Monday, June 1, 2009

T-Minus One Second and....LAUNCH!!!

Yes, you guessed it, another Launch Party in the Lair!! Woohoooo! Nothing like a party with the Romance Bandits.
Today, June 1, is the official Launch for Dark and Deadly, my second Romantic Suspense. Whew! A milestone, indeed. I'm now officially multi-published.

Whaddya know? How the heck did that happen?

As I wrote this, I was thinking a lot about my debut, Dark and Dangerous. It hit the stands on June 1, 2008. Same Time, Last Year.

I didn't know then what I know now.

That sounds trite, doesn't it? However, any of you who have children will be familiar with this feeling. Everyone tells you when you're pregnant that your life is about to change irrevocably. You know it too. You think you understand it. And in some ways you do understand that monumental change that's overtaking you. In every other way?

Ohhhh, you don't understand anything and you are in for the ride of your life!

Even if you don't have kids, you get this. You've been there with a job, or a life change like a marriage or a divorce, or a lay-off.

Same thing with getting that first book published. You know things are about to change. Things HAVE changed the moment you sign the contract. So, analogous to finding out you're pregnant, you get The Call and sign the contract and everything suddenly shifts into high gear. You turn the book in. You make the requested revisions. You make more revisions. You wait. You prepare - like buying for a nursery, you have to choose: what fits in the budget? How much room do you have? Book marks or magnets? Ads in RT or no ads anywhere?

It's a blur.

The book comes out, hopefully to notice if not acclaim, and you're on your way. Now you're not just writing for contests, for that hope of publication; NOW you have a deadline and someone is paying you to meet it.

There are some things I promised myself I would try to never do, when I sold. So far, I'm doing pretty well. Here are a few:

Never complain about having a deadline, since there are thousands who would love to be in your shoes.

Okay, I'm doing well with this one because I actually LIKE deadlines. They motivate me - sometimes in a positive way, sometimes with a whip and a chair - but either way, I get-er- done when I have a deadline. The other thing here is, at risk of repetition, someone is paying me to deliver a product by a certain date. Period. That, right there, is motivation enough for me.

Trust me, I'm a good old American Capitalist. I LIKE to get paid, even if it isn't that much at first, it's that much and I'm there to fulfill my contract.

Never complain about how "hard" it is to find time to write.

I'm one of the luckiest people on earth. I know this. I have a great husband who supports what I do, my sons are proud that their mom "writes books," even if they have no idea what the scope of that entails.

I have a good writing schedule.

If I don't have time to write, it's no one's fault but my own. I bow down in homage to those who get up at 5 am to write before the kids get up, or take a quick nap when their spouses come home so they can stay up after everyone's asleep to slip in some writing time. They do it on breaks at the day job, in between chemo appointments with their mom, while in the car pool lane, or on the night shift.

Trust me, I know how lucky I am, and I keep my mouth shut, even when it seems like I have so much non-writing stuff to do that I don't know how I'll find the time to write.

I'm lucky. I'll find it.

Never disparage another writer's work, or process, or genre.

You know, there are still so many who look down on Romance as a genre. Feeling the occasional sting of that, I resolved a while back that I wouldn't "return the favor" to any other genre.

Are there books I don't like. Yes.
Are there genres I don't read? Yes, again.
Are they all valuable? Oh, my, YES!

It takes a mystery, fantasy, literary, YA or horror writer just as long to write 415 manuscript pages as it does for me to do it. Even Poets have to struggle with word choice and character arcs and the dreaded sagging middle. Just because my genre seems to be especially persecuted (bodice ripper anyone?) after years of proving our worth, doesn't mean we are somehow better. Or Worse.

Now, I'll be a little proud here and remind all of YOU that Romance is the only reliably selling, powerfully deliverable product in the book world right now, according to the Washington Post and several other articles.

It's a justifiable pride I think, but I try to do it without accompanying prejudice.

And process? Oh, my.

I wrestled so hard with my early work, trying to fit the writing and me into SOME kind of process. Plotting. Nope. Outlining. Nope. I don't use the tools that others use, but if I hadn't tried them I would have missed some incredibly valuable lessons.

That said, the best lesson was that I'm NOT a plotter nor am I a chapter-by-chapter pantzer. I don't outline. I DO write a synopsis and I follow it pretty well, but otherwise? For me it's a big, fat surprise all the way from "A Dark and Stormy Night" to The End.

My process is a thing of murk and mire, rather than clean lines and an arrow shooting from a drawn bow.

I heard NYT Author PC Cast call it the Brew and Spew method of writing.

