8 agents

Today Kiku and myself sent out 8 letters to agents still working to get Fae Dreams published. We are also getting ready for our trip to NOLA. We are sooooo ready to get out of St. Louis and on the road. Visiting NOLA is like recharging our batteries.

Fading...
Lodemai

The deadline is closing in...

Less than a month to complete the second book and we are way behind schedule. Frustration is setting in, more so because time to work is hard to come by these days.

The writing this time around is darker but its much more fun to write than the first book. The first book was written to get over a hard time in our lives but this time its all for the love of the story.

Honestly, Kiku and I have a very dark side so its going to interesting to see how dark Talia and Aurora become.

Fading...
Lodemai

Artist unknown...

Lullabies 2006 Short Story Contest

Well as Kiku and I started writing The Vault we found out Boutique du Vampyre located in the French Quarters was having a short story contest. The genre of course had to be on Vampires so we decided to take a clip from our latest book and enter it.

Please comment on the story. All constructive comments will be very much appreciated!
Here is the link: http://www.feelthebite.com/stories2006.html Look for The Vault and you found us.

Fading...
Lodemai

Artwork titled Diana from Jessica Galbreth.

Getting Ready To Leave

On my way to Denver for work so posts will be light until we get back. Since we have not had any luck Kiku is currently looking for an agent to market Fae Dreams. More to come on that later.
Fading...
Lodemai

Artwork from Jasmine Becket.

Turn Down 3

Well some would think that Kiku and myself would be getting discouraged but as before Tor Books didn't have anything bad to say. The letter said it was not what they were looking for but good luck. So its official we are looking for an agent. I have to leave town again in less than a month for convention in Denver. So this means another week lost on 'The Vault' with a deadline looming at the end of October. I'm not worried we didn't miss the first deadline I refuse to miss this one.

Fading...
Lodemai

Do you do Voodoo?

We do!!! See you in New Orleans to feel the music check out the banner under our favorite links for for information. Tickets are going fast!

Fading...
Lodemai

Moving...

Okay I have been away most of the month due to me moving into my first home. The kids love the house and it is quickly becoming home but I have not been writing during this madness.

So as you can guess I am behind on my work on The Vault. Good thing I have Kiku working away on things. I have finally had a chance to gather my thoughts but not much more.

Fading...
Lodemai

New artwork from Nene Thomas named Citrine Chysanthemum.

2 letters back

Just a quick note, we received responses from Hawk & Dorchester publishing both were turn downs. Hawk's only comment was that the book was to long. Dorchester just sent a form letter stating that the market was very competitive, yet it was only a form letter they didn't even types our names they just wrote them it in.

So many have thought we would be upset by the turn downs but were good. We were hoping for more feedback but hey at least they looked at the book. Still out there is Baen & Tor publishing.

Fading Lodemai

Artwork - Celtic Witch from Jessica Galbreth

Memorial Day

I know this blog is dedicated to Kiku and my progress with getting our first book published however, there is always more important things. Memorial Day is one of those things...
So please take a moment to read or click http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

History of Memorial Day may we never forget...

What is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.

In 1915, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields," Moina Michael replied with her own poem:
We cherish too,

the Poppy redThat grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

She then conceived of an idea to wear red poppies on Memorial day in honor of those who died serving the nation during war. She was the first to wear one, and sold poppies to her friends and co-workers with the money going to benefit servicemen in need. Later a Madam Guerin from France was visiting the United States and learned of this new custom started by Ms.Michael and when she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war orphaned children and widowed women. This tradition spread to other countries. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League sold poppies nationally to benefit war orphans of France and Belgium. The League disbanded a year later and Madam Guerin approached the VFW for help. Shortly before Memorial Day in 1922 the VFW became the first veterans' organization to nationally sell poppies. Two years later their "Buddy" Poppy program was selling artificial poppies made by disabled veterans. In 1948 the US Post Office honored Ms Michael for her role in founding the National Poppy movement by issuing a red 3 cent postage stamp with her likeness on it.
Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country. There are a few notable exceptions. Since the late 50's on the Thursday before Memorial Day, the 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry place small American flags at each of the more than 260,000 gravestones at Arlington National Cemetery. They then patrol 24 hours a day during the weekend to ensure that each flag remains standing. In 1951, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts of St. Louis began placing flags on the 150,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery as an annual Good Turn, a practice that continues to this day. More recently, beginning in 1998, on the Saturday before the observed day for Memorial Day, the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts place a candle at each of approximately 15,300 grave sites of soldiers buried at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on Marye's Heights (the Luminaria Program). And in 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in over 60 years.
To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."
The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.
But what may be needed to return the solemn, and even sacred, spirit back to Memorial Day is for a return to its traditional day of observance. Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend in with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day. As the VFW stated in its 2002 Memorial Day address: "Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."

