Sunday, September 27, 2009

say my name, say my name...

I love country music (and before you spit your morning coffee at the monitor, I happen to have it on good evidence that I'm not the only pirate on this ship who loves country music).

But a new song has made me think about sex scenes, and how we write them. More importantly, what our characters say during sex scenes.

The song is by Dierks Bently, and it's this slow, super sexy song. And there's one line in the chorus that says, "And make you say my name like only you can say it."

Every time I hear that line, I hear a breathy voice in my head saying, "Oh Dierks! Oh Dierks!" in a tone only a sorority girl can manage. And I burst out laughing. Every time.

Of course, here's a pic of our buddy Dierks, and for a guy that looks like this, I can probably manage a few "Oh Dierks" myself.


So let's hear it girls. Time to fess up. Do you say names? Do your characters say names? Do you roll your eyes when you're reading a character who screams their lovers name during the big moment?  Or do you like using names to add intimacy?

And to really have fun on a Monday, let's hear what phrases make you burst out laughing in the middle of a sex scene!

122 comments:

Hellion said...

Bentley. He's awesome. And so is Billy Currington and the new Chris Young song...and George Strait and Brad Paisley...

I do not say names. Mainly because if I'm at that point, I don't know my own name let alone his. If I'm saying his name, he's not doing it right.

I think Livie might have said "Ben" a couple times, but I don't remember. I do roll my eyes if the character screams out complicated names or long sentences. Or scream much of anything that's coherent. I'd believe whispering it when you're exchanging the kisses, et al. *LOL* But not at the end.

But maybe my shipmates are more talented and coherent...God knows most of them are better at pronouncing words than I am. (I bet Terri does. But then I'm sure she talks in her sleep. *grins wickedly*)

I always laugh when the wide-eyed virgin bursts out with a "But you're so big!" and the big bad wolf hero says something like "the better to tup you with, my dear" or something to that effect. I mean, these are virgins...so it's not like I expect them to say, "So and so's is bigger" or anything, but none of these girls ever say anything unflattering, like, "That's not real attractive is it" or "Wow, that's hairy. You look like a gorilla." None of the untactful things you'd expect from the average 18 year old.

Renee said...

Oh, and I forgot, that Chris Young song--delicious.

Renee said...

Oh, Dierks! le sigh

There was a book I read recently and it seemed as if the hero was always saying the heroine's name. It got to be too much. Now my heroine has a hard time saying the hero's name, she's always milording him which drives him nuts, so he obviously wants to hear his name cried out in the throws of passion. He's totally and thoroughly bewitched by her.

I think Hellie hit the nail on the head with the it's so big, tup me hard, thing. There are a few scenes where they are just too much. I'll have check and see if mine are like that, good gravy I hope not.

2nd Chance said...

I'm a fan of the oh, god, oh, god, oh, god! gasping stuff. Personally.

Now, me heroines... One is a shit, shit, shit! type woman. Another, whimpers. Another do cries out her lover's name.

But the guys? Generally not much more than inarticulate bellows...

I'm wit' ya, Cap'n. I think if'n it be done right, the ability ta speak bails from the brain.

We be startin' the week out right! SEX!

2nd Chance said...

Ya know, I jus' 'ave ta comment on the whole it's so big stuff. In me overly long Caribbean series, there be a place where the heroine admits ta 'er captain that as a sexual witch, she 'elped out a newlywed couple when the wife had been convinced by 'er sisters that 'er husband's prick would damage 'er because 'e was so big.

By showin' 'er that it would fit...

She were dedicated ta 'er calling!

Janga said...

It's so funny that you blogged on this song because the first time I saw the video, I emailed Terri and Hellie, my fellow country fans, a link, asking, "Have you seen this?" and saying it was great inspiration for a scene in a romance.

I think decades of reading purple prose in some romance novels has inured me to over-the-top lines. I admit to using country music videos as inspiration in my romance writing. Keith Urban's "Raining on Sunday" and "You Look Good in My Shirt," Alison Krauss's "Let Me Touch You for a While," Alan Jackson's "Remember When," Gary Alan's "Smoke Rings in the Dark," Trisha Yearwood's "The Song Remembers When" and "Cowboys Are My Weakness"--these are just some of the country songs that have served as inspiration for scenes. On the other hand, Gary Alan's "Nothing on But the Radio" does make me giggle and Gretchen Wilson's "Come to Bed" irritates me.

