Okay, so I was supposed to do this yesterday and had a complete brain gap. I blame an overload of football. And perhaps the chili, cornbread, and copious amounts of diet Coke that were consumed along with it. Okay, okay, there might have been some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream involved as well. Guilty! Happy now?

Hopefully this will make you happy. Starting this week, I will be giving away one book a week to one lucky winner! Anyone can enter and you can enter every week - but you only need to enter ONCE per week as any additional entries won’t be counted and will just clutter up my inbox. SO! Here’s the deal. Every Monday I will announce the weekly giveaway book. You drop an email to me at donna@donnakauffman.com with the subject line that says PICK ME! Then, in the body of your email, give me your name and mailing address and how you’d like your winning book signed. It’s that simple. On Friday morning, I will randomly select a winner from that week’s entries and announce it in my blog. Then we start all over again the following Monday with a new prize and all new entries. Make sense? Good!

Oh…and just so you know, no worries, I will not use your address for any other purpose nor share it in any way. At the end of each week, all entries will be deleted. However! If you would like to be on my e-mail newsletter list, by all means say so in your entry and I’ll add your email address (only!) to my electronic newsletter database. I only send out 3-4 newsletters a year, so you won’t get bombarded, trust me, but if you want a reminder of releases about to hit the shelves, along with advance scoop on future releases, by all means, please join. (And I do not share email lists either. Your email address will be added only to my own personal database.)

Now, on with the good stuff!!! I know today is Tuesday already, but I don’t want to wait until next week, so we’re going to start right now! This weeks winner will get a signed advanced copy of BAD BOYS IN KILTS! You can click on the book cover in the right hand column of this blog if you want to read more about these Scottish Bad Boys. Then get those emails to me. I’ll announce the first giveaway winner this Friday. Good luck!

Okay, now that we’re done with the important stuff, it’s time for today’s MAC: This one is for The Bachelor. Now, I know I ripped on Allie G last week, along with the rest of America. But I have to say, last night when they repeated the first show, along with additional footage of her discussing her rotting eggs and reproductive phase…well, while it confirmed a lot of what we talked about last week, I can only imagine that she wanted to crawl under a rock somewhere. One week of national humiliation was enough. I felt bad for her. And her rotting eggs.

As to the rest of the show…I’m having a hard time finding a bachelorette to root for. I sort of like Moana, but I don’t think she belongs on this show. And I don’t know that I see her with Travis. I suppose Susan fits the bill most closely, but she lost me a little bit with her starry eyed, weak-kneed speech during her birthday cake moment. Still, she’s a front runner. I know Canada Sarah is a front runner with Travis, I just can’t figure out why. And I was really surprised that he sent Cole home and kept a few other ladies who seemed more like filler. And goofy Kristen…I was glad he sent her packing before she was any more emotionally involved as they were clearly a mismatch, but props to Kristen for owning her goofinesss and being willing to wait for someone who appreciates her for who she is. She gets my rose this week.

Episode Grade: B

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

Fortunately I don’t have to do much quarterbacking this morning. It was a pretty good weekend for me. The Skins almost gave the Seahawks a run for their money, and they certainly had their chances, but the Steelers absolutely brought the power to Indianapolis. And then almost handed it away. Did you guys have to give us all heart attacks with a minute twenty left? Sheesh! I like the Colts, and when it was 21-3, I was actually lamenting that I wished it was a bit more of a contest, but that’ s not what I meant!!

And I like Peyton Manning a lot, respect him even more, and any other time I’d have wanted to see him get the win. Heck, I even went so far as to root for Tom Brady and the Patriots on Saturday, just in case the Colts pulled it out yesterday, so I could see the rematch of the playoffs. Well, both Tom and Peyton are sitting home next week. But Big Ben and Jerome are not…and I’m really happy about that. Especially happy Jerome won’t have that fumble on the two yard line stand as the last play of his outstanding career. So now it’s on to Denver…one game away from Detroit!

