Romance Rules...and Shelfari...

Tomorrow...

I get to start a new story! I have a morning chat with the lovely editor...where I hope to talk her into the firefighter in Hawaii story. Yes, I know I was writing the George Clooney goes to kindergarten book...and I will...but...I want to go to Hawaii. At least in my mind.

Well...Ally Blake writes two at a time...so maybe I'll do that...keep George simmering on the back burner while Hawaii boils up front....

I am so excited to start something new and fresh. And hopefully...we'll get the truck back tomorrow as well...chauffering Hubba Bubba would cut into my writing time.

Not A Word

I didn't write yesterday. Meant to...but I'm in between projects, waiting for a powwow with the lovely editor on Monday so I can leap into something new and fresh...but...I feel so guilty.

Surely I should write something. I'd been writing backstory bits on the two novels I want to write next...but now it is to the point where I either write them or I don't.

Medicine is making me foggy

I can't write! I'm trying...but it is not the best idea, really. Not good when I am trying to do 70 Days of Sweat...

Thirteen Stories I need to write...right now! 1…. Oregon Orgasmix -- Phaze (due in October) 2…. Where There's Smoke -- firefighter in Hawaii!! 3…. Balancing Acts -- roving redhead at the coffee shop 4…. Party Favors -- "I am not a virgin!" 5…. Getting Personal -- "Everything I ever needed to know I learned from a kindergarted teacher." 6…. The Bureau of Missing Socks (short) 7…. Plotting on Speed workshop for October presentation... 8…. Take Off (short) 9…. Bubbly (short) 10…. Butterfly (short) 11…. an erotica short for Phaze Flares 12…. 2 book reviews 13…. my Pink Heart Society blog posts for next month...hey those are story like! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

CRUNCH

Well, what do you know. My husband thought I'd spent all his money in Dallas...because I had.

And then yesterday...I drove into the back of a truck.

So I've spent money he didn't even have. See, I can do things he never even dreamed of!

Not to worry. I've been jostled worse by speedbumps. And luckily, the repair shop is taking pity on me because of the whole annoyed husband thing. Here's hoping we get his truck back soon! Though, I doubt he'll ever let me drive it again!

Here I am...

Available Now!

On Again by Jenna Allen available NOW!
Phaze, HeatSheet, Force Series

Paul Bentley is a NARC, his estranged wife Kayla is a drug counselor trying to keep others from running afoul of the law. The stress of the job breaks their marriage, but can the passion that remains help Paul and Kayla get back "on again"?

EXCERPT

"Kay? I'm lonely."

"Better to be lonely alone." Her lip trembled and she prayed it didn't show in her voice.

"Yeah. Look, I know I agreed to leave you alone. I know there's no going back. You're better off without me dragging you down. But I was thinking, maybe I could come over? We could open a bottle of wine and try and talk again."

"You never dragged me down when you were here. It was losing you and having to see you still here that hurt." Her stomach twisted and she inched lower in the tub, letting the water soothe her wounds.

"I feel like I should take that hurt away, you know? I want to hold you and let you know none of it had anything to do with you. I didn't want any of it to touch you."

"I don't live in a bubble, Paul." She took a deep breath for courage. "You don't want to change. You just don't want to be lonely right now. And on again, off again is not good for either one of us."

"We haven't tried on again. Let me come over. I'll bring a bottle of your favorite wine and you can mess up my head. And then once I get it together we can mess up our bed. It's been way too long, Kayla."

"We can talk on the phone." Her eyes felt heavy, tears threatening. She wanted him, the old him, here in the worst way. But she didn't think she had it in her to tell him to leave again.

The phone clicked in her ear. She called his name a few times before giving up and setting the phone on the ground. She closed her eyes, trying not to think of him, but it was too late. His image loomed in her mind, teasing her.

Horoscope Excuses

So yesterday my horoscope said I was too frazzled to get anything done and needed a mini-vacation. What wonderful news! I embraced it with both hands! Besides, after nearly a week without my boys, we needed to catch up on that 101 Things To Do Before You're 12 List. The Pittock Mansion is the greatest estate in Portland, and it is also rumored to be haunted...so we figured as a two in one shot on our 101 things list, we couldn't lose! (You can kind of see my boys in front of the big window...but not really.) I loved it and took lots of pictures. The boys were done in about 20 minutes. I think they expected ghost sightings. Ah well...

