Ice Dancing

For the past few nights, I've been watching Olympic Ice Dancing. While not a favorite of mine, I have to say that I really enjoyed it. The drama is always something, the heartaches, the triumphs -- all part of what make up the Olympics. And what caught my attention most was the athleticism of the skaters these days. Used to be that ice dancing, was just that -- dancing close with your partner on ice. But now, ice dancing has become more a test of skill, endurance, gymnastics and expression. Those skaters move gracefully across the ice while putting their bodies in the most unique positions. Limber, that's the word. Each one of those skaters is in incredible shape, their bodies completely toned. I sat there watching with my husband and we both ooohed and aaahed and blinked our eyes at the intricate positions and movements they made, and though it looked stunning, we both knew what skill and practice went into those moves. I think I'm still in awe. And it never ceases to amaze me how, as time goes on, our athletes push themselves harder and further than ever before.

Are you watching the Olympics?

Just wondering how many of you out there are watching the Olympics? Usually, I get enthralled and can't remote myself away from the channel. But I'm finding the Olympics flat this year. I don't know why, exactly. Maybe, life has just been so darn busy and I can't keep my focus. I'll tune into a sport and think "I really love watching this" but five minutes into it, I'm bored. I can't get into the ice skating, which is usually my favorite. And it has less to do with Michelle Kwan's withdrawal and more to do with the lack of charisma I'm seeing. There have been disappointments too, for the Americans and I'm not seeing the rising star shine. Maybe that's it -- I can't relate to the athletes this year.

Except for our "Flying Tomato" . Now, see that's what I'm talking about. He's a character. He's fun to watch and listen too. He's talented and quite an inspiration. I've never watched a snowboarding event in my life, but I watched him take the gold and learned something about snowboarding as well.

I don't "get" luge, the double luge looks a bit ridiculous and I find myself thinking, what's the point? But I'm not tuning out just yet. I hope Olympic fever hits me. I want to enjoy watching and cheering our teams on throughout the competition. It's early yet and maybe the best will be saved for last. I hope so.

But it's not all a loss for me. I'm Italian-American and love seeing the locales and learning about that region in Italy. And I thought the opening ceremony was fanastic. You can't argue with great ingenutity and imagination. I'm hanging in there, hoping to get inspired and if not that, then I'll settle for being entertained. Go USA!

Happy Valentine's Day!

But first, a kitchen update. What kitchen? -- It's GONE! There's nothing left but my refrigerator. Skittles the cat is very confused. She keeps walking around and around looking for what doesn't exist anymore. It's really very cute. And it looks like we'll be doing creative meals for a long while. I keep telling myself, it'll all be worth it once it's done.

But I won't whine today, because today is a day for ROMANCE. So give your sweeties a hug and kiss and let them know they are special in your life!

And now for some fun Valentine's Day facts. Did you know:

Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was: Good morning to you, valentine; Curl your locks as I do mine---Two before and three behind. Good morning to you, valentine.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she keeps the gift, it means she will marry him.

Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

A love seat is a wide chair. It was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later, the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!

Think of five or six names of boys or girls you might marry, As you twist the stem of an apple, recite the names until the stem comes off. You will marry the person whose name you were saying when the stem fell off.

Pick a dandelion that has gone to seed. Take a deep breath and blow the seeds into the wind. Count the seeds that remain on the stem. That is the number of children you will have. If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.

BE SURE TO ENTER MY CONTEST ON www.desireauthors.com.
Winner of a beautiful set of silver heart jewelry to be announced on the Desire Site on Friday!

A final farewell to my kitchen

I know I should be thrilled. I'm getting a brand new kitchen, the demolition team due here any minute to completely destroy every tile, every cabinet, every appliance I've used for the past 20 years. But the sentimental fool in me is already missing the kitchen where I fed my children breakfast, where we sat for hours doing homework together, where I would cook elaborate and not so elaborate meals for my family. The very kitchen I'd damned for tile grout too hard to clean, for chipped floors and outdated appliances, I now think I'm going to miss. What can I say? I'm loyal and I truly love my home. And when the kitchen goes today, so will a small part of my heart. Silly? I think so too, after all I'm getting a newly designed kitchen, but will it take 20 more years to put my personal stamp on it? I guess I'll just have to wait and see, but I'll reminisce about our "good old kitchen days" I'm sure.

