Big Huge Reader Contest!

June is a big month and I'm in the mood to share the love. What makes it such a big deal?

• A major seasonal shift takes place around the world [Northern Hemisphere gets Summer and the Southern gets Winter].
• Julius Ceasar gave a 30th day to June in 46BC.
• Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and West Virginia all became states and Hawaii was oraganized as a territory.
• Sweden, Romania, Denmark, Argentina and the United States all celebrate a flag day, and
• 5 years ago I submitted my first manuscript [Come, Sweet Creature] to Whiskey Creek Press Torrid and it was accepted - woohoo!

Obviously the last one was big, huge, for me personally, but let me mix in a bit of a confession for good measure.  Before writing, I had already started to lean away from buying traditional books with the purchase of my beloved [and unfortunately lost to the washing machine] Toshiba e335 Pocket PC for a summer holiday. With its arrival came a new sense of joy and freedom to my reading selections, and I haven't looked back.

Now, as I mentioned above, I'm in the mood to share the love of reading, specifically with ebooks and I'm going to do that by giving away a Pink Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition and a three boxes stuffed full of goodies I brought back from RT Booklovers Convention on the 1st of July.

Okay, that was why the big huge reader contest is here and what some of the prizes are, now for the really important question: how to enter!

Every day of June on this blog [http://tillygreene.blogspot.com/], with the help of 28 authors, will be a blog about a book/ebook - call it an a month of Book and eBook Talk!.  They may showcase a new release, new genre or it may be new to you author or an old favorite, and what you need to do to enter is leave a comment/query [authors will stop by when they can] and some way to contact you if you win. Whatever you want to say is good and at the end of each day I'll take a comment from each person and put it in a bowl. That means you can enter 30 times - great odds to win an ereader!

Besides the four prizes noted above, random authors throughout the month will have something special to giveaway on their book days, so keep an eye out for those days.

There you go, a big huge reader contest which will have us all talking and buying books to enjoy.

Good luck everyone and get ready, it all starts tomorrow [June 1st] morning!

Memorial Day

This is more than a day off, the unofficial kick off to summer, or a day to do nothing. We remember our fallen heroes. I'm lucky enough to have two wonderful Marines who grew up next door to us and think they are fabulous men. One left Afghanistan on Thursday and the other arrived home for a weekend break on Saturday - it's a good Memorial Day.

In this same veign, recently I came across an article that mentioned something I'd never heard about and yet was very touched - yup, I supported the high humidty levels with tears. It's about the Arlington Ladies who escort the fallen to their graves.

The simple things really do matter.

Idea for a story from a friend...

It's hot, very hot lately, and my friend T sent this idea for a story - I adore my friends!

Thank you T and we'll meet up for breakfast, I want to hear all about your trip to jolly ol'.

Odd Coincidence

I'm working through the admin piles and need to run errands but putting it off, so not delving into anything that needs my full attention. That means I have the tv on and playing something I'm not that interested in, but has the potential to pull me in. Usually I choose a decorating show or something I call a documystery.


Documystery is half hour to hour show that lays out the facts of a crime, murder, and ends with a judgement. Yup, in case you haven't noticed from my some of my Book Talk! days, I like a good mystery. Anyway, City Confidential was one of the originals and I found one replaying on the Biography channel.

Cool.

So, what's the odd coincidence?

I used to work in an independent bookstore that, amongst other things, was the approved book supplier for the local correctional facilities. It meant family could stop in and purchase books for their loved one and we'd ensure it's delivery or the incacerated person could purchase books for family members, friends or themselves and, again, we'd deal with delivery. Somehow I ended up as the contact for the ladies facility and thoroughly enjoyed helping them find the right books - all via letters. The deal was, don't tell me why you're in there, and we'll be fine. I immediately stopped the day one new to me woman went into detail, from her point of view, about the crime she was accused of and it terrified me.

That's the background and the odd coincidence is that the murder being shown, which ended with a gentleman being incarcerated for murder, was someone a lady I worked with from our local facility bought books for and I sent to him at the state facility. Apparently they became friends as their court cases were going on at the same time.

I never knew of his crime and now can't quite connect the man who wrote the thank you note and request to be his supplier with the one on the stand. She bought a few books and I think I found a few out of print books for him before I stopped, but can't remember what they were.

Like I said, an odd coincidence, and curiousity has questions popping in my head like fireworks.

A bit of random ridiculousness...

How do I know Summer is here even though the calendar hasn't said it is?

Easy.

My shoes by the backdoor say it all.