As for names, Eloisa James uses names in both An Affair Before Christmas and A Duke of Her Own to reveal a new level of intimacy.

Quantum said...

I don't listen much to country music but I once had 'home on the range' buzzing through my head, if that counts.

Round a boy scout camp fire someone played the accordion and we all sang it with gusto ...... those were the days!

Home, home on the range
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day


I must take issue with Chance when she says
But the guys? Generally not much more than inarticulate bellows…

Chance, Shakespeare had an answer for everything:
"Asses are made to bear, and so are you" *grin*


In passionate situations I like to quote the Bard's poetry, and he is an infinite source. My memory is not always faithful though:

At the beginning
"Too big or not too big, that is the question"

At the end
"To sleep, perchance to dream- ay, there's the rub."

In the middle
"My emotions fly up, my intent remains below: emotions without intent never to heaven go."

Interesting thoughts Hal 8)

haleigh said...

Hellie - "If I’m saying his name, he’s not doing it right. If I’m saying his name, he’s not doing it right." LMAO!!!! What a way to start a Monday morning. I love it!

I'm so tired of that scene too. It seems that any time there's a virginal heroine, they have to have the wide-eyed freak out moment when they see it. And the "it's so beautiful" comment, or "the beauty of the male body" or some nonsense. Really? Really?

I read one comment by an editor last week that said she saw a sex scene where his penis was described as a "purple tulip". LOL!!!

haleigh said...

Renee - that's great, when he wants that intimacy of first names and she refuses. That's going to be an awesome scene when she does use his name at just the right moment.

And I'm sure you don't have any of those over-the-top purple scenes. :)

haleigh said...

Chance - But the guys? Generally not much more than inarticulate bellows… LOL! See, that I find much more believable than the line, "They came screaming each other's names" That one always makes me roll my eyes. Incoherent bellowing I totally buy *g*

And your heroine *showed* her? LOL!! I love it!

haleigh said...

Janga - we have lots of country music lovers on here! I haven't seen the video for this one. I'll have to track it down. For whatever reason, it never occurs to me turn on the videos. That's a great idea for inspiration for love scenes!

And that's a great list - I'll have to watch those. But I'm with you on the Gretchen Wilson song. Well, all her songs irritate me, but that one in particular *g*

haleigh said...

Q - I am now going to have Home on the Range stuck in my head for the rest of the day :) Thank you, very much. LOL! That was your intent, wasn't it? Have all the pirates signing Home on the Range all week? LOL!

Whoever knew Shakespeare could be so useful -- or so dirty? “Asses are made to bear, and so are you” what a great line *g*

Melissa said...

What about saying the wrong name? That's always good for causing problems. LOL

terrio said...

I do NOT talk in my sleep, thankyouverymuch. But my ex did to the point where I could engage him in full conversations. Funny enough, he never let out another sleeping word after he started cheating.

As surprising as this may be, I'm not really a talker during sex. I'm a woman, it's takes concentration to get the big O, ya know? Though I have learned one thing in my vast (read: somewhat limited) experience. When it's a romp in the sheets for fun, it's easier to talk during the activities. But when it's more serious and all your emotions are involved, it's quieter. Just my observation.

I haven't written a love scene for Bryan & Celi yet, but I have a few in the short story with Max & Anna. Max *sigh*. I do think he said her name, but the title of the story is MY ANNA so he had to say that at just right time. Worked out well.

I *heart* Dierks! You can watch the video if you go to www.dierksbentley.com. It comes up on the home page.

Melissa said...

I'm with Hellie that anything long or complicated at the big moment will get me laughing. But leading up to the big moment with "brainy" stuff can be funny or loaded with sexual tension. Like where serious conversations are mixed up with sex until it finally becomes "what was the question?" :)

Darn it. Now I want to write a scene like that but I have no home for it in the current story I'm writing!

Hmm, maybe I do actually...thanks!

terrio said...

