Eleni's Taverna

Stunning Saturday - Covers

2012-01-28T08:30:00.000+10:30

I continue with a look at covers this week. This time the theme is Steampunk. I love the look of steampunk - the clothes, the gadgets. It makes for some amazing artwork.

They all have a similar look, and as usual it's hard to pick, because I do choose covers that I find Stunning to begin with. But I really love The Parasol Protectorate, The Iron Wyrm Affair, and The Extraordinaires. I have no idea what story the German version cover of Gail Carriger book is but I really think it's lovely.

~yia~

Happy Australia Day!

2012-01-26T03:36:00.000+10:30

I would like to wish my fellow Aussies, a:

I will be taking some time out today, though my schedule is very busy. You need some time to just chill.

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000+10:30

I'm currently reading the following writing buddies:

Rowena Cory Daniells

Nicole Murphy

Janni Nell

Nalini Singh

There are many more wonderful buddies books I want to read. Okay, I need the pause button on life so I can catch up.

Do you think that's what heaven is like - getting all the time you need to do what you want to do?

Books I have waiting on my TBR pile by my DarkSider buddies are:

Tuesday Tunes: Tina Turner

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000+10:30

I mentioned last week that the other side of the spectrum I used to listen to (opposed to Led Zeppelin) was Tina Turner. Here is one of my favourite Tina Turner songs, Nutbush City Limits....

Youtube link

Doesn't make you want to stomp your feet?

I also admire that Tina Turner, despite being held back by an abusive husband, rose up and took control of her life. Go, Tina!

Check her out in concert at 70 years of age singing Proud Mary

Youtube link

Amazing! I hope I look as good and dance like that when I'm that age.

~yia~

Writing Update

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000+10:30

It's been busy in my world. What else is new?

Well, quite a lot actually. I'm now a student again. Not officially- I still have to enrol. But I'll be doing Graphic Design in part time capacity. So starting February, it's back into the classroom for me.

Though I did spend three days in a drawing class as a sort of pre-requisite for the course. Very full on but very fulfilling. But it did make me grateful I hadn't picked full time as I wouldn't have coped. I may seem to do a lot but it's not all in one hit. I can't do 9-5, I know, so I adjust my schedules to suit me. I think the Ancient Greeks had it right when they said, 'Know Thyself'.

Still January seems to be the month of courses, as I'm also doing a time management course run by Kitty Bucholtz, and doing a Writing with the Senses by Dr Gillian Pollack. I think that will be it for the online stuff unless there is something I really want to do. But again, it's about scheduling.

So far, this update hasn't been much about writing. Where does writing fit in?

Oh, it's there, don't worry. Maybe not so much this week, but it's there.

I'm polishing a novel and writing a short story. I also attended a SARA meeting, so it's very much part of the schedule.

If you haven't seen it yet, my flash fiction, Changes, is up on Antipodean SF. There will be another story up in March, and I'll have my two short stories out by Musa Publishing in June. So a good year for the short stories. I hope to have more out by the end of it.

If you haven't read any of my short stories, you can find links to them on my short stories page on my website.

Righto, back to work.

~yia~

Super Sunday

2012-01-22T18:07:00.002+10:30

I'm late in getting this blog post up today. I have been at a course most of the all week, and all my regular things to do have fallen way behind.

"He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed."
~Albert Einstein

And here are some funnies:

Hope you have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2012-01-21T09:00:00.000+10:30

It has been a really busy week for me that I almost forgot this post.

This week let's look at some covers - it's a water theme.

They are all powerful images, but top three are Chameleon, Wake and A Blue So Dark

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: Stairway to Heaven

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000+10:30

One of my all time favourite songs... Stairway to Heaven. I never tire of hearing it.

I was lucky to have older cousins when I was growing up who listened to the hard rock bands of the 1970s (well, it WAS the 70s). So along with Led Zeppelin, I listened to bands like Cream, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple and of course, AC/DC. On the other side of the coin, I listened to ABBA, Tina Turner, and The Jackson 5. Then there was the Greek music. No wonder, I have such eclectic tastes.

Enjoy this Led Zeppelin classic.

Youtube link

~yia~

Super Sunday

2012-01-15T09:00:00.000+10:30

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
~ Ernest Hemingway

I hear you Ernest.

I've always been amazed with ventriloquists and how they can talk let alone sing with the limited movement of their mouths. Here is one such talent...

Youtube link

Have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000+10:30

I came across this artist, Otis Frampton, when they mentioned he did some artwork based on BSG (Battlestar Galactica for those not used to my lingo).

Here is his great work. Love the two styles.

Starbuck

The CSC - Adama, Ty, Apollo, Starbuck

Gaius and No. 6

Cylons

Helo & Sharon; President; Gaius and 6

You can find Otis' work on Deviant Art - http://otisframpton.deviantart.com/

Tuesday Tunes: Zumba

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000+10:30

I've recently started going to Zumba classes. Goodness me, I knew I wasn't fit, but Zumba puts a spotlight on it and says 'hello'. I can feel all the aches and pains and stiffness and my CFS cringes. But despite all that, I'm hoping that in the long run it will beneficial.

So here's the type of music that's at Zumba. Lots of boppy latino music to shake your booty to. It's a more fun way to get fit.

Youtube link

~yia~

Super Sunday

2012-01-08T09:00:00.000+10:30

Welcome to the first Super Sunday of the year. What is involved with Super Sunday? Well sometimes

it's a quote, or a picture to make you think or smile or laugh, or a video. If you haven't guessed by now or you are new to the blog, I love sharing things with my readers.

Today we have a couple of quotes from the Quotable Bitch calendar that I had a couple of years back.

"Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses"

– Elizabeth Taylor

"The more I know about men the more I like dogs"

– Gloria Allred, attorney

Ouch!

I found the below video some time back and it's been waiting it's turn. Thought it was funny how these celebs take the mickey out of themselves.

Clinton Foundation: Celebrity Division from President Bill Clinton

As always, wishing you all a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000+10:30

Welcome to the first Stunning Saturday for 2012. Be prepared to be amazed, stunned, enthused, and well just go, 'that's cool'. Yep it's the column of cover art, artwork, photographs, and whatever else I think is inspiring.

To begin the year, I think some photos are in order.

Can anyone say, awwww?

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

~yia~

Flash Fiction and Antipodean SF

2012-01-03T20:36:00.001+10:30

I've got some good news. My flash story, Strange Brew, has been accepted by Antipodean SF and will be in the March issue. Yay!

But at the moment, you can go to the site and read my other flash fiction, Changes.

The audio version should be available this month too. I'll let you know when that is out.

I hope this is a sign of things to come in 2012.

~yia~

2012 goals

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000+10:30

Yes, it's that time of the year when a look at how I did at achieving lasts year's goals and coming up with new ones.

My goals for 2011 were:

Edit – DreamTamer, Gateway to Hell, Clown story, sanctuary sci-fi story (for Aus anthology) - umm, no, yes, no, yes
Write – Shadow novella, Lady & the Dragon, short story for MZB’s Sword & Sorcery anthology - yes, no, sort of
Read resources on writing I have on my shelf - no
Overhall website - changed the banner and font. Still not complete overhaul
Enter Little Gems Short Story - yes
Enter Little Gems cover contest - yes
Submit once stories are polished :) Hoping to sumbit one novel, two novellas and 6 short stories - no, one novella, yes
Overhaul my CFS blog - no

What I didn't account for when setting the goals was my start up of a design business, family health, family commitments, and volunteer commitments.

On to 2012...

