I’m in the mood for exercise….and no, I’m not kidding.

I need to find a way to fit some exercise into my day and I’m looking to you for help. Everyone who gives me a suggestion will be entered into a drawing to win a book in their favorite genre. Right now, I have way too many new books and need to unload, er give some away.

Here’s the scenario. I work full time and barely make it up in time to get to work (so no suggestions about getting up early, please). I walk with my husband and dogs every evening for two miles. Since I write at night, I can’t handle much more exercise at night…although if you have a great suggestion, I’ll take it!

I’m looking for are exercises I can do at work while I’m on the phone, in the car etc.

Can you help me? Please?? I really am in the mood to exercise.

BTW, I’ll be at a conference in Seattle all weekend, so if I don’t respond to your comments and pick a winner until Monday…that’s why.

   I always get fooled. Each year, round about August, a particular office supply store’s TV commercial has me running to the TV to yell “It can’t possibly be CHRISTMAS yet!”  Yes, it’s that one with the two children moping along behind their dad who is dancing through the aisles grabbing school supplies and tossing them blissfully into the basket as Andy Williams proclaims “it’s the most wonderful time of the year….”

     Then, I hold desperately onto September because October means. . . Christmas! Yes it does! Look at the stores–the Halloween candy is barely on the shelves in the grocery stores when a little spot begins next to it for Thanksgiving decorations. Before Halloween has passed, Christmas decorations have grown, taking the full stage by mid-November.

     And there’s radio stations. In the Philadelphia area where I live, one radio station goes all-Christmas music by mid-November. They’ve already announced it, reminding listeners to be ready! Others will join them right after Thanksgiving playing only holiday tunes. As someone who works in an office where Christmas is not celebrated, it becomes a real task to find music that isn’t about winter, trees, presents, Santa, etc.

       It’s not that I don’t like Christmas….it’s just that I like to celebrate it at Christmas time and I like to savor those special days of family and visiting and presents. I think when they’re spread out and begin in early October and last for nearly three months, they lose a bit of that specialness.

      So, I fight it! When my sister tells me in October that she’s halfway done her Christmas shopping, I give her my best cold glare and change the subject. When she announces at Thanksgiving dinner that her Christmas cards are in the mail, I tell her I won’t open it until December. 

      Then, in early December, I let loose–shopping and writing cards and wrapping and cooking and preparing for it. And celebrating… Or I end up writing on a deadline-mania-binge and end up beginning my Christmas prep in mid-December! LOL!

     This year will be no different I’m sure –  but I’ve already bought a couple romances that are Christmas-themed. I’ll put them aside, waiting for the right time.  And soon, too soon if you ask me, it will be that right time.  

      Do you begin Holiday preparation sooner or later? Do you like to hear Christmas music in November? Or are you like me, trying to hold it all back until the calendar tells us it’s actually Christmas? 

Terri is awaiting the release of her first BRAVA historical romance, A STORM OF PASSION, which will hit the shelves late next month.  She’s just finished writing a novella which will be featured in a May 2010 anthology along with Susan Johnson and Mary Wine. For more info, visit her website and join her email newsletter list – www.terribrisbin.com

I’ve always loved Christmas and have always thought that there was a certain magic surrounding the Victorian celebrations. The caroling, gathering of family and friends, and the overall joy that seemed to dance in the air.

The majority of Victorians decorated lavishly — inside and out. It was an era when the dangerous lit candles on trees were replaced with the newfangled electric lights by Mr. Edison. Delicate ornaments were shipped from Germany and many housewives lovingly crafted their own decorations, right down to the stockings hung by the mantle.

But for the pioneers on the plains and those living in the Wild West, Christmas could be a very lonely holiday with nothing around but miles upon miles of unbroken snow. In fact many people never celebrated it at all.

That was my hero, Reid Barclay. He was raised in an orphanage that didn’t do much more than give the orphans an orange or apple for the holiday. There was no tree, no presents, no merriment.

For Reid, the Christmas appoaching meant one thing — it was the due date on the devil’s deal he’d made and things weren’t looking good for him or his dreams.

His new ranch cook had a tendancy to burn everything she put in the stove, overheating the house, and him, in more ways than one! The last thing he wanted was for her to turn his home into a glittering forest, or tempt the cynic in him to believe he had a chance of finding forgiveness or happiness.

Ellie Jo adored Christmas, and this one held even more joy for it was the first time in years that she’d spend it with her outlaw father. But with her pa and Reid at odds, and trouble set to descend on the ranch, even an optomist like her had trouble believing in the magic of Christmas, and a forever kind of love.