Fading Lodemai...

Celebrate Fairy Day

June 24th is Fairy Day!
Fairy Day! The official holiday for fairy collectors, believers, artisans and the young at heart. Celebrated around the world by those who love all things fairy. Mark your calendars & join in the magic! Saturday June 24th, 2006.

Welcome to the official Fairy Day web site. Fairy Day is a holiday sprung from the imagination of a fairy artist and believer, and brought to life with the help of many of her talented friends and fellow fairy lovers. With the world enjoying a surge of interest in all things fairy, we feel that now is the perfect time to introduce a yearly holiday to celebrate the fae. This holiday is for everyone who believes in the magic of fairytales. It is for those imaginative souls who dare to dream impossible dreams. It is for the children of the world, wide eyed and open to the magic that surrounds them. It is for adults too, who long to capture a bit of that magic they remember from thier own childhood. Please join us in supporting this wonderful holiday. We have filled the pages of this web site with ideas on how you can support and celebrate Fairy Day.

Jessica Galbreth, fairy artist, founder of Fairy Day

Find out more at http://www.fairyday.com/

2 More Down

Today we mailed out two more submission to the following publishers Hawk and Tor. Kiku is currently looking into other publishers that fit within our criteria.

It seems like it should be easier but its not this is the most nerve wrecking time. We have set up our deadline for the second book and we are working through the plot. The problem comes in that we have not had a working session yet which makes it hard for me to focus on this book.

I have completed a few scenes and I know Kiku is working on a scene with the grandmothers and the girls. This should be a fun part to the book because the grandmothers are very close to Kiku and I. They are a tribute to our own grandmothers that had a large impact on us.

Back to the book...
Fading Lodemai...

Artwork from Jessica Galbreth

1st one down

We sent off our first submission today!!! The first publisher we are trying is Dorchester publishing. We have two other publishers to send out this week.

For all you first time writers I want to let you know the story is the easiest part of the writing process. The cover/query letter and the synopsis are the really hard part of the writing process.

The cover/query is what catches the publishers eye and the synopsis is what can make or break your story. So basically this is the point where you have to sell yourself. Its like a silent interview.

Well know the waiting is on.

The second book is coming along nicely. We are very excited about the story line. Kiku and I will give you some teaser later this spring. :-)

I have a lot of work to do today so I better get started.

Picture from Ice Wind I love her artwork but beware some of it is very dark. I love this piece regardless.

Fading...
Lodemai

End of the Month

Well, Kiku and I have been working away on things I have been spending most of my time with the second book. Kiku has become an expert on editing so the next time we send our book to the editor it shouldn't be relatively painless.

The Vault has proven to be a challenge because of the amount of emotional drama that will need to occur. This is an area that Kiku and I try to avoid in the real world.

Of course we have Aurora going crazy, Talia is suspect of Maximillian, Simeon is have a rant on magcik, and Maximillian and Masters are at each other throat over Talia. So each will have to sacrifice things they love. Death is closing in around them but even death can seem appealing when in the right wrapping.

Fading...
Lodemai

Baseball is Back!!!

Okay I know this blog is about our book but I have to tell you I'm a hugh baseball fan. Just like our character Aurora in our book series and of course Aurora's favorite team is the St.Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinal's won their first game of the season opening in Philly. We have a new stadium in St.Louis and it is beautiful!!! Our opening day is April 10th and we cannot wait for our team to come home.

This was just a moment to say welcome home to the boys of summer.
Fading...
Dawn

Date is set

Artist Nene Thomas work titled Domino.

Its almost the end of the month and we have made a lot of progress. We are moving forward fast with the search for a publisher now comes the waiting period some publishers may take anywhere from 1 to 6 months before we hear anything.

During this time we have started the second book and have set our deadline for completion to October 31st. It was the same deadline that we used for 'Fae Dreams' and it works for us. So the research and writing is on.

I have also started to work on my artwork again. It seems Kiku and I can not just have one project at a time.
Fading...
Lodemai

Sick

Artist unknown.

Okay I have been sick most of this week and I still don't feel good. I have way too much work to do with 'The Vault'. Things have been coming along with both books. The funny part of everything is the more I do research for book two the more I find ties between the book or the girls. Its to the point that it become a game for Kiku and me.

