Dream a Little Dream

By Anna Campbell

As most of our Bandita Buddies know, September is a huge month in the lair. Three Banditas have books hitting the shelves. Christine Wells follows up her sublime SCANDAL'S DAUGHTER with the sparkling and sexy THE DANGEROUS DUKE. Tawny Weber, who is an astonishingly good writer, has her third Blaze romance out, RISQUE BUSINESS. Trish Milburn sees her debut book, A FIREFIGHTER IN THE FAMILY, out from Harlequin American. Can't wait to read this - although Amazon don't seem to be hear me yelling at them to send the &&%%% thing pronto! Then next month, Aunty Cindy's THE WILD SIGHT is on sale. It's garnering some great buzz, including a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

That's an amazing achievement and I hope you'll all rush to your nearest bookstore and pick up these books! By the way, we can save you that trouble - if you click on the covers here, you go straight to Amazon. Can't get much easier, can it?

But what's even more amazing is that when all the Banditas met as finalists in the 2006 Golden Heart Award, NONE of us had sold a book. Since then eleven of us have been published! And I'd lay money (and you people know I'm not a bettin' woman unless it's a sure thing) that there will be more good news in the pipeline before we're done.

So when we all got together, one thing united us (apart from the Golden Heart contest!). We all had a dream. We all wanted to be published writers. A substantial proportion of us (more than half which is well over the odds!) have now achieved that particular dream in a little over two years. The other as-yet-unpublished Banditas are working hard and purposefully towards that goal and I know will achieve it before too long.

I'm sure if you asked the published Banditas, we'd all say that we still have dreams. To make the New York Times list. Or to win a RITA. Or to have a movie made of one of our stories. Or even, for those waiting for their first book to hit the stands, to get that first magical bit of fanmail which tells them that their characters and stories have become real to someone they've never met, who perhaps lives half a world away.

One of my dreams sounds a bit silly unless you've spent your life drooling over romance novels. I wanted a stepback! That's the cover art you get INSIDE the cover of a romance novel. And guess what? With my January release TEMPT THE DEVIL, I get a stepback. This is it here, the couple staring into each other's eyes with smoldering passion as they pose half-dressed on a rainy clifftop (as you do!).

Oh, and just to keep the heat quotient up, this is the cover for TEMPT THE DEVIL. I'm hoping this handsome young fellow will take your fancy in a bookstore near you in a couple of months. It's a gloriously brooding, sexy picture, isn't it? I adored my gothic covers with their clinches but I think this one is really going to grab readers' attention.
Anyway, congratulations to all the Banditas seeing their oeuvres in the stores this month! You're all brilliantly talented women and it's an honor to be associated with you.

And what about you? Do you have a dream? Is it a pipe dream (like Jeanne's three wishes blog this week) or is it something you can see yourself turning into reality? Have you achieved a long-held dream? What was it? How did that feel? What did you do to attain your dream? Let's talk about dreams before I start dreaming of Jeanne! Oh, and just before I forget, CONGRATULATIONS, BANDITAS WITH NEW BOOKS!

Trish's Launch Party!!

It's finally here! Though it's been spotted in several store locations, today is the official release date for my debut novel, A Firefighter in the Family, from Harlequin American. Whee!!! Can you tell I'm happy? This is one of the happiest moments of my life, so I thought why not blog about other things that make me happy. As Maria from The Sound of Music would say, "These are a few of my favorite things."

Seeing my book on a store shelf for the first time.

Being able to write full time.

Warm weather.

My ever-supportive hubby. That's us in the wedding picture -- when we were both much skinnier.

Cheese fries

Dairy Queen's Chocolate Extreme Blizzard (Hmm, maybe all these food items are why I don't look like my wedding pictures anymore.)

Walking in the damp woods after a rain. I love the smell.

Tater tots

Wonderful writing friends.









National Parks

The first hint of spring.

My nieces...

and nephews.

The beach.

The mountains.

Listening to a mountain stream gurgle.


Books, books and more books! Romance novels, mystery novels, young adult books -- you name it.

TiVo. This is what I bought myself when I sold my first book. I LOVE it. No more appointment television. And no more angst when there are two things on at the same time I want to watch. And no more commercials!

Driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations.

Puppies. Okay, seriously, who doesn't like puppies?

Bears -- the animals, not the football team. Sure, I don't want to meet one on a trail, but I think they're beautiful animals.

Surprises. Good ones.

