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Please Welcome Guest Blogger…TONI BLAKE!

We are so excited to have the fabulous TONI BLAKE (aka Lacey Alexander) with us in the jungle today!

We all know Toni from our days writing together for Harlequin Temptation. From her start with Kensington’s Precious Gems line, Toni has gained a reputation for writing sweet-and-sexy romances. She has gone on to become a very popular contemporary single-title author for Avon, NAL/Signet Eclipse and Warner Books, loved by readers and reviewers alike. “Toni Blake never fails to provide readers with a captivating story (and) intriguing characters.” — Romance Junkies “Tempt Me Tonight evokes delicious memories of steamy nights spent discovering young love, and invites one to feel what it’d be like to make up for lost time with the “sexy one that got away.” ~Michelle Buonfiglio, LifetimeTV.com

(PS: I’m genuinely honored to be a co-nominee for the RWA RITA Award with this fabulously talented author! –Leslie)

Take it away, Toni!

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HELLO, I’M A SENSUAL CREATOR – WHO ARE YOU?

By Toni Blake

I was recently talking with a friend who is a branding coach about my professional “brand”. And if you’re not familiar with the term “branding,” my friend Jenn Stark defines it as a “brief, memorable statement that identifies you to your audience.” Branding is something authors – and all sorts of professional people – sometimes use to make sure they’re advertising their work in an accurate, consistent way.

One piece of branding, however, is what Jenn calls a “core brand,” which is more personal than professional – it’s something everyone has, and it’s “the brand you express to yourself,” or which really catches “the essence of you.” When Jenn and I worked on determining my core brand, who I really am at heart, we eventually reached a two-word definition: sensual creator.

Why? Well, because I create. Not just books, mind you, but also quilts, wall-hangings, scrapbooks, counted cross-stitch, the occasional wood craft or website, etc. Creating something where there was nothing before is simply what brings me the most satisfaction in life.

And, of course, if you’ve read my books, the “sensual” part won’t surprise you – I write very sexy and atmospheric books, and in pretty much every facet of my life, I’m very emotional and thrive on “touching” – and not just in a, um, romantic way (although I do like to touch my husband a lot ; ) ) but I often find myself touching things like leaves, fabrics, rocks; pretty much anything that I expect to feel “interesting” draws my touch.

Only today, however, as I sat down to write this blog did I realize that many of my main characters are also “creators.” I never planned this, but I suppose when I’m writing characters that come from my heart, the creativity aspect comes naturally as part of who they are.

In my new release, LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER, Rob works in construction, but in his personal time is a wood-carver. And Lindsey, the heroine, is a Carrie Bradshaw type who expresses herself through a fun blog and advice column, but by the time the story is over, she’s also creating entirely new things – and the woman she looks up to throughout the book, her Aunt Millie, was also creative in numerous ways. All that said, the book isn’t at all about creativity – it’s about forgiveness and trust and second chances, (and, yeah, it’s about sex, too ; ) ) – but the creativity part just worked its way in, like usual, without my ever intending it to.

So my question for you today is: What do you create? You might be a classic “crafty gal,” or perhaps an aspiring writer, or maybe creativity enters your life through your job or your kids’ activities. Whatever it is, I’d love to hear about it. And why do you create? I can’t really describe the satisfaction creating things brings me, but I’d love to hear about it from your point of view.

I’m also open to chatting about pretty much anything else – LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER (which you can learn more about at www.ToniBlake.com), branding, reading, shoes and purses, my recent trip to Italy, you name it ; ) So please chime in!

Want a chance to win a copy of Toni’s super-steamy Avon Red release SWEPT AWAY?
Just leave a comment and a winner will be drawn at random tonight!

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Oh, and while Toni’s here…TA DUM! The world premiere of our new featurette. Check it out!
(More on this video and a visit from the fabulous authors who made it next Tuesday!)

PS: Blake…you wanna go? Do ya?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 at 6:00 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

105 Comments »

  1. Waves hi to Toni. Can’t wait to read your latest.

    I was giggling as I watched your RITA vid.

    (Still quiet on your new yahoogroup)

    A.

    Comment by Ann M. — June 18, 2008 @ 6:25 am

  2. Hi, Toni, it’s great to see you here on Plot Monkeys! I am a creative person myself, descended from a long line of creative people, but I have to say, my mother is the ultimate creative diva. That woman can create something out of nothing and it’s always fabulous. (In fact, we are going to be starting a business together involving crafty things.) Other than writing, my favorite way to express my creativity is to knit. I love knitting because it is so therapeutic (both mentally and physically) and it frees the mind to think of plotlines - if the pattern isn’t too intricate! Plus, there’s the satisfaction of being able to wear what you make - or give it away to someone you love, which is what I do more often than not.

    Comment by Margay — June 18, 2008 @ 6:42 am

  3. Hey Toni! How lovely of you to visit. I am a huge fan of both the Toni and the Lacey books ( as you well know) so it’s always fun to see you around.

    Plotmonkeys (and friends of), Toni is truly one of the most genuinely nice and down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. Talking with her is a such a treat, as she always takes time to listen and chat. I just love her to pieces And she writes such sexy stories, especially as Lacey. Good stuff LOL.

    Hmmm, I guess I “create” situations that allow people to fulfill their goals. Pretty fancy for a loan officer, huh? But it’s not always about dollars and sense, but about the people, and helping them achieve a more ideal situation, whether it’s getting a new car, or buying a house. It’s a great feeling to affect people in such a significant way. It’s not always easy, or possible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try.

    Other than that, I do enjoy writing a bit, though more for myself than anything else. I’m a Libra, so it’s rather ingrained in me, I guess.

