Knitery

What's Jack up to? Besides stealing slippers and having me walk barefoot on the cold floor, Jack is quiet this morning. Thanks, Jack.

Yesterday was my day to host my weekly knitting group. We unofficailly go as: The Knit Witches and if you come at the wrong time you can sub another word entirely for Witches. (Wink, wink, ladies!)

As always, it was a fun unwind in the middle of the week and nice to catch up on the suburban news. The coffee and the talk were flowing freely. For now The Witches will remain anonymous in order to protect the not so innocent.

Progress was going well on all the ladies projects although, I'd like a little more forward movement on my scarf. Hosting knitting made it tough to stick to WW, but it's once a week and I had the ladies take home all the leftovers. Thank goodness, because if that leftover Chocolate Almond Slice was in my house this morning it was sooo be eaten. Check out this spread. Chocolate almond slice is on the bottom of the photo. Yes, on my plate.

I hope you get to take a little time to sit and get with your crew this week.

Best,

Kwana

The Malan Show ep. 2

Sadly, no Project Runway last night, but here's some cheer. Enjoy episode 2 of The Malan Show. watching him have a sandwich in the park sure put a smile on my face. Best,Kwana

For Love or Money

So will any of you out there admit to watching Bravo's new show The Millionare Matchmaker?Ok, I'll go first. I've checked it out and I have to say I'm kinda drawn to Patti Stanger the clubs owner. She's a Jersey Girl complete with curves and frosted lipstick transplanted in La-La land. Warning, watching this won't make you have any great feelings towards men or women. Especially men. Sorry guys, but how may 18 year olds can you really chase at forty? The answer is: Apparently a lot. Best,Kwana

Playing in the Rain

What's Jack up to? He's currently soaked after frolicking in the rain this morning. So now he's doing the annoying the back and forth swipe on the basement couch. Ugh.

Here he is with a morning greeting. Get down, Jack I want to sleep in.

Best,

Kwana

Baby Talk

What's Jack up to? Why he's just chilling and looking out the window on this dreary New York day. I know, I'm wondering where the sun has gone too Jack. Maybe it will show up later.

Baby Bump- baby rant

Is it just me or is anyone else annoyed by the ridiculous term Baby Bump? Every time I hear it it makes me cringe. Since when has the world turned so darned cutsy? Either she's pregnant or she's not. Big or Little. Carrying High or Low. Let's be adults here.

All over the SAG red carpet pre-show it was talk of Baby Bumps and is she or isn't she. Eva Longoria purposely wore a too tight dress to dispel all the Baby Bump rumors. Ugh! Hollywood press sometime you make me crazy.

Now the most Baby Bump fever was generated by Ms. Angelina Jolie. "What could that dress be hiding?" All the reporters asked with a wink and a smile. My eyes were rolling out of my head. Who cares? She may be she may not be. To me it doesn't matter. All that matters is that dress was gorgeous and the fact that we can all learn a thing or three from Ms. Jolie.

The woman is a Seduction Superhero. And this from a woman who was totally miffed by the whole Jennifer breakup thing. But looking at Angie in action how could Brad or any man resist? Check out these photos of Angie in action. If you look up man eater in the dictionary guess who's photo you'd see? No man stands a chance. Look and learn ladies.

Best,

Kwana

FEM

What's Jack up to? He's on a bit of a short leash after dashing out the door this weekend for an unauthorized romp around the house. The DH and DS couldn't coax him back in as he pranced around with obvious glee at his fun chase me game. What finally got him in? When I got fed up and put on my best fake voice and promised a treat if he'd just come inside. Oh, Jack I can't believe you fell for that one again.

In the midst the ridiculous chaos of an American family weekend and way too much shuttle driving, I got to go to an interesting women's empowerment seminar at my church. It was all about breaking the habits that are holding you back and was given by a renowned psychologist that is now a member of our congregation.

