Mel's Procrastination Palace

Friday, August 26, 2005 For my pal...

I knew the day would come.

A few years ago, someone special popped into my life. It's amazing how...uneventful a meeting like that can seem--after all, I met LOTS of people the same way, by corresponding on writing related message boards--but how truly life altering it is.

I met Jaci Burton back before she'd signed a contract with Ellora's Cave, before she realized how talented she was at writing erotic romance. Of course, back then, I thought she was a fabulous writer, her words seemed to shine, seem to fit into a sentence better than my awkward attempts. I truly did look up to her then. By some luck of fate, (as I recall it, anyway) we managed to realize via a forum conversation that we were entering the same unpubbed writer contest and exchanged our work for crit before sending it out. From there, my recollection was blurred, but I know there was another contest we discussed, as well as current projects, submissions, and from there we forged a bond that to me became absolutely amazing.

She's really been an inspiration and a teacher, a mentor of sorts, tho I bet she denies feeling as if she were any of those. She's got such a true voice, a brilliant talent. And she was so willing to give--advice, critiques, encouragement and share ideas--still does in fact, despite her busy schedule. I've no misconceptions that I would find myself at this point in my career without her beside me.

When she sold to Ellora's Cave, I was ecstatic for her. Finally, someone had seen the talent. With that encouragement, it seemed her writing took off like a runaway train. I've lost count of her books with that publisher, but it seemed each was a hit, and her writing and person shone like the brightest star.

And now... My God, Jaci, I'm so proud of you. If I hadn't seen it unfold, I think I'd be filled with disbelief that it happened so quickly and without the stumbling blocks that so many find in their paths. Getting an agent, writing the brilliant proposal (it WASN'T crap, when ya gonna finally believe me?) and then having multiple interest on it. My chest is full, my eyes overflowing as I realize that THIS... a contract with Bantam Dell...was more than we ever even THOUGHT about all those years ago, back when winning a contest or getting a request on a query was our next goal.

Friend, I'm honored to know you, to know what a good hearted person you are, what a truly talented writer you are, and to finally have all your hard work realized. I'm not sure I could be happier right now, under any circumstances...(someone send me a million dollars just to test that theory...?).

I think the last line of the book I just finished not only sums up my hero/heroine's fairy tale romance, but your life right now.... Dreams really can come true.

Love you, hon.

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 7:58 PM :: 3 comments

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Thursday, August 25, 2005 Phew, it's still here....

I had a dream last night, or rather, this morning. I dreamed I logged into the my computer and started my morning routine...check email, log into Yahoo messenger to chat with the breakfast bitches and then start the blog catch-up.

Only my blog wasn't my blog anymore!
Someone had stolen my blog, left the colors and general layout but started SELLING graphics and icons and logos and stuff. Under my name! I tried to log in, but couldn't and then when I did, the codes were such that I couldn't understand. And ever time I made a change or tried to make one, something even weirder would happen. I was getting royally frustrated.

You can't know HOW relieved I was to find my blog intact, a little deserted, slightly dusty and with spam cropping up. (I'm gonna axe all spam when I get back to my laptop and can actually SEE the little garbage cans!)

Everyone head over to Breakfast Bitches and say happy birthday to Angie, k?

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 10:04 AM :: 2 comments

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Friday, August 19, 2005 I haven't written a thing...

Other than bitchy blogs, you know where, and crits for one of my bestest pals. And since I figured I should actually post about writing, for that was the intent of this blog, well, there hasn't been much to say...

Figured tonight was worth talking about, however.
Dh took me on a date, to the movies no less. Which means I have the inevitable headache caused form staring at a giant screen while sitting in the dark. But it's a beautiful night out, a bit cold for me (mid 70's) but the moon is so big and bright, glowing almost pearl-like in the midnight blue sky. With the thought nights like these are precious, we pulled out the motorcycle and took a ride.

Here's where the post gets sappy.
I'd forgotten until we we saw a sign directing us to it. The WALL was in town. A traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has been set up here. I wasn't sure how I'd feel actually standing there, before the names, running my fingers over the engraved letters, knowing each one stood for a man (or woman) who died right around the time I was born. Was it profound? Hell yeah. I had a perpective already about it, but wasn't prepared for the emotion encased in that marble-like wall, glistening with the full moon and subtle but light providing spotlights as we walked the wooden planking. Hundreds of flags lined the walkway. Patriotic music played over the loudspeaker, again, subtly done, but oh so thought provoking.

Personally, I don't know anyone lost in that war, and I thank God that is the case. I cannot fathom for those who have felt the loss, when the tears flowed freely from this one untouched individual. War is neither right nor wrong, and is often regarded on such grand schemes that take away from the individuals who sacrificed so much. Go to the wall. Boy, that changes things.

Standing there, I thought of my problems, the adversities I face, because face it, that's the only experience I have to draw from. And you know what? That ain't shit. I ain't shit. No, I take that back, I am someone. You all are someones, because for hundreds of years, men have fought and died to give us freedom, land, integrity and the right to argue over petty politics and what should be basic human rights.

