Jinger's Spot

Thursday Thirteen

2008-07-17T15:46:00.004-05:00

Hi! I decided to do a t13 this week. I've assembled a few of my favorite songs and dug up their videos. These songs are in no particular order, just as I found them. ENJOY!!!!

1. Kid Rock Picture:

2. Blue October Hate Me:

3. Aerosmith Don’t want to miss a thing:

4. Sonata Arctica Don’t say a word:

5. Iron Maiden Run to the hills:

6. AC DC Big Balls:

7. Poison Talk Dirty to Me:

8. Motley Crew Home Sweet Home:

9. Skid Row I remember You:

10. Guns and Roses November Rain:

11. Firehouse Love of a Lifetime:

12. Nightwish Phantom of the Opera:

13. Sonata Arctica White pearl black ocean:

Okay, I'm off to finalize preperations for my vacation. See you in a couple of weeks!
Hugz
JJ

MIA--Again!

2008-07-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

Talk about your long absences!

I’ve been horrible about keeping up with this blog. I don’t know why. I mean aside from the fact I have trouble coming up with things to talk about.

Let’s see—what has happened since my last post….

Heaven’s Torment is with my editor and has been there for a couple of weeks. I’m afraid the answer is going to be a no. I can’t say why, but it’s just a feeling I have. So, I’ve been trying to find a project that I can totally commit to but right now it’s like running in quick sand.

I leave for my long awaited trip in six days so of course my excitement level has been ratcheted up several notches. It’s made concentration impossible. The harder I try to force my focus, the worse it gets. As I sit here staring at this computer I keep hoping something will grab my attention and I can get some work done.

Part of me feels as if I shouldn’t push myself so hard. If you look at it logically I have accomplished a lot this year:

1) Egyptian Nights debuted in January
2) Beyond Death released in June
3) Wrote and submitted a new manuscript
4) As Donica I had a release in May and I have another in October
5) I submitted a short story under my Donica name
6) I have my first print book releasing in August (as Donica)
7) I have a release in October (Donica)
8) I have a release in February (Donica)
9) Another release in July (Donica)

The other part of me feels as if I’m lacking. Jinger has no more scheduled releases and I want to get a few more under my belt. Writing is important to me. It’s my career choice and if I don’t write, I don’t sell which means I don’t get published.

So, what does a writer do when stuck in limbo? I’m still trying to figure that out. If I come up with an answer, I’ll let you know. If you authors out there have any suggestions, I’m wide open!

I’m dying to get another horror written, but I’m lacking inspiration.

My publisher Resplendence, has an exciting line called Wicked—grown up versions of the fairytales we all grew up with. I’d love to write one but I’m not doing so hot with finding the perfect one.

There is another new and exciting offer coming in the future from RP but I’m not ready to announce it because I’m waiting for them to release the formal announcement. As soon as they do, I’ll be sharing it with you. Put it this way, I know you’re all going to love it! Now, if only I could come up with something to fit that as well!
Well, guess I’m going to go and stare at the screen some more. Maybe I can come up with a way to squeeze blood from a turnip…

Hugz til next time!
JJ

Hi all!

2008-06-23T11:53:00.002-05:00

Been a very busy time for me lately. I recently completed the rewrites on Heaven's Torment and have sent the first three chapters to my editor. I am awaiting her verdict with held breath and tightened chest. While I wait I have been combing the fairy tales for an idea to be sparked to update for the Wicked line at RP. Traditional fairy tales with a decidedly adult aspect.

Focus and thought are very hard for me lately as my vacation is now 4 weeks or 28 days or 672 hours away. Not that I'm counting or anything... Actually by this time on July 21st I will be halfway to my place in Arkansas. A trailer full of ATVs and a couple of girlfriends headed off for a week of sun, fun and relaxation. I am more than ready to go!

I also wanted to let you know a friend of mine is having an author chat on her loop coming up from July 1-5. The loop to join is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/maddiejames/ Usually this is a strictly newsletter/special notice loop but she's making an exception for a chat and you're all invited! I'll be making a brief appearance and I'd love to see you all there!

Gotta run! HUGZ!
JJ

Congrats to the winner!

2008-06-05T17:19:00.001-05:00

Drum roll please...the winner is Tina! Congrats Lady! please send me an email to jingerjackson@gmail.com to claim your prize--your free copy of Beyond Death!

I hope you enjoy the tale!

hugz
JJ

First Review!

2008-06-02T11:19:00.002-05:00

I just received my first review for Egyptian Nights. It's so great! See for yourself:

Egyptian Nights is a hot and sultry romance with a mystery tossed in for flavor. I liked the atypical setting and the use of rich Egyptian history as a backdrop. The characters were exciting to read about and the intense love scenes were plentiful but did not overpower the well-textured storyline. Egyptian Nights will make any night a little hotter, a little steamier, and a lot sexier.

Great, right! Thanks to Heather from Coffeetime Reviews for her kind words.

Also these are the last days to enter for your chance to win a copy of Beyond Death so make sure you hit the comments section and leave me a message for your entry!

Hugz
JJ

WINNER WINNER WINNER

2008-05-26T11:26:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Karen Rose for being the first winner of the contest!

Karen sent the correct answers from Fridays contest:

1) Heroine's name? Marinska Ionescu
2) Horse's name? Dragomir
3) He will soon be what? Voivode

Karen will receive a journal set with notepad and matching pen.

When I scheduled my party I failed to take into account the holiday weekend. Too many people are on vacations and away from their computers and so there are many who won't be able to participate in our celebration. So, I've made an executive decision.

Rather than end this party this Thursday, I'm extending the contest until Thursday June 5.

More chances to play, more contests to enter, more prizes to win.

All right--today, not only will your comments get you entered into the drawing for the free copy of Beyond Death, all posters will be in for a random drawing to win a beaded book thong.

So, post a comment!

See you all soon!
JJ

Contest! Contest! Contest!

2008-05-24T11:45:00.003-05:00

Good Saturday morning!

I'm exhausted. Yesterday was my son's birthday so we gave him a gift card to his favorite restaurant then kept the baby for the night while the kids went out to dinner and had a basic date night. The baby fussed quite a bit, screamed a bit more and since we aren't really set up for baby night, she was going to have to sleep in a bouncer/swing thing.

Not comfortable I'm sure. As she kept me up most of the night, that's the hint I received. Around 4 am, after we both slept fitfully I finally remembered both of our sofas are sleeper sofas... I pulled one out, made the bed then she and I climbed in and cuddled close. My little dog took up residence at the crook of my leg and we all passed out...until 6 when DH had to get DD up and take her to work.

I dragged baby and me to the bedroom and crawled into our bed. Around 9 this morning I heard a noise and went Oh yeah! I rolled over and there was, just smiling like all get out. She gurgled and cooed and smiled nonstop. Yeah, I'm completely wiped and she's as happy as a clam in warm sand!

What? On with the contest? Is that what I heard? Okay, okay, okay!

Here we go:

Head over to my website here and go to the excerpt page. Email me at jingerjackson@gmail.com with the answer to the following questions:

1. What is the heroine's full name?
2. What was her horse's name?
3. Vlad introduces himself to the heroine and she knows he will soon be what?

From all correct entries I'll select one winner to receive a journal, notepad and pen set. The winner will also be placed into the pot for the grand prize drawing next week.

Remember, please email the answers!

Happy Weekend!
Hugz
JJ

Want Beyond Death?

2008-05-22T15:56:00.002-05:00

Here's your chance to win.

From now until next Thursday every time you post a comment you will be put into the drawing for the copy of my book, Beyond Death. You may only enter by comment contest once per day.

Get started and good luck!
JJ

Let's get it started!

2008-05-22T12:20:00.006-05:00

It's time to celebrate! Time to kick off the celebration in honor of my newest release BEYOND DEATH.

In honor of the occasion I've decided to start out with a T-13 about the real Vlad Tepes. In researching his character for the book I learned several things I didn't know and I'm going to share them with you here. So, without further ado!

1. Vlad was actually Vladislov III

2. The name Tepes actually means Impaler and was not commonly used until after his death.

3. Vlad’s father Vlad II was initiated into the Order of the Dragon (Dracul). Vlad followed his father’s steps and was initiated at Age 5

4. Vlad had three brothers and, as mentioned in Beyond Death, his older brother Mircea II was murdered by the boyars. They did truly burn out his eyes with hot pokers and bury him alive.

5. Vlad’s father had handed him and his younger brother Radu over to the Ottoman Turks when he was a child—it was his father's way of promissing the Sultan his loyatly.

6. Vlad was beaten and abused while in captivity and this is where he learned most of his torture techniques.

7. Vlad ruled three separate times: Initial reign 1448 (for two months) Main reign 1456—1462(6 years) final reign 1475-1476

8. While his reign was bloody and terrifying, Vlad did unite his country and did love it deeply.

9. Vlad was 45 when he died

10. According to history, Vlad was married twice. His first wife’s name is not to be found in any history books. He won favor of the Hungarian Monarch and took a cousin of the family as his wife.

11. Vlad apparently did have one child, a son, Mihnea cel Rău who reigned from 1508 until 1509. He was then murdered by the ever untrustworthy boyars.

12. Vlad’s first wife really did commit suicide by throwing herself from her balcony into the Arges River. She believed the Turks were invading the castle. Rather than being taken prisoner, she ended her own life.

13. There are at least four versions of his death
a) he was killed in battle against the Ottoman Empire near Bucharest in December of 1476
b) he was assassinated by disloyal Wallachian boyars just as he was about to sweep the Turks from the field or during a hunt.
c) Other accounts have Vlad falling in defeat, surrounded by the bodies of his loyal Moldavian bodyguards
d) Vlad, at the moment of victory, was struck down by one of his own men.

Don’t forget to check back here regularly for contests, more trivia and prizes!
JJ

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

It's ALIVE!!!

2008-05-21T16:18:00.000-05:00

WOOHOOOWWWWOOOHOOOO!!!

Beyond Death is out! I'm so stoked I can't beleive it. I'm dancing across the room and fairly buzzed with excitement.

You can find buy your copy here

In honor of the release I'm having a party! starting tomorrow and running through next week you can join in the fun! I'll be doing trivia, fun facts and of course contests! Prizes include journal sets, notepads, book thongs, suprise prizes and of course, one lucky winner will receive a copy of Beyond Death!

Make sure you stop by often!

Off to shout it to the rest of the world!
Hugz
JJ

RELEASE DATE! RELEASE DATE!

2008-05-14T10:56:00.002-05:00

It's official! Beyond Death will be available for purchase May 20! WOOHOOO! I can't wait! I'll be running a launch party all next week so make sure you check back here regularly for contests, excerpts, trivia tidbits, and whatever else I can come up with!

I can't stop dancing...

Have to head off for now. Work doesn't stop just for this celebration--at least not this week!

Hugz
JJ

video

2008-05-08T16:04:00.003-05:00

Beyond Death

New cover!

2008-05-02T12:24:00.004-05:00

Here it is folks. The magical unveiling of my upcoming release Beyond Death. It's the coolest cover! I'm absolutel in love with it. Our artist Ryka is amazing.

Without further ado:

Is it great or what???

I've also done a video a trailer and I'm trying to get it set up to play. Keep your fingers crossed I can.

Gotta get back to work!

Another submission

2008-04-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

Another round of jitters. I finally finished Heaven’s Torment and am pleased to say it was sent off this last week. I’m excited and thrilled, and nervous as crazy. No matter how many submissions I make I always end up with my stomach in knots while I await the final verdict.

In case you don’t remember my (constant) references to Heaven’s Torment I’ll show the unedited version of the blurb:

A fight to the death can only end one way…

Every two hundred years an Angel of Deliverance is born to humanity. Their task in life is to fight the devil’s agent and protect the world from the rule of evil. Tangela Teshua is that being—she just doesn’t know it yet.

Andras Belial’s father assigned him the task of challenging the angel. But another battle looms on the horizon for Andras. His inner demon struggles against the strange formation of feelings, of a conscious growing to life. He falters even more when he meets Tange, the beautiful angel just might be able to save him.

When Andras fails to complete his mission Lucifer sends an assassin to kill Tange and Andras. Can an angel and a demon overcome or will evil finally win out?

I had a blast giving into the dark side and writing this dark romance. It is, after all, a romance at heart. I really enjoy writing non-traditional romance.

So, what’s next for me? I have no clue. I am the type of writer who has to be inspired by the voices in my head. Unfortunately, medication has killed those voices for me—BWAHAHHAHAA Seriously though I know I’ve said this before, but I have to “see” the story in my mind before I can write it.

I would like to write a comedy but I have trouble finding the lighter side of myself anymore. Is this a bad thing? Maybe so. I would like to see that I’m not all darkness.

Could be that the next voice I hear, the next “movie” I see will be the lighthearted fare I’m missing. Until then, I guess you’ll just have to wait. Of course, if you’re as impatient as I, then you’ll be making regular check ups to this blog and see if I’ve made any announcements.

That too could be a good thing. At least I can keep you coming back for more—ha!

See you all soon!
JJ

The Devil made me do it…

2008-04-09T12:21:00.000-05:00

Honestly! I’ve been struggling and I think everyone knows it. I’ve had a muse so constipated if he ever broke loose the world would tremble and there would tsunamis, tornadoes, and electrical storms unlike any you have ever seen.

So what’s the problem, you ask? Come on now, I hear some arguing, you have an entire file folder filled with ideas of stories that are in various stages of completion How can you possibly be blocked?

Because I’ve lost feeling for them. I know the story ideas are PERFECT! I know that they would rock the reader world. But the voices in my head have gone silent.

All but one. It’s disturbing. It’s dark, its gory, it’s filled with erotic clips. It qualifies as a horror so far. Think Freddy Kruger or Jason gore. I tried to tone it down. It only got worse. But for the story it works. That’s the troubling issue. The most disturbing part? I LOVE it. I love the tension, the fear, the revulsion, the utter destruction.

I also know how it is going to end. This is also a jog off track for me. Usually I don’t know what is going to happen until it does. With this one, I know how it’s going to end. I know the struggles, internal and external. I know the ultimate horror.

It made me start thinking—does Stephen King or Anne Rice ever get so involved in their books that it hangs around, burying them deep in a black pit of despair and depression that keeps them under until they come to the end? Do they ever look at their stories and think, “how in the hell did I come up with that? Am I so evil that I can write this and not be completely horrified that the scene came from my mind?”

This book is also peppered with comical moments. Yeah, I see the faces wearing the classic HUH? Dropped jaw face.

I guess I’m twisted. I watched Friday the 13th and laughed at the utter stupidity of half naked teenagers in the throws of passion even though they knew a crazed killer was on their trail. I couldn’t look at Freddy and not wonder how he kept his claws so shiny? (Where did he get his manicures at anyway?)

I deal with frightening situations with humor. I make jokes. (If that doesn’t work I get angry, but I don’t get the terror until after the situation is over.) So, it was only natural for me to write a small bit of humor into this book.

