Silke Juppenlatz's Blog, page 7

I'm not slacking, I swear!

I am a little computeristically challenged right now.

Basically, I was hard at work, and suddenly — black screen.

Dead computer.

As in, completely and utterly dead.

Waiting for the new one to arrive, so for now… not much blogging.

Fingers crossed, it'll arrive in a week or so.

I'll see you then!

Guest Blogging Today!

I am guest blogging at (——————-) today.

A science feature, called "Weapons of Mass Destruction".

[insert sly grin]

It's not what you think. Head on over and find out exactly what I'm talking about, and why I chose that title.

Things I learned today

There was a really bad accident on the M25 (Orbital Highway around London) yesterday, and as a result part of the route I take to go to horsey was closed.

This resulted in having to take evasive action.

Yep. I got lost. And GPS wasn't helping.

"Turn left at XYZ Road."

I looked at the map. It's a freaking dead end! Why is my GPS (Google Maps) sending me into a dead end road? The best route is not through someone's living room.

So…no. Sorry, Miss "I am slightly snarky" GPS voice.

I carried on down the road, and turned toward where I was going.

"Do a U-turn."

Err…why? This IS the right way, why would I turn around and go the way I just came?

"Do a U-TURN!"

Brow raises. "You want to send me back into that dead end, don't you?"

I fully expected her to say yes.

Well, I got there, eventually. Despite GPS. (I don't know where Miss Snarky was going, but it was nowhere near where I wanted to go.)

Lesson learned: Don't use the GPS on your phone. Borrow better half's TomTom instead.

Willow is a greedy mare. If you have goodies — like apples — prepare to be mugged. If you show up with a bucket, then you better have something edible in it, to avoid disappointment (and half eaten brushes.) Because buckets are for food. All pockets become horse property if there are mints or anything else in them.

Also, a horse's ego is directly proportional to it's size. The smaller the horse, the bigger the ego. There are two youngsters in the same field, and I swear their egos are bigger than Saturn. They also think — like Saturn — everything has to revolve around them. Le sigh.

Lesson learned: Don't walk around with a back pocket smelling of apples. Horses have strong teeth, and my butt is soft and chewy.

Lesson learned: When one horse realizes you have something edible, the others will also realize this and you get mobbed.

I'm also on a diet right now. Well, not specifically a diet, just…less eating. And eating healthy. Salad is on the menu, as is cracker bread instead of white bread sandwiches.

It's not a bad thing, but did you ever notice how tempting a sandwich is when you try to stay away from bread? Right now, I try to avoid pasta and bread, and anything even remotely smelling of carbs.

Of course, that means I have no idea what to eat. It doesn't help that I have no idea what is low calorie, and what isn't. I probably avoid all the wrong things and deprive myself of tasty stuff.

On the up side, I am shedding a little weight. Not a lot, I've only been doing this for a week, but hey… I'm not sitting here stuffing myself with popcorn and I haven't touched any chocolate in a week.

Lesson learned: I don't really miss chocolate. I just miss snacking. So I substitute the fattening stuff for an apple or a banana. (Even if it does get me mugged by greedy ponies.)

We went to a birthday dinner at a restaurant a couple of weeks ago. They had a nifty pepper mill with a salt insert, and I wanted one.

I sat there, plotting how one of them could possibly accidentally fall into my bag, but the better half had an attack of morals and told me I'm not taking one.

Fine. We left without me pilfering a salt shaker.

Tonight I sit there and he unpacks his rucksack. I see flannel after flannel come out of there, and when I asked why he has six face flannels in his bag (not our flannels), he says they were "just lying" in the bathroom at some hotel and no one was using them so he stuck them in his rucksack.

Lesson learned: If I do it, it's reprehensible and I'm morally corrupt. If he does it, it's perfectly okay.

P.S. Stealing is wrong.

But it was a really nice salt shaker/pepper mill.

P.P.S. The food was very expensive, the portions were tiny, and not very good. I think I deserved my salt shaker.

What did you learn this week?

When is too much, just…too much?

I checked my Google+ stream earlier and commented on some great posts, shared insights, helped someone with the wording of a phrase, and hooked up with four strangers.

