AUTHOR ASHLYN CHASE EXPLAINS THE CREATIVE MIND

Continuing our series on where authors get their ideas, today we welcome paranormal romantic comedy author Ashlyn Chase to explain why the creative mind is different from the “normal” mind. Learn more about Ashlyn and her books at her website. 

Creative minds and their ideas

Are creative people different? The short answer is a resounding YES! I did a lot of research into the subject and found that creative people have actually been studied, measured, and in some cases dissected. With recent inventions like MRIs, there’s more data and less need to be drastic about obtaining it.

Without my notes and bibliography (a lot of paperwork went away when we downsized) I can only report the findings, not the group performing the study—but that’s the part you wanted anyway, right? You can go online for links to the scientific groups and methods used.

There was a Harvard group that discovered the space between the left and right half of the human brain (called the synapse) is wider in creative people. They hypothesized that more information ‘gets in’ because of this. Most people have filters that keep them from becoming overwhelmed. Artists and writers, less so. Many of us will tell you we get overwhelmed and have to go off by ourselves to decompress more often than our ‘normal’ friends.

So, when people ask us where we creatives (20% of the population) get our ideas… Well, we receive a lot of random input that would bounce off a ‘normal’ brain. That’s why you’re so amazed that we come up with some of the bizarre premises and plot twists that wind up in our books. And, guess what? Sometimes we amaze ourselves!

I use this little illustration in my talks. Ed, Sally, and Sherlana visit a furniture store. They all need couches. Ed has a very tight synapse (as most men do.) He’s focused. He quickly spots a couch that looks like it would do the trick. He sits on it. It’s comfortable. He buys it with his credit card.

Sally has a moderately spaced synapse. She looks through the whole store, locates the possible couches that match the size and color she wants. She sits on a few and finally makes a decision. Then she buys it at no interest for a year and gets free delivery.

Finally Sherlana strolls through the store looking for a couch, and stops in her tracks. Out loud, she whispers, “I love that coffee table!” She pictures herself flipping it upside down, padding the seat, making the legs into arms, and hanging it from the ceiling. Pointing to the table, she exclaims, “I can have a couch and a swing!” Then she goes off to the craft store to buy the foam and fabric.

Yeah, Sally and Ed would be rolling their eyes at her. But that’s their problem, right?

Most of us creatives have felt ‘different’ all our lives without knowing why. In the early years it can be painful. Hopefully, by the time we’re adults, we’ve accepted our differences and even embraced them. Writers, poets, artists, and musicians are often prone to mood disorders, like depression. A survey found that 35% of composers suffered from depression at one time. For writers the stats increase to 72%, and for the poor poets, the number soars to 90%.  

What does this mean? Well, at this point I’d caution a creative person to take care of their mental health. Avoid toxic people. Take a mental health day when needed. Be gentle with yourself.

For the rest of the world? Be gentle with a creative soul. They need encouragement and support more than most. If you review, find some kind things to say about their work. Treat them as you would want to be treated—if you had to put up with random sh*t flying through your brain and had to make some kind of sense of it.

Tiger's Night Out 

A light paranomal romance, plus bonus novella

Thirty nine year-old English teacher Haley Hunnicutt is tired of losing out on love to younger women, and she’s not alone. One night she and three single friends perform a magical summoning of immortal lovers—guys who will appreciate mature women.

Jamir and his brother are shapeshifting Bengal tigers. Tasked by the god Vishnu, they have been guarding a sacred temple for three hundred years.

When Haley has a vision in her dirty dishwater, she sees her immortal and he sees her. But she doubts a guy in a loin cloth has an easy way to get to New York. So, a trip to India is necessary—or insane.

There’s only one way to find out…

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#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--HOW CRAFTING CAN SAVE THE WORLD

March is National Craft Month. I believe that people are born creative. Just watch any baby or toddler exploring his surroundings, and you’ll see what I mean. Unfortunately, most adults start squelching that creativity (Don’t touch!) in their children early on. Eventually that innate creativity is so suppressed that it’s nearly impossible to retrieve. So why are we then surprised when our kids prefer to sit around for hours, staring at a computer monitor or TV screen? 

Solving problems and resolving conflicts require creative thinking. Creativity needs to be nurtured in order that today’s children grow up to become tomorrow’s leaders, but too many outside forces are at work, influencing our children to “color within the lines.” Now think about this: people who color within the lines never learn to think outside the box. It’s that outside the box thinking that finds solutions to the world’s problems.

