Why I'm in a cranky mood.... My laptop got slammed by a horrible virus. Vicious! Haven't had access to my files in 4 days and it looks as though I'm going to lose most everything on my hard drive. I'll lose a lot of data pertaining to my professional life and many personal photos. Shame on the evil computer geek who created this malicious virus. Shame on me for not having everything backed up.

Why I'm glad I didn't pursue my dream to be a Hollywood actress... An insider's look at actors and auditions by the ever brilliant Emmy award winning writer, Ken Levine. Click here for a dose of show biz reality.

Why I'm excited.... After month's of researching e-readers, I finally decided on the Kindle. It'll be here any day!

Why I'm nervous.... Reviews for OUT OF EDEN, my April release from HQN, should start rolling in a few weeks.

Why I'm jazzed . . . I have not one, but four different story ideas for the immediate future. If I'm lucky, I'll get to pursue them all... at some point. Better to have too many ideas than none at all!

So... how are you feeling... and why?

Dear Self-Publishing Company,

If you're going to spend the the money on stationary and postage to solicit me, you should probably spell my name correctly. Or at least come close. I have no idea who Beth Chybik is.

Oh, and you might want to spend two seconds googling the writers you're soliciting. Note: A writer who's currently writing for a major NYC publisher (and getting paid for it) probably isn't interested in your services. But thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Beth Ciotta

I know. I know. I haven't blogged in forever. Well, at least not here. I'm pathetic. Well, not really. Just super busy and running in all directions.

Late notice, but I'm guest blogging at The Sisterhood of the Jaunty Quills. If you see this... hop over and join in the fun!

More soon. I swear.

Sort of.

Popping in to direct you over to Sisters In Sync. We have a fabulous guest blogger today! Multi-published author, Linda Wisdom, is sharing insight on her Hex series. Hop over for a fun and fascinating peek into her witchy world!

Linda's post came at a perfect time for me. I'm currently developing a complex new series. Or at least trying to. Tough work, but fun. Wish me luck!

2010, huh? Wow. It sounds so... futuristic. Speaking of the future, I'm discussing mine over at SIS. New Year. . . New Attitude. Hop on over!

Also, if you're a writer in need of motivation (or an attitude adjustment) check out these posts by J.A. Konrath, Laura Caldwell, and Yasmine Galenorn

Wishing you all a fabulous New Year full of love, laughter, and contenment!

I know. I know. I've been away for over a month now. Does anyone even stop here anymore? Starting in January 2010 I will be blogging more regularly. It's just been an insane year and I haven't been able to juggle as many balls as I'd like.

I'm popping in to share some exciting news. You may have noticed this blog has a new look. Snazzy, huh? It's a reflection of my new website. That's right. A whole spanking new, professionally designed website! A special thank you to Rae Monet of Rae Monet, Inc Design, Inc. She nailed my personality and writing style. I'm over the moon. Be sure to take a peek and let me know what you think!

Around the web: Attention writers and readers, my sister, Elle, has a fab post today on writer's block. Share her pain at Loud Whispers. Then hop over to Sisters in Sync for different perspectives on winter (brrrr). Be sure to share your chilly thoughts!

Meanwhile... I've got a book to finish. Back to it!