The Cookie Fairy is working hard on the publisher angle. I have lined up the first round of publishers we want to hit. Kiku is almost done with the little changes to the first book. We had to change one thing in the story line it wasn't major but it needed to be done. It was also an easy adjustment which will work better for the second book.

Back to the pages.
Fading...
Lodemai

Home for now

Well I'm back home again, since Thursday I have been in Kentucky with my kids and my dad. I just needed a break and going to Kentucky is the one place I can get a lot of rest. While in Kentucky I also got things updated on for our characters, Kiku has agreed on the beginning for the book so we are off and running. We have so many ideas for this book we are so excited the story line.

Still working on finding a publisher for 'Fae Dreams' but I have some good prospects. The Cookie Fairy is working on the cover letter she is a whiz at those kind of things. Me an Kiku get a little nervous with those kinds of things.

So much to do.
Fading...
Lodemai

Artwork by Nene Thomas this is a new piece called 'Queen of Shadows'.

Back in STL

Artwork from Jasmine Becket-Griffith

I have made it back from my second trip to California in less than 3 weeks. Conventions are over until August when we head for Denver. Enough about work lets get down to business. Anyone that knows about Kiku's & my first book 'Fae Dreams' keeps asking when will they see it published so here is an update.

In the earlier post from Kiku she is finishing the final changes suggest from our editor Peggy. Most of the changes are small but it still takes time to make sure you don't miss anything. Next now that I can focus again we have to start marketing the book to publishers. It is not as easy as one would think. We got the list of who we want to market the book to but it can be a very long process. Most of our friends and family keep telling us to self publish we both agree we want no part of this; we don't mind if we find a smaller publishing house that is fine with us. We just want to 'Fae Dreams' in print in the local book store.

Our second book 'The Vault' has been slowly under way on this last 4 hours flight to CA. I did accomplish quite a bit. I need to get it down in Word and over to Kiku for her approval as it is the open sections of our book. We both must agree on any part that goes into our books which we believe makes our books better.

Well I have a lot to get done before work on Monday, and I'm leaving town again on Thursday just some family time down in Kentucky with my dad and the kids.

Fading...

Lodemai

Been Kinda Busy!

I know it's been forever since I've posted anything. I've been told people are starting to doubt my exsitence! Sorry, I 've very busy with the final edit of Fae Dreams. You know, making the suggested changes - a clean up, so to speak. I have also been battling a wicked nasty cold.

With very little good news from my family in Louisiana, I have been trying to stay focused on the editing. It is a slow and tedious project. I just want to get it done, so I can devote my writing time to the Vault.

Gotta get back to work!

Kiku
Artwork: Jasmine Becket-Griffith

Been Gone

It seems like forever since I have had time to post a blog. For the past week I have been in California for my day time job working a convention for my companies members.

Anyone who has ever worked a convention knows the days are very long anywhere from 12 to 18 hours on your feet. Plus I could not get adjusted to the 2hr time difference from St. Louis to Anaheim. I was always feeling like I was going to miss a meeting if I didn't get up at my normal ST.L time which is 3am in CA. Crazy I know; so I was working on anywhere from 3 to 4 hours sleep. I can say I worked my butt off but I also had a blast with everyone.

As I was working in CA Kiku was back in STL working on the changes suggested from our editor. Most of the changes a very small but it can become very time consuming on top of that she had been under the weather.

Well I only have limited time because I'm back to CA in 7 days for another 4 days on a convention floor.

Fading...
Lodemai

The week is finally over!

Okay I just want to say I am so glad this week is finally over with; it has been very long and filled with stress. I haven't worked on the book as much as I should have my heart has not been in it. My personal life had been taking a front seat for the moment it involves the kids so that means everything else must stop until it is settled.

When writing the first book my grandmother died; Katrina hit New Orleans which affected one whole side of Kiku's family, this resulted in us stopping for almost 2 months to take care of family issues.

Now we are working on book two and right off I have to take care of some issues with my kids. I wish things could be easier but then if everything was easy you could not appreciate things. I believe each challenge only make a person stronger which is why I choose the photo of the Phoenix. The legend goes that when the Phoenix burns out it is reborn from its ashes. As when we make it through a trial we are reborn a different person from the experience.

