by Caren Crane
Back by popular demand (and my personal edict) is one of our favorite authors and Bandita Buddies, Deb Marlowe. This picture of me and Deb was taken at the 2007 RWA conference in Dallas where Deb won the Golden Heart. We may hear something about her GH-winning book today. Let's listen...
We all have them. The little things that ignite a glow inside you and set your heart to skipping in anticipation. Now, I’m not talking about the really significant elements of our lives: spouses, kids, families—I’m thinking of the tiny treats, the singular little splurges that we turn to when our spirits need lifting at the end of a tough job or a long day. These little luxuries might change over time, or with the seasons, but they give us the boost we need—when we need it most.
To get the ball rolling, I’ll share a few of the gifts I give myself when I need a pick-me up.
**My new release, An Improper Aristocrat. You knew I had to work it in here, didn’t you? *g* But seriously, this book is special to me. Here’s a blurb:
Navigating the Nile to uncover the antiquities of Upper Egypt might sound perilous, but Niall Stafford, the Earl of Treyford finds it infinitely safer than sailing the fickle waters of the Beau Monde. He is back in England and on dangerous ground when a deathbed pledge has him delivering an ancient artifact to a colleague’s sister.
Desert bandits are more easily managed than Miss Chione Latimer, but her fascinating mix of knowledge and innocence arouse far more than his protective instincts. Can such an improper aristocrat learn to be the true gentleman that Miss Latimer deserves?
I wanted to create a big romance with a breathless adventure, a story in which the reader followed along with the characters as they chased one clue to the next and was never sure where it would all end up. I was about halfway through when a discussion with an editor derailed me. She questioned the marketability of the idea and advised that I start something else. I considered it. It’s hard to question an industry insider’s advice. So I started something else. But Trey and Chione kept calling me back. How could I abandon my half-Egyptian novelist and her antiquity-seeking Earl? I had to finish the adventure and give them their HEA. So I did. And that book went on to win the Golden Heart and help me land my second contract with Harlequin Historicals. Now, whenever I doubt myself—and boy is that easy to do in this business!—I just pick up this book to remind me to listen to my heart as well as all the other voices.
**The Big Bang Theory
Do any of you guys watch this show? These guys speak to my inner geek. This sitcom is about a group of friends, all career scientists in various fields, struggling with life, love and the pursuit of science fiction memorabilia. Sheldon, the genius physicist with OCD tendencies has got to be one of TV’s greatest characters ever. My pre-teen and I curl up together every Monday night to laugh uproariously at their nerdy antics. A great way to end a busy day!
**A Seasonal Favorite — Sitting in the Dark with a Lit-Up Christmas Tree
Is there anything more relaxing? I’ve loved to do this since I was a kid. I’d sit and stare at the patterns the lights and branches made on the ceiling and dream of what might be under the tree on Christmas morning. Now I sit and let my mind drift. No work, kid’s schedules, gift lists or housekeeping worries allowed. Just me, an evergreen, some twinkly lights and the universe. Ah, peace!
So spill! What little thing do you look forward to with happy anticipation at the end of the day? It could be anything; a hot cup of tea, a little Nutella perhaps? Or maybe a Tim Tam or two? Share your private indulgence! Maybe one of us will add it to our own regime. I’ll give away a couple of copies of my December release, An Improper Aristocrat to commenters!
* * * * * * *
Man, are y'all in for a treat! I got to read this book (because I whined to Deb a lot) in its UK release. It's FABULOUS! And I'm not just saying that because Deb gets up at the crack of dawn on Saturdays to go walking with me, either. *eg*Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2008/12/things-we-love.html
Visit violeta diario for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
Back by popular demand (and my personal edict) is one of our favorite authors and Bandita Buddies, Deb Marlowe. This picture of me and Deb was taken at the 2007 RWA conference in Dallas where Deb won the Golden Heart. We may hear something about her GH-winning book today. Let's listen...We all have them. The little things that ignite a glow inside you and set your heart to skipping in anticipation. Now, I’m not talking about the really significant elements of our lives: spouses, kids, families—I’m thinking of the tiny treats, the singular little splurges that we turn to when our spirits need lifting at the end of a tough job or a long day. These little luxuries might change over time, or with the seasons, but they give us the boost we need—when we need it most.
To get the ball rolling, I’ll share a few of the gifts I give myself when I need a pick-me up.
**My new release, An Improper Aristocrat. You knew I had to work it in here, didn’t you? *g* But seriously, this book is special to me. Here’s a blurb:Navigating the Nile to uncover the antiquities of Upper Egypt might sound perilous, but Niall Stafford, the Earl of Treyford finds it infinitely safer than sailing the fickle waters of the Beau Monde. He is back in England and on dangerous ground when a deathbed pledge has him delivering an ancient artifact to a colleague’s sister.
Desert bandits are more easily managed than Miss Chione Latimer, but her fascinating mix of knowledge and innocence arouse far more than his protective instincts. Can such an improper aristocrat learn to be the true gentleman that Miss Latimer deserves?
I wanted to create a big romance with a breathless adventure, a story in which the reader followed along with the characters as they chased one clue to the next and was never sure where it would all end up. I was about halfway through when a discussion with an editor derailed me. She questioned the marketability of the idea and advised that I start something else. I considered it. It’s hard to question an industry insider’s advice. So I started something else. But Trey and Chione kept calling me back. How could I abandon my half-Egyptian novelist and her antiquity-seeking Earl? I had to finish the adventure and give them their HEA. So I did. And that book went on to win the Golden Heart and help me land my second contract with Harlequin Historicals. Now, whenever I doubt myself—and boy is that easy to do in this business!—I just pick up this book to remind me to listen to my heart as well as all the other voices.
**The Big Bang TheoryDo any of you guys watch this show? These guys speak to my inner geek. This sitcom is about a group of friends, all career scientists in various fields, struggling with life, love and the pursuit of science fiction memorabilia. Sheldon, the genius physicist with OCD tendencies has got to be one of TV’s greatest characters ever. My pre-teen and I curl up together every Monday night to laugh uproariously at their nerdy antics. A great way to end a busy day!
**A Seasonal Favorite — Sitting in the Dark with a Lit-Up Christmas TreeIs there anything more relaxing? I’ve loved to do this since I was a kid. I’d sit and stare at the patterns the lights and branches made on the ceiling and dream of what might be under the tree on Christmas morning. Now I sit and let my mind drift. No work, kid’s schedules, gift lists or housekeeping worries allowed. Just me, an evergreen, some twinkly lights and the universe. Ah, peace!
So spill! What little thing do you look forward to with happy anticipation at the end of the day? It could be anything; a hot cup of tea, a little Nutella perhaps? Or maybe a Tim Tam or two? Share your private indulgence! Maybe one of us will add it to our own regime. I’ll give away a couple of copies of my December release, An Improper Aristocrat to commenters!
* * * * * * *
Man, are y'all in for a treat! I got to read this book (because I whined to Deb a lot) in its UK release. It's FABULOUS! And I'm not just saying that because Deb gets up at the crack of dawn on Saturdays to go walking with me, either. *eg*Source URL: http://violeta-diario.blogspot.com/2008/12/things-we-love.html
Visit violeta diario for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection
No comments:
Post a Comment