30/11/2004
Fat like a whale...
And it doesn't creep up on you slowly, does it? Giving you time to gaze at your reflection and think Hmm, that belly is showing certain signs of growing larger... NO. It suddenly appears one morning hanging over the top of your pants...
And it isn't even Christmas yet. Girls, what are we going to do?
Think of all those slinky clothes waiting in the wardrobe for their once a year airing... OK, that one pair of silky black pants that you'd feel totally ridiculous in any other time of the year... Come on, own up- we all have them. And I'm not going to be able to get one leg into mine!
Why is it that I'm still flat-chested, but I have a belly? Explain that, if you can. How fair is it that I look about six months- make that eight months pregnant, and I can't even fill a starter bra?
Why should I have a beer belly when I only drink red wine... a red wine belly?
Yes, I know all about gravity- and yes, I've been around long enough for it to take its toll, but I'm not giving in...
Here's the plan: I don't tell you what I weigh, and you don't tell me what you weigh-but we start losing weight today. And I'll tell you what I lose (or gain) day by day.
We go check our weight now- and we don't cry too much- nor do we swear the scales are wrong, or swear at the scales. We simply adjust our eating habits- no chocs, no bikkies, no puds, no fried anythings- not until we agree we have lost our BIG FAT BELLIES (let's not beat around the bush here, let's call a big fat belly a big fat belly)
REPEAT AFTER ME: WE NOT GIVING IN
Off to swear at the bathroom scales
Love to all
Susan
And it isn't even Christmas yet. Girls, what are we going to do?
Think of all those slinky clothes waiting in the wardrobe for their once a year airing... OK, that one pair of silky black pants that you'd feel totally ridiculous in any other time of the year... Come on, own up- we all have them. And I'm not going to be able to get one leg into mine!
Why is it that I'm still flat-chested, but I have a belly? Explain that, if you can. How fair is it that I look about six months- make that eight months pregnant, and I can't even fill a starter bra?
Why should I have a beer belly when I only drink red wine... a red wine belly?
Yes, I know all about gravity- and yes, I've been around long enough for it to take its toll, but I'm not giving in...
Here's the plan: I don't tell you what I weigh, and you don't tell me what you weigh-but we start losing weight today. And I'll tell you what I lose (or gain) day by day.
We go check our weight now- and we don't cry too much- nor do we swear the scales are wrong, or swear at the scales. We simply adjust our eating habits- no chocs, no bikkies, no puds, no fried anythings- not until we agree we have lost our BIG FAT BELLIES (let's not beat around the bush here, let's call a big fat belly a big fat belly)
REPEAT AFTER ME: WE NOT GIVING IN
Off to swear at the bathroom scales
Love to all
Susan
29/11/2004
Fantastic chat...
Burning the midnight oil was more than worth it! Check out, www.wewriteromance.com to see what a great site this is.
The thrill of exchanging messages in seconds with people in the UK, Australia and the USA will never leave me. And yes, I managed to find my way onto the chat without incident... Well, all right then, only a little bit of shouting at the screen before I realised that yes, I really did have to register AGAIN before I could join the chat.
The questions were great, and the moderators kept us all in line so that everything went really smoothly.
There were Presents authors galore and some fantastic readers, so thank you again to everyone, for inviting me, for joining in, and a special thank you to my prize-winners: Racheal, who will shortly receive a copy of 'One Christmas Night' and Marina, who will receive the UK copy of The Greek's Seven Day Seduction - not forgetting BJ, who also gets a copy of The Greek's Seven-Day Seduction, because I didn't think anyone should go home without a 'party bag'!!
It was a fantastic event - and everyone was so incredibly knowledgeable about the books- did I mention that? It gives me such a buzz to have someone wanting to discuss a character I really care about.
Had a piece of good news that all you shopping hounds out there will appreciate- Habitat is doing a number of special items at the moment- the one I had my eye on was the Manolo Blahnik designed shoe horn. 'Not a chance' the young man on the desk told me, 'but you could go on the waiting list...'
Undaunted, I wrote on the card he handed me, 'poor romantic novelist, who never gets out of the writing cave, craves one shoe horn for herself and one for her friend'
Guess what? I got the call today! I'm almost as excited as... Well, you can imagine, I'm sure.
OK, so the sun is shining- it really is...even if it is freezing cold out there- and my old girls are asking to be taken out on their walk.
So it's 'Woof woof,' from Finlay, and 'Woof woof' from Honey, and goodbye to you all from a very happy shopaholic, Me!!!
Love to you all
Susan
The thrill of exchanging messages in seconds with people in the UK, Australia and the USA will never leave me. And yes, I managed to find my way onto the chat without incident... Well, all right then, only a little bit of shouting at the screen before I realised that yes, I really did have to register AGAIN before I could join the chat.
The questions were great, and the moderators kept us all in line so that everything went really smoothly.
There were Presents authors galore and some fantastic readers, so thank you again to everyone, for inviting me, for joining in, and a special thank you to my prize-winners: Racheal, who will shortly receive a copy of 'One Christmas Night' and Marina, who will receive the UK copy of The Greek's Seven Day Seduction - not forgetting BJ, who also gets a copy of The Greek's Seven-Day Seduction, because I didn't think anyone should go home without a 'party bag'!!
It was a fantastic event - and everyone was so incredibly knowledgeable about the books- did I mention that? It gives me such a buzz to have someone wanting to discuss a character I really care about.
Had a piece of good news that all you shopping hounds out there will appreciate- Habitat is doing a number of special items at the moment- the one I had my eye on was the Manolo Blahnik designed shoe horn. 'Not a chance' the young man on the desk told me, 'but you could go on the waiting list...'
Undaunted, I wrote on the card he handed me, 'poor romantic novelist, who never gets out of the writing cave, craves one shoe horn for herself and one for her friend'
Guess what? I got the call today! I'm almost as excited as... Well, you can imagine, I'm sure.
OK, so the sun is shining- it really is...even if it is freezing cold out there- and my old girls are asking to be taken out on their walk.
So it's 'Woof woof,' from Finlay, and 'Woof woof' from Honey, and goodbye to you all from a very happy shopaholic, Me!!!
