Wordy Wenches

Happy Holidays from the Wordy Wenches!

2011-11-15T22:57:00.023-05:00

I was going through photos for another project when I came across shots of our group over the years that I thought I would share. Obviously, we've had a lot of fun. As we enter this season of celebrating with friends and family, the Wordy Wenches wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

:) Carol Stephenson

Dating for dinosaurs

2011-09-17T10:59:00.004-04:00

Okay, so you've been married for umpteen years and now you're dating again. How do you navigate this brand new world of dating without getting frustrated? First, keep your expectations at a minimum (this is not to say lower your standards.) All I am saying ladies is that this is another day.

So where do men and women meet these days? Forget the workplace, too many no- fraternization policies in place. Ladies are posting ads on the internet. We're speed dating. We're attending meet ups, and inserting keys into locks of strangers hoping they will fit. Those are called Lock and Key parties. These are the places virtual strangers meet.

Okay, so you meet him finally, and you like him, and want to see him again. The days of sitting waiting for him to call are over. If you're interested, better make the next move. Text, phone, ask him out. Women have become bolder, and if you snooze you lose.

What is that beep or buzzing sound coming from your purse? It's the sound of a text coming in. Maybe he's asking you out, canceling a date, or heaven forbid, breaking up with you. Forget the personal touch. It's technology at work aiding the cowards.

You've had dinner and the check arrives. Does he reach for it (though most decent guys will at least for the first or second date?) Heavens no, be prepared to pay, at least for your portion.

Dates over, you're relaxing reading e mails.Up pops an IM. It's him. He's asking "what are you wearing?" Don't be surprised if things get hot and heavy from there.

It's a brand new world out there; one our mother's would not call courting. Today it's the 'hookup.' I still say romance has a place. As women we should settle for nothing less.

Silent Writing Partner

2011-08-12T10:40:00.002-04:00

This isn't the blog I intended to post but my silent writing partner is missing this morning and the office feels empty. My partner is not my muse and neither does he provide inspiration...a writer waiting for either might as well be waiting for Godot. Bob offers company and quiet support. He breaks the isolation bubble most writers live within. He never approves or disapproves of what I have written. My son - I call him my second son - is the very soul of acceptance. Although I barely notice, every so often he moves to a different spot in the office but rarely does he leave me alone.
Bob is my 11...or perhaps...12 year old dog adopted from the Miami-Dade County pound over 8 years ago. No one is quite certain of his age. He qualifies as a mutt but is mostly Carin Terrier. At least that is how the vet identifies Bob. Except for having slightly longer legs than most Carin's, he resembles and behaves like the tough, sweet little Scottish breed. And that includes the dry skin problems and the subsequent itching and scratching that frequently plagues him and that he's been treated for in the past. But his current skin problem might be much worse.
This morning I took Bob to the vet's for minor surgery - a biopsy that will remove a significant patch of skin. They suspect the tiny bump I felt might be melanoma.
We won't know for several days.
I can't imagine writing without my sweet, silent partner. And I'm wondering how many of you have a silent partner to keep you company while you write. I'd like to hear about them.

EBooks for the Technology Challenged

2011-07-06T10:05:00.003-04:00

My name is Sandra Madden and I know I cannot be the only writer dealing with an insidious inaptitude. In the age of e-publishing, I am seriously technology challenged.

Which is why I avoid technology whenever possible - or call my teenage granddaughters. But I can't ask them to convert and upload one of my books for me. They have better things to do. Boyfriends, mani's&pedi's, shopping for mini- anything.

Rather than throw my keyboard against the wall or blister the air that I breathe with profanity so unbefitting a grandmother (things I've thought or actually, shamefully done), I've turned to the experts.

I'm amazed and delighted that earlier print books can now enjoy a whole new life and readership as e-books. Technology! Awesome...as long as I do not have to master the inconceivable - to me.

"Lord of the Sea" my latest release from www.BelgraveHouse.com was originally released by Kensington as "Take By Storm" - I never quite liked that title although the novel is about the wreckers in Key West and a great deal of wrecking took place during storms - as in my opening scene. It's a romantic book packed with drama and laughter and I'm so happy it's available again. But it wouldn't be without a talented person to scan and convert and publish to Amazon, Fictionwise and EBooks. Many writers have taken the opportunity to become entrepreneurs in the e-pub world. New businesses have been born and that can only be a good thing in this economy and for this business.

I don't mind sharing profits at all. Sharing with other writers is well worth the time I can now use to write new books. Rather than feeling my stomach tied up in knots and turning a dangerous shade of scarlet, I'm angsting over a new plot! I've given up threatening my computer (through my teeth in dark, menacing tones) to allow my fingers to fly over the keyboard. Well, not exactly fly. I'm not wasting hours of time, instead I'm sending out queries.