Yep. That I can understand.

So, whether you're plotter to the max - chapter one, scene one, two, three - or a Murk and Mire, Brew and Spew writer like me, I lift my glass in toast. Here's to US, writers all!

*clinkclinkclinkclink* (Wow, lots of clinking glasses! I LOIKE it!!)

Last but not least, the thing I said I would try my BEST to not do? Pontificate.

Yeah, you heard me. Despite the length of this tome of a post, have I said "you should do this!"?

Nope. Not. Gonna. Do. It.

I heard a lot of "YouShouldDoThis" when I first joined my chapter and RWA. I think in that adolescent period between being a nascent writer and a seasoned one, you find that your process is "the groove" and you want to share it with everyone as if it were the one-and-only-gospel-of-writing-amen. Then you get past it and see that some people Brew, some Plot, some fly by the seat of their Harem Pants, some slog, some sing, but all writers write to The End. No matter how we get there, we get there.

I mostly try to just accept that others do it differently.

So, the only "should" is that we should all get our bums back in our OWN chairs! Hahaha! (Anyone out there wince? No? Good for you!!)

So, now that I've broken my rule a wee bit and pontificated, what are some things you hope you remember NOT to say?

What are some things you hope you ALWAYS remember from "The Before THE CALL" time?

Imagining yourself down the road with your third book on the NYT, what would YOU tell a brand new author?

And last but not least on the questions, how would you answer the question La Nora seems to ALWAYS get asked.....drum roll please....WHERE do you get your ideas?

SNORK!!!! AND...As always, grab a glass from a passing cabana boy or Gladiator (Marcus? Lucien? You're ready over there at the bar, right?) Let's stack 'em, rack 'em and pack 'em (books that is) and celebrate Dark and Deadly hitting the shelves! Buy early and often! hahaha!

107 comments:

Becke Davis said...

OMG!!

Becke Davis said...

I can't believe it -- c'mon, GR, let me show you how we party in Cincinnati!

jo robertson said...

Yay on your launch, Jeanne! I just ordered it from Amazon and can't wait. It seems so long since we've had our Jeanne Adams fix!

Fedora said...

Woohoo!!! Huge congrats, Jeanne!! Let's party! ;) And that's a hot cover, btw!

And congrats on the GR, Treethyme!

jo robertson said...

Wow, Treethyme, you were quick! I really thought I had the rooster. Well, Cincinnati's good LOL. He'll enjoy that!

Jeanne, this was a great post. I think your attitude is just right, not only about writing, but about most other things. Why do people get their panties in a bunch thinking their way is the "right" way. It's like going to Heaven, not so important HOW you get there, but that, uh, you do.

I would tell a writer on her journey to be kind to herself. Rejection doesn't mean failure. I like the think I learn something new from every person I rub shoulders with.

jo robertson said...

It's a great cover, isn't it Fedora? I think I like it even better than Dark and Dangerous.

Becke Davis said...

He hasn't been here in a looooong time. I'm excited to read Jeanne's book - I love the way she writes!

Jane said...

Yippee. Launch parties in the Lair are always fun and slightly naughty. Congrats on the release of your second book. I'm ready for a mango margarita. Hopefully Marcus will be quite attentive.

Congrats on the GR, Treethyme.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Becke! Congratulations!

Jeanne, what a fabulous post and huge, huge, HUGE congratulations on your second release. I absolutely adored Dark and Dangerous and told everybody within earshot about it. I thought Dark and Deadly would turn up in today's mail but no such luck. Which might be a good thing as I'm trying to finish a story of my own at the moment and I know when I pick it up, I won't put it down.

Actually there's a few things I swore I'd never say - it's slightly off topic but I always swore I'd never say, "I hate the music the kids listen to these days." Hmm, I might occasionally feel it, but I never say it! ;-)

Now, where's my margarita? Sven, you promised me a massage!

Minna said...

Congrats, Jeanne!!

Herreys - Diggiloo Diggiley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTFec_mrD-c

Chesney Hawkes - The One and Only
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1en9g9UrOE&feature=related

Helen said...

Congrats Becke is this your first time with him I know you two are going to have fun.

CONGRATULATIONS JEANNE

I loved Dark And Dangerous and am so looking forward to reading Dark And Deadly it is in the Rendezvous catologue and I will be putting my order in this week can't wait.

Actually I have lent your book to a couple of friends at work and they too loved it and I went out to lunch a couple of weeks ago with some of the Ladies I met at the Romance Readers Convention I went to in Melbourne this year and of course we all had a book with us and Debbie was reading Dark And Dangerous and told me how much she was loving it and I told her your next one was being relesed in June.

