30/09/2005
Nipple tassles, thongs, and a young man named Ian...
I do think it is important for friends to share the same sense of humour...
Needless to say laughter rang out around our table of 4 yesterday in the diner at the gallery.
One of our number is off to 'do' the Machu Pichu trek in Peru to raise money for charity and must get fit- hence the young man named Ian- shared, incidentally by another of our number (Ian is a personal trainer)
After Machu Pichu, comes Copacobana Beach... hence the nipple tassles and thong- though I suggested Margaret might look better in 'pasties' with flashing lights.
(Like me, Margaret does not have 'too much on top', so the flashing lights would help draw attention...)
After treking Margaret around her village with two medicine balls in her backpack for about an hour, Ian shoots off to Liz, where he tortures her with something called 'a ball' (Don't ask- I hold the view that my body is best preserved by never using it!)
Apparently this form of exercise involves some cavorting on a rubber mat (Please Don't Ask!)
Am I missing out here?
Anyway, hi girls! And Hi to Jane! Who was also there... but like me, Jane prefers to sample the delights of chocolate brownies in an all-over mouth exercise [Jane is a fantabulous semi-pro chef]- though we held back on the chocolate ice cream (why, Jane? Why did we do that?)
Zapped away to meet up with minimus, who had already made an appointment with the headmaster of her junior school for tea- how many children loved their school so much they are always wanting to go back?? Wonderful chat with lovely and dedicated man before minimus and I went out for dinner and then sadly went our separate ways, both with tears in our eyes (she went back to uni')
Minimus having been away at senior school for 7 years we're finding now that we cannot bear to be apart for even a moment. It's absolute hell letting go... But like Kahlil Gibran says, our children are the arrows and we are the bows from which they fly...
Fly safely, little one. I love you.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Needless to say laughter rang out around our table of 4 yesterday in the diner at the gallery.
One of our number is off to 'do' the Machu Pichu trek in Peru to raise money for charity and must get fit- hence the young man named Ian- shared, incidentally by another of our number (Ian is a personal trainer)
After Machu Pichu, comes Copacobana Beach... hence the nipple tassles and thong- though I suggested Margaret might look better in 'pasties' with flashing lights.
(Like me, Margaret does not have 'too much on top', so the flashing lights would help draw attention...)
After treking Margaret around her village with two medicine balls in her backpack for about an hour, Ian shoots off to Liz, where he tortures her with something called 'a ball' (Don't ask- I hold the view that my body is best preserved by never using it!)
Apparently this form of exercise involves some cavorting on a rubber mat (Please Don't Ask!)
Am I missing out here?
Anyway, hi girls! And Hi to Jane! Who was also there... but like me, Jane prefers to sample the delights of chocolate brownies in an all-over mouth exercise [Jane is a fantabulous semi-pro chef]- though we held back on the chocolate ice cream (why, Jane? Why did we do that?)
Zapped away to meet up with minimus, who had already made an appointment with the headmaster of her junior school for tea- how many children loved their school so much they are always wanting to go back?? Wonderful chat with lovely and dedicated man before minimus and I went out for dinner and then sadly went our separate ways, both with tears in our eyes (she went back to uni')
Minimus having been away at senior school for 7 years we're finding now that we cannot bear to be apart for even a moment. It's absolute hell letting go... But like Kahlil Gibran says, our children are the arrows and we are the bows from which they fly...
Fly safely, little one. I love you.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
29/09/2005
Lookin' Cool...
It went like this...
'You're looking really cool today, mum/mom'
'Thank you...' (modest blush of maternal pride) (ever so pleased took trouble to match black slacks with red shirt and black woolly vest/waistcoat from men's department of local supermarket)
BUT...
We all know that sightings of the author outside of the writing cave during 'writing time' are ... let me hunt for the right word here... Okay then, 'Orrible. (WILL THAT DO?)
Daughter: (after closer inspection of mother in Starbuck's): But what are those white spots on the sleeve of your shirt?
Mother: Er, those? Nothing, dear... Perhaps a little flour from baking that yummy home-made apple pie for your father. (Buggar! Should have been more careful with the bleach when I cleaned the loos)
Daughter: And what is that white mark on your 'tank top'?
Mother: (Tank top? Is that what I'm wearing- am I deluding myself that this garment is still fashionable?)
(And...Bloody ell'? Am I really that old?')
'Er, Nothing dear... or, perhaps a little more flour from baking that yummy apple pie for your father. (that I picked up from the freezer department from Sainsbury's)
(Bloody, bloody 'ell..,) Having examined said tank-top) (it's toothpaste- am I dribbling now?)
Daughter: Mum... do you know your fly's undone?
Bloody, bloody, bloody 'ell!
Cool? Moi?
I don't think so!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
And thank you, Nienke, for loving this site! If you want one just like it girls look no further than Wendy at Artemis Web design- you'll find her little doozit on my home page
And Nienke- you were right- my other pooter is toast!
Susanxx
ps. APOLOGIES Hit post when I meant to hit draft on this last night- so sorry you got one too many yesterday- and this scrap today!! Am off to meet my girlfriends at that fab converted mill/gallery I told you about- more of that tomorrow
Sx
'You're looking really cool today, mum/mom'
'Thank you...' (modest blush of maternal pride) (ever so pleased took trouble to match black slacks with red shirt and black woolly vest/waistcoat from men's department of local supermarket)
BUT...
We all know that sightings of the author outside of the writing cave during 'writing time' are ... let me hunt for the right word here... Okay then, 'Orrible. (WILL THAT DO?)
Daughter: (after closer inspection of mother in Starbuck's): But what are those white spots on the sleeve of your shirt?
Mother: Er, those? Nothing, dear... Perhaps a little flour from baking that yummy home-made apple pie for your father. (Buggar! Should have been more careful with the bleach when I cleaned the loos)
Daughter: And what is that white mark on your 'tank top'?
Mother: (Tank top? Is that what I'm wearing- am I deluding myself that this garment is still fashionable?)
(And...Bloody ell'? Am I really that old?')
'Er, Nothing dear... or, perhaps a little more flour from baking that yummy apple pie for your father. (that I picked up from the freezer department from Sainsbury's)
(Bloody, bloody 'ell..,) Having examined said tank-top) (it's toothpaste- am I dribbling now?)
