Part Two, Happy Birthday to US!
I can’t believe it has been a year! You can imagine that all this week, we Monkeys will be ruminating about our experiences here and reading everyone’s comments yesterday on Leslie’s blog was so heart-warming. I tried to remember what blogs I’ve written over the past year…of course, there was the one about my ongoing battle with my garbage guys…renovating my kitchen (no, we haven’t started yet) and many on dancing, music and movies. I wonder how many times I mentioned Star Wars in a blog? If I were cruel, I’d make it the answer to my contest question! But I’m not that cruel. 
And that’s another thing…of all the emoticons…this one is the one I use most often. Does that surprise anyone?
And this one…
I’m still trying to figure out how to reply to my daughter when she asks me, “Mommy, what does WTF stand for?” She reads the blog over my shoulder many days…I really need to learn to be more careful, I guess!
Honestly, the most amazing thing about this blog over the past year has been the community we’ve all built together. If I’m having a sucky day, I know I can come here and get cheered by the funny, insightful, warm, giving and loving comments of all our visitors. Readers and writers, both aspiring and multi-published, all hanging out together and having a great time.
I have to admit, I had a blast today going through old posts. Remember my parent’s wild Italian phone adventure? Or the ugly fan letter I got claiming my book was “dirty” and how I responded? The tales of my family, from my daughter’s broken wrist to my Halloween extravaganza? My run-ins with my daughter’s principal? And many a homage to Star Wars, Harry Potter, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman and all things Disney? And of course, a run down of my annual pilgrimage to the Windy City…we’re leaving again in a few weeks. I can only hope I’ll come up with interesting topics for the next year…heck, right now I’m worry about the next MONTH, since I have, oh, 230 pages to write in the next 25 days.
Huh…guess I should get back to work, huh?
I just wanted to thank everyone for stopping by and commenting as often as you do…and of course, offer free books! Tell me ANYTHING you’ve learned about me or remember about the wacky world I live in and you’re eligible to win an autographed copy from my backlist. FIVE winners will be chosen!
If you add something you WANT to know (and I know you won’t ask my weight, dress size or any otherwise humiliating information)–thus giving me fodder for future blogs–and you’re entered twice.
Oh, also wanted everyone to know that I do intend to put up a few writing/craft oriented blogs soon…after this book is done!
PS: Yesterday’s winners of five books from Leslie’s backlist are:
YOLANDA, Message # 14
FEDORA, Message # 27
ERIN, Message # 45
DEBBIE, Message # 13
KAREN B., Message # 32
Drop Leslie a line at author@lesliekelly.com with your snail mail addy and choice of book title! CONGRATULATIONS! 
Ah Julie, it’s been a year of education, I tell ya! One thing that sticks out that I’ve learned from you is how NOT to put the garbage cans in the middle of the driveway, or else LOL. But it’s a good lesson learned. I look forward to another year of great tips.
Comment by Stacy ~ — April 17, 2007 @ 6:37 am
Happy Anniversary Julie!
Your Valentine’s Day post of all the people and things you love was sweet.
Comment by Maureen — April 17, 2007 @ 6:51 am
Hey, Stacy’s back.
Congrats to yesterday’s winners!!! 
There were so many comments yesterday about the lawnmower incident that I went back and found it. I don’t know how I missed that story, but it was hilarious. Hubby had a horrible day yesterday so when he got home I read it to him to cheer him up. As I started reading it (when I got to the “frickin’ 90 Florida degrees) he said, “Is this the one that has problems with the trash guys?” Even he is remembering the posts!
BTW - my 11 year old says, “What the freak?” - does that help? And… don’t ask how he kows the phrase to begin with. :oops:
I do have a quick question, but it isn’t for a future post. It’s a question that I need help with pretty quickly. What’s the difference between short/long contemporary and single title? (TARA submission). THANKS!!
Comment by Jodie — April 17, 2007 @ 6:52 am
Hmmm, I have learned that you enjoy a good Mojito, and it seems that I remember something about you being the plotmonkey that gets the others to try new drinks/food when you are plotting as well. I have also learned that you are a very devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter. Your family comes first and that is how I am.
My question is and I know it is a silly one but it does give people more insight. If you could have supper with anyone in the world, past or present who would it be and why??
Thanks for all the fun Julie. Happy birthday
Comment by Kelly F. — April 17, 2007 @ 8:11 am
I’m laughing so hard this morning just from five comments! Keep ‘em coming…Jodie, yours especially. MY husband doesn’t even read the blog, LOL! He knows it exists, though, because he hears me laughing at night before bed when I’m reading comments!
