I developed plantar fasciitis a while back and it’s been cramping my walking program. And because it’s reduced me to limping, I decided to take my friend Kathy’s advice and do water aerobics while I recoup. Water aerobics, she explained, will take the weight off my injury. Further Kathy said, “Anyone can do it.”

I thought I’d write today to tell you why Kathy is now my “ex-friend.” What she failed to mention is that one of the requirements of water aerobics is coordination.

The first thing I have to do when taking up water aerobics is wade through my chest of drawers to find my bathing suit, then type up a confidentiality agreement for anyone who sees me in it.

I arrive at our local high school, a little superior, because my ex friend has promised I will be one of the youngest in the program.

There’s about 20 bobbing heads in the pool upon my arrival. Kathy introduces me, I smile and patronize my way into the freezing water, wait for my teeth to stop chattering and jump around to see what our instructor has in store.

We start with a warm up, I do my best to follow along, which in my defense, is hard because our teacher’s underwater and I’m not exactly sure what she’s doing.

I’m just barely adjusting to the temperature, when our teacher begins the first routine, and the women around me transform into amazing, graceful Ester William clones, while I manage a fantastic impression of Lucille Ball.

I lift my leg to imitate the instructor’s movements, bump into the woman behind me, mumble I’m sorry, and promptly kick the woman in front of me in the head.

By this time, I’m praying my umbrella policy’s still in force, because if I don’t learn how to do this soon, I could be sued. Kathy smiles knowingly at my discomfort, hands me these web-like things and says, “Here. Put these on. They’ll help with the resistance.”

I slip the gloves on, they do indeed help me glide through the water and my confidence returns. That is, until our instructor says, “Ladies, grab your noodles!”

Now… it’s been a while since I’ve grabbed my noodle,  and quite frankly, I’m not sure what one is. But I’ll be darned if I’ll tell any of them that. We jog toward these long Styrofoam tubes, and I learn that noodles are used to help you float. You see, we’re going into the deep end of the pool.

The ladies around me stick their noodles between their legs — as if that’s the most natural thing in the world — and they look like little gray haired “U’s” traversing the Olympic-sized pool. Me, I look like a middle-aged N because my noodle has turned me upside down, it’s now floating away from me and I’m seriously trying not to drown!

I go under a couple of times, and as my life passes before me, I think I‘ve had a good life. I’ll miss my husband, my kids. I hope the refrigerator’s not too dirty. And then my life is spared as my instructor grabs me by the waist, adjusts my noodle — much to my mortification — and we end up in 12 feet of water.

I finally manage to keep my noodle intact and my head above water, all while these women watch me with grins on their faces. They’re chatting about their grandchildren, politics and life. And suddenly I’m happy to provide their morning’s entertainment. In truth, they are a delight, and I love seeing the camaraderie that is keeping them young.

I’ve decided to keep up with water aerobics even when the plantar fasciitis is under control. I could use a little coordination development, and I’m no longer quite so superior. Plus, I can always use material for my writing, and this class will be a treasure trove.

As for my ex friend, Kathy, I’ll forgive her this time. After all you can never have too many friends. Although the moment she suggests sky diving or tofu cooking lessons, she’s history.

Tansy: Hello! We’re Tansy and Jaffa, Bron’s Border Collie companions. She’s really busy with a deadline right now, so we thought we’d come and post in here for her. Being Border Collies, we’re smart enough to do that. Well, I am, anyway. [Whispering] My sister’s a blonde, in more ways than one.

Jaffa: Ooh, isn’t this a nice place! Look, there’s all these people! I’ll just roll onto my back so they can pat my tummy. Do you think any of them have treats?

Tansy: Anyway, we thought we’d talk today about dogs in fiction. Bron put a dog in her first book – a German Shepherd called Finn – and lots of readers loved him.

Jaffa: I don’t know why she hasn’t put us in a book.  I’m as gorgeous as Lassie, and when I run through the paddock, the wind blows my fur just like hers. We’re definitely cuter than a German Shepherd.

Tansy: Yes, we are. But let’s face it, we’d outshine the human characters, wouldn’t we?

Jaffa: If I was in a book, I’d want to be a Princess. With a proper silk satin cushion to curl up on. And somebody always there to rub my tummy. And people who feed me at the right time. And a big gorgeous furry dog – maybe one of those Huskies – to rescue me if there was trouble.

