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Sara-Moderator - welcome to our November Superromance chat with Susan Floyd, CJ Carmichael, Fay Robinson, and Roxanne Rustand. We are on protocol so type a "?" to be put in the queue. I will call on you in turn. Thanks!
O -
moosehog - Thought I have to tell you I watched him on a rerun this morning . He had someone make him a Buffy clone and was making out with it .
Sara-Moderator - before we get started with questions, we would like to have Susan and CJ tell us about their November books
moosehog - Autumn is addicted to Buffy now and I get stuck watching it in the AM before school .
CJ - Mine is Together by Christmas. I have a blurb to cut and paste. Let's see if it works...
CJ - Miranda James has promised to help her best friend Chad--the man she’s always loved--reconcile with his wife before Christmas. If she succeeds she’ll be spending another holiday season alone.... Or is it possible there is someone else waiting for her? Someone who has loved her for as long as Miranda has loved Chad.
moosehog - I like that Banner up there Susan .
Susan Floyd - My Three Girls is about Dana who's been very hurt by the loss of a child and suddenly because of circumstances beyond her control finds herself caring for three girls who need her love desperately.
Susan Floyd - I like the Banner, too. They did a terrific job!
Cissy - thanks, Susan
CJ - Susan, I've been waiting years for this book. Can't wait to read it. Oh, and love your banner! Very cool!
moosehog - I like that the cover stays on the banner and everything else changes .
Sara-Moderator - sexy with kids, Susan! I like it too!
Susan Floyd - Thanks, CJ! You know I'm your first fan!
moosehog - What is going on the screen isn't moving for me .URGH !
Susan Floyd - You know Harlequin Supers -- kids are a must. In fact, I think they strongly hint each book that I should have kids in them.
Sara-Moderator - also we have
moosehog - There it is .
Sara-Moderator - CHRISTMAS ON SNOWBIRD MOUNTAIN by Fay Robinson
Sara-Moderator - Susannah Pelton is a woman alone, a wanderer. She has lost everyone she loves and has become wary of entanglements. Ryan Whitepath is a Cherokee, a member of a close family and a vibrant community, a man who cares about his little girl Nia above all else. Because of her mother's death, Nia is emotionally ill, but Ryan's grandmother tells him a redbird with a broken wing will heal his daughter. Ryan dismisses her vision—until redheaded Susannah shows up on their North Carolina mountain with her wrist in a cast.
Sara-Moderator - and...
Sara-Moderator - OPERATION: MISTLETOE by Roxanne Rustand
Sara-Moderator - For most people, spending Christmas with family and friends is what the holidays are all about. But for Special Agent Sara Hanrahan, returning to her hometown is the hardest thing the DEA has ever asked her to do. Even worse, she can't let anyone know why she's here. Not her mother, not her brother, not the inquisitive little boy who lives next door. And most of all, not Deputy Nathan Roswell. Nathan represents all the reasons she left home so long ago. But he's too good a cop not to wonder about her. Especially when he senses that his town is being threatened. So when Sara gets close to the danger, he's there to help her capture the villains and uncover the truth. A truth that sets aside old hurts and old scandals. And leaves Nathan and Sara—and little Josh—free to share the best Christmas ever.
Sara-Moderator - now, ready for the questions?
Sara-Moderator - O has the first question (moosehog, moosehog in line)
CJ - Hi Rox & Fay //
Cissy - ah, thanks for clueing us in to the blurbs for the authors who couldn't make it
Sara-Moderator - I try, Cissy -- missed a cut there
O - Does Chad know that the Heroine is in love with him
CJ - Oh...duh, I guess Rox and Fay aren't here...
Celeste - lol CJ
CJ - O, no he doesn't know. He's got that male oblivious thing happening
Celeste - they are here in *spirit* hopefully
Sara-Moderator - ah, poor old guy!
Sara-Moderator - and maybe they will join us late! time shift and all that!
Sara-Moderator - moosehog has the next question ( moosehog in line)
moosehog - CJ , Is there ever going to be an opportunity for us to revisit The Shannon Sister's ? (I love that series) And do you ever plan on doing another Intrigue like Same Place , Same Time?
Sara-Moderator - but it doesn't matter about Chad when she has Warren! (I loved this one, CJ)
O -
CJ - I'm working on a story right now Moosehog that is very suspense/mystery oriented. I'm not sure where it will go. It's not an approved story idea for any publisher yet. As for the Shannon Sisters, nothing is in the works, but you never know. The reader response has been fantastic.
CJ - Hi Sara. Sorry I didn't get you a copy of the book like I usually do. You've heard my sad tale...
