"Congratulations. You have just won a free, all-expenses-paid cruise to the Carribean!"

Excuse my cynicism, but I DON'T THINK SO!

I hung up on the telemarketer at this point, because I was so p'ed off about sprinting from the far end (aka my quiet writing end) of the house to the phone, which I did because I was expecting a call. Not this call. A real call. I shouldn't have hung up. I should have stayed and found out what I needed to do to "win" my cruise, or at least to ask a lot of questions about the all-expenses-paid FROM AUSTRALIA!!!!! part of it!

So, have you "won" anything lately?

Remember earlier this week I mentioned my NEO needing a name? Well, a clever friend--let's call her Sue *g*--came up with Cleo. Simple. Feminine. Sexy. I like it, for those reasons and also because it reminds me of one of Jayne Ann Krentz's wonderful heroines. If my memory serves me, Cleo is in GRAND PASSION with Max, and would you believe I have just agreed to write a 2007 continuity book with a hero named Max? So, it's serendipity. Neo, I hereby dub thee Cleo and bless every word that sails from you.

Last night I didn't sleep well. One of those nights where my brain refused to shut down but I was too tired, physically, to get up and go do something worthwhile with my wakefulness. Like work. So, this morning I wasn't exactly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. But then my mother called. She'd discovered that tickets for Il Divo's 2006 Australian concerts went on sale today.

I offered to check it out for her, logged on, and one minute later saw the status change from AVAILABLE SOON to ON SALE NOW. I felt an immediate charge of adrenaline and flexed the fingers of my mouse hand. Game on! And what super fun, joining the race for available tickets at a small (but gorgeous) venue, deciding between dates and seats, rows and sections. Is it better to be closer to the stage but in the wings, or higher up and center front. In the end I chose the Mezzanine level, center section, and, guess what? Next March I'm going, with my Mum, to see Il Divo!!!

A couple of days back I mentioned how most RWA chapter contests run writing related contests, as opposed to the Sacramento chapter's website design contest. Well, today I received the FABULOUS news that my Beyond Control has won the Short Contemporary category of the 2005 Aspen Gold. This is one of those aforementioned writing contests, this one run by the Heart of Denver Romance Writers. I was chuffed enough to be a finalist and when I saw the other finalists I didn't consider I had any chance of winning. So, today you can picture me smiling!!!

...which I'm not sure I did in my last post about the (nameless) NEO, but let's pretend I did bore you with an explanation of the difference between files and workspaces. Which I learned about from reading the manual. Anyhoo, now I HAVE mentioned workspaces and so I thought I'd show you mine.


I would like for the wall I stare at not to be blank. Before starting most books I spent some time collecting pictures--maybe likenesses of my protagonoists, or the kind of clothes they wear, the setting, rooms that will inspire scenes, things like that--and I pin them to a board which sits in that space. I haven't for this book, yet, and maybe I won't. I'm rather enjoying working on my NEO in the garden or any other place that takes my fancy.

How about you -- do you like to write in a set place every day or do you prefer some variety?

Back in July I replaced my poor old worn-out Alphasmart with a fancy new NEO. In the months since I've used it plenty but in the same very basic way I used my old Alphie. Last night, while watching the ARIAs (Australian Record Industry Awards), I read the manual--don't think I ever did that with Alphie!--and learned how to use all the word-processing functions.

Word to all NEO owners: reading the manual IS worthwhile!

I have now named all my files and I know that I can save more than 8 files. I can find, select, cut and paste. I now have 6 lines of text on my screen (verdict's out on whether I'll keep this for go back to 4 or 5.) Oh, and I learned how to download files from my computer onto the NEO. Previously I'd only downloaded the other way. In other words, I typed up a scene on my NEO and then transferred it into my manuscript document on my computer before setting to work on the editing.

Now, after reading the manual, I can do so much more. Yay. Example, I downloaded the synopsis-slash-outline of this book I'm working on from computer to NEO and--like all awards shows, this one went onandonandon--added a whole heap of scene notes and now I have the first third of the book all nutted out. Which is excellent because I had some pretty sketchy patches in that synopis-slash-outline. Now I can power on with the writing this week. I'll let you know how that works out.

