Running Around in a Tank Top Without Shaving

Yes, I did that today. I thought I was okay but after my workout, I realized I'd been flashing armpit hair!

But you know what? I'm cool with it. Anyone who has read my books has looked into my heart and soul. Yes, I may disguise certain people, events and even myself, but publishing my fiction is a bit like running around in a tank top without having shaved. If I didn't bare it all, if I try to be dishonest, than the stories wouldn't be compelling and you'd get bored and never remember a word I had written after you finished the book.

However, rest assured that when I came home from the gym and showered, I made sure to take care of business.

Cheers,

Mary

Quote of the day

Right now I don't have much to say other than I'm in that part of writing a book where it's like fishing. Bits of dialogue, character revelations and new plot twists bite and then I toss them into my little boat. My mom forwarded this quote to me yesterday and I wanted to share it with all of you who popped by to see what's new.

"It ain't bragging if you can do it."

-Dizzy Dean

Top Romance Book of 2006!

This morning, Rosa of Catalina Magazine Book Club told me that In Between Men was chosen by readers as "Top Romance Book by a Latina Author" in 2006.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry because I remember the day I sat down to write this book and the day I finished it. I had no idea that it would be loved by so many readers. So I'll just say thank you.

This what they said:

In 2005, Mary Castillo warmed our hearts with her debut novel Hot Tamara. This year, she does it again, in true, fast-paced and fun Mary Castillo style with In Between Men (Harper Collins, 2006). According to book club member, Juanita Johnson, the romantic chick lit novel brings readers a truly loveable, but confused, protagonist, Isa, who appropriately finds love after a bump to the head. The believable and fun dialogue between the characters, clearly one of Mary’s best strengths as an author, makes this romantic tale of girl meets boy an enchanting read.

Resolve or Intend

I gave up resolutions about two years ago. I now have intentions because the word appeals to my Capricorn nature. Resolve is wishy washy. But intend ... ah, now that has weight and purpose.

You really have to think through an intention: where to start, how long will it take, what information do you need so you know it is something worth pursuing?

"Worth pursuing" was the key to planning my 2007 production schedule. It is so easy to get frustrated with a story. When I hit the dead middle of a story, I find myself peeking over the fence, so to speak, at a new, shinier, better story idea that would be so much easier (and faster!) to finish.

So this year I took the time to examine my projects for 2007 and narrowed them down to four: two books for 2008 and two proposals for 2009. I used to take great pride that I could whip out drafts in six weeks. But now I need to slow it down. Well, maybe not the first draft. First drafts have an urgency about them: just get it all out and then perfect it in the rewrite.

My big intention for 2007 is to slow down, to nurture and do my very best rather than do more.

Cheers!

Mary

P.S. The image is from Art.com