In Celebration...

It was May 4, 2007 when our lovely Caren Crane aka Posh T. posted our very first "live" blog that included a picture of the dashing masked bandit Zorro, and invited everyone to come and hang out with us in the Bandit Lair. We'd been tossing around ideas and trying to figure out what to do in this crazy world of cyberspace for a couple of months before, and decided to take the plunge and see what happened.

We were all astounded and grateful at the enthusiastic response. Since then, we've endeavored to share bits and pieces of our writing and our lives with our blog readers. We've brought in many different kinds of guests, played games, celebrated successes, and sympathized with challenges and hardships.

But throughout these past three years, the thing that has made this effort worthwhile and successful beyond our wildest dreams has been you -- OUR READERS! Day after day, year after year, you have continued to amaze and amuse us. And you've give us the two most important gifts of all: YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION!

So in celebration of our third year of blogging, Aunty asked some of our long-time, frequent commenters what being a Bandita Buddy meant to them.

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Dianna aka Hrdwrkdmom aka MizMacgyver

Woot! It only seems like yesterday that I wandered in from the cold outreaches of the "net" and found myself cozied up in the Lair. It was like a homecoming to me. I visit the lair every morning before work and every evening when I come home. I don't always comment because, well, I just don't always have something to say...LOL

I have always loved to read but until meeting the Banditas I didn't realize the trials and tribulations authors have to go through to get a book in my hot little hand. I admire all of the Banditas, the published and yet to be published, the latter for their perseverance in attaining their goals. I don't know what I would do without the Banditas to check in with every day. What topic is going on the blog, who has another book coming out, who won what, what is happening in each Bandita's corner of the world. The "Lair" is an exciting place to be.

One of the biggest thrills of my life to date was getting to meet some of the Banditas (and the GR) in person. I hyperventilated for a week, then the great day came and I was a basket case, I dressed three times, I messed with my freshly curled hair until, sadly, it wasn't curled anymore! I put on make-up! Believe me, that is an occurence that doesn't happen every day. When I walked in the restaurant and was asked if I was with the Golden Rooster, wow, no words can describe that feeling.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am with the Golden Rooster."

Following the hostess back to the table I wanted to rush ahead, and then there they were, 4 Banditas in all their glory, another homecoming. Hugs all around and getting seated and me grinning like the Cheshire Cat the whole time. I had fan girl written all over me and didn't care one bit.

The Banditas are "good people" as my grandmother would have said. They are warm, compassionate people that happen to have an amazing talent. They don't sit and just write words, they put a little of themselves and their personalities into every story and in each "blog". They reach out and make every person that visits feel as if they are sitting in their own kitchen having a cuppa and chatting about whatever subject feels good that day. Where else can you go to get that feeling?

I visit every day because the Banditas need to know they are my heroines, their talents are appreciated, and the world is better because they care. When a person posts on the blog, that post is responded to, always. The Banditas acknowledge each and every person that posts, they want you to know you were noticed, no slipping in the back door and slipping out again. A personalized blog, who would of thunk it?

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Helen in Oz

What being a Bandita Buddy means to me?

It means friendship fun and laughter. I have visited pretty much everyday and there is usually a very good reason why I don't get there on a daily basis.

I was first introduced to the Bandits by The Incomparable FoAnna Anna Campbell whom I had "met" on another forum just before CTC was released. I will always be grateful for the friends I have made since visiting The Bandits. I have won many fantastic books and my massive TBR Pile has grown to mountainous proportions! Thanks to all of the wonderful Guest authors I have met along the way and the recomendations from The Bandits and Bandita Buddies.

And of course there's The Golden Rooster who has become such a wonderful pet to look after here and there and eat me out of Tim Tams LOL.

To each and every one of The Bandits and Bandita Buddies who have listened to me talk about my wonderful grandchildren and family, thank you for 3 wonderful years and here's to many many more.

I have just about all of your books that have been published and look forward to the day that I will have books from everyone of you. It will happen, you are all wonderful writers! I love visiting and hearing about all the interesting things that you and the guest bloggers all talk about.

I have been lucky enough to meet FoAnna in person a few times now and I look forward to meeting every one of you one day. You never know your luck in a big City and I buy lottery tickets every week so there is a chance! LOL.

There will also be another Australian Romance Readers Convention here in Sydney in 2011 and maybe some of you will be able to make it down under.

Huge congrats to you all on your 3rd anniversary!

Way to go, Ladies!

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Jane in NYC

Congrats on the third anniversary of the Romance Bandits blog. I wish I were more articulate and could write something poetic. It's a fun place to hang out and chat about books, movies and celebrities. I think the lyrics to the Cheers theme helps describe what being a Bandita Buddy is like.

Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.

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TerriO

When Aunty Cindy offered me the chance to take part in this blog, I instantly said yes. I was so fortunate to find this lovely group more than two years ago. I was new to writing and in the midst of a chaotic life. But I knew that every morning I could come here, read something funny or uplifting (usually both!) and my day would start with a smile.

The Lair is always ready for a celebration or to lift us when we’re down. But most of all, this group inspires me to keep going, to keep reaching for that dream of publication. I’ve worked in several different industries, but never found a community as generous as that of Romance writers. I am honored to be a Bandita Buddy and look forward to sharing many more years of fun and dreaming with the Romance Bandits.

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Patty PJ Ausdenmore

Wow! Three years already? It hardly seems possible. Cindy asked what being a Bandita Buddy means to me. At the beginning, I would have told you it meant starting, and usually ending, each day with a smile, discovering new authors and chatting with Bandits and fellow readers. Those facts are still true but over the years it's grown to mean much more.

Being a BB means gaining treasured friends; women who encourage, support and celebrate my achievements as well as each others. Yes, the daily smiles are still there along with chuckles and, sometimes, full-out belly laughs and I'm still being introduced to the fantastic authors who continue to feed my enormous to-be-read stash of books, not to mention all those books contributed by the talent that resides in the Lair.

