It’s been a while, but please welcome back author, Heidi Betts, to the jungle! She has a new book out and has come to not only share information about it, but also give away a book. Thanks for swinging into the jungle, Heidi!
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC?
Hello, everyone! I’m delighted to be here today, and can’t thank Julie enough for the invite. Thank you, too, to the other Plot Monkeys—waving madly at Carly, Leslie, & Janelle—for letting me spend the day swinging in the trees with you and chatting about my single title contemporary debut, TANGLED UP IN LOVE, which just released this past Tuesday, February 3rd!!! (Can you tell I’m absolutely ecstatic? Nah, I’m sure it’s not obvious at all. *vbg*)
So what should I talk about? There’s so much I could say about TANGLED, it’s hard to pick just one. I could mention how excited I am to be writing sexy, funny contemporaries for St. Martin’s Press (picture jumping up & down & making a lot of high-pitched squealing noises)…or how much fun the story was to write (a little less jumping up & down, but a lot of chuckling & still some high-pitched squealing)…or that Carly herself called it “Fantastic!” (*vbg* sorry, I couldn’t resist…& thank you again, Carly!). And, of course, I could mention that the “Chicks with Sticks” trilogy is all about knitting. Sexy, funny, naked knitting, no less. ;-)
Yes, I could talk about all that & more.
But I won’t. Instead, I think I’ll talk about…magic.
Magic is a wonderful thing, don’t you think? The fairy dust, the fantasy, the faith it takes to believe in something we can’t necessarily see or touch or prove.
While I wouldn’t call TANGLED UP IN LOVE a paranormal by stretch of the imagination, it does actually contain a small paranormal element. You see, in addition to the three funky “Chicks with Sticks” and the three smart and sexy men who keep them company through the series, there’s this character in the trilogy named Charlotte. Charlotte is aunt to one of the knitting gals (Jenna from Book 2, LOVES ME, LOVES ME KNOT, which will be out in August) and considers herself a bit of a matchmaker…as well a Lucille Ball wannabe, judging by her choice of hair color & penchant for getting herself into trouble.
In addition to raising a herd of adorable alpacas and spinning their fibers into yarn that she then uses to knit all manner of wonderful things—like scarves and sweaters and hats and mittens—Charlotte also happens to have a spinning wheel that’s been handed down from generation to generation through the women of her family, which is said to be enchanted. Magic. Able to bring true love to those who use the yarn it creates.
Is the wheel actually enchanted? Does it truly possess magic, happily-ever-after powers? I don’t know…I think I’ll let you decide that one for yourselves. :-D
But what I will tell you is that there has been something very magical about this entire trilogy for me. From the way it came about in the first place (which is a story I shared early last week on both my WIPs and Chains and Must Love Yarn blogs, if you’re interested) to how every detail of the stories came together perfectly—and everything in between. It was like I had a fairy godmother sitting on my shoulder, guiding me in all the right directions and bringing all the right things to me with a little sprinkle of her glittery dust. And I couldn’t seem to stop myself from sharing a bit of that fairy dust with the characters of the “Chicks with Sticks” trilogy, making sure they all got their Happily Ever Afters, as well.
No doubt about it, a little bit of magic, a little bit of legend, and a whole lot of faith are involved in bringing Veronica Chasen and Dylan Stone (the hero and heroine of TANGLED UP IN LOVE) together. Frankly, considering how much these two despise each other when the book begins, I’m not sure it would have happened without a touch of magic. LOL
So tell me, do you believe in magic? Do you believe in enchanted objects, or lucky charms, or blessings passed down from those who have passed before us? Tell me what you think…and maybe even give an example of a time when it felt like magic was at work in your life…and with the Plot Monkeys’ permission, at the end of the day, I’ll draw three winners for their choice of an autographed book from my backlist. (This includes the HOTTER THAN HELL anthology, by the way, even though it may be a bit higher on the page.)
