So, I stayed up watching tennis (taped and live) and am very happy with the finalists on both sides of the draw in this year’s Australian Open. Federer/Murry and Serena/Henin (hard to believe those two never played each other in a final before) should make for some great finals. A shame they have to be on at 3:30 in the morning!

Which meant no Project Runway for me, but that leaves something to watch over the weekend. Did I mention we’re expecting snow? Yeah. I know it’s January and all, but I’m all done with meat locker coldness and wish for sun now. Please.

Before we get to Free Stuff Friday, I wanted to thank you all for making the launch week of HERE COMES TROUBLE such an exciting and successful one! I’m looking forward to its debut in Cosmo in a few short weeks, but you all have been so great with your feedback and, even better, posting your positive thoughts on bb’s and websites all over the dang place. Blog Babes Rock!!

So, it’s time to give back! The winner of this weeks’ free book is…Jackie B!! Just send an email to me at donna@donnakauffman.com with a few selections from my website bookshelf (in case I’m out of your first choice) and an address and I’ll get your prize in the mail to ya.

Check in next week when we start the Special Valentine’s Day Edition of Free Stuff Fridays. For the next two weeks, there will be a little somethin’ somethin’ extra in addition to the book giveaway on Fridays. (And it’s possibly that it just might look, smell, and taste a lot like chocolate!) So check out the contest rules on Monday and good luck to you all!

In the meantime? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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American Idol, Audition Week 2:

While I am enjoying the good singers, and fast forwarding through the bad, happy enough that there seems to at least be some balance there….am I the only one kind of yawning by now and wanting auditions to be over and let’s get on with Hollywood Week and finding out who our talent is going to be this year? Show of hands?

But in MUCH more exciting news! Guess who’s leaving Dancing With the Stars? No, not Our Tom (whew!) but our not-so-talented backstage interviewer, Samantha Harris, announced today that she’s not coming back next season. See? Sometimes, our reality show prayers are answered! I have no idea who will replace her, but I’m thinking we can only go up from here. Tom says he’ll miss her and try to wheedle her back. Don’t do it, Tom! We beg of you.

Project Runway is tonight. (Did anyone see former PR contestant Daniel Franco audition for American Idol? That was…wrong.) So hopefully some good dish tomorrow.

Right this very second, it’s all about the Australian Open for me. I actually found a Grand Slam Fantasy Tennis League and am having the bestest time!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s contest. Details in Monday’s post. Winner announced here tomorrow. Good luck!

And now? DISH! What are you reading? Who should win the Open? Who’s excited that it’s almost time for Our Phil and Amazing Race again? Is anyone excited about Survivor: Heroes v Villains? And will I ever catch up with the past seasons of Leverage so I can watch new stuff? Enquiring minds want to know!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, last night on The Bachelor, I’m pretty sure Jake just wanted to pack them all up in the RV’s and burn every last remaining rose. Or maybe that was just me. He sends both women home on a 2 to 1 date, which, I’m glad because you know he’s not ready to dive into a relationship with a ready made son, and you know there was zero there with Kathryn, despite both their best efforts to change that.

Corrie finally steps up, and there seemed to be a little something there at first, enough to get her through this week, but I don’t think it will surprise anyone if she goes next week. Yeah, yeah, I know, we all want Vienna to go by now. I don’t think she’s so heinous as all that, but definitely immature. And now that the fog has lifted after their intense first date, Jake is surely seeing it, too. And don’t you like how he’s the first guy on there to sort of give it right back to them? “Yes, the women are mean to you…but don’t you think you egg them on?” HA!

Of course, by mean women, he means Ali. Or maybe he doesn’t know she’s Queen of Mean Girl Mountain, but wow, she’s like obsessed with bashing the kid. I wonder if she’ll follow through on her threat (and it was most certainly that) to tell Jake off. I know I’d love that. Talk about kill your own chances. So Ashleigh and Jessie both go home at the rose ceremony when Jake asks Chris to reduce his pain by one rose so he can get two more women right the heck outta there. If he’s not feelin it? You’re toast. And honestly? That’s how I’d rather get booted. If I were the type to actually allow myself to compete on national television for the attentions of one guy. Which I’m not. Everything about this goes so against the grain of how to start a relationship, it’s just a trainwreck to see. Which is why I usually avoid it like the plague. Now a show with a bunch of Bachelors and a bunch of women, going on amazing dates and figuring things out might be interesting… At least more have a fighting chance.

