Anti-social Socializing - Do we have a problem?

We devour information. We crave attention. We're ravenous for comments and "likes."
I'd say we have an addiction problem.

I am resistant to change. Youth demands it.

Just like rock-n-roll was from the devil.
And too much TV was going to rot your brain.
Smart phones are going to turn us into zombies...

Sounds crazy, but there's always some truth to the fear of change. The "what ifs," the unknown, the dangerous possibilities. Similar to the rise and fall of cigarettes and prohibition--and now e-cigarettes and marijuana. We humans want what we want and eventually accept the change, for better or worse.

So how can we keep our values, our brains, and our souls intact when warning bells are instinctively making us resist such ominous changes?

Smart Tech has pros and cons. It's the humans using and abusing it that make it addictive. We have to be self-aware and use self-control. Common sense, logic, and good choices need to be instilled and applied, no matter what the new mania is. Addictive behavior is bad, duh. But do you see yourself falling into it, just by using your phone?

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

source

Are You Addicted to Your Phone??
(borrowed & revised)

1. Why do you have a cell phone?
2. How do you feel if your phone is not in the same room with you?
3. Do you sneak your phone in when you're not supposed to have it at school/work?
4. Do you treat your phone like a person?
5. Do you use your phone to check the time?
6. Could you choose between using your phone and a relationship?
7. Where is your phone while you sleep? Do you check it in the middle of the night?
8. Do you take your phone into the bathroom with you?
9. Do you feel anxiety over losing your phone?
10. Would you answer your phone in the middle of an important meeting? Or while on a date?
11. Do you call or text someone in the same house as you?
12. Do you lose track of time using your phone?
13. Do you have your phone when you are eating?
14. Do you have to check your phone as soon as it makes a noise?
15. Have you cried when you dropped your phone?

I feel good that I could answer many of those questions with no problem of conscience, and laughed at a few that I do--I check my phone for the time frequently! And we text at home so we don't have to yell, right? (still not good, we're lazy!) But some of these questions gave me pause. Especially thinking of my sons.

I'm ready to unplug more often (I'm already pretty good at losing my phone and not caring where it is) and I'm also prepared to nag my offspring to lessen their phones' hold over them... I just wonder what the next generation will tempt us with!

So, Are You A Phone Addict?

What should we do about it?
Or do you think it's that big of a problem?

PS - This week, I'm at L. Diane Wolf's blog for my Taking Back Beast World campaign, phase 2. And I'm talking about "NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN" -- how good writers create new ways to tell stories!

Thanks for your opinions! Have a great week--and unplug a little more each day!

What's a Street Team??

First, I want to thank you all for the positive comments and vibes from my last "woe-is-me" post. On the financial front, we are moving on up--actually, downsizing to save mucho money and afford the latest college addition. Plus I'm ready to go back to work at my own pace. Things are working out, as they usually do! I also found some fabulous writing prompts that inspired some new stories! (Like the new IWSG Anthology Contest - Check it out!)

And I came up with a new outlook on life...

Life is like a favorite t-shirt--It starts out bright and clean but eventually gets worn out and stained. It also gets more comfortable and refreshed with every wash!

Next, I wanted to talk about "Street Teams" - What the heck are they? Have you heard of them? Do you have one? Does it work?

Well, I researched it and here's what I found:

• Street Teams have been around forever--they started out as marketing for new artists - Probably because they're cheap, relatively easy, and effective (article 1)
• A Street Team is a group of people actively going out and talking to your potential audience to help sell your product. They create BUZZ - How awesome is that?!

Authors could always use some help with marketing. It's a hard job to do on your own. So here are some thoughts and advice I compiled for creating and managing a Street Team: (article 2)

• RECRUIT! Doesn't hurt to ask. So ask. You have fans. You have followers. Create a form and offer it to them. Many will be happy to give your new book a shout out or tweet at the very least! Hopefully, you'll get some regular reviewers. Mentioning it on Goodreads is also a good place to recruit (article 3)
• PREP - Put together a rap sheet that includes expectations, volunteer duties, and room for suggestions. Let your Street Team pick and choose the best way they can help. Your Street Team will mostly be called upon to help with new releases, but can also be there for between-release-events as needed.
• INCENTIVES - your Street Team deserves a little something for their hard work. Give them a special name, too. And maybe offer a bonus trinket for recruiting more members to join in the fun!
• A SPECIAL PLACE - You need a way to communicate with your Street Team. Now, you can do a group email or even a group message, but for a broader method of notification and fast feedback, a Facebook Page might be more efficient. (article 4)

I know many people (like me) don't like to solicit help. But a Street Team is a voluntary group who shares your passion and love for your work. They want to promote and help you succeed. Then they are guaranteed that more of your books will be published!

