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Wednesday, June 27, 2007:
Shout-out to my "royal friends"
Seems like June has been good to a few friends of mine, and I wanted to say how proud I am for all their hard work; their success is well deserved. - Queen Bella Michelle Buonfiglio is moving on up to LifetimeTV and here is Michelle's intereview with the fascinating Jackie Collins.
- Beth "Lady B" Eakin is getting great reviews for her role in "And the Nightingale Sang", which is a production being put on by the Boiler Room in Nashville. I am so proud of her; she's one of the nicest and coolest people you'll ever meet - we roomed together in Atlanta last year at RWA and had a blast "stalking" Erin McCarthy *g*
What's your good news? Labels: friends, kudos
posted by Stacy~ at 6/27/2007 07:50:00 PM
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Tuesday, June 26, 2007:
My head is still pounding from trying to watch 4 Harry Potter movies in one day (Sunday), when actually I only managed to finish the first 3 and 1/4 of the 4th one, and the vodka shots helped a lot. Okay, they were actually shots of buttered rum and apple pucker, which makes for a good caramel apple drink, but vodka shots just sound so much more hardcore and tough, like I'm fighting some kind of battle for possession of my brain.
So Harry Potter is a wizard, and yeah, you already know that. So he does wizardly things, has two best friends, a prepubescent Spike arch enemy and numerous threats to his magical person, not to mention some pretty horrid relatives. I haven't finished the last movie so who knows what I might be missing beyond that. I do have to wonder: don't you wish though that Hermione and Ron would get to have more adventures without good ole Harry almost always saving the day? And aren't they just the cutest pair, fiesty and funny and just too cute together? Maybe it's the romance reader in me that sees the potential for HEA, and for all I know, somebody dies, but dang, I want the love story. And Dumbledore? Who doesn't miss the late Richard Harris' portrayal of the master wizard? His voice still reminded me of " Camelot", which I saw for the first time when I was around 15 or 16 and just loved it. And did anyone else cry when the Phoenix spilled tears on Harry's wound, or was that just me? And I think Hagrid is a big gentle teddy bear you just gotta love. I also liked Gary Oldman as Harry's godfather Sirius Black, so I hope he'll be back (update: okay I inadvertantly found out what actually happens in the latest HP movie), but then I've been a fan of Gary Oldman's since I saw him in " Criminal Law" with Kevin Bacon. He plays compelling roles that draw you in even while he repels you, and this one was pretty interesting. So I'm almost all set for the 5th movie, to be released July 11th. I don't know if I'll go that exact day - the thought of all those kids scares me - but sometime around there. I look forward to traveling along with Harry and his pals into their next adventure.... So, what's your favorite HP movie, or were you like me and have never seen even a moment of them? What is the appeal? if you could use magic for any reason (only good, of course) what would it be? Labels: Harry Potter, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 6/26/2007 05:07:00 AM
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Monday, June 25, 2007:
Okay, a few of my girlfriends and I are having a discussion about the current "man" situations of one of them, and the different ways used to describe it, so I'm curious to know what other people say about it. My friend, B, had started seeing this guy from work awhile back, and he didn't want anyone from work to know, so other than me and a few close girlfriends, she didn't tell anyone. He was also clear that he didn't want to get into a serious relationship. So her and the guy went out for several months in secret, but then he broke things off with her. They still get together once or twice a month for a booty call (according to her, he has magical powers in that department. Hmmm). Fine, whatever. But this past weekend, before getting to business, they went out to a movie first, and she calls that "dating". Dating? Huh? Are they back together, did he want to start seeing her again and/or let people know they are "together"? No, nothing like that, but is she right, is that dating? Personally, I don't think so. I think it's just the time together spent before the booty call, nothing more meaningful than that. So another friend, L, who knows B, is joking around about this because she has been in booty call status with her guy for 6 years, practically a marriage, and she's quite happy with the situation and neither of them wishes to change that. If one of them decided to start seeing someone whether casually or seriously, then they would break it off, and that's the understanding between them. Not my thing, but it works for them, no one is getting hurt and the itch is being scratched. But in light of B's situation, L's being a bit of a smart ass and poses the question: if she goes out to a concert before going back to her guy's place, is that a date? If she washes the dishes at his house, does that mean they are in a relationship? (Like I said, smart ass). L doesn't think so; they've never talked about "dating" as in something more meaningful than just a hook-up, which only happens maybe once a month, if that. Could B be right, is she dating her guy? L and I say "no", but maybe we're just cynical bitches. I leave it up to you to help explain this to 2 clueless friends who essentially don't want B to get her hopes up or her heart broken. Yeah, she's a big girl, but she's rather naive when it comes to the men in her life - according to her, they never lie. Sometimes she needs to be saved from herself. And how was your weekend? Labels: booty calls, dating, whatever
