Beyond Heaving Bosoms- Launch Day
It’s a Happy Day for romance! Today is the official release day for Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels by Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan.
Happily in honor of their launch Sarah has agreed to guest blog today. Have at it Sarah. Welcome. My blog is your blog!
Best Things About Meeting Fans of Our Website, Inspired by Kwana.(Kwana insert: Oh I’m so flattered! Cut to me batting my lashes.)1. Most of the women who read romance (I am an exception to his rule) are effortlessly stylish, savvy, and fashionable. (Me, not so much – after two babies with reflux, my fashion code is “May it Be Machine Washable.”) So when you meet these fabulous fans of romance, you can subtly learn all new ways to dress yourself and look damn good.(Look at this woman’s style. So cool. I’m sure she’s a romance reader.)
2. Have we mentioned that Smart Bitches read romance? It’s true. So when you meet romance fans, expect silly, smart, sharp and witty conversation about everything from cell phone ebook readers to shoes to recently read books to the one title you’ll haunt the bookstore looking for on release day.3. Everyone is different with something crucial in common. I mentioned this in the Bitch Book ( better known as Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels) and it’s so true. Romance is loved by many, many different women from many, many different walks of life and places of origin. The one thing we may all have in common is romance novels. We may disagree on every other thing, but romances can give us hours of conversation. There aren’t many things that can establish a foundation of friendship like a love of man-titty, emotional happiness, and wonderful protagonists.4. Romance Readers always carry great handbags. Why? We have everything else plus a book in there. Check out the purse selection at your local romance reader hangout – or visit Lady Jane’s Salon for a visual education in the art of the book-carrying handbag. Then go shopping.(Amen. You’re speaking my language here. Check out her bag. I bet she has a great French romance in there.)
5. Corny ridiculous time! The conviviality and eager joy of romance fans translates to a very happy atmosphere when we’re all in one place. Love, after all, is all you need.Thank you!!SarahThank you for being here. And to you and Candy for being such true romance warriors. Check out Sarah and Candy over at their blog Smart Bitches Who Like Trashy Books here. And pick up a copy of Beyond Heaving Bosoms. You’ll have a great time.Best,Kwana
fashion images from The Satorialist
Jack’s Easter
What’s Jack up to? Jack is recuperating from his exciting Easter celebrations. What a day he had!
While we were at church I had the foresight to move the plate of chocolates off the kitchen table but left the hard boiled eggs surely they were safe. Not.
We get home a few hours later to terrible eggy smell. Jack had climbed on the table took a couple of eggs and, I kid you not, peeled them, and ate the eggs. He left the peelings on the couch. What is with that dog? I swear to you, one of the eggs he ate was the one I made for him that said “Good Dog” and had his little drawing. Jokes on me!
Then on the way down to Harlem and Nana’s house “she just had to have him over for Easter.” He would not sit on my lap. Whining and crying. Would not stop. I wondered why.My DH said let him go.What? Why?
Just let him go.
Whatever.
Look.
Spoiled dog. This is why I can’t do a thing with him.Note. When he’s with me, he’s much more well behaved (sort of). I do not condone this bad behavior at all.At Nana’s he ate anything and everything. Knocked over suspicious drinks and lapped them up. Did the dog come home drunk off daiquiris? I don’t know. Just crazy. Well, Jack had quite a time.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I could gripe like crazy about all the mishaps with mine but why? I’ll save it for a rainy day. Or not.Best,
KwanaHappy Easter!
What’s Jack up to? It’s a holiday and Jack will be with the family getting spoiled and enjoying sneaking all the little treats he can. Oh, it will be a joyous day for him!I hope it will be a joyous day for you too no matter if you celebrate Easter or not. It’s a wonderful day to celebrate all the blessings we have. Even if you have not, you still have. Just think for a little bit. I’ll wait….Now if you are reading this, then you have plenty. There’s a start. Now think some more. Have fun.
Happy Easter to all my Peeps!
Best,KwanaLittle Dorrit
I hope your holiday weekend is going well. I meant to do this post a while back, so sorry. But if you like your classics dark, moody with too many characters to count, all sorts or intrigue and some nice period costumes (like me) then check out Dickens’ Little Dorrit on PBS.
Sorry again about my lateness, but the series has already started. Check your local listings for times, but you can catch the first 2 showings on line right now here. I’m enjoying poor Little Dorrit’s sad plight and her father, Mr. Dorrit steals every scene. Give it a look see if you have the time.