In short examples:
The hero is a demon. He and his brother argue quite a bit. In this scene, they’ve had a come-to-blows fight: Andras is the hero Secson is his brother:

Andras stormed away. “Why don’t you go to hell?”
“I’m not ready to go home yet.” Secson moved into the living room and dropped onto the sofa.
Death metal filled the house and bounced off the walls pushing Andras’ already strained nerves to the breaking point. He rolled his fingers in the air until fire burned at the tips. He threw the flames at the back of Secson’s head and watched as it burned the flesh on his skull.
Secson stood up and ran at him. “What did you do that for?” he demanded as he belted Andras in the gut with a tight fist.
“Go home now” Andras roared. “This is the final warning. Go back to hell or I’ll make it so I’ve got one less brother.”
Secson stepped back and pressed his hands against his face. The fire slowly burned out and his little brother looked at him.
The misshapen skull and grotesque smile only irritated him more. Andras tapped his foot impatiently on the floor but Secson went on unfazed. “Fine, I’m going. You act like—“ Secson paused and jerked his head up to look dead square into Andras’ eyes. “No way.”
“Go back to hell before I rip off your limbs and send them to hidden corners all over the world."
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Secson murmured. “I’m going.” He left a small mound of brimstone behind as he disappeared into a puff of dark gray smoke.
“Stop leaving your droppings all over,” Andras shouted. “Get rid of that.”
He hadn’t even closed his mouth after issuing the order when the boards of the floor opened beneath the steaming mound and it dropped into a deep pit that connected straight into the bowels of his homeland.

Or here, when our heroine Tangela learns her true identity:

“No. Wait Tange. There is something I have to tell you. Something that is going to be a little odd but you need to know.”
Once again, chills raced through her. “Forget it Daniel. Let’s go and do something reckless and fun. I have a few days left before I have to get back to work.”
She started to stand up but he snagged her wrist and pulled her back down. “Daniel, let me go.”
“No Tange. You need to hear this. You are a special person. A chosen one so to speak. You are of a special breed. One of only a few born every two hundred years.”
“Breed? What am I, a dog?” she tittered nervously.
“This is serious Tange. All your life I have been here to watch over you. To protect you. To help you remain strong. To remain, well for lack of a better word, pure.”
She almost choked. “Pure?” She released a chuckle that reverberated through the room. “Little late for that, don’t you think?”
He frowned his displeasure and leveled a hard gaze at her. “Stop screwing around Tange.”
“Already did,” she answered with a barely contained laugh.

Do you see the humor?

Okay, well, I have more people to maim, dismember and murder. I’ll see you all again soon!

Hugz
JJ

Beyond Death

2008-03-24T19:53:00.004-05:00

Had my first round of edits on Beyond Death come in today. I was so excited to see them. I'm so anxious for this book to come out. And I have to say my editor KICKS AZZ!!!

Now when I wrote Beyond Death I came up with one tag line... To find heaven she must fight hell...

Well Tiffany RAWKS she made this awesome. Here's what she came up with: An obsession that spans time...And a love that endures...beyond death...

Now, I ask you, is that not AWESOME?!?!?!?!

March Newsletter

2008-03-01T15:51:00.002-06:00

Is now up and ready. Simply click here And if you're interested in receiving personal notices of the newsletter, special email promotions. and other little tidbits please join my newsletter group. Sign your email address in the little box to the right of your screen and viola! You're in!

Have a great month!

JJ

Been too long gone

2008-02-25T11:46:00.003-06:00

That's the title of a song isn't it? I feel as if I'v e been away for ever. I'm struggling right now. I've lost focus and I seem to be floundering.

I've taken a huge bite and I find it too large for me to swallow. If you all missed the announcement, I'm not just Jinger Jackson. I'm also Donica Covey. I was going to keep it a huge secret ya know? But I found it was a pain in the ass to try to be two seperate people.

So this blog, while not being completely deleted, will be posted to only every couple of weeks.

So please check back often for updates.

Thanks and have a great week!
JJ

Commercialism and Cupid

2008-02-14T13:52:00.003-06:00

Everyone knows about the commercialism of the jolly fat man in the red suit. Face it—who works for free? But have you ever stopped to consider Cupid the Cash Machine?

Take a look at the breakdown:

Roses 1 doz= $20.00
Box of candy = $ 6.00
Cards = $3 – 5
Jewelry= 1 diamond necklace from 99.99 and up
1 diamond tennis bracelet 99.99 and up
1 gemstone and gold ring 99.99 and up.

Okay so how many are going to get everything on the list above? Rest assured not I. But even if your honey goes into the low end your still looking at 375.00 plus tax. (In case your wondering its estimate that there will be a total of over a 1 million spent by lovers everywhere...)

$400 for a single day? That’s romantic? I can think of a whole lot better things to do than sink that much into this day “for lovers”.

The history of Valentine’s Day is actually an ancient one that had pagan beginnings and Christianized by the Catholics…yep—just like Christmas…

So here is the original origin of Valentine’s Day:

As early as the fourth century B.C., the Romans engaged in an annual young man's rite to passage to the God Lupercus. The names of the teenage women were placed in a box and drawn at random by adolescent men; thus, a man was assigned a woman companion for the duration of the year, after which another lottery was staged. After eight hundred years of this cruel practice, the early church fathers sought to end this practice... They found an answer in Valentine, a bishop who had been martyred some two hundred years earlier. I can hear teen-age boys everywhere going HOT DAMN! I want to celebrate THAT way!

According to church tradition St. Valentine was a priest near Rome in about the year 270 A.D. At that time the Roman Emperor Claudius-II who had issued an edict forbidding marriage.
This was around when the heyday of Roman empire had almost come to an end. Lack of quality administrators led to frequent civil strife. Learning declined, taxation increased, and trade slumped to a low, precarious level. And the Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks and Mongolians from Northern Europe and Asian increased their pressure on the empire's boundaries. The empire was grown too large to be shielded from external aggression and internal chaos with existing forces. Thus more of capable men were required to be recruited as soldiers and officers. When Claudius became the emperor, he felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families, and thus, will not make good soldiers. So to assure quality soldiers, he banned marriage.

Valentine, a bishop , seeing the trauma of young lovers, met them in a secret place, and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. Claudius learned of this "friend of lovers," and had him arrested. The emperor, impressed with the young priest's dignity and conviction, attempted to convert him to the roman gods, to save him from certain execution. Valentine refused to recognize Roman Gods and even attempted to convert the emperor, knowing the consequences fully.

On February 24, 270, Valentine was executed."From your Valentine"While Valentine was in prison awaiting his fate, he came in contact with his jailor, Asterius. The jailor had a blind daughter. Asterius requested him to heal his daughter. Through his faith, he miraculously restored the sight of Asterius' daughter. Just before his execution, he asked for a pen and paper from his jailor, and signed a farewell message to her "From Your Valentine," a phrase that lived ever after.

Valentine thus becomes a Patron Saint, and spiritual overseer of an annual festival. The festival involved young Romans offering women they admired, and wished to court, handwritten greetings of affection on February 14. The greeting cards acquired St.Valentine's name. The Valentine's Day card spread with Christianity, and is now celebrated all over the world. One of the earliest card was sent in 1415 by Charles, duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was a prisoner in the Tower of London. The card is now preserved in the British Museum.

Right. Where is all this leading? Like Christmas, I think the original spirit of the day has been forgotten. The roses are lovely but they wither and fade. Candy—heavenly pieces of chocolate dipped treasures, little heart shaped candies with messages of love—sweet, tantalizing and great for a momentary fix but do you ever feel guilty after? I get that I can’t believe I ate the whole thing feeling.

But JJ, you ask, what about that jewelry? Come on! Everyone loves a little bling. You’re right. I adore that bling. But what I really want? A trip to Hawaii. If my hubby spends all that money on the chocolate, the bling and the flowers, how is he going to afford the dream vacation?

Besides, I’m one of those who loves the little things. (Not that I refuse the other stuff!) But if he scribbles me a note I know he actually put thought into it. Anyone can buy a card. I’d love to come in and find dinner made more than I want that delicious chunk of chocolate guilt. A single rose in the middle of a table set with my best china with taper candles in my silver candlesticks.

This little note was emailed to me today and I have to say this is what I think is missing from the commercialized cupid:

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.

He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?'

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.'

Do you want the bling, the box and the bows or do you want to dance in the rain?

JJ

My newsletter Edition 1

2008-02-07T15:25:00.001-06:00

Care to check it out? You can access my newsletter here I also created a news website that can be found here. You'll find tidbits of information on a page called Just for Fun. There is a newsletter page that will hold any news that may pop up between newsletter editions.
While you're there please stop in the guestbook section and give me a shout out.

Have a great day!
JJ

Hello there!

2008-02-07T12:52:00.000-06:00

I saw last week's T13 generated some comments--Thank you! I don't feel as if I'm only talking to myself! I should do another T13 they're so much fun, but I have such trouble coming up 13 things all the time. So for now I'll just gab about my upcoming projects. From the feedback I've been getting Egyptian Nights has been a hit. I had a lovely note on My Space from OingoWoman (Karen) she said: "Hi! I just finished your book. I enjoyed it very much. I like Egyptain history. I bet it took a lot of research for this book. You should be proud of this book and I hope I get to read more." Thank you for the kind words Karen! I really appreciate them.

My next book release is quite a bit different. It's a romantic thriller. Its classed romantic horror, but I don't find it horifying. I guess because I wrote it LOL I know what's going to happen. The book is called Beyond Death and I'm so excited about it!

Let me see if I can get the vidoeo trailer uploaded.

Can't wait for it to be released!
I'm working on a newsletter and as soon as I can, I'll get it posted.

See you all soon!
JJ

Have you ever wondered...

2008-01-31T10:41:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Points to Ponder

1. Can you cry under water?
2. How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
3. Why do you have to "put your two cents in". But it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?
4. Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.
5. Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
6. Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?
7. If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
8. Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
9. If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
10. If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
11. Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
(did you actually sing the song?)
12. Why do they call it an asteroid when it's outside the hemisphere, but call it a hemorrhoid when it's in your butt?
13. Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Just a little something

2008-01-30T17:18:00.000-06:00

You are the World

Completion, Good Reward.

The World is the final card of the Major Arcana, and as such represents saturnian energies, time, and completion.

The World card pictures a dancer in a Yoni (sometimes made of laurel leaves). The Yoni symbolizes the great Mother, the cervix through which everything is born, and also the doorway to the next life after death. It is indicative of a complete circle. Everything is finally coming together, successfully and at last. You will get that Ph.D. you've been working for years to complete, graduate at long last, marry after a long engagement, or finish that huge project. This card is not for little ends, but for big ones, important ones, ones that come with well earned cheers and acknowledgements. Your hard work, knowledge, wisdom, patience, etc, will absolutely pay-off; you've done everything right.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

What turns you off?

2008-01-29T13:24:00.000-06:00

My current project involves a hero who begins the novel as a demon--literally. He is sent from hell to tempt an angel of light, get her to submit to darkness and by swaying her, turn the tide of evil vs good and give evil the free reign over the mortal world.

My "hero" is an evil, vindictive, violent bastard who is miserable being what he is. He tries to fight his fate, tries to fulfill the destined path his father has set before him, but he begins to feel, something a demon doesn't do.

So I'm asking you to tell me: What makes a character BEYOND redemption.

If you follow Christian theology the only sin unforgivable is the one you refuse to ask forgiveness of. This would mean that the most despicable human offender can be redeemed--Charles Manson included.

I'm trying to figure out how to place a click option poll to this blog but so far I can't manage to do it. I like comments anyway. Questions, comments and occasionally a dirty joke if you have one!

Thanks for your opinions!
JJ

Rants, Raves, & Random Thoughts: Just a Tease

2008-01-28T10:46:00.000-06:00

For a good chill and a chilling tease to a great horror author hop on over to Rants, Raves, & Random Thoughts: Just a Tease and check out James Goodman's taste of his newest thriller Pixels and Pain.

Looking for spine tingling thrill? James has a couple of great ones out now and more coming soon.

Pop in, say hello and don't forget to tell him Jinger sent you!

JJ

Been so long since I posted!

2008-01-15T11:55:00.000-06:00

My life has been massively busy between a wedding, a new baby, remodeling of the house, and trying to keep on top of my writing. EGYPTIAN NIGHTS releases SOON! OMG I’m so pumped! The advance orders went out on the 8th and soon you’ll be able to get yours! Just pop over to the website for Resplendence Publishing and order your copy TODAY!

Over the past year I’ve written another book and I got the contract for—just a few hours ago! The book is titled Beyond Death and it is my first foray into the horror world. I grew up reading Stephen King. Lets face it for horror the man is a genius! I always said I wanted to be a female Stephen King—Stephanie Queen, if you will. I wasn’t a big romance reader. One reason, I felt romance was “too girly”.

I was the girl who hunted, fished, wrestled with the guys. Hiked in the woods, played with snakes and spiders. I rebelled against anything that was even remotely female. Who needed a man for completion? If you couldn’t beat them… well you get what I’m saying.

Then one day I discovered I liked having that particular boy wanting to hold the door for me. I liked that he took my saddle from my hands and carried it to the barn for me. I enjoyed racing my motorcycle through the hayfield just so I could watch him work the bales. I was bit—hard.

But I still couldn’t let go of my morbid fascination with life. I buried it in the recesses of my mind and moved on to the role of wife, mother, resident cook and bottle washer. Romance in my life shriveled and died with the arrival of kids and a mortgage. I went to what I was missing—romance.

Now I have the time and the freedom to explore what I enjoy romance with a dark side. How does it work? Who can possible find love in the blood and gore? A true romantic. Honest. Now let me explain—when you watch Freddy Kruger there were usually couples—in heat. One installment of the Nightmare series had the only surviving member of the “original group” as an adult. She and her hero took holy water and poured it over Freddy’s ashes to stop his return. With her hero. Boom! Romance snuck in on ya, didn’t it?

So what’s the scoop on this new book? Well in a nutshell…aw heck I’ll let you read the blurb!

Beyond Death
To find heaven she must fight hell…

When his wife Marinska killed herself Vlad Ţepeş’ heart shattered. Upon his death, he vowed to remain until they were reunited. Now, centuries later, he’s found her and he will never let her go.

Allana Simpson is cursed. Love only brings death to everyone around her. She longs for a normal life with one man that she can give her heart to without killing him.

Tom Haugan never believed in curses until he met Allana. She opens up a world for him that he never knew existed. A world he never wished to learn about.

Tom wants to protect Allana, to heal her heart and take away her pain. The closer he gets, the more “accidents” occur. He’s not willing to give up on what they could have. Allana’s longing for Tom and the dream of a future filled with happiness weakens her resolve to remain alone. She trusts him and decides to let him in. Now death stalks them both…

I’m not a female S.K. The closest one I know to Stephanie Queen is Anne Rice and lord knows I’m not in her league. But I will be, one day.

I’m not abandoning my erotica tales. I have one in the works right now. I won’t reveal much detail on this diamond in the rough yet. I need time to really sit down with the characters and get to know them. When I have the perfect angle, I’ll share the info.

I really have to go. I have laundry piling up, dishes to do and two very impatient characters that need my attention.

See you all soon!
JJ

It's almost that time!

2008-01-04T15:31:00.001-06:00

Egyptian Nights is almost here! I'm so excited. I can't wait for the official unveiling. I'm going to give you all the blurb again:

Pharaoh Neremhotep has spent an eternity being punished for cowardice. The loss of his lover Sabola and their unborn child destroyed him. When the Hyksos invaded his palace, despondent he refused to defend his land, his people, and more importantly the gods. In eternal torment he’s remembered every delicious piece of Sabola’s body. That has made his punishment complete.

Sable Howard’s been given the gift of a lifetime. A money-no-object trip to Egypt. The heat of the days is nothing compared to the hotter Egyptian Nights. Since the day she arrived she’s been having dreams of an exotic man in a large palace. Dreams that leave her breathless.

Given a second chance by the gods Rem must find the reborn spirit of his Sabola and remind her of their love. How hard can that be?

I've also submitted another book that I'm (im)patiently waiting word on. Its a horror/romance novel. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one and I hope you will too!

I have been following fellow authors' sites and I've noticed they do contests when a book is released or just from time to time. I've been debating doing one as well. Keep watching I may just pull one out of the hat one day!