One of the ways we can help our children continue to grow their creativity is to encourage them to craft, beginning at a very early age. The first step is to have creative materials around the house for children to use. Keep ample supplies of paint, glue, markers, chenille stems, craft sticks, pompoms, and other basic craft materials handy for those “I’m bored; there’s nothing to do” days.

Instead of buying another video game for that next birthday party or special occasion, buy craft kits. Keep a few kits on hand for rainy days, for when your children’s friends spend the night, or just for an impromptu surprise. Encourage children to make gifts for family members’ birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc. instead of buying gifts. Instead of hosting a child's birthday party at Chuckie Cheese, consider a home crafting party or one at your local craft store.

Remember that your children’s efforts don’t have to be perfect. Always praise the attempt and encourage children to continue creating. The act of crafting develops small motor skills and hand/eye coordination. Creativity helps grow our brains. By encouraging your children to craft, you’re giving them an incredible foundation for future endeavors.

All it takes for children to learn to love crafting is an environment in which they can satisfy their creative nature. Nurture that inborn talent, and you’ll help your children grow into creative adults that just might wind up solving many of our planet’s problems.

GUEST AUTHOR KIT FRAZIER ON 10 MINUTES TO A MORE CREATIVE LIFE

photo by Moyan Brenn from Anzio, Italy

Kit Frazier is an award-winning mystery author whose books have been Mystery Guild Book-of-the-Month selections and who was named Author of the Month at Barnes & Noble. Titles include Scoop and Dead Copy, among others. A former journalist, Kit lives on a working cattle ranch outside of Austin, Texas. Learn more about Kit and her books at her website. 

10 Minutes to a More Creative Life

By Kit Frazier

I know it seems counter intuitive to spend time to save time, but hear me out on this. I had a hard time meditating when I first started because I can't get my brain to shut the hell up. But I've found you don't have to completely shut down, and for me, setting a specific time on my meditation doesn't work; i.e.--I must meditate for 20 minutes--no I don't. I meditate as long as it's beneficial, and the more I meditate, the easier it is.

Part of the beauty of meditating is teaching your mind to be patient with itself.

Yeah, I know. Gah!

A recent study from Harvard University and the University of Sienna found that the powers of meditation go way beyond the whole self-awareness and improving concentration-thing--we've all *know* meditating helps the heart and bolsters the immune system. But consistent bouts of *small* meditation also cuts anxiety and depression--clouds that seem to haunt writers and other creatives.

My Morning Meditation is simple. I call it The Bearable Lightness of *Being*

Find a quiet place to sit and relax. Turn off your phone, put it away and dim the lights. This is your time. A time for total relaxation and inner stillness.

Take a moment to make sure that your clothing is loose and comfortable and that you are seated and comfortable. Rest your hands loosely in your lap.

Now, figuratively close your eyes and understand that you are a Daughter of Creativity.

Take a long, slow, deep breath in . . . hold it for a count of four, and then slowly exhale.

Allow any tension to melt away as your body relaxes more and more deeply with each breath.

Take another long slow, deep breath in . . . hold it for a count of five, and then exhale slowly.

Empty your lungs completely with your exhalation.

Take a third deep breath in. Take your time. Hold it for a count of six and then let it go.

With the release of your breath, you can feel yourself drifting into a state of deep relaxation and creativity.

Suspended above your head is a Golden Ball of Light. It is warm, and gentle, granting you peace and shelter from all harm, from all worry.

You notice and acknowledge that the Golden Ball of Light is the Creative Spirit that lives within you. You welcome this Light as an old friend . . .

You realize the golden light smells slightly of honey,  and you breathe it in, infusing your body with the scent of warm sweet smell . . . your skin warms at the familiar scent . . .

As you continue to breathe, the Golden Ball of Light slowly descends, streaming creativity as it barely brushes the tips of your hair.

You welcome this warm touch as the glowing light descends, flowing along and into your scalp, infusing its welcome presence in every cell of your mind, sparking new ideas, completing old and broken thoughts, and comfort comes in this new confidence . . .

You are Creative . . . acknowledge this awareness, and that awareness brings you peace . . .

The warmth continues, and flowing down and down, over and around your face, and you taste the honey of the light on your tongue as it pours through your blood.

