December 26 is known as
Boxing Day in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and probably others countries with close ties to British tradition. The day after Christmas comes with its own set of traditions for we Aussies. My favorite involves kicking back and enjoying whatever pressies Santa left.
This year I'll be going out to brush and admire my horse (she is the most awesome present ever!!!) I'll be sorting through my dinnerware cupboard and tossing out the mismatched pieces of many sets to make way for new one. This evening I'm driving to see my sister-in-law in comfort, on my new sheepskin carseat covers. And in between times I'll start watching one of my DVD-sets of favourite TV shows. Will I start with House or Brothers and Sisters or Heroes or Lost? Decisions, decisions...
There are other Aussies--and many of them--who indulge in one of several more strenuous Boxing Day traditions...although, truth be told, most of them only watch these iconic sporting events on the tele.
The first is the cricket--not the backyard variety we laughed our way through yesterday, but the real deal. Boxing Day traditionally marks Day 1 of a 5-day test match between Australia and whichever cricketing nation is currently touring. This year that is India. The game is being played in our famous sporting capital, Melbourne, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or M.C.G. (sometimes known simply as "The Gee.") Not sure if there'll be a bunch of Santas present this year, but there will be a big bunch of people. It is always a sellout and a tradition that perhaps equates to American football at Thanksgiving.
Secondly, 82 yachts will set sail right after lunch in the 63rd annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This gruelling ocean race over 628 nautical miles is another of our iconic sporting events. The forecast this year is for light and changeable conditions, yet there are predictions of a new race record by one of the leading maxi-yachts even in light winds.
Lastly, the annual post-Christmas sales begin today. These are the biggest, wildest, most unrestrained sales in Australia, and despite my noted love of the sport of shopping I rarely participate. I mean, my credit cards are still smoking from Christmas, how can I then hit the sales? Obviously many can as "experts" (who are these people?) predict that over $6 billion will be splurged. In Sydney this morning, singer Natalie Imbruglia rang a bell for the start of the David Jones chain's sale at 6.50am before the doors opened at 7am. In Melbourne the same store gave a $102 gift voucher to the first 500 shoppers through the door to celebrate the store's 102nd post-Christmas clearance.
David Jones, by the way, is the store Kimberley Blackstone visits in Vows & A Vengeful Groom when she's on the hunt for the dress pictured in the cover art. It's not exactly as I imagined, but close enough to make me very happy.
I never aim to be a last minute shopper. I'm not a fan of those last frantic days, with crowds and no-free-parking-spots and an air of desperation. I hate discovering that the shops have sold out of items on my list.
On the other hand, if I shop too early I stow things away and forget I have bought them (or where I've hidden them) and end up overshopping. Despite my best intentions, I usually find myself venturing out into the madness and mayhem of last day shopping and living with the bruises.
But not this year. This year I have excelled, even if I do say so myself. I deserve a Queen of teh Shopping tiara. I am all done, gifts bought and wrapped, with three days to spare. And I am so tickled by this unusual turn of events that I have to share a few moments of extra shopping delight.
1. #1 son lives in the city, and I sent him forth to scout out several gifts I couldn't find locally. He loves to spend my money so it was a win-win situation.
2. I love on-line shopping. It's like an early extra Christmas when the packages arrive and I get to open them first, before doing the wrapping and putting them under the tree. However I can't buy everything this way. I also like actual store fronts and the selection process. Sometimes a real store is the only way.
3. If I hadn't sallied out to the actual stores then I wouldn't have walked past a jewellery store and glanced sideways and spied
Thomas Sabo CHARMS!!!
To understand my excitement you must understand that I live in the country where the living is easy, but the shopping not always so much. I am collecting charms for a bracelet, each charm representing one of my books. I'm still short a few but I want very specific emblems and so when I saw these in the window I think I squealed out loud. I definitely jumped up and down in excitement. #3 son found me with my nose pressed to the window and had to forcibly drag me away. But I will be back. Of that, you can be sure.