Love to you all
Susan
28/11/2004
Chat...
If anyone would like to chat with Presents writers tonight, including yours truly, do register at www.wewriteromance.com.
The chat begins 6pm EST which I guess makes it for night owls only the in the UK- because there it will be around 11pm.
I expect the chat to last for around an hour, and I know it will be fun- so don't miss out!!
Am still working- so hands across the sea, and the land too, to all of you who are taking a tea break with me. I really value these few minutes when I get the chance to reach out and make contact with all my friends both at home, and abroad.
Thinking of you all with love
Susan
The chat begins 6pm EST which I guess makes it for night owls only the in the UK- because there it will be around 11pm.
I expect the chat to last for around an hour, and I know it will be fun- so don't miss out!!
Am still working- so hands across the sea, and the land too, to all of you who are taking a tea break with me. I really value these few minutes when I get the chance to reach out and make contact with all my friends both at home, and abroad.
Thinking of you all with love
Susan
27/11/2004
PS to Concert
Forgot to mention mammoth speakers... dh spent whole evening with scarf tied around head to protect his ears! not a pretty sight, I can tell you!
It's getting colder, and my need for sun is getting greater- no surprise then that as sprog minimus went through 'Departures' at the airport, I picked up a travel brochure. (Why should sprogs have all the fun?)
Parents- Revolt. Follow me to the barricades.........
Off to drink quantities of tea, and then it's into the writing cave for me
Have a great weekend everyone!
Love
Susan
It's getting colder, and my need for sun is getting greater- no surprise then that as sprog minimus went through 'Departures' at the airport, I picked up a travel brochure. (Why should sprogs have all the fun?)
Parents- Revolt. Follow me to the barricades.........
Off to drink quantities of tea, and then it's into the writing cave for me
Have a great weekend everyone!
Love
Susan
26/11/2004
I'm crying in my heart...
But I'm smiling too... and because of something that happened just now, the very minute I started writing to you-
I'm upstairs, and sprog minimus (who, let me reassure you is not bunking off school, but waiting fly off to a hockey tour) is downstairs playing the piano. Quite spontaneously she started to play a piece of Tchaikovsky that my mother used to play. For a few moments I might have been a child again, listening to my mother playing the piano...
My sadness is for another reason altogether.
Last night I heard a musician who excited me as I haven't been excited since the first time I heard Cleo Laine in concert.
Cleo Laine was fortunate indeed, because her husband and fellow musician, Johnny Dankworth with his band, provided a glorious frame for his wife's outstanding talent. They both shone, because neither ever tried to outshine the other.
Where is Will Young's manager? Where is the producer of his show? Where is his musical director, for heaven's sake? Why did his talented band drown him out? (And he has a big, big voice.)
Shall we blame the sound technicians? No, I think we look higher than that. And whose idea was it to deny over ten thousand fans an encore, so that at the end of the concert the stadium echoed with boos instead of cheers?
Where was the planning? The long final set could have been cut short to allow for Will to come back on stage and satisfy his cheering fans with a couple more songs. I for one would have loved to hear him sing with just a piano for accompaniment. Then the final song could have been a barnstormer that would have had everyone dancing in the aisles.
Will young has a wonderful unique gift- apart from the fact that he has an instantly recognisable voice, a huge range, and can incorporate any number of textures and colours into his voice, not to mention a jazz feel that rivals the greats, he can sing in tune- and how many excuses have we heard over the years from other artistes and their managers for why this doesn't, or can't always happen?
Will Young, you was robbed.
Get yourself a new manager fast- you deserve someone better
Love to all
Susan
I'm upstairs, and sprog minimus (who, let me reassure you is not bunking off school, but waiting fly off to a hockey tour) is downstairs playing the piano. Quite spontaneously she started to play a piece of Tchaikovsky that my mother used to play. For a few moments I might have been a child again, listening to my mother playing the piano...
My sadness is for another reason altogether.
Last night I heard a musician who excited me as I haven't been excited since the first time I heard Cleo Laine in concert.
Cleo Laine was fortunate indeed, because her husband and fellow musician, Johnny Dankworth with his band, provided a glorious frame for his wife's outstanding talent. They both shone, because neither ever tried to outshine the other.
Where is Will Young's manager? Where is the producer of his show? Where is his musical director, for heaven's sake? Why did his talented band drown him out? (And he has a big, big voice.)
Shall we blame the sound technicians? No, I think we look higher than that. And whose idea was it to deny over ten thousand fans an encore, so that at the end of the concert the stadium echoed with boos instead of cheers?
Where was the planning? The long final set could have been cut short to allow for Will to come back on stage and satisfy his cheering fans with a couple more songs. I for one would have loved to hear him sing with just a piano for accompaniment. Then the final song could have been a barnstormer that would have had everyone dancing in the aisles.
Will young has a wonderful unique gift- apart from the fact that he has an instantly recognisable voice, a huge range, and can incorporate any number of textures and colours into his voice, not to mention a jazz feel that rivals the greats, he can sing in tune- and how many excuses have we heard over the years from other artistes and their managers for why this doesn't, or can't always happen?
Will Young, you was robbed.
Get yourself a new manager fast- you deserve someone better
Love to all
Susan
25/11/2004
New voice speaking...
Strange new voice has emerged via my latest characters. Confirms my thoughts that I'm not alone when I write (spooky noises off)
That's not to say I don't like new voice- it's slightly oddball, much like yours truly. We shall see where this leads, and more importantly, if you like it, in the fulness of time.
Of course, this could just be my view because I'm a bit distracted today as I'm going to hear Will Young in concert tonight- For those of you who don't live in the UK, Will won the first (I think) Pop Idol competition here in the UK. He is uniquely talented in as much as he has a very individual voice, is intelligent, musical and divinely attractive to all sexes. As a lover of jazz I think his singing leans more towards that style than Pop', but, what's in the name of a television programme, after all!
Will let you know how it goes tomorrow
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
That's not to say I don't like new voice- it's slightly oddball, much like yours truly. We shall see where this leads, and more importantly, if you like it, in the fulness of time.
