Macrame and Creativity

I've been so busy with living or I should say writing stories as my alter ego, that poor little old me --the real me --has been feeling a bit neglected lately.

Sometimes I get the two mixed up and have to ask myself when I sit down to write, who am I? Am I Marie today? Or am I going to write as my let's say willing to push the envelope psyche, Collette?

Today I think I'll try to remain within the mind frame of simply Marie. And it's Marie who writes the edgy forensic thriller stories. Who also writes stories with that erotic edge as well as tales that are not so erotic but sensual And who has contracted her full length thriller Deadly Secrets to Noble Romance Publishing. This project does not have a release date yet. I do look forward to working on the story through the summer.

Yet, Marie has been sitting on her duff while Collette writes those over the top, sexy, hot hot tales that keep readers coming back for more. Okay if you want to go see some of her covers, just click on Newsletter

In fairness to Marie, she hasn't been idle but has been busily crafting macrame jewelry, also referred to as hemp jewelry. Some of these items will be offered as prizes in upcoming contests on either Marie's or Collette's websites. They are fun necklaces, some of which have these beautiful pendants containing brilliant psychedelic colors.

For those old enough (like moi) to remember the 60's you know what I'm referring to when I mention psychedelic colors. Now grant you I never tried anything that would alter my brain like those psychedelic drugs. I was either too smart or too afraid. I actually did get through the 60's without ever partaking in any of that stuff.

But oh I still recall the psychedelic fashions. I remember the short mini skirts and dresses in bright yellows, greens, blues, pinks, red, purples, all swirly colors that had you wondering if you were even on drugs.

I remember the paisley prints, and the earthy tones, and again all those purples with swirls of that same bright yellow.

And of course the shorter the skirt or dress -- the better! And let's not forget the hot pants...short short shorts!

I was a size two back then, short, skinny, and wore these fashion and back then got away with it. Now they offer a pleasant memory.



When I saw these pendants in one of the craft stores the other day, I knew I had to make up necklaces specifically so that I could wear them. Holding them is like holding a miniature piece of art.

I'll be posting pics of them on Abby Marie Creations website once I get them completed.

These represent a piece of that past, namely the psychedelic age where creative minds also like Collette possessed a no-holds-bar frame of mind.

Collette has asked me to make up a few of these necklaces so that both readers of Marie A. Roy and Collette Thomas will have a chance to win a few. Then they too can be transported back to an age of Aquarius, freedom of mind, and swirly colors.

Take a peek at my books!

No More Secrets, No More Lies - Contemporary Romance that's sure to win your hearts. You can find this at Forbidden Publications


A Soldier's Fortune - A book that will remind you why we should thank all our military troops now serving our country. You can find this at Treble Heart Books

The Last Day of Twinship!

June 1964 - The last day my sister and I dressed alike. It marked a transition that helped us finally establish our individual selves. And it happened in June!

And I'm definitely the one on the left side of this photo!

TOTALLY ALIKE!

Notice a pattern here? We are still dressed alike! It became a part of who we were and very seldom did my sister and I wear different clothing. Even when we went out to play, we wore the same outfits, and my mom made sure everything matched! At all times we were coordinated from shoes, sock, dresses, coats, hats, gloves, and even pocketbooks. There is a reason for this and it was something I discovered only a few months before she past on. She had been orphaned from the age of four and lived in an orphanage until she was sixteen. When she left she always made sure she dressed nice, and everything matched. I'm guessing she had to wear other people's hand-me-downs. Why she insisted her daughters wore new clothing that matched!

And I'm pretty sure I'm the one on the right side of the photo!

JUNE 2008 - SEEING DOUBLE

June is a month of reflection. Probably because it is the month when I was born my mind tends to go back to the past.

Here's my sister and I at less than a year old. Again, I don't know which one is me. How strange that must be for others to see your baby pictures and not know. For me, if they're not label, then I simply play the guessing game.

