Welcome Guest Goddess Susan Mallery!
Dec 2nd 2009
Your Friendly GoddessesGuest Goddesses & On Writing!
Susan Mallery is the New York Times bestselling author of over one hundred romances and she has yet to run out of ideas!!
Susan makes her home in the Pacific Northwest where, rumor has it, all that rain helps with creativity. She is married to a fabulous hero-like husband and has a six pound toy poodle…who is possibly the cutest dog on the planet.
The Christmas Introvert
I find the human race to be endlessly moving and amusing. One of the things I find most fascinating about people are the inherent contradictions in each of us. Although I truly do love people, I mostly love them one at a time. Crowds can be overwhelming. (Fortunately, people at book signings fall into the “one at a time” category. I delight in making that one-on-one connection with my readers.) Crowds make me long for a quiet room and a glass of good wine.
How do you avoid crowds but still get your full dose of holiday spirit? Today’s technology offers many joys for the Christmas Introvert:
Facebook and Twitter. Who needs to go to a Christmas party when you’ve got the fun of social networking? On my Facebook page, we play games, gossip about celebrities, share funny videos and pictures, and even have some pretty deep conversations. Like every good group of girlfriends, my Fans and Followers cheer on my successes. When HOT ON HER HEELS hit the New York Times list at #5, they were almost as excited as I was.
Video Streaming. Oh… my… God. Words cannot express the depth of my love for video streaming. You can watch made-for-TV Christmas movies online whenever you want. Lifetime has them here. ABC Family has them at this link. Who wouldn’t love a movie titled “The Dog Who Saved Christmas”?
Online Shopping. Turn on a CD of Christmas music, fire up your computer, and you can get the full mall experience… minus circling the parking lot.
Christmas Cooking. When I’m in the mood to make something special, I often find recipes online. I decided this year to host a Christmas cookie exchange for my readers. Instead of exchanging cookies, we’ll exchange recipes and, I hope, pictures of the cookies. You’ll find the link at www.SusanMallery.com.
An Old-Fashioned Christmas. The number one way I get into the holiday spirit doesn’t require modern technology. I love reading Christmas romances. eHarlequin has created a whole separate category on their website to make it handy for readers like me to find those irresistible tales of holiday magic. Because I love writing Christmas stories, too, my books HIGH POWERED, HOT BLOODED and CHRISTMAS IN WHITEHORN are there. I’ve picked up Kasey Michaels’ THE TYCOON’S SECRET, Nancy Robard Thompson’s ACCIDENTAL CINDERELLA, and Allison Leigh’s A WEAVER HOLIDAY HOMECOMING. Nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate and a heartwarming Christmas story.
How do you get into the holiday spirit? If reading is part of your annual routine, tell me about the books you’ve read so far this year, and the books that remain on your wishlist. What are your favorite Christmas movies?
50 Comments »
50 Responses to “Welcome Guest Goddess Susan Mallery!”
B on 02 Dec 2009 at 5:23 am #
Hi, Susan, welcome
This year was THE BEST reading year of my whole life. I discovered many wonderful authors, such as Karen Rose, which quickly became my favorites. There were new books from my former favorite, writers, too, including Karin Slaughter’s ‘Undone’ which I’d been waiting for two years.
I read over 60 books overall and am really happy with my ‘reading life’ this year. Hopefully, I’ll read more books before the year ends, just after I get on vacation!!!!
Kathy on 02 Dec 2009 at 6:00 am #
Welcome Susan!
I just finished reading Hot on Her Heels. what a great ending to the Titan family drama.
Christmas spirit prep?
I read all year round, but I do go looking for some themed stories to read over the holidays.
I love going to the library and piling up Christmas magazines that would otherwise cost me a fortune. I have 20 to return this week.
I go trolling the net for Christmas music and have an hilarious answering machine outgoing message.
It’s actaully an quirky tradition in our family to watch the most non Christmas movie we can find while decorating. Last year I watched Alien vs Predator while my niece on the other side of town admitted to watching Godzilla.
Wrapping presents time gets the full-on treatment of White Christmas, The Grinch (cartoon version only), A Muppet Christmas Carol and the Osmond Christmas special.
Trini on 02 Dec 2009 at 6:15 am #
Hola Susan: WELCOME to the Goddess Blogs!! I discovered this blog two months ago more or less and I’m happy to be here… it’s interesting, funny and there are wonderful persons here. I’m spanish so please excuse me if I write something wrong.
