27/03/2005
Sugar Mountains...
Hellooooo!
Here I am, back again, and already trying to book next year's ski trip!
Am missing the mountains so much I have just made two dozen meringues in the shape of mini-mountains... if I can't ski em', I'll eat em'!
Oh the joy of hot sun, blue skies and crisp snow. There really isn't anything quite like it- even for an unsporty person like me, who's afraid of heights.
Must admit the first time each year when I go swinging up a mountain on one of those flimsy-looking ski lifts I'm a bit queasy- but rather like flying, which I hate too- if I don't do it, I don't get anywhere.
The first time I point my skis downhill and go, I wonder if I am mad- but when I get to the bottom I feel so great I just have to find another slopes and do it all over again- And actually, there are far riskier things than skiing- trying to walk in ski boots, for instance... or trying not to fall over when I ski off the ski lift... In fact it's always quite a relief to get on that slope and let my skis run...
Have discovered new skills: skiing sideways at high speed to avoid out-of-control snowboarders, and skiing uphill to avoid going downhill when the pitch of the slope becomes truly terrifying!
My only complaint this year was that my bed in the hotel appeared to have been made by someone with a power tool! It took the strength of ten virgins to pull the sheets free and climb aboard!
Well, it's great to be back... Looking forward to sharing lots of news with you- and a big thank you to those of you who have already sent in entries for the new competition...
I forgot to mention that if you enjoy Spanish food, there's a lot of info re' authentic Paella in my forthcoming book, The Spanish Billionaire's Mistress. My then editor was a real 'foodie', and gave me my head with the cooking elements. Like me, she believes that good loving requires nourishment of the most delicious kind...
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
Here I am, back again, and already trying to book next year's ski trip!
Am missing the mountains so much I have just made two dozen meringues in the shape of mini-mountains... if I can't ski em', I'll eat em'!
Oh the joy of hot sun, blue skies and crisp snow. There really isn't anything quite like it- even for an unsporty person like me, who's afraid of heights.
Must admit the first time each year when I go swinging up a mountain on one of those flimsy-looking ski lifts I'm a bit queasy- but rather like flying, which I hate too- if I don't do it, I don't get anywhere.
The first time I point my skis downhill and go, I wonder if I am mad- but when I get to the bottom I feel so great I just have to find another slopes and do it all over again- And actually, there are far riskier things than skiing- trying to walk in ski boots, for instance... or trying not to fall over when I ski off the ski lift... In fact it's always quite a relief to get on that slope and let my skis run...
Have discovered new skills: skiing sideways at high speed to avoid out-of-control snowboarders, and skiing uphill to avoid going downhill when the pitch of the slope becomes truly terrifying!
My only complaint this year was that my bed in the hotel appeared to have been made by someone with a power tool! It took the strength of ten virgins to pull the sheets free and climb aboard!
Well, it's great to be back... Looking forward to sharing lots of news with you- and a big thank you to those of you who have already sent in entries for the new competition...
I forgot to mention that if you enjoy Spanish food, there's a lot of info re' authentic Paella in my forthcoming book, The Spanish Billionaire's Mistress. My then editor was a real 'foodie', and gave me my head with the cooking elements. Like me, she believes that good loving requires nourishment of the most delicious kind...
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
17/03/2005
Fair dibs...
Well, I guess as the sprogs so rightly say, it is my turn...
For flu, that is.
And yes, I'm due to do battle with some neatly groomed pistes on Saturday...
At least ski resorts are civilised, possessing as they do numerous bars where medicinal tinctures may be imbibed twenty-four seven...
Or, as the sprogs would say (in their usual delicate way) Red wine...! Get It In!!
Love to all, and hoping you're spared from this elf-splat lurgy...
Susan
For flu, that is.
And yes, I'm due to do battle with some neatly groomed pistes on Saturday...
At least ski resorts are civilised, possessing as they do numerous bars where medicinal tinctures may be imbibed twenty-four seven...
Or, as the sprogs would say (in their usual delicate way) Red wine...! Get It In!!
Love to all, and hoping you're spared from this elf-splat lurgy...
Susan
15/03/2005
The dreaded lurgy...