I will have a glass from one of the Cabana Boys and I am going to sit back and enjoy the party.

Have Fun
Helen

Marisa O'Neill said...

Congratulations Jeanne! I'm so happy for you. I just started reading Dark and Deadly yesterday and I've had a hard time putting it down. Now it's off to work and I'm already plotting when my next free moment is so I can pick it up again.

pjpuppymom said...

CEL-E-BRATE GOOD TIMES, COME ON!
WOOT! WOOT!

Congrats on the new release, Jeanne! Can't wait to start reading it!

Have fun with the GR, Becke!

KJ Howe said...

Jeanne,

Congrats on your launch!!! Great post. Not only are you a talented author, you are so down to earth and humble about your success. Being an author has to be the best job in the world...you get to be curious about everything and blame it on research. When you stare into space, you can say you're "working". Keep up the great work, girl. I'm a huge fan!

Unknown said...

Hi Jeanne,
Congrats on the new book and I'm loving the cover. Have a great day. :)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Gooooooooood Morning! Hey Becke! You were up late, girlfriend! Congrats on catching the party day Chook!

Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Morning Jo! Had to LOL about the Jeanne Adams fix. Snork.

YOu are so right about the Heaven thing and about new writers. Just go with it, you know? And I'm a fine one to talk but I and all writers have to remember if we can that the rejections are seldom, if ever, personal. :>

Kirsten said...

Jeanne, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Yeehaw!! I can't wait for another rip-roaring action romance with a kick-butt heroine who knows her way around an arsenal! :-)

And thanks for the very lovely blog. These are all such good reminders. I'm 2/3 of the way through a three-year wait till publication after the Call (I know! Three years!) and I have definitely been tempted to look a gift *contract* in the mouth. The frustration runs high at times, let me tell you. But I remind myself how incredibly fortunate I am to have a contract at all -- and --

Rule # 1 (K): Never forget that you love writing so much you'd do it for free. Not that I don't work toward the goal of making a living at it. I do. But I started doing it because I loved it, I kept at it because I loved it, and even if the contract and everything else goes to he#$ in a handbasket, I'll keep doing it. :-)

Kirsten said...

Hey, I thought of another thing that I hope I never forget. Success requires hard work, perseverance, AND a bit of luck. Any time I look at a pre-published writer (aka AYU) I remind myself of that. They could be the greatest writer the world has never seen -- far, far better than i -- and just haven't had the right break. And I, but for that bit of luck, could still be sitting in the slush pile.

It's a good reminder. Never judge another writer. I'm with you on that one, Jeanne!

Becke Davis said...

I think it's been a year or so since the GR was here -- it's fun that he's visiting on Jeanne's release day. He and I might swing over to Cheeseburgers in Paradise,since Jimmy Buffet is so popular in Cincinnati. The sun even came out in his honor!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Party!!! Hey Fedora! Isn't the cover fab-u!?! I love it!

(Thanks, Kensington Art Dept.!)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Morning, Jane! Hey Jane, you're due a copy of Dark and Deadly from the Anniversary Bash. I finally got my Author Copies, so I'm winging one your way! Grins

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

How's that Sven Massage, Anna? Thanks for your lovely comments about D&D. :>

Had to LOL about the music thing. I know what you mean. As with some genres of writing, there are just some musical styles that don't suit me.

My darling Duchess of Hotdayum will wince, but I'm not a big Opera fan. My Dad? He loves it! Me? Not so much. Not a big Metalhead fan either, though there's some I like...but I'll try all of it. Once. Hahaha

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Thanks, Minna! Pull up a cabana boy... I mean chair, and let's have some fun!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi, Helen! Oooh, I'm so glad you like Dark and Dangerous. I hope you'll enjoy Dark and Deadly as well.

I'll be buying YOU a drink from the cabana boys and making sure Sven gives those tense shoulders of yours some extra attention. THANK YOU for being such a lovely proponent of my work. *blush* I'm being talked about in Aus. Who knew? Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Marisa! Oh, cool! You're reading it no? *squeak* Yeah! Thanks for such lovely words about it..can't put it down...what better compliment can an author have?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey PJ! Start the music, fer shure! :> I love your pup in your icon. He looks ready to party. Grins. He's laughing that happy dog laugh!

Susan Sey said...

Treethyme! With the GR! Congrats! He's a friskie little thing. What are you going to do with him today? Besides partying Cincy-style, that is?