About your questions, I really LOVE Christmas time so I’m always happy this days. But I never put my Christmas decoration until December the 15th more or less…
Since I can remember I always read very very much, but I discovered romantic literature 1-2 years ago. Now, I confess that I’m adict to historical romance, I can’t stop to read this books. I read every day, so I lost the account of the books that I have read this year… I have a very long wishlist of books, so my loved ones knows that they’ll make me happy with a book or a perfume… I don’t need any more…
I’m not original, I know it… my favourite Christmas movie is “It’s a wonderful life”, I see it on TV every year… James Stewart is wonderful and I think it’s a great story.
Well Susan, Welcome again and my best wishes from Spain.
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 6:42 am #
Good morning! On a cold Winter day, your warm welcome feels especially good! Thank you! I’ll be popping in and out throughout the day, so keep those comments coming.
B, don’t you love finding authors who are new to you but who have a fabulous backlist? So that when you discover them, you’ve got lots of fantastic reading material already available. That’s the best!
Kathy, YES! Christmas magazines! How could I forget Christmas magazines! I love looking through the pictures of beautifully decorated homes, reading the recipes, and there are always uplifting stories this time of year, too. Your holiday tradition of watching non-Christmas movies is funny and quirky. I love it. And the Osmond Christmas Special! LOL Do you have that recorded, or is it on somewhere?
Trini, Gracias! When you read those wonderful historical romances, do you read them in English or Spanish? It’s a Wonderful Life is one of my favorite Christmas movies, too. I love the scene at the high school dance, but I love the scene afterward even more. (Where they’re walking along, Donna Reed in a bathrobe and Jimmy Stewart in a too-big football uniform.)
Oops, out of space. Back later!
Kathy on 02 Dec 2009 at 6:56 am #
the Osmond Christmas special is from 1978 and I found the dvd 2yrs ago at my local video store.
I was a HUGE Donny and Marie fan growing up.
I put on the Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert while decorating my late mom’s tree and apt 15 yrs ago. she loved the movie- and that was the start of non Christmas movie decorating.
Cail on 02 Dec 2009 at 7:00 am #
Welcome Susan! I agree with B that it has been a very good reading year. This summer, I got hooked on a few new authors that my dear friend Donna recommended. I don’t know how I didn’t know about them before 2009!!! I’m looking forward to reading (or at least making a dent in) my TBR pile which includes some old favorite authors and some new ones, like Tessa Dare.
I have never been one to focus on the Christmas romances, but I do enjoy it when books released at this time of year are centered around it. To get me in the christmas mood, I start shopping for stocking stuffers and eventually get a tree to decorate. I find it very fun! And of course I bust out my copy of While You Were Sleeping to watch on my TV.
LoriHandeland on 02 Dec 2009 at 7:03 am #
Hi, Susan!! Thanks so much for joining us.
To get in the holiday spirit I always buy a few Christmas themed romances to read in early Dec. That always helps.
My favorite Christmas movies are Holiday Inn and It’s a Wonderful Life. I have them both on VHS. Try to watch them every year although my kids always put in non-holiday appropriate movies on Christmas Eve, like 40 year old Virgin. That freaked my mom out one year!
Sherri Erwin on 02 Dec 2009 at 7:13 am #
Kathy, LOL on the Osmond Christmas special. Besides the Christmas classics, I love the Nicolas Cage movie The Family Man, with Tea Leoni. Elf with Will Ferrell. And I try not to miss the broadcasts of the claymation holiday specials (Year w/out a Santa Claus, Rudolph, etc). I haven’t read any Christmas-themed books yet this year besides Julia’s A Courtesan’s Scandal (which has a little touch of Christmas). I’ll look up some of the ones you mention, Susan. I love a classic Christmas Carol sort of theme (reflection and redemption) and Gift of the Magi type stories.
Margaret on 02 Dec 2009 at 7:34 am #
Welcome, Susan. Been reading you for years! In fact, “Part-Time Wife” was one of the first romances I ever read. I loved it and had to get the others in that series. That set me off to reading as much romance as I could grab after years of being a mystery buff.
I’m not much of a Christmas doer these years. I don’t even put up a tree when it’s just me and Bella the Wonder Dog. I do go to extended family Christmas gathering and that’s lots of fun w/o all the cleaning/cooking. I take 2 dishes and that’s it. Usually they are clean when I leave.
