Hey, guys! Silver and I had an awesome time in New Orleans. The vampire tour? Oh, yeah! Lots of fodder for the imagination there! The architecture, the street car ride and pretending to know what’s going on behind the doors of those big ol’ houses or the façades of the buildings huddled together in the French Quarter? I had to leave my scissors at home, but dang! Oh, yeah. Silver and I are going to be busy!!! In the meantime, though, FAERIE FIRE has been sighted at Wild Rose Press, Amazon.com, and B&N.com in the print version. And today, we are very lucky to have a visit from Moira O’Connor, the heroine.

Oh, please. The heroine? That sounds like such a cliché in some way. I’m lucky enough Silver wanted to tell stories and that one of them happened to be about Duncan and me.

You work for your father, right?

I do yes. I’m his chief of staff. I write his speeches, deal with constituents, run interference…things like that. Da is a good man with a good heart. He stands up for what he believes in and sometimes, he has to make hard decisions.

Do you date anyone on The Hill?

Hardly. I spend my time dealing with one crisis after another. Aunt Margaret keeps trying to fix me up, though. Or did. I don’t think she expected Duncan and I to…get together.

What about Agent Yazkowski?

*laughter* Ski? I’m not sure I would have considered us much more than friends and more likely acquaintances. *frowns* As it turned out, I couldn’t trust him.

What about your childhood?

*shakes head* I’d rather not go there. Everyone has issues. Mine are there.

Does that mean talking about your Gift is off limits? And will you explain how it works?

Gift? I’m not sure I would classify it as a gift. It sometimes comes in handy, but it most often leads to disappointment. I’m not psychic or anything. Sometimes, I get a sense about a person. I know whether or not they are lying, if they are sincere, if they have…a good heart or a black one.

What about Duncan?

*gentle smile* Duncan. Duncan set off fireworks in my head the first time our hands met. And in my heart, as well.

I hope you’ll get your happy ever after with him, Moira. If anyone has questions, Moira will check in periodically. In the meantime, here’s the first moment they met from Moira’s POV.

Thank you for having me, Iffy.

Still in the senator’s shadow, Moira watched, her attention focused on the by-play. Bradford Williams did not like this man, and in Moira’s book, that counted as a plus on stranger’s side. She stared at Duncan, deciding she liked the way the short hairs at the nape of his neck curled away from his ponytail. Were they as soft as they looked? What am I thinking? She shook such thoughts out of her head.

When Duncan blatantly ignored Deirdre’s play for his attention, Moira relished her sister’s discomfiture. Was it possible there actually lived a man immune to Deirdre’s charms? Moira looked up. He stared at her and she was pulled into his warm gaze. Some small part of her brain, the only part that seemed to be working on autopilot, noted his amber eyes were flecked with gold.

“Duncan Ross,” he said, extending his hand to her.

The sound of his voice broke the spell. He was just being kind to the plain sister in order to tweak the beauty. Moira understood this game. She’d been recruited to play it often enough growing up. At some point, the Celtic Connection had resumed playing, the music a soft hum in the background. The melody was sad and haunting, and eerily discordant. One part of her mind recognized the sounds of the bowed psaltery and the Uillean pipes. With some reluctance, she took Duncan’s hand.

I got home so late last night, I ate, unpacked, visited with the family, and crashed. Until…oh…about 30 minutes ago, when I woke up panicked, realized I didn’t have a blog for my day at Happy Endings or here. I have one there, now–just a quick overview of the panels. I’ll do more here in upcoming days. Iffy has reminded me that she needs the computer for her interview tomorrow. I think I’ll grab another nap while she talks to Moira.

Winner of the last semi-finals in the Mr. Summer contest (by a narrow vote!) is Gilles! He’ll go up against our other two winners this Saturday. (Don’t ask me who they are, my brain is running on a few sips of caffeine and I’m not even sure of my name at the moment!) Winner gets a full spread.

Winner of the WFNO bag and choice of 2 romantic suspense or 2 contemporaries by way of random.org is JANET! I’ll get the prize in the mail, along with the books I still owe Ev and Ban because…uhm…my brain was/is running on fumes.

Here is a brief rundown of the weekend: L. A. Banks (yes, THE L. A. Banks and I are soul sisters — her words, LOL). SEASON OF THE WITCH was very popular. I think I walked six miles in 2 1/2 hours on the vampire tour Sunday night (my knees are STILL complaining!). I still love New Orleans and shall have to set one of the Penumbra books there…oh…hrm. OH! Lightbulb! *plotplotplotplot* Sorry about that. And last but not least, Sarah Wendell of Smart Bitches coined the best phrase of the weekend: Bat crap crazy pants.

On that note, I have 569 emails to sort through, 77 blog posts, bills to pay, and plans to make on submissions. What did y’all do while I was gone? Oh! And RWA members…have you voted yet?!? This friendly reminder was brought to you by your local candidate for Region 5.

OMG! What a weekend! I’ll be doing a series of posts over all the things we did and learned. At the moment, though, Heidi and I are making our way home. I’m ready to sleep in my own bed with the critters but I had a blast this weekend! I love New Orleans plus Heather and the writers, editors, agents, and just nice folk who come hang out are made of awesome.