Thinking there would be a small turnout the organizers prepared the downstairs fellowship hall by setting up round tables and putting out a nice spread of coffee, tea and carbs. They quickly realized that this was a hot topic as more women showed up than could fit in the hall and the group had to be moved upstairs to the sanctuary.

Going though some stuff much, ladies?

I'll admit I was hoping for some magic words that would suddenly bring clarity to the direction of my life and have me make some monumental shift in direction. One that would bring wealth , peace and a quick twenty pound weight loss.

That didn't happen.

I was surprised instead to get confirmation on what I was doing and left with the annoying phrase of "stay the course" looping in my head.

The doctor talked about purpose. She described your purpose as being what you would do even if you were not paid for it. Bummer. Turns out that's what I'm doing now. I write. And so far, I don't get paid for it!

I took a moment to fantasize about possibly coming into some cash windfall. I saw myself traveling around the world and shopping my butt off, Cartier, Gucci, Hermes. Yes!

Then I took the fantasy a little further and saw myself doing what? Writing. Aww, man. Holding my book. Oh, crap. Signing my books. Ugh!

There I was, in my mind super rich, without any care for money and I was still holding on to my dream of being a published author. Insert big sigh here.

All that said, I guess I'm on the right track with the whole purpose thing.

I'm going to forge ahead and follow what the doctor called FEM with a renewed faith.

FEM: Focus + Effort = Manifestation.

So, what are you manifesting?

Check out this fun cartoon from Will Write For Chocolate .

Best,

Kwana

Tennis Anyone?

What's Jack up to? Today he's feeling frisky and for some reason flipping around on the couch like its a trampoline. What up with that, Jack?


So, here's something to ponder. Another, what up with that?

What's up with Little Miss Size 2 walking into the WW meeting in 20 degree weather wearing a little zip top and a tennis skirt?No coat, no pants, no leggings, no nothing? Just the tiny tennis skirt. Now, I know I may sound petty, but come on!
It's a WW meeting! What ya trying to prove Size 2?
Is there 5 lbs in your feet that's really bugging you and has you running off the court and to an organized diet program? I know you may be a lifetime member and a huge success and all, but did you have to prance back and forth before choosing your seat just to make sure we all could see you?
Watch out. The mother of the wiggling 1 1/2 year old wanted to trip you up. Next time sit down and put some sweatpants on!



All that said, just you wait until summer when I'm sashaying in there in my tennis skirt!
Rant over. Enjoy the weekend.


Best,
Kwana

Yarnapy

What's Jack up to? Today he's totally wild and happy to go out and get some fresh air. I suspect he's searching for spring to come soon. Me too, Jack.

Yarnapy- Yarn as therapy.

I was feeling like I needed a mind release. You know how it is, life's throwing so much at you that you have to stop, just breathe and do nothing. So I came across this decadent escape at one of my favorite yarn shops, Flying Fingers. I smiled as soon as I saw it and knew it had to be mine. It's from Colinette Yarns called Giotto and its a cool mix of Cotton,Rayon and Nylon.

The colors are drool worthy. It's a sumptuous mix of mossy green, a pale teal with soft pumpkin, golden rod and something I can only describe as earth. The picture does not do it justice.

I don't know what I'll make with it yet. Maybe an easy scarf to toss around my neck come early spring. I'll play with stitches to find one that really shows of the beauty of this yarn. I love it! Something to occupy my fingers and ease my mind.



Best,
Kwana

Runway day

What's Jack up to? Today he's in a silly, playful mood and for some reason thinks we all want to chase him around the house in order to get him to go outside. Dude, chill no one really wants to take you out that much.

First off, sorry for the crazy long post. It's Reality TV and a lot to talk about. I promise to write shorter tomorrow.

