Confessions of a virgin (a virgin guest blogger, that is)
Isn’t it wonderful how life can be counted on to give you new experiences just when you’re feeling old and uninspired?
When the lovely Fatin (who looks a lot like Jon Bon Jovi, I’ve noticed) asked me to be a guest blogger, I didn’t hesitate. I believe my exact words were: “Yes, yes, thank you so much, nobody’s ever asked me before and all my friends send out notices of their guest blogs and I was feeling so left out.”
Pathetic, huh?
But this is what happens when you live in relative isolation and spend your days with imaginary people. You sometimes forget that a big world is out there and you’re supposed to interact. Mingle. Make small talk. Ask questions. Sip your cosmo without slurping.
Oh, and you’re supposed to do this without taking notes. I guess that’s kinda rude. So, here’s my promise: what happens in this blog, stays in this blog. (Unless one of my characters just happens to have something very similar occur in their—no, no, I can do this. Really. Trust me.)
So, how ‘bout we start out with a safe conversational subject: books. I love books, but there are times when I resent them. I start feeling that my stack of TBRs is judging me. I picture them talking amongst themselves when I leave the room:
“Hey, first book below me, how long have you been in this pile?”
“Long enough. See the dust on my cover?”
“Oh, dear. It’s very thick. I can barely make out your title. Maybe that means she’s forgotten why she bought you in the first place and she’ll read me first.”
“Hmph. Don’t count on it. I’ve been here on the bottom since before you were printed. I think she’s forgotten how to read.”
“You? Seriously? You’re like a New York Times bestseller, aren’t you? Good grief. If you can’t get read, I’m doomed. I’m just a series romance. But I did hear her say I was written by one of her friends so maybe that will help.”
“Don’t count on it, honey. I was written by one of her friends, too. She claims to love my author’s writing, but here I sit. Unread.”
“At least, she can see my cover. No dust.”
“Yet.”
So, my first conversational question is: how many books are in your TBR stack?
Unfortunately, I have to refuse to answer on the grounds the books might revolt. Plus, I don’t really know. I keep the piles in separate rooms. A few in my office. Four beside my bed. Two in the sauna. (Where I do Sudoku when I should be reading. Sigh.)
Have you ever bought a book then gotten it home and asked yourself why you bought it?
This happens to me all the time. Usually with books I buy at Costco, and mostly with “women’s fiction” books. I’m often drawn to the premise described on the back jacket but then find the writing is too much. I like stories where the characters live on the page. I hate getting jerked out of a story by something the author needed to get off his or her chest.
Do you finish every book you start?
I have to admit, no. I used to feel guilty about this. I used to clean my plate at every meal, too. But then my pants didn’t fit so hot. Now, I embrace the philosophy: Life is short, eat dessert first. And I don’t even finish my dessert if I don’t like it.
Have you ever read a book DESPITE the cover, the title or the back jacket copy?
I ask because my book, A BABY ON THE WAY, won a lovely award last year, and one of the judges commented that she hated the cover and the title, but thoroughly enjoyed the book.
And with my most recent book, BABY BY CONTRACT, a reviewer said she didn’t think she’d like it given the back cover copy, but wound up loving the book (and giving it a 5-star review with great pull quotes).
I buy books for lots of reasons—to support my friends, because the premise interests me, for the cover, and, most typically, because someone recommended it. So, if you’re unsure about whether or not you’d like BABY BY CONTRACT, call my daughter-in-law. Seriously. She’s a tough critic and when she finished this book, she told me it was my best to date and she would have been royally P.O.ed if it hadn’t been the first in a series because she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Libby and Cooper. Now, that’s a grassroots review. J
And since this blog is supposed to be about my new book and not my lack of social graces, I suppose I should mention a few things about BABY BY CONTRACT.
I grew up in South Dakota. Although I moved to California twenty-seven years ago, I still think of that state as home. And I always planned to set a book in the Black Hills. Why? Because it’s a truly special place. Go there. You’ll feel it, I promise. And there’s an immense wealth of history, geography and humanity to tap into for your characters living in this area. I had so much fun imagining Sentinel Pass. And last fall, I took a trip back to the Black Hills to find the exact location of this imaginary town. I’ve posted photos on my website that give visual hints of where it can be found.
