Susan Stephens' Writing Diary

Hugs all round to those who have caught winter flu. Does it ever go away? I feel like I have been self-combusting and snuffling for over a week now.

Which is why instead of concentrating on the book I have to get in this month I am thinking about The Greek's Bridal Purchase and why I wrote it.
I've decided to post some insights on the way the ideas come to me on X-tra Susan. Hope you find time to take a look.

Hope you have time for lots of chocolate too, and hot soapy baths- not forgetting lots of reading and well earned relaxation before the New Year swings into action and we're all back into the balancing act again.

Sxxx

Here's another taste-bud-tingling view of that fabulous cafe I told you about in Paris.





I don't want any of you ladies going to the wrong place and missing out on all that hot choc and macaroon bliss!

And there's another shot of Virginie (in the red coat). I'm already cooking a story for her, but I'm betting the editors make me change her name. Ah, well...

Here's my advice on handling that mammoth queue- take turns to stand in the queue while you and your companions go to check out the Madeleine...
This truly impressive structure is literally just across the road, and not to be missed on your tour of Paris...
(Oh, and by the way, entrance is free)











Whoah! Poor Fin and I thought the house was going to blow down last night, but this morning I woke to a mail from one of my many friends in Florida to hear that you ladies are on a tornado watch.

Stay safe all of you, I'm thinking about you constantly, and will try never to complain about the English weather again!

Also, big hugs and thank you do much to everyone who has mailed me privately or taken the trouble to post a comment on this site over the holidays. I know how busy you all must be and it's just great to know so many of you have taken at least a little time out for yourselves to read books and share your enthusiasm.

Thank you, Debbie for remembering my lovely Ramon...
I yearn to have another Ramon, and perhaps I will one day- he was gorgeous, wasn't he?!?
And of course, Ramon will always occupy a special place in my heart because he was my first hero in my first book for Harlequin Presents, A Spanish Inheritance.
And just for old times sake, here's the cover of my very first book...







Stay in touch for some really exciting news coming in the New Year, along with a chance to win lots more prizes in our exciting contests.

Stay safe, stay happy, and stay in touch

Love and hugs across the world,
Susan

Okay, you were supposed to see a loaded plate of maracoons and a full cup of hot chocolate (are you joking, kiddo?!) Faced with the most delicious macaroons known to man in a variety of delicious flavours, what would you do?

You'd so the same as me- cram your mouth, and then carefully dab up all the tell tale crumbs before taking the photo.

As for the hot-chocolate-thick-enough-to-stand-a-spoon-in...

Easy. I had to test it before I could recommend it to you.

And I do.

If you're in Paris you must visit La Duree The tea shop.
The queue you see was out of a very big shop and stretched down the road all day as far as I could tell.

The gorgeous Parisienne in the red coat, who looks just like one of my heroines is the LFF's best friend and is called (for real) Virginie.
Parfait! As they say in La Belle France!

Look out for a small determined lawyer with a shock of jet black curls any time now...

Love to all, and happy slurping everyone!

Susan

The first pic shows the LFF, plus lovely mummy, Danielle, with my newly appointed UK PA, otherwise known as minimus- or youngest baby, Leonie... with the tour Eiffel faintly in the background.

The second pic shows yours truly, with the LFF and lovely mummy, Danielle, with the Arc de Triomphe behind us.

I can't begin to tell you what a fantastic time we had in Paris.

The shops were fab, and not half as crowded as they are here in the UK at Christmas time.
The only downside of what has to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world is that gorgeous little doggies are free to poo at will, and they do so all over the pavements. Plus, every second person seems to own at least 2 gorgeous little doggies.
Suffice it to say I scrubbed my shoes with disinfectant before replacing them in my wardrobe. Okay, so I am particular about such things- but here's my warning- watch out for poo in Paris!

We had such a brilliant time- and one of the best evenings was spent at Bel Canto, where the young adults from the Paris music Conservatoire sing during dinner.
When you think that all these young people will almost certainly go on to enjoy international careers it gives you some idea of how privileged I felt to be able to hear them.

