Are you FALLING UNDER?

Did you guys know our very own Fictionista Gwen Hayes had a book release yesterday? It's called Falling Under, and it's an amazing paranormal YA love story--I was lucky to read it in draft form, and it has lingered with me since. The story is lush and beautiful, and I couldn't put it down.


Gwen is an inspiration to me and all her friends. She's worked hard at writing, improving her craft, making connections, and persevering even when things were rough. And now she has her book out, and we couldn't be prouder of her. I know it's going to be a big success...it's a luxurious read, and I am getting my own copy today from the bookstore. YAY!


It's available all over the place online and in bookstore, so go get a copy--I promise you'll love it! Here's a teasing blurb:


Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams. 

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear. 

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul. 

She's a star, baby!

Our own Gwen Hayes is a best seller! Her novella, Second Son of a Duke, is currently ranked number 5 in Amazon's historical romance list. Isn't that awesome?

If you haven't checked out this gem for yourself, you really should. And hey, at .99 it's the best buy you're going to get all week.

Check it out here.

Happy reading!

Marlene Awards is low on entries!

Calling all unpublished writers! The Marlene Awards, sponsored by Washington Romance Writers, is low on entries in all categories.

This is a fantastic contest, with great feedback and stellar final editor judges. And the 1st place winner in each category wins a detailed critique from a published author!

And if you happen to be the winner of the YA category, then your critique will be provided by none other than Fictionistas' own Gwen Hayes!

So don't wait or hesitate! (Sorry, I've been watching too much Sprout network lately.) The deadline is SATURDAY, JANUARY 15.

FINAL ROUND JUDGES AND CRITIQUE AUTHORS FOR EACH CATEGORY:

Single Title Contemporary Romance
Final Editor Judge: Amanda Bergeron, Avon
Critique Author: Jane Porter

Series Contemporary Romance (long and short)
Final Editor Judge: Patience Smith, Harlequin/Silhouette
Critique Author: Amanda Berry

Historical Romance
Final Editor Judge: Leah Hultenschmidt, Sourcebooks
Critique Author: Janet Mullany

Paranormal/Fantasy/Futuristic Romance
Final Editor Judge: Latoya Smith, Grand Central
Critique Author: Stacia Kane

Romantic Elements
Final Editor Judge: Holly Blanck, St. Martin's
Critique Author: Gemma Halliday

Young Adult
Final Editor Judge: Kristin Daly, HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray
Critique Author: Gwen Hayes

http://www.wrwdc.com/ee/index.php/marlene_awards/

Free Read: Butterface

Lucky has a secret--if he doesn't bring Beth to the "dog dinner" party his roommates are having, he's off the team. The soccer scholarship is paying his college tuition--he HAS to stay on the team. But if Beth ever finds out she's his entry in the contest for ugliest date, he stands to lose even more.


 A lot more. 


If you would like your free ecopy, please go here: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13621 and use coupon code: WT49G  when you check out. You will need to sign up for a Smashwords account if  you don't already have one, but I chose that site because it has all the different formats available--so you can read it on whatever reader you prefer. 

This story is very special to me. I hope you like it. It's free until September 12th...so have at it. Tell you friends!

love to love you baby!

Had a great time at conference last week and I'll be heading home today. It's a long drive from Florida to Arkansas, so it's a good thing I don't mind time alone.

One of my favorite things from conference was getting to meet Gwen Hayes in person. She's a lovely, lovely, lovely woman and I had a very hard time not packing her in my suitcase and bringing her with me....Here we are in a very blurry, dark picture from the Berkley party. Sadly I don't have an iPhone 4 yet, so no flash for me! Only Fictionista left for me to meet in person is Rhonda. So Ms. Stapleton you better be in New York or else I'm gonna have to hunt you down!

One more thing...LOVE SUCKS! is in the wild! We stopped by the Gainesville B&N and I introduced myself to some cool folks and I signed stock. I love signing stock! So fun!!

Falling Under

I spent a weekend making a book trailer and found it to be not only fun--but helpful. It was like connecting a different part of my brain to the writing process. Searching the web for pictures that made me "feel" my setting, characters, and mood has been good for my revisions I think. And the MUSIC--I love this song so much.

