Thought I'd better check in...

Since I am the one harping on daily blog upkeep, LOL I've been consistent with the body maintenance as well this week. You would definitely be surprised at the refreshing energy just taking a brisk two and a half mile walk affords the tired, stagnant brain. Also, I have been sleeping much better. And yes, Mary and Mickey, ten extra pounds makes a big difference in how the clothes fit. Mine, at the moment, aren't fitting that well:(

BTW - The picture I've included is the neighborhood beach DH and I walked along last week, not a "Footprints in the Sand" rendition. LOL I took it with my cell phone though it really does resemble the poem's usual accompanying imagery, don't you think? And some of those footprints belong to us *grin*

I have also been doing some personal business catch up, which has kept me away my writing the last few days. Hopefully, I'll be back on track shortly. Life does tend to get in the way at times, doesn't it? Responsibility has no bounds.

I'm already looking forward to my next vacation! LOL

Talk to you in a bit...

D~

Quickie:) Clearing one's mind and stress level.

No! not that kind of quickie LOL Though it would have the same results...

Been busy with some organizational things this week. Also, so as not to continue to expand while I studiously sit in front of this laptop night after night, I've begun an exercise regiment.

Yay!

I have taken up a two and a half mile walk in the nearby park after work each evening. Wow! it hotter than Hell but it feels great! And you know what? My head is clearer, I'm less stressed and sleeping a whole lot better!

For a couple years now, I've come home from the day job, turned on the computer, got dinner ready and sat in front of the computer for the rest of the evening--day after day, everyday. Well, as you can well imagine it takes a toll on the body, mental being, and stress levels. I actually had begun to hate my computer because I felt chained to it in a manner that I don't take any time for myself and other activities--in short, a life!

Well, that is all changing and so is the ten extra pounds I'm carrying around in the mid section. Yikes! that is the thing that most bothers me. Anyway, just thought I'd drop in and tell you about my newfound relaxation/exercise discovery.

I suggest everyone consider doing this if you don't already. It feels so good!

D~

Holy Crap! It's Monday! Where does time go?

Whoa! Nine days have flown by! I've awoken this morning-always a good thing-and solemnly accepted that vacation time is over. Back to the daily grind, it is for me. Wow! I could definitely live as I have over the last week or so but, unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be in my stars right now. But I am working on it:)

I wanted to mention that my good friend and peer has finally broken down and set herself up a blog. Yay! Faith!

Drop on over and check it out:
http://faithvsmith.blogspot.com/2009/08/life-in-fast-lane.html

Well gotta run. Talk later:)

D~

Afternoon, all! Some updates...

Just wanted to let you all know I'm hanging out over at the Pink Fuzzy Slipper Writers blog today. We're gabbing about promo. Hop on over and drop your two cents on us. Can't get enough ideas for new ways to get our names out there and make them stick:)

Also, I wanted to thank Zacke and Faith for being here the other day. It was a lot of fun learning what makes Zacke tick and I think much of that is his woman, Miranda. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a hot, alpha male who is totally in love with you? Wow! Is it warm in here?

One more thing to mention. Yesterday I made an announcement that I would be adding yet one more new feature to this blog. An "Author Spotlight" segment each Thursday starting September. There is something I forgot to mention. This offer is to authors who write in ANY genre. Not just Paranormal. I would, however, like to keep Paranormal authors active the month of October though. So book now as I believe two dates are already taken which only leaves two more unless, of course, there happens to be five weeks in October *grin*

For details hop over to Dayana's Happenings and see the complete notice about the "Author Spotlight" segment. If you have not joined DH my informational loop then just scroll down the right sidebar of this blog click on the "Yahoo Group Icon" and join. You will also be able to access my free monthly newsletter if you click on 'File' in the left sidebar menu. And you can check the 'Calendar' for what's upcoming events such as who will be guestblogging, where I will be or which author will be spotlighted next.

Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to stop over and pipe in on your promo ideas at PFSWB.