Fox’s new show The Moment Of Truth premiered last night. OMG. What a trip! I wanted to turn away as soon as I put it on, but I couldn't and I’m sure that’s what Fox was banking on. The whole train wreck effect. I watched one married man and personal trainer, strapped to a lie detector, taken down by lying on the question : Have you ever touch a female client more than was necessary? He said, no and that was a lie. Did I mention that this was asked right in front of his wife? Yikes. The real moment of truth for me is: Will I watch this again? Sadly, I have to say, yes. It won’t be programmed into my DVR, but if I pass it I can’t promise not to watch. Ugh! Fox you’ve done it again.

Now onto something I can be proud to admit I watched. Let’s talk Project Runway and the Levi’s Jean challenge. I have to say I got excited with talk of the Jean Challenge. It took me back to my denim roots and how in the late 80's when for my entrance project into FIT, I decided to hand sew (poor little, Kwana had no sewing machine) the heaviest weight denim into a full 6 gored skirt with a matching denim bustier. Total Jody Watley! Don’t You Want Me. The finger pain was worth it when i got my acceptance into FIT.

Now, please tell me why did they make the designers run for the denim ala Supermarket Sweeps. Why?

I just loved Chris talking to his garment talk. Crazy, but real. Too bad the dress didn’t talk back. I thought he was on the way out this week with that one.

Poor Sweet P and her Hippy dress. It had Tim saying what to me was the line of the night. “Resolve the skirt!” It shows you should always listen to Tim Gunn. Thankfully she did.

Rami, wow, you can even drape denim. Bravo.

Christian's jacket was nuts to me, but his jean was Fierce.

Bravo has totally caught on to the fact that Christian the star of the show and featured his fabulous whinyness to the fullest. Now Christain tell us what do you really think of Ricky?

Oh, Ricky you cry baby. Wipe those tears away. You won.

Jillian and Victorya doing the coat smack down was fun to watch develop. But I was shocked to see Victorya go. I thought she won this round, just barely.

On a fabulous note and thanks to the guys at Project Rungay for the heads up, Bravo has decided to make my day and do The Malan Show! It's a short web show. Click here to check it out. I promise you won’t be disappointed, darlings.

Best,
Kwana

Write to get right

What's Jack up to? He's kinda quiet this morning which makes me a little nervous. Like a toddler, when Jack is too quiet it means he's into something. Yesterday it was going though the DS's pockets to look for hidden candy.



What am I reading right now? Well, I'm glad you asked. Ok, I'm not crazy, you didn't ask and you may not really care, but it's my blog so I'm sharing anyway. I got this book The Writing Diet by Julia Cameron from a good friend, Patricia of PVE Design who did my lovely banner design.

Patrica and I have been friends for years, working together in fashion and bonding over both having twins. In all the years she's known me I've always been on one diet or another. She also knows what a fan I am of Julia Cameron and her books The Artists Way and The Right to Write. So when Patricia heard Julia speaking on Oprah XM radio she ran out and got this book for me.

I'm just about done with it and so far it's really interesting and different as far as diet books go. Julia doesn't endorse any one diet program just "clean" eating and whatever works for you so it can be done in conjunction with whatever your doing (for me it's WW... again).
She stresses getting in touch with your feelings through writing as a deterrent to eating. So instead of going for the chips she suggests going for the pen and exploring why you're really eating. It gets pretty deep and asks some tough questions. But they are important ones.
I have a feeling I'll be writing a whole lot in the upcoming weeks. Wish me luck.

On another note check out the cool tote I unexpectedly got in the mail yesterday from Domino Magazine. I got it for subscribing and as far as free totes go I love it. I'm a huge tote girl. It's a beautiful chocolate brown accented with a cool turquoise. Very chic and a perfect functional size. Thanks Domino! Love Ya.

Best,
Kwana

Tea Time

What's Jack up to? Well, this morning he had me walking back and forth, freezing my butt off while he happily romped around in his lovely furry coat.


Yesterday I topped off my MLK weekend by attending an African-American writers literary tea for the Westchester Library system. One of my super cool friends was nice enough to treat me to a ticket to the charity event. Her sister was the MC and host. Because of my hot VIP connections (thanks KF) I got to sit at a great table with some of the featured authors.



