Hen Lit Writers

Vote for The Writer's Life!

2007-01-10T21:24:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone...

It's that time of year again and the Preditors & Editor's Readers Poll is in full swing!

The Writer's Life has been in operation since 2001 and provides writing resources, promotional opportunities for writers, and a newly added promotional workshop. But, more than that, it's a labor of love.

As the editor of The Writer's Life, my goal is to help writers achieve their goals of becoming published and help them promote once they have achieved this. It is to all the writers out there I dedicate this website, and it is my hope that The Writer's Life was a part of making their dreams come true.

If you would be so kind and vote for us under the "Nonfiction Magazine/Ezine" category at Preditors & Editors and to vote for the editor (moi) under "Magazine/Ezine Editors," I would greatly appreciate your vote. To vote, click here, and thank you!

Dorothy Thompson
Editor, The Writer's Life
www.thewriterslife.net

THE SEARCH FOR THE MILLION $$$ GHOST Book Trailer at YouTube!

2007-01-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

A new and improved version of THE SEARCH FOR THE MILLION $$$ GHOST book trailer at YouTube:

The Search for the Million $$$ Ghost Book Trailer!

2007-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

Six women. One eccentric millionaire. And a ghost that refuses to be found....

Check out my cool book trailer at www.milliondollarghost.homestead.com/trailer.html!

Dorothy

Happy New Year & A New ROMANCING THE SOUL Book Trailer!

2006-12-31T19:50:00.000-08:00

To all our hen lit blog readers, I'd like to wish every one of you the happiest new year! Although it's not officially 2007 for another hour, let's take the time to reflect on what we have accomplished in the past year. Did we meet our goals? Did we try to be the best we can be?

I hope every one of you found your dreams; and if not, let's work even harder at finding what we are looking for and becoming who we want to be in the upcoming year. But, no matter what kind of resolutions you have lined up, the main key is to be happy.

With that in mind, I wish you a Happy New Year and may all your dreams come true!

Also, I'd like to show you a new video I made of my book, ROMANCING THE SOUL. Enjoy!

Authors Chat Lounge 2 Tonight!

2006-12-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

Hi guys, just want to let you know that I'll be a guest at Lea Schizas' online conference chat room at the Authors Chat Lounge 2 tonight at 7 p.m. eastern time. Come on out and find out all about my new eBook, "A Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook," and how you, too, can write, publish and promote your own eBook. To get into the chatroom, click here and sign in!

FREE CHRISTMAS EBOOK!!!

2006-12-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

On behalf of my writing group and myself, I am pleased to announce the release of our holiday ebook, "Season's Greetings from The Writersville Gang"! This 70-page downloadable ebook is absolutely free with no strings attached. This is our way of showing gratitude to the writing community. To get your free e-copy, visit http://www.writersville.homestead.com/seasonsgreetings.html.

Happy holidays to all of you!

New Zumaya Romance Imprint & Poll!

2006-11-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hi readers,

I've just been passed the news that Zumaya Publications is planning to open a romance imprint, but they have so many wonderful names to choose from, they can't decide which one to pick!

That's where you come in!

Here are the details:

This past July Zumaya Publications moved business operations from its long-time home in British Columbia to the warmer climes of Austin, Texas. In the coming year, we plan to implement a number of exciting changes, and we want to invite booklovers to join us and qualify for prizes in three special contests.

In January 2007, Zumaya will establish a new romance imprint. Our authors have come up with ten excellent ideas for a name for the imprint, and we're interested in finding out which of them appeals the most to readers. So, we've set up a poll on Yahoogroups at Name That Imprint. To vote for your favorites (yes, you can vote for more than one) just send an email to http://us.f509.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=name_that_imprint-subscribe%40yahoogroups.com.

If you're already registered with Yahoo Groups, you can just ask to add the group to your roster. Or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/name_that_imprint/ and sign up directly.

When the poll ends on 15 December, we will enter the email addresses of the voters into a contest. Three will win a gift card worth $100, $50 or $25 provided by Zumaya authors, as well as some special personal gifts the authors are lining up as we speak; a complete list will be provided in a week or so. Not only that, we're offering five holiday-themed ebooks—three for adults and two for kids—free for the duration of the poll.

So, even if you don't read romance, come to Name That Imprint and let us know which of the names tickles your fancy.