Movies. One of my life goals is to be an extra or have a bit part in a movie. Even better if it's a western or sci-fi picture.

Netflix -- to feed my movie and TV show addiction. The possibilities are endless. My queue, I swear, now has 466 discs on it. Next to arrive are discs 3 and 4 of season 2 of the BBC's Robin Hood.


Vampire TV shows and movies. Too bad the TV networks keep canceling them. Grrr.

Bones

Going to rock concerts.

Orlando Bloom

Road trips.

YouTube. I've discovered bands here. And it's great for "shipping" -- watching fan videos of favorite TV and movie couples.

Grilled shrimp.

Going for a walk when the weather's just right.

Fan mail! Okay, so I've gotten one letter, but it did make me happy. :)

Cuteoverload.com

ICanHasCheezburger.com

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Angel, Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog. Okay, so everything Joss Whedon creates.

Glomming all the books of a new-to-me author.

Gift cards to bookstores, movie theaters and restaurants for Christmas and birthdays.

Trips to Northeast Tennessee so I can have lunch at a Pal's location. I'm driving up through there later this week, and my mouth is already watering for their chipped ham and cheese sandwich and seasoned fries.

Hearing about a friend making a book sale.

Whenever Hollywood puts out a good western. 3:10 to Yuma was great! And that's not just because it had Russell Crowe and Christian Bale in it. Really, I promise. :)

Supernatural -- I love me some Winchester brothers. :)


If you were making up new lyrics to "A Few of My Favorite Things," what things would you include?

I'll pick a winner at random to receive a signed copy of A Firefighter in the Family.

I Dream Of....

by Jeanne Adams

As many of you know, my name is Jeanne. What you may not know is that it's pronounced like the Jeannie from "I Dream of Jeannie" fame. I've gotten a lot of jokes over the years about that, by the way. I even got one belligerent fellow who insisted that he should be allowed to call me "Jean" because that's how he thought Jeanne should be pronounced. I let him live to see sunrise, but just barely. And, of course, I refused to answer to something that was NOT my name. Ha! My standard tag line, when asked about the pronunciation, is "pronounced as if it had an i, but spelled without it"

Why, you ask? Because my parents thought that Jean was well, Jean. But Jean-ne, should be said, Jeannie. With me so far? Okay, never mind.

Anyway, my naming foibles aren't what I really wanted to chat about today. I wanted to talk about wishes. I got the I Dream Of Jeannie thing the other day and someone said, "I wish you WERE a Jeannie, then I could get three wishes!"

Well, being a writer, that got me to thinkin'...yeah, you knew THAT was coming. VBGrins. I recently saw the movie The Secret. In it, they talk about the Universe being like a Genie in a Bottle. "Your Wish is My Command!" is the mantra of the universe, according to the secret. Or, that the Universe is like a big copy machine, whatever you focus on, you get more of...so, if you give the Universe an example of a great life, you get more of a great life. You give the Universe the example of misery, you get more misery...

Gosh, I'm REALLY getting off track today. BACK to the subject which is, believe it or not, WISHES.

If I could wave my magic Jeannie wand, wiggle my Bewitched nose, and or come smokin' out of my bottle and grant you three wishes, what would they be?

We're going to assume World Peace and an end to World Hunger and all that, what would you want for YOU??

Let's get personal here...publishing contract? Sell at auction? The right adverb? (Is there such a thing?) A unicorn? Nick Stokes from CSI? WAIT...that's mine. Sorry...

C'mon, what are YOUR three wishes? Oh, and would you ever change your name? Tabitha, anyone?

Dangerous Winners!!

Finally!! I have THREE winners of a signed copy of THE DANGEROUS DUKE to announce:

Tiffany Kenzie, Kestrel, and Gannon Carr, come on doooowwwnnn!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! Please contact me through my website with your snail mail addies and I'll send your prizes.

Thanks so much for celebrating the release of THE DANGEROUS DUKE with me:)

Kristan Higgins in the Lair!

by Joan

The Bandits are pleased to welcome award winning author Kristan Higgins to the Lair. Kristan’s HQN title “Catch of the Day” won the 2008 RITA for Single Title Contemporary at the RWA conference in San Francisco. Kristan’s wit and heart are expertly woven into the most entertaining, wonderful stories of life and love that I’ve read in a good long while.

Welcome to the Lair, Kristan!

