A Tribute to the Grand Dame of Romance...

It was with great sadness that I learned of Kathleen E Woodiwiss' death on July 6 2007. Like many readers, I cut my teeth on such "bodice rippers" as The Flame and the Flower, Ashes in the Wind, A Rose in Winter, etc. As an author and lover of historical romance, I felt compelled to write this short tribute to Ms. Woodiwiss.

The first time I read The Wolf and the Dove was a "life-altering" experience. Few novels can claim this distinction, and it inspired me to write my own epic romance. Ms. Woodiwiss had a remarkable talent which fired the imagination of a legion of romance authors like myself, and hooked millions of readers. With over thirty-six million copies in print, and after thirty years of publication, Kathleen continued be one of the most popular and beloved romance authors of our time.

As I write this, I am at a loss for words to express the sadness I feel at her passing. Ms. Woodiwiss sparked a genre which changed the face of the publishing industry and created a plethora of books which touched many readers' hearts. I would like to share my condolences with Kathleen's family, and with fellow readers and writers... Ms. Woodiwiss may be gone from this world, but she is not forgotten!

There's a New Kitten in Town...

As some of you already know, my beloved cat of 19 years, Peewee Speedy Peepers, passed away on June 10th. She was a wonderful companion and will be greatly missed... (If you would like to view pictures of her, Click Here.)

And then on June 10th, my mother brought home a new addition to the family, a cute-as-a-button kitten, who we have named Zatoichi von Ratbastard, Ichi (EeeChee) for short. Half Manx and half Orange Tabby, she's the sweetest, most curious and fearless kitten I've ever seen. Enjoy these photos of her...

What a face! She's a little toughie...

Itchi just loves my German Shepard, Siega.

Awww...she's all tuckered out...

Isn't Ichi a sweetie-pie?

Itchi just adores Siega, in fact she spends as much time as possible with her.