28/02/2004
He slipped beneath our guard...
For those of you who have been following my friend's romance with Mr Fun & Naughty, and for those who are just tuning in, it's time to get you up to speed:
After a life of excess, Mr F&N, an Alpha Alpha has turned his 'attention' in the direction of one of my closest friends.
Because she feels that mighty pull only a woman can understand, and wants to pursue the relationship, my friend and I have embarked upon a 'training' programme to bring Mr F&N into line.
All went well to begin with, but I have to tell you, he is fighting back-
Talk about underhand tactics!
After numerous transgressions, for which no excuses can be accepted, he has... booked a box for two at the ballet!
A box at the ballet?
Will this man stop at nothing!
I'll keep you posted!
On the writing front- I love Spain. I am so happy to be back there again writing about a Spanish Alpha- a cynical man, with everything to lose if he gets it wrong in love, and everything to gain if he gets it right- who feels like a gamble?
Desperate to tell 'Miranda's Story'- the sister of the heroine in
The Italian Prince's Proposal- out now in OZ and UK, but Xmas for Presents US... there's so much I want to say about this young woman- will have to start writing it down very soon- I'm exploding!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Happy reading!
Love to all Susan
After a life of excess, Mr F&N, an Alpha Alpha has turned his 'attention' in the direction of one of my closest friends.
Because she feels that mighty pull only a woman can understand, and wants to pursue the relationship, my friend and I have embarked upon a 'training' programme to bring Mr F&N into line.
All went well to begin with, but I have to tell you, he is fighting back-
Talk about underhand tactics!
After numerous transgressions, for which no excuses can be accepted, he has... booked a box for two at the ballet!
A box at the ballet?
Will this man stop at nothing!
I'll keep you posted!
On the writing front- I love Spain. I am so happy to be back there again writing about a Spanish Alpha- a cynical man, with everything to lose if he gets it wrong in love, and everything to gain if he gets it right- who feels like a gamble?
Desperate to tell 'Miranda's Story'- the sister of the heroine in
The Italian Prince's Proposal- out now in OZ and UK, but Xmas for Presents US... there's so much I want to say about this young woman- will have to start writing it down very soon- I'm exploding!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Happy reading!
Love to all Susan
27/02/2004
You shouldn't be reading this- you should be studying for your exams!
You naughty girls! What are you doing reading this?
Hi to Leonie- the best, the very best youngest sprog in the world- trust that cheque is in the post, darlin'?
OK, I'll say it for free. The best, the very best.
Now, Jo, Sarah. Leonie et al GET BACK TO WORK! I'm thrilled you like my Blogs, but your future's are at stake here. Let's get into those books and make the future everything you deserve- No pain, no gain, right?
Love to all
Susan
Hi to Leonie- the best, the very best youngest sprog in the world- trust that cheque is in the post, darlin'?
OK, I'll say it for free. The best, the very best.
Now, Jo, Sarah. Leonie et al GET BACK TO WORK! I'm thrilled you like my Blogs, but your future's are at stake here. Let's get into those books and make the future everything you deserve- No pain, no gain, right?
Love to all
Susan
26/02/2004
Prepare the Prawns...
No, we're not talking recipes- it isn't Sunday yet!
Did I say, eloquent silence? Pin back your ears!
My friend, fully dressed, natch', somehow finds herself at Mr F&N's apartment this morning. Imagine her surprise when she hears a key in the lock...
Fortunately the patio doors were ajar, and the wall beyond low. I leave the rest to your imagination.
No excuses, remember! And I hear there were 'women's' things lying hither and yon around the place. Of course, the previous affair is 'all over' and he won't touch the ex's things 'on principle'
Oh, come on, girls- let's all band together and promise each other we're not going to take this ****
My solution if she really wants to persist with the training programme:
1) If ex' shares rent, when does this arrangement end?
2) On this day have 'things' ready in boxes for removal.
3) Take back keys to hand to landlord- but arrange to have the locks
changed anyway, just in case.
And if all this is in vain- take the ultimate revenge- did I mention taping prawns behind the curtain poles- I tell you, I've had some fascinating friends in my time- they get up to all sorts!!
Tomorrow I'm going to stick to writing matters- and about time too! Unless of course...
Back tomorrow- happy reading, and writing everyone!
Love Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
Did I say, eloquent silence? Pin back your ears!
