Guest Author day with Brynn Colvin

Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?

I was an absolute bookworm, and read any kind of fiction I could get my hands on. I liked things with mythic elements - Alan Garner's books, Kevin Crossley Holland. Adventure and swashbuckling featured heavily as well.

Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

My most recent paperback is an anthology I've been involved with. The idea for a collection of tales about gay immortals came from Nix Winter, and that started me off. I'd been meaning to do a dryad tale, and sitting under a yew tree a lot. It all went from there really.


How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?

I very seldom write outlines. I spend a while figuring out the characters and setting, and then I see where it goes. I have more fun that way.

Did your book require a lot of research?

A little bit of online hunting for details, but mostly I was drawing on things I know. I prefer to read around, collect random information and then use it for stories, rather than having an idea and researching it.


If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?

I'd quite like to be able to smoke passively without it doing me or the smoker any harm at all! I developed a weakness for passive smoking while at college, my bloke smokes, and I'd much rather he could do that without any risks.



What is the funniest/most embarrassing/scariest story from one of your books signings or events?

Dealing with people I know in person who have read my erotica has caused some embarrassment, but I try not to let on!


If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?

Beethoven - love his music, and have a slightly masochistic weakness for grumpy older men.


What so you see for the future of publishing and ebooks?

Ebooks are on the rise, but I don't think they will ever fully replace paper. I think we'll see more print on demand, and an reduction of the influence big publishing houses have on the industry.

Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

Love - Salamandra from www.itisacircle.com because she's cute and dangerous. Fear? Jade from Heaven and Hell because she's all the more psychotic parts of my own mind. Pity? Jack Hunking in The White Hare's Lament, because I really tortured him in that story. Hate...? I don't think I've written a character I hated. Some of them express things I hate, but that's slightly different.

Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you?

My muses have always been actual people. If I'm not feeling inspired, I go talk to one of them (usually Tom) It's always worked so far.

Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects for 2010?

I always have things in the pipeline. We have quite a rapid turnaround at www.loveyoudivine.com so things tend to come out not long after I've written them. If I'm doing short stories, that can make for a short journey between idea and publication. So, I don't know yet! I'm hoping to do some druidic non-fiction work, and perhaps someone can be persuaded to do www.hopelessvendetta.wordpress.com in book for - or maybe I'll self publish that one.

Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind?

Writing erotica produces some very specific cravings. Otherwise, I like my coffee fixes, but that's about it.

What is the worst, best, most embarrassing or funniest situation your writing career has put you in?

The best moment so far was being in the Stirring up a Storm anthology from Thunder's Mouth Press, because it also featured a story by Margaret Atwood and I'm a huge fan of her work. I was very proud of that one.

Where can readers find you on the web?

aside from the above, www.brynneth.org.uk is the centre of activity, www.twitter.com/Brynneth_Nimue http://groups.yahoo.com/brynsbookgroup and http://groups.yahoo.com/copperage

Death and The Immortal excerpt

Turning the last corner towards home, William stopped in his tracks and gaped. The once majestic yew tree dominating his corner of the village green had been felled in his absence. There had been no warning before he went on holiday and no chance to protest. It shouldn’t be so easy to slaughter a giant.  A couple of youthful workmen in council uniforms stripped off side branches, bantering with each other. If I had been here... It took the middle aged man some moments to compose his thoughts.

             Aghast at the carnage, he approached them. “Why have you done this?”

            “It was dangerous, wasn’t it,” one of the young men said, with a disinterested shrug. “Going rotten.”

            “It was ancient, and beautiful,” he protested. He could hardly bear to look at the severed stump, or the denuded trunk lying nearby. William had loved the tree through a decade spent living in its shadow. The giant had dwarfed his cottage, shading it all year round. He thought of it as a friend. Bereft by the destruction, he headed for his gate. Too much the eccentric outsider to make friends here, the yew had been his only reliable comfort and companion. Its violent demise grieved him and he snuffled back tears.

            Wrapped in his thoughts he did not notice the figure on his doorstep until almost treading on an unexpected limb. The sight of bare feet snapped him out of his sorrows. He took in the uninvited presence. Reddy-brown arms wrapped about the head, and dark green hair offered a strange contrast. As William halted, the defensive posture relaxed slightly. Vast, dark eyes rose to meet his gaze, deeper than he had known brown could be, and filled with sorrow. Beautiful. He realised the figure was dressed only in sacking, most of his skin exposed. The sight of that much lithe male flesh sent his heart racing. However, the man looked to be in trouble, so he ignored the rush of desire. “Can I help you?” William asked, genuinely concerned by this development.

