A good love scene, in my opinion, includes a little banter, a little dialogue, a little teasing, a little temptation…a brush of the fingertips across the face or a light kiss on the neck.
After twenty-two years of marriage, it’s still the little things my husband does that make me love him a little more each day: a meaningful glance, a subtle smile just between the two of us when we’re in a crowded room, a brush of our hands as we pass in the hallway, a kiss goodbye or a hug to say hello. It’s all good. All those little meaningful things can pay off big in the end!
It’s usually the unexpected small things a hero does in a romance book that makes me sigh: the hero bringing the heroine chicken soup when she’s sick, trying to cook for her when he’s never set foot in a kitchen before; helping her take care of her sister’s baby and even going so far as to change a dirty diaper—never mind that babies terrify him.
I’ll never tire of a hero who will carry the heroine over a muddied road or use the jacket right off of his back to cover the puddle in her path to prevent her from ruining her shoes. How about a hero who attempts to sing the heroine’s favorite tune just to cheer her up? I enjoy a beta hero who stands up to the buff and oh-so-handsome lifeguard on the beach after the guy flirts with his girl a little too long. Or the opposite…the tough guy who manages to control his irritation while his girlfriend chats it up with every person in the room; he’s showing control and he’s doing it for her.
What little things does your significant other do that makes you melt?
Or do you remember a scene from a book or a movie where the hero/heroine did something so small, but that left a big impact on you?
pictures: my son Jesse and his girlfriend Andriana making the most of every moment together
I love TV and movies. I find them very inspirational J So I decided to present some of my favorite on screen kisses. I know I won’t get everyone’s favorites, like Spiderman. I just can’t get into Tobey. And there aer some I couldn’t find YouTube videos for, like Jimmy Smits and Susan Dey on LA Law. YEARS later, I remember that love scene! And A Walk in the Clouds, with Keanu Reeves. I bought the DVD for the kiss after the grape-crushing scene. Guh.
First up, let me say I’m a big Gerard Butler fan. I thought this kiss from Phantom of the Opera was smokin’.
I loved the final kiss of Aragorn and Arwen from Lord of the Rings. He’d thought he’d never see her again, and when he does, with the blessing of her family….sigh. I saw the movie four times in the theater for this bit.
Then there’s Han and Leia, his arrogance and her resistance….
Never Been Kissed does an excellent job of building the anticipation. Plus, I just love Michael Vartan.
And talk about build up….this kiss was a whole SEASON in coming, and Logan started off the season as her enemy, but they learned to respect each other and he came to her rescue more than once, and….oh…..
This kiss was FOUR season in the making. The flirting was delicious, and when he finally got moving….I love how she steps back, then moves into his arms.
This was a fun first kiss, for Alex and Izzy. They’d gone on their first date and he left without kissing her. He made up for it here.
Then there’s Ross and Rachel. This is a hall-of-famer. He’s wanted her for so long, and you can see his adoration ….
Another long anticipated kiss, Jim and Pam from The Office.
So he’s tied to a tree….listen to the sound Sawyer makes when Kate kisses him.
Conference Activities for Non-Joiners, Newbies, and Self-Promoters – Esri Rose
RWA’s annual National Conference is an opportunity to network, learn and promote. But what if you’re brand-new to the conference, don’t belong to any local chapters, or are a disorganized flake who didn’t get her act together beforehand? I’ve been all three and continue to be two (that’s easy to figure out, isn’t it?). Membership in the Wet Noodle Posse usually saves me from having to entertain myself at conferences, but I’m here to tell you that you can be the howlingest of lone wolves and still get your game on in San Francisco. Here’s how.
Become a Member of the Press
All you need to get people to talk to you are a blog or online photo account like Flickr, a notebook and/or digital video camera (best), and bits of paper telling people where they can see their photos and quotes after the conference.
