Plot Monkeys

The winner of Friday’s JUNGLE MADNESS contest is . . . ZARA!!! Congratulations, Zara! You are the lucky winner of a gift package that includes an autographed copy of Janelle’s most recent release, A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY, along with a leopard print bookcover, and a fun “book thong” so you can give your book a wedgie! *g* (Plotmonkeys promises the winner was chosen by an unbiased member of one of the monkey’s immediate family with no personal stake in the winner. Winner must email Janelle at janelle@janelledenison.com by Wednesday morning, May 3rd, or a new winner will be posted.)

And now, a funny weekend chuckle!

NEVER MESS WITH A SCORNED WOMAN

A recently divorced woman spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates, and suitcases. One the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things. On the third day she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candlelight, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, and a bottle of Chardonnay.

When she had finished her last meal in their home, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimp shells, dipped in caviar, into the hollow of the curtain rods. She then cleaned up the kitchen and left.

When the husband moved back into the house with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days. Then slowly, the house began to smell. They tried everything; cleaning and mopping and airing out the place. Vents were checked for dead rodents, and carpets were steamed clean. Air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which they had to move out for a few days. But in the end they even had to replace the expensive wool carpeting.

Nothing worked to take away the stench in the house. Friends stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house. The maid quit.

Finally, the couple couldn’t take the horrendous smell any longer and decided to move. A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they could not find a buyer for their stinky house. Word got out, and eventually even the local Realtors refused to return their calls. Finally, they had no choice but to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place to live.

The ex-wife called the man and asked how things were going. He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly, and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house back . . . smell and all.

Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the stench was, he agreed on a price that was about 1/10th of what the house had once been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day. She agreed, and within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork.

A week later, the man and his new girlfriend stood smirking as they watched the moving company pack everything up to take to their new home . . . including the curtain rods!

Last week, someone posted a question that the PlotMonkeys decided to make part of their FAQ page. But first, we’d like to answer that question today and get YOUR responses!

QUESTION: When plotting what do you find is the hardest part of the process?

JULIE: Wrapping my mind around the whole plot. That is the last thing I can do. First, I have a premise. Maybe a few scenes. A conflict of some kind. Then I have to work through the characters with my Plotmonkeys–sometimes I know them a little bit (like with Marisela, who came to me fully formed like Athena from Zeus’s head) and sometimes I know next to nothing about them. Once I have the character type, goal, motivation and conflict (sort of) of my characters, then I can determine if the big-bad plot line (the premise, mostly) will work. I also have to know my villain. Only then can I start to plan out scenes or determine plot points or do all the rest of the work that constitutes “wrapping my mind around” the plot. And I’ve found that until I hash it out with my girls, it makes no sense to me. It’s like I have flashes of my book, but they help me draw it out into a complete picture.

LESLIE: It’s funny, I have a grand time helping to plot other people’s books. I throw out all kinds of wild ideas because, honestly, I’m not the one who has to make them work! When it comes to my own books, however, it’s not nearly as easy. I am a very character-driven author so plot is always secondary to the people who populate my stories. Probably then, the hardest part for me is when I reach the point in a story where all the fun little threads I’ve got traveling throughout the book have to be tugged tight and come together in a coherent resolution.

JANELLE: Plotting is the most difficult part of writing a book for me. I can do character and emotion and sexual tension — no problem. But coming up with a plot that isn’t stupid, cheesy, or contrived, is incredibly hard. That’s why I’m so grateful to have Julie and Leslie, who are the “plotters” of our PlotMonkey group. I’ll give them a brief premise of the story, and then they’ll start tossing out all kinds of ideas. Some are hilarious, others outlandish, and then finally an idea or suggestion with stick and work for me! Once I have a general idea of what my plot is, I start thinking of scenes that relate to the plot and will move it forward. Again, not always an easy process, but somehow, someway, it all comes together. Honestly, I don’t think there is any magic formula for plotting — though I sure do wish there was, LOL!

Carly is still away at a conference, but hopefully once she returns she’ll post her comments, too!

