Friday, September 11, 2009

Interview With a Courtesan

by Caren Crane

Oh, my, that was a tease of a title! This is actually an interview with a former courtesan. Many of you have had the great pleasure to read Claudia Dain's fabulous Courtesan Chronicles I am sure. If you are anything like I, you have developed a healthy - or perhaps unhealthy - admiration for the courtesan-turned-countess who controls the ton like the highly-skilled puppet master - mistress? - she is. I speak, of course, of Lady Sophia Dalby.

Lady Sophia has a penchant for helping young ladies of the ton marry well and happily. Her latest matchmaking endeavor is featured in How To Dazzle a Duke is, thankfully, on shelves now. Do run and buy one! We will wait patiently for your return. No, no, do not read it now. If you must have a taste, there is an excerpt on Claudia's website. There is also a snappy trailer for The Courtesan Chronicles. Surely that will tide you over and allow you to pay strict attention to Lady Sophia before plunging into the book?

Lady Sophia is with us today to speak of...well, many things about which she is quite knowledgeable. *ahem* Without further ado, I present to you Lady Sophia Dalby.

Sophia: It is a delight to meet such an attentive and studious group of women. Not everyone appreciates education in a woman, of course, certainly not many men of my acquaintance. I, however, adore a keen female mind.

Caren: Um...yes. Well, Sophia, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sophia: A little bit? Certainly. What little bit would you like to know?

Caren: I was wondering why you’ve been helping the women of The Courtesan Chronicles get husbands. Not many women would do that sort of thing for another woman.

Sophia: But, darling, I am not like other women. Certainly that must be obvious. I’ve failed horribly if it’s not. As to why I helped them, they so desperately needed help, didn’t they? And, of course, I got a little something I wanted as well, which is always the best sort of arrangement. A woman of your age and experience must surely know that as well as I.

Caren: I’m in my absolute prime, Sophia.

Sophia: But of course. As am I. Isn’t it a lovely place to be, at one’s prime? I’m enjoying myself fully. Aren’t you?

Caren: Well, maybe not fully. I’m pretty busy, you know, what with my job and the kids, my hobbies and interests, my writing. Life is very full right now.

Sophia: Surely there is some man in your life to make everything more agreeable for you? A life lived hectically is not an ideal situation, and there is no reason to ever settle for anything less than ideal, is there?

Caren: My husband is also very busy, and besides, I’m not sure how anyone could arrange for him to make my life more agreeable.

Sophia: Not anyone? Darling, I’m insulted. I assure you that I can think of many ways to inspire him to do what you require of him. Perhaps it could be arranged for me to meet with him? I’m very good at persuading men to see things as they should. Shall I drop round tomorrow, then?

Caren: No! Thank you, but no. This interview isn’t going at all the way I’d planned.

Sophia: You had a plan? How utterly charming. Do all your plans go awry with such energy?

Caren: We are not here to talk about me. Now, back to my original question. Why did you help these women?

Sophia: I suppose the most obvious answer is that they asked for my help. Surely you remember that? Oh, dear, you are in a state. So agitated. I don’t really think you have a facility for this sort of work. Perhaps you should pursue something else entirely?

Caren: And the less obvious answer?

Sophia: Why, darling, I should think that would be obvious, even to you. A woman deserves to get what she wants, particularly from a man. If I can help arrange for men to serve their purpose on this earth, that of giving some delightful woman his heart, his name, and his money, which I certainly can, then I’m delighted to do so. In fact, I find the entire exercise completely delicious. Are you certain you don’t want me to speak with your charming husband? I’m nearly positive I could arrange things to your satisfaction.

Caren: You really think so?

Sophia: I certainly do. There is nothing so simple to manage as a man. What’s more, they seem to enjoy being managed to a nearly alarming degree.

Caren: I haven’t found that to be so.

Sophia: But, darling, I have. Simply put, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Caren: He’s not going to like it.

