Tamelia Tumlin Blogspot

Sports- New age Technology

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Mini-golf! Now, that's my game. No I'm not any good at it, but I do enjoy maneuvering that little ball around all those cute obstacles. :) This was a family outing including the grans! Yep, I came in last (even after the seven year old-lol)

Obviously I haven't been out nearly enough. A simple trip to the bowling alley was an eye-opener. The last time I went bowling-umpteen years ago- we used the paper/pencil scorekeeping method. Apparently, bowling now has entered the new age era of technology. So instead of practicing my game, I had to learn how to use the computerized version of score keeping. Luckly, I finally mastered it and we were able to carry on with our game- after wasting 15 minutes of the slotted hour learning how to enter names into the scoreboard. LOL. We had a blast anyway!

Treasures in offbeat America

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 03:38:00 +0000

I found this pic from my trip to Folsum, Ms. It is sooo cool. This is two dinosaur head fossils. Cool! Though I'd hate to meet up with one of these guys!

The other pic is a dinosaur footprint (fossil). Also cool.

Mini-Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 04:51:00 +0000

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE to travel?

This year we decided to take a few "mini-getaways". It's amazing how many offbeat places you can find within a few hours from home. This was one of my favorites. The Petrified Forrest in Flora, Mississippi. It's the only petrified forrest East of the Mississippi River. We also went to Tunica, Missippi and rode the Tunica Queen Riverboat. It was amazing!

We are hoping to get one more trip in before school starts. Maybe Memphis, Tn.

Mini-Vacation Trips

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 04:31:00 +0000

Some days you just have to get away and relax! Paragon Casino is one of our favorite places to go. We love the indoor lagoon and other amenities. Just look how inviting the lagoon is! Then, of course, there's the gators. Right smack in the middle of the atrium. You can see them from your indoor balcony or by strolling through the man-made bayou in the middle of the atrium. It' s such a hoot!

New Book Covers!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:16:00 +0000

Home is Where the Heart is will be out later this year (I hope). I'm still waiting on a release date from Red Rose Publishing. I do love the cover on this book. I think the art department did an awesome job!

Seducing the Night will be released October 28, 2009 from The Wild Rose press. Since it's a vampire story I think releasing it right before Halloween is fantastic. Alexandru is such a delicous hero. I enjoyed writing this story. I hope you like it.

School's In

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:09:00 +0000

I realize I have totally shirked my blogging this year. It's been a crazy time and honestly I just haven't had the time, so now I'm going to play catch up. :)

Summer is almost over and the new school year is about to kick off. My son will be attending a new school this year so he's very excited. Last year, he recieved two achievement awards (Principal's List for all A's and The School's Top Reader). I am very proud of him. I hope he does as well this year. And, of course, I'm tickled pink over the Top Reader Award. :)

No Sleep Tonight!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 05:15:00 +0000

Since sleep is completely out of the question, I decided to blog a while. Hurricane Ike might have made landfall in Galveston, but he's leaving his mark in my area too. We've had gusty winds, heavy rain (occasionally) and more tornado warnings than the law should allow. Thanks to Ike's outer bands producing thunderstorms and tornadoes I'm going to have a very long night. So far today we have had three tornado warnings in area alone. (Those are just the ones I happen to hear, I'm sure there were more.) Our surrounding parishes have had their share too. At one point my son and I were in the closet (not that it would do much good, I live in a very old tiny house and there are no doors on my closets- only curtains. Every room in my house has windows. So a "safe" place is not in my home. We only get in the closet because I feel like I have to "do" something. So instead of writing or even reading today, I've been glued to the weather channel, local news channel and weather bug to try to stay one step ahead of these tornados. Did I mention that I am abolutely terrified of tornados. So much that I frequently (even in good weather) have nightmares about them. Hmm.. I wonder if dream interrpretation would say I have them because my life is out of control. LOL. Could be.

One the lighter side I'm going to a ball tomorrow. A virtual one that is. Harlequin Presents International Ball will be held in Second Life at the Dessert Prince's Island. Or something like that. I have never used Second Life before, but since I had to sign up and make my avatar to attend, I explored the site and all I can say is: How Cool! This is the neatest thing. You get to make your own clothes, avatar, and explore all kinds of places. Thanks to Jenny from the e-harlequin board, I finally managed to find the Abbey Courtyard where Harlequin has set up books, and a virtual tiki island. I've taken the liberty of taking a snapshot. See how cool! That's my avatar- Jaci Lannack (you have to pick a ficticious name) looking at some of the awsome presents books. If you are a member ( or want to be) of Second Life, then come join the fun tomorrow at 4:00. Maybe I'll "see" you there. I plan to take pics so check back in a few days and you can see the party for yourself.

