Irish Wolfhounds

I'm having so much angst with Abbey, the English Setter, not being up to par, that I wonder how I would react to having an Irish Wolfhound. They are the largest dog in the dog kingdom. Because of that, they often go to the Rainbow Ridge by the time they are seven. I don't know whether I could handle that------------and I've always wanted that kind of dog. I understand that they are amazingly kind and laid-back. Kinda' cute and funny for their size.

I've always thought of myself as being very tall, too tall. Of course, in my day, I was. Now the girls seems to tower over me. I always had Collies because they were big. My Alex was considered a large-breed, and my vet considers my two English setters as large-breeds. I think they're medium, but I have to go along with the Vet.

Monday I rushed my little Abbey, English setter, to the Vet's. When he called later in the day and said he wanted to keep her longer, so that he could X-ray her, I knew something was up.By the time 5 p.m. on Tuesday came around, I was a wreck. I had the feeling that it was something serious--and unfortunately, I was right.My poor little female has severe hip dysplasia. She was groggy when I brought her home and couldn't settle down anywhere she hurt so bad. She cried most of last night, sometimes in her sleep, and I had to take her outside twice during the night. She seems a bit better today and is on the pill the doctor gave her. We will have to wait several days to see how effective they are.Consequently, I'm a wreck, only did a tiny, miniscule bit of writing Monday and Tuesday because I couldn't concentrate. Today I have to go to Red Hat luncheon for a gal who used to work at Curves and then go to Bennington to get several huge foam rubber mattress toppers. I'm going to make some comfortable beds for Abbey...knowing full-well that Barney will used them, too.

Oh, byw, my website is back up: http://www.DoriceNelson.com

Bad day

Most of this weekend, I spent watching our little female dog.he just wasn't acting herself. I knew she was in some kind of pain, so this morning, Abbey went to the vet. She's there until he can find out what's wrong with her. It seems as if she's dragging one hind leg. This will be the first time that she's been all alone, without even Barney, our other setter. I'm a wreck.

Dogs

It's funny that a gal who like thing Celtic has two rescued English Setters. But I have a good reason. When we moved to this little village in the Hudson Valley, my husband and I had a mixed mutt (also a rescue) named Alex. Alex was part Chow, part German Shepherd and part Golden Retriever, but, more important, Alex was the dog of my heart. He was my special friend and I still miss him to this day.

We had to help him to the Rainbow Bridge eight days after we moved into the new house, a place on a bit of acreage that was to be for him. I held him until he took his final breath and something in me died with him.

I was devastated and went out the wrong door at the vet's. There was a huge dog in that section, waiting to get his infected ears cleaned. When I came out the door, he dragged his handler over and leaned against me, looking up and offering whatever solace he could. I didn't know what kind of dog he was and asked. When I found out he was an English Setter (I had no knowledge of such a dog.) I promised him, "If I ever get another dog, I will get one like you."

I have kept my promise. I now have two rescued English Setter. Barney, the male, is a tricolor, and Abbey, our little gal, is an orange belton. They are the sweetest dogs in the world and are still overcoming the bad parts of their lives. They have so much love to give. Barney is still somewhat apprehensive about things but he gets better and better every day.

I will have an Irish Wolfhound in my new historical, Saratoga Winter 1865.

Website Blues

I am desperately trying to do my own website and realize that it takes a lot of time--especially when you don't quite know what you're doing. But I'm going to get there. I didn't do much writing today.

I will go to the Writer's Village University tonight and see if I can do some work on one of the Word Slinger's postings of her novel. I might even post the beginning scene of my new historical, Saratoga Summer 1865. The book starts out in Ireland two years before any of the O'Malley brothers land in America. I might even try to do a quickie character study of my hero...

New stuff

If you notice, I now have my books on my blog. You can click right on the Amazon.com and buy them whenever you want. A friend, Nikki Leigh, helped get this all together. I had no idea how to work on my blog other than writing a post. She showed me other things I could do. Here's to hoping I remember what and how she said everything. If I do, I've taken a step forward.

Next I have to learn how to do a website--by myself. Not an easy task for an old gal. I do have a couple of disks on Front Page--and will be using them, a little at a time. Just got to figure this all out...and move into the future.

What's with the hero?

I have a big decision to make regarding my Irish hero in Saratoga Winter: 1865. He starts out, madly in love in Ireland, and winds up in New York City as a policeman. Of course, I will have to discover what forensics they used then and what the duties of a police office were in those days. I have one book that looks like it will give my research a boost.

After I get him settled in New York City, I'll have to get him to Saratoga. I wonder what could happen to him to make him go there. Anyone got any ideas?

I'm home again

It's only taken me a year to reclaim this blog, but somehow they asked me if I wanted it back. Of course, I do.

Here I am writing another novel with Celtic characters. Saratoga Winter: 1865 is the second book in the Saratoga Series. Saratoga Summer: 1863 was the first book and it was all about Connor O'Malley, the oldest of the five O'Malley brothers. In 1863, two brothers came to America and landed in New York City two days before the Draft Riots erupted. The two of them, Connor and Egan, got into a great deal of trouble, had to go through the riotous action in the City. Connor managed to escape to Saratoga, just in time for the first legalized thoroughbred racing in that city.

