Header Promotion
I'm starting to wonder (giving a few technical problems I've just had) if I shouldn't pick computer wizard? But seriously, as I sit typing this another portion of my own dream is about to be realized. In approximately two weeks myfirst book with Silhouette Desire will hit the shelves in North America. And since I'm now the proud owner of author copies I'd love to give one away to a randomly drawn poster.
My dream was ten years in the making and many was the time I wondered if indeed I ever would make it. But I always knew, that even if I won the lottery, I'd keep writing. So, I feel hugely privileged and lucky (because luck and timing played a part along with the discipline and inspiration) to be in this position today, writing AND getting paid for it.
I heard a radio interview on the weekend with a man who had been a salary earner, making a good steady living and building the house of his dreams for his family. The house was almost finished when it burned to the ground. That devastating fire, and the loss of the year's work that had gone into it, turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to him. It freed him to let go of the life he'd been clinging to and pursue his real dream. He's now a multi-millionaire, with dream homes is several countries! (Hmm, could even be a Desire hero).
Do you have a dream - something you're working toward, or something that in your heart you know one day you'd like to try? What is it you'd be or do if you knew you couldn't fail? Or do you know someone who has a secret dream that you wish they'd pursue?
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
What I am...pretty much
I'd be a writer. I might write other stories in addition to romance. But I flat-out adore what I am and do.
Great to see you're back up and running, Sandra. I know you had technical difficulties that delayed your posting this.
And if I hit send fast enough, I may even be the first to post!
Best, Day
www.DayLeclaire.com
Inherited: One Child, July 2009--Romantic Times Top Pick
The Christmas Baby: The Night Before Christmas Anthology, Nov. '09
Lone Star Seduction, conclusion to Texas Cattleman's Club mini-series
Coming in 2010: The Dantes return!
Day
Yay - you are first Day, and thanks for posting. Yes - technical difficulties galore (although technical difficulties may just be a euphemism for incomptence?).
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
One Time
At one time in my life I wanted to be a physical therapist but because of monetary problems I couldn't afford the extra schooling that was needed so I turned to the one thing in life I NEVER wanted to be ~~ a teacher!! But you know I never regretted becoming one. Oh sure at times during the 35 years of teaching I wanted out ~ usually at the end of the school year ~ but I always stayed with it and now I am retired and enjoying that too.
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
The incompetence being
The incompetence being entirely at my end, of course!
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Wow...one thing...
I am a dreamer, hence why I love romance, and have dreamed of being many things. The most consistent dream is to be a published author. I wish I could convince my self to be consistent in my attempts!
Ellen, I always said I wouldn't be a teacher because that's what my whole family thought I should be. Well, I started later than most, but I am now a teacher.
Cat
Let us run with ENDURANCE the race that is set before us; looking only unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1a-2b
Ellen
I am so full of admiration for teachers (and think that's something in another life I might like to do too - if only the kids were all willing and eager to learn). But 35 years - wow - you really deserve that retirement. Any dreams you're pursuing while there? And I fully support the dream of being able to read as many books as you want, while sitting in the sun.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Technically challenged
I prefer that description better than incompetence, lol. And I'm sure you notice all the posts I send our group as I figure out tidbits that are (apparently) perfectly obvious to the more computer literate of our authors.
I'm glad you're on and that Jayne (what a heroine!!) could fix the problem.
Best, Day
www.DayLeclaire.com
Inherited: One Child, July 2009--Romantic Times Top Pick
The Christmas Baby: The Night Before Christmas Anthology, Nov. '09
Lone Star Seduction, conclusion to Texas Cattleman's Club mini-series
Coming in 2010: The Dantes return!
Teachtoreach
Maybe romance readers are all dreamers at heart? And I shouldn't have said just one thing - why limit ourselves when, as they say, dreams are free (though making them happen can surely cost, even if only in terms of time and effort).
Sometimes, too, the time isn't right to pursue a dream, and then gradually, or suddenly, things shift and change and you know the time has come. Good luck with your writing.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Dreams
Congrats on having your dream achieved!
I have a dream that hope will come to light in the future of being a wife and mom, but first I have to find that special guy. One dream I'm working on now is to work at a bakery because I really enjoy baking and getting paid to do somehting I enjoy would be a dream come ture.
Nicolerko
Getting paid to do something you'd do for free is the ultimate job to have. Good luck with that dream and the others.
