Don't Quote Me, But...

...by Olivia Kelly

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.

Who said that?
Socrates?
Theodore Roosevelt?
Virginia Woolf?

Nope...Sophia Loren! 

I know this because I love quotes. I am that person who can spend hours just reading short blurbs on those quote websites, instead of doing actual, productive work. I love quotes because, although they are taken out of context and are only part of a whole speech/idea/conversation, they can provide great insight into the mind and character of a person.

For example, Erma Bombeck was known for her pithy, hilarious commentary on being a housewife and mother- something I can relate to in many ways. Here's one of my favorites (because it's true).

That's why I make them eat outside... ;)

All of us have moments in out lives that test our courage. Taking children into a house with a white carpet is one of them.

The funny ones are some of my favorite quotes, like the one here from Bill Cosby.

 No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventually produce bizarre behavior, and I'm not talking about the kids. Their behavior is always normal.

But I do enjoy the deeper thinking quotes as well.

 "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau

And creative types such as Lewis Carrol are always highly quotable.

Me? A butterfly? Shut the front door!

Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

and... 
 
When you are describing a shape or sound or tint, don't state the matter plainly, but put it in a hint, and learn to look at all things with a mental sort of squint.

Imagination taking flight...

I've found that sometimes a quote can help me if I'm stuck on a page or paragraph that I'm writing, or it can even inspire an entire story. Sometimes it just helps to refill my creative well without the commitment of reading a novel or watching a movie. And I find that there is a quote, from someone, somewhere, that fits almost any situation you find yourself in!

Tell me what some of your favorite quotes are! Funny, serious and thought-provoking, all are welcome... 

 
 

Give me strength

By Andris Bear

I had an epiphany.

The same earth-shattering, life-changing, original epiphany every mother has at one time or another. I decided to teach my kids a lesson in responsibility, gratitude and what it means to be a member of a family.

Did you know there’s this amazing centrifugal force called M.O.M. and she does everything, all the time, with a smile on her face?  

Call me smiley.

Apparently, children are born expecting servitude from this mythical creature.

Before we get to the particulars, you must understand this decision was beyond difficult for my not-so-inner control freak. I like things the way I like things and when expectations are not met, foaming at my mouth occurs. Seriously, think Cujo on two shaved (sometimes) legs.

So, what, exactly, did I do?

I quit.

I’ve let my house go to the bears. Heh, heh.  Toys rule the floor. Dishes rule the sink. And Laundry? Oh, you don’t have a clean shirt? Awww. Better turn that crumpled one on the floor inside out.

Stink? You? Noooooo.

Why do this? Certainly not because I'm into the demilitarized zone decorating style.

I’ve grown tired of picking up after little people—be it toys, clothes, schoolwork or dishes. If I trip over Barbie one more time, she’s getting a buzz cut.  And those Geo Trax remote controls that like to go off in the middle of the night and make my sleep-deprived brain think a ghost is screeching, “Chug-a-chug-a-whoo-WHOO!”

Going on the top of the pyre.

Now I don’t want you leaving here with the impression my kids don’t have chores—they do, but I have to constantly stay on top of them to make sure said chores are done. And isn’t that just a pain in the rump? It’d be easier (and quicker, not to mention better done) if I just did it myself. But I refuse to allow my children to expect from others what they won't do for themselves.

So the lesson I’m attempting to teach my babes is that when we work together, support one another, things run smoothly. But when people don’t do their small part, the whole system falls into chaos and we all lose.

And the lesson they’re teaching me? Their will is stronger than mine.

Got any advice or tips for mama Bear? I could really use some.

It's the little things . . .

I'm a little stressed at the moment.

 I know that I'm just at the time of life that is busy and harried, but it's been a real kick in the pants these last few weeks.  Besides the normal chaos that accompanies the raising of two teenage boys, in the last little bit we've dealt with new jobs, new directions, one hospitalized parent, and a dead well.  As in, no water coming in.  For almost two weeks.  Let me tell you, you have no idea how easy running water makes your life until you have to start counting every drop that comes from the faucet!

