Running With Quills: Dog Days of Summer Contest

Welcome to Running With Quills, your online newsletter designed to keep you up to date with what your favorite authors (that would be us) are doing throughout the year. Here you will find the release dates of our new books and get information about our backlists. We'll preview our cover art here long before the books hit the stores and we'll keep you informed about works-in-progress and special projects. You'll also receive advance notice of signings and appearances. From time to time we'll give you a peek at our worlds, tell you what we're reading, and introduce you to some new authors.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Dog Days of Summer Contest - and Old Dogs Writing...

Hey everyone!

Happy Friday to all of you! I have some things to tell you about MY Friday, but first I want to say that today is a very SPECIAL Friday, because we're doing a...

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
CONTEST

We at Quills want to reward all you lovely folk for visiting with us each day, and being so fun and supportive and friendly. So we've gathered up some goodies and put them together to make a nice prize package. I hope you like it!

From now until August 29th, everyone who posts a comment to ANY of the blogs listed between those two dates will be eligible to win.

One of the Quills will randomly draw a name from all the posts, and the winner will be announced here on the blog - so be sure to check back on August 29th to see if you're the lucky person!

Once you respond (privately) with your address, we'll individually send out our prize donations to you.

So what are those donations, you ask?

So what do you think!? Lots of great goodies, right?
Naturally the books will autographed!

If you're reading this, you're already here. Just drop in a post about the contest or my blog below, and you're entered!

Be sure to come back for each blog from each of the Quill authors to keep on entering.
Good luck to everyone!

And now to the "Old Dog" part of this blog.
I am an old dog, and I'm not sure I can be taught any new tricks.
My first book was published back in December of 1996. Since then, I've set myself into a pattern of writing that's made me pretty productive.

I write at my desk.
I face a window.
I burn candles
I play loud music.
My doggies are close at hand.
I feed my face with munchies.

Yeah, it works for me.
Over the past 12 years, I've written somewhere over 80 stories, including single titles, novellas and category books.

So what's the deal, you ask?

Well, I've finished my ultra short novella for the June 09 release, TAILS OF LOVE anthology (where all author and agent proceeds go to the AAF, Animal Adoption Foundation) and now I need to start on my related, Dark-to-Light novellas.

So... I'm going to try something totally new.
I want to see if I can write in my RV.
This is HUGE for me, because I'm a total creature of habit. I LIKE sitting at my desk, with my dogs near me, a drink close at hand (non-alcoholic, as you know, cuz I'm a tee-totaler) and loud music playing.
Writing in the RV - on my laptop - with traffic going by - while hubby drives - well, it's all going to be so different and strange.

But if I can do it, it'll be the perfect set up!

Since we finally got the RV out of the barn (where it got stowed while my sis was with us, recovering) we've been going somewhere nearly every weekend, and sometimes during the week. I had no idea that RVing was so much fun, but I love it and I don't want to miss out on all the wonderful places we can visit over the summer.

I'm thinking I can write while hubby drives, and maybe in the early mornings while he walks the dogs and stuff. This would be such a great balance in my life - IF I can work it out.
Just think, we could practically travel year round if I can get my brain wrapped around writing in different places.
But you know, I really am an old dog to start learning new tricks!

What about you?
Are you a flexible, work anywhere person, or do you like a pattern?
Have you ever had to majorly switch up your life?
I know divorce, death, health can make us accept huge changes whether we want to or not.
And I've heard a lot of women (and some men) say that when a spouse retires, it turns their life upside down.
Some moms have had a hard adjustment to their kids starting school, or sometimes, returning home from school! LOL

Have you ever been forced through a change that later proved to work out better for you?
What about a change that you're still adjusting to?

Let me know - and wish me luck on my new writing experiments!
HUGS to all!

84 Comments:

Margay said...: Wow, that is a great prize pack! Every time I move, I am forced to make adjustments in how/where I write, but I do it because writing is so vital to me and not writing is inconceivable. Thank God I haven't moved in almost four years - and have no plans to! Good luck with your writing experiments!; 5:36 AM
PJ said...: Hi Lori!

I hope your RV writing experiment works out. Traveling the countryside every weekend sounds lovely!

While at heart I'm a creature of habit it seems that life always has me adjusting and adapting to new things. When I left my 24 year career to care for my husband it resulted in major changes. After my husband (and my dad) died, it woke me up to the fact that life is indeed short and I've adapted by grabbing every day. I've been traveling, exploring, trying new things and loving it! I've learned to be flexible and "go with the flow" but, in some things, I guess I'll always be that creature of habit. Earlier this year I started writing book reviews. I write them at my (desktop) computer in front of a large window that showcases my front yard, lots of trees and the lake. I've tried writing them in other places and the words just won't come. I guess I just need my special place for inspiration to strike.

