tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85074794166571334922024-02-21T15:54:22.360+10:30Bootcamper 101 Writing DrillsWe are writers who undertook the Romance Writers of Australia's inaugural "Romance 101 Bootcamp" in 2007. Here are our thoughts and musings over the journey to publication and beyond.....Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.comBlogger231125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-37435879420515779132010-12-24T05:31:00.000+10:302010-12-24T05:31:00.798+10:30Farewell for Now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2c_ox7FcChpMzOgtLJBGspzSVRvHcNX23cuqkzhHr9Td65riw4OZTdTGrxVC3VBVWxUgynNdVojaYDPCNAmC6QKVhzO-3xtfDdYoHeHPGTW00xrL0oLNLyqyGx32Dwj08zMCLIq9_KO_/s1600/sunset" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552287573101017474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2c_ox7FcChpMzOgtLJBGspzSVRvHcNX23cuqkzhHr9Td65riw4OZTdTGrxVC3VBVWxUgynNdVojaYDPCNAmC6QKVhzO-3xtfDdYoHeHPGTW00xrL0oLNLyqyGx32Dwj08zMCLIq9_KO_/s400/sunset" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 94px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 124px;" /></a><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span">It seems like yesterday Romance Writers of Australia conducted their first ever Bootcamp and brought together a group of writers from across Australia, as well as some fabulous tutors and speakers. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span">In June 2008 we started the Bootcamper Writing Drills Blog and together we’ve shared our writing journey and triumphs - published books, contest wins and places, writing challenges and get togethers like conference and Boot-i-Con.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;">We’ve had heaps of fun sharing the blog with you over the last two and a half years, and we hope you’ve had fun at well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;">Sadly, the time has come for us to close the Bootcamper 101 Blog. Our published authors have deadlines to meet and as the rest of us move closer to publication, we need to focus our energies on protecting the work, as Jenny Crusie would say.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;">Of course, you’ll still be able to find us on the net, <a href="http://bootcampers101.blogspot.com/p/our-web-hang-outs.html">click here</a> to find our other web hang outs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;">To celebrate the end of an era, we’ve organised a random prize draw for you, our loyal supporters. Leave a comment before January 2nd to go into the draw to win a selection of romance novels from our published authors and others.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal;font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;">Farewell for Now,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span">Bootcampers</span></span></span></div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-23223168959810041812010-12-22T20:00:00.000+10:302010-12-22T20:00:00.062+10:30Celebrating our Achievements<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeB5PMzP7oozyN_eTnVbtf4TPuysFipyEmIBMj6xI2u3lY8FrHG2RW97KLVhLtMBVUZ5EBgD9_D8N1nLWNlnW1RZcE4NWUPQ0Z3p6wefMM3lDgc9k0PkGTl0HaLh54hRwewqHkXIHbtps/s1600/gold+star" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552280171337085298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeB5PMzP7oozyN_eTnVbtf4TPuysFipyEmIBMj6xI2u3lY8FrHG2RW97KLVhLtMBVUZ5EBgD9_D8N1nLWNlnW1RZcE4NWUPQ0Z3p6wefMM3lDgc9k0PkGTl0HaLh54hRwewqHkXIHbtps/s400/gold+star" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 94px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 94px;" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">At my work, we have a new standing agenda item on every meeting in the organisation. It's called Celebrating our Achievements, and every meeting must start by mentioning and celebrating positive achievements by our staff. </span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">So, I am rolling out "Celebrating our Achievements" to the Bootcampers. As 2010 comes to a close its important we celebrate the great work our writers have done over the year. When I put the call out to the Bootcampers to give me their achievements, I had a great response. Congratulations to all on their achievements in 2010, some of which are listed below.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px;font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><b>Eleni Konstantine</b></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Healer’s Destiny - polished, submitted to agents and entered into 4 competitions.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px;font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Registrar for Romancing the Novel.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px;font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, fantasy;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Attended Coogee Conference – pitched to agent and editor</span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Attended BootiCon!</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Obtained funding to help with Coogee costs.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Attended WorldCon</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entered 2 short story competitions. (one a brand new story)</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Submitted short stories to markets.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Wrote one new short story needing work.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Dream Tamer – first draft completed.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Presented a Blogging Workshop at the Writers’ Centre</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Won the Little Gems cover contest</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Focusing more on writing and less volunteer work.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Published on Antipodean SF, November issue with ‘The Bucket"</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Mirror, Mirror flash fiction accepted for publication by Mindflights e-zine</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Undertook Bob Mayer course via RWNZ</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Reading – lots done and a range of different genres/subgenres. Fun.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Nominated for the Lynne Wilding Meritorious Service Award.</span></span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px;font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;">Goals for 2011</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 17.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"></div><ul><li><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Edit – DreamTamer, Gateway to Hell, Clown story, sanctuary sci-fi story (for Aus anthology)</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Write – Shadow novella, Lady & the Dragon, short story for MZB’s Sword & Sorcery anthology</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Read resources on writing I have on my shelf.