But I'm not going to go on about that.  Instead I'm going to focus on what's helping.  Those little things that lighten the weight that seems to be pressing me down.  These are the things that are brightening my day, and just making me happy .  . .

1.  My new bench.  We picked it up right before the stuff hit the fan. . . and I've taken every moment I can out of the craziness to sit out on it, squeezing in a few pages or just enjoying the gorgeous weather we've been having here lately.

2. Lady Jane's Salon RDU.  A lot of you know that Ava and I are two of the directors of the Triangle branch of LJS.  Tonight we are celebrating our 1st anniversary!  An entire year of lifting up the genre of romance, bringing together writers, readers, librarians, booksellers, industry professionals, and anyone else who loves the genre.  Plus all proceeds go to some amazing charities.  It feels really great to be a part of that.

This pic is from last September, our very first LJS RDU.  And tonight our very own Lady Scribe Marquita will read from her debut and help us celebrate this special birthday!

3.  My friends.  You know who you are.  Thank you for listening, sympathizing, pulling me back and distracting me!



4.  This video.  My Eldest is one of the athletes in this little clip.  Yes, it's scary to let him do this.  Yes, he is exhausting at times.  But he's crazy smart and funny and full of passion.  And this turned out so well.

So there you have it, a few of the things that are getting me through!  Will you share some of the things that are making you happy right now?  They might help me or someone else too!

Romance Readers Do It All Night - Giveaway!

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By Erin Knightley

It always happens when there is something important going on the next day.  Innocently, you pick up a book for some reading before bed, planning to relax for the next hour or so for a more restful sleep.

The book, as books are wont to do, starts getting good. I mean, really good. So good, that all you do is blink and two hours have gone by.  And then three.  Your eyes get heavy, and you swear you will stop at the next chapter.

And then there’s the cliff hanger.

Dang it! Now you forge on, determined to only read a little more until you get the teensiest bit of closure, but your will is weak, and the story is fantastic.

The next thing you know, you have two hours to sleep until the dratted alarm goes off, and you must slog your way through another book hangover. Sigh – I feel your pain.  I can remember many a night where I burned the midnight—make that 2am—oil, desperately flipping pages in one fantastic book or another.  Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught, My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, and yes, even the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. Sabrina Jeffries, Suzanne Collins, and even several of my own fellow Lady Scribes have caused many a sleepless night in my household.

And you know what? I think that’s just plain awesome. I mean, how amazing is it that books are so rich, so utterly compelling, that we would forfeit the bliss of sleep for the pleasure of reading.  When my hubby was reading the Game of Thrones series, every night I would go into the room and find him asleep with his Kindle draped across him, the light still on. It made me smile every time. I just love that there are so many incredible worlds to be explored, characters to fall in love with, and fictional lives to be caught up in.

So here’s to the authors that rob us of our sleep—and to the coffee that keeps us going ;)  In honor of both, I am doing a “Romance Readers Do It All Night” giveaway, complete with coffee mug, $5 Starbucks Gift Card, swag, and a new book to love (I hope!) 

(ps - if you win and you already have More Than a Stranger, you are welcome to an advance copy of my second book, A Taste For Scandal, instead!)

All you have to do to enter to win is tell me: What book or Author has kept you up all night recently?  I'll ship anywhere in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Winner will be chosen Thursday, Sept 27 by 10pm CST.  Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. Good luck!

The Blog that Almost Wasn't

I’ve been trying to think of a blog topic and have come up empty.  What interests me may not interest to you.  And, my brain is going in so many different directions right now that I can’t seem to remain focused on one topic. 

First and foremost in my mind is Twelve Angry Men.  I love this movie but have to admit that I’ve only seen the 1957 version with Henry Fonda.  I should watch the others, but how can you top Fonda?  Now I find myself thinking about what kinds of pens were used, how thin or thick were the ties, what did the notepads look like and where can I get two identical switchblades (stage version safe).  Some of these things I have accomplished, others I am still working on.  Why such an attention to detail?  Because I am co-directing the stage play and we open on October 5^th. This is the first time I’ve directed adults and I must confess, I am a bit nervous. 

