Friday, April 16, 2010

Friday Feature: Journeys Toward Publication and Beyond: Margaret Golla

Welcome to today's Friday Feature interview! Today I have a veteran of the writing world. Please give a warm welcome to Margaret Golla. She is writing Middle Grade Fantasty, although she has written in a number of age groups and genres. I have read the beginning of one of her wips--and I have to say, I think that sooner rather than later, you will be reading an update here that she has been snatched up by an agent. I loved what I read! Please give her lots of love, and remember to leave her a question in the comments--she'll be by to illuminate us further! And don't forget to check out her blog on the way out! 


Welcome Margaret! Why don't you start by telling us a bit about yourself!

In 2001, I started writing. I was almost 40 years old and wanted to find out if I could write a book, exactly like every other mother who had a kid and only worked part-time. Oh, I’d written off and on for the previous thirty years--more off than on, come to think of it. So I joined RWA and a local romance chapter, completing four manuscripts, one novella, and one short story, but I never could get into the angsty emotional crap. I liked plots, not mushy feelings. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I enjoy READING them, but I couldn’t write one if my life depended on it. 


I started thinking, if I didn’t write romance what DID I enjoy writing about? Fantasy creatures. But I didn’t think I wrote big enough for traditional Sci-Fi/Fantasy, so I thought about it and realized I LOVED writing young. So I switched from writing romance to middle grade in mid-2008. I wrote ten easy readers, one picture book, two short stories (I posted them as serial blog stories), and one middle grade novel. I’m currently working on the second of the potential series, with an idea for #3.

Margaret, tell us, what are you currently working on?

I have a middle grade light fantasy series that I’m working on. The first in the series generated a few requests. . . and subsequent rejections, but I like this character and I’ll continue to write about her adventures.

What made you start to write seriously?

The same reason many women turn to writing . . . or some other habit, I had a kid. It was 2001, I was almost forty and had a newborn so, of course, I wondered if I could write a book. And no, I wasn’t born with a pencil or computer in my hand like many writers claim. I basically didn’t write for most of my life. When I was twenty-four, I took a creative writing course at the local Junior College (I had a BS in Medical Technology and was working night shift at a local hospital, so I needed an outlet). Uhm, let’s just say that after THAT particular experience I didn’t write for over fifteen years. Okay, part of that decision was because I purchased my first horse and spent all my extra time training, riding, and jumping her . . . well, that and killing time at the barn. It was a great place to hang—love the smell of horses, leather and sweat.

What stage are you at, currently, in your journey toward publication? And--how is that going for you? Has anything surprised you about this stage?

Uhm, writing, revising, querying, revising some more, query again, starting new story, blah, blah, blah. The book I’m currently writing is my seventh. I have four romances, one fantasy, one novella, ten easy readers, and two picture books under the bed. I’ve been along this path before, and YES, I do have to say it gets easier—in a sense. Form rejections used to debilitate me. Now, I realize my writing A) isn’t what they’re looking for, B) doesn’t interest them, C) isn’t saleable, or D) they don’t get. I’ve learned to get over myself and realize that this is a business. Everyone wants to make money, but if they don’t see a sure thing most agents/editors aren’t willing to take the chance.

If you had to pick one favorite blog, what would it be?

This is a tough one. I assume you mean blogs that are not my own. :) I do have a habit of blog hopping in the morning and I visit so many of them. I’d probably have to say, Bookends, Pub Rants, and Janet Reid are my faves. The agent blogs are very insightful and the information they provide is invaluable. I do troll some author blogs, but prefer hitting glogs—more for bang for your buck.

Margaret--glogs? I had to google that! And I came up with a few different things--you're talking about group blogs, right? Can you tell us about a few glogs that you check out?

Glogs: Hm, I read so many agent blogs, but the main glogs are: Murder She Writes, Query Tracker blog, Twisted Sisters (some of my romance friends that actually kept in touch), Writing Sluts (my old romance chapter), Writer Unboxed (a few GIAM buddies), Magical Musings (GIAM buddies). I check them every day, but I don’t necessarily read them, depending on my time constraints and topic. I don’t belong to a glog. I tried one out, but found out that I ‘don’t play well with others’. :-P

What is a favorite blog post that you have written?

That’s hard. Some of my posts have been about memories that I use in my stories, or catalysts in your life, or simply a middle grade short story that I wrote and broken up into installments. I don’t know, so why don’t you pick one?