</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Overhall website</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Enter Little Gems Short Story</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Enter Little Gems cover contest</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Submit once stories are polished :) Hoping to sumbit one novel, two novellas and 6 short stories.</span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;">Dana’s Achievements for 2010</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">completed two more semesters of uni (only four more to go!)</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">finished a synopsis for Believe in Fairy Tales</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">entered the STALI</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">entered HM&B’s New Voices comp</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">started a new manuscript in a new genre</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">learned heaps through Bootcamp, Breathless in the Bush, the RWA’s Perth Roadshow, and the RWA’s 2010 Sydney conference</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">pitched to and editor and an agent (got requests from both)</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">studied a new writing topic every two months</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">built on and founded new relationships with other writers</span></span></span></li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b>Nikki Logan</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> whole bunch of firsts for me this year...</span></span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Saw my first book on the shelves (Feb 2010, and then quickly followed it up with two more and a novella before the end of 2010).</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Signed a contract for books 7-9.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Got my first royalty cheque</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entered the RITA for the first time (didn't final though)</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Did my first general public romance writing workshop and RWA workshop</span></span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', -webkit-fantasy;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', -webkit-fantasy;"><b>Tracey's </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><b>achievements for 2010:</b></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Made the second round of the Emerald award.</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Finishing TAFE course.</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Attended Coogee conference, with successful pitch to Harlequin.</span></span></li><li><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entered my first international writing contest.</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', fantasy;"><b>Fiona's 2010</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entered the 2010 Little Gems Short Story Competition, and story was accepted for publication in the anthology</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entered the 2010Valerie Parv Award and received good feedback</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Entered the 2011 Emerald Award, waiting….</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Attended the RWA conference and Booticon and met all of the Bootcampers</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Managed the RWA Group Grants Scheme</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Volunteered as Editor on work newsletter and published six editions</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', -webkit-fantasy;">I'm sure everyone will agree this is a <b>F</b><b>ABULOUS </b>list of achievements. Congratulations to all. As 2010 draws to a close, and thoughts turn to New Years, I urge you to make a list of writing goals for 2011, then in December next year, you too will be celebrating the year's achievements.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', -webkit-fantasy;">Happy writing in 2011 everyone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div></div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-69628065436454541012010-12-19T05:47:00.001+10:302010-12-19T05:47:00.887+10:30Super SundayThis week's quote is from Oprah Winfrey:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."</span></i></span></blockquote><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Today's <a href="http://cheezburger.com/">cheez</a></div><br />
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</div>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-58246359684563852572010-12-15T06:31:00.002+10:302010-12-15T06:41:16.208+10:30Quiet DayYesterday I ticked off one of my "must do's" in life - the Bon Jovi Concert. Together with 40000 other fans, we packed into Suncorp Stadium on what must have been the hottest night so far this year. <div><br /></div><div>This morning I'm wondering at what age you're too old for rock concerts. I'm pretty sure I've got heat exhaustion, I can't hear anything, I've got a strained voice and a complete inability to lift my arms above shoulder height. And a few general aches that come with two solid hours of dancing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Worth it? You bet. Bon Jovi are professional rockers and they put on a really great show. I can't wait till they come round again.</div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-14915576376173730862010-12-12T05:38:00.002+10:302010-12-12T05:38:00.108+10:30Super SundayThis week's quote is from Douglas Adams:<br />
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<blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by."</span></span></i></blockquote><br />
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Today's <a href="http://cheezburger.com/">cheez</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K-ZVZyWZDDkRKRsQZrj-ddRQ3t1MKEIuKJoWmqaYlzVDNiRIXq7xPtLwchqL4_g4EwdAPJRQ0YjkiEhrmLulkOmXdjqEXYq2GPBB86BJCITum1zLwkEC-y-IWDp3QZwHOFKr85BtrJ3J/s1600/you+crack+me+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4K-ZVZyWZDDkRKRsQZrj-ddRQ3t1MKEIuKJoWmqaYlzVDNiRIXq7xPtLwchqL4_g4EwdAPJRQ0YjkiEhrmLulkOmXdjqEXYq2GPBB86BJCITum1zLwkEC-y-IWDp3QZwHOFKr85BtrJ3J/s400/you+crack+me+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This exactly what I thought when I read the above quote. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-84250076433597557432010-12-08T08:14:00.000+10:302010-12-08T08:14:00.260+10:30The Christmas Letter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo7S2fihVwO9yMEbw19QkKtsKEZ3WT_10OohKKFWAiv7RWZRWXnSblfPZVIQvuAUPwL4KTmwEoLGcXgD5XeWcBIlkgB4mkaNSUSl2Gdh72aNAmZzz50qIhIHJyiYU-10l2SvX91SULcy4/s1600/Fionas+WWW.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo7S2fihVwO9yMEbw19QkKtsKEZ3WT_10OohKKFWAiv7RWZRWXnSblfPZVIQvuAUPwL4KTmwEoLGcXgD5XeWcBIlkgB4mkaNSUSl2Gdh72aNAmZzz50qIhIHJyiYU-10l2SvX91SULcy4/s400/Fionas+WWW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547816984930379778" /></a><br />Thirty years ago, before ready access to technology, there was no such thing as the Christmas Letter - the one page summary of the year's activities - that has become part and parcel of sending Christmas Cards.