I will admit, though, the series didn’t start out in the Black Hills. My first idea was to write a family saga about five brothers who return to South Dakota to take over the family farm after their father dies. My editor at the time wasn’t crazy about the idea. She wanted to see some other options. I dumped the eastern part of the state in a heartbeat and zeroed in on the Black Hills. The question that came to mind was: what happens when a small town that truly isn’t ready for its close-up becomes the focus of a TV show? Think: The Bachelor meets Northern Exposure. All sorts of fun ideas started to percolate and my editor was pleased.
The five books in this series are scheduled for release at 4-month intervals between now and Sept. 2009. Are they all plotted? Absolutely not. I know the main characters—three are Libby’s bookclub friends and the fourth story belongs to her brother, a widower with a young daughter. I also have a pretty clear grasp of the main conflict in the stories. And, of course, I have the setting, but the rest is floating around in muse land at the moment. Where I should be, actually. I feel a deadline coming on.
Any other questions? Is it too early for that cosmo?
Deb
****Don’t forget to leave a comment. Deb has offered six readers a chance to win one book off her backlist. Check out her books here and her website here.
Honorary Mention of Book Sluts 'R' Us Blogger Awards by 
Deb,
TBR piles…mine’s so big I swear it’s breeding! And I love the cover on Baby by Contract!
You did great for a virgin!! LOL
Holly
Good morning! Welcome, Deb.
Interesting blog, indeed.
So, my first conversational question is: how many books are in your TBR stack?
Well, I have a TBR mountain range, and I refuse to count ’em on principle. A friend tells me that if I don’t know how many I have waiting, the guilt is less overwhelming (I wouldn’t know, as the guilt follows me around as much as the poor books’ voices, but it’s worth a shot, no?)
Have you ever bought a book then gotten it home and asked yourself why you bought it?
That happened to me a couple of times, a long time ago, but life has intervened and these days I only buy books I have a good chance at liking–living on a budget has cramped my style 😉
Do you finish every book you start?
Oh man, I used to do this! And I would even avoid starting a new book until I had finished the one that was killing me–which was awful, let me tell you. But I’ve relaxed in recent years. If a book doesn’t hold my attention in the first few pages, I put it down and look at something else–I can always try that one book later. If this happens a few times, I give up, and find the book a new home with someone who will read it. :wiping a tear: It’s better for it, you know? To be wanted 😉
Have you ever read a book DESPITE the cover, the title or the back jacket copy?
Can I curse? ’cause the answer is “hell, yeah” Very often, in fact, when reading categories. I feel for the poor authors, I really do. I wonder often if it would really be too much to ask to have whomever writes the back cover blurbs actually read the book. It would seem it is, given the frequent inaccuracies :shudder:
The series sounds intriguing, and I like the unusual setting–best of luck with each book, Deb!
Any other questions? Is it too early for that cosmo?
Some place around the globe is the perfect time for a cosmo. Me, I’ll have water and be the designated driver 😉
Yikes, it seems I am feeling chatty today!
Oooopsies.
Good morning, Ms. Azteclady. (So many questions come to mind about your name.)
Thanks so much for breaking the ice. I loved your answers. You seem to have a big heart–worrying about whether or not a book finds the right home. I sometimes worry about the people who buy my book at a signing. I picture them getting home and telling the hubby, “Golly gee, I met this author and she seemed nice, but her book is about…um…romance.” I orefer to think my books are in the hands of people who “get” romance.
I hear you about budget constraints. Shopping for anything seems a huge fiscal risk these days. That, I think, is the good thing about this kind of forum and websites that give a chapter excerpt of the book. You can get a better feel for the story and the author’s writing.
Thanks for your good wishes. I’ll take them. Most gratefully.
And, I have to admit, I’m blushing profusely. It IS a bit early for a cosmo. And, in all honesty, I save those for conferences when I’m with my writing pals. But I love how pretty and stylish they are.
Maybe later.
Deb
Note to self: check spelling BEFORE hitting sbmit comment.
It’s early and my coffee hasn’t reached my fingertips.
