tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153262342024-03-14T08:44:50.799-05:00Nicole FlocktonBe whatever you want to be.Nicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-13120504878723135052010-11-05T19:13:00.002-05:002010-11-05T19:13:55.911-05:00Don't ForgetHi All<br />
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If you are still checking here please change your feed to my new blog at www.nicoleflockton.blogspot.com.<br />
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Hope to see you all over there.<br />
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NFNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-8045750046229514822010-10-23T21:43:00.000-05:002010-10-23T21:43:52.075-05:00I'm moving!!!Hi All<br />
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I've done it. I've moved my blog to <a href="http://www.nicoleflockton.blogspot.com/">www.nicoleflockton.blogspot.com</a>.<br />
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The theme is more in keeping with my website. I've imported all my posts (yes 126) of them all so you'll still be able to find all the information.<br />
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I'll keep this blog open for a couple of months but hopefully everyone who reads this will now go to my new home.<br />
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Looking forward to seeing you there.<br />
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NFNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-87568064621185120102010-10-21T21:02:00.000-05:002010-10-21T21:02:03.346-05:00Firelight by Sophie JordanSo I was at my <a href="http://whrwa.com/">West Houston RWA Chapter</a> meeting back in September and it came the time for some book reviews. One of the reviews was for <a href="http://www.sophiejordan.net/">Sophie Jordan</a>'s new book "Firelight". It is a Young Adult novel. Now the only YA novel I've read recently is Twilight and well, to be honest, I slugged through that book, finally 150 pages before the end, it became interesting. Prior to that I could put the book down for weeks and not worry about it. Not want to sneak pages in at every second. The book is also in Present tense. But the review given was positive and as she was a member of the chapter I'm all for supporting the members. So I purchased the book.<br />
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Well am I totally glad that I purchased that book! I was hooked after 17 pages, no waiting for the last 150 pages to get my interest. I also had to read it at every opportunity. I've just finished and I want the next book NOW!<br />
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Jacinda is a dragon (draki). She's like every teenager rebelling against the rules. Unfortunately one of the times she rebels, almost costs her, her life. Her Pride have plans for her, and this latest act of rebellion ups the timeframe of their plans. Her mother decides that she will not stand for it and with Jacinda, her twin Tamra they flee the pride to start out. But unbeknown to Jacinda, her mother has plans for her as well.<br />
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Jacinda meets Will and her draki flares to life whenever she is surrounded by him. But Will and his family are also the enemy. But she is drawn to him and can't stay away.<br />
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That's all I'm going to say because otherwise I'll tell you everything!! Do yourself a favour and go and invest in the book. You won't be disappointed. It's a fabulous read!<br />
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NF.Nicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-35959823935641220262010-10-16T21:59:00.000-05:002010-10-16T21:59:20.713-05:00Where I Am!Hey All<br />
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I've just posted on <a href="http://www.winkgirls.blogspot.com/">WinkGirls</a>. Check it out.<br />
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NFNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-5224569735405709832010-09-20T21:08:00.000-05:002010-09-20T21:08:52.319-05:00Empty Chairs, Empty Room, Empty HeartWhat do you do when the love of your life is taken away. Even though it's expected it's never easy. Every where you turn. In every corner of every room there is a memory. You look into your children's face and you see them. Will it get easier in time? Do you want it to get easier in time? You will never forget but how do you go on? You must because of the children. You're the one they look to for guidance and for hugs. But who is there to guide and hug you? Who is there to help you through that tough time? Your loved one is still with you. Over looking everything you do. They are in your heart. They walk beside you. Even though they are not physically there if you reach out they will be reaching for you too. And every time you sleep and dream of them that is their way of connecting with you.<br />
