I read this interesting statement recently:
“One study showed that women who read romance novels have sex twice as often as those who don’t.” (1)
Unfortunately, they didn’t cite the study, which I would have loved to have read.
So the question is: which is the cart, and which the horse? Do romance readers have more sex because they read romance novels? The stories may give them ideas, put them in the mood, etc. On a blog awhile ago, a man commented that he goes to his girlfriend’s romance novels, opens to the dog-eared pages, and then reads what he should try with her. He figures if it was dog-eared, she was intrigued by whatever she was reading. Smart man, huh?
Or, it may be that women who are more interested in sex to begin with also read romance novels. I suppose if you didn’t like sex, you’d be less likely to want to read about other people having great sex.
Of course, there are romance novels that keep the bedroom door firmly closed. Perhaps the fact that those readers must use their own imaginations, leads them to increased bedroom activity.
But, I would suggest that the ever-growing popularity of stories with more and more sex indicates that readers enjoy their peep into someone else’s imagination.
I tried to track down the study, with no luck, having no leads whatsoever. But there is a lot of fascinating research out there!
No comment was available on how much sex romance writers have. Lol That would be an interesting study.
(1)
For the past few years I’ve been a Lost fan and finally my husband decided he wanted to get in on the addiction. So we bought all 5 seasons on DVD and have been watching the 100+ hours of drama, action, adventure, paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, and romance over the past couple of months.
What’s so great about Lost? Why all the fanatics? When it began it was one of the most unique and original TV series ever created. But clearly there are a few copycats now who are trying to jump on the weirdness, screwed-up-time, paranormal bandwagon. I haven’t watched them so can’t comment.
The first, second and third seasons of Lost feature some of the most awesome storytelling, characters and plots ever created for TV in my opinion. We get to know the characters through what they’re doing on the island where their plane crashed, and via interesting, pertinent flashbacks of what happened in their past to shape them into the people they are. There is a large cast of well-rounded, well-developed characters that you can’t help but love and pull for.
In season four, things get shaken up because we don’t get flashbacks anymore. We get flash-forwards along with present day (for them) goings on, specifically how 6 of the characters get off the island and back to the real world for 3 years.
In season five, we find out how the people still on the island all travel back in time to the 1970s. Seriously, that part is believable. And the 6 people who left, return to the island and also travel back in time. Well, it isn’t just the 70s. They also visit the 1950s and various other time periods briefly. Since I love writing time-travel, I enjoyed these parts.
The truth is Lost gets weirder and weirder as the seasons progress. And season 6, the final season, is without doubt the most bizarre of all. We don’t get flashbacks nor flash-forwards anymore. We get flash-sideways. Though I’m not sure (I’m never sure of anything on Lost) I’m assuming the flashes are an alternate reality of what would’ve/ will happen if there is no plane crash. Okay, I’ll buy it. But there are other things that make me wonder--what the heck were they thinking?
Granted, the smoke monster was a part of season one (not my favorite part, by the way, because I never found it believable.) But now the smoke monster is front and center. Hmm. What IS the smoke monster anyway? We'll get to find out soon.
What’s so great about Lost? Why all the fanatics? When it began it was one of the most unique and original TV series ever created. But clearly there are a few copycats now who are trying to jump on the weirdness, screwed-up-time, paranormal bandwagon. I haven’t watched them so can’t comment.
The first, second and third seasons of Lost feature some of the most awesome storytelling, characters and plots ever created for TV in my opinion. We get to know the characters through what they’re doing on the island where their plane crashed, and via interesting, pertinent flashbacks of what happened in their past to shape them into the people they are. There is a large cast of well-rounded, well-developed characters that you can’t help but love and pull for.
In season four, things get shaken up because we don’t get flashbacks anymore. We get flash-forwards along with present day (for them) goings on, specifically how 6 of the characters get off the island and back to the real world for 3 years.
In season five, we find out how the people still on the island all travel back in time to the 1970s. Seriously, that part is believable. And the 6 people who left, return to the island and also travel back in time. Well, it isn’t just the 70s. They also visit the 1950s and various other time periods briefly. Since I love writing time-travel, I enjoyed these parts.The truth is Lost gets weirder and weirder as the seasons progress. And season 6, the final season, is without doubt the most bizarre of all. We don’t get flashbacks nor flash-forwards anymore. We get flash-sideways. Though I’m not sure (I’m never sure of anything on Lost) I’m assuming the flashes are an alternate reality of what would’ve/ will happen if there is no plane crash. Okay, I’ll buy it. But there are other things that make me wonder--what the heck were they thinking?
Granted, the smoke monster was a part of season one (not my favorite part, by the way, because I never found it believable.) But now the smoke monster is front and center. Hmm. What IS the smoke monster anyway? We'll get to find out soon.
Part of the fun of watching Lost is figuring out what is going on, like a puzzle. And th
en you’re like… aha! So hopefully season 6 won’t disappoint, even though at the moment I’m slightly confused. Of course several of seasons are confusing as you’re first watching them.The creators of Lost play with time, and viewers have to figure out, not “where are we,” but “when are we?” At times they’ll give clues on screen, 8 days ago or 30 years later. At other times they don’t give those and you have to use clues of the characters and their surroundings to figure out when they are in time, 2004, 2007, 1977? And because the characters are so likable and sympathetic, despite the bad or less than admirable things they’ve done, I’m always pulling for them.
What about you? Are you a Lost fan? What do you love about it? What do you think of season 6 and what if anything do you find unbelievable?
For those of you who have never watched Lost, here is the beginning of season 1, episode 1 so you can get in on the addiction. :)
We bought a house a couple years ago, a former cottage, half a block from a beautiful lake. The house was originally built in 1948 and has been added onto a couple times. There are many things I love about this house, the fireplace, the open floor plan, the view of the lake from the back yard - but the bathroom is not one of them.