Going to have to head off and get some more rest. Have to kill this bug ASAP

JJ

MIA

2008-01-02T13:52:00.000-06:00

Sorry I’ve been gone so long. It’s been a busy time of year. Between the holidays, a wedding and now being sick as a dog I’ve not had much chance of getting in to post. But I wanted to jump in and shout—fortunately I’m not required to use my completely absent voice—this is the month Egyptian Nights will be unveiled! I’m so excited and I can’t WAIT to see it out and begin getting feed back. I hope readers love it as much as I do.

I just wish I felt more like celebrating. Some kind of nasty bug has taken up residence in my chest, throat and head and refuses to let me go. Nyquil has become my best friend. We meet often and liberally. It may make me sleepy but at least I can breathe and not get slammed with a coughing spell.

Speaking of my dear friend, I think I’m going to head off and renew our acquaintance. See you all as soon as I can!

JJ

has it been so long?

2007-12-09T18:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been neglectful of late. Too many things happening all at once. And with the holidays right around the corner I'm not sure how often I'm going to be able to post in here. If I don't get back before, Hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas and a fantabulous New Year!

If Santa finds me nice I'll end up with some especially hot gifts. If not, well maybe I'll end up with a especially hot Santa...

Ho Ho Ho!

My Living Will

2007-11-21T11:13:00.000-06:00

Last night, my best friend and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her, 'I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'

So she got up, unplugged the TV, and threw out my wine.

She's such a bitch...

Gotta Love Maxine! I think she's great and honestly? I think I was the inspiration behind the character. I'm so totally her.

JJ

Unbeleiveable!

2007-11-20T13:08:00.000-06:00

I've done pretty good lately. I've read press and ignored the stupidity of the world but this all is getting into overload.

Back in the early part of the year Ted Turner was going to have classic Tom and Jerry cartoons "touched up" because Tom could be seen smoking a cigarette. This made the wrong impression on a child--Yeah I started smoking because Tom made it look cool--NOT!!! What about these same scenes that show Tom swilling what is obviously a bottle of booze? I can tell you that no one is going to bitch and moan about this. Why? Because unlike the second class smoking citizen, alchohol is much better. WE can churn out drunks instead. Because, you know, what the kids see in these cartoons will dictate what they act like as they're grown.

Bugs Bunny and Looney Toons are panned because they encouraged physical violence. Right, I beat up my little brother because Bugs made it look fun. Please! I love my little brother but even he is on the bandwagon. My nephews can't watch Looney Toons because of the worry they will pound on each other. I've got news for you: they're brothers. They're going to pound on each other even if all you let them see is Thomas the Tank!

Then, last week Santas were told not to say HO HO HO because it may offend women. Okay, if you are offened by HO HO HO, try not being one!

Now I've read an article today panning Sesame Street. The early days of this annoying child's program is now being offered on DVD--and parents are being encouraged NOT to buy it.

The article in the New York Times VIRGINIA HEFFERNAN
says "I asked Carol-Lynn Parente, the executive producer of “Sesame Street,” how exactly the first episodes were unsuitable for toddlers in 2007. She told me about Alistair Cookie and the parody “Monsterpiece Theater.” Alistair Cookie, played by Cookie Monster, used to appear with a pipe, which he later gobbled. According to Parente, “That modeled the wrong behavior” — smoking, eating pipes — “so we reshot those scenes without the pipe, and then we dropped the parody altogether.”

Huh? Cookie was the only cool one on the show. I'm sure every kid who watched "Monsterpiece Theater" rushed right out to buy a pipe so they could smoke and then eat the dang thing. "Cookie made me do it."

Oscar, who's depressing attitude has been slammed, is my second loved character. maybe Oscar is the reason so many children suffer childhood depression, right? There's no other reason.

I'm not saying I was the biggest Sesame Street fan. I watched when I had to because I had children. I was grateful for the technocolored happiness that droned on and on.

Hell, it was better than being stuck with Barney playing on a loop. Which it did in our house from the time my DD was three until she was five when the tape "accidentally" broke. I couldn't take one more minute of the purple abomination.

Look, I know this world has its evils. I know children need to be warned and protected from all the monsters in the world. But for God's sake give them some childhood!

If you want to pan things try going to the kid's clothes manufacturers and getting them to make actual little girl clothes. I don't want to see mini-prostitute wear on any little girl. I've seen little bitty girls who look like Madonna in miniature.

If you want to protect children get rid of the access to sex! The commercial campaign starring children, who can't be more than ten, telling their parents to "talk to me about sex, I'll listen" make me sick.

If you want to protect children fire all the so called musicians who condone violence in their music. The language in those songs amaze me. I have several favorite artists that I'm embaressed to let my mother hear me listening to because of the content and subject matter. I'm almost...well, I'm older and I have sowed my share (and then some) of wild oats. I was and still am a wild child but some of today's music manages to shock and offend even me--and that's saying ALOT!

Remove all the video games that encourage the attempt to steal cars and shoot cops and other humans to gain points. The games that show weapons of mass destruction and get the kids sucked into the thrill of the kill. The creators of these video games and authors of these horrid lyrics scream freedom of speech and are allowed to continue their campaign to corrupt our youth.

I've heard people screaming and shouting about how cruel and stupid parents are for taking their kids hunting because that is so wrong. Yet these same people have no problems letting their kids play Grand Theft Auto or watching todays current television line up.

In this day and age even Disney can't be trusted to create an absolute 100% kid friendly movie or program any more. A fact which I'm sure has poor Walt turning in his grave.

So think about it: Compared to today's culture of violent movies, television, video games and music, isn't the older days of Bugs Bunny, Big Bird, Santa Claus and even the ever annoying Barney the way you want your kids to spend their time?

This Ma2 is going to sit back with my son's daughter and watch the golden days of cartoons. We'll laugh at every "hare"brain scam Bugs can create. We'll laugh at Tom's swagger as he tries to get the best of Jerry. I may even be willing to sit through the early days of Sesame Street once or twice more.

JJ

What the hell?

2007-11-13T10:07:00.000-06:00

I know I’m not alone when I get frustrated and angry with these damn spammers! I’d love to spam the spammers with the following:

Dear Dickweed,

I have received your annoying computer clogging crap for years and I’m sick of it. If you MUST spam me do a little research. I do not need a bigger penis, I didn’t start out life with one so why would I need to increase its size? I do not want to hook up with sexy Asian chicks for sex, doing it with a chick just isn’t my thing thank you very much.

If you insist on spamming me at least do it in English. I will not download a language interpreter program just so I can see that you want me to buy your miracle product so that I may get a bigger dick to screw hot chicks with.

None of these things tempt me. If you want to entice me, try the chocolate of the month club. Or how about a dozens roses a week for 52 weeks? How about a pill to help prod your husband to actually finish that project he started on two years ago.

Give me a device to use against idiots in the store, something to help mute the sound of screaming children, a harness and two leads that will attach the little screaming demon to his mother rather rushing about under my feet while I shop.

Speaking of shopping, how about a way that you can shop without all those long damn lines. No, I do not want to shop on line. I want personal contact. I just hate people who push and shove and then act like you were invisible.

What about a phone system where I can actually speak to a human being? I am sick of computerized voices telling me what numbers to touch to get what I’m looking for. They do it so that you’ll get pissed off and hang up.

At least when you get good old-fashioned snail mail you can take offer A and mail it to offer B and so forth. Your saving your garbage space, flooding the annoying cold advertisers and letting them pay for postage with someone else’s garbage.

Please take all your offers and shove them.

Sincerely
Jane Q. PubliclyPissed

If any one has a way to spam the spammers, I’d love to hear it! They make no call phone lists, thank God for those things, why can’t they create a no spam list????

Thank for reading. This now concludes today’s rant.
JJ

New direction

2007-11-07T14:45:00.001-06:00

While edits for Egyptian Nights trickle in(and so far these edits have been a cake walk Thanks to Tiffany for her help!)I've been struggling to find my way. I needed to find a book that fit me and I wasn't getting anywhere.

I have 4 works in progress and I wasn't getting into the flow. Egyptian Nights practically wrote itself and I couldn't understand why I couldn't get myself into the groove with these others. Then I realized: I was writing the tried and true. I wasn't being myself. I had promised myself I'd write about obscure civilizations, unfamiliar characters and territories and here I was writing about elves and shape shifters. Not that I don't love Elves and shapeshifters, because I REALLY do! but I wasn't being true to myself.

So I was reading some articles and things I have on file and an idea hit me. I've found a place to be and its working for me. All I'm going to say is that this is one pantheon of gods that aren't really familiar to most of the people I know. I'd be safe say that I don't think anyone I know actually ever even heard of half the gods/goddesses. Maybe one or two words are familiar but as to being able to say yes this is what that is, nope, sorry I'm positive....

Teasing you is rather cruel I know that. But if you recall I did hte same thing with my Egyptian Nights and I can guarantee you will NOT be disappointed with Rem and Sable. So I am confident when this new one sells and is published you'll be pleased with the outcome.

I've got to head off and get some more writing done before I leave town for the weekend.

Have a great rest of the week and a fantastic weekend!
JJ

The first T13 of November

2007-11-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

13 ways to spend a chilly autumn day/night

There are so many ways one could spend a chilly day. Let’s see what all I can think of…
1. A walk in the woods. Bundled up tight against the chill going for a stroll alone in the forest listening to the leaves fall, the birds chirp, the squirrels dropping acorns and rabbits scampering through the underbrush
2. The same but sharing it someone special
3. Playing in the leaves. Rake them up into a huge pile and dive on in. Even better, have a friend join you and you can have a blast tossing them around. Rolling in them with that special someone is even more stimulating.
4. Curl up in front of a fire with a mug of hot chocolate and a good book.
5. Lay out on a blanket in front of a fireplace with a lover and see what sparks can fly.
6. Take a horse for a long ride in the middle of an empty pasture, loop the reins around the saddle horn loosely then sit back and see where the horse takes you.
7. Grab a couple of good movies, pop some corn and kick back with the flicks
8. Grab a few good friends and make a night of it
9. Get a touch football game together and head to the local park
10. Cuddling on a swing in the park
11. Wrapped in a blanket at a ball game
12. A hottub, candle, bottle of wine…I’m sure you can think of what to do with that.
13. Lay in bed all day long wrapped in you favorite quilt

What are some ways you spend a chilly day or night?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T14:27:00.001-05:00

What ever your flavor, may you enjoy some interesting tricks and FANTORGASMIC treats.

Movies that tantalize and terrify

2007-10-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

Movies that make you huh…

I love to be scared. But it seems to take more these days to set me on the edge of my seat. I haven’t seen a good scary movie in a long time. There’s too much gore that is supposed to pass for horror now days. So I’ll go over the ones that kinda sorta freak me out. If you know of any good scary movie please let me know so I can check it out. I sat through 1408 with my two best girlfriends. Didn't work on me. It did help me scare the shite out of them though!

1. A recent film that didn’t scare me but was pretty captivating was “Wicked Little Things” Zombie children eating the raw flesh of human and animal alike. They were looking for revenge on the man responsible for their deaths. While the original dude that killed them was dead, his last remaining descendant was the target. The guy was such a jerk I was rooting for the kids.

2. The Vincent Price movie House of Wax. When I was a kid, it was a terrifying prospect, to be killed by wax. Not a pleasant way to go

3. I don’t know the name of it (Legend of Big Foot? Shriek of the Mutilated? Capture of Big Foot?) He was terrorizing this group who had just got into this cabin. He was throwing boulders, stalking and killing them. The reason the cabin freaked me out was when I was a kid I went to a cabin in the woods that was so similar to the one in the movie…

4. I was a Teenage Werewolf. Michael Landon played a disturbed teen that, whenever a bell rang, transformed into this killing machine. School was a particularly nasty experience. One scene he was transformed and went into the school office. The secretary was using one of those HUGE paper cutters. He put her hand in it and sliced off her fingers. I still can’t stand even looking at one of those things. I’m scared the blade will fall on my hand.

5. When I was little we were moving to Tulsa and stayed in this dive motel. There was a movie on the television about Gargoyles. Again, the name is a mystery to me. But there were these gargoyles that were attacking people. They ripped through the roof of this car and killed the people inside…while they were moving. I was sure we were going to get it.

6. The Birds. Cliché I know but that movie bugged me. How Hitchcock could take something so innocuous as birds and turn them into something so evil and vicious. Man, that one really got to me. Even until a few years ago whenever I saw a large mass of birds I got a chill. Rationally I knew it was a movie and fantasy but the scene with the crows flashed and it chilled me for a split second.

7. My Bloody Valentine. There is a scene involving an almost dead kid, a man with a pickax and a dryer. I couldn’t go into a Laundromat alone at night for years.

8. Diary of a Madman. Vincent Price. An insane ancestor slowly possesses him. He’s obsessed with a married actress. It was high on my childhood chill factor.

9. House on Haunted Hill—Vincent Price. The acid bath. Chills…

10. The Abominable Dr. Phibes. This one really was Vincent Price’s best work as far as I’m concerned. A mad doctor punishing the men he believes are responsible for his wife’s death. He uses the Old Testament plagues to kill the men.

11. The Pit and the Pendulum. Vincent Price. (Are we noticing a theme here?) A man’s wife may have been buried alive. He is a descendent of a brutal torturer from the Spanish inquisition. There are plots to make him believe he is haunted. He begins to go over the edge and the results aren’t pretty. An Edgar Allen Poe story.

12. Silence of the Lambs—wouldn’t watch it. There are too many real life crazies to watch a movie like that.

13. Funhouse—a true freakshow. This girl’s momma hates the carnival and when daughter wants to go with friends momma gets mad. Girl sneaks off to carnival anyway. While there the idea to spend the night in the funhouse comes up. They do and the nightmare begins. This creature/human monster begins killing. The reason momma hates carnival? She was married to carnie (they got divorced while riding the carousel backwards…weird what you remember huh?) She is the mother of the freakshow creature. Why did this bug me? I have no idea. It just creeped me out. I’ve seen since I was a kid, did nothing for me. Can’t even remember why I was creeped out by it.

There you have it. Thirteen movies to make me go ugh…what are some of yours?

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

It's that wonderful time of the year!

2007-10-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

Fall Favorites

What do I love besides the Halloween spirit? Let me list a few for you:

1. Obviously Halloween. Candy is awesome. I used to wait until the week after and head to the store and get stocked up on discounted Halloween candy. My favorite was the Willy Wanka Mix Ups. They used to have bottlecaps and chewy runts. My favorites. Of course, Willy changed it and they don’t have either one in their Mix Ups any more!

2. The cooler weather. Not cold. Not too hot. Like baby bear’s porridge—it’s just right. I get to pull out my huge flannel shirts, my comfy stirrup pants and my boots.

3. Caramel apples. Not candy ones, caramel ones. (Yes, there really is a difference. One has a hard candy coating. The other has lushy ooey, gooey caramel that sticks to everything. No nuts on that please)

4. Ghost stories, haunted houses, hay rides.

5. Falling leaves. I still love playing the raked mounds. (I may get older but I refuse to grow up!)

6. Baked ham and sweet potatoes. I do make this at other times of the year but it just says fall to me.

7. Invasion of the family kind. Thanksgiving comes up and suddenly family crawls in from the woodwork—I LOVE it!

8. Applecider. Again, it just says fall.

9. Canning time. I can’t think of many things more enjoyable than making and canning my own jams, jellies and occasionally I make tomato soup and have even tried ketchup. (My ketchup I do not recommend. That’s how I ended up making tomato soup!)

