12/8/2008

Apologies

Due to some unforseen technical difficulties, the Intrigue Authors 2nd Annual Holiday Blog Blitz has been temporarily moved back to our old blog site at intrigue-authors.blogspot.com while our webmistress works out the kinks here. The Intrigue Authors site will remain right here.

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Kansas City Christmas on 12/8/2008

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12/3/2008

Decorating for Christmas?

It's the week after Thanksgiving and I still haven't put up our lights and tree! Ack! It's really hard to get motivated when I only have one child left in the house and she's 16. Of course, she's been after me to get the lights up since the neighbors have all got theirs up. I suppose I will, but it will have to wait until the weekend now. I could use a little supervision. I've been pretty klutzy lately (two knife wounds and a burn from Thanksgiving cooking). Yeah, I could just see the damage I could do on a ladder!

So what do I plan to do to decorate? We have a quaint cottage (translation: crackerbox house) and the roof line isn't very steep so no problems there. I'm going with white lights and some stings of red and white mixed for the posts on the porch.

For the tree, I'm a sucker for a fresh cut fir. Sorry to the tree-huggers out there, but I love the smell and it's someone else's income, and they'll plant more so it can't be all bad. As for lights...the more color the better! Then I layer on the classic bulbs and a string of red wooden cranberries. I add the decorations the kids made when they were younger (talk about making me lonely for those days!) and voila (or wah-lah for those of us in Arkansas who can't spell French words).

I have very few table tops (remember the crackerbox issue) so my daughter has our Christmas village set up on her dresser already (that didn't require any effort on my part, it was all her doing). She added a string of colored lights to her bookshelves and set up a TV tray table for the Nativity scene and she's good to go in her room.

I might be humbug about decorating, but I LOVE Christmas music and take every opportunity to sing it with my daughter. If she's not a grumpy 16 yr old in the morning, we sing on the way to school. It's the only time of the year you can sing Christmas music and people won't look at you funny. My favorite song is probably White Christmas. And I love to watch the old movies with Bing Crosby like White Christmas and Holiday Inn at this time of year.

What's your decorating tradition? (I'm liking my Nick of Time decorating-nothing like a naked-chested cowboy with Christmas lights to bring good cheer!) And what's your favorite Christmas song? Do you have a favorite movie you watch at Christmas each year? Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of NICK OF TIME! I'll choose a winner late tonight.

Posted by Elle James, author of Nick of Time on 12/3/2008

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Yep I'll take your Nick of Time decorations too. I no longer decorate for Christmas. No I'm not a scrooge just a person who lives alone and goes to visit her brother and his family for Christmas. I like "White Christmas" as my favorite song but no I don't have a favorite movie that I watch every Christmas.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 12/3/2008

Our house is all decorated. Too many family with allergies so we have a fake tree, but it looks real. Icicle lights on all three levels of the house. I love to decorate, but if I didn't I might just plaster that Nick of Time cover all over the house instead. :) My favorite song is What Child is this? I love the poetic rhythm to it. Our favorite movie is It's a Wonderful Life. We cry every time we watch it.

Posted  by Jill James on 12/3/2008

I haven't put up my decorations yet. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole is my favorite song. "A Christmas Story" is my favorite movie and I watch every year when it's on tv.

Posted  by Jane C. on 12/3/2008

About the only thing I decorate anymore is a tree. I put mine up yesterday. We used to put a lot of lights up around the house and on the house, but the last time they were up my husband didn't take them down until July and I said then that I would never put them up again.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 12/3/2008

I love your Nick in Time decorating! Wonder if I can get my husband to cooperate? I love to put out all my Santas and I have dozens. I love all Christmas songs and all things Christmas.

Posted  by Connie  Lorenz on 12/3/2008

As a holdover from when we had live trees, we decorate for Christmas at least a week after Thanksgiving. So, we haven't started yet either. (I need to take those pumpkins off the porch, too). My favorite Christmas song? It's by Karen Carpenter. Maybe it's called "Merry Christmas, Darling?" She says "The lights on my tree, I wish you could see. I wish it every day." Love her voice. Fell in love with it as a teeny bopper and was horrified to know she had an eating disorder. :( Okay, my favorite Christmas movie is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Hm, these are kind of strange choices. Well, I'd love to win "Nick of Time" and hope I'm not to late to enter.

Posted  by Cathy Shouse on 12/3/2008

My family has always decorated the day after Thanksgiving. With music playing in the background. As for my favorite Christmas song, well that's difficult because I actually have three. Santa Baby (as sung by Eartha Kitt), Carol of the Bells, and Silver Bells. If I had to pick one... well, I just can't. I have plenty of favorite Christmas movies, but none I watch every year. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (original version), It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street (both versions are good), The Muppet's Christmas Carol... Do you have a favorite movie you watch at Christmas each year?

Posted  by Jo B. on 12/3/2008

Thank you for all your postings on how you decorate and favorite songs and movies. Congratulations to Cathy Shouse! She's the winner of the copy of Nick of Time! Cathy, contact me to claim your prize.

Posted  by Elle James on 12/4/2008

Hi Elle, Please be careful decorating! Two knife wounds? Crikey! I absolutely hate decorating a tree so my mom does it before I get there. My favorite Christmas song is: OH, HOLY NIGHT. No favorite movie but I always end up watching A CHRISTMAS STORY. I agree. A naked-chested cowboy with lights is delightful! I still want to know if that cover is scratch and sniff. *g*

Posted  by Melissa  Keith on 12/4/2008

I have put christmas lights on the windows and some straw decorations on the table.

Posted  by Minna P on 12/4/2008

We always hang green garland and white lights with a red bow or red something out front across the bay window and on each kids window outside. Our house is white with dark green shutters it looks really nice

Posted  by Beth  Reimer on 12/5/2008

12/2/2008

OF MORGUES AND COURT AND JAIL AND CHRISTMAS

Last week I posted the first half of my adventure in my local sheriff’s department’s citizen academy. The second half continues this week. What does that have to do with Christmas? I wasn’t sure at first. But by the end of this blog, it all came together. Sort of. Read on and see....

Hey, Jenkins Cove would be a fabulous place to spend the holidays! Beats jail any day!

Posted by Ann Voss Peterson, author of Christmas Awakening on 12/2/2008

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Love spending the holidays at my mom's. If I could go somewhere different for Christmas I would love to be with my brother and his family in New Mexico!

Posted  by Teresa  W. on 12/2/2008

Hey, girl! Just dropped by to say hello to all the Intriguers and to wish you and yours a Happy Holiday Season. I miss seeing all of you! Love, Gayle

Posted  by Gayle Wilson on 12/2/2008

I'd love to take a tour of a morgue! In the past I considered trying to get a job in a morgue. My favorite place to spend the holidays is with my mom in Orlando. My dream place would be Scotland with my mom. And if I could travel back or forward in time my answer again would be Scotland.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 12/2/2008

Wow, my answer is very similar to yours, Teresa. Except my brother lives in Wyoming. I love to travel (and traveling through time would be way cool), but Christmas with family is the best.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/2/2008

Hi, Gayle! How great to see you here. I'll bet you'll be spending a fun holiday with that cute little granddaughter. Enjoy!

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/2/2008

I was really looking forward to seeing the morgue, Melissa. Most of the members of the academy weren't. Does that make us weird? Nah! Scotland for Christmas sounds fabulous.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/2/2008

I love spending the holidays at my sister's house which was my mom's house, so I guess you could say, it is home. I love going over there to visit at any time, but there is no place like home for the holidays. -- Quilt Lady Hi, Quilt Lady! Your comment was attached to Mallory's post, so I moved it up here. That's so cool that you were able to keep your mom's house in the family. It sounds like a very special place.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/2/2008

I learned all about gangs (the same things you did) through a program sponsored by the school I taught at. Really scary stuff. If I could travel backward in time to celebrate Christmas I would go back until I was 10 or 12 and my family was all together and before my older brother became such a problem.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 12/2/2008

As a teacher, I'll bet you saw the influence of gangs up front and personal, Ellen. That is scary. It's great that you have that memory of happy childhood Christmases. So many times real problems can intrude.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/2/2008

I can answer all of your questions with one answer. Right where I am now---just a few blocks from my youn grandsons.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 12/2/2008

That is so cool, Estella. You sound like a happy woman. I have to admit, as much fun as I had during my childhood Christmases, I have more fun watching my sons enjoy the holiday. It's good to appreciate what we have.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/2/2008

How very exciting. I've always wanted to go on a tour at FBI headquarters and go on a ride along with cops. If I wasn't home for Christmas, I would love to spend it in Paris. It would be a very romantic experience.

Posted  by Jane C. on 12/2/2008

I've been to France, but never Paris. That would be something to spend Christmas there, Jane. And you should call up your local police department. Maybe they'll let you ride along.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/2/2008

I have this dream of spending the holidays in the Highlands of Scotland. I know it would be cold, but the idea of being in a castle/hotel/cottage watching the snow fall outside while I sit by a roaring fire...ah, I wish that dream would come true! And thanks for the tip about the eharlequin sale. I'm off to order some books!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 12/2/2008

I grew up in Baltimore, I have to read this series. If I had to pick a place for Christmas I would pick New England with snow and pine trees and just the traditional feel of the holiday. I live in sunny California so sometimes I miss the east coast.

Posted  by Jill James on 12/2/2008

What is your favorite place to spend the holidays? With my family. Despite the inevitable bickering, there's no place better. What is your dream place? Oh, a tough one. I love traveling and don't have much opportunity, so my list of places to go is long. But for the holidays, hmmm... maybe England? I've never been there at anytime, but my imagination tells me it would be great. I'd love to go to Ireland, but have been told by a couple from there that it's better when you can see all the green. Anyway, I'd definitely want to go someplace with snow. If you could travel back or forward in time, what place would you choose then? An even tougher question. I think I'd stay in this time for the holidays. Traveling in time would be cool for a vacation, but I'm thinking more during summer. Sorry for the lengthy answer... I got a little carried away.

Posted  by Jo B. on 12/2/2008

If I could I would spend Christmas at the family homestead, my grandparents raised me and those years in that house are my best ever. My Papa passed away 10 years ago and my Nanie had to sell the house (3 story houses are just too hard to keep up at her age), but I'll never forget those Christmas mornings in that house.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 12/3/2008

Ooo, Lexi! I feel cozy just reading about your Scotland fantasy.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/3/2008

I hope you enjoy the series, Jill. California weather is nice, but I think I'd miss the snow, too. Especially at Christmas. I live in Wisconsin, and we're getting a snow storm right now.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/3/2008

I enjoyed your getting carried away, Jo! England sounds wonderful for a fantasy Christmas. How about traveling back in time to give out prize foul to the London poor, ala post revelation Scrooge? ;)

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/3/2008

That sounds like a fabulous use of time travel, Sherry.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/3/2008

I love spending Christmas with my extended family at my parents' home in Mississippi. My mom and dad had a Christmas tree farm for many years and just retired this past year. My dream place for Christmas would be England. I'd love to see London all dressed up for the holidays. Something about all that history just fires up my imagination (and sounds very romantic!)

Posted  by Kay Thomas on 12/3/2008

Hey, Jo B.! I guess getting carried away paid off, because I just drew your name from my little heart-shaped candy dish. You win a copy of Christmas Awakening. Just click on my name and email me your snail mail address, and I'll get the book in the mail.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/3/2008

We have a definite Great Britain theme going on here, Kay. Between you and Melissa, Lexi and Jo, I think we have England, Scotland and Ireland covered. I'll throw in Wales, just so it doesn't feel left out (and because I have ancestors who came from Wales and England). Happy Holidays, everyone!

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 12/3/2008

I always spent my Christmas at home in the countryside, in eastern part of Finland

Posted  by Minna P on 12/3/2008

I could do Wales, too. =) It's on my list... Hmmm... if I did the time traveling, could I do Christmas twice? I don't know that I would want to miss seeing my nephew enjoy Christmas a one-yr-old. The "OOOOOOO"'s and "What's that?"'s are so adorable. And does that sound selfish?

Posted  by Jo B. on 12/3/2008

12/1/2008

REUNIONS CAN BE MURDER!

I have a book coming out in December from Harlequin Intrigue called High School Reunion. Since it's an Intrigue, the tag line reads, naturally, Reunions can be deadly.

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of High School Reunion, Dec 9, 2008 on 12/1/2008

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That is one thing I’ve always missed, was a high school reunion, that and prom night. I signed up for the service, (Army), and needed my diploma early, so I took a GED and graduated about a year and a half early so I wouldn’t miss my enlistment date. I’ve always envied those who had reunions but for every good story I hear about a reunion, I hear 3 bad ones. So maybe I should just count myself fortunate *grin*!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 12/1/2008

I had a terrible time in High School but I'd go to my reunion just to mess with people. They would freak out! This is Lubbock, Texas I'm talking about and I have a mohawk and piercings. I missed my 20 year reunion as I was living in Hawaii and couldn't afford to go. Hopefully I'll make the next one.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 12/1/2008

I only went to one of my reunion and that was my 5th. We had our 35th this past month but I didn't go. It just seem like I just don't have the time to do things like that.

Posted  by Quilt  Hurt on 12/1/2008

I'm actually glad to see other people who don't 'long for the good old days.' I live in the South, and maybe it's more prevalent here? -----------------------------I don't know, but I see quite a few folks who seem to wish they were still back in those halcyon days. I just looked up halcyon to be sure I was using the right word, and it means "happy; joyful; carefree: as in halcyon days of youth." ----------------------- I love 'just to mess with them' Melissa. I don't have a mohawk or too many piercings. Still, it was fun to see what became of people--especially some of the BMOCs who are now bald and paunchy. Oh I'm mean!!!

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 12/1/2008

I didn't go to my 45 reunion which was held this year or any other reunion because I was only in that particular school for a short time and there were over 1000 students there. I was not an outgoing person and had no real friends.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 12/1/2008

High school was okay. I wasn't a member of the popular crowd, but I wasn't an outcast either. I haven't been to a reunion yet. It would be nice to see my old friends.

Posted  by Jane C. on 12/1/2008

I attended several high school reunions, only to discover that many of the people who'd been the popular kids are now overweight as adults (I was the dumpy one in high school) and many of the guys have lost their hair. Time certainly levels the playing field. Tee hee!

Posted  by Melanie Atkins on 12/1/2008

I have not attended many reunions because I live just 10 miles from my hometown and see those I want to see often. Also of those of us that were Best Friends, I am the only one living. The other three died in their 20's so I missed them way too much when I went. High school for me was pretty great but I would not wish to redo it now. I met my husband while in school and married him a year after high school,45 years ago. I work now as a para in a JR/SR high school and would not want to go through somse of the things I witness.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 12/1/2008

Ooh, Mallory, your Intrigue sounds great! What a fun concept - well, except for the murder part. I went to my 10-yr reunion and I had fun. Haven't been to one since - I don't live in the area and it seems as if there's not much interest in the reunions. I was a cheerleader and in that popular crowd, but I found I had the most fun reminiscing with the people who went to my elementary school. It was amazing how much we remembered.

Posted  by Carol Ericson on 12/1/2008

2009 will be 20 years since I left high school! I haven't made it to any of the reunions yet, but I really want to make this next one. Each time they planned it, I either found out too late or had another vacation planned. I'm with you, though. I don't really want to solve a murder. (But I will take the crush who's now got his act together!)

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 12/1/2008

When it comes to my high school and my class, they haven't arranged a high school reunion so far and it's unlikely that it will happen.

Posted  by Minna P on 12/2/2008

This has been really interesting. I thought I was the only one who didn't go to reunions. And I guess I thought everybody had them. Now I'm wondering if the idea of a high school reunion makes you think of seeing someone you had a crush on in high school. I can think of a boy I REALLY liked. I'd kind of hate to see him today. It would be a letdown if that 'perfect guy' in high school hadn't aged well, wouldn't it? :grin:

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 12/2/2008

I love spending the holidays at my sister's house which was my mom's house, so I guess you could say, it is home. I love going over there to visit at any time, but there is no place like home for the holidays.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 12/2/2008

I graduated 6 years ago, so I haven't really had many high school reunion opportunities (actually, none). However, I always planned on losing weight then going so everyone could remember me thinner - ha, as of now the opposite has happened. And to top it off, I'm extremely awkward in social situations. I don't know that I would manage actually talking to anybody. Then again, I wonder what high school reunions will be like now that so many people connect through online social networks like facebook. I can already keep up with the marriages, children, occupation changes, etc. of many of my classmates.

Posted  by Jo B. on 12/3/2008

11/30/2008

Intrigue Authors 2nd Annual Holiday Blog Blitz Starts Tomorrow!

Christmas on the Plaza-Kansas City

It's that time of year again, folks… time for the Intrigue Authors 2nd Annual Holiday Blog Blitz!

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Kansas City Christmas on 11/30/2008

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Oh Wow! This is really great of you ladies to do this, and I do so love romantic suspense.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 11/30/2008

Oooh, sounds like fun and I love Intrigue's!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/30/2008

Sounds like great fun!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/30/2008

Love the picture of KC! Have always wanted to visit KC at this time of year but now that my daughter has moved to Colorado my excuses for going has all but disapeared. Have started to read Kansas City Christmas and am spellbound. Can hardly wait to finish and don't want to finish. it will be like saying goodbye to old friends. Looking forward to blogging as often as possible.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/30/2008

Hey, guys! I'm glad to hear you're excited about the blog blitz, too. I think we'll have a lot of fun this month! And Connie--yes, the Plaza is a favorite place of mine at Christmas time. I won't get there this year as all my Missouri/Illinois family is coming to our house in Nebraska. What a lovely compliment about reading KANSAS CITY CHRISTMAS. I've felt the same way when a series I love comes to an end--I'm so thrilled to see how everything wraps up and see all my favorite characters find their happy ending. But I'm sad to know there won't be more. But I'll have some more Precinct books later in 2009, and you'll be able to revisit those Kincaid brothers. Det. Kevin Grove will be featured in one book, and Jillian Masterson in another.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/30/2008

11/25/2008

WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION--LATE NOVEMBER EDITION

Okay, so it’s really not summer anymore. In fact, there’s a blanket of white outside my window. But when I started my county sheriff’s department’s citizen academy, the dog days of August were still upon us. The program lasted 12 weeks, and we covered a lot in that time. Here are a few highlights.

Posted by Ann Voss Peterson, author of Christmas Awakening on 11/25/2008

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I think I fall in the catagory "accept anything as long as the story is compelling", how the author transposes info and data through the plot. I've read fantasy/vampire that I find wrapped up in, yet I've also read suspense/mystery that I simply cannot believe in because it just doesn't seem plausable. By the way, I loved your Wedding Mission series!

Posted  by Sherry  Dickens on 11/25/2008

Thanks, Sherry. The Wedding Mission books are some of my personal favorites. I'm so glad you liked them. The story in that trilogy actually starts in Accessory To Marriage, which is the first book featuring Dryden Kane. It's out of print now, but they might have it on Amazon or used somewhere if you're interested. After writing about him in that first book, I couldn't get him out of my mind. That's what inspired the Wedding Mission series.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/25/2008

First let me say you are a brave person to go through the sheriff's citizen academy. I like my romantic suspense to fairly realistic but it doesn't have to be really, really realistic.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 11/25/2008

LOL, Ellen! Not really brave. Addicted. This is my third citizen academy. They're very valuable for fleshing out story ideas. I also attended my local PD's and my local fire department's citizen academies. The fire department one was a little hair raising. I have photos on my website under "research adventures," if anyone wants to check it out. I plan to do a photo essay from the sheriff's department's as well, but I'm a little behind. If only there was more time in the day.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/25/2008

I do like my romantic suspense to be very realistic. It makes it more easier to get into the story when it's more believable, but as long as a story is compelling I will read it.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/25/2008

I have to agree, Jane. I like realism. But the most important thing for me is that the story is compelling. But I wonder, is sloppy research more likely to pull you out of a story than good research is likely to add to your enjoyment?

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/25/2008

I like my fiction to be fairly realistic, but it doesn't have to be dead on.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/25/2008

I'm with you, Estella. Sometimes it's necessary for an author to take creative license to make a story compelling. The story is the most important thing.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/25/2008

How exciting! Will be looking forward to future posts. I guess I can accept anything as long as the story is compelling although I have to admit to being a bit critical if things seem way too far fetched.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/26/2008

Agreed, Connie. I think that's when the lack of realism can pull a reader out of the story. It still amazes me that TV viewers have stayed with the various CSIs for so long, in light of how unrealistic parts of those shows are. The only thing I've come up with is that people seem to hold books to a higher standard of realism. Even fantasy has to be grounded in some real details for a reader to invest herself in that world. I'm glad you are enjoying the peek into the sheriff's department

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/26/2008

I like my romantic suspense to be some what realistic. They don't have to be perfect. I am one that watches CSI and enjoy the show. That kind of tells you how perfect they have to be for me. Because a lot of those are a lot far fetched if you know what I mean.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 11/27/2008

I read for enjoyment. Compelling is a requirement. Although if I can see a flaw in a story than it is a major flaw.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 11/29/2008

11/20/2008

sun light

We must be related. I can't live without sunlight either. Once the sun is down, I can't get anything done. (Other than reading :-) I have a huge, perfectly good office on the north side of the house. Instead, I write at an old, borrowed child's desk in the bedroom because that window gets the most sun.

BTW, I used to loooove MEN IN TREES. Jack is hot!!! And so is Cash ;-) I wish they'd bring that show back.

We are expected to get snow any day now. I'm so not thrilled. Where did summer go?? :-) The rest of the family is snow crazy. I don't get it, but I'm glad at least somebody in the house is having fun.

At least I can get a lot of writing/reading done. And I have theatre/drama classes this winter so that should put some fun in those cold/gray days.

Would be nice to get away for some vacation and visit some palm trees. Anyone is taking a winter vacation this year?

Dana

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Tall, Dark & Lethal on 11/20/2008

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Hi Dana, My hubby, kitty, and I are traveling to Orlando for Christmas with my ma and sis. It gets cold in Orlando and my Ma has the fire place to prove it. *g* I hope it's down in the 30's and she fires that thing up! It's been cold here in VA but we have sun. I love to watch my cat. He gets all excited, rolls, and plays like a kitten. I make sure to get at least 10 mins. I need my vitamin D! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 11/20/2008

No vacation at all this year.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/20/2008

I'm not taking a winter vacation this year. I wish I was on my way to Hawaii right now.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/20/2008

Well we do have winter here but we also have plenty of sunshine all year long and we only have snow every 100 years and only a couple inches. We also have palm trees and a beach. But it does get cold in the winter if you consider temperatures in the 40°s cold. It will get into the 50°s tonight with rain so this may not be the best time to come visit. I love the sunshine but the heat that goes with it I can do without.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 11/20/2008

We don't get vacations around here. We can't afford to take them. As far as winter goes it have been really cold here for November. I has been snowing tonight and the ground is covered, maybe about a half inch or so. Snow doesn't come here until about January least that is the way its been the past several years. I don't think I like this weather much.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 11/20/2008

I am definately becomming a warm weather woman. The cold seems colder than ever before but there will be no winter vacation for me! Wrking at school it is hard to get away but my sisterchick and I sometimes run away to a motel and spend the time veging in the hot tub and pool.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/21/2008

I love the light too and I'm a summer person so winter and I just tolerate each other :). No vacations but my family goes to WVU football games, they are a family event where father and daughters (and daughters boyfriends whom father is not sure if he likes them or not)gets to spend quality time booing the visiting team and vocally supporting the "Mountaineers".

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/22/2008

I wish I could. I live in NJ and it is freezing here today.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 11/22/2008

11/19/2008

Do You Hibernate?

As the days grow shorter, I find the lack of sunshine making me sleepier earlier and earlier. I think my hibernation gene is kicking in and I need to shake free of it. I'm one of those people who NEED light. Lots of light. I have 100 watt bulbs in the ceiling fan (4 of them) in my office. As soon as the sun comes up, I open my blinds and let as much sunlight in as possible. I need the light to keep me on my toes, awake and functional throughout the day.

With the sun coming up (for me) around 7:00am and going down around 5:30pm, my functional timeframe is shortening. After the sun sets, I'm done for the evening. Sad but true. I'll either veg out or plug into the television and end up going to bed early. Not good when I'm on deadline.

My November Intrigue NICK OF TIME is based in North Pole, Alaska where during the winter, they get little to no bright sunlight during the day. I'd be like the woman on the television show MEN IN TREES and carry around my light to keep me from getting depressed. I MUST have light.

My sister works in a basement office with no windows and limited lighting. Ack! I'd be in a blue funk all the time. Not for me, no sir.

What about you? Do you hibernate? Do you NEED light? Is it just me? Please tell me there are others out there like me...all alone in my office, turning up the lights...

Posted by Elle James, author of NICK OF TIME on 11/19/2008

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I need light but not to the extent you do. When I was teaching I was very glad to get a room with a window so not only did I have artificial light I could see outside and I think that is my problem.....I have to have a window to the outside.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 11/19/2008

I prefer the light, sunny days of summer, but the days of fall and winter are nice too. I guess 'm trying to say I don't need the light, I just like it.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/19/2008

I miss the sun. It starts getting dark at 4pm. I wish I could hibernate. It feels extra nice when you get to sleep in during the winter. I hate leaving my warm bed.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/19/2008

I NEED light. I work in a classroom with no windows! I sometimes just wasl to the outside door between classes to see what the weather is doing. My plants on the otherhand seem to thrive in the artificial light.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/19/2008

Hi Elle, I used to be a night person. Partying til the wee hours. Now that I've calmed down a lot I don't like the dark. If my hubby's out to sea I'll sleep on the couch with my kitty with the TV on and the kitchen and living room lights on. I do hibernate with lots of Ben and Jerrys though. *smile* Some of my comments are not showing up. With this new code we can't see if we typed the wrong thing so we can try again!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 11/20/2008

You are not alone, I also hibernate and I do like my lights to be on. I have notice that I require more light now to see. I think that come alone with age.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 11/20/2008

I need light, I seriously suffer from seasonal adjustment depression. It usually happens right after Christmas because I'm ok up until its over. I would love to hibernate I am so not a morning person.