Slippers on the stool, Doc Martins [never move], new sneakers [still glowing white their so clean], and four pairs of thongs. A girl can never have too many thongs. Light pink, purple, black, and newer black are not the only ones I have, but they are the ones I've worn recently.

Love my thongs.

They aren't flip flops, that is the noise made by those who don't know how to wear these fine foot adornments properly. Since the Fred Flinstone foot event, I Have to admit to this sound randomly escaping from my usually quiet tred, and I am ashamed.

Now, for those who think I never wear proper shoes, theirs a black pair up in the bedroom [in the suitcase not fully unpacked] and, in the spare room a red pair still in the box. Not to worry, I'll put them away, soon.

When Fashion and Movies Collide

While the Cannes film festival was going on in southern France, I was keeping my eyes opened for some fabulous fashion statements, and found a word or two, but no statements.  There was no joy on the other side of Cannes:  the films.

It wasn't their fault, if you visit the official website you'll notice they actually took part in all sorts of social media, which probably worked for them - it just never filted through to me.  Now, I did hear [on NPR] that  Tim Burton was President of the Jury, and shall look for a theater showing the film that won the Palme d'Or [Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives by Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul].

Okay, Cannes failed on the movies and fashion extravaganza, so where was my love for both fed? Now that we're members of Netflix, I can watch some films right on my laptop, and that's what I did to get a bit of fashion and flicks.


First up was Valentino: The Last Emperor.  It's a documentary and showed how cruel the business truly can be.  However, it was much more than that, and the scenes between Giancarlo Giammetti and Valentino were my favorites.  These two have known, loved, and worked side by side for 45 years, and made it look easy.  I didn't learn anything new, but did see inside the various homes of Valentino, saw a hint of the monumental workload the seamstresses who stich everything by hand on those fabulous Haute Couture gowns carry, and then there was a peak at Valentino's incredible retrospective was wonderful.  I cried a couple of times, laughed a few others [one of the pug's getting his teeth vigorously brushed], and even cringed at the occassional ego outburst.  The end result:  I really enjoyed the 90 minutes and wanted more fashion.


Next, I watched The September Issue, another documentary that looks at what it takes to put out an issue of Vogye.  Now, I never read or saw The Devil Wears Prada [supposedly about Anna Wintour] so had no opinion of her, although I do know of her reputation.  Is she a bitch?  No, from what I saw she was a desicive decision maker who wasted no time in getting things done.  Fine and dandy.  In the end, the film opens with 5 months before the close of the September Issue, the largest of the year.  Ultimately, it was a fascinating look into how the pages of a magazine are created from conceptual to final product.  One of the more interesting things is that I remember reading this issue and as I saw the various spreads, remembered my opinions of them, and realized I may not wanted to have known how the pictures are chosen - or not chosen.  Ever read a magazine and wished a spread had been longer or shorter?  You'll understand that particular issue more after seeing this flick.  The politics in the fashion industry are ugly and necessary, although maybe not to the extent they are currently - no one person should be claimed a leader of fashion trends.  Anyway, the end result:  Another well spent 90 minutes!

By the way, a uniquely creative fashion editor, Grace Coddington [one of the more interesting people in the film] gave some sound advice, no matter who you are:  Keep your eyes open because you never know what will inspire you. 

I like that, maybe because I do it.


UPDATED: A fiscal award, from Vogue and CFDA, was mentioned in The September Issue and I found a documentary on Netflix that follows three candidates seeking the first one. It's called Seamless and while I don't like the way the camera moves around, I like this one. Yes, more fashion, but like many things, all three films have been connected and if you have an afternoon to while away on 7th Avenue only can't make it to NYC, try it this way - relaxed and in your own space.

By the way, I was rooting for Doo.Ri and Cloak, and I won't spoil it by telling you who won, but I will suggest you watch to the end to see what happened to the ten finalists.

My Sexy Signature

Reading the June InStyle magazine, I came across seven pictures with the title Sexy Signatures: a very incomplete history, and it had me thinking what my sexy signature would be. Not for me personally, but in relation to my books.
The seven sexy signatures they offered are:

Lady Godiva - long hair
Bettie Page - blunt bangs
Marilyn Monroe - beauty mark
Sophia Loren - cleavage
Farrah Fawcett - winged hair
Tine Turner - legs
Jennifer Lopez - derriere

Interesting list and I could see what they were focused on.  Each woman and their signature are one. So, what do I write, intentially or not, that is always there?

Body image.