Then I checked my Facebook page.

Bleh.

It had book advert after book advert on it.

Nothing even remotely interesting was said, nothing noteworthy was being shared.

It irked me.

It's getting on my nerves and I am slowly ignoring Facebook in favor of G+, because on there, I actually interact with people.

I'm not just another person to sell a book to.

Today I've hidden the posts of no less than 18 authors on my facebook page, because they posted nothing but adverts like… ever.

Yes, I know you want me to buy your book.

There is no need to ram it down my throat 6 times a day.

Everything in moderation.

And when you try to ram it down my throat the 7th time that day, I will cheerfully cut your head off, so to speak.

By then, you've annoyed me so much, I associate your name with spam. The last thing I'll do is put money in your pocket.

Is that really what you want?

I try not to overdo it. Yes, there are days when I want to shout it off the rooftops, and sometimes I post a link two or three times, if I'm doing a guest blog somewhere.

But I refuse to alienate readers who may want to see something different. Who don't want me to shove a book down their throat.

I try to limit myself to sharing news like a sale, to how I'm getting on with the next book, to what caught my interest that day, or a particularly funny clip.

Basically, I prefer to try and entertain people who visit my page, because they might just want to come back then.

You'll get the occasional advert for my books, of course. I need to eat too.

But no more than 3 times on one day, and most certainly not 8 times a day, every day.

By the way — I've already culled the authors who posted book adverts on G+ into a "Spam" circle. (No, it's not called that, but it's what I know it is, when I shove them in there.

How many times have you posted this already today?
How many times have you already posted it this week?
Is there nothing else you can talk about?
Is there something which will entertain or engage your visitors?

If you do that, you may just be able to strike a happy medium.

I don't mind the odd book advert. I mind if I get the same advert 8 times a day.

It's simply counterproductive, because you make people tune you out.

Think before you post.

P.S. I have some books for sale. You can find the links on my books page.

 

News!

All right, I've already told you I sold the sequel.

I've also told you I'm writing the third installment right now.

What is new today is the little thing over on the right there. *points*

Yes, I've added a field where you can add your email address if you want book news, contest news, give away alerts, and such.

I'm not a spammer, those emails will be pretty infrequent. But occasionally I do give books away, or run a contest on someone's blog.

So you might want to add your name to the list.

Right now, I'm blogging over on Romance Author Hotspot, and it's pretty lively at the annual summer bash.

Not only can you win a copy of Howl, but everyone goes into a big draw for a Kindle. So you might want to head on over there.

And on the 29th July… you may want to hop over to The Romance Studio, because I'm giving away a copy of Smitten in their "Book a Day" event, as well.

And mine is not the only book you can get, so I think you should really jump on there often, if you like a good read.

It's things like that, which you may miss if you don't check in. Hence the email alert when I do stuff like…gosh… give away books.

Plus, I'll throw in the odd bit of a contest just for that list. Or I might release a short story there. And only there.

So what are you waiting for?

Sold!

I've had the contract for "Watch me" through last night.

Yes, the sequel to Howl is coming — I just don't know when yet.

More when I find out any details!

Some off the wall British words and phrases

As so many Americans always get a little confused when the Brits start talking, here are a few of my favorite terms.

 

Prat — Stupid person
Knackered — Tired
Jiggery Pokery — Something dodgy going on. (HAHA did I get you?)
Dodgy — Not right, fake, unlawful
Whinge — This one is kind of tricky to explain. While it's whine, it's also not. Whingeing is complaining, I guess, but not really whining.
Gormless — not used much anymore, but one of my favorite words. It's a naive person.
Boffin — an expert.
Shirty — irritated.
Chuffed — Very pleased
Peckish — Hungry, but not enough for a full meal. Hungry enough for a snack.
Stroppy — Slightly belligerent and touchy, but not full blown angry.
Wonky — Unstable, off balance
Barmy — Crazy
Bender — go on a pubcrawl (or get really really drunk) "Went on a bender"
Blinding — Great, fantastic
Cobblers — Nonsense
Rubbish — Garbage, Nonsense
Codswallop — Nonsense
Do — Could be a hairstyle, or a party. Depends on context.
Easy peasy lemon squeezy — extremely easy
Flog — sell something
Grub — food
Hanky Panky — making out
Dining at Her Majesty's Pleasure — being in prison
Hunky Dory — All right. "Everything is hunky dory."
Knuckle Sandwich — A punch in the face.
Mug — Gullible person. Also, someone's face. "He has an ugly mug"
Off your trolley — mad
Porkies — lies
Fag — Cigarette!
Rumpy pumpy — another word for Hanky Panky (making out)
Shambles — total mess
Spend a penny — go to the bathroom
Twat — Idiot. No, not what you thought!
Zonked — Worn out. Exhausted.

