Casting Calll!!!

*It's several mornings after the long night of reading in the Lair. Bandita Nancy and Bandita Jeanne have convened in the Lair's cavernous, but immaculate kitchen, seeking coffee and a snack. As usual, the conversation starts with books.....*

Jeanne, contemplating Kathy Reichs' latest Temperance Brennan book: Why is it that it's so hard to cast people for books-to-movies or books-to-TV who actually resemble the characters? I mean, seriously. I look at who gets cast for stuff sometimes and just wince. Temperance Brennan on TV isn't at ALL like she's described in the book. And we won't even mention the comic-book heroes....

(Nancy rolls her eyes, having heard Jeanne's complaint that Karl Urban should have been chosen for Thor, rather than Chris Hemsworth.)

Nancy, stirring cream into her coffee and contemplating the tray of pastries Sven left out for the Banditas: Well, they got Iron Man right. Not too many people could play Iron Man any better than Robert Downey Jr. And Christopher Reeve was Superman to the life. Brandon Routh was fine but could've been better if he'd had a good script. And then there's Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.

Jeanne: *grudging concession* That's true. Bad choices aside, there are some books and comic books that are incredibly difficult to cast. Take the In Death series.

*Jeanne points to the copy in Nancy's "To Be Shelved - Keeper" cubby, over by the door.*

I noticed you caught up with all the J.D. Robb books, when you finished Fantasy in Death.

Nancy: Of all the Eve Dallas books, this is the one most perfect for me. It's got gaming, for cryin' out loud. And a convention. And Star Wars references. Right up my street, as Anna Sugden would say.

Jeanne: Now THERE's a series that would be fun to cast. I hear our own Romance Champion, Nora, thinks that would be one of the hardest casting jobs of all time. I think I'd agree with her on that. What do you think, Nancy?

(Long, thoughtful, coffee-drinking pause)

Nancy: Bet we could come up with something.

Jeanne: *Grins* Ah, the gauntlet is cast. Let's do it. Starting at the top....Who would play Eve?

Nancy: Ohhhh, no, let's start with the minor characters first. That's easier!

Jeanne: Good plan. Okay, Summerset, the butler, factotem, and what the historical authors might have called the Reeve, for the most gorgeous Irish-American hero ever (barring Aunty Cindy's boys), Roarke. Who gets to play Summerset and sneer at Eve?

Nancy: Ralph Richardson would be perfect for Summerset, but alas, he's dead.

Jeanne: Let's do cast LIVE people, yes. *Grins* What about Michael Caine for Summerset. No one can do disdainful like Michael Caine. He was fabulous at it in Miss Congeniality.

Nancy: Either Michael Caine or perhaps David McCallum (NCIS Coroner) would be good for that. But I think Caine has the edge. You know, I think Dennis Haysbert from The Unit would be perfect for Tibble. And possibly my pal Teal'C of Stargate (Christopher Judge) would be perfect for Mavis's beau, Leonardo.

Jeanne: Oh, he would!! What about Samuel L. Jackson for Whitney? He'd be great as Whitney. And perhaps Michael Clarke Duncan for Crack, from the Down and Dirty Club.

Nancy: Samuel L. Jackson is perfect as pretty much anything. I can see Michael Clarke Duncan for Crack.

Jeanne: What about Mavis?

Nancy: Katherine Heigel or Amy Adams might do for Mavis, or maybe Helena Bonham Carter, she's got that curly hair and sort of flighty sensibility that Mavis has.

Jeanne: Excellent. I think James Marsden (27 Dresses) would be great for Baxter, and maybe Eddie Cibrian from CSI Miami for Webster.

Nancy: You know James Marsden was fabulous as my favorite guy X-Man, Cyclops, just as an aside, and he can sing, too. I can see Cibrian as Webster. I think Ewan McGregor has to play McNabb. Or maybe Michael Cera from Juno.

Jeanne: Good ones!! I've got the perfect actor for Troy Trueheart. He's on Disney Channel's Aaron Stone, and his name is Kelly Blatz. He's just that "perfect" all-American boy-type. Or maybe Casper Van Dein, from Starship Troopers. He's got that "Lettered-in-every-sport" kind of Troy-Trueheart look too.

Nancy: Good choices there, either one. On the female side, I think Sasha Alexander (NCIS) or maybe Emily Proctor (CSI - Miami), who's a North Carolina native, just to confess my bias, for Assistant ADA Cher Rio. That would be good.

Jeanne: It would! And I'm partial to those NC actors too, as you know! Now for the harder ones...Delia Peabody. She's going to be a toughie.

Nancy: *hmmmm* Zoey Deschanel? Pauley Perrette (NCIS)?

Jeanne, munching a pastry to buy thinking time: Perrette's got the chuzpah for it. May be Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl. Body-type wise, she's more the Peabody type.

Nancy: Hmmm, yes, but it's all about the attitude. That's what makes it hard to consider casting Eve. She's not classically beautiful, she's interesting. She's tall. She's whipcord rather than brawn, and she's no lightweight in terms of her abilities. Not just any frou-frou actress can pull that off.

Jeanne: Okay brainstorming for Eve....Jessica Alba has the chops (too pretty?)

Nancy: Lena Headey from the Terminator TV series (too short?) Maybe Mary MacCormack from West Wing and In Plain Sight. She's got an interesting face and is a take-no-prisoners kind of actress no matter what she's wearing. Heeeeeey, Stana Katic from Castle would be excellent!

