I originally posted these rants on my Myspace blog last year, and have decided to post them again, and add a few things, since we are heading toward the peak retail season.
I think they're funny, and well, this is my blog, so I can do what I want!
Though I am trying to establish myself as an author, I do have a day-today job that I must have to pay the bills (especially in this economic climate). Since February of 1999, I have worked in the retail business for a large arts and crafts chain, predominately in art framing.
Almost ten years of experience in this area has been eye-opening for sure. When you deal with the public daily, you hone your observational skills and become witness to things you never ever expected to see. And you hear things you never wanted to hear.
I've dealt with people at their best, but more often, people at their worst. To be honest, I never really expected to be doing this job for so long. But I have collected MANY thoughts and experiences.
I often toyed with the idea of putting some of these things into a book. Since I already have a dozen book projects in the works, I decided that I will just hit the high points over a few blogs. I will share my rants, my WTF moments, and anything else I can think of.
Maybe through some humor, I can brace myself for possibly the worst peak season in retail I've ever had.
So sit back, read, laugh, and shake your head in disbelief. I promise - it's all true.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
What I'm Thankful For
Thanksgiving is almost here. The time where everyone is supposed to stop and take a moment to count their blessings.
With the stress of everyday living these days, I find it increasingly difficult to stop and smell the roses. This time of year is especially hectic in my retail day job. Longer hours, looming deadlines. More to do and less time to do it.
But at least I have a job to be stressed over. So many people don't even have that right now. Even when I want to pull my hair out, I make myself stop and take some deep breaths, because not having this job would give me a whole new set of problems.
Having a full time job with a commute does make the process of being a prolific writer a tad difficult, though. My time is very limited outside of work. And my husband has a multitude of health problems that keep us busy going to the doctor.
Despite all this, I know I'm blessed. I have a job. I have a home. I have a wonderful husband who's been madly in love with me since we were seventeen years old. I found a great publisher who believes in me and my work (when I can get it done-LOL) And through them, I have a fabulous group of author friends who keep me somewhat sane and definitely laughing.
And I'm thankful for readers who buy and read my books. Just today, I looked and found that my first release, Second Chances, is #2 on Sapphire Blue's contemporary list, and Summon Me Swiftly is #4 in the Romance/Erotic category.
I really do have alot to be thankful for!
With the stress of everyday living these days, I find it increasingly difficult to stop and smell the roses. This time of year is especially hectic in my retail day job. Longer hours, looming deadlines. More to do and less time to do it.
But at least I have a job to be stressed over. So many people don't even have that right now. Even when I want to pull my hair out, I make myself stop and take some deep breaths, because not having this job would give me a whole new set of problems.
Having a full time job with a commute does make the process of being a prolific writer a tad difficult, though. My time is very limited outside of work. And my husband has a multitude of health problems that keep us busy going to the doctor.
Despite all this, I know I'm blessed. I have a job. I have a home. I have a wonderful husband who's been madly in love with me since we were seventeen years old. I found a great publisher who believes in me and my work (when I can get it done-LOL) And through them, I have a fabulous group of author friends who keep me somewhat sane and definitely laughing.
And I'm thankful for readers who buy and read my books. Just today, I looked and found that my first release, Second Chances, is #2 on Sapphire Blue's contemporary list, and Summon Me Swiftly is #4 in the Romance/Erotic category.
I really do have alot to be thankful for!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Lots Going On!
It's been a truly hectic couple of weeks for me! I have lots going on, which I'd like to share with you!
First, my new erotic short story, Summon Me Swiftly, is out at Sapphire Blue Publishing!
After a disappointing night fending off drunk suitors at her friend’s Halloween party, Amanda Swift is completely disenchanted with the dating scene. She’s even more fed up with being alone, and wishes she’d finally find that perfect guy to sweep her off her feet and make her toes curl with ecstasy. But Amanda’s evening quickly switches gears when she walks into her bedroom and discovers a very handsome — and very naked—hunk, who wants to please her in every way. But is this a case of be careful what you wish for?
I really enjoyed working on this story, and have plans for more fun short stories in the future. It was aslo a hoot to write spicier than I normally do. Of course, I had to pair it with alot of sarcastic humor as well!
