30/04/2004
How not to sell your house...
When I got married we should have bought a caravan, not a house- then we could have dragged it round the country- no, remembering our happy time in Malta, make that the world.
Yes, girls, our beautiful country cottage is for sale as my dh's place of work is miles away.
Do I want to sell? Absolutely not.
I love living in a village with a study window that opens directly onto the main street. I want to see people passing by. I want to hear traffic. I don't want to be stuck away in the middle of nowhere. I like people... but somehow, and unfortunately, not the people who come to buy my house.
Why?
Nothing personal- I just don't want to sell it to them.
So when they ask: 'Do you hear the traffic?' I smile happily and say, 'Oh, yes, it is a very interesting and busy thoroughfare.'
'Does the stream ever flood?' I look doubtful, frown faintly, and say, 'Well, not so far-'
Get the picture??
But yes, I love my dh better than this lovely old house, so I'm going to have to 'get my act together', close the windows on the traffic, turn the Aga down to cool so you can actually breathe in the kitchen, and adopt the traditional sales patter.
Stream? What stream?
Have a great weekend everyone!
Love to you all
Susan
Yes, girls, our beautiful country cottage is for sale as my dh's place of work is miles away.
Do I want to sell? Absolutely not.
I love living in a village with a study window that opens directly onto the main street. I want to see people passing by. I want to hear traffic. I don't want to be stuck away in the middle of nowhere. I like people... but somehow, and unfortunately, not the people who come to buy my house.
Why?
Nothing personal- I just don't want to sell it to them.
So when they ask: 'Do you hear the traffic?' I smile happily and say, 'Oh, yes, it is a very interesting and busy thoroughfare.'
'Does the stream ever flood?' I look doubtful, frown faintly, and say, 'Well, not so far-'
Get the picture??
But yes, I love my dh better than this lovely old house, so I'm going to have to 'get my act together', close the windows on the traffic, turn the Aga down to cool so you can actually breathe in the kitchen, and adopt the traditional sales patter.
Stream? What stream?
Have a great weekend everyone!
Love to you all
Susan
29/04/2004
Mr Fun and Naughty hangs on in there...
Twelve hours down the word mine today, and loving it- but my eyes are revolving like Tom- or was it Jerry??
Loving the JoJo Moyes book, Foreign Fruit... 'Two love affairs fifty years apart'
Now you're wondering when I get time to read- I have the longest bathtime of anyone I know...
Mr Fun & Naughty is back on the scene- Yes, girls, it's official- your bloke can kiss another guy in front of you, turn up late every time you invite him round for dinner, criticise you in front of your friends, and still get away with it- while his luck holds, or my chum gets a new brain for Christmas. Which will come first...crash and burn, or Christmas? Watch this space!
Love to all
Susan
Loving the JoJo Moyes book, Foreign Fruit... 'Two love affairs fifty years apart'
Now you're wondering when I get time to read- I have the longest bathtime of anyone I know...
Mr Fun & Naughty is back on the scene- Yes, girls, it's official- your bloke can kiss another guy in front of you, turn up late every time you invite him round for dinner, criticise you in front of your friends, and still get away with it- while his luck holds, or my chum gets a new brain for Christmas. Which will come first...crash and burn, or Christmas? Watch this space!
Love to all
Susan
28/04/2004
Spaghetti for brains...
Why am I working on four projects at once?
Because like all writers I have a head full of ideas all tangled up together, and sometimes I just have to start sorting them out.
It means rising at five to be ready to start work at six after my shower, puny exercises and breakfast... And then I found I had to go to bed for an hour this afternoon to catch up on my sleep, just like a baby!
And now- I'm ready for bed again- what a whirlwind existence I do lead!
By the way- those exercises- do we know how flabby we would be without them? NO. So, why bother? Cos' I don't want Bingo Wings, that's why!
Just heard that my youngest has been selected for her school's first team hockey tour of Australia, Singapore and Dubai- sounds good to me! I'm off to volunteer to carry the water bottles for the team...
Happy reading and writing everyone!
Love
Susan
Because like all writers I have a head full of ideas all tangled up together, and sometimes I just have to start sorting them out.
