I’m happy to share this online interview with Jane Porter. She was gracious to spend some time with us. I think you’ll agree that she is a voice we’d like to hear more of.
Jane, I so much enjoyed your book Flirting with 40, and I’m really looking forward to it being a movie! Thanks so much for joining us today.
I understand you have options on another book(s)? I have a friend who has had options also. It’s quite exciting to see it come to fruition on screen. Did you write the script or have any say in the script?
Hi Karin, thanks for inviting me! It’s a pleasure to chat with you. I didn’t write the script. Sony contracted a scriptwriter for the job and she did it beautifully. I was lucky enough to get a peek at it while it was in progress and it was really cool to be included, even briefly, in the process.
The whole book-to-movie experience is great. I spent a week on the set in Hawaii and had a lot of fun. I got to be an extra in beach scenes on two different days, and then wear a headset and sit behind the director and listen in as they filmed. I have to say that it’s been a bit surreal having a movie made of my book, especially starring Heather Locklear.
Were you able to give any input into the casting?
I was asked for suggestions so I got my readers who hang out on my board to help me. We had lots of fun coming up with possibilities but in the end, it was really up to the studio. I n the end it was great that Heather could take the role as she’s a Lifetime viewer favorite.
How did you find yourself writing in the genre that you write in? How did you become an author?
I wrote my first story in pre-school. I was four or five and I’ve written stories ever since. My father was a professor and he wrote-and my mother loved literature and was already reading to us-so writing seemed natural to me. I thought all kids sat down and made up stories, and growing up my favorite books featured girls who wrote as well like Jo from Little Women or Laura from the Little House on the Prairie.
I chose to write stories that appeal to women – that are about women and real life because it’s a topic that fascinates me the most. I love women. I think we women have to be compassionate towards each other, but also ourselves and being a teacher, I just found it easy to write stories that encourage and support each other.
What is your favorite type of romance to read? Is it the same as what you write?
I love historical and paranormal romances! I was on a Mary Balogh binge for a few months, and because I go on binges I’ll read as much as I can by a particular author and then rotate authors to get a new style. Some of my favorite authors this past year include JR Ward, Loretta Chase, Mary Balogh, and Anna Campbell. Outside romance I read everything I can by Marian Keyes, although Watermelon is probably still my favorite. One of my favorite books I’ve read this year is Seeing Me Naked by Liza Palmer. It’s wonderful and I highly recommend it.
I notice that you have a book title contest. That’s fun! Have you done this before? I often wondered whether it was the author that titles a book or the printing house.
They are fun! I’ve done them before and it’s always interesting to see what titles everyone comes up with for the same story. Unfortunately as an author, I don’t really have much say in the title but the publisher asks for input and that’s my purpose for hosting the title contest. I want ideas and suggestions and I send them all to my editor once they come in and after that, it’s out of my hands. Marketing has the final say on titles because they know exactly what has better chances o selling the book.
How do you decide character names?
Sometimes the names just pop into my head as I think of the story and I know it’s the right one. Other times, it takes some time and inventive research to find the right name to fit the right character.
What advice do you have for others who are interested in writing?
As with anything, don’t give up. Don’t accept defeat. Keep learning, keep applying what you learn about the craft, about the world, about you to the story. Writing is a muscle and requires muscle. Learning to write well takes time. It’s like hitting the gym to build a bicep. You only get a better, stronger muscle by working it. Well, the same is true for writing. Of course good writers make it look easier than it is so don’t be discouraged if you have to write and rewrite.
What are some challenges in writing romance? Any particular genre of romance more difficult to pull off? What kind of research do you do, if any? Is there anything you wish you’ve seen in a romance novel — and are you writing it for us?
