tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74901174415272251692024-03-05T08:09:00.650-05:00Dreams of PublicationMaggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-60633039279370669402009-05-07T05:46:00.003-04:002009-05-07T06:09:22.781-04:00Not The "Finally" I Really Want, But Finally!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYEofrvy9OS-HWrNNvFiHFRbOJxFaXs-aDapCivRvUeuU78uak2vTAnmzmlqB74CL2RKHZ2WU8QWAxoHWZNpktr7q69N339mcud8VT1Ix63LnubVh7c-iF1eat1G9PVCidMeTLn5UBGmM/s1600-h/51S78wnnkNL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYEofrvy9OS-HWrNNvFiHFRbOJxFaXs-aDapCivRvUeuU78uak2vTAnmzmlqB74CL2RKHZ2WU8QWAxoHWZNpktr7q69N339mcud8VT1Ix63LnubVh7c-iF1eat1G9PVCidMeTLn5UBGmM/s320/51S78wnnkNL._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333016632506851538" border="0" /></a><br />Zee Avi, aka Kokokaina, is finally releasing a debut CD (May 19th)! Woohoo! She's on the same label as Jack Johnson, which I think is very fitting as her music makes me happy and relaxed. Do yourself a favor and pre-order it. I did!<br /><br />I'm still waiting to hear from a particular agent on my most recent revision. If I bit my nails they'd be down to nubs right now. If anyone knows of some good relaxation techniques I could sure use them right now! <br /><br />Cindy Pon's book (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Silver Phoenix</span>) was released last week, and I'm a. jealous, and b. excited for her. Her book launch was a big success. Congrats are in order!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-16427687630173556712009-04-13T07:13:00.006-04:002009-04-13T07:27:17.545-04:00Resurfacing from Revisions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNbxLcouyM1S2CST9lpngGptGdJrmOH-woAlVKfoIyzAE3vDhP919x0lSp2Occr2Y8MZzwwHFCU2d1WQaMVqFt-3VprZys6mMXtciN5FLnLxv3P5vgV1zm1uRPgSS9iFe-6J1zkVdnvlP/s1600-h/Florida+Sunset.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNbxLcouyM1S2CST9lpngGptGdJrmOH-woAlVKfoIyzAE3vDhP919x0lSp2Occr2Y8MZzwwHFCU2d1WQaMVqFt-3VprZys6mMXtciN5FLnLxv3P5vgV1zm1uRPgSS9iFe-6J1zkVdnvlP/s320/Florida+Sunset.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324135670662376146" border="0" /></a>Currently Listening To: The local morning news<br />Currently Reading: <span style="font-style: italic;">Little Dorrit</span><br /><br />I've been working on another revision of my novel. A lot has changed since I first wrote this novel, but I still feel very strongly about my characters, and I hope this new incarnation will be the one that wins people over.<br /><br />I was promoted at work (woohoo!), but it's led to a lot more responsibility and as such, a lot more of my time. I'm much happier with my job though. For the first time since I quit the bookstore (Barnes and Noble) I don't mind going into work. My boss is very kind and lets me make my own schedule. The coworkers are highly amusing, and I often find myself laughing hysterically.<br /><br />R. and I are still planning our wedding. We have most everything decided, but we're still working on our menu, and such. We decided to go to Destin, Florida for our honeymoon. It's beautiful and inexpensive (see the photo; I took that a few years ago in Destin). <br /><br />Whew! Now that I've updated, I need to read everyone else's blogs. I've missed so much!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-75240271992822917642009-04-10T19:56:00.000-04:002009-04-10T19:58:18.918-04:00It's Been So LongBut I'm going to update in just a little bit.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-46746890161005537302009-02-16T08:16:00.005-05:002009-02-16T08:43:27.556-05:00Where I've Been<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHef5a7msoGjTj-ahOU9XObyASs1c1j_OIw9DYjR8ZmbuNt8fIfHTlszJf7lFk5w_mM9nOTP-XFcdSykst1uaXWFkMGc98aGPJ2r4LtDG3BEZges8EZZtIOM7GEibx8nCcRO98qiTQYUPe/s1600-h/bowser1Crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHef5a7msoGjTj-ahOU9XObyASs1c1j_OIw9DYjR8ZmbuNt8fIfHTlszJf7lFk5w_mM9nOTP-XFcdSykst1uaXWFkMGc98aGPJ2r4LtDG3BEZges8EZZtIOM7GEibx8nCcRO98qiTQYUPe/s320/bowser1Crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303389929384726098" border="0" /></a><br />Photo of my adorable puppy Bowser Digby.<br /><br />Currently Reading: Another Eva Ibbotsen novel :)<br />Currently Listening to: Channel 19 Morning News<br /><br />Quite a bit has happened since I last wrote. I've lost 10 pounds (woohoo), my grandfather passed, and my uncle had a stroke. It's been rough. But I'm dealing with all that has happened in the past year as best I can. My novel has suffered somewhat from my preoccupation but I'm ready to focus my attention on it wholeheartedly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishvfiJuS5Zf5wUX7DaQ2y6cZ6VaV5pMiDENVD0DkSDJqOx1EKyHTzYjbYOYbmDSzsL6KaCNiGRXl3JzLvjmt21wlMoZ2WXPqNEtGFxgX3GOct-ajAzFM8O6J6WE5pD_z5gZ-tDHyoBEvG/s1600-h/edressme_2042_165925754.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishvfiJuS5Zf5wUX7DaQ2y6cZ6VaV5pMiDENVD0DkSDJqOx1EKyHTzYjbYOYbmDSzsL6KaCNiGRXl3JzLvjmt21wlMoZ2WXPqNEtGFxgX3GOct-ajAzFM8O6J6WE5pD_z5gZ-tDHyoBEvG/s320/edressme_2042_165925754.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303386104533880210" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH4eXsHsMvwC4g-SvstB_KH-XuG9im0s2aNzwARYLV0yzfRIAxiFWXpyzpmWE4AstGUY8Wk4VQfMpfTyzdm3T8EN5zuUfj2DVpHmOZ5FaQaeGet034a5pA823fVdZKRRozFvnky7wEQyh/s1600-h/41D6zYB5zYL._AA280_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH4eXsHsMvwC4g-SvstB_KH-XuG9im0s2aNzwARYLV0yzfRIAxiFWXpyzpmWE4AstGUY8Wk4VQfMpfTyzdm3T8EN5zuUfj2DVpHmOZ5FaQaeGet034a5pA823fVdZKRRozFvnky7wEQyh/s320/41D6zYB5zYL._AA280_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303385812137914738" border="0" /></a>I love the above dresses for my bridesmaid Stacey (I decided to use different styles for each bridesmaid, so that they could each look fabulous). She's going to look gorgeous.