Tuesday, September 27, 2005
My Entire Backlist -- Auction to Benefit Katrina Victims
All About Romance is hosting an auction to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and I've donated my entire backlist, signed, plus a copy of the upcoming MANOLO MATRIX when it becomes available. To bid, follow this link:
eBay: AAR Aid: Julie Kenner SIGNED COMPLETE SET of 23 (item 8338511274 end time Oct-03-05 12:53:15 PDT)
Thanks for helping!
Julie
eBay: AAR Aid: Julie Kenner SIGNED COMPLETE SET of 23 (item 8338511274 end time Oct-03-05 12:53:15 PDT)
Thanks for helping!
Julie
Interview with Confessions of Super Mom author Melanie Lynne Hauser
Here's a book that sounds right up my alley! I've read the excerpt and have the full novel on my TBR pile, but even though I haven't read it yet, I've been recommending it all over the place, especially to folks who enjoyed Carpe Demon
Here's Melanie's answers to my questions:
1) I love the Swiffer accident component of the story! Is there a story behind the story?
The only story is that I wanted the accident that turned Birdie into Super Mom to be something that could almost, actually, happen - and more importantly, I wanted it to be something that every woman could visualize, something that everyone was acquainted with. Something tied to being a mom. One day my husband came home and said he'd heard two ladies at the bank talking, and one had said to the other, "I have to Swiffer my kitchen today." And we laughed because we thought it was so funny that "Swiffer" had become a verb. But when we were through laughing, I said, "Aha! Horrible Swiffer Accident!" And history was made.
2) What's the most "super" mom thing you've ever done?
I've had great mom moments - mostly moments that sound so silly when I try to describe them. But they mainly revolve around those moments when I am privileged to be taken into my sons' confidences; those quiet moments when we find ourselves deep into conversation, conversation that gives me glimpses of who they want to be, how they're trying to view the world, how they're grappling with the challenges they face as teenagers. I remember one time my older son and I ended up seated on the floor of the upstairs hallway for hours, just talking. And I have no idea how we started; I was walking down the hall with the laundry basket and he was emerging from his room for something, and we met, and it was one of the most intense, personal conversations we've ever had, and it just happened. And the only super thing I did was recognize it for what it was, this amazing opportunity, and so I banished whatever else I thought I had to be doing from my mind, and just gave my son all the time and attention he needed right then.
That's one of the most important things we super moms can do, particularly as our children are turning into teenagers.
3) This is your debut novel -- congrats!! -- can you describe your road to publication?
Well, it wasn't without its challenges. I've written three previous novels; the first was terrible and is buried out in my back yard. The next was better, and got me not one, but two different literary agents. (Long story there I won't go into.) It made it to the marketing committee of a major publisher, but didn't sell. The next was even better, and led me to my current, wonderful agent, but still, it didn't sell. Then I wrote Confessions of Super Mom, and - it didn't sell either. At least not at first. It took a couple of months, maybe three. (I don't know; I might have blocked it out!) But then in one week I had two potential offers, and ended up with a two-book deal with Dutton and I couldn't be happier. And I'm loving being able to continue these characters' stories; they constantly surprise me.
Praise!!!
"Like its title character, this debut novel has a secret identity...it's unexpectedly poignant and packs an emotional punch despite the cheery veneer... at the heart of this story is a narrative about a lonely, wronged woman who just wants to do right by her children and stand up to an uncontrollable world. Hauser slips in soliloquies on motherhood and womanhood that, though brief, are moving, showing us Birdie Lee's heart and in that, the wishes and dreams of super moms everywhere. "
- Publishers Weekly
“This silly but fun twist on the superhero tale comes packaged with a socially responsible message about consumerism, but it doesn’t get in the way of the high jinks.”
—Booklist
For every harried mother who dreams of cleaning with the power of 10,000 Swiffers, putting her children into Super Time Outs with just a flick of her Merciless Gaze, and employing a little Super Eavesdropping when the occasion warrants, CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM is a must-read. Filled with romance, intrigue, humor and a colorful cast of characters, this delightful new novel introduces a superhero for the Swiffer generation.
Birdie Lee is an average hard-working single mother of two teenagers, PTA lackey, and mild-mannered grocery clerk at the local Marvel Fine Foods and Beverages. One morning, while getting ready for work, k, Birid is work, Birdie is sidetracked by a stubborn Stain of Unusual Origin on her bathroom floor. Unable to let the stain get the best of her, she tries to annihilate it with every household product she can find –to no avail. Angry, hot, light-headed (and forgetting to turn on the exhaust fan), she makes one final desperate attempt to eradicate this vile, dastardly stain: she loads her Swiffer Wet Jet with every household cleanser she owns, aims, and fires….
