HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I'm getting ready to leave town but before I left I wanted to share a recipe that was passed on to me by one of my favorite aunts:

Ingredients:
1 whole turkey
1 large lemon, cut into halves
salt and pepper to taste
butter or olive oil, whichever you prefer

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Rub butter or oil over the skin of the turkey until it is completely coated.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you prefer.

Take a knife and gently separate the skin from the breast meat;
Slide lemon halves under the skin with the peel side up, one on
each side. This way the juice from the lemon will release into the breasts.

Cover and bake for 30-45 minutes. Remove cover and continue
to roast until juices run clear, basting every 15-20 minutes.

If you've followed these steps correctly, your turkey should
look like the one in the picture..


Bon Appetite!!!

Hugz and see y'all in a week!
JJ

I’m not Dead!

Have you ever seen the cartoons where the Big Bad Wolf walks into the bar and sexy Little Red Ridinghood struts out and starts singing “Oh Wolfie”? His eyes pop out of his head, his tongue unrolls, his heart pounds out of his chest and droll skates along his chin?

Last night I was hanging out with my best friend and were looking at pictures from our last Girl’s Week (in July) The pic of us eating fried pickles popped up and we both went Um Fried Pickles! Let’s go to Lees! (Lee’s is a chicken fast food place)

We load into my truck both thinking how delicious the pickles were going to be. We walk in and there is one customer at the counter, three older people in a booth and the employees.

I took one look at the guy in line and I SWEAR TO YOU I PULLED A BBW! I know I as drooling. Now I have seen some fine looking men before but this one? HOLY SHITE BATMAN! He was about 6’ 1”, his copper skin was nice and tanned, his black t-shirt fit across his well defined shoulder and chest, emphasizing each muscle.

His jeans were just snug enough to cup his perfectly shaped butt. Big, brown eyes you could get lost in forever,. His shoulder length black hair was pulled back into a pony tail—his hair looked like satin. I would NOT have any trouble at all seeing him in a pair of buckskin pants, holding a bow, while riding a paint pony.

I am NOT lying when I say he was the most gorgeous man I’ve EVER, EVER seen in my life.

I forced myself to stop drooling and my best friend and I were making jokes about driving six hours to have fried pickles any more. We can go here now. He was eavesdropping into our conversation and he turned to ask where were from.

His voice—like velvet. His smile, electrifying. His nose, perfect. High cheekbones, nice framed jaw. I couldn’t swear to his being from any particular tribe, but the man was pure Native American. I was so proud of myself that I kept control and spoke without giggling like a love struck schoolgirl.

He took his order and left.

My friend and I stared after him, watching him walk away. As soon as the door closed behind him we both collapsed into a laughing fit. For the first time in—HA! You thought I was going to reference my age?!?!?!?—all the years we’ve been in friends…no wait SECOND time…we were both extremely attracted to the same man.

I’m telling you that was a FINE example of God’s wondrous work. If I wasn’t a married woman (and possibly old enough to be his…aunt) I’d have made a play for the man.

On the way home we discussed cougars, wolves, the FINE, FINE man, and…other activities.

My libido hasn’t functioned properly in ages. I was beginning to think there was a malfunction. I can say with all certainty I am NOT dead after all. But I’m going to Hell for lusting after the man…

He was so hot he could easily have been a male model or an actor. One thing I can tell you for sure, he WILL be a hero in one of my next books! If I’d have had a camera I’d have been asking for permission to photog him. After all, I’d have to have something to look at for book inspiration…yeah, like I’d really NEED a pic to remember him!!!!

My dreams were filled with images of a hot man, a shape shifter actually, wolves, cougars, the woods and…yeah uh huh, NOPE not going to share any more of THAT with you!

Hmm think I’ll go back to bed…dream a little dream of him.

Ponderings

My life is still quite hectic. The hubby hasn't found employment yet and honestly, I'm not sure how much longer I can let him live. He isn't the most romantic, chatting, supportive man on the planet. Actually, the only time he wants to talk to me is when I'm writing. THEN he can come up with all sorts of things that he has to tell me or he's just going to explode.

I understand he's going through a difficult time, I truly do. A man who has gotten up every weekday morning for the last twenty-something years and had somewhere to go and something to do is suddenly drifting.

But I swear if I have to hear "It's supposed to be wetter than normal over the next six weeks," or some other factoid he picked up watching AG TV--or This Week in Agribusiness, I'll scream. And honestly no I don't care what Samuelson Says and I sure the hell don't want to look at another restored tractor.

I grew up on a cattle ranch, do you THINK I'm interested in watching a cattle auction on TV (Okay, I'll have to give him half a point for this as one of my favorite activities actually is going to the sale barn...)

I love the man and I'm trying to be supportive but he's beginning to make me crazy--okay, crazier he doesn't get all the credit!