Sara-Moderator - moosehog has the next question (O in line)
Sara-Moderator - yes, CJ, I heard the story! A very sad tale!
moosehog - Susan , I loved Mr . Elliott Finds a Family from a few years back . Which is your favorite release and why ? and Who do you read and what is your favorite book from another author?
CJ - But yes, Miranda doesn't need Chad, and it's wonderful when she finally realizes it. Warren is the one person who really understands her and has always loved her for the person she is.
Sara-Moderator - a friend lent me hers. She wants it back *sniff*
moosehog - I wonder where Roxanne and Fay are . hmmmm .
moosehog - And when / if ever are you getting your own site Susan ?
Susan Floyd - I don't have kids, so my books are my kids. They all give me headaches but I love them all fiercely but differently. I think the most fun book I've done is A COWBOY FOR CLEMENTINE especially the scene with Randy heading down the mountain as if there wasn't a care in the word and Ryan following right after.
Sara-Moderator - Susan, did you see your question?
O - Operation :Katie by Roxanne was good
Susan Floyd - Yes, I did. It just takes me a long time to think of an answer and part two is coming up...
Sara-Moderator - okay, Susan sorry, no rush
moosehog - Susan .. You want I should loan you a couple kids ?
moosehog - No problem about returning them any time soon .
moosehog -
O - moose
deagling - My sister is always looking for a box big enough to mail her kids somewhere, would you like them for awhile, Susan?
Sara-Moderator - how generous of you, moosehog!
Susan Floyd - Funny enough, I write contemporary but I spend most of my time reading historicals. My favorite author is Elizabeth Lowell (her historicals, not her contemporaries -- oddly enuff) and my all time fave book is THE HORSE GODDESS by Morgan Llewellyn (sp?). I still reread it every year or so.
moosehog - O can you blame me for trying ? LOL . We go to court next Tuesday about Hubby's adopting the girls . I think I am stressing about it or something .
Susan Floyd - Sure. I'll take any kids, but they'll have to get along with the three dogs that rule the roost.
Lydia F - Hello! Everyone
Cissy - Hi Lydia
Celeste - I think Susan's *day* job gives her all the interaction with kids tha she could possibly want
moosehog - Lydia ? MY Lydia ?
CJ - Hi Lydia!
O - I love Hisoticals too Suan,. I just finished "An Affair to Remmber" by Karen Hawkins it was good
Lydia F - Yes
Susan Floyd - Moosehog, that's wonderful. I hope you've planned a celebration after
Sara-Moderator - hi, Lydia
moosehog - Lydia Funneman ..That lydia ?
Lydia F - I didn't know dh was adopting the girls congrats.
Lydia F - Yes
Sara-Moderator - Lydia F, welcome to our November Superromance chat with Susan Floyd, CJ Carmichael. We are on protocol so type a "?" to be put in the queue. I will call on you in turn. Thanks!
moosehog - Susan . If I don't puke from my nerves being shot .YES .
Sara-Moderator - O has the next question (no one in line)
moosehog - Thanks Lydia . Yes . We have been trying to get this done for a year . Ex Hubby finally signed away the girls in Sept .
Sara-Moderator - ?
moosehog - ?
moosehog - ?
Hunt4Me2 - Good evening everyone
moosehog - That is only supposed to be one question for a change . Don't know what happened .But two popped up .
Mary f - Great News Moose! Hello Hunt
Cissy - Hi Hunt //ave
moosehog - Hi hunt
Sara-Moderator - Hunt4Me2, welcome to our Superromance authors chatHunt4Me2,
Lydia F - Hi Hunt4me2
Susan Floyd - Hi.
O - What do both authors wirte compt?
deagling - Hi Hunt
Susan Floyd - O, is that a why?
Hunt4Me2 - Hello Crissy
Hunt4Me2 - Hello Moose
Hunt4Me2 - Hello Ms Sara
O - No what kind of books do you write?
Hunt4Me2 - Hello Lydia
Hunt4Me2 - Hello Deagling
Cissy - no "r" Hunt
Lydia F - HI M
Marilyn_Reviews - Hi L
moosehog - Hi Marilyn
Susan Floyd - I tend to write the emotionally messy kinds of books that have a lot of issues to do with family. How do we make a family out of a patchwork of people.
Marilyn_Reviews - D
CJ - Susan's description could work for me, too. I've incorporated a little mystery, too, from time to time. Also, I've written a few books about marriages in trouble (with another coming in March).