As in many small older houses, there is no master bathroom, but the bathroom is right across the hall from the bedroom, so it's not really a big deal. There was a second bathroom installed in the basement along with a small bedroom, so when our son is home from college, he uses that one. Since we decided to remodel our main bathroom, we'll be using the basement bathroom too.
Oh, and I forgot to mention what I dislike most about the main bathroom - besides the ugly closet with doors made out of old shutters...and the full-sized window in the shower that looks out into the neighbor's backyard...and the dark gray walls - is the fact that it's barely big enough to turn around in. So in addition to tiling the shower and installing a heated tile floor (oooooh!)we've decided to bump out a portion of one wall and move the vanity back so that you can actually turn around when you get out of the shower and want to dry off.
Did I mention that the room we're going to be bumping into is my office?? As I write this, my husband is pounding into the cement walls in our shower. (Have you ever heard of cement walls in a shower? We never had. Apparently it used to be quite common so you could paint your whole bathroom the same color and not worry about water damage in the shower. Yeah, the whole bathroom was the same dark gray color! My husband had to strip at least five coats of paint off the walls to get it ready for the tile.)
No matter how loud I have the music turned up in my headphones, there's no way to drown out the hammering and drilling.
I emptied out the medicine cabinet today, because this week he's going to be cutting into the wall between the bathroom and my office to move the vanity. We used a couple bookshelves to make a temporary wall between that wall and my desk, but honestly, it's not going to make much difference in my working conditions.
I have to resign myself to the fact that I may not make my word count for the next few weeks. Not just because of the noise and the dust, but because I always become a go-fer for the hubby. Not that I don't appreciate the fact that he can do a lot of the construction work himself. But I actually can't have that music turned up loud enough to drown out the construction noise, because I have to be able to hear him when he needs me.
So has anyone gotten much writing done in a construction zone? Any helpful hints you can pass along to make the process easier?
I know I'm going to be so happy with my larger, brighter bathroom. Just bear with me during the next few weeks...I may be a little cranky.
Natasha
www.natashamoore.com
Spring this year, for me, is so much more than a season. It’s brought many days of boundless creativity when it comes to my fiction writing. Walks I used to take for exercise purposes have turned into journeys where fantasies take flight in my mind and later find themselves transferred to the computer screen. Trees and plants are blooming, and the air holds a crisp freshness that tickles the nose and always brings a smile.
As I admire the scenery during my outdoor times, it’s then I realize how much I’m blessed to be living and loving the many reminders of spring’s bounty. Some of the ways Nature has inspired me are found in the following videos.
Talk about sexual tension…this peahen plays it coy and seems to prefer feeding her hunger and fueling a potential mate’s ardor.
Spring glory – beautiful blooms whose colorful petals and delightful fragrance have made their way into some of my poetry.
Ladybug lovers seem to know they’ve picked a precarious place for their passionate romp. The hero and heroine in my latest erotic historical romance work-in-progress are much the same as the ladybug couple and refuse to let anything dampen their ardor.
One of my favorite parts of writing fiction is conveying to readers the incomparably fabulous feeling of falling in love.
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
As I admire the scenery during my outdoor times, it’s then I realize how much I’m blessed to be living and loving the many reminders of spring’s bounty. Some of the ways Nature has inspired me are found in the following videos.
Talk about sexual tension…this peahen plays it coy and seems to prefer feeding her hunger and fueling a potential mate’s ardor.
Spring glory – beautiful blooms whose colorful petals and delightful fragrance have made their way into some of my poetry.
Ladybug lovers seem to know they’ve picked a precarious place for their passionate romp. The hero and heroine in my latest erotic historical romance work-in-progress are much the same as the ladybug couple and refuse to let anything dampen their ardor.
One of my favorite parts of writing fiction is conveying to readers the incomparably fabulous feeling of falling in love.
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Thanks so much to my publisher, Dawn Carrington of Vintage Romance Publishing, for choosing Winning the Highlander's Heart to participate in this venture.
5 Angels!!! (FAR)
5 Beacons!!! (Lighthouse Literary Reviews)
5 Hearts!!! (Romance Studio)
4.5!!! (Romance Junkies)
Winning the Highlander's Heart
Countess Anice vows to flee the amorous advances of King Henry I, and return to her home in the Highlands, where she hopes to find a laird to wed.
Highlander Laird Malcolm MacNeill, seeking an English bride, becomes entangled with the Scottish lass while trying to find out why her staff has vanished. Protecting the king's ward without losing his heart to the willful lass and earning the king's wrath, is easier said than done.
"Her Highlander men are breathtaking and brave. The heroine is delightfully strong willed and oft times cheeky. Together it makes for quite an adventurous and sensual read."
~~Charissa
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
And it's just in time for the release of The Accidental Highland Hero!I just learned The Accidental Highland Hero is available for sale, in stock at Amazon now! :)
The Accidental Highland Hero
ISBN: 978-0-9819896-6-2
Coming April 2010!
Lady Ellis Dunbarton didn't think life could get any worse, until her loving cousin dies and Ellis learns she is to wed the man her cousin was to marry. Not by a change of contract, though. Instead, by deceit. If he learns she is not her cousin, Agnes, her life is forfeit. Crossing the Irish Sea, her ship sinks, she survives, but temporarily loses her memories. When a Highland Clan takes her in, she remembers one thing. She must flee at all costs and disappear. She knows if her family learns of her whereabouts, her life is over.
James MacNeill must take a bride or give up his holdings to one of his younger brothers. Malcolm has already taken to wife, the fair Lady Anice of Brecken. Dougald is the next one in line to govern the MacNeill Clan if James does not wed and provide an heir. But when James discovers his cousin and advisor have rescued a half-drowned lass from the sea, there's speculation she is of the enemy clan. Returning her to them is his plan, since he has no intention of using one of their lasses as a bargaining tool. But his mother has another notion--use the lass as a means to entice one of the ladies he is interested in marrying, to visit him and commit to marriage. And then return her to her clan, if she is agreeable.
