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Just Between Us
Superromance Authors and friends talk about books, life and chocolate.
Winners! |
Now that it's June, I drew a name for the winner of one of my books for the May giveaway. Teresa W. please send me the title you want, and where to send.
Thanks to all who participated.
Kathryn ShayPosted by Kathryn Shay
Author of THE WRONG MAN FOR HER
on 6/2/2007 |
Previous blog entry |
| Hey, everyone, sorry it's taken me so long to get back to the blog! Family/life issues. Can't be helped.
What a great letter, Kathy. It's the kind of letter we all hope to get from our readers. There's nothing like knowing you've really touched someone's life.
I promised a book to one of the people who commented on my last blog entry. I put all the names in a bowl and drew out Jessica Raymond. Jessica, if you'll send your address to mwatson1004@hotmail.com, I'll send you a copy of SMALL TOWN SECRETS, the book that precedes SMALL TOWN FAMILY, which is out this month.
Margaret
Posted by Margaret Watson
Author of Small Town Family
on 5/18/2007 |
Reader Mail--a young fan |
Thought our Super readers might like to see this. It makes being a writer worthwhile.
I have just finished reading your book, THE WRONG MAN FOR HER, and I must say I love it. So much of what you wrote about hit home. I myself am a victim of rape and it's good that you are letting people out there know that it's not their fault.
I am also thinking about going to school to be a counselor. I am 16 years old and I and I've been trying to decide what I want to do and I am defiantly considering social work/psychology.
Also, the shooting (in the book) hit home because of the recent shootings at Virginia Tech and all those people that were killed and it made me wonder if that guy had someone to talk to it never would've happened. I've spent most of my life in Blacksburg so that really struck a chord with me. But I'm glad at the end of your story, JJ finally got the help that he needed. I wish that I could say it turned out the same for others, but I can't.
I'm so glad that you tied a person like David Pelzer into your story. I've always admired him and he has given me the hope that I can move on with my own childhood experience and make a life for myself.
I wanted to write and say thank you for a book that I can really relate to on so many different levels. Again, thank you for writing such an outstanding work.
Nice, huh?
Kathy Posted by Kathryn Shay
Author of THE WRONG MAN FOR HER
on 5/11/2007 |
Romance Covers I Have Known and Loved |
| Hey Gang! This is my first blog entry on the Superromance site, though I have been blogging about writing, TV, Movies and books over at http://www.drunkwritertalk.blogspot.com/.
I've recently been involved in a conversation with several romance authors about covers. Since we have very little control over what gets put on our cover every book it's a sometimes wonderful, sometimes scary surprise. My July Release UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR is by far the best cover I've had. But that month is jam packed with great covers (click around upcoming books for a peek). But talking about great covers had me glancing over at my keeper shelf to which books, if any, I picked up because of the cover. And there were lots!
Remember Bonnie K. Winn's Superromance Rules of Engagement with the couple on the car? Fantastic cover and so is Kay Stockhams Man With A Past.
Sadly, on that keeper shelf I have a lot of Fabio, too. Yikes. He must have made a lot of money in the 80's. Katherine Sutcliffe's Dream Fever with that guy's stuffed pants?
What are your favorite covers? Posted by Molly O'Keefe
Author of UNDERCOVER PROTECTOR
on 5/11/2007 |
Slice-of-Life books |
Kathy, I can't wait to read THE WRONG MAN FOR HER. It sounds like a wonderful book, emotional and very timely. I'm sure your background as a teacher adds lots of layers to it - just the kind of book I like to read.
I love 'slice of life' books. They're so rich and emotionally compelling. Although there's a lot to be said for fairy-tales and fantasy, too, when I want to be swept away into another world! But all in all, I think I prefer the real life books.
That's why I love writing Superromances. I like to read, and write, books about women I might know, women who could be friends of mine. What about everyone else? What do you like best about Supers? As always, I'll choose one person to receive a copy of one of my books. This time it'll be SMALL TOWN SECRETS. My book that's out this month, SMALL TOWN FAMILY, is a spin-off of that book.
MargaretPosted by Margaret Watson
Author of Small Town Family
on 5/4/2007 |
High School and fire drills |
Maureen, your comment reminded me of some good things schools do to keep kids safe. Where I was teaching, adn where my own kids attended, the fire department and the police department would come every spring right before the senior ball and conduct a simulated drunk driving crash for the seniors. They'd have a car totaled, kids supposedly trapped, a drunk kid and dead passengers. The scene was set when the seniors arrived, then the real police cars and fire trucks would arrive and get the kid out with the Jaws of Life, make the drunk driver walk to show he was drunk, and arrest him. Then the police chief would talk to the seniors about not driving under the influence. It was very powerful.
Just a note: One year, my son was a junior and he was the staged driver. It was pretty chilling to see him handcuffed. He's an actor and why he was chosen.
Also, at that school, I was in charge of the after prom party for years; it's a huge shebang put on by the teachers, kids and supported totally by donations. The school was open and decorated and the seniors came to have fun--all night long--without drinking. There were video games, sports things, kareoke, characature painting, palm readers and a big breakfast at the end with prizes. We got about 300-400 kids each year and it cost around $8000. But it was very successful.
Spreaking of slice of life books, I used the crash event in my firefighter book CODE OF HONOR. It was a really powerful scene.
Schools do try to help kids in a lot of ways.
Kathy Posted by Kathryn Shay
Author of THE WRONG MAN FOR HER
on 5/4/2007 |
THE WRONG MAN FOR HER and reality |
Good morning! Thanks so much to all of you who've posted. It was important to me to read that you like the 'slice of life' books. I think Superromance novels do this well. Any ones in particular that you liked in this regard? (Of course, it doesn't have to be just my work ).
The subject of school safety is close to my heart. As many of you know I was a high school teacher for decades, and loved it as much as I love writing full time. It was never an easy job, even before the spate of school violence in the last years. I remember when I started teaching at 22 years old. I was only four years older than my students and they scared me to death. I was also often afraid in the halls. As I grew up and older and more accustomed to the situation, I felt more comfortable. I broke up fights (you should have seen me jumping on kids' backs), dealt with suicidal teens showing up at my door at midnight, and ran myself ragged doing extra-curricular things with kids, as reseach shows individual contact outside of the classroom reduces risks of violence.
That's the bad part. The good part was that I know, over the course of my career, that I influenced thousands of lives. I made a difference. And I'm a born teacher, craft wise, so I also loved imparting knowledge.
School violence is a thing to be reckoned with today, but we shouldn't forget how schools are families, too, and all the good things that happen. I've written other books about this--a trilogy for Harlequin, my first single title--because it's important to look at both sides.
Anyone want to share stories about their kids, their schools? Any teachers out there?
Keep posting, in any case, to win a book, to share other 'slice of life' novels you've read, to give input on other Superromance titles.
Kathy Posted by kathryn shay
Author of THE WRONG MAN FOR HER
on 5/3/2007 |
Topics of books |
Good morning!
Given what I said yesterday about the topic of my book, I'm wondering how readers feel about "slice of life" books. Do you want to read about regular women who have real jobs and relationships that are difficult to deal with? Or does that reflect your own life too much? Would you rather read about Sheiks and Greek Tycoons, or Werewolves and Vampires because that takes you out of your own life?
My preference is the former, but the story definitely has to be set within a romance. I feel it's redeeming to read about people like me and how their issues are worked out.
Tell me what you think!!
Kathy Shay Posted by Kathryn Shay
Author of THE WRONG MAN FOR HER
on 5/2/2007 |
Art Imitates Life |
Hi, Cynthia and readers.
I thought I’d share something a bit scary with you all. I’m posting this on my website, too. My upcoming Super, THE WRONG MAN FOR HER, is about Nick Logan, a former troubled kid, who has become a teen counselor. Along with Madelyn Walsh, the only woman he ever loved, and ditched three years ago, he works at the Rockford Crime Victims Center counseling kids who’ve been the victims of violent crimes. Most of the teens are suffering from PTSD after their victimization and Nick and Maddie help them through the aftermath. Along the way, the two adults also work on their own issues, and on the defunct relationship.
The spooky part concerns one of the boys who's been bullied to the point of getting his arm broken, and though Nick does help him, there’s a hostage situation and threats of school violence in the last third of the book.
Of course, the story was written long before Blacksburg, VA happened. And I’ve done other books on school violence. Still...
I’ve already received some email on the book’s timeliness and that it was very healing.
Any thoughts?
Kathy Shay
P.S. As always, I’ll give away a free book drawn from members who post here.
Posted by kathryn shay
Author of THW RONG MAN FOR HER
on 5/1/2007 |
First real crush |
| Hi Everyone. My May Superromance should hit the shelves in a few days. It's called HER SISTER'S CHILD, and deals with some serious family issues. But one theme that carries through the book concerns the heroine's reaction to meeting the man on whom she'd developed a serious crush when she was in college. Ten years have passed and Julia and Cameron meet entirely by accident (you'll have to read the book to see how). I was able to relate to her feelings because my first unrealistic fantasy concerned my American Lit professor way back when. He wasn't especially good looking, though he wouldn't have scared children or pets, but his mind... oh, my gosh, what a mind he had. And voice. The way he read poetry and delved into the minds of America's great authors of the past. My second unforgettable crush was on a golf pro, a macho guy who didn't know F. Scott Fitzgerald from Edgar Allan Poe, but I thought he was the funniest man alive.
So, for discussion's sake, I'm wondering. What great crush stands out in your past? The intellectual? The athlete? The executive? This doesn't have to be a "tell-all." Just briefly describe him. I'll choose a winner from the responses and send along a copy of HER SISTER'S CHILD. Maybe you'll feel a kinship with Julia, who, in the end, of course, had her dreams fulfilled.
Happy remembering, Cynthia Posted by Cynthia Thomason
Author of Her Sister's Child
on 5/1/2007 |
New book musings |
| I'm just starting a new book, and I've been thinking a lot about my characters. I like to have some idea who they are before I start writing, but I really learn about them as I write. One of the ways I do that is to get into their heads and find out what they're thinking - and I'm usually surprised at what I hear!
As a reader, I love books that have both the hero and the heroine's thoughts in them. How about you? Do you enjoy knowing what's going on in both of their minds, or do you like a little mystery? And whose thoughts do you enjoy reading more, the hero or the heroine?
Margaret Posted by Margaret Watson
Author of Small Town Family
on 4/17/2007 |
Anti Setting |
| I have to come clean here. I'm not much of a setting person. I'd rather focus on the characters, motivation, conflict and all that other good stuff. So when it comes to setting, I'm kind of a minimalist. Is it any wonder I get comments from my editor saying there's no sense of setting? For me, the challenge is including enough to orient the reader, but not overshadow the characters.
As a reader, I tend to get irritated with a lot of scenic detail. I want story and I want it now!! Of course, that may be why I read a lot of contemporary romantic suspense. As a teen I read historical romance and loved the detail. Somewhere along the line I guess I lost my ability to read patiently. Hm. Something to think about!