Yikes! Here Comes Ike!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 06:49:00 +0000

As one fellow moves on another one moves in. Last week we were weathering Gustav as he stormed through our state leaving a mess that hasn't completely been restored. Today we are all hunkered down and bracing for Ike. Again, I'm thankful that I'm in the northern part of the state, but as Ike makes landfall (within the hour) near Galveston, due to his monsterous size he will also deteriorate Lousiana's Southwest coast. At the moment several parishes are under water due to surges, as well as Texas counties. Here in North La, we are once again expecting torrential rain, flash flooding, tropical force winds and my worst nightmare-tornados. So for the next couple of days I'll be monitoring the weather via The Weather Channel and hope we don't get it too bad up here. But, of course in preparation I've stocked up on can foods, water and flahshlights. Now, we are in the "wait and see" mode. Of course my thoughts and prayers are with our coastal neighbors as well as those inland also in the path. Everyone stay safe and wait this monster out.

Unwanted Guest at Party - Hurricane Gustav

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 06:07:00 +0000

My son turned seven on September 3. I can't believe how fast the years fly by. This year he didn't get to have much of a party. Due to family health issues I hadn't planned a big bash anyway, but considering the unwanted guest this year it is a good thing. We simply had a small gathering at Granny and Papaw's. He enjoyed his gifts and cake.

Hurricane Gustav marched through our state the week of his birthday ( a day or so before) wrecking havoc from one end to the other. Many coastal residents evacuated through our area. Our little town has never seen soooo many people. I'm just glad they were able to get out of harm's way. Though we are in the northern part, we still had major problems. One wouldn't think you had to worry about hurricanes this far inland. But, we do. Go figure. Luckily, my particular parish seemed to have dodged the bullet sort of. We had plenty of rain and tropical storm winds (not your ideal weather for a child's birthday) . We also were under several tornado watches. Our neighboring parishes ( even those just a few miles away) weren't so lucky. Many flooded, had major power outages and downed trees and power lines. One parish in particular less than an hour east had water waist deep in most of the parish. Schools were closed across the state( none of us are complaining about that- LOL) for at least two days (some parishes more). Basically, it was a nightmare and the southern part had it two fold. We still have power outages across the state, but things are slowly getting back to normal.

Now we all have our eye on Ike. Yikes! Another major hurricane heading this way. At this point, no one knows exactly where in the US it will make landfall, but the weather map show its path straight toward Louisiana's coast. Again! It seems we have another hurricane that has a beef with our coast. Right now its a wait and see process. But, I'm stocking up on water, batteries and canned goods all the same as I nervously watch the weather and its projected path. Of course, my thoughts and prayers are with those who have to evacuate each time too. I hope they all get out of harms way this time too. Ike seems to be monster at this point.

Squirrel Overboard!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:56:00 +0000

Well, last post I complained about the wasps and yellowjackets in my pool. I guess I shouldn't have fussed so much, cause now the local wildlife think they have a lovely spa. This past week we had two severe thunderstorms and the pool basically was trashed with huge limbs, leaves ect. Instead of taking on the major cleaning, I decided to drain the pool until next year (I intend to build a screen fortress around it next time.) Anyway I removed the huge limbs and left just the smaller debris. I happen to check on the draining process today and found a poor squirrel stranded in the water. His little paws clinging to the side with just his head above the water. At first glance, I thought he was dead since he wasn't moving. Frozen with fear I suppose. I move the rim and he shot across the pool like an Oylympic swimmer. Unfortunately, he could not find a way to climb up the side and get out. Thanks to the wonderful thunderstorm I have several large branches lying around my yard. I grabbed one and threw it into the pool. After deliberating for a few minutes our swimming squirrel finally grabbed a branch and practically flew out of the pool., drenched like a rat and shot up the nearest tree. So long. Farewell. Goodbye. :) I tried to take a picture before the major rescue, but its hard to see. He's the brown blob clinging to the side.

It's Official!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:33:00 +0000

My little boy has finally lost his first tooth! He's thrilled as you can see by his big grin. Especially since the tooth fairy paid him a visit! He also has another wiggly friend ready to come out!