Jeanne: Ooh, good one. I'm considering Daniela Ruah, from NCIS - LA. She's got that same attitude as Mary, with a little more interest in the face. Grins.

Nancy: I haven't seen that show yet. I'm still not satisfied with the choices here, and we forgot one of the most important people! Charlotte Mira! Oh, and Head Lab Tech, Dickie "Dickhead" Berenski, and of all things, YOU forgot the lead Coroner, Morris! Maybe the Bandita Buddies who've read the series can help.

Jeanne: Capital idea! (Can't believe I forgot Mira AND Morris...gotta think on that!) I think we're going to need help for Roarke too. He's got so many well-described attributes that you have to be verrrrry picky. I thought about Dermot Mulrooney (The Wedding Date), or Eddie Cahill (CSI-NY) But neither have that certain Je nais ce quoi that Roarke needs.

Nancy: So true! I did the same thing. Roarke is an action hero, but he has lots and lots of layers, darkness and light. Doing him justice requires real acting chops. Eve, too, for that matter.

Returning to Roarke, though, Milo Ventimiglia's too short, but otherwise has the right looks. Brandon Routh doesn't have blue eyes. Clive Owen is too greyhound lean, and Hugh Grant's too associated with Romantic Comedy. Matt Bomer from the new series White Collar is good, looks-wise, but he's too short and too young.

Jeanne: Yep, gotta have some acting chops to do Roarke. Christian Bale? David Conrad from Ghost Whisperer? Pierce Brosnan from 25 years ago would be good, but we can't regress him in time. Too bad about that. Charles Durning's a bit too old now, but he would have made a great Feeney.

Nancy: You're digressing again! Focus! Neeson's also too old for Roarke, and Colin Farrell's too short and too...something. Karl Urban and Hugh Jackman could do it, but they're so famous. Deservedly because they're so good, but it's sometimes hard to overlook who they are when they're onscreen. Though I have to say Urban did a great job of disappearing into Dr. McCoy in Star Trek. And Jackman was great in a role very different for him in Australia. Did I tell you how many times I watched Australia on HBO?

Jeanne (snorking): Yes! Yes you did. *grins* (About as many times as I've watched Star Trek, I'll bet.) Getting back to the point, as much as I perv over Karl Urban, you're right there. One of my other favorites, Adrian Paul is too short, too old, and doesn't have blue eyes. He's got the smoldering, smirky capacity, but not the other stuff. I'm going to digress again and say that Jon Voight would make an absolutely perfect Senator DeBlass from the first book, with Kevin Bacon as his smarmy aide-de-camp.

Nancy: Darn it, we need to get the main characters, not go haring off into side trips. Remember, we still don't have Morris or Mira! On balance, among our current choices, I'd go with Jackman for Roarke and Katic for Eve. She's just a shade on the young side, but I think she'd be good.

Jeanne: Okay, okay! *Grins* Not that we're taking this seriously or anything. I guess I'd go Christian Bale for Roarke and Daniella Ruah for Eve.

Nancy: Way too early in the morning for serious. I can see Bale, though, and I'll take your word that Ruah'd be good. But I think it's time to get some help from people who watch either more TV and Movies that you and I do, or who watch different shows than you and I do. There's a lot of BOOM movies and Crime shows represented in our lists. Maybe something else?

Jeanne: You know Anna Campbell's going to suggest Richard Armitage, don't you?

Nancy: Yep. She's like you are with Karl Urban.

Jeanne: Heehee. Well, we all have our favorites....

So what about it, Banditas and Bandit Buddies? Who would you cast as Eve, Roarke, and Co. from J.D. Robb's famous In Death series?

Do you have a favorite series or book (not bandita books this time, please, 'cause we're doing those on June 19) for which you'd like to cast the characters?

Let's talk CASTING, People!!

Turning down the Corners

by Cassondra Murray



There is a bit of a....

well...WAR is far too strong a word.

Rivalry doesn't quite fit either.

Disagreement? Well, that's a bit weak for the passion with which this is handled.

It's a "THEM vs US" thing I suppose.

The Bandits have not come to blows or drawn swords or anything...

Still, there is a division.


Let me explain the origins of something many of you may take for granted. (Okay, not the REAL origins, as in where they started, but the origins as in how most of us end up with them now--as promotional tools.)

I'm talking about the humble bookmark.

You see, if you've never attended a writer's conference, you've missed out on a lot.

There's the mayhem of a huge hotel lobby, with 2000 writers arriving, hugging each other because we're seeing friends we haven't seen for a year, vying for the hottie bellman's attention (really it's the bellcarts we want, but don't tell the bellmen that), and finding our way to registration.

At registration, we're given a goody bag, filled with promotional items and emblazoned with the name of the sponsors on the side of the bag.



The next morning, we make our way to bad hotel coffee dispensed from industrial-sized urns, then we stand, bleary-eyed and tired from our travels, in corners and small groups, trying to unravel the mysteries of our conference program, make our way to workshops held in little rooms all around the conference hotel (this often involves complex puzzle-solving skills to find our way) and to appointments with editors and agents, where, with sweaty palms and note cards in hand, we do our best sales pitches to weary industry professionals who hope to find the Next Great Romance Author among the throngs.

Then, with a few minutes to ourselves, we wander into that black hole of conference clutter.

The Goody Room.

The Goody Room is where authors (Bandits included)at a conference deposit their promotional material in hopes of attracting the attention of even ONE new reader.

Here's what it looks like.

