Sarah Belle's Blog, page 7

No more nappies – a coming of age…

Today marks a momentous occasion in my life – after a one week trial, my youngest child is now completely nappy free.

No more night nappies!  He has gotten into the habit of doing a big wee before bedtime and going to bed commando style.

Why am I so excited you ask?  Because 10 years, 5 months, and 3 weeks ago our eldest son was born – and the nappy era commenced and has never stopped since!

Twenty months later son number 2 was born, and there were more nappies – newborn nappies and toddler nappies.  Within four years, another 2 sons were born, and the nappy wearing continued, this time with the addition of night time nappies.

Newborn nappies, toddler nappies and night time nappies.  The nappy population in our house was ridiculous.

Gradually, over the years, as our boys learned to ‘tie a knot in it’ during sleep hours, the nappy population in our house dwindled, until the youngest was the only nappy wearing superhero in our midst.

But now, that’s all over. He too can ‘tie a knot in it’, and we are free of nappies!

Free.

Free.

Free.

But then I, stupidly, decided to do the numbers – having a business degree means that I always have to look at the big picture financially. I shouldn’t have, because it is depressing.

So, taking the full time nappy wearing years down to, let’s say, 9 (because Master 4 has been toilet trained since he was 3, a bit over a year ago), that allows for the following calculations:

There were 6 years out of that 9 in which only 1 child was wearing nappies at 4 changes a day (conservative – we all know there are days when there are many more changes,  especially in newborns.)

=365 days *6 years *4 changes per day = 8,760 nappies.

The remaining 3 years consisted of 2 children wearing nappies at the same time – newborn and toddler, so we will go with 8 changes per day combined.

= 365 days *3 years *8 changes per day =8,760 nappies – which is the same as above because the years and number of nappy changes are inverted.

Added together this comes to a total of 17,520 nappies in that 10 year, 5 month and 2 week time period.

But, wait!  There’s more because the above calculations don’t take into account the year that kid number 4 was solely in night nappies, so let’s add another 365 to that, which brings us to the grand total of 17,885 nappies.

17,885 nappies – that’s freaking ridiculous!

Yes, we could have gone with cloth nappies, but seeing as I was working, either full time or part time, up until the birth of number 4, there simply wasn’t enough time to do everything. So we compromised and went with the disposables. Not good for the environment, I know, but I do make it up in other ways.

Nappies vary in cost, depending on where you can source them from and in what numbers. So, let’s suppose that I was able to get them for 20 cents each.

0.20*17885= $3,577

That’s the cost of a small second hand car.

Or a romantic holiday in Fiji.

Or 2/3 months’ mortgage repayments.

With the average cost  of raising two children  to the age of  21 (in Australia) currently estimated to be close to $800,000, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-23/kids-eat-into-family-budget-like-never-before/4708076  there is no doubt in my mind that the grand total of their nappy bill will pale in comparison to what the rest of their lives will cost us.

It’s just lucky that they are so perfect and gorgeous and cute and wonderful…

 

Author Limelight: Romance author – Iris Blobel…

Hello Iris and welcome to Author’s Limelight! Congratulations on the recent release of New Beginnings.

Thank you for having me.

What was the first story you ever wrote?

My first story was also my first book “Sweet Dreams, Miss England”. I’d never been a story writer, but a person with an immense love for numbers (hence my day job in finance!). I could say I wish I’d listened to the “voices in my head” earlier, but I never really saw myself as a writer.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

Tricky! I love Daniel, my Irish charmer in “Sweet Dreams, Miss England” and I hope one day I can write a continuation of the story. But I suppose currently I love Sophie and Mia Levesque, the sisters in “New Beginnings” who inherited a house. Especially Mia who, at eight years old, is so full of life and wit.

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

I’d lie if I’d say no. It’s a great feeling to know that other people are reading your story, and most of the time liking it as well. Very humbling experience.

What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?

A lot of books by Jill Shalvis & Lee Child!!

I love romance, mystery and crime. At the moment I’m trying to read more Australian romance stories. I feel I missed out on quite a few really good books the last few years

What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?

When I lived in Montreal, I had a few international friends and we met once a week to eat a dish from that person’s country. The Mexican dish knocked me out … There was no way I was able to eat more than that mouthful. Honestly, I can’t tell you what it was, but it was horrible! Don’t get me wrong, nothing against Mexican food. I love Fajitas!

If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?

a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.

b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.

c) Princess Leia from Starwars.

d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanys.

Was it Thelma or Louise who got to go to bed with Brad?

Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?

I wouldn’t have a clue, to be honest. I have to admit I wish I could write mystery novels and would’ve created a character like Jack Reacher. I think that’s what I go with. Lee Child is doing a great job with those stories!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Be the Supermum !

If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?

If I could go back in time I’d go back to visit my teenage Self. Wouldn’t it be neat to sit down with yourself and reassure yourself that the future is going to turn out not that bad as it might seem at that time. Tell yourself to not make certain mistakes (the really bad ones, otherwise you don’t learn anything) and to turn left sometimes instead of right.

