Wednesday, October 18, 2006

ROXANNE ST. CLAIRE NEWS


EXCITING AND MORE GREAT NEWS:

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS hit the New York Times bestseller list.

Kill Me Twice and When The Earth Moves both WON in their respective categories for the Aspen Gold Award.



I'm so thrilled for Rocki. If you haven't read her Bullet Catcher series then you really need to. Thrill Me to Death, Kiss Me Twice and newly released I'll Be Home For Christmas which made it on the USA Today Bestseller list. Congratulations!

Mystery/Crime
USA Today bestselling author Roxanne St. Claire's next three books (an in-series trilogy) in the BULLET CATCHERS series, to Micki Nuding at Pocket, by Kimberly Whalen at Trident Media Group (world English). Publisher's Lunch 10/17/06

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

NORTH COUNTRY

NORTH COUNTRY is a movie based on a true story. The movie is starred by Charlize Theron—cast as Josey Aimes—and Frances McDormand—cast as Glory, Josey’s friend.
The movie illustrates the sexual harassment done to women miners working for Pearson Taconite and Steel, Inc. And it reminds me of my own post here some days ago about a male friend of mine working for a mining company located in North Sulawesi; he complained when one day a female miner was hired and she was under his supervision. The complaint was that he didn’t have a heart to give her work to explore an area that he considered difficult for a woman.
A bit different from that experience of my friend, NORTH COUNTRY focuses more on the sexual harassment experienced by women working in the mining company. (It made me wonder, though, whether in the mining company where my friend works male employees also do sexual harassment to women?
There are two main things that attracted my attention when watching this movie: the struggle of Josey Aimes to get justice for women miners, and her personal life as a single mother who tried hard to make her two children happy.
The movie stated that a mining company started to hire women in 1975 in North Minnesota. However, in 1989, the comparison between male and female working in there still showed a big gap: 30:1. As in many other countries in the world, American people classify jobs into men’s jobs and women’s jobs. And working in a mining company is classified into men’s job. When someone—a man or a woman—has a job that is traditionally held by the opposite sex, he or she will get a big protest from society.
Josey Aimes didn’t get permission from her father to work for Pearson Taconite and Steel, Inc. where her father also worked.
Apparently, her father—Hank Aimes--didn’t like it coz he considered the job as men’s job. The bad relationship between the father and the daughter made it worse. My interpretations for these are
 The father—as a man—felt threatened to lose his job if women started to do this job traditionally held by men. When more and more women are hired to work in a mining company, men will feel threatened that it will be more difficult for them to get a job coz they get more competitors. As the main breadwinner—in a patriarchal society men always want to show their superiority to women by being the solely breadwinner in a family—men feel that their superiority is at stake.
 The father that felt ashamed coz Josey got pregnant when she was still in high school—without telling who the man was—felt more ashamed coz his daughter decided to do a job traditionally held by men. He had to face society that would accuse him failing to raise a daughter. He wanted to bury Josey’s bad past experience by seeing her as a “good” woman, by being a good wife (unfortunately Josey’s husband often beat her cruelly so that she left him) or by having a “woman’s job”. Society in Minnesota was illustrated as old-fashioned in 1989, such as accusing Josey as a bad woman coz she got pregnant outside the wedlock in a relatively young age, and when she left her husband although she did that due to his cruel treatment.
I really appreciate Josey’s guts to quit from her job—although she needed much money to raise her two children—coz of the sexual harassment she continuously got from her male workmates after she found out that the boss of the company didn’t help her overcome the problem. She reported the company to the court although (at the beginning) none of her workmates supported her coz they were worried to lose their job that meant they would lose their income. The result of the case in the court was very relieving coz Josey won it after Glory and some other female workmates eventually supported her. This winning was very good coz then the mining companies made strong regulation on sexual harassment.
Another thing that impressed me from this movie is Josey’s responsibility to raise her first son although she got pregnant due to a rape done by her high school teacher. She toughly hid this secret although she was accused as having sex with many partners so that she didn’t know which of them was the father of her son. (She even didn’t tell the truth to her parents about it.) It made me wonder if Josey got this idea from Scarlet Letter, a novel written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, where Hester Prynne hid her lover’s name coz he was an outstanding priest: Josey had to keep her high school teacher’s good name?
Every time Josey looked at Sammy—her first son—she would always remember that miserable experience—to be raped by her high school teacher. But still, she kept the pregnancy until her baby was born. She kept loving Sammy although he showed hostility toward her coz he believed what society said that his mother is a bitch.
If only Josey had told her parents since the very beginning why she got pregnant when she was still in high school, she would have had a better relationship with her father, I am wondering. She would have had a lighter burden.
If only Josey had told Sammy since the very beginning that she kept her pregnancy coz she loved her baby, she wouldn’t have undergone the hostility shown by her son.
Anyway, the movie had a happy ending. It reminded me of one lecturer when I was still in college. He said that American movies tend to have a happy ending instead of unhappy ending coz people need to be entertained. :-D
PT56 05.22 141006

