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Dialogue — Keeping it Real

191 Comments September 3rd, 2008 in Modern Heat, author, writing Posted by Amy

by Trish Wylie, author of Her Bedroom Surrender

My name is Trish Wylie and I’m an –

Ooops wrong place…Let’s start again. Hello from a rather rain soaked Emerald Isle! So Modern Heat’s Irish girl is here to talk to you about dialogue. There’s probably a good reason for that. We Irish have been known to talk from time to time. Though obviously if you’ve met me in person you’ll know how shy and retiring I am…

I LOVE writing for this line. Seriously! The very fact I can write a book in anything from three to eight weeks is testimony to that I think and a big part of that ‘fit’ is the dialogue.

Now you’d think that dialogue would be one of the easiest things in the world but some people find it tough, despite the fact we all use it every single day of our lives. We use dialogue from first thing in the morning to kick the kids out of bed for school (in my house that mostly involved my mother yelling at us from the foot of the stairs at ten minute intervals until someone eventually appeared). We talk over the breakfast table (or of you’re a teenager you mumble and grunt in the general direction of the cereal box and the grown ups are supposed to translate). There’s chatting on the phone, gossiping with the girls over coffee, getting the latest about So-And-So and the hot new guy she met (with appropriate gasps and ‘lucky girl!’ type phrases).

But what does it mean in a Modern Heat?

Well as I’m sure you all probably know by now the books are fun, sassy, sexy, contemporary reads. The dialogue will reflect this and will move your story forwards with the same flow as any conversation you might engage in or overhear in real life. Except of course when your characters are hurt, or arguing, or… well you get what I’m saying here, right? Dialogue is the cornerstone of any story told in any medium. Inner POV, physical movement, plot, descriptions that key into the five senses; they’re all layers around the dialogue. And the real test with dialogue is if you remove all those other elements and still have a clear idea of who the people are and what’s going on…

—————————————————————————————-

“You?”

“You’re Merrow O’Connell?”

“And you’re Alexander Fitzgerald? Well, well, isn’t this interesting?”

“You can’t be Merrow O’Connell.”

“And why can’t I?”

“Because I’m not spending the next nine months working with you after-“

“One night of incredibly hot, uncomplicated sex? And anyway, I haven’t said I’d work with you yet. Are you always this presumptuous? Is the famous Fitzgerald name supposed to be enough to persuade me on its own? I should be on my knees in front of you about now I suppose…”

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Me? O-ooh, as if I’d dare…I told you on the phone I’d have to see the project before I agreed to anything.”

“You said you had a short window in your schedule. And you won’t turn it down when you see it.”

“You don’t know I won’t.”

“Yes, I do, ‘cos any designer who loves what they do would be seriously turned on by a project this size.”

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you size doesn’t matter?”

“Well how about you try looking at it before you make your mind up? My client is very keen on your work…The Pavenham’ could be the kind of project to launch you into the big time…”

“The Pavenham Hotel? The one that Apocalypse just bought?”

“That’s the one. And they have deep pockets. You’d be very well paid for your work.”

“Chamomile tea?”

“Hell no.”

“It might help you with all that tension.”

“What tension?”

“Mickey D must be giving you hell.”

“You think I can’t handle an aging rocker like Mickey D?”

“I think you wouldn’t have chased halfway across Dublin looking for me if he wasn’t digging his heels in. He’s famous for being a bit of a Prima Dona…I was conceived to one of his songs you know.”

“Actually, I’m not sure I needed to know that. But I’m sure he’ll love it when you tell him.”

“Seriously, chamomile is great stuff – and completely natural.”

“I’m good, thanks.”

“So what happened to your last interior designer?”

“Which one?”

“How many have there been?”

“Four. Mickey D is quite particular.”

“So I’m a last resort am I?”

“Actually you’re the first one that he’s been determined he has to have.”

“Mmm. I doubt I’m really the first.”

“That kind of recruiting he can do on his own. I’m his architect, not his pimp.”

“Seriously, there’s more tea in the flask.”

—————————————————————————————-

This excerpt of dialogue from the first chapter of my next Presents/Modern Heat release His Mistress: His Terms shows how the dialogue reads with all the other layers removed. So do we have an idea of who the characters are? Of their personalities? Of what they do for a living? Of their relationship at the start of the book? Does it have a natural flow? Are they reacting to what the other one says? If you read it out loud would you find yourself changing the tone of your voice to suit each character?

If the answer to all those is no then I’d just like to say I’ve loved my career while I had one.

Through dialogue your characters get to know each other in the same way couples all over the world do. It doesn’t happen all at once – things are gradually revealed (otherwise it would be a pretty darn short story!). Sometimes they’ll be evasive or make witty come-backs to avoid a subject they don’t want to discuss. Their speech pattern will reflect a cornucopia of things from their education level to their social position to their location on the planet to whether they’re male or female. But basically, like everything else in the books; it all comes down to character.

A gorgeous, yummy alpha male hero in a Modern Heat is gonna have confidence to burn. Not only drop dead sexy in the looks department – ‘cos let’s be honest here, sexy is more than just eye candy, isn’t it? Smart is sexy. Confident is sexy. A sense of humour – well, it does it for me ;) Put all of those things into his dialogue to add to that eye candy wrapping and you know your reader is completely gonna understand why your heroine has problems staying vertical for long – even if there’s a long list of reasons why he’s completely the wrong guy for her in so many other ways…

Is this the kind of guy who is likely to apologize much? Admit he’s wrong? Say please? Probably not. Nor is he likely to open up and have a long discussion about his feelings. Most men don’t even understand why women feel the need to do that. A Modern Heat hero is the man who thinks in straight lines – it’s the heroine who tends to knock him off track (don’t you LOVE IT when that happens?!). But regardless of what she does this guy sees what he wants and doesn’t stop till he gets it! And this will show in the way he talks.

The sassy, confident heroine in a Modern Heat is gonna be able to hold her own against this guy when it comes to dialogue. When it comes to resisting him in other ways obviously she’s gonna have problems… but hey, who can blame her? There will be times when she’s sarcastic to balance his over-confidence/arrogance. There may be times when she says one thing and contradicts it with inner POV – we women tend to do that (and are frequently amazed when we’re misunderstood because of it!) Is she likely to confess how attracted she is to the hero from the get-go? To let him know how she feels when she’s still battling with herself over the long list of things that make him the wrong guy for her? What are the chances she’ll tell a bad boy that she wants him to settle down with her and give up his playboy lifestyle? Yuh-huh. See? Now you’re with me.

Last but not least remember that contemporary feel. In a Modern Heat you may well see slang in the dialogue, pop-culture references, conversations by text or email, friends of the heroine chatting over cappuccinos while they discuss sex in a public place… It’s a reflection of modern day relationships and life. I’m not suggesting you apply to major companies for deals on product placement but we should really feel that these people are out there in the real world. They just happen to be having a romantic adventure that taps into the kind of fantasies women all over the world can appreciate.

Half their luck I say!

Trish’s last Modern Heat in Presents was Her Bedroom Surrender in May (nominated for the Booksellers Best Award as Breathless!) and His Mistress: His Terms will be released in Presents in December.

http://www.trishwylie.com

191 Comments

191 Responses to “Dialogue — Keeping it Real”  

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  1. 1 Amy Sep 3rd, 2008 at 10:29 am

    Remember that the deadline for the Modern Heat competition is coming up — September 15! So get those entries in everyone :smile:
    ~Amy

  2. 2 Jilly C Sep 3rd, 2008 at 12:18 pm

    Amy, please come back!!!

    There’s a couple of us on the blog who’ve submitted our entries but haven’t yet received an e-mail acknowledgement, which I understand was the case for the Instant Seduction competition earlier in the year. Can you please confirm that this is okay and it doesn’t mean that said entries haven’t made it through cyberspace and into the ‘feeltheheat’ inbox?

    I’m sure you understand how insecure we wannabee authors are and it would just put our minds at rest to know this isn’t a problem!

    Cheers, Amy!

    Jilly.

  3. 3 Amy Sep 3rd, 2008 at 2:50 pm

    Hi Jilly,

    I will check with the editor running the contest if there’s something we can do. Hopefully I’ll have an answer for you in a couple days :-)

    Best,
    ~Amy

  4. 4 Heidi Rice Sep 3rd, 2008 at 4:51 pm

    Trish,

    Loved your post and love your dialogue, that snippet says it all for me, why your books just flow so beautifully. Oooh, can you tell I’m a fan.

    I find when I’m writing dialogue I love that opportunity to write whatever comes in to my head. You know that delicious moment when the hero’s said something totally out of order and as a writer you think, oh I know what why doesn’t she say this, that’ll get him. (I’m thinking your ’size doesn’t matter’ byplay was a perfect example). And isn’t it so great to have that opportunity that you don’t have in real life, you know when someone says something out of order and you think of the perfect come-back about three hours later. But when you’re writing a Mod Hot, you can think of it three hours later and stick it in the book.

    Oh, I love writing dialogue. It’s one of my favourite bits about writing for this line – and reading it.

  5. 5 wanton woman Sep 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    Trish,

    You chose a wonderful example to showcase your flair with dialogue, I love that scene with Merrow and Alex. It provides savage insight into both characters and I know I certainly felt like I was actually in the room hearing the words, not reading them off a page.
    But to be fair, you capture dialogue effortlessly in all your books, it’s definitely a strong point for you. Maybe cos your Irish?!!! And yes, we are known to talk the legs of kitchen tables aren’t we?
    When you write scenes like the above mentioned, do you actually talk aloud to yourself? Do you find inspiration in lyrics that you listen to?
    As for first chapter entries, is it ok for us aspiring writers to jump right in with dialogue, keeping the drip feeding for further chapters?
    Or should we highlight a tiny bit of conflict whilst wowing with our hopefully witty and biting conversation??

    Any help appreciated,
    Aideen.

  6. 6 blairwitch Sep 3rd, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Hiya everyone

    I’m snowed under – hopefully writing witty dialogue for a request – but just wanted to say thanks Jilly for asking our question again. It would be so sad if our entries had just wandered off into cyberspace :(

    RACH!

  7. 7 emerald Sep 4th, 2008 at 3:09 am

    Hi Trish,

    I’m with Aideen in loving that scene between Merrow and Alex. I’ve never thought of removing the other elements to see if the dialogue works on its own, but I’ve got a horrible feeling mine doesn’t. Oh well, one more thing to work on. Gotta love a challenge!

    And to Rach,
    congratulations on getting a request. I hope witty dialogue just flows from your fingers.

    Robyn

  8. 8 Joanne Carr Sep 4th, 2008 at 3:40 am

    There should be an autoreply set-up, but I will check with our IT department to make sure it is working. We have been getting entries through however…

    I’ll be back to confirm!

    Joanne

  9. 9 Jilly C Sep 4th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

    You’re welcome, Rach, and good luck with the dialogue and all of the rest!

    And a big thank you to Amy and Joanne for taking the time to check it all out. I have to say, I’m loving this blog more and more. The help and support – not to mention all the invaluable advice – is just fantastic. As a few people have already said, writing is such a lonely business and here you feel you’re not totally alone. It counts for a lot, don’t you think?

    All best wishes,

    Jilly.

  10. 10 Joanne Carr Sep 5th, 2008 at 6:38 am

    OK – the lovely IT guy who originally set up the Feel the Heat address etc is out of the office until Monday, so I am playing the damsel in distress act in the hope someone else will help me before then! :)

    However, I tested the address myself and the email address IS working, but the automatic reply is not, so at this stage, I don’t think there is any cause for concern.

    Warm wishes from a chilly London :(

    Joanne

  11. 11 blairwitch Sep 5th, 2008 at 7:35 am

    Thank you so much Joanne! I won’t bombard your offices with more emails then and unless we hear otherwise, I’ll just assume my entry has arrived. :)

    RACH!

    Good luck to everyone – deadline is getting close now! Very exciting…

  12. 12 Amy Sep 5th, 2008 at 9:41 am

    Thanks for investigating Joanne!

    I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog Jilly! We owe a huge ‘thank you’ to all the fabulous authors who have taken the time to write such amazing posts and to chat about writing in the comments. And it’s great to see so many aspiring authors coming together to share your experiences. Best of luck to everyone entering the contest, I can’t wait to find out who the lucky winner is…

  13. 13 Jilly C Sep 5th, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    Trust me, Amy, neither can we!! As someone once said, it’s now squeaky-bum time! Scary to think that someone’s life is possibly about to be changed forever – no pressure there, then!

    Again, thank you to you and Joanne – and about this lovely IT guy, Joanne ……

    Best wishes from an even chillier – and no doubt, wetter – Manchester, affectionately known as The Big Watermelon. Nothing changes!

    Jilly.

  14. 14 wanton woman Sep 5th, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    It’s great to know that the chilly weather isn’t just confined to my corner of the world then. The rain here lately is quite unbelievable, even for Irish standards.
    It is scary to think about how someone’s life is very soon going to change but I imagine it probably ends up being a ‘good’ scary. I have yet to submit, ms finished and all that but I keep wondering if I could have done something better, used different words etc…
    Anyone else have similar doubts? I guess I really should just hit the ’send’ button!

    Aideen.

  15. 15 emerald Sep 5th, 2008 at 7:51 pm

    Hi Aideen,

    I think we all share your doubts. Otherwise it’s just you and me!

    But you’ve got time, so why not give it a day or two then re-read it and if you’re still happy you’ll feel good about sending it. And if you do happen to want to make a minor change then you won’t have missed your chance.

    Best of luck,

    Robyn

  16. 16 wanton woman Sep 6th, 2008 at 6:33 am

    Hi Robyn,

    Well I’ll settle for just one other person sharing my doubts so cheers for that!

    I’ve decided to step away from it and submit it on the tenth, regardless of how many worries are niggling at me. I think it’s probably as good as it’s going to get so technically I can’t do anymore.

    But like you said, I have four days to make some minor adjustments should I need to.
    The very best of luck to you and to everyone else taking this big step.

    Aideen.

  17. 17 Jilly C Sep 6th, 2008 at 7:48 am

    Hi Aideen (and Robyn),

    Make that two other people! It seems to come with the territory, doesn’t it? All that uncertainty and self-doubt. But, of course, we aspiring creative people are delicate flowers with egos to match! Makes you wonder why we constantly put ourselves up for it but I suppose the answer is simple and obvious. It’s in us and we love it – perhaps with the exception of the days (or nights) when we sit there staring at an endlessly blank screen and our brain just refuses to function!

    I’m sure Robyn’s right – lock it in a drawer, give someone else the key and then come back to it with fresh eyes and mind! I’m sure it’ll be fine and, come the tenth, blow that screen a big fat kiss, whisper a prayer and hit that monster of a send-button!

    And hey, I agree – THAT kind of scary I could live with!!!

    Good luck and the best,

    Jilly.

  18. 18 mulberry Sep 6th, 2008 at 8:37 am

    Fab article Trish! Your dialogue is some of the best in the business, and the idea of taking out everything but the speech highlights that even more. I alawys thought my dialogue was one of my stronger points so it will be interesting to see how it syands up to the test!

    Congratulations and good luck with that request Rach! Wonderful news! Wonder you will be the first of us unpubbed writers here to be able to tell their call story?

  19. 19 bburnham Sep 6th, 2008 at 9:33 am

    Trish,

    Excellent article and when I decide to look at my entry again, I may just take away everything but the dialogue to see how it sounds. Maybe . . . I’m a little afraid at what I will see, though. Thanks for the suggestion and taking time to do the article.

    Since I have had my head buried in a manuscript for a few days (and chasing after two boys who started school), I just wanted to say thank you to all of the other authors who blogged on Modern Heat as well: Natalie, Robyn, Nicola, Anna, Kate. Everyone’s words and comments have helped in some way. (Please forgive me if I forgot someone’s name!).

    Now, to Robyn and Aideen. I agree that you should just step away from your first chapter for a few days. You will see it much more clearly if you do. I finished mine a few days ago, but I am letting it brew as well.

    Also, if you haven’t, let someone else read it — maybe a critique partner, a friend. Trust me, they will notice things you would have never thought of.

    Good luck to everyone who enters. And, thanks again, to the awesome authors of this line.

    Barbara

  20. 20 wanton woman Sep 6th, 2008 at 10:16 am

    See?

    With a place like this to come to it’s impossible to feel alone. We all have so much in common and despite the fact that we’ve never met, we ‘get’ each other. That’s such a fantastic feeling because I’m sure my husband thinks that I’ve gone completely over the edge at this point, he so does not understand why I feel the need to scribble constantly and why I conduct conversations when I’m alone in a room!!!

    Jilly, kissing my screen and praying? Why not? It certainly can’t do any harm. Unless that is someone spies me kissing said screen….not sure I could explain that one.

    The best of Irish luck to all you ladies,
    Aideen.

  21. 21 bburnham Sep 6th, 2008 at 1:09 pm

    Aideen,

    I agree. It is nice to see/read about unpubbed writers who feel the same way.

    I don’t know if you know who Jodi Picoult is, but I read once where she used to write on her kid’s arms and hands when an idea came and she didn’t have paper in hand.

    Good luck to you.