Labels: Christmas, shopping
There is a reason we refer to this time of the year as the silly season. I'm pretty sure that has something to do with Christmas parties and silly-things-we-should-not-have-done-at-said-Christmas-parties, as well as the madness of shopping and getting everything done before the holiday break.
My own silliness: I'm still working on a book which should have been finished. Every year I say to myself:
never again. Next year I am not having a December deadline. And then stuff happens and I have a book due and in between I'm trying to get out Christmas cards and do the shopping and think about what we're going to eat.
(Insert picture of Bron imploding.)This week even the most minor of disruptions become a major, serious, burr-in-my-butt irritation. Things like, for example, discovering that an order I placed for books 2 weeks ago has not been processed. I paid for expedited shipping. When the books didn't arrive at their US destination, I checked the status on-line. It says CANCELLED. I contacted customer service; they say it has been processed. I should receive the books in 5-12 days. Expedited, my arse!
On a lesser scale, there was the minor irritation of cancelling a subscription. I had to opt out or I'd be automatically charged a renewal. I hate that but obviously didn't read the small print when I signed up. At least I got the tax invoice saying I would be charged if I didn't opt out. So, I logged on, started to go through the steps to cancel. There's a list of reasons. I choose the most appropriate and honest...and discover I can't cancel for that reason. What the..?!?! It takes me to customer service (and the reason I'm unsubscribing is because customer service couldn't fix my problem months ago!!!!) So, back I go through the list and options, and this time I fib and choose another reason. I'm now unsubbed and unlikely to become a return customer.
I've also noticed a big leap in the amount of spam coming through. Don't these people have anything else to do at this time of year? Do they really think I have cheap generic drugs and penile implants on my shopping list?? This morning I'm getting scads of really rank ones via my website contact link and can I just say, what is WRONG with these people???
My silly season irritations are minor compared with
this father. The story made me smile and the earlier irritations dimmed, so thank you Canadian father.
And just so you know, I'm not all bah-humbug about Christmas. I love seeing all my family and my husband's family. I love shopping and choosing gifts, I love Christmas mass and preparing the lovely, full, traditional Christmas dinner with my Mum and sisters. That's the big stuff that matters, and it will all be good once I get past the minor irritations.
How about you -- are you loving the buildup to Christmas, or do you find it all too much?
Labels: Christmas
This month sees the debut of newest Desire author
Robyn Grady whose
Magnate's Marriage Demand jumped straight into this week's
Borders/Waldenbooks Series Bestsellers' List in North America. Robbie happens to be one of the nicest people you could meet as well as a wonderful writer, and I've invited her along to chat about her brilliant debut year which has seen the release of her first Modern Extra, her first on-line read for eHarlequin, her first Desire and her first bestseller.
Bron: Hi, Robbie. I'm so chuffed to welcome you as a guest blogger. To segue from the opener about firsts, can you remember the first romance you read?
Robyn: Hi, Bron and thanks for the invitation. First romance.... When I was fifteen, I borrowed
The Love Machine from my aunty's keeper-shelf. I still love that book, particularly the hero. All these years later, I understand that Robin Stone (the
love machine) is an alpha, the leader of his pack, yet "unattainable", and for very good reason. From that book on, I was hooked. In my late teens, when I caught the city train to work, I would be so involved in whichever romance I was reading, I was worried that some day I'd miss my stop!
Bron: LOL. I read my first Desire ever (Private Reasons by Justine Davis) on a train and I had exactly the same concern. When did you decide to try writing a romance?
Robyn: When I left my television career, I enrolled in a uni degree and received great feedback and marks for English Lit. That teacher gave me the confidence to begin my journey toward Harlequin publication. The first book I wrote was
Foolish Impulse, which sold to a small Australian publisher. I wrote nine more before selling to Desire.
