Jordan Summers

I’m off to the UK for the holidays, so this will be my last blog for a couple of weeks. Whatever will I do with myself? If anyone needs to get in touch with me, email me directly. We’re lucky to have a good friend willing to house-sit for us while we’re gone. I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) and a Happy New Year. May 2005 bring peace and answer your publishing dreams. Best Holiday Wishes, Jordan!

It’s that time of year again. Grr…Where we start looking ahead and setting goals for the New Year. I’ve decided this year I’m going to do that while I’m away. I think the change of scenery will clear my head and possibly bring fresh ideas into the picture. I want a clear vision for 2005.

Have you set any goals yet? Have they changed because something happened? I know mine have. What are your plans for 2005?

Let me start this blog by telling you I’m not one of those people who embrace change. LOL! I have to be dynamited out of my security zone in order to get me to move.

That said, yesterday I went to get my haircut by a new stylist. He is probably the best stylist I’ve been to in my life. He wasn’t afraid to take chances with a new style. He didn’t hesitate to cut my hair (like everyone else I visited in the past). I’m so happy. My hair has bounce now.

Strange how a pair of scissors in the right hands can change your whole day.

No, I’m not talking about casting spells. Although, I’m sure we could have a very interesting conversation on that subject. I’m talking about how you approach a story. For years…and I mean YEARS, I was a major procrastinator. (In some areas of my life this still holds true.) When I decided to take writing seriously, I knew that had to change or I’d never have a career.

I tend to go in extremes. So when I changed the way I approached writing, I went from the unproductive stop/start approach to the balls to the wall approach. This makes it extremely difficult to pace myself.

If I get a contract that has set deadlines for the work, I dig into it immediately. I feel panic stricken that the stories are not complete. It doesn’t matter that I have six months before they’re due. I have to write them NOW!

I know I’m weird, but how do you approach deadlines and writing? Do you listen to the sound of the deadline as it whooshes past? Are you methodic? I have to figure out a happy medium, especially if I want my career to last beyond three novellas.

On a personal note, I’d like to congratulate Cece on her sale to Black Lace. Way to go!!! The sales keep coming for the Write or Die gang.

I think I’ve officially broken my old record for the shortest time between submission and panic that I’m not working on something. I’m supposed to be relaxing for the holidays. Catching up on my reading. Finishing my #&*$ X-mas shopping. What am I doing instead? I am sitting at my computer mentally berating myself over the fact that I’m not working.

Hello? What’s wrong with this picture?

I have no idea how I’m going to relax over in the UK. Does anyone else have a problem with turning off? How do you cope?

Woo Hoo! Sylvia Day just received ‘the call’ from Kensington. I’m so happy for her! She’s definitely one to watch out for in the future. Way to go!

I’ve mailed off the second partial to my agent today. They are both officially out of here. I’m so happy. I still can’t believe that I was able to submit two more pieces before the end of the year. Thank you Write or Die gang. (You know who you are.) I couldn’t have done it without you guys. I’m looking so forward to catching up on some reading. Happy Holidays to me.

Went out to do a bit of shopping today after spending the morning and early afternoon at a friend’s house for brunch. People haven’t quite reached the shoving stage, but it’s getting close. The driving is becoming more aggressive. Impatience is forming in the lines. Pretty soon people will be wrestling over toys.

As much fun as it is to witness all of this, I think next year I’ll have to pass. I’m going to shop online.

Ellora’s Cave must be sending out emails over the next couple weeks because two of my friends received ‘the email’ this week. I’d like to congratulate Wendy Wootton and Cindy Dickson on their new book deals. Way to go, ladies! May it be the first of many.

I have my fingers crossed that a few more friends, who’ve been waiting hear, receive good news soon.

My dh was surfing the web the other day and came across an interesting piece of software called Miss Lonelynotes. It’s a note card program for writers. Instead of writing out your notes on different colored note cards, you type in the info. It’s divided by Beginning, Middle, and End. You can rearrange them anyway you like to fix your story. It’s really rather brilliant, if you’re the type of writer who loses things easily. (Yes, I’m speaking for myself.) You can find the software here: Mindola

To many writers the above word is synonymous with hell. I am no exception. The first synopsis I ever wrote was easy. (I’m not saying it was great.) I approached the writing of it much like I approach playing a game, with the expectation that it would be fun. Somewhere along the line my attitude changed. I can’t pinpoint the precise moment, but I’m guessing it occurred when I realized that publishing wasn’t a game, but a business. I’m now on a quest to recover my previous ‘tude.

In the meantime, how do you all cope with writing these torturous passages?