Launching 2011 in the Lair

by Nancy

Happy New Year!!!

Part of me can't believe we're already in 2011. I remember when that seemed soooo very far away, and now here it is. We're going to have a great year in the Lair, with lots of fabulous guests already set to join us.

I hope it will be a terrific year for everyone. My fingers are perpetually crossed that the AYUs among the banditas and our buddies make the leap to publication this year and our APs climb the lists. Our Suz, aka Suzanne Ferrell, will debut this year, so stay tuned for details on the celebration.

I'm looking forward to the completion of the Harry Potter film saga and am glad the movie will come out before the boy leaves home. Our family saw that series begin together, and we'll finish it together.

I'm also looking forward to the boy going off to college, in a way. We'll miss him terribly, and thinking about his being gone far away makes my heart hurt, but it's such a milestone for him, a big step into adulthood.

RWA National will be in the capital of publishing, New York City, with lots to see and do in addition to having face time with scattered friends and learning about the business. I always enjoy New York.

I'm anticipating DragonCon, as always. That's the "let it all hang out" weekend for me, and the dh is getting into the swing. It will be strange without the boy, though.

To help launch this year in the Lair with plenty of boom, we have a wonderful lineup for January. To start, of course, so many of us and y'all are here today, some of us taking a short break from various football games on TV and others of us seeking refuge from them. There's a lot of noise coming from the gladiator villa, I noticed. Lots of yelling, both enthused and curse-laden. They seem to get seriously into watching burly men crashing into each other.


Our first guest of 2011, Stephanie Dray, will join us on January 3 to talk about her new YA historical fiction debut, Lily of the Nile, with Christie.

Anybody besides me notice that the ancient world seems to be very popular in YA these days? Anyone besides me read Mara, Daughter of the Nile as a young adult?




January 4 brings Sandy Blair back to chat with Suz. A great friend of the Bandits, Sandy is bringing us another Scottish tale in the THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF SCOTTISH ROMANCE. Her story is titled Her MacKinnon.








On Thursday, 6th January, Anna Campbell hosts historical author Beverley Kendall who will be talking about her fabulous new Regency A TASTE OF DESIRE. Bev runs the popular website The Season and she’s terrifically supportive of her fellow writers – we’re looking forward to giving her a big rambunctious Bandita welcome when she visits. More prizes!



On January 7 Aunty Cindy brings her good buddy Marie Force back to the Lair to celebrate the release of the second book in her romantic suspense series: Fatal Justice. Don't miss the fun and prizes!


On January 8, Jennifer St. Giles's alter ego, J. L. Saint, chats with Nancy about her romantic thriller, Collateral Damage. This the first in the Silent Warrior series.




On Monday, 10th January, Maggie Robinson/Margaret Rowe returns to the lair as Anna Campbell’s guest to talk about her wonderful new release MISTRESS BY MIDNIGHT. Maggie is lots of fun and we had a great day last time she visited the lair to discuss her debut historical MISTRESS BY MISTAKE. This should be a great day too – with prizes!



On January 11 we're thrilled to have Regency historical romance writer and Word Wench Cara Elliott with us to chat about her sexy February release, TO TEMPT A RAKE.

The middle of the month will be just us banditas and our usual coterie of cabana boys and gladiators and hockey hunks. And the dragon, who made out very well during the holidays.

We can't give you details because those are classified, but I can tell you Christmas Eve was a very near thing for a certain reindeer. Santa refuses to visit the Lair again unless he has a special landing site away from certain flight-capable residents.

On January 21, NYT Bestseller and Writer Beware co-founder A. C. Crispin joins Nancy to discuss the pitfalls writers should avoid as they dive back into their work during the New Year.


On January 27, Kate will host Hannah Dennison, author of the Vicky Hill English Village mysteries, who will seek Bandita advice on how poor Vicky might find the right man and cast off her virginity once and for all.



If the banditas can't help Vicky, I'm sure the gladiators, hockey hunks and cabana boys will have some advice (No, Paolo, she's not looking for volunteers from the Lair. Yes, I'm sure.).




