Sarah MacLean's Blog, page 8

Gifts for Writers – 2012 Edition!

Three times makes a tradition, right?

In mid-December 2010, I posted 10 Great Stocking Stuffers for Writers to great success. The idea was simple — Help non-writers fill the Holiday Socks of their writer friends and family. Or, perhaps it was a not-so-thinly-veiled hint to my own friends and family that I really really really wanted more sticky notes. Who can say? That said, the post was popular. And in 2011, when I came up with 12 ideas for filling the sock of your resident writer, that post was also a hit. So…it’s 2012, and you’re shopping (or waiting to see if the Mayans were right before you head to the mall — very smart), and I’m here, once more, to help you assess the needs of that crazypants author in your life. What sticktoitiveness! You say. Three years in a row!

I know. I can hardly believe it myself.

As always (I can say that now that it’s the third time!), some of these are repeats…but they’re just too good (and necessary) not to list.

1. The Pentel Graph Gear 1000 Automatic Pencil. Number one on the list three years running, this mechanical pencil will give your resident writer the shakes. In a good way. You see, when we are faced with paper copy edits and typeset page proofs, there’s this rule that we have to use a colored pencil to make our changes. But the truth is, most colored pencils are AWFUL. The leads break, they don’t stay sharp, they’re basically made for four year olds and not for actual, yaknow, work. This pencil is mechanical, *and* it takes colored leads, which means you don’t have to spend half your copyediting time resharpening broken, soft Crayola coloreds. I have two, and when I travel with it, it travels in a special case so that I don’t lose it.

2. Pentel Colored Leads. If you buy the Pentel Automatic, you’ll need the leads. Amazon sells them in red (which I use) and blue, but you can find other .5mm colored leads in other places on the web, or in your local art store.

3. Movies about Writers. Every writer needs to fill the well, and movies about writing do it better than many others. I’ve talked about my love of Stranger than Fiction (hands down, the best depiction of writer’s block, ever) and for Adaptation, but how about something different this year? How about Shakespeare in Love, in which Shakespeare pens working title: Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate’s Daughter?) or one of my most favorite recent movies, Midnight in Paris, in which Owen Wilson plays a fledgling writer who gets critique from Hemingway and Stein.

4. Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies. This is serious gift giving gold for a writer. In the 1970s, Brian Eno (of music and crossword puzzle fame), created a deck of creative prompts, many of them bizarre and unclear, and many of them absolutely perfect for changing up a character or a plot. When I’m stuck, I turn to them. My favorite is: State the problem in words as simply as possible. You can get your own deck from Eno himself. Fair warning, at £30, this is a little more expensive than your average stocking gift, but I swear your writer will love it.

5. Flags. I know, I said it in 2010 and 2011, but the best thing about stockings is that they’re designed for replenishing low resources. If they’re reading, researching or editing, they’re going to need flags in multiple colors. At least, I do. I have them in purses, on desks, in the junk drawer in my kitchen. You never know when you might need to flag.

6. Writing-related Accessories. I’m not wild about kitsch, but there are some awesome pieces of writing jewelry at Etsy that I wouldn’t mind having myself, and that your lady-writer might really like. I’m a particular fan of this Words are my Weapon pendant, and this necklace made from a vintage fountain pen nib, this “If you wish to be a writer, write.” bracelet, and this fun “Ask Me About My Book” keychain.

7. Customized Notecards. At some point, every writer I know has had to send a thank you note. Whether to agent, publisher, fabulous author who offered invaluable advice or a tremendous cover quote, or friend who was there with a kind ear, your writer is going to need a notecard or two. I love these from Etsy, with a vintage typewriter on them.