posted by Stacy~ at 6/25/2007 05:50:00 AM
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Friday, June 22, 2007:
Woo hoo it's about time the weekend got here! Anyone got any big plans? Me, well, Harry Potter's 52nd movie is coming out mid-July from what I've heard, and I've been invited to go see it, however I haven't seen the previous movies nor read any of the books, though I have 4 of them, so one of my goals is to actually sit down and watch them. I like reading and seeing movies in order, I'm anal that way. What else, what else. The well is dry, people. I go through this bored periods where nothing much appeals, though reading-wise it's been a great coupla weeks. Here are my current favorite things: Reading "Satisfaction Guaranteed" by Lucy Monroe and I'm just really into it. Beth is a wonderful heroine - quiet yet strong and sassy when the need arises. McDonald's vanilla iced coffee is perfect for summer, and I've been known to stop at least once a day to get my fix. "Big Girl Now" by Fergie is constantly playing in my head. Every song I hear by her is better than the last. I need to get this CD already.
The always cool Mailyn is celebrating pirates, and naming the person who wrote the book "The Black Swan" was based on. Go check it out here. And don't forget Sylvia Day is having a contest for "Perfectly Plum". Ends today. That's all she wrote. Have a wonderful weekend - it's supposed to be hot again, but I'll take it over snow any day of the week :) Labels: ramblings
posted by Stacy~ at 6/22/2007 05:42:00 AM
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Tuesday, June 19, 2007:
Allison Scott(Katherine Heigl) is an up-and-coming entertainment journalist whose 24-year-old life is on the fast track. But it gets seriously derailed when a drunken one-nighter with slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) results in an unwanted pregnancy. Faced with the prospect of going it alone or getting to know the baby's father, Allison decides to give the lovable doof a chance.
My friend Liz, who (usually) has more high-brow taste than me, selected this movie for our viewing pleasure, and I had no problem with her choice as I was in the mood for something fun and silly. To be honest, I was expecting something really, really juvenile, and though it certainly had plenty of those moments in it, the movie was also surprisingly endearing and likeable on other levels besides the bathroom-like humor - in fact at times it was downright educational - and there was a lot of seriousness too. It wasn't as dramatic as an afterschool special, but it didn't downplay the impact an unplanned pregnancy can have on two people who get drunk and have a one-night stand.  I've liked Katherine Heigl ever since seeing her in " Roswell" (one of my guilty pleasures) and I really enjoyed Seth's tough yet vulnerable character in " Freaks and Geeks". Physically, picturing them together is a bit of a stretch but from the beginning they make an immediate connection so that even though Allison - a gorgeous tall blonde who's going places in her career - and Ben - a heavyset, unemployed teddybear who gets stoned all day long - don't look like they'd be an obvious choice, they have immediate chemistry and it's a plausible hookup. The morning after is understandably awkward, but Allison does try to make a go of it and agrees to go to breakfast with Ben, but is soon turned off by his unemployed and perpetually "high" state, so they go their separate ways. Once she discovers she's pregnant (after buying about 15 pregnancy tests) she contacts Ben, who doesn't even have his own cell phone, and together they go to the gynecologist for final confirmation. Yep, Allison really is "knocked up". The movie does a good job of showing the stress, tension, and uncertainty an unplanned pregnancy has on two people who are virtual strangers, and doesn't always take the silly, humorous way out in ways you'd most expect. Allison deals with trying to find a doctor she feels comfortable with, the fear of telling her bosses, and trying to forge some kind of relationship with Ben, who doesn't do much to change his current situation other than be there to support Allison. He makes some attempt at being responsible, but he continues on with his slacker lifestyle and it isn't until a defining moment involving an earthquake really opens Allison's eyes to what her future could be like if her and Ben stay together.  Like I said, I liked this movie, was glad it didn't sink into nothing but a 2-hour bathroom humor extravaganza, but the one thing I couldn't get over was Ben's lifestyle. Hated it, and didn't find it very endearing, even as silly as it was made out to be. Not just his being unemployed - which is explained early on - but the daily routine of getting high with his buddies. For one thing, I can't stand the smell of marijuana - makes me nauseous. And I've known people like this, who don't shower, who wear grubby clothes and look spaced-out all the freakin' time, so the appeal is completely lost on me. And I can't see a smart young woman like Allison settling for a guy, at least not permanently, whose greatest ambition appears to be smoking pot every single day. I don't know, maybe it's just me - I'm a complete snob when it comes to stuff like that. 100% superficial. And I brought my baggage to the movies. Still, don't mind me. If you can overlook that kinda thing, or if it doesn't bother you in the least, I think you might actually enjoy the movie. Labels: Knocked Up, movies
posted by Stacy~ at 6/19/2007 05:49:00 AM
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Monday, June 18, 2007:
Go tell Sylvia why you love Stephanie Plum...