So, as a reader--do you ever look for book trailers? I confess, I never have. I've seen some really bad ones though, and they turned me off. I'm going to start checking youtube for more now--if nothing else than to give me ideas.

As a writer--have you ever made book trailers and what was your experience with them?

100 questions!

First, congrats to Shantal! Rhonda says you won a copy of Stupid Cupid! Please email her with your address at rhonda (at) rhondastapleton (dot) com

Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Closed for sure.

Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
Not usually. I am usually trying to lessen my load when I am packing to leave.

Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I like the bottom tucked, but not the sides.

Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Nope.

Do you like to use post-it notes?
Have you seen the new ones? They are durable!

Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
I neither cut them or use them.

Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
A bear. I would think it would go faster.

Do you have freckles?
I used to have more.

Do you always smile for pictures?
Usually.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Excuses.

Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
No. That would be a pet peeve if I started.

Have you ever peed in the woods?
Yes.

What about pooped in the woods?
Um, ewwww.

Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
Yup.


Do you chew your pens and pencils?
No.

How many people have you slept with this week?
Just the one.


What size is your bed?
Queen


What is your Song of the week?
I don't have a Song of the Week. Am I lame?


Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
I can't stop laughing even thinking about Mr. Hayes wearing pink. Good one.


Do you still watch cartoons?
No.


Whats your least favorite movie?
The Parent Trap. Seriously. I hate it. I can't get past the "it's okay to choose on of your children to love and abandon the other" aspect. What kind of person can do that?

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
Like I'd tell you.


What do you drink with dinner?
Milk! Organic, ice cold milk. Every night.


What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
ranch


What is your favorite food?
cheese


What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Dirty Dancing, When Harry Met Sally, Blades of Glory


Last person you kissed/kissed you?
The man who would never wear pink.


Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
I was a girl scout for a long time.


Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
I won't even pose nude in a room by myself.


When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
I type letter at work all the time.


Can you change the oil on a car?
There is oil in cars?


Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Yes.


Ran out of gas?
Yes, but I wasn't driving.


Favorite kind of sandwich?
Club


Best thing to eat for breakfast?
bacon and eggs


What is your usual bedtime?
10pm-midnight range


Are you lazy?
Guilty.


When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
A witch most years.


What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Dog


How many languages can you speak?
I'm not always certain that I've mastered this one.


Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
RWR


Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
I don't like either, really. Though my kids like Legos.


Are you stubborn?
You say that like it's a bad thing.


Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Letterman


Ever watch soap operas?
My teen years were filled with the soaps.


Afraid of heights?
I'm not fond of them.


Sing in the car?
Always. Especially when an old Journey song comes on. It's scary, frankly.

Dance in the shower?
That sounds dangerous.


Dance in the car?
Yup


Ever used a gun?
I don't think so.


Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
1993.


Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Yes, but I love cheese.

Is Christmas stressful?
Yes! but also wonderful.


Ever eat a pierogi?
yes.


Favorite type of fruit pie?
blueberry


Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Ice dancer


Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes.


Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yes.


Take a vitamin daily?
No. should though.


Wear slippers?
all the time


Wear a bath robe?
yes...also I wear a blanket with arms. Don't judge.


What do you wear to bed?
jammies


First concert?
Chicago


Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
I hate all three, but the only one in town is Wal-Mart.


Nike or Adidas?
I don't even care.


Cheetos Or Fritos?
Cheetos


Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
peanuts


Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
No.


Ever take dance lessons?
Yes.


Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
I don't have a future spouse. I have a spouse of the present, and he's employed caretaking me.

Can you curl your tongue?
Yes.

Ever won a spelling bee?
Yes.


Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes.


Own any record albums?
Yes.
So many. Xanadu comes to mind

Own a record player?
not any more


Regularly burn incense?
No.


Ever been in love?
Yes

Who would you like to see in concert?
Michael Buble, Springsteen


What was the last concert you saw?
Daughtry/Theory of a Deadman


Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot

Tea or coffee?
both. Coffee in the morning, tea at night

Sugar or snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles


Can you swim well?
Yes.


Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes


Are you patient?
Not so much.


DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ


Ever won a contest?
Yes


Ever have plastic surgery?
No.


Which are better black or green olives?
both. LOL


Can you knit or crochet?
I knit!