Well, I'm off to make my last cup of coffee. Out with the old, in with the new, as they say.

Be sure to visit me this week at http://www.desireauthors.com/blog/blog.html
I'll be blogging and running a Valentine's Day contest!

Donating Books- Hard to Say Goodbye

Yesterday I was reminded to make my donation to the Rescue Mission. I gathered up some things in the house and then I recalled that they take books as well. I went into my closet, where my husband gouged out part of the wall to make me a four layered bookshelf and started perusing my books. Next I went outside to the garage and opened up a storage cabinet, filled head to toe with books. All I could do was shake my head.

The hardest thing for me to do is part with my books. Over the years I've collected and read books from my favorite authors, my dear friends, a writer's first book, some are signed, others are just close to my heart. Some I intend to read, others I've read more than twice. I have my keepers. LyVryle, Sandra Brown, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, will never leave my shelves. They have special meaning to me. They are the authors who inspired me initially to write romance. They hooked me and I'll never forget their stories. Also on the keeper shelf are my critique partners books. But then there are so many others. Kathryn Woodwiss, Joanne Lindsay and Nora along with other great but lesser known authors.

It took me quite a while to box up the books I'm sending to the mission. I chose at least 50 from my collection and the choosing wasn't easy. But the solace I get in giving these books away is that others who are in more need than myself, will someday derive as much enjoyment from them as I have over the years. I know they'll be appreciated. I haven't peeked outside my door yet to see if they're gone. Maybe, I'll take a look to say one final farewell.

Being Fair and Balanced

Since Valentine's Day is around the corner I thought this would make up for the jokes about the beloved opposite sex we've all laughed at. Honestly, these are good and after all, WE DO LOVE MEN, silly traits and all. Thanks to my dear friend Paula Davis for sending them along.

We always hear "the rules" from the female point of view...

Now here are the rules from the male side.
These are our rules!
Please note... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men ARE NOT mind readers.
1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down.
We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.
1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.
1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.
1. Crying is blackmail.
1. Ask for what you want.
Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!
1. Yes and No are perfectly Acceptable answers to almost every question.
1. Come to us with a problem only If you want help solving it. That's what we do.
Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.
1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.
1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument.
In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.
1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't Expect us to act like soap opera guys.
1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.
1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.
1. You can either ask us to do something Or tell us how you want it done. Not both.
If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.
1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.
1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.
1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.
1. If it itches, it will Be scratched. We do that.
1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," ! We will act like nothing's wrong.
We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.
1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, Expect an answer you don't want to hear.
1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear Is fine...Really.
1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or golf.
1. You have enough clothes.
1. You have too many shoes.
1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!
1. Thank you for reading this.
Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight;
But did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.
Pass this to as many men as you can - to give them a laugh.
Pass this to as many women as you can - to give them a bigger laugh!

The Ritas

I've just finished reading the last book for our pretigious Rita Award. I've read seven in all and I have to say that some of these stories were incredibly good. The writing and depth of emotion and historical background for some was top notch. I guess I miss reading. One of the things a writer doesn't get to do so much is read. Funny? Ironic? Yes. Reading is what brought me to this craft, yet now that I have deadlines and promotion and BlOGS and life outside of writing, seldom do I get a chance to read.

It's bittersweet with judging the Rita books. Most of the time I look at the pile TBR and think, "I don't have time for this," but once I pick up the book and start reading, I get involved and hate to put the book down. That's another reason why it's so hard for me. Usually, I finish a book within a two day period. That means, I cast aside all else, if the book is THAT good. And THAT'S not good for me, timewise. But it happens when I really enjoy a story.

This year, I've read some great ones and I hope that someone out there is judging my story and thinking, "Gee, this is a hard one to put down." Who knows, maybe I'm messing up someone else's schedule!

Visit me on EHarlequin this week under Harlequin Discussions! Meeting Your Match - Mess or Mesh. We're having a lively discussion.