I love writing romance and find it very rewarding as love really does make the world go round. I don’t know if one genre is harder than another to pull off. I’m fascinated by them all and enjoy researching for my Harlequin Presents. I tend to read lots of historical accounts, biographies, travel logues, travel books, cook books, and magazine articles when outlining and planning a new book. I want to know as much as I can about a country and culture and the conflicts between men and women in that culture. Obviously a sheikh from Dubai will have a different way on interacting with women than an American or an Italian. The climate is different in every country, as are the foods and customs and I don’t just want to write a ‘romance’, I want to write a rich layered fantasy that seduces the reader and the senses.
I prefer personally to read a more emotional, intense romance. I love deep conflict and angst and sensual love scenes but those love scenes must come out of the character’s emotion and conflict, not just stuck on top. Great writers are writing these books and I’m just lucky I’m able to read them!
Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? What do you find difficult, if anything, about writing? And what do you like the best?
I don’t believe in writer’s block. I see difficulties in writing related more to craft or knowledge, or sometimes physical fatigue. Sometimes I make a mistake writing a story which leads me to a dead-end. I won’t know I’ve taken a wrong turn until I can’t seem to move the story forward, or if I’ve begun to make a series of wrong decisions. Then I just end up in a muddle and I won’t write for awhile until I figure out where I went wrong.
The most difficult part of writing for me is the time alone, and also the wear and tear on the body from sitting in one place so long and typing like mad for hours. I have to be sure to get lots of exercise when I’m writing hard as the days tend to be long and it’s easy to get carpal tunnel like symptons in my wrist and elbow.
Was it difficult to get published? How did you find your agent?
It was hard. Lots of hard work – but totally worth it. It took me fifteen years to sell my first book. I had over twelve rejected manuscripts before I finally sold my first book in January 2000. I actually write for two publishers–very different stuff–and since January 2000 I have written and sold 30 novels. It’s been an a lot of work but I’m living my dream. I’m read around the world. I’m published in over twenty-five countries and nineteen languages. I even have Sony and Lifetime making a movie out of one of my books (Flirting with Forty). This is why I didn’t quit. I wanted to see if I could do it. I wanted to know I could achieve it. I wanted to prove that anything is possible.
Do you work on deadlines now? How long does it usually take you to write a book?
Yes. I think every writer’s life revolves around deadlines. We just have to develop a system to handle them as works best for us.
I try to plan in advance as much as possible and then block out time. If I know I’m on deadline for a book, the last 4-6 weeks will be grueling with 10-18 hour days at the computer so before and after I block out dedicated mom time, time where I don’t need the sitter over, and I plan a fun trip or weekend activity with the boys. Same thing for my social life. Once I’ve been freed from my deadline, I try to catch up with girl friends and have coffees and lunch as when I’m writing hardcore I literally only leave my house to take kids to school and sport events. When the pressure is on me, everything falls away but work and kids.
What about bedroom scenes? What makes a good one? (I know I’ve been turned away from books where it was crude.)
These can be tricky and I can read things I can’t write, but I’m writing fewer love scenes than I used to. I think we all know what sex is and in a book where there isn’t a lot of emotion a love scene reminds me of a game of Twister–right hand on yellow dot, left foot on blue–so for me, the love scene must not just be about physical desire and physical pleasure but the emotional, psychological and spiritual connection between the two.
How do you define love?
Love validates the self. Love makes one feel important and valued and real. Which is why I like to write about all kinds of love in my books–not just romance, but love between friends, sisters, parents and children. Love really does make the world go round.
What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?
As I touched on above , I write about women, for women. If we want the world different for our daughters we have to be the ones to demand change and although I have boys not girls, I want the world different for all the little girls coming after me. I want to be strong, powerful, courageous and encourage children to be the same. We should teach our girls to be brave and encourage them to face discrimination and talk about what makes us hurt and what makes us hope and make sure that we’re part of the decision making. It’s important girls understand that life’s hard, sometimes very hard, but it’s also gorgeous and fascinating, challenging, rewarding and complex and that there will be times life is going to smack you and hurt you and knock you to your knees but you can get up. Falling down won’t break you. Falling down is just part of getting stronger and smarter and more compassionate. Falling and failing happen to all of us. And this is why I write. I want women to know what it’s taken my forty years to figure out–that life is only as good as you give, and you have to fight hard for what you want, including fighting for happiness. We all deserve love, joy, freedom, peace and respect. We all deserve the good stuff but the good stuff doesn’t just fall into our laps. We’re going to have to work for it.
