Friday, April 13, 2012

Superstitious?

I am!  Those around me will tell you I am one of the most superstitious people they know.  If I say “knock on wood”, you can rest assured, I will physically knock on wood.  When I sit down at a table to eat, the blade of my knife must face away from the plate.  I will casually flip it over before my patootie ever hits the chair if it doesn’t.  And, my grandmother taught me, if you enter someone’s home, you must leave through the same door, or bad luck will strike.

I do have my limits.  I don’t throw salt over my shoulder for fear it will get in my dog’s eyes.  But if I see a black cat cross before me, I will turn around and go in the opposite direction. 

Triskaidekaphobia defined me perfectly.  That is the very real and morbid fear of the number 13.  So, it’s ironic that my very first blog for Harlequin American Romance is today, Friday the 13th.

Just to give you an example of the extent of my fear, a few years ago when I finished planting my spring flower beds, I stopped to literally smell the roses.  I counted 13 rose bushes.  That couldn’t possibly be right.  I counted and recounted.  How could this happen?  I’m more careful than this!  In a panic, I called my mother.  “I can’t believe I planted 13 rose bushes!”  Her response, “What do you want me to do?  Drive over there and pick you up so you can get some more?”  YES!  And she did.  I couldn’t trust myself to drive.  I already tempted fate by planting 13 bushes.  Who knew what would happen if I got behind the wheel of a car.

I have gone to unbelievable extremes to avoid the number 13.  Yet somehow, in a bout of extreme exhaustion, I submitted my first manuscript to Harlequin on December 13th.  I didn’t realize my error until March 13th, when I received THE CALL from my wonderful editor, Kathleen Scheibling.  When I looked back and saw my submission date, I nearly fainted.  Could it be the ever evil 13 wasn’t so bad after all?  A few days later, when Marin Thomas asked me to blog for American Romance, I was over the moon.  She asked me to choose a monthly blog date and low and behold, the 13th was available.  

I firmly believe everything happens in threes.  Being here, with all of you on Friday, April 13th completed the circle.  My irrational fear is replaced with confidence and positive energy.  I know this is sending a fit of laughter through those who know me best.  I would never even leave my house on Friday the 13th, let alone celebrate the date.  That CALL was one month ago today – so now every 13th reminds me of what I’ve accomplished so far.  And to boot, my first book, tentatively titled Double Trouble, will be out in the first half of 2013.  Too bad they don’t release books on the 13th of the month.


While I’ve overcome my Triskaidekaphobia, I do have other superstitions when it comes to writing.  My biggest one…I Love Lucy must be playing on television when I write.  I can barely hear it, but it has to be on.  If it’s not, I can’t concentrate and I feel my work won’t be any good.


Yes, I’m quirky, but what writer is perfectly in their right mind?  But I’m also curious – I can’t be the only one out there with writing superstitions.  I’d love to hear about yours.


Happy Friday the 13th


Amanda Renée
www.amandarenee.com

16 comments:

Bridgett39 said...

Sounds like 13 is your lucky number!! You are so deserving!!

Amanda Renee said...

Thank you Bridgett!

Anonymous said...

I have never been able to understand your fear of the number 13. I gave you life and I was born on the 13th.

Love you,
Mom

Anonymous said...

Just read the comment from you Mom. That is too funny!

Congrats on your sale to American Romance!

My only writing superstition - and it probably isn't one - is I like writing longhand then typing it. I find if I type as I go, I feel it's harder to change the words later. It's like typing means a final draft.

MarcieR

Amanda Renee said...

Mom -

I never looked at it that way. LOL. Thanks!

Marcie -

Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

I love your writing! "13" has been my lucky for as long as I can remember. I was born on the 13th and I've always had very good luck when the 13th falls on a Friday. And if my birthday is lucky enough to fall on a Friday the 13th -- fabulous. It certainly sounds like 13 is destined to be your lucky number from now on. Congratulations on all the wonderful things happening for you right now.

@sweetestopeas

Joanne

Amanda Renee said...

Thank you Joanne, that is so sweet! 13 has definitely changed my life for the good :)

Kathleen said...

This is my first day back in the office after being sprung from jury duty. It's the 13th -- and I definitely feel lucky to be here!

Congrats on your first post, Amanda.

Amanda Renee said...

Thank you, Kathleen! You truly have changed my life. I am forever grateful to you.

linda s said...

Congratulations on your first blog. My mother would have loved you. She had the Irish fascination with all things bad luck. Carry an open umbrella into her house... she would forgive you more easily if you had killed her first born. Happy the 13th is working so well for you. My father always thought it was a lucky number. Looking forward to seeing your first book on my book shelf.

Sarah M. Anderson said...

Look at you, doing an awesome job blogging! I foresee great things in your future! My favored date is the 26th. Met husband on Oct. 26th, married on April 26th, closed on both houses on the 26th. It is a very good day for us!

Linda Warren said...

Hi Amanda,
I agree. 13 IS your lucky number.

Welcome to American. You'll love writing for the line. Looking forward to reading your book.

Amanda Renee said...

Linda - Thank you and I completely forgot about the umbrella thing. I am the exact same way! Heaven forbid one is opened inside around me. LOL!

Amanda Renee said...

Sarah - Your advice got me through this first blog. Thank you for everything!

Amanda Renee said...

Linda Warren - Thank you. I think I have read every one of your books. Thank you for being an inspiration.

Linda Warren said...

Oh, Amanda, I just saw this. Bless your heart. I love you.