Carrie Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of NO TIME TO LOSE ~ Harlequin NASCAR Series~May 2007
on 4/12/2007 |
Winners from 4/11 |
| Carol and Kim were the winners with my "pick the closest number to mine" game.
I put a note in the comment section, but haven't heard from either of you---so thought I should do it this way maybe. Email me with your choice of books and where you want them sent: rdfox@worldnet.att.net
Thanks for participating. Comments were great bthw.
Roz Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of Real Cowboys (out now)
on 4/12/2007 |
What shall we discuss today? |
| I honestly forgot that today was my day to blog until I ripped the page off my calendar. So I'm open to talk about just about anything. Or maybe that's a mistake to say that. What if you all want to know my innermost, deep, dark secrets? You're out of luck. My life is an open book. I am so up front about me and what I do in my day to day boring life. This is the time of year I get fired up go to the nursery and pick out blooming things for the yard. I planted geraniums and desert daisies. I have a tree that didn't make it through winter. I can't decide what I want to replace it. Desert plants are fragile things. I also go into a cleaning frenzy that dh hates. He has to hang on to all of his favorite clothes that should have hit the garbage a year ago. Then I also start thinking about crafts to do. For me sitting down doing things with copper, or leather, or woodworking is like a renewal of my core self. Sounds boring, right? It's what I do when I'm between books. So what do you all do to rev up the idea factory inside your heads?
Oh, at the end of the day I'll think about two numbers between 1 and 20, and if you hit them, you'll get a copy of any backlist book of mine you'd like to read. Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of Real Cowboys 4/07
on 4/11/2007 |
Winner of the hero drawing |
| Sorry I missed picking a winner before I left for my Easter gathering -- just too much to do when you're entertaining 11 people on a houseboat. Ack!
I've picked Teresa W, who picked Jean Brashear's Eli as her favorite hero. You gotta love a guy who is determined to do the right thing -- even if the heroine doesn't want anything to do with him, right?
Teresa, email me with your mailing addy. Thanks to Minna and Robyn for participating.
Happy reading!!!
DebPosted by Deb Salonen
Author of THE MAX FACTOR in Who Needs Cupid?
on 4/9/2007 |
Settings |
I missed my day yesterday, but here I am.
Settings: What I think is really important about setting is to work it into the book so it almost becomes another character. Right now I'm writing a book that takes place in a very small town. The town itself engulfs the heroine in its warmth, shown by the people that live there, each of the stores, the newspaper office which is critical to the story. It's easy to tell about a place, but harder to show it.
Also, I've done several firefighter books. And the setting of the firehouse and the fire scenes themselves are crucial to the plot. My stories couldn't exist without them. I guess no story should be able to exist without its setting, which will tell you if it's vital enough to the story.
Kathy ShayPosted by Kathryn Shay
Author of THE WRONG MAN FOR HER
on 4/7/2007 |
Familiar settings |
| I tend to set my books in places I’m familiar with. I would love to push the envelop and write about life in an ultra urban area, or a hospital, or a space station, but…for now I think I’ll settle for close to home. Ranches, schools, small towns—those are things I know about. I try to draw the reader into my settings by adding small details and showing character reactions to their surroundings rather than by paragraphs of description. This works well for me—probably because I have a short attention span, LOL. I want action. Now. But I also want the reader to understand why the setting is important to the characters—and me—thus, the scattered detail approach. Posted by Jeannie Watt
Author of A Difficult Woman
on 4/4/2007 |
More on settings |
| A few more thoughts on settings.... I think settings matter when they matter to the characters. In the book I'm working on now, my hero really wants to buy back his family farm from the heroine. And she wants to sell it to him. The only problem is that doing so will take the heroine, and their daughter, away from the hero. (this is a secret baby book) What does he want more - his heritage and a place for his future business, or the daughter he's never known? Well, being a hero I'm sure you can guess what he'll choose in the end but meantime it's a dilemma. I still haven't figured out how he's going to get both! Posted by Joan Kilby
Author of Nanny Makes Three
on 4/2/2007 |
Settings |
| This week we’re talking about setting. Small town or big city? Ranch or resort? Real places or fictional towns? Home grown American or something more exotic?
My books are mainly set in small towns with a rural environment. I think because that’s where I grew up and where I still feel most comfortable. Small towns conjure a sense of community, where people celebrate the good times as one and pull together in the bad times, where you find comfort in familiar faces and the continuity of knowing people for years. Having said that, I think you can also find a sense of community in a big city. Think the coffee shop in Friends, or the bar in Cheers. One day I’d like to do a Super with a small-town community feel in a big city.
More and more I like to set books in Australia. It’s easier to research than to dip into my memory for places I’ve lived in Canada or nearby in the US. Plus there are some gorgeous settings here – hot springs, vineyards, beaches, beautiful rolling countryside.
My feeling is that while the setting should be authentic, it’s not the most important aspect of a book. A great story can take place anywhere. What do you all think? Do you enjoy reading about exotic settings? Or do you relate better to characters set in your own country?
Posted by Joan Kilby
Author of Nanny Makes Three
on 4/2/2007 |
Vive le difference |
Why do I read--and love--romance novels? The heroes. I'm not looking to identify with the strong, intelligent, resourceful, sensitive heroines--they're simply the bait to hook those fantasy guys, the ones I can sigh and dream and drool over.
What do I like in my fictional heroes? A sense of humor--preferably with a naughty twinkle in the eyes. Honesty--with himself as much as with the woman he wants in his life. Patience with the heroine who's making him suffer.
What qualities do you like in your fictional heroes? If you were a fictional heroine, what kind of hero would have you sighing and dreaming and drooling?
Posted by Terry McLaughlin
Author of THE RANCHER NEEDS A WIFE
on 3/30/2007 |
More Talk About Heroes |
| I find it interesting that there are two covers this month with men on the covers -- no women or babies in sight. What does that mean? I don't have the answer, but I'll have to read THE LAST COWBOY HERO and TEMPORARY FATHER to see if they're the "Alpha" males Linda Barrett mentioned or my usual type -- the ABC hero (alpha/beta/combined).
I've had a pure Alpha hero in a couple of books -- I think, but usually beneath that take-charge, ruthless, demanding exterior lurks a sweet guy waiting for the right woman to bring out his feminine side. Joking. Sorta. My stories all involve change, and I think Alpha males resist change the most (because they think they're right). So, even if they come into my head thinking they can boss me and my story around, I (and my heroine) whip them into shape eventually. Not literally, of course. My stories are PG-13.
So, here's your challenge: name your favorite heroes -- Alpha or otherwise -- in any Superromance you've read -- mine or some other author -- and I'll pick someone to receive a recent release of mine. I'll check back in early next week, so put your thinking caps on. I'm off to work on the printout of my November release called BETTING ON SANTA. I adore this hero. In the opening scene he gets barfed on by the heroine's nephew.
Deb Posted by Debra Salonen
Author of THE MAX FACTOR in Who Needs Cupid?
on 3/29/2007 |
WINNER! |
| Cherie, congratulations! You're the winner of the theme question. Please email me the title of the book you want and I'll drop it in the mail. Thanks everyone for participating. Linda Warren Lw1508@aol.com Posted by Linda Warren
Author of Once A Cowboy
on 3/29/2007 |
Let's Talk About Heroes! |
Millions of women around the world read romance literature. Many of those million are attracted to the Alpha male. You know the type. He takes charge. He knows the answers-or thinks he does. He solves the problems without letting the heroine worry her head about it. He goes in and gets the job done - and doesn’t communicate with folks along the way to his goal.
The guy sounds so good…but frankly, I’d rather read about him than live with him. In real life, no one’s taking charge of me unless I allow it. I can figure out the answers too, or my hero and I can figure them out together. I don’t want to be left in the dark when there’s an issue. And while I admire goal setting, I like someone who talks to me! Of course, in a romance that Alpha male is so ripe for the heroine to open him up. However, I’m going to stick to my Beta man. It’s worked for almost 40 years, so I won’t tamper with success…
How about you? What kind of heroes are you drawn to? Do you separate the fantasy from real life like I do? Or are your fantasy and reality the same? Let’s get the conversation going…and this week, it’s all about heroes. Yay!
Best to all,
Linda
Posted by Linda Barrett
Author of HOUSEFUL OF STRANGERS
on 3/25/2007 |
Themes we love or hate |
| I can't think of any themes I really HATE, and of course I love quite a few. Hoever, my least favorite theme (no one throw anything)would probably be marriage in jeopardy. I don't know why, but when I start a romance and the hero/ heroine are already married I sometimes think oh,no. That doesn't mean that I haven't read any such books that I liked. I've read several that I really did like. For the most part I don't pick them up unless it's an author I've read before and I know I like that person's writing. I guess like anything else it's just something that clicks in my head to give me that first feeling of oh, I won't like it. Quite often I do like the book. So okay all you marriage in jeopardy fans, let me have it. Posted by Suzanne Cox
Author of Unexpected Daughter
on 3/23/2007 |
The Secret Baby... |
We’re discussing themes and I have to confess that my favorite is secret babies. I know, but I’m a sucker for a baby story. Back when I was only a reader a secret baby book was always an auto buy. Don’t know why they appeal to me so much. Maybe it’s that instant tension between the hero and the heroine and that eagerness in turning the pages waiting for the moment when the secret is revealed. And then breathlessly waiting to see how the revelation is dealt with by the hero and the heroine.
My very first attempt at writing a romance novel was a secret baby book. It made the rounds of rejections and went to its final resting place in my attic. After that, I decided to quit writing. It was just too hard. But that didn’t last long. I was soon working on another story and luckily it sold in 1999. The Truth About Jane Doe was a secret identity story. The heroine was left on someone’s doorstep and no one knew where she came from or who she was. So I guess I just like secrets.
My first secret baby book was in 2001, Emily’s Daughter, and I still get mail on it today. It seems there are a lot of people who like these books.
Remember that first attempt. My editor just happened to be one of the many editors who had read it and she asked me about it. She remembered the plot, but said I hadn’t found my writing voice yet. She wanted me to write another proposal on it and I did. My husband dug it out of the attic and I reread it. Let me tell you it was awful. At the time I thought it was so great. It wasn’t. But I reworked it and my editor bought it. It became my tenth book and my first Harlequin American, The Christmas Cradle. I’m not a lucky person, but I got lucky on that one. I was very happy to see that book in print.
I hope you’ll join the discussion. We’d love to hear what themes you like and what themes are an auto buy for you. I’ll draw a winner from the answers posted. The prize: one of the books mentioned above, your choice.
So what is your favorite theme?
Posted by Linda Warren
Author of Once A Cowboy
on 3/22/2007 |
My Favorite Themes |
| Ahhh, themes. Amy took my favorite by claiming the friends to lovers example first, but also on my list of favorites—secrets. I happen to love secret stories, but motivating them can be tricky. Why not simply reveal the secret from the get-go and be done with it? Why keep something that important secret? That’s the key to the story. The secret has to be deep and dark and life-altering, otherwise it may come across as a minor inconvenience and unimportant.
