I’ve been working on this enormous genre post for you, where we interviewed all sorts of people and we have all but one person in, so it will go up soon. Phew.
A word about fictional marriages in our work. The general rule of thumb is, if there is more than a ten year difference and when the two characters first met, one of them was a child, it’s a no. Grooming is an ugly thing.
So no, Arabella – Cornelius/Lenora/Augustine will never happen. We consider that creepy. Derek and Julie had only 6 years and we are making them jump through all sorts of hoops just to have their first kiss. If that happens. #CasuallyEvilWriter, #HowToMessWith Fandom.
If the two characters met as adults and they have a significant age difference but decide to be together, it’s not a problem. A large age gap may add additional difficulties to a marriage, but may is the key word here. There are plenty of real world couples with significant age difference that made it work. That’s what being an adult means – you are able to make decisions regarding who you would like to spend your time with. 🙂
Also, just because a character is unattached doesn’t mean he will be attached. This is not the Bachelor. For that you would have to wait until we… oops, just almost said too much. So um, Bachelor. Interesting show. ::whistles:: Kid 1 made us watch the latest season.
One time Gordon’s aunt didn’t like the direction the conversation was going and so she said, out of nowhere, “One time I was frying cubed steak and a big gob of grease flew up and landed on me.”
Look at that big gob of grease flying. Wooo!
In completely unrelated subjects, during the pandemic I have been forced to attend to my own personal grooming needs, and I broke down and bought a wax station like you see in salons. I love it with unholy love. Apparently, I have zero problems ripping hair out of my face by myself.
So for our discussion today, what did you start doing during the pandemic that you plan on keep doing after restrictions and lockdowns are over?
I’ve taken up making pickles, and my own hot sauce from peppers that I grow myself.
Hi. Big (read Ultra+Max+Pro)fan.
I really like Michael.
Can we have Arabella and Michael…? Pretty please
Baking bread, it’s soothing yet not perfect.
My 87 year old mother came to live with us in April 2020, as she was not coping well with the pandemic isolation. We all decided it was working well to have her here, so she is staying. We did have to get a bigger house, so mid-pandemic we sold three houses and bought one big one.
I may try to keep wearing my mask in public, particularly during cold and flu season. I loved not getting a cold last year!
#casuallyevilwriter … ripping hair out of her face … what’s your stance on bikini waxes … So genres …
Don’t get it, them, especially in conjunction to IA
GENRES are a marketing ploy developed in response to the change in an author’s ability to be noticed and their work sought without the oversight of the publishing industry taking their enormous percentage for in essence saying “Trust this Author”
‘Whether;
Weres or Witches or Aliens’ (oh my)
Far Future, science fiction
Near Future, para fiction/fantasy
whatever you enjoy most IF you want a different take but KEEP the fun the fantasy the story the surprise the nerves the eye popping gut busting brain twisting enjoyable difference
‘Trust This Author’ Ilona Andrews
‘Clean Sweep’ Witches (sorta) Vampires (kinda) and Aliens in one story, don’t puzzle just read
‘A Mere Formality’ a poker game of a sci-fi short, where exactly what sexual favors and positions are listed to gain time for a winning bluff …
‘Of Swine and Roses’ a totally satisfying short story about a girl, a pig, and the Worst Date ever.
Formality, started me Swine and Roses delighted me and INNKEEPER
Clean Sweep convinced me
Ilona Andrews, I buy … genres not so much
disclaimer: I don’t write. I don’t make my living by it. I don’t see the benefit as I lost authors shopping for books as stores moved them into genres, Dick Francis (now deceased) an author was shelved with Black Beauty and ilk. One guess why …
IF anyone cares read ‘Straight’ … I inherited my brother’s life. Inherited his desk his business his gadgets his enemies his horses and his mistress. , … and it nearly killed me.
‘Nuff said, no ranting about genres
Keeping it positive, they said women had no higher brain intellect they said women can’t write they have said all sorts of things the world is flat, the time has come the walrus said …
My comment went I know not where
Bye bye
It just came in! The long ones get caught sometimes 🙂
Seems to me Arabella is developing more and more depths to her personality. Personally I’m wondering about the “younger brother” of that certain character that Arabella met in Emerald Blaze. Wonder how a meeting of those two characters would turn out.
Now I realize that the Baylor girls are central to this series but Leon is also developing into a notable asset to this group. I like the way his character is developing and look forward to his every appearance.
I look forward to the next installment. At the advanced age of 77 I really hope it doesn’t get too delayed.
Working from home and relocating that home to the beach. 🙂
The thing I started doing in quarantine that I will continue doing after: online grocery ordering. So convenient to order online, set a time to pick it up, and then park my happy butt in a parking space at the dedicated time while someone else puts my groceries into the back of my car. Why did I never do this before?
I started reading your books… and have no intent to stop….
Grocery pick up! I am not a shopper! BTW you go girl! #lipwax
Thank you for your ethics and awareness regarding age differences. You clearly understand the ick factor in those situations, one which will lead to me putting down a book.
Note that I have never put down any of your books, even when sleep deprived!
I’ve stopped wearing makeup. I’m 55 and I’ve decided I am what I am and if no one likes it too bad for them. This saves a lot of time when I’m getting ready for work. I frequently work 12 hour days, 3:00 am to 3:30 pm, and I relish that extra 5 minutes of sleep that I can get by not applying makeup. I still put some on if I’m getting dressed up, which is almost never. When you think about it, men don’t bother with makeup and we women are okay with them not covering up their flaws or trying to contour their faces. Why do we women feel the need to use so much of our time altering our appearance?
The family group chats were winners. My cousins and grandma are all hilarious people. I started growing some of my own produce, and a lot of herbs. I refuse to wear blue jeans any more, I started the Mind diet (under supervision of a doctor and dietitian) and feel better physically. Lots of good things.
I fully plan on continuing to wear a mask. People are gross, and I’ve had way fewer colds than usual since lockdown. It also keeps my face warm in winter, and filters out pollen in spring! And I don’t have to worry about glaring at strangers (thanks rbf!).
Well I separated from my husband. So I am going to continue that. And I am dying my hair vivid fantasy colors.
I am very much in agreement with your decision on age gaps and marriages.
Uncomfortable bras. I switched to bustiers. Makes my days so much more comfortable. Anyhow, I don’t understand why seeing a nipple through a shirt is such a big deal for women but not men. So, I will keep my comfy bustier even if I have to go to the office 1-2 a week now.
Love all your books. I have listened to the o es I have several times. Patiently, or truthfully inpatiently awaiting additional books in the Hidden Legacy Series.
Hope all is well with you and your family.
Susan
Loom knitting. I was taught to knit and crochet as a child, but I could never get into doing it for fun. For some reason, having to involve both hands stressed me out. I got a loom from one of my kids for Mother’s Day, decided to give it a shot, and have enjoyed it so far, despite my perfectionist tendencies.