Daughter: Mum... do you know your fly's undone?
Bloody, bloody, bloody 'ell!
Cool? Moi?
I don't think so!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
And thank you, Nienke, for loving this site! If you want one just like it girls look no further than Wendy at Artemis Web design- you'll find her little doozit on my home page
And Nienke- you were right- my other pooter is toast!
Susanxx
ps. APOLOGIES Hit post when I meant to hit draft on this last night- so sorry you got one too many yesterday- and this scrap today!! Am off to meet my girlfriends at that fab converted mill/gallery I told you about- more of that tomorrow
Sx
28/09/2005
Calling all techies...
Had odd day yesterday... culminating in sloshing a cup of tea over my computer.
Tragedeee(imagine Bee Gee's singing - was it them? Just all those 'eeeee's made me think it must be!)
Anyway, was using old laptop plugged into my giant screen [fortunately (?)]
Tipped out tea and reached for hairdryer (no, my arms aren't that long. OK, for all you pedants out there, I rushed upstairs in a blind panic and snatched the dryer, half fell down the stairs turning it on as I ran and then hand dried my pooter. Lovingly.
It is now quite barmy- a bit like my good self. At first it only wanted to print commas- and then quite madly- while the mouse fluttered artistically around the screen.
Now it's OK, but refuses to acknowledge my giant screen in any way- so, something wrong with the connection there I think.
Right now I am writing to you on my itsy bitsy, light-as-air all-singing all-dancing ridiculously expensive Sony posers' PC
Not that I am a poser, you understand- but as I don't know the first thing about computers, I believe every ad' I read- and this one is the best. And it fits inside my handbag. (Or at least, I did have to buy a rather nice handbag for it to fit inside)
Anyway, if anyone has any bright ideas how I can make my old laptop see the attraction of my giant screen again I would be delighted to hear about them (I have already removed the keyboard and hoovered up all the digestive biscuit crumbs in case you thought my disgusting eating habits might be the cause of my problems!)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
ps. Dont forget the fantastic chance to chat with all your fave Presents authors is on at Cataromance all this week- here's the addy, don't miss out!!!
http://www.cataromance.com/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=421
Tragedeee(imagine Bee Gee's singing - was it them? Just all those 'eeeee's made me think it must be!)
Anyway, was using old laptop plugged into my giant screen [fortunately (?)]
Tipped out tea and reached for hairdryer (no, my arms aren't that long. OK, for all you pedants out there, I rushed upstairs in a blind panic and snatched the dryer, half fell down the stairs turning it on as I ran and then hand dried my pooter. Lovingly.
It is now quite barmy- a bit like my good self. At first it only wanted to print commas- and then quite madly- while the mouse fluttered artistically around the screen.
Now it's OK, but refuses to acknowledge my giant screen in any way- so, something wrong with the connection there I think.
Right now I am writing to you on my itsy bitsy, light-as-air all-singing all-dancing ridiculously expensive Sony posers' PC
Not that I am a poser, you understand- but as I don't know the first thing about computers, I believe every ad' I read- and this one is the best. And it fits inside my handbag. (Or at least, I did have to buy a rather nice handbag for it to fit inside)
Anyway, if anyone has any bright ideas how I can make my old laptop see the attraction of my giant screen again I would be delighted to hear about them (I have already removed the keyboard and hoovered up all the digestive biscuit crumbs in case you thought my disgusting eating habits might be the cause of my problems!)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
ps. Dont forget the fantastic chance to chat with all your fave Presents authors is on at Cataromance all this week- here's the addy, don't miss out!!!
http://www.cataromance.com/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=421
27/09/2005
Don't miss out on the fun...
There's a fab' chat going on all this week and all your favourite Presents authors are going to be there! Don't miss out... Here's the addy:
http://www.cataromance.com/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=421
Now I'm up against it. Have been invited out this week, and have a heap of writing to do before I go to Greece on Sunday. But. Friends are pearls beyond price, and when three of them are gathered together in one place I can't resist... especially when our meeting place is one of the most exciting galleries in England.
The vision of another friend of mine, the late Jonathan Silver, Salts Mill is a whole story in itself before you add one brilliant entrepreneur who had a vision plus a close friend, who, rather conveniently, happened to be David Hockney.
If you are unfamiliar with this artist do 'Google' him and learn about his life-enhancing paintings, drawings, fax's. Yes, fax's! And when Wiggy was a little girl her best friend was Jonathan's daughter, so Wiggy had the privilege of being allowed to stick up a piece of the artwork David faxed over from the States at one of the most fabulous 'arty' events I have ever attended.
Will I miss that lunch at Salts' Mill?
Not a chance!!
Off to the writing cave.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
http://www.cataromance.com/html/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=421
Now I'm up against it. Have been invited out this week, and have a heap of writing to do before I go to Greece on Sunday. But. Friends are pearls beyond price, and when three of them are gathered together in one place I can't resist... especially when our meeting place is one of the most exciting galleries in England.
The vision of another friend of mine, the late Jonathan Silver, Salts Mill is a whole story in itself before you add one brilliant entrepreneur who had a vision plus a close friend, who, rather conveniently, happened to be David Hockney.
If you are unfamiliar with this artist do 'Google' him and learn about his life-enhancing paintings, drawings, fax's. Yes, fax's! And when Wiggy was a little girl her best friend was Jonathan's daughter, so Wiggy had the privilege of being allowed to stick up a piece of the artwork David faxed over from the States at one of the most fabulous 'arty' events I have ever attended.
Will I miss that lunch at Salts' Mill?
Not a chance!!
Off to the writing cave.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
26/09/2005
Oof flop... No! Heck! It's Monday morning!
Would love to flop... arrived home after delivering adopt-a-sprog to uni' to find recently Veraed home had been trashed. 'To Vera', by the way, is a new expression in the English language. A Vera is a pearl beyond price, there is only one, and she's mine.. Well, as long as I behave myself, that is!
Vera is my part-time companion, confidante, housekeeper and all-round good egg. When Vera leaves my home the cottage sparkles as if Mary Poppins had just been round. As Vera closes the door that- and no other- is the moment Beautiful Homes magazine should come to call.