Anyway, this is not that show. And at this point, the only women I see with a glimmer of a chance are Tenley and Gia. And though I can see the attraction with “used to be a nerd” Gia, I think Tenley is the super sweet, saved myself for marriage type that is more in sync with the spiritual Jake. However, there are rumors out there… Check out Reality Steve if the site is functioning (which it often isn’t) and check out his pre-season blog, where he lets loose with all the insider stuff he’s got. And he’s got it all. Prepare to have the finale spoiled for ya, though! Do I think he’s right? Hmm…. I think the more salient question now is, do I care? And I’m not sure that I do. Mostly I just enjoy watching a Bachelor who is really intent on forcing the process to work for him. I just don’t think that’s a possibility with this group of women, sad to say. A shame. Because it could have been the most special final rose….evah!

In other news, I am guest blogging over on Novel Thoughts today! And there is a book giveaway there, too. So check it out. Then check out my post here yesterday for my Free Stuff Friday giveaway.

But right now? DISH! Are you hooked despite your best intentions not to be? Is it looking like Jake ends up alone? Again? Is there anyone you can see him with for those very special 60 years he keeps talking about?

Tags: Writing by Donna
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It’s another rainy day here, just across the river from the nation’s capital. Good day for curling up with a good book….or, in my case, a laptop so I can write a (hopefully!) good book. I’m thinking hot chocolate would go nicely with this endeavor.

And speaking of books…I have some advance news for you all today! As you might have heard, I’m launching another series of Scottish hero contemporaries starting end of May. The first is SOME LIKE IT SCOT - see the blog roll to your right for the cover. Click to read the back cover copy. This will be followed by a few non-Scot releases; SIMON SAYS... a sexy fun caper will be part of the Wrong Bed series, coming from Blaze this July as part of their 10th anniversary celebration. Then THE NAUGHTY LIST hits in the fall, which is the next Christmas anthology and the wrap up of my three story arc, which has been spread over the past two Christmas anthologies… And then, THEN! the second in the Scots series will launch. I found out last week that come the end of December, just in time for Santa’s rounds, OFF KILTER will hit the stands. Isn’t that the best title ever? Love it, love the play on words. Many levels of meaning to that one, but captures the flavor of the book perfectly. I will be sure to share the cover art and back cover copy as soon as it lands on my desk.

In the meantime, yes, I will shamelessly admit that I am totally watching Bachelor tonight. According to Pilot Jake, the trouble, it has just begun. Oh the drama. Oh the burning roses. I will be tuning in. And then cleansing my palate with the ever charming Nathan Filion in Castle. I also saw where they have announced the teams for the next Amazing Race, scheduled to start in February. Raaaaaace! I can’t wait to have Our Phil back.

But while we are waiting Phil and his Amazing Bathmat of Philimination….let’s dish about what we’re reading right this very second. For me, it’s Julia Child’s My Life In France. How delightful is she? And then I’m diving headlong into Laura Kinsale’s latest, Lessons in French. Yes, everyone, Laura Kinsale is back and I, for one, am almost giddy with anticipation. Her book hits the stands tomorrow and I will be there, nose pressed agains the glass, as they unlock the doors. Also, my book, HERE COMES TROUBLE, will officially hit all the stands today that it didn’t sneak onto last week. If you’re picking up a copy, let me know what you think!

And don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest. Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “I need to read!” in the subject line. One winner chosen from the pile and announced here on Friday. Free book from my website bookshelf is the prize. Good luck!

And now? DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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I missed yesterday’s American Idol MAC because the elves, they just aren’t getting the chapters done for me here, but you can pretty much re-read the previous one and just add in a whole bunch more folks who could actually sang, some additional very heartfelt stories and a crazy beat boxer that makes Blake Lewis wish he were him. Good times.

Then, last night on Project Runway….things didn’t get much more interesting. I know! We’re back in NYC! I was in NYC last weekend and it was so good to be back…why is my show not feelin’ it? I was feelin’ it! I saw Wicked while I was in town, and so was digging seeing Kristen Chenoweth doing the guest judgery on Idol, but Heidi, Tim…you harshed my NYC buzz! Burlap? Really? I do think these guys are ridiculously talented. And Ping. Interesting chick, but seriously, Ping? Pay attention to the anatomy you’re covering. I was okay with the winner, okay with keeping Ping, okay with who went home. Next week they have to work in pairs, and that’s where I think their very distinct, very developed individual styles will really create some interest.