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Time eases the pain but it never truly goes away. Do not be sad for they are at peace. Even though it's the most unfair thing in the whole world.<br />
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My heart bleeds for a friend who is going through this. A magic couple so in love with two beautiful kids. Why did it happen to them? I'll never know the answer. No one knows the paths our lives will take. All we must do is take them and know that we were chosen for it. The strongest are chosen for the tougher paths but the reward at the end will be amazing - even though, at the time, they cannot see it.<br />
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Be strong, Laines. I know you can do it. You've a beautiful soul and a beautiful heart. I am honoured to know you.<br />
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RIP Phil 37 was way to young to die.<br />
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NFNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-52365468400272253292010-09-18T21:55:00.001-05:002010-09-18T21:57:31.595-05:00Taking the Plunge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRSV4Lg5N_wiKd1T_JKuTaClNqFNB1JQhEVm0-lYVUE_68Bw0mrKX3zOhtxf5XM_6VYG_vb4n_AC830W-Z3r36g3MwcxvAViICvMsd8n366_e6Hx8TwnTNlh2XSklubXkgAPj/s1600/New+Voices+entrant+2010+click.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.romanceisnotdead.com/Entries/133-The-Tycoons-Marriage-Revenge"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRSV4Lg5N_wiKd1T_JKuTaClNqFNB1JQhEVm0-lYVUE_68Bw0mrKX3zOhtxf5XM_6VYG_vb4n_AC830W-Z3r36g3MwcxvAViICvMsd8n366_e6Hx8TwnTNlh2XSklubXkgAPj/s1600/New+Voices+entrant+2010+click.gif" /></a></div>I took the plunge and entered a contest. A contest that put my work out on the web for all to see. I entered the <a href="http://www.romanceisnotdead.com/Entries/133-The-Tycoons-Marriage-Revenge">Mills & Boon New Voices Contest</a>.<br />
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A few years ago I entered the "Instant Seduction" contest run by the <a href="http://www.iheartpresents.com/">IheartPresents</a> site. I didn't receive any feedback so I will admit to feeling a bit down. But hey it's the life of a writer there are times when you get nothing and other times you get valuable advice. I wasn't sure about entering this contest. I mean you are putting your work out there for people to comment on. People rate your chapter. I will say I was very pleased to see some nice comments. I've only got 5 but hey I'm happy with that. I also have a fairly good rating so far. Not sure if the rating makes a difference but I'm guessing not.<br />
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There are a lot of entries and only 10 go into the next round. So even though I'm hopeful and keeping wishing I'll be one of the 10, as I think all entrants are. I'm also realistic. Maybe I will have piqued the interest of one of the judges and maybe I'll get a request. If not I'll plug this baby somewhere else.<br />
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But I am proud of myself for doing it.<br />
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NFNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-59888856660314821682010-09-12T20:32:00.000-05:002010-09-12T20:32:41.879-05:00Change of NameHi All<br />
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As you can see my blog is no longer called "Just Nicki". The reasoning for this is I'm linking everything to the name I'm going to use with my writing, which of course is my real name! Unless of course I can't use my real name then I will have to change everything then.<br />
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I'm also considering changing the name of my blog address to www.nicoleflockton.blogspot.com. But when I do that I will give you a heads up so that you can change your favourites address so you can still find me.<br />
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I did a fabulous workshop yesterday at the West Houston RWA group. It was about marketing yourself and I realised that I need to uniform my exposure on the web. I'll also look at starting up a 'fan page' on facebook.<br />
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Keep watching this space for updates with my plans. Change is good and it's all part of the bigger plan.<br />
