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What Do You Get For a Second Year Anniversary and Other Fun Things
I bet you’re not going to believe this. I barely believe this, but Thursday, October 1st, is the two year anniversary of this humble little ship. Two years. Do you know there are NBC television shows that haven’t lasted that long—or are even as interesting as we are? (Yeah, I suppose that is a little more believable.)
In honor of us managing to not sink this ship in our 730 days of sailing, we’re going to have two weeks of interviews! There will be the published authors’ interviews (Courtney Milan on Thursday, Louisa Edwards on Friday the 9th, and Kimberly Killion on Tuesday the 13th); and there will be the NYP authors’ (that’d be us) interviews. All will be endlessly fascinating. Today’s NYP author interview is Sophie Sinclaire, author of In the Beginning, Again—go harass your local bookstore for it now.
* * *
Hellion: Welcome, pirates and wenches! It is my very great honor to introduce to you today an author very near and dear to my heart, a sister quite nearly if I may be so bold, the charming and witty, Sophie Sinclaire! Sophie: Why, hello, Hellie, it’s so great to see you again! Thank you for having me on board the ship. Really, I was quite flattered, I wasn't aware anyone knew about my book! I didn't even know it was...published. *glancing around quizzically* Can that happen? Hellion: I have my connections. Pirate. Neither here nor there; let’s focus on you! I just read your debut book, In the Beginning Again, and I must say it was wonderful. Charming, hilarious, but poignant. Mostly hilarious though. Sophie: Oh, good, I was shooting for funny. *coughs* Wow, this is nerve wracking. I have a whole new respect for authors who come on the ship now. Is there any rum? Hellion: *hands her a drink* There is no reason to feel nervous. I've interviewed scads of authors. I'm harmless. Sophie: *glancing around* I don't suppose Jack is... Hellion: *laughing* It's hopeless. No one wants to interview with me. Jack! Get out here! Sophie: No, you’re great, really… Jack: *entering from a trap door and dusting off his jacket* It’s just I know how to make a woman feel comfortable in her skin, until she’s more than willing to lay herself bare. *kisses the back of Sophie’s hand, giving his best smoldering look* Hello, kitten, I’m very glad to finally meet you. Sophie: I am so, so glad to be met. *shakes head* OMG, did I just titter? Jack: It’s nothing, my pet, quite common. So where were we? Ah, yes, the interview. I too got to read this book—as my sweet Hellie says, it was quite amusing. In In the Beginning Again, you’re featuring characters, if you will, of people we all know. Specifically the original romantic couple, Adam and Eve. Sophie: You mean the original odd couple, yes, it features them. They’re a hoot, really. Always bickering about something. Married folk. This book is like Extreme Makeovers: Marital Counseling Edition. Jack: But not based on any married people, you know. Sophie: Oh, God, no, I want people to actually want to get married at the end. If I based this on the married couples I knew, people would probably stop getting married. No, I just pretended I was married and what sort of stupid things would send me over the edge, demanding a divorce, and I decided the KitchenAid would probably do it. Jack: A KitchenAid? What’s a KitchenAid? Does it hold rum? Sophie: Yeah, well, I mean nobody divorces over a KitchenAid. People divorce because they stop communicating; and when they are communicating, they’re not saying what they really mean, what the real problem is. Eve is your typical housewife: the hard-working nurturer who is quite simply tired of being taken for granted. But instead of saying, “You’re a jerk and you take me for granted”, she says, “I’m divorcing you because you got the KitchenAid.” Jack: That does sound a lot like my last wife. What was her name again? Francesca? Francoise? *shakes head* It’ll come back to me. Anyway, women do divorce over the funniest stuff. You don’t remember their name. You were helping the chambermaid make the bed…ah, well, you live, you learn. I found Eve to be a very complex character—I thought you did a great job at making her well-rounded *making woman shape with his hands*-- and well, you know. Tell me, did she come to you that way or is she based off anyone you know? Sophie: Well, it’s dangerous really to create characters based off other people in your life. But I suppose she is a little. Eve is really a sort of extension of me and a couple of friends I know, who’ve also had relationships, the sort of relationships where you fight about dumb, dumb stuff. Like how to put the lid on the skillet the right way. Jack: Interesting. How about the other characters? What about Adam? Is he an extension of anyone? Men you’ve dated perhaps? *grins roguishly* Men you want to date, perhaps. Sophie: *titters again, then coughs* No, Adam is very much the marrying type, and I’ve never dated the marrying type myself. I date the Lucifer type. Adam