This year, Christmas came early in the form of a Kindle. I was (cough, cough, choke) yeas old in November. I decided it was now or never if I wanted one. Now I have an embarrassment of reading riches. Merry Christmas to me. LOL I love seeing the little ones opening their presents. We have several 2 yr olds this year. So that will be special. And a new great-grand will bring us another elf for next Christmas.
Yes, I like Christmas. The color, the smells, the family.
Kim on 02 Dec 2009 at 8:08 am #
Welcome to Mt. Oly Susan! Are you finding your accomadations comfortable? If those FROS get out of line you just let me know
I start on Thanksgiving by watching Elf. Its a must do! I love that movie.
This year I said no tree, no decorations at all. Everyone thinks I’m scroogey but I’m not! I’m in the holiday spirit as far as gifts but I just can’t face all that holidaywhoobaleewhatee.
Archer on 02 Dec 2009 at 8:18 am #
I’ve been sick with the flu since Thanksgiving so I’m a bit of a Scrooge this year. Although I shouldn’t complain too much since I had a fabulous vacation before I got sick.
I currently live in Turkey so no Christmas here and still a bit early for New Years.
I read practically everywhere unless I’m with friends so I’ve lost track of all the books I’ve read this year. Since I’m stuck at home sick I’m catching up on my Judith McNaught and am thinking about reading True Blood since I got sucked into the show while I’ve been stuck in bed.
I read Hot on Her Heels while I was in the UK and read a few other books while I was traveling by train in Italy.
Holly and Mistletoe is one of my favorites of yours.
My favorite book this year is Sabrina’s Wed Him Before You Bed Him. I’m a sucker for a 1st love story
I recently found out Johanna Lindsey’s next book is a Malory novel so I can’t wait till that one comes out.
Favorite Christmas movie is A Christmas Story.
Nicole Jordan on 02 Dec 2009 at 8:56 am #
Whoohoo, welcome to Mt. Oly, Susan! I confess you’re one of my favorite authors, and STRAIGHT FROM THE HIP was one of my mostest fave books of 2009, so I’m thrilled to have you here.
I’m saving HOHH for the holidays. I’m sure that’ll help me get in the Xmas spirit. Usually I’m in a Bah Humbug mood, since we always travel to be with dh’s family. I’ll need some great books to keep me going!
Oh, and how can you possibly have written so many wonderful books??? Over a hundred. The mind boggles.
KarenC on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:07 am #
Started a new job a few wks ago so I’m incredibly lacking in the Christmas cheer dept. First time I’ve contributed to the GDP in a dz yrs, requires some adjustment. I’m determined, tho — this is the day I start bringing up Christmas decorations. That’s how I get int the swing of things. Hard to feel non-Christmasy when the entire house has been hosed down with decorations.
Bks I’ve read…I went from reading practically nothing so I could focus off hrs on writing (had to finish a proj), to voraciously reading everything as long as it’s available electronically. I LOVE having my TBR pile available at my fingertips!!!!
Fave Christmas movie…Who has time for movies? Watched Scrooged with the kids the other day, tho…
Trini on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:15 am #
Hi Susan, I always read the books in spanish, because my english isn’t enough good to read them in english, I need a translator to understand some words… I know that I should study english, but I’m too lazy…
The disadvantage that we have in Spain is that all the books that all of you write are not translated to spanish, reason why I always remain with the desire to read them…
I am going to make a vindication, why don’t you and the Goddess organize a presentation of your books in Spain??? please, please, please….. (I am requesting and begging….)
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:36 am #
Wow! Go away for a couple of hours, and look what happens! This is fun!
Cail, I love While You Were Sleeping! The way their eyes met when Sandra’s explaining why she can’t marry the brother. That was a family love story, so it was very appropriate that the whole family came to propose. Such a happy ending! Sigh.
Hi, Lori! LOL on your mom freaking out at The 40-Year-Old Virgin!! Holiday Inn is a good one for singing along.
Sherri, Yes! Those Christmas themes really resonate. With It’s a Wonderful Life, the theme is so universal that the premise of that movie has been made over countless times. And how many variations of Scrooge have we seen?! Claymation rules, by the way. Isn’t The Fantastic Mr. Fox a stop-action movie? Looks very interesting!
More to come…
Claudia Dain on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:41 am #
Welcome, Susan! I think sharing cookies virtually by recipe and photo is a brilliant idea.