....and you could win a book, "Perfectly Plum" to be exact. Check it out here. Hurry: contest ends Friday. And (hopefully) before the end of the month, I'll be giving away a signed copy of one of Sylvia Day's books. A hint: hot & sexy pirates ;) Speaking of hot, 90 degrees does so not agree with me. How about you? Labels: contests, Sylvia Day
posted by Stacy~ at 6/18/2007 07:04:00 PM
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Sunday, June 17, 2007:
This one's for my youngest brother, Brett, who turns 30 today. I remember the first time I saw him: me and and my other brother Darin were staying at my grandparents' house when he was "introduced", and I fell completely in love. This was my brother. I was five, going on six, and just amazed that this little person belonged to my family. He's the mellow one out of all three of us, not really getting into trouble and kinda just cruising through school, but he's also someone who takes pride in the work that he does. He's constantly busy, being a mechanic, tow truck driver and volunteer fireman so he's always on-call. He recently moved away from home (northern Minnesota) and ended up in Wisconsin. I am so proud of him, and hope he's doing what he loves most.
Happy birthday, Brett! Labels: birthday, brother
posted by Stacy~ at 6/17/2007 08:12:00 AM
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Saturday, June 16, 2007:
"Perfect Kisses" anthology June 2007 - review
Paperback: 356 pages
Publisher: Brava (June 26, 2007)
ISBN-10: 075820941X
ISBN-13: 978-0758209412 IT STARTS WITH ONE PERFECT KISS...
"SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL" by Susan Johnson
James Bell, Viscount Ormond, is a shameless rake, infamous for his skills in seduction--and Claire Russell doesn't intend for her sister to become his latest conquest. That is why she's come to the viscount's private masked ball. The flagrant sensuality and unabashed decadence on display there are shocking, but they are nothing compared to the scandalous fire Claire feels when James makes a wholly improper suggestion...improper, indecent, and very, very tempting...
"MISCHIEF AND THE MARQUESS" by Sylvia Day
Justin, the Marquess of Fontaine, and Lady Sophie Milton-Riley have no desire to marry one another. To satisfy their mothers' insistence that they would be an ideal pairing, they set out to demonstrate how completely ill-suited they are. Justin is allergic to her perfume. Sophie dislikes his dogs. He prefers blondes; she, brunette men. But the more they seek to prove how wrong their union would be, the more right things feel. And when opposites attract, there's no denying the sparks...or the heat...
"THE RUBY KISS" by Noelle Mack
Susannah Fowler is in possession of many temptations--an independent nature, a quick wit, and lush curves. She is also in possession of a fortune in stolen jewels hidden within her favorite corset. If rakehell Carlyle Jameson wants it, he will have to remove it himself. From her boudoir...or from her body. One kiss ought to distract her, but one kiss leads to another and another, till there's no turning back...and no desire to try...