Naturally, none of my trips is complete without a drama- and we got stuck on the metro when our 3 day passes ran out- bear in mind when you travel that the 3 day pass is for the named days and not for 72 hours and you won't make my mistake!
Oh, and travelling by metro is definitely the best way to go- cheap, fast and on time every few minutes.

Back with news of hot chocolate so thick you can stand a spoon in it, and the very best place in Paris to enjoy such a treat.

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susanxxx

Thinking of all my friends across the world with love on this happy day.

Susanxxx

Hiya

Thank you for comment re music on fun site- had another saying, lose the music- someone tell me what to do.!!!!!!!
(Sorry.am feeling unusually weak and willie=warmer-ish afer long time (3 days) away from mother ship, and having somehow contracted layryngitis- or as they say en France- where I have been for the past few days. Mal a gorge
Urgh!

Sxxx

Here we go, girls...

'A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do
A woman must do what he can't...
B'Boom!

Take a look at what minimus fixed up for me this afternoon :
www.freewebs.com/susanstephens

Let me know what you think....

Crazy time- away/revisions/Christmas/panic/Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!


Hugs around the world!
Susanxxx

Thank you to one of my very young friends for this remarkable insight...











Off to Christmas lunch now, and then gay Paree in the morning- back with photos soon

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

I have returned to my first passion... each week as a child I was taken to the library and allowed to browse, and each week I headed straight for the same shelf... Jean Plaidy.

Having just finished the last page of The Thistle and The Rose this morning as I dried my hair I am totally gripped all over again. No wonder I love drama and romance. Jean Plaidy's masterly story telling and command of history just blows me away. Can't wait to start my next one, and I'm guessing I'll be reading this wonderful author's complete oeuvre, which as she was extremely prolific and wrote under several names, should keep me going for quite some time to come!

Bliss.

Love to all, and have a great start to the week, everyone!
Susan

Happy wishes to everyone, and especially to those of my friends who are suffering terrible weather conditions and power cuts... may they be short and your holiday cheer long enough to last you right through the New Year.

Love to all, and happy reading everyone,
Susan

I just had to bring you this lovely story.
Sxxx


World's tallest man saves China dolphins Thu Dec 14, 7:28 AM ET



BEIJING - The long arms of the world's tallest man reached in and saved two dolphins by pulling out plastic from their stomachs, state media and an aquarium official said Thursday.

(Advertisement)
The dolphins got sick after nibbling on plastic from the edge of their pool at an aquarium in Liaoning province. Attempts to use surgical instruments to remove the plastic failed because the dolphins' stomachs contracted in response to the instruments, the China Daily newspaper reported.

Veterinarians then decided to ask for help from Bao Xishun, a 7-foot-9 herdsman from Inner Mongolia with 41.7-inch arms, state media said.

Bao, 54, was confirmed last year by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's tallest living man.

Chen Lujun, the manager of the Royal Jidi Ocean World aquarium, told The Associated Press that the shape of the dolphins' stomachs made it difficult to push an instrument very far in without hurting the animals. People with shorter arms could not reach the plastic, he said.

"When we failed to get the objects out we sought the help of Bao Xishun from Inner Mongolia and he did it successfully yesterday," Chen said. "The two dolphins are in very good condition now."

Photographs showed the jaws of one of the dolphins being held back by towels so Bao could reach inside the animal without being bitten.

"Some very small plastic pieces are still left in the dolphins' stomachs," Zhu Xiaoling, a local doctor, told Xinhua. "However the dolphins will be able to digest these and are expected to recover soon."

I'm so thrilled with the cover for this book. It's just great when the art department interprets the images in my head so accurately- though I don't get too excited when they don't because that's what I adore about books- we are all free to draw our own conclusions as we read, unlike a film where the director's vision is set in stone.

Now on to my sin for this week (well, there are more, but I'm not telling)
I have only just bought some Christmas cards after a massive guilt trip when I saw how many I had received. So huge apologies to everyone who knows they should receive one- it's going to be late!

A lot of my friends have stopped sending cards altogether and intend to donate a sum of money to a charity of their choice instead. Good idea- excellent, but I don't want anyone to think I've forgotten them- so, how do you get round that?

