Wizard's Thief released!

Christine d'Abo's Wizard's Thief is out today *cue cheering section*

I just started reading it and so far, so-throroughly-enjoyable!
Here's the skinny:

WIZARD’S THIEF by CHRISTINE D’ABO

As Callie is sent into the Warren to steal the wizard’s binding stone, she enters a world she doesn’t understand. Stumbling into the arms of Raine, she learns that she is his connection to a powerful magic, and is bound to him for life. Raine, once the most powerful of the Warren’s wizards, has had his magic lost to him for years. He must learn to trust Callie, not only with the secrets of the Warren, but with his heart. Each passing moment brings the flare of passion between them higher as the control over his magic returns. When an old enemy threatens a member of the Warren, Raine must overcome his fears and trust Callie not only to save a friend, but to return the love he wants to give.

Buy it now at Ellora's Cave!

I'm F@cking Matt Damon, I'm F@cking Ben Affleck

I'm going away for a week and won't have handy access to the internet, so incase you don't hear from me, I leave you with Sarah Silverman's hilarious video gift to her boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel, "I'm F#CKING Matt Damon", and Kimmel's panty-wetting response, "I'm F#CKING Ben Affleck".
You may want to do a few stretches first, cause I guarantee your sides will be hurting from laughing so hard...

Shelley Munro's FANCY FREE

Blog buddy and Ellora's Cave author extraordinaire, Shelley Munro, has a new book releasing soon *cue fanfare* and I'm delighted to offer this little teaser...

Responsible Romantic Heroes Use Condoms

Some readers prefer heroes to use condoms while others say the dose of reality kills all the spontaneity and romance. It’s a debate that repeats all over romance land—to use condoms or not to use condoms—since, after all, it is only fiction…

New Zealand erotic romance author, Shelley Munro took this a step further in her upcoming release Fancy Free, the story of an accountant who inherits a condom company. When Ms. Munro caught an Air New Zealand flight from San Francisco, she came across an advertising article about a new condom on the market. The ideas flowed and by the time she landed in Auckland, she’d outlined her plot for Fancy Free.

It’s not every day a girl inherits a condom company, and to say accountant, Alice Beasley is astonished and out of her depth is putting it mildly. For an almost virgin, she needs a quick education in all things condom because her inheritance is in danger. Someone is intent on sabotage and playing nasty, trying to destroy her new company.

Alice is suddenly getting down and dirty with charismatic James, the factory manager, all in the name of business, testing new condom designs. The sex is hot. Mind-blowing. It’s a dark thrill and an erotic journey. Yeah, it’s a hard job but a girl’s got to do what a girl’s gotta do.

The testing turns personal. Alice wants James. She craves his talented touch and sultry kisses, she desires passion and physical pleasure on a permanent basis but first she must convince bad boy James to give up his fancy free ways.

Note: condoms were tested and a few harmed during the writing of this story.

Fancy Free releases on 7 March 2008 from Ellora’s Cave http://www.ellorascave.com/ and is Ms. Munro’s eighteenth release from the pioneer erotic romance publisher.

_________________________

We look forward to your latest, Ms Munro!

Check back later in the week for more interesting facts about condoms ;)

laptops, Oscars, writing, espionage?

Computers & such.
I'm the proud owner of a sleek new Compaq Presario. I should be over the moon with my new toy, but honestly, I miss my old baby. She wasn't fancy -- in fact it was a cheap old Gateway refurb that was heavier than my television -- but I loved her. She was small and compact, but felt solid, ready to go to work.
Like anything, I'm sure I'll grow to love this new puppy once I break her in.
As for Windows Vista - I'm loving it! It's ALMOST as cool as the MAC O/S. Almost.

OSCARS. Boring.
Except when that folksy pair won best song from the movie 'ONCE' - which I saw and enjoyed, but acknowledge it's probably not for everybody. Certainly not anyone looking for Hollywood polish, special effects or good dental hygeine.
Definitely the best moment of the night was when Jon Stewart let the girl come back on stage to finish her thank you speech. Class.

Migraines.
I had THREE of them last week. I've gone years without one and forgot how horrible they can be. Any migraine sufferers out there? You have my sympathies.

Writing.
None. Well -- this past week I did work on the next chapter of this children's writing course I started last year, but I don't know that it's doing much good. Every assignment I receive back from my instructor is full of compliments and praise - which is fine, but if I'm so damn good, how come I can't get any of my children's stories published??

spy

(My 3 year old just typed that. It's the only word he can spell, aside from his name.)

Cue TAPS

My laptop is DEAD.

