• 797 and counting …

    Today, I’m going to blog about the last book I read in 2007 – Girl’s Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky.

    It’s about Jane Madison, a rather insecure librarian who discovers a treasure trove of witchcraft books in the rundown cottage she’s forced to move into. Lots of chick-lit hijinks ensue, like Jane accidentally casting a love spell that goes awry.

    I really liked how Klasky created her magic world/rules, and she’s got lots of great descriptions in the book. I could really relate to Jane’s love of books, if not Shakespeare. I only wished she’d included the recipes for all the yummy treats that Jane’s friend, Melissa, bakes.

    I would have liked it a little more if Klasky had stretched beyond the usual chick-lit conventions. The book features Melissa, the best friend who’s overly anxious to find Mr. Right, and Neko, a gay familiar who knows everything there is to know about makeup and mixing mojitos. Pretty standard stuff for a chick-lit tale.

    And there was one plot twist and Jane’s reaction to it that had me scratching my head. Let’s just say that someone from Jane’s past suddenly appears. I didn’t quite buy how Jane let this person back into her life. But maybe she’s just more forgiving than I am.

    But overall, a solid read. Thumbs-up.

    To recap, I read 53 books in 2006. Not too shabby, considering the fact that I have a day job and write at night. But it was 3 short of my goal of 800. Next year, I want to be up to at least 850 books read — hopefully more.

    What about you? Are you going to read more in the New Year? Inquiring minds want to know …

  • ·

    My resolutions …

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    Since it’s almost New Year’s, I’d thought I’d share some of my resolutions. I won’t bore you with the 30 or so that I usually write (yes, Virginia, I really write that many), but here are my top five writing-related ones. 😉

    1) Write two more Bigtime books — Jinx and either Black Widow or Nightingale.

    2) Write two Spy Girl books (a new paranormal spy-spoof series I hope to sell). 

    3) Sell tons and tons and tons of copies of Karma Girl and Hot Mama.

    4) Promote the heck out of my books and my brand. Do conferences, book signings, guest blogs, advertising, the whole shebang.

    5) Quit worrying about book stuff so much. Some things (like sales) are pretty much out of my control, and I need to let go and breathe a little more. All I can do is write and hope people like what I produce.

    I was pretty good about keeping my resolutions from last year, especially the writing-related ones. I got a wonderful new agent. Sold Karma Girl and Hot Mama. Put up my Web site. Starting getting my name out there. 2006 was a good year for me, and I hope 2007 is even better — for everyone.

    What about you? What are some of your resolutions? Inquiring minds want to know …

  • Holiday recovery …

    Well, Christmas is over with for another year. Thank goodness. I’m a little worn out from all the holiday spirit. And from having my house look like a disaster area.

    So what was the best thing you got for Christmas? I’m torn between several items. But since this blog is ostensibly about writing, I’ll share my favorite writing-related thing — my new dry-erase/calendar/corkboard. Technically, this isn’t really a Christmas gift since I bought it for myself. But I love it just the same.

    It’s three feet wide and almost as tall, and I bought it to help me keep track of all my writing and promotional deadlines. I’ve pretty much filled it up already with things I need to do. I’ve even color-coded my to-do list. Blue is for books, purple is for the calendar, green is for marketing stuff, black is for completed items.

    Yes, I am really that anal. My significant other says that I make lists for lists. Maybe if I get another board …

    So what did Santa bring you this year? Inquiring minds want to know …

  • Holiday survival tips 101

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    Okay, my incommunicado thing didn’t last that long … and it’s all Edie Ramer’s fault. She sent me an e-mail saying that she was giving me a shout-out over on the romance writers’ blog Magical Musings. 🙂

    So, I figured I’d better write something witty and funny and smart in case some folks surfed on over here.

    But I’m not feeling very witty and funny and smart at the moment. I’m just trying to make it through New Year’s. And get the wrapping tape out of my hair.

    So, I thought I’d share some of my survival tips for the holiday shopping season and those stress-filled Christmas gatherings.

    1) Always carry candy canes in your purse. You know those commercials where the guy shoves a whole bar of chocolate in his mouth and mumbles something when his girlfriend asks him if she looks fat in those pants? Try using candy canes for the some purpose at holiday parties — avoidance. It is very difficult to badmouth your boss while you’re stuffing a candy cane in your mouth — even while tipsy. Of course, trying to eat said candy cane while you’re tipsy is a hazard all in itself, but it won’t get you fired. 😉

    2) Get your significant other the sweater you want him to have for Christmas. He probably won’t like it anyway, but at least you will.

    3) Buy your significant other something that requires batteries or has electronic components, and he’ll love you forever, no matter what it is. Seriously. A flashlight that plays music. Power tools that plug into your computer. Thingamabobs that spontaneously produce electrical shocks whenever you try to use them. Best Presents Ever for guys.

    4) For the guys out there, do not buy your wife or girlfriend any household appliance unless she specifically asks for said appliace. Trust me on this. You do not want to give a woman expecting jewelry a toaster oven instead. Things turn … ugly real quick. And usually involve multiple trips to the emergency room.

    5) And THE golden rule of the holiday season … don’t buy it if you can’t take it back. 🙂

    Alright, that’s probably about as much wit as ya’ll can stand for one day. Heck, maybe even the whole year. So, I’ll leave you with this piece of information – three weeks from today, it’ll all be over but the taking back part.

    So, until then, eat something decadent, steal some kisses under the mistletoe, and curl up with your favorite book.

    Merry Christmas!

    Jennifer (who hopes to have the tape out by New Year’s at the very latest)