2006 is a year of changes.
*Trying to get our first book published (Fae Dreams)
*Working on our second book (The Vault)
*We want to get our first store opened by next year
*I want to look at buying my first home in a year
*Kiku and myself are going to start learning French (so we both have decided to teach the kids)
*We both are working on our health
*Also going to starting working for my bother-in-law on his web site store
*Finally I'm going to start drawing again

Fading...
Lodemai

Feeling Lost

Artist Amy Brown
The day was a hard one for me. I have been waiting several weeks for this day and trust me I wish this did not have to come. T-Birds Father has been missing in action for over a year. He has issues he is dealing with but in the mean time T-Bird had not been a part of his life. Yesterday we set up an agreement for support but I would give anything for him to just spend time with his little girl. Money will never replace the love of a father. This had dominated my life way too much lately. I have had a hard time concentrating on the on the second book.

So yesterday Kiku and I spent time working on 'The Vault'. It has helped me some having Kiku to walk with me through all of this. She understands how I feel the most because she is a single mother like me. Believe me my other friends love and care for me and my children but its Kiku that understands the madness that can run through my head.

This second book is proving to be a challenge in the early stage. Unlike 'Fae Dreams' I need to make sure I stay true to each of the characters while developing new villains. We have a good foundation which we have started; it will come to us once we get rolling. In 'Fae Dreams' we seemed to always know what was missing and everything flowed so easily. I'm sure that I didn't say that though when we were writing the first book. :)

Fading...
Lodemai

Meeting with Editor

Artist Amy Brown.

Most of you know that yesterday we had a meeting with Peggy our editor. It was hard to stay composed while she was describing our book. She loved the book and said she wants to see it in publication! Once Kiku and I made it to the car we let loose with high pitch screams only dogs could hear. :-)

What made both of us happy was the fact that Peggy was able to get the subtle hints we placed in the book she was also able to feel the emotions of our characters. She said she could visualize everything that was going on and could even hear them speaking to each other. I can only say that this is what Kiku and myself work so hard to do.

Kiku is so pumped that she wants to do all the corrections this will free me to keep working on the story line of the second book 'The Vault'. Kiku will also be sending out the book to publishers with the cover letter. Kiku is very good at this part of the game. Peggy said it can take some time before we get a publisher to give us a chance but she also reminded us that the hardest part is done.

Well today is busy we have a birthday party planned for my son Alexzander he is 12 (wow where did the time go?) and I have so late night oil to burn doing research for book 2.

Fading...
Lodemai

It's Done!

Finally the book is done at the editor!!!! Here is what she had to say...

I finished proofreading your book yesterday and just finished typing up some notes for you to go along with the marked-up text.

You've got a really good story in this book. Once you get it cleaned up (don't you hate that? I know when I write I figure every word is perfect and there's no way anyone can improve it -- I'm always wrong!), you'll have a good story that packs a big punch.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you -- and seeing your book in print! P...

Okay you can only guess how excited Kiku and I are; we were just talking about this at work today! I want to give this bit of advice I have learned studying magcik: Send good out and you will get good back. Think positive no matter what or how long it takes.... Our thoughts create manifestations. Everything we things goes out into the universe and will manifest. A friend I made during the research of this book reminded me of this just yesterday.

So far 2006 has been very interesting to say the least!
Fading...
Lodemai

Kiku found this artist; Jasmine Becket-Griffith this piece is titled 'Mardi Gras Masquerade'.

Sunday Morning

Artwork of an Mystic Angel the artist is unknown...

Still working with the plot of 'The Vault' I feel sorry for Detective Stone. He is probably my favorite character to write with Maximillian being a very close second. The Detective is a very good man and a excellent cop its just the cases he has been sent to work on are occult crimes which is something he hates and knows nothing about. He trusts the girls and can't figure out why he does so easily, grant it helps that the girls figured out 150 years of murders which spanned 5 cities and hundreds of victims while saving 15 more civilians.

Maximillian is some what of an illusion you see him as one thing yet he is another. This can cause problems for Talia because when it comes to men she is not the most trusting; yet she is totally in love with him.

The girl Talia and Aurora are easy because they are real to me I see and feel how they would respond. Even with Simeon I always know what he is thinking he is easy he is going to follow Aurora. Don't get him wrong he has a temper but he is about keeping Aurora safe even though he does not understand her world of magcik. With the help of Maximillian he is trying to learn.

The problem comes in when faced with something you never thought was real on in Hollywood movies; how do you react. Even the girls will be in denial when they realize what form of evil has moved into the Quarters.

The lines of the faith, trust, loyalty and love will be pushed to the limit.
Fading...
Lodemai

Finally News!!!

Okay you have read about Kiku and I going crazy over the last several weeks. Finally, today it looks like our waiting is almost at an end.