But
Seconds later, Wiggy and minimus, seeing all is set fair for their dear mama, set about trashing the place. Within moments it looks like student digs... with pizza and tomato sauce everywhere... cola cans, disgusting smeary water glasses, manicure kits, bits of dead skin, hairbrushes, nail varnish, straighteners, curlers, make-up, and wet towels scattered about the floor (always, for some reason on the only carpet we possess- the other floors being wood- Oh no, I remember, the TV lives in the room with a carpet) ... (need I go on, or do you get the picture?)
Well, they left last night. Finally. And dh and I made an attempt to re-establish Vera's level of order, but ended up collapsing in a heap and going to bed shortly after. (NO, definitely not for any Presents stuff- are you joking?! Apart from the fact that we have been married almost 28 years and that would be incest, we were crawling by that stage!!)
So, here I am- ready to flop... but with a book to write. So, it's off to the desert for me! (can't say that's a bad option, actually, with Sheikh Shahin waiting to revive me!)
Lovely people I met on Friday... other M&B authors... some of your faves... and lovely Harlequin eds, who are either priming themselves to run for charity right now, or are glowingly pregnant, or battling with one of my drafts and looking tense.
C'est la vie, girls! Don't you love it?
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Vera is my part-time companion, confidante, housekeeper and all-round good egg. When Vera leaves my home the cottage sparkles as if Mary Poppins had just been round. As Vera closes the door that- and no other- is the moment Beautiful Homes magazine should come to call.
But
Seconds later, Wiggy and minimus, seeing all is set fair for their dear mama, set about trashing the place. Within moments it looks like student digs... with pizza and tomato sauce everywhere... cola cans, disgusting smeary water glasses, manicure kits, bits of dead skin, hairbrushes, nail varnish, straighteners, curlers, make-up, and wet towels scattered about the floor (always, for some reason on the only carpet we possess- the other floors being wood- Oh no, I remember, the TV lives in the room with a carpet) ... (need I go on, or do you get the picture?)
Well, they left last night. Finally. And dh and I made an attempt to re-establish Vera's level of order, but ended up collapsing in a heap and going to bed shortly after. (NO, definitely not for any Presents stuff- are you joking?! Apart from the fact that we have been married almost 28 years and that would be incest, we were crawling by that stage!!)
So, here I am- ready to flop... but with a book to write. So, it's off to the desert for me! (can't say that's a bad option, actually, with Sheikh Shahin waiting to revive me!)
Lovely people I met on Friday... other M&B authors... some of your faves... and lovely Harlequin eds, who are either priming themselves to run for charity right now, or are glowingly pregnant, or battling with one of my drafts and looking tense.
C'est la vie, girls! Don't you love it?
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
25/09/2005
Uni' trek again...
This time with grandchild of neighbours whose son and daughter-in-law live in Hong Kong and South Africa respectively- and that's a lot hike to university in the centre of England!
Have to say I felt the same frisson of excitement as we turned the corner and her 'halls' hove into view, as I did with minimus last weekend... it's that thought of everything unfolding in front of them- certainly gets the creative juices flowing.
And like minimus, Laura's tension broke the moment she quite unexpectedly spotted another girl she already knew... So take heart all you freshers out there- you never know who you're going to meet.
Massive hi's and hugs to Poppy in New York and her sister, Harriet in the UK, who loved Sheikh Kahlil so much that lunch had to be missed until the last page was turned and Lucy Benson's fate was decided [The Sheikh's Captive Bride]. Hope you like my new sheikh book just as much girls- but because the wheels of publishing turn fairly slowly he won't be with you until late 2006 (writing as fast as I can, honest!)
Because of uni trip will get back to you tomorrow with more info' on London trip as promised.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Have to say I felt the same frisson of excitement as we turned the corner and her 'halls' hove into view, as I did with minimus last weekend... it's that thought of everything unfolding in front of them- certainly gets the creative juices flowing.
And like minimus, Laura's tension broke the moment she quite unexpectedly spotted another girl she already knew... So take heart all you freshers out there- you never know who you're going to meet.
Massive hi's and hugs to Poppy in New York and her sister, Harriet in the UK, who loved Sheikh Kahlil so much that lunch had to be missed until the last page was turned and Lucy Benson's fate was decided [The Sheikh's Captive Bride]. Hope you like my new sheikh book just as much girls- but because the wheels of publishing turn fairly slowly he won't be with you until late 2006 (writing as fast as I can, honest!)
Because of uni trip will get back to you tomorrow with more info' on London trip as promised.
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
24/09/2005
Out of the comfort zone...
Yesterday I had an invaluable lesson for any author. Having agreed to do an interview I found my usual confidence deserted me utterly when asked to talk about those closest to me. Whoosh! Up went the maternal barriers as surely as if I had turned into a cross between Charlton Heston fending off invaders and Mother Duck (unfortunately my voice lacked the resounding quack of the latter and was more of a tremulous whisper!)
How easy it is to be confident when it's only your own head on the line, and how impossibly hard it is not to let the brain race into conjuring up a thousand ways in which you can let your family member down if you say the wrong thing. Out of the comfort zone? I was UP S**t Creek without a paddle!
It gave me pause for thought- when a character in one of my books behaves in an out-of-character manner perhaps they are finding that they too are 'out of their comfort zone'... gives me leave to utterly change their personality for that short time.
And now... thank you to a beautiful, gracious and statuesque young lady with a fabulous sense of style... T-Nia.
Hi T'Nia! We met in Selfridges, where you performed the most amazing 'hair extension miracle' within five minutes, just as you promised. You made one young lady very happy indeed, and for that I thank you. I also wish you every success with your acting career. I shall be looking out for you on TV. I know you will succeed- you stopped me in my tracks, and that doesn't happen very often.
More of the interesting people I met yesterday tomorrow (does that make sense?)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
How easy it is to be confident when it's only your own head on the line, and how impossibly hard it is not to let the brain race into conjuring up a thousand ways in which you can let your family member down if you say the wrong thing. Out of the comfort zone? I was UP S**t Creek without a paddle!