I'm obviously not going to do any better this year in keeping up with my blog. I have tried. Truly I have, but for some reason it is just not in the stars. June was a busy month. I worked on edits, started a new novella and taught summer school. July wasn't any easier. I finished my novella, worked on more edits and have had to deal with a family emergency.

Unfortunately, summer is now almost over and I haven't even felt like I had one. My son and I did manage to get a pool ( one of those lovely inflatable ones that never seem to work right on my land). We enjoyed it a few times until the wasps decided that I had bought them a watering hole. Now, we are not able to even get in it. The last time we swam, a week or so ago, I chased out three yellow jackets and two wasp. Then three more wasp came in to claim their water. I killed three and as I was finishing the third one off, a fourth one flew in for retaliation. Luckily, neither one of us was stung, but I've basically given the pool to the wasp and yellow jackets now. My son is NOT a happy camper, but what can you do?

Two Contracts- One Book

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:07:00 +0000

A funny thing happened on the way to check the mail....

Submitting books, stories etc. can be a long, long process. Some publishers (most publishers) take months (some that run precariously close to a year) to evaluate a manuscript. As a fairly new writer trying to establish my career, I (like most authors) submit the same story to several publishers at once hoping one of them will be interested. So it's not uncommon to recieve several rejection letters at once. Some even in the same week. Something along the lines of ; At this time we do not feel that this story is suitable for (you can fill in the blank here with said publishers name). Since this is a fairly common practice (unless your already well-established with one or two publishing houses) I don't worry too much. However...

It is a rare treat to be accepted by more than one house for the same story, book etc.

Yesterday, I recieved a call from my editor at Red Rose. She wanted to know what happened to my contract for my book Home is Where the Heart Is.

Uh-- well, I never recieved it. Actually, I didn't even know it was accepted at the time. So, after clarifying that little misunderstanding (apparently it had been accepted several months ago and she had sent the contract via email.) I guess it's lost in cyberspace since I never recieved it. Anyway, I joyfully told her I would sign and return it immediately after she resent it.

As a courteous writer I e-mailed the other publishing houses to explain that I had just recieved an offer for my book and would they please take my submission out of que. I really didn't want to waste anyones time.

Well, today I went to my snail mail box and to my utter shock I found a contract from one of the other publisher's I had submitted to. For privacy reasons this publisher shall remain nameless. Yep, a nice thick package with all the legal jargen and a request for a few minor revisions.

So here I am with a contract on my desk top from Red Rose whom I had verbally agreed to publish with over the phone and a paper contract from another publisher in my hand. I didn't know whether to feel honored or just plain stupid. LOL. Needless to say since I accepted Red Rose's offer first Home is Where the Heart Is will be published with them. Sadly, I will be making a phone call tomorrow to explain why I can't accept the second publisher's kind offer.

I suppose two accpetance letters in the same week defianately beats two rejection letters. However, next time I might wait a wee bit longer before submitting the same material to more than one publisher.

I Didn't Keep My New Year's Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:30:00 +0000

Hello friends,

I promised myself that I would do a better job in keeping up with my blog this year. And I intended to. No, really, I did. However, life has a way of changing your plans. For the past month or so I have had major and I mean major computer problems. First, keep in mind that I have 7 computers. Rediculous... I know, but keep reading. Needless to say most are dinosaurs. One was given to me. It won't load any softwear, nor will it connect to the internet. So it's basically, useless. Two were bought off ebay. Sloooooow as Christmas, but I had high hopes for at least one of them. Unfortunately, it decided to shrink the screen size to about a quarter of my screen, then if that wasn't bad enough it had the audacity to loose its icons. Again, another useless one. The other that was bought off ebay will not recognize my wireless card and will not open my editing programs. Another useless piece of equipment. :( My "good computer" the one I depended on refuses to charge the battery. I had to log on, quickly check e-mail and log off before the battery went completely out. It's been hanging onto about 6% for a while. The other computer that was supposed to be a good one- it was fairly new- took it upon itself to black out the screen and not power up. I, being the handy woman I am, promptly took it apart to find out what was wrong with it. It is now in pieces- many, many pieces in a plastic bag. :( I have a desktop that my parents are using for games. It works great, except it won't go online and I can't use it with my wireless card. Yes, I took part of it apart to see if there was any possible way to make it work. Nope. Not a chance. At least it is put back together ok. :) Sooooo after several weeks of struggling with pieces of unrelenting computers, I decided it was time to get another one. Unfortunately, I can't afford a new one the moment, so I decided to follow in one of my favorite author's footsteps. ( Debbie Macomber tells of a time when she had to "rent" a typewriter to write her books. This was of course before she was a sucessful bestselling author.) Sooo, I went to rent a laptop. NOT a good idea. It was supposed to be fairly new, but it doesn't have my editing program on it, also it hangs up and somhow "forgets" that I'm connected to the internet. I frequently get the "page cannot be displayed" message. So once again I am battling a computer crisis to finish my deadlines. Nothing like adding "technical difficulty" fuel to "deadline" flame. :)

