I’ve been hunkered down writing, researching and plowing through copy edits, and not paying much attention to the world around me. So what’s been going on?

I do know that Owen Wilson tried to kill himself. That made me very sad. He’s a fave of mine. Then I heard about the Idaho senator who was playing footsies in a Minneapolis airport bathroom stall (um geez, what the hell were you thinking? and don’t you know airport bathrooms are GROSS!!), and is it really true that Nicole Ritchie only spent 82 minutes in jail (seriously, only 82 minutes????)?

Talk to me dalings. Inquiring minds want to know!!!

K*

Tonight at my youngest (#2) daughter’s house we celebrated the birthday of her great-aunt who amazingly is just turning a paltry 39 years old! As number one daughter and I challenged number one son and her significant other to a game of pool (it was quite comical actually, especially since mass quantities of wine were consumed) my daughter and I somehow got on the subject of objects and pictures in our respective houses. You see, daughter number two has pictures throughout her house. Lot’s and lot’s of pictures. Every single one of them make me smile. My oldest daughter mentioned a picture she had in her house.

I asked her why she had it, knowing one of the persons in the pic made her sad. She shrugged and said, “I don’t know.”

I said, “Get rid of it.”

She looked at me perplexed, and I said to her, “Why have something in your home, your safe place, that every time you look at it makes you angry or sad?” I went on to tell her, “I removed all of those types of pictures from my house years ago. Not just put them away but tossed them. In the trash!” I went on to explain, “My friend Nyree who is a feng shui expert says not to have those things that remind you of unpleasant things or unpleasant people around you. Whether pictures, objects d’art, or memorabilia.”

It makes perfect sense to me.

When I designed my office I picked specific colors for my walls and my furniture. Colors and textures that gave me pleasure. I had already cleared my house of anything and everything that gave me displeasure. To the point of disposing of things of monetary value. I just didn’t want them in my house. Every single time I looked at them I either felt anger, sadness or discontent. What was the point of keeping them?

Think about it. If someone you despise gave you a picture or some type of household item or piece of art, what do you think every time you look at it? What is the point of feeling pissed off or maudlin?

GET RID OF IT!!!! Replace it with something that makes you smile.

Now, I want you to take a look around your house and pick one thing that every time you look at it makes you cringe. It could be a pic of the MIL you detest, or the ex-best friend’s water color that is worth a couple of thousand bucks. It could be a picture of your deceased father who you never got along with or it could be framed rejection letters that remind you each time you look at them you have been rejected! It could be a sculpture the love of your life who dumped you, gave to you as a parting gift.

GET RID OF IT!!!

Then, I want you to tell us what you tossed and if you are really brave, why. Bwahahahahah!

Ciao,

K*

about murder over at Murder She Writes.

K*

As many of you may know I’m part of The Write Attitude group. As a member I have been relentlessly whipped by Edie to get my journey to publication story written so that it could be posted on the site.

I’d avoided it for several reasons. One: pure laziness. Two: I’m a procrastinator by nature and it just would not look good if, god forbid, I was remotely close to being on time with it.
Three: my story is boring.

But after much nudging and threats, I acquiesced yesterday and wrote my journey.
So without further adieu here it is, and I’m warning you, it’s boring.

Karin’s journey to publication.

It’s not a razzle-dazzle story. It isn’t a turn of luck, or a hardship case. It wasn’t one of those epiphany type moments when I knew what I had to do. Nope, mine was pretty text book.

I can sum it up in one word: perseverance.

I’m a goal orientated person. I set a goal and work hard until I achieve it. No secret formula.

Always a reader and a sometime dabbler in writing, I made the decision I wanted to be New York published almost 7years ago.
As a business woman first and foremost I drew up a plan. A map if you will on how I was getting to New York. I had a lot of work to do.

I spent several years honing my craft, hanging with like-minded people and constantly querying agents. I went to conferences when I didn’t know anyone, and made contacts.
My writing improved, I stopped getting form rejections and I met editors. I forged onward, and sold. It wasn’t until after my first sale I signed with my dream agent. And the rest they say is history.

