Happy Halloween

Halloween - Glitter Graphics

Glitter Graphics for Orkut, Myspace, Friendster

Come On People

OK, so I am dying to read this book, and not because Bill Cosby was on Oprah today. I wasn't all that impressed with the Oprah show. I was very impressed with an in-depth interview that Borders released more than a week ago. If you are a borders rewards member you probably saw the link in your weekly newsletter. If you're not a borders rewards member, what are you waiting for?

Why am I excited? Well some will argue that I have become more conservative in my old age. I would disagree. I don't think it is about being conservative or liberal, being black or white, being compassionate or having a stick up your butt; I think it simply has to do with being smart. It doesn't take a genius to make the connection between a student making good grades and a parent who checks homework.

I haven't read the book yet, so I can't say I agree with everything that Cosby says (did you notice people calling him Dr. Cosby?) . I do like his parenting style. On Oprah, he urged parents to take charge: to know what their kids are involved in and set limits. He said, "don't be afraid to go into your kids room, see what they are doing on the computer, listen to their music". It might not seem fair, but it isn't supposed to be fair. It's called being a parent, and as a parent you have a responsibility to make sure your child grows into a decent and civilized adult. You can't do that when you don't know that your teenage son is stockpiling weapons in his bedroom and making homemade bombs. Come on people!!!

Maybe it is easy for me to criticize because I am not a parent. And yes, good parents have bad children. It happens, even when you follow all of the written and unwritten rules of child rearing. In the end, all you can do is give them the skills they need, teach them the difference between right and wrong and hope that if they stray they will find their way safely home. But lately it seems like there are a whole generation of people who aren't even trying. It scares me when teens are getting pregnant and having children, because there is absolutely no way they can understand the enormity behind having and raising children. If they did, they wouldn't be getting knocked up.

That's just my two cents.

Fun New Links

So, this is a little overdue, but I went through the site and updated the links section to reflect some of my new favorites. You may notice that a certain author fell off the list (if you can figure out who it was, you probably know me very well. If you can't well--I'm not about to name them here!) I added a lot of authors, some of which have been recommended to me, but I haven't had an opportunity to finish reading. I am proud to say, the books are all on my shelves.

Also my personal favorite, I have added some newbie authors trying to break into the business. I think you will enjoy checking out their websites. They are great people and have a lot (i mean a lot!) to say.

This weekend I started sketching out book two in the Salem's Triad Series. We'll see how that goes.

Peace out.

The Pimp Master

Yes, I said it. Here I am pimping books. But they are good books, more importantly, the writers are good people, newly published, and friends of mine that could use your support. So please, please, please check out some of the fun stuff on the shelves and online.

Matthew Cook, Blood Magic and an Anthology Touched by Wonder which has a story by Michelle R. Rasey. Congrats to both!

Both books are available online (click the cover for the link). Matt's book is also available in stores. I got mine at Borders!

Side Note: If you aren't already a member of Borders rewards program you can join at any store for free. They send you great coupons in your email AND you get additional coupons and perks when you make a purchase. The staff know me by name because I probably use my coupon to buy something once a week.

Quite possibly the best thing...

Hi All! I just had to say, that I am very very busy plowing away on the second draft of my novel and it could quite possibly be the best thing since sliced bread came on the scene! I am loving it.I feel like it's gone from genre trash to mainstream fame, and you all are going to love it (even if you don't have a thing for vampires). I am finally starting to feel like the book can stand on its own. I don't have to defend the concept. And though I feel like the paranormal bubble has to burst some time, that this has enough appeal and depth that it could do well in a variety of market climates.

Yea me!

The goal is to be done with the draft by November 1 and I am going to need some serious beta readers! Email if you are interested.