Only nothing works out as anyone plans.
Early Reviews:
Early Reviews:
I simply loved this tale. Eilis and James’ romance is endearing, the suspense well played out and the secondary characters are just as lovable. Eilis finds herself in situations that will make the reader chuckle and James is sure to make an impression of his own.
Ms. Spear has a plan and it’s a cleverly mastered. She draws the reader into her stories with witty banter, romantic pursuit and cleverly woven suspense. Medieval Scotland comes alive in vivid detail with braw highlanders and brave lassies who win their hearts. Highly recommended!
Join the MacNeill clan again in Winning the Highlander’s Heart. This is James’ brother, Malcolm and Lady Anice’s tale.
Karen Michelle Nutt, author
PNR Paranormal Reviews
This enthralling story will hold you in its grip. You will be mesmerized by the beautiful Ellis, swept away by the magnificent James, and ready to throttle the fair Catriona.
When you pick up “The Accidental Highland Hero” you will not want to put it down. As the story draws to a close you’ll be clamoring for more.
Pamela Purcell, editor of The Chattooga Press
"This spicy historical will steal your breath, and capture your heart."
-Love Romance Passion Susan Sigler
The Accidental Highland Hero is a wonderful, entertaining Scottish medieval romance filled with sexy Highlanders. The seductive hero, James, could charm any lass out of her kirtle! The heroine, Eilis, is strong and feisty, yet in need of someone to show her what it means to be loved. I enjoyed the tenderness and emotion between these two. This story contains all my favorite elements: sensual romance, rich historical detail, beautifully described Scottish setting, exciting adventure, suspense, and humor.
Nicole North
Beast in a Kilt, Secrets Volume 29
Okay, so I'm off to play around with my hunky Highlanders before I get serious about getting ready for work. :)
So what do you think of all these kilted guys? Have a favorite?
Have a super Saturday!
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
by Kristin Daniels
This is a first for me so... be gentle!
This is a first for me so... be gentle!
It's my last blog for Fierce Romance for a while, so I wanted to leave you all with a gift. World Cup Soccer is coming up this June in South Africa. If you've never seen some of the international soccer players, you're in for a treat. There's more to soccer man candy than Becks (and of course, poor Beckham is out of the World Cup for England this year after tearing his achilles'). So sit back and enjoy some of my faves!
OK, technically Gilles Marini is not a professional soccer player, but he does enjoy the game and played in a charity match, and well, I'll include him if I want to!
Enjoy your spring and check out the men of the World Cup this summer!
I’m reading a book called: Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Read Maps by Barbara and Allan Pease.
Let me start by saying I can definitely read maps so I was a little offended by the title. But after they explain what they mean…I’m sold.
However, today I’m talking about the men not listening part, which also relates to men not speaking a lot, which is something I’m always conscious of when writing male characters.
The Peases show pictures of male and female brain scans to show that women have large areas on both sides of their brains dedicated to speech and language. For men, speech and language are not specific brain skills. They have no area of their brains dedicated to speech like women do. (I am personally a sucker for scientific explanations.)
The differences start young. Girls start speaking at an earlier age. Studies show that 3 year old girls have twice the vocabulary that boys do. Anyone who has teenage boys and girls knows which sex does the talking.
The authors say there is no convincing evidence that social conditioning explains why girls talk more than boys. My husband says our girls talk just to hear themselves talk.
What happens when we reach adulthood?
Men speak to relate facts.
Women speak to build relationships and make friends.
When men are focusing on a problem, they prefer to remain silent while they think about it and, inside their heads, examine the issues. When women have a problem, they usually prefer to talk it over, examine all sides of it, and then verbally reach a consensus on a solution.
Women may not even expect to find a solution when they are talking about a problem. They may want to vent, get some sympathy, or express their feelings. Men assume you’re laying out the problem to obtain a solution.
Women have five tones in their voices while men have only three. (Ever heard a man grunt when you’re speaking to him?)
(Men do have other skills which are harder for women to master. Also due to brain differences. But that’s for another blog.)
One of the main things I try to remember when writing male dialogue is: keep it brief and focused. No meandering thoughts or explanations for a man.
So when Jane and Tarzan meet in the jungle, here is their conversation:
Jane: At last…It’s Him!! Tarzan. The man of my dreams…coming to get me…to make me his woman!
Tarzan: Me Tarzan…You Jane.
It's a good book.
Carly Carson
I've got the fever. Yep, it's Spring, that time of year when I start thinking about one of my most favorite places in the world. Can you guess what it is? Here's a little Enya song to give you a hint...I'm in love with the Caribbean. Even before Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush, who are both equally sexy and inviting as the mad pirates bringing Disney's vision of the bawdy, untamed wild seas of long ago into the modern forum (oh come on, you know Barbarossa just needs a good woman to tame him!). I've had the good fortune to be able to explore some of the islands there, even spending a wedding anniversary on one of them, and I'm hooked. They're beautiful, alive, and still developing, and there's nothing like them in the world.
Oh my, I do sound like I'm in love, don't I?
Well, I am. Hubby and I scrimp and save so we have afford to go back and visit and explore some more. It's an addiction, like Robert Palmer sings of below:
Do you have a place like that? A place you can't wait to get back to or go? While you ponder it, here are some pictures from the islands, just in time for a lovely Caribbean Spring. Enjoy!
After a snowy winter, I welcomed spring’s arrival with open arms. Spring—a season of growth and rejuvenation. So many beautiful possibilities available for decorating the terraced areas and patio of my new home. Wind chimes. Hanging baskets bursting with fragrant and colorful blooms. Shepherd’s hooks from which I’ll dangle glass and copper ornaments and lanterns. Festive flags that will wave in wind. Also, this past week I’ve been pondering what to plant. Herbs are definitely on the list. Putting my personal spins on some family recipes has found me singing over stew pots and whistling almost as loud as a tempestuous tea kettle. As much as I delight in spicing up the romances I write, I’m fond of making dishes that put smiles on the faces of friends and loved ones who dine at my table.
