Day Three in New York!

We started the day with breakfast with most of The Sextet and Kendra!





















Went to the opening session of the conference, and then to the annual general meeting, which lasted very briefly. Then I met with Susie Benton, the associate editor at Sourcebooks and then on to the keynote luncheon, where Willy had lunch with 2000 romance writers. He was in heaven!





















After lunch, we had the opening session of the Published Authors Network. All of these sessions were very good, with the emphasis of hanging in there, not quitting, and that ebooks are the wave of the future.

After dinner at Juniors, we went to see The Adams Family on Broadway!



























Needless to say, neither I, nor Willy, had ever been to a Broadway show. It was a great show, but my knees were having a real hard time staying bent for so long. I think a lot of standing ovations come about from the audience simply needing to stand up!

More stuff going on tomorrow, including the Sourcebooks signing and the dinner. In the meantime, enjoy today's hunk!

Day Two in New York!

We began the day with breakfast at Junior's. Had an awesome omelet, but I think tomorrow I'm going to just have the two eggs. I was stuffed!





















Then Elizabeth and I got on the subway and went to Battery Park so I could see the Statue of Liberty. Willy had one of his more chaste pics taken because there were small children in the vicinity.





















Then we walked to the World Trade Center site. I thought they were going to leave it as it was, but they're building all sorts of things, including a memorial.





















We rode the subway back to the hotel and met up with Mellanie, Lynne, and Kendra Leigh Castle! We went walking down Fifth Avenue and checked out the Barnes & Noble where we found Kendra's new book along with Virgin!





















Then we walked on down Fifth Avenue and I actually went into Saks and tried on a hat. Too small, and TOO EXPENSIVE!!!! We were almost to Central Park, and we were starved, so we had lunch at the Trump Tower. Would you believe Donald Trump has his picture on the bottles of WATER???? Of course, he can't hold a candle (or a YD) to Willy!





















After that, we hiked back to the hotel and Lynne bought some cupcakes and a bakery that Oprah thinks is awesome. I'll have to admit, the cupcakes looked pretty awesome!

I was going to take a shower before the Literacy Signing, but I laid down on the bed and just didn't want to get up again. I got up just in time to change my clothes and powder my nose and then went and sat for two and a half hours with my good buddy and fellow Sourcebooks author, and our newest NYT Bestseller, Carolyn Brown! Her husband was wearing this terrific T-shirt that said "I sleep with the author of Love Drunk Cowboy and inspired pages 274-277." Too cute!





















Then we had dinner at Sardi's I had the swordfish, a margarita, and chocolate mousse. Two of the Sextet didn't make it, but we were with Kendra, Marie Force, and two of her buddies. One of the waitresses was folding napkins at a table behind us and really got a kick out of our conversation. That's me and Annie Morgan.





















And Mellanie and Kendra!





















Now I'm back in the room blogging and Elizabeth has already gone to bed. The conference starts in the morning, so I probably better get a shower and get to bed. I'm meeting Kendra and Lynne for breakfast at 6:45. What are the odds that I'll be up that early?

Probably not too good. . . .

Hmm. . . He's still out there. . . .

Day one in New York!

Greetings from The Big Apple! Our flight was uneventful and we arrived on time. Elizabeth gets really chatty when she's nervous, and the conversation definitely increased during the takeoff and the landing. We had a fun ride from the airport. Our driver, whose name none of us can remember, that is, if we ever asked him, was very entertaining. The conference is at the The Marriott Marquis and it really is on Times Square. Believe it or not, this is the view from our window!





















We checked in and dropped off our luggage in our rooms and went down to the Atrium Lounge where we had drinks with the Siren publisher and some of the other Siren authors. Willy got his first taste of a Raspberry Margarita. I had a plain margarita--the only one of the group not drinking the pink stuff! Excellent drink, BTW, but pricy, I was glad I wasn't buying!





















We went to dinner at Sophia's. Our driver had recommended it and it also had the virtue of being right across the street from the hotel. Our waiter was Leo. I called dibs on him as soon as we walked in the door, but the guy who filled our water glasses was pretty cute, too. Good ol' Elizabeth told him we always harass our waiters and needed a picture. Unfortunately, he had pulled his shoulder-length hair back into a ponytail before we got around to taking the picture, but he was still cool, and even had an Italian accent! Left to right, that's Niki Hayes, me, Mellanie Szereto, Leo, and Elizabeth Raines.





















After dinner we walked down Broadway for several blocks, then crossed the street and came back. Along the way I got a T-shirt for Sam.





