Sara-Moderator - Sara has the next question (moosehog in line)
O - What is the name of that CJ
O -
Sara-Moderator - everyone has a secret, even fictional characters tell us what is the secret one of YOUR current characters has that readers may not easily discern.
Lydia F - Hello romacticbkwrm
Cissy - good question!
Susan Floyd - I don't have kids, but I love writing them because they have such a fun perspective on the world of adults. I'd like to try books lighter in tone, but mine always end up on the darker side somehow. Death seems to be an issue with me as well. CJ, I'm going to attempt a divorced reunion the book after next.
romanticbkwrm -
CJ - Small-Town Girl. It's about the impact on a family when their only child is injured in a car accident. The family moves to a small town, but the wife is definitely not a small town girl. And she's even less impressed when she meets her husband's ex girl friend. But hey. That's for another day!
CJ - Small-Town Girl. It's about the impact on a family when their only child is injured in a car accident. The family moves to a small town, but the wife is definitely not a small town girl. And she's even less impressed when she meets her husband's ex girl friend. But hey. That's for another day!
Sara-Moderator - Marilyn_Reviews, romanticbkwrm, welcome to our November Superromance chat with Susan Floyd, CJ Carmichael. We are on protocol so type a "?" to be put in the queue. I will call on you in turn. Thanks!
CJ - Susan, I love the sound of that divorced reunion book! Hi Marilyn, Hunt and romanticbkwrm!
Marilyn_Reviews - Hi CJ
Marilyn_Reviews - Hi Sara
romanticbkwrm -
Susan Floyd - Karen (the eldest child) feels guilty because she wanted her mother dead for all the abuse. She's only 11, so she knows enough not to express those feelings but the relief that she feels is mixed with an odd sort of grief.
Susan Floyd - Well, CJ, I love the tension that you've taught me about how to work in the marriage -- the baggage and the good times really make reunions complicated.
CJ - Sara, on your question. The secret my heroine has is that she seems so confident, very few people can guess how really insecure she feels inside.
Sara-Moderator - ah, poor Karen!
Sara-Moderator - moosehog has the next question (O in line)
romanticbkwrm - BRB....arhhhh
moosehog - Is there any line that you would like to write for ? And ... You write for SUPER but was this the line that you originally targeted or did you end up writing for Supers for a different reason ?What is the Hardest part about writing for Supers ? Outside of the Delay in shipping Author Copies CJ..
Hunt4Me2 - Hello CJ
CJ - It took 10 years for me to be published. One of my mistakes was not targeting a single line. I tried to write everything!
Marilyn_Reviews - ?
moosehog - CJ , Outside of Intrigues that I would like you to do more of I think that you are perfect for Supers .
Susan Floyd - Moosehog, the answer is a resound no. I've told Paula (senior editor) that I pretty much want to write Supers until I die. I targetted Supers and only submitted to them. I was lucky to be mentored by Paula and then later bought by her.
CJ - I love writing for Supers. For me it's a really good fit.
Sara-Moderator - O has the next question (Marilyn_Reviews in line)
moosehog - Great !
moosehog - ***Psst , Marilyn...How goes the Mountain ?****
CJ - Moosehog. Thank you. I will take your advice re: Intrigue under consideration Actually, I'd love to find the time to write another Intrigue.
moosehog - I will be waiting CJ .
Susan Floyd - The hardest part of writing Supers for me is the emotional drain. Writing MTG was like pulling teeth. It was very painful for lots of reasons and I kept trying to distance myself from it and then Laura would make me go back and rewrite until the voice was authentic again.
Marilyn_Reviews - ***LOL! It's slowly diminishing. But I can't BELIEVE what his underwear looks like. Even after bleach they are still dirty looking.***
CJ - Susan, sounds like Laura (your editor) really cared about this book.
moosehog - LMAO
Lydia F - ewwwww
moosehog - I like Your editor Susan
Susan Floyd - MTG is the main reason that I've taken a haitus from writing. I honestly didn't think I had another book in me.
Sara-Moderator - you haven't stopped, have you, Susan?
moosehog - ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Susan Floyd - CJ, she did and I have to give her credit given that she had to reschedule me twice. Believe it or not, she wished she had time for yet another revision.
Sara-Moderator - O has the next question (Marilyn_Reviews in line)
Lydia F - Guys I have to go and do the Mommy thing. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Lydia F - Bye
moosehog - Bye Lydia
Marilyn_Reviews - bye Lydia
Susan Floyd - Sara, No. Just resting. I'm working on a book now, but I don't have a contract because I decided to sell on full manuscript rather than proposals -- deadlines kill the creative spark. I'm hoping to have a book out in 2004 and then one a year after that...I'm getting tenure next year at the community college! Another professional dream.