I hope this was helpful. I'm going to start recruiting a Street Team soon for my next release: WINDY HOLLOW - which has a release date - January 19, 2019! Let me know if you'd like to read and review an ARC.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Street Teams - Do you have one?

Thirdly, here are the results of my latest survey - interesting info on WRITERS CAREER GOALS:

Of those who have an agent, no one was sure if she was helping them, yet...

Do you have tips for making a living from writing?

• Diversify - be a speaker as well as a writer.
• Know how to market yourself well!
• Write a lot of books!
• No. Though I've found when I pursue something, it eludes me. When I stop chasing it, it comes to me. Like a cat.
• Not really. It's a personal thing with me.
• Nope
• Nope, just learning, watching and listening while taking notes and practicing.
• I wish I knew how to make money from writing!

Finally, the best for last. My SHOUT OUT OF THE WEEK:

ELIZABETH SECKMAN!

I'm so lucky to know this sweet woman in person! Liz and I live close enough to do book events together, at least one a year, sometimes more. We both raised boys, so we have lots to commiserate and relate with each other about--and we both have loads of advice, stories, and some recipes to share on our joint venture website: The Really Real Housewives of America. She's supportive, loves her family, and always sees the bright side!

Originally from Ohio, Elizabeth was moved to West Virginia and so was dubbed "Grit" as a child. She grew up in a tiny town with no red lights and no fast food where everyone knows everybody--oh the gossip! Thankfully she escaped to Marshall University then began a family of her own. (I'd say writing is her escape!) Liz is a daydreamer, a football mom, and an author of Women's Fiction & Romance.

"I have boys, books, and a dirty house. It's all good."

facebook ~ twitter ~ pinterest

By the way, since I'm in the process of moving, my posts will be a little scattered. But you know how life goes!

Got any advice or more info on Street Teams? Or how to make a living as a writer? Do tell!

So You're not going to be a #Bestseller

WARNING! Deep Thoughts Ahead
for the Insecure Writing Support Group.

No more stress, I'm done!

As some of you may know, I've been stuck in a funk for a couple of months because of several negative circumstances in a row. Plus I'm about to move, my kids are changing schools, and you don't even want to know about the Wild One. I'm completely stressed! Though some good has been sprinkled among the bad, with all that's going on I've been questioning my future as a writer. I never expected to be a best seller, but now I'm wondering what I did expect...

When I started writing, I just wanted to be published. Then I found a publisher - Woo Hoo! And I kept going. Next, I wanted to be profitable and hoped to contribute to the family income. A bestseller was never my goal, just a seller

Now, here I am with book #6 about to be published, and I'm deeper in debt. With the smaller events not producing, it seems like I'd have to spend more money to take a chance on bigger ones, and go farther away, so also pay for hotels. I'm not afraid of work, but I don't like wasting my time (and $$!) if it's not going to pan out. So, I'm at a crossroads. Should I keep investing or should I stop?

My writing isn't just a hobby, but according to the IRS, after no profit for so long it is. That means no more writing it off.

Needless to say, I'm not going to stop writing. I'm just struggling with how to make money from it. My financial obligations are such a nuisance! But supporting my family has to come first. And that leaves less time to devote to my passion. Maybe this is just a severe plot twist...

So, I'm curious - What do you expect from your writing? Is it a career goal? Are you profitable? Do you invest much money in it? Do you have an agent? Does it help? And do you have tips for making a living from writing? (I smell a survey!)

Yup. Here it is. Your Writing Career Goals - A Survey!
I love collecting and analyzing data.

And here's my SHOUT OUT OF THE WEEK:

Alex J. Cavanaugh!