<br /><br />I purchase <span style="font-style: italic;">Graceling</span> yesterday and I can't wait to give it a try. The publisher created a movie trailer for it that (though cheesy) convinced me I had to read it. The main character has two different colored eyes, which I was disturbed to discover as my mc does as well. Does that make me unoriginal? Below is the amazon.com address where you can find the video.<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Graceling-Kristin-Cashore/dp/015206396X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234791416&sr=8-1Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-78233578693944800472009-01-18T16:36:00.006-05:002009-01-18T17:25:49.354-05:00What's Up In The World Of MaggieCurrently Reading: Nothing (sad isn't it?)<br />Currently Listening to: The Veronicas<br /><br />I heard from a very reliable source that the revisions on my first chapter were positive and on the right track to bring the book in a slightly different direction. What, you may ask, is the direction I'm going for? Well I've been told that my MC is too introspective. Her internal conversations are making the book a quiet read, instead of the fun, fast story it was meant to be. And as such I'm revising again. <br /><br />If you read my last entry you'd know that I was reading <span style="font-style: italic;">The Luxe</span>. After getting through about 50 pages I put it down and haven't picked it back up. I'm not sure why exactly. It's not terrible, in fact, from what I read it has great promise. I think I've simply been too busy and the characters didn't grab my interest fast enough.<br /><br />I've discovered recently that I quite like being an Accountant. It's not dry and boring like one might suppose (most of the time). I enjoy seeing what the company spends money on...it's a window into the world of insanity.<br /><br />My wedding is now only 9 months away. Gah! I need to plan, plan, plan, starting with going to a trainer tomorrow. My body has to have some serious fine tuning before I walk down the aisle. Especially if I want to fit into one of these dresses:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY53MVpn6N8xnSYp8T6Cq53KuxO7t97RXur4bZK6IznV-bGEYltah_AfXyvSbbVKs3QqtjbZYVTRpkv_ZTRbmdWR1a2iG400E_ijUj0j14EFENQvib4e-6oIYLBBTzO5DGTbpcVhY-DvEO/s1600-h/knmiasf088940l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY53MVpn6N8xnSYp8T6Cq53KuxO7t97RXur4bZK6IznV-bGEYltah_AfXyvSbbVKs3QqtjbZYVTRpkv_ZTRbmdWR1a2iG400E_ijUj0j14EFENQvib4e-6oIYLBBTzO5DGTbpcVhY-DvEO/s320/knmiasf088940l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292762848905266530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHmwtbH_fpsqRz7kv__4pwq-lfHoZ2u3v6FBqRlSQZsu67Vyg_MXvcYBzcE3f0lo2wmLshuPibat9H2bbXXlSkX6kzinywH-8O7n51gAGPzx6ZxQIqdTLsYJk8UzAmuWn7lJPbPbecVkU/s1600-h/knacatf08sophl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQHmwtbH_fpsqRz7kv__4pwq-lfHoZ2u3v6FBqRlSQZsu67Vyg_MXvcYBzcE3f0lo2wmLshuPibat9H2bbXXlSkX6kzinywH-8O7n51gAGPzx6ZxQIqdTLsYJk8UzAmuWn7lJPbPbecVkU/s320/knacatf08sophl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292762155791706690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKu54buNv7h9WpODV53n2fhgFk7EYLS-J8ebQUSxhlOxfY0kPDSsS9zSJwdC77oS0PPSCE14z162LX__mZp36cH1gq-c0a-RXP8hwDaqgRa6XPXb4N9Bu6OeYyY_oXdrY0uTvWeeeKNbL/s1600-h/kngails093035l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKu54buNv7h9WpODV53n2fhgFk7EYLS-J8ebQUSxhlOxfY0kPDSsS9zSJwdC77oS0PPSCE14z162LX__mZp36cH1gq-c0a-RXP8hwDaqgRa6XPXb4N9Bu6OeYyY_oXdrY0uTvWeeeKNbL/s320/kngails093035l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292762488418502290" border="0" /></a>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-85663833268074941982009-01-03T17:47:00.005-05:002009-01-03T18:04:18.592-05:00Encourage Me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyb1u_I4EOKbzkQfY_QXPqeKEnmBo10Un7_d1x0OIdkNrC0WTZ2zyER4-5vcPWJhh5jM4idlv342ywANXMVjjZ9BLz_4qGB2AlRp9xABRqJsdcjqqYCP_kpYyKMk31PuW9EHfEd7xrX6v/s1600-h/512mAzF8boL._SL160_AA115_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyb1u_I4EOKbzkQfY_QXPqeKEnmBo10Un7_d1x0OIdkNrC0WTZ2zyER4-5vcPWJhh5jM4idlv342ywANXMVjjZ9BLz_4qGB2AlRp9xABRqJsdcjqqYCP_kpYyKMk31PuW9EHfEd7xrX6v/s200/512mAzF8boL._SL160_AA115_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287203394122193106" border="0" /></a>Currently Listening To: Nickel Creek "When You Come Back Down"<br />Currently Reading: <span style="font-style: italic;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Luxe</span></span><br /><br />I've started an intensive rewrite of my first chapter, and it's giving me a lot of trouble this time around. I've now been sitting in front of my computer typing for 7 hours, during which I've managed to type <span style="font-weight: bold;">3 </span>pages (at least 3 that I'm satisfied with). It's possibly the most frustrated I've ever been with my novel. I love Imogene (my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mc</span>), now if she'd only do something interesting!<br /><br />I finished<span style="font-style: italic;"> Nefertiti </span>yesterday and found it merely readable. My main issue with it was the passage of time. Years go by in a few pages, and I felt cheated. I wanted to know what happened <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9hSBSB1ipEkSUzHuRWrQe6LFzBJRj7gZqIN8b8nTPKIGd3hHToOSZsvdgSLs9o_uBoNwx-6Vscy3DaanI8BG6tGWUky2YV8m3FkJMwZJjaLUYIbDXITavIUXHUelHS70niuMQj61OCGY/s1600-h/510KDVLVE7L._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9hSBSB1ipEkSUzHuRWrQe6LFzBJRj7gZqIN8b8nTPKIGd3hHToOSZsvdgSLs9o_uBoNwx-6Vscy3DaanI8BG6tGWUky2YV8m3FkJMwZJjaLUYIbDXITavIUXHUelHS70niuMQj61OCGY/s200/510KDVLVE7L._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287204693511467298" border="0" /></a>in the years the author breezed over so often. Another little irritant was that Nefertiti seemed to be nothing more than (excuse the coarse wording) a breeding mare. She has six children and as such is always either pregnant, or about to become pregnant...