RENEGADE WIFE on sale at Amazon.com and other online sites.
In the bookstores in FEBRUARY too!

Visit me on Eharlequin this week!

It's Monday and SuperBowl mania is over!! We had a fun time at our friend's annual SuperBowl party. But now onward to bigger and better things - Like Baseball Season.
I can't wait. I'm a Baseball junkie!

But in the meantime, I'm hosting a fun and lively discussion on Eharlequin this week. MEETING YOUR MATCH -- MESH or MESS? We'll be talking about your favorite books and how the hero/heroines don't mesh at all. It's a total mess, until they resolve their issues and finally MESH -- they fall in love!

This IS the month for Romance. Stop by and say hello and tell us how you found your mate. Was it mesh or match?

Here's the link. Hope to see you there!
http://community.eharlequin.com/webx?50@257.3u2gaZ49NgZ.1@.4a836fdd

Another Nice Review

I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to write a book that touches you deep inside, a book where you envision the characters in your head and know them so well, then have the readers and reviewers see the same things. I'm grateful that RENEGADE WIFE is getting such wonderful reviews and that apparently, many of you are reading it. It has SOLD OUT on EHarlequin one day before its offical February release -- a first for me. But not to worry, all the other sites, including Amazon still have plenty. I hope those of you who are reading Kane and Molly's story enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

From Romance Reviews Today:

RENEGADE WIFE is such a refreshing heartfelt love story to read. The characters are vibrant and well crafted. Molly is a spitfire who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She is passionate about everything she says, does, and feels. It is her forthright manner which helps her overcome some of Kane’s more stubborn and mulish qualities. Kane, is a man any woman would want. He is rough around the edges, but once polished by love, he shines. He is obstinate, and refuses to give Molly any entrance into his heart. Their dialogue is witty, and their passion is electrifying.

The writing style of Ms. Sands is refreshing and so well done that readers will not only read Kane and Molly’s story, but they will feel it. The characters are lively and the settings beautifully described. Secondary characters are just as well written as Kane and Molly and are an added delight.

For a Western romance that will leave you smiling, be sure to read RENEGADE WIFE.

Edith Morrison

What makes a hero heroic?

I've asked myself that question many times, but I know the answer now. In my story Fortune's Vengeful Groom -- my hero is a macho alpha man who has revenge on his mind with a woman he once loved and believes treated him unjustly. But how do we make our alpha mega larger-than-life hero, ruthless, yet let our reader know he's really a good guy?

The answer is in the little things. I have to admit, I'm having a whole bunch of fun with this. My hero is not thinking nice He's not saying nice things to my heroine either, but he shows her that he's not a total jerk by setting his jacket about her shoulders when she shivers. He may step away from her with narrowed eyes and a wary expression, but he removes his hat in her presence. Manners, you say? Yes, that too, but it still evokes an emotion in both the heroine and the reader.

I'm only in Chaper Two of my next Desire continuity coming out March 07, but it'll be a fun ride keeping the tension and conflict going, while I find ways to show my hero's good side in subtle small ways. Maybe I'll have him show affection for a stray pup? No, too cliche? Okay, I'll think of something else. But in the thinking, comes the fun part of writing. Dreaming up ways to make my hero cold on the outside, but warm on the inside is a challenge and a joy that I'm happy to meet head on.

And speaking of heroes, if you want to see how I met my real-life hero, my husband Don, click here: http://occsliceoforange.blogspot.com/

It's a short but sweet and true story of how I met my one and only. And I'm honored to have been picked to kick off the first day of my RWA Chapter's 25 DAYS OF
ROMANCE. I hope you enjoy!

Also, check out my article CRAZY IN LOVE in the February issue of RomanceNewsToday at www.romancenewstoday.com


**** RENEGADE WIFE IS SOLD OUT ON EHarlequin.com Please see Amazon or your other favorite sites to purchase the book! ****

A Monday Morning Laugh!