As most of you know, Fridays in the jungle are for free giveaways! This week, Janelle is giving away to one lucky winner a gift package that includes an autographed copy of her most recent release, A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY, along with a leopard print bookcover, and a fun “book thong” so you can give your book a wedgie! *g* If the winner already has A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY, they may pick one of my other books from my backlist. All you have to do is post on today’s blog. Winner will be announced on Sunday, so be sure to stop by over the weekend to check and see if you’re the winner!

A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY is a reprint of two of my older Harlequin Temptation books, TEMPTED & SEDUCED, reprinted with a very sexy cover! I’m so thrilled that Harlequin decided to reprint these two stories. A lot of readers have been asking how they can get a hold of my backlist of books, and this is certainly one way – when a publisher decides to reprint them.

Both TEMPTED & SEDUCED were originally published in 1999, and the two stories are connected by sisters. In TEMPTED, my sensible heroine, Brooke Jamison, finds herself stranded with her sexy brother-in-law, Marc, and she can’t resist the temptation to shed inhibitions and indulge in erotic fantasies. Two days of blissful confinement changes everything between them, but can she risk her heart on a man who has no intention of committing to any one woman?

In SEDUCED, you’ll get to meet Brooke’s sister, Jessica, and the man who’ll go to any lengths to seduce her! Ryan Matthews is a man who knows what he wants, and he’s wanted sassy, sexy Jessica Newman in his bed for over a year. Now, he’s going after her, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make her his . . . including seducing her in the most delicious, sinful ways! His very innovative “cake scene” is sure to make you crave something sweet, and his inspiring “couples gift” will no doubt leave you restless and breathless. Seduction has never been so hot!

As a bonus, Harlequin has also printed my eHarlequin online read, ALL NIGHT LONG. It was originally published on-line, and this is the very first time it’s in print! So, for the very low cover price of $4.99, you will get THREE different Janelle Denison stories! Not a bad deal!

GOOD LUCK to all who post!

Fantasies and Freebies

Most of us have one, even if we’ve never admitted it out loud to anyone. A “fantasy freebie” is that one person you’d have one hot steamy night with given the chance. A “fantasy freebie” is a free pass to go for it, and your significant other would completely understand, because he or she has a “fantasy freebie”, too. Okay, maybe not in real life, but that’s why it’s called a “fantasy” freebie. It’s a fantasy, something you imagine in your mind, but would never do in real life, especially if you *are* with a significant other! It’s harmless fun, because no one gets hurt.

A fantasy freebie can be a celebrity. A secret person you lust for . . . friend, neighbor, co-worker, etc. Most of the time, a fantasy freebie is that one person who is elusive to you, for whatever reason. Hence, the fantasy.

My fantasy freebie changes from time to time. Brad Pitt once was one of my fantasy freebies, but after the entire Jennifer/Jolie incident, along with the fact that he’s lost a whole lot of his polish and looks more like a hippie these days, he dropped off my list. Tom Cruise used to be a top contender, until he made a fool of himself jumping up and down on Oprah’s couch. That dose of reality killed the fantasy for me, LOL.

My current fantasy freebie is someone I just noticed this past year. I started watching the TV series, INVASION, and one look at Eddie Cibrian (who plays Russell) and those dimples of his and I was hooked - - on him and the show. He has a sexy smile, and those dark, smoldering eyes are enough to make me swoon. I love the fact that he plays a good guy on INVASION, that he’s a protector and really cares about his family and his community. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that he has a great body. He’s nice eye candy and a perfect inspiration for some of my romance heroes.

Now, if for some reason Eddie Cibrian is busy when the opportunity arises, I do have a standby fantasy freebie. Josh Holloway, who plays Sawyer on the TV series LOST, is so fine. I don’t usually go for blondes, but there’s something about Sawyer’s long, unruly blonde hair, the five o’clock shadow on his jaw, and that cocky smile of his that gets me going. Toss in that gravelly, sexy voice of his, and I’m a goner. He’s a bad, bad boy, definitely rough around the edges, and he oozes sexual energy. As a fantasy, I wouldn’t mind being stranded on an island with him!

Now, don’t feel bad for my husband, thinking that I’m lusting after these men behind his back. He has a fantasy freebie of his own. Given the chance, Jennifer Love-Hewitt would be the one he’d choose. I think it’s all that long, thick brown hair of hers (mine is short-short), her engaging smile, and the fact that she has all the right curves in all the right places. She’s a good girl with a bad girl’s body, and what guy can resist that combination?