But, most importantly, for me, being a BB means having a circle of women (and a few men), from across the world, who come together daily, in a warm and welcoming environment, to share a slice of life with friends.

Here's to the talented, gracious, wonderful women of the Lair! Congratulations on your third anniversary. Cento anni di salute e felicità! Wishing you 100 years of health and happiness!
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Thanks to Dianna, Helen, Jane, TerriO, and PJ for all your kind sentiments!

The Banditas and the Lair truly would not exist without the continued support of ALL our readers! Please share a favorite memory from the past three years. Or tell us what being a Bandita Buddy means to you!

We have a truly ginormous list of prizes to give away today!

An autographed copy of My Reckless Surrender (when released)
An autographed copy of Something Scandalous
A Romance Bandits journal
An autographed copy of The Seduction of a Duke
A Dark and Delicious gift package --autographed copies of Dark and Dangerous and Dark and Deadly and some dark chocolate.
An autographed copy of Heartbreak River
A Romance Bandits magnet and post-it notes
An autographed copy of The Treasures of Venice
An autographed copy of Blazing Bedtime Stories
Golden Rooster pin and ear rings
An autographed copy of Sweetest Little Sin
An autographed copy of Do You Take This Cop?

All you have to do to be eligible to win a prize is leave a comment!

And HUGE THANX from all us Banditas for making our three years THE GREATEST!

The Golden Rooster Family Reunion

Ah! What’s this? A postmark from St. Poulet? A missive from my sainted maman, no doubt. The poor chicken. She worries so. I am the only of her chicks to pursue life on such a—how shall we say?—grand scale. Dancing along the knife edge of danger is not for everyone, oui? But it must come as a particular shock when held against the lives chosen by that clutch of spectacular dullards with whom I was hatched. So, alors, I shall read her little letter then compose a reply which shall put her pretty head at ease.

My dearest son,

Ah, you see? Dearest? I am her favorite still!

I hope this note finds you well.

If you consider lying in wait on the decks of a private yacht anchored near St. Tropez well, then yes, I am. Indeed.

I know that you are very busy in your international business.

Business which I shall endeavor to wrap up as soon as a certain wily adversary shows himself above deck. Any minute, I expect. Any minute….

Oh yes, yes. I know there are many roads to cross to be as successful as you are but it is a mother’s hope that you will spare some time for your maman and…many of your other relatives.

Ah, my quarry appears! I crouch and….I spring! And karate CHOP and jujitsu KICK and a slash-slash-slash of the…

Un moment. Relatives?

Yes my boy, it is that time once more. Time for our family reunion.

Sacred bleu!

Cousin Delta is hosting it at the old family homestead in St. Poulet, LA. Ah my, the flock has spread far from the coop but all are making an extraordinary effort to attend.

But of course. My ne’er-do-well relations would sooner surrender to the Colonel himself than forsake the chance to importune me for favors, money, liquor and women.

I know you will not disappoint, ma petite.

I shall not, maman! Though it shall try my patience exceedingly to rub feathers with my déclassé brood-mates for even that short time.

It will be June 30th well before the celebration of Independence when all poultry of worth seclude themselves away from the dangers of deep fryers.

You will attend and make this mother proud.

With all my love, my little hatchling,

Maman

And so I begin the long journey back to the broken shell of my youth. To St. Poulet.

Two weeks later…..

A lone vehicle maneuvers its way down SunnySide Up lane, past rows of rice fields to a dilapidated brick mansion.
Bypassing the house, the driver steers down a dirt road to the rear of the property.

Oh, these cursed country two-tracks with their paint-eating gravel! What it is doing to my new coupe!

Aghast, I look at the rusted wire fence beneath spreading oak trees. The din is already more than my nerves can stand.

“Yoohoo! Cousin!”

The squawk makes me cringe. With the fortitude for which I am renowned I step out of the vehicle and (dear Lord) am enveloped in the wings of Cousin Delta.

Normally I have not the slightest objection to being seized to a woman’s breast but merde, ma cousine, a little air? A minor application of pressure at the wing-joint and, ah, sweet oxygen!

“Bonjour, Delta. You have not changed a bit, my dear.” A most unfortunate circumstance, that.

“Why mess with perfection?” she laughs, with a saucy twitch of her considerable tail feathers.

“Why, indeed?”

“You ain’t changed much, either, cuz.” She jabs a wing tip into my chest. “No more meat on your breastbone than when you left.”

“Yes, well, an excellent diet and a dedication to the martial arts—“

“And your coxcomb still does that weird thing. Har! Har!”

My wings fly up to my head and….sacred bleu! Ah, this accursed humidity! I have not suffered this particular indignity since my late and unlamented youth here on the family compound. I have done well to shake the dust of this place from my feed scratchers years ago. Perhaps my impressive physique and accomplishments will distract the flock from this most unfortunate nod to history? A rooster can hope, can he not?

But duty first. “Delta, my beauty. Where is Maman?”

“Oh! Your sister’s here. Yoohoo! Junebug! Over here!”

Ahhh, my sister. Elder by two eggs. The pecking order always took on a new meaning when she was around. “Bonjour, Junebug.”

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so glad you came! When Mama said you might, I almost busted a gut, I was so excited. I can't wait for you to tell me about your world travels.”

“Vraiment? Shall I begin with Paris or Prague?”

“I always dreamed of getting out of this stuffy old coop.”

“Budapest is lovely this time of year.”

“But...well.. .you know, along came Spur.”

Spur? That bow-legged, self-styled, one-rooster Elvis tribute? She married him?

“Now I have Cogburn and Auspice and Augustus (you remember, the twins?) and Octavia, Sebastian and Putt Putt to chase around."

Good heavens.

*sigh* "I don't suppose I'll ever get off the farm now..." *sniff*

Zut alors! Not to be uncharitable but have you considered keeping your drumsticks together once in a while? I pat her wing sympathetically and scan the yard for the nearest exit. Or at least something shiny. Junebug’s attention span is not her most formidable trait.