My favorite holiday movies…I have so many! The Bishop’s Wife, It’s a Wonderful Life, Christmas in Connecticut, Holiday Inn, Miracle on 34th Street, The Family Man, Elf, Rudolph (claymation), A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, The Shop Around the Corner, Meet Me in St. Louis, We’re No Angels, White Christmas.
I’m hitting the bookstore this week to buy for Christmas. A long wish list there!
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:46 am #
Margaret, Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m thrilled to hear that I played a role in bringing you over to the light side. I do enjoy a good mystery, as well, but I can’t imagine living in a world without romance. I doubt Bella feels deprived that you don’t decorate for Christmas. She’s probably delighted to sit with you while you read on your new Kindle. That’s a fun present! Harlequin published the prequel to my Lone Star Sisters in ebook format only, one of which is Kindle format. Here’s the direct links to download WILD HEARTS, in case you’re interested:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028PVGXK?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwsusanmalle-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B0028PVGXK
http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/susan-mallery/prequel-to-lone-star-sisters/_/R-400000000000000157458
http://ebooks.eharlequin.com/612CFFA8-6FC6-4974-A4C8-2FE6FE4F42B0/10/126/en/ContentDetails.htm?ID=A3570E99-95C7-4290-AEEC-55913BB6DCB9
http://www.booksonboard.com/index.php?BODY=viewbook&BOOK=435719
And still more…
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:52 am #
Thanks for the welcome, Kim! Either the air is a little thin up here, or I’m getting light-headed because I’m having such a good time.
I loved Elf, too. Will Ferrell is certainly an actor who commits. LOL
Archer, That must be fascinating, to live in another culture. (I assume from your post that you aren’t from Turkey, so I apologize if I misinterpreted you.) I’m so glad you enjoyed HOLLY AND MISTLETOE. That one was always one of my favorites, so I was thrilled to see that it was released in audio format on Audible.com and iTunes just last month. I absolutely love the title WED HIM BEFORE YOU BED HIM. Fantastic and unforgettable! Christmas Story is another classic. I still laugh myself to tears when the waiters at the Chinese restaurant sing Deck the Halls. Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra!
Nicole, you are so sweet! I feel like a goddess here today and, I must say, I like the feeling.
Delighted you enjoyed STRAIGHT FROM THE HIP, and I hope HOT ON HER HEELS helps cure the in-law blues.
Yet more…
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:58 am #
Karen, It sounds like you’re overloaded these days. I hope your new job turns out to be one you love, and that you make new, lifelong friends there. Have fun putting up your decorations!
Trini, I would *love* to come to Spain! What a dream! Que sueno! (I just used an online Spanish/English dictionary, so I hope that’s right.) Susan Elizabeth Phillips recently traveled in Spain, and her pictures made me want to hop right on a plane and come over there.
Claudia, I hope lots of readers post cookie recipes on my virtual cookie exchange, and I’m really hoping for pictures! Looking at Christmas cookies is almost as much fun as eating them – almost – but without the calories. The link should be up on my home page today, but here’s a direct link: http://www.susanmallery.com/members/enter_cookieexchange.php It’s for members only, but it’s free and fast to sign up for my Members Only area. I got the ball rolling with several recipes for Christmas cookie and candy. No photos yet because I’ve been too busy to cook so far this season, but I plan on it!
I’ll be back again soon!
Julia London on 02 Dec 2009 at 9:59 am #
Susan, we are so happy to have you here on Mt. Oly. I’m a big fan of yours!
I am with you on the Christmas crush. I find it all overwhelming. And the pressure on the gift front is just too much sometimes — one side refuses to draw names, the other side only does White Elephant, so you have to find something that a man and a woman would like.
As for getting in the spirit, I have a three year old in my house, and he brings it. He love the Brinch that stole Christmas, he thinks reindeer are cool and wants a real one to live in our backyard, he is fascinated by lights, and he wants to ride on Santa’s sleigh. It’s hard not to get down with it when someone is that enthusiastic about all the hoopla. Kind of makes me want a reindeer in the backyard, too.
Louisa Edwards on 02 Dec 2009 at 10:04 am #
Hi Susan, thanks for the post with all the great links! And those Christmas book titles, holy cow. I really need some of those to get in the spirit this year! So far haven’t even had time to watch my favorite Christmas movie: Die Hard! LOL, okay, not my absolute favorite, but we do watch it every year. Also topping the list are Christmas in Connecticut, The Ref, Trapped in Paradise, Scrooged, and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. There are lots more–we usually put movies on while we decorate!