Alex is a remarkable person - he's a brilliant sci-fi writer, a talented rock guitarist, and a true friend. I feel very fortunate to know him and work with him sometimes, if only through the wide wonderful web. And he's an elusive ninja--no pictures while he stealthily visits thousands of blogs! Besides authoring the popular sci-fi epic Cassa Series, he also founded the Insecure Writers Support Group which has grown into its own website, published anthologies, and continues to grow with Instagram challenges and more! A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. He's also a great reviewer!

Lastly, the RESULTS from the Down and Desperate Survey:

Do you like to read stories full of heavy, dark drama?

Do you write tales of woe - where the main character never seems to get a break?

Why do you think people like to read such dark and desperate stories?

Why do you read dark and desperate novels?

• I only enjoy them if the good guys eventually triumph. I know which authors to trust.
• It churns up a lot of emotions, but only if the characters are realistic.
• I like to have my heartstrings pulled.
• I'll read just about anything!
• They're cathartic and fascinating.
• Because real life is often more like a Grimms' fairytale than a Disney fairytale.
• Not a lot, but I do like dark urban fantasy with a strong female lead.
• I don't really read that many. I'm cued into family sagas-with some heartache, mysteries, and the occasional bleak story if the writing captures insights that make the protagonist grow... Even bleakness can be worthwhile if it rings true. I dislike dystopia for the sake of dystopia, because it seems to sell.

A ton of info today. Thanks for stopping by.

Hope your August is full of inspired beginnings!

Hot Genres - Darkness and Desperation

Dark and Desperate is always HOT, isn't it? The yearning, the unreachable, the unattainable, the struggle to find happiness in a horrible, twisted world.

Blech. Sorry, that's just not my cup 'o tea. Personally, I read more to escape my own dark & desperate, stressed-out, real-life chaos! Though I do like a little darkness with my escape, it's definitely more interesting, just not a whole book of it.

I mean, just read these titles from Amazon's top fiction list... For the most part, downright depressing!

And the covers. No hope, no happiness, just bleak, blurry, distant, nothingness! I've always wondered how some covers have so little on the front, yet they're best sellers?? Some of these are eye-catching, but some are almost bare. No fair! (Then again, I guess it depends on the genre. Scifi/Fantasy needs more fascinating covers...)

So, how do these books sound to you? Why do you think readers are drawn to darkness and desperation? Why do so many people want to read these intriguing tales of woe? And many times, they have sad or mysterious endings, far from fairy tale positive ones too. Is it just me? Could be!

Well, here's a theory or two of mine for the popularity of dismal dismay:

• It mirrors life, people can relate
• It shows life could be worse
• It gives hope, if there's a good ending
• It gives insight to others' plights
• They like their heartstrings pulled
• They like to feel hope for the characters
• The triumph is that much more triumphant

And here's a SURPRISE SURVEY - Tell us what you really think.

Now for my SHOUT OUT of the WEEK!

M. J. Fifield

I love this woman! We've been blog buddies forever. It was her sarcastic wit and hilarious haiku talents that drew me in. She's also an awesome author. EFFIGY is the first book in her epic fantasy series, and I've been dying of anticipation for the second, which is so close: SECOND NATURE.

M.J. blogs about the books she reads and the books she writes, the shows she watches, the music she listen to, and only occasionally about her pets. She's also an insomniac.


So writers, who can relate? Check her out if you haven't. Don't miss out any longer!

---------------

Since I will be on vacay next week, I won't post again until Aug IWSG. This will also give folks time to fill out the survey... pass it on!

Happy Mid-Summer Dreaming!

#WritersLife Survey 17 - Are we A-Mused? and Raffle!

All writers need inspiration. Some have invisible helpers and some have real life ones. Muses come in many shapes and forms... No matter where we get it, we all need encouragement and ideas to get through some tough writing situations sometimes.

I have several muses... First there's Murray. He's like a Fairy-God-Brother - a guy's guy through and through even though he wears a pink robe and flies around with delicate gossamer wings. He's a total slob and very cynical, but also a riot. He helps me most with my Pop Travel series.

