The new web site launches next week! My fancy, updated Wordpress blog will have better technological capabilities (let's see if I can keep up) so I don't think I'll continue posting on MySpace.

Until then, head on over and check out my latest "Guy" entry. This photo of scruffy Aaron Eckhart hugging a baby does more for me than Zac Efron's freakishly sculpted abs ever could. Find out if I like other Guys with Beards here.

Check out my latest blog entry, along with totally gratuitous pics of Zac Efron shirtless, at MySpace. Guys with Bangs.

My first cover quote is in and it's *awesome*! New York Times Bestselling author Cindy Gerard took time out from her super-busy schedule to read my single-title debut and share her thoughts. Here's what she has to say:

"Crash Into Me delivers - in spades. Sorenson's edgy suspense, sleek sensuality and fresh new voice are sure to score big with readers."

Wow! Edgy suspense and sleek sensuality? Oh, my. *blushing* What a delicious way to say it. This is one seriously sexy quote. My heart is beating so fast right now! I think I'm falling in love with this quote. Have to go pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming...

Be sure to check out Cindy Gerard's latest release, RESCUE ME, a romantic suspense anthology. All three of these stories are really great.

Thanks Cindy!!!

Want to know why I like football? Check out my latest blog entry on Myspace. It may, or may not, have something to do with tight pants. : )

Today is a good day for a survival story, isn't it? I read this one yesterday about a father and son who were stranded at sea overnight with no life vests. It made me tear up a little. Enjoy.

Today I'm blogging about men's fashion on MySpace. Last week it was scarves, this week the topic is skinny jeans. Not sure what's inspired me to tackle the subject, as I'm hardly a fashionista, but I like men and clothes. Why not men in clothes? Heck, men without clothes are OK, too. ; )

Tumperkin does something similar with her Tash vs. Slap column, in which she debates the attractiveness of men's mustaches, among other things. I've also been enjoying this blog, Stuff White People Like, which apparently includes scarves. If you like making fun of white people, check it out.

My husband claims that our youngest daughter is exactly like me. She looks more like me, with her light brown hair and hazel eyes. Our older daughter is dark-haired and brown-eyed, just like her daddy. She loves to do yard work and other “boy stuff” with him. They have the same mellow temperament.

Daughter #1 was an easy baby. Daughter #2 is a holy terror.

Don’t get me wrong, I love them both to pieces. In fact, Daughter #2’s contrariness is part of what I love most about her. She’s so adorably stubborn and wickedly clever! At times, her fractious personality is a trial, like when we’re at the grocery store and she refuses to sit in the cart. She wants what she wants and she wants it NOW. She cries, she screams, she embarrasses me in public on a daily basis. But when she’s in a happy mood, she’s a veritable angel.

Am I like this? Maybe. While I don’t throw temper tantrums, I’ll admit to having a strong, somewhat irrepressible personality. Mellow is not my style.

Daughter #1 stays on an even keel. Daughter #2 is a study in extremes.

This difference is something that’s been in my head for awhile, and I think I’m sharing it in defense of my mothering skills. I’m no June Cleaver, and I’ve made my share of mistakes, but I’m 100% certain that my daughters’ behavior reflects their personalities, not my parenting. One rarely gives me trouble. The other is a little ball of fire. So if you see me in the grocery store, next to a fallen stack of soup cans, with a squalling toddler trying to kick her way out of my arms, don’t assume I’ve let my children run wild.

They were born this way. I swear.

Daughter #1 went back to school this week. Daughter #2 was supposed to start a new day care schedule, in which she hangs out with her baby friends three days a week instead of two, but she started running a fever mid-week and had to stay home with me. She's better today, but her day care is closed. And I have to pay anyway! *sigh*

Total number of hours this week the kids have been out of the house at the same time so Mommy can work: Four.

Oh, well. For most of my writing "career," I've had to work during nap time and in the late evening, whenever I could grab a few minutes, so this is nothing new. I don't think I'd have it any other way, either. Being a stay at home mom is a luxury in this economy, isn't it? And writing romance novels for a living is the best job in the world. : )

Today SB Sarah from Smart Bitches posted about her favorite pleasure reads and asked for some more recommendations from readers. I mentioned HOW TO KNIT A WILD BIKINI by Christie Ridgway (my favorite of the summer!), gave props to Sherry Thomas, and squeed about Suzanne Brockmann.

Know what else? Someone mentioned ME! They listed DANGEROUS TO TOUCH as one of their faves and said, "Who knew Silhouette Romantic Suspense could be so damn hot?"

What a summer I've had so far! My daughter goes back to preschool next week, which means it's almost over...

The Hills premiered on MTV last night. I admit to being a fan of ridiculous reality shows with coached dialogue and clever editing. The Hills does trashy so flashy!

The best character on the show is Spencer Pratt. Last night, he chased his estranged girlfriend, Heidi, to Las Vegas, interrupted her important dinner meeting with some hotel/casino bigwigs, and got her fired from the new project! Because he's such a swell guy, Heidi let him move back in with her and made excuses for him when he was rude to her sister. Way to go, Spencer! Teaching the boys of the world how to win back a lady.

