Susan Stephens' Writing Diary

Yes, I've been wicked...but only to the extent of more wicker baskets into which I shall tidy all my bathroom gubbins when we move.

Soon I shall have more wicker baskets than things to put in them. But I will be tidy.

Oh, and in case you're wondering why the unseasonal photo... well I didn't think you'd want one of wicker baskets, so here are 2 barmy baskets instead. And I don't think I need to tell you which one of them is mine!

Have a great weekend everyone!

love to all, and happy reading
Susan

The demon computer!

Yep, he's tamed for now, and thank you for everyone who sent messages of support and solidarity!

My ed and I are back in touch so she can check up to make sure I don't spend my whole day blogging and drinking coffee- that's when I'm not eating chocolate, or shopping on-line, you understand...

I am supposedly working on revisions right now... but somehow I can't seem to get past page 12 and as anyone will tell you, you DO NOT work on any part of the manuscript that has passed muster; you ONLY work on that part of it you have been asked to work on. OTHERWISE you open a whole Pandora's box of potential problems- perhaps changing something your ed absolutely loves- it may be the ONE thing she absolutely loves in the whole 200 pages- and you just scrapped it.

BIG MISTAKE!!!

BUT When did I ever listen to the voice of reason? And when I read a book it's absolutely imperative to me that the first chapter flows effortlessly... So, back to page 12

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Am I the only author in history to Spam their editor?
It seems pretty likely.
Oh, yes my friends, I'm never going to live this one down.

After several frantic phone calls from headquarters we established that my ed's mails weren't getting through. But I was getting mails from other people . Cue for ed to summon the boffins .
And then I discovered m eds name on my 'blocked' list- along with my daughter and two other innocents...
I might have thought I was going round the bend had not Wendy, my lovely web mistress from Artemis Web Design, mailed to say that I am blame free. Apparently this type of thing has happened before.

Phew!

But its not all fun and laughter. 100 pages into my latest ms and my revisions landed. Then there's the book I have to start and the two proposals I'm working on plus the two ideas bubbling away that I know I really should be working on. Papers are piled amile high with notepads and post-its to remind me of good lines for this book, or was it that book...?
Physician, heal thyself! Tomorrow a list.

Do you LOVE horoscopes? Xandra King has just mailed to tell me that she has uplifted the April sun signs early on her site so you can take a sneak preview at the month ahead right now!
www.xandraking.com

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Okay, my teeth aren't chattering and I am definitely not regretting our decision to buy this house.

Brave talk Susan!
But when the heating fails and the view from the kitchen window is a little... how shall we say? Desolate? Okay, yes, let's say that- it's a little harder to maintain a stiff upper lip. I maintained mine by dispensing tea from my flask and then discovering that I'd been so generous there was none left for me!

There's a heap of work to do when we finally move in but I'm used to clacking away on my pooter while the ceiling goes down- quite literally here at the cottage. Nothing phases me, ladies... well, if I run out of chocolate I get pretty excited- other than that, love keeps me warm!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

PS
Our winner for the AR contest was Jenny Teo from Singapore.
Congratulations once again Jenny for your fab' alternative book title suggestions for my May US release The Spanish Billionaire's Mistress
Jenny's winning suggested title was, The Spanish Awakening
Very Presents Jenny!

I thought I'd start off the week with something to make you smile!

Enjoy everyone!

Love to all, and happy reading...

Susan

What a truly fantastic competition on Access Romance All-A-Blog.
Such fun hearing your ideas for alternative titles for my book, The Spanish Billionaire's Mistress.

Our eventual winner after much discussion was Jenny with 'Spanish Awakening'.

Thank you all so much for entering what I think has been my most enjoyable competition yet. I can't wait to run my next 'alternative title' contest.

And as today is Mother's Day in the UK, for those of you who are going to have a quiet moment as I am now to reflect, here is a poem by Christina Rossetti that my mother asked me to read on days like this.

Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay,
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray,
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than you should remember and be sad.

Forgot to say, my Blog is up on www.accessromance.com All-a-Blog - with the chance to win a prize!

Hope you like my home-made banner... the sheet of paper is sitting on top of the actual manuscript of the book I'm working on at the moment.

I like to read my first draft in hard copy- and you can see that this book will have a Prologue to set this scene and on the top of the first page you can see the header shows the book title- Expecting his Royal Baby- on one side and author name on the other...