    Comment by Stacy ~ — June 18, 2008 @ 6:46 am

  4. Great video! So funny.

    Recently we have been creating in our garden. It can be a lot of work and it doesn’t always come out the way I want but gardening can a plain house look great.

    Comment by Maureen — June 18, 2008 @ 6:47 am

  5. Welcome, Toni! For those of you who don’t know, her books are
    I got your copy of Letters yesterday. THANK YOU!
    I’m not much of a hobby person and I feel like any creating I do is in my work! I LOVE writing and what I do. I do envy those with other creative talents, though!

    Comment by Carly — June 18, 2008 @ 7:05 am

  6. Welcome to the Jungle Toni! It’s wonderful to have you here today. Love ya!

    Comment by Alicia Tags — June 18, 2008 @ 7:08 am

  7. Hi, It is so nice to see you here.

    I just want to say how wonderful your books are. I love them all but my favorites are The Red Diary - erotic - with a strong storyline and equally strong characters and your latest, Letters to a Secret Lover - all I can say is WOW! I love conflicted heroes/heroines. Run right out and get these books if you haven’t read them. You wil not be sorry.

    Comment by Pat L. — June 18, 2008 @ 7:24 am

  8. I am excited to read swept away. Did I mention I love guest bloggers???

    Comment by TAMMY — June 18, 2008 @ 7:50 am

  9. Hi Toni and welcome! I love your books!

    Love the video. Good luck to ALL of you. I refuse to take sides.

    I love to create, just not write. I leave that to Daughter. My primary outlet is stained glass although I haven’t been able to get near it in quite a long time.

    I outgrew my craft room so I am taking over half of our huge dining room. I am in the process of doing that now. Maybe I will be ready by end of summer so i can Xmas craft!

    Comment by ev — June 18, 2008 @ 8:15 am

  10. Wow, thanks for the warm welcome here, ladies! And as I type out this comment, I gotta say, the Plotmonkeys offer the best array of smiley face graphics I’ve ever encountered! And hey, Plotmonkey girls, thank you SO much for inviting me to blog with you today! : )

    Ann! Thanks for stopping by! And thanks in advance for checking out LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER. And please do feel free to chat at the Yahoogroup : ) : ) (And just in case anyone here would be interested, a few of my readers recently started a Toni Blake Fan Group for discussion about my books, Rita dresses, that sort of thing ; ) To join, go to http://www.yahoogroups.com/groups/ToniBlakeFans. The more the merrier : ) )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 8:40 am

  11. Hey Margay - thanks for stopping by. I, too, descend from “crafty women” ; ) Back in the day, my mom did about any craft I can think of, and my grandmother sewed and could FIX about anything.

    Very cool about opening a shop with your mom! That sounds SO fun.

    And thanks for sharing the joy of knitting. I bought one of those “fake knitting” things - you know, the circular thing with the pegs, but I’m so into quilting right now that I haven’t opened it yet. And yeah, I know that’s not REAL knitting, but I’m afraid it’s as close as I’ll ever get. I tried crocheting and though I made about 50 scarves and afghan, I couldn’t progress beyond simple straight lines. So I totally envy and commend you on the knitting - I would LOVE to be able to make something I could wear : ) But I’ve settled for things I can sleep under or hang on walls.

    Thanks again for sharing! And how cool that you can plot and knit at the same time - way to multi-task! (I had to start working in these smiley faces!)

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 8:47 am

  12. Hey Toni love the video.

    Comment by Ivette — June 18, 2008 @ 8:53 am

  13. Hi Toni,

    Thanks for joining us today. I’m looking forward to reading both of your books.

    Comment by Dina — June 18, 2008 @ 8:53 am

  14. Stacy! Hey, good to see you here! And wow, thanks for making me look so good (And I didn’t even pay her to say that stuff!) Seriously, you’re always so pleasant to talk you, and SO supportive! Thank you for that!

    I LOVE your comment about “creating situations that allow people to fulfill their goals.” That’s WONDERFUL! And very cool that you find your job so fulfilling. I think it calls for one of these: (Yeah, I DO dig the icons.)

    And hey, I’m a Libra, too! Always seeking balance and harmony

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 8:53 am

  15. Welcome Toni! I love the RITA video, it made me laugh.

    I guess I’m creative when I bake. I can pretty much make any cake or pie and they seem to turn out well. My friends and family always request my rum cake. I end up making about 10 every Christmas plus a few more during the year.

    Comment by Liza — June 18, 2008 @ 8:54 am

  16. Hiya Toni! Another great blog - glad you & Jen are working so hard on your branding!

    I used to do a lot of crafts, but these days most of my creative skills have turned electronic - now it’s all graphics and videos! Which is very fun (and useful), though I sometimes miss really getting my hands on a project. I’m also pretty good with scissors and used to cut intricate paper snowflakes every winter. I recently got some books on the art of scherenschnitte (paper-cutting) - so maybe I’ll finally graduate to more advanced designs, if I can ever find the time.

    Comment by Lindsey — June 18, 2008 @ 8:55 am

  17. Those books sound pretty

    Comment by BarbaritaV — June 18, 2008 @ 8:59 am

  18. Hi Maureen! And wow, I envy you. I green thumb is one thing I definitely don’t have. I grew up on a farm and … well, let’s just say it wasn’t a pretty combination. Most of my family, and a couple of my closest friends are big on gardening, and I LOVE the idea of gardening and wish I could do it.

    If you check back in, what sort of things do you grow? Veggies? Herbs? Flowers? A combo?

