Happy Birthday to Us!!!

Five years ago, a small group of writers stepped out in faith. We wanted to share a few things with the world – hope, encouragement, our journey, and the little bits of wisdom that work for us as we navigate the waters of writing, publication, and life. Along the way, I hope we’ve done those few things, but we’ve done one other very important thing – created some wonderful, lasting memories between ourselves and with our readers. This year, we wanted to share some of our favorite memories of the past 5 years with you.




PLAYGROUND MONITOR:

Two months into our blogging experience, the Playfriends took our first road trip. It wasn’t far – just seventy miles. But we were free of husbands and children and the rest of the world for overnight. Angel’s Suburban had not yet been dubbed “The Playmobile,” complete with an airbrushed tag on the front. Instigator was still a Krispy Kreme virgin (though we solved that on the trip). Problem Child had to sleep on the floor on Amazing Child’s inflatable mattress designed for a small (in other words, short) child. I still remember AC’s tear-stained face as Darling Geek held her in his arms and she called out and waved, “Bye-bye, inflatable mattress.” Smarty Pants was our computer guru who got us hooked to the internet at the motel room (she had a cat5 cable since this was before the days of widespread wifi). And I was still trying to figure out this whole writing business. Still am, actually. We blogged that first night and called it “Playfriends Gone Wild, Volume 1.”
http://writingplayground.blogspot.com/2006/01/playfriends-gone-wild-volume-1.html


Day and night #1 went smoothly (see reference to Instigator’s initiation to Krispy Kreme) and we all tried to settle in for a good night’s sleep (well, all except PC on the inflatable mattress but she was a trooper to take one for the team). The following morning we were surprised by a call from one of the Mavens who’d been called by another Maven who’d seen on TV that the police department in our get-away town had busted a meth lab in operation in a motel that was part of the same chain where we were staying. A quick view of the morning news revealed not only had the meth lab been operating in the same motel where we were, it was in THE ROOM RIGHT BEHIND US! We shared a bathroom wall.

Had we known this might portend a general disposition toward Playfriend travel disasters, we’d never have given PC that Leatherman tool in Atlanta.

We did have a bit of plotting fun with the incident though. Here’s what Angel wrote in our follow-up blog titled “But Not That Wild!”
http://writingplayground.blogspot.com/2006/01/but-not-that-wild.html


“But in true creative fashion (after getting over the shock), we began to brainstorm how this could work in a book. We entertained ourselves throwing together a hokey plot with a single female alone in her hotel room, the undercover DEA agent next door whose scraggly appearance weirds her out when she meets him, and the meth lab that explodes one night, taking out the wall of her room and forcing them on the run.”

And here’s our scraggly DEA agent after the explosion. ::grin::




INSTIGATOR:
What’s my favorite Playground memory? Without a doubt, it’s any one of the conferences we’ve all gone to together. Four or five of us sharing one bathroom must be hilarious to anyone from the outside looking in. Honestly, you don’t really know someone until you’ve watched them put on Spanx. And you just have to be friends with anyone who will hook your strapless bra for you.



Sharing rooms. Staying up until two o’clock in the morning talking about writing, family, kids and life. Eating peanut butter-covered brownie bites because someone was smart enough to pack the important things. Working on pitches because someone *cough* didn’t come prepared. Sharing jewelry. Sharing clothes.

Blown knees and cut fingers, we’ve been through it all. You’d think that after five days of forced togetherness we’d get tired of each other. We don’t. You’d think we might fight. We don’t. In fact, most of the time I should be concentrating more on the conference and less on having a good time with my friends...but I know I won’t. Part of what I love about conferences is spending it with Angel, PC, SP & PM. It wouldn’t be the same without them.




PROBLEM CHILD:

My favorite memories aren't really specific, but they always involve the five of us, sitting around, just talking. Those nights sometimes run together - maybe we're on a porch, or in a hotel room somewhere, or in someone's hot tub or living room, but we're laughing and talking. The subjects will vary greatly from moment to moment - we'll be discussing a point one minute, something one of us read on the internet a minute later, and shortly thereafter, our kids or our parents or our weight loss.

