Competition is fierce!

Last week I spoke about the 'unspoken' rule of issuing a challenge.

This week I can cheerfully inform you that the challenge was taken and MET by all of my neighbors.

As you recall it started with the neighbor, two doors down, putting out a red bow. This was a neighborhood that only had; at best; one or two houses decorating for Christmas. So I took the challenge and put up lights and bows and then once turned on; issued the "unspoken" challenge to the other neighbors and they have not disappointed.

The neighbor across the street put up garland and wreaths in every window and then the neighbor down the street put up candles in each window and then his neighbor put up bows and a door wreath.

Soon the whole neighborhood was in on the act and the final house; I call it the hold out house, put up their decorations in the past couple of days. I think she waited to see what everyone was doing and THEN decided on her decor. She has a hanging Santa in the tree and then snowflakes outside her front door and then, she has decorated her fence leading to the backyard with lights and I think I can even see a peeking of lights IN the backyard.

So, let's just say that the unspoken challenge has been met...but you never know what will happen next because Christmas is still 11 days away and I could just very well need to do a little more decorating.

Happy Holidays
B. Swangin Webster

Christmas Spirit?

Now that we have eaten ourselves into oblivion; are we in the Christmas spirit yet? I know I am. The way that I get ready is to put up Christmas decorations. This year it was a little different because I am not where I was last year. My residence has changed but I still got into the holiday spirit and what better way to do that then to start a friendly 'competition' amongst the neighbors to see if they will take the unspoken challenge.
Since I'm a writer, I know how to draw out a story by painting a picture that you want to reach out and touch. I did this with my new neighbors by sending the message: "Christmas is here, where are your lights?" Now I didn't go knocking on doors, I simply took my cue from the sad little neighbor two doors down who put up a sad little lonely red bow. However the message was clear, so I stepped up to the challenge. I then enlisted the help of two others and off to Home Depot we went. We picked up solar candy cane lights, potted red poinsettas and clips for the many lights that would be hung.
Then it was off to Micheal's Art/Craft store for the finishing touches of BIG red bows, WITH bells. See I saw the sad little bow as a challenge, and I think I met it; head on!
So after all was put on the house and the lights are twinkling; wouldn't you know that all of the neighbors were 'raking leaves' or so they wanted me to think. But by Sunday evening, three more houses had stepped up to the unspoken challenge of Christmas decorating. Now granted, they are NOT on my level. When I take on a challenge, I TAKE on a challenge. Ok, granted someone tried doing the lights on the deck railing...but honestly, that isn't even worth my time because I KNOW I could blow them out of the water with the bows, lights, and holiday table setting on the table.
Now the Christmas spirit to me doesn't mean shopping on Black Friday, although this year I did and had a ball at noon instead of midnight. Yes, there are still bargins at noon and I didn't have to stand in line outside to get them.
Being in the Christmas spirit means, bringing out the 'friendly competition" amongst neighbors and seeing who will reign supreme.
And the winner is....well if you want to know that, I'll post some pictures of my decorations next week and if you are up to it, submit yours too; I'll gladly hand over the crown, kicking and screaming of course, but I'll hand it over and then I'll go shopping again. After all, I'm up to the challenge that anyone puts out there.
So get ready, set, decorate!
Happy Holidays!

What are you thankful for?

As the holiday season is upon us, I find myself being even more thankful than I normally am. This year has held many challenges but through it all I am thankful that I am coming through them with just a few bumps, bruises and scrapes. Nothing that won't heal over time.

In this fast paced life we often forget about things that have made us happy.

Remember when we were kids and simply walking down the street with our friends was the highlight of our day? Or maybe you remember the day BEFORE Thanksgiving, shopping with your grandmother for the ingredients for her famous stuffing or pie? Or maybe it was when you simply sat outside with your favorite beverage, mine would be wine; and just listened to your own breathing. Stop....do you feel that, it's the memory you just smiled to yourself about.

For me, I smile every time I think about my grandsons; Tyson, Jayden, Zachary III and Zavier and my newest granddaughter, Khloe. Nothing in life gets better than that. Just thinking of these five little people, brings a smile to my face that is unmistakable.

So in this holiday season, take the time to stop for a moment and remember the things that make us the happiest.

I will enjoy this Thanksgiving with loved ones and I hope you do to.

