Plot Monkeys

This is a busy week with so many aspiring writers off at the RWA conference in Orlando, so we’re very lucky to have historical romance superstar, Eloisa James, here with us in the jungle. Welcome, Eloisa! It’s Eloisa’s turn to answer the question of the day: What is the one thing you know now that you’d wish you’d known “then”…

I wish I’d known that historical readers are very, very interested in historical accuracy. I had to rewrite Potent Pleasures (my first book) between the hardcover and softcover, to take out the errors that were driving people crazy. My hero lost his pajamas.

Note from Julie: Hmmm…how many people think the readers really just wanted Eloisa’s hero to be naked in bed?

Eloisa has a brand new book on the shelves this week! Be sure to check it out! You know how I love a great “fractured” fairytale story…but then, who doesn’t?

A Kiss at Midnight

Miss Kate Daltry doesn’t believe in fairy tales… or happily ever after.

Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble…

Eloisa’s also giving away a backlist book to a lucky person in today’s comment thread! US shipping only. Winners to be announced on Wednesday.

Check out our previous ONE THING posts:

Jill Shalvis
Mary Jo Putney
Susan Crandall
Tanya Michaels
Kathy Garbera
Lori Handeland
Carrie Lofty
Claudia Dain
Carly Phillips
JoAnn Ross
Ally Carter
Brenda Novak

The four of us just realized today is the “5th Friday” of July, which is why there was no Jungle Madness Friday post this morning. Sorry!

We’re offering a $50 gift card to Amazon or BN.com. Just leave a comment and you’re entered!

But that’s not what I’m going to talk about! Yeah yeah, I had to remind you, of course, but I’ve already beat you over the head enough. Either you’ll pick up the book or you won’t. I hope you will and you’ll also send me READER’S GROUP QUESTIONS for our August 31st bookclub!

Today we’re going to talk about faces. Why? My youngest has been asking to have the bump on her nose fixed and after research, doctor appointments, and much angsting, we agreed. And it’s today! So if you don’t hear from me during the day that’s why. Now I admit to being someone who, though I have my own hangups and issues, never thought about changing how I look. It’s a little overwhelming to me to think of doing it and knowing you’re going to live with it for the rest of your life. And though teenage years are young to make the decision, my daughter is mature enough to know her mind, and we understand the reasons and believe she is doing the right thing, so we are supporting it. Me? I’d rather write about people who look a certain way and live vicariously through my characters. But I give my daughter a lot of credit for being brave and knowing her own mind. And for those who wonder why I’m discussing it so publicly, well suffice to say she’s had a Facebook countdown for weeks, and she’s told the entire world she’s having it done. No secrets here, LOL!

I’m not going to ask what you think about plastic surgery because it’s a personal choice and we’ve made ours. But I do wonder how many people (whether you would actually do it or not) would LIKE to change something? I’ll go first … if I were going to do anything … I’d want stomach lipo … and for someone to give me a real waist. Oh and if they wouldn’t mind knocking off a few pounds permanently, I’d like that too. Around the middle if possible.

Yeah like I said, we all have our hangups. So in the best of all possible worlds, what would YOU change about YOU?

So you all know by now that I’ve been Jazzercising for…oh, geez…two years? A year and a half, at least. Anyway, one of the things that I love about this form of exercise, beyond the weight loss (still holding at 30 pounds) and the dancing–it’s the music.

Now that I homeschool, I don’t drive around a lot, which means I don’t listen to the radio as much as I used to. And when I do, I tend (as people my age often do, LOL!) listen to oldies stations. I actually listen to a mix of oldies and new releases, but all are on the softer side. I like to relax and sing while I drive.

But Jazzercise introduces me to music and artists I probably wouldn’t hear otherwise–the Veronicas and Lady Gaga being my favorites, but also the Ting-Tings, the Black-Eyed Peas, Weezer and Sean Paul.

But guess what? This post isn’t actually about new artists. My daughter was telling me yesterday about an artist (whose name escapes me at the moment) who released a cover of the Rolling Stone’s song, “Painted Black.” I couldn’t imagine what it would sound like, so I listened. I’m not a huge Stones fan, to be honest, and I thought the dance mix remake was pretty catchy.

Usually, I hate when old songs are redone. In Jazzercise, we work out to Michael Buble’s version of “Heartache Tonight” which was originally recorded by the Eagles. The Eagles are one of my top ten favorite bands of all time, but the Buble version has grown on me. I don’t love it (mostly because the routine is hell on the inner thighs and lower abs, my two problem areas!) but it’s not bad.