Spring spurs gardeners to put on their gloves and pull out their spades, shovels and tillers, and this season also sparks my creativity. I’m working on two stories, both of which I hope are ready for submission to my editor within a month. One is a contemporary erotic romantic suspense, the other a contemporary erotic romance set in one of my favorite cities—Manhattan.
There’s something about the approach of the vernal equinox that launched my flights of fantasy and found me sitting at the writing desk for longer periods than usual of late. Time passed quickly as I typed those rough draft chapters and became immersed in the worlds in which my characters dwelled. More than once I’ve burned a bit of midnight oil, either plotting or writing. I’ve even begun writing a historical erotic romance set during the Civil War. The research is proving exciting, and the fact my significant other shares my passion for this time period makes the whole project one from the heart.
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read ) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
Spring spurs gardeners to put on their gloves and pull out their spades, shovels and tillers, and this season also sparks my creativity. I’m working on two stories, both of which I hope are ready for submission to my editor within a month. One is a contemporary erotic romantic suspense, the other a contemporary erotic romance set in one of my favorite cities—Manhattan.
There’s something about the approach of the vernal equinox that launched my flights of fantasy and found me sitting at the writing desk for longer periods than usual of late. Time passed quickly as I typed those rough draft chapters and became immersed in the worlds in which my characters dwelled. More than once I’ve burned a bit of midnight oil, either plotting or writing. I’ve even begun writing a historical erotic romance set during the Civil War. The research is proving exciting, and the fact my significant other shares my passion for this time period makes the whole project one from the heart.
Wishing you all many happy reading moments,
Shawna Moore
TO HELLE AND BACK AGAIN -- Ellora's Cave
TORMENTED (Recommended Read ) -- Ellora's Cave
ROUGHRIDER -- Ellora's Cave
HELLE IN HEELS -- Ellora's Cave
Shawna's Myspace
Helle's Myspace
"It's Here Somewhere..."
It's the story of my life. Truly. But I had a funny story I had to share about "it."
A patron came in, worried because she'd received a notice saying her book was overdue. But her son had turned it in at the main library, she assured me.
It's our branch's book, but I told her that I'd look on our shelves, but that it wouldn't be here unless it had a routing slip (which means it would be checked in at the main library and sent to us), and so I checked and of course didn't find it. I called the main library and this was how it went down:
"Hi, this is Terry and I'm trying to track down a book that might be still at your library. The book is "It's Here Somewhere.""
Yes, that's the book's title. Honest to God.
So the woman said, "I'll give you to someone else to talk to."
All right. So I repeated my dilemma. "I have a patron here who has an overdue notice for a book she said her son turned in at the main library. "It's Here Somewhere" is the book."
"If the book is there, why are you calling us?"
I smile with the phone to my ear, raise my brows at the patron, who is biting her nails, hoping we can find it. But I'm not getting very far trying to get someone to look for the book. I start over again. "The patron's son turned in the book titled, "It's Here Somewhere," which is our book, but never arrived here. Can you check on the shelf and see if it's there?"
She gave me to someone else.
I started over again. The librarian said, "How old is the son who turned in the book?"
What? What difference does it make? All I needed was for her to look on the shelf for the book. I sighed, asked the patron, she said 21, and I told the librarian.
"Well, if he's 21, we need to talk to him. We can't discuss this with his mother."
Huh? I said, "The book is in the patron's name, who is standing before me. Her son turned in the book at your library, but it wasn't checked in. Can you please look for the book?" I felt that the only way to get this resolved was to drive downtown and look for it myself!
"Oh, it's the patron's book."
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll look for it and call you back."
A few minutes later, she calls me back and voila! The "It's Here Somewhere" was actually "It's There Somewhere." Eventually, it will make it back to our branch and again it will be "It's Here Somewhere." The patron will be glad because she says it's her favorite book and wants to check it out again.
The librarian with a smile in her voice said, "Seems appropriate, doesn't it?"
The patron and I had a good laugh!
Any funnies you'd like to share?
The Sourcebooks authors are giving away plenty of books and recipes for the PW's Bash!
http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/2010/03/casababes-recipes-for-romantic-nights_20.html
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
I have to admit, I'm a sucker for series. I've gotten caught up in two series by Eloisa James, the Essex Sisters series with the delightful Shakesperean titles, and more recently the Desperate Duchesses series. James does a great job of weaving the stories of subsequent books into the current book, so you can't wait to read the next one. Even a series of two works for me. I read Jennifer Haymore's A Hint of Wicked, and I'm looking forward to A Touch of Scandal coming out later this month so I can find out what happens to a character from the first book.
I wrote my own series for Harlequin Intrigue, The McClintock Brothers. It's funny, when I wrote the first book in the series, Circumstantial Memories, I didn't have a series in mind until the hero of that book decided he needed two brothers. So of course, I had to tell their stories, and then lo and behold, an illegitimate brother popped up for the McClintocks. The second book in the series, The Sheriff of Silverhill, came out in Jan. of this year, and the remaining two books, The McClintock Proposal and A Silverhill Christmas, will be out in Sept. and Dec. of this year.With the McClintock series finished, I'm embarking on an adventure with another four men who will be keeping me company for the next year. My Harlequin Intrigue series, Brothers in Arms, will consist of four books - all 2011 releases. The brothers in question aren't related but they served in a military covert ops team together. Now one of their own is missing and suspected of treason. To be sure, they'll stumble across lots of love, danger and adventure as they search for their missing buddy.
Do read series? Are you ever disappointed in the subsequent books? Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part. I've read books 1 and 2, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, of Suzanne Collins' YA series and she's writing a third - and I just can't wait!
The short answer is not. And the reason is simple. As any author can tell you, a story thrives on conflict. Real life is often, well, boring and tedious. So it only makes sense that TV producers need to give “reality” a jolt.