Re: TARA contest question: Long/Short contemporary are category designations…meaning, if you were to submit to a Harlequin or Silhouette line. For the most part, short lines include Presents, Blaze (it used to be long, now it’s short), Desire, Romance, etc. while Long would be Romantic Suspense, Intrigue, Superromance, etc. Single Title would be a book published by any other publisher than Harlequin/Silhouette.
Does that help?
Great question, Kelly. I’m going to be thinking about that one today. I think I know who it is though, oddly enough.
Comment by Julie Leto — April 17, 2007 @ 8:20 am
I loved what you said about readers and writers (aspiring and multipublished) being together on this site. I think that is what makes the plotmonkeys so great and addicting to all of us.
My question for you is besides being a teacher (we know you could and have done that
) If you were not an author what you like to be or do?
Comment by Vicki — April 17, 2007 @ 8:48 am
hmm, something ive learned.. well being newer here, im going to say that ive learned that the plotmonkeys are the funniest, sweetest and honestly sincere bunch i have had the pleasure of chatting with.. the storys are all so funny, it makes it hard to choose.. cant wait to hear about the kitchen.. i still love that idea of the pot filler over the stove. I still think a woman must have come up with that one.. I sincerely hope that one day i will have the true honor of meeting you all in person, i think you are all a true delite.. and you are my first cyber stop in the morning before i head off to work..
my question? hmm if you could write any genre that you havent tried yet, what would it be?
Comment by Jolene — April 17, 2007 @ 9:10 am
You love an excuse for some honey, lemon and whiskey. You room with Leslie during PlotMonkey retreats.
Comment by Crystal B. — April 17, 2007 @ 9:35 am
Hmmm. I have learned that you have to be a sensitive caring person if you want to write good romance. I’ve learned from misplaced garbage cans that you believe in fighting for what is right. From missing parents that you care very much for your family. Most of all I have found from being here that you are a thoughtful, fun, generous bunch that never fail to make me smile. Thank-you!
I want to know when your new book will be out?
Any success with a follow up Marisela book yet?
If you couldn’t write romance would you still write and what?
Have a great day!
Comment by jeannie — April 17, 2007 @ 9:35 am
I’ve learned so much about you this year Julie. Seems like we could almost be twins with our likes…movies, books, actors, drinks, and vacation spots(I leave for Chicago tomorrow). I have to say I love the garbage man story and hearing about the house rehab(can’t wait to see your finished kitchen). I like Kelly’s question about who you would eat dinner with and why. That is the best question to find out more about someone.
Comment by Liza — April 17, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Julie: I learned that we are leading parallel lives (three older brothers, parents who have travelling issues, being forward and fighting for what is right). I had forgotten about the garbage issue. That was one of my favorite posts! Who could forget the one where you stood up to your daughter’s principal about where to stand while waiting for her to get out of school (remember, you were standing in the wrong spot and your husband told you that you must have been captain of the debating club). LOL! Again, we are leading parallel lives.
My question (okay, it’s a dumb one) so I can be entered twice….why do you guys mess with my brain? Tuesdays are Carly’s day. Your day is Wednesday. Leslie is Monday, Carly Tuesday; Julie Wednesday; Janelle Thursday and then for contests you go in that order (I think) for the Fridays. Don’t ask me why I figured that out. Big old “L” on my head.
Happy Tax day everyone!
Comment by katie — April 17, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Katie, I’m glad you figured it out!!! We do have a pattern, but every once in a while, we switch to accomodate special events…tomorrow, Carly has something special to celebrate, so we switched, but we’ll probably be back to our regular line-up next week. Honestly, it is important to us that you noticed…we do want people to have a sense of normalcy, relatively speaking, when they visit our site.
I’m loving all these suggestions and questions for future blogs!
Comment by Julie Leto — April 17, 2007 @ 9:48 am
LOLOL. I could say wait until tomorrow for why we switched days but it’s just not that exciting an answer. My daughter’s bday is tomorrow and she asked me to switch days with Julie so I could wish her a happy bday on her bday on the blog.
Comment by Carly — April 17, 2007 @ 9:53 am
AWW Carly that is so sweet.
Good job, Julie for switching.:thumbsup2:
I have learned that you are a caring mother, hard working, lush:cocktail:, and strong in your beliefs. I applaud all the ways you stand up to people not only for yourself (garbage men) but for the good of all (principal)!