Thanks for inviting me, Joan! Ahoy, Bandits!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I'm the product of good old American middle class normalcy. Nice nuclear family, wholesome upbringing, dogs, horse, tree fort, stuff like that. Small liberal arts college, English degree, low-paying but interesting jobs. I'm married to a great guy, live in my hometown, am mommy to a lovely daughter and adorable son. Not too exciting to read about, but definitely wonderful to have!

I think my defining trait is that I'm a hard worker. Goes with being a Connecticut Yankee. We tilled the rocky soil and got stuff to grow. We're not whimsical people...you say you're going to do something, you get to work! That's something that's served me well as a writer...I'm not sentimental about my own work. It's just my job to make it as good as I possibly can. I love my books, of course, but I'm also my own sternest critic. It sounds harsh, but it actually saves me a lot of time.

Many authors say they’ve been writers all their lives. How about you? When did you start writing?

I didn't start writing fiction until about eight years ago, but I'd always worked as a writer, which definitely helped when I did sit down to write a novel. I didn't have to learn about things like "show, don't tell," having come from advertising world. As a copywriter, I wrote every day. I had to write bright, vivid copy that got your attention, and I had to do it on a deadline. I was lucky, because when I started writing fiction, that muscle was already pretty developed.

But despite the lack of any real fiction writing until not too long ago, I feel like I've been a writer since I was a teenager. See, I read Gone With the Wind when I was 13. My copy was 1042 pages long, and I spent 1041 pages believing that Scarlett and Rhett would get back together. When the ending came, I was, no exaggeration, devastated! Being 13, I had no appreciation for subtlety, so I spent much of my teen years imagining that famous couple back together...all those missed opportunities taken, Scarlett's stubbornness abating for just a minute, Rhett's pride dropping enough to say those three difficult words. I read Gone With the Wind 14 times. In a row. This should give you an idea of my teenage years. Picture me, glasses, bad perm, a bowl of ice cream by my side, sitting in the cellar on a hot summer day, reading. (Now that I think of it, the only difference between then and now is that my hair is better...)

You do a masterful job of crafting a heroine you want to cheer for as well as a hero you long for. Which do you find easier to write?

Thanks for the 'masterful,' Joan! So far, I've written in first person, so I'd say the heroines are easier, since I'm right there in their heads. I do love the heroes, of course. First person is fun, because everything that the narrator states is true may not be. That's why I love writing that way...if, for example, I'd given Malone in CATCH OF THE DAY his own point of view, he wouldn't have been nearly so interesting. In my opinion, anyway.

One of my favorite parts of writing is when I outline the hero's character. I always swore I'd never write a brooding alpha male...I've found that if I've sworn not to do something, it probably means I should do it. So I figured, what the heck? Let's do a brooding alpha male. But I wanted him to have reasons to be a loner, to be brooding, to be reluctant to talk about...well, in Malone's case, to talk about just about anything. I figured his actions would tell the readers everything. Making up his history, family background, personality...that was fun. My heroines tend to come to me fully formed, but the heroes take a little more time. It's amazing, too, how true it is...your characters take on a life of their own. Sometimes it feels like I'm not really writing...I'm channeling.

How did puppies get to be the focus of your covers?

The marketing department at HQN loved Digger, the dog in my first book (FOOLS RUSH IN). And who doesn't like a dog? That cover was so charming that the publisher ran with the theme. I hadn't deliberately decided to have a dog in every book, but I do love dogs (Digger is actually based on my own sweet dog of the same name). I don't think I'm going to have a dog in a book just for the sake of it, but I write about women who are looking for commitment. Having a pet shows commitment, so it feels natural that my heroines are also pet owners. In the book I'm writing now, I think I'm going to have a cat. This is a blatant suck-up move for my own two cats, who adore and snuggle with my children but ignore me unless they need to go out. And in. And back out. And in again. I'm just the doorman in their eyes.

The You Tube video of the trash talking ST finalists was hilarious. Did you find it hard to embrace your inner Soprano?

My inner Soprano is alive and well! Actually, I've always loved doing different accents (you should hear me reading Harry Potter to my kids). But doing it for public viewing...much, much harder! I had to send my family out of the house for the filming. It took me about 10 tries. Originally, I'd wanted to have my own dog in the clip, but he kept licking my face or jumping off the couch, so I had to go with a prop. I actually had someone approach me at the National conference, not because she'd read my books, but because she recognized me from the video.
:-)
(Joan: Gulp, {sheepish look})

What did it feel like to win the coveted RITA award?