Enjoy your day!

Hugs,
PJ

p.s. Please exclude me from that wonderful prize package since I already won the awesome Mother's Day extravaganza. Thanks!; 6:04 AM
Anonymous said...: Who knows Lori, maybe writing in an RV will be a moving experience (har har). Really, I think you could probably write wonderful stories no matter what the conditions. I hope you have a wonderful time traveling around with your dear hubby and taking in the sights.

As for the contest-put my name in! Great prizes and a wonderful idea.

Lynne Thomas; 6:15 AM
ChrisTina said...: Lori,
It almost hurts to admit it, but the older I get, the less I like change, especially when it involves changing locations. I think it's because I know that the next time I have to move, I WILL pack my brain in some random box, and I WON'T find it for months!

On the other hand -- and I hope this helps you, Lori -- change really is about the BEST way I can think of to shift perspective, to open the door to the new, to force examination of what we really need and want (and what we have just been carrying around forever).

Above all, I have to remind myself that adaptation takes time, so make sure to grant yourself that. I think your new experiences sound wonderful, and hope you enjoy each and every part of the journey.

-- Chris; 6:16 AM
Lori Foster said...: Morning all!
Chris, thank you! That's a wonderful insight. I'll look at this as opening a door to new perspectives! :-)

Lynne, very funny! LOL

PJ, my heart goes out to you. HOw awful to lose both your father and your husband. Too many changes in that one, I'm sure.
Have fun with the book reviews!

Margay, thanks! I can't imagine moving that much. In the 30 years we've been married, we've had 5 homes, and moving is SUCH a pain! I hope I don't do it again any time soon!

Hugs to all!

Lori; 6:53 AM
Jaci Mitchell said...: Lori-
I think that it is great that you are trying something new! I really hope that it works out the best for you.

I think that change is a good thing but I am also kinda like you, not a big fan of big, drastic change. Although, I did end up attending college again 1 1/2 years ago because of a big change and both me and my daughter adjusted quickly to that. It helped alot that I really wanted to attend college again aince I dropped out the first time.

I think that as long as you want the change you can do anything you put your mind to. Good luck and I hope you can learn to like change!

---Jaci; 6:54 AM
SamG said...: That prize looks great.

Enjoy driving around. Don't forget to look around a bit while riding. We have some gorgeous places in the U.S. Maybe some places will intrigue and inspire you too..

Sam; 7:33 AM
Kristi said...: When my daughter was born, I lost my office and my husband and I tried to move all our junk into a single room. Before, I had my own, quiet space with plenty of room to spread out for crafting, or working on the computer, or just staring into space. And everything stayed exactly where I left it.

Combining office space was not fun, and as I was moving in with him, I felt like an intruder. The room color was all wrong (he painted it himself), he covers every flat surface (even those that aren't his) with clutter, and he likes to leave the lights dim while he plays dark computer games full of demons and sword battles.

So I stopped sewing, bought a laptop, and moved my worktime to the living room couch, the library, and to Starbucks.

Finally, 4 years later, I'm reclaiming my half of the office. I have new furniture, better organization (for my half, anyway), and I'm making a determined effort to remove UFO's from the top of my desk and place them back in his space so that I have a clear space to work. I like the new space, but now I miss Starbucks :) Maybe I just need an espresso maker...; 7:35 AM
MaryC said...: Lori,

Best of luck with your new writing experiment!

My sister and I moved in April when the sale agreement for the family home was signed and currently reside in an apartment complex with a one year lease.

I have discovered that apartment living is not for me - too many restrictions on what I can and can't do, maintenance having the right to enter my apartment even if I'm not there. I'm just not comfortable here.

If my sister and I can't reach an agreement about where to live, we will go our separate ways which
will result in another adjustment.; 8:05 AM
Jimmy said...: Whatever you do don't quit, I am working my way through all your books and am loving it. Take a fav framed photo with you it can take you back to your roots.
It works for me when I travel for work.

Jim B; 8:24 AM
Elizabeth Guest said...: I've moved 17 times. I've had 17 different editors in my writing career. (However, only one husband.:-) Change is inevitable. I think the real trick to life (with a capital L) is the ability to adjust to change.

lolololol My, how philosophical I am for a Friday morning --with a working weekend ahead.
~EG; 8:32 AM
Amanda said...: Sweet Contest!