D~

Interview with Zacke Kensington, Hero of Kensington's Soul part of the Bound By Blood Series by Author Faith V. Smith

Please welcome Faith V. Smith, paranormal romance author and my good friend. She has brought a very special guest today. Take it, Faith:)

Morning everyone! I am so glad to be here with you today. I want to introduce to you a very dear friend of mine who is such a hottie! Detective Zacke Kensington on loan to us from the Savannah Police Department.

Morning Zacke, how are you?

Zacke: Doing great Faith and yourself?

Faith: Much better now that I’ve seen you again. Do you think you could tell everyone a bit about yourself?

Zacke: You already know I’m a detective but I’m also a former vampire. My story began in the late 1500’s and my life or after death in or around 1623 when Lady Gabriella Sanspree turned me into a fanged monster.

Faith: Oh dear, that sounds awfully painful.

Zacke: You cannot imagine the pain of my mortal death and rebirth as a vampire. I truly would not wish that on my worse enemy.

Faith: I completely understand. So what is this about being a former fang-toter? I thought once a vamp always a vamp.

Zacke: So did I. I’m still not sure what happened, but at the moment I’m as human as the next man.

Faith: Well, strictly speaking, I think you make most men look a tad inferior.

Zacke: Thank you… I think. My darling Miranda has told me, I’m a handsome man, but I’ll allow you to judge that for yourself when you read my story, the first novel in the Bound By Blood, The Legends called Kensington’s Soul.

Faith: It sounds interesting. So care to tell us a bit about the book?

Zacke: Within the pages you will discover what makes me tick, what angers me, and what and whom is important to me. There you will also have an up close and personal view of my love life. I’ve not always been a one-woman man, but with Miranda by my side, I find she is more than enough to keep me satisfied.

Faith: How romantic. So how did you two meet?

Zacke: I rescued her from a car jacking.

Faith: No wonder she fell in love with you. I don’t suppose you have any male siblings?

Zacke: No, sorry, Faith. I do have some male vampire friends, you ladies might be interested in.

Faith: I think we just might be, but let’s get back to you. What was the hardest thing about giving up being immortal?

Zacke: I think it would have to be the inability to read my wife’s thoughts. But there are times we both know what the other one is thinking.

Faith: Do tell. Maybe we shouldn’t go there or should we?

Zacke: I will say this, out of all the women I’ve made love to before and after I became a vampire, Miranda is the one woman who makes my knees weak.

Faith: That is so sweet. I just love it when a man admits he has an Achilles Heel. I take it Miranda is yours?

Zacke: Miranda is the light of my life. I would do anything to keep her safe even if it meant giving my own life for hers.

Faith: That kind of love is truly a blessed one. I’m sure Miranda feels the same way. Now, any news on your other male friends? What are they up to?

Zacke: Well I think I’ll let them tell you their own story. Miles Dunbar one of my oldest friends tale will be coming from The Wild Rose Press March 2010. From what I hear, Dunbar’s Curse, is going to be a nail bitter.

Faith: Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure to mark it on my calendar. I just want to tell you thank for being here today. May you always fight evil and win.

Zacke: Thank you and may you all be blessed with long life and good health, prosperity, and love.

More about Faith:

Faith started her journey to publication when she joined the Romance board at iVillage.com, where she has long since become a community leader. She has written book reviews for Bridges Magazine, MyShelf.com, and for the past six years, Romantic Times Book Reviews. She also pens a column for a local magazine. Her path veered into editing and marketing for a small press before she joined The Wild Rose Press staff. Her dream of having her own work published is a blessing and an honor. Faith resides in the south with her daughter Amanda, memories of her now angel husband Rick, and a special zoo crew of furry babies.

Visit her at www.faithvsmith.com
Books by Faith V. Smith
Beware What You Wish The Wild Rose Press
Kensington's Soul The Wild Rose Press
Dunbar's CurseThe Wild Rose Press/March 2010

Quick Hit Recipe: Another Dayana Favorite:)

Cool lunch/dinner idea for the long, hot summer days. Don't know about you, but I am an avid salad lover and creator. As far as I'm concerned you can create yummy salads from just about anything.