Here's a pic of Heidi (the blonde), showing off her hills. With Audrina, who needs a personality transplant. I mean, a personality implant.

Special delivery! I just got some advanced reading copies of CRASH INTO ME, my single-title romantic suspense debut for Bantam Dell. ARCs are sent to book reviewers and used for promotional purposes. I've never had a "real" ARC before. Beauties, aren't they? I love the cover, the title, the content....*g*

I'm not sure I'll ever get over seeing one of my books in print for the first time. It makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

I only go to the theater about once every six months. When I have to arrange for a babysitter (thanks, Mom!) and talk my husband into wearing a nice shirt, I want to see a really good movie. Visit my page on MySpace to see if The Dark Knight lived up to my expectations.

For those of you who resist the lure of MySpace, you may be excited to hear that I'm having a new blog designed. Hopefully, it will be easier to use. This one requires a lot of HTML codes and stuff I don't understand. Starting in September, I'll be posting full entries on my snazzy new site. And don't worry, the web address will be the same. Yay!

I'm reviewing Ann Aguirre's futuristic urban fantasy series today on MySpace.

On the last day I was in San Francisco, my agent and I went on a day trip to the Farallon Islands. I'll be posting some photos along with a more detailed account tomorrow on MySpace.

Comments:

Hope the side trip was inspiring.

Posted  by HelenKay  Dimon on 8/7/2008

I have dozens of photos to share, and I'm still in "squee!" mode, so I'll probably be posting a lot this week. On My Space I can post more than one pic at a time so check out my page if you want to see more.

All joking aside, I didn't spend very much money on this trip. I had two roommates, the airfare was reasonable, and I took advantage of quite a few free meals! Or, I would have, if I hadn't been too nervous to eat. : )

Here's a pic my roommate Suzie took. I think this is Union Square. Maybe this entry should say, "I left my heart in San Francisco." But that wouldn't be accurate. My heart is *always* in San Diego.

From left to right: Brenda Novak, me, Harlequin editor Stacy Boyd, and the woman of the hour, Vicki Lewis Thompson. Jade Lee snapped the shot.

Brenda Novak does an auction every year to raise money for diabetes research. My dad is diabetic and I'll definitely have to get involved next year. Are you interested in helping? Check her website for details.

Jade Lee is known for her really sexy historicals, but she also writes for Harlequin Blaze.

Vicki Lewis Thompson and I walked from the restaurant back to the hotel together. I loved her Nerd series and now I'm hooked on the funny paranormals. Hope some of that success mojo rubbed off on me. Note to self: get three names.

I just got home from San Francisco last night and I had an unbelievable time! There are too many magical moments to list them all. I'll post some more detailed, day-by-day entries later this week after my brain recovers from awesome overload. Here are my top five:

1. Meeting Suzanne Brockmann at the Bantam Dell/Ballantine party. We had an ACTUAL CONVERSATION about Jules Cassidy (my favorite character of all time) and the touching forward to HOT TARGET. We also share the same extraordinary editor, Shauna Summers. OMG!!! Too good to be true.

2. Sharing a cab back to the hotel with two other Bantam authors, the incredibly lovely Shana Abe and super-talented Sherry Thomas. Sherry's debut, PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS, is the best historical romance I've read in ages. The cab driver, who knew what Ludite meant when I didn't, kept us laughing the entire time. It was a little piece of perfection.

3. Lunch at Momo's with my editor, Shauna, her assistant, Jessie, and a group of Bantam authors. I was too nervous to eat!

4. Lunch at an Indian restaurant (can't remember the name) with my Harlequin editor, Stacy Boyd. Again, I was too nervous to eat, because Stacy's other guests were Jade Lee, RITA-nominated exotic romance author, NY Times Bestselling romantic suspense author Brenda Novak, and the recipient of the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement award, Vickie Lewis Thompson. I could NOT BELIEVE I was sitting at their table. You don't believe it, either? Pictoral proof will be coming soon. : )

5. Dancing the night away at the Harlequin party. I didn't know very many people there, and I didn't actually have a group of people to dance with, but that didn't stop me. Girls just wanna have fun!

More wonderful stories to come! Today I have to take a break and hug my girls. : )

Want to know where I'll be and which workshops I'm attending? No? Well, I posted the info on MySpace anyway.

This is my carry-on bag (the only one I'm taking), my RITA dress, and my ARC of Ann Aguirre's WANDERLUST. I'm so ready!

This time next week, I'll be at the RWA National Conference in San Francisco. I've never been to one of these shindigs before and I'm two parts nervous two zillion parts excited. It's going to be a whirlwind of workshops and seminars, parties and meetings. Many of my favorite authors of all-time will be there, ready to be admired from afar or (horrors) approached by stuttering, starry-eyed newbies like myself.

I hope I don't fall down (likely), throw up (not as likely, although I do tend to feel pukey when I'm nervous), or say something ridiculous to the wrong person (a toss-up).

Later this week I might post a list of the seminars I'm planning to attend. If it's about romantic suspense, I'm pretty much there. Talking about romance is my favorite thing in the world and I'm a total geek about learning new stuff. I can't get enough! Srsly, it's going to be AWESOME.