Can you tell us about your works in progress?

I’ve just finished edits for “More Beginnings”, the sequel to my recently released book “New Beginnings”. Currently I’m writing on “Fresh Beginnings”, the third book in the Beginnings series.

I’m also writing a trilogy about Australian Sports Stars. It’s about an AFL football, a baseball and soccer player. I love this series, the sexy hunks, the naughtiness and the pretty girls. A bit of a challenge, but I’m getting there.

Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from New Beginnings, please?

She stared down at her shopping bags, the contents of one of them now all over the ground. Then she stopped for a moment. There were a set of feet right in front of her. Sophie closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Would there be more humiliation coming her way? She opened her eyes and was determined to… but she lost her thoughts. She stared at the eyes of a man, kneeling in front of her. He was holding her lettuce.

“Are you all right?” he asked.

Not quite sure whether she could trust herself to speak, she just nodded. As unnoticeable as possible, she wiped away the tear that had made its way across her cheek. Then she felt his thumb on her face, wiping the other tear away. She looked up and met his gaze. Beautiful green eyes that just about caused havoc in her inside and a shiver down her spine. Green eyes that belonged to one delicious voice. He wore jeans that fit tight around his muscular legs and an old worn-out grey T-shirt. The blond hair was unkempt with little locks falling over his forehead.

“Just ignore her.”

“I do. It’s her who needs to please ignore me,” she replied quietly.

 

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Author’s Magic Moments with Deborah Nam-Krane…

Hello Deborah! Welcome to Author’s Magic Moments and congratulations on the recent release of The Family You Choose (The New Pioneers Vol 2).

What was the first story you ever wrote?

Actually, this one, or one of the many different versions of it, when I was seventeen. But I didn’t like it, so I kept going back to the drawing board until I got it right.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

Our characters are like our children- we can’t choose! Having said that, the character I’m most keen to spend time with now is Martin, the best friend of the romantic interest in The Smartest Girl in the Room. His role is pretty small for the first two books, but by the end of the third I think everyone on the internet is going to be writing blog posts about why they want to date him. He’s funny and sarcastic without being cynical, and he’s also “a nice guy”. Is that going to get in his way? Maybe, maybe not.

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

Being published without any reaction made me feel vulnerable. Getting reviews from people who said they liked me- or even that they didn’t hate it- made me feel vindicated…for about five minutes. And then I thought, oh my god, now I’ve got to be as good if not better with the next one! I think I delivered with The Family You Choose, now I have to make sure I really bring it for the third instalment, The China Doll.

What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?

Right now? A lot of stuff on energy policy, particularly alternative energy. And that’s a lot of research, as one of the most important characters in my series is involved in that sector (don’t worry- a PhD in engineering will not be required to read this!). And then a bunch of mythological reference materials, because that’s how I roll.

What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?

A tuna sandwich with a tomato slice. I was five years old. It was so disgusting I don’t think I actually got to eat it. I remember running down the hall screaming so I could get away from it. (Ah, memories!)

What I’ve actually eaten? Underdone eggplant- eww!

If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?  

a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.

b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.

c) Princess Leia from Starwars.

d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanys.

I’m going to choose Scarlett O’Hara. I wouldn’t be nearly as charitable to Ashley Wilkes, and I’d keep my backbone when dealing with Rhett!

Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. That was one of the first books I read that retold a famous story from the women’s point of view, and more importantly answered questions that I had always asked when I’d read other versions. I got chills when I read it and I still do thinking about it. If I reached one reader the way she did me, I’d die happy.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

The power to heal.

If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?

It doesn’t matter where I go, I’m not going anywhere without my children (whether they like it or not!). I would want to go back to the late Seventies, of all periods. That was a moment in the US when we had choices about how we were going to treat people, and I think we chose badly. I’d do everything in my power to make sure we chose a little differently.

Can you tell us about your works in progress?

My editor has The China Doll in her hands right now- and she also has the fourth instalment, Let’s Move On. Right now I’m working on the fifth book in the series, The Golden Boy Returns. It’s set in Boston like the rest of my series, and it’s about politics. I honestly can’t wait to write this thing- let’s just say election season around here let’s you see A LOT!

Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from The China Doll, please?

Jessie found Martin in the refrigerator. “Something I can help you with?”

Martin jumped and hit his head on the freezer handle. “Oh, God!” Jessie tried to open the door to get some ice but hit him in the nose in the process. “Oh no!” she laughed, and after a second, he laughed too.

“Wow,” he said, rubbing his head. “I guess you’re pretty dangerous when you want something.”

Jessie shrugged. “I don’t know, I don’t usually want things. I usually just take whatever strikes me as interesting. I never have to think about it long enough to form an opinion.”

“You’ll excuse me if that doesn’t seem that flattering right now.”

