Header Promotion
Make Mine Supers (13)
by Rae-eHarlequin on February 23rd, 2009, 9:34pm
It's not just the size that makes a Superromance super. It's not even just the down deep plots or the characters with real conflicts and real, serious problems on their hands. Running the gamut from contemporary comedy to heart-rending family drama, what makes a Super so incredibly super is that we get six of them every month and we're the happiest campers on the planet because the satisfaction is that good! So if you've been "super-ed", pop on in and share the love!
Lucky 13!
I'm first!! Nice clean room for me to mess up. Thanks, Rae! :-)
**jodie drops off a tray of cinnamon buns and a carafe of hot cocoa **
**tosses some throw pillows on the floor, lights a fire in the fireplace**
**kicks back with a sigh and a good book and waits for company **
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
Jodie
Thanks for the cinnamon buns and the warm fire......I'll join you in here.
**reclines on the floor with head on throw pillow and opens a book to read**
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
Tuesday
It's a Tuesday and we've got new digs...nice.
Jodie, Very cool on being first! And nice on your garden and shopping locally. I'm so anxious for the leaf lettuce, which is generally our first crop. We make this wilted lettuce salad that's so good! And garlic is always yummy. I want to put in more herbs this year. I've been using more in my cooking and love when it's fresh.
Uh, EllenToo, slide over a bit and pass those cinnamon rolls!
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
Testing
Hi Jodie--thanks for getting the new space ready for us!
Hi Ellen Too--good to see you around!
Holly--what time do you get up exactly?
Any of the teachers or parents or generally wise folks on this board have a recommendation for a book or a web site I can use to help my son learn some test-taking strategies? I know there are tips folks give about how to eliminate answers, skipping questions, etc. We need some help!
I also need a good book. I think I may head to the library on campus today. I haven't tried taking books out from there before but I've been disappointed by the last two books I read--both by authors I like--so I thought I'd try the stacks. I did put How Green was my Valley on my reading challenge list this year. I love that book and could read it, but I'm not sure where it is at the moment. Maybe it's with my prom photos.
Cornell must have at least one or two good books on the shelves, right?
I actually looked in the Cornell online catalog for Laurie Halse Anderson because I wondered if they had the one of hers I haven't read. They don't, but they do have one of my favorites in the Rare Book collection. Do you think it's a manuscript copy or something? I kind of want to go see.
Have a great day everyone,
Writer Ellen
P.S. We have another prowler in our neighborhood. This is the third time in less than a year that houses and/or cars on our street are being robbed. It's the oddest thing. I live on a street full of fairly modest ranch homes. Not exactly what I think of when I imagine either a.) high crime or b.) high attractiveness to robbers. Now that we have a car with four working doors, we've had to start locking our garage. Weird.
www.ellenhartman.com
Blog: www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
Plan B: Boyfriend Superromance December 2009
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May 2009
Holly's awake..
Ellen, I get up most days about five. Although, over the weekend I slept in one day...to six-thirty. I know, it's sick. But after years of waking up with four kids, I'm broken. The good news is, the mornings are oh-so quiet. I love sitting with the paper and a cup of coffee and waking up before anyone else is up. I love early morning walks, and having a chance to see the world wake up. People peeking out their doors and snatching up their papers. Birds starting to flitter about. And because we're so close to the lake, frequently I'll see a few seagulls, especially if the weather is going to be bad and they're moving in off the lake. I don't know that I'd ever want to live somewhere where I couldn't see seagulls. Their cries are so mornful. Anyway, I'm up early. And rather than fight it, I embrace it and really love those moments that are all mine because the rest of the world is still sleeping.
Holly
PS I hate the sounds of you having a prowler. Keep stuff locked. And be safe!!
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
Okay, so I'm not first, but
Okay, so I'm not first, but I'm still in here early. <G>
Ellen, I'm glad I amused you with my big hair and shoulder pads picture. LOL.
Ellen, I don't have the material anymore, but years ago, I taught test-taking strategies to my second grade class. Both second grade classes did this. And when the kids took the IQ test, lo and behold, like HALF of the second graders qualifed for Gifted & Talented. We'd never had that many kids score so well on those tests. Why did they skew so high? Because now they knew how to solve the problems on the tests. So, that proved what I'd always suspected - a lot of IQ numbers can be a bunch of nonsense.
I'm sure some of current teachers will have some advice for you. If not, check online. A lot of homeschoolers still take standardized tests, so I'm sure you can find materials available to help your son.
A Family Recipe (w.t.) - Finn Hawkins' story
July 2010 - Superromance
Semper Fi Guy (w.t.) Hayden Hawkins' story, release date tbd
www.SusanGable.com
Seagulls are rats with
Seagulls are rats with wings.
Oh, wait, maybe that's pigeons. No, I think it's seagulls. <G> Actually, Holly, just go tot he mall or any other parking lot around here -- you can see the seagulls there. (I put seagulls in A Kid to the Rescue. <G>)
We saw the biggest seagull in San Francisco last year. Holy moly, the thing was HUGE.
A Family Recipe (w.t.) - Finn Hawkins' story
July 2010 - Superromance
Semper Fi Guy (w.t.) Hayden Hawkins' story, release date tbd
www.SusanGable.com
What a great picture, Holly...
I can just see it! For a while there, while I was working hot and heavy on a story, I'd get up on Saturday and Sunday before everyone else and try to cram some writing in. The only problem is that I *think* there's a magic buzzer on my chair that says "HEEEEY, MOM'S AWAKE!" and sends the little one down the stairs to my lap.