            “Would you give me a sanctuary in which I can die quietly?”

            Stunned by the request, he could do nothing but gape. “Die?”

            “A day or two at most. I would not have troubled you, but where else would I go? It’s so exposed here.”

            “Do I know you?” William’s mind raced, skimming through memories of numerous brief flings and encounters. He felt sure he would have remembered that incredible skin colour and those devastating eyes.

            “Yes William. Yes you do.” A melancholy smile touched the speaker’s face.

            “Forgive me; I don’t remember your name.” That happened all too often. They blurred into each other and memory could not distinguish between them. How could I have forgotten you though?

            “I have not told it you.”

Part of the Immortal Fire Anthology, available from http://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Fire-His-Kisses/dp/1600543723/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262183702&sr=1-16

SMS - Piggy Sugar Cookies

The Sugar Cookies chosen by Nina of Nina’s Cupcakes for Sweet Melissa Sunday was a big hit. We had fun making little piggy sugar cookies but since we are also getting ready to hike at Tiger Mountain this morning ( in Washington state - part of the Northwest is not frozen or under snow), I am going to be kind of quick.

In my house we collect cookie cutters and have oodles of them but we decided to go with only one design. The cookie dough was delicious and a little sticky while rolling out. I had trouble getting my pieces of cookie dough off of the board, even using a pastry scraper as a spatula.

The flavor was wonderful with the lemon zest added and this is one of our little piggies decorated. The royal icing was a little messy but fun. Thank you Nina for a wonderful choice! To get the recipe for this week, go to Nina's blog and also see what great things she did with her cookie dough. Don't forget to check out the other Sweet Melissa Sunday bakers here to see everyone's artistic side. Happy Baking and Happy Sunday Everyone!

Appetizer: Hot Lobster Dip; Dinner: Asian Shrimp Bisque with Shrimp Toast

Dinners. What comes to your mind when you think about dinner? Does each day bring about a different thought on what dinner should be?

Me? Dinner Monday through Wednesday means cook something lighter, easier and quick for clean-up. The beginning of the week always means work, schedules and unexpected events. Thursday is looking closer to the weekend so I want to cook fun dishes, usually requiring more effort. Friday, well, its' Friday! Weekend . . . Anything GOES . . .

The Hot Lobster Dip and Asian Shrimp Bisque with Shrimp Toast is my Friday dinner menu. I do make my menus for each week and know what is possible and what is not. Fridays, I let myself leisurely make dinner, sip wine and talk about whatever makes us happy:

Hot Lobster Dip
8 oz. cream cheese
1 T. milk
1/2 lb. lobster meat, diced
2 T. onion, grated
1 t. cream style horseradish
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/3 C. almonds, slivered and toasted

Directions:
Soften cream cheese with milk. Add all other ingredients except almonds. Blend well. Spoon into oven proof dish. Sprinkle with almonds. Bake 15 minutes at 375.
Asian Shrimp Bisque with Shrimp Toast

Serves: 2 quarts soup serving 8, 8 pieces Shrimp toast for garnish
(adapted from Emeril Lagasse)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup small diced onion
1/2 cup small diced carrot
1/2 cup small diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped leek
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 to 3/4-pound shrimp shells and heads (if possible)
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup sake
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
1 sprig thyme
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground white pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 cup sushi rice
1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 recipe Shrimp Toast, recipe follows
8 sprigs cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons diagonally cut green onion tops

Directions:
Set a deep, wide pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, carrots and celery. Saute, stirring, until the vegetables are lightly caramelized, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Add the leeks, ginger and garlic and saute, stirring occasionally for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste to the pan and cook until the vegetables are well coated about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the shrimp shells and heads to the pan and cook until the shells are pink and well caramelized, about 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the brandy and sake and ignite.

Continue to cook the brandy and sake until nearly evaporated, about 1 minute. Remove the shells and heads. Add the chicken stock, bay leaf and thyme and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.

Season with 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper and the paprika.

Add the rice to the soup and cook until the rice is tender and beginning to burst, about 45 minutes.

Use an immersion blender (or in small batches in a bar blender) to puree the soup and then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pot. Return to a simmer and add the coconut milk and cayenne pepper.

Heat through but do not allow the soup to boil after adding the coconut milk. Adjust the seasoning and serve while hot with the shrimp toast. Garnish with the cilantro leaves and green onion tops.