<div><br /></div><div>I have a bit of a chequered history with The Christmas Letter - having attempted one for the last few years, I've come to the conclusion that really my life is a little bit boring and seriously consistent. This year, I changed the date from 2009 to 2010 and I was done. Hubby and I are both still working the same jobs. Senior dog still going to the vet for ongoing medical problems, junior dog still trying to be returned to the RSPCA for behaviour related issues (no, we'd never send her back but we have had the conversation...)</div><div><br /></div><div>So, do I send it with my cards? Do I leave it out and let the world wonder where I've been all year? Maybe I need to spice it up? Many years ago I worked in a small family business - the shop was this family's life. The children's homework desks were in the back room, there was a mini kitchen and the groceries lived in the shop fridge not at home. That family sent ONE christmas card every year. And it was so they could continue to receive "Aunty Pat's* Christmas Letter", a fictionalised version of what went on in a relatively close relation's life.</div><div><br /></div><div>For example: "Peter* really enjoyed his twenty-first, especially the after-party". In reality - Peter was arrested for drunk and disorderly and no-one in his immediate family knew where he was for 36 hours after he left the party. "Sarah*, now 15, is embracing her artistic tendencies". In truth, Sarah ran away from home with a 19 year old and was living in a campervan in Byron Bay the last time they heard from her.</div><div><br /></div><div>My personal favourite: "We will be holidaying at our beach house again this year, and you are welcome to join us over the festive season. The park across the road has ample toilets and hot running showers." I don't think my employers took them up on their generous offer. I however, was tempted as I couldn't imagine what sort of Christmas Lunch that would be.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what's the funniest thing you've seen in The Christmas Letter?</div><div><br /></div><div>PS *Names changed, of course...</div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-82793091630978847592010-12-06T09:59:00.001+10:302010-12-06T09:59:00.211+10:30What we are reading....Annie Lynch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgckhuHPdCtsuCmnWZeXrdWCMOPonr_d3o9hdlyyot6ga3lfv4Oe6aWaajAlItoCboDiAlXTP2JBGsDe5A4qYvHZkvqRk3VzDe2EHskWV7DMMdQ55imgUbZzk7fWPPhRdIKRHnRQ_2bfA/s1600/Girl+Reading_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgckhuHPdCtsuCmnWZeXrdWCMOPonr_d3o9hdlyyot6ga3lfv4Oe6aWaajAlItoCboDiAlXTP2JBGsDe5A4qYvHZkvqRk3VzDe2EHskWV7DMMdQ55imgUbZzk7fWPPhRdIKRHnRQ_2bfA/s200/Girl+Reading_edited.jpg" width="110" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YJJ-lbucO3AOklRQL2OOEe8ywgbq-n0GB1io2DIbWoQZsyWykvpppZ6HWePTf_9tGTj_EmjvrOwHedy9bUB-pzXmTCxcf3h_jJOcCAWp3-CTD6t-U2T0J0hj2ji2ffm4jIaSUtYqxqEi/s1600/n246161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YJJ-lbucO3AOklRQL2OOEe8ywgbq-n0GB1io2DIbWoQZsyWykvpppZ6HWePTf_9tGTj_EmjvrOwHedy9bUB-pzXmTCxcf3h_jJOcCAWp3-CTD6t-U2T0J0hj2ji2ffm4jIaSUtYqxqEi/s200/n246161.jpg" width="130" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnFkkZeln9D_oAy_AFPxVdi-uXsQnL6jVKTtZzeDaAA3c-dqzhLoyRlwD37V1-sGFKyicM32FadVHt2-4PccMiD3lTfTY0b9ad3FuD6SY9TNlyf30PCFnA3ZL58ZZg2w7Igip4qNRwZwJ/s1600/The_Girl_Who_Kicked_the_Hornets__Nest_ezr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnFkkZeln9D_oAy_AFPxVdi-uXsQnL6jVKTtZzeDaAA3c-dqzhLoyRlwD37V1-sGFKyicM32FadVHt2-4PccMiD3lTfTY0b9ad3FuD6SY9TNlyf30PCFnA3ZL58ZZg2w7Igip4qNRwZwJ/s200/The_Girl_Who_Kicked_the_Hornets__Nest_ezr2.jpg" width="130" /></a></div><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't help but laugh as I write this, because I'm following in Alison's footsteps and starting the Millenium Trilogy (finally joining the rest of the world), I have <i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</i> and <i>The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest</i> tucked away in the caravan, ready for the big Summer Holiday Reading Binge. And this year's Binge is going to be HUGE.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yjOC8TtKMi-pfsil1pDsQa5XF29XbSOG9jtFlWs6i-7iWWs2LUtINP5lBOukobkcYinEEkg-VuPQtjM1oufJARt9NtOKDKYiPJdqzSGWwqKvHlCD8sDBNz1jKj2iCA7NsJXmQIgvObCZ/s1600/unexpectedpollifax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yjOC8TtKMi-pfsil1pDsQa5XF29XbSOG9jtFlWs6i-7iWWs2LUtINP5lBOukobkcYinEEkg-VuPQtjM1oufJARt9NtOKDKYiPJdqzSGWwqKvHlCD8sDBNz1jKj2iCA7NsJXmQIgvObCZ/s1600/unexpectedpollifax.jpg" /></a><br />
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But a Binge can't all be incredibly involving conspiracy theories. Like Christmas dinner, it has to have light and shade - breathing room between the seafood barbie and the pavlova. So I'll be slotting in time to re-read the <i>Mrs Pollifax series</i>, since I've bought the first two books for my mother for Christmas (shh, don't tell), and probably some new Eloisa James or Mary Jo Putney as well.<br />
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Happy Yuletide reading, one and all.<br />
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~AnnieEleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-54088671983544080482010-12-05T05:27:00.001+10:302010-12-05T05:27:00.532+10:30Super SundayThis week's quote is from Carol Burnett:<br />
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<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own."</span></i></span></blockquote><br />
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Today's <a href="http://cheezburger.com/">cheez</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn67zGbazrPwK0IUsVz_fnTrNLO2c9amTYzyUER0tAUUjaqhC_TR-DlmJZUH-ExJaeVvqHu-EZwcLzGAzZZpuSuyPCU8OBu7rxoN8Kjyevm6j3aBAvF4UvJDezajOBjE7jtLYPFvpKppvN/s1600/bueller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn67zGbazrPwK0IUsVz_fnTrNLO2c9amTYzyUER0tAUUjaqhC_TR-DlmJZUH-ExJaeVvqHu-EZwcLzGAzZZpuSuyPCU8OBu7rxoN8Kjyevm6j3aBAvF4UvJDezajOBjE7jtLYPFvpKppvN/s320/bueller.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br />
I find it quite funny how this term is now used in our lives to denote if anyone is there.<br />
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"Bueller? Bueller?"Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-13875220404079465992010-12-03T18:59:00.000+10:302010-12-03T18:59:41.456+10:30Cover goodness....NikkiHere is Nikki's latest Aus/NZ cover for <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">The Soldier's Untamed Heart!</span></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdxxbhTm14CwtjfdF4mVPeK8nrSZ41rZf1tV0MJDapl_GXSx70FHdrY1VIRKmZM73bXlOVzv2yctz7PTp7jj1KKok3WysFrSTO0FPsN7dlHzqzoKwwNsHHp4KEsngfSUDncIipC_d9GoS/s1600/untamedheartaus_lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdxxbhTm14CwtjfdF4mVPeK8nrSZ41rZf1tV0MJDapl_GXSx70FHdrY1VIRKmZM73bXlOVzv2yctz7PTp7jj1KKok3WysFrSTO0FPsN7dlHzqzoKwwNsHHp4KEsngfSUDncIipC_d9GoS/s320/untamedheartaus_lowres.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />
