So I watched the NFL draft this weekend–not all of it–the basketball playoffs were on and I DO have my priorities! Anyway, one of the big stories seems to be how bad Brady Quinn wanted to play for the Cleveland Browns and got passed in the first round (though according to him, they called and TOLD him they weren’t going to pick him up (early))

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn was supposed to be the second rated quarterback in the draft. He was the golden boy and was supposed to be a lock for one of the top-10 picks.

He went 22nd and supposedly lost TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS by not getting picked earlier!

DID YOU HEAR ME?

TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS!

Let’s put this in perspective….

The corporate sponsors of IDOL GIVES BACK are led by News Corporation, Ford, Coca-Cola and AT&T. FOX parent company News Corp. generously pledged 10 cents for each of the first 50 million votes received on Tuesday night, resulting in a $5-million donation.

Granted the grand total is somewhere near 60 million now (according to AI’s website) but still….

JEEZ!

So, what’s insane in your world?

Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENISE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi.
My name is Raine Weaver.
And I’m a slow reader.

I claim no shame about it.  I’m a slow reader—always have been.  And it’s not that I simply CAN’T read fast.  I’ve done so in a pinch.
It just seems to come naturally to me to read slowly.  Maybe, subconsciously, I think I’ll miss something important if I run through too quickly.

So I’m very impressed when I visit other blogs to find that people often speed-read through one, two, maybe more books per day.  That’s amazing to me! 

But I also have to wonder…

When a reader goes through a book that fast, are they getting the full impact, the nuances, the true feeling of the book?  Does it allow time for you to get into that character’s skin?  Are you right there, thinking the dialogue, participating in the action?

Or is it more like a jag through a fast-food restaurant than a satisfying meal, a case of “so many burgers, so little time”?

And do you find that certain Golden Arches—a style, a theme, a genre—will MAKE you slow down to savor every word, every last morsel?

Blog Apocalypse

The blogosphere is ending. No more blogs. The internet is still working, the world is fine. But you can’t write anymore. Write your last post.

Make it a good one. What is the reason you blog? What is the last gem of knowledge you want to leave? What do you want to be remembered for? Who are you?
What is the meaning of life? Haha…well not exactly but you get the point. Pour your heart into it.

***

Good-bye World.

You know. I just don’t know what to write here. I’m not sure what I’d write if it was the last time I could blog ever.

I’m totally drawing a blank here ya’ll and I thought this morning I’d have something great. SO. Maybe you guys could step in and tell me what you’d blog about if it was the last one EVER.

I will be late today - I’m a chaperon for Sweetie’s kindergarten class trip to the zoo today - BUT I will be back this afternoon to write about the Blog Apocalypse.

So last weekend, I went to a local writer’s conference hosted by my critique group Trinity Writers’ Workshop. I was asked to speak on a panel and was a little wary about talking in front of a group of people. But I pushed aside my fear (well, not really pushed it aside, but hushed it long enough to say yes) and agreed.

It was nerve-racking and totally fun.

Writers who have never been to a writers’ conference–be it small and intimate as TWW’s or huge like RWA’s–are missing out on so much. It is such a wonderful time to be around other writers, other people who “get you” and truly enjoy your craft as you do. You get so energized, cannot wait to get home and start working–once you’ve had a moment to rest!

Plus, often it is an opportunity to meet with agents and editors you might not otherwise get a chance to get in touch with short of a slush pile. Even if you don’t pitch to them you can get a feel for how things work, how to proceed when you have a project that is ready.

one a side note… We went to Scarborough Faire this past weekend–yes, right on the tail of a three day conference, I took the kids to a day out, walking around–my feet! And for the first time I understood those folks who don medieval garb and carry huge swords through a parking lot to be with other folks equally encumbered. It’s a thrill to be with people who share a passion as you do.

If you have an opporunity to be among people who share your craft, your passion, I say go for it!

Which is SO much easier than 13 LOL. I found this really great post over at Brain Bomb’s and I’m stealing it for a blog post.

So what would you like to do before you hit an important birthday? For me it’s 40, which is just
2 1/2 years off (and do you realize that after I turn 40 my oldest child will turn 16. The thought makes me cry). I’ll admit though, I’m kind of looking forward to 40. Weird maybe, but there it is.