    And thanks for checking out the video - it was a blast to make, and so nice to get to know the other ladies better, too. They’re all great, AND great to work with!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:00 am

  19. I’m not very imaginative so I create via knitting. I’m currently making a baby blanket for my daughter. It also helps me eat less because my hands are occupied!!

    Comment by Laurie G — June 18, 2008 @ 9:01 am

  20. Hey Carly - you’re very welcome! And thank YOU for the kind words about my books : ) You rock!

    And hey, writing is a pretty big darn form of creating, and one you do quite well! Certainly, if I could only indulge in one form of creativity, that would be the one!

    Thanks for dropping in while I’m here - good to “see” you!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:04 am

  21. Good morning~
    It’s a pleasure to meet you here. Sorry to say I haven’t read any of your work - yet… I’ll be on the lookout for you though. Always great to find someone new to read. Thanks for sharing.

    Comment by Barbara-Jo — June 18, 2008 @ 9:05 am

  22. Alicia and Tammy, thank you both for the warm welcome - and Tammy, I appreciate you checking out my books!

    Pat, lovely to see you here, as well. And wow, bless you for your sweet comment, about both THE RED DIARY and LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER. I will admit I’m still in the “afterglow” of LETTERS, since it just hit the shelves And I’m honored that it earned a whole row of dancing bananas from you!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:08 am

  23. Hello, Ev! Thanks about the video, and I’m not taking sides, either Seriously, after getting the opportunity to *create* something with these ladies, I’ll truly be happy for whoever wins, and it’s true what they say - it really IS an honor just to be nominated. And thanks for the kind words about my books.

    Wow, stained glass. One of my friends does stained glass and that’s another craft I envy. Not sure I have the skill or patience for it, but I admire anyone who does, and the pieces are so beautiful! What I love about stained glass is that it seems you can make just about *anything* - from abstract designs to recognizable objects to whole pictures, etc. Thanks for sharing!

    And because I can’t imagine when I’m going to have a reason to post a smiley pirate, here’s one in thanks for your post: :arrr:

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:13 am

  24. Hi Toni,

    It is fun seeing you hear at PlotMonkeys.

    I am not really very creative…no real talent actually. My two oldest have graduated from high school in the last couple of years and my big “creative” venture with the assistance of my sister, sister-in-law, and Mom was a scrapbook of their lives. Whci was quite a venture because I am also a huge procrasinator which means we were doing it all on a huge deadline.

    The video was very funny! I loved your dress by the way.

    Have a great day.

    Comment by Lori T — June 18, 2008 @ 9:16 am

  25. Ivette, thanks so much for checking out the video! : ) Glad you enjoyed!

    And Dina, thanks for stopping by, as well. And I really appreciate you checking out my books!

    Although LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER is actually my 13th book, and if you count my Lacey Alexander books, it’s my 25th, so I’ve been around awhile. I knew the Plotmonkeys when they were only baby chimps. :giggle:

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:21 am

  26. Dina - P.S. Thanks for the dancing Snoopy. I’m a Snoopy fan from way back, and have been known to wear him on my clothing (no matter WHAT Stacy and Clinton on What Not To Wear say about that. )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:22 am

  27. Liza, you’re a baker! Wow, can we hang out? Not because *I* bake, mind you, but because I like to *eat* baked goods. The kitchen is another place (like the garden) where I am not handy. Wow, the more I think about it, it’s a good thing I can write and stitch or I’d be worthless. Anyway, I envy and admire your prowess in the kitchen - people like you make the world a better (and much more delicious) place. Thanks for stopping by to comment!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:27 am

  28. Hey Lindsey - groovy to see you here. (Everyone, this is Lindsey, who edited and put together the Rita video - she’s good people!)

    And yes indeed, your creative juices have been working overtime in the video department lately. (Oh, and let me take this opportunity to tell you all that Lindsey also created a MARVELOUS video for my book, LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER. It’s fun and fast-paced and worth the 1 minute it takes to watch it - in my humble opinion : ) You can see it by going to http://toniblake.com/letterstoasecretlover.html )

    And I didn’t know about the paper crafts - wow, that sounds cool, especially the snowflakes. I ADORE snowflakes in general, I have a lot of snowflake jewelry, snowflake home decorations in winter, and the current quilt I’m making is one I designed myself which I’m calling Snowy, Snowy Night. Anyhoo, you must show me your paper art sometime!

    scherenschnitte - good thing you defined this for me!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:34 am

  29. Toni we’re so happy to have you here!!

    Wish I could say I am creative in any way other than writing, but I’m just not. I have ten thumbs, just not dextrous at all. The garden was my effort at trying something new and creative. It’s actually still alive…woo!

    Signed-

    The Baby Chimp

    Comment by Leslie — June 18, 2008 @ 9:38 am

  30. Barbarita, thanks for stopping by. And glad to have piqued your interest in my work : ) I’ll admit it - I’m way into writing super-emotional books with wounded heroes and lots of steamy sex.

    Laurie G. - thanks for sharing. Knitting is all the rage these days - if it’s good enough for Julia Roberts, it’s good enough for me. And I bet that baby blanket will be adorable. You also make a really good point, which I agree with - when you get absorbed in a craft, it DOES occupy your mind and hands enough that you don’t even think about getting up for a snack.

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:38 am

  31. Barbara-Jo - thanks so much for the greeting, and also for keeping an eye out for my books. If you decide to pick one up, I sincerely hope you enjoy it!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:40 am

  32. Hey Lori T - great to see you here! And I disagree - if you can work on a scrapbook like that, you ARE talented! I speak with authority on this topic as I am also an avid scrapbooker - to what some might call an insane degree. And my most challenging project ever was trying to do a family history with all the old family photos, etc. So I really commend you for taking on that project - it’s not easy to … “capture” lives that way. I hope you enjoyed the process and that your kids loved the books!