Sara-Moderator - O, you still here?
Sara-Moderator - cool, Susan, what do you teach?
CJ - Tenure! Congratulations Susan!!!
Cissy - guess not, Sara
Susan Floyd - Developmental English. I work with adult learner who read and write at the 3rd - 6th grade level.
Sara-Moderator - Marilyn_Reviews has the next question (moosehog in line)
Marilyn_Reviews - Question for all the authors: How do you develop your plots? Say you have a premise for a book, how do you come up with all the details? Critique partners? Sleepless nights at the computer? Editors at Harl/Silh? Luck? <G>
Sara-Moderator - wow, Susan. That is great!
Sara-Moderator - my daughter is in love with her English prof -- she bought another one of his books. But found out his wife has published more and they are love stories
Cissy - lol, Sara - oh, that's funny
Sara-Moderator - oh, cissy, it gets worse
CJ - Marilyn, I'm a loner at plot development. No discussion, no critique group. I start with an idea like...what if this gorgeous girl seems to have everything, but she can't get over her first love? Then, what if he married someone else? Then, what if his marriage is in trouble? And what if there's another man on the scene who has always loved the heroine but she's never noticed him because she's hung up on this fantasy about the other guy. That's how the process sort of builds for me.
Sara-Moderator - she wants me to talk to her about coming to WS -- thinks it might help her. SRHEN
Cissy - worse?
Marilyn_Reviews - Lots of "what ifs" huh?
Cissy - lol, Sara! Help her (the wife) or her (Gwen)?
Susan Floyd - Luck. Plotting partners. Skin of teeth. Think I'm kidding? Plot has always, always been my weakest link which I think makes it so hard for me to generate forward momentum in the stories. If I had my druthers, I'd be writing a bunch of talking heads. Laura (editor) helps a lot at the revision stage, and I'm just now trying to learn how to ask for her help at the early stages rather than just stressing out about it and getting writer's block. Part of the "year off" program is discover "how" I write again.
moosehog - CJ , How does one go from being an accountant to writing romance books for HQ ? And being an accountant do you do your own accounting or do you hire out in order to devote more time to writing ?
CJ - Marilyn--exactly.
Cissy - cause I think this is one time we don't want to help Gwen
moosehog - Who's the wife ???? Do we read her ?
moosehog - CJ , How does one go from being an accountant to writing romance books for HQ ? And being an accountant do you do your own accounting or do you hire out in order to devote more time to writing ?
Sara-Moderator - her Gwenny by helping the prof's wife (who is also a prof) SRHEN -- it was very convoluted.
Marilyn_Reviews - Bless you Susan if you write Supers because they are so plot heavy
Sara-Moderator - Carrie Brown, heard of her?
CJ - Moosehog, the accounting was just a detour on the road to me finding out who I really am! And my husband does my income taxes, but I prepare my own income statement.
Sara-Moderator - that's a good detour, CJ
Marilyn_Reviews - Are you a CPA, CJ?
Marilyn_Reviews - *that's a lot of initials <G>*
Susan Floyd - Marilyn_Reviews, Funny you should say that. The first comment Paula E. said to me is, "I hate your story but I love the way you write. You need a plot."
Susan Floyd - Marilyn_Reviews, Funny you should say that. The first comment Paula E. said to me is, "I hate your story but I love the way you write. You need a plot."
CJ - The Canadian equivalent, Marilyn, which is a Chartered Accountant.
moosehog - NOt me Sara
Cissy - yow, Susan!
Marilyn_Reviews - My sister is a CPA and owns her own one-woman firm. Basically she has no life from January 1 til April 15
Sara-Moderator - For Susan and CJ, what is the sexiest thing your hero does in the book (or perhaps the sexiest thing you WANTED to put in the book, but couldn't?)
Susan Floyd - I have over forty writing technique books that just address plot. It still isn't any easier.
CJ - Marilyn--ouch. I remember those days of endless tax returns...
Sara-Moderator - and not sex act, exactly, but a romantic, sensual thing.
Marilyn_Reviews - the technique does you no good if you don't have the substance of the plot, huh?
CJ - Sara, my hero has the only espresso maker within a thirty mile radius of the heroine. You may not think that's sexy, but Miranda sure loves his frothy cappuccinos!
Cissy - sounds good to me, CJ!
moosehog - ME TOO Marilyn .
Marilyn_Reviews - froth can be a many slendored thing.