My first book, Montana Secrets, was a secret story, my heroine a sexually abused young woman afraid to tell the man in her life what happened because she knew he’d never look at her the same way again. And then there’s my heroine’s daughter in Montana Skies. Skylar went from blond hair and blue eyes to a Gothic nightmare because of the horrible secret she’s kept buried deep inside her in regard to her father’s death. That’s the kind of motivation needed to sustain secret stories, and one of the reasons why I love them so much. Private people hold things in and each and every one of us have a private side. We all have something, some tiny little aspect or thought or feeling, that we’ve never told anyone. That’s our secret. It motivates how we act and react, the way we speak to others, everything, and something I think we all identify with as readers.
I used to have a list of my favorite ‘secret’ stories but I couldn’t find it for this blog so that’s what I’m going to ask you. What secrets were kept in your favorite romances? Have I missed any fabulous secret stories I have to track down and read?
Posted by Kay Stockham
Author of Montana Skies, January, 2007
on 3/21/2007 |
Themes |
We're going to start a new thing here at the Superromance blog, starting, uh, now. Each week we're going to discuss a certain aspect of books, romances, Supers, etc. We're hoping this will start some conversation and give us a better idea of what readers think and want in their romance novels.
This week's focus is themes in romances. Some people call them hooks. Some people call them cliches. You know what I'm talking about...cowboys, cops, marriage of convenience, amnesia, pregnancy, etc.
I thought I’d start off the week by talking about one of my favorite themes…best friends to lovers. I love the idea of the heroine having a hot sexy guy for a good friend. There's built in tension in that, isn't there? Maybe part of me wishes I'd had a male best friend who could put his arms around me when I was upset, and oops, kiss me when we both let our guard down. It's just so...romantic. :)
My first book, Unexpected Complication, is a best friends to lovers book. (And also a pregnancy story, although it’s not a secret baby.) I’m here to tell you, until I tried to write that book, I had no idea how hard it is to pull off a friends to lovers story!
The first challenge I hadn’t anticipated is…why haven’t they gotten together before now? What has kept them apart, or prevented them from admitting it? It’s hard to pull off that they’ve been attracted for years and have never once let the attraction get the best of them. (Also hard to make believable that they didn’t have an attraction before now and they are suddenly all over each other.)
Another challenge is to figure out what will keep them apart once they do admit the attraction. They’ve already built up a great foundation for friendship, which is a big part of falling in love. Why don’t they just fall into the sack and live happily ever after?
Let’s hear from you…what are your favorite themes? Are there certain types of stories you refuse to pick up or ones you grab automatically without even reading the back cover? (I’m a sucker for a cowboy story myself. )
Posted by Amy Knupp
Author of The Boy Next Door
on 3/19/2007 |
The Pressure's On |
| Wow, lately the pressure has been on for me. I've been writing to meet a deadline (which I just did), working my very full time teaching job, and going to graduate school. WHEW! Not to mention actually trying to keep house and home together. You just get to the point where you think you might run screaming from the room when someone asks you to do another thing. Luckily for me spring has sprung in the south and a great de-stressor is for me to get outside, whether it be for a walk, to work in the yard, or just play with the dog. The fresh air and exercise really help. I know you guys have been under the steamroller of pressure and stress before. What helps you get past it? What's your de-stress activity? Posted by Suzanne Cox
Author of Unexpected Daughter
on 3/16/2007 |
Reply |
| That was fast ladies, and your notes are much appreciated. Pearl, Ellie and Alissa all need to send me their mailing addresses at my email addy and as soon as I get my hands on copies of Real Cowboys---I'll send you each a copy.
Now I have another question---Do you ever think a back blurb gives away things you'd rather discover for yourself in reading a book? I know you depend on the back blurbs to want to buy a story. Are you ever dissatisfied with a book because it doesn't match a blurb, a cover, or maybe reveals too much?
Thanks again, Roz (Maybe for this I'll give away a backlist book or two. Comment here and then email me with address and which back list book you'd like. Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of Real Cowboys 4/07
on 3/13/2007 |
Top O' The Mornin' To You |
| It's almost St. Paddy's Day---hence my greeting. I am half Irish, you know? Even if you didn't know it you do now. I never quite picked up my mother's lovely brogue. It really came out when she was mad at me. LOL. I hope all of you are wanting to tell me about books you've read that you liked a lot. All of us at SuperR's are chatting behind the scenes about what makes a book resonate with readers. Is it the characters, or is it the conflicts and resolutions being realistic. Are you drawn to a book because of it's setting. The cover? The back blurb? Really and truly we want to know. We know what we like in a story---grin---those are the ones we write. Also---I'd give away a copy of Real Cowboys today, but my copies haven't arrived. But the first three people who tell me what they like about a book will get a copy if they comment here then email me your mailing address at rdfox@worldnet.att.net. When my copies come I'll send you one I promise.
Have a wonderful day. Also---I have a daily serial at eharlequin.com that has a character from Real Cowboys. You don't see much of him in the book, but they gave him his own story in the serial. Roz Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of Real Cowboys 4/07
on 3/13/2007 |
The Winner Is... |
| The winner of an autographed copy of A DIFFICULT WOMAN and the braided bracelet is Maureen. Please email me at jeanniewrites@gmail.com with your mailing information. Congratulations! Posted by Jeannie Watt
Author of A DIFFICULT WOMAN
on 3/8/2007 |
The One |
| My husband and I met in college…but it took a long time. We shared the same course of study, took many classes together and basically ignored each other. He was nine years older than me, finishing a degree he’d started years before. It seemed we had little in common. We graduated and went our separate ways, only to both return to the same college a year later to pursue Master’s degrees. By a fluke we met for coffee, started talking and suddenly I knew…he was the one. This man I’d thought I had nothing in common with. We were married in a matter of months and will celebrate our 26th anniversary next month. He truly was the one. I was wondering, how did you know when you’d met “the one”? Were there immediate fireworks, or did the realization creep up on you? I’ll send an autographed copy of A DIFFICULT WOMAN and one of my braided horsehair bracelets to one respondent, chosen tomorrow at random. Have a great day.
Posted by Jeannie Watt
Author of A DIFFICULT WOMAN
on 3/7/2007 |
Winner of Carrie Weaver's Secrets In Texas |
| The winner of an autographed copy of Secrets In Texas is Mary Judge! Congratulations, Mary! If you will e-mail your snail mail address to me at carrieauthor@aol.com, I'll send that right out. Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of Secrets In Texas
on 3/6/2007 |
Spring |
| Here in Australia we’re heading into autumn. The days are growing shorter and the evenings cooler. I’m starting to think about warming soups and stews. But all the talk on the blog about winter being over has me yearning for the northern spring of my childhood. I remember how excited I used to get at the first signs of the changing season. We lived in the country and at this time of year I’d get up early and roam the property searching out new life amid the old. My favorite sign of spring was the first baby crocuses springing up in the front garden, half hidden in the fresh green grass. The intense yellow and purple flowers were so beautiful after the drab browns, grays and whites of winter. What are your favorite signs of spring? Posted by Joan Kilby
Author of Beach Baby
on 3/5/2007 |
Spring |
| Jeanie, I know what you mean about muddy dogs! We used to have an English Cocker spaniel. The amount of mud that came in on the long feathery fur of his legs and tail was maddening. And he just loved to jump up on you in greeting. Then there was the kids and boots...but don't get me started, lol. Posted by Joan Kilby
Author of Beach Baby
on 3/5/2007 |
What would you like to talk about? |
| I'm getting cabin fever, too. We've had quite a bit of snow the last few days so my main outings have been to clear the driveway. Most of the roads in and out of my town have been closed since Wednesday night. It's been warm, though.
When we make a blog entry there's a line to fill out for our most recent book--this morning typing the same title yet again really brings home to me how long it's been for me between books. Life's been full so writing's gone even more slowly over the past year than it usually does. But I'd love to see a new cover to my left and hold a new book in my hands so maybe it's time to get single minded!
The other day I was thinking about the once a month chats we used to have. They could be crazy--by the time an answer to one question was typed and entered the conversation would have moved on so the answer made no sense. But I miss chatting with readers about current, past or upcoming books, about characters they hoped to see again, about the writing life. So today I'm opening this up to you. Do you have questions you'd ask if this were a chat? Any comments? They can be about anything...this month's or another month's books...a story you've read or one you wish someone would write...favourite characters...something that annoyed you when you read it, something you enjoyed and would like to see again? I'll go tap whatever authors the questions are for on the shoulder and ask them if they can come to answer.
And remember, it's only 19 days till spring! :)
PS This didn't post the first time, so I hope it won't now appear twice. Posted by Caron Todd
Author of A Different Kind of Summer
on 3/2/2007 |
Winter, sunshine and cabin fever |
| Everyone had such great ideas of winter things to do! I love eating Cajun food - although the closest I get to Louisiana is Heaven on Seven restaurant in Chicago. I love going for long walks, too. That's one of my favorite stress-relievers. The natural hot springs in Idaho sound like heaven. We took a dip in a natural hot spring when we were at Yellowstone several years ago - I'd love to do it again. And who can resist shopping? All things to dream about - but I'll definitely take more walks. Except for today - we're supposed to get another blizzard.
I drew Christy Hawks' name to win a copy of my book. Christy, if you'll send your snail mail address to mwatson1004@hotmail.com, I'll get your book in the mail.
MargaretPosted by Margaret Watson
Author of Small Town Family
on 3/1/2007 |
Winter, sunshine and cabin fever |
| I loved reading Tara's blog about the scenery out her office window. It sounds so beautiful - but I have to admit, the one thing that made me really envious was her blue, blue sky.
I don't mind winter here in the midwest. I like snow - I looove to ski - and I like being outdoors in the cold - as long as I'm bundled up. But I sure do miss the sun. It's been gray and dreary here for way too long, so I wish Tara could ship some of that blue sky to Illinois!
One of my favorite things to do in the winter is to go to Starved Rock state park. It's about an hour west of Chicago along the Illinois River. There's a lock and dam on the river, and Bald Eagles congregate there when the river ices over - they catch fish in the open water above the dam. We were there last week, and we saw over fifty eagles sitting in the trees and fishing in the river. It was an amazing, awe-inspiring sight. And to make it perfect,the day we went was one of the only blue sky days we've had in a long time.
Does anyone else have a favorite place to go during the winter that always lifts their spirits? And it doesn't even have to be outside - I know everyone doesn't love playing in the cold. By this time of the year, I'm desperate for new ideas for things to do. I'll draw one name from any suggestions and send them a copy of Small Town Secrets, my Sept. 2006 book.
