The Juggling Act

I try not drone on about writing. I mean, yes, most of my visitors are writing friends, but they know me and know what I'm going through. If you aren't a writing friend, I definitely don't want to bore you with my very uninteresting life. I'd rather you think my life resembles my books! haha.

All that said, I had an idea for my next novella. Since I'm saving the last chapter or two from my Summer Lovin' story until I get that far in revisions, I guess my brain has decided I can let loose. Wow, the imagination is such a FUN creature. I can't wait to start writing this story. I'm outlining and have a heroine that I think is going to be one of my best yet. She has five brothers, one that is a hockey player for the North Carolina Hurricanes. No hero yet, but I'm getting some ideas... Once I figure out what puts the story in motion, I'll have a better idea of who he is and where he came from.

All this story planning has me extra excited. Connecting my Summer Lovin' story to at least one other "seasonal" story never occured to me. Believe me, it's occuring now! My new story has a working title of Winter Craze. I went with Ice Witch at first, but after the thought of integrating the stories crossed my mind... I knew I would have to create something better. Perhaps later, I'll think of a story for Fall and Spring!

Whoooot! I just love this career--the work, the creativity, the rush.
Have a great weekend.
With Love,
Penny

Favorite Vacations

All time favorite vacations.
My current manuscript takes place in Mexico, during a vacation.

I was thinking about my own history of vacations. There are different chapters of my life that each has its own special trip or vacation. Overall, though. I've decided to define vacation. DH and I had a discussion on this very topic not too long ago. I claimed we've never been on an actual vacation in our 13 years together. You wanna know why?

1) visiting family is NOT vacation
2) family obligations [though loved and enjoyed] are NOT vacation
3) cub scout camping trips? NOT vacation :D
4) Day trips in our corner of the country are NOT vacation either

I don't remember one time that we've ever done anything that didn't include one or more of those disqualifiers. I would love to go to the Grand Canyon, just to see the Grand Canyon. Or sign up for a cattle drive--like City Slickers. Or rent a beach house on the coast for a week.

There are a few vacations I remember from being a kid. A trip to Mackinac Island. I remember fudge. Also, our family trips to Alpena and a week at a camp there right on Long Lake--we did that more than once. Then there was the trip to Disney World when I was a senior in high school. Middle of the winter, we didn't wait in line for ANY of the rides. :D Great fun!

My anniversary is coming up. DH and I are taking one night to get away. It will be our first 'official', pre-qualified vacation since our honeymoon.
How about you?
When was your most favorite vacation EVER?

Superior Scribler Award!

I am so lucky today!

Debora Dennis, one of my lovely Passionate Critters, gave me an award.

This award originated from The Scholasatic Scribe, whose father suggested she sign up for the High School Journalism Program because she wasn't strong in math.

And as anyone who's been in the blogosphere more than a week knows, the award comes with a few rules. (1) I must confess to 10 things you might not know about me and (2) I must pass this award on to a few other lucky recipients. Got it? Let's go...

1. My real name is Bethanne, I've been Penny Dune, a pen name, for several months. If you know Bethanne, then you already know this, because she can't keep a secret worth a damn. :D

2. I'm part robot...not only do I come with a pump, I'm attached to a transmitter as well.

3. It's possible there's coffee running through my veins.

4. I've lived in seven different states--and plan on doing more. I love the idea of starting something new.

5. I have LOTS of freckles... and my hubby loves them. Thank goodness!

6. Next to coffee, ice cream and chocolate are my biggest weakness... actually. No. Nevermind. These are supposed to be things you don't know about me. We all know how I love men.

7. I'm a closet Chicago fan... it's a hard habit to break. Side note: my hubby HATES THEM! :D



8. I'm a religious person. What can I say? I love God.

9. I never finished college.

10. I can braille.

Wow, as usual, that is waaaay harder than it seems. [That's what she said!] Now I get to do the honors of passing this award to a few deserving bloggers. My hat's off to Kerri Sparling from Six Until Me (she knows me as Bethanne. As a matter of fact, I use know lightly). A fellow human robotic, she has amazing scribling abilities. I wouldn't be surprised to see her name on the NYT bestselling list someday. Also, fellow writer and PCer, Kate Karyus Quinn, she writes an urban fantasy I can't get enough of. :D

Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoy the weekend.
With love,
Penny Dune

How do you know?

How do you know it's love?

I have to comtemplate this... Imperative to the romance novel is knowing the signs, knowing how your character will react to the knowledge that he or she has fallen.

Sometimes, I have to make it up--like when my villain has fallen for the heroine...and showing, acting on that love means killing for her.

Sometimes, I can imagine it--like when my hero's best friend--Sean, married for three years to his high school sweetheart, witnesses the birth of his first child and suddenly knows... with the clarity of a perfect four carat diamond that even though he married his sweetheart because she was pregnant with a child they eventually lost, he can't live without this woman. She's his life.

Knowing you're in love might mean fighting as passionately as you make love. It might mean quiet nights of pillow talk and cuddling, or fear so stark, running seems the only reasonable option.

But the ultimate know is in his Kiss.

...i'm laughing my butt off right now, because this just came to me in a flash...

Inspired, seriously, isn't it? :D

Valentine's Day

Love is in the air... or so they say.

I know it's in the air at my house.



Though I love the holiday--commercial ridden as it is--I like to think that I celebrate Valentine's Day everyday. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, sickness and health.



Hey! That sounds familiar. I hope your commitment in life, whether through marriage or friendship or even obligation, is driven by Love.

I'm one month from being married for 11 years....
It's only gotten better.

Sorry this post is late. Hope your day was peaceful, smart and full of love.

Heroes -- The Series

A Warrior

A warrior is a person experienced in or capable of engaging in combat or warfare, especially within the context of a tribal or clan-based society that recognizes a separate warrior class. According to the Random House Dictionary, the term warrior has two meanings. The first literal use refers to "a man engaged or experienced in warfare." The second figurative use refers to "a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics." <-- from wikipedia.


One thing I loved about the character Wind-in-his-hair--from Dances like a wolf with Wolves. [yes, I had to make fun, just a little. ;)]--he is youth makes his pride volatile. He is the first to stand against the newcomer. He is protective. Perhaps in every Warrior hero beats the heart of a protector, huh?


I like the second part of the wikipedia definition, showing great vigor [well, really what hero doesn't show great vigor? hmm?], courage or aggressiveness. A warrior for the cause. Again, protecting what's his, whether it be a tree hugger, a cancer survivor or women's rights.



I like the idea of a warrior hero. I like a good military intrigue. I love old historical westerns, too. When so many people today allow life to float on by, it's really nice to read a story with drive.


Wow, I'm finished! 10 hero types. 10 blog posts. There's satisfaction here. Thanks for sticking with me!