We always have something "next" here at TT Pub. We receive literally dozens of submissions on a daily basis, so just wading through the slush pile is a focus-steady activity. Of serious interest though is adding "Smashwords" to our venue lineup. We believe it will add another layer of networking and reader-reach for our authors.

All the Tell-Tale Publishing authors, of course. Then we reach back to such classics as those written by the Bronte Sisters, Dickens, Yeats, Joyce, Poe, Shakespeare, Williams, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Shelly, Stoker, Tolkien, Hawthorne, Asimov, and...this could go on forever, but you get the idea.

A 10 lb Maltese named Hudson who thinks he's my boss. I guess he is, really.

Editing, keeping abreast of publishing news and business, communicating with writers, editors, financial personnel, artists, IT folks, and others with whom I do business. Sometimes I sleep. Sometimes I don't...

They are submitted to me for reviews or publishing consideration. Sometimes a friend asks me to do a beta read.

Yes, it was an historical paranormal romance set in the palace and royal residences of Peter the Great and his nobles. At the time, the editor who considered it told me it was too dark. By today's standards it would be fluff.

Pantser, definitely a pantser.

Once I got past picture books, there were the Nancy Drew mysteries, the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins. If they had them, I I know I would have devoured the Goosebump books. Then as I got to like boys, I started in on Barbara Cartland. I recall loving Charles Dickens, and Edgar Allan Poe at a very young age.

The impact is easy to recall. It turned me into a lifelong reader and then a writer.

The author fills out a questionnaire created by the artist. Then, once the cover comes to me, if I have no immediate or radical issue with it (which is rare), it is sent to the author for input and approval.

I read my friend's books and/or recommendations, and some of my long-time favorite authors, like Dean Koontz or James Rollins. I also like little daily inspirational books. I like to browse self-help books, and leaf through well-illustrated picture books (I collect world folklore and mythology).

Some of my fondest "book" memories are browsing musty old used book stores with writing buddies in St. Louis and New York City while at writing conferences.

Frankly, I usually just read them on my laptop, which is where I seem to be most of the time anyway. We do have a notepad and a kindle fire, but hubby has taken possession of those.