So I've almost stopped coughing and I realized that its almost 2010, in like a few hours, and I need to get my promo gears grinding. But before anything could grind, I got an email from my publisher! They like my steampunk novella, well, all but the title! So I'm having a contest to find a title. Check out the contest here.There's a cool steampunk necklace up for grabs for the person who makes me go, aha! And just to get your juices going, here's a picture of it:


I'm excited to welcome in 2010 and happy to say goodbye (I hope) to my never ending cold! Had a great Christmas with all my kids and their spouses here to visit. The love and treats abounded. :-)

No Christmas cards yet. The cold sapped my energy. I was lucky to get my tree up (and that took son's help!). Might end up being Valentine's cards. Or I might  miss a year. I'm so not into starting a new year with a load of guilt. So we'll see!

So, during my never ending cold, saw NO movies outside the house, and read ONE Christmas anthology. It was very sad. I did watch a lot of TV. I did get a chance to see Julie and Julia with one of my daughter's. I liked it, though have to say, liked the Julia parts the best. What a lovely romance and what an interesting person Julia Child was. I almost believed I could cook. But I got over it.

So, a lot happening in 2010. I'm participating in a Valentine's "Broad Pod" with the gals of BroadUniverse. We're doing rapid readings of our books, so that should be fun. I hope. I'm also doing a reading of my short story from A Box of Texas Chocolates. When I have a link, I'll post it. It's for charity, but I don't have all the details yet. I do know it will be on the morning of the 5th. Yeah, still have a ways to go with my recovery! I'll also be starting a new Author Island Contest (giving away stuff until Girl Gone Nova releases!)

Happy New Year to one and all!!!
Perilously yours,
Pauline

Does anyone else have old, favorite books they pull out when they feel sick or just need to spend some time with the familiar and the comfortable? One of my favorite comfort authors is Elizabeth Cadell. She published her first book in 1946, but I didn't "discover" her until the mid 60's when I began making my way through the adult fiction section of our local library. Since she was shelved in the "C" section, she was one of the first women's fiction writers I came across and it was love at first sight.

I loved the characters she created and the humor she brought to her storytelling. Her last book was published in 1987, well, until recently when her heirs authorized the publication of her biography, which includes a story that has never been published in book form, called Death and Miss Dane. It was so fun to read about how EC got her ideas and more than fun to have a new book to read. 

After discovering a website devoted to EC, I've managed to collect all her titles, though some are very rare and very expensive. I find it interesting that publishers continue to reissue Georgette Heyer titles (another of my comfort authors), but have so far ignored Elizabeth Cadell.

If you visit the website, you'll find links to buy the newly released biography/novel, information about EC's books and a link to join a discussion group about the author's books. Through this list, I've "discovered" some other great, vintage authors, not to mention having the fun of discussing EC's books with other fans.

As an author myself, I am impressed by the fact that EC's first published novel was as well written as her last. She explored romance, mystery and even a bit of paranormal, but always delivered a great story and a heart warming romance. She is one of the authors that lit in my heart the desire to become a writer. As I sit here typing this blog, I only have to turn to my head to see her books on my shelf. 

If you haven't "met" EC's books yet, and you love classic, vintage story telling, the kind of books you can give to your teenage daughter without worrying, then you should check her out. Many of her books are still available at the library, though they are slowly disappearing. And if you like to read about how authors get their ideas and where their books came from, then stop by the website and check out Death and Miss Dane and EC's biography.

I'll also be giving away a copy of Death and Miss Dane in an upcoming contest. Subscribers to my newsletter will hear about it first. :-)

Perilously yours,
Pauline

 After a nasty start (rain, high winds) this morning, the sun has broken through and its beautiful outside! The air was dry and cool when I strolled down the mailbox earlier. I sent off the prizes for the Author Island contest and I hope the winners like the stuff my sister made for me as much as I do. They are pretty special and I hope will be keepsakes for them for many years to come. :-)

It's amazing how the sun can lift your mood. I woke too early and had downed three Diet Dr. Pepper's by nine! Usually I manage to spread them out over the day better, but well, my day started at SIX. It's amazing I'm coherent. Um, I AM coherent, aren't I?

Not sure if my blog readers know that I'm releasing a serialized short story through my newsletter (and then posting the parts on my website, but to get it first, you need to subscribe to the newsletter.) The short is called Falling for Willa and it is a romance short. No dead bodies or high adventure (too much tension in my real life for that!). I'm also working on another one for when I finish with Willa. To subscribe to my newsletter, click here.

It's a huge relief just to be writing, priming the writing pump. It seems to be helping with the blogging, too. I know I've been sporadic about posting. I did find a fun review of The Key on this blog. I didn't realize I'd written a space opera, but now that I think about it, I'm thinking I like the description. I've been struggling to come up with the right one. :-)

While I was browsing WalMart today, I found what looks to be a fun book called The Little Lady Agency. It's by a first-time, British author called Hester Browne. Liked the bit I read and looking forward to finding a new favorite author. 

In Stargate Atlantis news, I'm liking the new episodes so far. Wasn't thrilled with all of them last year, but I think they've hit their stride. I'm glad Sam is on Atlantis. I would have really missed her, though I wonder how she keeps things going with Jack when she's in another galaxy. (grin) I'm committed to a happy ending there, even if the writer's aren't. (grin again)

I know I could probably be more interesting and even dredge up some news, but I did wake at oh-dark-hundred this morning, so I'm afraid this is the best I can do!
Happy reading! 
Perilously yours,
Pauline