Happy Labor Day!

Posted on September 1, 2014 by Ann Roth

I’m all about hard work and that feeling of accomplishment when a task is completed. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than watching the pages in a work in progress add up. Plodding along, adding those seemingly small chunks of daily pages, until suddenly the rough draft of a novel is finished and I type, The End.

Fabulous feeling! Of course, those words don’t mean the work is finished, not by a long shot. But the story is written. Now it’s ready for editing and polishing, which often take just as long as the process of writing the first draft.

Sometimes though, we all need to step back and refresh. Today is Labor Day, a day to acknowledge and celebrate all workers. If you have to work today, we can all still celebrate with gratitude and a big thank-you. If you are lucky enough to have the day off, take a moment to appreciate yourself for all that you do.

Until Wednesday, and Happy Labor Day to one and all,

Ann

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Crazy Is as Crazy Does… Or Maybe Not

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Ann Roth

One of Jackson Pollock ‘s many paintings

I never understood Jackson Pollock’s work–and then I visited a whole room of his paintings at MoMA New York. They were huge and puzzling, but as I stood before one particular oil painting, I got all tingly and excited. Then I chuckled.

Why? Because looking at the painting was liking looking into my own mind. Yep, it’s messy in there.

Such is the working of the creative mind. And that’s all I’m going to say about it. 🙂

Until Wednesday, and wishing you a mind filled with creativity and a healthy sense of humor,

Ann

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Don’t Worry… Be Happy

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Ann Roth

So true. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years on this planet, it’s that trying to please others never works. Mainly because I can’t control what other people think or care about.

Making money for money’s sake isn’t the answer, either. Not that I’m against making money. 🙂 But no amount of financial riches will make a person happy, not deep down, where it counts.

What I can control are my own thoughts and pleasing myself. Setting concrete, achievable goals and taking the necessary steps to get there… As Einstein says in the quote, this is the ticket to a happy life.

Why concrete and achievable? Because pie-in-the-sky goals that are impossible to reach doom us to failure. Sure, it’s good to dream big, and I do! But those concrete goals that can be measured in small steps and that I can eventually reach–they are golden. Bonus: they could even lead toward achieving those big dreams.

Reaching a goal is so satisfying! But don’t stop there. Once you reach that goal, it’s time to set another. After you reach it, set another.

Food for thought, yes?

Until Wednesday, and wishing you goals that you can achieve,

Ann

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Negativy, negativity everywhere… Protect yourself!

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Ann Roth

Great quote. And with negativity all around us, so, so necessary. Given internet, newspapers, email, FaceBook, Twitter, and so many other channels spreading news and information (as well as misinformation and what I call “mis-news”) it’s sometimes difficult to maintain a positive outlook.

For this very reason, a friend and I use what we call our invisible shield. I use mine all the time to protect myself from negativity. I close my eyes and mentally place the shield around myself, especially my head. I can hear the negativity (after-all, I like to know everything I can about things) without internalizing it.

Try it! You’ll be glad you did.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you a week filled with positivity,

Ann

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Let’s All Go to the… Story?

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Ann Roth

I happen to enjoy movies, TV shows, plays, musicals–just about anything watchable.

But books….

A book can take me where no visual entertainment can, delving deep into a character’s pysche. Finding out what makes them tick, what they’re afraid of and what they truly desire… That’s what I want.

I have a confession, though. As a writer myself, I can’t help but read with a critical eye to how I’d improve on the story had I written it. That said, a truly good book, one in which I am captivated and engrossed, soon takes me beyond any kind of critiquing. I love that, love when I lose myself in a story. Visualizing the characters, feeling what they feel, and often wishing they knew what I knew so that they’d make more informed choices, finding out what happens next and next and next until the story ends–it doesn’t get better than that.

All this talk about books has revved me up. I think I’ll go outside, find a shady tree, sit down and read.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you a book that carries you away,

Ann

Visit me at my Facebook Author page https://www.facebook.com/AnnRothAuthorPage
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There’s No Place Like… Rome? Nome? Nope… like Home

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Ann Roth

I guess you could call me a homebody. Sure, I love to travel… But I love to come home even more. 🙂

Recently (Saturday night) I flew home from San Antonio, Texas, where I attended the fabulous Romance Writers of America conference. I’ve never visited San Antonio before and I loved what I saw of it. I was busy–way too busy– to visit much of the city, but I was fortunate to tour the Alamo and the Manger Hotel, which is supposed to be haunted. If only I could’ve taken the ghost tour! Unfortunately, those tours happened only in the evening, after the sun set and the temperature began to drop. There was so much going on at night that I couldn’t get away.

All in all, it was a wonderful conference. I caught up old friends and made new ones. Talked writing and publishing and exchange information. Networked. Participated in the annual RWA literacy autograph signing, where every penny earned is donated to various literacy organizations. Sat in some great workshops–and taught one, too.