Sophia: On the contrary, Caren, he’s going to love every minute of it. Trust me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, that was certainly...enlightening, to say the least. Is it warm in here? Now, a question for you, dear readers. Do you have anyone in your life you turn to for help? Anyone who arranges things for you, whether you want them to or not? If you've met Sophia, would you like her in your life? Claudia will be here answering questions and comments on Sophia's behalf, since that lady is otherwise occupied today. A lucky commenter will win a prized copy of How To Dazzle a Duke autographed by Claudia!

[note from Caren: Please pardon my absence today. After that rather tasking interview, I find myself in need of a respite...perhaps with my vinagrette for company...]

91 comments:

Lynz Pickles said...

Mine?

Lynz Pickles said...

I lauged out loud so many times while reading this interview! My TBR pile just grew much larger. Again. Seriously, if anyone ever wants to kill me, all they'll have to do is push it over. I'll be crushed. (Take that to mean physically or emotionally, since either one works.)

For help, I turn to my mother. I know I can always count on her, regardless of whether I happened upon a problem or caused the mess myself. That being said, I try not to rely on her help too much because if I do, she'll arrange my life for me, whether I want her to or not. It's a delicate balance.

This interview is the first time I've met Sophia, and... well, I'd like to know her. I don't know if I'd want to be friends with her. I'm totally going to read about her, though. That's the great thing about books - you can have a character you love who you'd hate in real life, but that doesn't matter because you can put the book down when you're done! *cough*

Fedora said...

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed The Courtesan's Daughter, Claudia! Secret and Wager are on the TBR--maybe with the kids back in school, I'll actually have time to read them! Congrats on the latest--Lady Sophia is quite an amazing arranger of all things! It would be fabulous to know someone of her talents!

Congrats on the GR, Lynz!

Helen said...

Congrats Lynz have fun with him

What a great interview I am sure Lady Sophia could teach my man a thing or two or any man for that matter from what I have heard.

I have How To Dazzle A Duke here in Oz already I ordered it this month great cover I loved the sound of it but I need to get the others before I read this one I must read books in order can't help myself.

Claudia what gave you the idea to write this series I am so looking forward to starting it and what sort of research did you do for it.

Have Fun
Helen

Unknown said...

Congrat Lynz on nabbing the rooster today! Have fun with him!

Great interview, I really got a big kick out of it. For me when I need help I turn to my older sister, she's my rock! Both or us are going to visit my younger sister this weekend, we are spending the weekend together. It sould be a lot of fun. It will get pretty crazy I'm sure.

Helen said...

I forgot to answer the question I got carried away by the interview and the thought of reading these books LOL.

I used to always turn to my Mum but as I have lost her my sisters my Hubby and my best friend Barbara. I know that they will always help when I need it as I will help them and lots of times I don't even have to ask they know and get in and help.

True friends are like pockets everyone needs them and I have great friends.

Have Fun
Helen

Lynz Pickles said...

Virginia said: Congrat Lynz on nabbing the rooster today! Have fun with him!

Oh, I will. I have plans for him, mwahahaha!

Actually, we're just going to clean my room - again. I think this is the fourth installment in the "Lynz, the GR, and the messy bedroom" franchise, but this time we're totally going to finish cleaning it! We're not going to quit after one load of laundry and watch half a season of Buffy, not this time! We won't get distracted by the shiny new books in the TBR pile!

Yeah, I don't believe me, either.

Minna said...

Depending on the problem, it's either one of my friends or someone in my family I turn to.

I'll be there for you - The Rembrandts and Friends (with Lyrics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KZkklo9LBs

James Taylor & Carole King - You've Got a Friend (HQ)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RPCFfudmU&feature=related

Michelle and Leslie's Book Picks said...

LOL i LOVED this interview! i love Lady Sophia! i would love to win this book and read more about her. and yes, my mother constantly "helps" me (even when I don't want help).

michelle

Blodeuedd said...

I do usually turn to my mother, so usually have the answers, or to my bff or boyfriend.

Sounds like a great book :)

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, Lynz.