Until next week, Happy Thanksgiving and remember; enjoy the time with your family. Nothing; not writing, not the internet, nor the fast paced life that is this world, can replace time with them.

MY TURN

Today I will feature new author, Nathan Seven Scott; author of "MY TURN: The Knight Affairs" which will be part of a trilogy.

Please help me welcome NathanSevenScott to my blog.

When I decided to write my debut novel My Turn: The Knight Affairs Trilogy, it was based on a dare. A dare to myself to see if I could commit to something and complete it within at least a years time.  Many people around me doubted that I could finish this seemingly daunting task, but I took a page from Obama and wrote "YES I CAN" on post-it notes and placed them in my bathroom, bedroom and on my desk at work.

My process was unique in it's design. I had amazing coaching from a writer named Khadijah. I was then reconnected to a very dear friend Karen Minors, Author of It Is What It Is. Karen challenged me by saying that my stories were like no other and that they needed to be told for a wider audience. Sure my stories were entertaining to those around me but people needed to read what exciting adventures I still had in store. Strangely enough once I had an outline, I found myself ready to go.

I suffered from laziness and writer's block for almost three months. I was so angry at myself for coming close to giving up until my writing coach pushed me to complete my work. She gave me a few suggestions and exercises and that amped me up to complete my book.

Thankfully, God blessed me with multiple talents such as the ability to do graphic design, video editing and a host of other things. Having these gifts allowed me to make an awesome trailer and an eye catching cover.

This is the first of three books and I have already embarked on a new series featuring a female protagonist. I have an exciting twist that will bring both words together taking me to another level in my media empire.

To take a look at my book trailer; please click here:My Turn book trailer

Becoming an author has changed my life and it's only the beginning.

If you want need coaching to produce YOUR BOOK, check out my website www.nathansevenscott.com or email me to find out more about my coaching services.  nathansevenscott@gmail.com

Books-Kindle or Print?

Today I pose the question: Which do you prefer, Kindle or Print?

Now remember, this is only my opinion and just like everyone; I’m entitled to mine.

Kindle seems to be the instant answer to many of our ‘reading dilemmas”. In a world of instant gratification, the Kindle, Nook, and E-Reader has made life much more instantaneous for a lot of people. If they hear of a book that someone says, “they must have” they can pull out their Kindle and download it and read it within a matter of minutes.

Now, let’s look at the same scenario with a ‘print’ novel. Someone asks you if you have picked up the latest novel from Austin Camacho, The Piranha Assignment, and you say, no but you will as ‘soon as you get home and log into your computer and go to the Amazon.com website and type in his name and then check out all of his books”. It’s not as instant as the Kindle conversation that goes like this, “I’ll pick up the latest by Austin Camacho in five, four, three, two, got it. Wow and on Kindle it’s only $.99 versus the “print” copy of $11.66. Or maybe you just saw Karen Minors, author of It is What It Is and you want to read all about Miya and Milan; you will either go to Amazon.com and download a version for $7.69 or you will buy it and wait for it to ship in a couple of days for $19.95.

See for me, I like the ‘hard’ version in my hands. I like to hold the book, flip the pages, and dog ear them as I pour over the scenes. In a kindle, not so much. Plus, they haven’t found a way for you to get your book ‘autographed’ through Kindle; well they sort of have, but it involves buying software to download to your Kindle and then you have to ‘find’ the author again.

Now, don’t get your Kindle all in an electronic huff; I’m merely saying that for some of us, we like to slow down, sit with a nice cup of Chai Tea or Dunkin Donuts coffee, curl up in our pink Snuggie and read until we fall asleep and the book makes that familiar thunk when it hits the floor. If your Kindle hits the floor, you better be on carpet or be prepared to look at a possible crack on your screen or worse yet; a black one, because it has gone on to electronic heaven (with my beloved GRACIE—the laptop that I wrote about previously, but I digress)

All this to say  what? Whether you are a Kindle reader or Print (book –in-hand) reader; whichever one you chose, stay true to yourself and don’t fall for the fads. Sure Kindle will be around for a while, or Nook or whatever E-reader you choose, but so will books, because let’s face it; until there is a HUGE bonfire somewhere, there will also be Mom and Pop bookstores out there where the rest of us NON E-reader owners can go and get our fix.

Will you join me? (wait…I still want a Kindle; but I don’t NEED a Kindle) don’t judge me! (smile)

Happy Writing!