Women Employee

Some days ago I read in a national newspaper about police women who cannot reach a high position in their job only because they were born as female. Their female bodies are considered as the main weakness for them to do any assignment as police women. Many policemen don’t like to get policewomen as their partners to do one duty, let’s say, coz they say that their burden even will be doubled coz they don’t only think about their own safety, they have to protect their female partner as well. Some of them also complain that sometimes they will have to face the policewomen’s husbands’ jelousy when they have to do a task together. Policewomen, then, will only get desk jobs that often will make their career stop.
According to the article in that newspaper, more than 50% policewomen complain about that. They are in fact ready to do any assignment given to them—not only desk jobs. As policewomen, they used to get training some martial arts too to protect themselves so why their male partners complain about having to protect them?
It reminded me of a male friend of mine who works for a mining company in North Sulawesi, one big island in Indonesia. Some months ago he told me about a new female employee as his subworker. He complained coz he couldn’t give her any job coz she was a female. “I don’t have a heart to send her to a mining site in a forest, let’s say, coz it is a hard job for a woman. It is not an easy area to explore. I don’t have a heart either to send her to a mining site in another site where the weather is hot coz it will ruin her complexion. She will become dark due to that.”
Simply I responded, “Do you think she doesn’t know her risk to choose that kind of job? She must be ready to face any risk she gets in her job coz it is her own choice. Why don’t you just stop bothering yourself and just give her any duty she has to do; any duty you would give to a male subworker? Treat them equal.”
“It is easy for you to say that coz you are a feminist. You always want to be treated equally. I am not sure with her though,” he still complained.
“If she refuses, send her home. She is not ready to work for a mining company then. Tell her that she has made a wrong choice.”
Oh well, I forget to ask him whether my friend eventually gives the new female employee any duty, and whether she still goes on working there.
PT56 21.57 081006

BRENDA NOVAK AUCTION 2007



Wednesday November 15th......this from Brenda's newsletter:
Auction Update:
I have some really great things happening with my diabetes auction. This year there will be ads in Publisher’s Weekly, as well as Writer’s Digest, RT BOOKclub Magazine, the Romance Writers Report, and The Sacramento Bee (newspaper)—and we’re getting some amazing donations. Check out this 30” x 22.5” watercolor by talented artist Marilyn Sears Bourbon that just came in. She’s the mother of Misa Ramirez, a good friend of mine whose son also has juvenile diabetes.
There’re lots more items that have been donated, too. Check my blog if you’re interested in keeping up to date (it’s on the website under “News & Info”).
Blog: http://www.brendanovak.com/blog/index.php




My first auction ran in 2005 and was a huge success. Together with my generous donors, which included some of the biggest and brightest stars in publishing, I raised $34,982, which went directly to research. This year, we raised $62,705. I can’t believe that after only two years, we’re already knocking at the door of $100,000. I can’t wait until the day we see $1 million. And it’s going to happen.

This year, I tried a few new things. The first was the $1300 prize package, which went to the person who placed the greatest number of bids. Mary McCoy won, and it turned out to be a good investment on her part. She walked away with items worth more than she wound up spending. She was smart. She got in early and she kept at it. Congratulations, Mary! Thank you for your support, and I hope you enjoy your fun gifts! Another new idea I implemented about a week into the auction was the FIRE! Sale items. These are basically very cool items, generally something you can’t get anywhere else, that go up for bid for only one day. Jane Porter’s item was the most successful. It went for over $700—and it was worth it. Basically, it brought Bestselling Author Jane Porter to you and your friends or book group. Jane promised to distribute autographed books and buy everyone lunch, dinner or tea (up to 15 people!). She also promised to bring other little surprises. I’m going to look for some spectacular FIRE! Sale items for next year, too, and try to schedule one for every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Another new idea that’s going into play this year is the pins I’m buying to distribute as a small thank you gift to my donors. I wish I could give more, but at least these pins are an acknowledgement as I want to be able to acknowledge all those who have helped me. Hopefully, it will make the donor proud to wear it. Maybe folks will want to collect one for each year (as the date will be on it) to show their continued sacrifice and support.