    Oh, and just because I AM a scrapbooky girl, let me take this opportunity to share my latest craze: I’ve turned to online scrapbooking. Until recently, I had no idea that there are all these websites where you can take your digital photos and scrapbook them into hardbound books, and add text and other details. Now that I’ve found it, I love it. My husband and I travel a lot, and we take a LOT of pictures, some of which are pretty good, if I do say so myself. So good that I felt my scrapbooks were not always showcasing them well enough. But these online books DO. Right now, I’m waiting to recieve the book I just did for our trip to Italy last month, and I think it’s going to be way better than my normal scrapbooks - it’s coffee table size and some of the photos fill whole pages. And the best thing about it: when all is said and done, it’s WAY cheaper than normal scrapbooking. I’m going to keep doing some stuff the “old-fashioned” way, but I think I’ll do all of our travel books online now. (And sorry for that diatribe, but this is something I’m totally into at the moment, so I couldn’t help myself. )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:50 am

  33. Leslie, you sell yourself short, because you are clearly a great actress, as well! I’ve got the video to prove it!

    And like I responded to Carly, writing is pretty big in the creativity realm, and hey, if you’re keeping those tomatoes alive, I’m impressed! So here’s a light saber fight in honor of your sword:
    : (and who knew I could naturally work a light saber fight into my comments? )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 9:54 am

  34. Hello, Toni! Wonderful blog and of course, have I mentioned I *love* your personal brand?? The best part about branding — whether working on your writing brand or your core brand — is that when you get it right you REALLY see it in everything you do. So bravo!!

    Congratulations, too, on your latest video sensation and here’s wishing you outstanding success with SECRET LOVER!

    Jenn

    Comment by Jenn Stark — June 18, 2008 @ 10:12 am

  35. I’ve seen some of your Lacey Alexander books around but I haven’t had the money to buy them yet. But I am anxious to read them.

    Comment by Ivette — June 18, 2008 @ 10:20 am

  36. Hey Jenn, thanks for stopping by. Everyone, the Jenn above is my friend, Jenn Stark, the branding expert. : ) If anyone would like to learn more about branding, she has a great website: http://knowyourbrand.com/

    Thanks about the video, Jenn, AND for the good wishes for LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER. From your lips … : )

    And Ivette, thank you in advance for checking out my Lacey books. For anyone who’s interested and doesn’t know, my Toni Blake books are “super-sexy, super-emotional romances” and my Lacey Alexander books are what I call “romantic but graphic erotica” ; ) Clear as mud? It’s one of those things where - if you’ve read the books, you know the difference, but it can be a little hard to explain ; )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 10:42 am

  37. LOL! You guys are so funny….BTW, I am actually growing things in my garden….

    Oddly, I am only creative when I am pregnant…otherwise, I am really boring! My middle boy, however, is very artsy…don’t know where he gets that from (not me or hubby!).

    Comment by katie — June 18, 2008 @ 10:50 am

  38. That video is too funny!! I loved it!!

    Toni, it’s so nice to have you here today in the jungle! Letters is on order and can’t wait to get it!

    As far as creating, let’s see, I was an art major in college but haven’t painted or drawn anything in years. I do play the harp though so I sort of “create” music. I just picked up a mic and plan to record a song or two for my web site and My Space page.

    Thanks again for dropping by. Have a terrific day all,

    Cher

    Comment by Cher — June 18, 2008 @ 11:16 am

  39. Hi Katie - thanks for dropping in! And creative when pregnant, huh? That’s kind of cool! Although if your garden is growing, that counts, too : ) And also cool about your son. Maybe you have some recessive creativity genes you don’t know about …

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 11:27 am

  40. I’m sad to say that I haven’t read any of your books yet. But everytime I go to the store I pick up Letters to a Secret Lover and look at it, but unfortantly I put it back down. Now here you are guest blogging on plotmonkeys. I think that book is still calling for me to read it even when I’m not in the store looking at it.

    Comment by Rebekah — June 18, 2008 @ 11:29 am

  41. Carly,

    I was just flipping through my copy of In Style magazine and don’t know if you like his music or not but there is an article on Josh Groban along with pics of his Wheaten Terrier, Sweeney. :-)

    Cher

    Comment by Cher — June 18, 2008 @ 11:37 am

  42. Hi Toni, I am a very creative person when it comes to drawing, crafts, and imagination… I have to admit I have let myself get away from my drawing… except for doodling here or there, I miss it and now that you have brought the question up about how we are creative… I believe I will pick up where I left off! Thanks for reminding me of something I loved doing and have missed doing!!!

    Comment by Colleen — June 18, 2008 @ 11:54 am

  43. Congrats on the new release! Letters to a Secret Lover sounds

    I guess the most creative thing that I am doing right now is scrapbooking. It is a fun way to preserve my family memories.

    Comment by cheryl c. — June 18, 2008 @ 11:59 am

  44. Hi Toni! I loved LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER, but then you already know that…

    After reading so many of your books, it hadn’t struck me that so many characters are creators, but you are correct. What an interesting observation…

    I am not very artsy or crafty, but I try sometimes. I am learning how to design and customize graphics currently, and am really enjoying that. I have created some websites for myself and one for a friend. I’m a competent amateur, I would say, but I am pleased with what I’ve done. I may not be artsy, but I think I am good at organized, easy to navigate and read layouts.

    I have always loved to cook, and I would say that is my chief talent in creating. Of course, I don’t create recipes, but even following an existing one is creation, and I’ve been known to modify recipes to suit my tastes…

    I’ve written some short stories and poetry in the past. I used to use writing to work out my emotions. It proved very cathartic for me.