Congrats on the new release, Claudia.
I can turn to my parents for just about anything. For advice about life and relationships, I go to my cousin who is a little older than me and my friends.

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

If it is a mechanical, electrical or plumber orientated I turn to my boyfriend, anything else I handle myself. I would love to have Lady Sophia in my life, I know she could straighten things out in a heart beat.

Anonymous said...

Great interview. I love Lady Sophia, I want to meet her !!!
Congratulation on your new release Claudia !! You must have had a lot of fun writing Sophia's story ;-)
I can't wait to read it...

Deb Marlowe said...

Sophia is in the Lair! Hold on Banditas, the place will never be the same!

I adore Sophia and all of her contemporaries! I love each and every romance in the series, but I positively long for all the little clues regarding Sophia and her secrets that we find tucked away in each book! I am being an industrious reader and slowly building the picture of her past in my mind! And I want more!

I often turn to my dh for help, in many areas of life. He's a rock. Sigh. A real hero.

There are times, though, when you need your girlfriends, and then I am very blessed to turn to my 'posse' I love you girls!

And I think that Caren would agree that having TICD to turn to is wonderfully adventurous! We really do have Sophia in our corner!

Caren Crane said...

Oh, Lynz, good nab of the GR! I think you have nailed Sophia perfectly. Not a comfortable woman to know, but certainly a handy one. Like your mother, she knows best and is a dab hand at managing people. Especially men, but women, too. And yes, I adore being able to put her back on the shelf. I'm not sure I could keep up with her in real life! *g*

Caren Crane said...

Fedora, you will have a wonderful time reading Secret and Wager back to back - when the kidlets allow, of course. You must make sure to add How To Dazzle a Duke to the pile to make your bliss complete!

Caren Crane said...

Dearest Helen, I think the romance fairies must deliver to your neighborhood daily! You will soon need to open your own bookstore just so you have somewhere to store them all. *g* I highly recommend ALL the Courtesan books. They are spectacularly witty and fun reads. Not your typical Regency by any means, but something with a clever twist and sparkling dialogue. I hope you can track them all down!

Caren Crane said...

Oh, Virginia, a weekend with two of my sisters would be Heaven! There is nothing like having a sister to turn to, is there? I hope y'all have a great weekend!

Caren Crane said...

Lynz, I fear when you throw the GR in the mix, very little cleaning will be done. Matter of fact, he may leave a bigger mess than you started with. Watch him!

Caren Crane said...

Minna, isn't it great to have a support network to turn to in times of need? Is there anyone who tries to manage your life for you? I am lucky that my mother gave up trying to redecorate my house (long distance, no less). The rare times she comes up to see me (rather than me going to see her), she just looks around sighs now, knowing all her stellar suggestions are in vain. *g*

Caren Crane said...

Michelle, you will love Sophia! As Lynz said, she's much easier to adore when you can put her on a shelf and be done with her. Somehow, our darling and beloved mothers don't take kindly to that!

Caren Crane said...

Bloduedd, I love having options and, like Minna said, different people to help with different problems. I need certain friends (like Claudia) to help with wardrobe issues and other friends (the bff who I worked with) for other issues. It's great to be so loved, isn't it?

Caren Crane said...

Jane, how wonderful to have both your parents to lean on. What a gift! I know many of us here have lost one or both parents and there really is no other relationship that is quite the same. Lucky you to have a wise older cousin, too. I don't have cousins I am that close to, but my older sisters keep me in check. *g*

Caren Crane said...

Dianna, I think you are right about Sophia straightening things out. She would not take no for an answer and both my husband and my (still unpainted) dining room would be ship shape in no time. Hm...maybe I should let her come by after all!

Caren Crane said...

Emmanuelle, I think Claudia channels Sophia more than writes her. It's a bit eerie! She says writing these books has been the most fun she has ever had writing. It shows!

If you haven't read them yet, pick up The Courtesan's Daughter and begin the fabulous journey. It has finally been released in mass market and should be available. Have fun!

Caren Crane said...

