If you're anywhere near the mid-Atlantic or northeast US, you're likely huddled down arse over elbow right now just like I am. As Dread Pirate Donna expressed on Facebook, this is clearly not that nice, sweet Sandy from the beginning of Grease. Nope. This is the bad-ass, leather wearing chick from the end. And she's squashing us under that cherry red stiletto of hers.

They canceled school by mid-afternoon on Sunday and I have no intention of driving through flooded streets to reach the office, so I might be a little late checking in today. That is if I can check in at all since a lack of power would be a problem. But this is the perfect chance to discuss the weather, don't you think? In books I mean.

Do you notice weather? Ever read a story all the way through and realized every day was sunny and perfect and how could that possibly be? Especially in London?! My debut novel only covers about two weeks and the weather is perfect every day. Since the time period is late May, there's a slight possibility that could happen. But it's unlikely. Damn it.

In book 2 of the series, a hurricane plays a crucial role. So in a way, this weekend is good research. Though I'd rather experience this through Google, I suppose first hand isn't so bad either. Not that this is my first hurricane but this brings the experience front of mind for sure.

When it comes to books or movies, next to a good shower scene a tension-laced scene in the rain is always nice. One of my favorite scenes in the most recent movie version of Pride and Prejudice is Darcy's botched proposal in the rain. They're both wet and panting and exchanging insults, and then they lean in ever so slightly… Steam practically rises from my TV screen every time I watch it. (And I know that's not how the scene is in the book but I don't care. It's awesome and I want to have Matthew Macfadyen's babies. Uhm…did I say that out loud?)

Anywhozit. Let's talk about the weather. Which is usually a mundane subject but can really intensify a scene when used well. How many Romances have the intrepid couple trapped in a snowstorm? Almost always alone and cut off, be it Historical or Contemporary. (Thank goodness cell phones don’t have a signal everywhere.)

Do you alter the weather in your work? Mix in some precipitation? Use it for setting but never let it affect your plot? Or do you ignore it all together. And as a reader, does it bother you if the weather is never mentioned? Any memorable scenes, book or movie, in which the weather played a role?