is more like me and my father. Jack: So you also have father issues? Most excellent. Sophie: Wow, am I out of rum already? Jack: *pours her more rum* That is the thing about this ship. The rum is almost always gone. Drink up, drink up. What about Lucifer? Is he based on men you’ve dated then? Sophie: No, he’s smarter than the men I’ve dated. I’d say he’s me, but with a penis. Jack: *drawing back slightly and giving Sophie a once over* You don’t, do you? *shakes head* I mean, never mind. What about Elizabeth? A fetching little piece she was. Sophie: Definitely me, but with a lot attitude like another friend of mine. Elizabeth’s secretive nature is definitely more like my friend and less me. But the smartass, all me. Jack: Let me see if I’ve got this right: Eve, Adam, Lucifer, and Elizabeth are all based off you, in some form or another? Sophie: Yes. Wow, that sounds far more narcissistic than I intended. Though, I suppose you’d know more than anyone about having multiple selves running amok, wouldn’t you? And if you think about it, all authors put a little of themselves into all their characters. That’s not uncommon. But I’m not in every character in my book. Jack: Which character in the book doesn’t have you? Sophie: God. He’s completely made up. Jack: What is In the Beginning Again about exactly? For those readers who haven’t had a chance to pirate a copy like Hellie and I. Sophie: Oh, what any romance is about: boy meets girl; boy and girl fall in love; boy screws up; boy and girl have a failure to communicate and make each other miserable for thousands of years in marriage counseling; boy and girl get a divorce; boy and girl are sent to Vegas to find new soul mates, but upon placing personal ads, they end up falling in love with each other instead. Jack: What’s up next for Sophie Sinclaire? Sophie: Oh, I thought Lucifer has been waiting rather patiently for me to break his heart and then give him his happily ever after. He has a lot to learn, but I think he deserves a second chance. Jack: I totally agree. Everyone should get the benefit of a second chance. If only Francoise, Frannie!—it was Frannie, I knew I’d remember her name—had had an open heart like you. Sophie, I want to thank you again for guesting with us today, and I wish you much future success in your writing adventures. I’m sure In the Beginning Again, as well as Lucifer’s sequel, will be great successes. Do you have anything you’d like to ask the crew? Sophie: Of course! Adam & Eve is a reunion story—so mainly I want to know what everyone thinks of reunion stories. What do you think of stories that feature married couples with married couple drama? What are some of your favorites; and what sorts of things do think make for good reunion/marriage stories?
Books by the Crew
114 comments:
Wow, Sophie, you brought out the gentlemen in our Jack. Nicely done. And never mind 'is bit 'bout the rum bein' gone. I always have rum available, I jus' keep it far from 'im! Otherwise, he'd drink the bar dry!
I know when I read, I find the reunion stories where high school sweethearts meet up and rekindle the flame sorta interestin'. Gross Point Blank comes ta mind.
But the ones that truly entice me be the long time couple that rediscovers each other. Yer book sounds like it will truly meet that criteria! I must rush out and buy a dozen!
And Happy Anniversary, sweet Revenge! I snatched the Duff from Charm City Cakes and he's chained in the galley, workin' on our anniversary cake. Should be done afore the day's bloggin' be finished.
The Kraken proves ta be very good at encouragin' work!
Wow, I am beyond stupid. Let's just get that out of the way. I'm reading this and I'm thinking as I read---wow this sounds a lot like the story that Hellion talks about and does she know that another author has stolen her idea and if so why is Hellion being so chummy with Sophie Sinclair. And then toward the end it hits me and I feel like the stupidest woman that was ever born. Because I so was going to email you, Hellion and be like WTF is up with this Sophie Sinclair chick and see if the book was on Amazon.
Oh god, see this is why I wonder how I even was a teacher to begin with. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Congrats on the second year anniversary of the pirate crew!
Ely, still reeling that she was fooled. And is so stooooopid.
Don't worry Ellie .... she fooled me as well.
And I have an IQ approaching more than 99!
I googled 'Sophie Sinclaire' and found a dominatrix in Sweden.
Thats when the penny dropped. :lol:
Brilliant interview of course and only Helli could follow yesterday's blog. *grin*
The concept of a couple separating and then finding one another again makes an excellent romance story.
Mary Balogh's 'Christmas Belle' is a favourite of mine. Though the couple were lovers and not married before separating. Still the idea is the same!
Is this masterpiece available to read yet and can I download a copy from anywhere?
It sound a real treat!
Happy Anniversary!
Hellie, I do think your future self is still obsessed with Captain Jack Sparrow.