Deb, you're so right! Having Claudia around is a bot like having Sophia, though she is kinder and gentler. Most times. *g* I will second that Deb's husband is a go-to guy for most anything and a real hero! Of course, she is an excellent wife to him, so he'd better be!

Claudia Dain said...

Good morning! Clearly, I'm not the early riser you all are.

Lynz, hearing that you laughed out loud is music to my ears. Yay! I hope that when you read the books you'll laugh all the way through them.

Sophia =is= a force of nature. It's much easier dealing with her when you can close the covers and put her on a shelf.

Claudia Dain said...

Fichen, I hope you enjoy Secret, Wager, and Dazzle as much as you did Daughter. If you read them back to back you'll be ahead of the game, remembering all the mystery tidbits that I scatter through each book about Sophia's backstory. She's a fascinating character.

Claudia Dain said...

Helen, what sort of research? All sorts! I researched for about two years before starting it and I haven't stopped researching yet. I'm a big believer in Deep Research. It's a labor of love though.

Claudia Dain said...

Minna, that's so true, isn't it? The solution to the problem depends on the problem. It's nice to have someone in every corner of your life.

Claudia Dain said...

Michelle, welcome to the Sophia Dalby Fan Club! I've been a member since I first got the idea for the books...and I don't remember how I got the idea! I think it came to me in small pieces over many months.

Claudia Dain said...

Jane, my parents were my greatest source of help, physical and emotional. I still miss them. I wonder if that's why I created Sophia? A sort of replacement?

Claudia Dain said...

Dianna, there is no problem in the world that Sophia cannot manage. I love her!!

Claudia Dain said...

Em, I sit at my computer and grin from ear to ear as I write these books. It's the most fun I've ever had. I hope you have the same experience with them!

Claudia Dain said...

DebM, you are the master at clue-finding!

Claudia Dain said...

Caren, you nailed it! I am channeling Sophia. I'm not sure what that says about me, not sure I want to look too closely at that, but I do have fun with her.

As my husband, the Big D, says, "Sophia is Claudia on steroids."

Needless to say, he ADORES Sophia. He'd better!

jo robertson said...

What a delightful interview! Welcome to the Lair, Lady Sophia and Claudia. I can't wait to read these fascinating stories.

Can you tell us a little about the latest, HOW TO DAZZLE A DUKE? I love the alliteration in that title.

jo robertson said...

Ooops, who do I turn to? Hmm, used to be my husband, but as easily managed and simple-minded they are in their prime, unfortunately, they become more so as they age :-D.

Now I turn to my eldest daughter, who loves managing all things!

Congrats on the rooster, Lynz!

Sabrina Jeffries said...

Ah, Sophia, Sophia, Sophia ... how we adore you. But I confess it would be a bit unnerving to have her around all the time. She'd manage me to death! Actually, I might wear her out.

I just started Dazzle, and already it's, well, dazzling! Love Sophia, love her machinations, and I love these books!

Claudia Dain said...

Sabrina, I agree! Sophia would be exhausting as a steady diet. I love larger than life characters---in fiction! In real life, larger than life can get exhausting.

So glad you're being dazzled! I hope it gives you a great ride.

Claudia Dain said...

Jo, let's see, summarize my own book. Talk about climbing Everest! I'm horrible at summaries, as most people can tell you.

Well, there's this girl, Penelope, and she wants to marry a duke, because she can afford one. Being no dope, Penelope has seen how Sophia has managed three very profitable and blissful marriages in the blink of an eye...so why shouldn't Sophia blink an eye in her direction? Penelope says tells Sophia she'll marry whomever Sophia thinks best, as long as he's a duke--that's the non-negotiable, but of course, she doesn't =really= mean it. Penelope has a duke in mind and proceeds to try and snatch him up without Sophia noticing.

Uh-huh. Not happening.

Bawdy dialogue, funny situations, a clash of wits and personalities ensues.

Does Penelope get her duke? Does she get any duke at all? That's the fun of the journey. One thing is for certain: Sophia cannot and will not be outplayed.

