Contest page

July/Aug 2014 — What’s your favorite vacation?

Because it’s holiday season for so many people—and I’m hearing lots of them vote in favor of “stay-cations”—I’m curious about people’s favorite thing to do for their vacation. The most popular answers were: going to the beach, getting together with family, and camping. Here are some other favorites: cruising to see interesting new places; exploring a place with some history, where I’ve never been before; a trip to the mountains; the amusement park; Chicago; Cancun; Disneyland; Hawaii; the Grand Canyon, England and Scotland; visiting the various United States; fishing trips; “packing the Harley and following the front tire!”; Vegas; Europe; staying at home in the country; “going somewhere I don’t have to do any work.” I’ll echo that last one! For me, I like to stay near home in summer because I love this time of year by the ocean in the Pacific Northwest. When it comes to mid-winter, though, I vote for heading to sunny climes! Congratulations to winner Debra G from CT, who wins an autographed copy of her choice of my books plus a package of Canadian maple cream fudge.

June/July 2014 — What’s your favorite summer food?

I can’t help it, in summer my thoughts turn to food! I asked people for their favorites, and the most popular treat turned out to be watermelon. Also named were other fresh fruits, fresh veggies, steak and burgers and ribs on the grill, potato salad and coleslaw and other kinds of salads, ambrosia and pavlova, homemade wine coolers, and ice cream in any form. Mmm. I’m now imagining a picnic table laden with all these goodies, and a group of family or friends getting together for a feast on a balmy summer evening... Congratulations to this month’s winner, Zelma M from BC, who won an autographed copy of her choice of my books plus a package of citrus dill fish rub seasoning.

May 2014 — What’s your favorite self-indulgence?

This year I’m self-publishing some of my “sweet” short stories—heartwarming romances with no sex scenes. They’re short “reads” designed for the busy woman who deserves a few minutes of self-indulgence—on the bus or train to work, during coffee or lunch break, while waiting to pick the kids up, sitting in the doctor or dentist’s waiting room, sinking into a bubble bath before bed, or . . . well, I’m sure you get the picture. I picked the title “Sweet Indulgences” for the series. And so I was curious, how do you indulge yourself when you need a little pampering? What did people say? Books and reading time, especially in a special reading place with a favorite beverage. Chocolate, in a whole variety of forms! Other edibles like glazed doughnuts, home-made banana splits, ice cream shakes, a favorite candy bar, Kraft Dinner, or cream cheese on Town House crackers. Or how about a bubble bath, a massage, a mani-pedi? Peace and quiet without kids screaming? Collecting wonderful wools (yes, I’m a person who has trouble passing a wool store too). A walk in the park, watching old movies, slot machines. The answer I personally identify with the most is this one: “A long, hot bubble bath with a good romance novel, a glass of wine, and the darkest chocolate I can get!”

The random number generator picked Elaine from FL as the winner and she’ll receive an autographed copy of her choice of my books and some Canadian chocolate: a bar of maple chocolate and a bar of ice wine chocolate (and, by fun coincidence, chocolate was one of the things she listed as her self-indulgence!).

April 2014 — Your thoughts on friendship?

I truly appreciate my friends. My life is so much warmer and richer because of them. I asked people for their thoughts on friendship. People’s best friends included husbands, moms, sisters, girlfriends, four-legged friends, and a bird who was “playmate, guard bird, and confidant.” It’s quality rather than quantity that counts. You get what you put into the relationship. Trust, honesty, and loyalty are key to friendship. A true friend is always there for you, through the good times and the bad. They have your back and defend you, and they love you no matter how you look or what mood you’re in. One of the best things about a true friend is growing up through all the troubles and good times together and being able to share the “do you remember when” stories. Friends give you comfort, share crazy times, let you vent, go shopping with you, share drinks and lazy afternoons, and keep your secrets. Friendship can be your greatest joy and your biggest sorrow. This month’s winner, Emily A of ME, will receive one of my books and a set of blank cards made from my photographs—to send her friends on special occasions.

March 2014 — What’s your favorite sound?