____

So, help us out, won't you? Lots of prized (MONEY!) and if you click on the files there, you'll have access on two freebie Christmas books! Thanks muchly!

Dorothy Thompson
Editor, The Writer's Life
www.thewriterslife.net

Virtual Book Tour - Stop # 4 - Nutter's Gang!

2006-11-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

Omg...I have my very first review!

Everyone...hop over to Michelle E. Ellis' blog at http://www.meellis.blogspot.com/ where she's hosting me today and read my very first review! I'm about to have a boomer chick conniption!

What I found really neat is that my eBook, A Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook, has given Michelle ideas for promoting her already-published eBooks which has given her the confidence to query RT Magazine! Woo-hoo! Go Michelle! Let us know what you find out!

Everyone...pleeeeze, go over to Michelle's blog and leave a comment!

Virtual Book Tour

2006-11-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone!

I'm happy to announce that I will be touring blogs this month in my first ever virtual book tour for my eBook "A Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook"!

I will be stopping off at blogs all over the country and talking about promoting your own eBooks (really it's not as hard as you think) in case you wanted to generate some Christmas spending money, or just in case you might want to do this yourself in the near future.

If you would like to follow along with me, you can visit my promoting eBooks blog at eBook Promotion for Self-Published Authors to find out where I'll be going next.

My first stop is today at Kathy Holmes' blog, "Women's Fiction With Attitude"! So, follow that link, and if you have any questions about self-publishing or promoting eBooks, or promoting in general, leave a comment in her blog and I'll answer it there for you.

Happy promoting to you and see you there!

FREE HALLOWEEN EBOOK

2006-10-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween, everyone!

In honor of All Hallows Eve, my writing group, The Writersville Gang, and I are giving away a FREE Halloween eBook for anyone who loves reading about ghosties and bumps in the night!

All you have to do is visit www.writersville.homestead.com/hauntedhappenings.html to find out how you can get your free copy!

Enjoy and have a safe Halloween!

Boooooooooooooooooooooooooo.......

Dorothy

A Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook

2006-09-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, gang, it's here! A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PROMOTING & SELLING YOUR SELF-PUBLISHED EBOOK has arrived. If you would like to make money from the comfort of your home with no overhead and 100% profit, it's time to start thinking about writing your own eBook and selling it yourself. Why yourself and not an e-publisher?

Glad you asked.

YOU can do everything they can do, and all the profits are yours alone.

And don't think you can't do it, either. I've done it, and I will continue doing it because while I'm waiting for the royalty checks to come in from my other books and while I'm waiting for a NY contract for yet other books, I'm making money.

How do you make money from a book others have to read over the Internet?

You are so inquisitive!

But, that's what I'm here for. My eBook, A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PROMOTING & SELLING YOUR SELF-PUBLISHED EBOOK, explains it all. It's a 120-page PDF-formatted guide to show you how to promote your ebooks better than an e-publisher can. How?

By implementing the steps I've outlined in the eBook, you are guaranteed sales. While it may take time to complete, you'll be able to sit back and enjoy that added revenue you didn't have before.

I mean, think about it. It's a win-win situation. You can't go wrong.

My eBook, priced at $19.99, is comparable to others selling for hundreds. You read that right. HUNDREDS. And people are buying them.

People love information they can't get over the Internet or other places, and people are buying them because this priceless information is condensed into one easy-to-read and easy-to-follow location. By opening up my ebook and following the directions in each section, you'll find ideas of where to promote your eBook you never thought of before.

Oh, how I wish this information would have been available when my first eBook was published by an e-publisher. The money I have lost can never be regained, but the knowledge I have accumulated since has enabled me to promote my own eBooks with guaranteed sales.

Dan Poynter, marketing guru and author of over 100 self-published eBooks says,
“It does not matter if you sell out to a large (NY) publisher or publish yourself, the author must do the promotion. It does not matter if you publish a pBook (paper) or an eBook, the book must be promoted. Promotion methods are not the same for pBooks and eBooks. You can promote your eBook for little or no cost. A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PROMOTING & SELLING YOUR SELF-PUBLISHED EBOOK shows you how to promote your electronic book.”

If you'd like to find out more about A COMPLETE GUIDE TO PROMOTING & SELLING YOUR SELF-PUBLISHED EBOOK, visit www.thewriterslife.net/promoteebook.html. For more tips on how to sell your eBook, visit my new promoting blog "eBook Promotion for Self-Published Authors" at www.selfpublishedebookpromotion.blogspot.com.