Suddenly a long silver limo pulls up outside the hen house. The driver, complete in uniform hurries around to open the door, and who should step out, but cousin Delilah, the madame of the best little henhouse in Texas, dressed in her Coco Channel suit, dark glasses and big hat, she kisses her driver and joins us.

"Hey, y'all, it's been ages since I've been back to see y'all! Hey Junebug, how're all those little chicks? And Delta, lovely as evah!"

Delilah lifts one brow, shakes her tail feathers and saunters toward me...

"Well, well, well, I do declare, if it isn't the Golden One himself.”

I incline my coxcomb graciously. I have a small fondness for Delilah as her hen house is the site of some of the—how to put it delicately—more memorable incidents in an otherwise unremarkable youth. “In the flesh, madame.”

“So, what have you been up to these days, ya old fake frenchie you!"

Fake frenchie, indeed! It seems my original plan—doing my familial duty with as much haste as decent manners allow—is a sound one. But as the finest tail feathers in the entire parish fall under Delilah’s purview, I muster the strength to do the pretty. “Nothing of note,” I say. “But I feel certain you’ve been leading life a merry chase.” She brays out that rough, two-packs-a-day laugh of hers.

“Ain’t I just! I got this new girl—prime bit of thigh-meat, see? Lord, she’s a pistol…”

I lean in, intrigued for the first time all day, but then a dilapidated yellow bus rolls into the yard. It sputters to a stop, belching exhaust fumes from its rear. The antiquated bus driver down the steps and holds out a hand to an elderly hen.

"Git yer cotton-pickin' paw offen me, you smarmy fella," she snarls, leaping to the ground with surprising grace for one so ancient.

I freeze. I am terrified of Great Granny Henster, and rooster enough to admit it. GG is tiny, fierce and extraordinarily rude. She has been, in the lamentable past, particularly cruel about my coxcomb situation. I remain still and pray her eyesight has faded with time.

Immediately GG whirls around and opens the luggage facility beneath the bus.

"Where's my stuff," she demands. "I need my Depends, dammit! I need 'em right now!"

Oh. Mon Dieu.

A sporty Italian roadster roars up the drive to the lair, pulling in behind the school bus. A svelte hen steps out, unwrapping the Hermes scarf and tips down her elegant designer sunglasses.

"Where is that reprobate brother of mine?" Dominique D'Or drawls. "I've flown in from Paris for this, he better have done what he SAID he was going to do."

Pardone? I implied I would perform some…service? For my poseur of a soeur? Ridicule!

She scans the various family members scattered about.

"Interesting digs big brother's found, and such an interesting group of people to attach himself too. Oh, Lord, he invited GG. How does she get around in that bus?"

Dominique thinks I called this meeting? Heavens. She’s delusional. Either that or she’s been drinking breakfast again.

One of the hired cockerels hurries over and asks after her luggage.

"Well, aren't you johnny on the spot," she says, with a throaty laugh. "Of course you can carry my bags. You can polish my eggs too, rrrrrrrrowwww!"

Rrrrrrowwww? Perhaps lunch was of the liquid variety as well.
Leaving the roosterling staring after her, she struts up to the front of the coop and calls, "GOLDIE! Come say hello!"

Seeing no better choice, I trudge after her. S’il vous plait, I pray to whatever diety will have me. Please let it be brief. And if it cannot be brief, at least let it be amusing. I march forward to meet my fate, whatever—or whomever—it may entail….

Bay City Banditas

As all of you know, the Romance Bandits have just returned home from the RWA Conference in San Francisco. As the week wore on, we tended to scatter more and to have less opportunity to discuss things with each other, so we're having a round table blog and sharing it with all of you. We also realize not everyone went to San Francisco and the world kept turning while we were gone, so we also want to hear from those of you who had other things to do last week. So please read down and comment appropriately. Some of us are answering to kick us off.

What was your favorite thing about the conference?

Beth: I have a few favorite things about the conference. I met my editor (she's wonderful!) and even had lunch with other new Superromance authors which was a lot of fun *g* I presented an award on Saturday night and got to cheer like a maniac for three dear friends when they walked away with their awards (one was our very own Susan and she was lovely on stage!) But the best part about conference is hanging out with friends :-)

Suz: This year it was a myriad of things. For the first time I got to go out sight seeing because a group of Texas friends and I flew in early and had planned tours. Then getting to see all the Bandits!! That was by far one of the best things for me. What our readers don't realize is how much we chat off the blog with each other. Getting to be with almost everyone, (we truly missed Christie), was the icing on the cake! Speaking of cake...the Bandit Bash party was another of my favorite things this year!! Watching my CP Jo Davis sign her debute book at the NAL free signing...her very FIRST signing. And who was her first fan? Jennifer Y!!

Tawny: Just one thing? There are so many things that I loved this year. The Blaze signing was fabulous, the Lit signing was amazing. I loved the Bandita Bash, even though I only caught the tail end of it and the Harlequin Party was fabulous. I think the time with my editor was one of the best things, right next to hanging out with incredible friends. Thats the one sad thing about conference, it always reminds me of how far away Beth lives... and thanks to my cat, she won't move to California :-(

Joan: Can't say it enough: Hanging with my Banditas. I've alluded to it this past week, but you couldn't turn around without running into one of us! Only an hour before, you'd left Jeanne, Cassondra, Nancy and then would run into them in the hallway and immediately sit down and start chatting some more! I swear it's like we must have known each other in another lifetime or parallel universe or something. I'm missing them something fierce!

Oh, and cheering on our Banditas! KJ for winning the Daphne, Nancy for HM in the Daphne, KJ, Anna and of course our own Susan as she won the Golden Heart! I'm still hoarse from all the cheering!

AC: Oh absolutely, Joanie! Hanging with our Banditas and our Bandita Buddies! It was such a thrill to hear everyone cheer when I was "booted out" at the TGN ceremony. Almost as much fun as cheering on the other Banditas at all the awards ceremonies! Meeting My Editor, My Publicist, and My Publisher was also a very big thrill and riding in a limo to go out to dinner with them and the other authors in our publishing house was also a huge thrill!