What do you do to relax and get away from writing? I’m sure you find ideas all around you! Is there something that really gets you away from it all?
When not writing, I read, and travel. Love to travel, be with my kids, love new places and new experiences. I am always looking for a new adventure!
What are your hopes for the future?
More books, more time with friends, more travel, and hopefully, one more baby.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? When can we expect your next book?
I’m so glad you invited me to join you. This has been great fun. I always have lots of contests and conversations over on my website, www.janeporter.com, including info on my next book which is a July ‘09 release from 5 Spot. For the Harlequin fans, I’ll have another book out late in 2009 as well.
Thank you, Jane, for being here.
Jane has offered us a signed copy of Odd Mom Out, her September book which is the first of the two connected novels set in Bellevue. If you’d like to be included in this contest, leave a message here, and we will include you in this contest.
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If you loved Harry Potter, be sure not to miss Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.
Book Girl and I went to the midnight showing last night, crazy people that we are. The medium sized theater was about 2/3 full.
But you can bet that the second movie, for there will surely be one, will pack in more than one theater in each complex.
First, I just really couldn’t get into the book(s). I read them. But couldn’t have told you what they were about. Then, I listened to parts of the audio books as Book Girl wended her way through all of them.
Ah, but the movie is a different sort. Immediately understandable. Highly entertaining. Great CGI. My only caveat is that the fight training scenes looked amateurish, which may have been the whole point.
The background
The author wrote these books to help his own son understand the gods. His son is both ADHD and dyslectic. So is Percy Jackson.
The story
Percy finds himself in the middle of a coming war between Zeus and Poseidon unless he can return Zeus’ lightening bolt, which he has been accused of stealing.
Not only did he not steal it, but he has no idea that he is a demi-god — the son of Poseidon and his human mother.
Three friends
Once again, we have three friends, similar to Harry Potter. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover play are older. Together they survive and conquer.
Special effects
The CGI will have you on the edge of your seat more than once.
The characters
Assorted gods, demi-gods, centaurs, satyrs, and humans, etc.
The actors
Pierce Brosnan plays a prominent part. I won’t give it away.
Brandon T. Jackson is Grover, Percy Jackson’s bodyguard. He adds a lot of humor to the story. In a way, he reminds me of the taxi driver in Total Recall.
Alexandra Daddario (Annabeth) plays a much more likable character than Kate in White Collar, USA Network’s television series that we love. She is the daughter of Athena and is also a demi-god.
Logan Lerman is perfect as Percy Jackson. I don’t know him from any other work.
Jake Abel is Luke and will feature in other films. He is the son of Hermes, and is also a demi-god.
Rosario Dawson plays Persephone. She is key to Percy’s survival.
And don’t forget Ulma Thuman as Medusa — she makes the part. And there is some comedy in it too.
My take
Definitely 4 out of 4 star.
I think I’d like to read the books now that I’ve seen the movie.
Some of the special effects might be too scary for young children on the big screen. OTOH, no one has seen creatures like these, so we don’t expect them in a dark alley — though I was watching the lights coming home at 2 am.
It’s definitely interesting to think that not so very long ago these gods and goddesses were believed and feared. I was wondering who thought of them in the first place, how did they evolve into a religion at the time.
I’ve been to Greece and seen what is left of the temples and thought of what they might have been like when brand new and people believed.
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Isn’t it great that with the Internet we have a way to easily share these experiences that we might never hear about otherwise?!
Thanks to Cathy for sharing with me in the first place!
It’s a reminder to me that “God’s in his heaven; all’s right with the world.”
from “Pippa Passes”
The year’s at the spring
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hill-side’s dew-pearled
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn;
God’s in his Heaven -
All’s right with the world!