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NFNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-75766569354355909602010-08-10T14:50:00.003-05:002010-08-10T15:06:11.492-05:00And a Year has Gone ByOn 10th August 2009 I said goodbye to family and friends in Perth and embarked on our new adventure in Houston Texas. It's hard to believe that a year has passed by.<br /><br />Last month I was back home in Perth and it was wonderful. It felt right to drive on the left hand side of the road but on the right hand side of the car. It felt wonderful to see my nephews and nieces and to see the way my older nephews and niece ran and played and harassed my two kids. And it was nice to get mum and dad hugs. There is nothing nicer for a child to have a hug from their mum and dad - no matter how old they are. I love giving my kids hugs, it's the best feeling.<br /><br />Now we are back in Houston and getting ready for the school year to start. The transition from Perth to Houston was so much easier this time simply because we went back to our house, slept in our beds and were surrounded by everything that is ours. Last year we arrived and stayed in an apartment, although lovely it was never 'home'.<br /><br />As we flew back I was lucky enough to be given an upgrade to business class from my husband - he is the best. Seriously when you are on a plane for over 15 hours business class is the only way to fly! I wandered back to see the family at one stage of the flight and found them all snuggled up together asleep. I'll never forget the picture it made my heart melt. That's my family and I love them to bits.<br /><br />So now a year has passed and we are settled in which takes us to the next step - starting to explore the States and also taking advantage of the cheap flights to other countries and maybe spending Christmas in some wonderfully exotic place.<br /><br />Our adventure still continues and now it's time to make it bigger and better!<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-83441256574885835542010-07-08T20:04:00.003-05:002010-07-08T20:14:46.911-05:00The FamiliarI'm blogging to you from my hometown of Perth. Currently sitting in my mum's family room and it feels like it was just yesterday I was here and not nearly twelve months ago. It's amazing how the familiar surrounds you like a warm blanket.<br /><br />I've been back in town nearly a week and it's been a busy time catching up with my workmates as well as seeing my nephews and nieces. The kids are having a great time playing with their cousins (big and small) again. But until my DH arrives, it doesn't feel totally complete. Only another week a bit before he arrives. YAY!<br /><br />I also went to my writing group's monthly meeting the other night. One of the other girls said it was like I had never left. Maybe it's because they've been wonderful and kept me involved by Skypeing me in every meeting. Now that is a challenge. It's difficult on my end as much as it's difficult on their end. Sometimes I can't hear and sometimes they can't hear me but I am FOREVER grateful that they do still include me.<br /><br />I'll admit to even enjoying driving around town, after nearly twelve months of driving in Houston, the slow pace of home is good - I don't get so stressed :)<br /><br />So this first trip home is exciting and wonderful but I know it's just a holiday and will only be a holiday destination for the next few years. Home, at the moment, is Houston.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-81940233385629325272010-06-26T19:08:00.001-05:002010-06-26T19:09:32.474-05:00I've BloggedHi All<br /><br />It's my turn to blog over at <a href="http://www.winkgirls.blogspot.com">Wink Girls</a>. Head on over and check it out.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-33489171886268423092010-06-14T13:55:00.003-05:002010-06-14T14:33:48.818-05:00ChangeChange happens and you can't stop it, you just have to go along for the ride and hope that the change is good for you.<br /><br /><br />Obviously for us the big change was moving to Houston. It's been a great move and I am enjoying our time here. I'm enjoying the pressures of not having to get up and go to work. I'm enjoying spending more time with the kids. The thing I have to get past is the fear of the roads - that's holding me back in expanding and venturing out and experiencing more.<br /><br /><br />The thing is as we change here so things change at home. Was I silly enough to think they wouldn't? In some aspects I was. It's hard to read about all the things that I long to be a part of and I can't but I have new and wonderful opportunities happening here.<br /><br /><br />So do I hang on to the old of home? In all reality I can't I have to let it go and move on and just hope that when I do eventually return I can slip back into things. And maybe I can't continuing doing things here that I thought I could keep doing, but when it's something that I love can I really let it go? Only time will tell.