Margaret, if I had to pick, I would pick your serial blog stories. What a cool idea for blog posts! Everyone check out Margaret's latest serial--featuring her MG protagonist, Rhee Webber. So cool! Margaret, what online resource have you found most helpful?

Again, a toughie. Agent Query. Query Tracker, Preditors and Editors. Absolute Write.

Margaret--it takes a lot of support to write--what kind of support have you found helpful? It must have been difficult to switch genres, and community.



This picture is part of an online goals group I’m in--GIAM—they are the best friends in the world! Back L-R Melanie Atkins, Me, Karin Tabke, Marilyn Auer; front L-R Amy Atwell and Liz Lipperman.


In October 2004, Amy Atwell started a group she called, WritingGIAM—Goal setting, Inspiration, Amity, and Motivation. Originally, it was open only to RWA PRO members—writers who had finished a novel and were in the process of trying to sell that novel. She said she started it to keep herself on track with her goals, but it became more than that.

Though we emerged from an RWA sanctioned loop, this loop is not restricted by any National group or club, BUT it has benefited and grew strong without the pettiness some groups get. We have authors published with romance, mystery, small press, Epubbed, or unpubbed and some of them edited for various publishers. We all benefited from their frank and open discussions about the publishing biz, including contracts, agents, editors, etc.

What is said on that loop STAYS on that loop. GIAM has a cap of 50 members, but due to demand, Amy has started 4 GIAM loops and recently one called Go PRO, for writers in the process of finishing and polishing their first manuscripts. I don’t know what I would have done without this group. When I switched from writing romance to MG, I was basically kicked out of my local chapter due to the constraints of membership (not just writing, but writing ROMANCE).

After having support of my romance ‘friends’, but then turned loose because of I didn’t write it any longer—hurt. GIAM helped me though the tough times and I KNOW every one of those ladies are backing me 100%. We trust each other. This is the GIAM homepage, scroll down if anyone is interested in joining.

Margaret--that sounds amazing. That kind of support really makes a difference! I love finding new ways to connect with writers. Tell us, what has been your biggest trial in writing?

Patience. For a woman who is infinitely patient with everything else in life, the whole publishing biz is the most trying.

What tricks have you acquired to make you write or create when you don’t feel up to writing?

A timer. Thirty minutes on and fifteen off.

Tell us about a book that has impacted your writing life.

Again, there are so many of them. There is one book that I was reading when I finally ‘got it’. The Writer’s Journey by Christopher Vogler.

What is your practical goal with your writing? Do you have a reach-for-the-stars goal that you would like to share?

I’ve been in the trenches so long that I get excited when ANYONE shows an interest in my story. Recently, I received a form rejection for a requested full manuscript and my response was, “Huh, at least they used letterhead and thick paper.” Trust me, it’s taken me YEARS to get to this point. I used to shut down when I received a form rejection on a query letter. But in answer to your question . . . Practical goal: write funny and enjoyable middle grade stories. Pie-in-the-sky: see my book in print.

So far, what has been the best part of your writing experience?

Creating new worlds.

If you could create the perfect place for you to write in, what would it look like?

Exactly where my desk currently resides.

In the kitchen with a window overlooking our swimming pool and koi pond.



If you could be a character in a book, and live within their world, what character would you be?

My current protagonist, Rhee Webber. Yeah, I have to admit that I’m pouring a lot of myself into her character.

What other distractions are in your life?

Oi! I’m easily distracted! Not a good thing. I have a nine-year-old who attends the school behind my house. I garden, crochet, read, workout, and goof off any chance I get.

And, just because I’m curious, coffee or tea?

Both. Two cups of coffee when I get up, read emails and blog hop. Tea when I need to get up, walk around, or just hold something warm in my hands.

Margaret, thanks so much for the wonderful interview! I really love the bit about the GIAM group, I'm definitely going to check that out. And thanks for stopping by to talk with us today! Everyone, please leave a comment or question for Margaret in the comments! And, remember to give Margaret some love on her blog, too.

42 comments:

  1. Margaret, thanks again for the great interview. You've had quite the journey so far. What does your day-to-day writing look like--do you have a set schedule?

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  2. Margaret, your determination is inspiring! And I'm with Heather, very curious about your GIAM group. It sounds wonderful. Do you live close to one another so you can meet in person? And how often do you get together, online or off?

    Thanks for the wonderful interview, both of you.