8. Pens. If you’re a non-writer, here’s something you should know about the strange beings called writers. We are obsessive about our tools. Particularly when it comes to pens.  I like the Uni-Ball Vision Fine (in Pink, of course) because it feels great, it glides well and it comes in a variety of colors. If you know what kind of pen your writer likes to use, he/she will love you forever if you put one in his/her stocking. “But Sarah,” I hear you saying, “What if I don’t know?” Check his/her workspace. I’m guessing there will be a million of them under paper and in cupboards and cups. And if she’s got a purse, there are at least four at the bottom of that bag. Put on your detective’s cap.

9. Fingerless gloves. Every writer likes to imagine that she’s in a Parisian garret, writing a great novel (ok, that may just be me). But, that said, hands get cold. And cold makes wrists ripe for repetitive stress (Trust me on this one. I’m a professional.) May I recommend these for ladies and these for gents? Oh, and while we’re on the subject of repetitive stress, a pair of these Imak computer gloves might be the perfect addition to the stocking, as well.

10. And something fun. Hemingway famously said “Write drunk. Edit sober.” How about a fun vinyl decal for your favorite writer? Not that I’m endorsing heavy drinking, but I’m just saying, sometimes it seems like it might be the best way to dull the pain of bad writing.

Ok, elves! There are my 10 writerly stocking ideas for the year. Did I miss something? Tell me in comments!

Holiday Gifting, Signed Books Edition

I make it no secret that I’m basically in love with the idea of giving books as gifts. As it stands, I’m giving books to everyone in my life–each hand selected with love. Books are personal. They represent a passion for learning and knowledge and imagination and worlds far beyond our own. And I think they represent a special connection between giver and receiver.

That said, I’m also a big believer in putting books on my wish list. There are about 12,000 books that I want, they’re easy to buy, and way less expensive than a Vespa (which is really what I want for Christmas), and so my Christmas wish list is filled with books. And if they’re signed by the author, even better!

Two years ago, while chatting with the fabulous ladies at my local indie bookstore, WORD Brooklyn, we came up with the very cool (I think) idea that readers could order autographed copies of my books direct from them!

Here’s how it works:

1. You click here or call WORD at 718-383-0096 and select the books you’d like me to sign: The Season, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord, Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart or A Rogue By Any Other Name (You can also preorder One Good Earl Deserves a Lover , and I’ll send you signed goodies to stick in someone’s stocking to say their gift is coming in February!)

2. You fill in the form, and include the message you’d like… for example: For Maggie, Merry Christmas! Sarah MacLean, or To Christine, The person who bought this book for you is the best! Sarah MacLean, or simply Sarah MacLean, or whatever else you’d like me to write.

3. The staff at WORD calls me.

4. I pop in on December 12th and then again on December 19th, sign the books, and add special bookmarks, postcards and other fun printed goodies to your package like the gift giving fairy I am!

5. They ship the books to you.

6. You win the award for Best. Gift. Ever. (Well, except for the Vespa.)

“But Sarah,” I hear you saying, “What if I just want the book for myself?”

Never fear! I also wholeheartedly endorse self-gifting during the holiday season! I’d love to sign a book just for you…and I’m sure the team at WORD would love to ship it to you!

NOTE: Books ordered before 11am ET on December 11 will be shipped in time for Christmas/Hannukah Delivery; Books ordered before 11am ET on December 19 will be shipped priority mail in time for Christmas delivery.

Questions? Comments? General holiday glee? Comment below and I’ll happily respond!

How to Write a Book

As I’ve mentioned in the past, my mom is a teacher of adult literacy and an English language instructor. She’s also a remarkable mentor to a number of both traditionally and non-traditionally-aged people who are navigating the terrifying waters of their first year of college. She’s patient and supportive and pretty fabulous.

Currently, my mom is mentoring a young woman who is interested in writing her own book. She has an idea, and she has a desire to write, and she asked my mom “how she should prepare to be a writer.” My mother, in turn asked me.

And then told me that, “Jeez…I don’t know…ask someone smarter than me,” is in no way an appropriate answer.