I have the ability to write almost anywhere...as long as there is noise. I write the most (maybe even the best) when there is music or the t.v. on. I can write in my bed, on the couch, dining table, kitchen. Once I even set the laptop up on the ironing board and wrote when I was struck by something as I cleaned the living room.

I hate silence.

Best of luck!; 8:37 AM
Julz said...: My life - all about change! LOL For the past 3 1/2 years, my husband has been off chasing his dream of flying! The first two were devoted to going to flight school (driving 2 hours one way from home) plus working full/part-time, and the last year - not at all. He moved to FL for 4 months of intense training and afterwards involved him moving to TN for training once he had a job with an airline. I saw him once when he came home from FL b/c he was homesick and then flew a few times to Memphis to visit him. His dream had become a reality!!! By no means was it easy - I had to curbtail my book buying ;) - but we made it through. Now that he's back home and flying city to city, we've had major adjustments sleeping together again! LOL It's hard to give up all that extra space in the king sized bed! As for me, my job is all about change. I deal with emergency situations for a travel agency so I never know what work will be like when I walk in the door or what kind of call I'll take next. Plus being a supervisor means I get all the more craziness! ;)

I think you can do the RV-writing Lori! You're so devoted to your writing and though there may be some bumps here or there (um, besides the road bumps lol), I know you'll pull through just fine! Happy RVing!

Julz =); 8:46 AM
georganna said...: What a great prize pack!
I, too, am a creature of habit. Before I begin a new project, all my ducks need to be in a row. The house has to be clean, the laundry done, the kids settled into their own activities - then I can begin. I also have tunnel vision. Once I start, I spend every available minute on the project until it's done. Needless to say, by then the house is once again a mess and the laundry is piled up, but the job is done!
Good luck writing in the RV!; 8:50 AM
Julie F said...: I'm sure I'd be way too distracted to write in an RV. Then there's the fact that I get car sick...must look out the window while the vehicle is in motion!; 9:06 AM
Stephanie*magic* said...: Wishing you lots of luck on your new experiment!
I'm a pretty flexible person, guess I have to be having 4 kids, lol.
The noise still gets to me tho!
I'm not huge on big changes tho.
I just recently went back to work after 10 years of not. Was a huge change and at first I didnt like it. It affected the way my home looked and what I could do. But i'm liking it now.
Happy writing Lori!; 9:58 AM
Anonymous said...: My dear friend always quotes this to me whenever I am fussing about adapting to change,'

Whereever you go, there you are.

I know that is a book title..but I thought it applied to your situation, Lori.

If you can write at home with yourself and any intrusions, you'll be able to write with yourself and any intrusions on the road.

I think writers who write multiple genres have already shown the needed flexibillty to change their writing habits.

So travel and write on!

Good luck,

Rebecca; 10:38 AM
Becky said...: Hey! I think the RV writing idea will work and it will be fabulous. You can do it - make it an adventure :)

And sign me up for the contest - oh so lovely prizes!!; 10:47 AM
Molly said...: I, too, am a creature of habit. I do very well with routines and schedules. Every once in a while I try to mix things up, just so I don't become predictable (or boring). I don't get too wild; I just take a different path on my daily constitutional or try a different side dish with my favorite entrée. When I feel especially adventurous, I'll rearrange furniture. ;)

Good luck with your riding and writing. I'm sure you'll settle into your new environment just fine.; 11:02 AM
Stella said...: Hi Lori:

Writing on the road can be fun. My family members insist I never have a holiday because I pack a computer, portable printer, full-size keyboard and regular mouse wherever I go. I really like setting up "office" in odd spots.

Good luck with the experiment. I'd be amazed if you don't do brilliantly with the new locale.

Love, Stella; 1:22 PM
DFender said...: Lori,

WoW! You’re a busy and gorgeous “old dog”…LOL. Congratulations on your TAILS OF LOVE anthology. Whatta great cause. RVAuthoring? Great plan. I truly hope it works out well for you, the hubby and the dogs.

I enjoy changes, or at the very least, tend to make the best of them. Divorce, death, kids leaving the nest… not necessarily the best reason for changes but changes always open up my tiny corner of the world. My Gramma died and I took over her “recipes” and cooking. I got divorced and found the “perfect partner” for me and the most wonderful step-dad for my kids. My daughter moved to Florida and we got a new vacation spot… free of charge, even! LOL.

Going out and buying new jeans cuz my ass has gotten a tad (a lot!) bigger? Well, not such a good change but damn good incentive for the elliptical…Ha!