Lather, rinse, repeat - and pay attention, because the conversation can hang a sharp left with no warning whatsoever. (Like the time we were plotting Kira's book, and the conversation meandered away from the plot for a moment, so I left the room. A couple of minutes later, I come back, and the book that used to be set at a nudist resort is now set on a peach farm and there's dead people in it.)

So I guess my favorite Playfriend memories involve laughing until we cry and crying until we laugh.




Or, on a less sentimental note, the look on SP's face when she realized I brought silverware to the Dixie Stampede. ~grin~


SMARTY PANTS:

Like PC, there have been a lot of great moments over the last five years, but my favorites usually involve us sitting around and talking about anything and everything. There's usually food, occasionally screaming at children is also involved, but always fabulous conversation and laughter. To me, it’s really not a Playground gathering if I don't get the chance to make PC's mascara run. Earlier this year, we got a chance to take our gathering to a whole new level - to the hot tub. When we go to the mountains, rarely does a night go by that we don't climb into the Jacuzzi. We even went out in the snow. There's no stopping us.




It’s the one time I can put on a swimsuit without feeling fat, grab a bottle of hard lemonade or a glass of wine and spend time with my peeps until we turn all pruney. A lot of time we plot and brainstorm. Instigator gets very inspired by steamy water, so that works for her. When we're on a roll, we can do two books a night (although note taking is difficult with water and alcohol, so the morning after usually includes some re-caps). Sometimes we lament our personal drama and tell funny stories about our lives pre-Playground. It's just nice to sit around and relax for once.

You know how much excitement can usually result from one of our trips, so given that no one has injured themselves or had a wardrobe malfunction in the hot tub makes it a banner event on its own. We actually like it so much that when PC sent us the link to a house she was thinking of buying and it had a Jacuzzi, I was sold, sight unseen. :) This is a Playground tradition in the making and one of my favorite memories.




ANGEL:

I had promised I would pick one memory, and I had: dancing at the Harlequin Party at every conference. I chose this memory because its fun, out of the ordinary, and a fabulous bonding experience. I also chose it because it is unique for me. You see, I’ve never danced in public before. In high school and college, I never went to dances or clubs. My husband has never taken me dancing. So when we were invited to this party, I have to admit I freaked. I mean, me, dancing in public? I’m not slim, smooth, or sexy. I was sure I’d be the person talked about the next morning by everyone there… and not for a good reason.



But let me tell you, there is nothing like boogeying with your best friends in the midst of pounding music, belting out your favorite lyrics, and smiling until your face hurts. If anyone talked about me the next morning, well, at least I didn’t know it. But I’ll never forget these moments of freedom and fun with my favorite friends.

Unfortunately, when trying to choose the pictures that went with this post, I had a difficult time limiting myself to just one memory. Each photo was accompanied by a smile and an “ah, I remember…”. Our first group pictures. First sale celebrations. Lunch with our Mavens. Sightseeing. My Golden Heart final. Phone calls. Late night talks. Tears. Hugs. Squees.



We’ve done it all. In the past 5 years, these women have gone from being my best friends to being my sisters. We can be as different as night and day, but we all have a similar drive, similar work ethic, passion for our writing, our families, our lives. You, our readers, have been there with us to celebrate, commiserate, brainstorm, and dream. We’ve gotten to know far too few of you through your comments, precious in-person meetings, and email exchanges. Today, we hope you will once again celebrate with us.

And in joyful birthday tradition, we’ll be giving away birthday gifties! Our appreciation of lovely alcoholic beverages (and their rightful role in all celebrations) has led us to put together a proper present including 2 martini glasses, a mini-shaker, Cocktails for Dummies, two mini-mixer bottles, and books, including ones from our own Kimberly Lang and Kira Sinclair.