It means rising at five to be ready to start work at six after my shower, puny exercises and breakfast... And then I found I had to go to bed for an hour this afternoon to catch up on my sleep, just like a baby!
And now- I'm ready for bed again- what a whirlwind existence I do lead!
By the way- those exercises- do we know how flabby we would be without them? NO. So, why bother? Cos' I don't want Bingo Wings, that's why!
Just heard that my youngest has been selected for her school's first team hockey tour of Australia, Singapore and Dubai- sounds good to me! I'm off to volunteer to carry the water bottles for the team...
Happy reading and writing everyone!
Love
Susan
27/04/2004
Flowers, stirring hymns and happy memories...
I'm sorry there was silence from me yesterday, but we went down to London for the funeral of my mother-in-law.
Ten grandchildren as well as three children and numerous friends and distant family gathered for a wonderful memorial service that will be long remembered.
I have always thought flowers at funerals a waste before, but to see so many arranged with such love and skill by my sister-in-law (a florist) seemed so fitting for Mum, who could make flowers in her garden spring from a plank of wood.
And how stirring is that great welsh hymn 'Guide me oh thou great Redeemer'? Even as we were singing I imagined I could hear some fabulous Welsh male voice choir singing along with us.
It was a sad day, but a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman who only had kind things to say about the world.
Your spirit lives on in your ten wonderful grandchildren, Mum. You will be much missed.
Ten grandchildren as well as three children and numerous friends and distant family gathered for a wonderful memorial service that will be long remembered.
I have always thought flowers at funerals a waste before, but to see so many arranged with such love and skill by my sister-in-law (a florist) seemed so fitting for Mum, who could make flowers in her garden spring from a plank of wood.
And how stirring is that great welsh hymn 'Guide me oh thou great Redeemer'? Even as we were singing I imagined I could hear some fabulous Welsh male voice choir singing along with us.
It was a sad day, but a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman who only had kind things to say about the world.
Your spirit lives on in your ten wonderful grandchildren, Mum. You will be much missed.
25/04/2004
Summer is a coming in...
This is the first day warm enough to be able to eat lunch in the garden.
Great!
This means my dh does the cooking for a change. Hooray for barbeques!!
Hope the weather is warm and sunny where you are.
The garden is a riot of colour here, and the dogs have gone to sleep on the cool soil beneath the trees.
Well, everyone's hungry- and they're calling me! Don't they know I'm off duty??!!
My love to you all
Susan
Great!
This means my dh does the cooking for a change. Hooray for barbeques!!
Hope the weather is warm and sunny where you are.
The garden is a riot of colour here, and the dogs have gone to sleep on the cool soil beneath the trees.
Well, everyone's hungry- and they're calling me! Don't they know I'm off duty??!!
My love to you all
Susan
23/04/2004
Going into battle...
I'm just taking a break before I send Miranda into battle.
She's feeling pretty stung at the moment- and that's putting it mildly.
I'm going to have a cup of slimline chocolate, and then take the dogs for a walk so that I can plan her campaign properly. No good general ever went into battle unprepared, right? And she's up against Theo, a man who doesn't know what it is to lose a fight...
Did I mention the loos at the Savoy yesterday?
I don't know about you, but I always judge a place by its loos.
Well girls, they're quite safe for you to visit- very clean and with a mountain of fluffy white towels for you to choose from.
If you don't want to stay at the Savoy while you are in London, why don't you just pop in and have a coffee/or peppermint tea like me, (with some of the yummiest biscuits I have ever tasted thrown in), in the sumptuous and very elegant lounge- then you can sample the loos.
It was an overwhelming event yesterday, but I have to say a really special hi to my web mistress who was there. She works so hard on my behalf, and I really, really appreciate everything she does- good luck with all your writing projects too, Wendy.
That's it- the sunshine's calling, and so are my hounds.
Happy reading everyone!
Love to all
Susan
She's feeling pretty stung at the moment- and that's putting it mildly.
