Shelley Munro Blog

Although edits have taken a couple of my writing days, I’ve still managed to write just over 20,000 words on my latest Middlemarch project since the 70 Days of Sweat challenge started. Happily, I’ve also had a brainwave about what to do with vet Gavin and Leticia, characters who readers met in Stray Cat Strut. I love it when things come together!! I’m very happy with my progress so far.

I’m also working on a super secret project I’m not going to talk about. It’s one that I’m very excited about. I’ve written a blurb so far. This is not the normal way I do things - blurbs are the last thing I write and even then it’s like pulling out teeth. Everything came to me while I was walking so I wrote it down as soon as I arrived home.

I have an author spotlight over at Dark Ice Goddess’ Musings and also one at Selena Illyria’s blog.

Angela James, Nice Mommy Evil Editor has a post about submissions to Samhain that some of you will find interesting.

Christina Phillips has links to a Q & A with Spice editor, Susan Pezzack, which is very informative.

And finally, have you discovered the Edittorrent blog yet? It’s full of excellent advice and not to be missed.

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It’s no secret to my hubby that I love gadgets. When I say gadgets I mean little and big things that make life easier. They’re not necessities but rather luxuries. Recently we purchased an Ipod. It’s not an expensive one, but I’ve had a lot of fun working out how to use it. My favorite gadgets are my PDA, the Ipod, my alphasmart and my laptop. The jury is out on the PC at the moment since it’s misbehaving big time.

Recently my sister gave me this little gadget thingie that fits on the edge of a desk or table and you hang your handbag off it. Perfect for the conference. I’ll have to bring it to San Francisco with me.

Funnily enough, I don’t like gadgets in the kitchen, although I know you can get some great things these days. When it comes to cooking I prefer a hands-on approach and like to do things manually.

Are you a gadget person? What are your favorite type of gadgets?

My 70 Days of Sweat came to a halt late last week since I needed to do some edits. I think I’m at about 11,000 words to date. I’m not pushing too hard because I know from experience I WILL burnout if I don’t pace myself. Hubby keeps telling me to take things easy. Can anyone say grumpy when not writing??? Hubby has firsthand experience of this, hence his warning to chill. Anyway, I sent the edits off this afternoon and hopefully I can get back to Sven and the sweating thing tomorrow.

Lauren Dane, one of my Dynamic Trio buddies has sold another book to Berkley Heat. Isn’t that great? Hop over to her blog and congratulate her, and while you’re there check out the cover for Undercover. It’s beautiful and very sensual.

Yesterday I, along with countless other writers, started on the 70 Days of Sweat challenge. This is my first time and so far I’m doing all right and have written more words than I normally would. Here’s hoping I can keep it up because I know I have some edits on the way. Is anyone else doing the challenge? Let me know if you are. I like to know my fellow sweaters.

On Friday I fell off my bike. My left knee looks like I’ve attacked it with a grater while my right leg is sporting four fist-sized bruises. Yep, looking pretty colorful today. On Saturday my knee was painfully sore but today I’m feeling much better and walking normally again. It’s fine as long as I don’t make any sudden moves. My bike tire caught the lip of the footpath after I’d passed an elderly gentleman and over I went. The man asked me if I was okay and picked up my bike for me before hurrying off. I think he thought I might cry. I didn’t but I said, “Bugger” twice - the extent of my swearing. So, my lesson learned - watch out for lips on pavements. Unfortunately, all the new footpaths have a few inches drop down to the grass and it’s not always easy to avoid them.

Today I’m giving away a download of Playing to Win over at The Romance Studio.

And another CONTEST: Win a download of Fancy Free. Read the excerpt on my website and answer the following question. What stopped James and Alice from making love? Email your answer to shelley munro@ gmail.com (no spaces) and I’ll announce the winner on 6 March.

And that’s all the excitement at the Munro house. Oh, apart from the fact I’ve finally purchased an Ipod. It’s only a 1GB one but they were so cheap hubby and decided we might as well buy it. I have my songs loaded up, heavy on the NZ music, and I’m good to go. Life’s good.

What are you up to this week?