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  3. Margaret, I've been inspired watching you grow, and you nailed the business aspect of submitting. It's not personal and you just keep going and enchanting! The GIAMERS has been motivational and a godsend all at once. Writing is solitary, it's so wonderful not to feel all alone. Thanks for sharing your love with Margaret, Heather. What a nice blog you have! Good luck on your journey!

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  4. Margaret, thanks for sharing your journey thus far. As you've proven, writers tend to have a wide variety of stories within them. I'm glad you've found that MG suits you and inspires you with fun protagonists and exciting plots.

    As for GIAM--thanks for the kind words. It's rewarding to know the group has helped so many people achieve their goals.

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  5. Good Morning! I'm so excited to be here!

    Heather: My day-to-day schedule? *snork* If you looked at this month's progress (I've been hitting 1000-2500 words a day) you would think I could finish three or four or more books a year. But this January through March, I think I wrote 5000 words total. . . for all three months. Yeah, not awe-inspiring. When I'm on, I'm on, when I'm not...well, I know how to goof-off. :-)

    Tina: My GIAM group has members from all over the place--New Zealand, Canada, England, France, and spread out from coast-to-coast. We are trying to find a place to hold a working retreat, but it's difficult. This group kept my sanity when I was barred from rejoining my local RWA chapter--since I'm not writing romances any longer. That was hard. Giamer's meet on-line, though I think some of the ladies who live down South do get together once in a while. Amy has done a fantastic job of managing these groups, establishing a crit partnership loop, a chat room exclusively for GIAMer's where they have weekly brainstorming sessions or writing sprints. To steal from Martha Stewart, "It's a good thing."
    If you are interested in joining or just want to ask Amy some questions about GIAM, click on Amy's link.

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  6. Margaret, I can feel your enthusiams. Don't doubt for a minute you'll snag an agent or a publishing contract. You bet, GIAMer's are the best! Love your work station. I want that big, flat screen!

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  7. Hi, Donnell!
    I clicked post on my first comments--and there you are! Thanks for dropping by, D! The GIAM group is awesome--let's just say, "what happens on GIAM stays on GIAM". If you need feedback about publishing, agents, or what to do in certain pub-related situations, you will get the blunt truth. And it isn't all business, just this last week one of our members made and sent us voodoo dolls (My doll is named Tia Dalma in honor of Jack Sparrow fame), we talked about horse testicles, diamond smuggling, fainting goats, and plot issues. We are a well-rounded group--and I'm amazed at our diversity of backgrounds and interests.

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  8. Good Morning, Sylvia, Oh, she of voodoo-making fame! Thanks for stopping by! Sylvia is a wonderful artist as well as a published author.
    --my hubby (IT geek extrordinaire) wanted to buy me TWO screens. I told him it was overkill. I love the big screen since I can have two documents side-by-side and not have to make them teen-insy to fit them on the screen.

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  9. I totally hear you on the sriting angst. Melodrama is widespread and seldom works. When it does, it's actual drama and high impact. When it doesn't, I get jerked out of the story and into my own head saying things like is she serious with this? If you arent' comfortable with it, you're so smart to move in a different direction. BUT. Do you think you're a better overall writer for having tried on so many different genres?

    Thanks for the interview, gals!

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  10. Hi Margaret!

    Fun history of your writing life, thanks for sharing.

    I am wondering about your process of writing for thirty minutes and then taking fifteen off. I feel like this would break my train of thought, and I realize we're all different, but what I want to know is how does this work for you? By minute nine are you panicking that you don't have anything written? By minute thirteen do you lose track of time and look back up after another twenty or forty minutes. Wait, you said you use a timer. How many have you smashed?

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  11. Terrific interview! Margaret, I think the same thing as you regarding rejections, that this is just a business. I love what you're doing now, and think that this will be IT. I'm going to celebrate BIG when you sell. :)

    And thanks for the shout out for Magical Musings.

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  12. Great interview. You never cease to inspire me. If only everyone knew how many times you've talked me "off the ledge"

    You're a real PRO and a great friend.

    Good luck with those Middle Grade Fantasies.