And who knows what other prizes might be given away today?!?! To enter, simply comment about your own favorite memories – what’s the best thing that’s happened in your life over the last 5 years?

Thank you so very much for your comments, advice, humor, and encouragement here on the Playground. It wouldn’t be nearly as fun a ride without our dear friends!

Angel

Totally Awesome!

Well, my birthday party was a blast. It was nowhere near the production I made of my mother's party, so the biggest stress was getting my house cleaned for guests. It turned out great. I was very happy to have everyone get into the spirit. We had the neon colors, the loud music, the toys, and a solid dose of nostalgia. The cake was a 4 tiered masterpiece of campiness that I made myself. We even had theme drinks - good ol' Bartles and James wine coolers, jello shots, and shots of Purple Rain and Smurf...uh...Juice.

The boys played Rock Band, we tried out our skills at some Totally 80's Trivia, and did a little dancing to my new spinning disco lights.

Here's a few of us in our rad ensembles. Check out the details - the denim skirts, the legwarmers, the torn shirts, the animal prints. And of course, the hair.

The boys rocking out to some 80's favorites. Who knew that Don Johnson, a yuppie, a fratboy and the lost member of Run DMC would one day form a band? Thank goodness no one has a picture (I think) of me and Instigator drunkenly bellowing "Eye of the Tiger" at the top of our lungs.

My birthday cake (the most awesomest cake ev-ah). The bottom tier was white sour cream cake with strawberry filling. The two middle tiers were chocolate cake with chocolate chip mousse. The top tier was made out of rice treats. It took forever to make, but it turned out pretty darn cool if you ask me.

I spent most of Sunday cleaning or napping in a vodka induced stupor while feeding DB soda crackers and gatorade. He overdid it a touch. :) Who knew partying like it was 1985 was so hazardous? Overall it was a success, although I've been put on restriction - no more themed costume type parties for the foreseeable future. Apparently hot pink plastic jewelry is unnecessarily expensive. I know I spent a small fortune at Claire's. Of course, some other friends asked me to put together a 70's themed shindig, so I may have a conflict there. I don't know much about the 70s though, not my favorite time. I'd much rather do the 60's myself. I have perfect hippie hair and I prefer the music. Maybe I'll just make my way through all the decades of this century.

What's your favorite decade? In addition to the 80's, we've done a roaring 20's party and a 50's sock hop so far. If you could throw a themed party, what would you have? I need ideas for future events. You all know how I plan parties to avoid my problem manuscripts...

SP

If It's 1985 Again, I Can't Be 30...

Ugh. It's May 8th. I know, for most of you, this means very little. Mother's Day weekend, maybe. But that, my dear readers, is because you are not turning thirty tomorrow. Today is the very last day of my twenties.

I know those of you who are staring down larger numbers may scoff at me, but I don't care. This is just bothering me for some reason. I'll get over it. Eventually. Maybe around thirty four or so. I know its silly. Everyone tells me that their thirties were great. And I believe them. I'm sure it will be wonderful. And yet...

I think its the idea of being 30 more than anything. To have to say - "I'm in my thirties." Sigh. I've been in this funk over it ever since I turned 29. Where did I think I would be by now? Married? A mother? Published? I'm none of these things and for the first two, not anywhere near ready to be. I thought I would be, but I'm just not. My personal timeline is slipping. As an INTJ, I can tell you that my schedule is very important to me. Things are all out of whack and if I try to think about it for too long, I get panicky.

To distract myself, I'm throwing an 80's Flashback party next weekend. I love the fun campiness of the 80's. Some of my favorite music is from then, for sure. I was pretty young, but so was my mother, so I was raised on MTV and Magnum, PI. Planning parties is an avoidance tactic of mine, I can focus on that and what I'm going to wear and serve instead of me aging. I think I need to raid a thrift store - find an acid washed mini skirt and a sweatshirt with the collar cut out. Scout out some fingerless lace gloves. PC and Queen Rhonda are threatening to tease my hair into the stratosphere and glue it with Aquanet. The hole in the ozone layer will get slightly larger next weekend, that's for sure.