Shrimp Toast:

Ingredients:
1/2 pound peeled and deveined shrimp (about 9 ounces unpeeled)
1 large egg
1 large egg white
2 tablespoons minced green onions (green parts only)
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
3 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 slices brioche, or home-style white bread
1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted clarified butter

Directions:

Combine the shrimp, egg, egg white, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt and white pepper in a food processor and process until blended but still slightly chunky. Add the cream cheese and pulse until smooth and thick. Add the cream and pulse just until blended being careful not to over-process. Spread 1/4 cup of the shrimp mixture on each slice of bread, spreading it to the edges and smoothing the top. The remainder can be used within 2 days or frozen for up to a month.

Heat the vegetable oil to 360 degrees F in a large deep skillet. Add the shrimp toast, in batches, coated side down, and fry until golden on first side, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Turn and cook until golden on the second side, about 1 1/2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. To serve, cut each toast diagonally into quarters, and serve one quarter in each bowl of soup.

Software Patents and Business Methods Patents, Are They Patentable?

Are software and business methods patentable? If you have been Googling the topic recently, you may have heard that the US Supreme Court and the Federal Circuit have heard a series of different cases during the past few years regarding it. Before I get into the history below, the short answer is still generally yes for software patents, with exceptions, but probably not for pure business methods, with exceptions of course!

Some of the earliest cases in the 70’s held that abstract ideas are not patentable, thus computer software which is composed of algorithms/mathematical concepts were held not to be patentable. This was an initial strike against software patents! Later in the 80’s the Supreme Court ruled on Diamond v. Diehr. The patent in question related to an invention for a method to determine how rubber is heated so it can be best “cured.” The invention was tied to a computer that calculated heating times of the rubber. The claims included a computer program claim and method claims. The Supreme Court held that the invention was not simply a mathematical algorithm, but was a valid process and
therefore patentable.

Throughout the years however, other cases came out that conflicted with Diehr. It wasn’t until the 90’s, in the seminal Supreme Court case of State Street Bank v. Signature Financial Group, which seemed to clarify the patentability of software patents. This patent related to a method of running mutual funds. Again, the issue revolved around the patentability of a mere mathematical algorithm or business method. The Supreme Court held the patent as valid and thus allowing a business method to be patentable subject matter. A key point was that the software must yield a “useful, concrete and tangible result”. So for many the feeling was that the patent claims needed to be drafted such that the software or processes were tied to a computer or processor to achieve a useful, concrete and tangible result to be patentable.

Fast forward to 2008, the Federal Circuit ruled on the In re Bilski matter which garnered a lot of media attention as to the patentability of business methods and computer software. The main claim at issue in the Bilski patent was for a method of hedging risk in the field of commodities trading. The claim was considered to be a pure business method because it dealt with simply a mental process (information that is analyzed and acted upon). The Court walked away with a new test requiring that a process is patentable if "(1) it is tied to a particular machine or apparatus, or (2) it transforms a particular article into a different state or thing." This new machine-or-transformation test really called into question pure method claims, and software method claims as well.

Then in late 2009 the Bilski matter was pushed to the Supreme Court to decide if the machine-or-transformation test is a proper test to determine patentability of business methods. The Supreme Court will rule on the case sometime in mid 2010. Upholding of Bilski will likely require all business method patent claims to be tied to a machine and require processes to either transform an article or be timed to a machine. More will follow after the Bilski decision later this year!

Me, myself, and I

Alice Gaines here. Dawn told me I could talk about whatever I wanted, so I thought I'd discuss my favorite subjects - me, myself, and I. Better yet, let's have them introduce themselves.

Myself: Good morning, or afternoon, depending on where you are.

Me: Aren't you getting all cute and geographical?

I: Starting out with the attitude already, eh?

Me: I see you're your usual snooty self.

Myself: Stop it, you two.

I: She started it.

Me: Mom liked you best.

Myself: No Smothers Brothers! You're dating us. Settle down. We're supposed to be talking about our two latest releases. I, why don't you go first?

Me: Yawn.

Myself: (Glares at both of them.)

I: Thank you. (Looks down her nose at Me.) My story is To Touch a Woman. It's in the series Three Kinds of Wicked from Red Sage Publishing.

My hero and heroine, Edward and Margaret Sinclair, are deeply in love with each other, but their marriage is in serious trouble. As good Victorians, neither of them learned anything about the sex act, and Edward's clumsiness causes Margaret pain every time they make love. She has no idea how to fix the problem, and her reassurances that she loves him, anyway, only make matters worse.

Me: Is that supposed to be exciting? Two rich English people who don't know their way around a bedroom?

