Molly McLain

So...

2011-02-26T13:09:00.000-08:00

Maybe not so much on my own, but nonetheless...here I go again. :)

Hot Tamale Tuesday!

2010-06-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

All my friends are doing it, so I going to also. :) They have catchy mancandy titles like Motivation Monday and Hump Day Hottie...and now I've got, yep, you read it above....Hot Tamale Tuesday.

I feel like I'm cheating a little right out of the gates here, because I know NOTHING about the guy I'm bringing you this week. Nada. Until five minutes ago, I didn't even know he existed. I happen to stumble across him and, um, I can't quit looking at him. With all the World Cup hoopla going on (or is it over? LOL See how much I know about this dude?), it seems fitting that I show a little tamale love to the fine specimen you see below...numero tres on the US team...Carlos Bocanegra.

Go on. Take a lick. I'll share. This time around anyhow. Might not be so generous next time. :)

Bad Blogger!

2010-04-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

I've been a bad blogger once again. :( I have an excuse, however--I've been working hard on finishing that perpetual pain in the butt MS. I actually wrote "The End" a couple weeks ago and am now chipping away at revisions. It's an amazing feeling and I absolutely cannot wait to start another story! Thank goodness I have time to figure out which one I'm going to work on, because right now I'm torn between the sequel to the MS I just finished or another idea that's been in my head for a couple years. Decisions, decisions...

Also, in Molly news...I've joined RWA. I haven't decided on a chapter yet, but I'm leaning toward either RWA Online or Passionate Ink. PI seems to be more active (as far as I can tell from my nosing around) and I write pretty steamy, but I'm not sure I'd call my stuff "erotic" exactly. It'd be so much easier to decide if my so-called local chapter was actually, well, local. It's a good couple hours away and the meetings are held on Wednesdays over lunch hour. Seriously? :(

Anyhow, I've said this umpteen times before, but...I'm really going to try to be better about blogging. LOL I'm not sure if it'll help me in the big scheme of my writing career, but it's worth try, right? I really should channel my CPs who seem to have honed in some sort of blog schedule (mostly about drool-worthy men, but, hey, it's attention grabbing!).

So, I'm off to tackle more revisions! I have a few more things to do and then I'll be sending this baby off to a couple CPs for shredding and more revisions. :P

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Butterflies...

2010-02-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

I don't really care for this video. But I get a serious case of butterflies at the tone of Chris's voice in this song. Oh, and the song's not half bad either, save a little sappy. :)

Sex Gum?

2010-01-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

I came across another interesting article here, thanks to my local news station. Yep, we have nothing better to talk about on the news here in the frozen tundra than male enhancement. I mean, seriously, there wasn't even a mention of Supreme Court Justice Alito's not-so-kosher public disagreement with President Obama, but they were all over the new Sexlet gum! Now I know why I watch this channel! :D

Anyhow, I think the idea of libido-enhancing gum is awesome, I'm just bummed it's for men. I mean, hello, I want some! Not only does my hubby not chew gum, but he's got high blood pressure, so pplltt, what good does it do us? :(

Okay, actually...upon further Googling, I see that there is sex gum out there for women, too. And I'm tempted to try it just to see if it works. I'm feeling adventurous like that today for some reason. :)

How about you? Would you ever give it a chomp? Are you a believer in this kind of thing or do you think it's a bunch of all-in-your-head hooey?

Recipe: Homemade Hot Cocoa

2010-01-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

This comes courtesy of my kindergartener, whose class made this always-yummy drink as an afternoon treat yesterday in school. It was a perfect day for such cozy goodness here in the frozen tundra, too, with the temperatures dipping to something like, oh, zero freaking degrees. Anyhow, the recipe came home to me at an ironically good time, too, seeing as I was in the middle of a chocolate melt-down--aka I had none. Thought I'd share its awesomeness with since not only does it taste wonderful, but it makes your house smell really delicious too. Enjoy. :)

Hot Cocoa ala the GAC Kindergarten Class
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
Dash of salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Marshmallows

Mix dry ingredients together in a saucepan and add the hot water. Boil mixture over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in milk and stir until it is heated (don't boil!). Remove cocoa from the heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows. Enjoy!

Bad Behavior

2010-01-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

Saw the link to this interesting article on MSN today. Thought I'd point it out if you haven't already seen it and share my thoughts. Not sure if I'm going to make any sense, so consider yourself warned.