 

Hope you enjoyed them!

 

P.S.

It's pronounced Wooster-sher-sauce, not Wor-sester-shy-er-sauce

Lester-sher, not Lai-sester-shy-er

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Interrogation: Cynthia Selwyn in the chair!

Today we have another author interview, and naturally… we do it interrogation fashion.

Leads her into a windowless room and locks the door.

(For the readers, here is what we got)

One uncomfortable beige plastic chair with a wobbly leg (victim).

One comfy purple armchair (mine).

The door is locked. I have the key.

Author can't touch me.

Author cannot answer just yes or no.

I have a Taser. *evil grin*

Let the games begin…

 

That's how my interviews with my characters start off. They hate it.

EA: Why do you think I brought you in here and sat you down in the uncomfortable chair?

CS: Because. You're evil?

(Notes: The blog name should have given you a clue.)

 

EA: If you were someone else, would you be friends with you? (Why/Why not?)

CS: Hm…maybe. I think I'm not a bad person to know. I'm usually broke, which is a pain in the neck because I can't go many places unless you pay. Or drive. And I need someone to watch the kids, first.

On the other hand, I try to find humor in most situations (especially the worst ones) so I'm not the most discouraging person in the world. At least, I hope not. And, I'm a good listener. I try to help people whenever I can…even if all I can offer is a smile.

(Notes: Smiley bigears, overworked, unpaid and requires a babysitter. Possibly for more than the kids!)

 

EA: When was the last time you had a real belly laugh?

CS: Wait! I know this one…wait a minute…I remember being bent over double…I think it was when watching Everybody Loves Raymond. The scene where he goes dancing with his wife Debra, and she and his brother discover he's lied to them, split up their dance partnership because they're having fun without him. Anyhow, it's two to three minutes of no dialogue, just swing music (Benny Goodman, I think) and Raymond, trying to play it cool on the dance floor while Debra and Robert stare him down. It's obvious he's clueless about swing dancing; it's also obvious there's no escape (mostly because people keep jitterbugging into him, pushing him closer to his wife and brother). But I love the way so much is said with no words at all.

(Notes: Likes sneaky humor.)

 

EA: If you could have any power, which would you choose?

CS: The power to tune out aimless chatter yet still get the gist of what the chatterer is saying so I can politely reply without appearing like I'm not listening. This way, I could write or edit and not seem to be ignoring anyone who feels compelled to talk constantly while saying mostly nothing. (Sorry to my four-year-old, who babbles constantly about Batman, Robin and Spiderman…really. I'm sorry. I love you, but please. Stop. Talking.) Anyhow, what superhero would this make me? Multi-task Woman! Oh…wait. I'm that already…

(Notes: Wonders what the costume of Multi-task Woman would be…)

 

EA: Thong or granny panties?

CS: In my heart, you know, it's a thong. But I'm the Mom of three kids. Gotta go for comfort and tumble dry-able. (Besides. I've been married for nineteen years. Does it matter what I'm wearing? I'm happy as long as it's clean and the elastic waistband still works.)

(Notes: Comfy panties. Smart woman.)

 

EA: If you could save anyone from history, who would it be, and why?

CS: Any and all of the people executed for witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries. It's estimated that between 40,000 and 80,000 people died.

Can I save more? You didn't say there was a limit. Or that I was allowed to save only one person…

(Notes: Greedy people person!)

 

EA: Where did you "meet" the hero of your book?