Well, I won't lie. It was one of the happiest nights of my life. Definitely in the top three. First of all, I got to wear a GOWN! I haven't worn a gown since my wedding day! That was prize enough. I really didn't expect to win...Rachel Gibson, anyone? The great Susan Andersen? Jennifer Greene? In fact, I'd say CATCH OF THE DAY was definitely a dark horse candidate. So when the presenter read my title, I was stunned, and just so, so happy. Floated around for days. Still can't quite believe it.

Your latest release “Just One of the Guys” features a beagle with a fireman’s helmet and your DH is a firefighter. Was he your inspiration?

Absolutely! I'd been waiting to write a firefighter hero, and I can't tell you how much fun it was to both honor and gently mock the firefighters I know, including my DH. My husband is definitely a hero. He's done amazing, extraordinary things...my son and I once watched him drag an unconscious man from a burning building. He's picked up severed limbs at accidents, calmed strung out teenagers, made hearts beat again, and he does those things with a grace and calm that are astonishing. That being said, he can't make our bed to save his life, and he refuses to follow directions when driving.

One of the best things about writing JUST ONE OF THE GUYS was having my husband read it. He doesn't read my stuff until it comes out, so it was awfully touching to see him get all teary-eyed when he read the dedication. It's to him, of course.

You share on your website that you like to bake. We have quite a few bakers in the Lair ::cough:: state fair winners ::cough:: What is your favorite thing to bake?

Ooh! I love to bake. I have a few blue ribbons myself! I love to bake apple pie, because it makes the house smell so good. Chocolate chip cookies are a specialty...let's see...banana bread, rice pudding, sponge cake. All my recipes are from my grandmother, who was an amazing baker. At Christmas, I make Hungarian cookies, which are so complicated and difficult that I always say if I don't cry, I'm doing something wrong. But the pay-off is wonderful, and I'm the only one in my very large extended family who bakes them, so I'm quite adored come December. In the book I'm working on now, the heroine is a baker. I feel it's my job as a good writer to eat as many pastries as I can...all in the name of research, of course.

Now I have a question for the Bandita’s and their BB’s. One of the things I hear a lot is that my books are “standard” romantic comedy…..my characters aren’t famous people, ex-military or extraordinarily gifted, and I tend to close the door on love scenes. What books have you read that veer off the beaten path but deliver the goods anyway? I have to confess that Loretta Chase’s “Lord of Scoundrels” did that for me. An ugly hero who had really, really good reason to shy away from love . From page one of that book there was a tension and electricity in that book that didn’t stop till the end. So how about you guys?

Line Of Scrimmage Winner!

BIG THANX to everyone who read and commented on Marie Force's interview yesterday. Aunty and Marie have spun the handy dandy random number generator and come up with a winner for the autographed copy of Marie's debut novel, Line of Scrimmage.

So without further ado, the winner is DINA!

SUPER CONGRATS! Please send your snail mail info to Marie Force at mforce AT cox DOT net.

Sins of the Flesh (Crime and Punishment)

By Kirsten Scott

So the other day, I was in the bathroom at work and two of my worst faults collided: my impatience and my vanity. My vanity, because I was anxiously checking out my rear-end in the mirror, and my impatience, because I was walking even as I was staring at myself. Now, obviously, it's hard to stare at one's butt and look ahead at the same time, so I made the only rational choice: I kept looking at my butt.

Which meant I walked right into the door, when someone entered the bathroom from the other side.

How's that for embarrassing? There was really no excuse for me not to be watching where I was going other than the fact that I was staring at the reflection of my rear in the mirror. No excuse at all. Red-faced and slightly dizzy from my impact with the door, I wandered back to my office and thought about my sins, and times I've received instant karma -- metaphoric payback on a very concrete level for my wickedness.

Vanity and Impatience. These two get me in trouble all the time. The bathroom door at work was only the beginning. I've also walked into my share of lamp posts, from checking myself out in store windows, and made stupid errors in cover letters and submissions because I was too impatient to look at them ONE LAST TIME.

And then there's gluttony. Just a couple of weeks ago, I ate an enormous bag of cherries for dinner all by myself. In my defense, the kids and husband were away, and I was plugging away at the WIP, and what else are you going to do while you write but eat? At least I was eating fruit and not Tim Tams. Anyway, my punishment for that sin? Well, I don't want to go too deeply into the particulars, but let's just say I'm glad I didn't have to share the bathroom that night.

Yeesh.

