Today’s Ask A Wench post comes from Beverly Abney. She said:
You are all authors whose work I read, and I like the blog to keep me posted on how you are and what you are writing. It is so personal and I can feel that you are friends of mine. Personal news from authors is important to readers.
Pat:
I’m a firm believer that readers and authors ARE friends. Writers may pour out their souls on the page in private, but we’re exposing those souls to our readers. So how could we not trust each other and look for better understanding?
Not that a writer’s life is all that interesting, mind you! We curl up in our caves and wail and gnash our teeth for the better part of our days. In my case, I occasionally escape to play with flowers. I’m in utter awe of this orchid cactus that has multi-colored flowers!
Every so often we sneak out of our caves for research. I just did a quick run up the Pacific Coast to Santa Cruz to get a better “feel” for the area I’m writing about in my new Crystal Magic series. Occasionally we escape to go to conferences where we can talk to people who understand about wailing and gnashing. I’ll be attending the RNA conference in Leeds, UK this summer with a couple of other wenches. Lots of talking will be part of the program! Let us out from behind our desks, and we can’t stop jabbering.
And in personal news, our one and only grandchild is graduating early and heading off to college in the fall. So there’s lots of excitement and tears around the old homestead right now.
Anne here.
I'm currently struggling with a book — the third in my "convenient marriage" series (Rose's 
story). I know, more or less, what's going to happen in the story, but getting the angle right at the beginning is the hardest for me. With some books I hit the right angle from the start, with others it takes a few false starts. This book has had six different opening scenes that I've written and rejected, and even though I'm writing on, I keep coming back and tweaking the beginning. And I'm about to tweak it again — fingers crossed this time it will be right.
In other news, I've done a lovely lot of socializing. I recently attended a Romance Readers' conference in Sydney, where I caught up with a bunch of writing buddies, as well as a lot of lovely readers. Here are some of my friends with our awards. And some writer friends and I have formed a small movie-going club, where we go to movies together and then have dinner afterwards and talk about the 
movie. We have different tastes, so I'm getting to see some movies I wouldn't normally choose, as well as dragging them to ones they wouldn't normally see. And the other night, a small group of us went down to the docks to catch up with a writer friend, Helene Young, who lives with her husband on a yacht, and writes as they sail from place to place around Australia. They've been doing it for five years now — five years! — and don't plan to stop any time soon.
From Mary Jo:
I was born and raised on a farm in a rural area of Western New York, where wheat, hay, and dairy farming were major. The FFA–Future Farmers of America–were one of the largest groups at my high school, and they wore cool custom denim jackets. I raised gardens, went to country fairs, and absorbed a lot the feel of rural life. That farming background has been really useful for writing historical novels set in a time when much of the population was agrarian.
I'm no farmer now, but that background lingers in my love for the flowers around my house and on my deck. I have window boxes on the deck railings, big pots of flowers, and I always plant a couple of basil plants in the window boxes so we can have fresh basil all summer long. (In fact, I put my basil in this morning.) I enjoy watering and deadheading the flowers, and watching the 
butterflies and birds and occasional other critters. (Once a red-shouldered hawk sat on the railing, and it looked huge!)
Once Anne Gracie was staying with me for a few days after an RWA annual conference in Washington, and she was delighted to see her first ever hummingbird darting around some red blossoms. I can't take much credit for the beauty of flowers, but I love looking at them, and here's a shot of the spectacular tree peony plant just outside my kitchen window. Enjoy!
Nicola here:
I’m currently deep in deadline territory with my latest book, another Tudor time-slip, this time telling the story of Amy Robsart, the wife of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. It’s a historical mystery that looks at the love triangle between Amy, Robert and Queen Elizabeth I, and the way it might play out in the present day. I’ve written the first half and the end and now all I have to do is join it all up. . . Easier said than done when there are so many other things going on!
It’s the Romantic Novelists’ Association Summer Party and Debut Awards on Thursday in the stunning surroundings of the Ashmolean Museum, so I need to dust off my party dress and write my chairman’s speech! We chose the Ashmolean as our venue because it is a place that has been telling stories about people and their lives for hundreds of years. What more fitting place for a bunch of romantic fiction authors who write about relationships?
After that on Saturday there is a certain Royal Wedding happening just down the road from here and I’m thrilled to have been invited by the BBC to be the royal correspondent at a special celebratory garden party in Salisbury, talking about royal weddings and their history. Another special dress needed!
Meanwhile last week I visited the real Wolfhall, setting of so much fascinating Tudor history, and I’ll be blogging about that soon. And in my spare time I go out with Lucy the Guide Dog Puppy; she is six months old and is doing well with her training. She’s been on buses, trains, to book shops and cafes… Here she is with me at the Ashmolean, checking out the party venue!
Joanna here:
I’m working on a Paranormal Romance right now. It’s hard for me and it’s going slowly, but I’m comforted in this endeavor by having a good desk. I can sit there and look out over the valley at 
sunrise if I happen to be up at that time of day. I have a properly battered old chair to go with my battered and scarred old mahogany desk.
I have cool stuff on my desk. A tiny basket made of cloves that my sister gave me. It smells good when you pick it up and I think the writing buddies on my desk like having it there for company. My little writing friend bear sits to one side and holds my glasses. Behind him, in with the pens, you can see my throwing knife. (No. I can’t actually throw the knife. I use it for opening mail.) Beside that there’s a touristy Indian pot I bought when I was a teenager travelling in the Southwest. The lace snowflake propped up in the pot was made by another sister. On a hot day, like today, everybody needs a snowflake to look at.
There's a bronze dog my father brought back from China after World War II. It's supposed to be old. A lump of silver from my great grandfather. It's been sawed in half and I don't know where the other half is. Bet there's a story there somewhere. A tiny white stone fetish animal. A white bear.
Oh, and the cat.