Except we have a week to wait for the conference championships…and around these parts, that week will be full of high school mid terms! Yay. Except, you know, not. Ugh. So today will be spent on last minute cramming, stressing out about semester reports, college transcripts, and well…I think I will go play with my imaginary friends for a while, you know? Being a fiction writer does have it’s perks.

Okay…MAC from Friday: Dancing with the Stars…show of hands for everyone who wasn’t surprised that Percy stayed in the game another week. Me! I didn’t vote for him, but with all the cheering for him on Thursday, I sort of figured a lot of people would. I think we’re all agreed that he’s got the least going on on the dance floor, but he does have his fan base. Maybe they just want to see someone his size try to do the tango with someone his partner’s size. Poor Ashly!! I’m hoping he gets the jive. As for Tatum…well, I think it was between her and Tia as to who might have gone home next anyway, and I’ll just say I’m really glad Tia is still in it. Thursday should be interesting!

Tags: Writing by Donna
1 Comment »

It still gets dark by 5pm, but somewhere along the line, spring snuck into my neighborhood! Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying it…but it’s making that skiing resolution thing a bit trickier.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! My copies of my March release, BAD BOYS IN KILTS, showed up…so, I was thinking maybe it was time for a fun giveaway for my blog readers. Check out this space come Monday for all the details!

Now, on to the really important stuff. Playoff weekend is almost here! Yay! Pigskin nirvana starts tomorrow for me. Both my teams are still in the playoffs. Not sure I’ll be able to say that come Monday, but hey, a girl can dream. Skins playing the Seahawks…Steelers playing the Colts…tough opponents, tough houses. Good luck, guys! You know I’ll be rooting for you thick or thin.

Alright, Friday’s MAC: Dancing with the Stars. Man, I love this show. Could be all those years of dance lessons I took, but I can’t be the only one who thinks, hmm, if I just practiced hard enough… However, have you checked out the bodies of those 40 something women? I’m a gym rat, but there aren’t enough ab crunches in the world to get this 45 year old stomach bared in costumes like Lisa and Giselle had on last night. Wow! Kudos to you ladies! You rock (and so are your abs!)

So, on with the dish. My faves are still Drew and Cheryl. How cute are they? Jerry Rice is a close second for my affections. Loved him putting his instructor through her paces on the football field. Man, he still has the fast feet. I will give props to Percy Miller where they are deserved. He’s trying. Clearly unnerved at being seen as anything less than commanding in such a public forum, and roundly dissed last week, he showed up this week anyway. Golf clap for P. However! Serious lack of class, kicking Ashley’s present across the floor. I know you don’t like the shoes, but a real man doesn’t insult any woman like that. You want to be a role model for the youth of today and show them what’s possible? Then show them how to treat others with respect. A dozen roses (at the very least) to Ashley, for hanging in there with him anyway. Tatum sort of fell apart this week. And Stacy’s legs are freakishly long, aren’t they? George was so entertaining and I’m sorry, I laughed - hard - at his “this is for all my homies in the hood. Beverly Hills represent!” speech. He’s keepin’ it real, yo. We need more lighthearted guys who can laugh at themselves in this world.

But what I really want to know is, was I the only one who noticed the absolute dead silence when they announced Tia and her partner at the end of the show? What’ s up with that? Everybody had some cheering and applause when their placement was announced. Even P. What did she do? Who did she piss off? I really like how hard she’s trying and that she has the grace to acknowledge her weaknesses and flaws. I love that she’s out there with an infant in the wings, baring her new mom body (especially against the likes of Lisa, Giselle and Stacy. Talk about intimidating!) I can’t figure out why she had literally zero support. So yeah, I voted for her. Okay, who is going home? Not sure. Could be P, could be Tatum, or Lisa. But I wouldn’t be surprised, given that pin-dropping silence, if it was Tia. And that would be a damn shame. Not to mention wrong. Epsiode grade: B+

Have a great weekend everybody!! Go Pittsburgh! Go Washington!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

Rainy days… Sure, during winter, when the days are far too short and the sky too often gray, I like to see the sun. But there are times when waking up to the rain tapping against the window and your room softly lit, snuggling back down under that comforter for an extra five or ten (or fifteen) minutes feels deliciously decadent. Lucky me, days this I can curl up with the laptop and let that soft light and rain tapping helps create the coccoon I need to firmly ensconce myself in fiction-land.