Just my thought, but I think a life without changes would just be… blah. Continued success whilst you RV :-)

Deb

Great contest, too, thank you, and the rest of the Quills, for the opportunity.; 1:56 PM
Lori Foster said...: Deb, you're always so upbeat and enthusiastic. I love it when you post!
Yes, change is good. None of us want to get stale, right? LOL
I think we all change a lot more than we realize, just because we adapt!

Ah, Stella! I didn't even have to pay you for that optimism. Thank you!

Now see, Molly, I LOVE to rearrange the furniture! Or have the walls painted a new color. Or... ha!... color my hair. I won't cut it, that's too drastic and my hair grows too slow, but color is fun!

Rebecca! I LOVE that saying! How true it is. :-)

Thanks everyone for posting!

Lori; 2:18 PM
Lori Foster said...: Stephanie, that IS a big change. My sis did that after her divorce, and it's been wonderful.

Becky and Julie, thanks for posting!

Georganna - wow, I'd never get anything done if I needed the house "just so" first. LOL. We're pretty tidy people, with the kids home and the grandson often over... yeah, chaos reigns!

Julz, I went through that when my husband went off 3rd shift to 1st. Man oh man! What a change! He'd worked 3rd shift for 20 years or more. It was crazy, but now he's retired and always here - and I love it! LOL

Hugs to all,

Lori; 2:22 PM
Lori Foster said...: Amanda, I can't stand silence either! Ugh. NOT my idea of good writing ambiance!

EG, good luck with your working weekend!

Hi Jim, and THANK YOU! You know, one of the first things I did was put "homey" touches in the RV, including some photos. :-) It's a great tip to make the motorhome feel like a real home!

Marcy, wow, sounds like you've got a lot of adjustment to do. I hope it works out in whatever way makes you and your sister happiest! Good luck. I couldn't live in an apt either. When Allen and I married 30 years ago, we were in an apt for 6 months - and then we bought a house. It just didn't work for us, but I have friends who love it and want nothing to do with the work that comes from owning a house.
To each her own!

Hugs to all,

Lori; 2:26 PM
Lori Foster said...: Kristi, my hat is off to you! I can't imagine sharing my office with someone. I'm far too territorial! LOL Good luck!

Hey Sam, that's the good thing about an RV - big windows! I LOVE scenery, everywhere we go. There's always something different to see!

Jaci, I think that's so cool that you went back to college! That takes a lot of conviction and motivation. Go you!

Lori; 2:29 PM
Sean and Anna said...: My life is all about change and how to adapt. My husband is career Air Force (10 years now) and somedays it feels like we are constantly in motion. We have a great marriage and great kids which makes things a little easier, but I am not always easy going about the changes. I find that years of moving make it hard to have roots-4 states in 10 years. I think of it like the big Banyon trees in Hawaii with the roots twisted and twined above the ground. Someday we'll have a house with the picket fence but I'm not too sure I'll know what to do with it. I am always changing the look of the apt we have because I can't settle on what I want. Drives my husband crazy! Every time he deploys or goes away for work I rearrange and then he gets a surprise when he comes home-like a new bed or crazy curtains! When he worked shift hours I would move stuff and he would trip on things when he came home in the middle of the night. Living in a world where everything can change by the hour does have its benefits- at least I choose to see it that way. My family is close and we cherish the friendships we make along the way. My 2 best pals are in Maryland and Korea now but we keep in touch. The bonds are somehow stronger despite the distance. After I thought about it for awhile I think that routine would be boring and I must thrive in chaos. One thing I am always sure of is that the topsy turvy life has made me stronger than I ever thought possible.

Good luck writing in the RV- it sounds like a really cool adventure! Do you think that the people and places might enhance the writing process?

Anna; 2:40 PM
Cathy said...: I thought that the year that both my boys went to college together was hard, until I had one join the Navy. Those weeks in boot camp totally stressed me out. I had to stay busy every minute of the day, and my poor kid received daily letters because it was what I needed to do in order to cope.; 3:53 PM
Phoebe Jordan said...: Loved todays blog and I love the prizes. I look forward to August 29th to see the lucky winners announced.; 4:00 PM
Barbara said...: I'm a creature of habit, I get in my groove and feel comfortable and don't like changes messing things up. Of course, most of the time, change works out for the better, but I still complain, LOL.
Good luck on your writing experiment, hope you see lots of wonderful places in your RV.; 5:10 PM
Shari C said...: Terrific prize package!!!

At my job I have to accept a lot of change as our computer system seems to constantly change as do our rules and regulations. If you cannot accept change and quickly you would not last at my company.

