tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231190612011-12-08T02:32:56.586ZThe journey of four writers on the road to publicationEvahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.comBlogger2021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-62818388868096296112008-09-09T00:58:00.004+01:002008-09-09T01:37:52.330+01:00

Scribes began two and a half years ago as a source of inspiration and encouragement to three (and, a little later, four) unpublished writers. Since then two of us have made it, India Grey, who writes for Mills & Boon Modern Romance, and Bronwyn Storm, who writes primarily for The Wild Rose Press. Two out of four, that ain't half bad!As for Annie and Eva, we've moved on to other things but have

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-42743418401996218102008-09-04T16:27:00.004+01:002008-09-04T16:39:17.740+01:00

Who sings that song? Shoot. It's a great song, Thanks for the Memories, deep beat, fun lyrics...it's been rattling around my head all week and makes me think of my Scribes.Life gets so busy and I don't get to post as often as I'd like, but Scribes holds such a soft place in my heart. It's the touchstone for me, where distance didn't matter...Scribes was my first foray into group blogging,

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-74432712123467168382008-07-25T02:32:00.004+01:002008-07-25T02:40:03.925+01:00

I miss deodorant. I really do. I'm all for anti-persperants and extra-strength protection that even when I'm in the shower and have water blasting me at all sides, my arm pits remain baby soft & desert dry.It nostalgia, I think. It reminds me of bell bottoms, shoulder-pads, Debbie Gibson and Huey Lewis. I MISS the 80s, damn it. I love today's music, but there was just something sweeter and

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-69404894011272037142008-07-03T14:57:00.003+01:002008-07-03T14:58:36.340+01:00

Happy Almost 4th of July!! Have a safe & happy holiday!!!glitter-graphics.com

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-28569072740785963922008-06-27T04:14:00.002+01:002008-06-27T04:18:12.714+01:00

Well!! My goodness!!!Talk about cool-i-o!Ethan's Chase won the Jenette Green's "Favorite Book of the Month" contest and will be featured on her Find a Great Romance blog for the month of July.And...Grace Tyler posted about The Genie's Curse on her blog:This 55-page novella is a delight to the funny bone. How great is a light-hearted paranormal comedy where the heroine spends more than half the

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-39454452805442174362008-06-19T22:57:00.002+01:002008-06-19T23:07:40.184+01:00

The Genie's Curse has hit the electronic shelves!Simply Romance gave it a B+ and said:Agnes Frump has been in love with her gorgeous neighbor Dillon McKenzie for years but all Dillon sees is his very best friend. Tired and discouraged and ready to quit, Aggie finds herself in the possession of a cursed genie and the next thing she knows she is quite literally in Dillon’s arms – as a dog. What

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-69256395428607290622008-06-15T20:47:00.004+01:002008-06-15T21:03:28.547+01:00

It's June, and my kids (the ones I read with) have the attention span of gerbils...or so you would think.Went for my usual time with them and wouldn't you know it? One of my little ones decided he'd rather read me the story he wrote (a take on Three Little Pigs) than go to recess...a lot of them are like this, now. They want to read, they want help with their writing. It's all very touching and

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-43901509054418054822008-06-10T13:31:00.003+01:002008-06-10T13:36:27.890+01:00

No one told me preteens suffered from insomnia. I know all about the other symptoms: acne, angst, attitude (and those are just for starters). I've been trying to convince my daughter to take advantage of the time by writing in her journal, listening to music, and reading. If only I had the time for such things. Typically, as soon as my head hits the pillows, and certainly two or three pages into

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-64444659715869892232008-06-05T23:46:00.001+01:002008-06-05T23:46:56.481+01:00

Oohh! Finally got the Terry Fator video!

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-46143855883237800562008-05-30T17:41:00.002+01:002008-05-30T17:56:13.834+01:00

So...I've been invited to speak at the University of Alberta's Popular Print Cultures Conference and Festival. At first, I thought, eh, why not? It should be fun and I can finally have an excuse to get out of the house--not to mention, revisit my old Alma Mater.That was back in March. Now, as June approaches and August draws near, panic--blind, frantic, complete, mind-boggling panic--has set

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-61265934696643991262008-05-22T15:54:00.004+01:002008-05-22T16:14:44.421+01:00

Did you know that the process of unclenching a stuck muscle sometimes means you're in more pain during the rehab than you were to begin with? I didn't know this, but I'm quickly learning that my capacity for pain is much lower than I thought and that my body knows realms of pain I hadn't thought possible.On the oh! so bright side! I've managed to bang off the first chapter for Wolf at The Door (

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-91711443342670486512008-05-16T16:29:00.003+01:002008-05-16T16:37:12.120+01:00

Today is the official release of Ethan's Chase by Bronwyn Storm, aka our very own Brown. The Romance Studio has awarded this contemporary romance an overall rating of 4.5 hearts (out of a possible 5). Congratulations, Brown!Here is the synopsis, followed by the trailer:From downed networks to binary coding, Chase Logan can handle just about anything. Except her sexy new client, Ethan Phillips.

