A couple of years ago a title like that would have referred to the completion of a story or a book, but as regular readers of this blog will have noticed, things haven't been like that in the world of Jessica Raymond for quite some time.
"The End", in this case, refers to some sad news: the closure of Moonlit Romance, the publishers of all three of my books. The house will be closing down at the end of this year, with 31st December being their final day of business. It was very sad news to hear but, in truth, it has forced to me to have a big think about where my writing career is heading. Once Moonlit Romance ceases trading, none of my books will be available, nor do I have any new books on the horizon.
I have a lot to think about at the moment, and this news may have solidified some decisions for me. However, I still haven't picked out a clear path for the future of Jessica Raymond, so for now, that's all the news there is.
In the meantime, if you would like to purchase any of my books before they go out of print, here are the links:
Showing posts with label my writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my writing. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 29
Friday, August 15
Limbo
Don't worry, it's not the dancing sort. Haven't attempted the limbo since a youth-club disco many moons ago, and nor would I like to! Little Frog, on the other hand, will probably be very good at it, since it has transpired that he is double-jointed. Honestly, he sits (and sleeps) in the strangest, most painful-looking positions and doesn't seem to care a bit.
The limbo of which I speak is the indecisive kind. Yep, it's me again, wondering what to do with my life and trying to work out how I should prioritise everything I want/need/would like to do. Subjects include (a) making improvements to our house; (b) getting a part-time job; (c) fitting in writing; and (d) possibly starting a business; along with other mundane things like (e) dieting; and (f) the colour of my hair. (Some of these things are obviously more important than others.)
Probably the easiest solution would be to write a To Do list, but then if I write one of those I'm going to have to start making Pro & Con lists, which'll be no help whatsoever with my decision-making and will only make me spend money on fancy stationery and pretty pens.
Sigh...
Maybe I should see a fortune teller or an astrologist or something. Or get a life coach. Does anyone want to volunteer?
The limbo of which I speak is the indecisive kind. Yep, it's me again, wondering what to do with my life and trying to work out how I should prioritise everything I want/need/would like to do. Subjects include (a) making improvements to our house; (b) getting a part-time job; (c) fitting in writing; and (d) possibly starting a business; along with other mundane things like (e) dieting; and (f) the colour of my hair. (Some of these things are obviously more important than others.)
Probably the easiest solution would be to write a To Do list, but then if I write one of those I'm going to have to start making Pro & Con lists, which'll be no help whatsoever with my decision-making and will only make me spend money on fancy stationery and pretty pens.
Sigh...
Maybe I should see a fortune teller or an astrologist or something. Or get a life coach. Does anyone want to volunteer?
Sunday, August 3
Jean Genie
It's been a good week. Reasons:
1. I've applied for a handful of part-time jobs that would really interest me and which have nice little benefits.
2. I've written some more notes on the book idea that's been prodding me for attention every now and then, as well as deciding on names for my hero and heroine.
3. I FINALLY got hold of a copy of the lovely Nell Dixon's brand-new release, Blue Remembered Heels ... My local WHSmith and Waterstones? Sold out!
4. I tracked down two pairs of jeans that actually fit me, and for me this is a momentous event -- it's extremely difficult to find a good pair when you are only 5 foot 1.
5. I lost two pounds on the SlimFast plan, thanks in no small part to the lovely lady on eBay who sells American SlimFast bars (which are way better than the paltry three flavours we have here in the UK).
6. We found a fab new childminder for Little Frog.
7. We booked our summer mini-break and will be staying in a lovely little cottage in Cornwall.
But the week is set to finish on a not-so-happy note. The afore-mentioned Frog has been very unhappy all weekend, mainly due to the fact that he is cutting three big fat pointy molar teeth all at once. When I check inside his mouth to see how they are doing I just have to clasp him to myself in sorrow because it looks SO PAINFUL.