Upcoming conferences-Are you going?

Today I will talk to you about conferences you should attend; even if you don't write in that particular genre. Why would you want to attend a conference that doesn't pertain to your particular writing style?
Simple answer: The more you get to know about other writing styles, the more you can incorporate them into your writing style.
Love is Murder is a conference held in Chicago every year and it is geared towards the mystery writers. I have never gone, but in February of 2012, I will attend. I am so excited to be a part of that it is well worth the cost.
Thrillerfest will be held in New York in July of 2012 and although I went this year, I am doubly excited to attend again next year. This conference is geared towards mystery and thriller writers. Although I am neither of the two; I will proudly network with all of the authors there.
After all, networking as an author is THE main reason to go to such conferences. You not only get to learn about other authors but you also get to 'hang' out with NY best selling authors. Where else would you get to be in the same room as R.L. Stine and Karen Slaughter?
I hope to see you at one of the many upcoming conferences in the new year. If you see me, come up and say hello; after all; I love to talk about writing.
Happy Writing!

Speaking in public

Have you ever been asked to speak in public about your writing or about your novels? What is your first thought when this happens?

Do you ask yourself, why are they asking me, I"m not famous, yet. Or do you say..well I don't have anything to say.

Well if you said yes to one of those questions; shame on you. You might not be famous;(yet), but you are famous in your own right. After all, you are a published or about to be published, author.

You should welcome all opportunities to talk about yourself to other, and if it happens to be a crowd of people, than that is GREAT!

Look at it as a way to brand yourself to others. Make them WANT to buy your book or listen to your story. You never know what might happen. Let's see, for me; it happened at the Black Family Reunion held down on the National Mall in Washington DC. I spoke to a crowd of about 50 people and afterwards, my book sales soared. Now, I didn't do it for the sales, although that was a plus. I did it because I want everyone to follow that dream that they thought was impossible to acheive. I want every man/woman and child to reach their highest potential and never say to themselves in 20 years, "I wish I would have done..." That is the hardest part. If you have a dream, never and I repeat NEVER, let anyone stop you from achieving it.

So with that said, today my message to you is a simple one: Go after what you want in life. Don't sit back and wait for someone's approval. If it makes you happy and doesn't hurt anyone; then you should do it. Now, pull out that pencil/pen and notebook or laptop and get to writing, because that is what I am about to do.

Happy Writing!

Just an Observation

      So, the weather is turning colder and are sexy sandals that we wore during the summer and spring months are now being pushed to the back of the closet.
      So who told grown women that wearing those colorful rain boots was OK? I mean really.
      Do I want to see a woman in her 30's crossing the street in front of me with a pair of sesame street colored boots on with her nice business suit. Really people? Let's be serious here. There are plenty, let me repeat, PLENTY, of sexy boots that can be worn in the rain and they don't involve primary colors. Leave those color boots to the people under 20 that need a little help finding something to wear with that yellow rain slicker. And speaking of rain slickers, can we PLEASE put away the basic yellow overcoat? There are a bevy of grey/blue/black rain coats that would be far more stylish than the policemen yellow. Don't you agree.
      So pull out those fall catalogs and let's find some sexy boots to go with that nice rain coat.
      You just may be surprised on how many men will stop you in the rain to comment on how pulled together you look.
Happy shopping!

New book released-Ami Blackwelder

Today I have turned over BSW to Ami Blackwelder as she talks about her newest creation.

Paranormal and SciFi Author Ami Blackwelder will have two new books out soon! 

Invasion of 2020

The Invasion of 2020, the first book in the Shifter Evolutions series is scheduled to be released Sept 1st 2011, (Books 1-5 are out now)       

The Invasion of 2020 is the prequel to Shifters of 2040. The Shifter Evolutions begins with the middle book, The Shifters of 2040, and gives the reader the choice for the past or future. This release of the first book in the series, The Invasion of 2020, will allow readers to engage the series chronologically also. 

            Readers will enjoying finding out more about Uri Petrov and Dr. Samantha Croon as they discover what exactly brought the shifters to Earth and what sparked human fears. Who was the young Marn and young Raul and what molded them into who they became? 

Ami Blackwelder is a forbidden romance writer in the paranormal and historical romance genre. Growing up in Florida, she went to UCf and in 1997 received her BA in English and teaching credentials. She travelled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. Thailand is considered her second home now. She has always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand.