Oh, and speaking of Bachelor gossip, (well, I was a few days ago…) I read an interview with Our Favorite (very short) Pilot and he says the drama? It hasn’t even begun. I’ll be tuning in on Monday. I’m so shameless like that.

Also on Monday? I have a little tidbit about the Scots heroes trilogy I’m launching later this spring, so check that, out, along with the next round of Free Stuff Friday.

Which leads me to this week’s Free Stuff Friday. Thank you all for playing! This week’s winner is? Angela N! (Seriously! Haven’t heard from you in ages, you drop in, and your name gets picked from the pile. How does that work? Woot for you!) Just email me with your pick from my website bookshelf (send a few picks in case I’m out of your top choice) and I will get your prize to ya. Ya winnah!

Now, right this very second? DISH! Are you watching The Heidi & Tim Gunn show? Are you loving anyone? Talented crew, I know…so who is your front runner? Who needs to go? And, more importantly, just how much juicier can The Bachelor get? (I know…why oh why did I watch? I’m weak, that’s why. And also? Not sorry.)

Your turn!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Last night American Idol went to Chicago. Only 13 emerged with golden tickets to Hollywood. Shania Twain did the guest judgery and she seemed like a lot of fun. We like her. I confess to just fast-forwarding through the substantial time spent on the less-than-lovely to downright pitiable “singers” and paused only to hear the very occasional good, actual singer. And there were a handful. I was happy with everyone who got a ticket (that they spent any time on. Only 13 tickets handed out in two days, you’d think we’d have gotten to know about more than, oh, four of them…) Tonight? On to Orlando. A random choice, it seems, but hopefully will cull more talent than last night.

In other news…I wanted to thank all of you Blog Babes for helping to make the launch of my latest release, HERE COMES TROUBLE, such a success. (Yep, it’s out, it’s out!!) I am especially humbled by all of the lovely reviews you guys are posting everywhere and anywhere online. It helps more than you know and my editors do pay attention to that. Especially on the Big Two (Amazon and Barnes & Noble) for both this and my previous releases. So, thank you thank you thank you! You guys rock! Keep the wave going!

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday drawing. See Tuesday’s blog post for details.

And right now? DISH! Has anyone from the auditions caught your eye yet? I watched Adam Lambert on Oprah yesterday and it made me think that, like him or loathe him (it’s the former for me,) it’s going to take a lot for someone as interesting to emerge this year and captivate as he did. Crossing fingers it’s a good season. And is it me, or are they spending a whole lotta more time on the ladies auditions and not so much really with the guys? Curiouser and curiouser…

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, yes, it’s true. I watched The Bachelor last night. You know, Jake is certainly easy on the eyes, but up till now, he’s just been a bit…okay, a lot too Howdy Doody for me. And then last night he actually showed that not only does he have some perception where the crazy is concerned, but he’s not afraid to say buh bye when he’s done. No need to wait for roses, just get on out of here, don’t let the taxi door hit you on your delusional ass on your way out. So, buh bye Crazy Michelle and Rules Girl Elizabeth. (Refreshing when a guy doesn’t fall for the “I want you, you can’t have me” routine, isn’t it?) It was kind of fun when he called Michelle’s bluff, too. “I’m going to go unless you make me want to stay.” Um…here’s your cab. HA!

Also interesting was watching him start to work on the conundrum of why he likes one of the girls who apparently is the polarizing chick in the house. In past seasons, we’re usually right on board with this assessment, only this season, at least to my mind, they haven’t really shown us exactly what it is that Vienna is doing to so turn the house against her. Yes, she’s lacking in social graces, but she doesn’t seem mean spirited. What seems mean spirited is Ali’s “Mean Girls” pact against her. And I liked Ali. Or I did. Seems like jealousy to me, amped into a gang mentality. Except it also seems hard to believe that they all feel this way without some reason. You can see Jake trying to work this out as well, and I was glad to see the two of them actually have a discussion about it, or the beginnings of one, anyway. Nice to have a season where there seems to at least be some cognizance on the part of the Bachelor/ette that things might not seem as they appear, and a genuine attempt to inform themselves on what’s true, but without casting any stones first. He and Vienna shared a pretty intense date, and you could see in the comedy club setting, when the girls were openly bashing her, while she wasn’t there to defend herself, that this definitely didn’t rub Jake the right way and his defenses on her behalf were pretty raised. I liked that about him, too, but that he also started to ask questions as to why.

