...and there is a topknot pigeon--as opposed to a topnotch pigeon, which is what I originally wrote until a kind soul pointed this out to me (thanks, Trish!)--outside my office window going "wooh" (count to three) "wooh" (count to three) "wooh" (count to three). Rinse and repeat. Ad nauseum. Apparently pigeons of the opposite sex are supposed to find this attractive. Who knew? I am prowling the house looking for ear-muffs and wishing I was the kind of writer who could concentrate while listening to music (and/or pigeon mating calls) but I am not. In order to improve my sorely tested good humor, I'd appreciate any thoughts you might have on what "wooh" means in pigeonese.

Even though we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia, I am very aware of the American holiday. For a start, my email stops to a mere dribble, blogs aren't updated, the bulletin boards grind to a halt, and I am forced to seek entertainment elsewhere. I should be thankful and get lots of work done. Instead, I am reminded of all the things I am TRULY thankful for. Things such as:

1. the internet which brings me email, blogs, bulletin boards, shopping on-line, fla-jong, and countless other sources of entertainment (and information.)
2. the friends I have made, all over the world, through the wonders of the internet.
3. I can live in this wonderful, peaceful, laidback part of the world and not feel isolated (yes, it's that internet thang again!)
4. I spend my days writing stories of love and passion, about characters who work at achieving their goals, and they always get their happy ending -- how cool a job is that?
5. There are readers prepared to buy my books and thereby keep me in this job (and I thank every one of you.)
6. My family and friends put up with my weirdness, mostly (and no, I'm not really weird, I'm a writer -- they don't understand that distinction.)
7. Dogs, who make very fine friends because they don't mind when I walk and talk to myself or go absent in the middle of a conversation.
8. Chocolate. Wine. Music. (the necessities.)
9. Jennifer Crusie's LMAO funny blog, this one about Thanksgiving.
10. My men.

Oh, and one more: I am also thankful to Channel 7 for putting on a Dancing with the Stars Champion of Champions show which allowed Tom Williams to take off his jacket one more time. *g*

So, punters, what is your #1 fun thing to be thankful for this year?

Despite yesterday's promise, I am simply too knackered and it's too late to write anything meaningful. But I do have a photo to share. This is our dog (his name's Jack, natch) in his favorite spot and keeping his eyes out for rabbits or hares or anything else chaseable. In honor of Thanksgiving he says he's thankful to live in such a splendid part of the world where there are rabbits and hares and suchlike for chasing.

Congratulations, Christa. I've drawn your name from A LOT of entries in this giveaway contest. Who knew so many were reading and not posting? It seems that Blogger is presenting its own set of problems in preventing many of my readers from commenting. My brilliant web designer set up my blog and so did all my registration for me. I don't even have my experience to call on to help you out and for that I do apologize. But, please, don't give up. I know of at least one example -- hi, Mel! -- who couldn't log on for ages but she persisted and I'm ever so glad. Meantime, I hope you ALL keep coming back to read what's happening chez Bronwyn.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with a post that isn't just an announcement. And maybe a picture to go with. Bet you all can't wait! *g*

Today, the Waldenbooks Series Bestsellers' List for last week's sales is up on the RWA website and The Ruthless Groom is #3! I am so jazzed that all the books in this series have done so well!! To celebrate my happy-happy-happy feelings, how about a spot giveaway? Email me within the next 24 hrs with the answer to the following question and I'll draw one random winner. The prize: your choice from my Princes of the Outback books.

Q: What is Alex's sin of choice in The Ruthless Groom? Hint: if you haven't read the book, read this excerpt.

Today, I drew the three winners of my newsletter/blog contest. Congratulations to:

1. Dena
2. Estella
3. Jennifer.

You have won a copy of the Australian HM&B Sexy, The Disobedient Virgin (Sandra Marton), which happens to have a couple of bonus extras including my prequel to Princes of the Outback. Congratulations. Email me with your mailing address and I'll get your book in the post pronto.