We have received word from our Editor and here is what she has to say:
I'm still working on the book --- and I apologize that it's taking longer than I'd anticipated. Little things like work, school, and a sick kitty keep interfering. I was planning to use the entire upcoming weekend to finish it -- your book is the ONLY thing on my calendar for this weekend!

There are changes that need to be made, but these are mostly technical, grammatical, punctuation type changes. The core of the book -- the story-- is GOOD!!!!

Hang in there -- I know how anxious you and Lodemai must be!

Talk with you later.

As you can guess I feel a lot better having this information; Kiku is amped and ready to start writing again full force. I have a busy couple of months ahead with work, kids, school, and book two 'The Vault'. Nothing is going to keep me from writing and Kiku and I need to start our weekend power meetings. This time always gives way to great ideas and focus to our book. What a way to start 2006 so with that I choose this artwork from Jessica Galbreth with the perfect statement LIVE YOUR DREAMS!!!!

Fading...
Lodemai

Fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

This very special message is for the Cookie Fairy aka my little sis...

I have joined Hike for Discovery which is a nonprofit adventure training program that benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Our big event this year will be hiking in the Grand Canyon, but I've set my sights higher than just training to hike into the canyon. I also aim to raise at least $3,700 to help find a cure for blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and Hodgkin's disease.

The money I raise will pay for support groups, educational programs, and financial planning for afflicted families. It will also fund grants for doctors who are working toward better treatments and a cure. Their efforts are critical, because blood cancers kill more children in the United States than any other cancer and strike even more adults. An estimated 114,530 new cases of blood cancers will be diagnosed nationwide this year alone; some 54,480 patients will lose the battle.

This is where, I'm hoping, you come in. Though I can do the training, I need your help to reach my fundraising goal. Every dollar you donate is tax deductible, and at least 75 cents of it goes directly toward research and patient services. If you would like to donate I have several options you can choose from. You can go to the following website: http://www.active.com/donate/hfdgmo/hfdCSkaggs and make a donation or you can let me know that you would like to donate and I have a form that can be filled out for those who want to donate with check or cash.

All donations are greatly appreciated and there is no donation too small. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the cause please let me know just post a comment and my sister Lodemai will email me your request.

As you can see this is very important to my sis so I chose this Artwork 'Sun Fairy' by Amy Brown. If you are ever blessed to meet The Cookie Fairy then you will understand she is truly the sun in ours lives.

The Party

I just got home from a after my birthday party. My second mother, also known as my boss at one point, but today she has moved over one of my closest friends. She gave the party which equaled herself (Via), her best friend (Ann), Kiku and myself. The food was fabulous and the drinks flowed all night.

It was a good time to sit around and enjoy good company, food and drinks. She really is a great hostess. I really needed the time away from the kids just a girls night.

I did some tarot reading and we tried to us the spirit board but I was too far gone for it to be safe. I like to be free of Volka when I'm working with the board I don't want to open anything by not being able to concentrate and there was no concentrating at that point. Kiku and myself need the break to stop worrying about the book. Plus it was a very long week at work.

So I'm going to take a short nap and start back to writing I'm still working with Detective Stone and his new case. Aurora is on her way home from a get away in St. Louis while Talia is has been handling the store "Fae Dreams" in New Orleans. Maximillian is getting ready to leave for another bounty and Simeon is worried that Aurora is going crazy and he does not know how to help her. With all of this death has moved to the Quarters and the girls need to be ready to save the ones they love.
Fading...
Lodemai

Artwork from Jessica Galbreth.

Losing It

Okay still no word on the book. Kiku and I are losing it. We have started on the next book 'The Vault' but it would be so nice to have the feed back from the first book. Kiku is going to call the editor by Monday to get an update.

We just need to hear something!!!!

We are getting ready to start looking for publishers we need to find one that focuses on our style of book. I never realized there are so many different kinds of publishing houses. We still have a lot to learn but we are well on our way.

Fading...
Lodemai

Day After

Yesterday was my birthday and my goal for the 14th was to do nothing. I was able to do that for part of the day but it is not in me to waste an entire day away. My family and friends found their way over and they even had a Mini cake for me. It was nice lately I have not had a moment to breath so to have a day that I don't have to think was a very nice change of pace.

Still no word from the editor so Kiku is going to email and see what the problems. Kiku and I do not want to get too far into 'The Vault' if there is some problems with 'Fae Dreams'. Talia and Aurora are ready and waiting to see what will happen to their world next. While their men will be struggling to hold on to the girls even the best relationships can have unseen crashes in the future. The key will be the truth; the challenge will be to face the truth even if it means losing the one you love.

