Summertime in Erie

Summertime in Erie never seems long enough to get everything done. We had a very long, snowy winter, so when spring arrived, we started our 'summer' with projects. This year's big project was ripping the siding and windows off half the house (we did the other half when we did the kitchen addition). Now, the ripping off wasn't nearly as hard as the putting back together (isn't that always the case?? LOL). We had to build out the windows on the inside, then stain and polyurethane them all. Ugh. But I can say, now that it's done, we're thrilled with the results. Having windows that open easily and are energy efficient is wonderful!

Siding and windows...we've got more going on! My dh and I both go out and get wood, but I do all the splitting. Because I spend most of my day writing, I try to find things that keep me active...wood splitting helps! Here's most of the results for this spring/summer. And then there's the garden.

We've been having a cool rainy summer. This week the street flooded. My house was safe, but neighbors' basements and garages flooded. There were a lot of other areas of town with flooding. But thankfully, no one was hurt.

I'm working on some more articles for RWR magazine...I visited our local library down on the bayfront. A building filled with books that looks out on the bay. It is my idea of heaven! LOL

I've got a number of conferences and signings coming up. Leaving for RWA's conference in just a couple weeks! Susan Gable and I are driving there...roadtrips with Susan are always...well, a trip! LOL

That's my summer. Well, we also have had a graduation, guests...and more guests on their way! I know I've talked about Erie's snowy, cold winters where all I do is huddle near the fireplace and write. I think knowing another winter is just around the corner makes getting everything done in the summer easier! LOL

Holly

Conferences, Workshops and Booksignings for 2009:

Wednesday, July 15, 5pm: I'll be in Washington, DC at RWA's conference. On Wednesday, they have a huge booksiginging. I'll be there, but so will hundreds of your other favorite romance writers!
And while I'm at the conference I'll be doing a panel discussion, “Our Favorite Flavors: What It Takes to Succeed in Some of Today's Most Popular Romance Subgenres” with New York Times bestselling authors Gaelen Foley, Gena Showalter and Allison Brennan.

Saturday, August 1, 12-2pm
Join me and Susan Gable at a signing in Port Clinton, Ohio's
The Book Exchange
136 Madison Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 734-7018

Saturday, August 22, 2pm:
Join me, Susan Gable, Gwyn Creedy, Gaelen Foley
and Madeline Hunter to talk books and romance!
Borders Romance Bookclub
1775 North Highland Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Saturday, September 12, 2pm: Susan Gable and I will be at Central New York's RWA meeting doing our "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Rules" workshop. You can find out more at

October 23-24: I'll be at the NJ RWA Conference. My workshop is "My Writing May Be Art...But My Kids Need Braces."