So…after some thought, and in light of the fact that Thursday marks the start of NaNoWriMo (which you should absolutely participate in if you are looking for a reason to start that book), I give you:

How to Be a Writer in Ten Easy Steps.

(Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying (Mostly) and Just Write the Stupid Book)

10) Sit in the Chair — That’s the most useful thing I have to say. All the rest of this stuff is minor compared to that one. The only way to write is to…well…write. The only way to learn to write? Write. The only way to write well? Yeah. Write.

9) Read. — As much as you can, as often as you can. And read things by people more talented than you are. Read the things that people say are “must reads,” both in your genre and in the English language. Read Dickens and Tolstoy and Morrison and Fitzgerald and Hemingway and Atwood. When you see beautiful language on the page, or a sentence that moves you, stop and reread it. Think about how the sentence is crafted.

8) Find Writing Buddies — They will be your best friends through this journey, because here’s the thing — the only people who understand just how joyful, painful, challenging, rewarding and just plain hard writing is are other writers. They will support you and love you and read your pages (even the bad ones), and they will celebrate your wins with you. Shout out to my small, stellar posse: The amazing Sabrina Darby, Sophie Jordan & Carrie Ryan.

7) Learn to Take Criticism — If a writer writes a book and no one reads it, is it really a book? To succeed at this, you will have to put yourself out there. You will have to show people your pages. You will want to hide under the covers and never come out when that happens. You will be nervous and stress eat. But you will survive it. Even if they hate them and think you should never have been taught the written language. You will grow from criticism, and learn what to heed and what to ignore. You will learn who to trust. And you will keep writing. Because…

6) Appreciate That You Are Always A Student, Never A Master — If writing were easy, everyone would write a book. Yes, it’s challenging, but it’s also not magic. It’s a skill that can be honed and crafted. In fact, it must be honed and crafted. Ray Bradbury said that you have to write 1 million words before you write something worthwhile. I think he might be onto something (and I haven’t hit that million-word-mark myself). You will grow and change and evolve, and some day you will look back on the first thing you published and think…Really? People thought that was good? You are a student. Writing is a life-long study.

5) Pay Attention to People — The best authors I’ve read are best not because they have a wonderful command of language (though that helps) or because they are consummate storytellers (also good), but because they seem to understand people. They craft characters who seem real and honest. They aren’t cartoon-y or one-dimensional or single-minded. They have nuance. They experience internal conflict. And they struggle, as humans do. Pay attention to how real people act. Write that way.

4) Revise — You think your book is done. It’s not. Read it again. (This is true until you get a finished copy of your book, with a cover and everything. Then, I recommend never ever reading it. Because you can’t change it. And you will find things you want to change.) Also, I would add that this is my favorite part of writing, because the story is already there. You just have to make it awesome now.

3) Find Time to Fill the Well — I don’t know where ideas come from. Maybe a muse, maybe real life, maybe they’re the only thing in the universe that comes from thin air. But I do know that to be your best writer, you have to make time to fill your creative well. You cannot survive on writing alone. You need friends or museums or movies or books or knitting or long walks with your dog or playtime with your kids or (insert your favorite thing in the world here). Maybe one day a week, maybe one hour a day…you have to figure that part out yourself. But you need it. Because it’s in those moments that the writing prepares itself.

2) Don’t Believe Writing Advice — Except for #10 & #1 of this very list, when writers tell you what works, there’s a caveat–it’s what works for them. Write 1000 words a day, or 2000 words. Write first thing in the morning, or late at night. Don’t let yourself have lunch until you write. Outline. Never Outline. Write by hand. Write at a desk. Write on an Alphasmart. Write beginning to end. Write straight through, without editing. Revise as you go. Blah blah blah. Here’s the thing: You’re going to figure out what works for you. But they only way you can do that is to…

1) Sit in the Chair — I know. It seems like I’m cheating. I already said this. But the truth is, it’s not just the most useful thing. It’s also the most difficult. There’s only room for one of you in that chair. The words don’t get written if you don’t sit there. In that chair. And the book doesn’t come if the words don’t. But ultimately, it’s the best and most powerful place for you to be. It’s your captain’s chair. Or director’s chair. Or throne. You choose the design. Whatever one you pick…you’re the boss of it.