Fading...
Lodemai

This artwork is named 'Hope' it is another from the collection Nene Thomas.

Patience

Still no word on the book and my birthday is coming up on Saturday I'm hoping to hear back by Monday but the little voices in my head are on overtime. Of course I'm thinking there is something wrong; so to combat that thought what I have done is make myself focus on 'The Vault'. Yesterday I worked with Stone's story weaving some of the past story of 'Fae Dreams' into the 'The Vault' I'm waiting to hear from Kiku to see if she like the direction I am heading. Since we write together we must be in agreement as to how the story flows. For us it is very important to stay true to our characters we want them to be as real to the readers as they are to us. Stone is waiting for me to finish his scene so gotta go...
Back to 'The Vault'
Lodemai

This artwork is a new creation from Nene Thomas titled 'Direwood' I selected this work because it takes me away to a special magical place.

Family Time Saturday

Artwork from David Delamare I choose this one because of the mother and child. Just reminded me of me with my kids when they were babies.

Today I was out with Jen and T-Bird she needed an outfit for her company party tonight. Then it was movie time with T-Bird, when my sis made it home we played domino with Alexzander. Now play time is over and back to the 'The Vault'. I'm working on the detectives today.

Detective Stone is one of my favorite character to write because he is this honest, salty, good cop with a kind heart. He just doesn't believe easily nor does he open up to new people or things, but that's changing with the more he spends time with Aurora and Talia.

Back to the shadows...
Lodemai

Going Crazy!!!!

Okay the holidays are over and I'm so tired of waiting to hear back from our editor. I'm going crazy! Kiku and I are about at the end of our rope. I know during the holidays you lose nearly two weeks. This however starts the little voices in my head which are saying there must be a problem with the story, or she doesn't like it. Its amazing how many games your mind will play when your anxious.Enough of the worrying back to writing; Aurora and Talia are waiting for me and Kiku to return. Remember Do not try DO! and that is what I'm doing.
Fading...
Lodemai

This art selection is for my little sis. Title is 'Book Worm' from Amy Brown.

Tessa's Blackeye

This is my little T-Bird, she looks all sweet and innocent however; today she lost a wrestling match with one of the boys. It ended with her face hitting one of the hard plastic toys.

She now has a black-eye on the left outside corner of the eye. When I walked into the daycare it was the first thing I saw. Some parents would be upset not me, T-Bird plays hard and accidents happen. Its all part of growing up, but call me proud my little girl is a tomboy at heart just like her mom.

Watch out world here she comes.
Proud Mama - Lodemai

5:20 am Warning

Okay my plan for today was to sleep in since I have the day off.

NOT!!!

Around 5:20 this morning I hear the tornado sirens going off. Well my first thought was it's the first Monday of the month so it was a test. I just thought how rude to do it so early when it normally happens around 9:00 am. I lifted my head up when I see a big flash of lighting followed by the familiar crash of thunder I knew this was no test. I was on the second floor; I grab my 2 yr old and proceed to the main level. (Tessa is still fast asleep in my arms). Alexzander's room is in the basement and he was fast asleep and already the safest part of the house. So I flipped on channel 5 to see that a massive storm covered the St. Louis area; now all you can do is wait.

Living in the Midwest (even in St. Louis) you get use to this kind of thing. I should have know this would be coming it was just in the 20's then the last 2 days it has been in the high 50's this morning we hit the 60's prime time for tornados. We were lucky no tornados in the metro area but I'm sure the surrounding area got it worse you only need to drive about 20 minutes to be in the country. The most we got was a lot of wind and rain. As fast as it came it was gone.

Its now 10:00am and bright outside with a grey cast, I dropped my son off at school and kept my little one with me for the day. Now I have to start writing 'The Vault' is waiting to consume me.

What a start to 2006 (I wonder is this an omen)...

Lodemai

2006

Artwork from Amy Brown titled 'Looks like trouble'. Hmmm sounds like me...

Okay this post will be devoted to our New Years promises to ourselves. So here we go...

• Kiku has a mantra - Let it go... This goes with last years Keeping it real...
• Lodemai I have to go back to jedi ways - Do Not Try Do! (defeat is not an option.)
• Cookie Fairy - Making the world better one cookie at a time :-) (yes she is a 29 yr old hippie she is the happiest damn person!)
• Super Cheeseman - What the is your theme this year????

Enjoy...

Lodemai