You swallow the light, delighting in its sweet taste, as it feeds your mind and body and spirit and creativity . . . you acknowledge the creativity . . .

The Light continues down and down, flooding over your shoulders, you feel it streaming through the veins in your arms, infusing your blood with energy and peace and the spark of ideas, flexing your fingers as it sparks in your fingertips . . . there is power in this knowledge and you know it all the way into the middle of your bones . . .

The light continues, illuminating your lungs, filling them with deep breaths of fresh air, fresh ideas, fresh feelings awaiting your call . . .

Breathing deeply this breath of life, the Light fills your belly, bathes your organs in the soft glow, sends the light rushing through your abdomen, coursing down your legs, carrying your weight on the wind, on your breath . . .  your body is weightless  and anything is possible . . .

The light courses down and down, running the over and around your thighs, flexing in your knees and calves, down, surrounding you with warmth and light, it surrounds your weightless ankles, caresses the arches of your feet and you notice the Light’s tingling presence in your fingers and toes . . .

The Light is Complete, it completes the circle of energy that is your body . . . the Light floods you inside, filling your body, it surrounds you from the outside, embraces you like a warm, gentle hug and you are surrounded by creativity . . .

You are one with the Universe, and all is possible . . . all is likely . . . all is coming to you, through you, around you . . .

You recognize the light as an Old Friend . . . it is as familiar as an old song . . .

Breath deeply, taking in the light . . .

You are vast. You are weightless. You are timeless. Your path is Clear . . .

All is obtainable, you are able, you are willing, you are one with the Universe . . .

You are ready to take on the World . . .

Now . . .Take a deep breath. Open your eyes. And Write . . .

A MacKinnon Christmas

Cauley’s Christmas To Do List:

1. Identify the Dead Guy.

Not the usual intro to a Christmas To Do List but not so unusual for obituary writer Cauley MacKinnon.

Her problem is complicated by the way the dead guy died--he was gunned down while busting up a convenience store robbery in an eerily similar incident that killed her cop father, ten years before.

Adding to her troubles, she's preparing for her mother's Annual Pre-Christmas Feast of Dysfunction, avoiding her Mama's Knock You Naked eggnog--and she's got exactly 12 hours to make FBI Agent Tom Logan fall in love with her . . .

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IS THERE SCIENTIFIC PROOF LINKING CREATIVITY AND SHOWERS?

photo by Alexander.stohr 

Creativity comes to different people in different ways. I’ve always gotten some of my best ideas while taking a shower. That’s where the idea for the bestselling Bake, Love, Write:105 Authors Share Dessert Recipes and Advice on Love and Writing came to me. When I first approached other authors, asking them to participate in the project, many told me that they, too, often got their best ideas while in the shower.

Coincidence? Or is there a scientific basis for this phenomenon? It turns out the latter may be the case. Hansgrohe, a German fixtures manufacturer recently surveyed 4,000 people in eight countries. 72% of the respondents said they had gotten new ideas while in the shower.

The company sought the input of cognitive psychologist and creative thinking expert Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D. According to Dr. Kaufman, showers can enhance creativity by encouraging contemplation: “The relaxing, solitary and non-judgmental shower environment may afford creative thinking by allowing the mind to wander freely, causing people to be more open to their inner stream of consciousness and daydreams.”

So the next time you’re stuck for an idea—whether you need a plot for your next book or the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for friend or relative—hop in the shower.

Bake, Love, Write: 105 Authors Share Dessert Recipes and Advice on Love and Writing

What do most authors have in common, no matter what genre they write? They love desserts. Sweets sustain them through pending deadlines and take the sting out of crushing rejection letters and nasty reviews. They also often celebrate their successes—selling a book, winning a writing award, making a bestseller list, or receiving a fabulous review—with decadent indulgences. And when authors chat with each other, they often talk about their writing and their lives. Recipes. Writing. Relationships. In this cookbook 105 authors not only share their favorite recipes for fabulous cakes, pies, cookies, candy, and more, they also share the best advice they’ve ever received on love and writing.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR DONNELL ANN BELL

Donnell Ann Bell makes return visit to Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers today. Writing around the theme “Suspense too Close to Home” she’s the author of three books: The Past Came Hunting, Deadly Recall, and her newest release, Betrayed.  Her debut and sophomore releases have been e-book bestsellers, and Deadly Recall is a 2014 EPICON nominee for best thriller/suspense. She co-owns Crimescenewriters with retired Veteran Police Officer Wally Lind.  To learn more about Donnell and her books, visit her website. 