            Having won the Best Fiction Award from the University of Central Florida (Yes, The Blair Witch Project University;), her fiction From Joy We Come, Unto Joy We Return was published in the on campus literary magazine: Cypress Dome and remains to this day in University libraries around the country. Later, she achieved the Semi-Finals in a Laurel Hemingway contest and published a few poems in the Thailand’s Expat magazine, and an article in the Thailand’s People newspaper. Additionally, she has published poetry in the Korea’s AIM magazine, the American Poetic Monthly magazine and Twisted Dreams Magazine.

Find out more about her and her books at http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com                                     

Writer's conferences

If you call yourself a writer, an aspiring writer or a part time writer, have you attended a writer's conference yet?

If you answered no; Shame Shame!

As a writer you should attend at least one conference every few months.

In my opinion it keeps your skills sharpened and for those of you that are 'newbies' it gives you valuable insights to the ever changing market and what to do when things happen; like the unfortunate closing of BORDERS.

So,come and meet me at the Virginia's Writer's Symposium-Navigating your Writing Life; on Saturday at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville Virginia.

There is still time to get your registration form in and still time to pay (pay at the door is a GREAT thing!)

See you there and if you need more information; log into http://www.virginiawritersclub.org/ or

Character Development

Today I have a guest blogger. Ms. Judith Marshall will share with us some do's and don'ts about our character development. She is the author of, HUSBANDS MAY COME AND GO BUT FRIENDS ARE FOREVER, which was recently optioned for the big screen.

If you are having trouble with your character's development, here are a few pointers...

Some do’s and don’ts about character development:

Do pay attention to your characters.   Remember story is as much (if not more) about character as about plot.

Do make your characters original.  The beauty of this approach is that your plot will often grow out of a unique character, instead of vice versa.

Do use a less expected way of describing your character; instead of saying her eyes was were “blue,” you could say, “Her eyes were the color of the lake behind her.”

Don’t use stock, cliché, or outrageous names.  You will either look lazy or like your trying too hard.

Don’t introduce too many characters at once.  Figure out a way of staggering them or focus on one and ignore the others.  You can switch the focus later.

Don’t describe just the usual characteristics, such as eyes, hair, and face. Go farther.  “The sun reflected off his bald head.”  “The skin on her face was drawn tight across her cheekbones, eyelids stretched smooth, forehead shiny and line-free -- all the signs of recent cosmetic surgery.” 

Remember readers don’t want the ordinary, the everyday; they want to be captivated.  Ask yourself:  Are my characters interesting?  If not, there’s more work to be done.

Judith Marshall

Author of HUSBANDS MAY COME AND GO BUT FRIENDS ARE FOREVER, recently optioned for the big screen.

www.judithmarshall.net

Laptop Distress

I used to write every single day. I loved it! It's my 'drug' of choice. If I can't write I am lost.

Right now I am lost because my laptop has taken a break, a mini vacation, a hiatus. Who am I kidding, my laptop has gotten seriously ill.

Now, I am like a flounder flopping around on a fisherman's boat. I'm having a hard time breathing without my laptop.

My laptop was my best friend. I pushed that power key and when those blue lights came on, I got a rush! My heart pumped faster and my hands got sweaty because I knew that within a minute I would insert my flashdrive and my "world" would come into view and I would escape for the next few hours with my characters. Sadly, my laptop decided she needed a break.

Right now I'm suffering from laptop envy. I see people walking around with their laptop bags and I get instant attitude. I see them sitting in Borders, drinking their Frozen Chocolate Coffee Crunch and pecking away at their keyboards and I get jealous. My poor "Gracie Gateway" shut down two weeks ago and has yet to come back. I'm suffering from withdrawals.

I look at my empty laptop bag and remember the good times we shared. Typing that new scene,or accidently deleting a whole chapter, but she knew my distress and "auto recovered" my document. We've been through a lot together and I refuse to let her go. I'm diligently searching for a "doctor" that can bring her back to life. I am dreading those words, "there is nothing we can do" and I know I will be in mourning, as she has been with me for five years. She had everything you could want. She held my secrets, my music and pictures of my family. She was someone I could "talk" through and she knew what I wanted to say, even when I didn't know how to spell it; she knew.
So today I sit and wait for the 'doctors' opinion and hopefully he can patch her up for just a little while longer.

