Stumbled across this thought-provoking blog on FaceBook and thought I’d share. http://harlequinblog.com/2010/03/the-harlequin-blog-celebrates-national-womens-month/

I particularly like what the author of the blog says about strong heroines. The book I’m currently revising features a woman coming out of an abusive relationship. What drew me to Daria was the strength it took to stand up to the many people in her life who felt that what she had (a lovely home, two beautiful kids in private school, a nice car, etc.) more than made up for the fact her husband regarded her as a possession. My heroine is strong, but there will be those, I’m sure, who wonder why she didn’t leave sooner. Why did she stay with him and have two kids? Valid questions, but, as in life, there are no simple, pat answers. She struggled with and continues to struggle with her sense of identity and establishing her independence and her right to live a happy, fulfilled and engaged life, rather than standing in the shadow of her husband’s success.

Interestingly, this topic also dovertails nicely with the book the Wine, Women and Words Book Club is discussing on Sunday. A SHORT HISTORY OF WOMEN by Kate Walbert  is not a placid,  easy read. I found it challenging but worth the effort. A word of advice if you pick this up: keep one finger on the family tree index. (I was very confused by all the Dorothy characters.) What I found most interesting was how the advances in women rights, beginning with suffrage, affected the generations of women in this one family.

Also, I’m in the mood to give away prizes today–in celebration of National Women’s Day. Post-it notes–who can live without Post-its?!?–will go out to the first three posters.

Have a great week, everyone.

Deb

My father-in-law and brother-in-law are coming tomorrow for a month’s stay. They’re fed up with winter in South Dakota and need an escape. I remember those long, white winters and don’t blame them, but introducing two guests into a household for four weeks could be a challenge, unless you happen to have a Man Cave handy.

Our guest house didn’t start out as a Man Cave. It morphed from a shop, to an art studio, to a bachelor pad for our son, to a studio apartment, to a cottage, and, now, it’s changed again.

You gotta love a space that is that flexible. You could learn from a space like that. You could take to heart that nothing is written in stone and every change leads to new possibilities.

The reason this lesson is important to me is that I’m currently working on my revisions for my December book. This is my 27th book, so I’m pretty familiar with revisions, but each book is different. And each time I get the “fix this” call from my editor, I have to remind myself of one simple thing: revising will make it better; over-revising will make you crazy and it won’t help the story.

Kinda like the man cave. No new walls, windows or rooms; instead, we went for the nuances that give it personality and theme. A few fishing poles, lures (or instruments of death, as my hubby calls them), lots of remote controls and a couple of leather recliners.

So, I’m off to “revisionland” – an island of small, significant change in the heart of Debland. But I’m looking forward to hangin’ with the boys at the Man Cave once my revisions are done.

Have a great week!
Deb

I realize I’m a bit late in starting a New Year’s Resolution, but it’s still February. Right? Well, this is me playing catch-up with my life. Nothing new, I assure you. But routine is a good thing, I’m told, so I’m embarking on a new one–a weekly blog. (Hence the “Tuesdays in DebLand” title.) I thought I’d start you out with a happy smile. My youngest granddaughter never fails to make me smile.

As some of you know, I lost my mom and my sister in quick succession (May ‘08 and Aug ‘09, respectively). This double whammy has made the process of grieving doubly intense and really cut into my normal online socialization. But I’m feeling more positive and focused every day and I hope to make these blogs positive, too. The focus will tend toward writing, since that’s what I do.

So, here’s your first piece of insider news: my next book is titled THE GOOD PROVIDER (Nov OR Dec 2010). This is William’s story. He’s the agent who shows up in a couple of stories, including “Finding Their Son.” Here’s a scene from that book that made me certain I needed to write his story.

“Hi, Char, it’s me, Eli. I miss you. I’m pretty sure my life is never gonig to be right without you. Marry me?”

He stuffed the phone back into his pocket. What kind of jerk proposed on the phone–while he still legally married?

He let out a loud sound of disgust and fell backward in the sand. He kept his eye closed for two reasons: the sun and his eyes were starting to water. From some previously undiagnosed allergy. Or a sudden onset cold. Not tears. God, no. He refused to cry in public.

He was so wrapped up in fighting off his impending embarrassment he almost missed the conversation coming from a few feet behind him–until he realized he was the focus of it.