I asked people about their favorite sounds and received some wonderful answers. I dare you to read these and not smile! By far the most popular choices were children’s laughter and the sound of water (be it ocean waves, rain on the roof, a burbling stream). Birdsong came next. And how about these? My dogs greeting me when I come home. A cat’s purr. My favorite music. The breath of a baby next to your ear. The sound of a carousel. Silence, because it means peace. Fresh snow gently falling at night. The sound of someone whistling. Wind chimes. My husband’s voice (aw, isn’t that romantic?). My son’s voice. The hawks in our woods. Church bells. Congratulations to the March winner, Sue Anne E from WA, who will receive an autographed copy of her choice of my books, plus a set of blank note cards made from my photos.

February 2014 — What does February 2014 bring to mind?

February was a kind of crazy month for me: the release of one book, the due date for another, Valentine’s Day, the Olympics, and battling a nasty cold. I asked readers what February 2014 brought to mind for them and here’s what people said. Many agreed about Valentine’s Day and the Olympics. A lot of people mentioned icky weather (it’s the shortest month but feels like the longest!) and the promise of spring. A number of people had birthdays (themselves or in the family) or anniversaries, and several remembered loved ones who have passed away. There were other personal things like moves (good luck!), local events, looking forward to particular movies coming out. And then of course there’s the good old curling up by the fire with a great book and a mug of hot chocolate. That’s hard to beat, except perhaps for this one: showing your loved ones that you care. Congratulations to Melissa K of TX who wins an autographed copy of one of my books and a copy of Wild Words from Wild Women.

January 2014 — How is January a fresh start for you?

For me, January always feels like a fresh start: an opportunity to clear the decks, set new goals, approach life with renewed energy. I asked if others feel the same. Here are some people’s view on January as a fresh start. On the broad scale, January is a time to: take stock of my life and the good and bad decisions I make or have made in the past, try to learn lessons from the previous year, set goals because goals seem more doable than resolutions, vow to become a better and more patient person, resolve to stop and smell the roses. Some people set more specific goals, such as to: get in better shape and be healthier, get outside and walk, get organized, clean the house and office, break some bad habits, read more, and plan more family time. And then there are the major life changes: move to a new home, start life with a new fiancé (how exciting is that?).

I hope everyone’s January resolutions, goals, and dreams come true over the year – and I know you’re all going to work hard to make sure that happens. Congratulations to Kirsten K from WA, who wins an autographed copy of one of my books and a bar of SoftKitty Lavenderlicious soap.

December 2013 — What’s the most romantic thing a man can do?

The hero in a romance novel is usually strong, capable, sexy—and ideally, he’s also romantic. This month I asked: What’s the most romantic thing a man can do for his sweetheart? Here are some of the answers: do things for her without being told; say “I love you” and mean it; show that he loves her; bring home flowers when she’s had a rotten day; listen when she needs to talk; tell her she’s special and beautiful; give her a foot massage; clean the house; put her before himself; hold her; support her decision without second-guessing her; little thoughtful day to day things more than grand gestures; cook supper and help clean up after; write her a love letter; give her a spa day; give her a romantic dinner, either out or at home; take her on an exotic holiday; do the things with her that she likes to do; make her breakfast in bed; defend her; make her laugh; show that he appreciates her; be there when she needs him.

Ah yes, wouldn’t it all be lovely? Ladies, here’s a suggestion: ask your guys to read this list and do at least one of these things every week! And here’s another suggestion: do the same kind of thing for your guy, because men deserve romance too.

Congratulations to winner Ginette H from NB, who receives an autographed copy of one of my books and a jar of guavaberry jam from St. Maarten.

November 2013 — Your thoughts on self-published books?