So, who is your fantasy freebie?

First, let me say that I’ll be away from Thursday through Sunday at an RWA (WRW) Retreat in West Virginia and I hear there’s no internet access, so if you don’t here from me until Sunday or Monday, that’s why!

Now on to today’s post:

STUFF? WHAT STUFF?
I recently saw a TV news clip about how Americans collect STUFF. Actually it was about American’s need to buy stuff. How many of you buy things and are so excited at the moment and then when it’s too late to return, wonder what the heck you were thinking? Maybe this is why Weird Al Yankovic’s Ebay song was such a hit (Shattner’s old toupee, a Kleenex used by Dr. Dre, a Farrah Fawcett poster). But seriously, we’ve hit on my secret addiction. SHOPPING. It doesn’t taste as good as Janelle’s Starbucks addiction but damn it feels good in the moment! And internet shopping has only made the obsession and ability to buy things easier and hence worse. If I want to procrastinate writing, click around and hit buy. Credit cared store, Paypal, all designed to destroy us!

Good Morning America, the show I think did this special report, discussed people who decided to give up buying nonessentials for ONE YEAR. I’m shaking in my shoes (don’t ask me which pair. I have too many to count.) They saved so much money. I thought about it, I really did. I promised myself I would stop ordering things I don’t need. I returned two boxes of stuff sitting in my office because I was disappointed in the contents. Good job, right? I pat myself on the back. I ignored the shipping costs of returning the stuff, which cost nearly as much as some of the items to begin with. But I’d sent it back. Good job, I thought. No more nonessentials.

Yesterday, I went shopping with my mother. My mom is like my best friend. We have a fantastic relationship, can tell each other off, yell and be laughing two seconds later. So shopping we went. I needed things, I tell you. Throat cream for the wrinkles on my neck. I’ll be forty one in a few months. I need prevention! Soapless soap to wash my delicate face. “Did you see our new spring/summer line?” The makeup lady behind the counter who knows my weakness brings out two gorgeous book with blush, lipstick, eyeshadow and bronzer. Two different color packets. And no they don’t come together but if you buy them separately, you’ll have the darker colors for the summer. They’ll look great on you! Of course. And of course I own them now. So much for not purchasing nonessentials. This is why I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, folks! I justify by telling myself they gave me enough free travel size samples to keep me smiling. Never mind that if I’d stayed home, I could be pages and pages beyond where I am now. Time out with my mother is worth everything, so what if I can’t control my buying impulses?

There are the small purchases that are easy to justify in the moment but add up over time and the big purchases that seem so necessary but set you back big bucks and send you scrambling to hide the items in my closet and hope when I wear them, hubby won’t even notice. Yeah right. Try doing THAT with two hawk-like teenage girls watching my every move. “Mommy is that necklace new?” “Don’t you already have that bag Mom?” When they’re older, they’ll understand there’ a purpose to the same black and beige and pink bag!

I recently sold some items on eBay through a store that took a percentage to do all the work. The amount of unused barely used things made me cringe. The money they sold for added up to a nice tidy sum. Unfortunately not nearly close to what I’d originally paid but the glass is full person that I am when it comes to shopping said, “MORE MONEY TO SPEND ON NONESSENTIAL ITEMS!” Okay that wasn’t what I said, but something close. My husband merely shook his head and warned me not to spend more than what was in that check.

I didn’t spend more. But I have two shiny new pieces of jewelry to call new. Right now I wear them daily. Next year, they’ll be in the closet and I’ll barely remember them. OR maybe they’ll be the sentimental item I love and can’t seem to take off now matter how many other little things I buy in between.

Here’s my philosophy: I’m not putting us in debt. I’m spending less than my hubby’s golf and car “habit”. And really, I’m not spending as much as I led you to believe in this blog but you get the gist. And I’m HAPPY.

Necklace: $$$$
Makeup: None of your business.
Returns $$
HAPPINESS and time with Mom: PRICELESS
(Thank you, Mastercard!)

Seriously though, I don’t see myself giving up nonessentials for a year. I do, however, hope to THINK first and hit purchase NEVER. And when I’m out spending time with people I care about, I vow to remember it’s the quality of that time that counts, not the number of shopping bags I come home with. I’ll be more careful. Until the next time that clever sales girl waves the newest “it” item of makeup in front of me.