I'm going to have a cup of slimline chocolate, and then take the dogs for a walk so that I can plan her campaign properly. No good general ever went into battle unprepared, right? And she's up against Theo, a man who doesn't know what it is to lose a fight...
Did I mention the loos at the Savoy yesterday?
I don't know about you, but I always judge a place by its loos.
Well girls, they're quite safe for you to visit- very clean and with a mountain of fluffy white towels for you to choose from.
If you don't want to stay at the Savoy while you are in London, why don't you just pop in and have a coffee/or peppermint tea like me, (with some of the yummiest biscuits I have ever tasted thrown in), in the sumptuous and very elegant lounge- then you can sample the loos.
It was an overwhelming event yesterday, but I have to say a really special hi to my web mistress who was there. She works so hard on my behalf, and I really, really appreciate everything she does- good luck with all your writing projects too, Wendy.
That's it- the sunshine's calling, and so are my hounds.
Happy reading everyone!
Love to all
Susan
22/04/2004
Foreign Fruit...
Scoop...
Foreign Fruit by JoJo Moyes is the winner of this year's Parker Romantic Novel of the year...I managed to buy a copy at Euston Station and am enjoying this (so far) gentle, but shrewdly perceptive tale very much.
Once again I was struck by the Savoy Hotel's gentile charm. It really is one of London's most gracious hotels, with excellent service, and of course in every nook and cranny there are reminders for me of my time in The D'Oyly Carte Opera company.
My only complaint of the whole lavish, glittering event is that after spending most of my time in complete silence in the 'writing cave', the noise of a packed reception is real sensory overload for me. Having said that, nothing can spoil the fun of meeting up with my writing chums...
The winner of the Betty Neels rose bowl for category fiction went to Anne Herries historical romance, A Damnable Rogue- I haven't read it yet, but with a tempting title like that, it won't be long before I do!
Germaine Greer was a thought provoking speaker just as I expected- extremely polished and professional. She tossed into the arena the idea that the fascination with romance stems from a desire to recreate the wish to please our fathers. Professor Greer's life experiences have led her to this conclusion; there are those of us who might disagree, but she put her point with conviction and humour.
She is also a very attractive woman, but would probably hate being thought of as such. OK, she's bright and sparky, clear-thinking- speaks without notes, and without hesitation, or apparent pause for thought- and she's a very attractive woman.
I am totally wiped out as this rather stilted account shows- back and bubbly by tomorrow. Promise.
Love to you all
Happy reading!
Susan
Foreign Fruit by JoJo Moyes is the winner of this year's Parker Romantic Novel of the year...I managed to buy a copy at Euston Station and am enjoying this (so far) gentle, but shrewdly perceptive tale very much.
Once again I was struck by the Savoy Hotel's gentile charm. It really is one of London's most gracious hotels, with excellent service, and of course in every nook and cranny there are reminders for me of my time in The D'Oyly Carte Opera company.
My only complaint of the whole lavish, glittering event is that after spending most of my time in complete silence in the 'writing cave', the noise of a packed reception is real sensory overload for me. Having said that, nothing can spoil the fun of meeting up with my writing chums...
The winner of the Betty Neels rose bowl for category fiction went to Anne Herries historical romance, A Damnable Rogue- I haven't read it yet, but with a tempting title like that, it won't be long before I do!
Germaine Greer was a thought provoking speaker just as I expected- extremely polished and professional. She tossed into the arena the idea that the fascination with romance stems from a desire to recreate the wish to please our fathers. Professor Greer's life experiences have led her to this conclusion; there are those of us who might disagree, but she put her point with conviction and humour.
She is also a very attractive woman, but would probably hate being thought of as such. OK, she's bright and sparky, clear-thinking- speaks without notes, and without hesitation, or apparent pause for thought- and she's a very attractive woman.
I am totally wiped out as this rather stilted account shows- back and bubbly by tomorrow. Promise.
Love to you all
Happy reading!
Susan
21/04/2004
Mr Fun and Nasty...
Yes, Mr Fun & Naughty has shown his true colours at last.
OK- so here's the skinny on this alpha with a small 'a' (Did I say that?)
He kissed a guy in front of my friend.
