Leveling the Playing Field

Come visit me at Hilary Grossman's blog and learn about how I leveled the playing field.

~Maggie

Always Remember

I will forever remember the first time my friend from New Orleans came to visit me in New York.  Since I didn't live that far, I was thrilled to show them around the city. We did many things, went to the usual touristy places. My favorite was the day we went to The World Trade Center.

I've lived on Long Island all my life yet had never visited the observatory at the Twin Towers. I had always been partial to the Empire State Building. I thought it was much more interesting to look at, more iconic. Plus, its history was much more interesting.

But by the end of the day, I was saying to my friend, "Thanks for making me come here. I have to bring my husband and kids here one day soon!"

That date was August 11, 2001. I would never get the chance to share the wonderful experience with my family, because exactly a month later, the towers were gone. I never realized how much I would
miss those towers until they started to fall.

I don't have a captivating story about September 11, 2001. The only clue I had that something was amiss that morning was I couldn't get my favorite radio station to tune in.  Not uncommon, since we were so far from the city where the station broadcast from. The phone rang. It was my husband. No greeting, just "Now they're saying a second plane hit the second tower. Can you see anything on TV about that?"

I was stunned into silence for a split second before I said, "What the hell are you talking about?" He response was simply, "Turn on the TV."

I did. And it didn't go off again for three days.

On September 11th, we truly understood what it meant to live on an island. My husband's destination that day was Connecticut. He'd been on the Throgs Neck Bridge when the first plane hit. He didn't
see it. He was heading north, and he was already past the city skyline at that point. The problem was getting him home.

Everyone talks about the heroes that day: the FDNY, NYPD, EMT's and, of course, the citizens on flight 93. Well deserved, of course, but no one talks about the boats. I recently saw a video on Meg Cabot's blog, and it made me smile, shed some tears and be very grateful to live in this country.

When Mayor Giuliani shut down Manhattan Island, he shut down the main route for my husband to get home. Hubby's only other choice was to take a ferry, but the Bridgeport CT Ferry was so booked,
they couldn't fit one more person. His last option was New London, which was much further, and he worried he wouldn't get there on time to hop on the last boat.  He did make it, of course, but it was a very solemn trip.

In the end, it took my husband nine hours to get home that day. Most of that time I didn't know where he was or if he could even make it home. Cell service was little to nothing, especially after the towers fell. Communications with everyone was sketchy that day. It's a very eerie feeling to try to make a phone call from a landline and receive a busy circuit signal.

I don't know if the Long Island ferries worked overtime that day, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The country came together in so many ways. People (like those in the video) who never thought
they would be heroes, or would ever need to be, stepped up to the plate and didn't leave until the job was done. And, for that, I thank you.

09/11/01: Never Forget.

~Maggie

Read a Romance Month

The Joy of Romance

For me, the joy of romance is the chemistry between two people. It's easy to get caught up in outward appearances. Anyone can notice that she's beautiful or he's sexy. It's the details that make the romance in a novel work for me.

Too many times I see authors stress on the obvious. His masculine chest and tight buns, her hefty bosom and legs that go on forever. All good things, sure, but I see those as bonuses, not something that has to be there. Show me how his eyes crinkle at the corners when his smile is genuine and how that sends a shock of awareness through her system, or how she unconsciously bites her lip when she's reading something and how he longs to brush his thumb across that soft skin.

As a reader, I want to feel that tension. I want to know that even when they're not in bed together, the connection between them is so intense it can start random fires. That's how to get me to believe this couple will last long after I close the book at The End.

Questions
When was a moment in your life when you experienced sheer joy? I've had four. I'm sure every parent knows what I'm talking about. The birth of each of my children were moments of sheer joy for me. They are still the reasons for my joy.

Montauk Point, NY

What is a place that brings you joy, or is attached to a moment of joy? Anywhere near the ocean.
I love the ocean. There's something very peaceful and serene about it. One of my favorite places to visit is Montauk Point, driving distance from my home. How awesome is that?

My Crazy Kids

What sound brings you joy? Hearing my kids sing in the shower. I know, weird, right? But think about it. They sing at the top of their lungs, without caring if anyone hears them or not. It's sounds beautiful and joyful. How could that not bring me joy?

A Knight in Shining Armor

What book have you read in your life that has brought you so much joy you haven’t forgotten it? Why? This is a tough one since I love the Harry Potter series so much, but I think I have to go with A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. This is one of my all time favorite romances, but it has a special place for me because it was the book that changed
my relationship with my grandmother from grandparent to friend. We both loved Jude's books and would often get together just to discuss them. I miss my grandmother terribly, but whenever I think of this book it makes me smile, because it's the story that started it all.

