tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90630538196396734172024-03-13T09:42:25.910-07:00Elvina Payet“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”
Chinese proverbElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-51929544548954241112012-10-23T02:52:00.002-07:002012-10-23T02:52:39.576-07:00Remember Me?Hi Everyone,<br />
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I can’t believe how much time has passed since my last blog. And what’s happened – and not happened – in that time.<br />
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My health seemed to get better for a while, then took a major nosedive. During that time, it was a daily struggle to just get out of bed and unfortunately, my writing suffered. No imagination, no inclination and no inspiration meant no writing.<br />
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Thankfully, things are slowly on the mend and I’m feeling better. Not 100% but certainly better. And now that I can dream and imagine again, the creative juices are somewhat flowing and I’m slowly getting back into the writing. It’s early days but time will tell.<br />
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I have two stories going at the moment – both paranormal – and one an old favourite. I’m resuscitating “An Angel’s Embrace” (now called Deadly Touch) and I’m hoping to send it out to agents and publishers in the next few months.<br />
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Another great achievement was an eight week holiday around the USA in the middle of this year. A trip I’d planned over 4 years ago and had to put on hold due to my crazy health. I won’t lie that tears were shed as I stood on a bridge in the middle of Chicago city and thought ‘I finally made it!’<br />
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I visited some amazing places – Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Washington, New Orleans, San Francisco, Monterey, San Simeon, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, Anaheim & around LA and Las Vegas. Phew! I’m still smiling, remembering all the fun I had and the 8,000 plus photos I took! <br />
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I had so much fun, I’m already planning my next big trip for 2015 – 8 weeks driving around the UK. I can’t wait!<br />
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Anyway, it’s only 8 weeks until the end of 2012 (another year gone and another birthday milestone reached!) and I intend to blog at least once a week and write/revise each night. Small steps to achieve big goals.<br />
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So, ‘speak’ to you soon.<br />
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Hugs<br />
Elvina<br />
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Elvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-81672348150524633312011-07-09T02:33:00.000-07:002011-07-09T02:38:57.854-07:00How Time FliesHello All,<br />It's been a while and you probably thought I'd dropped off the face of the earth...which in a way, I did.<br /><br />My health took a turn for the worse and there's been a lot of trial and error (mostly error) to get this body to behave. I'm still a 'work in progress' but some days it feels like one step forward, three steps back.<br /><br />Anyway, in the meantime, I'm sorry to say my writing has fallen by the wayside. It's hard to write when all your energy is focused on waking up each morning and surviving the day. Also, the brain cells weren't co-operating, so the writing was put aside for a while.<br /><br />But I'm happy to say that in the past few weeks, I'm back to reading, thinking of story ideas and writing a few paragraphs here and there. I'm working (fiddling) with a new paranormal story and taking each step slowly. I don't expect this piece to be sent to a publisher, but it's a stepping stone back into the writing world.<br /><br />So that's me for now. I'm planning to be regular with blog posts and hope to have a new website up and running in the next few months.<br /><br />Until then, happy reading and writing!<br /><br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-43670466396977451052009-10-20T02:24:00.000-07:002009-10-20T02:30:00.977-07:00Time for ReflectionHi All,<br /><br />It's been a while since I last posted.<br /><br />I've been busy - with another birthday milestone, some good things and unfortunately, some bad.<br /><br />I'm happy to report that I've emailed the Angel book partial to a publisher. Here's hoping the editor likes it.<br /><br />With continuing health problems, it's a time for reflection. It's hard to write when you can barely move and I believe the quantity and quality of my work has been greatly affected.<br /><br />For that reason, I've decided for the next 9 weeks until Christmas (scary, isn't it), I'm going to finish the Angel book revisions then rest and attack the to-be-read piles (yes, plural).