Revenge IS Sweet! by Marianne Stephens

RAISE your hand if you've never considered a way to exact revenge and "get even" with someone. If your hand is up, you're either very forgetful, have a selective memory, going through a "senior moment". It's part of human nature to feel mad and want to even the score...even for a "saint" like me!

Dating, romance...and being dumped or used. All stuff we go through in the game of love. Initially, you feel hurt and are embarrassed by questions like "Where is ...?" asked by friends and family. You may make excuses, tell fibs, change the subject so you don't have to admit a breakup has occurred.

Most times, you go on and finally tell people your version of the story. Doesn't matter if it's exactly true, but its something you'll stick to and feel better about yourself for saying. You can analyze and justify it in your head, and that's how you cope.

More power to you. Getting rid of a loser, even one you thought you loved, is better than being with one. I'll now tell you my story of revenge against an ex-boyfriend, the first and only time I ever "got even".

If you believe that, I have a bridge in New York I'd like to sell to you!

I dated Ron in college for months. I knew he was on academic probation but he didn't seem to be able to pull up his grades. Ron finally got word that he'd flunk out if he didn't leave, so he quit school. We were to spend his last weekend at the college together before he headed home and either went into the military or found a job.

We had plans; lots of couples stuff to do starting on a Friday night. He called me an hour before coming over to my dorm to let me know that an "old ex-girlfriend" surprised him by coming from a nearby college to say goodbye so if I didn't mind, he'd see her that night and see me the next day.

What could I say? Annoyed but trying to be reasonable, I agreed. We'd have all day Saturday to spend together. And, we'd spend Sunday morning before his bus left since he had to vacate the dorm that day.

Saturday morning came. He called again. His "ex" was still there, and wouldn't leave until late that night. Would I mind waiting to see him until Sunday?

Hell, yes, I minded. I remained calm as wheels in my head started turning. Ron apparently was dumping me for his "ex" and I didn't matter to him. Crushed at first, anger swiftly took its place and the word "revenge" planted itself in my brain. I had to do something to "get even".

Once again...but this time through gritted teeth...I agreed to his suggestion. But I was already formulating a plan in my head, one that would get the message through to his "male-ego" brain. Maybe he'd take note and not pull this type of "dumping" act on another female.

His plan was to leave at 11:00am on Sunday. The bus only came twice on Sundays...11:00am and 11:00pm. We were to meet after church at 10:00am at a spot on campus we liked to go to for coffee. We'd then go back to his dorm and I'd help him carry his stuff up "the hill" and into town to the bus stop.

I never went to meet him. He called at 10:15 and I said I was on my way. He called again at 10:30 and I told him the same thing. His final call came at 10:45. It was too late for him to catch the morning bus, but now he'd spend the rest of Sunday with me and take the 11:00pm bus. Since he had to vacate the dorm at noon, he figured I'd let him leave his stuff in my dorm room and help him carry it to the bus stop that night.

Now was my turn. I knew I'd delayed him from taking the earlier bus. I knew he'd have to wait 12 hours for the next bus. I knew he'd have nowhere to store his things. With a nonchalant tone in my voice, I told him I would be busy the rest of the day but wished him a happy life and promptly hung up. I had visions of him lugging his stuff to the bus stop and sitting there all day...and that was my act of revenge. I had to quell the curious streak urging me to go "peek" and see if he waited there hopefully full of regret.

That's my version...and I'm sticking to it! So, what's your tale of revenge or "getting even"?



Marianne

http://www.mariannestephens.net
photo: Flickr: mohammedazix's photostream

Enter Writing Contests - Yes or No? by Marianne Stephens

 

Do contests help you as a writer? Are they frustrating? Is it necessary to enter contests to succeed?

I've entered my share of contests in the past, and have found most to be slightly helpful. Some were wonderful and gave some insight into my writing, both good and bad. But most have left me shaking my head and wondering why I wasted my time and money to enter.

Comments from contests should be well-written and logical. By what I receive, I shouldn't have to wonder whether or not the judge has been writing 2 days or 20 years. Guidance for judging should be given and understood. I expect some type of professionalism...and so should you.

I sent in a paranormal romance entry. One judge wrote she couldn't suspend disbelief. Huh? Why would you judge a paranormal if you can't "open" your mind to the unexplained? How could I find anything she said helpful...and there wasn't much she liked....so a low score was given.