My friend, fully dressed, natch', somehow finds herself at Mr F&N's apartment this morning. Imagine her surprise when she hears a key in the lock...
Fortunately the patio doors were ajar, and the wall beyond low. I leave the rest to your imagination.
No excuses, remember! And I hear there were 'women's' things lying hither and yon around the place. Of course, the previous affair is 'all over' and he won't touch the ex's things 'on principle'
Oh, come on, girls- let's all band together and promise each other we're not going to take this ****
My solution if she really wants to persist with the training programme:
1) If ex' shares rent, when does this arrangement end?
2) On this day have 'things' ready in boxes for removal.
3) Take back keys to hand to landlord- but arrange to have the locks
changed anyway, just in case.
And if all this is in vain- take the ultimate revenge- did I mention taping prawns behind the curtain poles- I tell you, I've had some fascinating friends in my time- they get up to all sorts!!
Tomorrow I'm going to stick to writing matters- and about time too! Unless of course...
Back tomorrow- happy reading, and writing everyone!
Love Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
25/02/2004
An eloquent silence
There has been an eloquent silence from my friend treading the tightrope of romance with Mr F&N. We can only assume that there have been no ill effects after his efforts in the kitchen...
But, who knows-
Meanwhile, the computer is hot- trying to finish this book before I hear back from my ed' on the book I just submitted! It's a whirlygig- and I love it.
ps Have your read Jean M. Auel's books? I'm way behind everyone else, because I am a voracious reader who has a pile of 'to reads' a mile high- and who only gets the chance to read when I go to bed.
But...
This American writer is absolutely fantastic- her imagination is mind-blowing, and so is the intensive research she must have done to produce her wonderful books- this is cave man era without Raquel! I'm hooked- start with The Clan of The Cave Bear and take it from there...
Love Susan
But, who knows-
Meanwhile, the computer is hot- trying to finish this book before I hear back from my ed' on the book I just submitted! It's a whirlygig- and I love it.
ps Have your read Jean M. Auel's books? I'm way behind everyone else, because I am a voracious reader who has a pile of 'to reads' a mile high- and who only gets the chance to read when I go to bed.
But...
This American writer is absolutely fantastic- her imagination is mind-blowing, and so is the intensive research she must have done to produce her wonderful books- this is cave man era without Raquel! I'm hooked- start with The Clan of The Cave Bear and take it from there...
Love Susan
24/02/2004
Revenge is a fish best served cold...
Before we get to revenge, I have a few notes for my writing friends...
Amanda- get to it! You're nearly there- don't lose sight of that!
Val- leave that blasted steam cleaner in the kitchen and get to your computer NOW. Yes, I know clean taps are a blessing, but so is one of your plays. And no, you can't smuggle the steamer in here under your coat. My taps may be grubby, but that is something of supreme indifference to me.
OK, so I have had demands by e-mail- why don't we hear Mr Fun & Naughty's side of the story- his excuse for being late, for instance?
Answer: Because we are not, and never will be interested in excuses.
Repeat that mantra three times before sleep each night.
Update on the Mr F&N situ: early morning phone call from friend:
'But he cooked a meal-'
'He cooked a meal!'
OK, so I admit the training programme is progressing far quicker than even I could have anticipated, and Mr Fun & Naughty lives on to fight another day.
But should he transgress...
(and of course, I would never do this, and certainly do not sanction it)
BUT- I hear a nice piece of fish placed discreetly behind a ventilator grill in the bathroom is far more effective in the long run than cutting off trouser legs.
On that happy note, I'm off for an early night as I'm at a halcion stage with my hero just before all h**l breaks out, and I want to get up early to prepare for battle.
Love to all
Susan
Amanda- get to it! You're nearly there- don't lose sight of that!
Val- leave that blasted steam cleaner in the kitchen and get to your computer NOW. Yes, I know clean taps are a blessing, but so is one of your plays. And no, you can't smuggle the steamer in here under your coat. My taps may be grubby, but that is something of supreme indifference to me.
OK, so I have had demands by e-mail- why don't we hear Mr Fun & Naughty's side of the story- his excuse for being late, for instance?
Answer: Because we are not, and never will be interested in excuses.
Repeat that mantra three times before sleep each night.
Update on the Mr F&N situ: early morning phone call from friend:
'But he cooked a meal-'
'He cooked a meal!'