Best,
KwanaMake It Good
What’s Jack up to? Oh, Jack he’s a funny one. Cracks me up the way he runs to grab a squeaky toy as soon as the DH walks in the door. He knows who to play the games with. Too cute.
Yesterday I got to get out and enjoy the lovely early spring day by spontaneously going down to the MOMA museum to get in some fun and culture with my bud PVE, her lovely daughter and her fun friend. So much to take in and get the inspiration juices flowing. Also nice to get out of those moody blues for a bit. I loved this painting by Robert Rauschenberg. As soon as I saw it I thought it’s good for Good Friday. There is something so hopeful there and I’m nothing if not hopeful. Always have been at my core. Funny how I’m reflected in the Plexiglas. Embedded right in the artwork part in the dark part in the light. Aren’t we all. Hmm…
Here are just a few of the definitions of the word Good:/gʊd/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [goo d] Show IPA adjective, bet⋅ter, best, noun, interjection, adverb
–adjective
1. morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.2. satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher; good health.
3. of high quality; excellent.
4. right; proper; fit: It is good that you are here. His credentials are good.
5. well-behaved: a good child.
6. kind, beneficent, or friendly: to do a good deed.
7. honorable or worthy; in good standing: a good name.
8. educated and refined: She has a good background.
9. financially sound or safe: His credit is good.
10. genuine; not counterfeit: a good quarter.
11. sound or valid: good judgment; good reasons.
12. reliable; dependable; responsible: good advice.
13. healthful; beneficial: Fresh fruit is good for you.
14. in excellent condition; healthy: good teeth.
15. not spoiled or tainted; edible; palatable: The meat was still good after three months in the freezer.
16. favorable; propitious: good news.
17. cheerful; optimistic; amiable: in good spirits.
18. free of distress or pain; comfortable: to feel good after surgery.
19. agreeable; pleasant: Have a good time.
20. attractive; handsome: She has a good figure.
21. (of the complexion) smooth; free from blemish.
22. close or intimate; warm: She’s a good friend of mine.
23. sufficient or ample: a good supply.
24. advantageous; satisfactory for the purpose: a good day for fishing.
25. competent or skillful; clever: a good manager; good at arithmetic.
I’m wishing you a Good Friday from this one to the next and all the days in between no matter what you celebrate. It’s all Good Things from my heart to yours. Peace and Love.
Best,
KwanaMoody Music
Hi All. Thursday already? How did that happen? Not too many words today. There’s nothing too exciting going on lately (Costco, doctor, teen shoe shopping, KFC) so I thought I’d better save any stray word that happens to flutter by for my current WIP and not bore you. The Mood still lingers but no biggie. I’m sure with warmer weather will come a warmer mood. See there is some of nice old optimism for ya. Grin.
Just to keep the moody theme going I thought I’d share one of my favorite songs for a blue mood. Aretha Franklin singing Drinking Again. Makes you just want to sit at a table with a bottle and a smoke, no matter if you’re dry as a bone and never lit up in your life! Enjoy.
Have a great day. Make it sunny no matter the weather. I’m sure gonna try.
Best,
KwanaMoody Blues
What’s Jack up to? Jack is being Jack, up to his usual antics. He was mad at me for walking out on him the other day so what does he do? He rips the plastic edge off the trash bag that was hanging over the can. Yah, I know I should have tucked it better but… meh!
I’m in a mood. Just a mood. It was bound to happen and honestly it happens way more often than you my lovely blog readers think. I’m mostly always in a mood. It’s just me the up and down Gemini. I mask it well. By the time you read this post the mask will probably be in place. I’ll be getting my allergy shots and taking all six of them like a champ or I’ll be onto holiday food shopping with Nana up at Costco and even smiling while waiting on the crazy long lines.But as I write this I’m over the economy and folks using it as excuses to dog out good people. There are even commercials now that say buy our car and we’ll cover you if you lose your job. Ugh. Way to mess up my TV watching.
I’m over this crazy art word game that I play where you pour your soul out and then wait on a few to tell you if you rate or not. Now I have no one to blame but myself for this since I come from the world of fashion design where I did the exact same thing with the same amount of angst. It must be some sort of strange validation need I have or this God awful need to create and want to be paid for it and it deemed good. Ugh again.I’m over smiling through it and patience and “one day.” Because while all this smiling and patience and waiting must happen, life still goes on. Wrinkles come. Hair turns grey. Kids grow. Bills mount. Hips spread. Stairs crack. Patience thins.Told you I was in a mood.And please no need to say cheer up. I’ll just growl at you, but with love. Because in the end I know I have things to smile about and be thankful for yada, yada, yada…
But today, today is the day for The Mood.Now aren’t you glad you came to see the happy writer today?Anything you’re over right about now? Feel free to vent here. Seriously break free and vent. Comment away! Enjoy.Best,
KwanaI’m Beyond Heaving
I love Romance Books! No big secret to my regular readers there. So last night I was thrilled to attend the 3rd Lady Jane’s Salon. Check out the site here. The only Literary Reading Series in New York devoted to the romance genre. Last night’s readers were: Alisa Sheckley aka Alisa Kwitney (and my new friend) reading from her book The Better To Hold You.