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-55143325252338782322008-05-07T18:30:00.003+01:002008-05-07T18:36:56.748+01:00

Just barely, but still...So, into the end of Week 1 of "taking it easy." The neck, shoulder, back are still in huge amounts of pain and my study looks like...well, I don't know what it looks like. There are towels littered about (rolled up. One for the neck, one for the lumbar region), and a pillow (for my lap so my hands don't hurt as much), and the cushion, the timer, the...oh, it's all just

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-39427143867570485352008-04-28T15:44:00.002+01:002008-04-28T15:50:06.589+01:00

It gladdens one's heart when a first-time writer produces a thoroughly engaging piece of work. I had a hard time putting down Diane Setterfield's The Thirteenth Tale, a mesmerizing story with all the gothic allure of a nineteenth-century novel, with none of the plodding and not a single unbelievable plot twist. Everything fit together in the end like an intricate puzzle. Rare is it these days for

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-79943977838336896362008-04-17T02:04:00.003+01:002008-04-17T02:12:52.127+01:00

So I've been noticeably absent from the blogs...managed to strain my eyes and am now on day 5 of not having done any real computer work...trying to keep the panic at bay...trying to enjoy myself, but lying in bed all day with my eyes closed is only fun when I choose to do it, not when I'm forced to do so for medical reasons!But on the bright side, got a release date for The Genie's Curse & am

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-83367166319688085582008-04-08T16:57:00.006+01:002008-04-08T17:32:05.178+01:00

Away Without Leave...ReadingAfter discovering the pleasures of Holly Black's YA novels during our recent vacation to Los Angeles, I've been able to do little beyond read, sleep and, on occasion, attend to crucial domestic duties. Note that I'm referring to Black's "modern faerie tales" aimed at youth slightly older than readers of The Spiderwick Chronicles, of which Black is co-author with Tony

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-28770449639536107342008-03-28T02:55:00.002Z2008-03-28T03:03:30.649Z

Oh. Yeah. It's been quite the week.Woke up this morning (3.30) to the smell of burning plastic...immediate thought: I forgot to turn off the laminator. Next thought: I packed away the laminator and the smell is just that lingering and toxic...needless to say, there was no more sleep.Turns out the circuit board on the furnace blew and we were olfactory witnesses to its demise. Thank God it wasn't

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-78270445224531736792008-03-20T13:26:00.001Z2008-03-20T13:56:38.023Z

Frankly, I think Gussy expresses it best...

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-44884888467433082592008-03-13T13:01:00.000Z2008-03-13T13:02:18.904Z

I've packed my hard-won swimsuit, matching black skirt-wrap, a new dress, and sundry other items, and I'm all set for the sun, pool, beach, shopping — you name it, I'm ready! Catch you all when I get back. In the meantime, don't work too hard!!

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-40504250630298844432008-03-06T13:55:00.003Z2008-03-06T14:04:45.777Z

In the midst of revisions for Cowgirl, and feeling like a tennis ball as I bounce from "YEE GODS, WHAT MADE ME THINK I COULD DO THIS?!" to "YEE GODS! THIS IS LOVELY!"Finished draft #2, felt quite proud, when I suddenly realized that I had my heroine, Aya, doing something completely stupid and totally out of character. That's when I started crying like a two-year-old. It hurts to rip out pages of

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-83929712078121748702008-02-27T13:30:00.003Z2008-02-27T13:34:54.274Z

To what garments does this little phrase apply? Hats perhaps? Scarves? Maybe gloves? Certainly not swimsuits.In anticipation of fun in the sun come March, yesterday I took courage in hand and ventured into the swimsuit department of the nearest department store to the office. In the brief space of thirty minutes, I climbed into at least thirty swimsuits — all the time my lunch break would

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-63848331124443673432008-02-21T12:25:00.002Z2008-02-21T12:27:35.684Z

My very first book trailer--thanks for the awesome job, Chris

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-38154873271305022032008-02-19T01:56:00.004Z2008-02-19T02:20:16.757Z

So here I am, fretting about a sentence and paragraph, and I'm reminded that I'm damn lucky because I have 60 000 words to get my point across. A song writer has what? A few hundred?To those brave souls, I tip my heart to 10 great lyrics I've heard today:He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar, The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart.- Taylor Swift, Teardrops on My GuitarI’m

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-59309402650187553592008-02-13T01:32:00.000Z2008-02-27T13:37:23.167Z

Lest anyone get the wrong idea, nothing untoward has happened. Last week my husband went on his annual ski trip with the boys, that's all; during which time I had a devil of a time putting a bit of spice in my life. You know how it is: when deadlines are the only highlight of the week, amid racing both to and from school, fixing meals, doing laundry, attending to the kitchen sink, and squeezing

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-19017491897373677612008-02-08T14:18:00.000Z2008-02-08T14:25:59.739Z

365 Days ago:I had just joined up with ScribesI was just getting to know the PrincessesI hadn't been publishedI had never gone to a writing conferenceI had never pitched an agent or an editorI had two completed stories (Ethan's Chase, I Love You A Latte)Today:The Scribes are among my very favoritest peopleI live in a castle with the PrincessesI have one story published (Latte); two about to be

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-84040310747070248252008-01-31T16:22:00.000Z2008-01-31T17:23:52.817Z