***** I've read a few Johnson books in my time, and I categorized her along with Robin Schone as having really erotic love scenes that are a little...unsettling, clinical. While very explicit and straightforward, they left me feeling rather cold and put off. Not to say they weren't talented authors, but their style just didn't appeal to me. Suffice it to say, it had been years since I've read a book by either author. But Ms. Johnson had a novella in this Brava anthology, and since I love both Brava and historicals, I decided to pick it up, and boy, I was pleasantly surprised - Johnson's story ended up being my favorite of the three. Miss Claire Russell rushes to a wicked masquerade ball to save her impulsive and spoiled sister from being ruined. When she arrives, she discovers Harriet in the arms of the notorious rake James Bell, Viscount Ormond. Luckily she manages to send her sister home, only to discover she herself has captured the attention of the gloriously attractive Ormond. Not immune to his overwhelming charms, she strikes a deal with the devil to protect her sister's reputation and hopes of making an advantageous marriage. But will the price be too high for either of them? Claire is wonderful: intelligent, headstrong, fearless yet not the prudish plain sister one might expect in these types of situations. Ormond is temptation itself, bored with his jaded lifestyle yet sensitve to past loss. These two seem to be an unlikely pair, but they both have more in common than it would first appear, and their time together is not only hot and wicked, but rather romantic as well. ***** I am a huge Sylvia Day fan, and this was the real reason I picked up this anthology, not for the model on the cover. This story was remniscent of her Brava anthology "Bad Boys Ahoy", which I just adored. Justin and Sophie are old friends, having spent their formative years together. After surviving a scandal, Lady Sophie has come for a visit with her grandmother to see Justin and his mother and is caught a bit unawares by her immediate attraction to Justin, whom she always thought was too serious and cautious. Despite all that, she has no desire to wed, and tries to convince the Marquess of Fontaine that it would be in both their best interests to convince the older ladies that a match between them would be utterly foolish. But Justin has other ideas, and is determined to convince this headstrong, vivacious woman that they should wed, scandal be damned. Moving heaven and earth and anything else that stands in his way, Justin makes it clear that he will do anything for the woman he loves, even if it means accepting a fall from grace, because nothing is more important than having her by his side, for a lifetime. Sylvia always creates such wonderful heroines who are not what you'd expect. Sophie is no different, and I found myself liking her instantly. Justin came across a bit rigid and unforgiving at first, but upon seeing Sophie again, he opens up his heart to happiness, especially Sophie's. Their attraction is red-hot and delicous, and to have Justin fight to be with Sophie is definitely romantic and completely perfect. There was a lot to love in this novella. ***** I've only read one other book by Noelle Mack, an Aphrodisia called "Three", and it just didn't appeal to me very much. I didn't find it to be very hot or sexy, rather it seemed to allude more than to tell, and those are just not my kinds of stories. While this story was better than the one from that book, it was the weakest of this anthology, for much the same reason. Susannah Fowler has a fortune in gems hidden in a lovely corset, and Carlyle Jameson needs to get to them before she discovers the treasure. Of course this is easier said than done when it comes to dealing with this stubborn, unconventional beauty, who is more comfortable in the heat of India, where she grew up, and is having trouble acclimating to the chilly and damp English setting. The only thing keeping her from completely losing her mind is her friendship with the dashing Mr. Jameson, who sets her soul on fire. If only he would kiss her.... Carlyle wants to, he really does, but he knows that Susannah must find a suitable husband, and that person is not him. Yet how long can he go resisting temptation before he gives into passion? This story had the makings of something exciting, with hidden jewels, a forbidden attraction, the flavor of India and the threat of danger following them at every turn, but it couldn't quite meet my expectations, and I found myself yawning throughout most of the story. It seems a lot is resolved with no actual discussion, and if you blink, you miss it. While much better told than "Three", I felt somewhat frustrated and unable to connect with the characters or their story. I would like to go back at some point and re-read it, see if I still feel the same a second time around. ***** All in all, it's worth it for the first two stories in the anthology, which were both romantic and erotic historicals that worked well and complemented each other perfectly. Brava is still a favorite line of mine, and I am glad to see historicals in their line-up. Labels: anthology, Brava, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 6/16/2007 08:10:00 PM
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007:
Get-together: the final totals
Lori finally got the final totals from what was collected the weekend of June 1st from her get-together: - To the YWCA (battered women's shelter): $4000 (is that totally awesome or what!? We're rounding up from$3936.29 from raffles and bookfair totals)
- To the AAF (Animal Adoption Foundation) : $500 (that's raffles from a special basket, etc)
- For the Troops: $225 in cash for shipping + lots of stuff to go in the boxes!
Not too shabby. Can't wait til next year when the totals will be even higher! Labels: final total, reader/author get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 6/13/2007 05:20:00 AM
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007:
Another blog's contest - for a good cause
Okay so much for getting away, but this is a cool contest for some important causes that are near to my heart, and I feel very strongly about: the troops, battered women, and the homeless animal shelter. My pal Laurie is having a contest at her blog for a copy of the Author/Reader cookbook "The Write Ingredients", which has been signed by several of the authors. Many readers have also included recipes (including yours truly - page 21) - go check it out here. You also have the option of buying a copy, or several (as they make GREAT gifts) by going to Amazon or check it out directly at the Samhain website. Oh, and tell Laurie I said "hey". Labels: contests, good causes
posted by Stacy~ at 6/12/2007 05:39:00 AM
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Meljean Brooks' LURVE train....hop aboard :)
Meljean Brook not only writes cool stories, she has cool contests - lookee! Dear People Magazine,
Every November, you come out with your “Sexiest Man Alive” issue; every spring, you print your list of the “World’s Most Beautiful People.”