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Due for release in January 2011.Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-78797003631481506162010-11-30T22:14:00.003+10:302010-11-30T22:38:31.570+10:30The Little Black Book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAB0w3wujIoE6HwC6Gw3trckZ946buH_8gUJ0ka6P6zRpqJtjrHy_GunfH3caGZ0NOCbuoxIyx4v_edentYv0BLcUTQi0IVg_roDgIDbUcDVTHhwLm5-JvI4maCtsoQziVQKv_TtSstQzu/s1600/lbb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAB0w3wujIoE6HwC6Gw3trckZ946buH_8gUJ0ka6P6zRpqJtjrHy_GunfH3caGZ0NOCbuoxIyx4v_edentYv0BLcUTQi0IVg_roDgIDbUcDVTHhwLm5-JvI4maCtsoQziVQKv_TtSstQzu/s400/lbb.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545312830853688978" /></a><br />My face to face writing group decided earlier this year to explore their creativity and one of the projects that's really captured my imagination is The Little Black Book.<div><br /></div><div>No-one talks about "The Book". It is handed to the next person on the list at the start of each meeting. Longing looks are directed at it by its new custodian before it disappears into her bag, to be devoured the minute she walks in the door from face to face. </div><div><br /></div><div>So what's inside? A round robin long short story, or short novella. Each writer must add another four pages to the story (plus any artwork they like), before passing it onto the next writer two weeks later. There are brief character bios in the back, but other than that it can go in any direction you want to take it.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The last time I had the book I turned a minor character into a major player, introduced a crooked cop to the story and gave one of the heroines an unusual cosmetic procedure. I can't wait to see how that story turned out. I'm anxiously awaiting my second round. I'm totally in the dark about this story but I did catch a glimpse of a pink feather as the book was handed across the table. Flamencos? Fairies? Melbourne Cup hats?</div><div><br /></div><div>Oooohhh the suspense!</div></div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-20677799569197765632010-11-28T23:19:00.000+10:302010-11-28T23:19:38.211+10:30Introducing Super SundaysWe are going to start posting a Quote each week on Sundays.<br />
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Today, we start with Mr Winston Churchill:<br />
<blockquote>"<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.</span></span></i>"</blockquote><br />
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We will also have a little laugh with pictures I've captioned from the <a href="http://cheezburger.com/">I haz cheezburger site</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvVcybrPEY7kaRIITu-aXY3KmtA2cx3elBC__cR0HlpfKaAaxoRIbRuGUAEjZuiBI0wYh1JXrW0jjucecBrkXz1zXmsLSde41HcAzAGO7Wm3w43CYONZxxW-dCIPYYye5gsg2mwcY_oyd/s1600/thedenirodogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvVcybrPEY7kaRIITu-aXY3KmtA2cx3elBC__cR0HlpfKaAaxoRIbRuGUAEjZuiBI0wYh1JXrW0jjucecBrkXz1zXmsLSde41HcAzAGO7Wm3w43CYONZxxW-dCIPYYye5gsg2mwcY_oyd/s400/thedenirodogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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So I hope you enjoy our <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Super Sundays!</span></b>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-12380589195479456812010-11-27T21:29:00.000+10:302010-11-27T21:29:33.856+10:30Cover goodness....Nikki's <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Lights, Camera...Kiss the Boss</span></i> has been translated to Russian. Here's a look:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8m7X0zk97c_lQ7H001Gb4sf4a8-1MzyJV1LO5lLsRETsmtVjfpuSKk_AtFjo_aW8KntNx9G7CR7Tkzc_xv8h1WTs8hfvca_EaxJ4a1varNY7oYdwVJzIZjZm4GokzmjE3G2VWIpyiLhn/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8m7X0zk97c_lQ7H001Gb4sf4a8-1MzyJV1LO5lLsRETsmtVjfpuSKk_AtFjo_aW8KntNx9G7CR7Tkzc_xv8h1WTs8hfvca_EaxJ4a1varNY7oYdwVJzIZjZm4GokzmjE3G2VWIpyiLhn/s320/photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Congrats Nikki!!Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-89538620927126306502010-11-24T15:53:00.002+10:302010-11-24T15:53:00.693+10:30It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkPOCahyphenhyphen4DYZGaEuQcPxXQRTEjJGX7C7aHHSmaAJddq-VnDWVjZ-Au1z4oh1LfNlIc7UGpAzUdmU_MvL2zFwQLotDIGvjAdJtpcNGeqwexhzVqeONQ5nz53Oe6aQvqr2MQ_mM8WguLomb/s1600/Christmas+Tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 82px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkPOCahyphenhyphen4DYZGaEuQcPxXQRTEjJGX7C7aHHSmaAJddq-VnDWVjZ-Au1z4oh1LfNlIc7UGpAzUdmU_MvL2zFwQLotDIGvjAdJtpcNGeqwexhzVqeONQ5nz53Oe6aQvqr2MQ_mM8WguLomb/s400/Christmas+Tree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542611615578373362" /></a>I live within walking distance of a Westfield Shopping Centre and we're getting to the point of the year where its actually quicker to walk over than to drive and find a park. Christmas starts earlier and earlier each year.<div><br /></div><div>We've always had "family rules" around Christmas. Only thinking toys or experiences for the children - I really love a little store called <a href="http://www.mindgames.com.au/">Mind Games</a> for their selections of games, jigsaws, mazes and puzzle books. And about five years ago we vowed (after a particularly harrowing carparking experience) not to visit Westfield in December or January. This prompted the rule of having Christmas shopping done by 30th November, a goal I am not going to meet this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two years ago we added "not buying anything marketed in Christmas packaging". So no tins of shortbread or stockings filled with lollies. If I want fruit mince pies, I have to actually bake them.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year we're going to do Christmas differently again. We're only purchasing Christmas gifts from independent retailers - nothing from major chain stores or shopping centres. Difficult? Not really. Brisbane is blessed with plenty of markets, City Hall runs a fabulous <a href="http://www.cardshopbrisbane.org.au/">Charity Christmas Card Shop</a>, the <a href="http://www.rspcaqld.org.au/shopping/worldforpets.htm">RSPCA</a> has a pet barn at Springwood and there are plenty of independent booksellers so everyone will have their reading fix. I recommend <a href="http://www.rosemarysromancebooks.com/shop/">Rosemary's Romance Bookstore </a>in the city and <a href="http://www.pulpfiction.com.au/">Pulp Fiction</a> if you're buying for non-romance lovers. And if you're looking for an extra special gift for a romance lover, you can't go past <a href="http://www.bookbyyou.com/romance/">Romance by You</a> , a personalised romance novel starring your romance lover and her partner, pets, friends and colleagues.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had better get my skates on. It's just over a month until the big day...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-76519456414252785702010-11-22T15:04:00.000+10:302010-11-22T15:04:32.607+10:30We are 3!!!!!It's November and that means we are<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> THREE</span></b> this month. Three years ago we set out to do the inaugural Bootcamp with Romance Writers of Australia. Who would have thought we would still be here back then? I certainly didn't.<br />