I once worked next door to a bakery and the smells that used to permeate the office at certain times of the day were divinely mouth watering. Mmm, I can still almost taste their apple strudel.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Technically challenged
Day - Jayne is definitely my heroine today. Kind of a super hero even, who swoops in to save the damsel in distress (though I'm not sure that I qualify as a damsel - just looked it up and I'd need to be both young and unmarried to fit). However there was definitely a certain amount of distress going on.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
If I could do or be anything at all......
I would be retired! That is my newest goal in life. Work (or at least my work and profession) has become a tiral. I just want to retire and read all day. AND maybe I could find a way to drop pounds while curled up in my chair reading all the wonderful books you all write. I look forward to reading yours!
Bonsal
May's Member of the Month
Not a job, but...
I've always wanted to play the paino. I had lessons as a kid, and I own one that I pretend to play sometimes, but I'd love to *really* be able to play. My mother plays and is amazing to watch, but I skipped the muscial gene. I think it has something to do with my incredibly uncoordinated hands/limbs/everything.
And you know, when I see a guy play the piano (like Edward in Twilight) I think it's *so* sexy.
www.rachelbailey.com
Claiming His Bought Bride, Desire, Jan 2010
The Blackmailed Bride's Secret Child, Desire, Feb 2010
Hi Sandra!
I cannot believe your debut is hitting the shelves in two weeks! Seems only five minutes ago we heard the great news that Desire had picked you up (at Nationals, no less!) and now here you are. Have you something nice planned for when it comes out downunder, a few friends in fancy dress, trawling the book shops, giggling, rearranging the shelves and taking heaps of pics? And of course making sure everyone in the shop knows that this is the famous author!! Can't wait to hear about it.
My dreams usually involve travel - New Orleans, New York, Vietnam, back to Europe...I guess the pinnacle of success to me would be to live for a year in one of my favourite countries. Or to have holiday homes dotted around and visit at will, squeezing out the occasional brilliant manuscript, No prizes for guessing that right at the moment I would love to be somewhere warmer and drier than NZ!
Jan Colley
www.jancolley.com
Bonsai
Imagine how beautifully slim we'd all be if only reading burned more calories! And more time to read is a great dream - in fact it's one of mine too. Though I have to be careful to balance the reading with the writing.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Rachel
Funnily enough I started piano lessons just a couple of months ago. We have a piano we inherited a few years back and I've always wanted to be able to play. I finally got tired of shelling out money for piano lessons for my daughter and decided to pay for someone who'd really appreciate them - me. I'm loving it. Though I'm not so sure anyone within earshot of my efforts is quite so appreciative.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Jan
I love traveling too - going new places, meeting new people, eating new foods. So, that's on my dream list too. Husband and I have visions of touring Europe and or America in a campervan once the kids are older and off our hands so to speak. His theory is that I'll be able to keep writing while we're doing it and support us both. He doesn't quite understand the difference between Nora Roberts and me yet.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Dreams and dreamers
Ooh, Sandra, great question. As a child, my dream was the most impractical. A ballet dancer, when I wasn't even doing lessons. I was inspired by the Degas prints on my bedroom wall; I suspect I just wanted to look lithe and pretty in a tutu.
As a teenager I only wanted to be in a girl-band. Since I'm tone-deaf that one wasn't bery practical either. I moved from that to a more practical dream, of being a published author. Nothing grand beyond writing stories, seeing them in bookstores, knowing readers are enjoying them. My impractical dreams now involve writing in fabulous places, like a mountain cabin or beside a fabulous beach, or in a cottage in Tuscany or Provence.
As to the question, are romance writers dreamers? I guess there is that perception--even self-perception--since we're spinning dreams of happy-ever-afters and we seem entirely vague and zoned-out to our loved ones when we're thinking about stories and characters. OTOH, successful romance authors are incredibly hard-working and focussed, juggling multiple deadlines with the business and marketing/promotion aspects and a family and sometimes another job. Any dreaming is turned into the reality of another story.
Congrat's on realising your dream, Sandra. Enjoy every minute of your first release.
Bron
Bronwyn Jameson:
My website; My eHq Blogs
MAGNATE'S MAKE-BELIEVE MISTRESS: Desire July 09
my dream
My dream is to one day be a hermit. I know, it sounds strange, but I want to live on a completely self contained farm, even doing stuff like churning my own butter, with just my husband, kid and animals, with my nearest neighbor, like, fifty or so miles away.
Shelli
Bronwyn
I'm with you on wanting to write in places with fabulous views - and preferably places I don't have to clean and where meals would magically appear.