Robert Browning (1812-1889)
Is it possible that in these difficult times we could trust more deeply that God will feed and clothe us, as he does the birds and the lilies? Whether we are literally in need of food, shelter, clothing, water, health, employment or any of a myriad of other needs, the most basic need is for the ideas that will lead us in the right direction and out of limitation.
Ideas are always limitless! (This goes along with the short movie I posted earlier.)
Not too long ago while pondering how I should schedule my day, though my first inclination the night before had been to get on down the road and back home, I felt it was all right to meander a bit. In doing so, I had a number of interesting conversations with strangers, some welcome time with a friend, and a bit of fashion enjoyment, including some time with perfumes.
After I’d been back on the highway for a while, an electronic sign informed me of an accident 26 miles down the road. One lane was closed. (I learned later that it had only cleared about an hour before I got there.) If I had hurried my way home, I would have been stuck for hours while they cleared the road. I was able to get past it without any lost time.
Sometimes we do not know what we or others are protected from, but this time it was apparent. And it could have been far worse, but thankfully wasn’t. On this busy stretch of road, many more could have been involved in this accident but were not.
That’s just a small example of how ideas will clear our day for us. Expect ideas today and always that will help you!
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I learned through years of parenting that usually there is one of three things behind a child’s tantrum: either they need food, they need sleep or they need love.
That’s such a truism for life, really. When I have a hard day, it’s generally because I need some rest, but the other two factor in also.
It reminds me of the time Elijah was under the juniper tree. He’d just fled for his life after a seeming spiritual victory (but you note God didn’t tell him to do what he did). And there he was, exhausted, asking God to take away his life, he wasn’t any different than the others.
Did God do it?
Nope. First he had him sleep. Then he fed him. Then he appeared as the still, small voice and re-energized him. And he gave him a friend in the work, Elisha.
These three things are almost a spiritual law, and I bet the rabbis had a word for it.
What is there about food that represents all the good in life. Is it because it is such a basic need?
Not too long ago I watched a friend invite another to come over. I’ll fix you breakfast, she offered. In that simple offering was all the power of providing a few wings in a free fall.
The next time you have a hard day, ask yourself if you are missing one or all of these elements, then try to consciously give them to yourself.
And if you are dealing with a recalcitrant child or some other in your life, you’ll find these help also.
I laugh when I think of the truism: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. There’s a reason for that adage, and it applies to more than men.
I think there’s something about food disorders that gets back to the base line of love. If you struggle with this, know that you are loved and that you can love. You can rest in that.
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Here’s some highlights:
She began playing the drums at 12.
A neighbor says of her:
She’s an inspiration to me. I enjoy being in her company. I look forward to visiting her; we’re both happy to see each other. She is a very popular woman. People don’t forget her.
She says she doesn’t have a formula for long life…no magic to it…other than being blessed to be happy in her home life, happy in her marriage and determined to find beauty of some sort in everyone.
I just worship the Lord, try to help add positive things to people’s lives and try to find happiness in everyday life. Maurine Engel
Bless her! I want to be her when I grow up. “Determined to find beauty of some sort in everyone…” I hear her. She also says she enjoys being around young/er people.
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The dailiness of life brings many challenges. Often we think there is little we can do, or that anything we might do would likely have little effect. So we end up doing nothing. Or worse, we may fall into an attitude of mad-itude, constantly aggravated over even small events, largely complaining to everyone around us, adding another annoyance to their day. We then become the challenge!
I like this little poem for the truth it offers:
What if the little rain should say,
‘So small a drop as I
Can ne’er refresh a drooping earth,
I’ll tarry in the sky.’ Unknown author.
Each of us has a voice, and it is needed.
I was struck this morning by the power of one voice — then others joining with it.
What happens when a favorite teacher is laid off?
Rather than accepting the news defeatedly, when Christina Gutierrez (better known as Miss G. to her students) was notified in mid-September that she would be laid off due to low seniority, her students at Hamilton High School in Los Angeles rallied.