So much for peace and quiet.
I grew up around seagulls, and I love the sound too. I'm inland now, not quite western Maryland. But every once in a while, I laugh at the seagulls in the parking lot at Target. I think they're lost. And all I can think of is Finding Nemo, and "They're like rats, with wings!" :-)
(Edited: LOL, Susan, we crossed on this! You've seen Finding Nemo too, eh? )
Ellen, scary about the prowler! This is not good. Make sure you lock up tight!!
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
Seagulls
Susan, I'm ignoring your seagull comment because people who think my car is ugly have all their opinions immediately questioned. Seagulls are awesome!
Jodie, Soon the kids will hit their teens and then they won't wake up no matter what you do! Until then, I wish you an occasional quiet morning...you'll appreciate it even more!
One my lovliest mornings ever was in Southampton, Ontario. We had a lake house. I got up early, made my coffee, snitched a half a loaf of bread and went to the beach. I was the only there as the sun came up. There was a small island to the left with a full moon sinking behind it. I fed the seagulls, drank my coffee and watched the night giveway to morning. It was one of those moments that are truly gifts!
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
Magic Mornings
Holly, I have had my share of mornings like that, and they are gifts -- today isn't quite that magical, but the sun is out and it was a nice enough morning, so I'll take it. :)
I am off to the dentist to solve a tooth mystery...they xrayed it months ago, and said nothing was wrong, but now I have blinding pain every time it touches anything hot, cold, sweet, doesn't matter -- even if I try to talk while eating or out in cold weather, it gives me a zap, so they have to do something, and fast. Or I will... anyone got some pliers? Just kidding... sorta.
Then, back to work on my book and my print out of the summer book, which honestly, I was getting very involved in reading last night -- I had to keep yanking myself out to make sure to pay attention to the editing issues. It probably sounds very self-involved to get wrapped up in reading my own book, LOL, but I've had it happen a few times, and I hope it's just a good sign that other people will feel wrapped up in it, too. This is the Texas Ranger one that I think I have mentioned here since I first contracted it about 18 months ago...I just really enjoyed this couple, especially the hero. :)
I am seriously jonsing for the cover, and so glad I have several coming out relatively closely, because it's been a bit of a dry spell...
Anyway... I have to get ready to go, and hope you all have a great day...
Sam
CAUGHT IN THE ACT, Blaze "Dressed to Thrill" Oct '09
"I Wish He Might..." Blaze Bedtime Stories Two-in-One, March '10
MAKE YOUR MOVE, Blaze May '10
My Website
Sam...
Is it an upper molar? Is it possible it's sinuses? I had that a few months ago, and it only feels bad now when the sinuses act up! If they x-ray it, they can see if your sinuses are full/cloudy (sinus infection) and overlapping the tooth roots. Good luck today!
And about getting pulled into your story -- I'll admit that's happened to me once or twice when I've looked over the things I've written for the Writing Challenges in Learn to Write. I think to myself "I wrote this? It's pretty good."
Or, occasionally, "ICK." 
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
I alternate like a pingpong
I alternate like a pingpong ball. Hey, this is good, hey this stinks, hey, this isn't bad at all, ewwww, what was I thinking? <G>
Luckily once the book is in print, I'm generally pretty happy with it. LOL.
Holly, I cannot belive that you would question my opnion. Sheesh. Well...okay, I question YOURS every time I see that car. <G> So I guess we're even. LOL.
A Family Recipe (w.t.) - Finn Hawkins' story
July 2010 - Superromance
Semper Fi Guy (w.t.) Hayden Hawkins' story, release date tbd
www.SusanGable.com
Holly & Sam
Until you are standing around feeding them and feel something wet on your head and shoulders. I have a lot of them in my area and enjoy watching vacationers feeding them.
Sam sure hope they can find out what is wrong with the tooth and fix it.
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
Definitive Answer on Seagulls
Hello All,
I once participated in an actual science project on seagulls so I think I can offer a definitive opinion. They're rats with wings.
When I left my job at Microsoft I took a little time off and I decided I wanted to go somewhere on a trip. But it was November so it was not great weather in most places and everyone I knew was working so I had no one to accompany me. I decided to do a citizen science project--I paid a scientist to let me stay with him and work on his project. That way I knew I'd have both company and a home base for some touring around. The location was gorgeous--Kaikoura, New Zealand. So wild and amazing.
The science was actually amazing, too. This guy had been studying the seagull colonies in this location since the 1960's. He was mapping their marriages and offspring and drawing conclusions about how they mate, how they decide to divorce, and what matings were producing successful families. (Seagulls prefer to partner up and stay that way, but if the children aren't thriving, the female can ditch the male and find someone more...robust.) He recognized so many of the birds and knew their histories. It was very cool.
The only part that was horrible was the birds themselves. We had bird suits--coveralls, big hats, gloves, etc. but they pooped all over us all day long. I understood their reasoning, we were picking up their eggs, measuring them, and catching their chicks to band them. But still. Pooping. That's pretty low. The only other defensive techniques gulls employ are: 1.) loud screeching and 2.) dive-bombing to peck and snatch at the intruder's head. We'd be out in the colony for hours at a time, trying to do science and the birds were just...not on board with the plan.
