Out with the old . . . In with the new!
I’ve always been very resistant to change. I think it’s part of my Virgo personality. I like things orderly, predictable, and stable. When something changes, it throws my world all out of whack until I get used to the change and settle back into a routine and then I’m happy again. Just ask Carly – she’s the spontaneous one in our friendship and I’m the practical one who has to think things through (which takes time!), and sometimes we drive each other nuts with that part of our personalities. 
But, we also balance one another in this aspect, too – I’m sometimes successful in stopping Carly from doing something spontaneous that she might regret later, and she prods me to be adventurous and do things outside of that comfort zone I cling to.
So, today’s topic is about CHANGE. I’m excited to announce that after five years of having the same website design, I’ve finally given myself a new (and very overdue) website look. (Just as a comparison, Carly changes her website design every two years 
For those of you who didn’t see my website before the change, or maybe have forgotten what it looked like, it was orange and red with flames on the side of the page. And I LOVED that website design, and I still do. It suited the hot Temptation and Blaze books I wrote, and I really did have a hard time giving it up.
But after publishing over 30 Harlequin books, I started writing single titles, and Berkley has given me a gorgeous new look with my Wilde books that is much more sensual and sophisticated than what those flames imply, and I knew that I needed to update my website design to reflect the type of books I’m now writing. In fact, for those of you waiting for Joel Wilde’s story, here’s a peek at his cover:
See what I mean? It’s that just a gorgeous and sensual cover and really captures who the characters are. I really do love it!
Anyway, now back to my old and new website design discussion and making that dreaded change. For those of you who want to check out the old look with the flames to compare, here is a link to the website design. It’s no longer a “working website”, but this link will give you a good idea of what those flames looked like. You can check it out here: OLD DESIGN
And now, the official unveiling of my NEW DESIGN.
Sometimes, change is good. Very good. 
While you’re at my new website you can read an excerpt for my story in the BAD BOYS WITH RED ROSES anthology (out next week!), and read an excerpt for Joel’s story in BORN TO BE WILDE. You can check out my “About Janelle” page and read some fun Q&A’s and check out some new pictures I’ve posted. Oh, and you can enter my monthly giveaway contest, too. But be sure to come back here when you’re done so you can tell me what you think of my new look, and answer today’s blog question:
What type of personality do you have when it comes to change? Do you love spontaneity and change (like Carly), or do you prefer things to remain the same and predictable (like me?).
Love the new site Janelle. I’ve been checking it out already, so I knew about it and it looks lovely.
Me, I’m a Libra, so I’m a bit of both. I like knowing what to expect, but I hate having a stagnant routine for days, weeks, months on end. I like to shake things up, but usually with a bit of planning. I’m not 100% spontaneous, but I am adaptable to change, and love variety. If I have a little warning, then I’m a happy camper. Doesn’t always happen - I have to learn to wing it - but like you said, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone from time to time. Plus it can be fun.
Sorry I missed Julie’s post yesterday. When I came here, it wasn’t up, so I did my usual blog-hopping and got caught up in that LOL.
Comment by Stacy ~ — April 26, 2007 @ 6:32 am
I love your new website, the colors are great. I think I’m a little like you. I don’t like change much. Although some changes are good.
Comment by Stacy S — April 26, 2007 @ 6:51 am
I love the new website. I saw it last week and thought it was great!!!
As for change….I’m a Virgo too, but I used to be very spontaneous and still am to some degree. I have to change the furniture around in my house at least once a year. When we built our new house I was adament the bedroom had to allow for the bed to change in at least 2 different directions, can’t stand for it to be in the same place for 10 years. But hubby is more like you. It takes him forever to decide on something and absolutely drives me crazy.
After being together for 14 years I’ve picked up some of his “slow it down and think it over” attitude. But I still cling to wanting to be spontaneous.
It has served me well over the years - like the time I decided I needed a move and I packed my car, loaded up my 5 year old and moved to NC where I didn’t know anyone. I met hubby and that was the best thing I EVER could have done. But if I had been resistant to change I’d have never done it. So, I guess both ways have their plusses.
Comment by Jodie — April 26, 2007 @ 7:18 am
The new website looks great! V. sharp and classy.