Then there's a digital clock that resets itself by radio, because some things don't have to be old to be cool.
Andrea:
My life is a bit frenetic right now, what with writing projects going at full tilt (my new Lady Arianna mystery novel came out yesterday, and I’m madly working on the third Wrexford & Sloane mystery for an end of the summer deadline) and other obligations demanding time—all in a good way, but a bit exhausting at times! (And then there’s the upcoming trip to England in July to attend the RNA conference in Leeds with Nicola, Mary Jo and Pat!) So I’m doubly happy that spring is here, with the 
even longer days of summer stretching out ahead. In warm weather, I have a ritual of taking an early evening walk on the nearby golf course. I’ll head out around 6 pm. with my golf bag to play a few holes, in the mellow end-of-day light.
It’s not about the game, though I do enjoy the physical challenge of striking the ball well and testing my skill on the fairways and greens. But it’s really all about unwinding—switching gears from the intense mental focus of imagining a story, which for me means a lot of hours in front of a computer screen. I’ve read studies that say doing something physical changes how your brain circuitry works. You use different synapses and neural patterns, which can re-set your thinking. (I can’t tell you how many plot kinks I’ve unknotted in the middle of a backswing!) I find the walk relaxes me, and the mental focus of choosing a shot and a strategy for golf really clears the head.
But most importantly, In my daily walk is a reminder to stop and appreciate all the little joys of life. The course is on a peninsula jutting into Long Island Sound, so there are water views, salt 
marshes and inland tidal pools . I love watching the endlessly changing patterns of light on the water and wild grasses. The wildlife is also engaging. There are loons on the tidal pool by the 4th hole, and often long-legged white egrets and grey herons fishing in the reeds. On the 6th, a pair of swans comes back each summer, floating regally as the sun sets behind them. Hawks circle float, along with an occasional osprey. Spring often brings fox cubs along the first hole (there must be a den deep in the tangle of brambles and bushes that line the fairway.) Stopping for a moment to simply enjoy the feel of the breeze and the activity of Nature all around just sort of grounds me. For me, there is an elemental truth to stopping to “smell the roses.” All too often, we let the daily demands overwhelm that. So I really enjoy taking the time to remind myself to appreciate the rhythms and beauty of Life.
Your turn—why do you like to hear what authors are doing? And what would you like us to know about you?
Thanks for the update. I found it interesting. I especially enjoyed the pics of Lucy (Nicola’s guide dog in training) and the golf foxes. As a child, we lived in the country and I would come across a wild fox every now and then. I think they are beautiful animals.
Thanks for the update. I found it interesting. I especially enjoyed the pics of Lucy (Nicola’s guide dog in training) and the golf foxes. As a child, we lived in the country and I would come across a wild fox every now and then. I think they are beautiful animals.
Thanks for the update. I found it interesting. I especially enjoyed the pics of Lucy (Nicola’s guide dog in training) and the golf foxes. As a child, we lived in the country and I would come across a wild fox every now and then. I think they are beautiful animals.
Thanks for the update. I found it interesting. I especially enjoyed the pics of Lucy (Nicola’s guide dog in training) and the golf foxes. As a child, we lived in the country and I would come across a wild fox every now and then. I think they are beautiful animals.
Thanks for the update. I found it interesting. I especially enjoyed the pics of Lucy (Nicola’s guide dog in training) and the golf foxes. As a child, we lived in the country and I would come across a wild fox every now and then. I think they are beautiful animals.
Why do we like what authors are doing? As had been said, I feel like we’re friends and I like to keep track of my fiends.
As to what I do: I have three hobbies — reading (with SF conventions); stitcher (with Stitch-in); and genealogy (with conferences). just now, while coping with spring pollens, I’m reduced to internet exchanges with fellow hobbyists in all three fields.
Why do we like what authors are doing? As had been said, I feel like we’re friends and I like to keep track of my fiends.
As to what I do: I have three hobbies — reading (with SF conventions); stitcher (with Stitch-in); and genealogy (with conferences). just now, while coping with spring pollens, I’m reduced to internet exchanges with fellow hobbyists in all three fields.
Why do we like what authors are doing? As had been said, I feel like we’re friends and I like to keep track of my fiends.
As to what I do: I have three hobbies — reading (with SF conventions); stitcher (with Stitch-in); and genealogy (with conferences). just now, while coping with spring pollens, I’m reduced to internet exchanges with fellow hobbyists in all three fields.
Why do we like what authors are doing? As had been said, I feel like we’re friends and I like to keep track of my fiends.
As to what I do: I have three hobbies — reading (with SF conventions); stitcher (with Stitch-in); and genealogy (with conferences). just now, while coping with spring pollens, I’m reduced to internet exchanges with fellow hobbyists in all three fields.
Why do we like what authors are doing? As had been said, I feel like we’re friends and I like to keep track of my fiends.
As to what I do: I have three hobbies — reading (with SF conventions); stitcher (with Stitch-in); and genealogy (with conferences). just now, while coping with spring pollens, I’m reduced to internet exchanges with fellow hobbyists in all three fields.
Wow, Nicola, kudos for being chosen by the BBC to be a royal correspondent talking about the history of royal weddings. And at the Salisbury garden party celebrating the Royal Wedding this weekend. Quite an honor for your professional resume. My eyes are very, very big!!
Wow, Nicola, kudos for being chosen by the BBC to be a royal correspondent talking about the history of royal weddings. And at the Salisbury garden party celebrating the Royal Wedding this weekend. Quite an honor for your professional resume. My eyes are very, very big!!
Wow, Nicola, kudos for being chosen by the BBC to be a royal correspondent talking about the history of royal weddings. And at the Salisbury garden party celebrating the Royal Wedding this weekend. Quite an honor for your professional resume. My eyes are very, very big!!