I’ll give away an autographed copy of A Cowboy Christmas to a commenter on this post. Tell me what was your absolute favorite Christmas-themed romance novel, or share your most cherished holiday tradition.

Last year there was a mid-season addition to the TV schedule, it’s a charming crime-drama called Castle and if you’re not watching it, you’re truly missing out. Here’s why… first of all it’s about a mystery novelist (played by the oh-so-charming Nathan Fillion of Firefly) and most of you out there reading this blog are either writers yourself or you love books. In either case you’re predisposed to like a writer character and who doesn’t like crime dramas? (and if you don’t, exactly what are you watching these days?)

Secondly, the writing on the show is witty and fun and makes you forget (for the most part) that the premise is, for the most part, implausible. For example, it’s highly unlikely that any police department would allow a writer to practically join the force all in the name of research – even if the mayor is a big fan. And even if they were allowed to ride along with a homicide detective, they would certainly not be included in the questioning of suspects or witnesses. So that’s the implausible part, but hey, what TV show isn’t completely unrealistic these days? And like I said the writing is great and you forget that Castle has no business in that interrogation room, cause he’s cute and he keeps Beckett on her toes.

Chemistry! The tension between Beckett and Castle is palpable, often making me check the TV for smoke on the wires. So far the old set is still running fine, but one of these days I’m certain those two are going to make the thing blow. They are so well matched for two protagonists and their banter is a treat.

Secondary characters…who doesn’t love a single father? Especially when the teenage daughter is such a great kid and is so wise for her age. And the eccentric aging actress of a mother is equally entertaining. Add to that other great characters and you’ve got a cast of winners.

As a writer, it’s great to watch him do his research and use what he knows about character development and human behavior to assist in the cases. And the way he “plots” the murders instead of investigating them the way the cops do, he definitely sees the world through the eyes of a writer. Such fun. Then there are little details like him wearing the kevlar vest that says “writer” instead of “police.” The occasional poker game with other (real) mystery writers. Did I mention Nathan Fillion?

The show is just charming and a total hoot to watch and seriously if you aren’t watching it, tsk, tsk. Go and set your TIVO right now for Monday nights. You won’t be sorry, I promise. Oh and I believe the first season just came out on DVD so why don’t you hop on over to Netflix and add it to the queue.

Any other Castle fans out there? What are your favorite shows?

Hello all! I’m thrilled to be here today on the Jaunty Quills. Why am I so thrilled, so tickled, so pumped??? Because today is the official release day for my second book, HIGHLAND DRAGON, from Zebra books. Can I get a WHOOT?!

So I wanted to talk to you about fiction vs. truth…

As a reader, do you ever read a passage in a book and go huh? They didn’t eat corn on the cob in 1502. Does it immediately turn you away from the author? You swear you will never pick up another book by this author again because she didn’t do her research. Well, sometimes we authors have to bend that truth. We wrap it around something that is real to enhance the story. For example, in HIGHLAND DRAGON I have my heroine, Akira, being sold at auction in the Highlands. Of course, slaves were bought and sold. I researched it! But at this particular auction, the women being bought and sold were valued based on their virginity.

I’ve already had a reader email me in utter astonishment wanting to know if that scene in my book was real. I was flattered, but I also didn’t want her to think this type of outrageous horror actually happened.
So, my question for you today is: What bits have you stumbled upon hat left you gasping at the inaccuracy? Don’t give the author’s name just the bit.

************************************
EXCERPT from HIGHLAND DRAGON

What if she’d already been sold? What if she’d never even been brought here?

Just as the questions entered his mind, the untamed hiss of the next captive pierced through the drone of bidders. Hair black as midnight framed her porcelain face—a face twisted into a ferocious expression of revulsion. Oaths spewed from her mouth in English, French, Gaelic, and another language Calin didn’t recognize. Two sentries in black hooded robes restrained her, and unlike the other women, her hands were bound tightly behind her.

“Christ, that’s Akira,” Kendrick announced in a loud whisper then started for the dais.

“Nay.” Calin placed a firm hand on Kendrick’s chest. “Dinnae draw attention to us or our interest in her.” Calin spoke calmly enough, but his insides were erupting. If the guards dared to strike her, he was fully prepared to start a war.

She lunged at the men confining her to the platform. The woman certainly didn’t lack for spit and fire. She was a fighter. Though relieved he’d found her safe, Calin worried over their initial meeting. Introducing himself to his bride under these circumstances might prove to be an awkward task.

