|
Posts tagged with: Anna Sugden
Winner of Eloisa’s Paris Prize Pack!Posted by Anna Sugden May 7 2012, 11:35 pm in Anna Sugden, Bandita Booty, Eloisa James Sorry again for the delay in announcing this! Without further delay, the lucky winner of this fab prize pack is … LilMissMolly!! Please send me your snail mail details using anna@annasugden.com and I’ll make sure your prize is on its way to you asap. Quick Five – Songs from MoviesPosted by Anna Sugden Apr 23 2012, 1:35 am in 27 Dresses, Anna Sugden, Footloose, movies, songs, Top Gun
(For those of you who don’t recognise it, that is the flag of St George or the flag of England). What better way to celebrate, than with a Quick Five? For today’s Quick Five, I thought we could have some fun with favourite songs from movies. I’m not talking about musicals – though I do love them! I’m talking about songs you’ve enjoyed from movies, which aren’t actually musicals. Songs which accompany a favourite scene or movie moment. For example, I love “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” thanks to this scene from Top Gun. Actually, Top Gun is one of those films with awesome music all the way through. At the end of this post, I’ve included a particular favourite from this film you might enjoy! And how about “Benny and the Jets” from 27 Dresses? I really like the Pointer Sisters “Jump” – especially after this bit of dancing from Hugh Grant in Love, Actually? If only it went on longer! Love, Actually has so many lovely musical moments, like “All You Need is Love” in the church Even the ending is awesome! I wish I could have found a You-Tube video of it! The song which accompanies the montage at the end is “God Only Knows”. Funnily enough, Hugh Grant and the lovely Colin Firth appear again in this next clip. I love “It’s Raining Men” … and this fight scene (sorry about the language at the beginning!) The next one is a little unusual as it’s from The Karate Kid – not an especially favourite movie – but I love this song “You’re The Best Around” I couldn’t find a clip for “Holding Out for a Hero” from Footloose – the original (the famous tractor chicken race scene), but here is “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”. Finally, I have a soft spot for ‘Up Where We Belong’ – the song from that final scene from Officer and a Gentleman – though I couldn’t find a decent clip of it! Over to you – what are your five favourite songs from films? And, while you’re thinking about it – enjoy ‘Playing With the Boys’ from Top Gun – sadly I couldn’t find an English version, but that doesn’t hurt the visuals Or this version that includes a few jets too!
Catching Up with Eloisa JamesPosted by Anna Sugden Apr 9 2012, 12:14 am in Anna Sugden, Eloisa James, memoir, Paris in Love, running away It’s always a pleasure to welcome back Lair favourite, Eloisa James. We’re especially pleased to have Eloisa in the Lair this month, as she’s back from her year in Paris and here to tell us all about her new book. I know many of you followed Eloisa’s daily updates on Facebook and are as excited as I am to read Paris in Love. So, without further ado, let me hand you over to Eloisa …
Did you ever run away from home? When I was eight years old, I tucked a box of Saltine’s under my arm, trudged out my front door, and headed across the mile of farmland that stood between my grandma’s house and mine. Her house represented Heaven, with boxes of chocolate and a television. My house, on the other hand, had brown rice, bean sprouts, and lots of books. Not to mention the two younger siblings I was expected to babysit. Paris in Love is the story of the second time I ran away from home. My flight followed a tough year: my mother had died of ovarian cancer, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks after her funeral. Did you know that France is a paradise for chocolate addicts? My grandma would have loved it. Why stop with a box of chocolates? You can buy a box made from chocolate, a chocolate Eiffel Tower, a chocolate chess set…