Tansy: If I was in a book, I’d be a kick-ass heroine. Or maybe that’s a bite-ass heroine, since I’m a dog. I’d be a spy, maybe a canine Jane Bond, or perhaps a Border Collie challenger to Inspector Rex. There’d be lots of racing around, chasing people, sniffing out clues, and stalking and rounding up the villains. And I’d save the hero, and he’d give me a really big bone.

Jaffa: Sounds like a lot of work to me. Although maybe a bone would be worth it.

Tansy: Psst – you know something? I had a look at the book she’s writing now – and there are dogs in it.

Jaffa: Us??

Tansy: No, they’re called Maggie and Roo. They rounded up some sheep. I’m not sure if they’re meant to be Border Collies or Kelpies, though.  Maybe we’re the inspiration for them.

Jaffa: Does the hero give a good tummy rub?

Tansy: Probably. He is the hero, after all. But she hasn’t written the tummy-rub scene yet, so I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Hey, do you think we should do a giveaway?

Jaffa: Give away what? A treat?

Tansy: No, they’re for us. But I think we should give away two copies of her book that’s got Finn in it. Maybe if readers tell us in the comments about their favourite fictional dog, and why that dog is a great character, we can draw two names from the comments to win the Finn book – although it’s called As Darkness Falls, not Finn’s Book. Now, I think she’s been sitting at that computer for too long. It must be time to take her for a walk.

Jaffa: Yes! Food time comes after our walk. Let’s go!

I’ve been invited to an 80s themed birthday party at the end of the month and for weeks I’ve been trying to decide what to wear.

Now to me, the 80s was a wonderful time. I was in high school, I had MTV, I had a car that seated about 20, I had fun friends, one of whom just found me on Facebook.

And I had a closet full of clothes. (okay, I do now, too, but they’re larger sized and not nearly as fun)

I spent my weekends at the mall and my evenings at the sewing machine. I had mini skirts and leopard print and the Flashdance sweatshirt and the Madonna gloves. I had long sweaters and leggings and denim mini skirts. I had the Frankie Says Relax T-shirt and the Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go T-shirt.

I listened from everything from Journey to The Ramones, though I loved New Wave best.

So I’m trying to decide what to wear to this party, what I can adapt from what I have to wear, what I can whip up really quickly. The Guess jeans I spent my income tax return on one year no longer fit, but I do still have some earrings and I think gloves. What would you wear if you were going?

I am so thrilled to have my friend Emma Wildes joining us today to answer some questions and give away a copy of her latest NAL release: LESSONS FROM A SCARLET LADY. Because I love Emma’s books (and think you will too!), I asked her if she would be so kind as to do an interview for the NobodyWritesItBetter blog. We were delayed a bit during last week’s technological snafus, but we’re here now.

Emma is an award-winning author, writing for NAL’s Signet Eclipse line. Among her many accomplishments are an Eppie win, a Lories Best Published, and a  WisRWA Reader’s Choice Award. She has been a # 1 bestselling author at Fictionwise, Capa nominee, and received several gold star awards from JERR. In a starred review, Publisher’s Weekly said of An Indecent Proposition (Signet, April 2009) that it provides a spectacular and skillfully handled story that stands head and shoulders above the average historical.

Thanks for joining us today, Emma. I’m so excited about your latest novel, LESSONS FROM A SCARLET LADY, which released last week. Can you tell us a little about the novel?

Well, it is interesting (or I hope it is) in that the main characters are married before the story starts. Since I write Regency, many aristocratic marriages were either arranged or the husband and wife didn’t know each other all that well, and I found it interesting to address that aspect of polite society. Since my books tend to be on the sexy side, I loved that my heroine chose to seduce her husband in inventive ways she learned from a forbidden book. A lot of fun to write!

You’re very prolific. How many novels and novellas have you published? Is there one that stands out above the rest for you, a story that was part of your heart more than the others?

Hmm. Lots of books out there, and quite a few short stories in collections too. Over fifty. I love to write. As for a book of my heart…I hate to be like every other author, but honestly, they were all a joy for me. If I had to pick, it would be the mystery, The Summer Bones, set in Indiana. I love the twist at the end.