Have I made changes after receiving credible comments? Absolutely. Would I enter contests again? No. I no longer enter contests.
Does winning a contest mean you'll get published? I know people who have won and are still waiting to publish. We have to remember that whoever is judging is giving their OWN opinion, and not necessarily that of a seasoned editor or agent...unless you get to that final round where editors and agents do a "final" judgment of entries.

As a judge, I cringe when I get something that has spelling/grammar errors, lots of POV changes, too much/little character/scene description. I once read an entry and by the time I'd read 30 pages, I still hadn't met the hero. Very little had been said about the heroine and there was a travelogue given describing Alaska.

I remember reading another entry where there were 8-10 people in a scene...and few dialogue tags. I had no idea who was talking with every comment made.

Do YOU enter contests? What do you think about them?

http://www.mariannestephens.net
 

My Handy Helper for the Christmas Season by Marianne Stephens

The frenzy of holiday shopping keeps starting earlier each year. I like to try and get through Thanksgiving first before starting, but did get some gifts in early November. And, all the Christmas music started on the radio. Not to be outdone, Christmas movies on TV have been flooding the channels since the beginning of November. I love watching the movies!

What's on your wish list? Clothes, money, new electrical gadgets, money, car, money... Hmm. there's a pattern here. Of course, you'll want some wonderful romance books and have them on your wish list. If you're lucky, maybe Santa thinks you've been REALLY good this year.

I've done some of my Christmas shopping already. I honestly do a lot of shopping online. Still have more to go.

I can always use a couple of helping hands with my decorating, baking, etc.  this time of year. So, here's a photo of my Christmas helper. He's cleaning out the chimney so Santa can just drop down and bring all my gifts. My helper got all dressed up to "make the season bright"...and don't you just love his hat?

                     Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays! 

My Christmas story: Dear Santa…I Want A MAN For Christmas

 

Frustrated with untrustworthy men, Melissa orders a man doll. When delivery guy, Nick, shows up, she has second thoughts about how to satisfy her needs.

Story can be found in the following anthologies:
(In Naughty List Anthology)
Print version: Amazon  B&N
Ebook version: Amazon

(In Getting Naughty Anthology)
Ebook version: Amazon  

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Photo: www.rockshots.com

OUR GHOST, FRED by Marianne Stephens

In the 1990s, we lived in a large house to accommodate our family of six. Nothing unusual happened our first few years there, but then events started happening that convinced us we weren't living there ALONE. Below are some examples why I say this:

#1: Daughter number two had just finished drying her laundry. I told her to just dump it on her bed and she could fold/put away everything since we were about to have dinner. She dumped the laundry on the bed and brought the laundry basket down to our laundry room (next to our kitchen). All my other kids and husband were already sitting at the table.

After dinner, my daughter went up to her room and screamed. We all ran up to her room. On her bed were her clothes, all neatly folded. None of us had been in her room. She was scared, so slept in another daughter's room that night. We tried to joke about the incident...and hoped the "ghost" would fold ALL laundry from there on. No such luck.

My kids decided to name the "ghost"...and that's how "Fred" came into our lives.

#2: I always kept my phone book under the phone in the kitchen on a desk. But, one day, I couldn't find it. I checked all over the kitchen and then called my kids into the room. No one knew where it was. I sent them into all the other rooms of the house to look for my phone book while I continued, alone, to search the kitchen.

When the kids returned, they all said the same thing....they couldn't find it. At that time, I was standing in front of the desk. Daughter # one peeked to the side of me and pointed. When I turned around, there was the phone book, right under the phone. Once again we joked about it, and decided that Fred meant no harm...he just like to play tricks.

#3: We went on a week vacation to Florida. I had a college student, "Joe", come to the house each day to feed/water our bird and bring in the mail. The birdcage was on the kitchen counter and the mail was to be placed there, too.

When we returned, I called  "Joe" so her could come over and be paid. His mother answered the phone and said she'd come instead. I assumed "Joe" was not home. His mother told me that  on the third day of taking care of our house, he went inside and the birdcage and mail were  in the living room, not the kitchen. Freaking out, he went home and had his father search our house with him to make sure no one was there. They moved the birdcage and mail back into the kitchen. He wouldn't go into our house alone after that...either his mother or farther would come with him. 

And he wouldn't house-sit again.

#4: I was at the kitchen table, doing bills. On the counter was an old, portable black and white TV...the kind you had to turn the dial to change channels. It had a very distinct loud clicking sound as you turned the dial from one channel to another.