I don't mind him kissing guys in his own time- just not in front of my chum- at least, not without warning- e.g. I dig guys too. These things can come as quite a shock when you're not expecting them- right?
On a less controversial note- Hello to all my chums in the fabulous Cheshire Chords... the ladies barbershop choir I have mentioned before... European Gold medal winners, no less.
Now girls, I've heard something about new dresses... but as its all a big secret, all I'm allowed to say here is, they're not orange.
On 6th June, 'Duo',two gorgeous men at the top of the Classical charts join the girls for a concert in Altrincham, Cheshire.
I'm instructed to tell you the men are only semi-gorgeous, whereas the girls in the choir are all extremely gorgeous- possible the most gorgeous chorus in the world (when they get their new frocks).
If you have an alternative choir to put forward for the 'Most Gorgeous Choir in the World' award, let me know by the usual means...
'Keep the whole world singing...'
Writing-wise- tomorrow is the fabulous Parker Romantic Novel of the Year award at the deliciously traditional Savoy Hotel in London. The best thing about this glittering event is the chance to catch up with all my writing and publishing industry chums from right across the world.
The guest speaker is Germaine Greer, an added bonus.
I will give you a taste of everything I see and hear when I get back
Love to all
Susan
OK- so here's the skinny on this alpha with a small 'a' (Did I say that?)
He kissed a guy in front of my friend.
I don't mind him kissing guys in his own time- just not in front of my chum- at least, not without warning- e.g. I dig guys too. These things can come as quite a shock when you're not expecting them- right?
On a less controversial note- Hello to all my chums in the fabulous Cheshire Chords... the ladies barbershop choir I have mentioned before... European Gold medal winners, no less.
Now girls, I've heard something about new dresses... but as its all a big secret, all I'm allowed to say here is, they're not orange.
On 6th June, 'Duo',two gorgeous men at the top of the Classical charts join the girls for a concert in Altrincham, Cheshire.
I'm instructed to tell you the men are only semi-gorgeous, whereas the girls in the choir are all extremely gorgeous- possible the most gorgeous chorus in the world (when they get their new frocks).
If you have an alternative choir to put forward for the 'Most Gorgeous Choir in the World' award, let me know by the usual means...
'Keep the whole world singing...'
Writing-wise- tomorrow is the fabulous Parker Romantic Novel of the Year award at the deliciously traditional Savoy Hotel in London. The best thing about this glittering event is the chance to catch up with all my writing and publishing industry chums from right across the world.
The guest speaker is Germaine Greer, an added bonus.
I will give you a taste of everything I see and hear when I get back
Love to all
Susan
20/04/2004
Miranda's story...
I am having such fun with this secondary character from The Italian Prince's Proposal. Miranda is now an alpha heroine, and having a ball going head to head with a Greek Alpha male.
Sadly, of course, it will all go horribly wrong- and then we shall have to see what she's really made of- Steel, I'm betting, how about you??
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
Sadly, of course, it will all go horribly wrong- and then we shall have to see what she's really made of- Steel, I'm betting, how about you??
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
19/04/2004
Daydreamin'
Just researching powerful yachts for my Greek billionaire... who are these lucky people? To own such a fabulous craft must be an absolute dream- allow me to whet your appetite...
Hydraulic lifting platform for sea bathing, with a tender tied to the stern in order to access all those hard to reach places...
Flatscreen TV in all cabins, as well as in the saloon with DVD players too, natch.
Don't even ask me about the galley kitchen, because I'm still far too jealous...
CD players everywhere, and more showers than we have in Manchester.
Wetbar with ice-maker, and hot and cold water...
Optional crew cabin- for those moments when you need a grape peeling, presumably.
Bow thruster? Better not to ask, perhaps...
Back to the writing cave now- a little wistful, certainly, but still determined that my Alpha shall have only the best...
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
Hydraulic lifting platform for sea bathing, with a tender tied to the stern in order to access all those hard to reach places...
Flatscreen TV in all cabins, as well as in the saloon with DVD players too, natch.
Don't even ask me about the galley kitchen, because I'm still far too jealous...