And if my sister, Jan, were here –instead of in Las Vegas having fun–she’d tell you that I’m a notorious word dropper. She proofreads for me, so my editor doesn’t think I’m illiterate.
Deb
Hi Deb! I loved your book conversations. Hehehe…Hopefully, one of mine is in that giant, teetering pile. 😉 Great post. I don’t have time to answer each question but I will answer the one about reading every book to the finish. Yes. That’s me. I can’t stop even if I’m hating the book. It’s a compulsion that is annoying to no end. But there have been times when I started out ho-hum on a book but by the end it had picked up, which I never would’ve known if I hadn’t slogged through to the bitter end. 🙂
Anyway, right now I’m reading a Super, TEXAS BABY and a nonfiction historical research novel, SEX WITH THE QUEEN. Both are holding my interest pretty well. The latter is positively riveting and at times revolting! I highly recommend!
Gotta go! Enjoy your first time. 😉
Great job, Deb! I like your topics. I don’t count books in my TBR pile because there are too many. In fact, it’s not a pile anymore. When my dh isn’t looking, I slip the books onto actual shelves – anywhere in the house that has shelves – and then it doesn’t look like I’ve forgotten how to read. And he doesn’t throw a fit every time I buy more. It’s decisions like this that keep a marriage going…
Here’s to great success with the new series. The Black Hills sound fascinating. Count me in.
Linda
Hello… Glad you could share with all of us today! 🙂 I look forward to connecting stories… once I read about certain characters I tend to want to know their story too!
I have about 8 books on my TBR list right now… Yes I have started a book and never finished… Once I took 2 years to finish a book which was a snoozer… Thanks for sharing!!! Enjoy!!!
BABY BY CONTRACT is wonderful and I’m looking forward to Libby’s friends and her brother. I really thought it was going to be Coop’s friend Shane but maybe he will be the hero in one of the friends books but I should have known it was Mac.
We don’t talk TBR I have a couple of bookshelves stuffed but I won’t count the books. We painted last summer so I did get rid of probably 1/2 the TBR I just knew I wasn’t going to read them but it was so hard to let them go LOL Those were most of the ones I wondered why I’d bought them. As far as finishing all I read most of the time I just put the book back in the TBR and hope it will appeal to me another day and several have but not all. I do agree with Azteclady the bc and even the front cover can be so misleading on category it really is a crapshot as some other author said LOL
You did great Deb you didn’t even act like a virgin LOL I love to read your blog
Libby, my granddaughter’s name, and Coop are some of the best H/h I’ve read even if I’m a little partial LOL
So, my first conversational question is: how many books are in your TBR stack?
At last count, my TBR had over 2500+ books in it. Yes, over 2500!!
Have you ever bought a book then gotten it home and asked yourself why you bought it?
Too many times to count!
Do you finish every book you start?
I used to but now I don’t. If it doesn’t grab me in the first 5 chapters, I stick a bookmark in it and put it back in the TBR with the thought to try again another day.
Have you ever read a book DESPITE the cover, the title or the back jacket copy?
Of course! Can’t judge a book by the cover and all that. *G* Although sometimes I cringe at the titles and feel bad for the authors since I know they have nothing to do with said titles being on their books.
Any other questions? Is it too early for that cosmo?
Sure, azteclady and I will be the designated drivers…I’ll have a Diet Coke, please! 🙂
Hi Deb!!!!
BABY BY CONTRACT sounds great!!
I have about 100 books on my TBR pile, but it’s growing every day.:P
I have never ever bought a book and afterwards asked myself why. I love almost every book I read, so I never have the feeling I shouldn’t have bought a certain book.
I finish almost every book I start. except the ones with “romance” that really aren’t romantic to me (f.e. the hero cheating on his heroine).
I probably have, but not many. I have so many books to read, so I always pick one with a nice cover.:D
1. BOOKS IN TBR PILE? 200 (give or take a few)
2.WONDER WHY I BOUGHT IT? yes but not often
3.FINISH EVERY BOOK? no, there have been several
I have thrown across the room and not finished
4.BOUGHT A BOOK DESPITE? I have to say yes
but with a disclaimer…..I have a
subscription to several of Harlequin’s lines of
books…… if I am buying individual books
the info on the back will keep me from
buying a book, but not the cover or title.