Feeling a little White-Snakish..."I dont know where I'm going But, I sure know where Ive been Hanging on the promises In songs of yesterday And Ive made up my mind, I aint wasting no more time But, here I go againHere I go again"Except...I am wasting time. I think this is one of those procrastination as self-sabatoge days. There is a pile of work for me to do...all legitimate, but I can't seem to

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-51499951594453340572008-01-25T13:04:00.000Z2008-01-25T13:12:22.452Z

...two talented writers whose hard work is paying off and to whom this post is dedicated. They are:Bronwyn Storm: Bronwyn has recently sold yet another short story to The Wild Rose Press, on the heels of her first, very well received Miniature Rose I Love You a Latte, which has enjoyed pride of place on the publisher's Bestseller list for weeks. Her full-length novel, Ethan's Chase, is due to be

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-36441840957181462992008-01-17T23:05:00.000Z2008-01-25T13:22:55.634Z

The torture and the wait is over.The Wild Rose will be contracting The Genie's Curse.Of course, because it's me and because it's the same editor who contracted Ethan's Chase, this is how I got the call:Dear Ms Storm,I have completed my review The Genie's Curse and wanted to tell you...HEY! WHO ARE YOU?! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! HEY! DON'T YOU DA...Aren't I lucky? Of all the editors who could have

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-2318953154009228292008-01-14T14:36:00.000Z2008-01-14T14:55:24.574Z

The past week has not been an easy one.Had to do some fact checking before sending Ethan off to the production department. Found out some of my information in the story was wrong, edited and sent it off...only to discover that I had been right in the first place. Sent panicked message to Production begging for manuscript back, so I could re-edit. Thank goodness, the staff at TWRP is so

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-83746002859673224082008-01-07T17:31:00.000Z2008-01-07T17:39:15.920Z

Now that the festivities are over, and the first official work week of the year begins, it's back to the old drawing board. I don't know about you, but the prospect of another year stretching out before me is a bit daunting. Sure, it will be full of success, joy and prosperity. But it will also involve a heck of a lot of work. That's what's proving tough to get my head around.This weekend I read

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-90479634998894174892008-01-04T00:27:00.000Z2008-01-04T00:33:35.329Z

It's January 3rd, the New Year has just been birthed and swaddled. 2007 is resting in a rocking chair and watching Matlock...And as I traipse into my m-i-l's favorite grocery store, what do I see?Valentine's Day Cards.Wha-what?!It's barely January, my Christmas cards are still on display and they want me to think about Valentine's? My God, I'm still thinking about Boxing Week sales!The stores

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-55499347544423205152007-12-27T15:05:00.000Z2007-12-27T15:08:21.880Z

May the champagne flow, the taxis be plentiful, and the weather good enough to wear those strappy heels and killer black dress!Happy Almost New Year, Everyone!! Wishing you joy and prosperity in 2008.

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-6110601923852913832007-12-22T20:23:00.000Z2007-12-22T20:31:37.168Z

Wishing you and yours the very best of the season and a happy and successful new year!

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-20664063369022314192007-12-21T13:52:00.000Z2007-12-23T15:44:53.325Z

My husband had a root canal a few weeks ago. I think, if asked, he would say that having the procedure is markedly less painful than dragging me out of the house.Do you know Jesus is 2000 years coming back? Cause he's in heaven, and who wants to leave heaven? No one, that's who. My house is my heaven, writing is my nirvana. Even though I knew about his Christmas Company Party for the past 3 weeks

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-17216701178919971622007-12-18T01:35:00.000Z2007-12-18T01:51:36.362Z

I, am a creature of habit. Pathetically so.Apparently, this is a trait of Cancers. Who knows?I have shops and restaurants where the servers know me by sight.And into the sub shop, I stepped the other day. The people who own the restaurant were busy with other customers...this unexpected turn of events unnerved me. Because I'm a regular at a few places, the servers don't mind tweaking orders and

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-58437181852353979112007-12-12T13:16:00.001Z2007-12-12T13:33:46.378Z

It's time to celebrate yet another release with some shopping and a celebratory drink or two. Congratulations to Brown (aka Bronwyn Storm) who officially becomes a published author TODAY! Congratulations, Brown!!Head on over to The Wild Rose Press to get your copy of I Love You a Latte today. Don't delay! Take it from me — I get all the sneak previews — you'll love it. For a synopsis, check out

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-88442173996553481872007-12-10T14:19:00.001Z2007-12-10T14:26:41.540Z

It's a drive-by posting, today. Still getting over a wretched allergic reaction that had me sick for the entire weekend (what a rip!). Today is much better. I can crawl out of bed and that's a victory in itself...but I'm in that frustrating place, where as long as I do nothing, I feel fine. As soon as I exert myself, I feel not so fine.Coupled with the realization that I have less than 5 months

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-32050591001060613252007-12-05T12:54:00.000Z2007-12-05T13:02:01.720Z

I was thinking about writing advice that I've gotten, and how it can be both a blessing and curse...how it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, sage. On the other hand, stupid.Cases in point:Write What You KnowSage: When we deal with subject matter we know intimately, it brings an integrity and genuineness to the story we writeStupid: We know very little. I mean, we wouldn't have Jurassic

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-69668754224301607692007-12-02T17:21:00.000Z2007-12-02T18:58:10.841Z

This past week, in anticipation of writing a software guide for a new client, I brought home their style guide to peruse at my leisure. A style guide outlines a particular organization's standards for design and writing, from typography and white space to prose style and handling of grammar, punctuation and spelling. A style guide deems what is acceptable in a given publication; in my case, a

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-73241611393872746282007-11-28T22:07:00.000Z2007-11-28T22:22:48.941Z

I've been writing posts in my head all week but haven't had a chance to write them down.I'm hoping this will provide some entertainment in the interim: I think a bubble bath is in order tonight - alone!

