Facelift, anyone?

My high school reunion is coming up next month. My goal was to lose about a thousand pounds before the big day (cough, cough) but somehow, time has crept up on me and that hasn't happened yet.

A couple of the guys I went to high school with live here in Tallahassee, so we had a little "pre-reunion" and met for lunch last Saturday. Jeff, on my right, is a political cartoonist. You can check out his blog here. And Bill, on my left, works for the state doing something very important with Grants. In case you're wondering, I'm 5'6", and yes, Bill did play on the basketball team. He also had a great 70's 'fro going back then, so you can add a few more inches to his HS height. He was a pretty imposing figure on the courts, I'll tell you that.

Jeff posted the above picture to our Yahoo Reunion site. Although, he did promise Bill and I he'd photoshop it first (adding in more hair, shaving off a few lbs, etc) He couldn't shave off any lbs, but he did manage to take off a few years

Ah! The beauty of photoshop!

Everything's bigger in Oregon...

Cuz that's where the sexy cowboy on the left is from:)

My wonderful chapter (yes, it's mine) RWA Online has started a program of Book Reviews and I was lucky enough to score a free copy of Kate Pearce's newest book.

I can't say enough great things about it. It's well written, fast paced and suffice it to say that Ms Pearce once again lives up to her nickname of "Naughty Kate".

Word of warning: Expect to stay up late once you start reading!

WHERE HAVE ALL THE COWBOYS GONE?
by Kate Pearce
Review by Maria Geraci

While on a business trip to Vegas, Lauren Redstone falls into the lap of sexy cowboy Grayson Turner. When he offers to buy her a drink, Lauren ends up getting more than just her thirst quenched. After a wild night of passion, Lauren wakes up married to the hunky, mysterious cowboy from Oregon. Grayson might be Lauren’s ideal roll in the hay, but she has no intention of permanently roping herself to a man who might turn out to be as domineering as her father. Determined to keep Lauren as his bride, Grayson convinces her to give him two weekends to prove to her they’re compatible in every way possible.

From the stables of an Oregon ranch to the streets of San Francisco, Ms. Pearce weaves an erotic tale of two soul mates who must overcome the machinations of their interfering families and the modern day conundrum of juggling two busy careers. There’s never a second in the book that you don’t root for exactly that to happen.

Lots of steamy sex scenes and an absolutely to die-for-hero will have you whistling Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy long after you’ve finished reading this elegantly written, fast paced story. Don’t miss it!

Where Have All The Cowboys Gone? is available for pre-order at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

I'll tell you who I want

Okay, I'm showing my dweebness again, but I can't help it. I'm totally hooked on the NBC show, "Grease, You're the One that I Want". Tonight is the big finale. I started watching a couple of months ago when the show premiered. I loved the premise- A national talent hunt for 2 unknown actors to play Danny and Sandy in the upcoming Broadway revival of Grease. Like American Idol, viewers have been voting for their favorites and it's narrowed down to 2 Sandys and 2 Dannys. Tonight, we'll find out who wins.

My money is on Laura and Max. Both of them were huge uonderdogs in the beginning. At first, I loved Chad (but then who didn't?), but Max has totally won me over as Danny. And I just can't see anyone now but Laura playing Sandy.



Laura (This girl can sing!)


Ashley (adorable, but has an irritating voice)







Max (not so hunky, but absolutely riveting to watch on stage)




Austin (hunky and cute, but missing something)

Synopsis help

I know I've been a bad blogger lately. I've been trying sooo hard to get the rough version of my ms polished enough to let my cp's read it that I've been neglectful here. But I had to pop in today and recommend this great site. It's the Happily-Ever-After Cafe, a blog written by RWA Online's pubbed authors. Claire Delacroix is offering a free synopsis workshop right here. Claire's workshops are always wonderful, so if you need synopsis help, this is the place to go!

Thank You, Geek Squad!

Wednesday, I had my own personal Geek out to fix up my new laptop. Poor Jane. Her owner is computer challenged. In my giddiness to get my new computer up and running, somehow I must have uploaded my software wrong. Or got my settings wrong. Or something. I only know that Jane had a two month long cold that is now much better thanks to Tim from the Geek Squad. In less than 45 minutes, Tim had Jane up and running laps. Which means I can access the internet again and blog, and everything else!

So I finally posted a blog on the Title Wave site about Perky the Duck, my newest inspiration.

Tagged!

Okay, so Mel, or whatever she's calling herself these days, has tagged me on one of those cutsie name game things. I'm really trying to do housework today, so of course, this came in perfect.