CS: Ah. That would be Jack Radigan. I don't know exactly where I met Jack, but I do know that the dog in my story had a lot to do with it.

(Notes: Send notepad.)

 

EA: What's he like?

CS: Jack has a hero complex, you know. He wants to save everyone and everything. (Yeah, ask him the previous question…) The thing about Jack is that he is willing to sacrifice himself to do it. Kind of like…Harry Potter. :p

(Notes: Check if hero has a pointy had and a wand. Wait. Not THAT kind of wand. Sheesh.)

 

EA: Does your heroine deserve him, or would you rather keep him for yourself?

CS: Carrie feels as if she doesn't deserve him…in the end. But they belong together; I wouldn't keep him for myself. I couldn't!

(Notes: Heroine might need a little kick!)

 

EA: Who is she?

CS: Carrie Moore is a freelance journalist who didn't look closely enough for the truth and let appearances deceive her. (Heh. Is that cryptic enough?)

(Notes: Definitely needs a kick.)

 

EA: What's in your pockets right now?

CS: A broken crayon (red), Lightening McQueen and a penny. Oh, and receipt for the local pharmacy. I bought shampoo. As a (ugh) housewife (ugh!) it's my job to pick up stuff and put it away; sometimes I just shove it into my pocket until I go into the room where it belongs. You never know what you'll find in there…

(Notes: Find…where? In the pocket, or the room? Scary thought!)

 

EA: What does your hero carry around in his pockets?

CS: Oh, he's so predictable. Probably his wallet with pictures of his daughter in it. And his badge (he's a cop). Maybe a St. Michael medal. I don't imagine there's anything in there that he doesn't deliberately put there.

(Notes: Do other people's pockets not contain lint? Is it just mine?)

 

EA: Most evil thing you ever did? 

CS: Define "evil".  How about the time I forgot to take an item out of my cart at the market and the clerk didn't ring it up…and I didn't return it? I think it was a candy bar or something small, and it was a big store and I had a small child with me…okay. I stole it! I confess!

(Notes: Call Jack Radigan to arrest the candy thief.)

 

EA: Which words or phrases do you use frequently?

CS: Holy mackerel is one of them. Holy cow is another. Embarrassing but true.

Oh, and then there's: I'm not your servant! Stop dropping your (clothes/toys/games/musical instruments/trash/plates/cups…etc.) wherever you are and expect me to pick them up! (Translation into kidspeak: Blahblahblahblahblah…)

(Notes: Blahblahblahblahblah…)

 

EA: Where is your book set?

CS: Rhode Island. Most of my books are. Funny thing about RI; it's a small state but most of us natives never leave its borders. Yes, we might travel outside it-but then we return. Like homing pigeons…or a star sucked into a black hole… Anyhow, it's what I know.

(Notes: Candy stealing homing pigeon sounds interesting.)

 

EA: How did you come up with the location?

CS: Actually, it's the town of Narragansett. I chose it because it's close to the beach, and it works for what I needed. Besides, it's an interesting sounding name. Belonged to the local  Native Americans…now it's the town, or the beer or the extinct racehorse…

(Notes: Research extinct racehorses. Does Shergar count?)

 

EA: Why did you choose to live where you live?

CS: I don't know if any of us Rhode Islanders chose to live here. It's more like we can't leave. In  my case, I guess it's because our family is here and this is where our jobs were. Well…my husband's job. I don't have one. Know anyone hiring?

(Notes: All job offers to be made directly to the author with the magnetic feet.)

 

EA: Do you believe in Karma / Fate?

CS: I believe that everything happens for a reason, and we're meant to learn from whatever we experience in life, good and bad. Although lately I sort of feel I've learned enough, already. When does school let out? I need a vacation.

(Notes: Stop the world, I want to get off?)

 

EA: What would you most like to be remembered for?

CS: I hope that people remember me because I did something nice for them, or made them happy or made them laugh when they needed to the most.