I have read Debra’s “Baby by Contract” and absolutely loved it, so read it if you get a chance. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Deb–I don’t have a TBR stack. I’m too cheap to buy books without making the commitment to read them. I do have an enormous TBR LIST in my head. Now I’m wondering if I shouldn’t just buy all those books, stack them in my house, and clear out the mental clutter.
Not that the TBR list is the only mental clutter. I’m also storing essential details like the astrological sign of the guy I used to smooch in 7th grade and the best hiding spots for flashlight tag if you’re playing in the alley behind my parents’ house.
Good job with the blogging. You did very well for your first time!
Ellen
Oh, yeah! People!!! I’m so relieved. I was moping for a while there. You know that feeling of throwing a party and nobody shows?!
Thanks for all the comments.
I posted about my “virginity” on my MySpace page, and Holly got a good laugh at that. But she’s been working these PR streets longer than me, so it’s easy for her snicker. 🙂 Thanks for the support, Holly.
Kim. Your new book is in my TBB list (To Be Bought). I’m ordering from eHQ on a Friday when they pay for shipping. Can’t wait.
Linda B., your hubby is far more observant than mine. If DH were to comment on my new selection of books, I’d tell him it’s tax deductable research. Shuts him up every time.
Colleen, I’m sorry. I promised not to lift stuff from people’s comments, but I adore your “snoozer” classification. That is so something Char (one of Libby’s friends in the Wine, Women and Words Book Club) would say.
Barbs, thanks for the support. You forgot to say there’s a “Barb” in BABY BY CONTRACT, too. And the next book, HIS BROTHER’S SECRET, does focus on Jenna and Shane. Mac’s heroine is offstage at the moment. You haven’t met her, yet. (Um…actually, neither have I.)
Mad….honey….2,500 books? Our public library doesn’t have that many books!
Stephanie, thanks for mentioning the threshold for not finishing. That’s very important. Boring is one thing, bad behavior is quite another.
Hi, Ellen. Thanks for the lovely comments on the book. Yay!!! I’ve never thrown a book across the room, but I’ve felt the urge. That’s usually when I know it’s time to quit reading and find a new home for the book.
Great talking to you all. As I said, I don’t get out much, so this is so much fun!!!
Deb
Hi Debra,
My TBR pile is so huge I don’t think about it. I don’t know much about South Dakota but the setting sounds wonderful. Did you grow up on a farm or in a city?
A small college town, Maureen. In the eastern part of the state. South Dakota is really made up of two worlds: East River and West River. (The River being the Missouri.) Farming vs ranching. We had streets and running water and all sorts of cool things.
My parents owned a taxi company. I was interviewed about this topic recently by Wendy Crutcher, a super librarian who has a popular reader blog called The Good, The Bad and The Unread. 🙂 She’s spotlighting Superromances in May and it will feature a couple of authors, including Kathy Shay and Ellen Hartman, I think.
Deb
Mad, 2500 books????
*relieved sigh*
I’m not alone!!!
Heck, not only am I not alone, I’m not the one with the worse affliction 😉
Oh, and here’s your Diet Coke.
Ah… Deb? Superlibrarian Wendy blog is here, and TGTBTU is here (with Sybil as head duckie) But the latter are highlighting all sorts of great book lines. It’ll be great to see you there.
Hi Deb,
thanks for your great words “LIfe is short, eat dessert first”! Now I don’t have to feel guilty about my poor unread books…
Books in TBR pile:Too many! But I can’t stop buying new ones, I’d love a day of my own every week only for reading.
Wonder why I bought them?Not often
Finish every book? No, why spend time on not-so-great books when the world is full of books!
Read a book despite the cover? Yes, rather often , especially if the author is well known to me.
Love your covers…
Well…my response was lost to space. HI Deb.
I love this post!
I was laughing out loud!!
Let’s see to answer your questions:
So, my first conversational question is: how many books are in your TBR stack?
I think the last time I counted it was around 1000 or so. Probably closer to 2000 now. I tend to buy tons of books on sale or for 50cents or less…..
