Cheers from London!

Checking in for anyone who hasn't given up on me. No, I haven't given up blogging. I'm just on hiatus as I cram on the deadline book. No, I haven't crossed the finish line yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Meanwhile, I took a brief break with the blessing of my editor because I had previous plans for a week in London, England. In fact, that's where I am now! I've been here for three days... two to go. Lots to report on the awesome sights, but not just now. I will tell you that I did blow up our converter because I didn't realize (or 'realise' at they write here in the UK) you couldn't use it to plug in electric heating hair implements! There was a 'pop' and lots of smoke, a stinky burning smell and my shrill, "Oh, no!!"

Of course I was distressed that I blew up our one and only converter, but even more so... no flat iron for the entire trip? Nooooo! Luckily, my new, snappy, short bob (picture Posh with funky layers) is doing pretty well via a blow dryer (which has a UK adaptor) and metal hair brush. Thank goodness.

It's particularly important that I have a good hair day today, because Steve just got back from a walk along Charing Cross Road (lots of bookstores there) and said there's a film premiere in Leicester Square at a cinema just a block from where we're staying. He knew I'd be interested in staking out the red carpet because the star of the featured film is..... Daniel Craig!!

Honestly, I am not a crowd person, but I'm going to brave the crush. How can I not? A glimpse of the new and fantabulous James Bond in the flesh? One of my co-workers is nuts about Daniel. I'm going to try to get a picture for her. Okay. It's for me too. Wish me luck. Hopefully I won't get trampled. Or arrested.

Later tonight, we're meeting two friends for dinner. Tommorrow we head for the London Book Fair. I'm not sure what to expect, but both of my publishers will be there and I look forward to saying hello. Full report of the event coming soon.

Best overheard line so far: On the tube ride (subway) from the airport into the city, a senior gentleman of about seventy-years was seated across from me. Very British in his attire and demeanor. A quiet, conservative bloke intent on a crossword puzzle or some such. This went on for quite a few miles. Not once did he utter a word. At one stop, a woman got on and tried to sit in the seat next to him. The tube lurched forward and she lost her balance, landing in his lap. She was mortified and apologized profusely.

He pushed his black rimmed glass up his nose and smiled. "That's alright," he said in an upercrust accent. "The ladies are always falling all over me."

It was so unexpected. So well timed. We all laughed. It was a great way to start off my holiday.

The only spoiler so far has been Leatherheads. Yes, I saw it. Don't ask.

Off to see Daniel. Maybe. Cheers!

www.bethciotta.com
"...enchanting, madcap romance..." Publisher Weekly
"...wry humor; sexy, multifaceted characters..." Booklist