The Writer’s Life

Tomorrow I go under the surgeon’s knife to have my gall bladder taken out. You see, I’ve been having terrible gall bladder attacks that are quite painful and a sonogram revealed my gall bladder full of gravel. Note how I said gravel, not stones. Yep. I’ve been carrying around a pocketful of calcified bits of blech in my body. Gross. And they have to go. The little suckers have been causing all sorts of havoc with my digestion, and I’m just finished with it. I know there’s some kind of flush you can do (Trudy, I know you’re railing at my decision not to go herbal) but it involves lying on your side for an entire day while you take this herbal concoction while your body flushes out more than 300 stones in one go because it also pulls from your liver. Note again how I said, “flush,” yeah, as in lots of bathroom time. No thanks. Not this time. I just want the sucker gone. I know your gall bladder makes this certain enzyme that I will need to supplement but I figure that’s okay.

So, in preparation of tomorrow I’ve been — ready for this — totally nesting! Yeah, you know that phenomenon where pregnant women start cleaning obsesssively right before they go into labor? Yeah, that kind of nesting. I’ve already scrubbed my kitchen and now I’m eying the bathroom with a speculative stare. I’m also in a hurry to get everything I need done such as laundry, groceries, last-minute work stuff and packing needs for our vacation (which isn’t until the end of the month but hey I’m in a organized kind of mood) but as I sit and pen this short blog I think I’ve hit upon the reason for all this productivity…I’m nervous.

I know it’s a simple surgery, second most common, actually, but I am a bit twitchy about going under the knife. Weird things happen. Like the surgeon could forget some kind of tool in my body and I wouldn’t know about it until years later when I keep setting off the metal detectors in airports. Or I could..*gulp* die in some freakish this-never-happens-but-once-in-a-million-surgeries and that would really suck. My family accuses me of drifting toward the melodramatic when I say these things but someone has to be the statistic and sometimes my luck isn’t so hot. Just ask my best friend. She’ll tell you. If it’s odd, unexplainable, or just plain OMG that was weird! it’ll happen to me. *sigh* Guess I’m special.

So, I could use a little good luck coming my way if anyone were so inclined. Good thoughts count too. I’ll post again when I come out the other side, minus an organ but feeling 100 percent better.

Happy writing!

Kimberly

I know what you’re thinking…two posts in one day? Certainly that’s a sign of the coming Apocalypse but no, just one silly writer who has started making lists on her Post It notes in some semblance of organization trying to get things done.

Anyway, loved this pic. That’s my Honey Bunches with her Auntie Kamrin. Kamrin used to be our nanny (yes, she is my youngest sister and yes, it was slave labor) and we miss her terribly. Most of all her Honey Bunches!

Just wanted to share.

So I had a helper pick the lucky winner of my blind contest winner and you’ll swear there was some cheating going on but I swear to you it was all very fair and my other editor Marg was the lucky poster!

What did she win?? Well, I decided to give away a copy of my UK release of Father Material, which released across the pond May 08. Cool huh? So, I guess I’ll mosey on over to the next office or maybe I’ll just holler at her that she’s the lucky winner. Hehehe…

Thanks for reading and keep posting cuz this giving away stuff is fun!

Kimberly

Right before I was going to bed last night I decided to check Amazon.com for something and lo and behold! My new cover was available! Had to share. It’s so lovely and the art department did a great job with Annabelle and Honey. Dean is supposed to be in his early 40s but hey, everything else looks great so who am I to complain?

This is my September book, the story of Dean Halvorsen and Annabelle Nichols. Very cool story. It practically wrote itself. I love it when that happens.

So, because I’m in a particularly happy, bouncy and giving mood, one lucky poster will get something fun in the mail. Nope. Not gonna tell. You just have to post and find out if YOU’RE the lucky winner!

Happy writing!

Kimberly

The time for lounging like a lizard in the sun is definitely over — the time has come to kick start that brain of mine and tap those creative juices for as of today I am one hot commodity. (Note the very big grin.)

