Like my snazzy title?  Totally made it up on the spur of the moment.  Usually I write this column the night before, proofread, tweak – you know the drill.  This year the holidays messed with my setup.  That sounds good too, right?  Truthfully, I forgot.  And literally about fifteen minutes ago I remembered.  I hate it when that happens – when you have that “Darn it, I forgot” moment.  In my defense, I Christmas shopped all day yesterday.  I wouldn’t have had a brain cell left to write a column last night if you’d tied me to my chair and put my pink sticky reminder note on my nose.

I contemplated for about two seconds what I could write about on the fly and decided since the holidays involve so many parties and lots of socializing that I’d take a cruise around the Internet and post a few of the better writers tidbits from this last month. 

First, though, I’d like to say if you haven’t joined Facebook or Twitter – you should do so and friend me/follow me – pattianncolt.  I can always use more friends and you can add ‘facebook me’ or ‘tweet me’ to your vocabulary. 

My first go to site for news, tidbits and just plain drama is Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.  Is there anyone out there that hasn’t heard about this fabulous site?  Not only do they post fabulous reviews of books and run fun contests, there are thousands of writers and readers who participate in their site.  The things you can learn about romances, the industry, and life as a romance reader in general are unparalleled anywhere on the web (including Dear Author, in my humble opinion).  Here’s just three of the most recent blog posts which are worth your time to cruise over and read:  –12-15  Girls Got Game, –12-11  Withold my e-book?  No! No! No!, 12-9  Stop Killing Our Daughters.

If drama is what you want, drama is what you shall have.  Alan Elsner over on Huffington Post wrote on article on “How Romance Novels take the Romance out of Romance.”  Yes, you can guess.  It’s another uninformed person making a judgment on romance novels, but the article (in all its absurdity) and all the backlash/comments are worth the read, especially if you’ve ever been confronted with that “You write romances?  Sniff.” response to your life’s work.  Who had the best comments?  Well, of course, it was Sarah from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.  Take a peak – she has two posts – one when the original article came out and the second when she decided to respond to Mr. Elsner over at Huffington Post.

I was off Twitter for a couple of days and this little drama unfolded:  Apparently a reader posted a fairly extensive, negative review of a book on Amazon.  The author took exception to the complaints about the book and started an ”exchange” with the reviewer about….well, how about I let you go read it for yourself.  Let’s just say this is an example of how not to conduct yourself as an author.

Need a gift for a writer friend or a reward for completing that manuscript?  One of my ‘friends’ on Facebook has a new book coming out.  Since all of us could use more info on this subject, I decided a plug was in order.  Her name is Jo-Anne Vandermeulen and her book is Premium Promotional Tips for Writers.  I for one need all the info I can get on this subject and plan to buy it for myself. 

Finally, if you are like me the best place to find romance this holiday season is on Hallmark, Family, and Lifetime Movie Channels.  Holiday movies abound and if I don’t stop watching them and get to bed before 1 am, I’m not going to be a cheery girl for Christmas.  Several of my favorites – The Christmas Card, The Christmas List, Crazy for Christmas, and Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle. 

That’s all for this month.  Share your own tidbits of writer/reader gossip.  I’d love to go check them out.  Off now to start reading one of my favorite holiday romances.  You should do that, too.   Happy Holidays!