“I’ll excuse you, if you really want me to,” Jessie said quietly. She took a deep breath, making herself brave. That was also something she didn’t usually have to do. “Did I ever tell you that when I had my little breakdown a few years ago I thought Mitch was you?”

Martin stopped rubbing his head but kept his hand there. “No, you didn’t. Mitch said something though—I didn’t really get it.”

“That’s fair, since that whole period is sort of blurry for me too.”

“I was really sorry when it happened,” Martin said, putting his hand down. “I would have come for a visit, but Mitch said it wasn’t a good idea.”

Jessie smiled and closed the refrigerator door. “I guess it wasn’t. But it was sweet of you anyway.”

Martin smiled in spite of himself. She was just about as tall as he was. She had such beautiful grey eyes, and such a nice, husky voice. “I try.”

“I don’t think so. I think that’s just the way you are.” Before he could say anything, Jessie pulled him in for a kiss. He was surprised, but he didn’t stop her. He put his hand on her cheek and pulled her closer.

She pulled away after a minute. “That was nice,” she said softly.

Martin grimaced and pulled back himself. “And that’s something I am too, Jess. I’m a nice guy, and there’s kind of an unwritten rule about men my age and girls your age.”

“I’ll have you know that I am now a sophomore in college. Not only that, I voted in the last election, and I refuse to be called a girl after that.”

Martin smiled. “But I’m afraid you’re still not allowed into a bar.”

“Then I guess you’d be surprised at the things I’ve gotten away with… or just done.”

Martin blinked. He needed to leave the kitchen. “Jess, I’m too old for you.”

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Author Limelight and Giveaway: Historical Romance author – Joanna Lloyd

Hello Joanna and welcome to Author’s Limelight! Congratulations on your October 30th release of your historical romance, Shadow Beneath the Sea. What was the first story you ever wrote?

Apart from writing poetry which I began writing 30 years ago to channel a deep grief I was experiencing from the loss of someone I loved, I wrote my first full length novel about 5 years ago. This one was set during the French Revolution with mystery, intrigue and head rolling danger in the court of Louis XVI – a romance between a lady in waiting to the Queen and a revolutionary. It was an exercise to see if I could actually create a fictional story. That one is still in the bottom drawer but I proved to myself I could do it. I haven’t stopped writing since.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

Surprisingly the character who most came alive for me was Callum McDonald in my first published novel, Beyond Innocence. He was a secondary character – a gruff, bearded Scotsman – who burst from the pages with such personality and charisma, it was love at first sight – albeit a fatherly love. Many people who have read the novel have asked for his story.

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

Suddenly I had a reader market and a responsibility to meet a certain standard. No more just playing with writing. And it wasn’t just the “being published” that changed how I view writing, it was all the paraphernalia that goes with being published. My personal demon – social media/marketing – scariest of all. I thought all I had to do was write a decent book but apparently that’s just the beginning. There’s blogging, tweeting, facebook promotion and most important of all, the three r’s – reviews, reviews and reviews.

What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?

I am a very eclectic reader so you would find all of Diana Gabaldon’s books, many of Sara Donati, Sharon Penman, Ken Follett, Tim Winton, Herman Hesse, Tao of Lao Tsu, many books on Buddhism and Psychology.

What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?

Cracker of a question, Sarah! An oyster which slipped and slithered down my throat making me want to throw it up again. I then did just that and discovered I was allergic to shellfish. Phew…that meant I never had to try one again!

If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?

a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.

b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.

c) Princess Leia from Starwars.

d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanys.

Louise who, for once in her life, threw caution to the wind and let her “wild woman” loose. I wouldn’t rewrite the ending. It had such powerful symbolism for me. I grew up as a child of the 60’s/early 70’s who pushed every boundary and experimented madly (and that’s all I’m going to say about that). What a feeling of exhilaration and freedom she must have felt as she drove over the cliff and who knows what happened after that…!

 

Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?

I wish I had written Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. I could only have written those words if I understood how life works – and how good would that be? I wouldn’t worry over finishing a book in time (time is an illusion J), I wouldn’t be nervous about whether a book would sell (it doesn’t matter what someone else thinks) and I wouldn’t be striving to get things right (everything is perfect as it is J). But…I didn’t write it so here I am trying to answer all your questions as well as I can so you’ll like me!!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I would like to have telekinetic powers which would enable me to move all objects including myself with just a thought. I’d have to be careful what I thought about though, never know what might shoot into the room! However…a quick thought of Jamie Fraser (from Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series) or maybe… a long thought of Jamie…sorry, did you say something, Sarah?

Lol, Joanna! I have read that book as well and did enjoy visualising the delicious Jamie Fraser!

If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?

I would go back to Egypt during the time of the pharaohs, when they were building the Great Pyramid of Giza. A camera would have to be what I took with me to actually document how those pyramids were built! I might have to be there for a while though. Maybe I could go when they were at the pointy end. 

Can you tell us about your works in progress?

