Jill Monroe's Blog - Off The Keyboard

Blog Is Moving

2011-09-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

My blog has moved to my website. Please visit by clicking here.

Lord Of Rage Cover Blurb

2011-04-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how excited I am about Lord of Rage coming out in October! Here's the back cover blurb - more to come:

Once upon a time...the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden.

To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs...and time is running out....

Princess Breena had been dreaming of her warrior lover when she was ripped from her Elden castle and thrown into a strange, dangerous realm. Lost and alone, she prayed for survival and vengeance for her stolen kingdom. She found both in a woodland cottage...in a dark bear of a man.

The golden-haired beauty had eaten his food and slept in his bed when Osborn found her. Though he wanted to awaken his virgin princess to carnal pleasures, Breena wanted more—including his warrior skills. Skills the once-legendary mercenary had long buried. Now Osborn had a choice—risk his life or deny his princess her fairy-tale ending.

Lord of Rage

2011-04-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have a new cover! I'm so excited - I love it! I'll post the back blurb next week!

I'm Guest Blogging

2010-04-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

I know it's been months since I blogged last, but I'm getting a lot of writing done : )

Today I'm blogging with the Blaze Author - come join me by clicking here.

Stuff To Do With Little Ones When You Can't Go ANYWHERE!

2010-02-12T08:04:00.001-08:00

I've been watching the news and it looks like the East Coast is getting what we in Oklahoma just experienced...Snowpocalypse!!

Believe me, I know your pain and will assure you...you WILL leave your house one day. Snow does melt and your kids will be able to run free and wild again. But in the meantime, here are a few suggestions to keep kids busy with stuff you (more than likely) have around your house.

Popcorn Painting

Microwave popcorn
Evaporated Milk (could try sweetened condensed milk for a unique flavor. I haven't tried just plain milk).
Food coloring
Paintbrush

Pop popcorn
Mix several colors of food coloring in the different bowls of milk to give your little ones a nice palette.
Begin painting.

This will make the popcorn a bit soggy, but the point is to eat popcorn, right? You'll have plenty of non painted to go around!

Bubble Painting

Water
Dishwashing detergent (I find Joy works best for crafts)
Straw
White Paper (construction works best, but typing paper is find, too)
Bowls
Tempera paint (could use food coloring, but color won't be as bold. Tempera paint can be found at Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart of any crafty place.

Add water, paint and a few drops of detergent. Mix with straw.
Have child blow into straw until bubbles begin overflowing bowl. Drop paper on bubbles for a few seconds, then set aside to dry. Once the bubbles pop, they will leave beautiful designs on the paper to make cards, etc. (grandmas especially love this one).

Warning: THIS WILL GET MESSY!

Ice Cube Painting

Water
Ice Cube Trays
Popsicle Sticks
Paper
Food Coloring (optional)

Mix tempera paint with water and put in freezer. After about 30 minutes, add a popsicle stick to use for a handle later.

One cube is frozen, give child white paper, their frozen paintbrush and let them have at it.

Optional: While you're making ice cubes, you can make a few with food coloring of the primary colors. It's fun to place two cubes of differing colors in a bowl and let your child see what happens as they melt. This is a fun way to teach colors and what mixes with what to make green, purple and orange.

What Is Black?

Black magic marker (NOT permanent)
Coffee filter
Spray bottle of water

Draw a thick line down the center of the coffee filter. Use the rain or spray the coffee filter with water until the color starts to run. Kids will be amazed at the colors that appear from black. Most kids don't realize black is really a combination of many different colors.

Then you can make a butterfly...

Butterfly

Coffee filter
Markers
Spray bottle filled with water
Clothes pins
Black pipe cleaner

Have kids color the coffee filter with many different designs. Use the rain or spray the coffee filter with water until the colors start to run and a new design emerges. After the filter dries, attach to a clothespin and add the black pipe cleaner to make antennae.

Homemade Play Dough

This is a favorite activity because it's cheap, and keeps kids occupied for a long time and you can have a good math discussion about measurements. Cooking is all about science, and playdough is a good introduction to the concepts of solids, liquids, mixtures and solutions.

1 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt
2 tsp. cream of tartar (I've deleted this, and it still works)
1 cup water (get this as warm as possible)
1 tsp. veg. oil

Mix the dry ingredients - one suggestion from my friend Fancy That is to add a package of dry kool-aid. This adds great color and scent!

Mix water and oil together (ha!) then add them to the dry ingredients and stir. You can add pinches of flour and dabs of water until you get the right consistency. This will stay useable for about 2 weeks if sealed in an airtight container.

Oil and Water Don't Mix

This is a fun activity that bring in science. You'll need water, food coloring, oil, a clear cup/glass and a toothpick.

Fill cup about 1/2 full with water (another talk about measurements).

Pour vegetable oil on top. Watch as the oil and water begin to separate and the oil goes to the top. Give child a spoon to try and stir them together. Talk about why they don't mix (oil weighs less and floats to the top, and the for older students, water has a positive and negative charge, while oil has no charge and therefore don't bond. You can demonstrate charge by rubbing a balloon on carpet).

Continue adding oil until you have a good discernible layer at least a 1/2 inch.
Add a few drops of food coloring (it should suspend within the oil).

After everything has settled for a bit, poke the food coloring through the oil down to the water - pretty! Don't mix or shake, allow the food colored water the move slowly in the water creating patterns.

This was kind of fun revisiting my old rainy (snowy) day projects. May pull out some more next week!

Goodbye, Dear Friend

2010-02-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

It's taken me several days to write this, because the world lost someone special on Sunday.

A few years ago, my online critique group began moving in different directions, and a writing friend, Donnell, invited me to join hers. That invite changed my life, because I made amazing friends.

This group of ladies has supported my writing and me and have truly changed my life. You'll find their names on almost every dedication page of my books, and on Sunday we're minus one because Donnell lost her battle with cancer.

Sometimes in the writing community, you'll see people discuss if you're a "real" writer if you aren't published. This, of course, is ridiculous. Writers...write. And it's the world's loss more people didn't get to read Donnell.

For Oklahoma Romance Writers she was the first to offer a smile, helpful tip and to make new writers feel welcome. She was still motivating others, sick and taking chemo as you can see by her last comments on her blog The Pink Spyder.

I can't think of anything better than to leave this world having helped, inspired and been a friend to others. Donnell did it all and more.

New Book - New Excerpt

2009-11-02T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's November, and I have a new book out. SEALed and Delivered hit bookstands yesterday, and I couldn't be more excited. I have a contest in the works, which I'll announce later, but in the meantime, I'm posting an excerpt.

SEALed and Delivered can be found at eharlequin.com, Borders, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million and a host of other places.

Not even the sound of footsteps echoed in the Naval Special Warfare Center as Lieutenant Commander Na-thanial "Nate" Peterson led his trainees through the corridor. Each exercise had grown steadily more dangerous, and even though they'd gone over every aspect in the classroom, actuality always heightened the senses. Made the tension more acute.
"Where's the party?" a trainee called laughingly from the back. "I hear you always know."

Nate's shoulders straightened. Strange thing about tension… some soldiers rose to the challenge, some men snapped and some, well, some of them bellowed smartass remarks to their superior.

"You're never going to live that reputation down." Riley laughed quietly beside him. Their steps slowed as they approached the locker area where the men would change into their wetsuits.