Posted  by Beth Reimer on 11/21/2008

11/18/2008

Thanksgiving traditions

I'm from a very large family, so naturally Holiday traditions are important to me and veering away from them doesn't come easily. But a few years ago we started going to Orange Beach on the Alabama coast for Thanksgiving. My whole family, especially the grandkids, are thrilled are with this new arrangement. But we still have the traditional dinner, turkey, cornbread stuffing (this is the south), candied yams, cranberry sauce, pumpkin. The works. The concessions are the addition of key lime pie-yumm-and oyster dressing which my husband loves. So what about you? Tell us about your traditions or a year that defied traditions. Who knows? I may get a great idea for a new book!

Posted by Joanna Wayne, author of Miracle at Colts Run Cross on 11/18/2008

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Being also from the south, we have to have oyster cornbread dressing. Yum. And yams, turkey, pumpkin pie. A pecan pie isn't a bad idea to go with the pumpkin pie. :) I like the cranberry relish with the orange chopped up in it but I'm a big fan of cranberries so I'll take them anyway we can get them. We will have a houseful this Thanksgiving with friends coming up. It's interesting the different traditions people have for this meal and how we just don't feel like we've had Thanksgiving unless we get our favorites!! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone from Montana!

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 11/18/2008

We have the traditional Thanksgiving meal. I love key lime pie, but I never thought to have during the holidays. Sometimes we also cook a chicken because some of our friends don't like turkey.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/18/2008

BJ, that sounds good. Maybe I'll just have to come to Montana for Christmas some year, but then I couldn't wear shorts or play in the surf. Joanna Wayne

Posted  by Joanna Wayne on 11/18/2008

Traditions have changed over the years for our family. Our son and his wife now have us all to their home. Traditional meal is enjoyed at noon and leftovers for the next few days. Friday has become a girls day of marathon shopping. We have a ball and hit two different cities on that day. The best part of the whole time is the time spent together.

Posted  by Connie  Lorenz on 11/19/2008

One Thanksgiving about 12 years ago, my husband and I packed up both daughters and the plan was to go to my grandparents house for the holiday. My grandparents raised me and my older brother; along with their own 8 children and yes the house was crowded but filled with love. All of Nanie's children were there, 8, as was their children, 17, along with their childrens children, (at the time, only 8 more LOL).Between the aunts and wives arguing about how to cook this and what should be added to that, and the uncles and husbands debating on how long it takes to drive this interstate and what car is the best one and of course football scores.....well.....lets just say the chaos was just that chaos. And I wouldn't have had it any other way!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/19/2008

I am the one that cooks the Thanksgiving dinner in my family. We have the traditional dinner, turkey, home made dumplins, stuffing, pecan pie, banana pudding, mashed patatoes, gravy, pretty much the works. Just like grandma use to do.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 11/20/2008

11/17/2008

CAREER CHOICES

There are a lot of good things about writing novels for a living. The opportunity to play pretend and get paid for it, the ability to have a somewhat flexible work schedule, and the perk of wearing yoga pants and sweatshirts instead of pantyhose. But one of my favorite things about being a novelist has to be research.

By the way, if you want to check out a fun interview I did today with fellow Intrigue author, Kathleen Long, go to Writers At Play.

Posted by Ann Voss Peterson, author of Christmas Awakening on 11/17/2008

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Come on! Someone has to have wanted to dabble in some exotic or interesting career. When I was a kid, I thought about being a vet. My younger brother did it for me. And I liked to imagine being a figure skater. The closest I got was twirling around on the kitchen floor in slippery socks.

Posted  by Ann Peterson on 11/17/2008

I wanted to be an airline stewardess, but wasn't tall enough to meet the height requirement.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/17/2008

Hi, Estella! My aunt was a flight attendant when I was a little girl. I always thought it would be so glamorous to fly all over the world. I don't think they have as much time to explore exotic destinations as I imagined, though. :)

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/17/2008

When I was a child I wanted to be a ballet dancer but never got a chance to really try it out. Then I wanted to play the violin in a symphony orchestra. This one I almost made but we moved. I wa actually playing in a junior symphony orchestra for 6 years in elementary thru junior high but we moved and that ended that. What I never wanted to do was teach school. Guess what I ended up doing??? Teaching school for 35 years and I enjoyed it.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 11/17/2008

I think it would be cool to be a pilot, commercial or military. My cousin is a flight attendant. I'm also short, so I had no chance to become one.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/17/2008

A ballet dancer or violinist sounds fabulous, Ellen. But just think of how many lives you touched as a teacher. And that's great that you enjoyed it. That's how you know a teacher is a great one. She or he enjoys teaching.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/17/2008

I think being a pilot would be cool, too, Jane. I enjoy sitting in a plane...usually. :) But flying it would really be something. How tall do you have to be to work as a flight attendant?

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/17/2008

As a child I wanted to be a dancer so when my daughters expressed an interest I spent many years traveling with them to lessons. They each stayed with it for at least 10 years so I made lots of trips to and from lessons.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/17/2008

That's cool, Connie. So you got to live your dream vicariously through them. Sounds like a lot of driving, though.

Posted  by Ann Voss Peterson on 11/17/2008

11/14/2008

Cowboys

Those are all interesting comments. I do like writing about Texas families with ranching roots. And as for sexy, this cover for Texas Gun Smoke pretty much says it all. But Miracle at Colts Run Cross is my first in a long time where the kids play such an active role. In this case, though they are in danger, they bring a lot of humor and warmth to the book. Their kidnapping escapade reads somewhat like Home Alone with the boys giving the very dangerous abductor a run for his money. But the romance is incredibly poignant as their estranged parents not only face the danger but an onslaught of emotions over the marriage they are about to throw away. The ending has all the warmth you could ask for. In fact, I wrote the book as a special Christmas treat for all my Colts Run Cross fans. You can read an excerpt at www.joannawayne.com. And email all your reading buddies and tell them to drop by and blog before I have to announce the winner-if we have ten blogs-and go to bed. Tonight, that will be about 10 Central time.

Posted by Joanna Wayne, author of Miracle at Colts Run Cross on 11/14/2008

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11/14/2008

Miracle at Colts Run Cross & Cowboys

Hi, all, Thanks for all the marvelous support you've given for the Four Brothers of Colts Run Cross series. They are selling so well that the latest-Miracle at Colts Run Cross- is sold out all over Houston after being on the shelves less than a week. Yee-haw. So, I'm thinking a lot of you must like cowboys. Or is it family series that you like? If you like cowboys, tell me what you think of cowboy books. What do you like about them, dislike about them, etc? I personally like cowboy manners and their values. And, believe me, living in Texas for the last four years, I've learned all about that first hand. Most of them are just the way I portray them in my books. If we have at least ten entries today, I'll choose a random winner for a copy of one of my books. So let's hear it in praise of cowboys-or not.

Posted by Joanna Wayne, author of Miracle at Colts Run Cross on 11/14/2008

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I love cowboy books especially the family ones. I think I have to go with your likes: manners, values, work ethic. But of course I am a native Texan. Even though I move a lot as a child due to my father's job I spent most of that time in Texas.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 11/14/2008

I love stories about cowboys, they always seem so real and have such loyalties to family and friends. Not that others don't but there is always something ingrained in the cowboys. I also like series on families where you get each brother's or sister's or both stories to make you realize what makes them "Tick" or why they ended up being the way they are.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 11/14/2008

I love cowboy books, as well as brother books, your have both! I can't explain why but I do like them very much, and congrats on being sold out! That's a good sign that says they are very good!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/14/2008

Congrats on selling out in Houston. Cowboys have a rugged appeal. A cowboy will take care of his family and woman.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/14/2008

I love series and cowboys. What's not to love? Tall, handsome, tight jeans, stetsons, and the worlds greatest manners!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/14/2008

You gotta love a cowboy. There is just something about a cowboy, I think they are sexy maybe. I do love to read cowboy books, I just can't help myself. BRING ON THOSE COWBOYS.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 11/15/2008

You gotta love cowboys. They are usually tall and sexy. What's not to love about them. I also love reading books about them. I posted it earlier today but its not showing.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 11/15/2008

I love cowboys, series books, and families. You have it all! cowboys just seem so rugged and in charge.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/15/2008

Ah, yes. The manners of a cowboy remind me chivalry isn't dead!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 11/15/2008

I can't explain it either why I like cowboys. I just like them.

Posted  by Minna P on 11/16/2008

Hi Joanna, I love cowboys! I grew up in Lubbock, Texas. I agree with you about manners and values. I had several cowboy friends and I dated a bull rider. Cowboys always seemed very polite and friendly. One time I was in a C&W bar and a friend of mine, a huge cowboy named Ben, was approached by some blonde dude. Well, Ben very gently pushed me back toward the bar and then he popped this blond dude right in the mouth. How's that for being gentlemanly? lol!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 11/16/2008

11/10/2008

When Movies Get it Right

I'm the queen of making lists--to do lists, scene lists, shopping lists--my family laughs at the sticky notes with lists on them they can find all over my house when I'm really on a roll.

I have tons more--I'm a movie buff. But now I'll ask you to share. What are some movies that you think got the romance right?

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Kansas City Christmas on 11/10/2008

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Okay, don't know why #2 didn't show up, but here it is: 2. Open Range. Besides the great appeal of Kevin Costner in chaps, I love the quintessential cowboy hero--plain talkin', protect what's mine, do the right thing kind of men--there's only one kiss, but the sexual tension sizzles between Kevin Costner and Annette Bening. And his matter-of-fact proposal at the end? Sigh.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/10/2008

I'm a movie buff too and this is a tough question - there are soooo many! But the first movie that comes to mind is the original Affair to Remember, with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Oh, my! I still get shivers thinking of the hungry, love-filled look they exchange in the theater! And better yet is the look in CG's eyes when he storms into her bedroom, looks up, sees his grandmother's painting on the wall and realizes Deborah's the "lady in the wheelchair" who bought it. Oh my, oh my, oh my! What a masterpiece! SueB

Posted  by Sue B on 11/10/2008

My favorites tend more towards Jane Austen. I love the reunion between Anne Elliott and Captain Wentworth, the letter she reads at the end where he tells her he's been constant for the eight years they were apart. Sigh...big sigh. I also love Speed. Keanu Reeves - yum! ;)

Posted  by Anne Calhoun on 11/10/2008

That IS a great movie, Sue! I think a lot of people dismiss Cary Grant as a fluff actor because he made so many romantic comedies--and he is utterly charming on screen and nice to look at. But AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, and his Alfred Hitchcock films really show his acting chops. He could convey such a look with just his eyes. That scene where he realizes WHY Deborah Kerr didn't meet him just make me sigh.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/10/2008

Hey, Anne--your comment reminds me of the wonderful time I had earlier this year when PBS spent a couple of months broadcasting all of their BBC productions of Jane Austen's books. I especially loved SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. I've never seen the movie version with Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman--but I love Alan in pretty much anything he does, so I'm sure he brought his character to life beautifully. Good ol' Jane did such a splendid job of creating sexual tension without the sex. Not that I don't enjoy a good sex scene--but the best ones are all about the relationship and the tension, anyway. I also love the Keira Knightly version of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. At the end when Mr. Darcy is so overcome with emotion that he stutters trying to get out "I love you". Nice.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/10/2008

1) "Pride and Prejudice", the one with Colin Firth in it. 2) "Sleeping Beauty", I still remember the knight/prince slashing his way through thorns to save her. 3) "The Mummy Returns" The very end, where she risks her life, can't get better than that. 4) "Titanic" 5) "Jane Eyre"

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/10/2008

I love Princess Bride, and Enchanted, and Ever After....

Posted  by Beth  Reimer on 11/10/2008

I too love An Affair to Remember and Gone With the Wind. They are both on my SHORT list! Recently, I guess Sex and the City struck me as a good one because for those of us who watched all the years of the series it was a final sigh of relief that Big and Carrie finally get together. I also loved The Holiday (I tend towards romantic comedy) for the sweetness of Jack Black and Kate Winslet. They were SO mismatched but so great together. P.S. I don't get to see many movies that are not animated anymore and romance is definately not something my 7 yr old son wants to see! hehe

Posted  by Valerie O on 11/10/2008

I very seldom watch movies, so cannot say.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/10/2008

I would add "Last of the Mohicans" and "The Princess Bride."

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/10/2008

I love the movie Little Women. It not only portrays the blossoming romances of the sisters, but the love between family and friends.

Posted  by Patricia R. on 11/10/2008

You hit it right when you said Gone With the Wind, I loved that movie and thought it was the most romantic movie of all times, book too. To me about anything that Kevin Costner plays in is romantic, there is just something about that man makes the movie romantic.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 11/10/2008

One of my favorites from a few years ago is Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. It's such a beautiful love story with him figuring out how to go back in time to find her after seeing her in a photograph and recognizing her as his one true love. So sad when he accidentally comes back to present day and then, unable to find his way back into the past, wastes away and dies! Gut-wrenching, but there's that nice scene at the end where they walk into the light together. Jane Seymour was never more beautiful and it's poignant to see Christopher Reeve at his finest.

Posted  by Brenda Gale on 11/10/2008

Good list Julie! Beauty and the Beast is one of mine, too. I also Love Pocahontas II - best animated kiss in a movie, IMO. I love the newer Pride and Prejudice. BUT my favorite all time romantic movie is A WALK IN THE CLOUDS. I love everything about it!

Posted  by Noelle Ptomey on 11/10/2008

I love the movies but trying to pick my favorite in the love department was difficult. I love Speed and watch every chance I get. Another movie that I watch over and over is Maid in Manhatten. Pretty Woman is one movie that is just plain romantic as far as I am concered....at least the end as he climbs the fire escape with the roses. Sigh......

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/10/2008

How about Bodyguard? Kevin Costner again. Those last scenes broke my heart. PS I love you also had me crying for what she had lost. Daniel Craig in Casino Royale also did it for me when he lost his love.

Posted  by Suzanne Perazzini on 11/10/2008

National Treasure would have been my choise, too. Well, The Mummy, Undercover Blues and Robin Hood come to mind.

Posted  by Minna P on 11/11/2008

Ooh, I love THE PRINCESS BRIDE, too. Wesley's "As you wish" inspired my last Blaze, AT YOUR COMMAND. Every time the hero said "At your command" it became synonymous with "I love you." That was such a cool movie. I loved the dynamic between the grandpa and sick grandson, too. When Peter Falk says, "As you wish" at the end, I cheered.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/11/2008

Oh, yes! THE MUMMY is on my Top 10 list. To me, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz (with director Stephen Sommer, of course) revived the whole movie genre of romantic adventure. THAT was the kind of love story I love to read and watch. Suspense. Spunky, smart--if a little awkward--heroine. Big, bad hero with a heart of gold who can handle the action and one-liners with equal aplomb (and who, sigh, gets his cynical heart cracked wide open by the ONE woman). Fabulous villain. Wonderful array of sidekicks. I could read that kind of story all day long.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/11/2008

Great choices, Julie! I can think of so many that I like: Pride & Prejudice (A&E version), Persuasion, Little Voice, Moonstruck, Romancing the Stone, Something's Gotta Give. Another fun one is True Lies because it's an action flick that rekindles the romance between a husband and wife.

Posted  by Kristin  E. on 11/11/2008

I fixed #2 for you, Julie.

Posted  by Paula Graves on 11/12/2008

Hi Julie, Oh, I love Alfred Hitchcock! One movie where they got it right was SARATOGA TRUNK with Ingrid Bergman and Gary Cooper. This movie is hard to find so if you can't find it read the book by Edna Ferber. Outstanding!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 11/12/2008

I am not much of a movie buff. Although I really loved Beauty and the Beast and Enchanted. So I can't really add any insight into which movies got the romance right......lol

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 11/12/2008

My favorite romance movie is Die Hard. Just the whole image of him going to get her back, fighting the bad guys, rescueing his woman. I love that movie!!!

Posted  by Jill James on 11/12/2008

Jill--I love DIE HARD! I have a good friend who says that it's his favorite Christmas movie :) As far as romance goes, I definitely love the ending when he's introducing his wife Holly to Reginal VelJohnson's character--he uses her professional name and she corrects him, introducing herself as his wife. That's stronger than any, "I love you."

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/12/2008

11/7/2008

Winter Survival

Cold weather is here. Are you the let's strap skis on and get outside type of person, or the give me a book and let me snuggle up under the covers kind? I'm definitely the latter. I was just thinking... you know how there are "beach books?" Fun, light, etc. Are there "snuggle up" books? What would make a good "snuggle up" book? I'm thinking it could be longer for those long evenings when it gets dark too early outside and nothing to watch on TV. I'd definitely like my snuggle up book to be positive and comforting. (As in, "The sun WILL shine again.” :-)

Anyone out there who doesn’t like winter, like me? What do you do, besides reading, to make it go faster? I took up painting as a hobby, so that will help I think. I also do indoor container gardening. I already have Amaryllis and Paper Whites blooming and I just planted a bunch of tulips in pots. Flowers help me on all those gray days. I don’t do well when I don’t see sunshine days on end. Maybe I should start a book with a beach setting. That way, I’d get to spend a couple of hours each day under palm trees, if only in my mind. And, oh, I know… I’ll play lots of good summer music in the house. What’s your favorite summer music?

And I’ll be reading all the Intrigues coming out. Have you seen some of the Dec. and Jan. covers? Wow.

Alright, a plan is taking shape here. I’m starting to feel semi-prepared. I’m looking forward to hearing your ideas.

Dana

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Tall, Dark & Lethal on 11/7/2008

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No, I'm not the type to strap on snow ski's, water ski's yes, snow, no! To get through winter, I usually read more, computer work and force myself to take my dogs walking; the whole time I'm outside, I repeat to myself "I'm freezing, this too must pass"! :) Work on my tween programs for the library, focus on book orders and wait impatiently for new titles to come out! Thank goodness there are holidays to prepare for as well.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/7/2008

Hi Dana, OMG! I love the covers of the Dec. and Jan. Intrigues and I plan to read all of them too. I like fall and winter so I don't do anything to make them go faster. And I am the "give me a book and let me snuggle" kind. I also like magazines so I always have a huge stack near by. As far as I'm concerned any book is good to snuggle with. My favorite summer music is 80's music. Nothing like the B-52's to get you going. Or Cyndi Lauper, the Ramones, the Bangles, etc. Upbeat stuff! I must say I love flowers to pieces. To me they are like little rays of sunshine. I know what you mean about the gray days and we have purchased flowers to lighten things up.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 11/7/2008

I love the Christmas romance covers where the hero and heroine are embracing in front of a the fireplace. I'm not a winter sports kind of person. I wish I was into snowboarding and skiing.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/7/2008

I am the snuggle down and read on cold days. I also like to do difficult jig saw puzzles, I love the different pictures. The new covers are just amazing......lol

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 11/7/2008

I am definately the good book kind of gal and love curling up with a book. A warm fuzzy blanket and a cup of hot chocolate add to the comfort. As for music, I am easy to get along with except I cannot do rap...it sends me running for earplugs. I am ready tonight to start Julie Miller's latest, have the hot chocolate heating and a warm blanket!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/7/2008

Winter doesn't bother me but that's because I live in an area where there is very little winter. We seldom have really cold weather and most days I don't even wear a coat. But.....if I did live in a cold area I would not be out in it except when really necessary. I'd be snuggled up in a blanket reading.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 11/8/2008

I am definitely not a winter person and I live in NJ with ice and snow. When I am not working I enjoy reading, using the computer and at night the TV.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 11/8/2008

I am like you I don't like winter and don't like to get out during the winter and I do a lot of reading, but I also piece quilts. to pass the time. Sometime I even do some major house cleaning.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 11/8/2008

11/5/2008

Going to San Antonio!

I'm excited! I'm headed for San Antonio on Saturday for a working seminar. It's a long drive and I'll be making it alone (11 hours). But I'll load up with a fabulous book on CD and I'm sure I'll forget to stop for gas! I can't wait!

I lived in the San Antonio, TX, area for nearly 15 years and moved away 4 years ago. How I miss it! I especially miss the Tex-Mex food and the mix of German and Hispanic cultures, the festivals and fiestas. And most of all, I miss my writing friends!

You see, San Antonio is where I started writing and many of the people who helped me through the learning process are still there. I'll be meeting with them for dinner and talking about what I love talking about most...BOOKS! I'll get to see fellow Intrigue Author Delores Fossen who just happens to be coming to San Antonio at the same time. I love seeing Delores. She also started her writing career in San Antonio. It'll be a great homecoming.

I'll be staying in downtown San Antonio on the Riverwalk in the Historic Menger Hotel which is reportedly haunted. It'll be fun coming up with new plots for future Intrigues.

Have any of you been to San Antonio? Have you ever thought of it as a destination for a vacation?

Posted by Elle James, author of Nick of Time on 11/5/2008

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Elle - I was born in San Antonio but was very young when we left there. However I live 150 miles south of there. I haven't been in a long time but I love the Riverwalk. Maybe the ghosts of the Menger Hotel will visit you and suggest ideas for a future plot.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 11/5/2008

Hi Elle, Have a great time! I grew up in Lubbock, Texas and visited San Antonio many times. Took boat rides and ate delicious food. I miss Texas and the Tex-Mex too! How cool that you're staying in a haunted hotel. Do let us know if you encounter any ghosts. Oh, I wish I was going with you. Hug Delores! :-)

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 11/5/2008

I've never been to Texas but that is one of the states that I would love to go see! Haunted hotel? Maybe you will run into the TAPS guys? :)

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/5/2008

Elle have a grat time at the workshop. I have never been to San Antonio but have always wanted to go, from everything I have read and heard it sounds like a wonderful place. I have so many destnations that I would love to travel to and that is one of them. Waiting to hear if you have any ghost encounters.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 11/5/2008

Went to San Antonio for vacation two summers ago. Even with the rain it was a lovely city. We stayed down the street from the Alamo. I loved the Riverwalk, it is a tropical, peaceful oasis in the city.

Posted  by Jill James on 11/5/2008

I have been to Houston and Galveston, but not San Antonio.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/5/2008

I've never been to San Antonio or Texas, but I would love to visit someday.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/5/2008

I have never been to Texas but would love to go. Although I am not sure I would like the heat in the summer. I love reading books about Texas.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 11/13/2008

11/3/2008

OCTOBER BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Congratulations! If your name is on this list, you've won a book by the author you've been paired with. Please contact her via her web site with your mailing information, and she'll send you a book of her choice.

Posted by Jan Hambright, author of AROUND-THE-CLOCK PROTECTOR on 11/3/2008

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Ladies, I love this blog. It is so exciting to win a new book. Thanks.

Posted  by Jill James on 11/3/2008

Congrats to the winners!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 11/3/2008

Yes, congrats to the winners!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 11/3/2008

WTG ladies, congratulations! :)

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/3/2008

Congratulations to the winners......enjoy your books.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 11/3/2008

Congratulations winners!!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 11/4/2008

Congrats to the winners.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/4/2008

11/2/2008

Computers?

Okay, gang. The writing is on the wall. It's time for Julie to buy yet another computer! It's only money--ha!

I'll be back to blog next Monday, too. I'll have some romantic themes to talk about then. Hope you'll be back to join me!

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Kansas City Christmas on 11/2/2008

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I really don't know about computers enough to recomend a type, I asked our "tech" guy, (who is awesome by the way), at work, I've got an Acer laptop and I LOVE it. It is limited, but it's perfect for what I need it for. I can do my training requirments for work on it, I hit my fav blog and author sites, book sites, (love Good Reads!)email,ect. Your smart Julie to keep your important docs separate, I too keep all my book orders for work on flash drive, if I lost those I would be up "that" creek without a paddle! :)

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 11/3/2008

I hear that, Sherry. After losing most of another ms when I was copying it to a disk (fried the computer AND the disk--thank goodness I had a good chunk--unfortunately, not all of it--printed out already), I now back things up in about 5 different ways. Not that I'm paranoid or anything .

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/3/2008

Good morning, Julie! I'm not an expert on computers, but I have a Dell and a Toshiba - both laptops - and love them both. But then, I'm not savvy enough to know what makes the "perfect" computer. Good luck in finding that "perfect" computer. Until then, I'm sure you can use your good friend's computer as long as you need it. SueB

Posted  by Sue B on 11/3/2008

Thanks, Sue! (wink-wink)

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/3/2008

Hi, Julie! Tough choice. I love Macs, but they're expensive, and I think only necessary if you want to do some serious picture/movie work. Otherwise, Windows machines work fine. That said, so few people (comparatively) use the Mac OS that virus writers don't tend to write for Mac, which makes them safer. Basically, nothing makes me crazy about my Mac PowerBook G4 except the price I'll pay to replace it eventually. I've been looking at the small Acers that cost about $500. I only do email and write on my laptop, and those are lightweight, very portable, and not like using a sledgehammer (Mac) to swat a fly (email and use Word). Good luck. The whole thing makes me break out in hives, so you have my sympathies!

Posted  by Anne  Calhoun on 11/3/2008

I'm no expert either. I have a Dell desktop and laptop. I definitely prefer using a desktop. I like having a big monitor.

Posted  by Jane C. on 11/3/2008

Hi Julie! I, too, am in the same boat. I am currently using a Gateway laptop that we purchased from an NPPD auction a couple of years ago but it isn't adequate anymore for all the writing that I am doing (cheer here!!) We have looked into purchasing a desktop (Acer) that will be custom built for me but I haven't gotten to the point yet where I can afford a computer for internet and a seperate computer for my writing. Maybe someday...(God willing) Good luck and I agree with Sue B. I'm sure your good friend will loan you the computer for as long as you need it. hehe

Posted  by Valerie O on 11/3/2008

Computers - have a love/hate relationship - love them when they are working - hate them when they are not working. I use a PC at both at work.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 11/3/2008

I have limited knowledge about computers. I run off the Windows XP professional program, and I know enough about the computer to work my way around the simple things but nothing complicated. When I do run into trouble I call my son and say help!! And he walks me through the problem over the phone long distance. So you can see I am hopeless.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 11/3/2008

I'm with you, Connie. For the most part, I can't imagine being without my computers. But... when the darn thing isn't working... ugh! I appreciate all the feedback, everyone. Believe me, I'm taking notes. Thanks! Now go read some books! ;)

Posted  by Julie Miller on 11/4/2008

10/29/2008

How's this for an Intrigue plot?