HMMMMMMMMMMMM.:lightbulb: What I want to know, jammies–yep, jammies. Do you prefer nighties or jammies w/ bottoms? Silky or cotton? Comfort vs Intrigue? Store bought or homemade? New or ratty and holey?
A girls’ sleepwear tells alot about her, so tell us more about you.
Thanks for the book Lesle! Yeah me, but I am greedy and want a book from each of you so I will keep entering these contest!:love2::love2::love2::love2:
Comment by Debbie — April 17, 2007 @ 10:12 am
Julie, congatulations on a great year!:cocktail: I only want to say that anytime you want to talk about Star Wars and Colin Firth
I’m there!
Comment by Carol — April 17, 2007 @ 10:25 am
Hi Julie
Happy Anniversary
:cocktail: Mojito
Thanks for all the fun you Carly, Janelle and Leslie have given us this past year.
Lots of
and 
You belive in fighting whats right (gargabe can story)
You are a caring person and are all about family
I want to know what is going on with Marisela any success?
Comment by Cherylann — April 17, 2007 @ 10:32 am
Congrats to yetserday winners
Comment by Cherylann — April 17, 2007 @ 10:34 am
“Why the frown”…bwaaaahaaaaahaaaa
Comment by Leslie — April 17, 2007 @ 10:44 am
Congrats to yesterday’s winners and good luck to today’s posters! You all are awesome!
Comment by Janelle — April 17, 2007 @ 10:57 am
Jeannie — I love “Where’s The Fudge”
Comment by Janelle — April 17, 2007 @ 10:58 am
Julie and Carly: I GUESS that is an “acceptable’ reason (LOL! ROTFL, so teasing, so teasing). It’s sweet that your daughter wants a ‘happy birthday’ blog. I guess I have a little ‘autism” in me (need of routine/structure). It just always throws me off (I keep thinking it is the wrong day!!!).
btw, if you guys ever need a day off or run out of ideas, let me know, I have a few blog ideas in my brain.
Comment by katie — April 17, 2007 @ 11:38 am
i learned that cars have personality and that you’re very fuzzy in choosing a vehicle for your heroes. That made me think..are authors really meticulous? LOL
Question: Which one of your characters would you date? Why?
Comment by marylin — April 17, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Julie, I learned that you are a strong lady who doesn’t take crap, just ask the trashmen who left the garbage cans in the middle of your driveway!
Happy Anniversary!:cocktail:
Comment by Susan — April 17, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
you are cool and about your family.
Comment by kim h — April 17, 2007 @ 12:10 pm
I know you lose sleep over staying up late watching cartoon superheroes and have always loved cartoons.
Does this mean you are a ‘fun loving’ person and one who sees humor whenever possible in situations? Thanks.
Comment by RobynL — April 17, 2007 @ 12:18 pm
Comment by Karen B — April 17, 2007 @ 1:15 pm
Thank You Julie for a wonderful year! I always have a smile on my face after I read all the humorous stories. I think you are a great friend with a BIG HEART! You seem very strong willed which is good. People know you will not be stepped on! Thinking back on past blogs I believe you are known to fix a “good drink”. Being Italian myself our family dinners are
Comment by Tina — April 17, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
Star Wars.
And you can always do a blog about why Darth Vader is a way better Star Wars character than Luke Skywalker. 
Lois, the Vader fan
Comment by Lois — April 17, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
My cat just hit the enter button!! ONLY ME!! Anyway I was saying that Italian family dinners can be wacky but we always have enough food to feed the neighborhood. What are your family dinners like??
Comment by Tina — April 17, 2007 @ 1:25 pm
Wow! What great posts today. Everyone has such great questions.
Julie after reading some of your posts I’m sitting here laughing and thinking your life could be a sitcom, and the story about your parents trip and the phone problems could have been an episode of I love Lucy! lol It sounds like you have a great family and that you love them very much…enjoy:cocktail:
I was having a hard time thinking of a question but I have to say that I really thought post #22 from Marylin was a good one. “Which one of your characters would you date? Why?”
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 17, 2007 @ 1:59 pm
Happy Anniversary Julie! I learned that you are a woman who won’t accept garbage from anyone. I still crack up when I read the anonymous letter from a reader and your response. You have such a wicked sense of humor. Got to love it! You are so sassy!
Comment by Cherie Japp — April 17, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Hi Julie~ Happy Anniversary! I know that you love tulips and that you can’t wait to get your hands on the last Harry Potter book. And I know I’ve found a gem of a blog - thanks for all your stories, funnies and insights.
