Southern Cal Spring Getaway

I spent the weekend in Long Beach with my hubby. We stayed on the Queen Mary ship hotel in Long Beach harbor. It was all very romantic and provided a bit of inspiration for my writing. The hotel rooms are very nice. The bathroom was entirely upgraded and I enjoyed the shower. The porthole window we had was very small and a bit too high for me to see out of. While the art deco design is evident throughout the ship/hotel, the public spaces of the hotel are a bit worn. Nevertheless it was a lovely weekend.

I love romantic sensual lingerie. I make it a habit to pick up something new every time I go away with my husband. I love Natori items and I purchased this sleep shirt from their website for the Long Beach trip. It is made of  polyester but it looks and feels like silk. Love it.

I had the opportunity to attend a book signing for More Forensics and Fiction written by D.P. Lyle. at the Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in Redondo Beach. They are an independent bookstore and as much as I love my Nook, I do support small businesses. I purchased $71.00 worth of books including D.P. Lyle's book, Donald Maass Fire in the Fiction, a book called Cinder and a book entitled Kindred. I can't wait to get started reading.

     


Anyway, I've decided to write a romantic mystery and am doing research. D.P. Lyle suggested I read more mysteries and he rattled off a list of male authors that he knows personally that he recommended I read. Listening to Dr. Lyle gave me some ideas for my next story as well as some inspiration. I was a bit shy and didn't ask as many questions as I could of or should have.

Last weekend, I planted my vegetable garden and purchased a new patio set. I've been wanting to upgrade the set for years. I spent this week having my morning coffee and breakfast on the patio.

I have registered for RWA National convention in Anaheim this July. I'm looking forward but would like to have a completed manuscript. Even though I know that it won't be edited enough for submission but I would like to be a little farther along in my writing.

D.P. Lyle suggested I attend the Mystery Writers workshop at Book Passage in early July. I looked it up and it is $595 and the week before RWA National. I already took the week off from work to attend RWA so I doubt that I will be able to attend the Mystery Writers conference but who knows.

Mini goals:

• I've rejoined GIAM 100X100 and am attempting to complete 100 days of writing at least 100 words.

• Finish editing Movers and Shakers and re-submit.