First of all, I am not a cheater, nor do I (necessarily) condone it, especially when there's a marriage involved. But articles like this with headings as such ALWAYS catch my eye. I'm like a magnet to scandal, and if there's a sexual element to it, I'm there *snap* like paparazzi. Maybe it's because I'm a hopeless romantic and I'm always on the lookout for love-sparks--even in downright ugly situations (ehem, Tiger anyone?).

There's just a certain appeal to the forbidden for me. The secret glances between two people across a crowded room, with both their significant others nearby. The bumping and grinding on the dance floor with your best friend's SO because the music's hot and the whole room is buzzing with sex (your bff could be dancing with your SO the same way for that matter). Even an affair between two high school sweethearts that's sparked when the woman, who's lived in marital agony for ten years, sees her husband on the street with another woman's tongue in his mouth. (Note the "necessarily" above. This is an instance I have no problem with adultery.)

Like Jake says in the article, there's something very esteem-building about flirting that doesn't really go anywhere and, until he pointed that out, I'd never really been able to put my finger on why I found myself so drawn to it (not so much personally, but more so as the scandal whore I am)--it's definitely the confidence and the "I'm still attractive" feelings that result. I think it's human nature to want to be appealing to those of your sexual orientation--it's a matter of simple biology, really.

Now don't get me wrong, there is definitely a point when this kind of behavior isn't sexy anymore (i.e. Tiger and the spit swapping husband). But up until that line (you know what one I mean...when your conscience starts throwing up red flags?) is crossed, it's hot as hell for me. I'm the kinda of girl who lives for the build up and the anticipation--seriously, it's like an emotional orgasm--but once it's over...it's totally over. That's how I know I'll never cheat on my hubster--I know what I like and it's not on the other side of the fence. It's everything before the fine hair of a line that perfectly bisects that fence.

I love this kind of almost-but-not-quite naughtiness so much that I find a way to incorporate it into almost everything I write. For me, there's nothing sweeter--or sexier--than forbidden fruit...as long as you're just tasting and not biting off more than you can chew.

And there you have it...my thoughts on bad behavior and why I don't think Jake is completely the dog he thinks himself to be. :D How about you? Are you an scandal whore, too? And, if you write, is the forbidden storyline one you find yourself to be especially fond of as well?

The Beautiful People

2010-01-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I can't write that or think that without Marilyn Manson coming to mind. Thought I'd share that. If you've got that damn song in your head now, too...you can watch the rather freakish video here. You know...in case you wanna make your ears bleed.

ANYHOW... The real point of this post is to share pics of my current hero and heroine and the next couple in line, who are, yep, you guessed it...beautiful. Probably way more beautiful than is realistic, but hello! They're figments of my imagination! I can make them look however I want! Ha!

First up are Josh and Carissa, whose story is somewhat complicated (my CPs are laughing their asses off right now). Basically they're going to embark upon a risque affair that's going to end in a little bloodshed and a love child. Okay, not really, but I HAVE always wanted to write one of those. Maybe somewhere down the road...

And then we have Reed and Rebecca, whom I haven't quite pinned down yet, but suffice to say Rebecca's going to show pretty boy Reed, how to get downright dirty in the sack. :)

My Kind of Romance

2010-01-10T10:36:00.001-08:00

Blog Envy

2010-01-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

I have blog envy. Not one blog in particular, but pretty much every blog that's more active than my own. Seriously, how do y'all come up with things to write about? I mean...I got nothing. Or rather, what I do have these days is generally too bitchy or snarky to make public. Two months ago? Now then I had crap to write about! LOL I just didn't have to the time to do it. So this...this is what you get for today. I'll make more of an effort next time. Maybe. :)

Diva Promo: Compromising Positions

2010-01-03T15:43:00.001-08:00

Compromising Positions releases today!

Falling in love is the last thing on his busy agenda…but compromising positions can lead just about anywhere.

David Strong knows how to do a lot of things—run an international fitness company, finesse stock portfolios and stay out of emotional entanglements. That is, until he gets tangled up with Sophie Delfino and her Sensational Sex workout. He’s supposed to help her demonstrate Kama Sutra positions for her couples’ yoga class. The rigorous postures require more than just physical control. And his co-instructor unexpectedly tests his control to the limit.

Sophie’s been fantasizing about David since her teens, but she never dreamed she’d actually be expected to run through her intimate desires—with an audience! The class is very professional, tame even—or it would be, if she’d been in any of the positions before. But she hasn’t—except in her wildest fantasies about David. Sophie knows she wants David in every way, and she’s flexible enough to use whatever she has to get him.