My advice is and has always been, never, never, ever give up. Not if you want it. If you quit then you have no one to blame but yourself.

See? I told you it was boring. Tried and true usually is. But there it is. No secret formula, just hard work and perseverance.

Here’s the weird part of this story. After I sold and was sipping some very nice Dom in the hot tub with hubby I said, “So, what the hell do I do now?”

He looked at me kind of funny and said, “What do you mean what do you do now?”

“Well, I achieved my goal to sell to New York. What do I do now?” You see, I was so focused on the goal of selling, I hadn’t looked past that. I wasn’t sure at that point if I really wanted to continue writing. It’s a lot of work!

Hubby was thoughtful for a moment then said, “I guess your next goal can be to hit the New York Times bestseller list.”

I nodded. Sounded good to me. We clinked our glasses and I have been working furiously toward that goal since.

Now let me also add, during the pre-publication years there was frustration, anger, despair, hopelessness and more than once I questioned my goal. I am very fortunate. I have a husband who would not allow me to quit, and then there was the example I had to set for my children. On principle alone I could not quit. So by my hard work, and a little help from my family, I realized my dream.

So, for those of you in the pre-published stage of your writing, understand there will be times when you want to quit. When you feel hopeless, and all looks bleak. I’m telling you, if you work through it, you will realize your dream.

So, how goes the road to publication for you? There yet? Almost? Can see it on the horizon?

Write on,

K*

Looking to push for the fall and GET that book published in the New York market? I just finished my third book for Berkley, and so I have a bit of time during which I’m offering book critiques.

A full critique will include a three-page analysis of plot, storyline, pacing, and characterization. It also includes a detailed analysis of all major characters.

You can choose from one chapter, three chapters, or complete manuscript.

A full critique includes a detailed evaluation of manuscript, focusing on major elements, but also addressing grammar and structure.

Critique will be sent in email within four weeks of receipt of manuscript and payment. Payments should be made via Paypal.

For a one chapter critique: $75.
For three chapters: $125.

For full manuscript, 70,000 words or less: $200
For full manuscript, 70,000 to 90,000 words: $250
For full manuscript, 90,000-125,000: $300.
(For larger manuscripts, contact Natalie.)

For more information, contact Natalie: Nataliewrites@aol.com.

For a limited time, I will include a QUERY LETTER critique with each full manuscript order.

Bio:

Natalie R. Collins is an editor, proofreader and author with more than 25 years writing experience. She has worked for the largest daily newspaper in Utah, for the Sundance Film Festival as an editor/proofreader, and as an English teacher. She is a multi-published author, with two books out from St. Martin’s Press, the critically-acclaimed WIVES AND SISTERS and BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. She is currently working on her third book for St. Martin’s. She also writes for Berkley Prime Crime, under the name Natalie M. Roberts. The first book in her Jenny T. Partridge Dance Mystery Series, TUTU DEADLY, was published in April 2007. Her second book with Berkley, TAPPED OUT, will be published in October 2007. Berkley is a division of Penguin Putnam. In addition, the sequel to the first book she ever wrote, SISTERWIFE, is coming out in October 2007 from Five Star Books. TWISTED SISTER is a part of the Sisters of Sin series.

Natalie is well-known for her free literary agent listing, a list of legitimate, vetted, non-fee charging agents with a verifiable track record of sales. She has also written numerous articles on agents, editors, and getting published. She speaks at writers’ conferences and workshops, and is slated to be a teacher at the 2008 Pen to Press Writers’ Retreat.

Natalie lives in Utah with her two daughters.

Okay, so normaly I don’t do this kind of promo, but here’s the fact of the matter: Nat is my dear friend. I love her. She is also one of the most intuitive writers I know, and she is rock solid in her craft. So, if you need some guidance here you go.

Have a great Monday everyone!

