Thursday, October 27, 2005

Love, Love, My Season.

I think I scare people with my floridly emotional way of expressing myself.

I feel like a cup, always spilling over with feeling. When I try to hold back and behave in the expected accepted in with the in crowd way I come across as stiff and false.

When I'm being myself -- which ever self I happen to be at the moment, since my sense of self has never been very static -- people either get it and join in, or they throw up a nice fence and retreat. I never know how much of myself to keep or how much to give away.

One wonderful thing about writing is the freedom of expression. Readers want an emotional ride. That's why they choose romance. Hopefully all the self-generated emotion I pour into my work will give them the journey they desire.

I promised a return to nonbaseball related blathering today. There ya go.

Onward...

This is my favorite time of year, and I'm looking forward to Halloween more every day. I'm going to make caramel apples with orange and black sprinkles. We're going to make s'mores and watch "Rocky Horror." I have my leopard costume ready to go. It will be fun.

It will rule.

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Wednesday, October 26, 2005

World Series, R.I.P.

Every year, I tell myself I will not get caught up in the hype. I will become immune to the fever. I will not morph into Marge Schott's little sister. Every year I fail.

It starts out innocently enough. I always crochet when I watch sports. For the World Series, I've been working on a pink and black (my favorite color combo) scarf. But soon, I'm pointing my hook at the television screen, screaming obscenities, howling curses and casting aspersions about the paternity of various players.

This year was perhaps the worst ever, and tonight the crowning moment of my potty mouthed tirade. I swear, when Lance Berkman appeared to be crying in the bullpen, I died a little inside.

And now the radio is playing, appropriately enough, "Don't Dream, It's Over."

Is it ever.

The sox sux.

Tomorrow the usual nonbaseball related blathering will resume.

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---------------oOo--------------- Willy Wonka, Eat Your Heart Out

I think I'm going to give myself a chocolate fountain for my birthday in December.

That is all.

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---------------oOo--------------- Guess Who Just Sold To Changeling Press?

That would be me! Yes, me!

Happy dances around the blogosphere

The roller coaster just reached a definite high point.

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---------------oOo--------------- But It's The Pelvic Thrust That Really Drives You Insaaaaaaaane...

Some days, my writing life is one giant roller coaster ride.

Did I ever mention that I hate roller coasters?

*headdesk*

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Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Science Fiction Double Feature

I'm really tired today. I've been working hard on my WIP, which has a quickly approaching deadline. I'm putting together the first issue of Secret Pleasures, and getting ready for Halloween. All my decorations are up except for the pumpkin I'll probably carve Saturday night and crown King Jack. And best of all, my new copy of "Rocky Horror" on dvd arrived, along with the soundtrack. Nothing says Halloween like sweet transvestites from Transylvania.

It's also the time of year for horror flicks, which continue to be among my favorite viewing pleasures. It's really not Halloween until I've spent some quality time with Michael Myers. Too bad "The Exorcism Of Emily Rose" won't be out in time for my popcorn party, because I do love me a fine exorcism. Alas, it will have to wait until next year. But I have access to the ultimate in horror viewing even as we speak: game three of the World Series.

Astros 4, Sox 5.

Dammit, Janet.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 9:20 PM :: 0 Comments:

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Sunday, October 23, 2005

How Can You Just Leave Me Standing Alone In A World So Cold

I had chocolate chip pancakes. They helped. Sort of.

Maybe it's just burnout. I've been working so hard lately, and my favorite cousin had brain surgery this week. I miss her terribly and have been worried about her.

I got a request for a full on the nail-biting partial, so...I'm off to rewrite the ending. It needs to be a little stronger before I send it off.

Wish me luck.

The Sox suck c -- uh...things that rhyme with Sox.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 10:35 PM :: 1 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Well, duh.

Take the What High SchoolStereotype Are You? quiz.