What was your favorite thing about the 80s? The music? The clothes? The big, big hair? Did you have a mini-meltdown at any particular age milestone?

SP

PS. In case I crawl into my cave and don't emerge, Happy Mother's Day to all of you brave enough to breed! My mom originally asked to get eyebrows tattooed on for Mother's Day, but we renegotiated for me to babysit LS while they go out to the Melting Pot on my dime.

Third Birthday Celebration!

Most third birthday parties involve Barney, balloons, and one of those gigantic bouncy castles. Inevitably, someone will end up skinning a knee or throwing up after too much cake. I'm pleased to report that none of those things should be a problem today. (Although we could have a bouncy castle if you really want one. They're tiring though. Maybe if I could bounce on it with Rodrigo di Speedo...) Anyway, today is the 3rd anniversary of the Writing Playground! We're very excited about our big day and we're glad you're here to party with us.

This week, everyone has been sharing their best moments of the last three years. Before we pop the cork and bring in the dancing boys, I've got to share mine, too. It's hard to choose. Going last, a lot of my answers have been taken. We've had so many great things happen, met so many wonderful people...

But I have to say that the coolest thing that has happened to me is a direct result of knowing so many great people. In the food chain of the romance industry, I feel like I fall pretty low. I aspire to be higher, but I know my place. In the years I've been involved, I've heard lots of stories. Some good, some bad. Many dealing with editors. Some about the great lengths that people will go to get an editor's attention. Most of the time it's laughable, really, but the need to publish puts some of us over the edge.

At conference, you can always see the fear in the eyes of people with the "publishing professional" ribbons. They are the targets of the unsolicited manuscript. The impromptu elevator pitch. The tastiest prey for women who have flown cross country to sell their books. I've always prided myself on being cool. Not stalking the editors I've met. Not harassing the NYT authors I've been introduced to. I don't grovel at their feet, but I try to be professional.

So this year, at my fourth conference, I was pretty comfortable. I'd yet to fall to pieces or stutter over the standard questions. Again, low on the food chain, so even if I did make a fool of myself, hardly anyone would care.

Then it happened. Standing in the lobby of the hotel, minding my own business, I spy an editor. I give her a quick smile, then ignore her. Be cool. To my surprise, the editor actually comes up and talks to me. For several uninterrupted minutes. Editors have very little time to waste so this was really special. Out of my peripheral I could see other people glaring at me. People who fought for appointments to pitch to her and here I was just casually chatting about jetlag and San Francisco traffic.

I have to say that being approached by an editor instead of the other way around made me feel really good. And that is the coolest thing that has happened to me in the last three years. Maybe by next year's party, I'll have something even cooler to share.

Ok - enough of that. Time to party. If you get a chance between massages, chocolate martinis and oogling cabana boys, share your favorite part of the Playground over the last three years. Maybe you enjoy the Sandbox interviews best or find our writing challenges amusing. Let us know so we can be sure to keep it up in the years to come. Like all the other posts this week, a commenter will win some goodies from me, so be sure to pop in and say something!

SP

Happy Birthday!!!!

This week holds a special place in the Playfriend’s hearts—it marks the 3rd anniversary of our website and blog. That’s right! For 3 years we’ve been sharing our tales of writing, disappointments, celebrations, and our lives. To our amazement, you continue to tune in to talk with us and our special guests.

This week we’ll be celebrating with lots of blog giveaways and a big birthday party on Friday. We enjoy giving back to our readers. We’ll also spend time each day talking about what we’ve learned since we started this endeavor and our most memorable moments along the way.

For me, it has to be the first time someone came up to me and said, “Aren’t you Angel from the Writing Playground?” To be recognized is such an awesome experience. That it happened in front of my sister—priceless! Thank you, Liza.

