Many years ago at an orientation for a new job, all of us were asked to tell three things about ourselves. One of those things had to be a lie, and then we would guess which item about our co-workers was not true.
It’s tricky, since you want each statement to sound sorta sketchy, so they’ll not guess the lie outright. And you want the truth to sound a little off, too, so you’ll seem intriguing and mysterious, making everyone wonder if you really do lead that exciting of a life.
I can’t remember what my lie was, but one of the things I thought they’d believe was a lie was this: I had my picture taken with Fabio.
Now, nobody knew I was a romance writer then. Heck, Fabio wasn’t at the height of his popularity anymore. I’m not sure he was still doing those “not butter” commercials. But everybody knows his name, and they would consider that a pretty unusual thing to happen.
Still, I debated whether to use it. For one thing, if they discovered it was the truth, I’d have to explain why I had my picture taken with him. And that had a lot to do with being at a romance convention cocktail party, and seeing other women getting their pictures taken, and, ultimately, being persuaded by the gin-and-tonic I’d just consumed that it was the best possible idea ever to walk up to the cover model and ask for a picture.
So I did. And there is photographic evidence somewhere, although it’s likely packed away in a box with a zillion other things I can’t bear to throw away, but can’t seem to locate when needed. I can tell you I was thrilled, and since this was back in the day when you had to take pictures somewhere else to get developed. . .it was another thrill to pick up those pictures a week later and see with my own eyes that I was standing next to the man who graced so many of the books on my shelves.
It wasn’t a romance cover pose, although his shirt was open enough that he could have ripped it off instantly if needed. It actually looked more like a prom picture. I won’t even mention how his flowing mane looked so much better than my hair at the time. (Note to self: this may be why you want to make sure that picture stays buried for the rest of time.) He was completely gracious and lovely and I admired his aplomb at dealing with all the giddy fan girls fluttering around him that entire evening.
Anyway, I’d forgotten about that moment, as well as the lying game, until I started writing my book for the Strangers on a Train series, Back on Track. It was the perfect way for my heroine to meet the hero while they were on the Napa Wine Train. Only she got a little nervous, and one lie led to another, and . . .
That’s when things really got interesting.
Now it’s YOUR turn. Tell us three things, and one of them has to be a lie. We’ll have a chance to guess which one it is! One random commenter will win an e-book of Back on Track.
Blurb: What’s a little lie between strangers?
A Strangers on a Train Story
Allie Whittaker is in a dating slump, too busy getting her fledgling marketing company off the ground to have a personal life. All that could change, though, if she can get baseball superstar Matt Kearns on the cover of a charity calendar. Except Matt won’t even talk to her.
Matt is in a slump, worried his career might be over. A Napa Valley wine tour isn’t enough to take his mind off his troubles–until sexy, funny Allie plops into the adjacent seat and tells him three things about herself. One of them, she says, is a lie.
Matt can’t resist playing along, and soon the afternoon getaway becomes an interlude with lies, truths, and desire flowing as fast as the wine. Then Allie lets slip one truth too many…and they both realize they’re playing for keeps.
Warning: A handsome hunk, a determined lady and a few glasses of wine. Throw in a little on-the-run action, and what more do you need to while away an afternoon?
Author Bio:
I have worked as an attorney, winery tasting room manager, and retail business owner, but nothing beats the thrill of writing humorously-ever-after romances.
I reside in New England, although I fantasize about spending the rest of my days in a tropical locale, wearing flip flops year-round, or in Regency London, scandalizing the ton.
Back on Track, part of the Strangers on a Train collection, just released from Samhain. Also available are I Do. . .or Die, a romantic comedy/mystery from Crimson Romance, Summer Lovin’, a contemporary romantic comedy novella, and Lord Midnight, a Regency historical.
Buy links
Strangers on a Train at Amazon
Strangers on a Train at Barnes & Noble
Strangers on a Train at Samhain
Other links
Honorary Mention of Book Sluts 'R' Us Blogger Awards by 
RR@H Novel Thoughts & Book Talk 
1. I went to all 3 Senior Skip Days in high school even when I wasn’t a senior.
2. I’m the only one of my siblings to graduate college.
3. I love to run and have done several marathons.
now of course you’ll never know which is the lie. I’ll never tell. LOL Just be careful that if you do tell a lie it might come back to bite you in the patooty. Loved your story.