Thanks to my friend Debbie Decker for passing these on to me. If you remember the Original Hollywood Squares and its comics, this may bring a tear to your eyes. These great questions and answers are from the days when "Hollywood Squares" game show responses were spontaneous and clever, not scripted and (often) dull, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course. Please enjoy and Happy Monday!

Q. Do female frogs croak?

A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.

Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?

A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.

Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.

A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.

Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?

A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.

Q. According to Cosmo, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is
attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?

A. Rose Marie: No; wait until morning.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?

A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.

Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say "I Love You"?

A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty.

Q. What are "Do It," "I Can Help," and "I Can't Get Enough"?

A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.

Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?

A. Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?

A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.

Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?

A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.

Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?

A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.

Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?

A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.

Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?

A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.

Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?

A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?

A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?

A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.

Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?

A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn't neglected.

Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?

A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?

A. Charley Weaver: His feet

Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?

A. Paul Lynde: Point and Laugh

Getting Organized

When it rains, it pours, they say. And lately it seems that my workload has increased in leaps and bounds. Today, for instance I have a full schedule and everything has to be timed just right. I've learned to organize my time to get the most out of every minute, and frankly, I hate the days when there's no down time. I NEED down time every day. But when these days arrive, I have to buck up and follow my schedule. And aside from work, of course as you know, life happens. Our kitchen remodel is in the works and I'll be dealing with workman and shopping for "fun" things like a new sink and faucet and tiles etc, etc.

So this morning, I'll be working on copyedits for Bunking Down with the Boss, (there's a tight deadline) getting dressed in time for workmen to come and inspect the kitchen cabinets that arrived a week early, write up a synopsis for my single title story, (if time allows), work some more on the copyedits (I need to break it up, too tedius otherwise), read my Rita books in between times, have a perm this afternoon, dinner will be something easy and off to the hospital I go to teach a pediatric CPR class.
Up at 7 AM, home at 11 PM.

Thank goodness, these days don't happen often, but without the schedule in my head, I wouldn't be able to get it all done. Whoops, it's time for coffee and start on my copyedits. I have an hour before the workmen come!

Renewal

Here's a novel thought. My kids are grown, my career is building, my house is nearly how I want it to be (but for the new kitchen coming very soon)and my husband and I have never been closer. Isn't funny how we come full circle?

First we fall in love and marry and spend our days playing. We learn about each other's talents and desires and spend not only a vast amount of time together, but really quality time. Then the children are born and our lives take a 180 degree turn. We find ourselves becoming parents. It's Mommy and Daddy time. And we love every darn minute of it. We're truly blessed to have this little people in our lives. We play with them, nurture them, teach them, discipline them and it saps all of our energy and most of our time. And then, these molded shaped wonderful beings leave the nest and we find ourselves empty ... but for a time.

But once the empty nest shock is gone, we renew. We find ourselves again -- the people we once were before the children came into our lives. We laugh, we joke, we play games, we become intimate and we find our bond strenghened through it all. We are a family first and foremost, but we are a couple once again ... truly and forever. It is how it all began.

We are renewed.

What Makes a Good Book GREAT!

Right now I'm in the throes of judging seven books from all categories of romance for our prestigious RITA award. For those you haven't heard of this before, it's the highest honor, complete with gold statue, that a romance writer can achieve. And the contest is judged by peers, authors who are members of RWA and write romance. I'm through three books already and all are very very good. But two of them ( and I do consider myself fortunate since it's not always the case) are really great!

I stayed up very late reading, unable or willing to put one of these books down. Even as my eyes started to cross and words blurred on the page, I wanted desperately to finish the book. Today, I asked myself why? Why was this book, and the other I read a few days ago, so darn good? Why did I feel compelled to finish it and at the same time hate that it had to end?

The books had all the usual things to make them Good. Good emotion, good sexual tension, good plotting, good pacing, good dialogue ... you get the picture. But what I realized is that the two books I loved, had something more.

Nuance. Yes, they had nuances in the book that made them special -- a cut above. Something that said this author didn't rush through this story, but had really given it great thought. Whether a quote from Keats that fits the situation perfectly, or a metaphor to the same end or tiny bits in characterization that spoke of how well the author knew her hero and heroine or a small subplot that allows for comic relief. It's amazing how these tiny nuances sprinkled throughout the book make the story more intriguing, more compelling, lighting a curiosity in the reader to want to continue, to find other sparks of genius in the story. It sounds like such a small thing, but believe me, it's really what sets a good book apart from something wonderful and turns a good story into a delightful read!