I also managed to snag a few quiet moments. Our hotel sat right on the San Antonio River Walk, which has a lovely path along the river to walk along and relax. I did manage to sneak in a walk here, and thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A peek at the San Antonio River walk

But coming home? Such a terrific feeling. Here are two views of Seattle taken from the window of a plane. I didn’t take either one, but these photographers did a super job.

Aerial view of Seattle in early evening

Another aerial view of Seattle

Now I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work. On that note…

Until Wednesday, and wishing you a productive and enjoyable few days,

Ann

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Motivational Monday: Conference Time!

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Ann Roth

Tomorrow I leave for the Romance Writers of America Conference in San Antonio. I’m excited!

This conference will be attended by over 2,000 members and associate members of the Romance Writers of America. Wow, huh? I love this conference, where everyone writes and everyone understands what I do all day long. Plus, I get to catch up with editors, agents and writer friends– face-to-face instead of online. I also attend workshops and learn new things about craft and business of writing. And bonus: I get to party. In general, I’m not much of a party person. But at this conference, I am.

All these activities require various outfits–lots and lots of them. 🙂 I love to dress up, but sadly, usually don’t get the chance to do much of that at home. Here, I get to wear my nice stuff, and even change clothes once or twice during the day, depending on what’s up next.

If you plan to be there, please stop by and say hello at the literacy signing on Wednesday, from 5:30-7:30 pm. Over 500 authors will be signing books, and all proceeds will be donated to a literacy charity. Or drop in at my workshop on Saturday, from 11:00 am noon, Men and Women- We Really Are from Different Planets! You’ll learn some cool stuff.

In the meantime, I’ll be posting updates on my author FaceBook page, https://www.facebook.com/AnnRothAuthorPage, and on Twitter, @Ann_Roth.

Well, it’s time for me to get back to packing.

Excitedly yours, and until Wednesday,

Ann

Motivational Monday: Heat Wave and Deadlines

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Ann Roth

It’s hot! Here in Seattle, not many of us have air-conditioning. We usually don’t need it. But when we do… This is our 3rd or 4th day of temperature in the 90s, and the heat wave will continue through Thursday. People flock to coffee shops, malls and movie theaters to stay cool. We eat massive amounts of ice cream and popsicles, and drink gallons of ice water and cold drinks.

Thankfully, the nights are cooler. Put a fan in front of the open window, and a comfortable rest is guaranteed.

I am grateful to have slept well, especially over the past few days. On Friday, my editor asked that I cut 1,500 words from the book I turned in several weeks ago. The book ran long, and I’m lucky she didn’t want me to cut more! Still, paring down was a challenge. Not wanting to take away from the story in any way, I combed through the manuscript , carefully cutting phrases and words, and sometimes full sentences.

The end result? Not bad. I sent the shorter manuscript off today. Now I can focus on other things–just in time for the heat wave to break.

Stay cool and hydrated, and wishing you quick work of whatever challenges come your way,

Ann

Motivational Monday: Nurture Your Inner Child

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Ann Roth

The world seems to move faster every day. And the news–dismal at best. When life seems to get me down, I know it’s time to let my inner child out and pay attention to what she wants.

Laughing, playing, living in the moment–this is what kids do well. No dream is too big, no imaginary scenario too weird. Giving my inner child the freedom she doesn’t get nearly enough of makes her joyous and in turn refreshes and invigorates me.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, step away from your problems and let out your child. Roll up your pant legs and wade through the water. Buy a bottle of bubbles and blow bubbles everywhere. Laugh uproariously at something silly. Forget about the past and the future and stay right where you are, in the moment by moment.

Try it–just for a little while. You won’t be sorry.

Until Wednesday and wishing your inner child a big ol’ belly laugh.

Ann

Motivational Monday: Recipe

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Ann Roth

Fourth of July will soon be here, and I wanted to share my new favorite green bean salad recipe. This is so easy and delicious, and pretty too! Make several days ahead if desired, and store in refrigerator. Great served at room temperature, but cold is okay, too.

Green Beans with Red Onions and Olives

Dressing:

1/2 cup minced red onion
3 teaspoons balsamic or red-wine vinegar
3/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Additional Ingredients:

1 1/2-2 pounds fresh green beans, washed and cut in half (or frozen–but the whole bean kind if possible).

7-10 black or Kalamata olives (how many and what kind depends on your tastes, but I prefer Kalamata), pitted and chopped into about 8 pieces/olive

In a bowl, stir together dressing ingredients. Let sit while you cook the beans and chop the olives.

Steam beans until just tender. Don’t overcook! Pour on dressing while the beans are still hot. Stir in olives, mixing well. Cool to room temperature.

Enjoy!

Until Wednesday, and happy cooking!

Ann