State of Isobael...

This year has had its crazy ups and downs, but for the most part, it's been mostly on the up side.

My debut novel was released. I made #10 the first week it was released on BoB's list. A month later, it made #8 on the same list.

My best friend, who lives a million miles away in Virginia, is coming out in August to visit. The last time I saw her, was...three years ago?...when I went to VA. My first vacation anywhere without family since my marriage and having a kid. My first real long distance plane ride, alone (and I refuse to fly to or through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport because of that trip). It's her turn to come out and we figured it'd be nice for not only for me to see her again, but it'd be wonderful to have her come out, away from there, for a vacation. =) I'm so excited! Ever since I first met her, in her role playing channel, I've considered her a friend. I've tried to be there for her to talk to when she needed someone to talk to, and she's been there for me. She's also the best friend I mention in the dedication in "Moonlight and Magick".

We're trying really hard to think of things to take her to see when she visits. Men in kilts at the Highland Games for one, the beach, Mt. Rainier, Point Defiance Zoo, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium.

I already know I'm going to need a box of tissue when I have to let her go home. I bawled when I had to leave VA, which set her and her daughter off to sniffling at the airport. Hell, I'm tearing up now, just thinking about it!

The next best piece of news, I received this morning.

"Moonlight and Magick" was reviewed by Night Owl Reviews and was chosen as a Top Pick with 4.5 out of 5 stars! You can read the review here, but I also included a link to it as well as the graphic for it, in the sidebar to the right.

I'm such a ninny. I keep reading the review and get a grin on my face. I also printed it out to put in my binder.

I'm into chapter ten for "Dead of Night" at at 48,000 words. Roughly, a little over halfway. I gave myself August 1st as the deadline to finish, which I think I can do if I buckle down and stop letting myself be distracted. It's a bit more difficult this time around for writing a novel because Spike's in school, and Pixie-Brat is coming up to summer vacation. She's going to be entering the 7th grade next year and she's hit the pre-teen stage where she alternates between being my sweet, baby doll, or this genetic mutation, hormonal, monster with an attitude that makes me want to pull my hair out....or change my stance on military school.

Was I ever like that?!?

I am determined to get this done and submitted by Fall. It also helps to have an incredibly wonderful Crit Partner by the name of JC, who has been AMAZING in pointing out spots I need to clean up, expand, or shore up. Heck, in one chapter alone, I gained 805 words! She's graciously given me permission to send revised chapters back so she can re-crit, which I have not taken her up on....YET. LOL.

Anyway...off to do a little more writing before I go pass out in bed. =)