Meantime, I can't keep called the NEO, the NEO. She needs a name...and yes, she (being a far more versatile multi-tasker than poor old Alphie) is a she. Suggestions anyone?

A lot of chapters of Romance Writers of America hold contests, most of them about the writing, whether as part of an unpublished manuscript or a published book. The Sacramento Valley chapter, however, runs something a little different. Their Silver Rose Award is for website design and I am thrilled to announce that my website is a 2005 finalist. The winners won't be announced until December and I am looking forward to feedback from the judges so I -- or I should say my excellent web-designer, Shelley Kay at Web Crafters -- can make my site even better.

Today is our local Show Day. Translation for my American readers: a bit like your county fair, with exhibits of produce and crafts and livestock, a side-show alley (concession stands?), rides (merry go rounds, dodgem cars, all manner of things that spin fast and make girls squeal), fairy floss and toffee apples and dagwood dogs on sticks. All those kinds of things. Does that sound like a county fair?

When I was growing up--way back in the mists of time, according to my offspring--Show Day was A Very Big Deal. We all frocked up, maybe even in a new dress, squirelled away our pocket money for months in advance, and barely slept the night before with anticipation. It was one of THE big days of the year. This, BTW, is a picture of *ahem* "a family" enjoying a picnic lunch at their local show way back then. The girl center front may well bear a resemblance to me, but I'm not admitting a thing!

This year we are going because this is one of the few times of the year I see a lot of our neighbors. Also, middle son loves those dodgems. Also, both husband and myself have jobs we do to help out. Also, the afternoon teas include pretty darn delicious cakes. But Show Day isn't the big deal it used to be, and looking at this picture and remembering our childhood excitement makes me a bit sad. (Partly, because telling stories about The Good Ole Days means I'm getting old and turning into my mother!)

So, what simple entertainment from your childhood do you wish your children could also get to enjoy?

Today, I had to take some paperwork to my accountant. To do this I needed to dress in something other than my at-home sweats and T-shirt ensemble, and so as not to waste the effort (makeup and everything!) I decided to go and see Pride and Prejudice. My mum came too. I was slightly hesitant because the BBC production is one of my all-time favorite delights and, frankly, I wasn't sure how Matthew MacFadyen and Keira Knightley would shape up (aka compare.) I didn't want to see Jane Austen's words sullied.

Well, praise be, I loved it! Even MacFadyen's moody, morose version of Mr. Darcy!! The giggling of the Bennett sisters did grate, but not enough to diminish my overall enjoyment. And to complete my delight, afterward I picked up a pair of boots I've been eyeing for ages on sale. Yay, me, super shopper! Must take a picture of them, but for now I can only offer you Mr. Darcy.

Does anyone else remember the story about the vibrator-in-a-rubbish-bin that closed down an Aussie airport? It made the news everywhere a while back, with much speculation about how that vibrator ended up in the trash. Well, I have the scoop, in case anyone's been hanging on the edge of his/her seat wondering. *g*

An Australian youth radio station is running these contests with serious prizes: like, tickets and flights to see Franz Ferdinand in NYC or Coldplay in London or The White Stripes in Berlin or The Foo Fighters in Wales. To win, punters ring in with their stories on various themes, such as "Your Claim to Shame" or "Your Claim for Blame," and the announcers choose the best/funniest/most outrageous as the winner.

Now, some of these ring-in confessions are pretty mind-boggling. Like, theft, arson, chookicide--maybe accidental, maybe not--but often from back in their childhood and kept secret for many, many years. Kinda makes you wonder about the moral dubiousness of these kids confessing just so they can win a concert trip of a lifetime. And that's if their stories are even true. One story that did have the ring (no pun intended) of truth concerns the aforementioned airport shutdown.

Young Aussie lad--let's call him YAl--decides to play a prank on his mate as they're setting off on holiday. YAl purchases a vibrating (there's no euphemism I can think of here) butt plug and puts it in his friend's carry-on, along with a fork. The x-ray machine will detect the fork, luggage will be searched, friend will be embarrassed. Much hilarity.

