tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post6856026416413382523..comments2024-03-22T05:18:29.555-04:00Comments on Romance Bandits: Claudia Dain On Courtesans, Careers and GauchosLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-5959056084259515892007-10-06T09:31:00.000-04:002007-10-06T09:31:00.000-04:00Thanks for having me, Banditas. I had a rip-roarin...Thanks for having me, Banditas. I had a rip-roaring good time here. Good luck to all of us in our fashion and our writing!Claudia Dainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07018678621098546704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-66133309936796616292007-10-05T23:10:00.000-04:002007-10-05T23:10:00.000-04:00Hey, Claudia Dain! Thank you for hanging out with ...Hey, Claudia Dain! Thank you for hanging out with us today. You're a fun chick! The kind of chick I would like to have a long, gossipy lunch with every other week. ;-)Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-82044238419769526012007-10-05T23:09:00.000-04:002007-10-05T23:09:00.000-04:00Joanie T, blue cat-eye frames? I want to see a pic...Joanie T, blue cat-eye frames? I want to see a picture! That and Sabrina's Bo Derek braids. Oh, my, we may have to have a Banditas of Yesteryear photo blog one of these Wild Weekends...Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-65728943831432891142007-10-05T22:25:00.000-04:002007-10-05T22:25:00.000-04:00Hello, Claudia. Welcome to the lair!It's a good th...Hello, Claudia. Welcome to the lair!<BR/><BR/>It's a good thing I got paid today because this weekend I'm going to Borders to buy ALL these books including yours! Can't wait to read it.<BR/><BR/>I'm all for having an agent but have not yet found the one who LOVES my work enough.I query them on a rotating basis but have decided to also query some editors. <BR/><BR/>One relatively new agent sent me an out of the blue request for my GH mss. last August. Wanted the full right away...and I've not heard a peep since then. Has not answered three separate status requests..nothing. I pretty much know from this we would not be a good fit. <BR/><BR/>As to fashion faux pas? Mine happened at a very tender age but it has stuck with me all this time.<BR/><BR/>I was twelve and having to go into the hospital for spinal surgery. In "those days" you went in the night before. I begged my Mom for this pair of hip hugger/mid-driff pajamas. (I was TWELVE...I didn't HAVE a middriff yet!) But they were cool....had psychedelic "LOVE" and "PEACE" pattern all over it. My Mom gave in because (I think) I was having surgery and if it made me happy.<BR/><BR/>I thought I was so hot. Then the surgeon's young intern came in to see me. HE was hot (at least to a 12 year old's mind) and I immediately became embarrassed and asked for a hospital gown.<BR/><BR/>(sigh)<BR/><BR/>Oh and besides blue eyeshadow don't forget blue cat-eye glasses! I swore I would ALWAYS have blue frames.....Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12566704374877697300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-56328823467538915372007-10-05T21:16:00.000-04:002007-10-05T21:16:00.000-04:00Hi Claudia! Great interview! I think your book so...Hi Claudia! Great interview! I think your book sounds so good. <BR/><BR/>My worst fashion mistake...wearing tight, white, thin cotton pants with an extra long panty liner (sanitary napkin). I was at a party and my sister pulled me aside to tell me that you could see it in the back. Well, there was absolutely nothing I could do about so I quickly became a wallflower. lolKammiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00183089224990431099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-35631947490656970562007-10-05T20:19:00.000-04:002007-10-05T20:19:00.000-04:00I really, really, REALLY believe that having an ag...I really, really, REALLY believe that having an agent is the way to go. Really. Part of it is that an agent knows the ins and outs of the publishing houses, the various personalities, in a way that you likely don't. I also believe that it's easier to let someone else handle the rough stuff. An agent negotiates contracts if not daily, then weekly. Experience breeds expertise.<BR/><BR/>If you still want to go agentless and negotiate your own contract, everything is negotiable. The only question is whether they'll negotiate it for *you.* Big question! <BR/><BR/>The key to any negotiation is your willingness to walk away from the deal. Is it a deal breaker? You have to decide that before you even start. Are you really, really, REALLY willing to walk away from this contract and see the book go unpubbed by this publisher if your demands aren't met? <BR/><BR/>Most authors aren't, and for good reason. It's hard to get an offer. Most authors will agree to anything to get pubbed. <BR/><BR/>But at some point, there is a time to know what your personal deal breaker is. It may not be now. But it had better be sometime. Authors who will agree to anything, who will take anything, get very little. <BR/><BR/>Have I always been this confident? Pretty much. LOL It's not so much confidence as knowing where my line in the sand is. I won't cross it. I won't let you cross it either. <BR/><BR/>Can you learn it? Absolutely. But you have to be willing to take the hits. Publishing *is* a bloodsport. You're going to get bloody. The point is, are you going to win?Claudia Dainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07018678621098546704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-29445490860392148302007-10-05T20:15:00.000-04:002007-10-05T20:15:00.000-04:00Great interview, Caren and Claudia. A good mix of ...Great interview, Caren and Claudia. A good mix of fun stuff and wise advise. Claudia, I love the cover of the new book. I think they did an excellent job artistically.Trish Milburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08812010789617982102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-72236739957542794632007-10-05T18:52:00.000-04:002007-10-05T18:52:00.000-04:00Hi Claudia!Thanks so much for being a Bandita for ...Hi Claudia!