Happy New Year!

I feel like I accomplished a lot this past year, but there's much more to do.  I don't consider these resolutions, just areas I need to continue improve on or goals I'd like to reach.

In regard to writing, for 2013 I plan to finish the sequel to Zombified and get it published.  My book of short stories I would like to have published by the end of summer.  I'd like to get more involved within the writing community. 

In regard to family, I'd like to spend more time with the grandkids and everyone in general.  I'd like to have more family get-togethers, but at the same time do more spontaneous things, like call up one of the kids and go out to dinner with them.

In regard to my health, I'm improving every year.  I quit smoking over 3 years ago, have my blood sugar in control, and have lost 25 pounds.  This year I want to lose more weight, which means more exercise such as swimming and walking.  I've had some foot problems which has hindered my progress, but I'm hoping it improves.  We'll see how that goes.

Overall, I want to be even more caring and compassionate, and continue to put my family first.  I want to be more outgoing and sociable, not so much Facebook...hehe.

That's all I can think of for now, but these are things I know I can accomplish.  How about you?  What are your plans, goals, or resolutions for the new year?   

I Love Networking and Other Thoughts!

Today I went to a writing workshop and came away with some new information and hopefully some new friends.  We discussed the possibility of creating a scifi/horror genre group for our area and I'm very excited.  Done correctly, so much good could come from sharing our work and obtaining some constructive critiquing and ideas.

Today is the first day of fall and I am in the mood to write more than usual.  There's just something about typing away on my novel in a nice warm house late at night when the wind is blowing and whipping the leaves around outside.  Fall is my favorite season and I'm never sorry to see the super hot Oklahoma summers end.  The crisp, cool air of fall always makes me feel a lot more energetic. 

My birthday is next month and I'm going to ask for a laptop so I can work on my writing whenever and wherever I want.  I do believe that will make me more prolific in my writing.  Now I need to decide what kind of laptop I need, any ideas?

What Do You Look For in a Good Book?

For me, it's the "atmosphere" of the story.  I love to read stories where the characters face almost impossible odds of survival, let alone thriving in their situation.  Any crisis will do, but the "atmosphere" of the story must be just right, whether eerie, threatrening, chaotic, etc., depending on what the story is about.  For my first novel, I tried to have a theme of uncertainty and the possibility of danger/death "running" in the background.  Even when characters believe themselves to be safe, they aren't, and sometimes that truth is hammered home. 

So what do you look for in a good book?

Guess we have to get used to things changing all the time...

Why is it that sites like Facebook think they need to change things up so much?  I'm tired of logging onto a site I use a lot and find it completely different.  I have been too busy to post on here lately and when I log on, a lot has been changed.  I usually just shrug it off and learn the new system, but I think it's getting out of hand.  Humans can adapt easily to new things, but just because we can doesn't mean we should change things constantly...it does get annoying.  Ok, that's my rant, I'm good now.  What do you think when you go to do something on a site and you have to relearn how it works or how it's set up? 

Zombified Book Two: Shady Oaks

Shortly after I finished Book One, I started the sequel to Zombified.  During that time, so much was going on that eventually it felt like a chore to write and so I stopped for awhile.  Don't get me wrong, I love to write, but I had to take a break when it was no longer fun for me.  Now, two months later, I am more than ready to get back to writing.  In fact, I am excited!  I went back into the book last night, it's currently at Chapter 9, with 16k words, and I picked right up where I left off like it was only yesterday that I put it aside. 

As I go on, I think I'll drop a tidbit here and there from the book so anyone who is interested can read it.  By the way, the second book centers on resettling the small town of Shady Oaks.  Once again, the Connor Group is trying to  destroy everything the survivors worked so hard for and there is a "nasty" surprise coming at the end.

Ok, that's all I have for now, hope everyone is having a great start to their new year!

Out With the Old, In With the New!!

Hard to believe it's almost 2012.  I always look forward to the new year because you can never tell what it will bring.  I'm looking forward to staying busy as usual, but I'd like to also finish my sequel to Zombified. 

Our oldest son, John, will most likely be deployed to Afghanistan and we're not looking forward to that, but we will keep the faith that God will bring him home safely to his family. 

Watching how rapidly the grandkids grow and change each year always amazes me.  They crack me up with the things they do and say - I love them very much!!

I usually don't make resolutions and the last few years I've worked to improve my health such as quitting smoking and losing weight.  I've been successful, but it still didn't stop me from becoming diabetic.  This new year I am hoping to get off the pills and my doctor is optimistic that I can if I keep dropping the pounds.

I know the new year will throw me some surprises, but hey, that's what life is all about.  I'm thankful for my family and that everyone is happy and going strong.  Guess that's about all we can hope for and I thank God for all the blessings in my life. 

I wish everyone a wonderful and fulfilling new year with many more to come!

Wishing Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Almost that time again!  This year our extended family is going out to eat, with such a large group it's the easiest way.  However, Christmas dinner will still be at our house as usual for just our family.

Since this is a time to relect, I'd have to say I have more than enough to be thankful for.  The most important is my family and we are blessed that everyone is healthy and happy.

So once again, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and may you all eat whatever you'd like and not gain a single pound! :D