You got your start with small press/e-publishers and continue to write for SIREN under a different name while writing for NAL. As a writer, what do you enjoy about e-publishing? What about as a reader?

There’s a lot to love about e-publishing. The rules are more flexible. That’s not to say they don’t have acquisition editors and deadlines and ARCs and all the rest of it, but I think innovative storylines are welcomed with open arms, because, quite frankly, the investment isn’t there to the same measure as with large print publishers. They can afford to take bigger chances, and they do. That said, all my books that are from primarily e-publishers are in print, and all my books from NAL are also available in e-book. Times have changed. Those two worlds are colliding slowly but surely.

As a reader I like that I might get something very, very different.
You assist both published and aspiring authors as naturally as taking your morning cup of coffee, and I would consider you a mentor of mine. Have you had any mentors along the way that helped you get where you are today?

What a lovely compliment! I have no idea if I am mentor material or not, but if I can answer a question, I will. In my own experience I have been lucky in finding some very wonderful friends making the same journey and that is invaluable. Authors have their own unique set of trials and tribulations–as well as joys–and colleagues who understand just what you are going through are like gold. I’d say my greatest help in moving forward all along have been different editors at different houses. My editor at Samhain directed me to my agent.
You write very romantic, very sensual books, and I think your fabulous heroes are key to that formula. As you see it, what makes for an unforgettable hero?

Well, I like them alpha, I like them beta, and in general I just like them, which is odd considering how irritating the average male can be! No, all kidding aside, I think the best hero is a really nice man. Under whatever flaws he has (and they do have them without exception), he’s a decent guy who just happens to be sexy and makes us love him despite his faults. One of the reasons I love writing Regency is that men were required to be gentlemen then by the rules of society, but we all know at heart most would rather be rakes. Built-in conflict right there.

What’s been the best and most unexpected part of your writing career?

I’ve been lucky in several different ways. I hit ebooks at just the right time, though Regencies are an eclectic choice. Historical apparently doesn’t sell well in that venue. especially with more sensual books, but, you see, I had no idea of that going in, which supports the advice to never write for the market <or maybe emphasizes I was too dumb to look at the market>. When the books sold so well, especially at retailers like Fictionwise, I was surprised, and it led to getting an agent and the contracts with NAL. I think one of the heart-stopping moments of my career was when I read an interview with an editor who was asked what she was acquiring in erotic romance, and she said “Most everything but historical. It doesn’t sell.” and then added, ”Unless you’re Emma Wildes”. I had an “Oh, wow, seriously, she mentioned me?” experience to see my name pop up in her comment. <laugh> That’s my entire claim to fame. Besides, I’ve learned to my chagrin that I am not considered all that erotic anyway, so she was right all the way around.

You do a lot of interviews. Is there a question you’re surprised you’ve never been asked?

No one has ever asked me how I came up with the name of Emma Wildes. It’s a good thing, since I have no idea. It just popped into my head.

Can you tell us a little about what we’ll see from you in 2010 and into 2011?

I have five books out in 2010 from NAL’s Signet Eclipse line. As you mentioned, Lessons from a Scarlet Lady; Seducing a Highlander in May, My Lord Scandal in September, Our Wicked Mistake in October, and His Sinful Secret in November. I also have Secrets of a Reckless Princess coming out with Siren (as Annabel Wolfe), and another project in a special line with them, as well as a short story in a British anthology. It’s going to be a busy year.

I love my job!

All best,

Emma

I’m feeling honored that you joined us with so much already filling your plate! Thanks again for joining us. I know I can’t wait to sink my teeth into my copy of LESSONS FROM A SCARLET LADY.

For a chance to win your own copy of Ms. Wilde’s latest release, leave a comment of any kind. I’ll announce the winner here in the comments on Friday morning, January 21^st.

It’s not until something goes wrong that you realize what a role technology plays in our lives these days.  I’m a self-confessed gadget girl and I joke that I’ve outsourced my brain to my iPhone but I’m starting to think it’s increasingly true.  My iPhone has my calendar and my to-do list (love checking off those little boxes and having an electronic to-do list keeps them front and centre) and my notes on things I want to buy or see or read. My DVR tapes my TV programs, my computer automatically backs up my files and organizes my music and my photos. The internet lets me talk to friends all over the world and see what’s happening around the globe, research obscure topics for my books and provides entertainment when I need it.

