Four Days! ACKKK

Oh my GOD!!! My release date has been moved up! I have a book coming out in four days!!! YIKES!

Have I done any promo for this book??? NOOOOO

Am I ready for the book to come out???? Maybe.

I'm really excited about having a new release. It's scary and thrilling all at the same time. I want people to read and enjoy my books, but at the same time, I'm worried they'll hate what I wrote.

So, I want my books released, but only to nice homes, hahahahaha. That's one of the problems with being a writer, the utter lack of control once your baby leaves the nest...err laptop.

You may find this hard to believe, but I have control issues. I know, surprising, isn't it??? hahahaha

I like knowing what's going to happen and when, and although I'm pretty good at making adjustments on the fly, it always throws me into a tail spin. I have to admit though, I'd much rather have unexpected GOOD news than unexpected chaos.

Now, if I can just get myself organized. . .

Have a great weekend everyone! I know what I'll be doing!!!
Ari

It must be fate

Many of you know about my unholy fascination with Johnny Rzeznik from The Goo Goo Dolls. I guess I can never escape my penchant for bad boys, even if I didn't marry one. While writing SABLE FLAME, a story about a guitarist who falls in love with a female alpha werewolf, I listened to Live in Buffalo over and over again. Just hearing Johnny's voice really helped inspire me, especially for the band scenes.

Now, I wrote this book last spring. Due to circumstances beyond my control, this book has been on hold for a while. BUT I just heard yesterday it's being released April 12th!!

WO HOOOOO!

Now, it just so happens that The Goo Goo Dolls have an album (CD?) releasing in April as well. Coincidence?

I think not!

I think this is a sign from God that I should be with ever so sexy Johnny Rzeznik, don't you?

I've discussed the possibilities with my husband but he doesn't seem to see things my way. I wonder why??? Hahahahaha

Needless to say, I'm going to be waiting ever so impatiently for tour dates. I missed them the last two times they came around, I'm not missing them this time!

You can't ignore fate forever, hahahahha

High School

How many of you can remember back to your high school years? How many of you remember them fondly? I loved high school, I changed so much in those four years. The stepping stones of my personality were laid during that time, to be built up and added to by heartache and life experience.

What sometimes amazes me when I work with my students is how they can't see past the immediacy of the NOW. I try to reason with them and explain this is just a tiny part of their lives.

"Your life expectancy is at least 75 years, probably more. High school is only 4 years of that time. A drop in the bucket."

"You don't understand, you're OLD."

The scary part is, I completely remember what it was like to feel like the world was ending because I got a bad grade, got dumped, couldn't get a date, etc. It doesn't take much for me to remember those heartbreaking emotions swamping me.

Damn, am I glad that shit is OVER! hahahahha

I love working with teenagers. It has taught me a lot about life, probably more than I have taught them. Now, when I get a rejection letter or a bad review or things don't turn out the way I'd like, I try to see this as just a drop in the bucket in the overall scheme of life. Sure, it hurts right now, but in a few weeks/months/years the pain will fade and I can look back on it as another building block.

I hope.

Spring Cleaning

I don't know what got into me this weekend, but I cleaned the bejeezus out of my house. Actually, because of all the painting we've been doing, the house was pretty clean except for the children's rooms and the play room.

Those were in at least ten health code violations, if not more.

On Saturday I made the kids rake out everything under their beds, under their dressers, and whatever things had crawled up and died behind their bookshelves. I vacuumed up so much junk from behind one set of bunkbeds I considered getting my husband's shop vac to do the job.

On Sunday, I ditched the kids with my mom for a few hours so I could THROW OUT much of their playroom. In my car right now I have three bags of toys to go to the Even Start program where I work, and two bags of toys and a bag of clothes to go to Good Will. I threw out at least 5 garbage bags full of junk as well as boxes and God only knows what.

Furniture was moved, toys were organized, lists were made, and the vacuum got another workout. Life is good.

For the first time in a LONG time, I won't be embarrassed if someone decides to drop by my house unexpectedly. All the toys are in the playroom, all the movies are organized in my newly stained bookshelf (part of Saturday's project), and the kids' rooms actually have floor space. I want to take a picture of it because I know it won't last. . .

Next weekend I'm RELEAXING, even if it kills me, because after that I'm going to start working in the yard. Keeping up with the trimming and the weeding will take me all spring and summer.

But at least I can go outside knowing my housework is done.
Ahhhhhhh

Remember when. . .