People always say that you can’t run away from your problems. I think you can. Studies show that the happiest people in the world are those who value experiences over material possessions. Being away from home helps bring into focus the most important things you left behind. I have never forgotten the stab of pure love I felt at the sound of my father’s voice calling to me from a car while I sat in a dark ditch, sobbing and eating Saltine’s. In Paris, I discovered a love of life that encompassed my husband, my children, and my writing career that had been swallowed up by anxiety and stress. If you could run away to anywhere in the world, where would you go? Would you go to Paris the way I did (not even speaking the language), or would you feel more comfortable in an English-speaking country such as Australia? Would you choose to be exotic, elegant, or comfy? What would you hope to discover by running away? One lucky commenter today will win a special Paris Prize Pack and a signed copy of Eloisa’s When Beauty Tamed the Beast!! Don’t forget that our Members Only Prize bundle this month and next month features a highly sought after ARC of Paris in Love!! So, make sure you’ve signed up for the Members’ Den!! Kate Walker Celebrates her 60th!!Posted by Anna Sugden Apr 5 2012, 12:13 am in Anna Sugden, Harlequin Presents, Kate Walker, The Devil and Miss Jones It’s always such fun when Lair favourite Kate Walker comes to visit, but this time it’s extra-special because Kate is joining us to celebrate an extra-special milestone. Sven has had the cabana boys running around to make sure the grand ballroom is ready and that the Lair kitchen has produced sufficient snacks and nibbles for everyone. Zach has corralled the hockey hunks into setting up a champagne fountain and a chocolate fountain. Demetrius has charged the gladiators with ensuring that pesky bird doesn’t misbehave again and that Ermingarde is safely ensconced in her nest. I think Paolo is having a mild nervous breakdown! Anyway, without further ado, let me hand over to Kate who will tell you all about her special 60th celebration …
Hello again Banditas – it’s wonderful to be back with you again. Thank you so much for inviting me back to the Lair and giving me the chance to mark this rather special event that’s happening this month. I’m 60! I know a lady isn’t supposed to tell anyone her age – her real age at least – but this month I’m planning on being all over the internet announcing that I’m 60 and I’m celebrating the fact too!
Well, OK, it’s not my age that I’m talking about but the total number of my books that have been published since I first published The Chalk Line way back in 1984. This month I have a brand new title out with The Devil and Miss Jones appearing in Presents Extra on April 4th and this title is rather special because it’s my 60th title that I’ve had published by Harlequin Mills & Boon. Sorry – I have to say that again – my 60th! No, I can’t believe it either. It seems like it was only just yesterday – well, OK , perhaps a few years ago – that I was a brand new author with my very first novel ever published. Then I blinked and now here I am realising that that was w-a-y back (25 years + w-a-y back! I was a child author, honest!) and all those years later I’m celebrating my 60th published title.
When I was last here to visit the Banditas, I was on a major blog tour to talk about the publication of The Return of the Stranger and at some of the stops along the way for that tour I mentioned that The Devil and Miss Jones would be my 60th title. Everyone told me that I must do something special to celebrate – but if I’m honest, I couldn’t think what to do. I had a fabulous party to mark the publication of my 50th (The Sicilian’s Red Hot Revenge) and that was fantastic, but, as you’ll know from my introduction at the beginning of the month, my house isn’t exactly ready for a party or even a single visitor or so right now. The Babe Magnet and I foolishly embarked on some major renovations on the house – building an extension (well, the builders are doing that – not us!) enlarging the kitchen by knocking down the wall between the kitchen and the utility room . .. oh the mess, and the noise! And then there’s the new bathroom too! It’s all looking fabulous now it’s nearly done – but a party? No – all I want is a little peace and quiet – and no more dust!
So thanks to The Devil and Miss Jones, I now have a glorious piece of jewellery that I will enjoy wearing whenever I can. Hmmm.. . is it too early to start planning for my 70th? So I was wondering – do you have any special celebrations coming up? I noticed that Helen has a birthday and a wedding anniversary coming up – Congratulations and Happy Birthday Helen! I hope you have a wonderful time.