Then there's my teenage ogress, Oafeelia. Full of attitude, sometimes an airhead, and loves to gossip, but great for giving me tips on teens for Beast World.

Lastly, there Grumpy Cat. He's my favorite. I love to torture him. He just stares at me, like, "Why aren't you writing?" He cracks me up, but I don't think he likes when I laugh at how cute he is!


What about you? Do you have a muse or two?



SPECIAL NOTE! This month, anyone who takes the survey can be entered into a raffle for a $10 gift card or an UnPrincess Novella in honor of the latest release: PRINCESS B!

Twelve-year-old Bria Randall is the “man” of the house, now that her older brother Kendrick went missing. Though caring for little sis Shae is a tough job, she does what needs done. When Princess B finds a stuffed dragon keychain, he gives her some magical help to stand up to the evils that threaten and comforts them as Kendrick once did. But some things Princess B must face alone. She’ll do anything for a happy ending.

 Print Copy and on Amazon

Thanks for playing! Results coming May 2

How to Stand OUT!

Welcome IWSG-ers!

Are you outstanding in a field? or just out standing in a field?

my grandparents' Maplevale Farm--yes, that's a plane!

I think more often I feel like the latter... lost in a sea of hay fever. But seriously, have you seen how many books are out there? It's very hard to get noticed when you're five-foot-three in a forest of Amazons (ha ha) So what's a shorty to do? How can we get our books noticed?

Not that I'm a pro at this, but I do have some suggestions:

1. Have an incredible, impeccable COVER - it has to be eye candy, but not too detailed or busy. The title has to shine and the font/graphics should give readers a feel for the genre. It's hard to be unique, but not impossible - and worth a pro.
2. Be more SOCIAL - I'm not good at this. I don't want to post too often for fear of being obnoxious. But I've noticed people who are posting regularly and as long as it's not "buy my book" twenty times a day, it's good press. If what you say is funny and relatable, you'll get noticed and retweeted. I just wish I had more time to think up cool things to say... But that's where scheduling tweets and posts comes in handy. When I do get some spare time, I prepare several tweets/posts and spread them out over a week or two. I'm working up to more postings, but I still have that nagging - don't nag! feeling!
3. Be more VISIBLE - This one, I do. And I talk about it a lot because it's where I connect with the most readers and sell the most books. Get out there! Whether it's a book event, genre-con, or even a craft/vendor show, people want to meet the author! I just did an event this past weekend - see my NEWSLETTER for pics and details!
4. Reach out for Reviews and online Guest Appearances - This can be difficult, but you are your own publicist. There are many review websites, but most are clogged with a backlog of books to review, so ask early as you can. Other people to ask: people who liked your other books or that are friends with you on Goodreads. 
5. SALES and GIVEAWAYS - I've had good response on Goodreads and Amazon with raffles/giveaways and putting books on sale, but less so with giveaways on the blogs. This is something that needs constant promotion and outreach to get people to sign up... Hit or miss, but if done once in a while, worth a shot! The best way is to do a group giveaway, then there's cross-promotion!

If you have any thoughts or additional ideas - fire away!

And now for the results of our little #writerslife survey 16

Have you ever won a writing contest?

How many paper books do you own?

How many ebooks are on your device right now?

What percentage of your books/ebooks are unread?

How many story ideas do you have waiting to be written?

What is your go-to book/movie/place when you need inspiration (of any kind)?

• Harry Potter - still popuar with multiple entrants!
• Music, music, and more music - my guitar, or music that jives, but sometimes sad music
• My mind - Brain space!
• By accident
• The Prince of Persia, plus Star Wars, & Kevin Costner movies!
• Youtube
• Barnes and Noble
• Nature!

Some results were surprising, some were not, but all were fun to tally!

This month's survey will be about MARKETING - and to boost responses, I'm adding a GIVEAWAY for all participants! Look for it on April 16.

Lastly, I mentioned my Newsletter earlier, but it also has a sneak peek of the PRINCESS B cover. I finally found the perfect illustrator to represent her...

Got any outstanding advice? Can you relate to the survey results?

Enjoy the Spring! Happy Writing!
And Happy A to Z Blogging Month!! Tell me your theme if you're playing!