Of course, this could just be my view because I'm a bit distracted today as I'm going to hear Will Young in concert tonight- For those of you who don't live in the UK, Will won the first (I think) Pop Idol competition here in the UK. He is uniquely talented in as much as he has a very individual voice, is intelligent, musical and divinely attractive to all sexes. As a lover of jazz I think his singing leans more towards that style than Pop', but, what's in the name of a television programme, after all!
Will let you know how it goes tomorrow
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
24/11/2004
Plop Doodle!
So, you want to know how I've been spending my day, do you?
Realised why H and h were giving me the run around. My story outline was limp.
Therefore, wrote new, magnificent outline as well as 11 pages of the revised idea.
Then, for sake of not getting in muddle, tore up old outline and deleted all traces of it from my PC
Shame I didn't check which piece of work I was gaily tearing into shreds, wasn't it?
Pity I remembered to cleanse my PC, as well as the trash and every other possible trace of it, don't you think?
So, if you want to know what I've been doing- after peeling torn up work off soggy teabags and mouldy veg- I spent today playing jigsaws with some disgusting scraps of paper.
Sure it will all be worth it in the end:))
Back to the writing cave after reminding self never to tear up a day's work again... unless it's Plop Doodle, of course!
Love to all
Susan
ps
Have camels on new book cover- not sure if that was quite what I had in mind- go see what you think...
www.amazon.co.uk The Sheikh's Captive Bride
pps
Mr Norrell has just been to a party as chief guest, but couldn't find an opportunity to introduce himself, so no one knew who he was.
Only one gripe with book so far... wish footnotes had been in separate handbook- at moment am trying to read story and footnotes all together.
Realised why H and h were giving me the run around. My story outline was limp.
Therefore, wrote new, magnificent outline as well as 11 pages of the revised idea.
Then, for sake of not getting in muddle, tore up old outline and deleted all traces of it from my PC
Shame I didn't check which piece of work I was gaily tearing into shreds, wasn't it?
Pity I remembered to cleanse my PC, as well as the trash and every other possible trace of it, don't you think?
So, if you want to know what I've been doing- after peeling torn up work off soggy teabags and mouldy veg- I spent today playing jigsaws with some disgusting scraps of paper.
Sure it will all be worth it in the end:))
Back to the writing cave after reminding self never to tear up a day's work again... unless it's Plop Doodle, of course!
Love to all
Susan
ps
Have camels on new book cover- not sure if that was quite what I had in mind- go see what you think...
www.amazon.co.uk The Sheikh's Captive Bride
pps
Mr Norrell has just been to a party as chief guest, but couldn't find an opportunity to introduce himself, so no one knew who he was.
Only one gripe with book so far... wish footnotes had been in separate handbook- at moment am trying to read story and footnotes all together.
23/11/2004
Here's an interesting question...
And thank you to Denise for asking it...
If I found myself on a desert island with a piano (no hunk, just a piano), which two books of music would I want to have with me?
1) Czerny. Those Czerny studies are the bane of every serious piano student, but the Viennese master works systematically through every technique required to excel- and as a pupil of Beethoven, and a teacher of Liszt,I guess he knew what he was doing.
2) My second is a volume anyone around grade 5 and up should get enormous fun from:
Classic Piano Collection Edited by John Vallier and published by Cramer Music.
In this book you'll find a fantastic selection of piano music, from Bach to Beethoven, Schumann, Scriabin, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Brahms etc etc etc
It's the one book that's always sitting on my piano stand, because I can always find something to suit my mood within its covers.
On to books:
I'm told it's customary to swop where you're up to with Susanna Clarke's massive magical tour de force... Well, I only manage a few pages each night before my eyes droop- not Susanna's fault- entirely due to new H and h giving me the run around... and I've only had Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell sitting on my bedside table for three days BUT Mr Norrell has just given an incredible display of his magical talents inside York Minster- to mixed reviews from his fellow 'magicians'.
Back to the writing cave.
Oh, and before I forget for those of you living outside the UK, who are interested in such things, the day is mild, but dull, and no rain.... as yet.
Suffice it to say I rang for a ski brochure this morning- give me those snow-capped mountains, give me those blue blue skies, give me those snowy white pistes- give me those ski gods (who, believe it or not, are usually still around to hoist me up when I take a tumble- but they don't half shoot off quickly when they discover that the slender redhead is old enough to be their mother) Thank goodness for Gluhwein to dull the pain of rejection!
Love to all!
Susan
If I found myself on a desert island with a piano (no hunk, just a piano), which two books of music would I want to have with me?
1) Czerny. Those Czerny studies are the bane of every serious piano student, but the Viennese master works systematically through every technique required to excel- and as a pupil of Beethoven, and a teacher of Liszt,I guess he knew what he was doing.
2) My second is a volume anyone around grade 5 and up should get enormous fun from:
Classic Piano Collection Edited by John Vallier and published by Cramer Music.
In this book you'll find a fantastic selection of piano music, from Bach to Beethoven, Schumann, Scriabin, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Brahms etc etc etc
It's the one book that's always sitting on my piano stand, because I can always find something to suit my mood within its covers.
On to books:
I'm told it's customary to swop where you're up to with Susanna Clarke's massive magical tour de force... Well, I only manage a few pages each night before my eyes droop- not Susanna's fault- entirely due to new H and h giving me the run around... and I've only had Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell sitting on my bedside table for three days BUT Mr Norrell has just given an incredible display of his magical talents inside York Minster- to mixed reviews from his fellow 'magicians'.
Back to the writing cave.
Oh, and before I forget for those of you living outside the UK, who are interested in such things, the day is mild, but dull, and no rain.... as yet.
Suffice it to say I rang for a ski brochure this morning- give me those snow-capped mountains, give me those blue blue skies, give me those snowy white pistes- give me those ski gods (who, believe it or not, are usually still around to hoist me up when I take a tumble- but they don't half shoot off quickly when they discover that the slender redhead is old enough to be their mother) Thank goodness for Gluhwein to dull the pain of rejection!
Love to all!
Susan
22/11/2004
If music be the food of love, play on...
OK, so now you know just about everything about me (only joking) But some of you now want to know how I relax...