<br /><br />I'm only two pages into The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Luxe</span>, so it's impossible to judge it at this moment, but I'll be sure to post what I think of it.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-74871798563226597722008-12-28T14:23:00.002-05:002008-12-28T14:31:21.017-05:00Back to Revising (A Very Short Post)Well, as you can clearly see from the title of this post, I am revising my novel once again. I took a good bit of time this week to celebrate the holidays, and now I have to get down to work. The introductory chapter needs to become stellar and impossible to resist. That's the first of many mini goals I have for this revision. I'll keep you posted on how it goes, and how the agent situation is coming along.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-8080147627272885382008-12-28T14:11:00.008-05:002008-12-28T14:22:30.769-05:00The Holiday Haul<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-Fjgpg4sUoh-UdslSnMKybZfFGgKf4E7qh8D1YzEiZuRloT65b4A0MbnbEq4SAeT-YVnKtMz_LyHNunayx3XFV_IZV-Zw1p3gEOFChY3Xf1keHyiVGBz3D7pHzrjiofEcBHBhSFIkpeu/s1600-h/510KDVLVE7L._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-Fjgpg4sUoh-UdslSnMKybZfFGgKf4E7qh8D1YzEiZuRloT65b4A0MbnbEq4SAeT-YVnKtMz_LyHNunayx3XFV_IZV-Zw1p3gEOFChY3Xf1keHyiVGBz3D7pHzrjiofEcBHBhSFIkpeu/s200/510KDVLVE7L._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284922787587198978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUEzt9XQMX4kArd3M_qB8AiaPUEAzI_P3rBJ2VrAmGk7owL5sr2_tYdbNh0MR4ES1ok1rqJ8oVrYqN0qNiJ8u6BtopmhLfcfJbioOCLBy1fNlgQFj9Lcvc_2YmKXHyQ36xwDxFmJHY3yD/s1600-h/512mAzF8boL._SL160_AA115_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUEzt9XQMX4kArd3M_qB8AiaPUEAzI_P3rBJ2VrAmGk7owL5sr2_tYdbNh0MR4ES1ok1rqJ8oVrYqN0qNiJ8u6BtopmhLfcfJbioOCLBy1fNlgQFj9Lcvc_2YmKXHyQ36xwDxFmJHY3yD/s200/512mAzF8boL._SL160_AA115_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284922660393454450" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KdtFdoqodRzV3j0HP8L-LToviyaianFlbb_kHBsEyi-sg0imAgijlJ_QDJGZbDSZ9HfJ4m0BpIz9P-DcJuEy8mSZXjlC2cewzc9-oY3gV3_KVBLtmVRxCYBRVKza9SfD6E8XasdVqV-G/s1600-h/61vBJVMWSKL._SL160_AA115_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KdtFdoqodRzV3j0HP8L-LToviyaianFlbb_kHBsEyi-sg0imAgijlJ_QDJGZbDSZ9HfJ4m0BpIz9P-DcJuEy8mSZXjlC2cewzc9-oY3gV3_KVBLtmVRxCYBRVKza9SfD6E8XasdVqV-G/s200/61vBJVMWSKL._SL160_AA115_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284922558635994178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX2JPJiKVEO9bgFwg3nyOAhuedGWLq3Ec7sBn77JvMbe4IujwQW5tf7Zpf4bjoXyxkRGpEoVb2jmVGnpeyRtgLEEQYKU01o1SrGYqqJbUSvqNAa2gGtXXF4092i4Hv0tlplk7kwvJud9A/s1600-h/51k48MaFA+L._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkX2JPJiKVEO9bgFwg3nyOAhuedGWLq3Ec7sBn77JvMbe4IujwQW5tf7Zpf4bjoXyxkRGpEoVb2jmVGnpeyRtgLEEQYKU01o1SrGYqqJbUSvqNAa2gGtXXF4092i4Hv0tlplk7kwvJud9A/s200/51k48MaFA+L._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284922456784915314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLN5DUNgY4VjwqrjaX8qenoSeCDA9Kcvwd1JRO34plI_p9gSkbLtUHWyqrmYbCYRzAjwwzxwgSppWFdNobRtT74Wfq0z8_2ZlFgBa9vGbt7X46LPpY6iLTq3uwEkK16CEUMw9oYzU7H9_/s1600-h/51HZNgY4heL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLN5DUNgY4VjwqrjaX8qenoSeCDA9Kcvwd1JRO34plI_p9gSkbLtUHWyqrmYbCYRzAjwwzxwgSppWFdNobRtT74Wfq0z8_2ZlFgBa9vGbt7X46LPpY6iLTq3uwEkK16CEUMw9oYzU7H9_/s200/51HZNgY4heL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284922388480343922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-ZqIG6-Fm5FGZBOV4g4FamRH3DAYVsQ5XXbhu_KVUzdebLhwfgMXrcPDo0ZlzXo57Flb3BMwJeCuKaXuO9pB-iHggqupi0xSeo7MIei0wv4j5zpWseYAjd7Mheyfv0-NXxcRP4S10BZL/s1600-h/31VCoY7GRAL._SL500_AA160_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-ZqIG6-Fm5FGZBOV4g4FamRH3DAYVsQ5XXbhu_KVUzdebLhwfgMXrcPDo0ZlzXo57Flb3BMwJeCuKaXuO9pB-iHggqupi0xSeo7MIei0wv4j5zpWseYAjd7Mheyfv0-NXxcRP4S10BZL/s200/31VCoY7GRAL._SL500_AA160_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284922301133304418" border="0" /></a>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-26000273525029886392008-12-14T23:23:00.003-05:002008-12-15T00:10:03.933-05:00As Promised<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQKomBDYt1bPHxulALzVks-VMts8H69tNjO_JxRMtYkOoeCwzUyX0QUWpccSTj5-mZs1v8FlJKbVhG8UFVkDbPwZEo3slt09XKrS98aD699mSUzKdhxVDDBqV6jJZ6MRDL_OvY1Jno4Eh/s1600-h/VeronicaMarsDVD.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279874832218251490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 238px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQKomBDYt1bPHxulALzVks-VMts8H69tNjO_JxRMtYkOoeCwzUyX0QUWpccSTj5-mZs1v8FlJKbVhG8UFVkDbPwZEo3slt09XKrS98aD699mSUzKdhxVDDBqV6jJZ6MRDL_OvY1Jno4Eh/s320/VeronicaMarsDVD.jpg" border="0" /></a> An update!<br /><br />First things first...I am no longer a client of ABLA. Jennifer and I separated amicably, and I'm still confident in my novel.