A Muse for Every Creative Endeavor

I’m always a little intimidated when I’m invited to blog on Lois Winston’s Killer Crafts and Crafty Killers.  Although I write about killers, I’m hardly crafty about it, and when it comes to crafts, I’m something of a disappointment.  Take my sewing class –that worked out well.  Not.  My jump suit evolved into a pair of gauchos.  I’ve dabbled in painting, crocheting, and floral arrangements, and although I love gardening, the point is, I don’t have the right muse for any of these jobs.

It never crossed my mind that craft makers, artists and tradesmen, among the myriad others, had muses.  After all they can look at a picture, right?  They can follow schematics, correct?  Boy, was I misled.  I have a friend who is an interior decorator.  One of her side jobs is decorating homes for the holidays.  I’ve gone into her basement and observed what appeared to be heaps of garland, ribbons, ferns and beads and watched her transform these items, seemingly magically, into some of the most gorgeous wreaths imaginable.  Companies hire her to make their business environment festive.  When I asked how she does it, she says, “I’m no different than you.  I have a muse.”

  

A few years ago, I had my kitchen remodeled.  I was so excited. After seventeen years of austere white and plain cabinets and aging appliances, I would at last have the kitchen of my dreams. 

"Before" Kitchen

My contractor didn’t simply come into my home and begin demolition.  He brought with him a decorator and an interior decorator and they consulted me about my tastes.  But I’ll never forget the first words out of my contractor’s mouth when he entered my home and examined the floor plan, “What a train wreck,” he said.  “Why would anyone close in all this beautiful space?”

"During" Kitchen

I looked around and went, “Huh?”  His muse (skill and experience no doubt) was already hard at work the moment he walked in the door.  In his mind he was already taking down soffits and knocking out walls.  He could see something that I couldn’t even dream of.  He was listening to his muse. 

No, I’m not handy or crafty but I do see stories in my head, and they’re rather vivid.  I love to think about characters and what makes them tick, and then put them into “What if” and sometimes impossible situations.  My tools of the trade are words, and yes, my drafts often look like a construction site in need of OSHA supervision. 

"After" Kitchen

But much like my creative interior decorator friend or my contractor, I believe we all have muses that inspire and set us on a journey of creation.  My talent and passion is storytelling.  Further, I love suspense.  My third book from Bell Bridge Books is called Betrayed.  I hope you’ll check it out and see how my muse operates.

Do you have a muse that speaks to you? 

Betrayed

A cold-blooded conspiracy that strikes at our most precious bonds.

When Oklahoma City resident, Irene Turner learns the incomprehensible, that the stillborn baby she delivered 28-years earlier is alive, she takes the evidence to where her daughter now lives—Denver Colorado. 

Detective Nate Paxton can’t believe what Irene’s evidence shows him.  Kinsey Masters, a world-class athlete, raised by a prominent Denver family, an unattainable woman he’s known and loved for years, was stolen at birth. 

Irene Turner, Nate Paxton, and Kinsey Masters are united in a sordid conspiracy.  Irene’s foundation of trust will be ripped from its core, as kidnapping, murder, and a thirst for revenge lead her to learn she’s been betrayed.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR ELAINE CALLOWAY

Elaine Calloway writes paranormal/fantasy novels with romantic elements. Currently, she is working on her Elemental Clan Series, a set of good versus evil tales between nature’s Elementals (Water, Fire, Earth, Wind) and the evil Fallen Angels who hunt the innocent. To learn more about Elaine and her books, visit her website. 

Creativity Will Out

I have a confession. Ah, just saying that reminds me of my days in Catholic school. (You know the old joke, don’t you? You know you’ve survived Catholic school if you can walk into a phone booth without feeling the sudden need to confess.)

My confession—or self realization, if you will—is that I’m creative. It’s not an observation; it’s something I have no control over. In the absence of creativity, my mind actually does go berserk. Creativity will out, no matter what.

In the last few months, at my day job, I’ve had a huge amount of mundane tasks to finish. When I say mundane, I mean horribly repetitive, mind-numbingly boring tasks. A day or two of this isn’t bad. Crank the radio, give the mind a break, and go-go-go get it done. Great therapy for a day or two, but an entire month?  Not so much.  