So, you see I have the perfect, but not necessarily most pleasant, excuse for not keeping up with my blog. :) Hopefully, I will be able to get a new "working" computer soon. Fighting the technological demon is not the best way to produce fresh, creative plots and lovable heroines/heros. But, hey. I'm still trying. :)
Cheers

My Son's First Book Signing!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Here in Louisiana our children are gearing up for the state standardized tests. As a third grade teacher I have been intensely prepping my students for the dreaded i-Leap for nearly two months. This week, for the first time, I am finally seeing some results. (Thank goodness, since the dreadful test is in two weeks). Personally, I'm not a fan of such tests, but since no one ask me my opinion I'm obligated to administer the monster to my innocent third graders. Wish us luck! (We're going to need it. LOL).

As a reprieve from continuous test practice, we were honored with a guest speaker at our school today. Robert Little is a motivational speaker that visits schools and events across the nation to motivate and encourage young children. He is also a children's book author. So, today, my students and my six-year old son ( he also went to his school) were able to attend their first book signing! They were thrilled and so was I. Our school library also purchased copies of his four children's books so the children would be able to check them out at leisure.

Since, I'm a romance writer, teacher and single mother, I dutifully sent money with my child so he could purchase his own copy of one of Robert's books. I thought I'd share his choice with you. We are now the proud owners of a signed copy of Robert Little's Grandma's Biscuits.

Grandma's Biscuits by Robert Little
The art and text together in this beginning reader book, Grandma's Biscuits, convey the fondness of a young boy for his grandma's biscuits. More importantly, it shows the love and bond between a grandmother and grandson.

Since my son has a special bond with his own grandparents, I thought he made a wonderful choice!
Cheers,
Tamelia Tumlin

Cover Art for : For Better or For Worse!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:30:00 +0000

I just recieved the cover art for my short story For Better or For Worse! I think the art department did a fantastic job! I'm very pleased with the results. I love the half wolf - half man look! And just look at the errie Louisiana Bayou! Doesn't my hero look tortured?? LOL. What do you think?

New Contract

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 03:26:00 +0000

I am very pleased to announce that I just signed a contract with Red Rose Publishing for my novella Her Royal Protoge'. I'm not sure when it will be released, but it will be an e-book. 2008 is definately going to be great! I am currently working on an inspirational romance. I plan to target Steeple Hill when it is complete.

I am also pleased to announce that this is the year I have decided to get a critique partner. Anne has been a gem so far. I can't wait to continue bouncing ideas around with her this year. She is also working on an inspirational romance at this time.

Welcome 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 06:36:00 +0000

It's here! 2008 has officially arrived in our part of the world. We rang it in with a small family gathering in the midst of snacks, punch, games, fireworks and watching the ball drop in New York (from the safety and comfort of our own living room of course). My little one made it through the early ball drop ( Eastern time), but was conked out for our (Central Time) official ball drop. After everyone had left and my little one was tucked into bed, I have one personal tradition that I do every year. I watch the movie When Harry Met Sally. I absolutely love this movie. Meg Ryan plays the most adorable character as Sally Albright. I consider it my New Year's movie since it spans several years and has a New Years Eve party as one of the scenes.

I hope each and everyone of you have a very wonderful New Year! Don't forget to list your resolutions! I'm hoping to stick to mine this year. I have several and I expect 2008 to bring many wonderful things this year.

I have just started on my latest book and I'm very excited about it. I've decided to try storyboarding with the color coded sticky notes. ( An idea I borrowed from some of my Harlequin writer friends). Anyway, it seems to be going well, but I'll just have to wait and see.

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year!

The True Meaning of Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 04:21:00 +0000

Christmas will be here before you know it. I can't believe how fast the season passes. Today, I took my son to see a live nativity at one of the local churches. It was awesome! And it really put the true meaning of Christmas back into the holiday. My son had a blast petting the live camel, donkey, lamb and cow. And of course, we were greeted by wise men and shephards as we took a moment to see baby Jesus and the live Mary and Joseph in the stable. Just being a part of the re-enactment makes you stop and wonder what it would have been like to have really been in Bethleham when the miracle happened. I hope each and everyone of you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And I hope you keep the real reason for the season close to your heart! Happy Birthday Jesus!