(Is that with spaghetti, like cincy-style chili? I'm envisioning him draped with pasta like a christmas tree with tinsel. Is that weird?)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Kim! I'm a big fan right back! Grins.

And doncha just LOVE research?? I love being able to ask weird questions of just about anyone and "get away with it" because you're a writer.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Ann Marie! Welcome to the Lair! Lurve your icon. :>

Susan Sey said...

Good morning, Jeanne! Congratulations on your big Launch! I'm so excited & can't wait to get my hands on DD2 (is that what we're calling it, since your first book had the same initials?)

As for things I've promised myself I wouldn't forget in terms of my writing career, I try really hard to cultivate the belief that every single person I meet is probably a better writer than I am.

It helps me find the nugget of truth or value in an otherwise harsh (or possibly spiteful) critique.

It helps prevent me from saying the pompous, ridiculous things my inner egomaniac wants me to say regarding the "right" way to do things. :-)

It also helps me squeak out of responsibility for things my family now feels are my duty, being the resident writer. Things like thank you notes, Christmas letters, organizing large events via the internet (because "writing out all the details is so hard, & you're soooooo good at it!")

:-)

It also helps put me in touch with some really, really talented AYUs who are still waiting for the stars to align. I've been mentoring an unlikely family member through writing his first book, & I have been so in love with the process. It's been so long since I first screwed up my courage to try writing, I'd forgotten how magical it is when a story takes shape under your fingers for the first time.

*big happy sigh*

Congrats again, Jeanne! So excited for you!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Kirsten! I Love your Rule #1. You're SO right. Its about focusing on the "I love it" part, isn't it? Its wonderful after a slog through a challenging rewrite or edit, to start a new story and just fall into it and LOVE it!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Ooooh, Becke! Cheeseburger in Paradise! Can I go?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Susan said: (Is that with spaghetti, like cincy-style chili? I'm envisioning him draped with pasta like a christmas tree with tinsel. Is that weird?)

Heeheeeheee! Oh, the visual!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Susan said: It's been so long since I first screwed up my courage to try writing, I'd forgotten how magical it is when a story takes shape under your fingers for the first time.


Oh! How fun! It really gave me such a boost to read this. I am SO with you on how magical this is. My BIL recently asked me if I'd talk with a student of his. (He's a high school chem teacher) The student's an aspiring writer. At first I thought...hmmmm...then I remembered how many, many people helped me along the way. Some of them did far more than they realized just by accepting it when I said, "I'm a writer." Thier answer? "How cool." or "Wow, that's a real gift, do you just love it?" It made it so much more real to me.

So I said yes, before I had anymore details. I have some karma to pay forward.

Then I found out she's not only an aspiring writer, she IS a writer - to the tune of 6-700 pages of a fantasy novel.

Yipeeee! Now I'm looking forward to that magical experience too, Susan. THanks for the reminder.

Louisa Cornell said...

Treethyme! He just knew you would show him a good time!! Just keep your hands on your car keys!

My DEAR DUCHESSE OF SNORKDOM !!! Congrats on your newest coming out at last! It's about time. I LOVED Dark and Dangerous and the cover of Dark and Deadly is gorgeous!

Not like opera? THUD !!! Sven I need a cold drink immediately! LOL I understand completely. My brothers came to many of my performances, but you could tell they were suffering the tortures of the damned to do so. They are both big country and rock and roll fans.

I'm still on this journey, but I will say that writing my own books has given me an entirely new perspective on the authors of the books I love to read.

This is hard work and there are NO guarantees. And I tend to agree with Kirsten that luck does play a part in it. And timing too. What won't sell this year might be snapped up next year.

Rejection is not failure. My voice teacher gave me the proper perspective on this one. You may be the very best orange in the world, but if the world is only buying apples it won't matter. Just keep being the best orange you can be and eventually tastes will change. The key is to be ready!

Never forget to ask for help and never forget to give help when asked. This is a tough business, but if we look after each other as sisters in romance we'll all make it out alive and well and published!

We romance writers need to be like the Marines - never leave a comrade behind.

God knows the Banditas have been there for me and I wouldn't be nearly as close to publication as I am without them.

Terri Osburn said...

Busy, busy today but had to stop in for a drink (thank you ever so much, darling) and to say Super Congrats!!!

I love your attitude and the promise I make is to never ever make another excuse about finding time to write. That is, after June when I finish my final two classes. *g*

Here's to lots more launches, clinking glasses, and *the calls*!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Louisa said: Never forget to ask for help and never forget to give help when asked. This is a tough business, but if we look after each other as sisters in romance we'll all make it out alive and well and published!

