It’s been a few days and I’m trying not to panic, but I can’t find my jump drive. I had it on Friday–I remember grabbing it and leaving the house. I don’t know where it went after that, but when I went to pull it out at work, I couldn’t find it.

Why am I almost panicking? Well, it’s got a bunch of photos on it. Those I can replace; they’re on my hard drive and I can get others from friends. The big problem, of course, is the writing. I’ve got a lot of writing on it that I don’t have anywhere else. Story ideas, partially written manuscripts, and more.

Guess I need to be more vigilant about having backup. In the meantime, send some good thoughts my way so I can find it. I need all the help I can get.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’m participating in a multi-author book signing next weekend. Here are the details.

Date: February 3, 2007

Time: 5:00 to 6:00 PM (mountain time)

Where: Heart of the West Utah Romance Writers of America
The Mystery of Suspense Conference
Salt Lake City Airport Hilton
5151 Wiley Post Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Who:
New York Times Best Selling Authors: Karen Robards and Christina Skye

Local Authors: Ann Chamberlin
RaeAnne Thayne
Lisa Dawn MacDonald
Phyllis Campbell
Ravyn Wilde
Sara Fitzgerald
Lia Sebastian

More information: http://www.utahrwa.com/2007Conference.html
Or e-mail mary@marymartinez.com

If you can make it, I’d love to see you!

Have I mentioned how much I love Cobblestone Press? They’ve set up a messageboard called Cobblestone Main Street, and I have my own forum there. It’s called Lia Sebastian’s Chateau, and I’ll post there about my releases, interviews, appearances, and more. I’ll still post here, of course, and at my website. But this is very fun. I’d love to see you there!

One of my favorite things about the publishing process is getting a cover. Today I received the cover for The Seventh Sense. I have to admit I wasn’t sure what I would think of it. I’m very fond of the photo covers (see Office Relations at left), and this one is a very different style.

Once I saw it, though, I loved it. I think it really captures Erin’s striking (but not conventionally beautiful) looks. And I like the way the ring is incorporated as well.

I’ll let you know when I get an official release date.

And since I’m logged in, I thought I’d mention a free short story I’ve posted at my website. It’s called Museum Rendezvous, and you can download it here. Please note that it is in PDF format and is intended for adults only. Now, a super quick blurb.

When Olivia attends a museum opening, she isn’t expecting to meet a man . . . or to enjoy an evening rendezvous.

Hope you enjoy!

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I blogged last. Long enough, in fact, that I wasn’t sure I remembered my password. As you can see, I managed it and here I am.

It’s a new year. Amazing, really. So much happened last year–good and bad.

The good: I was published! I’m endlessly grateful to Cobblestone Press for buying my work. I couldn’t have asked for a more positive first publishing experience. And I’ve met so many wonderful people through Cobblestone and through writing.

The bad: I’ve lost focus. Part of this is because of the day job. There have been a number of shake-ups there lately. Plus, since I write and edit eight hours a day, sometimes writing is the last thing I want to do when I get home. I’ve also let some things become distractions unnecessarily.

My goal for the year is simply this: focus on the writing. I’m going to do my best to shut out the static, the distractions.

I wrote today and it felt wonderful.

In other news, I’m attending the upcoming Utah RWA conference next month. I’m excited about all the speakers and hope to get a lot of good information I can use in my writing.