Also reading was one of the founders of Lady Jane, Maya Rodale along with her Delightful boyfriend with the devilish accent from her book The Rogue and the Rival. What a sweet pair they are.The Salon was co-hosted by the fabulous Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches Trashy Books, check it out here and she brought down the house reading from her and co author Candy Tan’s soon to be released book Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide To Romance Novels.
I was lucky enough to snag a copy for my very own. With Chapters entitled:
Cleavage, Corset, Codpiece and Love Grotto the book will not disappoint.Here is the synopsis:The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name…We do it in the dark. Under the sheets. With a penlight. We wear sunglasses and a baseball hat at the bookstore. We have a “special place” where we store them. Let’s face it: Not many folks are willing to publicly admit they love romance novels. Meanwhile, romance continues to be the bestselling fiction genre. Ever. So what’s with all the shame?
Sarah Wendell and Candy Tan — the creators of the wildly popular blog Smart Bitches, Trashy Books — have no shame! They look at the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of romance novels and tackle the hard issues and questions:
— The heroine’s irresistible Magic Hoo Hoo and the hero’s untamable Wang of Mighty Lovin’
— Sexual trends. Simultaneous orgasms. Hymens. And is anal really the new oral?
— Romance novel cover requirements: man titty, camel toe, flowers, long hair, animals, and the O-face
— Are romance novels really candy-coated porn or vehicles by which we understand our sexual and gender politics?
With insider advice for writing romances, fun games to discover your inner Viking warrior, and interviews with famous romance authors, Beyond Heaving Bosoms shows that while some romance novels are silly — maybe even tawdry — they can also be intelligent, savvy, feminist, and fabulous, just like their readers!It does look at the bad and the ugly of the romance and celebrates it and its very smart readers for the powerhouse that it and we are!
Kwana and Sarah at Lady Jane’sFunnily enough on the drive from to the city I was listening to Whatever the radio talk show on the Martha Stewart channel and the talk was about a woman losing intimate interest in her husband after being with him for 10 years. A therapist came on and her easy suggestion was to read romance. Seriously hot romance. Because as we all know with women it all start in the head before action moves to other parts of the body. I’m just saying.
Order Beyond Heaving Bosoms then and pick up a good romance today. You won’t be sorry.Best,
KwanaProtests, Finances and Fashion Oh My!
What’s Jack up to? Jack has been his usual scamp of a self. Getting into everything, barking at everyone and causing general chaos while being as cute as can be. There is no sign of it slowing down with the Dear Twins being on spring break this week. It will be a bumpy ride.I hope you all had a good weekend. So far I’ve had my fill of, “what are we gonna do todays,” and it’s only the beginning of the week. Sigh.I did take in my fair share of The President and First Lady’s travels with the G20 summit.There were the protests as there are at every summit with the world on a horrible economic downturn they are all the more justified.
Finances were tops on every one lips with a the big wigs. Work people work!
And although this was most important to me I’ll admit to being the ultimate girl and having the best time following the First Lady’s every move. What Grace, What style and to top it all off with so much substance. I get chills at the opportunity of hope that was not there before. I want my own daughter to feel it and believe. I’m so grateful for what has happened and sincerely hopeful for a better future for our young people of the world.
Thanks to the fab blog Mrs. O for the wonderful images. What fun for the Michelle Obama fan like myself. You can check it out here.
Have a great Monday!Best,KwanaGrey Gardens
One night, a long while back, pretty late if I remember correctly, I was up flipping channels and came across the documentary Grey Gardens on the Sundance Channel. I was immediately mesmerized. I tried and tried to nudge the DH awake to no avail. These woman could not be real but they were so real, so true and so scarily off the edge that they were maybe too close to it. Right at that point where I felt I could reach out and pull them back in or they could reach out and let me tumble off the cliff with them and dance in the air on the way down.
I’m looking forward to the HBO premier on April 18th.
But I think nothing will compare to the real woman. How can it? So much said in every word. Every look.
Best,
Kwana