Wow, Nicola, kudos for being chosen by the BBC to be a royal correspondent talking about the history of royal weddings. And at the Salisbury garden party celebrating the Royal Wedding this weekend. Quite an honor for your professional resume. My eyes are very, very big!!
Wow, Nicola, kudos for being chosen by the BBC to be a royal correspondent talking about the history of royal weddings. And at the Salisbury garden party celebrating the Royal Wedding this weekend. Quite an honor for your professional resume. My eyes are very, very big!!
we used to see foxes when we lived in a subdivision in North Carolina. And Nicola’s guide dog is lovely!
we used to see foxes when we lived in a subdivision in North Carolina. And Nicola’s guide dog is lovely!
we used to see foxes when we lived in a subdivision in North Carolina. And Nicola’s guide dog is lovely!
we used to see foxes when we lived in a subdivision in North Carolina. And Nicola’s guide dog is lovely!
we used to see foxes when we lived in a subdivision in North Carolina. And Nicola’s guide dog is lovely!
oh ouch on the allergies! But I love your hobbies and hope you can get back out again soon.
oh ouch on the allergies! But I love your hobbies and hope you can get back out again soon.
oh ouch on the allergies! But I love your hobbies and hope you can get back out again soon.
oh ouch on the allergies! But I love your hobbies and hope you can get back out again soon.
oh ouch on the allergies! But I love your hobbies and hope you can get back out again soon.
Can you imagine? I’d be petrified!
Can you imagine? I’d be petrified!
Can you imagine? I’d be petrified!
Can you imagine? I’d be petrified!
Can you imagine? I’d be petrified!
Thank you, Mary! Lucy is a great little dog.
Thank you, Mary! Lucy is a great little dog.
Thank you, Mary! Lucy is a great little dog.
Thank you, Mary! Lucy is a great little dog.
Thank you, Mary! Lucy is a great little dog.
LOL, Faith, thank you very much! I must admit I was taken aback that they chose me but they wanted someone who knows about royal history and I guess I fit the bill. Wish me luck!
LOL, Faith, thank you very much! I must admit I was taken aback that they chose me but they wanted someone who knows about royal history and I guess I fit the bill. Wish me luck!
LOL, Faith, thank you very much! I must admit I was taken aback that they chose me but they wanted someone who knows about royal history and I guess I fit the bill. Wish me luck!
LOL, Faith, thank you very much! I must admit I was taken aback that they chose me but they wanted someone who knows about royal history and I guess I fit the bill. Wish me luck!
LOL, Faith, thank you very much! I must admit I was taken aback that they chose me but they wanted someone who knows about royal history and I guess I fit the bill. Wish me luck!
Glad you enjoyed the foxes Mary! I’ve loved them ever since I was a child. Such lovely animals. It’s a real treat to see them in the evening when I’m out walking. I’ve even spotted them playing in the sand traps, which is so fun!
Glad you enjoyed the foxes Mary! I’ve loved them ever since I was a child. Such lovely animals. It’s a real treat to see them in the evening when I’m out walking. I’ve even spotted them playing in the sand traps, which is so fun!
Glad you enjoyed the foxes Mary! I’ve loved them ever since I was a child. Such lovely animals. It’s a real treat to see them in the evening when I’m out walking. I’ve even spotted them playing in the sand traps, which is so fun!
Glad you enjoyed the foxes Mary! I’ve loved them ever since I was a child. Such lovely animals. It’s a real treat to see them in the evening when I’m out walking. I’ve even spotted them playing in the sand traps, which is so fun!
Glad you enjoyed the foxes Mary! I’ve loved them ever since I was a child. Such lovely animals. It’s a real treat to see them in the evening when I’m out walking. I’ve even spotted them playing in the sand traps, which is so fun!
Hope the pollen season passes quickly, Sue! You have such interesting hobbies!
Hope the pollen season passes quickly, Sue! You have such interesting hobbies!
Hope the pollen season passes quickly, Sue! You have such interesting hobbies!
Hope the pollen season passes quickly, Sue! You have such interesting hobbies!
Hope the pollen season passes quickly, Sue! You have such interesting hobbies!
Thank you all for sharing tidbits (and photos) of your lives; I enjoyed them all. (A paranormal romance, Joanna? I await more information with interest.)
I doubt it will surprise you to know that I’m an avid reader and have been for as long as I can recall. I read primarily romances of all stripes, but I venture into other genres from time to time. On the happy news front, my daughter who has been living and working in South Korea for the better part of the past five years is currently home for a visit. My husband and I are enjoying her company.
Thank you all for sharing tidbits (and photos) of your lives; I enjoyed them all. (A paranormal romance, Joanna? I await more information with interest.)
I doubt it will surprise you to know that I’m an avid reader and have been for as long as I can recall. I read primarily romances of all stripes, but I venture into other genres from time to time. On the happy news front, my daughter who has been living and working in South Korea for the better part of the past five years is currently home for a visit. My husband and I are enjoying her company.
Thank you all for sharing tidbits (and photos) of your lives; I enjoyed them all. (A paranormal romance, Joanna? I await more information with interest.)
I doubt it will surprise you to know that I’m an avid reader and have been for as long as I can recall. I read primarily romances of all stripes, but I venture into other genres from time to time. On the happy news front, my daughter who has been living and working in South Korea for the better part of the past five years is currently home for a visit. My husband and I are enjoying her company.
Thank you all for sharing tidbits (and photos) of your lives; I enjoyed them all. (A paranormal romance, Joanna? I await more information with interest.)
I doubt it will surprise you to know that I’m an avid reader and have been for as long as I can recall. I read primarily romances of all stripes, but I venture into other genres from time to time. On the happy news front, my daughter who has been living and working in South Korea for the better part of the past five years is currently home for a visit. My husband and I are enjoying her company.