Whether the heroine is skinny, curvy, tall, short, athletic or not, they are all content with their shapes. It's everywhere,women aren't comfortable in their own skin, and often unknowingly pass this displeasure with their body to their daughters, who will likely share it with their daughters. So, with that rotten fruit sitting in my mind, I decided at the onset of writing that my female characters wouldn't be physically perfect and would still be happy.


So, in Ride 'em, Sunny is bone thin and flat chested. Fine, she dresses to enhance what she has, and downplay what she doesn't. Then there's Nia from Call Me Lucifer. She is beyond short, has serious curves, and always wears stiletto's [the higher the better] and will know she's found her man when he looks beyond her bust.

Think about it. A person wears what they want, knows they look good, exudes confidence with every step they take. That's sexy and therefore someone who is comfortable in their skin, no matter what shape, color, or proportion it's in, is sexy.

A hint about what's coming this June!

This is just some of what is going to be given away at my Big! Huge! Reader Contest! this June.

Three of the boxes each hold bags, books, and goodies I brought back from the RT Booklovers Convention and one box holds a t-shirt, blanket, water bottle and, amongst other things, a Pink...um, actually, you'll have to wait until June 1st to find that out!

So, my advice to this contest is use the "follow" button I added to the right column for just this occassion and prepare to talk books. It's all happening right here on Tilly Greene's Hot Thoughts Blog throughout June and the more days you visit and comment, the more chances you have to win that one box.

Naughty Thought for Monday

Would you put an iTit Optical Wireless Mouse on your desk?

In an office?

I imagine a lawyer, stockbroker or possibly an accountant would, but then again I write erotic romances.  It's part of my job to imagine what type of person would use an iTit.

Professional, button upped, and tidy - the iTit is tidy.

Or, would they be more apt to use the G-Spot Mouse?

I've Taken the Plunge

Now that our local Hollywood Video has closed it's doors and the nearest place to rent movies is the Redbox in WalMart or is it the Shop Rite?  Either way, the offers were seriously limited and not always to my taste, so I've signed us up for a NetFlix trial.

For almost two hours I've rated films I liked to help them narrow the field for me, but am already finding that not really all that helpful.  Because I liked the 1st season of The Office: Series 1 [British version], they assumed I'd like Trainspotting.  Fair enough, I did, but they have nothing in common except for being British based and I watch more the British tv and movies.

Another unusual connection I found when I rated Babette's Feast a 5 stars, it noted that I might like Food, Inc.  Interesting, but I'd already given it 5 stars as well, only now I'm left to wonder if it was decided the two went together because they were food related.  Personally, I wouldn't recommend one to someone who had seen the other.  But that's me, not a computer.

Anway, I'll keep an open mind, and hope for the best.  I like watching films of all sorts and hope to share more gems here.

Top 10 Iconic Fashion Ensembles in past 50 Years

This one kind of surprised me, then again, I should've looked through the entire list [see nos. 5, 7 and 9], and known it wasn't "fabulously" iconic list.  The most iconic dress worn in the past 50 years was...Ginger Spice, of the Spice Girls Fame, Union Jack dress! I kid you not! Honestly, I didn't remember it as a dress, and all these years later - I still don't.

Funny thing is, I don't remember the Kylie Minogue gold hot pants [only item not a dress] or the Cindy Crawford red Versace dress [Googled this one in a variety of ways and had no luck, guess I'm not the only one who didn't remember it either].

The poll was conducted by British online retailer Offers Supermarket. Okay, I've never heard of them, and so maybe they known more for their bargins on tv's than they are fashion.

Decide for yourself, here's the list:

1. Geri Halliwell – Union Jack dress – 82%

2. Liz Hurley – Versace safety pin dress – 79%

3. Marilyn Monroe – White dress – 74%


4. Audrey Hepburn – Black dress and pearls in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – 67%

5. Lady Gaga – White outfit and wig worn to the Brit Awards – 63%

6. Diana, Princess of Wales – Wedding dress designed by The Emanuel’s – 58%

7. Kylie Minogue – Gold hot pants – 56%

8. Jennifer Lopez - Sheer green Versace dress worn to the Grammys – 53%

9. Björk - Swan dress worn to the Oscars – 49%

10. Cindy Crawford - Red Versace dress worn to the Oscars – 44%

Finally, success in the kitchen!

May's InStyle magazine had a recipe for Vegetable Lasagne Roll-Ups [with Vegan Alternative] from a Lea Michele & Edith Sarfati. It looked interesting and so last night, I played with it, and was successful!

