It’s the only room to receive such fancy treatment but when we decided to redo the floors, I wanted the one in this room to be special (which is why it wasn’t completed with the rest of the house). I think my patience was well rewarded, don’t you?

I created a new category for this post today — Claim Your Space. With so many things going on beyond our control in this vast world we inhabit, and so much information bombarding us from infinite directions, I think it’s important to surround yourself with things (and people — cats count!) that make you happy. Whether your “space” is comprised of a 30-room mansion, an efficiency apartment or a cupboard under the stairs (go Harry Potter!) I think if you can create an area that brings you peace and allows your body to breathe then you’re on the right track.

Now if I were to share pictures of the typical Lyons’ household look, everyone would wonder how in the world I find my office door, much less my computer. I tend to have real issues with paper and clutter. Trust me, I’m talking Oprah-show type issues when it comes to clutter. Piles. And boxes. And more piles. Did I mention that “Filing Cabinet” is my middle name? And unfortunately–I’m not smiling. (Though I did crack one during my proofread.)

What I am doing is taking the opportunity to create a space for my writing from — literally — the ground up. My goal is to only incorporate things that I absolutely love and that bring me pleasure or that are necessary and beneficial to creating the stories currently inhabiting my head and heart.

As I make progress decorating this room, and strive to rid it of all unnecessary objects and clutter, I’ll bring you along on a pictorial tour.

For now, simply imagine the furry feline currently gracing my bamboo floor, the one with tufts of fur sticking out between each toe (or would that be claw?) doing cartoon-kitty runs and third-base slides all over the floor.

But after debating for months I finally decided to start blogging, with the hope of keeping fans and readers more up-to-date on what I’m working on story-wise, as well as sharing my thoughts — goofy though they may be — on such far-reaching, mind-titillating topics as 007 (yes, James Bond…I’m a fan of both the books & the movies and over time will offer reviews of them all),  the writing life of a health-challenged author who strives to feel better every day and make sure every book is better than the last, and I’ll also be posting reviews of my “Keeper Shelf” — those books that have been in my possession ranging up to 20 years or more, that I considered top of the tops. There’s a ton of traditional Signet Regencies on that list, but also a large number of books in other genres. Lastly, I’m sure there will be the occasional recipe or chocolate fix, or better still — little tips on living well and being happy. Because as far as I’m concerned, there is so much crappola going on in the world around us I think it’s really important when our own corner of this wonderful world is as pleasant and peaceful and smile-engendering as we can make it. That’s what I strive for– in my life, and with my stories–pleasantness and peace and contentment. All good qualities I think may sometimes be overlooked.

For several years now, I’ve attempted to update my Lair every other month or so and share all my writing news and best kitty pictures all at once but sometimes I’m woefully late. I think trying a blogging format, where I can post smaller snippets more frequently, and organize them according to topic, will prove a more efficient way to share what’s going on.

For the next few days, as I wade in a little deeper — and because Alyssa and I have a fabulous release coming out next week — I’ll be posting frequently as I get into my groove, but eventually, I’m not sure how often I’ll add things. I thought about posting just whenever I feel like it, I’ve also thought about attempting to do it on the “5’s” (i.e., on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th and so on…). I also might try doing it once a week, say on Thursdays…

Haven’t made up my mind yet, but I do think every single day is more ambitious than I’m up for right now, but if you have an opinion I’d love to hear it. Are you someone that enjoys going to a blog every single day? Or is once a week or twice a month good enough?

Share your preference if you have it and have a wonderful day! Larissa