There are some songs I never want to hear remade. Songs that are so near and dear to me–songs I turn up loud when they come on and sometimes (usually) sing at the top of my lungs.

The one that I really love–the one I hope no one ever remakes because no one has this artist’s signature raspy voice–is Bryan Adam’s “I Do It for You” (which most people know as the theme from the movie, Prince of Thieves.) I love, love, LOVE that song. It’s the epitome of romance.

I also love just about every ballad recorded by Aerosmith (“Crying,” “Crazy,” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” come to mind), “Beth” by KISS and “Don’t Let it End” by Styx (oh, come on, who am I kidding…I love any and all of their songs and play all of them REALLY loud when they come on the radio.)

Love songs are different from all the others…they have to grab you at the heart. The melodies and lyrics have to be just right…but the singer makes a huge difference, too. (Which is probably why I prefer love songs sung by men because I can get lost in a fantasy that he’s singing to me.)

So share with me…what is the one song that pops into your mind when someone asks, “What’s your favorite LOVE song?”
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Carly here again!
A new stop on my Blog Tour – another givewaway!
When you’re finished posting here,
visit me today at: Borders True Romance and post for a chance to win a $25 Borders GC!

What is “it?”

Well, let me give you a couple of hints, and then you can guess.

1. If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know I’ve had a problem with this for years.
2. I’ve had surgery and physical therapy for it in the past.
3. Two days ago, I couldn’t even turn my head.

Got it?

Yep. Hurt my back again, something fierce.

Remember how several years ago I had to have emergency surgery on two herniated discs at the base of my spine? And how I’ve been really careful with my lower back–so careful, I started working in a recliner, or even flat on my back? Well, the problem with working that way is it puts a whooooole lot of pressure on the upper back, and the base of the neck. So I’ve now got a bulging disc up there that I have to take care of. And last week, between writing insanity, trying to finish an overdue book as well as rehearsals for the tiny little part in the local musical, my back decided to get even with me for some past slights by locking up completely. (And, well, maybe a little anniversary celebrating helped, too. )

Went to the dr Friday & got on steroids as well as a bunch of other meds, and I have to go back to physical therapy starting next week. In the meantime, though, I’m just happy I can turn my head again.

So. Yeah. That’s what’s up with me.

Aside from that…still plugging along, trying to stay upbeat despite that and any number of other things that want to drag me down. Career not the least of them.

Speaking of career–I haven’t forgotten about promising to do a book club discussion on Cold Sight. I had really hoped to have a blog radio hour, where you guys could call in and we could talk “live” on the Internet, but Bruce just hasn’t had a chance to set it all up for me. Next time, I hope, but in the meantime let’s plan on talking about the book next Tuesday. I’m interested in discussing a few things and hope you will be, too.

Also speaking of Cold Sight, and something else I hadn’t forgotten–my little “promo” contest I’d mentioned here 3 weeks ago. Thing is, despite how wonderful many of you have been with writing reviews or plugging the book, not one single person entered the contest by emailing me the link! I even gave it an extra week, but nada. I took that to mean you just liked the book well enough to plug it for no other reason than that you’re all absofrigginglutely wonderful. And I love you. Seriously. So, many, MANY thanks for your support. Even if it doesn’t help sell a single copy, it means so very much to know people are reading and enjoying the book…even if there are only 20 or so of you reading it.

Those of you leaving today for RWA, I hope you have a fantastic time. It’s strange, the first year in MANY years that none of the four of us Plotmonkeys will be there. Well, Julie will–briefly, for the NRCA ceremony on Thursday night. (Hope we win, Julie! Let me know, okay?!) Be safe and be sure to come share all the gossip and details when you all get home.
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PS: Visit Carly on her blog/Interview tour. Today’s stops:
Micole Writes
and
Wild, Wicked & Wacky (with giveaway!)
and
Shiloh Walker’s Blog (with giveaway!)

The one thing Don and I haven’t been able to find since moving to Oregon two years ago is a really good Japanese restaurant. We love tempura, California rolls, and tofu and edamame. Especially when it’s well prepared and tastes amazing. About six months ago a new Japanese restaurant opened about a mile away from where we live. We’d talked about giving the place a try, and after reading some great reviews online about the restaurant and the food, we decided to give it a try this weekend.

I’m so glad we did! This restaurant, Yuki Sushi, was AMAZING. We ordered our favorites: miso soup, vegetable tempura, a lobster roll and a salmon roll. They were made to order, tasted fresh and delicious, and made us very happy! We’ll definitely be back for more!