Hey Louisa! This is so true! :> Had to LOL about your brothers. Its also true about the Marines and us as Romance Authors. I will say that I've never had any group of writers be as supportive as Romance writers. :>

As to your work, you don't need us, darlin'! We are, however DELIGHTED to support you and THRILLED with all your wonderful successes! GO, LOUISA!!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Yeah, Terrio! *clink, clink* Love it when we can clink some glasses! :> Its so fun to celebrate summer, isn't it? I love the start of the summer reading season and being a summer launch is so FUN!

Congrats on the classes! Here, have another drink to celebrate...

Barbara Monajem said...

Congrats, Jeanne! Looking forward to reading your story.

What not to say - Anything that might be CONSTRUED as disparaging. People are very sensitive, and what you think of as just expressing an opinion might really hurt or discourage someone else.

What I remember - Insecurity. Can't forget something that doesn't go away!

What I would tell a new author - I dunno. Most seasoned authors say to persevere, though, and I suppose they do know.

Ideas usually come in the form of secondary characters from another story. I love secondary characters. They spring into life without the least bit of prompting.

Donna MacMeans said...

Finally! The storm that has been messing with my internet has moved on and I can post.

Excellent blog, Jeanne. I love the cover of your second book (and how cool is that to say - my second book (grin)).

As you mentioned, everything changes after you publish, in ways you don't necessarily anticipate. The changes hit shortly before that first book hits the shelves.

My advice to newly published authors is not to forget to cultivate a life outside of writing.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Barbara! Thanks for stopping by! You're so right about what you say. SO many times it's not what you say but how you say it. I think Louisa's hit on it and so have you. Help other writers, however you can, in pay back to those who helped you. Be kind where you can and silent where you can't. Grins

You also said: I love secondary characters. They spring into life without the least bit of prompting.

I adore those kind of characters! They are so FUN, aren't they? We have great jobs as writers, getting to play with these people.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Donna said: I love the cover of your second book (and how cool is that to say - my second book (grin)).

It's TOTALLY cool, as you well know, m'dear! Haha!

So glad the storm's passed. Our May was one of the wettest on record for the DC area and I think we've got to make-up 3 or 4 baseball games, so I'm with you on the storms. Pass on! :>

You're advice is perfect, Donna. It's so important to have balance. We can't forget to talk to the REAL humans, in favor of the imaginary ones. Tempting, but not all that wise...Grins. Good addition!

Now, why don't you have a drink? LUCIEN!!! Bring our darling Donna a drink, oh, and some snacks too. She's working on another book for our reading pleasure and we NEED another Donna book, so be sure she has everthing she needs!

Sven, when you've gotten those kinks out of Louisa's contest knotted shoulders, come help Donna, would you? :>

Anna Sugden said...

WOOOHOOOOOO!! Another Duchesse book is available!! (Well, it will be when it struggles to Cambridge with its load *g*).

Congrats, Becke! Who says they can't party in Cinci?!

Jeanne - fab post. And all so true. I agree with you 100%. And with Kirsten's rule too. Particularly appropriate for us AYU's.

Fo - my one like yours is "My haven't you grown!" I'm not very good at avoiding that one, but I do refrain from the cheek pinch!

The hockey hunks are pouring me a nice mango mojito ... so I'll slink back into my cave and try to finish off these *insert swear word* revisions.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Anna! *Waving across the pond* Mango mohitos? Hmmm, someone pour me one of those, please! :>

I was ROFL about the *insert swear word* revisions. I'm SO with you on that one!

Grins.

Maybe the mohitos will help?

Becke Davis said...

The GR is basking on the deck (it's sunny, for once) and hanging out with my gnomes and muses. God only knows what will happen when the raccoons show up tonight!

The GR wanted to check out a Reds game, but I told him to relax and veg. I'm making umbrella drinks right now.

BTW, huge congrats to PJ for winning my tote bag filled with books in the Brenda Novak auction. It weighed 26 lbs! (You see why the post office hates me.)

I won a critique from someone we all know and love -- it was the only auction item I won, since I was heavily outbid on everything else. (I bid high on this one to make sure I'd win, but it was a close one!)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Becke! Wow on the 26 lbs of books and WOOHOOO PJ! :>

I'm glad the GR is being relatively muse-ish and peaceful. He's been a handful lately.