CD players everywhere, and more showers than we have in Manchester.
Wetbar with ice-maker, and hot and cold water...
Optional crew cabin- for those moments when you need a grape peeling, presumably.
Bow thruster? Better not to ask, perhaps...
Back to the writing cave now- a little wistful, certainly, but still determined that my Alpha shall have only the best...
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
16/04/2004
Happy day...
It has been a sad week with little real work being done in the writing cave... but tomorrow is a very happy day for one of my friends of long standing-
Hi there, Kate and Anthony... wishing you every happiness in your married life together- and here's hoping this wretched rain can stop for a few hours while you get married tomorrow!
There are several exciting literary events on the horizon... the glittering Parker prize-giving at the Savoy hotel in London for the best romantic novel of the year... guest speaker Germaine Greer- now that will be interesting.
And later this year the Romantic Writers of America conference in Dallas.
Who thought of Dallas in July? Come on, own up... what's wrong with Alaska?!?
Back to Greece, and my troublesome Alpha- the meaner they are, the tougher my heroine has to be. And after being cast as the ditsy twin in The Italian Prince's Proposal, Miranda has really had to toughen up to tame this tiger...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Hi there, Kate and Anthony... wishing you every happiness in your married life together- and here's hoping this wretched rain can stop for a few hours while you get married tomorrow!
There are several exciting literary events on the horizon... the glittering Parker prize-giving at the Savoy hotel in London for the best romantic novel of the year... guest speaker Germaine Greer- now that will be interesting.
And later this year the Romantic Writers of America conference in Dallas.
Who thought of Dallas in July? Come on, own up... what's wrong with Alaska?!?
Back to Greece, and my troublesome Alpha- the meaner they are, the tougher my heroine has to be. And after being cast as the ditsy twin in The Italian Prince's Proposal, Miranda has really had to toughen up to tame this tiger...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
15/04/2004
For those we love...
So, either by thy picture or my love,
Thyself away thou art present still with me;
For thou not farther than my thoughts canst move,
And I am still with them, and they with me...
William Shakespeare
From Sonnet 47
Thyself away thou art present still with me;
For thou not farther than my thoughts canst move,
And I am still with them, and they with me...
William Shakespeare
From Sonnet 47
14/04/2004
Really nice readers...
Do you know, I really have to say what very nice readers visit this web site. Out of all the Goodies I have dispatched across the world so many recipients have mailed me to say thank you. Well, I thank all of you for being so polite, as well as so thoughtful!
I've been busy writing today- but over everything has been this blanket of quiet that always falls over a family when the cloud of fate comes to hover above one of its members.
It's at times like these that we draw together and gain strength from each other. Thank you all for your messages of encouragement.
Happy reading everyone
Love
Susan
I've been busy writing today- but over everything has been this blanket of quiet that always falls over a family when the cloud of fate comes to hover above one of its members.
It's at times like these that we draw together and gain strength from each other. Thank you all for your messages of encouragement.
Happy reading everyone
Love
Susan
13/04/2004
Life in perspective...
I'm sorry there's been silence. Steve's eighty-three year old mother is ill, and that really puts life in perspective for all of us.
I hope this finds you well and happy, and looking forward to all the good things that come along with the spring.
Happy reading everyone
Love Susan
I hope this finds you well and happy, and looking forward to all the good things that come along with the spring.
Happy reading everyone
Love Susan
11/04/2004
Chocolated out!
Yum, yum...
Today we have to eat as much chocolate as we can- suits me!
The size of my daughter's Easter Egg- provided by new boyfriend- took first prize this year- settled into a wicker basket adorned with ribbons it was loaded with chocolate bunnies and chicks, and chocs and fake flowers and more ribbons- and in the centre of all that- an absolutely mammoth chocolate egg.
I noticed she ate mine while we were only allowed to gaze wide-eyed and dribbling at her monster egg...
The spring flowers are all out in the garden, and there is palest pink blossom on the trees. Mr and Mrs Duck have been on patrol again to scope out the stream just to make sure it's safe for this year's ducklings, and we have already got the yellow wagtails bustling about outside my study window. It's really quite warm and sunny- almost no-coat weather, but not quite.