First of all, let me explain what I mean by "successful". The final product was something that both I and the cutie liked enough to make it again. Because we both like different foods, trust me when I say this doesn't happen often. So, here are the details of what I made:

Ingredients
Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
Broccoli
Carrots
Extra Firm Tofu [cubed]
Oregano
Basil
Shredded Italian Three Cheese [provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan]
Tomato and Basil Sauce

Instructions
• Preheat oven to 350
• In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped broccoli and carrots until soft, put in bowl and add spices to taste, and cool.
• Cook 6 noodles, drain, and lay flat on cooling rack.
• Add tofu and cheese to cooled veggies and gently stir together.
• Place a noodle on a firm surface and spoon mixture down the center, leaving an inch free at either end, and don't put so much it spills over the edges. Roll tightly and place in a 8" baking dish.
• Pour some sauce over the top and cook for 45 minutes.
• Take out, pour rest of sauce over the top, add more cheese, and back for an additional 15 minutes.

What I did wasn't that different from the original recipe, but it was tasty, and I don't normally eat tomatoes. Now, what I'll do differently next time is to add more cheese into the mix and play with the veggies. Broccoli and carrots were nice, but could be a place to experiment. I'd also sauté the tofu with the veggies - just give them a little more flavor, although they were pretty tasty. The last thing I'd do is seek out some ricotta cheese to include in the mix. When shopping for this meal, I did set out to go healthy, so the cheese [low milk fat and no lactose] and sauce [low sodium] I chose were just that – which isn’t easy, so look hard.

I served it with lightly steamed summer squash and sprinkled with a little parmesan. I ate one roll up, the cutie had two, and is having one and a half for lunch today and tomorrow. Personally, I'm all for getting three meals sorted from about 20-30 minutes of work.

There you go - a tasty yet healthy dish that took no time or skill to make.

Book and eBook Talk!

"Life took a turn one day while sitting in the back of the school bus with her friends: she was introduced to the joys of romance novels and has never looked back."

That is a quote from my biography as an author of erotic romances and that book was Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers. From there, I jumped in as a reader, and haven't looked back.  However, while my roots in reading romances is based in the historical subgenre, I have not bought one from a new author in years, if not decades.  Sabrina Jeffries, Suzanne Enoch and Stephanie Laurens were the last additions to my historical romance must read authors.

Historical romances also bred my pleasure for reading a series - although there are some personal parameters I have built up over the years to do this without going crazy.  Johanna Lindsey, one of my first and favorite historical romance authors, started the Malory family with Love Only Once, and is still bringing writing about them.  [That Perfect Someone is being released June 15 - goodie!]  Some readers have problems with reading an ongoing series and it may have to do with what we are all looking for when we open the cover.  For me, reading is pure entertainment.  I don't want to analyze or work my way through the book or a number of books for a satisfactory end.  If done right, each book ends on the right note for that particular couple, and I'll look forward to visiting that world again. 

Another part of historical romances I've always enjoyed are the covers, specifically those drawn [like The Velvet Promise by Jude Deveraux, cover art by Harry Bennet].  The notorious clinch never bothered me, bland covers do.  And, it is very disturbing when the characters in the story have no physical similarities to the ones on the cover.  That could turn me away from buying that author again, so be careful publishers, covers do matter. 

Back in those first days, I read everything from Lindsey and Deveraux as well as Laurie McBain and Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, and another habit was born.  When I find an author I like, I will buy and read everything they write.  If I read a story I didn't care for, I don't hold a grudge and will keep reading.  That said, there has been one author I dropped from my automatic buy list because they stopped writing historicals and I didn't enjoy their contemporaries. 

There you go, my introduction to romances was historical, and remains my favorite. Now, with that information in mind, it shouldn't surprise anyone that I have not delved into the subgenre as an author. I'm sure intimidation plays a large part of this. 

Oh, one last thing, a big disappointment for me is that none of these authors older titles are available as ebooks.  Shame really, I know I'd buy them so I could read them anywhere, not just where my keepers are kept.

Naughty Thought for Monday

Is it wrong that after this ad on Amazing Facts caught my eye, I'm still looking at it to figure out what everything is besides lettuce?

What is everything?

Chippy legs?

Anyway, it's definitely entertaining.

Register Now for Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited Weekend!

Registration is STILL OPEN for the Authors After Dark Romance Unlimited weekend!

Join your master of ceremonies, Jacquelyn Frank, along with the AAD bloggers and a Slew of award winning best selling authors for a weekend of amazing reads, free books and goodies galore. The AAD RU is the ONLY convention our there designed FOR readers, BY authors to not break your bank and give you that oh so precious face time with some of your favorite and new favorite authors.