Good luck with the 230 pages!
Comment by Robin — April 17, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
I enjoyed your Valentine’s Day post. Best of luck. Love your blog.
Comment by ellie — April 17, 2007 @ 2:40 pm
The gargabe can fiasco was great! Happy Avviversary.
Comment by pearl — April 17, 2007 @ 2:42 pm
I already asked a question in my answer but I love the one that Marliyn #22 asked. Tell us which of your Hero’s would you date.
Comment by Vicki — April 17, 2007 @ 3:07 pm
I think I remember that you’re the one who puts the others in time-outs during your writer retreats if they don’t stick to the program. I could be remembering wrong and I’m too lazy to look back right now, though. Knowing what a strong lady you are, one thing I’d like to know is . . . what is one thing that you’re really tender-hearted about?
Comment by Cheryl S. — April 17, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
The italian phone adventure still cracks me up. It make me keep in mind to call family faithfully while on vacation.
Blog topics, your favorite places/subjects to visit doing research or what you learned from that surprised you.
Comment by Jess — April 17, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
Hi all!
Happy Anniversary!!! JEL, I have to say that was my favorite blog, when you shared the hate mail letter and your response! Had me LOL I learned you had a great sense of humour.
But what I have to know is…how do you do it all??? the writing, the family, the house, the blog! You ladies are amazing.
Comment by Carol — April 17, 2007 @ 4:45 pm
Love your stories but the Garbage one was a special treat. Your sense of humor and this blog. Happy Anniversary.
Comment by alissa — April 17, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Happy “Plotmonkey” Anniversary!
:present:
What I have learned is you stand up for your beliefs, you are generous (I won a Friday prize, thanks), you like movies, travel, family & you write good books (I already knew that!) & you have lemon trees because you asked me for my Lemon Curd recipe. Hope it worked & you liked it. I’ve also learned that each of you are people with real lives, not the glamorous exciting life people might think & that each of you are very talented caring ladies. :love2:
I think yesterday I mentioned that I’m leaving tomorrow for Oregon so I’m going to miss the fun the rest of the week! Darn! But, I’m excited about seeing my daughter & her family & watching my grandson play Pinocchio, playing Little League & then going on to see other family & friends.
All of you enjoy the rest of the week, have fun here!
Carly, early Happy Birthday to your daughter.
Take care,
Donna M
Comment by Donna M — April 17, 2007 @ 5:03 pm
P.S. Congratulations to yesterdays winners. Enjoy your prize. :present:
Comment by Donna M — April 17, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
I remember reading that you hate spiders, snakes, and gross humor (me too! There’s a part in RV (Robin Williams) that I actually had to hide from). I know you REALLY need a new kitchen and that you love Steak and Shake… hmmm you and I are alot more alike then I thought!
So okay here’s a question for you: If you could go back in time and “shadow” one person who is now deceased for an entire day who would it be?
For me it would have to be Walt Disney.
Comment by Jen — April 17, 2007 @ 5:13 pm
I don’t have time to read everything- waiting for the limo to come get us for the Billy Joel concert. :;sigh:: such a hard life I lead.
Trash cans, definately the trash cans.
What is your favorite thing to do in the Windy City? I have never been there. Maybe some day.
Comment by ev — April 17, 2007 @ 5:34 pm
Okay, are these questions just for Julie to answer, or can any old monkey pop in??? Because I love the one about which hero I would date, but I’d have to give a 2-part answer.
There’s this set of twins, see…Troy and Trent Langtree. Troy was badder than bad, and I would love to date him just because he was so charming and wealthy and had boatloads of self-confidence. But his twin brother, Trent? He’s the one I’d want to marry. Who wouldn’t marry a guy who dances in the rain?
Comment by Leslie — April 17, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
I love that question too - which character would you date? But I think Leslie has the right idea. There are guys you’d date and guys you’d marry!
I wanted to clarify something. My husband doesn’t “read” the blog, it’s more like it’s spoon fed to him.
He does usually hear something about them every day. He knows we’re pulling for Jolene to get a Carribean or Hawaiin vacation, and how Katie has some of the same struggles as us, and a lot of other things, but…most important…he knows he’s the one who’s gonna get the call to hide the bodies! 
(just kidding!!!)
Comment by Jodie — April 17, 2007 @ 6:19 pm
Jodie: You are going to get my call to hide the bodies….LOL.