Have you ever bought a book then gotten it home and asked yourself why you bought it?
Ohh yeah!
Do you finish every book you start?
I try to, but often can’t and I’ll either put it aside and try again another time. Or make sure it goes to a good home.
Have you ever read a book DESPITE the cover, the title or the back jacket copy?
Ohh yes. I often think they don’t know how to desribe them without giving away spoilers.LOL
And covers half the time don’t match the storys at all.
Some great questions and a great blog!
hugs,
WendyK
Ohh I have a question for you Deb.
Do you have a writing routine?
Do you know going in how a story will turn out?
hugs,
WendyK
Hmm you’re right Fatin does resemble Bon Jovi. Must be the hair 🙂
So, my first conversational question is: how many books are in your TBR stack?
Last count over 500(but that was probably six months ago and so far this year I have gotten twice the number I have read) but I don’t worry about them getting to dusty because I have a TBR shelf. 🙂
Have you ever bought a book then gotten it home and asked yourself why you bought it?
Lots of the times, that’s partly why the TBR is a 500+
Do you finish every book you start?
Yup. Sometimes it may take longer cause I find other thing more interesting that I want to do like I don’t know, shave my legs. Other time I rush through it just to get it over with cause the next one is bound to be better right?
Have you ever read a book DESPITE the cover, the title or the back jacket copy?
Sometimes I’ll pick up a book just cause the author.
All the authors that contributed to the Texas Hold’ Em series did an excellent job. Lokking forward to Baby by Contract.
I LOVED this post!!!! I can well imagine my TBR books talking with each other. I have often said they fight more my attention and if I listen real closely I can hear them all saying.”Read me!” “No, read me!” I gave up on counting the books a long time ago.
By the way, I love your books! As does my mother!
I love that you admit to not finishing every book you start and sometimes wondering why you picked up a book. I do that at times.
Great interview.
Hi Debra,
Thanks for visiting today! Very fun interview -and I love your enthusiasm :). As to the cosmos… it’s finals time, so it’s definitely not too early for cosmos at any time! Your book titles are also really cute – I’ve added some to my “wishlist”!
Oh, goody. More new faces and questions, too! Cool.
Eva, I like the term “guilt-free reading.” When did we get away from the idea that reading is good for us? We’re supposed to read to our kids and set a good example, so…read, I say. 🙂
Wendy K., thanks for laughing *with* me, not at my silliness. And in answer to your excellent questions, my routine varies with where I’m at in the process of writing. The creative stuff–first draft of a new story–takes more alone time. I make my family respect the closed office door. When I’m on deadline, the door is closed a lot. And I try to write every day to maintain continuity. But there are other things that need to get done, too, like promo and research. When I’m doing those, the door is open and I take lots of breaks.
Do I know how the story is going to turn out? Well, there’s the HEA. That’s a given. But, no, I don’t know exactly how the hero and heroine are going to get to that happy place. I usually have a good idea, but my characters and I travel a very loosely written synopsis together. Wrapping everything up is my favorite part of writing. I love falling in love with them, but after we’ve journeyed the ups and downs of their conflict, they’ve earned an ending that promises them a shot at a great life and I’m usually ready to move on, too.
Jennifer Y–a woman after my own heart. Your books talk to you, too. I understand. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re crazy. Readers have the gift of imagination. They have to or reading wouldn’t appeal to them. So, if your books are talking behind your back, you’re the right person for the job. And, thank your mother for me. I’m truly delighted to know you both enjoy my books.
Deb
Hi, Deb! Great post! No one would ever have known you were a virgin 😉
Now onto your questions…
How many books are in your TBR stack?
I’m afraid to count–they cover the floor under our king-sized bed, and then are stacked in a tower of fruit boxes (NOT the Harry & David kind) in the corner of the bedroom. And then I have another couple boxes in a different room that are sort of book annex… If I don’t know the exact number, then I can just keep adding to the stacks, right? 😉
Have you ever bought a book then gotten it home and asked yourself why you bought it?
Probably. And I’ve unfortunately picked up a book that I already owned… Maybe that has something to do with question #1…
Do you finish every book you start?
