So, I've been doing some research on how a writer should "brand" themself, you know, like how a certain company or product can be known to deliver a certain type of service or enjoyment.  I've done a lot of thinking about this.  I've tossed around a couple of ideas.  I know my heros are passionate.  I know my heroines are strong and independent.  So, I came up with:

"Passionate Heros...Independent Heroines...Enticing Romance
 ~ More than just a love story ~"

After I stepped back and took a look at it, I realized that I unwittingly, spelled out P.I.E.  LOL

So, now everytime someone looks at a pie, they'll think of me.  Holy cow.  That's funny and kinda cool.  I just hope it works.    What do you think?

Caramel Machiato...Pumpkin Spice...Iced Frappacino...House Blend...yummy!

Like Starbucks coffee?  Want to get it for free?  Visit my website, www.vemathis.com, and enter for a chance to win a $20 Starbucks gift card. 

The countdown has begun (for me, at least).  To whet your appetite, read an excerpt of "Love's Web," and then, pre-order your copy. 

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I planned on running a contest beginning in September; but, I had technical difficulties (read, I'm THAT stupid) when I tried to enter the information.  I'm happy to announce that I've overcome the difficulties and the contest info is up on my website:  www.vemathis.com.  Enter for a chance to win a $10 Visa gift card.  Good luck.

That's right...I've got "free" stuff.  And I know you're itching to get your hands on it. 

The storm has left me housebound, so I've been hard at work on my promotional items.  Bookmarks, business cards, flyers, fans, and ink pens (okay, so I didn't do the ink pens).  Want some?  Send me an e-mail to VEMathis@yahoo.com with your name, item(s) requested, and mailing address, and I'll pop them in the mail to you.  It's that simple.   Have a great (soggy) weekend!

Verdi

I can't believe summer is over already.  I've had a crazy/busy summer.  Football practice started at the beginning of August (whose freakin idea was that?!?) and I've been carting my son off to practiver e-v-e-r-y-n-i-g-h-t.  Getting up at 5:00 a.m. and getting home at 9:00 p.m. makes for a long day.  Anyway, Go Falcons! (PG Falcons, that is).

We received some great entries for the Romance Anthology.  Thanks to everyone who submitted.  We're in the putting everything together stage now, and we've got some room to throw in a few ads for anyone who would like a half-page space or full page.  Send your inquiries to WWAnthologySubmissions@gmail.com and please put "Romance Antho Ad" in the subject line.  If you have any questions, you might want to shoot an email off to us there rather than the MySpace page for fear we might not get to it here right away. 

All you romance authors who want some publicity might consider advertising in the anthology.

I'll be featuring a contest, beginning in September, and running to the release of my novel, Love's Web.  Look for information on my website www.vemathis.com.  That's it for now.  Keep on writing!

Have a good laugh, I know I did.

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.

The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'. So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.
 
She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.
 
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.
 
She said, 'you should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'

And then the fight started...

 ***********************************************************************

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asked, 'Do you know her?'
 
'Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since.'
 
'My God!' says my wife, 'who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'
 
And then the fight started...

 ***********************************************************************

I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny?
 
Yeah, well I couldn't believe it... he was a DWARF!!!
 
He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted, 'I AM NOT HAPPY!!!'
 
So, I looked down at him and said, 'Well, then which one are you?'
 
And then the fight started...

Looking for something to do on this long weekend?  How about reading a good story?  Cacoethes Publishing House has several free stories available for your enjoyment.  Check out titles by authors AJ Hampton, Dan Moran, and Sage Whistler.  Grab a glass of lemonade, put your feet up and enjoy!http://www.cacoethespublishing.net/

This is a long one…

So Thursday, I get a call from my 4^th graders' Vice-Principal, telling me my son was sent to his office for "consistent misbehavior."  The two—not one—but two teachers who sent him to the Vice-Principal's office NEVER send their misbehaviors to him.  I could only imagine what horror little Mr. Justin had done. Obviously something reprehensible.  My overly active imagination pictured some poor kid mangled and bleeding, or worse, dead, at the hands of my incorrigible little monster.  He put Justin on the phone so he could tell me what he'd done.  My actor-in-training got on the phone; voice quivering, (I could see the tears welling up in his eyes), barely able to speak.  "Ma?"  Deep breath.  "What did you do Justin?" I asked.  "The teacher told us to take out our math books, and I...(wait for it)  breathed." 

Honestly, I wanted to laugh, but the disciplinarian in me had to be stern.  I won't share with you what I said, but it ended with me saying "you will regret me coming home this evening."  As the day went on, I conjured up punishment that wouldn't send child services knocking on my door.  But, the kicker came about 2:30 when he called after school.  He was his jovial, bubbly, happy-go-lucky self.  Never mind I was fit to be tied.  He asked me, "can we spend some time together tonight?  You know.  Play a video game or watch RENT?"  WTF?  Can you say "wrapped around his finger?"

We actually did spend time together that evening.  It's a good thing I didn't kill him.  I had to save my energy for Friday; when I got a call from my oldest sons' school.  He got 10 days for fighting.  He doesn't go back to school until June 2^nd.  Four days before summer recess!   Deep sigh.  And I wonder where Justin gets it. 

Being a single parent is tough; whether you're male or female.  Either way, you have to be both mother and father.  You have to administer hugs and kisses and console them through boo-boo's and broken hearts; and, in my case, let them know you'll "bust their chest wide open", if you have to.  I sincerely hope I earn a spot in heaven.  And if I do, all I can say is my husband better bend over and kiss his ass good-bye!!