5 on Friday - Set 86

Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.

This week's set is about dreams coming true.

When I was younger, I rode the wave of creative expression with gusto. I acted, I sang, I danced, I stage managed, I operated camera, I assistant directed, I wrote, I directed.

I had no way of knowing what was in store for me. No one does. Life always throws curve balls at everyone's plans, and my life has been no exception.

I went through a lengthy period that really tested my resolve. Ultimately I have to say that life crushed my belief in dreams for a time.

Looking back, there must have been a tiny kernel of hope nestled somewhere among the ruins. Otherwise, why would I have kept trying?

Here's to the power of dreams. In only one year since regaining my belief in my own dreams, so much has changed for me. I wish the same for any of you who may be struggling with a similar lack of faith in dreams.

1 - Dream On - Aerosmith



2 - What You Waiting For - Gwen Stefani



3 - Making Our Dreams Come True - Cyndi Grecco



4 - When You Wish Upon a Star - Cliff Edwards



5 - A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Ilene Woods

Thursday Thirteen - 228 - 13 Things About Hosting A Harlequin Executive Editor at My Writers' Group

1 - A few weeks ago, my chapter of Romance Writers of America hosted a special event - Birgit Davis-Todd, Executive Editor at Harlequin Enterprises, gave an informative workshop and took story pitches from 20 of our members.

That's Birgit at right, next to YA author Renee Pace.













2 - Handling the hosting duties on behalf of our chapter, Annette MacPhee-Gallant, shown here at center, made a hectic schedule seem effortless.












3 - Also on the executive and a co-planner of the event, my good friend Kelly Boyce, shown at left.












4 - And rounding out the exec who pulled the weekend together, Michelle Helliwell in the green sweater, and -










5 - Donna Alward, in the foreground, wearing a blue printed blouse.












6 - First part of the event: a fabulous dinner at a Greek restaurant, Ela! in Halifax.












7 - I really enjoyed my scrumptious spanakopita with rice and salad, as well as a few glasses of pinot grigio. I'm sitting beside YA angel writer Shawna Romkey, who also happens to be one of the critique readers for my upcoming vampire novel.












8 - The next morning, we gathered bright and early to begin the writing all-day workshops and story pitches. Birgit gave a workshop with as much insider experience as one would encounter at the large, national RWA conference, like the one I attended this summer in New York.












9 - For some reason, on a beautiful, sunny September morning - no wind, no rain - the power went out. After a moment of blackness, the hotel's generator kicked in. Must have been a car running into a power pole, or some such thing.

Annette quickly made alternate lunch arrangements for 26 people without batting an eye. As it turned out, the power returned and we were able to keep our lunch reservations at the hotel restaurant, the Redwood Grill.










10 - This is a restaurant near the library where we hold our monthly meetings, so it's a familiar spot for our group. We don't normally descend in such numbers, however!













11 - For the afternoon session, Birgit set up in a meeting room and listened to timed story pitches from 20 members of our group. I realize Birgit's used to doing this by now - but still. My brain would implode after all of that.











12 - While the pitches were given in a separate meeting room, returning president Nikki Figueiredo, at right, led other activities - sharing our own 2-minute pitches of current projects, add-a-sentence stories and word-prompt writing.












13 - And guys - just in case you thought this chapter was a ladies' only outfit, meet Mark.

We've had several male writers join our group over the eight years I've belonged to RWAC.

Most stories have to be written from both the male and female characters' points of view, so it's a good idea to get a sense of what makes the opposite gender tick. I would love to see more men join groups like RWA, and likewise, it's a great idea for female writers to spend some quality guy time before returning to that male character they're writing.

Scorpius will return in 2 weeks

I'm currently in the home stretch of final edits on my vampire novel.

Scorpius will return as soon as I've sent the manuscript to the formatter. Thank you for your patience - hope to see you on Oct. 11th for the next instalment, as a 19-year-old Scorpius and his master Lord Thibault get into all sorts of trouble.

5 on Friday - Set 85

Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.

As I ready my vampire novel for its self-published debut in November, I can feel the heady rush that comes from being part of a publishing world revolution.

1 - Uprising - Muse

To watch the video, CLICK HERE


2 - Rebel Yell - Billy Idol




3 - Rebels of the Sacred Heart - Flogging Molly




4 - Rebel Rebel - David Bowie




5 - Revolution - The Beatles

Thursday Thirteen - 227 - 13 Things on My Self-Published To-Do List

1 - This picture of me sitting with Shawna Romkey, currently writing angel YA, was taken last Friday at a dinner to welcome Executive Harlequin Editor Birgit Davis-Todd to our local writers' group. I'll have more on her visit for next week's Thursday Thirteen.