So…there it is. That, and $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee. Good luck, writers! I’ll see you on the other side!

Are you a writer? What are you working on? Planning on NaNoWriMoing? Share in comments!

Congrats to Jillian!

Thanks to all of you for telling me exactly what it is you like best about Texas…

Jillian has won signed copies of Kerrelyn Sparks’s first Love at Stake book, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, and her first historical, The Forbidden Lady!

Check your email for a note from me, Jillian!

Deep in the Heart of Texas!

Leaving my fingerprints all over Texas (and Katy Budget Books)!

Y’all…I had an awesome time in Texas.

I mean, I know…I know that they tell you that Texans are exceedingly generous and that they are exceedingly friendly and that they’re exceedingly good at making barbecue…but you don’t actually believe that when you’re a girl who grew up in Rhode Island and lives in New York City. You think, My, what excellent PR that unnecessarily enormous state down there has. But here’s the thing. It’s true.

I spent last week traveling across the great state of Texas. I flew into Dallas, met up with an incredible group of authors, gave a speech *eek!*, then drove with Sophie Jordan, Kerrelyn Sparks & Vicky Dreiling from Dallas to Houston where I was able to join Kerrelyn for two awesome booksignings and hang out with the Jordan clan before heading home.

While there, I steeped myself in good ol’ Texas. I lone-starred it up. I came just short of putting on chaps and going to the rodeo (though, only because it’s not rodeo season).

And, honestly? This girl from the smallest state is sold.

So…without further ado…

Ten Things I Loved About Texas

by Sarah MacLean

I swear. All these seats were filled eventually.

1) Raising Money for a Great Cause – I was so incredibly honored to be asked to keynote the annual Buns & Roses literacy event to benefit the adult literacy programs of the Richardson, TX public library and the Richardson Adult Literacy Center. Buns & Roses has been held for six years, and each year boasts a collection of romance, mystery & fiction writers, each of whom host a table of readers for a wonderful program in celebration of books, of reading, and of literacy. As you may know, my mom teaches adult literacy, and so I was really thrilled to have a chance to speak at “Buns” this year, and tell the (eep! very large!) roomful of readers and writers about my own journey with text. I told stories about my mom, my dad, my friends and my husband…and even about the mantis shrimp. What? It totally related.

Beaver in camo? Texas institution.

2) Buc-ee’s – When I landed in Dallas, my dear friend Sophie Jordan began using all sorts of words I didn’t understand. Like “Buc-ee’s.” I thought it was some kind of Texas twitch. Come to discover, it’s not. It is, in fact, the world’s largest gas station (everything’s bigger in Texas, right?). The eponymous Buc-ee is a beaver. In camouflage. And apparently some kind of Texas rite-of-passage. Kerrelyn Sparks, Vicky Dreiling and Sophie decided that we absolutely, positively had to stop there, and not only because it has “fabulous bathrooms.” It also has the largest selection of beef jerky in the US, more corn nuts than any one person needs, and hog pens. What’s a hog pen? I’m not sure, but Sophie assures me they’re necessary because, “In Texas, pigs will kill you.” Hmm.

3) The Hug & Pat – Texan ladies like to hug. I like to hug. Obviously, that was going to be a thing that I came to enjoy about Texas. But here’s the thing…Texan ladies don’t just cling. They add in a little, rhythmic pat on the shoulder. At first this might be disconcerting for Yankees, who might take the pat to mean, I’m not really into this. But ultimately, it’s just reassuring. A nice touch.

