This Week: In Diana's Head

It would seem I'm a little slow moving this morning. Couldn't sleep last night, so this morning is a double-latte-espresso shot of "get my butt in gear". Have you ever noticed how rarely things really go according to plan? I have. Seems everytime I have something I know I'm going to do, it doesn't go smoothly, or the way I want it to, or the timing is off, or just bad.

Take last night. It was karate for the boy. Except, he couldn't find his belt. May not seem like a big deal, except it's disrespectful to not show up in full uniform. So we spent the next two hours cleaning his room. We found the belt about an hour into it. He can make up the class, but I think now he has a bigger understanding of how important it is to know where all his things are and that it's his responsibility to know that. (The room wasn't that bad, someone had put his belt in a closed small container for his loose cars. Y'know, some place not meant to have a belt.... *sigh*)

Saturday was his birthday party. His cake was fifty-five minutes late in arriving, so we were rushed. Another one I've chalked up to "What can you do?"

There's many things in life like that, and so many more that I'm not even mentioning.

There are some that take the wind out of your sails, or screw-ups that make you think you really shouldn't be doing what you're doing at that time. For me, it's the writing. Several things have had ill- or bad timing in the last several months. It's making me reevaluate certain aspects (no I'm not quitting, but I tell ya', it makes me wonder if someone is trying to tell me something I should listen to). But we keep trying, keep going. I'm not throwing in the towel, but I have this feeling that I'm waiting for the next round of bad happenstance, or the next miscue, or the next delay. I can take them, but when disorganization is happpening more than smooth sailing, you have to ask why. Ask if it's me, or something else. If it could be avoided, or if it's simply a case of getting over the hump. It could just be the moon phase too.


As an aside, a dear friend of mine went into surgery this morning. If you could, just keep her in your prayers. I rarely ask for blind faith, but this is my mentor who I've been with for almost three years now. I've never even met her face to face, but she's a brass-balled angel and I wouldn't have her any other way.

It's a party!

April 1st, but it's not April Fool's!

Today is the one year anniversary for one of my publishers PURPLE SWORD PUBLICATIONS! I'm very proud to be a part of this publisher, and all the hard work they put into providing excellent stories--and all the hard work they put me through to give them those stories!!


Well, in celebration, PSP is doing a giveaway! You heard it, a new Sony E-Reader! Click the link to learn the rules, there's only a few and they're very simple!











As usual, no purchase necessary. Share this with your friends! Help us celebrate our first milestone, and be a part of the celebration!

Diana

This Week: In Diana's Head

What's up, big box store?

Many of us have, at least once, been in a book store. Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million, Walden Books or any number of second retail and small mom and pop shops. Even if you've wandered through the local Walmart or Target's selection, you've seen what I saw today.

The same inventory/authors that have been writing and getting shelved for the last decade--or three. Don't get me wrong. I have a LOT of favorites in those authors, but something I've noticed--my buying habits have evolved, partly caused by the lack of new blood to the romance in print world.

Yes, there ARE new people there. Cheyenne McCray, Deidre Knight, Jaci Burton, Bianca D’Arc, and many, many others. But, and here's the thing: For every ONE new NY book that's released, I have dozens or more also new that are coming out in Ebook, from a collection of authors that are bringing a new voice, a new view to genres I read. Also for every two to three releases I might get from a NY author in a year, I can get as many as 4-6 or more depending on the length of book in E in that same year. And if I'm not looking for just one author, but say a shopping spree, for the 4-6 print books I would find that I would like to read, I can find 50 in E. (And I have, just don’t tell the man. LOL!)

Now I’m not saying “off with their heads” or anything of the sort. I love print books… Have bookcases full of them and I’m a regular print trader with my friends, but what I am seeing is a stagnant inventory. I understand the NY publishing model (and frankly that’s a whole ‘nuther blog), and know that what is done in E can’t be done in print. And that’s fine. It’s a different business model entirely.

But why can’t there be new voices? Why do we have the same 30 (a number drawn out of thin air and absolutely NOT based on any facts) authors in paranormal that were shelved ten years ago? I know there’s more out there. I see them all the time online looking for their chance to break out. So why can’t they? I can’t be the only reader who is tired of the dull and ready for the invigorated and unexplored.

And I sincerely doubt that paranormal is the only genre in this bind. I don’t read historicals, so I don’t know the names as well, or even contemporary, but I will say I have seen many cross over names. Meaning Author Awesome writes for a paranormal line, AND writes for a contemporary line. Does that mean she’s writing too much? There’s holes to fill and she has work available? Or does it mean that because her work is proven, they will chose her to write that book, and as many as she can to fill the roster? Which means an overflow of Author Awesome books. For many reasons, that is nothing to complain about, but there’s just as many reasons to question because that one book could have been a new voice. Could have been a new author with a new chance, a new book, a new vision.

Well, that's where I'm stopping before I start rambling. Just make a note New York, you are being watched.

Last night!

Let's just say, I had a blast!

I was on Linda Mooney's Other Worlds of Romance blog radio show, ( http://www.blogtalkradio.com/other_worlds_of_romance ). We talked about my books, Trusting Delilah, and I also did a whole chapter reading. It was a lot of fun, and so easy. If you have the chance to do something like this, I highly recommend it. This is my third 'radio' show altogether, and I love doing them. They're so easy. Just gabbing about books.

I also got the verbal approval from one of my publishers that an ebook collection will be put to print as a trio. Just gotta write the third. I'm excited about that! So much going on now that spring has sprung. Of course, a little warmth would go a long way, especially as I'm in TEXAS! where it's supposed to be HOT. Cold usually doesn't bother me, but the back and forthing on the temps is driving me batty. Do I need a sweater, or can I put them away? Can I wear shorts, or do I need jeans? *sigh* I dress for comfort, and the weather is definitely challenging that.

Waiting for the final news on when the next books will hit print. As some know, Unbound Trust has been delayed, but I hope to have final word on it by the end of the month. Nothing that could be done on it from my end, so.... Must be patient. Uuhhyeah, right. LOL  Another to look forward to is Trust Revealed, book 4. That is in edits and I expect a mid to late summer release for that one. I can't wait to see the whole series together. It's going to look awesome.

Well, that's my update for now. Have a wonderful week!

MARCH MADNESS SALE!!

ALL TITLES! ALL AUTHORS! ALL GENRES!