The one thing we’ve never tried before that we finally took the plunge and ordered is sashimi (raw fish). The thought of eating any kind of meat raw just has never set well with me, but I know a lot of people who eat, and love, sashimi. So, we ordered a side of tuna sashimi. Honestly, I was kind of squeamish taking the first bite, but once I got used to the pleasant taste (and different kind of texture), I decided it was quite good! I could tell the tuna was super-fresh (it didn’t taste “fishy” at all), and I think that has to be key in enjoying any kind of sashimi.

Are you a sushi eater? What do you love the most about Japanese food? And if you eat sashimi, since I’m such a newbie, what do you recommend I try the next time I go to Yuki Sushi?

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Carly here:
Where to find Carly around the Internet – talking about KISS ME IF YOU CAN – heroes, heroines, secondary character fun and the occasional giveaway!
Monday – 7/26 - Shiloh Walker’s Blog
Tuesday – 7/27 – Micole Writes Blog
Tuesday 7/27 – Wild Wicked Wacky Blog
Wednesday – 7/28 – Borders Blog
Thursday – 7/29 - Plotmonkeys Blog
Friday – 7/30 – Writerspace Blog
Monday 8/2 – Rom Con Blog

The winner of the signed copy of LOVE ME IF YOU DARE (should it finally show up at my house!) is:

# 30 Sheryl M.

Congratulations! Email me at: carly phillips @ mac . com (no spaces) with your info!

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And now for the Sunday funny!

Jane and Arlene are outside their nursing home, having a drink and a smoke, when it starts to rain. Jane pulls out a condom, cuts off the end, puts i t over her cigarette, and continues smoking.

Arlene: What in the hell is that?

Jane: A condom. This way my cigarette doesn’t get wet.

Arlene: Where did you get it?

Jane: You can get them at any drugstore.

The next day, Arlene hobbles herself into the local drugstore and announces to the pharmacist that she wants a box of condoms.

The pharmacist, obviously embarrassed, looks at her kind of strangely (she is after all, over 80 years of age), but very delicately asks what brand of condom she prefers..

‘Doesn’t matter Sonny, as long as it fits on a Camel.’

The pharmacist fainted.

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SHAMELESS REMINDER
KISS ME IF YOU CAN is officially available Tuesday! PLEASE preorder your copy of KISS ME today or plan to hit your favorite bookseller early this week. Yes, shameless begging going on here. (those pink things are LINKS to preorder, people!)

I could take up an entire blog explaining why Brenda Novak is one of the best writers and coolest women ever to walk the planet. Suffice it to say, the Plotmonkeys consider Brenda Novak to be a great friend. We’re absolutely thrilled to have her here today to dispense advice to aspiring authors by way of answering our big question:

What is the ONE THING you know now that you wished you’d known then?

I wish I would’ve known how important it is to simply enjoy the process. It’s a journey. There’s no need stressing over it. Enjoy the writing, enjoy the relationships that you develop with other writers and bibliophiles, enjoy the marketing aspect of creating your own web site and other creative ways to get your name out there, enjoy it all. It can be a bumpy road, but only if you have your struts too tight.

Brenda has a new book coming out this week, one of her infamous romantic suspense page-turners…check it out!

White Heat

To expose the Church of the Covenant, with its arcane rituals and debauched practices, Nate and Rachel must pretend to be married. That’s the only way they can get in—but being Nate’s “wife” is the last thing Rachel wants. She and Nate have a one-night history that’s just an embarrassment to her now. But they don’t have a choice. Wycliff has to be stopped.

Brenda’s also giving away a backlist book to a lucky person in today’s comment thread! US shipping only.

Check out our previous ONE THING posts:

Jill Shalvis
Mary Jo Putney
Susan Crandall
Tanya Michaels
Kathy Garbera
Lori Handeland
Carrie Lofty
Claudia Dain
Carly Phillips
JoAnn Ross
Ally Carter

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY
I’m in a REALLY good mood today because KISS ME IF YOU CAN hits bookstores on TUESDAY!!!!! So instead of a gift card, I’m giving ONE lucky winner a SIGNED copy of LOVE ME IF YOU DARE (which I don’t yet have in my possession but should soon.)

SHAMELESS PLEA
Of course that means I MUST remind you to PLEASE preorder your copy of KISS ME today or plan to hit your favorite bookseller early next week. Yes, shameless begging going on here. (those pink things are LINKS to preorder, people!) :rotf:

KISS ME BOOKCLUB REMINDER
Now, did you all forget that we’re having a KISS ME IF YOU CAN bookclub here on Tuesday, August 31, 2010? I know, it’s hard to remember details, so here’s the most important one again:

I NEED BOOKCLUB questions for this even to happen! So I’m shamelessly offering a random drawing to those who send me suggestions!