This year, I possibly be taking up some study, so I need to keep that in mind as well as being on the conference committee for Diamonds Are Forever, and my new exercise routine. I've been going to the gym two to three times a week, doing some pilates and Tai Chi also. I'd love to keep that up as the more energy I have, the more I can do in other aspects in my life. But I want to make sure I have a couple of days a week which are 'low key' days so I can have some rest. Again, it's a matter of balancing.

Goals

Writing

Write Warder 2 novella
Finish first draft of Lady & The Dragon
Write 4 short stories

Editing

Finish HD editing by March
Shadow book 1
DreamTamer
Short stories - including reworking 2 old short stories

Business

Submit Warder 2
Submit 4 short stories
A look at my website
obtain ITIN
Attend RWAus conference
Exchange work with CPs
Promo when short story releases occur
Continue networking on FB, Twitter, and blogs etc.

Health

Continue with exercise routine - 3 exercise sessions a week
Balance - rest when need to

Reading

My reading challenges are over at my reading blog, Eleni's Library.

Study

Do a drawing class
Prepare timetable each week to include study (if I'm accepted into the course I've applied for) and make sure everything is up to date. This of course will have smaller goals throughout the year.

Other

Conference preparation for Diamonds Are Forever on Gold Coast in August.
Attend SARA meetings
RWAus duties

Wish me luck!

How about you? Have you set any goals?

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T03:00:00.000+10:30

It's 2012! Wow, can you believe it?

I always like to take a little bit of stock of the year gone. What worked, what didn't work, what I'd like to do, what I have time to do, events, great moments, not-so-great moments. And at the end of it, I am thankful to still be here and that I have the support of my loving family, friends, and writing buddies.

I'll just like to take a moment to wish you all a fantastic New Year. May 2012 be a great year for you and yours.

~yia~

Yia sou 2011

2011-12-31T12:25:00.000+10:30

I just wanted to say bye to 2011. You have been a strange year with good things happening with some short stories being published, and some not so good things happening with family and friends.

It was the year of me starting to get back into exercise after a few attempts, and that has hopefully sunk in with a combination of Curves, Pilates, and Tai Chi.

It was the year of being part of the Clayton's Conference and the whirlwind that was that, and working with wonderful people to put it all together.

It was the year I decided to go into design as well as writing, with book covers and banners being created over at HelzKat Designs.

It was the year of learning more about design by doing, and applying for a course so I can learn more.

It was the year I allowed HD to rest and be away from me. The poor thing.

It was the year I did my first podcast for a short story (Dragon's Quest).

It was the year of volunteering - yep more volunteering with RWAus.

It was the year of reading more books by my writing buddies.

It was the year of selling two short stories to Musa.

It was the year of blogging more in feature format.

It was the year of still having chronic fatigue (and all that means) and learning more coping mechanisms.

It was the year called 2011.

Now, it's on to 2012 in less than a day.

Thanks 2011. You may not always have brought good things, but you made me appreciate what I do have in my life.

Thanks to you all for being with me through this year. I hope to see you back next year.

Yia Sou 2011!

Reading Challenges

2011-12-29T20:05:00.000+10:30

I've been talking Reading Challenges over on my reading blog, Eleni's Library.

But one I'd like to draw your attention to is the......

Yep, this is my own challenge that I will be hosting over there. It is to read books by the DarkSiders (ie the Dark Side DownUnder folk). There are different levels to the challenge - 6, 12, or 24 books.

Come along and join in.

You can read the challenge post here.

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: The Blues Brothers

2011-12-27T15:16:00.000+10:30

I hope everyone had a great Xmas and is now recovering nicely. Because yesterday also marked my brother's birthday, I have a little bit of The Blues Brothers (Happy Birthday, bro!).

Youtube link

From Blues Brothers 2000. The song New Orleans.

Youtube link

I dare you not to bop your head.

And of course it wouldn't be The Blue Brothers without a car chase....

Youtube link

~yia~

Merry Xmas!!!

2011-12-25T00:51:00.003+10:30

It's officially Christmas here Down Under. So I want to wish you all a

Merry Christmas and have a fantastic 2012.

If you don't celebrate Xmas, have a great <insert relevant celebration here>.

How's that for incorporating everyone?

In Super Sunday fashion, here are a few pictures to hopefully make you laugh, chuckle, snortle, giggle...

Have a brilliant day!!!! And don't worry about those calories!! They don't count today. It's a scientific fiction.....

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: White Christmas

2011-12-20T22:59:00.000+10:30

I dream of a White Christmas since my Christmases are in Summer here in the land of Oz.

Here is Michael Buble and Kelly Rowland singing White Christmas. 'Tis after all the season...

(the clip is jerky but the song is lovely)

YouTube link

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-12-18T08:30:00.000+10:30

I'm a fan of the Men in Black films. I love humour added to my sci-fi, and the first two films did this so well. Now, there's a third film in the franchise. I didn't even though this was being filmed, so it was a nice surprise to see the trailer. Which being the kind person I am (hic), I've added for your viewing pleasure.

YouTube link

And for a little giggle....

Have a great week. Try and avoid the stresses of the pre-Christmas/holiday rush.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-12-17T08:30:00.000+10:30

Artist: Bram Lee Chin

Artist: Dan Dos Santos

Artist: Laura Diehl

And my favourite this week: Fan art

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday hiatus

2011-12-14T08:30:00.000+10:30

Being so close to Christmas, life is getting more hectic. I am going to take a little break from my Writing Buddy Wednesday posts until sometime in January. Then I will have this feature every fortnight. Weekly has been great, but I'm finding it quite hard to keep up. And I'd prefer if I can to read some more of my buddies work that sitting on the TBR pile. It's wonderful to see my buddies do well, but it's hard to keep up with. A nice problem to have :))

In the meantime you can find all the posts related to this column HERE.

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: Lady Gaga

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000+10:30

Just in case you think I don't listen to pop, I do. And I can bop along. There are some artists I like more than others, and I think Lady Gaga is a good performer. I've seen her on the telly singing only to a piano accompaniment and she does have a lovely voice. She's interesting visually as well.

So a bit of Poker Face today.

YouTube link

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-12-11T08:30:00.000+10:30

"When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity."
~Albert Einstein

Here is a short film I found some time ago. Thought it was cute and funny.

Youtube link

Have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-12-10T08:30:00.000+10:30

I'm going to show you a mix of things today because I'm in one of those moods.

The art...

The covers...

The photography...

The characters...

The Tudors - Charles Brandon

Haven - Duke, Nathan, & Audrey

Conan

Guy of Gisborne - Robin Hood

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

~yia~

The Royal Family

2011-12-09T20:29:00.001+10:30

I saw the link to this on Facebook (sorry can't recall who had it) and it turns out to be very fascinating. What's the true cost the UK to upkeep the royal family? You'll be surprised... check it out.

YouTube link

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Anna Hackett

2011-12-07T08:30:00.000+10:30

Anna Hackett is a Nocturne Bites author, so she writes hot, steamy paranormal romances. She's had wolves, vampires, vampire hunters, dragons, assassins, and keepers of the winds in her stories. These are all novellas and she manages to write such intense, passionate, and fast moving stories in a shorter form. She's fantastic at it, and I can say she is one writing buddy that I've just managed to read all their work. Yay!

I met Anna online via visiting her blog. New to RWAus, I followed her blog and got to chatting by leaving comments. I met her in Brisbane in 2009, and I can say she's just as lovely in person.

Anna's doing a new project now - mum - and she's been travelling with her family (brave woman). I'm sure as life settles, there will be more Nocturne novellas for her. But they will be Cravings not Bites as they have changed the line.

One Night With the Wolf is Anna's latest release. Here's the excerpt:

"I need a man. Just for one night."