Wishing you lots of lots of love, knitting, & magic,
Heidi
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Don’t forget to stop by Nicola Marsh’s blog for a chance to win a boatload of romance novels just in time for Valentine’s Day!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I believe in magic, or maybe luck…sometimes it does seem like there’s something providing a positive force behind the scenes! Debbie
PS I really enjoy your books!
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Hello Heidi! It’s great to have you here visiting. Your books sound great, and I love it when the hero/heroine despise each other – there’s just something really fun and often times sexy about bringing this type of couple together.
Magic, serendipity, yes I do believe that there is a little bit of that hovering over us just waiting to swoop in and make something really special happen. Not often, because then we wouldn’t appreciate those moments, but I truly believe in it.
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Hi, Heidi,
I do believe in magic, but I’m not sure about the whole lucky charm thing. I’ve never relied on anything like that.
Margay
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Save the Contemporary, save the World!!
I love a good, funny contemporary story. Especially funny considering what is going on these days.
Magic? I am not sure what you want to call it, but I do believe that there are other things that work in conjunction with us- or against us if it’s bad juju. I am sure that if I actually had some caffeine in me at this point I could come up with something.
Something besides the stars being in alignment or cupid looking over my shoulder when my now-husband popped into my life. :wub:
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Hello Heidi! Thanks for stopping by the Jungle today. The excerpt is great. You have a wonderful voice.
Do I believe in magic….not magic specifically but I do believe that sending positive thoughts out there will bring positive results. I have a “Wish Board” on the wall of my office. I’ve written things on it and decorated it with all kinds of fun scrapbooky type stuff. For instance, I have “Book Ideas are blooming” and I put flowers all around that. Another says “I have an abundance of good luck” with little horseshoes around it and so on. It’s in a strategic place so I can see it when I’m sitting at my desk working. Mostly it’s a writing wish board that keeps me focused on my goals as if they are already happening.
Thanks again for swinging through the Jungle today. It’s always the best place to be.
Cher
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Welcome, Heidi! Thank you for filling in on my Thurs. while I “finish this deadline before I leave for Aruba next SAt. or die trying!” That’s my motto for the next week and a half! Congrats on your new “fantastic’ release!
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Hi Heidi. Congratulations on the release of Tangled Up In Love. I do believe in magic. There are wonderful things that happen that can only be described as magical.
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Hi Heidi! I can’t wait to pick up Tangled when I go to the bookstore this weekend! I’m not sure about magic, but I believe in a higher power that can make things happen.
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welcome, Heidi….I am with Liza….
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Hi Heidi,
Welcome to the jungle.
JULIE:
Wow, I loved Something Wicked!
Zoey gives it 4 1/2 paws.
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Welcome back to the jungle Heidi! :monkey
Congrats on the single title release! The series sounds like a fun one and I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for the book when I hit the bookstore next week!
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Hi, Heidi! Sure, I believe in a little magic. I also believe in lucky charms (until they stop working). lol I finished your book last night and LOVED it! Congratulations and best wishes for loads of success!
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Congrats on your new release Heidi! :flower4you:
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Thanks, Heidi. Now I have that song stuck in my head.
I love Aunt Charlotte. What a wonderful character. Life would be so dull and boring without magic. As for personal experiences? My husband’s great-grandmother was a medicine woman with “The Sight.” I think part of her talent filtered down to the DD. Birthdays aren’t my favorite thing. When asked what I want, I tend to brush off the question. One year, I told her I wanted snow. She grinned and bounced out of the room, full of five-year-old energy and belief. By noon on my birthday, despite weather forecasts of 50 degree weather and sunny skies, snow fell in huge, Hollywood-fluffy flakes. I stood at the back door watching. She slipped up beside me and put her hand in mine. “Happy birthday, Momma,” she whispered.
Yeah. I believe in magic. :flower4you:
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Hey Heidi!!! :)
I do believe in magic and lucky charms. I wore the same necklace everyday for two years until I woke up one morning and couldn’t find it – you could imagine my devastation.
So since then I’ve tried not to get too attached to anything that I could easily misplace. So now I pick up a new lucky penny everyday on my way to class.