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So raise a glass of your choice of beverage and toast with me:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To another 3 years and more.....</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzi6FEWbAdaOHWe9ZeYLnmB64grSzL5yZmXfl2Vodw14IIUPY0QOHa12kDQ7UKOE9anqy0Y94CsLVc3IrPpi-MEinjolz2RpP9VhGHdyEIk2YHAqls4IK-sMNdh0fW4JWHBqSte6MAuOpf/s1600/cake338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzi6FEWbAdaOHWe9ZeYLnmB64grSzL5yZmXfl2Vodw14IIUPY0QOHa12kDQ7UKOE9anqy0Y94CsLVc3IrPpi-MEinjolz2RpP9VhGHdyEIk2YHAqls4IK-sMNdh0fW4JWHBqSte6MAuOpf/s320/cake338.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">now for some cake.</span></span></b></i></div>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-55657049409879447882010-11-17T16:04:00.000+10:302010-11-17T16:04:00.400+10:30Peanut Butter Lover's Month<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRehonDE8tzGkaCDmSg7fmITbTPfefMCULzVAj6Zv-CV0Il0TaoCBO4-bYhQTLaEtrvp1c4L3HkXcQrzr86OkmhmxFNXhZkIuJbFeQjiSX_TI8hYkanwOmtjtEPd_WuHGRxrkodOgegEms/s1600/peanut+butter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 113px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRehonDE8tzGkaCDmSg7fmITbTPfefMCULzVAj6Zv-CV0Il0TaoCBO4-bYhQTLaEtrvp1c4L3HkXcQrzr86OkmhmxFNXhZkIuJbFeQjiSX_TI8hYkanwOmtjtEPd_WuHGRxrkodOgegEms/s400/peanut+butter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539276641962265842" /></a><br />When I read November is peanut butter lover's month I just had to share some recipes. I grew up in Queensland, where peanut butter was called peanut paste in my formative years - due to pressure from the Butter board who wouldn't allow the peanut butter manufacturers to use the word butter.<div><br /></div><div>I don't eat nuts. Really dislike them, but peanut butter is a whole different story. I love PB/H - aka peanut butter and honey sandwiches, and anyone who makes rumballs at Christmas, I've got a comparable treat made from peanut butter and honey.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Peanut butter and honey balls</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Take equal amounts of peanut butter and honey and mix well. Gradually add skim milk powder until the texture firms (suitable for rolling). Roll into balls and coat in either dessicated coconut or crushed peanuts. Store in fridge. Serve with coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly, I saw a recipe that added cocoa to a half/half PB/H mix and then stored the completed mix in the fridge as a sandwich spread. Haven't tried that yet. When I didn't have milk powder, I used dessicated coconut in the mix and that worked too.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then there is this recipe, which does my head in. How can it bake into a cookie if there's no flour? But it does.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)</div><div>1 egg</div><div>1 teaspoon vanilla essence</div><div>1 cup sugar</div><div><br /></div><div>Combine the above ingredients. Drop spoonfuls onto a lightly greased tray and bake at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool, then remove from tray and enjoy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Peanut Butter Lover's Month to all.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-21412075537868874492010-11-15T08:11:00.003+10:302010-11-15T19:45:02.866+10:30Bootcamper Data File: Jacqueline Wilson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8_rR8jhMBZTs2A5A-aeU8aqouhGAo36WJE16kXXDOf2OoBVL6GvJgkkMcUvZcUGEZnUqQO_feKr4bv-9Y2vX6vp-10npg7ytZG-V0udO7pPw2HxPEFcQt__yQ53rlBUB21L94X78z7lF/s1600/dogtags_datafile_JQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8_rR8jhMBZTs2A5A-aeU8aqouhGAo36WJE16kXXDOf2OoBVL6GvJgkkMcUvZcUGEZnUqQO_feKr4bv-9Y2vX6vp-10npg7ytZG-V0udO7pPw2HxPEFcQt__yQ53rlBUB21L94X78z7lF/s320/dogtags_datafile_JQ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Name: </span></span></span></span>Jacqueline Wilson<br />
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Writes: </span></span></span></span>Category: Desire & Sweet; WW1 Historicals<br />
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<span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Call sign: (ie nickname) </span></span></span></span>JQ<br />
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<span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Current mood: </span></span></span></span>In writing and editing mode<br />
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Reading: </span></span></span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Burnt Sunshine</span></i></b> by Estelle Pinney. An enchanting story of love and adventure set in 1936 to after WW2. Well worth the read.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Fleur-de-Li</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">s</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"> </span>by Isolde Martyn. Love her books. She makes history come to life.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">The Other ANZACS</span></i></b> by Peter Rees. Stories of nurses at war 1914-1918. A very poignant work using diaries and letters telling heart rending stories, profoundly moving with extraordinary compassion and courage. A unique group in Anzac history. "<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Storm Glass</span></i></b> by Maria V. Snyder. A worthy successor to the Twilight series. Fills. the void. An original and fascinating new fantasy. There are three in The Glass series.<br />
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</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Web hang outs: </span></span></span></span>Don't hang out. Don't have the time. Just log on when the Bootcampers suggest something.</div><div><br />
<span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Favourite food when writing: </span></span></span></span>Bananas. Or Rice crackers, cheese and olives.<br />
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<span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Favourite music: </span></span></span></span>Wagner's Ring Cycle, Mozart, Nana Mouskouri; Olivia Newton-John; Welsh male choirs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70L9jpM737zVISvfjPUId3f3oU0XHrMgpblkTbh2AfC6ownmZjL0Ngaqmk47CDqTv4B3BqAUV6gmm8Fq_F7plgVJY5sDRwhF0zG9iJVpW6olnmFr4StAfFEMCR-ZuaqORhBTi4iZuhR55/s1600/JQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70L9jpM737zVISvfjPUId3f3oU0XHrMgpblkTbh2AfC6ownmZjL0Ngaqmk47CDqTv4B3BqAUV6gmm8Fq_F7plgVJY5sDRwhF0zG9iJVpW6olnmFr4StAfFEMCR-ZuaqORhBTi4iZuhR55/s200/JQ.jpg" width="171" /></a><span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> INSPIRATION: </span></span></span></span>My mother and how she handled adversities in her life. My daughter, whose wisdom fills me with awe.<br />