Registration is $140 and INCLUDES 5 MEALS! That's right! no paying extra for meals OR ALCOHOL! You read right, this year we are offering FREE ALCOHOL (Wine and mixed Drinks) courtesy of participating authors, groups and publishers through the entire event! Can't find that at ANY other convention!

What can you expect at this con? Panels designed for reader participation, mini events chock full of goodies and insider info, parties filled with gifts and free books and two evening events sure to keep you smiling! This year we will have a Games night with everything from Romance Pictionary to The Mystical Mavens gypsy tent where you can get free fortune telling! Our Masquerade Ball this year will be a Theme of Literary Characters, and you could win a 50$ gift Certificate to BN or Borders for best costume!

You can expect panels for all sorts of subjects in romance INCLUDING the ONLY GLBT track for panels in mainstream romance cons! Progressive? No, but we open our doors to all!

And BOOKS! This year you can expect TONS of book giveaways from Kensington, Ballentine, Dorchester, Tease Publishing, Changeling Press, MLR Press, and many more! The publishers are being very generous this year, you do not wanna miss out!

Other goodies? Door prizes from some of the best in the business including Jacquelyn Frank, Joey W Hill, Susan Sizemore and more! How about parties galore and tons of premium promo giveaways!?

And Did we mention the BOOK SIGNING? 3 hours on Saturday where you can get your favorite books signed and pick up others from some of your new favorites! And guess what? there's a Wine and Sign snack party going on during as well!

For those authors and aspiring authors attending, we haven't forgotten about you either! We have a few panels on writing craft, AND will be offering Editor appointments Friday and Saturday, from editors from such houses as Kensington, Ballentine, Tease Publishing, Phaze, MLR Press, Samhain and several others. This is the perfect event to get yourself in front of editors looking for YOU!

See something for everyone? And best of all it WONT BREAK YOUR BANK TO ATTEND!

Now, the details:
When: Sept. 16-19 2010, Harmon Meadow Holiday Inn, Secaucus NJ
Registration: $140 includes 5 meals
Rooms: $109 a night, double occupancy
FREE shuttle to and from Newark Airport AND Secaucus Junction Train station

Attending Authors:
•Allie Boniface
•Alexandra Ivy (Tentative)
•Anne Cain
•Barbara Sheridan
•Bronwyn Greene
•Bianca D'Arc
•Cara North
•Caridad Pineiro
•Carol Lynne
•Cat Johnson
•Cathy Clamp / Cat Adams
•Celia Kyle
•Diana Castilleja
•Diane Merlin
•Eliza Gayle
•Elizabeth Amber
•Elizabeth Darvill
•Jacquelyn Frank
•Jade Falconer
•Jennifer Armintrout
•Jessica Andersen
•Joey W. Hill
•JoLynne Valerie
•Judi Fennell
•K.A. Mitchell
•K.A.Laity/C. Margery Kempe
•Kayleigh Jamison
•Kris Norris
•K.T. Pinto
•Larissa Ione (tentative)
•Laura Baumbach
•Leanna Renee Hieber
•Leigh Ellwood
•MK Mancos
•Mechele Armstrong
•Mia Watts
•Rosemary Laurey
•Samantha Sommersby
•Selena Illyria
•Skyler Grey
•Stella and Audra Price
•Stephanie Julian
•Susan Sizemore
•Tilly Greene

*Spots still open for the Authors... but only until JUNE 28th 2010. Contact Stella Via the WEBSITE to be included on the author list!*

Editors attending:
•Alicia Condon, Kensington Books
•Kate Collins, Ballentine
•Tonya Nagle, Tease Publishing LLC
•Kat Lively, Phaze Books
•Kris Jacen, MLR Press
FULL LIST JULY 1st!

So what are you waiting for? Space is limited to 200 people this year (And if we hit that, then next year will be Bigger and longer!) so get your registration in today! To Register, simply visit our website: AAD Romance Unlimited and click on register. Any questions or if your a publisher that would like to work with us this year, contact Stella at blueflamesabove@...

Stella Price
Award winning best selling author
http://www.stellaandaudra.com/

Movie Night Idea

So, the cutie and I were on a long drive [10+ hours] when 'Come on Eileen' by Dexys Midnight Runners played, and my mind took one of those weird twists. It turned to British director Ken Russell and one of his movies from the 80's.

While his films have been both panned and praised, I personally enjoy his work, even the campy odd ones. He directed Altered States and Tommy, but my favorites are Gothic with Gabriel Byrne and Lair of the White Worm, based on a Bram Stocker novella, with Hugh Grant.

Both these flicks were made before Byrne - did you know he was in Excalibur? That's another movie I'd love to see again. - and Grant were stars, although Grant made 2mil for his part and he wasn't top of the billing. 