Don’t forget, you can find out more about Kate and her wonderful books at www.kate-walker.com Kate has also generously donated an extra prize – a copy of one of her back-list – for our Members Only prize bundle this month!! So make sure you’ve signed up!! New – For Members Only – April’s Exclusive Interview and Excerpt!Posted by Anna Sugden Apr 1 2012, 9:07 am in Anna Sugden, Exclusive excerpt, exclusive interview, Joan Kayse Check out our Members’ Den for this month’s Exclusive Interview with Brit Bandita, Anna Sugden! Also, we have a special sneak peek of Joan Kayse’s latest manuscript, Guardian Isle – The Beginning in our Exclusive Excerpt. If you haven’t become a member yet, what are you waiting for?! There’s loads of extra, exclusive content available for our loyal BB’s, a monthly newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest goings on in the Lair and a special Members Only prize each month. So, make sure you sign up! Meet Anna SugdenPosted by Anna Sugden Apr 1 2012, 12:37 am in Anna Sugden, exclusive interview This month we meet Brit Bandita, Anna Sugden. • How long have you been writing, and how has your writing changed over time? I’ve been writing, and disappearing into the world inside my head, most of my life. I started writing romances seriously about ten years ago, when we moved to the USA. A work permit snafu due to increased security measures post-9/11 and ridiculous teaching recertification requirements in NJ left me with time on my hands. My lovely hubby suggested I do what I’ve always dreamed of and write romance novels – so I did a romance writing course, joined Romance Writers of America and the New Jersey Romance Writers. I haven’t looked back! I started off writing heart-warming contemporary romances set in England – they say to write what you know! Gradually, the setting of my books changed as I grew more comfortable writing American characters. With each book, my writing improved as I learned so much about the craft of writing. Thanks to some wonderful advice from the fabulous Susan Mallery, my writing took a real step-change with my third book. I began to final in and win contests, including being a Golden Heart finalist three times. Over time, I realised that all of my contemporary novels had a hint of suspense. A dear friend suggested I try my hand at writing a romantic suspense. I loved it and have been writing them, alongside my contemporary romances, ever since! Quick Five – Let’s Talk Cookies!Posted by Anna Sugden Mar 31 2012, 12:41 am in Anna Sugden, Biscuiteers, cookies, quick five I rarely go to a grocery store these days, as most of our grocery shopping is done online and delivered to our front door. However, recently, we had to go to a local supermarket to pick up some things for my father-in-law. Because he has a sweet tooth, we ended up in the biscuits and cakes aisle. Those of you know me, know I’m usually tempted more by savoury snacks than sweet. So, I didn’t see this as a problem aisle … until I spotted some childhood favourites! Before you could say chocolate chip cookie, several packets of biscuits had made their way into our trolley! So what treats popped themselves into my trolley?
First, Fox’s Iced Party Rings. Iced biscuits with a hole in the middle in pretty colours.
Fox’s Jam Creams. Biscuit sandwich with jam and cream in the middle. Not to be confused with Jammy Dodgers, which are a prettier biscuit, but only have jam in them!
McVitie’s Chocolate covered Hobnobs. Hobnobs are the crunchy, oaty version of Digestives and also yummy. Yummy x 2 with that extra layer of chocolate! McVitie’s Boasters. The ultimate chocolate chip cookies with big chunks of chocolate and whole nuts.
Sadly, they didn’t have my BFF Caroline’s delicious Toll House cookies – my favourtie home-made cookies!
Now, if I really wanted to treat myself, I’d pop over to my favourite decorated biscuits site – the fabulous Biscuiteers! Not only are their cookies delicious, they’re gorgeous too! They have so many wonderful designs, from these cute shoes to the wonderful Royal Wedding biscuits and everything in-between! Look at the fun biscuits they’ve done for the Diamond Jubilee – complete with Corgis! (And, yes, they ship worldwide!) Over to you …
1. What childhood favourites tempt you in the cookie aisle? 2. Do you bake or do you buy all your cookies? 3. If you bake – what’s your specialty? If you don’t, where is your favourite cookie stop? 4. How do you eat your cookies – nibble, cram it all in, twist and lick any filling etc etc? 5. Do you have a favourite cookie jar, or don’t they last long enough in your house?
The Colours of Spring – Quick 5!Posted by Anna Sugden Mar 22 2012, 1:17 am in Anna Sugden, colour, spring flowers
Although there is still a slight nip in the air, reminding us that it’s only March, you can tell that we have said goodbye to winter and are welcoming spring.
