So Much for Challenge...

Yep, I missed a couple days.

But, honestly, it really wasn't all my fault.  Seems my computer decided the hotel internet wasn't secure and that someone might steal my info and wouldn't let me get online.  I totally intended to blog Saturday evening but just couldn't. But, here's a picture of the view from my hotel balcony.

Here is one of the bridge at night.

And finally, one from the balcony on our last morning.

I think the thing to learn from this is...sometimes things happen. And when they do, we sometimes need to change our plans and not get so stressed out.

It was a five-hour drive home yesterday, so I was tired and just didn't have the will to get on the puter and blog so didn't.  I might catch up, I might not...I'm not going to worry about it.

All Right or Alright

Today is the first day of the A to Z Blogging Challenge which was started by Arlee Bird.  This is my third year to take part so a big THANKS for coming up with such a great idea and sharing it with us. Y'all can check out Arlee's blog here. Now to this year's first post.

Confession time... 

I use alright a lot. And while it's alright with me, it may not be all right with those who use proper grammar. Several sources say it's a  misspelling of all right and probably stems from already and altogether, which are all right.

So...is it all right to use alright? Again, some sources say sure, some say nope. My critique group lets me use it in dialogue but make me change it the rest of the time. My advice, check with your editor. The English language is always evolving so it may become all right sooner or later.

Here's Grammar Girl's take on it. 

What about you? Do you use alright or all right?

Home is Where the Heart is...

It's Valentine's Day and time for some romance. So, for the next four days, I'll be taking part in the "Home is Where the Heart is" blog hop. There are nine of us so you won't be overwhelmed trying to visit each blog.

You can find all the details on the blog hop here.

There's also prizes. You can enter through the form on the right side of the page. I'm not sure exactly sure how it works but go for it. :-)

Also, if you leave a comment on any of my posts, you'll be entered to win something special from me.

Sign the guestbook and get an extra entry. :-) It's on the right side, at the top. It's something I'm just now trying so we'll see how it goes.

Tomorrow, we'll start by meeting Samatha James, star of my romance serial, Where The Heart Is.

Here's a list of the other bloggers taking part.

Gloria Harchar She writes steampunk.  (I love steampunk!)
Emerald Barnes
Prism Book Group
Catherine Chant
Pauline Creeden Inspirational Blog
Bonnie Blythe  Christian Romance
Just For Laughs
Cause Everone Needs Romance

Catch Up Day

Today the tour bus is at the rest station so take the time to catch up on all the great novel excerpts that's been posted this week.

See you back on the tour bus tomorrow morning!

Change is a Good Thing

I've been mentioning Kristen Lamb quite often the last week or so and there's a good reason.  First, she's giving away critiques to folks who comment at her blog, link to her blog and mention her book, We Are Not Alone - The Writer's Guide to Social Media.   While I have to admit I really want that critique but that's not the only reason I've been mentioning Kristen so much. 

The main reason I keep sending you to her blog is that she knows a couple things about social media.  Well, lots more than a couple actually but you get the idea. :-)  For example, her Twitter Tuesday series.  If you're on Twitter or just considering Twitter, check these posts out. 

Today, she started a new series on blogging.  Right off the bat, she hit the proverbial nail on its head.  I've already made one change she suggested and will be making others as we go along. 

So, now I'm going to send y'all over to her blog again.   

Also, don't forget to check out the BreakOut Prompts from Donald Maass on Twitter.  If you don't have an account, you'll have to sign up, then follow him @DonMaass.