Good luck with the competition everyone!









Moving house is proving to be more fun than I imagined...

I have this place in the cottage, variously known as 'The Bogey Hole', and 'Mum's kiosk'. It is in fact what passes for my dressing room- if you can call a space the size of a telephone booth a dressing room!

But what fun as I turn it out...
Blimey, there's that Missoni scarf I couldn't believe I spent so much money on and had to hide away until I got over the shock (5 years later !!!???) Oh, and there are those shoes I bought in Harrods sale (did I even live here then?)

Oh, yes, your author has been a naughty, naughty girl. And how many pairs of shoes was that?
Imelda Marcos, you're a novice when it comes to hoarding shoes that are sure to come back into fashion one day...
(Do we seriously want platform soles and chunky heels to make a return?!)

For your amusement I have assembled a selection of the worst offenders for you to chortle over whilst supping your morning beverage.
I take it you will admire my taste when you view my sundress with matching beach shoes? Very subtle, I think...
And as for my hats... one for sun and one for shade- and both of them equally tasteful. What more could you ask of a hat, ladies?

Back to see what else I can find!
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Expect my next few mails to be full of food references.

You see I am wearing what minimus refers to as my 'winter overcoat' -




(A polite term for fat!)
I would have headed this mail with a shot of my belly to prove the point, but I didn't want you gagging over your morning coffee and so I show the object of my desire- Well, one of them, at least!

This skirt is part of a lovely twinkly outfit I only ever wear at conference. When it comes to clothes I'm either in jeans or I'm in black black and black, with the occasional shot of neutral. (makes deciding what to wear so much easier!) However, when conference time comes around I go mad- and I have to have twinkles.

Why is it that the moment we think 'I really must lose some weight' we become obsessed with food?
I had intended to cut down to two meals a day, but then I cooked this yummy chicken, orange, cream and tarragon dish last night and somehow a great big plateful of it - complete with rice - just slipped down my throat. Don't know how it got there - *honest*

So the aim is to fit into my twinkles my May 16th
Repeat after me Susan: Does your twinkly skirt fit? Does the zip even come close to fastening?
Does it Billy-oh!
But it will by RT Daytona.
It must by RT Daytona!!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

You don't mess with this sheep!

You have to wonder what the artist was thinking when they painted this egg!

Perhaps they had a row with their partner just before...

Whatever, he's one of my favourite easter ornaments. Maybe he'll cheer up after extended exposure to your author... (maybe not!)

Go take a look on All-a-Blog on the 24th where I'm spilling the beans on the continuity series in which I'm involved with a host of other authors (OK, not a 'host', but the words scanned rather nicely in my musical mind) and also posing a new competition question. Go on, get over there...

Oh, and BTW it's the 24th March 6am US time Which one? [EST (I think)]

Love to all and may you not meet any scary sheep today... particularly those of you in Australia New Zealand and the North Yorkshire moors!!!

Susan xx (who changes into a happy, smiley, fun person to know once the sun shines- (at least, that's what she tells herself) - And yes, it's shining!)

First (official) day of spring tomorrow. Yippee!
Sxxx

Now I know spring is here. Each year when we go skiing I buy a decorated egg - the tradition of painted eggs is much more popular in Austria than it is here. Some of my eggs are actually covered in intricately embroidered material and are real little works of art. Others are just funny... and I'll try to bring you a pic of my extra large goose egg painted with the picture of a rather belligerent-looking sheep tomorrow!
I have so many eggs now that I'm currently looking out for some twisted willow branches on which to hang the rest...

Blog pics seem to be back, and so I added the promised 'empty nest' pic. Woe is me... but we've already spoken on the phone 3 times and its only 20 past nine in the morning here! And there's our crazy trip to look forward to... which seems to be getting crazier by the minute... China, Hong Kong and Vietnam? Do we really have time for all this... or are we planning a Gap year?!

Meanwhile the sun is shining the birds are singing and the garden is looking hopefully towards the pale blue sky...
Oh, yes, and a big fat pheasant has just taken a stroll across my lawn.

Hope the sun shines on you today...
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

OK, I give in, you were right...



My empty nest is... well, extremely empty. And Wiggy and I have talked about six times each day on the phone since she left home and we have arranged to meet up on Friday for lunch...
Not only that, we've decided that we're going to go to China together in October 2007 and we're both opening savings accounts to show we mean business.

