Sleep didn’t come easy on the first night. I tried to revert back to babyhood, thinking that the ship’s constant rocking was my mother rocking my cradle. But it didn’t work. Note to self…need to work on my visualization technique.
So just when my eyes finally closed, a knock sounded at the door.
“Breakfast!”
Geesh, was it 7.30am already?
I glance at my cell and it said 5am. Grrrr. I’m going to pounce on this waiter the moment he puts down my tray of goodies. After all, I don’t want him to spill my tea.
That would be rude.

I gave him my most deadly glare. For five in the morning, it wasn’t too hard with smudged make-up and wild tangle red hair. But he didn’t seem to notice, instead he smiled at me as if I was dressed for a cocktail party. Okay, that soothed my inner beast. God bless his blindness.
It was at this time I realized my ever faithful clock on my cell was wrong. For some reason it was showing Miami time rather than the middle of the ocean time, which happened to be 8am.
I asked my roomie, Kimberly, if she wanted breakky. She pulled the covers over her head and mumbled something I don’t think I should repeat online.
So without making too much noise (like a bull in a china store) I took the tray outside onto the balcony.

As I smeared cream cheese on a slightly burned but definitely cold bagel, my eyes scanned the endless ocean. I wondered if someone was swimming out there and needed help, would I really be able to see them.
So I looked harder.
Nope. No one out there.
Phew! I can stop stressing.
Then I wondered how many pirate ships had battled in these Caribbean waters. In my mind, they were all handsome like Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom instead of the smelly and dirty men they probably were. Maybe if I squint real hard, I can see the Black Pearl cutting through the blue waters…
Nope, nothing there but my sense of wishful imagination. God bless its little romantic heart.
I took a sip of OJ.
Bugger, it wasn’t freshly squeezed. LOL. Okay, some of the cruise tarnish was wearing off.
Then I wondered what happened when a whale or dolphin died? Do their spirits swim the ocean for all eternity, thinking they are still alive?
Wow, it was way too early to contemplate these issues.

Day Two (PM)

We had a fun-filled day of workshops in a relaxed atmosphere. Traci did her plotting workshop while Heather Graham, Karen Kendall, Mary Stella and myself did a panel on marketing. Everyone loved my marketing handout. Phew, I’m glad that was over. Now back to the serious work of drinking cocktails I can’t pronounce. ;0)

We went to the cocktail ballroom for free drinks. Aleka and myself drunk delicious blue cocktails (don’t remember the names, that’s how yummy they were). But they tasted like frozen blue icees.
We went up on the deck to watch the sun go down and eat the world’s best pizza. Or maybe it tasted so good because of the alcohol.
We retired to our prospective cabins to relax before the formal dinner.
I went outside and leaned against the balcony railing. It was so beautiful to watch the horizon. The fresh breeze tousling my long hair that seemed to frizz no matter how many times the hair iron sizzled it. The sound of the waves slapped against the ship as it cut through the warm waters. Suddenly, I heard a rowdy song being sang by a man, and then the familiar tinkling of sweet laughter.
Greg and Traci Hall were a few balconies down. Greg was singing a song and Traci giggled like a teen in love. Those two are so cute.
At the risk of annoying our cruising neighbors, we shouted jokes and gibes across to each other. It felt like college all over again.
Traci and I wished upon the first star of the night. I would tell you what I wished for but then it wouldn’t come true.
Then I tricked them into believing I saw a dolphin. Greg yelled I would burn in hell. From inside my cabin, Kimberly screamed out, “If Lyn’s going to hell it won’t be because of a dolphin.”
I love my friends. LOL.
Tomorrow we arrive at Mexico.
I can’t wait!

Sorry I have taken so long to blog about the cruise, but the party Gods have decided to punish me for having so much fun and gave me the flu on my return. But I am on the mend and ready to dish out all the fab gossip that happened on the Florida Romance Writers retreat to Mexico.

I took blogging notes while on the cruise, just in case I would forget anything. And now I am glad I did.
To get the true feel of the cruise, I will blog over the next four days as if we are on the “Carnival Destiny” in real time.
Please forgive any typos/errors, I’m still woozy from the flu and ship. For some reason my office won’t stop rocking. LOL.

Day One:
Arriving on board the ship came with a flurry of excitiment. I had swooped by the Ft. Lauderdale airport to pick up Adam Wilson, Editor for Mira, Harlequin and drove to the Miami port. It was exciting to see the large ship, Carnival Destiny waiting just for us.

Yes, in my mind, the ship was waiting just for us to arrive and not the 3,000 other passengers. ;0)

After finding our cabins and a quick rest to regroup we waved goodbye to Miami.

After a tour of the ship, we met in a large room to get to know each other by playing a game. We had to tell three things about ourselves. Two things were meant to be true and the other, was a lie. Everyone had to guess the lie.
My three things were:
1) I was taught to ride a motorbike when I was six years old.
2) I was married on the beach in Australia in a short wedding gown.
3) I spent a lovely afternoon with the actor, Billy Zane.

So folks, can you take a guess which is the lie?

We then went to dinner and socialized. After that everyone split off into groups, some went to karoke, some shopping, others were blown away by the hurricane-strength winds on deck, while the others called it an early night.

However, my roomie and I went dancing and watch young guys dirty dance with a few elderly ladies. Needless to say, those ladies had huge smiles on their faces.

Well, it is 12.30am and I’ve got an early morning ahead of me. I’ll be having breakfast out on our balcony.

As my hubby says, “It’s hard being Lyn.” LOL.
Tune in tomorrow to see if we encountered any Caribbean pirates.