<br />So I'm currently in the market for an agent :)<br /><br />I got <em>The Tudors</em> in the mail a few days ago, but I haven't touched it yet. I actually took the time recently to watch the first season of <em>Veronica Mars</em>. I loved it. Kristin Bell is adorable, and her character is surprisingly likable. She has quite a few memorable quips. Throughout the first season she is trying to solve the murder of her best friend Lily and there are a number of twists and turns (including possible incest). The identity of the murderer was a bit of a shock to me. Maybe I'm just blind when it comes to mysteries. Anyway I'd really reccomend the show. It was highly entertaining. I think if you liked the first two seasons of <em>Buffy</em> you'd like <em>Veronica Mars</em>. I can't wait to see the second season...<em>The Tudors</em> may have to wait a while longer.<br /><br />I've worked a bit on my second novel, adding more backstory to my two main characters. But as you can tell from my word count meter it's slow going.<br /><br />On February 2nd I will begin covering the Accountant's position at my job. He's leaving for 4 to 6 months for spinal surgery. I'm both nervous and excited, mostly nervous though. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I need all I can get just about now.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-16178043719578228062008-12-14T05:52:00.001-05:002008-12-14T05:53:44.191-05:00Coming Soon...An update!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-73689669359869969172008-12-01T10:38:00.004-05:002008-12-01T10:59:33.156-05:00A Thanksgiving Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnYpg_U9WbwsKoFINQhiVH2dzMdMRsDzYbFkj8reC9Y7-fXuTJsUemgmhVlwc_1QEzlsBWaAqyR9mh12ydkvAKJsxwF9Whbu6wAKHY79KwyKwEKg1wSZimlv7_l2EZL1g5TRutlh-NiDL/s1600-h/chicago_michigan_ave.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274851425926158258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 210px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnYpg_U9WbwsKoFINQhiVH2dzMdMRsDzYbFkj8reC9Y7-fXuTJsUemgmhVlwc_1QEzlsBWaAqyR9mh12ydkvAKJsxwF9Whbu6wAKHY79KwyKwEKg1wSZimlv7_l2EZL1g5TRutlh-NiDL/s320/chicago_michigan_ave.jpg" border="0" /></a> Currently Reading: <em>Into The Wilderness</em> by Sara Donati<br /><div>Currently Listening To: Harry Connick Jr.<br /><br /><div>This year my birthday fell on Thanksgiving day. I'm officially 24 years old. (How frightening!) My parents, R. and I traveled to Chicago to celebrate with my sister and her husband. It was absoluetly lovely! We stayed at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker, right next to Michigan Avenue. We reserved a couple of the basic rooms but when we got there they upgraded us to a suite at no extra charge. Apparently they'd over booked the other rooms. R. and I had a magnificent view of the lake and Navy Pier. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>After we arrived R. and I took a romantic evening walk down Michigan. The christmas lights were up, and street musicians were playing holiday tunes. We stopped at the Ghirardelli ice cream shop, and I got a peppermint bark sundae. Delicious! I couldn't even finish half of it though, it was way too big. The next day was Thanksgiving, so we spent the day at my sister's in Roger's Park. She lives in a delightful gray stone, only about 2 blocks from the lake. </div><div></div><div> </div><div>I received some cash for my birthday and as such I've just treated myself to <em>The Tudors</em> Season One. I've never seen it and I'm really looking forward to it. Amazon.com has it for only $19.99! Not bad, eh?</div><div></div><br /><div>Still no word from Jennifer yet. </div></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-75369749848732471622008-11-23T10:25:00.004-05:002008-11-23T11:31:48.236-05:00A Long Over-Due UpdateLet's just take a minute and sigh in relief. I finished my revisions!!! Okay now that that's over it's time for extreme anxiety. My novel was emailed to my agent two days ago and the familiar panic is creeping up on me. Everytime I've sent my novel to my agent (Michelle before, now Jennifer) I start to think that it's absolute crap. From the very second I press "send" my nerves shudder and protest. So now I must wait to see what Jennifer thinks...<br /><br /><br />In the meantime I saw <em>Twilight</em> this weekend. I have to say that I loved it. There's just something wonderful about seeing one of your favorite books played out. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the actors chosen to play the other vampires. The only exception to that was the guy that played Jasper. He was<strong> nothing</strong> like what I'd imagined. But it didn't bother me too much.<br /><br /><br />I think just about every teen author is horrifically jealous of Stephenie Meyer right now. I know I sure am. And strangely that jealousy has absolutely nothing to do with the fame or the money. It's about writing a novel that people fall in love with; writing characters that people fall in love with.<br /><br /><br />And so I'm jealous.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYtvn6Kh7cH-rxhn32e4zTn5bLSO36V2sBgBAXD-cl4qgOF56ZF3uvnW9KgrFC31YsgY70-MqU30rXCIjeH-TweHojFUC58TncIqXu0rSA4xLjOaQjZ0pebCeVk38YTdF9WKVaRrPSVnq/s1600-h/26622011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271888443931704722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYtvn6Kh7cH-rxhn32e4zTn5bLSO36V2sBgBAXD-cl4qgOF56ZF3uvnW9KgrFC31YsgY70-MqU30rXCIjeH-TweHojFUC58TncIqXu0rSA4xLjOaQjZ0pebCeVk38YTdF9WKVaRrPSVnq/s320/26622011.jpg" border="0" /></a>I read <em>Midwife of the Blue Ridge</em> recently. It's by Christine Blevins, a fellow AWer, and it was very fun. I marveled at her handle of dialects. Definitely not my strong point. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys American History.