Susan Stephens' Writing Diary

Thank you for all your wonderful conversation throughout 2005.
Have a marvellous time tonight- and keep safe!


Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to receive a nomination for the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice awards for 2005 with my August 2005 Harlequin Presents release, The Sheikh's Captive Bride.

Here's what Romantic Times has to say about the books chosen...
Reviewers' Choice Awards. For the Reviewers' Choice nominees, our star team selected only those novels that deeply resonated with them.

And here's what Shannon Short had to say about The Sheikh's Captive Bride...

When uncontrollable passion between two strangers ignites, it leads Lucy Benson down the road to becoming The Sheikh's Captive Bride (4). Sheikh Kahlil has never forgotten his incredible night with Lucy, and fate throws them back together and he learns that he has fathered a son, he will stop at nothing to claim both his woman and his child. Susan Stephens' latest really packs a punch. The characters are strong, vibrant and larger than life, yet very real. Their chemistry is scorching and their journey to happily ever after is delightful. This read will surely put a smile on your face. —Shannon Short

The Sheikh's Captive Bride is still available through amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, barnesandnoble.com and many other sources.
To go and check out all the nominees in the various categories visit www.romantictimes.com


I adored writing The Sheikh's Captive Bride and probably cried more over it too! But only because the story concerns the battle over a beautiful baby boy called Edward, a battle that rocks the world of my hero and heroine Sheikh Kahlil and Lucy Benson. Lucy and Kahlil's story really chimed with me and I'm hope it does with you too. Look out for a blog-exclusive competition coming soon to celebrate this exciting event and a chance to win a signed copy of The Sheikh's Captive Bride.

My thanks for this nomination goes to all the special people at the Romantic Times, especially Kathryn, Carol and Shannon Short, the reviewer for Harlequin Presents,and to my editor for The Sheikh's Captive Bride, Kate Paice, along with all the other great fun and feisty heroines at Richmond Harlequin Mills and Boon, and most especially to you, my wonderful readers, for giving me the inspiration to write. And not forgetting my very patient and loving family of course!

Thank you all for your unfailing support.

Susan

PS
Have just received a mail from Xandra to apologise about blip in her posting and to say that both last week and this weeks sun signs are now up on our weekly link and a new 'whole of January in detail' is up for every star sign on her site.
Thank you, Xandra! Heading your way right now...
Sx

In a world full of difficulties to clamber over we must celebrate happy moments wherever we find them. Please join with me in wishing James and Solene every happiness in their future life together. I think you'll agree with me that they are all the inspiration a romance writer could ever need.

And if you have any happy memories of your own... whether they be 50th wedding anniversaries, reunions with old friends, or family weddings you'd like to share, why don't you mail me and we'll share them with our friends around the world...

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

One thing this family is never short of is romance! You may be wondering about the date for an engagement part held on Christmas Day... Well, James proposed to Sol' when she made a safe landing after her first parachute jump in Australia this year on July 31st!

Tomorrow I'll publish a photograph of James and Solene... who have shown more caution than me, and a lot more consideration for my nerves, having been together for 4 years before announcing their engagement! Just to remind you it was 4 days before my poor mother received the staggering news that after a short visit to Malta I had become engaged to a man she had never met!

And I have an announcement to make!!!
We have a winner for our blog-exclusive competition.
Just a couple of hours after I posted the competition questions Kim Westgaard from the USA gave the correct answer to win this weeks signed copy of Virgin for Sale
I'm sorry to disappoint everyone else, but do keep checking because knowing me, I'm bound to think of another reason to hold a blog-exclusive competition really soon!

That's it for now, so love and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Truth is, I feel a bit shell-shocked- I expect you do too!

So much has happened I hardly know where to begin, so I've started with a photo of the fabulous flowers I received on the 23rd from my friend Liz (one of the girls I went to Rome with) Cleverly timed to be at their best on Christmas Day, I think you'll agree my flowers are fabulous!
Thank you, Liz!