Thank you all for sharing tidbits (and photos) of your lives; I enjoyed them all. (A paranormal romance, Joanna? I await more information with interest.)
I doubt it will surprise you to know that I’m an avid reader and have been for as long as I can recall. I read primarily romances of all stripes, but I venture into other genres from time to time. On the happy news front, my daughter who has been living and working in South Korea for the better part of the past five years is currently home for a visit. My husband and I are enjoying her company.
Thank you very much for sharing glimpses of your lives with us readers! Congratulations on being a BBC correspondent for the royal wedding. To me, that is beyond exciting!! I am a mom of a high functioning Autistic son who happens to be a teen. He is almost finished with ninth grade.His lead teacher is not returning next year and my son is so upset. So, I am trying to help him cope with life’s never ending curve balls. Reading historical romance is a huge escape for me. I prefer anything historical over contemporary genres. I love scrapbooking and making all occasion cards. My son loves his scrapbooks which is very rewarding, much like your writing must be for all of you talented ladies! Thank you all for providing me an escape from my daily stresses. Mary Jo, I can’t wait to read your next book!!!
Thank you very much for sharing glimpses of your lives with us readers! Congratulations on being a BBC correspondent for the royal wedding. To me, that is beyond exciting!! I am a mom of a high functioning Autistic son who happens to be a teen. He is almost finished with ninth grade.His lead teacher is not returning next year and my son is so upset. So, I am trying to help him cope with life’s never ending curve balls. Reading historical romance is a huge escape for me. I prefer anything historical over contemporary genres. I love scrapbooking and making all occasion cards. My son loves his scrapbooks which is very rewarding, much like your writing must be for all of you talented ladies! Thank you all for providing me an escape from my daily stresses. Mary Jo, I can’t wait to read your next book!!!
Thank you very much for sharing glimpses of your lives with us readers! Congratulations on being a BBC correspondent for the royal wedding. To me, that is beyond exciting!! I am a mom of a high functioning Autistic son who happens to be a teen. He is almost finished with ninth grade.His lead teacher is not returning next year and my son is so upset. So, I am trying to help him cope with life’s never ending curve balls. Reading historical romance is a huge escape for me. I prefer anything historical over contemporary genres. I love scrapbooking and making all occasion cards. My son loves his scrapbooks which is very rewarding, much like your writing must be for all of you talented ladies! Thank you all for providing me an escape from my daily stresses. Mary Jo, I can’t wait to read your next book!!!
Thank you very much for sharing glimpses of your lives with us readers! Congratulations on being a BBC correspondent for the royal wedding. To me, that is beyond exciting!! I am a mom of a high functioning Autistic son who happens to be a teen. He is almost finished with ninth grade.His lead teacher is not returning next year and my son is so upset. So, I am trying to help him cope with life’s never ending curve balls. Reading historical romance is a huge escape for me. I prefer anything historical over contemporary genres. I love scrapbooking and making all occasion cards. My son loves his scrapbooks which is very rewarding, much like your writing must be for all of you talented ladies! Thank you all for providing me an escape from my daily stresses. Mary Jo, I can’t wait to read your next book!!!
Thank you very much for sharing glimpses of your lives with us readers! Congratulations on being a BBC correspondent for the royal wedding. To me, that is beyond exciting!! I am a mom of a high functioning Autistic son who happens to be a teen. He is almost finished with ninth grade.His lead teacher is not returning next year and my son is so upset. So, I am trying to help him cope with life’s never ending curve balls. Reading historical romance is a huge escape for me. I prefer anything historical over contemporary genres. I love scrapbooking and making all occasion cards. My son loves his scrapbooks which is very rewarding, much like your writing must be for all of you talented ladies! Thank you all for providing me an escape from my daily stresses. Mary Jo, I can’t wait to read your next book!!!
I can’t wait to find out more about Jo’s paranormal too! She’s been very tightlipped about it.
And yeah on having the daughter home! Hope it’s for a long visit. It’s so hard having them that far away.
I can’t wait to find out more about Jo’s paranormal too! She’s been very tightlipped about it.
And yeah on having the daughter home! Hope it’s for a long visit. It’s so hard having them that far away.
I can’t wait to find out more about Jo’s paranormal too! She’s been very tightlipped about it.
And yeah on having the daughter home! Hope it’s for a long visit. It’s so hard having them that far away.
I can’t wait to find out more about Jo’s paranormal too! She’s been very tightlipped about it.
And yeah on having the daughter home! Hope it’s for a long visit. It’s so hard having them that far away.
I can’t wait to find out more about Jo’s paranormal too! She’s been very tightlipped about it.
And yeah on having the daughter home! Hope it’s for a long visit. It’s so hard having them that far away.
It’s wonderful, Nicola, that the BBC has given you this opportunity. They chose the right and best person.
I’m a dancer in competitive ballroom, International Standard. I’m doing what I can to find the right dance partner for professional competition.
Since I live in NYC, I enjoy the museums, theater, restaurants and simply walking around different neighborhoods. I was born and raised here, but there is always something new and fun to experience.
It’s wonderful, Nicola, that the BBC has given you this opportunity. They chose the right and best person.
I’m a dancer in competitive ballroom, International Standard. I’m doing what I can to find the right dance partner for professional competition.
Since I live in NYC, I enjoy the museums, theater, restaurants and simply walking around different neighborhoods. I was born and raised here, but there is always something new and fun to experience.
It’s wonderful, Nicola, that the BBC has given you this opportunity. They chose the right and best person.
I’m a dancer in competitive ballroom, International Standard. I’m doing what I can to find the right dance partner for professional competition.
Since I live in NYC, I enjoy the museums, theater, restaurants and simply walking around different neighborhoods. I was born and raised here, but there is always something new and fun to experience.
It’s wonderful, Nicola, that the BBC has given you this opportunity. They chose the right and best person.