1. YOUR REAL NAME:
Maria Geraci

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first three letters of your name, plus izzle)
Marizzle (Personally, my REAL name sounds more gangsta)

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three of your last)
Mger (sounds like a Scottish growl)

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal)
Red Dog (Isn't that a soft drink?)

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, Street you live on):
Eugenia Milestone (yes, I'm the new bitch matriarch of Pine Valley. Phoebe Wallingford look out!)

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom’s maiden name)
Germaher

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (favorite color, favorite drink)
Red Cuba Libre (Sounds like it should be a movie starring Jack Black)

8. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, any letter of your middle name, 2nd letter of your moms maiden name, 3rd letter of your dad’s middle name, 1st letter of a sibling’s first name, last letter of your moms middle name)
Dear God, the directions on this one are enough to make my head spins. Oh well, here goes:
Argeicz

9. YOUR STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/body spray)
Chance (this might be my favorite one!)

10. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father’s middle name)
Okay, I take that back, this is definitely my favorite: Lydia Moises

Sadly, it's now time to go back to the housework...

All my friends are getting published!

I love the title of my blog! The last few months have been an absolute whirlwind of good news for so many of my friends. Now, I just have to catch up on all the good reading!
I finally finished The Historian. It was a great book, and really rich in detail, but not a fast read for me. I started reading it back in November and only finished it a couple of weeks ago. (I do have the Holidays to blame for some of that slow reading, btw) As Mel can attest, I didn't know much about vampire lore (you mean they're undead?) until I read this book. Watching Dark Shadows as a kid apparently didn't educate me enough. I hear Elizabeth Kostova got a cool $2 million advance on the book and that it's being made into a movie. I'll definitely want to see that.

But I'm rambling here. Back to the point of my blog, because unfortunately, I don't know Elizabeth Kostova. The Warrior Trainer is finally out! You might remember that Gerri's fabulous book was the winner of the American Title 2 contest. I just got my copy and can't wait to sink my teeth into it.


Another wonderful read out is Kate Pearce's Antonia's Bargain. I read an early version of this and can't wait to read the finished results. The cover is absolutely gorgeous!

It's all about attitude, baby

Here's a little ditty my sister sent me this morning via email. It was sent to her by her friend, Liz Hienkle, who has been waging a successful batttle against breast cancer. It brought a smile to my face, and I hope it does the same for you:

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?" So she did and she had awonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head."H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on herhead. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head."YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,Love generously,Care deeply,Speak kindly.......Leave the rest to God.

For more on positive attitude, go check out the Title Wave Blog. Yeah, Ruth!

WOO HOO!

I'm so happy, I could burst! My wonderful friend and cp has just sold her first book! No, I take that back. She's just sold her first TWO books! Here's where you can read all about it. Way to go, Mel!!!

Introducing Jane and getting rid of the Holiday Blues

I have a new laptop! It's silver and shiny and best of all, it works! I've decided to name her Jane. Yes, I know it's rather cheeky of me. But I might as well channel the best, right?

After almost an entire month of no computer, I'm thrilled to be writing again. But now I'm trying to make up for all the time I've missed, and the rest of the world is trying to do Christmas...

Which brings me to the second part of my post. The Holiday Blues.

Did you know that this is the most stressful time of the year for women?
I heard that little statistic twice last week. Once, on the radio, while I was taking the kids to school, and then later that day while I was hanging more Christmas decorations in the house and watching Regis and Kelly.

I admit, I'm no Rachel Ray, Martha Stewart or Jennifer Crusie. But I'd like to be. Of course, all these self-expectations tend to make one rather critical of oneself and that can only lead to one thing. The blues. Lucikly, there's nothing better to cure the blues with than a good book or movie.

Here's a story written by the talented Ellen Peters that's sure to cure any holiday funk. Best of all, it's a short, quick read. Perfect for the Holiday season. I have to admit, though, I did shed a tear. But's its the good kind of tears (the kind you get with a Happily-Ever-After!)



Ava Carrolton has decided to make her own fate this holiday season. Tired of being alone and hoping to find love, she finally agrees to date the dashing and persistent owner of the department store where she works. Who wouldn’t enjoy spending time with a man who looks like a GQ model? But, she has one misgiving. She doesn’t feel The Spark with Mr. Debonair, so how is she to know if he’s The One?When Ava literally bumps into Noah Shepard, every girl’s definition of The Boy Next Door, they form an unlikely friendship. As they bond, Noah seems to transform through Ava’s eyes. His thick frame glasses and shy stutters fade away, while a knight in shining armor emerges. Will Ava choose excitement and security with the handsome store owner, or a lifetime of making snow angels with a man who’s anything but ordinary?