Watermelon/Basil/Feta Salad

Cubed watermelon for desired amount of servings(I like to create as individual servings).

Fresh Sweet Basil (got some in my garden if you need)

Crumbled Feta cheese to taste (I use lots)

Toss together and serve as is or for a little added flavor sprinkle with Raspberry Walnut Vinegarette. Ummmm...

Now for the Dayana options:

Take your favorite bagged salad mix (mine are Classic Romaine with shredded carrots and red cabbage or the delectable Parisian Greens which is a mixture of all sorts of interesting greens, etc.) and place in individual salad bowls topping with the above watermelon mixture and sprinkle with the Raspberry Walnut Vinegarette dressing. Ummm...it's so good!

Tonite I'm taking it a step further and adding sliced turkey breast. Tell me that doesn't make your mouth water.

Enjoy!

Sharing and Copying ebooks is WRONG!

Good Morning!

I found a very interesting post on a blog today and its something I'd like to discuss here. Piracy. It's a big problem with the vastness of the internet and for the most part, a bit misunderstood by most honest people. The criminals are well aware of what they are doing.

As most of you will agree, for many of us authors struggling for visibility and recognition in the tough world of publishing, the internet is our best venue to achieve that. But with visibility on the worldwide web comes sharks. People who dare to make a living off our blood, sweat, and tears! Our work!

As I said above, I've come across, actually, two fantastic blogs talking about this very thing I'd like to share with you. One is Hywela Lyn's August 16th article titled, "No, you may not copy, sell, or loan our work..." which refers back to the next blog, Sharon Maria Bidwell's July 10 article, "To the person who left me a comment…"

This is such an important subject that I felt compelled to jump on the bandwagon and speak out as well.

Sharon has voiced this issue so eloquently that, with her permission, I have copied an excerpt below:

"Look, copyright law on ebooks is simple. You cannot copy, distribute, resell or loan an ebook. Saying that, most of us wouldn’t object if we heard you’ve made yourself a back-up copy purely for your own personal use. We live in a wonderful age of technology but technology fails us from time to time. We hear you’re selling our work and we’ll come down on you like the proverbial ton of bricks. Writers and publishers are getting better at locating piracy sites and law enforcement is finally taking it seriously.

The most common question we hear is “If I can resell or loan a printed book, why can’t I as a reader resell or loan ebooks?” To be honest, even the reselling or lending of some printed books is a grey area. However, it tends to be overlooked because of several reasons.

Most people hate the idea of printed books being destroyed. If you’re finished with them and cannot pass them on in some way they are only good for recycling.
When a printed book is passed on, someone may find an author they like and start buying new books by that author on a regular basis. It’s sort of free-advertising and yes, one could argue this would apply to ebooks but there’s a major difference and reason why this doesn’t work so read on.
Many second-hand books are sold for charity purposes.
You are giving up your physical edition of the book and will no longer own it.
Point 4 is the major one. When you give, sell, or loan a printed book you give away the item you purchased. Even when loaning it, you risk not getting it back. You are not making a ‘physical copy’ of that book to pass it on.

When you pass an ebook on (and some people do this in innocence not piracy but they are still in the wrong) the reader tends to ‘keep’ their version and simply send the file on, thereby making a ‘copy’. I can assure you that this is just as illegal in printed works.

Imagine you took one of Stephen King’s novels, dissected it, scanned it in, printed it up either by POD (good luck — they would spot what you are doing in a flash), or via the printer at home, and tried to give it away, sell it, or hand to a friend. Should SK find out do you think he wouldn’t sue your arse off? Oh yes, he would!

The point is you are not allowed to make a ‘copy’ of any written work be it printed or electronic. You may (usually) print off an electronic book with the purpose of reading it in that form should you not wish to read on screen, but that printed form is subject to the same laws. You may not sell it, or pass it on. If you wish to pass on an ebook the only viable way to do this is buy an extra copy, and what’s so wrong with that? We all have people to buy presents for.