Yes, love to. I have about four on the boil. Two contemporary romances, one with a dash of paranormal for which I have created characters and plots and written a couple of chapters to go back to. Then there is one (working title “Children of the Islands”) which is more than half finished which is the story of a mother and daughter beginning in 1946 and spanning a thirty year period. The one I am putting energy into right now is a contemporary with some intrigue, a journey of self-reinvention and romantic elements, called Can You See Me.

Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from Shadow Beneath the Sea, please?

Blurb:

A great act of war; a greater act of love.

1915: Britain and Germany are at war and the waters off Great Britain have been declared a war zone. In six days the luxury ocean liner, Lusitania, sails from New York to England with 1,959 passengers on board.

Lillian Marshall’s father is determined she will accompany him to England on board the great luxury liner, Lusitania. Walter Marshall needs an accomplice in crime to execute a shrewd con to make their fortune. Lillian is faced with an impossible decision— stay in America and marry a man she doesn’t love for stability and security, or face her fear of sea travel, her father’s crooked schemes and an unknown future to reunite with a family she’s never known.

When Edward James books passage to England on the Lusitania, he believes his future is at last out of his father’s hands and his career as a musician is within reach. Before the ship sails Edward becomes an unwitting ally in Walter’s plan to force his reluctant daughter onto the ship. Edward finds himself drawn to the intriguing Lillian and seeks her company at every opportunity – finally facing the possibility that it may be Lillian who holds his heart.

Unfortunately, his uncle has more insidious plans to wed Edward to the cold-hearted Lavinia Armitage, daughter of a family business partner.

So begins a love story hindered by class, time and promises—Edward’s to marry Lavinia and Lillian’s to steal from the man she loves.

Against a backdrop of vivid characters, obscene wealth, secrets, lies and deceit, the countdown begins toward one of the greatest war-time shipping tragedies in history.

Excerpt:

Although her whole body buzzed with enough adrenaline for her to flee to the furthest reaches of the ship, she sat as if glued to the chair.

            Finally he spoke. “What’s going on over there, Lillian?” Her head jerked up, unprepared for such a question. She had expected him to make weak excuses about forgetting to inform her he was engaged to Lavinia Armitage.

            “Wha … what do you mean?”

            He leaned over and reached for her chin, lifting her head until their eyes met. “I’m sorry to say this, but I don’t trust your father. I’m certain I saw him deal from the bottom of the deck.”

            A cold chill crept up her spine, and she licked her lips, her mouth suddenly as dry as an empty coal bin. Before she could answer, there was a collective gasp in the room. The colonel had folded his cards and relaxed back into his chair. Walter and Zeke stared, unblinking at each other.

            “Did you hear me, Walt? I am calling you and raising ten thousand dollars.”

            Her father pulled out a large handkerchief, patted his throat and put his money on the table. Lillian saw the nervous gesture, but it didn’t match the gleam of excitement in his eyes. “Show your cards, Zeke.”

            Edward grabbed her arm. “Tell me, now, Lillian. Quickly, before they end this.”

            Tears welled in her eyes at the lies she was about to utter, but her future depended on this money. “There is nothing to tell, Edward. You have allowed your imagination to get the better of you.” His gray eyes searched her face, begging for the truth, and in that moment she knew she had wronged him as much as he had wronged her.

 

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Joanna is giving away an e-book copy of her upcoming release,  Shadow Beneath the Sea, ( e-pub, mobi or pdf format only). All you have to do to be in the draw to win is leave a comment below!

Author Limelight: Jane O’Reilly…

Today I welcome to the Limelight, Jane O’Reilly, author of contemporary romance novels - with heroines who are smart, sexy and strong willed. Hello Jane and welcome to Author’s Limelight!

What was the first story you ever wrote?

The first book I wrote was set in my old school. It was about a girl who moves to a small town in Yorkshire after her father dies, and discovers that she is a witch. It featured a Mary Sue heroine, a putrid ghost and lots of death. Fortunately, it’s never been published.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

I’d have to say Nic, the heroine of She Who Dares, is my favourite so far. She’s prickly, and she doesn’t always have great control over what comes out of her mouth. But she’s hard working and stubborn and follows her passion, which makes her an easy character to root for.

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

It has made me work harder, and view writing as a job. There aren’t any days off now!

What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?

A mixed bag of romance – I like contemporary, historical, romantic suspense, some steampunk and some erotica.

What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?

That’s tricky! I would have to say an entire platter of raw shelfish in Paris. Which actually, I was too cowardly/sensible to eat. My husband ploughed his way through it though (ugh).

If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?

a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.

b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.

c) Princess Leia from Starwars.

d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanys.

I would have to be Leia. She gets to shoot stuff. I would have liked to see her in Jedi training at the end, really fulfilling her potential (watch out Han Solo!)

Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?

I wish I’d written The Hungry Caterpillar. So simple, and yet so right. Is there a kid anywhere who hasn’t read it?