Today, I received a cover flat for the Australian release of The Rugged Loner. As you can see, it's one half of a Desire Duo with Diana Palmer. Don't you love all the extra little bits on the cover? (Well, I do, anyway.) The eye-grabbing gold foil flash is for D.P.'s Long, Tall Texans series, although I figure all the Palmer fans will grab this up without any inducement. (And, yes, she is just as popular in Australia.) The little bits under my title say: Australian author. Princes of the Outback. Author Talks. The last is a bonus extra (sort of like DVD extras) which Harlequin Australia is putting in selected books.

Today's question: do you like the extras some publishers (e.g. Harlequin, in Signature Select) are putting in the back of books? Do you read the Dear Reader letters other lines/imprints include in the front of books?

I've spent a goodly number of hours yesterday and today completing what are known as Art Fact Sheets, for my August 2006 book. AFSs include all the description and details of characters, setting, storyline, mood, etc, for the art department to design the covers. There is also a short story synopsis, which is used by foreign offices to select the books for their publishing programs. This is all important and so I do devote plenty of time to the task. What author doesn't hope (and pray) for a killer cover that also resembles the people and places in the book?!

Sometimes, though, the art department goes for something different. Over the past year, for example, most of the Desire covers have been less traditional than in the past. Few couples in clinches, covers with subtle suggestiveness, covers without people, none of those gorgeous shirtless guys. So, despite all the time and effort I put into my "princes" cover ideas they weren't looking for traditional and I got Something Else Entirely. I'm not complaining; I'm just sayin'.

With the new guidelines, however, I am kinda hoping for a return to the covers which category readers seem to love. Maybe I'm biased because this was my first cover ever on my first book ever, but it remains my favorite ten books hence. So, turning this post full circle: I have requested a more traditional style cover for my next book but we'll have to wait (for about six months) to see.

So, today's question: do you like or hate the older style covers, with couples embracing or in bed or obviously heading that way? Or (another personal favorite) those gorgeous hero-only covers that featured on Man of the Month titles?

...see you in Germany!

That's my favorite headline from today's papers, announcing the OUTSTANDING news that the Socceroos (Australia's national soccer team, dontchya love it?) are through to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Understand that Australia is a nation obsessed by sport. And that the FIFA World Cup is THE pinnacle of world football. And that we've bombed out of qualifying, often at the last hurdle, time after time, making this our first soccer World Cup in 32 years. So, this is BIG news, major excitement, and another reason (apart from those good-looking Europeans!) for me to sit glued to the World Cup action next June/July!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie...oi, oi, oi.

I am currently writing a book for a Desire continuity series. These are series devised by the editorial team (such as Dynasties, Texas Cattlemens Club, Fortunes, etc) with each book written by a different author. The editors come up with each story premise, the character sketches, background, setting, etc., which the author then works into fully realized people and an expanded storyline. (Thought I'd mention all that, because I get asked a lot how those projects work.)

So, for this story I was given a small cast of named characters, including the hero (Tristan), the heroine (Vanessa), and the heroine's brother (Lew). Today I was writing a scene which required me to introduce another character who worked with Lew. I sat for a minute, pondering. Ben? Chris? Ian? Andy?

Yes, Andy! That name fit my vision of the character, so I kept on writing and several pages further on I typed "Lew and Andy." And stopped. And laughed at myself. I have a sister named Lou, you see, who is married to Andy. So, the pairing of "Lou and Andy" is heard fairly regularly in my family. I didn't consciously consider this when naming my character, it just sort of happened. Although now I figure there was some kind of subconscious thing at work.

Anyway, Andy is still Andy, although I'm now seeing him as looking like my brother-in-law...which isn't a bad thing, seeing as this character plays a smart and insightful role!

I've received a couple of queries today asking about OUTBACK REUNION, which is listed on my website as a December release in Australia. I wrote this short "novella" for eHarlequin earlier this year and Harlequin Austalia decided to print it before Princes of the Outback. As it's a prequel that worked out well.