As if that wasn't enough- minimus has just phoned from my favourite eatery where she is digging into fish, chips and mushy peas with gusto. And these mushy peas have mint sauce in them, which makes them particularly delicious... (pause to mop up unsightly dribble)

Now you may be wondering how I can wax lyrical about fish chips and mushy peas... Let's just say it's a northern delicacy here in the UK and leave it at that. I don't want you all rushing over and devouring every plate of mushy peas in sight before I get a chance to dig in!
And for those of you who would rather eat your own feet than mushy peas - You don't know what you're missing!!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

This is me and my baby on Sunday morning just wanting to say thank you so much for your good wishes everyone!!

Fin is rather reluctant to pose in 'cute doggy mode', as the vet had to shave off one of her eyebrows.
Her view is clear- honestly, mum, why are you subjecting me to this when I haven't been to make-up yet? But I thought Fin's caring fans should see she's enjoying the garden again. And it's so wonderful to hear the church bells ringing and to see the crocus and snowdrops in the garden- not to mention the sun shining at long last... (even if the grass is sodden- You want proof? View my damp knee!)
We've waited a long time for this wonderful burst of spring weather, but it's been worth it!

Fin may look a little down here- like all of us, she doesn't like to be caught with only one eyebrow in place! - but she is managing quite nicely to be naughty, thank you very much!

She is still supposed to be on a lead when I take her out, but on a flat stretch without any brambles I let her off... and when I tried to catch her she was like a naughty horse when you approach with the head collar carefully hidden behind your back... In this case of course, it was a lead... but every time I came close Fin trotted off again, pretending to be deaf!

This is shaping up to be the usual hectic weekend chez Stephens with a multiple sprog invasion expected any minute... Wiggy finally moved into her own apartment yesterday and tomorrow I will show you a heartening pic of her empty bedroom. (Yes, I know... you can't wait!?!)

Of course we did try to squeeze out a tear, but actually, we had the champagne on ice! You have to remember when I met my husband we took a week to become engaged, 3 months to marry and Wiggy was born 9 months later- so we're just starting to date!!!

Love to all, and have a fabulously romantic whats left of your weekend
everyone!

Susan

Back in her usual spot in my study looking a little dazed the day after her operation ... but definitely on the mend!

And this was taken before the first proper walk, which Fin enjoyed immensely.

We're off to the vet for a post-op check up now, which I know will make her nervous- but she'll be happy when we leave the surgery together.

She's eating well and on our walk yesterday she seemed more sprightly than ever... I think the wretched tumour must have caused her a lot of aggravation...

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan and Finlay

Thank you all for your kind messages- both direct to my e-mail and through this diary.

Finlay has come through her operation really well. Unlike other occasions when she's had to have a general anaesthetic she was quite alert when I collected her at the surgery.

We have a new young vet who only visits on a Wednesday and I feel he has a real vocation. I didn't need to explain to him that Fin may be fourteen but she is the liveliest and most intelligent dog I have ever owned... like most dog owners I make the strongest case I can rather than fall blubbing at the vet's feet and explain Fin is like another baby to me- but I think he got that part too.

She is fine this morning and has taken a stroll around the garden... a short walk on the lead coming up later. She is asleep here in my study right now, and if Blogger wasn't playing up I could show you the picture I just took of her...
She has been naughty because the vet removed another small growth on her head- plastic surgery, he called it (with such a kind smile) Fin scratched the stitched wound in the night however- so it may not quite have the Joan Rivers flawless quality about it when it heals!!
And Fin will not tolerate a plastic collar under any circumstances- it offends her doggy-dignity, she tells me.

So relieved I can bring you this good news... my first dog- when I was a little girl -went through a similar procedure and didn't come through the operation, so this is more of a relief than I can tell you. I guess veterinary science like everything else has come on since then- and thank goodness for it.

Back to work now!! (with my loving companion at my feet)

Susan (who really really appreciated those kind and thoughtful messages of support)

My most beautiful dog, my queen of dogs, Finlay-dog has to have an operation today- and at fourteen years old that isn't what you want for your faithful friend.

Fin is covered in lumps and bumps and one of them has lost circulation and started to ulcerate and so we have been left with no alternative but to have it removed.