Next year I might offer more frequent prizes, maybe random prizes for whoever placed the most bids that day. I’d also like to implement "Raffle Items." I have to check to be sure I don’t break any gambling laws, but I’d like shoppers to be able to buy electronic tickets for ten different items. The winners will be announced throughout the auction. Maybe we’ll even do door prizes—numbers shoppers get simply for registering. Do you feel as if you’re at a crab feed yet? LOL

If you have any ideas you think would make the auction bigger and more exciting, please let me know.
Brenda Novak






Auction Website: http://www.brendanovak.com/auction_index.php

Sunday, October 15, 2006

TRISH MOREY - A VIRGIN FOR THE TAKING


Harlequin Presents and Mills and Boon author Trish Morey has received a 4 Star Rating from ROMANTIC TIMES. Congratulations to Trish! I'm in the process of reading this incredible book and it's fabulous.



CataRomance says:

A VIRGIN FOR THE TAKING by talented Trish Morey will delight and entertain with its passionate story of romance.

SANDY BLAIR - CONTEST


An Expense Paid Trip to the 2007 Romantic Times Booklovers Convention

In appreciation for past reader support and to celebrate my November 2006 Highlander release A Thief In A Kilt, I’m awarding one lucky Romance reader an expense paid trip to the 2007 Romantic Times Booklovers Convention to be held in Houston, Texas.

Do you love Romance? Have you longed to meet a favorite author? Have you ever dreamed of writing a Romance? If so, how would you like to attend the 2007 Romantic Times Booklovers Convention being held in Houston, Texas, where you can meet authors, attend signings, publisher parties and attend classes on writing? This gift is open to all unpublished readers of Romance and includes your convention registration fee, round-trip coach airfare from any major city in the contiguous United States to Houston, the site of the convention, a five night stay (standard, single occupancy) at the convention hotel, publisher parties, classes and events, and a special dinner with yours truly and a surprise author (or two).

How do you apply? It’s easy. Go to www.Sandyblair.net where you’ll find the application and rules on the contest page. Answer a few fun questions and then tell me in 500 words or less (the length of the story you just read) why you love Romances. Or you can request an application by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Sandy Blair, PO Box 260183, Plano, TX 75026-0183. The winning applicant will be selected on March 1, 2007.




Sandy has a November Release,
THIEF IN A KILT

With a magical blend of humor, passion, and adventure, THIEF IN A KILT is sure to steal hearts." —New York Times Bestselling author Lorraine Heath
"Blair's attention to historical and regional detail supports a fine balance of action and romance, making this political potboiler a winning read." —Publishers Weekly

A Rogue By Any Other Name
Scoundrel. Seducer. Sir Ian MacKay deserves to be called the Thief of Hearts. Yet he is a man with a mission: to return Scotland’s rightful king to his ancestral throne. But first he must find out the true identify of the mysterious woman whose beauty and wit have dazzled the court...and why she is avoiding him. Can it be possible that Kate Templeton is an English spy?
Though Ian insists that no woman has ever refused him, Kate vows to resist his scandalous charm. Leading him on a merry chase all over Scotland is the best way to safeguard her heart. Yet a passionate confrontation brings them together at last and the only word on her lips is yes...

Friday, October 13, 2006

Sandra Marton - THE SICILIAN'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE


THE SICILIAN'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE has received 4.75 stars from Once Upon a Romance.

Connie at ONCE UPON A ROMANCE says:

Harlequin Presents is known for its passion and The Sicilian’s Christmas Bride upholds their reputation. Not strictly in the context of sexual passion, but with the internal passion, desires, struggles, and characteristics of both Dante and Taylor.

The miracles of Christmas and love, both of which should not be left to the season alone, are found within the pages of this book. It was a pleasure to see Dante and Taylor discover the meaning of both. It was a gentle reminder to us all.

Sandra Marton, an author who can bring a tear to the eye and make you shudder with a sigh. Can it get any better than that?




Congratulations to Sandra on her November release

CHERRY ADAIR NEWS



EDGE OF DARKNESS has made the New York Times Bestseller list, as well as BookScan and USA TODAY.

EDGE OF DARKNESS gets a 4 1/2 star, Top Pick, review from Romantic Times BookClub Magazine, 'Themes of love, duty and sacrifice are expertly combined with a hefty dose of magic...With this phenomenal series, Adair demonstrates how the wonderful power of love can carry dangerous consequences when turned to hate.'

Thursday, October 12, 2006

BARBARA MCCAULEY NEWS


IT'S FINALLY HERE--THE BOOK YOU'VE ASKED FOR!

BLACKHAWK'S BETRAYAL
Hello Friends and Readers! Just a quick note to tell you that BLACKHAWK'S BETRAYAL, the first book in the new Blackhawk family has just hit the October shelves and will only be there for a limited time. More SECRETS! More lies and scandal and well, you know what else....(it starts with s...)

