Call Me A Slacker...

Well you can call me that if you wish, but this blog is the only thing I've been slacking about. I know, casting the blogging rod every two months, just isn't reeling in the readers. So, I will try to keep the promise I made to myself, and continue to blog as often as I can.

I've been so totally busy with Real Estate. In fact, lately I feel like the scrawny dude in the strong man competition, trying like hell to move these houses that just aren't selling. Nothing's selling right now. I'm physically and mentally exhausted by it all. But, it's my job, so here I am doing it. Now for a moment close your eyes (well wait 'til you read the rest of this sentence) and picture me strapping a big, thick rope to a 4000 square foot house and trying my best to pull it, just an inch...just a centimeter...no give. None at all. Oh, and the rope's in my teeth and I'm on roller skates. Not pretty, eh.

Enough Pouting. On to the good stuff.

The month of May was great with Mother's day at my house. Oh, how I love family get-togethers. And...I had my first piece published in May. It was an article, in The Huffington Post, for their Mother's Day Issue. Yea me-I was thrilled. Check it out here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-brown-/shes-still-my-little-gir_b_47707.html

May also included many softball games for my girls, several field trips, and my ten-year-old's birthday Party. And then a moment I had been waiting for all year...My trip to New York City for the Backspace conference. Backspace, the writer's forum, is a group of wonderful people with a common interest-they are already published, or are on their way to publication.

The conference was an absolute thrill. An all/awe inspiring three days for me. Not only did I get the chance to put faces to the names of the writer's on the forum, but I also had the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the finest agents and editors in the publishing industry. I heard the stories of how author's made their dreams become a reality, and heard stories from long-time authors such as David Morrell, who's story brought tears to my eyes.

This event evoked something so powerful inside of me. I couldn't wait to get back home and write. The anxiety so powerful within me. The adrenalin bubbling through my veins like lava about to erupt form a garden hose. In my mind, on the way home, I envisioned myself running along side my own car, then sprinting ahead several strides, until I beat myself to my own door. Rushing to get to the computer, where my characters were waiting to greet me, as an infant who needing nursing would.

And so...that's just what I've been up to. Trying my best to perfect my novel, Lemonade for Christmas, so all of you wonderful people can read it (bound) one day, instead of on 8 1/2 x 11, or the computer screen. In case there are readers unfamiliar with my book, I hope this sparks your interest:

Jack learns at the age of twelve what the true meaning of Christmas and family is really about. In the months prior to Christmas his life was turned upside down. First he learns that is mother is going to have a baby, then his friend becomes deathly ill, and lastly he is faced with the possible demise of his mother and unborn brother.

Prior to these events Jack only cared about himself and what money could buy him. Finding himself amidst the pain that no twelve year old should ever endure, he finds new meaning to life and Christmas. He also realizes that lessons are not only taught by parents and mentors, but by people we might least expect.

As each new holiday approaches, along with it comes the desire for inspiration to tug at our heart strings. It is a time when hope, sorrow, love and miracles are all within our reach. Some believe that inspiration is best found in the form of a tale, or a happenstance of another’s life, or perhaps as Jack might insist, in a cup of lemonade.

I believe, as Jack does, that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, by unexpected people. I also believe that if you take the time to indulge yourself in a bit of Lemonade for Christmas then you just might believe as well.

This novel is a quick read at only 210 fast paced pages. Even the busiest holiday shoppers can find the few hours it takes to capture the endless hours of inspiration found in this story.

This story should appeal to those who enjoyed similar seasonal novels such as The Christmas Box and The Christmas Shoes.

I hope this makes you want more. I will offer up more in future blogs. Hope to see you there. For now all, I'm hearing the voices...of my character's that is...feeding time.