    Barbara
    from the US

  22. 22 wanton woman Sep 6th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    Hi Barbara,

    I love Jodi Picoult’s work. I love how she picks apart the most controversial of subjects and just literally lays everything bare. She has some serious talent, I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy reading her shopping lists!!!
    That is just too funny, her poor kids! But clearly it pays off, when the moment strikes we must seize it.
    So like myself, you’ve yet to submit? It’s terrifying in one sense, isn’t it? But I know once I’ve hit that send button I’ll feel a whole lot better.

    Roll on the tenth, my D day. It will be great to all meet back here though after the comp has finished, we can share in each other’s panic!!

    Aideen.

  23. 23 bburnham Sep 6th, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    Aideen,

    Yep, I haven’t submitted yet. Funny, that I have picked the 10th as my submit day as well.

    It would be great to meet back at Ipresents once the comp is over. Also, feel free to contact me through my blog. Just click on the “bburnham” above and it will take you there. Same to Robyn, Rachel and Jilly.

    Again, good luck to everyone!

    Barbara

  24. 24 emerald Sep 7th, 2008 at 7:41 pm

    Hi Aideen and Barbara,

    I’ll think of you both on the tenth while I’m still trying to make the scribble that currently constitutes my synopsis into something coherent. Why is writing the chapter so much easier than writing the synopsis? I can get all of the details in if I don’t mind it sounding like the cornflakes packet, or I can make it a charming read that reflects character but –sadly– doesn’t tick any of the other boxes. Ah, the joys of writing a synopsis. Hmmn, must get back to it,

    Robyn

  25. 25 blairwitch Sep 7th, 2008 at 7:47 pm

    I hear ya Robyn!!! Synopsis’(or whatever the plural is) – I just don’t get those people that love ‘em!! Are they from the same planet.

    Good luck to everyone still submitting… I’m just nervous that mine hasn’t actually got there! :)

    RACH!

  26. 26 Jilly C Sep 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm

    Hi, all!

    Wow – looks like we’ve got ourselves a sisterhood here! Now, if we could only link up to a brotherhood of seriously sexy millionaires …..

    Robyn, did you have to go and ruin my evening by mentioning that dreaded word, ’synopsis’? For me, it’s as unmentionable as ‘Macbeth’ would be to a room full of actors! If anyone has mastered that particular art, please come and share – like, yesterday!

    Rach, don’t panic (easy to say). The glass is half-full and Fate will be kind, which has just about used up my quota of cliches for tonight.

    Aideen, maybe best to lock the door before the kissing-and-praying bit. If hubby thinks you’re already losing it (but he is a man and therefore from Mars, don’t forget) then he might start measuring you up for the strait-jacket if he witnesses that particular ceremony. And good vibes coming your way and Barbara’s when you hit that button on the tenth. Back here then for a mutual panic session?

    Jilly.

    And thanks, Barbara, for the invite. I’ll certainly be dropping by there soon but I really need to be turning in about now. I’ve got to be up before five a.m. for an early work-start. Probably should have been a newsagent!

  27. 27 wanton woman Sep 8th, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    Oh my God,

    The synopsis, I had totally forgotten about that. Well, not really. I just hoped it would write itself while I was busy polishing the chapter.
    Just checked out the winning synopsis from the Instant Seduction comp and I feel like crying. I can’t do that!! (write the synopsis that is, I can cry plenty).

    Ok, so we know who has submitted and we know who hasn’t. Maybe the eager beavers who have already can stop by and share their secret for penning the perfect synopsis. Please?

    I really may need that straight jacket Jilly if I have to do this part alone. So come on out to play and share, sharing is caring.

    Robyn, perhaps you shouldn’t think of me on the tenth after all, maybe on the 14th, with about a minute to spare before dead line?

    Aideen.

  28. 28 emerald Sep 8th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    Oops, I think I’ve set everyone to thinking about something awful. I agree Rach, that anyone who loves synopsis writing must be from another planet… or know some wonderful shortcut that the rest of us don’t!

    And Aideen, I’m sorry I started you on the road to panic but in my experience the darned things don’t write themselves no matter how long you wait and hope.

    To Jilly, I congratulate you on having submitted your entry (with a synopsis) and time to spare too! That’s pretty impressive considering I’m surrounded by numerous drafts of my synopsis, all of them unuseable.

    Robyn

  29. 29 Jilly C Sep 9th, 2008 at 3:25 pm

    Hi again!

    Thanks for the congrats, Robyn, though I have to say I’m less than convinced that they’re justified! I’m developing third-degree friction burns where my knees have been knocking since the moment I hit that dreaded send-button! And still six days to deadline. And then the judging. Ouch – there goes another layer of skin.

    Aideen, I’m more than happy to share, for whatever use it may be. As I’ve already confessed on an earlier blog, I’m not a detailed plotter – I like my characters to guide me and surprise me – so that really just left me with very bare bones and not a whole lot of meat to hang on them -which at least was a help with keeping it down to two A4’s double-spaced! I know the background of my two main players (something to be grateful for, at least) and I know the climax (of the conflict, that is, though I’m dreaming up plenty of the other kind – this is Modern Heat, after all!) but everything in between is all a bit hazy at the moment. A couple of key scenes that steer them where I want them to go and that’s about it. I know – at least, I hope – that they’ll show me the way as we go, and if that’s not a pantser I don’t know what is!

    Consequently, my synopsis is not overly-detailed but hopefully provides an insight into the conflict and just enough flesh to make those bones hint at the body that will eventually be revealed.

    I don’t know if that’s any help, or even if that’s the way to go about it, but I hope in some way it is. Right now I’m off for a long cold shower. All that talk of flesh and climaxes is doing unspeakable things to my temperature!

    The tenth tomorrow – strong hearts, Aideen and Barbara! And all the best when you hit that button!

    Jilly

  30. 30 Jilly C Sep 10th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

    Guys, where are you? It IS the tenth, isn’t it? Have you done the dirty deed yet? And – if I dare mention the ‘S’ word again – have you managed to finish it, Aideen and Robyn? The tension is killing me, and that’s on top of the friction burns!

    Whatever, wherever, the best as always.

    Jilly

  31. 31 wanton woman Sep 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Hey Jilly,

    Yes, it is indeed the tenth but guess what? I decided to sit on it for a couple more days. Was feeling bad about it but hubby did remind me that deadlines exist for just that purpose and I should wait until the 14th if I really want to make this my best effort.

    Cowardly, or what? Not sure but I do know that what I do submit will probably be the best I can do.

    What about yourself Robyn, pressed the send button???

    Aideen.

  32. 32 emerald Sep 10th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

    Hi Jilly and Aideen,

    Nope, haven’t pressed it yet. Just to give you an insight into my insanity, I set myself the goal of submitting two things this week. My Feel The Heat entry, AND also a partial aimed at M&B Romance with my ‘comps’ slip from the Instant Seduction contest.

    If I wasn’t already crazy, I certainly am now! Oh, and it seemed like such a good idea at the time.

    But I’m reluctant to part with either of them, and both of the ‘S’ things seem to need… something. Now, if only I could figure out what that something is.

    I will send my snail-mail submission sometime before the post office closes on Saturday, and either just before or just after that I’ll also press the send button here for my competition entry. They’re both as ready as they’ll ever be, but I’d hate to waste an opportunity to torture myself with the possibility of changing a word or two to magically clarify something.

    Anyone feeling a whole lot better by comparison? Things not quite as bad as they seemed? Someone else (who me?) far more stressed?

    Chapters are good, but I’m off to concentrate on those dreaded ‘S’ things.

    Robyn

  33. 33 bburnham Sep 10th, 2008 at 6:52 pm

    Hey, Jilly, Aideen, and Robyn,

    Mine will go out tomorrow. Not because I am smug about my entry, but because I have plans for the weekend (Romance Writers meeting) and I don’t want to be fretting about it when I meet with everyone.

    Yes, the ‘S’ thing is a killer, but it has to be done. ;-)

    Jilly, I am somewhat like you when it comes to writing. I need to know my characters and the turning points before I start writing. But, that doesn’t always mean everything will stay the same!

    I will send out a quick note when I submit tomorrow.

    Best of luck to everyone!

    Barbara

  34. 34 wanton woman Sep 11th, 2008 at 7:05 am

    Barbara,

    Fingers crossed for you here in Ireland.
    The next time we ‘meet’ you will have done the deed!

    The best of luck to you,
    Aideen.

  35. 35 wanton woman Sep 11th, 2008 at 7:09 am

    Robyn,

    You sound to me like a woman in control! Not crazy at all, just very very eager. The fact that you have a ‘comps’ slip is wonderful, such positive feedback must be a great feeling.

    I wish you much luck and who knows, maybe both of your submissions will be winners. We would certainly have to open the bubbly here to share in your good fortune. As it is, I can’t wait to see if the winner ends up being anyone we know from these boards.

    Aideen.

  36. 36 Jilly C Sep 11th, 2008 at 9:08 am

    Guys, guys, guys – this new streak of sadism is frightening! As if my nerves aren’t shredded enough, you’ve decided to add to it by piling on the suspense! A little compassion here, please….

    Aideen, not cowardly at all. Someone once said to me that writing is close to giving birth and I think I can see what they meant. Once you’re holding that baby that you’ve nurtured and fretted over, that’s given you hours of unbearable but beautiful agony, you just want to hold it close and tight, make sure it’s perfect in every possible way until the moment arrives when you know you can finally let go. Having said all that, when I finally managed to hit the send-button it was to do with the fact that, if I waited any longer, I’d end up just editing it out of existence! And that hubby of yours sounds truly sympathetic. Maybe not entirely from Mars, then; maybe a little on the cusp of Venus… And how right you are – if only one of us on these boards could win, that really would be fantastic. Just a pity it couldn’t be all of us!

    Robyn, good luck with that request as well as your comp. entry – could you be about to hit double-top? Everything crossed! And if it’s any comfort at all with the ‘S’ thing, I didn’t enter the earlier Instant Seduction ‘cos I stumbled on it too late, but I did make a point of reading the blogs and I seem to remember a post from one of the editors which said that they always read chapters first to gauge the ‘voice’, the style, etc. and then they read the synopsis. So although it’s obviously important – if only to be sure that we SEEM to know exactly where we’re heading with it all – I got the impression that the writing is by far the most important thing. The rest could be worked on, I assume, which I suppose is the point of this whole competition – at least for one lucky winner!

    Barbara, glad to know I’m not a pantser in a minority of one – thanks for that! Good luck with the button and everything that follows! And enjoy your Romance Writers Weekend – just the thing to take your mind off the nerves for a while (some hope, I imagine). But you never know – maybe they’ll have waiters as gorgeous and hunky as the one in the pic on the latest blog. Now THAT should do the trick, don’t you think??!!

    OMG, I’d better log off. This is rapidly turning into War And Peace, The Sequel!

    All good things until next time …

    Jilly

  37. 37 emerald Sep 11th, 2008 at 10:05 am

    Hello again,

    I’m laughing at your nerves Jilly. You’re the brave one amongst us who has already sent off your entry, but I agree that waiting can be the hardest part sometimes. Perhaps you can continue on with your manuscript? Or polish it up if it’s already complete or, gasp! start a new one to help pass the time. Then again, perhaps some Mod Heat ‘research’ as recommended by Natalie Anderson recently might be more relaxing.

    Wishing you the best of luck with your entry Barbara, and I hope you feel a great sense of achievement as you hit that send button.

    Glad to know I sound in control Aideen, that must mean I can convincingly sell an illusion! And there’s nothing cowardly about waiting a few days. As long as your entry beats the deadline, that’s all that matters. Knowing you’ve submitted your best work is a great feeling in itself, so take your time and enjoy it.

    And I’m with you all on the wouldn’t it be great to know the winner thing. Aideen? You’ve asked so many terrific questions in the lead up. If all of that good author-advice stuff wound up in your manuscript then it ought to be fabulous.

    Argh, it’s after midnight (my time) so I’m off to bed.

    Robyn

  38. 38 bburnham Sep 12th, 2008 at 10:55 am

    Aideen, Robyn, Jilly,

    IT. IS. DONE.

    Good luck to you and thanks for the positive comments. Keep in touch.

    Barbara

  39. 39 wanton woman Sep 12th, 2008 at 4:16 pm

    Barbara,

    Well done!!! Are you feeling the relief? Bet you are and you can enjoy your weekend now knowing you have given it your best.
    I’m still working on the ’s’…I’m positively allergic at this point.

    Robyn,
    As for asking terrific questions, that’s the easy part. It’s learning from the answers that’s the tricky side, and applying my new found knowledge has driven me pretty crazy from time to time. I do think my chapter is better for having all the Mod Heat ladies here but whethere it’s up to scratch…I’ll have to wait and see. Did you sub both yours today?
    You must have been sick with nerves, twice over!!

    Let us know,
    Aideen.

  40. 40 Jilly C Sep 12th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    One down, two to go! Good luck, Barabara, and over to you, Aideen and Robyn!

    And believe me, Robyn, brave I am not. The hyperactive butterflies that suddenly appeared as my finger hovered on the send-button have since quadrupled and claimed squatters’ rights for permanent residence in my stomach. And my head isn’t doing much better. It keeps reminding me that there’s nothing I can do. If I’ve made some ghastly-awful mistake – or I suddenly experience a flash of inspiration that would have made the whole chapter work oh-so-much better – it’s way too late. Kaput. Finito. A definite case of Goodnight Vienna.

    Remember the strait-jacket, Aideen? I can recommend a needy recipient if you feel it’s no longer required ….

    Best wishes from the chrysallis colony,

    Jilly

  41. 41 wanton woman Sep 12th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    Jilly,

    If you have written your chapter like you do your posts, you’re a sure winner. You have the best descriptions and sense of humour I’ve seen in a long time. I’m enjoying these little chats way too much…tomorrow is definitely D day.

    I wouldn’t worry now about things that might have been better, things you could have done differently. It is all done and dusted for you so pour yourself a nice glass of wine/beer/water or whatever you desire and chill out. After the few weeks we’ve all had, we deserve it. I know I’ll be having a few bottles of suds tomorrow night and I can’t wait.

    Aideen.

  42. 42 bburnham Sep 12th, 2008 at 6:18 pm

    Aideen,

    I feel good that I submitted. The ‘S’ part is hard, I will admit that. I hope this doesn’t make you scream, but the best advice I have ever read is to write your ‘S’ before you start writing the story. It helps get a feel for the ‘GMC’ thing. It won’t be a final ‘S’ but it will get you thinking about your story and characters.

    You’ve worked so hard Aideen, I am sure you will do great.

    BTW, I answered your question on my blog.

    Jilly,

    Thanks for the good luck. Same to you. Don’t let the wait drive you crazy.

    Gotta go feed the little ones.

    Barbara

  43. 43 emerald Sep 12th, 2008 at 7:16 pm

    Hi Everyone,

    I sent my contest entry, yay! Two boys, a husband, a cat and a ‘ditzing’ printer kept me from making the post office yesterday, (but only just, so close!), so I’m off there right now to send my partial.

    And now, as the writer’s haze clears, I’m beginning to notice that the good fairy hasn’t been up to her usual cleaning standards around here lately. Whatever, post office first then shopping then children’s birthday party. If there’s one thing I know it’s that the housework will still be here waiting when all that’s done.

    Congrats on hitting send Barbara, and all the best of Aussie luck. And Aideen, the chapter’s the important thing. Don’t let the ’s’ get you down because I’m sure your entry is wonderful and a 99% terrific synopsis won’t change that.

    Jilly, try to relax and set those butterflies free. It’s the weekend and Joanne Carr recommends enjoying it… editor’s orders!

    cheers, Robyn

  44. 44 bburnham Sep 12th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

    Robyn,

    Congrats on sending your entry and your partial. Good luck to you.

    Barbara

  45. 45 Jilly C Sep 13th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

    TWO down, one to go!! Come on, Aideen, let that baby fly! And thanks so much for your comments – can I please have that in writing? Oh yeah, of course, I already have!

    Even better, if I could just find a way to get you onto the judging panel …..

    Robyn, well done and good luck! And isn’t reality a terrible – sorry, wonderful – thing? From hunk to housework in the blink of an eye. Which one to choose? Just give me half a nanosecond while I make a decision on that one …..

    And Barbara, how’s that weekend? Any of those waiters going spare? Purely for research purposes, of course. And what are you doing still thinking about synopses, especially the kind you’re supposed to write first? Did I mention that new streak of sadism? It’s alive and well and living in America and multiplying as fast the butterflies!

    I’m raising a glass of something sinful to each and all of you out there.

    Until the next time (hic).

    Jilly

  46. 46 emerald Sep 15th, 2008 at 12:08 am

    Aideen?

    please tell us you’ve sent your entry. Whatever you do, don’t miss the official deadline!!

    worried for you as the hours tick down, Robyn

  47. 47 Jilly C Sep 15th, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    Robyn, I’m with you. I’m worried. Is Aideen stuck in her strait-jacket somewhere? Or has it just finally proved too much and she’s disappeared up her own modum?

    Maybe a case of too many suds on Saturday but hey, Aideen, don’t leave us like this. It’s definitely no time to go AWOL Remember the sisterhood? Sharing is caring? Get logged on and tell us the story!