See, those are awesome because I can’t decide which one to choose! You’re so right about a lie biting you in the butt — I’m actually not a very good liar, and that’s probably why. LOL
I love to have my Spanish students play this game – it’s so much fun! Here are my 3 things:
1. I have an elderly beagle and a cat.
2. I did a shot on fire once.
3. I’m a football widow.
1. I have 5 children.
2. I danced in a marathon.
3. I worked for the U.s Government.
Rebe, it’s a fun game, isn’t it? I’m not sure if it’s true, but I’m definitely intrigued by the shot on fire!
Sherry, hmm, those all have possibilities. You’re good at this too!
Loved your story.
Here are my three:
1. Mantracker is a personal family friend
2. I lived in Japan for 7 weeks.
3. I went skydiving and landed in a baseball field, during a game.
🙂
My favorite book is “Gone with the Wind.”
When I was little girl, I wanted to grow up to be Scarlett O’Hara, and
I wanted my first job to be a snowcone-stand operator.
Fun post today. Thanks.
Thanks, Maggie! Wow, all three of those are great — I’m definitely partial to the skydiving/landing in a baseball field. 🙂
lsureader, I would have loved to be a snowcone-stand operator! I doubt I would have had any profits at the end of the day tho. LOL
This is fun! 😀
1. I love watching anime
2. I have always had a wide variety of pets
3. My two brothers annoy me everyday
Colleen, those are tough ones! They all sound like they could be the truth. 🙂
I love the plot of the story .
And Ooh this lie verses truth really is too fun.
1. One-time my grandmother introduced me to a woman Sitting at her dining room table with the words “this is a real princess.” I responded with “yeah right.”
2. Back in the day when photographs had to be retouched by hand I was asked to touch up the photograph of a nude woman. The photograph was beautifully shot and it was very artsy but I really didn’t want to look at what I was doing … It wasn’t until the woman came in to pick up the picture that I realize that she was the new wife of a relative. Omg. I guess the picture was a wedding gift?
3. I was visiting a government building in Washington DC, wandering around, not really paying attention , When I backed up into roped off area by accident. Immediately some guy in a suit aimed an Uzi at my chest.. My reaction ? “OMG! Hold that pose , this is a great action shot! “
LOL, Julie — you are a natural-born storyteller! I love all of these. I don’t even care if they’re true or not true. 🙂
Oh all three of the stores are true, but only two of them actually happened to me.
I love this story. Some things that I did back in high school have come back to get me through my children. We live in a very small community. Everyone knows your business. One of the teachers I had in high school taught my child and shared some info with her of some of the things that I did. My daughter asked me if it was true and I said yes and don’t you ever do it.
Laura, I can imagine the challenges that would produce! LOL
1. I paint funny pictures and people pay me for them
2. My children complain that kids come over for play ate with me and not them
3. My husband travels in his job (a lot) when he gets home he asks me to paint funny pictures of his o-workers
LOL! I’ve played this game before, and must admit that I am quite terrible at it, both at coming up with realistic, interesting things to share, AND with figuring out what other people’s lies are, Donna!
I love that it’s the inspiration for part of your story–how fun! Looking forward to picking up the entire series!
I didn’t start reading until a few years ago.
I have 3 brothers.
I met my husband on the internet.
cahmmerritt, I like all the funny pictures involved — although I’m definitely partial to the playdates involving YOU, not your kids. LOL
flchen1 — it IS tough, isn’t it? I’m not sure I’m very good at it (my heroine is even worse! LOL) I hope you enjoy the series!
Lori — those all sound like they could be truths. Dang. You guys are too good at this!
I used to manage an American football team.
Neil Diamond nearly ran me over with his car.
I had a singing lessons and sang in Verdi’s Don Carlos.
Mariam, I keep changing my mind on yours — they’re all so great! Thanks for playing!