Melissa - I love those scenes. LOL! Where she's trying to act like this is not going to happen so he keeps her talking and eventually, her brain turns to mush. Mush brain moments are always so good, in fiction and real life. ;)

Sin said...

I think I might have used names once or twice before in writing. Not so much during the act of sex but to create intimacy in the very beginning. Though, I know I've had the hero groan her name in her ear. Then I thought that was rather ridiculous. LOL

Sex in general makes me laugh. It all depends on what type of relationship you have with your partner what sex is to you and what sex is to your characters. There are all different sides to sex.

And I hate country music.

Just sayin'.

terrio said...

Ignoring Sin's country-hating comment.

Add me to the non-Gretchen loving club. That song "When I Think About Cheating" makes me crazy. How about, if you're with someone, you DON'T think about cheating at all?! Huh? How about that?

Stupid song....

Sin said...

I can rap you a song about how much I loathe country music. Not that I care that much for rap either, but I'd still rather listen to thumping base than someone step on a dog's tail and the whining for five minutes.

terrio said...

Where's the Kraken? I think Sin needs to take a dip.

Sin said...

Awh, I feel the love this morning. It's so glorious.

hal said...

Not all country music involves a dog in the back of a pickup.

Well, maybe most, but not all.

just sayin'

*g*

terrio said...

You know I love ya, darlin'. *said with as much twang as possible*

hal said...

Ter - But when it’s more serious and all your emotions are involved, it’s quieter.

I think you're right. Fun and laughter usually implies that it's casual. And once the emotions get involved, it's very hard to keep it fun and casual. The stakes are higher.

And how ironic that you're ex stopped chattering in his sleep when he started cheating. There's a guilty subconscious at work.

terrio said...

I know, amazing how the brain goes into protective mode. LOL!

And I was also going to say not all Country music is whiney. Gary Allen does not whine. Dierks does not whine. Aaron Tippin whines. Him we can kick out.

I'm now listening to Dierks on my iPod. Thank you, Hal. LOL!

hal said...

Melissa - I love those scenes too! When she's still trying to talk, and half of her clothes have come off, and she can't figure out how that happened. LOL!

And, uh, the wrong name? Yikes! Now that could be an entertaining scene *g*

hal said...

I love Gary Allen. And Dierks. Though Keith Urban is my current male country favorite. That new song, "Only you can love me this way" is just amazing.

Renee said...

Terri, my hubs talks in his sleep. Once a friend and I were sitting on my bedroom floor playing dice at like 3 in the morning. We were trying to be really quiet, but all the sudden dh roars from the bed, makes a few grunts, asks me to come to bed because he wants to. . .well, yeah. It was hilarious. He was deep asleep.

Dh also use to teach MMA. I had to tell my friends and my mother that if I ended up dying in my sleep, hubs truly didn't mean it. This came after I woke up in a choke hold in the middle of the night. I've had to learn counter moves in order to survive my sleep. :) I dread the day he starts teaching MMA again. I'm thinking separate beds will be the course of action when that happens.

hal said...

Sin - I think groaning a name at the right time can be hot. You're right - it all depends on the context and partner and emotions...

hal said...

OMG Renee - that's hilarious! Well, not so much the choke hold part. Can you imagine him trying to explain that to a jury? "Well, see, I tend to do martial arts in my sleep..." LOL!

Yeah, separate beds may be necessary!

terrio said...

LOL! My ex got in a fight in a dream once and came within an inch of punching my lights out. I manage to wake him seconds before the punch flew. He's lucky I didn't hit him over the head with something.

You might want to put some mace in your nightstand. LOL!

You can't go wrong with Keith either. And Tim McGraw is great at the sexy lyric thing. Beyond REAL GOOD MAN is a song on Set This Circus Down called LET ME LOVE YOU. This is one verse:

Oh I want to taste your kiss
Be the reason for your smile
Touch the magic on your skin
Be the one that drives you wild.

Worth the price of the CD right there.

Hellie said...

I *heart* Gary Allan. Sexy and hot. *sighs*

Most country music--except Alan Jackson's--is about cheating. (I don't count his "Who's Cheatin' Who" remake, which while good, I don't think he was really into it. *LOL*) I do appreciate the modern trend toward true love songs more than the cheating songs (rather than vise versa) and the sexier without being hokey songs (the horse and saddle song by Mel Tillis just makes me snort).