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-89073750156437681382007-11-21T19:20:00.000Z2007-11-21T20:40:26.848Z

So, there my husband and I are, last night, heading home after a walk with our dogs. I, of course, use the term "walk" in its loosest possible definition. Let's remember, people, I am talking about my dogs and winter-ridden Edmonton.Yesterday was a balmy -745 degree Celsius, with a wind chill of -8757. I exaggerate, of course. It was more like -687. After bundling up in long johns, snow pants,

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-52431742381824806292007-11-15T13:18:00.000Z2007-11-28T22:14:03.194Z

The other day while browsing in a bookstore I happened upon the newest release of my first favourite romance author: Everlasting by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. When I got home — I didn't buy the book, as I'm waiting to place an online order — I googled the author to see whether any reviews of the book had been posted. That's when I found out that she passed away in July 2007 at the age of 68,

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-65552947494035803312007-11-13T13:30:00.001Z2007-11-13T13:42:27.646Z

I'm in the process of changing doctors...not that the present one is terrible, but he seems to have developed an obsession for sending me for tests--and there's nothing wrong with me. I may come in and say, "My wrist hurts.""X-rays! MRI!" He'll shout."But it's not broken--don't you want to look at it, first?""No need, no need," he'll say, back pressed against the wall and avoiding touching me at

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-42255777304868383762007-11-10T14:58:00.001Z2007-11-10T16:30:33.661Z

Yesterday at school, was a celebration of reading. Did I come into the classroom to find my tiny amies hunched over the latest Harry Potter or Treehouse? Nope. I came into a room pulsing with excited energy because WE WERE MAKING PAPER HATS!The hats, they would wear as they read their books later that afternoon.So, I hunkered down on the floor, folding newspaper, gluing, and poking holes, and

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-17001385305990815752007-11-08T13:32:00.000Z2007-11-08T13:41:18.293Z

Do you have a cheat sheet of spelling mistakes you commonly make? You should. Sometimes the mere act of writing the words down prevents the problem from occurring. Or it can serve as a reference point, especially during bouts of editing.Here's my list:allusion (indirect reference) vs. illusion (a distortion of sensory perception)compliment (a praising or flattering remark, or to give such a

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-73210676793774266472007-11-02T01:43:00.000Z2007-11-08T13:32:11.933Z

Writing is more than writing, isn't it? It's reading, as well. One of my tricks to pull out a book I love, then re-read it and make notes about passages that I love. It's a great way to see how other writers showcase setting, character, suspense, etc.For example: Dean Koontz "From the Corner of His Eye" describing skin color: "Breath held, Celestina confirmed what she had suspected about the

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-41256202680399391072007-10-31T14:13:00.001Z2007-11-08T13:32:21.861Z

Care to share your scariest moments on this most auspicious day? For me, watching The Shining, no matter how many times, sets my heart to racing. Or reading either The Tell-tale Heart or Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short storyThe Yellow Wallpaper. Spooky.Have fun tonight!!!

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-63115426892101294312007-10-26T00:53:00.000+01:002007-10-27T02:39:34.802+01:00

When I was a kid, girls weren't allowed to be heroic. Sure, we could show up at the battle, but we had to leave the fighting to the boys. This was eloquently pounded into me one day in grade four drama class. We (me and two boys) had to act out a story--frozen pictures, no dialogue. The story was to be an epic battle. I got the part of the rescuee. When I asked why I couldn't fight and help to

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-28729491234075823012007-10-25T20:45:00.000+01:002007-10-26T14:10:56.783+01:00

Today's topic: homonyms.I'm sure most of us are straight on synonyms and antonyms. Homonyms, in case you're wondering, are those pesky little pairs of words that often trip us up when writing. A homonym is one of a group of words that share the same spelling or pronunciation (or both) but have different meanings. Good editors and proofreaders should catch them but why give them the pleasure?

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-59916466952199870142007-10-19T04:25:00.000+01:002008-04-08T17:07:19.028+01:00

I'm writing this post in reference to a previous one on the subject of Nancy Drew novels.My daughter recently picked up a boxed set of Nancy Drew mysteries, none of which I recognized from my teenage years. She devoured the first book in days, during which time I learned that Nancy Drew has been updated. She now has a cell phone and a laptop, and I'm quite sure sometime soon she will be sporting

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-26528542516727382432007-10-13T18:54:00.001+01:002007-10-13T19:35:14.769+01:00

As you know, I volunteer at an elementary school every week, usually for an hour. This Friday, my one hour jaunt became a five hour descent into the workings of the Edmonton SWAT.For those of you who don't live in Edmonton or Canada, last week an RCMP officer, Const. Christopher Worden, was gunned down in the line of duty. His assailant, 23 year old Emrah Bulatci, fled NWT (where this occurred)

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-12131975354902866142007-10-11T13:11:00.001+01:002007-10-11T13:29:55.665+01:00

For all those North American fans eagerly awaiting the release of India Grey's The Italian’s Defiant Mistress, the wait is over. Hallelujah!India is a featured author over at Harlequin Presents, and her book is available from the usual shops, newstands, and online bookshops, including Amazon, chapters.indigo.ca, Barnes & Noble, etc. You've no excuses. And, believe me, you won't be disappointed!