Now, once I leave work it is very, very different. At home I am a creature of habit. I like things in their place so I can find them again without calling a search and rescue team, I try to do things on a schedule so others in the family know what to expect ( but do admit that doesn't always happen due to school schedules and spouse's work schedule...but I try).; 5:10 PM
Lori of Canada said...: Great blog, Lori!!

I think I am a blend of both; there are things where I love patterns and the expected. Some changes are not comfortable for me. I do think, though, that change is a great thing and can allow you to grow.

At the same time as I resist some change, I also like change. Most of my renovations are about changing and making things different... Mind you, the house is one I have lived in since 1992... when my parents were still together. I may have to think a bit more on that. :)

Teaching has the perfect blend, for me, of stability and change. Every year is something different while having enough sameness to make me feel comfortable.

I have set a pledge, though, to try something new and different every year. Right now, I am attending yoga classes, which was a change for me. I hate going to exercise classes, where people watch you workout. Yet, I am going once a week and am LOVING it. I can't wait to finish the introductory workshop and go more than once a week.

Lori M.; 5:40 PM
Karen B said...: Supurb giveaway and blog. Envy you the RVing.; 6:40 PM
Dina said...: Wow, you make us feel so special to put this together for a lucky winner. :); 7:48 PM
Catherine said...: Lori
Great way to vacation and work! Enjoy. Change is good, I just wish it came with a schedule =)

Keep on writin', I'll keep on readin'

Catherine; 8:12 PM
Catherine said...: Hi again Lori

Side note,---Just saw your home page, looks good, can't wait to see the updated site!

Catherine; 8:15 PM
Brandy said...: Maybe writing in the RV will inspire you, all those different sites. I am a BIG creature of habit. But, last year I gathered the courage to take a Yoga class rather than keep practicing at home, alone. I LOVE my classes! And in the past few months I've actually TALKED to some of the people in my class. (A big deal for me, being so shy.). You never know until you try. *G*; 8:54 PM
Pat Cochran said...: Great prize package for a lucky
someone!

Sounds like a great experiment you
are undertaking. Good luck! I'm
not sure I could type in a moving
vehicle, but hey, you never know if
you don't try!

Pat Cochran; 9:09 PM
gina said...: Okay Lori, I'm so embarrassed to admit this (especially on-list), but I've only recently discovered your books. I have to say that you could write the phone book from your RV, and I would read it.

After finishing Jude's story and Quinton's story in two days, I'm on Dean and Eve, and I'm stoked. I LOVE your stuff...I've already requested everything my library has of yours.

So you just kick back in that RV, let the scenery out the window inspire you and keep crankin' 'em out!

Thanks for such great stories.; 10:11 PM
Lori Foster said...: G'morning Anna. I have so much respect for anyone in the military - and that includes spouses. As for longdistance friendships - I have several online friends who are very, very dear to me, and we've never met in person! So I understand completely how that can work. Hugs!

Cathy, I would be the same. I stress when I can't see them, so I know I'd be a mess if they were in harm's way. My hat is off to both you and Anna for dealing with it so admirably!

Shari, I'm generally very organized too and I know where things are. Changing the table they're in isn't the same as changing the fact that they're in a table in that room. LOL It drives me nuts if I can't find things! How people live in chaos, I don't know. I'd go bananas!

Happy Saturday everyone.
Lori; 4:07 AM
Lori Foster said...: Lori M., you've made some FABULOUS changes to your house and I love seeing the pics on the message board. I'm also impressed that you're trying so many new things. I would really benefit from an exercise class - but I know I'll never do that. :::sigh:::

Catherine, THANK YOU! We're working on the website still. After all the changes were loaded last night, the dropdown menu went wonky. :-/ What a pain! My more webdesigner was up late trying to make it work before she put up a temporary fix and went to bed. We may need to redesign to get rid of dropdowns. But at least the splash page is up and working and I love it! :-)
Thanks for checking it out!

Brandy, it's too bad you and Lori M., don't live close, since you're both doing yoga classes! Instant friendship at the class!
I should really break down and try something like that. I know it.
Maybe if I get the rest of my life organized... LOL

Lori; 4:12 AM
Lori Foster said...: Gina!!! Well bless your heart. What a great way to send me off on my RVing weekend. :-) Thank you.
I hope my books never disappoint you, and if they do, that you give me another chance. ;-)

I'm actually pretty stoked about my writing experiment. It would help so much to streamline the craziness of my life.
And ya know, if you have kids of any age (mine are all grown now) you have to be able to adjust to change because heaven knows, they bring plenty of that to the table.
;-)

I'm off in the RV in an hour or so. I'll check in later if I get internet. Have a good Saturday everyone!