So how do they do it, and how do I know?
My sister and her family were on a TV show called Trading Spouses. Why, you might ask? And I can only say that some people love to be the center of attention. If you get addicted, I guess you go from show to show like that guy on The Bachelor that Carol talked about last week. My sister did only one show, though it took a week of filming to produce that one hour show.
In every show, there’s the “good” wife and the “bad” wife. My sister got to be the good wife. I felt so badly for the other woman. They sliced her and diced her and made her out to be a lazy good-for-nothing. How?
-My sister cleaned out the cabinets in the other woman’s house. When everything was all over the kitchen, they filmed it and said, look what a slob this woman is. As if that were the way she always kept her kitchen.
-Each show includes a party of some sort. During the show they criticized the other woman (in my sister’s house) for hiring a caterer to put on a dinner for ten people she didn’t know. We’re sitting there watching the show and one of my kids shouts out, “Hey, there’s auntie’s caterer.” Yup, there was the same caterer my sister always uses. The producers not only told this woman whom to hire, they vetted every single person who came into any contact with the show with legal releases, etc. That caterer was no surprise. But on the show, they portrayed the traded spouse as a lazy woman who couldn’t manage to host a dinner on her own.
-The woman invited my niece to swim with her in the backyard pool. On the show, they showed the woman floating on her back, as if lazing all by herself. My niece said to us later, “You notice how they don’t show the other side of the pool? That’s where I was.” But you wouldn’t notice if someone didn’t point it out.
-My sister said they took words she said in one location, say a restaurant, and dubbed them into another scene, where, out of context and abbreviated, they didn’t say at all what she’d said. It was her voice, her words, but not her meaning.
-They used props to heighten the contrast between the two families. For example, my sister had a Hummer. So they rented another Hummer, and outfitted it with the cameras, etc. that they needed to film people in the car. But they kept both Hummers in the circle in front of the house (making it look like a fancy circular driveway, when in fact it was the road.) Many people commented on the two Hummers online, believing the family owned both of them.
-My nieces and nephews were offered money, I think $200, if they said something obnoxious to the woman and got a reaction. They never did it though.
My sister and her family enjoyed their fifteen minutes of fame. They loved visiting Hollywood and getting the “red carpet” treatment, literally. But there was nothing “real” about this “reality” show.
So how do they do it, and how do I know?
My sister and her family were on a TV show called Trading Spouses. Why, you might ask? And I can only say that some people love to be the center of attention. If you get addicted, I guess you go from show to show like that guy on The Bachelor that Carol talked about last week. My sister did only one show, though it took a week of filming to produce that one hour show.
In every show, there’s the “good” wife and the “bad” wife. My sister got to be the good wife. I felt so badly for the other woman. They sliced her and diced her and made her out to be a lazy good-for-nothing. How?
-My sister cleaned out the cabinets in the other woman’s house. When everything was all over the kitchen, they filmed it and said, look what a slob this woman is. As if that were the way she always kept her kitchen.
-Each show includes a party of some sort. During the show they criticized the other woman (in my sister’s house) for hiring a caterer to put on a dinner for ten people she didn’t know. We’re sitting there watching the show and one of my kids shouts out, “Hey, there’s auntie’s caterer.” Yup, there was the same caterer my sister always uses. The producers not only told this woman whom to hire, they vetted every single person who came into any contact with the show with legal releases, etc. That caterer was no surprise. But on the show, they portrayed the traded spouse as a lazy woman who couldn’t manage to host a dinner on her own.
-The woman invited my niece to swim with her in the backyard pool. On the show, they showed the woman floating on her back, as if lazing all by herself. My niece said to us later, “You notice how they don’t show the other side of the pool? That’s where I was.” But you wouldn’t notice if someone didn’t point it out.
-My sister said they took words she said in one location, say a restaurant, and dubbed them into another scene, where, out of context and abbreviated, they didn’t say at all what she’d said. It was her voice, her words, but not her meaning.
-They used props to heighten the contrast between the two families. For example, my sister had a Hummer. So they rented another Hummer, and outfitted it with the cameras, etc. that they needed to film people in the car. But they kept both Hummers in the circle in front of the house (making it look like a fancy circular driveway, when in fact it was the road.) Many people commented on the two Hummers online, believing the family owned both of them.
-My nieces and nephews were offered money, I think $200, if they said something obnoxious to the woman and got a reaction. They never did it though.
My sister and her family enjoyed their fifteen minutes of fame. They loved visiting Hollywood and getting the “red carpet” treatment, literally. But there was nothing “real” about this “reality” show.
I doubt any of the others are different.
If I were going to watch reality TV, though, I'd watch Dancing with the Stars.
Carly Carson
I’m making my post short and late today. My sincerest apologies, but I’ve been at the party over at Beyond Her Books, enjoying the rowdy camaraderie there. Lots of readers and writers and revelers who just love to celebrate good books, an interesting blog, and great fun. Tomorrow me and the girls from FR might be making a Fierce appearance, so be sure to drop in and leave a comment. You might win a prize, or, even better, see a hunk. :)
I’m heading back with my best dancing shoes on here in a minute, but I wanted to first throw out a bit of a challenge, if anyone is interested.
I love flash fiction. I like the idea of making a story out of the fewest words possible, probably because I’m one of the wordiest people in the universe. However, to put it bluntly, I stink at it. I’d fail my own challenge, which is why I’m putting it out there for readers. I certainly can’t do it. lol
Hemingway, whose writing I have grown to appreciate over the years (The guy’s guy! The man’s man!), has been rumored to have written the following “short” story…
For sale: baby shoes, never worn.
Wow. So much said there but with only six words and a few punctuation marks. Immediately, questions pop into the reader’s head. Why not worn? What happened to the baby? Was there a terrible tragedy or did the parents simply have so much wealth they had too many shoes for their child? Or maybe the baby outgrew the shoes before it could wear them—maybe it was a mutant radioactive baby from planet Zweron! Who knows?
