Hi everyone.

Miss me? It's been a while, but the past week or so has been one wild ride. I had a great time in Gainesville, but coming back drove through some of the worst rain I'd ever seen. The Turnpike traffic crawled from Port St. Lucie to Ft. Lauderdale. I later discovered parts of Broward County got as much as 6 inches of percipitation. Not a fun journey.

Things picked up the day after I got home. I had a plotting session planned with two friends. With a work in progress that was going nowhere, I needed help. I always try to plot out my books, but it's been two or three years since actually sitting down with someone and hashing out the details of a story. I blogged once about how intense plotting can be. Last week was no exception.

Galloping to the rescue were my first critique partner, Toni Andrews, and my present critique partner, Sharon Hartley. I was ready. I had my BIG pad of grid paper, my neon 3 x 3 post-its, and a bunch of Sharpies, which if you leave the cap off longer than fifteen seconds tend to dry out.

On Wednesday we did deep character analysis. This takes a long time and in my opinion is the hardest part of the process. What makes your heroine tick? Why does your hero do what he does? How can they overcome their flaws and arrive at a realization?  By the end of the day, we were all brain dead and in serious need of sustenance. Steak sounded great, but we settled for a delivered pizza and wine. Unfortunately, I didn't like the way my characters (from a continuation of a previous story) were portrayed. So early in the morning, it was back to the drawing board for me. Finally got it straightened out.

The next day was the fun part. We got to plot. This is where the author stands in front of the others and tells us how she sees the story progressing. We all chime in on how to achieve the goals and move the story forward, sometimes adding a new twist. I love getting feedback like this. Both Toni and Sharon came up with things I'd never considered, and my stagnation was cured.

On Saturday, I attended my first booksigning, but due to severe time management problems I didn't order my books in time and as of this writing, they are still in route. Undetered, I showed up anyway with promotional material and participated in the panel discussion. (I had to--Toni said she'd hurt me if I didn't.) I enjoyed the event. I'm not much of a people person, but found I could string two sentences together and make sense, plus I met some lovely people.

My books will be here eventually, and I'll be ready for the next event in March--the Coral Springs Art Festival. Oh well, I'm new at this and will learn. Chalk it up as a learning experience like those stories hiding under the bed never to see the light of day. As authors, we all have those.

This week is slower paced, thank goodness, but not without work. I have a critique meeting, and my husband will be home for the long weekend. In the meantime, it's time to get off my rear end and write. Can't let all that plotting anguish go to waste. As Emeril says, "Kick it up a notch," and do what has to be done.

So, it's off to re-write hell and fixing what was definitely broken. Until next time.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

A few weeks ago a local grocery chain got itself into hot water with of all things, a notation on its complimentary calendar given out to customers. It seems that on December 7th a small notation was made to remind people that day was the Muslim New Year. What it didn't note was that it is also Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. The backlash was so strong, the store pulled the calendars from distribution.

It got me to thinking, and yesterday I thumbed through my personal calendar. It's more elaborate than most with photos of Italy and room on each day to jot down things to do and remember. Anyone who knows me understands I need it. But I never paid much attention to the small print at the bottom of select days informing me that it's more than just January 26th. I read back over the month to see what I may have missed.

January 1st is a no-brainer--New Years Day, celebrated world-wide. But also noted was the last day of Kwanzaa. I've heard of Kwanzaa, but have no idea what it honors.

January 4th has the notation, Day After New Years Day and it's observed in New Zealand and Scotland. This one has me concerned. It's not the day after New Years and I'm worried about the schoolchildren of those countries.

January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany. Ah, twelfth night. The night the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem to pay homage to the Christ child. When I was a kid, my family observed this night by going to Broad Ripple Park in Indianapolis to observe the massive bonfire of discarded Christmas trees. Sadly, with the appeal of artificial trees and the EPA, the tradition died. Trees are now mulched. It might be greener, but not nearly as much fun.

Skip ahead to January 18th, Martin Luther King's Birthday. This is an American holiday and the day floats to the first Monday after the late civil rights leader's real birhtday, January 15th.