Or should it be lurghy... or lurgee? Yes, I think we all know that's not right.
But I digress- I am coming to you today through a mist of red wine and Beechams flu' strength powders. Uuuuuuuurgh!
Everyone together now, 'Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!'
But this time next week, when the clean fresh mountain air is whistling through my lungs I will be completely cured.
How do I know this?
Because it works every time.
And what is an exercise-shy, unsporty type, who hates the cold, and who is terrified of heights doing floating on a plank of wood hundreds of feet off a snowy piste each year?
Because it is simply the best holiday known to man.
And why is this so?
Because each year I conquer my fears again, and because each year the atmosphere is unparalleled, and because each year I meet such fascinating people in ski school...
a vintner from South Africa... A baron from Austria... a violin maker from Gothenberg... A small man with a gigantic brain who worked in IT in California and could ski the pants off all us taller folk...
If I had to miss out on one holiday, it would not be my ski trip, I assure you.
Who will I meet this year?
I can hardly wait to find out!
(And no, I have never once been cold- In fact I need more sun tan lotion in the mountains than I do on a beach)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Oh, and PS to all my dear friends in the US, who have kept The Greek's Seven-Day Seduction on Waldenbooks for the third week. I'm so glad you loved Iannis as much as I did!
Sxxx
But I digress- I am coming to you today through a mist of red wine and Beechams flu' strength powders. Uuuuuuuurgh!
Everyone together now, 'Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!'
But this time next week, when the clean fresh mountain air is whistling through my lungs I will be completely cured.
How do I know this?
Because it works every time.
And what is an exercise-shy, unsporty type, who hates the cold, and who is terrified of heights doing floating on a plank of wood hundreds of feet off a snowy piste each year?
Because it is simply the best holiday known to man.
And why is this so?
Because each year I conquer my fears again, and because each year the atmosphere is unparalleled, and because each year I meet such fascinating people in ski school...
a vintner from South Africa... A baron from Austria... a violin maker from Gothenberg... A small man with a gigantic brain who worked in IT in California and could ski the pants off all us taller folk...
If I had to miss out on one holiday, it would not be my ski trip, I assure you.
Who will I meet this year?
I can hardly wait to find out!
(And no, I have never once been cold- In fact I need more sun tan lotion in the mountains than I do on a beach)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Oh, and PS to all my dear friends in the US, who have kept The Greek's Seven-Day Seduction on Waldenbooks for the third week. I'm so glad you loved Iannis as much as I did!
Sxxx
12/03/2005
RNA TEAM MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS!
Dashing off, but not before I offer massive congratulations to the RNA's very own team of super-brains, who won their heat of the ever popular show, 'University Challenge'. An off-shoot of the uni' show, this one features other interest groups including our very own Romantic Novelists here in the UK
With a huge score they are now into the next round and can drool (if so they wish) over Jeremy Paxman all over again.
Well done ladies, and gentleman, you've done us proud!
Of course there may be some of you out there who don't know that our very own Harlequin Mills & Boon author, the fabulous Sara Craven won Master Mind here in the UK not so long ago.
I see this team going all the way, and I've got everything crossed for them...
I shall be raising a glass of champagne to them later!
Love to you all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
With a huge score they are now into the next round and can drool (if so they wish) over Jeremy Paxman all over again.
Well done ladies, and gentleman, you've done us proud!
Of course there may be some of you out there who don't know that our very own Harlequin Mills & Boon author, the fabulous Sara Craven won Master Mind here in the UK not so long ago.
I see this team going all the way, and I've got everything crossed for them...
I shall be raising a glass of champagne to them later!
Love to you all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
11/03/2005
Oh, the optimism...
Minimus is in demand. Tomorrow she is supposed to be singing at both ends of the country at once. Unfortunately for school, a private request was made some time ago by a close friend, and this must be honoured. School haven't given up, asking if she could drive from Crewe to Carlisle in time to sing in the church... Two hours? Eerm, let me think... She will have to learn to fly helicopters if this continues!
Having great fun writing at the moment- but then it's raining outside, and freezing cold... Who wouldn't prefer to be in a balmy climate where both the sun and the men are hot?
Off to eat chocolate- Well, it's Friday, after all!