January 30 is a very special launch party as Tawny celebrates the release of her 10th book, Breaking the Rules. I'm allowed to say it's a Uniformly Hot Book about a battle of wills between a soldier home from Afghanistan and his best friend's kid sister. There will be what Tawny describes as "major prizes," as well as more details about the book.


On January 31, Kate will host fabulous new author Regan Hastings, whose fiery VISIONS OF MAGIC promises to be the hottest book on the shelves! Who is Regan Hastings? Come get the scoop!




In bandita news, we have the following:


Anna Campbell is running a Backlist Bounty for the New Year contest until the end of January. Ten lucky people get their choice of one of Anna’s current books, CLAIMING THE COURTESAN, UNTOUCHED, TEMPT THE DEVIL, CAPTIVE OF SIN or MY RECKLESS SURRENDER. Just email her on anna@annacampbell.info and tell her which book you’d like and why.

For more information, please visit the contest page of her website: http://www.annacampbell.info/contest.html


What are you looking forward to in 2011? What book you read or movie you saw in 2010 was your favorite, and why?Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Auld Lang Syne....

by Jeanne Adams

First, on behalf of ALL the toggy hernandes, let me wish you a safe, happy New Year's Eve!

If you're traveling today or tonight, partying, playing, or just staying home with your honey to watch the live festivities on the TV, may it be fun, cozy, happy, sexy, loving, delicious and fabulous, all rolled into one ROCKIN' New Year's Eve!

So what ARE you planning tonight?

I'd like to say we're planning some ritzy, party-filled evening here in DC, but alas, t'isn't so. We're going to pop over to a neighbor's house for a pot luck which should be fun. And my eldest wants to stay up till midnight, but other than making popcorn for him, and making sure our scared-of-fireworks dog has her last outing BEFORE midnight, we'll be homebodies, doin' nuthin' special. Grins.

I have to confess that one of these years, maybe when my boys are a bit older, I'll plan something spectacular for New Years. I'm not big on crowds, so probably NOT Times Square, but, perhaps the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel, just me and the darling hubby. Get a suite, bottle of champagne, great view of the Capitol fireworks....

Yeaaaaaaah. I'd love that.

Or maybe one year we'll take the boys and go skiing somewhere delicious, like Tahoe, or Aspen or up in British Columbia where the Olympics were this winter. (This would be predicated on a big contract, winning the lottery or some such, but hey, it's my imagination and I can make it whatever I want, right?) We'd spend the day skiing, have a great dinner, then "retire" to the lodge bar for toddies and a view out the big glass windows of the fireworks over the slopes.

Another cool New Years Eve celebration to me, would be to be at a Disney Resort for New Years Eve. Again, not big on the crowds, but I think it would probably be an amazing show, all things considered. After seeing the "regular day" fireworks there this summer, when we were there for RWA National, I can only imagine how fabulous a special event set of fireworks would be. Wow...

The ski vacation notwithstanding, I usually like to be home on New Years Eve. So I guess another fantasy event would be to host a huge, fabulous, Bandita-filled New Year's event at my house.

Since I'm fantasizing here that no one would have to work on New Years (Suz!) and everyone could travel here to DC, I'd get everyone in by plane, train or automobile, get some limos lined up, and just have one big "Throw down" for the whole crew.

Talk about a party! I'm not sure my neighbors could survive a Bandita Party in the 'hood. I'd have to be sure and invite them all so they didn't call the cops when the music got too loud, and the shield sledding started. (My hill isn't quite what the hill behind the Lair is, but it'll do nicely.)

Then there's the Lair. Oh. My. Goodness.

Given the usual state of the Lair, post-party - especially launch parties - I'm thinking it would be dangerous, and ill-advised to turn Sven and the guys (not to mention The Goddess Sangria!) loose in the Lair for a party on New Years Eve. Ermingarde would probably want to have a flaming boulder drop instead of a ball-drop. Then again, a toga-and-trouser-drop at midnight might be on tap (so to speak!) if Sangria had anything to do with the festivities. *shaking head, glad it isn't happening!*

We don't have a lot of rules around The Lair, as most of you know. The Lair's a pretty...flexible...environment. Grins. However, anything that might cause:

1.) Destruction of said Lair;
2) Discovery of said Lair as the den of iniquity it really is;
3) The Police to be Called (see #2);
4) Seriously annoy the dragon (see #5);
or 5) Thereby cause Fire, or Pestilence, or overall bleeding OR
6) Disruption of the Deadline-driven, Cave-dwelling Writers is HIGHLY frowned upon.