Today I'm blogging about Minor Threat, an anti-drug, pro-abstinence punk rock group from the 80s. Now we have the Jonas Brothers, a more commercial, image-conscious boy band with a similar message. I think. Go over to MySpace if you want to check it out.

Have you been missing me? I'm super busy right now and going a bit bonkers. I have to do last touches on my revision for DARK CANYON, final line edits for CRASH INTO ME, and get ready to go to San Fran for my first RWA National Conference! OMG I'm so exicted.

I'm talking about my favorite subject again on MySpace. Come on over if you're interested in reading my review of a couple of erotic romance novellas by Bantam author Eden Bradley. Warning: explicit content!

I accidentally deleted my last blog entry AND a comment by HelenKay. Sorry! I'm in this crazy "almost done with my revision and can't focus on other stuff" mode, so I'm signing off before I do any more damage.

Comments:

I totally understand. Been there.

Posted  by HelenKay Dimon on 7/19/2008

Thanks, HelenKay. I'll try not to delete this one. : )

Posted  by Jill Sorenson on 7/19/2008

The very prolific, super-talented, and oh-so-generous Alison Kent is giving away 52 Books in 2008 on her website. How cool is that? Leave a comment there this weekend for a chance to win DANGEROUS TO TOUCH, and keep going back for more free books until the end of the year.

Thanks Alison!

Check out my review for this documentary about professional skateboarder and convicted murderer, Mark "Gator" Rogowski, on MySpace.

My summer photo tour ends here. *big sigh* This is a lifeguard tower on the beach in Oceanside, California, home of surf, sun, sand, and boys in red shorts. It's also the scene of my happily ever after in DANGEROUS TO TOUCH.

I had a great time posting pics and sharing stories! Thanks for stopping by. I know I said there would be one last chance to win DTT over the holiday weekend. Oops, I was confused. It will be this weekend instead. More details to come.

The Oceanside photo tour continues! This is the entrance to the gardens. For more, visit my page at My Space. I can post several images at once on my blog there.

Last week's winner is Rachel! YaY! There will be ONE last chance to win a copy of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH this weekend. More details soon.

The author event at Barnes & Noble went great! Thanks to everyone who attended. I've posted some more pics on My Space. Plus, David Boreanaz in the bathtub, courtesy of Stephanee. If you're into that kind of thing. : )

Photo tour continues tomorrow, and I'll announce a winner for last week's contest. Thanks for stopping by!

Tomorrow I'll be signing copies of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH at the Barnes & Noble in Mira Mesa at 2 p.m. This Romance Writer's Event is a speaking engagement (eek!) with Judy Duarte and HelenKay Dimon. Judy and HelenKay are both members of RWA San Diego and very talented authors! MULBERRY PARK, shown here, is Judy's single-title debut. Way to go, Judy!!!

Hope to see you there!

Today I'm chatting with HelenKay Dimon, contemporary romance author of YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY and RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, among others. We'll be talking about her past as a divorce lawyer, her future books, and her current release, HARD AS NAILS (in stores now!). HelenKay is always super-funny and entertaining! Don't miss this fun and informative interview.

If you want to meet HelenKay and I in person, we'll be signing books and hosting a discussion along with fellow San Diego romance author Judy Duarte this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Mira Mesa. Come join us!

Read the interview here.

Leave a comment at either location on any topic this week for one last chance to win a copy of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH!

Comments:

Guess you two haven't seen the pic with David Boreanaz in the bathtub? So HOT it sizzles - it's in my Alpha Hero folder! Love the Bones show too. Now, I'm going to have to add HelenKay's books to my buy list too! Stephanee

Posted  by stephanee Ryle on 6/26/2008

Thanks for stopping by, Stephanee. I'd love to see Boreanaz in a bathtub!

Posted  by Jill Sorenson on 6/26/2008

In DANGEROUS TO TOUCH, Marc and Sidney take a break from the investigation to visit Mission San Luis Rey, one of Oceanside's feature attractions. Unbeknownst to them, the killer is nearby, watching their every move.

Comments:

Congratulations on the release of our first book. I love the pictures you've provided that are scenes from the book. You ran out of books at our RWASD meeting, so hope to see you on Saturday at Barnes and Nobel. Mary Galusha

Posted  by Mary Galusha on 6/26/2008

Thanks, Mary. I hope to see you there.

Posted  by Jill Sorenson on 6/26/2008

I'll be guest blogging at Plotmonkeys tomorrow and giving away more copies of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH. The topic is love scenes (my favorite!) so come on by and leave a comment for a chance to win.

Marc brings Sidney to Guajome Lake, the site where the first victim was found, to see if she can get any psychic impressions. By holding his hand, she learns something very important—that he wants her.

They end up sharing a kiss (and a bit more) on a picnic table in the deserted park. Sound inappropriate? It was. A media van with a telephoto lens captures the moment on film, and the candid shot earns Marc his first suspension. The accompanying story in the newspaper also details Sidney’s involvement with the case, putting her on the killer's radar.

Comments:

Thanks for visiting my blog, Jill! It was way cool to have a Silhouette author comment! Camy

Posted  by Camy Tang on 6/19/2008

I'm guest blogging with HelenKay Dimon today about my family's move to Oceanside, California. Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win DANGEROUS TO TOUCH!