I’m tired. Usually, I’m tired because I’ve been working diligently on my latest book, staying up into the wee hours to squeeze the last bit of brilliance from my brain. (Which undoubtedly will need serious editing in the morning because after 9pm, my brilliance is pretty much shot.)

However, I can’t claim that excuse today. Nope. I can blame the Justice League.

Okay, before Superman and Batman and my personal favorite, Hawk Girl, come after me, it’s not really their fault. Not entirely.

On Friday night, my nieces came over for a sleepover. Three little girls. Up until nearly midnight, watching Annie. Not the new ABC version with Kathy Bates as Miss Hannigan, either. I love Kathy Bates, but she’s no Miss Hannigan. Not in the wake of Carol Burnett. And Carol Burnett comes with Tim Curry, so of course, I stayed up with them and watched.

And of course, they were up at dawn.

On Saturday night, my dog decided to throw up at 3:30 in the morning. Keep in mind that she sleeps on my bed. After much cleaning and cooing over tummy-aching puppy–and getting up with my husband at 6am for his eight o’clock flight, well, I was starting to drag.

So for Sunday, with the husband-man gone and my body so seriously sleep deprived that my mother-in-law (who unlike the stereotypical mother-in-laws actually loves me) proclaimed that I looked tired, you’d think I’d get to bed early.

You’d think.

No. I stayed up. Until nearly 1 am. Reading a good book? Oh, no. I was watching The Justice League.

Yes, the cartoon.

On Cartoon Network.

You see, it was the very first episode that explained how Superman and Batman, who really don’t like each other much, end up working together and assembling the team that includes Superman, Batman (not an official member, btw), Wonder Woman, The Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, Flash and Hawk Girl. I didn’t even get to see the whole episode as I had to shower and get ready for bed. But then the next one came on where Superman dies! He dies! I have to watch! So I roll around to bed after one o’clock in the morning, noticing what an idiot I am when I set my cell phone alarm clock for only five hours in the future.

It’s no big secret that I love cartoons. I’ve loved them since childhood, beginning with Underdog. But the Justice League has always been a favorite, and this new(er) version is cool. Flash is hilarious. Hawk Girl and her mace is someone I can love. Wonder Woman is a little inaccessible, but even in cartoon form, I can imagine Michael Keaton as Batman. (I know he’s not classically sexy, but he was a perfect Bruce Wayne–even, dare I say, better than Clooney.)

Anyway, it’s easy for me to drop what I’m doing and watch Spongebob with my daughter. I think Fairly Odd Parents is hilarious and I’ve seen just about every animated Disney movie more than once–even the ones from before my daughter was born. I miss the Powerpuff Girls. And the Warner Brothers…the one that Steven Speilberg did–Animaniacs? LOVED THEM.

And don’t get me started on Bugs Bunny. He’s the king, bar none. I often say, “what a maroon” when someone ticks me off.

It’s a sickness, isn’t it?

Okay…maybe you all wouldn’t lose sleep to watch cartoon superheroes save the world…again, but which cartoons make you stop and watch, even for a second, when flipping through the channels. Who did you dress up as for Halloween when you were eight? Come on. ‘Fess up.

Just don’t lose sleep over it.

Luckily, my husband is home now. Maybe I’ll finally get some sleep.

That got your attention this morning, didn’t it? Hey, what can I say? I have Monday mornings, I am going to get provocative and go for the shock factor whenever possible.

Actually, it’s not that shocking. (I’m referring to both sex and me being intentionally provocative.) Seriously…sex isn’t that huge a deal. I like sex. Most people I know like sex. And I write about people who reeeeallllly like sex.

But I have a problem. Three problems, actually, age 17, 14 and 10.

Yes. I am raising daughters.

Nubile daughters. Lovely daughters. Bright, vivacious, charming daughters.

Curious daughters.

Yeah. Welcome to my world.

Of course, when I made the choice to write sexy romance, I knew I would be setting myself up for some interesting–make that uncomfortable–conversations when my kids got older. Fortunately, my girls find it pretty cool as long as they don’t ever have to read any of my books. I could have predicted that since the married-flirting thing my husband and I have going on a lot of the time sends them all running out of the room making gagging sounds. (Hmm…reminds me of the time my oldest was 14 and walked up behind us as I made an incredibly salacious comment to my husband. She groaned, threw her hands over her ears and exclaimed, “God, it’s a wonder I’m not scarred for life with you two as parents!”)

