tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post1555386965493715721..comments2024-03-22T05:18:29.555-04:00Comments on Romance Bandits: The Valentine GiftLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-81634155427665979082008-01-04T10:00:00.000-05:002008-01-04T10:00:00.000-05:00Hi All,I want to echo Jean's comments. It was a g...Hi All,<BR/><BR/>I want to echo Jean's comments. It was a great day and lots of fun. Thank you all so much!<BR/><BR/>Best wishes for a wonderful new year,<BR/><BR/>LindaLinda Cardillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03538455044027582056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-85265150623767324292008-01-04T08:15:00.000-05:002008-01-04T08:15:00.000-05:00Just checking back one last time to tell you all h...Just checking back one last time to tell you all how much I enjoyed the day! You're a fun bunch!<BR/><BR/>All my best,<BR/>JeanJeanBrashearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13187911366581826157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-49860382837593585092008-01-04T00:40:00.000-05:002008-01-04T00:40:00.000-05:00Congrats, Jennifer Y!! Welcome to the Lair, Jean ...Congrats, Jennifer Y!! Welcome to the Lair, Jean and Linda, glad to have you here today.<BR/><BR/>Jean, thanks for the great answer about NASCAR. You've busted my stereotypes. <BR/><BR/>Linda, Dancing on Sunday Afternoons sounds wonderful. I'll be sure to pick it up. <BR/><BR/>Fascinating interviews questions and responses!jo robertsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16824237193217632098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-64508274218708505662008-01-03T23:21:00.001-05:002008-01-03T23:21:00.001-05:00Jean and Linda, you've both been fantastic guests!...Jean and Linda, you've both been fantastic guests! Thank you so much for coming to play in the lair today. <BR/><BR/>And don't forget to check back and see who won the copies of THE VALENTINE GIFT!!!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-82329338087831150982008-01-03T23:21:00.000-05:002008-01-03T23:21:00.000-05:00Anna, aren't genetics a b*tch? I'm from a line of ...Anna, aren't genetics a b*tch? I'm from a line of nice round gemutlich northern European types. We're cuddly in winter which is obviously why we were designed this way. But truly, it's not the fashionable shape du jour! <BR/><BR/>Linda, love the idea of wine at the PTA. I think I could easily fit into that particular community! <BR/><BR/>P226, I think you drawing a heart on a crate is the most romantic thing that's hit this blog today. If I was picking a winner, I'd pick you!!!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-40296789353794512802008-01-03T22:05:00.000-05:002008-01-03T22:05:00.000-05:00Jennifer Y., not only do you snag the rooster, but...Jennifer Y., not only do you snag the rooster, but you won part of the western booty. Congratulations!<BR/><BR/>That was a lovely exchange, ladies. There seem to be so many different ways people come to writing!<BR/><BR/>An ideal Valentine's Day gift for me would be dinner in San Francisco, where we honeymooned. Or in any restaurant with a view. And maybe snow.<BR/><BR/>We don't really make as much over Valentine's Day as we do over the day we met, about a week later. Which made the whole babysitting thing so much easier when the boy was small.<BR/><BR/>p226, I give you credit for drawing the heart. You're probably going to have the most unusual gift anyone reports today, but if your wife loved it, then that's great. I'd love a mint copy of Action Comics #1 if we had the money (which we never will), even though many of our friends would think this really strange.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13705259501965011703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-55639466591150656102008-01-03T21:50:00.000-05:002008-01-03T21:50:00.000-05:00A heart on the crate--well that just does it! LOL...A heart on the crate--well that just does it! LOL...my husband will love this story.<BR/><BR/>It's the thought that counts, right?;)JeanBrashearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13187911366581826157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-58419032973573858462008-01-03T21:48:00.000-05:002008-01-03T21:48:00.000-05:00But, but but.... I drew a heart on the crate!From ...But, but but.... I drew a heart on the crate!<BR/><BR/>From Russia with love......<BR/><BR/>She seemed pleased. And, I'm not ventilated....p226https://www.blogger.com/profile/05502193525250005347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-48351121038209258192008-01-03T21:46:00.000-05:002008-01-03T21:46:00.000-05:00Jean - I think I'll need that diet if I ever want ...Jean - I think I'll need that diet if I ever want to fit into that dress again. Uggh. LOL.<BR/><BR/>Anna - don't mention genetics - the Middle Eastern genes could have me turning into one of those pudding-shaped women dressed in black!Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-27050597844019557612008-01-03T21:15:00.000-05:002008-01-03T21:15:00.000-05:00Anna, I probably didn't have to drink EVERY Riesli...Anna, I probably didn't have to drink EVERY Riesling to be able to describe the essence of the wine, but it certainly made the research phase entertaining. I was amazed at how great a role wine plays in the culture of the Rheingau. I remember my first PTA meeting at my daughter's nursery school. After the preliminary business and the coffee and the cake, the director of the school brought out the wine at 5 p.m. and we mothers continued our discussion. On Sunday afternoons, while the children climbed on the jungle gym in the park, the local vintners took turns hosting the wine tasting stand right next door.<BR/><BR/>I agree with you completely that much of what we discover in our research doesn't directly end up in the book, but gives our stories the "telling details" that make them so distinct. <BR/><BR/>I am even more intrigued by your new book now. Can't wait to read it!