But in 2007 — and for the last two hundred years — the sexiest man and the most beautiful person has been … a vampire.
George? Pffft. Brad? Come on! Jude? …no.
Why isn’t it that Colin Ames-Beaumont hasn’t graced your cover? Is it simply because his picture cannot be taken? (He’s so beautiful a blank cover with just his name on it would make your readers drool.) Because he usually only comes out at night? (How is that different than Johnny Depp?) Because you think he hasn’t bared his assets for a Hollywood camera?
Are you afraid of his tainted blood? You shouldn’t be: one look will not send you to the Chaos realm, surrounded by flying dragons and the screams of the damned. Only Colin sees that realm when he looks into a mirror — it will not trouble you. Is it the woman he’s falling in love with? Geeks need love, too, People Magazine — a fact you have long overlooked (but that is another campaign to be won.)
Is it the fear that if you met him in a dark alley, the words “Oh my God you’re so beautiful!” would hardly be past your lips before he had you up against the wall for some hot sexing that you wouldn’t remember the next day?
No; none of those things are true impediments to being called “the sexiest” or “the most beautiful”. I think the problem is that you’ve been stuck on one pesky little word in the “Sexiest Man” title: Alive.
But there are those of us — readers and authors, geeks and norms — who know that Undead can be just as sexy as Living. And we’ve got hundreds of paranormal romances to prove it.
So I’m beginning my campaign to get a vampire on the cover of your magazine. To no longer be forced to stare longingly at men who can’t read my mind. Men who can’t use a sword. Men who can’t wear satin-lined capes and look good doing it. I’m calling for all readers, living and undead, to fight for vampire equality.
And I’m nominating Colin Ames-Beaumont to the be first representative of the “Sexiest Man Alive (and Undead)” for 2007. What separates him from other vampire romance heroes, you wonder? He’s strong, as they are. He sucks blood, as they do. He’s got out-of-control sexual appeal, as they do. But there is one thing, People Magazine, that makes Colin stand out from the rest of the vampire heroes.
Colin … is blond.
But do not take my word for it; judge for yourself. And because he is cursed, unable to see his reflection or to have any pictures taken, the only proof I can offer is in Demon Moon. The book cover cannot do him justice — you must look inside. Want a peek? The first four chapters are in a PDF here. Or you can buy it at Amazon (it is available June 5 in stores everywhere).
Sincerely,Meljean Brook
Living and Undead Readers for Vampire Equality
Join the L.U.R.V.E. Train - Because vampires are beautiful people, too.
(Want to join the L.U.R.V.E. Train? Nominate your own vampire, win books and Amazon gift certificates? Climb aboard here.)Labels: contests, Meljean Brook
posted by Stacy~ at 6/12/2007 05:00:00 AM
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Monday, June 11, 2007:
...for a few days or maybe a week. I noticed that I was blogging more than I was reading, and it was making me cranky, so I've decided to take some time off from my place. Otherwise life is good. I'm getting back into the "In Death" series with JD Robb. Love, love, love this series, and I still have about 3 books to go before the next is in pb. It's wonderful to have something to look forward to. What are you reading these days? Are you liking it? Labels: hiatus, reading
posted by Stacy~ at 6/11/2007 05:01:00 AM
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Thursday, June 07, 2007:
Sailing the high seas.....
I love old movies, and this one has a romantic quality to it that fits right in with some of my favorite historicals. I saw this several years ago on AMC or TMC or one of those "C"'s and fell instantly in love with it. "The Black Swan":
After receiving the governorship of Jamaica, former pirate Henry Morgan--now Sir Henry Morgan--dispatches his able first mate, James Waring (Tyrone Power), to dispense of his former henchman, the red-headed villain Captain Billy Leech (George Sanders) and his fighting ship, the Black Swan. In the process, Waring, also a pirate turned loyal subject, abducts Margaret Denby (Maureen O'Hara), a young woman of aristocratic bearing. Margaret fights him tooth and nail up until a battle between Waring and Leech changes the way she feels about her captor. Power brings a winning mix of gallantry and roguishness into the role of Waring, while the film itself harbors the perfect recipe for entertainment between its passionate romance, lush photography, adventure on the high seas, and outlandish characters from both fact and fiction.