I’m back from an exciting trip tramping around the frozen north. How’s this for an Intrigue idea? The hero and heroine are trapped on the tundra. They’re trying to escape from the bad guys in a small plane, but a polar bear is keeping them from taking off.

Posted by Rebecca York, author of CHRISTMAS SPIRIT on 10/29/2008

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Comments:

What a grand adventure, Rebecca! The bear in the book would be cool as long as it doesn't get killed. Call Marlen Perkins with the tranquilizer gun! Hahahaha! Good thing Sara Palin wasn't in the lodge with ya'll. *snicker* Seriously though your experience would make an excellent novel. I'd read it. Oh and speaking of...I'm sick and my hubby brought me a copy of CHRISTMAS SPIRIT last night.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/29/2008

I like your idea of a polar bear keeping them from leaving the lodge and taking off in a plane but my imagination is so lacking I can't imagine any further than that. You could have one of the bad guys get hurt by the bear and the hero and heroine save his life. Sounds like you had a lot of fun in spite of the polar bear danger.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/29/2008

I think it would be great in an Intrigue plot! Sometimes things in real life happen that is so bizarre that it defies explanation; it's like I've heard before; "you just can't make this stuff up". It sounds like you had a grand adventure.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 10/29/2008

Well, part of the FUN was the danger. You just have to have an intrigue writer's mind! Rebecca

Posted  by Rebecca York on 10/29/2008

Wow. I've never done anything that adventurous.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/29/2008

Sounds like an exciting trip!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/29/2008

What an great idea for an Intrigue Novel, or suspense story. I had to smile at the weather being cold for you, our night temperatures are in the 30's at the moment - although our day temperatures have been warmer than usual, we are having a terrific Autumn. Your adventure sounds great although not so sure I would want that many close encounters with the polar bears....Smiling!!

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/29/2008

I would love to do something like that but I think I'll just wait until I can read about it in one of your books :)

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 10/29/2008

What excitement. I would have loved being with you! I hunt animals all the time with my camera and what an opportunity that would have been! I will be waiting to see what you come up with!!!!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/29/2008

Wow--how exciting! The only bears I've seen in the wild were black bears which was scary enough for me, but polar bears are huge compared to them. You're right, it would make a good scene in a book.

Posted  by Cynthya Petzen on 10/31/2008

Oh Wow I think this would be a great story for a book. I loved it. What an adventure, I have never done anything like that.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 11/2/2008

10/28/2008

Sweet Sixteen? Ha!

Sweet Sixteen? Who came up with that? My youngest daughter is sixteen today and I love her dearly. But sweet? At sixteen? I don't think so. So many teens are walking hormones and attitude. Terrible Teens are almost as bad as the Terrible Twos.

If you've ever been the parent of a teen, you know what I'm talking about. Parents are all stupid, anything the parent says is to be ignored, parents are always trying to ruin the teen's life. Recognize it? Well, sadly, I was there once too. Although I love living a bit vicariously through my daughter, in no shape form or fashion would I EVER want to be a teen again. No way, no how, absolutely not! Even knowing what I know now, uh-uh. Teens are as bad as animals that eat their own young. Even with the confidence of adulthood, I don't think I'd last a day in the life of my daughter.

But back to sweet sixteen. I'm really proud she's made it this far and a little surprised. That's right, there have been times I wanted to exercise the statement "I brought you into this world, I can certainly take you out!"

My first two children weren't quite as opinionated as this one so the terrible teens weren't quite as bad. But the DRAMA QUEEN is definitely giving me a run for my money.

Did I forget to mention, I love her? Don't get me wrong. I do love her and we get along pretty well, even if I'm stupid.

I'd love to hear from you about your experiences with teens. Good? Bad? Ugly? Sweet?

Oh, and in case my daughter reads this....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! And in teen-speak: jk ttyl BFFAEA

Posted by Elle James, author of Nick of Time on 10/28/2008

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Comments:

I taught teens for 35 years and I'm an expert on attitudes. Teens can be the most wonderful, thoughtful children: BUT they can also be the most obnoxious, opinionated brats at other times. You will live through it and your daughter will again realize how wonderful you really all......if you both live through the teen years.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/28/2008

I made it through 4 teenagers, 2 boys, 2 girls. My kids were raised in the sixties and early seventies, in the country. Did not have a lot of problems with them. They were into sports, so between that and school they were pretty busy.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/28/2008

Happy Birthday to your daughter. I don't have kids, so I can't share any stories. I like to think I wasn't so bad when I was a teenager.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/28/2008

Oh my goodness, you have my complete empathy! I have 2 daughters, 23 and 18, the oldest is past that teen terror time, the youngest has a way to go yet. To make it worse the youngest is all girly girl, I was and am a tomboy, there are some days that I don't have a clue! But I keep telling myself that I and the oldest girl grew out of it, she will too, (hopefully soon!).

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 10/28/2008

and the rest of that goes ...and never been kissed. That doesn't happen too often anymore either lol. My oldest gave me a hard time and my youngest was easy going - but then that's because my older daughter takes after her dad and my youngest daughter after me :) It does get better although it may not seem like it now.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 10/28/2008

Elle, been there, done that -- twice. One boy, one girl. I'm so glad I survived the years, and have the gray hairs to prove it. LOL I love my children, but I'm beyond grateful the teen years are done. Now I get to wait for their children to do them in. hahahaha

Posted  by Jill James on 10/28/2008

Hi Elle - I know where you are coming from. I had a teenage girl who gave me fits - now this daughter has one of her own and she keeps teling me what a drama queen she is and how she is giving her fits. Then she follows up with I know now what you went through - and am surprised I made to this age.....LOL. To be truthful I am surprised she made it to this age as well - let me tell you there were moments. My son was easier but even he had moments......Think it is just the teen years - I know I had a friend that kept telling me it was not just the terrible twos - it was also the teens - she said you just wait - and boy was she right......LOL.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/28/2008

Yep, sweet sixteen can be a trying time, but remember this too shall pass and you'll miss her one day all too soon. My daughters were seven years apart so I had time to recover from the first before the second got there. This was a good thing because the second made the first look like she earned the title of Sweet!!! I love them both and so enjoy them as adults as they both are my very best friends.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/29/2008

This post wasn't up for 10 minutes yesterday and when I hit submit, after I'd written a book, I was told my comment wouldn't be accepted. This happens a lot. Grrrrrr! Hi Elle, please tell your daughter I said Happy Birthday. I never had kids so I never went through what I put my mother through. I feel bad I put her through so much. I wouldn't want to be sixteen again either. And Ma would tell you I was a Drama Queen too. My children have always been kitties. I'm dealing with the terrible twos now. Recently I adopted a Tabby and he's teething. On. My. Books. I love him to pieces! :-)

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/29/2008

OH, Elle! I forgot to ask if the cover of NICK is scratch and sniff? LOL!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/29/2008

Thanks for all the comments on Sweet Sixteen. I know this too shall pass and I already dread the day she moves out. I'll be a TERRIBLE empty-nester. That's why I have a yorkie and a malti-poo. They will help fill the gap. But I love all three of my children dearly and wouldn't trade them for the world. It was fun reading all your comments!

Posted  by Elle James on 10/29/2008

10/22/2008

Autumn Pleasures

Autumn is one of my favorite times of year, and I find myself slowing down a bit. I know the holidays are just around the corner and things will get CRAZY so I try to savor the months of September, October and early November. Here are just a few of my favorite autumn things:

Sipping Tazo passion tea

Browsing the internet to find Christmas gifts

Watching goofy shows like Project Runway or Top Chef

Curling up with a good book. I read more in autumn than any other time, and I've already made it through five of my TBR books.

Daydreaming. Yep, as a writer this is mandatory, and autumn is when I play around most with my idea file to see what I want to write next.

So, what are you doing this autumn?

Delores

Posted by Delores Fossen, author of Security Blanket on 10/22/2008

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Comments:

Hi Delores, I'm enjoying the cool temps., reading, eating a lot of Ben & Jerry's AMERICONE DREAM, sleeping, drinking hot chocolate in the mornings, and doing some early Christmas shopping. Fall is my very favorite season. Happy Halloween!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/22/2008

I love autumn except that it is a reminder that cold weather is on the way, cold weather and I have issues! I too watch more TV, and that Project Runway? Well I started it one day and I couldn't stop; it's like a train wreck, you can't look away LOL! When the leaves start to fall, I just grab my books, hot tea and afghan and head to "my" corner of the couch, I always announce "Does anybody need anything? Cause Mommy is going to be sitting down and reading, let me know now cause there's no getting up later :)!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 10/22/2008

Melissa, ah yes--Americone Dream. Love it! I also love Karamel Sutra, but I find myself eating the middle and leaving the sides for my husband. LOL.

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/22/2008

Sherry, I don't like the cold weather either. I wish we could stretch out autumn for several more months.

I hear you about Project Runway. I can't quite figure out why I watch it, but I do. I honestly can't tell the difference between some of the designs that get praised and the ones that get trashed. Guess I have no fashion sense.

I'm glad you have your family trained to leave you alone during reading time. I need to try that!

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/22/2008

I'm hoping we'll go apple picking. I'm also looking forward to snacking on pumpkin bread.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/22/2008

Ok I'll give this another try - Getting ready for our annual pumpkin carving party and yum - roasted seeds.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 10/22/2008

Ohhh, I love pumpkin bread and the roasted seeds. My daughter wants to carve a pumpkin for Halloween so that'll give me a chance to dig out some seeds.

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/22/2008

I love this time of year, the leaves are such pretty colors, the days are beautiful and the nights are colder. I like to curl up with a good book and a hot cup of coffee. It is a tranquil time, even though I know that snow and cold is right around the corner.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/22/2008

LOL! Karamal Sutra would be my second choice, Delores! YUM!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/23/2008

Some of my favorites: Knitting drinking tea reading a book watching Dempsey and Makepeace on DVD

Posted  by Minna P on 10/23/2008

I live in NJ and we are driving to the Poconos on sunday.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 10/23/2008

Here in northern California we don't do autumn. LOL It was 88 degrees here today. But I do try to enjoy the time of relaxing before the madness of the holidays. I don't do Thanksgiving (SIL does) so that is one less holiday to worry about.

Posted  by Jill James on 10/23/2008

Jill, my sister does Thanksgiving as well. We all cook side dishes and such, but it's at her house, so that means she gets the bulk of the work.

Posted  by Delores  Fossen on 10/24/2008

Joyce and Minna, that sounds wonderful and RELAXING.

Posted  by Delores  Fossen on 10/24/2008

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. The colors are so beautiful, the temperature is comfortable, and we celebrate all four of our children's birthdays and our anniversary as well as three of their anniversaries. We often go camping and especially like to go to the mountains. Didn't get to go this year but have been camping near my husband's favorite trout stream most weekends.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/24/2008

I love fall. The colors are so beautiful, the temperatures are tolerable, and we celebrate many birthdays and anniversaries in the fall. We have spent this this fall camping and hiking a nearby recreation area. It has been great. While my husband fishes or hunts, I curl up in a compfy caamping chair and read. Last weekend I read Julie Miller's latest. For next week I will have to look for your latest.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/25/2008

Thanks, Connie. I hope you enjoy it!

Your autumn fun sounds wonderful, especially teh part about curling up with a good book. :)

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/25/2008

I love the changing leaves. My daughter is getting tired of me pointing up and saying "isn't that beautiful?" But the variations of colors never cease to amaze and impress me. I love the cool weather too. This is the time of the year, I start reviewing my schedule and plans for next year. I love to review my accomplishments thus far and see what else I can squeeze in by end of year. But I also look ahead at what I want to accomplish next year. Fall is a wonderful time of year!

Posted  by Elle James on 10/28/2008

10/20/2008

Beautiful Stranger

Late October has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It's when autumn really starts to arrive and it becomes more noticeable that there's a sudden chill in the air and the dark of night is arriving ever sooner and lingering ever longer. Add in the impending arrival of Halloween, and there's something deliciously creepy about these late October weeks, more so than any other time of the year. It's no coincidence that my first book, STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, was set right around this time.

Naturally, that also makes it a perfect time for a spine-chilling, suspenseful story, and Intrigue has certainly served up plenty of those over the years. Anyone else remember that special set of Halloween stories Intrigue released way back when? I have to admit I always wanted to write one of those kinds of Intrigues, full of moody atmosphere and spooky scenes, where the suspense is driven as much by the creepy elements as the action sequences.

My latest book, BEAUTIFUL STRANGER, isn't quite that kind of read, but I think it has a touch of those elements. The story begins with my heroine imprisoned in a mental hospital--a fairly popular premise, I suppose (there's even a movie opening this week where it happens). The idea of having to prove your sanity to a disbelieving world always struck me as very unsettling. Fortunately my heroine is strong enough to break out of the hospital in Chapter One, kicking some butt along the way. Even more fortunately, she has the hero on her side to help her in her quest for answers.

When I started writing this story, I didn't know when (or if, for that matter) it would be published, but when I learned it was going to be scheduled for October 2008, I made a few tweaks to make the mental hospital a little more sinister and eerie, something I think the cover nicely conveys. Hopefully the book will provide readers with some suitably seasonal thrills and chills.

Posted by Kerry Connor, author of BEAUTIFUL STRANGER on 10/20/2008

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Comments:

Hi Kerry, October is my favorite month and Halloween is my favorite holiday. When did Intrigue release the special set of Halloween stories? I've never read anything by you so I'm really looking forward to reading BEAUTIFUL STRANGER. The description reminds me of the movie, GOTHIKA, with Halle Berry. I want to visit your mental hospital! *g* Happy Halloween!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/20/2008

I like October for the cooler weather and the changing of the leaf colors. I have not read anything by you before, so am looking forward to Beautiful Stranger.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/20/2008

Congrats on the new release. This is the perfect time to read a good thriller.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/20/2008

Love Fall! So many colors! Here in Nebraska, so many temperature changes. My husband and I started getting serious about each other in the fall. Both of our daughters were born in October. Can hardly wait to read your book!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/20/2008

Ooooh, love the cover and the storyline. Being trapped in a mental hospital would be very scary.

Posted  by Jill James on 10/20/2008

Melissa, I think the Halloween books came out in 1993. Wow--hard to believe it's already been fifteen years! I believe the titles were Music of the Mist by Laura Pender, Haunted by Patricia Rosemoor, Midnight Masque by Jenna Ryan and Fright Night by Linda Stevens.
Thanks for the comments, everybody! Glad to know I'm not the only who loves this time of year. And if you do get a chance to read the book, I hope you enjoy it.

Posted  by Kerry Connor on 10/20/2008

I too love this time of year, with the leaves changing color and the days being warm, but the evenings cooler. I want to let you know that I have read BEAUTIFUL STRANGER and it was terrific. There is spine tingling suspense and I am sure that anyone who picks it up will really enjoy it. Have a great week.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/20/2008

Congrats on the new release!

Posted  by Minna P on 10/21/2008

Thank you, Kerry. I'm going to see if I can find some of those titles at a fantastic used book store not far from me. They have older Intrigues. BOO!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/21/2008

Cryna, Thank you so much! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the book.
Thanks, Minna!
Melissa, Good luck finding those books!

Posted  by Kerry  Connor on 10/21/2008

Thanks, Kerry. I hope I can get my hands on them. Would you mind me asking how you did research for your mental hospital? *g*

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/22/2008

Kerry, your book is in my TBR pile and it's up next. I can't wait!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 10/23/2008

Melissa, I actually didn't have to do too much research for my mental hospital, because the heroine escapes by the end of Chapter One and I didn't have a lot of room for extra details. So most of it came out of my imagination.
Thanks, Lexi! I hope you like it.

Posted  by Kerry Connor on 10/28/2008

10/19/2008

Reducing Stress!

Boy, talk about stressful times! The market is wonky and this time of year leading up to holidays, is always a bit nuts. So, let’s brainstorm ways to relax and stay centered, shall we? First, I’m a huge fan of green tea. No, not for dieting purposes, but just because I LOVE tea, especially green. Before you make a face, keep in mind that there are many flavored green teas that are delicious and have just the right amount of caffeine to keep you awake without the harmful effects of coffee. Personal favs are Green Tea Paradise from Specialteas.com, and green mango and pomegrante. Do an Amazon search for the best deals. I’ve also been increasing my walks. I try to get out for a brisk walk three to five times a week to get the endorphins flowing. Plug iPod ear buds into your ears and listen to RWA workshops, or your favorite music (Dave Matthews!) Plan your holiday gift-giving NOW! I mean, why wait until December? The stress comes when Christmas is two weeks away and we need to find the perfect gift asap. Think about the special people in your life and what they would really appreciate. My neighborhood gang has decided to go out to dinner, but not buy presents for each other this year. Maybe we’ll donate $10 each to a worthy cause instead. Or maybe we’ll save the $10 for something we need at home. Speaking of gifts, shop e-bay for good deals. Hubby and son are Chicago Bears fans so you can bet I’ll be doing the eBay shop to find them fun stuff to hide in their stockings. Do you have any ideas for reducing stress? I’d love to hear them! (Watch for Pat's, Girl Next Door Series, coming in February '09!)

Posted by Pat White, author of Loving the Enemy on 10/19/2008

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Comments:

It's hard not to be stressed during the holidays, especially when people are fighting for sale items. If possible, I try to shop early in the day when there are less people. I also buy a lot of present online. It's convenient and you don't have to lug your loot home.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/19/2008

I usually buy gifts early. Our family only gives to the grandchildren, so it is easy to hide the presents until christmas.By buying early you eliminate the holiday crowds.

Posted  by Estella  Kissell on 10/19/2008

Other than walking I use the obvious solution -- read a book. But I don't do both at the same time. LOL

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/19/2008

I usually try to get the Christmas shopping done early, because I also have birthdays and anniversaries that month. It is such a busy time. To relieve stress I like to take a book and read, or work on a difficult jigsaw puzzle.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/19/2008

I try not to stress at Christmas. Most of the gifts I give money because, most are teen agers and above. I have a few little ones to buy for but that I can get pretty easy. Your new book sounds fantastic.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 10/20/2008

Hi Pat, Gift giving is easy for us because we move all the time. Hubby's in the Navy. This year it's VA Beach shirts for everybody! *g* When I'm stressed I go straight to my kitty. He licks my arm, head, or whatever body part he can get too. lol! He always calms me down. Oh, he's teething and biting my books! I love him so... If you do decide to donate go with The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or Susan G. Komen. Enjoy your green tea!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/20/2008

10/17/2008

BROTHERS

I have been blessed in my life to grow up with two wonderful brothers--one older, one younger. One brunette, one blonde. One who looks out for me, one who makes me laugh. One's a successful businessman and one's an engineer/military man. Both are tall. Both are smart (you want them on your Trivial Pursuit team ). Both are funny--though with decidedly different types of humor. Think goofball vs. dry wit. Both are talented, caring men. And--sorry, ladies--both are married.

Do you have any favorite brother stories--real or fiction--to share?

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Private S.W.A.T. Takeover on 10/17/2008

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Comments:

Ack! Computer woes are still plaguing me. I can't get the pic of my big brother--or my November cover for Kansas City Christmas to load. I guess we'll just have to look at my "baby" brother today ;) At least I got the blog itself to load!

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/17/2008

What a wonderful post, Julie. Nora Roberts' Chesapeake Bay series featuring the Quinn brothers are my favorite stories about brothers.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/17/2008

Hey, Jane! Nora has done some great ones, hasn't she? I love her Irish trilogy. Something about Irish men, I think. One of the things I love about "brother" books is that the heroes can have such different personalities, yet be incredibly close and supportive. It's always kind of like The Magnificent Seven for me--each man fights and looks at the world in his own unique way, but you know when it comes down to it, he's got your back. Yum.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/17/2008

Hi Julie, I have one sister and no brothers. Your post is so wonderful. I hope your brothers read it. I also hope your younger brother comes home safe and sound. I'm enjoying Kay Stockham's brother series THE TULANES OF TENNESSEE. And Kresley Cole's MacCarrick brothers series is fabulous! Thomas Sawyer Kincaid - "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" Atticus Finch Kincaid - "To Kill a Mockingbird" Holden Caulfield Kincaid - "The Catcher in the Rye" Edward Rochester Kincaid - "Jane Eyre" Right?

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/17/2008

Julie - brothers are wonderful (most of the time). I have two brothers one older, one younger, one brunette, one blond. I really really do. My older brother(by two years) took care of me when I was young, I took care of my younger brother (by four years) when he was young. We were close and still are even though the older one lives 160 miles south of me and the younger lives 250 miles north of me. My older brother is retired and in bad health. I wouldn't trade either of them for all the money in the world. My older brother was drafted into the army during Vietnam but became a lieutenant and taught others to use long range guns (can't remember what they are called). A funny story about my younger brother and me - We do not look alike as I take after my father and he my mother. Before he was interested in dating girls but they were beginning to get interested in him he would take me along to places as his "date". Of course that only lasted until he "discovered" girls.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/17/2008

Melissa--Hooray! You're absolutely right on your literature. You got each book and brother right. Ellen--too funny about being your brother's "date". Thank your brother from me for serving his country. I don't know what the long rifles are called, either, but I'm glad there are people with the skills to use them when necessary. My brother defused land mines in Iraq during his first tour of duty. He's an engineer, so he's also built runways and outposts for the troops. Now he's in Kosovo, helping rebuild their country. It's very picturesque from the pix he sends. Hard to picture a war being fought there--or destroying their landmarks.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/17/2008

Julie, We have discussed your brothers before and I so admire them. Be sure you tell them how much they mean to you every chance you get as you never know when it will be your last chance. My brothers are both gone. One was killed in an accident when he was 27 (but my sone reminds me of him all the time, right down to gestures). My other brother died of west nile a few years ago and I miss him all the time. When we were young they irritated me terribly but now I wish they would. Just started reading your newest and will be looking forward to the next. By the was, as usual, I am loving it.

Posted  by Connie  Lorenz on 10/17/2008

What a wonderful blog, Julie. I don't have any brothers. I would have loved to have a brother. I love connected series and have enjoyed yours. Another series of brother's I am following is Kay Stockham's brother series The Tulanes of Tennssee. Another series I enjoyed was Lucy Monroe's Mercenary Trilogy (Ready, Willing And Able) - although they were not blood brothers - it shows the bonding and having of the other's back. You have already mentioned Suzanne Brockmann and her heroes.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/17/2008

Hi, Julie! I wish I had brothers. I love my sis-tahs dearly (I have three, all younger) but I feel like I missed out on a whole side of family life. My husband has 2 brothers, no sisters, and he has tons of hilarious stories about brother-mishaps. The goat they bought from a neighbor for $5 and brought home. Falls off bikes, roofs, the deck. Sneaking out...and sneaking each other back in. Driving through garage doors. My sisters and I...we read. I also like brother series - the MacKenzie ones are good - but I also enjoy series when an author creates a brotherhood. My own family life is so mixed that I like reading about people who put together families out of a mixture of relatives, friends, coworkers, etc. Any closeness works for me!

Posted  by Margaret McGrath on 10/18/2008

My brother and I use to always say that the other was the favorite. He thought I was because I was the student. I always said he was because he had a heart condition and my parents always tried to think of things for him to do that didn't involve physical activity.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 10/18/2008

I only had one brother and two sisters. My brother past away a few years ago, at the age of 52, heart attack. The one main thing I remember about him when we were kids, is that he would break everything we had. He had to tare things apart to see what they were made of. I don't care what it was he would have to take it apart to see how it worked.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 10/18/2008

Quilt Lady--omg, I was kind of like that--I loved to take things apart to see how they worked. I took heads off dolls to see what was inside (hmm, maybe an indicator of my love for suspense?). I was sick a lot as a child, and I remember one of my favorite things that my mom would do to entertain me was to give me some old mechanical thing (like an alarm clock or transistor radio) and some tools in a shoebox lid, and I'd sit in bed and take everything apart. Kept me entertained for hours.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/18/2008

Margaret--I've always wondered what it would be like to have sisters. I probably have a lot of tomboy in me because I grew up with brothers. And my mom is now like a sister to me--she's certainly my best friend! But growing up, I relied on girlfriends to fill those sister roles. My son (an only child) says he wishes he had a sister, so he'd have someone to pick on! Fortunately, he has a couple of friends who are girls and have developed that kind of close relationship with him.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/18/2008

I myself have 3 brothers and no sisters (fellow tomboy here), and I adore stories about brothers, NR Quinn borthers and her Mckade brothers. I think that might be why the Intriques are my favorite Harlequin's, because a lot of them feature stories about brothers, and authors like yourself do them so very well!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 10/19/2008

10/15/2008

CONFESSIONS OF AN ANIMAL-CRAZY AUTHOR

It all started when I was a kid and was told, "NO, you can't have a cat or dog because you're allergic and having an animal would mean more asthma attacks..."

Anyone who really knows me should KNOW better than to tell me, "NO, you can't (fill in the blank)," especially when it comes to animals. Little did my parents have a clue that someday animals would play an important part in my life...and in my profession.

Phantom

When I was seven, I found a cat outside and guilted Mom into letting me feed it. Mom was really an animal person, too, so she caved and I had an "outside" cat. At the time of her death, Mom had five cats and four dogs, several of which were throw-away pets-thrown away into my parents' yard because people knew Mom would find them homes. I'm proud to say I take after my mother in regards to my love of and respect for animals. The most pets I've had at one time-five cats and a dog-pales next to Mom's record, but of course I live in a city 2-flat, so six animals was pushing it.

Dreamer

The first animal that was really mine was a kitten I adopted in grad school when I had my own apartment and a new roommate with a cat said "NO, you can't get a kitten because Mitzi hates other cats." Deciding she couldn't tell me what to do in my own place, I brought home that kitten. Indeed, Mitzi was hostile and the roomie predicted the kitten would be dead by morning. Of course when Mitzi went out of control, roomie stood on a chair for some weird sense of safety, while I simply picked the cat up by her scruff and let her know I was the top cat. Before leaving for an evening class, I had a chat with Mitzi about not hurting the kitten. When I got home, they were snuggled together and I sensed the strength of my connection with animals.

Patricia on Shoshone

Years and several cats later, I had just started riding horses when I needed major knee surgery. The doc was convinced I would never walk without a limp and when I asked how soon I could get back on a horse, he shuddered and told me, "NO, you can't ride because you'll further damage your knee." Six months later, I walked into his office sans limp. When he asked me what I had done to make that happen, I told him riding horses did a great job of developing quads. End of conversation.