Nate shot a disgusted look at the man he'd known since their BUD/S training class. True, Nate had earned a reputation as a man who liked to play hard but he worked just as hard. Harder, actually. And yes, he always knew where the party was. But there was something all SEALs understood, and that was to keep priorities in order.

Something that smartass hadn't yet realized. Some men knew and understood from the beginning when to turn it off and on. Others needed that knowledge worked into their thick heads. Like the Ensign behind him. As it had been for Nate a few years back.

Nate stopped, and turned to stare at the man who'd called the question, not needing to see the man to know who he was. Harper treaded toward a familiarity he hadn't yet earned. "Maybe a party isn't what you should be concerned about, Ensign Harper. Your swim time is slipping."

The younger man's back stiffened, and the other trainees hustled quickly into the locker room.

"So's your conditioning," Nate added. This next minute would be crucial. How Harper handled the criticism would prove to Nate if that man had what it took to earn his Trident. SEALs took evaluation and adapted and made themselves better.

The Ensign swallowed. "I've passed."

Eight years ago Nate was this guy, with his BUD/S, Hell Week and Jump School behind him. All that stood in the way between the Ensign and the Trident that turned a man into a SEAL was The Finishing School or the official name—SEAL Qualifications Training, here on Coronado. With the end prize in sight, that was something a man could get cocky about. But that cockiness would be a downfall… no question about it.

Although surely that had been long gone in Nate by the time he'd hit SQT Some hardass instructor had ensured it. A man lost his swagger when he was wet, cold and covered in sand. Lost the arrogance, because his life, and that of his Team, depended on professionalism not ego.

Now it was his turn to make sure these men thought only of focus and discipline, and each other, not themselves.

Unfortunately.

"Minimum standards are forty-two pushups in two minutes. You content with the minimum?" Nate asked.

Something stony and strong-willed flared inside the other man's eyes. Good. "No sir," he answered, with nothing but determination in his voice.

No sir was right. Harper might just be the best man to come out of this class.

"Suit up," Nate ordered and turned, not waiting for a response. Their next drill was in an hour.

Once the candidates were out of earshot, Riley glanced at him. "How do you keep a straight face during that?"

Nate let his guard down a little and smiled. "By counting the hours until I'm out of here," Nate told him as they continued down the hall, just the two of them. "Besides, if I'm not on the Teams, I'm damn well going to make sure my replacement can do the job."

"Still doing the physical therapy?" Riley asked.

Nate shrugged. Three months ago, he'd been injured while rescuing a pirated freighter with rigged explosives. Now another man had his spot on his Team. While Nate was teaching. The muscles of his right leg cramped, and he breathed through his nose. Control.

But as soon as he was healthy, goodbye settling for being an instructor, goodbye Coronado Island, goodbye San Diego.

"If it's any consolation, I've heard good things about the training you're providing. I guarantee your fresh-off-deployment perspective will save a life."

He knew what Riley was trying to do, and appreciated the effort but men didn't join the SEALs for a pat on the back. Most of the stuff he and his fellow SEALs had done was so covert the files wouldn't be opened until he was long gone. Little would ever make the history books.

But Nate's friend did point out a reality. In another year, these men might be beside him down range. Most of these men he'd be happy to serve next to as SEALs… but they weren't there yet. He might not like instructing, but he'd make damn sure the new guys wouldn't hold a Team back. They'd be ready on day one. "So is there a party?" Riley asked hopefully.

"After this exercise, I'm on my way to pick up the beer," he said, with a wink.

"Hoo yah."

Whoo hoo! Naked!

The echoes of laughter flowed from the newly-repainted Tea Room into the modernized kitchen. Hailey glanced at her sister Rachel and smiled. "Those are the sounds of a good party."

"I have to hand it to you, Hailey. You did a great job with this wedding shower."

"As you've pointed out, I've had three. Glad something useful came out of those relationships." With a flourish, Hailey topped the last of the mousse with chocolate shavings. "Of course you can't really go wrong with chocolate and champagne."

"Or naked beefcake."

"I don't think The Sutherland is quite ready for that." Hailey lifted the tray and scooted backwards, pushing the door out into the Tea Room with her backside.

"The chocolate's here!" calledAmy Bradford, the bride to be. Although they'd been friends since school, they'd lost track of each other. Reuniting with old pals was another positive she could attribute to returning home.

"Wait," said a redhead, who Hailey had learned was the maid of honor. "The girls and I chipped in and bought you something to wear on your wedding night." The other guests met this announcement with everything from giggles to a few oohhs. In a flourish, she presented to the bride a large paper-wrapped box tied with a bright yellow bow.

"Five bucks says that box is empty," Rachel whispered.

Hailey glanced at the dozen or so women. Despite their pastel sundresses, these ladies looked like they were up for a little mischief. Hailey shook her head. "Not taking that bet."

Careful not to rip the ribbon, the bride did indeed open an empty box to the laughter of the group. With the last present now revealed, Hailey and her sister moved forward to serve the desserts. The rest of the guests made room on the table for the treat their little B&B had always been known for in decades past.

Amy glanced up toward Hailey. "I can't tell you how excited I am that you have reopened The Sutherland. When I was seven and a flower girl, my aunt had her shower here."

"Amy's had her heart set on this place ever since," the maid of honor added. "I couldn't believe my luck when I found out you just happened to have a free weekend."

The two sisters looked at one another. Yeah, they had plenty of free weekends. But it was nice to keep up the illusion of exclusivity.

"It was fate," Amy said with the kind of beaming smile only a woman about to be married could get away with.

Had Hailey ever worn such an expression at any of her wedding showers? She doubted it.

"And the Tea Room looks just as beautiful as I remember," Amy continued.

"Tell your friends," Hailey encouraged, ever the businesswoman, and ready to tear her thoughts away from her failed engagements.

After serving the ladies, and refreshing their tea, Hailey and Rachel began to discreetly clear away the wrapping paper. "I can't tell you how relieved I am," Rachel said quietly. This was the first real test of their hosting skills. While The Sutherland had been in their family for generations, and they'd performed their fair share of serving, their mother had always been the hostess.

Just to make sure the place shined, the last coat of paint to the Tea Room had gone up sometime around two that morning. Now looking around the beautiful banquet hall, Hailey experienced a swell of pride to see her home restored to as close as the sisters could remember it. The cypress wainscoting she was never allowed to touch gleamed. Prisms of light reflected around the room from the newly washed crystals hanging from the chandelier. The cornice molding gleamed with its new coat of papaya whip.

She just hoped no one looked under the crisp linens because the tables were a disaster. The management team apparently held an aversion to coasters. After hearing the delight of their new guests, the memory of all their hard work faded away. Grandpa Sutherland would be proud.

"This dessert is to die for," one of the ladies exclaimed.

Hailey winked at her sister.

"What's next?" asked another guest.

The smile faded from her sister's face.

The bridal party had already played Groom Trivia, Wedding Night Surprise, opened the presents and consumed dozens of champagne soaked strawberries. Hailey had heard so many off-color wedding night jokes, she could probably start a stand-up routine. "What's next?" her sister mouthed.

After being awake for nearly twenty-four hours, Hailey had hoped it was a nap.

© Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

New Author Talk

2009-09-04T05:12:00.000-07:00

I have sick kids, so this one is going up early - doctor calls!

New Author Talk

2009-08-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes authors just can't get enough of us they have to come back for seconds!

Amazing New Contest!