I don’t have much to say today–con hangovers are like that, yeah they are! So, I’m throwing out a question and y’all can talk among yourselves!

Where is the best place to read? (And a second question *bwahaha* Where is the best place to read FAERIE FIRE?)

Okay. I admit it. I love Sherlock Holmes. Not as much as Lawyer Guy, but almost. My favorite edition? Jeremy Brett’s portrayal in the original BBC production which later came to PBS here in the states. (Yes, the movie with Robert Downy, Jr. was fun but…just watch…) Our first video is all about Brett as Holmes and focuses on his talent to convey volumes with a look. Ahhhhh….if only I could capture those looks in words!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT5uff3IPkM

After hearing the rumor of a new, contemporary version of Holmes coming from the BBC, I went looking. I… Wow. Just based on this clip of the first time Holmes and Watson meet, I can’t wait for this show to appear on BBCA. Gotta love cable--sometimes!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIEQ-fcc2rI

I’m still in New Orleans. Pitches this morning, book signing this afternoon, a wine tasting and vampire tour tonight. Then it’s on the road tomorrow to get home. So tell me…Holmes fan or not?

Here we are, ladies. The last weekend of summer and time for our last round of semi-finals. Next week, we pick Mr. Summer! Today’s contestants are all crowd favorites. Since I’m in New Orleans, I’m serving Hurricanes and beignets. Grab a lounge chair, eat and drink, and vote! Who’s it going to be? Gilles, George, or Cowboy?

I’m in New Orleans! Here’s my starting point today. Registration for the conference starts at noon so Heidi and I are off to explore. I’ve always wanted to ride the St. Charles Streetcar from beginning to end (from the Quarter all the way to the Uptown area and Tulane, and then back. That’s my plan for this morning. We’re going to hope the streetcar and ride, looking at the lovely mansions in the Garden District, and then returning…

…hopefully in time for a trip to Jackson Square and the Café de Monde for café au lait and beignets. Last year, Heidi and I sat at the table right behind the street musician. As for all that powdered sugar? I figure I’ll do enough walking to justify those calories! Just sayin’!

See y’all later! And don’t forget…Brunch tomorrow!

Hey, guys. It’s me, Iffy, again. You know my interview yesterday? Well, I just wanted to share another picture of Professor Michael Shannahan. I think there’s more to him that what he let on yesterday! A friend of a friend of a friend emailed this undercover picture of Michael to Silver. He looks…not so friendly or scholarly in this picture. What do you guys think?

Silver and I are on the road today! Yippee! New Orleans here we come! Feel free to talk among yourselves, especially about FAERIE FIRE, but NO SPOILERS! Silver promises to check in as she can! It might be from her iPhone so replies will be short and sweet. Don’t forget Saturday! Semi-finals for the Mr. Summer contest. And comments all this week go in the random drawing for cool swag. Catch you guys later!

Hi, guys, Iffy here. Silver is off packing and otherwise getting ready for our trip to New Orleans. *happy dances* I can’t wait to head out tomorrow! However, we have somebody special to visit with today. But…before I introduce our guest, I want ya’ll to go back to Deirdre’s interview. Read the comments…especially that last one! *squeee* Yes! You read that right!!!! *swoon*

Okay. Back to business. Today, my guest is Professor Michael Shannahan. You met him briefly last week in Deirdre’s excerpt. He is a professor of Irish Literature at Georgetown University and is quite the musician. He performs with the Irish band, Celtic Connection, when he isn’t being all scholarly. Welcome to Penumbra, Michael. Can I get you something to drink?

A bit of tea would hit the spot, thank yee. And thank yee for invitin’ me here t’day. *glances at the title* Though I’m wonderin’ what yee’d be meanin’ by that bit up there?

I have it on good authority that there’s more to you than you admit.

*chuckle* I’m a professor, cailín . Nothing more. Ah, well, beside the bit of music and singin’ on the side.

So, it was just a “slip of the tongue” when you admitted to Moira that Seamus O’Roarke was a member of the IRA?

O’Roarke is scum and gives all Irishmen a bad name.

So how did you know about his…affliations?

I have friends at the British embassy, luv. Nothing nefarious, I assure you.

If you say so. How about Brian Boru? Do you know who he is?

*spits on floor* That bloody terrorist is nothing more than a killer of children and is worse than the very scum of the earth.

Wow. You really don’t like him much. But do you know who he is? MI6 and the CIA both know that’s an alias.

*shakes his head* Do you have a nip of Irish I could put in my tea? And if I knew who he was, I’d do my best to see him come to justice.

Yeah, you and Duncan both.

I’ll admit there are times I wish Ross the best of luck in his hunt.

Well, how about I share the excerpt of the first time you and Moira met while we wait for questions from our readers. You’ll stay around to answer, yes?

‘Twould be happy t’stay an’ visit, cailín .

****
Moira waded into the sea of motley greens swirling through the hotel lobby. An inebriated young man stumbled up to her, a bright green button proclaiming “Kiss me, I’m Irish” dangling from his lapel. Weaving drunkenly, the man tried to plant a kiss on Moira’s lips.