Oh…and to those who think they can file share their ebook library, has nothing I’ve stated sunk in? Besides, you are NOT a library and did you know that even if you were there is such a thing as the ‘public lending right’? This means that an author can, if they wish, claim a small payment every time a library lends one of their books. So next time you choose to file share, don’t be surprised should you receive a letter from the authors asking for an audit of the number of ‘loans’ and demanding payment from you!

You are not a publisher and the author has not signed a contract with you. You do not have the right to sell.

You are not an official state library. You do not have the right to loan (and let’s be honest — loan in electronic format means copy and give away).

You are not friends with thousands of strangers online that you simply ‘must’ lend your books to (and we’ve already established that you are not lending but copying) and authors and publishers will not turn their back on you ‘giving’ their work away.

I’m not speaking to those who are deliberately committing an act of piracy. They know they are breaking the law, damaging authors and the publishing industry, and they just don’t care. The most we can do is assure them that while there will always be crooks there will always be those willing to fight them. I’m speaking mainly to those that do this in innocence, not understanding that they are doing anything wrong. You claim to love us as writers. You claim to love our work. We do work — hard — at this. Most of us have day jobs, families, lives just like you. We have to find time to write on top of all that. We often forsake sleep. Many don’t make as much money as you think and even if we did, haven’t we ‘earned’ it? You love our characters, our worlds, our stories. You claim to love our work and even to love us. Why do something fundamentally harmful to someone or something you love?

Did you know there are pirate copies of the “I Do” anthology out there? A book I took part in for charity. The thought that people can be so low as to steal from charity has made some of us authors want to puke. If you’re doing this in innocence or not, rest assured, we’re very upset with you."

This is such an important subject that I'd love to hear your thoughts as authors and as readers. Do you or have you shared ebooks? Do you feel sharing an ebook is much like borrowing a book from a library or a friend is right after reading this blog?

One thing I do when I send out a prize of a free book download is always put a statement that the download may not be shared and if truth be known, I always wonder. There's really no sound way to protect ourselves other than aiming this information at the 'honest' people who really never thought about the repercussions of sharing our work. The people who never realized that they were doing wrong. Every time someone copies, shares, or allows another to read our work for 'free' is more dollars out of pockets.

All comments and points of view on this subject welcome.

Dayana~

Quick Hit ~ Daily Recipe

I made a scrumptious little side tonight and wanted to share it.

Take ripe tomatoes and slice two or three down into maybe 1/4 to 1/2" slices depending on how many people you are feeding.

Slice either fresh mozzarella or aged smoked mozzarella cheese to fit the tomatoe slices.

Lay the tomato slices out on a plate or tray and drizzle with olive oil then season to taste. I used fresh Italian oregano from my garden, a touch of parsley, and Montreal Steak Seasoning to taste. Top with the cheese slices.

Allow to stand for a few hours for sharper mix of flavors.

Option: serve cold or place in broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese.

Of Note: We ate as an appetizer/side with grilled burgers as well placed them on the burgers. DEEE-LICIOUS!

Enjoy!

D~

Happiness...

Happiness is the feeling I get when I do something to help someone in need and see the sheer joy of my act written all over their face.

Happiness is coming home to my Sheltie, Bea's boisterous welcome and very cute hug. Yes! She hugs me and gives Mommie kisses:) How warm is that?

Happiness is the sunroof wide-open, the windows down on a sultry Florida evening with the wind in my hair and a clear ride at 65mph(maybe just a tad faster) down I95.

Happiness is having a quiet evening at home with hubby. The type you don't need to speak. Being together is enough.

Happiness is knowing that while the wolf may be at the door, you're not the only one he's stalking.

Happiness is finding out just how many friends you really do have when times are bad.

D~

Please welcome author, Icy Snow Blackstone...

who has a special treat for us today! Hi, Icy.

Hi, everyone. I'd like to thank Dayana for having me as a guest.

And thank you, Icy, for dropping by. Now tell me what you've got up your sleeve. I noticed that mischevious twinkle in your eye.