<br /><br />Here's hoping 2010 brings with it - better health, a little bit of extra wealth would be nice, lots of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">movitation</span> and inspiration and a fabulous book idea or two.<br /><br />Keep happy and healthy.<br />Hugs<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-44994462509312064642009-08-17T02:54:00.000-07:002009-08-17T02:59:26.907-07:00Quick UpdateWell, another week has passed in a blink.<br /><br />The Romance Writers of Australia (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">RWA</span>) conference was held in Brisbane over the weekend and usually I attend, but ill health and circumstances meant I stayed at home and hung around Twitter to see the results.<br /><br />Congrats to all the winners. My great friend, Serena <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tatti</span>, was nominated for the Lynne Wilding Award for all the work she's done for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">RWA</span> but unfortunately didn't win.<br /><br />Another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRWG</span> member, Louise Reynolds, was a finalist in the Valerie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Parv</span> competition but unfortunately, she didn't win either.<br /><br />And to complete the trio, I didn't win in the Dawn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Halliday</span> competition. SIGH.<br /><br />But in great news, three <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRWG</span> members - Louise, Clare Jude and Dorothy Fisher - pitched to a USA agent and had their manuscripts requested. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">YAY</span> ladies! Good luck!<br /><br />So that's it for now...back to the revisions.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-50748998710576681922009-08-10T02:28:00.000-07:002009-08-10T02:43:47.026-07:00Happy Happy, Joy Joy!<div>Just a quick note to say that I had a wonderful day with the fabulous ladies of the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">MRWG</span>).</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>To top off the day, I enjoyed dinner with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">JEMS</span> (Josie, Margaret and Serena) and Serena's husband Ed. Great company, yummy food and lots of laughs.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/Sn_qia4p7pI/AAAAAAAAAIw/wef9Fx6EYXQ/s1600-h/serena+037.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368267157902323346" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/Sn_qia4p7pI/AAAAAAAAAIw/wef9Fx6EYXQ/s200/serena+037.jpg" /></a></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/Sn_qiE2OVSI/AAAAAAAAAIo/oSWX3nSo3j0/s1600-h/serena+033.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368267151986545954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/Sn_qiE2OVSI/AAAAAAAAAIo/oSWX3nSo3j0/s200/serena+033.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />Here's the gang in the left photo - at back, Josie & me.</div><div>In front, Serena, Ed and Margaret.</div><div> </div><div>In this photo, Josie & me.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The smiles continued today - I've just found out I'm a finalist with the Angel book. Hopefully, next week, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">there'll</span> be more good news!</div><div> </div><div>Bye for now.</div><div>Elvina</div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><div></div>Elvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-79737026334156591022009-08-01T18:30:00.000-07:002009-08-01T19:05:12.701-07:00Hello ThereAnother few weeks have passed in a blink.<br /><br />Time spent on doing staircase quotes during the day, the Angel book revisions at night, catching up with friends (especially the gorgeous <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">JEMS</span> - Serena, Josie and Margaret), seeing movies and trying to keep healthy.<br /><br />Some success on all aspects, so I'm happy.<br /><br />The next few weeks will be the same - I want to get the book finished and the health better.<br /><br />Until later....<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-86433322990002659692009-07-13T03:58:00.001-07:002009-07-13T04:04:42.316-07:00A New Romance Fan<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SlsUQuud8EI/AAAAAAAAAIg/cpcWJMCrRmI/s1600-h/MRWG+2009+Retreat+002.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357898459340730434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SlsUQuud8EI/AAAAAAAAAIg/cpcWJMCrRmI/s200/MRWG+2009+Retreat+002.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Here's my gorgeous niece, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zahra</span>, who at 20 months is already a romance fan.</div><div></div><div>And she's loving Fiona Lowe's latest book.</div><div><br />Bye for now.</div><div>Elvina</div>Elvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-15037133569711194842009-07-11T19:28:00.000-07:002009-07-11T19:32:49.401-07:00Another Month GoneHi All,<br /><br />Another month has flown and I've been busy.