I’m a technical writer. That means I write FAQs. Did you know that FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions? I bet you did.
Did you also know that most FAQs are made up by technical writers and have nothing to do with actual questions anyone has ever asked? Yep. It’s like writing fiction, except about bytes and bandwidth and passwords. And also the FAQs are nonfiction. Usually.
Anyway, I wrote an FAQ for His Secret Past.
- The lead character’s name is Mason Star and he’s a rock star. Weren’t you trying too hard with the name?
Excellent question. Yes. Of course, I was trying too hard. My sister told me it was cheap. My editor told me it was cheap. My critique group told me it was cheap. But I am a sucker for a cheap name. So pulling from my bag of tricks, I wrote fictional backstory for the name, blaming it all on the parents. (Because in fiction, as in real life, it’s the parents’ fault.) Mason’s mom was a stripper who changed her name legally to Sierra Star. So he can’t help it that his name is cheesy.
- Did you ever play that game where you make a stripper name for yourself out of the name of your first pet and the name of the street you lived on when you were a kid?
No.
Signed,
Dusty Monastery
(Hi, Tashsa!) - I have the same problems with my golf game that Mason has. If I follow Anna’s advice will my swing improve?
Umm. No. And also you’ll probably get kicked off the course. Even your more reputable miniature golf courses aren’t going to stand for that kind of carrying on. I recommend instead, that you do what I did when I realized my golf game stinks. Retire. You get to spend more time in the clubhouse that way, and the clubhouse is where they keep the gin and the pretzels.
- On the cover of His Secret Past, Mason is wearing a tuxedo but he’s at the beach. Who wears a tuxedo to the beach?
Sigh. He’s at a wedding. Those are tables behind him, not sand dunes.
- On the cover of His Secret Past, Mason is wearing a tuxedo and there is sand all over the tables behind him. Was there a dust storm or did the bride actually have “sand” as her wedding color?
Next!
- Did you have to pay Rob Lowe a lot of money to pose for the cover?
Okay, you know what? I thought this was going to be a serious discussion. Who’s asking these questions?
Any questions?
Go ahead and ask one, I'll answer!
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08








I loved the question about a
I loved the question about a tux at the beach.
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
That's actually a real question
I can't tell you how many people have asked me that. Not like, hundreds, but at least four.
Sillies.
Rob Lowe can wear his tux at the beach if he wants to.
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Rob Lowe?
I thought he was kind of Ray Liotta-ish.
LOL
Signed,
Rusty Ridge
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08, Aus/NZ Sept. 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
Helloooo, Rusty!
Hi Rusty,
Ray Liotta doesn't do it for me. Goodfellas ruined him for me. (Great movie, evil man.) So I've decided to go with darling Rob.
However, the truly frightening thing is that my mother cocks her eyebrow exactly like ol' cover man. Freaks me out a little whenever I think about that. Ew.
Sincerely,
Dusty M.
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Ellen - Did you see Dear
Ellen - Did you see Dear Author just did a really nice review of your book. It was funny, in the comments someone asks about the tuxedo cover.
Cady
TBR--The Born Readers
Tux on the beach
Hi Cady,
I think I just invented a drink. Tux on the Beach. It would have champagne and maybe rum mixed together? (Kids, don't try this at home.)
I saw that comment. I was so tickled by the review, it's possible I've looked at it more than once.
I thought about writing in and asking if the person who asked the question thought it was a beach. Several people have actually asked that.
Thanks for dropping by,
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Ellen, it was a great
Ellen, it was a great review, they don't do a ton of series review on that site, so I always check them out when they do. I like the idea of a drink, maybe some Malibu rum, some pineapple juice and something pretty to give it a zing.
Cady
TBR--The Born Readers
Thanks!
Thanks, Cady!
How about if we serve the drink in a champagne flute but include the umbrella, of course? I like the idea of pineapple juice. I should have a virtual book launch party. We can ponder the mysteries of cover art while we drink a Tux on the Beach.
I'm actually thrilled with the cover. I love a man in tux and that fellow looks a lot how I imagined Mason would look. So good job, Harlequin cover people. I'm only making jokes because this is a blog and being serious isn't as much fun.
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Champagne + Malibu +
Champagne + Malibu + pineapple juice = Tux on a beach
That sounds delicious. Somebody try it and see.
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
+ Rob
Hi FF,
Do you think there's any way we could stuff Rob Lowe into the glass as well?
Any structural engineers around?
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Well, Rob Lowe could serve
Well, Rob Lowe could serve the drinks. Would that do it for you?
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
OMG, too funny, Ellen!