Just finished reading: The Hollow by Nora Roberts
1. I've applied for a handful of part-time jobs that would really interest me and which have nice little benefits.
2. I've written some more notes on the book idea that's been prodding me for attention every now and then, as well as deciding on names for my hero and heroine.
3. I FINALLY got hold of a copy of the lovely Nell Dixon's brand-new release, Blue Remembered Heels ... My local WHSmith and Waterstones? Sold out!
4. I tracked down two pairs of jeans that actually fit me, and for me this is a momentous event -- it's extremely difficult to find a good pair when you are only 5 foot 1.
5. I lost two pounds on the SlimFast plan, thanks in no small part to the lovely lady on eBay who sells American SlimFast bars (which are way better than the paltry three flavours we have here in the UK).
6. We found a fab new childminder for Little Frog.
7. We booked our summer mini-break and will be staying in a lovely little cottage in Cornwall.
But the week is set to finish on a not-so-happy note. The afore-mentioned Frog has been very unhappy all weekend, mainly due to the fact that he is cutting three big fat pointy molar teeth all at once. When I check inside his mouth to see how they are doing I just have to clasp him to myself in sorrow because it looks SO PAINFUL.
Just finished reading: The Hollow by Nora Roberts
Saturday, July 19
Which Path?
Had a lovely day today. Little Frog and I went to see his grandma and auntie, and the four of us spent the day browsing the high-street sales and chatting. I even got to amble around the book shop for twenty minutes on my own, picking up random books and reading bits of them before putting them back (sadly, I couldn't afford to buy any -- boo). I haven't book-browsed like that for ages, and it was really nice. Especially nice when I found a book I proofread; I always remember the consistent problems that appeared in each book I've worked on and it's a thrill to look at the published product and see all the things I pointed out that have been put right.
The only slight damper on my day was in the Marks & Spencer coffee shop, when Little Frog decided to throw up all down himself and, accordingly, all over my jeans. I beat a hasty retreat to the baby changing room with the small sodden one tucked under my arm and thanked God that I always have a fresh set of clothes for him in the change bag. Not so much luck for me -- I had to do the best I could on my jeans with a baby wipe and then... sigh... had to buy a new skirt to change into. Ah well.
Lately I've been floundering again as to what path I should be taking, career-wise. Proofreading is still going well but is extremely sporadic, and in the current state of the country's finances I need to have a regular and guaranteed income. Basically, I need to find a job. But I also need to find a new childminder, since Frog will stop going to his current one in mid-August. It is likely that his care days are going to change and I can't commit to anything until I know when those days will be. In the meantime, I'm spending a few hours a week fruitlessly searching local job websites and keeping my fingers crossed for a National Lottery/Premium Bond win.
On the plus side, I've been having thoughts about my book idea almost every day at the moment and have made quite a few notes on it this week. Perhaps once my new childcare arrangements are settled and I've managed to figure out some way of having a regular flow of money then I can start to structure in some writing. I mean, please... how long has it been?!
Just finished reading: The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy by Polly Williams
The only slight damper on my day was in the Marks & Spencer coffee shop, when Little Frog decided to throw up all down himself and, accordingly, all over my jeans. I beat a hasty retreat to the baby changing room with the small sodden one tucked under my arm and thanked God that I always have a fresh set of clothes for him in the change bag. Not so much luck for me -- I had to do the best I could on my jeans with a baby wipe and then... sigh... had to buy a new skirt to change into. Ah well.
Lately I've been floundering again as to what path I should be taking, career-wise. Proofreading is still going well but is extremely sporadic, and in the current state of the country's finances I need to have a regular and guaranteed income. Basically, I need to find a job. But I also need to find a new childminder, since Frog will stop going to his current one in mid-August. It is likely that his care days are going to change and I can't commit to anything until I know when those days will be. In the meantime, I'm spending a few hours a week fruitlessly searching local job websites and keeping my fingers crossed for a National Lottery/Premium Bond win.