So, I thought it would be fun to do a Quick Five that celebrates the colours of spring.
2. What are your favourite flowers? 3. Which flowers signify the start of spring for you? 4. Do you have a garden, yard, patio, window box etc or is there no place for anything but house plants where you live? And, do you have flowers? 5. When your garden, yard, patio, window box etc are in full bloom do you have one colour theme or is it a kaleidoscope of colours? Or, if you don’t have any of those, do you like a bouquet of flowers to be all one colour or a glorious mixture?
PS Thought you might like this picture, from a few years ago, where the field opposite our house was completely filled with red poppies! Easy Sunday Quick FivePosted by Anna Sugden Jan 22 2012, 12:22 am in Anna Sugden, Easy Sunday, quick five Isn’t January going quickly? The holidays have faded into a dim memory, but it’s still dark, cold and grey out there. At least, it is over here. It’s been a pretty mild winter for us. So mild that some of our cherry trees have started to blossom! Daffodils have started poking their heads above the ground too. I hope that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a bad year for farmers. One of the problems with the mild weather is that it hasn’t really been cold enough to light the fire. What better way of spending a rainy and miserable Sunday than snuggled up in front of the fire, cats at your feet (Or on your lap, the chair, the bookcase …) and a good book in your hand? Luckily, in the Lair, we can make such things happen! The hockey hunks have stoked up the library fire and Paolo is bringing round a tray of hot chocolate for everyone. So sit back, relax, snuggle up and have a great Sunday! What better way to enjoy hockey hunks and hot chocolate than with an Easy Sunday Quick Five? 1. How do you like your hot chocolate? Plain, with toppings, with added flavours (like a shot of caramel or a dash of brandy) or both toppings and added flavours? 2. Where do you like to curl up on a wet, miserable, cold day? A favourite chair, in bed or somewhere else? 3. Do you have a favourite blanket, quilt, throw or other snuggly covering? 4. What will you be wearing? Pyjamas, sweats, other comfy clothing, bed socks, slipper socks, slippers …? 5. What are you reading right now? Chasing Rainbows with Kathleen LongPosted by Anna Sugden Nov 22 2011, 1:01 am in Anna Sugden, Kathleen Long I’m delighted to welcome back one of my favourite authors and a very dear friend, Kathleen Long. Whether it’s funny, heart-warming contemporary (Get Bunny Love, Cherry on Top) or tense, fast-paced romantic suspense (The Body Hunters series for Harlequin Intrigue), you can’t go wrong with Kath’s books! Her latest, Chasing Rainbows, is no exception. I LOVED it! You will laugh and cry and cheer for Bernie, while falling in love with the quirky characters in her life (especially the delish Number Thirty-Six). So, without further ado, let me hand you over to Kath.
Two exciting things have happened to me recently. And yes, for those of you now saying, “two things?” Two. My life is not that interesting. Shocking, I know. Where was I? Ah yes, two things. One: I released my first women’s fiction title, Chasing Rainbows, truly the book of my heart. Two: I attended my 30-year reunion. (Much as you want to do the math on that, please don’t.) So, when Anna suggested I feature Chasing Rainbow’s heroine, Bernadette Murphy, on the blog today, I got to thinking Bernie might have wisdom to share about preparing for special events. And who can’t use a little advice on that with holiday gatherings looming just around the bend? I give you a little chat with Bernie. Kath: So, Bernie, what do you think the single most important item is when preparing to attend a special event?
Kath: Boots? Bernie: Yes, boots. Seriously, if you can manage to look hot from the knees down, no one’s going to notice the fact you can’t breathe in your Spanx. If you remember nothing else from this little talk, remember this. Boots. [Note from Anna: I'm with Bernie!] Kath: Okay, moving on. As women, we all tend to worry too much about our appearance. Have you ever launched a new exercise routine before a big event? Bernie: Much as I’d love to tell you all about my recent successes with walking and running, I’d be lying if I failed to mention the little mishap I had with my pedometer. Sadly, on my way to achieving 10,000 steps a day, my pedometer tragically fell to the concrete and met with the bottom of my running shoe. Kath: So you’re saying you’re not a fan of exercise? Bernie: I’m saying I’m a fan of Spanx…and boots.