On Jaunary 25th, New Zealand celebrates something called Wellington Anniversary. This one stumped me. I know Wellington is a city. Are they observing its founding? Beef Wellington is a tasty entree. Is this what all the hoopla's about? I assume some British lord gave his name to both, so is he being honored? Any Kiwis out there with an explanation?

January 26th is designated Australia Day. This one's confusing me, too. Is it their July 4th, or are they simply celebrating Australia and being Australian? Rather a nice thought. Can any Aussies enlighten me?

That's the end of special days in January. It should also be the end of this blog, but I'm having so much fun, I think I'll go on to February in case you want to jot these down.

February 1st is Auckland Anniversary and Nelson Anniversary. These are once again unique to New Zealand. I know Auckland is the capitol and assume they celebrate its founding. (See Wellington above). I also surmise New Zealanders commemorate something to do with Lord Nelson, the British Admiral of the early 19th century.

February 2nd is Groundhog Day in the US and Canada. (No, not the movie starring Bill Murray). On this date, a bunch of people drag some poor groundhog out of his den and wait for his reaction. Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania is the official groundhog. I think if he sees his shadow, he's supposed to be scared back into his bedroom, therefore signifying six more weeks of winter. (Or maybe its the other way around--if he doesn't see his shadow, the winter lingers. I can't remember, and does anybody really care?)

February 6th is reserved in New Zealand for something called Waitangi Day. I'm not even hazarding a guess on this one.

February 12th observes the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.

The most beloved holiday of women everywhere is on February 14, St. Valentine's Day. Even though dumped from the list of saints, he is not to be messed with, so men remember, flowers and chocolate are a must. Forget and die!

This year February 14th is also the Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Tiger. Grrrr!

On Monday, February 15th we in the US observe Presidents' Day, while those in Alberta, Canada have something called Family Day. Since they don't have presidents, I guess this is the equivalent. I like the idea. Also Orthodox Lent begins. And on the 16th, there's a notation that this is the 3rd day of the Chinese New Year. I have no clue as to why it's important. It's also the final blow out in New Orleans of Mardi Gras before the 17th and Ash Wednesday. Hopefully, the sinners are sober enough to attend the first Sunday of Lent services on February 21st.

We in America call February 22nd George Washington's Birthday. As the first president and a founding father that seems proper.

February 25th is reserved for Muhammad's Birthday, and February 27th is the Jewish holiday of Purim, a commemoration of the deliverance of the Jews from a massacre at the hands of Hamman.

That's it. I had fun today. Maybe I'll make this a regular feature, assuming I remember. Guess I'd better jot it down, huh?

Oh, and by the way, I flipped through my calendar to December 7th. There is no mention of a Muslim New Year, but Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is listed. Thinking about my late father and father-in-law, both WWII vets, I smiled.

Until later.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

Writingwise, it's been a quiet week. I'm in the middle of edits on book #4, NEARLY DEPARTED, and occasionally come out from under the editing rock to notice the real world.

I'm happy to report the cold spell has finally gone to wherever cold spells go. The temperatures are back into the low 80s during the day and the low 70s at night. My brain has defrosted, and I'm able to do more than shiver at the keyboard. But the damage those temperatures 30 degress below normal did is now becoming evident.

I have a gorgeous pink tabueia tree in my front yard that blooms year round. When the flowers detach, they lay on my grass like a floral carpet. The effect is stunning. I've never been an advocate of trees that dumped stuff on the lawn, but over the years I've come to love this tree.

The weather moderated last weekend, and when it did the leaves began to fall, and fall, and fall. Within 2 days there wasn't a leaf left on the poor thing. I was instantly transported back to autumn in Indiana, and wanted to cry. I have to believe the 25-30 foot tree will make a comeback. The twigs on the end of the branchs are still green inside. If it can survive hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, I'm hoping it can live through the cold.

The low temps also affected other trees. My back yard is now littered with almost 20 coconuts that have come crashing down over the past three days. I'd go out and pick them up, but am afraid I'll get beaned with one.

What didn't live through the cold, however, are the crops grown inland. I'm lucky. My house is only 5 miles from the beach, so the temps weren't as devastating as those in western portions of South Florida counties. Palm Beach County grows an enormous amount of produce over the winter months. An article in the local paper yesterday brought the bad news. The sweet corn, pepper, and squash crops have been almost totally destroyed. Green beans, cucumbers, melons, and tomatoes faired only slightly better. Though farther north, the citrus crop, while damaged, survived.