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-43435752950799199812010-06-07T20:18:00.003-05:002010-06-07T20:22:51.507-05:00Shona's Release!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO1VJihfTvU2FA1A5_fxYh3A-9ARPslThtWxNg6Ph0aZQ8vuLlPCqzatxux2ebmgKc_w_2XMHcPaOiwlqFHSPgvdn056UXSb_ESvA8iTZagkL-qGfWK2EkNKQmfYfvBd323ao/s1600/BoyfriendInABottle72sm.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKO1VJihfTvU2FA1A5_fxYh3A-9ARPslThtWxNg6Ph0aZQ8vuLlPCqzatxux2ebmgKc_w_2XMHcPaOiwlqFHSPgvdn056UXSb_ESvA8iTZagkL-qGfWK2EkNKQmfYfvBd323ao/s320/BoyfriendInABottle72sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480206831580432898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />A mere three weeks after her first release <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.winkgirls.blogspot.com">WInk Girl</a> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shonahusk.com">Shona Husk</a> has her debut release with Samhain Publishing 'Boyfriend in a Bottle'. How dreamy is that cover!!<br /><br />It's worth getting this book. It's a fun, quick read and steamy!<br /><br />Here's the link to the <a href="http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/new_release.php">MyBooksAndMore</a> Store where you can purchase it.<br /><br />Keep an eye out for more books by Shona, she has a unique style and a big sale is not too far away.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-80049359364718267712010-06-03T20:32:00.002-05:002010-06-03T21:01:17.227-05:00The Tyranny of DistanceWell it's getting close until we make the long trek back home for a holiday. As the date draws near I find myself getting extremely nervous about flying. I will be travelling over with the kids and my DH is joining us a couple of weeks later. So that is freaking me out a bit, but I'm sure I'll be fine.<br /><br />What is it going to be like to be back in Perth? Will I feel like an outsider? What about the kids friends, will they be happy to see them?<br /><br />With Facebook I've never been too far away from the friends I have but with the kids, well it's different. As an adult you can not see or speak to people for weeks, months or even years and when you meet up again, it's as if you've never been apart. With kids it's a bit different, they change friends like they change socks. I know my kids are excited about seeing their old friends. I know they'll probably sound a bit Texan. On occasion I pick it up but other times I think they sound the same as always. They are both adamant that they don't want to sound 'American'. :)<br /><br />I'm pretty sure that my DD's friends will be excited to see her, after all she had developed quite close friendships with a few girls. But as time passes on, will there be the same amount of excitement when we visit. When we return and hopefully get into the same school, how will the kids be treated? Or even how will my kids treat their friends. Lots of what ifs and it really is something that I have no control over. Of course they will have the same issue when we leave, they'll leave the friends they've made here but would we visit Houston as often as we'll visit Perth. As I said it's something I have no control over so I'll just have to hope that everything will turn out fine. And who knows they might make different friends second time around!!<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-50881947082951280582010-05-19T22:03:00.004-05:002010-05-19T22:10:02.310-05:00Release Date!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVxAMChpgPZEUdw3t8e0DpMx2InFzPoRSo67BzVPEVJF9dsRVrGTiMVt7Kzfrecg2VWfyyDWVgvLYV8rWeM2gDhyphenhyphensH7lDDJ0FI2nQDW0HYKJ-acBUx5t0-htInA1FDnJewSkt/s1600/tail_300.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVxAMChpgPZEUdw3t8e0DpMx2InFzPoRSo67BzVPEVJF9dsRVrGTiMVt7Kzfrecg2VWfyyDWVgvLYV8rWeM2gDhyphenhyphensH7lDDJ0FI2nQDW0HYKJ-acBUx5t0-htInA1FDnJewSkt/s320/tail_300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473184036974316930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />No not my release date but today - 19th May 2010 is the release date for fellow WInk Girl <a href="http://www.shonahusk.com/">Shona Husk's</a> debut book with <a href="http://thewildrosepress.com/">The Wild Rose press</a> - "An Elemental Tail".<br /><br />It has a smoking hot cover and the cover for upcoming release on 8th June with <a href="http://www.samhainpublishing.com/">Samhain Publishing</a> is just as hot!<br /><br />It's a must read and you can buy it <a href="http://www.thewildrosepress.com/an-elemental-tail-p-4030.html">here</a>!