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-6239277169389236402007-10-09T18:45:00.000+01:002007-10-11T13:11:42.362+01:00

The year's last warm day is bittersweet. On Friday as I walked up the hill to my daughter's school, a light film of sweat on my skin, the sun hot on my bare arms and legs, I welcomed the cool, autumn wind promised by the leaves underfoot. Now that Thanksgiving has passed, and we've dug out our sweaters, jackets and fleece, I am already in mourning. No longer will I write with the windows wide

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-77328224997152812782007-10-03T15:58:00.000+01:002007-10-03T16:11:26.071+01:00

Any writer will tell you (ad nauseum) that writing isn't easy. Not even a little bit. Sure, sometimes the words flow like water and you're awash in a sea of creativity. Most times, at least for me, it feels like the literary version of push-ups or crunches: I know it's good for me, but man, what a pain.But words are important. They convey meaning, images, thoughts, morals, and lessons. They show

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-66898396106031365012007-09-25T17:11:00.000+01:002007-10-26T14:12:25.446+01:00

I've got another trick for you, this time to help clear up confusion between who and whom.To check your who/whom usage, try replacing who with "he" and whom with "him", and recast the sentence. Here's an example:Who/Whom wrote the book?He wrote the book. Therefore, "who" is correct.Let's try another:To who/whom did she dedicate the book?She dedicated the book to him. Therefore, "whom" is

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-45341499788794112552007-09-21T13:24:00.000+01:002007-09-21T13:35:28.418+01:00

You know a "dangling modifier" is not a euphemism for male genitaliaYou can actually think of five euphemisms for male genitaliaYou see signs like, " "Free" Dice" and want to take out your red pen and scratch away the quotation marksYou carry a red penYou order books on grammar and are honestly excited to read themThe librarian is on speed dialYou guard favorite books as though they were your

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-74360543079418691442007-09-19T03:38:00.000+01:002007-10-26T14:13:13.084+01:00

I was tempted to post a picture of our only pet fish, Flame, but I was afraid something like this might happen, owing to the number of cats spotted here lately.Instead, in an effort to return us to the art of writing, I've decided to dedicate my next few posts to proofreading. The fact is I do a great deal more proofreading and editing of fiction that I do the actual writing of it. So here

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-55302456096913172862007-09-13T16:44:00.001+01:002007-09-13T16:44:06.251+01:00

Am I a total sucker, or is there just something sexy and endearing about a grown man who will write an entire song about his cat?

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-6764027735207223802007-09-11T12:48:00.000+01:002007-09-13T13:15:44.646+01:00

I promised to wax euphoric about summer, in the wake of children returning to school, Labour Day, etc., but I've decided there's no need to belabour the past. We all have a list of our favourite things about the season, and I imagine yours may include some of my top items: hot, steamy weather, leather sandals, cut-off jeans, frocks worn with bare legs, faces adorned with mascara and nothing else,

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-25703129671064982992007-09-06T15:46:00.000+01:002007-09-06T15:59:31.238+01:00

I saw a public service announcement on television the other day. It shows a person standing in a subway, frozen, while people walk around her. Then it's a man on a moving sidewalk, frozen. The spot flashes on different people, then the voice over says something to the effect that if you can't read, your stuck where you are. It then goes on to say that if you want to read, look up Literacy in

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-21747509092211089362007-08-29T23:24:00.000+01:002007-08-29T23:38:35.740+01:00

I'm thinking of opening a finishing school for cats (if this works, I'll open one for dogs). With the success of doggy day cares, scientific evidence that animals can count, have a sense of self, it only seems right that someone step in and offer this service.Normally, this someone wouldn't be me. But last week, we rescued two kittens and having seen what kinds of chaos felines can cause, it just

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-16978997592833757972007-08-24T22:24:00.000+01:002007-08-24T22:29:49.781+01:00

Thank goodness it's Friday!It's been a crazy week, and the martinis and manhattans are already flowing - with the guests soon to arrive - so I can't possibly manage a coherent post. Better luck next week.Here's to the weekend, and to summer, which over here (at least for me) officially ends Tuesday with my daughter's return to school.