It gave me pause for thought- when a character in one of my books behaves in an out-of-character manner perhaps they are finding that they too are 'out of their comfort zone'... gives me leave to utterly change their personality for that short time.
And now... thank you to a beautiful, gracious and statuesque young lady with a fabulous sense of style... T-Nia.
Hi T'Nia! We met in Selfridges, where you performed the most amazing 'hair extension miracle' within five minutes, just as you promised. You made one young lady very happy indeed, and for that I thank you. I also wish you every success with your acting career. I shall be looking out for you on TV. I know you will succeed- you stopped me in my tracks, and that doesn't happen very often.
More of the interesting people I met yesterday tomorrow (does that make sense?)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
23/09/2005
sandwich...
Off to do exciting stuff with minimus in London this morning.
Have just decided... have most comfortable bed in whole wide world. Is high-tech Swedish bed with firm but soft mattress and a handy little gadget that I will demonstrate to you right now...
Press this little button and the back slides up
Press this little button and the foot end lifts
Er, now I am a sandwich filler
Back when I work out which little button lowers each end... Except- I can't reach the hand control now......HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!!!!
(Some people will use any excuse to stay in bed!)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Have just decided... have most comfortable bed in whole wide world. Is high-tech Swedish bed with firm but soft mattress and a handy little gadget that I will demonstrate to you right now...
Press this little button and the back slides up
Press this little button and the foot end lifts
Er, now I am a sandwich filler
Back when I work out which little button lowers each end... Except- I can't reach the hand control now......HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!!!!
(Some people will use any excuse to stay in bed!)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
22/09/2005
Hurricane Rita
Once again my every waking thought is preoccupied with concerns for my many friends who may be affected by this new potential disaster.
It seems I have only just heard from everyone when we are right back into the same situation again.
Hoping beyond hope that Rita turns and spends her venom over an empty sea.
Stay safe everyone!
love to all,
Susan
It seems I have only just heard from everyone when we are right back into the same situation again.
Hoping beyond hope that Rita turns and spends her venom over an empty sea.
Stay safe everyone!
love to all,
Susan
21/09/2005
Deep in the writing cave
Ideas are stirring...
Reminds me of an annoying poem my grandmother used to chant to me when I was little, for some reason. (only the poem was annoying, not my grandmother!)
'The night was dark and stormy and deep in a cave the chief of the brigands said to Antonio, 'Antonio, tell us a tale...'
And he began, as follows:
The night was dark and stormy, and deep in a cave the chief of the brigands said to Antonio, 'Antonio, tell us a tale...'
And he began as follows...'
I'm sure you get the idea! Perhaps that was what stirred my imagination at the first. I can remember now my utter frustration as I waited for the rest of the story!
However, I digress...
I'm loving this new book of mine... set in the fictional kingdom of Kaddara, just wait until you meet Sheikh Shahin. Oh yes. You're going to love him as much as I do!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Reminds me of an annoying poem my grandmother used to chant to me when I was little, for some reason. (only the poem was annoying, not my grandmother!)
'The night was dark and stormy and deep in a cave the chief of the brigands said to Antonio, 'Antonio, tell us a tale...'
And he began, as follows:
The night was dark and stormy, and deep in a cave the chief of the brigands said to Antonio, 'Antonio, tell us a tale...'
And he began as follows...'
I'm sure you get the idea! Perhaps that was what stirred my imagination at the first. I can remember now my utter frustration as I waited for the rest of the story!
However, I digress...
I'm loving this new book of mine... set in the fictional kingdom of Kaddara, just wait until you meet Sheikh Shahin. Oh yes. You're going to love him as much as I do!!!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
20/09/2005
Banging pots to banging heads...
Oh, yes...my prediction was spot on. I remember as a student that the first thing you do to get together with a group of friends is cook them a meal- the second is to get absolutely blathered with them.
Wiggy has spoken to minimus this morning and I gather the conversation was pretty much one-sided with low moans coming from the direction of student digs- where three extra friends from school, who are at nearby uni's, were staying over on the floor.
(and when you consider that the floor is around six foot square that's no mean feat!)
In the writing cave the excitements still there. My heroine is quite a feisty little devil, and as for the big bad sheikh... Well, he's big and he's bad- just as we like him, girls!
More of that later...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Wiggy has spoken to minimus this morning and I gather the conversation was pretty much one-sided with low moans coming from the direction of student digs- where three extra friends from school, who are at nearby uni's, were staying over on the floor.
(and when you consider that the floor is around six foot square that's no mean feat!)
In the writing cave the excitements still there. My heroine is quite a feisty little devil, and as for the big bad sheikh... Well, he's big and he's bad- just as we like him, girls!
More of that later...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
19/09/2005
Relief and excitement...
When I rang last night minimus was banging pots in the kitchen as the whole 'house' of girls got together for a stir-fry before going out to a 'foam party' Oh, boy... here we go!!
As Wiggy reminded me, the proper mantra for all students to chant is, 'eating is cheating, eating is cheating...' And I don't imagine minimus will be so different from her bro' and big sis'- can't see her taking the pledge anytime soon!
Of course I'm thrilled that minimus seems to have a house full of fun girls- the girl in the next room being on the same course helps when they go to that first lecture- always an ordeal.
Good luck Freshers everywhere- have fun; stay safe.
Couldn't sleep last night with excitement at the thought of pushing past that legend, Chapter One. Today I am not writing about Zara Clements, my new heroine, I am Zara Clements...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
As Wiggy reminded me, the proper mantra for all students to chant is, 'eating is cheating, eating is cheating...' And I don't imagine minimus will be so different from her bro' and big sis'- can't see her taking the pledge anytime soon!
Of course I'm thrilled that minimus seems to have a house full of fun girls- the girl in the next room being on the same course helps when they go to that first lecture- always an ordeal.
Good luck Freshers everywhere- have fun; stay safe.
Couldn't sleep last night with excitement at the thought of pushing past that legend, Chapter One. Today I am not writing about Zara Clements, my new heroine, I am Zara Clements...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
18/09/2005
Feeling stressed...
Yes, I know... join the club!
Feeling stressed, part one: Want to write but have a million things getting between me and my work. Am at that stage where I wonder how I ever get a book started let alone finished!!