Peach

Since becoming an adult, I've been an animal owner, contributor, participant, rescuer, and in the last decade, volunteer. Furthermore, I seek out unusual animal experiences as research for my novels.

Horses play a large part in many of my Harlequin Intrigues. What I write about comes from the bonds I forged over a decade riding and jumping and showing horses. I think my experience makes the read seem real because the human-animal connection is real for me.

My love of horses brought me to Kentucky with its horse farms and Kentucky Derby. DEAD HEAT, the first of my Kentucky horse books, was recently reprinted.

Over the years, I diversified my animal interests. To research novels, I sought out a variety of hands-on experiences. Before writing SILENT SEA, I swam with dolphins in Florida and learned everything I could about dolphin rescue and the conflict between rescuers and those who run dolphin shows.

Then came The McKenna Legacy, my nine book series (new branch of the family coming next summer!). Many of the McKennas have psychic connections with animals. To write TOUCH ME IN THE DARK (another current reprint), I slept in a Dances with Wolves tepee on a mustang refuge in South Dakota and picked the brain of the inspiring man who started and ran the refuge.

For NEVER CRY WOLF, I learned to track wolves among other skills at a winter wolf ecology workshop in northern Wisconsin. I also visited a wolf refuge with my husband and my then writing partner. When I said I wished I could go into the caged areas holding the wolves for some up-close-and-personal time, both Edward and Linda thought I was crazy. I simply wasn't afraid because I believed in that connection I always felt with animals. All that wolf research material came in handy for a second book, as well-WOLF MOON won Best Intrigue of 2007 from Romantic Times BOOKreviews.

Probably the most challenging thing I ever did with animals was to move cows. My surgery knee was already challenged (meaning I needed a replacement) when I sold a new mini-series to Intrigue, but I decided to get back on a horse anyway.

>

I knew enough about horses but not about ranching. So on January 1, my late husband Edward and I drove in a snowstorm from Santa Fe out to a New Mexican ranch to research The Sons of Silver Springs. The ranch was situated in a canyon that made us feel like we were at the end of the world. That night, we rode around the property for three hours in the dark-and then rode again the next morning to move cows across the river. Thankfully, I joyfully renewed my connection with horses...and my knee survived the experience.

My research life has grown quieter in recent years, especially so since Edward, my partner in life and in research, died three years ago this week. But my love for animals will go on forever. I volunteer both at Lincoln Park Zoo and at PAWS Chicago, a cageless, no kill animal shelter.

Blossom

At PAWS, I try to connect with the shyest cats in hopes that I can make them more comfortable with strangers and help give them a better chance for adoption-like Blossom, the kitty I recently adopted myself. So far, I haven't really used those experiences in my writing, but my connection to animals as strong and satisfying as ever, I have the urge to write a series about an animal rescuer...

Hmm, maybe someone needs to tell me "NO, you can't write that because it'll never sell..."

♥

Author's note: While Blossom is my new girl, I was privileged to be Mom to the other cats and dog for 14-19 years. Their photos were scanned for me by Linda Sweeney (their Aunt).

Posted by Patricia Rosemoor, author of The Last Vampire -and- Sin on 10/15/2008

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Comments:

I'm writing this comment as I have a cat curled up in my lap. Awesome post and the photos of yoru animals are gorgeous. I'm an animal lover who has three cats of her own.

Posted  by Greta Wheeler on 10/15/2008

Hi Patricia, Wow, the research you've done with animals has led to some amazing experiences. I'm so jealous! The tepee....the wolves... I'd love to do things like that. I've lived with cats all my life. And, growing up in Texas, I did a lot of horseback riding. My hubby and I want a nice house with room for horses but we'll have to wait until he retires. Your post is outstanding and I love the pictures. We recently adopted a kitty from Petsmart and I'm happy to say he's doing well and very glad to be here. I'm head over heels... Animals are wonderful! I'd love to read WOLF MOON and TOUCH ME IN THE DARK. Btw, my mother was a cruelty investigator in Texas and I saw some terrible things. I just don't understand... She put a man in jail for beating his puppy to death just because it barked a lot.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/16/2008

Wonderful blog. I could go on forever about animals but I won't lol. I've had two dogs that have now passed and at one time 7 cats (now 6)inside and I take care of ferals outside. I captured and released the female cats (3 stay on my porch now)and found homes for many kittens before I realized how many they could have in one season (2 cats had 12 kittens one summer yikes). I saved one from pneumonia and one kitten I nursed after it was drenched in motor oil. I too had parents that finally caved in and let me have a cat but after having him for over 5 years they gave it away without my knowledge (a long story and it escaped out of a trunk of their car) and I'm sure that's why I probably couldn't resist from saving as many strays as I could. I wish I could volunteer but I'd end up adopting more than I should!

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 10/16/2008

I never had any pets growing up, but now I'm a fish owner.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/16/2008

What a great post.I love animals--especially cats. There are three curled up on the back of my couch and two on my bed as I type this. All of them are old and have been with me since birth.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/16/2008

What a wonderful post and I love the pictures. How neat that you have done such interesting research with wolves and all that you have experienced. I think it is fascinating. I love animals, but do not have any pets at the moment. A series on a pet rescuer sounds like it would be really interesting. Love the idea.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/16/2008

I love cats but the husband hates them, so since I would like to keep the husband (20 years now) no cats. But, I get my animal fix everytime I pass a pet store. I love to see the kittens sprawled over each other and their little mewing sounds of "buy me, please".

Posted  by Jill James on 10/16/2008

The only pets we have are fish right now. When I was growing up we always had a dog or cat. We never had any horses and I love in KY. I always wanted one.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 10/16/2008

I don't have any animals partly because of my allergies but also because I don't want the responsibility for them. I love to be able to get up and travel whenever I want without having to worry what to do about a dog or cat. And why can't you write a book about an animal rescuer??? I have read books about people who work at wild animal sanctuaries and they work just fine. All depends on the situations I would think.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/16/2008

Hi Patricia, Love the pictures of your animals! When I was growing up we always had dog and at least 2 cats, plus goat and chickens. Now I have two cats and we had greyhound that passed away few years ago.We too got cats from petsmart,both are beautiful and both like to cuddle.

Posted  by Ivka Vuletic on 10/20/2008

10/14/2008

It's my Birthday!

It's my birthday! Another year come and gone. Another year survived and it's a beautiful sunny day to celebrate the passage of time. I should be writing and finishing that book due by the end of the month, but I feel like playing! Maybe I'll go bake my favorite cake. My husband's going to pick up my favorite pie and ice cream for later. What do you like like better on your birthday? Cake, cheesecake, pie? Me? I LOVE apple pie and vanilla ice cream. If it's cake, a good carrot cake is great with me.

Let me know your favorite birthday treat by leaving a comment and I'll chose one lucky winner for a copy of my September Harlequin Intrigue, Under Suspicion With Child

10/13/2008

HANDMADE FOR YOU BY...?

HANDMADE FOR YOU BY...? For the past couple of days I've been making homemade jelly.

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of Solving the Mysterious Stranger on 10/13/2008

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Comments:

My mother use to make jams most often but she did make jelly at times and both were delicious. She and my father grew a garden during WWII but I just don't really remember them doing so as I was born near the end of the war. After that they had a garden when we lived in Jackson, MS but that is the only time I really remember a garden. The one preserve I remember her making was fig as there was a fig tree in our backyard when we move to S. Texas (where I live now). Speaking of missing chromosomes I am missing all the ones that have to do with cooking.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/13/2008

Well, here's one really easy recipe: black currant bananas or other sweet fruits or berries honey Mix all ingredients together with a blender. Store in a fridge. Boil water and add 2-3 tablespoonfuls of the mixture into a cup of hot water. Mix and add more honey if needed. This is one of the hot drinks I make for myself when I've got a cold.

Posted  by Minna P on 10/13/2008

Wow! Sounds delicious! I have put up or canned many different foods, from jams and jellies to meat and fish, vegetables and fruits. My recipies came from my mother-in-law and from the many cookbooks I collected over the years. Many came from the book with my pressure cooker. Don't do much now that I work full time and there are only the two of us. Should because it gives me such a sense of stisfaction when I see the jars all lined up on the shelves.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/13/2008

We don't preserve food. It would be awesome if we knew how to make jams and beef jerky.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/13/2008

I just made elderberry jelly--straight off the Sure-Jell recipe sheet. I also can a lot for fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, meat and dill pickles. All out of the Kerr or Ball canning book.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/13/2008

One year we grew tomatoes and jalapenos and made homemade salsa we canned ourselves and gave to family and friends. I don't eat salsa myself so it was kind of interesting to put all that work into something I wasn't even going to get to enjoy. LOL

Posted  by Jill James on 10/13/2008

I remember my parents having a garden, and being out there when we had early frosts helping my Dad to dig up the potato hills so things didn't freeze. My Mom used to preserve, but I have never done it. Although there is nothing better than home made preserves or jams. I think it is cool that you tackled it.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/13/2008

I don't put up anything now. I did when we were growing up. That is what we ate. We used to make apple butter. Can tomatoes, green tomatoes for frying very pretty in a jar. My sister still does some canning but I haven't for years. She also freezes apples to make fried apple pies with.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 10/13/2008

I'm impressed by everyone's comments! For some reason I always have the notion that the rest of the country is so much more urbane than where I live. ELLEN--you lived in Jackson? I live in Brandon, MS, which is essentially a suburb of Jackson. MINNA--your recipe sounds wonderful. My dh loves a 'hot toddy' when he has a cold, only he adds bourbon. :) Mallory

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 10/14/2008

CONNIE--I know what you mean about seeing the jars. When I was little, my daddy would comment each time a jar lid 'popped.' Then, after the jars cooled, my mother would hold a jar up to the light. I can remember her saying 'this jelly turned out pretty.' I'd love for her to see my ruby-colored mixed fruit jelly. QL--Fried green tomatoes and fried apple pies. I'm getting hungry! Thanks everyone. This was fun. Sorry it too so long for me to read your responses. I ended up with a migraine yesterday afternoon. So I slept a lot of the evening away.

Posted  by Mallory  Kane on 10/14/2008

Mallory, hurrah for you! I love "putting up food." We are blanching and putting more in the freezer than before. I miss seeing all the jars stacked up on the shelves! I love making jelly and jams. They taste SO much better than store bought. And isn't it creative -- and much faster than writing a book!! BJ

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 10/14/2008

Hi Mallory, I don't preserve food or have any recipes for it but I'd love to have some of your mixed-fruit jelly. Sounds delicious! My favorite jelly is grape but when I go to a restaurant for brekkie I'll put any kind of jelly on my toast.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/14/2008

Mallory - my sympathies (from a fellow sufferer) on your migraine and hope it is totally gone by now.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/14/2008

I don't make any jelly or jams, but I do pickle all kinds of peppers, (kirby) pickles, green tomatoes and few other vegetables.

Posted  by Ivka Vuletic on 10/14/2008

Hi Mallory, I'm a Miss. girl also. I live up here in the "Delta", 35 miles north of Greenville, in a small town on the river. And boy, do I can and freeze! My husband grows a huge garden every year and I put it up with a lot of help from him! We have 3 freezers that I fill and I can all the tomatoes and green beans. i also mix jalapeno and sweet banana peppers (cut up) and can them. They are fantastic. Just hot enough to enjoy!! Have a good one!

Posted  by Martha Lawson on 10/14/2008

10/10/2008

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

It’s October, and I’m thinking about St. Michaels, Maryland. Last October, Patricia Rosemoor, Ann Voss Peterson, and I were in St. Michaels researching a three-book Intrigue Series, The Jenkins Cove Mysteries.

My book, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, comes out this month, and I’d like to drive back to St. Michaels and show the book to people in town.

See, here’s where I describe the police station. Here’s the bed and breakfast where my heroine and her aunt live. Here’s the warehouse where the bad guy was going to kill Chelsea Caldwell. Over here’s the swamp where she sees the ghost. This is the restaurant we used for the Duck Blind, where my hero gets an earful about Chelsea from a local handyman. And here is the little shop where I bought a really pretty knit top. That’s got nothing to do with the book-–I was just indulging myself.

I love researching locations–and putting real details in my books. You could hold CHRISTMAS SPIRIT and walk down the streets, following my hero’s progress around town. (Although some of the street names are changed.)

Of course, I did change a few other details. For example, I wanted a car to try and run Michael over on the dock–coming from the direction of the B & B. So I turned the footbridge into an auto bridge. And we put a graveyard in a stretch of open space on the way to Tilghman Island. But we really did need to supply a place for the bad guys to get rid of the bodies.

In my story, investigative reporter, Michael Bryant, is sure Chelsea is exaggerating the ghost story–-to get publicity. So he comes down to Jenkins Cove and books a room at the bed and breakfast that Chelsea runs with her aunt. As soon as he gets there, he’s sucked into a web of danger with Chelsea, and soon they’re running for their lives from killers determined to hide a shocking secret from the past and a series of recent murders.

The Maryland Eastern Shore setting plays a big part in CHRISTMAS SPIRIT and the other two stories, CHRISTMAS AWAKENING and CHRISTMAS DELIVERY. The town of Jenkins Cove is like a character in the book.

How important is setting to you? Does it add to your reading experience, or can you simply take it or leave it?

Rebecca

Posted by Rebecca York, author of CHRISTMAS SPIRIT on 10/10/2008

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Comments:

Hi Rebecca, I absolutely cannot wait to read The Jenkins Cove Mysteries series. Your book, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, has the most beautiful cover. I enjoy settings if they are well researched and it sounds like you did your homework. It's neat to read a book if you've been to a particular setting. I've found myself saying, "I've been there!" and "I know where that place is!". Dan Brown's ANGELS AND DEMONS is a good example. Since the book took place in Rome and I visited there in '84 I was very familiar with his setting(s). I had been to all the famous landmarks he used in the book. The Maryland shore is very close to me. After I read your book I just might travel there so I can say "I read about this place in Rebecca's Intrigue!"

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/10/2008

I loved reading your blog this morning. It sounds like you had a lot of fun doing your research. I'm with you about setting. I think it is very important. As a reader, I hate books that could have been set anywhere and I have no feel for where I am. As a writer, I feel that setting is almost another character. Setting enriches the book -- and is fun for locals who like you said could follow the book right down the street picking out places they know. I look forward to taking the trip via your book! It's a great way for me to go to the Maryland Eastern Shore without leaving home. :) BJ

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 10/10/2008

Setting is very important to me. I like to be able to visualize where the story is taking place as I read although I'm sure what I see in my mind is not exactly what others see in theirs. But a book with no description of the setting is really hard for me to read. I also like books that have a map of the town in them.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/10/2008

The setting is very important to the story and adds to the reading experience. I like detailed descriptions of the setting.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/10/2008

The setting is as important to me as the characters. I need to be able to visualize the streets and stores they frequent.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/10/2008

I love reading books with settings of places I have been. Several of Julie Millers books take place in Kansas City and since I visit family there often I get a wonderful mental picture of where these stories are taking place. I love saying "I've been there!!"

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/10/2008

Setting is important to me, I love to read and visualize what the surroundings are like. This series sounds exciting and it sounds like out had fun researching.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/10/2008

As a reader, setting is very important and instrumental in the storyline as well as the development of the characters. It does more than enhance it, I consider it a vital part of a good book.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 10/11/2008

I'm glad to hear the comments, because I love researching loctions for books. If I can't go there, I talk to someone who lives there. NEVER TOO LATE was set in Miami, and I wanted to use the Lincoln Road area for an action scene. I talked to one of my daughter's college room mates who was from the area. I sometimes have a character who grew up in Chicago--and I pick Patricia Rosemoor's brain for the background there. I also love setting books in the DC area, since I grew up here and still live here. I just have to drive to the location. And, of course, I have lots of research trips into Baltimore for my 43 Light Street books. Rebecca

Posted  by Rebecca York on 10/11/2008

I'm always interested in locations, it's a chance to glimpse places I'll probably never go to.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 10/11/2008

I don't really have a favorite. I like a lot of variety and like to read about different places.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 10/12/2008

Of course it's important, whether real or imaginary.

Posted  by Minna P on 10/12/2008

Setting is important to me too. I like to visualize the place,it make the story more enjoyable to read.

Posted  by Ivka Vuletic on 10/14/2008

10/8/2008

Books and, uh, Christmas?

Don't forget--we'll be giving away books at the end of the month, and we choose the winners from those who post. So, keep posting to increase your chances to win.:)

Speaking of books, yesterday I went to Borders so I could start some holiday shopping. I know, it's only October, but last year I got such a late start that I vowed to make it through at least half my list by Thanksgiving. So, what about you? Are you an early or late shopper, and what are some of your favorite gifts to give or receive?

Posted by Delores Fossen, author of Security Blanket on 10/8/2008

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Comments:

My biggest problem is deciding what to get for people. I am a late shopper and each year I vow to be earlier the next year.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 10/8/2008

No, not a shopper, I gladly give over money for others to shop. I know it's a world wide acceptance, women and shopping but that gene missed me! LOL I always worry, is this right? What about the color? Would they like this? I worry to death over little things like that when it comes to shopping for others. Thank goodness my husband likes to shop for Christmas, (not any other time of the year though), but he really enjoys the playing Santa part.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 10/8/2008

I'm a late shopper but then I never know what to give my brothers and their families. The kids I can usually handle because I get ideas from the parents but the adults "never need anything". And none of them read!!! I think I was a changeling because I started reading at around age 4. Anyway I love gift certificates to book stores and sweets to eat (like I need those).

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 10/8/2008

Sherry, you have a husband who likes to Christmas shop? I'm green with envy. :) My dh does little or no shopping, and he always waits until the last minute to get anything.

Delores

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/8/2008

Joyce and Ellen--yes!! I have so much trouble figuring out what to get everyone. Ellen, I don't have a lot of readers in my family either, but thankfully my husband and sister appreciate getting books. Me--I would prefer books or giftcards to bookstores. Oh, and I love the sweets too. ;)

Posted  by Delores  Fossen on 10/8/2008

In our family we only buy for the children. We are down to two under 18----so am almost finished with my shopping.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/8/2008

I agonize over what to get people so I'm a late shopper. I want to see snow first or at least Thanksgiving has to be over and then I stress until Christmas. It's so unfair that I have to think of and get all the gifts because my husband is the typical nonshopper. Actually I don't even like to shop (unless I come up with a great idea). Last year everyone got tempur pedic slippers for at least part of their gift. This year my daughter beat me to the punch and is getting everyone the pillows. Drat it all lol.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 10/8/2008

I used to be an early shopper and have everything done and stored away by the end of October.......but I find that now I am late, part of the problem is that it is so much harder to buy for the kids, grandchildren and spouses, because they are older now. But I still have to have it all done in time to make the mailing deadlines, since it is all mailed out now. I love to receive gift certificates for myself.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/8/2008

I always say that I'll get an early start on Christmas shopping, but then I always end up buying presents at the last minute. I think in order to save money I should shop around and compare prices right now. I like receiving make-up and clothes.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/8/2008

Estella, good for you about being almost done!!

Jeanne, I might steal the idea of getting those slippers.

Cryna, gift certificates work for me too. That's usually what I end up getting my teenage nieces and nephews because I don't know what else to get them. I also give itune certificates.

Jane, I think prices are definitely better now than they'll be in a month or so. Good luck!

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/8/2008

I am not much of a shopper, but the shopping that I do is late. I shop for the little ones and give money to older ones. I hate buying stuff that people never use. My mother-in-law does this all the time.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 10/8/2008

I try to be an early shopper, but I ALWAYS end up doing some shopping late. As for what I like to receive, gift cards to bookstores, of course! (Or office supply stores.)

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 10/8/2008

I am a Thanksgiving weekend shopper. My daughters, daughter in law, grandaughters and my best friend and her daughters load up the van and shop Grand Island and Kearney NE. We make it FUN!! We have done this for years and look forward to it every year.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/8/2008

Connie, you're a brave woman!!! I wouldn't venture anywhere near a store on that Friday after Thanksgiving.

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/8/2008

Hi Delores, I am definitely a late shopper. I love getting gift cards to B&N, BOOKS, jewelry, and money as gifts. For my first anniversary my hubby is getting me a car! I like to find the perfect gift for a family member. Something they will really enjoy or something they can use. My Mom's birthday is coming up and I found the most beautiful flower pendant. It's an antique and she's going to love it. I also got her an autographed book from the Books in the Park festival in Norfolk. She's an artist and the book is a cozy mystery about an artist. Perfect gifts....

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/9/2008

Melissa, a car? Now, that's a great gift. :) You obviously have a great husband!

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/9/2008

Lexi, a gift certificate to an office supply store is a great idea. My best friend is one of those people who has everything, so this would be perfect for her. Thanks!

Delores

Posted  by Delores Fossen on 10/9/2008

Thanks, Delores! My hubby is very special. I'm always telling him he comes from the planet of the nice person. People meet him and later say such great things about him. I am extremely lucky.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/9/2008

I love books for any occasion. LOL We try to have our Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving, hoping this year we haven't waited too late.

Posted  by Jill James on 10/9/2008

I am an early shopper. In the last few years I started giving gift cards with box of chocolates or bottle of wine, depends on the person.

Posted  by Ivka Vuletic on 10/14/2008

10/6/2008

Moonlight & Magnolias Conference

I'll keep Tuesday's blog short for a couple of reasons--one, I just got home from a fabulous conference! And two--my computer has gone to the great cyber-heaven in the sky, so I don't have direct access to email and the Internet (amazing how much I miss it!!)

Happy Reading!

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Private S.W.A.T. Takeover on 10/6/2008

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Comments:

Hi Julie, Glad you had a good time at Moonlight & Magnolias. I would have enjoyed that immensely. I've been to two RT conferences and I'm going to Orlando for next year's. I'm thrilled! Just talking to the authors inspires me. Also I recently went to the Books in the Park event in Norfolk, VA. I spoke to a lot of local authors and they inspired me to start the story I want to write about the privateer in my ancestry. Especially since he sailed off the coast of VA. I was also motivated to join the paranormal society here. Haven't done it yet but I plan too.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/7/2008

I haven't attended a conference or workshop lately. I would love to attend a readers convention and meet some of my favorite authors.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/7/2008

Sounds like a great conference. I have never been to one, but would love to go to the one in Nashville. Hopefully I make it.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 10/7/2008

Hey, Melissa--I'll be at RT next April, too! You'll have to be sure to look me up and say hi at the booksigning or the workshop I'm presenting with Sherry James. RT is usually a lot of fun--cover models, luncheons, parties and awards. I especially enjoy getting to meet and mingle with all the readers.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/7/2008

Cryna--I hope to get to the RWA national conference in Nashville, too. It's a wonderful city (we were there for part of our vacation this summer). Plus, it's close enough that I plan on driving. I love it when the Midwest gets the chance to shine.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/7/2008

Jane--If you get the chance, you should go to a Romantic Times conference (the next one is in April 2009 in Orlando). They do a great job of setting up all kinds of opportunities for readers and authors to meet and mingle. At the Romance Writers of America conference (next summer it's in Washington, DC) they have a literacy autographing on the Wednesday at the beginning of the conference--it's open to the public. At the autographing there are hundreds of authors to visit with. Readers buy books and get them signed (or often readers bring their own books to get them signed). The proceeds are all donated to a literacy charity. Usually, local and regional conferences will have similar events open to the public--just keep your eye open for them.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 10/7/2008

I'll definitely stop by, Julie!! Can't wait to meet you!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/8/2008

Oh Julie, I feel your pain. A computer that is unusable is a real bummer. Hope it is back up and going soon!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/8/2008

10/3/2008

SEPTEMBER BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Congratulations! If you see your name on the list below, you've won a free book by the author you've been paired with. Please contact the author via her web site with your mailing information to receive a book of her choice.

Posted by Jan Hambright, author of Around-The-Clock Protector on 10/3/2008

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Comments:

Congrats to the winners!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 10/3/2008

Congrats to all the winners. I love this blog.

Posted  by Jill James on 10/3/2008

Congrats to all the lucky ladies.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 10/4/2008

Thanks for the good news, Jan! Can't wait to hear from Dana! Congratulations winners!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/5/2008

Way to go! :)

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 10/5/2008

Thank you. Congrats to the other winners.

Posted  by Jane C. on 10/6/2008

9/30/2008

Movies

Since our cable is out, I've been watching a lot of rented movies lately, catching up. Wow, did I miss a lot! We've recently watched No Country for Old Men, which was mesmerizing in a disturbing sort of way. I want to know if he killed the girl!!! And Bucket List, which I thought was great. Death at a Funeral made me laugh so hard I cried. I love English humor!!! We watched The Bank Job. I caught that on TV before, but only half of it. Scary to think that it's based on a true story. Watched The Departed and Bourne Ultimatum. I'll watch anything with Matt Damon in it. Oh, and 27 Dresses. That was cute! :-)

Anything that you've seen lately that you can recommend? Who are your favorite male actors? My top three, in no particular order: Colin Firth, Daniel Craig and Matt Damon. Now I'm off to daydream about one of my books being made into a movie and one of these guys playing the hero. Oooh.... :-)

Dana

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Sheik Protector on 9/30/2008

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Comments:

I'm one of those weird persons who doesn't watch movies unless I'm at my brother's house and his wife has one on the TV. Consequently I am also not a movie star fan any longer. Won't tell you which movie star I was a fan of.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 9/30/2008

Colin Firth, oh yeah he's on the list! I am waiting for the DVD releases of Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull and of course Brandon Fraiser in the new Mummy movie! What to recommend? Well, not a movie, but a new TV series, "Fringe", it will remind you of the X-Files, but it's not, so far it's been a great little series. And if you want to watch an oldie but goodie, "Quigley Down Under", Tom Selleck, (who is on my list), is at his best.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 9/30/2008

I want to see the Nights in Rodanthe - Richard Gere. Another one of my favorites of his is First Knight! I also like Nicolas Cage and Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp (to name a few lol).

