(No, unfortunately, this post isn’t going to be about Han Solo…although if you twist my arm, I could put up a pic of him just for fun…)

What I really wanted to write about is: do you go to the movies alone?

I never went to the movies alone until I was out of college. In fact, the first movie I ever went to see by myself was When Harry Met Sally…
It was right after the final break up with the guy I’d thought I was going to marry–we’d broken up, and then gotten back together, and when I finally realized it was really over; that we just weren’t right for each other, I needed something fun to do.

I didn’t think I wanted to see a romantic comedy–after all, I’d just broken up with my sort of fiance. But my dear friend Cheryl (waving, ’cause I know you’re out there) told me I had to see it, and that it would give me hope and a few laughs.

So I went by myself, and I was so glad I did.

And that started something for me. I’ve found that I love to go to movies by myself. Usually, I prefer to go during the day, where 1) it’s cheaper, 2) there’s no one else there, and 3) I feel like I’m playing hookey.

Also, 4), because I don’t have to share my popcorn and Twizzlers.

Plus, I don’t have to wait for my Music Man to decide to go with me, and I can often get a jump on new movies by going the day they open, during the day.

I went and saw Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera the day it opened, all by myself, and absolutely gorged myself on popcorn, Twizzlers, and music…ah! the music.

I also saw The Devil Wears Prada the same way–in both cases because I couldn’t wait to see it, and my Music Man wasn’t interested in going. However, when the new Pride & Prejudice came out last year, with Keira Knightley, I waited to go with one of my good friends so we could discuss and compare it to the BBC version.

(The BBC version won out in my book, but I still loved the new version for different reasons.)

How about you? Do you go by yourself? Are there certain movies you see or prefer to see alone? Why?

Okay, I just have to take a moment to squeal in shock and delight…so bear with me.

Publishers Weekly is the bible of the publishing biz…and I and nine other debut romance authors are on the cover of next week’s issue! (small pic, I know, but you can see me, second from the bottom, on the left)

I knew we were going to be in an article about upcoming romance authors, but to also be on the cover! Wow! I just don’t think I’ll be able to sit down all day, I’m soooo snoopy-dancing.

You can read the article itself here (and you’ll notice that it’s mentioned that Victoria is a vampire…I think they meant to put vampire slayer).

(Now if Michigan beats Ohio State today, there’ll be no living with me!)

Devonna!

Congrats, D! Email me (author at colleengleason.com) with your addy and we’ll get that copy of Thief in a Kilt right out to you!

Legendary University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler died today.

He was still coaching when I attended Michigan, and he looks just like my grandfather, so I loved him even more for staying at Michigan for so long, even when other offers came in.

What a legend. We’ll all be thinking of him tomorrow when Michigan meets up with OSU for the Big Game.

Watch over our guys, Bo!

Edited to add: This link to a wonderful, moving eulogy. If you don’t know who Bo is, read it. Even if you do, read it.

Please welcome guest blogger Sandy Blair, author of the In a Kilt series about hot men from medieval Scotland.

(Can anyone say…Gerard Butler? I know, I know…he’s not medieval. But he’s got that accent!)

Sandy is also a member of the Wet Noodle Posse, and she’s signing a copy of her latest book, A Thief in a Kilt, for a lucky person who comments on my blog today! So ask away.

Now, without further ado, let’s chat with Sandy.

So, Sandy, why are all your books set in Scotland?
I’ve spent time there and found the country beautiful—in places ethereal, the people charming and funny, and the history intriguing.

It might also have something to do with the fact that I’m married to a 6’ 5” Scot.

When you start a new book, what’s your process?

I usually have one character fleshed out in my mind. I know his goals and motivation, what he fears most and can see his black moment. In the case of A Thief In A Kilt it was my randy hero, Ian MacKay. With the writing comes his perfect match and for the rest…It’s a great adventure.

I know you travel a lot. Tell us about the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen…and about the one place you wouldn’t want to go back to.
Tough question. I adored Skibo Castle in Dornock, Scotland and Adare Manor in Kilkenny, Ireland.

As for where I’d just as soon not return, that would have to be Cairo. The pyramids and Sphinx were awesome as was the Citadel and the old city, but the modern parts of the city I found far too congested. I did, however, enjoy exploring the rest of Egypt.

What’s the best thing about being a full-time writer? What’s the worst?
The best part would be receiving fan letters. Hearing that my stories have touched someone or brought them a moment’s joy. (And my work hours aren’t bad either.)

As for the worst, it would have to be waiting to see how a current book is being received.

So…what do men wear under their kilts?
Depends on who you ask. You can find some of my heroes’ answers by clicking on the “What’s Under the Kilt?” page on my site: sandyblair.net

(Hmmm…When I was in Scotland, I met some people who’d worked on Rob Roy with Liam Neeson. Apparently, when he was asked, “What do you wear under your kilt?” he replied, “Lipstick.”)

And what’s this about you falling off a cruise ship??
Augh! There I was minding my own business, on a week-long cruise on a luxury liner going down the Nile, when our tour guide—intent on taking my dh and I on a side trip to Elephantine Island–brings me to a ship’s open portal and tells me to walk down this 2ft x 24 ft plank leading to a small skiff that’s floating in the river below, beside the ship.

Now, there are no handrails, no guide rope. Nothing besides this wooden plank. But others had successfully accomplished the feat so I grab hold of my courage and my big picture hat and take a step onto the plank.

The little skiff chose that moment to shift in the current and whooooooooops, the plank falls two stories…with me on it.

Yup. Down I go.

The plank wasn’t attached to the ship. Just leaning against it. Scared the beweejes out of yours truly, my hubby and our guide, not to mention the little Nubian boatman I was fly towards. Ugh. I was bruised and sore for days, then the Pharaoh’s revenge hit. Overall, I don’t recommend it.

And, since you’re on my blog, we have to know the answers to these questions:

Who’s your favorite Disney villain?
The wicked lady in the 101 Dalmatians

What TV shows do you watch? Have given up on?
I’m addicted to Project Runway and Top Chef. I adored West Wing while it was on, have all the CDs and have yet to find a show to replace it.

And I gave up on talk shows a la Dr. Phil and Oprah ages ago.

And, finally, where do you stand on the hotness (or not) of Leo DiCaprio and Matt Damon?
Dare I admit “not hot?” (No problem, as long as you’re talking about Leo…)

I’m into chiseled features, like those of Daniel Day Louise. (Imagining him in the Last of the Mohicans. Hmm,mmm,mmm. )

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks for asking.

As a thank you to readers and to celebrate the launch of A Thief In A Kilt, I’m gifting one reader with an expense paid trip to the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Houston this coming April.

The gift includes:

1. Round trip coach airfare from any major city in the contiguous US.
2. The registration fee ($435.00) and all meals, publisher parties, book signings, model parties and classes included in their registration fee.
3. A five night stay at the convention hotel
4. A special dinner with me…and a surprise author or two.

The application can be found on the Contest Prize page of my site: sandyblair.net

Those applicants who answer the 9 easy questions correctly will move on, will have their “Why I love romance” letters read. The winner will NOT be selected on perfect prose or punctuation but on “WHY they love Romances.”

I’m really looking forward to meeting the winner!

Wow! What a great prize. Thanks for joining us, Sandy!
Don’t forget to make a comment or ask a question for a chance to win A Thief in a Kilt.