On the heels of my show, my mind is thinking about hairstyles and makeup that span Regency to Victorian.  I get to be in charge of hair and makeup for A Christmas Carole with only about 90 cast members (piece of cake – ha!).  It doesn’t open until December so I don’t really need to concentrate on it now, but it is there lurking, along with The Little Mermaid. Another show I am doing hair and makeup for in April.

But I just shoved those projects to the back burner because I received edits back on a story.  These need my attention and I have been working on it a chapter at a time, taking breaks and thinking things through that need to be fixed.  I want to work quicker but I have learned that if I don’t force myself to step away during the editing process, things get missed.

Meanwhile, another story is in my mind and characters are demanding attention. But, I can’t write it until I do research. I am delving into a period of time I do not know much about: 1863.  Why am I focusing on this era? I don’t know.  I blame it on my daughter. I know, not fair. But, if she hadn’t moved to Portland, I wouldn’t have found myself interested in the history and then thinking about stories that could take place there, and for some reason, I want them to be in the 1860’s. 

Of course, my characters had to come from somewhere because if they aren’t Native Americans, they came from (or their parents and/or grandparents) somewhere else.  Did you know a number of Scottish settled in the area? Not only am I researching Portland, but New York as well and how to get from one to the other (my heroine is going to travel from New York). I’ve opted not to go by the Oregon Trail but by ship.  Yep, this leads to more research.  So, last night I put away all thoughts of theater and edits, and read about immigrants to America, tenement life in New York City, the Fifth Avenue Hotel (which was a luxury hotel in New York from 1859 to 1908 and employed 400 servants),  occupations in Portland, New York Draft Riots, Portland Exports, Clippers, Cape Horn, Mail-Order Brides and a host of other things. 

I thought any one of these topics could be a good blog post, but I can’t remain focused long enough to stick with one subject. So, instead of a thoughtful, detail post, you received my ramblings of the blog that almost wasn’t.

Do you ever have trouble focusing on one thing and one thing only?

The One Thing I Can't Do Without

Ever have one of those days?

You know...When the kids decide to sleep in, the dog pees on the floor and no one can find anything without your help. It's enough to make a mom wish for some Calgon to take me away (if you are too young to remember those commercials, please don't tell me. ;P).

Last Wednesday was that day for me. I swear no matter how fast I tried to move, time was at warp speed. Thankfully and by some miracle, I got the kids to school on time and then headed to the grocery store. Only I felt like I was missing something. Like my zipper was down or my boobs were showing.

It wasn't until I got home that I realized I hadn't put on any mascara. Mascara! So I quickly put some on and immediately felt better.  Amazing how one little thing can make a person feel put together.

Also, this makes me giggle:

I took this picture at our school's  book fair.

Happy Friday!!


What's one thing you can't do without? 

Lost and Found

My kids and I are planning our bucket list trip to find buried treasure. We’ve listed all the important things we’ll need for our trip, a list of possible places to go and now all we need to do is make a decision. The picture you see here is my youngest son on our last trip to the Cherokee reservation here in NC last year. We had a blast and learned quite a bit. What brought all this on? Well, we were discussing past vacations to ho-hum places like the beach or the mountains, and we decided that next year we’re totally going to blow the lid off our vacation and do something incredibly crazy: like search for buried treasure. How cool is that? I mean how many people can say they have done that?

Forget the fact that we’ve never done anything remotely exciting before in our lives, other than camping at boyscouts, and forget the fact that we have no clue what we’re searching for, we’re going for it. One way or another, we’re going to look for buried treasure.

Luckily, we have at least one of us who has done some kind of survival training in their lives. Hubby is ex Calvary in the military and I love his military speak. I mean how sexy is it when he answers me with a “negative,” or even when he’s spelling something out using the military phonetic alphabet. I love it. But I digress.

He’s trained in special operations stuff…mumbo jumbo…and luckily has taken control of the “what we need to survive in the wilds list.” Because obviously the hair dryer I put on my list to bring doesn’t quite fit with his idea of “roughing it.” Sigh. I’m not sure I like this idea anymore. But I’m optimistic here.