<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-41127575078325848142010-05-16T21:14:00.003-05:002010-05-16T22:17:00.020-05:00Goals Set - then the curve ball called life intervenes!Last Saturday I attended my first meeting with the <a href="http://www.whrwa.com">West Houston</a> Chapter of<a href="http://www.rwanational.org"> Romance Writers of America</a>. I finally joined RWA at the beginning of the year and once my membership was confirmed I immediately joined the local chapter. I couldn't wait to get to a meeting! Unfortunately it took two months before I finally got there!<br /><br />When I first joined the chapter and introduced myself to the Yahoo loop a local girl emailed me privately and it turned out her really good friend was from Australia and I had actually met her at a function at the end of January. Pretty amazing considering how multi cultural Houston is and the fact that the population is over 5 million!<br /><br />The May meeting looms and the topic of the meeting is "Time Management". I so need that! I arrange with hubby for him not to go riding so I can attend the meeting. He can be soccer mum for a week instead of me :)<br /><br />I arrive with nerves but soon I'm welcomed into the fold like an old friend. Seriously, you have to love the Romance Writers community, they make you feel so welcome. No matter if you've 50 books published or are just starting out. They a free with their knowledge and no question is every too silly or stupid - even if you think it is.<br /><br />I leave the meeting with my weekly goals in mind. I was giving myself the weekend off to enjoy and then start fresh on Monday. Monday comes and after school drop off I sit down and open my new MS. I reach my goal of two pages and fiddle around with some more of the chapter, take stuff out and add stuff in. I'm all pumped to tackle a round of edits on my requested manuscript that evening. <br /><br />Then it happened. I'm talking to my friend on Skype and dog is having an "I want to run around silly for a few seconds" moment and gets caught up in the cords. I juggle but SMASH the computer falls to the floor. Screen is shattered. My stomach sinks and I feel sick. This is not happening to me. Tell me it's a dream. Sadly the next day I take it to the place where I bought it and well it seems the hard drive also was smashed!! So I lost EVERYTHING. The work I'd done that morning and all the edits I'd done since I bought this new computer at the end of February. I'd also lost all the work I do for my job! Could I feel any sicker? Nope not at all. Had I done any backups - again sadly no!<br /><br />Tomorrow is Monday and I vowed to myself I would give myself last week to wallow but come Monday I was going to open the manuscript and start again. Get my two pages done and then get ready to edit in the evening. The time to feel sorry for myself is over. Time to get cracking and get my writing goals back on track so I can reach that gold medal of publication!<br /><br />Oh and I'll back up and send it to an email address every time I finish! <br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-22298184479727523532010-05-09T20:24:00.000-05:002010-05-09T20:25:30.977-05:00Author Interview with Robyn GradyHi<br /><br />I've just interviewed Robyn Grady over at the <a href="http://www.winkgirls.blogspot.com">WinkGirls</a> blog. Go check it out and you could win something!!<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-15481050705695936522010-04-11T20:12:00.002-05:002010-04-11T20:46:55.776-05:00What to SayIt seems I'm having trouble coming up with things to talk about. It's a bit bizarre or maybe it's because when I think of something it's usually at 2am in the morning. I know I should get the notepad out and write things down, but seriously it's 2am I'm tired and want my sleep!<br /><br />Instead of blogging I should be writing or editing or both but I find so many other things to do which really aren't that necessary. I do like to procrastinate.<br /><br />I guess I want to make my posts here thought provoking and interesting. Why? I don't know I just want to see comments as well as seeming like I can be serious and make people think! Vain I know :)<br /><br />But having said that I want to be thought provoking I don't want to be political because, well that can get you in some serious hot water and truly isn't worth it. Best to keep opinions to yourself. See I'm such a wuss.<br /><br />Hopefully I'll be back soon with something exciting to talk about.