<br /><br />I'm currently reading <em>Into the Wilderness</em> by Sara Donati. I've had my eye on it for a while and finally decided to purcahse it. It grabbed me instantly. I'm always impressed when a novel does that. It's so hard for an author to accomplish it. It takes place in upstate NY, 1792. An English spinster leaves her home to join her father on his homestead, where she believes she will be a teacher. When she arrives she realizes that her father actually means to marry her off to save himself from his debts. She's refused so far. And of course there is an unsuitable man that has caught her attention. In a strange way the novel is a continuation of <em>The Last of the Mohicans</em>. Hawkeye is the father of her love interest.<br /><br />So in addition to reading I've started to work again on my second novel. It takes place in the Pre-Civil War Ohio Valley. Can you tell that I absolutely love historical novels? I'm not very far into it at all, but I'm quickly falling in love with my main characters.<br /><br />So here's keeping my fingers crossed that Jennifer likes my revisions (feel free to pray for me, if you're of the praying kind)!<br /><br />Abientot!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-85373299255019379302008-11-04T23:49:00.007-05:002008-11-05T00:01:26.358-05:00Lost in Austen = Lost in Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAgGz_hyphenhyphenprN7zMNnRM_oyjbOKyaE8vk2MhOH8EEz1UMvn5kmCcv_m2Muo7f62sZJivirNaNqz_BMzqh1RISbRmFnd3W0L-k5UrFR_Qd-Hn7Q65dEOJwrHfwJ7WfcjnyHLNAGq7NehACoR/s1600-h/51Yp3zk0f5L__SS500_.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265031211607042962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAgGz_hyphenhyphenprN7zMNnRM_oyjbOKyaE8vk2MhOH8EEz1UMvn5kmCcv_m2Muo7f62sZJivirNaNqz_BMzqh1RISbRmFnd3W0L-k5UrFR_Qd-Hn7Q65dEOJwrHfwJ7WfcjnyHLNAGq7NehACoR/s320/51Yp3zk0f5L__SS500_.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tonight I am fervently happy to be the owner of a region free dvd player. After a day of school and writing, I came home to watch ITV's production of <em>Lost in Austen</em>. Absolutely everything about this mini-series is delightful. Humor, drama, and romance are all jam packed in this story. Jemima Rooper is fantastic as the improper Amanda Price. She's so busy trying to keep the novel on track that she mixes up everything! I was so engrossed in the story that none of the changes to the classic novel bothered me! The ending is beautiful, witty, and dare I say, perfect?! If you have a region free player buy this from Amazon.co.uk! If you don't then get one so you can watch it!<br /><br />I did vote today, but I'd like to stay neutral on politics I'll not broach the topic anymore than that.<br /><br />I've written around 2500 words so far for the month. It's a slow start, but I'm pleased with what I've done. I still haven't started reading another book. I'm going to stand by my pledge to finish my revisions first.<br /><br />Peace.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-69265273855488051292008-10-19T19:57:00.005-04:002008-10-26T10:07:03.205-04:00Registry!<div><br /><br /><div>Currently Reading: Nothing until I finish my revisions.</div><br /><div>Currently Watching: <em>The Simpsons</em></div><br /><div>R. and I went to Macys and started our registry the day before yesterday. It was so much fun! We chose a Waterford set of china.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261461451962283938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9gM082f_xsvXfos2gJMg0MfCoGgpHrlSmwn42dz9J-YkBBoX3lh8N1R9Dma8u-4w9SM7giMOWymycibsmsIw-CTjz3hkLsJ8KgqUT0tr0OTQAGX91XVU3wP-jM8a5xlsDfMj3SD1ds_X/s400/56902_fpx.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>The best part about the set is the accent plate, which you can't see in this photo... Since I love Cincinnati history I was thrilled when R. sent me a link to the following photo.</p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261461908026667058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikN_J8aFg-QkHO3Iv76HWWBS7wFg6Kb5Pzwl6N6MwMAKW3O7S6PGeGZ-wk5xsCM-nfgQ4V75RQOULdv50kEeechtvUWnQff3YDImWK8GOJBaCtLzCL3liY_OrZqg4bTfaVN4hv8IPd6X0v/s400/4a13300u_1.jpg" border="0" />It's Cincinnati in the mid 19th century, which is the setting for my second novel! It's crazy to see how industrial, and muddy the city looked. I've done extensive research on the Underground Railroad in the Ohio Valley, but I guess I need to look into the general history a little bit more. But that can start once I finish the revisions. I'm seriously not going to start another book until I finish. It's amazing how much time reading can suck up. <br /><p></p>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-23807196202078290032008-10-15T13:38:00.005-04:002008-10-15T13:59:48.199-04:00Back From The Dead (Sort Of)Currently Reading: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting<br /><br /><br /><br />Currently Listening to: Someone cutting down a tree with a chainsaw<br /><br /><br /><br />Well, after a good 3 weeks of without posting I've got an awful lot to say! R. and I chose a date for the wedding (October 24th, 2009), and we chose the reception venue. It's called French House and it's in the middle of French Park in Amberley Village. Here are a few pictures of it:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257437935762159778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4RtRdzv6E0ud3lfrtsloF_ez4T31TkjcvDch5dpzWThLQRX3o1rsKnCMMpZeMGX_91v_0iNZnsy2yEjY0T_Z0CAPnGawhUcqNqjhFXuT_CTYUYb7qdt9xcCzsjeF4WDyrh91x5a5eBJ0/s400/fh23.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257437766656987538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW6p_FHzFBw3aYN1ypXZ9GReMSzIFUgrAN8XUBOtGqoCJ52vrGw_4fY4x243rvcNV4nQKYGlUVB7SBxr5pg7ekpZn5SFt77x0pW_CQ-7yRBT3lkiFa-Jd5ilwHvu69JWybgUZKinOX5KL/s400/fh11.jpg" border="0" /><br />It's just as beautiful as it looks! We loved it as soon as we saw it. It has really great grounds surrounding it, and you rent the entire house, including the upper floor.