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<span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Watching: </span></span></span></span>The endless changing of the seasons with all the beauty that nature can endow.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e6126; font-family: Stencil; font-size: 16px;">Working on: </span>Manuscripts that need finishing.<br />
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<span style="color: #4e6126;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Quote: </span></span></span></span><i>"You deserve time for </i><b><i>your</i></b><i> life.</i><br />
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<i>"Pause to appreciate the beauty around you."</i><br />
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</div>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-92175504594193414072010-11-13T19:45:00.000+10:302010-11-13T19:45:52.444+10:30On the shelves...Rachel's latest book, <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">At the Billionaire's Beck and Call?</span></i></b> is on the shelves in Australia now!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_68BaCVx8rCp0k6LQPJwYNCVENpGWhhj6lfpYfSUaQQBiuTIOSorNJ6pVgVvn84sWwd4M5uqvlwxpZdbVlkqtQaNI1BM4rY5EEwlJGRyERwDyu1bX9KCcTZ0GNrDE40_SBPN87J7g3c8/s1600/ATBBAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_68BaCVx8rCp0k6LQPJwYNCVENpGWhhj6lfpYfSUaQQBiuTIOSorNJ6pVgVvn84sWwd4M5uqvlwxpZdbVlkqtQaNI1BM4rY5EEwlJGRyERwDyu1bX9KCcTZ0GNrDE40_SBPN87J7g3c8/s400/ATBBAC.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Don't miss your copy!!Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-60569872487937398152010-11-10T08:29:00.001+10:302010-11-10T08:29:00.223+10:30Disappointing Fiction<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc5lxHI-Lt8IXqlQ5WdS4Vjyv9RlVF9K6DtPZ99zJF7dROQ2paiuw_ecJaeWMjiFgZkhw4Br31V1ZeBpCc9nPQOsJazB5I22uEdHxo_R-SG1pnrFr5adkNaAH5wTwgcD7OZVO0cWQtERP/s1600/Fionas+WWW.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXc5lxHI-Lt8IXqlQ5WdS4Vjyv9RlVF9K6DtPZ99zJF7dROQ2paiuw_ecJaeWMjiFgZkhw4Br31V1ZeBpCc9nPQOsJazB5I22uEdHxo_R-SG1pnrFr5adkNaAH5wTwgcD7OZVO0cWQtERP/s400/Fionas+WWW.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535941591200076002" /></a>I have plenty of authors on my auto-buy list - if I see their name on the cover, the book goes into the basket. And generally this works really well for me. But in June I auto-bought one of my favourite authors, and its taken me till now to finish the book.<div><br /></div><div>Why? </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't like the first three quarters of the book. To be fair, I probably hated reading the first three quarters of this book. But because I usually love this author I kept going. One chapter here and there, hoping it would improve. Last night about 10pm, three quarters of the way through, it finally snagged my interest and I'd finished it by lunchtime today. And wondered if maybe it would have been better as a novella or short novel.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, what do I do now? Do I leave this author on my auto-buy list, do I do a quick skim of the next book before it goes into my basket, or do I take an author-holiday?</div><div><br /></div><div>What would you do? And how many pages in do you get before you decide a novel isn't for you? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-57194067672525464372010-11-04T21:27:00.000+10:302010-11-04T21:27:00.274+10:30Flash Fiction & a new bannerMy flash fiction story, <b><i><a href="http://www.antisf.com/the-stories/the-bucket">The Bucket</a></i></b>, is in this month's Antipodean SF issue. It's an online magazine devoted to speculative fiction about 500 words. I have fun writing this story, so hope you go over and have a look.<br />
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And now to reveal the new banner for Fiona's Wednesday Words of Wisdom. I can just feel the wisdom coming off the screen. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-SMAY0dWT4P_83evZ5gTGDwH4-DbDonOAytJOEo-YaoUDEKaIrd7TAYD5X0Nj7qW1CCqld-y6wbkSKvP1aaT7v9wWVWBwNWsMnVMkdg9SFIYsS6jvGHFaZoefA8R184JSWuBTNmwMUgU/s1600/fiWWW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-SMAY0dWT4P_83evZ5gTGDwH4-DbDonOAytJOEo-YaoUDEKaIrd7TAYD5X0Nj7qW1CCqld-y6wbkSKvP1aaT7v9wWVWBwNWsMnVMkdg9SFIYsS6jvGHFaZoefA8R184JSWuBTNmwMUgU/s320/fiWWW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-83760659946738097872010-11-03T11:13:00.000+10:302010-11-03T11:13:00.961+10:30November is for...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzuxIzu6OnmTtF3YrDZSmbLAtYZ1SvnEeMHMG9yglO2MVc8uZekRhs2TIDPcWPQhMF1nC1lL_YtP_ostV589pDTh5bps_23OCxi0eCJ_pQg2mRTT3COiMd1jIA8g2fWR0A-_UdGTBKPmw/s1600/laptop.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVzuxIzu6OnmTtF3YrDZSmbLAtYZ1SvnEeMHMG9yglO2MVc8uZekRhs2TIDPcWPQhMF1nC1lL_YtP_ostV589pDTh5bps_23OCxi0eCJ_pQg2mRTT3COiMd1jIA8g2fWR0A-_UdGTBKPmw/s400/laptop.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528813369238662050" /></a><br />Depending on who you ask, November means different things. Ask the motor-sport fans (like hubby) and they say its the end of the season and when the V8 championship gets entertaining. Ask the horse-racing fans and they say Melbourne cup and Spring Racing Carnival. Ask a Generation Y, and they'll say Christmas Parties - I have four Christmas party invites for November because December is too busy.<div><br /></div><div>But if you ask a writer they say <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWrMo</a> - National Novel Writing Month. Described as thirty days and nights of literary abandon it challenges writers to produce 50 000 words in 30 days in November. I've never managed the 50 000 words, probably because I've got a huge dose of edit-while-I-write-itis. But I love the challenge and it brings writers together - one of our local coffee chains sets aside tables for NaNo participants.</div><div><br /></div><div>Are you doing NaNoWrMo this month? If so I wish you BICHOKAW (bottom in chair, hands on keyboard and write).</div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-55512075222911993112010-11-01T12:30:00.000+10:302010-11-01T12:30:36.977+10:30What we are reading....Alison Leake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwKqUO697A7eO1ERBRajL3N6lLS9qgnIAxs_4QPnRwmgZptIeSFOVA7wjRuFF26Jg9qd-WpwVXGgdBbIYLaDeACs6JfBJ3qGHsy6OQAi3qkUaILgnZehibc74LrwDbXBtsgBpWbeie1KY/s1600/girlwiththedragontattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwKqUO697A7eO1ERBRajL3N6lLS9qgnIAxs_4QPnRwmgZptIeSFOVA7wjRuFF26Jg9qd-WpwVXGgdBbIYLaDeACs6JfBJ3qGHsy6OQAi3qkUaILgnZehibc74LrwDbXBtsgBpWbeie1KY/s200/girlwiththedragontattoo.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgckhuHPdCtsuCmnWZeXrdWCMOPonr_d3o9hdlyyot6ga3lfv4Oe6aWaajAlItoCboDiAlXTP2JBGsDe5A4qYvHZkvqRk3VzDe2EHskWV7DMMdQ55imgUbZzk7fWPPhRdIKRHnRQ_2bfA/s1600/Girl+Reading_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgckhuHPdCtsuCmnWZeXrdWCMOPonr_d3o9hdlyyot6ga3lfv4Oe6aWaajAlItoCboDiAlXTP2JBGsDe5A4qYvHZkvqRk3VzDe2EHskWV7DMMdQ55imgUbZzk7fWPPhRdIKRHnRQ_2bfA/s200/Girl+Reading_edited.jpg" width="110" /></a></div>What am I reading?<br />
<br />
To be honest, not a lot at the moment.<br />