I love the idea of your virtual cookie recipe exchange–can’t wait to check it out.
Kathy on 02 Dec 2009 at 10:10 am #
Someting that put me in the holiday spirit today!!???
My friend and I did some errand running this morning and as we are waiting at a red light, both sayong how tired we were, Faith Hill’s Where Are you Christmas comes on the radio. I look over at a truck that is waiting to come out of a parking lot… it has a bright red fluffy nose on the front grill, and big plastic antlers on the roof!
Rudolf the red nosed truckdeer!
we had a good laugh over that!
Madeline Hunter on 02 Dec 2009 at 10:11 am #
Welcome!
I have a very long tradition of watching White Christmas every year. I don’t even like the movie that much anymore, LOL. I just like the way watching it reminds me of doing so down through my life at Christmas time. Other than that, decorating the house and listening to Christmas carols get me in the spirit. And I plan one shopping day to go see the decorations and generally enjoy the rush, but now I manage not to have many gifts to buy so I can enjoy it and not feel frantic.
Sabrina Jeffries on 02 Dec 2009 at 10:44 am #
Glad to have you here, Susan! I had to laugh about your tale of the introvert, since I am apparently that rare thing–an extrovert writer. So for me, FB and such aren’t nearly as much fun as a party!
I do love Christmas, partly for that reason–parties! I love to decorate, and I get a little carried away (I’m up to seven trees, I think, and counting). My favorite Christmas movies are odd, though–they involve Christmas, but I don’t know if you can call them Christmas movies: While You Were Sleeping and Love Actually. I’m more of a Christmas music person–I have about 40 or so Christmas CDs. I listen to a lot of Christmas music this time of year. That’s what puts me in the holiday spirit!
Kathleen O on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:01 am #
Hi Susan… you are one of my fav authors and always a must have for me.. Iwith the Christmas season now in full swing, I have read a few Christmas books and I have more on my shelf to get through.. I just finished reading Home For the Holidays, by Sarah Mayberry. It was a wonderful story, but had a twist at the end I did not see coming.. I have read Susan Wiggs, Lakeshore Christmas, The anthology by Debbie M, Sherryl Woods, and Robyn Carr- Thay Holiday Feeling, which I may read all over again. I also read A Chritmas at Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller.
My favourite holiday movie is Mircle on 34th Street, the orginal verison with Edmund Gywnn and Natilie Wood.. Also watch White Christmas, Going My Way, The Bishops Wife, It’s A Wonderful Life.. and new moives include Love Actually, The Grinch, Christmas with the Kranks and and my fav National Lampoons Christmas Vaction..
I like FB and such, but a party with my family and friends is the way to go at Christmas. I miss having my annual Christmas get together, since I moved hours away from my family and lots of friends. I have a few friends here and I am going to have them over for before Xmas..
Merry Christmas Susan…
Rachel Gibson on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:01 am #
Welcome Susan.
It doesn’t feel like x-mas to me until I get the tree up. Which I plan to do Saturday. As for x-mas music, I guess I need to down load some onto my ipod. I also plan to buy Mr. G Bob Dylan’s x-mas cd. It’s hideous, of course, but Mr. G loves Bob.
Pesky on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:13 am #
Thanks for visiting Susan!
It’s not so much about the presents as the people. I like to orgaize trips to the Botanical Garden’s holiday train show and then we drive into the city, see the lights and windows and grab dinner, or we do the Bronx Zoo. Last year we did a local attraction Santa’s Wonderland which is a hayride through all sorts of holiday lights.
The start of the season is Black Friday, my sister and I don’t really go out for bargain shopping as much as it’s our time and we enjoy it together, the last couple of years my nephews have joined us and we’ve had a blast! My BIL just waves us on from the house and goes back to watch football.
The town christmas tree lighting is a must as well. There is a caroling parade to start it out then we end up in front of the tree which they light. We’re all horrible singers so it’s an equal playing ground, the band is on the back of a truck with a carol leader singing along. One year they were horrible, off key and doing some funky beats, we were laughing so hard because we sounded so awful that it became the best year.