Let me fill you in a bit. Two weeks ago my agent called to tell me Silhouette Romantic Suspense wanted to offer me a two-book deal and I gladly — gleefully even — accepted. I had submitted a proposal a few months ago and I’d nearly given up hope of landing another line when BAM! fate intervened and my phone was ringing. Needless to say, I was dancing on a cloud.

Then, today, my agent called and told me that Harlequin Superromance was ready to go to contract on my 3-book proposal and I nearly fell over. All three? You’re kidding me? WOW! I can tell you, getting this bit of news lifted my spirits even higher than they were from the previous news about Sil SRS as I was starting to fret about getting a spot in the 2009 Supers calendar. But today, I am happy. Ridiculously, deliriously so and I knew I had to share. I’ve been remiss in my blog, heck, I’ve been flat-out neglectful of everything aside from watching in despair how my waistline has continued to grow. Before you ask, no, not pregnant. Just…pleasantly plump. Ah for the days of the Rubenesque woman. Oh well. I’ll console myself with indoor plumbing. Weight Watchers may be in my near future. My friend Kay Stockham has inspired me. But I digress.

Anyway, so, in a nutshell, Kim is going to be one busy girl with five books to churn out. Hehehe…I love it. Now, remind me of this when I’m tearing my hair out, suffering through deadline hell, and creative stonewalls. Oh yes. Those times will come. But let’s enjoy this lovely moment while it lasts…the moment where I am happy, appreciated and talented.

And while I am chatting it up might I mention that I have heartburn unlike anything I’ve ever experienced? It’s wretched and wicked and did I mention painful? Yeah. Nothing seems to stop it. In one day I’ve eaten Gaviscon, (this stuff is gross), Tums, Rolaids, Protonix, and I even chugged a glass of milk. Nothing. Works. Help me. This is a level of hell. It’s like there’s this little gnome buried under my breastbone and he’s stoking the fire to barbecue my esophagus. The pain has made my teeth ache, for crying out loud! Yikes. Please tell me there’s an answer out there to my pain! Tell me how to put out the fire!

Alright, that’s it for now. I’ll try to be more sociable and when I know more about release dates and such I’ll let you know!

Happy Writing,

Kimberly

Weird title, huh? Yeah, I know but I wanted to combine two fabulous things in today’s blog because I am essentially lazy when it comes to this stuff!

First off, I received the nicest, most unexpected email a week or so ago from none other than the cover model from my April book (on shelves now!). His name is Alex Allan and he is a sweetheart of a guy. Apparently, A KISS TO REMEMBER was his first cover and he said it will always have a special place in his heart. What romance author wouldn’t trill at such a lovely sentiment? I confess, I was won over, completely and easily by his charm and I am so glad he chose to contact me. I’d post a picture but I don’t have his permission and I’d hate to invade his privacy but if I do manage to get his permission I will post a pic. He’s a doll and the perfect choice for Ben Hollister!

Second, I received another lovely email from a new fan who stated she loved AKTR so much she had to have my other books! In the writing world, that’s called glomming! And I love it! It’s very flattering and gratifying to an author when a new reader enjoys your work so much she or he is curious about your previous body of work.

Anyway, that’s my big news. Perhaps not big in the overall scheme of things but big in my world and both really made my day. In today’s world, those small pleasures are like gold.

Happy writing (and reading)

Kimberly

It’s official; Nora’s story, A KISS TO REMEMBER, is officially on shelves in stores around the nation. I confess, I went to Kmart yesterday and stood in the book aisle and stared at my newest book for a long moment, soaking in that glorious feeling yet resisting the temptation to get on the loud speaker and insist everyone in the store put a copy in their cart. This book is getting good reviews from all around, which is a great feeling because I love this book so much. Nora isn’t an easy person to understand or love but once you figure her out, you might just appreciate her style and way of doing things. I’ve decided to post a few snippets of the reviews for this book for your perusal. If you’ve already purchased AKTR, bless you; if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?

From Romance Junkies (five ribbons!)

Characters Ben and Nora have an age old problem; they have feelings for each other but careers, distance and temperament get in the way. Kimberly Van Meter successfully matches the mismatched pair; Nora as the down to earth, sassy, country tomboy and Ben as the suave, stubborn, city guy. Their sparring makes for amusing reading with a sizzle that only Ms. Van Meter can produce.