It was a great weekend, and I had the usual light bulb moments go off in my head during Birgit's workshop, and also during the other workshops held while she took story pitches.

I didn't pitch anything - because I'm self-publishing and have a lengthy list of things to take care of. Birgit helps to steer a publishing corporation that sold $3.8 million dollars' worth of storytelling might in the last quarter. So far, I'm an entity of one juggling a myriad of jobs which publishers like Harlequin assign to departments filled with experienced professionals.

2 - So what have I been up to?

After my mega-revisions marathon over the Labor Day Weekend, I handed my manuscript to a final reader for story content, and to a proofreader/editor for style and technical adherence to publishing conventions.

Once they come back to me, I'll make any last adjustments to my manuscript.

3 - I sent a request for a quote to one of my favorite authors. Considering that she writes historical romance, I was nerve-wracked that she wouldn't want to give a quote for a book outside of her genre.

Now, to backtrack a bit - this writer is one of a handful of historical romance authors that are on my sigh-worthy list. She writes dark, passionate stories with truly tormented heroes.

I met her in blogworld before I read her books, so I felt comfortable sending her the request - I just wasn't sure whether my very dark vampire genre would be something for which she'd want to give a quote.

Imagine my delight when she got back to me with a totally rockin' author quote. I'll be putting it on my book cover and on my website. I'll be able to share once the cover is completed.

4 - I contacted my book cover designer, and he's been tweaking the layout for the wraparound cover, meaning the front cover/spine/back cover for the paperback hard copy.

5 - Still on my to-do list for the book cover: write a back cover blurb so enticing, it will raise sunken ships from the bottom of the sea.

6 - Also for the back cover: apply for an ISBN number. Did that on Wednesday.

7 - Start to formulate my dedication and acknowledgements page.

8 - Think about that all persons fictitious disclaimer page - you know the one: "All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental."

But I have to make sure it's in the final manuscript document, before it goes to the formatter.

9 - Write my author bio page.

10 - Get a physical agenda and start writing down which blog appearances are going to be on which day, once the promo tour begins.

I'll be honest - I'm going to be using the backs of returned instruction sheets and other re-usage paper from work. I've got a ton of it. Might as well use it for something.

11 - Once the formatted file is back, I'll be giving the final page count to the graphic designer so that he can calculate the width of the book spine. At that point we can upload the cover and the formatted document onto the Kindle and Create Space sites.

12 - Create Space will mail a proof copy of the paperback version out to me for final approval, before it gets locked into its Print On Demand format.

13 - Start spreading the 11 - 11 - 11 release date throughout the land.

Tuesday Serial / The Serialists - Scene 72

My Scorpius serial now posts on Tuesdays for Tuesday Serial.










I'm also posting with The Serialists which appears on Wednesdays.

To recap this dark fantasy story so far:

As a small boy of seven, Scorpius was fetched from the nursery where he'd been raised to live among the nobility - fetched not by his family, but by a falconer to serve as his apprentice.

Scorpius soon learned that a close encounter with a dragon was preferable to the cruelties of the nobles he'd once hoped were family. His master did whatever he could to shield Scorpius from the world outside their cottage, but the falconer was merely a servant who must obey his own masters.

An attempt on the life of a young noble while on a hunt sent the falconer and his apprentice on abruptly different paths, bringing Scorpius into the service of Lord Thibault's noble house.

We now continue with Scorpius at age nineteen.

You can follow the progress of this story arc by clicking on the Works in Progress link just under the blog header.


Scene 72

Pulling free of her sleepy grip, Scorpius slid from under the covers, rummaging for his trousers.

His master lay sprawled in the arms of last night’s amusement, who now snored with indelicate persistence. The gray shadows warned of dawn. Time to be off.

Slipping outside to be sure the horses were saddled and ready, Scorpius returned to the slaves’ hut, ignoring the gaze of the older woman, now roused from her mat on the floor. She sat and watched him as he tapped Lord Thibault on the temple.

He hadn’t been able to make out whether she was the girls’ mother, or just someone who lived here with them. She said nothing as his master groaned loudly and stretched.