Which Chris (Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pine, Chris Pratt, Chris Rock, Chris Evans, or Christopher Plummer) brings you joy? Wow, this is a tough one. But I'd say it's a tie between Chris Pine and Chris Rock. I adore Star Trek and Chris Pine is Captain Kirk. Need I say more? As for Chris Rock, I love a man who can make me laugh, and he does. Every. Time.

Giveaway
To celebrate the joy of romance, one lucky commenter will receive a free eBook copy of my latest release Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking (Book One in the Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove series)

Recommendations 
I love reading romance. There are so many authors I adore, I couldn't decide how to narrow it down. I already mentioned Jude Deveraux, so here are two other authors I recommend.

Pamela Hearon 
Pamela writes for Harlequin Superromance. Her stories take place in small town Kentucky, and are warm and fun with a touch of sizzle. 
  
Tina Beckett
Tina writes for Harlequin Medical Romance. Her stories are intelligent, heartwarming and clever. I love how changes the sterile medical world into something you can fall in love with.

I'd like to thank Lorelei's Lit Lair for this opportunity and Jolyse Barnett and  for adding me to her recommendations list  and for inviting me to be a part of READ ROMANCE MONTH. I highly recommend Christmas Light, Book Three in the Christmas in New York series, as well as His Kiss (summer in New York, Book Two). Both awesome reads by Jolyse! 

Until next time, eat healthy and happy writing!

~Maggie   

Read a Romance Month

The Joy of Romance

For me, the joy of romance is the chemistry between two people. It's easy to get caught up in outward appearances. Anyone can notice that she's beautiful or he's sexy. It's the details that make the romance in a novel work for me.


Too many times I see authors stress on the obvious. His masculine chest and tight buns, her hefty bosom and legs that go on forever. All good things, sure, but I see those as bonuses, not something that has to be there. Show me how his eyes crinkle at the corners when his smile is genuine and how that sends a shock of awareness through her system, or how she unconsciously bites her lip when she's reading something and how he longs to brush his thumb across that soft skin.

As a reader, I want to feel that tension. I want to know that even when they're not in bed together, the connection between them is so intense it can start random fires. That's how to get me to believe this couple will last long after I close the book at The End.

Questions
When was a moment in your life when you experienced sheer joy? I've had four. I'm sure every parent knows what I'm talking about. The birth of each of my children were moments of sheer joy for me. They are still the reasons for my joy.

Montauk Point, NY

What is a place that brings you joy, or is attached to a moment of joy? Anywhere near the ocean.
I love the ocean. There's something very peaceful and serene about it. One of my favorite places to visit is Montauk Point, driving distance from my home. How awesome is that?

My Crazy Kids

What sound brings you joy? Hearing my kids sing in the shower. I know, weird, right? But think about it. They sing at the top of their lungs, without caring if anyone hears them or not. It's sounds beautiful and joyful. How could that not bring me joy?

A Knight in Shining Armor

What book have you read in your life that has brought you so much joy you haven’t forgotten it? Why? This is a tough one since I love the Harry Potter series so much, but I think I have to go with A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. This is one of my all time favorite romances, but it has a special place for me because it was the book that changed
my relationship with my grandmother from grandparent to friend. We both loved Jude's books and would often get together just to discuss them. I miss my grandmother terribly, but whenever I think of this book it makes me smile, because it's the story that started it all.

Which Chris (Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pine, Chris Pratt, Chris Rock, Chris Evans, or Christopher Plummer) brings you joy? Wow, this is a tough one. But I'd say it's a tie between Chris Pine and Chris Rock. I adore Star Trek and Chris Pine is Captain Kirk. Need I say more? As for Chris Rock, I love a man who can make me laugh, and he does. Every. Time.

Giveaway
To celebrate the joy of romance, one lucky commenter will receive a free eBook copy of my latest release Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking (Book One in the Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove series)

Recommendations 
I love reading romance. There are so many authors I adore, I couldn't decide how to narrow it down. I already mentioned Jude Deveraux, so here are two other authors I recommend.

Pamela Hearon 
Pamela writes for Harlequin Superromance. Her stories take place in small town Kentucky, and are warm and fun with a touch of sizzle. 
  
Tina Beckett
Tina writes for Harlequin Medical Romance. Her stories are intelligent, heartwarming and clever. I love how changes the sterile medical world into something you can fall in love with.

I'd like to thank Jolyse Barnett for adding me to her recommendations list  and for inviting me to be a part of READ ROMANCE MONTH. I highly recommend Christmas Light, Book Three in the Christmas in New York series, as well as His Kiss (summer in New York, Book Two). Both awesome reads by Jolyse! 

