Introducing ... Griffin

After interviewing Phoebe via IM chat, I decided it was worth the international charges to actually call Griffin (aka the dark brooding bad boy maybe-hero of OH. MY. GODS.). Besides, he's not the most talkative guy so I figured it wouldn't be a multi-hour conversation. [Here's the pic of Tom Welling from my dream cast list.]


TLC: Hi Griffin! How's it going?

Griffin: Fine.

TLC: [waiting for more] Um, okay. So why don't you tell the readers a little more about yourself. They're here to learn about you, after all.

Griffin: Like what?

TLC: Like... anything. We already know you're a descendant of Ares and H--

Griffin: Hey, privileged info. Don't spread that around.

TLC: Oh, I forgot. But you know everybody's going to find out as soon as they read the book, right?

Griffin: [probably clenching his jaw] Yeah. I know.

TLC: Alright. For now we'll stick to the common knowledge. So what's it like being a descendant of Ares? He's the god of war. Does that mean you like to fight a lot?

Griffin: No. It's not that simple.

TLC: Sometimes you do have a bit of a temper...

Griffin: Who doesn't? But war isn't his only area of expertise. Ares is also the patron god of athletics.

TLC: Which brings up something you and Phoebe have in common: running. You guys are getting off to a bit of a rough start, but admit it. You kinda like her.

Griffin: I don't know what you're talking about.

TLC: Your Aunt Lili adores her.

Griffin: [silence]

TLC: Just wait until your running date--

Griffin: It's not a date.

TLC: --tomorrow. I've got a few surprises up my sleeve.

Griffin: Great. Look, I need to go. I promised Aunt Lili I'd help her decorate some cupcakes for bake sale.

TLC: [snicker]

Griffin: What?

TLC: Nothing. That's cute.

Griffin: Later. [click]

Well, that is apparently the end of my interview with Griffin. Get his full story in OH. MY. GODS., coming in May from Dutton Children’s Books. The as-yet-untitled (and un-revised) sequel is slated for Spring ’09. (I haven't told Griffin about that yet. He can sweat it for a while.)

Hugs,
TLC

OH. MY. GODS. -- Dutton, May 2008
teralynnchilds.com

My heroes have always been...

FIREFIGHTERS

There are so many reasons to respect and hero-worship firefighters. Tagging on to Marley's post, I'll point out their reputation for saving animals (helpless kittens, etc.) and their dog-friendly policy. (see the cute dalmatian pup driving the fire truck below)


In times of crisis, many people rise to the occasion and perform heroic acts, but firefighters do so on a regular basis. Risk is an everyday occurrence for them. When wildfire breaks out in California, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, or anywhere, firefighters from across the country brave the unpredictable blaze to save local residents and their homes. When hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, firefighters were on the front lines of evacuating residents from the city, rescuing those left behind, and recovering those that didn't make it.


With all the amazing things that firefighters do, it's no surprise that I've had a crazy minor obsession with firefighters for a long time. It all began when I was in school in NYC. The firefighters there are H-O-T-T!!! And, unlike some other public servants that I will refrain from mentioning, they are super friendly. Whenever a fire truck rolled by me on the street, the firefighters on board always waved hello.

Then, on 9/11, I earned a newfound respect and awe for the NYC firefighters. So many men and women went above and beyond the call of duty that day, plunging into the face of danger without care for their own safety. Many were lost that day, but all are remembered. Firefighters everywhere are phenomenal, but the ladder companies of NYC will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope the city of New York never needs their services with such sacrifice again, but if the city needs them... they'll be there.

Men that are honorable, hot, and always heroic... no wonder they are so often the heroes of romance novels (and women's fantasies).

Firefighters of the world, you are the ultimate Hump Day Hotties!


Hugs,
TLC
GROWING UP GODLY [soon to be retitled], Summer 2008 Dutton Children's Books

My heroes have always been...

...people who take care of little animals.

I'm one of those types who cries at the drop of a hat when I see any kind of ad or mailing about mistreated or abandoned animals. My heart goes out to them so much because they're so helpless. They can't speak up and go, "Hey, can you help me over here?" So, I've always admired vets, their assistants, and rescue workers who, in the face of a disaster, are as concerned about the animals as the humans.

Case in point, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, literally thousands of pets were either abandoned or unable to be evacuated with their owners. Groups like the Louisiana SPCA went in and rescued pets in the heavily flooded areas. The Guard even helped out whenever they found animals.



It touched my heart seeing beloved pets reunited with their owners.



But many are still in shelters without their owners. Organizations like the Humane Society and the SPCA work hard to help these pets find loving homes.



It must be so hard not to get attached to all the little animals you work with in a time like this. But God bless these people for the work they do. Animals are strong-willed and smart and can take care of themselves for the most part, but I have to say that I greatly admire all the men and women who put themselves out there on a daily basis to help our animal friends.

My husband and I rescued an abandoned cat many years ago. She was probably 7 or 8 when we took her in and she had many medical problems. But we got her to the vet and got her on the right track and she was with us for another 7 years before crossing over the Rainbow Bridge. Here's my Puddy Tat:



And let's not forget our favorite boy here on Books, Boys, Buzz...Knut the Polar Bear in Berlin. Thomas Doerflein, one of the zoo keepers, has dedicated his life for the past six months to raising Knut so he would survive. He's definitely one of my heroes! As is everyone at the Berlin Zoo.



For more information on these wonderful heroes, visit some of these websites:

Louisiana SPCA
Mississippi SPCA
Boston's MSPCA Angell Memorial Hospital
Kitty Angels
Greyhound Rescue
Humane Society

Thanks so much to those people who help out the animals!!



We hope you'll stick around all week and let us know who your heroes are, as well.

Marley = )
Sorority Rush Begins - May 2008
Rush - A Sisterhood Novel
Pledge Class - A Sisterhood Novel
Puffin Books

Still reading: Twilight...