    Comment by Jennifer A. Ray — June 18, 2008 @ 12:05 pm

  45. Hey Cher - thanks so much for ordering LETTERS!

    And wow, you have some talents I really envy - I LOVE music, but am not very musical, especially when it comes to playing instruments. I tried in my youth, but I lacked the necessary magic ; ) And the harp - what a lovely instrument. One was played at my wedding, so I’m a fan : ) And you have that AND art! Wow - you sound like you’re bursting out with creativity all over : ) Thanks very much for stopping by and sharing!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 12:15 pm

  46. Rebekah - well, it sounds like you’re at least getting *tempted* to read one of my books. Fingers crossed maybe you’ll take the leap one day very soon, and if so, I hope you like what you find : ) Thanks very much for dropping by and commenting!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 12:19 pm

  47. Colleen - wow, color me excited to have inspired you to get back to your drawing! How wonderful! And I think it’s so important to do things we love, to do something for ourselves, you know? I think it’s stuff like that that keeps us happy at heart : )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 12:21 pm

  48. Cheryl - hi, and thanks so much for the congrats on the release of LETTERS : ) And as I said somewhere up above, I love scrapbooking, so it’s always nice to find a fellow scrapbooker. Only we know how exciting it is to find THE pefect paper or just the right lettering : ) And like you, I love to preserve memories in a way that’s not only fun that really *enhances* the way the memories are viewed : )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 12:24 pm

  49. Hey Jennifer - it’s lovely to see you here!

    And it sounds like you’re creating stuff right and left! “Creating” isn’t necessarily about being artsy or crafty - and I’ve really been enjoying seeing all the examples of this that have popped up in the comments today, including your own, so thanks for sharing : ) And, of course, you also create wonderfully insightful book reviews, too : )

    And yeah, like you, I hadn’t noticed that so many of my characters had that in common, either, so it was kind of fun when that suddenly hit me : )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 12:27 pm

  50. Hi Toni! Thanks for sharing the video. It’s hysterical. All of you are really funny. I especially liked the straight-faced “Holq”.

    As for being creative, I’ve tried my hand at a number of things. I really like to bake and now have my signature mini-cheesecakes that are demanded any time we have pot luck things at work. Along with baking, I like to sew things, mostly historical outfits. I did a Renaissance dress a few years ago that my English professor had me bring in as a prop for a discussion in the ‘Renaissance Women’ class to show how male actors dressed up in female clothing. One of the guys in class volunteered to do it and we somehow squeezed him into the corset I made along with a number of petticoats and then the dress. It was a lot of fun…especially when he decided to stay in it and walk across campus to our next English class. I also do some other small crafts as wel, mostly with my nieces and nephews who range from 4 to 8.

    Comment by Karin — June 18, 2008 @ 12:48 pm

  51. Hi, Toni! How unsurprising that you’re creative in more than one arena! (Although I might complain that you’ve got a lion’s share of the talent–what about the rest of us ) I have some crafty aspirations, but not very much time these days, so I’ve got assorted supplies and perhaps someday I’ll actually use some of them!

    Comment by Fedora — June 18, 2008 @ 12:55 pm

  52. Hi again, Toni.
    Glad to see you here and again, your writing is tops! I always recommend your work. You are top banana!!!!

    Good luck with “Letters” - it is fantastic - ladies, get yourself a copy if you havent already!!!

    Comment by Pat L. — June 18, 2008 @ 12:55 pm

  53. Hi, Toni! How unsurprising that you’re creative in more than one arena! (Although I might complain that you’ve got a lion’s share of the talent–what about the rest of us ) I have some crafty aspirations, but not very much time these days, so I’ve got assorted supplies and perhaps someday I’ll actually use some of them! (I’ve done some crochet, and am a novice knitter. Did some scrapbooking, but haven’t recently… Used to do calligraphy, but am not even sure where my pens are these days!) It is very satisfying to finish a project though–maybe I should give some more thought to what to pick up next! :mrgreen: (Please don’t include me in the drawing–I already have and enjoyed Swept Away!)

    Comment by Fedora — June 18, 2008 @ 12:57 pm

  54. Toni (only count me once): I don’t know why I am creative when I am pregnant…makes hubby crazy because I go on a creativity rampage and then it stops….weird…middle boy can look at a piece of paper and just whip out some long and involved project or story….

    As far as the garden…as everyone knows, I flunked kindergarten science again this year (they planted seeds and we had to grow them into seedlings…nothing like telling the same teacher, ‘I killed them” twice, fortunately, she didn’t hold it against either one of them)…..I just for the heck of it got some dollar cute pots and they are actually growing!

    Comment by katie — June 18, 2008 @ 1:06 pm

  55. Hi Toni

    Love the video, gave me a much needed laugh today!

    I crotchet. Usually baby items, I find it so relaxing. Right now I’m working on a baby sweater for my first great-nephew who is due to be born in September…can’t wait!

    Comment by Tina Martinesi — June 18, 2008 @ 1:10 pm

  56. You know, I used to make bobbin lace. LOVED it. I took a class one summer at the historical society museum. I earned an A+ in an eighth grade history project by demonstrating. That’s the craftiest thing I was ever good at, with the exception of Latch Hook. I haven’t done either since junior high, though…

    Comment by Jennifer A. Ray — June 18, 2008 @ 1:15 pm

  57. Hi Karin - and thanks about the video : ) Yeah, Diana is a natural - I admit I envy her ability to appear so comfortable in front of the camera : )

    Thanks so much for sharing the things you create. At first I was excited about the mini-cheesecakes, but then I got to the part about the historical outfits - and wow, tres cool! Love the story about the guy who put on the female clothing - sounds like he was a real sport, especially the way the story ended.