Later this month I'll be interviewing HelenKay about her latest release, HARD AS NAILS. Here's a little snippet from the back cover:

What's better than a man who's good with his hands? Try a trio of hard-bodied hunks who'll be happy to flip your house, your heart...and anything else you have in mind...

Sounds yummy, doesn't it? HelenKay's books are always funny, sexy, and fresh. If you love great dialogue, pick up one of her titles today!

Comments:

Thanks for blogging with me today!

Posted  by HelenKay  Dimon on 6/17/2008

Thanks for having me, HelenKay. It was fun.

Posted  by Jill Sorenson on 6/17/2008

Oceanside isn't all palm trees and sunshine. My family used to live a few blocks from this location, about ten miles inland, in a semi-shady neighborhood called Guajome Homes.

This toll bridge passes over the San Luis Rey River Watershed. A bicycle and walking path parallels the "river" (water levels vary) all the way to the Pacific Ocean. In DANGEROUS TO TOUCH, Marc and Sidney search the riverbed for clues and run into trouble.

Silhouette Romantic Suspense authors will be hosting an online chat tonight on eHarlequin.com at 9 p.m. EST (that's 6 p.m. Pacific). I'll be giving away a signed copy of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH and hopefully chatting up a storm. Please join us!

Comments:

Congratulations on your new release!!

Posted  by Delilah Devlin on 6/12/2008

Literally translated as "Stinking water," Agua Hedionda Lagoon borders the south side of Oceanside. I've often driven along Pacific Coast Highway, on my way to or from the beach, and thought the lagoon would be a convenient place to dump a body. Not that I had one in my trunk or anything.

In DANGEROUS TO TOUCH, the weighted corpse of a missing local woman is discovered in the lagoon's murky depths. Lt. Marc Cruz of the Oceanside Police Department goes in for the retrieval.

My editor from Bantam Dell has asked for two more books! This is completely unexpected and totally awesome!!! I'm going to have to head out to the beach tomorrow to celebrate. Then it's back to work because I have some crazy new deadlines. ; )

Next week I'll be posting pictures of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, a spooky setting from DANGEROUS TO TOUCH, so be sure to check back in. Hope you have a great weekend!

Fellow Silhouette author Michele Hauf is hosting guest toes on her blog to kick off the summer. I thought it was a cute idea, and I was already taking pictures at the Oceanside Pier, so I sent her this.

Stay tuned for more news on guest appearances and the exciting continuation of my June photo tour. You can visit California from the comfort of your home, and you don't have to worry about San Diego traffic (it's insane, no lie), high gas prices (no end in sight!), or June Gloom (this month is notorious for being cool and overcast).

Thanks for stopping by!

Comments:

I came over from Michelle's blog today and I'm looking forward to your latest release!

Posted  by Teresa Warner on 6/5/2008

Hi Teresa! Thanks for stopping by.

Posted  by Jill Sorenson on 6/5/2008

Sorry for any confusion! Turns out I'm guest blogging at It's Not Chick Porn today, June 2nd. Stop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a signed copy of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH.

DANGEROUS TO TOUCH hits stores today! It will only be on the shelves a short time, so get it while you can. I'd love to hear what you think.

Oceanside, CA is the setting for DANGEROUS TO TOUCH, and the city holds a special place in my heart. My family moved there from a small town in Kansas in 1989. To me, Oceanside represents change and diversity. My heroine, Sidney Morrow, finds anonymity there.

This is the Oceanside Pier, the city's most recognizable feature.

Come and join me today at It's Not Chick Porn! I'll be chatting about my first sale.

The official release date for DANGEROUS TO TOUCH is June 1st! Copies are already available at Amazon and eHarlequin if you'd like to order online. I don't know if there is a more exciting time for a new author than the release of her debut novel. I think I'm going to start hyperventilating. Medic!

To celebrate, I'll be guest blogging at various locations and giving away signed copies of my book every week in June. I'll also be posting photos of Oceanside, CA, the setting for DANGEROUS TO TOUCH, here on my web site and at MySpace. Stay tuned for more details!

Haven't signed up for Harlequin's 100,000 Book Challenge yet? It's not too late! All you have to do is submit a book review and Harlequin will match every entry with a donation to promote literacy. Go here and check it out.

I've kind of slacked off on the Challenge myself over the past few months (I've been busy!) but I just added two new reviews, for Ann Christopher's SWEETER THAN REVENGE (shown here) and Gail Barrett's HEART OF A THIEF.

A few weeks (months?) ago, I posted about sexy vs. sedate covers, using Allison Brennan and Pamela Clare as examples. Visit my page at MySpace to find out more about these two great authors, and read my take on sexual content in romantic suspense novels.

P.S. Don't be shy! Leave a comment at either location. My blog gets lonely.

I got my first fan mail yesterday! Squee!!! DANGEROUS TO TOUCH doesn't come out until June 1st, but apparently those with subscriptions to Silhouette Romantic Suspense have early access. A couple of sisters from Miami wrote this email that made my day:

We can not put into words how much we enjoyed reading your novel. We loved the action and your wonderful storytelling and especially the hot love scenes. You reminded us so much of the old Sandra Brown. We can not wait for your next book.