I hope you all had a peaceful and happy holiday, and wish you much joy as we move into this new and warmer part of the year.
Love to you all
Susan
Today we have to eat as much chocolate as we can- suits me!
The size of my daughter's Easter Egg- provided by new boyfriend- took first prize this year- settled into a wicker basket adorned with ribbons it was loaded with chocolate bunnies and chicks, and chocs and fake flowers and more ribbons- and in the centre of all that- an absolutely mammoth chocolate egg.
I noticed she ate mine while we were only allowed to gaze wide-eyed and dribbling at her monster egg...
The spring flowers are all out in the garden, and there is palest pink blossom on the trees. Mr and Mrs Duck have been on patrol again to scope out the stream just to make sure it's safe for this year's ducklings, and we have already got the yellow wagtails bustling about outside my study window. It's really quite warm and sunny- almost no-coat weather, but not quite.
I hope you all had a peaceful and happy holiday, and wish you much joy as we move into this new and warmer part of the year.
Love to you all
Susan
09/04/2004
The rapier thrust of a better idea...
Yes, I know you've got your story all worked out... but don't forget to listen to your characters. Working on Miranda's story today, and three chapters in, I suddenly realised I wasn't listening to her- and this isn't my story, it's Miranda's story.
With the greatest reluctance I stopped typing at 60 words a minute, and listened... and with even greater reluctance, I tried, haltingly, to address this new suggestion by my main character, Miranda.
Going back to that dread heading... Chapter One, I started off again.
Yes, I'm glad I did it. The story is more poignant, as if, suddenly I know exactly what, and who I'm writing about.
Don't be afraid to go back to the beginning and start again if your germ of an idea sprouts wings- don't be worried about it- be grateful.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
Love Susan
With the greatest reluctance I stopped typing at 60 words a minute, and listened... and with even greater reluctance, I tried, haltingly, to address this new suggestion by my main character, Miranda.
Going back to that dread heading... Chapter One, I started off again.
Yes, I'm glad I did it. The story is more poignant, as if, suddenly I know exactly what, and who I'm writing about.
Don't be afraid to go back to the beginning and start again if your germ of an idea sprouts wings- don't be worried about it- be grateful.
Have a fantastic weekend everyone!
Love Susan
08/04/2004
Mr Fun & Naughty goes back to nature...
For those of you who don't know- this miscreant is an Alpha in hot pursuit of one of my closest friends.
The romance was flagging until he discovered that my friend is a keen horsewoman- consequently, this weekend will be spent in the saddle- and orienteering, and rock climbing, and- Oh, you really don't want to know!
Just so long as this weekend of none-stop activity doesn't involve any overnight stops in a tent. Tent is just a four-letter word to my friend- quite as rude as any other four-letter word we can think of!
On the teenage front, my youngest has girded her loins and will now complete her Easter school. She is not the only one there on her own, surprisingly, nor is she the only one staying over.
I have great hopes for the rest of the course as Business Studies will almost certainly attract more boys than English- call me a cynic, but I imagine she will be all enthusiasm and smiles from now on.
That's it- off to the writing cave to return to the heady sunshine of Greece- it's still chilly here in the UK- hope the weather is nice and warm where you are...
Oh, and ps... I have just heard today from my editor that my latest book, set in the sultry desert of Abadan is to be called, Drum Roll...
The Sheikh's Captive Bride
Happy reading everyone!
Love Susan
The romance was flagging until he discovered that my friend is a keen horsewoman- consequently, this weekend will be spent in the saddle- and orienteering, and rock climbing, and- Oh, you really don't want to know!
Just so long as this weekend of none-stop activity doesn't involve any overnight stops in a tent. Tent is just a four-letter word to my friend- quite as rude as any other four-letter word we can think of!
On the teenage front, my youngest has girded her loins and will now complete her Easter school. She is not the only one there on her own, surprisingly, nor is she the only one staying over.
I have great hopes for the rest of the course as Business Studies will almost certainly attract more boys than English- call me a cynic, but I imagine she will be all enthusiasm and smiles from now on.