1. Travel Extensively–Honestly I don’t see this one happening with a teenager and a preteen and just the general expense of traveling but I’d like to take more trips with and without the kids. I’ll save Europe for before I’m 50 (Italy, Greece, Puerto Rico -yes i know that’s not Europe thank you very much-Brazil, the list goes on).

2. Get Healthy and Fit–I’m working on this one and I think I’m doing pretty good. I can’t think about how many pounds I have to go; I can only think about how far I’ve come and that this is for the rest of my life. I’d be happy to be a size 10 and be able to jog a couple miles a couple days a week.

3. Learn to Dance (with or without a pole LOL)–I am a horrible dancer. Obviousy this comes from the white side of the gene pool. Sad too because the kids can dance LOL

4. Get my nose pierced–seriously.

5. Get a tattoo of wings on my back. Fairy wings. Tattoos are expensive though and that’s the major hold-back here.

6. Relearn to meditate–it’s very calming.

7. Deal with family/parental issues. Jesus, what else can I say? I had a falling out with my parent unit in October. I’m not sure I can ever forgive him, but I also know its not just him; it’s me. I’ve got issues as much about being adopted and rejected as about losing Mom. Maybe this is why I won’t contact my sister. I also have female issues.

8. Write something important–now don’t get me wrong, because I’m not saying that commercial fiction isn’t important. I think you can still write commerical fiction and write something meaningful. I can’t explain this other than it’s something I feel on a gut level.

9. Quit the dayjob–this is probably an age 45 goal, not an age 40 goal at the rate I’m going. I love my dayjob, but I’d love to be a full-time writer.

10. Get a tummy tuck and breast reduction surgery–sue me, I’m a little vain. And I think I should be allowed just one.

Once upon a time in a land of milk and honey, a beautiful young Princess lived in the warmth of her father’s love.  She was a girl of generous heart, as free as the wee blue birds which sailed the breezes of their lovely home, and the King could deny her nothing.

And because she was such a glad, giving soul, the beautiful young Princess became a ho.

She was not a bad girl.  But oh, how she loved the feeling of a good stiff one, and oh, how she adored having her soft blonde bush petted and stroked.

Only when the King summoned her to his throne and sat before her, head bowed, did she realize something was wrong.

“My darling daughter,” he said slowly.  “It has come to my attention that you are a ho.”

“Why yes, Father.  That I am.”

He looked very sad indeed.  “This will never do.  Have I not loved you, treasured you as my own sweet little bird?  You have been with every man in the kingdom!”

Her eyes filled with tears that she should ever cause him such grief.  “But Father!  I am a very GOOD ho!  Not once has a single subject complained.”

“It is inappropriate for one who is to be queen!”

“I have no wish to be queen, my King.  Nor even a Princess if I must surrender my joy.  I just wanna be a ho.”

The king’s brow clouded, and a gloom descended over the kingdom.  “I have heard enough, little bird.”

“Father, you do not understand,” she persisted.  “Nothing on earth brings me greater pleasure than having a man stroke my silky but impudent bush, probe my—“

“Hold your tongue!” the King cried, horrified.  “I have the cure for this.  I have promised you in marriage to the young Prince in the Next Kingdom.  There you will behave yourself and become a proper wife.”

(more…)

Guess what, Chica Readers? Just by reading and posting a comment on this blog entry today, your name will be tossed into the hat for a drawing to come PLAY the game FOR FREE on Saturday! So - read on and if you wish to come out and play for murderous prizes, leave me a comment saying so. :)

Join Shot In The Dark Mystery Games, The Romance Galleria, and me, Michelle Miles, for a night of virtual mystery! If you’ve ever wanted to play a murder mystery game from the comfort of your computer chair, this is the event for you!

On Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 8 pm EST, people from all over the world will meet in The Romance Galleria to play the newest Shot In The Dark Mysteries murder mystery game, Murder at the Book Signing, and you can be a part of this thrilling event!

The Venue:
Murder at the Book Signing is taking place at The Romance Galleria. The Romance Galleria is a chat room, a bookstore, a theater, a forum…and so much more. Discover a virtual world like no other in the romance industry. No other community can come close to offering an expansive virtual environment or real time interactions like the Romance Galleria. Murder at the Book Signing is taking place at this state of the art facility, where you assume a virtual version of yourself (AKA an avatar) and mingle with other players, all from the comfort of your own home.