We also went to the Planetarium, played at the Science Playground and followed it up with dinner at an Ethnic Restaurant. So...101 B4 12 Total = 4 things! WOOT! Still, we are only at 30 for the year. Seems like we should be further along...

Tim Tams

Mom went all the way to Dallas...but at least she stole some Tim Tams from Marion Lennox. She knew better than to come home empty handed!

Stealing Pictures

To prove I was in fact at RWA Nationals...

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I missed while at RWA Nationals 2007
1…. My parents visit. They were here to take care of the boys while I was away. Everyone else saw them but me.
2…. Japanese Garden - The folks took the boys there. They liked it, but they aren't so keen on going back right away.
3…. Arthur - you know, the children's character? There is an exhibit at the children's museum, but my oldest has decided he is too old for Aruthur after seein the exhibit with my folks.
4…. Catching up with Hubba Bubba. "Oh, I didn't tell you because it happened while you were gone" is his favorite phrase
5…. I came home to a new front yard at my next door neighbors house. Looks fab. Makes me want to re-do mine, but I spent our savings in Dallas
6…. Birkenstocks. What was I thinking with all the cute shoes? I mean, really?
7…. Shorts. And having to dress up every day? I LOVE not having to dress up every day.
8…. Ponytails. I only wore them at night, as opposed to every day after say...noon.
9…. Playgrounds. You wouldn't think...but BigBoy is starting to figure out the monkey bars and I know any day now he'll make it all the way across. It is a thrill each time we go to watch him try.
10…. Fruit. If I never see another muffin, it will be too soon.
11…. Internet. I was sharing with Trish, and we were so busy anyway...I didn't even check in at my usual haunts. Talk about withdrawal.
12…. Sitting on the floor. It is my prefered seat, but so not done. Thankfully I did have a M&B author get together where I could. Quite the relief not to have to be 'on'
13…. My boys. OK. I'll admit it. It freaked me out being gone so long. And I kept calling when BabyBoy was asleep, which made it worse. I haven't been able to let them out of my sight all week. Thankfully, they are a tolerant duo - or maybe they missed me too.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Rhonda Stapleton -- Funny T-shirt slogans
2. Tempest Knight -- Naughty Sex Toys
3. Marguerite Labbe -- Loves her job
4. Adelle Laudan -- A woman should have...
5. Gina Ardito
6. RG Alexander -- Happy Thoughts
7. Paige Tyler -- TV shows
8. Susan Helene Gottfried -- Character Q&A

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)


**At least the evil eye waited until today to return. Wish me luck telling the boys there will be no zoo today...

Where There's Smoke...

How is that for a title? I'm thinking firefighter...Hawaii...rainforest nookie...

Yes, no...need to write the synopsis today. Meant to do it yesterday, but worked on the Trish Wylie backwards casting method instead. How cute are these two?

It's Brady & Carys.

And I'm thinking...lawyer...two week fling...sex on the beach...

I'm thinking of making her 1/4 Hawaiian, hence why I wanted an exotic look...

And I am doing my 70 Day of Sweat pages...but none of them are useful. All backstory. Still...

Aftermath

It is so good to be home! With as much fun as I had at RWA...I need the rest. Not that I get much rest ith my dervishes, but I'll take what I can get. I learned so much at my first conference, and not just that hotels can get away with chargng $5 for a bottle of water. Yes, that cheesed me out royally. Next year I will be more prepared because...

• It's San Francisco. It won't be as hot and as a native Californian, I'm just more comfortable there.
• The flight cost won't cause Hubba Bubba to hyperventilate. Here's hoping the hotel cost won't either. And I'll bet it won't have roaches, mice, or ants. OK. Maybe ants...but when they say everything is bigger in Texas, they mean the vermin as well.
• I'll bring comfy shoes. I went for cute this time...and came home with blistered and bleeding feet. Actually, by Friday I was walking around barefoot half the time.
• Dresses are the way to go...unlike suits and the whole pants/blouse combo thing...you don't have to change before dinner. One outfit all day. Brilliant.
• The color coded schedule works....I'm usually not so planned out, but I made it to 8 classes, 2 appointments, 1 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 4 parties. Hence the exhaustion now...still, I bet I could have squeezed in one or two more things...
• Go to the Goody room on Day one, hour one
• There are tons of books at the publisher sponsored signings...but get there early
• You don't need the laptop AND the alphasmart...especially since you need as much room as you can spare to bring books home :)

Goodnight all! Hope everyone arrived home safely and is feeling recharged. I know I am ready to restart...