Sam--glad you're feeling excited about your books! I had a peek at the cover for mine and it's great. I'm waiting for the official version to arrive so I can post it. I've had the swept away by my own book feeling. I always figure it makes sense since I wrote the darn thing--if I don't love it, who will?
Holly--so 5:00 is the wake up time. What time is bed?
I'm fascinated by early birds. It's the exact opposite of my preferred schedule. I love to be awake in the night when the lights are low and the house is quiet. The street lights are on and I can watch the deer or occasionally a raccoon or other animal in the yards. The noises that come in from outside are sometimes so mysterious or lonely and it sets me thinking about the people and lives I can hear but can't see. As soon as my kids are grown, I'm switching back to a partially nocturnal schedule that will include a mid-afternoon nap.
Take care,
Writer Ellen
www.ellenhartman.com
Blog: www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
Plan B: Boyfriend Superromance December 2009
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May 2009
I hate the sunrise
It makes me feel dirty. There is a story there but not fit for repeating. Suffice to say, I don't enjoy watching the sun rise and I generally avoid it. I love a sunset, though.
No opinion on seagulls. I could be swayed either way I suppose. I don't like the idea of being pooped on. Here's a story that I can share: In the seventh grade there was this guy I was desperately infatuated with. We happened to be in the same English class first period. And since I was a bit of a show-off I enjoyed reading out loud to the class (ironically, I, myself, HATE to be read to) and so as I took my place at the front of the class to read the selection, I was feeling pretty good about myself...until the snickering started. And the guy I was soooo crazy about pointed at my head. Yep. A big, diarrhea-style dollop of bird poop was in my hair. I.WANTED.TO. DIE. Needles to say, I was paranoid the rest of the year anytime something landed on my head, be it rain, a leaf, or a snowflake. Damn bird.
Sleep study. Horrendous. To sum up: 22 electrodes, a bed fit for a Tibetan monk, a prong that went up my nose, and glue stuck in my hair. And then I forgot to bring my pillow home. GRRRRR....results won't be in for a week.
Progesterone cream: Tentatively, I would say this is a success. I am less grouchy and I don't want to lob grenades at every person who crosses my path. Husband and children included.
Revisions: Going well. Although I seem to have a potty mouth. Whoda thunk? Trying to tone it down. I think my daughter said "ass" the other day. I was so excited she said a word I just hugged her and said, "Good talking!" But that did remind me that little ears pick up the darndest things.
Any Battlestar fans out there? Can I just say, "WHOA!" I don't want it to end! Pure genius!
All right, I've procrastinated enough. Time to work.
Kim
Kim's website
A MAN WORTH LOVING, Harlequin Superromance, Nov. 09
TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD, Harlequin Superromance, Apr. 10
TO CATCH A KILLER, Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Aug. 10
LOL
On Kim feeling dirty about sunrise... that's one I haven't heard. *G* I'm usually in bed around 11-12 and then up around 7am. Almost like clockwork, though once and while it shifts, I may stay up a little later (mostly because I read before bed), and get up around 730 or 8.
Back from the miracle dentist -- I don't understand why dentists can't be romance heroes, seriously, a good dentist rocks... and they have those funky chairs... Anyway. As far as we can tell, all fixed...he drilled out two fillings to see what was going on, bunkered them up with magical dentist stuff (he was telling me all the process and what he was doing, but I don't remember what all he did) but he said it should solve the problem. So, so far so good, the numbing has almost worn off, and hopefully dinner without pain tonight. This definitely wasn't sinus -- I've had the sinus where it makes your whole upper mouth feel like a toothache, and this wasn't a toothache... it was hyper-sensitivity of some sort. While he was checking it out, just opening my mouth and letting air in hurt (maybe it was a cosmic message for me to keep my mouth shut, could be...). But anyway, it's fixed now, at least, we hope so.
So, will do a walk and get a little work done.
Ellen, I am so envious of your stay in NZ and working with gulls. If there is any other work I could imagine being truly happy doing, I always tell dh it would have been what your science friend was doing, mucking through some salt marsh counting snails or crabs or varieties of seaweed, or rescuing stranded animals, or anything of that sort.
On the drive, I was thinking of keeping a promise I made to myself a while ago about learning to ride horseback. I think I'll look into lessons. I am mildly afraid of horses, never used to be when I was a kid, but you know, they're big. They kick and bite and throw you. But, I also think it would be cool to learn to be basically comfortable about them, ride, and hopefully take one of those vacations to a working ranch. Hey, maybe Jeannie would let me come help her. ;) Heh.
Anyway... off to do a few more checks and then walk the dogs, who have been patient...
Sam
CAUGHT IN THE ACT, Blaze "Dressed to Thrill" Oct '09
"I Wish He Might..." Blaze Bedtime Stories Two-in-One, March '10
MAKE YOUR MOVE, Blaze May '10
My Website
Squeee! A dude ranch
Count me in, Sam! I tried to talk my dh into taking a vacation at a dude ranch but he was less than enthused. My kids didn't think much of the idea either. But I think it sounds awesome! I love horses and have always wanted to truly learn how to ride. I mean I've played around with horses (a lot of my friends had horses growing up but we were too poor!) so I've ridden in the loosest sense of the word but I want to KNOW. You know?
Glad your dentist figured out the problem. Aching teeth are terrible.
Arrgghh...I feel a migraine flirting with the edge of my brain. Back, I say! Get back! Not welcome! But it's my fault. Screwed up my pills. Grrr...the penalty is often steep. And painful.