In the end, paying a technology blessed writer the price to re-format and re-issue novels like "Lord of the Sea" is a win-win situation for both of us. I'm grateful for the peace of mind it brings me and the freedom to do what I know best. And that's right...er, to write. How do you feel?

What A Weiner!

2011-06-15T17:41:00.003-04:00

I've decided that men simply have lost their heads - their little head that is, or maybe they have always been a little bit over the top, except now the Internet and Smart Phones make it so much easier to expose their shortcomings.

At the risk of sounding like an old fud, I still can't understand why sending pictures of private body parts, or sexting is supposed to turn anyone on. The first time I received pics of private parts, I texted the man in question asking him what I was supposed to do with them. He was not exceptional in anyway, nor did those pics cause my mouth to go dry, or make me forget his boorish ways.

But this isn't about me. Men in the public eye have gotten into the act. Maybe it's because they're arrogant (surely it couldn't be stupidity, insecurity, and a lot of narcissism,) that would prompt them to take pictures of themselves, and "sext" a perfect stranger?

The latest bonehead, or should I call him Weiner, photographed both his big and little head, and sent it hurling over cyberspace to many women. Did he really think no one would notice he was a man of prominence?

Athletes before him have gotten into the act. Look at the prominent golfer whose wife whacked him with his own club, and the aging quarterback who came onto several women. Then there was the Patriot's scandal featuring the very newsworthy Kim K..

While this does not in anyway involve the Internet, in the last month or so, one prominent French man landed in jail because the little head got in the way. Another had to own up to being a baby daddy.

Come on guys take a pill and chill.

Hasta la Vista!

The Power of Women's Friendships

2011-05-09T07:25:00.009-04:00

One of the lynch pins of the Legal Weapons series is the friendship of the three principal characters: Kate Rochelle, Carling Dent and Nicole Sterling. The fact that three law school friends eventually come together to form a law firm was not plucked out of thin air. The friendship of three women with careers stems from several influences on my life.

First up was the cartoon strip “Apartment 3G” about three young women sharing an apartment in New York City. When it was first created, the strip featured the then growing phenomenon of working women. Every week readers followed the characters LuAnn, Tommie and Margo as they struggled to juggle careers and men with their enduring friendship being the constant.

The next influence was my law school experience. At that time the percentage of women in my class was roughly 33% so we tended to band together. During the first year I developed a group of girlfriends with whom I would hang out in the school’s lounge, complaining about the courses, professors, and lack of sleep. Over the three years I would watch my friends go through pregnancies, marriages and divorces. On Friday’s we would head across to the local ‘pub’ to grab a beer. We would celebrate and/or commiserate surviving exams, law clerk positions and anything we could come up with. The recurrent joke was forming a law firm with the name “Debt, Default or Miscarriage”.

However, what may be the deepest influence are the friendships that I have developed with other writers in the romance community. The support through the good, bad and the ugly we all go through in publishing, the jokes, and simply being with people who understand the writing process is not only priceless but powerful.

What has having good friends meant to you? Carol Stephenson

It's contagious -- I've come down with Royal Fever!

2011-04-28T20:01:00.002-04:00

On the eve of the royal wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton, I confess I'm giddy with excitement to see the opulent pageantry of British history in the making.

Tomorrow morning, I plan on waking up at 4:00 a.m. to watch the pageantry on TV along with billions of other viewers worldwide. We will herald in the royal wedding with warm scones and raspberry jam, ham and cheddar biscuits, fragrant Fortnum & Mason jasmine tea, and strawberries and cream. My husband is excited, too—not because of the royal wedding, but because I’ll be up early and baking goodies for him to enjoy.

Media coverage has been addictive and I’ve been running a gamut of emotions. I can’t help getting teary-eyed when they show pictures of the late Princess Diana hugging her little boy, William, who grew to be so much like his mum in looks and spirit. Genuine and idealistic, William embodies the compassion and friendliness that made Princess Diana so beloved. Their mother-son relationship sparkled in public and she will surely be in his heart as he takes his vows with his future queen.

I love the smitten couple’s latest portrait taken by Mario Testino showcasing their playful side with happy grins and radiant love in their eyes. Hip and modern, they have a social conscience, evidenced by their request to guests to donate to charity rather than give them wedding gifts. Yes, William and Kate are what fairy tales are made of: a strong and handsome young prince marrying the beautiful and enchanting girl he loves.

God bless William and Kate and please keep them safe…and may this beautiful couple's love last forever!

What happens in Vegas can't Stay in Vegas. It belongs in a book.

