There are some things going on Chez Diana that are not exactly in keeping with Fun Time. Therefore, let me direct you to other, happier corners of the blogosphere:
Debut author Nadine Dajani has just launched her website, and is celebration blogging about it all week long. Congratulations, Nadine!
Miss Snark is cracking down on drive-by crapometer entrants by making all comers take a quiz proving they are dedicated “Snarklings.” I gotta say, I read Miss Snark every single day, and I know maybe three of these answers. Of course, I’m not submitting to the crapometer any time soon. And I’m still mystified by those that do.
Harlequin VP Isabel Swift interviews Associate Senior Editor Patience Smith, for whom I’ve always had somewhat of a soft spot, since she was the first and only contest judge to request my manuscript from a contest. I wonder what would have happened had I sent it to her?
Weighing in on the HEA is Alison Kent. How many feel like Alison, where it’s been a good long time since a romance actually made you believe in the black moment? Why do you think that is? Is it a function of the writer’s skill, or the fact that you know the genre expectation is that everything will turn out right, so you aren’t as invested? I’ve noticed a tendency in my own reading that if I really believe the couple isn’t going to make it, I’m likely to simply not buy the HEA the author is tacking on at the end. I’m sure that, like me, you’ve read books where the idea that the characters’ relationship would continue past the final page was unacceptable. I think that if I had ANY doubt in the genre expectation, I’d have so much more investment in the romance. I think that’s why I like the TV shows where nothing is sacred, and they’ll kill off main characters on a whim. Then I actually believe the people in trouble are really in trouble. I really liked Nalini Singh’s Desire, Secrets of the Marriage Bed, because it was not structured like the standard romance novel. There was no black moment, just a growing closeness over the course of the book. Very different.
Books, Boys, Buzz is always good for a laugh.
And if you’re in the mood for a laugh, my friend Jana De Leon’s debut novel is out today. I think it may officially be Tuesday, but whatever. It’s out. Check out her fabulous website, and then go and buy the book. It really is a hoot. Romantic Times gave it a four and a half stars top pick, and I gave it the following quote:
“…fresh, fast-paced, fabulously funny mystery where sexy blondes have brains, small towns swarm with crazy characters, and everyone’s afraid of the ‘gators!”
I think I may have to go buy several copies now. I know some people who could use them.
Also, it’s entirely possible that I’m going to be on television today in a variety of markets throughout the southeast. I’m just sorry that the timing has been so rotten. If you do see me (it will be most likely on a daytime show of an NBC affiliate) then let me know.
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