Kim
Kim's website
A MAN WORTH LOVING, Harlequin Superromance, Nov. 09
TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD, Harlequin Superromance, Apr. 10
TO CATCH A KILLER, Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Aug. 10
Sam & Kim
Sam - glad you got your tooth fixed and you can open your mouth without pain
Kim - hope you can beat back that migraine
....I know all about them
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
Seagulls, Sam, Horseback riding and migraines
Not necessarily in that order. <G>
Kim, sorry to hear about the headache. I had one brewing earlier, and I beat it back with some Excedrin. (Medication of the gods, that is. <G>) I'm a little hung over (which is how I know it was a migraine, and will probably be back later or tomorrow since it's hormonal. Damn hormones. <sigh>) which is actually working out for me since it's sort of giving me tunnel vision which I am using to FOCUS on my proposal synopsis. (Yes, Victoria, I AM working on it!!! I swear!)
Potty mouth. <G> I sometimes do that in mss. <G> Seems to depend on the ms, the characters and what kind of mood I'm in. And LOL at little ones always picking up the words you DON'T want them to.
Ellen, your seagull adventure was interesting. Ick on the poop, but still...interesting. You're a very interesting person. We must hang out more. <G>
Sam. glad the tooth is fixed!
I rode on the Rutgers University Equestrian Team. I was a novice, but that was okay -- we had all levels of people competing. I do happen to like English saddles and posting a trot is a lot more comfortable than sitting a trot. Jumping scared the snot outta me -- especially when I almost went OFF a horse that balked at the fence one day. truth is, I probably would have been better off to just go with it and fall on the ground. But no, I ended up clinging to the horse's neck, half on, half off -- and did a number on my back. Lesson learned -- just fall. <G>
I love horses. Always wanted one of my own. Maybe in my next life.
A Family Recipe (w.t.) - Finn Hawkins' story
July 2010 - Superromance
Semper Fi Guy (w.t.) Hayden Hawkins' story, release date tbd
www.SusanGable.com
cranky too
Susan - Add me to the I LOVE YOUR BOOK group. I read it in a day. Aren't weekends great?
In high school in Florida our cafeteria was a separate building - a friend and I were walking to it one day and PLOP seagull poo on her shoulder.
I'm cranky again - went into work Monday and found out that layoffs were reaching my level. Originally it was execs, but on Friday people who were being 'let go' were told their last day is the end of March. Past couple days have been dreadful - going into work and not knowing if you are going to be called to 'the office' and come out with a white envelope. Supposedly, I am 'safe' but there are no guarantees. The execs are being very careful not to say anything beyond "if you haven't been called yet, then take that as you will". I'm not sure what's worse - knowing you have a month left or not knowing if you show up one day and they decide to do another wave of layoffs. Either way it sucks.
And thanks for listening. And thank goodness for yoga to remove the stress that ends up in my shoulders. One of my resolutions was to avoid negativity - well that's been shot to heck! Trust me - I am counting my blessings and trying to find a slice of sunlight in the dark clouds that is my workplace.
I also apologize to bringing cloud cover here - you all are great!
Off to read my first draft of which I discovered the beginning is all wonky. Not good when the writer goes 'huh?'
Marcie, no need to
Marcie, no need to apologize. I'll keep my fingers crossed that your job is spared for as long as you want/need it. It doesn't sound like a good working atmosphere (I know what it's like to live in fear of a layoff...horrible on morale) but a paycheck is a paycheck. As my mother would say, it's that darn habit of eating three meals a day...
I am terribly allergic to horses...moreso than to any other animal I've discovered. About 3 years ago, I took my boys to the annual Christmas parade which is basically horses, horses and more horses. We didn't make it halfway through, just sitting on the curb a lane away from the animals, when I started sneezing and wheezing and couldn't stop. Had to go home early. I did used to ride them when I was a kid, just a tourist trail ride whenever we went to Colorado, but they didn't bother me so much then. Basically I'm very content to stay the heck away from them now because I like breathing too much.
Kim, we'll be talking at national. I aim to get some stories out of you.
Hope your headache gets the heck away and stays that way.
Sam, hope the dental work is a success. Sounds like some kind of nerve pain? Miserable, whatever it was.
I need to get some pages written so I best go write.
Amy
Amy Knupp
Firefighter trilogy (titles TBD)- Superromance, July, Aug, Sept 2010
http://www.amyknupp.com http://www.writemindedblog.com
Ta da!
Kim--hope you're feeling better and I hope the sleep study was productive. My husband said it was horrible, too, and he didn't even forget his pillow.
I'm snickering about your daughter and her word. Potty mouth is totally inherited.
Sam--I'd love to ride horses. I used to go on trail rides when I was a teenager but I don't think I was doing much in the way of horsemanship. I did work my way up to the most spirited horse (his name was Hank), but he was still just a trail horse doing his job. I'll be eager to hear about your lessons.
Susan--I'm glad you think I'm interesting. I think the same thing about you, you novice equestrian, you! What a cool thing to do in college. I'm thinking there's a t-shirt slogan somewhere in your lesson.
Marcie--don't worry about bringing your troubles here. I think that's why we all hang around--forming bonds so we can be supportive in bad times and celebrate together in good. This time is tough for so many of us--a lot of what you're feeling is familiar to me. (Did I mention Cornell outlawed raises this year?) If you have stuff you want to share, lay it out here. And keep doing yoga! What a great way to care for yourself. Hope your book gets straightened out!
