Archive for the 'Fun' Category

My good friend Amy was kind enough to Roar! me the other day. I’m touched that so many people seem to be enjoying my writing. Not only because it reinforces my desire to write when I’m having a down day, but it’s flattering to know that people are taking a measure of enjoyment out of something that’s come from deep inside me.

Part of this award has me giving three reasons why I keep a book. Well, if you saw my bookshelf you’d see I love my books. But I have a special shelf for those books I re-read.

CHARACTER GROWTH

There is something about watching a character change and grow throughout the course of a book or series of books. They don’t have to be big changes either–in fact the more subtle the change, the more powerful the end result. I tie the emotional journey of the character with this. The more they suffer, the more I love it!

CONFLICT

I  have to have a strong conflict in the story if I’m going to keep it. Again, this doesn’t mean explosions on every page (though I tend to do that myself!), but rather that deep emotional conflict that seems to tear a character apart. The end result is them becoming a stronger person.

SEXUAL ATTRACTION

 Oh I loves me the sexual tension. The heated looks that aren’t acted upon. The shivers and sighs after a close encounter. I can forgive many, many things if the sexual tension is strong.

Now its my turn to award this to three other writers!

Colleen Gleason. I’m a total fan girl of Colleen’s, but it’s for all of the reasons listed above. The world she’s build for her vampire stories, the sexual tension between Victoria and Max, and Victoria and Sebastian….whoa Nelly! I can reread her books any day!

Kelley Armstrong. Not only is Kelley a kind, generous lady, she’s one hell of a writer. I “discovered” her when she came and did a talk at one of our chapter meetings. Since then, she’s joined us and we have the advantage of her wisdom. The otherworld books are must reads!

Margaret Moore. If you don’t read Margaret’s blog, you are missing out. If you don’t read Margaret’s books…you’re REALLY missing out. I love the emotional depth of her characters, and how her heroines work within the confines of their worlds, but come across as strong, independant women. And I’d take any one of her heroes home with me. Like now!

Who are some of the writers on your keeper shelf?

LOL Anyone who knows me in person, what do you think? I hate to admit it, but this really sounds like me!!

What Christine Means

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you… especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You’re a strong person. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You’re always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can’t handle you. You’re very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you’re likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It’s easy to get you excited… which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don’t stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are the total package – suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don’t always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don’t have as much going for them as you do. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless – and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You’re most comfortable when you’re far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What’s Your Name’s Hidden Meaning?

So a few weeks ago I went to the TRW Christmas party and I took a few pictures. I promised to post the one of all the TRW bloggers who happened to be there. Now, we are missing Maureen and Margaret, but here is most of us.

From left to right back row: Amy Ruttan, Me , Savannah Chase

From left to right front row: Wylie Kinson,  Bonnie Staring, Leah Braemel

Aren’t we cute!