I was so excited that I read this out loud to my husband. When I paused to explain who Sandra Brown is, my husband interrupted me. "I know who she is," he said. "You have about a hundred of her books on the shelf."

Being compared to Sandra Brown, my favorite author of all time, and having my husband understand how much it means to me? Monumental occasions!

Comments:

That is fabulous!!! Congratulations.

Posted  by HelenKay  Dimon on 5/27/2008

My first review! Cataromance gives DANGEROUS TO TOUCH ****/*****.

Here's an excerpt:

"Jill Sorenson combines gripping suspense with numerous emotional issues to create an engrossing first novel. The intrigue starts on the first page and only mounts as each new situation arises."

Want to read more? Go to Cataromance and check it out!

Looking for my blog? I find it easier to post entries on My Space and the pictures tend to have a better quality. Please feel free to visit my less-neglected blog there and leave a comment at either location. Read my review of Stop-Loss, a movie starring the adorably baby-faced Ryan Phillipe as a Texas hero fresh from the warzone in Iraq.

Thanks for stopping by!

On Friday afternoon I found a box on my front doorstep, and I squee'd with delight because I knew exactly what it was: my author copies of DANGEROUS TO TOUCH. I tore into the box and saw them there, lined up perfectly, all shiny and new and REAL. This is a big moment for every author, isn't it? I held my first book in my hands for the first time.

I have a new title!

Just got word from Shauna Summers at Dell that my first single-title romantic suspense novel, to be released in 2/09, will be called CRASH INTO ME. You may be aware that the Dave Matthews Band has a great song by the same name, but the title also brings to mind crashing waves (the hero is a pro surfer) and is a nice metaphor for falling in love. Two people literally crashing into each other.

Comments:

Fabulous title and a release date that happens really soon - congrats!!!!

Posted  by HelenKay  Dimon on 4/15/2008

Thanks for stopping by, HelenKay! I like the new title, too.

Posted  by Jill Sorenson on 4/16/2008

Are you up for a challenge?

Hiatus Interruptis! News of my latest sale is in Publishers' Weekly. Many thanks to my friend HelenKay Dimon for passing on the info. Her March release, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, is on the top of my to-be-read list. Check out her awesome cover RIGHT HERE and go pick up her book RIGHT NOW!

Here's the scoop from PW:

FICTION: WOMEN'S/ROMANCE

Comments:

Isn't it amazing to see the sale announcement? Makes me squee with joy every single time. Congrats!!!

Posted  by HelenKay Dimon on 3/26/2008

In the interest of making my deadline, I need to reduce the amount of time I spend blogging. Please visit My Space for more details about my out of control internet addiction.

Thanks for checking in on me and see you soon!

Jill

Looking for my blog? I've been posting new entries on My Space. Go check out my latest post, about sexy vs. sedate covers.

Allison Brennan's FEAR NO EVIL is a great example of sedate, and done beautifully. Too see the hot one, you have to go to My Space!

I turned in my latest revision of CUTBACK with the new title suggestions and I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm the type of person who can keep on revising forever, because the outcome is never "perfect." Maybe someday I will be completely satisfied with every word on the page. I kind of doubt it. In the meantime, I have to move on!

I would love to start a new project right now, but I need to do another revision. DARK CANYON, my second book for Bantam Dell, is a romantic suspense novel set in the fictitious desert town of Tenaja Falls, California. This was my first time creating a setting from scratch. There are so many great places in San Diego, and choosing one is a big part of my prewriting process. When I started writing DARK CANYON, I just knew I had to make my own town. It was kind of like creating a new character.

So if you don't hear from me for awhile, I'll be in Tenaja Falls! With a reluctant sheriff, a smart and sexy wildlife biologist, a rebellious teenaged brother, and a rogue mountain lion...

See you soon!

My self-imposed deadline for coming up with a new title for CUTBACK and turning in the latest revision was last week. The whole back injury thing totally messed me up, and although I'm getting around a lot better I'm still really stiff and sore. And I can't pick up my babies! Waa!

Here are some title ideas I got from some really nice surfers over at My Space and surfingsandiego.com:

Steep Break

Reef Break

Romancing the Swell

The Perfect Surfer

Impact Zone

The Line-Up

Dead Men Don't Drop In

Total Re-Entry

Undertow

High Tide at Dawn

Dangerous Current

Love Stoke

My Six Foot Stick

Some of the suggestions were more serious than others, but you know what? No one made fun of me or ragged on romance. Further proof that surfers really are stand up guys. And girls.

There’s been a game of online tag going around that I don’t really understand but decided to play along with. I guess if you get “tagged,” you have to post ten interesting facts about yourself, and then tag some other people to do the same. Well, I haven’t been tagged. So what? Here’s my ten anyway.

1. My brother and I share the same birthday, but we aren’t twins.

2. Speaking of my brother, he used to be a professional skateboarder. Yes, he was paid to skateboard. Not a bad gig for a teenager.

3. My dad worked in the cattle yards for twenty years.

4. My family moved from Kansas to California when I was eleven. We settled on Oceanside, a city north of San Diego, because I chose it on a map.