Hi Ellen Too!
I hope I didn't miss anybody.
I got my May cover today. I kind of love the undone tie and the rolled up cuffs.
Deb--do you have a May book? Have we seen the cover?
Writer Ellen
www.ellenhartman.com
Blog: www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
Plan B: Boyfriend Superromance December 2009
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May 2009
awesome cover!
New covers are so much fun! Please Deb share yours too if you can.
Tonight it's revisions for me and a Marie Calander lasagna. Calories be damned. I did work out so that should help at least a little.
My back is starting to twinge from the 80 bejillion (sp) side crunches holding an 8 pound ball that we did. Yikes. We did four sets of 50. The math scares me.
Marcie: of course I echo what everyone else has to say. Bring your troubles and your triumphs. We take all kinds of news.
Good luck with your WIP. Wrangle that thing into submission!
Amy: I have stories that would curl your hair. Believe it or not...I was once a bad girl.
Kim
Kim's website
A MAN WORTH LOVING, Harlequin Superromance, Nov. 09
TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD, Harlequin Superromance, Apr. 10
TO CATCH A KILLER, Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Aug. 10
Kim, I am not scared of
Kim, I am not scared of curls...I'll bring my flat iron.
And I sympathize with the ab muscles. We did several drills last night at kickboxing involving sitting in a circle, leaning back and raising your legs so that nothing but your butt touches the floor...and playing catch with a 10-pound medicine ball. Yeah, I'm feeling it. Also feeling the two-mile walk to pick up the kids from school today. (It was almost 60. Had to get outside and figured I was killing multiple birds with one stone that way.)
Ellen, LOVE the cover! And the title and the little line of copy. *sigh* Cannot wait to read this one.
My work ethic sucks. I've only written 3 pages in the past 2 days. Must force out some more. (It's the beginning of the story so I feel like I'm feeling my way around in a dark room.)
Amy
Amy Knupp
Firefighter trilogy (titles TBD)- Superromance, July, Aug, Sept 2010
http://www.amyknupp.com http://www.writemindedblog.com
Cover, etc
Hi Ellen -- Love the cover and looking forward to the book.
Amy - did you do away with your blog? Or are you working on it?
Kim -- did your migraine go away? I hope so.
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
Ellen Too, no. My blog
Ellen Too, no. My blog did away with me. Or actually, I had some technical difficulties and will have them fixed soon. (I'm far down on the hubby's list...after the paying clients.) Thanks for missing me! :)
Must sleep now.
Amy
Amy Knupp
Firefighter trilogy (titles TBD)- Superromance, July, Aug, Sept 2010
http://www.amyknupp.com http://www.writemindedblog.com
Kim was a bad girl?
Kim--you were a bad girl? Heh.
I want to hear the stories, too!!
Amy--I sympathize with the ab muscles. I'm supposed to be doing PT for my back. I used to go and the lovely young PT lady would help me stretch and then give me a massage. Now she makes me do ab exercises--including that playing catch one you described. I want my stretching and massage back. Wah!
I love the title and tag line combo for this book. "She knows there's going to be trouble." That makes me smile every time! Thanks to everyone who said it was pretty! I'm getting excited about having a book out again.
Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Writer Ellen
www.ellenhartman.com
Blog: www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
Plan B: Boyfriend Superromance December 2009
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May 2009
Wednesday
My very lovely SIL came over yesterday and brought me faust naught kuchen (a German, Shrove Tuesday donut). I used to make them. I made hundreds. The older kids loved them and took them to school for all their friends who loved them. My youngest does not love them. My dh has never loved them. So, I haven't made them for a few years. So, it was lovely that my SIL took the day off work to make them and brought me a bag of warm ones. Oh, my so good!
Sam, Wishing you a magic morning again sometime soon! Today it's supposed to be in the forties, and that's magic enough for me this time of year! Hugs on the dentist!
Jodie, I love those moments when you go back and read something you read and think, wow...I did this?? LOL I had a moment yesterday when a throw away description at the beginning of this WIP turns out to be an important analogy for love. I love when I do these weird little throw away lines and find out they were important after all! My glee was great!
Susan, I might question your taste, but I still love you, NBB.
EllenToo, I do love seagulls, but try to stand out of the poop zone! It's a long-distant love! LOL
Ellen, Such a cool job...well, except for the poop! LOL And I go to bed about ten. I tend to dream/nightmare alot, so my sleep can be spotty. I love a good power nap in the afternoon. Everything being equal, I get about seven hours of sleep/day. And I find nightowls just as fascinating in a foreign sort of way. I'll confess, I do like walking at night. It's a different feel at night, even if I walk in the dark both morning and night. Mornings are full of this sense of waking up to possibility. Nights are like pulling a blanket up over a day that's finished.
Kim, LOL at your feeling dirty line! Sorry about your bad experience in front of the boy you liked! As for BSG...only four more to go. I'm so sad. I'm so going to miss this show! But I'm looking forward to Caprica and hoping they bring some of the cylons on. Hugs on the headache.
Marcie, Hugs on the layoffs. I so hope you're spared. Still hugs. It's got to be a horrible worry.
Amy, Hope you got the pages done!!
Ellen, FREAKIN' AWESOME COVER!!!!!
Have a great day, everyone!!
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
Peeking in...
Hey, guys!
Okay, who decided to up and move while I was gone? Not nice.