Happy red COMIC RELIEF nose day! To everyone in the UK
And come on, Ade, tonight!!! You're going to knock em' dead!! (what a very odd expression)
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
And ps Thank you to all the wonderful readers out there who have made The Sheikh's Captive Bride such a fantabulous success!! Go Kahlil!
Sx
Having great fun writing at the moment- but then it's raining outside, and freezing cold... Who wouldn't prefer to be in a balmy climate where both the sun and the men are hot?
Off to eat chocolate- Well, it's Friday, after all!
Happy red COMIC RELIEF nose day! To everyone in the UK
And come on, Ade, tonight!!! You're going to knock em' dead!! (what a very odd expression)
Love to all, and happy reading!
Susan
And ps Thank you to all the wonderful readers out there who have made The Sheikh's Captive Bride such a fantabulous success!! Go Kahlil!
Sx
10/03/2005
Who, me?
In a group of prospective (young) (very young) students and accompanying parents, the tall, intense young man bore down on me...
We were standing admiring the climbing wall at the 'big city' uni' where minimus was in the process of casting her beady eye...
'It's only five pounds a year to join,' the intense young man assured me, 'and for that you not only get membership of this club, but full insurance cover for when you go mountaineering in the UK-'
'That sounds like a very good deal,' I answered hoarsely, my throat having closed up in terror as I stared at the sheer face...
Mountaineer, moi? A resounding, NON!
BTW Was thrilled to see my good Aussie chum and new Presents author, Trish Morey flying up the Bookscan Hot 100 here in the UK.
Trish won all sorts of everything before debuting with a fantastic story. She's a tireless worker for the OZ romantic novelists association, working hard to encourage new writers as well as supporting those already locked inside the writing cave.
Trish will be signing for the first time this year in Reno for those of you in the US. And if you haven't read Trish's book yet, don't waste a minute- you're in for a treat!
Many many congratulations, Trish!!
That's it for today!
Love to everyone, and happy reading!
Susan
We were standing admiring the climbing wall at the 'big city' uni' where minimus was in the process of casting her beady eye...
'It's only five pounds a year to join,' the intense young man assured me, 'and for that you not only get membership of this club, but full insurance cover for when you go mountaineering in the UK-'
'That sounds like a very good deal,' I answered hoarsely, my throat having closed up in terror as I stared at the sheer face...
Mountaineer, moi? A resounding, NON!
BTW Was thrilled to see my good Aussie chum and new Presents author, Trish Morey flying up the Bookscan Hot 100 here in the UK.
Trish won all sorts of everything before debuting with a fantastic story. She's a tireless worker for the OZ romantic novelists association, working hard to encourage new writers as well as supporting those already locked inside the writing cave.
Trish will be signing for the first time this year in Reno for those of you in the US. And if you haven't read Trish's book yet, don't waste a minute- you're in for a treat!
Many many congratulations, Trish!!
That's it for today!
Love to everyone, and happy reading!
Susan
09/03/2005
Flying visit...
Off to a 'big city' university today with minimus to see if the frantic pace suits her better than the laid back 'so similar to school' campus in the country.
Wanted to say before I go that here in the UK there are meetings of Romantic Novelists under the RNA banner all over the country- and if anyone would like to know more about them, or how to join, they can contact me through this site and I'll give them all the info' I can.
That's it for now- must dash... have a scene to write before I go!
Love to all, and happy reading and writing everyone!
Susan
Wanted to say before I go that here in the UK there are meetings of Romantic Novelists under the RNA banner all over the country- and if anyone would like to know more about them, or how to join, they can contact me through this site and I'll give them all the info' I can.
That's it for now- must dash... have a scene to write before I go!
Love to all, and happy reading and writing everyone!
Susan
08/03/2005
A walking advertisement...
Got chatting to a young man at the bank today. No, I wasn't cradle-snatching, he was working there, and I was extolling the virtues of The Romantic Novelists Association here in the UK.
Apparently his mother is a keen reader of Mills and Boon, and has an assortment of manuscripts in various stages of completion dotted around the house.
I was happy to tell him that there is no better place for any aspiring writer to seek help and inspiration than the RNA- unless, of course you live in the US, when you will find all the support you could ask for at the RWA, or Romance Writers of America.