House is a tip, friends are neglected and have business meetings stretching as far as the eye can see... then dh is taking a day off and I want to be with him. OK, I know, I just won't sleep. This story has to be told, my characters are waiting in the wings- and none too patiently!
Feeling stressed, part two: Yep, I think we all know the true source of my 'stress'... last chick leaving the nest syndrome...
Brought a tear to the maternal eye when I saw minimus carrying out her plastic caddy full of cleaning products...
I left home when I was 17 to go to the Royal College of Music- and from then on until the day I married I carried a cleaning kit round with me. Theatrical digs were none too clean and many a time my stay in a new place would start with a thorough spring-clean... Oh, the glamour of the stage (pause for hysterical laughter)
But to see minimus carrying on this tradition was quite moving, for some reason.
The good news is... her uni' hall of residence is absolutely spotless. Set in parkland, she shares a flat with four other students and each of them has their own sitting room/bedroom with bathroom ensuite over looking the lush gardens where squirrels play. And the carpet is clean. The bathroom was spotless, and the whole place was newly decorated. She had to dig me out of there and send me home, I can tell you!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Feeling stressed, part one: Want to write but have a million things getting between me and my work. Am at that stage where I wonder how I ever get a book started let alone finished!!
House is a tip, friends are neglected and have business meetings stretching as far as the eye can see... then dh is taking a day off and I want to be with him. OK, I know, I just won't sleep. This story has to be told, my characters are waiting in the wings- and none too patiently!
Feeling stressed, part two: Yep, I think we all know the true source of my 'stress'... last chick leaving the nest syndrome...
Brought a tear to the maternal eye when I saw minimus carrying out her plastic caddy full of cleaning products...
I left home when I was 17 to go to the Royal College of Music- and from then on until the day I married I carried a cleaning kit round with me. Theatrical digs were none too clean and many a time my stay in a new place would start with a thorough spring-clean... Oh, the glamour of the stage (pause for hysterical laughter)
But to see minimus carrying on this tradition was quite moving, for some reason.
The good news is... her uni' hall of residence is absolutely spotless. Set in parkland, she shares a flat with four other students and each of them has their own sitting room/bedroom with bathroom ensuite over looking the lush gardens where squirrels play. And the carpet is clean. The bathroom was spotless, and the whole place was newly decorated. She had to dig me out of there and send me home, I can tell you!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
17/09/2005
The year is on the turn..
The sun is shining brightly, but there is a disctinct nip in the air heralding autumn. Today is a special day in my crazy household because minimus goes off to start a new life at university. We shall be settling her into halls of residence later today. As I write dh is trawling our local supermarket to see if there was anything left from our massive shop yesterday. It's exactly like setting up a new home, except for the one small but vital fact that minimus will have the space of one cupboard in which to unload all her belongings.
But... if she wants to sleep on top of her gleaming new set of pans... (how many dinner parties does she intend to hold?) (sorry, I've just been informed by another sprog that she will only be taking after her other in planning to feed the whole neighborhood whenever she cooks)
So, exciting times...
And back in the writing cave I have a book to write before November. The idea is tightly packed in my head, so we shall just have to see if I can unpack it in time!
And do look out for more exciting news with regard to my trip to the Romantic Times conference in Daytona, May 2006. Let's just say for now that plans are afoot...
Duh, duh, duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh!!
Meanwhile thanks to all of you who have written to thank me for the small consolation prizes I send out after our Summer competition.
That's all for now...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
But... if she wants to sleep on top of her gleaming new set of pans... (how many dinner parties does she intend to hold?) (sorry, I've just been informed by another sprog that she will only be taking after her other in planning to feed the whole neighborhood whenever she cooks)
So, exciting times...
And back in the writing cave I have a book to write before November. The idea is tightly packed in my head, so we shall just have to see if I can unpack it in time!
And do look out for more exciting news with regard to my trip to the Romantic Times conference in Daytona, May 2006. Let's just say for now that plans are afoot...
Duh, duh, duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh!!
Meanwhile thanks to all of you who have written to thank me for the small consolation prizes I send out after our Summer competition.
That's all for now...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
16/09/2005
Prince Harry and Romantic Times Daytona...
Before we all start hyperventilating Prince Harry isn't coming to Daytona 2006 for the Romantic Times conference! But it was his twenty-first birthday this week- and as royals go he is one of the more charismatic!
The only surprise- and it isn't a surprise to us mums/moms, is that he will insist on behaving like a normal young man... shame on him:)) !!
He took the opportunity during his birthday interview to apologise again for his most serious mistake= that of wearing a swastica to a fancy-dress party- not even remotely amusing to any of us, I'm sure.
But with a clean sheet on his 21st Happy birthday Harry from all lovers of the alpha male in training- and speaking of training, it does him credit that he doesn't try to hide the fact that he has been 'roasted' by the NCO's just like any other trainee during his fledgling military career. As one of his superior's put it when asked what he would call the young prince recruit... 'We'll both call each other sir, but only he will mean it.' !!
(and I bet Harry gets called plenty of other things out of public hearing!)
Now on to Daytona, and the good news is that I spoke to Jo Carol last night and everything is organised for me to be there!!
Yippee! I hope to meet as many readers as possible and a little nearer the time I'll be announcing a secret code word that will alert me to the fact that you read this diary... and then there will be a little gift for you when we meet face to face.
I can't wait... Daytona 2006- sounds super-fantastic to me!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
The only surprise- and it isn't a surprise to us mums/moms, is that he will insist on behaving like a normal young man... shame on him:)) !!
He took the opportunity during his birthday interview to apologise again for his most serious mistake= that of wearing a swastica to a fancy-dress party- not even remotely amusing to any of us, I'm sure.
But with a clean sheet on his 21st Happy birthday Harry from all lovers of the alpha male in training- and speaking of training, it does him credit that he doesn't try to hide the fact that he has been 'roasted' by the NCO's just like any other trainee during his fledgling military career. As one of his superior's put it when asked what he would call the young prince recruit... 'We'll both call each other sir, but only he will mean it.' !!
(and I bet Harry gets called plenty of other things out of public hearing!)
Now on to Daytona, and the good news is that I spoke to Jo Carol last night and everything is organised for me to be there!!