The movies and music round it up, Mario Lanza, Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, David Bowie, The Grinch
Pesky on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:18 am #
(contd) Rudolph, Home Alone, Love Actually…
The sound of the Salvation Army bells mean Christmas to me. The malls were idiots for a few years and made them not ring bells, they had a sign they flipped around that said, ding, ding, ding, ding…for the love of Mary…
Then there’s those two stinkin songs, Christmas Carol and Christmas Shoes…guaranteed to make me bawl, which my guy friends think is hilarious, therefore…I get cd’s, it gets requested when we’re out, they have it on continuous loop… Yep, I love those guys. I see Fossile Fuel Futures on their present list. Pesky’s Christmas Coal Company, nothing warms the cockles of your heart like the make your own diamond kit from Pesky Christmas Coal…just add pressure and time and voila!
I love Christmas, and it’s nothing about the presents.
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:26 am #
Julia, Congratulations on the success of A COURTESAN’S SCANDAL! I’m so happy for you. So…. what did you buy on Cyber Monday? (Saw your tweet.) Or would telling ruin a Christmas surprise? I guess your 3-year-old probably isn’t reading yet. He sounds like he’s all boy! Animals, electronics, and automobiles!
Hi, Louisa! Die Hard – a Christmas classic! LOL
Kathy, Rudolph the Red-nosed Truckdeer – LOL!!!!!!
Madeline, wow, “enjoy the rush.” You’re scaring me.
Sabrina, SEVEN trees?!! Seven? That’s a forest!! I adore Love Actually, and it has quickly become part of the Christmas tradition at our house. We kicked off our holiday season with it this year.
More in a mo…
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:37 am #
Kathleen, Did you enjoy LAKESHORE CHRISTMAS? Susan Wiggs is wonderful! This Sunday, she and I will be chatting online, answering listeners’ questions. It’s open to all ad free to register. I’d love for all of you to join us! Here’s the link: http://wiredwriters.net/speaker_susan.html
I’ll have to check out HOME FOR THE HOLIAYS. I enjoy being surprised.
Rachel, Thanks for the welcome! Great views from up here on Mt Olympus. Hello…Bob Dylan singing Christmas carols?!
Pesky, I agree! It’s not about the presents you get, but shopping for my loved ones makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something that will make their eyes light up. LOL on the idea of Fossil Fuel stocks replacing coal in the modernday stocking!
Julia London on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:38 am #
Thanks, Susan. I bought a scarf from Fordcares.com (profits go to Susan Komen foundation). And a cover for my kindle.
The 3 year old likes books, and we do have some Christmas books, but he loves that Brinch, as he calls it. Remember when they had Grinch dolls? I wish I could find one. HEY! More cyber shopping!
LauraR on 02 Dec 2009 at 11:44 am #
Great to have you here Susan! Hot On Her Heals was a very satisfying end to the series. What’s next for you?
I’m like Margaret. No trees or decorations for just me and the dogs & cats. Favorite Christmas movies include A Christmas Story,While You Were Sleeping, Love Actually and the original cartoon version of How a Grinch Stole Christmas. I’m sure I’ll see more in other folks’ entries.
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 12:47 pm #
Julia, all sorts of fun Grinch stuff, including Christmas ornaments, at: http://www.seussland.com/thegrinch.html
Laura, I’m delighted you enjoyed HOT ON HER HEELS. As for what’s next… I’m working on a series that I’m very excited about, set in a town called Fool’s Gold, California. Fool’s Gold is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. A former Gold Rush town, now in the heart of wine country, Fool’s Gold is known for its festivals and parades. What’s different about this series is that each book will be standalone, and I’ll keep on writing them as long as I find inspiration in the town, and as long as readers enjoy returning to Fool’s Gold. So far, I’ve got six books slated, and who knows where we’ll go from there. Take a look at http://www.FoolsGoldCA.com for lots of fun stuff!
Oooh, I have exciting news! My web designer just wrote to tell me that we’ve just launched two fun extras on my website, and you’re the first ones to know! Go to http://www.SusanMallery.com, and you’ll see links for the cookie exchange and for a page starring my funny little dog Nikki. Let me know what you think!
Suzanne Enoch on 02 Dec 2009 at 1:20 pm #
Welcome, Susan!
I know what you mean. If party guests each had a computer terminal and typed in their conversations, I would be right in there. But mostly I’m an observer in big crowds.
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 1:35 pm #
Hm, I just noticed that two of my comments say they’re awaiting moderation. Those comments had multiple links in them. I hope no one thinks I’m ignoring them!