2009-08-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

The wonderful people at Harl. Teen are hosting a contest to promote Intertwined by (the amazing) Gena Showalter. The grand prize? 10,000! They are also giving away other cool prizes throughout the next 3 months. For your chance to enter, follow the link:

http://harlequin.promo.eprize.com/intertwinedsweepstakes/

By the way, my daughter read this book and LOVED it. She had some very definite opinions about Aden and Mary Ann and can't wait to see where this series goes.

New Author Talk

2009-08-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

We had some fun with this one - comic book style!

New Author Talk

2009-07-31T09:40:00.001-07:00

Our latest Author Talk video is up. I'm so excited. It's fun when Gena and I can introduce a debut author.

Favorite Romantic Scene

2009-07-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

I was asked by author and agent Deidre Knight to talk about my all time favorite romantic scene from a movie over at her blog. I tell you, it was tough to narrow it down - so many great movies out there. Some favorites are from:

Princess Bride
The Runaway Bride
Casablanca
Pride and Prejudice
Dirty Dancing
French Kiss
Somewhere In Time

So join me over at Deidre's blog here and find out which one I chose, and tell me a favorite scene of yours!

Guest Blogging

2009-06-23T05:23:00.001-07:00

I'll be blogging at the Harlequin Blaze Blog, today. Go here to read!

It Was In My Hair!!!

2009-06-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been camping with the kids for seven years now. Never, not once, in all those year has there ever been a mouse in our cabin.

Streak Broken!

The cabins are sealed tight, but it is the wilderness so a mouse in the cabin although not unexpected, is pretty rare. And certainly never in my bedroll!

Asleep, I felt something in my hair. I sat up, did the mouse-is-in-my-hair dance while trying not to freak out children. I must have done a pretty good job because no one but the other adult in the cabin, my sister-in-law, woke up. Somehow in my sleep stupor, I convinced myself I'd imagined it.

When dawn finally broke, I found mouse poop in my bedding. By my pillow. And yes, I suspect in my hair. Being a girl with naturally curly hair, my mom always said I woke up with my hair looking like a rat's nest. It's life's irony to make my mom right, once again.

Luckily we moved to rodent free cabin. This cabin had carpet, that I suspect was older than I am, a beautiful rust colored shag. And I loved every minute of it.

Here's a picture of camp at a more peaceful time. It's beautiful. You can see some of the red dirt and rock Oklahoma is known for.

Sometimes Writing Feels Like This

2009-06-17T09:39:00.001-07:00

and it's why I write!

Endless Summer

2009-06-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging today over at the Blaze blog about Endless Summer - the anthology I'm in with Julie Kenner and Karen Anders. This book was so much fun to write, and I can't wait until it hits the shelves.

Check out the blog here.

I'm blogging on the Blaze blog again on the 23rd this month (hope people aren't getting sick of me) Thinking of ideas right now. Last time it was the tooth fairy.

Free Book

2009-06-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Today is National Give A Girlfriend A Book Day - summer is the perfect time to read!

In honor of this day, I'll give away one of my books to one randomly selected person who comments on my facebook here. Share a favorite book, say which book you'd give to one of your girlfriends or really anything. I'll draw winner at Midnight and contact winner on the 16th - National Going To The Post Office Day to mail book.

Also, Beth is only processing requests to appear on Author Talk for a few more days. If interested, go here.

Author Talk at RWA National This Year

2009-06-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

Gena and I have been asked if we're filming Author Talks this year again at RWA National, and yes, we are. (Sorry if you've seen this post numerous times, but I'm trying to cover all my bases for information.)

If you are an interested author, you can contact Beth by going here. Just for fun, I'm going to post a video we filmed last year at RWA National with Vicki Lewis Thompson (an awesome writer and a great lady)!

The Truth About Twitter

2009-06-11T10:59:00.000-07:00

Besides that fact that is easy with her favors, there are more secrets out there. I found this off of BookSquare University, and laughed out loud several times. By the way, I keep my twitter updates on the sidebar. Thanks to Mel for setting that up for me.

Writing With Children

2009-05-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

Today marks the first day of summer vacation, both kids home. I'm brainstorming a list of ways to write while kids are out of school.

1. Let them stay up late. They sleep in while you write.

2. Your mom taxi service is closed until their room is clean. No trips to the pool or zoo or science museum to take me away from writing, BUT if they do clean their room - it's a bonus and I enjoy being with them!

What else?

Run and, well...

2009-05-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

I learn the most interesting things from NPR. Today it was a bout a site called RunPee.com. Basically, the site tells you the best place in a movie when to run and, well pee.

Click here to read their suggestion of when to run for the recent Star Trek movie.

Another New Author Talk

2009-05-15T05:13:00.000-07:00

New Author Talk

2009-05-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

After a bit of hiatus, we have a new Author Talk. I can't tell you how excited I am.

I'm Guest Blogging

2009-04-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

About my hatred of the Tooth Fairy - you can check it out here.

Also, I with American Idol would do more of this - it rocked!

Today's Blog

2009-04-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Today I blogged over at Gena's blog, about what a good friend she is. You can check it out here.

Links Galore!

2009-04-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Wow, you spend the weekend with the family, and come home and things have just gone crazy. Some in a good way, some in a not so good way.

First, NPR profiles Beyond Heaving Bosoms, and talks Romance Novels - yea. Check it out here.

Second, the Today Show, had a nice profile of Harlequin. Check out the video here.

In case you've been disconnected like me, and haven't followed #amazonfail, here are some great places to starts: Booksquare and Dear Author. I'd also like to point out fellow Oklahoma romance author, Jaci Burton whose books have been delisted. You can read her letter to Amazon here.

What's With Adam Lambert?

2009-04-09T04:28:00.001-07:00

Or the more important question...what is wrong with me?

Sorry if you're living outside the US, but I'm talking American Idol. AI is something I used to watch on a regular basis because I could view it with the kids, but with the their sports schedule this semester, it's not been happening. So I'm a little late on this whole Adam Lambert thing.

So after reading a bunch of people complain on Facebook that their DVRs cut off his performance, I had to check it out. This is the performance I first saw on Fox. (sorry, I'd post the actual video, but Fox won't let me do this and the youtube only had videos people filmed with their home video cameras, and that was a nightmare.)

So I watched his performance of Ring of Fire. I'm not even sure if I like this. Do I find this sexy, even? Was I too distracted by the silver zipper? This really needs further investigation! And just to make sure I really became a cougar, I watched it like 10 more times.

I listened to Johnny Cash with my grandparents, and it didn't sound nor looked anything like Adam. This guy can sing, wow, yes, he can sing. In fact, this guy has that quality that I think would make him a rock star. He could hang with Freddie Mercury.

So, tell me your thoughts!

Green M&Ms

2009-04-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

I was walking in Circle K yesterday and noticed a large display just for green M&Ms.

The love for Green began sometime around 1997 (yes, I did look it up - darn journalism background), but it wasn't always the way. When I was a little girl, I remember reading a book in elem school (I'm thinking it was a Charlie Brown) where they were listing things that made them sad...one of them was green M&Ms. This was particularly distressful to me as green was my favorite color, and those things are important in the second grade!!

Somewhere around junior high, the whispers that green M&Ms made you hot for the opposite sex came along. A rumor so persistent, snopes had to get involved. You can read it here.

Anyway, I do feel happy that now the green M&Ms don't evoke sadness. I will also say, after babysitting my nephew, that M&Ms don't melt in your mouth, but do melt in your nose! Happy 18th birthday, little guy!

Announcing...