As I go through these photos, I think maybe it's time to write about a story involving twins. I certainly know what it's like growing up as a multiple. Certain things happen to multiples that don't happen to singletons, like being regarded as a part of a whole rather than one individual. Already in my brain somewhere a story is germinating and eventually it will have to be told. Meantime, here's a photo of me and my sister in a double sized stroller.

JUNE IS BIRTHDAY MONTH

The photo to the left is of me and my sister celebrating our second birthday. Which one is me? I haven't a clue!!!! And that is always a problem when looking through old photographs of ourselves.

I could be the one on the right.

Or (squinting my eyes) I could be the one on the left.

I think I'm the one on the right...no come to think of it that's me on the left. Frankly, I can't tell.

We were born June 11, 194(?). Our scheduled delivery date was supposed to have been July 8. But nature had other plans. My sister at 5 pounds was able to go home and do her thing. Me? Weighing in at four pounds, two ounces, I stayed a month longer. At least this gave my parents a chance to see what taking care of one baby was going to be like, and enough time to practice until I made my entry into their lives. Needless to say their lives were never the same afterward.

This photo was taken way back when World War II was over for a couple of years. My dad had come home from the war the previous September before our births. My parents had already been married eight years prior to his coming home! And they had wanted kids but it just didn't happen, not until my dad's stint in the army was over.

Yeah, I have to say June was always a good good month for us. My sister and I as you can see in the photo above shared birthdays but we did not share a cake. Mom always made sure each of us had our very own cake.

JUNE 2008

May 2008

And finally some good weather. I've been visiting my favorite place, Lake Winfield. It is a small lake that provides a great place for walking, jogging, or for the ambitious running. Here I manage to get in some running time (not fast) but enough to get the cardio up to a reasonable rate where I can work off some calories.

Also, here I am able to relax and think. I find walking/running out there in nature inspiring, triggering the germ of a story, or a new character, or simply letting my mind go where it has a mind to go.

In upcoming weeks I will be working on several projects, one of which is a straight contemporary romance tentatively titled Stormbound. This one is a fun, uplifting story with a pretty good twist at the ending. It's the kind of story that is perfect for either the summer months, or even around the winter holidays....can't give away the plot.

The characters have become quite alive inside my mind as they continue to develop. Stormbound hasn't found a home yet as I haven't submitted it, but when I do, please check back for more details.

Meantime, you can go check out my other stories.

Canterville: Book One - The Dead Speak at Loose Id received a three star from Romantic Times which means they liked it, and said it presented suspenseful surprises.

No More Secrets, No More Lies -- This is available at Forbidden Publications. Again, Romantic Times reviewer enjoyed this story as the reviewer gave it four stars. I occasionally have emails coming to me on this story. I guess it's one of those stories that stays in the mind because of the characters.

A Soldier's Fortune is I think a great read for this time of year with the approaching Memorial Day Weekend as well as the Fourth of July holiday. This has been on Treble Heart Book's website for a number of years.

All the above are stories that I feel feed the soul, the spirit, and create a place where readers can escape to and leave all the "small stuff" behind.

Marie A. Roy - Enter my World

Will Winter Leave????

I woke up this morning and the temperatures were in the teens. Suddenly, I felt sorry for the spring birds that came almost two weeks ago. I remember lying in bed and hearing the Canadian geese returning to Lake Winfield. Or looking out the bay window and spotting my first robin.

I think we're all confused.

I'm ready for spring. I no longer want to be remembering where I put my earmuffs, or mittens, or my knitted scarves.

I simply want to leave my house with only one layer of clothing on, not several. I want to put away the winter parkas, and the snow boots, and all the stuff that helped me get through these colder months.

I'm thinking of my garden and what I will plant there: zucchini, yellow squash, egg plant, several varieties of tomatoes, and perhaps this year another attempt at corn.

Winter has overstayed its visit, it is time for it to leave and let spring come in. Except I'm thinking that as what has happened in previous years, spring forgets to drop by, and instead we at least here in the Northeast can go straight from winter's biting cold to summer's steamy heat, without that gradual period that helps us make the transition from cold to hot.