Margaret Posted by Margaret Watson
Author of Small Town Family
on 2/28/2007 |
It's the Little Things |
| Why is that it takes life to get tough before we stop and smell the roses? I've been on such tight deadlines lately - in the midst of traveling to promote my October suspense, In Plain Sight - that my stress level hit the dangerous mode. You know, that time when everything registers in the red - your temper, you bank account (because you didn't take the time to deposit the checks that have arrived), passions. Everything is over the top. You cry more easily, anger more easily, need more love. You've got nowhere to go but over the top. So there I am, at the top, ready to topple over, and I look down to where I might land and see the most amazing things. Not because they haven't been there, but because I'm actually looking.
The sky is this cerulean, perfect and clear amazing blue. (Really, it is. This isn't just over the top stress talking.) And the ragged mountain peaks - opposite the one my ofice sits on - reach toward that sky with such strength and purpose. All around me are magnificent plants, saguaro cactus and prickly pear, teddy bear cholla, ocotillo. The rock formations are mind boggling in their differences. Quartz glistens in the sun, sparkling like diamonds.
And a little closer in, there's my baby girl, Taylor Marie, in her four pound princess glory. She's a toy poodle, named after her mama and her sissy and she's proud of that. Proud of herself. She's learned how to play by herself lately, but she doesn't complain. As I write this she's tipping her bed full of toys over. I know her plan. She's going to climb up on top of the bottom of the bed rather than lay inside like ordinary beings do. That's how Taylor is. Rather than following the status quo, she rearranges her world to suit her. I love that. And her.
As I focus a little closer, I find Raggedy Ann. She's just over two feet of soft, stuffed love. She's been sitting in my chair with me for the past month - ever since the day I was so involved in my October, 2007 suspense, Behind Closed Doors, that I needed to hold her to stay in my chair. She was happy to comply. And to reassure me that all was not darkness and fear. I liked that. I like her. So here she sits.
Here, if I'll only take time to look are all the small things - the tools that life gives for free, every day, readily available to bring joy and pleasure and peace to my days. My favorite song is playing on my computer. I have a diet coke in the glass next to me. It sits on a coaster that my best friend bought for me during a trip we took together.
Life is good. Life is great. It's just a matter of sharing the small things.
And speaking of small things, I just got the copies of my April Everlasting, The NIght We Met. If you'd like a chance to win a copy, share a list of your small things with us.
ttq
Posted by Tara Taylor Quinn
Author of In Plain Sight
on 2/27/2007 |
Oscar's, NASCAR and More |
| Good morning! Today is one of those days when I woke up energized and ready to go. I'm not a morning person, particularly on Mondays, so this is a real gift.
I can totally relate to Kay's cabin fever, but in Arizona, we usually experience it in August when it's 115 degrees outside. Unfortunately, I don't have any sage advice to offer. Hang in there, Kay!
Did anyone watch the Oscars last night? I tuned in during the documentary awards and quickly switched channels. I was rooting in spirit for Little Miss Sunshine . I tend to pull for the underdog anyway, but the movie was terrific. Indie films are really starting to come into their own.
Are there any NASCAR fans out there? Nancy Warren's Speed Dating has garnered quite a bit of attention in the past two weeks or so. Yay, Nancy! There was a special speed dating event at Daytona, where Nancy appeared with driver Carl Edwards (one of my personal faves). And then her book was featured before the race yesterday. Totally cool! It's great to see category romance novels get a boost. And, I admit, I have a bit of a vested interest. I have two of the Harlequin NASCAR Series books coming out in 2007: No Time To Lose in May and His Father's Son in November.
I'd love to hear thoughts, opinions, comments regarding the Oscars, NASCAR, cabin fever or anything else on your mind (barring SPAM posts regarding penile enlargement and such). I will offer an autographed copy of Secrets In Texas for one lucky poster, randomly drawn. I will do the drawing this time, since Hazel-the-cat seems to be predisposed to choosing cat lovers. LOL, need to keep it fair for the dog lovers, too. Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of Secrets In Texas
on 2/26/2007 |
Winner of Kay Stockham's MONTANA SKIES! |
| Thanks for all of the suggestions on combatting cabin fever! I'll put them to use and see how I do. Until then, Kristen Brockmeyer will be escaping cabin fever with an autographed copy of Montana Skies. Yay, Kristen! Please email me at Kay@Kaystockham.com for shipping instructions. I hope you enjoy! :) Posted by Kay Stockham
Author of MONTANA SKIES, January 2007
on 2/22/2007 |
Cabin Fever |
| I'm getting antsy. Between the cold, the snow, the ice, more snow, and now the rain, I'm climbing the walls. A person risks breaking their neck on the water coated ice, and if you step off of it, you sink in the four inch thick mud. It's dreary, everyone's grumpy, and summer is way too far away at this point. I need sun, sand and a book I can't put down. I know, but why not dream big?
I'll choose a name from those who respond from now until midnight February 21, and the winner will receive an autographed copy of Montana Skies. The challenge? Tell me what you're doing to get through winter. Help! I need some distractions! Posted by Kay Stockham
Author of MONTANA SKIES, January 2007
on 2/20/2007 |
Smooches |
|
I've never been one who pays much attention to Valentine's Day, but several things made this year's celebration special: a new book on the bookstore shelves, a finished project in the mail (so I could relax for a few hours), and a dinner date with my husband and a group of fun friends in a beautiful setting.
While I'm in the smoochy holiday mood--and since I'm putting the final touches on a "First Kiss Scene" workshop--I'd like to ask about your favorite movie first kisses and what made them memorable. Was it the passion of the situation or the embrace? The events or building tension that led up to the big lip lock? A snappy one-liner uttered in the heat of the moment?
Posted by Terry McLaughlin
Author of The Rancher Needs a Wife, February 2007
on 2/16/2007 |
Valentines Winner |
| The winner, randomly selected by a friend of mine, is Crystal Broyles. Congrts! Send me your snail mail address at amyknupp AT amyknupp DOT com and I'll get your book on its way!
Thanks to all who entered...and Kate, of course you could pick mine! Thanks for wanting to read it! :) Posted by Amy Knupp
Author of The Boy Next Door
on 2/15/2007 |
A Valentine for Yourself |
My husband refers to Valentine's Day as a Hallmark holiday and I tend to agree. (I know...I shouldn't admit to that, being a romance author and all!)
I think a lot of people agree, or don't get excited over VDay in general. My theory is if you're in a loving relationship, why wait for one special day to show it? *struggling to not sound like Scrooge's first cousin here* :)
Whether you're the type who buys chocolate and silk boxers or not, why not start a new tradition? Treating yourself...to a romance! In the form of a book, of course. *g*
Get the box of candy for the hero in your life, and throw a paperback in for yourself. Or heck, for both of you, if you get it racy enough.
I think I'll head to the bookstore today to do just this. (Oh, okay, and to admire my new book on the shelf! *g*) Anyone in?
Tell me what book you'd like to buy yourself for a Valentine's treat. I'll select one winner from all the entries that are in by noon on Thursday, the 15th, and I'll treat you to your pick. (Only stipulation is that it has to be available in mass market paperback and from Amazon.)
Happy Valentine's Day! Posted by Amy Knupp
Author of The Boy Next Door
on 2/14/2007 |
Deb's contest winner/Happy V-DAY |
| Thanks for all your responses. I can see we're a diverse group from the long-wedded to the unwedded, but it's comforting to see we haven't lost sight of what's important -- CHOCOLATE!
Maria Duncan's name showed up when I pulled a piece of paper from the hat (well, from my mostly dry coffee mug, but you get the idea). I believe she has a date with Ben and Jerry tonight. Does that make it a menage a trois? <;-0> Enjoy! My favorite flavor is Dubliner MudSlide or something like that. It disappears too fast for me to see the label too clearly.
Cheers all! As the heroines in WHO NEEDS CUPID? come to decide, he's not the evil imp they thought he was. Happy reading!
Deb Posted by Deb Salonen
Author of THE MAX FACTOR in Who Needs Cupid?
on 2/14/2007 |
WINNER OF KATHY'S BOOK |
| Good morning, everyone. I just now noticed that my announcement of the winner of my drawing on Feb. 2 wasn't on the blog. Bear with me, I'm on vacation in Florida. In any case, I did post it before I left, but it didn't show up; here's the winner: MINDY HILDEBRAND. Please contact me at kshay@rochester.rr.com. Also, check out my blog at my website: www.kathrynshay.com. Finally, my new book is on the stands now--CLOSE TO YOU.
Kathy Posted by kathryn shay
Author of CLOSE TO YOU
on 2/12/2007 |
How did you meet? |
| Since Valentine's Day is just days away, I'm seeing features in magazines and newspapers about how couples met. I adore those stories, maybe because my personal story isn't all that exciting -- although it does have a twist. I met my husband while we were both reporters for the same newspaper, but I wanted to keep our relationship quiet just in case it didn't work out. You know how messy breakups can be, especially when everyone in the office knows the details. So our co-workers didn't know we were dating for a full year!
How about you? I'd love to hear about how some of you met your significant others.
Posted by Darlene Gardner
Author of A Time to Come Home
on 2/12/2007 |
V-Day approacheth |
| Hi, everybody!
Sorry I've been MIA from the blogs and the boards, but I had a book to finish writing. BETTING ON SANTA is done, I'm pleased and excited to say. However, before I can celebrate, my line edits for LOVE, BY GEORGE (my August book) are due to appear tomorrow. Gack!
Alas, a writer's life is feast or famine.
Speaking of feasts, who is going out for a romantic meal on Valentine's Day? My hubby is soooo V-day-challenged. He can't even remember the date, let alone make one with me. ;-0 I've solved that problem by buying two lovely steaks (have you priced beef lately?!) and a really nice bottle of wine. Add a bagged salad, the new Josh Grobin CD and we have instant romance. It's either that or sit around and pout.
So, tell me what your upcoming V-Day is going to be and I'll draw a name to send a copy of WHO NEEDS CUPID? the January anthology that includes my story "The Max Factor" and Molly O'Keefe's "A Valentine for Rebecca" and Susan Floyd's "Lucky in Love." We had such a blast writing this book!
Back soon (I hope) to check on y'all (did I mention my next book is set in Texas?)
Deb Posted by Deb Salonen
Author of THE MAX FACTOR in Who Needs Cupid?
on 2/8/2007 |
websites |
| Wow! Thanks to everyone who posted about websites and what you liked. You gave me some great ideas to pass along to my website designer. I drew one name to win a book - congratulations Carol Mintz! If you'll email me at mwatson1004@hotmail.com, I'll send you one of my books.
Margaret Posted by Margaret Watson
Author of Small Town Family
on 2/7/2007 |
websites |
| I've been thinking a lot about websites lately. I'm having mine redone after several years of struggling with a website that I designed and maintain myself - I can't seem to get it updated regularly and I'm never sure what to put on it.
How often do you all visit author websites? And what are you looking for when you visit? My designer is asking me a lot of questions, and I'm not coming up with enough answers. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. I'll gather all the suggestions and draw one name and send a book to that person.