And passes out, overcome by the fumes. After regaining consciousness (and reminding herself to scrub the bottom of the toilet since from her perspective — flat on her back — it was looking a little dingy), Birdie realizes something’s amiss. Her ears begin to buzz and her senses are aquiver. Eventually, aided by Martin, her geeky thirteen-year-old son and trusty sidekick, Birdie understands that she now possesses extraordinary powers — superpowers, to be exact. Birdie soon learns, however, that, to quote Spiderman, with great power comes great responsibility and she finds herself struggling to balance a new onslaught of challenges, both at home and in her community. While trying to keep her distant 15-year-old daughter’s heart from being broken (something not even a superhero can do), and dealing with her smug ex-husband and his over-achieving new wife, she must manage her job, PTA responsibilities and a budding romance– all the while trying to rescue her beloved town of Astro Park from an evil force that threatens its children.
So forget those chores— pick up CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM and relish in a much-deserved escape. This charming novel will keep readers glued to the page as they cheer for Super Mom to root out injustice and surrender herself to love. Readers everywhere will find themselves in its pages and rejoice in finding a book that celebrates their overlooked everyday acts of heroism.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Former member of the PTA, Melanie Lynne Hauser is a prototypical Super Mom. CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM is her first novel, and she is a contributor, along with Jodi Picoult, Jacqueline Mitchard, Jennifer Lauck and Marion Winik, to the forthcoming anthology It’s a Boy (November 2005, Seal Press). She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two teenage sons.
Visit Melanie's Blog at Refrigerator Door Top Page
Here's Melanie's answers to my questions:
1) I love the Swiffer accident component of the story! Is there a story behind the story?
The only story is that I wanted the accident that turned Birdie into Super Mom to be something that could almost, actually, happen - and more importantly, I wanted it to be something that every woman could visualize, something that everyone was acquainted with. Something tied to being a mom. One day my husband came home and said he'd heard two ladies at the bank talking, and one had said to the other, "I have to Swiffer my kitchen today." And we laughed because we thought it was so funny that "Swiffer" had become a verb. But when we were through laughing, I said, "Aha! Horrible Swiffer Accident!" And history was made.
2) What's the most "super" mom thing you've ever done?
I've had great mom moments - mostly moments that sound so silly when I try to describe them. But they mainly revolve around those moments when I am privileged to be taken into my sons' confidences; those quiet moments when we find ourselves deep into conversation, conversation that gives me glimpses of who they want to be, how they're trying to view the world, how they're grappling with the challenges they face as teenagers. I remember one time my older son and I ended up seated on the floor of the upstairs hallway for hours, just talking. And I have no idea how we started; I was walking down the hall with the laundry basket and he was emerging from his room for something, and we met, and it was one of the most intense, personal conversations we've ever had, and it just happened. And the only super thing I did was recognize it for what it was, this amazing opportunity, and so I banished whatever else I thought I had to be doing from my mind, and just gave my son all the time and attention he needed right then.
That's one of the most important things we super moms can do, particularly as our children are turning into teenagers.
3) This is your debut novel -- congrats!! -- can you describe your road to publication?
Well, it wasn't without its challenges. I've written three previous novels; the first was terrible and is buried out in my back yard. The next was better, and got me not one, but two different literary agents. (Long story there I won't go into.) It made it to the marketing committee of a major publisher, but didn't sell. The next was even better, and led me to my current, wonderful agent, but still, it didn't sell. Then I wrote Confessions of Super Mom, and - it didn't sell either. At least not at first. It took a couple of months, maybe three. (I don't know; I might have blocked it out!) But then in one week I had two potential offers, and ended up with a two-book deal with Dutton and I couldn't be happier. And I'm loving being able to continue these characters' stories; they constantly surprise me.
Praise!!!
"Like its title character, this debut novel has a secret identity...it's unexpectedly poignant and packs an emotional punch despite the cheery veneer... at the heart of this story is a narrative about a lonely, wronged woman who just wants to do right by her children and stand up to an uncontrollable world. Hauser slips in soliloquies on motherhood and womanhood that, though brief, are moving, showing us Birdie Lee's heart and in that, the wishes and dreams of super moms everywhere. "
- Publishers Weekly
“This silly but fun twist on the superhero tale comes packaged with a socially responsible message about consumerism, but it doesn’t get in the way of the high jinks.”
—Booklist
For every harried mother who dreams of cleaning with the power of 10,000 Swiffers, putting her children into Super Time Outs with just a flick of her Merciless Gaze, and employing a little Super Eavesdropping when the occasion warrants, CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM is a must-read. Filled with romance, intrigue, humor and a colorful cast of characters, this delightful new novel introduces a superhero for the Swiffer generation.
Birdie Lee is an average hard-working single mother of two teenagers, PTA lackey, and mild-mannered grocery clerk at the local Marvel Fine Foods and Beverages. One morning, while getting ready for work, k, Birid is work, Birdie is sidetracked by a stubborn Stain of Unusual Origin on her bathroom floor. Unable to let the stain get the best of her, she tries to annihilate it with every household product she can find –to no avail. Angry, hot, light-headed (and forgetting to turn on the exhaust fan), she makes one final desperate attempt to eradicate this vile, dastardly stain: she loads her Swiffer Wet Jet with every household cleanser she owns, aims, and fires….