I tried ballet as a girl - that was one dream quickly shattered! And if I wasn't doing piano lessons I'd seriously think about singing lessons - just so I could sing happy birthday around the cake without torturing anyone else nearby - unless it's anyone from my mother's side of the family, in which case the torture is mutual, we're all dreadful singers, but that kind of makes it ok.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Shelli
I can relate to the hermit dream, I sometimes imagine living in a really remote cottage and maybe going out into town just a couple of times a year. I'm not so sure about all the work involved in milking the cow and churning the butter. I think I'd have to have a really big freezer and stock up on my bi-annual visits to town.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
hmmm
Well I always wanted to be a pharmasist but first I would need to learn how to spell it! Actually, I'm very happy with the job I have now. I never had dreams of being a writer. I'm very aware of my limitations and writing something that wouldn't put the reader to sleep within a few pages is definitely one of them, but I dreamed of working with books and authors. Thanks to Harlequin that dream came true.
Harlequin Historicals My Space ,
Facebook,, Good Reads, and Shelfari
Sandra
That's one dream and I'm really working on it. Another dream would to be able to travel all over the US and see the places I've not yet been which I am also working on. I'm hoping to get to Niagara Falls and that area this year maybe in September.
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
ks
At least writer is easy to spell. My brother is a physicist - a double whammy not only do not know exactly what it is he does, I have to get out a dictionary to spell it. Working with books must be fun - and given how uncoperative my current manuscript is being - sounds like a wonderful career.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
I cannot remember a day in
I cannot remember a day in my childhood I did not want to be a nurse and a writer. I managed to become a nurse, now I am working on the writing thing.
Nancy
January 2009 Member of the Month
Participant in Date with Destiny 2009
Participant in Pass the Plot Spring 2009
Nancy - good luck with the
Nancy - good luck with the writing dream. Desire? Or something else? The wonderful thing about dreams is the journey to achieving them.
Even imagining the realisation of completely impractical dream is hugely fun - I was discussing this with a friend this morning in relation to a big lottery prize that was just one -- by somebody else. Even though I seldom take a ticket if I do, I want to get it well before the draw so that I can dream for a while.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Another wonderful first!
Sandra, you must be so excited. Another wonderful 'first' of many for you. Congratulations, you clever thing, you!
As to dreams, well, I'm living my dream, although from time to time I need to be reminded of the fact <g>. If I could do anything at all though, I'd tweak a few things, e.g. I wouldn't have slothful writing days when I really, really need to be building my page/word count. I'd be as slender as I was <mumble mumble> years ago when I could eat anything and it never made a difference to my figure. And I'd travel to all those wonderful far away places around the world that never appealed to me as a youngster but which call to me now.
http://www.yvonnelindsay.com
http://yvonnelindsay.wordpress.com
Yvonne
We're so lucky to be living our dreams - but hmm in my dream the writing was easy, words just flowed from my fingertips and I never sat staring at the screen or the paper thinking 'I don't know how to make this work'.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Something in the air?
Sandra, I think it's something in the air. I'm struggling with the same thing right now. It's driving me nuts. I'm doing all my usual triggers, but zippo, nada, nothing springs forth! And it's bugging the heck out of me darnit!
http://www.yvonnelindsay.com
http://yvonnelindsay.wordpress.com
Freezer
My husband agrees with you on the freezer and semi regular trips to town. It's a point we argue over, actually. I tell him we can still do that, he goes to town, not me, but maybe...just maybe....I want to churn my own butter. :)
Shelli
Great Cover Sandra!
Aren't you just gaga over your author copies!! It's such a great feeling to hold your own book in your hands.
Congrats! If I wasn't a writer, I'd be trying to BE one. I think I'm living my dream and am very happy with what I'm doing, even though I gripe some times, I wouldn't trade what I love to do for anything else.
Charlene Sands
Texan's Wedding Night Wager 9/09
Napa Valley Vows Trilogy - May, July and August 2010
www.charlenesands.com OR www.petticoatsandpistols.com OR www.charlenesands.com/myspace
Bold, rugged, passionate heroes and always REAL GOOD
Dreams:
My dream would be that those of my children who have not completed their degrees would do so! SIL has his
Masters, DD2 has her Bachelor's, DIL is currently working on her degree. DS1 & 2 and DD1 all need to finish
their degrees. My dream would be that they all achieve their goals! My dream for myself would be akin to
that of Sandra : increased computer knowledge!!