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-74005315112412031652007-08-20T14:22:00.000+01:002007-08-21T05:21:21.020+01:00

So...this post started off at 7.24 am. It's now 10.03 pm. Lord, I need a weekend. I'm sitting here with a half bottle of hard cider & (ironically enough) Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" playing in the background. Given the past few days, I'm really starting to think whether I can adopt Alan Jackson's motto that when it comes to drinking, "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere." Of course, given that I'm the

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-28883639479067171762007-08-16T16:55:00.000+01:002007-08-16T17:05:36.343+01:00

After spending two weeks at my mother's farm, followed by a weekend with friends at their lakeside cottage in Quebec, we have returned to the city with no further plans to travel. So what have I to show for my seclusion and retreat? The polished first draft of a novel I started writing eight years ago? Guess again. An outline of the young adult novel I've had buzzing around in my head for the

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-82245379570474383842007-08-13T17:07:00.000+01:002007-08-13T17:32:03.066+01:00

I did it. I stepped away from the computer for an entire weekend.Friday wasn't too bad--I was still in the house, and just caught up on some t.v. watching (I love Animal Planet's "Dog Whisperer" and, well, all their shows).Saturday was hard and if I ever had any doubts that I need professional mental help, the fact that I was in withdrawal because I wasn't close to my study, erased any questions.

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-32346711606627605982007-08-09T18:21:00.001+01:002007-08-13T18:27:08.714+01:00

It's official. Bronwyn Storm's short story I Love You a Latte, a Last Rose Of Summer Miniature, will soon be available from Wild Rose Press. Rumour has it that the galleys are sitting with the author. Check out the cover art below. Here is a teaser:If love was coffee, then for Annie Langdon, it would be thick, black, leave a bitter taste in her mouth, and acid in her stomach. For the past year,

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-63612361724911543602007-08-06T16:31:00.001+01:002007-08-06T17:01:39.604+01:00

I love Edmonton for so many reasons: while other cities toil under balmy temperatures and mild winters, Edmonton offers blistering cold and the opportunity to brag about the Winter of '93, and how you lost your fingers to hypothermia because you were trying to scrape the ice off your windshield with a credit card; the consistency of two seasons: winter and construction. But one of the greatest

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-32436318402514206712007-08-02T14:35:00.000+01:002007-08-02T14:43:13.786+01:00

How many of us still hand write our correspondence? How about our love letters?Last month a letter written by Napolean to his beloved Josephine reputedly sold for 276,000 pounds (556,000 USD or 409,000 euros). In the letter he wrote:"I send you three kisses — one on your heart, one on your mouth and one on your eyes." I myself barely manage to scrawl a few lines in a card on our wedding

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-77846284712433321712007-07-30T15:45:00.001+01:002007-09-26T22:41:49.722+01:00

I can relate...

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-63508322014186679202007-07-26T19:54:00.000+01:002007-07-26T20:26:23.233+01:00

There are strange things afoot (and a car and ahead, I'm afraid) over here in Edmonton. Very, very strange occurrences.Some things are stranger than others.On the not so strange side, my darling Buddy has now decided that it is no longer sufficient to tell me that he has to go out. I use the term "tell me" in the loosest sense of the word. Buddy (like Smokey) is a firm believer in telepathy.

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-7713470536864252012007-07-24T14:34:00.000+01:002007-07-24T14:59:36.166+01:00

First of all, congratulations on your recent signings. We can't wait to hear all the details.Are you comfy? Is the martini to your liking? The chocolate of sufficient quality? Yes? Then let us begin.You've sold two items to The Wild Rose Press, is that correct? A short story and a full-length novel? Please tell us a little about the two works.Yes, I did sell two stories, though I wasn't surprised

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-22645529057901527342007-07-19T02:41:00.000+01:002007-07-19T02:49:52.590+01:00

My latest work contract is finished. Now the hallelujahs may begin. Bring 'em on! I've spent the past few days chasing my daughter and her friend through the park, watching them flit from monkeybars to swings, from shimmering pools to grassy knolls, all the while luxuriating in their joy. This is the essence of summer. Running, laughing, shouting without reserve. I feel privileged to be invited

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-46130975640728589162007-07-15T14:37:00.000+01:002007-09-26T22:42:07.089+01:00

In this family, birthdays aren't days. They're weekends, sometimes an entire week of celebration.Yesterday, I turned 11 315 days old (if my math serves, which it very rarely does. To be honest, I thought for sure that I'd hit the million day mark, only to find out that won't happen until I'm well over 2000 years old. Thank God for calculators). To be more traditional, I turned 31 years old,

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-35277108737180443452007-07-11T17:29:00.000+01:002008-04-08T17:08:15.045+01:00

...in the doctor's office, no less.It may not have been as enlightening an experience as Reading Lolita in Tehran but I've come to realize the enduring power of the 2005-07 children's laureate's prose.When my daughter first started consuming Wilson's novels at the tender age of seven, and at a very impressive rate too, I was not overly enthused. Wilson has a style that appeals straightaway to

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-80659243027687052462007-07-05T16:52:00.000+01:002007-07-05T17:01:24.526+01:00

What makes a hero?We hear all the time "Tall, Dark, and Handsome," and I suppose that's true, but that definition can be as loosely translated as one needs. Case in point:This week saw the opening of the Transformers movie. I saw the preview for it about a year ago, and have anxiously been waiting for the release. Why? Because I have a loyal and undying love for Optimus Prime.I grew up with

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-65113111621636375042007-07-04T01:28:00.000+01:002007-07-04T01:33:58.002+01:00

Hey, folks, India's novel has hit the newstands (in the UK). Head directly to your nearest bookshop before there are no more copies left.To read a review of The Italian's Defiant Mistress, visit Romance Reader at Heart.