Werewolf Jade Thorne needs a man—a young, virile man to give her love and pleasure. As a rare female alpha, she must keep her pack safe by pledging herself in marriage to an aging leader from a rival pack. Until then, she wants to experience the raging passion of a wolf in his prime. She even has an ideal lover at hand: her Second, Christian Tallant.

But Christian is a wolf who will demand to dominate her body, mind and soul. Now Jade must decide if she can afford to submit to his desire—and if one night with the wolf will really be enough....

You can visit Anna at her website, and her blog, Midnight Confessions. She also blogs with the LoveCats DownUnder.

Now for some cover love...

You can get Anna's books online at Harlequin ebooks - as well as the UK and Australian sites. Whichever is your region.

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: Foo Fighters

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000+10:30

Celebrating Foo Fighters touring the country, and seeing them last night (yes, they were just fraking awesome. Dave Grohl is just full of amazing energy as well as being freaking talented!), here is The Pretender.

YouTube Link

And here is These Days:

YouTube link

It was so great to see a rock concert that, well, just, rocked! It's also got me thinking of an idea I thought of way back when I saw KISS play Memorial Drive. Yep, many, many, moons ago.

Thanks Foo Fighters. Rock on!

~yia~

Writing update...

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000+10:30

I've been catching up on a range of things and yes, now with everything set out in lists (yes, I AM a list person), I can see in regards to my other project work what I have to do.

Which brings me to starting a list for my writing and editing. It's short because if I was to list everything I wanted to do for my writing, I would put myself off, and it will just stay on the list, and nothing will get done.

At the moment I have five writing projects on this list.

editing of HD. Yes, the BIG checking on focus of the story. But it's right now I'm looking at chapter two and the prologue. I don't want to think about the rest.
A short story I wrote in 2000 and haven't really looked at since. It's for an anthology.
GTH novella - submitting.
Making notes for Warder 2
Read over Shadow Tale.

There are also a couple of things like - get ITIN, and do a recording for a podcast due in a couple of weeks. So, as you can see, this list will keep me busy for a bit.

The list probably looks familiar. It was in my November monthly goals. As you can see that didn't work out. And I've come to realise that I don't have deadlines other than the short story which is due in April. So while I don't have deadlines, I'll work at my pace. Oh, I'm good with deadlines, but not self imposed ones. If I was to have deadlines because it was expected from a publisher, yep, I'd work with them to get the job done. I don't know why my brain works that way, but it does. :))

I hope next time I have an update that I would have progressed with each project.

Time will tell. Wish me luck!

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-12-04T08:30:00.000+10:30

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy."
~Norman Vincent Peale

Here is a little card trick for you...

Youtube link

Have a great week!

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-12-03T08:30:00.000+10:30

Back to some artwork this week...

From cbhub and Fantasy Art Design.

There's always room for shoes!

Don't you just love the cheesy smile.

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

Enjoy!

~yia~

Writing Wednesday - Musa Publishing

2011-11-30T07:30:00.000+10:30

Technically, Musa Publishing is not a buddy, hence whey the buddy is left out of the title of the post. They are the publishing company who will publish my short story.

I'm now part of the Musa family and so I think this a good spot to give a shout out to them.

Another reason is that Musa has a Twelve Days of Christmas promotion of free reads for 12 days. Who doesn't love a freebie? You can find them here.

Also, do you have a reader in your life but don't know what book to get them? Well, Musa has Gift Certificates (I think that's brilliant). Click here.

And finally, they have a buy one, get one free offer. Pretty good, eh? See the titles here.

I'm most impressed and am glad to be part of the family.

Why don't you check out the Musa website for some authors and titles to read.

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: Vasiliki

2011-11-29T09:30:00.000+10:30

Vasiliki is a Greek traditional song, not an artist. It is the story of Vasiliki who falls in love with the wrong man and then commits suicide, in typical Greek tragic fashion.

Here singing it is one of the greats of Greek singers - Giorgos Dalaras. I've seen him live and he is one of the best performances I have ever seen. His voice is just amazing.

Youtube link

(It may take a little while to start)

While I'm here, I better mention blogged over on the Dark Side blog on Saturday about blogger's block. It's about me and the CFS barrier and writing.

Also check out the Romance Writers of Australia blog today for a conference update.

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-11-27T08:30:00.000+10:30

Some more captions I found on Facebook.

Have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-11-26T08:30:00.000+10:30

More stunning and creative photos.

The finger one makes me cringe....brrrr...

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday: books read

2011-11-23T21:34:00.001+10:30

Since starting my Writing Buddy Wednesday column, I've been bumping up the books of my featured buddies to the top of the TBR pile. I'm quite impressed with what I've achieved.

Books I've read:

Rapunzel in New York by Nikki Logan
Galactic Burn by Mel Teshco
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Her Cattleman Boss by Barbara Hannay
Penumbra (Spook Squad 3) by Keri Arthur
End of the Night Girl by Amy T. Matthews
At the Billionaire's Beck and Call? by Rachel Bailey
Pregnant: Father Wanted by Claire Baxter
Wanted: Royal Wife and Mother by Marion Lennox
Death's Sweet Embrace (Book 2 of The Dark Brethren) by Tracey O'Hara
The Sheikh's Destiny by Melissa James
When He Was Bad... by Anne Oliver
Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell

I'm currently reading:

Captive by Christina Phillips

Wonderful authors. Why don't you try reading one of their books today?

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: Black Sabbath

2011-11-22T08:30:00.000+10:30

The godfathers of heavy metal, Black Sabbath, are getting back together to record an album next year with their original line up. It just goes to show you are never to young or old to rock and roll.

Here is the announcement:

Youtube link

And now for some Black Sabbath and some Paranoid:

Youtube link

Oh, the hair, the flares, and Ozzy Ozborne in his prime.

Rock on!

~yia~

Good news

2011-11-20T14:22:00.001+10:30

My short story Stormy Divide has been accepted by Musa Publishing's Urania line. It's very exciting to be working with this up and coming publisher.

I'll give you more details as they come to hand.

Yes, I am smiling.

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-11-20T08:30:00.000+10:30

I've been visiting Facebook more often and have come across some funny sayings in my journeys. Here is just a sample.

Hope you had a good laugh.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-11-19T08:30:00.000+10:30

Here is part 2 of the Creative Photography images I was sent from my friend, Alison.

Wicked!

I knew clowns were bad news....

~yia~

Blogging Tip: Scheduling

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000+10:30

It's been a little while since I mentioned any blogging tips.

This time around, I want to talk about the value of Scheduling a blog post. You do know about scheduling right? Hmmm..some of you do, some of you don't in my experience.

Picture this (have you got Ma from the Golden Girls in your head?) - you have a blog post due on the Saturday, but that is when you have a family barbecue and there's not way you will have a spare five minutes to whip up a blog post.

Sound familiar?

Well, why wait until the Saturday to post your blog? You can schedule it to appear at the date and time you want to appear, even if you are composing them weeks earlier. How do you think I do my Stunning Saturday and Super Sunday posts. Usually I do two or three in a hit and schedule them.

It's easy to do...

Write up your blog post.

In the post settings (or options - depending on what blogging software you're using), find schedule post - select the date and time. Remember to be aware of the date as some programs set to US dates and not Australian ones. eg if you want the blog post on 12th November, in the US it's 11-12-2011 while in Australia, it's 12-11-2011.

When you are done, save the blog post and then press publish (or schedule). Your blog post will then go in a queue.

It should then look something like this in Blogger:

See what I mean about scheduling the blogs. It's easy to do, and is a great time management tool.

Did I schedule this blog post? Yep, you betcha.

Have fun!

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Anne Gracie

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000+10:30

Anne Gracie is a Regency Historical Romance author, a R*BY award winner, Romantic Times Award Nominee, a Reader's Choice finalist and winner, and a RITA nominee. Wow!