Janga said...

Sophia is a fascinating character. I don't think I'd want her turned loose in my life, but I'd love to take lessons on how to manage the lives of some others, :)

I haven't found How to Dazzle a Duke locally, but a trip to the city next week should remedy that problem. I've loved the other Courtesan books.

Becke Davis said...

Great interview! I laughed throughout, although I must say when I started how many years past my sell-by date, ur, prime I am, I had to go make myself a strong cup of tea.

When I realized that in Sophia's day, even my DAUGHTER would be past her prime, I could have really used something stronger.

Now, what I need to do is go read some of those books so I can transform myself into one of Claudia's lovely young creatures. Thank goodness, in my head I'm always young!

Becke Davis said...

"started how" should be "started thinking about how."

Senior moment?

Susan Sey said...

Good morning, Caren & Claudia! How lovely to have you in the Lair, Claudia, & a great many thanks to you, Caren, for inviting her! That Sophia is a wonder. She reminds me a little bit of my oldest sister, who is also a wonder at getting people to do things they might ordinarily have balked at, even things in their very best interests.

Things like, oh, giving up a favorite pair of jeans that (though a miracle of post-partum comfort & practicality) make one look a bit mommy-ish. Things like investing in highlights (or low lights, or lip gloss, or a diaper bag that doesn't have chicks & duckies on it). Things like that.

I have learned to not only depend on my sister for such things, but to appreciate her. God bless the Sophias of the world. I need managing, & fully admit it. I will therefore dive into How To Dazzle A Duke immediately for my next badly needed dose of Lady Sophia.

chey said...

Great interview! Sound like a wonderful book!
Depends on what the problem is but I usually turn to a family member

Hellie Sinclair said...

I am thoroughly, thoroughly charmed by Lady Sophia! I wish I had one like her in my life. *LOL* I think we could be great friends.

Great blog and great book! Can't wait to read it!

Claudia Dain said...

Oh, Janga. I'm so sorry to hear you can't find the book locally. I hope you have better luck in the city!

Claudia Dain said...

Becke, I haven't aged (in my head) since somewhere in my early 30s. Isn't that the way it's supposed to work?

Say yes.

LOL

Claudia Dain said...

Susan, we all need people to keep us on the right Fashion Track, especially when the Mommy Gene threatens to take over completely. That Mommy Gene is a bruiser!

Claudia Dain said...

Chey, it's great you have family to turn to! For those who don't, there is Sophia. She doesn't come cheaply, but she gets the job done.

Claudia Dain said...

Ms. Hellion, I feel like Sophia is my friend! I love having her in my life. We all need someone who can see the entire battlefield, understands all the opponents, knows why the allies are allied, and will watch your back no matter what comes. That's Sophia!

Minna said...

Is there anyone who tries to manage your life for you?

My sisters. But just because they are 20 years older than I am, doesn't mean they can do that. Even though they seem to think so.

Pat Cochran said...

I'm the eldest in my family, so
whether I like it or not, fixing
usually falls into my bailiwick!
Whenever something happens, I'm
the one who fields all the phone
calls and problems. When I myself
have need of aid, Honey is the
person upon whom I rely and he is
always there for me and our family.

Pat Cochran

Terri Osburn said...

What a fun interview. And I expect nothing less from the mind of Claudia Dane...err... Sophia. :)

I'm afraid I'm the person others turn to to arrange things. Which is fun, but sometimes it would be nice to be the arrangee instead of the arranger.

Put me in the running for the book!

Claudia Dain said...

Oooh, Minna, you must have your hands full. At twenty years older, they must have wanted to treat you like their baby.

Claudia Dain said...

So Pat, do you think you were born a fixer or has fixing-ness been thrust upon you?

Claudia Dain said...

Terri, I know what you mean. I remember when the kids were little and Big D and I wanted to go on a date. All I asked was that he arrange the babysitter. Please, I'm tired of being the general! Just make the arrangements and we can sit in a park for all I care!

Joan said...