David can’t afford any unexpected distractions. Besides the sensual positions he has to endure without embarrassing himself in public, there’s an embezzler stealing from his company. And then there’s Sophie—who is well on her way to stealing his well-guarded heart.

Warning: This is one exercise program you won’t need to consult your doctor before beginning…unless he’s hot and available for house calls. The Kama Sutra isn’t for the prudish or faint of heart, and neither is this story.

Read An Excerpt Online

REVIEWS

“With sensual love scenes, flirty repartee, and a man and woman clearly meant to be together, you get everything you could ever want in a romance novel. Overall, I have to say that Compromising Positions is a must read!”
~ Long and Short Reviews

"Compromising Positions would have to be one of the best contemporary romance novels I have read in a long time. Jenna Bayley-Burke delivers it all, romance, humor, and great chemistry between her hero and heroine. It is so well written. The pace is great, and the story line fantastic."
~ Fallen Angel Reviews

"This thoroughly enjoyable romantic comedy has likable characters and a smart, spitfire heroine...Bayley-Burke delivers a really fun read. "
~Romantic Times

Twas the day after Christmas...

2009-12-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

And all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even Mom. Because she's sitting on the couch, getting read to write...while the entire family is out sledding...and won't be home until dinner.

Best Christmas gift ever. :)

"The Plan" for 2010

2009-12-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

So, I'm still trying to nail down my "Five Year Plan", but I'm pretty confident I've come up with a good, attainable list of goals for the year to come. Here they are:

LTC (full length)
1. Completely rough draft LTC in January and let it sit in February.
2. Edit in March and let it sit a few weeks.
3. Edit again by the end of May, polish.
4. Work on synopsis and query in June.
5. Sub in July.

Alex & AJ (full length)
1. Completely rough draft A&A by or during NaNo.

Ava & Caleb (novella)
1. Completely rough draft in February.
2. Let it sit for a bit and edit in June.
3. Sit again and edit again by end of August.
4. Synopsis and query in September.
5. Sub in October.

Short and Sweet Update

2009-12-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

I wrote almost 1,400 words yesterday. This makes me very happy. I also chatted with my CPs about making a story change and got some fabulous feedback. This makes me very, very happy. Also, I feel like I'm really getting back into writing, particularly my current WIP. And, you guessed it, this makes me very, very, very happy. :P

Change of Plans

2009-12-10T08:57:00.000-08:00

Sick kids are not conducive to enjoying my day off with my lappy, a little Nickelback, and spiked hot chocolate. It's kinda hard, as you may well know, to think about, let alone write about, getting it on when kids are fighting and crying and needing their butts wiped approximately every 2.3 seconds.

But...I will persevere. Because this is my day off, damn it, and all these stories in my head are not just going to write themselves. Maybe I'll just skip the hot chocolate and go straight for the bottle. Hmm. I might be onto something there...

Anyhow, I'm setting a little goal for myself today despite the noise and distractions: I'm going to write 1000 words, good, bad, or ugly. I'll ETA later with my results.

ETA: Um, I wrote. But not 1000 words. More like 600. I guess it's better than nothing, right?

Keeping Up

2009-11-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

So, at the suggestion of a friend and fellow writer, I'm currently loading up my Google Reader with subscriptions to all the coolest, most happening sites and blogs in cyberspace because, let's face it, I'm pretty behind on the latest goings-on in Writer World. So far, I'm loving it (why didn't I do after she suggested it, like, a year ago?), but I'm a little nervous that all this easy access to blogs is going to end up to be yet another distraction in my already overly distracted life. We shall see...

P.S. If you know of any "must read" sites I haven't subscribed to, please let me know. I need all the info I can get! (You can see the list in my sidebar.)

Point of Failure #1: Intimidation

2009-11-29T17:01:00.000-08:00

I've spent the past couple of days wetting my feet in writing again. I have a story idea that I think is fun and has great potential, although I will admit that the premise is a bit cliche. That's okay with me right now though, because my goal at this very moment is to just write. And work on a few of my known-issues (i.e. show vs. tell) while I do so. But as I've sat at the computer thinking and jotting down ideas, I've come to realize that even more so than my technical problems, I have a galactic size issue with intimidation (among other things). And that's probably something I need to change ASAP, because it's holding me back and the things that get under my skin aren't likely to ever go away.