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I love this movie. Everytime I watch it I still feel that familiar thrill that I get even though I know what is going to happen; I am impatient to be caught up in the action all over again. This movie came out a year before my mother was born (1942), yet I still enjoy watching it more than a lot of the recent movies that are out there on DVD. There's plenty of action, breathtaking sexual tension between Jamie and Margaret, and fun adventure.
When I first saw this movie, I really wanted to be Maureen O'Hara. Not only is she beautiful and being chased after by a deliciously wicked pirate, she is a strong, stubborn woman who speaks her own mind and is not afraid to stand up for herself. Just look at her in this picture - proud, determined, not cowering in a corner and hiding away from a challenge. Lady Margaret is a wonderful heroine, and sometimes I picture this character when I am reading a really enthralling historical. (That's a good thing).
 Jamie: You can lower your pistols, Lady Margaret. Margaret Denby: Unfortunately, I have no pistols. Jamie: Your eyes. I've looked into pistol barrels that are warmer.
 Jamie: In Tortuga when a woman slaps a man's face, it means she wants him to grab her, over-power her, and smother her with kisses. I understand in Jamaica a gentleman must refuse such overtures.  ~ Oh, but how could any woman resist for long when you have a sexy pirate whispering sweet nothings in your ear.....~
Jamie: I always sample a bottle of wine before I buy it. Let's have a sip, see if you're worth taking along.
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Sigh............I wouldn't mind hanging out on a ship with Jamie boy.....especially as portrayed by Tyrone Power. There was something sweet and sexy and vulnerable about him, something that would thrill you whenever he was near. And Jamie was definitely not immune to Lady Margaret. Just the scent of her perfume had him thinking about her even when he didn't want to. Yep, he had it bad.
What is it about pirates? The wildness, the freedom, the idea of being above (?) the law and living life on your own terms...those are all very irresistible ideas. And I've always been attracted to the tousled, carefree type of hero. Sure, a man in uniform is nice, but give me a fireman or a pirate over a clean-cut suit anyday. Give me a man who wears his shirt unbuttoned, his face and body tanned, and his hands calloused. Heck, give me Jamie Waring.....
Do you love pirates?
What's your favorite pirate book?
Favorite pirate move?
Labels: Maureen O'Hara, The Black Swan, Tyrone Power
posted by Stacy~ at 6/07/2007 05:26:00 AM
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Wednesday, June 06, 2007:
We have a "Naughty" winner ;)
Thank you to all of those who entered the contest - as always it's nice to have you all stop by. I have 2 more contests lined up for this month, so stay tuned... In the meantime, the winner of Elizabeth Scott's "Naughty Housewives" is.... PATTI F! Congrats Patti! Email me @ Labels: contests
posted by Stacy~ at 6/06/2007 05:59:00 AM
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Monday, June 04, 2007:
Hitting the highlights with writers and fans @ the Lori Foster event
Oh another fun weekend has come and gone! I'm feeling a little sad but definitely excited for next year's event. If you've never gone, and/or think it might be a bit intimidating, let me tell you that it's a friendly, relaxed and fun environment, the perfect place to meet some of your favorite authors. Lori Foster is just terrific, and very passionate about the causes she supports, and her partner in crime, Dianne Castell, is a hoot, always making sure everyone is having a good time. You can't help but feel a part of the reader/writer family at one of these things. 
One of the authors responsible for the event: Lori Foster, grandson Lucas and son Mason
Here are just a few of my highlights (in no particular order): - Meeting Kelley Vitollo! She hadn't been feeling well and didn't think she could come, but she made it, and she looked great. Plus she's so nice and her enthusiasm is contagious. I'm so glad she was able to make it.
Reader & awesome photographer Michelle Breaux showed up! It was great to meet her too, and get another of her calendars, which I actually gave to Kelley because she didn't have one and they are too gorgeous not to share. Hanging with my "long-time" online pals Judy F, Laurie, LadyB, Lisa F, BadBarb, Joni, Kaleen, Barb S, Chris S...(hope I didn't miss anyone) Creating a raffle basket. I bought a cute tote bag and filled it with Bath & Body Works products in sweet pea; Jaci Burton's "Wild, Wicked & Wanton" and Jill Shalvis' "Smart & Sexy" (two of my recent favorite books); a $10 Borders gift card; milk chocolate & dark chocolate and a Bendel candle in vanilla bean. It was won by a reader named Karen.