As for lust? I got that one covered too. My punishment there really isn't much of a punishment at all, because his name is Leo, and he's my first born, and I love him to pieces. :-)

Sloth? I don't think I'm particularly slothful (it doesn't fit well with the impatience) but occasionally I do like to laze around on a massage table. I also like to sleep a lot, and I know as a teenager, I was always going to bed before everyone else and then wondering about all the things I'd missed. No instant karma there, but some "what if..." sort of moments.

As for greed, I did get into a bidding war with someone on Ebay just a few days ago for a Hanna Andersson dress for my daughter. I don't know if it was pride or greed, but I refused to stop bidding until I'd won, and spent way more than I should have on a used cotton dress. Deep sigh.

I've managed to steer pretty clear of wrath and envy. Wrath, because I'm just not a person who carries around a lot of anger, and envy, because I'm awfully happy with my life, so it's hard to envy anyone else's.

What about you? Any sins to confess? Ever experienced instant karma? Is anyone out there as vain as me? Please tell all! Make me feel better!

Welcome to the Lair, Marie Force!

posted by Aunty Cindy

AC and Marie are dining in their favorite cyber Asian restaurant on Shrimp Chow Fun, Sweet & Sour pork and bottles of Tsing Tao beer. Since this is cyber space, Marie is as adept with her chopstick as AC. What are they talking about? Why books, hunks, writing and a whole lot more! Let's listen in......

AC: So where did you come up with the storyline for your debut release Line Of Scrimmage? And even more, what or should I say WHO inspired your yummy hero, Ryan Sanderson?

Marie: Yeah! I get to be adept with chopsticks! My Aunty knows that I'm a clutz with the sticks in real life. Can we have some crab rangoons, too? How can it get any better than Chinese food, my favorite Aunty

and a chat about Line of Scrimmage--and the very yummy Ryan Sanderson? Let's see, where did he come from?

It all started with a pair of boots landing in a foyer. I knew they were cowboy boots, and I knew they were unwelcome. What I didn't know, at first, was why. As I got to know him better, I realized he was an NFL quarterback showing up to blackmail his soon-to-be ex-wife into spending their last ten days as Mr. and Mrs. together. As a New Englander,I'll confess that there's a little bit of Tom Brady in Ryan.

AC drools a bit over thoughts of Tom Brady and all those tight ends in football then orders the crab and some pot stickers and takes a long guzzle of Tsing Tao: I'm afraid I know all about those characters who will not fit into the molds we have in mind for them. Aunty does not carry a riding crop strictly for the Cabana boys and miscreant Banditas. So if Ryan was not very cooperative, I hope his Mrs. gave you less trouble.

Marie: His Mrs. gave me different problems. I had to work really hard to imagine what her life would be like as the wife of the NFL's biggest star. Sure, there were a lot of perks, but she had to put up with women throwing themselves at Ryan (even when she was right there with him!), rumors of his infidelity, his obsessive focus on the game and his team, the nonstop demands on his time, and his inability to be there for her when she needed him most. When her first love, her high school boyfriend Henry, reappears on the scene months after she and her husband separate, it's only natural she would be seduced by the peace and tranquility he offered.

If you'd had it with your NFL star of a husband, wouldn't a bow-tie wearing banker be the answer?

AC: Hmmmm, the last bow-tie wearing guy Aunty remembers seeing was Indiana Jones in his professorial mode. Yes, he would definitely be "the answer" but Aunty doubts peace and tranquility would be part of that equation!

ALL RIGHT! (Aunty snaps her crop to get back on track.) We LOVE call stories here in the Lair. Care to share yours with us?

Marie: Awww, can't we go back to thinking about Harrison Ford in all his bespectacled beauty? I guess not. I'm kinda afraid of you and that crop of yours. After the way you mocked my lack of chopstick dexterity, I know what you're capable of. (Snorting over my rangoons...)

Okay, the call story went something like this.... My cousin Jen and I had managed to get her house to ourselves to eat wings and watch the season premier of Grey's Anatomy last September 27, except the phones kept ringing. So when my cell rang just after the show started, she forbade me to answer it (using a string of swears that would shock even the Banditas! My baby cousin!) I replied that it could be my kids, and of course I was going to get it. A glance at the caller ID told me it wasn't my kids but rather my agent who proceeded to tell me Sourcebooks was planning to make an offer on Line of Scrimmage! Jen and I ended up watching Grey's on TiVo a week later!

Chow fun noodle dangling from her chopsticks, Aunty stares vacantly into space murmuring about football players, Professor Indiana Jones, and Dr. McDreamy. Suddenly, the noodle splashes into Aunty's hot and sour soup.

