I don't know what I was thinking when I told myself I'd be able to buckle down and write a lot once summer started! So far there hasn't been anything written or much time to even think about writing between camping, swimming, geocaching and who knows what else. I finally got around to redoing the websites for my self and the group, though they need some jazzing. I'll have to go hunting for ideas.

This week, I'm in Haliburton, taking a workshop on Travel Writing. Weird, I know. My mum called me and said she was worried I was becoming a hermit, so would I like to take a workshop. The choices were Belly Dancing, Travel Writing, Chainsaw Sculpture, or a quilting thing. I chose the writing one. Actually the conversation went something like this....

Mum: You need to get out of the house. I'll sign you up for a workshop.

Me: Uh....

Mum: Great! Travel Writing it is. *click*

Every spring I get the course catalogue for the Haliburton School of the Arts, and never manage to actually take any workshops, so I'm pretty excited. A few years ago I took a black and white photography class, and it was awesome. I'm only bummed that the Fiction Writers Boot Camp one happened to be during the same time as our annual camping trip with high school friends.

And the other cool thing is, I'll be free to play on my parent's Wii every night! Erm, I mean, I'll have someone to watch the kids while I write...yeah, that's what I meant.

We interrupt this regularly scheduled posting to give you some awesome news! I have hijacked Aline's day so I can brag on her. *WEG*

Aline just received the coveted "Outstanding Read" from Simply Romance Reviews. And she got it for one of my favorite books to date: Psychotic.

Whitney called the two characters "...exciting," and "...characters you come to love and cheer for."

If you're dying for a great romantic suspense, check out Psychotic, available HERE at Red Rose Publishing.

Want to see the full review? Click HERE.

Congrats, Aline! What an awesome review! *WEG*

Labels: Aline, Psychotic, Red Rose Publishing, Review

The big news for me this week is that I've sold One & Only to Samhain Publishing! One & Only, for those of you who don't know, was the first vampire story I ever wrote. It was also the first story I ever sold to a publisher - albeit a very small publisher. The story won a contest and was offered a publication spot, which I jumped at. I was hooked! A few weeks later, my first dragon book sold to a slightly larger publisher and that one actually ended up coming out first, but I doubt one would have happened without the other to spur on my confidence.

Labels: Bianca D'Arc, New Releases, sci fi

A good beat can move me to be inspired. (A fact that took my husband a while to understand, but now he will say hey - listen to that beat :) *old dogs can learn new tricks ;)

What kind of music moves you? Mine depends on where I am in a story and what kind of scene I am working on. I usually make one playlist for a story and then I have a separate playlist for when my writing gets hot and heavy.

It's always sad when my CP's don't like the same music I do, but my kids enjoy it. Why? I usually have the latest song downloaded before they can ask me to get it LOL. I'm the cool mom. The one who listens to the good music and plays LOL

Sometimes we break into song and dance and the kids gather around me while I'm trying to write.

One time I turn off the music? When I'm editing. That's a whole different ballgame. Silence and a day without my kids is what I need for editing.

How about you?

Michelle

Coffee and chocolate. These are my two mainstays. These work for me and here's why.

A recent study showed people who had a cup of coffee before exercising stayed with the program and finished compared to those who did not.

I have to watch my caffeine intake now, but still, I love my coffee.

Since I get migraines, I pull out the coffee maker and grinder when I feel one coming on.
Yes, I know my migraine meds have caffeine in it already, but many times making a pot of coffee and taking the meds will stop the headache or keep it from getting worse.

A cup of coffee will work if you're having an asthma attack. I know this from personal experience.
Inhaler, sip the coffee. This works because the caffeine helps open the bronchial passages.

Be sure and talk to your doctor if you want to try any of this. My doctor knows and says as long as it works, it's okay to keep doing this.

Dark chocolate is my reward for whatever I decide. Chocolate just makes you feel good and when I feel good I write better.

Chocolate coffee, oh yeah!

Simple pleasures that make life a little more enjoyable. The only other thing--you could add reading a Tambra Kendall title, while drinking a cup of chocolate coffee.

My newest release comes out in two weeks. Goin' Down Anthology book two from Aspen Mountain Press will be released July 18, 2008. www.aspenmountainpress.com
Join my yahoo group and stay up-to-date on all my releases and see what I offer for new writers. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TambraKendall

Until next month!
Hugs,
Tambra Kendall
www.tambrakendall.com

Labels: chocolate, coffee, writing life

Red Rose Publishing is having a Scavenger hunt to celbrate it's 1st Year Anniversary.

So all you need to do is go here : Red Rose Publishing Contest Page

And click on this icon ---->

Then follow the direction you find on the contest page. Each Icon will take you to the next author's website who is participating.

One lucky reader will win this --->

Along with e-book prizes.

Good luck.

Aline