We don’t. We’re left to speculate, and thus, we’d read on. We want to know more. That’s the heart of true story-telling, enticing the reader. “Come join us,” say the characters. “Come be a part of our world and share our joy/misery.”
Can you do it? Can you write a story in six words? Won’t you give it a try? I’d love to see some when I pop back over after I play pin my lips on the Antonio Banderas look-alike cover art model. lol
Happy Reading!
Rough and tough heroines, that's something we never talk about in the romance world. I'm personally all for heroines being independent, strong, intelligent, but what I don't like are heroines who seem so tough they don't really even need the hero. I've noticed this seems to be a new trend in today's romance books. Kick-ass heroines.
At some point I like a tough gal, but I want her to have a soft center too. I want her to be a little vulnerable. I think it lends to the romance of the story. I guess I like those big, strong heroes to come in and save the damsel in distress. I'm a romantic at heart and there's nothing more romantic than a manly man wanting to protect and cherish his lady.
Of course that's not to say I don't love those feisty heroines with the attitude and the witty comebacks. I love when the heroine can put the hero in his place, how fun is that, right? But I don't want her to be so tough that she doesn't, at some point, show a softer side. This is clearly a personal preference. And I'm curious who else feels the way I do? Do you search out books with Alpha males who swoop in and save the day? Or do you find those types of romance books annoying?
What's annoying to you? Tell me your favorite type of heroine as well as you least favorite...
Here are a few titles that I've read and loved, in part because the heroine was smart and tough, but also sweet: Christine Feehan's Dark Fire--Tempest was street tough, a mechanic, but vulnerable too. Erin McCarthy's Mouth to Mouth--Laurel is deaf. She's sweet and shy, but strong. Lori Foster's Too Much Temptation--Grace was shy, a little overweight and unsure of herself, but she also knew what she wanted and she wouldn't be swayed.
For my own stories. In my one and only vampire romance A Diamond at Midnight my heroine, Diamonique is one tough gal, but underneath the smartass attitude is a woman betrayed and hurting. I loved creating her character because I think a lot of women will be able to relate to her. Also, in my story Tasting Candy, Candice lives in fear of men, but she doesn't let that stop her from trying to take back her life. She's another character that I grew to admire.
Now it's your turn. Tell me what you like in a heroine and give me an example. I'm ready to add to my TBR pile!
At some point I like a tough gal, but I want her to have a soft center too. I want her to be a little vulnerable. I think it lends to the romance of the story. I guess I like those big, strong heroes to come in and save the damsel in distress. I'm a romantic at heart and there's nothing more romantic than a manly man wanting to protect and cherish his lady.
Of course that's not to say I don't love those feisty heroines with the attitude and the witty comebacks. I love when the heroine can put the hero in his place, how fun is that, right? But I don't want her to be so tough that she doesn't, at some point, show a softer side. This is clearly a personal preference. And I'm curious who else feels the way I do? Do you search out books with Alpha males who swoop in and save the day? Or do you find those types of romance books annoying?
What's annoying to you? Tell me your favorite type of heroine as well as you least favorite...
Here are a few titles that I've read and loved, in part because the heroine was smart and tough, but also sweet: Christine Feehan's Dark Fire--Tempest was street tough, a mechanic, but vulnerable too. Erin McCarthy's Mouth to Mouth--Laurel is deaf. She's sweet and shy, but strong. Lori Foster's Too Much Temptation--Grace was shy, a little overweight and unsure of herself, but she also knew what she wanted and she wouldn't be swayed.
For my own stories. In my one and only vampire romance A Diamond at Midnight my heroine, Diamonique is one tough gal, but underneath the smartass attitude is a woman betrayed and hurting. I loved creating her character because I think a lot of women will be able to relate to her. Also, in my story Tasting Candy, Candice lives in fear of men, but she doesn't let that stop her from trying to take back her life. She's another character that I grew to admire.
Now it's your turn. Tell me what you like in a heroine and give me an example. I'm ready to add to my TBR pile!
I'm currently working on Taming the Highland Wolf, and of course, that means somewhere in the story, guys wearing kilts. Now, a true story has to do with my library, or one of the other branches, I should say. Our associate director came in and asked if we'd chased a kilted man out of our branch.
Okay, so the Highlander in me, who loves everything Scottish, raised my brows and said, "Why in the world would we do that?"
I love attending the Scottish gig in Salado south of us and the step back in time which is full of kilt wearers and even has a parade of Highlanders as its opening ceremony at the renaissance fair north of us. We even had our own Celtic festival here locally for a couple of years. All around us Scots names for roads and counties abound because so many hardy Scots settled the wild Texas terrain. So why in the world would anyone chase out a kilt-wearing Highlander?
I asked our director later about this, and said we would never have made a kilted Highlander leave our branch, and he smiled at me and said something about me wanting a picture for a book signing. Ah, and blogs. Aye. But he said it might have been that he was showing off what he shouldn't have.
Like the bloke above?
*sigh*
So I received edits on Wolf Fever and still need to get finish my word count for Taming the Highland Wolf, and have a Texas Ranger Bear to finish up for an order for Houston, and a phone interview with the editor for the Portland Community College in Oregon in a couple of hours, while I dream of Highlanders in kilts invading our library for photo opportunities.
Would you have chased off a Highland hunk if he came to your library???
Terry
"Giving new meaning to the term alpha male."
www.terryspear.com
by Kristin Daniels
Okay, so I admit it. I’m not a fan of Historical tales. I know, I know. How awful, you say. I’ve tried to enjoy them, really I have. I’ve read a few (mostly erotics, LOL) and I find that often I have a hard time getting into them. That’s not to say the ones I read were bad. Honestly, they weren’t. It’s just me. Really.