What? D'you mean when I'm not reading Susanna Clarke's incredible new super-sized novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell... totally incredible to all lovers of magic and magicians- ancient, but not necessarily old, if you see what I mean, or when I'm attending concerts... upcoming, Will Young- yes, I love him, Jools Holland- you mean there's someone who doesn't love him who reads this- shame on you, or REM= totally blissed out state...
I play the piano...
I always say, the day I stop being able to play the piano is the day I lose interest in life- it was the best, yes, the very best thing my mother ever did for me. Learning to play the piano equipped me with a lifetime of emotional outlet for happiness, sadness, and all states inbetween.
What do I play?
Lots of Beethoven, because I remember my mother playing the slow movement from Beethoven's Pathetique sonata- so when I play it, I always think of her... Scott Joplin's rags- especially if anyone tries to get me down- I play one of these, and think- yeh, follow that, baby! And Debussy, because he is so French, and so romantic, and has so many unexpected harmonies that just twang my soul, and Bach, because he found time to be a genius and sire 23 children... I could go on and on and on- but it's time to play the piano.
Wishing all of you music wherever you go
Love
Susan
PS BEFORE I went to play the piano I checked out www.xandraking.com That girl is getting really naughty. I think I have to keep on reading her column- when she can tear herself away from that toy boy of hers to write it- One day she might even tell us what's really going on!
Meanwhile, I notice there are more free stories up on www.lachmuirghan.com
Sxx
What? D'you mean when I'm not reading Susanna Clarke's incredible new super-sized novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell... totally incredible to all lovers of magic and magicians- ancient, but not necessarily old, if you see what I mean, or when I'm attending concerts... upcoming, Will Young- yes, I love him, Jools Holland- you mean there's someone who doesn't love him who reads this- shame on you, or REM= totally blissed out state...
I play the piano...
I always say, the day I stop being able to play the piano is the day I lose interest in life- it was the best, yes, the very best thing my mother ever did for me. Learning to play the piano equipped me with a lifetime of emotional outlet for happiness, sadness, and all states inbetween.
What do I play?
Lots of Beethoven, because I remember my mother playing the slow movement from Beethoven's Pathetique sonata- so when I play it, I always think of her... Scott Joplin's rags- especially if anyone tries to get me down- I play one of these, and think- yeh, follow that, baby! And Debussy, because he is so French, and so romantic, and has so many unexpected harmonies that just twang my soul, and Bach, because he found time to be a genius and sire 23 children... I could go on and on and on- but it's time to play the piano.
Wishing all of you music wherever you go
Love
Susan
PS BEFORE I went to play the piano I checked out www.xandraking.com That girl is getting really naughty. I think I have to keep on reading her column- when she can tear herself away from that toy boy of hers to write it- One day she might even tell us what's really going on!
Meanwhile, I notice there are more free stories up on www.lachmuirghan.com
Sxx
21/11/2004
Picture this, if you will...
Delightfully bloated, chocolate smears around mouth and down sweater, dribbles of champagne over everything,and no clean socks.
Yes, it's that birthday feeling- contrary to most sensible people who tend to let the day fade into nothingness as the years creep by, we go for increasing self-indulgence in this household. Conequently, I am barely able to lift my fingers to type this, let alone make any sense as I do so.
Bliss, absolute Bliss... and only another 51 weeks to go to the next one.
Thank you to everyone who mailed by snail and otherwise to send me their best, I appreciate your good wishes hugely.
Hope to be back in some sort of working order later tomorrow!
Love to all
Susan
Yes, it's that birthday feeling- contrary to most sensible people who tend to let the day fade into nothingness as the years creep by, we go for increasing self-indulgence in this household. Conequently, I am barely able to lift my fingers to type this, let alone make any sense as I do so.
Bliss, absolute Bliss... and only another 51 weeks to go to the next one.
Thank you to everyone who mailed by snail and otherwise to send me their best, I appreciate your good wishes hugely.
Hope to be back in some sort of working order later tomorrow!
Love to all
Susan
18/11/2004
Some fun for you...
Go check out your vampire name, or/and your fairy name on Emma Davies.net
Not sure I see myself as Feather Saturnwand, or Selene Beau Pre! You may be luckier than I was- only one way to find out!
Back to work, as having settled down after completing revisions with large block of choc' discovered 1001 things I still want to change, tweak- call it what you will, the time for chocolate isn't here yet!!
Love to all
Susan
Not sure I see myself as Feather Saturnwand, or Selene Beau Pre! You may be luckier than I was- only one way to find out!
Back to work, as having settled down after completing revisions with large block of choc' discovered 1001 things I still want to change, tweak- call it what you will, the time for chocolate isn't here yet!!
Love to all
Susan
17/11/2004
www.lachmuirghan.com/Fourth edition
This was too important to leave until tomorrow- so here I am with the fourth edition of the Susan Stephens Web Log.
Just by chance, while browsing the www.lachmuirghan.com site, I investigated one of the contributing author's web sites:
Xandra King at www.xandraking.com
I'm suspecting Xandra is a 'lady of a certain age' not too dissimilar to us, girls... and looks like she's having a whole lot more fun than we are!!!
Check out Xandra's web journal, if you don't believe me-
Will I be checking in tomorrow to find out what she's been doing with that young hunk she picked up at the gym? You bet I will!
Yes, I'm back again for the third time today.
Couldn't stop writing, even though I just finished work on my revisions (just for today- back again on them tomorrow)
I found tears streaming down my face at the end of Chapter Twelve- (not sure if this is a good sign, or not, but I sure as hell care about those characters)And now that definitely is IT for this blog for today!!
I wish I could colour code it for you so you knew where to begin!
Suffice it to say, that like most things in my life, read it bottom to top if you want to get things the right way round.
Clear everyone?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!
The first story on the Lachmuirghan site is up today. Written by Pandora you definitely can't afford to miss this one-
Stories for free? What could be better? Go visit. Go visit now...!!
Yes, I've decided to do a second edition today- mainly to answer some more e-mails... The weather here in the UK isn't too cold, but it is dark, wet and miserable... just the type of weather for reading lots of hot spicy passion!