“Wow, Shane. How’d you do that? Point your finger, pull the trigger and he topples over. That was awesome.”

“Why are you looking at me? It could have been William. He was using an imaginary bow and arrow.”

“That’s what you use on dragons.”

The last speaker had an English accent.

“It couldn’t have been us. Any projectile–even an imaginary one–would have made him fall forward because we were shooting from behind.”

Eli opened his eyes. They really were talking about him.

“Then why’d he fall over? Maybe he’s on drugs again.”

Again?

“He’s pissed.”

“How could he be pissed? We haven’t even told him who we are or why we’re here.”

“Pissed is Brit for drunk.”

“Why can’t they talk right?”

“They? You mean me, and I’m standing right here. With an imaginary bow and arrow that I’m going to shove u–”

A bit naughty, but I loved his droll, dry humor. Can’t wait for you to meet him in his own book.

Okay. Enough for today. I’m working on a new story–the first book of twins, which is also the second to last book in this series. (Confused, yet?)

Oh, and my bookclub is reading a very unusual book that has me both intrigued and annoyed. The title is: A Short History of Women. More of that when the Wine, Women and Words bookclub meets. Soon. I promise. Another resolution pending implementation…but it’s still February, right?

Have a great rest of the week! See you next Tuesday.

Deb

Thank you for your patience…the bookclub will be returning very soon!

The Wine, Women and Words Book Club met last night to discuss my May Superromance, PICTURE-PERFECT MOM and New York Times’ bestseller, The Shack. The heroes of both books were named Mac. That’s about it for common bonds, but both garnered a lot of talk. All thumbs up for Picture-Perfect Mom, I’m happy to say. Mixed reviews for The Shack. Since my mother used to warn me never to discuss religion or politics at a party, this book made for an interesting discussion.

photoHere we are happily enjoying our early summer evening on the patio, dining on strawberries and whipped cream. As Donna (second from the left) says, “Life is short, eat dessert first.”

We were sipping wine and munching on fried tofu and grilled veggies when the first of the vampire invaders arrived. About the time we finished the main part of our meal, they brought reinforcements. Mosquitoes. To reference The Shack, we cried, “Papa! What were You thinking?”

Deb

PICTURE-PERFECT MOM – 4.5 stars!
blog: http://debrasalonen.com/wwwbookclub/
www.debrasalonen.com

I was suffering from Twitter phobia until Harlequin goddess of all things hip and cool Jayne sent me this link to the New York Times technology article about  Twitter. One word: wow. Can it be that easy? Do I dare? Can I learn brevity?  Will I become lost in the technology vacuum and die a slow-lingering death from time sucking vampires?

I really hope not, because I’m going to try. If Oprah can do it, so can I.  Wish me luck.

Deb

Somehow I lost a month.

Actually, I know where it went. I have the pictures to prove it. You have no idea how much I want to say I was in Italy or Spain or on a cruise. But, no, I was a helping my son and husband refurbish a sadly neglected mobile home that my daughter is moving into. Check out the before and after photos at my son’s blog: http://www.salonens.biz
Extreme Trailer Makeover, Wow! Almost Ready for the move in!

As the saying goes, it’s all about location, and this location is great. Within walking distance of the elementary school, and since she plans to open a Day Care later this summer, we couldn’t pass up the chance to help her make this happen. This is a most positive thing and I’m really happy to have been able to contribute–plus, it’s spring so working outside is a gift. But, boy, am I glad to get back to my real job.

Speaking of which…the first three people to respond to this blog will receive the following FREE book: MARRIED BY MISTAKE by Abby Gaines.  In the back of this lovely book, you’ll find an excerpt from my new book, PICTURE-PERFECT MOM. And in case you missed my January release, DADDY BY SURPRISE, you can pick it up on sale at eHarlequin.  Hurry, hurry. It’s 40% off!!! Click here: eHarlequin.com – For Women Who Love to Read

Also, May means my friend Brenda Novak is holding her month-long online auction to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research. Here’s the link to my Spotlight on Sentinel Pass gift basket and a chance to have your name in one of my books.  This is a great way to donate to a good cause AND get something cool for yourself.