    How’s everyone else coping now that the deadline has finally passed? Are we still in one piece or in bits on the floor? Can it honestly get any worse?

    No, of course not. It couldn’t possibly …… could it?

    See you back here, hopefully with breaking news from Ireland!

    Jilly

  48. 48 emerald Sep 15th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    Okay, I get that I live in a different time zone. But jeez, it’s quarter to eight on the morning of the 16th here. As in, deadline passed (my time).

    C’mon Aideen, what’re you doing?????

    Jilly, no strait-jackets here unfortunately. If I could find one I’d seriously consider using it. Pieces on the floor? Um, yeah. Great euphoria whilst sending then panic later.

    Hoping we have Aideen’s news to cheer us up SOON!

    Robyn

  49. 49 wanton woman Sep 15th, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    Hi ladies,

    I’m here and I’m alive. Major problem though. My reliable laptop that has never let me down before decided on Sunday morning to get sick. I got it all sorted only to discover that my connection to the internet was not happening. I have managed in the last hour to get the internet back up and running and just this second sent my submission. I know deadline is Monday 15th, but I think I just missed the boat.

    Although I have checked on eHarlequin and one of the editors suggested that once it wasn’t submitted ‘after’ the 15th, ie the 16th I should be okay. It’s not midnight here in Ireland so I don’t know what to say. I received no confirmation so should I panic????

    I see lots of ’suds’ in my immediate future. Please help and talk to me.

    Aideen.

  50. 50 wanton woman Sep 15th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

    Got confirmation so I’m guessing I didn’t miss the deadline after all.
    Can’t say I’m feeling very positive though, synopsis was absolute and utter _____!!

    But having said that, I do feel relieved and look forward to doing no writing whatsoever for at least a week. Alright, one night off.

    See ye all soon,
    Aideen.

  51. 51 emerald Sep 15th, 2008 at 7:46 pm

    Arrrgh! Technical difficulties are the worst, but I’m glad you got them sorted. And I’m sure midnight your time is the cut off. (I remember someone saying on a previous blog that they wrote their entry for the Instant Seduction comp on Valentine’s Day and managed to get it in before midnight that same day)

    Congratulations on entering and I doubt your synopsis is as bad as you imagine. Mine kind of reads okay, but there’s a whole truckload of stuff that didn’t make the final cut and probably should have. As a rule, I think most synopses have oodles of room for improvement.

    Enjoy your suds and your one night off, you’ve definitely earned them,

    Robyn

  52. 52 wanton woman Sep 16th, 2008 at 5:45 am

    Thanks so much Robyn,

    My niece is sitting here beside me and she can’t believe that support on these boards. She’s gobsmacked that we’ve all been encouraging each other and thinks we’re definitely all mad. Apparently we shouldn’t be encouraging our ‘competition’!
    I’ve tried to explain to her that the romance community is one of the best places to recieve help and advice from other aspiring writers and indeed published writers too.
    So thank you again for your concern, it was lovely to log back on and see that you ladies were waiting on me!

    Anyway, the relief is fantastic. I look forward to the weeks ahead and hopefull we’ll all have done well enough to recieve some feedback. I can’t wait to see you how do with the partial requested, fingers crossed here for you.

    Aideen.

  53. 53 Jilly C Sep 16th, 2008 at 4:34 pm

    OMG, how much more of a cliffhanger can this get?? First the butterflies, now the gremlins. This story has got more twists-and-turns than – well, a Modern Heat novel. Let’s just hope for the nice happy ending!

    Seriously, Aideen, I’m just glad you’re okay – you had us all really worried there for a while! It’s going to be fine, I can feel it in my bones – arguably the only part of me left that’s capable of feeling anything at all! Maybe Joanne or Amy could drop by and put your mind at rest re the deadline. I simply refuse to believe that you’ve missed it! And, like Robyn, I’m certain that ‘S’ is a beaut. We’re always our own worst critics, after all, and surely that’s really a good thing? Now get to those suds and think positive thoughts. Calm, Aideen. Calm, calm ….

    And where the heck is Barbara? Has she stumbled on one of those hunky waiters and decided to do some research of her own? If so, we want details and plenty of them – just for our reference-notes, obviously.

    A thought has occurred – just how many entries have popped up in that inbox? If it’s more than us, I think I might cry.

    Best as always,

    Jilly

  54. 54 Myates Sep 16th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

    It’s very encouraging to see how everyone around here…well…encourages each other! I think it’s great to see people who realize that their own success isn’t contingent on the failures of others. I know I wish that everyone could realize their ultimate dream.

    Again, good luck to everyone who entered. It’s really, really exciting and I’m trying not to think about it too much, otherwise the aforementioned squatting butterflies will keep me from eating for the next two weeks.

    Might not be a bad thing…I was so frustrated with my “writing time” earlier I cleared my house of three musketeers minis.

    Anyway, I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone around here.

    Blessings,
    Maisey

  55. 55 wanton woman Sep 17th, 2008 at 6:00 am

    Hi Maisey,

    Sounds like you’re going to fit right in here. It really is fabulous to chat with so many like minded people, all rooting for each other.
    I think every single one of us are experiencing the butterfly epidemic, LOL.
    But funnily enough, I never worry or panic or whatever else you could say to describe the waiting period. What’s done is done and that’s that. So I’ve moved on to a nice calm place where I’m writing for enjoyment and not checking every word on the screen to see if it can be replaced with another.
    Jilly, I’m serious about the ’s’. I completely forgot to mention ‘his’ goals, motivations, conflicts. I kept it all hers cos I got so carried away trying to sell her to the editors. But no matter, surely things can only get better from here on in.
    Barbara????? It’s my turn now to question someone’s whereabouts. Where are you? Bet you’re polishing chapters 2 to 20…

    Aideen.

  56. 56 bburnham Sep 17th, 2008 at 7:13 am

    Hey, Aideen, Jilly, Robyn,

    I’m still alive. I am working on other things like chasing around two boys for school, sending one off to ice skating practice, working on the never-ending job of cleaning up after my husband and kids, etc. And, yes, I am continuing to write.

    Jilly, No cute waiters here. :-( In answer to your question awhile ago: I do write a short synopsis ahead of time, but it is not a final copy. Something always changes on it.

    Glad to hear everyone submitted. I am keeping my fingers crossed for everyone here.

    And welcome, Maisey!

    Barbara

  57. 57 Myates Sep 17th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    Aideen,

    That’s a really good perspective to have. I think my big mistake was rereading my entry AFTER I sent it. I don’t know what happened to it! It was brilliant BEFORE I sent it, now I’m not so sure…LOL
    I was just telling my husband I go from alternately not thinking about the contest, or the partial I submitted a few months ago, the ONLY thinking about them.
    But in the mean time I’m just writing writing writing, and, like Barbara, trying the clean up after huse, husband, children and cat.
    Which is probably why I should get off of the comuter right now.My baby has been known to eat cat food if given half a chance…

    Thanks to everyone who has been so welcoming. It’s good to be joining up with such a fantastic community.

    Maisey

    P.S I just finished reading Italian Boss, Ruthless Revenge by Carol Marinelli and I thought it was fantastic! Great sense of humor combined with some pretty dark elements…Inspirational for me as a writer and reader.

  58. 58 Heidi Rice Sep 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    Hey Ladies

    Just a thought, but I’ve had so much fun reading your comments. Why don’t you start your own blog, it could be called The Feel the Heat and Write Your Way Out of the Kitchen Blog. Oh, no, that’s crap, can you tell I don’t do titles, but you get my drift.

    Still, best of luck to you all…

  59. 59 Jilly C Sep 17th, 2008 at 4:14 pm

    Hey Maisey, welcome to the sisterhood! You’ve found yourself in a beautiful place full of beautiful people thinking beautiful thoughts – at least, that’s what we’d all LIKE to believe when we’re not running around like a flock (Is it a flock? A gaggle? A herd?) of headless chickens. You’re in for some serious fun here, my friend!

    And Aideen – wow! Talk about slipping into something more comfortable!I love this cool and composed persona – is this the same woman who was about to cry buckets whilst trying to pen her synopsis? I’m beginning to suspect that when you went AWOL you were actually abducted by merciful aliens and had every nerve in your body removed! Where is this calm place? Can you smuggle me in, with or without the strait-jacket? AS for that synopsis, don’t beat yourself up. Remember it’s the chapter – the writing, the ‘voice’ – that’s going to be the main thing. It’s no good having a mind-blowing ‘S’ if the chapter turns out to be ??—!!!

    And Barbara, what a let-down! I was looking forward to a little distraction and now it’s back to the drawing-board. I guess I’ll just raid my Modern Heat collection. That scene in The Magnate’s Indecent Proposal should take my mind off the nerves for a while …..

    Robyn, is it getting any easier? Each day that passes is another day closer to D-Day (too many days there, but you get what I’m saying). Hold that thought. Cling to it desperately.

    Maybe we’ll hear something soon on the blog. A progress report. A weather report. ANYthing!!

    Until the next time,

    Jilly

  60. 60 wanton woman Sep 17th, 2008 at 4:59 pm

    Hey all,

    Glad to see you’re settling in so well here already Maisey, it’s definitely the place to be at the moment. And if indeed somebody did take up on Heidi’s suggestion perhaps we could have our very own little blog.
    And the title wasn’t all that bad, really!!
    Being as crap as I am with all things technical I’d have to leave it to someone else to use their initiative and lead me. But it’s certainly a brilliant idea.

    It’s the calm after the storm Jilly, nothing else. We all worked hard over the past few weeks and I for one believe our reward should be a little peace, a little serenity and a lot of self loving. Please do not take that last part up wrong. Cos I imagine you have a pretty active imagination…

    Seriously, it’s wonderful to be where I’m at right now. I’ve done what I set out to do and regardless of the outcome I feel very very proud of myself. Besides, I’m a fighter all the way, giving up just won’t work for me. Dreaming big is what it’s all about. In this Irish girl’s opinion.

    Talk soon hopefully,
    Aideen.

  61. 61 Myates Sep 17th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

    All this talk of blogs…That would be great fun! And I liked the title too…My reality is more like “Feel the Heat While I Burn Dinner Because I’m Sitting At My Laptop Writing”

    If anyone is interested, I have a blog at http://www.myspace.com/myates2
    you could read my blog or just look at pictures of my kids and novel cover worthy husband.

    I really want to set up some sort of reading/critiquing group through that, I think it would be fun.

    My husband is a great, mean editor, but at the same time it isn’t as though he’s well versed in the genre. It would be nice to have some people willing to read my material that really enjoy and understand romances.

    Thanks for all the good comments so far,

    Maisey

  62. 62 bburnham Sep 17th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

    I have to say that Heidi is right. We should start a blog for authors aspiring to be published by Modern Heat or M&B. And, as Maisey suggested, we could join together as a critique group. We know the line and seem to get along.

    I have a blog as well: http://missionpublication.blogspot.com.

    Jilly, how’s this for a little distraction: I have 5 Slovakian men coming to stay with my neighbor for the next few days. Yes, I will be taking notes for future writing. Sorry, that’s all I can provide. I’m a happily married mom and somewhat of an introvert.

    Okay, gotta go.

    Take care, guys.

    Barbara

  63. 63 emerald Sep 17th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

    Hi Everyone,

    I’m a bit of a technophobe too, so logging on to comment is about as much as I can handle blog-wise. And Maisey, I always read my stuff after I’ve sent it anywhere (even my crit group) and wonder what went wrong between the before and after. The truth is nothing’s changed except that it was brilliant in my study when only I was looking at it… and then not-so-brilliant when I realise someone else will see that typo, perhaps take that sentence wrong, wonder where the heck the conflict is etc. But hey, maybe one day it’ll still be brilliant after I’ve sent it!

    Aideen, your calm place sounds ideal. Can I just say that I’m so envious that you can write for enjoyment at the moment without double checking every word? I tend to do the opposite when something of mine’s ‘out there.’ So, to amuse myself I’ve decided to enter a comp here that just takes the first five pages of a ms. I’ve got a couple of spare beginnings to choose from so reformatting them to fit ought to keep me busy. :)

    And Jilly, a ‘bunch’ of headless chickens? I’m so used to (being)the singular version that I don’t know what a group’d be called. And I agree, an update would be welcome,

    Robyn

  64. 64 emerald Sep 18th, 2008 at 6:50 am

    Ha! Did I say I’m capable of logging on to post a comment? Visited your site Maisey (looks lovely by the way) and half signed up until I realised I don’t have any photos of myself on my computer. Maybe I’ll just find a nice scenic shot or a bird or animal.

    Robyn

    PS feeling old now because I met my (now) husband the year after you were born. :)

  65. 65 wanton woman Sep 18th, 2008 at 7:12 am

    Robyn,

    I did the very same thing, I don’t have any photos of myself on this computer either. Because why would I want to? I loathe having my photo taken and family portraits are the only exception I make. And even at that I’m pushing myself.

    Maisey is a decade younger than me so don’t feel old, Maisey is just exceptionally young…
    And besides age really is mind over matter.
    If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

    Aideen.

  66. 66 Myates Sep 18th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

    Wow, all this talk of me being young is going to go to my head!
    You don’t need photos of yourself. The ones I have posted were done by my wedding photographer, so the professional skills are the one reason I’m comfortable with them.
    I’d love it if you guys joined up, it would be fun.

    Maisey

  67. 67 Jilly C Sep 18th, 2008 at 4:25 pm

    Guys, a quick reality check here. Are we really reading what we seem to be reading? Heidi Rice – pubbed Mod Heat author and creator of the knee-tremblingly gorgeous Zack Boudreaux, who filled so many blissful hours with … oops, sorry, I digress – has come on this blog to say that SHE has had such fun reading OUR comments??? This must be a case of group-hallucination, brought on by all that tension and pressure. I know for a fact when I logged on last night that Maisey was the last posting. But then, of course, I just did my post, logged straight out and switched off without checking. If that’s the case, what a hoot! What a boost! And welcome to Planet Neurotic, Heidi!

    Aideen, I have the rather unsettling feeling that I’ve given you completely the wrong impression. Self-loving? Active imagination? Just what are you trying to say here? To put the record straight here and now, I’m actually your original shrinking violet who blushes at all of those steamy Heat scenes, even when I’m reading them for the third and fourth time. How I’m ever going to write one, I shudder to think. It’s a lousy job, but I guess I’ll just have to grin and bare – sorry, bear -it!

    Barbara – FIVE Slovakian men next door? I really don’t want to nit-pick here, but isn’t that being a tad too greedy? Remember the Sisterhood Slogan penned by Aideen, our very own oracle of calm and well-being: sharing is caring, and a flight from the States isn’t THAT long, is it?

    A blog of our own, born from the ashes of dead skin and butterflies. What a beautiful thought, but where to begin? Speaking as someone who gets heebie-jeebies if my laptop expects me to do anything more than switch it on and send it to Word, I wouldn’t know where to begin. Maybe we should call on Joanne. I seem to recall her mentioning that lovely IT guy …..

    The best til the next,

    Jilly.

  68. 68 Myates Sep 18th, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    A blog “born from the ashes of dead skin and butterflies…” Pure poetry, Jilly. I love it.

    And as for blushing during the love scenes, I think I finally stopped doing that, however (especially when I know someone else read it) I still blush when I reread the ones I’ve written.

    I’m simply scandalized by how filthy my mind can be!

    Maisey

  69. 69 Jilly C Sep 19th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

    Way to go, Maisey! I suspect in the world of Modern Heat, ’scandalised’ is a good way to be – if done in the best possible taste, of course!

    And I was only joking about the blushing. Sad to say, those days are a long way behind me – a heck of a lot further than I’d like to admit! Suffice to say that policemen are looking increasingly young, and that’s as far as I’m willing to go!

    And has Aideen gone AWOL again? Not more gremlins, surely? It’s not like her to miss her daily report. Unless, like Barbara, she’s found another distraction. I wonder who’s staying at HER neighbour’s house?

    Enjoy the weekend, y’all. We’re getting there slowly. What I wouldn’t give for some news!

    As ever, the best,

    Jilly

  70. 70 Myates Sep 19th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

    I wasn’t kidding about the blushing. ;-)

  71. 71 emerald Sep 19th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

    Hey Jilly, I’m with you about the blushing. I can pretty much read/write whatever I like without it being a problem. That said, giving a steamy sex scene to my crit group and then dissecting it over coffeee can test that blushing rule. Anyone else found that too?

    And Aideen, mind over matter? Thank you :) but I was only kidding about the age thing. My hubby and I are both the youngest in our families so we don’t really have the option of being age-ist.

    Robyn

  72. 72 Jilly C Sep 20th, 2008 at 7:41 am

    Hey Maisey, no problem! Blushing can be an endearing quality, especially if it can be trained to appear on command. Apparently some members of the opposite gender find it completely irresistible – at certain times, and in certain circumstances …. But, of course, I wouldn’t know anything about that, being your original shrinking violet. And I know where you’re coming from with the whole someone-else-reading-your-sex-scenes scenario. Years ago, I’d written an M&B (which I never found the courage to submit) and my Mum, God bless her – who’d always insisted I took after some ancient eccentic aunt who wrote poetry and short stories whilst wearing three hats and smoking a cigar – asked me if she could read it. I DID blush, then. Constantly. For a week. And I never really shook off the feeling that she looked at me slightly differently after that!