But, friend discovers the contraband before they get to security checkpoint and gives it back to YAl who decides, joke's over, I'll throw it in this handy-dandy bin. Next thing, the bin is surrounded by big burly security dudes responding to reports of a suspicious vibrating presence. The airport is shut down on major security alert. And the vibrator-in-bin makes headlines worldwide.

So, my question of the day: have you ever been involved in a prank-gone-wrong? or even a prank-gone-right? I don't have concert tickets to give away. In fact, I don't have anything to give away. And the only confession I COULD make, is staying my own little secret (tee-hee)!

Today, I was mopping the kitchen floor (yes, even us *cough* world-famous authors have to do some occasional cleaning) and that was going pretty well until I tipped over the bucket and a flood of sudsy water spread from here to Perth. Almost. Perhaps I didn't need that much water but I got a bit distracted while filling the giant bucket. Anyway, I pretended not to notice how much went under the fridges and set about sopping up the rest. Those towels needed washing anyway. Then my husband walked in and asked what I was doing and I told him--arms spread to indicate the mess--to witness the evidence. I've told him this before, but does he listen? I simply am not cut out for housework. How about you?

Today, I watched a morning news show. This isn't part of my usual routine but I am unashamedly entranced by the the news coverage of the new Danish prince, born four days ago. No, I correct myself. I am unashamedly entranced by the romance between his parents. I realize this isn't a big story anywhere but Denmark and Australia, so let me summarize.

While in Australia for the Olympics, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark met (I don't think I can say picked up in reference to royalty, can I?) local gal Mary Donaldson in a bar. Romance ensued. Mary moved to Denmark and they married last year with much pomp and ceremony, as royals do. There's the whole dress uniform thing, for starters. Oh, and you gotta love a prince who's been in the special forces!

But the pomp didn't entrance me as much as the human touches, the tears, the intimate smiles, all the little signs that this was a couple madly in love and unafraid for the world to know it. So, when Frederik spoke to the media about the birth of his son, it was no surprise to see the delight in his smile and hear the tremor of emotion in his voice. He actually looked like a man who hadn't slept because he'd spent that whole ten hours of labor holding his wife's hand.

Anyway, the best scene on this morning's report was an unguarded moment as they walked toward the palace. Mary's dog bounded out with this great big Collie smile on its face and Mary bent down to greet her pet. Then, as they disappeared from camera view, she put her arm around her husband (who was carrying bub) and leaned in real close and...yeah...can you tell why I love writing romance? *happy sigh*

If you, too, love a real life fairytale, here's a wedding photo and here's the future king.

Today, I have some trivia to share. Did you know there's an economic index built around the price of a Big Mac? I guess it's one commodity that's the same in every country, and comparing the price charged in $US is therefore valid. Example: according to the latest index, a Big Mac in America costs $US3.06, $US3.44 in the UK, and $US2.50 in Australia. What this means, in broad terms, is that our $ is undervalued against the $US. Another good reason to come and visit me, folks! (And I promise I won't feed you Big Macs!)

A week or two back I posted a picture of the view from our garden, taken last year, and mentioned taking an up-to-date one. Of course, then the weather turned surly and I forgot until this weekend which has been just magic. So, I took this picture although it's not so much the view as the spot in the garden where I sit to contemplate (not my navel, but my novel in progress!) and sometimes to type away on my Neo. As I'm just starting a new book you will find me here often in the next few weeks.

...I learned from reading romance. (Well, almost--there are also the 4 who inhabit my house!!) Courtesy of Dee's blog, (yup, I'm a thief, too, *g* plus I'm working hard this weekend) here is how much I've learned:

You Have Your PhD in Men

You understand men almost better than anyone. You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well. Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful.

So, are you also Most Learned About Men or do you need to read more romances?

Today, I have books!!! And to celebrate the belated arrival of this box of books, I have a copy of The Ruthless Groom for the first person who emails me (use the link up the top right of my blog) with the answer to TWO questions. (No, I'm not trying to make it as hard for you to get a copy as it was for me--the answers are right here on my blog and website!)