Today, I'm interviewing Darius, one of the characters from the novel Earthman's Bride. Thank you for agreeing to be here today, Darius.

Darius: (settles himself into the chair beside ICS. He's tall, drop-dead handsome, with sky-blue eyes, shoulder-length hair the color of dandelion floss--and a wicked smile.) Thank you, Icy Snow--may I call you that, if you don't think it's being too personal?

ICS: (simpers) Uh...no, of course not...just call me Icy.

Darius: Thank you... (looks deeply into her eyes)...Icy...

ICS: (recovers, coughs to hide her embarrassment) Tell my readers a little about yourself, Darius--what's your last name by the way? In all my notes, there doesn't seem to be any mention of it.

Darius: I suppose that's because I don't have a last name...unless you wish to call my my Maker's surname.

ICS: (frowning) Your...Maker's...name?

Darius: Dr. David Marx. He's the one who created me.

ICS: (frown deepening) I'm confused. Did you say created you?

Darius: Why yes, don't you know...? (a frown of his own creasing his perfect forehead) My apologies, Icy. I thought you were aware...

ICS: ...of what?

Darius: ...that I'm an android.

ICS: (swallows rather noisily) Actually, I wasn't.

Darius. Ah. I see. Well. Then, may I introduce myself properly...Darius AIX-501 I was created by Dr. David Marx at the California Artificial Intelligence Center. I was a historian at the Martian Space Library before joining the crew of the Condor for its exploration voyages.

ICS: (has recovered nicely) That's certainly interesting Darius. Most of the robots I've seen were metallic clunky critters. I must say you're the most handsome android I've ever met.

Darius: I thank you, but I can't take credit for my features. You see, Earthmen have a belief that everyone has a double somewhere so the roboticists at CAIC make certain of it by making their projects in their own image. I look like Dr. Marx--except in my case, I've never aged. I believe he's about seventy-four now. (leans forward as if to impart a secret) Now, both he and I have white hair! (laughs)

ICS: (joins in laughter) How old are you--if I might ask?

Darius: I spent twenty years at the Library and was thirty years on the planet Tusteya with Lieutenant Philip Hamilcar, the Earthman who was with the landing party which invaded Tusteya. He was ordered to stay behind after the planet was conquered and he asked that I be left, also.

ICS: So you're about...

Darius: Fifty-three years old now.

ICS: (mutters) We should all look so good when we're fifty. (aloud) I understand you were tutor to the Lieutenant's son?

Darius: (smiles) Yes. Philip, Junior. He was a good pupil--bright, questioned everything--a joy to teach. Philip and I got along well. He even wanted me to teach his own children some day.

ICS: You're very fond of Philip, aren't you? In fact, you seem to have real affection for him.

Darius: That's because I possess an empath chip. It enables me to experience human emotion. Dr. Marx said I was the closest to human an android could be...and yes, I'm very fond of Philip...again.

ICS: Again? Were you not fond of him once?

Darius: There was a brief period. While I was Rebeka Spearman's bodyguard. When I was ordered to kill Philip.

ICS: My goodness. That sounds sinister. Could you explain that?

Darius: When Philip was fifteen, he succeeded his father as governor, and it was decided he no longer needed a tutor. I was dismissed from my duties and allowed to fulfill my hobby of classifying the flora of the planet. I used to wander for days in the foothills picking flowers and studying them. That proved to be my undoing because one day I wandered into the path of a hail of rocks wielded by some young Tusteyan rebels. They battered my circuits into shreds, causing total cessation of my motherboard and buried me at the foot of Mount Scar under a couple of pounds of red clay.

ICS: In effect, they...killed...you?

Darius: That's correct. Some months later, one of the other rebels, Dr. Martin Celcius, dug up my body and dragged it back to the village the rebels had in the foothills. I think he dragged me through every briar and bramble between the mountain and his hut! Relly tore up my backside. (places a hand on one muscular hip) Would you care to see the scars?

ICS: (eagerly) Well, I... Uh, no, I guess I'd better not. W-what happened then?