2011-04-02T14:13:00.004-04:00

Last week I got to indulge in a favorite past time - people watching. And what better place to people watch than Las Vegas. Gambling and the shows may well draw the crowd, but the bigger attraction are the bizarre people.

We writers are by nature curious beings. We are avid people watchers and eager eavesdroppers. Of course we blame it all on research. In Las Vegas there is no scarcity of characters to watch or overhear. There's something for everyone. You get glitz, glamor, and sheer tack. Elvis is still very much alive here, and so is Marilyn, Hendrix, and Capone.

In the older section of town, on Freemont Street I saw Ozzy Osbourne stumble around, open beer can in hand. Following him was a reincarnation of the devil and several fallen angels. Overhead, a 70 million dollar light canopy flashed while several enterprising young men skittered back and forth courtesy of a cable. In the streets the Prince of Purple Rain strutted on too high platforms, and many versions of Michael (pre and post surgery) moon danced on the sidewalks.

A world away, on the strip, plump versions of Madonna acted in a most un-virgin like manner. Knit -capped rastas linked arms with pre and post pubescent Britney's in skin-tight dresses barely covering their watchamacallits. Anything goes in Vegas, and every and anything is on show.

Copious amounts of booze gets guzzled, grandmas stumble, and hired men carry bill boards announcing "girls at 50% off," a sign of today's struggling economy.

Fascinated by the people, I did my share of gawking, note taking, and imagining.

What's your favorite place to people watch? Will you share?

Focus

2011-03-10T10:10:00.002-05:00

The focus of this blog is just that - focus! Focus on the writing.
Several years ago at an RWA conference a well known agent/writer asked the aspiring authors in her workshop to just say "No." And focus on the writing.
She suggested we say no to chairing contests, judging contests and/or becoming an officer in our local chapter of RWA. She advised us to do one thing - focus on the writing.
And that's not as simple as it sounds.
Published authors, especially, are asked to donate their time which is fine - if they have it. Because when they aren't focused on writing they must deal with the business of writing - which takes almost as much time as the writing itself - our primary focus.
But you say...who will operate our local RWA chapter if we're busy focusing on the writing? No problem! There are always members who will never find the discipline to sit down in front of the computer every day and stare at the blank page on the screen for hours on end. They might love to read and enjoy being with writers but they will be totally cool with taking care of chapter business. Thank you, you wonderful volunteers.
There will be instances when we can "give back" to our chapters and to the national chapter and do so with a happy heart. Until then we really should focus on the writing.
Er...in my case perhaps focus on *what* I'm writing. I tend to have several projects going at once. But that's my process. And process is better left for another blog, while I return to my wip - and FOCUS!

The Ghost of Free Time Past

2011-02-21T20:43:00.002-05:00

Tonight on my way home from work I drove past the tennis match at the Chris Evert Tennis Center. I recalled a time when a close friend and I would make a road trip down to Miami for tennis tournaments. We would spend the entire day watching matches.

I also used to head out to Wellington to watch polo matches and other horse competitions. Here and there we would go watch horse and dog races. Oh those lazy, hazy days of free time and what an ideal way to spend a lovely South Florida weekend.

Now? Going to the races is something I now can manage only once a year. I haven't been to a tennis or polo matches in eons. Even going to a Florida Romance Writers' meeting takes major juggling.

For me, I know things changed with the passing of both of my parents. Our living together with me as the bread winner and their taking care of the house and yard was an ideal situation. Taking care of a house and yard chews up chunks of time. Then there's my writing career, which didn't exist back in those days of watching celebrities play tennis stars.

Still, even if I could wrestle more time [hey, what about 48 hour days?], my friends are in the same boat with time-sucking obligations. Our free time is more concentrated - a dinner here, a movie there. Day excursions are a rarity.

I've learned to appreciate the small pops of free time, but man, it certainly was nice to be more footless and carefree without watching a clock.

:) Carol

Gone the way of the Girdle - Manners that is!

2011-01-27T16:05:00.002-05:00

Have you noticed that manners seems to have gone the way of nylons and girdles? I'm not even speaking about the Ms. Manners kind of manners, I'm talking about the basics. Pleases and thank yous, excuse mes, acknowledgments for gifts, or a favor done, RSVP's for parties, that kind of thing. Introducing a stranger to a friend you run into, replying to invitations. These are all things that used to be a given. Yet for whatever reason, (a sense of entitlement perhaps) no longer seems important.

I have to admit people with poor manners irritate the heck out of me. I shoot you an e mail I expect a response. I invite you to dinner, if you cant make it, I expect a phone call. I go out of my way to assist you in researching information, or giving you a ride to a doctor, is it too much to say "thank you?"