On the plus side, I've been having thoughts about my book idea almost every day at the moment and have made quite a few notes on it this week. Perhaps once my new childcare arrangements are settled and I've managed to figure out some way of having a regular flow of money then I can start to structure in some writing. I mean, please... how long has it been?!
Just finished reading: The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy by Polly Williams
Monday, June 2
Pies, Pies, and More Pies
Unfortunately, it's not the sort of pie that one would eat. Although on second thought, that's probably a good thing -- I could do without the extra calories. No, the pies my title refers to are those that feature in the "fingers in many..." saying, since I currently have numerous things in process on the career/work front.
I am still proofreading as well as trying to write when the opportunity arises, although I admit that this is not happening as often as I would like. I'm also looking for a part-time job to bring in some extra cash, due to plans we've made for some home improvements and, basically, the soaring cost of pretty much everything in the current economic climate... The third thing that is ticking along in my little mind is an idea for a business that I would very much like to start up. I think it would fulfil a popular need in my local area and it is something I would enjoy doing, plus the financial outlay would not be too monstrous. I've started doing some market research and planning and am feeling quite excited about it all. Will have to see if it pans out.
In home news, Little Frog has now started to crawl, is saying "Mummy" on a regular basis (and something that sounds like "doggy" but could be "Daddy"), and turns one year old in less than TWO WEEKS!
Good news from the Diabetes Auction -- my gift box eventually sold for USD $62! I was very pleased and privileged to be able to help with this year's fundraising effort, not just from my own donation but also from the couple of auctions that I won myself (but not the trip to Las Vegas, alas!).
Just finished reading: Body Work by Fiona Brand
I am still proofreading as well as trying to write when the opportunity arises, although I admit that this is not happening as often as I would like. I'm also looking for a part-time job to bring in some extra cash, due to plans we've made for some home improvements and, basically, the soaring cost of pretty much everything in the current economic climate... The third thing that is ticking along in my little mind is an idea for a business that I would very much like to start up. I think it would fulfil a popular need in my local area and it is something I would enjoy doing, plus the financial outlay would not be too monstrous. I've started doing some market research and planning and am feeling quite excited about it all. Will have to see if it pans out.
In home news, Little Frog has now started to crawl, is saying "Mummy" on a regular basis (and something that sounds like "doggy" but could be "Daddy"), and turns one year old in less than TWO WEEKS!
Good news from the Diabetes Auction -- my gift box eventually sold for USD $62! I was very pleased and privileged to be able to help with this year's fundraising effort, not just from my own donation but also from the couple of auctions that I won myself (but not the trip to Las Vegas, alas!).
Just finished reading: Body Work by Fiona Brand
Wednesday, April 16
A Short Story - "Rearview"
A short story of mine appeared on the Moonlit Romance Authors Blog last week. If you'd like to read Rearview, just click here. I'd love to hear what you thought of it!
News of my Diabetes Auction gift box coming very soon.
News of my Diabetes Auction gift box coming very soon.
Thursday, February 7
Cake Helps You Write
Question: How can we already be a week into February?!
It's been a time of great milestones for Little Frog lately. In the last fortnight he sprouted his first tooth, finally worked out how to sit up unaided, spent a trial day with his childminder (during which he went to a birthday party and was helped to play pass-the-parcel: be still my sniffy motherly heart), and then promptly sprouted his second tooth. How can this be when he was only recently a little pink wrinkly person who just knew how to sleep, poop, and cry??
And so to writerly things... I meant to post my February "To Do" list on the 1st, but got distracted by baby teeth and suchlike. So here it is:
1. Continue subbing my motherhood article. (Am still waiting to hear from the first magazine.)
2. Write chapters two and three of Truck of Luck.
3. Write another short story.
4. Update my website.
I finish my maternity leave next week and will be back to proofreading, but I am going to try my best to continue to meet my writing goals. I may need a couple of slices of Marks & Spencer's chocolate fudge cake to help me, but if that's what it takes then that's what I gotta do!