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-17401118527652382682010-03-25T21:09:00.002-05:002010-03-26T10:24:38.111-05:00And so the adventure continues ....We've been in Houston for 7.5 months and I'm getting used to things, especially the driving. I still feel like they are the most insane drivers in the world but I just try and time my adventures on the interstate highway :)<br /><br />I still get the surreal feeling where I wonder if its all a dream and I'll wake up back in my old house in Perth. I'll admit it and say I am missing a hug from my mum and dad. I speak to them and see them on Skype but getting that hug, well that's something different.<br /><br />I'm not pining, sitting on the couch in a ball of misery, sobbing my heart out. I don't do that. I feel it's a waste of time. I'm a wife, mother and a grown woman. I have a family I need to look after and support so I can't be that ball of misery. I won't be that ball of misery!<br /><br />Skylar has settled into the school system really well. I think it helped that she had a girl take her under her wing the first couple of weeks at school. Also Skylar was able to cope with the workload and it gave her a lot of confidence. I'm extremely proud of what she's achieved so far. She is blossoming and becoming a gorgeous girl. But sometimes I dread what her teenage years will be like with some of the attitude she gives sometimes!<br /><br />Zane has had the biggest adjustment of all. He had 3 teachers in his first 4 weeks at school and for a young boy of just five that on top of a change of country, change of school system, has made his transition all that harder. He has had a huge learning curve and has come such a long way. I tell him everyday he is a beautiful boy. A smart boy. And I'm so very proud of him. The thing that is setting him back is the lack of opportunity for physical activity. His first real break from the class room is recess which is in the early afternoon. With school starting at 7.50am that's a long time for anyone, not just boys to sit and learn. They don't have the attention span. I've even talked to some of the staff at the school and they agree that some more physical activity is needed. But it just doesn't happen. But I will keep telling him that he can do it all.<br /><br />Another factor for both my kids is that they have been in school since February 2009. I knew it would be interesting for them seeing as the school years are different here in the US than in Australia. Since they started school in August 2009 they've had a total of 3.5 weeks off school, with the odd long weekend thrown in for good measure. For the kids they would have had their 6-8 week break over December/January. They will be extremely glad when the end of May comes and they get 3 months off. They're going to need it. Not sure how I'll survive but I'll get there.<br /><br />So the adventure for us continues and it's an exciting one. Now that we've settled in and the weather is warming up, its time to start exploring. Lots of adventures and new things to uncover.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-29439443212202427432010-03-19T22:55:00.002-05:002010-03-19T22:56:22.739-05:00My TurnHi All<br /><br />It's my turn to blog at <a href="http://www.winkgirls.blogspot.com">Wink Girls.</a> Come on over and check it out.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-35209771325483585892010-03-17T20:13:00.005-05:002010-03-17T21:53:53.082-05:00Emotionally draining<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX4lx3uaGN1ym-lD-aUfO3i4yltGdCny81t75yDwdGjeRZSHWOQq14PiyC2XBsg37IfXCkvRzNUfXbbtzs_RZW1JKd_tupjhoDoZoNZzTQD4q4XITK26BpnVXZfOV5jfApNvi/s1600-h/074.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilX4lx3uaGN1ym-lD-aUfO3i4yltGdCny81t75yDwdGjeRZSHWOQq14PiyC2XBsg37IfXCkvRzNUfXbbtzs_RZW1JKd_tupjhoDoZoNZzTQD4q4XITK26BpnVXZfOV5jfApNvi/s320/074.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449787159842031682" border="0" /></a><br />The last two weeks have been so emotionally draining for me I feel like I've aged 20 years!<br /><br />My beautiful Siberian husky is a sock fiend! In the last two weeks we've started to get on first name basis with the employees at the Emergency Vet Centre! But having a pet is a commitment that I don't back away from.<br /><br />After each vet visit I find I'm so emotionally stressed and drained that I can't do anything! I want to write but I feel like I've got no emotion left to attend to any of my writing. But maybe that is the best time to write. When I'm on this emotional stress ride. I can put my characters through the wringer. Take them on a ride that they won't ever forget. Make them strong and learn intrinsic things about each other. <br /><br />Back to my beautiful Maya, I will train this out of her. She already drops items when I ask her too, just at the moment not socks. But I won't give up. I will defeat her because I'm the Alpha female of this family! :)<br /><br />One thing I have decided there is definitely a romance story in this adventure. The possibilities are vast.