The mind refuses to be numbed after a specific point. I began to take walks around the office building, making up stories and creating plots for any objects in sight—lampposts, trees, umbrellas. I picked up rocks from a rock garden and began to have a puppet show on the ledge. I had conversations with umbrellas and named them after royalty in 18^th century England. (While I did enjoy these talkative moments with umbrellas, admittedly they didn’t talk back…)

In other words, I went a bit nuts.

But don’t call the men in the white coats just yet. (Does anyone besides me ever wonder if they wear different colored coats just to rebel?) You see my conversing with umbrellas is not a yell for help. Or Thorazine. It just means that my mind has to do some form of creative activity or it can’t function. So in the absence of challenging tasks or being able to leave the building and write during lunch, my brain resorts to rock puppet shows and umbrella dialogue.

How would you describe your creativity? Have you ever had to postpone it and experienced a strange quirkiness in your mind? C’mon all, the confessional is open…

Earthbound

Some say history repeats itself, but for Terran, an Earth Elemental, history has returned and slapped him in the face. Along the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, the Acobi Fallen Angels have decided to go underground–literally. Resurrecting an ancient legend, the evil Acobi are trapping underage girls and shanghaiing innocent humans into slavery. Terran must stop the Acobi and keep the public away from the Shanghai tunnels, all while keeping his supernatural powers hidden.

Kelly Habersham, overachieving real estate developer, has finally convinced her father and brothers to give her the Portland condo project, which would require extensive construction near the tunnels. Determined to impress her father and make a name for herself in the family business, she is not about to let a Save-the-Earth guy get in her way.

Terran and Kelly must work together and come to a truce–or they may be the next victims.

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BOOK CLUB FRIDAY--GUEST AUTHOR CHRISTINE FINLAYSON

Christine Finlayson spends her days conjuring up fictional characters—and devising ways to get them into trouble. When she’s not at the computer, she loves to photograph all things weird or wild in nature, explore the trails and beaches of the Pacific Northwest, and compete in triathlons. Learn more at Christine and her books at her website and nature blog. 

Where did my creativity go . . . and how do I get it back?

On New Year’s Day, my daughter set out her painting supplies: three canvases, a full set of colors, new paintbrushes, and an artist’s palette.

“I’m ready,” she announced, squeezing out the first tube of paint.

“Don’t you want to sketch things out first?” I suggested. “Decide what you’re going to put on each one?” After all, she only had three canvases, and they weren’t cheap. If she made a mistake . . .

“Why?” She gave me a puzzled look. “I’m making art. I’ll just see what happens.” And with that, she dipped her brush into the paint and started tinting the canvas brown. Out came Bilbo Baggins.

I saw no fear in her, no anxiety that the critics might not like her rendition. Instead, she breathed excitement. It was time to CREATE. Oh, the joy!

I envied her.

When I was my daughter’s age, I’d loved creating things, too. I wrote and illustrated picture books, made puppets, sewed doll clothes, experimented with Styrofoam balls and sequins, and spent endless hours crafting dollhouse furniture. (Note the book and old-fashioned typewriter in the photo!)

But somewhere on the road to adulthood, the pure joy of creation—the spontaneity and whimsy—had disappeared.

So on that cold January day, I wondered: Was it too late to add a New Year’s Resolution? I want my creativity back.

Creative Writing

Like most fiction authors, I rely heavily on imagination. Without it, stories wouldn’t come alive. But after my first mystery novel, Tip of a Bone, was published, life became more complicated.

Creative writing time had to be balanced with book promotion. Under the steady stream of numbers—Sales up? Fans? Likes?—anyone’s creativity could falter. And mine had. It became harder and harder to shut off the analytical left brain and let the right brain roam.

I wanted 2014 to be different, a year of thriving creativity. So after that New Year’s Day epiphany, I decided to try four things and see what happens. Maybe you’d like to join me in this experiment!

#1. Find the quiet. 

When our minds fill with clutter—errands, appointments, bills to pay, emails to answer—it’s tough for creativity to break through. Not surprisingly, my writing is most productive when I leave town . . . suddenly, there’s a quiet space inside, ready to be filled with innovative ideas. Recognizing this, I’ve planned several writing retreats this year. I’ll head to the Oregon coast and take time to watch the waves roll in.

When leaving town isn’t an option, I’ll do morning pages, the quickest way to get rid of those nagging thoughts. I’ve vowed to slow life down, too—stop and smell the roses, savor that cup of coffee, and watch squirrels play from my office window.