Cabana boy! Oh, Cabaaaaana boy! Take over from Becke. It's a party, she shouldn't have to be making her OWN umbrella drinks! Yeeesh. :>

Sorry you missed out on the crit, though. I tell ya, that auction is a blast. I didn't bid on much this year, mostly because I'm finishing up Book #3 and I didn't have time to sort through all the fabulous items. Huzzah to Brenda for her incredible generosity and reach!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Peeking out of the cave to holler:

WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!! Super CONGRATS, Duchesse! Your SECOND book is on the shelves and HOW KEWL IS THAT?!?!

Why thank you Marcus, darlin' a mango margarita will indeed hit the spot right now...

AC

Christie Kelley said...

YAY!! Congratulations, Jeanne! I can't wait to read Dark and Deadly. I loved Dark and Dangerous.

Great post. Have Sven over at my house by 7:30 with a margarita and a massage ready. I'm sure a small margarita can only help the revisions not hurt them.

Gannon Carr said...

Launch party in the Lair!! Woohoo!!!! Oh, cabana boys, I could use a libation. :)

Congrats, Jeanne! I'm looking forward to reading Dark and Deadly.

Becke, keep an eye on the GR. You never know what he'll get up to. :-D

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey AC! We'll be launching Jewels of the Madonna soon! :> (WONDERFUL book, BTW, so keep your eyes out for it, everyone!)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Christie, you naughty writer you, sneaking Sven and a margarita! :> Here, have another.

Snork!

Revisions are taxing, aren't they? :> But the margarita WILL help...or at least ease the pain.

Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Gannon! So good to see you! Pick up drink there and settle in for a good session of hoopla!

Becke Davis said...

I did win Anna C.'s critique of a partial, but I lost Annie West's, Michelle Buonfiglio's, Connie Brockway's and Hank Phillippi Ryan's, plus everything else I bid on. Couldn't afford to keep bidding toward the end there!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oooh, congrats on the crit of the partial though! Wow, the bidding must've been good!

I am so in awe of the incredible scope of Brenda's auction. She really donates a TON of time and publicity to it, and so many, many fabulous authors (Anna C included!) offer the most delicious prizes. It's trememndous!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

I R an Author. I can Spehll.

Tremendous.

Oh, Lucien! Time for another beverage. I'm actually still noticing that I'm not spelling things right. Not good. Please, another one of those delish mango mohitos, please.

Becke Davis said...

Check out my Facebook page (Becke Martin). Candid Camera just caught an interesting shot of some party animals.

Anna Campbell said...

Uh, party girl... Trememndous? I don't think I'd say you can spell TOO loudly! ;-)

Becke, cute shots on FB. I'm sharpening up my pencil, bwahahahahahahaha! ;-)

Actually, VA, another one to avoid is "Don't you look like your mother/your aunt/your father/your dog." You never quite know how that one's going to be received!

Pissenlit said...

Happy book birthday, Jeanne!

*grabs a cabana boy*
What? I was supposed to grab the glass? Oh uh, sorry.

Anna Campbell said...

Jeanne, what's next for you? Dedicated fans aka MEEEEE! wanna know!

Go away, Sven, I've had my massage. I now want a margarita and now you're on your health kick, you don't put enough tequila in it for me!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, is that a squeaking cabana boy I hear? Should I rescue him. (Pauses to listen more carefully) Nah, he sounds perfectly happy!

Christine Wells said...

I cannot wait to read this book! DARK AND DEADLY sounds fantastic, Jeanne. Congratulations on the launch of another stellar romantic suspense!

I think I've probably done all those things you vowed not to do ::hanging head:: I hope that I don't pontificate in the sense of telling people they must do things a certain way, though. I'm firmly of the belief that everyone's process is different. As a pantser who has tried very hard to be a plotter, I understand that only too well!

Congrats on the rooster, Becke! Have fun partying with the feathered one!

Christine Wells said...

Fedora, you are so right. I was so excited when I saw that cover for DARK AND DEADLY. It's scintillating, isn't it? It's gonna fly off those shelves!

Becke Davis said...

By the way, Jeanne's new book is going to be a monthly featured selection at Barnes & Noble's Mystery Book Club (BN.com) in August. I hope you will all come by and chat with us then!

Helen said...

The party is going strong I had better have another drink before I have to go to work maybe 2 then the day may turn out to be a good LOL

Have Fun
Helen

Tawny said...

WHOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Another awesome book is on the shelves! I'm so excited to get this, Jeanne and know its gonna rock!!!

And your post is proof positive of your fabulous success. You've got such a great attitude and really know what it takes to make it all work!

Things I swore I'd never say/do?
"Because I said so, that's why."
and any form of a guilt trip. So far, so good. Obviously those apply to my kids and not my writing, though LOL

Caffey said...