We missed the train!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:26:00 +0000

This is the annual KCS Holiday Express Christmas train. A lovely treat for the whole family. The train makes about 28 stops yearly in various cities during the holidays. Led by Kansas City Southern's Southern Belle, the six-car Holiday Express includes a smiling tank car named "Rudy" and a flatcar carrying Santa's sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village. It also has a gingerbread boxcar, the elves' workshop, the reindeers' stable and a red caboose. At each stop, children can visit with Santa Claus in the caboose before touring three cars full of holiday displays. There also are festive music and lights. Changes each year are becoming a tradition. Last year, Santa's caboose was frosted in cool tones of blue and sparkling white lights and encrusted with ornaments. There also are changes to the O-scale model train layouts as well as new murals and lighting changes.

Unfortunately, the train was parked on a main rail line and could only stay a couple of hours. We stood in line (huge, huge lines that completely circled the entire train) for nearly two hours. Just as we were only about 7 people away from boarding, the train had to be closed to clear the railway. A good hundred or so people (my family included) did not get to tour the train. Very disappointing to the youngsters waiting to see Santa and the Elves. Needless to say, we missed the train. :( However, we had already toured it a couple of years ago and it is very nice. I just hate the fact we stood in line soooo long for nothing. My son was not a happy camper when we left without boarding the train. Oh, well maybe next year.

Contract- The Wild Rose Press

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:33:00 +0000

I'm pleased to announce that I just signed a contract for The Wild Rose Press! My short story For Better or For Worse (Title subject to change during editing of course) will be launched in the Black Rose Line. I really enjoyed writing a paranormal love story and I can't wait to see the cover. I guess we all have a bit of the dark side in us. I update later with the release date.

Christmas in the Pines!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 02:56:00 +0000

Today marks the official day of the Christmas Season in my hometown! Can't you tell by my son's smiling face?
In my small hometown we launched the event with our anual Christmas Parade, Town Lighting and Fireworks!

Although our town is small the Christmas lighting is well know throughout our state. People travel from miles around to see the wonderland of lights!

As the Grand Marhall led the way the first raindrops fell. So we stood eagerly awaiting the festivities with frost bitten toes and numb cheeks. As a southern state our winters are generally mild, but today we felt the full force of winter. Cold rain and rapidly dropping temperatures. However, my little one loved it all, even though we had to thaw him out when we got home!

I tried to take some pics of the parade but with the rain I'm afraid they weren't very clear!

It's Turkey Time Again

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 01:50:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving!

I seriously need to blog more often. I just realized that it has been two months since my last blog. Maybe I'll do better next year. Hmm. Sounds like a resolution to add to my list for 2008.

Well, it's that time again. The holidays are upon us and this week we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving. I love watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade on tv. Maybe one day I'll actually go to New York to see it in person. And, of course, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without turkey, pies, and dressing. With all of the holiday hoopla let's not forget to count our blessings. I, for one, am very thankful for my family and friends. And, of course, my readers!

Birthday Boy! September 3

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 03:41:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Jacob!
Today is my son's sixth birthday! See what kind of fun he is up too!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My First Review for Prince of Thieves!

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 03:26:00 +0000

I am delighted to post my first review for Prince of Thieves. I think 4 and half hearts out of 5 is awesome!

From The Romance Studio

Prince of Thieves

Ms. Tamelia Tumlin has created a great first novel; her plot is fresh and appealing and her cast of characters gripped this reader’s interest as well as evoked a myriad of emotions. There were many surprising actions throughout this story, and I appreciated the trials not only Cheyenne, but also Kareem, had to face.

This is an interesting book which I am sure you will greatly enjoy. Ms. Tumlin, in my opinion, has a grand future with her storylines. I believe this author could become addictive! See what you think!

Overall rating: (4 and half hearts)
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
August 27, 2007

Contest! by Romance Author Tamelia Tumlin

noreply@blogger.com (Tamelia Tumlin Romance Author) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 05:56:00 +0000

Romance author Tamelia Tumlin is hosting a contest on her website. To enter simply sign up for her monthly newsletter and you will automatically be entered into each month's contest. August's winner will win a signed copy of her latest romance novel, Prince of Thieves. View the book trailer and vote on your favorite romance theme too.

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