We saw some mounted policemen.





















And Willy checked out a souvenir shop. By seven-thirty, we were all beat, so we went back to our rooms and unpacked. And blogged.





















And took another picture out of our window. Then I crashed. New York has worn me out!





















Then we found this hunk on our balcony.



























Nah... We don't actually have a balcony.

Bummer....

New York, New York!

Heading out for the Big Apple today for the RWA National Conference! I've never been to New York and haven't ever had a great yen to go there, but now that I have a reason to go, I'm excited! I'm also scheduled to blog today on Casablanca Authors. Something about great women or some such thing. No idea what I'll post there. None. But you might drop by anyway.

I still seem to be in the mood for wet hunks these days. This one is a little more muscled than I like, but he does have a nice little hint of a dangly bit thing going there. And nice thighs. And nice arms.

The buns aren't bad, either.

I'll check in as soon as I can find a place with Internet access. Willy and I will be leaving Indy at 11:55 with three other members of the Sextet, Mellanie Szereto, Elizabeth Raines, and Niki Hayes! Ginger O'Brien and Annie Morgan will be arriving on Tuesday. We're having dinner at Sardi's after the Literacy Signing with Marie Force and Kendra Leigh Castle. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Look out, New York. The Sextet is coming! Look for Dirty Dancing on July 1st!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Guess I'm in the mood for wet hunks this weekend.


Not sure why.


Maybe it's the heat or the stormy weather.


But it probably doesn't matter....


Enjoy your Sunday!

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Okay.


Somebody else needs to write today's blog.


I'm officially speechless.


After you finish drooling, be sure to check out this article posted by Mari Davis, editor-in-chief of Fashion Windows!

The Cat Star Chronicles: Prince Charming as a sex object.

Friday Fun!

I hate housework! You make
The beds, do the dishes and
Six months later you have to
Do it all over again!!



















I can so relate to Maxine, and I'm getting more like her every day. I don't clean anything anymore but the stove, the table, and the dust collection bin on my robotic vacuum cleaner. My bed never gets made because there's always someone in it.




















Oops! Where the hell did he come from?????

Thursday Thoughts

About all I can think about right now is the upcoming RWA conference in New York. I'm starting a list of stuff to take with me that is growing longer by the minute. I just hope I can fit it all into my suitcase! Budley tells me to take nothing with me that I can't afford to lose. Apparently he has a very dim view of law and order in the Big Apple, and he's still worried about bedbugs. I'm just worried about being able to sleep. This is my list so far: Computer, thumb drive, camera, antibiotics, neti pot & salt packets, cough syrup, cough drops, pillows, bookmarks, bedbug spray, white noise machine.

Can you tell my sinuses are still bugging me? I tried rolling up my bolster pillow just now, and I can make it the size of a small throw pillow. I'm sure with more pressure and a belt or two I can make it even smaller. I'm never going anywhere without it again. I was in a king size bed with nine pillows in Cincinnati, and I still didn't sleep worth a darn. Which reminds me, must add Tylenol PM to the list. I'll have to remember to get some.

Sam and I are driving to Indianapolis today for a doctor's appointment. Sam wants to drive at least part of the way, but no way am I letting him drive on the loop around Indy. It scares me to drive it myself! He's gone to work twice now without anyone in the car with him, and he's done okay. It's great that he's becoming more independent, but it's still scary. We went to the dentist a couple of weeks ago and he told them he wants braces. Fortunately, there's an orthodontist nearby, but it's still going to be expensive. I told Sam we'd go talk to her sometime after the conference. He has an open bite from sucking his thumb as a child. It's better than it was, but his front teeth still don't meet when he bites down. He's never seemed to have any trouble eating, but I think this is part of his effort to be more "normal." He's got his weight down and he looks pretty cute. Maybe he'll find a girlfriend someday. Actually, I believe that's his goal. Me, I just want to make it through June. I've promised Kes, Jadzia, and Peaches each a bath in July. Which reminds me. Must add shampoo and soap to my list.

I just saw on Facebook that Kendra is getting her toenails painted a sparkly gold for NY. Not sure I'm up for that yet. I did the nail polish thing at RT last year and it about drove me nuts trying to keep them looking decent. I guess I'm just not a nail polish kind of girl.

I did buy a shirt with sequins on it for the Rita Awards so I could look sparkly when I'm cheering for Kendra to win the paranormal category. I hope it brings her luck!