Her Regencies have readers all over the world falling in love with the men of the Regency period and the Regency period itself.

I've known Anne many years via Romance Writers of Australia via the e-loop. She is has been a past president of RWAus, has received the Lynne Wilding Award, and the Honorary Life Membership. Basically, she is a powerhouse and an amazing woman, who lifts the face of romance writing and is a huge advocate. I love the Award Dinners at the conference as Anne gets writers to stand up to various statements and it shows that no matter where we in our career, we have something to be proud of.

Initially writing for Harlequin, Anne switched to Single Title (Berkley books) and hasn't looked back. Firstly with The Merridew Sisters series (which I call the Perfect series), which I absolutely adored. The characters are well drawn and hence you get swept away in their world, and before you know it you have read the entire book. And who could forget her heroes, especially Gideon, a most lovable rake in The Perfect Rake.

Now, she has her Devil Riders series. I have read The Stolen Princess, which was amazing, and won a R*BY Award. The others await oh-so-patiently on my TBR pile.

The latest of the series is The Accident Wedding (book 4). Here is the blurb:

When Nash Renfrew wakes in the bed of lovely Maddy Woodford, he has no memory. In the days following his accident, he is charmed by her bright outlook on life, but he lives for the nights, when she joins him chastely-more or less-in her bed. When his memory returns, Nash asks for just one more night before he leaves. But it's one night too many and it creates a scandal that leaves him no choice but to offer her marriage.

With five orphaned half-siblings in her charge, Maddy needs the security Nash offers and can't resist the promise of passion she's experienced in his embrace. Well born, but poverty-stricken, Maddy knows she's not the wife he planned on, but he's everything she's ever dreamed of.

But will passion be enough? He's a diplomat who knows Czars and Princes and Grand-dukes and she's just a country girl who's never even been to a ball.

Can their new-found love survive, or will this accidental marriage destroy her dreams and his career?

Coming up in January will be book 5 of the series, Bride by Mistake. Don't you just love the cover!

Please visit Anne at her website and blog. She also blogs at the Word Wenches.

And here is some more cover love:

Remember, pick up an Anne Gracie book today....

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: Funk

2011-11-15T08:30:00.000+10:30

Today we are in a funk mood, and not with what funk means today, but more the era of funky music....and what can be more funky than Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry.

Youtube link

Are you getting your groove on?

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-11-13T08:30:00.000+10:30

"Always desire to learn something useful."
~Sophocles

What would you do?

Youtube link

Have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000+10:30

This week's creative photography comes from an email I received from my friend, Alison (thanks). They are all very clever and bizarre - of course I love them!!

I'll have some more to show you next week.

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

~yia~

Lest We Forget

2011-11-11T15:53:00.001+10:30

A picture is worth a thousand words. In remembrance.

I was listening to the radio and I was only 19 remake came along, and I thought it was an appropriate song for today as is Khe San (Cold Chisel).

So here are both of them. Instead I have the original by Redgum below.

Youtube link

Youtube link

~yia~

Writing Update

2011-11-10T08:30:00.000+10:30

I haven't done much in the way of writing. I've been spending time with family, doing errands, and doing other jobs. I did come up with a couple of ideas for Warder 2, so that's good. I can let that now drift through the subconscious, so when the time comes, something will float to the surface.

Will keep you updated.

I also would like to say a very Happy Birthday to my darling mum!!

My mum has been one of my biggest supporters, and I'm very lucky to have her in my life. She's been going through some medical problems, and I wish her a speedy recovery. Love you Ma!!

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday

2011-11-09T08:30:00.000+10:30

I'm featuring covers this week of Writing Buddies that I haven't had yet on my blog. This time around it's some of the DarkSiders...

Every single cover is amazing. And these are just a few of the titles on my TBR piles (or awaiting to be put on the TBR piles ones they are published).

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: Elvis Presley

2011-11-08T08:30:00.000+10:30

I loved Elvis growing up. I was only four when he passed away but I can remember the tears. Even at that stage I loved his movies and music.

So I bring you one of my favourites - Jailhouse Rock.

The video is a little jerky but Elvis' amazing voice still shines through.

Youtube link

~yia~

Special Guest: Shona Husk

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000+10:30

Today, I have Shona Husk as special guest on my blog. A fellow DarkSider, Shona has done an amazing job in publishing via various publishers in novels and novellas alike. Take it away, Shona...

Switching POV

Most of my stories have been written in third person, aside from a couple of short stories. I’d never considered writing a whole novel in first person. One POV for 60,000 plus words?

But that means either the hero or the heroine will miss out, and I want both sides. And while I’ve read a couple of books where one character was in 1st and the other in 3rd it never quiet worked for me. I’ve also read one where both hero and heroine were in first—that worked but each change in POV was noted with the character’s name at the start of the scene.

So I was very surprised when I started writing Dark Vow and I realised after a couple of paragraphs that it in first person in the heroine’s POV. I was surprised because I plot, so I knew where my story was going, I had arcs for both characters…and yet it looked like my hero was going to miss out.

I stopped writing and considered switching to third, after all there is a very big difference between a short story and a novel and I wasn’t sure I could do the whole story from one POV. Then it became a challenge. I’d see how far I could get.

Once I’d given myself permission to just write it flowed. Dark Vow was, and still is, the easiest story I have ever written.

There is something about getting into the skin of one character, you only know what they know, there is nothing hidden in other POV and there is never any doubt about which POV to be in. And while I never got to be in the hero’s head I think I put enough of him on the page in action and dialogue, which was also fun, as it meant I could keep what he knew about the Arcane Union secret until he was ready to tell Jaines…and that also meant the reader didn’t find out.

There’s the saying change is as a good as a holiday. For me writing something in a totally different style was refreshing, and while not every story would work in first person it is something I will do again.