It’s also a great type of day to sneak off for an afternoon matinee. I have yet to make my rendezvous with Heath (the slopes called me away over the weekend) so if fiction-land proves productive this morning, I can run off with Heath this afternoon.

Yeah. Some days it really sucks to be me. (Some days it really does. But today? Possibilities abound….)

Salsa Update: last night was supposed to be my first salsa lesson. Unfortunately the class was full, so I will have to wait for the next session.

MAC: Project Runway… The right designers went home last night, I think. A shame we had to lose two. Marla seemed relieved to go, and of the remaining designers, I think it was pretty clear she was next in line for the boot. Poor Diana…I really liked her. She so embraced her endearing geekiness, it was hard not to love her for that alone. Yet, again, given her design last night, perhaps it was her turn to go as well. It was harder to say good-bye to her though. I loved Daniel/Andrae’s design, but then Daniel is my pick to win. With Nick being a close second. A show of hands on how long people thing Santino will last? I’m not sure. Talented? Yes. But perhaps his ego will keep him from going as far as his talent could otherwise take him. I was just relieved he didn’t take Nick down with him last night. Loved Chloe and Emmett as partners. I thought Zulema really pulled her team’s fat from the fire. What was up with that jacket though? Loved the dress. And next week? How cute is Nick, all a twitter over getting to design a skating outfit for Sasha Cohen? Should be fun…and right up his glam alley. Can’t wait! Episode Grade: B+

ETA: So…tonight is Dancing with the Stars. Is it wrong of me to be excited about the chance to see P Miller attempt the quick step? Let’s hope he’s really going to give it a go this time. Poor Ashley. She deserves combat pay!

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

It’s mid-term prep hell week and my youngest woke up with 102.5 degree fever. Why, I ask you, why?

In other news…I got a very nice note from Josh Centor with the NCAA’s Public Relations office inviting me and my readers to check out his Double A Zone blog on the NCAA site. He’d noticed my commentary on Marcus Vick and thought I might enjoy the discussion. (I do.) So I’m extending the invite to you all as well.

Double A Zone

I just got word that I’ll be getting some advance reading copies of my June Bantam release, NOT SO SNOW WHITE(which is set in London and takes place in and around the tennis fun during Wimbledon.) Look for my contest next month and win a signed copy! And for you fellow tennis fans…the first slam of the year is coming soon! Ah, downunder with the Aussies. Watching matches in the middle of the night…oh the fun, oh the TiVo. Alas, no Agassi, Nadal, or Safin this year. Some really nice eye candy….poof! (Hey, I do too watch it for the serves, the rallies, the aces! Honest.)

So…it’s Project Runway night on Bravo. Yay! At the moment, this one tops my list for reality show fun. I’ll be back tomorrow (bright and early I hope) to dish on what the fashion divas are up to this week in my MAC. (For those who are just now joining in the fun….that’s Morning After Commentary.)

Currently reading: Devil’s Corner by Lisa Scottoline …great suspense with killer wit! (There’s a bad pun in there somewhere, but I’m leaving it alone….) Her next hardcover, Dirty Blonde, is out March 14th!

Tags: Writing by Donna
No Comments »

I had to use it. Best. Quote. Ever. from a reality show. And that is saying something. Every year I’m boggled by the fameseekers, golddiggers and nutjobs — honestly, if I had a dime for every time the words “what WAS she thinking” went floating through my mind, I’d be living on a tropical island, drinking something with an umbrella in it, while gazing longingly at Lance, my personal cabana boy. But I digress.