I hate this. I hate leaving her at the vets when she doesn't understand what's happening, or why I'm going and leaving her behind.
I hope they're kind to her. And I hope I have some good news for you tomorrow.

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

No, it's me, it's me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I tried ever so hard tonight to raise a picture for you, because I just knew you would enjoy a pic of me masquerading as a snowball...

Had to go to my new house yesterday to meet up with various people who are going to make it habitable for me... and as the car climbed higher all sorts of warning chimes went off to warn me that the temperature was dropping and that ice was a real danger (who thought up heavenly harps to warn of cold temperature dangers when you're driving a car? Are they trying to suggest it's already too late??!)
Anyway, when I finally arrived on the top of the moors it was
*!+!*&! FREEZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As my picture thingy won't work I want you to imagine the blank space which follows as me- turned into an iceball just for your amusement...





You can't tell the difference from a photograph, now can you?
It's snowing... it's snowing... it's all white... completely white... White-out! White out!!! Look here, if you don't believe me...






Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Dilapidation, or living museum?

Planning a trip to Venice raises all sorts of issues in the 'Stephens' household.

There are those who loathe the place... shabby, smelly, dirty... and who refuse to go back.

And those amongst us who only see the history, architecture, the music and the art.

My new book coming out this summer in the UK and Australia is set in Venice, and so I'll leave you to make up your own mind! I show a not very flattering picture of the city next to my book cover showing the much more glamorous Rialto Bridge. Perhaps it more honest to say that Venice is a city of contrasts. (and I love them all)

Happy reading everyone!

Susan

Congratulations to Ayreann St. James from Portland USA, the winner of our Blog exclusive competition this week!


Enjoying a glass of cyber champagne with you, Ayreann...

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Should have known I couldn't write about 'rain sheeting down' in my latest book without attracting dire consequences!

To make matters worse I have just received a mail from a second friend of mine to buy a property in Florida.

Do I want to hear about turquoise skies?
Do I want to picture her sipping cocktails on the beach?
Margaret. You are no longer my friend.

(Naturally am only joking since am hoping for invitation to said pad!)
(so obvious, these authors!!!)

Love to all from rainy England, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

I know it isn't quite mother's day yet, but when I woke up this morning I felt the need to reach for a book of poetry my mother gave to me for Christmas when I was seven years old.

I can still feel that initial thrill of excitement when I browse through it again... I saw the world through other people's eyes quite clearly for the first time. It made me think differently about the world and the creatures in it, and instilled in me a love of poetry and words I have never lost.

I cannot recommend it highly enough for your young relatives or friends... The publisher of my copy is Faber, but this may have changed by now!

Here is one of my favourite poems.

The Wasp by William Sharp

Where the ripe pears droop heavily
The yellow wasp hums loud and long
His hot and drowsy autumn song:
A yellow flame he seems to be,
When darting suddenly from high
He lights where fallen peaches lie:

Yellow and black, this tiny thing's
A tiger soul on elfin wings.

Love to all, and happy, happy reading everyone!
Susan

The goddess of youth

No, it's not some miracle cure, or I'd have been on to it years ago!

Have just received simultaneous mails from my two girls directing me to a site where I can win a 'the ultimate goddess getaway' holiday break in Cyprus...

Well, I clearly am a goddess and therefore I should win... Not!

But thank you girls, anyway!

However having decided to be a goddess-for-a-day, I picked the 'Goddess of Youth'

Can't imagine why- she just seemed appropriate somehow!

Enjoy, ladies...

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Okay, I asked for it!



How would you like to be woken up at 5.30 am with your sleeping partner bellowing an out of tune rendition of 'Ring of Fire'
Hmmm? Well?

Dear heart, having seen an actor play the part of Johnny Cash, now thinks it's easy for anyone to be Johnny Cash.
Wrong
And in tribute to the late great June Carter Cash, who wrote the song, that is one catchy song, June... I wonder if dh is ever going to stop murdering it- In fact he's whistling it right now. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!

I'm off to the writing cave- and the title of that new book for the Niroli royal series I promised you...
'Expecting the Royal Baby'

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

I had such a wonderful weekend chatting to readers across the world as three competitions collided I somehow overlooked DH. But he suprised me this morning by insisting my weekend last one more day- which is why I'm coming to you late today with this blog. Not only did the wonderful man I married almost 30 years ago insist on this extra day he took me to see the film of my choice...

