First, the company is located at 3drose dot com (sorry I refuse to give her a link.)
To read all about the problems I had, here are the past links:

The Story
The Email Communications
The Most Recent Email Communications (will be updated when she responds.)

No matter what cute things you find for sale on the site, I strongly urge you to try and find them elsewhere. A summary of my situation is One entire month, Two packages supposedly sent out, not one single item from my order has arrived.

 If you wish to spread the word, link back to this post please.

Dear Santa,

I’ve been really good this year. I don’t really want a lot for Christmas. But if you could keep it in your mind that 2008 would be the perfect year to give me the book contract I so much desire. I sure would appreciate it. And I would maybe even list you in the dedication.

Love,
Nicole

How do you go about writing in Christmas in your current manuscript/book? And if I do, do I alienate certain readers? What I mean is, what about those that celebrate other holidays - Hanukkah, Ramadan or simply not at all.

Doubtful actually. Here is my theory. I will read a novel because I like the author, I like the way he or she writes, or I love the storyline. I celebrate Christmas but several years ago, I read a novel by a gal I admire and love and while I am not sure if she is Jewish or not, the character in her book was. And it was actually a great read and was fun to read about the different celebrations all the while concentrating more on the story anyway.

So does it matter if you write a novel that incorporates just Judaism or Catholicism or Hinduism? No.

You write the story, and edit the details later. The only time I can see this being a problem is if the entire book is focused around a holiday. For instance a book that takes place during Christmas and is titled “Santa Claus and the Night His Sleigh Met Mine”, might not be the first book that someone might reach for if they don’t celebrate Christmas. Although I will admit, the title has me intrigued and if there is truly a book out there with that title, I swear I didn’t know it. It just popped into my head. LOL

So write away. Whatever you want. Some people will absolutely love it. Others probably won’t. But does it matter? It’s about your style, the storyline and what creativity you use. Not about the holidays that are talked about.

So write in Christmas. Write in Hanukkah, Write in Ramadan. Write in Kwanzaa. It will all be minor details in the end.

I’ve been so busy with my three projects that I have had no time to do much about my blogs. I hate that. I did however spend the day yesterday working on a few new helpful posts for this blog that are scheduled to go up this week. A few freelance writing opportunities, a helpful article on finding opportunities and another helpful one on organizing your writing projects (based on personal experience by myself and a few other popular online writers.)

Keep a watch out. It might seem like I’m hardly working, but I assure you, I’m working very hard.

I’ve been asked a dozen times what I want for Christmas. So here’s a great Christmas list for writer’s. (No, it’s not what I want…well maybe an item or two).

1. Alphasmart - This gift is really only practical for any writer that does not already own a laptop. It is a small word processor that looks a lot like an oversized calculator. I don’t recommend buying it new since it is rather costly and for a couple hundred more you can own a great laptop, but we bought my step-daughter one for her birthday so she could finish up NaNo on it, and it cost $70 shipped. We got it on ebay. Just do a search and find what you need.

2. Notebooks, Office Supplies - There is not one writer I know that doesn’t need these things. I jot down ideas wherever I am, and I tend to always have small notebook with me and a couple of good writing pens.

3. Subscription to a Writing magazine. Writer’s Digest is an excellent resource. I’ve had my subscription for three years and I used to buy them off the shelf before that.

4. Writing Books. Anything that will help the writer, write better. I just ordered Writer Mama, and am anxious to receive it. Christina Katz is awesome, so if you have a chance, pick that up for the writer in your life. I gifted myself for a job well done during NaNo, but it makes a great Christmas gift for the writer on your list.

5. Books. Books to read. Every good author knows that in order to write a decent book in the genre you choose it is imperative to read lots of already published books in that genre. I don’t know one writer who wouldn’t love to get books as a gift.

6. The Renegade Writer writing course, would make an excellent gift. They have several and the recipient can do it all online and after the New Year. They are pricey, but they are worth it.

7. Pens - A good writing pen is often difficult to find. A writer needs one that flows easily and writes quickly as they try to jot down their ideas as fast as their hands will write.

8. Desktop Organizers - Having a place to store all your accessories, even if you write using a laptop is beneficial in the whole writing process. Have you ever been unable to use your laptop at the moment, just want to write something down real quick and been unable to find a pen or piece of paper to write it on? Desk accessories can help this a lot. Especially if you dream of being published because you need a lot of organization to keep that all on track. I love this for its portability, this even if you don’t use it for your printer, one of these to store all those backup CD’s of your hard work, a couple of these for stashing pens, pencils and other office accessories plus they look great, and this because I think it would be handy to have on your desk holding paper, a manuscript or two or other items.

9. A Printer and/or Ink Cartridges - This is a must for those that are serious about their writing and desire to be published. Most companies to not accept email submissions, and you still must print out your manuscript to mail. This is really one of those must have items.

10. Bookshelves and Magazine Racks - The writer typically has a nice collection of resource books and magazines. These would make organization so much easier. Try this for a magazine rack. It’s fairly inexpensive and looks fabulous!

11. Laptop Case - Of course only practical if your writer has a laptop. I have a really cute one that I got at an office supply store last year. It is the perfect size, black with pink lining and its easy to tote around with me. Plus I can fit magazines, notebooks, pens and even a wallet inside with absolutely no cramming and loads of room leftover.

12. Coffee, Tea, Mugs and More - Put together a coffee or tea gift basket for the writer in your life. Include specialty teas or coffees, mugs, flavored creamers (helps if you know your writer’s favorite flavor) and even some snacks to enjoy with the drinks.

13. Gift Certificates or Gift Cards - It wouldn’t probably matter much where you got them for. I do however recommend a book store or office supply store. This way they can get what they want. Amazon.com is a great place because most of us don’t mind getting used books. It just means we can buy more! Oh, and Starbucks works well too!

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However, this morning I decided to take a look at the first couple of thousand words I wrote, and see what could be edited, deleted and changed. I was surprised to find that none of it needed to be deleted because it all played a future role in the book. What I didn’t count on, was being able to add so much to it. Just from a thirty minute session of editing and adding, I gained 2,594 words. Things developed later in the book that needed some more explaining in the first few chapters. I cannot believe I didn’t think to go back and do that during NaNoWriMo. I would have hit my goal a lot faster. LOL

Anyway, that is all the editing I plan to do until after the holidays. Mostly because I am busy with several other projects, including a new book that developed in my brain during NaNoWriMo and has been so much fun to write.

I am proud to say I won, as did my step daughter. Her goal was 10,000 words which doesn’t seem like much to us adults, but she just turned eleven on Thanksgiving. And for the most part, her story freakin’ rocks! I love it.

Back to the old grinding stone.