Is it Live or Is It Memorex?

Many who know me (and even some who wish they didn't), know I'm a Chris Pine fan. Adore his voice and some of his movies.

So, as I was doing a little cyber-stalking, I came upon a cover photo of Pine that will be on the stands next week. It's an eh picture compared to an inside photo. But, there was one aspect that concerned me. Take a look at the cover:



I can't help but wonder if those are really his arms or if they've been touched up a bit with Photoshop. Or did someone mess up a photo and have to fix it for some reasons. I can't really fathom how they could be real. Arm muscles just don't bulge that way when you're in that position.

Part of me is like: It's not for me to say. The other part -- the part that works in an ICU -- wonders if someone's overdoing the workout thing a bit.


Here's another photo which is much nicer.




Okay, Chris Pine fix done for the month.

Abbi :-)

Sale Shout Outs

Time to celebrate!

Congratulations to two writing friends who've sold to Harlequin Mills & Boon.

Amy Strnad to Modern Heat
Wendy Marcus to Medical

It couldn't have happened to two nicer people. I look forward to cheering both of you on through your careers.

Abbi :-)

Not My Baby, No Way -- Part Deux

As part of my Not My Baby, No Way campaign, I submitted the first chapter of one of my mss in the Mills & Boon New Voices contest. You can see the first chapter of How to Marry a Brazilian here.

I have to admit, it wasn't an easy decision. I still have a medical romance I am working on, but I didn't feel I could have the first chapter polished in time to meet the deadline. Plus, I really like the beginning of my new medical. Tentative title for the medical: Countdown to a Wedding.


So, now I have a draft almost ready to sub to Desire, one to M&B Medical and my single title. I think my plate is full.

Abbi :-)

What to Read? Everything.

Time for serious Abbi to talk.

If you're a writer, you read, bottom line. In his bookOn Writing, Stephen King wrote: "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or tools to write."

Well, I'd like to add a little twist to that: Don't just read what you intend, to write, include what you don't intend to write on that TBR pile/list.



If you're focus is single title, then read short contemporary. If you want to write for Harlequin Presents, read Silhouette Desire or even Silhouette Romantic Suspense.

Why? Because you will learn about the differences between styles and genres. I think if you just read within the line or genre you're targeting you won't pick up on those subtle differences.

Reading a mystery, may help you come up with a plot twist for your series contemporary. Reading short contemporaries will give you a better grasp on inner conflict.

So what do you think?

Abbi :-)

Recasting a Story

Before you read my post, you need to go over and read the post by one of my critique partners and Sassy Sister Jane Mulberry.

Any-who, I'm in the process of rewriting the story I subbed for the HQN Medical pitch earlier this year. It's not as light as it used to be which means I have to recast. It means this guy is no longer Hayden:



Chris Pine was great as Hayden when I needed someone to be funny and quirky. I just can't see him as the serious type. Maybe someday if he does a Kramer vs. Kramer, I'll rethink it.

So, here's my new Hayden:



Tahmoh Penikett was my most recent Peek of the Week on the Sassy Sisters' blog. I think he qualifies better as someone who's trying to figure out why his lover of three years doesn't want to marry him. Brooding Hotness on the Rocks as I've nick-named him. Don't ya think?

Contest Critique Rant

I was going to talk about Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear tonight, but I've decided to change topics. I will get back to SJFU tomorrow.

I received contest scores for the second book I am subbing (not my baby, no way) -- Guillermo's List (GL). Guillermo's List is the story of two sisters who must deal with the aftermath of a medical error. The first chapter takes place in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a bereavement room.

Let me preface this by saying I am extremely critical of my writing and I listen to and try to take criticism effectively. But, when the critique tries to tell me something that I experienced and put into words couldn't happen or questions the feasibility of it happening, then I get a little upset.

I've been in a bereavement room. I know how many people are there to talk to the family. I know under what situations medical errors can occur. I know how people react. And, if a person reacts contrary to how you think someone should react, why is that a problem? Each situation is different for each person. We have to take that into effect when we judge entries.

The good news is people seem to like my writing. I just seemed to get marked down for things that have nothing to do with my writing. How can you write about what you know when no one believes it can happen?

I just might post my first chap tomorrow. Or, we can talk about SJFU. Any votes?

Putting up my happy picture.




Abbi :-)

Not My Baby, No Way -- Part I

So there was this discussion on Twitter-- prompted from a discussion at RomCon -- about how you should treat your book. It's not your baby and it shouldn't be treated as such. Writing/publishing is a business.

I've decided to take that approach with two stories that are important to me: Guillermo's List and Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear. Now this doesn't mean that I am just going to throw them willy-nilly out to the world for everyone to see. But, I am going not hold onto them so much anymore.

First step, Stealing Joe Flanigan's Underwear goes out today. I will tell you more about that story and Guillermo's List tomorrow night. (Will be at Boy Scouts tomorrow.)

Abbi :-)