#2. Make a bucket list.

As the Queen of To-Do lists, I have papers littering every flat surface, each one with tasks to complete. But this year, I’ve added a “Things I Want to Do” list.

By giving wishes and yearnings equal weight—missions to check off—I’m hoping to do more of them. Arrange a Police Ride-Along? Check. Attend Left Coast Crime? Coming up. Sip daiquiris in Hawaii? On the docket.

Have you made a list of things you want to do this year? (For inspiration, check out BucketList.org. You’ll find all kinds of interesting ideas, including: Draw funny faces on eggs, take pole dancing classes, swim under a waterfall, and visit Pompeii.)

#3. Do things that are frightening.

I’m not talking about haunted houses and horror movies—but saying “Yes!” to adventure and stretching outside of our comfort zones. Doing any new, intimidating activity makes us feel more alive. Last year, for the first time, I zip-lined through the jungle and had a book published. Both scary. Both stimulating.

This year? I may canoe through the Canadian wilderness, swim across a river (an organized event), or explore a seedy neighborhood to research a character. Whatever your adventures are, know that shaking things up can spur creativity. Get ready!

# 4. Exercise more regularly.

Working as a writer (or any desk job) means hours of sitting still. The new wisdom suggests that sitting is terrible for our health, but it can also stagnate the mind. Shifting from mental tasks to physical activities forces the brain to move in different ways.

As a triathlete, I’ve learned that training takes time, but the regular swims, bikes, and runs also enhance my creativity. More than once, I’ve had “Aha!” moments in the middle of a workout—That’s where my story needs to head! Now I can fix that scene!  It’s wonderful to be able to solve sticky plot problems—while moving.

2014 will be the Year of Creativity. Let the experiment begin!

I appreciate this chance to visit Killer Crafts and Crafty Killers today, and I’d love to hear from you. What inspires your creativity? How do you keep it flowing? And what do you do to jumpstart creativity when it falters?

Tip of a Bone

Buried bones, a missing eco-activist, and a deadly fire? It’s not what Maya Rivers bargained for when she moved to the Oregon coast to reunite with her brother Harley. Yet when Harley is accused of an unthinkable crime, Maya insists on adding “amateur sleuth” to her career options. She soon discovers an eerie clue…but the closer she gets to the truth, the the closer a murderer follows.

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ANASTASIA RECEIVES A SUNSHINE AWARD!

The Sunshine Award is a lovely sunny flower that bloggers give to other “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.”

The other day Kath Marsh, who writes the Letters from Earth blog, bestowed a Sunshine Award on Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers. Thanks so much, Kath!

As with most awards, the Sunshine Award comes with a few simple rules:

(1) Thank the person who gave you the award in your blog post.

(2) Do the Q&A below

(3) Pass on the award to 10-12 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs.

Here are my answers to the questions:

Favorite Color: Black (a pear-shaped, middle-aged girl’s best friend)

Favorite Animal: Ralph, the Shakespeare quoting parrot

Favorite Number: Seventeen. Don’t ask me why. For some reason seventeen always comes to mind first, like when I’m juggling seventeen things at once, which I do constantly.

Favorite Non-alcoholic Drink: Coffee, coffee, and more coffee. Did I mention coffee?

Facebook or Twitter: Who has time for either? I certainly don’t. Thanks to a certain sadistic author, I’m too busy trying to dig my way out of the debt-ridden back-story she created for me.

Your Passion: Finding ways to get out of the messes that sadistic author writes me into. (Think Lois will kill me when she reads this? No way! She’d have to come up with a brand new series.)

Giving or Getting Presents: Giving. Shopping for others is so much more fun than shopping for myself. At least it used to be, back before author Lois Winston yanked me out of my comfortable middle-class life.

Favorite Day: The day I win the lottery, which, unfortunately, hasn’t occurred yet. :-(

Favorite Flowers: All except lilacs which I’m deathly allergic to.

Finally, these are the 10 fantastic bloggers I'm tagging for this award. Check them out:

• Camille Minichino—The Real Me 
• Caridad Pineiro’s blog 
• Cindy Sample’s blog 
• Dru’s Book Musings 
• Five Scribes 
• Get Lost in a Story 
• Inkspot 
• Jill Archer’s blog 
• Lesa's Book Critiques
• Write Here, Write Now with Sheila Boneham