The last day she worked 500 students organized a sit-in protest. They wanted to voice their disapproval of the decision.
Prior to this 4 students and friends Noemi Rodriguez, Jimmy Biblarz, David Kamins, and Maya Festinger felt there had to be something they could do about it. They teleconferenced twice a week, investigated rules and regs, and thought about the logistics. Using word of mouth (I was surprised it wasn’t texting) they publicized their plans, and the day of the protest they handed out information for all that were protesting.
I won’t be surprised if any of them become lawyers.
They lined the halls the day of Gutierrez’ departure, careful not to block any exits or disrupt traffic flow in the building. When the principal asked them to be quiet, they started to snap. By day’s end, the students had gathered 300 letters of support.
This did not prove to be a solution, however. Rather than letting it end there, the students kept forging on.
Gutierrez took a substitute teaching job at an elementary school. Meanwhile her replacement wished to work at an elementary school. The simple solution was: why not switch the two teachers?
And I ask, since she had a replacement, why was she let go in the first place!
The students prepared to present their solution at a school district board meeting.
We want to create a legitimate student representation. We don’t want to be belligerent or bludgeoning. A lot of what we are about is proposing solutions, rather than listing grievances. Maya Festinger
The result? The board members conceded and allowed Gutierrez to return to Hamilton High.
What do I conclude?
It began with Gutierrez whose voice meant something to the students.
What does it take to have a voice that others rally to support?
I suspect she respects her students and genuinely likes them. I’m sure they feel this.
In a situation such as this, it would appear that those who are powerless (in this case the students) must accept without murmur the decision of the powerful (the school board.) But in this case, the powerless showed their acumen and ultimately that they were not powerless at all.
It’s inspiring! In the midst of seeming hopelessness, we don’t have to cave! Perhaps it is only rarely that we are ever powerless. With a little heart, we can accomplish a lot.
Where can you add your voice today? Don’t be silent! Let your voice be heard.
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All:
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Moments so dear
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure – Measure A Year?
In Daylights – In Sunsets In Midnights – In Cups Of Coffee
In Inches – In Miles In Laughter – In Strife
In – Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure A Year In The Life?
How About Love?
How About Love?
How About Love?
Measure In Love
Seasons of Love.
Seasons of Love.
Joanne:
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Journeys To Plan
Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Six Hundred Minutes
How Do You Measure The Life
Of A Woman Or A Man
Collins:
In Truths That She Learned
Or In Times That He Cried
In Bridges He Burned
Or The Way That She Died
All:
It’s Time Now – To Sing Out
Though The Story Never Ends Let’s Celebrate
Remember A Year In The Life Of Friends
Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Remember the Love
Measure In Love
Joanne:
Oh you got to you got to remember the love, You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love, spread love
Measure, measure your life in love.
ALL
Seasons Of Love(2x)
Joanne: Measure your life, measure your life in love
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The loss of some friendships hits at a visceral level.
On the other hand some friendships just kind of drift away from lack of contact or interest(s.) When growing up, I had serial best friends. There didn’t seem to be any reason why one friendship segued into another. It just happened. Some friendships just naturally seem to grow apart. There wasn’t any blow up.
A friend and I were talking yesterday about someone she’d lost contact with. It’s a puzzle. And it worries on some level to lose track of someone. We agreed that even as good friends as we are, we do not know how to contact each other’s grown children. She said to me that some losses are greater than others.
The loss of this friend would not mean the same as the loss of another (and she named another friend.)
This same friend found out the hard way that a woman she considered a friend was anything but. In retrospect, she said they never talked about anything of significance. And some of what this woman confided in her might have been colored by the woman herself, so when push came to shove, she was not as she had portrayed herself or the situations to be. How much of what she’d said over years was even true, or only true from her standpoint. That was a tough loss.
Another friend went to check on a friend only to find out the friend had moved with no contact information. It worries my friend because the person who moved was going through some hard times. It’s just very strange. My friend said the lesson was to learn how badly that hurt someone and not to ever do it.