“Hi, I’m Amanda Roofus of MakeMeMewl.com, and today I’m asking, What kind of underwear do your book heroes wear? Boxers, briefs, a hybrid, or commando? Patterned or white? Silk or cotton? Do you have an upcoming book I can tell readers about? Great. Here’s a card with my site’s web address. Make sure to check in after [or during] the conference.”
You also can ask serious questions, like: What’s the best money you’ve spent on promotion? The worst?
Advertise Your Status
There’s still time to order a HELP!I’m Shiny New. Could I maybe sit with you? button from CafePress (I made them just for you, with no mark-up). Romance writers are generally very kind and mentor-oriented, so give them a chance to help you. Even more, they love to be kind to potential readers, so wear something that lets them know whether you’re into fantasy, historical, inspirational, or whatever.
You can use this same technique to hook up with people who share your non-book hobbies. If you’re a knitter, Corgi-breeder, SCA member or whatever, wear a little flair that lets other members of your tribe find you. The more interests you share, the more fun you'll have!
Organize Something
There is a bulletin board at Conference. Before you go, find something fun to do in San Francisco, whether it’s karaoke, a meal at a quirky restaurant, some kind of tour, or a drag show. Make sure it has a reasonable price point, doesn’t need reservations, is in a safe area, doesn’t conflict with some huge Conference event, and is easy to get to. Now put up an eye-catching sign on that bulletin board. Free Friday Afternoon? Call Amanda Roofus at Room 123 if you want to have High Tea at Blah-Blah historic house. If you get a mob, close registration after the first 20 people and take down the sign. If no one calls, no one but you will know. If only one person comes, you’ll have made a really close friend. And it doesn’t matter if some chapter is doing the same thing. You might get even more people for something like that, because they missed out on a known quantity. Take pictures and blog about it afterwards. Hand out paper bits with your URL.
Offer to Volunteer
Yes, there are official volunteers, but there is always more work. Find yourself a staff member and say, “This is my very first conference, I’m at kind of a loose end, and I’m wondering if you need any help with anything.” If the first person says, “No” and doesn’t give you someone else to contact, ask someone doing something completely different, or locate a coordinator you can speak to. Make sure you’re dressed nicely when you ask, so if they have a sudden moderator hole they need to fill, they can slot you in. If you have a car, make sure to mention that. You can also try this with chapter people, especially if you find someone in a chapter that’s local to you. It's a good way to find out if you want to join them.
Compliment an Author
Especially a newish author, and especially just before mealtimes. “OMG, you’re Esri Rose! This is my first romance conference, but I read your elf romance and just wanted to tell you how much I adored it. Hey, is there a food court around here? I am so ignorant of how this all works.” (Alternatively: “Are tables reserved, or do I just sit anywhere?) This is guaranteed to get you an invitation to join the author for a meal.
Esri Rose will be signing copies of Bound to Love Her at the RWA Readers for Life literacy signing Wednesday evening. Stop by and get an ElvesAmongUs.com button!
Anyone who has ever treated herself to a day at the spa knows exactly what a wonderful experience that can be. Many of us can’t afford hundreds of dollars for the spa experience, though, so a spa day at home is the next best thing.
To celebrate the June 12 release of The Man for Maggie, my very first Harlequin American Romance, I’ll be posting some of Maggie’s spa tips on my website. For now I thought I’d give you a sneak peek and share this recipe for a Chocolate Facial Mask.
That’s right! Chocolate for your face!
This decadent mask is actually an excellent moisturizer—it leaves your skin baby soft. Recommended for normal skin.
1/3 cup cocoa powder 3 tbsp. heavy cream 2 tsp. cottage cheese ¼ cup honey 3 tsp. oatmeal
Mix all ingredients together (a bullet blender is ideal) and smooth onto face. Relax for ten 10 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
Give a try. It really is as wonderful as it sounds!
Have you treated yourself to a spa day at home? Any tips for us? Ever spent a day at real spa? Let’s hear about it!
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A good love scene, in my opinion, includes a little banter, a little dialogue, a little teasing, a little temptation…a brush of the fingertips across the face or a light kiss on the neck. 