<BR/><BR/>Thanks so much for being a Bandita for the day!<BR/><BR/>And Caren, you just pat your bubbly self right on the back you Posh Pimp Ho you. Great Interview!<BR/><BR/>Let's see--fashion--well, I've always leaned toward the artsy theatre, music and drama sort of independent swishy skirt goth look, so I've never been a fashion slave. I've had my bad moments I guess--the big hair in the early 80s would probably be the worst. I have a LOT of hair. It's long and straight now, but in the early 80s it was layered and permed. I was in a Miss America preliminary pageant and I made the mistake of letting the small town hairstylist "do" me before I went out for the evening gown competition. I came back in, looked in the mirror and could only make little squeaking sounds. She'd given me a teased boufant. I swear. They'd called us and I'd gone running out there--with hair that was taller than I was. OMG.<BR/><BR/>Claudia, your self confidence is something I SOOOOOO envy. It seems to be a natural part of your life--from you fashion sense to your publishing career. How'd you do that? Were you born that way? Was there a learning curve? I take your comments to heart--this is my philosphy anyhow, but it helps to have others reminding me of it. I'd love to hand my career right over, but I know I can't do it. Thanks for those words.Cassondrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07420982030156788059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-50169815719610028752007-10-05T18:36:00.000-04:002007-10-05T18:36:00.000-04:00Claudia, GREAT to have you here in the lair! I'm v...Claudia, GREAT to have you here in the lair! <BR/><BR/>I'm very interested in your agent/editor experiences since I'm about to negotiate my own first contract ON MY OWN. Is it true that certain parts of a contract are non-negotiable? And how do I know which parts those are? For example, I know Harlequin NEVER negotiates on advances. They have a "schedule" and they will not vary from it. Any expertise you can share would be greatly appreciated!<BR/><BR/>As for Aunty's worst fashion faux pas -- 2 words, Hot Pants. Like tube tops (which I NEVER attempted), did these EVER look good on ANYONE? I was even young (VERY young) and skinny when I wore them and still cringe at the photos.<BR/><BR/>ACLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-50170298177923978822007-10-05T18:18:00.000-04:002007-10-05T18:18:00.000-04:00Loved the interview - I am not a fashion plate by ...Loved the interview - I am not a fashion plate by any means, but leg warmers, those huge slouch socks, and big hair...shudder!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12106829492675090449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-87973548792804733082007-10-05T18:10:00.000-04:002007-10-05T18:10:00.000-04:00Deb Marlowe, THANK YOU. It's not easy writing the ...Deb Marlowe, THANK YOU. It's not easy writing the Great American Romance Novel, but someone had to do it, right? *G*Claudia Dainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07018678621098546704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-63318894337875769412007-10-05T17:50:00.000-04:002007-10-05T17:50:00.000-04:00Forgot to say that I am halfway through the Great ...Forgot to say that I am halfway through the Great American Romance Novel of all time and LOVING IT! <BR/><BR/>Yay Claudia!Deb Marlowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09088536848274738995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-78448560901726967462007-10-05T17:49:00.000-04:002007-10-05T17:49:00.000-04:00Hey, fashion faux pas...not a faux pas if A) it's ...Hey, fashion faux pas...not a faux pas if A) it's in style and B) it looks good on you. I will defend this position to the death. <BR/><BR/>To the death!<BR/><BR/>As to Bloodsport and all that business stuff, I really, really believe every word coming out of my mouth. *G* I love both my agent and my editor and I assume they adore me in return. But business is business. My editor can get cut throat during contract negotiations, in fact, I expect her to, but once the dust has settled it's back to ooey gooey, "You're the best!" "No, YOU'RE the best!" <BR/><BR/>Her business is to keep the money in the firm. <BR/><BR/>My business is to squeeze as much money as I can out of them. <BR/><BR/>Business.Claudia Dainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07018678621098546704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-3501826444118789192007-10-05T17:48:00.000-04:002007-10-05T17:48:00.000-04:00Caren--you are not alone. I refuse to believe th...Caren--you are not alone. I refuse to believe that my shoulder pads and big hair were a fashion faux pas. I looked good in the 80s, ladies, let me have my memories. :-) hee hee<BR/><BR/>Now, the long, peach colored polyester gown a la Marsha Brady that I wore to the elementary school Bicentennial celebration--that I will admit was a mistake. :-)Deb Marlowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09088536848274738995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-9760128877879118472007-10-05T17:36:00.000-04:002007-10-05T17:36:00.000-04:00I don't really have one. Maybe a pseudo-one... Onc...I don't really have one. Maybe a pseudo-one... Once I bouhgt platforms... 