In other news, I now have a book trailer for my first release, Second Chances. The fabulous people at www.scarletv.com held a contest, and I won! They were a pleasure to work with, and I'm sure I will use their services in the future. Have a look!
It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but I'm having a blast on the ride!
And on a final note - Happy Veteran's Day to all the men and women who work/have worked to keep us and our country safe!
First, my new erotic short story, Summon Me Swiftly, is out at Sapphire Blue Publishing!
After a disappointing night fending off drunk suitors at her friend’s Halloween party, Amanda Swift is completely disenchanted with the dating scene. She’s even more fed up with being alone, and wishes she’d finally find that perfect guy to sweep her off her feet and make her toes curl with ecstasy. But Amanda’s evening quickly switches gears when she walks into her bedroom and discovers a very handsome — and very naked—hunk, who wants to please her in every way. But is this a case of be careful what you wish for?
I really enjoyed working on this story, and have plans for more fun short stories in the future. It was aslo a hoot to write spicier than I normally do. Of course, I had to pair it with alot of sarcastic humor as well!
In other news, I now have a book trailer for my first release, Second Chances. The fabulous people at www.scarletv.com held a contest, and I won! They were a pleasure to work with, and I'm sure I will use their services in the future. Have a look!
It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but I'm having a blast on the ride!
And on a final note - Happy Veteran's Day to all the men and women who work/have worked to keep us and our country safe!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New Cover Art!
Well, I told you guys I was working on a short story with Sapphire Blue Publishing, and last night, I got an email with my cover art in it!
Take a gander!
Blurb:
After a disappointing night fending off drunk suitors at her friend’s Halloween party, Amanda Swift is completely disenchanted with the dating scene. She’s even more fed up with being alone, and wishes she’d finally find that perfect guy to sweep her off her feet and make her toes curl with ecstasy. But Amanda’s evening quickly switches gears when she walks into her bedroom and discovers a very handsome –and very naked— hunk who wants to please her in every way. You really do have to be careful what you wish for…
The release date might be as soon as next week, but I'll be sure to let you guys know when I know for sure.
It's a fun, snarky, sexy story that was a blast to write! I hope everyone has as much fun reading it as I had writing it!
Take a gander!
Blurb:
After a disappointing night fending off drunk suitors at her friend’s Halloween party, Amanda Swift is completely disenchanted with the dating scene. She’s even more fed up with being alone, and wishes she’d finally find that perfect guy to sweep her off her feet and make her toes curl with ecstasy. But Amanda’s evening quickly switches gears when she walks into her bedroom and discovers a very handsome –and very naked— hunk who wants to please her in every way. You really do have to be careful what you wish for…
The release date might be as soon as next week, but I'll be sure to let you guys know when I know for sure.
It's a fun, snarky, sexy story that was a blast to write! I hope everyone has as much fun reading it as I had writing it!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Time Just Flies...
I totally forgot to blog last week.
My bad.
Almost forgot today, but that switch in my brain finally kicked in and blinked at me repeatedly until I acknowledged it's significance.
Life has a funny way of getting in my way. I always have the best of intentions, but then things happen and days pass and the next thing I know, the list of things to do has piled up and rearranged, and I want to pull my hair out.
One good thing - my sister drove up from Texas to visit my folks in Ohio, so I will be going to see her this weekend. Haven't seen her since May, so I am excited.
I am also excited to announce that I will be having a short story coming out soon from Sapphire Blue Publishing. I'll pass along the info as soon as I know more, like cover art and release dates.
Fall starts my busiest time - at home AND at work. I'll do my best to not forget you guys again.
I just get a bit frazzled this time of year.
My bad.
Almost forgot today, but that switch in my brain finally kicked in and blinked at me repeatedly until I acknowledged it's significance.
Life has a funny way of getting in my way. I always have the best of intentions, but then things happen and days pass and the next thing I know, the list of things to do has piled up and rearranged, and I want to pull my hair out.
One good thing - my sister drove up from Texas to visit my folks in Ohio, so I will be going to see her this weekend. Haven't seen her since May, so I am excited.
I am also excited to announce that I will be having a short story coming out soon from Sapphire Blue Publishing. I'll pass along the info as soon as I know more, like cover art and release dates.
Fall starts my busiest time - at home AND at work. I'll do my best to not forget you guys again.