Happy Family Day?

Canada, but not all provinces(?!) has declared February 18th FAMILY DAY.
Everything was closed - banks, schools, malls (yes, malls!!), and even the bowling alley...

I hate to sound cynical, but isn't that what the weekends are for? All 52 of them? I'm no mathematician but that's a whopping 104 days I already devote to my family.
I'm a stay-at-home mom (fitting writing in where I can - like on stat holidays) so I also get Family Days during endless summer holidays, Christmas holidays, March break, Easter break, and at least one teacher's 'Professional Day' a month...

I understand that some folks have to work on weekends, but for those M-F 9-5ers, do you think we need an extra Family Day? Really?? And for many of you, isn't more work just piling up while you're home spending time watching your children sit in front of the television playing Wii thereby causing you further stress? Because really - it's February, in Canada... so the family picnic bbq and baseball game is out, right?

What about people who have no intention of spending time with their families or those with no families... Do they get the day off too? Why should they?
They should just call it "Sit Around and Relax" day instead. Or "Destress Day". That way everyone could take part.

In our house it was "Take Son and Son's Friend to Movies Day" which got me thinking about those poor shlubs who had to scoop popcorn -- why couldn't they be home with their families?
Makes no sense...

Edited to add: STILL no laptop :( I'm absolutely crippled without it.

Laptop update

Update:
My laptop is still in the hands of the PC doctor... No, House wasn't available, damn it. Apparently he's fictional?!?!
Anyway, I haven't heard any news yet and I probably won't until Tuesday because Monday is a new statutory holiday in Canada. Family Day. Because apparently, seven days a week isn't enough.

I'm SO lost with out it. How did I ever cope before?

Thanks, everyone, for your hugs and 'OMG-WORST-THING-EVER!!' support. :(

Crash of the Laptop

Kids playing.
Laptop crashing.
Wylie crying.

Monopoly World Vote, No Wylie this Week

I may have forgot to mention that I have family visiting this week -- two sisters-in-law, mother-in-law and nephew, so I'll be noticably absent from blogland. Hope you all have a terrific week, get lots of writing and/or reading done, hopefully by a warm fire...
See you next week!

Oh, and don't forget to vote for TORONTO in the Monopoly World Vote, or any other city you fancy.

Poetry Train, 2008 Grammy Award musings, Writer's Strike OVER!!

Oi, if you're looking for Poetry Train, I posted it HERE It's a beautiful little one by Emily Dickinson. Go. It's short -- take you about 20 seconds... I'll wait...

The Writer's Strike is OVER!! Woot woot woot.
Now the question is whether or not they can get the scripts written for the existing shows to let them finish the season or if they'll say Frig It and just forward them all to next season (which would really blow). I want my LOST!

Grammy Awards -- I missed the beginning (Hubby just HAD to watch Extreme Home Makeover) and it's not over yet, but so far, so WOW!
Kanye West performed Stronger (I totally dig that song) and he the funkiest stage and his jacket lit up and it was just COOL. Made me want to dance around the living room.
Aw jeez... I might as well confess... I DID dance around the living room ;)

Tina Turner is 68. I only know this because she looked so freaking amazing during her performance that I had to google her for info. SIXTY-EIGHT!! My God, that woman looks hot. No wrinkles, toned body (she was wearing a sleeveless silver spandex-like jumpsuit) and danced her ass off. Beyonce came out to perform with her a bit and it really was a stunning performance.

Alicia Keyes was wonderful and Amy Winehouse (live via satellite) looked clean. I mean hygiene-wise AND sober. No dirty ballet slippers and grimy appearance. Beehive was neat and her skin looked lovely. She was a bit shaky when she sang Rehab, but her other song (the name escapes me) was excellent.

Back to Kanye West -- he won a couple of awards so that should prevent a temper tantrum or two. But his acceptance speech didn't contain even a smidge of humble. That man is the cockiest creature on Earth!
The best line of the night was given by Vince Gill when he went up for an award that had been announced/given by Ringo Starr. He said (something to the effect of) "Wow, I've just been given an award by a Beatle. Has that happened to you yet, Kanye?" woo-hoo! ROTFLMAO

And because I'm an old woman (heee) I was tickled when Andre Boccelli came out to perform with Josh Groban. *sigh*

This being the big 50 for the Grammys, they threw some nostalgia at us with Fogerty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Keelie somebody (oops, forgot her already). I'm going to shut up about this except to say I believe that Little Richard alone is keeping Maybelline in business.

Overall, a very enjoyable show. No outrageousness, which may cause critics to call it boring (God forbid) but I loved it.