Did the Technical Writing gig for years. I wind up doing a lot of it in my current job too, because most Techies can't write worth a darn!!! Do you do the total cringe thing like I do when you get emails with a mixture of horrid punctuation and massacred spelling and grammar? My big pet peeve!
Loved the FAQ. Going to have to look for the book now! :-)
JodieG
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
A winner of the Big Finish 2 Contest, March 2008!
As long as he wears his tux...
Yes, I think Rob would be a fine bartender/cabana boy.
Excellent idea. I like the way you think!
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Technical writing
Hi Jodie,
Wow. There are a lot of tech writers in the romance world. Who knew there was this much overlap??
I've interviewed for so many jobs I have a regular schtick. I always mention that tech writing is a close relative to translation. We take the words from things only the very smart but very technical understand to actual, human language.
Hope you enjoy the book. I had a very good time writing it. Thanks for stopping by!
Ellen
P.S. How are things with your writing? Did I see a post about a work stoppage? I think I meant to stop by that blog but my sis was in the midst of having a baby and there was chaos. I hope you're back on track! (If it wasn't you, I apologize.)
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
RE: QUESTIONS NO ONE EVER ASKED by Ellen Hartman
Actually, if you ask me, it's a pretty good book!
Why, Sister Dusty Monastery! How's everything over at Our Lady of the Evening?
Signed,
Melvin Pine
"I went to a FIGHT the other night...and a HOCKEY GAME broke out!! "
HockeyDET@comcast.net
Melvin?????????????
Oh Marty. Melvin Pine is Priceless.
Malibu. Pineapple. Champagne. OOOH that sounds yummy. I'm a gonna have to try that one. I bet it would sneak down easy and have a punch like a sledgehammer the next morning....
Kind of like what would happen if you indulged in a tux on a beach.
:-)
Donna
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08, Aus/NZ Sept. 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
Hmm. I'm not sure about this FAQ
Dear Melvin and Company,
I'm concerned about the direction this FAQ has taken. The last two posts include an alarming number of punctuation marks and innuendos. I'm afraid I have to cut off the champagne.
Oh, who am I kidding, when things have gotten to this point, the best thing is MORE champagne!
Rob, dear, please fetch another round of tuxes for my guests!
Dusty
P.S. Our Lady of the Evening...bwah hahaha. You know, Jeannie Watt and I have a Sister Act. I need to find out where my beloved Whimple has been hiding and get her in on the fun.
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Work stoppage...
Yep, unfortunately, I'm the one. :-( My muse is still playing hide and seek (too tired to think, I think!)
Right now, I've got a sub in with Nocturne Bites (2 months and counting!), I got an R for my Spice Brief (my first official R....wooo hooo!!! I've arrived!!), and my Super is still sitting there whispering to me "finish me, finish me!" Plus a few other half started projects that I'm just not quite ready for.
I've decided while I'm having trouble writing, I'll read....er, research! Yeah, that's what it's called. Research! That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!!
Thanks for asking! :-)
JodieG
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
A winner of the Big Finish 2 Contest, March 2008!
Degenerating....
Well hell Ellen, Tux on the Beach sounds so much CLASSIER than sex on the beach. LOL
I think we should have another round. I'm not driving tonight. Except maybe that dune buggy. Did I see one of those on that cover?
You crack me up. You had to mention Sister Act...now I am singing "I will follow him..." in my head....arrrrgggghhH!
LOL
Donna
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08, Aus/NZ Sept. 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
Jodie
Sounds as if you have a lot going on in your writing life.
Sorry about the R. That's always a jolt to me even if it shouldn't be. The curse of a good imagination, right? I imagine everyone saying yes to everything!
Reading is very good for me as a writer. Especially when I read someone that I admire. Maybe it will jumpstart you. Or maybe you're at a tough spot and when you're through it things will feel better again? I always put my books down when I have to write a psychological turning point.
I'll send Rob Lowe over with my best writing wishes.
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Classy
Hi Donna,
You crack me up too! Especially the part where you called our Tux on the Beach idea classy.
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Well it is very Bond.
Well it is very Bond. Though I'd rather have the tux on the beach than a martini stirred, not shaken.
I'm going to ogle Jamie Bamber....er, I mean, watch Battlestar Galactica and marvel over the incredible writing. Actually I can do those 2 things simultaneously. I'm such a multitasker.
Have a good weekend,
Donna
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08, Aus/NZ Sept. 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
Resistance
Donna--I've been resisting that show. I don't have TV service so it's easier for me than for some but the Supers thread goes on and on about its many virtues. Including the writing.
