Writers' Rooms Numero Tres

Hi all-- Jeanne here. Nothing says spring like stuff poking out of the ground. It makes me happy.

Stay tuned for the next installment of Writers' Rooms. This week we explore the sanctums of Jennifer Rardin, Kelling Meding and Jaye Wells.

First though, a little news and commentary.

I'm new to the League as may be many of you. To say that this is a terrifically talented group is an understatement. To prove my point, check out the book covers of Leaguers on to the right and left of this post whose books have just been, or will be released, in the next few days. To make your shopping easier, here is a list that you can copy and take with you to your favorite bookstore.

Remember, support your Leaguers-- Buy early and often!

Acevedo, Mario JAILBAIT ZOMBIE
Cassidy, Dakota THE ACCIDENTAL HUMAN
Henry, Mark ROAD TRIP OF THE LIVING DEAD
Kittredge, Caitlin SECOND SKIN
Lewis, J. F. REVAMPED
Priest, Cherie FATHOM
Strout, Anton DEADER STILL


So, just a couple of announcements before we hit the feature--

I'm now posting on the on The Biting Edge Thursday's beginning this week.

To kick things off Mario and I are having a contest-- this one will take thought and ingenuity but the prize cache is truly awesome. We plan to have details up on Thursday so be sure to check in!

Now-- here we go with Writers' Rooms.


Jennifer Rardin said: Nothing. Evidently she had trouble sending me the pic so it came through someone else. Dangerous, Jennifer. That means I can say anything I want


I say: Another neatnic. Notice how the laptop is aligned perfectly with the desk blotter which is aligned perfectly with the edge of the desk. Now I ask you, is that normal? I think not. Jennifer, come clean. You staged this didn't you? You may defend yourself in comments if you wish.

Kelly said: For as long as I can remember, my writing space has always been my bedroom. I've never had an office, and I rarely do any significant amount of writing away from home (of course, I also don't travel very much, *g*). As messy as it might look, it's actually pretty organized. My favorite fuchsia mug is sitting on its warming plate (coffee shouldn't be cold unless I ordered it iced). Behind my monitor on a piece of yellow paper is a sign from my best friend that says "Write, Chaos, Write!", and it's advice I try to follow on a daily basis. There's always chocolate of some sort hiding in the left-hand drawer. And all the little sticky notes help keep me sane. Maybe I'll have an actual office some day, but for now, this is where the magic happens.

I say: this is more like it. I especially like having chocolate and coffee close to hand. Important aids to the imagination. The "write, chaos, write" bit you obviously have down. Who needs an entire office when you have everything within arm's reach? I like it.

Jaye said (and she had a lot to say along with sending three--count 'em--three pictures! However, truth be told, she is the ONLY one who actually followed my instructions. So I'm giving her the rest of the page!) :

This is where the magic happens, folks. I just redecorated the entire room last summer. I totally heart the purple. As you can tell from the Buddah, I was going for a Zen-ish theme. Pretentious maybe, but when you are the only woman in a house full of men you learn to appreciate a quiet, clean spot.

Points of interest:

1. The sign next to my computer reads: "She was armed with intuition and the fearless courage to act." That quote sums up the person I want to be. I'm not always good at it, but the sign is there to remind me to try.

2. I have way too many candles in this place. My favorite is the sandalwood one on my desk. The mages in my series all smell like sandalwood so it helps me get in the mood to write about magic.

3. True fact: I actually work better in public spaces. My first two books were mostly written at a nearby Starbucks. It took me a long time to get used to writing alone in my office. So usually I have music blaring when I'm working so I don't feel so claustrophobic. This of course completely contradicts my early statement about having a quiet place. What can I say-- I'm a complicated woman and no one understands me but my internal critic.

4. There is no rhyme or reason to the organization of my book case. Well, except for the top two shelves, which my husband stole for his books. His are organized because he's a Virgo. I'm a fiesty Aries and prefer a less anal-retentive approach to life. I'm always finding books I forgot I have, and it's like getting presents every time visit my books.

My debut is RED-HEADED STEPCHILD and it comes out March 31.























So there we have it for another week. Look for me next Saturday with news and views. Also, I'll be posting the cover for my new book, Retribution, which comes out in September.

See you then!


PS-- Okay Tom and Tator-Gator-- here's Jaye's third pic-- notice I just centered it all by itself. This is this blogger site's preferred formatting. It's the only one I can do without pulling out hair.