Neither girl awoke as Lord Thibault stumbled into his clothes, but the older woman’s gaze followed Scorpius as he prodded and cajoled his master to the door. As Lord Thibault shook the night off and placed his foot in the stirrup, Scorpius crept back to the woman’s side and knelt beside her.

“For your hospitality,” he said, placing a kerchief bundle in her hand. The aroma of spiced cakes filled the small space, bringing a surprised smile to the woman’s lips. Ducking out into the dew-heavy morning, Scorpius swung up into the saddle and nudged his horse forward with the heels of his boots.

Catching up with his master, Scorpius waited for the grin he knew Lord Thibault would flash at him.

“Determined to keep me on schedule,” his master said.

“If I do not, I shall catch it from the chancellor.”

“Remind me to somehow lace your drink with a sleeping draft next time, would you?”

“I shall do my best, my lord.”

“You shall do your best for the chancellor and not for your master,” Lord Thibault said, turning back to look at the slave hut with longing.

“He serves your house, as do I, my lord.” Scorpius had already pushed the slave girl from his mind. Her kisses and caresses had been ordered, making him long for their rooms and a hot bath.

“Can we refrain from mentioning my illustrious house, just at present?” Lord Thibault twisted back to gaze at the road that would take them home. “I shall be back in its clutches soon enough.”

They rode for a time in silence, the swaying gaits of their mounts the only thing to break the stillness of the morning.

“Do you know, when I first met you at the falconer’s, you gave no indication whatsoever that you would ruin lovely mornings like this one,” his master said.

Scorpius snorted derisively.

“And I went out of my way to find a sweet little thing for you to enjoy.”

“Your generosity is never in question, my lord. Merely your punctuality.”

“Who is asking for me at this time of day?” said Lord Thibault, sober realization dawning in his face.

“You take me for a fool, my lord?” Scorpius flicked his hair out of his eyes. “You shall find out only after I have you bathed and dressed.”

“Why did you let me drink so much? I feel like death.”

“You say you feel like death, and yet you repeat all the nights like last night,” Scorpius said. “Do you not tire of it?”

“Weren’t you drinking?” his master said. “Why do you look so presentable?”

“One of us has to keep his head.” His horse wanted to challenge his master’s, but that would not be tolerated as they neared the estate. He held his mount back to follow Lord Thibault’s horse just slightly.

“By the gods,” his master chuckled. “I’m a slave to my man.”

“You merely serve your house, my lord,” Scorpius said. “As do I.”

© Julia Phillips Smith, 2011

I'm blogging at The Popculturedivas

Join me over at The Popculturedivas for a glimpse into my personal journey towards publication.

5 on Friday - Set 84

Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.















This week's set is dedicated to Andy Whitfield, who passed away on Sept. 11th.

He was a newly-discovered favorite actor of mine, ever since the debut of Spartacus in 2010. You can read my review of the show here: Through the Opera Glasses.











So hard to believe that cancer could strike down someone who could not have been in better shape.

I guess we should all simply enjoy today for today.


1 - Princes of the Universe - Queen



2 - Spartacus - Wotan



3 - The Warrior - Patty Smyth



4 - Courage - The Tragically Hip



5 - Simple Man - Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Serialists - Scene 71

Once again, I'm posting only with The Serialists this week, which appears on Wednesdays. This time, a mega migraine has cost me time on the computer, starting from last Saturday and continuing on its merry way. SO very ready to bid adieu.

To recap this dark fantasy story so far:

As a small boy of seven, Scorpius was fetched from the nursery where he'd been raised to live among the nobility - fetched not by his family, but by a falconer to serve as his apprentice.

Scorpius soon learned that a close encounter with a dragon was preferable to the cruelties of the nobles he'd once hoped were family. His master did whatever he could to shield Scorpius from the world outside their cottage, but the falconer was merely a servant who must obey his own masters.

An attempt on the life of a young noble while on a hunt sent the falconer and his apprentice on abruptly different paths.


We continue with Scorpius at age sixteen as he enters the service of Lord Thibault.


You can follow the progress of this story arc by clicking on the Works in Progress link just under the blog header.



Scene 71

Scorpius strode briskly through the servants’ entrance and into the warm afternoon. He’d been summoned to meet Lord Thibault at the stables, which likely meant a wild ride before dinner.

Still barely more than a novice when it came to riding, Scorpius deeply wished he’d somehow found the time to go out on his own before being called to accompany his skilled master. With all of the weapons training, learning his way around the vast estate, meeting all of the family members, staff and servants, Scorpius barely had time to blink. He’d never found that elusive moment, never placed his boot in the stirrup, because truth be known, he wished he never had to mount another horse.