#WritersLife Survey 16 - Spring Cleaning

Ugh, no. not actual spring cleaning. But cleaning out my (imaginary) question jar for a Pot Pourri of Survey questions!

I will be discussing actual icky spring cleaning on the other blog I co-host with Elizabeth Seckman. We are the REALLY REAL HOUSEWIVES. I'll be complaining about housework and giving some advice on how to avoid spending too much time on it Monday!

Until then, enjoy this lovely smelling Survey! Results will go into my next IWSG post on April 4.

Let's get real - Why Do Writers Write?

Why do we write?
Really.

How many of your friends read? Most of mine, I'd say 75%, don't read novels. Most don't have time, but many just choose to do other things with their time. I have to carve out time to read, myself. Life is just too crazy and busy!

I really wish more people would slow down, put down their phones/devices, and read. The world would be a much better place if people tapped into their own imaginations, picturing the stories, feeling emotions, and even finding some inspiration to better themselves... I wish book clubs were more popular!

I guess that's my Insecure Writers Support Group concern this month. What is this world coming to with so many non-readers?

At least writers and storytellers are still needed for all the shows that are being created. Do you watch Netflix? Amazon Prime? or What? I love seeing so much creativity and innovative ideas outside the box!

What keeps you writing?


And now for some responses!
Here are the results of the latest #WritersLife Survey 14 - Writer Faux Pas:

Which of these writing pitfalls have you stumbled into?

What is a word you usually misspell? Or pair of words you commonly confuse?

ecstatic

their           they're         there

exaggerate

effect                              affect

not                now

brassiere

dragged                     drug

Which of these words do you overuse?

How's your punctuation?

Have you ever broken writing rules on purpose?

Have you ever edited professionally?

What's the biggest writing pet peeve you find when reading?

• too much description
• Cardboard characters
• Comma splice
• present tense
• Misspellings, typos, and confused words ("waive" used when "wave" was meant, etc.) especially in self-published works.
• Bad formatting in ebooks and no table of contents
• repetitive words and phrases
• Poor editing
• you're - your
• I hate it when it's too easy to guess who done it!
• I have many (because I edit, too), but poor punctuation and grammar bug me the most, because the problem is pervasive. It affects the whole story. It's not just a temporary slow part I can skim.
• poor proofreading

So we should watch what we write - and get a good editor!
Also, watch for the next #WritersLife Survey - Spring Cleaning - a hodge podge of random questions! Don't miss it!



By the way, if you'd like to read and review the IWSG Anthology - Tick Tock A Stitch in Crime - give me a shout. I'd love to send you an ARC copy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy March!

We don't need no stinkin Rules!

I feel like I just posted the last set of results - must be because February is such a short month.

Anyhoo, here's the latest Writer's Life Survey #15 - Writer Faux Pas
I know I only covered a few, so let me know in the comments if you'd like to tell me more...


This was a fun one - brings back memories of when I started out as a silly little writer - but then again, I'm still a silly little writer!

Happy Black History & Heart Month to all!

Survey Results to be posted March 7.

Hold on! This just in... I got an award!!
A huge THANK YOU! to Writers After Dark
for the Chapter of Excellence Platinum Award
honoring POP TRAVEL!

What time is it?

No, not adventure time.
No, not time to get a watch.

It's time for the monthly meeting of the Insecure Writers Support Group!

This month, I'm talking about OPPORTUNITIES.
Some people wait for opportunity to knock. Some give up after missing out on one opportunity. But I recommend reaching out and grabbing every opportunity you can handle!

Sometimes I get really down about not being able to write as much as I need to, or not being able to visit other bloggers as much as I'd like to. I worry and fret and hope I reach my goals, and hope my friends are still there when I finally find time to reconnect.

I should know by now that things usually work out. Though not always as expected, if we keep working and taking chances, new opportunities will arise!

Don't give up. Keep at it. We're all pretty much headed in the same direction, just at different paces and stops along the way.


It's also time to post results from last month's Writer's Life Survey #14 - Music that Moves You!

What song could accompany one of your books/stories?