K*

Before I name her, I want to reiterate what I have often said in blog posts over the years. If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. Or persevere. Or never, ever quit. Because quite frankly, you don’t know what the heck is going on, on the other side of your journey. And the story of this judge is the perfect example.

I was introduced to my next First Line Contest judge at the PASIC reception in New York by my agent. I could tell from their camaraderie they had a mutual affection and respect for each other. I immediately liked this lady. She was warm, funny, and cute. She is also smart. As editors should be. I had a feeling at that time our paths would cross again, and in a good way.

Fast forward to last month. As many of you know I’ve been swamped. With writing and life, but in the back of my mind the thought of securing an editor was there, lurking. I wanted someone who was acquiring, someone in a reputable house, someone who was fun, not stuffy. Someone I had made a connection with. I knew who this person was. I met her in NYC in March. I emailed my agent to get her email addy and wrote what I thought was a lite heartfelt email to this editor. I didn’t beat around the bush either. I told her I wanted her, and I told her why. I hit the send button and frankly expected a response by the end of the day. Umm, there wasn’t one. Or the next day. Or the next. I resent the email the following week. Now mind you, I had put my name in the subject line and figured at the very least she might have a niggling memory of meeting me! Another week passed. Nada.

This past Tuesday I emailed my agent and asked her to confirm the addy. I gave a little in the email saying I hoped at the very least my emails had landed in the spam dungeon and not, god forbid, been deleted or ignored!

Well, the editor in question had recently gotten married and changed her name. Hence her email had changed. After getting the correct email I sent my original email to her. Within 5 minutes she replied and said she would be happy to judge!

Whew. She remembered me. Talk about an ego boost!

Moral of the story: keep trying.

So it is my great pleasure to announce that St. Martins’ editor, formerly known as Hilary Rubin, will be my next First Line Contest final judge!
Hilary, if you read this, thank you again!

So to all who are chomping at the bit, start honing those first lines. I hope to get underway in mid September. The start date is contingent on how quickly I can wrap up KISS OF THE KINIGHT.

Ciao for now,

K*

It’s nose-to-the-grindstone time again. I’m feverishly working on KISS of the KNIGHT, and then some. Research is a bear. But a very interesting one. I spent days, not hours researching the pre 1066 England nobility pecking order. I finally had to throw the question out to a historical loop I’m on, and while I did get info, it was info I already had but wasn’t positive about. The nice soul who responded validated, with sources, what I knew. So I’ll run with what will be a minor detail in the story, but I want it correct.

Some of you are scratching your head and asking, “Why didn’t you go to the loop first?”
My answer is: if I don’t do my homework first, it feels like I’m asking someone to do the work for me.

That said, if there is anyone out there who is an expert on 1066 England, raise your hand! I would love a go-to person.

Other than that, I am still working on finding an editor for my next First Line Contest. Doing all of the stuff required of the mother of the bride, and all of the other life stuff.

Last night was a welcome respite. Number two daughter, my mother-in-law, aunt, and I went shopping and then had a fabo dinner at a downtown restaurant. Lol my mil was all ewey about sitting outside, (she hates flies, so do I) but the weather and scenery were too perfect not to. I had the most delicious pomegranate Cosmo on the planet. The food was really good the service better, and well, it was one of those evenings where everything was perfect. I didn’t realize until we were laughing and chatting just how much I needed a night like that out. And the company aside, I outdid myself at the mall.

I’m not a big shopper, but I found the coolest black suede slouch boots at Steve Madden. A shirt at Bebe that actually fit me! Another two shirts at Express that fit! And Chico had a great selection of belts. I couldn’t help myself. I bought three. Oh, and pair of slacks.
I almost was very bad at the Coach store. There was this beautiful red leather bag with matching accessories…for the ensemble? A mere $1300 and change. Hmm, maybe next contract…

Everything I purchased is still sitting in bags at the bottom of the stairway. I have walked past the heap no less then 20 times today. Maybe tomorrow I’ll drag it all up and put it away. And maybe not. I just put one of the suitcases I took to Dallas in the spare room last week.
Sigh, at my core, I’m lazy. But, I have felt very self-indulgent lately. And I have never felt guilt spending money on myself. So long as the household doesn’t suffer.