Last night, Allie G - Dr. Allie G - took the top prize for Most Lacking in Self Awareness Ever. (And I am being kind here.) She begins by announcing to her fellow combatants, er, contestants, that “my eggs are rotting” and that she’s on track to find a daddy for her unborn children. Okay, so maybe you can excuse that as TMI during Girl Chat Happy Hour. But what woman in her right mind tells a man within five seconds of meeting him that she is in her “reproductive phase” and doesn’t expect him to run screaming into the Parisian night? How can someone with the intellect required to obtain a medical degree be so incredibly lacking in self awareness as to then assume that the ensuing rejection was a result of his being too intimidated by her degree and intelligence? Even after she demands to know his reasons and his one and only reason was: “I’m not in my reproductive phase right now.” She then, while the other rejectees look on in horror and amazement, continues her harangue outside (where she is ostensibly waiting for her ride to the first plane the hell out of there) with a poor production assistant who can’t stuff her in a taxi fast enough.

Oh, the entertainment. I couldn’t help but wonder at the discomfort level being experienced by whomever had the misfortune of watching the airing of last nights episode with her. Boy, I bet THAT was a fun party.

So…who’s In and who’s Out. First off, who approved of choosing so many barely 20-somethings for a guy who is 30 something? Don’t they know 30 is the new 25? I mean, at 45, I was feeling positively ancient. (And we won’t even talk about my eggs.) I had no problem dismissing 13 women right off. I could have easily increased that number by another 5 with no qualms. Who I liked? I wasn’t wowed by any of them. (Dr. Travis, however, different story. Me likey the cute doctor. Great bedside manner. He can make a house call here ANYtime he wants.) The consensus between me and my also single sister: We tentatively approved of Shiloh, Susan, Moana, Cole and Elizabeth. The ones we were meh about: Sarah, Jennifer, Jehan, and Sarah B. And the “WHAT was he thinking” award winners: Yvonne, Kristen, Sarah B (wicked, eh? Let’s Party!) and Tara (who appeared to have started her own personal party back in the limo.) Time will tell how horrifically we’ve misjudged them. And you know we have.

First night episode grade: B
Dr Travis/Bachelor approval rating: 9 out of 10. (and are my sister and I the only ones who got a distinct Ron Howard/Opie vibe from him? In the most endearing of ways, of course.)

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »

So…I was a blue run bunny again. The surface was a bit icy. It was crowded. My son was teaching his girlfriend how to snowboard, so it was nice having some company on my slopes for a change. Okay, okay, I chickened out. Happy now? I’m working my way up to it, I swear. Or down to it, as the case may be.

On a more positive note, my teams won this weekend. Yay! Go Steelers. Go Skins.

In other news…Vince Young opted into the NFL draft. I was happy about that. Normally I’d be the first one to say finish school first, but in this case, I think it’s the smart move for him and the right thing to do. I can’t wait to see this talented guy take on the pros. Marcus Vick will also enter the NFL draft, but in his case, it’s because he had to. I can’t express how disappointed I am with that young man. All the promise and talent in the world and he can’t seem to appreciate it, much less respect it or himself. A shame he can’t take a page from his older brother’s book. Talent is one thing…maturity, leadership, and good sportsmanship are another. He’s got talent out the wazoo…but if he wants to succeed in the pros (and in life) he’s going to have to work on those other things. Hard.

Okay, off the soap box and onto the dish tray.

Reality Alert! Tonight begins the latest installment of The Bachelor. This time in Paris. I know, I know, I’m such a sucker for these things. Very Charlie Brown/Lucy with the football thing. You know, maybe this time it will turn out well! One can have hope. Well, this one can anyway. Hey, I write happy ever after for a living. I have to believe, right?