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/30/2008

I just saw Death at a Funeral, too. Matthew MacFayden is so cute. I laughed so hard when the noises started coming out of the coffin. My favorite actors include Eric Bana and Hugh Jackman.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/30/2008

I find that I don't watch as many movies as I used to. As for a favourite actor, I would be hard pressed to name one nowdays. Which I guess really shows my age.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/30/2008

I loved Death at a Funeral too! Yes, British humor makes me laugh. As far as actors go, Matt Damon, and well, I can't think of anyone else right now. I've been watching the Bourne movies all summer long and I never get tired of them.

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 9/30/2008

I seldom see a movie until it is out on video or has made it to TV but I love Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford and Richard Gere.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 10/1/2008

Dana, great topic! I love movies... and then I love actors. There are movies I adore that have nobody I particularly love in them (Galaxy Quest, The Devil's Own) and then there are actors I'd watch cleaning their nails if that was the only choice I had. (Pierce Brosnan, Johnny Depp, Matt Damon (!) and oddly enough Nicolas Cage.).......................... Strangely, the latest movie I saw that I thoroughly enjoyed was TROPIC THUNDER. I adore parody (hence the love of Galaxy Quest) and TT was full of it. Unfortunately it was also full of gross bodily function noises, fake yet still disgusting blood and gore, and icky language. If they could clean it up it would be near the top of my comedy list. That said.................. I've decided I could watch Robert Downey Jr. floss his teeth. The man can ACT! And I was thrilled to see Tom Cruise (whom I despise) in a comedic role as an a-h with prosthetic fat, hairy hands and bald head. That was worth the price of admission right there. Beware what I said above if you go see it though. It's not for the faint of heart.

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 10/1/2008

Well since my first comment didn't show up I'll submit another. I would recommend EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, THE GOOD SHEPARD - Matt Damon!! AMERICAN GANGSTER, NATIONAL TREASURE 2, BABY MOMMA, and one of my all time favorite movies, PRACTICAL MAGIC. Some of my favorite male actors are Jackie Chan, Sean Bean, Anthony Hopkins, J. Depp, Daniel Craig, Samual L. Jackson, and Nic Cage. RIP PAUL NEWMAN!!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 10/2/2008

9/29/2008

SO WHAT"S YOUR FAVORITE BODY PART???

Those of you who are expecting an X-rated blog, sorry to disappoint you. However, we will explore body parts.

I have an ongoing love affair with hands and forearms. MEN'S hands and forearms. To me beautiful male hands are sexy. For example: Pierce Brosnan's.

I was talking to a friend of mine who's a Science Fiction writer and mentioned a photo of Pierce that nearly caused me to swoon. When I described it to her she said Ah, forearms with firearms. Nothing better! So I started a page on my website called, appropriately enough, Forearms with Firearms.

BTW That gorgeous guy above is Alex O'Loughlin (Mick St. John in Moonlight. Now I know there are those of us who go ape over abs, swoon over shoulders, pass out over pecs, tingle over thighs, and get breathless over butts. But take a look at some magnificent forearms holding some very respectable firearms.

Mallory Kane's Forearms with Firearms Page

Then come back and tell me about your favorite body part.

9/25/2008

Blog Problems

I should call this post SOLVING THE MYSTERIOUS BLOG. I see below that my blog from Monday is up. I had no idea. I thought it was gone-gone. I appreciate everyone's comments and I'm about to go read and respond to them. Thank goodness the blog is back!

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of Solving the Mysterious Stranger on 9/25/2008

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Comments:

LOL! I came in one day and my comment was missing from a post before Elle's. Then I noticed the new code. Let's hope we don't lose any more entries. I tend to get long winded sometimes. HA!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/26/2008

9/24/2008

If you could live anywhere.....

In the past ten years, I've toyed with the question of...

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I live in northwest Arkansas right now. I've lived in Washington, Montana, California, Texas, Alabama and Arkansas. I've visited every state west of the Mississippi, every state south of the Mason-Dixon line and a lot of the states in the northeast. I've been to Canada, Mexico, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and England.

And I still can't answer that question!

I think it's because there are sooo many wonderful places in the world that I can't settle on just one. I love the snow and sheer ruggedness of the Rockies in Colorado and Montana. I love the spooky, lushness of the redwood forests in northern California. I love the rolling plains of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana, the white sands of Destin, Florida. I love the history in Germany and England, the people of Australia and New Zealand, the southern hospitality of the south and the bustle of NYC. So I leave it there...

How could you choose just one place?

9/22/2008

TECHNOLOGY IS A FOUR-LETTER WORD!

I'm thinking about technology this morning. And cursing.

9/20/2008

Geek Love

The other night at a chat to promote my September Intrigue, COWBOY ALIBI, when asked the question, 'If you could go out with a fictional hero, who would it be?' I answered, 'If I'd been a student at Hogwarts while Snape was a student there, he'd have never become a Death Eater.'

Yes, I am a lover of geeks.

It's a fact I've been thinking about for a while now, as I've considered new writing projects. How could I possibly write a geek hero for Intrigue? I mean, Intrigue heroes are cops and cowboys and soldiers and spies. They're not usually IT professionals or software designers. Right?

Not necessarily For instance, your software designer might be working on a classified program for Homeland Security that screens websites and Internet forums for terrorist codes. Or your IT professional could stumble on a criminal enterprise hidden within the network of a multinational corporation.

So the job doesn't necessarily disqualify computer-savvy guys from Intrigue hero status. But what about the other commonly accepted attributes of the geek---the social dysfunction, the celebration of cerebral over physical, the--gasp--limited luck with the ladies? That's a little harder to overcome, even for geek lovers like me. But pop culture has already shown us that geeks are all around us, often in the roles of romantic hero. You just have to look a little harder sometimes.

There are at least three types of geek that I think can work very well as romantic heroes:

1) The Geek Out of Water - Chuck Bartowski on the TV show CHUCK

When we meet Chuck, he's having a bit of a losing streak. He was kicked out of Stanford after being framed for cheating by his best friend. The best friend who also stole the girl he's never really gotten over. He's now living with his sister and her boyfriend, working at a Best Buy-clone called Buy More, where he heads the "Nerd Herd" of computer experts. His best friend, Morgan, is an even sadder sack, a floor sales clerk who reminds me of half the guys who were in marching band with me. Then Chuck gets a message from the Stanford friend who betrayed him, and suddenly the only remaining copy of all the security secrets of the universe are transferred into his brain. Now he's the most dangerous man in the world.

Enter Sara, a CIA operative assigned to get the information stored in Chuck's brain. She's the opposite of Chuck--beautiful, sophisticated, worldly and dangerous. And she and Chuck have sexual chemistry out the wazoo.

Why does it work? I mean, Chuck's still a geek. He still lives with his sister, still works at Buy More, still hangs with his geeky pal Morgan. What's changed?

It's Sara--the way she sees him, the confidence running capers with her gives him, and the vulnerability she displays that tells us she sees the hero inside him, too, and that he gives her something that other men don't.

2) The Stealth Geek - Fox Mulder on the TV show THE X-FILES

During the 90s, Fox Mulder was cult hero, the epitome of eccentric cool. But those of us who were active in the online X-Files fandom soon realized that a huge part of his charm was that he wasn't really all that different from the rest of us nerds sitting at our computers without a life. Beneath the facade of his good looks and outer cool lay the evidence of Mulder's geeky inner life: his obsessions, his outsider status, his remarkable intelligence and his social dysfunctions (his best friends were the uber-nerds Byers, Frohike and Langly). It took another geek--cool, brainy Agent Dana Scully--to make this Stealth Geek a romantic hero. With her, he found his focus, his grounding in the world outside his own psyche. With Scully by his side, he went from Bureau laughingstock to one of the most dangerous men in the world.

3) The Geek at Heart - Spike the vampire on the TV shows BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL

Before there was William the Bloody, there was William the Bloody Awful Poet. A Victorian gentleman whose poetic soul and delicate sensibilities made him something of a joke among his peers, William found a violent means of expressing the tumult of emotions within when he was turned into a vampire by the beautiful but insane vampire Drusilla. Brutal, wicked, utterly amoral (because he was utterly soulless), Spike struck fear in the hearts of human for over a century. But it was the sensitive, nerdy young poet within who gave Spike his rootability, even when he was very, very bad. And later in the series, when he decided to regain his soul so that he could be a better person for the woman he loved, it was clearly William the poet, not William the Bloody, who led the way. So we learned that a truly evil creature bore the lingering vestiges of a nerdy poet's soul. He created pathos for many viewers who found themselves wanting, beyond all reason, for the vampire with the heart of a geek to win the girl.

So--are you a geek lover? Do pocket protectors and bad haircuts make you a little weak in the knees?

Come on. You can admit it to me.

Posted by Paula Graves, author of Cowboy Alibi on 9/20/2008

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Comments:

Who says you can't be smart and dangerous? One of my favorite TV shows is THE BIG BANG THEORY!

Posted  by Carla  Swafford on 9/20/2008

Well, my husband is a gearhead not a geek. But, I'd really enjoy reading a series of Geek hero books. Sounds fun!

Posted  by Raimey Scheffler on 9/20/2008

Mulder is one of my all time favorite tv characters. The Lone Gunmen were super geeky, but funny. I also like McGee on "NCIS."

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/20/2008

I think Owen Wilson makes a good geek. Pocket protectors and bad haircuts don't do anything for me but I can tell you in all honesty....Geek's make better lovers! *g*

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/20/2008

It was so nice chatting with you on writerspace Paula and your right; geeks do make good hero's, I mean if you think of just a few titles, JAK's "Trust Me" and "Absolutely, Positively" just to name a few. I think it would be unigue and interesting to bring the geek male or female to hero status in the Intrigues! I hope the editors go for it! Your also right about Fox Mulder LOL. By the way, if your an X-File fan, you might want to watch "Fringe" this season, very good.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 9/20/2008

I think that Geeks can be good heroes, but they have to have the right heroine to offset them. I think there is possibilities for this to be an Intrigue story and hope that you are able to maybe make work.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/20/2008

Great post Paula! One of my all-time favorite stories is SEVEN DAYS OF THE CONDOR. They cut it to THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR for the movie LOL! Anyhow, our intrepid hero is an employee with the CIA reading thrillers to get ideas of how terrorists might infiltrate the US. He goes to get lunch for everybody in the office and comes back and the whole office is blown away. And suddenly he's running for his life. My critique group refers to these guys as "the nerd who saved the world." Think about Jeff Goldblum in INDEPENDENCE DAY. Sexy geeks! Yum!

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 9/22/2008

9/19/2008

Going home again

I went home this week to the place where I grew up. I spent my formative years (13 through 22) just outside West Yellowstone, Montana on Hebgen Lake. I don't get down there much since we live 400 miles away. It was a strange place to grow up. Back then, West didn't have a high school so we were bused 130 miles a day to a school in Idaho. We went over two mountain passes in the winter. It was back when you couldn't wear pants to school so we wore jeans under our dresses because it was 50 degrees below zero and the ice on the INSIDE of the bus windows was an inch thick. But we got to see the Tetons every morning and often skipped school to play along the way in the spring in the Snake River. (The principal was convinced I wasn't going to graduate. :) It was funny how the smells of the pines and the lake brought it all back. Those were amazing years going to street dances, keggers on the lake, snowmobiling into Yellowstone and lying on the dock daydreaming in the summer. I wonder if I would have become a writer if I hadn't lived those years in that unique place. Is there a time or place that you think affected your life the most?

Posted by B.J. Daniels, author of Montana Royalty on 9/19/2008

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Comments:

What a beautiful place to grow up. I've visited the area several times and it has awe inspiring vistas. I don't know of any place that affected my life but my father's job and our moving frequently did. He was a petroleum geologist for a large oil company. I learned many things during that time but I believe tolerance for people who are different was the most important.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 9/19/2008

Ellen, we went south usually after Christmas to the Palm Springs, Calif. area and later to Parker, Ariz. so I know what you mean. My father was a masonry contractor. I went to a lot of schools and like you met a lot of different people. It was tough, wasn't it. I was really shy.

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 9/19/2008

Yes it was tough and I too was very shy. Unless someone spoke to me first I didn't talk to them. The only redeeming thing was that I had two brothers (one older, one younger).

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 9/19/2008

I've lived in NY all my life, so I'm sure the city had some influence in making me the person that I am. The pace is faster and more hectic.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/19/2008

I can't think of any one place that has affected my life the most. I was born in Nova Scotia - but we moved to Calgary when I was 6 so memories of my Dad's commercial fishing days are vague. I have lived in Calgary allmy life since then, so grew with the City. I do remember having to have the jeans and things on under the skirts and having to make sure that we were totally changed "to look like girls"...LOL Oh how times have changed. I think that BJ you would have been a writer since you have all the voices in your head that need to be put down on paper, which is so lucky for us. You have some great memories to build on.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/19/2008

9/17/2008

Dogs and Fishes and Cats, Oh My!

My October Intrigue, Private S.W.A.T. Takeover, was an exceptionally fun book for me to write. For one thing, it's mainly a thriller with lots of action. Of course, it features one of my Kincaid brothers--the youngest, S.W.A.T. sharpshooter Holden Kincaid. This young warrior makes for one heck of a bodyguard! And the heroine--amnesia aside--has a lot of me in her. Maybe not the freckles, but certainly her love for animals. And that's what really made this book so enjoyable for me--three of the main supporting characters are dogs that the heroine (a veterinary medicine grad student) has rescued. She works in an Animal Precinct situation, if you've ever seen that show on Animal Planet. (We call it the Pet-the-Puppy show at our house because our hearts are always so torn by what we see that we want to grab hold of our rescue dog and hug her tight)

Who are some pets or other animals who have touched your life?

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Private S.W.A.T. Takeover on 9/17/2008

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Comments:

Oh my...I had to have my 20 year old Siamese, Damian, put to sleep on Oct. 22, 2007. He died of heart disease. He was my everything and I miss him terribly. His death has left a deep gash inside me that I fear will never heal. However, in July we adopted a tabby that I've named Moose and he's helping repair my broken heart. I've grown up with cats all my life and they have all touched my life in the most amazing ways. I've also had pet rats. Asteroth and Lilith were my favs. The lifespan of a rat is 5 years and Asteroth did indeed live that long. My Mom used to give her "Teddy Grahams".

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/17/2008

Heya, Julie! What a neat post! Maxie is a total cutie. As you know, that book's now a big favorite at our house! We don't have pets. My husband is also asthmatically allergic to cats. He tried inhalers but it just got worse and worse, and as someone I knew well in high school died from an asthma attack, I don't take that lightly. As much as it hurt, Minestrone went to live with my sister. My husband grew up with dogs. We're talking about getting one when my son's a little older, but want to get both DH and DS tested for allergies before we do. When DH was tested for allergies to cats the cat allergen spread all over his upper arm, obscuring the dog allergen. Better safe than sorry!

Posted  by Margaret McGrath on 9/17/2008

Maxie looks like a sweetie! I, too, have the smiling guard dog at my house. We have Tanner, our 110# Yellow Lab. His bark sounds horrid but he is a big sweetheart. I also have had many animals in my lifetime. A Rottweiler named Samson (who was afraid of my 5# manx cat), Boo, my calico kitty that was a dump off at our farm. And, of course, there were my horses!! I had three in high school and P.C., the filly I had to have, was the ear to all my teenage heartbreak. Many more animals...too little space to talk about them all. Good blog. Made me realize how special our furry friends are to our work.

Posted  by Valerie Oakleaf on 9/17/2008

Hi Julie! Great photo of Maxie! I love the toy she's holding. It reminds me of my dog, Rocky, who loves his squirrel and uses it as a pillow. He also holds it in his paws like that--so cute! Yes, I can relate. I can't imagine working without them at my feet. Thanks for sharing your photo.

Posted  by Yvonne Weers on 9/17/2008

Julie, I love your topic. Pets are indeed special in our lives. We just lost the four-legged member of our family about 6 weeks ago and I still miss him. I expect to see him at the back door every night when I come home. His name was Corky and we were blessed to have him with us for 14 years. I wouldn't trade one of them. Enjoy your Maxie! Sue Baumann

Posted  by Sue Baumann on 9/17/2008

A topic dear to my heart. Our first baby was a beagle name Lucy who we had for 12 years. Then came Shadow from the pound who was the best dog ever. We had her for 17 years and our two girls could do anything to her (one learned how to stand buy pulling herself up by her hair). Then we got our first stray cat who passed last year at 17. Then I started working with ferals and strays - rescued one from motor oil and nursed him to health, another had pneumonia. I currently have 6 inside cats and care for 5 outside cats. I've been able to catch and neuter/spade quite a few and found homes for some. My oldest daughter just got married and moved nearby and we get to enjoy her rescued puppy and cat too!

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/17/2008

I never had pets growing up. I got my first fish after college. I'm going to stick fish for a while. I don't know if I can take good care of a cat or dog.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/17/2008

In the last few years I have lost more pets than I still have.They have all passed of old age. Two pekingeses, two Yorkies and 6 cats. I had all of these animals from the of 6-8 weeks. I still have 5 cats---Nico, 19 years, Callie, 18 years, Purrs-Alot, 18 years, Tara, 11 years, and Bobbi, 11 years.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 9/17/2008

We had a family dog that was just that a family dog. She was not interested in being friends with strangers, was a wonder with my kids when we went over to my parents house. Was a wonderful companion for my Mom and Dad and was just an all round good pet. They never got another dog when she passed, no one could really replace her in their eyes, and felt they would always compare. But this dog sincerely thought she was a person, and not a dog. There were other pets growing up but this one was the cream of the crop.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/17/2008

We don't have many pets right now, just a Koi pond in our back yard with about 16 Koi in it and they all have names. We also have a fish tank in the living room. The Koi will eat out of your hands or suck on your fingers. We did have cats years ago but had to get rid of them because my son develope and allergy to them, along with most animals we tried to have. We had a bird for a while to.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 9/17/2008

Love the picture of Maxie and I could just see Scott 'choosing' Maxie. Our current pet is a mutt named Amedeus who is the mother of Stansie and Mozart who live at our son's house. Amedeus is very special to us as she is my companion when I come home alone from my one night a week job. At 2 or 3 am believe me I appriciate that she walks me to the door. She also is unusual in that she climbs trees. When our daughter left for college she left behing her special cat, Max. He became very special to me when I was very ill as he would come to check on me. He would come to the bedroom and pat me on the cheek. If I opened my eyes he would go away, if not he would continue patting my face a little harder each time until I opened them. Miss Max. He developed diabetes about the same time I did, only we were not aware of it until it was too late. Pets can becme a very important part of our lives.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 9/17/2008

Pardon the single response to all your wonderful comments (deadline craziness is limiting my time to play), but I loved coming back tonight and reading about all the wonderful pets who have touched our lives. Thank you for sharing. Melissa--it's always sad to put a pet to sleep, sometimes, it's kind, but it's never easy. Hugs. Thanks, Margaret! Yes, definitely do the allergy testing. I remember when I got the skin prick for cat dander. I had a similar reaction--it immediately swelled up and covered most of my arm, blotting out other test shots. I remember the doctor saying something like, um, I think I know why your daughter can't breathe--do you have a cat by any chance? I've never had a problem with dogs. And that's one reason I grew up with poodles--because they don't shed. That's extra helpful for allergies, too. Good luck! Valerie--I have a friend with a lab who is the size of a pony! But she's the biggest, friendliest baby, too. Plus, she has lots of skin allergies--the main thing she's allergic too? I swear this is true--her people. Something in human dander gets to her. Hey, Yvonne! Thanks for stopping by. Hey, Sue! Congrats on getting your computer to cooperate. And hugs on Corky. jeanne--that's so sweet about Shadow and your girls. Sounds like a long, full life. Jane & Quilt Lady--taking care of fish can be tricky--that's why I leave it up to my hubby. I'll feed them occasionally, but he balances the water, cleans the tanks, groups them together, etc. I love watching them in the tank--I find them very soothing. Hugs, Estella--old age is the way a pet should go--after a long, full, well-loved life. Cryna--I believe dogs choose who they like, and will be fiercely loyal and protective to those particular humans they decide are members of their pack. (Yukon, another dog in my story, fits into this category, I think) Hey, Connie--Hugs on Miss Max, but how sweet that she was a faithful caretaker for you. And yes, I know Stansie and Mozart. Stansie always says hi. And Mozart? Well, I've gotten him comfortable enough with me that he'll come up to me and let me feed him, but he still bolts if I try to pet him. Take care, all!

Posted  by Julie Miller on 9/17/2008

Hey Julie, I'm a little late showing up but had to see the famous Maxie. Hmmm, Maxie's cute but she's really more of a Mini. :) But I get it--our son named our dog Belle after Tinkerbell when he was not quite three. He was into Peter Pan at the time. Of course he'd deny that now at almost 18. Belle is 15 now, and well, showing her age. Poor thing is half blind, half deaf, half incontinent and will have to leave the squirrel chasing to Maxie. But we will baby her as long as necessary. I too am REALLY allergic to cats. Never been tested but the sneezing, itchy eyes, and shortness of breath is a dead giveaway. People say I should take antihistimines. I prefer to just stay away from cats. Enjoyed your post today!

Posted  by Brenda Gale on 9/17/2008

9/16/2008

Fall

Fall is here full force. It's cold enough in the house so that I'm seriously considering turning on the heat. My toes are freezing off under the desk. How about a writer/reader party in Hawaii? We could swim up to the bar and chat about books. I'm so ready for some sunshine. The weather has been bleak and rainy for days.

I need to read some books that are set in the summer heat of Texas. Which brings a question to mind... Do you ever pick up a book for the setting alone? Do you prefer the cowboy states, or city intrigue, or international settings? What would turn you off as a setting?

On another topic... What are you all doing for fall? I haven't been able to decorate the house yet, because we're having some work done on it. But I'm itching to start. Do you have any tips for fun fall decorations?

Dana

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Sheik Protector on 9/16/2008

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Hi Dana, I just saw the coolest thing in a magazine. White pumpkins. OK folks please don't laugh but I've never seen a white pumpkin. Anywho I'm looking for a group of them to put on my kitchen table. The mag. said to remove the tops and put candles inside but I'll just set up some festive Indian corn and stuff. Cheap candles are bad for your pets. Did you know that? I like all the settings you mentioned. I read everything! Visit this site for good authors and good reads that take place in Texas. http://www.lovewesternromances.com/index.html

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/16/2008

For fall, I usually replace the impatiens in my flower pots out front with pansies. But it's hard to make myself do it when the impatiens still look fine. So I haven't bought the pansies yet. Of course, I hate all the leaves that I'm going to have to rake up. Rebecca

Posted  by Rebecca York on 9/16/2008

I too don't have a preference - give me a good story and it can be set anywhere. I've not seen a white pumpkin :) but I did find the neatest "swan" gourds last year - yep, they look somewhat like a swan.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/16/2008

A writer/reader party in Hawaii would be fun. I have picked up books based on the setting, but I also read the blurb to see if the story was interesting. Some of my favorite book settings are San Francisco, Vegas and New Orleans.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/16/2008

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I was married in Sept. and all of my children were born in September and October. It is a time I love top camp in the mountains! My house seldom gets decorated because I am far too busy at work but I love the fall colors.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 9/16/2008

Dana, I had to smile when you said that you were considering turning on the heat. The furance here has been running at nights and then we have been having hot weather during the days for the past week. It has been strange summer for weather. We have already had frost at nights. In answer to your question - I pretty much like stories set in any setting. The cowboy states are great, but I think that the setting has to be in line with the story that I am reading. There is really no setting that would be a turn off unless it just did not fit the story. I find that I used to decorate more for the different seasos when I had the kids at home, but don't really bother with it too much now.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/16/2008

I am looking forward to fall myself. I am ready for some cooler weather and rain. We have been dry all year in KY and still getting tempts in the 80's. I don't do much decorating for the fall, because we don't have much of a fall it goes from summer to winter around here it seems. There is no in between. We even got a lot of high wind from the huricane but no rain.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 9/16/2008

Melissa--I didn't know that about candles. Scary. I wonder if they'd be harmful to small children, too. I don't burn a lot of candles because the scents give me a headache. But I like to decorate with pretty ones, especially around Christmas.

Rebecca--Thank you for reminding me to buy pansies! I have 2 large pots in front of the house and I have geraniums in them for the summer, but I bring those in around this time of the year and put pansies in. I'm just waiting for a sunny day to do it all. It's been windy and rainy.

Jeanne--The swan gourds are beautiful. I've tried to grow them in the past, but they didn't like my garden. :-( Maybe I'll pick some up at the market this year.

Connie--I got married in September, too!!! And I was born in Sept. I do love this month :-).

Jane--New Orleans settings are among my top favorite. The stories always have that sultry favor. Rebecca York set a number of books there that were fabulous.

Cryna--Frost? Yikes! I hope that won't happen here yet. All my houseplants are still outside. I take them out for the summer. And now I can't bring them in until our new flooring is put in. All the rooms had to be cleared for that. I barely know what to do with the furniture, let alone plants. So I'm praying for two more weeks of frost free nights.

Quilt Lady--This no fall thing is catchin up with me, too. The other day I went to shop for a fall coat, and the lady in the store told me that they don't carry fall coats anymore because there's no fall. They just have summer clothes then winter clothes. I thought she was crazy, but I was paying attention and she was right. We were in shorts 3 weeks ago, then had a week of rain, and then winter. I had to give in and turn on the heat today.

Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 9/17/2008

9/15/2008

Inner Life

Sometimes, after yoga on Saturday mornings, I'll stop at a few garage sales--but only if they're on my way home. You know, within 10 miles or so.