Hi, Suzanne! Thanks for the welcome. That would be a funny party, with computers set up so the guests could chat. LOL
Karen Rose on 02 Dec 2009 at 1:36 pm #
Welcome to Mt. Oly, Susan!!
Soon DH will begin making Christmas cookies and the house will smell divine.
We usually get ready for Christmas by our annual pilgrimage to Disney World to see the decorations and the lights. Hollywood Studios (MGM, doncha know) has that amazingly garish but absolutely wonderful light display – and snow! It’s really soap flakes, which I found out last year when one flew in my mouth while I was singing carols. Nasty tasting, but as close to snow as we get in FL.
My fave Christmas specials are the Grinch and A Year W/o A Santa Claus. I’m Mr. Heat Miser, I’m Mr. Sun…
My fave Christmas movie is the little known A Holiday Affair with Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh. It has one of the cutest kids ever in a movie, and a toy train. And seals.
Karen Rose on 02 Dec 2009 at 1:39 pm #
Susan, I approved the comments that were stuck in moderation. It does that sometimes if there are a lot of links.
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 02 Dec 2009 at 1:50 pm #
I will be pulling out my collection of Christmas Anthologies and re-reading. I will probably also spend time with Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy (Thank you, Debbie Macomber!) because they make me laugh and I’m a firm believer in angels.
Love Actually, The Holiday, Muppets Christmas Carol (adore the music!), Albert Finney’s version of Scrooge (although all four or five (?) versions will be seen) will be played numerous times. I will not hear a ringing bell without reaching for my wallet, grateful that I can because there were times I couldn’t.
And I will sing. In the car, in the store (quietly), everywhere Christmas music plays, and be surprised to realize I still remember all three verses to Angels We Have Heard On High and other carols that used to be standard fare ere Gramma Got Runover By A Reindeer became standard fare.
Merry Christmas!
amy1242 on 02 Dec 2009 at 2:07 pm #
Welcome, Susan! I love Holiday Inn and A Christmas Story…but we need snow for me to really get into the season! The snow is late this year and I’m blaming the lack of it as to why I’m only part way through my shopping and have decorated absolutely nothing yet. My horses need to get wooly yet too. I love it when they get all fuzzy and whiskery!
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 2:08 pm #
Thanks, Karen! And you have to love a movie with seals!
Gwynlyn, Your name looks like it would be fun to write. Lots of loops! Oh yes, I love Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy. Debbie always manages to make me laugh. You know, I never would’ve thought that When Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer would have as much staying power as it does. I laugh, but I do prefer more serious Christmas songs like I’ll Be Home for Christmas. So meaningful!
elsiehogarth on 02 Dec 2009 at 2:51 pm #
Welcome Susan! I am a fan that has all your “Sheikh” books. I just love them. I also have to say that Garth Duncan is one of my favorite Villainous Heroes.
I started my holidays by watching Laurel & Hardy March of the Wooden Soldiers, A Christmas Carol with Alaistar Sims. I think it’s the best version. Then Trading Places with Dan Ackroyd, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Lee Curtis. All the while pulling boxes and decorations.
Right now, I have a stack of books that are all holiday related that I hope to start reading this weekend but I did read Kat Martin’s The Christmas Clock and it was fantastic. A real tearjerker.
Karen Hawkins on 02 Dec 2009 at 3:32 pm #
Susan, I’ve got to take a break for a total fangirl breakdown … excuse me while I scream SQUEEEEEE offstage … back in a moment … (SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!)
Ok, I’m back. I just read HOT ON HER HEELS and looooved it. I always read contemporary romances when I write my historicals and vice versa, so it was a delicious, delightful and awe-inspiring read and left me grinning ear-to-ear, as all of your books do.
My favorite holiday movie is a tie between THE CHRISTMAS STORY and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. I don’t know which is my fave, but I watch them both every December, sometimes more than once. Like you, the Chinese restaurant scene in TCS makes me laugh every time. So does the father’s excitement over his prize lamp — I want a leg lamp and I hear you can order them online, so guess what will soon be in my office? I just KNOW I’ll be more creative when I have that baby shining on my desk.
Susan, I’m so excited to hear about the new series! YAY! Do you have publication dates?
Sabrina Jeffries on 02 Dec 2009 at 3:53 pm #
I should explain that 5 of the 7 are very small trees I leave decorated and just put out for the holidays. I only have to fully decorate 2. But I’m always up for more!