Beverly Jenkins who writes African-American historical romances as well as contemporary ones was charming and very funny. Her reading of letters from her book Indigo had everyone in awe of her and reflecting on the struggles of slavery and the power of love.









Rene Syler formally of CBS's Morning Show talked about her book Good Enough Mother. Apart from being gorgeous, she had us all in stitches with stories of her children whom she calls, Gasoline and Fire! All the mothers in the audience could relate to that.









Author Terrie Williams spoke about her new book Black Pain in which she reflects on the pain we as African-Americans have as a result of our ancestors past. She also talked about the "mask" that we put on everyday and how you never know what your fellow person is really going though. When she said that often, "how are you?" is the hardest question to answer. We all had to nod our heads.




It was a wonderful afternoon and a great way to celebrate Dr. Kings birthday, being inspired by dynamic black women and reflecting on how far we have come as a people and as a country. Also looking forward to the future and how far we still have to go. Make no mistake, there is still plenty of work to be done. Now go do it!

best,
Kwana

Peace Please

What's Jack up to? Today he's literally nipping a my heels to play. Ouch, Jack!

Today is a national holiday here is the US. It's the day we celebrate the birthday of Dr. King. His peaceful non-violent approach to civil change is a lesson we all need to reflect on. Particularly during this election year. Please take a moment and think of how you can add more peace to your personal life and life beyond your four walls.

What's my prayer for this year? It's simple. Peace please.

photo from Oprah's breathing space gallery by Suzan Watson

Best,

Kwana

Top Chef countdown

What's Jack up to? Today he's feeling a little nervous about going to get a long over due nail clipping and shampoo. Sorry dude, it's got to be done.

So we've still got quite a few weeks until the new season of Top Chef. But just for a fix I thought I'd post this photo of Padma, Ilan and Sam from my Union Square encounter.

What a fun afternoon that was! I'll have more fun photos later.

Enjoy the weekend!

Happy Birthday and another Good Read

Wow, I have another writer friend who finaled in the Amazon Shorts Contest. Head on over and check out Kerri Mahon's YA short: Much Ado About High School.

It's a fun read with a cool Shakespeare theme.

http://www.amazon.com/Much-Ado-About-High-School/dp/B00122I1JC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200699899&sr=8-1

And it's a free download. If you like it, give it a review. The semi-finalists will be based on customer reviews.



Happy 9th Birthday to my beautiful God-daughter Lemiah!
Have a wonderful day!





Best,
Kwana

Woah Wellie! Part 3

What's Jack up to? Poor Jack isn't happy with all the rain today. He along with the DS and DD were hopeful that it would be a snow day. Sorry Guys.

Check out Jack here wondering why I'm taking pictures of some silly boots.

So the Wellie woes continue.

No, I still haven't found a pair in size 11. So sad. I did find these in a size ten that run a little big and are passable. They just fit my big feet. Of course they aren't perfect. The shaft is a little too short and I'm not sure if I love or hate the strap across the front that gave them a faux motorcycle feel. But for the bargain price that I paid I'm willing to deal until my true Wellie prince comes along.

Let it rain!

Is Tyson the new Tyra?

Nah, but he's sure trying. In the new Bravo show Make Me a Supermodel Tyson co-hosts with model Niki Taylor. I knew he was going for the Tyra the moment that he stripped down to his Speedo to show the guys how it's done.


It's no ANTM, but it's filler enough until the next season of Top Chef starts. The twist on this show is having both male and female models living in a house together (makes for interesting crushes) and the fact that America gets to vote on who's out, ala American Idol.

Best,

Kwana

Neither Avant or Garde

What's Jack up to? Jack's unusually quiet this morning. It may be that he's afraid that I'm going to make him get down from his high couch perch that he's come to love. So he's buried himself deep into the pillows like he's trying to blend into the surroundings. Don't worry, Jack I'm over it. I'll just vacuum and Fabreze the couch when company comes.