Tags: Writing by Donna
1 Comment »

But it is Friday! One day away from Wild Card Weekend! (And if you think that is a reference to a Texas Holdem tournament, then, well…can I bet in your office football pool?) Go Steelers, Go Skins! (It’s handy that my two teams are in different conferences, doncha think? I mean, really, what are the chances they’d play each other in the Super Bowl? Oh, to have that problem.) And wow, did anybody think Vince Young was just IT at the Rose Bowl the other night? Hello NFL!

So, I’m thinking of taking Salsa lessons. I couldn’t get indoor tennis court time for the winter months and I’m feeling cooped up. It’s between salsa or ballroom dancing/cha cha. I think I have a better shot at not completely humiliating myself with salsa. I could be wrong about that. Both lessons start next week, so I suppose it’s whoever has room left in the class. Wish me luck. And no, I will not be posting pictures. Not of myself anyway. Cute salsa instructors, however? Strong possibility.

My Wednesday Afternoon Hookey session didn’t take place…so my date with Heath (I call him Heath, we’re close like that) has been postponed to this weekend. I will let you know how it goes.

Today’s MAC: was I the only one watching Dancing with the Stars? Hello? Mom? Early favorite - Drew Lachey. I know, whoda thunk it. But the boy put it out there. And Kenny Mayne might have no rhythm whatsoever, but he earned my undying affection with his “backstory” premise to their cha cha. I need to laugh like that more often. You got my vote, Kenny.

Enjoy your weekend!

Tags: Writing by Donna
4 Comments »

Okay, I admit it. I’m a reality tv junkie. Well, maybe not exactly a junkie. I’m particular about my fix. But I found a new “drug” last month (could television be any less interesting over the holidays?) In the absence of any new programming (and I love sports, but come on) I stumbled across Bravo’s Project Runway, Season 2. Never saw or heard anything about Season 1, so I was a PR virgin. Totally hooked me right off. As someone who relies on creativity to make a living, I was fascinated watching the creative process in action as these clothing designers responded to the challenges presented to them and created these amazing garments under what can only be described as insane deadline conditions. So naturally I immediately tracked down Season 1 and inhaled it. If you haven’t given Season 2 a peek, check out Bravo on Wednesday nights at 10 EST. (Then get Tim Gunn’s morning after podcast for the insider lowdown. Love him.)

Speaking of morning after lowdown, I thought I’d start a new tradition here. My Reality TV Morning After Comment. Please feel free to dish along with me!

Today’s MAC? What was Guadalupe thinking with those hideous detachable flowers? And Marla? Hon. Own your work. Better yet, design something that is your own work. If ever there should have been a double elimination, last night was it. Hit of the night for me? Yes, yes, I love Nick, love his work, but surprisingly, the one that caught my eye was Andrae’s. Wish he’d chosen color instead of black. He might have had a winner. Comments on Santino’s killer stilettos anyone?

Tags: Writing by Donna
1 Comment »

T.G.I.W. Wednesday’s are great. Early enough in the week where you feel like you can still get things accomplished, but just close enough to Friday where the end is in sight. Wednesday’s are my Anything Is Possible days. They’re also the perfect afternoon hookey days. Not every week, of course, but wouldn’t that be great if we could? We should all get Wednesday Afternoon Hookey Breaks. Would really boost office morale, don’t you think? It does mine. But the thing is, you can’t use the hookey break to do mundane things like catch up on paying bills or running errands. That’s what halftime is for. Hookey Breaks have to be just that- a break. A mini vacation from life. Just a few hours of escape. A Calgon Afternoon, as it were.

So…every once in a while, I make a deal with myself. Get my pages done early….catch a matinee. I’m thinking Cassanova might be worth a Wednesday Afternoon Hookey Break. A few hours of staring at Heath Ledger has to be a Good Thing, right? Inspiring, really. (And perhaps giving a whole new meaning to the term Hump Day. Hey, I’m just sayin.) Imagine all the pages I’ll be able to whip through after that!

Guess that means I’d better get to work. Heath is calling.

Tags: Writing by Donna
3 Comments »