I used to, but now if it’s too annoying/boring/bad, I’ll read the end and then decide if it’s worth the trouble of slogging through the rest of the book.
Have you ever read a book DESPITE the cover, the title or the back jacket copy?
Yep–there are definitely books that are way better than their covers, and then there are those covers that over promise… ;p
Any other questions? Is it too early for that cosmo?
Please go ahead! Let the party begin! I’ll have a milkshake, please 🙂 (since these are virtual drinks, maybe I’ll have several ;))
And Deb, I’ve enjoyed quite a few of your books–most recently Betting on Santa 🙂 Thanks again for chatting today!
I thought you did a great job blogging here today! I’m an avid reader of all genres and my TBR pile is always growing. I always finish a book when I start it. Glad you could be here today, good luck on your latest release.
Hi Deb,
I know I have enjoyed some of your previous books… and it is great that you have shared your *first* with us!
Here are my answers:
how many books are in your TBR stack? There are too many to count. I have shelves full of books.
Have you ever bought a book then gotten it home and asked yourself why you bought it?Ho, I am very careful about my purchases since I have a limitted budget for books.
Do you finish every book you start? No. If I am still struggling after reading 100 pages I drop it
Have you ever read a book DESPITE the cover, the title or the back jacket copy? Yes, if it is an author I like I will buy it despite the cover.
Azteclady — that 2500+? That’s NOT counting the books I’ve been buying in the last few weeks and that’s also not counting my e-books. If you factor those in, I’m probably over 3000 now. But shhh, don’t tell anyone! ROFL
Deb — My library sucks when it comes to romance novels so I buy most, if not all, of mine. For the older stuff that I know won’t be easy to find, I use paperbackswap.com but other than that, I keep my local BAM in business…they love to see me walk in there! ROFL
0_0
Mad, I vow to your greatness
0_0
(I also stare in awe mixed in with horror 😉 )
ROFL Is it any wonder I keep finding doubles, sometimes triples, in certain books when I try to organize the TBR?
I have no method to my madness…lol It’s my drug of choice and I gladly admit to it. *G*
I have a very tall TBR pile and I keep adding to it.
I am pretty careful about the books I buy, as I am retired on a fixed income.
I usually buy by author or recommendation, so don’t pay much attention to the cover or back blurb.
I usually finish a book I start. As I stated above I am careful about the books I buy.
Azteclady…see? I told you I was a virgin. I don’t even know where I am. Superlibrarian is *here*? Wow. That’s so cosmic. (As opposed to cosmo.)
You guys are so wonderful. I feel so welcome.
Christa, the Texas Hold’em series was a first for me, too. First time playing in the proverbial sandbox with other writers on a shared project. Really a good experience because the other four authors are fabulous. AND I got to read their books!!!
Ann M, thanks. I really used to beat myself up about not finishing a book, like it was my failing. Now, I just admit that some books speak to some readers and not to others. It’s nobody’s fault.
Limecello. Love the name. Good luck with your finals. My daughter is studying like mad, too. And I have a running wish list on my desk at all time. I use it for music (I LOVE iTunes and poach new artists from other people’s MySpace pages all the time) and for books.
Fedora, I won’t admit to being an end-reader. But I do love smoothies. Do they qualify as milkshakes? They are my usual lunch in summer. Any kind of fruit, protein powder, soy milk and ice. Yum. Then I walk…because otherwise my butt wouldn’t fit in my chair.
Thanks, Teresa. I appreciate your good wishes. I hope the book does, too. Sadly, it’s all a numbers game and the only way my editor will let me write more books in the Spotlight on Sentinel Pass series (beyond the titles under contract) is if they sell well. So, fingers crossed. (Which, let me tell you, makes typing a pain.) 🙂
Nathalie, I’m glad you all were my *first*, too. You were so gentle.
Cherie, have you checked out books online and read the excerpt? I put up the first chapter, now. I didn’t in the past because I thought nobody would sit at a computer and read that much, but apparently I was wrong.
Mad, our library has challenges — mostly due to budget cuts. It’s a lovely building and they do offer some nice programs for children. I love that. And my friend Kim Van Meter and I did a joint book signing there last year when Kim’s first book came out, but their romance section is sparse.