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend, and don't exhaust yourselves girls- remember, this is your holiday too!

Hugs around the world

Susanxxx

Right now I'm racing to get my latest Modern X-tra down on paper before I shoot off in various directions next week...

First I'm thrilled to tell you that I have been invited back to the annual 'girls' lunch in my old village even though I no longer live in that part of the country-

So, Tuesday will see me jumping into my 'Need For Speed' machine and flying across country to join a group of ladies who can tell the most wonderful stories between them and who can most definitely drink me under the table!

(I used to wake up the next day and wonder what happened- never mind, how I got home!)

Only joking! (well, almost only joking)

And of course, as I shall be driving it will be nothing stronger than water for me- but that doesn't mean I won't be having the time of my life.

Remember last year?

Take a bow, girls... (I'll have this year's photo up after the lunch next week)











The very next day I'm off to Gay Paree for a few days shopping with minimus and the LFF(look out for more photos!)

And very soon after Christmas I'm looking forward to Miranda's story hitting the shelves.
The Greek's Bridal Purchase comes out in February. (I think.)
(New Year's Resolution is to get properly organised)
(And we all know what happens to New Year's Resolutions, Susan!)

This story meant such a lot to me- a musician who loses everything- and then has to contend with a Greek tycoon on top of everything else.
Plus this man doesn't seem to have a decent scruple in his body.
Is he worth saving?
See what you think!




That's it for today- it's coffee time!

Hugs around the world

Susanxxx

The absolute best thing about the holidays is getting together with friends.
Here you can see...'the gang' having a ball together. Plus an extra one of special friend, Jane and Jane's mum- who must be very proud of her daughter for running this bi-monthly group where we get together-

There's a rule, you see, that you never sit in the same place twice, so each time you come you meet someone new and interesting, and there's not a chance of the gathering becoming cliquey, or snobby, or anything horrid like that. We just all get on really well- and as you can see- there's a wide spread of ages, which makes the conversation all the richer.

(sorry the photo's a bit fuzzy- but I couldn't ask for a 2nd, as the waiters had to stand and wait while one of them very kindly took this one for me)

The lady in green, sitting down at the back was absolutely fascinating- not only did she design Cate Blanchett's gowns in the film Elizabeth, and will do so again, but she is a textile archivist, who talked to us about Kashmir, the history, the people, and the wonderful Paisley designs we owe to that country... and of course she went on to speak movingly about the terrible earthquake which devastated the whole area, and how we can help.

After this we were entertained by the young people from a Sixth form Performing Arts college. The La Pointe group were absolutely fantastic- I can honestly say I have never heard a gospel version of the Hallelujah chorus before!!! What talent. I was totally in awe. Thank you all so much.

Well, that's it for today- just the washing to sort out, then a cup of tea, and then into the writing cave so that Carly can put naughty naughty Lorenzo in his place.

2 Paw, thank you so much for your lovely comment. You know I felt all along that Shahin was a man in torment, and it means a lot to me that you picked this up. I know Zara had history too, but somehow she was more removed from it, having hardly known her parents, while Shahin lived his terrible memories every day.

And the red hair? I feel young again! Well, I do until I creak in the morning!!!

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susanxx

Are we decided that I look better with a bit of colour?
I think I look washed out with blonde hair now- but maybe that's just me.

As you can see I am doing anything but working right now... as the holidays draw closer I'm getting the creeping feeling that I'm entitled to a break, when of course, I'm entitled to no such thing.

My hero Lorenzo is gorgeous, but stern, and my heroine Carly, is a plumptious young lady with a strong mind and an eye on a scholarship that only wicked Lorenzo, known in Carly's mind as The Prince of Darkness, can bestow.

Pistols for two; coffee for one, methinks- until at least one of them decides to turn the fight in another direction...

I, for one, can't wait!

Enjoy your day, girls... tomorrow some pics of me and my chums at our Christmas party, looking suitably merry.

Hugs around the world
Susanxx

Yes, the rumours are true... the Ninja Carrot has returned.