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-81796010274563472422010-03-05T15:12:00.003-06:002010-03-05T16:23:54.879-06:00Revisiting old friendsSo last week I revisited some old friends. It was like old times. It was great remembering how they'd met. But these weren't friends that had visited me from Australia, these friends were characters from two books. The books are from one of my favourite authors - Michelle Reid. Goodness she writes some awesome tales. These two stories just tugged at something in me. So romantic and the heroes - so Alpha. The book titles are "Marriage on the Rebound" and "Gold Ring of Betrayal". I just keep going back to them over and over to relive the romance of these couples. I wish I could write like that!<br /><br />Then a moment of horror occurred. I walked into our family room and the dog had my book and had ripped it. OH NO! No, No No! Not one of my favourite, favourite, favourite books! Devastation hit. I grabbed it off of her but it wasn't salvageable. What to do? Shall I just leave it and go 'Oh well'? It is just a book after all. No I'm sorry, it wasn't just a book to me, it's an example of fine writing!<br /><br />So I jump onto the computer and order another copy from Amazon. It arrived two days later so I was able to finish my visit with one group of characters. It's silly to get so attached to characters in a book but when it's a beautifully crafted story you can't help but cheer for them and want to visit with them over and over and over again.<br /><br />So are there any books that you would never give up and you continually go back to?<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-63879289142509791302010-02-25T19:07:00.002-06:002010-02-25T19:30:03.284-06:00The First Wait is OverBack in November I sent my full manuscript off to Desire. Over the last couple of weeks I'll admit to checking the answering machine to see if it was flashing for a message or checking the mail box for any sign of a letter.<br /><br />Well the wait is over. Today I received a rejection. Guess I didn't make the Olympic team! It wasn't a form rejection which is a plus. There were things that just didn't work in the story. Those things are what I need to work on. I've sent it off to someone who has never seen the story before to see if she could also pick up on the points the editor did.<br /><br />At the end of the letter she wished me luck but didn't suggest I send her anything else. But guess what, I'm not going to let that stop me. I also have in my possession another rejection - that one a form rejection, from the same Associate Editor saying to feel free to query her again. Ironically, when I first queried on this story she rejected it then. Then I did an online pitch with another editor and she requested the partial, then the full. Guess it still didn't work for the first editor :)<br /><br />The plus side of it, at least I know where it fell down and what I need to fix. So I'll give it time. Work on my full requested Medical then look back at it and send it off to another publisher. The more I get it out there the more chance I have of getting it published or at the very least ideas on how to improve my writing.<br /><br />So this Olympian/Author wannabe hasn't given up!<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-45082374577910207692010-02-21T10:27:00.004-06:002010-02-21T11:27:34.202-06:00Olympics and WritingSo the games are on and I've spent the last week watching them. It's been great and the grit and determination and commitment of the athletes is something to aspire to.<br /><br />I know Australia won't do well that well, we don't get a lot of snow and are more a summer sport country than winter sports. I think I read on the internet that a base has been set up overseas for our athletes. It does make sense. I'm sure the sponsorship deals aren't as big as our summer Olympic athletes. Of course I have no basis to prove this comment so it's just a pie in the sky comment by me.<br /><br />I believe a few of the Australian athletes reside in the US or other European cities. It makes sense, particularly with the amount of snow the US has received this year!<br /><br />As a writer you have the joy and anticipation of getting the call and then waiting for the book to be on the shelves. Depends on who you are published with your book can be on the shelf for quite a few weeks.<br /><br />If you are Olympian, you spend years training, honing your craft and skill level to reach the pinnacle of your sport. You attend the Olympic trials and do your best to make the team. For some that's when the first disappointment occurs. You then have to wait another 4 years for your chance to make the team. In between there is always the world championships you can attend. I guess you could say that's when you receive a form rejection.