You walk in the door. It's not a large room. It might be the size of an average living room of the not-so-rich-and-famous. Except there's no sofa or recliner or tv or velvet Elvis on the wall. Instead there are tables lining the walls. And probably one long table down the middle. So you have a little aisle you can walk down and around and back out.

And on these multiple tables are piles and piles and PILES of promotional material for authors and books.

Pens with author's names and logos and brands and last releases.

Little cutesypie plastic bags covered with hearts or flowers, and filled with yummy chocolate Hershey's Kisses (yes.....finger-in-throat at this point.....MORE chocolate--for those of you who have never attended a conference, you should know that chocolate is EVERY-FREAKIN-WHERE at a romance writer's conference. They feed and chocolate you nearly to death.)

On the nezt table you'll find piles and piles of postcard-size bookplates. Those are the covers of books reduced to a postcard and printed on expensive glossy paper.

Then there are more stacks of pens with author's names or logos.

There might be a stack of little personal-size, battery-powered fans emblazoned with the author's name.

At the last conference I attended, there was a table full of bottles of water (okay this was a darn good idea, cuz you get mighty thirsty at a conference) with labels custom-made, advertising the author and latest release.

I have to tell you, that I remember the water, but I don't remember the name of the author.

And therein lies my question.

Because spread among all these goodies are always, ALWAYS a slew of bookmarks. Tons and tons of bookmarks. This, I believe to be the origin and birthplace of the bookmark (hey, it's as good a theory as evolution, with nearly as much evidence).

I could own a thousand bookmarks if I picked up one of everything I see at a conference.

But I don't.

Because I don't use bookmarks.

I bend the pages down.

*Ducks massive amounts of flying fruit and stays down there under cover for several minutes while fruit still flies*

Is it safe to come up yet? *peeks over top of laptop screen*

Yes, yes. I know. Many of you are tearing your clothing and pouring ashes over your heads at the thought. But this is reality.

I've brought home a TON of bookmarks, and lost just as many. I have a few metal bookmarks in the shape of moons or rectangles with wise sayings engraved upon them, and ribbon run through a small, precisely-engraved hole at the top. They were stupidly expensive.

But when I go to read a paperback book at night, by the light of the 60-watt bulb by my side of the bed, here's how it goes....

I read. I read some more. I read until I start to drop the book because I'm so sleepy. Then...

I turn the corner of the page down. I close the book (or drop it onto my lap). I put it on the nightstand if I'm still awake, turn out the light, and go to sleep.

It's true. I turn the corner of the page down on a paperback book. Even some hardcover books.

Nothing like this book. That's just an abomination. Because you can't read the book. That's the point. For me, it's about not damaging the book to the point a person can't read it.

It's why I have such a difficult time throwing books--ANY books--away. Even books from the early 1800s, (I have some of these packed in my garage) which still recommend the use of leeches for curing diseases. Hey,it's ignorant and dangerous, but IT'S STILL A BOOK, yaknow?

While I know I am not alone in turning the page corners down, there are those who say I am, at the very least, heretic. Uncivilized. Low.

Nancy, for instance, thinks this is pure, unadulterated blasphemy. Nancy may not use bookmarks, but has proven intellect and mental power upon which to rest.

"I remember the page number, or at least the chapter, of the book I'm reading," she says. And she reads up to three books at a time.

Humph. I can't remember what I had for dinner last night.

Jeanne has....evolved....a bit. She can now turn the page down on a paperback. But it's taken her YEARS to get to this point. Her dad was a librarian. She says when she was a child, that the decree ran something like the following:

"You did not...


bend the book

turn the pages down

lay the book in any manner which might damage the spine, pages or cover

read while eating, lest you mar the pages (the parents finally gave up on this one)

God forbid you should THOW the book...THAT got you grounded.

Damage came out of your allowance.

Stern stuff....."

Indeed.

As a kid, I brought home about 40 library books per week, on average, and did NOT turn those pages down, because they weren't my books. But now that I pay for my books, and they're mostly all paperbacks? Oh yeah.

I bend, fold (don't usually staple) and mutilate those books.

I bend them around like a newspaper when I'm lying in bed at night, trying to get the printed pages into the light so I can see the text and hold it in one hand. This is not a museum. This is is a spa. It's about relaxation. Entertainment. It's about story. And to hell with the binding.

And when I get ready to turn out the light, the bookmark that might have been there half an hour ago is either a) under the bed b) somewhere buried in the covers or c) at the bottom of the East River, never to be seen again. I cannot hold onto a bookmark to save my life.

So I fold the page down and flip off the light and go to sleep. And I am no worse for the wear. The book? I've not had one fall apart yet. They're rumpled, but still intact.

Two hundred years ago I might have behaved differently, because books were so rare and difficult to produce then. Now, books are everywhere. I have piles of them. They're like air. I can't live without them, but I don't pamper them unless they're very special collector's editions.

And this, you see, is the source of the contention in the lair.

The other night, when we finished our reading session in the lair's library, I folded down the page, and Nancy noticed. She covered her face and looked away. Jeanne actually cringed. (It WAS a Claudia Dain novel after all). Some of the other Bandits coughed and left the room. Even a few of the cabana boys stopped and gaped, open-mouthed.


But some Bandits yawned and went back to reading.

Bookmarks were strewn all over the library table. Promotional ones, with Bandit book covers emblazoned across their slick, glossy surfaces.