Bernie: Luckily for me, a new neighbor moved in down the street. He did witness the pedometer incident, unfortunately, but he also bonded with my dog, Poindexter, the moment they met. At Number Thirty-Six’s command, Poindexter sits, plays dead, rolls over. He’d probably balance the checkbook if Number Thirty-Six told him to. Heck, the last time Number Thirty-Six told Poindexter to sit, I had to catch myself before I planted my derriere in the mud. Some men just have that smoldering, unnerving presence that makes you…er…your dog want to sit up and beg for treats. Kath: What about makeup? Are there any tips you’d like to share on preparing for a big day? Bernie: Boots. Seriously, keep the focus on your feet. However, if you do decide to try a makeover and the young women at the cosmetic counter snicker when you ask for wrinkle prevention cream and hand you recovery cream instead, try not to leap over the counter and turn into the Tasmanian Devil. No good can come from that…even though it was fun. Kath: Okay, I think we have time for one more nugget of wisdom. What have I forgotten to mention? What would you like to share? Bernie: I’d like to remind everyone to live in the moment. Enjoy the life you have and make the best of the little things that make life special. Laugh with your girlfriends. Dance in the moonlight. Chase airplanes with your dog. Muster up the nerve to say yes when Number Thirty-Six invites you out for coffee. Oh wait, we were talking about you, right? My dad always said, “In life, you either choose to sing a rainbow, or you don’t.” My advice? Keep singing…and wear boots. Kath: Thank you, Bernie! And thank you, Banditas, for inviting me to the Lair! Now, I want to know… What’s your favorite tip when preparing for a special event? And are you on the Spanx team? The boots team? Or both? I’ll randomly choose from your comments and give away three copies of Chasing Rainbows – your choice of print or digital – at the end of the day. If you want to learn more about Bernie and her adventures in rediscovering herself and how to live in the moment, check out a copy of Chasing Rainbows – available in print and digital format (digital on sale now for just $ .99 through the holidays!). You can order through Amazon, by clicking on the book cover in the blog. You can also order through Barnes & Noble or Smash Words. Also, pop on over to my website to read the first two chapters!
When Bernie finds herself in trouble at home, out of work and banned from the mall after a confrontation at the cosmetic counter, she discovers what her father always knew. In life, you either choose to sing a rainbow, or you don’t. For Bernie, the singing is about to begin. Kathleen Long is a RITA® nominated, RIO Award and two-time Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence winning author of fourteen novels of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction. Her additional honors include National Readers Choice, Holt Medallion, Booksellers Best, and Book Buyers Best award nominations. She recently attended her high school reunion and lived to tell about it. Oddly enough, she credits her success to an amazing pair of boots and a blessedly strong suck-it-all-in slip from Spanx. She divides her time between suburban Philadelphia and the Jersey shore. Please visit her at www.kathleenlong.com.
|
 
12 Bandita Days of Christmas
Anna Campbell
Anna Sugden
Annie West
Aunty Cindy explains it all for you
Bandita Booty
Bandit Booty
Beth Andrews
Caren Crane
Cassondra's blogs
Cassondra Murray
Christie Kelley
Christine Wells
Christmas
coming attractions
contest winner
debut
Donna MacMeans
guest blogger
historical romance
Holidays
interviews
Jeanne Adams
Joan Kayse
Jo Beverley
Jo Robertson
Kate Carlisle
Launch Party
movies
paranormal romance
prizes
prize winner
prize winners
romance bandits
Susan Sey
Suzanne Ferrell
Suzanne Welsh
T-shirts
Tawny Weber
The Dangerous Duke
travel
Trish Milburn
Uncategorized
writer's life
writing life |
 resized.jpg)
.jpg)
_cropped.jpg)