What was your favorite thing outside the conference?

Beth: My favorite thing outside of conference was hanging out at Tawny's house Sunday night with Tawny and Harlequin Intrigue author Kathleen Long. We relaxed, had a few margaritas and enjoyed a delicious dinner Tawny's husband prepared *g* Then, on Monday, Tawny and I spent the day plotting our stories and working on our goals :-)

Suz: My first limo ride with Dan, the very cute limo driver, the Foxes (my Texas girls) and tasting wine up in Sonoma! I even found a wine at Sebastiani that I brought back to TX. (oh wait...it's still got some in the bottle...hmmm)

Tawny: What Beth Said :-)

Joan: My CP's and I came in on Saturday so we did three bus tours Sun/Mon. Gave us a nice overview of the Bay area (though the "unnamed bus driver" with the creepy voice taking us to Muir woods was a bit iffy. Shopping at that fabulous mall, riding a cable car (and not dying), strolling along the wharf area, getting a massage :-) Lots of fun things.

AC: Getting to play tour guide a couple of times. On Thursday night, I took my Sourcebooks sister Marie Force and two of her chapter mates to Chinatown for dinner. We went to my fave hole-in-the-wall place and I wasn't sure they'd be game. You walk in through the kitchen and up three flights of narrow stairs. The waitresses are so surly they make the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld look congenial and heaven help you if you ask for a fork! But the three of them LOVED it. Plus we'd no sooner sat down than in walked two of the Writers At Play gals, Stacey Kayne and Carla Capshaw! Carla's sister used to live in San Francisco which is how she knew about the place!

Then on Friday, I got to take our Bandit Buddy and Writers Revenge Bo'sun Terrio over to Pier 39. I'm sure I told her waaay more than she ever wanted to know about Coit Tower (designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle), seal lions (which have external ears while seals do not), and the Bay (Alcatraz is from the Spanish word for pelican and Angel Island was once called Ellis Island of the West) than she ever wanted to know! I had a GREAT TIME even if we didn't wait the 1 1/2 hours to ride the cable car.

Did you have any disasters or embarrassing moments you're willing to share?

Beth: I had a few 'duh' moments but I blame them on the fact that by Saturday I was pretty much brain dead *g* And did I mention Tawny left me stranded at the Oakland airport? :-)

Tawny: Oh so many... but I won't take up the whole blog with my ooopses. I'll just say that "Oops" was my conference mantra, all starting with leaving Beth at the wrong airport.

Joan: You mean besides falling asleep with my mouth hanging open in the lobby in the middle of the Brazilian soccer team? Power outages....what are you going to do? And then there was the incident with Demetrius' shield....

He wants it back..........

AC: Well..... there was that lil incident at the Bandita Bash where I was wielding my crop and in walked my editor and another woman whom she promptly introduced to me as publisher and CEO of Sourcebooks, Dominique Raccah. Yes, I'm afraid I met my publisher for the very first time with my riding crop in hand. Oh well, she was bound to find out about Aunty sooner or later.

Did you meet any of your personal writing idols?

Beth: not this time. Although in the past I have introduced myself to some of my favorite authors and told them how much I enjoy their stories.

Suz: Well, I did get SEP to sign her double book release with No Body's Baby But Mine, for me. It's my favorite and we laughed about the delivery scene in the book. And Ms. Garwood wasn't at the conference, so she's safe from me for another year.

Tawny: I met so many of the Blaze authors who I've been reading and loving for years at the Blaze dinner. I felt like a total fan girl and kept telling myself to be grateful I was sitting in a corner. Thats about all that kept me from running from person to person to gush and ask for autographs.

Joan: I've been fortunate enough to get to know many of my author idols. I almost missed Susan Grant who has been such a supporter of my Roman boys. Then Sherrilyn of course, always encouraging. I did run into Gena Showalter on the elevator and had a fan girl moment. I had just finished the first two books of her Lords of the Underworld series...FABULOUS...and just had to tell her how brilliant she was!

AC: I had a "fan girl" moment in the elevator with Patricia Potter. She admired all the bling on my badge and I told her I'd trade them all for one of her "girls" (silver Rita nominee badges). Basically, I gushed like an idiot, and she was very gracious.

For our published authors, did you have any encounters with fans? What was that like?

Beth: I had a woman come up to me at the Lit signing and say she's heard so many good things about my book that she had to buy it so that was cool *g*

Tawny: I actually HAD fans. OMG it was surreal. Wild, even. One of my favorites, though, was our own lovely Jennifer Y! She is totally awesome.

AC: I absolutely LOVED all the people I didn't know congratulating me on my first sale ribbon! Also, during the Lit signing, I was standing in the crowd around our own Christine and Tawny when I heard a small voice ask, "Excuse me, are you Loucinda McGary?" Since only my mother when she was angry and the IRS ever called me that, I had to curb the urge to say, "Who wants to know?" Instead, I said, "Yes, I am." And I turned around to see Jennifer Y! As Tawny said, she IS awesome!

Now that you're back in your Ordinary World, what's next for you?

Beth: First I'm working on my revisions for my next Supers (Dillon's story which still doesn't have a title *g*) and I'm anxious to dig into a new story for Supers that Tawny and I plotted. Then it's back to my third Supers and hopefully I'll get more done on my YA as well. Oh, and since it's only two more weeks until school starts, I need to round up my kids and do some back-to-school shopping :-)

Suz: First getting out my requested proposal (three chapters and a synopsis) to the agent who requested it. Then hammering out pages on the Western Historical Erotica, since I have a request on the full manuscript when it's finished. :) (whoohoo!!) OH and yeah, working extra shifts to pay on my overheated credit card.