Remember when I was upset because one of my books got rejected by a New York publisher after 15 months? Well guess what?? IT'S COMING OUT MAY 9TH!!! I love this story so much and I'm just thrilled it has a home. The best part? It'll be in Borders IN AUGUST!!!

I no longer see rejections as a dismissal of me, I now see them as an opportunity to try another publisher, hahahaha.

Thank you so much Samhain for making this dream come true!

Darn that Mary Stella!

Miss Mary tagged me, so being a good sport for once I'm actually answering it. I generally don't. Whenever I get the emails that say "send this to ten friends or you'll die a horrible death" I take my chances with the horrible death.

In this case, just because I LOVE Mary I'm going to answer and not whine too much. . .riiiight

Three things you wish for. . .

1. That my children will grow up happy and healthy (and that my being a stay at home mom doesn't send them to the therapist's couch.)

2. That my father will grow healthier and live to see his grandchildren's weddings.

3. That my husband and I will live to see our grandchildren's weddings

3 things you would do to/for yourself if there was no one to judge you (or if you had the guts to do it!)

1. Lyposuction--'nough said

2. Go for a hot air ballon ride

3. Dye my hair red

3 bad habits you have
(only 3?)

1. swearing/losing my temper too often

2. talking too much

3. judging people too quickly


3 insecurities you feel

1. I still feel like a chubby/geeky teen (gee, ya think?)

2. I can't spell to save my life and as an English teacher it's very embarrassing. I don't go far without a dictionary.

3. My writing. I always feel like a fake when I call myself an author

3 talents/skills you wish you had

1. Singing

2. Dancing/grace/rhythm

3. Any artistic talent whatsoever

3 things that you would do if you had more time

1. Read more for fun.

2. Go places with my kids just for fun

3. Get my Ph.D

3 things that bring you peace/relaxation

1. Exercising

2. Reading

3. spending time with my friends (especially with a glass of wine and sitting by the pool)

3 things that spark your creativity

1. Music

2. People watching

3. Daydreaming

I'm not sure if y'all wanted to hear this much about me, but there you go!! And because I'm a nice person I'm not tagging anyone else. . .but if you want to voluntarily get caught, Kris, Kate and Chey, that's fine.

Take care everyone!!!
Ari

Don't you just love pecs?

I do. I love, love, love pectoral muscles. I think it's because I don't get to see many of the well-developed varity in my usual life. Let's be serious here, unless you work in an industry that caters to muscular men, sculpted pecs and abs aren't an every day sight.

I'm sorry to say, teaching and writing aren't occupations that lend themselves to regular sightings of muscular men. Unless you're going to RT, now that's another ball game.

Writing for EC gives me an opportunity to rub elbows with some very fit men at RT. And yes, I do me rubbing ELBOWS! As much of a flirt as I am, I would never, ever do anything to humilate another person or put myself in a situation where things could be misunderstood. I complain about my husband, but I love him to my toes.

That doesn't mean it isn't nice to look though!

I've seen all sorts of behaviors at RT that just amazed me. The men at the conference are there to do a job, and yes, maybe it is eye candy, but that doesn't mean they're pieces of meat. I like looking at hot guys as much as the next person, but because they're there as cover models doesn't give anyone the right to touch them inappropriately. At least, according to me.

Since my first RT in New York, I've become friendly with a few of the EC models, and I have to tell you, you'll never meet nicer guys. I have a great time visiting with them and have learned a lot about the "behind the scenes" goings on of the modeling business.

Let's just say, I'm pretty glad I won't ever have to worry about those things. It ain't easy to make a living on your looks!

That being said, I'll still enjoy looking to my heart's content, hahahah
Have a great weekend!
Ari

The struggle continues

Some of you might remember in September I started going to Weight Watchers because I had reached the weight at which I'd been when I was about to deliver my middle child. Since I don't have a child growing inside me, that weight was unacceptable and I wanted to do something about it.

Well, it's seven months later, and after many ups and downs (more ups) I've finally hit the twenty pound mark. I'd still like to lose another ten pounds to get back to where I was before I got pregnant with my third daughter, but this is a big milestone.

And it hasn't been easy.

I love food. I love to eat and have cocktails, I love to entertain with food, celebrate with food, console myself with food, you name it I do it with food. Changing my lifestyle to be more in control of what I eat instead of throwing myself into the vicious cycle of gorging and starving is not fun. But it is necessary.

Heart and vascular disease run rampant in my family. I can't take the risk of leaving my girls alone because I have a heart attack at age 40. I don't smoke, I don't eat much red meat, I exercise, and I try to control my cholesterol intake.