Anyway, writing the sexy stuff, I felt I’d have a bit of wisdom to share when the time came. But it never did. They never asked why I write what I do, where I get my ideas, or even why the heck I was ruining their lives by being a semi-famous sex queen. I really figured that one was gonna come when the local newspaper printed an article claiming that romance novels were porn. Beside it, they printed an old photo they had taken of me with my very first book, even though nothing in the new article had anything to do with me. They might as well have added the caption, “Latest Title By Local Smut Queen.” I am their stock romance/porn go-to gal, I guess.

But my daughters weren’t embarrassed, they were angry on my behalf. Boiling mad. Letter-to-the-editor writing mad.

And yet, they still didn’t come to me, seeking my wisdom, even after I’d been publicly acknowledged as the high priestess of porn in our hometown.

The closest we have ever come to those kinds of conversations is when one of them comes home laughing asking me to autograph a book for a friend who just doesn’t believe I’m their mother. When my oldest started high school, there was a boy on her bus who found out who I was, and used to bring my books with him to read on the way home. I told her to thank him for buying them–and that she was never going out with him as long as she lived.

I’ve tried to start the conversation. I once talked to daughter # 1 about teenagers and sex, how I write what I do, some of my own thoughts about the subject. And I made it very clear to her that my books are about monogamous adults who are committed to one another and in love. (Didn’t say that the committed/love part sometimes comes after the sex. Hey, she doesn’t read my books, remember?)

Her eyes glazed over. So I got a little more frank. I told her that my experiences as a teenager convinced me teenage boys just don’t know what they’re doing in that regard. And that it would be a real shame for her first sexual experience to be a big letdown. I even told her a sad, humiliating little secret. That my one serious teenage boyfriend wasn’t fully acquainted with…ahem…all parts of the female anatomy. (Remember that episode of Seinfeld where Jerry was dating a girl whose name rhymed with a part of the female anatomy? Okay. Yeah. You know what I mean then. Pathetic, I know.)

My daughter is a smart-ass, have I told you that? (Wonder where she gets it.) So I bet you ten-to-one you already know what that little brat said.

Got it?

“Okay, Mom, so you’re okay with me going out with guys in their twenties?”

I’m so totally doomed.

We thought we’d give you a weekend chuckle …

And at last ….
JUNGLE MADNESS WINNER ….. is CRYNA. *
*(Plotmonkeys promises the winner was chosen by an unbiased member of one of the monkeys’ immediate family with no personal stake in the winner. Winner must email Carly at carlyphillips@mac.com by Wednesday morning April 26 or a new winner will be posted.)

On the weekends, we decided we’re just going to chit-chat about the events in our week and hope you’ll join along on our rants and raves. This week, Leslie and Julie take to the vines–it’s sort of like listening in on one of our phone calls!

Leslie: Okay, I had a couple of very nice moments this week, including finding out two of my books are finalists in the National Reader’s Choice Awards. That was really nice, especially since I haven’t finaled in that one in quite a while–since I won with my first book in 99. So, thumbs up for that. And I got to see my beautiful oldest daughter playing the lead role in her school play. She’s a dream kid, you know? Sweet, absolutely no angst, a very cool, down-to-earth, extremely open-minded, eclectic girl. And she’s wonderful on stage! I can’t believe she’s going away to college in a few months…but that’ll be a rant come August, I guarantee it. Actually it’ll be a sob session. So I’ll quit there. Sniff.

Now, thumbs down. I think I could have lived my whole life without finding out firsthand how badly it sucks to be plagiarized. It’s pretty shocking how often this happens–including to three of us monkeys. Imagine my surprise when I found a cute & adorable online read I did a few years ago, for eHarlequin lifted & reprinted in its entirety on a fanfic site with the names changed. Everything else verbatim. Presented as someone else’s work!

Grr…I am surprised my head is still attached to my neck because I was furious enough for it to blow through the roof and bring down a 747 passing over my house.

My publisher is on the case and I just need to put it past me, but wow, talk about the kind of experience you just don’t ever want to have.