Tawny: My May Blaze (GOING DOWN HARD) partial is due next Friday so I'm working on that and fleshing out the ideas Beth and I plotted so I can send in a new proposal. By the time that's done, I'll have revisions here for my April Blaze (COMING ON STRONG) and school will be starting, so my days will get a little crazy.

Joan: Keep on writing. I've got my submissions in and would like to get Bran completed in time for the GH.

AC: Discussing "next steps" with my editor, and preparing for LAUNCH DAY! Only 52 more days to go!

If you didn't go to San Francisco, what was the high point of your summer so far?
Nancy: I did go to San Francisco, but I'll answer this set of questions just to start things off. A highlight for us was going to the NC Outer Banks and seeing The Lost Colony, the nation's longest-running outdoor drama, and taking the backstge tour. And no, the NC Dept. of Travel and Tourism isn't sponsoring this blog. *g*

Was there a low point to your summer?

Nancy: Not really. We almost had a low point when a thunderstorm fried the answering machine and knocked out the phones, but since it did not fry the computer, which was on at the time, we consider ourselves pretty lucky. Yes, I know to turn off the computer. I would've, if I'd known the storm was so close.

Did you do any fabulous shopping, for anything from books to furniture?

Nancy: Fabulous? No. But I did buy some "cute little tops that don't tuck in" (paraphrasing here), on orders from Caren Crane, who worries about my geeky fondness for polo shirts.

So those are our kickoff answers. What about you? Post a comment and let us know.

Oh, yeah. The bird, seen here contemplating robbing Donna's famous corset purse, made it to San Francisco (photo by Caren Crane). Stronger counter-measures will be implemented next year.

Blog photos from RWA by Caren, Kirsten, and Tawny.

The Dangerous Duke is in the Lair

posted by Christine Wells
Former British agent, the Duke of Lyle (aka The Dangerous Duke) sits, scowling, on the floor of the Bandit Lair. He is gagged. His hands and feet are bound. Mud mottles his knee-high boots, his blue coat is rumpled and torn and his breeches hug a pleasing expanse of muscled thigh. His black hair is overlong, tousled, as though in a high wind. Lightning grey eyes glare with cold fury at his captors.

Aunty Cindy cracks her whip and then her knuckles. She and her fellow Banditas are breathing a little heavily and it's not wholly due to the man's rugged good looks.

Trish: That was unexpected.

Vrai Anna: He's a former agent for Her Majesty's Government. We should've been ready for him to try something. Glances to the corner. Poor Sven. He suffered the worst of it, didn't he?

Christine: Yes, well, Lyle had a score to settle after Sven gave Lady Kate that massage.

Jo nodding sagely: And the cocktails. Don't forget the cocktails.

Christine: Right. Listen, we have to get him to cooperate. There isn't much time until The Dangerous Duke comes out and I want him working hard for me, meeting and greeting and making nice with readers. But he's a tough one. It was difficult enough getting him to do what I wanted when I was writing his story. Don't know how I'll persuade him to cooperate now.

Tawny slinks towards him, running her gaze over his manly form: Leave him to me, Banditas. I know all about persuading handsome, rich dukes.

Beth (pouting): Aw, Tawny gets all the fun. And the great shoes...

Foanna: I think we should torture him. Shrugs. That's what I do to all my heroes.

Suz: You know, I'm a nurse. I'm familiar with any number of unpleasant things you can do to the human body.

Cassondra, stepping forward: If y'all would just let me--

Banditas (as one): No!

Christine: No. Placing a gentle, restraining hand on Cassondra's arm: We still want some of him left when we're finished, C. Let it go. Looks around at her comrades. V-A's right. The man's a former spy, not an easy nut to crack. You know what this calls for, don't you?

Kate: (gasp!) You don't mean...

Christine: Yes. Yes, I do.

Susan: But he's at Jennifer Y's house & he won't leave her. You know it's against his religion to disappoint his lady friends.

Kirsten: Nothing gets between the Golden Rooster and his duty. Except maybe Tim Tams. Do we have Tim Tams?

Christine lowers her eyes and toes the floor with her bucket boot: Sorry. I was on deadline. I'll get some more.

Jeanne: The rooster's a double agent. How do we know we can trust him? Let me plant a bug under his wing so we know exactly what he's up to.

Joanie T: Sigh. I wish Demetrius was here.

Nancy: You and me both. But I'll settle for that ripped cabana boy over there. Later, though. We have Bandita Business to do. Looks around. Where's KJ?

Caren: She's off snowboarding on Everest, bless her heart. Didn't you know?

Christie (hurrying in, covered in dust from house renovations): OMG what are we, kidnapping characters now? Hey. Not a bad idea.

Donna: I tried it with my Moonlight heroine but she kept disappearing.

A voice cuts through the chatter: If you're quite finished discussing my future in this godforsaken dungeon, might I have a word with Ms. Wells?

All eyes turn back to Lyle, who has managed to spit out his gag. Cassondra sends Christine a withering look.

Christine looks guilty and shrugs: Would you mind?

Cassondra (to Lyle): Just don't try anything. I'll be right outside the door. Eyes narrow. You got anything in your pockets?

Lyle: Breeches don't have pockets. Anyway, that husky voiced redhead just searched me. Twice.

Cassondra: That's our Tawny. (nods to the other banditas)

Sven and the Banditas file out, leaving Christine alone with Lyle.

Lyle turns his piercing gaze on Christine. Where's Lady Kate?

Christine: I'm afraid I can't tell you that. She gestures at the laptop next to him. Read her diary. You can see for yourself, she's perfectly well. With Sven for company, I'm sure she hardly misses you at all.

A low growl rumbles from somewhere in that big chest. In spite of herself, Christine takes a quick step backwards, then recovers her sangfroid: You know, you do that glowering thing extraordinarily well. It was one of the reasons I cast you for the role.

Lyle (dripping sarcasm): I'm obliged to you. Yes, I've read the damned diary. Edited it, too. But she looks to me like she's ready to make her escape. And I don't think you Banditas are equipped to deal with Lady Kate on the loose.

