Dear Santa . . .

. . . I'm seeking representation for my 85,000 word Regency-set historical, . . . Whoops! That's a different letter. Let me start over.

Dear Santa,

I've been pretty good this year. I've cut back on adverbs, done very little telling as compared to showing, and even made decent headway with regard to dialogue tags. I know--I've been a bit naughty also. No need to pull out your list and rehash all that stuff. I'm working on it.

Anyway, since I've been a good little writer (mostly), I'm sending along my Christmas list:

• Books on craft -- I should have asked for a couple of these last year, instead of the J. Crew hoodie. I'll leave it to you to pick the titles, Santa. Just check my bookshelf to see if I already have them. (Chances are, I don't.)


• The Pride and Prejudice board game -- Thanks to the Seekers for posting this link. I can't wait to have a pawn in the shape of Elizabeth and frivously spend shillings.


• New writing pants -- They're back! Apparently, retailers are under the mistaken impression that flannel pyjama pants are a seasonal item. So, please bring me a pair or two to last me all year.

I appreciate your consideration and have enclosed a SASE for your convenience.

Fondly,

Anne B.

So, do you have reading or writing related items on your wish list? Please share so I'll have time to add to my list if necessary! ;)

Let's Visit Keli's Blog!

She's a much better blog hostess than I. She posts on a regular basis, gives away stuff, and always has clean hand towels in the guest bathroom. And today, her guest is . . . me!

The tell-all article you've been waiting for, "Confessions of a Self-Diagnosed, Recovering Procrastinator," hits Keli's blog today. Hope to see you there!

"Confessions" at Romance Writers on the Journey

How to be a Hero

Step 1: Start with a dire situation. Let's say you awake in the dead of night . . . to the vile stench of pure evil wafting through the castle. The princess is convinced a skunk has breached the outer walls of the keep.

Step 2: Endure suffering beyond measure. Though the odor is so thick you can taste it, so nauseating your stomach roils, act as though it doesn't bother you in the least. Stoically ignore the princess' nagging--er, gentle pleas to investigate, till you cannot any longer.

Step 3: Slay the intruder. Or at least scare it away. Or pretend you have. Be convincing, so that the princess is no longer distressed.

Step 4: Comfort the overwrought princess. Not only is this the kind and heroic thing to do, but it vastly increases your odds of getting back to sleep . And she will be eternally grateful.

• Where would we be without our heroes? What does your hero do that makes you swoon?