The Dog Dish with Kriffle

We have a slightly different Dog Dish interview today -- for the first time, Dakota interviewed a fictional character!

We're welcoming Australian author Jonathan Gould to the blog today on his tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. He's a humor author and has written two fun books: "Flidderbugs" and "Doodling". He'll be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to someone who comments during the tour, so make sure you leave a note!

And now ... please welcome Kriffle, the central character in Flidderbugs

It’s lovely to talk to you today, Kriffle. Firstly, can you tell me exactly what is a Flidderbug?

That’s a good question. Well firstly, I guess we’re bugs. That bit's pretty easy. We have six legs, and big, googly eyes, and long, wiggly antennae, and we live on the Krephiloff Tree. Secondly, we flidder.

Ok, that’s not very helpful. Can you tell me what is a…flidder?

I don’t know. I never really thought about it before. It’s just what we do. Maybe it’s a bit like a flittery fiddle. Or perhaps it’s more like a fiddly flitter. Come to think of it, it could be more like a fluttery dither. One of my friends thought it might be a little bit like a twittery twitter but I don’t think it’s anything like that at all.

Maybe it’s best if we move on to more interesting things. What do Flidderbugs like to eat?

Klummerflies are our very favourite food. They’re crisp and savoury and very crunchy. My mother makes the finest tasting Klummerfly broth on our side of the Krephiloff Tree. Flidderbugs come fliddering from faraway branches just to breathe in the aroma.

That’s the second time you’ve mentioned the Krephiloff Tree. What on earth is a Krephiloff Tree?

The Krephiloff Tree is our home. It’s the only place where you’ll ever find us Flidderbugs.

What’s it like?

I don’t know what it’s like. It just is. It has a big trunk, and in the middle of the trunk is the Fleedenhall where the Fliddercouncil meets. I’ve been there lots, because my father is head of the Triplifers – that’s one of the two main tribes of Flidderbugs. The other tribe is the Quadrigons, but we won’t mention them. They’re our arch-enemies.

Why don’t you like them?

Because they’re horrid and rude and they have no idea how many points there are on a leaf.

How many points there are on a leaf? Is that important?

Of course it is. It’s the single most important thing in the world to us Flidderbugs. Not that it’s a complicated question. We all know the answer is three, don’t we?

I’ll take your word for it. I have just a few more questions to ask if you don’t mind?

Sure. Go ahead.

Six legs or four – which is better?

Definitely six. I don’t know how you possibly cope with so few legs. With all the leaves around here, I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere.

Which is worse, flyspray or a bug-catcher?

They both sound pretty nasty. I think I’d have to go with the bug-catcher. At least flyspray would be quick. Being stuck in a bug-catcher would be like being exiled from the Krephiloff Tree. I don’t think I could live with that.

Have you ever owned a pet?

Well once I had a pet Klummerfly. Actually, I’ve had a number of pet Klummerflies. They never seem to survive for long. I guess it’s because they just taste so good.

Again, I’ll just have to take your word for it. Kriffle, it’s been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you for your time and all the best for the upcoming election.

Thank you. We’ll need it.

As Kriffle the Flidderbug investigates why his fellow 'bugs find it impossible to agree on the pressing issue of how many points there are on the leaves of the tree on which they live, he finds that the truth is more complicated, and ultimately more terrifying, than he ever could have imagined.

Flidderbugs is a political satire, a modern fable, or maybe just a funny little story about a bunch of insects with some very peculiar obsessions.

Neville Lansdowne fell off the world.

Actually, he did not so much fall off as let go. The world had been moving so quickly lately and Neville was finding it almost impossible to keep up.

Doodling is an engaging comic fantasy which relates the events that befall Neville after he finds himself abandoned by the world and adrift in the middle of an asteroid field. Douglas Adams meets Lewis Carroll (with just a touch of Gulliver's Travels) as Neville wanders through his new home, meeting a variety of eccentric characters and experiencing some most unexpected adventures.

He calls his stories "dag-lit" because they're the sort of stories that don't easily fit into the standard genres. Some might think of them as comic fantasies, or modern fairytales for the young and the young-at-heart.

Over the years, his writing has been compared to Douglas Adams, Monty Python, A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll, the Goons, Dr Seuss and even Enid Blyton (in a good way).

http://www/daglit.blogspot.com

And he's only just entered this world of social networking - so if you meet him somewhere out there, please be nice to him.

https://twitter.com/#!/jonno_go

https://www.facebook.com/jonathangouldwriter

Purchase Doodling from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
iBookstore
KoboSony Bookstore

Purchase Flidderbugs from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
iBookstore
Sony Bookstore
Kobo

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Marie Astor

I'd like to give a big welcome to Marie Astor, who's visiting my blog today on her latest stop for the "On the Rim of Love" tour!

Please enjoy her blog and then comment so you have a chance to win! Marie is awarding two prizes to randomly drawn commenters during her tour: a sterling silver plum quartz necklace and earring set, and a sterling silver aventurine necklace that were custom designed for the tour. Plus, if you go back and visit her previous stops (click on the banner for all her tour stops) and comment, you'll have more chances to win.


I asked Marie, "How much research goes into your books? For example this one has the characters skiing in British Columbia - did you do some skiing there to research?"

Hi and thank you for inviting me. My name is Marie Astor and I am the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love and Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

I often get asked about how much research goes into my books. My latest contemporary romance, On the Rim of Love, takes place in British Columbia. I visited Banff, British Columbia two winters ago and I was instantly smitten by its beauty – the vast open spaces, the towering mountain cliffs and the white, sparkling snow that seemed to stretch endlessly. I have always thought there is something very special about the atmosphere of ski towns, and I was charmed by Banff’s quaint streets and the wonderful people who walked them. An idea for a contemporary romance became to form in my mind: big city girl meets a big-mountain skier who is rooted in his small hometown. By the end of my ten-day stay at Banff, I had jotted down an outline and notes on the main characters, Maggie and Taylor, as well as Taylor’s best friends, Shawn and Hannah.

On the Rim of Love takes place in Eagleville, British Columbia. But before you start looking up Eagleville on the map, I have to tell you that Eagleville is a fictional town. Why did you create a fictional town? you ask. Off-piste skiing is a big part of On the Rim of Love, as it becomes the initial point of connection between the main characters – Maggie and Taylor, so I wanted to create a ski resort with access to all kinds of ski terrain. From the research that I did, I learned that most US ski resorts do not offer lift access to wild mountain terrain and require either renting a helicopter or climbing long, arduous routs to get to wild mountain terrain. Europe, however, offers easy access to off-piste skiing – you can take a lift car to the top of Mont Blanc. However, I have never been to Mont Blanc, but I have been to British Columbia and my heart was dead set on its beauty. So, I decided to combine the best of both worlds and create a ski resort where Maggie and Taylor could take an enchanting ride to the very tops of the mountains – I hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Here's the blurb for On the Rim of Love:

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

More about Marie:

Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories. Stop by Marie’s website: www.marieastor.com to sign up for book releases and events. Marie can also be found on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection and Twitter: @marieastor.