<BR/><BR/>Thank you all for such a stimulating and wide-ranging day!Linda Cardillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03538455044027582056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-39380377391674880192008-01-03T21:13:00.000-05:002008-01-03T21:13:00.000-05:00Jean and Anna, what a gorgeous story! I love the w...Jean and Anna, what a gorgeous story! I love the way people in this business pass the torch on. And Jean, don't shut up on our behalf. We love to hear from you ;-) I'm so glad Linda brought you along as her New Year's surprise! It's been a hoot having both of you in the lair. And Jean, congratulations on losing all that weight. I must say I've just given in to genes and the forces of nature ;-)Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-25684413425313281052008-01-03T20:47:00.000-05:002008-01-03T20:47:00.000-05:00Okay...one more thing from me, then I'm shutting u...Okay...one more thing from me, then I'm shutting up! Anna, I just found the photo of you and me from GH night, and I wanted to thank you again for it. That was an amazing dress you had--va va voom!JeanBrashearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13187911366581826157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-82157691676336701372008-01-03T20:37:00.000-05:002008-01-03T20:37:00.000-05:00Beth, thank you so much for the picture, even if I...Beth, thank you so much for the picture, even if I'm ouching over my waistline--ack! I look much better now, thank heavens--wish I could have a picture do-over, but you look fabulous, as you did that night.<BR/><BR/>If anyone wants to talk about a great diet, I'm game because I found one that has done wonders for me. I'd been my high school weight for most of my life, but the last several years, the pounds crept on. Having grown up skinny and able to eat anything I wanted, I never learned how to manage my weight--and when I did, nothing ever seemed to work, however much I worked out or starved myself.<BR/><BR/>But I started this one right before Thanksgiving (smooth move, huh? Yep, I'm a certified genius--not.) In 2 weeks, I was already psyched because it was working so well, and by now, 7 weeks later, I've lost 5 inches from my waist, almost 4 from my hips, 12 pounds and 3 percent body fat. I feel like myself again!JeanBrashearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13187911366581826157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-86517210612143938192008-01-03T20:13:00.000-05:002008-01-03T20:13:00.000-05:00Anna, he continues to be that wonderful--I'm not s...Anna, he continues to be that wonderful--I'm not sure how I got so lucky in life (but I'm not giving him back, whether or not I deserve him!)<BR/><BR/>You are too kind in your remarks--you wouldn't be where you are without your own sheer guts and determination (as well as talent) and I hope that when the day comes, as I know it will, you'll give yourself huge pat on the back.<BR/><BR/>It still blows my mind that the RT folks let me teach that day and a half class for Stella, since I was unpublished myself and had been writing barely a year! It was strictly on her faith in me and strong recommendation, but it was a terrifying 36 hours (all the notice I had in advance) trying to put together a class (Stella had no notes for me to use as she teaches off the cuff because she knows her subject so well) on my own. Without Carol B. (how I miss her!) and Harold Lowry dropping in as guest speakers, I would have been too scared for words! <BR/><BR/>RT wasn't doing it on total faith, though--Kathryn attended the first part of the class herself to be sure I wasn't screwing everything up--I knew I'd made headway when she felt good enough to leave. It's pretty hilarious (and scary) now, to think of it, since I can't tell you to this day, with 17 books under my belt, how I do what I do--and I dang sure didn't know then! I'm totally a fly-into-the mist writer. Something to be said for the bliss of ignorance.;)<BR/><BR/>But it all worked out, I was very fortunate to receive wonderful feedback--and best of all, to meet a new friend in Anna!JeanBrashearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13187911366581826157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-49667733753607433202008-01-03T20:11:00.000-05:002008-01-03T20:11:00.000-05:00No problem, Jean. I've changed my name since that ...No problem, Jean. I've changed my name since that night (and of course, I've changed my hair style several times) *g* I sent you the picture!<BR/><BR/>Thanks again to you and Linda for being here and to Anna for a wonderful interview :-)Beth Andrewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01204356784898045866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-49896248172763377712008-01-03T19:40:00.001-05:002008-01-03T19:40:00.001-05:00Awww Flchen1 - how lovely. Mine proposed with a po...Awww Flchen1 - how lovely. Mine proposed with a poem he'd written! It was the first and last he'd ever written.<BR/><BR/>Yes - Jean and I have known each other a long time ... since the RT Conference that was held in Baton Rouge. All writers have very special people who inspire them and motivate them, who encourage them to take that leap of faith and to struggle on even when the going is tough.<BR/><BR/>Well, Jean is one of my very special people. She gave the first writer's workshop I ever went to, she encouraged me then and has been an inspiration ever since! I truly would not be writing without Jean. [okay, Jean - gushing over ;)]<BR/><BR/>Now for that special story. Jean had been asked to step in and give part of the course because Stella Cameron had injured her ankle. So, along with the late Carol Backus (aka Suzanne Barclay), she set out to help us total newbies get started. It was, and still is, one of the best courses I've ever done.