Reunion stories, huh? I haven't read a lot of married couple reunion stories lately but I'm reading Lora Leigh's "Heat Seeker" right now and it's kind of a reunion story.
I've never read Leigh before, but I'm enjoying it. Her stuff is steamy that's for sure. Nearly melts the pages. :)
Happy Anniversary!
Brilliant interview Hellie. I knew what we were doing this week, and it still took me a few minutes to remember. I was scratching my head saying, I don't remember a Sophie on the guest blog list...hmmm...LMAO!!
I adore reunion stories. Esp married people reunion stories. The movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a favorite of mine. When they're bickering and realize they both have to start over and tell each other everything, because they've been lying the whole time....love it!
Hellie...I think you've hit on something superb. for school, I have to write all these long, boring term papers, and I was trying to think of ways to apply conflict and conflict resolution theory to romance novels. And you just did it for me. No one divorces over the Kitchenaid. There's a whole body of theory about this, how in a conflict you have an underlying need (communication, respect, gratitude), but you fight over your interests (the Kitchenaid), and even if you get the Kithcenaid thing solved, you still haven't solved your underlying need, so instead, you just spiral in a new conflict about a new interest (the toaster, perhaps, or how to put the lid on the pot correctly). Hmmm....this could work for a paper. (and sorry to be so dry and boring this early in the morning)
Hal - I love Mr. and Mrs. Smith. The part where they start shooting at each other and beating the crap out of one another? LOVE it. I think anyone married for more than five minutes can appreciate that movie.
:)
P.S. I *HEART* Duff. He's adorable! Our cake is going to rock!
2nd: Jack was quite a gentleman--though he did whisper something to me a while ago that was very ungentlemanly behavior. (I may have to take him up on it, provided I can get over my fear of heights to get to the Crow's Nest.)
High school sweethearts are fun ones to reunite. I loved Sweet Home Alabama--and they're a hilarious fighting couple. I loved how she hid the key to the house and never told him--even after she'd been gone 7 years. And to get her out of his house, he calls the police to remind them she was still wanted on a felony. *LOL*
Happy Anniversary, Pirates!!! Wow can it really be 2 years? That is really wild. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. :)
I love reunion stories. Eloisa James has done some pretty good ones (Your Wicked Ways, This Duchess of Mine). I'm trying to think of a contemporary and can't come up with one.
Anyway, I totally agree about the break-up or falling out never being about what it seems it's about. It is usually cause they were young and stupid, not communicating or misunderstanding. I also think that being a part of a "good" relationship requires skills that are developed over time and as people mature. Once they acquire those skills they can go back and look at the relationship differently and are armed with the tools to fix what went wrong.
I think your story is fascinating, Sophie, and can't wait to see how it all turns out!
I also wanted to say that I think the draw of reunion stories is that we all want a second chance. I think everyone at one point or another has said or done something they wish they could do over. Reunion stories tap into that desire and give us all that HEA.
Ely, *ROTFLMAO* I nearly spit toothpaste at my computer when I read this this morning. However, considering the rest of the comments, you're in good company. My own crew members (Hal) had forgotten this was the blog theme this week--and I just posted it yesterday and they all thought it would be fun.
I'm glad you got my back though--and was going to email to tell me what a backstabbing harlot this Sophie was to steal MY story...I'm sure we would have won the lawsuit.
Q, yeah, I'm aware there is a dominatrix in Sweden who has the pen name I most desire. I decided I'd still try to roll with it. *LOL*
I totally knew you were going to ask me if you could download a copy somewhere! *LOL*
Reunited lovers counts. Same like high school sweethearts, etc. I always think love the second time around is even deeper than the first time. (That sounds kinda dirty...maybe I have more dominatrix in me than I thought.)
Been there done that. LOL! I remember fights over things like how to load the dishwasher, not putting the lid on the pan, crawling into other women's beds.
I'm loving that this duped everyone. It's so convincing. And Frannie is Jack's ex-wife. LOL! That's too good.
I do like reunion stories. For one, the HEA tends to be more believable. When the H/H meet for the first time and a month later (as in my book) are in love for good, that's a tough pill to swallow sometimes. But when there is history and shared experiences that go back years, the HEA is very believable.
Of course, Eloisa James is the queen of writing about married couples hitting rough times and working through them. Kleypas did a good job with the reunion story in Seduce Me At Sunrise, but then she does everything well. :)
Marn, yes, Sophie is just as obsessed with Jack Sparrow as I am. And so is that trollop Frannie.