One beautiful thing that I’ve gained, especially through the blogging, is confidence. Over the past 3 years, I’ve been encouraged (read: pushed) to approach authors and publishing professionals to appear on the website and blog. A few said no, even more said yes. Also, tending to be a shy person, I used to limit myself to sharing only with those closest to me. On the blog, I’ve discussed just about every emotion and experience that’s come my way through this crazy thing called writing, only to find out… I’m not alone. To talk about issues and problems with the Playfriends and our Readers, share ideas, tips, and ogle cute guys… That’s been an eye-opening and endearing experience.

Thank you for that!

What has been the biggest confidence booster in your life?

Angel

P.S. One commenter will be selected for an Angel prize pack! And don’t forget to keep an eye on our NaNo progress meters.

Tonight We're Gonna Party Like It's 1959

Well, I'm glad to say I survived the hoopla that was my mother's 50th birthday. After two years of plotting and planning, its over and done and I'm left with nothing but decorations and leftover hamburgers in my refrigerator. (Quite a few, actually, since RSVP seems to be a loose concept around here.) I say we have a 50's party again at some point in the future because I have a LOT of stuff that can be reused. Perhaps the Class of '57 Murder party for next year's retreat...



It was a logistical challenge toward the end with company in town, table rentals, decorating, etc., but worth it. It was a tangled web of my own making, so I can't complain too much. In the end, everything went off without a hitch. (Well, one hitch - the church gave us the key to decorate Friday night, but neglected to inform us about the security alarm. Oops.) Most important - my mother was verklempt. Everyone who came had a good time or at least they said they did. The bank where she works is just a-buzz at my party planning skills. I'll say it was a success despite my own critical eye seeing all the things that went wrong. Here's a few pictures of the extravaganza...

First, me, my mom and my stepdad. Thanks to Stephanie for loaning my mother the perfect polka-dotted dress for the party. It sounds silly, but I was in awe of the balloon arch. I watched the lady assemble it and it was dumbfounding. For what it cost, it should've been, but still, very cool. Pity we couldn't fit it in the car to take home. The Sunday School kids were probably thrilled when they arrived the next day.

Yes, that's me and yes, I'm wearing roller skates. Despite a few close calls, I did not fall. I fully expected to wrap up the evening with a trip to the ER, but was willing to make the sacrifice for the effect. I did quite well, I think. I'm not about to get a job as a car hop at Sonic or anything, but I did okay for a girl who hasn't roller skated since the 7th grade.


Here's the birthday cake I spoke about earlier. I think it turned out great without too much aggravation on my part. Tasted good too, I guess. I didn't get any, so I'm not real sure. No one got food poisoning, at least. :) There were leftovers, but the bottom tier met an unfortunate fate with the floorboard of my car and I had to throw it away. I will forever have flecks of turquoise frosting in the carpeting.... Anyway, the top two tiers were white almond sour cream cake with lemon buttercream filling and the bottom tier was triple chocolate sour cream cake with peanut butter filling. My mom was very upset when we hacked into it, but that's the point of cake.




I have to say I'm exceptionally proud of my people. When my people RSVP, they show up. They dress appropriate for the occasion - Instigator rocked a platinum wig and leather pants and PC even made her own poodle skirt! We were the best looking folks in the bunch. They dragged their husbands with them and make them dress up, too. PM even got her husband to dance with her. I appreciate the support. My people rock.




It was a sock hop, but we didn't really have a dancin' crowd. I drug a horrified DB out to dance in the hopes that it would stir up more dancing, but alas, I just embarassed him. We got a few people on the floor for the Twist and the Hand Jive, but that didn't require the hubbies to participate. I was able to harass a few folk into the hula hoop contest, though. PM whooped my step-dad. Who knew her hips could move like that?! :) They all got some fuzzy dice and 50's style rubber duckies as a reward for their bravery.



Now that its all over, I'm relieved and a little lost. Time to start planning the next party, I think. :) What is your favorite birthday memory? Have you ever had a big party to celebrate?



SP