Being more organized and keeping a bit more order amidst chaos is one of my goals this year. I’d be pretty unorganized without technology. But I also still love notebooks and pens and writing things down on paper, particularly book notes and plot ideas. I love going to stationery stores and feeling the paper and finding a pen that writes well so it feels like the words flow easily. I have a paper diary as well as my iPhone (which may be overkill but it works for me – after all, you can’t tuck bills into the pages of an iPhone!

So I guess I’m not ready to go completely cyber yet, even if sometimes it feels that way. My iPhone had to go to the iPhone doctor for a few days last year and having a regular cell phone was decidedly odd but my paper got me through the crisis.  Don’t even mention the times when there’s no power or the internet goes down. The thought of losing one of my paper notebooks is also pretty scary.  I need a scanner so I can have virtual copies of those.

So how about the rest of you? Are you list makers? Calendar schedulers or do you like to play things by ear? Do you love gadgets or does the thought of figuring out how to make your phone talk to your computer make you want to run screaming from the room? Are you a high tech digital guru or a devotee of low tech paper or ink or like me, somewhat straddling the two, finding the middle way, and hoping I never have to pick just one or the other?

Five months ago, I couldn’t run a mile without slowing to a walk. Then I decided I wanted to be a runner—one of those long-distance runners you see trekking down the road in rain or snow, 100 degrees or ten. Much like writing, it’s a solitary pursuit with moments of accomplishment not many people seem to understand even while I’m feeling like a queen (Golden Heart, anyone?).

Two weeks ago, I ran twelve miles. Never thought I’d say that. This weekend, I’m running my first half-marathon and I am excited beyond belief.  But while browsing online for a “13.1” bumper sticker (did I mention I’m crazy excited about this?), I came across a forum full of people yapping about how lame it is to be proud of finishing a half-marathon. As though anybody can roll out of bed and run thirteen miles without thinking twice. Who needs to train for that, and who would possibly brag about it?

I figure there are two schools of anonymous internet junkies with this attitude: those who couldn’t run across their living rooms if they tried, and elite athletes who have completed six hundred triathlons at record pace. While I admire the latter group, I still say to both crowds: *I* sure as heck am going to brag about it. Because five months ago I couldn’t run a mile. Because it does take training and dedication to work your way from non-athlete to someone who can run for two straight hours. I’m putting a sticker on my car and I don’t give a flying (bleep) if somebody thinks it isn’t good enough.

Seems I’m a masochist, because now I have two pursuits for naysayers to give me trouble about—I write novels, but just those “trashy” romance ones, and I run, but just “short” distances. Apparently I can only be proud if I write literary tomes and run full marathons every week. Somehow, I think even then, people would still find something to complain about.

What are you proud of, even if no one else understands why? Shout it here!

Hi, all!

As you may have noticed, we’ve been AWOL for a bit here at NWIB.  We’ve been having a few technical difficulties (including getting hit with a nasty virus), but it looks like we have a clean bill of health now.  We’ll be resuming regular posts on Monday, January 19th.

Thank you for your patience while we sorted this out!!

– The 007’s

I don’t like resolutions. They always disappoint me. Or do I disappoint them? Either way, resolutions aren’t satisfying to me. And this year I resolve to be satisfactory.

Okay. Maybe resolutions are not likeable, but a little necessary, kind of like laundry and cleaning the bathroom.

One of the first decisions I made about life for me in 2010 is to stop blogging. When I told my NobodyWritesItBetter blog sisters that I was dropping the blogging because I realized I didn’t like it, there was a hue and cry to begin a movement to drop the above mentioned laundry and bathroom cleaning. Unfortunately, most of us will be stuck with those things for the foreseeable future.

So how do you deal with things you don’t like? I have a few tried and true methods. I’ll use my personal history with laundry chores as a case study in the set of finely honed skills I’ve acquire through years of Dealing (as in Dealing with fill in the blank.)

PROCRASTINATION—Yep. Wait until the baskets runneth over and you’re wearing your last clean outfit, which is a Sunday dress, to the Laundromat.