Then there are the people who don't hold doors, or almost push you out of the way in their haste to get into the elevator. Let's not forget those who constantly come to dinner empty handed and eat you out of house and home, or the motorist you allow to cut in front of you who doesn't even acknowledge you with a neighborly wave.

Some say it's my expectations, but shouldn't we all have expectations?

Imaginary Friends

2011-01-12T16:47:00.003-05:00

I so miss my imaginary friend. Don't you? Didn't we all have one in our youth? She was the very best friend a girl could have. When an angry mother sent you to your room, you could count on your imaginary friend being there for you. My imaginary friend often joined me and my dolls for tea parties. She eagerly listened to all the stories I wrote in pencil and thought they were brilliant. Her name was Tina.
If Tina was around today, I am confident that she would gladly Blog, Twitter, Friend and Flickr for me. I would entrust her with all the social networking duties that didn't exist when I first became a published author. All these postings cut into my writing time - and like the bumper sticker says - I'd rather be writing. There never seems to be enough writing time. (Or, maybe it's just my COD that believes that.)
But wait! Imaginary friends do still exist in a manner of speaking. They're out there although we can't see or touch them. You might know them as Virtual Assistants. And they are real - no need to call a psychiatrist. These unseen, skilled assistants, or imaginary friends - if you will - are popping up all over the internet. They are there for us. And they are not alone. Have you noticed the other new imployment opportunities in today's publishing market?
Thanks to the hundreds of authors who are re-issuing out of print novels as e-books, there's a rising tide of cover design and scan & conversion entrepreneurs. With the magic of email, we may never see or even speak with these talented men and women but they are incredibly important as we navigate the slippery slopes of a publishing world in transition. They are more than imaginary friends, they are genuine professionals. And they are there for us...like the imaginary friend of old.
Of course, there are authors who can do it all. They can tweet, tweak and convert all by themselves. I admire them bit I happen not to be one of them. I need my friends - professional, real and...aw, yes, okay, the imaginary ones. The characters who are born, like Tina, in my sometimes quirky mind and live in the pages of my books. I wonder whatever happened to her. Do you know the fate of your first imaginary friend?

New Year Resolutions

2010-12-26T17:21:00.004-05:00

I'm not big on New Year Resolutions. With so much stress in my life, why add to it? However, I do set objectives for myself and I faired okay with the ones in 2010. I developed & sent out one proposal. Because I land a 2-book contract with Carina Press and had one book out, one new proposal was all I could swing. That's my objective for 2011: at least one new proposal.

I pretty much crashed and burned on eating healthier. The stress level was out the roof so I was kind to myself. However, the moment the last deadline was met 12/1/10, I did go off coffee. Also I asked and received for Xmas Claire Figueroa's 5 Ingredient Cookbook. When I arrive home after a long day, cooking anything with multiple ingredients seems overwhelming. We'll see how I fare this year.

I did stop and smell the roses more frequently. After getting home, weather permitting, I sat outside with Maddie to chill and relax. I plan on continuing this as well as spend time with my friends.

What wasn't on the agenda and has become a major added value to my life is playing trivia at Duffy's with Team Blazers. The comradery and fun we have is huge. I can't wait for game night.

So as we bid adieu to 2010 and hello to the new promise of 2011, how did you fare on last year's goals and what's on your plate for the new year?

Carol

TXT ME

2010-11-28T23:17:00.001-05:00

So, here’s something I’ve been thinking about. We all know that languages change over time. Words come in and out of use, or sometimes change their meaning altogether. If this weren’t true, we’d still be able to read this:

Lauerd me steres, noght wante sal me:
In stede of fode _are me louked he.
He fed me ouer watre ofe fode,
Mi saule he tornes in to gode.
He led me ouer sties of rightwisenes,
For his name, swa hali es.

But we can’t (or if you can, you’re a better person than I am!) That’s Middle English, and I’m taking guesses on what familiar passage it is (no fair Googling!)

Anyway, before I digress too far, where was I? Oh right. Language changes. One of the main reasons it changes, is popular usage. Things that start out as slang or casual use can eventually wind up as so called “rules.”

So what’s our language going to look like a thousand years from now? Be afraid. Be very afraid. I answer emails for a living, and I already see the textspeak creeping into common use. People will use, “u,” instead of, “you,” they won’t capitalize the pronoun, “I.” Sometimes they’ll use, “r” instead of, “are . . .” you get the idea.