And passes out, overcome by the fumes. After regaining consciousness (and reminding herself to scrub the bottom of the toilet since from her perspective — flat on her back — it was looking a little dingy), Birdie realizes something’s amiss. Her ears begin to buzz and her senses are aquiver. Eventually, aided by Martin, her geeky thirteen-year-old son and trusty sidekick, Birdie understands that she now possesses extraordinary powers — superpowers, to be exact. Birdie soon learns, however, that, to quote Spiderman, with great power comes great responsibility and she finds herself struggling to balance a new onslaught of challenges, both at home and in her community. While trying to keep her distant 15-year-old daughter’s heart from being broken (something not even a superhero can do), and dealing with her smug ex-husband and his over-achieving new wife, she must manage her job, PTA responsibilities and a budding romance– all the while trying to rescue her beloved town of Astro Park from an evil force that threatens its children.
So forget those chores— pick up CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM and relish in a much-deserved escape. This charming novel will keep readers glued to the page as they cheer for Super Mom to root out injustice and surrender herself to love. Readers everywhere will find themselves in its pages and rejoice in finding a book that celebrates their overlooked everyday acts of heroism.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Former member of the PTA, Melanie Lynne Hauser is a prototypical Super Mom. CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM is her first novel, and she is a contributor, along with Jodi Picoult, Jacqueline Mitchard, Jennifer Lauck and Marion Winik, to the forthcoming anthology It’s a Boy (November 2005, Seal Press). She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two teenage sons.
Visit Melanie's Blog at Refrigerator Door Top Page
Monday, September 26, 2005
The Secret of LOST
So, I've figured out this Lost thing.
Now, there really are no spoilers in here, because we've watched only 3 discs of the first season, so that's only about 12 episodes, but something struck me: Kate and someone (Sayid, maybe?) were talking about how it was so unbelievable that so many of them survived with nary a scratch.
Now this may be a writer's ploy that many of my friends (but never me, she says, shocked by the very possibility, haha) have used, wherein the characters acknowledge something totally unbelievable as being totally unbelievable, and the story goes on from there. ("But John, there's no way she could survive trapped in that room after having been poisoned and beaten" "I know Clare, but she did." And off they go to find the killer. Or the wannabe killer as the case might be). Handy little tool for getting the reader/viewer right there with you in your fantastical world. So maybe that's what the Lost writers are doing.
But I don't think so.
Now, those of you who've seen more episodes may already know the answer and know whether I'm right on or off base. But here's what I'm thinking:
They're all still on the plane. One guy is having a dream. At the end of the very last show, he's going to wake up, turn to his companion who looks remarkably like Suzanne Pleshette and say "I just had the strangest dream."
Honest. It could happen. Just you wait and see.
Now, there really are no spoilers in here, because we've watched only 3 discs of the first season, so that's only about 12 episodes, but something struck me: Kate and someone (Sayid, maybe?) were talking about how it was so unbelievable that so many of them survived with nary a scratch.
Now this may be a writer's ploy that many of my friends (but never me, she says, shocked by the very possibility, haha) have used, wherein the characters acknowledge something totally unbelievable as being totally unbelievable, and the story goes on from there. ("But John, there's no way she could survive trapped in that room after having been poisoned and beaten" "I know Clare, but she did." And off they go to find the killer. Or the wannabe killer as the case might be). Handy little tool for getting the reader/viewer right there with you in your fantastical world. So maybe that's what the Lost writers are doing.
But I don't think so.
Now, those of you who've seen more episodes may already know the answer and know whether I'm right on or off base. But here's what I'm thinking:
They're all still on the plane. One guy is having a dream. At the end of the very last show, he's going to wake up, turn to his companion who looks remarkably like Suzanne Pleshette and say "I just had the strangest dream."
Honest. It could happen. Just you wait and see.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
New Sale...this one for teens!!!
I'm so excited! I just sold a new series for the young adult market!!! (CARPE DEMON is appropriate for teens, but this one will actually be marketed for the YA market)
The book is called the
USA Today bestselling author Julie Kenner's THE GOOD GHOUL'S GUIDE TO GETTING EVEN, first in a series, in which a bookish high school junior seeks revenge on the cool group of senior class vampires who transformed her into one of the undead, to Ginjer Buchanan at Berkley, in a pre-empt, by Kimberly Whalen at Trident Media Group (world English).
I can't wait to write this book!!!!
The book is called the
THE GOOD GIRL'S GHOULS
GUIDE TO GETTING EVEN
USA Today bestselling author Julie Kenner's THE GOOD GHOUL'S GUIDE TO GETTING EVEN, first in a series, in which a bookish high school junior seeks revenge on the cool group of senior class vampires who transformed her into one of the undead, to Ginjer Buchanan at Berkley, in a pre-empt, by Kimberly Whalen at Trident Media Group (world English).
I can't wait to write this book!!!!
Saturday, September 24, 2005
CALIFORNIA DEMON COVER!
Yay! I got the cover for CALIFORNIA DEMON: THE SECRET LIFE OF A DEMON-HUNTING SOCCER MOM (June 2006) and I think it rocks!
Click here for a bigger image!
Click here for a bigger image!
Friday, September 23, 2005
Kick a Little A**
Check out this fun sounding anthology, Kick Ass, with Angela Knight's story WarFem!