Renee's stories are cracking me up. I think I'd elect for a separate bed too.

terrio said...

Hellie - That's one of the reasons I love Brad Paisley. He writes the best true love songs and very few cheating, lost my dog songs. LOL!

Though I do like the cheating, lost my dog songs too. But then, I love my angst. Country is all about angst.

haleigh said...

Oh Ter, I'll have to look for that Tim McGraw song. that sounds great.

I'm probably the only one, but I'm not a big fan of Brad Paisley. Most of his songs are too sappy for my taste. I go for the angst *g*

terrio said...

Hal - If you find some Brad stuff from before he met Kim, it's less sappy. LOL! Though still tongue in cheek fun.

Hellie said...

Well, so long as they feel angsty about it. *LOL* That's what matters.

Though there was a song a few years back about a guy who's girlfriend gave him an ultimatium--and he said he did what any guy would: "I got brand new girlfriend!" and it was all the stereotypical things that guys aren't allowed to do that this mythical woman allowed him to do. *LOL* Funny.

Melissa said...

LOL Hellie, the new "girlfriend was mythical all right. I think that was the one with the video of his "new girlfriend" being a blow up doll. So, he didn't really win, did he?

haleigh said...

that song cracks me up. This is the funniest verse:


She laughs and says I left the toilet seat up
She pops the top for me a cold beer
And says my buddy's always welcome here.
When I get hungry, she takes me out.
I'm ridin' shotgun like a shitzu hound.
My tails a waggin', my tung hangin' out
It makes me wanna shout...

2nd Chance said...

I have no feelin's 'bout country music one way or another. All music is good in me book... Though I admit ta some trepidation ta live freestyle jazz. And rap. Sorry, Sin...I cannot get behind rap for the most part...

Was Q sayin' I'm an ass? If he was, I'm gonna toss the scotch ta the Kraken...;)

Aye, Hal - Miranda be a dedicated sexual witch! Wantin' ta eradicate sexual disfunction and fear wherever she goes!

haleigh said...

I adore "once in a lifetime love". awesome song!

haleigh said...

it was a blow up doll? that makes the song so much funnier. I love it when videos actually add something to the song.

Janga said...

Yeah, Hellie, in the video that "brand new girlfriend" is inflatable. LOL!

Sin, have you ever seen the video of Keith Urban's "Raining on Sunday" or listened closely to the words of "You'll Think of Me," one of the best post-breakup songs ever? "Once in a Lifetime Love" is a whole romance novel in itself, including an epilogue.

Renee said...

I've learned a tapout works sometimes, others it's a tap to the groin with a "What the F are you doing?" The scariest wasn't the choke hold but the knee bar, the feeling of you knee separating is a bit scary, my reaction woke him from his sleep.

2nd Chance said...

Honey? Sweetie pie...I bought this new pajama top for you. I know the straps are a bit cumbersome, but I'll feel so much safer...

Melissa said...

Renee! Do you get ANY sleep?

Renee said...

Melissa, some. I tend to be a night owl. Funny, I never thought I had become a night owl out of necessity. LOL

haleigh said...

Uh, yeah, I'd say you're a night owl out of necessity. Separating knees, choke holds....you know, I used to work as a social worker with battered women...we can sit down and talk one day *g*

terrio said...

Janga - I must have played "You'll Think Of Me" a million times in the six months after my divorce. It's the right amount of "You broke my heart but you'll regret this someday, asshole. And then it will be too late." I could relate.

Renee - You have four kids. Put one in the middle for protection.

Hellie said...

The "riding shotgun like a shitzu hound" is the part that cracks me the hell up.

Inflatable. Yeah, she'd have to be. *LOL*

haleigh said...

Renee - You have four kids. Put one in the middle for protection. LMAO!!!!!!

terrio said...

That explains the line "And she hadn't even said she loves me yet."

I never watched the video because I hate the song. LOL!

terrio said...

What? She has extras, that's all I'm saying.

LOL!

Really, that's just a joke. I love kiddies. Really.

haleigh said...

*snort*

you say you're joking. We all know the truth *g*

Hellie said...