Christine: Never you bother your handsome head about that. As long as we have Lady Kate, you'll do as I say. And now, I've got some friends I'd like you to meet . . .

Over to our readers. What do you think? Should the banditas:

(a) bring in the Golden Rooster to subdue the prisoner
(b) reunite Lyle with the lovely Lady Kate
(c) let the more bloodthirsty Banditas have their way with him
(d) let Tawny have her way with him
(e) send Lyle on a mission to forage for more Tim Tams
(f) Other...

Who or what (fictional or real) would you like to kidnap and bring to the Lair. What would you ask them?

My favourite comment will win an autographed Advanced Reader Copy of The Dangerous Duke. I'm also giving away 5 gorgeous signed coverflats, so come and join in the fun!

And if anyone wants to read about Lady Kate's adventures in the lair and Lyle's pithy commentary on the same, go here.

2 TRUTHS & A LIE

posted by Aunty Cindy

Ever been at a get-together and played this game? Everyone in the room takes a turn telling three things about themselves. Two of them are the truth and one is a lie. Then everyone must figure out which is which.

Since it’s a lazy Sunday here in the Lair, we thought it would be fun to play a round of 2 Truths & a Lie… Bandita Style! So without further ado, here are some things you might not know about your favorite Banditas:

Jeanne Adams - I love this game...that's the truth, BTW. Ha! So, two truths and a lie about me would be, in no particular order: I'm a fifth degree black belt in the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do (broke boards, and my hand at a sparring meet once), I raise, show and train Dalmatians (including a Best in Show winner!), and I've rehabbed four houses, including knocking down walls and putting 'em back up again. So....whaddya think about that!

Christie: I love this game, too!! I have eight brothers and sisters. I am a former navy pilot. I have lived in 12 different houses or apartments.

Joan Kayse - Oh, cabana boy! I'll have another (hic) margarita! I've never played this game and that's the truth! But here goes... I am a master level quilter and have had my quilts displayed at the national quilt museum, I am renowned for my chocolate chip cookies, scones and have won scads of ribbons at the KY State Fair. I once onlined dated a man named Patrick from Northern Ireland.

Aunty C - *AHEM* Would you believe I was first runner up in a beauty pageant? What about that I was held up at gun point? Or that my ex proposed to me on our first date? Guess which one is false, I dare ya!

Suz- Okay, as my daughter says, "Mom, you're a writer, it's your job to make things up!" So here goes. I once delivered a baby in the front seat of a Grand Marquis. I've scuba dived off the gold coast of Florida. Two of my children formed a Christian Punk Rock Band and made a CD.

Jo: Like the others, I adore this game; here goes! (1) I was kidnapped in Guatemala. (2) I touched the Berlin Wall. (3) I rode a camel in Egypt.

Anna C - Never played this game before either. Closest I've come is a game called Balderdash and I'm terrible at that. But here goes. I studied music at university level. A guy who was a Roger Moore double on the Bond movies asked me out. I've been to Buckingham Palace.

Nancy: I'm also new at this game, but I'll give it a shot: I wore a brace for scoliosis in high school, I was once a movie extra, and I have a blue belt in jeet kune do.

Christine W: Ooh. Me next. I'm an only child and both my parents are also only children. I had brain surgery when I was two. I met my husband when I was 19. And I'd order something from our gawgeous cabana boy but I'm afraid Sven would get jealous!

WHEW! Are you up for the challenge of trying to sort out the facts from fiction? Or maybe you’d like to share 2 Truths and a Lie about yourself?

Have at it! And bring on the cabana boys!

Banditas in the Gap

a group effort
No, this isn't about banditas endorsing a retail chain. Not this time, anyway. This is a visit with the banditas who've sold their books but haven't yet had the joy of seeing them released. Participating banditas are Trish Milburn, Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy, Kate Carlisle, Beth Andrews, and Jeanne Adams, whose books are coming to a store near you!

How long is the gap between the day you sold your book and the day of its release?

TM: I sold on July 24, 2007, and my first book will come out Sept. 9, 2008. However, the book that is coming out is September isn't the first I sold. I sold my young adult novel, Heartbreak River, in July 2007, but it doesn't come out until Spring 2009. The Harlequin American that comes out in September 2008 is one I sold in October 2007.

AC: I got The Call on September 14, 2007 and recently learned that my release date will be October 1, 2008, so a year and a couple of weeks. Feels LONGER! I also recently received my "official" title for the book I originally called Death in the Fens. The title is The Wild Sight: An Irish tale of deadly deeds and forbidden love, and the book is part of the new Casablanca romance line from Sourcebooks.

KC: October 9, 2007 is the day I got The Call that I sold a three-book mystery series to NAL. The first book, Homicide in Hardcover: A Bibliophile Mystery, will be out in February 2009. So naturally, I've been forced to spend all of 2008 in a shady cabana, drinking pina coladas and munching on on taquitos.

BB: I got The Call on August 21, 2007 (my husband's birthday!) My first book, Not Without Her Family, will be out from Harlequin Superromance this June.

JA: I got the Call on July 23, 2007 (my Dad's birthday!) and my first book Dark and Dangerous will be out June 1, 2008. Counting down the days...

Tell us a little about the book you're now waiting to see.

TM: An arson investigator has to return to her hometown to investigate a fire. While there, she also has to face her estranged family, a past mistake that had horrible consequences, and the man she once loved but lost.

AC: The Wild Sight is a contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal elements. Set in Northern Ireland, the book's hero, Donovan O'Shea has psychic powers that he has tried for most of his life to ignore. However, when he must return to Ireland to settle his ill father's affairs, a beautiful but vexing woman walks into his life, a couple of dead bodies turn up, and he is forced to deal with all of it and then some.

KC: The Bibliophile Mysteries feature a rare book restoration expert, Brooklyn Wainwright, who, in Book One, encounters a cursed copy of Goethe's Faust that leads her into a murder investigation only she can solve -- with the help of clues she uncovers in the valuable first edition. Along the way, she tangles with an annoyingly attractive British security officer as well as her Deadhead parents and assorted friends and enemies.