Aunty sputters for a moment: Where were we? Oh yes! The long and winding road to publication... So what were some important things you learned along your road, Marie? Care to pass along some pearls of wisdom? Did you receive any great advice? Who from?

Marie: I went blank in the head after the words "McDreamy." I looooove him. But I digress...

The most important pearl of wisdom I can impart is to NEVER, EVER give up. My motto was "The only thing I know for sure is if I give up, it'll never happen." Another really important thing I took it to heart was to KEEP WRITING. You never know what's going to strike the right chord with an agent or editor. For me, it was my seventh book. Later, my editor said, "What else do you have?" And now my third book, "Same Time Sunday," is in line to be published next. I'm also a HUGE advocate of letting civilians (meaning non-writers) read your work. In my case, the enthusiasm and excitement of my readers kept me going.

As for advice, something Suzanne Brockmann said at our New England Chapter conference earlier this year comes to mind. She was talking about how those of us who are involved with RWA spend a lot of time around other people who have also written books, so we tend to forget what a very big deal it is to have finished a book. Suz said it's important to celebrate every accomplishment along the journey, no matter how big or small. It's a great point and one to keep in mind.

AC: Yes it is! And we're so glad you've joined us here in the lair to celebrate your BIG accomplishment of seeing your VERY FIRST BOOK out on bookstore shelves everywhere!

Aunty finishes off her Chow Fun and Tsing Tao and breaks open her fortune cookie: You have a charming way with words, but beware of tall blond men with Nordic names. Hmmm... Okay, what does YOURS say Marie?

Marie: Muse will bring you man in tight white pants with big cup.

Please tell us about an accomplishment you celebrated recently, or maybe something you WISH you had celebrated. Marie will be giving away a copy of Line of Scrimmage to one lucky commenter!

The find out more about Line of Scrimmage, read some fabulous reviews, and get another chance to win a copy, check out Marie's personal blog: http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com

She Made Me Do It

by Tawny Weber and Beth Andrews

Tawny: Did you ever have a friend who pushed or encouraged you? Who was always there to help you along and maybe dare you to do something that you probably wouldn't have done on your own? You know, skinny dipping in the moonlight because your friend dared you? Or asking that hottie out you were crushing on? Or, you know, maybe something a little more life altering?

Beth:Oh, yeah, I have a pushy friend...er...I mean a wonderfully encouraging friend *g* She not only pushes me to set goals, but insists I am more than capable of meeting those goals. She cheers me on when things are going well and cheers me up when I'm down. Meeting her and becoming critique partners with her definitely altered my life in the best way possible! You know, thinking of friends who encourage each other reminds me of Delaney, the heroine of your latest Blaze release Risque Business, and her best friend Mindy.

Tawny:Hmmm, you remind me a LOT of Mindy, Beth. You know, the sweet innocent looking one who hides her bulldozer tendencies behind her mellow exterior? The one that won't listen to any excuse--no matter HOW reasonable (I mean, really -isn't sorting orphaned socks a solid excuse not to write? I think it is)--to keep me from pushing for a goal. And then when I think maybe I can take the easy route, there you are booting me in the butt to push harder.

*sigh* Is it any wonder Delaney went for the makeover? She was afraid of what Mindy would do to her if she chickened out.

Beth:Now, now. I don't bulldoze you. I gently nudge you in the right direction.

You know the only excuses for not writing I'll accept are: Sick kids (yes, they have to be YOUR kids, the neighbor kids don't count) Sick author (but only if you can't stay awake for longer than fifteen minutes at a time) or an unforeseen emergency (which begs the question: aren't all emergencies 'unforeseen'?) Of course, there are times when I realize an author might need a mental health day. Which is why I fully support your right to re-read all 7 Harry Potter books or watch every last episode of Friends.

Just not when you're on deadline.

But you know I only push...er...nudge you for your own good. Which is why Mindy wanted Delaney to get the makeover. She knew her friend needed a bit of...direction shall we say, to become her best self. And since Delaney ends up making a super sexy bet with extremely HOT author Nick Angel, I don't think she's complaining ;-)

Tawny:Okay, Okay... I get it. Sometimes a good friend is the person who shoves you out the door in spite of your well-justified excuses. And you're right. Delaney owes a LOT to Mindy. Not only for suggesting the makeover but also for helping her get the job at the TV studio. And those two steps were crucial in Delaney's journey of growth and self-empowerment (doesn't that sound grand?!). That, in turn, made her a worthy opponent in her own eyes to tackle Nick and all his sexy challenges.

