Rhew The Nation -- The Pacific Northwest -- Part 1

So, Deek and I traveled across the country, almost literally from sea to shining sea. But we stopped our travels to hang out for a week in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest and visit with family and friends. We used to live there, and while we love our life in the South, we do miss so very many things about the PNW.

Like family! <3

Deek has the most amazing parents, and I'm so blessed to be part of their family!

Like friends!

I adore Christine's whole vibe--just a super cool person all around! <3

Like Portland.

I *really* love Portland.

We arrived at night and immediately went to eat at Deek's favorite restaurant. We'd saved our keto high carb day especially for that place!

He may be a little excited! LOL!

The next day, we decided to explore our little town to see what had changed since we lived there. In the two years since we lived there, several different places have come and gone--some for the betterment of the town and some not. And while we were out, we *had* to eat at our favorite Chinese joint. We've tried and tried to find Schezuan beef as good as this in the South, but we have not been able to. :(  

After two years of waiting...

Of course we got Dutch Bros! 

Come to the East Coast, please!!

And we took a little boat ride.

The PNW has lots of water! ;) 

The next day was the 4th of July! It's the second year in a row we've spent the 4th with Deek's parents, despite living 3,000 miles apart!! How cool is that?!?

Deek and his dad. Love these two awesome guys!

Waiting for the parade!

Holy crow! Our little town has grown a lot!

We could hardly walk through the festival because the streets were *so* crowded!

This is how I always look at this man--with complete adoration!

I am the luckiest woman in the world! <3

And...there's a theme.

I so love Dutch Bros!

Fireworks!!

The next day, Deek's parents took us on the OMSI jet boat ride in downtown Portland. They wanted to take us to the touristy places we never got around to going to when we lived in the PNW. OMG, we had such a good time!!

Ready to ride!

Got a little wet.

I'm glad I brought a sweater because even though it was mid-summer, it was cold on the water!

I'll be honest, it's something I've never been able to get used to about the PNW. I'm a Southern girl, and it's always hot in the summer. I mean, you might as well walk around on the face of the sun. If you take a boat ride, even the wind it generates is hot. So, this coolness at the beaches and on the water in the PNW throws my mind for a loop. I can't quite wrap my brain around it or get used to it. Who brings a coat to the beach in the summer? Even in a swimsuit, you're likely to burn the blazes up on a Southern beach in the summer. ;) 

Someone's engine caught on fire, so our jet boat became a rescue ship! 

Our captain paused the tour/adventure to tow the man and his family back to shore. 

We were glad to be of assistance!

Now we're getting soaked!

My favorite part of this picture is Deek's mom's smile. Makes my heart so happy! <3

Why did I bother to fix my hair?? Haha!

Speaking of hair, after the jet boat ride, we headed on over to get my hair dyed. We had a blast chatting it up with "Hair Chick," as we call her, and I walked away with awesome purpliness!

Sporting the purple look again!

Stay tuned! We had plenty more adventures in the PNW before we headed back to the East Coast via the southern route!

It's a Sci-Fi Life For Us

Greetings, Earthlings. Yeah, I think I've had my head in sci-fi for way too long. LOL! I've got my sci-fi, The Transhuman Project, out in on submission to agents, and I just finished edits on Deek's sci-fi, The Extractor. Y'all, my man is brilliant. This book is so interesting and complex that it left me thinking and pondering for days and days. Heck, I'm STILL thinking about it.

The Extractor, virtual reality gone amuck...

My next editing project, with a brand new client, is fantasy, so I'll be taking a little break from sci-fi, but I love both genres SO much!

We are so nerdy, and we love it!

In other news and randomness:

Y'all, it's April. And this girl is Southern. So this still cold, still snowing business in April "ain't going to work for me," as my Mema would say. No, sir. No way. No how. Bring me 80 degree weather and the sun so bright and intense you feel like it'll eat your skin off. That's what I'm talking about. Not this crazy, cold mess. Boo, winter. You've WAY overstayed your welcome (and for me, you're not even welcome, really). 

Gus is all of us on a cold spring morning.

The winter/spring hybrid

But sometimes Snapchat makes you look like a 40s starlet, so you forget about this weird winter/spring hybrid for a minute. ;) 

And sometimes you find a "Peach Pit" shirt at the thrift store, in the $1 section, and you wonder how anyone can give up such a treasure. Their loss is my gain...after I washed it, of course! ;) 

Despite the cool weather, Deek and I still love to go for a long stroll, and sometimes we allow coffee to come along for the ride.