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

I wish I could fly. It would save on petrol, and it would make life so much easier. No more reversing out of spaces in supermarket car parks. I bet Superman never has to reverse.

If you could go back in time, I’d where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?

I would like to go back to the 80’s, so not too far back. I was too young for white stilettos and a bubble perm, and I’ve never got over it. I’d probably take plasters with me. For the stilettos.

Can you tell us about your works in progress?

I’m currently writing a sci-fi romance. I’d describe it as X-Men in space, with added nudity.

Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from She Who Dares, please?

The blurb- The Ugly Duckling meets Top Gear when a plain Jane mechanic comes face-to-face with the bad boy of rally racing… Nic Sinclair spends most of her time hiding under the bonnet of a car. With her obsession with engines, a total lack of feminine wiles, and a stepsister who looks like Barbie, she understands that it’s the safest place to be. But when Nic’s stepsister sells her half of their vintage car business and does a runner, Nic is forced to set down her wrench and deal with the fallout. Soon she’s engaged in a battle of wills with her new business partner, superstar rally driver Sebastian Prince — a battle he dares her to win. 

            ‘Please, Sebastian, just…’ But it was too late. Nic started to back away. The last thing she wanted was a photo of her in her ugly overalls with her hair in a state appearing anywhere anyone might see it. She took another step back, another, until her foot caught on something.

            She glanced down, then back at Sebastian, her heart pounding right up into her throat.

            ‘Nic,’ he said, green eyes fire bright and full of mischief. ‘Don’t make me come and get you.’

            ‘Don’t come any closer.’

            ‘Or what?’

            ‘Or this!’ With one rapid movement, Nic bent her knee and wrapped her fingers round the hosepipe that snaked past her feet. The water dribbling from the end instantly became a jet when she jammed her thumb over it.

            He swore as the cold stream hit him square on the chest, his arms flying up to cover his face, the roar of laughter from their audience booming in her ears. ‘Nic,’ he said, his voice low, as water continued to bounce off his chest and stomach. ‘Put that down.’

            ‘Or what?’

Once a Bad Girl by Jane O’Reilly – Desperate to save her family’s auction house, stubbornly sensible Lottie Spencer needs a high-profile client—who better than a reclusive film star? Unfortunately for Lottie, this client comes with strings attached—an overprotective son who will do anything to shield his mother from the prying eyes of the press. But Lottie is sure she can handle it. If only being around a bad boy didn’t make it so hard to be good…

 

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Author Limelight and Giveaway: Juliet Madison…

Hello Juliet, and welcome to Author’s Limelight and congratulations on the release of your novella, Starstruck in Seattle!

Thank you!

What was the first story you ever wrote?

I’m sure the very first one was written as a young child, but I can’t remember what it was, though I do remember writing a spooky story in grade three, called The Secret Coffin. As for my adult years, the first complete novel I wrote was The Life Makeover Club, which I’m currently trying to get published (watch this space, hehe). It’s contemporary women’s fiction with three main characters, and it’s sort of the result of my own life makeover… but that’s another story

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

I grow quite fond of my characters, they become like friends (*turns around to check for men in white suits waiting to whisk me away to the nearest facility*). My favourite is probably Drew, the main male character in the manuscript I’ve just finished writing. He’s a famous (and very gorgeous) Australian singer/songwriter who returns to his small hometown to escape a media scandal, but finds something else along the way. He’s gorgeous (did I already say that?), caring, has an awesome sense of humour, and can stretch his body into many different positions with the help of his yoga instructor, who he just so happens to hit it off with (damn her). I would marry him in a heartbeat (*checks again for white-suited men*).

As for female characters, I had a ball writing Kelli McSnelly, the model-turned-middle-aged-housewife in Fast Forward, who is conceited in the beginning but learns a whole lot of lessons by the end of the book. She got mixed up in so many disasters and challenges and created endless amusement for me as a writer.

I also have a soft spot for my character, Lulu the Love Angel, in my new release STARSTRUCK IN SEATTLE, because she is, let’s just say, out of this world, and tries so hard to find her way in a new and very important job where destiny depends on her.

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

It’s only made me more excited about the future and more certain that I’m on the right path.

What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?

A lot of books from writers I know, and a lot of books I haven’t read yet! Next on my list is Hindsight (have you heard of it, Sarah?), Banish by Nicola Marsh, The Returned by Jason Mott, Blood Secret by Jaye Ford, also Liane Moriarty’s The Husband’s Secret, and some titles from the fabulous Escape Publishing. J

Lol, Juliet – My eldest son actually asked me if I had read Hindsight!

What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?

It was some sort of fish paste thing, when I was about eighteen. I don’t remember exactly what it was, but it tasted like rotting fish. Eww!

If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?

a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.

b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.

c) Princess Leia from Starwars.

d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanys.

I’d say Thelma, because, you know… Brad Pitt. But in the ending the car would drive off into an alternate universe where everyone is happy and safe and nice and there is plenty of money and food and Brad Pitts to go around.

Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?

Can I say Harry Potter? Such an awesome world J.K. created, I’d like to live there. Minus the dementors.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

To pause time so I can have peace and quiet whenever I want it and get a book written in a flash!

If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?

Maybe 1920’s Paris for a bit of glam and dancing. I’d bring my critique partner, Alli, because she’s setting a book there and it would help with her research. Plus, we’d have fun. Oh, and could I bring my iPhone to take photos and tweet about my experience?

Can you tell us about your works in progress?

How much time do we have? …I have a lot of works in progress and ideas, but as I’ve just finished a new manuscript, I’m at the stage where I’m taking a little break for a week or so before deciding what to do next. I have a new rom com (or romagic comedy) in the works, called Haunted Housewives, about a bride-to-be who takes her bridesmaids on a weekend away, but an uninvited guest tags along – the ghost of her fiancé’s ex girlfriend.

I hope to start work soon on my next women’s fiction manuscript, but I have two exciting stories and I’m not sure which one to write first! I’m also going to write a few chapters of a top secret New Adult project I’ve been dying to write, just to get it started and see how it goes. I may not write the whole thing yet, it depends what my priorities will need to be over the coming few months in regard to publication goals.

Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from STARSTRUCK IN SEATTLE, please?

Sure! …

“Quick, blow out the candles!” Anna yelled. Karl turned on the lights and did as he was told, though it only created more smoke as the wicks released their heat. Anna opened windows, dashed into the kitchen and returned with a broom, and jabbed it at the fire alarm.

Beep. . .beep. . .beep. . .beep!

“C’mon!” she urged, jabbing furiously.

“Here, let me try.” Karl took the broom and aimed toward the button in the middle of the alarm, but unlike Anna it wouldn’t surrender to his magic touch.

“I don’t understand why it’s not turning off, it’s never done this before,” Anna said loudly.

“What? I didn’t hear what you said!” Karl’s eyes squinted and he angled his ear toward Anna.

“I SAID, I DON’T UNDERST–” Oh forget it. Anna dragged a dining chair over and positioned it underneath the fire alarm.

“Here, let me.” Karl climbed onto the chair and tilted his face to get a better view. He pulled at the alarm, opening the lid, then tugged the ribbon on the battery pack but it was jammed. He yanked harder and the sound abated as the battery pack burst from its socket and hit his forehead. Karl rubbed the spot with his hand, bent down and collided with Anna’s head as she straightened up, having picked up the battery pack from the floor.

“Ow!” they said in unison. The chair wobbled, and Karl toppled over backwards and landed with a thud.

“Oh my God, are you okay?” Anna didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This date had turned into a scene from a B-grade slapstick comedy movie.

And here is the blurb:

Aspiring actress Anna Hilford might only have a small role in a leading television drama, but she longs to be dreamboat Karl Drake’s leading lady. Sick of being loveless and overlooked, Anna seeks the help of intuitive love coach, Lulu, from LuluTheLoveAngel.com to give her the courage and determination to follow her destiny.

But fate has different ideas, Lulu has undisclosed power, and Anna is about to realise that life happens while you’re busy making plans…

You can buy STARSTRUCK IN SEATTLE from all ebook retailers, via Escape Publishing

GIVEAWAY>> Juliet is giving away four prize packs of e-books from Escape Publishing until 10th October (20 ebooks in total). See the prizes on offer and enter here:

http://julietmadison.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/release-day-starstruck-in-seattle-plus-bumper-giveaway/

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Author Limelight: Gracie Macgregor…

Hello Gracie and welcome to Author’s Limelight! Congratulations on the release of ‘Hearts on Hold’!

What was the first story you ever wrote?

My first story was a piece of fan fiction (not that I knew that at the time!). I was seven years old, horse mad, and a devoted reader of Anna Sewell’s “Black Beauty”. But every time I read it, I cried at the fate of Beauty’s friend, Ginger, so I found an old exercise book and rewrote the story with a much happier ending. I’ve been writing happily-ever-after endings ever since!

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

My favourite is my current heroine, Cate Boyd, from Hearts on Hold. Cate has had such a tough time, thrust into the limelight against her natural instincts, but she has immense integrity and courage and uses her fame (or notoriety!) to help the people she cares about, despite it exposing her to great danger. She’s stronger than she knows, and it takes a special man (of course!) to prove she can trust in love again. She deserves a second chance at happiness, and I was delighted to see her accept it!

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

It’s made me aware of how lucky I am in my friends. My writing was a guilty secret for a long time; I have many author friends who I admire and respect, and the idea of them seeing my own writing was terrifying. But they, and everybody on this journey, have been so kind, supportive and generous. I’m very grateful writing has opened up my relationships in surprising ways. Being published is also character-building! It’s one thing to scribble away, thinking nobody will see what I write, but being published suddenly puts me and all my dreams and fears on display.

What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?

