Haven't had much time to write in my blog. So sorry--I had to address my latest publication The Very Thought of You, which sold to Crimson Romance, a new romance line. My book debuted on November 19--and that was very, very exciting. I will give you more information shortly. I was able to find time to put out a few tweets on this news, so follow me on Twitter for more updates. Back soon.

Cityscape--San Francisco

I was asked by my publisher, Crimson Romance, why I chose to write The Very Thought Of You-my latest romance novel (contemporary). I did it because of the many changes that have come to San Francisco--condowise. What used to be a very undesirable area south of Market has seen many changes with expensive lofts going up, along with high rise condos. All along the Embarcadero where the freeway had to be taken down after the 1989 earthquake, high rise condos have sprouted like crazy. Great, they have a fab view of the bay, but the cost of living there is way beyond the average wage earner. In my book, Nick Mancini is one of the builders condoizing the city south of Market. He runs up against Molly Hewitt who administers a not-for-profit medical clinic down the street. I chose that career for her because San Francisco is in the forefront of establishing clinics for those people who have no medical insurance (and more are added to that list every day) or for people who can only afford a few dollars for medical care. Believe me, there's a romance in there and it blossoms as the hero and heroine start to resolve their differences. I thought the plot was timely and what's not to like about San Francisco. Great food, great views, great heart great place to fall in love. I did with the city and my husband.

New Romance Line--Crimson Romance

Can there ever be too many romance publishers? Definitely NOT! The romance market is a multi billion dollar market.  Apparently, the readership is huge, so new publishers pop up and offer readers a diverse line of books--everything from 'sweet' to erotic to vampires and everything in between. My new publisher, Crimson Romance, has just contracted for my new contemporay romance THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU. They're a new company and I'm really excited to become one of their authors. I don't have a publication date yet--we're still in the preliminary stages--but as soon as I find out I'll let everyone know. Check them out on the web--www.crimson romance.com.

Paris in the Springtime

I've been so busy with writing and reviewing a literary contract since I returned from Paris in Mid June that I haven't had a chance to say how wonderful the trip turned out. Great weather and, believe me, we needed it, especially on the day we climbed half-way up the Eiffel Tower! The line for the tram was about 2000+ people long, so we went for the only entrance where no one was on line--the stairs. So what? It was tiring, but the views were gorgeous!! Took the Bateau Mouches for at least the third time over the years. Always relaxing and with the views of both the right and left back, no complaints here. Finally made it to Sacre Cour. Again, like a million steps (okay, only about 75) but it's way up on hill on the left bank and, again, the views were fantastic.

Spent 3 days in Bordeaux--goreous. What else would the wine country of France be if not that? Great Inn, food, wine, wine tours, wine--of, I said that already. All in all, a grand experience and a trip to remember.

On May 6th the San Francisco Ballet performed Don Quixote. It's the story of a boy and girl who fall in love, but her father wants her to marry another man who is a lot older, the nobleman Gamache. Still, the girl, Kitri, professes her love for Basilio--her hero. When Don quixote arrives on the scene, he causes a commotion. He sees Kitri and mistakes her for Dulcinea, his ideal woman. The ballet had everything: a live horse and mule, a windmill for Don Quixote to tilt at and spectacular dancing. The audience gave the dancers the kind of applause they earn at their curtain call--but in the middle of the ballet!! Needless to say, they received at least 5 curtain calls to thunderous applause and much shouting.

By the way, Kitri winds up with Basilio, and love conquers all!

Romeo and Juliet

Two weeks ago the San Francisco ballet performed Romeo and Juliet. Their prima ballerina, Yuan Yuan Tan danced Juliet. Spectacular. The audience roared when she took her curtain calls. It was thrilling right from the start when the lovers first meet straight through to the final, fatal conclusion. Incredible. The score by Prokofiev was magnifient. There is no music more dramatic in any ballet.
This Sunday the company will dance Don Quixote. He's a dreamer who seeks his ideal woman, Dulcinea. There's a love story here, too. Kitri professes her love for Basilio, but her father has plans to marry her off to the affected nobleman Garmarche. Will love conquer all? I'll let you know after I see the ballet!
Next season the company will perform another beautiful love story--Cinderella! I can't wait.