Happy New Year's Eve

In a few hours it will be a brand new year.
Shocking, right?
As usual 2008 zipped by at warp speed and while I accomplished quite a lot, there is always more I wish to do. :)

Each and every year I make a formal list of writing goals to achieve for the next year. I then print them out and frame them so I can keep them front and center throughout the year. In 2008, I accomplished 11 out of 13. Not too bad.
I always do 13 goals each year. It's called a baker's dozen. And 13 has always been a lucky number for me.

As per the usual, I have 13 writing goals for 2009.
Do you have goals writing or otherwise for this year?
If not writing goals, do you have "other" goals you'd like to accomplish?
Feel free to share. :)

And now on a completely different note...

Tonight, for my New Year's Eve celebration, I'm making a pitcher of Sangria made possible by my good friend Wendi Darlin. She obviously loves me because Sangria is one of my very favorite beverages.


I'd like to make a cyber toast to everyone reading. May you have a fantastic 2009 filled with joy, good fortune, good health and happiness. :)
Happy New Year!
L

REC Awards...I won.

The REC awards were announced yesterday and I've won a couple of them.
I know, I'm as shocked as you are, but I am so grateful.
Thanks to the person who nominated me, I appreciate it very much. :)

Check out the list of winners HERE.

I won two categories:

Erotic Romance - Sci-fi/ Fantasy AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Lara Santiago

Erotic Romance - Sci-fi/ Fantasy NOVEL OF THE YEAR
Menagerie - Lara Santiago













My friend Wendi won for:

Erotic Romance - Interracial/Multicultural Short Story of the year
Wendi Darlin – Rough and Ready

Erotic romance - Contemporary BEST SEDUCTION
Hired Hands – Wendi Darlin

Sweet Romance - Contemporary BEST FEMALE CHARACTER
Cassidy - Water Bearer

Sweet Romance - Contemporary NOVEL OF THE YEAR
Water Bearer - Wendi Christner

Sweet Romance - Contemporary COVER OF THE YEAR
The Water Bearer


And a few other Siren-BookStrand authors also won:

Erotic Romance - Paranormal ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jenny Penn

Erotic Romance - Interracial/Multicultural ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Jami Davenport

Erotic Romance - Contemporary Rookie of the Year
Bekki Lynn


Congratulations to us all!
Thanks so much.
L

I'm off for a weekend Writing Retreat...

again.

This is what my husband always says when I go away for any writers conference. "Again?" LOL




The last one was in October of 2007 in Cocoa Beach. It was great to get away, and hang out with other writers. Changing my environment, if only for a couple of days, always helps clear my head and freshen my perspective.

This weekend, I'll be in Sarasota, Florida at the Tampa Area Romance Author's retreat. They have a marvelous week-end planned for us. I can't wait. :)

For the next two days I'll be sharing a room with my STAR chapter sisters, Roxanne St. Claire and Kristen Painter. I can't wait. :):)

There will be a few bottles of wine in our room. Tee Hee
I predict there will be lots of laughter and late night chat fests.
Again, I can't wait! :)

I'll also get a chance to hang out with new Siren author, Wendi Darlin.
I met her at the TARA Christmas party and encouraged her to send something to Siren. Now she has a hot new book coming out called Cowboy Games which has a smokin' cover. :) Check out the Siren Coming Soon page.

Have a fabulous weekend.
I'll be back just in time for the Superbowl. :)
L