I'm a writer.
Isn't it amazing how one event can skew one's outlook? I used to think of a hero as the man who got the heroine at the end of a book. Real life heroes? Oh, sure, they existed.

Tonight, I read the names of a few, a few that are but a handful of those I really should be thinking of when I think "hero."

(Sorry to get all sniffly.... but it's my blog and I'll totally post out of left field if I want to :P)

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 10:23 PM :: 3 comments

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Sunday, August 14, 2005 You know you're having a bad day when....

there's an embarrassing series of events that leads to your shoelaces being marinaded in Coca-cola.

Today's car show day, we get up, get dressed and stop at the wonderful McDonalds for a quickie to eat. Daughter in charge of getting pop.
Clearly, the daughter needs a lesson in adhering lid to cup.

Me, in desperate need of caffeine fix, sits down and picks up cup. Straws coming closer, I can almost feel the rush of it in my veins when...
omg

that's NOT the rush I was looking for!

16 oz of cola and ice come tumbling out, onto my lap, onto my shirt, soaking me thoroughly. I stand up, dripping.

The husband and daughter laugh. Of course they laugh. I didn't laugh. Embarrassing is one thing, looking like one pissed themselves in public is far more mortifying.

I come home, spray off in shower and redress. Thank GOD my bacon, egg and cheese McGriddle was not damaged in the wounding of my ego. I still haven't had caffeine tho. I'm kinda skeered.

Dare I go back out there?

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 10:21 AM :: 5 comments

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Wednesday, August 10, 2005 And That's That

I should hate Angie for publicly humiliating me with my obsession with "that". I should be ashamed of myself for the numerous (as in over 1% of the total word count!) times I used "That" in my current WIP.

It's an illness, I tell ya.
But sometimes "that" has to be there. I keep telling myself that (<---see?), but I can't seem to find a proper alternative to so many of the uses. "That's what I'm talking about.".... (who wants to formalize it, in dialogue no less.)

That is the new pronoun referring to "what I just said"....

But, alas, they don't see that, Angie and the other bitches who CLEARLY like to see me suffer. (tee hee). They want me to thaticate my ms. *whine*

Ah well, that's that.

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 9:46 AM :: 3 comments

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Tuesday, August 09, 2005 A forward that made me smile...

Try to do at least ONE of these today!

Natural Highs
>

> Think about them one at a time
>
> before going on to the next one . . .

> It Does Make You Feel Good,

> especially the thought at the end #45.

> 1. Falling in love.
>
> 2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
>
> 3. A hot shower.
>
> 4. No lines at the supermarket.
>
> 5. A special glance.
>
> 6. Getting mail.
>
> 7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
>
> 8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
>
> 9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
>
> 10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
>
> 11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
>
> 12. A bubble bath.
>
> 13. Giggling.
>
> 14. A good conversation.
>
> 15. The beach
>
> 16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
>
> 17. Laughing at yourself.

> 18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
>
> 19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
>
> 20. Running through sprinklers.
>
> 21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
>
> 22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
>
> 23. Laughing at an inside joke
>
> 24. Friends.
>
> 25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
>
> 26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
>
> 27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
>
> 28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
>
> 29 Playing with a new puppy.
>
> 30. Having someone play with your hair.
>
> 31. Sweet dreams.
>
> 32. Hot chocolate.
>
> 33. Road trips with friends.
>
> 34. Swinging on swings.
>
> 35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
>
> 36. Making chocolate chip cookies.
>
> 37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
>
> 38. Holding hands with someone you care about.
>
> 39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or
> bad) never change.
>
> 40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much
> desired present from you.
>
> 41. Watching the sunrise.
>
> 42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another
> beautiful day.
>
> 43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
>
> 44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
>
> 45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people
> think.
>

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 6:44 AM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, August 07, 2005

Does this really need a caption? What is he doing, posing for a romance cover? Is that a phallic symbol and a look of bliss on his face?

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 8:57 PM :: 4 comments

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The blogging world may never be the same...

It wasn't my idea, and certainly not due to any hard work on my end, but I'm proud to be a bitch, er, member of the newly created Breakfast Bitches Blog.

You will definitely want to bookmark or blogroll this one. With this group of women going back and forth at one another, it's sure to be wickedly fun.

See you for breakfast!

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 3:48 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, August 05, 2005 Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'll see ya, tomorrow....

Ain't that grand? I pilfered that pic from Mandy's blog---my favorite graphic whore herself. *tosses her extra nekkie cabana boy so she doesn't notice I called her that*

Come visit with me and Jaci Burton and Mandy Roth and the wickedly funny Shannon Stacey at the ellorascave chat room between 8-1 cst tomorrow, Saturday, 8-6 for a bitchin' good time!

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 5:18 PM :: 3 comments

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Tuesday, August 02, 2005

*whimper*

This was my little present to myself for finishing edits. :) I'm gonna head into a zen like state for a few...minu--hours and I'll see you all latah!

Posted by Melani Blazer :: 8:32 AM :: 1 comments

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