When she drove a knee into the groin of one of her guards, Calin recoiled and instinctively cupped his bollocks. The injured sentry grabbed a mass of her hair, twisted her sideways, and forced her to her knees. Her eyes bled desperation just as she hollered out. The high-pitch note of pain bounced off the canvas walls.

Calin’s hands fisted into tight knots. Had he been permitted to keep a weapon, these men would be skewered over the end of his broadsword. He gestured to his clansmen dispersed amongst the crowd. With the silent order, the three men exited posthaste. “Remove your hood,” he commanded Kendrick. “If possible, I want her to see ye. Mayhap ’twill calm her spirits.”

“Did I happen to mention Akira has a bit of a temper?”

“A bit?” Calin eyed him warily, but he had no time for banter now. “We will retrieve Akira by any means necessary. When we leave, she will ride with me, and I will deal with her temper.”

First of all, I have to say that personally, Robyn’s crush on Corey Feldman wins hands down! lol. But since the contest was for readers, I’m going to go with Anne, who had a thing for Perry Como. Anne, if you could email me your snail mail addy at katewriterATgmail.com, I would appreciate it. Now, I have to say that the prize has changed. The gold leaf necklace I had planned to give way was stolen by our new kittens and I don’t know where it is. So Anne, I give you the choice of a book from my back list. Would you like a Regency or Vampire?

I’m a wonderful person. Let’s just get that out in the open, shall we? Seriously. I’m really nice. I love children (the polite, clean ones who don’t bother me). I cook for my elderly grandfather (often for free). I’m kind to animals (Note to dead squirrel in my driveway — Sorry).

And my books are really nice, too. I write romantic comedy. Ro-Co. Rom-Com. Whatever you call it, my books are really nice. They’re funny and adorable, and the heroines are goofy but not idiotic, and the heroes are delicious and the dogs are wicked cute. But still, I don’t expect everyone to love my books.  It would be okay if someone liked them tremendously or enjoyed them in a life-changing way.

But hate? Such a strong word! Who could hate my books?

Well, about a year ago, I got an e-mail from a person who did hate one of my books, so much that she felt compelled to share her hatred with me. Ignore for a second that she obviously, er…unusual (she mentioned goats, a stolen car, and some sister-wives). It didn’t matter. Being the hypersensitive middle child that I am, I…well…felt rather bad. “What? No! No! Impossible!” Gutteral, choking sobs ensued. Frantic call to husband. Emails and phone calls to sister-in-law and three closest…make that ten closest…friends.  Am hated by reader. Emergency ego bolstering required.

My people came to the rescue. “She’s an idiot. Relax. Obvious mental illness. Sympathy, not vengeance, Kristan. We all love you. Please let us off the phone now.”

But what to do with that hate mail? What should I say? I had to say something, of course. This shot across the bow could not go unanswered!

My first few drafts followed Dr. Kubler-Ross’s five stages of grief.

1. Denial

I can’t believe you didn’t like my book! This book is great! Do you know how hard I worked on this thing? You can’t hate it. I won’t let you. You don’t hate it. You’re lying, and it’s not funny! You can’t hate my book!

2. Anger

Hey, Crazy Pants. You’re an idiot, because only an idiot would hate this book. Idiot! Crazy! Pants! And guess what? I just Googled you. And apparently, you haven’t written a book! So there! So now who’s a jerk? Huh?

3. Sarcasm (okay, that one’s not on the Kubler-Ross list, but it was on mine)

Dear Reader… Thanks so much for your lovely note! Unfortunately, due the huge volume of fan mail I receive, I can’t respond personally to everyone who writes to me, but I’m thrilled you liked the book! I’ll be sure your name gets on my mailing list! 

4. Bargaining

You know, maybe I could see that you didn’t like every single thing in the book, but you have to admit that the scene in the drugstore was funny. Right? You liked that scene, didn’t you? No? What about the dog? Seriously, you liked the dog, right? Just say you liked the dog, and I’ll let the “hated it” comment go.

5. Depression

Why do I bother? Endless hours of my life, wasted on a book that someone hates. My writing…sucks. People…cruel. World…so bleak.                                      

6. Acceptance

Hey. You don’t have to love me. Not everyone will love me. (Pause.) You sure you didn’t like the dog?

In the end, I stared at my computer screen, trying to figure out how to respond to my hate letter. Bit a nail. Ate some Hershey Nuggets with Almonds. Petted my dog. Finally, I ended up with something along the lines of this.