So what do you think? Are all the books written in 2110 going to read like a teenager’s Facebook page? :::shudder:::

The False Allure of Bad Boys

2010-11-03T08:53:00.002-04:00

Bad boy train wreck, Charlie Sheen, is a good example of why I don’t find bad boys appealing in real life – or in novels. Despite his tawdry penchant for infidelity, hookers and porn stars, drugs, and domestic abuse, Charlie has had extraordinary luck in avoiding accountability, and he always gets off with a slap on the wrist. Even after his recent meltdown where he trashed a hotel room, his lucrative career continues to thrive.

Why does society continue to be enthralled by bad boys even though they are selfish and often narcissistic? They rarely evolve into men, and even more rarely do they reform their destructive ways. Are bad boys irresistible to some because of the fantasy of taming the elusive, dangerous male or because it’s exciting to be in their reckless company?

In my novels, I’ve steered clear of bad boys. I’ve written many types of heroes and despite whatever flaws they may have, they are strong men, not immature boys. Whenever I've created a challenging hero who is a player or an arrogant commit-a-phobe, I’ve gleefully paired him with a strong and feisty heroine who brings him to his knees. In romantic comedy, this type of interaction is great fun to write because it fuels strong conflicts, intense sexual tension, and a satisfying resolution.

There is nothing more appealing than a true alpha male who has high integrity, compassion, and inner strength – a born leader and a protector of women and children. That’s the type of hero that makes me weak in the knees.

The New E-publishing for Old Authors

2010-10-14T11:13:00.003-04:00

In September I was happy to announce that one of my out of print historicals, "The Gypsy's Bride," was available once again at www.BelgraveHouse.com. I'm still happy -- and looking forward to e-publishing some of my other novels -historicals & contemporary - that are out of print. But so are, literally, thousands of other authors.
It's a transition period in publishing. Authors who once depended on traditional New York publishing houses now have new ways to publish their work - including self-publishing. Some authors are experienced best-sellers, and others are launching their first book.
How will the reader be able to distinguish? Will there a natural fall-out with the cream of authors rising to the top?
Many of us will be re-editing the novels offered as e-books. And looking for new ways to promote the fact that these novels are available. Is this a good use of our time or should we be writing new books? Will e-books become the new mass market books? Is it time for every author to establish an e-publishing presence?
I have more questions than answers, I'm afraid. What do you think?

The Deal Breakers

2010-10-05T17:12:00.002-04:00

As Ive gotten older, my circle of friends has shrunk. There was a time that if you smiled at me and offered me chocolate I became your friend. But with age, and experience, comes wisdom. Or maybe it's simply that over the years I've become more discerning and I've learned that good friendships are earned.

Personally I like what Wikipedia has to say about friendship.

Desiring what is best for the other
Sympathy and empathy
Honesty, especially in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth, even in terms of pointing out the perceived faults of that's friend
Mutual understanding and compassion
Trust in one another without the fear of being judged or information you've shared being repeated.
Comfortable enough to go to each other for emotional support
Equal give and take between the two parties. Reciprocity.

Over the years I have unloaded old 'friends' for many reasons. There were those who consistently took (draining my energy,) but never ever brought anything to the table. They'd call to borrow items, find out gossip, invite themselves to a function, or have you do something for them. Then there were the 'i," people. Their one concern was themselves and you could never get a word in edgewise. The other kind were the ones who kept putting you down to make themselves feel better. Either they owned something bigger or better, 0r they withheld a compliment, or made a subtle dig. Their goal was to make you feel bad or inadequate. Let's not forget the gossips repeating everything, and telling the world what supposedly they did for me.

Yes, I guess I've become tough. To my mind there are some basics that go with the word friendship. Thus I've whittled away at my large group, and made it a much smaller group, and I've come up with my own list list of deal breakers.

When the sharing is all one sided, whether that's a valuable piece of information, or a cup of tea
When you're always too busy to lend a hand or an ear
When all you do is complain about everything, and a phone call or meet up becomes a painful chore
When you desert me for someone more useful; more high profile, or who has an expensive car, larger home, or more influential friends
When you consistently borrow money
When you take me for granted and cancel on me when a better offer comes along
When you gossip about me or consistently put me down

Do you have other deal breakers? Share them with us. After all you're amongst friends.

The endurance of "old" books

2010-09-19T13:00:00.002-04:00

I could "READ" all day long, if I had time, if the garden didn't need digging, and the dishwasher didn't need emptied, and email to answer, and my own writing and forming of a book to do. I squeeze it in whenever I can, and sometimes just don't give a toot and read all day long, letting everything else just hang there. Sadly, for me anyway, I'm not finding many really good books to read lately. So am now going back to read favorite books from years past. Fortunately, I'm in a small town that boasts two fabulous used book stores, and I ransack them once a month and bring home a pile of books.