My muse has gotten constipated with the fear that as soon as he starts flowing again, Dh will come popping in with another interruption. I haven't written in weeks. (I've done some major editing due to the release I have coming in January) but no writing...

I'd love to take off on an ATV adventure to one of the places DH was dreaming about last night. Wonder if he could try and replace that host...That would be the ideal job for DH and myself, traveling the country checking out all the ATV riding hotspots in America! I could definitely get into that!

Hang on, here comes DH now just busting out with news on Uncle Ted's latest Adventure! (All right, I admit that recipe for backstrap DOES sound delish...)

Guess I should go. No writing will be done today either. ACK!

Hugz and have a TERRIFIC rest of the week!
JJ

**AGTV, This Week in Agribusiness, are programs on AGTV channel. Brian Fisher is the host of Fisher's ATV television--a weekly program on Outdoor Channel. Uncle Ted is, of course Ted Nugent and he has a weekly program called Spirit of the Wild also seen weekly on the Outdoor Channel. I may enjoy poking fun but seriously for the hunters and outdoor enthusiasts these are really enjoyable programs!

More Horror Flicks!

I LOVE Halloween. Yes, I know you know that but this time I'm not talking about the DAY--I'm talking about the movie series. Michael Myers (as opposed to Mike Meyers from SNL--who ALSO ROCKS!)

I'm talking mask wearing--did you know that the mask was William Shatner's face painted white? (the only thing MORE frightening is actually having to SEE William Shatner!)--Jamie Lee Curtis chasing Halloween.

When the third one came out--Halloween III: Season of the witch--that's when I stopped seeing the movies. I've never been more disappointed in a film--at least in THE 80s Horror genre--EVER! I go to see what more havok the Monster Myers can wreck and HE'S NOT IN IT! WTF?!?!?! Hello! Halloween=MICHAEL MYERS!!!!

Have you seen this stinkola of a movie? No? You're LUCKY! Here's the trailer for it:


Yeah--I should've known it would be disappointing but I had high hopes!

Now on the flipside of the coin--this movie was pretty great:


This is not my all time FAVORITE of the 80's but it was sufficiently goretastic!

Which horror movie from the 80s would you recommend I add to my Halloween day-long horror bash? Inquiring minds want to know!

Gotta Jet! Work to do and all that.

HUGZ
JJ

Chainsaw Autopsy

In my latest work, Demon's Fall (coming January 2010), my demon hero has a demonic brother who loves Death Metal. Well writing a specific scene my editor asked me to name a band, maybe use some lyrics. After much thought this was discarded due to possible copyright issues. Then I thought wait a minute. I'm a writer, surely I can INVENT a band, right? The hard part was finding the names of current or previous musicians so I wasn't unintentionally copying them. Chainsaw Autopsy (suprisingly enough) is NOT a current or previous band.

This task was relatively easy. Now for the harder part...writing lyrics. Then the words just sort of formed in my head. I have an entire song lyrics written. I'll be sharing it at a later date--I plan on it being included in the book.

I had no trouble imagining the band screaming the words out, in growling, gravelling voices, ear bleeding chords, skull cracking percussions, oh yeah. Funny, I'm not really a death metal fan but my son is and I've heard enough from him to figure it out.

So now that Chainsaw Autopsy has been born, I wonder what else I can do with them. Donica had a few ideas if I can come up with more lyrics. Shame to abondon them after only one book, right?

Well better go and finish the edit read through. The weather has my head all torn up and I'm going to end up takikng a couple of massive pills and passing out before long.

hugz!
JJ

More 80s horror

So while I was going through the list of horror movies from the 80s one of them was being shown on TV. I turned it on and just couldnt work up the energy to sit through it. For some reason it just didn't intrigue me as it did one time. Actually I shut it off and turned on Sonata Arctica and vegged with a book--The Divine Comedy by Dante Allegeri.

Sometimes you just dont WANT to stop and smell the flowers!
Motel Hell:


See y'all again later!
Hugz
JJ

Remember Little House on the Prarie?

The beautiful oldest sister Mary Ingalls, played by Melissa Sue Anderson? She grew into such a beautiful and sweet young woman. Miss Mary, who never did anything contrary...

Have you ever seen the classic flick Happy Birthday to Me? No? I highly recommend it for entertainment value and to see sweet Melissa Sue in a whole new light:



I personally thought the film was fascinating. If you've seen it/will see it, let me know what you thought of it!

Hugz and see y'all again soon!
JJ

Horror of the 80s!

I thought I'd spend the rest of October chatting about horror movies from the 80s. (Donica Covey started it!)

Back in the 80s I was big on seeing horror movies, reading horror stories, getting the crap scared out of me at every turn. It was fun! Besides, what better excuse to cling to a sexy guy than being scared witless.

We usually went to the movies in a pack. Not that I didn't enjoy being alone with my boyfriend(s)but seeing horror flicks in a group was infinitely more enjoyable than seeing them as a duet. And, besides the Drive In was TONS of fun for a group.