Snow Angels is available at The Wild Rose Press. I promise, it won't disappoint!

Just a few days left to vote!

I've been a really bad blogger lately. But I have a good excuse. My computer crashed over a week ago. I thought it'd be fixed by now, but apparently, it's dead. Beyond any computer CPR.

Just writing those words makes me cringe.

Luckily, my writing is backed up.

Which brings me to the point of my post. Other people's writing. There's less than a week left to vote on round 2 of the American Title 3 contest. This round features Best Hero and Heroine description. Take a minute to go to the RT Site and vote.

Oh, and on a wonderful note, go to the TITLE WAVE blog for some awesome news on Gerri Russell's The Warrior Trainer!

The day the squirrel ate my hambuger

I've been dissing my own blog.

The reason for that is simple. I've been multi-tagged by both Mel and Lucy to come up with 5 interesting things about myself and I've been avoiding writing that post like the plague. I honestly can't think of 5 really interesting things (not that I can write in a blog, anyway). So, I'll just tell you one not so interesting, but very important thing that happened to me early in life.

When I was four, a squirrel swooped down from a tree and stole my McDonalds hamburger.

It changed my life.

But for this story to make any sense, I have to go back to the beginning:

First of all, you wouldn't know it from looking at me, but I'm a really finicky eater. Ask my friends, I drive them crazy. As a kid, I never ate mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup. Or any sauce or condiment of any kind. It just weirded me out. So whenever we went to McDonalds (which was the greatest treat in my mind at age 4) my mom or dad had to wait in line while they cooked my "plain" hamburger. This always made me feel a little guilty, since the rest of the family had to wait. But, oh well.

The day of the Great Squirrel Incident (yes, that is still how it's referred to by my family), we took our food and went outside to this little picnic area in back of the McDonalds. I took a bite out of my hamburger, and as all 4 year olds tend to do, ran off to play.

My mother warned me. "Don't leave your food unattended!"

But I ignored her.

A couple of minutes later, a large, beasty looking squirrel swooped down onto the picnic table, plunged his razorlike fangs into my McDonalds hamburger and carried it off.

I was mortified.

I cried.

I begged my parents to go into the McDonalds and order me another plain hamburger.

"No. But you can have mine," said my mother, offering me her hamburger, dripping and laden with all sorts of nasty looking condiments.

I sniffed and raised my chin. "No, I'd rather starve," I said. (or something along those lines)

sigh...

You can tell that I pretty much had the Cuban version of an Ozzie and Harriet sort of upbringing when I tell you that this was one of the most traumatic events of my childhood (along with the whole mammals and breastfeeding thing). But, I learned a lot about myself that day.

1. Sometimes, I'm just too subborn (aka stupid) for my own good.

2. If you don't listen to your mother, something bad will surely happen.

And most importantly, watch out for lurking squirrels. They might look cute, but they're really rats in disguise.

At last!

An episode I can finally sink my teeth into!

As sad as it was losing Mr. Eko, I was a little relieved to see the show is getting back some of it's oomph. From the moment Lost premiered 2 years ago, I've been an ardent fan, but lately, I felt like the show was slipping.

I was so disappointed in the Season opener. Please, writers, no more wimpy Jack scripts! I used to love Jack, but they are totally ruining him for me. If he falls for Juliette's pleas, I'll have no respect left for him whatsoever. (I totally agree with Sawyer's instincts on this one-Blondie is not be trusted)

Still, I had to keep giving the show another try. And each episode got a little bit better, but last night, I was totally blown away. THIS is what I want! A show that will leave me wanting more! I cried at the end of last night's episode and I don't ever remember crying during Lost. Not even when Shannon or Boone died.

Now I have to admit, I'm a little pissed that next week's show is the Fall Season Finale. That means no more Lost for another couple of months. I really hate when networks do this. Instead of Lost, they're going to sub in a new show to try to get us hooked. Grr....

On a sad note, I've heard rumors that Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip is going to be cancelled. Yup. It's Love Monkey all over again, damn it.

blog hijack!

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Done!

Well, not quite, but almost.

I finished the first rough draft of The Church of Bunco!

Honestly, I thought it would never get finished. I'm such a plotter, and this book refused to be plotted. I tried. I really did. But like some character from a Stephen King novel, the story took on a life of its own and just laughed and flipped me the finger whenever I tried to force it a certain direction.

I can remember when the idea for the book first came to me. It was in Reno during the RWA conference. A bunch of us had gone to Circus Circus to eat dinner and I was wearing my special Bunco bracelet (a silver flexi kind of thing that has little martini glasses and dice charms hanging off it). I remember sitting in the taxi cab and playing with the little charms and thinking about my bunco group and it all sort of came rushing out.