In “Warfem,” Alina Kasi reunites with her lover Baird Arvid after two decades apart. Passion instantly blazes between the two superhuman warriors, but old enemies and new lies may tear them apart. And Alina dreads what Baird will do when he finds out about the secret she’s been keeping for the past twenty years. But she soon discovers she’s not the only one keeping secrets.
Here's the blurb about the book:
They're sexy. They're smart. And they aren't afraid of a little danger-not even when it comes to matters of the heart...
Four of today's hottest authors present a quartet of stories about bold women who take no prisoners-either in a fight or in love. Whether it's in the bedroom, in the outer limits of the galaxy, or out on the mean streets, they kick heart-stopping action to the next level. These are women who can hold their own and aren't to be trifled with. The men in their lives know that-and they love it...
And a bit more about Angela!
Angela Knight's first book was written in pencil and illustrated in crayon; she was nine years old at the time. But her mother was enthralled, and Angela was hooked.
In the years that followed, Angela managed to figure out a way to make a living -- more or less -- at what she loved best: writing. After a short career as a comic book writer, she became a newspaper reporter, covering everything from school board meetings to murders. Several of her stories won South Carolina Press Association awards under her real name. For more of Angela’s interesting bio, visit her website: http://angelasknights.com/bio.htm
In “Warfem,” Alina Kasi reunites with her lover Baird Arvid after two decades apart. Passion instantly blazes between the two superhuman warriors, but old enemies and new lies may tear them apart. And Alina dreads what Baird will do when he finds out about the secret she’s been keeping for the past twenty years. But she soon discovers she’s not the only one keeping secrets.
Here's the blurb about the book:
They're sexy. They're smart. And they aren't afraid of a little danger-not even when it comes to matters of the heart...
Four of today's hottest authors present a quartet of stories about bold women who take no prisoners-either in a fight or in love. Whether it's in the bedroom, in the outer limits of the galaxy, or out on the mean streets, they kick heart-stopping action to the next level. These are women who can hold their own and aren't to be trifled with. The men in their lives know that-and they love it...
And a bit more about Angela!
Angela Knight's first book was written in pencil and illustrated in crayon; she was nine years old at the time. But her mother was enthralled, and Angela was hooked.
In the years that followed, Angela managed to figure out a way to make a living -- more or less -- at what she loved best: writing. After a short career as a comic book writer, she became a newspaper reporter, covering everything from school board meetings to murders. Several of her stories won South Carolina Press Association awards under her real name. For more of Angela’s interesting bio, visit her website: http://angelasknights.com/bio.htm
Thursday, September 22, 2005
My guilty pleasure's been renewed!
Okay, I admit it. I'm a fan of The Gastineau Girls. No, really!!
Well, not the girls so much, but the show. I watched the entire last season in a weekend (it was only like 10 episodes, so that really wasn't any big trick) and then, poof, it was gone. I was sad. And my poor little Tivo's been looking for new episodes like a champ and not finding a one.
Enter Google and my nimble fingers and ... ta da! I found a press release. And now I see, oh happy day, that it's been renewed.
Life is good again. The heart palpitations have calmed. And I can rest knowing that I'll soon be able to learn just how Brittny's managing on her own in LA and if Lisa's going to adjust to her daughter being gone, if she'll ever find that perfect job, and if she'll ever learn to work her email.
And, for the record, I'm now making it my goal in life to take a trip on a yacht at least as cool as the one they were on in the Brittny's first modeling gig episode.>
Well, not the girls so much, but the show. I watched the entire last season in a weekend (it was only like 10 episodes, so that really wasn't any big trick) and then, poof, it was gone. I was sad. And my poor little Tivo's been looking for new episodes like a champ and not finding a one.
Enter Google and my nimble fingers and ... ta da! I found a press release. And now I see, oh happy day, that it's been renewed.
Life is good again. The heart palpitations have calmed. And I can rest knowing that I'll soon be able to learn just how Brittny's managing on her own in LA and if Lisa's going to adjust to her daughter being gone, if she'll ever find that perfect job, and if she'll ever learn to work her email.
And, for the record, I'm now making it my goal in life to take a trip on a yacht at least as cool as the one they were on in the Brittny's first modeling gig episode.>
Kids Say The Darnest Things
So, I'm making an effort to blog more (no, really!) and since I just can't get my head around blogging about how my writing is going (for fear, I guess, that my editors will pop over, see me whining, and then in their revision letter say "I guess this is the section that wasn't going so great that you blogged about, huh?") I figure I'm going to have to rely more on those old standbys: celebrities, pop culture, and my kid.
Today, the kid is up.
Back in the summer, when Demon, Givenchy and Night Moves came out back to back, I was popping in to a lot of stores to sign stock. C was a big help (no, really!) and she'd stick the bookmarks in the books and hand me a sticker (eventually, I even let her sticker the books, and most times she didn't cover the art or put the words upside down). It got to the point where she knew that mommy had "the blue book," "the red book" and "the green book" (and also occasionally the other blue books or the pink books or the yellow books depending on how much of my backlist was stocked).