That's it- off to the writing cave to return to the heady sunshine of Greece- it's still chilly here in the UK- hope the weather is nice and warm where you are...
Oh, and ps... I have just heard today from my editor that my latest book, set in the sultry desert of Abadan is to be called, Drum Roll...
The Sheikh's Captive Bride
Happy reading everyone!
Love Susan
07/04/2004
Fantastic chat with my transatlantic friends...
I stayed up until 3am in the morning to chat on-line with Romance Junkies. What a fantastic group of people- all volunteers, bringing readers and authors together. Was it worth staying up for- you bet! I wouldn't have missed it for the world- and am already looking forward to the next time.
Today I fully drafted out Miranda's story... why? My last book just flowed beneath my fingers onto the page. Who knows? Every book is different- some I plan out with infinite care- others just happen. I love every way of creating a story- and Miranda is someone I have really grown to care about.
When we last met her in the Italian Prince's Proposal, she was one of those people the sun always shines on... but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and now we get to see what she's really made of.
In T.I.P. Miranda was the carefree twin, but tragedy can change all of us profoundly...
That's it for now- I have a youngest child castigating me for being a hard parent and sending her to school in the holidays- only for four days revision, I hasten to add. Life is hard- get used to it.
But- we have our books to escape into, girls- and thank goodness for them, and all the wonderful authors out there!
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
Today I fully drafted out Miranda's story... why? My last book just flowed beneath my fingers onto the page. Who knows? Every book is different- some I plan out with infinite care- others just happen. I love every way of creating a story- and Miranda is someone I have really grown to care about.
When we last met her in the Italian Prince's Proposal, she was one of those people the sun always shines on... but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and now we get to see what she's really made of.
In T.I.P. Miranda was the carefree twin, but tragedy can change all of us profoundly...
That's it for now- I have a youngest child castigating me for being a hard parent and sending her to school in the holidays- only for four days revision, I hasten to add. Life is hard- get used to it.
But- we have our books to escape into, girls- and thank goodness for them, and all the wonderful authors out there!
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
05/04/2004
It's all Greek to me...
Well, here I go- the secret's out... Miranda's story is going to be set in Greece.
For those of you who haven't read The Italian Prince's Proposal yet, Miranda is the twin who didn't get a prince, she got a violin instead.
Now, now- violin's are very nice, and they fit snugly in that cosy nook between your chin and your shoulder just like a prince. In fact, there's hardly any difference between them- they both make sweet music when you play them right.
The reason I set Miranda's story in Greece is that I just got my next book through in hardback... The Greek's Seven Day Seduction. I only opened it to take a peek, but I was drawn in all over again, and ended up having to read the whole story.
I just loved revisiting all the yummy settings, as well as all the yummy food, and as for my Greek hero- he's so Alpha, and so very, very naughty. But ultimately, he turns out to be the most cherishing, generous and thoughtful of men- exactly what we need, girls!
And now, here's a quick mention for all my lovely friends and readers at Romance Junkies.com
I'm going to be doing a chat for RJ this evening- around 8pm, if you live in the States, but some time in the middle of the night if you live here in Europe... Never mind, think of all the writing I'll do while I'm sitting up waiting to go into the chat room!!
Why don't you come and join us tonight, win some goodies, and have some fun at www.romancejunkies.com??!!
There's also an interview with me on the RJ site at:
http://www.romancejunkies.com/artman/publish/article_1326.shtml
That's it for now- back to the writing cave to get Miranda out of the rain and into that fabulous Greek sunshine.
Love to you all, and happy reading!
Susan
For those of you who haven't read The Italian Prince's Proposal yet, Miranda is the twin who didn't get a prince, she got a violin instead.
Now, now- violin's are very nice, and they fit snugly in that cosy nook between your chin and your shoulder just like a prince. In fact, there's hardly any difference between them- they both make sweet music when you play them right.
The reason I set Miranda's story in Greece is that I just got my next book through in hardback... The Greek's Seven Day Seduction. I only opened it to take a peek, but I was drawn in all over again, and ended up having to read the whole story.