Best room for a fireplace?
my livingroom


Do you want to get married?
I would like to keep the guy currently wearing my ring.

If married, how long have you been married?
7 years


Who was your HS crush?
I had so many. So, so many. And at our reunion, I realized I had great taste. The boys from my class are great men.


Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
That never works.


Do you have kids?
Yes.


Do you want kids?
I continue to want the ones I have.


Whats your favorite color?
I can't pick favorites.


Do you miss anyone right now?
Hi Nanny. How's Heaven treating you?


Did you watch, Next Great American Band on FOX?
Um. Guess not. Never heard of it.

Head Start on Holiday Shopping

Have you started your Christmas/Hannukah/Yule shopping yet? I'm starting to poke around the weekend flyers. I love holiday shopping, even in lean years. When my youngest brother and I were the last two at home we used to have a contest to see who could find the cheapest gift for one relative we didn't like that much. It had to LOOK as if it cost as normal amount, but whomever managed to find the cheapest bit of nonsense that would not be blatantly insulting won the round for that year. I believe the all-time winner was a fake ivory elephant figurine with gold tusks for a dollar.

Good times... good times...

I haven't made my own wish list yet. Normally there's a predictible request for books and book store gift cards, but this year (since September, anyhow), I have finally amassed an actual TBR pile. This is a new phenomenon for me-- books were never "to be read" until now. I plowed through four or five novels a week until this little sluggish patch. So I may not be doing many books this year. I know one I have read and loved, sure to top my giving list... and another I will be curled up with on December 22nd with a cup of hot chocolate.

Just in case you are looking for ideas...

You're the one thing, I can't get enough of

This post will not really be enriching in any way. I've had a really strange week--most of it good. But it's been very roller-coastery on my emotions--so here is a recap.

First of all--I celebrated my 7th wedding anniversary to the wonderful Mr. Hayes. I can't begin to describe what a wonderful man my husband is. He's my best friend. Many of our readers are Way Too Young to be thinking about marriage--but when you do, please make sure you marry your best friend. Life is so much fun when you do. Even the trials.

I also made a decision regarding weight loss. You may remember the discussion we had regarding the lap band surgery. We've tabled that for now and I'm going to try NutriSystem for awhile. The surgery is not ruled out, but this is preferable.

The fabulous Jessica Sinsheimer from Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency extended an offer of representation. So, yay! I have an agent. And I am going to make her work really hard. She has no idea what she is in for. :)

And sadly, another important piece of my childhood said goodbye this week. I will admit to being unhealthily obsessed with Dirty Dancing my senior year. I'll even admit I was kind of pathetic. My big crushes were Johnny Castle and Patch from Days of Our Lives. Apparently, I had a thing for older men that year. But it was more about the bad boy with a heart of gold finding love with the good girl with longing for something forbidden. It's still a huge theme today (Edward Cullen, I'm looking at you).

And so I say goodbye to Patrick Swayze. And with my goodbye, I'll add a thank you. Thank you for the memories and thank you for not turning into a Hollywood nightmare. My crush on you was well justified as I watched the way you treated your wife even 34 years later.

I know you were but what am I?

My daughter started her junior year of high school last week, so I thought it would be fun to do a little comparison between her junior year and mine.


Average income
1987: $24,350
2009: $40,523

A gallon of gas:
1987: .89
2009: 2.51

One dozen eggs
1987: .65
2009: 1.34

Biggest Hit Single
1987: La Bamba by Los Lobos
2009: (current) I Got a Feeling by Black Eyed Peas

Top Grossing Film
1987: Three Men and a Baby
2009: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Top TV Show
1987: Bill Cosby Show
2009: True Blood


NYT Bestseller (paperback mass-market)
1987: Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy
2009: 92 Pacific Boulevard by Debbie Macomber

The One Where Gwen Invites Bria Over

We have a houseguest at Casa de Gwen this month. (The fabulous author Bria Quinlan who has also guest posted for us at Fictionistas. I guess that makes her a professional guest. Kinda like Kato Kaelin.)

Anyway.