The title "Heat Seeker" sounds like it should come with a bucket of ice and a fan. And possibly a fire extinquisher.
Lora Leigh does write hotttttt stuff, and is well recommended by many of my romance reading friends.
Hal, Mr & Mrs Smith is one of my favorite movies. I let my student worker borrow it, but told her she'd have to watch it quickly because it was one of my writing movies. She was like, "What does that mean?" And I explained I had a handful of movies that I rotated when I wrote on the book, and this was one of them. (Incidentally before anyone thinks I'm going to have a trash the kitchen sex scene, no--the movie I've been watching most during the writing of this book is Twilight. And there are no tree climbing scenes either. There was one kissing scene where they almost did one of those bolting across the room away from each other bits though...)
Exactly about the underlying need and the fight over your interests. And usually as one of the fightees, you're unaware you're being emotionally hijacked until you're screaming, "You can take your golf clubs and stick them up your ass!" and then realize you're probably not fighting about how much he golfs. It's hard to be rational when you're completely pissed off. And even when you can be rational, it's hard to crack open that level of vulnerability to say, "Look, jerk face, you're not meeting my emotional needs here, here, and here" for fear of them going, "And I can't meet them, sorry."
Your paper sounds like it would be fun though.
Marn, you don't even have to be married to appreciate that movie. I think being married raises it to a new level of appreciation, but you don't have to be. *LOL*
My favorite parts is where during the van chase scene, she's all, "You got it." "I got it." "Anytime now." "I got it." And she gets sick of him dithering, and shoots the bad guys herself. (Control freak? Nah.)
And then later when he's bragging about how many he's killed. "Lower 50s, upper 60s, I've been around the block..." "312." "Excuse me, what?" "312." "How?" "Some were two at a time."--and a few minutes later when she says, "This is not my first time." "I think we've established that." *LOL*
"How many times a week do you have sex?" "I don't understand the question." "Yeah, is this a 1 to 10 thing?"
I can't believe it's been 2 years either. *LOL* I couldn't believe it had been one year until around Thanksgiving last year we went: "We've been doing this over a year." We vowed to cut back--and yet we almost missed it a 2nd time running. Hard to believe you've been doing this so long when you're having too much fun. *grins*
I'm guessing you might mean "emotionally mature" which sometimes comes with age. Or usually does. I mean, I'm better than I once was...but that's not saying a lot. I could write a book in how not to communicate. I mean, if you tell me what is going on in your relationship, I can tell you what you're doing wrong. But if I had to pause and dissect what I was doing wrong, I'd say something like, "He's being a stupid boy! That's what the problem is! And no, my expectations aren't too high!" Basically I can be emotionally mature about everyone's relationships but my own.
I do especially love that Frannie is Jack's ex. LMFAO
Ms. Sophie, I do love your story. I would absolutely love to hear how you came up with this diabolical thought to rework A&E's story. And do tell me more about Lucy. I do love the bad boys. *grin*
And Ms. Sophie, you seem way too sweet to be a dom in Sweden.
I really appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Hellie's already said one of my fav parts. I love when he brags and then she has to cut him down a notch by telling him he's not as bad ass as he thinks he is. LOL
I also wanted to say that I think the draw of reunion stories is that we all want a second chance. I think everyone at one point or another has said or done something they wish they could do over. Reunion stories tap into that desire and give us all that HEA.
I think you nailed it on the head. We all want a second chance. (Do you ever revisit situation or conversations and wish you could have done it differently, in a more suave and witty manner? Yeah, me too. I think that's why a number of my stories seem to be "second chance" or "reunion" stories.
And that's as sappy as I'm gonna get. LOL
And Hells, I can't believe it's been two years either. Thanks for putting together the ship and the crew and being one of the best Capt'n's out there.
This should not have made me laugh, but I'm a weak person. I remember fights over things like how to load the dishwasher, not putting the lid on the pan, crawling into other women’s beds.
I agree. I think the shared history of a couple adds to the authencity of them being together, you truly believe no matter what, they'll have a HEA. Hard to believe it when you fell in love 5 minutes ago and now you're getting married.
And I love reunion stories for the same reason someone already said. Everyone needs a second chance. (Well, read into that, most people. Sometimes second chances are more disastrous than the first chance.)
I am too sweet to be a dom.
Now that Frannie person--Jack said she'd make an excellent dom.
*LMFAO*
hahahahaha
I told her that she needed a bed harness and a leather riding crop...
I see her Christmas list getting really long.