I tried and tried to be a sweet-natured blonde- but somehow it's easier in the summer to be sugar and spice- in the winter I need the added comfort of fiery hair.
Some like it hot?
That's me, ladies.

Oh, and please, please, please don't think I dress like this to write. Oh, no, I was on the point of going out for a Christmas lunch with my friends when minimus- shocked to see her mother NOT looking scruffy, insisted on a pic to record the moment for posterity.

Oh, India, thank you for your kind comment. There's nothing funny about Christmas here when mother hasn't so much as bought a Christmas card or a cracker.
Must admit to getting a bit hot under the collar when I was round at a friend's house and her kitchen buzzer went off... 'Oh, that's my mincemeat,' she said.
She makes her own mincemeat?!?!?!? Holey Moley! Am I a failure, or what!

Back with more chaos tomorrow!

See you then!
Hugs. Big hugs.
Sxxx

Am running to try and catch tail right now- but as that's a big, fat tail after finishing my birthday chocs in one mouth-smearing magical moment last night, that shouldn't be too difficult.




A great big hug to everyone for loving Sheikh Shahin in Bedded By The Desert King, as much as I do.

Enjoyed writing about Shahin soooo much...

Ladies, imagine for a moment Yours Truly sitting in her study with a scene containing Shahin playing inside my head...

How am I supposed to get anything down on paper!?!




Now then, I would love for you all to join me in a hug and a cheer for India of the 3 Scribes, who recently received The Call.
Congratulations, India!!!
India tagged me to answer her Xmas questions- and I know I have them here somewhere...

Here we go:

3 Scribes Holiday Get To Know You Questionnaire.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
a. Champagne

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
a. He delivers them in a sleigh, ready wrapped. Don't tell me he doesn't do that for you...!

3. Coloured lights on tree/house or white?
a. Santa's elves delivered clear this year.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
a. Santa's elves hangs the mistletoe while I'm not looking.

5. When do you put up your Christmas decorations.
a. The elves...

6. What is your favourite holiday dish?
a. Cranberry sauce, bread sauce,lashings of gravy, turkey breast, crispy roast potatoes, roast parsnips... Excuse me, ladies, I'm off for a dribble break.

7. Favourite holiday memory as a child?
a. Cutting the hair off my first Barbie doll.

8. When did you learn the truth about Santa?
a. I don't understand this question.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
a. Santa wouldn't like that- and anyway, he hasn't made his delivery by then, so how could I?

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree?
a. With the help of lots of champagne, friends and kids- it's a kind of throw and see if it sticks regime.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
a. Adore it- Plus, I've found it helps when I'm skiing.

12. Can you ice skate?
a. Only when I'm skiing

13. Do you remember your favourite gift?
a. A Beano annual.

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
a. Holiday for me, did you say? Can you shout a little louder- the family didn't
hear you

15. What is your favourite holiday dessert?
a. Chocolate Yule log.

16. What is your favourite holiday tradition?
a. Spending time with my family.

17. What tops your tree?
a. either Squashed-Fairy or One-Wing Fairy, depending on which one I can find.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
a. This year it will be giving, because I managed to snaffle a Nintendo WII for my
son- reminds me of the year I tracked down a 'Transformer' for him at Selfridges in London and had it mailed to Santa for him to deliver in time for Christmas- Remember Transformers, ladies?!?! (sing along with me now...)
''Transformers, robots in disguise....''

19. What is your favourite Christmas song?
Silent Night

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum?
Gross

That's it for now- enjoy what's left of your weekend, ladies.

Hugs around the world from
Susanxxx

Just popping by before I make my afternoon tea...

Enjoying the writing cave today- am enthused about my naughty Italian hero, Lorenzo, who also happens to be a slick city lawyer, and am enthused about his pupil barrister, Carly Tate too-
She Who Should Do What She's Told,
at least when Lorenzo's giving the orders. But, oh well, you know what my heroines are like by now!

What can country girl Carly and sexy Italian American Lorenzo possibly have in common...?

Now, let me see...

Loving it, ladies.