And with a forecast of another wintry mix in the offering on March 28, I don't think March plans to go out like a lamb.

CONNections Writing Contest 2008 !

If you haven't entered our Connections Writing Contest, this is your chance. I've pasted the entry form below. Fill it out, follow the rules and send your entry to me. You can email me for the address:


CONNections Entry form/rules
2008 CTRWA CONFERENCE May 30-31, 2008 Mark your calendar to attend! Check out www.CTRWA for details.
2008 CONNections CONTEST


Official Entry Form

Entrant name____________________________________________RWA number_______________

Address_____________________________________City______________ State_______ Zip______

Telephone:_______________ E-mail:_________________________________________

Entry title________________________________________________________________

Targeted publisher:_________________________________________________________

Series line (if appropriate):______________________Estimated Word Count:___________________

Please check the appropriate category for your entry:

__Series contemporary __ Single title contemporary __

__Single title mystery/romantic suspense __Historical __Paranormal

If not enough entries are received in my category, enter it into________________________

Bonus judging-- CONNections best first meeting between the hero and heroine.(automatic)

How did you find out about CONNections Contest?

__ RWR __ Internet __ Chapter, Other:

Entry fee $30.00 plus a SASE for return: Please make out check to CTRWA
Postmark Deadline extended!: It is now March 15, 2008
Top prize $30

Separate judging for the best First Meeting with a prize of jewelry

CONTESTANT’S AGREEMENT
I have read, understand and I agree to abide by the official rules of Connecticut RWA’s CONNections Contest. I will accept and abide by the decisions of any judges and/or contest officials regarding the winners or runners-up in the contest and not hold anyone responsible for any and all disputes arising from my entry into this contest. If I am disqualified for any reason, my entry fee is forfeited. I further submit that this entry is my original work and has not been accepted for publication.

Signature:__________________________________________________Date:____________

Contact Marie Roy, Contest Coordinator, for submission address at: marie-roy@sbcglobal.net
For Official Use Only
Fee enclosed___ Check number______________ Money Order__________________________

Entry number_______________Judges: 1._______________________ 2___________________________ 3______________________________

-----------------------------------------------------Cut Here to Mail-------Read Rules Below-----------------------------



CONNections Contest 2008
Official Rules
• You are eligible to enter any category in which you are NOT PUBLISHED and not judging. If you have not been published for over three years, though, you may enter any category.
• The entry consists of the first 30 pages of your manuscript in standard double-spaced format with 1-inch margins. You may include a one-page synopsis, but it will NOT be judged. Please send three copies of the entry. The title must be placed in the upper left-hand corner of each page with the page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page. No name on manuscript. Attach a completed entry form, check, and SASE and send to contest coordinator’s address.
• The Contestant’s Agreement section on the entry form must be completed for your entry to be accepted. The contestant is responsible for choice of category entered.
• Please tell us the targeted publisher (and line, if for Harlequin or Silhouette series romances. For example: Intrigue, Everlasting, Luna, etc.) It will help our judges evaluate your entry accurately.
• You may enter as many times as you wish, but each entry must be mailed separately and must include the entry fee and SASE postage.
• You may enter more than one manuscript in the same category.
• You may not enter a single manuscript in more than one category.

YOUR ENTRY MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MARCH 15, 2008.

Finalists will be notified in April and the final round judges will be editors.

Winners will be announced at the CTRWA conference, Ignite Your Muse 2008, on May 31,2008 in North Haven, CT or notified thereafter if not attending.

Note: There must be at least 5 entries in each category. If the minimum number is not received, the category will be eliminated and the entry will be judged in the category you have specified as a backup.

Thanks for your interest in the CONNECTIONS Contest 2008. We look forward to receiving your entry—and good luck!

Check CTRWA website for updates and final round judges’ names. www.CTRWA.org