And when I have bad luck I think, “Well, imagine how much worse it would have been without that lucky penny.” :wink:
Congrats on your latest release, I look forward to reading it!
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Hi Heidi, I do believe in magic and luck to a certain degree. Sometimes I think we make our own luck. I also think if you think you are and unlucky person then you will be. So part of it is mind set. Then there are people that are just plain lucky. Luck followe them everywhere.
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Hi, Heidi! *checking to see if Mistress Heidi’s in sight* Of COURSE I believe in magic! Not sure about enchanted objects, although I wouldn’t rule out the possibility, but love itself is pretty magical! I’m hoping to hit the stores tomorrow–I’m babysitting today and not sure there’s enough magic in my world to entice me to bring all the kids along with me to the bookstore!
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Hey Heidi!
Yes, I believe in Magic. It is all around us and if it wasn’t then we’d be a boring group of people. LOL.
:)
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I do believe in magic. I have to. I don’t know what the world would be like without it. I love the paranormal, ghosts, vampires, aliens……I believe all these things exist, if only in our imaginations.
I think lucky charms work if you believe they work and that blessings passed on from those before us are wonderful . Sometimes we don’t give those folks enough credit in making us what we are today.
Interesting topic, one I adore, obviously. LOL
Deidre
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OMG, naked knitting. That’s ROTFLOL funny. :happy2: Do I believe in magic? Oh yeah very much so. But I also believe we can make the destiny for our magic.
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Good afternoon, everybody! Forgive me for being late to the party, but my appt. this morning took longer than expected. :angryred
Now let’s see if I can catch up, since it seems you’ve been some very busy bees while I was away. :jumpleaf
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Hi, Debbie! Thanks so much. I am of course delighted to hear you enjoy my books. :wub: And I love the feeling that something is moving us along to very good things.
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Hi Heidi! So happy to have you here!
Count me as someone who believes magical thinks can and do happen. How or why, I don’t know. But I think there’s got to be at least a little magic out there!
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Hi Heidi,
The long awaited day is here! After your blog on RWQ, I have been waiting to read your blog here. I too believe in magic, of all varieties.
There have been several instances where I feel a magic of sorts has influenced time and space. One such instance happens at sporting venues. I have been to many basketball games and have felt the energy that flows from the crowd to the players when they really want the team to win, especially when the crowd is chanting in unison. I can’t explain the feeling, I just know that a magic of sorts is taking place.
That’s not the only place I have experience magic. I know it sounds strange, but I have a connection to the weather. There have been many times when the skies are threatening heavy rain when I am out and about. The drops are there in the sky and it can be ready to dump, but I’ll grab the necklace I try to wear everyday and whisper so that only I can hear, “Please wait, just until I get into my car,” or, “Please wait until I get to class.” Sure enough, as soon as I get in and close the door, the rain comes down in sheets!
Why magic? Well, because I have been blocks away from my car or classroom when I ask this and it waits until I am just out of reach. Sometimes, it felt as if the clouds were straining so hard that they couldn’t help but release a drop here and there.
Okay, I know it sounds like coincidence, but it’s gotten to the point where my husband knows enough to listen when I tell him it will rain or when to get undercover when we are at amusement parks. The first time he laughed when I pulled out the rain poncho and wore it as we headed for one of the covered restaurants because it seemed barely cloudy. That was until he got wet a few seconds later by the quick torrent of rain that fell on as we reached the covered area. At one park in particular, it seems to rain there often when we visit it, I’ll tell him we need to get to one particular restaurant there (where the rain runs down the big hill and we can stay relatively dry under cover) and sure enough, within a minute or two of us getting under cover, it will start raining, even if there isn’t a visible cloud in the sky!
I’ve outrun rain more times I can say and witnessed the weird sensation of the rain following me home as I have been out walking through my neighborhood as a child and seen it rain on half the sidewalk. All kinds of weird things. It’s impossible for me to ignore the fact that magic of sorts exists in this world. If things happened merely a time or two, my skeptical self would just write it off as coincidence. However, I have seen too much to ignore the truth of the matter.