So…interesting season. I just wished that as much as I’m coming to like the guy, there was at least one woman in the house I could see him having a future with. He clearly fully anticipates finding one and would be ready for it…but I doubt it’s in that group of women.

Oh…and on a totally different note….why on earth would you involve a woman’s small child on what amounts to a first date with a strange man??? Who does that? Clearly Ella was happy to see her son, but if you check her expression when she first sees him, she’s not all that thrilled that he’s there. I’m guessing partly due to the lack of consent that she should have given to have him there, and partly because she finally gets some alone time to get to know this guy…and her son is going to tag along? I’d have been mighty unhappy on a bunch of levels had it been me. That said, they both handled the situation really well and it turned out to be a fun day for the child. Plus, there is zero chemistry between these two, so perhaps just as well they were chaperoned. But still, shame on you, show, for involving a child like that in an adult situation. Sea World or no. Reality show or no.

Tonight, it’s more Idol auditions. Perhaps then we can gracefully move past the Pants on the Ground invasion. This is my fervent hope.

In the meantime, let’s give away some free stuff! Just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Free book? I’m in!” in the subject line. I’ll choose one name from the pile and announce it here in Friday’s blog. Winning Blog Babe gets to choose a book from my website bookshelf. Good luck!

But right now? DISH! Are you watching Bachelor? Come on, you can tell us. Who do you think is on the right side of the Ali v Vienna debate? Can you see any of these women with Jake in the end? Gia? Tenley? Who’s your pick? And who needs to go home? There are roses tossed in the fire next week, so things continue to heat up!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Yay, PR NYC is back and my show is fixed! But before we get to the MAC and the Free Stuff, I have news!

Yes, it’s true! Yesterday there was a sighting, so it’s official. HERE COMES TROUBLE is on the shelves! Woo hoo!! I am really excited about this one, Blog Babes, and not just because it’s the most gorgeous cover ever. The advance reviews have been truly wonderful, and being featured in the March issue of Cosmo, has been icing on a that very pretty cake. For those of you who won advance copies, thankyouthankyou for your advance press, kind words, and posted reviews. For those of you who decide to go out and pick up a copy of your very own, I hope you enjoy it! (And special hugs if you enjoy it enough to tell the world about it via Facebook/Twitter/Amazon/Barnes&Noble/Podium-of-Your-Choice. That kind of word-of-mouth is priceless.) So thank you for sharing my “moment” and happy reading to you all!

Ahem. Now, where was I? Oh, right. My newly restored Project Runway. Talent, names, and personalities are all emerging in the first show, but based on the snapshots given to us of their personal collections as they are introduced to us, I’d say the talent is extraordinarily high this season. Of course, those are pieces they likely had plenty of time to complete, so it remains to be seen how highly technically advanced designers can convey that talent in the kind of time window they’ll be given. Tim Gunn (Hi Tim!!) was interviewed as saying that he called this the Season of the Sashay, and that the designers just couldn’t seem to get a fire lit under them to get stuff done on time. So…could be interesting.

Last night a few individuals stood out. And, of course, there were some I enjoyed more than others, but none of them seemed particularly heinous or horrifying right off the bat. Anthony was fun, though I’m not sure given that dress he presented that he’ll be around all that long. Still, very colorful, if somewhat cliche. Ping is certainly…unique. And Adam Ant Does Keith Richards (Seth Aaron) put what was easily my favorite dress on the runway. Not sure how I feel about him, but I like his work aesthetic. I thought he deserved the win, but was happy for Emilio , as with all that intricate work, he was also right up there. In fact, there was a high degree of individuality on the runway last night. Ping notwithstanding. So far, so good! I was also okay with sending Ivory Coast Christianne home, both because her sewing skillz were atrocious, and her attitude was already headed toward ugly. She did exit with grace, so there was that.

The judges all looked a bit haggard, didn’t they? Nicole Richie’s guest-judgery was decent, but sister looked like she needed a nap. And a hairstylist. So did Michael and Nina. Jetlag? It’s in NYC again, come on! Glowing, always pregnant Heidi was the only one looking refreshed and the only one with an excuse for not. But it was good having the gang together again and I’m glad to hear they’re present for the entire season.

