Today I’m feeling a bit like Braveheart. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that my head is about to be chopped off. Geez, I hope not! This does mean I am yelling far and wide, FREEDOM!
After months of illness and back-to-back contracts, I am finally feeling great (knock on wood) and I am contract free. Yes, being without a contract is a bit scary, too. But I do have several proposals out and plan to embark on writing a couple more here very soon. But in the interim, I only have to focus on the day job, the kids, the house, the husband, and the gorgeous weather that has finally come to Michigan. For the first time this year, I was able to wake up and open my windows without worrying over freezing. It’s gorgeous out, and I can’t help but feel the sunny weather is meant to help me celebrate this time of freedom.
Along with the freedom also comes the most awesome news that What Happens In Vegas… is now shipping from BarnesandNoble.com! Those of you lucky enough to attend RT may already have your copy by now. But otherwise, and if you don’t like going the online route, the anthology should start showing up in stores any day now. In fact, it’s already been spotted in several locations. I’ve been very pleased with the response to Hot For It, my SPICE Brief, which was a prelude to my story in the Vegas anthology, so I am holding out hope that the good vibes continue into the anthology.
As for reviewer opinions, the anthology has so far met with some great reviews, including 5 ribbons from Romance Junkies, 4 stars from RT BOOKclub magazine, and 5 hearts from Love Romances. My, is there anything quite as nice as happy readers and reviewers? Well, for an author anyway, probably not too much.
Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this isn’t just my anthology, I get to share it with fellow Bradford Bloggers Anya Bast and Lauren Dane, as well as Kit Tunstall. These ladies are all incredibly skilled authors. I have been lucky to be in a past anthology with Kit, and have read many of Anya’s and Lauren’s stories. I, for one, think this is a truly great combo of authors, and now I am anxious for the second installment in the Vegas anthologies. Unfortunately, that won’t be releasing until next spring. But in the meantime, I know all of the authors involved have plenty of other books coming out for your reading pleasure.
Well, my lovelies, freedom and a gorgeous day are calling. I hope you all have a wonderful one! Me, I’m off to sit on the deck in the warm, spring breeze and blow bubbles with my little girl. From an mom standpoint, I really don’t think there can be much better than that. 
~ Jodi
P.S. I am blogging today, as well, at Love Is An Exploding Cigar. Drop on by for a chance to win a signed copy of Vegas!
April 18th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Have already stopped by Exploding Cigars.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Congrats Jodi!
Be sure to make the most of your breather, because those ne contracts will be pouring in soon!
April 18th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
New contracts. Meant NEW contracts.
April 18th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Thanks Estella! Great to see you over there.
And, Sarah, I knew what you meant. *G* I am one of those people who does not do idle. So I figure if I make the weekend without writing, it will be saying something. I already have three books I want write next. LOL! Two are actually proposals for my agent to shop around, and then a short one from a series I have ongoing at EC. I figure I will do the shortie first and then get to work on the proposals. Of course, by then I may have new contracts with my existing pubs.
April 18th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
JOdi!!!! glad to see you back healthy and blogging missed you!!!! write faster need more books LOL yah bookaholic need my Jodi fix… come on girl you know you can work faster than that!
April 18th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
LOL Tina! Faster, don’t I wish? I have barely been successful with staying awake long enough to get any writing done lately. I am hoping a weekend of R&R changes this, as I have some series books long overdue in the writing.
April 19th, 2008 at 5:08 am
Know that you mean about the sleep! Just came off two years of tight deadlines and ended up sleeping 12 hours a day for the last two. I’m contracted out for the next few years, but my deadlines are more leisurely now. Looking forward to being busy but not frantically so.
April 19th, 2008 at 5:13 am
Okay. Maybe I need more sleep.
Sent without finishing. I know 12 hours doesn’t seem like much, but I normally only sleep 5-6 hours a night s 2 days of sleeping that long had hubby checking me all night to make sure I was okay. Normally, he’s a deep sleeper and oblivious to my tossing and turning, but the last two nights every time I rolled over he would tuck me back against him and then rub my hip. Very sweet, but a bit disconcerting at first as I was wondering why HE couldn’t sleep. 