I was watching an old episode of "I Love Lucy" while paying the bills.  Suddenly I looked up at the TV and realized that "Lucy" wasn't on. Instead, on the TV was an episode of some court series. I first thought maybe the show had ended and I hadn't realized it. Then I looked at the clock and noticed that "Lucy" still had ten minutes left in the half hour episode.

I got up and went over to the TV. The dial was on a different channel, about five channels from where the "Lucy" show was. As I stated  before, changing the channels involved a loud click sound, and I'd heard nothing. I turned back to "Lucy", and said aloud, "Fred, you have to stop this stuff."

Other things continued to happen, but nothing sinister. I guess that's why we never felt really frightened.

My mother moved in with us after we moved from that house. She finally told me that if we had stayed in that house, she would not have lived with us. Over the years, she and my dad had witnessed some strange things whenever they visited. Mom was afraid of ghosts.

During the twelve years we lived there, we had two dogs at different times. Each dog did the same thing on a routine basis: they'd sit up and slowly move their heads from one side to the other as if watching someone walk across the room. We'd notice the dogs' movements but never saw anything ourselves.

Do I believe in ghosts? Maybe but I'd like to think of them as helpful or playful.

Do you believe in ghosts? Any ghostly encounters?

In the Naughty Phantasia Boxed Set , I have a paranormal story titled "Cupid's Curious Case":
 
Alan’s last job as Cupid 84 involves neighbor Amy and a special box of candy. Both secretly desire the other. Can they find true love?

For buy links, excerpts, blurbs, and reviews, go to:
http://naughtyliterati.com/naughty-phantasia/

Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Images: 
christmas-graphics-plus.com, animation.dinamobomb.net, animationlibrary.com

What if You Have a Blog and No One Comes and Comments? by Marianne Stephens

Blogs. They're everywhere and it seems like everyone is writing one while trying to find a "new angle" to gain your attention.

But what if you have a blog and no one comes...or comments? Does that mean you should give up? Try a new approach? Do more promo to gain interest?

At RB4U, we tried doing a contest a month, asking people to comment. We found that we had the same number of views whether or not we offered a prize. And, the comments numbers were still low.  

 
We offer to do interviews. We offer guest blog spots. What are we not doing?

 Have blogs become too numerous, making it difficult to decide which ones to read? We try to stick to romance/writing material, and sometimes some personal thoughts. What makes you decide to read this blog as opposed to thousands of other ones? How can we entice you to keep coming back and reading new blogs here?
I notice that in the past, when I've posted photos of "hunks" with blogs, I've gotten greater views numbers. Is that the answer? Always have a great-looking guy or guys with a blog? 

So...what else can be done to gain readers? Suggestions?

Do you see a PURPLE HEART in this blog? Leave a comment (not just hello) for a chance to win a prize. See our contest page at http://www.romancebooks4us.com for more details!

Photos: Flickr: alamodestuff, Kristina B., Sean MacEntee's photostreams. 

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Can You Find LOVE - Use a Map/GPS! by Marianne Stephens

I thought I'd skip going into the boring details of checking road maps...don't you use a GPS now?...and branch off to a different tangent on this.

Let's see...read a road map and find your way somewhere. Isn't the journey to LOVE kinda like that? Don't you have to follow a "path", go in a certain "direction", to find true love?

Romance books use a road map/path/directions to get their heroines to their heroes. It's called a PLOT...and it's never an easy journey. There are always bumps in the road, detours, obstacles, slowdowns, wrong turns...just as you might find if following a map to some unknown destination.

Usually, you manage to find your way...just as our heroines manage to find that "happily-ever-after" ending despite all the setbacks. Flat tire? Run out of gas? Or, Hero's ex-wife shows up to create havoc? Heroine thinks hero is cheating on her? All detours of some type. A road map may not be able to help sometimes, but a crafty plot written to guarantee happiness can set the hero and heroine back on course to romance and love. 

Why don't we send our heroes and heroines on a fantasy journey using a road map and find "LOVE"?