The publishing business has experienced huge changes with the advent of e-readers and digital books, and then with the growth in self-publishing. I’m a hybrid author: most of my books are with traditional publishers (Kensington and Berkley), but I have also self-published a novel (Finding Isadora ). I asked people for their thoughts and experiences regarding self-publishing. Some people have never read a self-published book, but most have. Several have noticed a higher number of errors. For some, this has been a turn-off, but others say it’s not a big deal as long as they really enjoy the story. A number of people cited benefits to self-publishing for both readers and authors—such as giving authors more control over their product, and making books available that don’t fit the standard “ommercial” guidelines of the traditional publishing houses. This month’s winner, Sherry H from AR, wins an autographed copy of one of my books and a 2014 Vancouver firefighter calendar.

October 2013 — How do you feel about the end of 2013?

With the end of 2013 approaching, I asked whether people are looking forward to the end of the year – and why or why not? Some people say they always look forward to the new year – a clean slate and the promise of new beginnings. For many, the end of the year is approaching too fast – especially if they have children who are rapidly growing up, or they’re growing older themselves and feel that time is running out. For others, sadly, 2013 has been a tough year and they’re hoping things will be better in 2014. I sure hope that proves true! Congratulations to Kat S from San Luis Obispo, CA, who won a 2014 firefighter calendar from Victoria, BC, and an autographed copy of one of my books.

September 2013 — Your thoughts/memories on back-to-school days?

Though it’s been many years since I headed back to school in September, when Labor Day weekend rolls around, that’s still what I think about. I asked people for their thoughts or memories about back-to-school days, and I got some wonderful answers. Wish I could post all of them! For some, it’s memories – and many people, like me, didn’t really enjoy school so didn’t look forward to going back (though, as for me, that changed for some when they hit college). Of course others loved going back, especially catching up with friends and meeting new ones (okay, you extroverted kids, I’m envious!). A number of people mentioned the sense of starting over, of fresh opportunities. Others mentioned new clothes! Some people have regrets, like if they had a second chance, they’d do better this time. For those with kids, some feel sad to see them go, others love having more time and peace and quiet with them out of the house, and a number of people mentioned the expense. Teachers are divided on this one – either loving or hating the beginning of the school year. For others, it’s things like the malls being less crowded (or, in college towns, town getting busier), having to pay attention to school zones and kids on the road, getting stuck behind school busses. One person mentioned the smell of Elmer’s Glue! She made me think of the lovely colors of a fresh pack of crayons and the clean pages of new notebooks. Congratulations to Susan L (no, not me!) of PA who wins an autographed copy of one of my books and a dragonfly notepad.

August 2013 — What’s your favorite summer food?

One of the best parts of summer is the food! At least in my humble opinion. I asked people about their favorites. Top prize goes to watermelon. Loads of people chose it. Second was ice cream (big surprise, eh?). Lots of other things got mentioned too, and I kept salivating as I read the answers: blueberries, strawberries, peaches, nectarines, or just any kind of fresh fruit, Jersey tomatoes, cucumbers, a veggie dish made with zucchini plus tomatoes and onions (I make something similar myself), homemade potato salad (and yes, I went out and made some!), pasta salad, grilled hamburgers (that’s what I had for dinner tonight, as a matter of fact), anything on the barbecue (yeah, and I make my guy cook it!), blue crab, fish and chips, homemade wine coolers (and may I put in a vote for sangria?), strawberry shortcake. Mmm, it all sounds so yummy. And how about this favorite meal: chicken, mashed potatoes, and garden vegetables. Yes, I could sure go for that! Congratulations to this month’s winner, Jackie W from CA, who won an autographed copy of her choice of my books, plus a copy of the Totally Shrimp Cookbook.

July 2013 — What wish would you put in a dream catcher jar?

For this month’s contest prize, I bought a dream catcher jar. The label says, “Put all your deep, heartfelt wishes inside, where they will never be too far away, and you will find what you dreamt closer and closer each day.” So I asked what wish you’d put in a dream catcher jar. When it comes right down to it, it seems we all have pretty similar dreams. Health and happiness for us and our families, finding love and companionship, achieving career goals, being close to loved ones, having a nice place to live, traveling and learning. Here’s the inspiring wish from this month’s winner, Diane S from Tampa, FL, who said, “I wish to live each day happily, thoughtfully and as the gift each day really is.” Congratulations, Diane, you’ve won a dream catcher jar to store that wish, and also an autographed copy of your choice of my books.