I’m a dancer in competitive ballroom, International Standard. I’m doing what I can to find the right dance partner for professional competition.
Since I live in NYC, I enjoy the museums, theater, restaurants and simply walking around different neighborhoods. I was born and raised here, but there is always something new and fun to experience.
It’s wonderful, Nicola, that the BBC has given you this opportunity. They chose the right and best person.
I’m a dancer in competitive ballroom, International Standard. I’m doing what I can to find the right dance partner for professional competition.
Since I live in NYC, I enjoy the museums, theater, restaurants and simply walking around different neighborhoods. I was born and raised here, but there is always something new and fun to experience.
Hugs on dealing with the changes in your son’s life. Teen lives are difficult enough as it is. To have a curve ball thrown at him–is probably good experience but tough.
Scrapbooking must be very soothing, sort of like knitting and gardening for others of us.
Hugs on dealing with the changes in your son’s life. Teen lives are difficult enough as it is. To have a curve ball thrown at him–is probably good experience but tough.
Scrapbooking must be very soothing, sort of like knitting and gardening for others of us.
Hugs on dealing with the changes in your son’s life. Teen lives are difficult enough as it is. To have a curve ball thrown at him–is probably good experience but tough.
Scrapbooking must be very soothing, sort of like knitting and gardening for others of us.
Hugs on dealing with the changes in your son’s life. Teen lives are difficult enough as it is. To have a curve ball thrown at him–is probably good experience but tough.
Scrapbooking must be very soothing, sort of like knitting and gardening for others of us.
Hugs on dealing with the changes in your son’s life. Teen lives are difficult enough as it is. To have a curve ball thrown at him–is probably good experience but tough.
Scrapbooking must be very soothing, sort of like knitting and gardening for others of us.
TONS of luck!!!
TONS of luck!!!
TONS of luck!!!
TONS of luck!!!
TONS of luck!!!
You’re not the only one who’d be petrified!
You’re not the only one who’d be petrified!
You’re not the only one who’d be petrified!
You’re not the only one who’d be petrified!
You’re not the only one who’d be petrified!
I got pretty excited about Joanna’s paranormal, too.
I got pretty excited about Joanna’s paranormal, too.
I got pretty excited about Joanna’s paranormal, too.
I got pretty excited about Joanna’s paranormal, too.
I got pretty excited about Joanna’s paranormal, too.
What a delightful post! Nicola’s role in covering the royal wedding is exciting. I’m not much of a paranormal reader, but a paranormal book from Jo Bourne could change that. (I do hope there are no vampires, Jo.) And all the info from the rest of you adds depth to my perception of you based on your books, email exchanges with some of you, and years of reading this blog. I don’t think I consider every author I read a friend, but I do think of the Wenches and some others in that light. I think the back and forth exchanges that blogs and social media make possible fosters that feeling. I’ve been reading some authors on my auto-buy list since their debut novel, have recommended their books to others, and have cheered when they won awards and hit bestseller lists. All that produces feelings of friendship. I also feel a connection to a few authors whose every book I’ve read over three decades or more. That’s a long relationship. 🙂 And sometimes I interact with an author and have that sense of having met a kindred spirit.
As for me, I read voraciously, I write ambivalently, I teach joyfully,and I wholeheartedly enjoy time with my family and with friends in real life and online.
What a delightful post! Nicola’s role in covering the royal wedding is exciting. I’m not much of a paranormal reader, but a paranormal book from Jo Bourne could change that. (I do hope there are no vampires, Jo.) And all the info from the rest of you adds depth to my perception of you based on your books, email exchanges with some of you, and years of reading this blog. I don’t think I consider every author I read a friend, but I do think of the Wenches and some others in that light. I think the back and forth exchanges that blogs and social media make possible fosters that feeling. I’ve been reading some authors on my auto-buy list since their debut novel, have recommended their books to others, and have cheered when they won awards and hit bestseller lists. All that produces feelings of friendship. I also feel a connection to a few authors whose every book I’ve read over three decades or more. That’s a long relationship. 🙂 And sometimes I interact with an author and have that sense of having met a kindred spirit.
As for me, I read voraciously, I write ambivalently, I teach joyfully,and I wholeheartedly enjoy time with my family and with friends in real life and online.
What a delightful post! Nicola’s role in covering the royal wedding is exciting. I’m not much of a paranormal reader, but a paranormal book from Jo Bourne could change that. (I do hope there are no vampires, Jo.) And all the info from the rest of you adds depth to my perception of you based on your books, email exchanges with some of you, and years of reading this blog. I don’t think I consider every author I read a friend, but I do think of the Wenches and some others in that light. I think the back and forth exchanges that blogs and social media make possible fosters that feeling. I’ve been reading some authors on my auto-buy list since their debut novel, have recommended their books to others, and have cheered when they won awards and hit bestseller lists. All that produces feelings of friendship. I also feel a connection to a few authors whose every book I’ve read over three decades or more. That’s a long relationship. 🙂 And sometimes I interact with an author and have that sense of having met a kindred spirit.
As for me, I read voraciously, I write ambivalently, I teach joyfully,and I wholeheartedly enjoy time with my family and with friends in real life and online.
What a delightful post! Nicola’s role in covering the royal wedding is exciting. I’m not much of a paranormal reader, but a paranormal book from Jo Bourne could change that. (I do hope there are no vampires, Jo.) And all the info from the rest of you adds depth to my perception of you based on your books, email exchanges with some of you, and years of reading this blog. I don’t think I consider every author I read a friend, but I do think of the Wenches and some others in that light. I think the back and forth exchanges that blogs and social media make possible fosters that feeling. I’ve been reading some authors on my auto-buy list since their debut novel, have recommended their books to others, and have cheered when they won awards and hit bestseller lists. All that produces feelings of friendship. I also feel a connection to a few authors whose every book I’ve read over three decades or more. That’s a long relationship. 🙂 And sometimes I interact with an author and have that sense of having met a kindred spirit.