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STALI judging, a rather chaotic and consuming day job, major landscaping work and planning hubbie’s 50th have had my brain rather preoccupied.<br />
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I had started <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</span></b></i>, intending to read it before I saw the movie but it requires some thought and concentration at the start (until you slip into the zone, I am reliably informed by my daughter) so I found myself avoiding it for the above reasons – judging, brain death and physical exhaustion. Instead, I settled on slowly working my way through the books I got at the conference.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh317LE6CXr-iNjo_a4ddKiVZCdq65YnPDAfIHqY5_GzyDbnqTKYy8Z3XaWbRFY4bPbuoUdsfkQOT_1INioZ8bdVIW4EiepKSnGpXU5rXSIY79XF0yHWi50XbJ2EZ7ZD24EymxrchuEBjy/s1600/recklessurrender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh317LE6CXr-iNjo_a4ddKiVZCdq65YnPDAfIHqY5_GzyDbnqTKYy8Z3XaWbRFY4bPbuoUdsfkQOT_1INioZ8bdVIW4EiepKSnGpXU5rXSIY79XF0yHWi50XbJ2EZ7ZD24EymxrchuEBjy/s320/recklessurrender.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><div> <div><br />
I am currently halfway through Anna Campbell’s <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">My Reckless Surrender</span></i></b>, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I think it’s my favourite of hers. Next up will be Rachel Bailey’s <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">At the Billionaire’s Beck & Call?</span></i></b> Then I think I shall read the M&B <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">New Voices</span></i></b> Anthology. After that? Some Tracey O’Hara, I think...<br />
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Happy Reading,<br />
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Alison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHUXfcWs532IF-zJZMKF9z1-niId8lDEUXgemd9xj2P3drTVsH20I77kffYBrumA5-FhETRINLckH19M7QcGboDtRb4AYw04RfFm_cqdw5qwqsjJ1EfbSZg1zgZEvdDsFcI-cnIJZT1K0/s1600/ATBB&CAustcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHUXfcWs532IF-zJZMKF9z1-niId8lDEUXgemd9xj2P3drTVsH20I77kffYBrumA5-FhETRINLckH19M7QcGboDtRb4AYw04RfFm_cqdw5qwqsjJ1EfbSZg1zgZEvdDsFcI-cnIJZT1K0/s200/ATBB&CAustcover.jpg" width="127" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6roNL8qdbVRcAwQ1IDJ1RC5pYqqKl-3ynrc68U473Ioi-Qxolr4vJxOq8-D41KFh7J_J8kb-hOakWHRl98aTB6WzkZE3No_F_Z3c-Q6juqexJu_xGuexiOhmx_5VlWLwzhfG1_pHVbFc/s1600/newvoices_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6roNL8qdbVRcAwQ1IDJ1RC5pYqqKl-3ynrc68U473Ioi-Qxolr4vJxOq8-D41KFh7J_J8kb-hOakWHRl98aTB6WzkZE3No_F_Z3c-Q6juqexJu_xGuexiOhmx_5VlWLwzhfG1_pHVbFc/s200/newvoices_cover.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9_c2QJbCE0-26ZvZhba2OTIXa29cyD0CZRdtYZR03rnVcRQQLXjSnnnYX6v6ctjASa_x-EKhHwpO3X14FKbH7W1yJxJhdjOIiVD9haZ0QK46OD5lp5Kf9Hy3-JFURU0-NrWejhQRx9j7/s1600/ncklg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9_c2QJbCE0-26ZvZhba2OTIXa29cyD0CZRdtYZR03rnVcRQQLXjSnnnYX6v6ctjASa_x-EKhHwpO3X14FKbH7W1yJxJhdjOIiVD9haZ0QK46OD5lp5Kf9Hy3-JFURU0-NrWejhQRx9j7/s200/ncklg.jpg" width="123" /></a></div></div></div>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-41788558877208622582010-10-27T10:39:00.001+10:302010-10-27T10:39:00.397+10:30Beach Holiday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xVeqi2-im4uMKt7lFIYEYauvEeh8ED8k62QccY3PIw-0MrMLa_AKdLFVz07U96LJrdjR5BDRNaLoGRcthGT4ycESjWbBMGulUvtB0ve7R54zbrkhxth5jVlmlVRAS1d79s_q5F9s9oSu/s1600/pail-bucket.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 115px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xVeqi2-im4uMKt7lFIYEYauvEeh8ED8k62QccY3PIw-0MrMLa_AKdLFVz07U96LJrdjR5BDRNaLoGRcthGT4ycESjWbBMGulUvtB0ve7R54zbrkhxth5jVlmlVRAS1d79s_q5F9s9oSu/s400/pail-bucket.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528804346170725490" /></a><br />The name Fiona means "white" or "fair" and looking at my skin, my parents certainly got it right when they chose it. I risk sunburn if I sit under a lightbulb, so we've never really been the beach holiday type. But this week, we're forgetting all about flooded rivers, broken fences and all the other challenges of the bush to holiday in the fabulous Hervey Bay.<div><br /></div><div>There won't be much in the way of sunbaking, but we're staying right on the beach, in a pet-friendly holiday house. The older dog won't be spending too much time on the sand but I'm really looking forward to taking the junior dog (who's still really a puppy) to the sand for lots of digging.</div><div><br /></div><div>My must dos for a beach holiday - a run along the Esplanade or two, seeing the sunrise over the ocean, fish and chips and my favourite creativity exercise - building a sand castle. Not just a tipped out bucket castle, but a full scale medieval style construction complete with moat. I don't write medieval, but I do love to read it.</div><div><br /></div><div>And speaking of reading - I have been saving some books for this week. Unfortunately, both Kelly Hunters were devoured during the rain last week. But I've got Anne Gracie's "His Captive Lady", Susan Grant's "Sureblood" and "The Star Prince" and Patti O'Shea's "Eternal Nights". Seven days, four novels - that sounds about right! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-88899725761643233192010-10-22T09:18:00.000+10:302010-10-22T09:18:00.345+10:30With some help from my friendsI recently added a short story that I had published in 1999 to my website. I was going to rework it and then submit elsewhere but decided I wanted to work on stories that hadn't been published anywhere. I wanted to rework because my writing has changed since then. But at the same time, I wanted to acknowledge my writing 11 years ago. So up it went on my <a href="http://elenikonstantine.com/">site</a>.<br />
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It's called <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">Apprentice Bound</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;"> </span>and there is a link directly to the pdf file <a href="http://www.elenikonstantine.com/uploads/apprentice_bound_website.pdf">here</a>.<br />
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This has had me thinking. One of the reasons I have grown so much as a writer is because of the Bootcampers. Seriously, when I undertook Bootcamp I was ready to send my manuscript into the world even though I knew it wasn't a 100% ready. With their help I have polished it up. It's almost there and I have sent it out to the world. I know I would not have done half the things I have done in the last 3 years without the Bootcampers.<br />
<br />
Writing is a lonely business, so I am so glad for organisations like RWA who help band writers together. I think the Bootcamp is the best professional development I have ever done. Firm friends and supporters, my bootcampers let me know if something is amiss with my writing. Or when to take a break or slow down. (Sound familiar ladies?)<br />
<br />
So thank you to my Bootcamper buddies for coming along on this journey with me.<br />
<br />