In the early years of my housekeeping, I had to make weekly trips to the Laundromat, which in Florida, in the summer, is akin to visiting the suburbs of hell. Yea. Put that off as long as you can.

FOCUS ON THE REWARD—Clean underwear.

When I acquired a washer, but no dryer, laundry had to be a daily task— pinned on the line by nine a.m. (before clothespins were a craft item) to be brought in sunny and fresh before the afternoon rain. A total of about three hours a day devoted to laundry. Sun-drenched, crisp, fresh sheets. Priceless.

MAKE THE TASK PLEASURABLE—Good tools, good atmosphere.

I’ve finally achieved ultimate laundry bliss. No, I don’t have a house servant. Even better, I have an air-conditioned laundry room stocked with state-of-the-art washer and dryer, organized sorting bins, detergent dispensers, folding table and hanging racks. It’s a thing of beauty, refined and designed by years of experience, trial and error, sweat and fashions best not recalled.

So what does this have to do with giving up blogging, you ask? Not much, except the fact that some things cannot be given up, only dealt with. When you must deal with a task that can’t be given up, you cope. You strategize. You plan and make it better.

I’ve dealt with exercise by playing tennis with a team instead of working out in a gym. I’ve dealt with meal planning by learning to cook fresh ingredients with a lot of flavor.

But some things in life, you’re allowed to choose not to deal with. After several years of trying to convince myself that those little nuggets bouncing around in my head are worth someone else spending time reading, I’m throwing in the towel. Those are my nuggets and I think I’ll just let them bounce around. I’m dealing with blogging by not dealing with it any longer.

Hope you get a good Deal in this New Year.

Signing off,

Teresa Brown

I’m Celebrating The New Year with a New Book–Breakfast in Bed is Out!

After a long wait, the third book in my Domestic Gods Series hit the shelves the reviews are rolling in. Here are a few of the reviews and quotes that have come my way:

“A fun and spicy story. Robin Kaye is a fresh new voice in romance fiction.”
~Susan Donovan, New York Times bestselling author of Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

“With snappy dialogue, complex characters, and an intricate web of relationships, Kaye has created an extended family that’s both honest and enjoyable.”
~Whitney Kate Sullivan, Romantic Times Magazine – 4-Star Review

“Robin Kaye’s books are vacations for the soul. Indulge yourself.”
~Maureen Child, USA Today bestselling author of Conquering King’s Heart

“Breakfast in Bed is a fun and sexy romp from beginning to end. The characters are ones you would love to call friend.  Author Robin Kaye has a knack for reaching right into the reader’s heart and giving them a story to match their deepest desires.  Becca and Rich are perfect for each other.  The chemistry leaps off the page whenever they are together. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered them on as they frolicked their way to a happily ever after.  Bravo, Ms Kaye!”
~Lettetia Elsasser,  Affair de Coeur 4 ½  Stars

“If you’re in the mood for a light breezy read with a happy ending, but enough twists and turns to make it interesting, don’t miss this book.”
~Bellas Novella

“Breakfast in Bed is another fascinating look at the Ronaldi family and their friends that provided me with hours of enjoyment. I can’t wait to see who the next god Ms. Kaye decides to grace with their own book.
~Hibiscus, Long and Short Reviews 4 ½ Books

Here’s an excerpt of Breakfast in Bed:

Rich followed her to the kitchen and leaned against the breakfast bar, staring at her as if he could see beneath her clothes. It was unnerving, and she reminded herself of all the reasons she didn’t like him.

“I know you don’t like me much.”

Becca took a cup from the cabinet. Ah, and he was a mind reader too.

“I don’t know why, but it doesn’t matter.”

“It doesn’t?” Wow, he was good. Not in that way, she reminded herself. And no, she wasn’t even that curious. She poured herself coffee.

He shook his head. “It might be a good thing.”

She looked up from the cup she was filling. “How can my not liking you be a good thing?”

“I need help, and I know it might come as a shock, but most women find me attractive. That would just complicate matters.”

“Color me surprised. Since you know I don’t like you, I suppose I can give up pretending that I do.”