How many cities in the United States are called "Love"? I did some searching on the Internet and here's some that I found:

Love, AZ
Love, IL
Love, KY
Love, MS
Love, TX
Love, VA

Now, you can also find variations for the word "Love" in cities around the country:

Lovers Leap, CA (tragic idea!)                                    Lover, PA
Love Canal, NY                                                           Loving, GA
Love Hill, AL                                                               Loving, KY
Lovejoy, GA                                                                 Loving, NM
Loveladies, NJ                                                              Loving, OK
Lovelady, NC                                                                Loving, TX
Lovelady, TX                                                                Loveland, CO
Love Lady, TN                                                              Loveland, IA
Love Lake, MO                                                             Loveland, OK
Lovely, KY                                                                    Loveland, WA
Loveless, AL (sad!)                                                       Loveland, OH
Love Point, MD                                                             Loveland Park, OH
Loveville, MD                                                               Loves Corner, IL
Loveville, TN                                                                Loves Park, IL

Most of those sound like interesting places to check out...do they live up to their names? Does "LOVE" define each city and hold some type of special magic for those seeking romance? Maybe I should have checked "Romance" for city names. Or, things to do with love and romance.

I actually did find a couple that might interest you. How about Horneytown, NC? Or, Romance, AK? And then there's my favorite, Intercourse, PA.

I've actually been to Intercourse more than once. Quaint little Amish city...mostly a tourist spot. Will you put that on your list of places to visit? Check your road map (or let your GPS find it for you!).

Story idea: What if I have my heroine visit cities with "Love" in their names, while looking for "Mr. Right"?

Hmm...sounds like a good idea!

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Photos: Flickr: Andii, Amanda "Bake It Pretty", lorigami's photostreams.
Also: Mapquest: Intercourse, PA

Why I Didn't Renew My Membership in Romance Writers of America by Marianne Stephens

I first joined in 1994. So much has changed since then. Just look at how many options people now have to read books!

I needed to be part of that BIG Romance Group in the beginning. I needed the conventions/workshops/access to other authors. I also joined a local RWA group. Got lots of good information.

Now, I don't see any benefit in joining. I haven't been to a conference/convention in years. Hated when RWA switched to forum format for group contacts/information. 

And the whole ebook issue in earlier years left me very disappointed with RWA. I published an ebook in 2007...but was made to feel like the outcast cousin in RWA. I didn't have a BIG publisher or a print book. I had an ebook, and this was not looked upon with favor.

I knew back then that technology would change reading. Ebooks would flourish. I tried to explain this to people and my predictions weren't well-received.

When Harlequin decided to pursue an ebook line, I could only image RWA members running around saying, "The sky is falling!". Suddenly, RWA had to change their attitude about ebooks since Harlequin was venturing into those publishing waters. 

I quit my local group. I'd offered many times to do workshops about ebook publishing. I believe I did one quick one where there was little enthusiasm for what I was saying. I don't like the rules RWA places on chapters. 

I was a PAN member (Published Author Network). Got in before RWA made it almost impossible for e-pubbed authors to become members. I stayed in RWA/PAN just to annoy those who placed little value on epublishing.

But now the time has come for me to quit since I no longer see any value in being in RWA.

The two times I asked for help with chapter business, I didn't get any. I actually got more help from The Author's Guild than RWA.

Goodbye, RWA. You were relevant in my life before, but now supply no benefits for me. I'm older, wiser, and have moved on. 

And, technology will keep our writing/reading industry in a state of constant flux. Will RWA embrace those changes?

Marianne Stephens

photo:Flickrr: Peter Kaminski

Make Every Day a SEXY Smile Day - by Marianne Stephens

Okay...I cheated a little on this...I added the word "SEXY". But, hey...what else would a romance author do? Gotta get those hormones going and using the word SEXY will do it every time!
How often do you walk by people and (1) look away, (2) look down, (3) look up, (4) stare straight ahead as if you don't see them? We all do that...some of each of the above.

Sometimes my mind is whirling a mile a minute as I "head write" pages for a book or try to focus on my busy schedule. At those times, I may not even notice someone I pass, except in the vague recesses of my crowded mind.

Today, make a difference. Take the time to SMILE at someone. Doesn't have to be one of your famous SEXY smiles, just a casual one will do. People normally smile back...don't you? Look at these handsome guys and their winning smiles. Wouldn't you smile back?

In writing romance books, we tend to have our heroes and heroines smile. I have them do it frequently...and try very hard to come up with different ways of expressing that action. There's the full smile, the quirk to one side smile, the closed mouth smile, the teeth showing smile. The smile that curls your toes. That sexy smile, combined with eyes full of passion that gets your heart thumping and pounding in your chest.

