Uh-oh...Disaster

Things are looking a bit grim for this chick.  For the past year, I’ve been under the impression that my power cord was shot.  Last night, 3 power cords and a trip to Radio Shack later, it’s looking like the problem is not the cord, but my computer itself.  Unfortunately, the infernal machine is holding about 2/3 of my book hostage because I, of course, failed to back any of my files up elsewhere.  (Which I honestly thought I had done.)  So now the frantic search for hidden files begins.  Between my editor and digging through my emails, I’ve managed to find several chapters.  I know (or at least hope) that worst case, I can have the hard drive recovered to get the rest, but I’m really REALLY hoping it won’t come to that.  Aside from being what I imagine to be a costly task, at that point I’ll have to face the need to buy a new computer—the thought of which makes my stomach queasier than that nachos and ice cream I gorged on for supper last night in an effort to drown my frustrations.

Lesson learned for this gal:  Back up your stinking files!  In more than one place.  

Big Easy Recap

Well, needless to say, I survived another trip to New Orleans.  What can I say?  It's a magical city that you either love or hate--either you get it and it's part of you, or you don't.  Either way, it's a unique experience.  Unfortunately, I did not win big at the casino, so it's back to the real world, I'm afraid.  The trip did refresh my excitement about many of the elements and characters that I've incorporated into my book.  Just what I needed to get the creative juices flowing again.  Here are a few "inspirational" photos from the trip.

Creepy tombs in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Outside LaFitte's Blackmith Shop.  This place has a facinating history--if you've never heard of it, do a little research and add it to your "must visit" list.

Currently Reading

Just wanted to give a quick update to share what I'm currently reading:  Rapture, by Lauren Kate.  It's the fourth book in the Fallen series.  I would strongly recommend it for anyone who likes YA books with elements of the supernatural.