<br /><br />I'm 208 pages into my revisions! I'm so close to being finished! I feel like I've been saying that for a really long time but I sincerely am.<br /><br />The real reason I haven't been posting is that I'm up for a promotion at work and I'm putting in all the hours I can. If I get the job it will be a very nice pay increase. And with the wedding that's quite an incentive! I had to tell BuyCincy.com that I could only contribute monthly from now on. I'm going to write a wedding journal, which I think sounds pretty fun.<br /><br />If you ever get the chance you should read any and all Eva Ibbotsen books. Trust me, they're awesome.<br /><br />If I get a chance I'll post more this evening. Peace!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-62690160644235293812008-09-27T09:26:00.002-04:002008-09-27T09:33:38.221-04:00R. Asked Me!!!!I'm engaged!!!! Woohoo!!! R. proposed to me on top of the Carew Tower yesterday afternoon. The Carew Tower is the tallest building in Cincinnati, and the view is spectacular. He got down on one knee and asked me, with a gorgeous ring in his hand! It's fabulous! After we left the Tower we walked up a block to Palamino and had an elegant lunch. And then I made him take me to Barnes and Noble so I could buy my wedding planner. Hehe.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-78685017049804777352008-09-25T13:47:00.002-04:002008-09-25T14:13:23.379-04:00Me Me :)Cindy tagged me for a Me Me a few days ago, so now I'm going to play ;). Here we go:<br /><br /> <span style="color:#cc0000;">1. What are your nicknames?</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br />Answer: Mags, Mag, Maggles, Margo, Margie, Maggie Jeanne Jelly Bean, the list just goes on and on. For some reason people love to give me nicknames.<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">2. What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD?</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br />Answer: I was 12 years old, and I bought <em>Ever After</em> on DVD. Man I loved that movie!<br /><br /> <span style="color:#cc0000;">3. What is your favorite scent?</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br />Answer: Pumpkin Pie<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">4. What one place have you visited that you can't forget and want to go back to?</span><br /><br />Answer: Right now I'd have to say Destin, Florida. Yes I know I go there almost every year, but seriously it's paradise. The white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water, and delicious salt breezes always get to me.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">5. Do you trust easily?</span><br /><br />Answer: No. I don't think I do. Or rather, I trust, but when someone betrays that trust, it's difficult to get it back.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">6. Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?</span><br /><br />Answer: Oh goodness. I <em>speak</em> before I think, but think before I act. The former often gets me in trouble.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">7. Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?</span><br /><br />Answer: Recently, just work. But those issues seem to have been resolved, so life is good!<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">8. Do you have a good body image?</span><br /><br />Answer: Um, maybe?<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">9. What is your favorite fruit?</span><br /><br />Answer: Strawberries!<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">10. What websites do you visit daily?</span><br /><br />Answer: Hotmail, Gmail, AbsoluteWrite, BuyCincy, Cindy's Blog ;)<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">11. What have you been seriously addicted to lately?</span><br /><br />Answer: Chocolate soy milk, <em>Dexter</em>, Revising, and Email.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">12. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?</span><br /><br />Answer: She's sweet, beautiful, nice, always willing to cheer me up :), positive, and tons of fun!<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">13. What's the last song that got stuck in your head?</span><br /><br />Answer: "Where I Stood", by Missy Higgins. If you don't love that song, you need your ears checked!<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">14. What's your favorite item of clothing?</span><br /><br />Answer: My pink pajama pants from Gap! They are sooo comfy.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">15. Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?</span><br /><br />Answer: Yup.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">16. What would you do if you saw $100 lying on the ground?</span><br /><br />Answer: I'd make sure the owner was nowhere to be found then take a trip to the book store.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">17. What items could you not go without during the day?</span><br /><br />Answer: My laptop, my toothbrush, and a book.<br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">18. What should you be doing right now?</span><br /><br />Revising!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-42571776178527413252008-09-23T22:26:00.004-04:002008-09-23T22:47:12.915-04:00Oh, The Joy Of Reading!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwndZ_5hpwNIsNN87IGv-sbOz_ufJHdG-bqPNWe3LNmmt6ADRr_rA5pyNmB84htpHFm6SPibbZ9LYQvaGTjxET3CjQJdrBrVMqWu-onIkwNdv12nb2IUCsD6R8mwOAW3DZou4c8rxpAkdV/s1600-h/14548797.