Reunions

My 21st physio reunion was over the weekend.

I love events like these, seeing people you haven't seen in yonks (usually since the last reunion 10 years ago!) and catching up with friends you'd like to see more often but don't.

This one was particularly interesting for me.

At the 10 year reunion, I was still a physio. I hadn't written a word. Wasn't contemplating it either.

Fast forward 11 years and people were extremely curious as to how I'd turned author!

Had a ball, talked so much I lost my voice, and my best buddy from uni stayed the night, just like our slumber parties of old. Was so much fun.

Except the part where we used to be able to stay up all night and feel fresh the next day. 20 years on, I seem to have lost that rebounding ability...

At least we look the same :)

Weekend Book Club: Mockingjay

My RITA judging duties are done so I've resumed normal reading.

As you know, I've already raved about HUNGER GAMES & CATCHING FIRE, the first two books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

When Mockingjay was released I grabbed it, but in an extreme show of willpower planned on saving it to read over my Christmas holidays.

Then I went away and wanted something 'lighter' as a beach read.

All the while, the book was on top of my TBR pile, calling me...beckoning me...and this week I succumbed and read it in 2 days.

It lived up to my expectations, rounding out the trilogy nicely.

Yes, it's super violent.

Yes, loads of people get killed.

Yes, it's disturbing in that kind of 'I want to look away but can't' way.

Yes, after the 3 book build up of the triangle between Peeta, Katniss and Gale, I would've liked a little more rounding out when she finally chooses.

But wow, what a page turner!

I've loved every word of this series and am sad to say goodbye to Katniss Everdeen.

What are you reading this week?

Pizazz

I can't begin to describe the fabulous time I had last night.

I love Michael Buble's voice. I play his music constantly. I watch his DVDs.

I love his pizazz and charisma and cheekiness and showmanship.

Last night at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne he brought all that and more to the stage.

For an awesome few hours I tuned out to my everyday stressors and let the music fill me.

I sang and danced and clapped and woo-hoo'd. A lot.

Today I'm more relaxed than I've been in ages.

It really is so important to refill the well.

Sometimes in the rush of our lives we forget to; at least, I do.

Note to self: chill out with Michael more often :)

Harlequin Teen

Interesting article on Harlequin Teen in Publisher's Weekly.

Words of wisdom

The incredibly talented & knowledgeable Stephanie Laurens (who has been on the NYT Bestseller list with her last 25 books!) has started a blog.

She'll be posting weekly, on a Friday, discussing the nitty-gritties of publishing.

Well worth a look.

Free e-books

I'm guessing you all know about this but just in case you don't, you can download 16 free Harlequin books here.

Give me strength

Yesterday wasn't great.

When I lost a filling last week it reminded me to make an appointment for kidlet's dental check up.

News at the check up was horrific: I heard her mention kid's root canal and silver capping and 2 other fillings...then there was the braces he'll need later and I almost passed out.
Plus she made me feel like a bad mum, with a mini lecture on 'hidden' sugars. Hel-lo. I know all about that. My kids have a super healthy diet with minimal treats. Sweetest thing they would have all day is their cereal, which I'm changing!
When she mentioned saliva problems being a possible cause and seeing an ENT specialist, my eyes almost rolled back in my head.

Then I came home to continuing dramas with finding missing tax documents, only to be told if I can't find then it'll cost me hundreds of dollars.

On top of PC keyboard packing up and unable to connect new screen, I was ready to curl up in a ball last night.

Hopefully today is a better day!

Passionate Playboys

I have no idea which book of mine is being reprinted in this anthology in May yet.

But with a cover like that, at the moment, I don't really care.

Mm-mmm...

Doing the rounds

DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX is doing the world rounds at the moment.

Now it's in Italy!

Release day in OZ

If you're in OZ & NZ, DESERTED ISLAND, DREAMY EX! is out now on shelves.

We've just finished the OZ Tennis Open here in Melbourne so hot tennis pro hero is very timely.

Go check out my version!

Killer story ideas

Love, love, love this post by Larry Brooks at StoryFix, ATTACK OF THE KILLER STORY IDEAS.

Every writer will relate.
And it'll make you smile.