Happy sales to you!

Romancing the Soul - # 2 Bestselling Book at Zumaya Publications

2006-09-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Wonderful news...I just found out (thanks to Kathy Holmes!) that Romancing the Soul, my soul mate anthology, is # 2 bestselling book at Zumaya Publications! Can I get a woop-woop????

Check it out at http://www.zumayapublications.html/!

Age is Just a Number

2006-08-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Kathy made an interesting post today (see next post). What is the latest on hen lit anyway? Are people buying it and, on another note, are publishers buying it?

I thought about this for awhile. As a reader, what age do I like my characters to be?

And, you know what I decided? It really didn't matter as long as I enjoyed the book. If the book sucked, I put it down, but age never really came into it.

This is why I feel that when we market our books written with the protags "of a certain age," drop the hen lit moniker and call them women's fiction.

You know, some of the best books I've ever read had the main protags as children and teenagers, and I'm nowhere near that age, but I really enjoyed them.

"Heide"...everyone remembers that book...wasn't that the most delightful book you've ever read? How about "Go Ask Alice"? That book was the most wonderful book of its time and was written from a teenager's POV. Just the other day I bought "Peter Pan" from Walmart because it was 2/$1.00, and I bought "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," too.

Okay, they are classics and it was such a bargain so maybe they don't count.

So as I am a woman "of a certain age," and I have written a book with the protag "of a certain age," what books do I buy normally?

It doesn't matter because what books I do buy lately, I have read excerpts up on the author's website and loved it enough to buy the book. The last one was a how-to book, but as far as fiction goes, I would have to say it was a protag in their late thirties. But, it didn't matter how old they were. I wanted the book and I wasn't disappointed.

Would I buy a book with the protag "of a certain age"? Sure, I would because age does not matter. The story has to be compelling. It has to be one I've heard others say was great or after I read the excerpt, I knew this was a book I'd be interested in.

So when people say that chick lit is dead or hen lit is dead (or dying or whatever they are saying...marketing ploy?...gotta admit that's a wild one), I tell them to get over it because it doesn't matter what age the protag is. The story is what matters.

So, all you "chick lit" writers or "hen lit" writers, call your book a woman's fiction because, basically, that's what it is. We went through the stage of having a certain name for it, but let's not box ourself in like that. We could call them "women's fiction with an edge," but then I'm sure someone would come up with a moniker for that, too. Don't let them have that opportunity. They'll eventually come up with ways to call that a marketing ploy, too.

As for Transita, maybe they shouldn't have boxed themselves in with one genre, also. It's like one of those specialized stores in the mall that sell to one particular market. Eventually, they do something to expand that market or they go under. I hate to see that happen to anyone.

In retrospect, don't box yourself in, either. Women's fiction is versatile. Maybe we should stick with that and not put ourselves in a position where we're labeled. But, while we cater to the public and the publishers who we wish would publish us, we're still hen litters at heart. And, keep writing those stories about women (and men) "of a certain age," because if the story is intriguing enough, it will sell, and the public will buy.

Literary Agent Kristin Nelson in TWL Author Talks!

2006-06-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that literary agent Kristin Nelson will be fielding questions in TWL Author Talks on Monday, June 12, 2006 for the entire week! Last week, as you know, we had the talented Jenny Bent and the response was overwhelming! Fifty people signed up overnight, so now's your chance to get in on finding the agent of your dreams!

Now, here's the coolest news....Kristin has agreed to a pitch slam on Friday, June 16th!

So, what's a pitch slam?

A pitch slam is summing up your entire book in one sentence, in this case, and having one of our literary agent guests tell you if it's something they would be looking for or not. Not as easy as you think.

Last week, we had Jenny Bent giving her input on the pitches and you'd be amazed at how hard it is. While some of us walked away with out tails tucked between our legs, we learned just what it is that makes a pitch stand out and was an invaluable lesson!