<br /><br />There's the elation of making the team, achieving one part of your goal. The build up and the anticipation of going to a different place and culture. There's the fitting for your uniform and the team camps you attend. This is when you've had the request for a full .<br /><br />The first big day has arrived, you are preparing to enter the stadium in your shiny new uniform for the opening ceremony. Perhaps you've even been given the honour of carrying your country's flag. We could say you've sent your requested full off and got a letter back requesting revisions.<br /><br />After much sweat, blood and tears the day of your event has arrived. Butterflies the size of elephants take up residence in your stomach. You get yourself to that place in your mind. You focus and then you make your way to the starting line. You start. Everything is going beautifully, your technique is flawless. You are sailing down the snow covered mountain, or skating on pristine ice. And then in a split second it happens, you twist the wrong way and you fall. Your Olympic dream is over. You don't make the final and you don't get on the podium and you have to wait another four long years to feel the adrenalin rush of an Olympic Games. Yes you attend world championships and win, but you don't get what is revered above all - that Olympic Gold Medal. It's the rejection letter you get after you've slaved over one or maybe two revisions. Do you want to go on? Of course you do, you love it. It's your passion. You don't give up.<br /><br />What just occurred above, happened to the competitor before you. Now it's your turn. You start off and you sail down the mountain or across the ice with the fastest speed or highest score. And at the end it is your name sitting atop of that list. You are number 1. You are an Olympic Gold Medalist. In a writers life, that's when you get the CALL. You are going to be a PUBLISHED AUTHOR. <br /><br />It may happen at your first Olympics or your third. It may happen with your first manuscript or it may take you ten or more manuscripts but you get there. The one common thread between you and that Olympian - you never gave up. You followed your dream. And yes you may fall and miss the podium but you get back up and dust yourself off ready for the next Olympics or the next manuscript.<br /><br />One day I will be that Olympic Gold Medalist and for me it will be when I have that book in my hand. With my name on the cover and know that in a few short weeks it will be on the bookshelf for all to see.<br /><br />Enjoy the Games!<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-45320749201344322542010-02-14T11:44:00.002-06:002010-02-14T12:13:03.833-06:00February - The Month of LoveWell you could class February as the month of Love. Valentine's Day is celebrated smack bang in the middle of it.<br /><br />This year I've experienced a different Valentine's Day. Here in the US Valentine's Day is a big event. The kids at school hand out Valentine's Cards to everyone. It seems that this day is a bit bigger than Christmas. My kids didn't get any Xmas cards from their school mates. To be honest I don't think it made a huge difference to them. Zane had never passed a lot of cards out as he'd only been at daycare, whereas Skylar had been at school for 3 years. It's funny that no comments were made by them. Maybe it was because it felt a little different. Of course come Christmas day they were pleased to see lots of gifts under the tree.<br /><br />A few people believe Valentine's Day is a "Hallmark" Holiday. Perhaps it is. I do appreciate my loved ones everyday. It was actually quite sweet in my household. My gorgeous son told his dad "You are so taking me to Walmart to buy mum some flowers and makeup." Of course there was payback, a few days later he came up to me and said, "Mum, if I get you something for Valentine's Day will you give me something?".<br /><br />So come Valentines Day I hear the voices of my two kids, trying to be quiet to surprise me with their gifts. It was very cute. My handsome hubby is enroute to India so we miss spending the day together. But he phoned me and that's all that really matters to me.<br /><br />So what do you think of Valentine's Day? Just a commercial endeavour? Or something more?<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15326234.post-49510268305807663292010-01-30T10:48:00.001-06:002010-01-30T10:49:46.732-06:00Where I'm atToday instead of blogging here I've blogged over at <a href="http://www.winkgirls.blogspot.com">WInk Girls</a>. Go take a look if you like.<br /><br />JNNicole Flocktonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09665906758298755919noreply@blogger.com0