I wish I knew...

Forget fashion...my feet are killing me! You know, I knew there would be a lot of walking and standing -- not to mention people telling you what cute shoes you have, my dear -- but OW! And bring on the flip flops!

Last night was the Romance Divas dinner - complete with awards proving I am NOT the biggest smart ass on those boards - followed up by the eHarlequin pajama party where I stole some m&m's and got to meet tons of the eHQ group. (Hi ftworthmom & lovingu!) It was a blast..complete with a blow up doll. More on THAT at the PHS blog.

Today I went to the Harlequin spotlights, Kathryn Lye's From the Trenches seminar and a publisher sponsored booksigning.

Another note for next year...all the free books are at the publisher sponsored booksignings. AND you get to meet your favorite authors. Quite good for a fangirl like me.

More later...unless my feet fall off...

Thursday 13 -- RWA Nationals Edition

Thirteen Experiences Money can't buy at the RWA National Conference 1…. Meeting your editor face to face...so she only said 'hi' but you know, I know what she looks like now and can corner her later 2…. The awesomeness of the literacy signing. I could not believe the amount of people! 3…. Getting to say 'thank you'n to authors who wrote a book that changed the direction of your life...like Kristin Hardy did for me with My Sexiest Mistake. 4…. Meeting people you know over the internet. Trish Wylie is just as funny, Fiona Harper is just as sweet, Kristin Painter really is that pretty...the list goes on. 5…. Having Cassidy Kent invite you to a drag queen kareoke show. 6…. The Goody Room -- more on that on PHS. I'll do a 13 best things in the Goody Room blog there. 7…. Learning Sandra Marton's husband sent off her first submission to Mills & Boon...70 books ago! 8…. Find out Melissa McClone always wanted to write for Harlequin Romance, but was bought by Silhouette first, so the merging of the two lines was a dream come true for her. 9…. Partying in Sandra Marton's room. No joke. Pizza, wine, baklava from Egypt...and I was invited. 10…. Chatting people up in elevators, and only later being told they happen to be important. Agents. Yeah, well, at least I am friendly. 11…. Coming all the way to Texas...to meet up with people from Oregon. No kidding, so many of my local RWA chaptermates are here. Could be because of all the RITA and GH nods...RCRW rocks! 12…. Meeting all the Romance Divas - the literacy signing made some of them stay put so they were easy to pin down. And congrats on the Kensington sale, Crystal! 13…. Knowing there is more to come tomorrow... Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

RWA National Convention

I made it!! After not having been on a plane since I was large with thew now 6-year-old big boy. Lots has changed. Ticketing and what not is the same...but the security line! I felt so smart - I wore work out clothes - no metal!

The flights were smooth...got toDallas..and I lost Trish Wylie! Check out the PHS blog for the rest of THAT story.

Last night I introduced Trish & Fiona Harper to the joys of margaritas. They needed it - poor things are having a grand time trying to figure out the states. It was all fun and games until they decided our toilets are too low...I mean WTF? Though, what can you expect...Trish is taking smoke breaks in the hopes of catching a Nora Roberts class. Rumor is, she holds sway over the smoking crowd.

Today is the booksellers tea, literacy signing (which I am not, so I get to enjoy), and a get together with the M&B authors. I can't wait to see what everyone looks like!

Keep checking the PHS blog...we're going to see who we can wrangle to chat us up!

July Happenings

Oh My! There is so much going on this month! On eHarlequin ::

"Discussing Harlequin Presents Archetypes: The Virgin" with Tessa Shapcott
• July 4th-8th : "GMC" with Michelle Styles with Michelle Styles
• July 16th - 20th: "Karma Cleansing" with Stephanie Bond
• July 16 - 20th: "Are Strong Women Getting A Bad Rap?" with Leslie Kelly
• July 23 - 27: "Getting In Touch With Your Inner Bad Girl" with Tori Carrington
• July 30 - Aug 3: "Women We Love To Hate!" with Julie Elizabeth Leto
"Meet The Irish Boy" with Michelle Willingham

and on Romance Divas ::

24th-26th: In the Classroom-Back to basics editing/punctuation with Rhonda Stapleton
27th-29th: In the Classroom-workshop/Q&A on Urban Fantasy.
21st: Chat with Aphrodisia authors 8PM EST: Elizabeth Amber, Devin Quinn, Susan Lyons, Lucnda Betts, Vonna Harper

Not going to Nationals? Don't worry...Romance Divas is doing the next best thing!