    Which brings me to Robyn, and all that dissecting. I can’t begin to imagine that discussion – well, actually, yes I can, and it’s nothing if not surreal! Reducing all that heat and passion to verbs and commas and alternative nouns. ‘It might work better if HE put that THERE,’ or “A glass-top table instead of the wooden one. Think of the splinters’.
    Now THAT’S a passion-killer, if ever I heard one! What we hopeful authors are prepared to put ourselves through never ceases to amaze me.

    BTW, what IS that bright shiny yellow thing floating around in the sky? It does look strangely familiar, but it’s been so long I just can’t quite place it. (For Robyn’s and Barbara’s benefit, that’s a private English joke … )

    Make the most of it – this looks like our summer.

    Jilly

  73. 73 wanton woman Sep 20th, 2008 at 9:54 am

    Ladies,

    Lovely to see you all out on such a lovely day. Really, I’m witnessing that shiny yellow thing too at the moment and I must say I’ve been making the most of it. Kids screaming the house down about parks, beaches and picnics that we’ve missed all summer long so I’m tyring to fit everything into one good day!!

    It’s been rain free for almost three days in Ireland and the country has gone a little mad. Remind me again why all the foreign folk love this country…

    As for blushing, I don’t write anything that makes me blush. I’m very comfortable with sex scenes, in fact they are my favourite part to create. It’s our one chance to get what we want, where we want, how we want exactly right. Oh, the possibilities.

    Anyone else notice how Barbara ain’t respecting our caring is sharing rule? I want details of those men too, fair is fair.

    Aideen.

  74. 74 Myates Sep 20th, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    I have to say that writing a great, steamy sex scene (regardless of subsequent embarrassment when shared with friends) Is my favorite part of writing. I have to make myself prolong the build up, because, in the end, I think what makes the scene hot is all the anticiation leading up to it! Sometimes is takes one hundred pages, or, as with my current characters, thirty, but I just couldn’t make them wait any longer. They were about to go up in flames!

    Now, as for my mother reading one of my books, I strictly forbade her from it until she read a romance novel (something she had never done) by someone else first. I didn’t want her thinking she’d raised me to be some sort of wanton! ;-)

    Now she’s just as hooked on the genre as I am, but I still haven’t given her one of mine.

    My husband, on the other hand, reads them, and I don’t mind so much if he thinks he’s married to some sort of wanton.

    And as for the great round shiny thing in the sky, over here in the great state of Oregon I wish we were seeing a little less of it. You’d think we could spread it around some, but as for me, I’m a little sick of the 100 degree weather (that’s 37 or thereabouts for you using celsius) I myself am ready to start baking cookies and lighitng cinnamon apple candles in preparation for fall!

    Boy, I can sure ramble when I get going, but my dear hubby is away and my children are (Wow!) napping at the same time, which means that the sweet, and foreign, taste of freedom is mine! (for a couple hours at least, but that’s about all I can handle)

    So that means I get to go and write now (my poor characters are in the middle of a doozy of an argument I think they’d like to finish) And I’ll do my best, though I’m sans caffiene, which is just too sad for words.

    Happy writing!

    Maisey

  75. 75 emerald Sep 20th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

    Hi Everyone,

    Are you certain Jilly, that you didn’t inherit anything from your eccentric aunt? Perhaps a charming sense of the ridiculous (strictly on paper, of course). I mean, we fully understand that you’re the original shrinking violet… it’s obvious by your quiet manner and careful comments, but could it be possible that some of that poetic flair wafted your way? Are you, right this moment, wearing three hats? Cigar optional.

    The general concensus seems to be that “your mum will always love your writing and think you’re a genius” but I’m happy to have never tested that rule. Aideen? Has your mum ever read any of yours? My sister would be the acid test (in the nicest possible way) but I don’t think I’ll rush to send her a draft of my current WIP. I’m impressed Maisey that your husband reads your stuff. I once gave my hubby a short story to read before I sent it into a magazine competition and he handed it back without comment. ‘Well?’ I said. And he shrugged. ‘If you think it’s okay, send it in.’

    The big shiny yellow thing’s shining down here too, although I’m pleased to say it’s closer to 17 than 37 degrees.

    Robyn

  76. 76 Myates Sep 20th, 2008 at 7:27 pm

    Hello to everyone again! (children still asleep!)

    Yes, I must gush over the support I get my gorgeous husband. He reads everything I write and is very (brutally) honest about it. He might not be a real ‘editor’ as such, but really helps be weed out things that don’t work.

    Of course, Robyn, I think it’s probably hard for men to know what makes a good romance, because there are no car chases. :-) In that sense, even my husband has some trouble. But (and I think this is just great) I’ve talked him into reading his first Presents, in the interest, I told him, of being able to critique my work a little better.

    Sigh. What more could a woman ask for but a tall, dark, handsome, Italian (well, part Italian) husband, who reads romance novels? I don’t know. Well, I suppose he could be a billionaire.

    This is great! I love having people to ‘talk’ to who are immersed in the writing world, and to whom I don’t have to refer to myself in the third person as “mommy”. (but then, I do love that to)

    Thanks to everyone for your kind words of support.

    Maisey

  77. 77 wanton woman Sep 21st, 2008 at 7:21 am

    Sunday @ 12.15 and still no sign of rain. Am I dreaming?
    Am I to finally get that bbq dh promised sooooo many months ago?

    Robyn, the answer to your question is an affirmative NO. My mother would pass out if she were to read anything I’m capabe of writing. We’re talking about a woman here who flips channels if it looks remotely like two people are about to kiss and who, if she had her own way, men and women would still be seated at opposite sides of the church for sunday mass.
    She likes to read romance but needless to say she spends her days performing re-reads because she won’t read anything published after…the fifties?
    Being the youngest of six girls you’d imagine I’d have lots of offers to critique my work but alas my sisters are not romance readers at all. They all veer toward Reichs, Ludlum, King and anything true crime. I gave my husband a chapter to read and hovered behind him, listening for any tell tale signs that might suggest he liked it. He looked and me, smiled and said, ‘I take it I wasn’t your inspiration in THAT scene?’
    Am, yeah, he was…kinda. But this is fantasy, right? Aren’t I supposed to try to push the envelope???

    So I rely on my niece, 21 year old single gal studying in Dublin city, living with two other like minded girls to be honest. And she’s more than happy to read and offer honest advice. So far, she likes. So far, so good.

    Aideen.

  78. 78 emerald Sep 21st, 2008 at 8:27 am

    Hi again,

    my hubby doesn’t read my stuff, but he’s got a wealth of knowledge about conflict, character motivation, style vs voice, pacing, point of view etc etc because I tend to nut things out (aloud) in general terms. So, although it’s a one in a billion chance, if he ever did want to write a novel he’d have a pretty good idea of how to structure it. :) And one of my crit partners is a man so I get a male POV on one chapter a month anyway. But if I had a single 21 yr old niece I’d certainly be thrilled if she was happy to read my work, especially the Mod Heat stuff. Who reads yours Jilly?

    Robyn

  79. 79 Jilly C Sep 21st, 2008 at 9:47 am

    Don’t be ridiculous, Robyn. Of course I’m not wearing three hats. It would be totally impossible to balance the third on top of the existing two. And as for the cigar, it isn’t an option. I just couldn’t bear to part with the pipe that my grandmother left me in her will. 37 degrees and complaining? And here WE all are, praying for a measly old ten!

    And Aideen, wow yet again! I’m beginning to see you as a big juicy onion (no offence intended). Peeling you back, layer after layer. First, the panic. Then the tranquility. Now, a touch of the dominatrix! ‘What we want. Where we want. How we want’. Perhaps we should change the Sisterhood Slogan or – even better – begin a campaign to make Modern Heat compulsory reading for all of those men who think foreplay consists of half-a-strong-lager and an extra-large bag of pork scatchings. Or – even worse -that a G-spot is simply an oversized zit. This could really be the start of something big (and size DOES matter, as we sisters know only too well). Can’t you see us arriving in style at Buck House to receive our award for Services To Satisfaction?

    Not that Maisey would have a clue what we mean. She’s obviously the exception that proves the rule. Forget Slovakia – I’m off to Oregon. Maybe this tall dark and handsome Italian (okay half, but honestly who’s counting?) possesses an identical unattached twin who has a predilection towards shrinking violets who wear two hats and puff on a pipe.

    Really must dash. I’ve got some urgent packing to do…..

    Jilly

  80. 80 bburnham Sep 21st, 2008 at 9:49 am

    Hey, Robyn, Jilly, and Aideen,

    I hope everyone is doing well. Sorry I missed alot of the discussion. My husband has been out of town, so the boys have taken up alot of my time.

    Maisey, my husband is a great reader/editor for what I write as well. We don’t always agree on what changes should be made, but he lets me make the final decision. I also have a friend and a critique group who read my work. No one in my critique group writes category romance, but they pick up on some things I would not even think of.

    Glad to hear there’s sunshine on the other side of the pond, Aideen. I live in Virginia and I always look forward to the fall, when there isn’t so much sun and heat.

    And, finally, I am not sure I would let my family read what I write. They wouldn’t critique the right things. My sister falls within the MH age range, but she doesn’t read romance.

    No Slovakian sightings yet. :-(

    Gotta go. I won’t be able to get back on until later in the week. Take care and keep writing!

    Barbara

  81. 81 bburnham Sep 21st, 2008 at 9:49 am

    Okay, that previous message should be for Maisey as well.

    Sorry, Maisey!

    Barbara

  82. 82 Jilly C Sep 21st, 2008 at 10:43 am

    Oops, sorry – wrong country. Hell, wrong continent! Still craving your 17 degrees there, Robyn, but it’s Maisey who’s got the road-steaming 37!! But then, of course, she just would have, wouldn’t she?

    To paraphrase Rod Stewart, some sisters have ALL the luck ….

    All the best from an ever-increasingly-green Jilly. (Might as well add
    ‘envy’ to my list of deadly sins).

  83. 83 bburnham Sep 21st, 2008 at 11:01 am

    Okay, I won’t mention that it will be 78 degrees here today. ;-)

    Barbara

  84. 84 Myates Sep 21st, 2008 at 5:01 pm

    I can’t deny my luck with men, well, the one I married anyway. But then, how else would I write a truly bed-wrecking-mattress-ruining love scene? I can’t afford to travel to Italy or Spain or even New York, so some of what I write has to come from real life. And acting out love scenes with my husband is free! How else do you suppose I’ve had two children in three years plus of marriage? Hard work and dedication to my craft, that’s how.

    I do have one single brother-in-law, but he’s only just twenty-two. I snagged the older, more rugged romance novel archetype (although let me just say he’s much more sensitive than those cavemen, he cooks, too you know) Yikes! I guess I need to add bragging to my list of sins! ;-)

    I am, however, envious of the crtique groups you all seem to have. Mine is pretty much limited to my husband and one friend who no longer has the time because she’s busy acclimating to motherhood. And before she read my book she had *gasp* never read a romance novel in her life. And I’m sure she did some blushing, let me tell you.

    My grandmother is an avid romance reader but, while I might be able to share my work with my mother one day, eighty-something year old grandma is one step too far for me!

    Also, and I am sorry to all of you who had a lack of sunshine, the weather has cooled quite a bit in the last couple of days and is starting to resemble fall. But maybe now that we’re getting less it will drift over to you. Is that how it works?

    Maisey

  85. 85 Myates Sep 21st, 2008 at 5:13 pm

    Oh, side note that’s actually about writing!

    I’m not twenty-one, and I’m not single either, but I’m twenty-two and married, so I’m pretty close. So, if anyone needed someone to do some critiquing I’m willing.

    That said, I’d be honored if any of you lovely, talented women would be interested in critiquing some exerpts of my work.

    Maisey

  86. 86 priley65 Sep 21st, 2008 at 8:52 pm

    Hi Ladies,

    I’ve been following your blog posts and they’re a lot of fun. I didn’t enter the Mod Heat Contest, but I did the Instant Seduction. My first story was published after the IS Contest and the entry for the IS is being considered by another editor. My book came out in August 08 entitled Engaged to a Spanish Billionaire. It wasn’t with M&B who is my targeted publishing house. So, like you, I’m still aspiring to write for them. Good luck with all of your entries. I’m looking forward to reading stories by all of you someday.

    Patricia

  87. 87 emerald Sep 22nd, 2008 at 6:00 am

    Hi Patricia, and welcome to what Jilly has so aptly dubbed Planet Neurotic. :) Congrats on your published book. Is it available in Australia? Hope so, and best of luck with your Instant seduction entry that’s being considered. It sounds like you’re having a fantastic writing year which is exactly what we love to hear.

    And Jilly, half a strong lager and an extra large bag of pork scratchings? Oh dear, if that’s foreplay Manchester style then you definitely need to catch a plane to Oregon, or Ireland, or Australia… somewhere, anywhere where pork scratchings are unavailable would be a good start.

    Aideen, your mum sounds like a real character. Perhaps you could find her a modern (post fifties) romance that doesn’t stray beyond the acceptable. Who knows, if you read it first to be certain it’s okay then she might actually be glad of a new story.

    And Maisey, I’d be happy to critique some of your work if you don’t mind waiting a couple of weeks. It’s school holidays here and I have a very unhappy, generally overactive seven year old glued to the couch with a tummy bug.

    Cheers, Robyn

  88. 88 Myates Sep 22nd, 2008 at 11:50 am

    Robyn-

    Sorry about your sick child! I just went through that. I had a nine month old with pneumonia and an always overactive two-year old with a cold. And little boys don’t like to be still!

    I don’t mind waiting at all, beggars can’t be choosers after all, and I am a sad little beggar.

    Speaking of sad little beggars, my is begging for a cup of coco and I think I will oblige him and maybe have myself a cup of coffee.

    Did you see the pictures of the judging, everyone? I tried to see my entry, and alas, I could not…;-)

    Maisey

  89. 89 Myates Sep 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm

    Then he kissed her, his salt and crumb encrusted lips moved in a scratchy motion over her’s. He tasted of half-a-strong lager and pork scratchings, and something else that was indefinably him…perhaps it was aerosol cheese product. He moved his hand to her breast and let out a harsh goran. And then is was over.

    “Thank you,” he said as he picked up the television remote and put on the football game…

    Oh, no, you’re right, Jilly, that doesn’t work at all! It’s a good thing I left that scene out of my entry…

    Maisey

  90. 90 wanton woman Sep 22nd, 2008 at 3:16 pm

    LOL,

    That’s brilliant Maisey, but I hope for poor Jilly’s sake it won’t bring back any memories. I’m trying to decide if Irish men understand foreplay. Ok, obviously being married to one I suspect some do understand yes. And if he didn’t, I wouldn’t be long explaining to him anyway.

    Still not raining here, miracle or what? I imagine living under the same roof as an Italian man ensures the temp never drops below 37 degrees…I’d deliberately start arguments just to hear him go off in Italian. And yes, I am that sad.

    Jilly I have been called lots of things in my life. I can’t and/or won’t go into detail here because I’m fairly certain this is a nice board. But I’ve never been called a juicy onion. Until now. And I thank you for that. I do have lots of layers and I get to unpeel them one at a time through my writing. Isn’t that the best part about the craft, letting loose you’re inner desires/fantasies??

    And Robyn yes, my mother is definitely a character. A very witty, sharp woman who believes sex outside of marriage is a sin. (I had to break the news twice that I was pregnant before I married!!!) I might try what you suggested, it’s not like it would be hard work or anything for me!

    Barbara, are you lonesome without your man? Be honest, we’re all here for you. You could keep busy by calling on your neighbour! You know, the one who has those lovely men boarding with her….

    Welcome Patricia, great to have someone new to harrass. Did you not enter this comp for a specific reason? Mod Heat not your line?

    Lovely to have an update, don’t ye all think? Or not? 150 entries is a lot of competition. Can I ask you all a question about your entries? Well I’m asking anyway but you don’t have to answer. Did many of ye actually have your H&h getting it on in the first chapter? Just curious here. Can I say getting in on? Just did, twice!!!!

    Aideen.

  91. 91 Jilly C Sep 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm

    One mention of foreplay and look what happens – another instant recruit! Hi there, Patricia, and congrats on what’s happening in YOUR writing world! But do please try and be gentle. I’m already having to deal with Maisey and I can’t afford to get any greener. I’m already looking like Kermit with a hangover.

    And speaking of Maisey, has she found a way to hack into my laptop? That was only my number-one-knock-’em-out scene from my Feel The Heat competition entry. I just hope it doesn’t lessen the impact now it’s been blazoned all over this blog.

    And Barbara, this just isn’t good enough. No Slovakian sightings? What kind of a feedback is that? Get out the ladders and invest in a torch. A little improvisation here, please.