Yeah on your new release Jeanne! I didn't realize its been a year until I reading here! Cool on the same day release! Loved and laughed with your post! Congrats again!

Pat Cochran said...

"Celebrate good times......."

"Congratulations, Miss Jeanne!!"

"Happy Launch Day!"

Pat Cochran

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Anna C said: Actually, VA, another one to avoid is "Don't you look like your mother/your aunt/your father/your dog."

Snicker. Yeah, this should probably be avoided...esp. the dog part!

jo robertson said...

Beautiful sentiments, Louisa. I agree that the reality of book writing is much different from the fantasy LOL.

And we're definitely comrades in the trenches!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Pissenlit!

Did the cabana boy protest? Grins. Didn't think so. They LIKE working for us, so many lovely women, so little time. :> And they are fabulous bartenders, aren't they? So grab both glass AND CB.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Psssst, Anna! *looking for Sven, avoiding his glare* Have some more tequila in that...there, that's a nice extra dollop!

What's next? Ahhhh, danger, art fraud, stealthy killings, shots fired...who knows what danger lurks in the heart of San Fransisco?

jo robertson said...

Most of the things I swore I'd never do come under the banner of "motherhood." Like

"Just wait until your father gets home!"

"Because I said so!"

"Does it look like I have four hands?"

"Pretty is as pretty does."

As far as writing, I swore I'd never be jealous of another writer's success. That one I've kept. I'm so happy for the successes of all my writer friends and especially the Banditas and BB's.

jo robertson said...

Jeanne!! I just realized I don't know the premise of Dark and Deadly (BTW, love that title and the connection to DD1, makes them so easy to remember).

So what's DD2 about?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Christine said: I'm firmly of the belief that everyone's process is different. As a pantser who has tried very hard to be a plotter, I understand that only too well!

Wish you'd been around when I first started writing, Christine! I'd have learned this hard lesson quicker, mayhap. I had some wonderful crit partners who were dedicated plotters. Neither they nor I could understand WHY, oh WHY it didn't work for me! :>

Still...on the other stuff, no worries. I've done it, I'm sure I'll do it again, I just try not to. Ha!

jo robertson said...

Oh, and are there any kids in DD2? I admit I don't usually like books with kiddies in them (been there, done that LOL), but you did the boy so well in DD1 that I really enjoyed the realistic portrayal.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oh, thanks for mentioning that, Becke! That's such a fun opportunity. :> I love Barnes and Nobles and BN.com, esp since my local B&N is one of my fav writing hangouts. Ha!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Here, Helen! *dollop of tequila in the glass* Sven's shorting the tequila for "health reasons" according to Anna, so I thought you might like a bit more oooomph in that!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Tawny said: Things I swore I'd never say/do? "Because I said so, that's why." and any form of a guilt trip. So far, so good.

Excellent! And I was ROFLMAO at the visual image of you, hands on hips, saying, "Because I said so!"

I don't know...just not you. :>

Thanks for the whoop. Grins. Hey, when's your next one out. I had to have the AC on for your latest two! (They were part of my prize for finishing book 3!)

jo robertson said...

LOL, Jeanne on the "who knows what danger lurks in the heart of SF."

You're too young to have listened to the old radio show that line comes from -- THE SHADOW -- I think it went "who knows what danger lurks in the hearts of men."

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Caffey! Thanks for coming by! Did you get some of that barbeque? A drink? Good. Oh, Demetrius, now that it's getting dusky here, can you switch on the fairy lights? Oh, and light the Tiki torches? Thanks.

So, Caffey, tell me about that cool icon...

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Pat! Welcome as always! Thanks for the hugs and the stop in.

Lucien! Pat doesn't have a glass in her hand, you should remedy that situation...

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Jo said: As far as writing, I swore I'd never be jealous of another writer's success. That one I've kept.

Yeah, Jo! You are so right about this and I know you have been marvelously supportive and brilliantly there for all of us, here in the Lair.

I did have to LOL about the "Does it look like I have 4 hands?" I have to confess *blushes, scuffs foot* I've said a variation on this and ripped out the Mom scold of: "Your face is going to freeze that way!"

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Thanks for asking, Jo! The premise of Dark and Deadly is that Torie, the heroine, was left at the altar, now she seems to be cursed when it comes to me. In fact, even her ex-fiance falls under the curse when they find him dead at the same altar where they would have been married, five years to the day from their wedding date! Attorney, and former best man, Paul Jameson, has to help Torie figure everything out - even though he suspects her of murder!