I remembered the "Sinclaire" from a long-ago discussion, so I thought I knew what was going on. Even so, at one point I went back and reread the first paragraph to be sure. You're good, Hellie/Sophie! I'm sure your insight and humor will insure your success.
I love reunion stories. TLWH is one. Eloisa James uses the reunion theme frequently and brilliantly. So does Sherry Thomas, One of my all-time favorite reunion stories is Kathleen Gilles Seidel's Till the Stars Fall.
Frannie said she's really like that swing.
Oh, the book...
Um, well, I tried writing a book about Lucy first. I finished a manuscript with him, but besides the unfortunate hurdle that having the devil as your romantic hero is believed by many to be, um, impossible, critics also said Elizabeth was pretty heinous as well. So I stuck that version under the bed.
Then I wrote on something else entirely; and one day this guy and I were arguing about Adam & Eve, and I was like, "I would never have put up with his whiney, blaming ass, I would have divorced him." And then I was, Huh, what if they'd gotten divorced? It all took off from there.
The marriage counseling came from watching Mr. & Mrs. Smith--and a bit from watching What Happens in Vegas. (Being I haven't actually been to marriage counseling to base this off real experience.)
Lucy is the ultimate bad boy. He's the guy that set this up, actually. The Marriage Counselor told Lucy that "he broke it, he needs to fix it"--so Lucy said, "Okay" and then requested that these two be given their divorce; that they not be bothered for 40 days; and that they go to Vegas.
Of course, he thinks the likelihood of these two getting together is as probable as hell freezing over--so he set the stage so that at least he'd get to play in Vegas for 40 days. It's his intent to get laid--as much as possible. Then he meets Elizabeth.
I have to watch them carefully. They have a tendency to hog scenes if I'm not careful.
Too true, Sin, sometimes second chances are World War II.
Awww, Sin, it's so good to be on a ship with another person who's almost as emotionally handicapped as I am.
Hells, I hugged Manda the other night and she asked me if the world was coming to an end. LMFAO
Happy anniversary Revenge! What a perfect way to celebrate the ship's anniversary with this blog theme! I was just wishing I could hear what everyone is working on. :) I'm actually quite proud of myself for picking up on the multiple alias'. I've already been duped (try adding Facebook friends and going...who? lol) Now I'm on the lookout for them. Pirates.
I love the concept for In the Beginning Again . And so true that the divorce isn't about the KitchenAid, but becomes a handy excuse. (Although helping the chambermaid make the bed is a valid reason. Not that Jack would see it that way! LOL)
I do love reunion stories. It's what I'm writing now, even if the reuion is with a ghost! But, like Irish says, it's about second chances. And, as Terri says, about making the HEA believable. A history between the hero and heroine gives so many possibilites.
A couple of big "what ifs" for me were what if the one you loved wasn't exactly who you thought he was? Or the "perfect" love wasn't quite so perfect? I basically had no conflict in my dreaded middle until I added some secrets. Not bad secrets, but the "for her own good" kind of secrets that are still hurtful in a "I never really knew you" kind of way. The discovery of them and dealing with them make the relationship deeper and more real. I love that something of mending old hurts that can only be done in a reunion story.
Janga, I love how you knew what was going on, but you went and reread the first paragraph to make sure. That's just funny....
I cannot wait until you have published TLWH. I know I'm going to be going to everyone I know, "READ THIS! This is the most brilliant reunion story!"
Eloisa James is the first I thought of. And you've mentioned "Til the Stars Fall" several times. I need to break down and read it. *LOL*
I looked up the Seidel book and that sounds really good. Making a note!
Sophie - Can you tell us your call story? ;)
The Adam & Eve concept kind of reminds me a bit of the tv show Cupid. It was short lived, but I liked it and thought it had a great concept. Sophie, I really think Adam & Eve would be be a great television series! I can't wait. :)
Melissa, I definitely think a ghost story is a reunion story. *LOL* And I think you're going to love the other interview blogs...actually I am too. I have vague details about most of the books being written around here, but some will be as informative to me as they are to you. *LOL* (The pirates are a secretive bunch.)
Mending of old hurts--that's a skill. I don't think everyone can do that, so when it's done well, it's the kind of story that definitely leaves its imprint on us.
I neglected to say Happy Anniversary, Pirates! Y'all have made this ship a place that's always a lively, fun place to visit. Here's a toast to all of you! May the RWR always find fair skies and smooth seas.
Salut!
I love it when we have toasts! Bottoms up! And thanks for making it so much fun to sail...we wouldn't have nearly as much fun without you guys!
