Simon de Beauvoir suggested that few writers have championed age in women, and she's right. From evil stepmother to “cougar,” there are a number of not-so pretty representations of women as they age in romance fiction, which is odd considering that through its depiction of female protagonists, romance fiction has so often reflected the attitudes ( Read more... )

During my lovely Valentine's Day Breakfast with Shrinky, we got into a discussion titled: What Valentine's Day Means to Me.

We agreed. VD has a double meaning for me & Shrinky. It has nothing to do with the PSA from the 70s, the one I post here every year. You know, the one with the catchy tune you'll find yourself humming long after you hear it.  I ( Read more... )

I've been sitting on this for a little while, brewing my thoughts to get them just so. Usually, dear Biteyites, we discuss that rare-but-subversive woman known as the Mid-life romance heroine--and lack there of. Oldbitey is heavy into that big ol' taboo of fading beauty, saggy boobs, and gettin' funky with middle-aged sex. This year brings us to ( Read more... )

You may be interested in this lovely explanation of a book contract from Pitch University (with Jeffery V M. Mehalic, the Write Lawyer). The contract’s legalese is broken down and explained and it’s rather eye opening. I was utterly fascinated.

Then I was outraged. Then I was all scared. Then I was all downtrodden. Then I was all determined. Then ( Read more... )

While on my way to Shrinkytown this morning I stopped by my local Giant Green Swirl SuperMarket Chain. I was after one thing and one thing only: Deli-sliced turkey breast for Shrinky's lunch. So you know I ended up with a hulargeous bag of "eat in moderation" type items, that I will not eat in moderation and some beautiful red peppers, which, ( Read more... )

I know  when you write about romance fiction romance is supposed to get a little r. The capital R is reserved for use when referring that literary genre of high culture with quests, brave knights, ladies, courtly love, and all that jazz.  I think the use of a small r for romance fiction (and pink and hearts and clinch covers) is a reason modern ( Read more... )

We can argue about this if you like, but I do not identify with the female protagonist when I read novels. The female lead is not my placeholder. I don't have a vicarious experience of her life. I know I'm not walking in her shoes. I am aware I am reading about someone other than myself. I'll admit I do respond to the protagonist, but my response ( Read more... )

Poor, darling, fairy-killing BookThingo had a horrendous bad coffee experience (BCE) the other
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I discovered two things in the last two days. The first thing involves drinking coffee (my lifeblood, as may of you know) and eating cheese, which, to my great surprise, is NOT a winning flavour sensation or delightful combination. Milk and butter go so well with coffee--hello cookies and croissants--but I
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I'm a huge proponent of faking it. Y'all out there know this about me. This guy knows what it's all about too.

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