So one day, we'd signed all of the green and blue books at the front table, and we were about to head out of the store. My husband, D, was in the back somewhere, so we loitered, C asking "where's Daddy?"
Finally, Daddy appeared. And then she looked at him earnestly and said, "Daddy, we signed all of Mommy's books. Now, where are yours?"
I guess kids just know; after all, don't they say that everyone has a book in them??
Today, the kid is up.
Back in the summer, when Demon, Givenchy and Night Moves came out back to back, I was popping in to a lot of stores to sign stock. C was a big help (no, really!) and she'd stick the bookmarks in the books and hand me a sticker (eventually, I even let her sticker the books, and most times she didn't cover the art or put the words upside down). It got to the point where she knew that mommy had "the blue book," "the red book" and "the green book" (and also occasionally the other blue books or the pink books or the yellow books depending on how much of my backlist was stocked).
So one day, we'd signed all of the green and blue books at the front table, and we were about to head out of the store. My husband, D, was in the back somewhere, so we loitered, C asking "where's Daddy?"
Finally, Daddy appeared. And then she looked at him earnestly and said, "Daddy, we signed all of Mommy's books. Now, where are yours?"
I guess kids just know; after all, don't they say that everyone has a book in them??
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Heart of the Dragon
I love Gena Showalter's books, and Heart of the Dragon looks to be no exception (and the tatoo on the cover model's tummy is nice, too!). Check it out. I know I will be!
He’ll make you burn…
He is a Dragon, a rare breed of warriors able to transform into the legendary creature at will. Though the mighty warlord breathes fear into the minds of his enemies and fire into the blood of his women, no one has ever stirred his heart -- until he encounters Grace Carlyle of modern day Earth. He burns to possess this proud, alluring beauty . . . but he has sworn to kill her.
Journey to the mythical world of Atlantis, where the gods’ hid their greatest mistakes – the vampires, demons, dragons, and other creatures of legend – and experience white-hot passion, exciting adventure, and a love that defies the boundaries of time and magic.
ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER
Gena Showalter holds a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics (lie), is an expert in Krav Maga (bigger lie), and once worked as a body guard for the stars (the biggest lie of all). Actually, Gena Showalter is just your everyday, average girl who enjoys creating sizzling paranormal tales of kick ass women and the men who can't resist them.
"Sexy, funny and downright magical!" -- USA Today bestselling author Katie McAllister
He’ll make you burn…
He is a Dragon, a rare breed of warriors able to transform into the legendary creature at will. Though the mighty warlord breathes fear into the minds of his enemies and fire into the blood of his women, no one has ever stirred his heart -- until he encounters Grace Carlyle of modern day Earth. He burns to possess this proud, alluring beauty . . . but he has sworn to kill her.
Journey to the mythical world of Atlantis, where the gods’ hid their greatest mistakes – the vampires, demons, dragons, and other creatures of legend – and experience white-hot passion, exciting adventure, and a love that defies the boundaries of time and magic.
ABOUT GENA SHOWALTER
Gena Showalter holds a Ph.D. in Quantum Physics (lie), is an expert in Krav Maga (bigger lie), and once worked as a body guard for the stars (the biggest lie of all). Actually, Gena Showalter is just your everyday, average girl who enjoys creating sizzling paranormal tales of kick ass women and the men who can't resist them.
"Sexy, funny and downright magical!" -- USA Today bestselling author Katie McAllister
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Well, I'm "Lost"
ABC's 'Lost' has completely hooked me.
Sigh.
Or, rather, not sigh, because I'm loving the ride.
I didn't watch the show when it first aired because I missed the opening, and I don't watch continuity shows if I miss the opening (never watched Dallas, never watched Twin Peaks). Besides, I figured, my TV queue was full. I had, after all, 24, Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me, The Shield, and Desperate Housewives to suck up my attention at the tube. So, really, I didn't need another.
Or so I thought.
It's getting ready to start up again, the first season just came out on DVD and, hey, we now have Tivo.
Why not watch the first couple of episodes and see if I like it?
Guess what? I like.
And so did my husband.
I watched the first disc by myself, in one evening (I was cleaning my office at the same time, so I wasn't a total sloth). About the same time, Rescue Me was losing me (sad, but true. And then the next to last episode happened, and poof, I'm outta there.). Which meant there was a hole in my viewing schedule.
I told DK that he had to watch the disc, just to see if he likes it. And, guess what, he did. (And I watched them again with him).
We're now up to episode 6, and I figure by next week we'll be watching the Tivoe'd premiere.
So, I have three kudoes to pass out here: Yay for ABC (I'm also watching past seasons of Alias), Yay for Tivo, and Yay for Netflix.
Just so long as the discs keep coming ......
Sigh.
Or, rather, not sigh, because I'm loving the ride.
I didn't watch the show when it first aired because I missed the opening, and I don't watch continuity shows if I miss the opening (never watched Dallas, never watched Twin Peaks). Besides, I figured, my TV queue was full. I had, after all, 24, Nip/Tuck, Rescue Me, The Shield, and Desperate Housewives to suck up my attention at the tube. So, really, I didn't need another.