Have you challenged yourself as a writer to try something different?

~~~

Thanks, Shona!

Her upcoming release, Dark Vow, will be available on 14 November from Carina Press.

You can pre-order now.

However, I will be giving away a copy of this ebook away to one lucky commenter.

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-11-06T08:30:00.000+10:30

"A ratio of failures is built into the process of writing. The wastebasket has evolved for a reason."
~ Margaret Atwood

And today, I introduce you to the Sassy Gay Friend.

Sassy Gay Friend: Hamlet, a comedy video from the Second City Network

link

Have a great week!

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-11-05T08:30:00.000+10:30

Today we have some Fairytale inspired art....

(From cghub and Fantasy Art Design)

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Amy T. Matthews

2011-11-02T08:00:00.000+10:30

Amy T. Matthews is am amazing literary writer and the winner of the 2010 Unpublished Manuscript Premier's Award. Pretty amazing stuff.

Her book was ten years in the making and I think of the saying that what looks like effortless writing took blood, sweat, and tears, and that's certainly the case here. Amy's story flows so well, melds together in such a way to make it seem effortless.

This is Amy's first book that has been published, and I have no doubt there will be more to come, both as Amy, and as her historical romance alter-ego, Tess LeSue. I really can't wait to read those works. Amy read a snippet from one at a conference a couple of years ago, and I swear my mouth just hung open at the fabulous story and use of language.

Mark my words, this girl will go far!

I've known Amy now for a number of years via SARA. She's supportive, willing to give advice, and is a constant wealth of knowledge. She's also helping to keep me in line as she's my 'check-in' partner ~ I check in with her with how I'm going with my work.

Amy's End of the Night Girl was released this year to much acclaim. Here's the blurb.

Molly, a sassy Australian waitress, is haunted by the ghost of a murdered Polish Jew. The two young women's stories, each a compelling page-turner, combine teasingly in one as End of the Night Girl explores shadows cast by the Holocaust across decades, continents and cultures.

And here is the link to my review of the book over on my book blog.

Amy now has a website, and is on Facebook and Twitter.

Do yourself a favour - check out Amy's book, and any future books she'll publish.

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes & Update

2011-11-01T08:30:00.000+10:30

Hope you had a great Halloween. The only people I saw dressed up were the cashiers at my local Coles. No trick or treaters this year.

I finished off a short story and sent it off, so fingers crossed on that. It was different for me - a detective paranormal story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It shows you why I don't plot. I had a case for the P.I. and it ended being something else all together, including who her hero was. Maybe I can use the previous idea in another story. I really liked these characters and would like to explore them some more. Maybe in a novella. Who knows.

HD prologue has been redone and I'm happier with it. Though as a writer (and fellow writers will acknowledge this), I had the attack of the not-good-enoughs. One reason is that I'm growing as a writer and a draft I would have thought was good a few years back, is not the same draft I would think today. So my expectations of my writing is getting higher as well. Which is a good thing.

Since it's the first of the month, I'll let you know my writing goals:

Read over Shadow Tale and make notes for a second draft.
Ideas for Warder 2
HD - chapters 1 to 5
Decide on which next novel to concentrate on, and make a start.
Short story for anthology due next year

That should do it. Wish me luck!

Now for today's tune...

I loved ABBA growing up. Their songs are bobby and fun.

So today, I bring you Money, Money, Money.

I dare you not to sing along *wink*

~yia~

Happy Halloween!!

2011-10-31T07:00:00.000+10:30

Ooooooooo.....grrrrr........argggggg........it's the Halloween blog post. Are you quivering in your shoes? What do you mean the picture doesn't instill fear? It's cute, you say. Well, I never. It's a ghosts. Ghosts are scary. Yes Casper was cute. All right, this ghost is cute.

Do you want something scary?

Get ready for some monster action.

Here it comes.....

arggggg......

What? Still not scary? But I count six monsters. Boy, you are a tough crowd.

Okay another one....

How about a puppy being eaten alive? Scary, right.

Shaking yet?

Not scary? I really am scratching my head here. I mean the puppy is being eaten by a pumpkin. It's horrible.

It's cute? You guys sure have a weird sense of horror.

What?

That's scary? You think?

Hmmm....I suppose you're right *very big grin*

Now that I have your attention, I'll like to direct you over to the Dark Side DownUnder blog for the Halloween Birthday Bash. There's prizes to be won. Just leave a comment.

Have a wickedly fun Halloween!!!

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-10-30T10:41:00.001+10:30

"The best way out is always through."~ Robert Frost

We have cuteness this week. Everyone say Awwww....

Have a fantastic week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-10-29T10:22:00.002+10:30

We continue with book covers this week.... with It Must Be Lurrrvvv....

Angels are falling in love...

The lords and ladies are falling in love...

So why can't vampires and demons....

Favourites: Born of Ashes and Avenger's Angel. I love the simplicity of Heart of the Druid Laird.

How about you?

~yia~

Some fun...

2011-10-27T19:41:00.000+10:30

I love these 'How They Should Have Ended'. Blogger though thought I wanted to post when I was putting in a title in. So if you get this twice, sorry.

Youtube link

I've also been coming across some very funny pics in Facebook. So will share with you out on the blogosphere.

Go ahead, make my day..... (you know I couldn't resist. It was there, I had to walk on through *grin*)

Hope you got a little bit of a smile.

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Topaz trio

2011-10-26T09:00:00.000+10:30

Fiona Gregory is my critique partner of a few years now. A warm, down-to-earth person, she has a wicked sense of humour, and is a huge dog lover.

I've been so thankful for her support and friendship. She gives great feedback, which always makes my stories flow better. She is a Bootcamper, a DarkSider, and is the conference co-ordinator for the Diamonds Are Forever conference in 2012. She's a great one to have on your side.

Fi writes futuristic stories, but also has written some contemporary romance ones such as her story Seize the Man which is in the Topaz Anthology. She's also had her work published in the Little Gems Anthologies - Turquoise 2009.

Maggie Mundy is a SARA gal and DarkSider. She writes paranormal fiction and fantasy. I've been lucky enough to read some bits of her work, and the woman is going to go places. Bubbly, full of mischief and fun, Maggie is a great person to have around. You should see her dress up for RWAus' cocktail parties - the last two costumes being Serena from Underworld and Charlie Chaplin.

She is also giving me some great feedback on my fantasy novel.

Her story Sea and Vines in the Topaz Anthology is a contemporary romance, and it was her first publication.

Bronwyn with her idol, Anna Campbell

Bronwyn Stuart is a SARA gal and works on Team Hearts Talk. She writes historical romances, and has dabbled in writing some contemporary stories. too. She's a hoot, but also let's you know how it is. Bron is Bron, and I can't imagine her being any other way.

We have been very proud at SARA and she has been finalling in competition circuit this year.

Her story, Million Dollar Dreams, in the Topaz Anthology is a contemporary romance, and was her first publication.

Please visit Bronwyn at her website.

~~~

Keep an eye out for these names.

Ladies, I'm looking forward to reading more from you all.

~yia~

Tuesday Tunes: KISS

2011-10-25T08:30:00.000+10:30

This came over the radio as I was driving yesterday. Definitely a bopper and one to put the volume up!

I have been lucky enough to see KISS twice in concert. Once with makeup and outdoors, and once indoors and without makeup. Sound quality was much better indoors, but seeing them with makeup was so cool.

So here's a little bit of KISS....doo roo roo roo roo roo roo...

Youtube link

~yia~

Childhood memories

2011-10-24T08:30:00.000+10:30

Da-na-na-na....

Doo-doo-doorooroo.

Yes, the Muppets are back! A new movie is coming soon. I had a little giggle when watching the trailer.

Ah, the Muppets - childhood memories of watching them on TV. Gotta love that Miss Piggy.

I think this is a good way to start the week.

Youtube link

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-10-23T10:36:00.001+10:30

"Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers."
~ Isaac Asimov

This had been doing the loop on Facebook. It cracked me up and I had to share here. Procrastination, what's that?

Hope you have a great week!

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-10-22T10:12:00.002+10:30

More book covers this week....

The warriors...

The power men...

The jeans dudes....

The skins....

What? Is this another 'raining men' post. Well look at that. It must be?

I was a little distracted.....
Favourite: Memories of Ice..gotta love an ancient warrior.

~yia~

Remember to think Pink!

2011-10-21T00:16:00.001+10:30

I was reminded today during my run-around day to think pink. I saw two Italian ladies selling Pink Ribbon Day stuff at my local shopping centre. Of course I headed straight for them. A pen and a cookie cutter set later I was on my way.

For a moment I counted my blessings that my parents are still here (both having gone through different types of cancers), and that three of my friends have gone through breast cancer in the last four years. They are Pink Ladies. Alison has been on my blog. If you missed her story, you can find it here.

I like to help in some small way. You see I'm a charity sl..., um, giver. Unfortunately the calls from charites still come when my income has been greatly reduced due to the CFS saga and not being able to have the full time job I used to. Always disappointing for me.

But there is a way you can support charities for free. There are couple of Click websites that if you click the button it goes toward getting mammograms for women who can't afford them. Not every country is lucky like in Australia where Medicare subsidises. So please if you can, go click.

They work because there are sponsors who are on the site, who provide the money for each click.

Here is The Breast Cancer Site and Breast Cancer.org.

Of course if you want to buy merchandise, there are a number of Aussie charities you can get it from. These places also accepts online donations. So if you are looking for a present, why not think pink?