 

 

 Save those smiles for someone you love! For everyone else, the casual smile will be contagious. Try it. Smile. See how many people return the smile to you!


You'll be smiling if you're one of RB4U's two contest winners! Lots of goodies for two people will be given as prizes. Check our contest at http://www.romancebooks4us.com. 

http://www.mariannestephens.net

Photos: Flickr: lucias_day, Alan Light,  the Prodigal untitled's photostreams.

Why EDITING is SO Important! by Marianne Stephens

Here's a great example of why editing is so important...and keep in mind, I actually bought this decoration!

Other editing funnies:

And my favorite:

Happy Thanksgiving!
Marianne Stephens

photos: from Flickr or seen on Internet

Make Your Heroes Unforgettable by Marianne Stephens

What makes a hero come alive as you read or write pages? His looks, actions, emotions? There are so many adjectives to describe a hero, and writers need the right combination to make him unforgettable to readers.

Each story setting can determine a hero’s demeanor, body language, and actions. If he’s in danger, or the woman he loves is in danger, a hero should be strong and willing to do anything to keep himself and loved one safe. This calls for serious actions and behavior. Bravery in difficult circumstances, even if he at first doesn’t succeed, makes a hero lovable.

Facial Looks: Heroes don’t have to have the perfect face. Heroes with physical flaws…a scar on a cheek for example) become more real to readers. Rugged, tanned features make a hero interesting. Perfect teeth, perfect, face, perfect smile, can hide a sinister soul…and we know that no man is perfect.

Physique: Most heroes seem to have wonderful abs, biceps, rippling chest muscles. Readers want to visualize those characteristics in heroes since some female readers will put themselves in the heroine’s place and crave being close to the hero’s body. And, more and more, a hero’s “bulge” is described. Having a heroine notice what’s straining his zippered area focuses her attention on lusty thoughts and sexual desire.

Emotions: Can a hero cry? Be funny? Be rude and still catch the heroine’s interest? Sure. Crying shows a deep, softer side. Being funny, keeping conversations and settings lighthearted, shows a happy man, content with his demeanor. A rude, harsh hero can come across as brooding, but still garner some sympathy. Perhaps he’s brushing off the heroine for her own good, or having a bad day and doesn’t realize how he’s offending the heroine. Being contrite and apologizing makes him more lovable.

Does your hero have a quirk, something only he does? Does it endear him to the heroine or annoy her? Having him do something like tip his cowboy hat up for intimate face-to-face conversations makes him more likeable. Cracking his knuckles can not only annoy a heroine, but readers as well.

Body Language: Leaning casually makes a hero more approachable, but a ramrod straight stance might make a heroine think twice about getting too close.  Heroes have to “invite” the heroine to share their space, and make her feel comfortable.

Voice: Tone and adding “color” to comments can give a hero that “stay with me” implication. Does he whisper, is there a huskiness quality in his voice? Can a heroine…and reader…hear his tenderness and crave to be closer?

And finally, how does your hero smell? Is there a “woodsy” aroma? Hint of lime aftershave? All-male scent that drives the heroine crazy? When a heroine inhales, are her senses bombarded by the aromas surrounding the hero?

Make your heroes unforgettable and embedded in readers’ minds. Give him a great smile, genuine passions for the heroine, and journey to win her heart.

What qualities do you look for in a hero?

In my story, I'LL DACE FOR YOU, in the boxed set SUMMER NIGHTS OF DELIGHT, my hero, Nate, has so many characteristics that intrigue the heroine, Carla. She surprises him with her secret, but he's got one of his own. Information about Summer Nights of Delight can be found at:

http://www.romancebooks4us.com.

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://naughtyliterati.com

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Not Your Ordinary Love Story by Charmaine Gordon

Recently I wrote a story titled A Leg Up On Sisyphus. Why I don't know. Just one one those moments. I'd finished one book followed by another and got carried away with Greek Myths. I sent it to a friend in Chicago for comment. I do believe I'll have to marry her after reading the glowing review although my hubs may not approve. She suggested I write two more short myths in the same vein and send them to Textbook Summaries. Unfamiliar to me. I do believe, in the long run, I'll send them to my publisher and get her opinion.

On the bright side, my book, Beware the Blue Eyed Thunderbolt should be coming out relatively soon. Hysteria here combined with excitement. You see, when I fell last year, my head was damaged and caused an inability to think straight. I'm just beginning to focus properly.Walking is still a problem so I struggle along. The main thing is I keep smiling and I'm hopeful.