    I envy your ability to sew. I can stitch things, and I do love my quilting, but to me, sewing - like making a piece of clothing - is amazing. My mother and grandmother posssessed that same skill, but not I ; ) Anyway, very cool and *unique* thing to create!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:29 pm

  58. Love your books Toni. Great blog and brand. I am a weaver and have incorporated that craft into my first manuscript, a medieval romance. My current WIP has a heroine that paints and although I have never painted the idea of it fascinates me. It’s made for some interesting research. Maybe I’ll take up the brush one of these days.

    Comment by Janet — June 18, 2008 @ 1:34 pm

  59. Fedora - well, aren’t you sweet, and it’s nice to “see” you again, by the way : ) You know, funny thing - I never did a decent “craft” in my life before about 10 years ago. And I’d pretty much given up on them, but for some reason, I picked up a counted cross-stitch kit somewhere and it suddenly went better than it had in the past. And since then, I’ve been a crafting fool ; ) Which I mention because maybe sometimes people might not think they’re good at something, and then later, turns out it changed ; )

    As for time, I hear ya, that can definitely be an issue when it comes to creating. But at least you’ve got the supplies - that’s *something* - so now you know they’re there whenever you find the time : ) Good luck to you on that!!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:35 pm

  60. Oh my God - a triple row of bananas!!!!

    Thank you VERY kindly, Pat, not only for the banana parade but for the lovely words about LETTERS : ) : )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:38 pm

  61. Fedora - I just reached your 2nd message, and wow, you sound pretty mega crafty to me : ) Here’s hoping you do indeed find the time to continue pursuing it all. Actually, that’s another reason I switched to the online scrapbooking - it saves more time for quilting, which is my main “thing” right now.

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:41 pm

  62. Yay, Toni=Lacey which means more new books for me to check out! The excerpts are really good and thanks for the post today. Best of luck with the latest release Toni

    Comment by Allison — June 18, 2008 @ 1:44 pm

  63. Katie - you know, I could never get seeds I planted to come up - ever. (This was back when I TRIED such things, mind you - many moons ago ; ) ) I don’t know if rabbits dug them up or what, but seeds are for the birds. And HAH, I just typed that last part without at all meaning to make a pun ; )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:45 pm

  64. Tina, hello, and thanks for stopping by! Ah, crocheting baby items - that DOES sound relaxing. All those nice pastel colors and soft little baby yarn : ) Almost makes me want to go take a nap …

    My mother is quite gifted at crochet, and as I said earlier, I gave it a whirl, but I’ve pretty much given it up. I’d made myself and my friends so many scarves that it was getting a little crazy, and I just couldn’t seem to progress beyond that ; ) But I DID use the experience in IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS - it resulted in a nice little plot turn toward the end, so that alone, made it all worthwhile.

    Happy crocheting!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:49 pm

  65. Wow, Jennifer! I’ve seen people make lace before, and it looks … really intricate! So I’m way impressed!! Tres cool! In fact, I think it deserves a vampire face - since I’m pretty sure I’m not gonna be able to work one into the comments any other way … :vampire:

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:51 pm

  66. Hello Janet! Thank you so much - I’m thrilled to hear you love my books, and so glad you enjoyed the blog post!

    Wow, a weaver! Now that’s cool! Worthy of a smiley face toast, I think! Quite seriously, I’ve watched people weave with utter fascination - usually when I’m visiting someplace historical. Would love to hear what sorts of things you’ve made. I think it’s just amazing the way a piece all comes together - quite something to behold! And very cool about working it into your manuscript - I just posted something similar about when I was tempting to crochet. It’s nice to be able to write about something that’s really “real” to you, I think : )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:56 pm

  67. Janet, I got so caught up in thinking about weaving that I forgot I also wanted to comment on what you said about wanting to paint. I so relate. That’s a talent I sorely wish I had. I think maybe I’ll try to take it up someday when I’m a little old lady - since maybe by then I’ll have more time to focus on it.

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 1:59 pm

  68. Hey Allison, hello, and thank you so much for checking out my excerpts and for your interest in the books! Much appreciated! And thanks, too, for the congrats on my newest!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 2:05 pm

  69. Great video!!

    Comment by cheryl c. — June 18, 2008 @ 2:10 pm

  70. Hey Toni. I specialize in tartan blankets - my heritage. I started out making them for the neices and nephews, then had some people commission me for their tartan. My significant other researches the tartan on the web, does the mathematicals, and then I put it all together. It’s amazing watching it develop right before your eyes. And when you get into a rhythm, it’s meditative.
    And as far as painting - put it on your list of things to do. You should always try something new once a year, my thoughts anyway.

    Comment by Janet — June 18, 2008 @ 2:43 pm

  71. Just popping in to welcome Toni to the Jungle! I’ve read and enjoyed many of your books, and it’s such a pleasure to finally have you here! I love your Lacey Alexander books, too!

    OMG, that RITA Video was hysterically funny! You all did such a fabulous job creating it, and it looks like you all had TONS of fun, too! Good luck to all the finalists!

    Comment by Janelle — June 18, 2008 @ 2:54 pm

  72. Hi Toni! That video is fabulous! I think you all should be nominated for an Oscar.

    I don’t exactly create as much as I recreate. I restore photographs from the late 1800’s on. The stories the people in them tell with their eyes, clothes and surroundings cover a range of emotions.

    I love your books, those under Lacey Alexander included!