Kirsten Mortenson, one of the members of TWL Author Talks, explains some of the things that Jenny didn't like in the pitches people submitted while she was a guest (thank you, Kirsten!): 1. Not original enough/has been "done to death."Takeaway: Make sure your pitch shows that you have the twist/color that makes your concept stand out from similar novels. 2. Pitch confusing. Couldn't tell who was doing what.Takeaway: Edit out extraneous information. Make sure its clear to what/whom the pronouns of your sentences are referring. Maybe follow a fairly simple setup/conflict/resolution structure in your sentence to make sure it's easy to follow . . . 3. Missing story "arc."Don't just list the characters and setting. Make sure you've also set up the main conflict and resolution. 4. Conflict not compelling.Make sure the conflict you've presented is "big" enough to show that you've got a strong plot. 5. Bland title.
Jenny got me on #2. I totally confused her and I'm revising before the next pitch slam with Kristin Nelson.

Another member of TWL Author Talks, China, explains just what it might take to gain an agent's interest in a pitch slam:

"There are a few different ways, that I know of, to do a one sentence pitch. I'm not saying these are the only or best ways, or guaranteed to work, or anything like that. These are just a few of the ways we learned to do them at the creative writing program from which I graduated.

**Note--my examples are not real, and shouldn't be held against me. ;)

The first technique: Character, Conflict, Hook

Describe your character, why we should care about him or her (ie the conflict), and what makes this book different from any other with a similar theme or storyline.

A lot of times the different parts of your pitch blur--your conflict can also be a hook, or your hook can also be a conflict.

Example: A struggling single mother (character and conflict al lwrapped into one) loses her job (conflict) and finds the only way to support her family is to become a stripper (hook, conflict). That's a little low concept and a whole lot rough, but I hope itillustrates the technique.

**********

The second technique: GMC (Goal, motivation, conflict)

This is pretty similar to character, conflict, hook. It's simple--your one sentence should introduce your character, explain his or her motivation, his or her goal, and his or her conflict.

Example: When a waitress (character) is inadvertently sucked into another dimension (conflict), she must battle not only the forces of darkness but her own inner demons (conflict AND motivation) in order to find her way home (goal and motivation). As with the CCH style pitch, sometimes the goal, motivation and conflict can intertwine.

************

Third technique: The high concept pitch.

In this one, you mostly introduce the concept of your story.

Example: Martians and vampires fight for world domination, leaving astring of human bodies in their wake.

There are many other techniques, but I want to add in some general tips.

1. You don't need to give very much detail about your character, plot or world. This should be your story boiled down to its absolute barest bone structure.

2. Using a character archetype is more effective than using character specifics, and also cuts down on length. Use "a washed up musician," rather than, "Lenny Diamond, a struggling singer-songwriter in his 50s..."

3. Your pitch--even a single sentence pitch--should have a little bit of the flavor and tone of your story. If you write light and frothy, your pitch should be light and frothy. If you write with a quick wit, your pitch should display some of that. If you're writing humor, your pitch should be at least a little funny/witty."

Thank you, China!

I can't imagine doing this in person. I know many authors who have gotten book deals this way, but who knows, maybe there's a book deal or two that will be result out of our virtual book slams with our agent guests. If nothing else, it gives you invaluable input by professionals in the field. See you there!

Dorothy, moderator TWL Author Talks

Dorothy Thompson “The Soul Mate Queen’s” Virtual Blog Tour

2006-04-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Dorothy Thompson, also known as The Soul Mate Queen, announces her first virtual blog tour stop at Lisa Renee Jones’ blog at http://lisareneejonesjournal.blogspot.com/ to announce her new relationship e-class “The Soul Mate Triangle – Unlocking the Mysteries of the Soul Mate Relationship” which will begin taking students on May 1, 2006.

“The Soul Mate Triangle – Unlocking the Mysteries of the Soul Mate Relationship” is a one-on-one personalized relationship e-class that is guaranteed to find your soul mate(s) by the end of the class or your money back. This is an ongoing relationship e-class – sign up whenever it’s convenient for YOU – that is delivered to your e-mail box. This is to provide for you total anonymity and so that Dorothy can evaluate your situation and help you in areas that need attention without anyone else knowing who you are or interfering with the process.

Hurry over to Lisa’s blog today because the virtual blog tour ends on Wednesday!

If you would like to learn more about this e-class, you can visit www.soulmatequeen.homestead.com/eclass101.html. If you have any questions, you can email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)yahoo.com.

May all your soul mate dreams come true!

Dorothy

New Free E-book for Writers

2006-02-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

Hi gang,

I just wanted you to know that my writing group and I have put the final touches on our first publishing venture called "A Funny Thing Happened...On the Way to Getting Published."