Pink Ribbon Day (Cancer Council)
Pink Ribbon Shop National Breast Cancer Foundation
McGrath Foundation
Breast Cancer Network Australia

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Christina Phillips

2011-10-19T00:08:00.000+10:30

Christina Phillips is a historical romance writer whose stories contain erotic and paranormal elements. Her history deals is with the Roman occupation of what is now known as the British Isles, and features druid characters. The richness of the period is conveyed through the eyes of the characters, as is the attitude.

Christina debuted with two paranormal novelettes back in 2009, which are a steamy steamy read. Foretaste of Forever and Touch of A Demon.

Then the Forbidden series came to fruition. The two books that have been released so far are Forbidden and Captive. Don't you just love the covers?

Fellow DarkSider, Christina is one of the loveliest people you could ever meet, and I was lucky enough after a couple of years online to meet her at RWAus' Sydney Conference last year. She is sweet and one of my biggest supporters on this blog. She also took over The Last Word column I did for Hearts Talk for a little while and we had some fun with the LOL images.

I have read Forbidden but as yet, poor Captive is waiting on my TBR pile on my beside table. Yep, you know it's up in the queue when it reaches there. :)

Captive was released earlier this year. Here is the blurb:

She is a prisoner of her sworn enemy - and her own desire...

Having lost her faith when Roman invaders destroyed life as she knew it, Morwyn took a vow of celibacy to spite her goddess. But before she can join up with the rebels, she's captured by a Gaul mercenary whose animal charms and chiseled body will test her conviction... and make it harder to kill him.

Bren, pledged to the true Briton king, has spent three years undercover in the Roman Legion. So when his own unit attacks and brutalizes a fiery Celtic beauty, he saves her the only way he can - by claiming her as his prisoner. But unlike his men, Bren would never take the woman by force, no matter how obviously she burns for his touch.

As they near Roman headquarters, Morwyn resolves to honor her vow of celibacy - but if the Gaul were to ravage her, could she be blamed for enjoying his body? With just a hint of seduction, sooner or later the Gaul will succumb to his exquisite captive...

You can find Christina on her website (where you'll find extracts of her work - must be over 18 to read), and on her blog.

If you want a hot read, or ones with ancient time periods, check out Christina's work.

~yia~

Halloween blog bash

2011-10-18T19:18:00.000+10:30

Halloween is fast approaching and the DarkSiders turn 1. Can you believe it has almost been a year?
Of course, there will be a halloween party blog bash with a grand prize and two runner-up prizes.

There will be prizes from Keri Arthur, Christina Phillips, Kylie Griffin, Alexis Fleming, Shona Husk, and much much more....

So remember to come along to the Dark Side DownUnder on Halloween.

~yia~

Greeks - we love to dance

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000+10:30

There's a saying we have at Greek weddings and dances - that the dance floor is never enough. It looks like a street is not enough in this case.

Youtube link

This the Greek Ottawa community promoting the Greek Festival. Did the music get you wanting to dance?

Opa!

~yia~

Avengers Trailer

2011-10-17T08:00:00.000+10:30

Yes, The Avengers trailer has been released. It's been directed by Joss Whedon (all hail!) so I'm doubly excited.

I so love the comic book films.

Youtube link

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-10-16T10:18:00.001+10:30

"Always end the name of your child with a vowel, so that when you yell the name will carry."
~ Bill Cosby

If you haven't seen it around, there is a picture book called 'Go the F*ck to Sleep'. I think it captures the exhaustion of parents very well.

Now, in honour of that, this week I was told about two different people reading it.

One is Noni Hazelhurst, a favourite on Aussie TV, who was once a PlaySchool presenter. And the other is Samuel L Jackson (though not the whole story). Two totally different styles. So I decided this week, to put them both on my blog.

Youtube link

Youtube link

LOL!! Oh, Noni's especially cracks me up. Picking myself off the floor now.

Have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-10-15T10:01:00.002+10:30

More covers this week, but this time, it's raining men....

The warriors....

The angels.... love those crimson tipped wings.

The naked backs...& tatts!

The torsos...

What was I saying? Oh, yes, my favourite. The High Druid of Shannara artisticly and um...I have to study the rest. I'll get back to you on that *wink*.

~yia~

Giveaway winners

2011-10-14T13:29:00.001+10:30

Thank you to everyone who commented on the giveaway posts this week.

Here are the winners....drum roll, please.

For Anna Campbell's Midnight's Wild Passion, the winner is:

Alison!!!

Please email anna at anna @annacampbell.info (no spaces) with your postal address.

For the Little Gems Garnet anthology giveaway, the winner is:

Juanita Kees!!!

I'll be in contact re your details.

Again, thank you, and hope to see you all again soon.

~yia~

Blogging tips

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000+10:30

Well in this post, I'm not going to tip. Instead I'm going to send you off to Kaz Delaney's blog as she has a thought provoking and good post on 7 Reasons for Not Blogging.

And read the comments as well as there are more interesting points made.

Thanks Kaz. You've saved me writing a blog post :)) But really you know me and sharing what's around the net, so there you go.

Happy reading all.

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Anna Campbell

2011-10-12T08:55:00.002+10:30

Anna Campbell is who I call the Queen of Regency Noir. Her books are dark, compelling, and full of forbidden romance. She is a favourite with readers and with writers alike. She debuted with her book Claiming the Courtesan, which featured as the heroine a woman who had spent years as a courtesan. Now, we see it more. Then, it was new ground. Her characters are full of anguish, and have real demons to fight.

I've known Anna via the RWAus' email loop for many years now, and each time we have met in person, I'm always astounded at her enthusiasm and positive attitude. She almost bounces along with it. We were lucky enough last year to have her as one of the speaker's as the SARA/RWAus roadshow, Romancing The Novel, where she was both informative and entertaining. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak, go for it.

Anna works tirelessly and you can see her on Facebook early in the morning chatting away to her fans. She's a perfect ambassador for the romance writing world.

I've read Claiming the Courtesan and Untouched, both fantastic books, with characters dealing with their demons. She does love to torture her characters.

Her latest release is Midnight's Wild Passion. Here is the blurb.

London's most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge…

The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister - now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas's vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe's unsuspecting daughter.

Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue - banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie - Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is, and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.

Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes…

Anna can be found on her website.

Here is some cover love.

Pick up an Anna Campbell book now, you will not be sorry.

Anna has kindly offered a copy of Midnight's Wild Passion to one lucky person. Please leave a comment to be in the draw.

~yia~

500th post giveaway!

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000+10:30

It's my...

Woohoo!

Actually it's my 508th, but who's counting? *grin*

To celebrate, I have a copy of the Little Gems Garnet anthology to give away.

To be in the running, just comment on what you would like to see more of on the blog. Open internationally.

~yia~

Marilyn Monday

2011-10-10T09:02:00.000+10:30

I've just seen the trailer for a new UK film called My Week With Marilyn.

How hard it must have been to be her, despite her always, cheery public face. To always to be expected to be 'Marilyn' instead of Norma Rae.

And what a huge role for Michelle Williams to play.

I have also seen co-star Eddie Redmayne in other projects recently (The Pillars of the Earth, and Tess of the D'Urbevilles). A talent to be watched, and notice he's been in quite a few good films of late.

Youtube link

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-10-09T08:56:00.001+10:30

"Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing something you like, no one else will like it either."
Meg Cabot

Have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-10-08T09:39:00.002+10:30

This week it's a look at some book covers...

The haunting paranormal look....

The kick butt action heroine....

The funky covers....

The leather jacket chicks... (you know I like Downpour because she looks like she can fight in her outfit and not have her circulation cut off or her boobs fall out!)

Hard to pick a fave but Harbringer and Angel's Flight followed by Second Grave on the Left

How about you?