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 4:34 pm #
Amy, You’re the first person who’s told me that whiskery horses get you in the Christmas spirit. I love it!
Elsie, Thank you! I love those sheik books, too. The latest, THE SHEIK AND THE BOUGHT BRIDE just may have been my favorite. Lots of action, a fabulous harem… I had so much fun getting lost in that world!
Note to self: Pick up THE CHRISTMAS CLOCK. I love a good tear-jerker!
Karen, Thank you for squealing! I’m so excited by your squeal that I just might squeal back.
…Wait for it…
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your comments on HOT ON HER HEELS. They’re worthy of another squeal, but I’ll restrain myself.
The first three books of the Fool’s Gold series will be: CHASING PERFECT (May 2010), ALMOST PERFECT (July 2010), and FINDING PERFECT (September 2010). Thanks for asking!
Sabrina, very small trees = an elfin forest. Appropriate for this time of year, and gets my imagination going.
evlqn on 02 Dec 2009 at 4:36 pm #
Welcome Susan, been reading you for a long time and I always enjoy, thanks!
We downloaded our Christmas CD’s to our playlist and then burned a copy for the car. Personal traveling music.
We are getting ready to put up the lights outside, we want to get them up before it gets too cold. Almost decided to leave the rope lights up year round even though the icicle lights will have to come down. We are looking around for more trees for the front yard. Every year we put out a forest in our yard. Live trees go inside and artificial go on the porch and lawn.
We started our Christmas shopping a couple of months ago, the hard part was not giving them to the recipients immediately.
I plan on making the Dundee cakes this week.
Pri. r on 02 Dec 2009 at 5:11 pm #
OMG OMG OMG OMG!
BIGGEST fan susan. seriously though, i know you must hear that quite a bit, but your contemporaries really got me into the romance genre. i started with “Irresistible” with walker and elissa and i have to say they are still my favourites…ooh and Joe in Marcelli Bride. that was also amazing. Love your recent lone star and bakery series and can’t wait to see raoul in this new series you have. although i was secretly hoping that brittany from Sweet Spot would grow up and be more mature so then Raoul would love her. sigh. i don’t think that’s the case. shame. anyhow i was actually too anxious to read your blog above i just saw your name and rushed to comment. but yes… keep up the excellent work
Kim on 02 Dec 2009 at 7:55 pm #
Susan-thank you so much for spending the day with us! We’ve really enjoyed having you.
Susan Mallery on 02 Dec 2009 at 8:43 pm #
Evlqn, You’re so good, starting your Christmas shopping that early. I always think that would be a good idea, but I never seem to follow through with it. Sounds fun at your house with a forest in the front yard.
Pri, I can’t tell you how much it means to hear that my books got you into romance. That really makes me feel wonderful. Thank you! As for Raoul and Brittany… She’s his first love and will always have a special place in his heart. But no, she’s not the love of his life. Wait’ll you see who is!
Thank you, Kim! I’ve had a wonderful time, and I so appreciate everyone’s kindness. Happy holidays, everyone! Now I’m off to have a nice glass of wine.
Patricia Barraclough on 03 Dec 2009 at 12:07 am #
I love anthologies and have two shelves of them 2 deep. Three of those stacks are Christmas anthologies. I haven’t had time to read any yet, but I have A CHRISTMAS BALL by Emily Bryan, etc and A highlander Christmas by Janet Chapman waiting for me on my new book shelf. When I get time, I’ll reread some of my favorites from years past.
Have a great Holiday Season and enjoy!
Kimberly Van Meter on 03 Dec 2009 at 1:29 pm #
Hi Susan! I might have missed the day you were here but I blame Facebook.
Anyway, I just finished reading an interminably long historical that started off fabulously but meandered into mush and sadly, lost my interest. But since I’m incapable of walking away from a book I’ve started, I slogged through to the end. I will be donating this particular book to the local library. I’m sure I just wasn’t the right reader but someone else will be!
I love shopping on the net. I’ve done a quarter of my xmas shopping thus far and I haven’t once stepped foot into an actual storefront. Hee! The mall gives me hives. I do plan to make a trip to Costco, though. I’ve heard a rumor that they have Hurley and Fox sweatshirts for sale and I have two teenage boys who have expensive tastes.
Good to “see” you! Have a great holiday and may you avoid the crowds!