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, part way through one of her sessions, Jean was reading excerpts to illustrate her point, when she stopped suddenly, blushed and giggled. She then explained that her lovely hubby had put sticky notes in her books telling her he loved her - so she'd see them when she gave her course. *sigh* What a guy.Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-23727407897439190902008-01-03T19:40:00.000-05:002008-01-03T19:40:00.000-05:00Linda and Jean, welcome to the Lair! So good to ha...Linda and Jean, welcome to the Lair! So good to have you both here. I've enjoyed your comments about research and NASCAR. I'm more intrigued by research, even though I live in North Carolina - NASCAR central! *g*<BR/><BR/>As for Valentine's Day, it is not a holiday we hold dear at our home. It would be lovely, though, just as a treat to run away as Crystal said, to the mountains with my husband! It's always nice not to have to be the taxi service and ATM for the teenagers for a couple of days. *g*Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-71842809170173507872008-01-03T17:23:00.000-05:002008-01-03T17:23:00.000-05:00Congrats, Jennifer Y!Thanks, Linda and Jean, for t...Congrats, Jennifer Y!<BR/><BR/>Thanks, Linda and Jean, for the great interview! And you've got some diverse writing under your belts! :)<BR/><BR/>My ideal Valentine's gift would probably be something like a surprise night away with my husband, with someone we trust watching the kids. I'd also love a heartfelt card or letter or something along those lines.<BR/><BR/>When we got engaged, my husband gave me a journal he'd kept of our relationship up until that day, and it's one of the most precious gifts I've ever received. :)Fedorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10879033776125666713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-7353902758215244172008-01-03T17:22:00.000-05:002008-01-03T17:22:00.000-05:00My idea of a perfect Valentine's gift is a getaway...My idea of a perfect Valentine's gift is a getaway to a mountain cabin.CrystalGBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16613282698726922126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-5148437011717875412008-01-03T17:15:00.000-05:002008-01-03T17:15:00.000-05:00I thought about this question all day while at wor...I thought about this question all day while at work, I don't think I have an ideal valentine gift. I am pretty much happy with what I get no matter what. My bf has a tendency to give sparkly things for all holidays and gotta say that ain't shabby!hrdwrkdmom aka Diannahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12520769151419586319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-82826299013482696212008-01-03T17:14:00.000-05:002008-01-03T17:14:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.CrystalGBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16613282698726922126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-14753539300569214632008-01-03T17:04:00.001-05:002008-01-03T17:04:00.001-05:00Beth, hi! So sorry I didn't realize you were here...Beth, hi! So sorry I didn't realize you were here! I don't have a copy of that photo--would you mind sending it to me? jean@jeanbrashear.com <BR/><BR/>Anna, hey! So glad you showed up (and yes, I know your dear hubby would give you the call in a heartbeat--what a great guy he is.) If you want to tell about Baton Rouge, please do. I still get a kick out of thinking how long we've known each other!JeanBrashearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13187911366581826157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-46894416217167189712008-01-03T17:04:00.000-05:002008-01-03T17:04:00.000-05:00Linda, good to see you suffering for your art - sn...Linda, good to see you suffering for your art - snork! Come on, fess up. Did you REALLY have to taste all those rieslings? <BR/><BR/>Actually the strange thing with research is often very little of it actually goes holus bolus into the books. But if I know what I'm talking about, I sound like I know what I'm talking about and I think that really adds to the story. You know the iceberg principle about 90% of what you research has to stay below the waterline. As it turned out, most of what I found out about asylums, etc., didn't end up in Untouched but it gave me an understanding of Matthew's dilemmas that I hope fed into the richness of his character. <BR/><BR/>Anna, I hope you get your Call Valentine's this year!!!!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-13575871607078930142008-01-03T16:49:00.000-05:002008-01-03T16:49:00.000-05:00Like Jean, I sometimes wander down unexpected path...Like Jean, I sometimes wander down unexpected paths when I get absorbed in research. I like to draw upon individuals with a particular kind of experience and tap into what they know. Because I haven't yet blown anyone up in one of my books, the research tends to be along the lines of "local color." I interviewed someone who had spent her childhood in Warsaw to recreate the home and daily life of the Marek family in my novella, and I also got to delve into the last twenty years of Riesling vintages (including the absolute necessity of tasting those wines!) in order to describe them with authenticity.<BR/><BR/>I'm also about to shadow a local restaurant owner to get the behind-the-scenes nitty-gritty (and maybe sample a few house specialties)for my latest book.<BR/><BR/>I'm often amazed at where I wind up and what texture I'm able to add to my work. It's all part of doing what I love, and I feel blessed to be doing it.Linda Cardillohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03538455044027582056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-65514805665284210602008-01-03T16:44:00.000-05:002008-01-03T16:44:00.000-05:00Jean - can I share that lovely story of what your ...Jean - can I share that lovely story of what your hubby did for you on that course you ran in Baton Rouge, where we met?Anna Sugdenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02015356374453032571noreply@blogger.com