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249409389874374322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwndZ_5hpwNIsNN87IGv-sbOz_ufJHdG-bqPNWe3LNmmt6ADRr_rA5pyNmB84htpHFm6SPibbZ9LYQvaGTjxET3CjQJdrBrVMqWu-onIkwNdv12nb2IUCsD6R8mwOAW3DZou4c8rxpAkdV/s400/14548797.jpg" border="0" /></a> If you have the time READ THIS BOOK!!! I was very engrossed in this novel. Anna is a Russian Countess forced to flee her home country during the revolution. She ends up in England, and takes a position as a lowly maid in the home of an Earl. She quickly falls in love with him, as well as her surroundings. But the Earl is already engaged to a wealthy, beautiful, and evil woman. The characters are well drawn, and the plot is comfortably paced (not too fast, not too slow). Oh and did I mention the compelling romance?</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249411065585186178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3MHr3SpRPBMEIgAraEuA4M7ckomO_JFQunPLg4fTiWtTT1ZYFd-1WhbRSEl7WEDGRSqQJj432LRaUfFvY8nIuo7axVyntihymk-DlFdebmXIlING8wXC37LN2xqAW236ik-W2Soipfe8/s400/24666893.jpg" border="0" />Well because I loved <em>A Countess Below Stairs</em> so much I immediately went out and purchased <em>A Company of Swans</em>. That was a very smart decision. It was just as good if not better. Harriet is a repressed young girl in turn of the century England. She runs from her cold father and aunt to join a company of dancers who are traveling to the Amazon to perform. She meets the man of her dreams, but doesn't know that her father has sent someone to bring her back, whether she wants to or not. Both of these novels were significantly more entertaining than <em>Sovay</em>. I can't wait to read the rest of Eva's novels!!!</div><div> </div><div>There was a huge power outage here in Cincinnati while I was on vacation, so unfortunately I was unable to finish my novel. But I will finish it within the next month!<br /></div><div></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-87603110079935812292008-09-20T00:13:00.001-04:002008-09-20T00:14:37.739-04:00Drum Roll Please...And my new agent is...Jennifer Laughran. Happy times :DMaggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-49003372131650514232008-09-14T09:04:00.004-04:002008-09-14T09:30:25.551-04:00A Book Review (While I'm Waiting)Currently Reading: <em>A Countess Below Stairs</em><br />Currently Watching: "Who Shot Mr. Burns? Part 2"<br /><br />I'm still waiting to hear from the agency. I've learned through the grapevine that the agents are currently reading our stuff, and that they'll get back to us next week. So I've had another weekend of trying not to think about it.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245868092336134754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9W2UXtOvqt33SCnuJNw3F6NwrCW41wgWRoAn292-YdAYZ3nR8sgxoD2cFRlzOoXnjgMDrjsrhKTNkeOvd7YO8GqMGKg3JL7gvnA9j_VPGQJ6z3CfMda2qwrJQnhVFVeGd8516MaBjaLn/s400/27797829.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />I finished <em>Sovay</em>. It was very readable, and entertaining but there were a few things about it that bothered me. Sovay had 5 potential love interests (who all thought she was gorgeous and wanted her), and it wasn't clear who she was interested in until the last 50 pages. Another thing that bothered me is that in the middle of this very non-gothic novel is a section of about 80 pages that drip with gothic horror. I absolutely love gothic novels, but in this book the descriptions just felt ridiculous. It seemed like I'd picked up <em>The Mysteries of Udolpho</em> again. That's just my opinion. You might feel differently. It really is worth reading though. I think the last 100 pages were wonderful.<br /><br />I'll let you know what I think about <em>A Countess Below Stairs</em> when I finish it.<br /><p>I finally got my region free dvd player!!!! Hurray!!! British DVDs here I come!</p>I'm on vacation this week and I think I might finish my revisions this week! I have to say that even after all these revisions I still love my characters. That's probably a good thing ;) . Keep me in your prayers!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-75750718894462506562008-09-07T00:03:00.007-04:002008-09-07T09:31:37.735-04:00The Waiting Game<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmCs9OEskdpc8-zZrAaVG6bTUIR2f-dsSRdcA_BzpO9H1iuy5vSaq0pfLmUazsI10ocSYSwRS1nlBGiadswS1Jzp6fEAPqDHYpHc9P6bxmA5g8ImiFEi2UbRZ9BaU_PpMdv0OUW3_Yfxu/s1600-h/27797829.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243126140854458450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmCs9OEskdpc8-zZrAaVG6bTUIR2f-dsSRdcA_BzpO9H1iuy5vSaq0pfLmUazsI10ocSYSwRS1nlBGiadswS1Jzp6fEAPqDHYpHc9P6bxmA5g8ImiFEi2UbRZ9BaU_PpMdv0OUW3_Yfxu/s400/27797829.jpg" border="0" /></a>Michelle sent out another email saying that the agency would be in touch next week. So this weekend I've been trying not to think about it too much. R. was very sweet and bought me a few books that I was drooling over yesterday. They are both YA. I started<em> Sovay</em> and it's pretty good. I've never read anything by Celia Rees, but I'm impressed.<br /><br />R. and I rented <em>True Blood</em> (just the first episode) from Blockbuster yesterday. It was very entertaining, but there was a vampire/human sex scene that was...well let's just say disturbing. Just warning you.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByzwK9uIbf0UhgMGHzMaQCHIdQDqSYnfnVDwl3jPSegV7uE32HJpUhe6hvAXaJNAhldRN6TrYSCK_LWKmRGJVvshZqFgapeWzGYmIGA6BUsp5csMFAJibCBrYVlU1REjI5GpTVfQgI9cc/s1600-h/14548797.jpg"></a></div>My vacation from work is coming up on Saturday (woohoo!) and I plan to spend some solid days doing nothing but writing. I'm not going out of town but R. and I are planning to go to the zoo, a musical version of Jane Austen's <em>Emma</em>, and the Renaissance Festival. It sounds like a great time to me!