~yia~

Breast Cancer Awareness month

2011-10-07T08:18:00.001+10:30

Today I have a special guest on my blog. My friend Alison, whom I asked to talk about October and Breast Cancer Awareness, as she could put this subject better into words than I can.

Hi, my name is Alison, and I am a Pink Lady.

What’s a Pink Lady you may ask (apart from an apple)? Many of you will be familiar with the Pink Ribbon badge for breast cancer. Many of you will not have seen the Pink Lady badge. The Pink Lady Badge means you belong to a special group. It means you have survived breast cancer.

Hi, my name is Alison and I have survived breast cancer.

I was diagnosed on 10 October 2007 after I found a lump. I was 42 years old and I thought I was too young to get breast cancer. I was wrong.

I had surgery to remove the lump and some lymph nodes in November and in January I began 6 cycles of chemotherapy. My cancer was large and it was aggressive-looking, but fortunately it was totally contained. After the chemo, I had radiotherapy and went on drug therapy (which I am still on, but will come off of it in about 18 months time). That sounds like a lot, and it sounds frightening, and I won’t lie, at times it was. But it was better than the alternative.

It has taken me a while not only to get over the effects of the treatment, but to resolve a lot of other things that happened to me at the same time, but mostly I am either there or getting there. I still don’t like people seeing my scars, so the thought of starting a new relationship is, at times, quite horrifying. I mean, how and when do you tell someone that part of one of your breasts is missing? I haven’t worked that one out yet, so I am currently facing the prospect that I will be single for the rest of my life. I am still coming to grips with the idea that I will never be a mum – and that is a hard one. Even though I was 42, there was still the possibility that I might have a baby, but after my treatment, my chances are about nil. I have to put up with the side-effects of the drug I have to take, and some of them are no fun at all (trust me).

I am still trying to cope with the fact that at the worst possible time of my life (in the middle of my chemo) I lost my job, and therefore my entire income. I still haven’t forgiven Centrelink for sending me a letter saying they were “undecided” about whether or not to accept the medical certificate from my oncologist and therefore not require me to look for work while I was undergoing treatment (and bald as well!). I lived in fear of someone ripping off my hat and exposing my bald head. But my toddler nephew, who was the person most likely to rip my hat off, never even tried. Not once. But we did sit on the floor together and compare cuts and scrapes, of which both of us had a few, me from the side effects of chemo-induced delicate skin, him from the fact of being a fearless 2 and a half year old.

But despite all this, I have come through it and I am glad (if glad is the right word) that I discovered what was wrong early enough for me to have treatment and to have a fairly positive outcome. My surgeon (bless him) said to me that “if you are going to have cancer, you have the best possible type”. My treatment was aggressive and all encompassing to give me the best possible chance of surviving.

And early detection and treatment are the things that give the best possible chance of survival.
So, I would like to encourage any of you ladies out there over 50 to have your mammograms and have them regularly. And yes, I won’t lie, they do hurt a bit and they are a pain, but realistically, they may just save your life.

And to those of you under 50, get to know your girls: know how they look and more importantly how they feel, and if they look or feel wrong, do what I did and get to your doctor quick smart. If you can’t do the self-exam yourself, have your doctor do it regularly.

Make sure your hubby/boyfriend/significant other knows that he should tell you if he notices anything different about your girls. I have met a number of Pink Ladies whose husbands were the first ones to notice the lump.

For those of you with daughters (or granddaughters or sisters or nieces), make sure they know the importance of looking after their girls too.

To any of you who have a history of breast or gynaecological cancers in your family, you are probably well aware of how important it is for you to get checked regularly, so I am preaching to the choir here. If you are not aware, please speak to your doctor and explain that there is a familial history of these types of cancer.

There are lots of myths about breast cancer out there. Many people think if the lump hurts, it isn’t cancer. Mine hurt so I thought I was safe. I was wrong. Many think it’s something you only have to worry about once you get to 50. I did and I was wrong because I was only 42. The youngest person who got it that I have met was in her 20’s, the youngest I have heard about was 11.

Most of you will, at some stage in your life, know someone who has breast cancer. If you want to do something for them, ask them if there is anything they need. Or you could offer to make the bed, turn the mattress or hang out their washing, all of which are hard to do when you have been sliced into. You could offer to make them some food so they don’t have to cook. I will add a caveat to this however. If you do make your friend some food, check with them about items they may not be able to tolerate. When I was having chemo I couldn’t eat onions (in any form) or curry and I still can’t ea

t avocado. One of my Mum’s friends found that all food tasted a bit ‘off’ when she was having chemo except for plain boiled potatoes. She came over to Mum’s place for lunch one day, and on the table, amongst all the other food and right in front of Vi’s place, Mum put a bowl of plain potatoes. You have never seen anyone so thrilled (or teary) over plain potatoes. Ask them if they want you to pick up some groceries. Trundling around a supermarket can be exhausting, let alone getting the groceries home.

The best ‘gift’ I was given came from Eleni. A week or so after my surgery she took me out for lunch and then we just sat on a seat on the foreshore and stared out at the ocean. Words can’t describe how much better that made me feel. As did the occasional trip to the movies with a side trip of grocery shopping afterwards she took me on.

So take it from someone who has been there, done that, and got the pin to prove it, look after your girls and have regular check-ups.