2009-04-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

The new Blaze Author blog. I'll be posting there occasionally (I can barely write on my own blog), and I'm so excited to see a blog totally devoted just to Harlequin BLAZE!!

Bookmark this page: http://blazeauthors.com/blog/

First official post is by Blaze editor Brenda Chin (who bought my first book). Come check it out!!

New Cover

2009-03-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

Just spotted the cover for the anthology, Endless Summer, that hits shelves July 1st. I'm really excited because I was able to work with Julie Kenner and Karen Anders - such fun ladies!

What do you think?

Yes, I'm Still Here!

2009-03-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

Just so busy right now. Thanks to those who asked!

Links and Creepy Friday

2009-02-12T19:36:00.001-08:00

First, some links. The first one is for an interview with NewsOK.com Gena Showalter and I completed a video interview, too. You can check it out here.

Second, with some help from Gena, I entered the Smart Bitches videomo contest. You can view all the entries and vote by clicking here.

Lastly, Creepy Friday. You know it's getting closer to spring when the gnomes begin appearing. Snapped at my local Walgreens.

There Goes My Chicken Boob Book Idea

2009-02-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

Sigh. You work hard on your idea, in my case, animal boobs, then realize the market is already taken by Chicken Cheeks by Michael Ian Black.

Black's premise is brilliant. The two interests of any 3 to 7 year old child, animals and animal behinds, brought together in one book.

Confession Time: I didn't really consider a book about animal boobs, but it could work, right?

No go forth and read!

We Can All Compare Panties After The Video!

2009-02-06T05:36:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Ads

2009-02-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

It's become kind of tradition to talk Super Bowl ads on my blog. Being a Journalism major, I had to take a few marketing/advertising classes, and since then always look at ads a little more closely.

My overall impression was that there seemed to be a bit more sexual crudity. This strikes me as especially strange marketing as more women and children are in the audience than a normal NFL game.

One of my favorites featured Bob Dylan. I liked the images, like the song, like everything:

Another favorite was the Crystal Ball Doritos Ad. If I remember correctly (meaning I'm too lazy to actually go and look it up, man, my journalism profs would be disappointed) this ad was submitted by two out of work brothers from Indiana:

Castrol Edge Grease Monkeys made me laugh out loud:

Lots of great movie ads like Star Trek, Land of the Lost and Angels and Demons. The ads must have done their job because after both, the dh said, "That looks good."

We did finally learn what was behind the What is G commercial. But other than the game, which was fantastic (even though I had a soft spot for the Cards and their underdog status) The Boss was fantastic and I loved, Loved LOVED the episode of The Office which followed.

There is a lot of talk about the Teleflora ad over at the Smart Bitches site. If you haven't heard, check it out by going here.

Creepy News Friday

2009-01-30T04:39:00.000-08:00

Creepy News Friday used to be a tradition - one that really needs to be returned. Today's will be a bit of a hybrid.

I was doing one of those 25 Random Things About Me on Facebook, and realized I'd forgotten this random thing. When I was about 6, I was eating breakfast with my family. My brother reached up to scratch his head and discovered a tick. To this day if I ever scratch my head or pull something that's gotten stuck in my hair, I'm always relieved that's it's not a tick.

Ticks really creep me out!

So here's today's creepy news: The BigDog. Actually, it's an amazing work of science - this robot traverses across ice, snow and goes uphill...BUT IT'S CREEPY LOOKING.

Bid On Me!

2009-01-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

Sharon Cullars has hit some hard times of late. Along with several authors and professionals within publishing we're donating services and books. I'm giving away a critique of a Golden Heart entry. My Golden Heart finalist book, Share The Darkness, was published in 2005.

You can bid on me right via ebay by clicking here. Now if a critique isn't what you're wanting, you can see everything for auction by clicking here.

New Author Talk

2009-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

I've been writing writing writing...just not on my blog. BUT I've also been filming, and I can't say how excited Gena and I were to interview someone who mentored us when we were brand new authors.

Not sure how excited she was about the interview, but...oh, well. Here you go!

Good News For Gena!!

2009-01-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

I'm working, so my blog posts are a little slow, but I did want to take a break and tell you all that Gena Showalter, my Author Talk partner in crime, and cool friend has hit the New York Times with the rerelease of Heart of the Dragon. I can say this is one of my favorite books of hers, and I'm so excited for her.

This cover looks stunning in person!

Way to go, Gena!

More Fun With Movies

2008-12-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

I got this off of Rhonda Nelson's facebook page, but decided to do it here on my blog. Feel free to take it - it's fun trying to guess lines. So, here's what you do. Pick some of your favorite movies. Then go to IMDB and pick out lines from that movie, and post on your blog.

I've chosen 10 movies. You guess a movie the lines comes from in the comment section (just do one to start). Also, put in the comments if you're playing along on your own blog - I want to visit.

Here we go:

1. Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.

2. Beautiful Aurelia, I've come here with a view of asking you to marriage me. I know I seems an insane person - because I hardly knows you - but sometimes things are so transparency, they don't need evidential proof. And I will inhabit here, or you can inhabit with me in England.

3. (My husband and I repeat these lines to each other - why, I don't know) Whose motorcycle is this?
It's a chopper, baby.
Whose chopper is this?
It's Zed's.
Who's Zed?
Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.

5. After that my guess is that you will never hear from him again. The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist. And like that... he is gone.

6. We read five times that you were killed, in five different places.
As you can see, it was true every single time.

7. You ever feel the prickly things on the back of your neck?
Yes.
And the tiny hairs on your arm, you know when they stand up? That's them. When they get mad... it gets cold.

8. Please! This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let's not bicker and argue over who killed who.

9. What have you done to him? What have you done to his eyes, you maniacs!
He has his father's eyes.
What do you mean? Guy's eyes are normal!

10. You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you.
You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die.

Official - I Have No Life

2008-12-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

UPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 85 of these films, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen. There are 239 films on this list.

Tell me how you did?

(x) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
() Boondock Saints
(x) Fight Club
(X) Starsky and Hutch
(x) Neverending Story
(X)Blazing Saddles
(x) Airplane
Total: 9

(x) The Princess Bride
(X) Anchorman
(X) Napoleon Dynamite
() Labyrinth
() Saw
() Saw II
(x) White Noise
(x) White Oleander
(x) Anger Management
(X) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 18

() Scream
() Scream 2
() Scream 3
(x) Scary Movie
() Scary Movie 2
() Scary Movie 3
(X) Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
(x) American Pie 2
(x) American Wedding
() American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 23

(x) Harry Potter 1
(x) Harry Potter 2
(x) Harry Potter 3
() Harry Potter 4
() Harry Potter 5
() Resident Evil 1
() Resident Evil 2
() The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
(X) The Village
(x) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 28

(x) Finding Nemo
() Finding Neverland
(x) Signs
(x) The Grinch
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
(x) White Chicks
(x) Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
(x) I, Robot
() Robots
Total so far: 35

(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
(x) Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(X) Along Came Polly
() Deep Impact
(x) KingPin
(x) Never Been Kissed
(x) Meet The Parents
(x) Meet the Fockers
() Eight Crazy Nights
() Joe Dirt
(x) KING KONG
Total so far: 44

(x) A Cinderella Story
() The Terminal
() The Lizzie McGuire Movie
() Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumber & Dumberer
() Final Destination
() Final Destination 2
() Final Destination 3
() Halloween
(x) The Ring
(x) The Ring 2
() Surviving X-MAS
(x) Flubber
Total so far: 49

