I don't know about most romance readers, but aside from society-approved books like Jane Eyre and Pride & Prejudice, the first romances I ever read were categories. Whenever my grandma came to visit, I'd sneak them out of her suitcase, take them to my room and read them ny flashlight on the floor of my closet. I was about ten, and yes, I was literally in the closet with my love of romance novels.

Thank the good Lord, things are different now. We can come out of the closet. We no longer have to hide our love of secret babies and oil tycoons and virgin stable girls! There's even a contest going on, all about how cool it is to love category romance.

Today is the final day to enter Jane from Dear Author and SB Sarah's contest on their joint site devoted to straight contemporary romance. I've blogged Save the Contemporary before, and I'm bringing it up again now because if you go to the site and enter the contest, you have the chance to win the LUSH True Romance gift set, which, as a big fan of LUSH from way back, is well worth a few mouse clicks and a tweet or two. Check it out! And while you're there, revel in the fun of a dedicated forum for discussing everything from faked orgasms in Jennifer Crusie novels to make-believe mistresses.

Posted by Louisa Edwards at 8:34 AM 1 comments  

Labels: #stc, Dear Author, Save the Contemporary, Smart Bitches

Music: The Bravery, a neo-punk band that started in New York and has recently plunged into the mainstream with hits like Believe and Unconditional. A little punky, a little poppy, a whole lot of fun.

TV: No surprise to anyone who follows me on Twitter, but I'm obsessed right now with America's Next Top Model. I admit, I used to mock my sister for watching it, but it's strangely compelling and undeniably addictive. In the last few weeks, I've watched multiple cycles on iTunes; it's the best show I've ever found to watch while working out!

Food: I recently started making smoothies again. Greek yogurt (I prefer Fage 2% or 0%), frozen berries or peaches or a combo, milk or soymilk, a dash of strawberry mint or mixed mint syrup from June Taylor Jams, and you've got the world's most perfect breakfast!

Books: Contemporary romance. It's strange, but since I started writing it, I've stopped reading it. Maybe out of fear of losing my own voice? I don't know but I've decided it was a dumb move. Thanks to the Save the Contemporary campaign, I know exactly what's hot and happening in the subgenre right now. Just finished Hot Property by Carly Phillips. Next up: Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl.

Interwebs: I guess I have to say Twitter. It's such a fun way to interact with people! Interesting discussions and links are posted daily; I feel like it keeps me current with what's happening in publishing, with my friends, and in the food world. Here's hoping Oprah jumping on the bandwagon doesn't crash the system!

What are your obsessions? Tempt me and my addictive personality...

Posted by Louisa Edwards at 11:48 AM 5 comments  

Labels: ANTM, food, music, obsessions, Save the Contemporary, Twitter

Those crazy kids, Sarah and Jane, of Smart Bitches and Dear Author fame, are running a super cool contest right now on their genius site, Save the Contemporary. Check it out!

I admit to bias and ulterior motives, for sure. Also to a little bit of eek! that contemporary romances need saving. Contemporary romance was my first love, all the way back to the Harlequins I stole out of my grandma's suitcase whenever she came to visit. And even though I don't write category, I know I was influenced by those stories set in the real world (if the real world were full of tycoons and desert princes and secret mistresses--which it TOTALLY is, I'm sure. In some parts of the world. Shut up.) and featuring heroines who were secretaries or school teachers, rather than superheroines who can, like, breathe underwater or have laser eyes or something. Not that I don't love a good paranormal--I absolutely do! But still, I can't help but feel that contemporaries give us romance in its purest form.

So to help keep this once thriving subgenre alive, forward the Save the Contemporary contest to all your friends! Blog about it! And above all, buy and read Lisa Kleypas's fabulous new book. You might surprise yourself by not even missing the bloodsucking and shapeshifting...

Posted by Louisa Edwards at 9:45 AM 6 comments  

Labels: Dear Author, Save the Contemporary, Smart Bitches