Romance Divas announces the first annual "Not Going to Nationals Cyber Conference" from July 11-15, righton the forum. Best of all, it's FREE!

Just register for Romance Divas--membership is free, you just need to sign up! www.romancedivas.com if you have trouble with registration email night.diva.maria (at) gmail (dot) com

There will be workshops, Q&As, and giveaways each day. All you have to do is participate!!!!

Schedule:

July 11:
Workshop: PC Cast and Kristin Cast (topic TBA)PCCast.net
Q&A: Erotic romance with Portia da Costa and Madelynne Ellis PortiaDaCosta.com
MadelynneEllis.com

July 12:
Workshop: Book Signing 101: Tips to Help Make your Signing a Success by Jackie Kessler JackieKessler.com
Q&A: Legal Issues for Writers by Amanda Brice AmandaBrice.com

July 13:
Workshop: What to Expect After You Sign the Contract by Marley Gibson MarleyGibson.com
Q&A: TBA (either with an agent from the Larsen-Pomada Agency or a panel on multi-cultural romance)

July 14:
Workshop: Sasha White (topic TBA) SashaWhite.net
Q&A: How To Write Both YA and Adult Romance by Berta Platas BertaPlatas.com

July 15:
Workshop: Trim That Fatty Writing! by Rhonda Stapleton RhondaStapleton.net
Q&A: TBA (either with an agent from the Larsen-Pomada Agency or a panel on multi-cultural romance)

We also have loads of great giveaways, including books, critiques, coaching, and more!

Getting There

...got my toes done...picked up some big plastic zipper bags to put shampoo in...

But what is much more interesting?

Australia condom maker seeks "sexecutive" testers

Condom makers say it's the world's best job, a "sexecutive position". An Australian company is seeking real life testers for its condom products.

"Got what it takes to be an official condom tester?" asks an advertisement launched by Durex Australia next to a photo of a busty young woman in a revealing nurse's outfit. "With this job on your CV, it really will be a chance to brag to your mates about the special skills you possess, not to mention that your new role will work wonders with the opposite sex," Durex Marketing Manager Sam White told local media.

The "bed-testing" position is unpaid, but 200 selected testers would be up for free pack of Durex products, plus a bonus prize of A$1,000 (425 pounds) for one lucky winner, White said. In return, testers would have to report back on the feel and performance of the company's products.

Only Australians need apply, and would-be testers will be asked to explain why they should be considered. Humour would help in the application, Durex said.

"To apply, simply explain why you think you're right for the position (missionary is acceptable) and you could be eligible for the employee bonus of $1,000," said the ad on Web site www.durex.com.au.

Countdown to Nationals

And now I pretend not to panic!

Ack! Really, I am ready. I confirmed the hotel, reserved the shuttle from the airport, found white shoes...so aside from packing, and figuring how to lug luggage one handed...

I'm trying to decide about the scar left over from the wrist surgery. I have decided I am working this thing into a book at some point...because...well, it looks like I tried to end it all. And first impressions being what they are, are people going to see my wrist and think -- unstable!

Well, I am unstable. I did fall over my own two feet, but still. A bandage over it would draw more attention, I think. Touching the scar is painful, so bracelets are out...should I just catch people looking and say "I fell."

And my shoulders are sunburned. And I only have one pair of magic knickers...so the rest of the time I'll be comfy if not as cute in my dresses...do I pack snacks? Do I bring the laptop? Does that count as my carry on? And my business cards are old...they have no book titles on them...but I have hundreds...

You see?

Uh-Oh. I am getting a type.

I've always thought I was equal opportunity in my man candy...then I looked at the last two albums I bought. Weird, no?

Blame growing up in Southern Oregon. Neither could be in a MX...though maybe a Blaze or an American...