Ellen, love, love, love the cover! Very nice!
I read through all the posts but like Sam, I'm drawing a blank. I remember headaches (hope you're feeling better), potential job layoffs ((hugs, Marcie)) and something about seagulls and rats? I won't go there. Both scare me. LOL
Kim, I'd like to hear those stories, too. From someone who has always been a 'good girl' I need to live through you. <G>
I finished my pages for the proposal (yay!) and now need to go back through my synopsis and cut it down since I rambled quite a bit in the beginning of it before I got going. Who, me? <G>
Oh! I received the best review for HER BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER. Check it out!!!
"HER BEST FRIEND'S BROTHER is absolutely brilliant. Kay Stockham continues to bring complex characters together, and provide them with real life situations to deal with. Friendship and family ties are all added into the mix. Luke and Shelby are my favorite characters to date, dealing with trauma, grief, disappointment, and of course love. It's interesting to see how the family sticks together. The end brought tears to my eyes. Don't hesitate to read this story, Ms. Stockham is a must buy!"
Better run. Lots to do today. I'm spending the night on the floor of COSI tomorrow as a chaperone. Can we say OW? LOL I have a pad to put under my sleeping bag because I've been warned the thin carpet over concrete does not sleep well.
Kay
Kay Stockham
Her Best Friend's Brother, Harlequin Superromance, Mar 09
Simon Says Mommy, Harlequin Superromance, Sep 09
Check out my contests at www.kaystockham.com
Friend me on Myspace & Facebook!
Kay
Kay, What a great review!!
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
It is sunny...
Very bright this morning, and the temps are going up, and we're in definite early spring here in CNY... snow, 40s, sun, rain, Lake Effect, snow, sun, ice, some rain, more ice, more snow, 50s, wet snow, then some more rain...all in a week. LOL
Ellen, I love that cover -- it's dh's fault it's not up on Cigars yet, and I just nagged him about it. So it will be up today. I think I'm crushing on your hero.
Holly & Jodie, yes, that's it exactly with the moments in the writing where you wow yourself, LOL -- why not? I had this one scene in the Texas Ranger book that pleased me when I wrote it and it still pleased me (their first photo shoot when she's watching him through the lens of her camera). I love that scene. But, the edits are all in, so now on to other things while I wait for revisions on the Oct book.
Marcie, sorry to hear about the job problems. It can be so stressful, for sure.
Kim, Amy, Ellen, and the rest of you getting buff, stop it, I'll be too intimidated to stand next to you in DC. ;)
Hi Kay. :) Great review! Of course, we knew you were brilliant all along.
I am so glad to have books out in the coming year... too long, and while it was partly a choice so I could work on other things, I am getting seriously jonesy for my new books...
Tooth is all fixed, no problems now. Yay. :) I did finish up a book I was reading Annette Blair's Veiled Deception in the dentist's office while waiting, and the mystery component was fine, but it's the first time a mystery got me misty at the end...very nice ending. And this book has the prettiest cover I have ever seen on a mystery. Worth checking out.
Okay, off to make a few more pitstops then some writing work and dogs... Dh goes for his brown belt test tonight, so that will be fun. :)
Sam
CAUGHT IN THE ACT, Blaze "Dressed to Thrill" Oct '09
"I Wish He Might..." Blaze Bedtime Stories Two-in-One, March '10
MAKE YOUR MOVE, Blaze May '10
My Website
Sunny
All is right with the world at the moment. The sun is shining!
(((hugs to all that need them!)))
So, why have I been cranky? Because my car is dying. It's not worth fixing and I was frustrated. We used to be a one car family, but for the last three years, I've had the beast I inherited from my Pap--a 93 Lumina. I hate to part with it, because it still smells like my Grandfather on warm days. But it's time. Have my eye on a pretty Honda Odyessy. Not new, but new to me. Wish me luck. Shiny and new to me makes me uncranky.
Rae
Buff? Me? Only in my Hollywood dreams
It would take serious plastic surgery to return my body back to the way it was before I brought three children into this world! But a girl can dream, right? Sam, seriously, you have nothing to worry about on my end. I just want to feel healthy again. Which, I think I'm on the right track with the hormone treatments and with addressing my sleep apnea after all these years. So, it's one day at a time. Although I did burst into uncontrollable tears last night. My dh could only stare, bewildered. The downside to hormones.
Kay: WOW! What a wonderful review! And well deserving I'm sure. Kudos to you and your amazing talent.
Ellen: You got me jonesing for my own cover. Like Sam, my wait has been (and remains) long. My next cover won't reach me until at least April. *sigh* But I'm very excited to see it.
Revisions, revisions. That's the plan for today. I'm not even sure I'll do any newspaper work. Thankfully, my newspaper ed gives me a lot of latitude. As long as the work gets done, she doesn't care how it manages to cross her desk!
Kim
Kim's website
A MAN WORTH LOVING, Harlequin Superromance, Nov. 09
TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD, Harlequin Superromance, Apr. 10
TO CATCH A KILLER, Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Aug. 10
Sunny, sunny, sunny...
Oh, it's so sunny today...the dogs and I loved our walk!
Sam, I'm glad your tooth is fixed!! Fingers crossed for your dh's brown belt!!
Rae, Fingers crossed on the new car!
Kim, Good luck with the revisions!
Okay, back to work!
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
I shouldn't be here.... but
I shouldn't be here.... but I can't help it. You guys are too much fun. ;)
Just got back from having my sparkles colored <G> I'm all shiny now LOL
Sam, so glad you're feeling better. Can't wait for your books, either!