But I still love to eat.

My goal is to lose five more pounds before RT in May. Now that I'm near my goal weight it's going to be even harder to lose the weight. I have to keep the picture of my tiny little costume for the EC party firmly in mind. I bought the darn thing, I'm going to wear it, I might as well look good in it.

Now if only my secret stash of chocolate would stop calling my name. . .

Alpha Men

I love Alpha Men. Love love love them. Why? Because in reality, there are so few around.

I've just read a bunch of books with serious Alpha heroes. Yummy!! If you read Catherine Mann or Susan Brockman you know what I'm talking about. I like men who are M-E-N!

That being said, it's probably a very good thing I'm not married to one. Which may explain my fascination with the species. I know, in my rational mind, if I was married to someone who oozed testosterone and couldn't pick up his own socks I'd probably smother him in his sleep. My personality is, well let's be kind and say, forceful.

My husband rarely gets mad, and almost never argues, but he manages to get his own way most of the time. We strike a nice balance between wildly emotional me whose every feeling is seen and heard instantly and his Mr. Laid-back-better-check-me-for-a-pulse. For the sake of our children, it's a good balance to have.

But that doesn't mean I don't occasionally fantacize about a Navy SEAL sweeping me off my feet and overwhelming me with testosterone. . . sigh. . .

Speaking of Alphas. . .If I can get the picture to upload, I got my cover for SLOAN'S HEART, the sequel to REBEL'S LUST and LUCY'S LOVER and it's HOTTTT!

I just love men. . .

Good news anyone?

As a romance writer I think I might have a slightly skewed version of the world. In Ari-land everyone has a special someone, all bad guys are caught by the end of the book, and everyone has a happy ending. In general, I think I try to look at the world that way too. Sort of. I always expect a happy ending, and I really do think there is justice in the world.

Which is why I don't read the newspaper any more. Well, I do read the sports section still, but I go right by the front page without looking. It drives my husband insane that I refuse to keep up with world events, but they just depress me.

I know the popular theory is "If it bleeds it leads" but good Lord, how can you start the day hearing about political misdeeds, murders, terrorist activities etc.? I like to start my day with happy news. While hubby is upstairs watching some political talking heads, I'm downstairs with the girls watching Clifford. I may not know what's going on in the world, but I'm happier, hahaha.

I think that's why sales of romance novels are on the rise. Every day we're battered with death and deceit from all angles. You can't walk through the grocery store check out line without hearing about this superstar cheating on his wife, and that one going on a drug binge, etc. If you turn on the TV you get blasted with the latest world strife and mass murder. Is it any wonder that people want to read books about falling in love where everyone lives happily ever after?

I think I'll stick to watching PBS and reading my romance novels and leave "Current Events" to my husband.

Anyone want a ticket to Ari-land?

Ups and Downs

You ever have one of those days/weeks where it seems like just as you climb out of the mire of chaos that is your life something else knocks you back down? That's kind of where I am right now. All three of my girls are home sick today with some weird virus that has them coughing and hacking along with a fever. I'm spending most of my time getting water, rubbing backs, putting in movies, playing dolls, etc.

What I'm not doing is writing, which I desperately need to do.

On the other hand, I've had two very awesome things happen yesterday.

One, I got a KICK ASS review for BEHIND THE ENCHANTED DOOR which warmed the cockles of my heart. (What is a cockle anyway?) It was from Dawn at Loves Romances and if you want to check it out, here's the link. . . http://www.lovesromances.com

The other thing that was totally wicked was that my publisher from Samhain was contacted by Borders and Samhain books are going to be carried in all Borders and Walden's Book stores!!!

Can I get an OH YEAH?????

Not only will Borders carry my Samhain books, they'll be carrying them SOON. Samhain books are going to print THREE MONTHS after digital release. YE HAW!!!!! That means SPITFIRE will be in a Borders near you in August! How cool is that? DOOR should be out in print around the same time so I'll have two books on the shelves!!

I don't know if I can explain how much it means to an author to hold something they created in their hands like that. Other than having another child (which ain't gonna happen) there's no more visceral feeling.

So, as I run from runny nose to runny nose and get ginger ale and toast for whiny children, I'm going to try to keep the good news formost in my mind and not let the bad vibes win.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Ari

Vanity

Do you think you're vain? Do you know anyone truly vain? What exactly is vanity? These are questions I ask myself as I look at other people who I think are so much prettier than I am. I'll admit, I like to look nice when I know I'm going out. I have a rule of thumb about dressing up and makeup. I only apply makeup and wear heels if there's going to be drinks involved. Generally speaking I spend most of my days in jeans, sweats, or long, cotton skirts. Trust me, I'm more worried about comfort than appearance.