Big piles of to-be-read books! I’m forever buying books I simply must read, knowing they’ll sit on my shelves or my iPad for months, sometimes years, before I can get to them! But there are also a few (hard copy) favourites that are literally falling apart because I’ve read them so often – mostly Dorothy Dunnett’s historical fiction. If I find an e-book I love, I tend to buy it in hard copy as well.

What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?

When I was seventeen, a friend and I went to the Sydney Opera House and had lunch. We were feeling very sophisticated. I ordered a salad, and got excited about what I thought were black grapes. They were black olives. I’d never tasted an olive before. I love them now, but at the time, and given the taste I’d been expecting, my first olive left my mouth in a speedy (and, I’m certain, unappealing!) manner.

If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?

a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.

b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.

c) Princess Leia from Starwars.

d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Definitely Scarlett. I’d love to have her unassailable confidence, her chutzpah, her fashion sense (and the figure to pull it off), and, of course, her handsome final husband. I don’t have to re-write the ending: everybody knows Rhett could never stay angry at Scarlett forever!

Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?

Wow, tough question! There are some wonderful books that have a special place in my heart, but I’m glad I didn’t write them – I’d have never written them so well. I wish I’d written Hairy McLary from Donaldson’s Dairy, because for a few years there, I’m pretty sure my son looked forward to seeing Lynley Dodd every night more than he did me!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

My son asks me this all the time, and I never have a good answer. Sometimes I think invisibility, but I’m now a woman of that certain age who, in deli queues anyway, is already invisible (being short doesn’t help)! Perhaps Calvin’s (from Ruby Sparks) power to write words on a page and produce a living, breathing, perfect (and perfectly malleable) person? (Cue wicked laugh…)

If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?

Another tough question. Every period has its romanticised as well as its less-salubrious aspects. Sometimes I think I’d like to go back to the Regency era (but only if I was wealthy of course) so I’d have all that lovely time on my hands to read and write and wander in the garden. Not very feminist of me, is it! But I would have to take back my Dorothy Dunnett Lymond Chronicles (there are six books but only one series!). Oh, also my son. Maybe. Is it bad that I thought of him second?

Can you tell us about your works in progress?

Thanks for asking! I’m working on a romance series, Messing with the Masons, based on a dynasty of Brisbane lawyers who have nowhere near as much control over their love lives as they like to exert over their careers. I’m also writing a contemporary account of the love triangle from Homer’s Odyssey: Penelope is always portrayed as Odysseus’ faithful, rightful wife, and poor Calypso wins scant attention from history in spite of caring for him for seven years!

Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from ‘Hearts on Hold’ please?

Their climb took them to the top of the sharp cliff-face that overlooked Ramla Bay, and Cate paused a moment to watch the ant-sized bathers squealing and splashing in the breakers below, closely observed by parents huddled under a panoply of gaily coloured beach umbrellas which covered virtually every inch of course, brown sand.

She ignored the habitual kick of longing with an ease borne of long practice. Children were not for her, not now. She remembered Stephen had been irritated by a toddler who had stumbled, dripping water and sand, over his outstretched legs as they lay on that same beach, years before. She’d teased him about being a grumpy old man; cajoled him with promises of mini-Stephens he could take diving; finally resorted to pinching playfully at the hairs on his legs, trying to coax him into a better mood. He had retaliated with that lightning speed and intensity that characterised him, dragging her under his sand-crusted body and whispering into her mouth between salty, luscious kisses that if she didn’t stop tormenting him, he’d make her pregnant then and there.

She smiled sadly at the memory, and realised it didn’t hold the pain she had expected. Since those early weeks after her return to Xlendi, when devastation had crushed her lungs and torn at her gut every time she rediscovered places she’d been with Stephen, Cate had deliberately avoided going back to their favourite honeymoon spots. Now, as she looked down on Ramla Bay, it felt as if she was saying goodbye .

 

 

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Author Limelight: Erotic Novelist, Susan Rogers…

Hello Susan Rogers and welcome to Author’s Limelight! Congratulations on the release of your debut erotic novel,  ‘The Secret is Out’. Can you give us the blurb, please?

Sexy and confident in all areas of her life, a naughty Professor leaves her teaching job at the local University because someone has released a video of her playing up on the web.  She is hurt and humiliated, and resigns.  While at home packing her work friends call in and, over red wine, they all admit their own little naughty secrets.

What was the first story you ever wrote?

A detective story “Clare Canning” when I was twelve, it was thirty thousand words long and I still have it.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

I love all the characters of The Secret Is Out, they are all so different.

Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?

It is like I am in a race and I have so many stories to tell that I can’t quieten the voices in my head……………….

What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?

The Honey Queen by Cathy Kelly, Hindsight by Sarah Belle, Hot Sex and Supersex by Tracey Cox and Room Service by Vanessa Stark.

What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?

Kava, which is a narcotic sedative drink made in Polynesia from the crushed roots of a plant of the pepper family. 

Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?