Darius: Using what records he'd been able to salvage after the attack on Tusteya, Dr. Martin put me back together, reprogrammed me, and made me Rebeka's guardian. Rebeka's father had a plan, you see, and Dr. Martin felt an android would come in handy, since I knew the governor's palace inside and out. Rebeka's father was going to call for peace, marry Rebeka to Philip as part of the treaty and as soon as Philip trusted her, she was to kill him. I was to make certain she got back to the village safely after it was done.

ICS: Why that's awful! Sending a young girl to marry a stranger and then to kill him!

Darius: Awful, yes, but Rebeka's father felt there was no other way to rid his planet of the invaders.

ICS: And how did you feel? About helping to bring about the death of your pupil?

Darius: I'd been re-programmed. My loyalty lay with Rebeka, so I didn't care. I existed to protect her and that was all...at least that was what they thought.

ICS: What does that mean?

Darius: It means that none of the Tusteyans except Dr. Martin knew I had an empath chip. None of them, Rebeka included, knew I could feel emotions as sharp and genuine as any human. He made me promise not to tell, but there was something even Dr. Martin didn't know...

ICS: And what was that?

Darius: (looks away, as if ashamed, blue eyes closed) That I had fallen in love with Rebeka.

ICS: (flabbergasted) Uh...

Darius (earnestly) You won't tell, will you? Rebeka thinks I'm an unfeeling machine. That I merely simulate emotional reactions so she'll feel comfortable around me. She confides in me, tells me her secrets. She's even said she's glad I can't feel because she'd be embarrassed because of some of the things she's said to me. If she knew...how I really feel...that seeing her every day, hearing her laugh, the way the sunlight sparkles in her eyes... Well, I think you understand. She walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes. (blushes deep red). My apologies. That's a glitch I developed after having my circuits pounded to shreds by those young men. Some kind of weird word association, I think. I suddenly burst out with this phrases, and sometimes they're most inappropriate.

ICS: (sympathetically) It must have been very difficult for you, knowing the woman you loved was going to be married to a man she'd never met while you--the so-called machine--had to look on.

Darius: That was one of the most difficult moments of my life...at least, I thought so at the time, but there were many, many more trying ones to come in my association with Rebeka Spearman and her husband, Philip Hamilcar.

ICS: At this point, I think it might be appropriate to read an excerpt from the book Earthman's Bride. If you don't mind?

Darius: Of course not. Please.

EXCERPT FROM EARTHMAN'S BRIDE:

Dressing in the wedding gown that had been packed in the little trunk the guard brought from the gate, Rebeka put on her makeup and did her hair and laid out the wedding veils on the bed so they would be nearby when she was called. Her father had said he would see her married before he returned to the village with the treaty.
"Do you think I look all right?" she asked suddenly, and her voice sounded so loud she almost jumped. "Will the Governor like it?"
Darius studied her a moment, blue eyes critical and serious. "She walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes." He smiled, and spoiled the compliment by adding, "Hamilcar will go to his death willingly!"
She turned away, closing her eyes.
"A mind at peace with all below, a heart whose love is innocent," he went on.
"Don't say that!" she ordered, angry that there were tears in her voice.
"How long will your mind be at peace or your love innocent if you use it to kill?"
"Why are you doing this?" Rebeka flung at him. "You know it has to be done. It's the only way. Why didn't you say something sooner if you disagreed?"
"Because I can't actually disagree. Because your father and Master Martin were set on this course. My loyalties may have been forcibly changed but I can still extrapolate what is going to happen. Still, I'm only an android, Rebeka--a machine. I may hold more intelligence in my databanks than all the men on this planet, but if they don't want to listen to my counsel, they won't. So I've kept silent."
"But you think I'll listen?"
"He could actually love you, you know," Darius persisted. "I turned him away your door three times this morning."
"I heard," she retorted, and now her smile was sardonic, "and your excuses were a little lame. Really, Darius--sleeping all night and all day? It's a wonder he didn't think me ill and call a physician! You should have thought that out a little more!"
"It worked, didn't it?" His smile matched hers in its cruelty. "Kept him from seeing you, whetted his appetite. I thought you were going to be the lamb who was slaughtered, Rebeka, but after the way the Governor's acting, I realise that he's the lamb in this story!"