I'm fascinated with the change in writing styles from thirty, forty, fifty years ago. I guess we don't notice it because we're reading along through the years with small variations in treatment. In my humble opinion, the stories were better then, but the authors were too wordy. Lordy, they sure could make a sentence a mile long, and string out a story to seven hundred to eight hundred pages. But, the stories are so good that I endure through most of them.

Old Books Read This Summer:

Marjorie Morningstar, by Herman Wouk [still a super story, romantic, wonderful depiction of WWII days, and early fifties...and he's such a wonderful writer]

Winds of War, by Herman Wouk [you're all old enough to remember the movie on TV]

Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand [ohm Gawd, I LOVE this story..have read the book 5 times]

Calais, by Kathleen Windsor [the author of Forever Amber....published in 1979....but I got bored with the heroine in the middle of this 700 page mammyjammer....]

Paint the Wind, by Cathy Cash Spellman [one of my very favorite books, and a great one for Romance writers to read]

My favorite new book this summer was Every Last One by Anna Quindlen....don't miss it.

None of these books will help me with the non-fiction book I'm working on....but, they sure have given me a lot of pleasure. After all, isn't that what writers do...give people pleasure with good stories told in a professional readable manner, a little excitement, a little mystery, a little laughter, a little romance. A flight on a magic carpet. I'm still working on being a good carpet
pilot. Linda Anderson

How young is too young?

2010-08-30T19:43:00.002-04:00

Hi, all! Debbie, here, chiming in.

I've got parenting things on my mind, these days. School schedules, and college applications, and Oh-My-Gosh-I-Have-To-Send-My-Baby-Off-To-College-Next-Year, and such-like. So I'm going to ask a parenting question (And everyone feel free to chime in. Even if you don't have a kid, we all WERE kids once!)

I answer customer service emails for a living, and I got one the other day that said the woman's daughter had lost her cell phone, and could we please check lost & found? A common enough request, but when I glanced at the record, I was a little surprised to see the daughter was 9 years old. Maybe I'm a fuddy duddy, but that seemed kind of young to have her own cell phone, because kids that young tend to lose things (among other reasons). Hence, she had to email me about the lost and found thing!

So I'm taking a poll. How old should a kid be before they:

Get their ears pierced? (Is it different for a boy or a girl?)

Get their own phone?

Go to the mall with friends? (I hate the whole, "hanging out at the mall" as recreation, but it seems to be nearly universal, and I finally had to give in.)

Start dating?

Get a car?

Get married? (Here's one that can kind of tie in with romance novels. Is the number different for characters as opposed to live humans? Is it different for historicals vs. contemporaries?)

Authors Who Give Back

2010-08-24T07:13:00.003-04:00

Every RWA conference I'm reminded how much authors give back, from the literacy booksigning to workshops where they impart their wisdom to the beginning writer.

However, authors give back to other causes and their communities so here's your chance to toot an author's charitable efforts. Whose contribution to our society do you admire? Who inspires you? Is it Brenda Novack's Auction for Diabetes? Or Heather Graham's Writers for New Orleans Conference? The auctioning of a character's name for a writer's conference auction. Tell us.

:) Carol Stephenson

Ageism in Publishing?

2010-08-18T11:47:00.002-04:00

Does ageism exist in publishing? A few months ago, I would have said without a doubt, just as it - unfortunately - does in most every other business. In a number of professions there are mandatory retirement ages, which you won't hear about in the romance genre. A great book is a great book - no matter how old the author. Although you might wish to consider that an editor who is looking to build her/his career along with the authors they take on, may be looking for someone who hasn't yet taken to Botox. Even though we've entered a new age of longevity the potential to generate future revenue is the bottom line of every business. So, once you've begun to blow out candles on your 60's birthday cakes, you might want to start thinking about retirement. I've read that age 50 is the new 30, and 60 is the new 40, and 70 is the new 50...but really?

And just what is the new 80?
Myrrha Stanford-Smith, an 82 year old grandmother landed a three book deal with a Welsh publisher this past June. This is Ms. Stanford-Smith's second career. She's spent most of her life as an actor and acting teacher.
As an older, but previously energetic and ebullient young woman who now enjoys an occasional afternoon nap, this news gave me great hope. Retirement now seemed at least twenty, twenty-five years away. But then I realized that most likely Myrrha submitted her novel over the transom, sight unseen. While I'm sure she's a beautiful, gifted woman, my guess is her book was accepted for publication because it was quite simply - great!
Hopefully, she'll be able to crank out the rest of her contracted books before her 85th birthday. Because she might want to retire. We all must retire sometime.
How about you? Do you think about retiring? How will you know when the time is right?
Just thinking about this has made me tired. I'm going to take a nap now.