The actions that take place during the riots were historically accurate, as was the beginning of the legalized racing. For some reason, there are no animal characters in the first book of the series, with the possible exception of two gray carriage horses and a bevy of thoroughbreds. Come join in all things Celtic and read the book, Saratoga Summer: 1863

Long time away

Hi everyone,
Since I have a blog connected with my web site, I haven't visited here very much, but today I have something to share. I just found out about a FREE writing course, done by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer, two excellent authors. You can check out the full thing on my other blog. http://www.DoriceNelson.com/blog

I want to give everyone a chance to look this course over. It's to be given over the course of a full year and looks great, so trot over to the above blog and check out the full schedule.

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all

Just a note to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and, if you don't celebrate it, have a wonderful day, anyway.

I'm still working on the Nanowrimo and trying to get my word count up to par. Not doing too well but I will continue to try to get it somewhere above 30,000 words. Vengeance Is Mine is being totally redone and that's part of the rub. I'm often revising when I should be writing something new.

Anyway, have a lovely. . . . . . . .

Celtic Musings

Celtic Musings
It's been a long time since I visited this blog spot. I've started another at my website and have been using it quite a bit. To go there, try this: Dorice's Blog Hopefully, it'll work and take you to the blog on my website. I have a new one, btw.

It seems I just can't write on this every single day. Things seem to get in the way. Now, I just want to tell you some of the things that are happening in this neck of the woods.

Both Clan Gunn: Gerek and Saratoga Summer: 1863 have arrived at our house. Both are the first books of individual series; the first, about the Gunn Clan of Scotland, which will be followed by redeeming the villain, and the second about another of the five O'Malley brothers, all horsemen. Both have been distributed throughout Saratoga, just in time for racing season.

In Saratoga Summer: 1863, the story weaves it way from a tragedy in Ireland and the loss in a family lottery to New York City during the beginning of the Civil War Draft riots there and on to Saratoga for the first legalized Thoroughbred Racing Racing Card ever. It's pretty much non-stop action and is being extremely well-received.

Lost Son of Ireland should be out at the end of September or in early October. The store, Celtic Treasures in Saratoga is anxiously waiting for that one.

In the meantime, I have two book signings set up. Craven Books in Saratoga is hosting a signing this coming Saturday, August 20th. It looks to be a fun one, since the track is open and one of the books I've written speaks to that. Battenkill Books in Cambridge, NY is hosting one on the evening of August 31st-for both my husband and me. They've just moved to a new location and think this will show their wares to customers in the area. Looking forward to both.

Once I finished the last edit on Lost Son, I'm starting on the second two books in my series. I will redeem Baen in the Gunn saga and drag Bartley O'Malley to Saratoga to join his brother Connor. I have a suspense in the works, but it looks like it'll have to wait, since the second series books have been promised.

I've been bad!

I have been one lazy gal as far as this blog goes. I started it with all good intentions, then my life got more complicated. There I was, in the midst of revision hell. Three books to go through twice, once for the ebook version and once for the print version. I'm still working on the last book, Lost Son of Ireland, for print. In the meantime, two of my book have hit the sales rack and are doing pretty good. Clan Gunn: Gerek came out in June to surprisingly good reviews and sales. Saratoga Summer: 1863 arrives on the first of August, just in time for the thoroughbred races at--where else--SARATOGA. Last Tuesday, I met an artist/author friend for a quick lunch. Saratoga Summer had just come in the mail. I didn't even bother to open it being late for the lunch date. I tossed it on the table when I arrived at the Ole Bryan Inn and my friend grabbed it. She opened it and shrieked, "I love it. I love the cover. It's absolutely great. I'm going to read this book." She hasn't read the others you realize. She wound up buying me lunch as a birthday gift--yeah, I'm a year older--and I autographed the book and gave it to her. I left to go to a doctor's appointment--see what happens when grow older--and she tootled off to wherever. Little did I expect her to call that night and tell me how she had spent the rest of her day. The little darling went marching in to all the bookstores in Saratoga and pitched my book. I now have 40 of the 50 I ordered promised to several place and I have a book signing on the 20th of August. And I'm in absolute amazement that someone would do such a nice thing for me without my asking. So, no, I'm prepared to 'rock and roll' with selling my books.

Another Day

I'm always away from this site far longer than I expect to be. I finally got back here today.

I finished the first edit on Lost Son of Ireland for the e-version and am awaiting the print version of Saratoga Summer: 1863, so I can reedit it for the hands-on book. I'm also working on my contemporary suspense, thanks to a wonderful gal I've met at the Writer's Village University. She asked if she could help edit the suspense. I agreed, somewhat reluctantly, thinking it would be too hard a job. This gal did some bang-up things for me. I am reading and rereading the eleven e-mails she sent to me and digesting them one by one. She has helped me tremendously in what had seemed like a thankless job. My hat is off to her, along with my most heart-felt thanks!!!