<br /><br />Busy with work, home stuff and fixing this crazy body.<br /><br />Success with some things, still trying with others.<br /><br />Not much to report writing-wise...but I am writing.<br /><br />Until later - keep happy and healthy.<br /><br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-5312891098741753782009-06-15T20:37:00.000-07:002009-06-15T20:54:10.509-07:00What A Weekend!Hi Everyone,<br /><br />Well, I had a truly fabulous weekend with twelve talented writers at Ocean Grove. The 3rd annual Melbourne Romance Writers Guild (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MRWG</span>) retreat went by in a blink with hours of laughter, chocolate, great food, chocolate, wonderful workshops, chocolate, and fabulous fun. Did I mention the chocolate?<br /><br />A few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lightbulb</span> moments for me – as with other attendees. Thanks to all you gorgeous and fabulous ladies that made this weekend all the more worthwhile.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347767504238245602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SjcWNh9_duI/AAAAAAAAAIY/AUqdixm5QFs/s200/MRWG+2009+Retreat+089.jpg" border="0" />Here we are in front of the "White House" - from left...</p><p>Front row: Marylou, Margaret, Charlie, Me</p><p>Second row: Ebony, Elizabeth, Sara</p><p>Back row: Serena, Cheryl, Sharyn (behind Cheryl), Lia and Margaret<br /></p><p> </p><p>I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ve</span> taken two days off work to relax and catch up with writing stuff. In a few days, I’ll be seeing my retreat buddies again as it’s the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MRWG</span> monthly meeting.<br /><br />More fun, great company and chocolate, of course.<br /><br />Until next time – keep those fingers tapping.<br />Elvina</p>Elvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-58289962111369832722009-05-24T01:47:00.000-07:002009-05-24T01:51:27.855-07:00Remember Me?Wow – another month has flown by since my last post.<br /><br />I wish I could say I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> been having fun – and I have – but not a lot since my back injury is still giving me hell.<br /><br />Mind you, with a fabulous new physio (God bless Ralph!), there has been a marked improvement. I can now move around without a hundred daggers stabbing me in the back and left leg. Oh, the pain is still there but much more manageable<br /><br />Anyway, not much writing done but hoping to change that in the next few weeks.<br /><br />Tomorrow, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MRWG</span> starts the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BIGFAT</span> event – “Bum Is Glued, Fingers Are Typing” where members endeavour to write something every day. A great motivator – and I definitely need it.<br /><br />And in a few weeks, I’ll be spending a wonderful weekend at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MRWG</span> annual retreat at the White House in Ocean Grove. It’s the third retreat we’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ve</span> had and I’m sure we’ll have lots of fun while taking part in workshops, critiquing and learning exercises.<br /><br />So if I don’t post for a while, you’ll know I’m just busy and having heaps of fun.<br /><br />Bye for now.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-56105213665878715102009-04-25T04:32:00.000-07:002009-04-25T04:37:46.983-07:00Time Goes ByHi All,<br /><br />Another few weeks have passed and it’s the same old, same old.<br /><br />Still ploughing through the Angel book, struggling to survive each day with intense back pain, wishing my bad health would go away overnight.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MRWG</span> meeting was last Sunday and fun was had by all – chocolate, chatter, laughter and writing stuff, of course.<br /><br />Not much else to report.<br /><br />Have fun!<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-64759993908734726612009-04-14T01:38:00.000-07:002009-04-14T02:11:57.835-07:00Easter FunHi All,<br /><br />Easter has come and gone – too fast.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SeRSl50SWmI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/6xHTAwvbMLs/s1600-h/Easter+2009+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324471470587533922" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SeRSl50SWmI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/6xHTAwvbMLs/s200/Easter+2009+012.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SeRSltMWP3I/AAAAAAAAAII/6OJJ0q6OWQI/s1600-h/Easter+2009+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324471467198791538" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SeRSltMWP3I/AAAAAAAAAII/6OJJ0q6OWQI/s200/Easter+2009+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lots of chocolates, hot cross buns, chocolates, family fun, chocolates and a fabulous Easter Egg hunt with my nieces.