Melissa, I loved Cupid! I was sad that it was so short lived. (Thankfully they did keep Castle!)
Terri tells me a lot that she could see this as a movie.
I checked on Duff a little while ago. He's drivin' Santa insane bitchin' about the fondant not bein' green 'nuff... Why he fixated on showin' the Kraken crawlin' all over the cake is a mystery...
But we gots some nice little pirates made that he's gonna place all over the deck!
I have a feeling this cake is going to have some kind of explosives involved.
Yes, thanks to all our pirate buddies for making our cruises so much fun. Without you, we'd just be talking to ourselves. Not that that would make us stop sailing, but it wouldn't be nearly as much fun and we'd never get the topic off of sex.
We need an anniversary drink to mark the occasion. Any ideas, Chance?
We get off the topic of sex? When does that happen?
I almost read that as "We get off on sex?"
Yeah, I thought you might. *LOL* Jack completely would have read that sentence that way.
And the "When does that happen?" follow up question still would have pertained.
*LOL* Unfortunately that is also true.
I'd hope as pirates that we get off on sex. Yeesh.
Sex is a stop on the journey, so a' course we get off... ;)
The Two Year Bender? Or Blender? A frosty drink which can be frozen completely and eaten on a stick. Or off a stick.
It does feel like we've been on a 2 year bender doesn't it? I do love frosty drinks...and sucking on things.
No, I don't think that's the problem. The problem is the opportunity isn't as frequent as we'd like.
So, do I go fer length or width wit' the mold? :)
Sorry to interrupt. LOL!
Sophie, um, you may have told Fran, who may of told Hellie, who may have told us, but I wonder, do you write on one project or do you have multiple projects going at the same time? Writers speak a lot about ideas for a new story. Personally, I have no need for new story ideas - - I'm stockpiled up on ideas for projects for some time to come! How about you? Do you have a general idea of future projects or stay focused on the WIP or related sequel(s)?
I try to work on one project at a time. (I'm not anywhere near Sherrilyn Kenyon's level of mastery.) But I do have several beginnings of stories. Some that eventually could be molded into something good; and some that will undoubtedly remain a beginning.
I have a bunch of folders for them. *LOL* And charts and questionaires and you name it.
Happy Anniversary, y'all! It has been a rocking two years. And, Hellie, I wasn't fooled for one minute. Well, okay maybe for a minute. :) BTW, as soon as you get it finished I'll start bugging everyone and anyone to see your book on the shelves.
I never thought about reunion stories until hubs asked me if I'd write one for him. *jaw drop* SERIOUSLY?! That would have to be the toughest story to write because it would be a reunion story of sorts. And it'd be a hell of a ride. So I came up with a story where my hero believes life is perfect. He has the perfect wife, the perfect heir with three to spare, and the perfect position in the War Dept. Everything is perfect until his wife storms his offices and asks for permission to have an affair.
Paolo Nutini's Candy lyrics are almost perfect for my story.
Congratulations again for two years!!! Here's to many, many more.
Everything is perfect until his wife storms his offices and asks for permission to have an affair.
See, I'd totally pick that book off the shelves. What a great premise.
Though clearly not a heroine who understand the philosophy of permission. It's much easier to get forgiveness than permission--so if you really want something, just do it. It's easier.
I'm thinking she's not the heroine? That sounds awesome, Renee!
About that call story? *taps finger on desk*
Chance said:
Sex is a stop on the journey, so a’ course we get off…
Totally cracked me up. Sex is the stop right after Fore Play Golf Club and Lucky Strikes Island.
And I'd go for width, definitely.
That should be BEFORE Lucky Strikes Island. Messed up my own damn punch line. Gah!
One vote for width!
LOL, Sophie (I love that name). It only seems as if she is a heroine who doesn't understand the philosophy of permission for it'll be my poor hero who ends up begging for forgiveness. :)
Lord, how did I miss the Call Story question!? I'm so sorry! (I hope my ignoring this question does not make you miffed at me and you don't buy my book, Terri.)
Call Story.
Well, this is going to sound a little weird. I was on vacation--I was supposed to have gone to RWA--but what I really did was buy a ticket to that Hogwarts Orlando, which was FREAKING AWESOME. So I'm standing in line for the Hippogriff rollercoaster, and I'm decked in my "I love Draco Malfoy" t-shirt, sporting a Luna Lovegood hat and glasses, and waving my new wand (the tip lights up)--and the woman next to me says, "Are you a fan?"