Here in the UK the RNA runs a fantastic 'New Writer's' scheme, where your manuscript will be read by someone already published in the particular area of romance in which you write.
If you are interested in joining the RNA, you can find them at www.rna-uk.org
I can't recommend the organisation highly enough- and remember there are plenty of male romance writers too- so don't be shy if you're a prospective male member, so to speak... Because no one will bat an eyelid.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Apparently his mother is a keen reader of Mills and Boon, and has an assortment of manuscripts in various stages of completion dotted around the house.
I was happy to tell him that there is no better place for any aspiring writer to seek help and inspiration than the RNA- unless, of course you live in the US, when you will find all the support you could ask for at the RWA, or Romance Writers of America.
Here in the UK the RNA runs a fantastic 'New Writer's' scheme, where your manuscript will be read by someone already published in the particular area of romance in which you write.
If you are interested in joining the RNA, you can find them at www.rna-uk.org
I can't recommend the organisation highly enough- and remember there are plenty of male romance writers too- so don't be shy if you're a prospective male member, so to speak... Because no one will bat an eyelid.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
05/03/2005
Animation...
Forgot to mention that on www.m-floogle.com there's a rather clever animation- or at least, I thought it was... in fact, I've seen very similar things at Tate Modern- but there you are... Some works are called art, and others *art. Depends on your viewpoint, I guess! If you want to take a look, it's called Acquiescence.
Have been to see Sprog Minor's new house... they have just discovered their kitchen floor is soaking wet and rotten... Oh, the joys of a new home- I wonder what other little surprises await poor Minor and LFG?
I left a bottle of champagne and some food, as well as some 'mood candles' and some new fluffy towels... sounds like they're going to need them (for mopping up the floor!)
That's it for now.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Love
Susan
Have been to see Sprog Minor's new house... they have just discovered their kitchen floor is soaking wet and rotten... Oh, the joys of a new home- I wonder what other little surprises await poor Minor and LFG?
I left a bottle of champagne and some food, as well as some 'mood candles' and some new fluffy towels... sounds like they're going to need them (for mopping up the floor!)
That's it for now.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!
Love
Susan
04/03/2005
A Little Something For The Weekend...
This weekend in my quest to bring you something new and entertaining, allow me to present: www.m-floogle.com, created by some young friends of mine. They have come up with an ingenious way to entertain the world...No, be serious- The Universe.
The gang of Flooglelites that I have been introduced to, are in fact the greatest creations of all time. Moonpig, the leader(!) born in a pie, and poor little Peej, who comes from the planet 'Sneeblebleep-Pankiboyd' ,whose only defence mechanism is to repeat his name at a high pitch, for example.
But perhaps the most entertaining Flooglelites of all are the Sneebles, who spread happiness everywhere... as this is the only emotion they possess (if only!).
This is clearly a work of genius! I leave you now to enjoy the entertainment that is the 'Martian Flooglelites'.
Love to all, and happy spacetravel!
Susan
The gang of Flooglelites that I have been introduced to, are in fact the greatest creations of all time. Moonpig, the leader(!) born in a pie, and poor little Peej, who comes from the planet 'Sneeblebleep-Pankiboyd' ,whose only defence mechanism is to repeat his name at a high pitch, for example.
But perhaps the most entertaining Flooglelites of all are the Sneebles, who spread happiness everywhere... as this is the only emotion they possess (if only!).
This is clearly a work of genius! I leave you now to enjoy the entertainment that is the 'Martian Flooglelites'.
Love to all, and happy spacetravel!
Susan
03/03/2005
Roars and whimpers...
My uni' visit with minimus revealed a campus that I could best describe as lacklustre... She ruled it out, unsurprisingly. However, our lunch in a very nice pub' afterwards was a home cooked delight.
See what happens when you head for the hills?!
I arrived home to high drama, and plenty of roars. Minor (really will have to find a more suitable name for my big, strapping rugby-playing, boxing hunk of a son- the best suggestion will be rewarded in the usual way) Right now, his name is Monster- and not Monster Minor, either!
This weekend he moves into his new house with the LFG- so naturally, my house is rapidly emptying of furniture (anyone with a few orange boxes they can spare?)