I might, on occasion, shove a bookmark into my pages. If it's handy. Or if it's not handy, I turn down the page.

If it's a self-help book or a non-fiction or reference book, I'll highlight, underline, and write in the margins. Oh, yeah. That's a workbook, as far as I'm concerned.

Some do, and some don't.

For some, books are tools. Education.

For others, books are sacred.

Maybe, for some, books are both.

How about you?

Will you turn down the corners of a book page?

Does it matter whether it's hardcover or paperback?

Trade or mass market?

Does it matter who wrote it? Or whether it's a keeper shelf book or a first-time read?

How do you feel about the sanctity of the book?

And while we're at it, would a bookmark given to you ever cause you to BUY the author's book?

How about a pen?

We, as Bandits, always want to know how to spend our advertising dollars, and you, our readers, can tell us.

Has any of the goodies from a bookstore, or anywhere else, ever made you buy a book? What gets your attention?

Inquiring writers want to know!

Book Booty!

Books to give away today!

The winner of Gerri Russell's Seducing the Knight is . . . Ms. Hellion!

Copies of Kathleen O'Reilly's Long Summer Nights go to Runner10 and Denise!

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone for stopping by! Winners should email snail mail info to Nancy via the link on the Romance Bandits blog, with "Nancy's winner" in the subject line.

Vanessa Kelly Is In The Lair!

posted by Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy

Not long ago, yer olde Aunty was enjoying the sights on another blog (oh, all right, it was The Romance Dish), when a very intriguing cover caught my eye! Needless to say, I had to find out more about this gorgeous hunk... er, um, BOOK!

Turns out this luscious...BOOK is the creation of a lovely author who happens to have a 'Bandita Connection' and she agreed to join us today for an interview. So please help me welcome Vanessa Kelly to the Lair!

AC: What made you start writing? Did anyone inspire or encourage you to write?

VK: I’ve been writing all my life in one form or another, either in graduate school or in my work life as a researcher. In grad school, I studied women writers of the Georgian and Regency era who, as you know, were the foremothers of the modern novel and the romance novel.

Several years after I left grad school I started toying (fool that I was!) with the idea of writing a romance. I’ve loved Regency romances ever since my sister introduced me to Georgette Heyer when I was in the eighth grade. And after studying all those fabulous writers in grad school, I developed a natural affinity for the period. So it made sense that when I started to write, I wrote Regency-set historical romance. I guess you could say my inspiration came from writers like Fanny Burney, Maria Edgeworth, and that well-spring of inspiration, Jane Austen. Throw Georgette Heyer into the mix and it all makes perfect sense!

AC: Yes, truly come GREAT inspiration!

How long have you been writing romance with an eye toward publication ?

VK: I’ve been writing romance for about four years.

AC: How many manuscripts did you finish before you sold?

VK: I completed two manuscripts before I sold, and my first book came out in April, 2009.

AC: We love “Call Stories” in the Lair, please share yours with us.

VK: I had just signed with an agent about two months before my book sold. She shopped it to a few houses, who liked it but enough to buy it. She then submitted it to a particular editor at Kensington, who she really believed would love it. By that point I had come to expect a fairly long submission process, so I wasn’t expecting to hear back for several weeks, at least.

Two days later, my husband and I were out shopping. When we returned home there was a message from my agent, telling me to call her at the end of the day because she had something important to discuss. Needless to say, by the end of the afternoon I was a wreck. When I called her, my agent said hello and then immediately put me on hold—for several very loooooong minutes. By the time she got back on the phone I was a total basket case! But the news was great—a two-book contract in Kensington’s Debut program.

AC: WOW! Well, I guess we can forgive her for putting you on hold for so long. LOL!

Please tell us about your current release.

VK: I actually have one book that just came out, and one book soon to be released. My Regency-set historical romance, SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL, came out in early May. It’s the second book in my series, which started with MASTERING THE MARQUESS. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, with a dash of danger and suspense thrown in, and it takes place in Bath, England. Sophie was a really fun heroine to write, especially since she keeps my hero, Simon, running in circles throughout the book. And you may notice that on the cover of the book—right next to the hunky guy with the great chest—there’s a fabulous quote from a certain Bandita!

If you want to read an excerpt of SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL, here’s the link to my website: http://www.vanessakellyauthor.com/excerpt_sse2.html

The other book I have coming out is called CADDYGIRLS, and it’s a contemporary romance that I wrote with my husband under the pen name of VK Sykes. It’s being released by Carina Press, which is Harlequin’s new digital imprint. We’re thrilled to be part of the first wave of authors for Carina, who I think is going to take the publishing world by storm.

AC: You are one busy lady! And how brave of you to co-write with your DH!

Plotter? Pantser? Or something in between? Anything else you want to share about your writing process?

VK: I’m a mad plotter. I make up plot boards, write outlines, character bios, GMC charts—you name it. If there’s a chart I’ve tried it! But I find that the more pre-work I do, the more efficiently and easily I write. I probably go overboard, but I don’t really find that it stifles the creative process. When I have a certain level of security as to what happens next, I can relax and just let the good stuff roll on out.

AC: I can see you and Tawny are go to get along famously.

Do you have any advice you’d like to share with unpublished or recently published writers?

VK: Don’t treat your novels like your babies. The publishing business can be tough, and putting a little distance between yourself and your work can help keep your sanity intact. And definitely don’t read bad reviews!!

AC: Excellent advice! Especially about not reading bad reviews.Why are those the ones I always remember?!?!