Most importantly my gorgeous son became engaged on Christmas Day, so I'll be bringing you some pics of the celebration- don't forget we had a typically French Christmas Eve, followed by an English Christmas Day... phew! It was utterly fantastic, though I really must find time to improve my French.

I shall publish a photograph of the cake tomorrow, and in the meantime, here is my last question for another Blog-exclusive competition. The winner will receive a signed copy of my January 2006 release, Virgin for Sale.

Q: What is the name of Tino Zagorakis's private island...
is it
1) Stellamarina
2) Stella McCartney
3) Stellamaris

Good luck everyone!

Love to all- You can put your feet up now... Do so, while you have the chance!
Susan

Something happened this morning that made me think way beyond have I made enough mince pies and will the kids like their presents... I received a mail from two of my dearest friends...
I think half the reason we look forward to this particular holiday season with such excitement is because magical things can and do happen at this time of year.

Because we never seem to have time for letter-writing these days I stuck one of my mail return slips onto the envelope of their Christmas cards on a whim...

Lino and Marthese helped me more than they will ever know when I lived on a tiny mediterranean island with a child so sick I didn't know if she would survive from one week to the next. Well, that child has gone on to be a lawyer and thankfully for her those worrying days of devastating and frighteningly unpredictable asthma attacks have become a distant memory.

My friends are back. I feel so happy I could cry. 'What's new, the kids chorus, having already noticed that I have that wonderful old black and white movie starring James Stewart, 'It's a Wonderful Life' lined up for my Christmas pleasure.'Remember to add 10 more boxes of Kleenex to the Christmas supermarket order,' they holler as one!

To all of you who haven't received a Susan Stephens Christmas card- and that can only be because you didn't send your address to Rosie- so please please please don't forget next year... I'm sending you my cyber card above.

Wishing you and those you love peace, health, happiness, and the blessing of good friends now and always
Susan

One of the great benefits of moving around the world has to be the many friends you make along the way.

I have lived in my 'chocolate box' English village for seven years now and am fortunate to have the most wonderful neighbour, Betty, a glamorous and witty lady who in turn has introduced me to her friends...
Christmas lunch has become an annual institution for us... And here you are ladies, in all your Xmas glory.
From the left you can see Shirley, Val, Betty, Daphne and Elizabeth.Thank you for your wonderful company and for including me year after year even though I gobble down the after dinner chocolates like the barbarian I am!

Wishing you all the blessing of good friends

Susan

Oh yes, the wonderful British pantomime season is here again. Now if I told you that I played Principal Girl for about five years running you might wonder what I did for the rest of the year. Well, the pantomime season runs from early December sometimes well into February, which for a self-employed pro' is a good long run. I presented a Children's television programme at the time and the two went hand in hand beautifully. (If I told you the names of the people in the cast with me in panto you would expect me to be on a zimmer frame by now! So, suffice it to say that I was VERY young, and let's say no more about it!!!)
Except that I absolutely adored being in panto, of course.

Where else would you find men dressed as women and girls dressed as boys slapping their thighs with absolutely no sexual innuendo whatsoever?!

Audience participation is a given... 'She's behind you!!' 'Oh, no I didn't... Oh, yes you did...' And of course The Song... where the audience is split into groups and competes rowdily with each other.

The 'ugly sisters' were equipped with water guns in the production we went to see and as we had to sit near the front- cos I have to be part of the action- we got royally drenched. Marvellous!!

Fantastic. Fantastic. Fantastic.

I went with Aunty Kay (87) and my youngest (18) and believe me we joined in everything, shouting our heads off and having an absolutely stupendous time.
All three of us confessed to being as excited as the youngest children there as we waited for the show to begin, and I didn't even dare to hope that real live white ponies... as sometimes happens in Cinderella- would draw Cinderella's coach when she went to the ball.

They did!!! They DID!!!

It was just fabulous. And the cast were fabulous. Even the ladies who sold the programmes and showed us to our seats were fabulous.

If you get the chance do go to the pantomime this year- and I hope yours is as good as ours...
Here's the skinny on Cinderella at the Lowry Theatre Salford starring the fabulous Faith Brown...