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  13. Nice to meet you, Margaret. And thanks, Heather. This just solidifies that skin grows thicker and thicker with every rejections! I hope you snag an agent soon! :)

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  14. Good morning, Laurel!
    I have to say that I cut my teeth writing romance. My former RWA chapter/crit group cattle-prodded me up that steep learning incline. I wouldn't be the writer that I am without their help. As much as they tried to help me along with romance writing, I had to decide if I really enjoyed writing the romance in the story--I didn't. And oh, it wasn't the sensual or graphic nature of the scenes that bothered me it was the internal conflicts of the hero and heroine. Writing romance is harder than you think because you have to push the hero/heroine together while having something in their past that pulls them apart until the 'ultimate betrayal' and final resolution. It isn't for wimps--and, yeah, guess I'm a wimp. I think I needed to write in different genres to find my writing voice. I started an urban fantasy and loved my character, but the feedback I received suggested that my protagonist was too juvenile. So I started writing younger and enjoyed it. It helps that my kidlet is nine years old and I get to read all HER books! She read my LOST LEPRECHAUN LOOT serial blog and said, "that was a fun story, Mom. I forgot you wrote it." Best feeling ever.

    Hey, Jon!
    If I didn't have a timer, I would never start writing. I have so many things that I could do to goof off: laundry, ironing, make coffee, play with the dog (when she was alive), harass the cat, clean the pool and pond, read, garden, play Farmville on Facebook or watch judge shows. I'm easily side-tracked.
    Oops, time to get another cup of joe. . .
    See? Easy-peasy, thus the timer. I usually have a scene in mind when I start the timer and I can write about 1000 in 30 minutes if I know where I'm going. If I don't, then I use the 15 minute break to figure out what's wrong. If I'm on a roll, then I turn off the timer and keep on writing. After I'm finished commenting, I have to figure out how to get my character out of a faerie prison . . . hm, maybe I need to see what Timmy Turner would do. . .

    Hey, Edie!
    That's the one thing Karin Tabke has really helped me understand, though we pour ourselves into our work, it's still a business where everyone wants to make a buck. Though rejection hurts, it isn't personal.

    Hi, Cyndi!
    The feeling is mutual, C! I really love how you let me talk through stuff to figure out if it makes sense or not.

    Morning, Laura!
    Some people can grow a thick skin quicker than others. I am a slow learner, but I do get my stuff out there--that is the only real way to grow a dino hide. To date, I have had 70 rejections on my first MG novel. Yes, 70 R's, including requested fulls, and I've switched up my query letter seven times. :-) And I don't think my writing totally sucks--though I wonder at times--but it isn't right for that agent or her editorial connections. Just be professional and keep on writing.

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  15. Hey, Margaret, I agree with Heather. After reading some of your stuff, it won't be long. The market seems to be opening up a bit for debut authors and you are really close.

    Waving at all my GIAM friends, I can only agree with all that is said. They've been cheerleaders, comforters and even partners in crime plotting. Most importantly, they're friends. Everyone needs to be in a group where they are held accountable, kind of like Weight Watchers. Nobody hollers if you fail to meet your goal but they sure do cheer when you do.

    Your series sounds so exciting. Keep submitting. 2010 will be your year. I can feel it.

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  16. I echo Jon's question as that went through my mind as well.
    Also, I learned about glogs and GIAMs today!
    Great interview, ladies!

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  17. Margaret--I am having such fun here, at your interview today--LOVING the GIAM ladies! I'm going to have to get a piece of that action!

    Welcome everyone!

    I don't have much else to say, because Margaret is so capable fielding all the questions and comments!

    Margaret--How easy is it to start getting involved with a GIAM group? Are there groups that are looking to add members?

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  18. Wonderul interview. Margaret, you have an amazing handle on your writing world--even though you admit to being easily distracted. You have a healthy outlook on the business aspect and your "go get 'em" attitude constantly lifts me. You're an inspiration!

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  19. Heya, Liz!
    Thanks for stopping by! Liz is one who also did a genre switch from romance to cozy mysteries that ended with a three-book deal with Berkley Crime. An unpublished author, Liz sold her series ON PROPOSAL, which is totally cool!

    Hi, Kelly!
    When I posted my last comment it was 10:06. I puttered around on Farmville, fed the koi (spawning season, you know) and put on some socks, I sat down for a 30 minute writing sprint. I wrote 872 words in 30 minutes. I wanted to finish up the scene so three and a half minutes later I did with a total of 1031 words, or roughly 3 pages of TNR. It ain't purdy, but it's down. I did jot a note to myself to work on the harshness of the dialogue in a section, but this is a rough draft--I'm going to be rewriting the whole thing anyway!