10. Heading to Branson to Christmas shop with my mom. We drive down Veterans Day weekend. We stop in Springfield for the night then head on to Branson the next day. We meet my Granny, an aunt, and my Granny’s best friend and occasional an aunt or two and a cousin or two will show up. The entire time is spent shopping, eating, and playing cards in the evenings.

11. Getting with my best friend and making Christmas gifts for friends and family. Last year we did quilted hotpads. This year it’s gifts in a jar.

12. Hot cocoa. Smooth, silky and creamy.

13. Fireplaces. I love lighting ours, turning the lights down low and curling up with a good book.

(MrLINKY)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

WOW! Just WOW!

2007-10-16T11:20:00.000-05:00

I was already excited to be part of the Resplence Publishing family. They gave me a shot. But then I heard of something even more impressive. First the title and blurb. Then I’ll tell you the amazing part:

Eyes of the Dead by Aleka Nakis

What would you endure to find the cure for the disease that killed your mother? Exposure to venomous snakes? Raging rapids without a life jacket? Drug lords who dab in sex trafficking?

Would you relinquish control and trust your life in a dead man’s hands?

Tiffany Jensen, a young breast cancer researcher, confronts her greatest fear and flies on a plane to a foreign country alone. Venturing into the dangerous terrain of the Mayan jungle, she is willing to do just about anything for the cure.

Antonio Francisco Fernandez, aka Agent AFFCROC, is open to only one possibility: getting Tiffany out of his territory and safely back to the States. Will his insistence deny her success, or struggling to find her way, will she come face to face with the eyes of the dead?

So why am I excited about this? Because a portion of each purchase is being donated to the Susan G Komen Foundation for the fight against breast cancer.

If you’d like to help this cause please purchase a copy of Eyes of the Dead or go directly to the Susan G Komen Foundation website

ALSO! If this all wasn’t enough good news I received an email that ALL RP titles will go to print! Isn’t that awesome?!?! I’m hoping that Egyptian Nights is long enough to be a stand alone title. If not it will be combined with similar themed shorts and published as a novella. I’m hoping for stand alone. I mean have you seen the cover??? It’s awesome!

All right I need to head off and get busy on another book. I hope to have finished and sent in soon.

See ya!
JJ

The most wonderful season of all

2007-10-11T12:33:00.000-05:00

Common Halloween Superstitions

The history of Halloween is a fascinating one for me. Mainly because I LOVE anything creepy, frightening, startling, shocking and morbid. In the old times there were many superstitions—about everything, all the time. But Samhain, All Hallows Ever, whatever you call this time of the year when the veil between the worlds thins and the dead are whispered to walk among us, there are superstitions that are pretty specific. Here are a few:

1. Going in for dumb supper, meaning that nobody will talk while having supper, encourages the spirits to come to the table.

2. It is believed that if an unmarried girl keeps a rosemary herb and a silver sixpence under her pillow on Halloween night, it is quite likely that on that very night, she would dream of her future husband.

3. It is said that if you hear someone's footsteps behind you on the Halloween night, you should not turn back because it may be a dead following you. And if you commit the mistake of looking back, it is likely that you might join the dead very soon.

4. There is the old saying that "black cats are bad luck". It was once believed that black cats were the devil, or consumed by evil spirits.

5. People used to believe that Satan was a nut-gatherer. Nuts were also used as magic charms on the day of Halloween festival.

6. If you put your clothes on inside out as well as outside walk backwards on Halloween night. At midnight you will see a witch in the sky. People used to believe witches were the devil, or that they were consumed by evil.

7. There is also an old saying "if the flame on your candle goes out on Halloween celebration; it gives you the meaning that you are with a ghost".

8. If you ring a bell on Halloween it will frighten evil spirits away.

9. Many people used to consider that owls would dive down to eat the souls of the dying on Halloween. They used to think if you pulled your pockets out, and left them hanging, they'd be safe.

10. It has been said if a bat flies into your house on Halloween, it is a sign that ghosts or spirits are very nearer, and maybe they are in your home and let the bat in.

11. People used to believe that if bats are out early on Halloween, and they fly around playfully, then good weather is to come.

12. If a bat flies around your house three times on Halloween, death is very soon to come

13. To ward off evil spirits on Halloween, you can bury all the animal bones in your front yard, or even put a picture of an animal very close to your doorway.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

What?

2007-10-10T14:42:00.000-05:00

Okay have any of you seen the new TV series Moonlight? A vampire, A P.I., A Vampire PI...a HOT, SEXY, Vampire P.I.

I've watched the first two episodes and I have to say I was (and I guess am)on the fence about this show. Okay, Alex O'Loughlin, I could eat with a spoon and want more! The premise is a bit hard to accept. A vampire who saved a little girl from an evil vampire and has watched over said little girl while she grew up. Now he's got her in his life...and he has the hots for her. That's a little odd. I'm mean come on, he's old enough to be her grandfather. Besides, he's too hot for her, right?

Of course if you can buy into the vampire thing then the series shouldn't be that hard to enjoy. And honestly, as long as I can watch something with that much drool factor, I'm good to go. I watch the program. I set it to record. (But I've got the entire block set. Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight, Numb3rs. OOO Rob Morrow, another hot one.)

The thing I'm not getting: There is no fan site listing for Alex. None. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Why not? Is it hard to develop a fan site? No, seriously thats a real question. How do fan clubs actually become established? Do you write the managern and say Hey, I'm establishing a fan club for (famous person name)and I'd really like your help. Send pix, notes, interviews, reviews, and (Alex, Rob, The Rock, Hugh Jackman et al)wrapped in a lovely package to me ASAP. Thanks!

If I knew how to I'd probably see about setting up a fan site myself. Any hints or steps? Please let me know...seriously!

Oh and for those of you who don't know who I'm talking about. Meet Alex O'Loughlin, (Mick St. John, PI)

Again--YUM!
What do you think?
JJ

Hello

2007-10-02T12:16:00.001-05:00

First, let me say hello and happy Tuesday. The RP launch party was a BLAST!!!! We had so much fun sharing excerpts, answering questions and just hanging out. If you made it I hope you said hello. If you didn’t I hope you won’t miss next time around!

There are some really fun things happening around the ‘net this month. I promised a couple of friends I’d plug them and since my .357 happens to be in the shop right now I guess I’ll just have to do this instead:

My friend Donica Covey will be celebrating the release of her book Callye’s Justice, Book One in the Gateway Guardians series, next Tuesday. This book is being released from Samhain Publishing NEXT TUESDAY! October 9. Make sure you hop by her blog—her website— and her Magic Mavens blog—for excerpts, trivia questions, contests and general getting to know her and the characters she’s brought to life.

Then my friend Rebecca Goings—is having a week long birthday bash at her readers loop The Magic of Romance--Make sure you drop in there. I’ll be contributing to the fun myself so I hope you’ll join me! (okay US)

See you all soon!
JJ
Sizzle and Spice and Everything Nice

HAPPY LAUNCH DAY!!!

2007-10-01T11:50:00.000-05:00

It's here! Respledence Publishing is opening its doors TODAY!!!! Congratulations to the women who are releasing their books today and CELEBRATE good times with all of us!

Gotta run and join the fun. See ya soon!

JJ

That's entertainment?

2007-09-27T12:34:00.000-05:00

New season of my favorite shows

The new season has begun and I have to admit it’s already started off in disappointment. Some of them are irritating because the first show of the season was a tired, dragged out episode. The plot hasn’t improved. Basically they were blah.

1. How I met your mother—All right already. You met her. Get on with it.

2. Two and a Half men--Snore

3. The Unit—this was a very cool program until near the end of the season last year. It became boring and contrived. This new episode was not only contrived it was boring and lackluster. These guys are great actors and they deserve a much greater plot line than they’ve been given.

4. NCIS—This new episode ROCKED!!! I’m telling you I can’t wait to see next week’s episode. Thank you NCIS writers for knowing what people want and given these actors excellent plot lines.

5. CSI: NY—this one I can’t make an opinion on after this first episode. I don’t really like Gary Sinise but the rest of the cast carries him well. The show was intriguing this week. We’ll see if they continue.

6. Criminal Minds—I’m freaking out! I can’t believe we’re loosing a character. I’m sad because I LOVE Mandy Patinkan and there was no reason offered for his leaving the show but he will be missed. The show did deliver well in the season premier. At the end of last season they gave us a bitch on wheels to hate and that has continued to this point. Man I’d love to see this character get what she deserves.

7. Law & Order SVU: The season premier didn’t leave me a chance to form an opinion. At the very beginning I was sure I’d be unhappy with the show but they made up for it. I’m waiting until next week to decide.

8. CSI: Miami—David Caruso has always irritated me. He’s a horrible actor and his character is as exciting as watching paint dry. He brings the entire program into a turtle-like movement. This week was the same. The show would be pretty good if Horacio Cain bit the dust. Would love to see him get trapped in the swamps. Of course he’d probably bore the alligators to death

Programs I can't WAIT for:

9. CSI—Will Sara be dead? Last season made me hope she does bite the dust but I’ve had all summer to think it over and I have to admit it would be a shame to loose that character. Grissom finally has a love interest and it ISN’T Catherine!!!

10. Numb3rs—Rob Morrow. ‘Nuff said

11. Rules of Engagement—This show is entertaining. Not age appropriate for the time slot its in but for mindless fun it works

11. Shark—I love Sebastian Stark. He’s a gritty, self-righteous man. And James Woods. He’s a fabulous actor and it’s fantastic to see him in such a wonderful man every week

12. Ghost Whisperer—I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this show but the premise is so fun and enjoyable. My only complaint was that they killed off Andrea. She was a cool character.

13. Without a Trace—Some times I can get into this show sometimes I flip the station. It changes from week to week but maybe this season will be a little more intriguing.

There are some new shows coming this season. I watched the new one The Big Bang Theory--Can't think of her name. It's like Cuoco or something. That was okay.

I'm looking forward to checking out Moonlight but I was disappointed that Close to Home wasn't coming back.

And saving the ABSOLUTE best for last--HUGH JACKMAN!! OMG!!!!!!! I can see this stud every week! I'm going to need a bib. He's playing in the new show Viva Laughlin. I'm so dying to see this one.

Am I bit opinionated? Not me! LOL But as they say, “opinions are like assholes, every body’s got one.”

See ya soon!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Another T13 and I aint got no topic

2007-09-20T11:45:00.001-05:00

My Dreams for the future

It’s becoming harder and harder to come up with these things. I could sure use some suggestions on T13 topics. Any help would be adored. For this week let me see…

1. I want my children to grow up happy and healthy and morally grounded. I want them to stand up for what they believe in and not be afraid to stick with it.

2. I want my family to always be as close as they are today. And for them I also wish happiness and health.

3. I want to stay around to see my children, grandchildren and great granchildren graduate highschool, go to college and get married. Maybe even stick around to see a couple of great great grandchildren

4. I want to always be as close to my best friend as we are now. She’s my friend, the sister I never had, my partner in crime, my rock when I’m weak, my cheerleader, and my biggest fan.

5. I want what sounds so monotonous. The impossible: I want there to be a world where we can all agree to disagree.

6. I want politicians who don’t lie. Yeah there’s something that’s going to happen. When pigs fly…

7. I want to see an end to cancer, altzheimers, and all diseases that take our children before they’ve had a chance to live.

8. I want to see an end to autism. I want children who suffer from this be relived and happy.

9. I want to see all pedophiles, rapists, and murderers executed instead of living a lifetime supported by my taxes. I want jails to be a place to actually suffer for your crimes not a place that offers gyms, televisions, and other niceties.

10. I want everyone to know home, shelter, food, warmth and security.

11. I want everyone to receive health care

12. I want drug companies regulated to keep them from gouging the ones who need the prescriptioins. And I want insurances to give the treatments back to the doctors instead the doctors having to be told by insurance who can receive what medical care.

13. Oil companies should be regulated so that they cant continue to fuck with our gas prices. How the hell are people supposed to eb able to go to work and provide for their families when they cna't afford the gas to get to their jobs. These oil asses should be forced to keep the gas costs low. Some people can only work at minimum wage jobs. Those wages make it near impossible for people to afford the gas. When a person has to choose between food, food, medical care and going to get gas so they can get a job, that's bullshit.

Finally I have one more dream:
14. I would love to see me become a household name—success in my writing life.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

been thinking

2007-09-18T17:12:00.000-05:00

Yes. Sometimes it really does hurt, LOL I've been trying to decide what I want to write next. I had an idea but I'm not sure its going to work for me right now. So I'm looking for a new direction. So I'm giving you a voice.

Here are your choices:

Greek myth based romance
Elf romance
Other world romance

I know it might be easier if you had more to go on but I don't want to tip my hand. So--just let me know which type of story you'd enjoy. I'll take care of the rest.

Thanks!
JJ

My favorite Myths

2007-09-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

FAVORITE MYTHS

I love myths. Myths from all cultures, from all ages. I decided to share of few of my favorites. There are many more that I adore but these are among my tops:

1. Selene and Endymion: Endymion was a handsome shepherd boy of Asia Minor, the mortal lover of the moon goddess Selene. Each night he was kissed to sleep by her. She begged Zeus to grant him eternal life so she might be able to embrace him forever. Zeus complied, putting Endymion into eternal sleep and each night Selene visits him on Mt. Latmus, near Milete, in Asia Minor. The ancient Greeks believed that his grave was situated on this mountain. Selene and Endymion have fifty daughters.

2. Psyche and Eros: Psyche is the youngest of three daughters. She was of such extraordinary beauty that Aphrodite herself became jealous of her. The goddess then sent her son Eros to make Psyche fall in love with an ugly man. However, the god himself fell in love with the girl and visited her every night, but forbade her to see his face, so she did not know who her lover was. On her sisters' instigation she tried to discover the true identity of her beloved. When he lay asleep in her bed, she lit an oil lamp but when she bent over to see Eros' face, a drop of oil from her lamp fell on him and he awakened. When he noticed her intent, he left her. Psyche wandered the earth in search of her lover, until she was finally reunited with him.

3. Persephone and Hades: Persephone is the goddess of the underworld in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, goddess of the harvest. Persephone was such a beautiful young woman that everyone loved her, even Hades wanted her for himself. One day, when she was collecting flowers on the plain of Enna, the earth suddenly opened and Hades rose up from the gap and abducted her. None but Zeus, and the all-seeing sun, Helios, had noticed it. Broken-hearted, Demeter wandered the earth, looking for her daughter until Helios revealed what had happened. Demeter was so angry that she withdrew herself in loneliness, and the earth ceased to be fertile. Knowing this could not continue much longer, Zeus sent Hermes down to Hades to make him release Persephone. Hades grudgingly agreed, but before she went back he gave Persephone a pomegranate (or the seeds of a pomegranate, according to some sources). When she later ate of it, it bound her to underworld forever and she had to stay there one-third of the year. The other months she stayed with her mother. When Persephone was in Hades, Demeter refused to let anything grow and winter began.

4. The three fates or Moirae: The Fates, or Moirae, were the goddesses who controlled the destiny of everyone from the time they were born to the time they died. They were: Clotho, the spinner, who spun the thread of a person's life, Lachesis, the apportioner, who decided how much time was to be allowed each person, and Atropos, the inevitable, who cut the thread when you were supposed to die. Even though the other gods were almighty, and supposedly immortal, even Hera had reason to fear them. All were subject to the whims of the Fates. Ministers of the Fates were always oracles or soothsayers (seers of the future). The Fates were very important, but it is still unknown to who their parents were. The Fates were often depicted as ugly hags, cold and unmerciful. But the Fates were not always deaf to the pleading of others. When Atropos cut the thread of King Admetus, who happened to be Apollo's friend, Apollo begged the Fates to undo their work. It was not in their power to do so, but they promised that if someone took Admetus' place in the gloomy world of Hades' domain, he would live. The king's wife, Alcestis, said she would take his place. But Hercules, who happened to be Admetus' guest, rescued her from the underworld, and Admetus an Alcetis were reunited.