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of Solving the Mysterious Stranger on 9/15/2008

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Comments:

I have an inner frilly girl (explains why I bought those Sketchers) and all the other "inners" you mentioned. If you asked my Mom she'd say the "diva" and "actress" come out a lot. Hubby would say "biker chick" lol! Lately I've been reading Victorian Romances and Historical Fiction. I would love to go back to that time period. I'd wear one of those tall wigs with birds nests or a ship in it. The decadence of the Victorian era really appeals to me.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/15/2008

I'm an inner rock goddess...except I can't sing or play an instrument. But, in my own feeble mind, I'm a rock star, especially with the radio turned loud and no one home. LOL

Posted  by Jill James on 9/15/2008

I love paper and like you I think it goes back to my paperdoll days in the 50's. I had dozens and each one had her own drawer in old sandpaper drawers from the lumberyard my father managed. They looked like little chest of drawers. I had all kinds of paper dolls including Shirley Temple and the Dione Quints and oh so many others. I love anything paper to this day and love making cards and scrapbooking.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 9/15/2008

I just went to the site and I think I'm going to spending a lot of time browsing. I've never heard of the Victoria Trading Company.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/15/2008

I am not an inner frilly girl, never have been, more a tomboy. I don't think I have a inner anything. I am just me just the way I am.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 9/15/2008

I am not a frilly inner girl, Although I remember having all kinds of paper dolls, and stuff. I still like to do crafts and things.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/15/2008

Oh, I've never been a girly-girl, raised with 3 brothers and in rural West Virginia, nope, never was. I can get it together and look the part for short periods of time, I've been told I clean up real good, but it's a role I can play for only a short amount of time.:) I've always envied those who seem to pull it together with no amount of trouble at all!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 9/15/2008

Jill, I have an inner Rock Goddess, although she almost never comes out any more. Well, there was that one night, with a couple of girlfriends and a karaoke bar........ Connie, I am so envious of your sandpaper drawers. Do you still have them? There is nothing I love more than paper, except drawers to put paper in!!! Quilt Lady and Cryna, if you knew me you'd know how absurd it seems that I have an inner frilly girl. I was always the biggest tomboy (in every sense of the word biggest) on the street! I should get back to my inner schoolteacher. I need some discipline. It's time to get back to my writing. Mallory.

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 9/15/2008

I so did not need another web site to lust over. LOL I love browsing fun stuff on the web. Sadly very few stores deliver overseas. :-( Can't tell you how happy this makes my hubby. But I can't wait until we're back in the U.S. --Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 9/16/2008

9/12/2008

Some Like it Hot

I just got a copy of the Sep. RT. (I know, way too late.) They left Sheik Protector out as their September Top Pick, even though it's listed on their web site as such. Now I'm embarrassed because I've been promoting the book with that, and people probably thought, what is she talking about? Sigh. I swear I didn't just make it up! And a reader just emailed me to let me know that pages are missing from the copy she bought. I suppose it's just one of those things.

But that's not what I wanted to blog about today anyway. I've been thinking about level of sensuality since I'm heading toward a love scene in my current project. I've got critiques that specifically mentioned great love scenes in my books before, then when I left love scenes out altogether from another book, some readers wrote to thank me for it. So I'm trying to decide how hot to go with this book.

SHEIK PROTECTOR is pretty sensous. All my sheik books are. I figure if someone is reading a book where a sexy sheik carries the heroine off to his tent in the desert, the reader expects them to do more than play chess :-) Pretty much I let the story decide whether or not a prolonged love scene is appropriate. In 72 HOURS, since the hero and heroine spent most of their time sneaking around terrorists who took over an embassy, there was little time and no place at all to get overly romantic.

So my question for today is, what level of sensuality do you prefer in books? What is the point where you are no longer feeling comfortable with a love scene?

Dana

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Sheik Protector on 9/12/2008

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Comments:

Dana, I'm so sorry to hear about the RT screw up. No fun. I like sensual love scenes in books, but some of the erotic romances in today's market go farther than I want to go. I want to know what the h/h are doing, but I don't need a microscope focused on anatomical detail. The focus for me is what the two people are feelings--the emotions of the encounter. I write for Intrigue and also for Berkley Sensation. I can use the real words in my Berkley book. With Intrigue, I have to use some euphenisms. I think I write sensual scenes for each market, but it's more of a challenge with Intrigue when you simply can't say certain words. Rebecca

Posted  by Rebecca York on 9/12/2008

I enjoy reading erotica but I can't read one after the other. I like there to be something left to my imagination when I read a love scene. And I have a very vivid imagination! lol! I've never been uncomfortable with a scene. I read a really good book by Debra Mullins, "A Necessary Husband", an AVON no less. She wrote better sex scenes then some of the erotica authors I read. I mean I was really squiriming!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/12/2008

Hi Dana - I am sorry about the RT mess up, it must be terribly frustrating for you and nothing that you can do about it at this point. I think for me that the story is what dictates the love scenes - as you said in 72 Hours a torrid love scene would have been out of place with the rest of the story. With the Sheik Protector you had to have the sensous scenes because it was part of the story, so I feel the setting and the story dictate the amount of love scenes or more specifically how sensous they can be. I find that there are a lot of books out now that delve too much into the love scenes and sometimes they overtake the plot and the story itself. I know that may be just my way of thinking - but these type of books are not a comfortable read for me. I like stories where the scenes are a progression with the story and in keeping with the story. But that might be just me......lol.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/12/2008

I like a spicy book now and then.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 9/12/2008

I enjoy erotica, so I'm comfortable reading books with a lot of sensuality. I don't enjoy reading scenes where extreme pain is inflicted on either character.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/12/2008

Sorry about the mix-up but I rarely let others judge whether or not I will enjoy a book. And I do like yours. As for the love scenes, sometimes I skip reading every word that is written and use my very active but slightly less sensual imagination instead. Other times I read and enjoy every word.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 9/12/2008

I'm not shocked by erotica but I've found that the further books go, the less I care for them because it replaces the story and characterization.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/12/2008

Sorry to hear about the mix-up on your book! What level of sensuality do I like to read? I think it all depends on the storyline and how well developed it is. I beleve it takes balance, I've read some pretty steamy scenes, but they didn't seem so at the time because the storyline was so intense and the love scenes just dove-tailed into the plot, that you didn't realize how steamy they were till you had finished the book; good balance. Then again, I've read scenes where the fate of the free world is on the brink of ruin, yet the main characters are going at it like rabbits; not-so-good balance. Yet perception is like beauty, it's all in the eye of the beholder isn't it? LOL

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 9/12/2008

I loved both Ironclad Cover and Secret Contact partly because a gratuitous love scene wasn't thrown in early and there wasn't too much sloppy stuff while they were busy trying to solve cases. That can be so unrealistic. I certainly like some kind of resolution but full graphic sex can be startlingly out of place in many books.

Posted  by Suzanne Perazzini on 9/13/2008

I think the blog ate my post so if I repeat I apologize. I'm not shocked by erotica but I've found that in some books they tend to put more importance on the sex scenes and not enough on the story and characters.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/13/2008

9/10/2008

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

It’s a little early for Christmas. But like the department stores, I’m starting early–with an October Intrigue called CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. It’s the beginning of a continuity series with Ann Voss Peterson and Patricia Rosemoor.

I’m proud to say that it got a Top Pick from Romantic Times. And look at that gorgeous cover. If you were expecting the h/h, they're on the back.

It’s set on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, an area that I love. I dragged Patricia and Ann there for a fun research trip. We based our town, Jenkins Cove, on St. Michaels, Maryland. We got a map of the town, changed some of the street names and added a town square. My story starts when my heroine, Chelsea Caldwell, sees a ghost on the road–-a murder victim, it turns out.

Investigative reporter, Michael Bryant, is sure she’s exaggerating the ghost story–to get publicity. So he comes down to Jenkins Cove and books a room at the bed and breakfast that Chelsea runs with her aunt.

Bad mistake. As soon as he gets there, he’s sucked into a web of danger with Chelsea, and soon they’re running for their lives from killers determined to hide a shocking secret from the past and a series of recent murders.

I love a good ghost story. And ghosts play a big role in the story. When we were researching the series, we stayed at a B&B on the Chesapeake Bay. Ann, dh, and I went out one evening, so Ann could “find a good place to stage a murder.” When we came back in, I asked, “Did you feel like we kept walking through spooky places where the air was cold?” “Yes,” Ann answered. She felt it too.

Was that the ghosts in town? I don’t know, but it added a spooky realism to our trip, which I used in my story.

That’s as close as I’ve come to real ghosts. What about you? Have you ever seen one? Sensed one?

Rebecca

Posted by Rebecca York, author of MAMMOTH BOOK OF VAMPIRE ROMANCE on 9/10/2008

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Comments:

I have never seen a ghost or sensed one (and don't particularly want to),but that's not to say I don't believe they could be out there.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 9/10/2008

Hi Rebecca, I'm so excited about CHRISTMAS SPIRIT! I love ghost stories and Christmas theme books! I have posted about ghosts many times but I don't think anyone believes me. I am a "ghostbuster". In the past I've gone to people's homes to help them with their "visitors". I've held seances and had lots of experiences with ghosts. My whole family has. I'd like to share something I wrote. I was asked "who is my favorite ghost". This is what I said: As a child I feared even the thought of ghosts. Then, I read Charles Dicken's A CHRISTMAS CAROL. These ghosts appeared to have a good purpose and became my favorites. Although they were scary, they brought about a wonderful change in Scrooge. The ghost of Christmas Past helped Scrooge understand the harm he had done. The ghost of Christmas Present demonstrated the harm he was now doing, and when the ghost of Christmas Yet To Come showed him the horrible consequences that would result if he continued his life's pattern, it made a remarkable change in him. I have read and reread this story and have come to the conclusion that ghosts must be in everyone. But, a proper name for them is conscience. I feel the conscience manifests itself so strongly at times that it may take on visible form and as the conscience is spirit it is not limited by time or death. I'm grabbing CS as soon as it's released!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/10/2008

I have never seen or sensed a ghost. Don't think I want to, either!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 9/10/2008

I agree with Ellen. I do love reading about them too.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/10/2008

I've never seen or sensed one, but I do believe that ghosts exist.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/10/2008

It's not the dead people you need to worry about. It's the live ones!!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/10/2008

While working on the second floor of an older library, I was looking for missing titles, I felt a firm hand on my hip as I was scanning shelves. My breath hitched and my heart picked up, I was the only person on the second floor at that time, I didn't see or hear anything at all. But there was no mistaking what I felt in that split second of time. Kinda makes you believe (as the TV character Mulder put it), that something is definetly out there.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 9/10/2008

Melissa, that's pretty cool about being a ghost buster. Sherry, that's really scarry about your library experience. Rebecca

Posted  by Rebecca York on 9/10/2008

I have never seen a ghost. I have had a feeling of something or someone with me - even though I have been alone, so I would never say that there is no such thing. Looking forward to your story - love the Christmas themed books.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/10/2008

I have never seen a ghost or sensed one. That doesn't mean that I don't believe in them I just never have seen one. I do enjoy reading books about ghost.

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 9/10/2008

Thanks, Rebecca! It does get rather interesting. "Who ya gonna call..."

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/11/2008

Sure I figure there are ghosts out there....too much written about them not to be real. Have I ever seen one..perhaps. Reguardless I love reading about encounters!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 9/11/2008

Since ghosts freak me out, I try not to think about them :-) BTW, your cover is absolutely stunning! ---Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 9/12/2008

9/9/2008

CONGRATS TO LAST WEEK WINNER!

Congratulations to Connie Lorenz. Sorry for the late notice. Contact me with your address to claim your prize. :)

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of Solving the Mysterious Stranger on 9/9/2008

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Comments:

Congratulations, Connie!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/9/2008

Wtg, Connie!

Posted  by Estella kissell on 9/9/2008

Congratulations Connie !!!!

Posted  by Cryna  Palmiere on 9/9/2008

Thanks everyone!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 9/11/2008

9/9/2008

GLAMOROUS WRITING LIFE

My latest book goes on the shelves today. It's a busy day. I have to get ready for the premier party, the book signing/wine tasting, and my appearance on the local morning news magazine show. Somehow, during all this, I also have to prepare for my book tour.

9/5/2008

SIN

Sin/sin/n. - [1] behavior that is against moral or religious norms; [2] immoral act such as lying, cheating, theft, murder; [3] original sin, as in Christian teaching of the seven deadly sins; [4] an act or omission against convention.

Sin has always been a topic of interest, especially to those in the arts. What conflict we glean from the seven deadly sins-pride, envy, lust, gluttony, anger and sloth.

In 1813, Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice, a look at a society in which the sin of pride could keep a person from acquiring a mate.

1995 brought us Se7en, a movie in which a serial killer stages his kills using the seven deadly sins and in doing so takes the life of the protagonist's mate.

Back in the late 90s, I decided to write a series called Seven Sins for Harlequin Intrigue. Perhaps too edgy for our reading audience then-or maybe it was that my protagonists rather than the villains were the sinners in question-only four of the books made it to the shelves.

Readers and movie goers never seem to tire of sin themes. Authors never tire of writing about them. Which is the case with a bunch of young writers I know well.

A little background.

I've been teaching Writing Popular Fiction and Suspense-Thriller Writing in the Fiction Writing Department at Columbia College Chicago for a dozen years. And through those years, I have run into some very talented students. But once the class was over, I rarely saw those students again. Unless, of course, they signed up for the other course, which many of my best students did.

The Fiction program at Columbia is literary-based at its core, with some genre courses as electives. Because there was no way for my students to workshop their genre novels once they'd developed them, written a couple of chapters and a synopsis, I came up with a plan to nurture their talent-I had a barbeque.

I invited a dozen former students (from the preceding two years) who I thought would finish their novels if they had a support system and told them their "entry fee" was a new scene of their novel-in-progress that they would have to read. I challenged them to start a support group which would include sharing work to get feedback. They accepted-and met in my backyard every month until the weather turned. Then they proceeded to meet at a local bar.

That was five years ago and the group has grown and members still meet nearly every month. A few of the writers have been published in novel-length fiction-books started in my classes. Other writers have diversified, finding other kinds of writing work. Some of the writers have moved away but keep in touch via the email link.

And via a project called SIN, A Deadly Anthology, published on September 1 by Avendia Publishing.

The challenge was to use sin as the theme of our short stories. No restrictions. What resulted was an interesting and inspiring mix of stories in various genres. Nurturing these emerging writers has been so rewarding. I've not only celebrated their successes with them, I've made good friends along the way.

What are your thoughts on the attraction of SIN as a theme?

Posted by Patricia Rosemoor, author of SIN on 9/5/2008

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Comments:

I think it makes for a great story or stories. Maybe your original books would sell today!

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/5/2008

I think it is a good theme because it would bring out the creativeness of the writer, since sin has such different meanings to a lot of people. What I call a sin, might not necessarily be one that you consider a sin and the other way round. It opens a realm of interpretations to the writers. I think it is great that you have been a mentor to these students and kept encouraging them.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/5/2008

I agree with Cryna. Everyone's value system is different. Sin would make a fascinating theme because of it makes of think of the taboo.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/5/2008

I think it is a good subject to bring together an anthology of stories. Just the definition of what is and what is not sin is enough to get thoughts going. How wonderful for you that you are the type of mentor who not only teaches students but also enjoys their discoveries and successes. From your own writing, you have my appreciation as a reader, as a person, you also have my admiration. I’ll be looking forward to “Sin, A Deadly Anthology” .

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 9/6/2008

I thnk SIN as a theme is awesome. You could write about one or more. You could make some up. Or if you believe in the 7 deadly sins you could play one off the other. So many possibilities.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/8/2008

9/4/2008

Writing a series

When I started Whitehorse, Montana, I had some vague ideas for six books. I wanted to write about the area where I live. I loved the history, the wild, wide-open landscape, the people. That series has now grown to 18 books. After the Corbetts, the Winchester family are calling me. I can't seem to leave Whitehorse. I keep adding new characters, like in my latest, Montana Royalty, and tying in old ones. There are still mysteries to be solved. But it is mind boggling keeping track of everyone and everything. Even the smallest characters keep coming back. Just today I was trying to remember the sheriff's name from twenty years ago. Never thought I'd need that again, but surprise, I seem to. Writing a long series takes organization apparently. :) And I have a feeling that readers are probably keeping track, waiting for me to mess up. Authors do mess up. I gave a Mustang four doors in a book. Whooee, did I hear about that. I mixed up prone and supine, had a grandfather clock on a mantle and used a wrong name for a character. It happens. Eye and hair color are the easiest things to goof up from book to book. Have you found funny mistakes in books?

Posted by B.J. Daniels, author of Montana Royalty on 9/4/2008

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Comments:

I occasionally see the mix up with hair and eye color. I just read a book where a character is wearing a dress, but then soon after the author tells us she's wearing slacks.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/4/2008

Any mistakes I have found in books are not really funny. Mostly name mix ups.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 9/4/2008

Sounds as if that character was a quick change artist. :) Most mistakes aren't funny, unfortunately. So everyone survived the summer. Are all the kids back in school now?

Posted  by B.J.  Daniels on 9/4/2008

most of the mistakes I find are just typo's, I'm just not that observant I guess. When I read, I'm "in the moment" in the book, the better the story, the more I forget where, who and what I am. :)

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 9/4/2008

I have read books where the clothing has changed from one scene page to the next - which usually will trip me up and I have to go back and check because I think "I thought.....". This is not funny but has happened in a book I read recently where the names got mixed up and the heroine was called by the friend's name for a couple of chapters, this totally throws off the book for me. As for funny mistakes I can't think of any at the moment.

Posted  by Cryna  Palmiere on 9/4/2008

I've been finding a lot of typos in books lately. Sometimes there are so many misspelled words I wonder if anyone bothered to read through before printing. Some books read like ARCs!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/7/2008

9/2/2008

AUGUST BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Congratulations! If your name is on this list you've won a book from the author you've been paired with. Please contact her via her web site with your mailing information to receive a free book of her choice.

Posted by Jan Hambright, author of Around-The-Clock Protector on 9/2/2008

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Comments:

I love visiting this blog every day and now I've won a book too. Yeah!!!

Posted  by Jill James on 9/2/2008

Congrats, ladies!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 9/2/2008

Thank you. Congrats to the other winners.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/2/2008

Congratulations to the winners!!

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/2/2008

Congrats Ladies, WTG

Posted  by Quilt Lady on 9/3/2008

Congratulations, ladies!

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 9/3/2008

Wooohooo! Thank you so much. Thanks, Carol. I have contacted you and look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for the congrats everybody!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 9/7/2008

9/1/2008

Gotta Love a Hero

I recently participated in a special event on eHarlequin, featuring the September, 08, Intrigues. The event was all about Ultimate Heroes. All six Intrigues for September featuredUltimate Heroes on the covers. Intrigue's Ultimate Heroes are ordinary guys Harlequin chose to photograph for our covers, rather than professional models.

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of Solving the Mysterious Stranger, Sept 08 on 9/1/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

I too have a person who was just an ordinary person, but who has impacted me by doing what was right. Time and again, I have seen this person give up something for themself to help out someone else because it was needed. To me that is a hero. Just like the people that we meet everyday in our lives that are a lot of times unsung heroes, because it is their jobs - policemen, firemen, paramedics.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 9/1/2008

There was an article in today's paper urging the government to give full benefits to first responders who died as a result of working at Ground Zero. A lot of these fallen heroes died as a result of exposure to the elements at Ground Zero, but the government won't classify their deaths as in the line of duty, denying additional benefits to their families.

Posted  by Jane C. on 9/1/2008

My grandma is my hero. She's a preacher's wife, but she's completely non-judgmental. She's there for her kids, grandkids and great grandkids, no matter what. She loves unconditionally. She takes in the broken and battered and helps them rebuild, then stands back smiling when they leave to live successful lives. If instead those broken and battered people go back to their self-destructive patterns, she prays. And offers hugs when they need them again. She knows what it means to get by on a sack of peas and a bag of potatoes. She believes in living her life as a testimony to others instead of "talking" about what God wants or doesn't want. She's strong and dignified and smart. She introduced me to books and homemade Virginia Reel pickles and biscuits and gravy. She taught me how to make a bed the right way and how to clean a stove top and how to sing Amazing Grace and The Old Rugged Cross in three-part harmony. She is a woman born way before her time, and I'm incredibly thankful to have her in my life and to have her in my daughter's life.

Posted  by mary beth lee on 9/1/2008

I have so many heros but currently have a special one. She is a friend to all, teacher to fifth graders, bread baker and weight watcher leader as well as a wife and mother and she is fighting breast cancer. Through it all she is continuing to do just what she has always done..uplift others. Please Pray for her.

Posted  by Connie  Lorenz on 9/1/2008

Thanks, everybody, for telling us about your own heroes. Love hearing about them. Mallory Kane

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 9/2/2008

8/30/2008

Writing the Male POV

Last week, during the Ultimate Intrigue Heroes special posting on eHarlequin, the subject of writing from the male POV came up. Most (though not all) Intrigue writers are women, yet our heroes are vital characters in our stories.

Posted by Paula Graves, author of Cowboy Alibi on 8/30/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

You make an excellent point Paula, being raised with 3 brothers and no sisters and being a tomboy as well, the male point of view is very easy for me to see and read. I get very disappointed in some books as I feel they don’t make the male lead multi-dimensional, or limit his importance in the storyline, yet there are some authors and titles who create that wonderful balance where the final product is one where readers remark with the highest of praise; "Oh, you gotta read this, it's a good one"! LOL

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/30/2008

Great, thought-provoking post!

I clean like a man (as in not a lot) and eat like a man. Does that qualify me for writing male POV? :-)

Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/30/2008

Oh my, yes indeedy it does Dana! :)

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/30/2008

Isn't that the quandry - the same things that repel us also attract us lol.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/30/2008

I never realized that men show affection with actions until now. I do agree that cultural influences are important when studying behavior.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/30/2008

I think Brad's song says it all.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/30/2008

What a great post you have given us lots to think about. And I, like you, think that Brad Paisley expresses the points the best in his song.

Posted  by Cryna  Palmiere on 8/30/2008

I lobe Brad Paisley's song and I swear he is singing wfrom my husbands's viewpoint.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/30/2008

What is it about men that they can write the most romantic things in song lyrics, in movie scripts, and in books classified as thrillers, westerns and men's adventure, but so many of them feel justified in scoffing at romance novels. I'm going to try to post one of the most romantic songs I know here. It's by Dan Hill. I hope its formatting comes out okay. But READ these lyrics! Mallory Sometimes When We Touch - Dan Hill

You ask me if I love you
And I choke on my reply
I'd rather hurt you honestly
Than mislead you with a lie
And who am I to judge you
On what you say or do?
I'm only just beginning to see the real you

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

Romance and all its strategy
Leaves me battling with my pride
But through the insecurity
Some tenderness survives
I'm just another writer
Still trapped within my truth
A hesitant prize fighter
Still trapped within my youth

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

At times I'd like to break you
And drive you to your knees
At times I'd like to break through
And hold you endlessly

At times I understand you
And I know how hard you've tried
I've watched while love commands you
And I've watched love pass you by

At times I think we're drifters
Still searching for a friend
A brother or a sister
But then the passion flares again

And sometimes when we touch
The honesty's too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you til I die
Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you till the fear in me subsides

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 9/1/2008

8/29/2008

What grabs your attention?

I'm trying to put together a trailer for SHEIK PROTECTOR, and if you knew how technically challanged I am, you'd know how hard I'm struggling. Do you watch trailers for books? Do they make you buy the books they advertise? Some Intrigue authors have had fabulous trailers in the past. I'll even admit to some trailer envy :-)

I've only ever done one before for SECRET CONTRACT (it's still on my web site, if you're interested). I can't say that it made any difference in sales. Of course, I totally loved it! It's great to see visual representation of a story that I had only ever seen on paper.

Do you ever watch book trailers? Go to authors' blogs? Enter author contests? (OK, those last two are yeses for everyone here.) Do you sign up to receive author newsletters? I'm just curious.

And if I ever get this trailer done, I'll make sure and post a link here.

Dana

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Sheik Protector on 8/29/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

I watch book trailers and know how much work goes into one of them. But to see the story unfold in those trailers, is great. I go to blogs, but not as many as I would like to because of time. I do enter contests and I sign up for newsletters as well. Looking forward to seeing your trailer when it is done.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/29/2008

Yes, to all your questions. I can't say I really care for book trailers.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/29/2008

Yes to all of the above, although I don't watch trailers religiously. Trailers are entertaining. I sign up for newsletters so I will be informed when an author has a new release.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/29/2008

Yes to everything - I'm about 50/50 on the trailers though. If you are still on dial up it's impossible but I've recently changed.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/29/2008

I love to watch book trailers! The best ones I've seen so far is the "Dust Bunny" for Jayne Castle's futuristic series. There are a couple to for Sherrilyn Kenyon's Darkhunter series that is very well done. I envy those who have the ability and creativity to put together those short vids; but yes I like them very much. Some of them are just too cute and funny!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/29/2008

I love other authors' trailers, but trying to put one together for my own book gives me heartburn. I can't wait until the youngsters in the family are computer whizzes and can help me out! At what age do kids pass their parents at computer skills? Middle school? Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/30/2008

Oh wow, Sherry--I did those Dust Bunny trailers for Jayne. Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed them. They were so much fun to do--I don't get to put nearly that much humor in my own books, so it's nice to do something lighter for a change.

Posted  by Paula Graves on 8/30/2008

8/28/2008

The Olympics

Who did you have on your walls when you were a teenager or preteen? I'll confess, I think I was a little "unique." When my cousin gave me a TIGER BEAT magazine, I had to read to find out who most of the guys were on the cover.

Julie

Posted by Julie Miller, author of Private S.W.A.T. Takeover on 8/28/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

Julie,

Your note made me wish that I spent more time watching the Olympics. Sadly, deadlines interfered. :-) Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/28/2008

I loved catching the lesser watched sports on off channels at odd times. The trampoline was scary and exciting at the same time. Weightlifting was awesome with small women lifting twice their body weight. I missed syncronised swimming, bummer! I like that one.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/28/2008

I thought the opening ceremonies was the best one I've ever seen. The American men and women's indoor volleyball team and the Chinese gymnastics teams were awesome. I couldn't believe it when Michael Phelps beat won the 100m butterfly by a fingernail. It was amazing to watch.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/28/2008

I enjoyed both the men's and womens beach volleyball, Michael Phelps, Dana Torres, the Redeem Team, and the US gymnasts.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/28/2008

Shawn Johnson of course, but I've always enjoyed the equistrian events, especially the cross country.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/28/2008

I agree with all the people you mentioned but I also liked Anton Fokin who was the first man from Uzbekistan to win a medal (bronze).

Posted  by Joyce M. on 8/28/2008

I stand corrected Anton Fokin was the first medal winner for his country.

Posted  by Joyce M. on 8/28/2008

The only thing I missed from your highlights was the basketball, but I agreed with everything else. The women's beach volleyball was fun to watch too.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/28/2008

Oh, yes--the equestrian events. Were those shown on one of the cable channels? I only got to see a little bit--maybe it was a highlights reel. I love to watch the jumping.