Okay, so I admit it. I’m not a fan of Historical tales. I know, I know. How awful, you say. I’ve tried to enjoy them, really I have. I’ve read a few (mostly erotics, LOL) and I find that often I have a hard time getting into them. That’s not to say the ones I read were bad. Honestly, they weren’t. It’s just me. Really.
So why on earth am I so enthralled with Starz’s new series Spartacus: Blood and Sand? And why do I find myself glued to Netflix on my computer watching the first two seasons of Showtime’s The Tudors back to back? These could be considered Historical tales, right?
Ancient Rome, Gladiators, and the possibility of death by the hand of a comrade while a raucous, drunken crowd goes wild in the stands.
Anne Boleyn seducing Henry the VIII, as an insatiable Henry seduces everyone else. And how could we forget the King’s love for beheadings?
Yes, I realize the actual historical facts in The Tudors are seriously skewed. And that Gladiators probably weren’t cut, buff hotties, but more likely scarred and angry men. But I like these shows. I can’t help it.
Maybe it’s the erotic romance author in me. Yep, these shows are hot. Sizzling, really. I’m head over heels for the actor who portrays Spartacus. Andy Whitfield, an Australian actor, is perfect for the role. With his brooding demeanor and his incredible good looks, I find I can’t look away when he’s on screen. And boy oh boy, is he the epitome of an alpha romance hero. Everything he does is for the love of his woman, and I find that sexier than anything else.
And the actor who gets to me in The Tudors? I bet you’re thinking Jonathan Rhys Meyers, right? Yeah, he’s handsome and all. But just a little...oddly intense, maybe? No, I find the man I’m most drawn to is Henry Cavill. This guy’s smile could melt me in a second. He’s just as insatiable as the King, but more discreet. And sexy as hell.
I know what you’re thinking. There’s no comparison between true historical novels and these types of campy television shows. I get that. But the fact that I’m drawn to these programs (for anyone who really knows me) is pretty amazing. Could this be the tip of the iceberg, the one thing that sends me over to the ‘historical’ side of the force? Maybe. Who knows?
But in all honesty, I think it’s the visual side of me that loves them. I can sit for an hour (or in the case of me watching The Tudors, several hours, LOL), and lose myself in something that’s not my norm. I need that right now in my life. A little change, something to shake me up. Heck, I think at some point everyone needs that. And the fact that there’s gorgeous men involved? Well, that never hurt anyone, has it?
Can you really find love on a TV show? For the first time ever, I watched The Bachelor this past season. I had, of course, heard of the show before and had seen its contestants here and there, including Melissa Rycroft on Dancing with the Stars, but I had never watched the show in its entirety before. (DVRs and Hulu are wonderful inventions, or very dangerous distractions depending on your perspective!)The Bachelor, Jake Pavelka, was good looking, had a great body, and was a pilot. Huh? So why would he need a TV show to help him find the woman of his dreams? You would think some loser writing blogs in the basement of his parents’ house would need this show more than Jake. Right away I’m suspicious. The dude must be doing the show for fun—you know, to go out with 25 attractive women, to go on cool dates like bunging jumping (if that’s your idea of fun), getting a private concert by Chicago, taking a road trip up the coast of California, and hanging out on the beautiful island of St. Lucia for a few weeks. What’s not to like?
I had the same thoughts about the women on the show vying for Jake’s attention. They didn’t really believe they’d find love by competing against 24 other women, all of them living in the same house as they’d come back from dates with Jake, did they? I figured they must be doing it for the fun too and probably a little exposure—or a lot of exposure considering some of their outfits! Several of the women were “models,” which further heightened my suspicions.
Week after week, I watched Jake go on dates telling all of these women how “amazing” and beautiful they were, only to dump them at the end of the show. I got so sick of hearing Jake gush about “this amazing journey.” He used every cliché known to mankind ad nauseum. After a while, I realized that Jake might really be telling the truth about his inability to find a life partner. I mean, the guy was annoying ME and I wasn’t even dating him.
In the end, it came down to two women, Tenley and Vienna (doesn’t anyone have normal names anymore?). Vienna was the woman everyone loved to hate…except Jake. Tenley was sweet, so sweet she made my teeth ache. After Jake told Tenley on their last date that he just didn’t feel that “magic spark” with her, I knew it was all over for Cinderella. She kept pushing him for an explanation. “You mean you don’t feel a physical, sexual connection.” Jake looked panicked. “Noooo,” he lied. Of course, that’s what he meant. If Tenley had been smart, she would’ve packed her bags and left St. Lucia right then and there. But she stuck it out only to be disappointed in the end, and Vienna, the “bad girl” got her man.
Will these two stay together forever? Who knows? A few previous couples on this show have actually gotten married, so it obviously worked for them. However, it turns out that our man Jake is now a contestant on the new season of Dancing with the Stars. Hmm, there goes my hinky meter again. Then I found out that Jake was on another reality show prior to The Bachelor (as well as being a contestant on The Bachelorette). I don’t think this guy wants to find love—he’s already found love…with himself!
So what do you think? Can two people find love on a dating show? Would this make a good plot for a romance novel?
I recently received some fantastic reviews for Kilted Lover that I wanted to share with you.
The first is from LASR-Whipped Cream.
"When kilted cabertosser Scott MacPherson tosses Leslie Livingston over his shoulder to rescue her from two armed thieves trying to steal her priceless amulet, they are thrust into a deadly but sexy adventure. Though Leslie already has a lukewarm, uninterested boyfriend, her attraction to Scott is whitehot and undeniable. She wants to lick this tall, muscular alpha male all over and explore the depths of eroticism with him. But will he want anything more than one night once the danger is behind them?
Every time I read a kilt related story I get the crazy urge to go to Scotland and find myself a handsome long haired, hard bodied highlander. Kilted Lover by Nicole North was no exception. From page one, Ms. North attracted my attention. She kept it when “the scot” appeared in the picture: long blond hair, firm body, kilt, and the attitude of a real gentleman. Then the pendant that the protagonist wore glowed slightly and I became inevitably hooked.