We could probably share stories!
ev, you DO lead a hard life….geez……..LOL,
Leslie…your latest answer reminds me of when I was in college and my (now) husband told me about the sororities….date a Theta, ram a Gamma, marry a tri-delt (or axo like me). LOL!
See, you guys are messing up my day…I am having to check in too many times….gotta go get my big guy off of the bus!
Comment by katie — April 17, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
You are a Harry Potter and a Star Wars fanatic and you were getting a new kitchen. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Comment by KarenG — April 17, 2007 @ 6:40 pm
Happy Anniversary!!
I am so glad I am able to be part of this great blog.
I remember the story you told about the garbage collectors and the pictures to go with it. I laughed so hard I had to show my husband the pics and read the blog to him. As soon as he saw the pictures, he asked me ~ does she live in Florida?
Comment by Shelley — April 17, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
I remember that you likes your food and drink! And you were once a teacher.
Comment by Rosie G. — April 17, 2007 @ 7:10 pm
The kitchen blog was enlightening and I loved the Italian Phone adventure. Always humorous and entertaining. Love the cute blog.
Comment by sharon — April 17, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
Leslie want to tell us about a couple of new books?
I’ve been peeking!
Comment by jeannie — April 17, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
I peeked too Leslie
I can’t wait
Comment by Cherylann — April 17, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
When you are sick you like having a little honey with your whiskey… Don’t we all
I would like to know what part of the US you live in and what the weather is like there right now. You have probably said it, but I missed it.
Have a great night everyone!
Comment by Shannon Upright — April 17, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
Julie - may I suggest “We are Truly Fabulous!” or “While that’s funny…” It worked on my 7 year old in response to the
emoticon. Although his response to those explanations was “Oh…the smiley guy looked sleepy…thought it meant we’re tired folks” I have to say, I like his response better. 
Comment by Dayle — April 17, 2007 @ 9:04 pm
I’ve got another question. I’m sure it’s been answered at some point but I’ve missed it. How did you 4 get together, especially living so far apart? And how long have you been plotting?
Thanks for answering my earlier question too!
Comment by Jodie — April 17, 2007 @ 9:33 pm
Dayle, your son is BRILLIANT.
I’m seriously going to do the blog on which character I’d want to date. I already know which!
Comment by Julie Leto — April 17, 2007 @ 9:33 pm
Shannon…do you really want to know? Honestly? Okay…
I’m in sunny Florida. It was 80 degrees in the sunshine and about 75 in the shade with azure skies that make your eyes hurt and little wisps of clouds.
Of course, it might rain tomorrow, if that makes anyone feel better.
Comment by Julie Leto — April 17, 2007 @ 9:34 pm
Jodie, great question because it harkens back to our VERY FIRST group post on April 15 of last year! We archived it here:
http://www.plotmonkeys.com/about/
If you look on the right hand side of the header, you’ll see a link that says Monkey FAQS. That’s the post, FYI!
It doesn’t say when we started plotting, though…it was about five years ago, I think. I’m counting by cities…Orlando, New York, Vegas, Orlando, Nashville…right, monkeys?
Comment by Julie Leto — April 17, 2007 @ 9:40 pm
I remember the vacation phone tag story. It revealed a little something about Julie’s family dynamics. She must have developed that “take no gruff” attitude from growing up with brothers.
Comment by Sue A. — April 17, 2007 @ 10:43 pm
Cherylann and Jeannie, I promise I’ll begin talking a lot more about my upcoming releases soon. My sinngle title career pretty much rests on the July HQN release, so you can bet I’m anxious to get people REALLY excited and talking about it!
And on that note…do NOT miss this Friday’s special 1 year anniversary Jungle Madness Friday.
Comment by Leslie — April 17, 2007 @ 10:49 pm
Leslie you should have used the
Wait till Friday symbol….
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 17, 2007 @ 11:05 pm
Yeah Julie! Happy Anniversary/Birthday! Have a piece of cake on me!
I absolutely adored your post/blog on the spider bit. I can’t stand spiders either. I remember I e-mailed back saying I didn’t like cats. I have been bit twice by cats. Once in the hand when I was petting one as a kid. Another time I was feeding my sister-in-law’s cat while she was away. The cat bit me in the ankle. Hence, my fear of cats.
Hey my question is,
Has there been an emotional or moving experience that you had in the past to inspire you to write one of your books?
Michele L.
Comment by Michele L. — April 18, 2007 @ 7:31 pm