When we send energy from one person to another, it is a magic of sorts. People who are able to inspire or enthrall people with mere words had, at one time, been considered to be enchanters, magicians – a talent that still exists today. There are those who use their talents for good and those, such as con men, who use them for bad or evil purposes.
Again, another great blog topic!
On a side note, since I won your contest last month, I thought I should check out your short story from the anthology before I blogged and wow! I had to stop at the end of chapter two so I could finish this blog! Really great twists so far on Curse of the Dragon’s Tears.
Great stuff so far, I just wanted to catch up on my blogs and email before I, “devoured,” the rest of the story!
I was merely curious about your writing before, but now I think I am, well I am a crocheter, hooked! Boy, so many authors and books, so little time…..
Carrie
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Hi, Stacy! Thank you so much! I totally agree with you. I love it when a h/h seem to hate each other in the beginning because you just know that when they finally step over the thin line between love & hate, it’s going to be HOT!!! That’s definitely what happened with Dylan & Ronnie. LOL
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Hi again, Margay! I like to believe in lucky charms–*snork* yes, I do believe in the children’s cereal–& objects, but I’m not *sure* about them. I guess I just think it would be nice.
Of course, I found a penny this morning & have it in my shoe as we speak. I’m not going to take chances, & if they really are lucky, I want in on it! :jumpleaf
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Hi, Ev! Save the contemporary, save the world–love it!
And if you love a funny, strong contemporary–& it’s sexy, do you like sexy? *g*–then I think you’ll enjoy TANGLED UP IN LOVE. *I* thought it was hysterical while writing, but since I know I’m a tad biased, I’ve been pleased by the reports I’m getting from readers already. (Yes, already–how awesome is that?!?) One said she was laughing so hard in a restaurant, she got very strange looks from other customers & another warned not to read it while drinking or eating anything because it posed a choking hazard. So those are good signs, right? :bigturk
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Good Morning Heidi, yes, it is still morning where I am!!
I do think there are “forces” outside of ourselves that influence what happens. Many years ago a co-worker/friend gave me something special from her travels that keeps me safe when I travel. It works! All my travels have been safe.
Your trilogy sounds interesting. Congratulations on your single title release. I’ll look for it next time I am in a book store. Thanks for visiting us here in the Jungle today.
:flower4you:
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Hi, Cher! Thanks so much for the warm welcome, I’m really happy to be here. And thank you, too, for the lovely compliment about my writing. Really, really appreciate that.
I love the idea of a Wish Board. I don’t have one of those, but I often tack up little inspirational sayings or pics of things I want or want to achieve. I’m a bit believer in positive thinking & visualization, too.
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Hi, Carly! Thank you so much for having me. I’m happy to fill in for you anytime. I would especially be willing to stand in for you on that Aruba trip. I may not look as good in a bikini, but that’s what they make muumuus for, right? So just say the word & I am there!
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Thanks so much, Crystal! Great to “see” you again, btw. And I love it when those “magical” things happen, don’t you?
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Hi, Liza! I’m so glad you’re looking forward to TANGLED. You’ll have to let me know what you think of Dylan & Ronnie & the gang.
And I definitely believe in a Higher Power. I’ve been talkin’ to him all morning.
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Hi, Katie & Jeannie & Zoey! Thanks so much for hanging out with me today!
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I believe in God arranging for magical things to happen just when you need them the most.
I can’t wait to go pick up one of these books for myself. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with you.
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Hi, Janelle! Thanks so much for having me today. And I’m glad you like the sound of TANGLED. I had a blast with it, & am now just waiting to hear what the world things of my little “Chicks with Sticks.” Let me know, okay? ;-)
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Hi, Robin! Thank you SOOOO much! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it. Can’t believe you read it so quickly, tho—wow!
And I wonder, too, how those lucky charms suddenly lose their mojo. What’s that about?!? :angryred
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Thanks, Colleen!