You'll never guess which film I chose to see...
Okay, you did.
Walk the Line. Again.
And dh loved it too.

Tomorrow it's on to write the Prologue of the royal series I told you about and when I blog I'll let you in on the title, which I've only just learned myself. I just think the series is going to be fantastic and I can't wait to start the book.

Back tomorrow with more news
Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Access Romance All-a-Blog Competition winners...

1) Virgin for Sale Julia Blanco from Venezuela
2) The Sheikh's Captive Bride Sandra Martin from
Monroe USA
3) The Greek's Bridal Purchase Meri Maunder from
Modbury South Australia

SOLD!

I can hardly believe my gorgeous country cottage has been sold. The good news is that the new owners are lovely people and they have a grandson old enough to enjoy 'fishing' in the stream without the water posing a danger to him.

I hope the wildlife will return so they can enjoy Mrs Duck's proud parade each spring and that the horrid Mr Mink takes a hike- preferably somewhere far, far away from here.

I shall miss it all dreadfully, but look forward to introducing you to my new house some time in May.

Meanwhile, don't miss my blog on www.accessromance.com All-a-Blog today! (6am EST) Because that's where you'll find the answer to my Blog Exclusive competition question!

My question is this:Which two people are soothing my house-moving panic right now?

You will see I'm offering signed copies of my books on All-a-Blog, but to you Susan Stephens Blog Exclusive ladies I'm offering an extra gift along with your book to the winner of this Blog Exclusive competition (to be announced next weekend when Finlay-dog has selected a winner)

It's the identical heart shaped box to the one I use to store the confetti I always pop in with my prizes... I love my box and I hope our winner loves her special box too.

If you have a preference for the book you'd like to receive just let me know in your mail, which you will head 'Blog Exclusive Competition' and mail to susanstephenshmb@yahoo.com

Good luck everyone!!!

Enjoy your weekend... Love Susan

The Royal House of Niroli





The richest royal family in the world - a family united by blood and passion, torn apart by deceit and desire...

This series is going to be LUSH and I'm thrilled to be part of it.
It's planned for 2007 and for all you lovers of series books this is going to be an absolute must!

Let me give you a flavour...

One crown; 8 contenders...
8 gorgeous alpha males and only one of them can claim the crown of the beautiful mediterranean island of Niroli.

Who will it be? And which of the 8 feisty heroines will meet the man of their dreams and stay behind to rule at his side on this sun kissed isle?

My hero, Nico Fierezza has been described as a lean, mean love machine.
And I'm assured that's a complement!!!

Phew! Turn down the heat someone!

Don't forget to come by tomorrow for our Blog exclusive competition question for a chance to win your own signed copy of The Greek's Bridal Purchase

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Okay, so I'm being greedy, but I simply couldn't choose my favourite shot of Joaquim Phoenix- (Oh, dear, we have to have them all)

So... do you want to see a good film? Or do you want to see a GREAT film?

Walk the Line is just fantastic. And what were the chances of finding stars like Reese Witherspoon and Joaquim Phoenix to play the lead roles brilliantly and sing so well?

If you haven't seen WTL do go and see it, you won't be disappointed.
I must confess I was already a convert having loved Johnny Cash since I was a sprog. It added to my enjoyment when I realised that Johnny Cash's son directed the film and and co-wrote the screen play.
The scene in Fulsom prison is totally powerful- or, Awesome! As my sprogs would say.

Love to all- especially to JP from all of us, I'm sure - and happy reading everyone!
Susan

Blimey! News moves fast than a flea in the doggy world.

You may remember that a few days ago as deadline approached (and yes, I have just this second sent off my latest ms- sighs of relief all round, not least from the family, who haven't had a hot meal in over a week) I was a bad pet, and my owner, Finlay dog was forced to write this blog for me.

Having shared my shame and disgrace at remaining in PJ's until mid-afternoon and neglecting her walk so I could get the book finished it appears Finlay-dog has received advice and support with regards to the better training of her pet from Tasmania... Such is the power of the internet, my friends.

Allow me to present...
Drum roll, if you please....

Harki-Parki-Parker-Posey
and
Peri Naughty the Golden Labradors.
G'day doggies!!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!
Susan,