Deb

So how fun is this? The “As Soon As I Finish This Chapter…” book club decided to read HIS BROTHER’S SECRET as their March selection and they invited me to be guest speaker.  Here’s a shot of our lovely hostess, Linda Scoggin (if the name rings a bell, it’s because I used it in the book–unfortunately, MY Linda was murdered by the bad twin. Hope that wasn’t too much information.)  She’s the lady in robin’s egg blue in the center of the group.  I knew everyone’s name at one point (as I was signing) but my sieve-like memory would undoubtedly get a few wrong if I tried to list from left to right. Suffice to say, they were a wonderful group. Great questions, great food and best of all–they loved my Spotlight on Sentinel Pass series!!! Yeah!

So, what’s the Wine, Women and Words book club currently reading? Brace yourself. It’s serious. It’s sobering.  (Yeah, I know…kinda goes against type, huh?)  It’s heavy.  It makes me want to be a better inhabitant of this planet.  Title: THE GREAT TURNING by David. C. Korten.

And Char just finished: NICK AND NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST. Her comment: “They made a movie out of that? Really?” But it made her laugh and she felt really hip after reading it. Well, sorta hip.

Jenna just finished reading the new Harlan Coben thriller, HOLD TIGHT. It freaked her out a little, but she passed it on to Libby.  Jenna was going to suggest it as a WWW’s title, but Libby vetoed the idea.  She said  pulverized bodies keep her up at night. S till, it was exciting if you’re into thrillers.

Kat is half-way through Susan Gable’s new Superromance, A KID TO THE RESCUE.  She’s loving it. Nobody can remember what the April read is. Any suggestions?

Photos from Deb’s Lost Coast adventure up next….

Ah…May. Mother’s Day. Take a look at this fabulous cover and tell me…does this not cry “Buy me for any mother you know!”?  I certainly hope so.

What I loved most about this cover is the little girl (Mac’s daughter “Megan” in the story) looks so much like my friend Donna’s little girl named Morgan that everyone who knows Morgan picks this out right away. Now, add this strange coincidence to the mix–the heroine in the book is named Morgan.  Twilight Zone music, please.

I’ll be posting more about this book soon. I promise. I just turned in my revisions for Char’s book. That girl was a challenge, let me tell you.

Cheers!

Deb

2009 is Harlequin’s 6oth anniversary.  The entire year will be filled with fun things, special events and awesome prizes. Kicking off the party is a free book promotion available at www.HarlequinCelebrates.com We’re talking new books by great authors. You only get to pick one, but what a great way to try a new line you might have been curious about.

The only hitch? Oh, come on, you knew there had to be one, right? The books are digital downloads. I can say I’ve never tried this myself, but what better time?  Be brave. Be current. Earn bragging rights with all the smart kids you know.

Here’s what the whiz kids at eHarlequin sent me. Don’t ask me to interpret.

• The titles are available as a PDF and in all eBook formats. There is no drm (digital rights management)
• The titles are also available as a Stanza App for the iPhone and iPod Touch
• The titles can also be found at all the online retailers like Sony, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Fictionwise.com, eReader.com, etc.
• The 16 free books (one for every series) will be available throughout 2009.

The free books:

Harlequin American Romance, Once a Cowboy by Linda Warren

Harlequin Blaze, Slow Hands by Leslie Kelly

Harlequin Historical, His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls

Harlequin Intrigue, Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels

Harlequin Presents, Price of Passion by Susan Napier

Harlequin Romance, The Bride’s Baby by Liz Fielding

Harlequin Superromance, Snowbound by Janice Kay Johnson

Silhouette Desire, Baby Bonanza by Maureen Child

Silhouette Nocturne, Kiss Me Deadly by Michele Hauf

Silhouette Romantic Suspense, Stranded with a Spy by Merline Lovelace

Silhouette Special Edition, Dancing in the Moonlight by Raeanne Thayne

Love Inspired, A Very Special Delivery by Linda Goodnight

Love Inspired Historical, Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart

Love Inspired Suspense, Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry

Kimani Romance, Irresistible Forces by Brenda Jackson

Nascar, Speed Dating by Nancy Warren

The Wine, Women and Words Book Club voted and we’re going to read and discuss Linda Warren’s Harlequin American ONCE A COWBOY in March.  (February is a bust because Char and I are working on the revisions of FINDING THEIR SON.)  So, please join us. Linda’s a wonderful author, and who doesn’t love a cowboy?

What are you waiting for? It’s FREE!  Let’s celebrate!!!

Deb