Gracie Gateway I miss you and need you to get better soon!  

Summer Shoes

 Ladies and gentlemen:
 It is that time of year where summer shoes take center stage. For those of us that look forward to putting our best foot forward; now is the time to do just that.
 For me, summer shoes mean two things; strappy heels and espadrilles. It's a chance to show off those four and five inch sandals that have been anxiously waiting for their turn in the spotlight; or should I say, sunlight. They have been pushed to the back of the closet long enough and now they are front and center.
  Summer isn't summer unless you have at least one pair of espadrilles in the closet and you don't have to go for the highest heel, maybe some nice flip flops; and NO, I am not talking about those dollar ones from Old Navy; I'm talking the nice ones with the hard soles with the cute little design. See those are the flip flops we ladies need to wear. Now don't go getting in a huff. Old Navy flip flops are FINE...just not with that cute summer dress. Those flip flops are for the beach. Let's be clear here ladies; in this day and age, men like to see women who are put together from their HEAD to their FEET. Just because they haven't said anything about your flip flops, doesn't mean they haven't noticed. Summer is the time that men like to see their women's feet and this is the time of year that we should be at our best.
  So what are you waiting for? Memorial day is three days away and the shoe stores are prepared for the onslaught of women. If you comment and would like to leave a pic of your sexiest sandal, feel free. If your a man and would like to comment; also feel free. I am all aglow with the anticipation of my first new pair of summer sandals. Rest assured, you will see them here in the next couple of weeks.
   Happy shopping!

It's over...

Yes, Taste N Books is over but the buzz continues. If you had the pleasure of joining us on Sunday, there was fun to be had by all.

I think for a first time venture, everything went as smoothly as expected.

Working hard paid off by the many compliments that were bestowed and all of the authors that attended said they would like to participate again.

We even had a publisher in the house and I believe she may have gotten a few new authors in her business cubicle.

It's amazing what food can do and speaking of food. Chef Frank Dalton, Executive Chef for the Palms Hotel, made some incredible strawberries. OK, he didn't make the strawberries; but he put his soul into those delectable treats. AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL!

Next year promises to be even bigger as a couple of seasoned veterans have graciously offered their help and I am accepting.

So, if you are in the Waldorf Area next year, or maybe even at the end of this year...consider Taste N Books II...I promise; you won't be disappointed.

Taste N Books II

I am sure that you have guessed that this week's post will also be about Taste N Books. To say that I am overly excited is an understatment. Although the prep is currently taking a lot of time and effort, it will be so worth it!


Confirmed authors include: Kabrena Severe, Karen Minors, Austin Camacho,Vonda Howard, Donnie Manuel,Sindee Lynn and your's truly, B. Swangin Webster,to name a few. We will also have a publisher in the building to talk to you about anything you need to know about getting your next novel published.

If you are in the Waldorf Maryland area on Sunday, May 15th from 10am-3pm consider stopping by for free food tasting and meeting some great authors. You might even get to hear a few of them reading from their novels.

See you there!



Prince's Donor by Sindee Lynn
Humdadao of Baltimore by Donnie Manuel
Let Me Just Say This by B. Swangin Webster
Damaged Goods by Austin S. Camacho
It Is What It Is by Karen Minors

Taste N Books

    What is the first thing you do when you want to read a good book?
    Well, for me; I run to the drawer take out my pink snuggie (ok, don't tell anyone that!) put on my black/pink flannel pajama bottoms and black tank top and sit in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and settle in to read from cover to cover.
Well, in two weeks I will be doing just that, but only in a public forum; and without the pink snuggie.
    Here in Waldorf, Maryland we will debut the 1st; and what we hope to be a yearly event; called Taste N Books. It combines two things that we love to do while reading. Eating and Reading. Although you won't be able to eat a full course meal, you will be able to snack your way through the maze of local authors, while you browse their latest works and also talk to them. We have a mystery writer and children's writer. We have a drama queen (ok, she writes dramas) and we have a historical writer.
    We also have a wonderful celebrity author, Vonda Howard who will be bringing some very special guests with her. The D-Cup Divas will be making an appearance and hopefully we will get a look at the calendar they are putting together.
We have also garnered a write up in the Baltimore Times by Phinesse Demps, who is also an author.
    If you need something to take with you to the beach; or you just want to stop by and meet some really cool authors,then you definitely need to come to Waldorf Maryland on May 15th at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Hall. We will be there from 10am - 3pm.