Continuing the story of my hair stylist:
A friend should be non-judgmental. At one point I was having trouble with my son, and the woman I considered a friend was very judgmental. I said to her, I have to end this conversation right now, and I hung up. That was really the end of the friendship for me. [It would be for me too.] She called me back yelling at me. Later I sent her a note and told her exactly how I felt. Ordinarily I would never have said anything to hurt her. I’d have kept quiet — and I had kept quiet about a number of things that had bothered me over time. But not this time. When she had problems, I was always there for her, but when I was desperate, she hit at a low level. My hair stylist, with permission
I thought it was good that she knew when to get out of the conversation. And I think anybody who yelled at me would be long-gone. They wouldn’t be a friend. (I try not to give a reason to be yelled at, that’s for sure!) I might be friendly with them, but I would limit contact, if at all possible, and I wouldn’t be friends on the same level, even if outwardly I was friendly. There would be loss of a point of trust, and things would never be quite the same.
I don’t like confrontation. But I don’t run from one either, once I give it some thought. Occasionally, very occasionally, I have popped off in the moment, which happened to be a good thing. But usually I consider carefully, before I let anything fly.
When have you lost a friend…and when did you know the friendship was over?
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I have a great deal of company in my house; especially in the morning, when nobody calls. Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862
This quote appeals to me on many levels, not the least because it is so droll.
I’m more of a night person than a morning person, though I get up early. When I first wake, even though I might jump into my day, I still need to take it slowly in my thought.
For the most part I need solitude and quiet time. It is restorative. If I don’t get it in the day time, I find myself awake at night getting it. I figure that’s God’s way of seeing that I have time alone. If I want to sleep better, I need to watch my days.
Getting quiet on any level with a busy family is the trick. By the time I get the kids out the door and to school some mornings, my morning has already included enough for three mornings. Then it takes me a longer time to get into a quiet place once I get back home.
Unless I guard my quiet time it is gone like dew upon the grass when the sun comes up. It reminds me of my friend who recently said she has had to drive around in her car to get quiet time.
But with cell phones, even the car isn’t quiet. Though I admit talking to friends is not the same as the constant demands on me of the family-things. I consider being with friends another kind of quiet time.
This morning I was hardly awake and my middle girl came to find me to tell me my computer was making noise. It sure was.
I’m hopeful that finding someone to help with the house will alleviate some of the more constant demands on my time and thought and allow for more quiet. Ya think?
How about you? Do you seek quiet time or do you fill up quiet time intentionally? (I’ve done both, depending on what is going on in my life.)
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Arranged is one of those sweet movies that I just can’t say enough good about.
A friend recommended this movie to me, and she had it Tivo’ed, so we were able to watch it. She said she liked it as well the second time. I’ve since ordered my own copy.
The story centers around two young women, one is an Orthodox Jew and the other is Muslim. They work in the same school and become friends. Both women are good, in the best possible way, and do not walk the path of other women teaching in their school. They both revere God in their own ways.
They soon find they have something else in common — their fathers are arranging marriages for them. In some ways the suitors are similar to the suitors in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Each one is worse than the other, but fortunately the girls have a say in it. The Jewish matchmaker is doing her best, but it isn’t very good.
The principal is overbearing and rude, trying to change them both.
But the young women are magnificent. So are their fathers, mothers, grandmother, etc.
Both families are portrayed with love and the (arranged) marriages of the parents seem to be happy. The Muslim mother is in her daughter’s favor. The Jewish mother is more of a caricature.
The ending is a double delight. Triple, when you count the epilogue. There is a happy surprise in the first ending. Watch the way the Muslim girl changes the way she wraps her scarf. That’s all I’m saying about that!
There were some slight errors in the film, but hopefully it will not detract from your enjoyment of it. It is rare to see religion portrayed kindly.
Sometimes I think a matchmaker might be a very good thing!
Have you seen this movie?
This is a movie I think you could enjoy again and again, finding new things in each screening. It strengthens your own faith, which is not a bad thing.