5. Muses: The Greek goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences. They were believed to inspire all artists, especially poets, philosophers, and musicians. The Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the goddess of memory. The number of Muses varies over time; initially there was but one, and later there is mention of three: Melete, Mneme, and Aoede (the Elder Muses). They were nymphs in Pieria, western Thrace, and their cult was brought to Helicon in Boeotia by the Aloadae. Usually there is mention of nine muses: Calliope, Clio, Erato, Euterpe, Melpomene, Polyhymnia, Terpsichore, Thalia, and Urania, the Younger Muses.

6. Ammut: Egyptian Goddess. She devoured those souls who were found unworthy to dwell in the Afterlife. The process of judgement involved the weighing of the deceased person's heart against the feather of Ma'at. If the heart (the seat of the soul, according to the ancient Egyptians) was found to be heavy with sin and impurities and did not balance with the feather, Ammut would devour them.

7. Isis and Osiris: Isis was the sister of Osiris (who was also her husband), Nephthys and Seth, the daughter of Nut and Geb and the mother of Horus the Child. As the wife of Osiris, Isis assisted her husband during his earthly reign. In the Pyramid Texts, allusions are made that indicate that Isis foresaw her husband's murder. Following his death, Isis tirelessly searched for his body so that he may be properly buried and may rest in peace in the Underworld. Through her magic, she brought Osiris back to life so that he could impregnate her with their son Horus. God of the earth and vegetation, Osiris symbolized in his death the yearly drought and in his miraculous rebirth the periodic flooding of the Nile and the growth of grain. He was a god-king who was believed to have given Egypt civilization.

8. Wepwawet was a jackal-like funerary deity, whose name means "opener of the ways". Unlike Anubis, who was also jackal-like, Wepwawet was shown with a gray or white head. This leads some to believe that he may have originally been associated with the wolf. During the 12th Dynasty, Wepwawet was replaced by Khentyamentiu, a mummiform god, as the god of the Abydos necropolis and then finally by Osiris himself. Wepwawet was the nome god for the 13th nome of Upper Egypt, which the Greeks called "Lycopolis" (Wolf City). His role was to protect and lead the deceased through the Underworld (hence his name). He also accompanied the king while hunting and while in this capacity was called "the one with the sharp arrow who is more powerful than the gods." Wepwawet was also thought of as a messenger and the champion of royalty. Like Shu, he was said to be "the one who has seperated the sky from the earth."

9. Thoth : The god of wisdom and learning. He was said to be self-created in the beginning along with his consort, the goddess Ma'at (truth).Thoth was believed to have filled many roles in the world of the gods. It was believed that he invented writing and was the vizier and official scribe of the afterworld. The Book of the Dead was written by him. He and Ma'at were believed to stand on either side of Re in his boat as he (as the Sun) traveled across the sky. It was thought that they also might have directed the course that the boat took. It was widely believed that Thoth invented the magical and hermetic arts, and thus the Tarot deck is frequently referred to as the "Book of Thoth" He was associated with the moon; as the sun vanished; Thoth tried to dispel the darkness with his light.Thoth is shown attending all major scenes involving the gods, but most especially at the judgement of the deceased. It is here that he (shown as a dog-headed ape) sits on the top of the balance that weighs the heart of the deceased to determine if it is as light as ma'at. The concept of ma'at is one of truth, justice, and "that which is straight". It may even be related to "cosmic order". The baboon Thoth informs the ibis-headed Thoth when the balance is at equilibrium. The ibis-headed Thoth then makes his report to the other gods who then pass judgement on the deceased.

10. Why Rabbit Has A Short Tail: Rabbit once had a very long bushy tail and he was very proud because his tail was even longer and bushier than Fox’s. Rabbit would walk around showing it off to all the other animals. Fox grew tired of the constant bragging and in the winter he decided to do something about it. He contrived to tie four fish to his tail and he cut a large circle in the ice of a pond. When Rabbit came along Fox lowered his tail into the water. Rabbit immediately became curious and asked Fox what he was doing. Fox lifted his tail and showed off the fish. “I want to fish too,” Rabbit whined. “My tail is far better than yours. Let me fish.” Fox nodded and tied a bit of rope to Rabbits tale. Then Fox took his fish and left. Rabbit sat all day. He sat all night. His bottom became cold and he was very tired. Fox came up the next day and saw Rabbit still sitting on the ice. Rabbit begged for help as he was cold and frozen into the pond. Fox went to his side and grabbed him by the front paws. Rabbit popped out but his beautiful tail was left behind. That is why Rabbit now has a short tail.

11. Why The Opossum's Tail Is Bare: Possum once had a thick and beautiful tail. He was as vain about his tail as Rabbit had been. Rabbit, still angry with Fox for ruining his tail, decided to get Possum to stop bragging. A great dance was coming and all the animals were so excited they spent hours getting ready. Cricket, the barber, was hired to go from lodge to lodge making sure all the animals looked their best. Rabbit asked if Cricket was tired of hearing Possum brag. Cricket said that he was indeed tired of it. So when Cricket went to Possums lodge to get him ready he was going to do something to make Possum stop bragging. Possum lay down on the floor and Cricket began to trim the fur from his tail. All the way down to the roots. As he clipped he tied a red ribbon about the tail. At the dance he swirled around the room calling all to look at his beautiful tail. He untied the ribbon all the while dancing around shouting about his tail. When the ribbon was finally off Possum saw his ugly tail. He was shocked and embaressed. So much so that he couldn’t say a word merely dropped to the ground, rolled over and played dead. This is why Possum’s tail is bare and why he rolls over and plays dead when frightened.

12. Why The Deer's Teeth Are Blunt: Rabbit was extremely jealous of Deer’s fine horns so one day he decided to get even. He went and found a grapevine hanging from a tree. Rabbit gnawed part way through the vine. Then he reached over and grabbed a stick and whittled it thin in the middle. When Rabbit heard deer coming he sprang from the ground and swung from the vine. Deer was intrigued and asked Rabbit what he was up to. Rabbit said he was strenghtening his bite. He bragged he could bite the vine in two. Deer very much wanted to see that so as Rabbit swung he bit into the thin part of the vine and came down with the torn bit in his mouth. Deer wanted to do it so Rabbit helped him find a vine. Deer tried and tried but couldn’t bite through the vine. Rabbit shrugged and said Deer wasn’t as good as he was. Rabbit said he could bite through anything and he picked up the stick he’d whittled down earlier. He took a bite and the stick broke in two. Deer wanted to be able to bite too so Rabbit said he would help. He had Deer open his mouth and he studied the teeth that looked like Wolf’s teeth but not as sharp. Rabbit said the reason Deer couldn’t do it was because his teeth were not sharp but he’d help Deer by sharpening his teeth. Rabbit took a stone and began to grind at Deer’s teeth. It ached poor Deer but Rabbit said that it always hurt at first. When Rabbit finished grinding Deer had teeth ground down almost to his gums. Now Deer has very dull teeth and can only eat grass and other vegetation.

13. Why The Bullfrog's Head Is Striped. Many years ago when the world was new Frog was going from village to village meeting his neighbors and making friends. While he was in a Cherokee village he came across Badger the gambler. Badger never lost a game but that didn’t stop Frog from teasing him and accusing him of cheating and making fun other sorts of fun. Badger became angry and challenged Frog to play against him. Badger said who ever lost got scratches on his head from the other one. Frog was afraid because Badger never lost. Other animals had gathered around and they began to taunt Frog calling him a coward. Finallt Frog was bullied into the game. Badger won as he always did and he took his great claws and scratched down Frog’s head. Yellow stripes appeared and forever after bullfrogs have yellow stripes.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

just for fun

2007-09-11T13:04:00.001-05:00

Your Monster Profile

Blood Thirsty Beast

You Feast On: Jack and Coke

You Lurk Around In: Closets

You Especially Like to Torment: Blondes

What's Your Monster Name?

T13 and a sad goodbye

2007-09-06T11:11:00.000-05:00

Before I get into my T13 I'd like to take a moment of silence in honor of the greatest tenor I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Maestro Luciano Pavarotti died early this morning. Maestro had such an incredible voice that I think had to touch a part in everyone. I love to listen to him belt out Ava Maria. I also love listening to the Three Tenors. Maestro Pavarotti, Jose Carraras and Placido Domingo blend magically. Yeah there's something else for this weeks T13: I dig opera--to a point!

(Now here is the T13 post as originally written)

Have you even been accused of thinking the world revolved around you? Well for this week’s T13 it does. So what can I tell you about me?

Things about me

1. I love reading. Beatrice Small, Rebecca Brandewyne, and Madeline Baker are my faves for romance. Stephen King is definitely it for horror.

2. I love Rocky Horror Picture show and dressing for the parts. Now I just need to find a decent theater that will play it!

3. I’m a bit anal about certain things. My food must NEVER touch. As a matter of fact I often order things on separate plates. IF something touches, say bread touches mashed potatoes, I tear off the hunk that has touched each other. My best friend and I go out for dessert once in a while. We always order the two things that interest both of us and then split them. I have to have a separate plate for this purpose as well.

4. I enjoy sitting back and listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Spring is my favorite). Greigg’s Peer Gynt Suites 1 and 2. Handel’s Largo from the opera Xerxes. I can blare this as loud as any of my head banging music while driving down the highway.

5. I love John Wayne movies. THe only exception is In Harms Way. This movie disturbs the hell out of me. I don’t know why. I have a collection of reference books on Nazi Germany and the Allied Forces. I can watch movies about WW2. I can watch slasher films and even Rob Zombie movies don’t disturb me. I guess they should…Anyway. In Harms Way makes my guts clench and I literally feel physically ill. Maybe a good shrink could help me along with that…

6. I was uncomfortable with my mother and all the rest of my fmaily learning that I write what they consider smutty porn. I got over that quickly. Mom was with me when I had to drop the contract in the mail. She hounded me and I finally admitted to her what it was I wrote. She blushed. Almost died and then advised me that I am a grown woman and can do as I please. So long as I NEVER tell the family what it is I do write.

7. I have been known to cry at TV commercials. Bambi still makes me weep.

8. I love the musicals Fiddler on the Roof, CATS, My Fair Lady, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Easter Parade.

9. I collect fans. No not the ones that hang from the ceiling, LOL. (Although I am hoping to collect some fans of my writing!) I have one from Spain, two from the Orient, a small one from the civil war era. I am always looking for another addition to the ever-growing collection. This actually started out by accident. I was forever using a piece of paper to fan off with and an older lady friend (second grannie) gave me one. Since then the collection has just sprouted a life of its own. The one good thing is I always have uses for them and besides they’re really neat conversational pieces.

10. My favorite drink is Frog Piss. This is made by taking Midori (the green melon flavored liquer) and vodka (I prefer Smirnoff) mixing into a glass over ice and viole instant satisfaction.

11. At a bar I used to hang out in I had a drink created just for me by the tar bender. (Trust me after drinking my namesake I couldn’t remember who he was, where I was, or how I got home). Now I can’t remember exactly what all was in this so I’m playing by fuzzy memory. I know there was Malibu rum, Jose Cuervo, Vodka, Midori, some kind of peach something, a bit of Captain Morgan Spice, a splash of Dr. McGillicuddy’s (Mint Schnapps) some pineapple juice and cherry juice. He popped pineapple slices and two cherries on a little sword deal. Now this drink is served in a standard glass over ice. It was weird the first take. The second sip wasn’t so bad. Three and four were fabulous. The rest I don’t really remmeber but I was told by a VERY trustworthy friend I had three such drinks and Had to be poured into the car and shuttled home. Jinger’s KC Special. Now if you ever attempt this drink I only ask one thing. Remember my name and try to remember to let me know what you thought of it.

12. My favorite motorcycle is a (surprise, surprise) Harley Davidson 1997 Heritage Springer Softail.

13. I have been known to “Kidnap” my best friend and head off for a road trip, out for a bite to eat, or take dives. These occasions usually occur at or around 10pm. However there hav also been calls made at 3 am telling her toss a few things in a bag we’re driving to Memphis for the day.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

T13 The wierd, the bad and the pathetic

2007-08-30T11:40:00.000-05:00

Weird Quotes

Some of the weirdest quotes I’ve ever heard/seen:

1. I'm not shy...I'm just examining my prey

2. Oh Crap, your gonna try and cheer me up, arent you?

3. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I'm gonna blame you

4. I'm not who you think I'm pretending to be

5. Stupidity should be painful

6. My day is not complete until I've terrified a complete stranger

7. I'd love to embrace you, but first I have to satisfy my sense of moral outrage

8. 'I'm going to have a near-death experience if it KILLS me

9. Couldn't somebody just give me a gun and show me the way to the men's room?'

10. A fire-tornado-earthquake drill? What, are they preparing us for the Rapture?

11. 'Rainbow Brite - she was vibrant Goth, wasn't she

12. I hear voices and they don’t like you either!

13. 'Wow, another act of God... Seems like every Thursday

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

MY COVER!!!!

2007-08-24T14:24:00.001-05:00

OMG!! Its SOO amazing! Check it out:

ISN'T IT WONDERFUL??? I'm so excited. Now to just wait for the release.

Have a GREAT day everyone!
JJ

Egyptian T13

2007-08-23T16:04:00.000-05:00

Since my book is called Egyptian Nights I though what better way to highlight it than to use Egyptian gods/godesses? So what follows is dsome of my favorite characters from the Egyptian Pantheon. Which ones did I use in Egyptian Nights? You’ll have to read to find out!

1. Ra 'Sun' Man with hawk head and headdress with a sun disk Ra was the sun god. He was the most important god of the ancient Egyptians.
The ancient Egyptians believed that Ra was swallowed every night by the sky goddess Nut, and was reborn every morning. The ancient Egyptians also believed that he travelled through the underworld at night. In the underworld, Ra appeared as a man with the head of a ram.

2. Ammut: was an Egyptian demoness. She was known as the 'Eater of Hearts', 'The Devourer' and 'Great of Death' because she was a demoness of punishment. She was a netherworld dweller who waited by the scales of judgement to consume the heads of those who did evil during their lives. She was not worshiped, and was never regarded as a goddess. Instead she embodied creatures that the Egyptians feared, threatening to eat them if they did not follow the principals of Ma'at. She had the head of a crocodile, the body of a leopard and the backside of a hippopotamus - all fierce creatures to the Egyptians. All man-eaters. It's no wonder that she was depicted as one who consumed the unworthy dead!

3. Hathor 'House of Horus' she had many shapes including: woman with the ears of a cow, a cow, or a woman with a headdress of horns and a sun disk Hathor was a protective goddess. She was also the goddess of love and joy. Hathor was the wife of Horus, and was sometimes thought of as the mother of the pharaoh. Hathor was connected with foreign places and materials. For instance, Hathor was the goddess of the desert and the turquoise mines in the Sinai. A large temple was built to honour Hathor at Dendera.

4. Isis often appeared as: Woman with headdress in the shape of a throne or A pair of cow horns with a sun disk Isis was a protective goddess. She used powerful magic spells to help people in need.
Isis was the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus. Since each pharaoh was considered the 'living Horus', Isis was very important. Isis is often shown holding Horus on her lap. Isis is associated with thrones because her lap was the first 'throne' that Horus sat upon. A temple was built to honour Isis at Philae. It is still standing today.