How can you hate that song? You're just mad because you're the girl who gave the ultimatium. NEVER give an ultimatium.

Yeah, we know the truth, Terri. "What? She has extras..."

Renee, put the kid in the middle who hits back.

terrio said...

I don't give ultimatums! I'm a very laid back chick. So there.

I hate it because it's a novelty song and they played the shit out of it. (I think I may have still been on the air when that came out and had to play it over and over.) Novelty songs are not my favorites.

Renee said...

I used to work as a social worker with battered women…we can sit down and talk one day *g* LMAO!!! That is too funny.


You have four kids. Put one in the middle for protection. Do you know how long it took me to get them out of my bed? And, the middle one, the one that hits, I have stories of her sleep walking and peeing in the hallway when she thought she was in the bathroom. I'll take my chances with hubs. :)

Melissa said...

Darn, forgot to end the darn italics again! LOL

Hellie said...

Don't worry, Melissa, he's driving around with an inflatable doll now...just like he deserves.

Hellie said...

You don't like novelty songs but you thought "rocking the beer gut" was something I needed to listen to?

I like novelty songs--as is clear--though rocking the beer gut is clearly out. I refuse to listen that one. I'll listen to 30 point buck before I listen to that one.

terrio said...

If you remember, I asked if you'd heard that song because a) I was amazed they made it and b) I was amazed anyone was playing it. But it just goes to show, you write a catchy tune, and it doesn't always matter what the words are. Topic aside, it's not even a well-written song.

Melissa - Men are scum. Say it with me now... (Present company excluded, of course.)

Marnee Jo said...

I go through music phases. I listen to something until I'm sick of it and then I leave it alone for a while (a year? two?) before I come back. I'm in an "off country music" phase. Left it about a year ago, maybe a little longer. Which means I'll probably be on next year or so.

I think it has to do with life phases too. I'm more in a radio alternative life phase. SO that's what I'm listening too. I've had pop phases, even a year long classical phase right after my son was born. I'm very eclectic.

Janga said...

I'm careful about criticizing novelty songs since I was once the proud owner of a 45 worn almost through from repeated replaying. The chorus:

Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bang-bang
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bang-bang

Renee said...

Hellie, I like that song where she gives him the ultimatum and he goes fishing anyway.

Renee said...

Janga, I thought you were going to break out into "You got the right stuff. . ."

Melissa said...

Hellie, that cracks me up it think of the only reward mr. no commitment gets is a blow up doll! LOL

Terri, yep, men are scum. I'm just going to have to write an honorable hero. :)

Btw, I did accomplish something today. I was inspired by a comment earlier to write that "when her brain turns to mush" scene, but it's not exactly a love scene. Or maybe it is. It's about in the middle of the book, after Ben (ghost) and Beth argue while sitting in her car in the parking garage of the office building where they've just stolen a file from the villain (former friend Matt's) office. Then Matt comes back early and discovers Beth (seemingly alone!). He taps on her car window, sees that she's crying (from the argument) and offers to drive her home. So ghost Ben is in the back seat while his wife is with his former best friend and bad guy and not being able to do a damn thing about it. Lots of witnessing Matt comfort Beth, holding her hand (over the important file) and having a quietly menacing conversation. Beth can hear Ben though, and he talks sexy talk to her from the back seat, distracting her until she says, "what was the question?" in response to Matt, who is oblivious that the husband of the woman he's obsessed with is right behind him.

Marnee Jo said...

I forgot to answer the real question about calling out names during the moment. I'm kinda opposed. I agree with you guys above, that if the guy's doing it right you shouldn't be able to think of his name.
:)

Renee said...

Melissa, what a great scene. I'm playing my hand at ghosts. I hope I'm successful. It is a historical, so who knows.

Melissa said...

Thanks, Renee. You might get hooked on writing ghosts and have a hard time writing "ordinary" characters! LOL I'm finding a lot of surprises with writing a ghost - - deeper POV, the angst (of course!), and lots of tension sort of built in.

terrio said...

Okay, that scene sounds amazing. And I like the blow up doll scenario, but I like the idea of him spending every day comparing the chick to you and her coming up short even better. :)

So true. If he's doing it right, you shouldn't even know what day it is. LOL!