So, I have no idea how Dexys Midnight Runner brought Lair of the White Worm to mind, but it did, and I need to find a copy to watch it again!

Chocolate Caculator

YOUR AGE BY CHOCOLATE MATHS from a friend of mine who knows me very well!

Don't tell me your age, you'd probably lie anyway, but the Hershey Man will know the truth!

This is pretty neat.

DON'T CHEAT BY SCROLLING DOWN FIRST!

It takes less than a minute ...
Work this out as you read ...
Be sure you don't read the bottom until you've worked it out!
This IS one of those waste of time things and it's fun.

1. First of all, pick the number of times a week that you would like to have chocolate (more than once but less than 10).

2. Multiply this number by 2 (just to be bold).

3. Add 5.

4. Multiply it by 50 - I'll wait while you get the calculator .

5. If you have already had your birthday this year add 1760, if you haven't, add 1759.

6. Now subtract the four digit year that you were born.

You should have a three digit number.

The first digit of this was your original number (i.e. how many times you want to have chocolate each week).

The next two numbers are

YOUR AGE! (Maybe in 7 years, but then again, I could've been off in the amount of times I would like chocolate in a week - possibly :-))

Thank you L! Good fun :-)

The Met Costume Institute Gala Fashion Thoughts

Recently The Met Costume Institute held it's annual gala and despite it's foundation in the fashion world, the clothes were kind of blah.

Safe.

I liked the dark blue of Oprah Winfrey's Oscar de la Renta and Sienna Miller's Emilio Pucci gowns and found the idea of Halston Heritage interesting, always liked him, although was surprised Sarah Jessica Parker wore it - a little tame for her, wasn't it? but then again, she is on the design team.  Beige, nude, tan, whatever you want to call it, the color has been all over the place lately and I think Kate Hudson wore it best in a Stella McCartney gown.  Simple, yes, but it was an elegant simple.  She also didn't overdo on the accessories and shoes were great, although I thought leaned a bit on the clunky side for that dress.

Which was my favorite?

There was no instant adoration gown, but loved the plum color and overtime, I guess Thandie Newton in Vivienne Westwood was my favorite.  Again, she kept the accessories and makeup low key, and this helped the dress itself stand out.  The top is like folded paper, origami, and is truly wonderful.  Yes, this dress is my favorite of the night.

eBook and Book Talk!

Something funny happened on the way to RT Booklovers Convention - I had nothing to read on the plane and, even though I was going to a mainly romance book convention, I bought a suspense.  Not only that, I bought one from the bestseller list, which I usually use as what not to buy. 

Anyway, I ended up with The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson, and didn't want to put it down - devored about 100 pages while at the convention.  In fact, it was so good, by the time I made it home, I went out and picked up the first book - yup, I made the mistake of starting with the 2nd book in his trilogy [the 3rd and final book is The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest].  Hate doing that, but I'll wait until my next break, and then start with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo [book 1].  From that point on, I'll read the trilogy in order [made even easier because they are available in ebook].  On a side note, I've been told if I can find the Sweedish version of the movie I should see it - and, loving the series so much, I'm not sure I can pass it up.

Other recent book purchases have been Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich and because it isn't out for another month, added Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson for my mom.  And, for sister-in-law's birthday [who lives in England and is a mystery reader who shares with her Dad, another big reader], we bought The Redbreast by Jo Nesbø, Carte Blanche by Carlo Lucarelli and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Larsson.

There are some really good books/ebooks out there and I very strongly suggest you watch this space throughout June :-)

Naughty Thought for Monday

JewelWarmer.com is for your guy to wear on those really cold days.  While this is something I never thought about, I suppose it is necessary for some.

Oh, it's recommended for cyclists, runners, or outdoor enthusiasts and their tagline is:

THE SOLUTION if your "jewels" have ever experienced cold discomfort while cycling or running.

Um, okay.

Happy Mothers' Day!

PORK CHOPS

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, died shortly after birth.

The mother tiger, after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically, she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression. The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother's cubs, perhaps she would improve.

After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment. Sometimes a mother of one specie s will take on the care of a different species. The only 'orphans' that could be found quickly, were a litter of weanling pigs.. The zoo keepers and vets wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger. Would they become cubs or pork chops?

Did it work?

Oh yes, it worked! Happy Mothers' Day!

Thank you S - this was a real hoot :-)

Robin Hood looks good, but what about the scenery?

If you are thinking of visiting England, after seeing some of the sites in London, I suggest you escape the chaos of city life, which can be found everywhere, and head north!