(x) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(x) Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
() Ghost Ship
(x) From Hell
(x) Hellboy
(x) Secret Window
() I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards
(x) The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 57

() The Day After Tomorrow
() Child's Play
() Seed of Chucky
() Bride of Chucky
(x) Ten Things I Hate About You
(x) Just Married
(x) Gothika
(x) Nightmare on Elm Street
(x) Sixteen Candles
(x) Remember the Titans
() Coach Carter
() The Grudge
() The Grudge 2
(x) The Mask
() Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 64

(x) Bad Boys
() Bad Boys 2
() Joy Ride
(x) Lucky Number Slevin
(x) Ocean's Eleven
(x) Ocean's Twelve
(x) Bourne Identity
(x) Bourne Supremecy
() Lone Star
(x) Bedazzled
() Predator I
() Predator II
() The Fog
() Ice Age
() Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
() Curious George
Total so far: 71

(x) Independence Day
(x) Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
() Darkness Falls
(x) Christine
(x) ET
(x) Children of the Corn
() My Bosses Daughter
(x) Maid in Manhattan
() War of the Worlds
(x) Rush Hour
() Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 78

() Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(x) She's All That
() Calendar Girls
(x) Sideways
(x) Mars Attacks
(x) Event Horizon
(x) Ever After
(x) Wizard of Oz
(x) Forrest Gump
() Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
(x) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 89

(x) X-Men
(x) X-2
(x) X-3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
(x) Sky High
() Jeepers Creepers
() Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
(x) The Little Mermaid
(x) Freaky Friday
() Reign of Fire
(x) The Skulls
(x) Cruel Intentions
() Cruel Intentions 2
(x) The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2
Total so far: 103

() Swimfan
() Miracle on 34th street
(x) Old School
(x) The Notebook
(x) K-Pax
() Krippendorf's Tribe
() A Walk to Remember
(x) Ice Castles
() Boogeyman
(x) The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 108

(x) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(x) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(x) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(x) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Total so far: 114

() Baseketball
() Hostel
() Waiting for Guffman
() House of 1000 Corpses
() Devils Rejects
(x) Elf
(x) Highlander
(x)Mothman Prophecies
() American History X
() Three
Total so Far: 117

(x) The Jacket
() Kung Fu Hustle
() Shaolin Soccer
() Night Watch
(x) Monsters Inc.
(x) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(x) Shaun Of the Dead
() Willard
Total so far: 122

() High Tension
() Club Dread
() Hulk
(x) Dawn Of the Dead
(x) Hook
(x) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
(x) 28 days later
() Orgazmo
(x) Phantasm
(x) Waterworld
Total so far: 130

() Kill Bill vol 1
() Kill Bill vol 2
(x) Mortal Kombat
() Wolf Creek
() Kingdom of Heaven
() the Hills Have Eyes
() I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
() The Last House on the Left
() Re-Animator
() Army of Darkness
Total so far: 131

(x) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(x) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(x) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(x) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(x) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(x) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
() Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
() Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 137

(x) The Matrix
(x) The Matrix Reloaded
(x) The Matrix Revolutions
() Animatrix
() Evil Dead
() Evil Dead 2
() Team America: World Police
() Red Dragon
(x) Silence of the Lambs
(x) Hannibal
Total so far: 142

Because It's The Day After Christmas

2008-12-26T05:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share one of my favorite quotes from Mother Teresa:

It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you...yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T05:16:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite quotes from the founder of my church:

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can!

--John Wesley

For My Cat Loving Friends

2008-12-23T04:13:00.000-08:00

For Kassia and Kristin and all my friends who love them some kitties. I apologize in advance for the things that come out of the cats' mouth.

Are You A SPUG?

2008-12-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

Please ignore the blatant hint at a gift idea on the side of this blog post. I'm not sure how it got there or how to get it off!!!!

Since the girls are out of school, this is our traditional day to make gifts for the family. I think one more trip to Hobby Lobby should set us up fully with supplies!

I do like to collect useless information, and all this gift making made me think of the SPUGs - The Society for the Prevention of Useless Giving, and their big rally in the Metropolitan Life Building to promote their cause. Of course, this all took place in 1913 (wow - the more things change the more things stay the same...). I find this group fascinating, here's an article about it from the NYT. Later, the group renamed themselves the Promotion of Useful Gift Giving so there would be no misunderstanding of their intent, but said, "We will still be 'Spugs' with all that that name has come to mean..."

Do you like to make gifts, buy them or a combo of the two?

For Your Health

2008-12-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not saying that I'm a germaphobe, but I can see edge of the cliff from where I stand usually. So, when my husband sent me this new product, I laughed out loud. Here is the silk Dreamsack - for 100% peach of mind when staying in a hotel or (sadly) some relative's home.

Four lovely colors, and you can buy it here :)

Fun With Covers

2008-12-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

One of the really cool things about writing for Harlequin is that your books are printed all over the world. It's so much fun to open a package and see where you book travels - usually it's a complete surprise.

It's also interesting to see what happens to your cover. If you look at the sidebar, you'll see the North American cover for Tall, Dark and Filthy Rich. There were some changes when this book landed in Italy.

At first I spotted this. Changed the tealish background to brown, but otherwise basically the same. Then, while looking closer I realized that wasn't my name. That was Debbi Rawlins.

Then, looking further, I spotted my name on the same month of books, only with a different cover. Ricco E Disponible di Jill Monroe (which roughly translates to Rich and Available) hit Italian bookshelves in October.

Calliope, Muse of Eloquence

2008-12-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

I love to discover new websites, and here's one I really found interesting and thought I'd share.

Calliope, Muse of Eloquence, is geared toward educators (so ignore the lesson plans and worksheets) but basically this site lists words that originated from mythology. You can find it all by clicking here.

By the way, when I was trying to find pics of Calliope, I found this site of a photographer, and this picture came up...some muse, huh? His name is Charlie.

Funny Authors

2008-12-10T06:06:00.000-08:00

I love authors with a sense of humor, and Carleen Brice is one of them. Check out her video promoting National Buy A Book By a Black Author and Give it to Somebody Not Black Month

To buy Carleen's book click here. When I was snooping around on her website, I noticed that Orange Mint and Honey has been optioned for a Lifetime Movie. You can read all about her unique promo at White Readers Meet Black Authors blog here.

Via Karen Knows Best

I'm Excited

2008-12-09T04:59:00.000-08:00

I learned yesterday that Primal Instincts has been nominated for Best Blaze in Romantic Times BookClub Magazine's 2008 Reviewer's Choice Awards!

Here are the other nominees, and what great writers they are!!!

UNLEASHED by Lori Borrill

RESTLESS - Tori Carrington
MS. MATCH - Jo Leigh
BELOW THE BELT - Sarah Mayberry

Yahoo - I'm excited

2008-12-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

I've been included in a Harlequin Blaze Anthology coming out this summer. Endless Summer will feature stories from Julie Kenner and Karen Anders. My story is called Wet And Wild.

I turned the story in last week and it was fun to write all about summer when it was getting really cold here in Oklahoma.

Now onto a new Blaze story - will share more details later.

Holiday Globe

2008-12-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Feagan sent this to me.

If you're feeling cruel, you can shake and hear them scream. Click the link here.

Behind The Scenes Posted

2008-11-24T07:34:00.001-08:00

We now have the Candace Havens Behind The Scenes. You can view it here.