Yippee! I hope to meet as many readers as possible and a little nearer the time I'll be announcing a secret code word that will alert me to the fact that you read this diary... and then there will be a little gift for you when we meet face to face.
I can't wait... Daytona 2006- sounds super-fantastic to me!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
15/09/2005
The times they are a-changing...
Wiggy asked me into town yesterday for lunch. That girl's been in education so long she invented the word! But...
We heard last week that she has been voted into the barristers' Chambers where she has been a pupil for a year as a full-blown barrister-at-law... and unanimously too. So, phew, and phew again girls, it's all been worth it!
Drawing out my purse to pay for our lovely meal I was stopped by her hand over mine... 'This is on me, mum... and the first of many, I hope,' she said.
And I hope you'll excuse your author a few soppy tears, which sprang uninvited to my eyes!
Where am I with my work? Well, I've just had another idea approved by my lovely ed, and I have drawn out a full synopsis this time as I have so much on with minimus going up to university on Saturday, and then another research trip to Greece coming along in October and one to Rome, the eternal city, in November. I can't afford to sit down at the screen and wait for inspiration to strike- I need a road map this time!
The good news is... I'm already madly in love with my hero- who just happens to be a big, bad sheikh... BIG and BAD in all the very best ways, girls... Yup, I'm excited. Off to the writing cave now before minimus gets up and we have to embark on yet another mammoth and entirely 'essential' (so she tells me) shopping trip to prepare her for college life...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
We heard last week that she has been voted into the barristers' Chambers where she has been a pupil for a year as a full-blown barrister-at-law... and unanimously too. So, phew, and phew again girls, it's all been worth it!
Drawing out my purse to pay for our lovely meal I was stopped by her hand over mine... 'This is on me, mum... and the first of many, I hope,' she said.
And I hope you'll excuse your author a few soppy tears, which sprang uninvited to my eyes!
Where am I with my work? Well, I've just had another idea approved by my lovely ed, and I have drawn out a full synopsis this time as I have so much on with minimus going up to university on Saturday, and then another research trip to Greece coming along in October and one to Rome, the eternal city, in November. I can't afford to sit down at the screen and wait for inspiration to strike- I need a road map this time!
The good news is... I'm already madly in love with my hero- who just happens to be a big, bad sheikh... BIG and BAD in all the very best ways, girls... Yup, I'm excited. Off to the writing cave now before minimus gets up and we have to embark on yet another mammoth and entirely 'essential' (so she tells me) shopping trip to prepare her for college life...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
14/09/2005
More tomatoes... and some lovely photographs
My fantastic still-plays-tennis-every-day-at-the-age-of-eighty-seven neighbour, Dennis, popped round yesterday with a wonderful surprise for me... you guessed it- tomatoes. But not just any tomatoes... tiny sweet tomatoes he'd grown himself.
Have to admit that before he even stepped inside the house I had grabbed the container from him with indecent haste and crammed half a dozen or so in my mouth. Made conversation difficult, but I think he could tell I was pleased! And grateful!!
I sent some photographs of the Greek wedding I told you about through to Access romance... there are also a few scrumptious shots of glorious beaches and cerulean sea... only now this very minute do I wonder why I didn't take any shots of the chocolate cake I told you about (probably because I ate them so fast there was no time to take the picture!)
My fab web mistress at Access Romance will be putting up those photographs very soon,
I'm hoping to visit the states in 2006 at least once and possibly twice, for the Romantic Times conference in Daytona and then later in the year to Atlanta for RWA
I want to meet as many of you as possible, so will provide more details as I firm up my plans.
There are so many readers right across the world I wish I could meet, but isn't e-mail great. It brings us together and forms a special community of women who are never alone. I treasure that more than you know.
The winner of our last competition, Melissa Lawson mailed me yesterday and sparked off a new thought. I'd like us to acknowledge each other's birthdays and I thought the way we could do that is if I ask my fab web mistress Wendy woo for Artemis web design to put up a new calendar page with my next lot of changes closer to Christmas. That way I can post your birthdays and we can all raise a cyber glass of champagne on the day.
So... next time you mail me don't forget to add your birthday (don't worry- we don't need to know the year, just the date!)
That's all for now- time to get up (I'm writing this in bed- well, it is only 6.30am, but still pretty late for me!)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Have to admit that before he even stepped inside the house I had grabbed the container from him with indecent haste and crammed half a dozen or so in my mouth. Made conversation difficult, but I think he could tell I was pleased! And grateful!!
I sent some photographs of the Greek wedding I told you about through to Access romance... there are also a few scrumptious shots of glorious beaches and cerulean sea... only now this very minute do I wonder why I didn't take any shots of the chocolate cake I told you about (probably because I ate them so fast there was no time to take the picture!)
My fab web mistress at Access Romance will be putting up those photographs very soon,
I'm hoping to visit the states in 2006 at least once and possibly twice, for the Romantic Times conference in Daytona and then later in the year to Atlanta for RWA
I want to meet as many of you as possible, so will provide more details as I firm up my plans.
There are so many readers right across the world I wish I could meet, but isn't e-mail great. It brings us together and forms a special community of women who are never alone. I treasure that more than you know.
The winner of our last competition, Melissa Lawson mailed me yesterday and sparked off a new thought. I'd like us to acknowledge each other's birthdays and I thought the way we could do that is if I ask my fab web mistress Wendy woo for Artemis web design to put up a new calendar page with my next lot of changes closer to Christmas. That way I can post your birthdays and we can all raise a cyber glass of champagne on the day.
So... next time you mail me don't forget to add your birthday (don't worry- we don't need to know the year, just the date!)
That's all for now- time to get up (I'm writing this in bed- well, it is only 6.30am, but still pretty late for me!)
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
13/09/2005
Greek wedding...
The first thing to say is that churches on Kefalonia are like tiny gems, each one different, and each one beautiful in its own way.
Small and exquisite like a wedding cake, or elegantly simple I was constantly turning my head as we drove around the island to admire the imaginitive architecture.
Much of the southern part of the island was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 and so the buildings are for the most part new. In the north the architecture is reminiscent of Venice- a mark of the Italian influence on this Greek island...