There are slim pickings in the stream for the heron today- he's been hopping between the bridge and the water since dawn, and he's still there now at twenty to three in the afternoon. I'm so lucky with the wildlife here. If we move it will be one of the things I miss most...
Back to the writing cave for more passion- passion to the left of me, passion to the right... It's a hard old job, but someone's gotta do it!
I love my job, I love my job, I love my job etc
(ps isn't job an ugly word)
I love my occupation, I love my occupation- (takes too long to write)
I Love My Job. OK?
Love to all,
Susan
Just by chance, while browsing the www.lachmuirghan.com site, I investigated one of the contributing author's web sites:
Xandra King at www.xandraking.com
I'm suspecting Xandra is a 'lady of a certain age' not too dissimilar to us, girls... and looks like she's having a whole lot more fun than we are!!!
Check out Xandra's web journal, if you don't believe me-
Will I be checking in tomorrow to find out what she's been doing with that young hunk she picked up at the gym? You bet I will!
Yes, I'm back again for the third time today.
Couldn't stop writing, even though I just finished work on my revisions (just for today- back again on them tomorrow)
I found tears streaming down my face at the end of Chapter Twelve- (not sure if this is a good sign, or not, but I sure as hell care about those characters)And now that definitely is IT for this blog for today!!
I wish I could colour code it for you so you knew where to begin!
Suffice it to say, that like most things in my life, read it bottom to top if you want to get things the right way round.
Clear everyone?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!
The first story on the Lachmuirghan site is up today. Written by Pandora you definitely can't afford to miss this one-
Stories for free? What could be better? Go visit. Go visit now...!!
Yes, I've decided to do a second edition today- mainly to answer some more e-mails... The weather here in the UK isn't too cold, but it is dark, wet and miserable... just the type of weather for reading lots of hot spicy passion!
There are slim pickings in the stream for the heron today- he's been hopping between the bridge and the water since dawn, and he's still there now at twenty to three in the afternoon. I'm so lucky with the wildlife here. If we move it will be one of the things I miss most...
Back to the writing cave for more passion- passion to the left of me, passion to the right... It's a hard old job, but someone's gotta do it!
I love my job, I love my job, I love my job etc
(ps isn't job an ugly word)
I love my occupation, I love my occupation- (takes too long to write)
I Love My Job. OK?
Love to all,
Susan
16/11/2004
Answers...
Trying to answer at least some of my emails!
As a group to simply everyone who has mailed me to ask- I'm told www.lachmuirghan.com is coming down the line any day now, and I promise to let you all know.
Sorry, Jane B... can't give you first line of the book I'm working on right now- but how about this line from my very first book, The Spanish Inheritance (Uttered by the altogether reprehensible Ramon...)
'This is a private beach-'
Short, and to the point, non?
And Ruth- tonight I am not eating chocolate, so please don't worry about me... (though I'm incredibly flattered that you do!!!) I'm having grilled ham and pineapple with cauliflower cheese, carrots, creamy mashed potato, and crispy, crunchy broccoli. YUM... All courtesy, of course of my adorable Aga, which to those of you who are not familiar with this great cast iron beast, is an enormous comfort in winter when it throws out heat non-stop.
No, none of this is bought in packets with loads of unhealthy additives, and yes I really do love cooking, and bedsocks- not cooking bedsocks- wearing them...though not in bed...
This is getting far too complicated, so I'm going back to the writing cave now-
Love to all,
Susan
As a group to simply everyone who has mailed me to ask- I'm told www.lachmuirghan.com is coming down the line any day now, and I promise to let you all know.
Sorry, Jane B... can't give you first line of the book I'm working on right now- but how about this line from my very first book, The Spanish Inheritance (Uttered by the altogether reprehensible Ramon...)
'This is a private beach-'
Short, and to the point, non?
And Ruth- tonight I am not eating chocolate, so please don't worry about me... (though I'm incredibly flattered that you do!!!) I'm having grilled ham and pineapple with cauliflower cheese, carrots, creamy mashed potato, and crispy, crunchy broccoli. YUM... All courtesy, of course of my adorable Aga, which to those of you who are not familiar with this great cast iron beast, is an enormous comfort in winter when it throws out heat non-stop.
No, none of this is bought in packets with loads of unhealthy additives, and yes I really do love cooking, and bedsocks- not cooking bedsocks- wearing them...though not in bed...
This is getting far too complicated, so I'm going back to the writing cave now-
Love to all,
Susan
15/11/2004
Wee Willie Winkie?
When you find yourself scouring a catalogue for bedsocks, you know you're in trouble.
DH asking, 'Would you like a little hat to go with that, dear?' is another pointer that perhaps I ought to get out more.
OK, so Friday is not only the launch of the naughtiest Turk ever to hit the bookshops... Hail, Kemal Volkan- love ya, baby! But my birthday too, so don't forget to tuck a copy of 'One Chrismas Night' into your trolley when you hit the supermarket this week and sing, 'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Susan, happy birthday to yoooooooooo'
And then, when they lock you up in that nice padded cell, at least you'll have a good book to read...
Love to all from your friend
Susan
DH asking, 'Would you like a little hat to go with that, dear?' is another pointer that perhaps I ought to get out more.
OK, so Friday is not only the launch of the naughtiest Turk ever to hit the bookshops... Hail, Kemal Volkan- love ya, baby! But my birthday too, so don't forget to tuck a copy of 'One Chrismas Night' into your trolley when you hit the supermarket this week and sing, 'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Susan, happy birthday to yoooooooooo'
And then, when they lock you up in that nice padded cell, at least you'll have a good book to read...
Love to all from your friend
Susan
14/11/2004
Discoveries...
My latest?
The weekend.
Walking dogs... very slowly, to accord with their elderly status.
Later, walk with ds... briskly, to accord with the fact that there is champagne chilling in the fridge.
It's great- no sprogs, no work... therefore I prepared nibbles, including ciabatta with tomato and anchovies- my favourite, and put champagne flutes into the freezer to mist up, and hey presto!When we returned from our walk- self-indulgent bliss.
What did we eat for lunch? Why, a cream cake I made yesterday-
When the sprogs are away there is no longer any need to pretend that the future hangs on a good roast dinner!
