Happy New Year - Progress, Pups and Dragons, oh my!

I’ve been working hard on South Beach, the second novel in the Sheridan series and I’ve learn a great deal
in the process. I can’t wait to reveal the depths of a romantic love born from friendship and how complex a ‘girlfriend’ relationship can be. If you think the women in Terry McMillian’s ‘Waiting to Exhale’ had drama, just wait until you read about Laila Sheridan and her best friends, Dr. Sofìa Vega and Marina Carter.

Laila, the youngest daughter in the Sheridan clan, is making my life interesting.  She’s a fashionista struggling to move into her thirties with direction and purpose while trying to live her life between celebrations and photo opportunities. Every time I try to ‘tame ’her antics she throws me a curveball. Boy, I’m starting to wonder if I have a handle on these characters. 

I'm glad this novel takes place at the beginning of a new year.  Laila has just left a wonderful family, holiday wedding for some fun in the Florida sun with her old college roommates.  As I enjoy the start of 2012, I can feel her desire to make this year better than the last. I don’t know about all of you, but 2011 ended on a high note for me.  So many things are falling into place that I thank God constantly for the blessings.

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As you can see from the photos, I have a new friend to help me with my writing process.  He’s a Bernese Mountain dog but he doesn’t have a name yet.  He’s a very obedient pup that loves the sound of my typing on the keyboard.  And when I have writer’s block, he likes to balance on my shoulders as I re-read my manuscript.  What I like the most is being able to read my novel aloud, in order to judge the pacing, and he enjoys listening.  (Not many people want to hear the same part of a story over and over again so it helps
to have a eager and friendly audience.)

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Like I said, he doesn’t have a name yet but I’m sure my daughters will help me find something that fits. (If you have a suggestion, please send it to me via webpage message or via Twitter.)

I hope everyone makes 2012 a productive and prosperous year. One of my fans reminded me that it will be the Year of the Dragon at the end of the month (according to the Chinese zodiac).  The remark brought up the times I’ve watched Bruce Lee movies with my brother.  Enter the Dragon was one of our favorites.  My favorite lines were between Lee and Shaolin Abbott. 
The wisdom still rings true today:

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[first lines]
Lee: Teacher?

Shaolin Abbott: I see your talents have gone beyond the mere physical level. Your skills are now at the point of spiritual insight. I have several questions. What is the highest technique you hope to achieve?

Lee: To have no technique.

Shaolin Abbott: Very good. What are your thoughts when facing an opponent?
Lee: There is no opponent.
Shaolin Abbott: And why is that?
Lee: Because the word "I" does not exist.
Shaolin Abbott: So, continue...
Lee: A good fight should be like a small play, but played seriously. A good martial artist does not become tense, but ready. Not thinking, yet not dreaming. Ready for whatever may come. When the opponent expands, I contract. When he contracts, I expand. And when there is an opportunity, I do not hit. It hits all by itself. 
Shaolin Abbott: Now, you must remember: the enemy has only images and illusions behind which he hides his true motives. Destroy the image and you will break the enemy.
 
I think all of us need to shatter the allusions around us and get ready to enter the Year of the Dragon. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of Dragon commences on 23rd January 2012 and goes on till 9th February, 2013. Dragon is the creature of
legend and myth.

In the early China, power and emperor was represented by the celestial Dragon. Today, the Dragon signifies happiness and success. Hence it can be expected that the 2012 Year of Dragon will be a happy and joyful one and bring for all of us good luck and charm.

My New Year’s toast to the fans:
Here's to the bright New Year
And a fond farewell to the old;
Here's to the things that are yet to come
And to the memories that we hold.

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