I just loved revisiting all the yummy settings, as well as all the yummy food, and as for my Greek hero- he's so Alpha, and so very, very naughty. But ultimately, he turns out to be the most cherishing, generous and thoughtful of men- exactly what we need, girls!
And now, here's a quick mention for all my lovely friends and readers at Romance Junkies.com
I'm going to be doing a chat for RJ this evening- around 8pm, if you live in the States, but some time in the middle of the night if you live here in Europe... Never mind, think of all the writing I'll do while I'm sitting up waiting to go into the chat room!!
Why don't you come and join us tonight, win some goodies, and have some fun at www.romancejunkies.com??!!
There's also an interview with me on the RJ site at:
http://www.romancejunkies.com/artman/publish/article_1326.shtml
That's it for now- back to the writing cave to get Miranda out of the rain and into that fabulous Greek sunshine.
Love to you all, and happy reading!
Susan
03/04/2004
Murder, mystery and boys' toys...
I never know where I'm going to end up with my tribe- which is how I came to be part of a murder mystery evening last night with my son, James and his lovely girlfriend, Soleine.
Honour was served- we picked out the murderer of poor old Doctor Espy.
And then it was off to the racetrack for James to tear around in Porsches...
Whoosh- there he was gone again!
What is it about men and cars?
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Love
Susan
Honour was served- we picked out the murderer of poor old Doctor Espy.
And then it was off to the racetrack for James to tear around in Porsches...
Whoosh- there he was gone again!
What is it about men and cars?
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Love
Susan
02/04/2004
Crazy, crazy, crazy...
Had a crazy writing day yesterday- and it was supposed to be so organised!
When will I learn that 'organised' and me don't mix?
After spending yesterday sorting through everything I collected up at conference, plus drafting out synopses for my next three books I really thought I was in good shape to get started on my work this morning... Wrong. Mail from my ed' had arrived overnight asking for a tweak to my latest book set in the sultry desert kingdom of Abadan- and she wants it yesterday- or rather, March 5th 2004 to be precise! But that's the way things go- and I love it!
Heard from two great non-writing chums today- Hi Jan, and Kate- And Kate, many congratulations on your upcoming marriage to Anthony! You're certainly in the right place for romance here!
Also heard from two lovely new author friends I met at the Romantic Times conference in NYC, Barbara Gale and Bertrice Small- I just love e-mail!
Bertrice supplied the sparkly twinkles on the signing table we shared, and Barbara kept me laughing all through the four days of conference.
Oh, and here's a quick scoop from my friend who is dallying with that impossible alpha, Mr Fun & Naughty: He has asked her to live with him!
What- and iron his shirts? I should co-co as my dear old Dad used to say. (And no, I don't know what that means either!)
With my ms winging its way back to Japan, its no slacking allowed in the Stephens writing cave- so, its an early start for me...
Happy reading to you all!
Love
Susan
When will I learn that 'organised' and me don't mix?
After spending yesterday sorting through everything I collected up at conference, plus drafting out synopses for my next three books I really thought I was in good shape to get started on my work this morning... Wrong. Mail from my ed' had arrived overnight asking for a tweak to my latest book set in the sultry desert kingdom of Abadan- and she wants it yesterday- or rather, March 5th 2004 to be precise! But that's the way things go- and I love it!
Heard from two great non-writing chums today- Hi Jan, and Kate- And Kate, many congratulations on your upcoming marriage to Anthony! You're certainly in the right place for romance here!
Also heard from two lovely new author friends I met at the Romantic Times conference in NYC, Barbara Gale and Bertrice Small- I just love e-mail!
Bertrice supplied the sparkly twinkles on the signing table we shared, and Barbara kept me laughing all through the four days of conference.
Oh, and here's a quick scoop from my friend who is dallying with that impossible alpha, Mr Fun & Naughty: He has asked her to live with him!
What- and iron his shirts? I should co-co as my dear old Dad used to say. (And no, I don't know what that means either!)
With my ms winging its way back to Japan, its no slacking allowed in the Stephens writing cave- so, its an early start for me...
Happy reading to you all!
Love
Susan