• Bring Me to Life by Evanescence - Book II...Sarah
• Dragon on the Sea - Book: Dragon of the Stars
• Two characters with full background for a Star Wars RPG inspired by the song "Your Winter" by Sister Hazel.
• When You Say You Love Me by Josh Groban - Book: Murder, Madness & Love
• Demons by Imagine Dragons - Book: Hoosier Dad
• Johnny's Cash's cover of Hurt - Book: Leaves of Fall
• Too many to list - I imagine a soundtrack LP for all my stories!
• Hold Me Now by Red - Book: Rising series
• The Four Seasons' "Rag Doll" - Book: Little Ragdoll

What would be your theme song? Or one of your favorite inspirational songs?

Last Chance by Shooting Star

YYZ by Rush

Rise Up by Andra Day

Amazing Grace

If I Only Had a Brain from the Wizard of Oz

Basketcase by Green Day

Behind Blue Eyes by The Who

Dare You to Move by Switchfoot

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

My Way by Frank Sinatra (2 chose this!)

And last, but not least...
It's time to give another shout out about the upcoming IWSG Anthology - Tick Tock Mysteries! And share some new links...

BLOG! Tick Tock Mysteries - Each of the authors will offer a post per month, with more closer to release time (May 1) If you have any questions about the anthology or the stories, I'd be happy to use them or pass them along!

PRE-ORDERS!

Amazon ~~~ B&N

Put on your To Read List:

Goodreads

Got any surprise opportunity stories? Don't miss my next #WritersLife Survey Feb 16 - Writing Faux Pas. And look for more sneak peeks about Tick Tock coming soon!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a LOVELY FEBRUARY!

#writerslife #survey - Do you have the music in you?

Time for another survey to start off the year!

But first, I have a special TIMELY Cover Reveal...

So super excited to be a part of this anthology. And I can tell this cover depicts our lead author, Gwen Gardner's specialty - Ghosts!

TICK TOCK: A STITCH IN CRIME
IWSG Anthology #3
Release Date: May 1, 2018

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.

Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Can't wait! Anticipation is a killer! (See bottom of post for my story's graphic)


And now, for my first Writer's Life Survey of 2018... Music that Moves You




Lastly, as promised, here's a teaser about my story in the IWSG Anthology...

RESET by Tara Tyler

Twelve-year-old Casey has no time for her quirky family. Mr. Zander has been searching for the perfect specimen to save his. When Casey walks into Mr. Zander's clock repair shop, he sees her as a prime contender and coerces her to help him. Hopefully, the machine will work this time.

So excited!


And thanks for playing.
Results will be posted Feb 7.

A nice cozy book to curl up with...

It's that time of year. Doesn't a warm cup of cocoa, a snuggly blanket on a comfy couch by a crackling fire, and a spine-tingling book sound awesome? Ahhh.

Funny thing is, I'm waiting for a couple of my author friends to finish their sequels... (Ahem, Christine Rains and M.J. Fifield)

Speaking of sequels, seen Star Wars yet? Don't tell me anything! We're going the day after Christmas with my family. Very excited!

And oh, yes. I have survey results and an announcement of winners from my DISPOSAL Release Raffles! Yay!

First the Results...

I picture my main character, Detective Cooper played by Bradley Cooper or Matt Damon - What actor/actress would you choose to play one of your MCs?

Vannessa Hudgens
Krysten Ritter
Zendaya
Rose Leslie
Manu Bennet from Shannara
Tom Hiddleston, Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Chris Cornell, Jason Momoa
Ben Affleck

You all were much more creative - love these choices! (Had to look some up, but wow!)

Which gadgets from the Pop Travel series would you like to try?

Would you like to have a Simulation--clone android--of yourself?

 What world problem should Hasan tackle next?

Which Pop Travel character do you associate with most?

Now, the winners from the survey are...

Krystal Jane & Juneta Key

Thanks to all who participated!

Plus, I'm giving all my Host Volunteers a thank you prize, but the winner of the $20 gift card is:

Tyrean Martinson

And I was lucky enough to add two more stops:

December 18 with Heather M Gardner

January 26 with Chrys Fey

It's been a very busy November/December. Now, I must finish trimming my tree and wrapping gifts. And don't forget cleaning for company - I'm looking forward to the folks coming up for a game-filled visit! Yay!

Happy Holidays, everyone!