Got a wonderful e-mail this morning with a contract from a book publisher. Class Act Books has accepted my romance novel about a tooth fairy who falls in love with her dentist. Not only was it fantastic news, it was fantastic news quickly! I only had to wait a week and a half. From their correspondence, they sound professional and kind. I'm very much looking forward to working with them. You can check out their site here:
http://www.classactbooks.com/
Stay tuned for updates on my upcoming novel!
Writing is Imagination in Flight
About Me
- Ruth J. Hartman
- Ruth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats, and her nights spinning mysterious romantic tales that make you smile and laugh out loud - or so she's been told my readers! She, her husband Garry, and their two cats, love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats, Roxy and Remmie, sit in the people's recliners. Not that the cats couldn't get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else's. You know how selfish those little furry creatures can be.
.jpg)
Friday, January 29, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Switching Writing Gears
I finished my latest romance novel about a tooth fairy falling in love with her dentist. Sent it to a publisher. The waiting part is hard, but to use my time wisely, I've started writing a new romance novel. I'm over 4,000 words in. This one is about a chance meeting on a small yacht. The man and the woman's cat have the same name. So far, writing about the confusion that ensues has been fun. But I find myself sliding back into my last story. Sometimes my characters' names, situations and personality quirks run together in my mind. But that just makes me work all the harder on the present story, and it doesn't make it any less enjoyable to write, that's for sure!
Writers, have any of you ever had similar problems? I'd enjoy hearing your comments.
Writers, have any of you ever had similar problems? I'd enjoy hearing your comments.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Breaking News!
I had a writing breakthrough last night! Yes, the Colts were playing, and yes, they won. But I had a writing breakthrough last night! To all of the football fans, I'm sure this is hard to understand. Unless you're also a writer. I've been trying to figure out how to resolve a problem between my two main characters. Last night while typing away, it hit me. Not literally, I mean, that would sting. But you know what I mean...the epiphany hit me, square in the noggin.
I was so excited, I blocked out the football game my husband was watching. And that's really something when you consider, the flat screen TV is mounted right above my computer, two feet above my head. There's nothing quite like reaching the writing pinnacle in a story where you know you're almost there. So close to being done. I'm thinking the football fans/writers will get what I mean.
Now I have to finish up the final small details on this romance novel before I begin the next one that's slapping me in the noggin. Ah...life is good!
I was so excited, I blocked out the football game my husband was watching. And that's really something when you consider, the flat screen TV is mounted right above my computer, two feet above my head. There's nothing quite like reaching the writing pinnacle in a story where you know you're almost there. So close to being done. I'm thinking the football fans/writers will get what I mean.
Now I have to finish up the final small details on this romance novel before I begin the next one that's slapping me in the noggin. Ah...life is good!
Friday, January 8, 2010
There's a Cat on My Lap and I Can't Get Him Off!
Maxwell and Roxy are my writing partners. More often than not, one of them is sitting on my lap as I type away. If I'm stumped for words, petting Roxy's soft black fur often gives me inspiration. An irritating writer's block can be soothed by Maxwell's enormous purr. And when I get a writing epiphany? Since they're literally within arm's reach, they're the first ones I share my amazing idea with.
So yes, there is a cat on my lap, and I can't get him off. But the truth is, I don't want to!
Who's your writing partner?
So yes, there is a cat on my lap, and I can't get him off. But the truth is, I don't want to!
Who's your writing partner?
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I'm an Idiot!
One of my followers/followees on Twitter has a quirky blog I came across. I entered his "Why are you an idiot?" contest. Don't know who the winner is yet, but he posted some of the entries on his site:
http://dereksvandalblog.blogspot.com/
http://dereksvandalblog.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Cat and Mouse
When I checked through my links to published works to make sure they were all viable, I came across one that wasn't. I won Honorable Mention in the 100 Words or Fewer contest last winter. I decided to re-print it here:
Cat and Mouse
By Ruth J. Hartman
“I pounce, therefore, I am.”
“You are what?” said the miniscule brown mouse.
“I am a cat,” said the fluffy yellow feline.
“So?”