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-15343526719115406262007-06-29T18:33:00.000+01:002008-04-08T17:10:10.842+01:00

Nobody likes a goody two-shoes. Miss Perfect. Personal comparisons to Martha Stewart before her fall from grace. (Which these days conjures images of Paris Hilton—prison, as opposed to perfection doing the trick—which is another story entirely...or maybe not.)That's why when my daughter was encouraged to read Nancy Drew, and soon grew tired of Nancy's ability to excel at everything, whether it be

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-18728509397129937722007-06-26T20:11:00.000+01:002007-06-27T03:03:44.585+01:00

Business First:1) The Wild Rose Press is in the process of changing their web-hosting guys (or something equally technical). So if you go to the site, and can't find it/have troubles buying books/something just as frustrating, that is the reason. Thought I would pass it on, since they've been getting frantic emails wondering if everything is alright.As India and I can attest to (having just set

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-81132531126670950092007-06-21T17:19:00.000+01:002007-06-21T23:22:26.063+01:00

One day each week I work from home. (In case you've forgotten, or have just tuned in, I'm the writer for hire, temporarily giving up the dream to pay a new mortgage, renovations, etc.). With a bit of time-off looming, I've been looking forward to reclaiming my home office and perhaps returning to creative writing. (Please hold your collective hallelujahs.)The last three weeks have boded ill for

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-89688669751748082282007-06-15T16:29:00.000+01:002007-06-15T16:59:50.659+01:00

I had originally started this post in my usual way: a ranting, rambling story involving PMS, wasps, and the unnerving feeling that I am, in fact the most neurotic person in existence. Since the story's high point however, is the fact that Buddy (photo on the left) arose victorious over the villain of canine constipation and rests easy in the hallowed halls of puppy regularity, I knewthere was no

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-45922089880553683842007-06-14T14:09:00.001+01:002007-06-17T15:37:14.355+01:00

The website still isn't functioning. But today I had a flash of total genius and realised I could set up the blog independently.(bangs head against desk and weeps quietly)It's here.(whispers brokenly) Please come and see me and bring chocolate.

Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10072783485818273641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-47659049253763846062007-06-12T10:13:00.001+01:002007-06-17T15:34:13.536+01:00

The trouble with having a really, really fab weekend is that it makes Monday morning come as an even greater shock to the system. Returned home from Kate Walker's wonderful 50th book celebrations in Lincoln feeling tired but still totally on a high from good food, great conversation, lots and lots of laughs and much hugging... It was a really, really special event, and I'm going to write a

Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10072783485818273641noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-31605186186615052072007-06-05T02:52:00.000+01:002007-06-05T02:02:29.010+01:00

Although I have been accused of chasing young adonises through campus—or should I say Samsons, as I've a penchant for flowing locks—I have yet to descend to stalking movie stars. However, this weekend while strolling through sun-drenched Old Montreal, sandals clicking on cobblestones,perspiration glistening on bare shoulders, sunglasses perched atop my head, I scoured the narrow streets for a

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-81960178407112160342007-06-04T21:52:00.002+01:002007-06-21T23:20:55.750+01:00

...while checking out who stops by the blog.The one and only Bronwyn ... oops, typo?!... has just put up her very own website. Talk about cool.www.bronwynstorm.com

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-61616387621772185292007-05-31T20:19:00.000+01:002007-06-27T03:03:10.988+01:00

I'm still in a state of shock. Two calls, two contracts in the space of a week. I think this defies some kind of physical law.Sunday night we were celebrating my husband's birthday with dinner and a movie night at home. Mid-way through, we paused the movie for a snack refill/bathroom break interval. And of course, I couldn't resist checking my email.AND THERE IT WAS.A note from one of the editors

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-51524995882020732282007-05-29T13:05:00.000+01:002007-05-29T13:18:25.491+01:00

We all knew it was just a matter of time. Grab a martini, a glass of bubbly, or a piece of Laura Secord chocolate...it's party time again at Scribes'. We're celebrating Brown who has been busy over at The Wild Rose Press selling not only a short story but a romantic novel as well. Details to follow!Congratulations, Brown!!!!

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-28736297629548452142007-05-24T20:04:00.000+01:002007-05-24T20:37:30.614+01:00

As you know, I've been in Toronto Canada visiting my nephew who is even cuter in person than his pictures would suggest. I don't think there's anything cuter than a two week old baby, who hasn't quite figured out that his arms and legs belong to him, and who absolutely freaks (in the most adorable manner) when the sleeves of his shirt ride over his fingers, making him think he's lost his hand.But

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-47479855145594522922007-05-22T09:52:00.000+01:002007-06-06T23:37:10.967+01:00

Am lost in book world at the moment, so find myself completely unable to provide intelligent comment on anything. Instead I thought I'd provide this lovely assortment of good-looking men in breeches. And let's face it, wouldn't we all take a good looking man in breeches over intelligent comment every time?(Or is that just me being very, very shallow?)This is mainly for Eva, who writes a damn fine

Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10072783485818273641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-7057262312009107982007-05-16T13:52:00.000+01:002007-05-16T14:08:10.603+01:00

So...I did it, even though I know it's wrong: I watched American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars. I didn't have a choice in the matter: I'm in Toronto, visiting my parents and these are the shows my mother just can't miss.But I wish I hadn't watched them. I hate knowing someone has to lose. Hate it. I'm listening to these incredible singers, watching these dancers, and while logic says one