Do keep in mind I’ve only been out of my home state of NC a handful of times so any trip is a adventure for me. My kids are 20, 16, and 4 yrs old. All boys. So needless to say they’re all for the “roughing it” mantra that has sprung up in our conversations as of late. Me…not so much. I like to write about epic Viking journeys and Indiana Jones’ meets the Wild, Wild West stories but I don’t like to live them. So I’m letting you all know beforehand if I happen to keel over during next year’s vacation, you’ll all know exactly who to blame. *Points finger at the military drill sergeant who lives in my house.*

So where are we going? Well I just released my new book The Devil’s Defiance book two in the Devil Ryder series and it’s an Indiana Jones meets the Wild, Wild West story. I researched and fell in love with the legend of the “San Saba Mines.” So we’re discussing a trip to old San Antonio, definitely going to see the river walk, the Alamo, and while we’re there we’re going to search for buried treasure in Meynard county near the San Saba river. Of course, we really don’t expect to find anything but it’ll be fun just to go hiking near the river and pretend. I do have a fairly vivid imagination if I do say so myself.

What is the San Saba mine? A military expedition from Spain headed by one Lieutenant-General Don Bernado de Miranda was sent north from San Fernando (now known as San Antonio) to search for minerals and assess the strength of the local tribes. The slow moving expedition set up camp near Honey Creek and several of his men found a natural cave and cavern, discovering several thick veins of silver inside. While Miranda sent samples back to his superiors in San Fernando, the Presidio was built, as well as a mission, although Miranda was sent off to another military expedition before he could see his venture to fruition. Though it has never been confirmed legend has it that the Spanish missionaries started the extracting and smelting of the ore without Spain’s approval. And so the legend begins. On the morning of March 16^th, 1758 the mission was attacked by a large force of Comanche Indians, burning it to the ground. The Presidio was manned by only a small number of men and were incapable of sending help. So the secrets of the San Saba mine are forever lost to time. There are more rumors that the cave has been found and lost several times over the years, once in the 1830’s, again in 1878 by a drifter named Medlin, and once more in 1887 as you can read here in a New York Times article written in June 18^th 1887.

The history is fascinating behind this little mystery and hundreds, perhaps thousands of treasure hunters, geologists, prospectors and adventurers have searched for the lost mine. So you can imagine that little old me, three rowdy boys, one drill sergeant and a tiny three-legged Shih-tzhu will likely never find the cave. But! We’re happy to go exploring, camping, and just plain searching out the wonders of history while we try. I’ll be sure to take lots of pics. But as of now we’re still in the planning stages of our trip and the drill sergeant has a heck of a fight if he thinks for one rotten, stinkin’ second that I am not going to find somewhere to camp where I can have a decent shower because I am!

Now while I’m still in a good mood about this future trip I’m going to give away one print copy of The Devil’s Daughter and one digital copy of the new book The Devil’s Defiance to one lucky commenter who leaves their email! Hopefully, drill Sergeant won’t ruin my mood before the day is out lol.

Here’s a blurb of The Devil’s Defiance out today and I hope you enjoy my ragged, hair pulling, planning of a future-trip that is looking less and less likely as a go. So tell me what is the most unusual family trip you’ve ever taken and how far in advance did you plan? I’m not certain an entire year is enough for this one.

The Devil's Defiance

New York City Lawyer Garret Ryder takes the law into his own hands when a vicious killer gets away with murdering his family. Nothing will stop him from delivering the justice denied him by the law he vowed to uphold. But when the killer kidnaps a judge’s daughter, his childhood sweetheart, he must decide if any price is too high to exact revenge.

San Antonio socialite Sophia Maria Osbourne doesn’t trust easily. With a dirty politician and a blackmailing judge for a father, she learned not to rely on anyone but herself. But when her father’s shady dealings lead to her kidnapping, she must place her faith in the man who stole her heart long ago, if she hopes to survive.