Hence, no New Years Eve celebration IN the Lair. Can you imagine it? Eeeek!

Just. Too. Dangerous. (Snork.)

Now, you've heard some of my ideas about where I'D like to spend a fabulous New Years, what about you?

Going out? Party? Planned or spontaneous?

Staying in? Party or going to bed before ten?

What's the New Years Eve Dream Destination for you? The Bahamas? Turkey? London? New York? Brussels? Honolulu? Or your hometown, with the guy you crushed on in high school?

Hey, it's your fantasy too...whatcha' got? Sexy? Skiing? Fine wine and food? Bubbly? A boat ride, cruise, or other destination vacation?

And what's the absolute BEST New Years you've ever had? Mine was the year I got married to the DH...the last New Years as "just a couple" rather than parents. Pretttty coooool. *wiggles eyebrows*

And the best movie with a New Years scene? For me, the New Year's scene at the end of The Holiday (Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet); and Queen Latifah in Last Holiday. That black evening suit, with the black bow in her hair, when she thinks she's gonna die....perfect. LOVE that movie!

Okay, ladies and gents, let's DISH about YOUR New Years Eve!!! (Reality optional) Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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shag hairstyle trends

If you want this it’s a good thing, but if you are looking for more of an edgy hairstyle, get your layers cut longer, especially in the back.


My sister has a shag hairstyle. It makes her look better than before. But I don’t think it will look great on me if I have a shag hairstyle.
Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Classic bob hairstyle 2010

The bob hairstyle is a incredibly well-liked hairstyles nowadays, mainly simply because celebrities for instance Katie Holmes are sporting it.Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Glitz and Glamour

by Jo Robertson

During the holidays many of us squeeze in a little extra time to go to the movies. Maybe take the kiddies or have an afternoon matinee date with our significant others or friends.

As you know I love movies. Any kind, any time, any place, I’m raring to go.

The Eighty-third Academy Awards aren’t scheduled until February, but I thought it would be fun to play a movie trivia game.

One of the interesting things about the Academy Awards is to look in retrospect at the list of films that were nominated, but DIDN’T win, so I’ve added a few of those questions. There’s a question from each decade and several bonus questions.

No fair surfing the net to find your answers. You either know or don’t know them. See if you can get every one right.






Let’s Play Movie Trivia!

1. What movie, based on a World War I novel widely studied in American high schools, won the 1930 Best Picture Award?

2. What 1946 best picture lost to “The Best Years of Our Lives,” but is still watched by millions of people every Christmas?

3. What 1954 Oscar went to a film in which young Marlon Brando made his “bones”?

4. In 1969, the first R-rated movie starring a very young Jon Voigt won the Oscar for best picture? What was it?

5. What film and its sequel won the best picture awards for 1972 and 1974?

6. In 1982 “Tootsie” and “E.T.” both lost the best picture award to which winning film?

Bonus:


7. Which person hosted the Academy Awards the greatest number of times?


8. Who was the first black American to win an academy award?


And for those of you who are die-hard television fans, what's the best NEW show you've seen this year? My personal favorite is the BBC show "Luther," billed as a "psychological crime drama television series," starring the handsomely talented Idris Elba (left).Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Bird My Tattoo My Love

Bird   My Tattoo My love

Bird   My Tattoo My love

Bird   My Tattoo My love
Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Flower Tattoo My Tattoo My Love

 Flower Tattoo  My Tattoo My love

Flower Tattoo  My Tattoo My love

Flower Tattoo Dark  My Tattoo My love
Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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All-Inclusive New Years Eve Tickets with Tina and the B-Sides at the Fine Line Music Cafe