And Silver, are you talking about the video I posted to Must Love Yarn this morning? I ADORE it & have been humming the song all day, too! :happy2:
Glad you like Aunt Charlotte. I do, too; she’s one of my favorites. And one of my editor’s favorites; she adores her. LOL
How cool about your daughter. I totally believe in that sort of thing, but if I had a kid with that kind of power, I think I’d be using her for more than just snow. Try “I want to win the lottery.”
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Hi Heidi! Congratulations on your new release! Thanks for visiting with us! You’ve been everywhere! I believe in the “little magic” -those out of time moments that happen so rarely but are so very special. Otherwise… I’m pretty pragmatic.
But reading about it/fiction? I’m so there :)
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Hi, Jessica! I love—you’re right, think of what *might* have happened if you hadn’t had that penny with you! So did you *ever* find your necklace???
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I agree with you, Quilt Lady. I didn’t used to think that way, but now I do. And I’m so glad I’ve changed my mind. :giggler
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Welcome Heidi!
I so believe in magic! So many things occur that can’t be explained so what else could it be but magic?
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Heidi, the interesting thing about magic is that it has to be done for someone else to work. When she was little and we’d eat out, she would go get gumballs out of the machine for her dad. The kid invariably got doubles and I swore I was going to take her to Vegas. She hasn’t won a thing in the lottery or scratchers. *sigh* On the other hand, we haven’t had a tornado land close to the house either…
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Carly–got any room in your suitcase? My kids are getting 2 hour delays for school because of the really cold temps here.
Hey Heidi, I’m seeing some really cute smiley guys you need to “borrow” :devilbanana
The book is great!! If you haven’t picked it up you need to. I love books that make me laugh and this one will have you laughing (out loud too) a lot.
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Thanks, Terrie! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
And, Fedora…even if you had to sneak away, I’m sure Mistress Heidi would appreciate a few of these emoticons…
I’m not sure I’d want to drag a bunch of kids to the bookstore with me, either…not unless they had a really good kids’ section where I could dump them. LOL Hope you’re able to get there tomorrow, tho, then you can let me know what you think of Ronnie & Dylan & Charlotte & everybody else! :bigturk
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Hey, Misty, great to see you again!
Hi, Deirdre! I believe in all of those things, too. Or as I like to say, “I believe in the possibility that they exist.” I mean stranger things have happened, right? ;-)
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Hey, Vicki! Yes, naked knitting. There’s a lot of nakedness in TANGLED, come to think of it. And a lot of knitting. Guess it was bound to happen.
Hi, Leslie! Thanks so much for sharing your tree & bananas with me today. And I’m not the least bit surprised you believe in magic. ;-)
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Hi, Carrie! So great to chat with you again! And I don’t think that sound odd at all. I think it’s great. I definitely want to be with you the next time it’s getting ready to rain & I need to be outside. LOL
Thanks so much for the great compliments about “Curse of the Dragon’s Tears,” btw. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. I just loved writing that story! “Curse” is definitely darker & more dangerous than TANGLED, but the same romance & sexual tension are still there. Oh, & both have a touch of magic/paranormal to them, too!
So glad you’re hooked…
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Hi, Donna! Whatever you do, don’t lose that special travel juju, it sounds very important!
And I’m glad you like the sound of TANGLED & the rest of the “Chicks with Sticks” trilogy. It was very lucky for me, too, so I hope you enjoy it!
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Hi, Debbie! Thank you so much! I hope you’re able to find a copy of TANGLED quickly & easily, & then that you enjoy them oodles. Let me know, okay?
And God definitely arranged some very magical things in my life for this trilogy to come together. You have no idea! LOL It was amazing, & I thank Him every day for his blessings.
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Hi again, Limecello! Well, that is why we’re calling it “Blog Tour 2009″ after all. Didn’t plan it quite that way, but it happened & it’s been a blast! I’ve been so lucky to be invited by so many great folks to hang out at so many great blogs. And have I mentioned lately how much I love monkeys–as well as *the* Monkeys. :danmonk
I know what you mean about the magic being so much better in books. Well, sometimes. ;-) And the great thing about fiction is that you can pretty much rely on the fact that it will all work out in the end. In real life, you just never know…
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Hi, Carol! What a great way to think of the good stuff that happens in our lives! I like to think of it as magic…but then, I’ve always loved fairy tales & all that, so I guess it’s no wonder.