From a vantage point across the room, a slender man watched as she politely steered the drunk away. He wondered if everything he’d heard about the senator’s daughter was true. She had her thick blonde hair twisted into a business-like knot at the nape of her neck. Small, tasteful emeralds, her only ornamentation, glimmered at her ears and throat. The long-sleeved, high-necked black velvet cocktail dress she wore looked almost chaste, even though the fitted bodice and flared skirt showed off a good figure, though one more curvaceous than the current fashion. A Kelly green rose, the same color as the satin shawl draped over her arm, accented the flounced skirt. The colorful touches did little to alleviate the austere picture she presented. The girl probably was all business and no play, as he’d heard through the grapevine.

A laughing couple pushed through the door behind her. He shared her wince at their use of theatrical Irish brogues. In a hurry and paying no attention, they brushed past. The man stumbled into her and Moira teetered on her high heels, fighting to regain her balance.

He arrived beside her in moment, his hands steadying her as he whispered conspiratorially in her ear, “At least they’re only Irish once a year, cailín.” Moira pulled away and turned sharply to face him. “Michael Shanahan.” He extended his hand in introduction.

“Moira O’Connor,” she replied, taking his hand. Moira smiled as their fingers touched.

“Am I that amusin’, then?” His voice came out gruffer than he’d intended, but something about her knowing smile put his guard up.

“Not at all,” Moira assured. “In fact, I think you are a most studious man.”

Michael looked askance, puzzled by her statement. “I guess me secret’s out then, but how did yee know?”

“Know what?” Moira looked perplexed.

“That I’m a professor.”

She smiled again as she shook her head slightly. “I didn’t know,” she admitted. “How interesting.”

Michael watched her for a long moment before finally smiling back at her, even though his suspicions weren’t allayed. “You must be very intuitive, Miss O’Connor.” His voice carried a slight edge, and he’d dropped his broader accent. Though a true Irishman, he could wear his accent as needed. “I see your father hasn’t arrived yet,” he continued. “I was sent to fetch the two of you and escort you to the dinner.”

****
So, readers, any questions for our professor?

Who’s got the button? Not me. I completely forgot what I was going to blog about, though it had something to do with buttons. And pushing them. *headdesk* I should have written the idea down when it occurred to me but I got distracted…*ooh, shiny!*…and by the time I sat down to write today’s blog, I got as far as the title. *sigh* Writer’s block? Me? Oh, yeah! My brain is scattered to the four winds as I try to get everything wrapped up for my trip Thursday. Am I leaving at the butt crack of dawn? Uhm…yeah. LSU is playing in the Superdome Thursday night. Which means TRAFFIC! I wish there was another way into the Quarter but without going surface streets, which might take just as long, I’m stuck on the interstate and football traffic.

Oh, look! If you happen to be into digital books, you can go to Digibooks Cafe. Enter the code to get 20% off. This coupon will be good for any digital downloads of FAERIE FIRE or FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE. (And even FAERIE FATE if you don’t have it yet!)

Iffy is all excited about tomorrow. She has a bit of news to share, plus Prof. Shannahan to visit with. She keeps asking me what the difference is between Irish Whiskey and Scotch. I told her to Google it.

As for today, I give up. I’ve wrung my brains out dry and I can’t for my life remember what I was going to say about the topic. Instead, I leave you with this question. What pushes your buttons?

…why do you ask? Here’s the 4-1-1, to use one of Iffy’s favorite terms!

Well, it wasn’t quite a landslide, but the Cowboy and his horse won last week’s Mr. Summer preliminary round. This coming Saturday, he goes up against George Eads, aka “Deke” from FAIRY TALES, and Gilles Marini to see who goes into the finals!

As most of you know, I’m leaving Thursday for New Orleans. *happy dances* Heidi, my CP is going with me. I love roadtripping with her! We get so much plotting done. There will be posts here while I’m gone and I’ll check in to reply, though it’ll be in the odd spare moments during the weekend. Don’t forget, any of you in the NOLA area, there’s a book signing at the Hotel Monteleone featuring all the authors at the conference, including yours truly. Stop by and say hi! I’ll have goodies to give away.

Iffy will be here Wednesday visiting with Professor Michael Shannahan from FAERIE FIRE. At some point this week, I’ll try to post some pictures from the Ranch Rodeo I attended Saturday night…speaking of cowboys!

FYI, both FIRE and FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE are up on the front page of The Wild Rose Press as upcoming releases! Anybody want a guest blogger around the middle of the month so I can shill the books? AND FAERIE FIRE IS LIVE AT B&N.COM and AMAZON!

I’m guest blogging at MURDER SHE WRITES today. Drop by and say hi. Swag is going in the mail today. I hope. LOL I suppose I should get off my arse and run errands, huh? But before I go, I guess I should give away something this week, too. What do you think? And what should I give away? I still have books. OH! And I have swag from the WFNO conference. How about a messenger bag from that with…two books?!? You can have your choice of romantic suspense or contemporary romance. You know the drill. Comment to enter all this week with a winner picked next week when I get back (completely randomly, of course!).