    Comment by Susan — June 18, 2008 @ 3:03 pm

  73. Hey, Cheryl, thanks - so glad you enjoyed the video! I think at this point, all of us who were in it are all aflutter over the nice response it’s been getting today. Except maybe for Leslie. She’s got that scary sword, you know. Very … pirate-like … :arrr:

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 3:21 pm

  74. Hi Toni,
    I love all your alpha heroes, but Jake and Rick are definitely my favorites. I’m not a creative and crafty person, but I’ve been trying my hand at scrapbooking.

    Comment by Jane — June 18, 2008 @ 3:22 pm

  75. Janet, wow - those blankets sound amazing! What a wonderful thing - I bet it’s very fulfilling! And nice that you work with your SO on it, too - very fun! Too bad we don’t have a smiley face in a kilt to post!

    And you’re right about trying something new! I watched a cool show on PBS recently, about how to have a healthy brain, and one of the things they talked about was to always be learning something new.

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 3:25 pm

  76. Hey Janelle, thanks so much for stopping by. I am totally enjoying blogging with you guys today and I so appreciate the invitation.

    And I’m honored to hear you’ve enjoyed my books! These AND these

    Glad you dug the video - I’m bowled over by what a warm reception it’s getting!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 3:30 pm

  77. Hi Susan, and thanks about the video! Oscars? Wow! For me, being up for a RITA is probably about as close to the Oscars as I’ll ever get, but it’s close enough ; ) Although I DO have a secret hankering to walk the red carpet on George Clooney’s arm. (I know, I don’t ask for much, right?)

    But hey, that reminds me, I did SEE George Clooney recently - live, in the flesh. Because he grew up near where I live and his parents are still here, so he brought a recent movie premiere to his old hometown. And I went to the red carpet part, but could only get within about 5 feet, so it wasn’t EXACTLY the same as walking it WITH him, but I did the best I could ; ) If anyone cares to see the pictures I took, just go to http://www.MySpace.com/ToniBlake, then click on Pics under my book cover.

    But I digress. A LOT.

    Back to Susan. Susan, wow, I LOVED hearing about your photo restoration. What a lovely and unique twist on creating something. I’m an avid amateur genealogist (well, I used to be, when I had some time,) and some of my favorite photos in the world are ones I uncovered of my ancestors back in the 1800s. You’re so right about the stories they tell, just in one shot - amazing. That sounds like really cool work! Thanks for sharing! I continue to be amazed at all the cool comments on this topic, all the different directions the answers have gone - very fun.

    And thanks - I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed my books!!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 3:41 pm

  78. Hi there, Jane, and thanks for stopping by. So glad to hear you love Jake and Rick - both are near and dear to me, too. Well, okay, they ALL are But I hear from more readers about Jake than any other hero, and it’s always gratifying because he was definitely challenging to write!

    And if you’ve been scrapbooking, then I say you ARE a crafty person! I hope you’re enjoying it! It can get very addictive, too!

    Thanks so much for chiming in today!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 3:44 pm

  79. Hi Toni, I’ve only read your Lacey Alexander books so far, totally love the Hot in the City series, though, I do have Swept Away on my wish list.

    Comment by Cathy M — June 18, 2008 @ 4:13 pm

  80. Hi Cathy, and thanks for stopping by. So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed some of my Lacey books - thank you! And thanks for putting SWEPT AWAY on your wish list - maybe you can add LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER to that list, too. :pray:

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 5:03 pm

  81. Hello Toni,

    I have mainly read your books as Lacy alexander and Love them each book is always an auto buy!! I saw swept away and letters to a lover and will check them out!!

    Comment by christina T — June 18, 2008 @ 5:20 pm

  82. Hello, Christina, and thanks for stopping by : ) Thanks, too, for the kind words about my Lacey books - I so appreciate the support! And thanks in advance for checking out my Toni Blake books, as well!!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 5:59 pm

  83. I’d love to win a copy of Toni’s super-steamy Avon Red release SWEPT AWAY!

    Comment by Christy H. — June 18, 2008 @ 6:06 pm

  84. Hey, gang, I’ll still be around for another couple of hours, but during this break in the action, I wanted to take the opporunity to tell you why I like the Plotmonkeys.

    A TALE (OR IS THAT TAIL?) OF FOUR PLOTMONKEYS

    The last time I saw all four Plotmonkeys in one place was in an elevator in Atlanta. The year was 2006. We were at the RWA conference. I believe there was talk of fashion as the elevator rose.

    Then we reached my floor and as I was stepping out - horror of horrors - the heel of shoe became wedged in the crack between the elevator and the floor and I went down face first on the carpet.

    Now, of course, they could have done this:

    But they didn’t! In fact, the next thing I knew, all four Plotmonkeys flew into action, one making sure the elevator door didn’t close on my crumpled body, another unwedging my shoe, others making sure I was okay. (I was fine, and actually laughing about it - or I was laughing once Carly reassured me that the heel of my little aqua slip-ons had come out unscathed, that is ; ) )

    Anyway, it was all pretty funny, but what I remember most is how wonderfully nice and helpful they were about the whole thing : ) Good people! And they saved my beloved shoe! : )

    So just thought I’d share that little story by way of thanking them for their kindness THEN, and also thanking them for hosting me here TODAY : ) Girls, these monkeys are for you:

    : : : : : : :
    : : : : : : :
    : : : : : : :

    I’d also like to thank everyone who chimed in and chatted with me today about what you create. I really enjoyed the discussion - so many of you are out there doing such fascinating things, and that rocks! : )

    Like I said, I’m still here for awhile, so would still love to hear from more of you, but thanks for making my visit so fun

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 6:13 pm

  85. Oh hey, Christy H - thank you for stopping by!! : )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 6:14 pm

  86. Welcome to the jungle Toni…It is nice to meet you. I am not sure what kind of creator I am. I am sort of a sensualist too, but I love anything to do with nature. I write a lot of poetry. I guess you could say I am very introspective in that way. Now, this trip to Italy: How was it? I would love to visit there. Maybe next year.