So, when you bring someone into your home you realize things about your life that you never paid attention to before. Like, your entire household is crazy. That one of your dogs thinks he's a cat. That the cat sounds like Darth Vadar. That the puppy is actually bi-polar. That the other dog is likely pretending she's really old and tired and achy (she's only 8) to get out of dealing with the rest of us.

And I haven't even gotten to my kids yet.

Bria knows now that I have far too many jammies and that I put them on at 6:00 in the evening. She knows that it takes me about three hours to drink a glass of wine. She knows that I pretend to write more than I actually do. That I tease my kids more than a good mommy should--or at least I enjoy it more than a good mommy should. That I totally used her arrival as an excuse to buy cheesecake and hummus. That my husband's life dream is to be Red Foreman from That 70's Show, and yet he buys a watermelon because he heard her say she likes it. (also, he's making us brownies RIGHT NOW)

She also knows that my town is REALLY boring--but on the flip side, she's been able to nap and restore in the world's most comfortable chair. And I think when she hits the road again, she'll take with her that that while my life is far different from hers living in Boston, I've got it pretty good.

So, if I came visit you for a vacation, what crazy things would I learn about you?

Veggie tales

As a child, I remember watching an episode of Electric Company in which the children were singing about not liking broccoli. So I told my mother that I did not like it either. She was surprised, as I had never actually had broccoli, and suggested that I try things before deciding and maybe not be so inclined to just agree with other people.

Good advice. Turns out I do, in fact, like broccoli And there have been times in my life when I have had to break from other people's opinion and follow my own path.

My daughter does not love broccoli. But she'll eat it. She's picky about a lot of things (must be careful here, sometimes she reads the blog) but food is not usually one of them.

My son, on the other had, who is far easier to please about everything else--can not eat vegetable without gagging.

I thought it was a fluke incident when I fed him green beans as a baby and he threw up all over me. Now that he's almost fourteen and still gags at the table, I decided to finally look into it.

Yes, I'm a great mom.

According to Kidshealth.org, we have about 10,000 taste buds. Until we are older and end up with about 5000--which would explain why things taste so much stronger when we are young and less so as we age. So strong tastes--like bitter veggies, are more powerful to children.

Then there is the psychological factor, poor kid. It's difficult, I imagine, to keep on trying something when your brain remembers throwing up the last time you ate it. Case in point, none of you will ever see me drinking Tequila. Ever. Again.

So--where does that leave my son? I'm still mean enough to put those foul veggies on his plate. And I still expect him to keep trying new things. But I also feel less bad about making him only have one bite of the ones he hates the most, and will continue to allow him to substitute an apple or applesauce at the dinner table without feeling like I am a pushover.

So, what foods did you hate as a child, but enjoy now?

*source used: http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/taste_buds.html

Blaming the victim

Usually I go for the fluff when given the choice between posting about fluff or substance. I'm just so disgusted right now that I can really only vent.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/ci_13048639

In a nutshell, the article refers to a woman who was raped at gunpoint in the parking garage at the Stamford Marriott. In response to a lawsuit, the hotel not only argued that she failed to use good sense to protect herself and her children, but they also subpoenaed people like her babysitter and Pilates instructor who had not knowledge of her rape to testify.

Here's my thing. I can understand the Marriott feeling like they had no responsibility in the matter. They didn't rape the poor woman. They didn't know the rapist was hanging around waiting to rape anyone. Crimes happen everywhere and everyday and the people to blame are the criminals, not the people who own the plot of land where the crime happened. I get that. But I have stayed in a Marriott before. I complained about my wireless internet not working and they gave me a free breakfast and moved me to a different room. If someone gets violated on their property, I would expect that there be some compensation. Though I expect a free breakfast would have been the wrong thing to do, it was better than what they did instead.

Blame. Humiliation. "It's your own fault."

Marriott--you are disgusting.

Our Golden Girl

Tomorrow night is a big night for our 'Nista, Amanda Brice. She's a finalist in the Golden Heart Award from Romance Writers of America for her unpublished book, CODENAME:DANCER. She'll find out tomorrow evening if she won the much coveted award.

We are so, so proud of Amanda and want to wish her the very best of luck. This is her second year in a row of being a finalist. Every year, there are more than 1000 entries in this contest. It's a huge honor to be a finalist, but I think she's got the stuff to take the whole thing.