Until next time, eat healthy and happy writing!

~Maggie   

Charater Interview Blog Hop - Heroines - Kate Henderson

Hi, and welcome to my character interview! I hope you had time last week to meet Elizabeth's heroine, Rebecca Simmons from When Cupid Came to Town. If you haven't, you're missing out! Go there now. I'll wait :) And while you're at it, here's some info about Elizabeth:

Elizabeth D. Spencer lives on Long Island, New York with her husband, three children, and two energetic Sheltie puppies, Brinkley and Carson. (Named for the dog from You’ve Got Mail and Downton Abbey’s very own Carson, the butler.) She shares a love of history with her family and a love of books.  Her days and nights are spent writing. When she is not writing Appellate briefs for the day job, she is busy writing historical romance novels. The greatest challenge has been learning to balance it all.  Coffee has been a tremendous help!

Okay, back to me :)
I was really looking forward to interviewing Kate Henderson, the forty-year-old widow and mother of two teenage sons from Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking- Book One in the Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove series. From what I've heard, she's a lot of fun, but a tad stressed these days.

Inspiration for Kate's home in Seashore Cove

It took me over an hour to drive out east to this interview. Seashore Cove is a small hamlet nestled amongst the many Hampton towns on Eastern Long Island. The drive, although long, was pleasant enough. Who wouldn't want to be surrounded by beaches on this warm summer day?

I quickly discover, however, that Kate's home is not on the beach like I'd hoped, but it's still very impressive. That's it there...well, not the exact one. But pretty close.

A young man of about thirteen greeted me at the door. "Well, hello, madam." He bowed rather gracefully for a gangly teenager.  You're here to interview my mom, aren't you? You're early."

Before I could answer, another young man entered the room. "Dude, you did not just say that."

"What? She's like twenty minutes early. Mom is busy."

I check the time on my cell. He's right, I am much too early. "I'm sorry. Should I come back a little later?"

"Hang on a sec." The 'dude' turns away (thank God) and screams, "Mom! The interview lady is here. Can she come in or should I send her away ?"

"Holy sh--" The older boy glanced at me. "Err, crap, man, Mom's right in the kitchen, not up the friggin block!"

"I know that, Alex, but before, I asked if I could borrow the car and she just nodded, so she's clearly not paying attention."

Despite the ringing in my ears, I heard a much softer, yet clearly agitated, voice answer. "Drew, for goodness sakes, let her in."

With a smile as loud as his voice, the boy I now know as Drew stepped aside. "M'lady," he said and with a sweeping gesture, pointed me in the direction of the kitchen.

The older boy just shook his head. I entered the huge center hall, amazed at its high ceilings and majestic oak staircase. "Sorry if my brother ruined your hearing. This way."

I followed Alex into an enormous kitchen that would bring any good chef to his knees and focused

on the blonde woman sitting at a small kitchenette. Paper and mail were spread out in front of her, a half-filled coffee mug by her side. She held what looked like a bill in one hand while she pecked at a calculator.

"If this is a bad time, I can come back."

Inspiration for Kate

Kate shook her head and pushed the papers aside. "I can take a few minutes. These bills aren't going anywhere." Her smile was genuine, but the bags under her eyes made her look older than she was.

After my eager acceptance for a cup of coffee, Kate sat down. "Let's get to it then." I pulled out my writing pad:

What is your greatest fear?

Instantly, her eyes glazed over, but she forced a smile. "Wow, you really do jump right in, don't you? I've already lived my greatest fear. Losing the love of my life, and then having to tell his children their father was gone."

I'm so sorry. Let's move on to something more upbeat then. Aside from your children, tell me one person who's made a positive difference in your life.

Inspiration for Dr. Jake Harris

Kate glanced down at the slew of bills covering the table, a slow blush rising up into her cheeks. Hmm, looks like I hit a nerve. "Jake. My boss. He's a lot younger than me, but he's helped me
become a stronger person. And, if you listen to my friend, Gladys, a happier person."

Where do you go when you need time to yourself?

"My bathroom." At my perplexed look she laughed and went on. "My husband, William, designed this house. He took pride in everything he did, but the master bathroom was his best work. It has a wonderful Jacuzzi tub that I soak in. It always helps me forget my problems...at least, for a little while."

Do you have a secret? And, if so, why do you feel the need to keep that secret?