5. I was a high school drop out AND a valedictorian.

6. One day when I was walking along a nature path on the grounds of Palomar College, I heard a strange hissing sound. It was a bobcat, only a few feet away. Cool!

7. I’ve been to Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal.

8. Okay, I’m really running out of steam here. Once I saw Dave Mustaine at the grocery store.

9. I met my two best friends (hi Jennifer and Celeste!) in junior high.

10. My husband and I dated for eight years before we got married. When he finally proposed to me, he got down on one knee and did it in Spanish. It was muy romantico.

Californians get it, too. I’m not complaining about the weather. Today was spectacular! But my girls and I have been sick (runny noses, fever, and hacking coughs--ugh), so we all feel tired, cooped up, and irritable.

Being a stay at home mom means, well, staying at home a lot, and writing for a living isn’t exactly a social exercise. When the children are ill, and I haven’t slept, and I haven’t been able to grab those precious moments at my computer, the hours drag by. The walls close in. The floors rise up!

Speaking of floors, my house has white tile and cream-colored carpet. Both are on the long list of stuff to be remodeled, but until that day comes, let me introduce you to my world: Grape juice. Oreo Cookies. Mashed nanas.

Am I painting a clear enough picture for you?

My husband, bless him, takes pity on me, and we usually go for a family walk as soon as he gets home from work. I look forward to this time of day and relish a bit of fresh air and exercise.

My DH has also been known to do something I call “sock cleaning.” This is when he spills soda or any kind of liquid on the floor, and then just sort of rubs his foot over it in lieu of cleaning. Men!

Some romance readers aren’t fans of books in a series. I am as long as each book stands on its own. I’m much too impatient to wait six years or whatever for my HEA (happily ever after). The only problem I have with a series is that one of the books inevitably disappoints me. The first is awesome, the second good, and the third…yawn. It’s incredibly difficult for an author to maintain a high level of intensity and ingenuity when dealing with a recurring theme.

With Black Ice, Cold as Ice, Ice Blue, and Ice Storm, Anne Stuart has not only managed to do so, she’s knocked the ball out of the park four times in a row.

I was reluctant to read Ice Storm, which I think is the last in the series, because I doubted it would live up to the first three. The Ice heroes are all deadly assassins who work for a secret government agency called The Committee. Each man is forced to choose between killing an innocent woman (the heroine) or compromising their entire mission.

Sound romantic?

Maybe I’m twisted (okay, definitely) but Stuart pulls off the conflicted, cold-blooded hero beautifully. Killing is his job and emotions are a liability, so seeing him fall hard for the heroine is all the more satisfying.

With Ice Storm, Stuart flips the premise on its ear by making the HEROINE an assassin with a heart of ice. I’ve heard some criticism that Isobel Lambert, the head of The Committee, isn’t as cold or as tough as she should be. I don’t agree. Isobel’s assignment is to escort Killian, her former lover and nemesis, out of Africa. She left him for dead seventeen years ago, and her “first kill” has always haunted her. Isobel is weak where Killian is concerned, not weak in general. He is her Achilles heel.

Like Stuart’s other heroines, Isobel is a mixture of strength and vulnerability. I admire a kick-ass chick as much as the next girl, but I also think it’s okay for a woman to be soft. Especially when the hero is so hard and untouchable. Stuart’s characters are wonderful foils for each other, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

I wanted to post the stepback image for Mine Till Midnight, but I couldn't find it anywhere online. Instead here's a peek inside Stephanie Laurens' On A Wild Night. Read the previous blog for more info.

Lately the romance genre has taken a few hits, putting its readers and writers in the all-too-familiar position of defending their art. I’ve grown accustomed to being teased by friends and family members, but I’ve never locked horns with a complete stranger in public over the issue before yesterday.

Okay, so the phrase “locked horns” is a little overdramatic. But did it get your attention?

My daughter takes dance lessons on Wednesdays, and while she whirls and twirls, I usually strap my one-year old in the stroller and take her for a spin. The local library and a small used bookstore are within walking distance of the studio.

And yes, sometimes I buy used books. I frequently check out books from the library. I also buy a lot of new books. A LOT. Promise.

Anyway, this particular bookstore is affiliated with the library and run by volunteers. Yesterday it was packed. Moms, dads, kids, you name it. I made my selections quickly and approached the counter, books in one arm, baby in the other, anticipating nothing more exciting than plunking down some change and being on my way.

I’d never seen the woman behind the counter before, and perhaps she’d never seen a romance novel with a stepback image. When she checked inside the first book, looking for a penciled-in price, she actually gasped.

The book was Mine Til Midnight by Lisa Kleypas. The image on the inside cover was sensual and understated, in my opinion. Beautiful, even. One of the really good ones. The hero was shirtless, with his hand on the heroine’s leg, but there was nothing sleazy about it. Besides, what had she expected under there? Two dudes playing chess?

“This will sure give you an escape,” she said, letting out an uncomfortable laugh.

I shifted the baby on my hip. “Yeah, well, I need one.”

I thought we’d laid the subject to rest, but she had the same reaction to the next book, Stephanie Laurens’ On A Wild Night. The pullout image was another embracing couple, passionate but hardly shocking. They were both fully clothed.