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SeRSlP60QCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/WTk6Bke633w/s1600-h/Easter+2009+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324471459340632098" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SeRSlP60QCI/AAAAAAAAAIA/WTk6Bke633w/s200/Easter+2009+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Aren</span>’t they SO cute!<br /><br />Bye for now<br />Elvina<br /><br /><br /></div>Elvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-89968749953892876822009-04-10T02:11:00.000-07:002009-04-10T02:13:01.244-07:00Happy Easter!Hi All,<br /><br />Just popping in to say HAPPY EASTER to you all.<br /><br />May the fluffy, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hoppy</span> critter bring you lots of scrumptious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">choccy</span> eggs.<br /><br />I can’t wait for Sunday when my gorgeous nieces will be here for our exciting Easter egg hunt. Will post photos later.<br /><br />Have fun!<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-56509561299155496512009-03-25T00:40:00.000-07:002009-03-25T00:42:12.577-07:00I'm Still Here...JustHi All,<br /><br />Not much to say...<br /><br />The days have flown, the fingers are tapping, the body still aching.<br /><br />Apart from that, nothing newsworthy to report.<br /><br />Bye for now.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-82965755725340519882009-02-13T23:15:00.000-08:002009-02-13T23:17:45.713-08:00A Week of Tears and LoveToday is the day of love..and don’t we all need it.<br /><br />In case you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> been in a time bubble, the past week has been one of horrific tragedy, senseless deaths and amazing heroism.<br /><br />The massive fires in country Victoria have taken a harsh toll – not just on the growing number of deaths, but the hundreds of homes and businesses lost and thousands of acres of bushland burnt to a crisp.<br /><br />I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ve</span> spent most evenings crying over the newspaper or during the news telecast. My heart goes out to all those affected by this ferocious natural disaster.<br /><br />We all can do our bit to help those unfortunate souls left homeless and destitute by the fires. As writers – and readers – we know the comfort and escapism a good book can provide during turbulent times. Now is no different.<br /><br />If you have any spare books - romance, children's, genre books, whatever – either new or in sparkling condition, please send them to:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">RWA</span> Bushfire Book Appeal<br />c/- 89 Rennie St<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Thornbury</span> Vic 3071<br /><br />Tomorrow, the wonderful ladies at the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MRWG</span>) will be gathering their books and making a huge donation to those who need it.<br /><br />I can’t believe another month has passed by and the meeting is here again. Where did the days go? Where did the goal of finishing my revisions disappear to? Oh well, there’s always next month.<br /><br />It will be great to see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MRWG</span> ladies and spend a few hours gas-bagging, celebrating our achievements with chocolate and most importantly, learning how to create a top-notch synopsis to blow our editors’ socks off!<br /><br />Until then….have fun!<br /><br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-3193689285104200792009-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:002009-01-23T16:27:28.247-08:00Plodding AlongA few weeks have passed and it’s the same old, same old.<br /><br />Back to work and stair quotes. Back to writing and the Angel revisions (which are coming on nicely). Back to life in general.<br /><br />Had the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MRWG</span> January meeting last Sunday, which went well. And we have new members appearing every month, which is fabulous.<br /><br />And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">YAY</span> to this long weekend for Australia Day. More relaxing time, more sleeping time and most important, MORE WRITING TIME!<br /><br />Keep those fingers tapping.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-77495091578051890112009-01-10T22:21:00.001-08:002009-01-10T22:21:55.951-08:00Keeping Those Fingers TappingHi All,<br /><br />Just a quick hello before the craziness starts next week – back to work (YUK).<br /><br />The holidays are over – sniff, sniff – and I only did a quarter of the things I wanted to. Including revising the Angel book.<br /><br />But I put bum to seat and fingers to keyboard the past two days and added 8,500 words to the book.<br /><br />Very happy with the progress and hoping to continue revisions this week before the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MRWG</span>) first meeting for 2009.<br /><br />Have fun!