Ok, first I read that TICD was a former courteasn....then read it again :-)

Welcome to both Claudia AND Sophia.

I am pretty hard to manage much to my friends and even my OWN chagrin sometimes. I'm afraid I would present quite a challenge to Sophia.

BUT there are two things you could help me with, Soph.

Find me the perfect man (perfect for me) and.....

Find me a way to get Caren's Chico jackets :-)

Now, off to add to my TBR pile

Joan said...

Oh, and YES Claudia. It's perfectly normal to still consider yourself 30.

Louisa Cornell said...

What a delightful interview! Fabulous Sophia and Caren !!

I adore Claudia's Courtesan series and just succeeded in getting my Mom hooked on it as well. (Sent her all of the Courtesan books for her birthday! Can you think of a better way to celebrate one's 74th birthday?)

The person who sets me straight (sometimes even when I don't want to be set straight) is my critique partner. I always say she is the sister fate forgot to give me. Not only when it comes to writing, but to almost any aspect of my life I can count on her to give me a good smack and head me off in the right direction!

I am also fortunate enough to have two fabulous mentors on my road to publication (my career GPS es so to speak) The Divine Diane Gaston and the Incomparable La Campbell!

Now, as to whether I would like Sophia. Are you kidding? She and I would get into SO much trouble together! I love a woman who is aware of her own power and worth. She's plain-spoken and fearless and I tend to be that way myself, at least in social situations. Life is too short to sit in the shadows!

Oh Lynz, nice catch on the GR. I agree with Caren. Keep an eye on him!

Jolie Brandt said...

Great interview! Love the Courtesan Chronicles!

I think I could use a Lady Dalby in my life. I don't generally rely on anyone for help. Who knows what she might fix for me. ;)

Minna said...

At twenty years older, they must have wanted to treat you like their baby.

Sometimes they still do.

Sound Of R.E.L.S. - Raising My Family
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8gyhbklsF8

catslady said...

I would love to have someone like her in my life - alas, I'm mostly on my own. Apparently I'm the blacksheep in the family lol.

Nancy said...

Lynz, congrats on taking home the rooster! Wasn't this a hilarious post?

I'm with you on the TBR pile. Mine just keeps growing, and it now includes Claudia's latest. I need to just stop buying and just read for a while. Except there are so many authors whose books I don't want to miss. *sigh*

The voice in the Courtesan books is a fabulous one--period but engaging. The books are just great, and they include Native American characters in Regency England, a very clever twist.

Liz Carlyle said...

Well, that was indeed interesting, Lady Dalby! I am not sure, however, precisely who was interviewing whom. (Caren, methinks YOU are being managed.) Perhaps we should all surrender ourselves to the tender mercies of Her Ladyship? Lord knows my life could use some management right about now . . .

Nancy said...

Helen, I wish I were organized enough to read in order of purchase. Unfortunately, the stack is the stack is the stack, and I have no record of what went into it when. And it gets rearranged periodically. I do try to read series in order, though. Drives me nuts that the bookstores don't shelve them that way. Alphabetically by title is easier for them, but not for us completist geeks.

Nancy said...

Hi, Virginia--it's great that you and your sister have such a close relationship.

Nancy said...

Lynz, do keep the rooster busy. He's so messy around the Lair that a stint of cleaning will do him good. He drives Sven nuts when he's here. And don't feel badly--our house is never tidy except on the surface. Too many books!

Nancy said...

Minna, "You've Got a Friend" is a favorite song of mine, too.

Claudia Dain said...

Now, Joan...maybe you did read it right.

If I could be like Sophia in more than just my imagination, maybe I could deal with being a former courtesan. Maybe.

As to the Chico's jacket, why don't you arrange for some man to buy it for you? Everything's available for the right price, and it's essential that you get some one to pay it for you.

;)

Nancy said...

Hi, Michelle--

My mom tended to help when we didn't want her to, at times. Her heart was in the right place, but sometimes doing nothing would've been better. I try to remember this as the boy becomes more independent.