It's a collaberated effort of thirteen of the members of The Writer's Life, an online Yahoo! group that was founded in 2001. This is the first e-book in the line of many more e-books we have planned in the upcoming year.

And it's absolutley FREE!

If you want to find out how you can get your free e-book, click here.

Please fill out the form when you get there to support your fellow hen litter, okay?

Thanks!!!!

HenLit "the next thing"

2005-11-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

I was playing tennis with a writer that some of you know, Cara Lockwood. I told her about my travails and troubles with getting a decent agent. I mentioned that I'm doing contemporary fantasy, which she said is really going to be popular soon. I sure hope so.
But then I popped my HenLit idea on her and she just practically squealed: "HenLit! Yes, that's the next thing." She even guessed the title when I gave her the basic plot idea. I guess that 's a sign that I should write this this novel, isn't it, ladies?

Meanwhile, I got a request from a very hot agent for a partial on my fantasy novel. And...a movie company said no, but very nicely. They really enjoyed reading the novel...just not for them. One day, I will figure out what those code words mean.

Anyway, hope Cara's view is the right one. We should strike while the metaphor is hot!

Lynn

"Hens"/"Ladies" and our reading habits

2005-11-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

I like the term LadyLit - even though it does conjure up the picture of a tipsy English dowager. But I digress .. . .and I haven't even started on the topic.

As a Hen/Lady/Crone/Goddess of a Certain Age, I read books written about protagonists of all age groups (and all ethnic, religions and sex groups, too).

I think we (the above category of reader although speaking mainly of my own fine-self) are more diverse in our thinking - women in our age group see the world as a whole and not as compartments. "Well, now, let's see, Martha, I can't read THAT book because it's about a female transvestite who is a fallen Catholic practicing Witchcraft as a Wizard. I could just never relate." I know that's a bit far-fetched. But as someone who reads diverse genres and (GASP!) literary fiction, I am not really opposed to reading about the aforementioned female transvestite - as long as it's an interesting story - one that will hold my interest.

I've met a lot of people over fifty who've read (and reread) every Harry Potter book - good stories.

On the other hand, I would like to see stories about women like me - fiftish, a tad overweight but still sexy, bright and charming, intelligent and empowered. We are out there - and I, for one, am working on a couple of entries into that category.

So, ladies, keep up the good work. Write those entertaining stories.
We are a force. A beautiful, rounded, soft, loving, intelligent force.

Mitzi
www.mitzimusings.blogspot.com

PS - Thanks to those of you who comment on my meanderings on my blog. Nice to know my words are not lost in cyberspace.

Chick Lit Out, Matron Lit In

2005-10-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

A new generation of romantic heroines are as likely to ascribe their hot flushes to the menopause as to the proximity of a tall, dark handsome stranger.
Publishers on both sides of the Atlantic are abandoning “chick lit” in favour of a new breed of romance reflecting the experiences of the older woman.

Read rest of the article on The Telegraph.

I know this is a month-old article and probably was used to promote Transita, but when I came upon this article in a search, my eyes widened. Keep talking hen lit, baby. This is music to this hen's ears!

Dorothy Thompson to Appear on Single Talk Radio Show Today!

2005-09-24T03:46:00.000-07:00

I will be on the Single Talk Radio Show today which you can hear live on the web at http://www.worldtalkradio.com/show.asp?sid=191. If you are the first to email Eliza at SingleTalk@adelphia.net with a soul mate question, you will receive a free autographed copy of my book,Romancing the Soul!

If you do miss the show, it will be archived. I believe I'm the last segment at 4:40 EST (adjust to your geographical location), but you might want to tune in earlier to catch the other guests who are talking about soul mates, also. So, join me as we explore the secrets of why you need soul mates in order to find your higher self!

Dorothy

Hen Lit Writers

2005-09-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Where do I go now?
I have a problem. I finished my last ms. (not a henlit thing) and sent if off to my agent. She hasn't replied yet and it's been more than a month. However, I'm trying to stay cool about this. I'm not crazy enough to think she jumped on my ms. the minute it came to her door.

My problem now is that I started a Hen Lit comic novel a while back and, frankly, I'm not feeling very humourous right now. I've been trying to read funny books to get me back in the mood, but it's not happening. In fact, I have a great desire to write something extremely adventurous and literary that will require tons of research.