Lori; 4:22 AM
Carolyn A. said...: Great idea for a contest. Love the prizes! :) I love all you ladies and always have you on my to-be-bought list. Thanks, Carolyn A.; 6:02 AM
Errin Ricketts said...: well i have to say thats an awesome prize pack i hope i win because i've run out of reading materials and that would hold me for a week.
anyways as to being adaptable or a habit person, i am highly adaptable. I have moved 30 times in my short life, and it's never been to a different home in the same city it's alwasy beent o different towns or cities. i've lived in small towns, fairly good sized towns, on acreages an hour away from civilization and farms. so i can pretty much get used to any situation i'm in. as for writing i can write in pretty much any environment, if an idea comes to mind i jot it down then stock pile it among my other ideas.; 6:04 AM
kris b said...: Lori I love your new website and I am liking the contest of course this is the first time I have been to the running with quills page but definetly will be back.. and I dont like change but will if I have to because you are the only one that can make you happy! no one else can help with that too much and change must happen at some point! I just dont want to move houses LOL
I like this forum and the other comments are interesting.; 7:43 AM
ilona said...: WOW! Lovely prizes. I especially like the quote on the T-Shirt :D

As to the question of work habits I find I am adaptable. I think it comes from having had a very changable enviroment as a child, due to always moving around (Dad was in the forces).; 8:12 AM
Tammy said...: Have a great time RVing Lori!

We used to RV, course this was in the days of pre-computer for us and pre-laptop for everyone else. We stopped when family member's health started getting bad, but I still remember going and enjoying ourselves.

We'd bring books to read, crafts to do, board games and cards to play. And we'd walk since we usually were within a campground that had a stream or pond we'd also fish and just sit and listen to the water running in the stream (very soothing and peaceful)!; 10:25 AM
SamG said...: Um...being silly, but just want to clarify.

Do we need to write every day, or just every new blog entry?

I'm assuming just each new entry.

SamG; 12:48 PM
Laurie B said...: Lori,

The prize pack looks fabulous.

Good luck with the RVing. I am sure along your travels you will be inspired by all the things you see. Who knows you may discover a new location for a book.

Laurie; 2:36 PM
WK said...: Ohh what a fun prize!!!!

hugs,
WendyK
highlandlovesong@yahoo.com; 3:13 PM
Kathleen said...: What a wonderful prize! Someone is going to be one lucky reader!!; 3:15 PM
elizabeth said...: Lori--If the music gets too much for your husband, uee earpods for whatever you listen to.

As for working anywhere, surely you can set up a work area in your motorhome, one that would be more comfortable than a laptop in your lap?

Evan and I once rented an RV for three weeks and I worked...but NOT while he was driving. (stomach was so not with that program) I set up at the dinette table, plugged in my earphones, and let the music take me into the writing. :-); 5:15 PM
Minna said...: Great prize!; 2:33 AM
Lori Foster said...: Hi everyone! I'm writing from my laptop,so Iwon't reply to every response. As you can see, I need to bring a fullsized keyboard with me to avoid multiple typos in the future. LOL

Elizabeth, I'm set up at the dining table too, but during the day I like to move out to the picnic table. So far so good!

SAMG - you don't have to check back with each new entry - as long as you post once, on any blog entry, you're registered. But of course, the more you visit, the better your chances of winning!

It's beautiful here. We're hidden in the trees with lots of privacy, but there's a lake nearby with a wonderful sandy shoreline for swimming, and further out, it's perfect for fishing. Today we'll rent a pedal boat and get some additional exercise.

It's warm during the day, but getting pretty cool at night - perfect sleeping weather!

I do love RVing! LOL

Lori; 4:29 AM
Susan C. in NY said...: I'm a creature of habit too; I don't like change very much. So what did I do? I married an Army officer and change has been our life the last 15 years. We've only moved 6 times so far but you never know with the military...