It's a brand new pop musical version of the traditional tale Cinderella, and has everything your family knows and loves, plus a scintillating top ten score!

Poor Cinderella is left behind by her two cruel stepsisters who are off to the Prince’s ball. Even the antics of jolly Buttons can’t cheer her up. But when the Fairy Godmother arrives and waves her magic wand, Cinderella’s life changes forever, she does go to the ball only to fall in love with the handsome prince and live happily ever after!

With breathtaking special effects, lavish costumes and a terrific cast, this is a Christmas show every family will love!

And I can vouch for that!

With my love to all, and happy theatre-going everyone!!!

Susan

Aunty Kay's tree decorating skills could not be sufficiently repaid with afternoon tea... though I did bring out my mother's Minton china tea cups (with saucers-uncracked) (just mention this because we all nurse 'mugs' in our family. A 'tea cup' and saucer is considered quaint, which is a shame because it's so nice to sip tea from china cups so fine that any finer and the porcelain would cut your lip!)
Dainty smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off (raised eyerows all round from the children)prawn sandwiches too- and Okay, tuna and sweetcorn for them... followed by scones with jam and clotted cream and a big sticky chocolate cake to finish off...
Even that wasn't enough to say thank you to Aunty Kay... and you can see why from the picture which, yes, I managed to upload. 3 very loud cyber cheers for me, please!!

And so we all trooped off to see one of our most popular British pantomimes,Cinderella- more of which, tomorrow...

For the most beautifully decorated tree in our neighborhood... thank you Aunty Kay!!!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

PS You can also tell from the music piled up on my piano that I am busy honing my skills in time for some riotous carol singing with family and friends...
The music open on the piano however is Debussy, my favourite French composer... And no, I'm not just saying that to please my son's almost-fiancee, Solene, whose family will be staying with us over the holidays! I adore Debussy, and that's official.

You can also see two of my favourite Venetian carnival masks on the wall... look out for my book set in Venice in 2006 called, 'In the Venetian's Bed'... the inspiration for this story was the terrifying, real-life experience of my elder daughter when she had her first asthma attack in Venice.

Meanwhile, wishing you all the company of good friends, loving family, warmth, good health and happiness over the holiday season
Sx

If you're wondering who the glamorous lady is with my son, it's AUNTY KAY
And if you're wondering why I'm featuring Aunty Kay, it's because when a Christmas tree needs decorating you call in an expert. (Cue: Aunty Kay.)
Tune in tomorrow and I'll try and raise a pic of my fab tree...

And now... (Drum roll)
Congratulations to Maureen Emmons who guessed correctly that my H and h were up to no good in a closet... actually they were up to a lot of good, but that's another story, which should be with you towards the end of 2006!

Fantastic work, Maureen. A signed copy of my January 2006 release Virgin For Sale will be in the post to you tomorrow.

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Checking in to let you know I just this second picked up a mail from Maureen who guessed the correct answer to our blog-exclusive competition... 'A Closet'

Congratulations Maureen. A signed copy of Virgin For Sale will be in the post to you on Monday

And for everyone else... don't worry, we still have a week to go and one more signed copy of Virgin for Sale to give away... so I'll be back on Monday with a new question for you

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Susan x

PS Oh, my!! It's only taken me 3 years to learn how to load an image onto blogger... watch out everyone- a whole world of fun and games will be coming your way now I can do that!

My apologies to all of you who were frantically trying to re-read my blog-exclusive competition question when the blog went down!

Thankfully, it was only a temporary blip and my fab Access Romance web mistress, Bekke was able to put it right almost immediately.

Having the best morning ever reading all your answers to the questions- so much so, here we go again (cos no one's got it yet... but those of you who have tried already do try again- it's only a bit of fun) (my ed is always complaining that if my h and H ever do manage to find a bed in time they usually fall out of it- so maybe I should get her to enter too!!)

Anyway... here it is again- Good luck everyone!