What? Drive In? Oh...sorry, how to explain a Drive In. Okay, well its like a HUGE gravel parking lot with a GIGANTIC screens on each end. Every spot in the parking lot has a post with two large metal rectangular objects called speakers. These hooked to your window and played the sound that accompanied the movie (unless of course you were like some of us and faced one screen while listening to the other movie...)The Drive in is responsible for countless weekends of fun and excitment (and more than a slight increase of the population...LOL)

Anyway. I've spent more time at the drive in than any other theater. We would see some of the best and the worst flicks ever made there.

One of the most noteable movies was a particularly corney and obnoxious film that focused on Coulrophobia--the fear of clowns. Long before the Master, Stephen King released IT upon the world. This particular film was laughable, actually what would be called a black comedy, not frightening--unless you did suffer from this phobia.

The movie I refer to is Killer Klowns From Outerspace.


This dreadful, awful movie was GREAT for a time waster. I have to admit some scenes did make me jump in my seat. It's definitely great to watch with a friend who has an intense fear of clowns--or maybe that's just my opinion.

In any case, if you're looking for a classic film that is both a little scary and a whole lot corny, grab your favorite coulrophobic, pop some popcorn, snatch a pouch of cotton candy then sit back and wait forthe fun to begin!

Hugz! See y'all soon!
JJ

Two weeks ago

I was out of town in Jefferson City Mo. I stayed in the Plaza, only a block from the capitol building. It wasn't a bad place. I hated the fact that they didnt offer free WiFi to their guests but..well some places are just far behind in their times.

Anyway. I'm a chronic insomniac so when I finally fall asleep it's a pretty safe bet to leave me sleeping. My mother is an early bird. On Wednesday we were supposed to check out of the hotel to move on north to St. Charles. Mom decided that for the good of our relationship I be allowed to sleep in and then be responsible for checking out of the hotel. She would come pick me up when her meetings were through.

I woke up breifly on Wednesday morning around 7:30 or 8 to visit the restroom and secure all the locks on the door. I went back to sleep.

Suddenly I hear a man say "Boo."

Not creepy, frightful elongated BOOOOO, Just matter of factly Boo. This is somethign my husband has a habit of doing so my knee jerk responnse was very funny. Until a split second later I remembered I wasnt home and Dh wasn't with me. I sat up to find a man standing beside the bed watching me.

With my one hand I groped for the phone to call for help while staring in wide eyed fear.

I couldn't find the phone with my blind groping!

My gaze darted to the door. Hadn't I se4cure the locks?

I had! How did he get in?

My eyes diverted back to the place where the man had stood--only to discover he was gone! Terror flooded my heart.

Where had he gone? How had he gotten in?

Certainly I was dreaming. I had to have been! Wasn't I?

This wasn't my first encounter with the unexplained. Over the course of my (middle aged) long life, I've had many strange and odd experiences.

The house my parents currently live in has a ghost. George. I dont know how long he's been there. Couldn't tell you why he hangs around but he does.

When I was a kid my dad got this really awesome pool table. I LOVE to play pool (always slop)--I suck at it, but I love it. Anyway, in the half finished basement stood this pool table dominating the room and against hte back wall was an antique table...I'm not sure what it's actually called but it was small like a mini end table.

Above this hung an old portrait of some ancient ancestor--her pic scared the bajeebers out of me! Those eyes ALWAYS seemed to be moving!

After homework I would go downstair, put my transister radio on the little table and crank out rock (KSHE 95, the ORIGINAL rock station! WOOHOO)

So one evening mom calls me up for dinner. I turn off the radio, put it back on the table, lay my pool stick on the table and head upstairs. I eat, do my chores and head back to the basement...halfway down the steps I realize I hear music...the radio is on? I turend it off. i'm sure I did.

I reach the basement floor and there is the radio, sitting near the steps, the radio is on, (some oldies station!). I completely freaked out, ran up stairs and it took me a long LOONG time to get the courage to go back down.

Over the years I've heard George walking through the house, he turns on lights, plays music. Is basuically harmless he just wants us to know he's still around.

My son, daughter in law and little Alyx live there with my folks. There are times when suddenly alyx will stand up and start talking to no one, laughign, giggling, singing and dancing around with no one--I think she and George are having a wonderful time together.

Have a great rest of the week!

HUGZ
JJ

Lady with a 'tude

The Infamous New Arrival

This is Snuggles. I'm soooo not a cat person. Anyone who knows me can attest to this, heck I've said it enough on this blog.

During the past week Snuggles and I have come to an uneasy truce. Actually, today, she lay down, stretched out and wanted me to pet her. I obliged. I figured if we're going to be living under the same roof for the next couple of years, we may as well try to get along.