    In a word, Aideen, no – but they’re champing at the bit. Glad to say that my H is classier than the guys I referred to before. He’s gone the whole hog – a Big Mac and Fries washed down with – wait for it – Lambrusco!! I know, I know – how has she been able to resist? But she’s your typical Modern Heat girl, thank goodness. She’s determined to hold out for the Whopper, and I have to say, who can blame her?

    Robyn, you asked me about a year ago now who reads my crap – sorry, my literary creations. Are you kidding?? As a true humanitarian, I wouldn’t dream of putting anyone through that. It’s my own little way of making the world a safer and happier place.

    150?? More than just us, then. I suddenly feel very ill. And did anyone notice the pics? All happy and smiling when the entries were piled on the table. Stern and depressed when they’d actually started to read them. I somehow don’t see that as a very good sign, do you???

    You’ll have to excuse me. I need to do an Aideen and slip into something more comfortable. Like a coma.

    Jilly

  92. 92 wanton woman Sep 22nd, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    Oh Jilly,

    You brighten up my nights no end. Again, do not pick that up the wrong way. But I’m now thoroughly convinced that you are full of cow sh…sorry, manure. I refuse to believe that anything you write could be categorised under ‘crap’, it just ain’t possible. In fact I think you may well be referred to as the ‘literary one’ when we succeed in operating our very own Feel The Heat blog. And I’m sure we can find a suitable picture for your profile with those three hats and pipe you’re so fond of.

    Yeah, 150 is kinda scary/freaky/nervy isn’t it? But guess what? All the excitement and anticipation is sending me full throttle into writing mode. I have a new ‘loving’ scene that is just itching to get onto paper. It may or may not involve a straight jacket, I’ll see where my busy hands lead…

    I’m already in a coma from all this talk, a lust induced one.

    Aideen.

  93. 93 priley65 Sep 22nd, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    Just popping in to read the latest news at the global connection. I’m working on my latest WIP. My H&h are taking me places I didn’t know they were going. I’m at 120 pages and counting. My fingers have been burning up the keyboard racing toward the finish line.

    Robyn – Thanks for the welcome. My book is available at amazon. If interested you can pop over to my writer’s group website: prwne.com and see it. Thanks for the congrats. Good luck on your contest entry and keep writing.

    Aideen – A good ole Irish welcome to you. I didn’t enter the Mod Heat contest because, not that I don’t enjoy reading them, I haven’t nailed writing them yet. My characters have more the traditional HP traits. No offense Maisey, but my children are twenty something and I seem to be from another planet. Just ask them.

    Jilly – I’m certainly no expert in the business. I’m definitely greenhorn material. I’ve been rejected by M&B three times. But I say try and try again. You never know when something we write will strike a cord with the Ed’s.

    Patricia

  94. 94 priley65 Sep 22nd, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Sorry Aideen I meant “hello”.

  95. 95 Myates Sep 22nd, 2008 at 7:01 pm

    The only Italian my husband knows is “eat, drink, and wash your face.” Although said in the right tone it can be very sexy, I’m only sorry I learned the translation. He’s really only nominally Italian, if that de-greens anyone slightly.

    Patricia, I consider myself more of a traditional Presents girl, in fact, being here in the US I didn’t know what MH was until this comp!

    Oh, my! 150 entries….I was intimidated enough, (especially by Jilly, I haven’t even got one hat, and no relative, dead or alive, has ever left me a pipe) when it was just between this little group. Add 143 or so others and it’s just terrifying! But exciting all the same!

    Maisey

  96. 96 Myates Sep 22nd, 2008 at 8:03 pm

    All right, so here’s a question for you MH buffs. As you know, I’m live in the States and here they don’t differentiate between MH and your the Presents line, so while I get the gist of the difference, I have one, slightly delicate question.

    My heroines certainly tend to be on the spunky, lippy, sassy side, however they also tend to be a bit virginal, or honestly, totally virginal. I was curious if that was sort of a no-no for the MH or if anything went, as with the Presents line.

    My heroine for the comp is a divorced single mother, so if it is, I don’t have to worry about it for the purposes of the comp, but I’m just trying to get a better picture of what makes an MH.

    I know I’ve read them, Laying Down the Law was released her under another title and I just read it last month, but I had no idea it was part of another line in the UK and in Australia.

    Thanks for the help!

    Maisey

  97. 97 priley65 Sep 23rd, 2008 at 12:03 am

    Maisy

    I was referring to your being a young twenty something. The way I understand it Mod Heats have a more urban, younger feel. Maybe I’m wrong. It’s hard to differentiate between the two. Since MH’s are interspersed with HP’s I can’t tell the difference between the lines.

    Patricia

  98. 98 Myates Sep 23rd, 2008 at 12:59 am

    Patricia,

    I’m confused about the difference myself. I consider myself a little bit more of a traditional sort of girl, despite my age, so Presents appeal to me. But I do like to write a strong, sassy lady!

    Maisey

  99. 99 wanton woman Sep 23rd, 2008 at 5:40 am

    Hi all,

    Maisey and Patricia,

    I’m just going to send ye on over to read Byrony Green’s post on Modern Heat. She really says it all there and if you’re in any doubt after that just check out the posts here by the Mod Heat authors themselves. Think young, sassy, urban, flirty, teasing, sharp, modern day women etc etc….I could go on and on.

    I’m sure a virginal heroine could have her place in a Mod Heat but I’m not an expert and I imagine everything lies in the execution Maisey. I’d be curious as to why she is still a virgin, I don’t know of many 20 something year olds who are! But it would definitely interest me, sounds like something I’d love to read.

    Hope this helps. Of course, all I did was point you towards someone else to do the explaining….!!!

    Aideen.

  100. 100 emerald Sep 23rd, 2008 at 8:21 am

    Hi there,

    Maisey, I’m sure that Aideen’s right and it’s all in the execution… but I do think a virginal MH heroine would be really difficult to pull off. That’s not to say it can’t be done, of course! :)

    In answer to your question Aideen, nope! It just seemed more fun to make them wait and think about the reasons they shouldn’t, can’t, and ultimately must.

    And Jilly, I’m guessing the serious looks on the editor’s faces while they were reading simply mean they hadn’t got your entry yet. Surely they’ll be giggling, waving the winning manuscipt around excitedly and crowding around to all read it at once? Ah, I can see it now… hmmn, just a thought though, hope they weren’t reading mine when the photo was taken. :)

    Robyn

  101. 101 Myates Sep 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm

    Aideen,

    I think motivation is one of the things that I enjoy about writing a virgin character. As one of my strong, sassy females rationalized, it’s the confident ones who don’t feel the need to give it up just becuase they’re asked to!

    But if it’s a choice I make for my characters, I always have to give them a good reason. And if it makes me more suited to the traditional Modern line, I’m all right with that. I love the Presents books, and I have noticed that there are some pretty strong heroines coming from that line these days as well, not to mention a good deal of humor.

    As for twenty-year old virgins…Now here we go getting personal! But if Jilly can write about scarring incidences involving pork products I think I should be all right…I do know a few of them. In fact, nearly all of my friends, including myself, earned our white wedding dresses, if you know what I mean.

    I suppose that’s why I find it so relatable. I know. I’m supposed to be in the loop here with the modern sensibilities, but I’m afraid I’m a bit of an old-fashioned girl…An old-fashioned girl who writes great love scenes, however. (see above comment, also involving pork)

    All in all though, I would still think I’m probably best suited to the Presents line. I do enjoy good punches of humor, and as I said, I don’t like to see a woman who lets herself get walked on!

    I think my books need to go to M&B Limbo, the land that falls between MH and MR….Modert Heat: Innocent Flame…. Um…Modern Heat: Virgin Edition….

  102. 102 bburnham Sep 23rd, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    Hey, Gang,

    I have to agree with Maisey on the (cough**cough) virgin issue. It can make a strong character and I know people who have waited. And, hey, I live near the political Capital of the US, where the argument would be: How would you define (cough**cough) ‘virgin’? I think that would start a whole other conversation.

    Oh, oh, now that I think about it . . . I think the heroine in Kelly Hunter’s Wife for a Week (great book, BTW) is a virgin. . . But, I know the guidelines have changed, so I don’t know what the answer would be now.

    Did any of that make sense? I hope so.

    Aideen, my characters kiss in the first chapter. I was going to take it out because I thought it would kill the submission, but decided to keep the story the way it is.

    Take care, everyone.

    Barbara

  103. 103 Myates Sep 23rd, 2008 at 2:31 pm

    Barbara,

    I think it all depends on what your definition of the word “is” is…

    And I like what you said about it making a strong character, because if my character is a virgin, she has a strong motivation to be one.

    I appreciate your help on the subject, Aideen.

    You’re a fantastic group!

    Maisey

  104. 104 Jilly C Sep 24th, 2008 at 10:09 am

    Wouldn’t you just know it? I really should have guessed that Maisey was someone who’d by-passed the whole fumbling-and-groping-around bit. None of that, over-and-done-with-before-the-kettle-has-even-stopped-boiling business. Oh, no. For her, it’s straight into wedding-night seduction by a husband who whispers ‘eat’ and ‘drink’ and ‘wash your face’ in drooling Italian whilst proving beyond all possible doubt that a G-spot is DEFINITELY not an oversized zit. And I, for one, could live with that soundtrack. It sure beats the hell out of ‘Did you remember to switch on the video, babe, ‘cos as soon as I’m done here I’m off to watch Match Of The Day’.

    But, no. I must rise above this unflattering greenness and stick to the Sisterhood Slogan. I will share with Maisey – in an act of breathtaking selflessness – a little info that may just prove useful. And we have, after all, strayed into my particular field of expertise – namely, virginity. I’ve recently read a couple of Mod Heats in which the heroines are indeed that rare breed – ‘Housekeeper At His Beck And Call’ by Susan Stephens and ‘Pregnant By The Playboy Tycoon’ by Anne Oliver (and, boy, can’t that woman write a sex-scene!). I don’t know if they’re available where you are (but we ARE talking Maisey so I doubt very much that they’d have the nerve not to be) but if you can get a hold of a copy they may just help out with your predicament. Sorry, I had a rush of blood there for a moment – Maisey doesn’t DO predicaments, obviously.

    And Barbara, whilst we’re still on this subject, you’ve got me a little confused. These coughing virgins. Is this some kind of a medical condition, peculiar only to the States? Or is it purely a social thing so the guys know up-front precisely what’s coming – so-to-speak – before they actually get started? I’d appreciate some clarification here. And how’s the Slovakian situation? Have you bought the torch? Are the ladders in place? Just please don’t you dare to come back on this blog and say they’ve gone home without even a peak.That might just be grounds for excommunication.

    And Robyn and Aideen, what can I say? I think I’m in love with you guys – in the spiritual sense, naturally. Can you raise a petition and get it to Richmond? If only, people, if only ……

    Yet another layer of onion-skin bites the dust. Aideen’s now writing a steaming-hot sex-scene which may or may not include the use of a strait-jacket. To echo Captain Oates as he left the tent to face the icy wastes of Antartica, she may be gone for some time …..

    And thank you, Patricia. Your consideration for my currently-colourful state is both welcome and refreshing – are you paying attention here, Maisey?

    Take care and take heart,

    Jilly

  105. 105 bburnham Sep 24th, 2008 at 11:30 am

    Jilly,

    With my head hanging down, I am sorry to say that I did not get to meet any Slovakians. :-( Can’t climb any windows, here. I have to be able to live here, remember?

    Thanks for mentioning the two books, though. I will have to read Anne Oliver’s next.

    Barbara

  106. 106 Myates Sep 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm

    Jilly,

    If it makes you feel better, I have two children in diapers. So while my nights might be filled with quality time with The Master of the Blended Orgasm, my days are spent up to my elbows in dishwater and on my knees changing nappies.

    And thank you for the book titles, I will head over to eharlequin and see about locating them. And if they aren’t there perhaps I could find my old magic wand laying around somewhere…

    Only joking, if I had one of those, my newest book would be finshed by now…

    Maisey

  107. 107 Jilly C Sep 24th, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    See what I mean? Does she HAVE to keep rubbing it in? Well, maybe she does and maybe I should try it – is that where I’ve been going wrong all these years?

    And just what IS a ‘Blended Orgasm’, for heaven’s sake? Does it involve some kind of a food-mixer maneouvre? It all sounds a little bit risky to me but please, just indulge me a little here, guys. I have, as you know, led a quiet and sheltered existence.

    I might just forgive you, Barbara, if you can enlighten me on this whole Blended ‘O’ subject. Just a few minor details like how and where and how does it rate with the Multiple. I’m sure after that the active imagination that Aideen seems convinced I possess can easily fill in the rest.

    Looks like this could be an interesting night …..

    Jilly

  108. 108 Myates Sep 24th, 2008 at 5:07 pm

    Oh my, but we are getting racy around here! I’m blushing just reading all of these posts…even my own…

    To answer the question of how it rates compared to the multiples, Jilly, how can you compare chocolate cake to chocolate truffles and decide which is better? I’m happy with either one.

    I should send you my Cosmo magazine detailing the process of the blended ‘O’. Even my husband had to do his reading to learn it! Of course, acheiving it requires basic knowledge of female hotspots, including the one bearing the letter ‘G’.

    Jilly, I must confess that I am totally envious of your wit and humor. If it weren’t for you, I never could have written my inspired love scene of a few posts earlier involving pork scratchings. See, you’re inspirational! And I could use some inspiration for the moment as I seem to have stalled a bit on my writing…I’m still doing it every day…just slowly…

    Hark! I hear crying children! The joys of sibling rivalry, and one can’t even talk yet!

    Maisey

  109. 109 bburnham Sep 24th, 2008 at 5:24 pm

    Maisey,

    I have a 2-1/2-year old in pre-school for speech issues, but he knows how to say “mine” without any problems. He won’t say “Mommy,” he calls me “Beh”, but he has “mine” down pat!

    Barbara

  110. 110 mulberry Sep 24th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

    OMG, how could I have missed this thread for so long! I hope all of you get published, because if you write your Modern Heats anything like you write your posts I for one will DEFINITELY want to read them. You all have strong, sassy, and very very funny voices!

    Re virginal heroines- I don’t see why not, as long as the reason is convincing. Maybe she had strong reasons to wait for the right man, maybe it was powerful circumstances. I am quite possibly older than all of you, but I waited ’til I was 24 then had an absolutely disastrous first sexual experience. I love to write virginal heroines who then get to have mind-blowingingly fabulous sex, because I’m writing what I wish I’d had at the time. Luckily my wonderful dh is one of those rare men who does truly understand foreplay, but I had to wait until I was 41 to meet him. Sounds soppy, but if I can give my heroines first nights anything like my first night with him it makes pretty good reading! My Instant Seduction entry heroine was a virgin because she had a super-overprotective father, but once she met the hero she was ready to change that- unfortunately he had moral qualms about taking her virginity. Anyway, the story was crap and needs a total top to bottom rewrite, but I did love the scenes where the heroine is trying hard to seduce the hero and he is resisting her rather than compromise his moral values. It can be easier to write heroines who have had maybe one or two less than fulfuilling sexual experiences, and it seems often her previous experience or lack of isn’t even mentioned. But there is something very special about the virgin heroine. I read an interesting discussion about virgin heroes, but that’s another thing altogether.

    Patricia- I am so so pleased to hear you have had your story published! Yippee!

    Fingers crosed for all of us! Isn’t that the wonderful thing about romance writing- we don’t have to be competitive because this world is big enough for all of us, we can all succeed without it taking anything away from anyone else. So good luck to all of you!

  111. 111 priley65 Sep 24th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    Mulberry-Thanks for the congrats. It’s wonderful finally seeing you hard work in print. Writing is the fun part, but the business side is a new experience. Trying to work hard to figure it all out. I must get back to work now, but I’ll be lurking.

    Patricia

  112. 112 wanton woman Sep 24th, 2008 at 5:58 pm

    Ladies,

    Finally popping in to say I did it!!!
    And by that I mean I penned a love scene so smoking hot that I almost brought the house down. Seriously, although of course the fire in the attic had absolutely nothing to do with my nimble fingers or the keyboard they are currently and constantly attached to.

    I was so happy last night, H&h broke all of their own rules in a glorious vertical position and were just coming back to earth when my husband calmly approached the shed half door. I write in a garden shed by the way. Anyway, he pushed the top half back and said, very calmly ‘I’ve woken the four boys but I can’t find their dressing gowns’, to which I replied ‘why did you wake the boys? Its past midnight!’, and then he said, still very calmly, ‘well because the attic is on fire and the smoke is about to travel south’.
    Ok then. No panic here, doesn’t happen in major crisis time. I only panic when I lose keys, run ten minutes late or forget to feed the kiddies. Anyway, long story short, roof must come off house and we can’t live there for at least a month. I’m at my sister’s tonight and it’s lovely and cosy but I want my own home. I’m typing this in her kitchen, I want my garden shed.
    Everyone is in perfect health, what we lost in the upper part of the house wasn’t important at all and I’m delighted with my latest love scene which incidentally did not involve a straight jacket.