On a happier note, what’s next for you, Vanessa?

VK: The next book in my Regency-set historical series will be out in May, 2011. It’s called MY FAVORITE COUNTESS, and the heroine is Bathsheba, who was the evil ex-mistress in SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL. It was so much fun reforming her. And just to make things more interesting, I paired her up with a crusading slum doctor—most definitely not the kind of man she’s used to!

I also have a short story in the Mammoth Book of Regency Romance, which comes out this summer. I know that Anna also has a story in that anthology—I can’t wait to read it!

AC: All those sound GREAT! I can hear the TBR piles growing now. Thank you for being here today Vanessa.

What about you? Do you like friends-to-lovers stories? Or are you more intrigued by the reformed bad boy/girl? What are some of your favorite stories with either of these two themes?

Vanessa is generously giving away TWO copies of her book SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL to lucky commenters today, so let us hear from YOU!

High Adventure Hijinks

by Caren Crane

Hola, Bandita Buddies! As some of you know, I am a big fan of high adventure sports - or at least the ones I don't think are likely to kill me. I am lately returned from the end-of-year trip with my Girl Scout troop and am possessed of:

1. Rope burns (from the white, ironically-named "safety rope" on the zip lines).

2. Bruised calves and shins (those whitewater inflatable rafts are hard on the lower legs).

3. Sunburned knees (only my knees, mind you).

4. Three inexplicable sore, red lines on my upper left thigh (likely from inflatable raft - see 2).

5. Some awesome rafting pictures (as seen below).

6. Heartfelt gratitude for a) my life, b) my co-leader, Linda, and, c) Dale, our awesome whitewater rafting guide (also seen below).

See, we went whitewater rafting a couple of years ago. Same place, the awesome ACE Adventure Resort. Same river, the Lower Gauley. So, I felt confident that I could handle what the Gauley was dishing out.

How the river laughs at the confident! Two years ago we went in July, not in May. Two years ago, we had a serious rainfall deficit and the river was low. This spring, there was tremendous rainfall and snowmelt in West Virginia, so the river was up and quite adventuresome. The river, she laughed at me.

The river bided her time. After lunch, when we were a little logy from sun and food, we hit the bulk of the Class IV and Class V rapids. One of the Class IV's sucked us in, smacked us one way, spun us another, THEN smacked the raft exactly where I was sitting.

I knew I was a goner as soon as the wave hit. There I went, carried out of the boat on a tide of whitewater. Down for a second, then back up with river water in my eyes, nose and lungs. Still clinging to the oar, which I dared not release. Kicking furiously back toward the raft, where Dale and Linda were on point, ready to haul me back in, all while navigating a Class IV rapid.

Once I managed to wrestle my sodden, humiliated self back into the raft (with lots of help from Dale and Linda), we were right back on it with paddling. I never let that oar out of my death grip while I struggled to get my fat butt back in the raft! I cast an eye at the river and I swear I heard a gurgling laugh under the churning whitewater.

I still love high adventure sports and I definitely plan to go whitewater rafting again. And again. And probably one more time. I will not, however, forget to always beware the unknowable river. She will demand respect!

Have you ever taken something for granted and gotten a kick-in-the-pants wake-up call? Horses are famous for this, as are tricky intersections, sports involving flying object and driving routes you know like the back of your hand. Anyone else care to share a painful lesson learned?

By the way, none of the 11 teenagers nor my two co-leaders were dumped in the river. Just me, all wet, all by myself. I was glad it wasn't one of the teenagers, though, 'cause they made me s'mores later. I love them!

Your Own Autographed Copy!

By Kirsten (Inara) Scott

I know, I've already spent a whole blog talking about my cover and now I've got to blab all about something new -- my first experience signing books!

It happened last week at BEA. For those who haven’t heard of it, BEA is short for BookExpo America -- an enormous, fabulous conference dedicated to all things book-related. Though the conference always includes big headline acts (Barbara Streisand! Jon Stewart!) and conference sessions, the best part is I’ve found is simply walking the floor, where thousands of square feet are dedicated to publisher exhibits with books from their summer and fall catalogs, book trinkets, ARCs (advance reader copies) and lots and lots of authors signing books.

And yes, this year one of those authors was ME! For thirty minutes (which FLEW by -- I think I was probably in a time-space warp) I sat behind a table and wrote my name in books for people who said they were excited to read Delcroix Academy.


Excited. To read my book.

I grinned like a fool the whole time.

After I was done signing, I got to turn around and meet the guy in the booth next to me. You may have heard of him (if you have a 4th grade boy, you've definitely heard of him!): Rick Riordin. Then I did my own fan girl thing. I fawned, I squeed, and I generally made a fool of myself. This is what we do when we meet an author we really like. We make fools of ourselves.

So tell me -- when's the last time you waited in line to meet an author? What did you do when you met them? Ever embarrassed yourself in front of your hero? (I almost did -- turned out I've been pronouncing Rick's last name wrong all this time -- thank goodness my editor caught that one before I met him!).

And you writers -- tell us about your first book signing. Did you grin like a fool? Float on air for hours afterwards? Are you still a little amazed that there are people out there who will wait in line to meet YOU?

Hot (Historical) Musicians

Today, I hope you'll all help me welcome Carrie Lofty to the lair. Carrie's latest release, SONG OF SEDUCTION from Carina Press sounds fascinating.

In 1804 Austria, a widowed violin prodigy begins a steamy affair with the enigmatic Dutch composer she's idolized for years--only to learn that he stole his most famous symphony.