Q1: what is "the ruthless groom's" name? (hint: check out my books page)
Q2: who originally received my box of books? (hint: check my blog a few days back)

Today, I gave my first talk on romance writing to a non-writing group, a women's service club in a town half an hour from where I live. My sister-in-law invited me and I think it went well. I had fun, anyway. It's always fun to spread the word about our fabulous books and the RWA statistics on how many books are published and sold for how many $$$ is always impressive. So is showing the various foreign translations. I did a quick count this morning and came up with 24 countries where I know my books have been sold. Cool, huh? I have some of the foreign covers up on my website here if anyone wants to check them out. Although I haven't updated them in a while. (Note to self: update foreign covers page.)

Today, I read a report (unsubstantiated) that Daniel Craig has been cast as the new James Bond in Casino Royale which starts shooting in January. I have nothing against blonds or blondes (well, I am one myself) and I have nothing against Mr. Craig (since I can't recall seeing him in anything) but I'm just not buying this face as the new Bond. What about you? And in a related question: who is your favorite Bond? I'm a Sean Connery gal myself...

...as a consolation, today I got to see ONE of them on eHarlequin. Harlequin's on-line store has put together themed collections for a Halloween promotion and my Ruthless Groom is part of the "International Rogues" goodie bag. Not sure Alex would be thrilled by the rogue reference--he thinks he's such an upright and responsible citizen!--but I'm rather chuffed to see him featured.

BTW, eHarlequin is a terrific place to buy books if you're in America, because they're offered a month ahead of shelf date AND at a discounted price. Not to mention all the special offers. So, here's today's quick question: how do you prefer to buy your books -- do you like the convenience of on-line ordering or do you prefer browsing a real bookstore where you can see the books?

Today, I have spent a frustratingly long time on the phone (and on hold, grrrowl) trying to locate the author copies of my November book. These are the free copies provided by my publisher which I can use as promotional giveaways or to enter the book in contests etc, but which I cannot sell.

Anyway, mine are sent from America in two boxes, one containing a lot of books and one containing, well, just the two books. (Don't ask.) Last week the box with 2 books arrived and I waited a few more days and still no sign of "box 1 of 2." This morning I decided to ring the courier and I discovered that it had been delivered on the 6th (huh!) and signed for by someone named Bishop.

So, Mr./Ms./The Bishop (whoever you are, wherever you are), I WANT MY BOOKS BACK!!!

Has anyone seen my mobile phone? I put it down somewhere, oh about five days ago now, and I'm starting to get worried that I haven't uncovered it yet. If it turns out I mailed it to you in, say, a prize pack or something, please let me know.

PS: there's a chance I may have lost my last remaining brain cell at the same time. If you find THAT, please return it, too!

UPDATE: at ease, everyone. It has been found! (the phone that is, not the brain cell, which is still MIA.)

Today, I was thinking about what makes a hero because my current guy is lacking something. When I say "hero" I don't mean those grand "save the world" heroic actions (although Die Hard 2 is on later and Bruce Willis does know how to save a world!) But, I digress. By "what makes a hero" I don't even mean the kind of action that would win a local bravery medal.

I was thinking about what makes a man a romantic hero in the eyes of the heroine. For me, it isn't so much the grand romantic gestures (although who would say no to an occasional bunch of roses or diamonds, hmm?) but the little everyday touches. The father who offers to get up to the fractious baby in the night. Or to cook (or order take-out!) just because his significant other deserves it. Or the man who fixes stuff because it needs fixing.

They're all examples of the everyday hero, but in the kind of romantic fiction I write I also have to be aware of the larger-than-life elements that readers love and the whole fantasy factor. But I still believe it all comes down to a man knowing what his woman wants, without having to ask, and providing that.

That's my hero-fantasy, anyway. What about you?

Today, I bought tickets to see Coldplay!!! This is supposed to be an awesome live show plus both dh and I love their music. Okay, so the show isn't until July 06 but that doesn't diminish my excitement. I am jazzed!

So, today's question: which band/performer would have you forking out A LOT of your hard-earned for pre-release tickets 9 months in advance?

