cooking hasn’t made it back yet.

This year I have a “victory” garden of tomatoes and peppers. I’ve grown herbs, like this oregano you see in the photo, but I must admit I don’t know what I’m doing in the herb area. My garden is mostly in containers and in a raised bed my friend Kathy made me. She’s the real gardener and has asked me to pick green beans from her garden this weekend.

Do you feel the need to get back to your “roots”? Am I the only one who wants to return to the earth, back to what’s elemental in life, even if it is grown in a big pot on my back patio?

Jan