I found her flustered attitude a little silly. By calling attention to my reading material, she’d also made me feel self-conscious. “Maybe you should try a few,” I suggested, returning the favor.

“Oh, no,” she said, laughing again. “I did when I was younger. It’s so funny how they all are. You know, on page 25 they kiss…”

Ah. The old “all romance novels are the same” bit. I wasn’t going to dispute her. There were at least five curious children in the tiny store, and a couple of men who may or may not have been wondering what kind of smut I was buying.

I raised a brow. “Too formulaic for you?”

“But fun,” she insisted, realizing now that she’d offended me. She handed me my purchases with a helpless smile. “Enjoy.”

I left the store, somewhere between embarrassed and amused. I’ve heard a lot of snarky comments before, but I haven’t had a bookstore clerk disparage my selections since I was twelve.

Do you have a similar story? Have you ever had to defend romance, or been judged by your cover?

Comments:

I have to admit that I'm so tired of defending the genre and the fact that I write it that I don't anymore. At least, not unless my back is against the wall. Someone told me (after I said I wrote for a Harlequin) that they could be written by plugging a formula into a computer. And this was a friend! Now I just don't talk about it with non-writers because people don't understand the genre. Kate

Posted  by Kate Hewitt on 2/7/2008

I just finished a revision of my currently untitled book for Bantam Dell. For those of you who have been reading my blog religiously and anxiously awaiting the next posting, (Mom?) sorry. I've been working under a deadline!

Now that the revision is in, I need to come up with a snazzy new title. The book is about a female FBI agent on the trail of a serial killer in San Diego. Her undercover assignment is to get up close and personal with the prime suspect, a hunky, reclusive pro surfer.

I've gone through a couple of titles for this project. The most recent, Cutback, has been vetoed. A cutback is a surfing manuever, probably not well-known to the general public and therefore a questionable choice. My first title, Killer Swell, was probably better, but already taken. I googled the name and found a book by Jeff Shelby. On a side note, he writes a damned good story. Both Killer Swell and Wicked Break are mysteries featuring Noah Braddock, a yummy surfer PI who lives in San Diego. I emailed Jeff about doing an author interview for my website. He didn't respond. Shame on you, Jeff!

There's no copyright on titles and it's OK to reuse them, but I'd rather come up with something totally new. Maybe I can just reword one of Jeff Shelby's titles. Killer Break? Wicked Swell? Swell Break? Kidding!

If anyone out there has a great idea, post it on my comments or email me. My editor wants something catchy, sexy, and suspenseful. I was leaning toward an ocean or surfing metaphor...

Thanks! Jill

Comments:

I liked CUTBACK... I'm trying to think of something clever with BREAK in it. Still thinking.

Posted  by HelenKay Dimon on 1/29/2008

The holidays are over and I made it out alive!

My daughter's fourth birthday was right after Christmas, and it's been a whirlwind of shopping, party planning, getting together with friends and family, and wrapping and unwrapping presents. I'm all celebrated out! Preschool starts again next Monday and I can't wait to get back to the regular routine. I'm still not finished with my revision. Ack!

Happy New Year!

For the past two weeks I’ve been in the End Zone. No, not with LaDanian Tomlinson. (Go Chargers!) I’m talking about my latest revision. I had to rewrite the ending and I’m finally “done.” Not quite satisfied, because the manuscript still needs some minor editing, but finished with the big changes.

When I get in the Zone I have trouble focusing on anything else. Hence, the neglected blog, house, husband, and children. (Joking! The kids are fine.) I had to pry my cramped little hands away from the keyboard and return to the world of the living.

I haven’t gone Christmas shopping yet. Decorations, ha! I did nag my husband into putting up the lights, which took a minimum effort on my part, but I haven’t had the heart to bring in the old tree from the backyard. We’ve been using the same one for at least five years now, and I’m all for recycling, reusing, and whatever the other R is, but it’s in a sad, sorry state.

As is my brain! Thanks to anyone who may have inadvertently, or purposefully, stopped by. Apologies for recycling again, by posting my holiday letter. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Season’s Greetings, everyone! Has this year been hectic for you, too? Let me catch you up on our chaos:

Child #2 has been walking, talking, teething, and biting. She’s a feisty little thing, but cute as a button. Child #1 started preschool this Fall and has continued her weekly dance lessons. I think she may have inherited her mama’s lack of grace, but she looks adorable in her pink leotard and black slippers.

Husband #1 (OK, the only one) has been promoted from carpenter to foreman at the construction company where he works. He’s been putting in longer hours and doing some side jobs on weekends. His wife (me) doesn’t mind the extra money but misses having him around at home.

Last Christmas our new baby had just arrived and I was wondering if I would ever find time to write another book. Well, I did. Sometimes I wasn’t sure if trying to write while taking care of two energetic children was keeping me sane or making me crazier.

I guess my persistence paid off, because in April I got a publishing offer from Harlequin! My first book, Dangerous to Touch, will be released in June 2008 as a Silhouette Romantic Suspense. Check out my books page for more info.