“Show some respect.”
“Why should I?”
“I am a dangerous wild animal.”
“Oh, please!”
“Watch me.”
“You’re just sitting on the bookcase,” scoffed the mouse.
“Keep watching.”
“Still nothing. I‘m getting bored.”
“Ready?” asked the cat.
“For what?”
“For what’s going to happen next.”
“You’re bluffing. You’ll do nothing.”
The cat jumped high in the air, performed a somersault, and landed squarely on top of the mouse.
“I tried to tell you: I pounce, therefore, I am!”
*************************************************************************
Cat and Mouse
By Ruth J. Hartman
“I pounce, therefore, I am.”
“You are what?” said the miniscule brown mouse.
“I am a cat,” said the fluffy yellow feline.
“So?”
“Show some respect.”
“Why should I?”
“I am a dangerous wild animal.”
“Oh, please!”
“Watch me.”
“You’re just sitting on the bookcase,” scoffed the mouse.
“Keep watching.”
“Still nothing. I‘m getting bored.”
“Ready?” asked the cat.
“For what?”
“For what’s going to happen next.”
“You’re bluffing. You’ll do nothing.”
The cat jumped high in the air, performed a somersault, and landed squarely on top of the mouse.
“I tried to tell you: I pounce, therefore, I am!”
*************************************************************************
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Retro 1967
Below is my Christmas memory story. Enjoy!
http://asthepagesturn.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/holiday-memories-cats-and-underwear-by-ruth-hartman/
http://asthepagesturn.wordpress.com/2009/12/24/holiday-memories-cats-and-underwear-by-ruth-hartman/
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Love, Honor and Lend a Hand
Throughout today, I've witnessed several wonderful gestures of love people have shown to others. While visiting a family member in a rehab facility, a little girl came into the room and handed him a package. Inside were pieces of candy, some cookies, and some homemade ornaments. We all wondered what organization she was with. When he read the card, it was only signed by the little girl's name. She had done it all on her own!
My husband, upon entering the rehab building, was approached by a couple who asked if he could help them move two recliners into their parents' room. He told me he was so glad he happened to be walking in at that moment. It made him feel good to be able to do that for them. In a rehab center, there normally wouldn't be that many people around who would be healthy/strong enough to lend a hand.
Some online friends have paid for meals for servicemen and have given generous tips to waiters and waitresses. And one friend even did a video explaining why he decorates extensively for Christmas every year and why he would like a special tattoo on his arm. It's all to honor his father with whom he had a very special relationship.
It made me realize just how much our gestures can mean to someone else. Whether we physically help another out, or honor them with a gesture. God has given us all gifts and abilities to use and share as we choose. What can you do to honor someone today?
My husband, upon entering the rehab building, was approached by a couple who asked if he could help them move two recliners into their parents' room. He told me he was so glad he happened to be walking in at that moment. It made him feel good to be able to do that for them. In a rehab center, there normally wouldn't be that many people around who would be healthy/strong enough to lend a hand.
Some online friends have paid for meals for servicemen and have given generous tips to waiters and waitresses. And one friend even did a video explaining why he decorates extensively for Christmas every year and why he would like a special tattoo on his arm. It's all to honor his father with whom he had a very special relationship.
It made me realize just how much our gestures can mean to someone else. Whether we physically help another out, or honor them with a gesture. God has given us all gifts and abilities to use and share as we choose. What can you do to honor someone today?
Monday, December 21, 2009
What Writers Take for Granted
We've been having trouble with our phone. When I answered a call, I heard either buzzing bees or crashing waves on the ocean. Not really. But you get the idea. I'd have to yell to be heard, which irritated me and whoever the unlucky recipient was.
This morning they came to fix the problem. Something in the lines. He had to unhook our phone line which meant, yes, you know what's coming, no Internet either. I suddenly realized all the things I couldn't do without the Internet. E-mails, checking websites I'd recently posted on, and looking up a fact for the novel I'm working on, all gone by the wayside. So were paying bills, keeping up with a couple of chat rooms I'm a part of, and did I mention e-mail?! I see that I did, but good grief, I never realized how much I used it until it was gone. E-mail and the Internet encompass such a wide range of what we as writers do. Sending a query? Internet. Waiting for a response to your latest novel submission? Internet. Wondering if someone from your writers' group can answer your newbie marketing question? Internet.