Comment by Kelly R. — April 26, 2007 @ 8:05 am
Congrats on the new site, I love it. :love2:
I can be very spontaneous when it comes to having fun. I can go with the plans or go with the change in plans with no problem. When it comes to things like moving, changing jobs, or anything major then not so much on the change thing.
I’ve taken several personality tests through work and I always score the same, High Sanguine and some Choleric. In other words if you ask me to drop what I’m doing on a Saturday morning (cleaning house) and go shopping then I’m all for it but while I’m out constantly thinking about how I should be home cleaning.
Comment by Vicki — April 26, 2007 @ 8:18 am
The new website is great. Really classy and captures the essence of romance.
I am resistant to change. In fact, I have to dragged into making changes.
Comment by Crystal B. — April 26, 2007 @ 9:13 am
I love your new site
no I don’t like changes I’ve worked at the same place for 32 years
thinking about moving on just don’t like changes either
Comment by Sue — April 26, 2007 @ 9:16 am
Janelle I love the new website. I spent quite abit of time searching it and will be back to visit again.
As for my personality with change I am spontaneous. I love change just to keep things interesting. Of course, I have the same slippers because I could never change something that important. LOL
Comment by Patty L. — April 26, 2007 @ 9:32 am
I really like the new designed. It’s pretty sensual.
I am no such a good person when it come to changes. I think things over too much before I decide to try something new.
Comment by barbarav — April 26, 2007 @ 10:07 am
Janelle, the new website is gorgeous! And I love your new headshot, too.
Personally, I love shaking things up every now and then. Especially when it comes to clothes and hair color. I’m a Sagittarius, and we’re a spontaneous bunch.
Comment by Julie S — April 26, 2007 @ 10:14 am
Janelle, your new design is very classy and appealing! Yay for you!
That said, I’m terrible about change. I’ve had the same car for the last 13 years, and though a minivan would be appropriate for our current stage of life (not to mention that it would let us drive more than our immediate family around), I’ve been dragging my feet about getting one for a couple years! Yikes!
Comment by Fedora — April 26, 2007 @ 10:15 am
Janelle, I love the new site!!!
And I actually am kind of a blend. I really like change, like to shake things up and get tired of the same old/same old. But I also am a very good planner. I lay things out to the last detail and know exactly what I’m going to do. So, while I do like to change, I’m not always spontaneous about it.
Comment by Leslie — April 26, 2007 @ 10:23 am
Love the new website, its very elegant
Being a Gemini Having duel personalities…I have both the need for change, but also at times the need for stability…I get bored easliy yet find comfort in routine…believe me its all very tiring
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 26, 2007 @ 10:54 am
Comment by Lara — April 26, 2007 @ 11:28 am
Love the new site! I saw it over the weekend and plan on going back to search the site more soon. I like change, but I really plan things out before I make any changes. I had my last car for 10 years before I got a new one, and then I bought one that I can drive for another 10 years. I do like to move the furniture in my house around about once a year, but love the routine that I have daily and get a little stressed when my routine gets changed.
Comment by Liza — April 26, 2007 @ 11:32 am
Janelle, your new design is wonderful!
I’m definitely in your camp with not liking change! I :love2: the cover of the book too.
Comment by Susan — April 26, 2007 @ 11:32 am
Janelle, the new web site is great. Very HOT!
I am one who tries to roll with the changes. Some I accept better then others. But truth be told I would rather have things stay the way they are. My best friend is exactly the opposite. She will do whatever or go whereever the mood strikes her. She says I keep her grounded at times but she also makes me take a chance from time to time. We keep each other balanced.
Comment by Carol R — April 26, 2007 @ 11:43 am
Thanks everyone for checking out the new website! I’m glad you all like it!
Jodi — you were so brave to pack up and move like that. But things do happen for a reason, and it lead to finding love, and that’s a wonderful thing!
Reading your posts, I do realize that while I’m resistant to change, it’s more of an INITIAL thing. I’m resistant at first, then gradually come around. I’m just not a spontaneous person when it comes to change.