Posted  by Julie Miller on 8/28/2008

I loved watched the team competitions in gymnastics, especially. They were exciting. Jonathan Horton and Shawn Johnson, especially, were such good leaders for their teams--cheering others on, congratulating performances, giving pep talks, etc. I really got that 'team' feeling. I cringed when the Japanese man fell off the rings and when that one Chinese girl crashed on the balance beam. Yikes!

Posted  by Julie Miller on 8/28/2008

I did watch Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh in the beach volleyball finals--that was exciting, too!

Posted  by Julie Miller on 8/28/2008

What can I say? I probably watched more than I should. But it's not on all the time, so I indulged. There are so many stories behind the scenes and on the field/court/track/arena/etc. Now I'll be looking forward to Vancouver and the Winter Games in 2010!

Posted  by Julie Miller on 8/28/2008

I am not one too much for the Summer Olympics, the winter ones are the ones that catch my attention, so I never watched any of these Olympics. Although was excited for the USA that Michael Phelps achieved the records and gold metals that he did.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/28/2008

Julie, I love the Olympic's and really enjoy the lesser known sports, or at less shown. Love Archery and have known and shot with some of the past winners. Did not get to see much of the broadcasts this time so am not sure whether or not they showed any archery but with the computer did get to see a few shots. The Opening ceremony must have been super and as soon as I have several hours I am going to watch it. recorded it because we were at an out of town wedding.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/30/2008

8/26/2008

Going camping in the mountains

It's time to pack for a camping trip up the West Boulder River. The campground is right by the river with lots of clear cold water and tall fragrant pines. The mountains shoot straight up all around you. And if you feel like a hike, shoot, you could walk all the way to Yellowstone Park. My daughter and her husband will be camping with us and the other kids will be coming up for a barbecue. What could be more wonderful for Labor Day? The labor. I've been baking for several days and have more to do today. And the packing... Don't get me wrong, it's going to be great. Once we get there, once the tent is up and the chairs set out by the river. I can't wait to roast marshmallows over the fire and is there anything better than the smell of bacon frying in the morning and the sound of the river rushing over the rocks. For a few days I will forget about the book I'm working on and play with the grandbabies, visit with my family and enjoy the great outdoors. In the meantime there are lists to make and food to buy and baking to finish. We'll have to unpack when we get back but we'll be bringing back wonderful memories of talks around the campfire, the sound of children's laughter and the warm feeling that comes with being with family. I can't wait to get packed!

Posted by B.J. Daniels, author of Montana Royalty, September 9 on 8/26/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

My mother will be celebrating her 86th birthday on the 1st which is really nice every year because most everyone has the day off.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/26/2008

Have fun, B.J. I've never been camping before, but hopefully I'll get a chance to experience it one day.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/26/2008

Have a great time!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/26/2008

Sounds like a great time. Have lots of fun and all the memories are worth so much more than the work to get to the campground. Hope you have terrific weather.....Enjoy!!

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/26/2008

B.J., it sounds like a WONDERFUL time! Enjoy!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 8/26/2008

Isn't it wonderful to get away from it all for a little while? Have a good time!

Posted  by Sherry  Dickens on 8/27/2008

Oh my goodness....you are living my dream life! My very favorite thing to do is camping in the mountains in the fall. Hopefully we can find the time next year.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/27/2008

8/24/2008

Insomniacs of the World, Unite!

So what does everyone do when they can't sleep? I've been doing pretty badly lately, probably because of the heat. Sometimes, I'm content to stare at the ceiling, sometimes I read, and sometimes I get some creative burst from somewhere and grab paper and pen. Sadly, come morning, I always realize that what I wrote at 2 a.m. is a lot less brilliant than I'd thought at the time :-)

Case in point, I'm going to share my recently composed (well past midnight) Intrigue Theme Song with you.

My Favorite (Intriguing) Things

--Sing out loud to the tune of These are a Few of my Favorite Things from The Sounds of Music—

Cowboys, and sheriffs, and all S.W.A.T. team members,
hot sheiks, and princes, and tough Texas Rangers,
agents, and Marshall s, a spry spy named Ben,
these are a few of our Intriguing men.

Women of substance, and women of courage,
lawyers, and CEOs inspired stories,
fabulous singles and mother’s with babies,
these are a few of our Intriguing ladies.


When the guns pop, when the knives fly, when the plans go bad,
you’ll turn the page and see our next surprise,
and then you’ll feel well scared.


Assassins, robbers and serial killers,
we write some bad guys who’re worthy of thrillers.
Maniacs, ghosts and all kind of ruffians,
these are a few of our Intriguing villains.


Kidnapping, poison, and terrorists coming,
spymasters’ dealings and explosive bombing,
bribery, blackmail and connect the dots,
these are a few of our favorite plots.


When the guns pop, when the knives fly, when the plans go bad,
you’ll turn the page and see our next surprise,
and then you’ll feel well scared.

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Sheik Protector on 8/24/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

LOL! Very clever, Dana. I read if I can't fall asleep and I've now found that I can read like crazy at night. I think of things to write when I'm in the shower or early morning when I'm not quite awake and have nothing to write with...or on.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/24/2008

Not bad Dana, not bad at all.........just don't give up your writing of Intrigues. Or maybe it was my singing that was so bad!!

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/24/2008

I love it, Dana!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 8/24/2008

LOL! I have read(sung?) many versions of this song and laugh at every new one but now when I look for a new intrique book to read I shall be remembering this version. I love it. I to will read, or rarely clean, when unable to sleep.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/24/2008

Wow, Connie, I'm impressed. I can honestly say I never cleaned because I wasn't able to sleep. Oh the other hand, I must confess, I had slept on a number of occasions when I was supposed to be cleaning. :-) Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/24/2008

Wow, that was awesome. I never come up with anything that clever when I have trouble sleeping.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/24/2008

I forgot to mention that I will get up and read sometimes into the very early mornings. I've been known to read until 5 or 6 AM and then sleep a couple of hours before getting the day started. Don't hate me because I am retired and can sleep whenever.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/25/2008

I liked the song.........LOL. When I can't sleep I get up and read, or play a couple of games on the computer. Or work on a jigsaw puzzle on the dining room table if I have one on the go.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/25/2008

So cute, Dana! I have insomnia, but I'm not that clever--just grumpy!

Posted  by Tracy  Montoya on 8/25/2008

I thought it was adorable. I too read in bed at night and into the wee hours!

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/25/2008

is it ogin to let me

Posted  by tami BLACKROZE37 bates on 8/26/2008

Oh my, LOL that is great! Did you post that on your blog? I might have missed it? Wonderful and quick-witted!

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/27/2008

8/22/2008

Greetings from Tropical Storm Fay-land!

I’m ridiculously grateful to have power right now, and when I realized it’s my day to blog, I figured I’d publicly celebrate that fact. So … yay, power! Big ups to my electric company—who even though they are boneheaded enough to deny the impending global warming crisis and send me letters against expanding solar or wind power (sigh), have managed to keep my lights on in this storm. And a wet, squishy hug to my newspaper delivery person for managing to drop off my newspaper even in this disgusting weather.

Posted by Tracy Montoya, author of I'll Be Watching You on 8/22/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

Tracy, sorry about Fay. But it sounds as if you have a lot to be thankful for. I got hooked on Bookworm. It's a word game so it can't be that bad for a writer to play, right? As for the weather, it finally cooled off up here in Montana so we're thankful for that. It was almost a hundred the other day and now it acts like it wants to snow. I had to put socks on! I'm reading East of Eden, Twilight and Joy Fielding's latest hardcover, darn I'm at the office and can't remember the name right now. I can't seem to read just one book at a time. All three are really good. :) BJ MONTANA ROYALTY www.bjdaniels.com

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 8/22/2008

Snow, BJ? That's sick and wrong! And I will try to stay away from Bookworm--Lego Star Wars is problematic enough. I'm currently reading Breaking Dawn--the last book in the Twilight series. You'll have to let me know what you think--I'm really enjoying them a lot! I usually start out reading two or three books at once, but then one grabs me and I focus on it until I finish.

Posted  by Tracy Montoya on 8/22/2008

I am so glad you are ok even if it is wet and windy. I understand your predicament only too well what with living in HURRICANE country too. And being sandwiched between Dolly and Eduoard. I saw the film of the kite-boarding idiot any number of times last night on the news and your brother named him right. According to the news he says he doesn't remember any of it. Stay safe the rest of the season.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/22/2008

The weather sounds terrible on your end. My hat is off to you for being so positive about it. I probably would have whined enough by now to drive my family to murder.

As far as books go... When is your next book coming out? That's what I'd really like to read. I'm currently on a Jude Deveraux binge. I read Someone to Love last night. I liked it up to the point where people were having sex while their bodies were possessed by ghosts. Yew! Maybe I'm just not adventurous enough. I kept thinking: "One couple per bed, please." Is this a sign that I'm getting old? Nobody will tell me the truth, will they? I'll be off now to count wrinkles.

Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/22/2008

Dana, if the power had gone out, I would TOTALLY be whining. Although I am getting a little stir-crazy from being inside for so long.... I can totally understand the "one couple per bed" thing--so I must be getting old with you! I haven't read Devereaux in years, but I do love to re-read some of her historicals/time travels. Doesn't everyone love Knight in Shining Armor? It makes me want to go to the store or library and pick one up--except I can't because there's a tropical storm outside. ARGH! And thank you for being so nice about my books, as always. I hope to have an answer about my next one very soon! As far as books go... When is your next book coming out? That's what I'd really like to read. I'm currently on a Jude Deveraux binge. I read Someone to Love last night. I liked it up to the point where people were having sex while their bodies were possessed by ghosts. Yew! Maybe I'm just not adventurous enough. I kept thinking: "One couple per bed, please." Is this a sign that I'm getting old? Nobody will tell me the truth, will they? I'll be off now to count wrinkles.

Posted  by Tracy Montoya on 8/22/2008

Had rain in my area of the West coast for 3 days. Nice and sunny and 66 degrees now.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/22/2008

Ellen, hurricane season is offically the pits. You stay safe, too!

Posted  by Tracy Montoya on 8/22/2008

The weather is beautiful in NY. We're in the 80's, not too hot. I finished "Tribute" by Nora Roberts a week ago. I highly recommend that book.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/22/2008

The weather here in Northern California is HOT! About 90. I just finished reading The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox, my new favorite book. It is sooooo cool and funny.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/22/2008

Hope you all continue to stay safe. But at least your brother is worried enough about the girls to call.....I thought that was cute. You have thought of so many positives. I can relate more to B.J.'s weather - it has been so hot and then we get the cold day where it is cold enough to throw an afghan on the bed at night.....the weather is so crazy all over. I am inbetween books at the moment - and have not decided which book to grab from my TBR - so many choices and so little time......lol.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/22/2008

Jane, that sounds perfect. Summers are awful in FL. I haven't read Nora in ages--probably should rectify that.... Jill, I'll have to check out the book--I hadn't heard of it! ... Cryna, I can't even imagine an afghan in August! Weird! (Although we're moving to MN next year, so I'd probably better get used to the idea.) Let me know if you happen upon anything good in that TBR pile!

Posted  by Tracy Montoya on 8/22/2008

Forgot to tell you that the two books I read recently that I loved were: "An Imperfect Match" by Kim Van Meter and " Once Upon A Thanksgiving" by Holly Jacobs. Also "Dangerous To Touch" by Jill Sorenson.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/22/2008

Weather here in Northeast Nebraska has been warm but not horribly so. Need the air on during the day but it cools down beautifully at night. Be glad when hay fever season is over for my husband so that I can open the windows again.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/22/2008

Ellen, Holly's a friend of mine--she'll be thrilled to know you enjoyed her book! I love her stuff. And Connie, hay fever season is the pits, too. Hope it passes quickly! (We're moving to Minneapolis-ish, so I'm hoping all that stuff from farm country won't make it to the city.

Posted  by Tracy Montoya on 8/23/2008

We're having great weather right now and it's a welcome relief after rain, rain, rain. Once in a while I'm thrilled if the power goes out for a day or an evening (not long enough to spoil food) because I use that as an excuse to read the entire time lol. I just finished The Shack by William Young - thought provoking.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/23/2008

The weather is very hot and dry in my neck of the woods. I live in KY and we have not had rain for several weeks and need it bad. I just finished Viking Unchained by Sandra Hill, very good read.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 8/23/2008

8/21/2008

Anticipation

Anticipation A little over a year ago, I made a new sale – a dark paranormal romantic suspense trilogy to Warner (now Grand Central Publishing.) Well, now the first book is finally about to hit the shelves. As I await the release date – August 26 – my nerves start to mount. PW gave me a great review – my first review from them ever, so I was thrilled. Another reviewer wasn’t quite as kind. It always hurts when someone doesn’t fall in love with your baby, but that’s just the bizz. I tend to write dark and creepy, and this one is definitely on the edge. No middle of the road stuff for me. Although I’ve done a few of those – which oddly usually earn the best reviews! So how bad is it? THE DEMONBORN – My new trilogy is a blend of the romantic suspense I’ve written before, and the supernatural – a very dark, creepy page-turning read. Who are the Demonborn? The heroes of the series! Men born from an Angel of Light and a demon spawn. Men who fight the darkness within them at every call. Men who may lose control and shock you once in a while. Dark alpha men – to love. To learn more about them and my new series, visit www.thedemonborn.com I think everyone has both good and bad in them. How about you? Do you ever like to be bad? Do you think you can be born bad? Are you a nature vs. nurture person?

Posted by Rita Herron, author of Beneath the Badge on 8/21/2008

Enter comments

Comments:

Rita, Demonborn sounds great! I can't wait to read it! And I love the debate of good over evil. I've always believed it's in the genes. In my family we call it "The Johnson Gene." Shows up across the board in our families. That one kid who never grows up and is always in trouble. We can trace it back to my great grandfather. So I find the theme of your book very interesting and am a believer that's it's all in the genes. :) I'm curious. What led you to write dark alpha men? Hmmmm?

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 8/21/2008

This does not sound like a series I would like to read because I'm not one who enjoys the dark, creepy on the edge type of books. Doesn't mean they aren't good books...just not my type. I do believe that some people are born bad but I also believe the extent of that badness can be controlled both by the way they are brought up and their decision to be a better person.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/21/2008

B.J., Glad you think it's interesting. I guess I love psychology and have often looked at one person who suffered a trauma and tragedy and seen that they used it to make them stronger where other people buckle under it. And I'm not sure why I started writing darker men - it just sort of happened. I remember watching Charmed and fell in love with Cole who was part demon and part human, and Phoebe's love saved him - at least for a while! And my story does question the "bad blood" which may come into play farther down the line. Rita

Posted  by Rita  Herron on 8/21/2008

Ellen, LOL. I understand. I think people will really like it or not! It's definitely not for the faint of heart. And for the most part I agree with you that people can overcome the evil in them, especially with guidance and nurture. Although I do think there are chemical aspects that cause some behavior in criminals - like sociopaths. And B.J., LOL about the Johnson gene! Rita

Posted  by Rita  Herron on 8/21/2008

Sounds great to me!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/21/2008

Hi Rita, I'm looking forward to your new series. I enjoyed reading about the Dubois brothers. I do think people can be born bad, but I also believe that a person can be influenced by the environment they were reared in.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/21/2008

Rita- you are right about the chemical aspects of being born bad. I hadn't thought about that but sometimes "medical chemicals" can to a certain extent help those also.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/21/2008

Hi, Estella, and Jane - glad you're both interested. And I'm happy you enjoyed the Dubois men - if you liked it, hopefully this will be up your alley. And hey, no one mentioned their own "bad side" - anyone done anything naughty (for fun?) Rita

Posted  by Rita Herron on 8/21/2008

Oh, I'm sure I would like it - I've always been attracted to the dark side lol. I think certain traits are definitely nature. I have two girls that were raised the same but are such opposites. You can pinpoint exactly which traits belong to their father and which belong to me (all the good ones of course roflmao).

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/21/2008

Hi, Jeanne, LOL! yes, I know what you mean. I always say my girls got their sweet side from me - of course my son and the girls got their athletic ability and looks from their father. And then again, I am sweet in person but I write these really dark stories. I guess we all have two sides! Rita

Posted  by Rita Herron on 8/22/2008

I will be looking for this book. I think we all like the dark side once in a while.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/22/2008

8/19/2008

My Vacation, My Way.

It's nearly the end of summer, and I'm planning a trip to the beach. For many of you, that may sound like a normal summertime activity, but for me--not so much. I live in Mississippi, but I don't do sun well.

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of Solving the Mysterious Stranger (Sept) on 8/19/2008

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Comments:

Since I live only a few miles from the beach that's not my style of vacation any longer, but I'm glad you found a way to enjoy a beach vacation. I prefer to travel to National Parks and view the awesome sites nature has made. I am hoping to get away the first week in Sept. and head for the Smokey Mountains NP. I'm aiming for Gatlinburg. Sounds like we have traded vacation spots.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/19/2008

I love a beach vacation, but we both hate crowds. I don't like it when the beach is so packed that you have to step over people to get around. So we go to the beach for a long weekend before Memorial Day and for another one after Labor Day. No crowds, still great weather, and since it's off-season, even the parking is free! :-) Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/19/2008

My favorite vacation is the ocean. I can sit for hours and listen to the waves crashing into the beach, watch the sun melt into the horizon, and taste the salt air on my lips.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/19/2008

The sound of waves lapping at the shore! Ah... one of my favorite sounds. Thanks for all your comments. And come see us at eHarlequin. Mallory.

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 8/19/2008

I don't really have any vacations traditions. We usually try to get up early and have breakfast at the hotel and head out to see the sights.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/19/2008

My favourite type of vacation is to go to B.C. The scenery is breathtaking, and I love to just relax and read at the motel, and then to go swimming in the pool. Generally we will go after the children are back in school - the weather is still nice and it is not crowded. Not exciting but works for me....lol

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/19/2008

The only vacation or place that our family has repeated quite a few times is Cedar Point in Ohio - Rollercoaster capital of the world! I'm sure that's not everyone's cup of tea but we enjoy it. There's also a beach nearby :)

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/19/2008

I love a camping vacation in the Rocky Mountains. We would go for two weeks taking everything with us that we may need. I usually read a couple dozen book while there, often finding a rock with a view to spend some time reading and meditating. The beauty and silence always makes me feel so much closer to the Lord!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/20/2008

8/18/2008

Ultimate Heroes

I just wanted to extend an invitation to a forum being held this week at eHarlequin. The forum: Simply Series is featuring the six Ultimate Heroes books coming out in September. You can visit with authors on the site and ask questions or just stop by to say hello. Tuesday will feature Dani Sinclair and Paula Graves for an Ultimate Double, Wednesday is Dana Marton, Thursday Rickey Mallory and Friday is Donna Young. I'm up today. So come visit and bring lots of questions!

Posted by B.J. Daniels, author of Montana Royalty on 8/18/2008

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Comments:

Looking forward to it.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/19/2008

Here is the link: http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/simply-series/intrigues-ultimate-heroes

Please come and chat!

Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/19/2008

8/15/2008

CONFESSIONS OF A FICTION-WRITING ADDICT

This book changed my life!

♥♥♥

It all started with a challenge.

Having discovered Angelique on a trip to Europe, I devoured every historical romance I could find. Some were great. Some not so much. It was months later over breakfast with me suggesting to a friend that I could write a better story than the one I was reading that launched my career as a novelist. My friend challenged me to write my own historical romance, thinking, of course, that I never would.

Despite her skepticism, I wrote a hundred and fifty pages and a synopsis and sent it out. And then the rejections came and I quickly gave up, thinking this was not for me. Months passed and another story rattled around in my brain until I couldn’t resist. I tried again, this time finishing the novel. More rejections, but better ones, including a phone call from an editor saying she liked the writing but bought a book that was too similar—could I try my hand at a contemporary because they were starting a new line and needed writers? Me write contemporary? I was flattered but my heart was with historicals, so, fool that I was, I turned her down.

I soon changed my tune when the series contemporary market exploded. I developed at least a dozen proposals, received at least 43 rejections (a number I pulled out of a hat once—it was probably much more). I was getting nowhere, but I couldn’t stop.

Soon I realized that I had an addiction—I was a fiction-writing addict!

And then I got married. I’d been playing with fiction off and on for four years with lots of compliments but no sales at that point. I decided to give it another year, and if I didn’t sell by then, I would stop. (Hah!) That was the same year my late husband Edward and I married. During the day, I had my other career as supervisor of television production at a community college and an excruciating twenty-five mile drive into and out of the suburbs, which made an eleven hour day for me in good weather, twelve in bad. At night and on weekends I wrote. Most nights, it was up to Edward to provide dinner.

Eleven months and three weeks into that year, I won a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award and sold my first book to the editor who judged it. She forgot, however, to make an offer and didn’t call until three weeks after I won the award to do so. She said she hoped I would take her offer since she’d already put my book into production. Not only was “A CHANGE OF HEART by RoseAnne McKenna” a contemporary, it was a young adult romance. Two more sales in the next six months—both adult contemporary, one with writing partner Linda Sweeney—made me think maybe I could do this as a living.

Which meant I had to work harder, write more, be more flexible. For five years, I had two careers and basically no life except for the Friday night dates with Edward. Fridays were the ONLY day I didn’t write. I wrote on my birthday, on Thanksgiving and even on Christmas Eve. My life narrowed and I lost non-addicted friends. Other fiction-writing addicts were the only people who seemed to understand what I needed. The last year I worked in television production, I also wrote three Intrigues myself and then two more novels with Linda.

One week after I quit my day job, Dell’s Candlelight line–and Linda’s and my two book contract (on which I had quit my job)—died. My friends urged me to get back my production job and my steady mortgage-paying paycheck. All I wanted to do was write. Which meant I had to punt again. So far I’d sold YA and romantic suspense myself and romantic comedy with Linda. I–and we–expanded from that.

New lines, new publishers, new subgenres—long contemporary romance, short contemporary romance, traditional romance, paranormal and yes, finally, historical romance (with soft-edged horror). Over the years, we wrote as Lynn Patrick, Jeanne Rose, Patrice Lind, Roslynn Patrick and Roslynn Griffith. The fever never abated. I wrote whatever I had to so that I could stay afloat in this crazy business. Linda finally decided to take another career path.

I added erotic romantic suspense and urban fantasy to my writing repertoire. No matter how many books I sold to how many editors to how many publishers, it never felt like it was enough, never felt like I would have security in this business unless I kept feeding that addiction.

Then real life interrupted. My world changed seemingly overnight when in a single year I had to put one aunt in a nursing home and lost another aunt I was close to, plus I lost an uncle, my father, and finally my husband Edward. I was forced to slow down and re-evaluate my life. I pulled back from my addiction and I realized that I didn’t have to write everything—I could pick and choose stories that would abate the fever and bring the joy back into my writing. Of course that meant writing something different again—thrillers in an urban fantasy world with romantic subplots—with my new partner Marc Paoletti.

The pace picked up again and a year ago, I was so stressed by deadlines that I was almost ready to walk away. I needed time off and vowed that I would do that this summer. I even built in two months of down-time. I did take two weeks off and worked on my garden and some other non-writing projects. And then the siren call of a thriller manuscript that I hadn’t been able to sell lured me back to the computer. I totally reworked it—fingers crossed that it sells this time.

While I’ve managed to slow down, I just haven’t been able to stop even when I built in that two month hiatus for myself. I sold the first of 84 books twenty-five years ago this month. How did I decide to celebrate that anniversary? By writing this blog, of course.

Which makes me think I’ll probably always be addicted to writing fiction.

So what are your addictions?

Good reading,

Patricia

Posted by Patricia Rosemoor, author of The Last Vampire on 8/15/2008

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Comments:

What an amazing post, Patricia. I'm addicted to reading, and I love writing, but I don't know that I have the burning desire you showed in this post. WOW! You're story is amazing and touching. Thanks for sharing!

Posted  by mary beth lee on 8/15/2008

What an excellent post, Patricia. Happy Anniversary! I'm addicted to Ben & Jerry's AMERICONE DREAM, tattoos, piercings, and of course books and magazines.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/15/2008

I am addicted to reading and counted cross stitch.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/15/2008

Patricia, that is an amazing, wonderful story! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your anniversary! You earned it!

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 8/15/2008

Happy 25th Anniversary on the sale of your first book. My addictions include junk food and books.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/15/2008

My addiction is books, books and more books; also M&Ms candy; and traveling.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/15/2008

I am addicted to books. I read all kinds of books but loving the Intrique books and authors. I have been known to read 20-25 books on a two week camping trip to the mountains.

Posted  by Connie  Lorenz on 8/15/2008

Congratulations, on your anniversary of your first sale. My addiction would be reading and more reading. What a great post, thank you for sharing with us.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/15/2008

Wow - that's more than an addiction - a lot of hard work and perserverance! I enjoy reading and playing games lol.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/15/2008

Hi Particia, I just saw your post at Novelists ince and checked out you site, that led me here. The Last Vampire is my tpye of book.

Posted  by Dina S. on 8/16/2008

I hope this isn't a dbl post, this is my 1st time here and I replied, but not sure if it needs to be approved first. If it is, sorry. Anyway, lol. Patricia, I saw your post at Novelists and then visited your site and then found here. The Last Vampire is my kind of book.

Posted  by Dina S. on 8/16/2008

Books, that is my addiction. I love them and will not get rid of them. I have them all over the house. Stored in my closet, bedroom and everywhere.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 8/16/2008

What a fantastic story, Patricia! Wow. Inspiring, too! I have to admit, I'm a fiction writing addict as well. I started about 18 years ago, and after only 12 or so years of rejection letters, finally sold my first manuscript just as I lost my office job. Well, "just" is a slight exaggeration. There were a few months there in between when I might have felt slight tinges of panic about what I'd do next :-) But that first book did sell and I never looked back since. I always do say that as a writer I have the best job in the universe.

Congratulations on all those books and all your success!!!