Margaret Posted by Margaret Watson
Author of Small Town Family
on 2/6/2007 |
E-Books, Anyone? |
|
I’ve been thinking about e-books lately because Harlequin, as well as other publishers, is developing an arm of its business to publish books in electronic format. Readers can have the option of buying the regular printed books or electronic books. I am curious! In fact, I’m so curious that I’ve posted a request on my own website asking readers for their experience and opinions about e-books. So, I’m asking it here as well. Do any of you use an e-reader? If so, how do you like it? If you don’t use one yet, are you curious to try it?
One reader wrote to say she didn’t understand what an e-book was, so for those who aren’t sure—an e-book is a regular story published electronically by an e-book publisher who makes the books available for buyers to download directly to their e-book readers through their computer. An e-book reader is a hand-held device which can hold about a hundred books at a time. In essence, the process is a transfer of data from one machine to another.
So, please post your thoughts, experience or opinions either here or at my website. I’ll let you all know a summary of what I find out. I’m giving a prize for the most interesting answer—a copy of A Man of Honor. Have a great day!
Linda B. Posted by Linda Barrett
Author of HOUSEFUL OF STRANGERS
on 2/5/2007 |
This and that |
I think this is my day to post on this site. Or it might have been yesterday. I'm getting ready to go to Florida for month and have been swamped.
On the writing front, I've just finished a spin off to my July release, called THE WRONG MAN FOR HER. It's at press as we speak. It's Nick's story, the brother of the hero in TELL ME NO LIES. I LOVED that guy first time around, and he was fun to write about. He had a lot of baggage, but learns to deal with it.
I must be into brothers lately, because I have a book on the stands right now, CLOSE TO YOU, about the brother of the heroine in SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN. He's also a doll, and his story turned out great. I just agreed to another contract with Berkley to do yet another O'Neil's story--Liam, who was also in CLOSE TO YOU.
I've been wondering if people like books with continuing characters.
Last, I'll give away a free book of any of my work to whomever posts with me today.
Kathy Shay Posted by Kathyn Shay
Author of TELL ME NO LIES
on 2/2/2007 |
Children's Book |
| This isn't my day to blog but Maria and Jeannie's comments about children's books sent me to my bookshelves to look at some old favourites and I thought it would be interesting to hear about the books other readers here loved when they were kids.
Some of the books I still keep out are the aforementioned Blytons and Burgess's. There are also some of my brother's Biggles books (WWI flying ace, WWII commando) and a large collection of what I call my British pony books. Then there's The Secret Room, Hans Brinker's Skates, The Children Who Lived in A Barn, The Poor Little Rich Girl and newer books, like Kenneth Oppel's Silverwing series.
Do any of you still have your favourite children's books? Which did you enjoy the most? Do you ever reread them now? Posted by Caron Todd
Author of A Different Kind of Summer
on 1/30/2007 |
Mornings |
| I enjoyed reading the comments on Roz and Amy's posts. For those who said they like humour in romances I can recommend Abby Gaines' current release Whose Lie Is It, Anyway? Just finished it the other day and found it an amusing and satisfying read.
I'm a night owl and a morning lover. The night owl habit started early when I'd stay up reading the latest Enid Blyton boarding school book or mystery, or Thornton Burgess's animal stories. Any of you read those? But in spite of losing hours of sleep I'm usually quite cheerful in the morning--bleary and confused, maybe, with a tendancy (should that be tendency? It's one of those words I can never remember) to spill my hot drink, but cheerful!
The thing that surprises me now that our nest is usually empty is how soundly I sleep. After years of being the first one up, taking care of breakfasts and lunches and permission forms and clothing or homework emergencies; years of waking up during the night completely alert at the slightest sound in case someone is sick or has had a nightmare...now I hear nothing until dh's coffee spoon tinkles against the side of the mug. It's kind of embarrassing--it feels a bit lazy! Nice, though.
Hope everyone has a good day,
Caron Posted by Caron Todd
Author of A Different Kind of Summer
on 1/26/2007 |
What Type of Humor Do You Like In A Book? |
| Good Wednesday morning to you. Today I decided to ask what readers like to see in the amount of humor and type of humor in books? Do you like the humor to be situational, or come from the lives of the characters, or does dark humor suit you better?
Every time I read a book that has humor that works for me, I try to analyze it, but still am not sure.
So what are some books that you'd recommend reading that touched your funny bone? Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of Real Cowboys April 2007
on 1/24/2007 |
Thanks |
| Thanks everyone for your views on what makes a book's humor work. The reason I posed this question is that recently I read two books, different authors, different publishers. Both made me smile, laugh, chuckle and yet the books were so different. So I also think that sometimes it's reader perception, or what the reader considers funny at any given time.
At any rate, you who commented have given me more to think about and a couple of new books to look for.
Roz Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of Real Cowboys 4/07
on 1/24/2007 |
Winner! |
The winner of a signed copy of THE BOY NEXT DOOR is Aisling! Please email me at amyknupp AT amyknupp DOT com with your full name and postal address and I'll get it out to you!
Thanks for sharing your grumpy times with me. Seems like there are a lot more nightowls than morning lovers in this group. :) Posted by Amy Knupp
Author of The Boy Next Door
on 1/24/2007 |
Poetic Justice |
I am SO not a morning person. I shouldn't be allowed to come into contact with others--my kids included--until after 10am. (Noon would actually be better.)
Normally my husband handles boy duty in the mornings before school while I hide out in the office or the shower. (Dear man, he's not a morning person either, but he can still be cheerful with the kids.) Today's our day to do the preschool carpool, and the hubby volunteered to do that, so while he showered and got ready to go, I pulled boy duty.
I tried really hard to be nice. But then our 5yo spilled a cup of water that he'd left out last night. I know, I know. Not a major crime. Any other time and spills don't bug me. I'm not that much of an ogre. *g* But my eyes were barely open yet, so I reprimanded him (gently, I didn't yell, I swear!) by saying he needs to be careful and asking the rhetorical question of why we had to have a spill so early in the morning.
Well. Of course the powers that be had to teach me a lesson. I took the water from my son and carried it to the counter, but instead of reaching out and dumping it into the sink...you guessed it. I rammed it into the side of the cabinet and the cup went flying, spilling water everywhere. On me, my socks, my pajamas, the floor. And yes, I finally had to crack a grin and eat my words. I told my son we were even, and then I got busy cleaning both our messes.
Instead of anger management school, I think I need classes in morning management.
What about you? Do you manage to play nice at all hours, or is there a time of day when you just want to be left alone to get through the grumpies? A time when everyone knows to leave you alone? Let me know I'm not the only sometimes irrational, grumpy one here! *g* If you post about your least favorite time of day, I'll enter you in a drawing for a signed copy of my second book, THE BOY NEXT DOOR. Enter before noon (CST) Wednesday and I'll post a winner sometime Wed. afternoon. Posted by Amy Knupp
Author of The Boy Next Door
on 1/23/2007 |
A Fine Line |
| I'm on deadline with a book due February 15th, so pretty much everything I think about is this book. I had an epiphany a couple weeks ago -- yes, the epiphany would have been better several months ago, but I'll take what I can get. LOL. Anyway, I've been able to really strenghen the conflict. But now I'm wondering if these characters have too many obstacles. Is there such a thing? How much baggage is too much? A certain amount of internal conflict/growth is a good thing...Anyway, I'd appreciate your input. I keep reminding myself I get a little (okay, sometimes a lot) neurotic when I'm on deadline. I'd also welcome insights on what makes you guys a little neurotic at times and how you handle it. Or am I the only one? Uh-oh, something else to angst over. LOL. Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of Secrets In Texas
on 1/22/2007 |
The Weather Outside... |
| The weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful…
Winter has arrived at my house—full blast, and that song has been running through my head for the past couple of days. And it’s not Christmas. It’s just &&&& cold. I live in Central Texas and this Texan is not used to temperatures in the twenties.
From my office, I can see the icicles hanging on the frozen ice laden trees and the grass and shrubs sparkle with a blanket of icy white crystals. The driveway is a film of ice. Every now and then I can hear the sleet tapping on my window. In the distance, I can see the highline poles and the endless stretch of electrical lines. Ice and icicles are accumulating on the lines and I’m praying the extra weight doesn’t cause them to break. The cold aside, it’s really very pretty—a winter ice land.
We have two fireplaces in our house and in all the ten years we’ve been here we’ve probably used them about four times. And that was at the holidays when we had company. With the central heat and our mild winters, we’ve never needed them. With the frigid cold, both fireplaces have been burning for past two days. I really like the fire. It’s cozy and romantic. I love sleeping with the fire going. And it really great to read by. Tonight, with my husband beside me, I’m curling up in front of the fire in the bedroom and reading one of the books I received for the Rita Contest. Can’t get any better than that.
What’s the weather like in your area? It sounds bad all over the US, so I hope you have a warm fire and a good book to read. And if you need a suggestion, there are some great supers out this month. I also have an American coming in Feb, Once A Cowboy. I’ll try to load the cover—the sexy cowboy will certainly warm you up
The weather outside…
Posted by Linda Warren
Author of Once A Cowboy
on 1/18/2007 |
The Weather Ouside... |
The last post made me dizzy so I'm posting again. Hopefully, it's more readable this time./p>
The weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful…
Winter has arrived at my house—full blast, and that song has been running through my head for the past couple of days. And it’s not Christmas. It’s just &&&& cold. I live in Central Texas and this Texan is not used to temperatures in the twenties.
From my office, I can see the icicles hanging on the frozen ice laden trees and the grass and shrubs sparkle with a blanket of icy white crystals. The driveway is a film of ice. Every now and then I can hear the sleet tapping on my window. In the distance, I can see the highline poles and the endless stretch of electrical lines. Ice and icicles are accumulating on the lines and I’m praying the extra weight doesn’t cause them to break. The cold aside, it’s really very pretty—a winter ice land.
We have two fireplaces in our house and in all the ten years we’ve been here we’ve probably used them about four times. And that was at the holidays when we had company. With the central heat and our mild winters, we’ve never needed them. With the frigid cold, both fireplaces have been burning for past two days. I really like the fire. It’s cozy and romantic. I love sleeping with the fire going. And it really great to read by. Tonight, with my husband beside me, I’m curling up in front of the fire in the bedroom and reading one of the books I received for the Rita Contest. Can’t get any better than that.
What’s the weather like in your area? It sounds bad all over the US, so I hope you have a warm fire and a good book to read. And if you need a suggestion, there are some great supers out this month. I also have an American, Once A Cowboy. I’ll try to load the cover—the sexy cowboy will certainly warm you up.
The weather outside…
Posted by Linda Warren
Author of Once A Cowboy
on 1/18/2007 |
New Year New You? |
| Okay, I'm late getting this posted. Mostly because I've been gone all day. Why? This may count as TMI, but I had my yearly exam. Yeah, I kmow. BUT, I'd like to take the time to say if you haven't been to a doctor lately--GO. Women are wonderful for urging their husbands to go to the doctor, for taking their kids to get checked out, but themselves? Not so much.