Welcome Carrie!


If you look objectively at most male musicians, you must admit what I long ago discovered: they're not an entirely attractive bunch. Sure there have been Elvis-level heartthrobs through the ages, and most pop singers are made stars specifically for their polished, packaged look, but I'm talking about musicians. Robert Plant? Bono? Eddie Vedder? They aren't bad looking, but neither are they pretty pinups.

Musicians are the ultimate bad boys. Take an ordinary man. Make him the master of his chosen instrument. Stick him onstage...and for two hours he becomes a god.

Bruce Springsteen once said that he wanted his concerts to resemble a place of worship. I truly believe music has that power, connecting hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands of people to one another through the songs they all know by heart. Nothing outside of spiritual revelry has that degree of power.

No wonder, then, that musicians can seem inordinately attractive. It's not just their physical form, but how they swagger, how they pose, how they connect.

This phenomenon is not limited to the age of rock'n'roll. In some places Franz Liszt was banned because girls became so overwrought by his tremendous piano-playing skills that they tossed their bloomers on stage. Women swooned and the police were brought in!

Shall we take a look at dear old Franz?

I see potential there--diffident posture, exaggerated features, smoldering intensity. Put him in front of a piano and yes, bloomers would go flying!

Even earlier than Liszt's mid-19th century exploits, people understood the power of music. During the late 18th century Regina Strinasacchi was also criticized. In an age when most women studied piano--if any instrument--she dared to become a violin virtuoso. Standing up during her performances meant exposing all of her female curves to the scrutiny of audiences enraptured by her vigorous swaying and pulsing. Scandalous!


Of course I had to tap into this maelstrom of sexual potential. The hero of SONG OF SEDUCTION (http://www.carrielofty.com/Song.html) is a piano player and composer--one part Liszt, one part crochety ole' Beethoven. The heroine is a violin virtuoso, all shades of Regina Strinasacchi and her ground-breaking fame. I imagined them as the rock gods of their day, which made for two terribly fiery romantic leads! I hope you'll check them out.

Which musicians strike your fancy? Are they model-caliber hotties, or are they men made extraordinary by their music and performances?

Challenging Your Editor or Agent - Guest Blogger Virna De Paul

by Tawny

One of the things I love most about the romance community are the incredible friends I've made. It's like this win-win situation. Great books, great people, great fun. (is that win-win-win?) So it's with a huge smile that I'm welcoming an awesome author and great friend, Virna DePaul, to the Lair today. I met Virna through one of my local RWA chapters and through the years we've not only hung out together, our kids have become super-tight friends (ahhh, the joys of Pokemon) and most recently, Virna invited me to collaborate on a non-fiction writing book with her. I won't mention the time we slept together. Cuz, you know, I'm shy and stuff.

I was beyond ecstatic when Virna received a two-book offer for her debut paranormal suspense series, The Otherkin. Her first book, CHOSEN BY BLOOD, will be out in April of 2011. And I'm thrilled to have her here with us today - so please, join me in doing a little happy dancing boogy to welcome Virna to the Lair!


First, I want to thank Tawny and all the Bandits for having me here today. I know the Romance Bandits are a tight group with a loyal following and I’m so honored to be a guest. Second, I want to ask you a question--did the title of this blog post make you a little uncomfortable? If so, why? Is it because “to challenge” means “to take exception to; call into question; dispute”. Or is it because the word was being applied to an agent and editor? Luckily, this post isn’t really about challenging an agent or editor, it’s about speaking up when you need to and knowing the difference.

Making waves. Rocking the boat. Disturbing the status quo. Being the squeaky wheel.

However you want to describe making a fuss, I generally avoid it.

I like civility. Courtesy. Fair negotiation and open mindedness.

Which is why I didn’t make a very good trial lawyer. I did fine when it came to making persuasive legal arguments, but as soon as things got “ugly” and opponents began to hit below the belt, I floundered. I didn’t expect it or see the need for it (I still don’t!), and I didn’t know how to respond to it. Truthfully, what others often saw as professional calm and enviable composure was actually stunned silence or quiet confusion. Thankfully, I was a much better appellate prosecutor. Even better, I love writing romance so much more than practicing law.

In my personal life, I can be more tolerant of my desire for peace. I like to nurture people and make them feel comfortable, plus I’m generally easy going. Where to eat or what time to be somewhere or how long to wait for something doesn’t usually matter to me so long as I’m in the company of people I like.

There are, however, several things I care deeply about, and when it comes to those things, my “easy going-ness” tends to fly out the window. Ironically, it’s during these times that the idea of being confrontational becomes even less attractive to me. First, because I’ve usually established a precedent—wouldn’t making demands seem a bit out of character now? Second, since I now truly care about the outcome, I fear that instead of just making waves, I’ll lose control and make a tsunami.

So what do I do? Usually, I’ll suffer in silence for as long as I can. Sometimes, if I wait too long, I’ll blow (and believe me, that’s not a pretty sight). Otherwise, I’ll finally get sick of suffering and I’ll do what I should have done in the beginning. I’ll problem solve and do the difficult thing in as respectful a way as possible.

With respect to my budding writing career, I’ve been fortunate to work or interact with wonderful, professional agents and editors. However, there have been a handful of uncomfortable moments over the years when I’ve had to decide whether to speak up for what I wanted or let things remain the way they stood. Each time, “speaking up” seemed tantamount to “challenging” a publishing professional. And because the other person was experienced and knowledgeable, and because I desperately wanted to be published and didn’t want to somehow ruin my chances, I had an even harder time speaking my mind.