BB: Okay, am I the only one who has trouble blurbing her books? *g* When her estranged brother becomes the prime suspect in a local murder investigation, Kelsey Reagan is determined to help prove his innocence - but she doesn’t count on falling for the town’s sexy, by the book police chief.

JA: Nope, BB, I have trouble with it too! Dana Markham has to keep herself and her son away from her ex-husband at all costs. Donovon Walker, mob boss and drug dealer, wants her dead and her son to take his "rightful" place in The Family business of selling drugs and guns. Enter Caine Bradley, an undercover agent placed in Donovan's organization to bring him down. Little does he know that his assignment from Donovan will be to kill Dana! Battling Donovan, a leak in the Agency and their own feelings, Dana and Caine must protect Dana's son and risk their hearts to find freedom. How's that?

Authors in your position couldn't enter the Golden Heart or the RITA. How did that feel to you former GH finalists? How does this limbo feel in general?

TM: It felt weird not entering the Golden Heart this year after more than a decade of entering. However, I got to take part in the GH/RITA day excitement since I'm on the RWA board and got to call some of the finalists to let them know they'd finaled. That is SO much fun!

AC: Actually, I felt relieved. I only entered the Golden Heart one time, in 2006 and happened to luck out and final. But I know this feeling won't last because I plan to enter the Rita next year and every other year I am eligible! I am really looking forward to the ceremony this year, and cheering on all our Bandita and Bandita buddy finalists!

KC: Did I mention the cabana and pina coladas? I was so happy not to have to deal with all the pressure that comes with entering the Golden Heart this year! I was tremendously lucky to be a triple finalist in 2006 but I know from experience that I could've very easily failed to final the next year. So truly, I felt nothing but relief that I could sit back and cheer on my friends and fellow Banditas this time. However, as Aunty says, the feeling can't last! I'll jump right back into the fray when I become eligible for the Rita for 2009.

BB: I was so happy not to be eligible for the GH but when the day came when calls were going out, I was sort of upset not to have anything in the running. And forget being relieved - I was just as anxious for my friends to get the call as I would've been for myself :-) Oh, but I did get a really great call a few days ago asking me if I'd be interested in presenting a GH this year!

JA: It felt really weird to me too, to sit this one out. Have to say that I was delighted to not be eligible, but like Beth I was anxious for everyone else and it felt so odd not to have a horse in the race. :> It'll be interesting to see how different it feels next year with the Rita.

What are you doing on the writing front while you wait?

TM: I recently finished revisions to the YA coming out next spring and turned in my second Harlequin American. Now I need to work on the option book for American. I'm also working on promo stuff like my online presence with blogs, social networking sites, interviews, etc., and booking appearances and speaking engagements.

AC: The sequel to The Wild Sight. Though I originally wrote the book as a stand-alone single title, my editor expressed interest in making it the first in a series, and who am I to disagree?

KC: I sold the Bibliophile Mystery series on three chapters and a synopsis, so I've spent the past six months writing the first book! I finished this week (yay!) and will now start on the synopsis for Book Two. Then I'll start working on promo for the series, starting with a website re-design and all that scary stuff Trish mentioned!

BB: I sold two more books to Superromance so I've been writing the first of the two sold (if that makes sense *g*) and I'm thrilled to say I've hit the half-way point and I'm loving this story!

JA: I'm finishing and polishing the second book in my contract for my June 1 deadline. I'm also working on the next two stories so I can be better prepared for the next contract! :>

What are you doing to prepare for the big day?

TM: Promo and moving on to other writing projects.

AC: I just had this nifty countdown clock put on my website so if anyone (besides ME) wants to know how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds remain until The Wild Sight hits the shelves, wonder no more! Seriously, I'm trying to do all I can in the way of promo, though until you have a title, release date and cover (just got it! YAY!) there's only a limited amount you can do. I'm trying hard NOT to get stressed out over promo and reviews and a million other things I can't control but still worry about. The Banditas and all our buddies have been GREAT to keep me properly distracted.

KC: I want a countdown clock! But in the meantime, I'll write another book. I mentioned the promo stuff. And I'd also like to get out and meet other mystery authors and booksellers and mystery readers as much as possible. Oh, and I'll definitely worry a lot, so thanks for reminding me!

BB: I love the countdown clock, AC! I've been writing and doing a bit of promo. My main focus has been my new website (which I love - thanks to my awesome webdesigner!) I've been playing with it a bit but now it's all tweaked and ready to go :-)

JA: I totally dig the countdown clock too. I've been promo-ing, setting up speaking gigs and writing my little fingers off to meet my June 1 deadline for book two! Ha! Have to say, it is SO fun.

How would you counsel other authors in this position?

TM: You can't make the release day come any faster, so I'd say just move on with your writing and advance promo efforts so you're not slammed when the release hits shelves.

AC: Ah yes, take my advice, I'm not using it! LOL! Educate yourself about what you can and can't do, and try not to sweat the small stuff.

KC: Um, me? Counsel others? Hmm, do as I say, not as I do? Okay, here's my counsel. Write the best book you can, get a fabulous website, be nice to people, keep a positive outlook. Do as much promo as your personality and bank account will allow.

BB: LOL, Kate! I just gave Tawny that same advice *g* Honestly, I don't counsel. I think each person is so different that you need to figure out what's best for you and your career. For me that meant writing another book and focusing on what types of promo I'm comfortable doing. I totally agree with Trish's, AC's and Kate's advice though :-)

JA: Don't stop writing forward just because you sold! :> That's the only advice I have. Well, okay, two pieces of advice. Don't spend all your advance on promo, ask other authors what worked for them and don't spend it unless you can track it. How's that? Ha!

How has your sale changed your perspective, if at all, on the book business?

TM: It hasn't really changed my perspective. I was an unpub long enough to know that the business is always going to be tough, and we have to do everything we can to get published and stay published.