Closing a door (in Minor's words)gently (well, that's a laugh for a start)
but firmly (more like it), he trapped the tip of Pixie's tail, separating the adorable white tip from the amber whole!
Cat screamed, LFG screamed...and, you'll be as pleased to hear as I was, that Monster Major screamed too when Pixie attached herself to his leg, doing quite a bit of damage.
The emergency vet thought it was amusing... Change of vet called for there, I think- though fortunately, no lasting harm done- other than to Pixie's pride.
Pixie is sulking, and Monster Major is sulking too, because in spite of his red-striped leg, all his Ma cares about... is the cat.
Have a safe day everyone- and watch those animals... they love to stay round your feet- keep them safe too.
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
See what happens when you head for the hills?!
I arrived home to high drama, and plenty of roars. Minor (really will have to find a more suitable name for my big, strapping rugby-playing, boxing hunk of a son- the best suggestion will be rewarded in the usual way) Right now, his name is Monster- and not Monster Minor, either!
This weekend he moves into his new house with the LFG- so naturally, my house is rapidly emptying of furniture (anyone with a few orange boxes they can spare?)
Closing a door (in Minor's words)gently (well, that's a laugh for a start)
but firmly (more like it), he trapped the tip of Pixie's tail, separating the adorable white tip from the amber whole!
Cat screamed, LFG screamed...and, you'll be as pleased to hear as I was, that Monster Major screamed too when Pixie attached herself to his leg, doing quite a bit of damage.
The emergency vet thought it was amusing... Change of vet called for there, I think- though fortunately, no lasting harm done- other than to Pixie's pride.
Pixie is sulking, and Monster Major is sulking too, because in spite of his red-striped leg, all his Ma cares about... is the cat.
Have a safe day everyone- and watch those animals... they love to stay round your feet- keep them safe too.
Happy reading everyone!
Love
Susan
02/03/2005
Whirlwind tour...
Off to visit the furthest reaches of our fair country today with minimus in our quest to find a uni' prepared to take 98 pounds of dynamite and challenge...
Reminds me of when one late grandparent who lived in Malta used to comment re' Wiggy and Minor- minimus not being so much as a twinkle at the time- 'Uuuh, total exhaustion... every time I tell them something they reply,
'But why, Grandad?'
That writing gene obviously got through then!!
What's the question we all have to ask every as each step of that plot unrolls?
'BUT WHY??'!!!
Back tomorrow with news of campus life and other lively tales from the backwoods
All best, and love to all you seekers after fiction!
Susan
Reminds me of when one late grandparent who lived in Malta used to comment re' Wiggy and Minor- minimus not being so much as a twinkle at the time- 'Uuuh, total exhaustion... every time I tell them something they reply,
'But why, Grandad?'
That writing gene obviously got through then!!
What's the question we all have to ask every as each step of that plot unrolls?
'BUT WHY??'!!!
Back tomorrow with news of campus life and other lively tales from the backwoods
All best, and love to all you seekers after fiction!
Susan
01/03/2005
Conversatione...
What would I do without big, woolly Finlay dog to warm my feet, and my hilarious chum, Penny Pops to shoot the breeze with in between writing, reading, eating chocolate, and otherwise misbehaving?
Penny, your ideas are straight from Planet Genius!
Met our local twitcher out on my walks today... apparently we have Reed Buntings on the river... Will have to invest in a lightweight pair of binoculars. They look like sparrows, according to the expert, but the male has a black head...
Not long now until I hit the slopes... So, clear a path if you see a manic red-headed duck flying towards you- Who needs steering when the Gluh Wein is at the bottom of the slope?
Happy reading, writing, and skiing everyone!
Love
Susan
Penny, your ideas are straight from Planet Genius!
Met our local twitcher out on my walks today... apparently we have Reed Buntings on the river... Will have to invest in a lightweight pair of binoculars. They look like sparrows, according to the expert, but the male has a black head...
Not long now until I hit the slopes... So, clear a path if you see a manic red-headed duck flying towards you- Who needs steering when the Gluh Wein is at the bottom of the slope?
Happy reading, writing, and skiing everyone!
Love
Susan