The past couple of days I've noticed a change in her. Thursday night was the last time she growled, hissed and sounded as if she'd love to fillet my skin. Today, as I moved around the house trying to get my things ready for a series of trips, she was attempting to be friendly, rubbing against my leg, rubbing into my outstretched hand.

This is definitely progress.

Unfortuntately it has wreacked havoc on my immune system. My hands, legs, any exposed skin she touches, burns and itches like wildfire within minutes. My nose is consistantly set on run, my eyes on water and my throat feels as if I've swallowed a series of cacti. we should own an option in Benedryl because I've been taking more than a normal share since Snuggles arrived.

As soon as we can get her evened out--accustomed to the household, she's being taken for a grooming with some anti-allergen shampoo. Supposedly that should help my reaction to her. I'm not holding my wheezing breath...LOL

At least we have an uneasy truce. Thank the Lord she isnt like every other cat I've met--wants to snuggle on my chest, lap, shoulder, etc. I dont know I could take that.

And another bonus--I dont have to vaccumm any more--DD wanted the hair ball she has to clean up after it, which includes vacuuming the hair left by a wandering feline.

Well, I'm off. I have packing to do, laundry to finish and food to make. I'm leaving for a three week (working) vacation. I'm hoping that three weeks of nothing but Netbook--no internet, tv, phone etc, to interrupt, I'll be able to get some writing done.

See y'all when I return!

hugz
JJ

UGH

Still miserable sick, as well as in a panic over what the future may hold for our lives and Saturday our DD brought home a new family member.

I HATE IT!

I've yet to see it full on but I've seen glimpses of it. Is it a lovely little snake? Nope. A cute little mouse? An adorable rat? A spider? An iguana? A ferrett, (I WISH)? Nope.

A cat. A useless ball of fur. I am NOT a cat person. I HATE cats. Aside from their annoying happy of climbing onto my chest, headbutting my chin, demanding attention and then biting me, they make my nose itch, my eyes swell and water, my chest tighten--hello ALLERGIES!

So when my DD came home with this thing, I was not happy. When I learned that her daddy had said she could keep it I was even more unhappy.

Now, whenever I set foot into DD's room I hear growling and hissing like a mountain lion is going to come a rip my face off. At least I know it hates me as mucha s I do it...

The thing that gets me the most--this breed of cat is supposedly extremely docile, friendly and loves people. Apparently I am NOT a people. I know it needs time to get used to the house. It's undergone a HUGE change and it's frightened. The people who owned her and loved her since she was just born are suddenly gone and she's in a new environment, it's going to take time to warm up. She's got three weeks. No more, no less. In three weeks she's either sweetened up enough to let DD cuddle her or she gets shipped off to another home/the shelter.

While I have yet to see this animal full on, I've seen glimpses and I've searched for images on the Internet that show me what she looks like. I've found some similar animals thanks to DD's help.

The creature is a Ragdoll Cat. Basically it looks like a Siamese that got into hair growth tonic. Brown points and big blue eyes.

Here are some pictures that resemble our newest inavader:

This one is the closest to Snuggles:

Sure, for a useless, nasty creature it's kind of pretty...as long as it stays AWAY from me. I guess from now on DD will have to do her own laundry and such as I can't even step into the room without being greeted with a growling hiss. Maybe for the first time I've come across a cat that despises me as much as I do it!

Most times it's like cats know I can't stand them. I sit down and before you can blink they are climbing on my chest, rubbing against my chin, purring on my lap. My son's cat is notorious for climbing up and getting right into my face. They told me if I pet him he would go away...they LIED! It only purrs harder and arches into my hand.

My best friend's cat loves it when I crash over. I awake in the night to him kneeding my breasts and trying to make himself comfortable on my chest. He keeps it up until waking me up, I pet him then shove him away and he nips my hand.

At least this one seems to avoid me like the plague--thank goodness!

IF it ever comes out of hiding I'll share some pictures of it. Of course, if it doesnt...

I know it was raised with dogs so my little Cairn isn't terrorizing her. Of course just to be nice I've kept him out of the bedroom so she doesn't have any additional stressors. We keep her room closed off by either door or a gate so there is relative quiet and much less chaos while she settles in. Nasty creature.

Now...If I was only certain where I would be next week....(lol)
Have a great day!
Hugz,
JJ

Miss the Good Ole Days

A friend of mine is writing a hostorical novel. It's AWESOME but she had some questions and that got me thinking. The questions involved law and order. Basically what happened to criminals.

Now back then they did the RIGHT THING. There was none of this crap of the common man paying to keep these slime bags alive. You're a killer? Hang 'em high. You're a rapist? Hang 'em High. You're a child molester? Hang 'em.

Over crowding wasn't a real problem in those days.

Since we became so "civilized" crime is out of control, prisons are crowded to capacity, and there is no end in sight.

I've got news for you--I WISH the bleeding heart liberals would pull their namby pamby heads out of their asses. Why should people who can barely make ends meet be forced to support those who don't give a shit about other people?