Here's a blurb from Beware the Blue Eyed Thunderbolt:

A chance meeting at the Veterinarian's office brings to blue eyed people together. Julie Malone finds an invitation to dinner from the attractive doctor with a schnauzer and a romance begins. She calls her best friend for advice who tells her don't go out so soon with a stranger. Julie, so attracted to the man, makes up her own mind. He confesses that he's just adopted his two nieces because his sister died. She wants to run away fast and so the story begins. Tune in next time for a terrific story and see how it turns out.

Charmaine Gordon

Happy Mother's Day - by Marianne Stephens

Wishing all a very happy day! Share fun and laughter with your mother/grandmother/kids...or have comforting, fond memories of mothers who've passed away.

My mother was always proud of me, no matter what I did. As the first girl to go to college on either side of my large, Italian family, she beamed with joy and told everyone about her daughter, the teacher.

When I started writing romance books, she was happy for my success and wanted copies of my books. I gave her signed copies...but not of my erotic romances! That was my decision since I knew she'd never read them. She read the others, and also had copies of my nonfiction books.

Watching her age and slip into dementia wasn't enjoyable and saddened me. I cared for her as long as I could, but when she needed 24/7 care, the decision was made to place her in a nursing home. 

For 2 1/2 years, I followed her lead in whatever she wanted to talk about...real and unreal. I was "in her world" whenever I visited her. I laughed and cried at  times, but was grateful for her long life. I miss her all the time, but have wonderful memories to console me. 

I'll celebrate Mother's Day at a baseball game this year. Already received gifts from my kids and will talk to them on Sunday.

Enjoy the day, whatever you do!


Marianne Stephens
http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://naughtiliterati.com

image:http://www.animationlibrary.com/

Hello from Charmaine Gordon, New RB4U Member Author!

Hi everyone, this is my way of introduction. After years of an acting career in New York City, during a play, I lost my lovely voice and here I am, a writer. All I knew was reading and memorizing scripts most of my life. Suddenly all changed. This, by chance, is an omnibus of 3 stories written a while back. My publisher put this together and here we are, I do write every day, Romance/Suspense and Mature Romance, Oh Yeah! 'it isn't over 'til it's over."

I had many adventures during my acting days; sharing a hot dog with Harrison Ford while on break in Working Girl, my first movie; lunch with Anthony Hopkins, call me Tony, what a gentleman and so much more like singing with Carrie Fisher in When Harry Met Sally.

 Now I sit in my small office with a cat dozing next to me as I write. I'm happy to be a part of RB4U. This will brighten my life in every way.

I don't  have the correct links yet but the book is listed on Amazon  as we speak with one review for starters. YIPPEE!

Thanks for stopping by and do say hello.
 https://www.facebook.com/charmaine.gordon

It's My Birthday - Want a Romance Books '4' Us T-Shirt? by Marianne Stephens

It's my birthday and I'm OLD! Oh, well, can't stop Mother Nature from moving along!

If you'd like a chance to win one of 10 size XL RB4U T-Shirts, just comment below. Say "Happy Birthday", leave your email address, and tell me what country you live in. Shirts only shipped to US addresses. If your name is picked and you live in a different country, I'll have something else for you!


Second chance to win something! Visit http://naughtyliterati.blogspot.com/. I'm giving away 5 Naughty Lirerati tote bags there!


Both giveaways end midnight 15 April ET.

http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://www.romancebooks4us.com
http://naughtyliterati.com

photos: Flickr: Nicke Kenrick photostream and AnimationLibrary.com

Where Have All the Years Gone? A blog by Romance Author Marianne Stephens

I look at myself today and wonder how those extra pounds cemented to my body ever got the chance to take up permanent residence. And, the gray/white in my dark hair? When did that start? Frown lines? Wrinkles? Aching knees and body?

When I was young, I couldn’t wait to turn 16. Then 18. Then 21. Then, 30. After that, I was just too busy raising a family and teaching to worry about age. When I turned 50, I actually felt surprising good. It was turning that dreaded 60 that depressed me.

All the fun emails people send me about “remember when” are entertaining…and things I do remember. My memories of growing up before I got married now seem so distant, as the years I’ve been married outnumber the years I was single.

When did I get so old?