Who was I to challenge (i.e., contradict, oppose, question) them?

Well, the answer was (and is) this: I was the person whose career was in question.

I was the writer of the book that the agent was submitting or the editor was interested in.

Moreover, I was the person who didn’t generally make demands, and that told me that my desire to make one now was something I needed to listen to.

Finally, I was the person who liked civility, so what made me think I couldn’t express myself in a civil way?

Whether it was nudging someone who hadn’t done what they’d said they were going to do, or expressing an opinion that was the opposite of someone else’s, or coming up with an alternative to something someone else had suggested, I had to accept that yes, expressing myself could be viewed as challenging another person…or it could not.

Instead, it could be viewed as being invested enough to care, observant enough to respond, and respectful enough to share. It all depended, of course, on the delivery.

Huh. What a concept.

I force myself to view it this way, even if my first instinct is to cringe away from speaking up. Because I don’t want to suffer in silence. I don’t want to blow. And I don’t want to let other people direct my journey with only myself to blame if I don’t like where I end up.

Now, when I’m feeling like I want to say something to my agent or editor but am afraid of “making trouble,” I: 1) sleep on it; 2) talk to friends; 3) write out my concerns and what I want to say; 4) sleep on it again; and 5) if I still feel I need to be heard, I communicate my concerns. I think if a person strives to be honest and respectful, most of the time she’ll get those things right back.

Be selective. Speak up when it’s important. Know you won’t always get your way. Trust that your agent and editor want your book to be the best it can be. Keeping this in mind will insure that when you do speak up, it’s warranted.

The good thing is, the more times I speak up for myself, the easier it becomes. But still, I know when to stand back and let others take the lead, and thankfully, I work with people who know how to do it and listen to my concerns. To me, that’s the biggest sign that I’m where I should be.

Is it hard for you to speak up? Does it matter if you’re in a personal or professional setting? How do you respond when something’s bothering you? Do you ruminate or respond right away?

To celebrate my sale, my appearance today, and my new craft book (co-authored by none other than Bandit Tawny) I’m offering a prize to one commenter.

1 red Heart Truth tee with swirl glimmer heart on front (M or L, winner's choice)
1 box of Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles
1 Red Poppy 2be Journal
1 2010 Photo Album Calendar (that you customize with your photos)

Also, sign up for my mailing list at www.virnadepaul for a chance to win weekly prizes, including a Savvy Author membership and a $20 Amazon gift card! Thanks so much for your support!

Virna De Paul was an English Lit major who practiced law as a criminal prosecutor for over ten years. In March of 2009, Virna was challenged by her agent to write a “big series” that would increase her chances of selling. As a long-time reader of sexy paranormals, Virna decided to try adding a paranormal element to her suspense novels. What she came up with resulted in her first sale. In November of 2009, she was offered a contract by Berkley Publishing for the first two books in a paranormal romantic suspense series. The series, which features a unique special ops team whose members include a werebeast, a wraith, a mage, and a vampire and the human female he's forbidden to love, launches in April of 2011. In the first book, Chosen By Blood, the team must recover an antidote needed to save the vampire race.

Virna conducts monthly “craft chats” at www.savvyauthors.com. She will be presenting her workshop, “Five Ingredients For Crafting A Big Book, High Concept, Same But Different Story,” at the RWA National Conference in Orlando this year. Finally, she and Blaze author Tawny Weber have a new craft book, “Love Writing: A Guide To Writing And Getting Published Without Losing Your Perspective, Passion, Or Sanity.” www.lovewritingbook.com

Maggie May...

by Anna Campbell

..I'll leave you all to finish that title once you've read the post!

We're talking about some hot potato books today! I read MISTRESS BY MISTAKE in manuscript and had to have a cold shower halfway through, it's that tsssss hot!

I've known Maggie what feels like forever. Maggie, I think we first touched base way back with Avon FanLit in 2006. This was a great writing contest that Avon ran and so many published authors are graduates (and wonderful Bandita Buddies like our very own contest queen, Louisa). Maggie is a hoot - funny, smart and witty. And all of those qualities translate to her writing.

You can find out more about Maggie and her alter ego Margaret Rowe at her website: http://www.maggierobinson.net/

Welcome to the lair, Maggie, and congratulations on the release of your debut historical romance MISTRESS BY MISTAKE. Can you tell us about the story?

Thanks so much for inviting me! And special thanks to Anna, who gave me a lovely cover quote for MISTRESS BY MISTAKE. I even have it framed.

MBM begins with a state of very mistaken identity. Sir Michael Bayard expects to find his brand-new mistress in his bed. Instead, it’s Charlotte Fallon, a straight-laced, lace-making spinster who is supposed to making excuses for her infamous sister’s absence. She goes a little beyond that.


I notice it’s part of a series called the COURTESAN COURT TRILOGY. That warms my heart, being an old courtesan fancier myself!

I’ve set the series on Jane Street, a fictional enclave of London’s most exclusive courtesans. My heroines find themselves there against their will, but they soon master their masters. MISTRESS BY MIDNIGHT (Dec 28, 2010) is Heathcliff and Cathy without the crazy and with a secret baby. MISTRESS BY MARRIAGE (out Spring 2011) features an icy hero and a firecracker heroine—a classic opposites attract story. You know who melts. Two novellas I’ve written also use the Jane Street setting. NOT QUITE A COURTESAN will appear in the anthology LORDS OF PASSION on November 30, 2010.