Or so I thought.
It's getting ready to start up again, the first season just came out on DVD and, hey, we now have Tivo.
Why not watch the first couple of episodes and see if I like it?
Guess what? I like.
And so did my husband.
I watched the first disc by myself, in one evening (I was cleaning my office at the same time, so I wasn't a total sloth). About the same time, Rescue Me was losing me (sad, but true. And then the next to last episode happened, and poof, I'm outta there.). Which meant there was a hole in my viewing schedule.
I told DK that he had to watch the disc, just to see if he likes it. And, guess what, he did. (And I watched them again with him).
We're now up to episode 6, and I figure by next week we'll be watching the Tivoe'd premiere.
So, I have three kudoes to pass out here: Yay for ABC (I'm also watching past seasons of Alias), Yay for Tivo, and Yay for Netflix.
Just so long as the discs keep coming ......
Monday, September 19, 2005
Really Unusual Bad Boys
MaryJanice Davidson has a wonderful imagination, and, as they say, the proof is in her backlist (and upcoming list!). I love her Undead series, and here's another one that looks just fab: REALLY UNUSUAL BAD BOYS, this month, from Brava. (You can link to the book on Amazon from here)
THEY'RE JUST THE SEXY BOYS NEXT DOOR.
IF NEXT DOOR IS A WEIRD, WEIRD PLACE.
Meet Damon, Maltese, and Shakar - three noble brothers from an enchanted kingdom where wooing and pleasuring is practically a royal commandment. They're hot. Irresistible. And just a little different. But what woman doesn't like a guy with a few surprises?
Reviews
These three amusing erotic romantic fantasies are terrific fun stories starring strong females who match up well with REALLY UNUSUAL BAD BOYS. Once again nobody combines humor, romance, otherworldly elements (including that), and erotica into fabulous tales like MaryJanice Davidson. -- Harriet Klausner
REALLY UNUSUAL BAD BOYS is a sizzling fast beach read with an interesting, unique and creative plot. – Armchair Interviews
About Mary Janice
MaryJanice Davidson is the best-selling author of several romance novels, including UNDEAD AND UNWED and HELLO GORGEOUS. Her books have been on the USA Today best seller list, as well as the New York Times list. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, two children, and dog, and is secretly addicted to Peanut Buster Parfaits.
THEY'RE JUST THE SEXY BOYS NEXT DOOR.
IF NEXT DOOR IS A WEIRD, WEIRD PLACE.
Meet Damon, Maltese, and Shakar - three noble brothers from an enchanted kingdom where wooing and pleasuring is practically a royal commandment. They're hot. Irresistible. And just a little different. But what woman doesn't like a guy with a few surprises?
Reviews
These three amusing erotic romantic fantasies are terrific fun stories starring strong females who match up well with REALLY UNUSUAL BAD BOYS. Once again nobody combines humor, romance, otherworldly elements (including that), and erotica into fabulous tales like MaryJanice Davidson. -- Harriet Klausner
REALLY UNUSUAL BAD BOYS is a sizzling fast beach read with an interesting, unique and creative plot. – Armchair Interviews
About Mary Janice
MaryJanice Davidson is the best-selling author of several romance novels, including UNDEAD AND UNWED and HELLO GORGEOUS. Her books have been on the USA Today best seller list, as well as the New York Times list. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, two children, and dog, and is secretly addicted to Peanut Buster Parfaits.
Friday, September 16, 2005
AUDIO!!!
Amazon.com: Books: Carpe Demon Yes, I was once again trolling Amazon and came across this! Looks like the audio version of Carpe Demon will be released in November! Way Cool!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Kid's Book Manuscript Rejects
Wives and Sisters
Today, I have the pleasure of blogging Natalie Collins' Wives and Sisters, a book that I can't wait to read (it's in my TBR pile, waiting for me to finish the mss that's getting sent off Wednesday morning! Yay!)