    Peace and love,
    Paula R.

    Comment by Paula R. — June 18, 2008 @ 6:31 pm

  87. Hi, Toni,

    Last saw you a few days ago in another blogsite, nice to see you again!

    Mother was a skilled seamstress which was great since she had five daughters
    to dress. All five of us sew fairly well and are crafty people, just as Mother
    was. All of our daughters also take after Mother in crafts and all sort of hobbies.
    I guess the acorns don’t fall too far from the tree!

    Pat Cochran

    Comment by Pat Cochran — June 18, 2008 @ 6:43 pm

  88. Hello, Paula, and thanks for your comment! Poetry, ah! I used to pen some myself, but it’s been a while. But it’s a wonderful way to express one’s self, for sure! And I’m pretty into nature these days, too. I wasn’t always that way - it’s been a more recent development ; ) Thank you for sharing : )

    And thanks for asking about my trip to Italy. In a word, it was FANTASTIC! It wasn’t even really *my* thing - it was more something my husband wanted to do - but turned out that I absolutely LOVED it and had an amazing time. You can see a few pictures at my MySpace page - http://www.myspace.com/toniblake and then click on Pics under the book cover, but I found it hard to really capture the trip in the small number of pictures I could post online.

    We visited three areas: The Cinque Terre (my favorite - 5 little towns of pastel buildings spilling down into the Mediterranean, tres quaint!), Tuscany, and Rome. Loved Tuscany, too, and Rome was a bit of a zoo ; ) but I loved the ancient stuff - it was amazing to think I was standing next to man-made things that were over 2000 years old and walking the same road Julius Caesar walked on.

    In short, it was really the experience of a lifetime : ) And I highly recommend it : )

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 6:47 pm

  89. Hello, Pat C. - and it’s lovely to see you again : ) Thanks for sharing about your crafts and sewing. As I said earlier in comments, I really envy and admire people who can sew! I’m pretty good with fabric … until it comes to making it curve, or FIT something ; ) And to have three generations of people who can sew - wow, that’s something! We *would* have had that in my family … had I not dropped the ball ; ) Thanks again for visiting!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 6:50 pm

  90. The video is too funny!

    Comment by Estella — June 18, 2008 @ 6:56 pm

  91. Welcome, Toni. I am such a fan and I’m thrilled that you were able to visit. Please, don’t be a stranger and come back soon!

    Comment by Carol R — June 18, 2008 @ 7:19 pm

  92. Hi Estella, and so glad you enjoyed the video!

    And Carol, thanks for stopping by and for the warm welcome! Am thrilled to hear you enjoy my books!!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 7:21 pm

  93. Hi Toni! Welcome to the jungle… I enjoyed your video. Your work is awesome.

    Comment by Elisa V — June 18, 2008 @ 7:25 pm

  94. Glad to see you here and the video put a smile on my face!

    Comment by Teresa W. — June 18, 2008 @ 7:29 pm

  95. Hey, thank you, Elisa, so much!! And it’s been a true pleasure to be here today!

    I’m signing off for the evening, ladies, but please feel free to chat without me, and if I can remember (I’m a scatterbrain lately, sorry to say) I’ll check in tomorrow morning to see if I missed anything. ; )

    In the meantime, thanks again for the very warm welcome - the Plotmonkeys blog rocks!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 18, 2008 @ 7:30 pm

  96. Hi Toni - I would love to win one of your books. Thanks for blogging here.

    Comment by acdaisy77 — June 18, 2008 @ 8:37 pm

  97. And Toni, how could I forget, I’m a writer too! I guess I think of writing as related to work and the other stuff as fun although writing is fun too!

    Cher

    Comment by Cher — June 18, 2008 @ 9:17 pm

  98. Toni glad you could stop by

    Comment by Beth Reimer — June 18, 2008 @ 9:47 pm

  99. LETTERS TO A SECRET LOVER sounds great! I have it on my wishlist!

    Comment by Amy S. — June 18, 2008 @ 9:51 pm

  100. Toni, I remember the shoes! This was one of the most active days we’ve had. THANK YOU for being here and talking to us all day. YOU ROCK!

    Comment by Carly — June 18, 2008 @ 10:02 pm

  101. Hi Toni,
    Thanks for visiting with us today! I loved the video - you ladies are hilarious, and your dress is so pretty!

    Comment by limecello — June 18, 2008 @ 10:03 pm

  102. Hi Toni,

    Thanks for stopping by and I love the cover for your new release.

    Comment by Terri W. — June 18, 2008 @ 10:43 pm

  103. Hi Toni and welcome; please enter me for Swept Away and thanks.

    Comment by RobynL — June 19, 2008 @ 1:13 am

  104. Hello ladies - just checking back in this morning as promised, and thanks so much to those of you who popped in after I was gone. Sorry I missed you, but I appeciate the nice comments about my book cover, dress, etc. And thanks again, Plotmonkeys, for inviting me - this has truly been great fun!!

    Comment by Toni Blake — June 19, 2008 @ 7:34 am

  105. The winner of Toni’s special prize SWEPT AWAY is…

    TAMMY! Message # 8

    Tammy please write to Leslie at author @ lesliekelly . com (no spaces) with your snail mail addy so Toni can get your prize out to you.

    Congrats!

    Comment by Leslie — June 19, 2008 @ 8:13 am

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