Now, I know that I could do the humorous novel quickly, because it's snappy and punchy and doesn't take the time a literary novel would take. And my journalistic background would help, because I'm used to punching things out quickly when need be.

But, but, the literary gods aren't letting me do that. I probably could wait a month and rediscover my sense of humor or I could force myself to get going and work on the Hen Lit book. Or...I could go off into research land and come out maybe six months later.

What's the advice out there? Can someone write humorous stuff and not be feeling very funny themselves? Maybe it's the Katrina fiasco. Maybe it's that my sister just put her dog down. Maybe it's the stupid editors from my last magazine assignment. Maybe it's my allergies. But I'm just in a funk.

Lynn

Why I Love Being a Hen

2005-08-27T16:20:00.000-07:00
I was just in a discussion over at BoomerWomenSpeak.com, talking about menopause. Seems there are some that are...shall I say, confused...about what is going on in a woman's body during this transitional time.

Some are complaining about hot flashes and being tired and some are actually thinking that they are losing it.

To clear up some misconceptions about this "change" of life, I'll give you the low-down from someone who has been there, done that, and still there.

First of all, let's talk about that weight gain, girls. All of sudden, you look down and you're twenty, thirty pounds heavier. As in, what the hell happened, you know?

Okay, not good for your health, but did you realize what a nice set of knockers you have now?

As someone who was quite thin at one time (hard for even me to believe), I actually stuffed my bra. Okay, not good to admit something like that, but when everyone else has something you don't have, why not. Anyway, now, I don't have to. In fact, I even jiggle! And oh man wait until you put that low-cut sweater on...you'll love it! I know I do!

Another thing. Those nasty once-a-month occurrences when all you want to do is curl up and die? No more! Do you realize how much money you are saving on feminine products??? Not to mention that great sex you can have knowing not only will you not have anymore bambinos as a result of it, but you're saving even MORE money by not having to buy all those clumsy birth control devises! and a bag of chips!

And, hell, all that money you're saving, you can now afford that trip to the Bahamas you've dreamed of!

(Oh, that's another thing. You can use hell and other cuss words and no one dares call you down about it.)

Now here's the best part. You remember when you used to tell people to do something, they didn't do it? Well, that doesn't happen anymore! When you talk now, sister, EVERYONE listens. They know that if they don't, you'll rip their heads off their scrawny little necks and not think twice!

Listen, sisters, this is the best freaking time of our lives. Now, get off your arses and write about it!!!

Is this henish or not?

2005-08-24T22:33:00.000-07:00
I wasn't going to write about this. It's personal and this blog is about hen lit. Then I realized, what I have to say fits the whole concept of hen lit and its audience.

H/S have created the Next line, for women at the next stage of their life.

Well, I'm entering a new phase of my life. My kids are grown. I have the required grandkids. What else is out there? I've been asking myself that question for a few months now. About six weeks ago, I searched the internet for local jobs. I didn't find anything that was worth the gas money into town.

I widened my search area. After all this is Alaska. My goal was to find a job on the slope. Work two weeks, fly home for two weeks. But all of a sudden I was looking at jobs in my old field. My college degree and earlier profession was in the medical field. Why not? Maybe I hadn't been out too long.

So, I downloaded applications and faxed them to a couple hospitals. That was the middle of July. I talked to my last place of employment. Not about coming back, but because some of my former co-workers had inside information on the hospitals I was interested in. Plus I was encouraged to fill out an application for there. I did. Though moving back to Anchorage was not high on my list.

Then on August 5th, I found another hospital in the state needing my skills. I downloaded the application, then called human resources. I wanted to know what the housing situation was like there. It doesn't matter how great a job is, if there isn't housing, it's meaningless.

I faxed the application back to them late that afternoon. They called me on the following Wednesday. Would I be interested in them flying me over and trying it out for a mont to six weeks? Uh, yes. Very interested. I could see the upside to that. I'd be able to get my medical legs under me again while checking out the area. At the end of the time frame, I'd know if I still had it, if I liked the area, and they'd know if they liked me. A total win/win situation.

Well, it didn't exactly turn out like that. They're flying me over for three months. They provide my housing while there. At the end of three months, they fly me back home. If I like them, and if they like me, they'll make me a permanent offer. If I'm unsure, I might be able to talk them into another three month temp position. I really don't know. All I know is that I'm going for three months.