Once I'm at a place and we find our groove and make new friends, I start enjoying wherever we are. But then it's usually time to start planning the next move. :-)

Susan C. in NY; 6:12 AM
Maureen said...: That is a great prize! I definitely like things to be consistent. The problem for me is that without a schedule I forget things. I hope your new schedule works well for you.; 6:24 AM
Ellen said...: WOW what a great prize. I like not having a schedule to follow and to be able to pick up and go anywhere I want when I want after 35 years of having a fairly rigid schedule. I am loving retirement after teaching teenagers!
I hope you find you can work in the RV but don't spend so much time working that you miss the scenery going by.tvzaby; 9:23 AM
photoquest said...: Hope writting in the Rv is a cool experience for you. You're writting is gonna be awesome no matter where you write from! I would love to be included in your contest.; 9:55 AM
Linda said...: I find I can write anywhere as long as there is a comfortable chair and quiet. I never understand how people work at loud coffee bars. I get so distracted. Lack of internet connection helps, too. I find I do too much surfing under the guide of "research."
(Does reading the Quills blog count as helping me write a romance novel?)

Lori, good luck writing, cause your fans want to keep reading! I can't wait to get get Mallet's story.
-Linda; 10:01 AM
Anonymous said...: Lori, what a great prize package! Ya'll are SO generous! I hope your RVing inspires you.

Michelle; 1:09 PM
Joyce said...: You're lucky to be able to do that.
When our son was in college we would sometimes drive up for the day to see him. It was 4 1/2 hours each way and I would be ready to claw at the ceiling by the time we got back home.; 2:07 PM
Anonymous said...: Happy RVing...

And writing.

Louis; 3:29 PM
Lori Foster said...: Hey all,
This'll be my last post before a new blog goes up on Monday. But remember, posting to that blog counts too! :-)
We've had a marvelous time.
I wrote 7 pages, swam at the beach and the pool, walked a nature trail that led us over a broken bridge (pretty cool, but scary), talked a LOT, watched some DVDs, ate outdoors, and RELAXED.

So far so good, huh?

Thank you all for commenting, and for visiting Quills. I hope we always keep you entertained!

To those of you who mentioned wanting Mallet's story - yay! I soooo hope you like it! (Though it's not out for a long time yet. LOL)

Hugs to all!

Lori; 6:26 PM
Rebekah said...: Sweet prize pack.

Congrats on completing your 09 release already. Hope you have great success with it.

Thanks for the entry.

Rebekah

littleminx AT cox DOT net; 6:42 PM
Ranurgis said...: Great goodies for sure!!

I've worked in some odd places. One of them has been, several times, in the back of a car when I was getting a ride to my sister's place some 250 miles away. Even buses and trains have had to stand in for "office" space. But then, I'm not a writer; I was proofreading.

Sleeping? Now that's a whole different matter.; 8:27 PM
Michele L. said...: How cool is that? Writing in an RV! I would love to take a trip in one someday! I have taken bus trips where the trip is all arranged for you which is so nice. Many good wishes and peace and quiet so you can write up a storm!

The prize pack is awesome! You have a generous heart!

Many blessings and hugs to you!
Michele L.; 10:32 PM
Laura Hendo said...: What a great prize package featuring some of my favorite authors! Thanks!; 7:24 AM
Tina said...: Wow! Great prize package! And I envy the RV'ing and the traveling. I love to see new places!

Are you a flexible, work anywhere person, or do you like a pattern?

How flexible I am depends on what I'm doing. If I'm reading, I can read anywhere (ie, standing in line, walking, etc.). If I'm writing, I have a hard time concentrating unless it's fairly quiet and I'm left alone. Other things fall somewhere in between.

That said, I do like a good routine and I'm particularly partial to ruts. I tend to park in the same general area at places I go to regularly. I have "my" seat in the house. I even get ready for work in the exact same order every day.

Have you ever had to majorly switch up your life?

Most of my life, I'd had some sort of major change up every couple of years. My mother died when I was young and my father remarried 3 times after that (which puts his current total for anyone keeping score 1 widowed, 2 divorces, 4 marriages total). Consequently, I moved around a lot as a kid. I left home to live with my grandmother at 17 for 3 months before going into the Air Force. While in the Air Force, I lived in New Mexico for 4 years and in Germany for 4 years. As a civilian, I started college at 29. I lived in Tallahassee, FL for 4 years (2 years grad school, 2 years just because). Moved back home 4 years ago. These days, I get a bit antsy if I'm still living in the same place and working at the same job after a couple of years. Not enough to move or quit my job, thankfully, but I have been finding myself scanning both the want ads and the real estate sections of the paper a lot more lately. (I've been living in this house for 4 years and I've been at my job for a little over a year.)

