Zoo Frolic and Detour
November 6, 2010 by Linda O. Johnston in category Pets, Romance & Lots of Suspense by Linda O. Johnston tagged as Berkley Prime Crime, Harlequin Nocturne, Linda O. Johnston
I visited the Los Angeles Zoo yesterday. Why write about it here? Because I enjoyed it! And because I liked the break I took, short though it was, from my writing.
I met a deadline earlier this week, on November 1, for the manuscript for my third Alpha Force novel for Harlequin Nocturne, a miniseries about undercover shapeshifters in the military. I have another deadline on December 1 for a proposal, and I’ve started working on it. But some good friends just recently moved to Los Angeles, and they bought a membership to the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.
My husband and I have been members of GLAZA since our kids were young. I used to go there walking a couple of times a week for exercise. I’ve taken a class on observing animals and participated in a couple of studies.
But that was a while ago. I hadn’t been to the zoo for a few years, even while maintaining my membership. I’ve missed it! I therefore jumped at the opportunity.
Things are different there now. The entrance and parking lot have changed. There are more places to buy food. A lot of new exhibits are in the works, including the new elephant habitat. But I could still pretty much find my way around. One of the animals that had been my friend years ago seemed to recognize me–although that could just have been wishful thinking. I saw some animal species that hadn’t been there before. Some of my favorite exhibits were closed due to some of the reconstruction going on. Even so, I had a great time, especially because I went with family and friends.
And then, when I got home, I sat back at my computer and jumped right into my writing, inspired by having allowed myself a frolic and detour before digging back in.
Anyone who knows me or reads my stories knows I love animals, so this was a natural course of action for me to take to get away. How about you–where do you go, or what do you do, when you have time for a break from your everyday life?
http://www.lindaojohnston.com/
http://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com/
Orlando! by Linda O. Johnston
August 6, 2010 by Linda O. Johnston in category Pets, Romance & Lots of Suspense by Linda O. Johnston, Writing Conferences tagged as Berkley Prime Crime, Harlequin Nocturne, Linda O. Johnston, National RWA Conference, OCCRWA
A couple of months ago, my blog on A Slice of Orange discussed my angst about whether I really wanted to go to the Romance Writers of America Conference in Orlando. I wound up going. Am I glad? Yes!
I didn’t stay for the entire conference, which I regret now. But I accomplished most of what I wanted to–saw nearly all the people I hoped to see, attended most of the sessions I’d planned to, and learned about new resources and other information about publishing and promoting.
I met a number of people I’d never anticipated seeing, too. Networked and schmoozed and partied and had a great time.
I admit that the Orlando weather didn’t wow me. I have lived in L.A. long enough to be really spoiled about the minimal humidity on most hot days. Just walking between the two hotels at the Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort wilted me.
But the steaming up of my sunglasses didn’t deter me. The brief walk was worth it, plus the view was really nice, including the waterway between the two facilities.
By the way, as I mentioned in my blog last month, if you’re interested in hearing some of the things I learned at National, I’ll be sharing them at the OCC meeting on August 14. Come and ask questions–and I’ll answer whatever I can.
Linda O. Johnston
http://www.lindaojohnston.com/
http://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com/
Speaking at OCC by Linda O Johnston
July 6, 2010 by Linda O. Johnston in category Pets, Romance & Lots of Suspense by Linda O. Johnston, Writing: It's a Business tagged as Harlequin, Linda O. Johnston, Nocturne, Nocturne Bites, Pet-Sitter Mysteries
I’ve been a member of OCC for quite a few years. During that time, I’ve given a lot of talks and classes, and been on many panels, but the only one I’ve been on for OCC was at the Autumn Affaire conference about ten years ago.
I used to be very nervous speaking in front of any group, but I’ve done it often enough now that I’m generally fine. However, I think one of the reasons I haven’t made a point to volunteer to speak at OCC is that the idea makes me nervous!
Why? I’m not sure. I always want to make a good impression, no matter who the group is. But maybe I figure it’ll stick with me more if I mess up in front of you!
So why am I mentioning this now? Well, in August, I’m going to be talking about what I learn at RWA National that I can share with the group in the afternoon session. And in the morning session in September, I’ll be sharing what I know about combining romance and suspense in a novel. Two months in a row? I’m a glutton for punishment!
Come and listen to me. Please clap politely and keep your snickers to yourself. And–well, forget that. Both will be learning experiences for me, as well as for you, I hope. Please join me at both of them!
FELINE FATALE, Linda’s ninth Kendra Ballantyne mystery for Berkley Prime Crime will be out July 2010.
Be sure to watch for the new Lauren Vancouver, Pet Rescuer series! The first book BEAGLE MANIA will be out in March 2011. It’s a spin-off from the Kendra series, and Lauren is introduced in HOWL DEADLY.
ALASKAN WOLF, another in the Alpha Force series from Harlequin Nocturne, will be published in December 2010.
Linda O. Johnston
http://www.lindaojohnston.com/
http://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com/
Orlando or Not
June 6, 2010 by Linda O. Johnston in category Pets, Romance & Lots of Suspense by Linda O. Johnston, Writing ConferencesI’d signed up to attend the RWA National Conference in Nashville. It was a no-brainer. My husband and I were turning it into a family trip. He was even picking up his mother in Ohio to join us.
When the venue was changed to Orlando (and I feel really bad for the folks in Nashville), I considered long and hard whether I wanted to go. My husband and m-i-l weren’t going. The travel was longer, and even though the hotel was less expensive, the plane fares were higher.
So, I pondered much longer than I should have. Fortunately, a sweet friend who’d already changed her plans to attend the conference in Orlando, and booked a hotel room, patiently waited for me to let her know if I’d be rooming with her.
I asked for input from the professionals I’d want to meet with if I did go. Their opinions? They hoped to see me there.
As a result, I’m intending to go to Orlando.
So… hope to see you there, too!
Linda O. Johnston
0 0 Read moreThe Plot Thickens by Linda O. Johnston
May 6, 2010 by Linda O. Johnston in category Pets, Romance & Lots of Suspense by Linda O. Johnston, Writing tagged as Berkley Prime Crime, Harlequin Nocturne, Linda O. Johnston
I find myself plotting a lot lately.
How about you–how do you plot?
Linda O. Johnston
http://www.lindaojohnston.com/
http://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com/
Linda O. Johnston is the author of 15 romance novels and several novellas, including a current Nocturne Bites, with 2 more Nocturnes upcoming. She also writes the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime.
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