Kate stared into her cup of coffee, gripping it as if doing so would keep a grip on her emotions. "Chances are I'll have to give up this house. I'm not looking forward to the day I have to tell my sons that we have to leave the only home they've ever know. Their father built this home, but he wasn't very cautious with money. William handled all the bills and I was happy to let him be in control of it, never questioning anything." She gripped the mug tighter. "He left us with practically nothing and I am so angry at him for that." She let out a humorless laugh. "I guess that's two secrets."

What one action from your past are you most ashamed of? 

"Allowing myself to be put in the position I am in now. I never questioned where our money was going. I always trusted that William had everything under control. Never. Again."

I closed my pad and pasted a smile on my face as I stood. This poor women. "I think I've tortured you enough. Thank you so much for agreeing to this."

Kate stood also and held out her hand. "It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be."

As I waved goodbye, I offered a small prayer that Kate would find a way to keep her home. I also prayed she'd allow herself to fall in love again.

Next week’s Character Interview will feature Elizabeth D. Spencer’s heroine, Rebecca Simmons from her Historical Romance, WHEN CUPID CAME TO TOWN. You’ll find that interview on Elizabeth’s blog – HERE - See more at: http://www.deboradale.com/character-interview-blog-hop-heroines-eden-widow/#comment-13144

Next week's character interview will feature Gwen Petrarch's heroine, Sirah from her Romantic Paranormal Erotic suspense, Masquerade. You'll find that interview here

Gwen began writing in the womb, much to her mother's chagrin (doctors thought it was gas).  The epiphany that Gwen should spend the rest of her life telling sexy, romantic, thrilling stories came a number of years ago.  She woke, set her intention and then six days and six hundred pages later 'House Husband (soon to be released) was born.  And she hasn't looked back since.  Call her a late bloomer... (she's no longer in the womb and has had a couple of kids of her own) or just a girl amassing a lifetime's worth of fodder to draw her stories from.  Whichever.  It's all about the love of the craft, just like everything else, do a thing because it fills you with joy and hope that you can share and fills your soul with every good thing.

Next week’s Character Interview will feature Elizabeth D. Spencer’s heroine, Rebecca Simmons from her Historical Romance, WHEN CUPID CAME TO TOWN. You’ll find that interview on Elizabeth’s blog – HERE - See more at: http://www.deboradale.com/character-interview-blog-hop-heroines-eden-widow/#comment-13144

Until next time, eat healthy and happy writing!

~Maggie 

Elizabeth D. Spencer lives on Long Island, New York with her husband, three children, and two energetic Sheltie puppies, Brinkley and Carson. (Named for the dog from You’ve Got Mail and Downton Abbey’s very own Carson, the butler.) She shares a love of history with her family and a love of books. Her days and nights are spent writing. When she is not writing Appellate briefs for the day job, she is busy writing historical romance novels. The greatest challenge has been learning to balance it all. Coffee has been a tremendous help! - See more at: http://www.deboradale.com/character-interview-blog-hop-heroines-eden-widow/#comment-13144

Elizabeth D. Spencer lives on Long Island, New York with her husband, three children, and two energetic Sheltie puppies, Brinkley and Carson. (Named for the dog from You’ve Got Mail and Downton Abbey’s very own Carson, the butler.) She shares a love of history with her family and a love of books. Her days and nights are spent writing. When she is not writing Appellate briefs for the day job, she is busy writing historical romance novels. The greatest challenge has been learning to balance it all. Coffee has been a tremendous help! - See more at: http://www.deboradale.com/character-interview-blog-hop-heroines-eden-widow/#comment-13144

Character Interview Blog Hop - Heroes! Dr. Jake Harris

Thanks for stopping by today for the twelfth and semi-final week of the Character Interview Bog Hop - Heroes. Last week, Elizabeth D. Spencer introduced us to her hero, widow farmer, Jake Callen, from her Historical Romance, WHEN CUPID CAME TO TOWN. You can find that on her blog.

Today you're going to meet Dr. Jake Harris (yes, that's the third Jake in a row!) a lollipop sucking, video game playing pediatrician his peers dubbed "The Child Whisperer." Jake is the hero in my contemporary romance Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking, Book One in the small town series, Love and Laugh in Seashore Cove that is on sale NOW!!

I'm meeting Jake in the waiting room of his pediatric office before he begins to see patients for the day. He doesn't seem happy about meeting with me alone. When I called him to set up the interview and I suggested this as a meeting place, I swear I heard a gulp over the phone.

My inspiration for Dr. Jake Harris - Jensen Ackles

I sit down in the comfortable sofa and try to hide my smile when Jake chooses a seat as far away as
humanly possible without appearing insulting. Jake is tall, and gorgeous, but looks about as old as my 24 year old son, even though I know he's nearing thirty.