5. Ma'at : Woman with a feather on her head or a featherMa'at was the goddess of truth, justice and harmony. She was associated with the balance of things on earth. Ma'at was the daughter of the sun god Ra. Pharaohs are frequently shown in wall reliefs making an offering of Ma'at to the gods-showing that they are preserving harmony and justice on earth. The vizier who was in charge of the law courts was known as the 'priest of Ma'at'.

6. Thoth appeared as an ibis or a baboon: Thoth was the god of writing and knowledge.
The ancient Egyptians believed that Thoth gave them the gift of hieroglyphic writing. Thoth was also connected with the moon. It was not unusual in ancient Egypt for more then one god to take the same form, with similar functions as another god. identified as a wolf. Egyptologists now believe that he was more likely associated with the jackal, though he is often depicted with a gray or white head.

7. Anubis Man with a jackal head A jackal . Anubis was the god of embalming and the dead.
Since jackals were often seen in cemeteries, the ancient Egyptians believed that Anubis watched over the dead. Anubis was the god who helped to embalm Osiris after he was killed by Seth. Thus, Anubis was the god who watched over the process of mummifying people when they died. Priests often wore a mask of Anubis during mummification ceremonies.

8. Wapwawet: Man with a jackal head Like Anubis, Wepwawet was also a funerary deity, and was one of the earliest of the gods worshipped at Abydos. Early on, Wepwawet's worship paralleled that of Khentyamentiu, but when Osiris absorbed that god's attributes, Anubis filled his funerary role. Wepwawet's name means "the opener of the ways (or Roads)"refers to his role in leading the deceased through the underworld as a protector.

9. Osiris A mummified man wearing a white cone-like headdress with feathers Osiris was the god of the dead, and ruler of the underworld. Osiris was the brother/husband of Isis, and the brother of Nepthys and Seth. He was also the father of Horus. As well as being a god of the dead, Osiris was a god of resurrection and fertility. In fact, the ancient Egyptians believed that Osiris gave them the gift of barley, one of their most important crops.

10. Nun Man carrying a bark According to an ancient Egyptian creation myth, Nun was the waters of chaos. Nun was the only thing that existed on Earth before there was land. Then, the first land (in the form of a mound) rose out of Nun. Nun was also associated with the chaos that existed at the edges of the universe.

11. Khepri 'He Who is Coming into Being' Appearance: Man with the head of a scarab
Khepri was a god of creation, the movement of the sun, and rebirth. The scarab beetle lays its eggs in a ball of dung. Then, it rolls the ball along the ground until the young beetles are ready to hatch. When the young beetles are ready, they crawl out of the ball. The ancient Egyptians believed that the beetles just appeared from nowhere- as they believed that their creator god had appeared from nowhere. Thus, they thought that the scarab beetle was special.

12. Horemakhet: ("Horus at the Horizon", meaning the sun) was a symbol of resurrection, linked to the setting sun, which was reborn every morning. He was also a manifestation of the god Re-Horakhte (see this god) and connected to the very old gods Kheper and Atum. He first appeared during the New Kingdom. He was identified with the Great Sphinx at Giza, where he also was venerated in a temple of his own (possibly the only of its kind in Egypt). His very "own" shape was a sphinx (as seen in the picture above). His was very popular during the dynasties 18-19 and called upon as "the good father".

13. Sobek Man with the head of a crocodile and a headdress of feathers and a sun-disk Sobek was a Nile god. Sobek was connected with the Nile, and protected the king. Live crocodiles were kept in pools at temples built to honour Sobek.

T-13 Strikes again...

2007-08-16T17:20:00.000-05:00

...and I'm completely unprepared. I have been relatively uninspired lately so I decide to check out the men of my dreams file I keep on hand

1. Oded Fehr

2. The Rock

3. Johnny Depp

4. Hugh Jackman

5. Jay Tavare

6. Colin Ferral

7. Rob Morrow

8. Keifer Southerland

9. Trace Adkins

10. Alan Jackson

11. Michael Shanks

12. Brian Krause

13. Travis Tritt

Getting to know you

2007-08-06T11:44:00.000-05:00

I had to write a bio for my publisher, Respledence http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/ so I figured why not put my bio out here.

Jinger Jackson’s romances are sizzling hot mixes of contemporary world meets ancient civilizations. Her repertoire includes Egyptian, Roman, Greek and Celtic gods, legends and curses. Some of her books also include a bit of elfin lore. Her goal is to deliver sex scenes that make you tingle. If just one person gets ideas from her writing then she’s done her job.

Jinger can be found at her blog, http://jingersnaps.blogspot.com or email her at jingerjackson@hotmail.com

Currently I'm working on an Elf love story. I had been working on Night Magic, but I hit a stone wall and needed something to get me focused and make my muse wake up.

Gotta get back to the voices in my head.
JJ

Quizilla me?

2007-08-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

Another post in one day? WOW! I was still cruising the net, (Yeah I'm supposed to be working--your point?) And I found this quiz and I thought what the hell. I cracked up at the result. Check it:

Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?

You are a temptress
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

ME? NAH! HEHEHEHEH

T13

2007-08-02T14:05:00.001-05:00

Yeah I don't have one for today. Isn't that pitiful? See I found something I wanted to do but there weren’t 13 of them. I was cruising different blogs and I came across one for http://authorlyncash.blogspot.com/ and I saw something that really was absolutely fabulous. I hope she doesn’t mind that I snagged it. The pictures made me curious and so I hung around. This is an extremely prolific author one who I rather like. So pop over and check her out!

Anyway. Maybe I should have saved this for the thing they call Wordless Wednesday. But I just couldn't resist. I hope you can see the captions on these. These are definite keepers!

VIDEO

2007-07-28T14:11:00.000-05:00

I've seen alot of authors doing book trailers. I have one on my MySpace page but I thought it would be fun to try and share it with you here. I headed over to YouTube and set up a channel.

So here goes with the video, keep your fingers crossed!
Egyptian Nights

Hope it works and that you enjoy it!

I'd love to get some feedback. Let me know what you think.

JJ

T13 Episode 10

2007-07-26T11:36:00.000-05:00

Before I get into my T13 I have some news:
I’m so excited I can’t think straight! I SOLD EGYPTIAN NIGHTS!!!!
The words from the editor were so kind and wondereful it really pumped me up! The company who is going to publish this piece of art is Resplence Publishing. They are a new house and sound absolutely divine! You can find them here: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/ I’m just totallky thrilled. THe thing is, now the editor raved about me and how great this book is the pressure is on to make sure all my books are as well written. *gulp* Not a problem. Nope, not at all. *thud*

Ok on with my T13. My brain is totally fried both from my joy and my stress of my other job. So I’ve been way behind and don’t have a clue what to T13 about…so why not just give 13 random things about me?

1. I’m married and have two children: A grown son and a teenage daughter.

2. My son(well actually his girlfriend) is going to have a baby at the end of the year. This child will NOT call me, you know, that nasty G-word. I am far too young for that word. So this child will be referred to as my little cuddle love, but I have no ideas what I want it to call me.

3. I am a total dog freak. I’d bring home every single dog I saw if I had the room.

4. The same applies to horses.

5. My best friend and I have been together longer than we’ve been with out husbands (go figure LOL) We met in grade school and have been friends every since. (Trust me that’s been a LONG while. How long? Think I’m actually going to tell you?)

6. I collect several things: Barbie dolls, Porcelain dolls, M&M memorabilia, and anything Harley Davidson related. My prize possession? The Harley Barbie. I also collected Beanie Babies at one point. (I’ve kept the “most valuable” ones and the rest I’ve given to my nephews and will save some for the above mentioned baby) I also collect dust.

7. I am an ATV fanatic. Give me a four-wheeler and let me go, I’ll be gone all day, rain, snow or shine.

8. I’ve been to: Mall of America, Niagara Falls, Canada (guess that goes without saying?) Michigan, Idaho, Ohio, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Wisconsin and Missouri.

9. I’ve lived in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. I now live in Missouri. Not bad since most all of my family live here. I’d prefer living in Arkansas or Oklahoma. Maybe one day…

10. I’ve already planned my next vehicle, my career future, my life post husband (God forbid), and my funeral.

11. I am an extremely morbid individual with a totally twisted personality. Before we bought the house we now live in I wanted to by an old funeral home and convert it. My husband was almost on board. My children (who were 5 and 9 at the time) completely freaked out. Spoil sports.

12. My favorite candy is tootsie pop, followed by Reece’s, and then those pixie sticks things.

13. One of my favorite places in the world to visit is the sale barn, also known as the cattle auction. The smell is bad for a lot of people but I love it, I feel like a kid again.

14. For extra measure. My favorite soda is Dr. Pepper

That’s it for this weeks edition! See you all soon and thanks for stopping by!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Jinger’s T13 EPISODE 9

2007-07-19T10:18:00.000-05:00

Answers to last weeks lyric lines. How did you do?

1. Hotel California
2. TEQUILA SUNRISE
3. TAKE IT EASY
4. ALREADY GONE
5. BEST OF MY LOVE
6. WITCHY WOMAN
7. LYIN’ EYES
8. TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT
9. PEACEFUL EASY FEELIN
10. I CAN’T TELL YOU WHY
11. LOVE WILL KEEP US ALIVE
12. SEVEN BRIDGES ROAD
13. DESPERADO

Thanks for playing along!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

T13 Episode 8

2007-07-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

Thirteen songs by the Eagles. I’m going to write a line of lyrics from my favorite songs by the Eagles and you see if you know which ones they are:

1. On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air Up ahead in the distance, I saw shimmering light. My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim I had to stop for the night

2. Ev'ry night when the sun goes down Just another lonely boy in town
And she's out runnin' 'round She wasn't just another woman
And I couldn't keep from comin' on

3. Well, I'm runnin' down the road tryin' to loosen my load I got seven women on my mind Four that wanna own me Two that wanna stone me One says she's a friend of mine

4. Well I heard some people talkin' just the other day And they said you were gonna' put me on a shelf But let me tell you I got some news for you and you'll soon find out it's true And then you'll have to eat your lunch all by yourself

5. Every night I'm lyin' in bed holdin' you close in my dreams, thinkin' about all the things that we said and comin' apart at the seams. We try to talk it over but the words come out too rough.

6. Raven hair and ruby lips sparks fly from her finger tips Echoed voices in the night she's a restless spirit on an endless flight

7. City girls just seem to find out early How to open doors with just a smile A rich old man and she won't have to worry She'll dress up all in lace and go in style

8. All alone at the end of the of the evening And the bright lights have faded to blue I was thinking 'bout a woman who might have Loved me and I never knew You know I've always been a dreamer

9. I like the way your sparkling earrings lay, against your skin, it's so brown and I wanna sleep with you in the desert tonight with a billion stars all around

10. Look at us baby, up all night Tearing our love apart Aren't we the same two people who live Through years in the dark?

11. I was standing all alone against the world outside. You were searching for a place to hide. Lost and lonely, Now you've given me the will to survive. When we're hungry. . .

12. Now I have loved you like a baby Like some lonesome child And I have loved you in a tame way And I have loved you wild

13. Why don’t you come down to your senses, you been out ridin’ fences for so long now.

Can you name those songs? Leave your answers in the comments then I'll post the answers next week and you can see if you got them right!

Have a fun T13!!
JJ

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Tuesday Topic

2007-07-10T10:21:00.000-05:00

Yeah, uninspired header, I agree. But I can't come up with anything truly inspired. I'm trying to work on another book while I wait to hear if my Egyptian Nights was accepted or rejected. So my brain is fried at this point. I decided that for a while I was going to do some blogthings quizes and post the results here. Of course I'll still be trying to participate in the Thursday Thirteen. If I can come up with some topics. Like I said, brain fried.

Here is the first quiz:

You're a Total Maneater

Almost every guy that crosses your path ends up a little worse for the wear.
You see men as your playthings - and your motto is "So many men, so little time."
And while you're having fun, everyone is a little scared of you.
Your girlfriends are leery of your maneating ways. And most men find you downright freaky.

Are You a Maneater?

Who knew how accurate these things could be? LOL

See you all soon.
JJ

Jingers T13 Movies

2007-07-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

This week T13 is so hard for me to come up with! I think we’ll go with my favorite movies:

1. Harvey. Have you seen this one? Black and White. Jimmy Stewart. Basically there’s this wonderful rumpot (Jimmy) whose closest and dearest friend happens to be a pooka. And not just any pooka but a 6’3” white rabbit. He’s about the only one who can see Harvey although occasionally Harvey reveals himself to others. But only on VERY rare occasions. If you haven’t seen this one I say check it out!

2. I Married a Witch. Another black and white classic. There is a woman, Jennifer,(Played by the beautiful Veronica Lake) who was betrayed by her lover (Frederick March) and proclaimed a witch. Well she really was a witch, but that didn’t matter. So anyway the pilgrims burned her and her father at the stake. Before she died Jennifer cursed her lover and all his descendents to be miserable in marriage by wedding the wrong woman. A tree is placed over the ashes of Jennifer and her father. When lightening strikes the tree Jennifer and her father’s souls are released and they form bodies to plague human kind. When Jennifer meets a descendent of her lover (Frederick March) named Wallace Wooley she decides to torment him all the more. She plans to give him a potion to make him fall madly in love with her and then she’ll refuse his affection. What she didn’t plan on was accidentally being given the potion and she falls in love with him. What follows is a madcap adventure of finding love while overcoming obstacles along the way. This movie was where the idea for the TV series Bewitched came from.

3. Bringing Up Baby. How can anyone not love Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. They made several movies together but this is my favorite from this dynamic duo. Cary Grant’s character, David Huxley, is waiting to get a bone he needs for his museum collection. Through a series of strange circumstances, he meets Susan Vance, and the duo have a series of misadventures which include a leopard called Baby. Susan is determined to catch a stuffy paleontologist and uses Baby, to help get his attention. The elements of this farce include a yappy terrier who steals and buries an irreplaceable fossilized bone, a pompous big game hunter, a rich old aunt, a jealous fiancée, and a case of mistaken identity involving a second, and vicious, leopard. Will Susan's love for David be reciprocated? Will David get his bone back? Will Baby be brought up - or brought down?

4. Arsenic and Old Lace. Another Cary Grant film. Yes I know he was quite a bit begore my time but how can you look at those dark eyes, those amazing facial features and not go “AH!!”? Ok so Arsenic and Old Lace: The year is 1941. The location is a small house next to a cemetery in Brooklyn. In this house live two kind, thoughtful, sweet old ladies, Martha and Abby Brewster who have developed a very bad habit. It appears that they murder lonely old men who have some sort of religious affiliation and they consider doing it a charity. They then leave it to their bugle-blowing nephew Teddy (who thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt) to take them to the Panama Canal (the cellar) and bury them. In this instance, the "poor fellow" suffers from yellow fever found in the window seat. It is another of their nephews Mortimer Brewster (Cary Grant), a dramatic critic, who returns home only to find the man in the seat by mistake. Another nephew, Jonathon, returns to the home after years of fleeing the authorities due to his "unofficial practice" of killing people and using their faces to change his. However the results cause him to look like Boris Karloff (this angers him upon the mention of his similarity to the actor) due to the poor craftsmanship of his German accented, alcoholic sidekick Dr. Einstein. As the story continues, we see each character trying to find resolve in their suddenly been flipped upside-down lives. Mortimer tries to keep his aunts safe and prevent them from continuing their nasty habit while trying to stay sane with the woman he loves (Elaine Harper), the aunts try to continue their "charities", and Jonathon tries to make a wealthy practice that is stationed inside the home.