OK, so I admit the training programme is progressing far quicker than even I could have anticipated, and Mr Fun & Naughty lives on to fight another day.
But should he transgress...
(and of course, I would never do this, and certainly do not sanction it)
BUT- I hear a nice piece of fish placed discreetly behind a ventilator grill in the bathroom is far more effective in the long run than cutting off trouser legs.
On that happy note, I'm off for an early night as I'm at a halcion stage with my hero just before all h**l breaks out, and I want to get up early to prepare for battle.
Love to all
Susan
23/02/2004
Mr Fun and Naughty makes his first mistake...
OK, so there are clean sheets on all the beds, and the fridge is restocked. It might be Monday, but everything seemed set fair for an uninterrupted writing day. Bliss. Until, panic phone call: Mr Naughty has done the unimaginable...
Having paid Mr F & N the ultimate compliment of inviting him to meet up with her at a close friend's 'dinner at home', (thereby disclosing her hand to both friends and rivals alike) he turns up late... so late, one of the other men has eaten his dinner.
What should I do? My friend screamed at me down the phone.
Well, I said he would have to be trained...
After much discussion we decided he could have one more chance- get it right tonight, Pal- or take it from me, you're old news.
(Of course, I'll keep the rest of you out there posted)
By the time the phone line cut we both felt a lot better after discussing various methods of revenge my friend could take if he lets her down again- more about that tomorrow.
Love to all,
Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
Having paid Mr F & N the ultimate compliment of inviting him to meet up with her at a close friend's 'dinner at home', (thereby disclosing her hand to both friends and rivals alike) he turns up late... so late, one of the other men has eaten his dinner.
What should I do? My friend screamed at me down the phone.
Well, I said he would have to be trained...
After much discussion we decided he could have one more chance- get it right tonight, Pal- or take it from me, you're old news.
(Of course, I'll keep the rest of you out there posted)
By the time the phone line cut we both felt a lot better after discussing various methods of revenge my friend could take if he lets her down again- more about that tomorrow.
Love to all,
Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
22/02/2004
Home, hearth, and masses of laundry...
Well, it's quiet again. The tribe has dispersed leaving behind happy memories, an empty fridge, and loads of washing...
The starter for today's main meal went down particularly well- which was a relief to me, as it features in the book I am writing at the moment.
Try it, and see what you think...
Place on a baking sheet in a gentle oven for one hour :
4 red onions peeled and halved, 4 red peppers halved and deseeded, 4 small aubergines/ ends chopped off and the aubergine sliced down the middle.
Turn once during baking.
Remove and cool enough to remove skins from red peppers and aubergines.
Slice each vegetable neatly into whatever shape takes your fancy.
Arrange vegetables on plates.
Dribble virgin olive oil over each vegetable selection and add a splash of balsamic vinegar, plus some salt and pepper to taste.
Open a tin of anchovies- drain, and drape over the vegetables on each plate.
Serve with warm bread rolls to sop up the juices
Enjoy!
Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
The starter for today's main meal went down particularly well- which was a relief to me, as it features in the book I am writing at the moment.
Try it, and see what you think...
Place on a baking sheet in a gentle oven for one hour :
4 red onions peeled and halved, 4 red peppers halved and deseeded, 4 small aubergines/ ends chopped off and the aubergine sliced down the middle.
Turn once during baking.
Remove and cool enough to remove skins from red peppers and aubergines.
Slice each vegetable neatly into whatever shape takes your fancy.
Arrange vegetables on plates.
Dribble virgin olive oil over each vegetable selection and add a splash of balsamic vinegar, plus some salt and pepper to taste.
Open a tin of anchovies- drain, and drape over the vegetables on each plate.
Serve with warm bread rolls to sop up the juices
Enjoy!
Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
21/02/2004
Mr Dull and Steady, or Mr Fun and Naughty?
That's quite a question!
If it was a fictional poser I could come up with an answer and make the story fit- but when someone you care about asks the question, it's not so easy...
But-
I married Mr Fun and Naughty over twenty-five years ago. Men don't change unless they want to. Mr Dull and Steady will never have enough energy to change. Mr Fun and Naughty will have to if he wants to keep us- right?
Let's at least aim for Mr Fun and make him Steady!
(For some reason this makes me think of my redoubtable drama teacher at the Royal College who once proclaimed in her best grande dame voice,
'My girls may settle, but they never settle down.'