Kim, I hesitated to post that review for the first line alone. Brilliant? Um, not a term I think in regard to my writing or myself, but hey, I'll take it! <G> Positive thinking, right? So sorry you're teary. I have those moods. Just had one actually.
It's 40 degrees outside right now. Warmer than yesterday so I won't complain. I'm so sick of the cold. Ellen Too doesn't have a clue how close I was to winding up on her doorstep the other day when she told me it was 78 where she was. I need heat!
Holly, forgot to thank you for that green link. I bookmarked it for researching later.
Better run,
Kay
Kay Stockham
Her Best Friend's Brother, Harlequin Superromance, Mar 09
Simon Says Mommy, Harlequin Superromance, Sep 09
Check out my contests at www.kaystockham.com
Friend me on Myspace & Facebook!
Kay
In that case I won't tell anyone what the temperature today is. If you come I'll rent you a condo on the beach where you can really enjoy life here. Unless the wind blows you away.
December 2008 MEMBER of the MONTH!
A true teacher is a person who, at the end of the school day, still likes children!
Sunny Weather
It was sunny yesterday, wasn't it? Made a big difference but it still wasn't that warm. We've been turning the heat off as much as we can recently--I hate the utility bill the most--so we had it off yesterday, but the house was pretty darn cold.
Kay--great review! I can't wait for your book.
I'm almost finished with my website update. I hope maybe I can get it out this weekend. I need a big block of time when I know I won't be interrupted so I can launch and then spend a few hours fixing all the glitches I find.
Kim--I'm so happy to hear you're taking care of yourself in all these ways. I know you were kind of stressed for a while and now it sounds as if you're really doing good stuff for yourself. Can't wait to see you in D.C.!
So I've told you all about my son's hockey team with the 0-8,000 record? (That's an exaggeration. They actually have 2 wins.) They got their bracket for the end of year state tournament, which is a huge deal. Games all day Friday-Sunday. (Yes, all the NY State hockey children do skip school for this event.) The first team they're playing has scored 77 goals this year. My kid's team has scored 11. Usually, if you're a stinky team, the first game in the bracket is the only one you have a prayer of winning. 77 vs. 11. Sigh.
I've been awake in the night this week. (See my postings coming in at 4-5 AM.) It's funny, though, I look at the clock and think, "Why am I awake? I want my beauty rest!" Then my next thought is, "I wonder what Holly's doing?" Silver lining...
Cheers,
Writer Ellen
www.ellenhartman.com
Blog: www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
Plan B: Boyfriend Superromance December 2009
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May 2009
Thursday
I woke up and it's 45 degrees! I can't wait to shoo everyone out of the house so the dogs and I can take a walk. I'm thinking we're doing the long loop this morning. Of course, the puppy is so low to the ground that she'll be muddy and gross by the time we get home, but hey, a puppy bath only takes a few minutes!
Kay, I've never worked with that business link I sent you to, but they're neighbors and nice. As soon as I have less kids' tuitions, I'm spending that money on solar panels! They were filling me in on cost and what-not.
EllenToo, I'm sure you're warmer than I am here, but hey, 45 is balmy. I'm happy. I soo can't wait for my walk!
Ellen, Wow, you're up early. Next thing you know, you'll wake up smiling on Mondays just because it's Monday! LOL I'm late getting over to the boards because I was dealing with some email problems. But I've been up since five and I've had my coffee, read my paper and am really anxious to get outside in an hour or so!
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
Up and Down
Holly--I was awake...but I went back to bed.
Maybe we can get a group discount on solar panels when the time comes!
Writer Ellen
www.ellenhartman.com
Blog: www.romancenovelsblog.blogspot.com
Plan B: Boyfriend Superromance December 2009
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May 2009
Ellen
Ellen, Now, here I was, imagining you sitting by the window and watching the world wake up with me! LOL
It's so absolutely freakin' gorgeous out. Okay, so it's overcast, but it's in the forties, and that's gorgeous enough for me. The dogs and I took our long walk-route through the college. Put in about three miles. Ethel's sort of prissy and avoids the mud. Ella...well, mud is her friend. So Eth's paws got wiped, and Ella got another bath. She's a very clean puppy!!
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
Solar panels
I want solar panels, too. I want EVERYTHING so I don't have to be on-the-grid. Well...I don't want what poor Jeannie does everyday. <G> LOL. I want wind power and solar power and geothermal heat and I want property with a waterfall and water power... LOL. Hey, if I'm going to dream about my self-suffient house, I'm going all the way. <G>
Ellen, I LOVE the cover! Gorgeous! Kudos to the art department and artist! (Is there a rule on the number of exclaimation points we can use? Like, are they rationed or anything? <G>)
Marcie, did I say thank you for not only reading my book, but for saying you loved it? (Susan slips Marcie a ten-spot.) If I haven't yet, then THANK YOU! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Mud. Ugh. The only thing I hate more than snow is mud. Blech! At least snow only makes the carpets wet.
I have to write a blog post today for tomorrow. I'm not even sure where I'm blogging tomorrow. But my calendar says I'm blogging tomorrow, so I'd better think of something to write about. Anybody else have trouble thinking of topics sometimes?