It makes me appreciate all the more what writers went through before there was an online presence for anyone who wanted one.
Ah....But as you now can see, I'm back. Even this simple post is made possible by our wonderful, often taken for granted friend, the Internet.
And for the phone guy who made this possible? I don't know your name, but thanks!
This morning they came to fix the problem. Something in the lines. He had to unhook our phone line which meant, yes, you know what's coming, no Internet either. I suddenly realized all the things I couldn't do without the Internet. E-mails, checking websites I'd recently posted on, and looking up a fact for the novel I'm working on, all gone by the wayside. So were paying bills, keeping up with a couple of chat rooms I'm a part of, and did I mention e-mail?! I see that I did, but good grief, I never realized how much I used it until it was gone. E-mail and the Internet encompass such a wide range of what we as writers do. Sending a query? Internet. Waiting for a response to your latest novel submission? Internet. Wondering if someone from your writers' group can answer your newbie marketing question? Internet.
It makes me appreciate all the more what writers went through before there was an online presence for anyone who wanted one.
Ah....But as you now can see, I'm back. Even this simple post is made possible by our wonderful, often taken for granted friend, the Internet.
And for the phone guy who made this possible? I don't know your name, but thanks!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Win a Free Copy of My Book
Click on the link below for a chance to win a copy of "My Life in Mental Chains."
http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/12/day-sixteen-giveaway-with-ruth-hartman.html
http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com/2009/12/day-sixteen-giveaway-with-ruth-hartman.html
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Whispers of the Muse
My books are included in a wonderful Christmas gift guide at Whispers of the Muse. Check out all of the fantastic authors and the books they've written:
http://www.whispersofthemuse.org/GiftGuide/GiftFrame.html
I am always so appreciative of authors/blog owners who are generous enough with their time and effort to host other authors on their sites.
http://www.whispersofthemuse.org/GiftGuide/GiftFrame.html
I am always so appreciative of authors/blog owners who are generous enough with their time and effort to host other authors on their sites.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Change Your Perspective to Improve Your Writing
I've just returned from visiting family in Arizona. My Indiana trees and grass were replaced with cactus and sand. My temperatures in the teens were upped to the forties. And my surrounding farmland morphed into small distant mountain ranges.
Sometimes if I'm stuck in a writing rut, it helps to change my perspective by changing my location for a while. Talking to different people, admiring various landscapes, and experiencing new things all force my mind to entertain new thoughts. Thoughts that, although initially not geared toward story ideas, end up that way none the less. And I found that being away from my computer and in essence, my work in progress romance novel, has given me fresh story ideas and a renewed energy to kick myself out of my writing rut.
Guess a vacation turned out to be more than just a vacation after all.
Sometimes if I'm stuck in a writing rut, it helps to change my perspective by changing my location for a while. Talking to different people, admiring various landscapes, and experiencing new things all force my mind to entertain new thoughts. Thoughts that, although initially not geared toward story ideas, end up that way none the less. And I found that being away from my computer and in essence, my work in progress romance novel, has given me fresh story ideas and a renewed energy to kick myself out of my writing rut.
Guess a vacation turned out to be more than just a vacation after all.
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Season for Giving
Lately there have been several blog owners who are opening their virtual doors to other writers. They're inviting anyone interested to post a Christmas memory, book information, author information, to name a few.I want them to know how much I appreciate their generosity and thoughtfulness. I'm sure it's very time consuming for them to post everyone else's information. In the Christmas spirit, they are thinking of others and giving of their time and resources.
Thanks.
In the coming weeks, I'll be posting my contributions to these wonderful sites. It will also give you a chance to check out their blogs yourself to see how generous they are for hosting others.
Thanks.
In the coming weeks, I'll be posting my contributions to these wonderful sites. It will also give you a chance to check out their blogs yourself to see how generous they are for hosting others.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)