AC: It's a tough business. Selling a book doesn't make it any easier, you just trade one set of worries for another. I guess that's the only real change in my perspective.

KC: I wrote for twenty years before I made my first sale so, like Trish, I've recognized for a long time how difficult the publishing business can be. But I'm a fairly optimistic person so, just as I always persevered as an unpubbed, I plan to do the same as a published author.

BB: It's changed for the better because before I sold, I spent too much time revising my stories. Now I know I can write and produce pages each day. Most of all, it's shown me how much I love this career and how lucky I am to be able to write for a living!

JA: Can I just say ditto? Like AC, KC and TM, I had a certain perspecitve from being AYU for a good long while, but like BB, I trust myself more, write more quickly and don't second guess so much.

Has anything come your way that you didn't expect?

TM: An opportunity to contribute an essay to one of Benbella Books' Smartpop series of pop culture essay collections. The collection is about the show Supernatural, my favorite show.

AC: I've become acquainted with my Sister-Sourcebook authors, and they are a GREAT bunch of writers! We have our own Yahoo Group that anyone can join, and are starting our own group blog. Stay tuned for more info!

KC: I didn't expect to be so freaked out by my first professional deadline! I've worked at my own pace forever, so it took me by surprise when I realized how difficult it was to set up a timetable and work every day. Okay, that was the bad news. The good news is, I'm part of a wonderful publishing house now and I get invited to the parties! Woohoo!

BB: Like Kate, I was a bit freaked out by my first real deadline - luckily that only lasted two days *g* What I hadn't expected was that I actually could make a writing schedule and stick with it. That's been a lovely surprise :-)

JA: Gotta say Ditto again. The first "Have it in by..." deadline? Total freak out. But I got back on the horse. Also the delightful pleasure of being on the Kensington Authors loop and being asked to be a guest blogger. Those have been great.

For our readers, here's a list of upcoming first books from the Romance Bandits:

TM: A Firefighter in the Family, Harlequin American, September 2008

AC: The Wild Sight: An Irish tale of deadly deeds and forbidden love by Loucinda McGary, Sourcebooks Casablanca, Oct. 1, 2008

KC: Homicide in Hardcover: A Bibliophile Mystery, by Kate Carlisle, NAL, February 2009

BB: Not Without Her Family by Beth Andrews, Harlequin Superromance, June 2008

JA: Dark and Dangerous by Jeanne Adams, Zebra (Kensington), June 2008

Have you ever had to wait for something you knew was coming but couldn't make arrive any faster? For a project to pay off at last? How do you deal with waiting?

Kathie DeNosky Wins Bandits Basket!

Every year, in conjunction with the huge Literacy Autographing at the RWA National Conference, there is a raffle of baskets put together by RWA chapters and groups. The proceeds, like proceeds from book sales, goes to fight illiteracy. This year, the Romance Bandits decided to put together a basket for the raffle and help this great cause.

It was a fabulous basket. I have a wonderful picture, which I will post as soon as the technology gods decide to smile on me. The "basket" was a bright pink rolling suitcase stuffed full of Bandit Booty! There were chocolates, a Bandits coffee mug, a Bandits t-shirt, a Bandits stuffed bear, a heart necklace, a lovely embroidered fan, tons of autographed books and lots of other awesome swag. There were also were many, many raffle tickets placed in our bag. People wanted the Bandit basket in a big way! Imagine our surprise when the lucky winner was none other than best-selling author Kathie DeNosky!

Kathie DeNosky, who hails from southern Illinois, is a multi-published author who writes for Silhouette's Desire line. She has published 22 Desires since her first came out in May 2000 and she was a 2007 National Readers Choice Award finalist for her book "The Expectant Executive". She was previously an NRCA finalist in 2002 for "His Baby Surprise". She is also a member of the Ditzy Chix, who some of our readers may already know and love. A winner indeed!

I had the pleasure of meeting Kathie and her lovely friend Roxann at the champagne and Tim Tams reception held in my suite after the RITA/Golden Heart award ceremony. Kathie said she was delighted to win the Romance Bandits basket. "That basket was adorable," she said, "and I am glad to have something to take my books home in!" She loved both the rolling suitcase and, especially, the fluffy Bandits Bear! Though her friend Roxann threatened to steal the bear for her collection, I am sure Kathie was able to stave her off with a Caramello Koala!

Kathie and I found several previously-unknown connections between her and the Romance Bandits. For one thing, Kathie was a two-time Golden Heart finalist. She said both times, "I prayed not to win!" She was terrified of having to give an acceptance speech. (I believe some Banditas may relate.) Another connection is that her dear friend and fellow Ditzy Chick, Bronwyn Jameson, is an Aussie and a friend of our own Anna Campbell! Kathie shared that Bronwyn taught her the correct way to eat Tim Tams. (Our Tim Tams, by the way, were hauled all the way from Australia by Anna, as were the Caramello Koalas. We were very grateful and pleased to eat them so she didn't have to haul them back.)

Kathie is currently working on three more titles for Desire, so look for her new releases in 2008. Her latest release, "Mistress of Fortune", was part of the Dakota Fortunes series from Desire, and is available on Amazon. Congratulations, Kathie! We hope you enjoy the basket and stop by to see us sometimes!

Did anyone enter our raffle at the Literacy Autographing and not win? Did anyone have an encounter with a Bandita at conference they would like to share? And speaking of Banditas at conference, tell us who you met that we need to know!

PICTURES From The Daphne Awards

posted by Aunty Cindy
photos by The Duchess (aka Jeanne P. Adams)

Okay, as promised here are some pictures of our Bandita WINNERS from the Kiss Of Death Chapter's Daphne Awards in Dallas.

Here's our "double" winner KJ!











Here's our OVERALL Winner Jo!







And here are both our happy Bandita winners!


No word or pictures yet from our Golden Heart winners but we will post ALL NEWS as soon as we hear it! Again WAY TO GO Beth and Trish!