As for me, I read voraciously, I write ambivalently, I teach joyfully,and I wholeheartedly enjoy time with my family and with friends in real life and online.
What a delightful post! Nicola’s role in covering the royal wedding is exciting. I’m not much of a paranormal reader, but a paranormal book from Jo Bourne could change that. (I do hope there are no vampires, Jo.) And all the info from the rest of you adds depth to my perception of you based on your books, email exchanges with some of you, and years of reading this blog. I don’t think I consider every author I read a friend, but I do think of the Wenches and some others in that light. I think the back and forth exchanges that blogs and social media make possible fosters that feeling. I’ve been reading some authors on my auto-buy list since their debut novel, have recommended their books to others, and have cheered when they won awards and hit bestseller lists. All that produces feelings of friendship. I also feel a connection to a few authors whose every book I’ve read over three decades or more. That’s a long relationship. 🙂 And sometimes I interact with an author and have that sense of having met a kindred spirit.
As for me, I read voraciously, I write ambivalently, I teach joyfully,and I wholeheartedly enjoy time with my family and with friends in real life and online.
Thanks, Maryellen! Books are so wonderful for escape and recharging ourselves, and teenagers are stressful even when they aren’t autistic! For my next book, ONCE A SCOUNDREL,there is a library hardcover edition being released in June, I think (these are always several months before the mass market release), so you could try pestering your local library to get a copy in that you can read. *G*
Thanks, Maryellen! Books are so wonderful for escape and recharging ourselves, and teenagers are stressful even when they aren’t autistic! For my next book, ONCE A SCOUNDREL,there is a library hardcover edition being released in June, I think (these are always several months before the mass market release), so you could try pestering your local library to get a copy in that you can read. *G*
Thanks, Maryellen! Books are so wonderful for escape and recharging ourselves, and teenagers are stressful even when they aren’t autistic! For my next book, ONCE A SCOUNDREL,there is a library hardcover edition being released in June, I think (these are always several months before the mass market release), so you could try pestering your local library to get a copy in that you can read. *G*
Thanks, Maryellen! Books are so wonderful for escape and recharging ourselves, and teenagers are stressful even when they aren’t autistic! For my next book, ONCE A SCOUNDREL,there is a library hardcover edition being released in June, I think (these are always several months before the mass market release), so you could try pestering your local library to get a copy in that you can read. *G*
Thanks, Maryellen! Books are so wonderful for escape and recharging ourselves, and teenagers are stressful even when they aren’t autistic! For my next book, ONCE A SCOUNDREL,there is a library hardcover edition being released in June, I think (these are always several months before the mass market release), so you could try pestering your local library to get a copy in that you can read. *G*
So glad you have your daughter home for a bit. Might be exciting if you could go visit her ….
I don’t know quite what the Paranormal Romance will turn out to be. Still feeling my way, I guess.
So glad you have your daughter home for a bit. Might be exciting if you could go visit her ….
I don’t know quite what the Paranormal Romance will turn out to be. Still feeling my way, I guess.
So glad you have your daughter home for a bit. Might be exciting if you could go visit her ….
I don’t know quite what the Paranormal Romance will turn out to be. Still feeling my way, I guess.
So glad you have your daughter home for a bit. Might be exciting if you could go visit her ….
I don’t know quite what the Paranormal Romance will turn out to be. Still feeling my way, I guess.
So glad you have your daughter home for a bit. Might be exciting if you could go visit her ….
I don’t know quite what the Paranormal Romance will turn out to be. Still feeling my way, I guess.
Enjoy the visit with your daughter, Kareni! How lovely that you have a chance to spend some special time together.
Enjoy the visit with your daughter, Kareni! How lovely that you have a chance to spend some special time together.
Enjoy the visit with your daughter, Kareni! How lovely that you have a chance to spend some special time together.
Enjoy the visit with your daughter, Kareni! How lovely that you have a chance to spend some special time together.
Enjoy the visit with your daughter, Kareni! How lovely that you have a chance to spend some special time together.
Maryellen, I so glad reading helps provide a respite from Life’s curveballs. It’s one of the things I treasure about books—they are magic, and allow us to lose ourselves in a story. And that’s important. For me, it’s the best medicine of all.
Sending hugs, and may the transition to a new grade and teacher smoothly.
Maryellen, I so glad reading helps provide a respite from Life’s curveballs. It’s one of the things I treasure about books—they are magic, and allow us to lose ourselves in a story. And that’s important. For me, it’s the best medicine of all.
Sending hugs, and may the transition to a new grade and teacher smoothly.
Maryellen, I so glad reading helps provide a respite from Life’s curveballs. It’s one of the things I treasure about books—they are magic, and allow us to lose ourselves in a story. And that’s important. For me, it’s the best medicine of all.
Sending hugs, and may the transition to a new grade and teacher smoothly.
Maryellen, I so glad reading helps provide a respite from Life’s curveballs. It’s one of the things I treasure about books—they are magic, and allow us to lose ourselves in a story. And that’s important. For me, it’s the best medicine of all.
Sending hugs, and may the transition to a new grade and teacher smoothly.
Maryellen, I so glad reading helps provide a respite from Life’s curveballs. It’s one of the things I treasure about books—they are magic, and allow us to lose ourselves in a story. And that’s important. For me, it’s the best medicine of all.
Sending hugs, and may the transition to a new grade and teacher smoothly.
Wow—that’s very cool. Patricia!
Wow—that’s very cool. Patricia!
Wow—that’s very cool. Patricia!
Wow—that’s very cool. Patricia!
Wow—that’s very cool. Patricia!
Janga, you have just described a very rich and rewarding life!