Through Ms. North’s words, I quickly created an emotional link with most of the characters. For example, though Les, the main character seems a bit too innocent at times, it is an innocence which I couldn’t help find sweet and adorable. From empathy towards the main characters (the predicament they find themselves in is something which could happen to anyone), to dislike and pity towards others which seemed too perfect and yet were not, or humor towards those that tried to act like adventurous match-makers, I ran the gamut.
The novel is filled with comedy (those wild car rides and the friendly advice) as well as snippets of imagined erotism and finally, wild lust-filled sex that had me switching from a good laugh out loud to biting my nails in anticipation."
~Reviewed by Bittersweet
"When kilted cabertosser Scott MacPherson tosses Leslie Livingston over his shoulder to rescue her from two armed thieves trying to steal her priceless amulet, they are thrust into a deadly but sexy adventure. Though Leslie already has a lukewarm, uninterested boyfriend, her attraction to Scott is whitehot and undeniable. She wants to lick this tall, muscular alpha male all over and explore the depths of eroticism with him. But will he want anything more than one night once the danger is behind them?
Every time I read a kilt related story I get the crazy urge to go to Scotland and find myself a handsome long haired, hard bodied highlander. Kilted Lover by Nicole North was no exception. From page one, Ms. North attracted my attention. She kept it when “the scot” appeared in the picture: long blond hair, firm body, kilt, and the attitude of a real gentleman. Then the pendant that the protagonist wore glowed slightly and I became inevitably hooked.
Through Ms. North’s words, I quickly created an emotional link with most of the characters. For example, though Les, the main character seems a bit too innocent at times, it is an innocence which I couldn’t help find sweet and adorable. From empathy towards the main characters (the predicament they find themselves in is something which could happen to anyone), to dislike and pity towards others which seemed too perfect and yet were not, or humor towards those that tried to act like adventurous match-makers, I ran the gamut.
The novel is filled with comedy (those wild car rides and the friendly advice) as well as snippets of imagined erotism and finally, wild lust-filled sex that had me switching from a good laugh out loud to biting my nails in anticipation."
~Reviewed by Bittersweet
And one from Joyfully Reviewed...
"Spending time at the Scottish Games in Charleston, Leslie Levingston doesn't expect to be harassed over a necklace her grandmother had given her. But that's exactly what happens, until a tall, sexy kilt wearing Scot intercedes. While Leslie's boyfriend is off playing golf, Leslie is embarking on an adventure with Scott, the handsome Scot who ends up saving her life. Neither one wants to be attracted to the other. Leslie because she has a boyfriend and Scott because he knows she has a boyfriend and doesn't want to be the cause of a breakup. The situation brings back memories of his own horrible breakup with his fiancé. Yet fate has other plans for these two and Scott must keep Leslie alive and the necklace out of the hands of the thieves. Their one night of passion opens up new doors for Scott and Leslie, but are they willing to walk through and accept what is waiting for them?
Kilted Lover has so many wonderful elements - the sexy man in a kilt, a car chase, and hot sex. Nicole North's use of descriptive writing allowed me to easily picture in my mind what was happening and I truly wanted to be there. She did a great job putting this story on paper. I'll keep this story close at hand and look for more from Ms. North." Reviewed by Klarissa
Thanks!
Nicole
BBC News reported that kilted skiers set a new world record in CairnGorm a few days ago.
"More than 200 skiers and snowboarders have set a new "world record" for the most people in kilts going down a piste.
Participants came down in a line from the Ptarmigan Top Station on CairnGorm Mountain, near Aviemore.
Money raised from the event will go to charity and a schools skiing programme.
A totals of 235 intermediate and advanced level skiers took part in the attempt, which organisers described as a "fantastic spectacle".
The record bid came during the best ski season in Scotland since 2001, according to Ski-Scotland.
More snow has been forecast, meaning the season could last through to May.
CairnGorm Mountain spokesman Colin Kirkwood said: "We're delighted, it was a little cloudy overhead but it was a fantastic spectacle and people really enjoyed taking part.
"It was an impressive sight and we wanted to do something to celebrate the great ski season we've been having and do something which could involve the public."
The event was the first attempt to set a record and was led across the finish line by two pipers and a drummer. " (From the BBC News website)
Here's a video from the event:
"More than 200 skiers and snowboarders have set a new "world record" for the most people in kilts going down a piste.
Participants came down in a line from the Ptarmigan Top Station on CairnGorm Mountain, near Aviemore.
Money raised from the event will go to charity and a schools skiing programme.
A totals of 235 intermediate and advanced level skiers took part in the attempt, which organisers described as a "fantastic spectacle".
The record bid came during the best ski season in Scotland since 2001, according to Ski-Scotland.
More snow has been forecast, meaning the season could last through to May.
CairnGorm Mountain spokesman Colin Kirkwood said: "We're delighted, it was a little cloudy overhead but it was a fantastic spectacle and people really enjoyed taking part.
"It was an impressive sight and we wanted to do something to celebrate the great ski season we've been having and do something which could involve the public."
The event was the first attempt to set a record and was led across the finish line by two pipers and a drummer. " (From the BBC News website)
Here's a video from the event:
Kilted Skiers in the Dolomites
Scottish Ski Resorts
This is not Scotland and no one is wearing a kilt, but I've never seen anything like this, so had to show you.
I realized it's been a while since I've offered up a little eye candy to cheer up your Monday morning. I don't know how it happened and I sincerely apologize for being so remiss! Yes, that was me with a bunch of hunky Cavemen at the 2008 RT Convention.
Here's a hard-working hunk for your viewing pleasure.
And I believe I've mentioned my love for a guy in blue jeans.
Oooh, I'd love to get up close and personal with that tattoo! Think we can get him to put down that sword?
And talking about tattoos!
This crew is coming to wish you a Happy Monday!
Have a great week!
Natasha
www.natashamoore.com