4) The Firing Range – When in Rome…or Houston, as the case may be. I’ve never held a gun. Heck, until last week, I’d never seen a gun out of a holster. But I’m always up for new experiences…so…to the firing range I went! It was nervewracking and unsettling and yes…exhilarating. And, for the record, in case of Zombie apocalypse? I’m a crack shot. Also, I think perhaps the best photo that has ever been taken of me was taken there. Either I should wear this outfit every day all the time, or firearms agree with me.

I know. It *looks* like Angie Jolie…but it’s really just me.

How cute are we? Totally cute, right?

5) Sophie Jordan’s House – I love Sophie Jordan. I also love her husband, and her two mini-Jordans. They do funny kid-like things like, wear their Halloween costumes three weeks early and play with legos and play tag with cute boys. Also, there’s a four-legged Jordan who won my heart (don’t tell Baxter). But more than all that, Hotel Jordan has a comfy bed and great conversation and excellent eats. Four stars.

6) So. Many. Romance Novel Readers (and their husbands)! – Everything is bigger in Texas, and not just the gas stations. As part of Buns & Roses, 21 authors came together to sign a ridiculous number of romance novels for a great crowd in Plano, TX. It was awesome, and not just because I got to hang out with Cathy Maxwell and Lorraine Heath. It was awesome because those ladies in Texas like their love stories. And I like mine. So we were, of course, well suited to each other.

All those books! And people!

But here’s the coolest thing. See that guy in red? The only guy? In red. Standing. He stood there for the entire 45 minute talk leading up to the signing, and at one point, I turned to Kerrelyn Sparks and said, “Do you think he’s a reader?” We couldn’t figure it out. But when the signing began, he made a bee-line for me, introduced himself, and told me that he was there in secret because his wife couldn’t make it and I was “her favorite author” (flattery, of course, gets him everywhere). He then proceeded to have me sign a copy of A Rogue By Any Other Name for her. I couldn’t help but ask if he’d done something really really bad that he was trying to atone for, but no…he was just there. Out of love. So, as a gift to him and his wife, for being so awesome, I gave him an ARC of One Good Earl Deserves a Lover, too. After all, husbandliness like that should be rewarded. What a sweetie!

7) So. Many. Romance Novel Writers! – See above for photographic evidence of that! But also, I got to have lunch with Shana Gaelen and Lily Dalton and Mary Lindsey drive around Texas with Kerrelyn Sparks — we had a little dog and pony show, me for Rogue and her for her newest book — an American-set historical called The Forbidden Lady. I am SO EXCITED about this book, and I was so blown away by having had such an awesome chance to hang out with THE KERRELYN SPARKS and hear all about her cool life and her writing process. I have copies of The Forbidden Lady and her first Love at Stake book, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire for giveaway…stay tuned for how to win at the bottom of this post!

Signing with Kerrelyn Sparks and the Pasadivas Book Group!

Jared makes ribs in a smoker that is larger than our Brooklyn bathroom.

8) Barbecue – So, you can probably tell that I embraced Texas while there. And I was told, in no uncertain terms, that the full Texas experience is not the full Texas experience without barbecue. Luckily, Jared Jordan (Sophie’s hubby), is a BBQ afficianado. Also, a Top-Chef caliber smoker of meats. He made me brisket (and schooled me in the process of selecting the perfect brisket), ribs, chicken & venison sausage. This is a meal for neither the faint of heart nor the vegetarians. But man, was it terrific!

Sophie hard at work.

9) Writing Buddies – Just another chance to tell you how awesome it is to hang out with your critique partner/writing buddy/friend for a week. It’s like the best slumber party ever.

10) Coming Home – As much as I loved Texas, it’s always nice to come home from a place that’s so different from where you live. I flew into Laguardia Airport, hopped in a cab, and ordered a big salad on my way home from the airport. It arrived just as I put my suitcase down, and I ate it with Baxter *flipping out* at my feet, regaling Eric with stories of all of the above, then showed off my target from the shooting range with pride (He was unimpressed. Whatever. He’ll change his tune when the zombies come.)

