I just had a very interesting experience, and I thought those in the writing and reading communities would find it interesting, too.

After I got my kidlet off to school, I headed off to Starbucks with my pink Mac and my story buzzing around inside my head. I arrived, happy to find my favorite squishy chair by the window unoccupied, and my favorite baristas who know me and how to make my Hot Venti non-fat, 7-pump Chai with whip.

Which meant, within minutes, I was happily settled with my iPOD playing the soundtrack from Pirates of the Carribean and the Mummy movies in my ears, my Mac on my lap and my Chai at my elbow. So far so good.

All is well with the world. (aka, writer bliss)

About thirty minutes later, a man came by to ask if the chair next to me was taken. I pulled out one earphone and assured him it was open. He sat, and as people sometimes do, he asked what I was working on so diligently. The usual conversation ensued. It was a novel. Yes, I’m published. No, I’m not self-published. Yes, you can buy my book in a “real” bookstore as well as in eBook (which he considered not a real book.) Yes, my mother, my child and my entire family knows that I write romance and no, they are not ashamed, and in fact are quite proud of me.

So, far, the conversation wasn’t anything I haven’t heard and participated in a thousand times. In fact, I’ve mastered the polite smile I paste on while answering people who so obviously disprove of what I do. After all, it’s their problem, not mine, and me wasting my time ranting will not change their opinion, only cement it.

Then he turned thoughtful, and I almost thought I was safe to pop my earphone back in and delve back into my story, when he asked, “Have you ever thought about getting a real job? You could always go back to school and earn a degree.”

I was so stunned, I forgot about the cool, polite smile, and instead a huge laugh bubbled up until it echoed around Starbucks.

Was this guy for real? He had just judged me purely on my job. Yes, I’m wearing jeans and a nice shirt with strappy sandals and not a business suit, but this is exactly what I would’ve worn to the office in corporate America anyway.

He looked like a mid-40′s professional. Blackberry clipped to his belt, tasteful leather briefcase sitting at his feet, dress slacks, button down shirt and nicely combed hair with just a hint of expensive cologne to complete the package. He also had dark circles under his eyes and confusion was plain on his clean-shaven face.

After I got my amusement back under control, I took out the other headphone, closed my Mac and turned all my attention on him. And by this time, my favorite barristas and a few close-by customers were paying close attention, too.

And this is what I told him. “I didn’t mean to laugh, I’m sorry. And I do truly appreciate you wanting to help me. However, I already have a college degree along with fifteen years of real work experience, the last eight of which were in corporate America technologies where I was making good money, and moving up the chain. But I was also working a gazillion hours a week, tired all the time, stressed beyond what was healthy and wishing I could chuck it all to stay home and write.”

He couldn’t have looked more shocked if I would’ve slapped him. “Don’t you miss the steady paychecks and the security of having a real job?”

Now, I found I could bring the polite smile back. “Do you love your job?”

“Well, it pays the bills and I don’t hate it.”

“Have you ever written a book? Or done something you really love as a job?”

“No.”

“Let me assure you, writing IS a real job. And it’s much harder than it looks. But I enjoy writing more than I’ve ever enjoyed any other job except being a mom, and it’s nearly as hard as that. And as for security, it’s only an illusion no matter what job you’re doing–especially in today’s climate of layoffs and recession. So, you might as well spend your days doing something you love.”

He pursed his lips and studied me for a minute and finally nodded. “You’ve given me something to think about at the very least.”

Then they called out that his drink was ready and he was gone.

I really wonder if he will think about it. But one of the nearby customers who attends the local college came up and talked to me as soon as he left. Apparently, what I had said had resonated with her. She had been majoring in what her parents wanted her to–international business, when she really wanted to go into graphic design. She told me what I had said helped her finally make up her mind to tell her parents and change her major. And she gave a very relieved laugh when I told her my degree is in Instrumental Music Education.  I also told her that when I landed the business jobs, they didn’t care what type of degree I had, only that I had gotten it because it showed I could stick with something…LOL!

I really hope that helped her, and it makes me feel like I was there at that particular time for a reason–even though I know everything happens for a reason.

Things that make you go hmmm.

Has anyone else ever had something like this happen?

So many people told me that it wasn’t too bad and that I would like it.  And silly, me, I finally gave in and rented 1408.

Now let me preface this by saying that I do NOT watch horror movies.  I’m the world’s biggest wimp and even jump at the smallest surprises in non horror flicks.  In fact, the last horror movie I willingly watched was Pet Cemetery in college with a boyfriend.  And you can bet that I spent the night at his apartment that night.  After all, I had warned him that I sucked at watching horror movies, so the poor guy had to deal with me jumping at shadows all night and my freaky nightmares.