Hmmm... I guess this means I have to admit that nagging friends are a blessing, right? Because I know I wouldn't be nearly as excited about Risque Business if it hadn't been for you nagging... I mean, encouraging me throughout the story! And every time I hit a wall, you were right there telling me how it'd rock.

So - I publicly admit it, like Mindy did in Risque Business, Beth has definitely earned her "I told you so" rights with me over the years.

How about you? Do you have someone in your life who tends to know better than you do what's best for you? You know, that person who is there to push you along, encourage and support you and always seems to see just the exact thing you need to do to fix the problems. (Even if you don't want to listen to them *g*)

Who are your favorite Friends from books, TV shows or movies? The classics like LaVerne and Shirley, Richie and The Fonze? Or more modern friendships like Harry, Ron and Hermione? Tawny will give one lucky commenter signed copies of her first two Blaze books, Double Dare and Does She Dare?

ROMANTIC COMEDY

by Suzanne Welsh

I love to laugh! There have been studies done that suggest laughing will add years to your life. So often when given the choice of movies to watch I will choose a comedy. Espeically a romantic comedy. A girl has to have her Happy Ever After, after all!

Tonight I got to watch one of my favorite movies. BRINGING UP BABY. It's an old black and white movie starring Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant and a leopard. It has some of the best screwball comedic prat falls and plot turns ever recorded. This is my kind of comedy! Romance with heart, laughter, a little poignant moments to make me go aww...and the HEA.

Another of my favorites is DESK SET, starring Ms. Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Women who read and do research for a newspaper outwit and engineer's pet new computer. (aha! This is a fantasy some days in my own office!) Yep Katherine Hepburn was fantastic at romantic comedies.

There are some modern day actresses who give her a run for her money.

Meg Ryan. A lot of people know of her from WHEN HARRY MET SALLY or SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE My favorite movie starring her is FRENCH KISS. She learns a lot about herself in that movie. Not only does she overcome her fear of flying, she's able to see past her own insecurities to giving up everything for the man she ultimately loves. And who can resist her fist of defiance in front of the Arch De Triumph as she swears, "we shall triumph!" ?

Sandra Bullock. MISS CONGENIALITY was such a great movie and didn't agent Hart learn as much about being a woman as catching the bad guys? WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING has us falling in love with Lucy and a whole cast of quirky characters. TWO WEEKS NOTICE was a sleeper if you ask me. There are some great timed pratfalls in that movie. Timing for that kind of physical comedy has to come naturally. I don't think it can be taught.


Janeane Garofalo. Her sardonic wit really made me love her in THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS. Not to mention the first ever phone sex scene in a movie! Another movie she did that was just too funny was THE MATCHMAKER. It's a movie that takes place in Ireland! (Have you seen it, Joanie?) Janeane's character is almost a straight man to this town of quirky Irishman.

So, what romantic comedies do y'all like? Who are some of your favorite comediens? I have decided to give away a DVD of WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING to one commentor.

A Dangerous Soiree aka THE DANGEROUS DUKE Launch Party!!!

Good evening, Dear Readers! Allow me to introduce myself, since Mrs. Wells seems to have disappeared for the moment. Probably crawled back to bed, poor dear, after meeting her deadline last night. My name is Lady Kate Fairchild and I'll be your hostess this evening.

As it is well-known that Bandita parties usually feature vulgar antics like swinging from chandeliers and drinking champagne from bucket boots, Mrs. Wells has entreated me to take charge, lending my legendary savoire faire and elegant restraint to the occasion.

We are celebrating the release of two things--THE DANGEROUS DUKE, aka THAT BOOK and of course, the newfound freedom of my dear and dangerous hero, the Duke of Lyle.

You might recall that some time ago, the Romance Bandits kidnapped Lyle and incarcerated him in their lair. The ensuing months of separation have been extremely painful for us both, but finally, those feisty Banditas have released their captive! Words cannot describe the ecstasy of our reunion, though if you DO wish to pry into our most intimate secrets, I counsel you to read THAT BOOK and you will discover more than you ever wished to know!

Which reminds me. Lyle? It's almost time to receive our guests. LYLE???

Lyle: I'm here, my sweet. Mmm...

Kate: [giggle] Lyle, stop it, you'll mess up my hair. You are supposed to be dressing! What do you have there?