    Forgot to mention that it was my 7 year old son who discovered the smoke beginning to seep through the attic door. He told us he was dreaming about his nana and in the dream she told him to wake up. When he told us about this I got shivers up my spine. My husband’s mother passed away suddenly 7 years ago when this little boy was just a newborn and he has never once dreamed of her. He doesn’t even remember her, only recognising her from photos. My dh was heartbroken all day thinking of what could have been. But not me, I forced him to take my opinion and what else could that be only that we are the 6 luckiest son’s of ……..in County Cork today.

    All the best ladies, talk soon,
    Aideen.

  113. 113 Myates Sep 24th, 2008 at 6:11 pm

    Aideen,

    So sorry to hear about your house! I’m only glad your whole family is safe and sound!

    Barbara, my own two and a half year old can speak when he feels like it. He calls me mommy, but for some reason, I’m assuming he picked this up from his daddy, half the time he calls me Maisey, or even honey.

    Mulberry, I agree that there’s something special about writing that all important first time although, and Jilly, this should make you feel better, in my experience the first time doesn’t conclude with an orgasm so much as “Holy Crap that hurt!” But, I believe in the fantasy element, and my girls always get amazing first times.

    On a side note, this is probably my own pet peeve and morbid curiostities at work, but I don’t like it when I don’t get some idea of the heroine’s sexual past. I mean, we all know that the hero is a ruthless, skilled womanizing machine who churns out satisfying sex with various different women as though he’s a factory worker and they’re laid out on the conveyer belt. But I want to know who the woman is. If she’s a virgin, then why? If she’s been with one man, why him? How was it? If she’s been with the whole rugby team, why? And how does this new, amazing, dashing hero guy rate compared to the others who have either tried and failed of tried and succeeded?

    I think maybe I’m just sex obsessed. Or very nosy. But I always try to include a lot of what makes my characters them, so that you understand where they’ve come from, and as a result, where they are now.

    Oh, my, must go. My afore mentioned oldest son wants more salad dressing on his peanut butter sandwhich…I don’t know why…I think he gets his imagination from his mother!

    Maisey

  114. 114 emerald Sep 24th, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Hi Aideen,

    I thought you were just kidding about the attic being on fire! You know, steamy turns to fiery, flame becomes inferno uh, imagination becomes reality. Hmmn, if that happens it’s supposed to be directly related to what you’re putting on the page.

    So glad you’re all okay and that ‘what you lost in that part of the house wasn’t important.’ I love how calm your husband was through it all. He sounds like mine in a crisis.

    I think you need to send a resounding thanks to your husband’s mother. Perhaps she usually drops by to read over your shoulder as you type? Just kidding.

    Robyn

  115. 115 Jilly C Sep 25th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    I know I mentioned a blog born from ashes but honestly, Aideen, I didn’t expect you to take it THAT literally! Thank God you’re okay – all of you. And if you could possibly E-mail that love-scene. I’ve always been interested in spontaneous combustion ……

    Maisey, chocolate cake or truffles? And you’re quite happy with either one? Do you see what I’m saying? Are you getting me, here? Some of us mere mortals are stuck with the caramel and a mingy old slice of stale battenburg. And it’s way too late for all of this crawling. My condition has taken a worrying turn. Not only am I now a particularly puke-worthy shade of bilious green but all of my tops have started to split if I show the least sign of getting angry. I refer you to Mulberry, who has belatedly stumbled across this blog and with whom I already feel a connection. I’m sure, like me, she bears the scars of the torture that is the pork scatching.

    Oh well, gotta fly. I’ve suddenly acquired a shedload of sewing…..

    Jilly

  116. 116 bburnham Sep 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    Aideen,

    Gosh, I am so glad you and your family are OK. Let us know if there is something we can do to help.

    Barbara

  117. 117 Myates Sep 25th, 2008 at 8:01 pm

    Jilly,

    Occasionally I’m quite happy to have both in one night…I find that too much of a good thing simply doesn’t exist…and I’m talking about chocolate of course!

    Maisey

  118. 118 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    Hi all,

    Barbara, help all the way from Virginia, thank you so very much. Just reading all of your good thoughts for me is huge help because it reinforces the point about the romance writing community don’t you think? I’ve never met such a warm and fine bunch of women in one place I can tell you.

    Everything is grand, staying at my sister’s house for the moment but swinging by a friend’s for the weekend so the boys are all excited about this big adventure. House will be rewired next week so I’m confident after that that things will progress nicely p.g.

    Roby, I sincerely hope the wonderful lady up above never appears over my shoulder as I write because in all honesty when alive she would have made my mother appear to be only half catholic!! Reading a Modern Heat??? I shudder to think what she would have thought of these books.

    I know it wasn’t meant literally Jilly but I like to do things differently!!!
    And thanks for the concern Maisey, it would appear you’re settling in rather well here.

    So, any gal missing a few finger nails as crunch time crawls closer???
    Anyone suddenly supporting a receding hair line?

    Aideen.

  119. 119 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Aideen,

    I’m so glad to hear that everything is moving along. Hopefully you’ll all be back home soon. I’ve got my whole family saying prayers for you over here.

    As for the fingernails, they’re completely gone. Bloody stumps. Which is unfortunate because I’m the type who needs the extra protection (I’m a little on the clumsy side. Which is sort of like saying Anarctica is a little cold) Now when I slice the top of my finger with a knife, or shut it in the door, or just catch it on the sharp lip of a formula can, what’s going to keep me from taking the whole thing off!? And then how will I write? But, no panic going on over here. Certainly not. Where did I put my antacids…?

    No receding hairline, but I may be going prematurely gray from all this waiting. Not only am I waiting for contest results, I’m waiting for a responce on my partial.

    Checking my snail mail and checking my email is becoming a compulsive habit, and I nearly wretch and die from suspence every time…Only to discover a cresit card offer or an ediets newsletter (Why did I sign up for those? Maybe I thought reading them would make me get thinner?)

    Ah well…Just a few more days right? I’ll buy and pint of ice-cream, either for celebration or for comfort eating, in anticipation for the big event.

    Good luck again!

    Maisey

  120. 120 emerald Sep 26th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    Hi Everyone,

    I really was kidding about your mother-in-law reading over your shoulder Aideen, and trust me mine would’ve been equally horrified (not that I would’ve been likely to admit that hey, you know those books with the red covers and the hot couples on the front… guess what I’ve decided to write?)

    Well, it’s 5.50am and I must finish polishing a chapter for my crit group before the entire house wakes up.

    Robyn

  121. 121 Jilly C Sep 26th, 2008 at 4:12 pm

    Did someone just mention fingernails? Can you please remind me what they are? It’s been so long since I’ve seen them, I’m struggling to remember what they looked like. Thank goodness the receding hairline’s not a problem. I knew these two hats would prove useful one day.

    Don’t know about you guys, but I’m really not sure how much more of this tension I can take. Wondering how far they’ve got with the judging. If they’re on the verge of making THE decision. I’m even having nightmares in which Simon Cowell bursts through the door looking vividly green and manically crushing a violet. Do you think there’s a message there somewhere? Is someone telling me to go back to my nice friendly nurse who will scoop me up in his strong powerful arms, drip-feed me truffles and liquidised chocolate-cake whilst explaining the art of the Blended Orgasm in fluent Slovakian with a hint of Italian?

    You see? No escape. Even my fantasies are no longer a Maisey-free zone. Is nothing sacred around here?

    Jilly

  122. 122 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 4:44 pm

    Is this the place for fantasies so then???

    Am I allowed to say that I find Simon Cowell fiercely attractive? No?
    Oh well then I won’t say it.

    Aideen, who at the moment is eating vanilla ice cream topped with 2 full size melted mars bars and is NOT thinking about Simon Cowell.

  123. 123 mulberry Sep 26th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    Aideen, when they talk about sex scenes that set the house on fire, it wasn’t meant to be quite that literal- what the hell were your H & h up to? No seriously, thank God everyone was alright, and a double thank God for your MiL for taking care of things. And you never know, she may just have a twinkle in her eye reading over your shoulder- your husband was conceived somehow and I certainly hope it wasn’t all “lie back and think of Ireland/England/Australia/Uncle Sam” back in the bad old days.
    All this talk of fingernails makes me glad I didn’t enter this time! I’m inclining towards thginking I’m a bit too old for all this sass and I’m secretly a Tender Roamce kind of girl. But I will eat my rather extensive hat collection if you aren’t all accepted for publication within the next few years!
    Jilly- sadly one or two too many regrettable pork-crackling moments, making me wish I had stayed virginal until the ripe old age of 39 when I met my mostly champagne truffle dh (who has been known to have his pork crackling moments occasionally too, but not too often). Slovakian hero, interesting…I have an rather nice Armenian hero I’m not doing much with at the moment, will he do?

  124. 124 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 4:57 pm

    I have a feeling that Jilly might be secretly laughing at us as she sits in the drawing room of her elegant Victorian era mansion. (So good for inspiration!)

    I can picture her now, feeding us lines about pork scratchings and envy while she sips champagne and has her toenails painted by a half-naked Greek tycoon who sold his business to devote all of his time and attention to Jilly’s feet and otherbody parts, which he knows for certain, are not zits or any other sort of blemish.

    Then of course, after tea, the Italian aristocrats come over and fan her with he two hats while she puffs on her pipe and writes inspired love scenes which cause other people’s houses to catch on fire.

    I have come to this conclusion becuase I am certain that, had a man actually attempted anything funny with pork scratchings, she would have broken the bottle, containing the other half of lager, over his head and shoved him out into a snow drift.

    And then I think she has a piece of chocolate cake, a box of chocolate truffles (And stays slim) then goes to work at her computer and works on her latest article for a Cosmopolitan, which explains the technique involved in the blended orgasm.

    I’m on to you now!

    Maisey

  125. 125 mulberry Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    I think you have her well sussed! But wasn’t it three hats (I am clearly rather hat obsessed)?

  126. 126 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:21 pm

    Oh God no, it was only two hats mulberry because how on earth was she supposed to balance the third on top of her existing two??!!!

    Does anyone feel guilty that Robyn is up at the crack of dawn polishing chapters? Although I suspect if I lived in a country where sunshine was the norm I might actually rise early too.

    Maisey, I rather like the image you’ve painted of our Jilly and I’m going to concur. What other body parts would you be referring to I wonder….

    All this talk of foreign men is inspiring but I feel I must remind you all that the Irish rogue can tangle with the best of them.

    On a more serious note, thanks so much for the prayers and thoughts coming my way. It’s fabulous to have cyber buddies!!

    Aideen.

  127. 127 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

    I feel very guilty. Sun is shining here and yet I was not up until nine, and I haven’t been near my laptop. My excuse, of course, being that I have a two year old and nine month old to care for and am waiting for my gorgeous, diaper-changing hubby to come home (Sorry, Jilly, I can’t stop myself!)

    I’m having execution issues with my current book. Very sad. I think it has the potential for greatness, so far it’s sorta “eh.”

    Maisey

  128. 128 bburnham Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    I leave for awhile and look what happens. Everyone goes C-R-A-Z-Y. Oh, no, that’s just ME going crazy.

    Someone asked about fingernails — forget it. My sanity is gone. Ask my husband and poor son who I forgot to pick up from school today.

    Maisey, love your assessment of Jilly.

    Aideen, Irishman Kevin McKidd gets my vote. So does Joe Flanigan, but I think only his name is Irish . . .

    Take care and safe this weekend guys.

    Barbara

  129. 129 mulberry Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    Sunshine….what’s that now?

    Ooh you are so right about the Irish rogue- any of Trish Wylie’s marvellous heroes, and of course shortly to be joining them your own!

    How silly of me about the hat- it was the aunt (who I suspect may have been what was known in the bad old days as a “woman oriented woman”?) who wore three, wasn’t it.

  130. 130 mulberry Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    Sorta eh…love that description. I am currently trying to rescusitate a seriously dead story whose characters just won’t leave me alone!

  131. 131 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    If I could just keep my characters fighting or in bed at all times it would be fantastic, they have great fights and great sex. I guess it’s the interim stuff thats got me.

    I don’t want him to be a jerk the whole time, but he’s a little angry with her right now and she, being the upstanding girl that she is, isn’t going to just take his crap!

    So I’m working on finding a balance between them so that they can have some peace, so that we can understand why they would love each other, and keeping up the tension so that we all remember, hey, they have unresolved issues!

    And I have a secondary character in the mix who is integral to the story (He’s the cause of moset of the trouble, and really, the reason the H and h met) But I sort of need him seen and not heard a little more than he is…

  132. 132 bburnham Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    Guys,

    What are we going to do when the contest is over? I want us to keep in touch.

    Barbara

  133. 133 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    I can sympathise mulberry. I have characters in my head who think it’s perfectly ok to jump out at me when I’m least expecting it. And they always choose very inopportune moments.
    Today for instance, waiting for son 2 while trying to keep son’s 3 & 4 happy somebody spoke to me. No, actually he yelled at me. An alpha I had been having some trouble with suddenly informed me that the first time he delivers a mind blowing orgasm to the lucky heroine is not at all how I had written it. He told me step by step how he would reduce her to a puddle at his feet and I didn’t even have access to a clear mind, what with kids everywhere, let alone a flipping notepad and pen!

    Honestly, someone needs to get a grip and I think that someone might just be me. Anyone else suffer from this form of madness? I swear I can literally hear these people talking to me.

    Aideen.

  134. 134 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Speaking of that madness, Jodie Foster’s character in Nim’s Island portrays it well.

    The man won’t leave her alone!

  135. 135 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:49 pm

    Oooh, I’m all for keeping em in bed or fighting for the whole book, but sadly Maisey I ain’t an editor for M&B…

    I love the flare of a temper, those volcanic eruptions that suddenly get me so hot and bothered I forget what they’re fighting about. But then in the after glow of some serious lovin’ I’m reminded once more of the conflict. Gotta love that part.

    Barbara, of course we’re all going to stay in touch, it’s just not possible to imagine being here without each other. And someone wonderfully technological is going to take that first step and initiate our wonderful ‘Feel the Heat’ blog….anyone???

    Aideen.

  136. 136 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    Please, let’s not get into Nim’s Island because then I’ll be forced to spend time thinking about Gerry Butler. And then I’ll drown in my own saliva and won’t be able to post anything here.

    Aideen.

  137. 137 bburnham Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    I can start it. I just need to know the title. . . .

    Gotta go. Won’t be back on until later tonight.

    Barbara

  138. 138 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    Barbara,

    You MIGHTY MIGHTY woman. I just knew you were bursting to get the ball rolling. I’ll be back tomorrow with my lack of knowledge on titles. Until then, sleep well girlies.

    Aideen.

  139. 139 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

    The Housewive’s Blog of Convenience

    The English/American/Irish/Australian Writer’s Blog Seduction

    The Blogger’s Demand

    Or we could go with what the proffessional suggested and I’ll go back to my padded cell.

  140. 140 wanton woman Sep 26th, 2008 at 5:59 pm

    I have the straight jacket, you have the padded cell…interesting.

    Aideen.

  141. 141 emerald Sep 26th, 2008 at 6:06 pm

    Hey, if it’s Gerard Butler monopolising your thoughts then surely that’s understandable? (I personally thought this was normal) Doesn’t everyone have this problem? No? Just me? Oh, of course, Jilly’s busy with her raft of foreign men scheduled to appear at certain times to perform their designated functions (in a Victorian mansion, no less.) Aideen’s busy with a sexy alpha voicing step by step instructions, not to mention Simon Cowell. Maisey’s busy deciding between cake and truffles with the master of the blended O, Mulberry’s got a hot Armenian on her mind and Barbara’s living next door to five, count them, Slovakians. Ah, no wonder I’m the only one polishing a chapter at the crack of dawn.

    Can anyone tell I’ve given up on that for now? Hmmn, must go converse with Gerard Butler while I make the kids breakfast.

    Robyn

    PS Anyone else notice that none of us have female children?

  142. 142 emerald Sep 26th, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    Sorry Aideen, Gerard Butler visits you too? I wandered off there for a few minutes and missed a half dozen posts.

  143. 143 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 6:44 pm

    Robyn,

    Hmmm…Maybe that’s because it takes a special brand of crazy to raise little boys…or maybe they make you a special brand of crazy.

    And they’re very cute!

    Maisey

  144. 144 Myates Sep 26th, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    Also, regarding the all boy thing, I hear that orgasms are conducive to the conception of boys, according to the Shettles method of sex selection. So I guess we heave very talented husbands. Which is why we’re all very talented writers.

  145. 145 bburnham Sep 26th, 2008 at 8:36 pm

    Robyn, Aideen, Jilly, Maisey, Mulberry,

    For the first step, I started a discussion group for us on google groups. All I need you to do is send me your e-mail address. Go to my blog at missionpublication.blogspot.com and leave a comment with your e-mail address. I moderate the comments so your e-mail address will remain private. Once I have your e-mail, I can send you an invite to join the group.

    Aideen, I already sent you an invite because I have your e-mail address.

    If I forgot someone, please feel free to send a comment to my blog.

    Look forward to hearing from everyone!

    Barbara

  146. 146 wanton woman Sep 27th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    Robyn,

    Very good point there about all of us having a brood of boys between us. Being the youngest of six girls I was more than happy to have four wonderful boys because my childhood was spent witnessing all sorts of violence over clothes, cosmetics, shoes and so on…. I remember padlocks on wardrobes, nail files being used in self defense, tufts of hair sailing across bedrooms, the list is endless really.
    The boys settle their disagreements with one good slug and all is forgotten. They’re back to being buddies within minutes whereas my sisters held grudges that lasted for months, literally. My poor mother has been playing referee for the past 4 decades.