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---------------oOo--------------- Mood Altering Substances

I don't know what's wrong with me this weekend. I can't seem to produce anything creative, my mood is flatter than a bottle of 7Up with the cap left off, and I'm completely at odds with myself over everything.

Usually music can help me to adjust my mood, but it's not working. Chocolate failed me. I've tried to read but can't concentrate. I feel burned out, depressed, disgusted, cynical, et al.

What's a girl to do under these circumstances?

Go to iHop, apparently. Maybe pancakes will act as the cure.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 1:12 PM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, October 22, 2005

No Sox.

Did you know that Roger Clemens is forty-three years old? In case you missed the announcers mentioning it every five seconds during the game tonight, the decrepit and frail Clemens roused himself from the crypt to hobble onto the field for one last pitch.

Mother of crap, you'd think forty-three was advanced old age.

Meanwhile, every play by the Sox was lauded as a masterful move worthy of Babe Ruth himself. There was such obvious pro-Chicago bias, it was insulting to my intelligence. Lance Berkman could've hit a homer with his penis, and the sportscasters wouldn't have cared. I might've gotten a little excited about it, but hey, the series isn't my salad bar.

At least we lost to the Sox, and didn't get the final stake driven through our collective hearts by the Cardinals. I really couldn't have taken that. I've exhausted myself coming up with nicknames for various Cardinals: Pujols is Poo Hole, Isringhausen is HowsYourHosin'. Hey, I never claimed to be mature.

Last of all, there's Tavarez, who I believe is kept in a crate ala the Gimp from Pulp Fiction, and only released on game day to feast on the blood of children before entering the bullpen.

But that's just me.

Anyway, I have zero submissions for my ezine, I suspect the partial I submitted today will be rejected, and I feel like the biggest loser on the planet right now.

The healing powers of chocolate are about to receive their trial by fire.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 10:40 PM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Out Of The Frying Pan...

...and into the proverbial fire. I've sent out a call for submissions for my own ezine.

I love zines, whether they're paper or electronic. I've been trying to figure out how to incorporate running a zine into my romance career ever since I began writing seriously several years ago. I think this will work, if I can find interested parties. That, of course, remains to be seen.

One of these days, I'm going to get used to running the risk of falling flat on my face.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 4:13 PM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Surprise! Except Not Really.

ROMANCE! - Love, sweet and tender, aggressive and
compelling. You have a story of romance burning
in your heart. Happily Ever After is a given,
but you will tear their hearts asunder before
your Hero and Heroine gain True Love's embrace.
Nora Roberts and Jane Austin are your guides.

What Kind of Novel Should I Write?

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 11:47 AM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Nail Biting Time

Is there anything more nerve wracking than sending an unrequested partial to a new publisher for the first time? I just sent one hurling through cyberspace, and am now ready to commence with the nail biting.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 10:32 AM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Always The Same, It's Just A Shame, That's All.

I've had a few unpleasant realizations lately.

I tried for three years to find the right niche for my writing style and voice. There was a great deal of trial and error, and I have the file of manuscripts to prove it.

My first target was Harlequin. I tried for Flipside, but realized that my characters, while having humor, tend to get too angsty and emotional. So I switched to Temptation, which was a decent (although imperfect) fit. Both lines folded before I could submit anything to them.

Next, I tried Blaze. I even entered their recent contest. Whether I hear anything from it -- and whether I decide to complete and submit a manuscript if I *do* hear from them -- remains to be seen. I'm happy doing what I'm doing now, and really have no interest in Harlequin as a writer, although I'll continue to be one of their readers.

I found my perfect fit in paranormal. I also like the freedom that comes with writing for small presses who allow writers to explore the limits of their imaginations. Given my taste for subversive media, this is no surprise to me. I think it's a natural evolution.