Another thing I’m trying to change is my hair. After having my short style for too many years to count, I’m growing my hair out, and it’s been an exercise in patience, let me tell you! Especially since I have naturally wavy hair that wants to do it’s own thing! (Yes, Carly, I know I need to learn to embrace those waves, LOL!) At any given moment I want to chop it all off and go back to my easy, predictable short style, LOL.
However, every time I rant that I’m going to cut it short, someone (hubby, girls, a friend) will talk me out of it and calm me down again, LOL. So, now it’s below my ears and long enough for me to straighten and do things with, and I’m finally get used to the difference. But that might change tomorrow. 
Comment by Janelle — April 26, 2007 @ 11:47 am
Carol — That’s exactly how it is between Carly and I. We definitely keep each other balanced.
Comment by Janelle — April 26, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Definitely like you, Janelle…not good with change. I am slow to accept change, but once I try it and have thought it through, I usually am 100% into the new idea.
Love the new website…more sensual and fitting with your great new book covers. Enjoyed looking thru the new site.
Comment by Shari C — April 26, 2007 @ 11:51 am
Janelle, the site is great!
I understand Virgos, as that is my son’s sign. When he was young & lived at home, he would say, disapprovingly, “when you dusted, you moved the “____” on my desk”. (Only HE knows the right thing, how everything should be–it’s very annoying.) I would say, “well, the dustrag is right there…”
Not that you’d be that way, Janelle. I created astrology charts for a year & did learn a lot about the various signs, but, they didn’t necessarily help me get along with them–LOL
I am a Gemini, but, very conservative. I like things to remain as they are, still use a 19 YO car & continue to live in a house I’ve owned for 41 years (minus the 1 year when I divorced, & my ex received the house, while I got the kids–LOL). I really don’t enjoy traveling, because, I like my own bed, my own things. I’ve tried to become more spontaneous, but, basically, it’s just not me–I have to work at it.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 26, 2007 @ 11:52 am
I know we’re talking about “change” here, but I’m curious — how many here are “list makers”? Again, I HAVE to have a list before I go grocery shopping, and I even make a list of where I have to go in a day, and where I’m going first, etc. Okay, I’m anal, I know, LOL!
I’m definitely a list maker, compared to a person who just “wings it”.
Comment by Janelle — April 26, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Janelle, add me to the listmakers. I don’t know how people go through life without them. To me, it makes things so much more difficult.
Wanted to add that I did do one very impulsive thing in my life, going for the love of my life, when there were many reasons not to do so. We didn’t marry & I shed lots of tears over him, but, it was wonderful to know I had the capacity to love like that, &, though he’s no longer on this earth, I still think of him as the person who affected my life more than any other.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 26, 2007 @ 12:02 pm
The funny thing about lists…I keep a pad by the fridge, when someone uses the last of something they put it on the list, before shopping I re-write the list adding or subtracting things, then I get to the store and leave the list in my bag
Don’t ask because I really don’t know why I do this
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 26, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
i love it janelle. the new cover is damn hot. love the wilde series!!! cant wait for this one. ohh is darn good
Comment by kim h — April 26, 2007 @ 12:21 pm
While I say out loud that I hate change, I really think its more of a resistance to change thing. I like that I know where everything is, what time things are scheduled for, where I have to be… I guess I’m more of a planner. I can accept it if there are time changes but I need an initial game plan. I also live by lists. I start of my day at work by writing my list of things that must be accomplished by the end of that day/end of the week. I’ve already started my Christmas list and am happy to report that three people are done. My shopping will be done by Thanksgiving that way. Pressure off - I can then go to the Mall if the spirit moves me or not.
Comment by Barbara-Jo — April 26, 2007 @ 12:28 pm
I don’t like a lot of change. I like predictability. Call me weird (Off to check out Janelle’s new site!)…
Comment by katie — April 26, 2007 @ 12:46 pm
Yeah, I’m a list maker - but I don’t usually pay much attention to it.
Doing a personality profile and discussing it with a councelor one time I said something about my making lists. She looked at me for a long time (I think waiting for me to figure this one out on my own) and then said, “Do you use it?” Um…..well, no.
Tina - I’m so with you on leaving it in the bag - if I even take it at all! But, I will say, I have a great memory and usually remember everything that was on it. I am really strange…thanks for bringing that to my attention today, Janelle.