A Blogger on Blogging

Just over a year ago, I didn't really know what a BLOG was. I remember bugging one of my fellow authors to help me get the gist of blogging and what it does and why on earth anyone would want to do it? She was very patient with me as I tried to understand the simplicity and complexity of blogging.

Now, blogging has become a daily occurence in our Internet society. I hear news commentators say how a blogger broke a big story - or how political activists get their messages out by blogging, one blog at a time. It's a forum for people to speak their minds, share opinions and remark on other's comments.

Now, our Desire authors, with a little bit of arm twisting are blogging on our newly designed Desire website. And my chapter, the Orange County Chapter of RWA has developed their own blog site, one I will be blogging on in February.

It seems that everyone is jumping on the bandwagon. And that's a good thing. Communication is key to keeping abreast on your interests from the ground up so to speak. For me, blogging is a unique tool to say hello to my readers and say what's happening in my writing life. It's a way to share experiences, insights or simply tell a funny joke to the masses. It's a live update, where I can get your opinions on my new titles, yes, even run a contest and to share with you my triumphs and uh, not so glorious news.

I guess I'll stay on the bandwagon for the long haul.
Until the music stops playing.

WE HAVE A TITLE for SHANGHAIED GROOM

Yes, it's official. The editors have made their choice! And the new title of Shanghaied Groom is ABDUCTED AT THE ALTAR! I have a good feeling that this was chosen when I sent in my Cover Art Fact Sheets with a suggestion of poses in front of a church or altar, with my heroine holding a gun behind her back, ready to steal Shane away from his intended bride. I love this title, but would have also been happy, like so many of you, who had chosen STEALING SHANE'S HEART.

So, I'm happy to announce that I'll be sending an autographed copy to D'Andrea, Joyce and Crytal G. Please email me privately with your full names and addresses and I'll put the books in the mail quickly. www.charlenesands@hotmail.com

Thanks to all who participated. Look for more blog contests in the future and don't forget to sign up for my FROM THE HEART CONTEST today too. There's some great prizes being given away!

Taking the Day Off -- not!

Okay, so I woke up this morning and thought that I've been in a rut. The weather outside is beautiful and I'm stuck inside glued to my computer. I thought that I deserved a day off. So when I woke, I made myself a cup of coffee and read one the books I'm judging for the RITA's, the booklover's version of the Academy Award. It's a big deal in our industry and you have to be an author in order to judge the books. Well, it was a sheer joy to allow myself the time to read and I really liked this book. I read a few hours last night and today, I finished it.

Then, what to do? What to do? Yes, I found myself back at the computer. Well, there are countless things to do around the house, especially since we'll be in the throes of a kitchen remodel soon. But, no. I opted to sit down and do some fun things at the computer. I read and answered my email and lo and behold, I picked up the bible for the continuity I'm doing, and decided that I could work on that for just a few minutes today. I really had an idea brewing in my head that needed someplace to go --like in the synopsis. So here I am -- on my day off, writing my blog ... working on my story.

But I promised myself, I'm off the computer before lunchtime. Yes,that's good. I'll do that. Then I can do WHATEVER else I want to do on my day off.

Unless, I get a burning idea that needs my attention. Then, I'll open the window. That's sort of like being outside on a beautiful day, isn't it?


Oh -- and on the TITLE CONTEST -- Still waiting to hear about the official title from my editors. Check back tomorrow. Hopefully we'll have a winner or two!

Researching your book, the joys, the pitfalls

I'm in major research mode for my next Silhouette Desire Continuity series, The Dakota Fortunes set in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Usually, I have free reign when I'm writing a story because I use a fictional setting and create my own town or use a place I know inside out and backwards. For my historicals, I always have to know certain things about the time period, regardless, but for a contemporary set in a real city, the research has to be accurate. I spent the better part of yesterday researching South Dakota, the climate during certain months, the geography, charitable organizations in the region, (for my heroine's story) and the history. Needless to say, I really enjoyed learning about the history of South Dakota. I'm always fascinated to see how a township got its start, how the people earned their livings, how the region has changed and why. So that part of my research is fun. I've got pages of notes already.