Books by Marie Astor:

On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.

Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship.

A Chance Encounter and Other Stories – a short story collection about love and everyday life.

The Dog Dish (and a giveaway) with Leslie Soule and Indy

Today we're excited -- we have an entirely NEW type of pet here at the dog dish. It's Indy, gopher snake of Leslie D. Soule. She's on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions promoting her fantasy novel, Fallenwood and I invited her here today, because I love snakes! Dakota is intrigued by them, too (she frequently flushes garter snakes in the gardens), so welcomed Indy to the dog dish.

Before we start the interview, though, I should tell you that Leslie will be giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour as well as to the host with the most comments (excluding Leslie's and their own). So leave a comment, and tell your friends to swing by, check out Indy (and the book) and then follow the rest of Leslie's tour (sadly, I believe this is Indy's only stop) by clicking on her tour banner, below. The more times you visit and comment, the more chances to win the GC!



Now ... we give the floor over to Dakota and Indy!

So, your human writes books. Does this mean she is home all day and easy to access? Elaborate if necessary.

Absolutely not – actually, it seems like she’s never around. She does keep me well-fed though, so I suppose I can’t complain.

What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun?

I generally stare at her from inside my tank because I know she’ll look over and think it’s cute and forget what she was going to write. That’s my main technique.

What indignities and neglect have you suffered because of your human's writing career?

Well, I’ve suffered a lot of neglect, really, but being a snake, I wish my human would leave me alone more often, really. All I want is peace and quiet and to go in my cave and curl up and make the world disappear – but my human insists on holding me and showing me her outlandishly decorated room. She teases me. There are so many places to hide, but she won’t let me explore any of them. She takes me out of my cage and just when I begin to get interested in the outside world, back into my tank I go!

Tell me about the animals in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?

They seem to play a big part. My human loves animals, like me – I just wish she loved them less, really. Bugging me at all hours of the night, just so she can feel like she’s helping me out or something by acting like a giant heat rock. It’s an addiction, really, with that one. Oh, I’m sorry, what was the question?

On the off-chance your human has yet to incorporate animals into a story, what are your plans for making sure she rectifies this egregious error and demonstration of poor writing skills?

Should she not include animals – which I don’t see happening because of her unhealthy addiction, I intend to bite her. That’ll get her attention.

What movies involving animals does your human enjoy sharing with you? Books with animals?

My human doesn’t share movies or books with me, and if she knows what’s good for her, she’ll keep up the good behavior!

If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?

I would make her susceptible to mind control. That’s all I want. I’m not asking for much.

Are you happy with your human? If you could tell your human one thing, what would it be?

She’s okay, as far as humans go. If I could tell her one thing, it would be: Leave me alone! For the love of all that is good and holy! Don’t you know that I am an animal and not a mood ring? If you warm me up, I will NOT do tricks!

What things does your human do that would mortify her it if known? What does your human do that most annoys?

My human looks at herself entirely too much in the mirror, and she thinks she’s good-looking too, because she does this eyebrow lift thing when she looks at herself. *shakes head* She’s crazy. And…as for most annoying…she put cage clips on my tank, so there’s no way on earth that I can possibly escape and ever see the outside world unless she lets me out for a while.

Has your human named a character for you? Are you pleased? If not, why?

No, it was rather the other way around, really.

And did your human name you for a fictional character? Hate it or love it? If you could rename yourself, what would your name be?

My name was Hank when my human adopted me, and she changed it to the name of that horribly muscular archaeologist Indiana Jones, only she shortened it to Indy, because Indiana Jones doesn’t like snakes and my human has a very sick sense of humor. I am most definitely NOT pleased!

If I could rename myself, it would be something regal-sounding, but something that conveyed my thoughts as well. I would name myself Leavemealoneicus the Third,…Esquire.

Thanks for stopping by today, Indy! I know you don't like dog treats or bones ... can I offer you a cricket?

And now, how about sharing a little about "Fallenwood"? My human LOVES a good fantasy story (she cut her teeth on The Prydain Chronicles and the Dragonriders of Pern, as well as the Narnia books and more).

Fallenwood—a land where magic is the life force, dragons are sages, and wizards good and evil battle for supremacy. When 23-year-old Ash is thrust into the middle of Fallenwood’s power struggles, she is also forced to face her own inner battles. Life on Earth was hard enough on Ash, who is locked in grief for her stepfather. Now, the fate of Fallenwood rests on her shoulders. She must destroy the Great Crystal—the catalyst for all the land’s magic. As the kingdoms prepare for war, Ash must look inside to find the power to save the world, and herself.

Hey! Leslie hails from my hometown ... what else would you like to know about her?

About Leslie: Leslie Soule lives in Sacramento, California. Fallenwood is her first fantasy novel. She has received her B.A. in English from Sacramento State University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in English at National University.

Website: www.lesliesoule.com
"Fallenwood"
A 194 page fantasy novel available now from Decadent Publishing
buy links: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=26&products_id=226

Guest Blog and Giveaway: Tracey Cramer-Kelly and the Making of a Music Video

Tracey Cramer-Kelly is here on a stop for her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the military romance, "True Surrender". She's giving away a FALLEN SOLDIER T-Shirt to someone who comments on her tour stops, so don't forget to let her know you stopped by!

In the meantime, I was fascinated by the fact she made a music video and asked her to share her experience with us.

THE MAKING OF A MUSIC VIDEO

I was an MTV junkie. I especially liked the music videos that told a story. But when I first thought about doing a music video myself, I was curious: how would my passion for singing, writing and the power of the visual come together?

THE MUSIC

Here’s where it all starts, of course. I could have used a stock song, but I’m a singer and I’ve done some recording … and it just so happened that friends from the Mark Cameron Band had recently helped me record what I call the “Surrender Version” of Bette Midler’s classic song, “The Rose.” (It’s got a bluesy feel and a more upbeat rhythm.)