People like Manson--the tax payers have had to provide him medical care, three squares a day, clothes, dental...and there are those who have commit NO crime who can't afford medical care. Where's the justice?

It just makes me sick to think about how people like us who are barely making ends meet due to job loses are forced to pay for the care and feeding of murderers, rapists, molesters, abusers, drug peddlers etc.

Time for a change!

Sharing some pix from my trip:

Date on the sign: 1786.

Now I'm sure this building isn't quite that old...

...but there were things inside that if they aren't, they're pretty danged close!

The piano has seen better days...

There is no eletricity--although it had been wired at one point in time. The bathroom is a tiny outhouse just around back. When you got thirsty, just pop down the small incline and take a sip of ice cold, clear, and fresh spring water!

This hole of water is right outside the old church so that when the spirit moved them, they could just head outside and be baptised! It's such an awesome, peaceful and inspiring spot. It gave me ideas for the place to wrap up Morgan's Creek.

BUT I could also easily picture the front being lined with horse and buggy set ups waiting for a old fashioned wedding!

It was so nice to find a place free of"tagging" and other vile forms of defacement. While we stored up the knowledge of where the place was, all agreed not to share the information with just anyone. We want to protect its peaceful, serene and awe inspiring secret for as long as we can.

While we were out exploring we also found proof the Blair Witch had been visiting her cousin Sylamore Sadie...

(Of course one wise acre termed it "Red Neck Stonehenge"....HEHEHEHE)

Check in again later for more snaps of this wonderful trip!
Hugz til then,
JJ

Getting ready to leave

I'm going to be shutting down my office in the next day or two. Vacation is rapidly (but not rapidly enough) approaching. I leave Saturday at the butt crack of dawn and will be gone for the week. I will be gone until Monday the 27th. So there won't be any more updated to this blog until then.

When I get back I have to dive in to edits on Demon's Fall with both feet. I'm ready to get to work on that...of course after this week of relaxing, riding, swimming and maybe even a little reading (of material I DIDN'T write, LOL) I'll have my batteries nice and recharged--I hope!

See you all in a couple of weeks!

Hugz and HAPPY READING,
JJ

New Video

I've been trying to create a video for my newest book, Demon's Fall. I have come up with one that I like but the music has me a little hung up. I aksed my friend Rebecca Goings to help me choose. She did, God love her! She chose this one:

However we both agree the music to this one is very beautiful.

So, gentle reader, which one did you prefer?

Please leave me a note in the comments to let me know your preference!

I'm leaving in just 10 short days--and trust me, short SOOO applies. I've got a ton of things still to do before I load up and take off.

Have a fabulous week! I'll see you again soon,

Hugz

JJ

Need to keep up

Today I was trying to creatre gthe stills to create a promotional video for Demon's Fall--the new title for Heaven's Torment--when i decided to do a mock up of a book cover--just an idea of what I think it should look like.

Interested in what I came up with? Have a look:

Yes I know it won't look exactly like this, but you have to admit it is kind of cool, right?

As to the video, well, I never actually finished it...I was distracted and then ran out of time. I'll get back to it soon enough--until the edits arrive, which according to my wonderful editor should be any day now! WOOHOOOO

The edits should help the time just fly. See, in 18 days I'm headed for my week long vacation...ready and raring to go!

I guess I better take off. My wee one is here to spend hte evening with me so I need to head off and play with her.

See y'all again soon!

Hugz

JJ

THIS JUST IN...

Jinger needs to develop patience.

If I had displayed patience in following my own schedule I'd have had more news to share in the newsletter I sent out yesterday. But, because I was in such a rush to feel as if I'd accomplished something I sent the newsletter out three days earlier than planned.

So, I'm sitting here lamenting the fact that my DH is still unemployed and making my writing nonexistent when I get an email alert pop into the screen. The subject header is Heaven's Torment. My stomach knotted and pitched, persperation beaded along my brow, my palms itched and sweated. This is it. The big R, I thought to myself. Don't read it now. Read it tomorrow...you know right before you load up to leave town....even better! Dont read it until you come back on Monday! Yeah! That's it. You know if it's a rejection you'll be miserable all weekend because you LOVE Heaven's Torment.

The internal debate continued. Voices shouting reasons to read the mail now--reasons to wait until Monday--all the while my hand had a mind of their own. They pulled up the email account and brought the message up on the screen.

Dear JJ (so far, so good)

My heart is pounding. My hands are shaking...

HOLY SHIT! WOOHOO!!! YAY!!

The screams bring my hubby and daughter running--"what's wrong? What's happened?"

"Congratulations! We are happy to offer you a contract for HEAVEN'S TORMENT" I read to them!

DH's response? "Does this mean I can quit looking for a job?"
DD's Response? "So, Are you going to finally start making money?"