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Suzanne Brockman writes several series. This book is from her Troubleshooter’s series, stories of US Navy Seal Team Sixteen. Each book details the story of another member of the team, as well as intertwines the characters more and more.
I’m not sure if this is the first book, but it’s a good place to start. I have liked some of the stories more than others, but I like the concept.
I picked this book up again recently and found myself rereading it, something I rarely do.
From Suzanne Brockman’s website:
After a near-fatal head injury, U.S. Navy SEAL Lieutenant Tom Paoletti catches a terrifying glimpse of an international terrorist in his New England hometown. When he calls for help, the Navy dismisses the danger as injury-induced imaginings. In a desperate last-ditch effort to prevent disaster, Tom creates his own makeshift counterterrorist team, assembling his most loyal officers, two elderly veterans of the Second World War, a couple of misfit teenagers, and Dr. Kelly Ashton — the sweet “girl next door” who has grown into a remarkable woman. Once known as the town’s infamous bad boy, Tom has always longed for Kelly. Now he has one final chance for happiness, one last chance to win her heart, and one desperate chance to save the day….
HERO: Lt. Tom Paoletti, U.S. Navy SEAL Commander
HEROINE: Dr. Kelly Ashton, pediatrician
LOCATION: Baldwin’s Bridge, Massachusetts
You can call these romance books with a twist. The twist is, of course, saving the day.
In this book, various voices narrate the action. I particularly liked this. It was believable and not just a writing device. It actually allowed the reader to catch glimpses of the inner persons. And woven through the book are the narrations of a romance and heroic actions during WWII in France. These actions have direct bearing on the circumstances in the book.
There is to be a ceremony honoring the hero of Baldwin’s Bridge (Tom’s uncle — and until this point in time Tom never knew of the actions of his uncle in OSS) — and his uncle plans to give an interview to a reporter detailing the real hero (Kelly’s father.)
The characters rise to the occasion, get the bad guy(s), save the day, fall in love — what more could you want from a story.
And the romance develops over a slow pace — the entire book — with a lot of stream of consciousness and flirting and some serious, but not crude, sex.
Tom has been told that his kind of head injury may result in paranoia. And he has bad headaches throughout the book.
When he first catches a glimpse of the man he strongly believes is the Merchant, he recognizes the odd way he puts his backpack on his shoulders. He has altered his appearance some, if indeed it is the Merchant. Tom feels it is his duty to report this sighting, but it is not well received. No legitimate source of intel has anything, but the fact that it is believed the Merchant died of his injuries in the last encounter.
Tom continues to catch glimpses of him — as well as the tattoo that members of the Merchant’s team use to identify themselves.
But has he seen him or hasn’t he? Does he just imagine there is danger when there is not? Even though paranoia usually means thinking that only oneself is in danger, whereas here he sees the possibility of others’ being in danger, he must decide if he should pursue following this lead, even if it means he could be medically discharged from the Seals.
He calls in as many of his trusted team as he can, making them know it is not an order, that they are acting on their own time (vacation.) Good thing he did too.
The action gets very fast paced at the end where they must find the bomb and save the day.
Have you read any of Brockman’s books or series?
Which is your favorite? This is one of mine. I kept putting it down so as to savor the finish.
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Today was a lovely, lazy, very busy — oxymoron, I know — happy, productive, fun day. I did nothing — and everything.
Meanwhile some tropical storm or other is likely sitting off the coast because after having no rain for longer than we’d care to remember, we are getting inundated with it. No thunder; no lightening; just lots of glorious, wet weather. Good weather for ducks.
I like rain — any rain. I like the sound of it. I like the overcast nature of it — which can be overcast in one place and across the street the sun can be shining. Unlike Michigan where it would be overcast all over for days.
I like it that it breaks the heat and humidity.
The temps dropped from in the high 80s, low 90s, to the high 60s. Glorious weather.