THE ACTORS

To find actors to enact scenes from True Surrender, we posted a project summary and request on craigslist.com. We conducted two auditions. From those, we choose Zac and Jennifer … and luckily they were both available when we wanted to shoot. We gave them a script and a week to prepare…

THE PLANNING

I handled props, clothing, makeup arrangements and timing issues; my co-director took care of shooting scripts, lighting, locations and the camera folks. Thank goodness I didn’t have to do everything myself, because I had no idea how many details needed to be covered!

THE FILMING

We spent one exhausting 12-hour day shooting scenes at a Physical Therapy department, a cemetery and a friend’s condo. For me, it was amazing seeing my words come to life - and without any dialogue! (I am still in awe of the actors.) The following morning we were up early to shoot video of singing (and guitar) along the Rum River near my home, and we wrapped it up later that week when we shot video of my 4-year-old daughter (whose cameo appearance is at the end of the video).

THE AFTERMATH

My co-director had to get all 140 minutes of footage onto disks (called “dailies”) … and then my sleepless nights began. I watched scenes for hours - evaluating the best parts of each, looking for those seconds when the camera caught something special. Once I had my favorite ‘bites,’ it took another two full days to pull it all together.

THE FALLOUT

I could not have had a better experience creating my first music video. I was blessed with a great group of people to work with (I really enjoyed the creative interplay). This was truly a collaborative effort and I was both humbled and exhilarated. I love the video - and I hope you do, too.



When Major Aaron Bricewick is rescued from Afghanistan terrorists, he thinks the worst is over. But his personal journey is just beginning...

The first surprise is the amputation of one of his legs.

The second is the woman he left behind, now a widow with a 4-year-old son - and his new prosthetist (artificial limb maker).

He vows that losing his leg won't derail his career. But maintaining his outward appearance as a got-it-together officer becomes increasingly difficult as he faces one personal demon after another - and sees his career aspirations slipping away. And though he has no intention of expanding his life to include a woman, his heart has other ideas - and he finds himself questioning the very foundation of his personal beliefs.

When violence - and unexpected redemption - touch his life again, Aaron must make a stand. Which will he choose: duty or love?

About Tracey: Tracey’s work fuses writing, music and visual imagery whenever possible, and includes novels, short stories, essays and music videos. True Surrender is her second novel. Her first, Last Chance Rescue, is an Indie Award finalist. Her first full-length music video, The Rose (Surrender Version), includes scenes from True Surrender. Her writing draws from her experience as an Army Reserve paramedic and helicopter pilot. When not managing the family business, Leader Motorcycle Accessories, she enjoys motorcycling and outdoor activities with her husband and two young children.

Web site/blog: http://www.TraceyCramerKelly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TraceyCramerKelly
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TraceyCramerKel

The Dog Dish welcomes authors Mina Carter and BJ Barnes (and their critters)

Hi all! This is Dakota... my mom was busy today, so asked me to introduce our guests. Seems like there's a new book out called "Taming the Vixen", and the authors are busy touring the internet to promote it. Since they're owned by their own critters, so I asked to talk to them. Oops, I've just been told that Mina has fish, and they aren't talking, so BJ asked her four-legged family to visit instead. I hope you'll all make them feel welcome!

I hear that if you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win a cool prize: a $10 Amazon GC. It's no meaty bone, but it'll have to do. If you click that purple banner under here, you'll get to see all the other neat places they'll be on their tour.



So, your human writes books. Does this mean she is home all day and easy to access? Elaborate if necessary.

Queenie: Thanks for having “us”. “Us” includes myself, Queenie (Domestic Shorthair tabby & white kitty - constant indoor and writing companion of Bethany J. Barnes), Devon (Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross - longtime trail riding, team penning companion), Tristan (Friesian horse – tall, dark & handsome, newest member of the Barnes family) and Nika (spastic ball chasing, Frisbee catching Australian Shepherd dog). My sisters, Tig and Zoe, declined to participate in this interview. They are too busy taking naps. Ransom, our third horse “sibling” is sunbathing. He’s got to look good for the ladies. I’ll be doing the typing, since my paws are the smallest.

Devon: Tristan’s hooves are too big. He would have crushed the entire laptop. (snickers)

Tristan: Sounds like someone has hoof envy.

Devon: Shut up, I do not! (swishes tail and pins ears back)

Tristan: (satisfied horse smirk)

Queenie: Knock it off you two. It’s bad enough that you kick your stall at all hours, Devon. Sheesh! Yes, our human – Bethany J. Barnes – is home all day and we have access to her 24/7. I usually sit next to her while she’s writing. I love that she’s able to spend so much time at home. More cuddles and pets for me.

What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun? Whose primary job is it? What do the rest of you do to support the one doing the main distracting?

Queenie: I like to meow at her a lot and try to crawl into her lap when she’s writing. It’s not very easy, since she’s using a laptop.

Devon: I kick the inside of my stall to make noise to get her to come out to see me…

Tristan: Yeah and then she yells at you to stop kicking.

Devon: So – it works. She’s MY human.

Tristan: Insecurity is such an ugly thing.

Devon: Shut up. You’re nothing more than the horse version of Fabio.

Tristan: (smiles and poses for the camera)

Queenie: (rolls eyes and looks bored) *yawn* They can do this all day long. Moving on…

What indignities and neglect have you suffered because of your human's writing career?

Devon: She doesn’t take me out for trail rides in the mountains as much as she used to. Heck, she doesn’t ride any of us horses as much as she used to.

Tristan: I’d have to agree.

Devon: She doesn’t ride you because you outgrew your bridle, you big, long-haired bas –

Queenie: (cuts off Devon’s tirade and bad language) I haven’t suffered at all. She’s been in the house more than she used to because of her writing.

Tell me about the animals in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?

Queenie: Bethany and her co-author of “Taming The Wildcat”, Mina Carter, didn’t write about real animals in their book. They made up some nasty tempered beast called a wild “Hasang” and mentioned it in passing.

Tristan: Nasty tempered? I wonder who they based that on? Any ideas, Devon?

Devon: (glares and bares teeth) Certainly NOT me.

Queenie: I do know that Bethany has two horses in one of her works in progress. I’m sure she’ll add a pretty tabby and white cat before the books is up. (feline grin)

Nika: (comes running in) Someone throw the Frisbee for me! Play, play, play!

Queenie: Silly dog. Why don’t you go back outside and chase your short, stubby tail until you get dizzy and fall over?

Nika: That sounds like fun! Thanks. (runs out to do just that)

Queenie, Devon and Tristan: (all rolling eyes)

On the off-chance your human has yet to incorporate animals into a story, what are your plans for making sure she rectifies this egregious error and demonstration of poor writing skills?