Yeah...The support I felt at that moment was enough to raise a single finger...

Now to the rest of the email. I have to rename the book. No worries! I have a slew of ideas for new titles.

Here's the logline and blurb:

What happens when a demon falls for an angel?

Tangela Teshua just recently buried her parents and has given up her city apartment to move back to the country house they left her. However, their deaths and her move are not the biggest changes coming to Tange’s life. Tange learns she is a guardian angel—or at least she will be when she over comes the challenges Satan will put in front of her.

Andras Belial’s father assigned him the task of destroying the newest being on the lighted path. But another battle looms on the horizon for Andras. His inner demon struggles against the strange formation of feelings, of a conscious growing to life. He falters even more when he meets Tange.

Lucifer, infuriated that not only has Andras turned his back on his heritage but he has joined forces with an angel, sends an assassin demon after both Andras and Tange. Can they keep the demons at bay long enough to find happiness?

Ideas for the title are:

Demon’s Dolor*
Double Dealing Demon*
Demon’s Torment
Demon’s Fall*
Double Dealing the Devil
Hell’s Horror
Angel’s Anguish
Demon’s Rush In Where Angels Dare Not Tread

The titles with the asterisks are my top choices. What about you? What do you think?

I'm just SO EXCITED! WOOHOO I have loved this story since it's inception and have been dying for it to happen. Now it has I can't quit happy snoopy dancing!

WOOHOO

Well, guess I better boogie. I've got to get back to work.

Hugz
JJ

June News Live!

The June edition of my newsletter is now live! Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/p5lsr2

Enjoy! Have to run for now., Storms moving into the area.

Hugz!
JJ

Pins and Needles

I so hate waiting. I'm horrible with the patience thing. I submitted Heaven's Torment, an erotic horror a few weeks back and I heard from my editor that she enjoyed it and now we're just waiting on final approval from senior editorial staff. Keep fingers crossed it sells please!

I also submitted the completed rewritten manuscript Hawk's Rayne on this past Thursay. I know it will be a while before any decisions can be made but it doesnt stop me from checking my emial every single day in hopes of finding the offers sitting in the inbox!

I should be working on a new manuscript--an idea thats been brewing for a while--but I've just submitted three books this past week and I think I earned a bit of a break. In six weeks I'm headed for Arkansas with a couple of girlfriends for our annual week long break--ATV, swim, hike, relax NO WORK, no worries week. However, I'm ready for a short break right now. I'll use part of this week to catch up on neglected housework and the rest of the week on delving into tid new work.

Well, guess thats all the update I have for now. Be watching for the June newsletter coming soon!

Hugz,
JJ

Check this out!

Today I'm being interviewed at Salt Lake City Romance Novels Examiner AND I've got Beyod Death video on a spotlight at the examiner!

 

You can read the interview here: http://www.examiner.com/x-5288-Salt-Lake-City-Romance-Novels-Examiner~y2009m4d17-Welcome-Romance-Lovers--Romance-author-Jinger-Jackson-is-with-me-this-morning

 

And check out the video here: http://www.examiner.com/x-4981-Romance-Novel-Examiner~y2009m4d17-Friday-Features--Check-out-these-booktrailers

 

Enjoy!

 

Hugz

JJ

~~
Jinger Jackson http://jingerjackson.blogspot.com
Let me thrill and chill you...

WOOHOO!!

Last night's chat was awesome! It was hard to keep up on, but it was such a blast! A lot of great reads out there. I had fun readingf all the excerpts from the talented RP authors. I was even fortunate enough to snag a copy of James Goodman's Pixels and Pain. I can't wait to get into it!

In other news, I recently resubmitted Heaven's Torment to another publisher. I had wanted to stay with RP but they didn't care for it so I guess we'll wait and see what happens! I submitted to a house called Carnal Pleasures--they're under the same umbrella as Champagne Books but for the erotic side of the industry.

I got the best compliment EVER! My friend Becka and I were discussing Heaven's Torment and I gave her a few clips of the book. She said: "that was like steven king writing erotica." THAT'S what I was going for! WOOHOO!!! YAY! Now, if I could just find someone to publish it....

Well, I need to get back to work. Have a GREAT day y'all!

Hugz
JJ

Chatting tonight!

Tonight the authors from Resplendence Publishing are chatting with YOU, our readers! This isnt a live time chat but an email chat and its SOOOO simple to join in on the fun!

All you have to do is be a part of the Romantic Gems yahoo group, have your email setting at individual emails and viola! Have a ball!

We'll be taking your questions, sharing excerpts from our books and giving you sneak peaks into what's ahead.

You'll also be able to play along and win some great FREE STUFF from RP and the authors themselves.

So come along, invite a friend or five to join us in the fun! How? If you've not already done so, join the Romantic Gems Yahoo group: RomanticGems-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and be there starting at 8 Eastern Time (that's 7 pm here in the central time zone!)