I: Let me finish. Ahem, as I was saying...Edward and Margaret meet a mysterious stranger named Treveylan. His touch seems to have some calming effect on her. After dinner at an inn, when Margaret's left the two men to go to bed, Edward learns that Trey, as he insists on being called, is quite knowledgeable in the ways of the flesh. Desperate to do whatever he has to in order to save his marriage, he does the unthinkable...he asks Trey to make love with Margaret and allow him to watch. That way, she'll enjoy sex for once, and he'll learn how to touch his woman.

Me: Oh, it's a menage.

I: Yes, genius, it's a menage. And now, if you'll let me finish...The three stay together until Edward and Margaret have become experts at giving each other pleasure, and Trey leaves as mysteriously as he arrived.

Myself: That sounds like a very nice story.

I: Thanks. It's available at http://www.eredsage.com/.

Myself: Okay, Me, tell us about your story.

Me: My next release will be at Changeling Press. It's called Dragon Shift.

I: Dragon? Shift?

Me: Yeah, Sherlock. You figured it out. My hero and heroine are dragon shapeshifters.

I: There's no such creature.

Me: How do you know? Besides, it's a story. You should really just relax.

Myself: Mystery Science Theatre? You're dating us again.

Me: The dragon princess, Ilona, was kidnapped by demon shapeshifters as a small child.

I: (raises eyebrow) Demons, too?

Myself: Shhhhh.

Me: Now, she's mating age, and her mate - the dragon crown prince Drake - has to find her before one of the demons can seduce her and ruin her with his evil. Ilona doesn't understand why she keeps having uncontrollable sexual urges. She's been saving herself for the dragon she dreams of every night, but then, mischief shows up in the form of a sexy biker named Zimm. Her body craves Zimm, but her heart belongs in a beautiful, green valley with her dragon lover.

A stranger appears, claiming to be her dragon. She can't believe him, until he takes her on their mating flight. Then, they only need to break free from the demons who want to hold her to have their happily ever after.

I: That does sound exciting. And sexy.

Me: Thank you. It'll be on sale on March 5 at http://www.changelingpress.com/

Myself: There, now, wasn't that better?

I: I suppose so.

Me: Yeah, I guess.

Myself: On behalf of all of us, we'd like to thank you for spending a few moments with Me, myself, and I

Alice Gaines writes hot romances for Red Sage Publishing, Changeling Press, Spice Briefs, and soon Carina Press. You can write to her at authoralicegaines@yahoo.com or visit her website at http://www.authoralicegaines.com/

She does argue with herself from time to time and sometimes refers to herself in the third person, apparently.

What is this plant?

I really like the smell of this plant. I always disregarded it as a shrub that fills space in the garden. There is one growing right outside my studio room window and yesterday, I was trying to get the screen back into the window and I plucked a couple stems to put into a vase. Later, Matt smelled it and said its scent was nice... and it was! It is fresh smelling, a little medicinal and just a little sweet. Does anyone know what it is called?

Thank you, in advance!
Update: Thanks to Amelia and Alison! It is Pieris japonica, or also known as the lily-of-the-valley shrub! Looks like lily-of-the-valley, but it is a shrub. It has to be easy to grow because it is growing like a weed outside my window and I've neglected to water it... umm, ever. It was here before we moved into the house.

New velvet crush

I'm just a little hooked on and excited about velvet right now. Why? I don't know, but if pressed on the question, I guess it's because it has a vintage feel about it. I like the the weight and thickness as well. It creates lovely durable and substantial head pieces. Expect to see many more velvet pieces soon. Here's the latest:

Milky Way
Hand dyed and handmade silk velvet and silk organza flower.
Thank you so much, everyone, for your sweet comments on my previous post. I'm SO happy that you like the new work. That really keeps me going! I "treated" myself to a shower this morning... ha ha! I don't look like such a grease ball in these latest photos. ;)

Paris Hilton’s Cute Bob Hairstyles

Here we have some of the cutest and most stylish short Bob hairstyles worn by the fabulous Paris Hilton.

Paris Hilton is famous for many things and to be honest, her hair is not normally one of them. However, she seems to have followed a trend this time rather than tried to set one and has followed the likes of Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes by being the next celebrity starlet to be seen sporting the “Pob”

With the bob coming into its 100th year, more and more celebrities are influencing us with their take on the normal bob. With Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham bringing about the Pob, Rihanna bringing about a new and fresh take on the bob and most other celeb’s having their unique versions sported it is no wonder that everyone is jumping on the less is more bandwagon.

This style of bob seems to be the latest thing in Tinseltown and with more celebrities seen sporting such a hairstyle, it has had women from all corners of the globe rushing to the hairdressers to recreate the look. I wonder how many women will now be asking for the “Parish” rather than the “Victoria?”

What a week!

