We’re only a little over a month into 2009, but already my best laid writing plans have been turned upside down. The day job has been extremely chaotic, demanding and stressful, so my writing has taken a backseat to all the tension and anxiety.

Despite all that, I’m determined to get my writing back on track. I’ve been floundering since returning from Mexico, and I finally realized that, on top of all the work stress, I’ve been moving away from the kind of writing that really calls to me.

I made that critical mistake all authors are warned not to make: I started thinking I should chase the market, or try to do what everyone else has been doing. In the meantime, I forgot what made writing so much fun for me in the first place. So a few days ago, I let my muse run free. I grabbed a notebook, went to a coffee shop and wrote. By the time I was done, I had characters I already cared about (even though I didn’t know much about them), and a scenario that really intrigued me.

So now I’m commited to developing this spark of an idea into a new book. It’s time I make writing a priority again–and the only way I’ll do that is by following my muse… wherever she may lead me.

I’m six days away from my annual vacation to Mexico, and I’m just now getting around to pulling last year’s pictures off the camera. *blush* Better late than never, right?

Here’s a quick peek into our experience at Secrets Excellence, a fabulous resort in the Mayan Riviera.

(Click on images for larger versions.)

From my personal journal:

It’s been a long time since I’ve indulged in journaling. And truth be told, it’s been a strange year. I’ve felt out of sorts; out of touch with myself.

I’d like to blame the strangeness on the move to Austin (and subsequent move back), but I was feeling disenchanted with various things long before that. If anything, the move provided me with a great excuse to explain why my writing had stalled, why my motivation waned, why things that once used to give me butterflies no longer did.

I still can’t say things are back to normal. For the most part, I’m no longer sure what normal is. But I’m happy–if somewhat confused about my goals and general direction. At the moment, I don’t think I can ask for more than that.

Photo by Windy Angels 

I’m a sucker for a fun quiz. Most are mildly entertaining, yet I’ve found very few to be as accurate as this one. I’m born under a Cancer sign, but I certainly didn’t expect it to guess that from my physical appearance.

Try it. You might be surprised, too!

You Look Like a Cancer

It’s likely you have a bit of a baby face. People think you’re younger than you are. You have prominent cheeks and a very expressive jaw. You usually have a big smile.Your feet and hands tend to be a bit small compared to the rest of you. Not that the rest of you is all that big. You’re probably a bit shorter than average.Like most Cancer people, you are probably incredibly compassionate and kind. You have a big heart. You are also shrewd, intuitive, and wise. No one’s going to take advantage of you.

While my neighbors to the south are celebrating Thanksgiving, I find my thoughts turning toward being grateful. Of course I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my health, the income from my day job. But I’m also thankful for my writing.

In no particular order, here are a few writing things in particular I’m grateful for:

1. Being published – I know most successful authors write for the love of it first. I never have. Yes, I love it — but that love is secondary to the end goal.

2. Being e-published – We’re hearing so many stories of NY publishers having trouble, folding or simply closing to submissions. I’m grateful for the freedom I have, for the encouragement to express my creativity, and for the steady paychecks.

3. Recovering my writing mojo – I thought my motivation, drive and ambition had all dried up. They hadn’t. They just went into hiding for 18 months, while I discovered I wasn’t being true to myself. It wasn’t an easy lesson to learn, but I’m grateful for it.

4. My editors – I’m a lucky, lucky author. I have supportive, encouraging editors who demand the best I can give them. I’ve learned more from Mary, Cathy and Maryam than from all the writing books I’ve ever read put together.

5. My support system – The Creative Frenzy ladies, the Total Exposure gang… you all keep me going when I want to give up for good. I’m grateful you haven’t let me. And of course, my husband. I couldn’t write if he didn’t provide the inspiration and environment to do so.

6. The 2,000 books in my TBR pile - In my world, writing begets writing. Reading begets even more writing. The less I read, the less I write. It’s a simple equation.

7. My computer - I’m not a fan of writing by hand. Electronic tools, like my computer, my word processing software and the Internet, all make my job much, much easier.

8. Authors who share their experience with the rest of us – I learn a lot by listening to other authors. I take courses, I lurk on writing forums, I read blogs, and I’m tremendously grateful for every bit of information other authors are willing to share.

9. My critique partners - My books wouldn’t be anywhere near as good if not for my wonderful, supportive, patient CPs. I’m so grateful for you.

I know there are many more items I’m forgetting, so let’s hear yours. What writing-related things are you grateful for?

Image via WikipediaAll right, it’s official. I’m registered for next year’s Romantic Times Convention. My plane ticket’s been bought. I’m all set.

I’m not staying as long as most RT goers. As I learned last year, 4 or 5 days is too much for me.

I’ll be arriving in Orlando on Tuesday, at 3pm. I’ll be heading back home on Friday, at 3pm. That should be perfect for me. I’m not going to be participating in any of the book signings, or promo lane. I’m attending to see friends, sit in on some publisher panels, and network.

I’m really looking forward to it!

Anyone else going?

I’m absolutely delighted to launch my new blog!

Savage Hunter wouldn’t exist without the hard work of the always-fabulous Fiona Jayde, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t begin this post by thanking her. She worked tirelessly for weeks to create the layout and implement it, and she put up with a ton of questions from me while she was at it. The woman’s a saint.

After taking a rather lengthy break from writing, I’m finally ready to get back into it on a regular basis. This blog is part of that commitement I’ve made to myself. In the coming weeks, you should see new posts up on a daily basis. Look for topics ranging from books, to love, to sex, to writing and everything in between.