    Maisey, how about Seduction and Orgasms (blended or otherwise) Guaranteed???? or Lead Us Not Into Temptation….We Can Find It Ourselves.

    Aideen.

  147. 147 wanton woman Sep 28th, 2008 at 6:45 am

    Hello!!

    Is there anybody out there said the traveller,
    knocking on the…Sorry, I get carried away.

    Where is everyone? Should I start worrying? Haven’t heard from any of you ladies in something like 45 hours. Not that I’m counting, I DO have a life you know.

    The spell of good weather has been broken here, it started raining last night. Barbara, I accepted your invitation in a very hurried and giddy manner but will be popping in shortly to have a chat with you and whoever else will be lurking there.

    So….have the nerves finally killed some of you off perhaps? Not long now before we discover the voice chosen to give Mod Heat a shot. Come on ladies, things aren’t that bad surely. One can now purchase acrylic nails and if indeed Jilly has ripped every stitch of clothing she owns while acting out D Banner’s alter ego she can just buy some more. Or wander around her mansion butt naked, I’m sure her fleet of foreing slaves wouldn’t mind in the slightest.

    Maisey, love the titles proposed and have a few of my own to put forward.
    Seduction And Orgasms (blended or otherwise) Guaranteed.
    Lead Us Not Into Temptation…We Can Find It Ourselves.
    The Crazy Woman’s Blog For Modern Heat Wannabes.

    Robyn, it is strange that we are all mothers to little boys. And I have to say that being the youngest of six girls I was more than happy to have four wonderful sons. I’ve witnessed violence in all it’s forms over clothes, cosmetics and shoes whilst growing up. Forks have been used in self defence, tufts of missing hair still remain visible and all the while my poor mother had to play referee on a full time basis. Not a pretty sight. My boys punch each other once and within minutes are the best of buddies again. I suspect the male species have the memory span of goldfish.

    Talk soon,
    Aideen.

  148. 148 wanton woman Sep 28th, 2008 at 6:47 am

    Posted three times in the last day but none of them have appeared? What’s wrong? Have we overdone the number count or what?

    Aideen.

  149. 149 wanton woman Sep 28th, 2008 at 6:50 am

    Oh typical, that one appeared in all it’s boring glory. Had done a post I found terribly witty and clever and…nothing.

    Where is everyone? Have the nerves finally started killing you ladies off? Remember, false nails can now be purchased in a variety of shades and Jilly can buy more clothes if she’s managed to shred them all while playing out D Banner’s alter ego. Come on, talk to me!!!

    Or have some of you possibly received the ‘call’ to alert winning status??? Please, somebody put me out of my misery, I’m feeling very abandoned here where the sun has finally been knocked out and the rain is back even better than before.

    Aideen.

  150. 150 emerald Sep 28th, 2008 at 7:41 am

    Hi Aideen,

    Alas no call, not here anyway. :) And yours will have to be an email rather than a call I’d imagine, unless your sister lives next door and you can still hear the phone?

    I’ve got your sunshine over here and during school holidays no less! Friday was 28 degrees (early spring) which doesn’t bode well for the summer since we’re already in the grip of a drought.

    I’m guessing Jilly has more staff rostered on at the mansion on weekends and therefore can’t spare a moment to post. Not sure what everyone else is up to, perhaps they’re having a Gerard Butler/Jodie Foster moment with their latest heroes?

    Robyn

  151. 151 wanton woman Sep 28th, 2008 at 8:08 am

    Hi Robyn,

    So glad to hear from you even if I am jealous re 28 degrees in Spring. I’d gladly pass on some of my rain clouds here if only I knew how. One thing I know for sure is I’ll never have to worry about drought and that’s a fact!

    No, can’t hear my phone from my sisters at all but I’m having a ‘get real’ week so I won’t be expecing an email either. Nevertheless, we’ve all met here because of the competition so for that I’ll be eternally grateful.

    Jilly is probably up to her eyeballs trying to reign control over that extra staff you mentioned and I don’t even want to know what Maisey does on a Sunday to pass the time….
    Barbara is most likely kicking her way around for not having sighted any of those Slovakian boarders.

    Must admit that I can’t wait for Tuesday, I’m sooooo curious to see who wins! I have a feeling we’ll all learn something to apply to our writing before the week is out.

    Enjoy school holidays and sunshine,
    Aideen.

  152. 152 emerald Sep 28th, 2008 at 8:33 am

    Me again,

    I’m honestly not expecting a call either. I ditched the perfectly acceptable chapter I’d intended to submit because some other fools (sorry, lovable characters) that’d been annoying me for a while insisted they’d be more suitable. I took their word for it and whilst I love them, I’m thinking they’re a bit “left of centre,” not quite ideal. But still, entering was fun and it has thrown us all together.

    Robyn

  153. 153 bburnham Sep 28th, 2008 at 8:57 am

    Aideen and Robyn,

    Hey, I’m here!

    And, yes, I am still kicking myself about the Slovakians I never met, but I have been trying to keep myself busy.

    The Golden Hearts are just around the corner here in the US, so I am continuing to work on my manuscript.

    I hate to say this, but it was in the 70s here yesterday, so I spent alot of time outside with the boys. And, I can’t stop toying with the Kindle I got this past week as an early birthday gift.

    Jilly, where are you?

    Aideen, how can you live without phone or Internet? Okay, the better question, how could I live without it?

    Maisey is on the Mavens site. Robyn, I sent you an invite. Let me know if you didn’t get it.

    Take care and keep writing,
    Barbara

  154. 154 wanton woman Sep 28th, 2008 at 11:18 am

    Robyn,

    That is too freaky because I abandoned a story I had been working on for weeks to start fresh with a spanking new entry for the comp. I believed I needed a change of character in order to produce a more suitable Mod Heat couple. Now I’m wondering if I would have been better off sticking with my original? Ugh, hate when stuff like this happens.

    Barbara, clearly you’re planning to submit to the Golden Hearts? I probably shouldn’t admit to this but I know very little of the competitions held for unpubbed writers. There is no actual Romance Writers of any sort here in Ireland which I think is unfortunate because I would love to at least have the option to submit to different contests throughout the year.

    And my little bit of knowledge tells me you have to become a member of such organisations before you can start entering your work.
    Robyn, you mentioned something about another comp too lately, how is that working out for you?

    Aideen.

  155. 155 wanton woman Sep 28th, 2008 at 11:22 am

    Maisey,

    Talented husband, talented writers eh??? Not a bad title for our blog if you think about it.
    Talented Husbands = Talented Writers. It would certainly grab attention.

    And my husband would love me for it!!!

    Aideen.

  156. 156 Jilly C Sep 28th, 2008 at 11:50 am

    What happened just then? Did I inadvertently slip back into my coma? Is it now a month later? Who won the competition? And will you please all stop talking about me as if I wasn’t here?

    Excuse me a moment …. “A little lower please, Andreos. And Michel, get that whisk on fast-speed. Maisey said ‘blende’ and that’s just half-baked. If you can’t hit the button, you’re no use to me. I’ll have to demote you to grape-peeling duties.”

    Sorry about that. It’s this credit-crunch thing. One simply can’t get the staff anymore. My secret is obviously out, thanks to Maisey – just how does she do it, for goodness sake? First she succeeds in hacking my computer, now she’s managed to bug the mansion. I’ll have to get a man in. An expert on devices. Someone who knows how to sweep a girl’s interior.

    I don’t wish to quash your fantasy, Aideen, but I’ve heard a rumour that Simon Cowell possesses a fetish for prawn-cocktail crisps. In my humble opinion, on the whole tit-bit’s scale, that’s only one up from pork scratchings. But hey, whatever floats your boat there, Aideen …

    And Barbara, this blog – I’m truly in awe here. You actually sound like you know what you’re doing. I forgive you unconditionally for the whole Slovakian fiasco. You’ve definitely earned your Sisterhood Stripes. A couple of questions, however … E-mail? Is that some kind of an exclamation for when the post drops through the letterbox? And google groups? This sounds like it could be an organisation that offers support to incurable voyeurs. Am I right? Am I even in the ball-park? I could do with a little guidance on this – preferably more than you managed on the ‘O’ subject.

    And titles aren’t really my strong point, I’m afraid, especially now when I’m a little distracted. Michel has just swapped the whisk for a dough-hook. Looks like he’s finally got the message. But true to the Slogan and in spite of my current position – which would, I might add, have had Houdini grovelling at my feet – an idea HAS occurred, enabling me somewhat belatedly to throw my hat into the ring (just one of the hats, obviously). How are we feeling on ‘Orgasms-R-Us’? Too tacky? Too predictable? Too racy? Yeah, you’re probably right, and I really don’t fancy spending Christmas in the slammer. I imagine the caviar would be SO second-rate.

    Apologies for this, but I really must go. The butler’s just informed me the security expert’s arrived, armed with all kinds of interesting tools and equipment. Looking at the size of that probe he’s holding, Maisey just did me a favour.

    TTFN

    Jilly

    BTW I’ve been trying to post this blog since Saturday (or Friday if, like Robyn, you’re in the Antipodes). Is Maisey at it again? Is she now attempng to block my entry? No. Of course not. I think I’d have noticed.

  157. 157 bburnham Sep 28th, 2008 at 2:31 pm

    Aideen,

    Actually, the Golden Heart is open to members and non-members. Non-members have to pay a higher fee to enter.

    Have you looked into the Romance Novelists’ Association in the UK? (At least, I think it is based in the UK.) They have something called The New Writers’ Scheme where I think you get actual feedback on a manuscript.

    Barbara

  158. 158 Jilly C Sep 28th, 2008 at 4:05 pm

    What happened just then? Did I inadvertently slip back into my coma? Is it now a month later? Who won the competition? And will you please all stop talking about me as if I wasn’t here?

    Excuse me a moment …. “A little lower please, Andreos. And Michel, get that whisk on fast-speed. Maisey said ‘blended’ and that’s just half-baked. If you can’t hit the button, you’re no use to me. I’ll have to demote you to grape-peeling duties.”

    Sorry about that. It’s this credit-crunch thing. One simply can’t get the staff anymore. My secret is obviously out, thanks to Maisey – just how does she do it, for goodness sake? First she succeeds in hacking my computer, now she’s managed to bug the mansion. I’ll have to get a man in. An expert on devices. Someone who knows how to sweep a girl’s interior.

    I don’t wish to ruin your fantasy, Aideen, but I’ve heard a rumour that Simon Cowell possesses a fetish for prawn-cocktail crisps. In my humble opinion, on the whole tit-bit’s scale, that’s only one up from pork scratchings. But hey, whatever floats your boat there, Aideen …

    And Barbara, this blog – I’m truly in awe here. You actually sound like you know what you’re doing. I forgive you unconditionally for the whole Slovakian fiasco. You’ve definitely earned your Sisterhood Stripes. A couple of questions, however …. E-mail? Is that some kind of an exclamation for when the post drops through the letterbox? And google groups? This sounds like it could be an organisation that offers support to incurable voyeurs. Am I right? Am I even in the ball-park? I could do with a little guidance on this – preferably more than you managed on the ‘O’ subject.

    And titles aren’t really my strong point, I’m afraid, especially just now when I’m getting distracted. Michel has just swapped the whisk for a dough-hook. Looks like he’s finally getting the message. But true to the Slogan and in spite of my current position – which would, I might add, have had Houdini grovelling at my feet – an idea HAS occurred, enabling me to somewhat belatedly throw my hat into the ring (just the one hat there, obviously). How are we feeling on ‘Orgasms-R-Us’? Too tacky? Too racy? Too predictable? Yeah, you’re probably right, and I don’t really fancy spending Christmas in the slammer. I imagine the caviar would be SO second-rate.

    Apologies for this, but I really must go. The butler’s just told me the security expert’s arrived, armed with all kinds of interesting tools and equipment. Looking at the size of that probe he’s holding, I think Maisey’s finally done me a favour.

    T.T.F.N.

    Jilly (HRH)

    BTW, like Aideen, I’ve been experiencing some technical blog problems. I’ve been trying to post this entry since Saturday (or Friday if, like Robyn, you’re in the Antipodes). Is Maisey at it again? Is she now attempting to block my entry? Actually, I doubt it. I think I’d have noticed.

  159. 159 Myates Sep 28th, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    Aideen,

    It’s always good the keep the husbands buttered up. That way when I want to take off the Starbucks for a latte and some alone writing time I can say, “Remember, darling, you are my inspiration. Says so on my blog.”

    As for what I do on Sundays, I was at church of course! (No, really. I was in the nursery today wrangling ten little boys. Apparently this all boy thing is widespread!)

    I’m not exactly expecting an email myself, although emails telling my I’m a wonderful winner are starting feature in my fantasies, I think I might have called out “Feel the heat!” last night during a key moment. (I was eating chocolate, of course!)

    I’ve spent the last week wishing I would have entered a different first chapter because I have two heroines who were a bit sassier than the one from my entry, but the chapters exceeded the word count by a few thousand words and I couldn’t find a good cut off point or figure out what I wanted to remove to make them fit.

    Well, I’m going to try and force some more story out of Mallory and Dante (my h and H in the book I’m working on) I’m thinking they might just have to go have a fight in bed. Not a bad idea…

    Maisey

  160. 160 wanton woman Sep 28th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    Yes, little boys do seem to be taking over our world, don’t they?
    But I for one don’t mind a bit. In fact I’ve always been very happy to be handed boy after boy after boy after boy after each delivery.
    I grew up the youngest of six girls and let me tell you I’ve seen violence in all it’s forms over clothes, shoes, make up, you name it.
    Nail files have been used in self defence, tufts of missing hair remain visible after all these years and my mother turned positively grey overnight playing referee on a full time basis.
    Those cats in the jungle have nothing on my sisters. I was a little younger than the rest so I really only observed from the sidelines (usually wearing protective clothing and blocking my ears from the blood curdling cries).

    So bring on the boys, the more the merrier.

    Aideen.

  161. 161 Amy Sep 28th, 2008 at 5:59 pm

    BTW, I just approved some comments that got stuck in moderation over the weekend — appologies for any duplicates.
    ~Amy (from Harlequin)

  162. 162 bburnham Sep 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm

    Thanks, Amy!

    I am trying to get the gang moved over to googlegroups. Hope to have that accomplished soon . . .

    Barbara :-)

  163. 163 emerald Sep 28th, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    I was thinking maybe the reason we don’t have any daughters is so that our romance writing voices aren’t passed on to the next generation. You know, it’s the fail safe thing… only so much havoc can be tolerated and then it must stop!

    Barbara, I didn’t get an invite, :sad: will it come as an email?

    Aideen, the comp I just entered here is one that takes only the first five pages of a ms (in times new roman, so you can fit a bit more in.) It’s a good way to see how the very beginning comes across, although not all stories have enough ‘grit’ right up front to be suitable. Sometimes (yeah right, all the time) it’s hard to get everything you need to about conflict etc into the first chapter, so managing the same in a quarter of that space can be sanity zapping. On the plus side, it’s an email submisssion process so postage wouldn’t be a problem although to enter you would need to join the RWA(Oz)

    It’s funny how we’ve passed over other stories to enter the ones we have into Feel the Heat. I guess there’s nothing to be gained by wondering about the others now. And that’s what the regular submission route is there for. :)

    Oh, so much actual writing talk this morning. I must sign off and go finish Anne Oliver’s book that Jilly did such a good job of recommending.

    Robyn

  164. 164 Jilly C Sep 29th, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    What a relief! Back in touch with the sisters, and just in time with The Big Day approaching. I’m sure I just wouldn’t get through it without you guys. I was already experiencing premature withdrawal (and just when I thought Michel had finally got the hang of it).

    Maisey, I apologise unreservedly for accusing you of blocking my entry. I realise now that you wouldn’t stoop so low. And all the time it was Amy, of course, acting in the interests of moderation (I’d take my hat off to you at this point, Amy, but I’m now only left with the one).

    Which gives rise to an interesting thought ….. Does this imply that our comments are moderate? Does that mean the sisters can get even racier? I can hardly wait for the next discussion.

    Robyn, so glad you’re enjoying the Anne Oliver book – see what I mean about the sex-scenes??!! I think it mentions it at the front of the book but in case you missed it, ‘Business In The Bedroom’ is Abby’s story and it’s every bit as good as the one you’re reading. I can’t guarantee it’ll set fire to your attic – we’ll have to wait for Aideen’s for that one – but I think I can say without fear of contradiction it should get a nice blaze going down in the basement.

    And Aideen, so glad you spotted my message on Kimberely’s blog. I was so relieved when I saw your reply. Didn’t want anyone thinking I’d deserted the Sisterhood now my true status has finally been exposed. And apologies for the duplicate posting, guys. I appreciate that Jilly-in-stereo is probably a touch much to bear.