Just finished reading: One Night Stand by Julie Cohen
It's been a time of great milestones for Little Frog lately. In the last fortnight he sprouted his first tooth, finally worked out how to sit up unaided, spent a trial day with his childminder (during which he went to a birthday party and was helped to play pass-the-parcel: be still my sniffy motherly heart), and then promptly sprouted his second tooth. How can this be when he was only recently a little pink wrinkly person who just knew how to sleep, poop, and cry??
And so to writerly things... I meant to post my February "To Do" list on the 1st, but got distracted by baby teeth and suchlike. So here it is:
1. Continue subbing my motherhood article. (Am still waiting to hear from the first magazine.)
2. Write chapters two and three of Truck of Luck.
3. Write another short story.
4. Update my website.
I finish my maternity leave next week and will be back to proofreading, but I am going to try my best to continue to meet my writing goals. I may need a couple of slices of Marks & Spencer's chocolate fudge cake to help me, but if that's what it takes then that's what I gotta do!
Just finished reading: One Night Stand by Julie Cohen
Saturday, February 2
Whoop Whoop!
The first chapter of The Truck of Luck is DONE! And I am loving my characters. Their dialogue feels really effortless to me, which is great (I sometimes think my dialogue sounds a little forced) and I lurve my hero -- always a good sign.
*happy sigh*
And now I get to celebrate, because today is mine and The Bloke's sixth anniversary (of our first date) and Little Frog is at his grandparents, so we are going out for dinner :)
*happy sigh*
And now I get to celebrate, because today is mine and The Bloke's sixth anniversary (of our first date) and Little Frog is at his grandparents, so we are going out for dinner :)
Thursday, January 31
Ch-Ch-Changes
My maternity leave comes to an end in just a couple of weeks now, and Little Frog is booked in to have a trial day next week with the lady who will hopefully be his childminder. My feelings are mixed about the whole thing (as I imagine most mothers' are). It will be the first time he has been looked after by somebody who is not family, which makes me feel weird and nervous, but equally I am really looking forward to working again. Ah, the guilt...
Oh, and did I mention that he finally has his first tooth? It broke through quite suddenly last week and he's been enjoying testing it out on his baby board books.
So, back to my January To Do list. Did I complete it? Almost.
Tax return? Done. Article about motherhood finished and submitted? Done (but yet to hear back from magazine). Short story? Done (just needs a final check-over before it is sent out).
And on to the final item on the list... Completion of plot and first chapter for Truck of Luck? Not done. Sigh. Although I am much further along with my plotting. I got distracted by another story idea halfway through the month, on which I spent quite a bit of time, so if that hadn't happened I imagine I would have achieved my target. This one will have to be moved on to my February To Do list (look out for it tomorrow) and I think I should expand my goal to include the completion of chapters one, two, and three.
Just finished reading: English Lord, Ordinary Lady by Fiona Harper -- which is a finalist for the RNA's Romance Prize 2008, so best of luck to Fiona (and the other nominees)!
Oh, and did I mention that he finally has his first tooth? It broke through quite suddenly last week and he's been enjoying testing it out on his baby board books.
So, back to my January To Do list. Did I complete it? Almost.
Tax return? Done. Article about motherhood finished and submitted? Done (but yet to hear back from magazine). Short story? Done (just needs a final check-over before it is sent out).
And on to the final item on the list... Completion of plot and first chapter for Truck of Luck? Not done. Sigh. Although I am much further along with my plotting. I got distracted by another story idea halfway through the month, on which I spent quite a bit of time, so if that hadn't happened I imagine I would have achieved my target. This one will have to be moved on to my February To Do list (look out for it tomorrow) and I think I should expand my goal to include the completion of chapters one, two, and three.