Check out this seemingly endless list of awesome quotes:
“A white-knuckles ride all the way. Expert depiction of a young woman’s struggle with the oppressive ‘family values’ of one kind of fundamentalism. Newcomer Collins is a talent to watch.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Startling and compelling--I could not stop turning the pages. Natalie Collins weaves an absolutely riveting tale."-- Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Sinner
“A dark, powerful debut novel. Natalie Collins pulls no emotional punches crafting this searing tale of one woman's search for justice.” ---Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of The Killing Hour
“Natalie Collins' Wives and Sisters is a journey through heartbreak, tragedy, and self-discovery with a courageous woman who dares to think for herself in a dogmatic society. This is a story for anyone who has ever questioned what they've been taught all their life; anyone who has ever doubted their self-worth, and everyone who loves to cheer on the underdog and watch them triumph in the end. You'll be glad you took this journey with her.”---Tina Wainscott, bestselling author of I’ll Be Watching You
“Please warn your readers, this is not a book that can be put down. It’s so compelling, so dramatic, with strong suspense and mystery elements, that I had to find out what would happen.”—Perri O’Shaughnessy, New York Times bestselling author of Unlucky in Law
“Wives and Sisters is indeed a suspense novel. It is not a condemnation of a faith, but rather those who follow blindly. It makes the reader think. Can you have faith without deceit? Can religion have too many rules? Read the novel for yourself. Make up your own mind.”—The Clarion-Ledger
“…the author brings authentic color and gripping detail to her book, which underscores the very real mentality of protecting the Church at all costs, thus allowing offenders to abuse their victims over and over again without consequence.”—The Tucson Citizen
“Well-written, fast-paced, Natalie Collins’ Wives and Sisters is suspense filled satisfaction with a bone chilling, thought provoking similarity to recent events.”—About.com
“Wives and Sisters is a gripping tale oozing with skillful feminist commentary about the patriarchal nature of Mormonism, which may earn Collins disparagement in her home state. A spirited decision for a newcomer, and it earns her the status of a voice to watch.”—Riverwalk Journal
“…fans will be stunned by this tense thriller that condemns extremist religious and social moral behavior at the cost of any segment of society.”—Harriet Klausner
“Don't be surprised if you devour this book in one reading. Natalie Collins has captured the essence of a page turner by giving us a three dimensional characters, plenty of action and a healthy dose of controversy.”—Midwest Book Review
“Author Collins excels in developing Allison, an extremely complex character. She is, at once, filled with rage, yet still compassionate and loving - rebellious, but loyal and ready to lend a hand when needed, even to her father, stepmother and family who have so wronged her.”—Mostly Fiction.com
"Wives and Sisters is a raw, emotional story that never gives into sentimentality. It puts a plain, unvarnished face on the secret workings of the human soul and the price of blind faith."—The Celebrity Café.com
"This is a book written with skill and passion and I suspect it will resonate with women who have never set foot inside a Mormon church. These problems are too widespread to pin down to one place, one time or one institution."—The Washington Times
"WIVES AND SISTERS is clearly one of this year's best books; riveting, painful at times, realistic always, and completely unforgettable. It not only makes you cry, it makes you think, which is my personal hallmark of an excellent read. Natalie R Collins has emerged as one of the finest new authors I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Brava, Ms Collins! Brava!"—Rendezvous Review Magazine “Rosebud of the Month” winner
Sounds fascinating, yes? Here's even more:
Set in the closed world of the Mormon Church, a world scrutinized because of the Elizabeth Smart case and covered in nonfiction bestsellers like Secret Ceremonies and Under the Banner of Heaven, WIVES AND SISTERS is the gripping story of a young woman on the run from evil, powerful men. When Lori Hacking disappeared last July, the nationwide spotlight turned to Salt Lake City once again, just as it had with the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart. But tragically, Lori did not come home alive. Lori’s husband, Mark Hacking, pled guilty to the crime. Although written well before the Hacking case became know, Collins’s WIVES AND SISTERS portrays a world eerily similar to that of Mark Hacking. The parallels between the deception Mark Hacking built around his education and the lies perpetrated by the character Mark in WIVES AND SISTERS are uncanny, right down to the same first name.
Check out this seemingly endless list of awesome quotes:
“A white-knuckles ride all the way. Expert depiction of a young woman’s struggle with the oppressive ‘family values’ of one kind of fundamentalism. Newcomer Collins is a talent to watch.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Startling and compelling--I could not stop turning the pages. Natalie Collins weaves an absolutely riveting tale."-- Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Sinner
“A dark, powerful debut novel. Natalie Collins pulls no emotional punches crafting this searing tale of one woman's search for justice.” ---Lisa Gardner, New York Times bestselling author of The Killing Hour
“Natalie Collins' Wives and Sisters is a journey through heartbreak, tragedy, and self-discovery with a courageous woman who dares to think for herself in a dogmatic society. This is a story for anyone who has ever questioned what they've been taught all their life; anyone who has ever doubted their self-worth, and everyone who loves to cheer on the underdog and watch them triumph in the end. You'll be glad you took this journey with her.”---Tina Wainscott, bestselling author of I’ll Be Watching You
“Please warn your readers, this is not a book that can be put down. It’s so compelling, so dramatic, with strong suspense and mystery elements, that I had to find out what would happen.”—Perri O’Shaughnessy, New York Times bestselling author of Unlucky in Law