    Still no news, then. I must confess I clicked onto the website with trembling hands which unfortunately had nothing to with that probe. What do you reckon? Have they reached a decision? Is someone right now receiving the call to tell them they’ve just hit the jackpot? Oh God, I can’t stand it. I’ll have to lie down. And Michel, get a hold of that security guy. I think I’m in need of a second sweep …..

    HRH Jilly

  165. 165 wanton woman Sep 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    HRH,

    No news is good news. Or so my mother says but really, I stopped paying attention to her when I was…younger. I’m certain they have reached their decision as we speak and one lucky gal is nearing tears I’d imagine. But’s lets be honest, it is rather exciting, isn’t it?

    I’m jealous of your true status, but how do you keep up with so many shift changes??? I’m starting to suspect that Michel is your favourite, am I right?

    You must come on over to the group Barbara has created, fun and frolics are guaranteed. And I’m sure we can find plenty of topics to get us through the dreary months ahead. I say dreary because the rain has started here in Ireland and I know for sure it’s not going to let up until at least next March. If we’re lucky.

    Can’t wait for Wednesday, I so want the winner to be someone we know. I’d feel such an important part in her journey!!!!

    Aideen.

  166. 166 wanton woman Sep 29th, 2008 at 4:36 pm

    But Robyn,

    Perhaps one of our many boys will take after their mother’s and write the most wonderfully sassy romance stories known to mankind???
    It’s a possibility, don’t you think?

    I love that the regular submission route is there for us, it’s good to know we can keep at it until somebody finally connects with our ‘voice’. That’s my current plan of action at the moment anyway.

    We can only learn on this bumpy road to publication.

    Aideen.

  167. 167 Myates Sep 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm

    Jilly,

    I shudder to think how the dough hook scenario turned out…and you really should join up over at the google group, you too Robyn, we’re all talking to ourselves and getting maudlin about our chances of winning so we could use a pick-me-up.

    I couldn’t possibly have bugged your house, I’m much to electronics illiterate for that, and I don’t know how you got my stripper-gram confused with a PI…

    Anyway, all of you stop chewing your fingernails! A woman needs her fingernails! We’ll all find out soon enough…in the mean time, I’m going to go eat chocolate and drink lattes…forget girlish figures, I’m working on my panda bear figure!

    Maisey

  168. 168 bburnham Sep 29th, 2008 at 6:10 pm

    Jilllllllly, Calling J-I-L-L-Y!

    Jilly, please go to my blog (http://missionpublication.blogspot.com/) and leave a comment with your e-mail address or e-mail me through my blog with your e-mail address so I can get you on the group forum. (You can get to my direct e-mail on the profile page.)

    We need your expertise! Won’t you join us, please, please, please?

    Barbara :-)

  169. 169 Jilly C Sep 30th, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    Barbara, I’ve done it – or at least I THINK that I’ve done it. I’ve sent you an e-mail. That’s all I could manage. Is that enough to be going on with?

    Sorry about the delay, but there was an unfortunate incident involving Andreos and a pair of particularly strong handcuffs (well two pairs, actually) and a new attachment for the blender. Anyway, the nice young doctor at Accident and Emergency was very understanding. He said that it happens all the time. I’m sure he was saying it to make me feel better, but I got his number just as a precaution.

    How are all of the sisters coping? Has anyone received a call? An e-mail? Heck, I’d settle for a homing-pigeon right now. I can’t believe there’s nothing on the blog. I went on tonight convinced I’d see an announcement saying they’d finally picked the winners and they’d all been contacted ahead of tomorrow. I’d got the tissues and the cliches at the ready, prepared to indulge in a little Sisterhood Support. Do you think there’s still hope, or is that down the pan with the dead skin and butterflies?

    I think I might just ring that doctor. I could do with him upping my prozac.

    Jilly

  170. 170 Myates Sep 30th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    You should pop over to the blog, Jilly. My theory was that you had won and were even now off with your new editor (Who turned out to be an Australian shipping magnate of Italian and Irish parentage) buying hats and drinking tequila. I hope for your sake that it’s true.

    I think my email might have gotten lost amidst dead skin, butterflies and kitchenaid mixer attachments, but I can’t be sure.

    Maisey

  171. 171 Amy Sep 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    The winners will be announced here tomorrow, I promise! I’d give you a time, but with all the time zones… math off the top of my head is not my thing! So tomorrow morning sometime, EST.

    If everything works out right, the winners will have been notified in advance as well (but that’s Joanne’s territory).
    ~Amy (from Harlequin Digital)

  172. 172 wanton woman Sep 30th, 2008 at 5:56 pm

    Thanks for the update Amy.

    I think we all knew that the winners would be notified in advance but I guess hope is just something that doesn’t give up as easily as our brains!!

    What can I say? All the best to everyone and here’s to the normal submission route. Apparently that still works!!! Must get back to writing, I’m sure submitting blank pages is a no-no.

    Irish Luck Everyone,
    Aideen.

  173. 173 Madeline Sep 30th, 2008 at 8:21 pm

    Thanks Amy!

    It’s 10:30 in the morning here, but I suppose I’m going to have to wait another nine or so hours until it’s morning for the editors in England!

    Oh the angst of an Australian.

    All the best to everyone at getting a follow up letter – it’s the next hope to cling to. Now, I’m off to write while I wait for the announcement. Hope you’re all sleeping soundly and angst-free :-)

    Madeline

  174. 174 mulberry Oct 1st, 2008 at 9:16 am

    Oh please please please let it be one of you guys that win!
    First second and third places to the Sisterhood of the Blended Orgasm would be so cool!
    I’ve been MIA in day job hell the lst few days, and IKEA hell on the weekend. We’re refurnishing the sitting room and unaccountably the hunky Swedish handymen I’d expected were mising from the flatpacks- think Maisey must have stolen them to staff her mansion.
    Also that mention of Gerard Butler sent me into a fantasy that lasted three days!
    I am sooooo glad I didn’t enter this time around. And also gald to read on other blogs here that a couple of the current MH writers were found in the slush pile. Now I must just write the b***dy thing! How do you lot manage to do it with small kids? I just have the day job from hell, dh, and me, no kids, yet I never seem to manage to make any time to write.

  175. 175 mulberry Oct 1st, 2008 at 9:19 am

    They posted the winners while I was here reading what you guys had been up to.
    Boy, those gals who won must have been good, because you lot are fabulous!

  176. 176 Jilly C Oct 1st, 2008 at 3:57 pm

    Hi guys,

    I’m posting here ‘cos my brain is now currently mush and I don’t think it’s up to navigating cyberspace to find its way into Barbara’s blog. I’ll attempt it tomorrow and hopefully, in the meantime, you’re all still dropping by here.

    How are you feeling? Can I be honest? I feel like absolute sh**!! Don’t get me wrong. I’m truly delighted for all of the winners (though it isn’t doing much to improve my condition!!) but all the same I can’t shake off the queasy sensation that someone’s just kicked me in the tenderest of nether regions. Which is totally crazy when your true expectation was that you weren’t going to win in the first place. It’s that little seed of hope. That tiny little flame which, against all the odds, refuses to die. Thank goodness we’ve all got each other. Michel and his blender can go hang. I know who I’d sooner have with me right now.

    One more thing I’d just like to say: Mulberry, I love you, and I want to have your babies.

    And, sisters, remember. Like a phoenix we will rise, brighter and stronger, from this old heap of ashes that was once our dream.

    Onwards, and upwards,

    Jilly

  177. 177 Myates Oct 1st, 2008 at 7:20 pm

    Jilly,

    All I can say is the winners must have been amazing, because you are fabulous! You always make me laugh, and I always want to read what you write.

    Try and make it over to the blog, we posted out chapters over there and it would be great if you could stop by and offer some witty, searing critique as we roast marshmallows over the open flame that once was our dreams…

    Only joking, things aren’t as bad as all that! You could still get contacted about your entry!

    Maisey

  178. 178 bburnham Oct 1st, 2008 at 7:52 pm

    Jilly,

    I sent an invite to your e-mail on Monday. Let me know if you didn’t get it for some reason. Hope you got some sleep.

    Barbara

  179. 179 Jilly C Oct 2nd, 2008 at 4:15 pm

    Barbara, are you pulling my plonker? Is this your way of getting revenge for that whole Slovakian debacle?

    I’ve been sitting here for over an hour, typing in all of those letters and numbers off that E-mail you sent me. First, I tried the ones for creating a google account because, apparently, I have to have that before I can access the group thing. Twice. Nothing. Just didn’t recognise it. Then I tried the one for accepting the invitation. Ditto. Zilch. And I did try to warn you about my heebie-jeebies. I mean, fair’s fair – do I LOOK like Alan Turing, for heaven’s sake?

    Please help me out here. I can’t bear the thought of you sisters partying whilst I’m all alone in this stonking great mansion, drowning my sorrows in a magnum of Moet. Alone, that is, except for Andreos (I’ve forgiven him the handcuffs), Michel and that nice young doctor I mentioned. I’ve made him a permanent addition to the roster. What he can’t do with a stethoscope and scalpel really isn’t worth knowing …

    Awaiting instructions,

    Jilly

  180. 180 wanton woman Oct 2nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm

    Jilly!!!!

    I think I may have lost control of my bladder reading the above! Please hurry up over to the group. Get Andreos or Michel or Doc to set you up. We miss you, we need your serious attitude to direct us towards greatness.

    And I’ve just gone mental and uploaded my chapter so you’re missing out on one 24 page comedic attempt at establishing myself as a writer. Come on woman, get with it.

    Aideen.

  181. 181 bburnham Oct 2nd, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    Jilly,

    Man, I was just wondering where you were. I am sorry about all of the problems you were having. I am going to try to just add you myself using the e-mail address you sent me. I will let you know what happens.

    Barbara

  182. 182 mulberry Oct 2nd, 2008 at 6:41 pm

    Jilly, maybe we should move to your mansion instead- there are a lot more men there, plus a lot of toys with interesting possibilities too!

    But please please get the email thingy sorted- you are missing out on Aideen’s laugh out loud hot hot hot chick lit chapter, Barbara’s sizzling lift scene in the corridors of power, Maisey’s OMG he’s gorgeous but he’s a mean bastard Italian/ African American Presents hero… and we are missing you.

  183. 183 wanton woman Oct 2nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm

    Oh Jeez,

    Now I want to have your babies too Jane!!!

    And Jilly, you’re also missing out on Jane’s ruthless take on blackmail, deliciously carried out by 6 feet 3 inches of a thoroughbred Italian Stallion.

    Aideen.

  184. 184 Madeline Oct 3rd, 2008 at 1:21 am

    Hi ladies,

    I know I’m not a part of your group, but I have to say, that each time I visit I Heart Presents, I see that this thread has been written on, and can’t resist checking. I’m endlessly amused by your banter, though you all seem to know each other beyond this site, so I’m sure I’m only catching on to half of it!

    I just wanted to say all the best with your writing: you all have personalities that spread to the page, and I have no doubt you will all succeed at publication. If your heroine’s are half as vibrant as your conversations, there’s no doubt. I just hope to be as lucky as you.

    All the best!
    Madeline :-)

  185. 185 Myates Oct 3rd, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    Thanks Madeline,

    it’s great to know that people (other than just myself) have been amused. I met everyone here on this thread. We’re all from different corners of the world, which is always interesting.

    Thanks for your best wishes! All the support on this sight means a lot. And I wish you the best of luck as well!

    Maisey

  186. 186 Jilly C Oct 3rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm

    Newsflash from Masochist Mansion ……

    ‘There are reports tonight that the owner of this mysterious and somewhat disreputable abode – who has, sources say, been seen in the village in recent days looking oddly green, wearing two hats and adorned with what appeared to be various components of a food-mixer – has been rescued by her faithful Slovakian chocolatier when he discovered her drowning in a sea of E-mails which had inexplicably started spewing out from her printer. Her recently-appointed medical advisor has assured us all is now well. After applying his imaginitive resuscitation technique on three separate and lengthy occasions, his grateful employer has promoted him to Chief Blender and is now lying down in the recovery-position.’

    And Barbara, it’s all thanks to you. Either you ARE really pulling my plonker or your attempt to ‘add’ me didn’t quite work. Twenty-eight – yes, you heard me, TWENTY-EIGHT – E-mails have flooded my in-box, each consisting of two or three pages. Bits of comments from each of the sisters on chapters I’ve not even seen yet. In duplicate. In triplicate. You name it, I’ve got it. Oh God, I can’t bear it. Am I destined to be apart from the Sisterhood forever, deprived of all that hot lusty writing? Please Barbara, DO something. I’m down on my knees here (well, to be honest, I already was but that, as they say, is another story).

    And guys, I can’t tell you how good it is to hear you. And rest assured, I’ll be with you as soon as I can. Your luck can’t last forever, you know.

    And Madeline, not part of the group? Get a grip there, girl. I’m sure I’m speaking for all of the sisters when I say that EVERYONE’s welcome here! As Technical Director, it’s Barbara you need to crawl – sorry, speak to but I’m sure she’d be happy to ‘add’ you as well (I just hope you have more luck than I’M having). A word of advice. Don’t mention the Slovakians. If you’ve faithfully been following this blog, you’ll know already it’s a touchy subject.

    Sorry guys, gotta go. I’m under medical supervision here and it’s time for a change of position. This guy is heavier than he looks ….

    Jilly

  187. 187 mulberry Oct 3rd, 2008 at 5:58 pm

    Jilly, you gotta find your way over to us (but please bring some of the boys as well). After all, you are one of the original Sisterhood, while I’m just an interloper who happened to walk by one day….

    Madeline, I don’t have any right at all to do this at all, as previously mentioned being an interloper myself, but I second Jilly’s comment. Click on Barbara’s name on any of her posts, and then send her an email.

    But if you are invited to join, be prepared to bare your synopsis, your soul, and the secrets of your boudoir to the Sisterhood of the Blended Orgasm. Membership may cost you your sanity, plus any spare time you thought you had- but it will give you a good giggle, inspiring critiques, and a chance to see some brilliant writing (I’m already practicing the “Well of course, I knew her BEFORE she was published” speeches, for future RNA and RWA conferences).

  188. 188 wanton woman Oct 3rd, 2008 at 6:19 pm

    Jilly,

    In all fairness, cop on. You have a medic on board, a masseuse, a security watchman and many more I imagine to fill that masochist mansion but where in the hell is your IT man??

    Require one poste haste because we’re all partying like crazy over in the google group. Honestly, we really are. We were gonna wait for you but there’s only so much procrastinating a girl can do. We have the red carpet out and awaiting you is a Magnum of Dom Perignon, we don’t do the cheap stuff over there.

    Up your prozac if you must but figure out a way to get to us cos the group just isn’t complete without the original shrinking violet. You can even wear four hats and smoke your pipe AND cigar simultaneously.

    Aideen.

  189. 189 Myates Oct 3rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm

    Someone send the woman a link! Honestly, Jill darling do you write everything by hand?

    And to answer the IT question, I have a brother who works in that business. Now he’s a nice looking young man but he’s the exception to the rule. If I were Jilly I wouldn’t have one either. But then, I’ve only got the one man. Not that I’m complaining. One gorgeous African-American/Italian is all this woman can handle! However if his skill-set consisted only of some vague ritual involving pork scratchings and alcohol I might need a whole crew too….

    Maisey

  190. 190 Jilly C Oct 4th, 2008 at 9:05 am

    There’s a lot of things I do by hand, Maisey, but I’m pleased to say that writing isn’t one of them. If you’d seen my scrawl, you’d understand why.

    And Aideen, to enlighten you on the IT staffing position, I DID have one once (not in the biblical sense, I hasten to add). In fact, I’ve had several, but they each only lasted a week. Apparently, I exhausted them of all their expertise to find at the end of it I was still a lost cause. I know you’ll find that hard to believe, but that’s what they said as they ran out the door, holding their dongles and screaming hysterically.

    But now I must do what a Jilly has to do. Fully recovered from my near-death-by-E-mail experience – and in the absence of further instructions from America – I am about to step out unaided into cyberspace to try once again to connect to the Sisterhood. Forget Sydney Carton and his trip to the guillotine, this is an act of selfless courage that will pass into legend in the field of human endeavour – even if I do say so myself.

    So gird your loins (whatever that means) fellow-sisters, and send up a prayer for the safe return of your brave and unwavering shrinking violet. And if I should fail, I have one last request, simple and heartfelt and staggeringly-green. Remember me in a few fond words of dedication when your first bestseller is heading for the press. And if one of you could contact Andreos at the mansion. The key for the handcuffs is in the tool-shed, next to the blindfolds. I found it last night when I was looking for the grinder.

    Au revoir, I hope, not adieu,

    Jilly

  191. 191 Jilly C Oct 4th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    The good news? I made it!!

    The bad news? This is now a sad moment. Over the last few weeks I’ve got so attached to this blog but now, alas, I must leave it. It’s been so much like the Presents we all love – tension and tragedy and, hopefully, a touch of humour here and there.

    But now, as for all of the H’s and H’s, it’s time to move on, to follow our hearts and our dreams. Hopefully, for everyone, the final destination will make the whole journey worthwhile.

    The best of the best to all of you out there. Hold that dream. Never relinquish it.

    Over and out,

    Jilly

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