Anyway, in replying to these queries, I checked to see if the story is still available on eHarlequin. Happily, it is. BUT the link to direct folks was so looonng I decided it was the perfect first occasion to use Tiny URL whose slogan is -- you guessed it -- where tiny is better. (Bet you didn't expect to read that on my blog!) Check it out; bookmark it; use it when you're posting one of those long URL's that invariably gets broken when you paste it into an email.

P.S. Outback Reunion is a free on-line read at eHarlequin.

Romance Reviews Today

THE RUTHLESS GROOM -- Bronwyn Jameson
Princes of the Outback, Book 3
Silhouette Desire #1691; ISBN: 0-373-76691-2
November 2005; Short Contemporary Romance

Melbourne, Australia -- Present Day

Alex Carlisle needs to get married--fast. Under the terms of his father's will, either he or one of his brothers must conceive a child within three months or lose their inheritance. Alex thinks he's found his bride, but she suddenly skips town, leaving her best friend Zara Lovett the one to give him the bad news. Alex doesn't know Zara, but one look at her causes an unwitting attraction for her that shakes him to the core. Can he substitute Zara as his bride? But more importantly, would she agree?

Zara's priority is working on her goals for her future. Right now the most important is completing her medical school education, and getting involved with a wealthy businessman is definitely not on her agenda. She is only acting on behalf of her friend when she delivers the message about postponing the wedding. However, the powerful attraction she feels for Alex is hard to resist. But Zara knows she must--and not only for her future, but also because of her past.

Set in and around Melbourne, Australia, THE RUTHLESS GROOM will give readers a colorful taste and feel for the area. The RUTHLESS GROOM is the third and final book in the Princes of the Outback series, and it ties it all up nicely. Emotional and steamy love scenes highlight this passionate tale by Bronwyn Jameson. Who will conceive the first baby as required of the will? What about Alex's runaway fiancee-- what happens if she changes her mind about marrying him? Zara and Alex may dance a tango or two, but will they overcome their fears to share all their dances forever?

THE RUTHLESS GROOM is an engaging tale that readers should not miss. Alex and Zara have past issues to overcome, but once they do, they will have a lasting future together. Don't miss another heart-warming book that will hit the spot. Pick up THE RUTHLESS GROOM today.

Patti Fischer, Romance Reviews Today

This picture provided inspiration while writing THE RUTHLESS GROOM, especially those scenes in the cabin. *wink* So, if you've read the book: does he fit the bill? If you haven't read the book: why not? (Just kidding.) What do you think of Mr. Hot Chest?

And thanks are extended to Emilie Rose for the illustrated inspiration. With such resources, is it any wonder Emilie writes such fabulous men?

My November book is out! THE RUTHLESS GROOM is the story of Alex Carlisle, third and eldest of the Carlisle brothers and the one most fixed on satisfying the terms of his father's will. Except his Perfect Wife candidate leaves him at the altar...and leaves her best friend, Zara Lovett, to deliver the news.

Alpha Alex may have finally met his match...

"Don't play games with me, Zara." Something glinted in his eyes, a fierceness at odds with his even tone. "I am not in the mood to play nice."

"Are you ever?"

"When I want to--" he said, deceptively soft, deceptively smooth, as he started toward her "--I can be very nice."

"I guess I'll have to take your word for that."

When he stepped off the porch, Zara's pulse skipped in tandem. Not nerves, but the same kind of adrenaline spike that used to accompany her onto the mat before a fight. Especially one with an expert opponent.

Time, she decided, to get off her bike.

At six foot in her biker boots, Zara was used to setting men back on their heels just by standing and meeting their eyes. Alex Carlisle stood an inch or two taller and he met her gaze without a flicker of surprise. Zara looked right back and for a moment got lost in the intensity of his eyes. Not exactly blue, too vivid to be gray, and with a dark rim around the iris that sucked you into their powerful focus.