Sara-Moderator - ooh, I so understand!! espresso machines are hot and a guy who can run one!! Oh, well!!
Susan Floyd - I think the sexiest think that Brady does is really adore her. My books have a very looooow sensuality level (due to my fan base which could double for AARP), so the sensuality tends to come from the intensity of the love that unwillingly spreads out from Brady to Dana.
Marilyn_Reviews - Hey.....I resemble that AARP comment. <G>
CJ - This is so much fun, I hate to leave (and ten minutes early!) Susan, do you think you can handle this gang on your own? I have to go to my pilates class. This is so I can sit at my computer all day tomorrow and not kill my back.
Susan Floyd - Exactly right about the technique, Marilyn. Substance is a wily concept and nailing it down so it creates a story really is what plotting is about.
Marilyn_Reviews - and I like my books HOT! Also like them tame as well. My tastes are quite eclectic.
Sara-Moderator - CJ, thanks so much for coming!!
moosehog - Marilyn ... I know you do ....LMAO
Cissy - thanks for chatting, CJ!
Marilyn_Reviews - Pilates? Don't stretch yourself too far.
moosehog - Bye CJ
Susan Floyd - I LOOOOVE my AARP fan base. They write me lovely letters instead of email.
CJ - Good bye everyone! Hope you enjoy all the great Christmas reads out there right now! Thanks Sara! And good night all!
Celeste - Night CJ
Mary f - night cj
deagling - Happy Holidays, CJ.
Susan Floyd - Bye, CJ! Go Pilates away! Sit at your computer on the exercise ball. Guaranteed to make your posture better.
Marilyn_Reviews - well...<sheepish grin>... I'm one of the email people
moosehog - I guess I am going to be going too . I have a review to finish writing . Marilyn , I will send it in the morning I hope .
moosehog - Hey , I am one of those email people .
moosehog - LOL marilyn ... You and Me . Go figure !
Marilyn_Reviews - and I think it's wonderful that there are so many authors with so many levels of sensuality. It gives something for everybody.
Sara-Moderator - well, before every one rushs off, Susan, tell us about MY THREE GIRLS one more time!
Susan Floyd - I think the greatest compliment I get is, "Hey, I didn't even miss the sex."
Susan Floyd - It's about Dana who need the three girls more than she ever wants to admit and has to come to grips with the very real possibility that she may lose them as well.
Sara-Moderator - a good read!
Sara-Moderator - and don't forget --
Sara-Moderator - TOGETHER BY CHRISTMAS by CJ Carmichael... Miranda James is back in the tiny prairie town of Chatsworth, Saskatchewan, to work on a video biography of reclusive writer Warren Addison. While she's there, she hopes to help her best friend, Chad English, whose wife has kicked him out of the house. But his wife has always been jealous of Chad's relationship with Miranda, so maybe her presence won't really improve the situation. More important, is fixing their marriage what Miranda really wants? Warren Addison went to school with Miranda and Chad. He knows about Miranda's feelings for her best friend. But Warren has his own ideas about what's best for this woman. He hopes he can convince her before Christmas; before a family is torn apart—and before his heart is broken again.
Sara-Moderator - CHRISTMAS ON SNOWBIRD MOUNTAIN by Fay Robinson...Susannah Pelton is a woman alone, a wanderer. She has lost everyone she loves and has become wary of entanglements. Ryan Whitepath is a Cherokee, a member of a close family and a vibrant community, a man who cares about his little girl Nia above all else. Because of her mother's death, Nia is emotionally ill, but Ryan's grandmother tells him a redbird with a broken wing will heal his daughter. Ryan dismisses her vision—until redheaded Susannah shows up on their North Carolina mountain with her wrist in a cast. Nia seems to connect with Susannah, who agrees to stay until Christmas. But Ryan wants to change that to forever—for his own reasons as well as Nia's!
Sara-Moderator - OPERATION: MISTLETOE by Roxanne Rustand...For most people, spending Christmas with family and friends is what the holidays are all about. But for Special Agent Sara Hanrahan, returning to her hometown is the hardest thing the DEA has ever asked her to do. Even worse, she can't let anyone know why she's here. Not her mother, not her brother, not the inquisitive little boy who lives next door. And most of all, not Deputy Nathan Roswell. Nathan represents all the reasons she left home so long ago. But he's too good a cop not to wonder about her. Especially when he senses that his town is being threatened. So when Sara gets close to the danger, he's there to help her capture the villains and uncover the truth. A truth that sets aside old hurts and old scandals. And leaves Nathan and Sara—and little Josh—free to share the best Christmas ever.