Fun little widget on LibraryThing You can check out my whole library. Well, I say whole library, it's actually only about 1/2 but it is most of the fiction.

Nalini Singh Countdown

Nalini Singh, author of the totally fantastic Psi/Changling series, is doing a countdown on her blog for her new GUILD HUNTER series with some great prizes. You can get a taste of the world when eBook ANGEL'S PAWN comes out on Feb 24th, then March 3rd the new book ANGEL'S BLOOD is out.

I got a sneak peak at the first chapters of ANGEL'S BLOOD and I was frustrated beyond words that I didn't have the rest of the book there and then. I own all Nalini's Psi/Changling books and look forward to filling my shelves with her new series - plus of course the next Phi/Changling instalment BRANDED BY FIRE.

If you haven't already head on over to her blog and take a look.

Valentines Day

Valentines day - it should be the international holiday of romance writers everywhere :)
I had a lovely Valentines day with Hubby - actually we spread it over the whole weekend - I mean why wouldn't you?

Valentines day is a good time to think about what makes the perfect fictional hero (as well as what makes a perfect partner). Check out this group of authors talking about the ideal hero...

For me the hero has to have some sharp edges, be that little be untamed; but when it comes to his one special lady she gets to see a side of him that no one else does - a softer side. Oh, and he has to be smart; if the heroine can't be TSTL (too stupid to live) you better believe he's not allowed to be either. There's a lot more to it than that and I could probably list characteristics till the cows come home (and not having cows that could be a while) but that's the definition that leaps to mind.

Enjoy the rest of your week everyone and I hope your valentines was filled with great men (real or fictional).

PS: if you're looking for a single sweet candy rather than a whole box try 'Danger, Word Games' by Eve Summers. This short story eBook is an ideal way to fill a morning tea or a lunch break at the office.

Music: Pet Shop Boys
Reading: 'Lover Revealed' by J.R. Ward.
I'm totally loving her Black Dagger Brotherhood.
Mood: feeling a bit bad because I've been reading not writing.

Discipline and writing

I was talking to a friend the other day about weight loss and motivation.
For me it's about wanting to be able to look in the mirror and be happy with what I see (self-confidence), it's also about being healthy, both now and laying good foundations for the future. It's also about looking good for my husband, not taking him for granted because he put a ring on my finger. I want him to be as in lust with me now as he was when we met.
For her it was also about being able to keep up with her kids.
But we came to the conclusion that whatever your motivation, day to day, it's about discipline.
I was thinking writing is the same - it's about discipline.

Discipline sucks.

Music:
Currently reading: 'The Way of Shadows' by Brent Weeks
Just started reading this the jury's still out.
Mood: scraping together my discipline.

Good read

I'm going through a bit of a Suzanne Brockmann faze at the moment. Just finished reading 'Embraced by Love' and thought I would share it with you. It was originally published in 1995 but they have recently reissued it and I think it was worth printing again.

One of the things that made this book standout for me was that unlike most romances which are about the hero & heroine meeting and falling in love, this book starts with the characters already married and already in love. It fills in a bit of back story so you get to share the buzz of first love but you also see the life they are living now and the problems they are facing - the biggest of which is that the heroine is a workaholic.
The pivot point of the book comes when the couple finds themselves responsible for two young children. In their already busy lives they struggle to find time for each other, how are they going to fit in two kids.
The story shows a glowing relationship (albeit with problems) take a complete nose dive. You watch and feel deeply for the couple as things start to fall apart for them. In particular my heart really went out to the hero who always felt a secondary priority in the heroine's life and now with the kids....
Anyway I recommend this if you're looking for a romance that is a little different from the norm that has well shaped and sympathetic characters.

Music: Still on Primal Scream
Currently reading: 'Blood Rites' by Jim Butcher
Just started this one - hope it's as good as his others :)
Mood: Looking forward to another short week