By Jeannie Holmes on Monday, February 08, 2010
I have a confession to make. I have a secret...
All my creative talent...the plot lines...the character development...it's all the result of an addiction combined with a truly twisted and overactive imagination.
The Addiction:
I am a coffee fiend.
The typical day starts with unleashing the hound, dodging the cats, and firing up the laptop as I wander through the house like Theseus in the Minotaur's labyrinth on my way to the kitchen and the sweet brew that holds the secret to life itself. Ask my husband. I'm a complete zombie until the coffee is ready, and the brain simply doesn't fully function until the third cup. Even the smell is enough to start the process.
I've always loved the smell of coffee. My parents, especially my dad, were coffee drinkers. The house always smelled of coffee. Dad was also ... Read More »
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By Jeannie Holmes on Friday, February 05, 2010
I See You Shiver with Antici-----pation.......
The release of BLOOD LAW, my debut novel, is still a few months away (June 22 to be exact, but you already knew that.) and I'm hard at work on the sequel, which is scheduled for release in 2011.
Rather than have my loyal minions -- uh, I mean, fans languishing in anticipation, I've devised a clever and cunning plan:
Announcing the BLOOD LAW Monthly Giveaway!
Yes, you read that correctly. I will be giving away highly collectable, signed BLOOD LAW cover flats!! These are absolutely gorgeous and are in limited supply. You will be the envy of all your friends!
So, you're probably wondering how to get your name added to the list of possible winners. Each month will see a different set of contest entry requirements, but don't freak out. They are all very simple. Follow these steps and you could receive your very own signed BLOOD LAW cover flat:
Read More »
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By Jeannie Holmes on Wednesday, January 27, 2010
I made my first post to The Magic District today! Yay! The topic I chose was "New authors and asking questions." Basically, as a first-time author, I know it's often hard or intimidating to direct questions to your agent, editor, and publisher, but it's also vital that we, as authors, do just that. So, I blogged about a recent event that forced me to overcome some of that fear of asking questions.
If you're interested in reading it, check out The Magic District...and don't be afraid to leave a comment or question. ;-)
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By Jeannie Holmes on Thursday, January 21, 2010
It’s baaa-aack!
Okay, “it” is really me and I’m only sorta back. I’m gradually returning to normal life. If you’ve been wondering where
I’ve been for the past month or so, let me fill you in.
December was a busy month. It seemed like every week brought a new event, both good and bad, and they all culminated into an emotional rollercoaster that’s only now slowing down. Without going into details, here’s the record of the ride:
December 15 – I arrive at my mother’s home in Mississippi for niece’s wedding.
December 18 – Wedding rehearsal.
December 19 – Niece’s wedding. Mom unable to attend due to illness.
December 20 – In the early morning hours, Mom passes away in her sleep.
December 22 – Nephew’s birthday.
December 23 – Mom’s funeral.
December 24 – Other nephew and niece-in-law welcome their first child. ... Read More »
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By Jeannie Holmes on Friday, December 11, 2009
So, there I was, minding my own business when suddenly the wonderful, sassy, and somewhat scary Diana Rowland's name appeared in my inbox. Always happy to hear from a fellow Southerner, I opened the email to find an invite to join her at The Magic District group blog.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
I composed myself and answered that I would be delighted to join. After much celebration, I have officially joined the ranks of The Magic District folk. We're still working out a complete posting schedule but once I have that in hand, I'll pass it along.
In the meanwhile, check out my fellow word-wizards at The Magic District.
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By Jeannie Holmes on Monday, December 07, 2009
It's been a long, rough week and I'm exhausted -- physically, mentally, and emotionally. Here's why:
On Friday, November 27, my mother fell (who is seventy-seven, by the way) and broke three ribs. Thankfully she did not injure her hip, screw up the artificial knee replacement or shoulder surgery she had a few years ago, nor did she hit her head. The broken ribs did not puncture or injure any vital organs. She simply has large bruises on her side and hip and, of course, the ribs.
