I am a horrible blogger...

It has been way too long since my last post! It is definitely not New Years anymore. Can I use the excuse that I've been too busy? No? How about too busy writing. Yes, that sounds much better. It's true, I have been writing, writing, and oh, did I mention I've been writing? Counterblow went dead for a while, but I've finally got the inspiration back. (And all the characters say, "Woopee!"). I have been enjoying writing int he outdoors, which did the trick. I go to this fabulous garden in my area called Descanso Gardens. It's just beautiful and I never leave without writing at least a page in my notebook. I have a system of walking, finding a bench to write on, and then... well I repeat it over and over until I have errands to get to or the gardens close. I have favorite benches that I visit often, and new ones I discover every time. Like this one that has a wall/footstool right in front:

Actually, besides writing a bunch, I become a picture-taking fiend. I came away with 60 pictures just today. (Now if they're all good pictures is another matter...) Sometimes they turn out to be helpful. Remember that Counterblow cover?

Yes that one. The background that I added my Lawrence sketch into was actually taken at Descanso. I love using pictures I take on walks for my covers. (The cover for Happenstance was a photo I took while in Mammoth, I just added a filter on it to make it look more illustrated).

Besides Descanso-ing (Yes, I am going to use that from now on), I have been nail-biting over the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest. I entered in January and it wasn't until February 13th that they announced the results of the first round. (NOTE- The first round was just judged on pitches. They don't get to my actually manuscript for zone-E - oh, yes, I mentioned the book I entered was Zone-E, right? - until the next round. That is, if I pass of course.... which I did! I couldn't believe it! Part of me still thinks I must have read the list wrong... but I didn't, I really did make it! I found out how my excerpt does in the next round in March, so I'll be sure to post the results here when that time comes around. Until then I'm trying not to freak out. I've been writing more and more on Counterblow (geeze, will it ever be done?) to distract myself, which is working.. sort of. I need to put attention on Counterblow anyway. Perhaps I should set a deadline for myself? Hmmm... for now I will make no promises.

Well, that's enough rambling from me today. I guess I'll be on my way... Oh! I almost forgot! Zone-E is now available on kindle! (Well almost, it will be done processing tomorrow). So, kindle owners rejoice! On that note, now I'm really out of here.

Happy weekend, happy almost President's Week, Happy belated Valentine's Day... and.... So long and thanks for all the fish! (I love that book :P)