I, like everyone else, remember certain important things from my past. Growing up and going to school. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance. And, saying the “Our Father” prayer in school because it was perfectly acceptable to do so. I remember leaving school early every Thursday to walk to religious instruction, and no one mentioned the fact that a public school allowed this early dismissal for religious reasons. It just happened.

I remember gym suits and respecting teachers. Dressing appropriately was important and not something argued about. Nothing was said about “free speech in dress”, long hair for boys, earrings, makeup, etc. We followed rules and did as told. Air raid drills were common in schools. Getting into trouble meant your parent would meet with the teacher and you’d be disciplined.

I remember where I was when President Kennedy was shot, and how I’d told my mother that morning that I’d had a “vision” he was going to be killed. Eerie thought to have, and worried me for months. How did I know that would happen?

I remember the deaths of loved ones, the marriages and births of others.

I remember being in a car accident and falling out the door (no seat belts then) and thinking to myself, “I’m dead.” I vowed not to drive again but did.

I remember how important school studies were, and how we all needed to take a foreign language to get into college. Driving was a privilege, not a demand. Working was important, and you never left a job without giving two weeks notice. Unheard of. Not ethical. Not done.

I’m a baby boomer, and life is so different now. But, I’m older, and can sit back and watch as I reflect on what was, what is, and ponder what will be. Medicare age is here and that  brings a new installment in the book of my life. Can I be that old?

 

 
My 50th High School reunion has passed. When once we talked about college hopes, careers, marriage and raising families, now we’ll talk about retirement, health issues, and grandchildren.

I taught for years, then began my writing career “late in life”. The sensuous or erotic scenes I write I’d never have written before. But, I’m older now. At peace with myself. Not out to please others or prove anything to anyone as to what I write. I do it for me.

I think about a scene from the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” where the character played by Kathy Bates waits patiently for a parking space, only to have two young women zip into the spot before she can move her car. She tells them she was waiting for the spot, only to have them tell her that they’re younger and faster.

First instinct would have you angry but accept rudeness from younger, flighty people and search for another spot. In this case, however, the character rams her car into the younger girls’ car a few times. When they scream at her, she replies that she’s older and has more insurance.

I love that scene. It reminds me that I’m older, don’t have to give a damn what others think, and can do as I please (within the law, of course). I no longer shrink back into a corner of silence if I don’t agree with others more vocal. I speak my mind, if I feel I need to.

With age comes the wisdom to know when to speak, and when to shrug it off and walk away. Picking my battles keeps me sane, and preaching to deaf ears gets me nothing but pain. Life has changed, the rules have changed, people have changed, but I’ll roll with the punches…as long as you don’t get in my way and irritate me.

Then, be prepared to hear me roar. I’m older now and not afraid to speak.

Marianne Stephens

http://www.mariannestephens.net

http://naughtyliterati.com

photos:Flickr: John Morgan, johnbulla, and cannon snapper's photostreams.

Can Santa Bring Me HIM? I Need a New Muse! by Marianne Stephens

So who's prancing around on your rooftop? Meet Rocky Claus, Santa's younger brother. Santa decided that Rocky would visit all GOOD ladies this year so Santa could concentrate on the kiddies.
Rocky is so-o-o looking forward to fitting down your chimney so he can give you one, or two, or three, or more...wonderful presents...but only if you've been "GOOD" all year!

Did you write to Santa yet? Be sure to tell him if you've been GOOD and mention how you'd like Rocky to slide down your chimney for some fun! Remember to address your letter to the North Pole...although Rocky spends his time sunning himself in warmer climates so has a wonderful tan!

My letter's been mailed and I just KNOW Rocky will fit down my chimney without a problem since I've been getting it ready for his visit. I even bought a cute red hot sheer nightie to wear that has white trim around the bottom. And with Rocky's red hat with white trim, we should compliment each other...don'tcha think? Rocky likes to wear that hat...and nothing else...so he can present an uplifting holiday image. Plus, clothes just get in the way and make it more difficult for him to slide up and down your chimney.

Hurry, ladies. Get those letters mailed today to be put on Rocky's list. You wouldn't want him to miss your chimney, would you?

Since I need a new muse for my writing, I think Rocky will do just fine after he delivers his goods to all those who ask Santa for a visit from Rocky this Christmas!

HO, HO, HO! Happy Holidays!

http://www.mariannestephens.net
http://naughtyliterati.com

http://www.romancebooks4us.com

 

photo:Rockshots.com