The square in which I was sitting was small and gracious with white marble tiling in front of the church. Steps led up to a terrace in front of the entrance to the church and at the foot of the steps a crowd of wedding guests gathered.
There was the usual jousting amongst the many women present as they preened and admired each other's outfits- which were in every dramatic shade and shape under the sun. Glamour is something that seems to thrive in Greece beneath a beating sun...
Even though there were several very beautiful young women I think the prize went to an older woman dressed in a loose-fitting ankle length dress in a bronze chiffon with a simple jacket made from the same fabric. The chiffon moved as she moved and fluttered in the light breeze... and with her neatly coiffed bronze hair she looked extremely chic.
Then suddenly a tall bronzed adonis appeared from the church accompanied by an older woman beautifully attired in a dark green chiffon ensemble.
This was the groom and his mother, I learned. (I'd muscled in and joined the wedding guests at this point! Anything to get photographs for you, my friends!)
The crowd applauded the groom and his mother as if to say, 'Thank goodness he turned up!'
Suddenly there was a blaring of horns which didn't stop until the wedding car swooshed to a halt just outside the square... not content with that, it drove straight up to the church, horn still blaring. It was magnificently dressed with a satin bow and a multitude of pink and white roses... I shall ask my wonderful helpers to uplift the photograph onto Access Romance later today so you can see.
Out of this stepped a Cinderella of a bride... blonde, beautiful, young... (pause for collective sigh)
The groom met her on the steps and handed her a bouquet of pink and white roses and after numerous photographs and good wishes from the crowd they processed together into the church with the gaily dressed band of friends and family crowding after them...
Aaaaah...
Sure this wonderful scene will find its way into one of my books! I shall never forget it, and consider myself fortunate to have shared a tiny portion of this happy day-and for somehow managing to be at the right place at the right time, for once!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Small and exquisite like a wedding cake, or elegantly simple I was constantly turning my head as we drove around the island to admire the imaginitive architecture.
Much of the southern part of the island was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 and so the buildings are for the most part new. In the north the architecture is reminiscent of Venice- a mark of the Italian influence on this Greek island...
The square in which I was sitting was small and gracious with white marble tiling in front of the church. Steps led up to a terrace in front of the entrance to the church and at the foot of the steps a crowd of wedding guests gathered.
There was the usual jousting amongst the many women present as they preened and admired each other's outfits- which were in every dramatic shade and shape under the sun. Glamour is something that seems to thrive in Greece beneath a beating sun...
Even though there were several very beautiful young women I think the prize went to an older woman dressed in a loose-fitting ankle length dress in a bronze chiffon with a simple jacket made from the same fabric. The chiffon moved as she moved and fluttered in the light breeze... and with her neatly coiffed bronze hair she looked extremely chic.
Then suddenly a tall bronzed adonis appeared from the church accompanied by an older woman beautifully attired in a dark green chiffon ensemble.
This was the groom and his mother, I learned. (I'd muscled in and joined the wedding guests at this point! Anything to get photographs for you, my friends!)
The crowd applauded the groom and his mother as if to say, 'Thank goodness he turned up!'
Suddenly there was a blaring of horns which didn't stop until the wedding car swooshed to a halt just outside the square... not content with that, it drove straight up to the church, horn still blaring. It was magnificently dressed with a satin bow and a multitude of pink and white roses... I shall ask my wonderful helpers to uplift the photograph onto Access Romance later today so you can see.
Out of this stepped a Cinderella of a bride... blonde, beautiful, young... (pause for collective sigh)
The groom met her on the steps and handed her a bouquet of pink and white roses and after numerous photographs and good wishes from the crowd they processed together into the church with the gaily dressed band of friends and family crowding after them...
Aaaaah...
Sure this wonderful scene will find its way into one of my books! I shall never forget it, and consider myself fortunate to have shared a tiny portion of this happy day-and for somehow managing to be at the right place at the right time, for once!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
12/09/2005
Competition prize details and apologies from your author...
First of all, a great big HUGE apology to Cher from the US and anyone else who was squeezed out of my Summer competition by the time difference between the UK and the US.
Just to get us out of this problem, when I announce a closing date on Access Romance, or here on my site I'm going to make the close my 'morning after' the date you read. Hope you all agree that way everyone gets a fair chance.
We've had the 'morning after' pill, the 'morning after' hangover... well now we have the Susan Stephens' 'morning after' her competition closes too!!
What did I find for my autumn competition prize?
Well, what I would have liked to have brought back from Greece and sent on to you was chocolate cake- but that might have been a bit messy, and they aren't geared up for mailing cake yet... But do the Greeks love their cake- and do they know how to make it!! YUM YUM They certainly do!!!
The best, the very best chocolate cake is to be bought in a tiny harbor capital. I haven't tasted anything to compare anywhere- in the UK the US, or any of Europe's capitals... oh, all right then- Vienna does have pretty good sachertorte... but if you like a rich chocolate mousse in the middle of your light as air chocolate sponge, topped with a thick layer of chocolate and covered in chocolate gratings... (pause while I mop up my dribbles)it has to be from the bakers in the centre of Argostoli on Kefalonia... where, very shortly I'll be setting another book!
However, I digress!
I bought you what I bought myself- the most apposite gift Kafalonia could offer (at least for me!!!) Worry Beads You got the better colour though, because I could only find one string of emerald green. Whoever wins these fab bright green beads, be warned, they are too big to wear as a bracelet and too small to put round your neck- but every time you feel a worry coming on you grab those little round beauties and get fondling... Hey, this is beginning to sound like a Presents novel!
Maybe you can't wear them as jewellery, but worries? What worries?
So, hope you think I did all right for you... Just imagine it- me in the writing cave, you wherever you are... both of us fondling furiously- what could be better!
Enough of the X-rated stuff already... while I was in the capital sourcing your gift I sat down at this pavement cafe in front of this beautiful little church, and guess what happened... a wedding, that's what! Tune in tomorrow and I'll tell you all about it. Talk about serendipity for a romance author!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Just to get us out of this problem, when I announce a closing date on Access Romance, or here on my site I'm going to make the close my 'morning after' the date you read. Hope you all agree that way everyone gets a fair chance.