Bron: I love that you didn't give up and pursued your dream of selling to Harlequin...and I know readers in their thousands will also thank you. How and when did you receive The Call?
Robyn: 5th December 2006. It's my anniversary month! But I didn't receive "The Call". I woke up to an email...in fact, three emails from my agent, who had taken me on the month before. The first said that London was interested in
Dream Job, and New York were interested in
Magnate. The next said we could expect an offer soon. The final message said that Melissa Jeglinski wanted to buy my book!
I fell off my chair, scrambled back up and shot off some emails. Then the phone began to ring, but from 11am the day was taken up with "final week of school" events. At 11.30pm I finally landed back at my computer and was greeted by an avalanche of congratulatory messages. That was just as wonderful as receiving The Email. I've saved every one.
Bron: What a day! Apart from that one, do any other moments in the last year stand out more than others?
Robyn: I'll never forget the moment Melissa Jeglinski said she loved the revisions to my first book. I was petrified I couldn't do them well enough and that she would realize she'd made a mistake. Which leads into another milestone: MAGNATE making the Waldenbooks Bestseller list this month! Something I'll treasure forever.
Can I have three milestones?
Bron: You're a bestseller; you can have as many as you want. *g*
Robyn: Coz another would be my first reader's letter. This woman had been educated at Oxford, worked in Nigeria as an International Project Finance Lawyer, and had picked up my book while holidaying in London. She said she'd been reading romance since she was 13 and had never contacted an author before, but there were few books she'd enjoyed more than
Dream Job. After the initial rush, I wondered if someone was having me on! So I did a google search and, thank heaven, that law firm and lady were real.
Bron: Well, I'm not surprised to hear that you're getting international fan-mail.
Dream Job, Hot Boss! has been released in the UK and Australia -- any news of an American release?
Robyn:
Dream Job, Hot Boss! re-titled
HIRED FOR THE BOSS'S BED, will be released in the States in March. Modern Extras (soon to be known as Modern Heats) are being released in the States under the Presents banner, and let me just say, my fellow MH authors are eating up the bestsellers lists!
Bron: I noticed and am thrilled for the authors and for the line. How are you finding writing for two lines? Are they very different?
Robyn: Perhaps the main differences between Desire and MX, in my humble opinion, are tone and handling of classic hooks. For instance, I love to weave a thread of humor through my MXs that won't be so noticeable in a Desire. MX hooks, such as "marriage of convenience" or "in bed with the boss", are developed in a manner that portray characterization and conflict in an ultra contemporary way, which will hopefully entice a new generation of readers as well as satisfy those who already enjoy HM&B romances. The relationship between a Desire couple, on the other hand, has a slightly more traditional slant. That's not to say that Desires aren't contemporary reads, or that the hero and heroine aren't equally matched. It's more about the unique promise of each line. I sometimes think of it as
Pretty Woman versus
An Officer and a Gentleman. Thank goodness we don't have to choose.
Bron: Ooh, my two favourite romance movies! I could ask if you're a Richard Gere fan, but that would be digressing. *g* Instead I'll ask about
Magnate's Marriage Demand and the delicious Armand...
Robyn: Magnate is a story of revenge...revenge over past hurts, time lost and unspeakable regret. However, Armand De Luca prides himself on always being in control; he refuses to be manipulated, particularly by his own feelings. When he loses the brother he had barely known, he sees a union with the woman who carries his brother's unborn child as a realistic solution for everyone concerned. However, Tamara Kendle needs to be convinced. This quest, for many reasons, becomes Armand's greatest challenge.
Bron: How gorgeous is that golden cover...?
Robyn: When Desire emailed through the cover, I held my breath and shut my eyes. But when the image opened up, I was blown away! Not only was the cover beautiful, there'd been so much thought given to detail...the ruby rings...her cross necklace...even the halter-neck dress. To me, the couple on the cover
are Tamara and Armand. HM&B in Australia used the same picture but have enlarged it slightly and draped their new crimson and sparkle banner across the lower edge. Just gorgeous!