In October we were evacuated for the San Diego Fires. It was a difficult situation but my brother and his wife were gracious enough to take us in. After five days away, we were happy to have a home to go back to. That Monday I got a call from my agent. Great news! An editor from Bantam Dell liked my writing and offered me a two-book deal.

I’m so lucky to have a wonderful agent, two great editors, and the opportunity to follow my dream. It wouldn’t be worth much without the support of my family. My husband is very proud of me even though his coworkers tease him about his wife writing “Fabio books.” My brother tells all of his friends about my book deals. My mom is the best grandmother (and babysitter) ever, and my daughters are so precious! I love you guys!

As always, I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy.

Happy Holidays!

Jill

The first big step I took as a writer (other than starting a book, finishing a book, submitting a book, and entering a contest) was to attend the Spring Into Romance Convention, hosted by the San Diego Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. At the time, I was a member of RWA but not RWASD, and although I didn’t know anyone there, it was a wonderful experience. I actually met Catherine Coulter. I talked to her about Dandy Dinmonts! I was inspired by Julia Quinn’s speech. I felt so proud to be there, following my dream, basking in the company of other romance writers.

I must say, San Diego is the best place on earth, and being a romance novelist is the best job there is. Cue the singing angels!

I signed up to meet with an agent on the second day of the conference, and OMG was I nervous about making my pitch. To appreciate this story, you need to know a little bit more about me. First of all, I’m a total spaz. I was so worried about my pitch I didn’t sleep a wink the night before. Not a wink! On top of all that, I’d just learned that I was pregnant with my second child. As I waited for my appointment, nauseous and dry-mouthed, I totally thought I was going to hurl.

And that’s how I met Laurie McLean, of the prestigious Larsen Pomada Literary Agents, who later became my agent. Gee, I must have knocked her socks off, right? Wrong. Immediately upon sitting down across from her, I began to cough uncontrollably. I drank bottled water. It didn’t help. I was red-faced, in full respiratory attack, unable to choke out more than a few words, for the entire ten-minute appointment. At least, this is how I remember it.

Maybe Laurie felt sorry for me, because she asked me to send her a partial manuscript. That was when I knocked her socks off, with my flawlessly executed submission, right? Wrong. She did request a full manuscript, and although she eventually rejected it, she gave me a lot of advice and encouragement.

Over the course of several months (the duration of my pregnancy, actually) I kept submitting projects to her. Laurie was always generous with her time, complimentary of my writing, and brutally honest about my mistakes. When I completed my fifth book, Extra-Sensory (now Dangerous to Touch), I waddled my hugely pregnant self down to the post office and sent it off, wondering if it was good enough, and if I would ever find the time to write another.

Laurie agreed to represent me after reading the first three chapters.

So that's why I owe it all to the Romance Writers of San Diego...and to my agent, Laurie McLean.

Jill

Welcome to my website and thanks so much for reading my first ever blog entry! I'm very excited to be here but I will try to keep the exclamation points under control from now on.

My first order of business is to wax rhapsodic about my deal with Bantam Dell. As I mentioned on my home page, my new editor is Shauna Summers, and she works with some big-name authors. Check out my favorites page to read my thoughts on Lara Adrian and Suzanne Brockmann. I've pitted Adrian's debut novel, Kiss of Midnight, against JR Ward's Dark Lover in a mock paranormal war. Who wins? Go see. I've also admitted to having a huge crush on Brockmann's Jules Cassidy, which would never work out in real life...even if I wasn't happily married. Sigh.

When I think about being in the same publishing house with this level of talent I get very nervous. I mean, the bar is set high. I should be working on my latest revision right now instead of blogging. Biting nails.

Speaking of my latest revision, let me tell you about the book Dell just picked up. It's set in San Diego (all my books are) and it's got a lot of regional flavor. The hero is a world-class surfer, a struggling single dad, and a suspect in a string of recent murders. The heroine is an undercover FBI agent assigned to get up close and personal with said hero.

I'll post a more detailed blurb when I get a chance. In the meantime, visit my books page to read about another title, Dangerous to Touch, to be released in June 2008. My first published book! I can't wait.

Let me know what you think of my website. Post a comment, leave a gripe, give a shout out to Jules Cassidy. And please take a moment to sign my guestbook.

Thanks so much for dropping by!

Comments:

Jill, congratulations on your Bantam contract! That's quite a coup. Can't wait to read the book.

Posted  by Susan Vaughan on 12/1/2007

Jill: Congratulations!Great website. I'm looking at an inch-and-a-half of snow so palm trees, ocean, sand, sound pretty good...along with a copy of your book. Your blog is funny, informative and interesting. But I think you're waaaaaay too modest. Sabeeha Johnson

Posted  by Sabeeha Johnson on 12/5/2007

A two-book deal with Bantam deserves lots of !!!! So, don't hold back. :)

Posted  by Barrie Summy on 12/6/2007

Thanks for the nice compliments, ladies! A writer's life can be very solitary so it's great to hear some positive feedback.

Posted  by Jill Sorenson on 12/8/2007

A BIG congratulations, Jill! I'm so very excited for your new contract, and on your great new site! YAY!!!! Happy dance!

Posted  by Mary Leo on 12/10/2007