We'll be looking for you!

Hugz! See you tonight,
JJ

My daughter says

This cartoon reminds her of me. I don't see it...



HEHEHE

I'm still battling a stomach virus. I don't know if I'm ever going to feel well again. It's very frustrating as it has interferred with my writing time. It's rather difficult to sit at the computer and work when all you feel like doing is lying down and burying your head. Hope the doc can come up with some answers tomorrow.

I swear I'd think I was pregnant except that I don't have the plumbing to make that a possibility any longer...

All right. I'm heading back off in the direction of my bed.

Hugz all!
JJ

Struggling with inspiration

I'm losing the battle. I'm trying desperately to come up with something suitable to submit to my publisher but all the confidence I once had in the current project has dissolved. I'm not sure why.

I'm just suddenly overwhelmed with a serious case of the blahs. Is it Seasonal Affect Disorder or am I just sad? I can't say for certain the one thing I do know is that I need to get off the stick and get busy but for some reason I just can't manage to come up with the desire to write at this time.

I think I need a vacation. I haven't gone away for the weekend in quite some time and I think I need a weekend getaway.

This weekend I happen to be taking off--for Friday night and Saturday anyway--to retreat for the ladies from our church. My best friend and I will be in room of the hotel and after ten pm we're on our own. Maybe a weekend of fun, games, kicking her can in cards and goofing around will rejuvinate me. If it doesn't work....(hold your ears please, primal scream coming. Thank you!)AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

Well, rather than continuing to blather I guess I'll say adios for now and get ready for another day of battling the demon Anti-Muse.

Hugz
JJ

Diet update

For those of you who wagered I wouldn’t have the will power to stick to this horrible diet, give yourselves a pat on the back. I couldn’t handle it. By Sunday I was so ill I couldn’t bear it. I ended up caving and eating 4 oz of tuna and 6 crackers. My stomach hasn’t recovered yet, I still feel ill.

Sunday I went and bought 6 large chicken breasts that I boiled until the meat fell from the bones. I then shredded the meat and separated it into individual servings. Chicken salad is healthy and its wonderful tasting too. So I’m playing with ideas on how to eat it.

I have combination I came up with that sounded wonderful: mix the shred chicken with red grapes and apple chunks; serve over a bed of fresh spinach leaves. Mix apple juice and mayo for the dressing and viola, instant chicken salad. I’ll let you know how it works out.

My DIL’s grandfather passed away on Sunday, I took care of the baby all day yesterday while she and my son went to tend to the family business. My dad came home from a month at the farm—it was wonderful to have daddy home!

I made dinner for him and mom. I know my mom loves pepper steak, I found peppers and steak but couldn’t find a recipe so I improvised. I took a wok, used some canola oil and soy sauce, stripped a round steak, julienned red and green peppers and half an onion then I tossed it all in the wok skillet. As it cooked, I combined ketchup and pomegranate juice in a mug then when the meat was brown I added the ketchup, pomegranate mixture and simmered on low.

I served it with rice and I have to tell you it was fabulous! I only ate a small bit (trying to practice portion control!) but man! I was mighty impressed with myself. Mom asked for the recipe and I’m like uh…well, I just chopped and tossed and boom! There it is. Then I mentioned the pomegranate ketchup mixture and she’s like huh? What made you think of that? *shrugs* I’m not sure. It just sounded good so I did it. I don’t know how healthy it was but it sure was delicious! If my DH and DD would eat it I’d make it here.

Have to run!

See you all again soon!
Hugz!

For the first time in close to twenty years…

I’m going on a diet. Why? Well, if you’ve seen photos of me you’re all probably saying it’s about time, finally or something along those lines.

I’ve always had one attitude about my weight: You don’t like the way I look—don’t look at me! I still feel this way so why this sudden attack of insanity? It’s a personal matter. A private and bitterly painful conversation made me open my eyes.

But this thing I’m doing isn’t necessarily classified as a diet. It’s called the Master Cleanse, or the Lemonade Diet.

It’s not as easy as it sounds. For the next ten days whenever I get hungry I have to drink the following concoction: 2 tblsp lemon juice, 2 tblsp molasses, a sprinkling of cayenne pepper mixed in 8 oz purified water and as an added bonus I get a glass of laxative tea at bed time. This is it. No food.

This is rumored to cleanse your body of all the impurities; all those nasty toxins that build up in your system and make you feel so bad. It’s also supposed to reboot your metabolism, shrink your stomach and change your attitude about food. My guess is ten days from now I’m going to be ready to bare hand, skin and serve the first thing that crosses my path. LOL.

The hard part will be sticking to this because I’ve got to be honest, this drink? It’s one of the worst tasting things I’ve ever indulged in. It’s pretty sad when you consider lemons and molasses are two of my more favorite things.

