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Contest Archive2007 Contest AnswersPrevious Contest Answers
December 2007 – Where’s Your Heart-Home?My December question was one Tash had to answer for herself in “Hot Down Under.” If home is where your heart is, where’s your heart-home? For the majority, it’s with loved ones, wherever they happen to be. For others, it’s a place that has special meaning. Winner Cathy Cook won a Queensland firefighter calendar signed by ten hot firies, an opal koala bear bookmark, frangipani earrings, a scented candle and a sexy book. November 2007 – Should a young woman follow her heart or trust her parents?My November question was the same as Jenny’s in Hot in Here. Most people said a young woman should follow her heart – but a lot said she should consider her parents’ advice as well, especially if they have her best interests at heart. And that parents will probably love her anyhow, no matter what she decides to do. Congratulations to Sue Ahn, who won a gift package themed after Jenny (a Vancouver firefighter calendar, pink dangly earrings, pink nail polish, a geisha bookmark, a deck of Kama Sutra cards, and a sexy book). October 2007 - What should a guy put first – work or family?My October question reflected Suzanne’s and Jaxon’s dilemma in Champagne Rules. The majority of opinions favored Suzanne’s position: family comes first. But many people said the issue isn’t so straightforward. Work’s important in order to support a family. And some jobs are crucial – e.g., because they keep people safe. So, the bottom line is, it’s a matter of finding the right balance. And isn’t that true of so many things in life? Congratulations to Cheryl Koch, who won a gift package themed after Suzanne, heroine of Champagne Rules. September 2007 – What’s the worst or best thing about September?Even though I haven’t gone to school in a long time, I still think of September as the start of a new year. But I regret that summer’s over. Turns out I’m not alone in having mixed feelings. This month I asked people what they think is the best or worst thing about September. A lot of people enjoy having the kids go back to school and life get back to a normal routine, but others hate to see the kids go – and some people have both feelings. Those who are themselves going back to school tend to feel ambivalent too. Then there’s the fact that the seasons are changing: some people hate to see summer end, and some love autumn – and some have a foot in both camps. The cooler temperatures suit some people but not others, though many people admit they love autumn foliage. Shorter days aren’t on anyone’s list of favorites, but some people look forward to winter and others don’t. Of course for some people, the best thing about September is something more personal, like a birthday – or the start of football season! This month, Crystal Gwynn wins an Awesome Foursome pin and two books by Mary Buckham. August 2007 - What's your favorite sensual experience?For a lot of people, it seems the most enjoyable sensual experience combines at least two of the senses. Such as, a scented bubble bath or a massage with scented oil. Or lying in the shade on a beach, listening to the waves, receiving a scented massage. Or how about a fire on a cold night, hot chocolate and a loving man? I got some great answers, and they affirmed how important sensual experience is to all of us for relaxation, enjoyment of life and, of course, for sex. The sense that turned out to be the most important to the most people was touch, and the most mentioned favorite experience was massage. That certainly makes me happy, considering that my September book is called Touch Me and the hero is a masseur! This months winner, Debra Guyette, wins a copy of Touch Me and a goody bag of books and treats that I brought back from the Romance Writers of America conference in Dallas. July 2007 – Is there a place that’s special to you?In July I asked if people had a place that was special to them. I got a great range of answers, from hometowns to honeymoon spots, energetic cities to tropical paradises, oceans to forests. This month's winner is Carrie Taylor. She wins two books by my good friend Kate Austin, both set on BC's lovely Sunshine Coast: Last Night at the Halfmoon and The Gossip Queens. 
June 2007 – What type of book do you most enjoy, and why?Does it seem to you that there’s a huge variety in the books that are on the shelves these days? Well, I guess it’s because we all like to read different things. Historical romance topped the list, followed by romance (feel good books!) in general. Then, erotic romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance all scored high. But some people prefer thrillers, horror, British mysteries, women’s fiction, fantasy, witty books like Janet Evanovitch’s, biography – well, you name it, and some of us read it. June’s prize – a sexy book and some body spa goodies – goes to Karen Gray. May 2007 – How do you as a reader make the decision to purchase a book?There are so many books being published, in so many genres and formats, and they’re offered for sale online and in traditional stores. There are review magazines and online review sites giving opinions on different books. What is it that makes readers buy a particular book? Well, as entrants told me, there are a variety of factors. The single biggest one is author name — i.e., if you love an author’s work, you’ll keep buying. If you don’t know the author, many people are influenced by front and back covers, and excerpts and reviews. Word of mouth is a big factor for some buyers. Title and price can also be significant, as can subject matter and author newsletters and chats. Some people read the first few paragraphs, which reinforces what we writers are told — that you have to "hook" your reader at the very beginning (especially if they’ve never read one of your books). Whatever your reasons for buying, we authors love you, and our careers depend on you, so please keep up the good work! Congratulations to contest winner Lesha Anderson, who won a sexy book and a pashmina shawl from New York. April 2007 – What amount of chest hair is the sexiest?Now that spring’s here and men are starting to wear fewer clothes, what do we women want to look at? Well, according to my poll, more than half of women prefer just a little chest hair - nicely described as a sprinkling, smattering, or dusting. A quarter of women want no hair at all. Just over 10% prefer a medium amount and very few women like a really hairy guy. So, men, if you've got that hairy ape thing going on, it might be time to re-think your grooming habits! Congratulations to contest winner Heather Elliott, who won a watch and a sexy book. March 2007 – What’s your favorite thing about spring?What’s not to love? The top two things were flowers blooming and warm weather. But other answers also captured the whole wonderful feel of the season: sunshine, the world coming alive, new growth, colors, birds, fresh spring air, the smell in the air, dumping the winter clothes, going for walks, working in the garden, biking, spring skiing, having kids home for spring break, celebrating ostara/spring equinox, spring rain, people waking up from their winter “sleep”, playing softball, and the sense of hope that spring brings. I hope everyone has a wonderful spring, and congratulations to contest winner Mary Branham who wins a sexy book and a pretty wooden box I picked up in Mexico. February 2007 – What’s your favorite TV show?There was a tie for winner, between Gray’s Anatomy and 24. People like Gray’s because of the characters, interactions, story lines, dialog and the McDreamy McSteamy saga. 24’s a favourite because of the suspense, tension, fast-paced action and twists and turns. Other high-ranking shows were House, CSI and CSI Miami, Desperate Housewives and Survivor. February’s winner, Jodie Esch, wins some pampering goodies for the bath and a sexy book to go along with them. January 2007 – How Do You Spend Valentine’s Day?Everyone does something different! Extra points go to the guys who are preparing special dinners for their lady friends. We women just love men like you. Lori Pudliner, January’s winner, receives a couple of scorching novels plus a firefighter calendar from Queensland, Australia – the setting for my “Hot Down Under” novella in The Firefighter. Find more contest results in the 2006 Contest Archive > |
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