So, this is a new year. Will it be a new you? Will you do whatever it takes to treat yourself right even if it means going to the dreaded doctor?
Come on, join me. Make this a year where you take care of yourself because, honestly, if you don't, who will? Have you been to the doctor lately? What do you like most about your doctor? Posted by Kay Stockham
Author of MONTANA SKIES,JANUARY 2007
on 1/17/2007 |
Dating when you're single...with kids |
| Superromance is coming out with a new miniseries called Singles...With Kids. I’m kicking off the miniseries with my February book, Love and The Single Mom. Remember how in the movie “About a Boy,” Hugh Grant decides that a single parents group is a great place to pick up women? Well, our books aren’t like that. But we do deal with the issues of balancing romance with work and raising kids. Anyone have some real-life experiences to share about this? I'll send a backlist book to the person with the best story! Posted by C.J. Carmichael
Author of Secrets Between Them
on 1/16/2007 |
Let's hear it |
One of my Christmas gifts this year was an iPod, and I want to fill this new toy with tunes. Classics, dance numbers, stirring soundtracks, soulful vocals--you name it, I'll check it out. Seriously. I'm a woman on a mission.
Here are some of the tracks I've collected so far: the Beegie Adair trio jazzing up Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)." Gary Graffman's performance of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto #3 with the Cleveland Philharmonic. Judy Garland singing "Over the Rainbow" on the soundtrack of The Wizard of Oz. Aretha Franklin's "Think."
As you can see, I have eclectic tastes.
So tell me, please, what kind of music do you like to listen to? What are some of your favorite tunes? What numbers get your feet tapping? What songs put you in a romantic mood?
Posted by Terry McLaughlin
Author of THE RANCHER NEEDS A WIFE, February 2007
on 1/12/2007 |
What's in a Title? |
| I’m waiting to hear what the title of my new Superromance will be. My first book, A DIFFICULT WOMAN, named itself. In fact, I had the title long before Tara, the difficult woman, was fully formed in my mind. My new book started life with no name. And that’s pretty much where it is right now. I have a list of several titles I like and I’m curious to see which one flies. I know there are certain buzzwords that readers like. If I see the word “horse” in a title, I automatically pick up the book. I also like words that denote mischief or trickery, redemption and revenge. What title buzzwords make you pick up a book? Posted by Jeannie Watt
Author of A DIFFICULT WOMAN
on 1/11/2007 |
Deb's "foodie" winner |
| What great food memories! Thanks, everybody, for sharing. No wonder I'm always feeding people in my stories -- food really does make for memories that stay with us. Today, I'm working on the revisions for my August Superromance called LOVE, BY GEORGE. My heroine, Kara, just made pancakes for her five-year old twins and the hero's 15-year old son. Pancakes with chocolate chips to make the happy face. Fun, huh?
Anyway, I've picked a winner. Sharon, I loved your checkerboard cake memory. Email me with your mailing address and which book from my backlist you'd like.
Back to my revisions! Take care all and eat well!
Deb Posted by Deb Salonen
Author of Who Needs Cupid?
on 1/9/2007 |
Free book offer |
| Although my January 2007 Superromance A TIME TO COME HOME can stand alone, it features characters from my July 2006 book A TIME TO FORGIVE. I'll send a copy of A TIME TO FORGIVE to the third and fourth persons who email me at darlene@darlenegardner.com.
Posted by Darlene Gardner
Author of A Time to Come Home
on 1/8/2007 |
What's in a name? |
| What's in a name?
Quite a bit, actually. I believe there's an odd science to naming characters. Not just any name will do. Take Diana Smith, the heroine of my January Superromance. She's an ordinary woman -- could there be a more ordinary surname than Smith? -- overcoming her problems with dignity. She needed a dignified first name, which I just realized she shares with the former Princess of Wales. Hmm. That does it for me.
I usually peruse baby-name books and name characters after they spring forth from my mind, already in possession of personality traits. But for my story in the November anthology Dashing Through The Mall, my son asked if he could name the hero. He came up with Patrick MacFarland, and I immediately envisioned a blue-eyed, black-haired charmer of an Irishman who immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was a boy.
I've created other characters from names I like -- Chase Fletcher, Cash "Jax" Jackson, Zach Castelli, Wade Conner, Leigh Hampton, Peyton Guerard. The list could go on and on.
What about you readers? Is there a name stuck in your head that you think would make a great name for a hero or heroine? And authors? Do you have tricks for naming characters?
Posted by Darlene Gardner
Author of A Time to Come Home
on 1/8/2007 |
The winner is! |
| The winner of an autographed copy of Unexpected Daughter is Minna!! If you'll e-mail me at suecox27@yahoo.com and give me your mailing address I'll send it out.
Posted by Suzanne Cox
Author of unexpected daughter
on 1/7/2007 |
An Observation |
| Hi. I'm sure many of you have noticed this trend around the holidays. Advertisers cleverly targeting our weak spots. Before Christmas I saw lots of TV ads promoting lavish holiday dinners provided by chain supermarkets, wine and champagne distributors "popping their corks" in thirty second spots, and luxury food producers like Ghirardelli chocolate advertising their product as holiday gifts. /p
p Now the holidays are over, and predictably what do we see? Ads by Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, memberships offered at LA Fitness and others, and of course major retailers like Sears offering exercise equipment at thirty percent off. Those advertisers know our weaknesses and when to speak to them. /p
p As usual just after the New Year, I'm thinking about resolutions I know I'm not going to make and knowing the biggest one concerns weight and fitness. Heck, I think I've sufficiently "pumped up" if I walk around the block. And I'm of a certain age that I know I'm not going to don a pair of spandex shorts and ride a racing bike in the bike lane of our local four-lane road. /p
p So here's what I'm wondering - what do some of you do to achieve at least the semblance of fitness? Has anyone tried that big ball thing? How about the "Ab Roller"? I tried it but couldn't work it. Do you have any tips for fitness? I'd love to hear them (especially the ones that can be achieved in fifteen minutes a day or less) And if I can read a book while I'm doing them, so much the better /p
p I'd love to know what works for you. And I'd love to know if there are any of you out there who are like me - concerned but not nearly committed. /p
p Happy New Year!
Cynthia Posted by Cynthia Thomason
Author of An Unlikely Family
on 1/5/2007 |
A winner! |
| And we have a winner! Those pink shag rugs must be good luck, Christy Hawkes, because you're the winner of an autographed copy of MONTANA SKIES! Enjoy! Please contact me at kay@kaystockham.com for shipping information. :) Posted by Kay Stockham
Author of MONTANA SKIES, January 2007
on 1/4/2007 |
S'mores and other nonsense |
| Ooooh, look at the lovely hearts on our book covers! I'd only seen my copies and didn't realize they were on all the January books. Cool!
So...you all know what S'mores are, right? Toasted marshmallow smushed between graham crackers with a piece of Hershey's chocolate melting in the middle. Ummm...yummm. Although I have to admit, I ODed on the darn things when I was a kid and never ate them again until New Year's Eve when we had a bonfire, wienie roast and S'mores fest. Now, I'm a born-again S'mores lover.
So, what does that have to do with writing? Nothing and everything. Nothing because nobody really cares whether or not I like S'mores, but everything because it's a small piece of human nature that will resonate with many people and will probably find its way into one of my books. And you, my friends, heard it here first.
I'll include a chocolate bar with a copy from my backlist for some lucky person who tells me about her favorite food memory from childhood. Be warned, I might use that, too. (Wink -- I can't figure out how to use the emoticons.)
Deb Posted by Deb Salonen
Author of THE MAX FACTOR in Who Needs Cupid?
on 1/4/2007 |
All I want for Christmas |
| Even though it's a week past Christmas, I know we all received some wonderful gifts both big and small. Was it what you asked for?? I got what I had asked for earlier this year but we'd decided to do a "small" Christmas since we had also planned a snow skiing trip for February. But my husband broke the spending limit and got what I'd mentioned this summer. AND I wondered what do our gifts, say about us? Especially if you got something you had at some point said you wanted. So what did I get? Okay, here goes and you'll know more about me than maybe you wanted to when you hear that I got a new pistol for Christmas. Yep, I have an old revovler I've had forever so I'd been wanting a new automatic and the dh got me one. Does that have redneck country girl written all over it?? Yep, guess it does. Of course I gave him a foot operated skeet thrower which we had great fun with on New Years day. So, what did you get for Christmas? Was it something you really wanted? Does it say something about who you are? Or was it just something you needed for the house. I get that alot too!! As a final celebration of Christmas, I'll check back in a day or two and draw from the names of those who post and once again send out a signed copy of my Deember book, Unexpected Daughter. Posted by Suzanne Cox
Author of unexpected daughter
on 1/3/2007 |
What's your favorite color? |
| Happy New Year! Why am I not writing about that? I am... sort of. You see, I'm stuck in a rut. Anyone else have this problem? Hairstyle, clothes... for me it's clothes. I know better than to make a resolution about changing my look though because it's one I honestly won't keep and I know it. The color? Black.
Black is *my* color. Morbid? My mother always says I look like I'm going to a funeral, but I like to think of it as classic. I try to buy other colors but I wind up taking them back. Other than red and a few dark colors, I don't wear much else, especially in winter. Black is easy and great when I'm traveling.
For me, black is a simple choice, but for my heroine's daughter in Montana Skies, black is waaaaay more. And I don't mean a black T-shirt but ALL black. Black hair, black clothes, black makeup. After a car accident killed her estranged husband and injured her teenaged daughter, Rissa's little girl went from being a blond-haired, blue-eyed cheerleader to a Gothic nightmare of anger and attitude dressed head to toe in, you guessed it, BLACK. Survivor's guilt? Or something more? Rissa is desperate to find the answer and time is running out. Skylar is getting worse, getting into trouble and dragging the sheriff's daughter with her. If Rissa doesn't do something quick, the too handsome man is going to do something about it and break her heart in the process. Jonas could very well be the man she's always wanted, but her daughter comes first and arresting Skylar won't put him on Rissa's good side.
Black is my favorite color and has been for years (if you don't believe me, check out the pics on my website). Maybe it's the Scorpio in me, but I think it reflects a bit of my personality and I wear it for the reasons I stated above. But the topic has me wondering... what's your favorite color? Does it reflect YOUR personality?
Since it's a holiday, I'll check back in a couple days and draw a name from the posts. The winner will receive an autographed copy of MONTANA SKIES so delurk and let's here it! Posted by Kay Stockham
Author of MONTANA SKIES, January, 2007
on 1/1/2007 |
New Year, New You -- 2006, One Goal Met |
| Thought I'd pop in with New Year's Eve fast approaching and see how you guys feel about setting goals and making resolutions for the new year.