Neither Avant or Garde. That's what the judges seemed to think about Kit and Ricky's designs last night. I have to say I agree. Although their major design was sweet in and Alice in Wonderland meets Gone With The Wind kind of way, it just didn't go far enough. So one of them had to go and it was Kit's night. We'll miss the sweet bleached blond. It was a good run.

What was one of the major things we learned with this episode? Well, it's that we don't want to work in Rami's showroom before fashion week. Why, he made the pierced and heavily tattooed Sweet P cry. Toughen up girl! You don't have to take that mess. I don't care if he is The Drapemaster.

Team Victorya and Jillian. Uh-oh. They cracked me up with all their soft talking that was so filled with venom I was feeling poisoned in my bedroom. But props to that major coat. It was a work of art, tough as nails and beautiful to boot. Loved it.

Did we all love the show intro and watching Christian flat iron his hair? That hair could have totally been a project inspiration this week.

I loved the Diva Duo of Chris and Christian. They were the clear winners to me with their tornado of organza. The cell tower collar was nutty at first but when the model turned and the end of the runway and created the picture it was just amazing. Great job guys. How happy am I that Chris got to come back? Could he make the final three? I hope so. I thing that would be a runway show to remember.

Best,

Kwana

Kit speaks

Here are a few parting words from Kit

Night all

What's Jack up to? Finally winding down after a long, hard day. He's curled up on his little bed, but I know that he's faking it and once we've all gone to sleep he'll sneak back up on the couch. Oh, Jack.

A good read

I wanted to take a moment to congratulate a writer friend of mine, Maureen McGowan who finaled in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Maureen is a fabulous writer and her story on a down on her luck, spoiled ex-trophy wife is compelling from the start.

If you want to check it out and give Maureen a review that could take her to the next level here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00122GTIC And the best part is it's a free download!

Have fun!

Best,
Kwana

Sweet escape

On Wednesdays I join a cool group of women for our weekly knitting group. When I first started it I have to admit, I felt a little guilty. I got plenty of the, "oh, it's nice you have the time for that," comments. That didn't help the guilty feeling. But I'm getting over it.

The other comments were the, "I could never do that, I don't have the patience, I'm not creative" ones. I don't believe it. Everyone has some creative spark. I'm no expert knitter and may never be, but it's about the journey and anyone can take a journey. Just gas up the car and go.

Being a writer is a solitary life and even when I'm not writing, the story or the submission of the story is first in my mind. On top of being a writer, I'm a mother and wife and, well, I'm sure you all know that's a never ending job.

That said, I'm grateful for my group, which gives me a wonderful outlet and for two hours a week takes me out of my own angst filled creative bubble. Besides, it's fun to sit with a cool group of women and laugh at the everyday stuff of life. We're all different, but still very much the same in unexpected ways.

There's not much progress to report on my socks, maybe 5 rows. No need to photograph that. But here is something I did finish this week. It's a hat for a big sister to match the one I knit for her little sister who's to be born in a few weeks.

So what's your outlet? Something just for you that gives you that little something to make you smile. Feel free to share.

Best,

Kwana

Tag. I'm it!

What's Jack up to? Today he's still full of energy after his morning walk so now he's running laps around the house. Don't hurt yourself, Jack.

I can't believe it happened to me. Thanks Mel for initiating me into the blog tagging world. Since this is my first, I'll go with it and break my no tagging rule.

So here are 7 random facts about Kwana:

1.My favorite diner dish is grilled cheese on white bread with bacon. Don't think about putting a tomato on it!


2.I adore Prince.

3.ADORE is my favorite Prince song. (bonus: I can do the dance from the When Doves Cry video)

4.I've been married for almost 18 years. Wow.

5.I wear a size 11 shoe.

6.I'm an academy award winning actress and director- in my own mind.

7.I'm also the winner of America's Next Top Model- in my own mind. Fierce!