Janga, you have just described a very rich and rewarding life!
Janga, you have just described a very rich and rewarding life!
Janga, you have just described a very rich and rewarding life!
Janga, you have just described a very rich and rewarding life!
Ah Patricia, you’re doing what I’d like to do in another life!
Ah Patricia, you’re doing what I’d like to do in another life!
Ah Patricia, you’re doing what I’d like to do in another life!
Ah Patricia, you’re doing what I’d like to do in another life!
Ah Patricia, you’re doing what I’d like to do in another life!
I’m glad you’re feeling the friendship. We certainly think of you as one! And a joyful life is a fulfilled one, so you’re doing it right!
I’m glad you’re feeling the friendship. We certainly think of you as one! And a joyful life is a fulfilled one, so you’re doing it right!
I’m glad you’re feeling the friendship. We certainly think of you as one! And a joyful life is a fulfilled one, so you’re doing it right!
I’m glad you’re feeling the friendship. We certainly think of you as one! And a joyful life is a fulfilled one, so you’re doing it right!
I’m glad you’re feeling the friendship. We certainly think of you as one! And a joyful life is a fulfilled one, so you’re doing it right!
Very excited that I’ll get to meet Mary Jo, Andrea and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds, along with Nicola. You must let me know if you want the Georgette Heyer’s Walk round (what is left of) Regency London and we’ll fix a date.
Very excited that I’ll get to meet Mary Jo, Andrea and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds, along with Nicola. You must let me know if you want the Georgette Heyer’s Walk round (what is left of) Regency London and we’ll fix a date.
Very excited that I’ll get to meet Mary Jo, Andrea and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds, along with Nicola. You must let me know if you want the Georgette Heyer’s Walk round (what is left of) Regency London and we’ll fix a date.
Very excited that I’ll get to meet Mary Jo, Andrea and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds, along with Nicola. You must let me know if you want the Georgette Heyer’s Walk round (what is left of) Regency London and we’ll fix a date.
Very excited that I’ll get to meet Mary Jo, Andrea and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds, along with Nicola. You must let me know if you want the Georgette Heyer’s Walk round (what is left of) Regency London and we’ll fix a date.
Thanks all for the good visit wishes.
Joanne, we did visit her once a few years ago which was fun. And she gave my husband a plane ticket a year ago for a father’s day visit which made him the most surprised I’ve ever seen him. He loved that trip.
Thanks all for the good visit wishes.
Joanne, we did visit her once a few years ago which was fun. And she gave my husband a plane ticket a year ago for a father’s day visit which made him the most surprised I’ve ever seen him. He loved that trip.
Thanks all for the good visit wishes.
Joanne, we did visit her once a few years ago which was fun. And she gave my husband a plane ticket a year ago for a father’s day visit which made him the most surprised I’ve ever seen him. He loved that trip.
Thanks all for the good visit wishes.
Joanne, we did visit her once a few years ago which was fun. And she gave my husband a plane ticket a year ago for a father’s day visit which made him the most surprised I’ve ever seen him. He loved that trip.
Thanks all for the good visit wishes.
Joanne, we did visit her once a few years ago which was fun. And she gave my husband a plane ticket a year ago for a father’s day visit which made him the most surprised I’ve ever seen him. He loved that trip.
We’re excited too! And wow on the walk of London offer! Unfortunately, Mary Jo and I are going north after the conference. I know Andrea is headed for London, so let’s see what she’s up for. It would have been so much fun to do the walk all together…
We’re excited too! And wow on the walk of London offer! Unfortunately, Mary Jo and I are going north after the conference. I know Andrea is headed for London, so let’s see what she’s up for. It would have been so much fun to do the walk all together…
We’re excited too! And wow on the walk of London offer! Unfortunately, Mary Jo and I are going north after the conference. I know Andrea is headed for London, so let’s see what she’s up for. It would have been so much fun to do the walk all together…
We’re excited too! And wow on the walk of London offer! Unfortunately, Mary Jo and I are going north after the conference. I know Andrea is headed for London, so let’s see what she’s up for. It would have been so much fun to do the walk all together…
We’re excited too! And wow on the walk of London offer! Unfortunately, Mary Jo and I are going north after the conference. I know Andrea is headed for London, so let’s see what she’s up for. It would have been so much fun to do the walk all together…
Oh, how wonderful we’ll get to meet, Jenny!
The Heyer walk sounds like so much fun to do with you! Alas, I have so little time in London, and have a list a mile long of research places I want to visit . . . but maybe we can sneak it in! I’ll contact you via e-mail and see what your timing looks like. I’ll be in London from 18th through the morning of the 21st.
Oh, how wonderful we’ll get to meet, Jenny!
The Heyer walk sounds like so much fun to do with you! Alas, I have so little time in London, and have a list a mile long of research places I want to visit . . . but maybe we can sneak it in! I’ll contact you via e-mail and see what your timing looks like. I’ll be in London from 18th through the morning of the 21st.
Oh, how wonderful we’ll get to meet, Jenny!
The Heyer walk sounds like so much fun to do with you! Alas, I have so little time in London, and have a list a mile long of research places I want to visit . . . but maybe we can sneak it in! I’ll contact you via e-mail and see what your timing looks like. I’ll be in London from 18th through the morning of the 21st.
Oh, how wonderful we’ll get to meet, Jenny!
The Heyer walk sounds like so much fun to do with you! Alas, I have so little time in London, and have a list a mile long of research places I want to visit . . . but maybe we can sneak it in! I’ll contact you via e-mail and see what your timing looks like. I’ll be in London from 18th through the morning of the 21st.
Oh, how wonderful we’ll get to meet, Jenny!
The Heyer walk sounds like so much fun to do with you! Alas, I have so little time in London, and have a list a mile long of research places I want to visit . . . but maybe we can sneak it in! I’ll contact you via e-mail and see what your timing looks like. I’ll be in London from 18th through the morning of the 21st.