One local retailer stated that 2 weeks ago he paid $10 for a case for green beans. Now, the price has jumped to $47. His charges to his customers leaped from 75 cents a pound for beans to $1.99. This means prices in the grocery stores are going to skyrocket, including that for juices, which is where most of the citrus crop goes. My advice? Stock up on as much frozen and canned fruits and veggies as possible, because in a few months consumers will feel the pain in their pocketbooks.

Gosh, I'm freaking cheerful today, aren't I? Okay, something in a happier vein is needed.

Next week, I'm driving to Gainesville for a long weekend to see my husband. The last time I did this, I left on a Friday and returned on Sunday. I hate the Turnpike and I-75, but they're the only 2 roads I can use that allow me to put the pedal to the metal so to speak. The traffic was awful, so this time around I plan to leave on Thursday and return on Monday, hopefully with fewer cars to get in my way.

When I get home, I'm hosting a plotting session with 2 friends. It's been a long time since I've done that and look forward to plotting a new book while having some fun in the bargain.

Oh, and by the way, for those of you who prefer reading books on your computer or are lucky enough to own a Kindle or some other e-readers, my debut book, ALONG CAME QUINN, is now officially out in e-format from www.thewildrosepress.com. The print version appeared last month, but this is the official release date. Yay! I guess this means I am no longer a writer, but an author. Makes me feel good.

Here's hoping you all have a great weekend. I'll be back. See you later.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

Women define themselves by many standards, but the two most important are their clothes and their hair. People tend to remember the blonde in the red dress or the redhead wearing the purple mini-skirt. Sometimes as we grow older and our priorities shift, our hair and how we dress get stuck in place.

This happened to me. I've never been afraid to wear the flamboyant whether it be color or style. I love tank tops and jeans. I wear them at home and when I go out. Occasionally, I don more sophisticated apparel, but by and large, I'm a casual kind of gal who tries to keep abreast of the latest fashion. It was my hair, however, that ceased changing.

I was an only child and my mother had fantasies of a curly-headed daughter who could sing and dance like Shirley Temple. (I know I'm showing my age and if you have to run to Google Shirley Temple, you're showing yours.) What she got was me--a tow head with stick straight hair and no talent whatsoever. By the time I turned ten even those blonde locks had degenerated into an unimpressive brown. Not blonde, not talented, but hey Mom could do something about the lack of curls. I can't tell you how many home perms she gave me--all with the same results. Hair that frizzed out like I'd sucked on a light socket.

As I grew older, the color and the style changed with regularity. In later years, I would have killed to find the chemical equivalent to that blonde color. I was blonde, brunette, redhead, frosted, tipped, and streaked. My style changed almost as often. I sported short hair in the summer and let it grow during the winter. In my late teens and early 20s I kept an eagle eye on the latest hairdos. I plowed through the Mia Farrow in Peyton Place look, the sharp, angular Twiggy do, the gypsy, the shag. You name it, I had it before finally settling for simple and low maintenance. My lifestyle had evolved with kids and carpools.

The sad thing is I kept simple and low for close to 20 years. Then one day I woke up ready for a change. I spent 3 years letting it grow out to all one length below my shoulders. This violated one of my steadfast rules--no one over the age of 40 should wear their hair past their shoulders. Young girls can get away with it, but on older women, it looks like we're trying to compete. Guess what? We lose.

At any rate, imagine my surprise when my formerly stick-straight hair had turned into a tangled mess of waves. I have no idea why they appeared, but there they were tumbling about my shoulders and reminding me of those long ago home perms. I procrastinated, doing nothing for several months until a friend--the most stylishly challenged person I've ever met--made the comment that I resembled the Alice character in the comic strip Dilbert.

(Now before anyone thinks I've just slammed my friend, let it be known that she is not unaware of her lack of style. She says that as soon as her 4 kids, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and assorted other pets that require cages or tanks are out of the house, she will finally take time to enter Elizabeth Arden's a frump and exit a supermodel. We should all be so lucky.)