Sam on Aging + a Giveaway

Some of you know I have a day job as a hospice social worker. I know, that’s a real conversation stopper, and my job before this one wasn’t much better. I worked in psychiatry. I used to hate when people asked me at a party what I did for a living, because I’d get the deer-in-the-headlights stare and nervous giggles. Now I’m happy to say I’m a writer. Being a romance writer still gets me a few awkward jokes, but so far no one has launched into stories about their love lives, so it’s all good.

The only reason I’m bringing up my job is to explain why my blog is about such an odd topic today. Last week it seemed every visit I made to patients was at a nursing home. What some people may not realize is the nursing home is a pretty happening place. There’s always a lot of activity with entertainment coming in. (One day I showed up when the Packers were making a visit, which unfortunately was lost on me since I’m not a sports fan. I always seem to end up with the Packer encounters, much to my co-worker’s chagrin.) There are card games, exercise classes, and opportunities to shoot the breeze with people you may not have seen in a long time.

I know no one wants to be in a position of needing to have help with dressing, meals, etc., but it happens sometimes. I’ve decided if I ever live in a nursing home, I will adopt a British accent, insist on being addressed as “milady”, and observe afternoon tea. Perhaps I’ll even have some calling cards printed. If it didn’t bother the aristocrats to be waited on hand and foot, why should it bother me? I still can’t believe they didn’t dress themselves.

One thing I’ve noticed about nursing homes is every television in the public area seems to be playing Bonanza. The music programs are usually old time gospel or country. And there’s bingo several times a week. None of these things appeal to me, but for the generation that’s residing in nursing homes now, it’s what a lot of them like, which got me thinking what the activities might be like for my generation. 

Here are just a few thoughts…

* Every television will be set to The CW. Damon, Damon, and more Damon. Sigh. Okay, maybe that will mean adjusting our blood pressure meds, but who’s complaining?

* Bret Michaels will still be touring, only his bandana will cover his whole head.

* Instead of comparing surgeries, we’ll be comparing tattoos and body piercings.

* We’ll have the moves like Jagger, which will explain the broken clavicles.

* Someone will keep pulling the fire alarm, because we really, really like hot firemen.

Man, I’m starting to feel sorry for the younger generation that will have to care for us. Remember, aging is inevitable; growing old is optional!

Can you think of any other activities likely to be going on?

October 1, 2012

Today I’m giving away an ARC of my upcoming release MISS LAVIGNE’S LITTLE WHITE LIE. It’s a story about family and looking out for others, too. Oh, and there’s lots of romance and laughs included. If you would like to be entered into the drawing, just leave a relevant comment along with your email address. Contest open until 11:59 pm central time Wednesday.   

Rolling back the years

What will I wear today? Ok, maybe not exactly today. Today, I’m frantically busy putting the final touches on my next regency release, Forsaking the Prize, and clothing is pretty low on my priorities. Don’t fret, am I decent but honestly, no one should to see me right now. I’m overdue for some me time. I’m having Fringe (bangs?) issues.
But I’ve been considering adding a special frock to my wardrobe for a while. I love pretty gowns. Years ago, I used to sit up watching the American Awards shows, not for the TV shows or Movies, but for the gorgeous gowns on the red carpet. I had lots of favorites and pet hates at those things. I love simple elegance and hate floofy meringues.

fripperiesandfobs:

Dress ca. 1800-05
From Cora Ginsburg LLC

There is a wonderful blogger/author Leslie-Ann McLeod who posts regency gown images all the time via twitter and her blog/tumblr. I usually favorite them as inspiration for my next heroine’s social life and keep wishing I could see one up close. This gown is one of my favorites, although yellows don’t really suite me. However, I love the detail on the sleeves and hem. Which brings me to my next big project.

Guess what came in the mail this week. Ta Da!

The pattern looks relatively easy, although I’ve never been particularly good at fitting myself. May have to enlist mum’s help (she can sew circles around me).

This could either be really good for my stress levels or the absolute worst. Before I can start, I need to decide style (day or evening wear), check the pattern will actually fit me, then find and choose fabric that hopefully will be close to period appropriate.