After waiting all year long, the day has finally come that I get to pack for my cruise trip to Mexico for a writers retreat with FRW (Florida Romance Writers). Tomorrow, myself and 40 other writers leave the port of Miami with a notepad and pen in hand. Along with sunscreen, bathers, a wicked cocktail. LOL.

We are set to learn from the collective experience of the pros like Heather Graham, Erin McCarthy, Lyn Armstrong (I had to throw that last name in…tee hee). Workshops are planned throughout the whole trip with a little bit of karaoke and a psychic night with tarot readings. I’m so excited, I can’t wait to sail away on the Caribbean blue seas.

The only decision left is whether to track through the jungles of Mexico or visit the Mayan caves. Hmmm. Which to do…
Bon voyage!
Lyn

We had an awesome meeting today with the lovely Pearl Wolf as guest speaker on Character Arcs.

Afterwards, many of us gathered at the hotel restaurant for a bite to eat. I took this photo on my cell. God bless technology. ;0)

However, the highlight for me was to finally come out of the creative closet and accept nomination for the FRW President position. Yes, that’s right folks, yours truly is running for prez. With lots of well wishes and pats on the back from the my FRW pals, I blushed like a virgin in a sailors bar. I’m very psyched and can’t wait until it is official in April. Woot!

2010 is going to be one hell of a year…I can just feel it! ;0)

Lyn

I have big news that I can’t tell you until after Saturday. Saturday is the monthly meeting of Florida Romance Writers. Squeal! I’m so excited.

Lyn

I had a brilliant New Years Eve. I went to a comedy club and laughed my ass off. LOL. Then came home and the family hopped in the kayak and rowed into the middle of the lake to watch the fireworks at midnight. What did you all do?

Lynxoxo

I hope you all have a happy holiday. And may love, laughter and success be your shadow for the upcoming year!

All the best
Lyn
xoxo

As ebooks are becoming the new wave of reading with awesome new technology like the new nook, sony and kindle eReaders, there are still die-hard readers who prefer the traditional printed books.

So are you someone who loves the convenience of downloading an ebook? Does the instant gratification give you a junkie-shot of “retail therapy”? Does the thought of saving the environment, knowing you are making a difference by saving paper and ink make you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside? Or maybe you love the thought of buying a book cheaper, so you can get more bang for your buck? Who wouldn’t love more romance stories?

Or are you a person who loves to roam the colorful aisles of bookstores. The smell of newly printed-paper filling your senses. Or when you reach the last page of the book, you can lovingly run your fingers over the embossed romantic cover and sigh with gratification.

So which do you prefer when reading a romance novel? Ebooks or printed books?

Electronic format or paper, a good novel is worth every penny.

For your choice of ebook or print, Witch Hunter is available online now.

Witch Hunter

Entwined Fates…Forbidden Love

Commissioned as an Inquisitor, Lord Lachlan Fairbairn is a skilled Witch Hunter feared throughout Scotland. When King James VI sent him to investigate a noble lady with wild golden hair and an untamed spirit, his instincts warns she is guilty of witchcraft. With mystery and intrigue surrounding the beautiful lass, he could not resist her luring charm beneath her protected heart. Torn between his forbidden desires and royal duty, can he make the impossible decision?

Outcast from her clan, Lady Rhiannon Campbell struggles with conflicting powers. Half good witch and half evil sorceress, she battles to control the darkness within for fear of plunging Scotland into chaos and death. With time working against Rhiannon, she has to rid herself of the seductive Inquisitor or face the horrific torture of the King’s dungeons. Can she endure a broken heart and a gruesome death to save her family? Or will she protect her enchanted secret and force herself to slay…the Witch Hunter?

Ebook link:

http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8_view_item.html?m8:item=101-201-300-401-5

Print on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Witch-Hunter-Book-Five-Celtic/dp/160735022X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253199817&sr=1-4

May you have a magical read!

Lyn Armstrong

I am about to write the first page of an erotic paranormal anthology titled, Daughters of Odin. I must admit, this is my favourite part of the writing process. I get so excited after all the historical details have been researched, my characters have pictures and profiles and my plot is loosely written. (I’m basically a panster – I write by the seat of my pants).

After all that is completed I like to do a little happy dance. It’s now my time to shine, to lose myself in the world of fantasy. This is why I do what I do. To suffer through the painstaking edits, wait on the rollercoaster of submissions and sometimes rejections – but not too many rejections, I’ve got to keep positive.

It all seems worth the hard work, blood, sweat and tears for this very moment…to create the first draft of the story.

As I settle into my computer chair, a warm cup of tea is next to me, my heart beats a little faster. My stomach tingles in anticipation and my creative muse clears her throat…I am about to create a world of fantasy and fall in love for the very first time…again.

So tell me, what part of the process do you like when writing a novel? If you haven’t written a story yet, take some time and think about what part you would most enjoy.

Would it be the research part, profiling your characters, plotting, editing, finished the first page or chapter? Perhaps when you write, “the end” is your fav. Or maybe you are like me, the thrill is in the actual story writing.

Whatever is your favourite part, writing is an addiction I gladly welcome into my veins of creativity. ;0)

Lyn Armstrong

History has never been so erotic

www.LynArmstrong.com

We got a new Xmas Tree this year. A new fandangle ( I feel old when I write the word “fandangle” but it fits so well) one with berries and cones. Of course I had to torture my family with singing, “O Christmas Tree” over and over again. That is my right as a mother.

This has to be the first time I have put up a Xmas tress and lights before December. I guess I’m feeling the peer pressure from my neighbors who seem to put up their Xmas lights in August. LOL.