Renee said...

If he’s doing it right, you shouldn’t even know what day it is.

Ditto!

Renee said...

My ghosts are supporting characters, but they are helping explain what would normally be backstory. And I love it. I don't know if I shared before but one ghost is my hero's dead father and the other is the hero's dead maternal grandfather who had the father hung for marrying his daughter. They are having to try and get along.

Melissa said...

Ghosts as secondary characters - - I love it! Sounds like a great way to explain backstory. And, not sure if you are using them for humor, but they can be so funny. I love the ghosts in Harry Potter, especially the girl in the bathroom. I can't remember her name but I'm sure everyone (Hellie?) knows.

Renee said...

Ummm, please, do not throw me overboard. I've never read, nor seen HP. I do use them as humor as well. My story was very dark, and my hero doesn't have a superstitious bone in his body, he blames my heroine, since she's an accused witch, for the apparitions even though they are his relatives. They are fun.

Deb said...

I give up...who is the dreamboat at the top of the list? Also, for the one who mentioned George Strait, HE is my dreamboat. Everytime I visit Tractor Supply, I sigh his name! (OH! George...)
As for my characters saying the lover's name, ONLY when necessary. I prefer no names, or nicknames that change with the appropriate moment or situation. Otherwise, I think I am in class and the teacher is picking on him or her!

terrio said...

One ghost had the other ghost hung and they have to get along? That is hysterical!

I don't read HP either, Renee. And I've only seen parts of the movies. Luckily, Hellie has her hands full dealing with Sin's total rejection of the stories to bother with us.

I have a back-burner story that is basically the heroine being haunted by her grandfather until she solves his last case (he was a PI) and his murder. But that's is way far down the line.

terrio said...

Deb - That's Dierks Bently. If you like him, you should check out yesterday's blog. Prime. Beef.

I just saw George in concert in June (for the 3rd time) and he only gets better with age.

Renee said...

Okay, Jason Aldean Big Green Tractor. Call me a hick, but I find that song sweet and sexy.

terrio said...

BTW - Points to Hal for not doing a "party in my pants!" blog about landing an agent on Friday. I totally would have done it.

And for anyone who missed it, Hal landed an agent on Friday. A BIG one.

Renee said...

Oh, Hal!!! Why didn't you? We do need a party. And you know what, Hal? Because of you I worked my arse off over the weekend. I now only have 9 chapters left to rework. On Friday, I had 25 left.

A big huzzah for Hal!!!

terrio said...

I think Jason is an odd looking dude at time, but I have all his CDs and I like him. He kind of does Country Rock. And I love that Green Tractor song.

Congrats on the revising, Renee. Hal is very motivating, isn't she? When she's not showing us all up. LOL!

2nd Chance said...

Aye, not sure she be inspirin' or depressin'... But that's me day in a nutshell.

Melissa said...

Which, for me anyway, brings up another thing Hal does well. Hal, you write great driving scenes! I mean, those scenes where you throw in landmarks, a believable handling of traffic, and make your reader feel like time didn't stop while the characters have a conversation. LOL

Yes, I'm personally having technical difficulty with my scene in the car and will be reworking that part for a long while. I can't drive and talk in real life either.

Melissa said...

Maybe it's so hard because my only other moving vehicle scenes were in a carriage. With a coachman. At night. LOL I hate traffic.

terrio said...

Yeah, those quotes should have come before the 'I got up and left' part. LOL!

terrio said...

My book opens with my heroine driving and talking on her cell phone. Something I do all the time. LOL! Now I'm wondering if I did it right.

At a workshop at Nationals, I was sitting in a workshop I NEVER should have attended and had I paid better attention to the description of it, I'd have saved myself a headache. Anyway, at the moment an editor said, "Whatever you do, don't open your book with a character driving, I got up and left."

I won't even bother listing all the awesome books I've read that start out this way. Gah!

haleigh said...

LOL! I was tempted to write a party blog. But my sane side prevailed :) And you know, I thought talking about sex would be even more fun!