A big thank you to Eleni who not only gave me space on her blog to put this post, but encouraged me to do so.

~~~

Thanks Alison for such an honest and considerate post.

I need to say Alison's diagnosis was such a shock, but as she says,

anyone can get breast cancer.

Her determination and strength (which she will argue with me about)

is a true inspiration.

To Alison and all the Pink Ladies, bless you.

Now, for everyone else, please be aware. Men, yes there is a decreased chance, but this goes for you too.

To find out how to make a difference, go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Diamonds Are Forever

2011-10-06T10:02:00.001+10:30

No, not the James Bond Film.

I'm talking about the RWAus Conference for 2012.

The official launch is today. From now until August next year, I'll be doing blog posts, twittering, Facebooking, about all the happenings.

Did I tell you I was on the conference committee?

And I'm pleased to show the logo on my site, done by moi.

What do you think?

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Anne Oliver

2011-10-05T08:54:00.048+10:30

Anne Oliver is a multi-published and award-winning author of sensual romance. Called Sexy Sensation in Australia, they are known as RIVA in the UK and part of the Harlequin Presents line in the US. Her books are flirty, fun, and very sensual.

I met Anne via SARA (SA Romance Authors) back in the days before she was writing category romance. She was at the time writing a paranormal romance. Since then, she has found her market and boy are her books mega good. Anne's a lovely lady who makes everyone feel welcome around her, and shares her knowledge. Well she was a teacher in her former life, after all, so sharing must be in her nature.

Anne's latest book is There's Something about A Rebel.

Lissa Sanderson hasn't seen her teenage crush, Blake Everett, since he left for the navy ten years ago. But she's not falling for his darkly brooding looks again. She's an independent woman now and determined to make it on her own - even if her world is about to crumble around her.

Wounded in action, Blake's looking forward to recuperating in peace and solitude - until his old mate's little sister, all grown up and gorgeous and way too distracting, shatters his intentions.

It's obvious Lissa needs help and he's the best man - the only man - for the job. She may be irresistibly sexy but as he discovers the honest, nurturing soul within, can he sail away again as easily as he thought?

Anne's next release will be The Morning After the Wedding Before (May 2012 in UK).

You can find Anne at her website.

Pick up an Anne Oliver book today!

~yia~

Short Story accepted & grammar

2011-10-04T20:54:00.000+10:30

I'm happy to announce that my flash fiction story, Changes, has been accepted by Antipodean SF. It will be in the January 2012 issue, and will also be made available in audio format.

In the meantime, I leave you with this:

*smile*

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-10-02T09:50:00.003+10:30

"My stories run up and bite me on the leg - I respond by writing down everything that goes on during the bite. When I finish, the idea lets go and runs off."
~Ray Bradbury

More amazing starcases.

Stunning Saturday

2011-10-01T10:05:00.014+09:30

Some sci fi art to begin with....

Artist: Alex Popescu

Futuristic City by Alp Altiner

Back to the fantasy art....

Golem by Derk Venneman

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

~yia~

Having a bad day?

2011-09-29T14:21:00.000+09:30

I'm just having one of those very low energy days, where all I want to do is curl up in bed with a book until my eyes droop, which will be in about 10 seconds flat in this case.

But I have been busy. I've been doing design work and that's been exciting and challenging, I'm getting ready to start HD again (you know that book that doesn't end), I've been having meetings, doing my volunteer RWAus stuff, and I've been writing!!! It seems the muse goes into her cave until about midnight. I should have know she was backwards. But it makes sense, I'm a night owl. I can do my best work at night. I think there is less sensory input - not as much noise nor light - and it seems to to suit me. Well of this morning, because as you can guess, my routine changes constantly.

I've been trying to get into a routine for exercise, but nothing's working yet. Tai Chi happens once a week but I've been trying to do more. But I feel like I'm dragging myself though thick soup. I know what to do, it's just doing it, especially on days like today where everything aches and my eyes can't stay open long.

So hope your day is going well and not a bad one, but if it is, remember the photo above.

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Melissa James

2011-09-28T08:53:00.072+09:30

Melissa James is multi-published author of HM&B Romance, and the she is the Queen of emotional drama. Her stories are heart wrenchingly amazing.

Melissa is a writer who continues to work on her craft, and offers encouragement to everyone who works on theirs. I met Melissa first on the e-loop of the Romance Writers of Australia, but have really gotten to know her since Bootcamp. She was one of the presenters who helped us with our GMC (goals, motivation, conflict) and she has been with us ever since. It's so wonderful to have a writer of her calibre on the group. She has my utmost respect and admiration.

Her stories are full of complex characters, real emotions, and boy, do they bring a tear to my eye. It has such rich writing that it's a real joy to read. The first book I read of Melissa's was Her Galahad, released by Intimate Moments. Jirrah, an Aboriginal male was never seen as good enough for Tessa by her family. They are both betrayed and ripped apart but must join together on a quest to find their daughter. I admired her using a hero with a minority background, and how she dealt with the racial issues faced by the characters.

Her last release was the Sheik's Destiny (released August 2010 in Aus).

With his war-torn kingdom in tatters, Sheikh Alim El-Kanar is injured, alone and believes he has no future. Until beautiful nurse Hana saves his life and gives him hope.

Hana thought her duty would be over once Alim recovered, but then he asks her to pose as his wife! Hana knows it can only be for show - she can never truly be the sheikh's wife. But destiny has other ideas..

Her next book, The Tycoon Who Healed Her Heart, is due for release in January 2012.

She blogs occasionally at the Harlequin Romance Author blog, and has a website.

So why don't you pick up a Melissa James book today?

~yia~

Winner of NCK

2011-09-28T00:24:00.000+09:30

And the winner of Night's Cold Kiss by Tracey O'Hara is:

Bec

Congratulations!!!

~yia~

Blogging tips

2011-09-27T09:15:00.001+09:30

Today I have another blogging tip for you.

Before Blogging, think on:

The look of your blog....

You don’t have to decide on the look of the blog on the outset as you can change this. But look at styles of other blogs to see what you like.

Do you like white space?

Do you prefer lots of graphics and colour?

Do you want it simple or more elaborate?

What do YOU like?

What makes it easier for the reader?

I have changed my blog's look over time, but I have stuck to what I personally like and that is a dark background with coloured writing. I find it easier on my eyes than a white screen all the time.

You don't have to spend any money to make your blog look professional. You can use the background images and templates found in your blogging platform, or find a template that is free.

and Content

Who is your audience?

Do you want more personal blogging (ie about your personal life)? Or do you like the chatty style (but without the personal info)?

Would you bring up controversial topics?

Knowing this from the beginning may help you in coming up with the content for your blog. I personally like a more informal chatty style, but you may like something more formal. It's your choice.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to blog.

~yia~

Mission: Romance

2011-09-26T10:19:00.001+09:30

I'm a guest over at Juanita Kees' blog Mission: Romance today.

So please come along and say hi!

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-09-25T09:41:00.000+09:30

Some quotes from the Quotable Bitch.

If you can’t be kind, at least be vague

~Judith Manners, journalist

Never do anything for yourself that others can do for you

~Agatha Christie

I’m tired of being labeled anit-american because I ask questions

~Susan Sarandon

And here are some photos of amazing staircases.

Have a great week.

~yia~

Stunning Saturday

2011-09-24T10:00:00.003+09:30

Artist: Anne Stokes

Artist: Josephine Wall

Artist: Vitaly Samarin Alexius

Disclaimer: No claim is made on copyright for any artworks in the Stunning Saturday posts. I stumble across art works and save them for inspiration but can not always find the artist's name.

~yia~

Writing Buddy Wednesday - Tracey O'Hara

2011-09-21T08:51:00.048+09:30

Fellow DarkSider Tracey O'Hara is the author of dark urban fantasy series, The Dark Brethren. A computer programmer by day, Tracey lights up the page with her writing and brings a new twist to the vampire tale at night.

I've known Tracey since the first RWAus Claytons many years ago, even writing an article about it together for Hearts Talk. Since then we've become chat buddies, and met in person for the first time in Brisbane 2009. At WorldCon last year, Tracey let me tag along with her and her friends to some events and she made me feel like one of the gang. So you can guess, she is a sweet and caring person.

She is also currently pimping the cover I did for Dante's Rising as her as my alter ego. LOL! It was such a pleasure working with her on getting the cover right.

Tracey's latest release is Death's Sweet Embrace, Book Two of the Dark Brethren series. This is waiting patiently on my TBR pile, but I'm sure I'd love it as much as I loved Night's Cold Kiss.

Here is the blurb:

After thousands of years of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens to shatter the tenuous peace.

Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a twisted, sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force must be formed to halt the madness—a union of avengers including the vampiric Aeternus, Christian Laroque and Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes…and forbidden lovers.

A centuries-old blood feud has divided their peoples—pitting wolf against snow leopard in a battle to the death—and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside in light of the scourge that is now upon them. For the killer they seek is but the first sign of a blossoming terror rising up from their long-buried pasts: the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.

The third book of the series will be released about mid-2012.

You can find Tracey at her website. Tracey also writes Erotic Fantasy stories as Tracie Sommers. They are Hawt (yes with the couple H).

As a special treat this week, I have another giveaway. Tracey's first book in the Dark Brethren tale, Night's Cold Kiss. So please leave a comment for your chance to win.

~yia~

Super Sunday

2011-09-18T09:36:00.001+09:30

A quote from my childhood's favourite author:

"Two hours of writing fiction leaves this writer completely drained. For those two hours he has been in a different place with totally different people." ~Roald Dahl

And another one of my childhood icons, Batgirl.

Youtube link

Stunning Saturday

2011-09-17T09:55:00.002+09:30

Today, I'm going to feature artist, Alex Pribnow with her Malice in Underland.

Fantastic work. Seriously talented.

Why don't you go visit her site and have a look around.

~yia~

Captain Planet

2011-09-15T21:44:00.000+09:30

I think laughter helps the soul. And this had me laughing. Though if you don't like swearing, please don't play. The F bomb and a couple of other words are in it. And don't you love the cheesy smile from Don Cheadle?

Don Cheadle is Captain Planet from Don Cheadle

~yia~