Gobble Gobble

Today the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. It's a day where we are supposed to give thanks for all that we have, be with family and friends, and usually eat.

Love the turkey day LOL. I enjoy seeing the family most of all. We don't get together enough.

I saw the kindergartners the other day at school who had dressed up for the Thanksgiving feast between the Indians and the Pilgrims.

Yesterday I listened to a podcast from two historians on Pocahontas and another on the first Thanksgiving celebrated at Plymouth. Needless to say there are a LOT of myths about both of them. They didn't call themselves Pilgrims for one thing.

There are myths about the traditional foods of Thanksgiving, too. Turkey doesn't really make you sleepy. Overeating does.

But one thing that isn't a myth is being thankful. I've been blessed to be able to do what I do. To have friends and family who support me.

Yes, definitely a day among many to be thankful.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Read it again, Sam

(Yeah, I know Sam never actually said the exact line that I just parodied in Casablanca.)

Do you reread novels that you love?

I do. I know friends used to ask me, "You're reading that again?" There's something about a book you love. It's like revisiting an old friend. You know the routines. You know what you'll talk about. It's comfortable. Two books I've revisited quite often are the Lady's Tutor by Robin Schone and the Stand by Stephen King.

My oldest rereads Harry Potter quite often. When she's tired and looking for a read, she'll often pick up one of the books, find her favorite spot, and have at it. She's currently rereading books 1-6 in anticipation of the movie.

The youngest has reread Diary of a Wimpy Kid a couple of times now. She also loves to flip through and look at pictures in books she's already read.l

I think we're all rereaders here. How about you?

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

How my family knows I'm on a deadline

1. I'm using toothpicks to hold open my eyes so I can squeeze in one more page.

2. I'm talking to people they don't see and asking them why I had to write them doing such and such.

3. I ask the litterbox why it won't clean itself.

4. My hands seem permanently fused to the keyboard.

5. The kids don't recognize me unless I'm behind a laptop.

6. I count words in my sleep.

7. I have pizza delivery on speeddial and say, "Let them eat cake!" a lot. Hey, it's got wheat and eggs *blinks*.

8. The dog barks whenever I'm out of my desk chair because I do apparently have legs.

9. The grass grew around me while I was writing.

10. There is dust everywhere in my house BUT the laptop.

These are tongue in cheek. *Grins* but I am on a deadline LOL.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Gone RTing

This will hopefully post while I'm at the Romantic Times Convention.

I'm so excited about going this year! It's my second attendance as a published author and my fourth RT.

I will be able to sign Mechele's print books, Dinah's Dark Desire and Settler's Mine: The Rivals at the Saturday book fair! I'm also going to be bringing CD's to sell a few ebooks at the Wednesday Ebook Expo. Plus, I'm in Club RT Thursday and Friday mornings. If you're around, come by and say, "Hi!"

I'm also doing a panel on Putting the Men in Menage with some phenomenal authors. And I'm a member of the Faery Court. Yes, I have to eat on stage *bites nails* but I have an awesome dress being made by my mother in law!

RT is always a renewing experience for me. Writing is a lonely career. I have online friends but it's not like I see people everyday. This is a chance to go hang out with people who are excited about books, and not just any books but romance novels, and also hang out with people who are excited about writing. I get to see friends and writers I admire.

Not to mention, last year....I met fans. Of me! Of my writing. I cannot describe how much that meant to me.

I always come back feeling a little rejuvenated about my career. Everyone needs a boost now and then and RT is my boost.


Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Laugh and the world laughs with you

Cry and you cry alone.

My dad used to stay this ALL the time. He was a firm believer in the power of humor, and I've tried to take that approach to life.

While my books often have serious situations, I usually try to include some humor, be it a one liner or two or a funny situation. I don't know I'm witty enough to carry an entire romantic comedy novel, but who knows what the future will being when I start writing.

"Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."--From Steel Magnolias

My family and I have often gotten through tough times with humor. My husband was outside the hospital room when my mother had just passed away. My sisters and I laughed over something. A nurse gave the door an odd look. He told her they deal with things this way. And we do, probably because of how we were raised.

I think that's one thing that attracted me to my hubby and has kept us together, that he has a sense of humor.

What are things that have made you laugh in the past week?