Silver~ That’s what they say about psychics, too… They can predict stuff for you, but if they lose their own keys, those puppies are lost. LOL
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Everyone, allow me to introduce you to Laura, my biggest fan & new personal PR guru. (Laura, the check’s in the mail.
)
Actually, a lot of these emoticons look quite familiar…maybe because they’re already part of my personal smiley library & I’m just waiting for the opportunity to use them. I’m not going to tell you which ones when, tho; that would spoil the fun.
I’m glad you’re enjoying TANGLED & that it’s keeping you laughing. Just don’t let “butt girl” near it again or she might ruin it for everybody.
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Hi Heidi,
It’s so nice to “see” you again. Congrats on the new release. I do believe in magic and I have received good luck charms from my aunt, but I can’t say for certain if they really worked.
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Hi Heidi,
Welcome to the jungle. I believe in magic and luck. However I am not feeling any luck from last nights first date with this guy. lol. I think we won’t be going out again, I didn’t feel a connection between us. haha.
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Heidi, I’ve read some of your Desires and really liked them!! So thanks for the great reads.
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Hi again, Jane! And thanks! Maybe you need to give the good luck charms a little more time to work. And then you’ll have to let me know what they brought you.
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LOL, Elisa. I know the feeling. Had the same thing happen a while back, but my first date guy is still texting me. :bootyshak: Yeah, & no spark there, either—at least not on my end. :bootyshak:
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Hi, Kelly! Thank you so much, I’m very glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for being such a great reader.
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h i heidi , congrats on teh book. yes i do and some are born luicky lol.
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Hi, Kim! LOL I think you’re right on that. I have an aunt who wins everything & I so wish I knew how she did it!
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Heidi, I’ve been fascinated by your book since I first heard about it a few weeks ago. It looks really fantastic and the idea of a man knitting just puts a smile on my face.
As for magic, or blessings passed down from those that passed before, I do believe in that kind of phenomenon. I don’t know if I can pinpoint any specific instance, but I have a feeling that people, like my grandfather, who have passed watch over me. I also believe in lucky charms. There are certain pieces of jewelry and other things I keep around for that.
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Good morning everyone! Fell asleep a little early last night, so I forgot to draw winners for the free books from my Backlist, but I didn’t forget-forget! And Julie has kindly offered to repost the names on Sunday in case anyone misses seeing them here.
So here we go. The winners are…
Silver
Stacy
& Ev
Congratulations, ladies! Please follow the “instructions” in my post…i.e. check out the Backlist section of the Books page of my website, then contact me with you title choice & mailing address. There’s a contact form on my website, as well, or you can e-mail me at heidi@heidibetts.com.
Thanks again for joining me to chat about magic & TANGLED UP IN LOVE! I hope you enjoy Dylan & Ronnie & the rest of the gang! :fourturks
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Hi, Karin! “Fascinated” is good, I’m very happy to hear that. :bigturk
One of the things I loved about writing this trilogy was the fact that I did get to pit the ever-so-manly heroes against a pair of knitting needles. And I tried in each book to do it in a different way. I *think* I’ve succeeded, but of course the only way I’ll know for sure is if you guys let me know what you think.
I have some pieces of jewelry & such that have been passed down to me, too. I don’t know if they’re “lucky” per se, but I do know that they make me feel better when I wear them; it makes me feel closer to someone who isn’t around anymore. And if you believe that a person’s energy can inhabit an object the longer they wear/own it, then I like to think that my love ones’ energy is still with the pieces, too. :hug2:
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I can’t say I believe in magic in the real world, but I don’t have any trouble believing in it in books. A good suspension of reality I suppose. Especially when it is well written. I don’t do stereotypical magic.
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Congrats winners!