And this of course opens up a conversation I'm pretty sure the woman regretted making. But then she asked, "Oh, you're a writer. What do you write?" And I told her Paranormal Romance, and gave her the one sentence pitch, all the while giving that self-deprecating eye roll as if to say, "Yeah, isn't that crazy?" and she says, "I'm an editor at St. Martins."
So the next thing I remember is some EMT guys standing around me--and something about "fainting" and the lovely woman was fanning me with my Harry Potter sticker book.
She and I (once I was uprighted) went to get a drink at the Three Broomsticks and she asked me to send my synopsis and manuscript. I did. And then I waited about a month. Then about the time I'd forgotten about this, I get a phone call. (I'm working on Lucy's story.) And I say, "This better be good." Because no one calls me on my home phone and I don't have caller ID. (I do now.) And this sweet woman says, "I hope you think so because I think I'd like to buy your book."
And then the next thing I remember the EMTs are standing over me...and the rest is as they say history.
Now I know that call sent you reeling, you left two commas out of that last sentence. LMAO!!!
Thought I'd tell you before Hellie does. *bends closer and whispers* She's the comma nazi, you know.
I love the "Are you a fan?" I nearly spewed my iced tea right there.
A diabolical heroine. I love women who know how to manhandle their men. *LOL*
Terri, she's definitely my heroine.
Did somebody get a call story that I didn't hear about?
Our old English teacher is the comma nazi. Hells is a practicing comma nazi. LOL
Oh, that call story. Truly amazing, Sophie!!! So, what was your one line pitch?
Terri, Yeah I thought the "are you a fan" was one of my more subtle humorous moments.
Renee, Terri wanted Sophie's call story. That's the only one you missed.
Sin, I feel a little like a mini-Ms Younts a lot of days. Actually I thought I was the lovechild of Younts and Charbaneau. Totally explain the cynicism and sarcasm.
that's BY Sherrilyn Kenyon, not MY Sherrilyn Kenyon
Oh, Hells, I picked up the first "The League" book my Sherrilyn Kenyon just yesterday. I think it looks really good. I haven't started reading yet (I've got two CPs waiting on crits) but I hope I can get to it this weekend.
:)
My one line pitch?
Adam and Eve fail marriage counseling and are sent to Las Vegas to find their true soul mates; however, what they really find is that falling in love with each other a second time is ridiculously easy and dating in the 21st century is ridiculously hard. Basically, Mr. & Mrs. Smith meets Dogma.
Honestly I think she just agreed to look at the manuscript because we both have ridiculous crushes on Sirius Black.
Who doesn't have a crush on Sirius Black?
I need to find the new SK books. *LOL* I've heard good things about The League. (Good TV series material, though I'd pay to have the Dark Hunters as a TV series...gah!)
Sophie, that's such a magical call story.
Sin. I can definitively say Sin does not have a crush on ANY HP character, let alone Sirius Black.
I have a crush on killing HP. *grin* I dunno why Hells is friends with me.
Don't sell yourself short, that is an awesome pitch line.
Sin, ya should get it outta yer system, write it.
Very punny, Sin.
You'd make a great Bellatrix. Just so you know. You'd like her. She makes Rosalie seem like Britney Spears.
*ROTFL* Janga! I'm so using that somewhere. "I love you, but I'm so disappointed in your choices..."
Oh, Sin, I'm crushed. You hate country music and HP. I can only resort to one of my mother's most effective lines. "I love you, but I'm so disappointed in your choices." :)
Oh god, I'm not not NOT writing any HP fanfic. I would be pulled into the streets and maimed for crossing fanfic lines again.
LMAO, Janga.
Believe me, if there is fan fic audience for Draco and Harry M/M, I'm sure there'd be fan fic audience base for killing off Harry. *LOL*
Sin's not wild about the pirates movies either. I'm not sure how we clicked. Her husband was the biggest one. "You gotta meet her"--and then I did and stuck to her like a cockleburr. So few writers around here. *LOL*
I didn't read the Plum books; she didn't read Potter. (Now I've gone back to not reading the Plum books. *LOL*)
Don't worry, Sin, I'm not a HP fan either.
I'm trying to think if I could crush on Sirius. I suppose I could, if I paid more attention.
Poor Hellie is always making HP references in emails and I never get them.
Could be worse. You could be Jack. He can't tell a thestral from a mandrake.
See, that doesn't even look like English to me.
Sophie - Do you have any MS under the bed? Any words of wisdom for us not yet pubbed?
(Side note: I read this last night and could not figure out what NYP stood for. Duh.)