The Storyline:
Romance author, Michelle Miles, is kicking off her book tour and her fans are eager to meet her. Miles’ best-selling novel, A Bend In Time, has established a cult following, and her fans are eagerly awaiting the second book in the Adventures of Ransom and Fortune, A Break In Time. But when Miles’ agent is found dead, the suspect list begins to grow, and fans and authors alike are held to determine who committed the Murder at the Book Signing.

The Featured Author:
Michelle Miles writes in several genres but finds she enjoys creating other worlds best of all. In addition to working full time, she has numerous projects underway.

Her time travel adventure, formerly a serial with Inara Press, has been released in novel length from Samhain Publishing. The first book, which encompasses the first and second seasons of the serial, has a new name: A Bend In Time. Look for it in print later this spring!

The Murder Mystery Game creator:
Shot In The Dark Mystery Games creates and sells murder mystery games for kids and adults in a variety of genres. Mystery game kits are the perfect way to spice up your next get-together! Visit us online and chat it up in our forum, buy a game and sign up for our ezine!

The Murder at the Book Signing Characters:
Michelle Miles - The Author:
Michelle Miles is an exciting new addition to the best-seller list, giving readers a break from the pontificating memoirs of late and helping them slip into the thrills of adventure. Michelle has been writing for years, and the success of the first book in the Adventures of Ransom and Fortune series, A Bend In Time, is no surprise to her long-standing die-hard fans.

Fletcher Flemming - Michelle Miles’ Publisher
Angel DiTosto - The Agent’s Mistress
Risto Rasmussen - The President of the Ransom and Fortune Fan Club
Sonia Sparrow - Michelle’s Close Friend
Sophia Bernesque - The Rival Author
Sally Mustard - The Romance Galleria Event Coordinator
Horrace Halliday - An As-Yet Unpublished Author

The Fans:
Marilyn Paradise
Ian Kirstofferson
Rose Seabrook
Ross Westcott
Vivaine Vincente
Germain Leblanc
Brenda Calhoun

In addition to the murder, attendees must also use their sleuthing skills to determine the identify of Michelle’s stalker! It’s two mysteries in one!

Tickets to the event are $10 (US). Don’t want to play a character? You can still attend the event and solve the mystery. Spots are limited, so sign up now for a great night of fun, murder and mystery! To learn more and sign up, visit Shot In The Dark Mysteries.

The person to solve the murder will receive the “Ransom & Fortune Survival Kit” prize pack as well as a signed copy of the book. The person to solve the identity if the stalker will also receive a signed copy of the book. Every attendee will be entered in a drawing for a copy of the book as well as other door prizes from Shot In The Dark Mysteries.  So, there are lots of chances to win COOL prizes. Come on out and play.

Get Your Murder On…

Okay–my little brother (he’s sixteen) said I cannot use that term any more when he learned it is slang for penis–so I guess I should say I am a silly goose. . .  Yeah that is soooo much better

Anyhoo .  .  .  As Amie told y’all Samhain recently received recognition with RWA.  I immediately proceeded to turn in my PAN application (which was approved BTW ) and signed up for the four PAN yahoo-loops.

Dork, er ah, Goose that I am, I have seen some of the e-mails go through and I am giddy. I know who that is! And that is. OH MY! I am seeing names of people who I buy their books. Sure I have bought the Chicas’ books–but I know them, I am still in awe of my blog-buddies too, but I know them.

I am like a little kid seeing their favorite sports person (shoot–the DH STILL does that, so he understands). Last year at the National conference, SJ and I saw Jill Shalvis–or as Bailey refers to her The Shalvis. She was just as happy to see us as we were her, she knows who we are in a blog-hopping see you around sort of way–that was the COOLEST thing! And talking with Brenda Novak at nationals (SJ and I cornered her in the Goodie room–she didn’t try to run, we’d have let her go if she had)–could she be sweeter. I was teased by Cherri Adair at her book signing. . .

Yes, I am totally name dropping here, but I get the biggest thrill and now, these writers have let me into their group–hehehehe–do ya think they know what they have done?

Yes I’m late. I didn’t forget; I just got sidetracked.

So two questions….If you could give one person anything, regardless of cost/time/effort etc, what would it be and who would it be?

Also, if you could go back to school and study anything (not necessarily a degree but just as professional student)…what would it be?