My local Romance Writers of America Chapter has a program at every January meeting where we review our goals from the previous year and set new goals for the coming year. I find it a really useful tool as long as I'm not too hard on myself for goals unmet. Life happens and goals have to be at least somewhat fluid, IMO. There have been years where I've far exceeded what I'd planned and years where I haven't met a single goal.
I'm very happy to share that I've met one of my big goals for 2006 -- with barely a moment to spare. Drumroll, please! After six years of having my URL parked (there are so many Carrie Weavers out there), I now have my web site up and running. It's gorgeous! But then again I might be a bit biased. Many thanks to our own Amy Knupp and her husband, Justin who comprise Stonecreek Media. If you get a chance, please stop by and take a look: http://www.carrieweaver.com.
Most of my resolutions for 2007 involve better habits and health: More veggies/less carbs, more exercise/less TV, more sleep/less worrying, less procrastination/more being on time. My career goals are to stay the course and continue to write the best books I can. And of course, continue to persuade my editor to buy those books.
How about everyone here? Do you believe in setting New Year Resolutions? Are there any you would like to share?
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year!
~Carrie Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of Secrets In Texas (on sale now!)
on 12/29/2006 |
THE QUIET CHILD winner (and a recipe for Carrie) |
| I've picked Ellie to win THE QUIET CHILD. I LOVE potato latkas. Had them in San Francisco with smoked salmon, sour cream and chives. So yummy. Can you tell I'm a foody? The cornish game hen tradition sounds yummy, too, And we love egg nog, although my son got us hooked on Silk nog (a soy product), which isn't quite as rich or caloric. We like it, but I'm sure others would find it a bit wimpy.
Carrie (I think the question was posed by Carrie, apologies if I got it wrong), here's our family recipe for lefsa. Part of the trick in making this comes from experience -- too wet and the dough won't roll out, too dry and it won't rise in the pan. Since we only do this once a year, we usually screw up a few before we hit it right.
Lefsa
3 Cups mashed potatoes, 3 TBL softened butter, 2 TBL oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 3 TBL milk, 1 Cup flour
directions: cook potatoes in salted water, drain and chill (We usually make them the day before so they're cold when you're ready to start). Mix ingredients in order, you may need to add more flour for most desired consistency. (If you can't roll them without the dough sticking to the roller, you need more flour.) Take a palm-sized glob (technical term) and roll into ball. Flatten on flour-dusted rolling surface (I use a cloth covered cutting board) and roll out into very thin, tortilla-like patties. This you will transfer to a griddle. No oil of any kind is used to cook these. We let our iron griddle heat up and usually cook the lefsa on medium high to medium, depending on the stove. Now, the tricky part is flipping the lefsa. I have a long, flat wooden lefsa stick that my husband made me ten years ago. I think if you made your lefsa smaller, you could do the flipping with a regular spatula. So, you transfer the lefsa to the griddle, watch carefully so it doesn't burn and flip it to achieve a nice, even browning. These generally cook fast and can scorch if you're not paying attention. Again, think tortilla.
I also made tamales this year. We won't go there.
Cheers all and happy New Year! Posted by Deb Salonen
Author of A BABY ON THE WAY
on 12/26/2006 |
85-hours and counting |
| I saw this countdown clock on the news this morning. Sounds worse than four days, doesn't it? I'm done with my gift buying, but still have to venture forth into the grocery store and Costco for the necessary items for the various meals that will coming. Potatoes are important because part of our Scandinavian tradition includes "lefsa." For those of you who are unfamiliar with this -- it's a potato version of a crepe or tortilla. We can't make enough of them.
What are some of your traditions? I'd like to pick one from those who respond and send a copy of my latest holiday book, which happens to be a Harlequin American Romance title called THE QUIET CHILD. I loved that story since it took place around Christmas with a big, boysterous Gypsy family. There's even an appearance by Santa Claude and his Reinponies.
My current Superromance -- after four books outside the line -- is my first marriage-in-jeopardy story. My hero's name is Nathan, but when I first proposed the story he was called Alexander. Definitely needed to be changed since the heroine of THE QUIET CHILD is also an Alex. Very confusing genderbending as you might imagine.
Enough silliness. You are busy people with only 80-odd hours til Christmas, if that's your holiday of choice. If not, I'd still like to wish you joy, peace and a moment or two of escape into a good book. Thanks for reading Superromance. See you in the new year.
Deb Posted by Deb Salonen
Author of A BABY ON THE WAY
on 12/21/2006 |
A Winner from Cynthia! |
| Congratulations Christy Hawkes! My husband loved your idea of the battery operated slippers that make you look like Frankenstein. Now he wants a pair for Christmas! Send me your snail mail address at cynthoma@aol.com and I'll send you a copy of my January release, AN UNLIKELY FAMILY. Don't expect it until after Christmas though. The lines at the post office are scary!
Cynthia Posted by Cynthia Thomason
Author of An Unlikely Father
on 12/21/2006 |
Christmas traditions |
| Preparations for Christmas-wow, when do I start? It’s Dec 19 and I only just sent out Christmas cards today. I haven’t even begun shopping for presents. We don’t have a tree yet. My excuse is that I have a Dec 31 book deadline. Today I finished the second draft. What a relief! For the rest of the week I’ll work on Christmas and get caught up on other business stuff. Then the week after Christmas I’ll blitz through my book again before I send it off.
Caron, I remember making those red and green paper chains to go on the tree. Alas, my kids are too old for that. When I was a kid we used to sing carols around the tree on Christmas Eve. I tried to get my family to do it but even when they were little they just looked at me as if I was crazy. Sigh. Just because we all have terrible voices doesn’t mean we shouldn’t sing, right? We do enjoy decorating the tree as a family.
After 12 years in Australia this transplanted Canadian still finds it hard to get the Christmas feeling in the middle of summer. We’ve developed our own traditions for Christmas Day. Cold roast chicken, seafood, salad and champagne, a swim in the pool, a walk on the beach later in the day. I have to say, I don’t miss the cold and snow, or in the case of Vancouver, rain and more rain. We’ve got 15 adults and 9 children coming. Help! Everyone brings food and wine so it really is a case of the more the merrier.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Posted by Joan Kilby
Author of Beach Baby
on 12/19/2006 |
We Have A Winner! |
| We have a winner! An autographed copy of HOME FOR CHRISTMAS will go to Estella Kissell! Please e-mail your snail mail address to me at CarrieAuthor@aol.com and I'll mail it right out. Congratulations, Estella!
And on an interesting note, the winner was selected by Hazel the Tortie cat. Estella wrote that she has eight cats. Hm. I think maybe Hazel is hinting that a) cats DO read, or b) they have telepathic abilities. LOL. Never underestimate a feline!
Wishing everyone a safe, happy holiday!!!
Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of SECRETS IN TEXAS
on 12/18/2006 |
Paper Chains |
| Interesting to read everyone's comments about Christmas preparations. I can't imagine 10 overnight guests and two holiday dinners for that many people--the grocery shopping alone would finish me! Maybe not the shopping itself, but the putting away, finding cupboard and fridge space for all those extras. What a thing to complain about, though! Plenty. A while ago a friend told me I take my good fortune for granted, that although I think I'm aware of how lucky I am, I'm not really. She had a point. Which reminds me, I haven't donated to the Christmas Cheer Board yet.
I don't work outside the home and at the moment I don't have a deadline, so things aren't hectic here. Over the past few years I've noticed that Christmas was becoming a list of chores rather than a time to enjoy--that didn't seem right. This year I'm looking at it differently, doing the cleaning, shopping, decorating and cooking with an eye to the fun of it. Who ever said we should run ourselves ragged and arrive at Christmas Day stressed and frazzled? I'm opting for a little dust and fewer cookies, and although I've tried to be thoughtful with gifts, those packages aren't going to make anyone's dreams come true. The tree isn't perfect, either, but it's pretty.
We're putting it up tonight. The 15th was always the day for it when I was a kid and it still feels like the best day--all the others are too early or too late. I've been making a paper chain for it--small loops of red and green tissue paper so it'll look delicate--it's taking hours. I might as well be making a quilt! But it's a peaceful activity and it's bringing back happy memories of my mom keeping us busy cutting, looping, pasting to make long, long chains. My brother and I made the cards we sent--using glitter which I'm sure must have got all over the recipients' clothes and furniture! We made floating candles, too, melting stubs of crayons for the colour, and using holly-shaped tartlet pans for moulds. It seemed magical that the flame could burn when the candle was surrounded by water--I never was scientifically inclined! Have any of you read Lucy and Tom's Christmas by Shirley Hughes? I love it--it's a British children's book about a non-commercial, imperfect, comfy Christmas.
Do the demands of the season take away your enjoyment of Christmas? Do you have traditions that make you feel peaceful and nostalgic? Or do traditions keep you in a rut you'd like to get out of? Or do you wish the whole season would just go away and let life get back to normal?? Posted by Caron Todd
Author of A Different Kind of Summer
on 12/15/2006 |
Something I forgot to say |
| I forgot to mention that I'm giving away two copies of On Angel Wings here on this blog today. To the first two people who email me at rdfox@worldnet.att.net. If you aren't in the first two, a lot of Harlequin authors will be chatting on www.eharlequin.com today. You can sign up for a lot of great books by going early to the site and looking for the information on the holiday chat. Hope everyone gets books in their Santa socks this year.
Roz Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of On Angel Wings
on 12/13/2006 |
Managing to Write and Get Through the Holidays |
| Just checking in during one of the busiest times of the year. I thought I'd ask if anyone coming on the blog has the secret to organizing shopping, wrapping, mailing, cooking and Writing! Every year it seems like I feel more stressed at a time I want to be able to enjoy the season, my family, and an occupation I love. It's difficult to shop early, because you miss the new things out that the family might want. Yet if you mail too late packages get bogged down in the system. I'm not good at cooking ahead and freezing things. I can never decide what I want to serve (ham or turkey) until the week before Christmas. And I'm trying to keep my normal writing schedule. So--what do I need to do? All ideas welcome. Roz Posted by Roz Denny Fox
Author of On Angel Wings
on 12/13/2006 |
Frazzled in Phoenix |
| Count me among the holiday frazzled. I think it may be the result of trying to be all things to all people and wanting to make the holidays special for the people I love. The result is a frazzled me who is so stressed I start doing silly things that make my life more difficult.
Case in point, I left my debit card in the slot of a self-service photocopier on Friday. In a kinder, gentler time, someone would have turned in my card at the cashier. Instead, one or more folks thought they hit the photocopy lottery and had free copies on my dime, er, dollars. I beat myself up about having been so distracted that I left my card. Silly, silly thing to do. After I forgave myself, I started thinking bad things about the people who took advantage of my mistake. Enter guilt. I was NOT having any of those good-will-toward-my-fellow-man fuzzy feelings.
I really want to get back to humming Christmas carols and being excited about the season. I'd love any suggestions for how folks here manage to keep the stress of the season to a minimum. Or tips on making the holiday season simple and enjoyable. Or even suggestions on how to keep my debit card in my possession at all times...