What about you? Who did you love? Who needs to get sent home? Who did you “love your work, you….not so much” and vice versa? I’m looking forward to this season. My show is back!

Okay, time for Free Stuff! Alls ya had ta do was send and email, and many of you did, thankyouverymuch. Since we’re celebrating the new year, and my new release, I am giving books away to two Blog Babes this week - and the winners are? Mickey and Katherine B !! Woo hoo! Yes, you are eligible to receive a copy of HERE COMES TROUBLE, or you can choose any book from my website bookshelf that has been released. Just drop me an email at donna@donnakauffman.com with your address and choice and I’ll get your prize in the mail!

Speaking of which, all previously won prizes have been sent out, so if any of you haven’t received your prize, please contact me and let me know!

I hope you all have had a fabulous week and are going to enjoy a good weekend. I will be in NYC this weekend, so it was double-the-pleasure watching PR last night and feeling some warm fuzzies for one of my favorite cities. Broadway, I’m coming! It’s good to be back here blogging in the New Year - thanks for all your kind notes and fun posts. You know what to do…..DISH!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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AI Night 2: The Auditions. Hello, Atlanta…hello, guest judge Mary Blige. I’m enjoying the guest-judgery so far. The singers? About half. (I’m being generous.) I did adore church boy, Jermaine and could root for him. The girl from Vonore…it was a sweet, touching victory, but wow, what a huge learning curve to be thrust into. And, is it me, or is it looking like 10-1 girls to guys? (And wow, the Maybelline BFF Twins? Entertaining.) Chicago up next. Get your pants off the ground!

(And I’m so terribly sorry….but in the clips for next week when Simon asked the guy if, when he sang, small animals just started showing up around the house? I laughed. A lot.)

In other news, I have a new favorite tv show. Author pal o’ mine turned me on to the TNT series, Leverage. And all I have to say is…where the heck were you with the recommends while we were in rerun holiday hell? When I had TIME to catch up on 23 shows. Come on! That said? This series is a solid entry right up my Burn Notice/Castle/Mentalist you-can-too-have-fun-while-solving-crime path. Timothy Hutton & Co. welcome to my TiFaux Must See list. One of the better surprises about this series is the casting of Sophie. I was a diehard fan of the BBC show Coupling, so it was great to see Gina Bellman on this side of the pond. Adore her. (And I’m only half way through season 1, blog babes, so no spoilering!)

Don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday - see Mondays’ post for details. Winner announced right here tomorrow.

But right this very second? DISH! Who do you like? Are you enjoying the guest-hostering? Are you waiting for Hollywood Week to get your Idol on? And who’s in for tonight’s return to NYC, Project Runway? Me!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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American Idol returned to our screens last night with the first round of audition filler. Simon has already announced he’s outta there after this season, to launch/judge the stateside version of his Brit hit, The X Factor. You know, the one that booted Pop Idol from the BBC screens across the ponds. Will the same happen here? And what about the Ellen Factor this year? And was I the only one who thought Posh Spice wasn’t all together horrid?

So many questions…so few answers.

In the meantime, we had some really giddy, very over-sized family gatherings outside the Door of Decision, through which gold ticket owners come flying…or dissed bootees come crying. Special notice goes to Amadeo’s Italian mob, the huge Portuguese family with ailing grandma via Verizon who made Ryan verklempt, and Bolsa, whose mother had the most awesome turban evah. I want to watch that thing get created. They need to You Tube that. We also had more Heartwarming Stories folks…including had Codzilla Guy, Tree Bouncer guy, Cancer Free Guy, Downs Brothers Girl…. (Hey, I can’t remember their names, but I know you know who I’m talkin’ bout.) Some decent singers. Admittedly I ff’d through the bad ones. I’m way over the delusionals. I want my talent, and I want it now. And…still waiting to be truly knocked out by some great singing. Good singing we did get, so it’s a start. But, at the moment, it feels more like comfort food than a five star new dining experience.

Could it be that we’ve reached Idol’s zenith? Guess it depends on who ends up on the stage this year. Adam is going to be hard to beat in terms of individuality. Well, individuality who can also sing. Not sure what will make us care this year…

Anyone make you smile? Found anyone to root for as yet?

Don’t forget to check Monday’s blog for all the details to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest, but right this moment, go ahead and DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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