New Author Talk

2008-11-21T07:50:00.000-08:00

I know, long time in coming. I think this is the longest we've gone between Author Talks, but it feels good to be back!

I'm also thinking, after watching this video, my month long experiment with no bangs is about to end.

But What Would Marmie Say?

2008-11-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

Being the mom of a tween girl, bras are our major topic of conversation (that is once I got over the heartbreaking fact that my little girls wasn't a little girl anymore). Actually, my mom has made the whole process a lot easier by just taking my daughter bra shopping.

Yesterday she came home with a bra from the brand Little Women. This seems cruel and life affirming all at the same time.

Now I'm looking for the line of Darcy panties.

Here's the link to Little Women if you're curious.

Ninja!

2008-11-13T05:36:00.001-08:00

The theme for today is all Ninja. I'm going to ninja something in the crockpot. Ninja some PTA stuff, then write on my novella for a Blaze anthology (ninja style - pushing words left and right). Later today I'll be ninjaing Author Talk - we'll have a new interview up soon!

In the meantime, you can see some ninjas in action. Kristin Painter - this one is for you. If you lived in Australia, this is what you'd see on the TV (or is it telly there?)

UK Release Day

2008-11-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

I'm in the final stages of writing, and I see the word THE END looming - of course it's a proposal, so it's really not the true THE END, but I see a period and then no more words to write for that segment, so I'm calling it good!

So, I'm still pretty busy, but wanted to pop in and say Tall, Dark and Filthy Rich is now available in the UK. This is what it looks like on UK amazon.

In Honor of Halloween

2008-11-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

I give you Night of the Zombie - and the real way to defeat them!

Lidge

2008-10-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's my first post with the new daughter improved template.

It's a busy writing day for me, but then, when isn't it.

I did stay up and watch the World Series...it's the only time I watch baseball. Lidge was the pitcher last night when the Phillies won. His name caught my attention every time they said it, because Llij was (one of) my nickname in college.

It's my name spelled backwards.

2008-10-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

hi, 11 here.

I just redid my mom's blog.

Please comment if you like it - limited time only because my mom is going back to plain and boring.

zoi monroe

;)

New Layout

2008-10-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

My 11 year old told me my blog was boring. I told her it was all part of my plan...to make the covers of my books take center stage.

She didn't buy it. Something about me not understanding design, what catches the eye...a bunch of stuff in that vein.

Anyway, we'll see what she comes up with.

Come join me on Facebook

2008-10-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Click here to join me on Facebook by clicking here - it's kind of an experiment for me, mixing family, friends, writing buddies and people from school.

I actually like it a lot better than MySpace.

Out In the UK!

2008-10-20T07:06:00.000-07:00

Tall, Dark and Filthy Rich is officially a November release, but I've heard the book is already on the shelves. Here is the Mills and Boon version - the cover is the same, but shows more of the Jessie and Ian's face.

What do you think?

Mini-Break

2008-10-14T19:01:00.001-07:00

My volunteer work with Girl Scouts and PTA are really heating up, and it is fall break for the kids, so we're doing exactly that - taking a break. Back on Monday!

Behind The Scenes Posted

2008-10-06T08:36:00.001-07:00

It's a writing and Girl Scout day, BUT the Behind The Scenes AT with Deidre Knight is now posted. You can see if by clicking here.

Author Talk

2008-10-03T05:35:00.001-07:00

In such a short time with Author Talk, we seem to have surprisingly generated a lot of comments. One or two have mentioned our acting ability, and how professional writers should behave...I'd like to think we address that here.

Meme Time

2008-10-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

Took this meme from Louisa Edwards.

List 6 unspectacular quirks you have.

1.) Things pointed or just hanging around my forehead bother me for some reason. Just thinking about it give me creepy feelings.

2.) I feel guilty when I don't put up holiday decorations. And yes, that includes the St. Patrick's Day ones...

3.) I talk to Gena Showalter and FancyThat every day. It feels weird if I don't.

4.) I use my parking brake every time I put my car in park. Dh says this saves your brake life. Sometimes I drive my mom's car, and I think it irritates her when she returns to the driver's seat.

5.) I have a hard time writing without a diet coke within reach.

6.) I can't talk to people on the phone naked. If you've called, I'm sure you're comforted by that.

Leave a note in the comments if you plan to share your quirks!

Quick Post

2008-09-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Since it's September, Girl Scouts has started once more, so my Monday and Tuesday blogs won't be exciting.

I know. I know. What's the excuse for the Wednesday through Friday posts?

I still have to go to the store to buy the supplies for today's snack. It's going to be golden grahams, mini-marshmallows and m&ms. We like to send our girls back to their parents totally hyped up on sugar!

Actually, in GS we talk a lot about healthy eating and positive body images, which sad to say, we need to start with early!

So only good body image thoughts for today!

They Say Everyone Has A Twin

2008-09-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Apparently my twin also goes to 7-11 every day. Since my beloved Sonic raised the price of their drinks, I've started going to 7-11 to start my day with a diet coke. I know, I know - buying a bottle of diet coke would be cheaper, but it just doesn't have the same taste as a fountain drink.

Anyway, you get to know the people who work at 7-11 when you go in roughly the same time every day. I'm thinking my twin has a baby, because the lady behind the counter just asked me how the baby was doing (rocket science).

I don't know why, but I didn't correct her, and said the baby was doing okay. I should have put an end to it right there, because now I have to make up stories about the baby. It's really getting awkward, I'm thinking I need to go to another 7-11...they have one on every street corner, so it's not too hard to manage.

My twin was sick earlier today, because the lady said I was looking much better and asked how my nap was.

I told her it was good.

And that I was feeling much better.

Happy National Punctuation Day

2008-09-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy National Punctuation Day.

Okay, so I'm a day late, but it still needed to be said.

You can check out all the festivities at NPD website by clicking here.

How'd you choose to celebrate? Add an extra dash? Flirt with the semicolon?

Nice

2008-09-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

Such a fun way to start off a marriage!

So Which One Is Your Favorite

2008-09-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

So, the 4th grader in my life is learning about the globe. As she was coloring her map, she looked up and asked, "Mom, what's your favorite continent?"

"Uh...North America."

"Mom, you can't choose your own," she said in that exasperated tone that only 4th graders seem to possess. (She was also pretty surprised I didn't know the rule that you couldn't choose your own.)

"Well, I don't know. They're all pretty special."

There was a long pause. She knows where this particular thread will go if I take over. "Yes, mom, I know they'll all unique and special, but what's your favorite?"

"Uhmmmm," I hedged.

"I kind of like Africa," she said.

But in the end, we did decide that each continent has something cool to add to the world.

(But really...what's YOUR favorite?)

Fun With Signs

2008-09-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

The fair was in town last week, so dh and I took the girls. My husband spotted this sign, and I told him he just HAD to take a picture of it.

The fact that my husband KNEW how much I would enjoy seeing this sign, just made me love him more!

Remember This One?

2008-09-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

Hey, you've seen the commercials for Taco Town, right?

Okay, if the commercial doesn't work go here.

As soon as I can figure out how to make guacamolito sauce, it's going to be YumTown at the Monroe house!

Even More Bad Food

2008-09-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

When I posted my first blog about bad food, I hadn't meant for it to become a running thing, but...there is just so much bad food out there! Plus, I'm writing, so this makes for quick and dirty blogging. So here you go, the Philly Taco:

According to Slashfood, "Nancy" is the creator of the Philly Taco, and is usually consumed late at night after enjoying a few beers.