I just got my first copy of Clan Gunn: Gerek. I absolutely love the blue shading on the cover. It makes the inside of the castle look so eerie and gothic. I am much more confident about the book now that I had a chance to go over it. Everything about its production is an upgrade from the first publisher I dealt with. It's surprising what you can learn day by day. I am ready to have all my books reissued and looking forward to some nice signings and such.

Almost finished with Lost Son

I'm finally getting to the finish of editing Lost Son of Ireland. Once that is done, I start the heavy work of totally revising Vengeance Is Mine, the suspense. Next, the second book, which has it's first two scenes, in the Scottish Heritage Series will need to be completed, plus the second book in the Saratoga Series. I guess my summer's spelled out for me. I'll be one busy girl.

It's hard to concentrate right now. Today was the first warm spring-like day this month. The trees are beginning to leaf out, and the ones on the mountain (really a big hill) in back of our house are displaying that light Kelly green Celtic color. In fact, today, I wore a lightweight sweator that exact color. The trees are still light and wispy, delicately wafting in the slight breeze that is a constant in our yard. It's a color and movement that catches my eye. I like Spring, but it's really Autumn that turns me on with its rich rust and golden colors.

As you can see, it's hard to keep my mind on what I should be doing--editing.

Too busy to breathe

I'm just trying to keep track of what I'm doing and what I'm supposed to be doing. Getting my books reissued has been more of a challenge than I expected. I've done both edits of Clan Gunn: Gerek and one of Saratoga Summer: 1863. I now have Lost Son of Ireland in my hands and am doing the first edit.
I'm taking a Branding workshop from Earthly Charms website and an Erotica Writing Course from Writers Village University. Naturally, I'm behind in both.
I am revising my suspense novel, Vengeance Is Mine, with the hopes of sending it off to one of the big NYC publishers. I have the first chapter written for the second book, Clan Gunn: Baen, of the Scottish Heritage Series and am working on the characters--several new ones.
After reading this over, I guess it's not so bad being busy. It makes life worthwhile and it gives something to look foward to every single day.

Just keep going

I finally finished all the edits on my first books with the new company. Clan Gunn: Gerek is on its way to the publisher--all $7.05 of it. She should have it by Saturday. Then she gets it all ready for the printer and off it goes. Hopefully, I'll have it in my hands at the beginning of June.

I have just started the second in the series, Clan Gunn: Baen and that's why I haven't been active on the board. I have done the Alice Orr characterizations for Baen (added to them as well) and for the two antagonists-right from her book, No More Rejections. By the way, any author who doesn't have this book is missing something special. It's a dynamite, helpful book.

I have just recently figured out my heroine-protagonist and am doing the characterization of Vika Oliphant. As soon as I get her finished, I'll post again. Everything in the novel has changed since I added this new character, including the first paragraph, the first two pages and the entire first scene-which I've thrown out completely. Too much like the last book. And I hate to throw out whole scenes, but if they don't work anymore--out they go. Will be back soon.

right now, I'm inundated with work--after a hiatus of far too long. I've been working on the revising and reediting of my books. We've changed the Gunn title yet again. It's now, Clan Gunn: Gerek.
I'm also working on the edits for Saratoga Summer: 1863, the electronic edition, along with the print edition of Clan Gunn: Gerek. I just want to mention that it's a heavy workload, because I'm also working on the second book of the Scottish Heritage Series, Clan Gunn: Baen.
I hope to have a running commentary of what it means to be published and what it takes to be writing a new book. I had been working on two suspense novels. One is finished and the second just branched off into something entirely different. Never had that happen before. But, with the new publisher in the picture, some of the ideas have changed and I'm now back into one of my comfort zones--historical novels.
This weekend, I'm going to the RWA New England Conference for authors and am looking forward to it--even though I'm bringing work with me. See you all on Monday.

Today's Announcement

My three out-of-print books have been picked up by the Cambridge Books Division of Write Words, Incorporated, whose present URL is www.ebooksonthe.net Arline Chase, the publisher, has given me three new covers that really indicate what the books are about (I'm really excited about the way they look) and has changed the titles of two.

My Scottish The Gunn of Killearnan is now, The Gunns: Gerek and the first in my new Scottish Heritage Series. I've done some revising, reediting and it will be out shortly. I've already started on the second one: The Gunns: Baen.

Unlawful is now Lost Son of Ireland, and brings about the fact that the hero was stolen from Ireland, at the age of seven, and has returned. It's not part of a series but a stand-alone novel.

Saratoga Summer-1863 is now Book One of the new Saratoga Series about the five O'Malley brothers and is about Connor, the oldest. The new cover has a resort picture of Broadway in Saratoga, the horse and carriages and the famous Union Hotel of that day. I'm already three chapters into the next one about brother Bartley.

I've also had my website redone by Glass Slipper Designs and think the gal there did a wonderful job. Stop by and take a look at the new design and the new covers.
www.DoriceNelson.com

Just changed the blog settings so anyone can comment. Love this font.