As for writing erotic romance, I actually think my stories are rather sweet. I just leave the bedroom door open, with nothing left to the imagination. I'm not a huge fan of sex minus emotion, so I rarely write about it. But I *am* open to a certain amount of sexual exploration among my characters, and I allow them to experiment to some extent. I don't see anything wrong with that, but I respect the feelings of those who do. I still feel that the "erotic" aspects of my stories are incidental. They don't form the basis of my plots or characters any more so than they do in, say, Harlequin Presents.

Still, this recent success of mine has opened my eyes to a few sad facts. There is a real schism in the world of romance these days between erotic romance writers and "everyone else." I suppose there are those who would send erotic romance authors to our own little shtetyl, and people on both sides who've developed a real "us vs. them" attitude. Taking sides doesn't interest me, and I don't do things unless they interest me. But the fact that other people have taken sides does have some unfortunate effects on me, and it's sad. It's sad that authors I looked up to and admired during my unpublished days have dropped me since I cast my lot with the erotic romance/epublished faction. It's sad to realize how I supported the work and careers of people who will never return that support with even a few polite comments about my own efforts because of the particular subgenre I'm working in. I am now persona non grata with the Nice Girls Club.

I had hoped friendships could transcend these differences. I was wrong.

I understand that those who don't support erotic romance are trying to preserve what they see as the integrity of the genre, and that's fine. I have never asked for anyone to cofidy my beliefs or actions. I don't care about getting RWA approval, and while a pink ribbon is a lovely thing, I'm happier getting a contract for a story I truly enjoyed writing. This makes the ditchings and weird vibes I've gotten seem even more pointless.

I'm happy. It's too bad people I mistakenly thought of as friends can't be happy for me, or at least pretend to be, in the interest of returning the support I once gave so freely to them.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 8:01 AM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Two Great Tastes That Taste Great Together

First, join me and all the other Midnight Showcase authors tonight at 9:00 PM Eastern for a chat at http://www.fallenangelreviews.com. We'll be giving away copies of both of Midnight Showcase's Halloween digests, Season Spirits and Heart Fires.

And my website is now live! Check out http://www.aleciamonaco.com


Finally, we're going to the World Series!!!!

My blood pressure can return to normal now.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 11:14 AM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

So.

I just came out of the author closet to my aunt.

I didn't actually reveal my pen name, publisher, or titles, but I did tell her I was writing paranormal romance for a small press. She took it extremely well. Of course, when she finds out about the explicit love scenes, her attitude might shift a wee bit.

Might better keep that pen name a secret a little longer, huh?

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 6:20 PM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Simple Kind Of Life

There are times when I'm truly astonished by how bizarre and complicated my life is, and always has been. I tried for a very long time to write contemporary romance, and unusually ended up feeling like a total fraud. My life has been unconventional, and I always feel as if my experiences aren't quite universal enough to translate into a marketable product.

But paranormal leaves the field wide open for those of us on uncertain terms with normalcy. I find myself getting ideas faster than I can write them down. It's a very nice feeling, indeed.

I don't mind being a little off the wall. If I can find a way to make it a strength and not a weakness, even better.

And no Foreigner songs yet today. Dare I turn on the radio?

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 2:40 PM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Body Count: Foreigner 3, Alecia 0

Since my last post, I have heard two more Foreigner songs: "I Want To Know What Love Is" and "Hot Blooded."

Someone on the other side is obviously trying to drive me to madness and/or death. I figured I'd post and stick these songs in someone else's head for a while.

Mental illness was meant to be shared.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 12:19 AM :: 1 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- I've Been Waiting...For A Girl Like Yooooooou....

Can someone please tell me why there's a song by frickin' Foreigner on the radio every time I turn it on? It's like I'm being haunted by the ghost of Lou Gramm, who, to my knowledge, is not even dead yet. Not that I wish he were. Just...stop following me with your songs.


.:the Moon:.
"You are known as the peacemaker of the group.
You have a lot of patience and understanding of
others. You hate to see pain and suffering in
others. You love to nurture and help others,
but you hide your own feelings in an effort to
avoid conflict."