Devon: Well, she’d have to write something that isn’t set in outer space for one. I just plan on taking her for some great trail rides in the mountains this summer. That will spark her imagination to write a sweeping epic romance that the heroine also happens to have this great looking bay colored horse –

Tristan: It will be a big, long-haired black Friesian horse, not some spindly-legged bay horse.

Queenie: Moving on again. (bored cat sigh)

What movies involving animals does your human enjoy sharing with you? Books with animals?

Tristan: She doesn’t let any of us horses in the house.

Devon: (snickers) Yeah, I think she’s worried we’ll scratch up the hardwood floors.

Tristan: And perhaps leave a big stinky present…

(both laughing at that one)

Queenie: She loves watching movies that have horses in them. A few of the movies she watches have the same breed of horse featured as the hero’s horse as what Tristan is.

Tristan: Baby, I’m a star.

Devon: It wasn’t actually you in those movies, bonehead. You wish!

Tristan: True, I’m better looking than those horses. I’ve been featured on the Cowboy Magic Facebook page more than once.

Devon: So have I.

Tristan: Only once.

If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?

Devon: That she’d spend more time with me and take me out for long rides.

Tristan: Ditto.

Queenie: I’m perfectly happy with her.

Are you happy with your human? If you could tell your human one thing, what would it be?

Devon: Yes, I’m very happy with her. I’ve been with her the longest. Eighteen years. Beat that, Tristan. She trained me herself and we’ve spent countless days riding in the desert around Tucson, Arizona. We moved two years ago up to Idaho. I tell her I love her all the time now, by hugging her.

Tristan: I’m very happy with her. She loves all of her horses, but I give the best hugs. I’d tell her I’m glad she picked me out of all the Friesians she had to choose from. She drove all the way from Idaho, through Arizona first to visit a friend, to eastern Kansas to pick me up. All by herself! I, too, tell her I love her.

Queenie: I already answered…I’m happy. I’d tell her to get off the damned computer and pet me more. Just kidding. I’d tell her how much I like cuddling with her.

Nika: (barking from outside) Very happy! Happy dog. (pants) I’d tell her to throw the Frisbee! Or even a ball. A ball would be good too! (gets distracted by small furry animal) SQUIRREL!

What things does your human do that would mortify her it if known? What does your human do that most annoys?

Queenie: We’re sworn to secrecy. She feeds us and takes care of us, so we’d never tell anything too embarrassing. Um…she makes faces when she’s writing or reading. It’s quite funny.

What’s most annoying about Bethany? How she sometimes has to get up to do something right after I’ve made myself comfortable on her lap. It’s so rude to make me move after I’ve found the perfect, comfy position.

Devon: When she gives Tristan or Ransom apples, carrots or treats before me. She doesn’t do it often though. Seniority rules!

Tristan: Seniority drools! Senior is right, old man. Didn’t you just turn 20 this month?

Devon: Yes, I did. You know what you need, Tristan?

Tristan: No. What’s that?

Devon: (kicks Tristan and watches him falls down) Respect for your elders! (snickers)

Tristan: (groans)

Has your human named a character for you? Are you pleased? If not, why?

Tristan: Yes, she has. (big horsey grin) In her work in progress that she’s taking her own sweet time writing, she has a horse that is a dead ringer for me. I’d have to say it IS me, since she even named it Tristan…after yours truly. I’m very pleased.

Devon: Braggart! She hasn’t named one after me yet, but I know for a fact that she based the other horse in that book on me and my sparkling person…er…horsenality. Even though it doesn’t look like me, it’s me.

And did your human name you for a fictional character? Hate it or love it? If you could rename yourself, what would your name be?

Tristan: Yes, she named me after Tristan Aragon, from “Tristan and Isolde”. Also after Tristan Ludlow from “Legends of The Fall” and Tristan from a movie called “Stardust”…and of course, let’s not forget Tristan of Camelot and the legend of the knights of the Round Table. I love the name she gave me. It’s easier to pronounce than my registered name, which is Thijs. I was born in The Netherlands in 2006 and imported to the United States in July 2009. Wow…I’ve been in America for two years now!

Devon: Do you ever shut up? I wasn’t named after a fictional character, but a place. Two places actually. Devon, England…because Bethany would love to go there some day to see the countryside there and Devon, Pennsylvania…because there are a lot of horse shows there that she’s watched on TV for years. I love my name.

Queenie: Okay, before Tristan starts talking about how beautiful he is again, I’d better thank you for allowing us to stop by and visit with you. It’s really cool that your human lets you interview other author’s pets. For the readers of Marianne’s blog (your very cool and hip human) Please check out our human’s book, “Taming The Wildcat” that she wrote with her friend and co-author, Mina Carter. We hope you like Bethany and Mina’s book.

Devon: Oh gross! Tristan farted. Time to go.

Tristan: I did not!

Queenie: (wrinkles nose) Oh dear…and on that note, we’ll be leaving now. I’m off for a cat nap and these two nags have to get back to the barn...but if your human’s friends have any questions for us, I’ll be back after my nap to answer to the best of my ability. We’ll make sure that Tristan chews up a few boxes of Gas-X before we bring him into an enclosed area again. Meow for now. =D

Fresh out of a disciplinary that almost ruined her career and landed her in jail, Summer King is out for a much needed night on the town...or bar district in her local space station. It seems this King girl can't stay out of trouble though, causing a bar brawl within minutes of her arrival.

Roz Taren is a mercenary, leader of the Wildcats, and a man who knows what he wants. Right now, that's the pretty girl in the purple dress. Rescuing her from the unwanted attentions of a bunch of drunks lands her right in his bed for the hottest weeked he's ever experienced.

Then she's recalled and Roz discovers his little firebird is a fleet pilot aka insane crazy with a side of total fruitloop. Fleet pilots live fast, die young and leave legends behind. When he receives word her ship is lost with all hands, Roz must bury her along with his heart.

Only this firebird isn't your garden variety. This bird is a Phoenix...one out to tame a Wildcat

.

BJ Barnes -

A fiery-tempered stay at home mom by day, Bethany J. Barnes is really a superhero in disguise. Equally at home creating fantastical worlds and the men and women who inhabit them or driving armed across county to collect a hot male (her gorgeous horse, Tristan), she'll happily wrestle rattlesnakes, rescue baby owls or perform strenuous casting tests for male leads in her stories. An active RPGer, B.J. is equally happy writing hot paranormal or steamy sci-fi and is the mainstay of many online games. An accomplished photographer, B.J.'s specialties are concert and equine photography. She’s dabbled in wedding photography, but has no patience for Bridezillas.

PS – She’s been known to shoot a bumble bee hovering in midair. Not a lady to be messed with!