And thank you for the congrats. Renee - rock on! Nicely done on the revisions! You know, I sat and did revisions for 11 hours straight Saturday. I thought I was going to have to blow my brains out. It sucked. But it's done, he's got it, and said he'll read it this week and wants to start submitting to publishers next week (EEEEKKKKK!!!!! I'm seriously going to have to buy stock in paper bags. I am FREAKING out)

2nd Chance said...

No, don't buy stock in paper bags... What a waste a' money.

Note ta self, look ta cornerin' the market on paper bags...

haleigh said...

SEP's Natural Born Charmer starts with the hero driving - with that awesome scene of him seeing the heroine wearing a beaver suit and walking down the highway. I LOVED that scene!

Thanks Melissa - that's nice to hear, as setting/description is definitely one of my weaknesses.

haleigh said...

Chance - LMAO!!!

haleigh said...

Deb - I could totally sigh out an "Oh George!" Carried Away is one of my all-time favorite country songs. And Carrying Your Love with Me. I love George Strait

haleigh said...

Marn - I go through phases of music too. I use to devour pop, now it's country and alternative rock. For a while it was classic rock (a boy I liked was such a huge Pink Floyd fan that he'd named his dog Floyd - so of course I had to learn every Pink Floyd song *g*). Then there was the bad 80's love song kick where I could sing every word of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". *hanging head in embarrassment*.

2nd Chance said...

Ah, that's sweet! I remember that song!

terrio said...

I left the "e" out on purpose, just for you. Gave me a thrill waiting for you to catch it. :)

terrio said...

What's wrong with that song?! Now if you inserted an Air Supply song there, then you could be embarrassed. (Yes, I still have my Air Supply vinyl. So what?!)

Out on submission already? Be still my beating heart. SOOOOOOOOOOOOO exciting. I love that we all get to live vicariously through you. LOL! That is, until it's our turn. And we will all have a turn.

*stares intently at rest of crew to squash any negative nellies*

Hellie said...

You guys are driving me nuts, spelling his name wrong. It's Bentley. With an E. E. E. E.

Actually I could scream "E. E. E." in a providential moment, but I'd probalby just sound like a guinea pig getting it on. Actually I probably sound a lot like that anyway.

Hellie said...

Well, regardless if Hal decided to be classier than the rest of the crew (each of us who would have done a "party in her pants" blog about scoring the best agent of all time), I'm glad she did keep it to a "party in her pants" with Dierks...so we at least got some partying of some kind.

Hellie said...

Terri, you want my Adam & Eve coupon? I got another one of them in my email this morning. I bet you could have all sorts of parties in your pants then.

Hellie said...

WTFE.

terrio said...

To be honest, I'd just be happy to have a party in my....nevermind.

2nd Chance said...

I be happy ta party anywhere!

terrio said...

I first read that and thought, "A coupon for her book? Huh?"

LOL!

I'll take a raincheck...for now.

terrio said...

Hal - Can you believe I haven't read NBC? There are a slew of SEP books on my shelf that I haven't read. She's the one author that ties me in knots to read while trying to write. Oddly enough, reading Crusie does the opposite. Makes me want to write even more. It's the strangest thing.

haleigh said...

Bentley. Opps! I was working so hard to get his first name right I didn't even glance at his last.

Funny story - I ordered myself something from Adam and Eve, and they're very careful about discretion when shipping. But one of my husband's friends was at the house when it showed up. He took one look at the box and said, "ohh, I know where that's from!". My face was on fire.

haleigh said...

Natural Born Charmer was the first SEP book I read. Actually, it was the first straight comptemp romance I'd read. I'd only ever read historical and romantic suspense. I don't know why, but I'd just assumed I would like contemps. But I LOVED loved loved NBC. And of course, went back to the library for any book by her I could find. And read them all *g*

Melissa said...

I hate to admit it, but it wasn't until I had a book title to look up that I could figure out the "SEP" reference as Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Hanging my head in shame.

Hal, 11 hours of revisions! Eeek! Now that's an accomplishment. I'd be a walking zombee after that.

Renee, congrats also on your revisions marathon!

Oh, and on my driving scenes, coming to the conclusion that since I have two [almost] back to back driving scenes (located from a DC suburb to Georgetown) and the second is a return trip, then it's the first that needs the most detail and the second not so much. I think. Looking at my DC metro map and mapquest routes (the story setting) is making me cross-eyed. LOL I should know this area better, but my non city driving, metro taking self is causing me problems!