I'm offering an autographed copy of Home For Christmas to one lucky responder here on the blog. I'll be using the scraps of paper system, with one of my cats selecting the winner. They can't read, so it's got to be a fair drawing! LOL, I guess that's a rash assumption. I'll be glad to accept opinions on whether cats can read, too.
~Carrie
Posted by Carrie Weaver
Author of SECRETS IN TEXAS
on 12/11/2006 |
Movies, the First Time |
| This is actually my first time blogging here, so hi everyone!
I wanted to talk movies because I love them, every kind. Suspense, adventure, drama, romantic comedy, you name it. I especially love movies that keep me guessing until the end. You know, the kind with twists and turns making it difficult, if not impossible, to tell how the story’s going to play out.
My son and I love guessing what’s going to happen next in movies. Why a certain turning point either works or doesn’t work. I think he’s a writer in the making. It drives my husband and daughter crazy. But to me, letting myself get carried away with the characters and story, with the surprises in the plot, is part of the fun. That’s why I hardly ever watch movies twice.
Oh, there are a few that I can watch over and over again. Either because I find the dialogue so interesting, or the story/acting so engaging that I find new ways to enjoy the movie for the second, third, even fourth time. Movies like THE PRINCESS BRIDE, or WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING. But for the most part, once I’ve seen a movie I never can enjoy it as much the second time around. The surprise is gone. Movies like THE STING, THE CRYING GAME, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, and THE SIXTH SENSE.
Then there are movies that don’t really have plot twists as much as they totally blow my mind with regard to new, never before seen story concepts or production innovations. Movies like TOY STORY, JURASSIC PARK, or THE MATRIX.
Remember seeing TOY STORY for the first time and marveling at the incredible animation? Or JURASSIC PARK? I kept thinking, “How did they do that?” I was on the edge of my seat that entire movie. People were dying left and right, so everyone was fair game. I really wasn’t sure who was going to make it off that island alive.
So whether you’re like me and don’t normally watch movies more than once, or you’re the type of person that watches favorite movies over and over, there must be a movie you’d love to see again for the first time.
I’m curious. What type of movie watcher are you? The one-timer, or the over and over againer? And what movie/movies do you wish you could see again for the first time?
Posted by Helen Brenna
Author of Treasure
on 12/8/2006 |
A Different World |
| Hi Everyone, I'm finally warm again. After living in Florida for nearly thirty years, I was transported back to the cold winter days of my past in Ohio. My husband, son and I just got back from a four day mini vacation in our nation's capitol. A beatiful city to be sure, but the temperatures were twenty degrees below normal for this time of year. One night it was forecast to be between 18 and 22 degrees. Highs in the daytime of only the low thirties. There we were - no long johns, no earmuffs, our $1.49 K-Mart gloves, and six tubes of Chapstick!
But what a great trip nevertheless. Although the last time I was in Washington, fifteen years ago, I went in every government building without being "wanded" and without putting all my worldly goods through a scanner. Now visitors are searched at every, and I mean EVERY building. Okay, it's necessary, but it's also sad. And we couldn't get in on a White House tour - we hadn't made prior arrangements to be security-checked. Another notable detail of our trip, we ate in a 1750 tavern in Annapolis where George Washington ate. But in his day he didn't watch a plasma TV showing the weekend football highlights. Hmmm... somehow took away from the ambiance.
So, I'm curious. What do you do to keep warm? I'll let my hubby pick the most original idea submitted, and that person gets a copy of my January book, the third and last of my Heron Point, Florida series, AN UNLIKELY FAMILY. So, think about it - what's the last creative thing you did to warm your tootsies?
Keep warm, everyone!
Cynthia Posted by Cynthia Thomason
Author of An Unlikey Father
on 12/7/2006 |
Just a little bit sappy |
| As I write this, the white lights on my Christmas tree are twinkling. My husband and I are sipping wine in front of a blazing fireplace. The house smells like baked cookies. And today I teared up over a romantic holiday movie I taped from the Lifetime channel.
I am definitely getting into the spirit of the holiday.
I even had a good time on Sunday at the mall, traditionally not one of my favorite places. I did a multi-author booksigning for an anthology I currently have out -- it's called, believe it or not, Dashing through the Mall. My favorite customer was a handsome twenty-two year old, shopping with his mother no less, who bought books for his romance-loving girlfriend. Sigh.
Love really is all around us -- especially during the holidays. Call me a sap, but I'm too busy humming carols to hear you.
How about you? Are you catching holiday fever? (Did I mention I'm in that post-deadline, pre-revision slice of time otherwise known as nirvana? Hmmm. Maybe that has something to do with it)
Posted by Darlene Gardner
Author of Assignment Humbug in the anthology Dashing through the Mall
on 12/4/2006 |
Creatures of habit |
Human beings are so fascinating, don't you think? We're packed with idiosyncrasies and contradictions. I wonder how many of our personal quirks are present at birth, just waiting to bloom into full-blown eccentricities, and how many are learned.
I tend to get insights into my story projects while I'm in the shower, which makes me wonder if my muse lives in the tile grout. Although it's nice to be so clean all the time, I wonder if there's a shortcut, if I could train myself, like Pavlov's dog, to come up with ideas without having to strip down and get all wet. Maybe I could keep a tiny bottle of my shampoo on my work desk and take a sniff when I get stuck? Run my hand under some water when I need some quick inspiration? Hmmm.
How about you? Do you have any rituals that get your ideas flowing or your juices pumping? How do you kick start your day or get yourself in the mood for certain activities?
Posted by Terry McLaughlin
Author of The Rancher Needs a Wife, February 2007
on 12/1/2006 |
We Have a Winner: Kim W! |
By random drawing from ten little pieces of paper on the floor, KIM W has won a signed copy of A MAN OF HONOR. Congratulations. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did writing it.
Kim, please send me your address through my email: linda@linda-barrett.com I'll mail it on Monday.
I've entered comments in the comments section. You guys made me laugh or nod in recognition.
Best to all,
Linda Posted by Linda Barrett
Author of HOUSEFUL OF STRANGERS, 3/07
on 12/1/2006 |
Parenting |
| Once upon a time, when my kids were little, I was pushing them through a store in the shopping cart when I heard a woman complaining to another about how her kids were driving her crazy. She looked frazzled, so I smiled in sympathy and told her I knew what she meant. She looked at my two preschoolers and shook her head. “No,” she replied gently, “my kids are in their twenties
Well…now my kids are in their twenties and the lady was right. Parenting hasn’t changed. It has just gotten more phone-oriented. No doubt about it, the twenties are a golden age, but there are so many decisions to be made with so little life experience. I remember once commenting to my husband that I would have enjoyed my twenties a lot more if someone would have just told me everything was going to work out all right.
So, when the kids call, I give them the benefit of my own experience, tell them everything will work out all right, tell myself that they have to make their own decisions…and then I call my Mom.
Posted by Jeannie Watt
Author of A Difficult Woman
on 11/30/2006 |
Football...A New Game |
Hi everyone...
Linda Warren mentioned a Texas football game in her post and I thought, wham! I’ve got to share my latest crazy thing on this blog. I’ve become addicted to the game. Me…a grandma, who, until a couple of weeks ago, never even looked at the game on television. When you don’t know anything about it, the players looks like a bunch of guys trying to kill each other. But I began learning, and yesterday, I subscribed to Sports Illustrated! Have I gone over the edge or what?
It all started with a story I dreamed up. And, let’s face it, if the hero’s been an NFL pro, an author can’t fake the writing. So, here I am “sacrificing” for my art and loving it! Last weekend I actually watched a whole game by myself and was yelling from my chair. Green Bay was playing Seattle in the snow, no less. My husband ran to another room. He says I ask too many questions.
So, what’s the bigger lesson here? I’ve learned that it’s NEVER too late to take on something new. The experience not only keeps the brain sharp, but keeps the spirit young. I was like a kid watching that game. It was great. Anyway, that’s my take on it…just don’t ask me to actually play the game. I’m not that brave.
Have any of you indulged in some new activity or learning? Share with us. I’ll pick a name at random for a copy of A MAN OF HONOR.
Happy Second Childhood to Everyone,
Linda B.
Posted by Linda Barrett
Author of HOUSEFUL OF STRANGERS, 3/07
on 11/29/2006 |
snow fun, s'no fun |
| Hi everyone. My subject heading alludes to the fact that I've been snowed in my northwest cabin since Monday when the snow started falling and I'm going CRAZY!!!!! When I lived in California, I used to fantasize about situations like this. Plenty of food, warmth, work to do--I'm on deadline for a book that's due in January--and deep snow all around. Watch what you fantasize about. It's incredibly beautiful, if I could figure out how to get a picture on this site, I'd post one. Tall pine trees, laden with snow, deep drifts outside the window. This morning though when I venture outside to attempt a walk into town, I had to turn back. Far too slippery and cold. So, that's my topic du jour. Anyone else ever been snowed in? Alone? Hmm, I need one of my fictional hero's to rescue me. Which one would I choose?
Posted by janice macdonald
Author of Out of Control, Novemeber, 2006
on 11/29/2006 |
WINNER!!!! |
| Hi all,
The WINNER of a copy of The Bad Son is…….(drawing)….. Karen. Please send me an address.
Thanks, ladies. We all have something in common—we love to read. Reading has filled many lonely hours for me and it’s a joy to meet so many ladies who enjoy the same thing. Keep reading. Super Romance, of course.
Today I discovered one of my least favorite things to do—Christmas shopping. I used to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Christmas. The older I get, the less enjoyment I’m finding. I’m really not Scrooge. It’s just waiting in line and looking and looking and not finding what I want. And when I do, they just sold the last one. Oh yeah, made my day.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season. And may you find exactly what you’re looking for. And it’s on sale.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Posted by Linda Warren
Author of The Bad Son
on 11/28/2006 |
What's your passion? |
| Through a turkey and stuffing overload, I finally remembered my blog day, which was Friday. I’m a little late.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a lot of company, a lot of food and a lot to be thankful for. I’m especially thankful for the people who buy our books. Thank you.
Friday was the big football game here in Texas—the Texas showdown between the University of Texas and Texas A&M. Texas has dominated this game forever, but this year A&M won. There was a lot of celebrating going on here in College Station. My husband even came home from deer hunting to watch the game. And in case you didn’t know, deer hunting in Texas is a national holiday to some guys, my husband included. But he’s very enthusiastic about football. I guess in the same sense that I am about writing.
We all have different passions, different things that make us happy, draw our interest and spark our enthusiasm. What’s yours? What makes you feel good? What makes you happy and puts a smile on your face?
Recently I received my American February cover, Once A Cowboy, and there’s a sexy cowboy on the cover. I was really excited about that. Put a big smile on my face. You can check it out on my Web site or on Amazon.
I’ll draw a winner of a copy of The Bad Son from the posts.
Take care and enjoy | | |