Kate Carlisle said...

WOOHOOOO JEANNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, you multi-published author, you!!!

I can't WAIT to read this book!!! And I concur with everyone else that the cover is simply luscious!!!

And yoiks! August Author of the Month at B&N? Wooohoo, you!! I'll be there!

Congrats, Treethyme!! Hope you and the Golden One had a fantastico day!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oh, and no kids in this one...another dog though! (But a Lab rather than a German shepherd)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Bwah-ha-ha! Jo, I'm really 88, and I have this portrait in the basement that ages for me. Heehee.

I actually listened to all the old Shadow radio shows on CD. They are SO cool!

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?"
*spooky music*
"The Shadow knows!"

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

This:

...she seems to be cursed when it comes to me.

Should have been MEN, not me.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey, Kate!

Demetriussss, oh DEMetrius?!?! Kate's here!

*wicked smile* He's been looking for you Kate. He just loved Homicide in Hardcover. Something about the cat, he said...Grins.

I'm so glad everyone thinks the cover's as yummy as I think it is. I was worried that I was being a fond author, overly sentimental about a decent cover, but that one's just De-lish!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hmmmm. We see, to be missing a few Cabana boys...Caren? Becke? Joan!?! Are you absconding with the cabana boys again?

Joan said...

Is that with spaghetti, like cincy-style chili? I'm envisioning him draped with pasta like a christmas tree with tinsel. Is that weird?)...

Yes.

Joan said...

{grunt...push...push..PUSH}

Whew, finally got the Lair's door open. Dear God! What went on in here today? Why are my gladiators sprawled out all over the floor. {Peers under Lucien's leg} Jeanne...what color clothes WERE you wearing today?

Ewww...{steps in congealed mass of mango.}

I thought today was going to be a formal introduction to your new book (which Amazon promises is on its way to me) but what do I find????

The dregs of chaos.....

Oh, well. Dem? Scrape yourself off the floor and bring me a sangria. I have to toast the Duchesse and give a rousing....

YIPPEEEEEEEEE!!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Well, hey, Joanie! Glad you could make it! It's been fun. Sorry about the mango pulp. The guys were carrying it out, but..you know how those cheap trash bags are.

Also, it was quite warm today. I think - THINK - that explains all the extra, um, clothes scattered about. :>

Hey, I'm still in the same party dress I came in, so don't look at ME!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oh, and bring me some of that Sangria too, Dem!

jo robertson said...

Like the story line of DD2, Jeanne, sounds like we're all in for a treat. And I like dogs too, especially labs!

Oh, and uh, didn't the Dorian Gray character get his comeuppance all at once? I forget that ending.

Face will freeze like that -- great expression.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Yes, alas, Dorian DID get his comeuppance. (Fabulous word, that one, comeuppance!) Grins.

There's also that "You'll put your eye out!" phrase, I really try NOT to use that one, but I sure have thought it a few times. :>

Unknown said...

Congrats Treethyme, you got him! Have fun with him!

Congratulations Jeanne on you new release! I love your way of thinking, do it your way if it works for you.I love reading a good romantic suspense.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Thanks Virginia! Glad you dropped in. Here, Joan got the gladiators to make Sangria. Have a glass!

Romantic suspense is fun, isn't it? It's fun to write - I love it when things go boom - and it's fun to read. (more boom!) Haha

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Thanks for a wonderful Launch Day, everyone! Have a good one!

Cabana boys! More Sangria!

Becke Davis said...

*crawls to the computer* Dang, that rooster knows how to party! I'm getting too old for this! Although the full body massage was to die for!

Well, I'm sad to see him go -- I hope it's not another year or more before the randy rooster comes back this way again!

Jeanne, I won't forget that your release day was my lucky GR day, too! I can hardly wait to get my hands on your book!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, comment 100! And with the news that the postie's just been and I'm now in possession of my own copy of Dark and Deadly! Whooop-deee-dddooooo-ddaaaaaa!

Jeanne, congratulations again on your fabulous new release! I'm sure it's going to be a corker!

Pissenlit said...

Jeanne - Hmmmm. We see, to be missing a few Cabana boys...Caren? Becke? Joan!?! Are you absconding with the cabana boys again?

*shifty eyes*

limecello said...

Well.. it's now the next day, but - Happy Release Day! :D

donnas said...

Congrats. It sounds like a great book. It must be so exciting to see your work out there.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Pissenlit! You rascal!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Yeah, Anna C!!! You got it!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Lime! Hey Donna S! Thanks for stopping by!