Dear Ms. X, 

Thank you for taking the time to write. I’m sorry you didn’t care for the book, but I do appreciate hearing your thoughts. All the best, Kristan Higgins.

No crazy pants were mentioned.

There’s a lot to be said for taking the high road.

So let me ask you…did you ever feel wrongfully attacked? Maybe a coworker threw you under the bus, or your mother-in-law happened to mention you weren’t good enough for her precious boy. And did you take the high road, or did you let ’er rip? How’d you feel afterward?

I’m blogging at  Risky Regencies today! Come on over and visit for a chance to win Taken by the Laird or Wild.

What should you look for in a man? Contrary to popular thought it’s not always the attractiveness of the guy or the chemistry you feel when you’re together. Cosmo recently ran an article that described some new findings which describe characteristics in a guy that actually predict relationship success. I actually think they make sense. See if you agree…

1. He Knows What He Wants
Any guy you’re serious about should be able to articulate his long-term goals and passions. He can’t ally himself with you until he has a sense of how he envisions his life in the future … and how you fit in.

Don’t assume he’ll work things out, because when he does, you may realize his ambitions don’t mesh with yours. “This mistake has contributed to the starter-marriage phenomenon, in which couples in their 20s and 30s suddenly realize they’re going in different directions and divorce at an early age,” says Dobransky, a relationship expert. “It’s preventable as long as you’re both clear about your plans.”

2. He Has a Sunny Outlook
A recent study led by the University of Oregon found that women who had upbeat partners felt more satisfied in their relationships and — this is huge — that the man’s level of optimism determined the relationship’s staying power. Not only is it nice to have someone help you see the silver lining of a situation that totally sucks, but cheerful guys are good at keeping things in perspective, so they don’t let little conflicts get to them and can go with the flow.

3. He’s Open to Changing for You
It’s true you may not be able to change a man, but a guy should want to change for you. If a facet of his behavior irks you (for example, maybe he’s not attentive enough in certain circumstances), he should be game to hear you out, listen to how you’d like him to do things differently, and then act on those suggestions.

4. He’s Still a Little MysteriousThe beginning of a relationship is always superexciting because you’re just getting to know each other. But even after the newness wears off, it’s essential that a man keeps you guessing. “If you can never quite pin down what makes him tick, that’s actually a healthy thing.”

5. He’s Responsible with MoneyBesides giving you a heads-up about money-related conflicts you might encounter in the future (one of the topics long-term couples argue about most), how a guy handles cash reveals a lot about his character. Positive signs: He keeps the receipt after paying for a meal or you notice several credit-card offers in his stack of mail (it may indicate he has good credit).

Agree? Disagree? Have any other points you think should be added to the list??

I’m not simply talking about our move back to my home town, but literarily back home. As in my childhood home. With my parents. Yep, that’s right, The Professor and I have been living with my parents since we got back to Texas at the end of May. Now let me say that no one thought all of this would last as long as it had. Our house in TN is on its third contract – can we all have a chorus of “third times a charm?” Let’s do some math, we moved back on May 23rd and today is October 2nd, I think that’s roughly 145 days, which sounds a lot like a third of a whole year.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love my parents. They are the best. Seriously, ask my friends, they’re awesome. And The Professor and I (as well as our two cats) have the whole upstairs to ourselves. That’s 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. In fact my parents had to pay to have a door installed at the top of the stairs to give us this privacy, not because of us though. But because of our cats and how my mother’s cat who is crazy and frankly not super friendly (though she is beautiful) would not tolerate new friends. So here were are all upstairs in our cozy little space. Did I mention it was small? Oh and did I tell you that everything we own (with a few small exceptions) is packed floor-to-ceiling in a storage unit. And all of those boxes are carefully numbered and inventoried so that we could readily get to box 42 because it had research books in it or box 7 because it had my winter clothes in it….only we can’t reach anything at all so all my planning is all for naught. I figure the unpacking (someday) will be incredibly organized. (It’s okay, you can laugh at my expense…)

But as I said things are going just fine, we’re all getting along great and my mom and I (with the exception of the last month when I was drowning in a deadline) have been sharing cooking duties, which is always nice. And we’re getting to make up for 4 years of lost time that I spent in TN.

Hopefully though this current contract will go through (please send us good thoughts!) and we’ll be able to follow-through on the house we’d like to build. If all goes well, we should be in our own place sometime between December and February, depending on weather.

So how about you? You think you could ever go home again and live with the folks for a while? Or better yet, for those of you who have adult kids, what’s it like when they come home to roost?