So, Amanda, this post is for you. You are an inspiration to us all. Not just for your amazing writing skills, either. You are a great friend. You are a warm and giving woman and you never shy away from a challenge. I'm so glad to call you friend. Good luck tomorrow night--we'll all be sending you warm, fuzzy vibes. I only wish I could be there to watch you walk across that stage.

Set yourself free

Happy Independence Day!

I know, I know--it's tomorrow.

As a kid, I really LOVED this holiday. The parades, the picnics, and the fireworks.

Then I had a bad experience as a young adult. I got dumped in a surprising reversal of fortune, because only hours earlier, everything had been just fine. July 3rd, Mr. Dumper and his friends had been at Casa de Gwen with my friends. It got really late and I had to work at 6am--but only a quick four hour shift. Who needs sleep right? We all pulled an all nighter in my living room. Mr. Dumper and his friends watched movies on my couch until about 4am at which time I made a potato salad and got ready for work---this way I could go directly from work to Mr. Dumper's house for his Fourth of July BBQ. We were not "going steady" but we were totally moving that direction.

I thought.

Sometime between 4 am and 11 am, Mr. Dumper decided he'd changed his mind. Only instead of telling me, he just sort of ....avoided me. At first, I thought he was just busy being host. I mean--he kissed me goodbye at 4 am, what could have happened? As the day wore on, it became clear I'd been dumped without the benefit of being dumped. What is worse, he was spending A LOT of time with his ex-girlfriend. I had to pretend I was having a great time at this stupid BBQ after zero sleep the night before.

I wish I could say the experience emboldened me--and that from then on Independence Day really meant something to me about my own independence. Instead, the experience caused me to really think I needed a guy in my life to be worth anything. It took a long time for me to come around.

So, my hope for you, gentle reader, is that no matter what stage of life brought you to this blog, no matter what country you are from--July 4th is a day to take stock in YOUR freedom too. Your independence from "you should" or "if only". Happy Independence day to the person you are inside.

If the television ate you...

If you woke up trapped in a television show tomorrow--which one would you hope it was and why? And what kinds of trouble would you cause?

This was a tough one for me--partly because I don't watch TV much.
And partly because the shows I like would be really detrimental to my health. I love Joss Whedon's shows more than anything--but I do NOT want to live in Sunnydale. Ever. Especially as an adult because very few of them had a clue about the little things--like vampires and werewolves. And then Angel turned Los Angeles into an apocalypse. And Serenity is a great ship--but Reavers are a big, fat NO for me, thanks.

House MD? Are you kidding me? I love that show, but I don't want to be the first patient who really does have Lupus.

Bones? If I could just hang out with Agent Booth all day fine. If I have to look at corpses and sludgey insides of people that are now on the outsides of people, I'll pass.

Friends? Okay--but of course they've all moved now, so it would be pretty boring hanging out on the couch at Central Perk by myself all day.

Veronica Mars? She'd be fun to pal around with--and likely would smart enough to help me get back home. But I think she'd get tired of me trying to get her back together with Logan all the time. I know he's not perfect--but COME ON. Do you think anyone will ever love her more than he does?

But there is one show that I used to fantasize about. One show that is much a part of my childhood as mud pies and Garanimals. It was the one place that I could escape to, in my head, when there were things I didn't want to wrap my childhood mind around. When things got tough, I could sing....."Think I'll go for a walk outside now, the summer sun's callin my name...." and pretend I was a Brady.

Yes. I think if I HAD to get stuck in a tv show, chances are good that I'd still pick the Brady Bunch. It's a little sad. Especially considering the unfortunate amount of Polyester I would have to wear.

As an aside, I'd really like to have a little talk with Mike. Seriously--you are some bigwig architect, Mr. Brady. Did you ever think about designing a house with more bedrooms for your six kids and live-in maid?

So, now that I'm an honorary Silver Platter (sha na na na na na na na na, sha na na na na), what show will you end up on?

Student Driver

Both our daughters (my progeny and my stepchild) took Driver's Ed this spring, much to our...um...enjoyment. . And I managed this without a single call to the pharmacy, so yes, please praise me lavishly.