I hope I'm NOT remembered as the woman whose husband couldn't be bothered to bury her but put her in a trash bag in the shed…Oops. I'm sorry. Was that too dark? But wouldn't that be the worst? To be remembered for the way you died or what happened to you afterwards, instead of for something you did when you were alive? Like "Oh! She was the lady whose daughter put her into an ice chest in the garage for twenty years." I always feel bad for those people. Hmm…I wonder if I could spin that into a story of some kind?

(Notes: There is definitely a story here, and I think she should write it!)

 

EA: If there is any sage advice you can give to a fellow writer, what is it?

CS: Run away! Or at least, be prepared for the reality of being a writer. It isn't just a job or a career choice, it's a vocation. The kind where there are voices in your head, telling you what to do. People who aren't writers don't understand how these voices compel you to be alone, ignore outside events, and leave important things, like laundry and dust bunnies the size of trucks, unattended. In fact, I'll bet you that most of those people executed for witchcraft in Middle Ages were writers. When you're a writer, your mind works in the strangest ways, and anything-everything-is a potential story idea. (See above answer, re: corpse in an ice chest…) And until you get the story out of your head, it rules your life. It possesses you. Non-writers don't get that you'd rather work on that story than do anything else. And how can you explain? "I'd rather spend time with these fictional people than you, right now." Uh-huh. Not at all easy. Run!

(Notes: Good advice! Too late for me though…)

 

Would you like the key now?

(Note: Let author escape)

Thanks for joining me, Cynthia!

 

One woman. One man. One dog. And one almost-but-not-quite-dead matchmaking grandmother.

She needs to get out of there, fast.

 

Eighteen years ago, Jack Radigan took Carrie Moore's  virginity-then broke her heart by marrying her best friend. Now Carrie's Nana has died, forcing her back to Rhode Island, where she's trying to sell off Nana's estate before she runs into him. But Nana had a dog not even her lawyer knew about, and it appears Carrie's plan is doomed. Because the Irish wolfhound seems to have an agenda all her own, and it involves making Carrie deal with Jack-the  town's animal control officer-on a daily basis. The havoc the beast wreaks is costing Carrie a fortune. Hopefully, it won't cost the last whole bits of her heart, too.

 

Jack married Becky…but he didn't love her.

 

She was pregnant and he needed to be a father to the child. Now, Becky's gone, and Carrie's back home. So when her dog runs amok in their town of  Narragansett, it's his job to get the animal under control. But first, he has to control his desire to kiss Carrie, the woman he was meant to marry many years before.

Grab a copy of this wonderful book today!

To get more information about Cynthia and her books, drop by her blog.

Mixing it up

All this writing about writing is fine, but it gets a little boring, I'm sure.

I'm going to mix it up a bit in the next few weeks, give you, and me, a break.

I'll still throw in the odd writing post, or reading, or art…but not day after day.

So here are a few topics I'll talk about:

Vacation spots and why I want to go there.

Taboos and customs.

My bucket list.

Places I've been to, and my impressions.

People I've met and admire.

Things I've done and regret, or am proud of.

I'm sure there will be more.

I hope that's not a boring thing to you.

The thing is, I've gone to many places, often with Paul, sometimes on my own. But we don't have the same agenda on holiday, and we often go our separate ways, doing what we enjoy. I can't lie on the beach for two weeks. I'd be bored out of my skull if I did, and no amount of books will save me. So I go off by myself, and explore.

After all, you're in a place you've never been, why would you not want to see and explore as much of it as you're able?

I confess, we are odd tourists. Package holidays aren't our thing, and we don't usually hang around in one place either.

It's not unheard of for us to book a flight to somewhere — and a hotel for the first night — and then just go where the wind takes us.

If you want spontaneous, we've done it. For instance, we decided we were going to spend New Years Eve in New York — on the 23rd December 1999. We booked the flights on Christmas Eve, and left on the 26th, bound for Connecticut, where a friend of mine lived. To make matters worse, we had nothing booked, except a motel for the night of the 26th — and it was the turn of the Millennium.

We actually booked the hotel room in New York for the 30th December…on the 30th December. (I was amazed we got a room at such short notice, at a time where everyone and their dog wanted to be in New York.)

One of the best times I've ever had — and it was totally spur of the moment.

It was also a "Bucket List" item for me.