I'm now tagging Megan, Elizabeth, Patricia, Maureen, Nova , Brown Girl and Ondo Lady so we can make a friend across the pond!

Here we have a mix of artists, writers, knitters and fashionistas. Old and new friends.

Schmooze get to know each other. Please don't beat me up ladies!


Best,
Kwana

Happy Birthday Little Twin 'A' and Little Twin 'B'

What's Jack up to? Today's he's constantly stealing my slippers and taking them under the coffee table. What up with that, Jack? Get your own darn slippers.

"So, how many children do you want to have?"

That was the question posed to me while I was flat on my back, a little over fourteen years ago, having my first sonogram. It's the question that would change my life and the DH's life forever. After the initial shock of being told we were having not one, but two babies we were sent home with two grainy, unrecognizable sonogram photos. One labeled Twin 'A' the other labeled Twin 'B'. We showed them off as if they were painted by DaVinci.

On January 15th, 1994 we welcomed our baby boy and baby girl into the world.

Happy 14th Birthday DD and DS!

We can't believe that fourteen years have gone by so fast. To the world, you are both so different now from the photos shown here. But we don't have to look too closely to see that your hearts are just the same.

We love you both more than any words on a page can say.

Make this a wonderful year!

Love,

Mom and Dad

Welcome to 1950

I have to say a domestic goddess, I'm not. (See earlier post. The dust bunnies under my furniture even has, Jack sneezing).

But this weekend I did something that was so domestic it made me smile and almost put on an apron.

I got a crock-pot, well, a slow cooker since it's not from Rival, but from Hamilton Beach. But I digress. I'd been thinking of buying one for quite a while. For he past year, I'd see them in Sears, or Tar-jay and stop, stare a bit then walk on by. "Come on, am I really gonna use that or is it going to be tossed in the 'never will' bin like my had-to-have-it basting set?"

But recently a neighbor and knitting buddy of mine was telling me all about the wonders of a slow cooker. She said I just had to have one. She uses hers all the time. I was shocked. She's an artist, from Australia, with a super cool haircut. Soooo not the Crock-pot type.

Then got my new issue of Real Simple and once again I was assaulted with the virtues of the Crock-pot. That was it. A sign.

On Saturday the DH and I were in Kmart and found ourselves (well, I found myself and called him over) in front of the slow cookers.

I said: I had to get one.

He looked at me and smirked.

I said: what's that for?

He rolled his eyes. Obviously he was thinking of the basting set.

I just shook my head, choose one and asked him to carry it to the check out, through clenched teeth.

One look and my expression and the DH knew I would not be moved. He picked up the pot and went to check out.

On Sunday, after searching the web for recipes and an afternoon trip to the grocery I came home make what I hoped would be life changing rosemary chicken with, potatoes, peas and onions. An hour later I realized why it's called a slow cooker. The chicken was still pink and the DH was volunteering to go out for Chinese. Sigh.

I scowled and he went back to the Giants game.

After much hand wringing, stress knitting and 4 hours. It was done!

I made plates for everyone and hovered as the DH and DS took their first bites (the DD was spared because she'd ate out earlier).

Success! Seconds all around. The chicken was tender and moist and the potatoes cooked perfectly.

Easy one pot cooking.

And guess what's for dinner tonight? Sorry DD. It's a pretty big pot.

Welcome to 1950, Kwana!

Scandalous

What's Jack up to? Today he's bummed that New York didn't get big snow storm that was promised last night. So instead of scheduled frolicking, he's enjoying sitting on his newest perch on the back of the couch. Too bad it's not a dog bed, Jack! Come on and get down you're squashing my pillows.

Want a fun read? Then pick up the February, Marie Claire and check out P-I-C, Megan Frampton's essay I Was The Boss Of Him which is part of the: How to Survive An Office affair cover feature. Scandalous!
Go Megan!

Best,
Kwana

Happy Birthday Maddy!

What's Jack up to? Today's he's pushing his luck by climbing up on the kitchen table to see what crumbs he can snatch up. Off the table, Jack!