One woman's stuggle=help for other's

Today we have a guest blogger who will speak on a very important subject affecting some women. Vanessa Richardson is an author and playwrite and her message is a very inspirational one.

If someone asked me to describe Endometriosis in one word it would be: Pain! Consistent white hot piercing pain.  Endometriosis is a consistent, life interrupting, hard to manage pain. And is often treated with hormone therapy, such as birth control pills, Lupron, Zoladex and Depo Provera. Some of the side effects of these treatments are: weight gain, constantly fatigue, irritable mood swings and depressed.

My case was a little different as I was also diagnosed with Catamenial Pneumothorax. This is when a woman has her menstrual cycle and with in  24-48 hours her lung collapses.  Catamenial Pnuemothorax or CT affects 1% of women here in America. Catamenial Pneumothorax is a rare condition characterized by a recurrence of air in the pleural space coinciding with the onset of menses. CPT was first described in medical books in 1958. It is almost always right-sided, and generally affects women in their thirties and forties.

I was in my early twenties, when I started feeling a tightness in my chest and shortness of breath. I could hardly breathe or talk. A visit to the hospital ER; would reveal that my right lung had collapsed covering my heart completely. Treatment was a chest tube, and a week stay in the hospital. This would go on for seven years. Finally, I was diagnosed with Catamenial Pnuemothorax. A biopsy proved that I had Endometriosis and it had spread to the lung. So is my current battle; but I shall prevail.

Catamenial Pnuemothorax symptoms are: experiencing monthly chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue. Some women have experienced multiple lung collapses over a period of several years. Many of these women have also been diagnosed with pelvic Endometriosis. I am one of those women. Endometriosis can spread to several parts of body organs, such as the bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum. In my case it was the lung and my pelvic cavity.   It is estimated that 30-40% of women with Endometriosis may not be able to have children.

In the end I had to have an emergency hysterectomy at 28 years of age. Dealing with infertility would be the trying of my faith. I have no kids at an early age; I vowed to God, that I'd wait until I was married; to have a child. But that is another story of victory and triumph to be shared at a later date.

Living with Endometriosis has definitely placed me on a soul and spiritual searching journey. The continual experimental medicine taking; and still not seeing any changes in my condition  It is hard to find the right treatment for we Endo patients. Sadly it can be difficult for Doctors to believe that this pain actually exists- and trust for me, it did and does. It is almost like a mind game. Medical science says one thing and your body is saying another.

I always tell people/patients this and will stick by it: You know your body and if it's telling you something, listen to it. If you don’t know your body; then get to know it!  With a diagnosed you don't have to settle for one Doctor's opinion, get a second.  Don’t be ashamed nor care what people think about you. The ultimate goal is to get better. It’s the squeakiest wheel gets the oil.

In the end I am seeing the true woman that I am. I am God's chosen. I am not giving up and I am not yielding to defeat. In this I choose to still be happy and remain focus on what God has destined me to be.  In the end, God will honor His name as Jehovah Rapha: The God that HEALS.  

If you or someone you know are suffering from Endometriosis and/or Catamenial pneumotorax please visit:

http://www.endometriosis.org/endometriosis.html

http://www.catamenial-pneumothorax.com/id21.htm

Author and playwright Vanessa Richardson
www.vanessarichardson.net
http://thecertainones.blogspot.com
Aspiring to inspire!

Shoe sexiness....

Ever found a pair of shoes that makes you shudder? Well I have continually found shoes like that; but this past weekend, I was given the gift of a pair of brown/tan MIA shoes that made me more than shudder. They have straps across the foot and around the ankle. They are 4 1/4 inch heels and have a peep toe. 

I can't believe how good I look in these shoes! I had to show you a picture so you would know just what I mean...and Yes, I am tooting my own horn...Beep! Beep! To see more pics of my sexy shoes, you have to visit my website: http://bswanginwebster.webs.com/

When you find a pair of shoes that will make you feel up your own legs, then you know that those shoes are da bomb! When you find a pair of shoes that make you purposely pass in front of mirrors, windows, or doors just to get a look at your legs in them; you've found a pair of sexy shoes.

I know lots of ladies have had those days and the men in their lives really appreciate it. So on behalf of the ladies who have men in their lives who appreciate a nice, sexy pair of shoes; Your very welcome.