Fabulous Finds!

2010-08-09T12:37:00.003-04:00

Have you ever found something fabulous that you wanted to share with your friends and family? Something that makes you feel good or look better and gives you amazing value for your money? Well, that ‘s what I’m writing about today. Feel good stuff…the ”aha” stuff that I’ve stumbled upon and loved…the keepers. Magazines often publish their list of beauty finds and I’d like to add my two cents, for what it’s worth.

While jotting notes to write this blog, I had a sudden flashback of a song that my daughter, an actress and singer, performed in her senior college recital. After the first act intermission, she appeared on stage in a gorgeous satin sheath gown with a white ermine stole and sang, “I Like Pretty Things” by Cole Porter. The audience loved it. Porter’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics poke fun at the frivolity of craving pretty things and how a girl can be happily persuaded and led astray by them. Although Porter wrote “I Like Pretty Things” in the 40’s, his message is timeless. I’ve always loved pretty things, but it wasn’t until I read a detailed horoscope, that I realized I share that trait with many Virgos. My horoscope said that Virgos born on my day are fascinated by beauty in many forms, not only physical beauty but inward, spiritual beauty as well. I can relate to that. So before you write this blog off as superficial, take a moment to indulge in something purely for the fun of it -- my list of Fabulous Finds! One caveat: please remember these are merely recommendations from my personal experience, not advertising for certain companies.

In no particular order, here are my favorites:

Hair:
Sunsilk anti-flat volumizing crème really does give your hair extra oomph and makes it silky.
Moroccan Oil products are a splurge but they smell sooo good and your hair looks amazing.
L’Oreal Elnet Hairspray – pricey but worth every penny for long-lasting hold and volume.

Skin:
Olay Regenerist Serum and Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – bargain priced and very moisturizing.
If you want to splurge, I haven’t tried it yet, but I’ve heard amazing reports on Dermajuv products…
Natural remedies – Fage 2% Greek yogurt mask – apply to face for 20 mins and rinse for baby smooth skin. Apple cider organic vinegar is a great toner and pore minimizer, so is Witch Hazel – apply with cotton swab over freshly washed face.
For body -- Sabon Body Scrub and Sabon cream in Patchouli Lavender Vanilla - sheer indulgence.

Eyelashes:
Rapid Lash really works! (at least for me) After six weeks of using it nightly, I had longer, thicker lashes.

Makeup:
Benefit “That Gal” face brightener and “Hello Flawless” custom powder
Lipfusion Collagen Lip Plump for pouty lips, Stila Contour No. 1 pencil –great natural colored lip liner
Kat Von D liquid eyeliner – excellent tiny brush for lining upper lid a la Angelina Jolie
MAC brow set – brush on gel that fills and shapes eyebrows
Lancome Virtuose mascara lengthens and curls eyelashes, coating each individually
Styli-Style retractable eye pencils – long-lasting, no smudge, hot colors for upper or lower lids

Feet:
Yoga toes – gel filled stretcher that exercises toes and realigns feet. To make tired feet happy, just slather cream on feet, put on the yoga toes and prop your feet up.
Fit flops – incredibly comfortable and great for long-distance walking. Your feet will feel like they’re resting on clouds as you walk. I have walked miles and miles in them on trips to NYC and D.C. with no foot pain. They also provide a work-out, so there are double benefits.

Nourishment:
Vitamin D – This is one vitamin to include daily in our vitamin intake, it does wonders for our bones when taken in combination with Calcium and Magnesium.
Fage 2% Greek yogurt – creamy and yummy, very filling, and provides many health benefits. Add walnuts, berries and a dash of honey and you have a delicious treat – check it out!
Lindt Dark Chocolate Bar with Orange Peel – need I say more?
Dark chocolate covered cranberries – a personal favorite.

For the spirit:
Meditate or pray – it’s free, nourishes the soul and centers me.
Smile – another great freebie…it’s contagious and makes you and others feel good!

I’m happy to share my list with you. What are your fabulous finds? Feel free to add them here…

Over Forty and Freakin' Fabulous!

2010-07-28T22:30:00.002-04:00

Fabulous isn't a look it's an attitude. You've heard it in the media, forty is the new thirty, fifty is the new forty, and so it goes. As a woman of a certain age, I may not look it on the outside, but on the inside I am still that young kid who followed Diana Ross to Central Park to hear her sing. I am the same person who hung out on Ocean Avenue in New Jersey when Springsteen and his side kick, Clarence Clemons jammed.