The first thing...is a blank screen. Or even a screen with a few words on it. Hell, an unfinished MS! I have a tendency to let the big picture swallow me up. I get antsy and unsettled thinking about all the work that I have ahead of me when I write, whether it be a completed draft or edits, whatever. I'm not happy with just a little bit. And because of that I hold myself back, feeling overwhelmed with the job at hand. Sadly, writing isn't the only thing in my life in which I let this happen. I'm one of those people who feels that if I already ate one donut, I might as well have another since I've already messed up my diet. I have to have all or nothing. With writing, it's similar, but reversed... A few words on a page aren't a full MS, so instead of chipping away, I'd rather just not write at all. Twisted, but unfortunately true.

Another thing is the output of other writers. Especially those who have similar life situations as I do (i.e. kids and a career and a house to clean). I know the majority of writers need to balance their craft and "real life" and struggle to do so, but a good many of them do a much better job than I do. Mainly because I get so intimidated and overwhelmed and, thus, freeze up and produce nothing at all. Also because I'm pretty damn lacking in the dedication department. I'm dedicated to wanting to write, but when it comes to action, I leave a lot to be desired. Again it's connected to wanting fast and prolific results, but it's only compounded when I see how many stories my fellow writers are cranking out, not to mention how many of those they're actually selling.

Of course, there's also the self-doubt that what I'm writing just isn't good. And I don't mean my ideas (that's another issue), but the actual way I put words on a page. It seems so easy, but anyone who has ever tried knows it mostly certainly is not. No matter how good I might think something is, there's always that looming fear that I'm the only one who will think so. I know that's completely normal, but in my case, it can be debilitating and lead to a whopping goose egg worth of words on the screen.

Anyhow...I know I have several of these issues or "points of failure" as I'm calling them. And I'll be using this space to hopefully work through them and clear my path to publication. So, whether or not my hashings out are of any interest to you or not, please be patient with me.

Fresh Start, Fresh Blog

2009-11-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

There's nothing I love more than a fresh start. Okay, that's actually not true--I love a lot of things, most of which I'm sure to blabber about here at one point or another. But I do indeed love new beginnings of all sorts--new relationships, new jobs, new hair styles, even new notebooks... There's just something about the promise of a fresh, new adventure that intriques me and reels me in. That probably explains why this blog is something like my 114th, but I digress...

Those of you who know me know that I've been MIA in the writing world for the past several months in order to take care of some "lifely" business. But as that journey comes to a long awaited end, I'm more ready than ever to get back to my true passion. Erm, okay, that's not true either--I'm actually pretty damn freaked out about writing again. Honestly, I feel completely out of the loop and I'm scared to death at the prospect of having to relearn the ropes. Yes, I know writing is pretty much like riding a bike, and that's not what terrifies me really...

It's reconnecting with the writing world that has my nails chewed to a quick and the butterflies set loose in my stomach, because, let's face it, connections and networking play a huge role in writerly success. Yep, you've gotta have talent, first and foremost, but being involved and getting your name and work and reputation out there can take you a long way, too. Proving you're dedicated and serious about making a career out of writing and all that, which I admittedly haven't been that great about in the past, because, well, I wasn't that serious. I thought I was. I thought I knew what I wanted, what I had to do. Truth be told, I still don't know. But I think the fact that I now know I don't know gives me an advantage that I didn't have before. No misconceptions or denial going on here (that I know of anyhow LOL). I'm essentially starting all over, but this time I've got the advantage of falling flat on my face before on my side.

That said, the first thing I want to work on, to make sure I really make the most of things this time around, is to be honest with myself (like this) at all times. In the past, I've both cut myself way too much slack and have been my own worst critic. Yeah. How the hell does that work, right? It's true though and it's a wonder I haven't driven myself completely, totally freaking insane with all the yo-yoing. No wonder I haven't done anything productive--two steps forward and then two steps back equals no progress. That can't happen this time around and, to accomplish that, I need to recall this very post, this very paragraph, and the cold, hard reality that if I want to be published, I'm going to have to bust my ass to get there. Plain and simple. No self-coddling and irrational self-loathing allowed. It just doesn't work that way.

Now, I'm still tying up some loose ends in that "lifely" business I mentioned before, so I may or may not spend a whole lotta time here in the next couple of weeks, but, rest assured, I will be back. In the meantime, I wish you much love and warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season...