You Read That Trash?

Last week I gave a library talk on the romance genre titled “You Read That Trash?” as part of a heritage talk series. Romance novels of course are loaded with fabulous heritage aspects, from the amazing covers themselves, to the social history of women through the century.One fascinating aspect was the popularity of medical romances and how,…

What a tragic number of books read in March

This past month (that would be March) was pretty pathetic in the reading stakes I was pleased to see one of the books I judged for the Romance Writers of America RITA awards that I gave high scores to had finalled. Always nice to know that what I think is a really great romance novel…

Three lessons learnt from the week just past

Three things I have learnt from the past week. All terribly important.1) Always check your texts prior to heading out to the airport to catch a flight. Do not assume that the new 3am text is just confirming your on-line check in for your 11am flight. It may in fact be a text informing you…

February reading list

Some great books this month, including some re-reads.Not a massive list, as one spent a fair bit of one’s time not feeling all that great, and so listening to middle of the night talkback radio with the insomniacs, shift workers and the crazies (of which clearly I was in the last group) was entertainment enough.Touching…

The Very Bad Habit that will be the death of me – or will it?

I have known for some time that the Very Bad Habit of sitting in bed, with a laptop, writing stuff, would one day be the death of me. Well, the death of a pain-free existence. I have thought this every time I have slumped in bed against dodgy pillows, admired the cat sleeping, a cup…

Free books for Valentines Day

A terrific free book promotion AND a Kindle Fire GiveawayMarrying Melinda is included, free for a few days so please check it out and load up on books. So much fun reading.

Joanne song and the name Joanne

With Lady Gaga’s Joanne song, album, and upcoming tour,  I’m sure there are a few people with the name Joanne who are not unhappy it’s getting a bit of a lift.My father claimed (and I choose to believe him) that I was named after Joanne Woodward, so am quite happy about that. I mean, to…

The enormous appeal of romance novels – why we love them

I’m giving a talk in a library in a few months on the appeal of romance novels so have been thinking a bit about it.Everyone no doubt has a different reason for why they like a good romance. Just as those who read thrillers like the anticipation and the ride of the journey, those who…

DIY Home Improvement and the floorboards

I am so not a DIY home-improvement, get-excited-over-renovation kind of person. I fully think that any couple who are even CONSIDERING renovating, especially if one of them is anal a bit fussy, should have a marriage guidance counsellor on tap. This stuff is rough. I also don’t much care for it when, of course, I…