But I’ll be back, Texas. Leave the light on.

—

Did you think I’d forget to bring you something? Of course I wouldn’t! Tell me in comments about your favorite Texan person, place or thing (films and ten-gallon hats count), and I’ll choose one lucky winner to receive signed copies of Kerrelyn Sparks’s The Forbidden Lady & How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire!

US only; I’ll choose one winner on Friday!

Congrats to Ninoska Suarez!

You won the early copy of One Good Earl Deserves a Lover!

Check your email for a message from me!

xo Sarah

So, you wanna read One Good Earl early?

Oh, today is a gorgeous day!

I got one of those fabulous packages today…the ones that never get old…the giant ones that include a stack of cover flats, all gorgeous and designed by the unparalleled Avon Books design team…with pearly paper and foiled (SO PINK AND AWESOME!!!!) lovely text and official, bona-fide romance author photo and bio.

AND…I also received FOUR Advance Readers Copies of One Good Earl Deserves a Lover! WHAT?! 

Best. Day. Ever.

Look! A photo!

So pretty!!

I have gushed and gushed over this cover for MONTHS and then, finally, last week, all over the Internet. But today…I get to share the cover copy (and plot) with you for the first time!

Lady Philippa Marbury is…odd.

The brilliant, bespectacled daughter of a double marquess cares more for books than balls, for science than the season, and for laboratories than love. She’s looking forward to marrying her simple fiancé and living out her days quietly with her dogs and her scientific experiments. But before that, Pippa has two weeks to experience all the rest–fourteen days to research the exciting parts of life. It’s not much time, and to do it right she needs a guide familiar with London’s darker corners.

She needs…a Scoundrel.

She needs Cross, the clever, controlled partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, with a carefully crafted reputation for wickedness. But reputations often hide the darkest secrets, and when the unconventional Pippa boldly propositions him, seeking science without emotion, she threatens all he works to protect. He is tempted to give Pippa precisely what she wants…but the scoundrel is more than he seems, and it will take every ounce of willpower to resist giving the lady more than she ever imagined.

I confess, I kind of love these two together…they might be my favorite couple yet. Oh…would you like to see them together? And HAWT? Ok…here!

YOWZA, right?! That all said, since I have a big stack of covers and FOUR ARCs, how about a giveaway?

For the cover flats, let’s do it the same way as ever…join my mailing list before next Monday, and I’ll choose 35 readers (at random) to receive signed cover flats by mail! I will never ever spam you…so don’t worry about that…but if you give me your address, I will mail you goodies every now and then!

To win the ARC, please comment below and tell me which of my characters is your favorite so far, and why?  I’ll choose one commenter at random on Monday…and you get an advance copy of EARL! 

I’m Teaching a Romance Class!

I’m so super excited about this, I seriously can’t wait.

You may remember that back in June I was asked to teach a three-week intensive workshop on “first-meetings in romance” for MediaBistro’s Online Literary Festival. It was super fun and I read some FABULOUS first meetings that I hope will turn up in romance novels very very soon.

Well, they liked me enough to ask me to develop a brand new class for Media Bistro’s online writing school — Romance Novel Writing!

The class is all online (so you can take it from anywhere in the world), and runs for 12 weeks with evening chat sessions at 9pm ET on Wednesdays beginning September 12th! The syllabus is here, if you want to take a look, and I’ve already written my first few lectures (On “The Rules of Romance,” “Creating Unique Characters,” and “Building Chemistry”) — I’m so excited! The goal for students is to leave with 150 pages (or so) and a full outline of a romance novel that you’ll be ready to finish and shop in the Spring!

The class is going to be awesome — I just developed the reading list for it (which I’ll post on the blog somewhere, too), and people taking it are running the gamut of subgenres of romance. If you’ve got a manuscript in progress, or an idea you’ve been cooking, or you need a kick in the pants to write, please join me!