I, along with Mark, drove to Mississippi that same night, and I stayed with Mom for the week. Needless to say, I didn't get much writing done while I was caring for her, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, taking Mom to the doctor for follow-up visits from the emergency room, etc. However, the sacrifice is paying off because Mom is recovering very well and is now able to stay by herself for the most part. My siblings are checking on her frequently throughout the day and there is never any ... Read More »
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By Jeannie Holmes on Friday, October 30, 2009
The past few weeks have been crazy. I'm playing catch up now and have finally moved on to updating the blog. Yay!
October 14 was my mother’s birthday, and I spent it flying to Indianapolis for Bouchercon 2009, the premier event for mystery lovers. (Don’t worry about Mom. I called her and sang “Happy Birthday” over the phone during my Memphis layover. Good thing I can sort of actually carry a tune because several people stared at me like I’d sprouted a second head.)
Anyway, my flight to Indianapolis was relatively uneventful. Except for losing my boarding pass somewhere between Mobile and Memphis...on the freaking plane. I guess the gremlins stole it. Regardless, once I arrived in Memphis, I found my departure gate, explained what happened to the very nice clerk working the desk, and she printed a new pass for me. Next stop, coffee shop! I positioned myself where I could people watch while I waited for my next flight. People watching in an airport is a favorite ... Read More »
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By Jeannie Holmes on Sunday, October 04, 2009
I didn't post after the last two Citizen's Academy nights because I knew I would be hitching a ride with a Mobile patrol officer, and I wanted to save my blogging for the "good stuff."
First, let me catch up on the Citizen's Academy goings-on. Basically, anyone can make a complaint to the internal affairs division. Whether that complaint is actually handled by IAD as opposed to the officer's direct supervisor depends on the seriousness of the complaint. Vice squad handles the drug and prostitution stuff. The K9 unit...all I can say is this: Do NOT mess with the dogs. If you're ever in a situation where cops bring in the dog and tell you to "Come out or we send in the dog, and you will be bitten!" -- believe them. The juvenile/youth crimes division has one of the hardest jobs. I won't go into detail as to what they investigate, but it's not only heartbreaking but frustrating for them to deal with it all.
Now...on to the "good stuff." ... Read More »
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By Jeannie Holmes on Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Last night was another session of the Mobile Police Department's citizen's academy. (I did not try to drown myself with a water bottle this week!) We learned about the various precincts, different areas within the department, saw video from a dashboard camera of a pursuit that ended in a shoot out (The officer involved was uninjured and the two car thieves were arrested.), and saw some of the cool toys Mobile PD uses, including Segways and the ultra coolest, Sky Watch, a mobile observation tower.
We also signed up for "ride alongs" with patrol officers. I chose to ride with someone from the precinct in which I live and to report for morning roll call in order to get the "full experience." The patrol officers work in 12-hours shifts. I'm going to attempt to stay for the entire shift. I don't know if I'll make it the full 12-hours, but I'm going to try. The "ride along" is scheduled for Friday...chosen because Mark will be working from home that day and ... Read More »
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By Jeannie Holmes on Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Yesterday was a busy day here at Hacienda del Holmes. Naturally, the cats were spazzing most of the morning. Scraps of paper, dust bunnies, and shed whiskers become mighty dragons in their minds. There was a whole lotta pouncing, chasing, and general mayhem. (Only Nugget was in a dragon-slaying mood this morning, so it was relatively quiet.)
I spent most of the day catching up on emails and doing other "housekeeping" type stuff until it was time for Ms. Editor to call and discuss the final round of edits for BLOOD LAW. It's all minor tweaking in the vein of adding a sentence or two here and there to clarify things. It shouldn't take long to wrap these up at all. Huzzah! We also discussed the plan for Book 2 and she gave the official green light on it. (Good thing, too, since I already started writing it. Hehe.) We also discussed other Super Secret Items Which I'm Not Currently At Liberty To Divulge. *evil author grin* Overall, it was a good c ... Read More »
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