I adore this man more than words can express!

<3 <3

This past weekend, we had an afternoon date, and Deek surprised me by taking me somewhere completely new and exotic. I love how he's so adventurous and willing to try new things!

Exploring

Wow, fruit can be gorgeous and slightly terrifying.

Look how huge this jackfruit is!

And Deek's contribution to the picture. ROFL!

And we celebrated our engagement-iversary. 

Deek and I love to celebrate every moment we can! <3

Here's our first kiss as an engaged couple! 

Until next time, explore, adventure, and have a blast doing it!

Uncommon Writing Tips

A while back, I wrote about the common writing mistakes we see at BookFish Books and Tenacious Books Publishing. Today, I'm going to offer some uncommon writing tips that apply to your craft and regular life in general. 

I've heard many times how important it is for authors to have experiences in life to make their writing richer. That's not to say that people without experience or certain experiences can't write quality novels, not at all. But I think the point is to get out there and live life. Find things that interest you and do them. Don't stay locked behind your computer. Go out, observe people, and experience the world. Your writing might thank you. ;) 

Shakespeare was one of the best people watchers around. 

He observed and understood human nature on a deep level.

Before you get all discouraged because you don't have a lot of money or a lot of places to go, you can explore right where you are, often times for free. There are many resources for finding out about local events--friends, FaceBook, local advertisements.

Recently, Deek and I had the rare opportunity for a middle-of-the-week date. I picked him up at lunch time (one car life), and we tried a new place. Then, I picked him up a little early from work that evening, and we went to a free, local concert.

A little lunch date smooching

Kissing continued at the free concert. Do you see a theme? LOL!

There was a huge crowd at the concert, so there were plenty of people to observe. The interplay between young lovers. The behavior of a group a friends. The uninhibited dancing their hearts out. Those who scowled despite the laughter and joy going on around them. Each person becomes a potential character, or traits of characters, for future books.

This past weekend, we went to an art museum and walked their art trails (a free activity). We had a total blast, got some artistic inspiration, observed a lot of people, and got a little exercise to go with it. Winning all around!

Talking heads. 

It's a no-no in the writing world but a yes-yes in the art world!

I like big butts and I cannot lie.

Very cool perspective!

Pause for a little reflective time.

Find your inner peace.

I adore this man SO much!!

Where fairground gates go to die...

It's a flesh wound...

I love weeping willows. They're so romantic!

Just being near this tree stirred up some creative ideas!

Remember, in writing and in life, coffee is a must! 

A writer's elixir.

This special bean helps turn sleepy gibberish into magical words.

The Deek and Erin summer special

Word. An oldie but goodie!

Don't forget a special treat for your pals as well.

Here's Gus enjoying a puppyaccino!

Remember to exercise! It's just as important to keep the body as fit as the mind! Deek and I lift, run, hike, box, and walk a lot. Walking is a great way to work in fitness and creative musing. We often hash out a lot of our plots this way.

An evening walk with my love

Training

Ropes are a tough one!

Excuse my cheesy grin--I'd just completed a half marathon in the pouring rain!

Even better, coffee AND fitness combined! ;) 

Find people who share your creative passions and will exchange ideas with you. Friends are a must--they encourage and support. Other authors provide crucial insight into the industry. Beta readers and critique partners help sharpen and shape your work. 

My Dream Team (plus two amazing bloggers)

Hanging out with some author pals

Chrissy Lessey, Dave Atwell, and Papa Stro Maestro

And some of my critique partners over the years....

Jessica Calla

Michelle Pickett

Meradeth Houston

Mary Waibel

T.C. Mckee

Heather Van Fleet

Deek Rhew! Yep, my husband!

He started out as my critique partner, and we fell in love!!

Have pets. I'm not kidding. If you have the financial ability and the heart capacity, they're wonderful little writing assistants! 

Bring me Solo...

Our snuggly, gorgeous Trinity!

He trips me out. 

He looks like a meerkat here, but he knows I caught him doing something he shouldn't.

Gus could not be a better dog!! 

He's quiet, loving, cuddly, and he has the best possible personality.

Wondering how Mommy got puppy ears too. Thanks for the laugh, Snapchat!

Remember to have fun. Life is short, and writing is hard. So, take a break, laugh, and enjoy time with those you love. I lost my beloved PaPa unexpectedly in July, so I'm acutely aware of just how finite our time here really is.

Until next time...create wonderful things, love hard, and...