I just get a bit frazzled this time of year.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Rainy Day Musings
Fall is here in Kentucky.
And unlike Buffy's glorious weather in the AZ, here it has come in with a soggy whimper.
There's typically a transition of cooler temperatures and brisker days, but lately it's just been a whole lot of rain, making a whole lot of cold. Which, in turn, makes me a whole lot of...blah.
I did manage to drag my fall decorations out of the garage last weekend and put them outside, thinking that might get me more into the spirit.
But alas, no such luck.
It's sad, too, because Fall has always been my favorite season, and Halloween my favorite holiday. I love dressing up, and have a closet full of various costumes and accessories that I pull from. This year, I will be working on Halloween, and need to think of a costume I can wear that will also be comfortable to work in all day.
If it weren't for all the dreary rain, I think I would be more into things this season. But Mother Nature has dumped a ton of water on us here this year, and doesn't seem to be finished yet.
I think I may have mentioned this before, but I'm REALLY tired of rain.
But I guess it's better than snow.
And unlike Buffy's glorious weather in the AZ, here it has come in with a soggy whimper.
There's typically a transition of cooler temperatures and brisker days, but lately it's just been a whole lot of rain, making a whole lot of cold. Which, in turn, makes me a whole lot of...blah.
I did manage to drag my fall decorations out of the garage last weekend and put them outside, thinking that might get me more into the spirit.
But alas, no such luck.
It's sad, too, because Fall has always been my favorite season, and Halloween my favorite holiday. I love dressing up, and have a closet full of various costumes and accessories that I pull from. This year, I will be working on Halloween, and need to think of a costume I can wear that will also be comfortable to work in all day.
If it weren't for all the dreary rain, I think I would be more into things this season. But Mother Nature has dumped a ton of water on us here this year, and doesn't seem to be finished yet.
I think I may have mentioned this before, but I'm REALLY tired of rain.
But I guess it's better than snow.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Holiday Retail Pessimism
Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday.
Time for me to blog and be creative, entetaining, and witty.
Riiiigghhht.
I just finished a six day stretch at the day job. I'm pooped. Retail isn't for sissies, mind you, and I've been doing it for over ten years. And our peak season is just beginning, so it only gets worse from here.
And with the economy the way that it is, corporations are tightening the reins more than ever to make a profit. One way they do that is with cutting payroll. Buffy is feeling the vise of that with her daycare facility, and retail entities are cinching up too. That means that seasonal employment will be cut, and the regular employees will be required to do even more. Unfortunately, that also means less people in the store to run a cash register, so lines will be longer. Customers will not be happy with this, but it WILL be a factor this holiday season, so be prepared.
Myself, I try to stay out of the stores as much as possible the closer the holidays get. I make alot of gifts. Or take advantage of free shipping offers online. Fighting crowds and standing in line just isn't my bag, baby.
All of this pessimism too much for you? Here's the silver lining. Books make excellent gifts. And e-books are even better, since you don't even have to leave your house to buy them. They are predicting that e-readers will be this season's hottest gift, anyway.
So what are you waiting for? Go stock up on some great books at Sapphire Blue Publishing!
Time for me to blog and be creative, entetaining, and witty.
Riiiigghhht.
I just finished a six day stretch at the day job. I'm pooped. Retail isn't for sissies, mind you, and I've been doing it for over ten years. And our peak season is just beginning, so it only gets worse from here.
And with the economy the way that it is, corporations are tightening the reins more than ever to make a profit. One way they do that is with cutting payroll. Buffy is feeling the vise of that with her daycare facility, and retail entities are cinching up too. That means that seasonal employment will be cut, and the regular employees will be required to do even more. Unfortunately, that also means less people in the store to run a cash register, so lines will be longer. Customers will not be happy with this, but it WILL be a factor this holiday season, so be prepared.
Myself, I try to stay out of the stores as much as possible the closer the holidays get. I make alot of gifts. Or take advantage of free shipping offers online. Fighting crowds and standing in line just isn't my bag, baby.
All of this pessimism too much for you? Here's the silver lining. Books make excellent gifts. And e-books are even better, since you don't even have to leave your house to buy them. They are predicting that e-readers will be this season's hottest gift, anyway.
So what are you waiting for? Go stock up on some great books at Sapphire Blue Publishing!
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