My youngest dressing up like "a ghost" with a paper bag costume and looking for a lightsaber made me laugh.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany Of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http:///www.melanylogen.com

I HEART THAT CITY: Body Shots now available

Being an author can be a lonely business. Other than the characters in my head, I don't interact all that much. So when given the opportunity to participate in a multi-author series...it's a joy!

I HEART THAT CITY centers around a bar in Richmond, Virginia and will have books from the ever talenated Ally Blue, Willa Okati, Sierra Cartwright and Treva Harte. I'm rather excited to be a part of it. We had fun kicking around ideas and characters. You will find carryover of characters, especially those who work at the bar from book to book.


The blurb:

Joe and Daphne go to I Heart That City every Thursday night to celebrate being together one more week. They almost lost their marriage and themselves to a former lover, who only wanted Daphne.

When Amos sees the happy couple, he knows he must capture them on film. Only he really wants to capture them for himself. Inviting them to let him take pictures only makes his longing more intense. And he's not the only one feeling the sexual spark. Joe and Daphne find themselves attracted to the man who seems to find both of them desirable.

One problem: they've taken a break from threesomes. When they decide to try and see where things go, passions explode with body shots on camera, and on Daphne and Joe with tequila. But Daphne's past has her in its sights and it could ruin everything.

To read an adult excerpt.

I'm off to celebrate!

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com

Happy Holidays!

No matter what holiday you celebrate or even if you don’t celebrate at all, I hope the season finds you well. I hope you have wonderful days filled with family, friends, and fun.

Me? I’m an addict. A Christmas addict.

I went to my oldest’s school the other day and they were playing Christmas trivia. I realized I know more way too much about such things LOL.




Yes, see I’m the one who notices that broadcast television shows various versions of Christmas specials, occasionally leaving out little bits. Like in Rudolph, one year they showed it without the first elf song. I notice when the Muppets’ Family Christmas doesn’t show bits with the turkey and Gonzo or they eliminate songs.

I love this season. I always have.

I can remember when I was younger, lying in front of the Christmas tree and just staring up at it. I love all the lights. I love songs and Christmas specials. I love all the knickknacks that I put out and decorations both on the tree and house. Both have so many memories associated with them. I love getting together with friends and family. I love getting a present where you know thought has gone into it and it’s perfect for you. I love finding that perfect gift. The one you just know they will love.

Yes, I’m the one who irritates you by being so darn cheerful or walking through the store singing carols. I can’t help it. I love the season.

Something that has always irked me to a certain extent is when people say, “It’s all for the children” about the holidays. Because I don’t think it has to be. I think the spirit of the season has as much to do with adults as it does children. One thing quite a few of the Christmas specials I watch have in common is explaining the reason for the season. And it’s not about what you get or about Santa Claus and kids. It’s not about presents at all. It’s about the spirit of the holiday. The one where you give of yourself in ways that touch other people. That connect with other people. And that’s what I love about this holiday. That spirit that takes us all for and for a few moments, joins us.

So excuse me while I head off. I have to see my aunt and visit with other family. Oh, and I haven’t watched Frosty yet!

Mechele Armstrong aka Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen things I'm thankful for

1. My family. My hubby and children are the best of course. They have their moments but they support me. My sisters, my husband's family, my aunt. They are all good for me and to me.

2. My pets. One neurotic dog who thinks I'm wonderful. A spaz kitten who plays fetch. And a Diva Kitty who allows me to serve her. Yep, I know who really rules the house.

3. My friends. I have the greatest. Starting with the hubby who is my bestest friend. I have both real life friends and people I've met online. And I can't imagine my life without them.

4. That I Heart NY: Body Shots is done! Whoo hooo. 48K and it just needs some shaping up.

5. My editor. She helps to make my writing better.

6. Loose Id. They gave me my first shot and have helped me spread my wings.

7. That I have edits on Settler's Mine: The Wolf. I'm looking forward to this one releasing.

8. My I-phone. Yes, I joined the ranks of the technological. I like that I can do email when I'm waiting for the kids to do something.

9. Books. Especially good ones. I'm not sure what I'd do if I didn't read. Reading allows me to visit so many different places. And meet so many different people.

10. Snoopy. And the rest of the Peanuts gang. You gotta love the Snoopy dance.

11. Sherrilyn Kenyon. She allowed people to play in her worlds with fanfiction.

12. My writing. I went through a period once where I didn't write much. I wasn't a happy person.

13. The people who've passed on but made me who I am. My father helped me to appreciate what I have and also humor. My mother encouraged my talents. My grandmother was a big influence. I only wish they could have seen what I'm becoming.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Things that go bump in the night.