Robin Hood, to be released in May 2010, was partly filmed in the North in such places as Alnwick Castle [Hogwarts from Harry Potter books] and Bamburgh Castle and are definitely must see sites, but not too far from these places is even more that should be visited.

Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, is across the bay from Bamburgh and can only be reached when the tide is out .  It is a small island and is a nature reserve and rich in history with a castle, ruined monastary/museum, and the island is known for their mead.  So, if you're a fan of the Celts and celtic books, this is a must visit place.

Now, head south, and you'll land in the place lovers of Vampires books and movies should visit, Whitby.

Why?  Because this is the place Irish author, Bram Stoker, holidayed during summer breaks and also has brought loads of interesting local tidbits into Dracula. 

Everytime but one [the rain won out on that visit] we've climbed the stairs from town up to the abbey and afterwards, never remember if it was 199 or 198.  I think the first step is a dubious one at a couple inches.

Now, Fish & Chips can be found all across England, but smoked kippers from Fortunes are a must do and they are limited in their opening times so head there immediately.  I happen to eat nothing that exists in the water [and yet I love visiting England's coastal gems], but my cutie does and grew up not too far from here.  He makes a point to stop for a couple kippers from this place for breakfast.

St Mary's Church is another gem to visit in Whitby and make sure to walk through the graveyard - it's sad when you realize how many are for very young and a few empty ones give you a spooky feeling.

Have a seafaring fan in the house?  Then a little further south from Whitby is Staithes, hometown of Captain James Cook, and it is definitely worth checking out as well.

A village that is the ultimate definition of small village life [parking up on the hill and walk down to the homes].  This is where it is said the man who would go on to chart Hawaii amongst other places became enamored with exploring the seas.

From there, you can head inland, and within minutes you're on the North Yorkshire Moors where such books as Wuthering Heights and All Creatures Great and Small are set and museums for the Brontës and Herriot are located.  To the east is the Lake District and Beatrix Potter and further south is York with it's incredible Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, The Shambles and on the outskirts is Castle Howard, where Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited was filmed.

That is just a tiny portion of what can be seen and experienced in the North of England.  The history is deep [don't forget about the War of the Roses] at every turn and plenty of literary / artistic [Henry Moore has a fabulous museum in Leeds and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, 500 acres of parkland is near Wakefield] influences to keep everyone eager for what's next.

So, yes, the new Robin Hood film looks good, but every promo I see makes me think about all the other fabulousness that can be found around northern England.

One last thing, because I love this part of England and there is that bit about writing what you know, I've also used it in my own books.  You can find the North of England in The Gilded Cage / Hot Couture [Leeds] and the newly released My Angel [Leeds and Knaresborough].

My Angel is OUT!

I used to live in England, North Yorkshire in particular, and we always visit the small town we lived in last. It's called Knaresborough and is simply stunning to see and as old as dirt. Why do I say that? It was noted in the Doomsday Book [1086] and I figure that is seriously old.

So, on one of my trips to England, I went to Knaresborough to write for the day and visit some of my favorite haunts. What I came away with was the plot and characters for a story that ended up being developed further the next day when I went to Leeds - a place I went to university and lived.  Just like that, I had My Angel started and unintentionally fit side-by-side with Call Me Lucifer.  There was not much thought needed to call the duet Good, Bad and Kinky because that is exactly what the two stories entail.

My Angel by Tilly Greene

Paranormal Erotic Romance/Bondage

Available through Whiskey Creek Press Torrid

Not everything worth having is easy to obtain.

Ann Miller was murdered as a toddler and ended up in Heaven without ever really living. She’s never questioned what she missed experiencing, not until she earns her Guardian Angel wings. With them fluttering happily around her, she discovers what being in love truly feels like and wants to embrace it fully.

As a drummer for the band of the decade, Tom Baker leads a decadent life that takes a toll on him, and he works hard to take back control of his life. Ann is there to watch over him and the more time she spends with him, the more she wants. Then her luck changes.

Ann is given the chance to live again with the man she loves, but there are conditions. She must wait for him to proclaim his heart first...and there’s a time limit.

Read an Excerpt.

RT Booklovers Convention Recap

I've been preparing to go to the RT Booklovers Convention held in Columbus, Ohio for what feels like forever but was more like a few weeks, month at the most. The big question is: Was it worth ignoring everything except it?

Yes and no.

Yes, because it is always nice to get out from beneath the laptop, and talk to like minded folks. Readers! While I met and met again some fantastic authors, it was the aspiring authors, readers, booksellers and librarians that boosted my energy levels.