Lyle: [reading aloud] Kate shivered, remembering the way the moonlight struck his thick black hair as he bent to fix her gown. She'd known a fleeting urge to set her hand in that coarse mass and--

Kate: Oh, no! Not THAT BOOK! Where does it say that? Give it to me!

Lyle: [holding the book out of her reach] Uh-uh, no you don't. I've only just started reading. It's proving most edifying, I must say. You didn't tell me this Mrs. Wells was such a gripping writer.

Kate: Gripping?! The woman is a torturer. She imprisoned you, remember? She is exploiting us for financial gain! She is selling our story to the masses, making us the object of every curious eye.

Lyle: Yes, but she writes a lusty love scene, I'll give her that. [pointing to one particular passage] Tell me, did we REALLY...?

Kate: [blushing furiously] I don't recall.

Lyle: Is that so? Then my dear Kate, allow me to remind you...

************************************************************************************* Ahem! Christine Wells here. Um, well, it seems our hosts are going to be occupied for quite some time. Why don't we start the party without them? Here's Sven with cocktails and oh, look! He's brought his brother Lars, too. The Cabana boys are trooping out with canapes and suntan lotion. There are Banditas swinging in from all directions. Saddle up, Bandita Buddies, it's going to be a wild ride!

I'm afraid this wasn't quite the elegant soiree Lady Kate had planned...

So tell me--do you think romance novels EVER lend themselves to being read aloud?? What's your favourite quotation? It can be from anywhere--a romance novel, classic literature, a movie, or perhaps it's some pithy quip from your favourite comedian. I collect quotes, so I'm looking forward to reading yours.

Two lucky random commenters will win signed copies of THAT BOOK, aka THE DANGEROUS DUKE!! Thanks for joining in the celebration with me! Oh, and oops, I forgot to announce the winners from last time I blogged, so stay tuned for that announcement, too!

Another Lucky Winner!

The winner of JoMama's $10 Amazon gift card for the most unusual fear goes to . . . WENDY!!!!

I thought her fear of ice cream truck MUSIC was funny and weird at the same time!

Wendy, email me at jo (dot) lewisrobertson (at) yahoo (dot) com. That's jo.lewisrobertson@yahoo.com with your snail mail addy and I'll send your certificate.

Congratulations! Way to go!!

September in The Lair!

The GR really has something to crow about in September!

Yes, its another fun filled month of Banditas, awesome guests and prizes!

September 2 Join us for another rowdy launch party when we celebrate the release of Christine Wells, "The Dangerous Duke." Will Lady Kate and Lyle visit the lair? Who knows but you don't want to miss it if they do!

September 3 Suzanne Welsh welcomes multi-nominated RITA H/S author Barb Dunlap

September 4 Grab a cabana boy and get ready for another launch party when Tawny Weber and Beth Andrews celebrate the release of Tawny's newest Blaze, "Risque Business." How risque will it get? Join us and find out!

September 5 Loucinda McGary hosts her Casablanca/Sourcebook sister Marie Force as they talk about her latest release "Line of Scrimmage."

September 7 RITA award winning HQN author Kristan Higgins joins the Banditas to talk about writing, life and how to be "Just One of the Guys." Don't miss this interview with Joan Kayse.

September 16 Lisa Gardner joins Jeanne Adams to talk about her July 2008 release "Say Goodbye". It's Lisa Gardner! Enough said!

September 20 Beth Andrews welcomes YA author Terri Clark who will talk about dreams and her upcoming release, "Sleepless."

NEW THIS MONTH!

Enter to win the fabulous "Live Dangerously" prize pack from our own Banditas, Jeanne, Christine and Tawny! Just check out the contest details on one of the following websites!

http://www.jeanneadams.com/

http://www.christine-wells.com/win-contests.html

http://www.tawnyweber.com/mailinglist


Nancy Northcott is having a contest to celebrate the launch of her newsletter. Go to http://www.nancynorthcott.com/ for all the details.

Beth Andrews has a lot to celebrate too with the kids back in school and her wonderful critique partner Tawny Weber's sexy new BLAZE "Risque Business" release.

Sign up for Beth's newsletter at http://www.bethandrews.net/ and one lucky subscriber will win signed copies of Tawny's "Risque Business" and "Does She Dare?"

BONUS!

Anna Campbell has a question and if you have an answer you might win an Advanced Readers Copy of her January 09 release "Tempt the Devil". Enter now at http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html .