Bron: What do you see as the essential elements of Desire?
Robyn: If I were to sum up what Desire means to me in just three words, they would be: Intense...but real. Expanding on that: Intense conflict, powerful characterization, sizzling passion and compelling drama, all delivered in a convincing, involving style. One of the best pieces of advice I received from an editor was, "Find the heart of your story then bring it out." I think that's especially true for Desire.
Bron: And the Desire hero...?
Robyn: A Desire hero is the man everyone turns to see walk into a room. He is commanding and powerful, but not merely because of his wealth and status. His true force lies in a natural ability to lead, and lead well. He protects those he cares for -- others depend on his intelligence and quick reflexes. But there is so much more hidden beneath the authority and effortless charm of a Desire hero. It's a worthy heroine who can ultimately bring out the very best in the man she comes to love.
Bron: You've also written an on-line romance for eHarlequin...
Robyn: I was thrilled when MJ put my name forward for an on-line read. At first I wondered if I could do it! I'd never written "short" before. I truly admire writers who can do it well. The first challenge was finding a premise that was appropriate yet slightly different. I pitched my idea to the eHQ editor, she loved it, and I was off!
These past weeks, I've had the best time joining in the
MEDICI'S PREGNANT MISTRESS discussion. It's fantastic to meet and talk with people who are enjoying each chapter. I've made new like-minded friends, so in many ways the online read has been the pinnacle to a fabulous first year.
Bron: What's coming next from Robyn Grady?
Robyn: MAGNATE will be on the Australian and NZ shelves February 08. My second Desire, FOR BLACKMAIL...OR PLEASURE will be out in the States in March, as will HIRED FOR THE BOSS'S BED. My second MX/Presents will be released in the States in July.
Last month, I was offered a two book deal with Desire. The first, BABY BEQUEST, will be out late 08 and form part of the "Billionaires and Babies" series. This job just keeps getting better. *g*
Bron: Knowing how busy you are, I'm extra thrilled you found the time to visit and to chat about your books (and Armand.) Readers, do yourself a favour and check out Robyn's accessible and engaging characters (intense and real,
does sum up the tone!) and the fabulous Sydney settings in Magnate's Marriage Demand which is in stores now in North America.
I have a copy of
Dream Job, Hot Boss, Robyn's Sexy Sensation release from Australia, to give away to one lucky reader. Just tell us what you like to see in a (Desire) hero in the comments and I'll draw a winner next Wednesday. But wait, there's more...
Robbie also has a signed copy of
Magnate's Marriage Demand to give away , so I'll be drawing two winners on Dec 19.
Labels: giveaway, Guest blogger, Modern Heat, Robyn Grady, Silhouette Desire
Recently I discovered British show Top Gear (Saturday nights on our SBS network) and I'm loving it. In a nutshell (and from the SBS website because, when it comes to blurbing, why tinker with the experts who market the show?): "TOP GEAR is a high octane mix of performance cars, adrenalin, comedy and celebrities. The hugely popular motoring magazine test drives and brutally appraises the world's most popular cars with startling honesty, along with celebrity laps, irreverent wraps and breathtaking stunts and driving."
Before you ask, no I am not a secret revhead. I like a nice car as much as the next person, but if I were writing a "these are a few of my favourite things" list, then the only horse-power listed would be the hooved kind. But Top Gear is now one of my favourite TV indulgences.
At first I thought it would be good research, since the guys often test the kind of high-end, expensive cars driven by Desire heroes these days. The vision of a sleek Mercedes flying along a German autobahn might have provided the initial motivation but I stayed for the entertainment. I love the witty banter between the three presenters and the intelligent good-humoured snark, but I've also learned a lot about boys and their toys and the whole male-buddies interaction thing. And that human touch is excellent research for a romance writer.
Is there a show that you found unexpectedly entertaining this year? That surprised or delighted you?
Labels: boys toys, TV