He nodded and smiled a sinfully sexy smile that made her hormones do the cha-cha. She stepped out of the kitchen and picked up the sheets, blanket, and pillow she’d left for him in the living room, and returned them to the closet. Anything to get away from him. The man was a threat to her equilibrium. Unfortunately, he followed. “Okay, so since I don’t have to be nice, and you’re weirdly happy about that, why don’t you just leave?”

“I have a proposition for you.”

“No.”

“No?”

“That’s the answer to your proposition.”

“Don’t you even want to know what it is?”

“Not especially, but I will listen if you promise it will get you out my door sooner.”

He smiled again, and she rolled her eyes. She just wanted to be alone already. When it came down to it, she wasn’t much of a social person. She spent most of her time alone in her studio, and she was happy to do it. She didn’t need a man or company to keep her happy.

“Gina dumped me. She said I wasn’t relationship material because I don’t cook, clean, and do my own laundry. How hard can it be? I just need a trainer.”

“A trainer?”

“Yeah, like a domestic coach. Someone to show me the ropes. So I learn whatever I have to learn to make Gina think I’m not such a bad bet.” He might as well have asked her to streak through Times Square during rush hour.

Rich picks up the gauntlet and mayhem ensues. He soon discovers that he enjoys pissing Becca off, it becomes a hobby. Before long, he’s having so much fun hanging out with Becca, he’s almost forgotten why he started this whole thing in the first place–to get his girlfriend back in time to go to a charity benefit with his boss. When Rich meets with Gina to tell her he’d changed, he realizes that he doesn’t want her in the first place, the only one he wants Becca, who still doesn’t like him. It was a good thing he had a talent for wearing her down.

If you want a sneak peek at the first chapter of Breakfast in Bed, Romeo, Romeo, or Too Hot to Handle, they’re on my website at www.RobinKayeWrites.com along with the Domestic Gods Top Ten List, reviews, and a calendar of my blog tour. I’ll be giving away a copy of Breakfast in Bed to a lucky commenter with this and every blog through the month of January, so stop by and say hi for your chance to win.

It’s that time again. The first day of a brand spanking new year, a day for looking back to see where we’ve been before we look forward to where we wish to go. For many of us, this translates into the inevitable New Year’s Resolutions. I’m sure you’ve made more than a few in your lifetime, as have I, and saw them fall to the wayside long about mid-February or early March—if they made it that far.

Resolutions are, in truth, a waste of time. Like those passed by many a town, city, or borough council, they sounded good but lost their relevance after a while.  Who herds pigs down Main Street these days?  And they can be difficult to enforce.  I know if I don’t have $.25 in my wallet in a certain locale, I could be jailed for vagrancy. Many are the times my wallet has been emptier than a marionette’s smile, but the wallet police must have been busy elsewhere, leaving me to make my vagrant way with impunity.

Still, we never learn.  So we’ll try again, making resolutions to lose twenty pounds, quit smoking, exercise regularly, take a class, get a degree, write X number of words each day, or start that novel that keeps nagging at us. All these are good things, but like the wail of a wolf echoing through an abandoned peel tower, resolutions start strong, grab your attention, fire your imagination only to fade a little at a time until they are no more.

Resolve, on the other hand, is stronger, more demanding. According to Webster, it requires you “come to a definite decision about” something. A definite decision. Not a wishy-washy, if all the stars align on the fifth Tuesday of the second month decision. A definite decision, defined and well-considered. In order to do this, resolve necessitates planning, a strategy.

So, instead of making a resolution to lose weight, quit smoking, or exercise, why not resolve to take steps toward a healthier life style? Not wholesale sweeping changes but steps away from bad habits and into good ones. Plan those steps. Incorporate changes incrementally so they aren’t overwhelming. That way, when you stumble—and chances are you will—you haven’t as far to fall, thus lessening the stress and discouragement that might keep you from getting up and trying again.

That degree you’ve been dreaming about is achieved one class at a time. Sign up. There are so many options available now, you won’t need to drive into downtown There’s-no-parking-within-a-million-miles once or twice a week. If you have the self-discipline, take a distance learning course or two each semester until you get the job done.

Oh, and that novel? It is written one word at a time.

The only one stopping you from achieving your goals is you. Resolve to change that, make a definite decision for 2010. You’ll be glad you did.

May 2010 see the fulfillment of your hopes, the realization of your dreams, and the culmination of your resolve.

Happy New Year everyone!