Mina Carter - Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband and young daughter…the true boss of the family.

Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few. A veteran Star Trek RPGer, she’s run both games and groups of games but now finds her home in Bravo Fleet, one of the internet’s oldest Star Trek simm groups.

She juggles being a mum, working full time and writing, tossing another ball in the air with her cover artwork. For Mina, writing time is the wee hours of the morning before anyone wakes up and starts making demands, or any spare minute that can be begged, bought or conned.

Her first stories were penned at age 11, when she used a stationery set meant for Christmas thank you letters to write stories instead. More recently, she wrote for her own amusement and to save on outrageous monthly book bills. Now she’s totally addicted and needs her daily writing fix or heads roll!
==================

Virtual Book Tour: Lure of the Wicked by Karina Cooper

We have a special surprise today -- a visit from Karina Cooper, a paranormal romance author who's latest release is "Lure of the Wicked" -- released by Avon/HarperCollins this week! She'll be giving one lucky commenter a $25 Amazon.com GC -- so make sure you enjoy her post and then leave a comment for her. She's at the RWA conference this week, but is stopping in when she can and I know she'd love to hear from you!

1. If someone were writing a story about Karina Cooper what would your blurb say?

In a world where one woman hears the voices of the unwritten…

Wait, is that too epic? I keep hearing the Movie Guy. What a unique question! Okay, let’s see… Probably something like this: Every girl has a story. For some, it’s tea parties and dolls, trips to the mall and school dances. For Karina Cooper, it’s more. More stories, to be precise.

Raised all over the country and independent at an early age, Karina is a woman whose struggles, failures and tears are as character-shaping as her accomplishments. Seeking a place, she tries—and often fails—to fit into pre-determined boxes too structured, too small, too narrow to contain a personality as bright and sometimes abrasive as hers. This is her journey into greatness—into the world of fiction.

Hey, nobody said we couldn’t tart it up a bit, eh?

2. Can you tell us a little about your newest release, Lure of the Wicked that isn't in the blurb?

Oh, there’s so much that isn’t in the blurb! We can talk about the fact that the rogue agent Naomi’s trying to catch has some secrets of his own that should shake up a few long-held beliefs. We could talk about the fact that poor Naomi, on the verge of a psychological break, might not be in the mood—or have the right presence of mind—to hear it. We can talk about plot-threads left dangling mysteriously, or about the fact that Phin has been raised by two mothers.

Each of the characters in Lure of the Wicked have so much going on. The rogue agent, Joe Carson, is a little insane, Naomi West is trying so hard to find her mental footing, and Phin just wants to do what’s right by everyone he’s responsible for. It’s a muck-up of the highest order, with secrets and lies and politics gumming up the engine.

It’s also my favorite of the two so far, though not everyone agrees.

3. What was your inspiration behind the creation of Lure of the Wicked?

A Korean spa.

Seriously! I’d gone to this lovely spa inspired by Korean bath houses and I was hanging out with a couple friends who very graciously didn’t call me insane for wanting to go. We were soaking in one of the amazing heated pools when it hit me: a spa would be the perfect place to lock down a bird desperate to fly.

Phin came to me in the same flash of inspiration, and then I realized there was only one character so over the top that she’d chafe under such constraints, and that’s how I paired the two together.

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Lure of the Wicked?

I call Phin my “alpha-beta”: a man raised by women, so he doesn’t resort to brute strength or aggressive demand when he wants something. He actually is quite sensitive, which I love, but his disciplined determination is what allows him to force things into his own way. He’s not rude, and he really doesn’t swear beyond “hell” and “damn” (his mothers would never allow it!).

So, the scene that really drove this home for me is also my favorite scene. Without giving too much away, Naomi has just come face to face with someone that gets under her skin and makes an already brittle psyche crumble. Before she can make a scene, Phin intercepts her and gets her into a quiet room to break down in peace. Only she’s not the type to kick her and feet and cry, so what he does next was so perfect—so Phin—that I cackled the whole time I was writing it.

He’s sensitive, I said. That doesn’t mean he isn’t manipulative.


5. Are there any other genres you want to tackle?

There are! Gosh, so many. I really love Paranormal romance, and I’ll write in it for as long as the market allows me to. But I’ve also just completed a Steampunk urban fantasy that is decidedly not a romance.

I also have some other “flavors” of paranormal romance that I’m saving for something along the way, and then I really want to tackle a serial killer series. How fun would that be? Well, on paper, I mean. Ahem!

6. If you could trade places with one of your characters, would you want to and who?

Oh, grim! Let’s see… If I had to choose, I’d trade places with Jonas Stone. He’s the best tech analyst in the Mission, and because of that, he has a certain amount of freedom, but he’s also one of my favorite, most surprising characters. Complex, really. I hope you’ll like what you see as he shows up in future books.

But really? I don’t want to trade places with anyone in the Dark Mission world. It’s too dark!

7. What accent is sure to make you swoon?

Australian, every time. There’s something about it that makes me snap to attention—right before I lose all cognitive reason. I love the inflections.

8. What was the most challenging thing you’ve done in the name of research that might have been out of your comfort zone?

So far, all of my research has been comfortable. Even my various piercings, although painful, were things I wanted and therefor didn’t really see as out of my comfort zone. But I can, however, speak for something that will happen in the future.

See, I’m terrified of zombie movies. I can’t make it through one. Even in Resident Evil—which, as we can all agree, is basically the most expensive music video ever made—I had to walk out. But eventually, I’ll be dealing with zombie-like creatures (new series? future Dark Mission? not telling!) and I figure, the best way to know the tropes is to watch them all.

So… I’m arranging to have a zombie movie night with as many people as possible so that I don’t have to do it alone. And this concept scares me so badly, I can’t even tell you.

9. Please share with us something that readers would be surprised to learn about you.

You mean aside that I’m terrified of zombies? Okay, let’s see… I have two microdermal piercings on the back of my neck. Not surprising? Hmm. I…

Oh, here we go! I am a complete and total Star Wars freak. I read the Wookiepedia and Databanks for fun. I will play Star Wars games (with plot) all day long, and if I could be a Jedi, I would. In a heartbeat. My rabbit is named after Juno Eclipse, the love interest and pilot from The Force Unleashed video game. Miralukans are my favorite species, with Twi’leks a close second,a nd I sob like a little baby every time the tragedy that is Episode III is playing and the Order 66 is given.

Damn it, Aayla Secura. You should have survived!

10. How can the readers stay in touch with you online?

I’m all over the place! You can visit my website at www.karinacooper.com, and for you Facebook lovers, I’m at http://www.facebook.com/romanceauthor. Most of my internet chatter is done over on Twitter, @karinacooper, but be warned: I’m not adverse to coating the walls of your eyelids with my glistening spammeats. Prolific Twitterer is prolific!