I like the smell of rain. I look for the perfect scent of rain in a fragrance, and I’ve tried out several. Some I just like to have around to smell when I want that ozone/dirt perfect fragrance. The latest I’ve tried is Thundra — a truly lovely, interesting fragrance. I might review it tomorrow.
And I stayed in all day except for all the schlepping of the kids. The 11 yr old had a field trip today in pouring rain. I sent her off with a sweatshirt and an umbrella. She came back wet.
Night products Admission: generally I don’t take my makeup off at night. Bad Karin. But I don’t perspire, so my face is still clean. Last night was no exception, but I wanted to use the Arbonne night cream. So after I cleansed my face today — with the Arbonne samples — I put on night cream and enjoyed the day. I actually think I could apply my makeup over the top of it, but I never got to it.
When I was in my 20s, night creams were too rich and would break me out. And moisturizer alone, without something to seal it in, wasn’t moist enough. I’d wake up drier than I’d like. So, for me, my regimen has been pretty much no night products, unless I wore them in the daytime, or unless I was jump starting my face.
I don’t recommend this if you have oily skin or if it doesn’t work for you. But whatever works, works!
To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, just ask.
So what did I do?
You got me, but the day flew!
No, seriously, I did a lot of beading to catch up with projects I had.
Oh! and I started a yahoogroup for serious bead addicts of Trollbeads, Pandora, Chamilia, Biagi, artisan or other beads http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Addicted2Trollbeadsandmore/ It will be a place for resources of all kinds, including shops or artists that might want to tell about themselves.
I helped my 13 yo learn to iron so her skirt would look better for school. Schlepped the kids, including waiting at the bus stop until she was picked up — and again until she was dropped off — as it was raining too hard to let her stand out there in the elements.
Talked to the Arbonne rep (hi, Sherri!). Talked to a lot of friends (you know who you are.) (I can tell Sherri will be one too.) Talked for a long time with my sister while I waited for youngest to return from her field trip. Did a bunch of adoption related stuff. Cannot ignore the horror story now going around in RL or the adoption related horror movie that will be coming out soon.
Knew I would write in my blog, if I could break away from beading long enough.
Helped BookGirl decide some things about her art work. She helped me choose between patterns of beading.
Will write another Arbonne review in a few.
Leave me a message so I know you are out there.
I’m going to enjoy the sound of the pouring rain. How about you? Do you like rain? Is it raining where you are? Do you need rain? We were parched here.
Karin
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I had never heard of Leymah Gbowee until recently. She is a Christian from Liberia. Never let it be said that one person cannot accomplish the impossible, despite terrible odds and circumstances that most of us have never experienced.
Wisdom, beauty and peace shine out from her face in the portrait I saw that was made in New York.
One night she dreamed — in the midst of the hell her country had devolved into during civil war covering 13 years (violence, rape, murder) — that she should gather a group of women together to pray for peace. When speaking, she felt ordained by God. The Liberian Mass Action for Peace, a movement of Christian and Muslim women, came together in prayer as a result of that dream.
…sometimes the process is slow and painful…It takes the love of God to get you out of the bed every morning to face the perpetrators of injustice. It takes the love of God …it takes your faith … Lehmah Gbowee in the above youtube.
The new documentary feature Pray the Devil Back to Hell shares the story of how this interfaith group of women helped put an end to Liberia’s civil war.
Abigail E. Disney, producer, and director Gini Reticker used footage from archives, and current video and interviews to tell the story. The film premiered in Los Angeles November 14, 2008, and may be seen in some local film festivals.
The women’s rallying cry was:
Does a bullet know a Christian from a Muslim?
Early in the film, despite the obvious disapproval of men in the front row, Gbowee is shown urging her fellow Christian women in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Monrovia, to protest the war. A Muslim woman in the crowd, pledged to mobilize her community.
And from this small beginning, the interfaith group of women became their country’s conscience, convincing the warlords and the president to attend peace talks in Ghana in 2003.
You can read more about her here and read a conversation here.
Here’s a more complete account of how the documentary came to be.
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