. : : Which Astrological Planet are You? : : . [10 Gorgeous Pics!]


Yet again, dead on and not a surprise.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 12:06 AM :: 3 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Monday, October 17, 2005

Bleh.

It really sucks to be an Astros fan tonight.

It sucks even more to be an Astros fan with PMS.

Bleh.

That is all.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 11:56 PM :: 1 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Season Spirits launch!

Season Spirits is available now at http://www.midnightshowcase.com

Stay tuned for chat schedules. Also, there's a new yahoo group for Midnight Showcase readers and authors. I'll be posting all of that info here and in my newsletter later today.

Things at Casa Alecia have hit new levels of insanity, but I'm hanging in there and plugging away at my WIPs like nobody's business. Hopefully I'll have some news soon about upcoming releases. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 11:34 AM :: 1 Comments:

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Thursday, October 13, 2005

Get Back To Where You Once Belonged

Absolutely fabulous chat today at ebooklove with JJ Massa, Nix Winter, Sasha White, and the entire ebooklove gang. I think these are the most seriously cool chicks I've met in a long time.

I'm working on a little supplement to YEAR OF THE CAT for my newsletter readers. I'm inspired.

Did I mention that today was awesome? If you don't belong to ebooklove, you should. It.Rocks.So.Hard.

Join!

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 11:44 PM :: 1 Comments:

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---------------oOo--------------- Chat Today!

The fabulous JJ Massa and I will be chatting today over at ebooklove. If you have time, drop by and say hello!

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 9:36 AM :: 1 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

I'm Not At All Surprised By These Results

You're the Princess!

What woman out of fantasy literature are you?

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---------------oOo--------------- The Good News Is...

...I'm nearing the end of "Hyacinth" and got word that my proposal for an Irish fairy romance was accepted! I'm thrilled, thrilled, thrilled. I finally feel as if I'm doing what I've always been called to do. Like I've come home to my true self, at long last.

There's nothing better than the feeling when you get all the words on the page the way you want them, when the picture on the page begins to match the one in your mind. Unless it's the feeling that comes when someone likes your work enough to send you a contract for it.

I'm so happy doing what I'm doing now that I can't see giving it up for anything else.

I'm where I belong.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 8:44 PM :: 1 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, October 06, 2005

Room To Breathe

Finally, I felt up to leaving the apartment after almost a week of being too sick to function. For my reentry into society, I rode in the car to Fazoli's and got takeout.

Yes. Please hold all applause.

In other news, I managed to get down ten pages on the Hades novella yesterday, and four this morning, as well as sending a proposal for a St. Patrick's Day themed story. I really, really, really want to do the Irish story, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it gets accepted.

I'm looking for new promo related ideas. Any suggestions??

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 11:51 AM :: 0 Comments:

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Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Mulling It Over

My lack of posting thus far is due to the nasty case of the flu I picked up during our evacuation from hurricane Rita. Normally, I'm a posting demon. But this week, getting out of bed became a major undertaking.

I managed to get my revisions done and sent away, and that's about it on the writing front. Hades waits to be completed when I'm feeling a little better. Maybe I can take a crack at it this afternoon.

I'm not sure about the pic of me I'm using here. I think I look like a little goth prom queen or something. It was before I went to shorter (though not short, by any means) hair. I don't know. The black clothes and bling are certainly very much moi.

What do y'all think?

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 10:51 AM :: 1 Comments:

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Monday, October 03, 2005

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

I did my first round of revisions and sent them in today, and was rewarded with a preview of the cover for the Halloween special edition, which you can see here:

http://www.midnightshowcase.com/coming_soon.htm

The fact that I've managed to get so much done while evacuating, dealing with my dad being in the hospital, returning home, and having the flu makes me rather proud of myself.

I love the cover. Halloween is my favorite holiday, and I'm beyond thrilled to be in this digest.

Posted by Alecia Monaco :: 3:48 PM :: 0 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------