Smart Bitches Trashy Books | All of the romance, none of the bullshit.

Longmire’s romance covers are undeniable works of art. And so are some of Jen’s versions, under the pen name Avril Honeycutt.

Gangplanks and gangbangs? Ow.

[Thanks to Iasmin for the link]

In a recent comment, Jennifer Echols mentioned No Plot? No Problem, a how-to manual by Chris Baty, founder of NaNoWriMo.

According to Echols, “He suggests that before you sit down to write a novel, you make a list of everything you love to see in novels. When you write your own novel, you should put the stuff from your list in there. Then you should make a second list of everything you hate to see in novels. When you write your own novel, you should make sure none of the stuff from that second list creeps in when you’re tired.”

Ooh, neat. But looking at that idea from the perspective of a reader, I can generate an equally useful list - for shopping and seeking recommendations.

Here’s my list:

Once upon a time, Candy wrote a review for Shayla Black’s Decadent which has since become one of the most linked-to portions of the site, and was the nadir of a little-known gem of internet delight known as “LOLPorn.” Seriously, people link to that entry with astonishing regularity.

I don’t know if we’ve ever really expounded on our deep love for the folks who read this site, but damn hell and howdy do we love y’all. When we hold contests with other folks, invariably they’ll write, “You have the best readers, OMG.” It’s true. You guys are freaking awesome. Why? Because of shit like this that is so funny I wheezed and Hubby came running to make sure I wasn’t going into anaphylaxis.

Three men have been arrested in London after a suspicious fire was set at “the home and office of publisher Martin Rynja”, aka Gibson Square Publishing, the UK publisher of The Jewel of Medina. According to the BBC, the three men were arrested under the Terrorism Act of 2000, “on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.”

The police confirmed that there has been small fire inside the property in Lonsdale Square, which had to be put out. “At this early stage it is being linked with the arrests,” the spokesman added.

[Scotland] Yard officials have refused to identify those arrested or give any information on the nature of the terrorist plot they are alleged to have been planning.

Residents in Lonsdale Square said armed police, assisted by fire-fighters, broke down the door of number 47 at around 2.30 this morning.

My reaction: holy fucking shit. You have got to be fucking kidding me.

Thanks to Marianne and Faellie for the heads up. 

From Lucinda Betts: a truly fascinating article on why and how our brains are wired to enjoy stories. Seriously - worth a read over your morning weekend coffee.

We tell stories about other people and for other people. Stories help us to keep tabs on what is happening in our communities. The safe, imaginary world of a story may be a kind of training ground, where we can practice interacting with others and learn the customs and rules of society. And stories have a unique power to persuade and motivate, because they appeal to our emotions and capacity for empathy.

Storytelling is one of the few human traits that are truly universal across culture and through all of known history.