Now, I'm not promoting one site or store; but the shoes that I received came from ShoeBacca , online shoe shopping at it's best and the shoes that Dee Lawrence submitted came from Macy's in the Annapolis Mall here in Maryland.



Dee Lawrence Sexy Shoes



If you have a pair of sexy shoes that you would like featured, leave a comment and then your email address with a picture of your shoes and tell me why you think your shoes are sexy. Who knows, maybe I'll have a contest to find the sexiest pair of heels online.

What do you think ladies? Any excuse to buy shoes, right?



It Is What It Is...

Ever wonder what that means? Well according to Karen Minors, it means making the best of a situation.
She really shows us the true meaning of making the best of a situation in her debut novel; It Is What It Is.
If you remember when I first started this blog, I said I would read a GOOD book in the parking lot of Borders. This is one of those books.
Minors has spun a story so intense that you have no choice but to get angry at a character, cry with a character or laugh with her characters.
Minors has done an excellent job of pulling readers in with her storytelling abilities. She is DEFINITELY a rising author. Be sure to check her out on Facebook, Twitter and her website: http://www.karenminors.com/ and remember, take a chance on a new author; you will be pleasantly surprised.
While you are surfing the 'net make sure to stop by my website and listen to what I've been listening to while I finish up my novels.
http://bswanginwebster.webs.com/
Also find me on Facebook and Twitter under BSwanginWebster

Ready for Agents and Publishers?

Today I am happy to have Ami Blackwelder as a guest blogger. Please check out her post about Pitch. Today she will give us a sample pitch letter to an agent and publishers.

Check out this sample Pitch:

PITCH

“I’m pregnant.  Her eyes peered over the edge of the cloth and confronted her mirrored reflection with that truth.  I’m pregnant…by a SHIFTER.  Oh, god!”

In “The Shifters of 2040,” Scientist Melissa Marn finds her world swirling on its axis with that one revelation.  Shifters — a sentient alien species of light — look to Earth for refuge.  In doing so, both shifters and humans are forced to confront prejudice, betrayal, adversity and oppression.

Methodical scientist, Melissa Marn, and her coworker, Dr. Bruce Wilder, conduct experiments on the shifters.  Through her pregnancy, she becomes more compassionate and humane and finds herself defending the very species she’s supposed to eradicate.  One of the hybrids, Diamond, falls in love with Keenan, a soldier trained to kill her. Between the four, the reader is led from conflict to resolution, from despair to hope, from loneliness to love.

Much of the book’s originality lies in the shifters, common characters in science fiction, but whose origins are rarely explained. In this series, their alien DNA allows them to metamorphose into not just wolves, but a variety of animals. As the plot unfolds, the shifters discover they can have children with humans — hybrids.

Strengths of the novel include the complex characters, its writing style of poetic prose and rich description, and the well developed, thought-provoking, yet highly entertaining plot.

This fast paced book will appeal to the young adult and adult market. It fits nicely into the paranormal romance and science fiction romance genres and would make a great movie, a captivating TV series and an intriguing video game.

Readers will enjoy the fresh approach and original concept of the world thirty years from now, and will find the characters come to life in their minds.  This story will stay with them long after they read “The End.”

Shifter Evolutions Saga

http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com

Paranormal Romance

Historical Romance

Shoes--my whole kingdom for Shoes!

Well, maybe that's a little drastic, but I love shoes! not...let me rephrase that; if shoes where a man, I would have a revolving door at divorce court. As soon as I see a new pair, I would divorce my old pair and start down the aisle to blissful happiness with my new love; that is until a new pair came across my email from Saks 5th Avenue. Have you seen this little gem? At least three times a week, I get an email telling me of a new sale going on for the "must have shoes of the season".

Now don't they know they can't tell me that I "must have" some kind of shoe..because most of the time, I MUST HAVE THEM. Ugh...what is a girl to do?

Well let me tell you, I got some very disturbing news this week. I have to refrain from wearing heels higher than 3 inches for at least 30 days. Now, people; espeically women. I am NOT a whiner, but today I must whine.