Have a great day-
Hugs around the world
Susan

As I speed towards the end of my love affair with Greek tycoon, Alexander Kosta, in my latest passion filled manuscript for Harlequin Presents it's only natural that my mind flits towards my next book, which will be for Modern X-tra and will have a very different feel.



It's fantastic to be able to explore the light and shade of love and life like this-and a bit like Sliding Doors, I can't help wondering how my heroine and hero would reach their rainbow's end if they were placed in different books- Alexander Kosta in Modern X-tra, for instance... Now, there's a thought!
It would definitely be a case of light the blue touch paper and stand back!
Don't tempt me, ladies... Don't tempt me-
Oh, heck, it's too late!!

Join me for the ride as I battle through revisions with my Greek Presents, and forge ahead with the mayhem that's sure to ensue in my next book for Modern X-tra. (which, blow me down, I do believe I'm going to make a start on tomorrow- so, get your stop watches out now!

Thank you all for your private loving messages. Your support and thoughts mean everything to me.

Love to all, and happy reading everyone!

Susan

Okay, girls, this is not a picture of your author smiling happily, it is a picture of your author going slowly mad.
(Just noticed the rope around my neck- is my family trying to tell me something?)

I have just this very moment sent in to my ed' what Nora Roberts refers to, in her own inimitable fruity style, as my POS stage of writing a book.

I had to- ready or not- Okay, yes, it's my deadline- or it was last week- but I just couldn't wrestle this beast a moment longer.
I need a cool clinical eye running over my ms-
cue: Jenny. Hi Jenny. I need you. I always need you. I have a crazy convoluted mind that runs ten stories at the same time and needs them untangling.
Gimme a sign post. Or just gimme a sign- Hell, I don't know!!!!

Aaaah, that feels a little better.

Urgh. last night was a bit of a disaster ladies... I'm not going to bitch on line, but Lulu get yourself a new manager. And wash your hair girl and get rid of that bonnet. What's going on!?!


India- I'm tagged???
Don't I have enough to contend with???????????
(Message to self: Sissy Soppy Susan- pull yourself together NOW,and that's an ORDER)

Christmas? Now there's a thing. I don't get back from gay Paree with the LFF until 2 days before- it's going to be another case of ready or not.
And did I mention I have a Modern X-tra to write before the New Year.
No?
I really am going mad.

Hugs around the world- and mail me, India on susan@susanstephens.net and we'll get something sorted out- don't know what- my dirty washing, probably.

Sxxx

But first, boo hoo, my faves, The MacDonald Brothers are out of X Factor

But not forgotten, I think



But in fairness, Leona is way the best, with an absolutely astonishing voice. And she's through. Yippee!


But now, guess where I'm going tonight?

Okay, I'm off to see Lulu...

For those of you don't know, Lulu is a songbird similar to Dolly Parton, but without the breasts... and of course, in my opinion no one writes music quite like Dolly. That lady is truly a legend.

But over here in the UK Lulu is something of an icon too, and better looking now, I have to say, than she was at twenty.
How does she do it?
If I find out tonight I'll be sure to let you know, ladies


Gotta go

Hugs!
Sxxx

What did the fish say when it swam into a wall?

Dam!


Enjoy the rest of your evening, ladies


Hugs around the world

Susanxxx

Okay, these 2 sweeties, Craig 20 and Brian 19, have made it through to the almost end of the X-factor... the UK Pop Idol. Each week they are totally slated by Simon Cowell, which they take with dignity- and in the case of the cute little one with dark hair- sometimes tears in his eyes.
BUT
The great British public has voted for nice- nice boys, nice singing- plain wholesome and nice MacDonald Brothers, keeping Craig and Brian in the show. And they're Scottish too, so come on all you ex-pats and Scots out there, along with everyone else who wants to vote for two brave and engaging young men- they sing beautifully in tune and are sound musicians as well as er,... very very nice.

MacDonald Brother's in the final with Leona
Vote 0901 61 61 101

And now I've come over all unnecessary, because I've just discovered that Daniel Craig is on Parky tonight. Uuuurph! How much pleasure can one author take?!
Hottie for your pleasure, ladies...



Cold showers all round, I think!

Love and hugs to all

Susanxxx