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Archive for June, 2009



Tuesday, June 9th, 2009
A Look Inside

It’s always interesting to get a little window into the private life of authors. Sure, sometimes the window opens a bit too wide and…well, let’s just say I really don’t want to read about an author’s mental health issues, meds and sex life on her blog. But that’s me.

USA Today has an article on Dean Koontz. Seems he has a memoir coming out this summer called A BIG LITTLE LIFE: A MEMOIR OF A JOYFUL DOG. I think this relates to his dog, Trixie. Koontz and Trixie wrote (you know what I mean) a few books together before she died. He clearly loved this dog, which makes me like Koontz even though I haven’t read a Koontz book in years. Anyone who loves dogs this much is okay in my book.

The interview takes place at Koontz’s amazing house. He talks about his younger life, which was not so fabulous. For example:

He grew up in a shabby four-room house in Bedford, Pa. It did not have a bathroom until he was 12; the plumbing before that consisted of a shower head in the basement that hung over a floor drain.

His home environment was poisoned by the brutality of his cruel, ne’er-do-well alcoholic father, who physically and emotionally abused Koontz and his mother.

You just never know what people live through. And now that I’m sad about Trixie being dead, I’m going to show a photo of my dog because she always makes me feel better. Here’s Jemma – part cocker, part retriever and 100% cutie pie:

Sunday, June 7th, 2009
Authors And Animals

My hubby and I adopted two cats and a dog from rescue operations. We adore all three of the independent-minded, food-demanding, think-they-own-the-house sweeties. As a pet lover, I think it’s fabulous that a bunch of authors got together – under Lori Foster’s guidance – and dedicated their time and money to a great cause. Yet another reason to love romance authors.

The cause: the Animal Adoption Foundation, a no-kill shelter in Ohio. The book: TAILS OF LOVE.

Go buy it.

Thursday, June 4th, 2009
Question…

I’m speaking to the MFA candidates at UC Riverside next week. The topic is popular fiction…or something like that. Whenever I speak I take the position that I’ll answer any question. Nothing is really off limits. But I find that people are sometimes afraid to ask questions. So, if you could ask an author anything, what would it be? What would you want to know?

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009
Perfect Photo

The wonderful Carrie Lofty forwarded this article from Huffington Post, Romance Novels Sales Booming In Tough Economy. Yeah, it’s a good piece but look at the photo included in the article. See those books up there on the top left shelf? Yeah, they’re mine. Wahoo!

Thanks, Carrie.

Monday, June 1st, 2009
Contest Winners!

The REALLY BIG CONTEST is now over. Here are the winners…

1st place: Blanche Peterson
2nd place: Cecile Smith
3rd Place: Lauri Brachmann

Thanks to all who participated and huge congratulations to the winners!!