11. If you could ask readers any one question, what would it be?

If you could only pick one thing, one single thing, and you had to flee your home, what would you choose and why?

How about sharing the blurb for Lure of the Wicked?

Plucked from the no-frills interior of a stark jail cell, missionary Naomi West has been buffed, polished, and shined to topside perfection. Bitterly resentful, she is imprisoned within the city’s premier spa and resort and forced to pass as one of the topside elite to hunt down an agent gone rogue. The plan is simple: kill him, before the gilded cage she hates so much gets to her first.

Phinneas Clarke has put heart and soul into the spa, turning his family’s secrets and dreams into a successful business that hides the operation he runs behind the scenes. When the beautifully untouchable Naomi checks in, everything starts to unravel, and he must choose between protecting his investment, his family, or a woman too damaged to be any good for his heart.

Remember, folks -- you can visit with Karina at ALL her stops this week:

June 27: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
June 28: Book of Secrets
June 29: Black Velvet Seductions Reader's Blog
June 30: Marianne Arkins
July 1: My Bookish Ways

Every comment earns you an entry into the $25 Amazon.com drawing!

Thanks for visiting.

====================

Thursday Thirteen: 13 Things About Chiczofrenia

For more Thursday 13 Participants, click the banner above.

Dr. Laina Turner is visiting with me today on her virtual tour for her book "Chiczofrenia: Crazy is an Art Form". Sounds like my life!

Every comment during her tour enters you in a drawing to win a $40 Visa gift card, so make sure you not only comment here, but visit her other stops and see what she has to say.

Now, without further ado, lets find out 13 Things About "Chicozfrenia" (with comments from me in (italics):

1. Being crazy is an art form (something I practice every day!)

2. We all have a little crazy in us – it’s a good thing (thank goodness for that! I don't feel so alone in my lunacy now)

3. Women are fabulous (Yes... yes they are! I appreciate the women in my life more than I can say)

4. You CAN be superwoman (... okay, this alone is worth reading the book for, because I'd like to find out HOW)

5. You CAN say no and it won’t kill you (still working on this one -- anyone else?)

6. Compromise is good, just don’t give up yourself in the process (another something in progress -- I'm not a big fan of compromise)

7. DO have fun and enjoy what life has to offer (Okay! This one I can get behind -- who's with me?)

8. DON’T feel guilty (... because? and how? ...)

9. Surround yourself with a great group of girlfriends (YES! Best suggestion yet! Love my friends)

10. Be the best version of yourself (I am a work in progress, but I try to the best I can at even given moment)

11. Love yourself (... this is not an easy task)

12. Remember you ARE worth it (I keep telling myself that -- when do I believe it?)

13. You are stronger than you think (This one I realize, because I prove it to myself regularly)

Now an excerpt to illustrate some of these points -- doesn't the book sound fabulous?

WHAT MAKES US WHO WE ARE

Do you remember back when you were young and it was all about Barbie dolls and Baby Alive? If you had brothers, or even if you didn’t, there might be a Stretch Armstrong and some Hot Wheels thrown in. As young girls, we enjoyed playing house. Traditional play acting for girls and boys alike. Mimicking our parents and grandparents. Is this where we learned that we wanted to have that perfect life? Is it what all the people against Barbie and Ken were fearful of? I’m taking creative license here as I don’t know if anyone is actually against Barbie and Ken, but I think it sounds plausible. We played with the perfect Barbie, in her perfect clothes, her perfect corvette, and perfect Ken. Barbie and Ken never defaulted on their mortgage or had the corvette repossessed, and Barbie’s boobs never sagged, her butt didn’t droop. Did we feel this was how life was supposed to be? Perfect? How did you feel the first time you realized that life wasn’t going to be like Barbie and Ken living the life in the Dream House? Was it when you hit puberty and realized that you weren’t going to be 36-24-34? How did you feel? I felt cheated. Damn that fantasy.

Thanks for visiting, Laina! You can find out more about Laina at her website.

=========================

Welcome Guest: Clare Austin

We interrupt our regularly scheduled ramble from me to visit with Clare Austin, author of "Hot Flash", her recently released novel from The Wild Rose Press. Clare is here on her tour via Goddess Fish Promotions and will be giving away the winner's choice of a "Hot Flash" coffee mug or T-shirt to one lucky commenter, so please leave her a note in the comments when you're done reading what she has to say.

Clare... take it away!

Thank you for having me on your blog today.

Hot Flash is a contemporary romantic women’s fiction. The hero is an Irishman, Brandon Sullivan and the heroine is Kate Aiello, first generation Italian-American. I love the combination: “Italian attitude and Irish temper.” It is a tender love story about second chances with a touch of humor to help us all remember to keep perspective.

This was a fun and challenging book to write. It was my third novel in a year and I needed a compelling theme. Horses, competition, danger, and the blending of cultures…I understand these things first hand. Loss, despair, yearning for a second chance to find happiness…we all have history we can pull up to spark our empathy for characters like Brandon and Kate.

I have ridden horses since as far back as I can remember and for many years I competed in the sport of Three Day Eventing. I used this as a background for Hot Flash for many reasons, but one was simply because it is a world I understand. Besides, who can resist a man with a nice bum wearing riding breeches? I couldn’t lose.

As far as heroes and heroines being less attractive with age. This is a commonly held misunderstanding that was my pleasure to correct. Brandon knows how to make Kate feel like the beautiful woman she truly is. He isn’t inclined to rush her and he cares about what she needs and likes in bed. I don’t know about all the readers out there, but, for me, there is something extra sexy about a man who can rock my world and still knows how to cuddle.

Both Brandon and Kate are mature adults, with grown children, parents, siblings and a complex past. They have experienced love, commitment and loyalty in very different ways. They have disparate life goals as well as flaws and insecurities. How does one start over? It’s not that easy to get naked, literally or figuratively. Don’t expect the family to make it a smooth transition or the cultural differences to fade because love is present. These are some of the barriers I wanted to explore in my novel.

I wrote Hot Flash for all the women who feel as Kate does……

It was impossible to grasp the fact that she was old, washed up, or that her life was over in any sense. She felt alive, young and physically unchanged by the years. It comes so gradually, she decided. It’s not like you wake up one day and your face is full of wrinkles and your butt has sagged to the backs of your knees. The metamorphosis from young woman to wizened crone snuck up on you while you were busy living life.