2nd Chance said...

Aye, suppose havin' her talk ta herself on the metro would cause other problems ta the plot, eh, Melissa? Like cops and terror alerts, etc... Whic might be an interestin' direction ta take... ;)

Melissa said...

Thanks, Chance. It would cause a different set of problems! However, considering Beth appears to be talking to herself quite a lot since she's talking to her ghost husband, unless she wants to get thrown (back) in the hospital, the relative privacy of the car is necessary! LOL I could almost see that I'll maybe get her out of the car to ditch Matt and jump onto the metro. Good idea. Now I'm thinking of other scenes if maybe Matt discovers she has this file. Hmmm. How inspiring!

Quantum said...

Heavens! I don't have time to read 107 posts. :lol:
Have to be selective.

Terri, I think your X is an idiot. How could he not love you if you sang 'Let me love you' !

Was Q sayin’ I’m an ass? If he was, I’m gonna toss the scotch ta the Kraken…;)

Now Chance, thats just spiteful. And think what the Kraken will do to the ship if its drunk or becomes alcoholic. AND you did say that I bellowed incoherently while indulging with my loved one! *grin*

All these comments are making me dizzy. And now things are taking a surreal turn with Janga singing
Ooh-ee-ooh-ah-ah, ting-tang-walla-walla-bing-bang

I'm calling it a day and retiring to bed.
Is there a drop left in that bottle Chance ... go on, take pity. You know you like me really! 8)

Melissa said...

Chance, you're a genius! I just figured a bunch of stuff out. Thanks!

Renee said...

Why can't we open with driving scenes? And no weather either. Just drives me nuts. I think I'll go work on another piss pot scene.

Melissa said...

LOL Renee, another one? Careful, it will become your trademark. A reader will always expect a piss pot scene in your books. LOL

2nd Chance said...

Well, f*ck it all! I be a genius with other people's plots, but can't dig meself outta me own hole with a backhoe!

Blast it!


*muttering incoherently and headin' for the bar.

Scotch? Fine, I'll drink Q's scotch!

Sigh, I did finish up the 50 pages that Jenna gave back ta me. She is the genius. So, if'n I go 50 pages at a time, she'll stagger onta me stuck endin' in...four months!

Sigh. I guess I don't want ta wait that long ta finish the book... I will chain meself ta a desk tomorrow and force me brain ta some sorta forward momentum.

I may need a second bottle a' scotch.

terrio said...

Q - I don't sing. Just so you know. And Chance didn't say all men grunt, she said her mail characters grunt. Calm your tail feathers, my dear. :)

Chance - You'll figure it out. Maybe if you sit down and read every word you have so far. It's a lot easier to step back and look at the whole picture. And I bet you have all kinds of clues in there about where this ending needs to go.

2nd Chance said...

I knows yer right. It gonna take readin' it all and takin' notes as I go. See if I can untangle meself without gettin' out the knife. I hate ta cut the intricate stuff away...

And I did not say Q bellows! That's right! I'm sure, as all self-respectin' 15 year olds livin' in their Mum's basements, that he screams like a little girl.

Or quotes Shakespeare

Hellion said...

I love how 2nd just *luvs* to tweaks the tiger's tail. EVERY time. It's like the thing she can't resist.

I think it's funny Renee is going to work in another piss pot. Eloisa always stages her sex scenes outside--and that's what she's known for, why not? Renee the Piss Pot Scener.

2nd Chance said...

A t-shirt. Yeah. A t-shirt.

2nd Chance said...

I want to see her make that a brand... Design a pin.

Renee said...

What do you want it to say, Chance? Piss in My Pot, Piss This, my brain is quite rambled right now to think about Piss and Pots.

Renee said...

Oh, instead of a pot of gold charm I can have a pot of piss.

terrio said...

Wouldn't it just say "Piss-n-Lit"?

Renee said...

LOL! Terri. Told ye my brain was mumbled. And I didn't even open up my file.

2nd Chance said...

Piss-n-Lit! Yes!

Piss This is good, too!