Dana

Posted  by Dana Marton on 8/18/2008

Patricia, what an amazing journey you've had. Congratulations and best wishes for 25 more years of writing bliss (grin). Thanks for sharing your uplifting story! Mallory

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 8/19/2008

8/14/2008

Back to School

I've been out of school for a while, but this fall I'll be going back again. I decided to take a class on writing for the theatre. I don't have a plan to switch to theatre plays, but I thought they do great drama and great dialogue, so maybe I can learn something that will come in handy with my Intrigues. I love learning! Is there anyone else out there who just can't quit? I tend to find some excuse or other to at least go to some sort of workshop each year.

Sadly, my memory is terrible. So I probably forget more in a year than what I learn in new things.

Are you studying something at the moment? If not, is there anything you would love to learn?

Of course, I learn all kinds of stuff from my research. I have dozens of survival guides for every kind of situation since my heros and heroines tend to get into a lot of scrapes. (I know ants have to be boiled for 6 minutes before they can be eaten. To cook the poison out. I don't even want to think about how many ants a person would actually have to eat to fill up. Yuck!)

Do you ever get the feeling that some things you were better off not knowing? :-)

Dana

Posted by Dana Marton, author of Sheik Protector on 8/14/2008

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Comments:

Dana, congrats on going back to school! I think it's great. We can never learn enough. I learn mostly as you said from research. A lot of those things don't come in handy, huh. :) I want to learn to play the guitar. I saw that someone in town is teaching lessons. You inspire me to dust off the guitar and just do it!

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 8/14/2008

That's great you're taking a class! There are too many things I'd like to study. Just not enough time or cash for them all...

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 8/14/2008

Congrats on going back to school. I don't think we should ever stop learning.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/14/2008

Congratulations on going back to school, that is great. I am not planning on getting anymore instructions at the time being, but you never can get enough knowledge. And I thought ewwwwww on the ants knowledge......lol.............like you say some things you are better off not knowing.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/14/2008

I work in a Jr/high school as a para. I am constantly learning something from my students or from the teachers whose class I am helping with. I find I feel I wasted my day if I haven't learned something from my day even if its how not to do something.

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/14/2008

Good luck with school. I would love to take some art history classes. I took an intro course in college and would love to learn more about the subject.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/14/2008

I aways thought I'd go back but gave it up when I hit 30 lol. That's one of the perks about reading so much - you learn all kinds of stuff without even trying :) And I would be happy if I could learn how to work cell phones, digital cameras and computers!

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/14/2008

Dana, nice cover!! I love learning new things, but could have done without knowing about the ants. LOL If I went back to school I think I would like to take photography.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/14/2008

Congrats on going back to school. Yes there is a lot of things we are better off not knowing about. Lets face it when we are eating out do we really know where that food has been or what is in it. This is a bad thought.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 8/14/2008

8/13/2008

Here Today, Gone to Maui...

As summer, or at least summer vacation for the kids, slips away, we’re headed for Maui in about a week and a half for a last hurrah. We’re looking forward to one of those laid-back vacations as opposed to one full of sightseeing, like our recent trip to San Francisco. (Coincidentally, my August Intrigue, A Doctor-Nurse Encounter is set in S.F.)

Since we live in L.A., about 400 miles south of S.F., my family decided to tag along with me four days before the RWA Conference. We stayed at a hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf and walked for miles all around the city. We went to Alcatraz and took the audio tour. We walked UP Lombard Street. We took the cable car from Ghirardelli Square up to Union Square, and then walked back to Fisherman’s Wharf through Chinatown and North Beach, which is my favorite area of S.F. We skipped out on a walking tour about the Gold Rush City because it was pretty dull, and my boys were getting antsy. Then we took one of those hop on, hop off buses around the city and hopped off on the south side of the Golden Gate Bridge. We then walked the 1.6 miles across the bridge to the Marin side. I had to keep yanking my 10-year old back from the railing because he kept peering over and exclaiming, I don’t see why you’d die jumping from this bridge. I could do a pencil dive. Yikes! We also walked up Telegraph Hill and took the elevator to the top of Coit Tower. So we had a busy four days in the City.

Now back to Maui. As you can probably tell, my family is an active bunch, but this is not our first trip to Maui, so we plan to scale back on the sightseeing. We do have a hike planned and a snorkeling trip to Molokini, a little volcanic crescent off the coast of Maui, and maybe we’ll sign the boys up for surfing lessons, even though they already know how to surf. There’s a show on MTV called Livin’ Lahaina about the surf instructors at the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy. On a previous trip to Maui, we all took surfing lessons from Matt at the Royal Hawaiian Surf Academy, so when the boys saw Matt on TV, they thought it was pretty cool. Now they want to take surf lessons from Matt again!

The rest of the time we hope to lounge by the pool (mai tais in hand) swim and snorkel at the beaches, and watch the boys surf and boogie board. There’s a nice spa at the hotel, and I plan to talk my husband into his and hers massages in an outdoor garden.

I really can’t tell you if I prefer climbing up the 200-something steps of Lombard Street and braving a brisk breeze as I walk a couple of miles across the Golden Gate Bridge, or if I prefer lazing poolside with an umbrella drink and snorkeling in 70+ degree water with brilliantly colored fish. The vacations are just different.

Does anyone else plan to end the summer months with a favorite getaway?

Posted by Carol Ericson, author of A Doctor-Nurse Encounter on 8/13/2008

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Comments:

Maui sounds like the perfect ending to a busy summer. Have a great time, Carol!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 8/13/2008

Hawaii is way up there on my do-before-I-die list. Your vacation sounds fabulous and I admit it, I'm SO jealous. As for SF, we did the Alcatraz tour as well as the cable car ride, but time flew by and we didn't have time to see the city much. Maybe next time.

Posted  by Margery Scott on 8/13/2008

Thanks, Lexi. Yes, it's been a busy summer, and I admit I'm looking forward to that ahhhh feeling. Margery, you did my favorite thing in S.F. - Alcatraz. I love that tour. After we did the tour a few years ago, I bought the book, Al Capone Does My Shirts, for my older son, and he loved it. It's about a boy whose father works on Alcatraz in the '30's.

Posted  by Carol Ericson on 8/13/2008

I hope to end my summer with a trip to the Smokey Mountains NP altho I can't call it a favorite getaway because I've never been but I love visiting our National Parks.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/13/2008

Oh, Maui sounds so nice and relaxing. Since we just moved this is our getaway! lol! I always feel like I need a vacation after a move. I lived on Oahu for two years but never visited Maui. I'd love to visit San Fran. and the tour of Alcatraz would be the first thing I'd want to do. My husband's in the Navy and he's been to SF. He visited Alcatraz and bought me an autographed copy of a book about Robert Stroud (The Birdman). It was written by a relative.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/13/2008

Ellen, I love the National Parks too. I've never been to the Smokey Mountains - would love to go. Enjoy your trip! Melissa, Ooh, I hate moving. My sister used to live on Kauai - needless to say, I visted her a lot. It's probably prettier than Maui, but I think there's more to do on Maui for the boys and the weather is better. Lots of fascinating stories connected to Alcatraz. Once when we were at Alcatraz, a man who had been an inmate there when it closed was signing his book. My boys stared and stared at him, making up all kinds of stories about him. I think he was a bank robber - but just a little old man today! Hope you get to S.F. soon!

Posted  by Carol Ericson on 8/13/2008

It sounds like a wonderful vacation. I got to see Hawaii 38 yrs. ago when my husband had R&R from Vietnam so it holds special memories. As far as a vacation, my daughter just got married so...

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/13/2008

Jeanne,congrats on your daughter's marriage! Hawaii must have been even more beautiful 38 years ago, and I'm sure the beauty of the occasion only made it more so. Bless your husband for serving our country in Vietnam.

Posted  by Carol Ericson on 8/13/2008

I'm so jealous. I've been to the Big Island and Honolulu, but haven't had a chance to visit Maui. No plans for me.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/13/2008

Love Maui and hope to return one day! My favorite getaway though would be a mountaintop with my husband!

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/13/2008

Jane, I've never been to the Big Island. I've heard it's fantastic. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Posted  by Carol Ericson on 8/13/2008

Your upcoming holiday sounds great, I have never been to Hawaii but hope to get there one day. The thing we are planning right now is a trip to Radium Hot Springs and Fairmount Hot Springs - which is only a few hours drive from here but still away and the Hot Springs are great. Enjoy your holiday.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/13/2008

Carol, I'm so jealous. Sounds like a wonderful time. Enjoy the surf and sun.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/13/2008

Connie, hope you get back to Maui soon. Cryna, hot springs sound wonderful. Went to New Zealand once and the hotel had a tub that tapped directly into the hot springs. Thanks, Jill. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Posted  by Carol Ericson on 8/13/2008

8/12/2008

Setting goals in September

When I think of September (which is quickly approaching) I think of new beginnings. I guess it was because that was when the school year began which meant new clothes, new notebooks and pens and new beginnings. Because of that I always regroup in September and set some goals for the coming months. I just bought a new calendar for 2009 and I have plans to get organized. True, I have these plans every year and if you could see my desk right now organized would be the last thing you would think. For some reason with every book, my desk becomes a huge mess. But the latest book, Big Sky Dynasty (out next June), goes in the mail this week -- which means I will find my desk again before I start the next book. Do you set goals in September? Do fall house cleaning? Or get a little wistful when you pass school supplies?

Posted by B.J. Daniels, author of Montana Royalty on 8/12/2008

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Comments:

Hi B.J. Even though I don't go to school I love when all the new supplies come out. Just bought some colored pencils and a cool pen. Can't pass up a stationary aisle! Since we just moved, and we're still trying to get settled, in Sept. we'll be putting more stuff away and filling the bookcases. I have a library and that's no joke. I do have a few fun things planned. There's a book festival in Norfolk I want to attend. I LOVE FALL!

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/12/2008

Now that I'm retire from teaching (35 yrs) I don't do much of anything specific in September. But during the years I spent teaching I'd set goals in August since school started then and I'd get all the pens, pencils, notebook paper, folders,etc I needed for at least the first month or two. I would also promise myself to keep my desks (home and school) cleaned off. That lasted maybe two weeks. And I DON'T miss it at all!!! Now my desk at home is piled high with one of my TBR piles.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/12/2008

September is just a month that heralds Fall to me.My youngest child graduated from college in 1990 and I haven't given a thought to school supplies since.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/12/2008

I always say that I'll do some end of the summer cleaning, but I never do. When I start seeing school supplies being advertised, I get a little sad because it signals that summer is coming to an end.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/12/2008

My youngest is in college and getting her own apartment so not really school supplies but living supplies lol. Also, Sept. 1 is my mom's birthday and she'll be 86 so it's always a celebration.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/12/2008

September usually marks the end of the summer, and the hopes of a mild fall (Indian Summer) which is always pretty and nice. I usually try to get some extra cleaning done, but that is not always so successful. School supplies showing up in the stores, does not make me wistful at all.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/12/2008

I had to smile at some of your comments. BTW, happy birthday to your Mom! Jeanne. 86! All right! It's great to see that some of us miss school and others don't in the least. :) I think I always need to regroup in the fall because I've been so bad all summer and let things go. I can't wait to clean off my desk -- and start the next book! I do love new beginnings! :) Greta to hear from all of you!

Posted  by B.J. Daniels on 8/13/2008

8/11/2008

What I did while missing RWA Nationals...sniff! sniff!

While many of the Intrigue Authors were in San Francisco enjoying the excesses of Romance Writers of America's annual conference, I stayed home in Arkansas and wished I'd gone to San Francisco. But I did complete my March 2009 book, BABY BLING Yay me! So I felt better about staying home and missing the fabulous Harlequin party and meeting with all the Harlequin authors and my fellow compatriots the Intrigue Authors. But come hell or high water, I'll be at next year's RWA Nationals!

Also while everyone was out playing in cool SF, I was sweating out the 100 degree heat in Arkansas going in and out of Wal-Mart looking for my August book, UNDER SUSPICSION, WITH CHILD. This is the 4th in the Raven's Cliff continuity. It's all dark and dangerous with fog and a scary Seaside Strangler running around trying to kill my heroine. I love a sexy cop ready to rescue at a moment's notice!

Posted by Elle James, author of Under Suspicion, With Child on 8/11/2008

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Comments:

Hi Elle, Congrats on finishing BB. Today's my birthday and I'm going to treat myself to copies of all the August Intrigues. YAY! Borders even sent me a coupon. Wasn't that nice? Where will Nationals be held next year?

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/11/2008

Love the book cover! Will be looking for it. I also love the title "Baby Bling"

Posted  by Connie Lorenz on 8/11/2008

Good for you for finishing your March book, Elle. At least you had something to do to keep you busy and keep your mind off all you were missing. I didn't go either, but I'm not missing DC next year!

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 8/11/2008

Elle, sorry you missed National but Yeah!!! you finished your book. My birthday is this month and I'm treating myself to all the Intriques as well.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/11/2008

Sorry you missed the conference in SF but at least you got "Baby Bling" finished. I'm sure next year is DC will be just as exciting. The only problem is you missed the cool weather in SF and DC will probably be just as hot as Arkansas.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/11/2008

Great looking cover, Elle!

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/11/2008

Congrats on finishing the book, Elle. Who doesn't love a sexy cop?

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/11/2008

Congratulations on the release of our book. It is great that you have your next one finished. I have your book in my TBR stack but am waiting until I get the whole series before I start to read them......but it has been a real tempation not to start them. Next year the conference is in Washington, so hope that you can make that one. Love the cover of your release.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/11/2008

So many new titles coming out! Must go shopping for more books! LOL I’m sorry that you missed SF; it must be awesome to sit in a large room with so much talent! Hope you get to go next year.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/11/2008

Happy birthday to those with birthdays this month! I think books are excellent gifts for birthdays! I will be at conference next year which means I need to save now! I'm going to the Romantic Times conference as well and it's sooo expensive. Thanks to all who commented!

Posted  by Elle James on 8/12/2008

I'll be at RT! Can't wait to meet you, Elle! Thanks for the Happy Birthday wishes.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/12/2008

8/10/2008

R & R

Here’s my back garden last week. The late summer flowers are in their glory. Mostly I have black-eyed susans, tall perennial phlox and pots of geraniums, petunias, begonias, and other sun-loving annuals.

Since mosquitoes lurk in the foliage, I don’t spend a lot of time actually sitting on the deck. (When I go out to weed, I’m wearing long pants, long sleeves, bug spray and a hat.) But I’ve planted so that I can see a good part of the backyard while I sit with my laptop in the sun room. The cats and I can also watch the sparrows, finches, doves, chickadees, blue jays and cardinals on the bird feeders.

When I’m at a loss for a good turn of phrase, I glance up at the garden. If I’m really stuck, I get up and stare out the window–or do a few laps around the house while I think. And if I’m REALLY having problems working out a scene or a plot point, I go into the kitchen and cook. Or pick up a craft project I’ve been dying to try. It’s amazing how the words and ideas come when you deliberately put some distance between yourself and the keyboard.

Most writers I know work hard. I put in more hours than people with nine to five jobs. The work’s always here, so I stick with it. But I can’t compose all the time, and when I sit at the computer too long, the magic stops flowing.

My environment is an important part of my pleasure in life. I’ve made my home into a place that’s warm and comfortable. A place where I can step away from my work and recharge.

What do you do to recharge? The little things? Like reading a good book. The big things? Like maybe a week at RWA in San Francisco?

Rebecca

Posted by Rebecca York, author of "The Sacrifice" in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF VAMPIRE ROMANCE on 8/10/2008

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Rebecca, your garden is so pretty! We finally moved into a place where we take care of a small front and back yard. I want to plant flowers in the back but don't know what I'm doing. Thank goodness my hubby has two green thumbs. When I need to recharge I sleep or head for a bookstore.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/10/2008

I do not have a green thumb; I have a black hand (anything I touch that is growing dies except weeds which flourish) so gardening is not relaxing or recharging. However I recharge in one of three ways depending on how badly I need it -- I take a nap, I read a book, or I take a trip which is what I plan on toward the end of the month.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/10/2008

Sometimes I'll read or do a crossword puzzle. Other times I'll just lie on the couch and watch tv.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/10/2008

I spend a lot of time in my garedn in the summertime. In the winter I pick up a good book.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/10/2008

I work in a public library, therefore with the public. When I need to recharge I need time alone and a peaceful, quiet environment. A much anticipated good book or a nice walk with my husband and dogs on the walking track at the park does wonders for me.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/10/2008

Your garden looks wonderful, unfortunately I do not have a green thumb and cannot grow flowers. So would you believe I have planters and hanging baskets in the back yard by the patio with artificial flowers in them. They look nice and are low maintenance and it works for me. When I relax, I love to read and I also like to put on some country music tapes and work on a jigsaw puzzle on my dining room table.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/10/2008

Rebecca, you have a gorgeous garden. I have a brown thumb, I'm lucky if anything grows in my garden. I let the husband care for the garden, then I'm sure things will grow. I love to listen to music when I'm stuck or go for a walk.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/10/2008

Your garden is absolutely gorgeous. I'm afraid I haven't been keeping up with mine - I enjoy it but it's a lot of work. I relax with reading, getting on the computer and playing games with friends and family.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/10/2008

What a lovely garden. Sometime to unwind I work outside in the yard. We have a koi pond in the back yard that has a lot of plants like the elephant ears around it, some lilies and other flowers. So I do a lot of weeding myself. Also I read or watch TV to unwind, but mostly spend the time outside, sometimes just swinging on the porch swing on the deck.

Posted  by Quilt  Lady on 8/11/2008

8/9/2008

continuities--love 'em? hate 'em? no idea what they are?

Harlequin's Inline Continuities are those series of books we all see in the bookstores that are written on one theme, are linked together by a big over-arching plot, but each book is written by a different author.

Most people will recognize the Confidential series for Intrigue (Montana Confidential, Colorado Confidential, New Orleans Confidential, Miami Confidential, etc). A recent continuity was the Lights Out series.

My September 08 book, Solving the Mysterious Stranger is the 5th book in the Curse of Raven's Cliff series, which started in May.

Here are the books and dates in the Curse of Raven's Cliff series:

With the Material Witness In the Safehouse, Carla Cassidy, May 2008
With the M.D. ... At the Altar?, Jessica Anderson, June 2008
In the Manor With the Millionaire, Cassie Miles, July 2008
Under Suspicion: With Child, Elle James, August 2008
Solving the Mysterious Stranger, Mallory Kane, September 2008
Motive: Secret Baby, Debra Webb, October 2008

Personally, I love doing continuities. They're very different from writing my own books. In a continuity, the author receives information about the plot(s) and events that tie all the books of the series together, synopses of each book, and information about heroes, heroines and villains. Then each author writes her own book, putting her own motivations, twists and cliffhangers. For me, it's a chance to explore characters, motivations and situations that I might not delve into in the stories I create from scratch.

In Solving the Mysterious Stranger I got to write about an area of the country I'm not familiar with. The series is set in the fictitious town of Raven's Cliff, on the rocky Maine coast. Luckily, my husband went to school at Brown in Providence, RI, so he helped me a lot with visualizing the setting. Plus it didn't hurt that I grew up loving contemporary gothic romances--Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, et al.

So... continuities. Love 'em? Hate 'em? As a reader, what do you like or dislike about connected series like the inline continuities? Do you read them just like any other Intrigue--as they come out? Or like a friend of mine, do you save the books until you have the whole series and then read them one after the other?

I hope you enjoy Solving the Mysterious Stranger. Sometime today I'll be putting up a short "book trailer" for it. Check my web site http://www.mallorykane.com/upcoming.htm or my MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/mallorykane

Thanks, everybody. I look forward to hearing from you.

Mallory

Posted by Mallory Kane, author of Solving the Mysterious Stranger (sept) on 8/9/2008

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Comments:

I love continuities whether they are the type written on one theme or as a series with the same place and characters. But I read them differently. On the ones that are written on one theme I read them as they come. On the series with same place and characters such as "The Silver Star of Texas" series I wait until I have them all and then read them. What I like about the inline continuities is getting to know all the characters and what happens to them. What I don't like is if there is a large gap between when the books come out (like six months or so.)

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/9/2008

I don't always enjoy continuities because sometimes I'll miss getting one. Sometimes I read them and then realize they are interconnected with other authors stories. I guess I like them more than I don't like them.

Posted  by Jill James on 8/9/2008

I love continuities. It's interesting to see how different or similar the author is compared to the others. With each book, the voice of the story changed. I don't necessarily read them in order. I usually read whichever book I happen to get my hands on.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/9/2008

I really enjoy continuities and I read them as they come out.

Posted  by Estella Kissell on 8/9/2008

To be honest I don't think I've ever read any continuities but for series I do like to have them all because I want to read in order.

Posted  by jeannes sheats on 8/9/2008

I like continuity stories. What I like to do is save them as they come out and then when I have the whole series, read them one after another. I will also go in search of books if I have missed a book from the series. I like it when the books come out close together, and not like some of the series that I have read where there are six months - sometimes even a year or more - between the stories. That I find frustrating. If I have read the book already, not realizing it is a series and the next one comes out - I then skim the first book to reaquaint myself with what has gone on before.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/9/2008

Often I pick up continuities, and it feels like the author forced the story to fit what's expected. When that happens, I don't like them at all. I also don't like when the author's voice is completely missing. But when they work, I LOVE them.

Posted  by mary beth lee on 8/9/2008

Thanks for all the comments. I always love to hear from readers what they like and don't like. I agree with everyone who talked about missing one of the books. As a reader, I like to make sure I have all the books in the series before I read them. As a writer, I enjoy the challenge of creating a book that can stand alone, while making sure it also fits in with the series. Thanks again. Mallory

Posted  by Mallory Kane on 8/10/2008

So far I've enjoyed all the books from the "Curse of Raven's Cliff" series. I'm looking forward to reading yours, Mallory. I like continuities. I don't mind reading them out of order and often do. I just moved from Newport, RI to VA. Have you and your hubby ever visited Newport? I'm going to see if you're a friend in MySpace. If you're not please add me. Thanks.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/10/2008

Oh my, I love finding continuities, although finding all the titles can be a bit trying, (like Debra Webb’s Colby series for example). It gets even harder when the continuity has different authors contributing, a little easier if the series is solely the effort of just one author. But I would have to give a resounding “YES” for continuities and series! I can’t wait for the latest installment for the Raven’s Cliff by the way; I loved “Covert Makeover” and “Six-Gun investigation”.

Posted  by Sherry Dickens on 8/10/2008

8/8/2008

20 Things I Learned at the RWA National Conference

I just got back last week from the Romance Writers of America's national conference in San Francisco, and just for fun, I thought I'd share some of the things I took away from it....

1) Continental Airlines has squished seating, but excellent customer service. Three cheers for an airline with check-in personnel, flight attendants, and gate agents with manners, who actually seem happy to treat their customers with kindness. Signing up for a Continental OnePass account ASAP. Take that, Northworst!

Posted by Tracy Montoya, author of I'll Be Watching You on 8/8/2008

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Tracy, It was great to see you and all the other Intrigue authors at the conference. Next time though, I'll have to meet up with you to get me a room like that. Unfortunately we were on the fourth floor next to traffic and construction. And Wednesday morning, the one day we were sleeping in to get caught up from the jet lag, we were awakened really early with more construction above us, and learned they were drilling out the tiles in the elevator above us. It sounded like the entire place was coming down. Also, our remote didn't work, our clock didn't work, and neither did our air! We called and called and finally got moved to the 20th floor where it was blissfully quiet -- and who knew there was a view of the city and the bay up there? Other than that, it was a great conference. And we did a wine tasting tour on Tuesday which made the week! Rita

Posted  by Rita  Herron on 8/8/2008

Ugh, how awful, Rita! I'm glad you got moved! I didn't do anything touristy other than dinner with a local friend on Saturday night, but I still enjoyed myself. It was nice to see you!

Posted  by Tracy Montoya on 8/8/2008

Great post, Tracy! Thanks for the info.

Posted  by Lexi Connor on 8/8/2008

I really enjoyed your 20 comments.

Posted  by jeanne sheats on 8/8/2008

Number 13 cracked me up. I saw some pics of large punch bowls filled with Hershey's kisses on several blogs. It's definitely hard to resist sweets when they're in front of your face.

Posted  by Jane C. on 8/8/2008

Great post and recap on what you learned......thanks for sharing, sounds like a great time.

Posted  by Cryna Palmiere on 8/8/2008

Sounds like you had a wonderful time in spite of #s 2,9,12,13.

Posted  by Ellen McDaniel on 8/8/2008

It was a really fun time, you all! Although yes, Jane, those bowls of candy and trays of desserts never seemed to empty out.... Those of you who are writers should definitely make a point to come sometime!

Posted  by Tracy Montoya on 8/9/2008

"No matter how much I try to just pick up one or two free books and one or two books I have to pay for, I will still somehow manage to come home with a suitcase full of books." LOL! This is exactly what happens when I go to an RT conference. Will anyone be in Orlando next year? My Mom lives 5 mins. from the Wyndham. I can't wait! I'd love to visit San Francisco. I'd head straight for Haight-Ashbury.

Posted  by Melissa Keith on 8/10/2008

8/7/2008

To Love A Cowboy

Why do we love cowboys and cops? And what better combination can there be than a sexy Texas Ranger? When Delores Fossen and Rickey Mallory approached me about joining them to write Texas Rangers, i jumped at the chance. I immediately pictured these big strapping sexy cowboys with big belt buckles and stetsons that accentuated their rugged looks and tough attitudes. So far the two series we've written have received good results - -after all, how can you not love a cowboy? Delores, Rickey and I all happen to have favorite character types we like to write. Rickey loves to write the guy in charge. Delores the middle guy. And I tend to lean toward the ones with baggage, bad attitudes -- the underdogs. That's true for Hayes Keller, my latest hero. Forcing him to protect a rich heiress definitely rubbed him the wrong way and made the sparks fly. I hope you'll enjoy his story. He looks especially sexy in that long duster jacket on the cover! Now, tell me what it is you like about a cowboy? Rita

Posted by Rita Herron, author of Beneath the Badge on 8/7/2008

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Hi Rita, I grew up in Texas and knew lots of cowboys. I even dated a bull rider. You pretty much summed it up with the "belt buckles and stetsons that accentuate their rugged looks and tough attitudes". Definitely a turn on! The first bars I went to (under age) were country and western bars. Dancing the two step with big, juicy cowboys was a blast! I like a manly man and a lot of cowboys I knew fit that description. I believe that is why I like cowboys.

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