Her Alice comment spurred me into action. I had an appointment with my hairdresser a few days later. I demanded change. He agreed and showed me a couple of hairstyle magazines. I noticed that many of the styles shown were variations on an old theme--the shag. I'd loved my shag in 1970 or whenever I had it. So he cut and snipped, and I left a new woman.

What has this got to do with anything? Not much, but I use it as a warning to us all. Don't get stuck in a rut. Be bold and adventurous regardless of your age. And I'm not necessarily talking about clothes or hair.

I'm a writer, and maybe now is the time to try something a little new, different, out of my comfort zone. What the hell. If it doesn't work out, I can always go back to what I know best--or let it grow again.

Until later.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

What with the weather being such a bummer here in South Florida the past couple of weeks, not much got done in the line of writing. I was too cold to concentrate. I think I got exactly 1500 words down on paper (so to speak). That's it.

I did venture out to my meeting of Florida Romance Writers last Saturday on the wettest, coldest, most disgusting day of the week. I was impressed with the crowd who braved the elements and showed up for breakfast and the program.

At some point, the table talk turned to book reviews. I quit reading reviews several years ago. I no longer subscribe to Romantic Times, and the only review/blogs I read are Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Both are well written and tartly humorous. I love women with smart mouths.

I no longer scroll through legions of online reviewers. It came to my attention that some of them never met a book they didn't like, while others refused to submit reviews of less than three books, coffee cups, stars, or whatever their rating symbols are, for readers. They do this on the theory of not discouraging the author. I find the rationale a fraud. If a reviewer has a book they find lacking, then as a reviewer they have the duty to let the reading public know.

I have never bought, or not bought, a book because of a review. I read the back blurb and excerpt, look at the cover, and make a decision. New York Times Bestseller lists do not impress me. A good story will have me returing to that author time and time again.

A recent, troubling trend among online review sites is contests held on what seem like a weekly basis. These contests are a vote for the best book of the week, month, year, or whatever. A book is nominated (how I don't know), and then the lines are opened for the reading public to vote for their favorites. This is apparently a phenomenon of the romance genre. I don't see it in any other type of work. The results have little or no bearing on how well-written or compelling the story, but rather on how many chapter members, relatives, and friends can push a key on the computer keyboard and cast a vote. Of course, winning or placing well strokes the author's ego, and while we all need that from time to time, this is a false caress. Now, if the contest judges were experts in the field, that is a whole different dynamic. That I can respect.

Someone at the table made the comment that when I receive notice my book, Along Came Quinn, has been reviewed, I'll click on the site and read like every other author. I don't know. Maybe I will. Chances are, however, I'll let it go. Reviews are subjective anyway, just like editors' and agents' opinions. The only review I want is a thumbs up from my editor on my latest submission.

So until next time.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

I have lived in South Florida for twelve years. I've put up with idiot drivers, massive traffic jams, sweltering heat and humidity in August and September, and a lack of common courtesy from a lot of people. I've even survived a couple of hurricanes. But I swear to God, I may not live through this cold snap.

For days now, the high temps have hovered below 60 degrees. To South Floridians this is comparable to -10 in Chicago. We're freezing. Even the poor iguanas are falling out of the trees due to the cold. I've bitched about the weather on Facebook and Twitter, prompting my oldest son in Rockford, Illinois to call and make fun of me. I told him he was out of the will. He called me a wimp. He's probably right.

My husband living up in Gainesville calls every night and we exchange cold stories--"It's so cold that...". Fill in the blanks--each trying to outdo the other on the misery scale. So far, he's winning. I have two 9 foot sliding glass doors on the north side of my house. The wind has been blowing hard from the northwest for a week. They're insulated, but no warming light comes in. (Okay, that's a God-send in summer, but this ain't summer.) I have palm trees out front that block most of the sun from the south-facing windows. The only windows that let the sun shine in unobstructed are those on the east side. Unfortunately, my neighbor's house is twelve feet away. It doesn't last long.

So, when I start to shiver, I crank up the furnace. Overnight, the temp is set on 68. Around 10:00 I nudge it up to 70, and if I'm shaking at 3:00 in the afternoon, I bump it up to 72. I don't care if my electric meter is whirling like a dervish. This is affecting my writing. I can't concentrate when my hands, nose, and feet resemble blocks of ice. Yesterday, I laid my fingers on my laptop keyboard to keep them warm. Enough is enough.