And, sadly, Mad, we don’t have a BAM, but I’ve heard good things about them.
Hey, can I put in a plug for my pal Brenda Novak’s online auction? Of course, I can, we’re all friends here. 🙂 It opens in two days and I’m really excited this year. She has some really spectacular items. I’ve donated a fun basket that will include stuff from South Dakota (big surprise, right?) and a signed copy of BABY BY CONTRACT, of course. The link is http://www.brendanovak.com.
I have to go cook food. I wonder if I have the makings for a cosmo. Hmmm….
Deb
Hey Ms. Deb,
Long time since I’ve seen you, gal. Great job for a first guest blog. Got your book in the mail and didn’t dare put it in my TBR pile. It will get mugged by the others. Read Terry’s new one which came with yours. Not that I’m choosingher over you, it just turned out that way. And if I don’t get to Donna D’s Operation Familia soon, I’m going to be toast. Good thing I’m in Cody and not Sac. Isn’t it weird how we writers get ideas for our books in the strangest places? We can make a story out anything or centered around anyone. I’m hoping your other books in Sentinal Pass will be Supers, too. It’s the only line I get by mail and usually weeks before they are out in stores. Take care, Deb. Enjoyed the blog. Will be reading Baby by Contract very soon. Promise.
Ginny
Hey, all, feel free to keep the comments and questions coming. I’ll check back in before bed, but now I must go watch American Idol. I admit. I’m hooked.
Deb
PS: I don’t want to start anything, but David Cook has my vote. 🙂
Hiya, Ginny,
So good of you to drop in from Cody. You’re really missed around here, but thankfully we have the Internet to keep in touch.
I appreciate how supportive you are of all the writers in the Sacramento chapter. And I look forward to hearing what you think of BABY BY CONTRACT. The Black Hills are practically your back yard.
Yes, the source the writing magic is something I don’t examine too closely, but I remind myself everyday to be open and receptive to all the good things that abound around me. I wish that for all of my readers, too.
Best,
Deb
I love the cover. It’s so sweet and romantic.
I like the cover too, but I’m wondering whether it is representative of the novel itself? Too often they are more a generic place holder than anything…
love the cover. sounds really good..thanks for sharing!! 😉
Thanks, Amelia. It’s my first pregnant heroine cover, and I’ve heard those sell well. I hope.
Azteclady, you make a good point. I’d say this one reflects the H/h’s HEA and love for each other, but it doesn’t really speak to the setting. When I submitted my art sheets, I described the actual Sentinel Pass Post Office in great detail. Small, rustic, a hundred years old, etc. This one looks like a federal building in a much larger town. I take exception to a few details about Cooper, too, but I really like and approve of the “feeling” these two placeholders evoke. 🙂 I do. And I can only imagine how tough it is for the cover artists to please everybody from authors to editors to marketing. My hat really is off to them.
Have you voted on the best covers, yet? What a trip! I really love to see the best–and the worst. There’s a link on my website blog.
Deb
Thank you, Kim. Thanks for dropping by. You’ve all made me feel very welcome!
Deb
Ohh Deb, that is a great auction every year. I have donated myself and love Brenda and her work. I donated this year as well. I can’t wait to see all the items up for this year.
Great post!
WendyK
Thanks, Deb, it’s good to know that the cover is ‘mostly’ good 😉
Best of luck!
Yeah, Wendy!!! A good cause and fine lady. Brenda amazes me with her energy and all that she accomplishes.
Thanks, Azteclady. I’m still curious about your name.
Cheers!
Deb
I’m from Mexico originally, and though what little indian blood I have is not Aztec but Mixtec, I went with the better known kingdom.
And the lady bit was to make my mother happy–now I can show here that at least in writing I *am* a lady 😉
I really enjoyed your blog. If you hadn’t said so I would have thought you’d done this before. Your new series sounds great. I’m looking forward to reading it. My TBR pile isn’t too large only about 20ish. But I read everyday so they’ll only last about 2-3 weeks. Have a great day and good luck with your TBR pile 🙂