Valentine's Day...

I am not a big fan of Valentine's Day. In fact, I think it is overrated. However, it was a special day. We had a lot of fun just being together around the house watching movies and TV. We love each other each day of the year which is why this day doesn't carry much weight for me. But I do what I have to do...

I haven't finished my book that I am going to review next. I have about four to read and review. I have some time this week to read at least one book. We are supposed to get more snow tomorrow. I think its funny that the reports consistently say, "We are going to get around 4-6 inches but we also have a possibility of receiving 6-8 inches." The amazing thing is they keep saying that its no big deal. I guess they forgot that there are mountains of snow blocking roadways and many parking lots that have piles of snow in them making it impossible to park. Me, I haven't forgotten nor am I looking forward to more. As a kid, I prayed for snow because school would be cancelled, I didn't have to drive in it or shovel it and my only responsibility was to play. Those days are gone and so are my days of enjoying it!!

Make it a great week and be safe in all that you do. Happy writing, reading, and living. Without a book or music playing in the background... I wouldn't be living, I'd just be existing!!

Another snowy night on the way!

I grew up in Orange County, NY and vividly remember all the snow we had each winter. Since that time, we have had a few blizzards in various places where I've lived in the NY, NJ, and PA area. However, the past few years we've had winters that didn't closely resemble those childhood winters. Last year I think we had less than 20 inches throughout the entire winter. Now, we are only 9 inches from breaking the 1996 record of 60 or so inches.

Tonight we are supposed to get 12-24 inches. The exact amount depends on the way the wind blows, I guess. I am amazed but know that we were long overdue for a winter such as this. My plan for tomorrow is to be productive. I am going to use the precious hours when I am snowed in to complete or at least work on some of the projects I have started. I want this to be a publishing year for me and need to use these days as best as I can to bring my dreams to fruition. This fire in me is not dimming and it won't. After I bring my first book to publication I'm sure it will only burn brighter!

I have narrowed my search down to a few different self-publishing companies. A number of people I know have used Lulu or Outskirts Press. I am not sure if I will work with them as well but I haven't made any decisions yet. I am doing as much research as I can because I feel that I need to take great care in deciding on which company I will use. I know I judge a book by its cover so my cover is very important to me. I expect when I open the cover of a book that an author has taken great care to bring it to publication. So, I plan on doing the same thing. Although I am eager to get it done it makes no sense to do it incorrectly. In the end, it would cost me more. I have witnessed that and it takes away from the contents of the book.

When I see books that have been poorly edited or typeset, full of grammatical errors or shoddy covers, that's all I end up remembering about the author. I don't get a chance to read what the author was trying to say because the author chose to send out a less than professional piece of work with his or her name on it. I am going to work as diligently as possible to send out a book that I would want to spend my money on in the bookstore. I love books and I want it to show!!

I say all of this to say... "Get it done but get it done right. If you don't put your all into it, the end result will be a reflection of your efforts!" Do it right or not at all...