Comment by Jodie — April 26, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
Love your new site Janelle! I had already checked it out last week and can’t wait for the new Wilde book! Like you, I’m not very spontaneous and don’t like a lot of change. I do move the furniture around in my house often (like Jodie) so that things look new and different. And I also make lists - otherwise I’d forget things! But don’t even get my started on my hair
I have naturally curly hair and have always wished for straight hair. Everytime I say I’m going to let it grow long I cut it. I used to have short hair like you but for the last few years it’s been at my shoulders so that I can put it in a ponytail - that’s what saves me on those ‘hate my hair’ days.
Comment by Robin — April 26, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
Comment by Karen B — April 26, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
Thanks Jodie, Its nice to know I’m not the only one who does this with the list, although I must admit my memory is not that great so that means I usually forget something…
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 26, 2007 @ 1:50 pm
I am a Libra and bi-polar so I flounder between the way I deal with change. Change that I bring about I am spontaneous and fun, but other people’s change–well, that is a copletely different story.
Janelle Love the new website. Very awesome.:love2:
I was a lucky winner a few weeks ago and received the book Bad Boys with Red Roses already. It is amazing. Hot, hot, hot!!!! I of course, love:love2::love2: Janelle’s story the best. A) it was Janelles and B) it is set in Vegas, baby!:cocktail:
Thanks again, Janelle.
Comment by Debbie — April 26, 2007 @ 2:00 pm
Barbara-Jo — we are so kindred spirits!
Robin — I hear ya on the hair thing. Though I do have to say that Carly introduced me to some great hair products that helps control the frizz, and a straightening really does work! But now, what once took me 10 minutes to dry and style my hair, now takes a half an hour!
It’ll be nice when mine is long enough to put into a ponytail if I want to!
Debbie — I LOVE Vegas, and it was fun to be able to set a story there. We live about 3 hours from Vegas, so we drive there at least once a year with the girls to hang out. We’re not big gamblers, but we love all the entertainment in Vegas.
Comment by Janelle — April 26, 2007 @ 2:06 pm
Janelle…the site is AWESOME!!!!! I LOVE IT (me being so excited!).
Comment by katie — April 26, 2007 @ 4:18 pm
Stacy, we missed you yesterday! I’m sorry it wasn’t up…I’d mucked up the timer and Carly went in and fixed it early before I was online.
Comment by Julie Leto — April 26, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Janelle may not be a big gambler, but watching her play Blackjack was an education.
I just adore her new site…has me hankering for a new one of my own.
Comment by Julie Leto — April 26, 2007 @ 5:42 pm
Janelle- I love the new site!!
Bad Boys with Red Roses is already on our shelves.
They didn’t put a street date release on it, so it went out. I made sure it was facing out too!! I does what I can for my author friends!!
Comment by ev — April 26, 2007 @ 7:49 pm
oh yeah, I don’t mind change. I am an Aquarian and just tend to roll and flow. I always treat things as a new experience- sort of like I am never lost, just discovering new places.
Comment by ev — April 26, 2007 @ 7:50 pm
Thank you, Ev!
Comment by Janelle — April 26, 2007 @ 8:45 pm
I love the new design, Janelle.
I’m the opposite of Virgo. I love change. Too much so at times. :-)
Comment by mary beth — April 26, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
I find it hard to have changes take place in my world.
Love the site.
Comment by RobynL — April 26, 2007 @ 11:11 pm
Comment by yolanda — April 26, 2007 @ 11:21 pm
I am a day late–but wanted to comment! I checked the old & new site Janelle so I remembered correctly what the old site looked like! The new site is great. I didn’t take the time to check out anything but I will after I am more caught up from my trip.
Change can be good & some I’m okay with & not others! I hate to move, that is a 4 letter word!! Being spontaneous is very easy for me & at times I have to practice self control!! Yuck! No fun at all!!
My hair has been various degrees of short since I was quite young as short is better for me & my hair! I am not a lover of long hair & my hair air dries in about 10 minutes & I love the ease of it. No change there for me. I call it wash & go. I have no talent for styling so it needs to be easy, very easy! Have fun deciding on a style.
Comment by Donna M — April 27, 2007 @ 2:14 pm