I have two manuscripts under the bed, actually. One is the original Lucifer story; and the second is a contemporary novel about a girl named Livie. Though all my CPs refer to it as the Ben Book. It's basically your Plain Jane Bridget Jones character who falls in love with a guy she meets at a party--but doesn't know his name. But by the time she's in love with him, she realizes he's the sworn enemy of her best friend. So it's basically Romeo and Juliet without the poison and sword play. Ben does get shot though.
Oh, yes, Pearls of Wisdom. Let's see. Write what you're passionate about. The only stories I've ever finished were stories I was passionate to write about. I tried writing one that was straight to market--and though it had my voice and humor, I couldn't carry it to The End. I didn't care about their HEA and just stopped writing altogether.
And I'd also say: play nicely with others--no matter what. Everybody knows everybody around here, so try not to alienate potential allies by saying how much you hate a certain person or series, et al. (Except Nicholas Sparks--that's fine, ream him.) Ill will only promotes ill will and there's enough of that. And I'd suggest trying to do this everywhere, even in "safe" places. It's good just to try to find the good in everything, no matter how thin. "They got the best book covers I've ever seen!"
(I'm still working on the latter, of course. This is more like advice for me. *LOL* In general, just sit and write already. Preferably with some Muse music in the background.)
OMG.
Sophie, honey, I'm sorry, but please let me help you find better music.
*look of disgust* They only have one good song in my opinion.
Sin, jus' write it as if yer the sneaky Ninja tart ya are and Harry be wanderin' the streets a' Tortuga and you jus'...accidentally...well, those stars are so sharp! And that lightnin' bolt...
Ah, well!
Sophie, yer right. And a good bookcover is somethin'!
Sophie, she do know her music. I'm still listenin' ta several a' 'er recommendations.
I'm gonna see how Duff is doin' wit' our cake. I may keep him here a few more days, make sure we get our cake's worth outta 'im...
I thought she meant muse as in your writing muse. LOL! Then read Sin's comment and went "Oh, that group with the song in Twilight." Yeah, that's the only good song from them. I agree.
Great advice! Very much "Don't piss where you eat."
I'm so glad I stopped myself from flippantly commenting to that, Ter. LOL
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Hellion and Crew!! Thanks for the laughs, tears, the rum....... ya um about that Chance it seems once again, there is none!
Heres to another two years!!
Safe Sailing all!
To mark the second birthday of the RWR I have asked the Bard to assist me with a little poem. 'As You Like It' seemed appropriate so I hope you like it. *grin*
All the deck's a stage,
And all the pirates merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And Helli in her time plays many parts,
Chance like a cat has nine ages
But the rest struggle valiantly with seven.
Most have now reached their second age, the age of publishing, in the second year of life aboard. From England I supplement Janga's toast with a 'hail pirates, well met' .
Chance fill the glasses there's a dear.
OK if we are all ready, raise the bottoms to the sky.
Here's to the boldest, bravest, sexiest captain ever to sail the seven seas. Long may she bellow and plot the course of a true writer's love,
Down the hatch! :D
Lord! Awfully sorry Will. You can do it next time mate. :lol:
I'll drink to that!!!
Sin - I had to think about it. Then I got it. Thank you for stopping yourself. Thank you very much.
Q - That's wonderful. Hellie needs to print out that toast and frame it.
I am not out of rum! I am never out of rum! I just hide it from Jack!
Sorry, had to get that out...
Why thanks, Q! That were sweet. I'll restock the rum fer that...
Ter, I had to scroll back up to where the original comment was made to remember WTF was said. LOL
Q, wonderfully said my dear!
Congrats on the 2 year anniversary! I love this ship and it's crew - you've been so helpful to me and I thank you!
Cheers!
Sin, I only meant Muse music as whatever music inspires your Muse. Not the group. Apparently they only work for Stephanie, and that's fine. I'm more of a movie-muse person and less of a music-muse person.
Exactly, Ter, don't shit where you eat. Which ties this blog with yesterday's...and opens up the sex topic and quotations from the "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" movie--you know the honeymooning virgin husband who says, "No engineer would design a sewage plant next to a recreation park."
Jane, thanks for the well wishes! Here's to more drinking! WOooooo! More drinking!
I kinda wanna blush at Q's toast. Loved it! Will can eat his heart out. *blows kiss* You're definitely going to have scotch on hand for the next year at least.
Sabrina! Lovely to see you! We're always glad to have you here...
Makes note to put Forgetting Sarah Marshall in Netflix queue.
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