* As those of you who are familiar with my books will know, it is not unusual for my sex scenes to have a touch of humour, and sometimes they take place in the oddest settings. So, here's the puzzle for you... along with a scoop, because this is a line from the book I'm writing right now.

Let me set the scene for you... the hero and heroine have 'discovered' each other and when the urge strikes you can't always find a comfy bed. They are in the library right now and it's up to you to tell me where exactly. (and not the loo, cos I think that's horrid and you'd have to be absolutely desperate- which they are, but having me overseeing the action means it won't be there)

So... this is the hero's line, and I want you to tell me where you think they are.

'Well do it quietly, woman, or they'll hear us in the hall...'

And here's today's clue... there's a party going on in the hall and our hero has only just arrived...

OK, here's another chance for you to win a signed copy of my January 2006 Presents Uncut release, Virgin for Sale.

As those of you who are familiar with my books will know, it is not unusual for my sex scenes to have a touch of humour, and sometimes they take place in the oddest settings. So, here's the puzzle for you... along with a scoop, because this is a line from the book I'm writing right now.

Let me set the scene for you... the hero and heroine have 'discovered' each other and when the urge strikes you can't always find a comfy bed. They are in the library right now and it's up to you to tell me where exactly. (and not the loo, cos I think that's horrid and you'd have to be absolutely desperate- which they are, but having me overseeing the action means it won't be there)

So... this is the hero's line, and I want you to tell me where you think they are.

'Well do it quietly, woman, or they'll hear us in the hall...'

Good luck everyone!!

Love to all, and happy reading!

Susan

Having raised my head in glorious triumph from one set of revisions I am straight into another set. Aaaargh! And I want to have fun.
Fun? (high pitched shrieky voice of imaginary editor) (sound of whip cracks getting closer)
Back to work you shirking scumble-brain. If you'd got it right first time (more whip cracks... so close now that I can hear them whistling past my ear)you wouldn't be writing 250,000 words for every 55,000 words required.
Aaaaeee! (as whip makes contact)
(silent question to self) Maybe a whole new genre is opening up for me here...?
Perhaps not!!!
I like my romance comfy and warm...make that raunchy and hot- But please don't make it sting!

OK, so maybe these revisions are not going to happen in time for Friday, cos' Friday is tree buying and tree decorating day and Aunty Kay is coming to help us, which gives me the perfect excuse for a traditional English afternoon tea... tiny sandwiches, cream scones with jam and icky sticky cakes. Yum
Then on Monday afternoon we're all going- Aunty Kay included, of course, to the Pantomime... another enviable English tradition.

So, will I get those revisions completed?

'Oh, yes you will....'

'Oh, no you won't' (you're supposed to shout one after the other ad infinitum)

Anyone who hasn't been to see a pantomime of course, won't have a clue what I'm going on about. But the short of it is- the audience are supposed to join in wherever possible... and right now, I could do with you all cheering me on!!!

Will I complete those revisions? (hand to ear as I listen for your reply...)

'OH, YES, YOU WILL!!!'

Love and happy reading everyone!

Susan

PS Am happy to report am not only bonkers person I know... have just had phone call from friend to ask me to ring their other phone cos they can't find it. Maybe we barmy folk attract each other? Watch out!!!
Sxxx

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

KAREN ADAMS of CARLOTTA CALIFORNIA USA who was picked from literally hundreds of you to win my sun sign competition.

Karen correctly noted that in my January 2006 release, Virgin for Sale Tino Zagorakis's sun sign is Scorpio, while Lisa Bond was born under the sign of Cancer.

Well done Karen and I really hope you enjoy the 2 books I mailed to you yesterday... Joanna Watters book on Astrology plus a signed copy of Virgin for Sale.

And I haven't forgotten all my other friends... Look out for your Christmas cards; they should be arriving soon. And I can only apologise in advance for anyone who receives an unsigned card. If you do just let me know and I'll sign one and send it on to you... Rosie, without whom I would be lost, carefully counted out cards and envelopes for me and left the cards for me to sign. How I ended up with a signed card over after that I have no idea... but I can only assume I popped an unsigned card into the pile. So, sorry, whoever you are!!!