A Family Recipe (w.t.) - Finn Hawkins' story
July 2010 - Superromance
Semper Fi Guy (w.t.) Hayden Hawkins' story, release date tbd
www.SusanGable.com
Holly
I was only a Monday convert for once. I won't be a Monday convert again until early April(Spring Break) and then again during the summer.
Sam-Glad that your tooth situation has improved. Can't wait to visit Cigars tonight. I love blogs about writing.
Rae-hugs on the car.
Marcie-sending up prayers for your job situation.
LindaC
Yowza
I'm in shock. Only ten new posts? Are you all writing? Stuck in caves? This forum is slipping. I'm used to slogging through more conversation from all of you?
Rae
Off the grid
Susan, Yes, if we ever move out to the property, we can do it all...and although I won't have a waterfall, I do have a spring out there! I can be totally off the grid. LOL And just think, I've already managed to be off my rocker!
LindaC, The Monday Mornings Rock club does allow for part-time members! LOL
Rae, I'm obviously doing my bit! LOL I got my pages done for the day already! Have some synopsis work to do this afternoon, but right now, I'm waiting for my dd to get done at work...we're doing lunch.
Holly
www.HollyJacobs.com
Join in the GIVING GLEE Contest at http://tinyurl.com/yj3nrbg
UNEXPECTED GIFTS, Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09
A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY, Harlequin SuperRomance, 2/10
Off the grid
Let me offer a different view (of course). :)
Cities are actually very environmentally efficient areas, but suffered when suburbs grew and everyone wanted to live "out," creating empty space in the cities which became poverty stricken and increased crime, ie, sprawl, which also ended up destroying all kinds of natural habitat and areas so new developments could be built. In some ways, the move "out" again replicates the same problem -- except that most people can't afford it (in fact, while suburbs continue to grow, there has been some move back toward living in cities, which I think is great!). Maybe costs will come down eventually, but it's actually very expensive to live off the grid, depending on how much convenience you want.
So my take has been to buy an old house in the suburbs, and to make it as energy efficient as I can, and to also improve the land and the neighborhood by planting some of our food here, as much as I can, by encouraging wildlife on the property (I just got our Humane Society certification for being an urban wildlife sanctuary, *G*), and improving the land we've already decided to live on. You can save enormous amounts of money by improving the house you are in, your daily habits, and being part of the grid also means supporting local business, jobs, and the economy. I would pose the question, instead of getting off of the grid, what can we do to make living in the grid better? This is not critiquing anyone else's decision, but just a different perspective.
That said, had a great walk in almost 50 degree weather that required taking off the jacket because I was overly warm, and saw many birds who are already of the opinion that Spring is here, though we're expecting more snow and such over the latter end of the weekend. But it will be fleeting, I think, and hopefully the ground is getting to warm and the sun is up long enough for it to stay very long.
And, I think, with the help of friends I managed to move my block. Those of you with Wii, have you played the Boom Blox? weirdly addictive game, and some of the challenges include finding just the right piece to pull out so that you collapse the tower with the fewest moves possible. Unfortunately, it's taken me many, many wrong moves that did not work, but finally, in an email a friend sent me, it was like pulling the right piece out to collapse the tower... so now I have that much, and some idea of how to rebuild the right way... which is a whole different game.
Oh, and Jennifer Lewis helped, too, with her Backstory questions on Cigars today... very helpful writing blog, so stop by if you can...
Sam
CAUGHT IN THE ACT, Blaze "Dressed to Thrill" Oct '09
"I Wish He Might..." Blaze Bedtime Stories Two-in-One, March '10
MAKE YOUR MOVE, Blaze May '10
My Website
Hi...
I'm Ami and I've been gone a few months. I'm not sure why, I just somehow never made it back! I've missed you guys! I'll try to skim over the past five, six hundred posts. LOL. Anyway, here are hugs and congrats and commisies and chocolate for everyone and everything.
Can never, ever go wrong with chocolate.
Ami
My May cover, too
Hope I did the photo right. I looks huge.
Deb
FINDING THEIR SON - 4 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com
So pretty!
I love it, Deb! You're right, it's very tender and sweet but I love the tagline. It speaks to a mystery. I like that. Perhaps everything is NOT as it seems...or maybe it is.
I'm still chugging along on my revisions. It's been fun though.
Welcome back Ami. Glad to see you found the breadcrumbs.
Morning everyone!
Kim
Kim's website
A MAN WORTH LOVING, Harlequin Superromance, Nov. 09
TRUSTING THE BODYGUARD, Harlequin Superromance, Apr. 10
TO CATCH A KILLER, Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Aug. 10
LOL, Deb.
Deb, I love the cover - but I'm lol at the title, only because I offered Picture Perfect Family as a suggestion for the book that is now known as A Kid to the Rescue. <G> So - great title! LOL! And really pretty cover.
A Family Recipe (w.t.) - Finn Hawkins' story
July 2010 - Superromance
Semper Fi Guy (w.t.) Hayden Hawkins' story, release date tbd
www.SusanGable.com
Liking the cover a lot,
Liking the cover a lot, Deb! And love the tagline. I think they're doing great with taglines lately. :)
Sam, I enjoyed reading your perspective on grid living. And congrats on your sanctuariness! That's awesome.
Welcome back, Ami! We missed you and hope you'll hang around again.
Forgot the rest, brain took a nap. Sorry!
Amy
Amy Knupp
Firefighter trilogy (titles TBD)- Superromance, July, Aug, Sept 2010
http://www.amyknupp.com http://www.writemindedblog.com