And let’s not forget the Top Pick! and 4.5 stars from Romantic Times. That is, of course, the cream on top. If you’ve read Nora’s story, let me know what you think! I think this was some of my best writing, to be truthful. I’d be curious to hear what my readers think on that score.

Alright, time to get back to work.

Happy writing!

Kimberly

Woohoo! My April release, A KISS TO REMEMBER, received 4.5 stars and a Top Pick! designation from Romantic Times magazine! This is my first Top Pick! and I’m so excited. I mean, I’ll be honest with you, I was beyond thrilled when I found out. I shrieked and jumped out of my chair to run like a chicken with its head off through my office to let everyone I work with know of the amazing news. To their credit, they were full of smiles and congratulations even as I was jabbering like a dingbat.

I’ll share a little of my journey with this particular book. First off, Nora was my favorite heroine. She’s been with me from the beginning of the Emmett’s Mill series, starting off in Father Material with her big sister Natalie and then in Return To Emmett’s Mill with her oldest sister, Natasha. I had a soft spot for the ornery-mouthed brat and couldn’t wait to dig into her story. I thought it was going to be a piece of cake because I knew her so well. Nope. She made me work for every word. And I shouldn’t have expected anything less but now, I see, all that hard work was worth it. Someone loved Nora (and Ben) as much as I did.

A Kiss To Remember (my original title, nonetheless!) hits stores in April. Please check it out. I think you’ll like it. Nora’s not your ordinary heroine.

Happy Writing,

Kimberly

Oh happy day! Nothing excites me more on a drab Monday than seeing a new cover pop in my email. The wait is over and I’ve finally gotten a peak of my April book, A KISS TO REMEMBER, which if you’re following my Emmett’s Mill series, is Nora’s story. Honestly, I think the art dept did a wonderful job. It’s not what I’d been envisioning but it’s so much better! Feel free to let me know what you think.

It’s New Year’s Eve (and also my bf’s birthday so here’s a shout-out to you, Nicole!) and many people (including moi) are going out tonight to, yes, you got it, party like a rock star. This will be the first time since the baby that me and the dh are going to enjoy a New Year’s Eve party at a friend’s house. Of course, we have to rock-paper-scissors to find out who gets to drink and who gets to drive (can’t do both, of course!) but I’m fairly excited to have someplace to go. I have to be honest though, New Year’s Eve parties were never really my thing even when I was younger (not that I haven’t tore it up nonetheless) but I have some doozy party memories of the nights that I did ring in the New Year with a few friends (mainly Jack, Jim, and Gin) and there are a few nights I just don’t remember at all. Thankfully, I have good friends who always ensured I made it home safe and with the person I came with.

So, with that in mind, here are a few tips for all you rockers as you head out into the night dressed to kill with party on the brain:

1).  Two-fisting drinks is generally considered bad form and quickly leads to unfortunate dance partners who look far cuter than they really are without the alcohol.

2). When you can no longer taste the alcohol in your drink that is NOT the time to say to the bartender “Make this a double!” This is your tastebuds telling you that you are smashed and well on your way to alcohol poisoning.

3). Your friends know that you love them. You don’t have to tell them ad nauseum with a gin slur. Bad form and annoying.

4). Everyone thinks alcohol makes them good dancers. It doesn’t. In fact, it does the opposite and you could kill someone with your attempt at the newest hip hop dance moves. Here’s a bonus tip: Anything that requires holding your foot behind you and jerking in a convulsive moment is ill-advised in a crowd.

5). And, finally, whomever thinks that alcohol improves their driving is an idiot and you really shouldn’t allow yourself to ride with them for that person is up for nomination for a Darwinism award and he/she just might win. The prize? Dying for doing something stupid.  And you don’t want to be anywhere near them when the award committee arrives.

So, there you have it. Some quick and easily digestible nuggets of wisdom for you to take on your journey to drink the night away and ring in the New Year with acts of incredible stupidity, bad dance moves, and questionable sexual choices. Party on!

Happy New Year!

Warmly,

 Kimberly