I've traveled for years and years, seeing new places, making memories.

It's worth getting away from that beach, trust me.

Interrogation: L.K. Below in the chair!

Today I'm going to do something a little different.

I have Author L.K. Below with me, and she's about to be grilled.

I'm going to do to her, what I do with my characters.

I'll rephrase my regular questions for her though.

Leads her into a windowless room and locks the door.

(For the readers, here is what we got)

One uncomfortable beige plastic chair with a wobbly leg (victim).

One comfy purple armchair (mine).

The door is locked. I have the key.

Author can't touch me.

Author cannot answer just yes or no.

I have a Taser. *evil grin*

Let the games begin…

 

That's how my interviews with my characters start off. They hate it.

 

EA: Sooo…. Lindsay Below… take a seat. *Points at the wobbly plastic chair with the cracked seat.* Why do you think I brought you in here and sat you down in the uncomfortable chair?

L: To make me off-balance, pliant, and intimidated, of course. Applaudable technique.

(Makes a note: Subject is still confident.)

 

EA: If you were someone else, would you be friends with you? (Why/Why not?)

L: Likely, no. I'm a bit of an odd duck. Loyal to the friends I do have, yes, but anti-social when it comes to making them.

(Makes a note: Odd ducks make for memorable people.)

 

EA: When was the last time you had a real belly laugh?

L: Earlier today. My boyfriend is a godsend when it comes to making me laugh. He knows just what to say. And I don't mean a bit of a chuckle. I laughed for five straight minutes at his teasing, mostly because I knew he spoke the truth.

(Makes a note: Subject has a sense of humor. No surprise there, she agreed to let me grill her.)

 

EA: If you could have any power, which would you choose?

L: Healing. Maybe it's cliche or corny, but I feel so darn helpless sometimes. A healing touch might help to even that out.

Besides, what are my other choices? Flight — afraid of heights. Telepathy — I have no need to read others' dirty thoughts and their true feelings toward me, thank you very much. Pyrokinesis — I'd probably burn down the house. Naw, I think I'll stick with the one I chose.

(Makes a note: Subject cannot be trusted with matches.)

 

EA: Thong or granny panties?

L: Thong. But I'm 21. By the time I get to be a granny, that answer will probably have switched lol.

(Makes a note: Subject has yet to discover the benefits of comfy underwear. Make subject go horse riding in a thong.)

 

EA: If you could save anyone from history, who would it be, and why?

L: Oh! *rubs hands together* I suppose I should use my power wisely, and resurrect one of the prominent Native American chiefs killed by the first settlers to the New World (in the hope that maybe, that might have gone a little more fairly). I won't. I hereby resurrect Niccolo Machiavelli, because he's another man who can make me laugh. He certainly didn't deserve to be imprisoned and tortured, at least in my opinion. Even if he didn't die then, I would save him that fate.

(Makes a note: Subject is clearly a kindred spirit, though it is perhaps wise not to resurrect Crazy Horse.)

 

EA: Where did you meet the hero of your book?

L: Meet him? I can honestly say I dreamed him up starting at Rob's Halloween party. Colleen was the main character I worked on, not Dan. Once I brought her to the party and needed to choose a man from the guests gathered… well, he volunteered emphatically.

(Makes a note: Let's the chips fall where they may and runs with it.)

 

EA: What's he like?

L: Dan is… well, a bit clingy. He makes up his mind very quickly and he will stick by it to his dying day. He jumps into things a bit too quickly and wears his heart on his sleeve. Luckily, Colleen reciprocates his feelings for her.

(Makes a note: Headstrong hero with octopus tendencies. Great, if he knows where to put the uh…suckers. Err… arms.)

 

EA: Does your heroine deserve him, or would you rather keep him for yourself?

L: I have a real-life hero all my own. I don't need Dan, Colleen can keep him. She's a sweet girl who deserves true love and passion.

(Makes a note: Subject can distinguish real life from fiction. Certain Utah publications take note!)

 

EA: Who is she?

L: Colleen is a tall, gawky librarian. She's skinny, too skinny — in her opinion, she looks like a telephone pole. She's got a good heart and wants a staid, domestic life. Which is perfect because that's what Dan wants, too.