Have you ever made a period costume? If so, I’d love to hear any tips you care to share. I’ll update my progress on the gown next month.

Until then. Wish me luck.

Heather Boyd
Lady Wicked

Paradise: Found

As many of you may already know, my husband and I took a trip to the Bahamas earlier this year and decided, in a single moment, that we were going to move to Florida. Not anytime soon, of course. We had just signed a 2-year lease on our apartment, our daughter had been accepted into one of the best Montessori schools in Jersey City, and our business still had some growing to do before we could pick up and attempt to run it remotely from 1200 miles away.

However, as we began looking at possible homes in Florida, schools and things to do, it became unthinkable that we would have to wait until November 2013 to move. So, it turned into a year...and then nine months...and finally, after a trip to visit in May, those original 18 months became three.

We forewent a relaxing summer in New Jersey to pack and prepare our business for this major move, knowing we'd have perpetual summer once we arrived at our destination.

So, how are we doing? We love it! Okay, not everything is perfect -- we certainly miss our friends, and we'll be missing out on some fun fall celebrations with our friends up north -- but it's hard to stay down about anything when you wake up to sunshine and palm trees everyday! And I'm hoping our first trip to Disney in October will help make up for some of what we're missing out on ;)

Alright, enough chatter...we've been busy bees since we got here. We've done almost all the local attractions around here already: the town water park, the wildlife sanctuary, the drive through safari, sea turtle center, Playmobil Funpark, the pool (a lot!), indoor playgrounds, outdoor playgrounds, music classes, cupcakes, ice cream,  we've fed fish at a restaurant on the water, had a swimming lesson in the rain, we've done carousels and choo-choo trains, and we've seen nature at its most beautiful...oh, and of course, we've hit the beach a few times...

Here's a little smattering of pictures from our first two weeks in the F-L-A...

I hope you all have a sun-shiny day!
-Jerrica, Her Grace of Grammar

Gina Lamm Reveals...er...All!

You guys, I'm really excited! Romance author Gina Lamm has dropped by Lady Scribes today to reveal the cover for her upcoming novel, The Geek Girl and The Scandalous Earl. (I love that title- isn't it fun?)

Gina hasn't visited Lady Scribes before and I wanted to ask her a few questions, so we can all get to know her better. Also, because I am honing my reporter skills in case this writing gig doesn't take off. Watch your back, Babs.

Ms. Lamm. Doesn't she look as sassy as her heroine?

Gina, inquiring minds want to know: who came up with that awesome title? And can you give us a short overview of what Geek Girl is about?

Well, I came up with the first title on my own. It was Geek Girls Don’t Wear Petticoats. And while my editor loved it, she wanted a title that mentioned the hero. What followed was lots of desperate begging to my crit partners and beta readers for help with a new title. Between the, I don’t know, six of us, we made a pretty good list, and The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl was my favorite. Fortunately, it was my editor’s favorite too! 

Here’s a wee blurb for your pleasure!

Jamie Marten is a sporadic songwriter and self-professed geek who’s shamelessly addicted to online role-playing games. It’s easier to pretend she’s a kick-ass heroine than to actually be one. When she’s sucked through the mirror on an antique bureau and dumped into a Regency England bedchamber, her modern day problems—runaway boyfriend, flighty muse, and bad gaming mojo—suddenly seem insignificant.

Micah Axelby, Regency England’s Earl of Dunnington, wasn’t in the market for a new mistress. He’d just dismissed one crazy bedmate. Naturally, when a nearly-naked woman shows up in his bedroom speaking of Angry Birds and time travel, he’s furious. The ton’s gossip mill will make him out to be the harbinger of harlots, and that could make his proposal to a proper young miss difficult.

Jamie’s odd name, sailor’s mouth, and tendency to thoroughly screw things up frustrate Micah at every turn. But a meddling, magic-wielding housekeeper is determined that Jaime is his lordship’s perfect match. Micah wants an amiable wife, Jamie wants to go home, and one bitter ex-mistress wants Jamie dead. When a haughty earl and a geeky girl meet, butt heads and fall in love, it’s anything but a typical romance.