Even my dogs, Lucky and Lisa, go out, do business, and run back inside instead of taking ten or fifteen minutes to sniff every blade of grass.

Today, the temperature is supposed to moderate to a whole 68 degrees. I was ecstatic until I read further and saw the low tomorrow night may tumble into the 30's again as another front rams through. Where's my lawyer? Canada, contain your frigid air or I'll sue. I don't need icicles forming on my nose.

Keep an eye on the obituaries. If you see one about a South Florida author found frozen to her computer, it's probably me.

Brrrrr. Until later.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

We all make those New Year's resolutions with a sincere promise to lose that excess poundage, exercise, do something worthwhile, or just be a better person. As a rule, those promises fall by the wayside like leaves in autumn. I'm as guilty as the next person. A world class procrastinator, I can put off anything indefinitely, especially if it's something I should, but don't want, to do. Such was the case with a website.

About a year ago, I fell for the advertising of a webhost using a well-known celebrity as a shill. It was inexpensive (always an incentive for me.  I can't afford several hundred dollars for a web design) and guaranteed support with "easy to follow" instructions on how to construct a site. The package cost $60. The webhost sent the information, my husband downloaded it to the computer, and he proceeded to attempt building what I needed. Notice the word "attempt." Even he, well-educated in the ins and outs of computers, found this site the most user unfriendly he'd ever encountered. He gave up, and I was so discouraged, I put off having a venue, rationalizing that who really needs one anyway?

I was finally convinced by several fellow authors that a website is not only the professional thing to do, but is also a necessity. One suggested I go a local community college and seek help from a student who might do it on the cheap as a class project. Someone else told me to bite the bullet and fork over the money. It was worth it, and I wouldn't go nuts trying to build something I didn't understand. Everybody had an opinion. I listened becoming more confused as time passed.

As the release date of my debut book approached, I knew I had to do something, but still put making a decision on the back burner. I just couldn't cope.

Salvation came from an FRW member. I was seated near her at our holiday party when the subject of websites came up. She turned me on to a place she swore was not only easy, but inexpensive in the bargain. I jotted down the name, but did nothing.

Then lightning struck. My book was released by The Wild Rose Press on an early bird special deal. I couldn't wait any longer. With my husband home over the holidays, I knew I could rely on him for the technical stuff. So, with my self-esteem from the previous attempt at web building in tatters, I logged on to www.homestead.com.

Son of a gun! It was easy--even for me. My husband got me started, but by and large, I did most of it myself. I couldn't believe it. I have a website! It isn't fancy, but the feedback I've been getting says it's to the point and easy to navigate. That works for me. It's also very reasonable. A lousy $5 a month bought me 5 pages. I can get more features for $20, but decided to take baby steps. When I need more room, I can upgrade.

So, my first New Year's resolution has been met. My website is up and running. The address is below. I need to make refinements, but as one friend told me, "You'll be tweaking it all the time."

Like I said, baby steps. Next on the resolution list is rearranging my office. As for the weight loss, exercise, worthwhile endeavors, and being a better person, only time will tell. If I run true to form, the first three will never come to fruition, but I'll make an honest effort at the last one.

Until next time.

Suzanne

www.suzannerossi.homestead.com

Hi everyone.

Is the new year upon us already? Seems like just a few weeks ago I was hoisting a martini in hope 2009 was better than 2008. Didn't happen, but I'm an optimist and believe 2010 might not be bad.

My husband may have been laid off, but found another job, and I signed three new contracts. If nothing else, I've been busy.

New Year's is the time to make resolutions--those personal goals we set to improve ourselves. I've always found this an exercise in futility. I make them, and then find excuses not to keep them. Yesterday, I blogged on my goals on the Florida Romance Writers blog. To see them go to www.frwriters.org and click on Blog. Some are serious, some are tongue-in-cheek, but I promise to at least make an effort this year.