I just went looking for a sleeping hunk to add to this post, thinking maybe he would help me sleep better in NY, and the only good "sleeping hunk" picture I found was this one,



















which Google images had pulled off of MY blog! Guess I'm becoming a hunk source now. *wicked grin* There are worse things to be known for.

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

In the book I'm working on to self-publish on Amazon, one of the guys is nicknamed "The Coke Can." I'm thinking it looks a lot like Harry's YD.

I'm hoping to get the book edited and the cover art done soon so I can get it out there. I noticed Kate Douglas recently put a book up, and I'll bet more and more authors do it. When you can get 70% of the cover price instead of 5%, who wouldn't want to give it a shot?

The book is currently titled Sex, Love, and a Purple Bikini, and I really hope it sells. It's contemporary romantic comedy, which makes it a little different from the Cat Star books, but I'm hoping it will find an audience.

Also, since I failed to mention it yesterday, the Dirty Dancing anthology from Siren is now available for pre-order!

Okay. Enough staring at Harry's Coke Can. Must get back to work, now. . .

Tasty Tuesday!

Happy First Day of Summer! I've tried to look at the calendar more since I almost forgot Father's Day. That's what happens when you work nights and are working on books the rest of the time. One day is very much like another.

I'm still trying to get over that bug I got right before I went to Cincinnati earlier this month. I really don't want to go through that again in New York. Elizabeth Raines is my roomie in NY, and she will NOT want to share a room with someone who's up all night coughing!

Maybe what I need is something hot and spicy to drive out the germs.

This recipe from Diva Donna looks like it might fill the bill. Jesse looks pretty spicy, too!

Slow Cooker Chicken Mole

This is a favorite recipe that my Girls love: Wrap in tortilla's or use a Taco Chip Dip

And I just threw in pierced Jesse again for added Spice

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 finely chopped canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Directions

1. Place onion, raisins, garlic, sesame seeds, chipotle pepper, peanut butter and crushed tomatoes in slow cooker. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, and cocoa powder. Place chicken in the sauce.
2. Cover; cook on Low until chicken is very tender, about 5 hours.
3. Serve with tortilla's or as a dip

Monday Moons!

Yippee!

The last stop on Virgin's blog tour is today on Star-Crossed Romance!

I'm talking about the research I did for Virgin.

Come on over for your chance to win a book!

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

I'm guessing he's a soccer player, too.


Think he'd let the Yah Yahs play with his ball(s)?

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

Now, there's a spectator sport I could really get into!

Just wish I knew what it was called....

Friday's Guest Blog!

There's another guest blog up today on Night Owl Romance.

This one is called, So you want to be an alien? Should be fun.

Come on over for your chance to win a copy of Virgin!

Guest Blog!

I've got a character interview with Dax, Ava, and Waroun posted today on Fresh Fiction!

There should be another book giveaway along with it, so come on over and post a comment for your chance to win a copy of Virgin!

Speaking of fresh, these guys could qualify for the fresh catch of the day.

Enjoy your Thursday!

PS. I'm pretty sure this is the guy from yesterday's post. Remember him?

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

Elizabeth Raines sent me this picture. I think I know who this guy is.

Any guesses?

Tasty Tuesday Olive Chicken!

I've been so immersed in guest blogs and work on the books, I almost forgot to put up a post here on my own blog. It's a sad state of affairs, let me tell you. My body feels permanently frozen in the sitting position. Thank goodness Donna sends me these recipes to post, otherwise I'd simply be telling you all how to put smoked turkey and muenster cheese on a thin bun with a little mayo and calling it dinner!

Thank you all so much for visiting the guest blogs. Sometimes blogging can get pretty lonely. Our publicist recently mentioned not doing a blog tour for Stud and making a big splash with book nine. I was a bit miffed at first, but it might not be such a bad thing. Anyway, there are two more later this week and one on Monday and I'm done!

So, with out further adieu, here is another tasty-looking recipe from our own Diva Donna!

"Chicken Breasts simmered with wine, chicken broth, olives, tomatoes, and smattering of herbs and spices. Serve with rice. And a bottle of Wine and a very nice Hunk."

Olive Chicken

Ingredients

• 8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 tomatoes, peeled and quartered
• 20 pimento-stuffed green olives
• 1 1/4 cups dry white wine
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; brown chicken in oil, about 5 minutes each side. Add garlic, bay leaf, thyme and pepper and mix well, then stir in tomatoes, olives, wine and broth.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Remove garlic and bay leaf and serve with a nice, big helping of Steve Hooper!

---

Monday Moons!