We might just start on the chocolate later...
Love to all, and enjoy what's left of the weekend!
Susan
ps The www.lachmuirghan.com site is the biggest tease ever- it's coming up in stages... still waiting for those stories, girls- Hurry up! Hurry up! I'm so excited, I really Can't Wait!!!
The weekend.
Walking dogs... very slowly, to accord with their elderly status.
Later, walk with ds... briskly, to accord with the fact that there is champagne chilling in the fridge.
It's great- no sprogs, no work... therefore I prepared nibbles, including ciabatta with tomato and anchovies- my favourite, and put champagne flutes into the freezer to mist up, and hey presto!When we returned from our walk- self-indulgent bliss.
What did we eat for lunch? Why, a cream cake I made yesterday-
When the sprogs are away there is no longer any need to pretend that the future hangs on a good roast dinner!
We might just start on the chocolate later...
Love to all, and enjoy what's left of the weekend!
Susan
ps The www.lachmuirghan.com site is the biggest tease ever- it's coming up in stages... still waiting for those stories, girls- Hurry up! Hurry up! I'm so excited, I really Can't Wait!!!
12/11/2004
The last lap...
What joy to have a really productive chat with an ed'
What joy to finally know your characters inside out.
Some characters take longer to reveal themselves than others, and although you may have a very clear story in your head, it's not always possible to know exactly how those characters are going to behave once they take the baton and run with it.
So, don't be afraid of going right back to the beginning- maybe more than once- to get every nuance in their behaviour right.
When you do know your characters, there's no better feeling. It becomes a race to the finish as you hasten to put everything they're telling you down on paper.
Have a great weekend everyone, even if, like here, the day is dark, damp and miserable.
Love to you all, and lots of happy writing as well as reading!
ps Lachmuirghan should be up and running by next week- that will put some sunshine in our lives, I promise!
Susan
What joy to finally know your characters inside out.
Some characters take longer to reveal themselves than others, and although you may have a very clear story in your head, it's not always possible to know exactly how those characters are going to behave once they take the baton and run with it.
So, don't be afraid of going right back to the beginning- maybe more than once- to get every nuance in their behaviour right.
When you do know your characters, there's no better feeling. It becomes a race to the finish as you hasten to put everything they're telling you down on paper.
Have a great weekend everyone, even if, like here, the day is dark, damp and miserable.
Love to you all, and lots of happy writing as well as reading!
ps Lachmuirghan should be up and running by next week- that will put some sunshine in our lives, I promise!
Susan
11/11/2004
One for the girls...
www.scarletmagazine.co.uk
Yep, that's it for today, girls. What it is to have daughters- they're always leading me astray! (thank goodness!)
But if the men have their mags, what wrong with women having mags?
No shame, no blame, agreed?
Love to all!
Susan
Yep, that's it for today, girls. What it is to have daughters- they're always leading me astray! (thank goodness!)
But if the men have their mags, what wrong with women having mags?
No shame, no blame, agreed?
Love to all!
Susan
10/11/2004
Pushing the envelope...
This book. This book that has to be in by December. This book that should be coming out either late 2005, or early 2006. Yes, that book.
I have pushed the envelope so far out of the nest with this one I only hope it can fly. If not, none of you will ever speak to me again- I shall be blackballed by my fellow authors, and forced to feed paper into copying machines forever- or take a job as a petrol pump attendant, if there's a vacancy at my local store.
Yes, I know you have to be adventurous in writing. I see all the reasons for it. And I trust my ed completely...But Why Me??
Having said that, I'm leaking tears over quite a few pages- and getting quite hot and bothered over others... frequent breaks req'd, believe me.
Cold shower-breaks next chapter...
The only hint I can give you at this stage is that when emotions are huge, actions need to be similarly colossal. And yes, I've given you a scorching hot alpha with all sorts of hang-ups that are never allowed to impinge upon his performance in the bedroom.
And an alpha heroine who is complex, strong, and suppressed. Say n'more.
Oh, heck- I'd better get back to them!
Also... have you visited www.lachmuirghan.com today? Where you will find another superb web mistress hard at work? Go see...
Wendy and Jo- you're the best.
Love to all
Susan
I have pushed the envelope so far out of the nest with this one I only hope it can fly. If not, none of you will ever speak to me again- I shall be blackballed by my fellow authors, and forced to feed paper into copying machines forever- or take a job as a petrol pump attendant, if there's a vacancy at my local store.
Yes, I know you have to be adventurous in writing. I see all the reasons for it. And I trust my ed completely...But Why Me??
Having said that, I'm leaking tears over quite a few pages- and getting quite hot and bothered over others... frequent breaks req'd, believe me.
Cold shower-breaks next chapter...
The only hint I can give you at this stage is that when emotions are huge, actions need to be similarly colossal. And yes, I've given you a scorching hot alpha with all sorts of hang-ups that are never allowed to impinge upon his performance in the bedroom.
And an alpha heroine who is complex, strong, and suppressed. Say n'more.
Oh, heck- I'd better get back to them!
Also... have you visited www.lachmuirghan.com today? Where you will find another superb web mistress hard at work? Go see...
Wendy and Jo- you're the best.
Love to all
Susan
09/11/2004
Seeing the Light...
I am re-writing my book. Yes, the one that has to be in for December.
It was a mild comment from my ed (they know how to ring my bell) 'Have you dug deep enough on this one?'
Dug deep enough? I got halfway to Australia Grrrh! Aaaargh Hisss! And Grrrrh again for good measure.
Then I woke up in the middle of the night, and I knew, I KNEW she was RIGHT.
Oh yeh, baby, I saw the light! Well, I should have done- I switched it on, disturbing dh from his slumbers.
Rushing downstairs, I typed, 'Prologue' and sat back with a big grin on my face.
Why? Because I could see the story hiding behind my story- and without my ed' those blinkers of mine would have stayed firmly in place.
Thank heavens for good editors everywhere- without them those 'better' books would never see the light of day.
Love, and many happy collaborations of the literary kind to you all!
Susan
It was a mild comment from my ed (they know how to ring my bell) 'Have you dug deep enough on this one?'
