Random Ideas

I need to get back to blogging. But honestly? Some days I have more to say than others. Some days the things I have to say aren't ready to be said...you know? When it isn't the right time?

And sometimes...I don't know.

Here's what I do know. I miss blogging. I want to:

1. Share with you about my Alaska trip.

2. Be a better contributor on the group blogs I'm part of (watch for link-ups to those!)

3. Give my random thoughts (rants?) about life a place to be heard.

4. Share with you my new goals and how I'm doing with these. One of them? Learning to LOVE to cook. Here's the thing, y'all...You have to eat. So you might as well eat yummy food and unless you're rich enough to go out every night (in which case just don't talk to me, okay?), you have to learn to cook. And not just cook, but love cooking. I'm decent at it right now, I suppose. But I want four o'clock to roll around and make me excited about cooking.

Is such a thing even possible? I guess I have foodie friends who would say it is. But what about for a non-foodie who is trying to become a practical foodie (more Ree Drummond/The Pioneer Woman than some fancy kind)? Especially one who's trying to cook...90% or so dairy and nut free?

I don't even know.

But I'm planning to find out. And I'm hoping it's possible.

Stay tuned. =)

Pre Conference Mixer!!

I'm taking an even longer pause (haha, sorry y'all!) in finishing my Alaska trip posts to participate in this fun mixer hosted by my friend Laurie! Can't wait to see old friends and meet new ones at this year's ACFW conference!

Name: Sarah Varland

Location: Macon, GA

What you write/tagline/trademark: Romantic Suspense

Place in the book world: I got my first contract almost two years ago! That book,Treasure Point Secrets, came out in May. My next book comes out in October.

On a scale of hugger to 10-foot-pole, please rate your personal space: I'm definitely in favor of hugs. Especially if someone else initiates it and I don't have to stand there trying to decide if I should hug them or not. =)

The unique talking point that will get you going for hours: Books, Alaska, Kids, Football, and...pretty much anything. I like talking. I'm a weird introvert that way.

Loved ones at home you’ll be missing: My husband. My two adorable boys are supposed to come with me and hang out with my mom and mil in the hotel room and some fun kid friendly places around the city. 

Conference goals we can pray for? That I'll finish my full length romantic suspense before then! And then that I will pitch it well. 

Anything we can celebrate with you? Hopefully the completion of my latest manuscript. Haha, soon. ;)

One or two ways we can help you build your platform? Funny thing? To me the thing that encourages me the most platform-wise is when people comment on my blog. So doing that would be awesome! I post more when people comment. I'm so attention-needy like that.