    Heather--Click on Amy's blog link and ask away. She currently has four groups started (we pretty much run ourselves, but I think we had some ground rules when I joined--it's been awhile. I'm sure it was no flaming, no politics, use common curtesy, etc.) All of us had completed at least one manuscript and we all belonged to RWA (Romance Writers of America), and this helps that we are all on the same page with regards to our publishing wishes. She wanted like-minded people to whom she was accountable with her goals. Thus the goal group began. The first group is capped at 50, but only about 20-25 of us are active. People drop out due to their circumstances, but all are welcome back to the fold when they are ready. We've had a few new members added to this first group over the years. I know some people have joined who didn't belong to RWA, but they knew a member of the group. Let me know if you need anything else!

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  20. Aw, thank you, June! I'm pessimistically upbeat about the publishing world!

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  21. Margaret, thanks for the mention of Twisted Sisters and Writing Sluts. We miss you at RWI, so if you ever get back to including romantic elements . . .

    Having read you from the historical to the romantic suspense to the fantasy to the middle-grade, I think you've hit your voice squarely. I expect you to be selling Rhee's stories soon.

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  22. Hey, girlie!!! Awesome interview! You sound like a pro. :D You are inspiring and a terrific friend. And I'm so glad you found a new home with those girls. I hated that you left romance, but I get it. You're talented and it won't be long when you get your pie in the sky!!! LY, girlfriend!!!

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  23. Ack! I totally missed Amy's post! I have no idea where it went into the ether. Trust me, Amy, I'm thankful for GIAM every single day. Our group has been my port in the storm, the sanity to my whack-a-doodle mind, and we can talk about anything and everything!

    Hey, Marilyn! You are one wonderful lady! Marilyn transformed me from Formatting Failure to what I am today, as she took time out of her writing schedule to mentor me, as she does so many new writers. Well, she wasn't an 'official' mentor, but she did take me under her wing. :-)

    Thanks, Ash! Now you get back to working on your book launch!

    Oh, BTW, I wrote 1153 words since my last posting. . . and checked the mail, tested the hot tub and stared out into the yard. :-) 300 more words before the hubster comes home early and takes me out to lunch!
    Catch y'all later!

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  24. Thanks for your thorough answer! I like the way your mind works, it's so familiar to me.

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  25. Margaret- I totally love the updates on what you are getting done today. Totally inspiring! Awesome interview, again!

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  26. You're welcome, Jon! I'm full of all sorts of crap . . . er, ideas. Glad to be of help--Timmy Turner didn't help, but my faerie figured out how to squeeze between the bars.

    I'm finishd for the day, Tina.
    About an hour ago, I hit 2751 words and finished my chapter. I might write a little more because I HATE having a blank page when I start another chapter and it's only 249 works to the 3K mark, right?

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  27. I think it sucks that your RWA Chapter didn't support you when you changed genres.

    I can't imagine doing that...

    Here's hoping that you sell Rhee's book soon.

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  28. I loved this, Margaret -- and I love your screensaver. And this? GIAM helped me though the tough times and I KNOW every one of those ladies are backing me 100%. We trust each other. Amen.

    Thanks too for the shout out to Writer Unboxed.

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  29. Hey, Donna! It's not totally their fault--it's the way RWA has their bylaws written. A writer can belong ONLY if they are persuing a career in Romance. I've kept in touch with a few of them, but it isn't the same as belonging to the group.

    Thanks, Therese!
    My new screensavers rotate between various landscapes. My fave is the waterfall, moss and pink rhododendron bush, but the river rock is very soothing.

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  30. A little weird for me...I have a nine-year-old, a child born in 2001 and a school behind my house. No koi, though. Neighbors got them and the foxes keep eating the suckers.

    Good luck in your writing journey!

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  31. Uh-oh, Anita, don't tell me that you have a sheepdog (well, had, Katie just died :-(),a geriatric cat and a fat guinea pig, then I'll REALLY get freaked out! We don't see foxes around here very often, but coyotes have wandered through the neighborhood. A couple of years ago, we had a Great Blue Heron that tried to enjoy our open sushi bar, he nabbed one red-cap oranda that was about the size of a softball, and a bug-eyed black dude who was about eight inches long. Of course, they were the slowest ones in the pond. We put a net over the pond and when I saw him land in the yard, I'd run outside waving my arms like an idiot to scare the stupid thing away.

    Writing update: did write a little more. And I certainly hope y'all don't think I do this all the time, trust me, I don't. I had a plot breakthrough last week and now everything is flowing

    Total word count for the day: 3050 words.
    I'm beat, but I know my next two scenes. Too bad I won't have time to write this weekend, but I'll hit it hard next week to finish this sucker!
    --I'm about 700 words shy of 10000 words for the week, so I might find the time to write tomorrow.