But sometimes, researching an area isn't as easy as you want it to be. For instance, I spent hours trying to find out the average temperature for Sioux Falls during the month of March. Well, they posted every month at the weather service, BUT March. Maybe it was an oversight or a mistake, but it wasn't there. What I do know is that February is decidedly freezing cold and April is quite a bit warmer. You see the dilemma? March is one of those iffy months in between, so I'll keep trying to find out, but I won't let it hamper my story. I figure any place I write about can have fluke weather, warmer than usual or an unusual snow storm might happen anywhere in that region. And if all else fails, I can always pick up the phone and call the Chamber of Commerce to get my answers.

But all in all, I find researching a new area I've never visited quite exciting. With the use of Webcams and other internet tools, one can really get the feel of a city without being there.

Setting Goals and keeping to them!

Yes, I'm afraid I'm a goal setter. I don't know if I've always been as organized both mentally and methodically in setting my goals, but I've always had a long range future plan. But since it's January and it's a time for resolutions, I thought this topic might of value to discuss.

Lately, it seems I don't get anything accomplished, unless I set my mind's clock. Today I'll clean the kitchen, write a scene, send off that proposal, write a letter to my friend, etc. If I don't mentally make a tally of what I need to do, it seems it doesn't get done. Sometimes, I write a list and sometimes, the list is in my head. So my daily goals, obviously are smaller ones. But I keep bigger long range goals in my head too. And I try really hard to accomplish them. But I find that I'm one who works really well under a deadline. So with writing and with life in general, there's always a date in mind, or I'll turn into a pumpkin.

I have to admit for those of you with small children, or outside obligations, it's harder to keep your goals. Your children come first. I recall many a day when I just couldn't get to everything I needed to do. It was frustrating to say the least, but raising a family is a full time job and often, my writing and my goals suffered. It's the way it should be. I'm not complaining. My family has always come first, but now I have the luxury of time. My kids are grown and have moved out of the house. My husband is gone until the late afternoon.

Now if I don't meet my goals, I can only look to myself. There's a good deal of discipline involved. And one of the first things people ask me is, how to do it all? How can you write so many books and run your house and still have time for friends. It's not easy, but it's the only way for me. Put me under a deadline anytime. It's how I work best.

Still time to add your comment for the TITLE CONTEST! I'll announce the winner at the end of this week! Post them here or on the December 22 Blog. Good luck!

New Year Traditions

Wishing all of you out there in blogger land a happy new year. Let's hope that 2006 brings us all good things. It's been a strange holiday, without the usual traditions for one who lives in California. I have to say I sorely missed the Rose Parade on New Year's day and the Rose Bowl game. Everything got spread out and I spent New Year's Day taking down my decorations and getting the house back in order. I did stay up until midnight just to see Dick Clark do the honors and I have to admit it was both heartwrenching and endearing to see him on television again. But traditions are important to us, aren't they? We like to have the same routine around the holidays especially, to see our favorite movies like It's a Wonderful Life and eat the same holiday meals year in and year out. We find comfort in doing the same old, same old, and if we deviate from the original plan, more often than not, our family members give us grief. At least that's how it is in our household.

And here's the news for 2006 -- the reviews are in for RENEGADE WIFE -- my Harlequin Historical due out in February with Romantic Times and Cataromance giving it a 4**** rating. The reviews will be posted on my website soon!

And keep those suggestions for titles coming in. See the DEC 22 post and add your favorite title for my September historical to win an advance copy of RENEGADE WIFE! We'll know next week what the official title of Shanghaied Groom will be. Post in the comments section for your chance to win.
Once again, here are your choices:


Counterfeit Groom
Abducted at the Altar
Stealing Shane's Heart
The Education of Dorie McCabe
Marriage of Deception
Mistaken Groom
The Reluctant Groom