If you're not familiar with the group Tina and the B-Sides, the group was formed by Tina Schlieske while she was still in high school.  It wasn't until 1990 when the group released their debut album Tina and the B-Sides Movement, on their own indie label, that the group got noticed locally. Two years later, they released Young Americans, which turned out to be the band's biggest selling CD that continues to sell this day. They've earned comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and the Grateful Dead for the growing comraderie between the band and it's loyal fans. Selling over 80,000 albums, they've been dubbed in the Midwest as "the best bar band in the world" by enthusiastic writers.  If you would like to ring in 2011 with Tina and the B-Sides at the Fine Line Music Cafe, get your Tina and the B-Sides tickets today from Ticket King!  The $79 ticket is all-inclusive and includes beverages all night long!  You can easily pick up your tickets from us at our Minneapolis office, located at 212 Chicago Avenue South.  Get yours now before it's too late!
Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Jennifer Aniston Sedu Hairstyle

If you follow the tips below, you too could be adopting the seductive secrets of Jennifer Aniston.

First things first, sedu hairstyle is clean and healthy hair - clean, healthy, shining hair is already on its way to becoming seductive. Regular shampooing and thorough brushing is a must if you are to achieve your ideal Sedu  hairstyle. For the sedu look to work, you have to walk the walk and talk the talk, sedu is an image, it is a way of expressing the passionate side of your character.


If you don’t have naturally straight hair, the next best things are the ceramic straightening irons on sale now - some of which will moisturize your hair as it straightens it. The hair is divided into sections and then the irons are placed round a section and drawn down the length of it.

Repeat the process with each section, then comb and spray lightly. Let one side fall over your eye for extra sedu emphasis and there you have your sedu hairstyle.Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Cheap Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Target Center Tickets

Hey Timberwolves fans!!  Are you looking for something to do tonight?  If so, I've got great news for you!  The Timberwolves will host the Denver Nuggets at 7pm at the Target Center in Minneapolis.  The Wolves have been on a little winning streak lately but they're going to need YOUR support tonight to keep that streak going strong.  The Nuggets have won 20 of the past 26 match-ups with the Wolves, so that should tell you something about the history between these two.  If you haven't purchased your Timberwolves vs. Nuggets tickets yet, Ticket King has a nice variety of seats left starting at just $12.50 for upper level seats or $22.50 for lowers.  Any of them can be picked up from our Minneapolis office before the show, as we're open until game time. Show your support for the Wolves and cheer them on to a victory over the Nuggets tonight! 
GO WOLVES!!Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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Togetherness

by Susan Sey

Ah, the holidays. That hallowed week between Christmas and the New Year.

Vacation.

Now I'm a stay at home mom, so when I say "vacation" I'm actually talking about my husband. Because while he's taken the week off from work, my job is a 7 year old and a 4 year old, & even if we travel for the holidays (which we are this year--hello, Grandma & Grandpa!) I sort of have to take them with me.

My experience of this time of year is so far from vacation it's laughable. You could say this is actually my crunch time. This is when my momming skills have to shine. Because, seriously, let's take this situation apart.

We're away from home, which means we're away from everything familiar: our usual food, beds, toys, friends, routines, etc. There is no fall back option. No play date option. No "go entertain yourself" option, because they don't actually know how to do that here in Grandma's house.

Things break here. There are strange adults here with rules mom doesn't enforce. Or who let them do things mom would never allow but seem incredibly inviting when she's not looking. Like eating a Rice Krispies treat as big as your head or consuming ill-advised quantities of M & Ms. (That last one taught Grandma a very colorful lesson about how while my kids did inherit our sweet tooth they did NOT inherit our iron clad digestive abilities.)

Also? Daddy's here. All day. The kids know what to do with that for a weekend, but an entire week? Seems strange. Makes every day seem like something special should happen, & when it doesn't, kids get pouty. Difficult to please. Whiny. Which is bad because my family sees my kids, what, once or twice a year? We have to make a good impression, or I'm a bad mom.

I know I'm not really a bad mom but this is me momming in front of my mom & sisters. The pressure's on, you know? This is one of two annual opportunities for me to make my family think well of me. And my kids insist on acting like...well, like children.

You know what would make me feel better? If your kids/dog/husband/loved ones are currently behaving worse than mine. Are you the visiting team or the home team this year? Share!Source URL: https://itistheforkhead.blogspot.com/2010/12/
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