The "no" comes because of the lack of time. There were some really interesting panels and they were over before they started. Every panel I went to had another one going at the same time.  So that's both good and bad.  Although it would be nice for more fresh - relevant and informative - material.

Frustrating, but totally worth going for having fun. That was short, sweet and to the point of my RT 2010 experience, here the extended version.

I arrived on the second day of the conference, but it was my Day 1 and even though I made it an hour earlier than I'd expected, it was a mad dash. After checking in, dropping luggage off in room, I went down and sat in on a friends panel, saw Eliza Gayle - a great lady and author - and met one of my cover artists - Kendra who did the spectacular Good, Bad & Kinky covers - for the first time, and then went to two more panels, and a third to support a friend. Next was a publisher [Samhain Publishing] event with booksellers [met Bonnie Dee and she's a real sweetheart, caught up a bit with Samantha Sommersby, and found the fabulous Queen JC Wilder sitting outside - she absolutely glowed]. From there, I put on a red sweater, and went to the Ellora's Cave Paint the Town Red party. Luck of the draw gave me a tall handsome man to escort me across the stage [prime place for tripping, but didn't], and then it was off to help man the swag table.

Like I said, it was go, go, go from the minute I landed and that meant I never had a chance to do any of the things I promised the cutie I'd do whilst there - eat, take my medicine or put my feet up. So I wasn't surprised to crash and had to go up early.

My Day 2 went more smoothly and it started with sitting in on a publisher's spotlight that interested me. Will I submit to them?  Maybe, I'll do some more research and we'll see.  From there it was a couple panels with a publisher lunch for its authors in between. Next was the RT Book Reviews ceremony and while I love supporting other authors achievements, I was horribly uncomfortable - the chairs, ugh. The only thing I came out of that event remembering is that Barbara Taylor Bradford gave the Brotherton Library [to the right thanks to Light Night Leeds] at my school, University of Leeds, her archive. Okay, I admit it was hearing Brotherton and Leeds mentioned and that sparked my attention. Later, for the first time ever, I went to the Faery Ball and think Stella Price [horns] and Stephanie Burke [entire costume] were dressed to the tens.

My Day 3 went even better, established my routine and went to two really good panels - maybe because they were handled well, informative and relevant, and coherent. After those two were finished and lunch had, it was off to Club RT and I was late. Hate being late, but thankfully the fabulous Stella Price made it not so bad. I chatted with all sorts and then, while not really paying attention, placed a shoe box on a bigger box and the table toppled over with a huge bang. Silenced the entire room. Didn't loose any toes, but it was close.

From there, it was time for the 'Ebook, Indie Publisher, Multimedia and Graphic Fiction Expo'. The authors I sat with [Cat Grant, LB Gregg, and Kathleen Grieve] were all wonderful. I briefly saw and chatted with C.H, Admirand [local to me author and met her husband] and Alessia Brio [the lady in charge of the Coming Together alturistic series which I strongly support] before the doors were opened.  Last but not least was another party I usually pass on, the Vampire Ball, and again Stella Price [that's her to the right and you can check out her photo album on Facebook] was the cat's meow of costumes. The lady is seriously creative.

My Day 4 was also my last. I checked out and then went to set up for the 'Giant Book Fair'. Before the doors were opened, I caught up with Francesca Hawley, a fabulous lady and author. Unfortunately my latest book, Double Punch, wasn't there but I still had fun talking about Hamish from Highland Heat and Hephaestus from Hephaestus Lays Down the Law from the two books I did have. Sitting beside me was Cat Grant, Kathleen Grieve and Donna Grant - another lovely lady.  Nothing can prepare someone for the wildness that is a Giant Book Fair.  Many people come prepared with not one but two or three suitcases to fill with books - yes, SUITCASES!  My advice is don't get fussed with the crowds, it is what it is - enjoy the experience.

When it was time to go, I said my goodbyes, and shared a cab with Carrie Lofty to the airport. From their it was all good - easy flight, no lost luggage, and we went for a Chinese takeaway on the way home.

I know there were many more people I met and chatted with, trully enjoyed spending time with [Ann and Robin], only I have a sieve of a mind for names - I'm sorry.  All in all, it was fun, great to see and chat with everyone which for me is the best part of events [booksignings to conferences], and it feels so good to be home.

The question now is:  Will I go next year to the one in Los Angeles?  Southern California in the Spring?  Maybe, okay a strong maybe.  It always depends on what else is going on in life, but I am thinking very seriously about it.  Besides, my family is nearby, and a visit to the beach and the total relaxation it offers me, is always wanted.