Just finished reading: English Lord, Ordinary Lady by Fiona Harper -- which is a finalist for the RNA's Romance Prize 2008, so best of luck to Fiona (and the other nominees)!
Monday, January 21
Little Miss Change-Her-Mind
Thanks for all the comments and input on how to settle on a project. The last couple of days have seen my Libran trait of indecisiveness hit an ultimate peak. I started off the weekend wanting to work on the pregnancy book, changed my mind to Truck of Luck at lunchtime, then back to babies later on in the day. Yesterday I did some plotting for the baby book, but today I've been plotting Truck.
I'm wondering if the best way to handle this is just to plot both, start writing both, and see which one wins. I'm almost certain that one will take the lead. At the moment I think Truck is winning. I've worked on my characters more today and they're feeling a lot more three-dimensional now, and I find that always gets the story moving properly.
We can but wait and see!
I'm wondering if the best way to handle this is just to plot both, start writing both, and see which one wins. I'm almost certain that one will take the lead. At the moment I think Truck is winning. I've worked on my characters more today and they're feeling a lot more three-dimensional now, and I find that always gets the story moving properly.
We can but wait and see!
Friday, January 18
Quandary
So I have just under two weeks to check off the last two items on my January To-Do list: writing a short story and finishing my plotting for The Truck of Luck. The short story's in the works, but the book plotting is being a bit troublesome.
What do you do when you are trying to work on the initial stages of a book but you keep getting distracted by another idea? Because that is what's happening. I keep thinking about another story (pregnancy-related, by the way) when I should be working on Truck.
Since I am writing to my own schedule and not to a contract or a proposal, I am technically free to work on whatever I would like. So what do I do? Continue with Truck, or back-burner it and take on the other story? I guess that, practically speaking, working on the pregnancy book might be a bit more sensible while I'm still close enough to the condition to remember what it was really like...
Votes, please!
Just finished reading: Taking the Leap by Judy Jarvie
What do you do when you are trying to work on the initial stages of a book but you keep getting distracted by another idea? Because that is what's happening. I keep thinking about another story (pregnancy-related, by the way) when I should be working on Truck.
Since I am writing to my own schedule and not to a contract or a proposal, I am technically free to work on whatever I would like. So what do I do? Continue with Truck, or back-burner it and take on the other story? I guess that, practically speaking, working on the pregnancy book might be a bit more sensible while I'm still close enough to the condition to remember what it was really like...
Votes, please!
Just finished reading: Taking the Leap by Judy Jarvie
Wednesday, January 16
Waiting to Hear
My motherhood article is finished and I am waiting to hear if the features editor of my targeted magazine is interested in it. Fingers crossed.
At the weekend I read a horoscope for my year ahead. It said that I would be very motivated and approach my career with sensibility and concentration. Hurrah! I have high hopes for 2008; hopefully Mystic Meg is telling the truth.
We've also been finalizing our childcare plans for Little Frog, since my maternity leave comes to an end in a month's time and I will be resuming my proofreading on a part-time basis. It will be strange not to spend all day/every day with the little one, but I am looking forward to giving my brain a regular workout and snatching back just a little bit of my 21st-century career-girl persona.
At the weekend I read a horoscope for my year ahead. It said that I would be very motivated and approach my career with sensibility and concentration. Hurrah! I have high hopes for 2008; hopefully Mystic Meg is telling the truth.
We've also been finalizing our childcare plans for Little Frog, since my maternity leave comes to an end in a month's time and I will be resuming my proofreading on a part-time basis. It will be strange not to spend all day/every day with the little one, but I am looking forward to giving my brain a regular workout and snatching back just a little bit of my 21st-century career-girl persona.
Wednesday, January 9
Item number one: Check!
That's one item crossed off my list -- the tax return. I filed it online and it's a lot easier. I still have trouble understanding most of it, though; the guidance notes can only be so clear to a person who isn't very maths-minded. I dream of the day when I might be able to afford an accountant...