And it struck her, in that long, silent sizing-up moment, that it would take a lot to put Alex Carlisle on the ropes. That once he set his mind to something, he would follow through with ruthless purpose. She didn't mind that in a person--in fact she liked purpose, she liked directness, she liked a spark of go-get-'em--but, oh, Susannah...

Now I understand your reluctance to tell him face-to-face. You wouldn't have stood a chance.

"Let's start over," he said in that same low voice. "I'm sorry I came on so strong. It's been a hell of a day."

Then he smiled and offered his hand, and she realized why Susannah might have been persuaded into such a coldhearted marriage arrangement. He's not so cold, she realized, as the heat from his grip and the impact of that smile seeped into her blood. Not so cold at all.

Extract from opening chapter of THE RUTHLESS GROOM which is available now at lots of places. Check my website link for details!

The inquisitive guy is Homer and the fat pony is Monte. And after all my talk about drought these past several years...well, you can see that's over now. Yay!!

...which could be a lot of days between here and the silly season (book due, proposal to write, end of school year, harvest, shopping) I will try and keep up by posting pictures from my side of the world. Today I bring you ... ta-da ... aerial spraying of one of our wheat crops.

The air has been buzzing the past month with the dulcet tones (not!) of cropdusters. The nasty in this case: a disease called stripe rust. The reason you can see the "dust": they add some kind of oil to the mixture which makes it heavier so it drops onto the crop quicksmart without drift. Yup. I know all kinds of not-so-interesting trivia about farming. Aren't you glad? *g*

...for a booklover is Stories of Strength, a fundraiser designed to keep adding to the disaster relief coffers following the recent hurricanes.

From the publisher's website:

Born in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, this anthology shares stories about what it takes to beat the odds. More than 100 writers contributed these essays, fiction and poetry to raise money for disaster relief charities in the region. Featuring writing from Orson Scott Card, Wil Wheaton, and Robin Lee Hatcher. At times tear-jerking, at times humorous, this book is guaranteed to inspire and remind readers that the human spirit knows no boundaries.

I am told that not only the writers but editors and graphic designers donated their time and work so more profit would be available from sales. It's a wonderful idea and the perfect gift of inspiration.

...and Nancy Warren and Lucy Monroe at Romance Divas Saturday night 9PM EST. We will be talking about writing for the short, sexy category lines -- between us we have Desire, Blaze, Presents and the new Modern Extra-Sensual all covered -- and I'm sure Nancy and Lucy will also have much wisdom to share about the sensual single titles they write as well.

Then, next Tuesday night -- Nov 8 at 9PM EST -- I'll be one of several Desire authors chatting at Writerspace about our November releases. I'm pretty sure there will be giveaways at both chats, so see you there!

Just a quick note to mention my website has been updated for November. Take a look and see what's new. First person to comment (here, on my blog) with the answer to the following question, wins a copy of the Australian special release HM&B Sexy THE DISOBEDIENT VIRGIN (by Sandra Marton) with my bonus novella. Plus Tim Tams.

Q: What have I managed to include in The Ruthless Groom that I have tried, and failed, to sneak into previous books?

No, I didn't sign up for the National Novel Writing Month challenge to write a 50,000 word novel draft this month, although that's pretty much what I'm looking at. But seeing as I'd started my book -- which is against NaNoWriMo rules -- I wasn't eligible. Which doesn't mean I won't be using the combined motivational power of thousands of other writers slaving over their smokin' hot keyboards for the next 29 days.

On the subject of motivational writing challenges, the eHarlequin Learn to Write board has been running a Book in a Year challenge throughout 2005. Although this one is now nearing the end, it's definitely worth checking out for next year ... or you might want to check it out just for the articles! *g* Each month a new topic of learning is introduced, with an article and comments from editors and authors. Community members support and challenge each other in the completion of their books through a bulletin board thread. This is a nice, steady alternative for those who hyperventilate at the thought of a novel in a month.

As for me, I'm hyperventilating but I still need to get this book done!