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-90831613849205951392007-05-09T17:31:00.000+01:002007-05-13T02:23:15.037+01:00

Not a whole heck of a lot. Regardless, I reckon a lot of time and effort goes into finding just the right title for a book. Even if the rumours are true, and the editor/publisher or even, egads, the marketing department, has the final say-so on the book's title, many writers will want at least an interim label, usueful during pitches, for example — correct me if I'm wrong, Brown— or simply when

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-84556318374562017152007-05-07T23:12:00.000+01:002007-05-07T23:53:02.907+01:00

Darlings! I'm back and with oodles and doodles of stories!!!Having said that, the question now becomes: hhhmmm...which story do I begin with?Shall I tell them about waking up at 3am on Thursday so I could do the online check in with Westjet (thereby ensuring a REALLY good seat), and the 2 minute task turned into an hour wait because the site kept telling me there was an error in my information?

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-62910028194262100332007-05-04T08:24:00.000+01:002007-05-06T15:58:16.543+01:00

As if it's not enough that I've already written one blog in the last month, I now find myself having to write a second and I should actually be eating my breakfast and heading off to work.Still, some things are more important.I just found out from Amanda Ashby's blog - who found out from Amazon - that yesterday was the official release date for the hardback version of India's book: The Italian's

Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429274977399227000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-73840272030897785732007-04-30T09:58:00.000+01:002007-04-30T17:32:08.195+01:00

As a Presents author I spend a huge proportion of my time thinking about glamour (to be honest, I did this way before I was a Presents author, only in then it was called 'daydreaming' and now it is called 'research') and a pitiful amount of time actually experiencing it. Friday was a very pleasant break from the norm.Savoy experience gets off to an unpromising start when the doorman reaches into

Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10072783485818273641noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-42436973925449105762007-04-28T15:50:00.000+01:002007-04-29T01:52:06.049+01:00

No, I'm not referring to my skin tone at the thought of India's Savoy lunch, but to my intentions to start writing in a more environmentally-caring manner.I am, by heart, a nature lover and it has bothered me for some time the amount of paper I get through when I write, which, in turn, equates to the number of trees destroyed for such purpose.Therefore, I am imposing some strict eco-rules upon

Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02429274977399227000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-82921044488214565472007-04-26T10:00:00.000+01:002007-04-29T01:56:57.271+01:00

Tomorrow is RNA lunch at Savoy. Am spending today in a frenzy of disorganised last-minute preparation, which should involve lovely things like painting nails in elegant, springlike pink, having split-ends snipped off and selecting uplifting reading material for train. However, am way behind, so shall be mainly tearing around trying to beg/bribe someone to take daughters 1 and 2 to swimming

Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10072783485818273641noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-75052619697091069702007-04-21T15:54:00.000+01:002008-04-08T17:08:33.406+01:00

...I don't play much but I do have more time to read.Last month when he went on his annual ski trip with "the boys", I picked up two Harlequin Historicals. Sadly, both were disappointing. One was too period, which isn't a criticism; obviously it was simply not to my taste. I can't read Georgette Heyer either. Besides, the paternal streak many heroes feel towards their Regency belles in books of

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-61591400863093824912007-04-16T20:18:00.000+01:002007-04-22T14:07:02.705+01:00

The other day I bought an alarm clock. Not the new, technologically advanced kind, but the old-school analog numbers, kind. This one had a round face, glow in the dark numbers, silver finish, four stubby little feet, and two shiny bells that sat on top of its head.I've always wanted an "old school" bell. We have a new age clock, the kind that wakes you up with light (imitating the sunrise), loon

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-50878433318527889882007-04-12T09:03:00.000+01:002007-04-22T14:07:29.644+01:00

Ooops, I did it again. Forgot it was my turn to post. This is because I'm still in a state of extreme lethargy brought on by an extended (Thursday to Tuesday) Easter weekend of over-indulgence and laziness. Here are the stats.Calories ingested in the form of chocolate and hot cross buns:5 678 392 (approx)Units of alcohol: Similar to above figureWords added to wip: 0Days left until RNA lunch at

Indiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10072783485818273641noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-77783889747663968172007-04-08T15:41:00.000+01:002007-04-22T14:08:14.217+01:00

Easter weekend. Hidden treasures buried in the grass - or snow, in our case.I haven't been searching for eggs, this weekend, but movies. And it's as though the planets have aligned for me. I've been treated to movies I haven't seen in years, but absolutely loved: Sleepless in Seattle, Anne of Green Gables, Innerspace, You've Got Mail.What is it about these movies, that even though time has passed

Natasha Deenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03084745316656827686noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23119061.post-50162722449183333412007-04-03T15:46:00.000+01:002007-04-22T14:08:32.966+01:00

On the weekend, while indulging in our first pedicure of the year — I know I'm not the only one at this blog eagerly anticipating open-toe season — a friend and I shared engagement stories. It all started as a dramatization of how my hubby can't keep a secret. Here's my story:Soon after returning from (me) backpacking in Europe and (he) finishing a work-study exchange program in France/Hungary,

Evahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01816286234542326354noreply@blogger.com7