A boyhood spent among the hawks and hunting dogs had given him a strong rapport with animals. He could read the behavior of the powerful stallions his master favored.

They sensed his unease around them, and since no horse respected a timid rider, every mount he’d been given fought his commands that weren’t commands at all. As Scorpius neared the stables, his stomach knotted up inside.

Could today not have been a dancing day? He was a quick study in the music room, much to Lord Thibault’s teasing delight.

The smells of the stables assaulted his nostrils as he entered through the wide doorway. At the far end, leaning against a post, his master gazed affectionately down at something squirming in the hay, just beyond the stall divider.

Forcing himself to join his master, taking care not to allow his distaste for riding show on his face or in his demeanor, Scorpius rounded the post and nodded at Lord Thibault, glancing over at the straw and at what lay upon it.

For a moment, he didn’t understand the sharp, piercing joy flooding his chest. A moment later, Scorpius lay flattened by the weight of Richolf’s hunting dog. Wriggling in greeting, tongue licking every speck of exposed skin, the dog cried in happiness.

When he could wrestle his face clear of the dog, Scorpius gazed at his master in wonder.

Lord Thibault laughed. “I sent someone out to check on the place. Apparently there’s a new falconer in residence. No need to worry over the birds. They’re being well taken care of.”

Scorpius wrapped his arms around the dog and squeezed. He couldn’t contain the excited animal, which set to work licking his face and ear with renewed vigor. “But how did you…?”

“I simply sent a reminder that the dog belonged not to the cottage, but to the man who previously held the position there,” Lord Thibault said.

“Is that true?” Scorpius asked, leaning his face into the familiar softness of the dog’s fur.

“I haven’t the slightest idea, but that’s what the servant told him.”

Scorpius laughed, falling backwards into the hay under the onslaught of the dog’s attentions.

A bed was made for the dog. Some food was found. Scorpius tore himself away to accompany his master to dinner in the great hall.

But late in the night, when he tossed and turned upon the smooth sheets, Scorpius made up his mind to rejoin his beloved companion even it he was forbidden entry to the manor house. He crept past Lord Thibault’s rhythmic breathing, navigated the polished floors in stocking feet and hurried out of the entry way as though duty compelled him.

Curling up in the hay beside his dog, Scorpius fell into the deepest sleep he could recall in years.

© Julia Phillips Smith, 2011

Once again, the new Scorpius instalment will be posted later tonight

Thank you for your patience. I have been struggling with a nasty migraine that has been pinning me to the mat since last Saturday. I couldn't write last night. I'm still having problems today but will dredge it up from somewhere and post by this evening.

Summer Stock Sunday - 44

Robin's Summer Stock Sunday meme invites all to post summery photos, and to visit other bloggers who share their feelings and memories about this magical season.













On this rather sombre day of remembrance on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, my family is celebrating my sister's first wedding anniversary.

She and her husband chose the date of Sept. 11th specifically to begin turning the energy of that date to something positive.

Their wedding last year at his family's cottage was filled with joy, love and dreams coming true.

May we all fill the world with these things, today especially, and every day of the year.





































Photo by Anita Coady

5 on Friday - Set 83

Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.

I just made it through a crazed revisions marathon over the Labor Day weekend, getting my vampire manuscript ready for three readers so they can give it the very last once-over. Then I'll be handing it to the formatter to prepare for e-book distribution. Hold on! I'm comin'!


Needless to say, I leaned heavily on some pulse-quickening music playlists to keep me going. Here are a few of the tunes that saved my ass last weekend.

1 - Hold On, I'm Comin' - Eric Burdon and The Animals

2 - Honky Tonk Woman - The Rolling Stones

3 - Baba O'Riley - The Who

4 - Roundabout - Yes

5 - Rock and Roll - Led Zeppelin

The Serialists - Scene 70

I'm posting only with The Serialists this week, which appears on Wednesdays. I'm hard at work getting my vampire story ready for publication - more on that as we near that happy day.

To recap this dark fantasy story so far:

As a small boy of seven, Scorpius was fetched from the nursery where he'd been raised to live among the nobility - fetched not by his family, but by a falconer to serve as his apprentice.

Scorpius soon learned that a close encounter with a dragon was preferable to the cruelties of the nobles he'd once hoped were family. His master did whatever he could to shield Scorpius from the world outside their cottage, but the falconer was merely a servant who must obey his own masters.