<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-69565670163558239942009-01-08T02:46:00.000-08:002009-01-08T02:55:00.768-08:00Me Very HappyDespite continuing health problems, 2009 (so far) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">isn</span>’t too bad. Hope I haven’t jinxed myself writing this!<br /><br />I’m very happy today as I have a new toy. A new printer/copier/scanner which works brilliantly.<br /><br />My old printer died a while ago after a confrontation with a HUGE spider – the spider <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">didn</span>’t do it but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">can full </span>of insecticide spray probably did. The spider was trying to find a place to hide and the printer was the most convenient. But not for me…<br /><br />Anyway, my new toy is wonderful…God help any spiders if they dare come near it.<br /><br />Writing wise, the revisions are going well. Chapters are being revised and the word tally is slowly increasing.<br /><br />Back to work on Monday, so hoping to get a bit more done on the “Angel” before then.<br /><br />Bye for now.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-70533880080955655492008-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:002008-12-31T16:31:55.915-08:00Happy New 2009!Hi Everyone,<br /><br />Where did 2008 disappear to? Gees, time flies and I think I had fun.<br /><br />There’s so much potential for this year for me, both life wise and writing wise. I normally don’t do resolutions because I forget them by the 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> of January, but now it’s different.<br /><br />For 2009, I have a plan – and I intend to tick off the bullet points one-by-one.<br /><br />For my family and friends (and blog visitors), I hope this year is one filled with health, joy, wealth, peace, more writing time and a book contract or two.<br /><br />If that’s not your thing, may your bullet points be ticked off your own 2009 life plan.<br /><br />All the best.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-61020582186521456012008-12-24T14:06:00.000-08:002008-12-24T14:08:26.571-08:00Festive Best WishesI wish you and yours all the joy, luck, blessings and best wishes for a safe and Happy Festive Season.<br /><br />May 2009 be one of happiness, health and prosperity.<br /><br />Love<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-85517137683171029932008-11-30T01:12:00.000-08:002008-11-30T01:15:03.654-08:00How Times Flies (as usual)Another few weeks have flown past in the blink of an eye.<br /><br />The Angel revisions are going slowly – very slowly – as the back is still playing up and it’s hard to be creative through the pain.<br /><br />Yesterday, I had a wonderful lunch with some writing buddies, celebrating birthdays past (including mine) and Christmas to come. Hours passed in seconds, with lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gasbagging</span>, food, laughs and presents.<br /><br />Today I had some down time, watching episodes of the USA sitcom “Pushing Daisies” which is a fabulous romantic dark comedy.<br /><br />I also did some chores including wrapping Christmas presents for the tree going up tomorrow. It’s bad luck to put up the tree before the 1st December, so I won’t go against tradition.<br /><br />And Lord, it’s only less than four weeks to Christmas. Where did the year go? And what happened to all those things I wanted to get done?<br /><br />Oh well, there’s always next year – which will be here before we know it.<br /><br />If I’m quiet in the next few weeks, it’s because I want to get a certain Angel polished and off to the New York publisher who requested it.<br /><br />Bye for now.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-18233849580733074142008-11-15T22:42:00.000-08:002008-11-15T22:43:40.118-08:00Plugging AwayHi Everyone,<br /><br />Well, I did it. The revisions on “The Tycoon” were finished this week and the manuscript sent off to New York.<br /><br />Now the waiting game…<br /><br />In the meantime, I have lots to do. Need to get back into revisions for “An Angel’s Embrace” and prepare for Christmas – FIVE weeks away. I am SO not ready for it. Bah Humbug.<br /><br />Today was a productive day spent with the wonderful ladies at the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MRWG</span>). Lots of chatter, laughter and chocolate. Great motivation to get back to writing tomorrow.<br /><br />But tonight I rest…what a busy weekend.<br /><br />That’s all for now.<br /><br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-62736183584462625022008-11-05T23:31:00.000-08:002008-11-05T23:32:49.325-08:00A Quick UpdateHi All,<br /><br />Just a quick note to update you on news.<br /><br />Getting back to life after my back and leg played up, meaning two weeks in bed resting. The only good thing about that was I had hours to finish revisions on “The Tycoon’s Toughest Adversary.”<br /><br />And it’s finished. Doing a final read-through and the manuscript will be mailed next week.