You take a traditional philly cheestake and wrap it in pizza. ENJOY! (Actually, I feel kind of bad calling this bad food, this one might be pretty good.)

By the way, there is some debate in food blogger circles that maybe this is more of a burrito.

More Bad Food

2008-09-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

It's another writing day, so that means...

MORE BAD FOOD!!!

Today's bad food if the famous Fool's Gold Loaf.

As legend has it, one night in Memphis Elvis Presley was hungry. He wanted a Fool's Gold and flew his private jet to Denver, where he and his friends spent three hours in a hanger devouring the sandwiches. Here's the recipe:

One entire loaf of italian bread is coated with two tablespoons of softened butter.
The bread is placed in a 350 degree (F) oven for approximately fifteen minutes or until loaf is browned.
The loaf is then halved along its length on one side.
The soft inside of the loaf is scraped away to allow room for the filling.
One whole jar of creamy peanut butter, one jar of grape jelly, and a pound of lean bacon, fried crispy and still warm, are layered inside the loaf.

Here's the picture.

What I Won't Be Eating

2008-09-15T13:03:00.001-07:00

It's a writing day for me, and we start Girl Scouts tomorrow, so just a quick blog post for today. Today's is Thing I Won't Be Eating. This is the popular "Luther Burger" a bacon cheeseburger served on a glazed donut instead of a bun.

So...are there things people love you can't eat?

Reading Tour Book #1 - Death Angel

2008-09-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

While Gena and I were traveling, I brought along several books to read. I chose authors I had never read before and from all different genres.

Okay, I know I'm one of the few people in the world who hasn't read Linda Howard. I've heard how amazing she is, and so I wanted to give her a try. So I picked up her current, Death Angel.

Drea Rousseau is a self-made woman who is happy to live her life as eye candy on the arm of a rich and powerful man - in this case, a drug dealer Rafael Salinas.

My first reaction? RIGHT ON! I LOVE the fact that Linda Howard takes a chance and creates a heroine that often readers might not identify and probably wouldn't even like. When I was an aspiring writer, and entered a lot of romance writing contests, one of my biggest pet peeves were questions and scores that graded a heroine's likability. I hated this question because it forces writers to create heroines that have the kind of qualities that make them instantly personable.

We can have bad boys, with bad break-ups and angst-filled childhoods that still plague them into adulthood, and behave in ways that make them not really all that likable. But with this kind of parameters, our heroines have to be loved right from the start, and quite frankly, that can make them not all that interesting.

Howard has the kind of writing style that kept me so involved, I was actually irritated when I had to put the book down. There comes a point in Drea's life where she has to make some choices, and what makes her identifiable and someone to root for is that she doesn't go for the easy choice.

As a writer, I think Howard made some hard choices in writing a hero and heroine a reader might not expect to find. I think it paid off. The book is dark, but has moments of humor and meaning. I really enjoyed it, and look forward to catching up with Linda Howard.

Don't Mind The Technical Problems

2008-09-11T06:08:00.001-07:00

Okay, obviously Tuesday's post had a few problems. It's was supposed to say something like "Jill Reads A Book She Loves" and then the description. However, it basically just said Jill. Kudos to all the gals who simply put their name in the comment section.

I have to tell you, when I saw the first comment, which was Heather's, it took me a bit to figure out what happened. By then I had 3 comments and just left it as it was.

SO, later this afternoon, I'll post the real post. I have a Girl Scout meeting this morning.

Jill

2008-09-09T05:35:00.001-07:00

AT Behind The Scenes

2008-09-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so our first Author Talk tour has come and gone. We interviewed some great authors, and I couldn't be more excited. We now have the Roxanne St. Claire Behind The Scenes posted over at the AT site. You can check it out here.

Also, AugustFest is now over, so we'll be going back to our every other week of Author Talks now. It was a wild and fun ride!

Tomorrow I'm going to post about the wonderful books I read while spending 10 hours in the car!

New Author Talk

2008-09-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

Last week, Gena and I were on a writer's retreat where we brainstormed and plotted, etc. We also went on a road trip to interview a few authors. Here is our first - right from Florida.

My Anniversary Present

2008-09-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my wedding anniversary.

It's also the start of the NFL season. And the Redskins are playing...so guess what I'll be doing tomorrow? You guessed it...purse shopping!

Last night the dh asked me what a noise was. I told him it was one of the girls singing (because she sings all the time!).

"No, that's not it," he said.

"Did you change your ringtone?" I ask. "Sounds like a phone."

He gives me a look.

"Is that MY new ringtone?" And out he pulls my new iPhone. He knows I've been wanting one for a long time. I can't tell you how excited I am about this phone, it has been one disappointment after another trying to get one.

My old cell phone case won't hold it. The best thing about my old case was that it held my credit cards and some cash, too - and I wanted something similar. Googling iphone purse just didn't give me the kind of results I wanted.

Then I remembered Etsy. My friend FancyThat LOVES Etsy, and it's a nice way to help someone with their home business.

I searched and found some great stuff, but I adored the beautiful wares of Janine King (click here for her shop). Like these.

Ultimately, I chose this one. I love it, and can't wait for it to get here!!!

Wiiners & Updates!

2008-09-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

The new Author Talk Behind The Scenes is up. You can see it here.

Also, I have the winner of the winner of the Roxanne St. Claire contest. The winner is:

"sean and anna"

Please contact me at jillmonroe @ cox.net (no spaces) with your mailing address, and we'll get your prize right out to you.

By the way, here is a quick blurb about Roxanne's book - her Bullet Catcher series is just fantastic!

Former Bullet Catcher and lone wolf investigator Jack Culver is on a mission. Thirty years ago, an innocent woman was convicted of murder. Jack believes he's found the real killer -- but to take down one of the highest legal authorities in the land, he needs access. Serious access. Unfortunately, the one person he knows with that kind of power is his ex-boss and ex-lover, the woman who still haunts his dreams.

Bullet Catchers owner Lucy Sharpe realizes she's being used for her connections, and she intends to use Jack Culver right back. She's determined to see justice served, even if that means partnering with the man who once found his way past her iron shields. This time, she'll be strong enough to avoid Jack's persuasive touch.

But when passion flares, and they become the killer's target, Lucy and Jack don't just break some rules -- they shatter them. And that means risking everything: their jobs, their hearts...and their lives.

Crystal Jordan Author Talk

2008-08-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

Crystal is someone Gena and I have known since before she was published. I think I was almost as excited as she was when she told me at the Dallas RWA that she'd sold to Kensington.

Dog Suit

2008-08-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

Roxanne is still running her contest, and it will go through until Sunday. I'll announce the winner on Monday morning. You can check it out here.

I have to buy one of these for Gena's dogs, because I think it was hilarious. If you can't read the caption, the zoo set up this promotion.

They'd pass out coupons, and it worked. Attendance is up!

When my kids were toddlers to schoolage, the zoo was a lifesaver. We went almost every month.

Release Day - Win A Book!

2008-08-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

Jill invited me in on my Special Day! Thank you!

For us writers, "Release Day" is a little like your birthday except with no pesky number change and no candles. Today I'm celebrating the release of the latest in my Bullet Catcher series, NOW YOU DIE, featuring a character who has garnered lots of reader attention and opinion - the Bullet Catcher boss, Lucy Sharpe.