We've had the 'morning after' pill, the 'morning after' hangover... well now we have the Susan Stephens' 'morning after' her competition closes too!!
What did I find for my autumn competition prize?
Well, what I would have liked to have brought back from Greece and sent on to you was chocolate cake- but that might have been a bit messy, and they aren't geared up for mailing cake yet... But do the Greeks love their cake- and do they know how to make it!! YUM YUM They certainly do!!!
The best, the very best chocolate cake is to be bought in a tiny harbor capital. I haven't tasted anything to compare anywhere- in the UK the US, or any of Europe's capitals... oh, all right then- Vienna does have pretty good sachertorte... but if you like a rich chocolate mousse in the middle of your light as air chocolate sponge, topped with a thick layer of chocolate and covered in chocolate gratings... (pause while I mop up my dribbles)it has to be from the bakers in the centre of Argostoli on Kefalonia... where, very shortly I'll be setting another book!
However, I digress!
I bought you what I bought myself- the most apposite gift Kafalonia could offer (at least for me!!!) Worry Beads You got the better colour though, because I could only find one string of emerald green. Whoever wins these fab bright green beads, be warned, they are too big to wear as a bracelet and too small to put round your neck- but every time you feel a worry coming on you grab those little round beauties and get fondling... Hey, this is beginning to sound like a Presents novel!
Maybe you can't wear them as jewellery, but worries? What worries?
So, hope you think I did all right for you... Just imagine it- me in the writing cave, you wherever you are... both of us fondling furiously- what could be better!
Enough of the X-rated stuff already... while I was in the capital sourcing your gift I sat down at this pavement cafe in front of this beautiful little church, and guess what happened... a wedding, that's what! Tune in tomorrow and I'll tell you all about it. Talk about serendipity for a romance author!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
11/09/2005
The Great Tomato Escapade...
Hi everyone!
Have just walked in the door and wanted to say hi!!! right away.
Thank you to all those who have written to thank me for their 'goodies' My absolute pleasure, I promise you.
And yes... I have found something in Greece and will be announcing my small but I hope you agree, special gift tomorrow. I just love buying 'little somethings' for my friends!!
Thank you to all of you who have ALREADY entered my competition- you are amazing! Here's a reminder of the question before I post it officially... What did Lisa Bond's mother call her when they lived together in the commune?
My lovely old doggy is so pleased to see me- I love her so much, you have no idea. It's so good to be back- my own bed, my own pillows... and yes, a cup of English tea!!
And why tomatoes, you may ask!! Can't live without the little blighters... took a whole stash out to Greece (crazy-woman/coals to Newcastle etc etc... yes, I've had every comment ten times over from my family, thank you!! And... I brought back a whole new stash of fat red Greek tomatoes (yum yum!!!)
Back tomorrow with more news from my trip and more info' on competition
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
Have just walked in the door and wanted to say hi!!! right away.
Thank you to all those who have written to thank me for their 'goodies' My absolute pleasure, I promise you.
And yes... I have found something in Greece and will be announcing my small but I hope you agree, special gift tomorrow. I just love buying 'little somethings' for my friends!!
Thank you to all of you who have ALREADY entered my competition- you are amazing! Here's a reminder of the question before I post it officially... What did Lisa Bond's mother call her when they lived together in the commune?
My lovely old doggy is so pleased to see me- I love her so much, you have no idea. It's so good to be back- my own bed, my own pillows... and yes, a cup of English tea!!
And why tomatoes, you may ask!! Can't live without the little blighters... took a whole stash out to Greece (crazy-woman/coals to Newcastle etc etc... yes, I've had every comment ten times over from my family, thank you!! And... I brought back a whole new stash of fat red Greek tomatoes (yum yum!!!)
Back tomorrow with more news from my trip and more info' on competition
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
03/09/2005
Competitions...
Yes, yes, I know... I do not do things as others do...!
BUT
I want to bring something back from my next research trip for a reader's prize...
And my next trip is to a beautiful Greek island!
I'm hoping to find something interesting there to give away... And even if I can't bottle the sunshine and bring some back for you I'll be sure to put some into my next but one book!
You will find details - competition question etc on my web site soon and then the whole shebang with details of the prize on Access Romance in October.
I'll keep you posted via this diary too... and as soon as the question goes up you can start entering!
Those competition hounds amongst you have already found the question in a previous mail and are already entering- respect to you!!!
That's it for now- holidays place certain demands on us- there are things to be plucked and others to shave- No, quite right- you don't wanna know!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
BUT
I want to bring something back from my next research trip for a reader's prize...
And my next trip is to a beautiful Greek island!
I'm hoping to find something interesting there to give away... And even if I can't bottle the sunshine and bring some back for you I'll be sure to put some into my next but one book!
You will find details - competition question etc on my web site soon and then the whole shebang with details of the prize on Access Romance in October.
I'll keep you posted via this diary too... and as soon as the question goes up you can start entering!
Those competition hounds amongst you have already found the question in a previous mail and are already entering- respect to you!!!
That's it for now- holidays place certain demands on us- there are things to be plucked and others to shave- No, quite right- you don't wanna know!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan
02/09/2005
Tragedy...
It's hard to concentrate on anything this morning after seeing the utterly horrifying television pictures from America's Gulf Coast.
The tragedy is biblical in proportion. Various aid agencies are are accepting donations both in money and goods, and one of my colleagues, Alison Kent is arranging help for a fellow author who has lost everything.
'Lost everything' a phrase that runs ice down our spine, a phrase that most of us cannot even comprehend.
Please help if you can.
Alison is looking for signed books, offers of critiques (for an auction) by published authors, agents or editors and paypal donations.
Find the details on Alison's site, www.alisonkent.com
Thank you my friends
Susan
The tragedy is biblical in proportion. Various aid agencies are are accepting donations both in money and goods, and one of my colleagues, Alison Kent is arranging help for a fellow author who has lost everything.
'Lost everything' a phrase that runs ice down our spine, a phrase that most of us cannot even comprehend.
Please help if you can.
Alison is looking for signed books, offers of critiques (for an auction) by published authors, agents or editors and paypal donations.
Find the details on Alison's site, www.alisonkent.com
Thank you my friends
Susan