(This post's title, BTW, is to be sung to the tune of Viva, Las Vegas.)

So. I started answering the responses to yesterday's Melbourne Cup post in the comments section. But then I wondered how long a comment could be before it stopped being a comment and became, well, not a comment. I decided I'd crossed that line and hence my follow-up post on Cup Day -- or Diva Day -- fever.

First things first: yes, Makybe Diva won and thereby passed that invisible threshold from champion to legend! I love sports, I love grand sporting moments, and yesterday's race was right up there with the best. Amazing, emotional, wonderful stuff that elicited all those visceral responses I love to write about.

Favorite moments (apart from when she surged to the lead in the straight): jockey Glen Boss's emotions, first tears and then air-punching jubilation, and especially his humble gratitude to the wonderful animal who's made all his dreams come true. I loved the perfectly timed announcement of her retirement. I loved the female portion of the ownership's rendition of "Diva's, The Greatest." Although it's been doing that really annoying stuck-on-high-revolution thing in my brain ever since.

guess this is as hard or perhaps harder because of the time (in years) factor as a horse winning our Triple Crown.

Trish, absolutely right on the three successive years factor. That's what makes this such an amazing feat. Not just that she was good enough to win three times, but that her trainer had her fit enough and peaked at exactly the right time three successive years. Oh, and also this year she carried top-weight and the associated #1 saddle-cloth, the first to do so over the punishing two-mile trip in something like fifty years.

Did you win enough money

Marilyn, if not for one of those Kiwi horses Nalini mentioned, I would have won enough to fly to America (sorry, gals, the rest of you would have had to be packed in my luggage!) My trifecta finished 1st, 2nd & beaten into 4th in a photo-finish by grrrrr That Kiwi Horse. The dividend? $7700 (although my selection would have pd less as he was more favored.) This is the closest I have ever gotten to selecting a Cup trifecta and I must admit to some excitement over the closing stages when I realized I was in with a chance of collecting. (Did you not hear me?)

Lastly, a follow up on the betting. On last night's late news I heard that $144 million was wagered on The Cup with the TAB (like your paramutual, I think) and an estimated $25-30 million with bookmakers. Now. according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics our current population is an estimated 20,425,000. If, say, 20% are under 18 (and theoretically can't bet) that's over $10 bet per capita. On one race. Over in a bit more than three minutes. Amazing.

Disclaimer: if my maths is wrong, don't blame me. I'm a writer.

The first Tuesday in November is Melbourne Cup day in Australia. A horse race, yes, but an iconic one which (quite literally) stops a nation. Between 3pm and 3.05pm today the wheels of our industrious little nation grind to a halt. All eyes are glued to the nearest TV screen -- that's if we're not on course (a crowd of 130,000 is predicted this year!) or at a Cup-day party somewhere ... although then all eyes are still glued to the nearest TV screen. With champagne glass firmly clutched in one hand, betting ticket in other.

This year I'm watching from the comfort of my own loungeroom. I'll be watching all the lead-up, the fashions, the celebrities. I know Eva Longario is one international guest; it's always fun to see who else frocks up for the big day. I've already placed my bet, three hours ahead of race time, and I was staggered to see that over 20 million dollars had already been bet in my state alone!!! This is a nation of 20 million people, folks, a lot of them are too young to go anywhere near a TAB shop!

The Cup rates a mention in my November book, The Ruthless Groom, as it happens. Seeing as the book is set in Melbourne, in October-November, and Alex Carlisle seemed like the kind of man who'd own a string of racehorses. I've written this behind-the-book piece for my website with some more pictures. I especially like the group shot. Nice shirts, eh?

Anyway, I'm off to take up my position TV-side but I will be back to report on my small investment. Although if Makybe Diva looms up as a winning chance in the home stretch, you will probably hear me cheering her home from wherever in the world you are. This champion mare has won The Cup the last two years and is aiming for a record-breaking, never-been-done-before third. Odds, handicapping, everything is against her ... except her champion's heart.