I love being scared.

I know, that sounds weird. Why would anyone want to be scared? Yet, I keep doing things, reading things, and watching things that I know are going to scare me. And here is the rest of it.


I read Stephen King. Started when I was a preteen. And had the nightmares to go with it. I still like having the closet door open to make sure the boogeyman isn’t in there (after reading The Boogeyman in Night Shift).

I read other suspense books that are horror in a whole other way. They scare me because of the very real threat that’s in them. Paranormal monsters are one thing. Human monsters are something entirely different. I still read paranormal, too, with supernatural beings lurking at every turn. The dark isn’t my friend. Because I’m always imagining what’s in there with me.

I watch scary movies. I’ll never forget watching Scream by myself downstairs one night. All of a sudden, there was a noise out on the back deck. What did I do? Ran upstairs and got in bed with the hubby.

The hubby has learned to watch my signs when we’re watching movies. When I tense up, start hiding my eyes or talking to the screen, he asks, “Are you going to have nightmares about this?”

I always say, “No.” LOL but I do.

Are there any other souls out there like me, who must like to be scared? Let’s hear a “Boo!” if there are.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

An Old Shoe

Ever have a pair of shoes that were just so comfy, such a good fit, that you just couldn’t bear to part with them? Maybe you don’t even wear them often but when you do, they make you feel special?

Shoes aren’t the only thing that can be like that. An old sweater. A jacket. A shirt that you can’t bear to make a rag.

So can books. A book you love can be like a old shoe. It fits you and you go for it when you need it. The Lady’s Tutor by Robin Schone is definitely my comfort read. So is the Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning and Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon.

A food can be that. Italian. Chinese. Hamburgers. Chocolate and peanut butter (my comfort food).

I just got back from the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And I told my husband, “It’s like an old shoe.” I go there and it’s comfortable. It suits me. I fit in there. I love it there. I don’t go terribly often but when I do, it’s like coming back home. And I miss it when I don’t go there for a while.

The Outer Banks is more than a comfortable place. It gets my muse in gear. Always has. It’s where I decided that fateful approximately six years ago, after reading four romances in a weekend, that I could write those. That trip led me on a journey that has culminated in my doing what I love to do.

And for me, that’s the biggest comfort thing of all. Writing. I miss it when I’m not doing it. I think about plots when I’m not writing. It’s my career and it’s also my most comfortable old shoe. It’s something I’ve always returned to and am unhappy when I’m not doing it.

So, what’s your most comfortable old shoe?

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany Of Melany Logen
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

The things we do for love

No, I hadn't forgotten I was supposed to blog here. But it's been quite a week. Blood Lines 5: Bitter Love released. I'm so excited about this story. I had a ball writing it, and Amaretto is just awesome.

I'm always amazed by the things we do for the kidlets. DH went out tonight to find TV Guide because it has those 3D glasses for the concert movie premiere this weekend with Hannah Montana. Yeah, Hannah Montana. The DH was thrilled to be buying that magazine LOL.

In Bitter Love, one thing Amaretto does for Leif is scratch his nose. *G* did you think I was going to say something else? It's a strange moment but a rather touching one.

So what's the oddest things you've ever done to keep someone happy?

Mechele Armstrong
http://www.mechelearmstrong.com
http://www.melanylogen.com

Keep on trying

I sat down today and had a time coming up with a topic. I kept bouncing around first sentences.

But, I didn’t give up.

And that’s when I decided what my topic should be on. Perseverance.

Goodness knows, in this business, you need it. Very few people have it easy. Most have rejection notes. Enough to paper their walls. Most have times where their careers do not run smoothly.

Sherrilyn Kenyon once couldn’t sell a thing, to the point, she almost gave up. The key is almost. She scrounged money for a stamp on one last proposal to send out, and that was the one.

Stephen King threw Carrie in the trash. He was almost to the point of throwing in the towel, but he didn’t. That’s the book that got him started.

And, look at where both of them are today.

There are days I really don’t want to answer mail, do promotions, or even some days, write. But I keep at it. I have a Snoopy figurine on my desk. He’s sitting on his doghouse, pounding away at the keys. That’s my inspiration to be perseverant. If Snoopy can do it, so can I.

Whatever your dream, keep on pursuing reaching it.

Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen
www.mechelearmstrong.com
www.melanylogen.com