I guess Mr Dull and Steady was never going to cut it with one of Mrs Barlow's 'girls'! )
And now:
The whole tribe has just descended unannounced with friends various- so it's computer off- corkscrew out! Apparently, we're having a party tonight!
See ya tomorrow!
Love
Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
If it was a fictional poser I could come up with an answer and make the story fit- but when someone you care about asks the question, it's not so easy...
But-
I married Mr Fun and Naughty over twenty-five years ago. Men don't change unless they want to. Mr Dull and Steady will never have enough energy to change. Mr Fun and Naughty will have to if he wants to keep us- right?
Let's at least aim for Mr Fun and make him Steady!
(For some reason this makes me think of my redoubtable drama teacher at the Royal College who once proclaimed in her best grande dame voice,
'My girls may settle, but they never settle down.'
I guess Mr Dull and Steady was never going to cut it with one of Mrs Barlow's 'girls'! )
And now:
The whole tribe has just descended unannounced with friends various- so it's computer off- corkscrew out! Apparently, we're having a party tonight!
See ya tomorrow!
Love
Susan
Copyright Susan Stephens
Lyn Sanford Clare South Australia
Just to say, thank you for signing the guest book, Lyn- and with such lovely comments too. I can't get back to you on your e-mail link, there seems to be a problem with it. Do e-mail me so I can send off your goodies!-Thanks again- Susan.
20/02/2004
It's Friday night, no flagging allowed!
Those days of partying are slipping away... No. Fight the feeling. We will not give in- will we, girls? For goodness sake, it's only eight pm!
Up at 5.30 am during half-term to write before everyone else is awake feels good...Yes, it does, it really does.
I stride into my study like a true heroine, excited, and a little apprehensive of what might lie ahead- OK, so that's all lies. I stagger in, blinking against the light, holding my first cup of coffee to my chest like a 'blankie' - remember those?
And then, I spend the next three hours turning a Symphonic Tone Poem into Grand Opera- or Tender into Presents. Yes, I've just discovered that my Alpha is too Beta... too caring and humorous- just what I need so early in the day! But by nine o' clock he's impossible- in other words, just right for Presents!
So... I promised the inside track on the Pudding Club-
The Romantic Times nomination for a Lifetime Achievement award goes to my super friend and mentor, Penny Jordan. I'm biased because I know for a fact that Penny is the most modest, self-effacing and hugely talented person imaginable, and with a mind-boggling total of 76 million sales behind her just think of the number of lives she has touched with her wonderful stories. I can't think of anyone who deserves that nomination more.
And the man writing as a woman?
Meet Mr 'Butch' Sanderson- otherwise known as Gill to the many fans of his medical romances- You get right inside a woman's head, Roger- and not many men can boast that! (Isn't it a little scary in there?)
Yes, Roger has been writing medical romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon since 1998, and has written 32 to date- but that doesn't stop him yomping up hill and down dale, as well as climbing mountains in his spare time.
And let's not forget that as a devout lover of pudding, Roger is a treasured member of the Pudding Club!
Today one of my younger daughter's friends asked me- 'What are you chillin' to?'
I take it this was not a reference to my standing in front of the freezer with the door open, and more a general enquiry into what sort of music I was listening to.
Well, my Alpha is allowed a tender moment from time to time, so the answer, for those of you who are interested in such things is- Norah Jones latest album, 'feels like home.'
Norah Jones reminds me at times of Dolly Parton- a much underrated singer/songwriter with a beautiful true voice. Norah takes country and blends it with that smokey-blue midnight jazz feel to fabulous effect- and her piano-playing ain't bad either.
Well, that's it- it's been a long day, but a good one. Two interruptions from daughters- which I love- (both the daughters, and their interruptions)
I feel so honoured that they trust me enough to confide in me, and I don't ask for much more- except a mug of cocoa right now
Goodnight everyone- and happy reading!
Love
Susan
Up at 5.30 am during half-term to write before everyone else is awake feels good...Yes, it does, it really does.
I stride into my study like a true heroine, excited, and a little apprehensive of what might lie ahead- OK, so that's all lies. I stagger in, blinking against the light, holding my first cup of coffee to my chest like a 'blankie' - remember those?
And then, I spend the next three hours turning a Symphonic Tone Poem into Grand Opera- or Tender into Presents. Yes, I've just discovered that my Alpha is too Beta... too caring and humorous- just what I need so early in the day! But by nine o' clock he's impossible- in other words, just right for Presents!