This past week has been interesting, to say the least. I found out that Virgin is on sale at Walmart and Sharing is on the bestseller list at Siren!

I have an interview today on Debbie's Book Bag, and another on Borders True Romance Blog.

Hop on over and post a comment for your chance to win a copy of Virgin!

Me, I'll just stay here and stare at the buns.

Might even give them a little pat now and then...

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

I'm thinking this guy is on a beach somewhere in South America.

I think I want to go there.

Soon...

Saturday's Hunk of the Day!

He's got everything but the horse!

Friday Fun!

LOL! Write your own caption and then come on over to The Book Faery for another interview. We're giving away books, too!

Thursday Thoughts

If you're looking for thoughts today, you'll have to come over and visit me on Love Romance Passion!

Then again, he does look like he's thinking about something...

Whopping Weasel Wednesday!

I'm guest blogging today on Sia McKye's Over Coffee.

Grab a hunk and come on over for your chance to win a free copy of Virgin!

And speaking of freebies, Outcast is available for a free download on Kindle and Nook this week!

Tasty Tuesday Quiche!

Thankfully Donna has sent me another recipe just in time to post. This is gonna be a tough week. I've got three guest blogs starting tomorrow, and two of them are interviews I haven't even written yet. Oh, yeah, and I work Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I think I need someone to make me a quiche!
Donna writes:

Cheryl,

This recipe I made for breakfast today for my girls. I call if Alex's Quiche because that's my FB role players name. And I used it for her restaurants on my posts. My hubs is away fishing. It's great for breakfast lunch or dinner I always love it with fruit and a small salad with a light vinaigrette dressing, if I have it up for dinner. It makes 9 inch 2 pies. The reason, you'll hate yourself the next day if you make only one. Great warmed up, even tastes better, when the flavors blended more.

Real men don't eat quiche? So not true. ENJOY!

Alex's Quiche

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound thick sliced bacon
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained.
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, finely diced
• 2 cups finely diced smoked ham
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside. Cook spinach according to package instructions. Allow to cool, then squeeze dry.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Saute onions until soft and translucent. Stir in mushrooms, and cook for 2 minutes, or until soft. Stir in ham and cooked bacon. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine spinach, sour cream, salt and pepper. Divide, and spread into pie crusts. Layer with bacon mixture. Mix together Monterey Jack, Cheddar and Parmesan, and sprinkle over pies. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and pour over pies.
4. Place pies on baking sheet, and bake on middle shelf in preheated oven for 40 minutes. The top will be puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

---

Blue Monday Moons

Regardless of the fact that I felt like crap the whole time I was there, I think the Lori Foster Author/Reader Get Together would be a terrific opportunity for the Yah Yahs to get together next year. The hotel rate was reasonable, and registration was only $50. Plus, since we arrived on Thursday and the actual event didn't start until Friday at 4PM, we had most of that day to hang out together and chat. Something to think about.

Now that Virgin and Sharing have launched, though I'll still be doing some guest blogs this month--three of them this week!--I really need to get going on CSC #9 again. I've been thinking about where I want to go with it, but it's kind of bittersweet knowing it will be the last cat star book. My editor at Sourcebooks told me she wanted me to do a contemporary series. I guess sci-fi and paranormal are old news. I'm not sure I want to write another series, but that seems to be the only thing they want from me. I gotta tell ya, the self publication directly to Kindle is looking better all the time, money-wise and sanity-wise.

We shall see!

In the meantime, try to ignore the tramp stamp and focus on the yummy buns instead.

Me, I'm trying to divert my attention from a plugged up ear. About the best I can say is that I'm not coughing my head off. At least, not right at the moment. . .

Sunday's Hunk of the Day!

Whew, what a day! Just gonna post a few pics before I hit the sack. I'm EXHAUSTED!!!!

The booksigning went pretty well, but I didn't even think to ask anyone to take my picture while I was sitting there. Here's Judi Fennell and Kate Douglas, who were sitting across from me.





















And here's a pic of the Canadian Contingent: Mary G, Leah Braemel, and Anara Bella. Together with Marie, we stuck together most of the time. It's so nice to have people to hang around with at these events. Otherwise, you can feel very lonely even in a crowd of people.





















They must not have had many copies of Virgin available because Mary G got there fairly early and there were only three copies left, and I didn't sign many of them, either. However, Anara got one of each!





















After dinner, we went to the bar for drinks. Willy helped me polish off the tequila, and then we called it a night.




















Since it's Sunday, we must have a hunk!



"What? You Yah Yahs want little ol' ME?

Be still, my heart!"