BUTTTT on the days I do dress up and go through the effort to blow dry my hair, I think I look pretty good. At least until I catch a glimpse of my mommy belly in the mirror, or notice my hair flying all over my head, or the fact that my feet look like canoes. . . You get the picture.

I look at some of the people I'm friends with who I think are stunning, and I wonder if they notice things about themselves that no one else does. I mean, is anyone REALLY comfortable with their appearance, or am I the only neurotic, insecure one?

For the most part I don't think about my looks, it's not like I get dressed up to go to the grocery store (like the rest of my town does) and except for the few times I've run into ex-boyfriends when I've been in sweats, my glasses, and my hair in a sloppy bun, I really don't worry about it.
Does that mean I'm not vain? Hmmmm, things to think about.

Have a great day!

Go UCONN!!!

It's March Madness and I'm totally stoked!!! I love college basketball, especially women's basketball. My team is the UConn Huskies and I've been following the women's team since the early 90's. One of my very close friends was on the team from 88-92, before the women's game was ever televised. Now every UConn game is broadcasted. It's a beautiful thing.

My husband is a graduate from Villanova, which makes things interesting right about now because it is the Big East Tournament. He'll root for the UConn women, but he'd rather eat paint than root for the men. It makes for some spirited discussions come game time. . .

I'm also a big baseball fan, love my Red Sox even if they do make me crazy. I think one of the ingrained parts of being a Red Sox fan is the ultimate certainty that they'll kill you in the end. That's part of the fun. How far will they get before they totally self-destruct??

Ahhh, the life lessons in sports. What else would we New Englanders have to pass the time in the depressing winter months except live vicariously through healthy, fit, people exerting themselves while we eat and drink on the couch?

Hope some spring weather is on the horizon for you too!
GO UCONN!!!!

Winter driving

My daughter's pre-school is 12 miles from my driveway. Now, this being Connecticut, those 12 miles include crossing a river and going through three towns, but you get the point. It's NOT that far away. Because of the snow my 15-20 minute ride took me 45 minutes to complete and I practically kissed the ground when I got home.

Yes, we're getting snow, oh joy. I am a very cautious snow driver. I used to work on an ambulance and I know what can happen to idiots who think having 4-wheel drive means they can drive 65 mph in snow.

Even with going barely 30 mph and having 4X4 things were still dicey out there. I saw several accidents and even more near accidents. Most of them could be attributed to rampent stupidity rather than the weather.

I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that when it's snowing and visibility is limited YOU SLOW THE HECK DOWN. But maybe that's just me. Maybe some people need the flashing signs that say "Slippery Conditions: Use Caution".

And please don't get me started on the idiots who think driving a high priced car such as a BMW or a Lexus entitles them to drive faster, move lanes willy-nilly, and stop without causing a five car pile-up. At least I know if one of those idiots runs into me, it'll be a lot cheaper to fix my car than theirs. . .

Stay safe everyone!

I want to be a bear

I want to be a bear. I want to hibernate all winter and avoid having to dress in layers just so I can get the garbage can without freezing my butt off. I like the idea of eating all summer so I can get a nice layer of fat to sustain me through the winter months too. I could make a great bear, I'm sure of it.

If it wasn't for eating the raw fish, I'd be all over it. . .

If you haven't guessed, it's DAMN COLD in Connecticut right now. It's actually warmer today than it was the last two days, but that's still FREAKING FREEZING! It's the kind of cold that when you breathe in it feels like you're sucking in something solid.

I know, I know, a few months ago I was whining about it being hot and humid. I whine a lot, haven't you figured that out by now? I think I'm just not an extreme weather person. I like things in the middle of the road, 70's-80's with a warm breeze. Is that too much to ask for?

Apparently, it is since right now it's 33 with an arctic blast blowing through. The weather gurus are predicting more snow tomorrow, but it doesn't feel like it. We'll see what happens. Trust me, if we get hit with "significant accumulation" you'll be sure to hear about it. My husband LOVES the snow, so I have to complain about it somewhere, hahahahaha.

In other news, I sold another story to Ellora's Cave! Yippee!! I can't give any deets yet because the contract hasn't been signed by all parties, but when it does I'll give you the scoop!

Try to stay warm everyone!
Ari