Penny Watson's Blog, page 92

Penelope Develops An Obsession For Books With The Word "Tycoon" In The Title

What exactly is a "tycoon" and why is it so damned popular in certain romance novels? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a tycoon is "a businessman of exceptional wealth and power: magnate." So, basically a tycoon is a really rich, powerful guy. Okay, I sort of get why that would be sexy. And, the tycoons in Maya Banks trio of books--The Tycoon's Pregnant Mistress, The Tycoon's Rebel Bride, and The Tycoon's Secret Affair-- are all hot Greek guys. I'm getting the whole tall, dark...

Interview and Give Away with Carolyn Crane

Welcome, Carolyn, to Penelope's Romance Reviews! Readers, please leave a comment/question/salutation for Carolyn, and you'll be entered to win a copy of Mind Games. Thanks!

Penelope: Tell me a little bit about your writing background....when did you first get interested in writing? Is this your first completed novel? When did the "idea" for Mind Games first pop into your head?

Carolyn: First, thanks for having me! I love visiting with other writers. It's fun, and it's been fun getting to know...

Reading Update and Reminder for Carolyn Crane Interview and Give Away

Happy Monday, Yinz Guys (for those of you not familiar with Pittsburgh-ese, Yinz or Yunz is a Pittsburgh-y way of saying "You"). Okay, reading update time (cue news music....)
I heartily enjoyed Loreen Augeri's debut novel, Tormented Hearts, which will be released on May 28, 2010 by The Wild Rose Press. It is a satisfying and emotional historical about a tormented hero (my favorite kind!) and a strong-willed heroine escaping the evil clutches of her abusive husband. The premise for the book...

Reading Update

I just ordered my copy of A River In The Sky, the latest Amelia Peabody book by Elizabeth Peters. I can't wait! It's been years since EP published one of these babies.
I am also currently reading Tormented Hearts, a lovely debut historical by Loreen Augeri, which will be published by The Wild Rose Press in May.
Mandi at Smexybooks has got me jonesing for some Kate Noble books, so I think I'll try The Summer of You next. (Thanks, Mandi!)
And finally...Adam Langer (who is one of my husband's...

Nora Trilogy Fizzles

In spite of the fact that I loved Jewels of the Sun, and enjoyed Tears of the Moon, I am now officially off the Nora bandwagon. Heart of the Sea was not a great ending to this trilogy. First of all, I can't imagine something less romantic than two folks making a business-like agreement about their sexual relationship. Yuck! This takes place at the beginning of the story, and I realize that it was consistent with their characters, but still....not romantic, and a bad place to start. I also...

Hugh Jackman To Play Nicholas Klaus in Hollywood Version of Sweet Inspiration!

Breaking News Bulletin:
Hugh Jackman literally begged his agent for the role. He said, and I quote, "My life will be complete when I get to play Nicholas Klaus on the big screen. Merry Christmas!"
Penny Watson, author of Sweet Inspiration, has snagged the role of Lucy Klaus, after extensive liposuction, plastic surgery, and dying her hair bright red.
Look for the movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, sometime this holiday season.

Happy April Fool's Day!
Love to all,Penny

Nora Breaks The Rules!

Once upon a time, when I was a newbie writer entering a butt-load of contests, I got this comment back on one of my manuscripts....
"Watch head-hopping! Who do you think you are? Nora Roberts?"
I was miffed. First of all, this was a snarky comment, and not 'constructive criticism.' Second of all, the paragraph receiving this comment was entirely written in one character's POV, and therefore not an example of head-hopping. However, I found the whole Nora-angle fascinating. Since I had never...

Time To Jump On The Nora Bandwagon?

Quick Wrap Up of NEC Conference....
1) MaryJanice Davidson is hilarious.
2) Drinking tap water with orange slices is not as much fun as an appletini.
3) Attending workshops is a double edge sword. I get helpful hints. I become convinced my WIP is the biggest piece o' shite in the world, and if I don't start doing character interviews, I will end up making french fries at McDonald's.
4) I cry a lot. I have not made it through one speaker without crying. (Note to self: get water proof mascara).
5...

Beard of the Day and Happy NECRWA Conference!

Okay, so technically, this isn't really a beard. It's maybe a little bit of scruff. But I don't care! I love, love, love Ed Harris and he looks so bad-ass in this photo (from Appaloosa) it's ridiculous. I seem to be developing a love for men in westerns. Hmmm. Verrrrry interesting. Another one of my fav guys, Viggo Mortensen, is also in this movie (see photo below). He is actually the one with the beard, but to be honest, his beard is so wacky, even I am not loving it. Hee hee....


Today I am...

Review of Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

Mind Games by Carolyn Crane
Whoa, Nelly.
This book is the perfect package. It's totally original, quirky, unexpected, has fascinating characters, an incredible story line, crazy-ass tension (sexual and otherwise), excellent pacing, is super sexy, and finally....a fabulous ending. The fact that it was written by a debut author blows me right out of the water. Carolyn Crane, who also writes a witty romance blog, The Thrillionth Page, has just set a new standard for first time authors.
What's so...