Dug deep enough? I got halfway to Australia Grrrh! Aaaargh Hisss! And Grrrrh again for good measure.
Then I woke up in the middle of the night, and I knew, I KNEW she was RIGHT.
Oh yeh, baby, I saw the light! Well, I should have done- I switched it on, disturbing dh from his slumbers.
Rushing downstairs, I typed, 'Prologue' and sat back with a big grin on my face.
Why? Because I could see the story hiding behind my story- and without my ed' those blinkers of mine would have stayed firmly in place.
Thank heavens for good editors everywhere- without them those 'better' books would never see the light of day.
Love, and many happy collaborations of the literary kind to you all!
Susan
08/11/2004
Highland mist...
I've just come out of the writing cave to answer several e-mails at once:
No, the link to www.lachmuirghan.com on my web site isn't broken.
That cheeky little site is coming down the road really soon, and I promise to let you know the minute I hear anything.
And now to what I thought was Stacy G's very clever request... What was it?
'Can you please tell us the first line of The Sultan's Seduction to whet our appetite, Susan?'
My pleasure, Stacy G!!
'When you walk through those doors, you leave your world behind and enter mine-'
Oooh, I've gone all funny at the knees- but then I know what comes next!
See you tomorrow everyone!
Love to all!
Susan
No, the link to www.lachmuirghan.com on my web site isn't broken.
That cheeky little site is coming down the road really soon, and I promise to let you know the minute I hear anything.
And now to what I thought was Stacy G's very clever request... What was it?
'Can you please tell us the first line of The Sultan's Seduction to whet our appetite, Susan?'
My pleasure, Stacy G!!
'When you walk through those doors, you leave your world behind and enter mine-'
Oooh, I've gone all funny at the knees- but then I know what comes next!
See you tomorrow everyone!
Love to all!
Susan
07/11/2004
The Last Word...
Sorry I didn't make it yesterday- I had a sort of cumulative exhaustion day, which when you live life at the pace I do, is bound to happen sometime.
However, here I am back again, and revving on all engines.
Wanted a last word on my delicious Turkish billionaire, Kemal Volkan... I can see him now as I talk to you- Kemal has night-dark shadows beneath his cheekbones, knowing eyes, and wicked ways...
BUT I wanted to call the book, 'Seducing the Sultan' not 'The Sultan's Seduction' .
What's the difference? You might ask.
Don't let Lizzie Palmer, our heroine hear you- she's one strong woman- and she's still smarting from a title that makes it sound as if she was a compliant milksop waiting around in the harem in the hope of being seduced.
Kemal also likes buying lots and lots of prezzies... (he's definitely our kind of guy, girls!)...and with Chrismtas coming up, we all want some of that, don't we?!
So, to keep Lizzie happy, we'll call it 'Seducing the Sultan' here... it will be our little secret.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
However, here I am back again, and revving on all engines.
Wanted a last word on my delicious Turkish billionaire, Kemal Volkan... I can see him now as I talk to you- Kemal has night-dark shadows beneath his cheekbones, knowing eyes, and wicked ways...
BUT I wanted to call the book, 'Seducing the Sultan' not 'The Sultan's Seduction' .
What's the difference? You might ask.
Don't let Lizzie Palmer, our heroine hear you- she's one strong woman- and she's still smarting from a title that makes it sound as if she was a compliant milksop waiting around in the harem in the hope of being seduced.
Kemal also likes buying lots and lots of prezzies... (he's definitely our kind of guy, girls!)...and with Chrismtas coming up, we all want some of that, don't we?!
So, to keep Lizzie happy, we'll call it 'Seducing the Sultan' here... it will be our little secret.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
05/11/2004
Wonderful Wendywoo...
All my glorious festive updates are due to one fantastic person: Wendywoo!!!Check out Wendy's link on this website if you want a website as good as mine... Thank you, Wendy, as always, everything is absolutely spot on.
Just reading the blurb to my latest story... part of the anthology, 'One Christmas Night'.
Excuse me girls, chaps, et al... Who wouldn't like to be 'forced' to spend Christmas with gorgeous Turkish billionaire, Kemal Volkan? Or am I missing something??
Don't all rush at once when I tell you that Kemal taught me how to... Aw, no, you really don't want to know- Not from me, anyway... Trust Kemal- that's all I'm saying...
Yes, you already know I'm a little bit crazy, but life can be dull if you ain't, right?
Love to all, and have a great weekend!!
Susan
Just reading the blurb to my latest story... part of the anthology, 'One Christmas Night'.
Excuse me girls, chaps, et al... Who wouldn't like to be 'forced' to spend Christmas with gorgeous Turkish billionaire, Kemal Volkan? Or am I missing something??
Don't all rush at once when I tell you that Kemal taught me how to... Aw, no, you really don't want to know- Not from me, anyway... Trust Kemal- that's all I'm saying...
Yes, you already know I'm a little bit crazy, but life can be dull if you ain't, right?
Love to all, and have a great weekend!!
Susan
04/11/2004
Time to plant a tree...
To replace all the paper I've used up creating my final draft of the latest ms
Hands up all those who like to read a hard copy, rather than simply view their work on a screen...
Eeeugh!
OK, that was a trick question. After feet, face, hair and teeth, we come to nails...
When was your last manicure? Don't you know how restful it is to have creams and ungents massaged into your work-worn hands? Get those nails sorted.
When was my last manicure?
Don't be ridiculous- I don't have time for things like that!
Back to the wip and the destruction of another square mile of rain forest-
Love to all from your somewhat grumpy friend
Susan
Hands up all those who like to read a hard copy, rather than simply view their work on a screen...
Eeeugh!
OK, that was a trick question. After feet, face, hair and teeth, we come to nails...
When was your last manicure? Don't you know how restful it is to have creams and ungents massaged into your work-worn hands? Get those nails sorted.
When was my last manicure?
Don't be ridiculous- I don't have time for things like that!
Back to the wip and the destruction of another square mile of rain forest-
Love to all from your somewhat grumpy friend
Susan
03/11/2004
From feet to face, and on to hash browns...