Today, I should have read my horoscope BEFORE I went out into the garden. I only went out to think because I was stalled on my story. But then I saw some weeds and being spring and because we've actually had rain this winter, there's this groundcover monster that's totally overtaking the place. So, I picked up the secaturs just to clip a bit. An hour later...blisters. Both hands, every finger. Guess that's what happens when you:
a) forget to put on yr gardening gloves
b) don't read your horoscope:

"Minor mishaps or accidents can be expected if you aren't careful."

The picture is a view from the garden's edge, but taken last spring and looking west. I need to take a new one because it's soooo pretty now. And the north view (from my garden bench) is why the garden is one of my favorite places to think.

What about you? Where do you go to work your way through a problem?

Today, I read a great tip (quoted below) in my phone company's newsletter. Point of interest: the newsletter quotes 18 million mobile phone owners in Australia, total population 20 million and some. What???? Anyway, here is the very handy hint re adding an emergency contact to your phone index thingy. As this was developed in the UK, maybe it will become a global standard.

"There are over 18 million mobile phone owners in Australia - and Telstra is encouraging every one of them to ICE their phone. ICE stands for 'In Case of Emergencies'. The idea is to create an entry for ICE in your mobile's phonebook. It's the name and number of a family member or friend who can be contacted 'In Case Of Emergencies' (ICE).

ICE was developed by the East Anglian Ambulance Trust in the UK, and gained international attention in the London bombings. Telstra sees it as a great way to ensure Australians can benefit from faster contact and advice in times of crisis.

Ideally, your ICE contact should know your basic medical information, such as blood type and allergies, and be able to help emergency services make decisions if necessary. That could be a family member, close friend or even your doctor.

Having ICE in your mobile phone makes it quicker and easier for emergency services workers or passers by to give you the right help if you ever need it. So take out your mobile now - and ICE it."

Neat idea, huh?

Today, our youngest son (my baby, she whispers, so he won't hear) got his driver's licence. His Learner's Permit, actually, which means he can drive only with a licenced driver in the passenger seat. Guess who that gets to be??? Oh, joy.

Today, I received this picture in the mail. It was taken at the recent Romance Writers of Australia conference Nights of the Raj cocktail party and it features the 3 Brons, or the 3 Bronanas as we're sometimes known. (Don't ask.) In America I know that Bronwyn is not a common name. A lot of people comment; a lot of people mention a Jude Devereaux heroine (in the Velvet trilogy, mayhaps?); my first editor encouraged me to keep my name when I considered choosing something easier to spell. (Brownyn, anyone?)

That said, I did meet a very young, very gorgeous Bron in the elevator at the Reno Hilton. She was lying on her back in her pram, all dressed in pink, smiling up at everyone. A real charmer.

But, I digress. The point is, Bronwyn is not a common name anywhere, really, although somewhat less uncommon in our part of the world. Yet not common enough that we three Bron's of RomAus didn't get a kick out of being photographed together! What about your name -- common, uncommon, or somewhere in between?

...because today I am shamelessly (and unashamedly) chuffed. Being October 1 the November ratings are up at the Romantic Times website and The Ruthless Groom has scored 4 1/2 stars making it a trifecta of TOP PICK!s for my Princes of the Outback!!! (And I thank my good friend Frances Housden for calling me with the news!) To celebrate, I have broken open a box of Tim Tam Balls and because I love to share the joy, I have a spare box to give away. First person to email me with the name of the Carlisle brother who is The Ruthless Groom wins the chocolate (which, coincidentally, is his indulgence of choice.)

Today, I had cause to search through a lot of photos. Middle son finishes school this year--only two months left, yikes!--and for graduation his teacher is putting together a photo presentation of his school life. Hence, my extensive photo search which, by the way, would have been A LOT easier if I'd ever gotten around to putting said photos in albums. But that's another topic.

This one is about the nostalgia and the big emotion evoked by a series of small snapshots. These cute little guys are all but grown-up now. The little one smiles a lot more; the eldest is a bonafide charmer. They're at that tenuous stage of semi-independence, needing me for some things ("can I borrow some money, Mum?") and not for others (friends become their go-to point.) But even when they don't need me, I know that they know I'm here for them. That's a big thing, don't you think?