I remember when turning forty meant you were 'old'. Your life was done. But that was then, and this is now. Maybe it has something to do with disposable income, and better nutrition, or maybe it's just we baby boomers (the sex, drugs, rock and roll crowd- the rebels) are still fighting the establishment every step of the way.

Plain and simple, people are taking better care of themselves. They're working out, taking classes, traveling the world, and eating right. Overnight there's a blur between 30 and 50, and not just in appearance but in attitude.

The marketers have picked up on this. They're no dummies! They know who has spending power. Notice how the celebrities peddling stuff in ads have gotten older. The forty-plus crowd is selling all kinds of trinkets. We've got Halle Berry, Christie Brinkley, Iman, and Sarah Jessica Parker out there strutting their stuff. Maybe we should blame it on Sex and the City. Could Samantha, the lovable nymphomaniac, be behind it? She made it clear sex was enjoyable at any age.

Me? Well I feel better than ever. In my twenties I just didn't have the confidence to pull attitude off. In my thirties I was more concerned with keeping up with the Jones's and getting ahead in my career. Then forty hit, and I got a confidence booster. I pursued the career I really wanted (that of a writer,) made some critical but tough life changes, and grew into myself. And I probably pissed off a few people in the process. Oh, well.

Yes I have a few bulges in places I didn't before, and no I wouldn't consider heading out to a club at midnight, because I'm asleep in my bed. I couldn't tell you the latest dance craze, and what's more I really don't care. But I've learned to love the person I've become, imperfections and all.

Overall I feel freaking fabulous, and I'm loving my life. You should be too. Post if you are! Hey even if you aren't.

2010-07-19T10:31:00.001-04:00

I'm attracted to men who look like Alex O'Laughlin, have the mind of Steve Jobs and the humor of Dave Madden. It's mostly cerebral with me :-)

"His voice, his hands, his walk"

2010-07-17T15:44:00.002-04:00

What one woman finds sexy in a man, or is physically attracted to varies with every woman, I find. For me, it's the voice, the hands, and his walk. Oh, yeah, and I forgot about his eyes. Maybe that's because it's automatic for me to check out the eyes first. They've either got soul or they haven't. If the eyes have it, the depth and intensity I'm looking for, then I'm interested for a while, and I'll check out the rest. Getting lost in a warm, mellow tone of voice , one that kind of whispers to me, but in a polite and interested manner, will pull me in, too. His hands, as he holds his drink, or grips his pool cue, or slips a $20.00 to the head waiter, or ties his tie, should be squarish, clean, of course, and nails clipped short.
The walk, ahh, the walk. Ahh, well, now, this could kill the whole interlude. If the man is tall, then he should sling from the hips with loose-limbed gait. My friend, Marcia, loves the way Denzel Washington moves. Me, too, honey. But, if the man is short, then he should be just a little bit bowlegged.
But, I could do away with the check list [except for the eyes], if this man had the one singular, distinctive trait I value in anyone, especially a man. I find this trait missing in most men, but present in most mature women.
Is he comfortable in his own skin? Does he know who he is, or must he tell everyone who he is? Can he keep silent when others argue without cause? Can he bring me a sense of calmness, and strength, and honesty? This to me is a man.

Just thoughts, as I begin a new project, which, by the way, has nothing to do with men.
Linda Anderson

I'm a Sally Field, "You Really Like Me", Kind of Author

2010-07-11T20:08:00.008-04:00

Apparently RomCom has brewed a bit of brouhaha over a few panels and comments made. Blogs and Twitter are alive with discussions and the usual 'she said/he said'.

I've gathered the gist of the uproar stems from an 'ask the reader what she can do for author' versus 'what the author can do for the reader'. Whatever was actually said or meant [as not everyone is a good public speaker and even though well-intentioned, words can come out all screwed up], I'm a Sally Field kind of author. As in, you like me? You really like me!

I write because I cannot not write. If I go too long without writing, I get downright cranky. I have a thousand of stories to tell and my main problem is picking the one that will be viewed as marketable. As an author, my job is to write the very best book that I can. It may not be the best ever, but it is the best that I can write at that time and place in my life.

The stories contain bits and bobs of my heart and soul; I couldn't write them if they didn't. Of course, I pray that a reader will love it. However, I realize everyone has different fantasies and tastes. I don't like every author whose book is in the bookstore so I realize not everyone will like my work. I do bleed from an unkind review; I care too much about my stories not to feel the sting of an unkind word. Still, it goes part and parcel with the publishing business. I eat a handful of M&M's, suck it up and keep writing the next best book that I can.

And hopefully, the stories I write will take a reader on an adventure of heart.

:) Carol Stephenson

Hi gang

2010-06-29T21:43:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Wordy Wenches. Please take time to play and post.