I’m not sure if I can make it. Will that make me appear weak? *shrugs* maybe, but that’s okay too. The important thing is I have to try. Since I made the decision Wednesday to start this I’ve been trying the mind over matter trick—chanting to myself I can do it. It’s only ten days, how hard can it be? I already feel whimpy. Guess I better chug some more of this miracle cleanse…

Check back with me in a couple of days to see how I’m doing, okay?

Hugz
JJ

Been MIA

I'm running behind in everything. I haven't posted a new blog entry since...wow! January! Shame on me. My February newsletter still hasn't been released, and it's been ages since I've checked MySpace.

Why? Writing--thank goodness! I've been buried in 5 different ideas and trying to work on them is like juggling burning elephants while walking a tightrope across the Grand Canyon. So why am I working on them simultaneously?

Imagine this scenario: You have five children. Each one is shouting at the same time for something different; "Mom I'm hungry!" "Mom, it's time for football practice!" Mom, I need to get to ballet class!" "Honey? I'm home. When's dinner?" "Mom my car broke down and I need a ride to work."

Which one do you tell to shut it? And let's be honest, you might tell them to stifle, that doesn't mean they actually do. There's still the not-quite-beneath-their-breath grumbling.

That's what it's like for me. The voices nearly make me crazy--er, crazier. This (hopefully) explains why there isn't a new release looming in my future. It's mighty damn hard to get anything accomplished quickly.

Guess I better get back to the circus...

Tomorrow I'm blogging at Gems of Romance blog (http://resplendencegems.blogspot.com/) hope you'll stop by and say hello.

Huz and Happy Weekend!
JJ

Beyond Death

Hawk's Rayne

I had submitted this manuscript to my editor and she enjoyed the book but there were some changes she wanted. I agreed to make the changes and to send it back to her as soon as I could.

As I unraveled the original story my mind began to drift and I ended up with somehting that, while at the core is the same book, it's taking a different route to get that original location. Why? I have no idea. I liked hte characters the first time around but I didn't love the book.

Now I feel more comfortable with it. Becuase of the major rewrites it's slow going but I'm plodding along. Because of these changes, Morgan's Creek has been put on hold--which is NOT making Sheriff Alverro Schmidt or Agent Sage Lee very happy.

But it's important to me to get these changes done. While there is no guarantee the book will be contracted, the sooner it's completed the sonner RP can make that determination.

Guess I better get back to work.

Hugz!
JJ

Possessed

Well this has certainly started off as an interesting year. I recently sat down at my computer determined that I was going to try writing one of the other girls in my projected Immortals series. (I haven't even sold the first one so it may be a wasted effort. )

Imagine my surprise when instead of lighthearted romance a serious Thriller/Horror came pouring out! I had no idea it was in there but now that it began I'm having trouble shutting it off. Not that it's a bad thing. I mean I'm actually writing. But this story is one of the most intense ones I've ever written.

The working title is Morgan Creek and I have to admit it's kind of freaking me out a little. I wonder if I might be slightly unhinged to come up with such an idea--okay, I've always been slightly unhinged, ask my family (GGG) as the book nears completion I'll share some of it with you. Right now about 30 pages have basically written themselves. I love it when that happens. Usually my books that write themselves tend to be better than anything else I've done. They're more popular and get higher reviews. Plus I don't stress over how/what to write next.

This book isn't a romance, not technically. There might be a romantic element in there, depends on what the voices dictate.

Well I need to get moving. The voices are back and keeping my concentration at an end.

Hugz!
JJ

I've been nominated!

I was so excited to learn that I've been nominated for an award. Every year a place called Predators and Editors has a voting for the favorite/best of the year. This year I've been nominated for an honor: Horror of the year! I'm thrilled!

Now it's up to the readers to vote. So I'm asking that you take a couple minutes of your time and vote for me. I'll provide the link below. You're only allowed one vote, the poll closes at midnight on January 14th, and on the voting page everything is listed in alphabetical order.

Here we go:
Horror of the year: Beyond Death
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/novelh.shtml

It was also nominated for the prize as the best short of the year.

Here is the link for that: Horror short stories: Beyond Death
http://www.critters.org/predpoll/shortstoryh.shtml

Thank you so very much for your time! HUGZ!
JJ

The January 2009

Edition of my newsletter is now up and live.

You can access it by clicking here

Enjoy and KEEP WARM!

Hugz
JJ

It's a Brand New Day

and a fresh, brand New Year. A time to reflect on past successes, learn from past failures, forget the old and put on the new.

In my newsletter I listed my resolutions, such as they were. So I think I'll just share my goals for 2009:

1. Complete and contract (sell) 3 manuscripts
2. Develop a more solid advertising plan
3. Be more proactive on the author loops
4. Attend more chats
5. Update my newsletters, blog, and websites more often

Hope to see you all much more frequently! May this new year see you all enjoy great health, no sadness, success and happiness in all you do!
Hugz
JJ