I ONLY wear heels that are higher than 3 inches. Ok, it is because of a nasty little thing called a kidney infection that my heel wearing has to be curtailed. Something about the added pressure of the heel height in relation to my back which in turn causes stress on my kideny. Well who told my kidney to get sick, certainly not I; as I have been drinking WAY more than the allowed 8 glasses of water..., the way I look at it, if I only wear the heels to work, and then sit at my desk all day, and only get up to go to the microwave to heat up my lunch and then walk back out to my vehicle, technically I haven't WORN the heels all day, right?

So as I sit here, looking at my lonely 4 and 5 inches heels (and they are looking so sad that I have not chosen a pair of them to put on) I have the most compelling problem. I can avoid all sidewards glances, from the people who know about my little predicament, and simple wear some boring flat shoes (ok, dont throw stones at me, I'm just not a flat shoe wearer) OR I can simple, smile, pick out a modest pair of 4 inch heels and start my week off with a smile.

Either way, somehow I just know that the heel police will be lurking to catch me.

Write, now?

Have you ever been asked, when do you have time to write?
I am asked this almost every day, and on the day that I am not asked that, I'm answering emails about it.

Well, I'll answer that question like I normally do.

I don't FIND time to write, the time FINDS me.

I write whenever the mood strikes me. I might be in the shower and a thought will hit me and I will grab my cellphone; call myself and leave a voicemail. Then I'll go back and listen to it and continue the thought on paper. Other times, I can be sitting at my "real" job and my characters will 'walk in the room' and start "talking". I keep a steno pad on my desk, at all times, that I use for this very purpose.

Now, it gets a little tricker when I'm driving, but I manage. (I won't share that little trick, as there are now laws in place)

So, when do you find the time to write.

How about, write now.

What is a good book?

This week we will discuss books. I myself like many different types of books. Besides reading my own books, I love a good urban book, not to be confused with street lit novels. I like a story to move along and pull me in to it so much, that I will lose sleep trying to read, "just one more page".

Actually I have bought books and sat in the parking lot of Borders and read almost half of the book before driving off. I have my list of favorite authors, E. Lynn Harris being at the top of that list. He passed away about almost two years ago, and he wrote books that dealt with down-low brothers and the gay community. I have recently found a new author that has pulled me into a genre of books that I never thought I would enjoy.

I never thought I was a mystery kinda girl, but it turns out that I am. I first read The Troubleshooter by Austin S. Camacho and absolutely fell in love with the story. Maybe I should say I fell in love with a character. I fell in love with Hannibal Jones, who is a private detective.  If this was a "real" man..I would be all OVER him. But I digress. The author of the Hannibal Jones Series is Mr. Austin S. Camacho.

Camacho spins a story so well that I can't wait to turn the next page. (Yes, this would be the book that I would read in the parking lot of Borders.)

Many of Camacho's stories involves some sort of problem that only Mr. Jones (Hannibal) can solve. Now why can't that man be real, or is he?
See that's the beauty of a good book. You wish that the story was real, even though you know that shoot outs don't happen during the middle of the day with a street full of people. 

I would encourage everyone to go to your local Borders (better hurry before it closes its doors for good) and grab a book by a new author off the shelf. You might be amazed at how great the story could be.


If you want to know more about Hannibal Jones or Austin S. Camacho, visit: http://www.ascamacho.com/ and while you are surfing the net; be sure to stop by my website: http://bswanginwebster.webs.com/

What's in a name?

For me, it was about honoring the people that have always been in my corner. When I first thought about being an author, I knew I didn't want to use my 'real' name.
Truth of the matter; it was BORING. So I started to come up with all types of things to show my love of writing.

The name was 'handed' to me when a cousin came into the kitchen and called my dad Webster (which is his last name) and he called her by her last name, Swangin. Which is also my mom's maiden name.OK, I digress for a moment. The proper pronunciation is Swang-in.

I knew that I needed a hook. However,being Webster-Swangin wasn't enough. I played with the order and decided that it needed something more. The letter B came from my married name and so began my career as an author named, B. Swangin Webster.

Now, the first thing people ask me is: Is that real? and I ask them; what do you think? The most inventive explanation came from a woman at a book signing that said. Wow, you must really love writing. I asked her why she asked that and she said, "Doesn't your name mean you're swinging those words around?" I was a bit confused until she said. "You know, swinging, but you used the slang term and words;for Webster-like the dictionary." Just like on Family Feud, I clapped and said, "good answer" (although it earned a loud X) She seemed so excited; I didn't have the heart to tell her that she was wrong.