And now that the writer's strike is over (WOO HOO!!) I look forward to the Oscars. What can I say -- I'm an award show junkie.

And it shall have a cover...

Drumroll please...

For the record, the hero of this book, sexy rock star Gabriel Law (the REAL Gabriel Law, not the representing model on the cover) wouldn't be caught dead in a turquoise Speedo.

N.E.V.E.R.

But I suppose the art department couldn't leave the model naked ;)

MAY 16!! SQUEEEE

Hawaii Chair

If you need a good laugh - go check out the Hawaii Chair post at Six Degrees of Sexy. Every writer should have one.

The trouble with HER

Today was full of revelations.
Hubby doesn't read my blog anymore. (Revelation I) He said he stopped reading when I started drifting, when I stopped writing anything interesting and began posting fluff - comics, jokes, drivel.

I suppose he's right. When I started this blog back in the fall of '06, I wasn't afraid to ramble on about my opinions - books, weird thoughts, politics, television, writing...
Back then I wasn't afraid of sharing a piece of my soul or going on a rant. Somewhere along the line I started censoring myself.
Fear? Probably. I really hate offending people and because my audience is much bigger now (there's 5 or 6 who read regularly rather than just TL and hubby *snort!*) I guess I'm more conscious of my subject matter.
Will I remedy this?
I dunno... I'll think on it. I've got My Public, My Fans, to consider *double snort*!
At least I haven't lost my sense of humour ;)

On Writing (Revelation II):
I managed to squeak out 1000 words this afternoon but a few hours later, as I was mulling the next scene during a coffee run to Tim Hortons (aka LIFEBLOOD) came to the realization that everything that went on in scene one would have been better presented in the next scene. Wow - that probably made NO sense...
What I mean is, instead of two scenes to get two points across, I could get both points across in one scene, that being scene two. Follow?
So after banging my head into the steering wheel a few times (don't worry, I was at a red) I knew I'd have to delete and begin again.
C'est la vie. This is the life of a writer, n'est pas?

How did I come to this conclusion - albiet a few hours too late? Something I read earlier in the day triggered Revelation III - on how an author decided to combine two scenes...
Which segues nicely into:

Are you having trouble with your heroine? I am! Margaret Moore's blog post, Heroines on a Tight Rope was definitely enlightening (Revelation IV). It not only triggered the earlier revelation about combining the scenes, but also gave me the strength to eliminate the wishy-washy from my gal, Lucy Logan. Gah - she even has a wishy-washy name, doesn't she? I think I'm going to change it to something stronger.

Lucy Lonergan - meh
Lucy Lawless - crap, already taken
Lucy Lofty - Carrie's cousin? ... heh hehe
Lucy Langstaff - too soap opera

Okay blogland - give me a stong surname for my Lucy! Suggestions welcomed. There may even be a prize. Oh - and her sister's name is Penny, so it has to suit both gals.

And it shall be released...

SQUEEE - Law of Averages finally has a release date!

MAY 16, 2008

Here's the new official unofficial blurb:

Megan Frost, an up-and-coming restaurateur, knows everything there is to know about the culinary arts, but when it comes to pop culture, she’s been living under a rock. During a vacation to the sunny island of Bermuda, the yummiest dish she’s ever laid eyes on brings her out of hiding.

British musician Gabriel Law, the famous Dark Angel of Rock, regrets putting his songwriting on the back burner. Tired and creatively simmered out, he retreats to the peace and solitude of Bermuda in order to cook up some original sounds for his new album. But when he finds a naked girl in his holiday cottage, he happily exchanges solitude for a sizzling duet.

The ingredients for a sexy, scorching relationship are in place, but the mix isn’t complete without a romantic legend, a mysterious taxi driver and a surprise symbol of destiny from the aquamarine sea…

***

Can't post the cover yet because I requested a few little tweaks -- and I'll spare y'all the major pimpage for now, but be warned, come April/May it will be relentless ;)

The pics are to whet your appetite...

It's alive, ALIVE!!

Good news is - I feel somewhat human today, after two days of total BLECH.
Bad news - my house is a nasty mess. Nothing gets done when mommy's lost in blechland.