(Makes a note: Librarians are sexy. Wonders if Colleen wears fifties style glasses.)

 

EA: What's in your pockets right now?

L: I'm not wearing anything with pockets.

(Makes a note: L.K.'s thongs don't have pockets.)

 

EA: What does your hero carry around in his pockets?

L: His wallet? I didn't examine his pockets too closely.

(Makes a note: Must stress importance of knowing what's in a man's pockets.)

 

EA: Most evil thing you ever did?

L: I've done some deplorable things to characters. I'm sure Hannah and Rob (Colleen and Dan's best friends, respectively) would say I did a very evil thing by bringing Colleen and Dan together — and therefore forcing Hannah and Rob to acknowledge the other's existence.

But my life I've lived pretty clean, I have to say. I'm not one to fall prey to the Dark Side.

(Makes a note: 21 years old — there is still plenty of time for devious evil things…)

 

EA: Which words or phrases do you use frequently?

L: Too many to name. They change periodically. I find a word I really, really love and end up overusing it for a while. A month or two ago, that word was stellar. Now I despise that word and am actively searching for another.

(Makes a note: Send word list with alternatives to stellar. Supreme, superb, spiffy, outstanding, amazing, grand, terrific, excellent…)

 

EA: Where is your book set?

L: New York City.

(Makes a note: One of my favorite places in the world!)

 

EA: How did you come up with the location?

L: It seemed to fit the characters. Not only Colleen and Dan, but also Hannah and Rob. Their story is looming, after all.

(Makes a note: Grab sequel!)

 

EA: Why did you choose to live where you live?

L: That's an interesting question. By the time this goes live, I'll actually be nomadic. My boyfriend has a seasonal job which requires he be in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, where I lived with him for a year. But he only needs to be there during building season which means we can retire to Newfoundland for the winter. He grew up in Newfoundland, and I have to say, I've fallen in love with the picturesque countryside.

(Makes a note: Visit Newfoundland. Bring backpack.)

 

EA: Do you believe in Karma / Fate?

L: To a certain degree, yes. But I also believe that fate is changeable. That if you want something to happen, you can make it happen with enough hard work and determination.

(Makes a note: Has her own way of thinking, and keeps all options open.)

 

EA: What would you most like to be remembered for?

L: I'd love to be remembered for my books. I don't much care which genre. Romance, fantasy, young adult, I write them all (though the first two I write under L.K. Below, the last under Lindsay Below).

(Makes a note: Multitasking globetrotter…)

 

EA: If there is any sage advice you can give to a fellow writer, what is it?

L: I always say never to give up. Not because of a rejection, an unforeseen and unfortunate market change, a particularly harsh critique, a deliberating round of edits, poor sales, or a terrible review. If writing is what you love to do, don't let anything stop you.

(Makes a note: This goes with the quote above my desk — "Never, never, never quit." — Winston Churchill.)

 

EA: Would you like the key now?

L: I'd rather sit in the purple chair and turn the tables *evil grin*

(Makes a note: *Hides Taser* She's evil after all!)

 

Thanks so much for having me, Silke!

(You're welcome!)

Now that you know thong-wearing nomadic Lindsay a little better — it's time to check out her latest book!

Never a Princess, Always a Frog

Has this frog finally found her prince?

From the moment Colleen confesses her deepest desire — to experience the same passion she's read about in books — she is swept away on the most daring escapade she's ever experienced. Dressed in nothing but green paint,she attends a Halloween party searching for the man of her dreams. She finds him, but then fears she won't be able to give him up.

 

Since the death of his wife five years ago, Dan's life has been on auto-pilot. But from the moment he meets Colleen, he starts to feel alive again. And he knows he can't let this would-be princess stride out of his life.

 

Buy the book or learn more at http://bit.ly/NeverAPrincess.

Want to win this book? Be sure to visit L.K. Below's blog for her Week-After-Release Party on Monday, July 11th 2011. One lucky commenter will win this book! Visit http://lbelow.blogspot.com and leave a comment on her party post on Monday to enter.