Older But Content

So yesterday was my birthday and it was wonderful with the entire family here. It was so much fun and in the middle of the chaos, I realized how content and happy I am. Thirty or forty (yes, I'm old) years ago, I might not have imagined where I would be today with a large family, a huge house, and a writing career. I wasn't even considering being a writer until after my daughter was born 23 years ago. But here I am, and it's great. The industry is a tough nut to crack and once you are published, it's even more difficult to keep on going. Low pay, hard work, and long hours add up to a sense of personal accomplishment. I hope I never get too old to give up the constant learning that my writing career demands.

 Of course, my dear family gave me all the things I love as gifts beyond their presence. Wine, a GoT wine glass, book gift cards, Yankee candles, and did I say wine. They're the best.

In the industry, my friends and I have discussed what it means to be a bestseller. There are so many lists. Do they mean anything anymore? Do readers care if a book is labeled a bestseller? How the heck does Amazon even come up with their numbers? Do the lists include eBooks? This PW article talks about all these things. All writers want to publish a 'bestseller' but does it mean anything in today's market?

As a writing of romance, I, like most of my colleagues, find myself often defending the genre. Yet, romance makes up 34% of the book market. It's important. So many people have the idea it's not on the same level of writing as other genres. Worse, because most of the readers are women, it's deemed not intelligent or not good stories. The attitude is so ridiculous when the genre is so successful. Many studies have shown the average romance reader is a college-educated female. There's nothing wrong with reading a book with a happy ending compared to reading a book full of the suffering and terrible things that are on the news everyday or perhaps in a person's own life.

On the good side, Supernatural has been great this season so far. Poldark has been satisfyingly dramatic. The Punisher is coming to Netflix on Friday. My once favorite show, Once Upon a Time, is okay this season. I always like seeing how they put new spins on old fairy tales. It gives me creative ideas.

I'm planning for Thanksgiving dinner and starting to gather the 'fixings' as the entire feast is at my house each year. The kids want everything to be exactly like the previous years, but I try at least one new thing each year.

That WIP that I wanted to have done in October? I'm hoping by the end of November now. Sigh.....

Have you ever had a bestseller? Does bestseller 'status' influence you to buy a book? Enjoying Supernatural or looking forward to The Punisher?

Friday By the Numbers

Just a short check in post today. I've been so busy this week I don't know where to start. The best part is except for getting my post ready for IWSG next week, I've accomplished everything I intended for the week. A few things to polish up this weekend and I'll be set.

Even with all the work I've accomplished, I spent way too many hours on Pinterest. Just to spread the procrastination fever around a bit, I found three fun things to share with you.

I'll just signed a contract for my 10th romance novel and will celebrate the release of my 9th one soon. In honor of that here's a nice article of The Five Things Every Good Romance Should Have.

I do cringe when I read a cliché line in a novel. I hope I don't use them when I speak. My husband's favorite is 'as sharp as a bowling ball' when referring to someone who has just done something not very bright. Here's a list of 12 Cliches All Writers Should Avoid.

And with the recent passing of the amazing Maya Angelou, I thought sharing this article on 17 Maya Angelou Quotes That Will Inspire You To Be a Better Person might get the creative juices flowing for the weekend.

Join me on the IWSG blog on Monday. Did you already know the five important things to have in a romance novel? Is there a cliché you use a lot or one you're really tired of hearing? Do you have a favorite Maya Angelou quote? Any great weekend plans?