E :)Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-90011750868887338842010-10-20T10:30:00.000+10:302010-10-20T10:30:01.057+10:30Wild Weather<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX7BSCSwUdqhX9WGe2Mhi1hHRIETFxbJuD5EMgIrOGWb7xuFGydPG9hTjzH9iLw9GGz9TxWsxcnxra6YdRhDOD-PxiZpPw_nW4w_qr3-xAKBv5Juj2Owo9LZlyDSnibY0XDpXgB7pfUnO/s1600/IMG_2197.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528799330433450482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRX7BSCSwUdqhX9WGe2Mhi1hHRIETFxbJuD5EMgIrOGWb7xuFGydPG9hTjzH9iLw9GGz9TxWsxcnxra6YdRhDOD-PxiZpPw_nW4w_qr3-xAKBv5Juj2Owo9LZlyDSnibY0XDpXgB7pfUnO/s400/IMG_2197.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdu7BdjCmJ1gO_NA7D-PbvELOq5C-I8Iox3YnT5Hp8Bdwe2025_ZPc0odOjJK0WtG2INfQA1b2JC1y5aMdAvv7q6wMymKfxR-CKPV8CabWrMDxLLX8XBzya4m1TnrVOm-4w7wUygYqneN/s1600/IMG_2237.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528799321061609954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdu7BdjCmJ1gO_NA7D-PbvELOq5C-I8Iox3YnT5Hp8Bdwe2025_ZPc0odOjJK0WtG2INfQA1b2JC1y5aMdAvv7q6wMymKfxR-CKPV8CabWrMDxLLX8XBzya4m1TnrVOm-4w7wUygYqneN/s400/IMG_2237.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQB2l7jVHW5-J-fXutfhgLxV4XkEC1JaIY28KlYYJm-zxHLzSBafHdORjHcJcJ597PKFvuCIv15KiUtxIMjUUOwMKXlJP1pZi6KW-EshtdbKnCat4KivGHf9w39y2Xa-zwjgnBYNKOfmL/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528799315395463458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEQB2l7jVHW5-J-fXutfhgLxV4XkEC1JaIY28KlYYJm-zxHLzSBafHdORjHcJcJ597PKFvuCIv15KiUtxIMjUUOwMKXlJP1pZi6KW-EshtdbKnCat4KivGHf9w39y2Xa-zwjgnBYNKOfmL/s400/IMG_2238.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
The Eastern seaboard of Australia has been experiencing some wild weather in this last week - torrential rain, gale force winds and down south - snow.<br />
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</div><div>We're the proud custodians of a block of land a few hours from the city, with a river running down one boundary. When I say river, I should say river-bed, because it doesn't run all that often. When we bought the land we asked the real estate agent if there was any possibility of being flooded in. He raised his eyes skywards (probably praying for patience) and drawled "Darl, we'd have to get some rain first." We took that to mean no and signed on the dotted line.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Since that time we've had four major floods, the most recent is happening right now. In town, we jump on the net and check our river height (technology is great). Yesterday, hubby drove down to check the fences, which are about 2m underwater. Here are some photos of the flooded Maryland River. It doesn't look too bad until you realise the bridge is across a gully and sits about 5m above the ground!</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Fiona Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00122893263776382752noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507479416657133492.post-40689468832774620142010-10-18T20:09:00.000+10:302010-10-18T20:09:07.653+10:30Bootcamper Data File: Rachel Bailey<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeEr0O8-b0ZCxcSyZ9MPxxhf1L-D21WbvNsLZGQzwS53da-5xop2Sn5nWL8A6QzAtbCh5sOrc952_yz18OCYuIioy99eme1AqdhyphenhyphenL0WqRZoEtMb7YJfJavXCjoAfjZS7NmMTiTuiIngsK/s1600/dogtags_datafile_Rachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeEr0O8-b0ZCxcSyZ9MPxxhf1L-D21WbvNsLZGQzwS53da-5xop2Sn5nWL8A6QzAtbCh5sOrc952_yz18OCYuIioy99eme1AqdhyphenhyphenL0WqRZoEtMb7YJfJavXCjoAfjZS7NmMTiTuiIngsK/s320/dogtags_datafile_Rachel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4f6227; font-family: Stencil; font-size: 16px;">name: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Rachel Bailey</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span><div><div><span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Writes: </span></span></span></span>Harlequin Desire<br />
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<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Current mood:</span></span></span></span> Perky. There's mocha swirl cheesecake for dessert…<br />
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<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Reading: </span></span></span></span> <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> Untameable</span></b></i> Rogue by Kelly Hunter<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnKFvOHgqkEoaU1PUGGf0CEfvvOBX7PolVJqk0iTJmIiLFCoBKHWlqepWX8JVOhbif0-iF3tMVcfDHRC-kVJzBoPxYbKKESxZRT4nfp-9BeTfqUjAwcfR1AeKTixEe5Qa1GxSz_OpF3p1/s1600/RachelBailey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnKFvOHgqkEoaU1PUGGf0CEfvvOBX7PolVJqk0iTJmIiLFCoBKHWlqepWX8JVOhbif0-iF3tMVcfDHRC-kVJzBoPxYbKKESxZRT4nfp-9BeTfqUjAwcfR1AeKTixEe5Qa1GxSz_OpF3p1/s200/RachelBailey.jpg" width="160" /></a><span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Web hang outs: </span></span></span></span> <a href="http://lovecatsdownunder.blogspot.com/">Lovecats Downunder</a>, <a href="http://community.eharlequin.com/content/silhouette-desire-author-blog">Desire Author Blog,</a> Facebook and here!<br />
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<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Favourite food when writing:</span></span></span></span> Chocolate. In any of its forms.<br />
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<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Favourite music: </span></span></span></span> The soundtrack for my current story. I love making a new one for each book!<br />
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<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Watching: </span></span></span></span> Junior Masterchef Australia, Modern Family, all my Jane Austen DVDs.<br />
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<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Working on: </span></span></span></span> <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">The Return Of The Rebel Heir</span></b></i> (working title) - the third book in three connected stories. The first brother's story is out now in the US and in Nov in Aust/NZ: <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">At The Billionaire's Beck And Call?</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span>and the second brother will have his book in Feb: <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Million-Dollar Amnesia Scandal</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">.</span> These three brothers are my favourite heroes so far!<br />
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<span style="color: #4f6227;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Stencil;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Quote: </span></span></span></span>"<i>When you dream, you dialogue with aspects of yourself that normally are not with you in the daytime and you discover that you know a great deal more than you thought you did."</i> - Toni Cade Bambara<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Out in Aus/NZ - Nov!</i></td></tr>
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</div></div></div>Eleni Konstantinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12410262752761104440noreply@blogger.com6