Item two on my list is also half-done. I've finished my motherhood article and now I'm just researching markets. I hope to send it out on submission by the end of this week.
Next up after that it's either a short story or my plans for TRUCK OF LUCK.
Item two on my list is also half-done. I've finished my motherhood article and now I'm just researching markets. I hope to send it out on submission by the end of this week.
Next up after that it's either a short story or my plans for TRUCK OF LUCK.
Tuesday, January 8
My "To Do" List
I've decided to make a "To Do" list at the start of every month to keep track of my goals and put pressure on myself to achieve them. I'm feeling very motivated at the moment, but that may not always be the case!
January's "To Do" list:
1. Do my tax return.
2. Finish my article about the surprises of new motherhood and submit it to a magazine.
3. Write a short story.
4. Finish my plotting for TRUCK OF LUCK and write the first chapter.
Wish me luck!
Just finished reading: Holly and Mistletoe by Susan Mallery
January's "To Do" list:
1. Do my tax return.
2. Finish my article about the surprises of new motherhood and submit it to a magazine.
3. Write a short story.
4. Finish my plotting for TRUCK OF LUCK and write the first chapter.
Wish me luck!
Just finished reading: Holly and Mistletoe by Susan Mallery
Wednesday, January 2
Fresh Starts
Happy New Year! I hope you had an enjoyable time on the Big Night and that your Christmas was also wonderful.
I'm always a little relieved when the festive season is over -- not because I don't like it, because I do! But I always find myself reflecting over the year that is about to finish and planning ahead for the one that's about to start. For that reason I'm always quite excited by the start of the new year. It's a great time to get rid of all that you don't need, like house clutter, extra poundage, and internet distractions (*cough* Facebook *cough*). Then you can put into motion all the new changes you want to make, like room redecoration, fitness regimes, a new book idea, or a new hobby.
I admit that I don't always keep to my resolutions, but I like to make them anyway. Mine are:
1. Be more productive with my spare time. This is why I am quitting aforementioned Facebook and getting my life back!
2. Eat more fruit. Veg I'm fine with, but I know I don't get enough of the sweet stuff.
3. Stop accumulating rubbish in the house. I've already started a decluttering session and I am not going to fill the fresh empty spaces with new stuff I don't need.
4. Write a LOT more than I did in 2007. I want to finish one full-length book, preferably two, ideally three. I also want to write one short story a month.
What are your resolutions, and do you think you'll stick to them?
Oh, one other thing. The Moonlit Romance Authors Blog has relocated and can now be found right here on Blogspot. The first post goes up today, and if you post a comment any time between now and Friday you could win a free e-book!
I'm always a little relieved when the festive season is over -- not because I don't like it, because I do! But I always find myself reflecting over the year that is about to finish and planning ahead for the one that's about to start. For that reason I'm always quite excited by the start of the new year. It's a great time to get rid of all that you don't need, like house clutter, extra poundage, and internet distractions (*cough* Facebook *cough*). Then you can put into motion all the new changes you want to make, like room redecoration, fitness regimes, a new book idea, or a new hobby.
I admit that I don't always keep to my resolutions, but I like to make them anyway. Mine are:
1. Be more productive with my spare time. This is why I am quitting aforementioned Facebook and getting my life back!
2. Eat more fruit. Veg I'm fine with, but I know I don't get enough of the sweet stuff.
3. Stop accumulating rubbish in the house. I've already started a decluttering session and I am not going to fill the fresh empty spaces with new stuff I don't need.
4. Write a LOT more than I did in 2007. I want to finish one full-length book, preferably two, ideally three. I also want to write one short story a month.
What are your resolutions, and do you think you'll stick to them?
Oh, one other thing. The Moonlit Romance Authors Blog has relocated and can now be found right here on Blogspot. The first post goes up today, and if you post a comment any time between now and Friday you could win a free e-book!
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