I'm currently finishing a book, but will send out a newsletter at the end of the month and there will be a drawing for the prize on my site: A SUPER SOFT, Lavender wrap for those achy muscles (and helps ease the monthly discomfort, too.)

Happy Reading!
Barbara McCauley




Book Description

All Kiera Blackhawk wanted was to learn the truth about her heritage. She hadn't counted on falling, and falling hard, for her compelling new boss, Sam Prescott. His touch ignited her body and his ever-watchful gaze was almost able to pierce through the secrets she was desperate to keep. Kiera could not submit to the hotel magnate's powerful seduction.

For what would Sam--whose loyalty lay with the very family she might destroy--do when he discovered that she'd been lying to him about everything

MEET KATE CARLISLE -Contestant in Romantic Times American Title III Contest



Beginning Monday, October 16th on Romantic Times (www.romantictimes.com) you can read Kate's entry THE KAMA SUTRA CHRONICLES in RT's American Title Contest. We're all pulling for Kate to win! Why you ask? Because the winner of this contest will become PUBLISHED!

You can read Kate's posts on the Deadline Diaries Blog: http://deadlinediaries.blogspot.com

Here's a post on the contest from Dorchester:

American Title III

"They always say that good things come in threes. So once again Dorchester is offering all unpublished authors a chance to participate in the American Title contest, co-sponsored by Romantic Times.

This year we’re looking for contemporary romance: chick lit, romantic suspense, paranormals, romantic comedies and anything that falls in between."


So please sign up on the Romantic Times website and vote for Kate



Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Nerds Like It Hot - Vicki Lewis Thompson




Nerds Like It Hot is a USA Today Bestseller List. Congratulations to VLT and her Nerd series. Vicki recently spoke at the Emerald City Writer's Conference here in Seattle and was fabulous along with her lovely daughter Audrey.

Recently, VLT was interviewed on Once Upon a romance. It's a great interview and I encourage you to read it!





Tuesday, October 10, 2006

THE PINK HEART SOCIETY


The Pink Heart Society is a new Blog featuring authors from Mills and Boon and I believe Harlequin Presents authors from the USA, UK, AU and NZ.

There are lots of great articles, interviews and coming soon reviews. Please watch for some of mine!

Cheers!

Pink Heart Society Link: http://www.pinkheartsociety.blogspot.com

ROXANNE ST. CLAIRE, JULIE LETO, LINDA LAEL MILLER, CATHERINE MULVANY


I'll Be Home for Christmas made the USA Today's list. Congrats to the authors Linda Lael Miller, Catherine Mulvany, Julie Leto and Rocki St. Claire.

Book Description

A collection of heartwarming holiday stories from today's stars of passionate romance!



LINDA LAEL MILLER
delivers a holiday miracle in the bittersweet tale of a young woman who can't hide her broken heart -- or her past -- when she returns to her hometown. But a sexy widower may just help her discover the true meaning of home in "Christmas of the Red Chiefs."

CATHERINE MULVANY
spins a fairy tale come true in "Once Upon a Christmas." They flirted as teenagers, but it takes time -- and some divine intervention -- to bring two star-crossed lovers together at last.

JULIE LETO
pairs fire and ice in "Meltdown," the sensual tale of a Cuban-American PR whiz whose job description includes thawing out her CEO boss's frosty image. Will their sparks torch into flames of passion?

ROXANNE ST. CLAIRE
unwraps the thrills of Christmas in New York, where a female bodyguard toys with a dangerous desire for a mysterious hunk while protecting his young daughter. It's a risky game with passion as the prize in "You Can Count on Me."

EMERALD CITY WRITER'S CONFERENCE





My heart is still overflowing from this weekend where I attended The Emerald City Writer's Conference. There were such incredible women attending.....Published and unpublished authors with goals, dreams and a voice to be heard.

Key Note Speakers were Stella Cameron, Vicky Lewis Thompson and Cherry Adair. Also in attendance were Jane Porter, Susan Mallery, Christina Dodd, Susanna Carr, Elizabeth Boyle, Anne Roth, Jayne Ann Krentz, Debbie Macomber and so many many more it makes my head still spin.

I felt humbled and honored to be in their presence attending as a reader.

Monday, October 9, 2006

SUSAN MALLERY - Millionaire Dollar Catch Series


Susan Mallery has a new series for Silhouette Desire (Harlequin):

The Substitute Millionaire
Silhouette Desire -- Book 1 in my Million Dollar Catch Series
November 2006



The Unexpected Millionaire
Silhouette Desire -- Book 2 in my Million Dollar Catch Series
December 2006



The Ultimate Millionaire
Silhouette Desire -- Book 3 in my Million Dollar Catch Series
January 2007