Standing: Lisa F, Laurie, moi, Judy F Sitting: Lady B (Beth), Niny 
Kelley Vitollo, moi, Beth, Carolyn, Shana I'll hopefully be posting more pictures and highlights of the next few days, and include final totals on the amount of money collected for the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, and the troops - causes that are all near and dear to the Lori Foster BookJunkys and Vamps and Scamps. And mark your calendars: next year's event will be held at the same place June 8 -9, 2008! Labels: 2007, memories, reader/author get-together
posted by Stacy~ at 6/04/2007 09:53:00 AM
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Sunday, June 03, 2007:
Elizabeth Scott gets "Naughty"
Janice Maynard/Elizabeth Scott
Recently a favorite author of mine, Janice Maynard, revealed that she also writes more erotic material under the pen name of Elizabeth Scott. I was understandably thrilled since I already enjoyed Janice's books, and knowing she wrote the naughty stuff I like so much made me one happy little camper, let me tell you. Janice, being Elizabeth (and still the Janice I admire) let me pester her into doing an interview, and this is what she had to say about her venture into steamy territory..... (And check out my first interview ever, which happened to be with Janice Maynard...as Janice). S ~ There's lots of talk about the sexy stories that are published today, calling it everything from erotica to erotic romance to porn. How would you define the stories that you write? Or do you prefer to let others come to their own conclusions? ES: Labels can help or hurt a book, I think. My Janice Maynard books are very classic boy-meets-girls stories with traditional happy endings. But the sexuality does not stop at the bedroom door. Think hot, hot, hot! They are filled with playful sexual fantasy as well. In my Elizabeth Scott books, the hero and heroine are already together. I consider them very romantic, but the central axis of the story is not the initial falling in love phase… instead, it’s about how the couple explores intimacy and what they learn about each other in the process. If you want a label, I would call it romantic erotica. S ~ What is the biggest challenge in writing stories that are centered around sexual fantasies? ES: One of the biggest challenges in writing stories about sexual fantasies is that I am aware not all my readers will be "turned on" by the same things. But that said, I do believe that many female fantasies are based on some universal images. S ~ In "Naughty Housewives" (which I enjoyed very much I might add), the couples in your stories are married couples who are using their fantasies to bring them closer together emotionally, specifically a woman's fantasies. Yet you also don't shy away from the woman saying "no" if she's not into it. It had me wondering about women who are clueless about their desires and/or are afraid to ask for what they want. What are your personal thoughts on that? ES: I am a firm believer in the idea that a relationship where sex is fun and fulfilling is almost certainly going to be a happy one. It’s hard to have a knock-down drag-out fight about money, kids, etc. if you’ve both been intimately involved the night before. I married my best friend, and we have always talked about most anything. But I know some relationships exist where one or both parties are bashful about admitting those things that happen "in the brain". And I have heard the statement that some men are threatened if the woman reveals she fantasizes during sex. It’s difficult to make a hard and fast rule, but I think a woman might be cheating herself and her spouse if she never opens up about her fantasies and what she wants in bed. S ~ Your next release, set for October is "Spin the Bottle". Can you tell us a little bit about it, and where you came up with the idea? ES: My next book, " Spin the Bottle", actually deals with that very idea. The game is used as a silly way to make one or both of the spouses admit to some things they’ve been afraid to share. And the results end up shocking both parties… but in a good way. S ~ Who have been some of your inspirations when it comes to writing the erotic stuff? Any specific writer/book that you strongly connected with? Or a strong female public figure, past or present? ES: I’ve always enjoyed reading Emma Holly… and in college, I read the nonfiction book " My Secret Garden". That was the first time I figured out that ALL women have fantasies. And I was fascinated by the long list of images and scenarios that the women in the book admitted to using as turn ons. Sophia Loren has always seemed like a woman very confident in her sexuality, even as she has aged. I think men find that confidence appealing, even more so that traditional beauty. S ~ Elizabeth, from what I know about you, you're a happily married woman with grown children. What would you like woman of any age range to take away from these sexual stories?