6 years ago in an orange colour and everyone thought I was crazy (I had bought them in France!) and then 3 years after... they were all over the scene... so it was not a fashion-pax after all :)Lilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16245892606482774038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-80013690975890671862007-10-05T17:35:00.000-04:002007-10-05T17:35:00.000-04:00Fashion faux pas... Once I wnt to a soiree all cas...Fashion faux pas... Once I wnt to a soiree all casual with jeans, when everyone was dressed to perfection in suits.Nathaliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14127290110025040083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-21001857952318391002007-10-05T16:56:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:56:00.000-04:00I loved the interview and this book sounds delicou...I loved the interview and this book sounds delicously yummy and I will be putting it on my next order from Rendzvous can't wait to read it.<BR/>Fashion well lets say I am built for comfort not fashion and have been since I was very young I was a teenager in the 70's and I would sew sequince and sparkly things on everything I wore lots of glitter etc fun days.<BR/>Have Fun<BR/>HelenHelenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03984438742736003285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-43500677508754564452007-10-05T16:51:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:51:00.000-04:00Welcome to the Lair, Claudia! Great interview, Ca...Welcome to the Lair, Claudia! Great interview, Caren. :> Had to laugh about the fashion faux pas. Christie, I have the same problem. I looked like a defensive front lineman when shoulder pads were in. I used to take them out as soon as I got home from the store with a jacket or shirt. Andrea, those leggings are baaaaaaack, so watch out! Gosh, hate to admit it, but short of the tube top - my mother would NOT allow them anywhere near the cart, much less the house - I've pretty much hit all the fashion no-no's. SO had to snork over the comment about "Just 'cause they make it in your size..." Wicking Wicked Witch Waist Huggers. OMG. The mental picture. Capris = stork-look-a-like on me. Worst possible 1980's product? Quianna knit. Bleeeech. <BR/><BR/>Claudia, to be serious for just a brief moment, I loved the comments on Publishing as a blood sport. I totally agree about it being "You, Inc." even if you love your editor and agent, it's about good business sense!<BR/><BR/>Fun post, gals!Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-56059709657987873372007-10-05T16:34:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:34:00.000-04:00Tawny, the kind of parachute pants that swished wh...Tawny, the kind of parachute pants that swished when you walked and your thighs brushed together? *g* My brother had those. Come to think of it, I think he had some Hammer Pants, too!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-57467298719103995032007-10-05T16:29:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:29:00.000-04:00Thanks for the fabulous chat, Claudia! I love the...Thanks for the fabulous chat, Claudia! I love the agent/editor info and am off to listen to your talk on Publishing as a Bloodsport! I could use the info *g*.<BR/><BR/>As for fashion faux pax... hmm, parachute pants come to mind. Tie dyed, at that.Tawnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14076851566613018105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-76214699498059915272007-10-05T16:28:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:28:00.000-04:00Donna, are you saying you would use the tube top t...Donna, are you saying you would use the tube top to store, say, a Sig Sauer? *eg*Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-92175240982842629492007-10-05T16:19:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:19:00.000-04:00Well - I liked those shoulder pads. Granted they m...Well - I liked those shoulder pads. Granted they made most women look like linebackers for the NFL, but they worked wonders with small children. I'm talking pillows, not intimidation - though I supposed that helped as well.<BR/><BR/>Tube tops on voluptuous women? Why that just creates handy storage possibilites *g*Donna MacMeanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10310857800824141312noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-25289920358898263712007-10-05T16:08:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:08:00.000-04:00Welcome to the Lair, Claudia! Wonderful interview!...Welcome to the Lair, Claudia! Wonderful interview! I am absolutely going to run out and buy your book (do you hear me running?)<BR/><BR/>Ah...fashion faux pas...where do I start? Stir up pants? Or how about when I was a teen and bleached my dark hair - but only about an inch over my ears? Yes, the look was...unusual. Or maybe the time (yes, back in the 80's) when colored mascara became popular. Little did I know you were only to use the electric blue mascara on the TIPS of your eyelashes, not coat them entirely :-)Beth Andrewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01204356784898045866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-16704186261838631092007-10-05T16:01:00.000-04:002007-10-05T16:01:00.000-04:00(ahem) I respectfully disagree with everyone on th...(ahem) I respectfully disagree with everyone on this blog about shoulder pads in the 80s! I may be the lone, narrow-shouldered person in the bunch (though Trish may have my back on this one) that actually benefitted from shoulder pads. <BR/><BR/>I have wide hips, a small waist and narrow shoulders. Think about it. The shoulder pads balanced it out for me. I'm sure you people with great shoulders lamented the Decade Of the Shoulder Pad, but I loved it!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-53053024350830220462007-10-05T15:30:00.000-04:002007-10-05T15:30:00.000-04:00Great interview Claudia!! It sounds like a great b...Great interview Claudia!! It sounds like a great book. The shoulder pads were awful. Those skinny jeans ( not made for my poor body).Stacy Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00057427848452822949noreply@blogger.com