That night, while spewing the idea out to Mel, she helped me come up with the title (which also pays homage to my sort of love-affair-obsession with the film, Bull Durham).

So while it's far from readable, it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. I actually know what happens now:) I figure it will take about 2 months to come up with a readable copy to give to my fabo cp's, but I'm so excited (and more than a little relieved!)

American Title 3 starts today

Flavia and company are back at it today as Romantic Times Book Reviews Magazine kicks off the American Title 3 Contest with the Best First Line.

But it's not their opinion that matters. It's yours. It's the voters who decide who will win the contest and become the next American Title winner and have their book published by Dorchester.

Over the last ten days, the American Title 2 finalists have been posting interviews with the AT 3 finalists on the Title Wave blog.

It was a hard choice to make. The entries are all fabulous. But I picked one and voted. It's simple, just go here, read the entries and vote. Voting will continue on until October 29. Then the two entries with the lowest votes will be eliminated and a second round will begin.

Good luck to this year's finalists!

ER Scare

I had just settled into work the other night when I get a call from Mike Geraci. That, in itself, is a little scary. In the 21 years we've been married, I can probably count the number of times my husband has called me at work on one hand.

Mike: Hey (said weakly)
Me: Oh my God, what's wrong?
Mike: (long pause) I'm in an ambulance. They're taking me to the ER.
Me: What happened? Were you in a wreck? (breathing a sigh of relief. If he was in a wreck, then it must not be too bad if he can talk on the phone, right?)
Mike: No, I just got a little dizzy and they're bringing me in.

Translation: His blood pressure was sky high and he almost passed out.

Now, my husband has never been diagnosed with high blood pressure. But, he also hasn't been to the doctor in the past year. He's one of those men who only goes to the doctor when he's on his death bed. So apparently, his BP has been creeping up and now it's slapped him in the face. The fact that he drinks a pot of coffee a day, is about 30 lbs overweight, and runs 5 miles one day, then does nothing for 2 weeks. has finally caught up to him. Not to mention all those cigars he smokes on the golf course. And except for the cigars and the pot of coffee (I'm just a half a pot a day girl) I'm guilty of all the above and more.

So, Mike's little ER scare has been a big wake up call to us both. We aren't as young as we used to be. We have 3 kids, a huge mortgage payment and college and braces... and you get the rest.

Time for the Geracis to make some big lifestyle changes.

PS. The only bright note in the ER visit was that, luckily, I had a book with me! (I keep the current book I'm reading in my bag at all times, cuz, you just never know) Anyhoo, I finished "Ex and Single Girl" and I loved it! After Mike had been given all these drugs, he went to sleep for about 3 hours while we waited for test results to come back, and I think I would have gone crazy if it wasn't for having something great to read. Proving yet again, that romance writers do make a difference in the world, right?

Stewie: You know, that novel you've been writing?

Stewie teases Brian about the novel he's never finished... after 3 years.

Who Will Be Next?

In less than 2 weeks, the American Title III contest will be in full swing. For those of you who don't know, American Title I was won by Janice Lynn and her fabulous Jane Millionaire. And in January, Gerri Russell's The Warrior Trainer will hit the bookshelves.

Starting in just a few days, the Title Wave blog will run exclusive interviews with the American Title III finalists. Check out these awesome titles:

Lindsey Brookes - OPERATION: DATE ESCAPE
Kim Howe – ONE SHOT, TWO KILLS
Meretta Pater – RISING SIN
Jenny Gardiner – SLEEPING WITH WARD CLEAVER
Judi Fennell – BEAUTY AND THE BEST
Sally Stotter – DARE YOU
Raz Steel - PASS THE KRYPTONITE
Linda Thomas-Sundstrom – BARBIE AND THE BEAST
Cathy Pegau - HAUNTED
Kate Carlisle - THE KAMA SUTRA CHRONICLES

I wish all the contestants good luck!

And on a more personal note: KIA progress: 10 pages yesterday (woo hoo!)

Kristen asked me what KIA stood for (great question, btw). The KIA marathon is in honor of a former RWA Online member, Kia Cochran, who died of breast cancer. And since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to host it.

Starting the KIA

Okay, so I was supposed to start the KIA (RWA Online's fabulous yearly marathon) yesterday. Due to being out of town, however, my page count so far is zip.

Hopefully, that will change starting today. I'm determined to plunge forward with the rough draft of my current wip, Church of Bunco. I'm about 150-160 pages from THE END.

I can do it. I know I can. I just have to insert butt in chair and keep it there. I blogged about writing marathons on the Title Wave blog, so I have to do it. Right?