That said, seeing my not-so-little girl on stage and feeling my already ample chest grow about 3 sizes in pride does somehow slap that bit of nastiness right out of my realm of existence.

Speaking of Rants ‘n’ Raves, be sure to come back Monday because I intend to rant and rave about one of my favorite topics…sex! It’s gonna get steamy in the jungle.

Julie: Leslie, been there, done that on the plagiarism. And like yours, mine was at a soap opera fan fiction site. Oh, don’t get me started on fan fiction. I might just start something very ugly. But when you’ve had an entire book lifted (yes, someone took one of my books and typed practically the whole thing in, then changed the names to Jax and Brenda and added new scenes and THEN even put MY name on it like I should be HONORED by this travesty), your attitude takes a serious turn for the worst in regards to this type of publishing. If plagiarism has happened to both of us this way, how could it not be incredibly rampant? Like I said, don’t get me started.

The only person I can really rant on this week is me. I got caught up in so much minutiae, including fighting with the Waste Management people because they stole my garbage can. Look, the thing probably cost all of five bucks, but it was the last straw. These guys CONSTANTLY put my garbage cans in the middle of my driveway so I have to get out of the car and move them to park.

No biggie, right? Except when it’s raining. So I complain. The next week? They put my NEIGHBOR’s can in my driveway. Dead center. I complain again. This goes on for months. Finally, when my can is stolen, I’ve had enough. I call my county commissioner. He gets the WM people on the phone–supervisor promises me a gift card to replace it. Right away. Tomorrow even. Ha! Three weeks go by, but I’m not letting this go…principles and me being the fighter and all that. The guy won’t return my call, but I finally hook up with a customer service rep named Kelly who is a red-head like me (okay, mine’s from a bottle, but it still counts) and she’s stubborn and she’s going to fix this. She finally gives up on the supervisor who made the initial promise and goes to a supervisor in the field, a wonderfully polite and professional young man named Lewis. He brought me a $10 gift card to Walmart. I didn’t have the heart to tell him I don’t shop at Walmart. I’ll give it as a gift to someone. Maybe a tip to the recycling guy who NEVER blocks my driveway with my cartons! But I won, that’s all that matters, right? It’s just that I spent WAY too much time on this. But if someone is wrong, they should apologize/make restitution. And if you say you’re going to do something–do it. Is that really a hard concept for people YOU PAY FOR A SERVICE to comprehend?

A rave…a rave? Oh! I had lunch with my cousin and my sister in law yesterday at this cute little Mexican place by our houses (we all live about five minutes from each other in three different directions.) This is the kind of thing I never get to do because I’m always on deadline. Well, I took the time out. We saw about ten people we knew (collectively) and it just reminded me how much I love where I live. Everyone knows everyone, even though it’s a large suburb of a relatively big city. Love, love, love where I live. And damn, the service at this restaurant was AMAZING. I’ve never had such fabulous service. Fun and friendly. I will go back again…which I’m sure was the manager’s entire point of training his staff so incredibly well.

Oh, and on another rave, thanks to Leslie for helping me brainstorm this week. I have a very, very secret project I’m working on and she helped me brainstorm that one last week. This week it’s a little “witchy” novella. I like my story. I’ve been combing through baby books to get names. Her name will be Regina. Reggie for fun. Still working on him. He’s dark and brooding and mysterious and very, very dangerous.

Welcome to our first Jungle Madness Friday.

It’s where you get the chance to win goodies from one of the monkeys. Today is Carly’s Friday and don’t worry, no joke gifts or bananas! I’m giving away something everyone was fighting over on my Carly fan loop (you can join the fan group directly at my website, www.carlyphillips.com). We’ll pick a winner from today’s comments to win a DIGGER the dog who stars in my summer hardcover CROSS MY HEART along with an Advanced Reading Copy of both CROSS MY HEART and HOT ITEM. The ARC’s aren’t signed but if you want to mail them to me, I’ll be happy to sign and send back or just mail you two autographed bookplates. GOOD LUCK!

Weekends are always active here in the jungle so be sure to stop by for MONKEY MISHMASH, where the monkeys go wild. You’ll find out the winner of Jungle Madness as well as what’s on our minds at any given moment!

See you in the jungle!