Catching up here, a little late. Like Jenny (Haddon), I’m delighted to hear I’m going to be able to meet Mary Jo, Andrea, and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds this year. Really looking forward to it.
And if any of you do have time to do Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk in London, you really should — it’s fantastic and she knows so much about the locations.
Catching up here, a little late. Like Jenny (Haddon), I’m delighted to hear I’m going to be able to meet Mary Jo, Andrea, and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds this year. Really looking forward to it.
And if any of you do have time to do Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk in London, you really should — it’s fantastic and she knows so much about the locations.
Catching up here, a little late. Like Jenny (Haddon), I’m delighted to hear I’m going to be able to meet Mary Jo, Andrea, and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds this year. Really looking forward to it.
And if any of you do have time to do Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk in London, you really should — it’s fantastic and she knows so much about the locations.
Catching up here, a little late. Like Jenny (Haddon), I’m delighted to hear I’m going to be able to meet Mary Jo, Andrea, and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds this year. Really looking forward to it.
And if any of you do have time to do Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk in London, you really should — it’s fantastic and she knows so much about the locations.
Catching up here, a little late. Like Jenny (Haddon), I’m delighted to hear I’m going to be able to meet Mary Jo, Andrea, and Pat at the RNA Conference in Leeds this year. Really looking forward to it.
And if any of you do have time to do Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk in London, you really should — it’s fantastic and she knows so much about the locations.
Forgot to say that, if anyone wants to know about Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk, she did 2 guest blogs about it, here with the Wenches. It starts here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2015/11/-heyer-walk-1.html
Forgot to say that, if anyone wants to know about Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk, she did 2 guest blogs about it, here with the Wenches. It starts here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2015/11/-heyer-walk-1.html
Forgot to say that, if anyone wants to know about Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk, she did 2 guest blogs about it, here with the Wenches. It starts here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2015/11/-heyer-walk-1.html
Forgot to say that, if anyone wants to know about Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk, she did 2 guest blogs about it, here with the Wenches. It starts here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2015/11/-heyer-walk-1.html
Forgot to say that, if anyone wants to know about Jenny’s Georgette Heyer Walk, she did 2 guest blogs about it, here with the Wenches. It starts here:
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2015/11/-heyer-walk-1.html
Anne Gracie has been telling us what well be missing! Wish we could squeeze in everything. 🙁
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Anne Gracie has been telling us what well be missing! Wish we could squeeze in everything. 🙁
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Anne Gracie has been telling us what well be missing! Wish we could squeeze in everything. 🙁
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Anne Gracie has been telling us what well be missing! Wish we could squeeze in everything. 🙁
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Anne Gracie has been telling us what well be missing! Wish we could squeeze in everything. 🙁
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
I am late to the game, as usual. And I haven’t commented in quite awhile (or very sporadically.) But I love these posts so much. I guess, anybody else out there who has great admiration for any group of people, like actors or other celebrities, sports figures or rock stars, they love learning more about the lives of the people they highly admire. Romance writers are my actor idols, my champion sportsmen, my Rock Stars. I’m such a private person, I truly don’t want idle gossip and sensationalism. But I love hearing the things you share on a voluntary basis.
I am late to the game, as usual. And I haven’t commented in quite awhile (or very sporadically.) But I love these posts so much. I guess, anybody else out there who has great admiration for any group of people, like actors or other celebrities, sports figures or rock stars, they love learning more about the lives of the people they highly admire. Romance writers are my actor idols, my champion sportsmen, my Rock Stars. I’m such a private person, I truly don’t want idle gossip and sensationalism. But I love hearing the things you share on a voluntary basis.
I am late to the game, as usual. And I haven’t commented in quite awhile (or very sporadically.) But I love these posts so much. I guess, anybody else out there who has great admiration for any group of people, like actors or other celebrities, sports figures or rock stars, they love learning more about the lives of the people they highly admire. Romance writers are my actor idols, my champion sportsmen, my Rock Stars. I’m such a private person, I truly don’t want idle gossip and sensationalism. But I love hearing the things you share on a voluntary basis.
I am late to the game, as usual. And I haven’t commented in quite awhile (or very sporadically.) But I love these posts so much. I guess, anybody else out there who has great admiration for any group of people, like actors or other celebrities, sports figures or rock stars, they love learning more about the lives of the people they highly admire. Romance writers are my actor idols, my champion sportsmen, my Rock Stars. I’m such a private person, I truly don’t want idle gossip and sensationalism. But I love hearing the things you share on a voluntary basis.
I am late to the game, as usual. And I haven’t commented in quite awhile (or very sporadically.) But I love these posts so much. I guess, anybody else out there who has great admiration for any group of people, like actors or other celebrities, sports figures or rock stars, they love learning more about the lives of the people they highly admire. Romance writers are my actor idols, my champion sportsmen, my Rock Stars. I’m such a private person, I truly don’t want idle gossip and sensationalism. But I love hearing the things you share on a voluntary basis.
Thank you, Michelle! Its comments like yours that justify us crawling out of our writing caves and pretending were real people. 😉 We love our readers, and thats incentive enough to blog.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Thank you, Michelle! Its comments like yours that justify us crawling out of our writing caves and pretending were real people. 😉 We love our readers, and thats incentive enough to blog.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Thank you, Michelle! Its comments like yours that justify us crawling out of our writing caves and pretending were real people. 😉 We love our readers, and thats incentive enough to blog.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Thank you, Michelle! Its comments like yours that justify us crawling out of our writing caves and pretending were real people. 😉 We love our readers, and thats incentive enough to blog.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Thank you, Michelle! Its comments like yours that justify us crawling out of our writing caves and pretending were real people. 😉 We love our readers, and thats incentive enough to blog.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com