Lots of writers get nervous on Release Day. By nature, we have *active* imaginations and on Release Day, we put them to work. We worry that the book shipment was deralied on the train tracks, or is perhaps sitting in a truck rollover on I-10. We worry that the booksellers used the shipping crate as the temporary coffee pot holder in the employee break room. We worry that readers will use the book to prop up their laptop to get a better angle. You see? An
imagination is not always your friend.

But I'm going positive today - certain the book is out, stocked, and being read by lovers of hot romantic suspense all over the country. Yeah, that's right. Didn't you see the LINES at Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble? Surely reading lamps burn until 4:00 AM from coast to coast. Didn't Josh Holloway just say he was looking to play a hot smart-ass bodyguard who teams up with a sexy former CIA agent to prove a member of the Supreme Court is a murderer? Yes - he loved NOW YOU DIE! The paps saw him reading it!!

Okay, okay. There's a thin line between imagination and delusional, and today, we cross it.

And in keeping with the birthday theme, there shall be gifts! A copy of the first book in the Bullet Catcher trilogy (FIRST YOU RUN) for one lucky commenter!

It's Monday!!

2008-08-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

After spending the whole weekend working on books, I'm taking a break - to blog!!

Progress is going well, and I hope to have some interesting news to share soon. In the meantime, I've uploaded the Jackie Kessler Behind The Scenes - you can check it out here.

Author Talk with Jackie Kessler!!

2008-08-22T09:04:00.001-07:00

Is she or isn't she? You decide!

Pictures

2008-08-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow should be a new Author Talk, but in the meantime, I'll be sharing some pictures from my travels from RWA National. This was a display in the airport.

I think one of those doll heads used to belong to my beloved Baby Jay.

Toilets

2008-08-19T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ever notice how a theme just seems to sort of develops around your life for a few days?

For some reason the theme that settled around me a little while ago was that of toilets. First, I visit my friend Kassia who lives in a low flo state. I apparently do not, and therefore was a little shocked by the fact that her toilet had two switches. Okay, it's self-explanatory (well for the most part) but I still needed to take a picture.

Of course while filming the Nora Roberts Author Talk, a long discussion of toilets ensued. I tried, I really did, try to find one particular toilet under discussion. The seat rises as you walk by. So, I couldn't find it, but I did find this little gem that cleans itself:

Did you know there was a brand of toilet seats called "Big John"?

Then on, the plane ride home, I sadly had to visit the airplane restroom. I noticed this little button. I was so tickled (and a little horrified) I had to borrow Gena's camera and go back and snap a pic. Sorry Gena about dropping your camera on the floor, but you know how clean airplanes are, so no worries.

Look - you can get beverage service in the lavatory!

Just press the handy little button.

Close-up of the beverage service button in the bathroom on the plane.

Working

2008-08-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

I've been getting A LOT of writing done this week. I have two things I have to get to my agent by Friday, because I'll be out of town next week.

BUT I also got the Nora Roberts Behind The Scenes posted at Author Talk. You can check it out by going here.

Nora Roberts Author Talk Interview

2008-08-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

MY RWA Recap

2008-08-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

So, I already mentioned the earthquake. I've already talked about the Author Talks filmed (first one with Vicki Lewis Thompson already posted).

Program Note: We'll be posting Author Talks every Friday during the month of August.

I can also announce that I met with my new agent - Deidre Knight of The Knight Agency. She took me on before RWA National, but I don't ever announce anything until contracts are signed. They're signed - and even in the mail.

As mentioned, my dear friend Kassia of Booksquare picked us up from the airport, and showed us her California hospitality, which I think involves something about more knowledge of wine. Apparently, I'm not allowed to drink white zinfandel in her presence. But I left a little something for her.

There's something interesting that usually happens at the RWA Conference - there's usually one person you see over and over again. This year, I had two. Diane Gaston, who now knows that when I sneeze, I sneeze like a man. I also ran into blogger Kristi J of Ramblings on Romance. I ran into her so many times she probably thought I was stalking her.

Okay, the Olympics are on, so I think I'm going to end here. More tomorrow.

By the way, I hid Kassia's gnome is a very special place. Here's a hint:

A Surprise

2008-08-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

The dh decided to stay home from work and help me get some things done around the house. Our first thing was to get all the old lightbulbs replaced with the new compact fluorescents. The house seems brighter and cooler. Although I'm seeing some cobwebs. Ick.

Anyway, I didn't get my RWA recap done for my blog - BUT I did get the Author Talk Behind the Scenes done for the Vicki Lewis Thompson episode. You can check it out by going here.

Longer post tomorrow - I have some cleaning to do!

Vicki Lewis Thompson Author Talk Video

2008-08-08T06:01:00.001-07:00

She’s been with Regis and Kelly, now she’s with us!

Gena and I would like to honor Vicki Lewis Thompson, winner of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, with this interview - we even have a special guest.

We'll have the Behind The Scenes next Monday at the Author Talk website.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-08-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Usually, I try to take the week after conference a little bit easy, but it's been busy, busy, busy.

My 7 year-old niece is staying with us for several days, and we're at VBS all morning. In the afternoons I'm editing Author Talk footage - and there are HOURS of it. Last night, I went to see Urinetown The Musical. It was fantastic.

Next week I'll be a better blogger. The kiddies go back to school on Thursday. It frees up my writing time, but every year I get sad because I'm going to miss them so much.

If all goes well, I should have a new Author Talk up tomorrow (fingers crossed). I'll do my RWA recap next week. In the meantime, Gena and I were on the other side of the interview process - being asked by Publisher's Weekly's Barbara Vey who we plan to interview. I posted the link earlier, but here's the full video:

RWA Is Over - About To Leave LA

2008-08-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Gena and I left San Francisco Saturday afternoon after a quick stop at Borders. Gena HAD TO HAVE Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer before hitting the road. Our friend Kassia from Booksquare drove us back to LA. K2 and I talked while Gena read in the backseat, updating us on the various happenings in the book. I'm firmly on Team Jacob, but Gena sides with the Edward camp.

We're flying back to Oklahoma today. Next week will be chaotic - I have VBS every day beginning Monday morning, and we ended up filming 4 Author Talk segments, and an Author Talk extra, so there will be a lot of editing going on. Gena demands that I get the first up this Friday, and I can't wait to see how they turn out - the talent was outstanding...for authors.

I absolutely adore the scent of the shampoo and lotion here in the Holiday Inn where we're staying. It's minty, and I just can't get enough. I almost used the shampoo on my hair instead of the expensive stuff for brunettes I usually buy. (I tell myself the pricey reflects the light and shows off the various and vibrant hues of brown hair.) Yes, I almost used it, even though it would probably make brown hair look boring - it smelled that good. It was then that I realized why I was drawn to the shampoo - it smells a lot like the green tea mint shampoo my husband uses. Sometimes when he's as work, I take the cap off and smell it - it's that good. So I slathered the lotion all over my body so I could be close to him, even though I'll see him in just a few short hours.

I'm sure when I get home he's going to think I smell like a dude.

At RWA

2008-07-31T19:44:00.000-07:00

Gena and I escaped the tornadoes of Oklahoma only to arrive JUST IN TIME to enjoy the largest earthquake in Southern California since 1994. A good time was had by all!

Filmed an Author Talk on Tuesday, then packed our gear into the car and drove to San Francisco for Romance Writer's of America annual conference.

We ran into Barbara Vey from Publisher's Weekly and did a quick Drive By Video for her Beyond Her Book Blog. It's about one of the most exciting guests we'll probably, most likely should be interviewing shortly. You can check it out here.

More later!