<br /><br />If you don't mind, please remember to keep me in your prayers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxSMZOGCOFtDwWsLLGZ4HTZOO7hNU3RQoCidThqIeGKTsupWMuOxgGtvN-Rbz4Zp8CbUSZp3kani5jlEg0cu9OV_LcSNeOUnL7ISsyHKITNPchxL6Lqh0xxbp8AL-oaesVgbaBmBoeKCo/s1600-h/14548797.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243129786341544386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxSMZOGCOFtDwWsLLGZ4HTZOO7hNU3RQoCidThqIeGKTsupWMuOxgGtvN-Rbz4Zp8CbUSZp3kani5jlEg0cu9OV_LcSNeOUnL7ISsyHKITNPchxL6Lqh0xxbp8AL-oaesVgbaBmBoeKCo/s400/14548797.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />P.S. I gave up on <em>The Mysteries of Udolpho</em>. I found myself exceedingly bored.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-44186020115476270002008-09-03T12:37:00.003-04:002008-09-03T12:46:59.190-04:00CHANGE IS A GOOD THING (she tells herself)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnmgOjRfBd5thWZx38cZhMiKQX7-atd0hzepErK-ZCh9EWH-H6ghh1xm7b-1f2_LGW2yKN41vgHiagjavDBxaUa7poMGPMwQRSTBcz38qCi48qc7QaB08FFROTADxi0SRBocVCHn6Ewoj/s1600-h/Andelman%2520250.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241837559030038290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnmgOjRfBd5thWZx38cZhMiKQX7-atd0hzepErK-ZCh9EWH-H6ghh1xm7b-1f2_LGW2yKN41vgHiagjavDBxaUa7poMGPMwQRSTBcz38qCi48qc7QaB08FFROTADxi0SRBocVCHn6Ewoj/s400/Andelman%2520250.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Michelle Andelman (my agent) has left the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She will not longer be representing clients. The rest of the agents from ABLA will be taking on her clients. The fact that I still have an agent is something I am VERY, VERY GRATEFUL for. Now I just have to wait and find out who my new agent will be. I'm hopeful, excited, and just a bit scared (the new agent may not like my novel as much as Michelle did). Please keep me in your prayers!</div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-6949355791125431012008-08-29T17:13:00.003-04:002008-08-29T17:22:33.287-04:00Shakespeare<div><strong>Currently Reading: </strong><em>The Mysteries of Udolpho</em> <strong>& </strong><em>Witches and Neighbors</em></div><br /><div><strong>Currently Listening To:</strong> Fiona Apple</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240051905891905378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViE6V4pheb_V65RxAXaQV_LYoxcgD49fWMBAnXqhsIbdYjiWVVEox8GO2uMpORRE1yCdmkl3S_N5EGGdNhXX5zuHPt0HLcpIXJeZ53tSyzLqrSvOoY5-p74tvYE4UpE97jzvx8apbs5lo/s400/csc_rom_jul_4_main.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Tomorrow The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is performing <em>A Midsummer Night's Dream</em> for free in Eden park. I wish I could go! I've seen a few shows by the Company and loved both of them! Unfortunately I have to work and then I've already made plans. R. looked at me like I was crazy when I mentioned it. He's not much of a Shakespeare fan.</div><div> </div><div>Sunday I'm going to spend all day working on my revisions. I'm really looking forward to it, but I think I'm going to have to set up at Borders, or Barnes and Noble. I've really gotten sick of writing in my house. It just feels very cramped (even though it isn't). I'm not sure if anyone else gets this way, but I just feel like I need a change of scenery.</div><div> </div><div>R. and I finished the 2nd season of <em>Dexter</em>...He was <strong>not</strong> happy with the way it ended (someone dies), but I loved it. The new season starts September 28th and I can hardly wait. I don't have Showtime though, so I'll probably have to watch it online. I guess that's not all bad as I will get to skip commercials.</div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-49014803235853668742008-08-25T23:04:00.004-04:002008-08-25T23:26:51.788-04:00Swept From The Sea<div><br /></div><br /><div>Currently Watching: <em>The Simpsons</em></div><div>Currently Reading: <em>The Mysteries of Udolpho</em></div><p></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238658827772503938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3kx3T57tyDCEwxwzKNiGgdNfPF83Zauib6hshNRm-EjFN_h1Kek5sglqZVzGK3P2BMsc6Bg-8IUo3Hl4sZHy3WVAg-kWK93NCywFOXMDiScJeCd-2LFNZqfocpEj1QIHX620Z3oA-hkj/s400/51FFDSWYSCL__SS500_.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p>So. On a whim I rented <em>Swept From The Sea</em> from Blockbuster online. All I have to say is: why have I not heard of this movie before? It's so romantic, and well acted! It makes me wonder what other awesome movies I'm missing out on!</p><p>Last Saturday was heaven, just as I thought it would be. R. and I cuddled on the couch and watched Dexter. Then we got some dinner, and just hung out together. It was wonderful. Thursday we're heading down the football game at UC. I'm not a huge football fan but I'm still looking forward to it. </p><p> I'm steadily working on my novel's revisions still. I've gotten through page 116. Yey! I hope I can up the rate at which I've been working. I'm still confident that I'll meet the deadline I set for myself. </p>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7490117441527225169.post-11868291876106444762008-08-22T23:20:00.003-04:002008-08-25T23:27:27.155-04:00What Is Your Favorite Book???Currently Listening To: Missy Higgins, "Where I Stood"<br />Currently Reading: <em>The Mysteries of Udolpho</em><br /><em></em><br />Don't laugh, but I'm only 20 pages into <em>Mysteries</em>. I've been so busy... Tomorrow is my day off of everything and I'm so excited. It feels like Christmas (well, okay, not really).Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07021559982962098823noreply@blogger.com0