I want to love the area. I want to fall right back into the work. I want to feel confident about my work again. I want to know when I make a judgment call it was the right call.

I'm scared because of the years in between the last time I slipped on a pair of scrubs and the next time I'll put them on.

Mostly I'm excited. I get to go to a remote town. I'm going to the Alaskan Bush. I'm going to see a part of Alaska that most Alaskans never get to see. I'm going to get to spend three months in a brand new area, learning a brand new culture or in this case, cultures. I get to learn the history of the area. I'll get to see the first snow of the year there.

For the last eight years I've been tied to a shop and/or computer. I haven't had time to really live. Now I get to live and experience new things.

In the end, that's what hen lit is all about. We've made the best home we could. We raised and supported our children. We supported our mates. Or divorced them. Or remarried. I've done all those things.

Now, it's my turn. Because of a choice I made years ago, I have a career that will allow me to see as much of Alaska as I want to see. I can spend three months at that hospital, or make it long term. But as long as I am able to work, I just realized, I have options. I can get a permanent job wherever I want to live in this state, or I can do short temporary assignments all over the state.

So, for the next three months, I'll be living the life of a hen. I've entered the "next" stage. It's exciting. It's thrilling. And yes, it's scary. But I'll keep writing about it and I'm sure some nugget of truth I learn along the way will make it into a story.

Happy hen lit reading and living.

Blogs

2005-08-22T22:40:00.000-07:00
For some reason, I haven't been able to post to my main blog for a few weeks.

Until I can figure out why, I've set up another blog at blogspot. Click here for my latest ramblings.

Like everyone else, I've been swamped lately. I'm spending several hours a day writing, plus trying to get a few other things under control.

The strangest thing happened today. A friend sent me a link. Please understand, I do take things like this very seriously. My heart does go out to Olivia. I can't imagine what she must be going through. With that said...that's my latest WIP. Husband disappears off their fishing boat. In this case, it's pre-season, so it's a test run. No one is onboard with him. He disappears. Five years later he returns.

Imagine how you'd feel. Your husband, disappears. Everything points to a tragic death. You've spent five years believing you were a widow. You were madly in love with him. You've prayed, or whatever your method is, for one more chance to see him. All you want is the chance to tell him how much you love him. Then one day, out of the blue, he returns.

Are you happy? This is the love of your life. Of course, you are. That is until it hits you that he's alive, meaning he didn't die on you, he walked out on you.

As I read the article, all those things that my character have had to face flashed through my mind. How will Olivia's story unfold? I don't know, but I honestly hope there's a happy ending for her.

Where has all my energy gone?

2005-08-20T20:05:00.000-07:00
I have been remiss in my blogging! So, sorry! Hope everyone is doing great. There's been so much going on that I barely feel like there are any spare moments in the day any more.

Since the end of July, I...

1. Signed with a new literary agent and couldn't be happier. She's out there sending my manuscripts and getting me read quickly.
2. Attended the RWA National Conference in Reno, NV and saw soooo many of my writer buddies and met a lot of new ones, too.
3. Started my new job and hit the ground running. Great company. Fun people. And, at (almost) 39, I'm one of the oldest people there. Very odd thing.
4. We've put our condo on the market and have been having strange feet come through looking at the place.

So, forgive me for my lack of blogging. I swear, if I had known in my twenties how much energy I would need in my late 30's, I'd have found a way to store it up or something. LOL! It's like, every morning, it's harder and harder to haul my ass out of bed and into the shower. Then, the commute seems to get longer and longer. Full of people on the trains, bumping into you and not saying "excuse me." Being back on that 8-5 wheel has definitely taken some adjustment, but I'm trying to be good to myself and always take that one hour lunch to read or write or just people watch.

But, the commuting time gives me a lot of time to read and I'm quickly delving into the NEXT books. I like that it's "that next phase" in life. However, I hope the books aren't all going to be about divorced woman. That seems to be a theme with the ones I've read and heard about. Then, I realized that my manuscript I'm targeting NEXT with is about a divorced woman. I'm such a hypocrit! :)

I really enjoyed Jennifer Archer's SANDWICHED and thought the three POVs in the story were well done and excellently executed. If you haven't read it, definitely go pick it up.

Well, I'll be better about blogging. Time to go make dinner. Roasted pork loin with a double-potato hash. And wine, of course.

Marley = )