June 2013 — Your thoughts/experiences re meeting authors?

Because I attended RomCon, a reader-author convention in June, I asked people for their thoughts and experiences re meeting authors. The majority of people said they never had, but would love to. Those who have met authors enjoy gaining a fresh perspective and insights on their books. But then there’s the other view: what happens if you meet your favorite author and you’re disappointed? (I admit that one resonates with me. I once went to see a favorite singer and he came across as a conceited ass, which kind of spoiled my enjoyment of his songs after that.) Congratulations to this month’s winner, Melinda P from Ontario, who won a bag of swag from RomCon.

May 2013 — Do you prefer real or made-up settings?

Because I mostly write real settings, but have ventured into creating a fictional community with my Caribou Crossing series, I asked readers whether they prefer real or made-up places when they’re reading fiction. Many said it doesn’t matter, and it depends on the story. A few prefer real (especially for contemporary) because they can identify with the place – maybe they’ve been there or want to go there. A few others prefer made-up, finding it easier to get lost in the story. This month’s winner is Kelli R from MN. She’ll receive an advance reader copy of Home on the Range from the Caribou Crossing series.

April 2013 — What do you think of practical jokes?

Because I was doing my website update on April 1, April Fool’s Day was on my mind so I asked people what they thought about practical jokes. Interestingly, very few people were into them: they didn’t do them, people didn’t play practical jokes on them, and in general they thought practical jokes weren’t very nice. However, if you’re looking for jokes to play on someone, here are a couple of relatively harmless ones mentioned by contest entrants: grease the toilet seat with Vaseline; use little balloons to make a birthday cake, ice over them, then invite the birthday person to cut their cake! Congratulations to Vickie M from MS, who won one of my books plus a necklace and earrings.

March 2013 — What’s your favorite thing about spring?

I love spring! I love everything about it, but the best thing is that winter is behind me and won’t come around for a long time. The thing most mentioned by those who responded to the poll is the sense of newness and freshness, of hope and zest of life. Lots of people mentioned the lovely weather, flowers and buds, and longer days. The fresh breeze and being able to sleep with your windows open. Gardening. Baseball season! The neighborhood comes alive! Congratulations to this month’s winner, Beth T from VA, who won one of my books and a silk heart pin.

February 2013 — What do you think of Canadians?

Because February was launch month for Northern Heat, a book that promises to dispel the myth that Canadians are as frigid as the northern climate, I asked people what they think of Canadians. Hockey and the RCMP were right up there, along with how we say “eh” at the end of a lot of sentences. And all of that’s true, eh. (And you’ll note that I have written a hockey player hero, in The Dirty Girls Book Club.) As for personality, people said Canadians are friendly, polite, open-minded, and “rock.” Thanks for that! I notice that no-one said we’re sexy, so you folks obviously need to read Northern Heat, autographed by me.

January 2013 — How do you express your creativity?

Wow, what a creative bunch you are! I’m so impressed. Here are some of the creative things that people do: write, paint or draw, cook, quilt, crochet, make jewelry, dance, write book reviews, sew, sing and make up songs, take photographs, and make cards. Others express their creativity through the way they decorate their home, the way they dress, or through acquiring body art like tattoos. What wonderful ways of brightening not only your lives but the lives of those around you. For me, obviously the main one is writing, but I also take photographs and make cards. This month’s prize is a set of cards made from my photos and an autographed copy of one of my books – and they go to Rita W from California.

December 2012 — Favorite holiday treat?

In December, people’s thoughts turn to many things, and among them is food! I asked people, “What’s your favorite holiday treat, and how do you savor it?” Some of the goodies mentioned were port wine trifle, egg nog, mulled wine, peppermint candy canes, spritz cookies, fruit cake, and green bean casserole (don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it!). Congratulations to my December winner, Brenda J from Pasadena, MD, who won an autographed copy of one of my books, plus a copy of The Heart of Cooking, a charity collection put together by dozens of romance authors (including me!).