And now back to my book, which I am loving, by the way... Plenty of bare knees- and that's only the hero... Plus a hundred and one problems to overcome before love can find a way.
Problems, problems... But not on the chocolate front I'm pleased to report- I've got a stash under my desk I'm diving in to right now...

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Early risers send off their revised ms's at 6am

OK, let's tell the truth. Busy authors stay up all night... Easy, it ain't, friends. And with another ms due in on Friday...

And, let's face it, with a fantastic family/extended family/friends, animals and countrymen... to Oh, so badly misuse Shakespeare... I have to work during the night this week and be bright and bubbly during the day- Until I collapse in an unsightly heap on Saturday, that is!

But I wouldn't have it any other way... And if any of you know an easier way to do the job you love, I'd be delighted to hear all about it- because everyone I know seems to work all hours. Was it always like this, or do we just demand more of ourselves?

My grandmother worked until she was eighty-six. She had her own bakery and won many prizes for her bread and for her cake decoration. She used to walk to the end of the road and catch the bus to the other side of the city in all weathers to begin her working day. So I guess what I'm saying is that actually, I have it easy!

Something tells me I should be announcing a competition winner for my www.accessromance competition, so am haring along there now to check the details!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Flying in to say CONGRATULATIONS to Julie Wentworth from Scarborough UK for winning this weeks signed Blog exclusive competition!! Julie wins herself a signed copy of Virgin for Sale and a heap of Susan Stephens goodies.

Meanwhile the discussion is hotting up at www.accessromance.com/telltale so do feel free to join in.

Am printing out hard copy of my latest wip right now so I can read it through like a book away from the screen and see if any more polishing needs to be done before my ed receives it on Monday morning. She has deadlines too, so here's hoping I have a smile on my face and not a frown when I've finished!!!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Love to all, and happy reading!

Susan

And a big PS... don't forget to look out for next week's Blog exclusive competition question.

Good luck everyone!
Hugs
Susan

First of all, I have to say congratulations to our fabulous astrologer, Xandra King for landing 3 syndicated columns with various journals. That's fabulous news, Xandra, and I know I'm speaking for all my chums here when we wish you the very best and fling our arms around you in dozens of 'cyber hugs'
However it does mean that from now on Xandra will be offering us a weekly column, rather than our daily sun sign news, so 'Boo Hoo' BUT as long as we get our weekly horoscopes we'll do just fine. Go girl! We're all so proud of you!!!
And as you all know, Xandra is still building her own fascinating site at www.xandraking.com so we can always pop along there when we need a 'top up'to our astro' knowledge.

I have been playing hookie today- so hope my ed isn't reading this (grovel, grovel, if you are!!) Went to have hair cut and to buy a couple of last bits for Christmas presents (how is it those 'last bits' end up costing more than the proper gifts?)

I loved the crowds, the lights, the fun and the Christmas music... I liked my exploding carrier bag a little less!
Yep, right in the middle of town my carrier bag gave up the ghost and everything tumbled out across the grubby pavement... Oh, joy! (Or at least, I uttered something to that effect!)
Fortunately a very nice young lady called Beverley sorted me out in Super Drug giving me the biggest strongest plastic carrier bag you've ever seen for my purchase of one teeny weeny pack of interdental brushes... now that's what I call service- and it came with a smile. Happy Christmas Beverley, and thank you for saving my day!!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Have just had an epiphany. I'm sure those of you who follow my rollercoaster ride as an author will have noticed my blogs have become somewhat pedantic- all right, boring, of late.

The reason is, as I'm sure you have suspected is that I have been having the most terrible doubts about my latest book. I love my characters and I love their story, but for some reason it just wasn't making it to the page.
Having the most wonderful and patient eds I went back to the drawing board and stripped out over 50 pages. I thought I'd never see the light at the end of the tunnel Ever. How did I know that this new version would be any better than the last?

Have just reached a page where I couldn't go on for sobbing and had to wait until I had calmed down. Had I given up? No- I had reached a part where I felt the characters emotions to such an extent I burst into tears. Now you may think that's soppy, but to me that tells me that this time, I've got it right.