Some moms have had a hard adjustment to their kids starting school, or sometimes, returning home from school! LOL

The hardest for me has been having my youngest leave home for the Navy. I've got 2 boys in the Navy and a daughter starting her senior year at UF-Gainesville. With the oldest two, I was a little sad but it wasn't nearly as hard on me as having my youngest go off and not being able to talk to him every day. (And despite what my oldest says, I don't think it's because he's my "favorite" -- now the house is often absolutely quiet). Thing is, now that I've adjusted, I have to say there are certain advantages. I can walk through the house naked if I want to and the grocery bills got significantly lower, for instance. :); 11:48 AM
Susan said...: What a fantastic prize pack!

The biggest change in my life came when I was the passenger of a car involved in an accident that left me a quadriplegic. So I'm always adjusting to change.; 12:02 PM
Arkansas Cyndi said...: Lori - let me know how writing in the RV works for you. I found it difficult! But then, I've got 2 large dogs and a parrot and a husband chatting away.

We're heading to Northwest Arkansas for most of October and then to Branson in the RV. Then it's back to Florida for Dec-Feb. I love RVing.

Send pictures from the road.; 8:36 PM
Rhyan said...: I hope you have a great summer and find it easy to write in the RV. I love to travel by road just about anywhere. I hope the contest is open to those of us that live in Canada. I will be stopping in to see how you manage with the summer writing good luck.

Rhyan; 12:02 AM
Julz said...: Hi Lori!

Yes, it's a big change! Don't get me wrong - I love having him home! It's nice to actually be able to spend more than an hour with him!

Have a great day!
Julz =); 3:15 PM
Betsy said...: Lori,

Hope your new lifestyle works out! I used to work for a woman who lived on a boat in Mexico during the winter and in and out of the Pacific Northwest islands in the summer. She used satellite phone service to call in or to check e-mails. Yes, one CAN run a business that way!; 7:29 PM
Cheri2628 said...: Great prize! That is a fun way to celebrate summer and this wonderful website.; 8:49 PM
Marie said...: Awesome prize!

Good luck with your writing :); 3:58 PM
alittlecookie said...: I love all the writing. What a great contest and prize pack. Simply Amazing; 12:28 PM
Kaylene said...: Hey there! Change, it can be stressful. I am a thirty five year old who decided to finish her two-year degree, accept a promotion, get a divorce, move and see her son start kindergarten all in the same year. Whew!

It has been a challenge, but I am so proud of myself for having the courage to change my life for the better. I am the happiest I have been in ten years. So I say embrace your RV and hit the road. Life is too short and you have to pursue your dreams!; 5:31 PM
eljay716 said...: New to the blog but not your books. So glad I read down to the contest!!; 10:48 AM
bellejsta said...: I am new to this site but I'll definitely add it to my favorites. I love the Lori Foster books but I also like finding out about different authors. So sign me up for the prize pack.; 8:54 PM
ClaudieR said...: This is a great site and I love the prize package being offered. One of the biggest changes in my life came about 10 years ago -- I had just moved to a new city and a new job. After about 5 months, my knee gave out and I was in a soft cast and on crutches, got fired from my job because of my knee, and my father was in the hospital with a serious illness. I was depressed because I had never been fired before and devistated because my father was dying. Getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to me -- I was able to spend more time with my father before he passed and I got out of a job that was going no where and was not a good job for me. This "time on my hands" was a constructive time for me and many good things came from it. Stick in there! Always better days ahead!; 11:13 AM
annie said...: Lori, I've read and re-read your July newsletter and I still can't see when My Man, Michael is due in bookstores? I think I'm sleep deprived...would you please get the date(s) to us via this blog?
I've just finished Harley's story. I have to tell you I was VERY APPREHENSIVE about SBC, but heck, you make them seem just like regular men who love, mess up, love and mess up again til they get it right. I'm looking forward to reading Creating Havoc and then I see that you have several books coming out later this year (holiday and more) but where the heck is Michael Mallett? I gotta get my reading organized 'cause once Halloween hits, the year is downhill for me when it comes to "extra-curricular" stuff like relaxing...
RV'ing...and writing...please, please, please let it work for you!
Annie; 2:21 PM
niki1020 said...: Best of luck on writing in the RV. I have been reading you for years. I am really excited by the Servant series, and I am counting the days until I can get the next one.; 11:10 AM
Lissa said...: I am not much for change - if it is planned! But I can pretty much "go with the flow" if it is unexpected. Does that make any sense at all? LOL; 1:24 PM
Kara said...: What a great prize package - I am new to this blog, but definitely coming back for more!!!; 11:05 AM
Tasha said...: That looks like a fantastic prize pack! I just discovered this blog and I currently taking a look around. Thanks!
Natasha

natashaw1ATgmailDOTcom; 8:06 AM

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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Dog Days of Summer Contest - and Old Dogs Writing...

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