So, I guess I’m not too bright because fast forward twenty years and I let my son convince me that we could watch it together and I would be fine.  After all, he watches horror flicks all the time and loves them.

Uh huh.  Right.

As soon as John Cuzack checks into 1408, every muscle in my body tensed up so tight I thought they might snap, and I jumped at every small thing.  Then my stomach started roiling, and I was lightheaded and very nearly sick to my stomach.

Yup–I’m back here again.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Now that it’s done, I can say objectively that it was a good movie.  I love John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson.

Does that mean I will ever watch it again, now that I know what happens?

No way in hell.

Watching these things physically makes me sick.  I just get too sucked in.  I think part of what enables me to write stories and live inside my mind for long stretches, also makes me very susceptible to getting sucked into movies, stories and etc.  Going in, they ask you to suspend disbelief, and I’m a wide-open audience in that respect.

Maybe I’ll be smart and not get talked into this for another twenty years…  Cross your fingers for me, will ya?

Anyone else have a problem with these, or am I an island?

Cassie/Tina

It’s a beautiful sunny morning here in Arizona and I’m excited to get out and get moving!  Pittsburgh wasn’t bad, but I love home. 
After getting ready this morning I spent some more time unpacking things from RT.  Believe it or not, there are still MORE things in those freaking suitcases!  I feel like every time I take things out, the rest of the items multiply when I close the lid, but that’s just my paranormal author side coming out.  Sigh.  I’ll get there.  I brought back some promo items from different authors for my sister and a few books (I learned my lesson since I still haven’t read all the ones I brought home from last year!) as well as a few trinkets for my favorite men.  But mostly what’s left are my ziplock bags full of glitter, false eyelashes, temporary tattoos, my pink boa and all the other fun stuff that I take to RT.  I just have to find a good place to put them, since I had to look for several hours this year to find them, the bottom of my closet is definitely NOT a good place.

I can’t believe RT is already over.  I planned for it for an entire year, and zip! it’s gone.  And wouldn’t you know it, we are already deep in planning for next year.  LOL…the cycle of an author’s life, I guess.  But on the bright side, Fairy Court 2009 is gonna rock.  MWAAAAHAAHAAA!

On a totally domestic note, my hubby bought a new bathroom scale yesterday and I’m not so sure I like it.  It’s one of those where you program up to four users and it keeps track of your height, age, body fat percentage and weight.  (Like I want to see all of THAT information first thing in the morning…lol!)  I suppose it’s a good thing to be informed rather than just ignoring it and hoping no one will tell me those depressing numbers.  And it has made me put the pedometer back on and get off my butt a bit more, so I guess it can’t be all bad.  Does anyone else have one of these things?  How’s it working out for you?

Laundry and the treadmill are my exciting plans for tonight, but for today, me and my trusty pink Mac are headed off to write!  I’m itching to delve back inside my story now that I’ve recovered from RT and gave my brain a few days to rest.  I can only veg on the couch so much before I get restless and have to jump back in.  My characters are calling–and not just on this book, but on the one churning in my head next too, so I’d better get my rear in gear.

Cassie/Tina

I made it back from the Romantic Times Booklover’s Convention late last night and was very happy to sleep in my own bed with my own pillow–and my own warm hubby.  Yikes, that makes it sound like I was sleeping with a different warm hubby while I was gone…lol!  Nope!  Had the whole bed to myself.

The convention was terrific.  The hotel left a little to be desired, but the convention itself, the networking, getting to meet readers, the events, the book signing and the rest were terrific from my point of view.  I didn’t sign at the eBook signing, and I know they have a few bugs to work out with that next year, but I think it’s a great concept and they’ll get it working perfectly for 2009.

Here’s a few links to see some of the Fairy Court Ball – and you can even see me in my black and red dress in a few shots!

Rebels of Romance

Smart Bitches Great Pics of Fairy Ball Decorations

Fairy Court Members Presentation

Fairy Ball Costume Competition 

In the meantime, I’m off to spend some time recovering!

Cassie/Tina

Hi everyone.  Getting ready to head off to bed for a few hours of sleep before I have to get up and head to the airport to leave for the Romantic Times Booklover’s Convention in Pittsburgh.

I’ll be gone for a week.  I’ll try to check in now and then, but knowing how conventions go, I can’t guarantee I’ll get back to post before I get back.

Have a great week!

Cassie/Tina