"Relax, Jake."

He clears his throat and removes his Bugs Bunny baseball cap so he can run his fingers through his short, dark brown hair. "I--," he clears his throat again. "I'm good. I just tend to be a little nervous around women I don't know."

Aggressive women is more like it. At least that's what his nurse, Gladys, told me. "Just so you know, I've been married for twenty-seven years."

Right before my eyes, Jake's expression of terror changes to a charming smile. He leans back, rests his left ankle on his right knee and throws his arm along the back of the couch. "That's great! Congratulations!"

"Thanks. Now, lets get down to it. Why did you decide to become a pediatrician?"

His smile brightens even further (if that's possible.) "Oh, that's an easy one to answer. I love kids. I've always had a great rapport with them. I know how to calm them before getting an injection. I can even make them laugh when they're sick. Nothing better than a child's laughter. My sister had a great laugh."

 I'm guessing you want kids of your own one day?"

His smile slips. "Yes, that is my hope."


I'm surprised by his short answer, but I don't push it. The look in his eyes told me not to. "Well, I hope it happens for you. Do you have any hobbies?"

"I love video games, and gardening. You can always find me outside doing something with my yard during the warmer months. I love to cook, and I've been known to get out on the dance floor."

"That's great! I'm not a bad dancer, but plants run at the sight of me. I have a frightening reputation in the plant world." I ask the next question, even though I'm pretty sure I already know the answer. "Do you have any fears?"

Jake shifts in his seat and tugs at the collar of his Scooby-Doo T-shirt. "I've never been very suave around women. I'm not quite sure how to handles those who come on to me a bit too aggressively, but Kate has been helping me with that. She's my head nurse, and she's just amazing."

His eyes reflect a dreamy far-away look. Hmm, interesting. "Are overly suggestive women your worst nightmare?"

His expression melts into a mask of sadness. "No, I don't have a worst nightmare anymore because I've lived it already."

My heart sinks, the look in his eyes so sad. I reach over and lay my hand on his arm. "Care to elaborate on that?"

He looks away, his leg bouncing as his rubs his fingers across his bottom lip, and shakes his head.

"Okay, why don't you tell me who inspires you?"

His smile returns, his silver-grey eyes focus on me once again. "Back to the easy questions. Great! Alex and Drew. They're Kate's sons. Two of the coolest teenagers you will ever meet. They lost their father four years ago. Such a horrible loss. But they love their mother so much, I know they just want to see her happy again."

How do you know Kate's sons so well? Isn't she just an employee of yours?

"She is an employee, yes, but when I moved to Seashore Cove, Long Island, I bought the house right next door to them. How crazy is that? So I hang out with her kids a lot." His brow furrows in confusion as he rubs his bottom lip again. "I used to hang out with them more, but it seems every time I see them now, they always find an excuse to leave me and their mother alone. Not that I mind. I really enjoy her company as well."

Oh I bet he does. "Thanks for taking the time to talk to me. I hope it wasn't as painful as you'd thought it would be."

We both stand and he holds out his hand to me. "My pleasure. I better get a move on. My first patients will be here soon and I don't want to keep the kids waiting."

When I started this interview, I thought I was talking to a shy kid, but as Jake shook my hand, then headed through the door that lead to the exam rooms, I couldn't help but think Jake is no kid. He is 100% man.

Come back next week when Gwen Petrarch interviews her too sexy for the room gay-ish vampire detective, Gabriel, from her erotic M/M romance The Masquerade (here), in the last of the hero interviews! Be sure to keep on following us as we introduce you to the Character Interview Blog Hop - Heroines!

Gwendolyn Petrarch
I began my writing career in the womb.  Sonnets like my great, great, great X 400 grandaddy, Francesco Petrarch (only not as good), corny poetry as a kid and even a song specifically written for Elton John (what can I say, neither he nor I knew he was gay at the time), I segued into romance a number of years ago having abandoned corny poetry and embraced the drama and quirky art of love.  My impending releases (doesn't that sound delicious) are 'Love, Marriage and other Blinding Contracts', 'Money Business' and 'Masquerade' to name a few.

Until next time, eat healthy and happy writing!

~Maggie 

Cover Reveal!!!!! Crazy Little Thing Called Matchmaking!!!

Come along, friends, and let me introduce you to the wonderful, sometimes magical town of Seashore Cove, Long Island! Book One is out NOW!!!

Isn't it awesome? If you want to know about the red lollipop...well, I'm not going to tell you :-p. You can pick up a copy TODAY and find out for yourself! And hopefully enjoy a really good read too!

Until next time, eat healthy and happy writing!

~Maggie