It seemed to Kate that women were meant to be like flowers: beautiful, growing, blooming, reproducing other lovely flora and then fading, and blowing away, as ephemeral as a dandelion on the wind. She wasn’t ready for that. She wanted to continue flourishing, even if she had to do it alone.

With Hot Flash my goal was to write a triumphant story of challenges, new strength, and a deeper appreciation for the value of a mature love relationship. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you for dropping by this blog today.

My books are available in paperback and digital formats from most online booksellers.

Autographed copies of Butterfly, Angel’s Share and Hot Flash may be purchased from http://www.clareaustin.com/ by PayPal or by contacting AuthorClare@gmail.com

Please go to http://www.clareaustin.wordpress.com/ for updates on my current projects, appearances, and the occasional random thought.

Hungry for a little more? Here's the blurb and excerpt for Hot Flash:

Kate Aiello has spent her entire life trying to please others—her three brothers, her Italian mamma and her husband of twenty-five years. It isn’t insult enough she is turning fifty, and left at the side of life’s road by her philandering husband. Now she has to contend with her body’s betrayal…hot flashes!

The plain truth hits her with each thermostatic aberration—she has never been first in anyone’s life, including her own.

Brandon Sullivan has been on a downward spiral since the death of his beloved wife. Now he is a man desperate to save himself from impending financial ruin, loss of his farm and his life’s dream. He needs to get into the winner’s circle by spring or he’ll be just another poor, landless Irishmen downing his pints and bragging about the good ol’ days.

Sparks fly when Italian attitude meets Irish temper. Add two big crazy families, a barn full of horses and one woman’s menopausal hot flashes and the probability for combustion increases exponentially.

What will Kate and Brandon risk for a second chance at love?

***********

“So, Katie, tell me…why riding lessons?”

“It’s Kate.” She corrected him.

“What?” He looked genuinely confused.

“Kate…my name…it’s Kate, not Katie.” She wasn’t sure why it bothered her he liked to call her that. Maybe it felt a little too personal. Jeffrey had never called her anything but Catherine.

“Ah and why not? Katie suits you well, a good name for a beautiful woman.”

Nervous laughter welled up in her. “You have that ‘charming Irishman’ thing down to a fine science don’t you? Go ahead, call me anything you want.” Obviously, the man had his own opinions. It was most likely fruitless to try and correct him. She should have resented it, but his arrogance fit him like those breeches he wore. From another man, his attitude would have felt patronizing, but coming from him it was...well…titillating.

He said nothing, just looked directly into her eyes and smiled a slow, lazy grin that made Kate shiver deep in her bones.

*********

Remember ... leave a comment to be entered in her contest! Thanks, Clare, for joining us today.

================

I Forgot...

Today, I'm the featured author at Diane Craver's blog in celebration of Small Press Week. Go check it out and say "howdy"! I'd love to see you there.

Thanks!

Friday Finger Waggles

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens

Today is my last official virtual tour stop: and interview at Virtual Wordsmith. I'm a little sad it's over, but MAN(!) was it ever hard to do that many interviews. I don't know if I'd do it again...

BTW, remember I am still having folks over here to guest blog. I'm scheduling into June right now, so if you want to post on my blog, email me (marianne (AT) mariannearkins (DOT) com). The complete schedule is here.

=============================

So, people are going to think I beat my dog. When she's bad, I point at her a lot -- waggling my finger about -- now, when I pull that finger out, she flinches away. I can see people think, "Dang, that dog is hand shy...she must be beaten on a regular basis! What a mean owner."

How do you tell people she gets pointed at on a regular basis? Do you think Dakota is thinking, "Dude, I could totally go to a different family who don't give me rules, and feed me treats if I make Doggy Social Services think my mom beats me." ?

**sigh**

=============================

No writing yesterday. I couldn't settle...for whatever reason, I was very down yesterday and my brain wasn't into anything. Everything made me cry. I missed my dog, missed my mom, missed my dad, hated the weather, was distraught over all the chipmunk holes in my slowly appearing flowerbeds, couldn't believe how far behind we are in school...everything set me off.

You ever have days like that?

Hopefully, today will be better. I'm going to try to keep my brain in positive mode.

==============================

What Your Shamrock Says About You

You are balanced, nurturing, and sympathetic. You understand people and love to help them. At times, you get too involved with what's going on in other people's lives. It's hard to remove yourself. You consider yourself a lucky person. Luck always seems to be on your side. You are stylish, in a classic sort of way. You are particular about how you like things.

The Shamrock Personality Test

Incidentally, the shamrock they picture isn't the one I chose. And, LOLOL, this result couldn't be farther from the truth (except the part about being particular...that's spot on).

So Proud

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music. ~William Stafford

Today there will be a review of "One Love For Liv" on Virtual Wordsmith. I'm nervous. GULP. Feel free to go over and check it out...I'll be visiting with one hand over my eyes.

============================

I have a good kid. I know, I know... we all think our kids are awesome. But mine is really a good kid. I could list all the wonderful things about her, but I won't bore you (it's a long list *G*). Most recently, though, she let her hair grow again to give it away for Locks Of Love.

This wouldn't be such a big deal except: she HATED having long hair. Hated it. But every time I suggested she get it cut, she refused. "I want to give away my hair for the children who don't have any," she'd say, and shove her hair back into a pony tail.

Finally, two days ago, we had it cut. It still wasn't quite long enough, so her hair is really short. But she didn't care. She wanted to make sure there was enough to send it, so she told the hair stylist to take off as much as was required.

So, before:



And, after:



I love when she does something that is a real sacrifice. Anyone can give money, but to give of oneself...there's a lesson in there. Yep, I'm kinda proud.

=====================

I only wrote about 100 words yesterday on my mystery. I got derailed by an idea for a short story, and jotted that down instead -- 1000 words worth. Sadly, the ending was lame, and it didn't work, at least not how it is currently. But, it may someday and so goes into my "not ready for submission" file. There's a lot of short stuff in there.

======================

You are a PC

You're practical, thrifty, and able to do almost anything. Appearances and trends aren't important to you. You just like to get the job done.

Are You a Mac or a PC?

More Cuties, Words, and Dog Whispering

It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor. ~Marcus Tullius Cicero

I'm being interviewed at Groovy's today -- if you only check out one interview, you should read this. Groovy was a little silly in her questions (for which I was eternally grateful), and also made me write a story with elements she provided! Come by and visit!

===========================

As a follow-up to yesterday's post:

I don't particularly think Keith Urban is hot. I just think he's hotter than Billy Currington. I used them to explain why I don't get what many women think is hot. If I had to choose some hot country music guys? I'd go with these:

Josh Turner... yummmmmmm.....