I sold my soul to Dean Winchester from Supernatural three years ago. I think I'll be true to my boy and forsake all others. For now.
Enjoy your evening. It sounds as if you'll be very busy!
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
All I have to say is:
vs.
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08, Aus/NZ Sept. 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
That last pic gives a whole
That last pic gives a whole new meaning to "crotch shot"!
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
Donna--food for thought
Donna--you made quite a statement, I must say.
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
FF--there's another...
FF,
There's another meaning for that phrase?
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
I showed restraint. I had
I showed restraint. I had the link for the infamous towel picture all ready to paste and then thought it might be too much for e-harl. LOL.
And then belatedly I realized I had pictures of both of them in tuxes and I should have posted those.
Oh well.
D
P.S. Will put on my halo and admit I'd never heard the term crotch shot before.
FALLING FOR MR DARK AND DANGEROUS, Romance, August 08, Aus/NZ Sept. 08
THE RANCHER'S RUNAWAY PRINCESS, Romance, January 09
http://www.donnaalward.com
http://www.donnaalward.blogspot.com
Trying to think...
Donna--what would I need to offer you in order to wrangle an invitation to look through your photo albums sometime? It sounds as if you have quite a nice library of subjects and themes.
Also with the halo,
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Well, Ellen, usually, in my
Well, Ellen, usually, in my
vast experienceinexperience, "crotch shot" refers to a Penthouse photo spread, and I do mean spread."Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
FF
Penthouse? I think I need another Tux. Rob, oh Rob...
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
RE: QUESTIONS NO ONE EVER ASKED
This one here is pretty crude...so you MAY want to move along instead of reading this....but...speaking of spreads....
Here's one a bit off-subject, but I liked it: Kittens & Women rule the world & will do as they please; Pups & Men - Relax and get used to it!
"I went to a FIGHT the other night...and a HOCKEY GAME broke out!! "
HockeyDET@comcast.net
Hmm
Dear Melvin,
You're right. That was crude.
I actually think the world would benefit if I had a bit more power but I don't know how to get in touch with the proper power allocation office. Maybe I'll go google that now.
"rule the world" and "me" and "official application" and "triplicate"
I'll let you know when my application goes through. Or maybe I won't have to. I think you'll just know.
Elllen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Following this discussion,
Following this discussion, we (me & DH) have been researching cocktails. We have found a number of cocktails mixing hard liquor with champagne. As soon as I find a mini bottle of Malibu, I will test the Tux on the Beach, and let you all know if it's good.
"Perhaps what the average member of a group is capable of doesn't limit what a given individual can accomplish." -- Boston Globe, letter to the editor
March's Member of the Month!
Sister Whimple is way late
Sister Whimple is way late to the party!
Sister Dusty Monastery, this is a great blog! I will be stopping by again. Funny thing--I thought one of my cover guys looks like Ray Liotta, and it bothered me. Good Fellas syndrome strikes twice.
http://www.jeanniewatt.com
http://www.loveisanexplodingcigar.com
Whimple's in the House!
\o/
Yessss. Sister Whimple is here.
Now I wonder how FF's cocktail research went....I'll just relax here with my Sister and my Tux and enjoy the scenery. Rob, another maraschino cherry for me and bring a Tux for Whimple would you? She's had an exhausting weekend running about San Fran with naked people.
(I told you Jeannie would bring the party!)
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Liked your FAQs so much
I bought your book. There is nothing quite like tech humor.
Articfrog
"And, they lived haply ever after."
Tech humor
Hi Articfrog,
Thanks for picking up my book. I hope you'll enjoy it!
My IT group at work is sponsoring a game show called "Are you smarter than a geek?" I can't imagine the tech humor we're going to be engaged in during that escapade!
Thanks again,
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Hi Ellem
I bought your book too and I put it on my facebook page as a book I have to read. I really have enjoyed this discussion too.
Tammy
Thanks, Tammy
Hi Tammy!
I'm still trying to figure Facebook out. I had just about conquered the mysteries of Myspace and now I'm venturing into this new territory and it's confuuuusing.
Thanks for buying the book. I hope you'll like it!
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08
Hey Ellen
Next time you are on Facebook on your page. Go to home which is the top right corner. Then you can see your notifications and updates. I have sent you a ton of gifts. (mainly flowers I think) If you add an application and then don't like it. You can always delete it. Let me know if you have any questions, I am getting better with Facebook.
Tammy
Flowers?
Hi Tammy,
I didn't know you could send flowers. Hmm. I need to check this out.
Thanks!!!
Ellen
Ellen's Blog --- Ellen's Website
The Boyfriend's Back Superromance May '09
His Secret Past Superromance May '08