I took an extended break for the Memorial Day weekend, adding days to either side of the actual holiday.  Between bouts of grandson-chasing (Gosh, they’ve got a lot of energy!), I read two really good books.

One was SKELETONS AT THE FEAST by Chris Bohjalian.  It’s a World War II story, set in the winter of 1945, when Germany’s defeat seemed imminent.  However, the almost certain surrender of the Nazis didn’t prevent them from committing incredible acts of cruelty during these final months of the war in Europe.  It’s a gritty, gut-wrenching read, and not for the faint of heart.  But a wonderfully moving, haunting, and engaging story, loosely based on the diary of a woman who experienced much of what Bohjalian’s characters endure.

The second was John Sanford’s PHANTOM PREY.   Is there a fictional hero as dashing and altogether fabulous as Lucas Davenport?  I don’t think so.  I’ve been a fan since the first scene of the first Prey book, RULES OF PREY, and my fascination (and non-too-secret crush) for this character hasn’t diminished.   Is there a better writer than John Sanford?  Can’t think of one.

Now back to work. . .

Last week I went to New York for my favorite day of the year — the day I get to be supermodel for a day! Isn’t that stressful, you ask?  Well, it would be if I didn’t know from experience how this group of experts takes my naked face and clean-only hair and transform me into camera-readiness. 

Sure, it takes hours (Sadly, more time each year is required to putty up the cracks.) but I’m in good hands.  Makeup artist to the stars (like Jewel) Charlie Green works wonders.  (She’s got lots of miracle-working putty, which Jewel doesn’t need, but I do.) Hair stylist Mitch Barry (he does Kyra Sedgwick’s hair) takes over then and manages to tame my cowlicks, which is tantamount to driving the herd. 

Then we break for lunch.  By that time, I’ve been there for several hours and everyone needs sustenance.  Except I must deny myself, so I can fit into the clothes stylist Risa Knight and her beautiful assistant Ariane have brought for me to wear.  After lunch, Charlie touches up the makeup, Mitch tweaks my hair, I’m zipped into impossibly tight jeans, and we’re ready to start actually taking pictures!  (Once I was in the jeans, I did allow myself a chocolate chip cookie.)

Andrew Eccles is an excellent photographer, and having worked together for years now, I consider him a friend.  (If I had a “best side” he would find it!)  He got very creative this time with the book’s “theme,” and I think you’re going to appreciate the technical aspects of the photograph.  He runs a very relaxed set and I even get to pick the music.  It’s fun! 

This year, as a special treat for her, I took my daughter Rachel along.  I’ll never be able to go back without her.  She charmed the whole crew and when we left at 5:30 that afternoon, after a seven and half hour day in the studio, she was exchanging email addresses with her new BFFs.  Andrew even took some shots of us together, so we’ve got souvenirs of that special day. 

And speaking of children. . .I’ve got good news about my son Ryan.  Some of you may remember him from  “Guiding Light” and “The Young and the Restless.”  For the past couple years, he’s been writing a novel.  I’m pleased to report that it’s finished and he’s SOLD it to Pocket Books!  It’ll be out in hardcover next spring, date TBD.  It has a title, but I’ll let him announce it to you when he gets his own website.   It’s fast-moving, funny, and fantastical.  I’ll keep you posted on progress.

The whole family is off to the beach for the Memorial Day weekend.  Enjoy yours.  Be safe!”

It’s that time of year again!! Time for Brenda Novak’s auction to benefit diabetes research.  You can read more about the auction here or go straight to all the goodies up for bid.  Whether you’re looking for a once in a lifetime getaway, an avid reader or a struggling writer, there is something for everyone in Brenda’s auction.

I’ve donated a years worth of cookies from Cheryl & Co. (my favorite cookie place) and a year of Sandra Brown (books).

First off, I was recently interviewed by Jonathan Maberry, multiple Bram Stoker award winner and author of Patient Zero. If you haven’t seen the cover for Smash Cut, you can check it out there. While you’re at it, check out Jonathan’s books too!  You won’t be disappointed.

I recently spent Spring Break in Hilton Head with Rachel and two of my grandsons. It was wonderful to get away and we had a lovely time.

While we were in Hilton Head, Michael, Ryan and Pete made the trip to Iwo Jima.  To their pleasure and surprise they made the trip from Texas with a war vet who fought there and his daughters!!! It was a very moving experience.

As you can see from the photo, everyone made it home safe and sound for Easter!

In the book news department, the behind the book video for Smash Cut is almost read, and I’m headed to New York soon for a photo session with Andrew Eccles.

On Christmas Day Michael and I went out to DFW airport to meet the troop plane from the war zones.

It was a fantastic experience, one I thought our grandsons should have.

So, here they are with me on the morning of April 17, (Raff is in blue, Luke in green) getting a lesson in patriotism.  My son-in-law Pete is behind me in the white cap.  Ryan, my son, is in the OU cap.  Michael was our photographer.

You can see more photos in the photo gallery.

I’m very pleased to announce that the first annual ELF award has been given out. Kelli Trapnell (in photo with me), who was chosen by the selection committee at TCU, showed great promise, incredible range in her writing and professionalism.  She’s also a very lovely young woman, and we celebrated with dinner at DelFriscos. While I didn’t have a hand in the selection process, I couldn’t be happier if I had!

Congratulations to Kelli.  I’m sure this is only the beginning of many wonderful things to come your way.

Also, congratulations to my great friend, Candace Camp on making the New York Times bestseller list with her new release,  The Courtship Dance.

For those of you who have been emailing asking about a new book this year, SMASH CUT will be released August 11, 2009.  Look for a cover, a behind-the-scenes-video and more goodies in the next few weeks!  It’s already up at Amazon.com which means you can pre-order it now!