Have you been keeping up with US politics? Hubby and I were popping on to CNN yesterday to follow the Super Tuesday drama during the commercial breaks in House. Very interesting race between Obama and Clinton.
In the spirit of the moment, and as I still have nothing writing-relevant to share with the blogworld, I'm posting a humorous political joke - this one sent to me by my friend Chris in Edmonton. I have the best network of joke senders and it always makes me laugh when I get the same joke on the same day sent from Bermuda and my aunt in California. *cue Small World music*

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill, and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'
The florist was pleased, and left the shop.
When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning, there is a 'thank you' card, and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'
The cop is happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card, and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card, & a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' & 'Becoming More Successful.
Then,a Politician comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.'
The MP is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Members of Parliament lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the Fundamental difference between the Citizens of our country and the members of our Government.

The Sensitive Man

I've had two pajama days in a row. Yup - I haven't been feeling like my ol' chipper self. Sore throat, stuffy head, snotty nose and overall malaise. Icky.

Needless to say, I don't have much to say blog-wise so I thought I'd share this funny little tale, sent to me by my friend Donna from Bermuda *waving to Donna* I'm pretty much guaranteed to get a daily smile or laugh from her! Enjoy....

The Sensitive Man

A woman meets a man in a bar. They talk; they connect; they endup leaving together.
They get back to his place, and as he shows her around his apartment. She notices that one wall of his bedroom is completely filled with soft, sweet, cuddly teddy bears.
There are three shelves in the bedroom, with hundreds and hundreds of cute, cuddly teddy bears carefully placed in rows, covering the entire wall! It was obvious that he had taken quite some time to lovingly arrange them and she was immediately touched by the amount of thought he had put into organizing the display.
There were small bears all along the bottom shelf, medium-sized bears covering thelength of the middle shelf, and huge, enormous bears running all the way along the top shelf.

She found it strange for an obviously masculine guy to have such a large collection of Teddy Bears. She is quite impressed by his sensitive side, but doesn't mention this to him.
They share a bottle of wine and continue talking and, after awhile, she finds herselfthinking, 'Oh my God! Maybe, this guy could be the one! Maybe he could be the future father of my children?'
She turns to him and kisses him lightly on the lips.
He responds warmly. They continue to kiss, the passion builds, and he romantically lifts her in his arms and carries her into his bedroom where they rip off each other's clothes and make hot, steamy love. She is so overwhelmed that she responds with more passion,
more creativity, more heat than she has ever known. After an intense, explosive nightof raw passion with this sensitive guy, they are lying there together in the afterglow. The woman rolls over, gently strokes his chest and asks coyly,
“Well,how was it?”
The guy gently smiles at her, strokes her cheek, looks deeply into her eyes, and says:
“Help yourself to any prize from the middle shelf.”

Waiting for the end.

Four more minutes of Superbowl (which really means 30, at least!) Not a highscoring game tonight -- NY Giants currently in the lead with10 to New England's 7. I'm not really into football these days, but here I sit with hubby, eating chips and making the appropriate grunts and cheers. Hey - it's not all bad. They have tight ends ;)

Okay - LOST was brilliant. I know many disagree, but it totally did it for me. The sad part? They were intending to run the entire season between now and May - but due to the writer's strike, they only have 8 episodes. ARG!
After LOST, I decided to give the new 'Eli Stone' a chance and I was pleasantly surprised. I'm going to give it a few more episodes...

SCORE!!! New England just got a TD - so it's now 14-10 for them! WOOT!! (whatever)

Red Garnier's AMATISTA comes out on Wednesday (6th) as part of Ellora's Cave's Jewel of the Nile series. Red has an amazing knack for packing an incredible amount of emotion in the hotness. And Amatista IS EXXXTREMELY hot. Spit on your fingers before turning the page HOT. Buy it on Wednesday!
Red also has another book out from Liquid Silver, called I Take Thee. I got a sneak peek at this awhile back and it's really the cat's meow! *wink wink*

And a big shout out to Amy Ruttan, who got the most gorgeous cover for her novel Fox's Bride, due out this July from Cerridwen, and a quadruple shout out to Christine d'Abo who's also got a Jewel of the Nile book this month - Wizard's Thief, got a smoking hot cover for her next release (which she'll share on her blog sometime this week) AND, she sold ANOTHER TWO BOOKS to EC!!
Way to go, my sistah-friends!

WHOA - What a catch by NYG David Tyree!!! Amazing.

And to round out my weekend, I won an ebook! Yes - I've got Beth Kery's Exorcising Sean's Ghost - which I look forward to reading this week.

OMG - :39 seconds left and the Giants just got a touch down!!!! OMG OMG. They barely made it into the Superbowl and POOF! They're beating the UNDEFEATED Patriots!!! Hubby is having an orgasm (kind of) and I'm strangely excited.
Looks like the final score will be 17-14 for the Giants. Yeah Eli Manning!!!