November 2012 — What do you think of e-readers?

I admit to enjoying TV, especially as an accompaniment to a casual dinner, doing my stretches, autographing bookmarks, or knitting. For me, TV is most often pure escapist entertainment. I prefer scripted shows, maybe because I’m a writer myself. This month, I asked people what, if anything, they like to watch on TV. Turns out I’m not alone in liking scripted TV. That’s what the majority said, though everyone likes something different (top two named were “The Big Bang Theory” and “NCIS”). Next most popular was reality shows (especially “Dancing with the Stars”). And then of course there was a smattering of other things: news, documentaries, sports, house hunters, and so on. Congratulations to this month’s winner, Shelley M of MI. She wins a book and a tote bag from the Magnolia Bakery in NYC.

October 2012 — What do you think of e-readers?

I keep hearing how popular e-books are, and my royalty statements show increasing sales of that format. And I know book stores are closing, downsizing, choosing to buy bestselling authors rather than the rest of us, so fewer of my print books are getting out on the shelves. So I asked people what they think of e-readers. The huge majority of people said that they prefer print books. Lots of people have e-readers and use them occasionally, but still prefer the experience of reading a print book. Now, of course this isn’t any kind of scientific study, but I find it very interesting that people who are clearly internet-savvy, many of whom have tried out e-readers, still like the traditional experience of holding a print book and turning the pages. Machines have not yet taken over the world! LOL. Congratulations to this month’s winner, Anita Y from GA, who won an autographed book (yes, in print format!) and a lovely old-fashioned notebook.

September 2012 — What’s your favorite activity + drink pairing?

I love a cup of tea and a good book, a glass of wine while chatting to a good friend. This month I asked for people’s special drink + activity pairings. Reading was the most popular activity people listed, and the pair it with tea, coffee, iced tea, lemonade, wine, hot chocolate, Diet Coke, and Diet Dr. Pepper. We readers definitely have our preferences! Here are some other answers: picnic + iced tea or frozen strawberry colada; football on TV + beer or Coke Classic; fireplace + hot chocolate; dessert in romantic restaurant + champagne; exercise + water; chat in person/by phone/by email with friends + tea or coffee; hang out with family on holidays + White Russians. Did these give you any ideas? Congratulations to this month’s winner, Susan F from Langley, BC, who won an autographed copy of one of my books and a cute little spoon for stirring honey into tea, scooping up jam, or stirring that marshmallow into the hot chocolate.

August 2012 — What do you want to do this summer?

In the Pacific Northwest, summer came late and showed all signs of being short. It made me think of all the things I’d hoped to do, but not had time for. So I asked, “What’s the thing you most want to do in what remains of summer 2012.” As you’d expect, reading, travel, and visits to the beach ranked high. Here are a few of my favorite answers: meet an old friend for drinks and reminiscences on the deck of a restaurant by the lake; lose weight before the school reunion; take my elderly mom on a fun-filled day trip; travel somewhere exotic and enjoy every moment of my trip in complete bliss with my lover, experiencing new things, diving into new cultures and soaking up those rays. Thanks to everyone who shared their summer dreams – and I hope they come true for you! Congratulations to Joanne from NE, who wins an autographed “hot off the press” copy of my September release, The Dirty Girls Book Club.

July 2012 — Are you earth, air, or water?

Because July is such an outdoorsy, back-to-nature kind of month, it got me thinking that, while most of us enjoy earth, air, and water, we identify more with one. For me, it’s earth. I guess, even though (or perhaps because) I spin flights of fancy in my books, I like to be grounded. Actually, so do my characters. Anyhow, I asked people which they most identify with. Interestingly, the majority were with me, as earth people. It seems we really relate to the beautiful land on which we live. Congratulations to winner, Colleen C from Goodyear, AZ, who won a set of blank cards made with my photographs, and an autographed copy of one of my books.

June 2012 — Should schools have a 2-month summer holiday?