<br /><br />Still taking things easy as the back slowly gets better. Returned to work yesterday and it’s been tiring but what can you do? The bills still need to be paid, etc.<br /><br />Anyway, next on the cards are the revisions on “An Angel’s Embrace.”<br /><br />Will post photos of my birthday celebrations when I can, including the wonderful surprise party given by Josie, Serena and Margaret on Tuesday. A fabulous day spent with some truly beautiful and special friends.<br /><br />That’s it for now.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-15283576059286386222008-10-04T02:59:00.000-07:002008-10-04T03:04:00.338-07:00Party Time AKA Hitting the Big 4-0It’s been a busy few weeks, writing wise and life wise.<br /><br />And yesterday was party time with my 40<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> birthday.<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hadn</span>’t planned anything (I don’t like parties) but ended up having the most perfect day.<br /><br />I arrived at work to find my office filled with helium balloons. My sister Joanne (who works with me) had made it up and it looked fabulous. Will post photos asap.<br /><br />The best bit was the special basket balloon she made for me. I want to go hot air ballooning as a 40<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> celebration and Jo made a smiley face balloon above a basket with a person in it. The card she gave me was beautiful and the little person in the basket had some money in it to add to my balloon trip fund.<br /><br />The day only got better.<br />A manager bought me lunch.<br />There was a yummy coffee walnut birthday cake for afternoon tea with a big card signed by all staff; and<br />The Managing Director gave me a beautiful <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Swarovski</span> crystal owl to add to my ever-growing owl collection (over 200 at last count). Truly gorgeous.<br /><br />Last night, the family came over for a celebratory dinner which topped a perfect birthday for me.<br /><br />Today was more celebrations, but now, back to reality.<br /><br />Back to revisions and life in general.<br /><br />Bye for now.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9063053819639673417.post-56560109154512012622008-09-15T04:03:00.000-07:002008-09-15T04:44:02.590-07:00Trying to Catch My BreathWow – where has two weeks gone?<br /><br />Trying to catch my breath and it’s not just because of this blasted cold I have. Or because I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span></span> been running around doing errands for my poor mum, Celine, who’s in hospital with pneumonia. Get better soon, mum!<br /><br />Revisions on “An Angel’s Embrace” are underway and I entered a USA competition with the revamped first chapter. Will hear late October if the judges loved or hated it.<br /><br />Very pleased to report that the very talented Margaret <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Midwood</span></span> has finished her revisions and sent them off to the HM&B UK office.<br /><br />My gorgeous niece, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Zahra</span></span>, turned ONE (where did the year go?) on Friday.<br /><br />Here are some photos of the little miss enjoying her party.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SM5FRtfGKBI/AAAAAAAAAGI/Yah1hzobO-c/s1600-h/Zahra"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SM5FRxkAScI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/gw5TgnNc53Y/s1600-h/Zahra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246206787597650370" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SM5FRxkAScI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/gw5TgnNc53Y/s200/Zahra%27s+1st+birthday+006.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SM5JzkpA1EI/AAAAAAAAAGY/4-tSr1BaWnY/s1600-h/Zahra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246211766291059778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SM5JzkpA1EI/AAAAAAAAAGY/4-tSr1BaWnY/s200/Zahra%27s+1st+birthday+028.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SM5J0P-FpNI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Wmj2rfmCsmk/s1600-h/Zahra"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246211777922180306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_etmyXhVt-AY/SM5J0P-FpNI/AAAAAAAAAGg/Wmj2rfmCsmk/s200/Zahra%27s+1st+birthday+044.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Isn't she just gorgeous!<br /><br />Finally, very happy to report that tonight I received a request from Silhouette Desire for the FULL manuscript of “The Tycoon’s Toughest Adversary.” <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">YAY</span></span>!!<br /><br />Will be giving it a quick read-through/revise, then it’s off to hopefully it’s new home. Yes, please!<br />So if you don’t hear from me (apart from the occasional scream of insanity), I’ll be deep in revising mode for the Desire AND the Angel book.<br /><br />That’s it for now.<br />ElvinaElvinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13363595702368794767noreply@blogger.com2