Claudia Dain said...

Catslady, maybe you are the Sophia in their lives and they're keeping their distance out of fear!

LOL

Nancy said...

Blodeuedd, I usually turn to the dh or to some of my longtime friends when I need something.

Nancy said...

Hi, Jane--It's great that you have a cousin you can turn to. My cousins are wonderful people, but we've never stayed in regular contact.

Claudia Dain said...

Oh, and Joan, the perfect man isn't difficult to find. He's the one who will bend to your every whim.

I feel Sophia slipping up on me! She's taking over!

Channeling! Channeling!

Claudia Dain said...

Louisa, that is so nice! I'm flattered to have been the gift for your mom--the books,I mean.

This channeling business has got to stop!

Claudia Dain said...

Nancy, thank you. What a lovely compliment!

Now, get reading!

Claudia Dain said...

Yes, Liz, surrender...surrender...surrender to the power of Lady Dalby. You are in safe hands. Sort of.

Christine Wells said...

Welcome, Claudia, to the Lair! We love to have you with us (and of course, Lady Sophia as well!)

Loved that post. Caren, you are a brave woman to let Lady Sophia near your husband!

Must also say how much I enjoyed your workshop with Sabrina and Deb on writing series. Fabulous!

Christine xx

Pat Cochran said...

Claudia,

Could be a bit of both, I recall
helping my Mother with my sibs
early on, say around age six. Beginning with the twins, who were
# 5 & 6 out of 9, by holding their
bottles for feedings or bringing
diapers for changes. With nine
someone had to help! Can you see
why I only had three? LOL!

Claudia Dain said...

Pat, nine?? And only three?? I have three and I don't say 'only.' LOL

Claudia Dain said...

Christine, thank you! We enjoyed giving that talk.

Elizabeth said...

On one hand, it would be nice if Sophia could match me up with a man who is perfect for me. On the other, she would make me dress up and go to parties. Yuck.

Asylumgirl said...

Not really, thank God! Years ago, my cousin's wife was all up in my business though and it drove me crazy. She did things without asking if I wanted her to and she was one of those people who didn't hesitate to ask for something if she wanted it.

Deidre

Lynz Pickles said...

So here's what happened between the GR and I today:

We did actually get my room cleaned up - well, we sorted the laundry and picked up the books off the floor. Plus we reorganized several bookshelves and divided my TBR pile into two piles so it wouldn't fall over. Then we decided to take a break and check my email. Upon doing this, we learned that I'd won one of the prizepacks from Penguin Canada's And Another Thing... contest. We were so happy about this that we decided to celebrate! But here's where I messed up: I let him mix the drinks.

When I came to again, my ruby bracelet and the car were missing. Then the neighbour called to tell me that her rooster-shaped weathervane had vanished, and that a golden feather was left in its place. Finally, Visa called to say that a five thousand dollar charge made in New York City had appeared on my account. I don't know where he is or what he's doing, but he is SO in trouble the next time I catch him.

Nancy said...

Lynz, so sorry the day didn't turn out as well as it began! But congrats on winning the Penguin prize. We'll ask Demetrius and Marcus to frisk the bird the next time he shows up here. With luck, one of them will drive your car back to you. And they really are quite nice-looking guys, great choices to have pull up in your car.

Joan said...

But here's where I messed up: I let him mix the drinks.

Ahhh...Lynz....it's the way it always begins.....

limecello said...

Hi Claudia! Thanks for visiting with us today!

Guess I'm late to the party :X but oh I turn to tons of people for advice. Parents, my sister, friends, twitter - I like having a variety of ideas and opinions.
But I just don't necessarily take it :P

Congrats on the GR Lynz!

Laurie G said...

Claudia,

Love Sophia!!

I want to read How to Dazzle a Duke!!!!

Supporters :#1 my husband #2 my daughter #3 my sister

Cathy Shouse said...

Claudia,

What a great interview. Lady Sophia is amazing.

I'd love to win the book.

cathy underscore shouse at yahoo dot com.