I Love This Book!!

Love and happy happy thoughts from me to you!

Susan

Hi to everyone

Quart into pint pot? Yep, you could say that! The holidays have to happen for everyone else in this family and I have to make sure they do!!

How's your shopping coming along? Got those menus written out yet?

No? Neither have I!!

AAAAAAAAAARGH! Never mind. It will get done. (probably five to midnight on Christmas Eve)

Hurrying off to the writing cave where Sheikh Shahin is waiting to ruffle a few feathers (sadly, not mine!)

Don't forget to nip along to www.accessromance.com/telltale for some news and views, and there's still time to enter lots of competitions to win some free books in time for Christmas.

Good luck everyone!

Love to all, and happy reading!

Susan

There's a lively discussion going on right now and here's the link. http://accessromance.com/telltale

When I asked 4 questions about what readers would like to read and offered 4 free signed copies of Virgin for Sale for each of the four categories things really started hotting up!!

Don't miss out- get over there right now!!

Me? I'm back to the writing cave for some more work, but I'll be popping back, you can count on it.

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Congratulations to this week's winner of our Blog-exclusive competition... Lynda Vallender from Garran Australia.

Lynda correctly answered this week's competition... Lisa was living in a commune with her mother at the beginning of Virgin for Sale
Lynda, your signed copy of Virgin for Sale along with a whole passle of SS goodies will be popped into the post for you on Monday.

Look out for next week's Blog-exclusive competition on this web log next week. Good luck everyone!

Have you taken a look at Xandra King's new pages yet- I just sneaked a few moments out of the writing cave to see what Xandra had to say about Scorpio today. Work, work and more work, and don't get yourelf overtired seems to be the message. Hmmm! Can't say Xandra's got that wrong- but can she tell me when I get to take a break? And if I do- who does my work?

And don't think that my ironing goes away either!! We should have a 'Who has the biggest mountain of ironing?' competition? I'd win every time!!

Never mind... have stripped down to page 150 and need 200 by Friday. Oh, that's all right then!

Love to all and happy reading everyone!!!
Susan

Had to take a break today... am re-balancing book, which is author speak for lots of juicy revisions. The eds are always right- they can see if there's too much flour in the cake or too much fat, but it means one heck of a lot of work and of course, I need a break from time to time.

What do I do? Apart from drink hot chocolate, that is! (need lots of comfort food- mashed potato etc for supper tonight!) I play the piano. And it occurred to me that if I didn't play the piano my life wouldn't be half as rich as it is. The ability to make music is something I cherish- so to all of you out there with young sprogs- get them playing an instrument- you will never regret it, and neither will they.

To those of you who are interested in such things I was playing pieces by Debussy... though having heard a recording on BBC Radio 3 of Alfred Brendel playing pieces by Mendelssohn as I was driving along in the car today I reckon I've still got a long way to go!!! And to think he must have started with the same simple scales as me!!
Oh, boy.

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Don't forget to check out the new month's horoscopes on our Xandra King link!!

I've just been there and it looks as if I'm going to be busy. Oh, yes, you got that right, Xandra!!

There's some interesting new info on your star signs too, which is well worth tapping into- with more coming in the New Year, I've been told. Can't wait, Xandra... Just let me get these revisions away and then I'll be on that site like a shot taking some astro'tips and using them to stir up some plot lines and flesh out some characters.

And don't forget there are 2 competitions running... One on this site, which is tied into the competition on the www.accessromance.com site and our very own 'Blog Exclusive' competition here, with a winner being announced each week on Saturday.
The question you need to answer for this blog exclusive competition was announced yesterday, And it is...

Where were Lisa Bond and her mother living at the start of 'Virgin for Sale'?

Mail me with your answer to susanstephenshmb@yahoo.com in order to win a free signed copy of Virgin for Sale- the first in the brand new Presents UnCut series for Harlequin Presents, along with plenty of SS goodies.

Good luck everyone!!
Love and happy reading!
Susan