Ooh, sound delicious! Why do you think there’s been an upsurge in popularity in stories featuring courtesans?

If I’m going to be honest—and I do try to be—my courtesans are more or less accidental. But I think most of us would like to be experts at something, and there is a certain mystique about women who possess the charm to drive men mad. Well, except for Tiger Wood’s skanky mistresses.

Snork! In the lair, we LOVE call stories. Can you tell us yours?

It was for Margaret Rowe’s TEMPTING EDEN (more of her below). I worked in a high school library where I ran the after-school library program, and I knew from my agent something was happening after seven long months on submission. I had my cell phone with me all day as I shelved books. When it rang, it was late afternoon and just a few girls were still at school using the computers. I wanted to scream, but I was in the library and the signs I had printed myself told me not to. So I whispered and shook. And cried a little when I hung up. One of the girls was worried.

Great story, Maggie. You also write erotic historical romance as Margaret Rowe (which makes me giggle – MISTRESS BY MISTAKE is one of the hottest historicals I’ve ever read!). TEMPTING EDEN comes out this month from Berkley Heat. Can you tell us about this story?


TEMPTING EDEN is much darker—I’ve tortured my poor heroine quite thoroughly. Eden has to overcome Hell to find Heaven in her hero’s arms. This book is edgier and riskier than THE COURTESAN COURT books, and I fully expect people will have a visceral reaction to it. I’m polishing my body armor even as we speak. I may call on the Banditas for back-up.

Girding on gladiator sword as we speak! Do you find any major differences when you’re writing as Margaret Rowe and as Maggie Robinson?

Margaret writes about things that Maggie has never done, or at least won’t admit to. Margaret can be as bad and hot as Maggie will let her. Maggie is funnier and lighter, but still hot, of course. I feel fortunate I have two avenues to express my demented duality. It’s better than therapy and I get paid too!

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers out there?

Don’t give up. Try to write every day, even if you’re only tweaking what you wrote yesterday. It took five years for me to get an agent, six to sell, seven to publish. I have a totally supportive family, which is a huge help. Most of all, I was lucky to come across wonderful writing friends online who share my dream and keep me motivated and laughing.

Thanks, Maggie! Is there anything you'd like to ask the Bandits and Bandita Buddies?

Twirling black Bandita mustache* Who do you like to see tortured by the evil romance writer—the hero or the heroine? Who’s your favourite tortured h/h?

Hey, who left the mustache cupboard unlocked? I'll see you when I get home, Mr. Sven!

Maggie has very kindly offered one commenter today a signed copy of MISTRESS BY MISTAKE along with some promo goodies. Good luck, everyone!

The Lair is Hot in June!

We Banditas enjoy vacations as much as anyone but we don’t take the summer off....too many stories in our vivid imaginations to take a break. And boy, do we kick the summer off right this month!

On June 2nd, Anna Campbell hosts debut historical romance author Maggie Robinson – or is she perhaps appearing as her alter ego Margaret Rowe? Maggie will be giving away a signed copy of MISTRESS BY MISTAKE.

And that’s just the beginning of a bountiful week.

Virna DePaul is visiting on the 3rd. Virna’s debut, CHOSEN BY BLOOD, is out with Berkley in 4/11 and she’s sharing her insights as she goes through the process of sold to debut. She’ll talk about Challenging Your Editor or Agent – when it’s really okay to speak up.

We end this first week on a high note with a return visit from Carrie Lofty on June the 4th. Our very own Christie Kelley talks with Carrie about her new release SONG OF SEDUCTION.

On June 7th Loucinda McGary hosts Vanessa Kelly to talk about her sizzling new release SEX AND THE SINGLE EARL.

Swing by the Lair on June 12th and see how a teenager who already has social issues deals with the suddenly acquired ability to interact with ghosts. YA author Maureen Hardegree chats with Nancy about HAIN’T MISBEHAVIN, Maureen's new novel from Bell Bridge Books.

The 16th of the month yours truly hosts a return visit with RITA award winning author Kristan Higgins to talk about honesty and her most recent release “the next best thing”. I’m fairly certain we can get her to spill about her August release “all I ever wanted”. (Yes, I have started a FB campaign for my kitten Cricket to be featured on her next cover. Hey! It worked for Betty White!).

On the 21st, Kris Kennedy visits with us to talk with us about her latest THE IRISH WARRIOR.

Pamela Palmer is visits on the 27th, talking about Writing on the wild side - or Where do you come up with this stuff? And her latest release, RAPTURE UNTAMED which hits the shelves June 29.

We have one contest this month.

Anna Campbell has a mini novella called ‘Upon a Midnight Clear’ in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF REGENCY ROMANCE (released on 24th June in the U.K. and 27th July in the U.S.). To celebrate, she’s giving away two signed copies! All you have to do is email her on anna@annacampbell.info and name two authors other than Anna Campbell who have stories in THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF REGENCY ROMANCE. You might find the answer in her June Latest News: http://www.annacampbell.info/latest.html or on the publisher’s website: http://www.constablerobinson.com/?section=books&book=the_mammoth_book_of_regency_romance_9781849010153_paperback The contest closes 31st July, 2010 and for more details please visit her website: http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html

Whew! What a month! So fill up the lemonade (or margarita) glass, plop under a beach umbrella and prepare to have fun!