It has been an insanely busy week, so I do apologize for the light blog posts! I didn't get dressed up once this week... I have been in sweats every single day, so no outfit posts. So sorry! I am also a little behind on messages and orders and am staying up late tonight again to catch up. So hang tight!
What the heck have I been up to this week? WELL... I have been building a brand new website from scratch...
I had a couple medical things to attend to...
I had two photo shoots to create pieces for...
Fulfilling orders...
And every once and a while... I sleep a little. ;)
I jokingly wrote to my sister that I only showered twice this week. I know, I know! Ew~ So not lady like! But it's been that busy. I figure that saves me about 1 hour. So for all the lovely blog readers, here's a sneak peak at some new pieces I worked on this week for the shoots...

Hand dyed silk, handmade flowers, berry accents

For a country bride, hand dyed silks and linen flowers
And introducing my new Velvet line:

Luxurious hand dyed silk velvet... all handmade. Each petal is handwired so you can bend into place as you please. This particular piece also features vintage velvet paper wired leaves. More velvet pieces to come!

Woot! :: evapaul is having a sale!

One of my new favorite invitation designers and a t&h blog sponsor, evapaul, is having a very generous sale for all the blog readers! You want to know the details, right? Well...
15% off your entire order (excluding shipping- must meet minimum order requirements and cannot be combined with any other offers)
just mention the coupon code: BLOG before we set up your deposit.
Deposit must be paid before March 1st at 12 pm MST.

Get your deposit paid ASAP. This is such a great offer!
Evapaul is a cute husband and wife team of Nic and Kirsten. Their designs are uber stylish and modern and they are the sweetest to work with. Stop by their store and snatch up a good deal!

Gwen

Lola

Take the hassle out of designing wedding invitations and order a set of evapaul designs!

Sista...

My big sis has been stocking her new etsy shop with lots of lovely things. Including:

Handmade jewelry or gift card pouches

A lovely embellished ribbon scarf

A super duper soft, comfy and cute embellished sweater
Be sure to visit Amy's Etsy shop HERE and her blog HERE for more loveliness.

New Sponsor :: letters4lilly

I'm very excited to introduce to all the blog readers my newest sponsor, letters4lilly. The owner of the Australian based company, Liza, is very talented at creating bespoke bridal bouquets that are truly unique and which will make the perfect heirlooms, lasting long after the wedding is over. The bouquets are all handmade using buttons, fabric flowers, and other unique lovely bits. These would also make a great alternative for those who have allergies. In addition to bouquets, Liza creates corsages, boutonnieres, wristlets and more! She can custom design your bridal bouquet to fit your style and colors, but be sure to get in touch sooner because she's a busy lady and in demand! A few examples of beautiful brides with their gorgeous letters4lily bouquets:

AGRESSION: [1983] Don't Be Mistaken

Oxnard, SC, skatepunks from 1983 with "Intense Energy" (the well-named killer here that originally appeared on the super period compilation Someone's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In), teen natural amphetamines, and a few real hot tunes. Pummeling edge and clear singing are a real plus. Not exactly T.S. Eliot in the lyrics department, but like Jody Foster's Army, Agression completely anticipated the mixing of cultures (punks and skateboard enthusiasts) forever documented in Thrasher mag. Review by Jack Rabid, All Music Guide

tRaCkS
1.It Can Happen
2.Brain Bondage
3.Non Person
4.Body Count
5.Money Machine
6.No Mercy
7.Don't Be Mistaken
8.Intense Energy
9.S.A.T.C.
10.Locals Only
11.Insomnia
12.Secret Sex
13.Stop the Clock
14.Cat Killer
15.Dear John Letter
16.Rat Race

..buy: http://www.interpunk.com/item.cfm?Item=41279&
..home-page: http://www.myspace.com/agression1
..link: http://96770752.linkbucks.com
..password: hha
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CADILLAC TRAMPS: [2000] Live

Live features the Cadillac Tramps performing a selection of the best material from their Dr. Dream albums (which were out of print at the time of this release). Recorded at the Galaxy in Orange County, Live does an excellent job of summing up the first part of the band's career.
Review by Steve Huey, All Music Guide

tRaCkS
1.intro
2.hoodoo guru
3.don't ya know
4.shoul i
5.life on the edge
6.bridges
7.barbed wire
8.medicine man
9.cadillac hearse
10.move to the hills
11.shake
12.drivin' intro
13.drivin'
14.alright
15.hate
16.train to fame

..buy: www.amazon.com/Cadillac-Tramps/e/B000APXJI0
..home-page: www.myspace.com/thecadillactramps
..link: http://f78d88aa.linkbucks.com
..password: hha
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