Though it’s a long time since I was a kid in school, I still think of June as the month when school lets out for two glorious months of holiday. But, here in BC, that might all change. Schools may be moving to a different calendar, where breaks will occur throughout the year, rather than that solid two months in summer. I asked people whether they thought schools should stick with a 2-month summer holiday. The majority voted for sticking with the 2-month break, but a number of people saw pros and cons to each approach. Congratulations to winner Melinda from Woodstock, ON, who wins an autographed copy of one of my books and a pair of abalone earrings.

May 2012 — What’s your favorite way “the lusty month”?

According to “Camelot”, the musical, May is the lusty month - the month of “yes you may”. I asked people, what’s your favorite way - proper or improper - to celebrate the month. You know what? Very few people confessed to anything particularly improper! Though I did particularly like the woman who said she’d be going for a walk in the woods - with a blanket and her man. Other than that, there was lots of outdoorsy stuff like cookouts, hanging out by the pool, gardening, reading by the lake, and there were also family celebrations, Cinco de Mayo, and Memorial Day. Congratulations to this month’s winner, Barbara S from OH, who won an autographed copy of one of my books and a set of native Canadian coasters.

April 2012 — What’s your favorite treat?

April is the month of Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies, so I asked about everyone’s favorite treats. No big surprise - the most popular answer was chocolate. But oh, the varieties of chocolate! Such as: truffles, Hershey’s chocolate-filled eggs, chocolate caramels, chocolate-covered cashews, brownies, and so on, and so on. Ice cream was second most popular - along with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sundaes.

And yum, here are some other goodies that were mentioned: strawberry shortcake, Rice Krispie treats, jelly beans, Heath Bars, cupcakes, cheesecake, baklava... Okay, you get the idea. The list went on and on. I think I gained weight just salivating over everyone’s suggestions! Congratulations to Aline B from KS, who won an autographed copy of one of my books, and ice wine chocolates from British Columbia.

March 2012 — What’s your favorite thing about spring?

In March, I asked people to tell me their favorite things about spring, and every answer made me smile. Warmer weather, of course, and flowers, lovely colors, the scent of flowers and fresh-cut grass, the end of daylight savings, Easter, getting out in the garden, the fresh smell in the air, the smell of freshly turned earth awaiting the planting of seeds, saving money on the heating bill, the feeling of renewal - in nature and in relationships and in life, baby birds and baby animals, the sun on your face, the end of the snow, mushroom hunting, birds singing, being outside, running, fishing, people smile more, being outside on my swing reading a book, ditching the winter clothes, baseball season, airing out the house. Now confess, you’re smiling too, right?

Here’s my favorite thing about spring: it’ll be months and months and months before winter comes round again! Congratulations to this month’s winner, Beth M from CA, who wins an autographed copy of one of my books and a teal-colored pashmina I bought from a street vendor in NYC.

February 2012 — What’s the most romantic story?

What lovely entries I received – and, best of all, the largest number were personal stories. In fact, many were about people’s parents’ romances. How very sweet, and touching. When it comes to fictional romance, the winner was Gone With The Wind (how interesting that it’s a romance with a sad ending, though of course most of us romantics believe that Rhett really did change his mind, “give a damn” again, and finally end up with Scarlett – and the two of them drove each other delightfully and passionately crazy for the rest of their lives!). The runner-up was The Notebook, the story of a timeless romance, but also one with a touch of sorrow, or at least poignancy. This month’s winner is Dena W from Bremerton, WA, and she wins an autographed copy of one of my books, plus a copy of Four Letter Word: Original Love Letters.

January 2012 — At the end of 2012, what would you like to say about the year?

In January, I always feel reflective. Rather than ask about New Year’s resolutions, I instead asked people to imagine themselves on December 31, 2012, looking back on the year. What would they like to be able to say about 2012? The answers of course included “the Mayans were wrong!,” peace, health, happiness, family, income, jobs, and also some less expected ones like cleaning up the house, getting the yard in shape, stopping smoking, and distressing and simplifying. Two of my favorites were to have done no harm, and that we all cared about each other and lived in tolerance. This month’s winner, Karen K from VA, wins one of my books and a set of my photo cards.