I noticed the difference between the girls personalities and their driving styles on the first day. One daughter narrated the experience--I'm making a right hand turn, checking mirrors, blinker....now I'm turning the wheel. She also drove like a grandpa--under speed limit and with enough room to park the Starship Enterprise between us and the car in front of us.

The other daughter drove a little faster that what she was comfortable with. She veered a little to0 close to the fog line and didn't use enough pressure on the brakes quickly enough for me. She also really seemed exhilarated by the experience. Driving was fun! It was an adventure.

I won't tell you which girl did which, but if they are reading this--I've noticed that the way you drove that first day is very similar to the way you treat your hearts. One girl is slow to give it, mindful of her actions, and seems a little more untouchable. The other is more heedless but gives herself to it with the spirit of an explorer. Neither of them has, in my opinion, has found a boy worthy of them yet. But I'm supposed to say that, I'm their mom.

Driver's Ed hasn't changed much since I took it 20 plus years ago. Well, except for the price.

I remember one day my instructor kept telling me "no brake, no brake" but there was clearly a man standing in the middle of the road up ahead. So, I pointed out the human obstacle and the teachers said, "Well, what's he doing there?" So I said....wait for it.....

"I don't know. Do you want me to ask him before or after I hit him."

So yeah, I really always have been this sarcastic.

Do you have any good driver's ed stories? Did you exemplify your personality your first time behind the wheel?

ekename

According to Dictionary.com, the word "nickname" comes from the Old English "eke" meaning additional and "name" being....well name.

Now that you've learned something useful, I'll tell you why my nickname from 8th grade on is Bob.

The answer is: Nobody really knows.

Well, okay. That's a little dramatic. We kinda know. My best friend's niece was just learning to talk. She kept saying "Where's Bob? Where's Bob?" but nobody knew who Bob was. They just pat her little head and told her, "I don't know, sweetie." Until one day, I walked in the door and she said, "There's Bob!"

And thus I became Bob. Which was fine by me. I actually liked being "Bob". It gave me a sudden freedom, because I didn't have to be "me" anymore. I could reinvent who I was. And I became a little less angsty. Because let's face it, it's hard to take yourself seriously when you call yourself Bob. (Unless you really are a Bob, I mean.)

I had the same feeling when the Internet became popular. Who didn't create a new username and sort of "become" a new persona? Some people go to extremes--saying and doing things they wouldn't do if people on the other side of that monitor knew who they were--but most of us just get a little more ironic and let it go at that.

And then came my pen name. I get to reinvent myself again...kind of. Because there really isn't a lot of anonymity--especially if I manage to get published. So Wendy offline and Gwen online have to be similar enough to play nice in both playgrounds.

So, what about you? When you get a nickname, or an internet handle, or a pen name, does it give you a new lease on life?

You never close your eyes anymore...

Today, I'm thinking about big gestures and romance in film. Specifically--the Big Serenade. You know--when the hero humiliates himself and throws down some not very good singing or lip syncing, but is endearing and wonderful anyway. Something about those make me all oogly inside. The songs are almost always classics and it's a timeless way into my heart.

Here are some of my favorites:



I mean--Tom Cruise was so...normal then.

And how about Derek and Sydney?


Jerry O'Connell, you are really pretty to look at. And while I wouldn't throw you out for singing in the shower--I probably wouldn't take you to Karaoke either. Just sayin'.

Something about the Duckman--



And lastly, my all time favorite...



And now that I am crying--do you have any favorites?

Did you know I write books?

It occurred to me today that I hardly ever talk about Writing. Which is odd since that is what I mostly do with my free time.

So I thought I'd post my blurb for the YA Paranormal I'm working on and a the official soundtrack for Falling Under by Gwen Hayes:



Theia Alderson lives in the shadow of her mother's death. To please her overprotective and overbearing father, Theia takes great pains to be as unlike her wild, carefree mother as she can. Father controls her days, but he can't control her dreams...or her nightmares.


Everything changed the night the burning man fell from the sky.

After a surreal experience with the burning man, Theia is lured into a nocturnal realm that blurs the line between dreams and reality. In a labryrinth of thorns and a river made of tears, Theia finds herself falling for Haden Black--the one person who appears both in her dreamland and her waking world. The one person whose love could damn her to hell.