ES: I think that all women of all ages, married or single, should embrace their sexuality, because it is a rich aspect of our life … we were blessed by our Creator with the ability to feel and imagine and wonder and play with all sorts of fun and sexy premises and games. To deny that part of ourselves is to be less than we are.
S ~ Did you have fun writing these stories, or would you say it's more difficult to write such explicit material? What kind of research if any did you do? I'm not talking of a personal nature, but rather if you delved into the psychological aspects or if you researched the popularity of erotic videos, sex toys, etc to make your stories more realistic.
ES: I love writing my Elizabeth Scott books, but they really are difficult and challenging, because they are so intense. My editor asked me once if I had to smoke a cigarette after I finished a chapter. J Did I do much research? – not really. This stuff mostly came out of my head. But I did have to research a bit about the Portland, Oregon light transit system for "Spin the Bottle". And I’ll let your imagination fill in the reason why!
S ~In your experience as a writer, have you experienced readers who feel guilty about enjoying the erotic stories they read? If so, how do you respond to these comments?
ES: I haven’t had any readers tell me they feel guilty about reading erotic stuff. But maybe that’s because the women who feel that way don’t want to admit they’ve read the books.
S ~ Have you gotten any feedback from men that read your stories or are aware of what you write? What has been the reaction from the male population? ES: I have had one very lovely piece of fan mail from a male reader, and it was gratifying for many reasons, mainly because I wrote these books for women. So it was interesting to know that the very things women find arousing seem to "do it" for some guys as well. Which would be an argument for sharing your fantasies with your significant other. I received an e-mail letter from a senior editor at Barnes and Noble in New York (a male). He told me that Naughty Housewives was his new favorite book, having knocked " Ulysses" right off the shelf. There was more to the letter, but he said he had already given the book to his wife to read. I think men love to know what makes us tick. They find us mysterious and convoluted, so when we actually give them a glimpse of our inner selves, they love it, at least most of them do, I’m sure! S ~ Do your kids read your books? How do they feel about the kinds of stories you tell?
ES: My daughters are 23 and 26. Both are happily married. My younger daughter does not read romance, but she’s very proud of what I do. Actually, since she’s only been out of college a year and is going to graduate school in the fall, she does a heck of a lot of reading, but mostly in her studies. My older daughter does read romance, and has read a number of my Janice Maynard books. I don’t think she has read Elizabeth at all, because it might be kind of weird knowing her mother wrote it. But she’s always telling her friends about my writing news and is very supportive.
S ~ Is there any line you are unwilling to cross, or maybe one you just don't feel comfortable exploring? ES: I haven’t done any male/male or female/female… but I think that’s because I don’t feel qualified to write those relationships believably. S ~ What common theme(s) can be found in your stories? ES: I have always been fascinated by what makes a man and a woman fall in love. I LOVE those moments in a story that touch your heart and make you believe in the power of romantic love. Because men and women are so different when it comes to expressing emotion, I love being able to write characters that connect emotionally through physical intimacy. I think men are most able to express how they feel about a woman in physical situations. Women love hearing the tender words and receiving the "mushy" gestures… and men should try to give us that, even if it doesn’t come naturally. But women need to be aware that in the midst of lovemaking a man has let his defenses down, and he may be saying more about the relationship than is immediately apparent. So a theme? Hmmm… how about "physical intimacy can enrich and expand a wonderful, loving relationship." S ~ What are the main differences between a Janice Maynard story and an Elizabeth Scott story?
ES: The main difference between a Janice Maynard and an Elizabeth Scott story is the timeline. Janice writes about the meeting and falling in love and those first hot physical encounters. Elizabeth writes about the exciting things that can happen once that initial commitment is firmly in place and the couple is willing to peel away the layers and get to the real honest stuff.
S ~ Any last thoughts? Naughty words of wisdom? ES: Not all fantasies are meant to be enacted in real life. Most women wouldn’t want them to be. It’s enough to live the "excitement" in our heads or maybe with a trusted partner. And secondly, women are too hung up on physical appearance. Regardless of age, or weight, or physical beauty, a man in a committed, mutually enjoyable intimate relationship will find his mate endlessly appealing if she keeps her sexuality alive and playful and fun. Thanks for your interest in the naughty "Elizabeth"! S ~ No problem! Keep on writing those HAWT books! Read below for a "Naughty" contest where you could win a copy of this first release by Elizabeth Scott!
Labels: author interviews, Elizabeth Scott, Janice Maynard
posted by Stacy~ at 6/03/2007 09:28:00 PM
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