“Wives and Sisters is indeed a suspense novel. It is not a condemnation of a faith, but rather those who follow blindly. It makes the reader think. Can you have faith without deceit? Can religion have too many rules? Read the novel for yourself. Make up your own mind.”—The Clarion-Ledger
“…the author brings authentic color and gripping detail to her book, which underscores the very real mentality of protecting the Church at all costs, thus allowing offenders to abuse their victims over and over again without consequence.”—The Tucson Citizen
“Well-written, fast-paced, Natalie Collins’ Wives and Sisters is suspense filled satisfaction with a bone chilling, thought provoking similarity to recent events.”—About.com
“Wives and Sisters is a gripping tale oozing with skillful feminist commentary about the patriarchal nature of Mormonism, which may earn Collins disparagement in her home state. A spirited decision for a newcomer, and it earns her the status of a voice to watch.”—Riverwalk Journal
“…fans will be stunned by this tense thriller that condemns extremist religious and social moral behavior at the cost of any segment of society.”—Harriet Klausner
“Don't be surprised if you devour this book in one reading. Natalie Collins has captured the essence of a page turner by giving us a three dimensional characters, plenty of action and a healthy dose of controversy.”—Midwest Book Review
“Author Collins excels in developing Allison, an extremely complex character. She is, at once, filled with rage, yet still compassionate and loving - rebellious, but loyal and ready to lend a hand when needed, even to her father, stepmother and family who have so wronged her.”—Mostly Fiction.com
"Wives and Sisters is a raw, emotional story that never gives into sentimentality. It puts a plain, unvarnished face on the secret workings of the human soul and the price of blind faith."—The Celebrity Café.com
"This is a book written with skill and passion and I suspect it will resonate with women who have never set foot inside a Mormon church. These problems are too widespread to pin down to one place, one time or one institution."—The Washington Times
"WIVES AND SISTERS is clearly one of this year's best books; riveting, painful at times, realistic always, and completely unforgettable. It not only makes you cry, it makes you think, which is my personal hallmark of an excellent read. Natalie R Collins has emerged as one of the finest new authors I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Brava, Ms Collins! Brava!"—Rendezvous Review Magazine “Rosebud of the Month” winner
Sounds fascinating, yes? Here's even more:
Set in the closed world of the Mormon Church, a world scrutinized because of the Elizabeth Smart case and covered in nonfiction bestsellers like Secret Ceremonies and Under the Banner of Heaven, WIVES AND SISTERS is the gripping story of a young woman on the run from evil, powerful men. When Lori Hacking disappeared last July, the nationwide spotlight turned to Salt Lake City once again, just as it had with the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart. But tragically, Lori did not come home alive. Lori’s husband, Mark Hacking, pled guilty to the crime. Although written well before the Hacking case became know, Collins’s WIVES AND SISTERS portrays a world eerily similar to that of Mark Hacking. The parallels between the deception Mark Hacking built around his education and the lies perpetrated by the character Mark in WIVES AND SISTERS are uncanny, right down to the same first name.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Hold Hands And Hum
HAD to share.....
I recently complained to my critique partners about the fact that I was on deadline and had to write a fight scene. These always take me longer than other scenes, and I was whining that maybe instead of fighting I should just have them hold hands and sing Kumbaya. Here's what I got back in an email from the wonderfully talented Kathleen O'Reilly:
Kum-ba-ya, My Lord...
Kum-ba-yahhhhh.........
Kum-ba-ya, My Lord
Kum-ba-ya.
Kum-ba-ya, My Lord
Kumbaya
Oh, Lord. Kumbaya.
Someone's got a deadline, Lord,
Kumbaya
Someone's got a deadline, Lord
Kumbaya
Someone's got a deadline, Lord
Kumbaya
Give her the fighting words, Lord
Kumbaya....
(And, in case you're wondering, I DID get the fight scenes written!)
I recently complained to my critique partners about the fact that I was on deadline and had to write a fight scene. These always take me longer than other scenes, and I was whining that maybe instead of fighting I should just have them hold hands and sing Kumbaya. Here's what I got back in an email from the wonderfully talented Kathleen O'Reilly:
Kum-ba-ya, My Lord...
Kum-ba-yahhhhh.........
Kum-ba-ya, My Lord
Kum-ba-ya.
Kum-ba-ya, My Lord
Kumbaya
Oh, Lord. Kumbaya.
Someone's got a deadline, Lord,
Kumbaya
Someone's got a deadline, Lord
Kumbaya
Someone's got a deadline, Lord
Kumbaya
Give her the fighting words, Lord
Kumbaya....
(And, in case you're wondering, I DID get the fight scenes written!)
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Amazon.com: Books: The Bridesmaid Chronicles: First Love (Bridesmaid Chronicles)
Amazon.com: Books: The Bridesmaid Chronicles: First Love (Bridesmaid Chronicles) On sale! On sale! FIRST LOVE goes on sale today!
I'm excited! This is the 4th book in the Bridesmaid Chronicles! (I've been trying to update my website, but I'm having trouble with the FTP client, so soon ...). In the meantime, you can read more here: http://www.juliekenner.com/FirstLove.htm
I'm excited! This is the 4th book in the Bridesmaid Chronicles! (I've been trying to update my website, but I'm having trouble with the FTP client, so soon ...). In the meantime, you can read more here: http://www.juliekenner.com/FirstLove.htm
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Backstory : Julie Kenner's Backstory
Backstory : Julie Kenner's Backstory Check out my backstory for CARPE DEMON on M.J. Rose's Backstory Blog. And be sure to wander around the site while you're there. Some wonderful stories posted, and more to come!
HURRICANE CHECK IN
HURRICANE CHECK IN Click here to see the page Vicki Hinze has put together for writers in Katrina's path to check in (if you or someone you know is safe and not on the list, please send an update to the list.)
Also, scroll down for info on how to donate to The Salvation Army's relief efforts.
Also, scroll down for info on how to donate to The Salvation Army's relief efforts.
