The Book Is Done

I finished it at 5:10 a.m. this morning. It needed a little spit and polish here and there before I sent it to my agent and editor. In the meantime, I'll have to think up a new title and more than likely, will receive notes from my editor. But for now, it is done.

Thank you God for the gift to write my stories and actually make a buck at it. I've accomplished something really amazing by sharing these crazy ideas of mine with readers not just once, but now thrice with In Between Men.

So with that, I'm off to watch the Food Network. I've become addicted to cooking shows - especially Paula Dean and Rachael Ray - because nothing bad ever happens. Makes me feel at peace that in one part of this crazy world, something will turn out okay.

But the reprieve will be short-lived. On Sunday, I revise my novella.

Beats my old day job even thought I haven't slept since Tuesday.

Salud,
Mary

Can't Give Up The Clean

First off, I'm still working on Switchcraft even as In Between Men is now officially in a bookstore near you.

Second, I've little sleep and less contact with the outside world.

Third, this isn't a diss of any writers who become so invested in the work that they forget to shower or change their clothes. It's just an admission that I can't give up showering no matter how deep I am into the writing. Yes, I walk around my house like a ghost but only when it's my husband's turn to watch the Little Dude. Even then, I'm still listening for that particular tone in the baby's cry that only a mommy can hear.

But that's a whole other topic.

So back to personal hygeiene: does my need for cleanliness make me less of a writer? Am I not as committed to the work? Am I ... Bourgeois?

I tried to write in my jammies the other day - mom, I did brush my teeth - but I couldn't concentrate because of that not-so-fresh feeling under my armpits.

Also, showering and cooking are my meditation. Before I go in, I carefully select a body wash from my fiercely guarded collection. Do I need White Tea, Soothing Lavendar, Revitalizing Mint, Seductive Rose or plain oatmeal soap? And then there's the question of exfoliation, which I use when I literally and figuratively need to rid myself of dead skin. Moisturization is a must and I always use SPF 30 on the face.

When I'm under the water lathering up, my mind plays with different approaches to a scene, hence my handy mini-recorder is always on the counter just in case my character delivers a line of dialogue that could be forgotten on the rocky path between the shower and my desk. Or, I practice what I'll say to Oprah or Tyra on the off chance I'm invited to their shows.

Now I don't feel so guilty. But I better get back to work.

I hope you have a great time with Isa and Alex. Funny thing about being an author is that at the time I was writing In Between Men , I hated them for making my life miserable with their damn problems. Now, I miss them and hate the characters who are making my life hell right now.

Cheers,
Mary

It's Mommy-licious!

I'm so excited to announce that In Between Men will be Catalina Magazine's Book Club Read for March! Woo hoo! I can't read to talk to y'all about Isa and Alex and for those of you who are wondering about Tamara and Will, they- well, I just can't give it away.

I know, I'm a brat.

Also, Romantic Times said that In Between Men “is laugh-out-loud funny but still throws hits of heartbreak that will make the strongest woman gush.”

Aww gee, guys ... thanks!

If you'd like to join me and the girls at the book club, check out Catalina Magazine.