Pat Cochran
My dream...
Would be to be a sucessful singer/songwriter, traveling the world. The successful part is more for the money I could use to help others/causes I love. I mean, yes, I'd want a lovely big house on the beach somewhere, but I could do A LOT to help, too.
Hugs,
April
So many wonderful dreams!
Congrats on yours coming true, Sandra! Two weeks, omgosh!!!
I think I wanted to be a writer from a young age, I simply never realised it was even a possibility! If I could have another me now, I would love to be a criminal profiler. Or maybe I would be just as happy writing like Patricia Cornwell.
www.robyngrady.com
The Billionaire's Fake Engagement - Desire US Sept. 09
Devil in a Dark Blue Suit - Presents US Dec 09
Yvonne
It's kind of reassuring when multi published authors say they hit rough patches too....and kind of not! Good luck with yours. Let me know if you discover a way of making inspiration strike.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Shelli
Go you, on the churning butter. Wonder if you can buy a new churn or if you'll have to hunt through the antique stores? I'm fairly sure when my mother was a girl growing up on a dairy farm (that's what we call the ones where they milk cows, not sure if the terminology is the same) she churned butter. Must ask her.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Charlene
Hi Charlene - yes, I love my cover. And when my box of books first arrived and I actually got to hold one.... Such a cool feeling. In fact every now and then I'll pick up a book just for the feel of it.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Pat
Hope it's not long before the kids finishing their degrees dream comes true. My children are youngish still and I see this whole big world of possibilities out there for them. In fact, one of the things that helped me stay true to my dream was the example I wanted to set for my kids.
But, boy, that computer wizardry would sure come in handy. Though compared to writing romance nowhere near as much fun.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
April
Love that dream. Reminds me of my neighbour who would love to be a backing singer in Las Vegas. She doesn't want the limelight but just loves to sing.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Robbie
Yes, two weeks. Hard to believe.
And like you I never even realised that being a writer was a possibility. I remember sitting in a work meeting where each attendee had to say a little about themselves and one man stood up and said that in the evenings he wrote. And it was a stupidly huge lightbulb moment for me. Real people, normal people could do that? I don't know who I thought writers were but certainly not normal, everyday people like me. Duh.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
I love romance novels so
I love romance novels so much, If I had any talent I'd be a romance writter of course, not a single doubt in my mind!!!
Great dream! And you never
Great dream! And you never know what's possible until you try it (and in my case keep on trying year after year after year).
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
What's My Dream
Sandra, congratulations on your first book being released shortly. How exciting. I see that it's also coming out in India this month, along with Bron's latest. Yeah!
I always wanted to be able to sing, but Bron mentioning wanting to be a ballet dancer reminded me that I used to dream of being a ballet dancer. I remember reading stories set in London at the ballet academy there and I so wanted to be one of them. Now I'm just a writer. Just kidding.
My dream of writing was always with me but like Robbie, I didn't realise it at first. It wasn't until I was in my 20s and a stay at home mum that I decided to start trying to write one of the fabulous Mills and Boons books that I loved to read. Many, many years later I realised that dream. Happy sigh.
Great topic!
Maxine
"His Ring, Her Baby"
Silhouette Desire April 2010
http://www.maxinesullivan.com
My dreams would be: working
My dreams would be: working as a top secret spa reviewer for a magazine. I would check into hotels and get all the works - massages, facials, seaweed wraps and review them for magazines.
Or I'd like to be a Rick Steeves and travel around the world and sample the food and the sights and have my own TV show.
Last but not least I'd love to be a published author
Husband
Luckily for me, I have a husband who can build anything. And I do mean anything, from a house to a car to a VCR to a butter churn! It's wonderful!
Shelli
I'd like to be retired!
I'd like to be retired!
"Saving the future, one presidential edict at a time."
March's Member of the Month--2008
Sandra, right now I am
Sandra, right now I am targeting Medicals. BTW, I've read your book--what a nice debut book! Great job!
Nancy
January 2009 Member of the Month
Participant in Date with Destiny 2009
Participant in Pass the Plot Spring 2009
Maxine
We're so lucky to be living this dream - and all those years of striving only makes it all the sweeter.
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Lucky Lady
If you get to be that top secret spa reviewer, can I be your assistant?
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010
Fake Frenchie
But what do you dream of doing in your retirement - putting your feet up with a good book, or traveling the world?
www.sandrahyatt.com
The Magnate's Pregnancy Proposal, Silhouette Desire, Jan 2010