Quiver…I just think it was a deliciously naughty book that could be read with one hand.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Be able to eat as much chocolate as I wanted and not put on an ounce of weight.

If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?

Ancient Egypt, when the pyramids were built and I would take a camera.

Can you tell us about your works in progress?

 I have been writing the Seducer’s Series: The next book out is The Seducers Sampler Pack seven very naughty stories especially for women, then The Seducers European Adventure, The Seducers Homeland edition,  and The Seducers Chocolate edition.

Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from The Secret Is Out, please?

I put my mobile phone on the recharger. I could see that I had a zillion messages, but ignored them all. I was ignoring the phone calls as well. I still couldn’t believe my secret was out, and I knew I couldn’t stay where I was any longer.

There was no way I could face my old friends and work colleagues, not now that they knew the awful truth. Not that I thought it was awful. It was just that it was my secret, and not something that I wanted to share with the whole world.

I still hadn’t figured out how it had gotten out, or if there was only one single person responsible. All I knew was that I couldn’t face going into the University the following Tuesday morning when the semester recommenced, knowing full well that my private life had been plastered around the web for all to see.

I pulled my jacket off and laid it on the couch. By habit, I ran my hand down over my flattish stomach and over my mound. I shook my head; that was what had gotten me into trouble in the first place.

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Vajazzling, the art of making your hoo-haa pretty…

Vajazzling; it’s one of those words that I could say again and again, like an annoying toddler, because it’s a cool word. But what does it mean? Do you know what Vajazzling is?

I attended a party recently where the topic came up – ok, I brought the topic up because we were talking about getting our bikini lines waxed and it seemed like a logical progression in the conversation. That’s why I love my friends – we talk about this kind of stuff all the time without embarrassment.

Anyhoo, here is the definition of Vajazzling, according to Wiktionary:

A cosmetic treatment in which jewels are placed on a woman’s vulva and/or pubic area. The area must first be waxed – a Brazilian.

This definition pleased me, mostly because it allowed me to finally figure out which part was the Vulva.  In another post,  (The Only Vulva in the House),  I wrote about how my seven year old son came home from school and informed me that, because of the sexual education they had received that day, he knew that  I had a Vulva.

This wasn’t exactly news to me – I also knew that I had a Vulva. I just had no idea of where it was. According to this definition, and pictures I found, the Vulva is actually what I had always thought was the Vagina – your Vagina is actually the inside bit, the Vulva is the outside bit – the front bum. Fascinating.  So glad my seven year old son was instrumental in helping me figure this out.

And here’s a picture to demonstrate-

And no, unfortunately the abs and butt don’t come with the Vajazzling. You must bring your own.

Of course, there are many designs – from the extreme to the more delicate…

But Vajazzing isn’t merely decorating your hoo-haa with pretty crystals. No! You can decorate your hoo-haa with so much more. Adornments include:

Feathers…

There are various design templates for Vajazzling with feathers as well.

Why not try the Carnivale?

 

Adorning your hoo-haa with feathers is probably not recommended for those planning a holiday in which a Bikini will be worn – unless you’re open to sharing your prettiness with onlookers.

Fur…

 (this one has me confused. Isn’t the reason we pour hot wax onto our girly bits and then rip our pubic hairs out by the roots so that we don’t have any furry bits?).

Mind you, I am pretty sure that this is not an accurate depiction of the fur kind of Vajazzle. I could be wrong, but it’s just a hunch.

And for the men? Why should they be left out? They have what’s called….Penazzling. Yep, another great name. Unfortunately (well, maybe not) I couldn’t find any pictures of Penazzling that wouldn’t require me to change the rating on the entire blog – but you can use your imagination. The same rules apply – a good Brazilian prior to the bejewelling.

For those who don’t want to Vajazzle, they can apply a temporary tattoo – called a (you guessed it)…a Twatoo or a Vatoo.

Of course, you can always either trim your way to romance, using various stencils that will allow you to ‘trim the bush’ into a particular shape…

Or you can dye your pubic hair (and perhaps trim as well) if you so wish…who wouldn’t like hot pink or orange pubes?

But before you get all turned off by the above, spare a thought as to how women used to ‘manicure’ themselves in the past…

In the 16th Century, women would grow their pubic hair long and decorate it with bows. Nice.

In ancient Rome, women would get rid of the hair using a pumice stone, various chemicals and even fire! (Suddenly waxing doesn’t seem so bad!).

Mis-steps you might not know you're taking

Reblogged from The Escapades:

There are a few common mis-steps that I see on a regular basis, so here's some ideas of how to avoid them, and make your submission process as easy (and as positive) as possible.

1. Not treating your relationship with a publisher professionally enough. This includes

unprofessional email salutations - No: 'hey girl!'. Yes: 'Dear Editor (double-plus bonus if you know his/her name)'

Read more… 550 more words

A very informative post about how to behave professionally as a writer seeking publication, from the wonderful Escape Publishing...