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  32. Hi everyone!!!
    Great to meet you Margaret!
    I've just scrolled slowly down and read everyones comments - so I'll try not to plagiarise anyone.

    1) If I were stranded on a dessert island I would definitely want to have you with me Margaret. I bet you know how to start a fire and build a shelter, catch fish and live off the land...and if you don't now - I bet you would learn REALLY QUICKLY.You gave me the impression all the way through your interview of being a 'go get 'em but take no crap' type of person. However, you are sensitive at the core?

    2) I also learned at least 2 new words today from this fab interview - thanks Margaret and Heather! An English Teacher can NEVER know enough vocab.

    3) You said in your interview
    you "love the smell of horses, leather and sweat" ...but HOW COULD YOU GIVE SUCH A PERFECT DESCRIPTION OF MY BOYS ROOM?!? In fact - I don't 'clean' it but 'muck it out' with a pitchfork...I'm sure they sneak Donkey in there when I'm writing and am oblivious to the world...well, oblivion is often caused by the consumption of ouzo on the rocks...

    I REALLY enjoyed reading this interview and was thrilled to see my buddies Tina and Heather popping up all the time. You girls don't know just how soothing your presence is.
    THANK YOU ALL
    :) :) :)

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  33. Thanks, Tina! I'm stoked, considering my hubster took a half day off and we went out for a late lunch. Hm, I think I write better under pressure.

    You're funny, Anne Marie!
    1)Just call me Smeagol! :-) Naw, I don't mind dirt, but I LOVE modern convienences--toilets, running water, that sort of thing . . . but if it's a DESSERT island instead of a DESERT island, then I could survive by eating it. :-) But it would definitely go to my ever-expanding hips.
    2) oh, don't take my words as gospel I tend to make up a LOT of words! Right now, boobage is my fave! and then there's craptastic, or suckalicious, or . . . well, you get the picture.
    3) I must confess boys add an extra stinky factor that doesn't fit into the equation! Ouzo on the rocks-Mmmmm. You know, two years ago I would have been turned off, but I do believe it's an acquired taste. . . like stinky boys. Oh, that sounded quite cougarish. It wasn't meant to be. I'll just shut up now....
    I'm glad you enjoyed the tangents, Anne Marie!

    Mama Mary!! Mary is the matriarch of http://pinkfuzzyslipperwriters.blogspot.com/
    and a wonderful grammarian. Trust me, I'm simply thankful she doesn't red line my GIAM emails! And I must admit that I've been seriously lax in my whip cracking! *Cccrrrraaaccckkk!*

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  34. OOOps - SO SORRY about the spelling errors...but knowing me the desSert/desert thing was probably a Freudian slip...my greedy sub-conscious telling me it's time to raid my STINKY SONS hidden chocolate hideaway!!!
    Just putting on my gas mask and entering on slink/stink mode to rob unsuspecting offspring...ta ta :)

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  35. :-) I was just poking fun. Please do NOT redline my answers...
    Actually, on my last blog post I had payed instead of paid in about six places--I didn't even 'see' the mistakes until it was up on the blog--and I had reworked and proofed that blog about five times!
    Enjoy your chocolate! All my kidlet has left are jelly beans . . . somehow they've started going missing one-by-one.

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  36. Margaret - what a fabulous blog post, and what fun to learn more about you.

    Hang in, you'll get there! I have faith in you and Rhee.

    Barbara
    http://www.barbarawhitedaille.com

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  37. Thanks, Barbara! Another 740 words and I'll actually hit 10K this week, but I'll still be doing your BIAW next week to finish this puppy!

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  38. What Margaret didn't say was, how much more special (I was going to type specialer)GIAM 1x (the first!) is because of her warmth and humor.

    Karin* Tabke

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  39. Aw, Karin, you're making me blush.
    Oh, BTW, I'm scheduled to recap this week and if you don't post something--I'll just make up a bunch of stuff . . . {insert evil laughter} Bwahahahaha!

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  40. I wanted to thank Heather for hosting me on her blog. I had a great time! I hope everyone else had as much fun as I did, but now it's time to get back to reality and finish this silly story! Oh, I did hit my 10,000 word goal for this week, but this book shall be called the 'never-ending story'.
    --Yes, I know I swiped the title. Happy writing, all!

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  41. I know I had a great time! Thanks for sharing your energy, Margaret!

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