An attempt on the life of a young noble while on a hunt sent the falconer and his apprentice on abruptly different paths.

We continue with Scorpius at age sixteen as he enters the service of Lord Thibault.

You can follow the progress of this story arc by clicking on the Works in Progress link just under the blog header.

Scene 70

The falcon stared at him from the gloom of the mews, its thin body painful to look upon. As Scorpius hurried past the red-tail, the gray and the king hawk, the expected tiny lilting of bells attached to their jesses never came. Instead, the birds stood unmoving upon their perches, following his passage with their burning golden eyes.

Scorpius called for the dog, listening hard for that telltale loping swoosh through the grass. Rounding the corner of the cottage, he broke into a run, needing to see Richolf. Hurling himself at the door, he yanked and rattled the latch but it wouldn’t open.

“Master!” he called.

Something grabbed his attention over the pounding of his heart – it was the dog, whining and crying from around the side of the cottage. “I’m coming!” he called, shoving past brush and tearing his fine new clothes.

He’d been certain the dog was just around the corner, but there was only the boarded-up window where Ingerith had once stolen into the cottage in order to save Lord Thibault’s life. Scorpius used his newly-honed strength gained from the sword training, but nothing would free the boards keeping him out of the cottage where he’d grown to young manhood.

The dog’s cries led him all around the cottage, where he tried every window with no success. His new doublet now in shreds, Scorpius winced as a thorny branch sliced through to the skin.

Stepping away from the stone wall, squeezing through more brush, he hissed in pain as his trouser leg ripped. His hand pressed on the torn fabric, slick with blood, while an irritating snap, snap, snap filled the air as he cleared the tangle of branches at last.

Scorpius turned to look for the dog. Instead, he found the red-tail, the gray and the king hawk strewn along the path he’d just taken. Their crushed bodies were smeared with blood.

Recoiling, Scorpius found every falcon dead, covering the clearing in front of the cottage.

“Master!” he screamed. “Master!”

Two hands gripped his arms. He tried to sit up, but twisted blankets held him fast.

“Scorpius!” Lord Thibault said. “I’m here. Hush, now – you’ll have the other servants running down here in a minute.”

“We have to get them out. They’re dying!”

“Who are?”

“The hawks,” Scorpius said, his mouth so dry he could barely speak.

“The hawks,” his master repeated, slowly releasing him.

Scorpius peeled the blankets away, sitting up to run trembling hands through his hair. “They’re still tied to their perches, inside the mews. They can’t get out on their own. They’re starving. Why should they die because I’m here with you?”

The words were out of his mouth before he realized the tone he’d taken with his master. Scrambling to his knees among the strewn bedding, he bowed his head low.

Lord Thibault placed a steadying hand on Scorpius’ arm.

“Forgive me, lord,” Scorpius said.

“It’s forgotten.” Lord Thibault stood, heading for the door that separated their chambers. “Most of it, anyway.”

© Julia Phillips Smith, 2011

The new Scorpius instalment will be posted later tonight

Hi everyone -

Due to a mega-revisions Labor Day writing marathon, I won't have the latest instalment up until late Wed. night.

5 on Friday - Set 82

Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.


Last New Year's Eve, Brad and I spent our final night in Toronto at my brother-in-law's karaoke show at the Konrad Lounge on the Lakeshore in Etobicoke, just down the street from Brad's mom's place.

We had an absolute blast. This is Jeff at the console, smoothly easing the audience into taking up the mic, chiming in seamlessly if they get lost (easy to do once you're the singer!)

When I think about it, our all-night singing party really set the tone for this incredible year I'm having.

Jeff runs his Songsmith Karaoke show every Thursday at 10:00pm in Etobicoke, in the west end of Toronto at the Konrad Lounge. If you're in the area and want to have a great evening, pop by and tell him Julia sent you!These are some of the songs we tried on for size, either at their sister Karen's karaoke house party that Jeff DJ'ed, or on New Year's at Konrad's.

1 - Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie - a full-on singalong by everyone at Karen's



2 - Conquistador - Procol Harum - sung by Brad at Karen's

3 - Where Do the Children Play? - Cat Stevens - sung variously by Jeff and Brad


4 - Mary Mac - Great Big Sea - I was challenged to sing this by Jeff. Of course, I took it up. I did reasonably well, but the speedy ending did me in.



5 - The Galaxy Song - Eric Idle - This has become my signature karaoke song. I never end a karaoke evening without singing this one.