I also want to re-establish contact with friends who somehow got lost along the way. I find Facebook has been an intregal part of finding high school classmates again. After 40 years, it's fun to hear about their lives and families. I know FB has its downside, but for keeping up with distant family and friends, it's tops. I'm on Twitter @writesbooks, but find the site more of an irritant than a tool. Too many people who seem to think I care what they had for breakfast and who tweet 80 times a day.

I'm working on a website and hope to have it up and running in a few weeks. I'm doing it myself, and while it's not as hard as I expected, I still get stumped now and then. Once a techno-dummy, always a techno-dummy.

Here's wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous new year. If you make resolutions, I wish you all the luck in the world. If you don't keep them, then you aren't alone. Enjoy the football games this weekend and be ready to hit the ground running on Monday morning.

Until later.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

I hadn't planned on blogging over the holidays, but something happened I just had to share.

Yesterday, I went to the mailbox and pulled out a big package. It was a copy of my book, Along Came Quinn. Oh, I'd seen the cover of course, but actually holding it in my hands was quite a thrill. It really happened. I spot read my words as I flipped through the pages and thought about the long hours of writing and re-writing I'd done three years ago. I then relived the moment when I opened my e-mail and saw the contract offer. It seems so long ago now, but in reality it's only been a little over a year--16 months to be exact. Would have been shorter if I'd known what I was doing during the editing process.

An author's first book is pretty special. Anything after that is icing on the cake--I love cliches, dont' you? My second book, All in the Family, is now scheduled for release on May 21, 2010, a move up by almost 3 weeks. And I'm expecting a release date on Along Came Quinn's sequel, A Tangled Web, sometime next month. Book number 4, Nearly Departed, is still in the editing process, and I'm hoping to see the cover soon.

I hope all my readers had a wonderful Christmas and Hannaka. Our special day was quiet, but we talked with our children and grandchildren in Memphis and Rockford. One of these years, we will brave the cold and head north to see the joy of little kids opening presents, and bask in the warmth of family.

It was almost a perfect holiday. My oldest son and his family returned to Rockford from Iowa, where they celebrated with my daughter-in-law's relatives, to find their house had been robbed. The thief took their computers, the Wii and all the games, and jewelry. Before leaving the bastard ransacked most of the downstairs. The police said it was the work of a pro (he didn't bother with a non-HD TV, the dime a dozen DVR, and somehow missed the family silver kept in a box in the basement). The chances of the cops catching the slimebucket is slim, so from me--may you rot in hell.

So, until later, I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year.

Suzanne

Hi everyone.

Saturday morning I pulled up the website of my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. I hadn't been on it for a few days and like to keep track of new releases. I almost had a heart attack when my debut book, Along Came Quinn, was listed under the "early bird special" banner. (I'm not fond of this terminology. I keep thinking I should order a meal rather than a book.) I'd expected the print version to be released early, but not five weeks ahead of the official date of January 22, 2010.

There it was staring me in the face. Naturally, I e-mailed all my friends and relatives, blasted the news on Facebook and Twitter, and alerted my fellow authors via their chapter loops. Then I did a happy dance around the house, got emotional, teared up, sniffled, and resumed my happy dance. Apparently, the light at the end of the tunnel wasn't an oncoming train for once.

I stopped when my feet protested, then remembered to call my husband up in Gainesville. He was excited and I have the feeling he MAY have actually ordered a copy. Romance novels aren't his thing.

I celebrated alone with a steak and a bottle of wine, and woke up the next morning with a hell of a headache. The pain was worth it. MY BOOK IS OUT!! What a Christmas present!

All of this occurred as I was trying to edit the final galleys of Quinn's sequel, A Tangled Web. The remainder of Saturday was a bust. Once the euphoria wore off yesterday, I got on with my work, finishing this morning. I'm happy to say, I just e-mailed the last changes to my editor an hour ago.

So, I'm finally back to earth. The thrill has subsided, but isn't gone by a long shot. I'm sure I'll be doing another happy dance when the e-format version is available next month.

This is just the catalyst I need to get my butt in gear and make some headway with several works in progress. Now is as good a time as any to do that.

I want to wish everyone very happy holidays and a prosperous new year. I'll be taking a break from blogging until next week.I'll talk to you all later.

Breathing deeply and grinning like the Cheshire cat,

Suzanne