5. Last Holiday. Is this finally one you all recognize? Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifa) clerks at a New Orleans department store. She defers pleasure: cooks gourmet meals, eats Lean Cuisine; likes a co-worker in silence; has savings, but hasn't left Louisiana. All that changes when an MRI discloses she has three weeks to live. She cashes her savings and heads to Europe's Grandhotel Pupp, where Chef Didier (Gerard Depardieu) presides. She checks into the Presidential Suite, orders everything on the menu, snowboards, and comes to the attention of the chef and the hotel's powerful American guests: a Congressman, a Senator, a retail magnate, and his mistress. She has nothing to lose, so she tells them what she thinks.

6. Practical Magic: Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman) Owens have always known they were different. Raised by their aunts (Stockard Channing and Diann Weist) after their parents' death. The sisters grew up in a household that was anything but typical--their aunts fed them chocolate cake for breakfast and taught them the uses of practical magic. But the invocation of the Owens' sorcery also carries a price--some call it a curse: the men they fall in love with are doomed to an untimely death. Now adult women with very different personalities, the quiet Sally and the fiery Gillian must use all of their powers to fight the family curse and a swarm of supernatural forces that threatens the lives of all the Owens women.

7. Van Helsing. During the late 19th century, famed monster hunter Dr. Gabriel Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) and his priest of a sidekick Carl (David Wenham) heads to Eastern Europe to battle with Count Dracula (Roxburgh), the vampires brides, To keep them from bringing the Count’s undead children to life. Along the way they encounter the Wolf Man (Kemp), and Frankenstein's Monster (Hensley). By his side is the ravishing Anna (Beckinsale), a member of a family committed to ridding the world of evil thus allowing Anna and the rest of the family Valerious, to enter the Gates of St. Peter.

8. Rocky Horror Picture Show. Come on. DON’T DREAM IT BE IT!!!! Who doesn’t want to time warp? I know I do! I was one of those people you could find every Saturday night, at midnight of course, standing in line, dressed like the characters from the movie. I’ve been Frank-N-Furter, Magenta, Columbia and Janet. I’ve sung all the songs, danced along with the movie. Talked back to the screen, knowing each line by heart. I’ve carried in and tossed around all the props. I’m a true Horror! HEHEHE Ok for those who have lived in caves or closets The Rocky Horror Picture Show: What do a Transylvanian transvestite, a cryogenically-preserved biker (Meatloaf) and a Frankenstein's monster (Peter Hinwood) wearing golden underpants all have in common? They're all crucial parts of Rocky Horror Picture Show, the comedy cult classic which is at once hysterical, indispensable and truly disturbing. Innocent young lovers Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon) are stranded when their car breaks down, so they are forced to seek refuge in the castle of the bizarre Dr. Frankenfurter (Tim Curry), who is having a gathering of some kind... What ensues is an unforgettable night of music and madness where, like a circus act, you never know what's going to come next. Adding to the madness is the narration of the criminologist (Charles Grey), who, in omnipotence, recounts the whole story from the comfort of his genteel study. There are the servants Riff Raff (Richard O’Brien, the genius who wrote the entire musical) Magenta (Patricia Quinn), Riff Raff’s sister and the maid. There is also Columbia (Little Nell Campbell) a maid/former lover/entertainer and general house about. Of course, there are pre-designed spots for audience participation - from being doused with spray bottles to throwing popcorn at the screen to getting up from your seat and dancing along to the incomparable "Time Warp". By the end of the night, fantasies will be realities, men will be women and everything will be explained - or will it?!?!?

9. Fiddler on the Roof. Musicals. Gotta love them. Isn’t it great when the characters just break out in song? Film version of the stage musical, based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem. Tevye the Milkman is a Jewish peasant in pre-Revolutionary Russia, coping with the day-to-day problems of 'shtetl' life, his Jewish traditions, his family (wife and daughters), and state-sanctioned pogroms. Originally entitled Tevye, the musical is based on Tevye and his Daughters, or Tevye the Milkman, and other stories originally published by the Russian Jewish author Sholom Aleichem in 1894.[1] The story centers on Tevye (played by Topol), the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while the world and civilization around him change rapidly. He must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters — each daughter's choice of husband moves progressively further and further away from established custom, and with the edict of the Tsar that upends his village.

10. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Another great musical. Adam (Howard Keel), the eldest of seven brothers, goes to town to get a wife. He convinces Milly (Jane Powell) to marry him that same day. They return to his backwoods home. Only then does she discover he has six brothers -- all living in his cabin. Milly sets out to reform the uncouth siblings, who are anxious to get wives of their own. Then, after reading about the Roman capture of the Sabine women, Adam develops an inspired solution to his brothers' loneliness . . . kidnap the women they want!

11. Oklahoma! Believe me this musical wouldn’t be forgotten. I watched I don’t know how many dozens of times. I’ve lived in Oklahoma (and unfortunately had to leave) but that has nothing to do with my love of the story or the songs! Set in the times of the early 1900s', the musical is partially about the Indian Territory becoming the state of Oklahoma. Curly (Gordon Macrae) is a stubborn cowboy who had trouble admitting his feelings to Laurey (Shirley Jones), as does she. They both love each other, but have much difficulty telling each other because of their stubborn behaviors and reputation. The story is also set around Ado Annie (Gloria Grahame) trying to choose between Will (Gene Nelson), who has strong feelings for her, and the peddler (Eddie Albert), who thinks he's a ladies' man and doesn't really want to marry her. Judd (Tod Steiger, talk about Twilight Zone…), Laurey and Aunt Eller's (Charlotte Greenwood) hired hand, tries to come between Laurey and Curly, because he is alone and has feelings for Laurey. Aunt Eller is a peppy and friendly middle-aged woman who pretty much knows everyone, and everyone respects her.

12. Mame (with Lucille Ball) or Auntie Mame (Rosalind Russell) The musical revolves around the antics of Mame Dennis, a fun-loving, wealthy eccentric with a flare for life and a razor sharp wit. Her life is suddenly changed when she becomes the guardian of her late brother's only child, Patrick Dennis. Her adventures take us from the speak-easies of the roaring 20's to the depression following the great Stock Market crash. She is rescued by a wealthy Southern plantation owner, marries and is widowed suddenly, and through it all, manages to keep things under control. With some help from her dearest friend, Vera Charles, she helps keep things at 3 Beekman Place a rousing free-for-all.

13. Yours Mine and Ours. I love this movie. The original with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda is my favorite but the one with Dennis Quaid and Rene Russo is pretty good. The modern one gets me because I think Dennis Quaid is just too damn sexy. Dennis Quaid is like Hugh Jackman for me. I’d watch anything they were in just to see their hot bods! Anyway Yours Mine and Ours: When a widower with 10 children marries a widow with 8, can the 20 of them ever come together as one big happy family? From finding a house big enough for all of them and learning to make 18 school lunches, to coping with a son going off to war and an unexpected addition to the family, Yours, Mine and Ours attempts to blend two families into one and hopes to answer the question Is bigger really better? In the original, which was based on a real story (the book is called Who Gets The Drumstick). In the movie Helen North (Lucille Ball) was a nurse at a naval base where she meets Frank Beardsley. In the modern remake Helen and Frank are high school sweethearts reunited at last.

Ok there you have it. Jinger’s top 13 favorite movies

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

OMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!

2007-07-02T11:57:00.000-05:00

This is SOOO awesome! All right well as you know, if you've been reading this blog, that I submitted my first novel (actually I guess its a novella?) to Samhain as part of their contest deal for an anthology, Strangers in the Night. It didn't make the cut and I was feeling low, but I took life by the balls and I submitted it to a new publisher, Resplendence Publishing. I saw that they were telling submitters that it would be a 6-8 week wait for replies. I could deal, I mean I understand submissions take a while to be read. Anyway, I submitted on Thursday and last night I received a request FOR THE FULL!!!

I hope I'm not breaking any taboos when I say one part of what the editor had to say. She said "I must tell you, for a while there, I forgot I was reading a submission, and that is a very good sign." CAN YOU BELEIVE IT???? I was and am so excited and happy!!!I really tried my best to make sure that my story was enthralling and apparently I did! I can't stop bouncing off the ceiling.

I know I must be realistic. The kind words are VERY promising but I also know that a request doesn't always garner a sale, but I'm so optimistic! If/when I do make the sale I will be shouting it all over the board and from my roof!

*Happy dancing in my seat.* Time for a celebration peice of Key Lime pie. If I make the sale it's going to be Tarantula Margarita night!

Will keep you all updated!

JJ (who is still floating!)

T13

2007-06-28T15:29:00.000-05:00

Thirteen of my favorite Songs

1. The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Real Puppet by Sonata Arctica
2. My Selene by Sonata Arctica
3. White Pearl, Black Ocean by Sonata Arctica
4. Tallulah by Sonata Arctica
5. White Night Fantasy by Nightwish
6. Call Me When You’re Sober by Evanescence
7. Sweet Child of Mine Guns and Roses
8. November Rain Guns and Roses
9. Mr. Crowley Ozzy Osbourne
10. Goodbye to Romance Ozzy Osbourne
11. Wolf and Raven Sonata Arctica
12. Big Balls AC/DC
13. Beth Kiss

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

I’m just popping my head in...

2007-06-12T11:55:00.001-05:00

...to say hello.

There has still been no word on my Egyptian Nights submission. My nerves are working over time and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate. According my horoscope I should be hearing something tomorrow. I also did a chain letter that assured me I’d hear news I’d been waiting for at exactly 10:12 a.m. Of course the magic eight ball told me it was definite no on the sale.

Now ask me if I believe any of that…yeah, that’s right the answer is no. I enjoy reading and seeing how much happens and how much is so general that it can be interpreted any shape I choose to interpret it.

Now if I hear the news that I did not sell the manuscript and the email is time stamped 10:12 I may just pass out. I also may have to change my views on the whole oracle deal.

I’ve got to get back to work but I wanted to pop in and say hello to everyone.

JJ

Hello!

2007-06-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

Well my work load just got very busy. I've got a project due in about a month so I won't be making any posts or able to do any Thursday Thirteens.

I should be finding out about Egyptian Nights around the 10th of the month so I'll be popping in for a minute to let you know if I made it or not. Other wise I'm going to have to make myself scarce.

Thanks for checking in with me and I hope to see you soon!
JJ

2007-05-31T10:48:00.000-05:00

Thirteen ideas for your summer activities:

1. Camping

2. Water Ski

3. Disney

4. Hang out by the pool

5. Go to the beach

6. Go to a theme/water park

7. Surf

8. Fish

9. Canoe

10. Boat

11. Go to the Lake

12. travel

13. picnic

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-30T13:24:00.000-05:00

T13

2007-05-24T11:39:00.000-05:00

There will be no T13 this week. After my explosion last week I've decided I need a vacation so I'm headed off to the lake for the weekend. Check me next week, I'll be back around Wednesday, maybe even Thursday.

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and don't forget why we have this time set aside.
Remember our brave troops, don't forget to hug your vet, and say a prayer for the fmailies of all our service people living or gone.

JJ

Wordless Wednesday

2007-05-23T12:37:00.000-05:00

2007-05-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

Jinger’s Thursday Thirteen Random Thoughts. You’d think this would be easy right? Just write whatever pops into my head. What a time for my mind to be a blank canvas! Be warned some of this is considered ranting and expresses my personal opinions. Just so you’re clear and go in with opened eyes.

1. I’m waiting to hear from the editor at Samhain to know if they liked Egyptian Nights or not. I’m praying they do! I really want to sell this book!

2. I’m working on a new project for an open call submissions to Samhain. A shape shifting novel about a were cat. Here is the low down: Almost two hundred years ago Sebastian Quinn was a selfish rich man. He took his pleasure from whatever woman offered them but he gave nothing in return. One day he took advantage of the wrong girl. Her father placed a curse on him. Now he’s doomed to spend an eternity having to deny the passions he’s always given in to. Each time he is aroused he shifts into a black panther and he will remain in his shifted stare from the moment of the urge until the following morning. The only way to break the curse is to find a woman who is willing to love him despite what he is. One who would be wiling to be with him despite his animal side. Harley Danberg is a strict bachelorette. She’s tired of the dating scene and is ready to just coast through life for a while. But the first time she meets her brother’s new neighbor all she can think about is how hot Sebastian is. She becomes more interested and tries to spend time with him but each time they’re together Bastian changes from steamy hot to ice cold and he disappears from her life for days at a time. Tired of the constant mood swing she decides to give him up. After the last ditch she’s seriously frustrated and heads to his house to tell him off. When a large black panther meets her she’s freaked beyond belief. When that panther traps her in the house she’s more frightened than she’s ever been. Or so she thinks until she watches as the black fur fades and Bastian stands before her. Scared and confused it’s her turn to run as far and as fast as she can. When he shows up at her door spouting about the curse and how she is the only one who can help she’s left with a decision. To help work the Night Magic or to push him away.

3. Babies. I absolutely LOVE babies! How can anyone not like one? Yes when they cry it makes me a little crazy. When they’re left to scream uncontrollably it makes me want to tear out my hair. But there is something so wonderful about a baby. The sweet little faces. The soft skin. The tiny fingers and toes. The little nose. Babies are so wonderful! Yes, there is going to be one in our family by end of December first of January. It scares me to death. The world as it is. The insanity of the people, the unjust actions by those in authority, the lack of any compassion on the part of other human beings. Yeah I’m scared to think about what this baby is coming into and God knows I wish I could fix this world!

4. Gas prices. Can anyone explain this bullshit to me? “Well we have to pass on our cost to the consumer”. Umm Okay. But if your company reports revenues in the black of over a billion dollars is it really necessary to squeeze every last drop of blood from all the working turnips? Hello! If we cant afford gas to get to work then we loose jobs. We loose jobs you won’t have any of us to buy gas and therefore your bottom line will fade from black to red in no time flat! Get off your fat stuffed Asses and give back for a change!

5. Network TV. Okay. Here’s a biggie. Now obviously I don’t have an issue with sex. I mean lets look at the facts here. Consider what I write, ya know? But the so-called Prime time programs, hell I can’t even stand to watch most of them. There is no family hour anymore. Anything that is on between the hours of 7 and 10 (CST) is not worth allowing the family to see. None of the shows are without sex. The comedies? Filled with sexual innuendos and foul language. The dramas? Glorifying rape, pedophilia, and violence. The reality TV shows? Please! Now there is nothing for a family to sit down and watch together. The few shows that are at least tolerable, things like Jericho, Close to Home, shows along those lines, are being cancelled in favor of more crap.

6. Spend time with your kids. It’s your responsibility as a parent to know what’s going on in their lives. It’s your job to teach them proper respect, discipline, compassion, caring, kindness to others. It’s your job to make sure they know the rules and how to play the game. Don’t expect the over worked, underpaid teachers who aren’t allowed by law to discipline your kid anyway be stuck with the entire burden of teaching them not only a scholastic education but a social one as well.

7. The EPA. Yeah, I know I’m probably the minority vote here but I’ve got a bee up my ass and since I’m spouting random thoughts here anyway here goes. Get your pencil leads out of your Asses. Here’s my bitch, okay one of many regarding our lovely EPA. You’ve whined and cried and hugged so many trees you’ve got the bark texture permanently embedded into your skin. You’ve decided to force the issue and have now made it illegal for us to ride ATVs in the national forests. Good for you, ya assholes! The forest was made for all to enjoy right? Well lets think about our elderly who enjoy the out doors and depended on their ATVs for the ride in the woods. Stop laughing! I know plenty of 80 year olds who still ride ATVs. Now thanks to your crybaby act they can no longer visit the forest.

The veteran who lost a limb due to the service to this nation. They need the ATV for when they go hunting. OH GOD FORBID they should HUNT! Lets jerk them out of the ATV.