Rodney Atkins... man, he has the cutest grin!



Brad Paisley... cute and he cracks me up.



And, for timeless good looks, it has to be Alan Jackson. The man just gets better looking the older he gets -- he's the Sean Connery of country music.



=========================

I wrote yesterday. Only about 650 words... but hey, I'll take all the words I can get. I'm sort of stuck because I can't decide if I want to have the villain die or not. This person is very, very bad but...hmmm... GAH. I think it will seriously mess with the heroine's psyche if the villain dies, but OTOH, maybe it'll give closure, or...

Oh well, I'll figure it out. Hopefully today. I'd like to get more words.

==========================

Yesterday, DD and I were inspired by the relatively nice weather (sunny, dry -- but 30 degrees and windy, brrr...) to see if The Dog Whisperer's advice about exercise really does help your dog behave.

I want to train her to run with a scooter or bicycle. When Bailey was young and peppy, we used to take her out running with the bike. After a while, it got so we didn't have to leash her, she'd just run alongside. And, when she was older and arthritic, she still wanted to go and would bark and bark and bark when we went riding without her.

So, I put Dakota on her leash (she's stubborn as heck and doesn't like to leash train, so I use a dual collar--pinch and a Gentle Leader) and hopped on the DD's scooter. It was interesting, to say the least, but once she got over being scared of it and then trying to bite it, it went pretty well. After running her down to the loop (the end of the cul-de-sac) and back to my house, she was a little bit tired. Then we did leash training. And she was better.

We did this twice yesterday, and she was a MUCH better doggy. We'll do it again today. Thank you, Dog Whisperer.

========================

Your Hawaiian Name is:

Leilani Roselani

What's your Hawaiian Name?

I'm okay with that...

Friday's Feast on Thursday

I would like to find a stew that will give me heartburn immediately, instead of at three o'clock in the morning. ~John Barrymore

Please note: I'm doing this post tonight, because I'm having a blog party tomorrow, and won't be posting a "normal" post then. Hey, BTW, have you entered the contest over at LASR for $100 worth of gift certificates -- including Amazon.com and Fictionwise. Just wondered. If you haven't...why the heck not?

Now. Moving on to the Friday Feast:

Appetizer

If you could be any current celebrity for one whole week, who would you want to be
Nora Roberts! I'd love to borrow her brain for a week. Or, maybe Stephen King. Same reason. OR.. OR... Donald Maass! Yes!! Think how much I could grow as a writer.

I'll be honest and say that my first thought was to say the wife of some really hot actor, but I couldn't think of any really hot actor... and, OMG, how sad is that? Can you tell I watch almost no TV or movies?

Soup

On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you enjoy talking on the phone?

Maybe five? I can talk all day in person with someone, but on the phone? It's like you're seriously pressured to talk... and there's nothing like HAVING to talk to make me have absolutely nothing to say.

Salad

Name a charitable organization to which you have donated (or would like to).

Salvation Army -- I love, Love, LOVE that the guy who runs it makes almost no money. He's below poverty level. Unlike the chick who runs the Red Cross, or nearly any other organization. I mean, I know it takes a lot to run something that huge, but you're literally taking food out of the mouths of babies.

Main Course

What is a food you like so much you could eat it every single day for a month?

Oh... this one is easy: Peanut butter and jam sandwiches. Yes, really.

Dessert

Have you or anyone in your family had the flu this year?

I do NOT want to answer this. This is borrowing trouble, seriously. Any time I've said I haven't "X", it's happened. When I was little, I bragged about never having broken a bone and just a couple days later my horse threw me and I broke my wrist. I do NOT like to tempt fate. So... whispers... no. runs and knocks wood REALLY hard.

==========================

Friday, I'm being interviewed at Much Cheaper Than Therapy -- PLEASE come visit me. I hate to be alone.

==========================

Which famous author/poet are you? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as William Shakespeare You are most like William Shakespeare, considered to be the greatest writer in English. Mystery surrounds his life, but scholars know he had a wife and family, who was not around much because he was in London writing and directing plays at the famous Globe Theater, where he produced plays that everyone of any background could enjoy. His sonnets show his mastery of style. His plays show his insight into human nature, as he has created some of the greatest characters in all of literature. His works are too many to list, but some include "Hamlet," "MacBeth" and "Twelfth Night." William Shakespeare 71% Walt Whitman 63% James Joyce 50% Ernest Hemingway 42% Edgar Allen Poe 29%

I love Mr. Bill...

No Booking It

A library is a hospital for the mind. - Anonymous

Well... I was going to do "Booking it Through Thursday" but the meme isn't up yet, so I guess I'm on my own. Frustrating, since I hadn't give today's post much thought.

Tomorrow I'm having a weeklong blog party catered by Five Minutes For Mom. I've never had a blog party before. I don't know what I'm doing or if I should offer refreshments... but, hey. You're all invited.

========================

I am going to be two places for my virtual tour today. I'm a guest blogger at Michelle Pillow's blog (I think I actually wrote a blog post that was cohesive, didn't wander and makes sense!), and I'm at Erotic Muses.

Come by and visit!

========================

I wrote yesterday. In fact, I wrote more than I thought I would. At first it was tough, but I just kept on going. I was determined to get my 1000 words in. Of course, I'd write, then hit the word count, sigh and write some more. But...the scene took an unexpected turn! Gunshots were fired! A horse was wounded! Another one ran away with its rider!

LOL... at that point, I couldn't write fast enough. And, I ended up with just over 1600 words for the day. I wasn't ready to quit, but alas, I do have other responsibilites.

I've been a beta reader for one of my friends, Allie Boniface. She's an amazing writer, and one of the things she does that stands out to me is to find small details... little things that most of us would overlook, and then add them to the scene for color. It's amazing to me and really makes her writing rich and interesting. I'm in awe. And I want to really focus on trying to do the same thing. It sounds simple, but you don't want to drone on and on, just add a touch here, and a pinch there.

It's given me something to strive for as I go back over "Return to Stiller Creek" -- after I finish it, of course.

Now, I just wish I knew where I was going to submit it. **sigh**

=========================

It RAINED for most of the day, yesterday. I was thrilled. I've never been so happy to see rain in all my life...but it was warm (40 or so) and it MELTED SNOW. Not all the snow. Not even half the snow. But some. And, I'll take what I can get.

=========================

You Are a Crossword Puzzle

You are well read, and you have a good head for remembering facts. You are a wordsmith. You have a way with words, and you're very literate. You are a mysterious person who enjoys dropping little clues every now and then.

What Kind of Puzzle Are You?