Thursday Thirteen - Burke Brothers Edition

Thirteen Things I Did With My Kids Last Week(and now I need a nap!) 1…. Burke Brothers Birthday Bash 2…. Rock & Mineral Museum 3…. Library 4…. Day out with Thomas The Tank Engine 5…. Hike Multnomah Falls 6…. Bonneville Fish Hatchery 7…. Maritime Museum 8…. Shipwreck 9…. Day at the Beach 10…. Military Fort 11…. Arcade 12…. Jet Boat 13…. Fireworks Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Babe King 2. Shelley Munro 3. Gina Ardito 4. Jennifer McK 5. Tempest Knight 6. Elle Fredrix 7. Debbie Mumford 8. Adelle 9. Seeley deBorn 10. Loribelle Hunt 11. LA Day (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Michelle (sorry, MG) has a new story out!

When Cameron Trent, a former high school all-star, comes home to deal with his father's death, he finds a much sweeter deal. Madison Hughes, the Cupcake Queen, hates Valentine's Day and thinks love songs are a joke. Will Cam change her mind?


For $1.50 you can't lose, go check it out at The Wild Rose Press

Treasured...an American Historical short story

I love historical romance. It is one of the reasons why I am so pleased that TREASURED has done so well. The reviews are still coming in, but this one is fantastic!

Treasured is just that, a treasure!

Ms. Bayley-Burke has crafted a fully developed story in just a few pages, and it is delightful. At a church picnic, Marianne, a woman who’s lost a huge amount during the Civil War, speaks with a man that she’s only met twice before. Their conversation quickly takes a romantic turn, and before she knows it, Marianne has been proposed to. The problem is, can Marianne trust Robert? Are his intentions honorable?

This sweet little story is a snapshot that portrays the aftermath of war, one that shows that although much is lost during times of strife there is often something to be gained as well. In this case, the promise of love. Jenna Bayley-Burke’s characters are well developed and it is apparent that Marianne is struggling with Robert’s proposal. The reader can see and feel her turmoil, and be right there as she makes up her mind about him. I liked being privy to the character’s feelings. I felt as if I was right there at the church picnic with them.

Treasured is a fast, enjoyable read, well written and interesting! -- 4 Angels, Fallen Angel Reviews

There are writers that exist who can weave a full-bodied, see-it-all tales with few words. The shorts I've read from Ms. Jenna Bayley-Burke are miniature novels - that's how much information and images she crams into her short works without making the reader feel overloaded. The scene flows from the page every time, leaving me satisfied with what I have read. Excellent.Treasured tells the tale of a marriage proposal, and follows the thoughts, feelings, and life of Marianne Phillips. Set in years gone by, the olden day feel is very much apparent. The dialogue matches the time, and transported me backwards, making me believe I witnessed this precious little scene.Wonderful. -- 4 champagne flutes, Cocktail Reviews

Treasured is a gem of a read. This sweet romance speaks in great volumes just through the characters dialogue. Marianne and Robert have a certain flare that radiates in the pages. Their expressions are so visual, it makes their situation believable. Jenna Bayley-Burke always sketches characters then constructs a tight outline that springs forth into a beautiful story. I found this precious tale heartwarming. 4 Cups -- Coffee Time Reviews

July at The Pink Heart Society

This July you'll get to meet more amazing authors than ever as they join us here on the PHS, and share a day in their life with Coffee Time Romance. After reading their blogs here, make sure to check over there to learn more about our guests. Having so many authors joining us is creating one of our biggest Hampers ever, so make sure you keep checking back for more!!!
Oh but there's more!

The Pink Heart Society's own Trish Wylie will be off on her travels this month, taking in the USA for the first time and sharing it all with you every Tuesday in our Where's Wylie? slot! And she has a very special travelling companion to introduce us to so make sure to check in this Tuesday for the first of her Blogs as she packs for the trip she's waited a couple of decades to take...

And there's more!

There will be Reports From The RWA National Conference in Dallas - complete with photos and all the info you always wanted to know about a first time visit to the massive yearly event - thanks to Trish and Jenna Bayley-Burke (that's me) - you can learn all about the chaos, the excitement, the book buzz, the industry talks and the fantabulous wardrobes! Fiona Harper will tell us what it's like for a first time RITA Finalist (in TWO categories with her FIRST BOOK) and we'll bring you any gossip we can twist out of anyone else we happen to corner while the computer is on. It's as good as being there yourself gang!!! Watch out for the reports in the second week of July...

And to kick start the month!

July marks a special month for one of the PHS's most distinguished members and soon-to-be-Columnist: Kate Walker. as her 50th book hit's the USA & Canada. Isn't that fantastic?

Click over to the Pink Heart Society and share your favorite Kate Walker title with the PHS crowd!