The child who is disabled but received a helmet so he/she could ride with mom or dad during an outing to the woods. Nope sorry! You have to walk. What, you can’t? Well too freaking bad! No forest for you.

Who the hell do you think you are??? What right do you pencil pushing buttheads have to take away our enjoyment? I know what the deal is. You’ll close it down for a few years and then you’ll work your friends and lobbyists to make sure that everyone who wants to ride in the woods has to buy a sticker, paying money into your pockets for something they should’ve always had the right to enjoy.

See you’ve made it easier for pot growers to do their jobs undetected. When we could ride in some places there were people who had the “farms” but because of riders and visitors they had to cut off and move. Now you’ve given them an open invitation. Good job! How much of their profits are you sharing in?

If you’re so concerned about conservation, and believe me I do believe in conservation, stop the logging! Make them stop cutting down the woods.

8. Gun control. Get over it people! I enjoy my guns. I believe everyone should have one. I also believe you need to be cautious. Keep a trigger lock on the gun when not in use. Empty the gun and store the gun and ammunition separate unless you’re using it. Keep all guns and ammo locked in a gun safe. Teach your child gun safety at an early age. Most of the states have gun safety education classes offered for kids and adults. Take advantage of these (usually free) classes.

9. People who are against any form of capital punishment. I’m tired of the bleeding heart thing. You have a responsibility as a parent to teach your child right from wrong. They need to be spanked on occasion. NOT BEATEN, NOT ABUSED, but spanked. Using the proper training technique you can greatly reduce the stress in your life, in your child’s life and to the rest of the world.

People are crying about the ever-growing violence of children today. What did you expect? Lets see: entertainment world, Movies like the Saw series are grossing multimillion dollars and they do nothing but glorify pain and torture. Television shows, pain, murder. Music, sex, violence. Video games? Forget about it! They even have allowed some freak to make a game out of the Virginia Tech massacre because he thought it would be fun and he felt sympathy for the gunman. He’s making a bit of money already. Does that tell you how sick our world is?

Capitol punishment for prisoners: Do not even try to tell me it costs more to kill an inmate on death row than it does to keep him for the rest of his life. Bull. If someone has committed a crime that makes them eligible for life in prison then maybe you should be looking at the death penalty. Over crowded prisons are constantly being whined about. There’s a quick cure. State following through with the death penalty that’s been assigned and if your state doesn’t have it, bring it back! As it is right now most prisoners have it better than a lot of working class citizens.

Prisons provide free education. They offer three square meals a day, recreational facilities, entertainment, free health care. Free to the prisoners while the average working Joe is stuck footing the bill. The retired or elderly can’t get descent health care, but the man/woman in prison gets all their medications provided free of charge to them.

A workingman can’t afford to provide a descent meal for his family because his pay went into the gas tank. A con gets a good hot meal.

Since when was prison going to a country club? Jail is supposed to be a punishment for god’s sake!

10. You’d think I could come up with more to rant about right? Or come up with something more positive? I’ve lost my steam I’m afraid. I’ve let it all loose. Senior Citizens and the Elderly. WE need to spend more time with the older generations. There is so much wisdom to be found in them! Kids today and the older ones should be required to spend at least an hour with each other every week. Talking with and listening to each other. They could learn something from one another. I love being with my grandparents. They always are able to teach me something I never knew and it makes them feel like they’re able to do something worthwhile too. Older people just want to feel needed. So head over to an older person home, or even a retirement home and sit down with someone. Introduce yourself to a stranger and sit to talk with them. Show an interest and I know you’ll be rewarded even id its just because you put a smile on someone’s face.

11. Spring cleaning is here and I know many of us are emptying closets or attics. We’re coming across clothes, books, albums, and toys. I’d like to suggested you clean what you can and take them to donate them to different places. Take old books to the senior homes or hospitals. Take clothes to the local women’s shelter. Take toys to the children’s homes. Sure you might be able to make some money by having a rummage sale, but think of the happiness and helpfulness you’d be providing by your donations!

12. Next time your in the grocery store grab a couple of extra cans of vegetables if you can and store them up. Then after you’ve collected a bit take it to your local food pantry. There are others out there much less fortunate than you are and could use the thought.

13. Each week there are pet supply coupons in the paper. Why not take a few minutes to clip a few then use them at the store (if you can). Grab a can or two of dog or cat food or some other supply and drop it off at the local shelter. Sometimes they’ll accept the coupons themselves and use them to help in the funding of the care of the animals.

14. Yeah I know I’ve added one. How about a coupon party? Get together with friends on a lazy afternoon or even evening and clip out all your coupons together. Share and trade them. No you can’t use multiple coupons on the same item, but you can use them on separate ones. So you get a dollar off a bottle of shampoo. Two of the coupons and you’ll get 2 bottles for about the same price as one.

Do I sound like a soapbox stander yet? I’m very passionate about so many things and sometimes I just can’t keep my mouth closed. If the suggestions I made can be used, go for it and I’m happy to have said something. If I’ve offended for that I’m sorry but at least it got you thinking right?

Anyway. I promise to be more formalized next week…I hope!
JJ

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Blog Things Quiz 1

2007-05-16T10:34:00.000-05:00

So I'm trying to come up with fun things to post that don't require alot of thinking on this end. I'm in the middle of working on a second book to submit to Samhain for query and my brain is becoming non functioning unless its working on this story. So I'm going to be posting Blog Thing quiz results and then I'll still be doing the T13s.

So for my first quiz: How Hot Are Your Kisses?

Your Kisses Are Spicy and Wild

Your kisses are powerful stuff. They'll start a fire in almost anyone you kiss.
You kiss with passion, skill, and endurance. Anyone who kisses you is in for a long, intense ride.
You better watch out though. Your incredible kisses are likely to get you in trouble!

How Hot Are Your Kisses?

Hop over and try this quiz for yourself and let me know what your heat level is!

Gotta Run!
JJ

T13 time again!

2007-05-10T12:03:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling more wild this week so I thought I'd list the thirteen places I've enjoyed sex.

1) The back of a horse. YIPPEEKIYAAYY! I'm telling you that rhythm is rocking good times!

2)The back of a Harley. This one was more tricky, challrnging, but well worth it!

3) Under an oil derek in Oklahoma. Out in the middle of the feild under the shade while the sun warmed the ground...

4)Hay stack in an old barn. Itchy yes, but so much fun!

5)The cat walk at a cattle auction. WOOHOO talk about the thrill of posible discovery!

6)The seat of an ATV in the middel of the woods. A little easier than the Harley but still a challenge.

7)A creek in the woods. A private retreat and while I can't put my finger on what it is about doing it in the water I can say I love to repeat the performance!

8) A blanket in the park. This one is another thrill of possible exposure deal. Always makes sex more fun!

9)Middle of a corn field. (Are we noticing a theme here?)I love doing it outside. Bedrooms are great, don't get me wrong. My bedroom, a hotel room, the bedroom of the cabin in the middle of the woods, but being in the open is so freeing!

10)The back of a 1966 Mustang Fastback.

11)The back seat of a 1965 Caddilac Coupe de Ville

12)The backseat of a VW Beetle. This one was NOT easy in the least! If you've tried the Harley and the ATV you MIGHT be ready for the back of a Beetle. It takes some mighty manuevering!

13)A john boat in the middle of the river. Rocking in the waves. UMM! Just be careful, the john boat we used was aluminum and after being in the sun that metal got damn hot! Also the rocking can be a little unnerving, the worry of being flipped out of the boat. But its well worth it!

And those are 13 of the places I've had sex. There are so many more places to explore and I think its time I got busy finding new, exciting places!

If you've never tried the places I mentioned you don't know what you're missing and I think you should give it a shot. Release your inhibitions and have a rocking good time!

See you soon!
JJ

T13 Flowers

2007-05-03T12:20:00.000-05:00

I was going to do my 13 favorite places to have sex, my 13 favorite positions or something along those lines but I'm feeling rather tame today so here are my favorite flowers instead!

Favorite flowers

1. Calla Lily

2. Peony

3. Pansy

4. Viola

5. Snapdragons

6. Iris

7. Roses

8. African Violets

9. Hyacinth

10. Tulips

11. Lavender

12. Sunflower

13. Jonquil

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Hey y’all!

2007-05-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry I’ve absent lately. Life has been getting in the way but hopefully things will tame down now. I’ll be back on tomorrow doing my T13 list for sure.

I’m getting so anxious to hear about my first book Egyptian Nights. I’m really hoping this is the one that gets my foot into the door. I’ve got several others I want to get written and I guess we’ll see how well I can do with them. Writing time is so hard to find when you have a life outside of the world in your mind. I’m longing for the day when all I have to do is sit and write. Does that ever happen? I mean honestly, does Nora Roberts have all the time in the world to sit in front of her computer screen and just write? Not that I’ll ever get to the status of Nora Roberts (although the dream is so nice!) How about J.K. Rowling? With her wild success in the Harry Potter books and movies can she just sit back and watch the dough roll in? Is she able to sit in front of her computer and develop new worlds? Does she have to split her focus?

Man I’d love to try their lives even if it was just for a couple of days! Maybe they don’t get to sit back at their desks and eat bon bons all day while the money is delivered into their accounts. Maybe they have someone who does the typing for them? Speculation is so great!

I know no one has the perfect life, but seeing people succeed in the world you are dying to live in is frustrating. It’s hard to keep the jealousy at bay. But then again they all started at the bottom of the slush pile didn’t they? While I’m wildly jealous of their success I think it’s so awesome to see them make it in a world that is so subjective. There was and is a lot of hard work in getting to where they are and keeping the rhythm. May they have tons of continued success and may all of us who are struggling, just in the beginning of our careers or those who are on the shelves almost every month, MAY YOU CONTINUE TO FLOURISH NO MATTER WHAT stage of publishing life you may be in!!!

I’m going back to my fretting and trying to tackle the next project in my list of to be written stories. See you tomorrow!

JJ

T13 Men I'd do

2007-04-26T12:02:00.000-05:00

This is a list of men that I'd do in a heartbeat.

1) Hugh Jackman
2) Rob Morrow
3) Oded Fehr
4) Matthew McConaughy
5) Tyler Mane
6) Richard Roxbury
7) Ewan McGregor
8) Toby Keith
9) Jay Tevaro
10) Sebastian Bach
11) Vin Diesel
12) Stuart Townsend
13) Heath Ledger
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
Get the Thursday
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

2007-04-12T18:17:00.001-05:00

Thirteen Things about Jinger Jackson

My favorite Songs from the Eighties:
1. Goody Two Shoes Adam Ant (Does anyone remember him???)
2. Take On Me by Aha (There was something about the video!)
3. Hotel California by the Eagles (The imagery this song evoked!)
4. I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
5. Lick it Up by Kiss (KISS! Need I explain further?)
6. Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benetar (Excellent song)
7. Close My Eyes Forever by Ozzy Osborne and Lita Ford (Ozzy and Lita! A match made in heaven!)
8. Heaven by Warrant (Hot guys. Love song. Yeah no doubt!)
9. When the Children Cry by White Lion (Again. Hot Guys…)
10 I Remember You by Skid Row (SEBASTIAN BACH!!!!!!!!)
11. I’d Die For You by Bon Jovi (Jon rocks and Concert was AWESOME!!!!)
12. Run to the Hill AND Flight of Icarus by Iron Maiden (Excellent songs! The imagery, the story in the music. The concert was the BEST!!!)
13. My all time favorite: The Flame by Cheap Trick

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Needed new

2007-04-11T11:44:00.000-05:00

I wanted a change. I had originally seen this blog template and fell in love with it but the new blogger wasn't accepting the code. Thank you whoever you were who wrote instructions for those of us who want to use Caz's AMAZING templates on our Blogs!

If you haven't checked out Caz's offerings I suggest you head over there and do so! The link to the site is in the credits at the bottom right of the screen.

You'll also note I changed the image for my profile pic. In honor of my submission I'm doing the Egyptian thing. I'll be keeping Egyptian theme in the profile pix until I can announce my sale (God willing!) Unfortunately I can't credit the artist. I apologize because I can't remember the artist's name but the picture itself is called "Legend". If I can ever come across the name of the artist I will pass it on.

I joined MySpace! Find me on MySpace and be my friend! Join me, won't you?

Gotta boogie!
JJ

Did it!

2007-04-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

My first time was Friday and god was I nervous! No not that time. Gee that first time is long past...well not that I'm that old but...ah hell anyway I submitted Egyptian Nights to the editor on Friday and I'm so anxious! The last day to be able to send anything in for that particular book anthology is June 1 and they will be contacting the lucky authors around June 10th.

I'm so nervous! I ate an entire carton of yogurt, at least half a dozen chocolate eggs, some reece's peanut butter eggs and i dont know how many pairs of bunny ears, and that was just on Fruday evening alone!!!

I tried to avoid over eating all weekend but everytime I thought about the submission my nerves jangled and I ended up popping whatever was handy into my mouth. I think I gained 5 pounds so far this weekend! Man this isn't good!

Well I've got to find something else to focus on so I'm going to open up another book file and see what I can work on now. See you all soon!

JJ

I've been Tagged

2007-04-05T11:34:00.000-05:00

My friend, romance author Rebecca Goings tagged me on her blog. Now mind you I'm still a virgin, well when it comes to cyberspace stuff anyway. So I'm just jumping in with both feet. I have to list 5 things I obsess about. Only 5??? Damn I'm going to have to narrow that puppy done to the top.

1) My writing. I was born to be an erotic romance author. That's all I want to do...ok wait. As far as a job goes thats all I want to do. If I tried to do what I really love doing for a living I'd be arrested for damn sure!

2)My dogs. I'd be lost without the little demons. They yap and bark quite alot but they're my babies and I wouldn't part with them for anything

3)Sex. When it comes to sex I've tried everything at least once. If I liked it I did it twice. Sometimes I even went back for thirds.

4)Research. For my writing I do as much research as possible. I enjoy learning new things and seeking new experiences. Unfrotunately I get so lost in my research that I sometimes forget to come out of my shell.

5)Art. I can get lost for hours in museums or looking at online galleries. The sensual, the unusual, the abstract, all are things I relish.

I guess my 5 are pretty lame huh? I'm supposed to tag 2 other people but honestly? I don't know alot of people out there with blogs so I'm going to tag the only one I visit daily. Her name is Donica Covey. She's an author who has published a couple of really amazing books. Of course they're tame books, not like the stuff I write. Anyway, Tag website too!

If any of you have stumbled across this blog and want to join in please do! Just drop a comment in my slot and leave me a link with your blog. I'll hop on over and give you a shout!

JJ

Art

2007-04-04T12:14:00.000-05:00

On this blog not only will I be telling you about my writing, keeping you posted step by step along my way to publication but I'm also going to be spotlighting different artists.

The picture I have on my profile is by an artist named Luis Royo. For his website and more information please follow the link: http://www.luisroyo.com/ Some might find his art odd, unusual offensive or even perverted. I'm captivated by his work. There is so much talent! He not only produces works of sensual nature but images of fantasy, and even historical western influence.

I'm going to add a few images to this post but I hope you'll head over to his gallery and check out all of his work! There really is something for everyone! There are several art books from Luis Royo so make sure you head to your local bookstore and ask about them!

May your dreams be hot and your realities hotter!
JJ

Hey Everyone!

2007-04-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

I'm back! I had a blogger before. Actually this morning I think I ended up making 3 or 4 more. I'm not computer literate so I'm doing this all by chance. I'm trying to get this blog up and moving because I've gotten back on the horse and am working on a submission for Samhain Publishing.

Let me tell you this is a hot one! I've got to get back to it I just wanted to bop on and try to get my new account set up. See you all soon!

May your dreams be hot and your realities hotter!
JJ