Having brought my feet to the highest standards known to man, it's only fair that I do some work on the bits of me the rest of you have to look at...
And so I come to you this evening, teeth gleaming, eyes sparkling, hair shining... Oh, yey, and feet pertly pink and smelling of... well, if not exactly roses, then grapefruit, at least... For as all of you must know by now, Jo Malone's 'Grapefruit' scent and Chanel's Numero Cinqo, are without doubt, my all time favourites.
I also have news of some yummy recipes heading our way shortly from Mississippi.
Hi to Melanie, Laura, June, Suzanne, and Sheri... Remember them? Check out the RWA 2004 conference page on this web site for photographs of us all together in Dallas.
Sheri was signed shortly after conference- see what that conference magic does for you!! Check out her new web site, if you haven't already at: www.sherisecrets.com
Can't wait to find out what I have to do with that Okra and the frozen hash browns, girls!! Tell you what- I'll post the recipe here, and then we can all try making it!
After restoration work on the ancient bod' I spent the day working on revisions. Yes, yes of course I get them. Don't believe anyone who says they don't- It's about as believable as someone telling you that their teenager gives them no worries.
The eds only want to bring out the best in your writing- and I have to say that my eds have all, without exception, been fantastic. The best part of writing, as far as I'm concerned, is when you have someone who understands the market take an objective look at your work. Team work- you can't beat it!
Get reading! Get writing! Get happy! Get short toe nails!
Love to you all
Susan
And so I come to you this evening, teeth gleaming, eyes sparkling, hair shining... Oh, yey, and feet pertly pink and smelling of... well, if not exactly roses, then grapefruit, at least... For as all of you must know by now, Jo Malone's 'Grapefruit' scent and Chanel's Numero Cinqo, are without doubt, my all time favourites.
I also have news of some yummy recipes heading our way shortly from Mississippi.
Hi to Melanie, Laura, June, Suzanne, and Sheri... Remember them? Check out the RWA 2004 conference page on this web site for photographs of us all together in Dallas.
Sheri was signed shortly after conference- see what that conference magic does for you!! Check out her new web site, if you haven't already at: www.sherisecrets.com
Can't wait to find out what I have to do with that Okra and the frozen hash browns, girls!! Tell you what- I'll post the recipe here, and then we can all try making it!
After restoration work on the ancient bod' I spent the day working on revisions. Yes, yes of course I get them. Don't believe anyone who says they don't- It's about as believable as someone telling you that their teenager gives them no worries.
The eds only want to bring out the best in your writing- and I have to say that my eds have all, without exception, been fantastic. The best part of writing, as far as I'm concerned, is when you have someone who understands the market take an objective look at your work. Team work- you can't beat it!
Get reading! Get writing! Get happy! Get short toe nails!
Love to you all
Susan
02/11/2004
Barefoot and proud...
Don't tell me there isn't a society somewhere that celebrates feet?
Today I bare mine- and they are beautiful, even if I say so myself.
(Not until you had masses of surgery, they weren't SS, so stop your bragging)
OK, OK, so you didn't know you could have plastic surgery for feet- now you do.
(It's called bunion surgery SS, cut the blagging)
So, what's a bunion or two between friends?
(A bloody big lump on the side of your foot- that's what)
Some people always have to have the last word, don't you find?
The countdown has really started for www.lachmuirghan.com
Even I'm watching out for it every day though I know I'll get a message from one of the contributors to tell me when the site is up.
Have a great day everyone!
Love to you all
Susan
Today I bare mine- and they are beautiful, even if I say so myself.
(Not until you had masses of surgery, they weren't SS, so stop your bragging)
OK, OK, so you didn't know you could have plastic surgery for feet- now you do.
(It's called bunion surgery SS, cut the blagging)
So, what's a bunion or two between friends?
(A bloody big lump on the side of your foot- that's what)
Some people always have to have the last word, don't you find?
The countdown has really started for www.lachmuirghan.com
Even I'm watching out for it every day though I know I'll get a message from one of the contributors to tell me when the site is up.
Have a great day everyone!
Love to you all
Susan
01/11/2004
Fawlty Towers...
Is thriving in our village under new, female management...
When I have lunch with one particular chum we customarily order lots of dishes and two small plates so we can try the lot... When we politely asked again... and again (still politely) for our small plates today we were told, 'When I've got time-' (the place was half empty- we were supposed not to have noticed this fact, presumably)
Then two pleasant looking ladies arrived and sat for around twenty minutes without being spoken to- up to the moment when they were told, 'we stopped serving 5 minutes ago-'
'But we've been here for twenty-'
'I don't think you have-' came the warm and welcoming reply from mine host.
Ah, well, she was obviously having a bad day!
And so were the ladies from the Cheshire Chords barbershop choir when none of them could get their heads into their new red frocks...
Of course the necklines had been cut too small- what else could possibly be the problem, ladies?
(You know I love you- and the best of good luck for Convention- you are the best!!)
And now back to my story of wild Irishmen, even wilder women, and one cool 'grey' businessman...
Cool, did I say? Not when Carly Tate gets her hands on him-
Oh, boy, I love those strong, silent types...
Love to you all, and happy reading!
Susan
When I have lunch with one particular chum we customarily order lots of dishes and two small plates so we can try the lot... When we politely asked again... and again (still politely) for our small plates today we were told, 'When I've got time-' (the place was half empty- we were supposed not to have noticed this fact, presumably)
Then two pleasant looking ladies arrived and sat for around twenty minutes without being spoken to- up to the moment when they were told, 'we stopped serving 5 minutes ago-'
'But we've been here for twenty-'
'I don't think you have-' came the warm and welcoming reply from mine host.
Ah, well, she was obviously having a bad day!
And so were the ladies from the Cheshire Chords barbershop choir when none of them could get their heads into their new red frocks...
Of course the necklines had been cut too small- what else could possibly be the problem, ladies?
(You know I love you- and the best of good luck for Convention- you are the best!!)
And now back to my story of wild Irishmen, even wilder women, and one cool 'grey' businessman...
Cool, did I say? Not when Carly Tate gets her hands on him-
Oh, boy, I love those strong, silent types...
Love to you all, and happy reading!
Susan