So... I promised the inside track on the Pudding Club-
The Romantic Times nomination for a Lifetime Achievement award goes to my super friend and mentor, Penny Jordan. I'm biased because I know for a fact that Penny is the most modest, self-effacing and hugely talented person imaginable, and with a mind-boggling total of 76 million sales behind her just think of the number of lives she has touched with her wonderful stories. I can't think of anyone who deserves that nomination more.
And the man writing as a woman?
Meet Mr 'Butch' Sanderson- otherwise known as Gill to the many fans of his medical romances- You get right inside a woman's head, Roger- and not many men can boast that! (Isn't it a little scary in there?)
Yes, Roger has been writing medical romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon since 1998, and has written 32 to date- but that doesn't stop him yomping up hill and down dale, as well as climbing mountains in his spare time.
And let's not forget that as a devout lover of pudding, Roger is a treasured member of the Pudding Club!
Today one of my younger daughter's friends asked me- 'What are you chillin' to?'
I take it this was not a reference to my standing in front of the freezer with the door open, and more a general enquiry into what sort of music I was listening to.
Well, my Alpha is allowed a tender moment from time to time, so the answer, for those of you who are interested in such things is- Norah Jones latest album, 'feels like home.'
Norah Jones reminds me at times of Dolly Parton- a much underrated singer/songwriter with a beautiful true voice. Norah takes country and blends it with that smokey-blue midnight jazz feel to fabulous effect- and her piano-playing ain't bad either.
Well, that's it- it's been a long day, but a good one. Two interruptions from daughters- which I love- (both the daughters, and their interruptions)
I feel so honoured that they trust me enough to confide in me, and I don't ask for much more- except a mug of cocoa right now
Goodnight everyone- and happy reading!
Love
Susan
19/02/2004
Hooray, a writing diary!
And it's all thanks to my friend and fantastic techno-wizard, Wendy Wootton Web Supremo- thank you, Wendy!
What a fantastic day to begin my writing diary!
I often say that the very best part about writing is the friends I have made all across the world- and it's true. Today I was with some writing chums a little closer to home.
The Pudding club began just about a year ago- the main purpose is to eat pudding of course, but we also discuss the ups and downs of a writer's life.
We are a mixed group of published and non-published authors who share the same love of pudding- sorry, writing, and it is a great excuse to climb out of the writing cave and see the sun- or the inside of a wine bar, in our case.
After a bowl of treacle tart and custard even that blank screen seems positively alluring when you return home and sit before it bloated and content.
And now the conference season approaches, and I want to go to all of them. They are the best fun you can have, and a bit like Christmas it's a great opportunity to catch up with everyone. Trouble is with time always pressing down on me I need travelling time to be nil. 'Beam me up, Scotty'- preferably free of charge!
How do you choose which one to go to? Answers on a post card please-
Only joking!
In my next post I will share some of the chat we had over our lunch, which ran the gamut from congratulating one of our members on the fantastic honour of being nominated for a Romantic Times lifetime's achievement award, to the joys of being a man writing as a woman...
Happy reading and writing to everyone out there!
Love to all, Susan
What a fantastic day to begin my writing diary!
I often say that the very best part about writing is the friends I have made all across the world- and it's true. Today I was with some writing chums a little closer to home.
The Pudding club began just about a year ago- the main purpose is to eat pudding of course, but we also discuss the ups and downs of a writer's life.
We are a mixed group of published and non-published authors who share the same love of pudding- sorry, writing, and it is a great excuse to climb out of the writing cave and see the sun- or the inside of a wine bar, in our case.
After a bowl of treacle tart and custard even that blank screen seems positively alluring when you return home and sit before it bloated and content.
And now the conference season approaches, and I want to go to all of them. They are the best fun you can have, and a bit like Christmas it's a great opportunity to catch up with everyone. Trouble is with time always pressing down on me I need travelling time to be nil. 'Beam me up, Scotty'- preferably free of charge!
How do you choose which one to go to? Answers on a post card please-
Only joking!
In my next post I will share some of the chat we had over our lunch, which ran the gamut from congratulating one of our members on the fantastic honour of being nominated for a Romantic Times lifetime's achievement award, to the joys of being a man writing as a woman...
Happy reading and writing to everyone out there!
Love to all, Susan
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