I think you all know I write erotic tomance. In my local writers group, Two Rivers Romance Authors. we like to discuss heat by talking peppers. I write the stories set at heat level: habañero. Spicy is my middle name. Well, no it’s not. But that’s okay. Anyway, I’m always working on ways to improve my writing and this year, a workshop all but dropped into my lap. I bought a fab book by Dr. Charley Ferrer called BDSM for Writers and joined her author’s interest loop. She discussed a 3 day intense workshop she’ll be hosting in August. In New York City. OMG.

First, let me say that I am looking forward to this workshop. A LOT! The workshop is going to cover so many things I’ve wanted to learn about for my stories. Panel discussions about  the BDSM lifestyle and actual hands-on experience when we attend a NYC BDSM club. This is so exciting. But in addition to the awesome workshop, I’m looking forward to visiting NYC. You see, I’ve never been to New York before. The hotel is smack in midtown Manhattan – blocks from everything! I can walk four blocks and get to Central Park. Wander down Fifth Avenue – shopping. Wow. I’m so excited. But so not ready. Not ready to do all that walking – even though I really want to. So in the last couple of weeks I started using my Y membership again. I’m attending Zumba classes.

I have to admit, I’m really enjoying myself. My instructor is very good. I say that because I caught on fairly fast but oh, the first night I went was…a challenge. That may be a kind way of putting it. The class has been ongoing for a good long time and I was just kind of jumping in blind. But in spite of my footwork issues, I caught on to some of the routines. I also learned to “dumb them down” so that I could do some of it without throwing my hands up in despair and deciding I wasn’t up to it.

That isn’t the only thing I’m just starting though. For my day job, I work as a librarian. And next week begins Summer Reading. Coming up in the next two weeks, I will only be able to get to one Zumba class. I’ve gone to three a week for the past couple of weeks but unfortunately, I have to miss the classes. I will be able to make the Wednesday class this week, but I’ll have to work Thursday night and Saturday – which is when the other classes are. And next week, I work Wednesday, Thursday and on Saturday I have a local TRRA workshop I’m attending. Model Jimmy Thomas is coming to Iowa to give a workshop on branding and marketing on Saturday, June 16. Hey, spots are still open so if you’re anywhere near Des Moines, Iowa – check it out and register. Jimmy has been on 3000 romance novel covers, including one of mine!. If anyone knows marketing, Jimmy does!

Anyway, I have good reasons to miss my class, but I’m worried I might not manage to go back to it. Anyone have any good advice for me? A pep talk? Or maybe your own experiences with Zumba, BDSM workshops, or Jimmy Thomas? I’d love to hear from you!

P.S. I’m including electronic versions of my books in the appropriate baskets for the Summer Solstice Bash contest: