Thirty Days of Thanksgiving - Day 29

Day 29. A Sweet Deal for You.

While writing is a solitary endeavor, many people are involved into the process of a completed novel – agents, editors, copy editors, art departments, publicists, and one of the most crucial in my opinion – critique partners. These are the brave souls who see the ugly parts of our stories, all the dangling participles, misplaced modifiers, goofy and illogical ideas, and atrocious spelling. Finding critique partners who understand your vision and are able to slap you around one minute and offer cyber hugs the next are more precious than rubies. They must be tough on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside.

I’ve been fortunate to have a few critique partners who’ve shaped my work and encouraged me along the way. I’m eternally grateful as these ladies have also become dear friends. But the joy of being a crit buddy is that we are also able to celebrate the successes of one another.



One of my best critique buddies is Camille Eide. She's smart, savvy, and funny, and I’m as proud as a new momma that her first novella is releasing in just four days! It’s a lovely story (I’ve had the pleasure of reading and endorsing this enchanted Christmas tale). So for today I’m going to send you over to Camille’s blog where she has some fun things going on – a Christmas cookie recipe exchange and a chance to win a copy of her “baby” – Savanna’s Gift – an e-book just in time for Christmas. And you’ll get to meet Camille, too, who’s as lovely and witty as her blog.


See you tomorrow for Day 30 of Thanksgiving.

LAZY, HAZY, CRAZY DAYS OF SUMMER

They're here - those lazy, hazy days. I know we're only a month in, but already it feels like these hot, hot days will never end! It's not like when you were a kid and could run through the sprinkler to cool off. And these days, who has a window swamp cooler that you can stand in front of, lift up your shirt, and get a quick cool-off?

I do admit, thought, that the slower days are nice. Here are some of my favorite things about summer:
Snowcones - not the ones in a pointy cup that leak everywhere, but mounds of shaved ice in a cup, best eaten with a spoon. Strawberry is my favorite.

 
Watermelon - ice cold, eaten with a fork and a salt shaker nearby.

Movies - something about a dark, air-conditioned theater with the latest comedy or Pixar release just shouts summer to me.

Fireflies - Smart little bugs who only come out at dusk when the thermometer has dipped below triple digits. Nice to sit on the patio and watch the sparkle in the shrubs and flowers.

Lemonade Pie - One 3 oz. cream cheese. One small can frozen lemonade. Large container cool whip. Graham cracker crust. Blend softened cream cheese and lemonade, adding a bit of the lemonade at a time to make a smoother blend. Add cool whip and pile into graham cracker crust. Freeze. Simple and it makes my mouth happy to bite into the cold, tartness.

Books - There's never enough time to read all that I want, but I've started The Book Thief - not the typical summer read, but I'm sprinkling in a few fun reads as I go. I'll be telling you about one of those delights next time. 

Most favorite thing about summer - Grandkids. We try to have each of the five grandkids who live nearby for a stay, and it usually is in the summer. The two from Texas are coming this afternoon. I'm thinking watermelon, movies, and watching fireflies. Who knows? We might even run through the sprinkler.

Stay cool! And as my favorite coffee guy down at the Quik Trip says, "See ya next time!"

So what are you doing this summer? Vacation? Pool parties? Please share.