Posted by Jennifer on May 27, 2008 in
Bragging Rights,
Writing 
“The Role of a Lifetime” by Jennifer Shirk
Buy from MBaM!
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 1-59998-953-0
Length: Category length
Price: 4.50
Publication Date: May 27, 2008 by Samhain Publishing
Cover art by Angela Waters
Blurb:
There’s more to life than playing make believe.
Sandra Moyer has a good reason to distrust actors. She was once married to one who left her and her child. However, she’s desperate for publicity to help her struggling preschool. Hollywood playboy Ben Capshaw’s request to access her classes to prepare for a role is an offer she can’t refuse.
Sandra second guesses herself on that decision until she sees Ben in action with the children. Her apprehension turns to wonder, and then to feelings she’d thought were closed off forever. Yet how can she trust that what she’s seeing is real?
As a boy, Ben learned that acting was the answer to everything. The role he’s up for now will enhance his career and, he’s sure, secure his happiness. But spending time with Sandra and her daughter stirs up emotions that—for once—aren’t pretend.
Ben’s ready for a lifetime role as husband and father—if he can convince Sandra not to typecast him.
Posted by Jennifer on Mar 18, 2008 in
Writing There’s been some interesting talk over at the Romance Divas forum that’s had me thinking. (Always dangerous) But, hey, I love to hear people’s opinions. 
So I thought I’d bring the topic here:
Sex in romance. 
When I pick up a romance novel–particularly a contemporary romance novel–it’s pretty much a given to me that the hero and heroine will have sex at some point in the story. Am I right? Of course I am. Ah, but is it the reason that I read romance? Well, uh, no.
Huh?
Ooops. Sorry. But when I read a romance novel, I read it for the “feeling or rush of falling in love”. Yes, sappy, but that’s me. Queen of Sap. In fact, I’ve been known to re-read the “first meet parts” of books or the parts where the hero first realizes the heroine is getting under his skin but he doesn’t know why yet. I adore that stuff!
I’ve read some very talented authors who’ve written romance novels–we’re not talking sweet or inspirational romances–and kept the sex scenes off screen. And I enjoyed them just as much as the ones who kept the bedroom door open.
But I know everybody has a differing opinion on this. I would love to hear what you have to say on the subject.
So… do you think a sex scene is necessary in a contemporary romance? (Not Sweet or Inspirational romances) I’m talking, you go buy a 100K word contemporary romance book, read it, and find there the sex is off screen.
You…
a) immediately ask for a refund
b) are so disappointed you vow never to read another contemporary book again
c) shrug, but gossip about the book here at any and all writing forums anyway
d) barely noticed because you weren’t looking for the sex scene to begin with
Seriously, folks, if you picked up a traditional contemporary romance novel and there was no sex, would you feel gypped?
The doctor is in. And I’m listening…
Posted by Jennifer on Jan 10, 2008 in
Food Are you a “foodie”?
I’m still not exactly sure what that term means, but I was told that’s what I am. You see, I like to cook. And EAT. A lot.
Today, I’m in the process of cooking dinner (at 2 in the afternoon) because I’m making something that requires a bit of time, but is oh, so good. What is it? Parsnip Puree.
Hey! Ouch! Who threw the shoe?
I’m serious. Parsnip Puree is delicious. And ten times better for you than mashed potatoes. Okay, actually I’m not too sure of last statement, but it’s definitely less fattening. And tastier, too.
So here’s the recipe (courtesy of chef Sara Moulton–who got it from Julia Child) Use it in place of mashed potatoes.
Parsnip Puree:
2 lbs parsnips -peeled and sliced
salt to taste
2 TBsp butter
fresh ground pepper
Place parsnips in pot with cold water to cover. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to med-high and simmer until tender (25 or 30 min). Drain and reserve cooking liquid.
Set parsnips aside and return liquid to pan and boil over high heat. Boil until liquid is reduced to 3/4 cup.
Return parsnips to pan and add butter.
Working in batches, empty contents into a food processor and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
YUM! And you’re adding an extra vegetable to your diet.