Wow, that sounds fun! And totally different from anything I've read before, which is always cool. 

I know you started your career as Regina Cole, writing something much sexier than Geek Girl. Do you plan to continue writing as Regina? If the answer is yes, what drew you to write something so different?

I actually started writing everything as Gina Lamm. My first release was a paranormal erotic short called One Night To Fly, which is under that name. When I wrote Dear Addi, I initially put Gina Lamm on it. But when it started getting hotter and heavier during the editing process, I began to think about it. Geek Girl had already gotten me an agent, and it had an editor very interested indeed. If I had a pen name on something, I wanted it to be my erotic romance instead of my mainstream. So I contacted Ellora’s Cave and Regina Cole was born! Her world moves faster than Gina Lamm’s, so it seems like she’s been around longer. J I write a lot of different genres, but it’s got to have relationships and an HEA. I don’t do sad endings.

Yeah, me neither. In fact, I hardly read anything but romance anymore, because I love a Happy Ever After so much. And, really, what's wrong with that? 

What was your favorite part of writing Geek Girl? Your least favorite part? Anything bizarre that you had to research, and got you on the FBI watch list? Should we start collecting bail money?

My favorite part had to be smashing together two of my favorite things: MMORPGs and Regency England. It was so weird, they had nothing to do with each other, but they fit together like peanut butter and chocolate.

My least favorite part? The “black moment.” I don’t want to give too much away, but I totally bawled like a fricking baby when I wrote it. And when I re-read it. And when I edited it. And now that I’m thinking about it... *sniff* But don’t worry! Happy Endings!!!

The most bizarre thing I had to research is probably strychnine poisoning. It’s a pretty dramatic way to die, and gives a lot of wonderfully heinous symptoms. But if the FBI is listening, nope, totes not interested in poisoning. (All bail money can be sent c/o Olivia Kelly…)

*Holds up hand solemnly* I promise to use all money sent to me for bail...and that Coach purse I have my eye on. Er. Anyway. 

Do you have plans for Geek Girl to be the beginning of a series? What can we expect from you in the future? And will the covers be as fabulous as the one for Geek Girl? Because the look on the heroine's face is priceless!

Hehehe, I know! Sourcebooks’ cover department did such a phenomenal job! I couldn’t be happier. There is a sequel on the horizon, featuring Jamie’s best friend and her search for her own perfect love. Look for Geek Girls Don’t Date Dukes in fall of 2013. And I sure hope the cover rocks it like this one!

Ha! I love it- Geek Girls Don't Date Dukes. Verra nice.

Okay.

Now we will play my favorite game. I'll ask you questions and you will reply with the first answer that pops into your head. Ready? 

Umm. Keep it clean, girl. 

(Really? Do I have to?)

See? I know you, Gina. ;)

Okay, GO!

Favorite color? All of them

Favorite food? Fried chicken. (What? I grew up in the South.)

Mountain climbing or scuba diving? Mountain climbing. Drowning scares me.

Train, car, bus or plane? Trains seem romantic, but I’m sure they’re not. Plane.

Skiing in Switzerland or shopping on Rodeo Drive? I sprained my knee skiing. Let’s shop.

Football or Hockey? Football. I used to be a cheerleader. (Weird, I know.)

Wild party or quiet night at home? Quiet night at home, unless the wild party is with my Heart of Carolina Romance Writers girls!

Do you like your Philly Cheesesteak with American cheese or Provolone? (Think carefully here.) Can I have both? There’s no such thing as too much cheese.

(A girl after my own, cholesterol-clogged heart!) 

Dresses or pants? Pants.

Scandalous, rakish, handsome earl or...oh, wait. That's a silly question! Totally. C’mere, Mr. Darcy!

Gina, thank you so much for dropping by Lady Scribes and revealing the cover for The Geek Girl and the Scandalous Earl! It's been fun to have you and we hope you come back when the next one comes out...

Thanks so much for having me, Liv! The Lady Scribes rock.