Earthman's Bride is available as an ebook from Lyrical Press.

Website:
www.tonivsweeney.com

Ho! What a day!

Or should I say predawn into late afternoon? It began last night or more accurately this morning at 1AM when I googled my name and clicked on one of the links on the search page. Suddenly my screen was flashing all sorts of warning and ordering me to download virus protection--which I already have!--and nothing I did would get rid of the annoying fake alerts(even a fake Microsoft window!) which turned out to be some Trojan mal-something. McAfee, of course, caught and quarantined all three times the nuisance appeared between early this morning and today, but I couldn't physically get rid of it without doing a hard shutdown. I was finally able to get it removed today after several hours of dealing with it. Then I did a wash and removal of cookies as well checked all files for virus infiltration. Ran two virus scans of my complete system. Lord what a hassle!

This is something I have never dealt with before. And, besides fear, stress and borderline panic, it cost me over five hours of time to just be able to get things straightened out. All seems fine now but I'll tell you it was a lesson in perserverance. So I will warn you all to BE VERY CAREFUL IN ANY INTERNET OPERATION because you just never know.

Anyway, my plan was to work on my WIP today but the day is just about over! How annoying is that? Maybe tonight?

Okay, thanks for allowing me to vent. Now for some good news.

My August newsletter is finally available at Dayana's Happenings. If you haven't signed up for it just scroll down the right sideboard here and have at it. My format has changed a bit due to conversion issues. I think I may just have to revamp the darned thing for September 'cause I'm not really sure I like it now, LOL Fickle aren't I?

I am so looking forward to Fall. I think maybe I'll reformat to begin the Autumn Paranormal/Halloween holiday celebration a bit early. What do you think? This is a paranormal author's time of year and hey! why not take full advantage? LOL

Oh and I've got Author, Icy Snow Blackstone visiting on August 12th. Please mark you calendar and check her out.

Hope your weekend is moving along in a nice relaxed pace. Lord knows mine wasn't but things are looking up nicely now *grin*

D~

Good Morning! Today has broken into a dark paranormal author's dream. It's dark and stormy. The type of day to curl up with a cup of coffee and soak in the imagery.

Rain pitters against the windows, while the absence of wind casts an eerie deathlike stillness and the silence of birdsong speaks of an omen to heed. The calm before the storm? Darkness deepens cloaking the morning in dismal lethargy...

Well as much as I'd love to enjoy the ambiance of this dreary morning, I digress. It is, afterall, another work day and I really should be moving along with the usual morning activities.

Oh, but I so enjoy dismal weather...

D~

August already~ hot, humid August and all that comes with it. Back to school, increased electric bills, 'cause we need to utilize more AC, an increased chance of hurricane threat, though the eastern Atlantic seems quiet at the moment *whispers the latter* Don't want to jinx the weather patterns:)

Kudos to Cari Quinn. Excellent blog the other day. While I await her critique of my blog and website design, which I've done probably 75 per cent of the things she explicitly said not to do, I thought we'd talk briefly about a subject that is just as important as the design of your cyber representation and that is UPDATING.

How many of you update your blogs daily or at least every couple of days? How many update your websites at least once a month or so?

I personally update my blog usually every couple of days or so. I noticed something I hadn't realized while surfing friends' blogs who list my link. And this is a valuable little tidbit of information at least in my opinion. I didn't see my link listed, so I scrolled down and, low and behold, found it down at the bottom of the list! Why? Well upon further investigation, I realized that the way a blog is listed on the favorites list goes by when said blog was last updated. The number one spot was updated maybe an hour ago, number two, a couple of hours and so on. My blog was updated a mere two days ago but all the others were more recent which tossed me to the bottom of the list! I found that interesting. And I must tell you, gives me even more incentive to keep on top of my site updates.

So that's just what I did today:)

How about you?

D~