Happy 2nd birthday to my niece, Madison!

Auntie loves you.

Let's go and have a great party!

Free mind

What's Jack up to? Today's he's sneezing of all things. I wonder if it has anything to do with all the dust bunnies under my furniture. Are you trying to give me a sign, Jack? Sorry, it won't work!

So, my most recent YA manuscript is out of my hands and off to my super fab agent. While I await her thoughts I'm in the strange position of having nothing pressing to write.

I have a free mind. A free mind that can wander and think about any story it wants and not feel guilty for it. Of course, the mind is never really free. It's thinking about what to work on next, how to work on it, when to work on it, oh and what's the world going to think of the work that's out there that's already been worked on.
Not to mention, being a wife and mother on top of writer, the to-do list that's a mile long.
A free mind? What's that?

Maybe it's time to try mediation. Ommmmmmmm.

Best,
Kwana

Interview with a Siren

Here is the first of what I hope will be an ongoing writer interview series. Today I'm featuring, new author, Wendy Toliver.

Wendy's first book: The Secret Life Of Teenage Siren was released in December of 2007.


Here's a teaser:

Geeky to gorgeous in sixty seconds... Roxy's about to turn sixteen, but life isn't so sweet. As a band geek, Roxy can barely get the cute guys to notice her, much less go out with her. Then, on her birthday, Roxy is transformed into a siren: seductively beautiful with the power to control all men. She thought sirens were an ancient myth, but suddenly Roxy can get any guy she wants with just a few notes on her flute. There are only two rules: don't tell anyone about being a siren, and don't fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on, Roxy realizes she could get used to this siren thing...but how can she keep herself from falling in love?







First off, congratulations on the debut on you first book, The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren out with Simon Pulse this past December.

What made you want to write for this Young Adult age group? Do you feel a certain kinship here?



Yes I do! I had a wonderful teenage life myself and I love reliving it through writing. One of my favorite things about being a published author is speaking to junior and senior high schools, getting to hang out with teens.

What made you decide to take on writing novels as a career? Is it something you always dreamed of or did you fall into it sideways?




LOL! I definitely fell into it sideways. I had a fun experience about 5 years ago that I thought would make a good chick lit novel so I started writing it out. It became a manuscript and I sent it out to agents and received offers for representation. The thought of being a novelist always intrigued me, but I can truthfully say writing was just a hobby, something I could do as a mom of three active little boys, and it's just an added bonus that I'm finding some success in it.

Can you give of a brief overview of your road to 'overnight' success? (I laugh as I ask this one) and what has being a member of RWA meant to you on your way to publication?


Ha! Yes, there were definitely a bunch of ups and downs en route to becoming a published author. I might not have been writing (with the intent of being published) for as many years as some authors, but let me tell you, it hasn't been easy. I'm still in the mindset that if something wonderful happens, I stand back and take a breath or two, making sure it's real before I let loose and celebrate. On the flip side, writing YA seems to be a natural fit for me, as The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is my first attempt at writing YA. So I guess I can't complain!
RWA has been very important to me because it has educated me in the craft as well as the world of publishing, offered me support, introduced me to amazing writers who've become some of my closest friends, and given me the inspiration necessary to keep writing. RWA rocks!

What’s your writing process like as a stay at home mother of three small boys?



I have a mommy's helper who comes for about 6 hours a week, and though that might not sound like much writing time, I get a lot done because I have to. I try and think about whatever project I'm working on while I'm doing other things (like laundry, dishes, and changing diapers) so when I do sit at my computer, I'm ready to write.

What are you working on next?



I'm working on edits for my second YA with Simon Pulse. It's called Miss Match and it is about a teenage matchmaker who is hired to fix a new guy up with her sister, only to discover that she's crushing on him herself. I think it's scheduled to come out around Valentine's Day of 2009. I'm really excited about it!


Thanks so much, Wendy and best of luck with your next book!