I know many women feel bad about splurging on themselves. But let’s for the sake of argument here, say we have a fluid income, and we can indulge ourselves however we want.

What would you indulge in?

K*

Lee! While Lee did not come up with the actual title I chose for my historical series, her comment took me there.

My editor loves it! and while I really want to announce it right now, I have to wait.

But I promise to share as soon as I can.

Lee, I owe you a 300 DVD. I’ll get it to you next week.

Again, THANK YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

I also want to thank everyone who offered suggestions and a big thank you to Jake, Hubby, and Marcia for making it a lot of fun. I still laugh everytime I read the spoof titles.

Now for my next little competition:

Next week is the art meeting for my cover. What I need help with is finding some pics to send to my editor. She has her concept of what she wants for the cover, and Karin has hers. I want you to help me convince her. To do that I’m looking for pictures of hunky guys on horseback, hunky guys in chain mail, and hunky guys with a sword, astride or not. I’m offering a $25 Visa gift certificate to the top pic, and 2 $15 BN.com gift certificates, one each to the runner up and second place pics. So, send the link in the comments section of this blog or if you have a jpeg, send it to Karin@karintabke.com and let me know in the subject line that it’s a cover contest pic.
All entries need to be in by Tuesday afternoon.

Thank you very much in advance.

I’ll be checking in sporadically, I have a crazy weekend ahead. Tomorrow is my San Francisco RWA chapter meeting, Sunday a bridal fair with the kid and Monday shopping, lunching and movie going with my aunt and mil.

So, everyone have a safe weekend, and go find me the perfect picture!

Ciao

K*

No sooner is JADED off to NYC then I must pounce on KISS of the KNIGHT formerly known as ONE WICKED KNIGHT. When I contracted this book I also contracted for a book #2 historical. I decided early on that book #2 would be related to book #1. Last week whilest eating delicious chocolate cake (Thank you again Poppy) with my plotting goils (Tawny and Jos), I tossed out an idea I’ve been mulling over regarding my historical books # 1 and #2. I want them connected. I want a premise. I want a name for the series. Something hot, something sexy, something medieval. Something not paranormal. I have a para series that I feel really good about. But for my historicals I want something that will resonate with readers. A quest series? A revenge series? I’m not sure.

We came up with a few ideas, some really good ideas, but I don’t know if they are meaty enough to carry a series. When I think series I think 3-5 books. If I go with what we came up with there would be 7 books. That scares me. I need seven, actually 14 distinct characters, plots, and a solid thread to tie them all together. I’m not sure I have enough of an imagination for all of that.

I have a handle on my first three heroes and their lady loves. But what I don’t have is a way to tie them all together.

Now, since I’m having a wee bit of trouble coming up with concepts and a series name, I’d like some help. What I can tell you about the knights in my stories is this: They are all mercenaries (who eventually come to serve William), they are all either bastards, some recognized some not, or third or fourth sons, and they each have a moniker. In the first book, Reegan du Luc is known as la lame noir. The Black Sword. They are all warring men with deep allegiance to either the coin or their king. They have fought together as a unit at one time, and must come together for the greater good of Normandy. They may not like it, but they do, because the bottom line is they all crave legitimacy, revenge, and land, and with the invasion there is a chance for all three.

The prize to the person with the series title I like best will win a DVD of 300! I’ll pick the winner Friday.

So how ’bout it? Can you help me out?

K*

Is it necessary? Does it bug you when someone smirks and says, “Oh, you read that crap?”

Or as a writer when someone says, “You write that smutty stuff?”

Or hear this from non romance writers, “When are you going to write a real book?”

Or when a friend, family member or casual acquaintances introduces you as the ‘porn writer’, does it offend you?

When you see an author behaving badly or publicly dissing the genre does it bug you?

With any one of these scenarios, do you feel the need to defend what you love to read and write?

And if you do, what do you say?

K*