All the info is at the MediaBistro site. Hope to “see” you on the 12th!

Time for Cross Talk

So, it’s official! I’ve finished the revisions on the second book in the Rules of Scoundrel’s series–One Good Earl Deserves A Lover, Cross’s book, and there’s an official release date — January 29, 2013. I’m so SO excited about this book — I knew when I met Cross and Pippa in A Rogue By Any Other Name that they were going to be an incredibly fun couple to write, but I had no idea how much I would end up loving them both…together and separately. Cross is a beautifully tortured hero, possibly the Scoundrel with the most emotionally devastating past. And Pippa…well she’s the only woman I could really imagine being able to save him and his brilliant mind.

I also can’t help but tell you that the cover for the book I am affectionately calling Earl is the most beautiful romance cover I’ve ever seen, and I cannot wait to reveal it to you, along with the first line of the book, when I get permission from my publisher! For now, I thought I’d give you some pictures of my real-life inspiration for Cross–ginger-haired model, Johnny Harrington (even though Cross doesn’t have a beard).

Now, of course, I’m on to Temple’s story — Temple who is the opposite of quiet, perfect, cerebral Cross. Temple is all physical–massive, brutally intense and wickedly sexual. He’s raising the already-high summer temperatures here in Brooklyn! More to come on that book, as well, including the reveal of the title…but for now, one teaser of inspiration for my broken-nosed, bare-knuckle boxer:

 

Sabrina Darby and Angelina Whitcombe are here!

Love this cover!

I’m the luckiest writer in the world.

I know, I know…Stephen King seems pretty lucky. Salman Rushdie survived a fatwa. Whatever. I’m throwing my hat in the ring for this one, because I’m pretty sure neither Stephen nor Salman have critique partners as awesome as mine. They’re a tremendous trio–Sabrina Darby, Sophie Jordan and Carrie Ryan read everything that I write. They tell me I’m terrible when I’m terrible. They tell me what’s wrong when I can’t see it. And they tell me I’m fabulous when I’m fairly certain they’d rather bang heads against the wall.

This all said, today, July 31st (Happy Birthday, Harry Potter!), two of these fabulous ladies have new releases out! So this is the part where I get to give back and tell *you* that they’re fabulous. And I don’t want to bang my head against the wall even a little. We’re going to talk about Sophie later this week (why not read her book in advance of that blog post?)…but today, we’re going to talk about the amazing Sabrina, whom I met at our first RWA, four years ago in Washington, DC, and whom I have loved ever since.

Here’s proof:

Ok. So here’s the deal. A year ago, Sabrina and I joined some other fabulous authors over at The Ballroom Blog; we have to blog at least once a month over there, and one day, in discussion of what on earth I was going to blog about next, Sabrina said something along the lines of, “I have the best idea ever.” (Ok, not really that, because Sabrina is much more modest…but it *could* have been that.)

The idea was this: What was the Regency equivalent of Match.com? And what if someone’s mom did what embarrassing moms do in the 21st Century, and essentially, posted a profile? And what happens if, when one answered that profile, they had to travel into the hinterlands to meet a grouchy, handsome war hero?

What. Indeed.

The idea became a few posts on The Ballroom Blog…and then a novella: The Short & Fascinating Tale of Angelina Whitcombe! (Which is only .99 and the best dollar you’ll ever spend!) Also…check out the acknowledgments!

Squee!!! That’s my name in there!

And I am so so so excited to tell you that I ADORE this story. So much, that last week, while goofing off with Sabrina in my hotel room at RWA, I made her do an 11 questions video (and yes…Sophie makes an appearance)…oh…and I totally lied to her and told her I’d cut part of it out. I didn’t. So enjoy our giggling!

So! You heard it…What’s the one thing your mom has done that has embarrassed you more than anything else? Leave the answer in comments, and we’ll choose one commenter to win a copy of this awesome story! We’ll choose the winner tomorrow (Wednesday)!