I’m really excited to have best selling author Jacquie D’Alessandro with us today. Jacquie is an author who can sweep you away to the historical world of Regency England as well as take you through a trip in the contemporary world we live in. And whether your reading one of her historicals or one of her contemporaries – Jacquie’s books are always filled with poignant moments, sensuality, strong characters, and intriguing plots.
Jacquie’s latest release Seduced At Midnight just hit the shelves. We loved it – and if you haven’t had a chance to read it, check out Buffie’s review.
Today Jacquie is giving away two signed sets of the first two Mayhem in Mayfair series–Sleepless at Midnight and Confessions at Midnight to lucky posters.
Keeping in Touch by Jacquie D’Alessandro
Hey everyone—I’m so excited to be here at Romance Novel TV! I have to tell you about something I recently did–something I’ve never done before. Something I’d thought about doing for a long time, but was too intimidated to try. I knew a lot of people were doing it, but still I resisted. Finally, I caved in, and with the help of a very handsome young man, I did it. Okay, minds out of the gutter—the very handsome young man is my son, and the thing I caved in and did was to join Facebook! Believe me, this is a Big Deal as I am a complete techno dummy. I mean I can Google and do
the basics, but other than that, I need my hand held. So even though I thought Facebook would be fun, I was scared to try it. Well, let me tell you, a teenager can fix you right up. Within an hour I was a member and had half a dozen friends! He taught me how to make an album, which I filled with all my book covers. I want to make another album of pictures, but I’ll have to wait until he comes from college for a weekend because 1) I forgot how to do it, and 2) I don’t know how to get the pictures from the digital camera onto my computer (told you I was a techno dummy!). I’ve been on Facebook for about two months now and I’m having a blast, not only because I’ve met so many great writers and readers, but because I’ve reconnected with a bunch of friends of high school. I’ve exchanged e-mails with a gal and a guy I went to kindergarten with! How cool is that?! It has reminded me of the importance of friendship, which is a strong theme in my Mayhem in Mayfair series, the latest of which is Seduced at Midnight. Although the stories take place in Regency England, the heroines of the four books are just like us in that they count on their friends to help them, laugh and cry with them, and share life’s ups and downs. Time and distance often erode those friendships that were so important long ago, which is sad. But it’s also great fun to reconnect with those people who shared important milestones in your life.
So—have you reconnected with anyone lately? If so, how? Was it on Facebook or one of the other internet networking sites? If you haven’t reconnected with anyone, who would you most like to get in contact with again and why? And hey—if you’re on Facebook, look me up! (note—there’s no apostrophe in my last name on Facebook).
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cyclops8
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 3:24 am:
Welcome Jacqui,
Congrats on the new release. I love the Oliver brother series. It must be so nice to reconnect with friends from school and your childhood. I haven’t reconnected with anyone lately, but I can imagine how exciting it would be to catch with old friends. I have a friend who moved to PA about two years ago. For a while we talked sporadically and then gradually we started chatting on the phone daily. We never run out of things to say. Mostly we gossip about celebrities and gripe about work.
Marisa
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 7:28 am:
Hi Jacquie – welcome back to RNTV, it’s so great to have you here. Congratulations on Seduced at Midnight!
I can really relate to your Facebook situation. I have a Facebook page and I’m still learning how to work it. But I was amazed at how many people connected to me that I haven’t heard from in a long time. The most exciting were people I worked with in Italy that I lost track of. Hearing from them again was so surprising and it was great to re-connect with them.
Now if I can only master TWITTER!
Stacy ~
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 7:52 am:
Hellow Jacquie! I’ve already read the first 2 books in this series and enjoyed them very much. I cannot wait to read this one.
I have not one, but 2 Facebook profiles. Strange, I know, but it’s kinda fun. I’ve been re-connecting with quite a few people from high school that I haven’t seen in 10 + years and it’s been great. It’s amazing what some of them have been doing. I am so glad I signed up for FB because now I’m in touch with some people who were very important to me growing up that I never see anymore. It’s been a blessing.
Has anyone heard of Plaxo or Yaari? I’ve had a few people inviting me to these networks but I’ve never heard of them.
Buffie
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 8:03 am:
Hey girl!! Great to have you with us again!!!
And join me in with the group of people who are hooked on Facebook. It is soooo much fun. In fact, a week or so ago I reconnected with my best friend from middle school. The friend who actually introduced me to my hubby at a school dance. It was fabulous getting to see her and find out about her life now. I do have to admit that I am wasting a lot of time on FB.
And for all those who haven’t gotten your copy of SEDUCED AT MIDNIGHT . . . what the heck are you waiting for??!!!! Go out and get it. Today!
PJ
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 8:47 am:
Morning Jacquie!
I love Facebook! It’s one of the first places I visit every morning and today I had a big smile on my face when I checked in and saw a message from YOU. Of course, you always make me smile whether I’m in your presence or reading your books.
Shortly before Christmas I found one of my college roommates on Facebook. We hadn’t had any contact in more than 30 years before I posted on her FB page. Now we’re e-mailing back and forth, have caught up on the phone and are trying to plan an in-person visit in the spring.
Ditto what Buffie said about Seduced at Midnight. Loved it!
Big Hugs…
Rhonda
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 9:02 am:
I got Seduced at Midnight and read it. I loved it thanks Jaqui
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 9:09 am:
Hey gals! Thanks so much for the warm welcome!
Cyclops–so glad you enjoyed Nathan and Colin! I had a lot of fun writing about them. So glad you reconnect with your PA friend. Always great to have someone to gossip about the celebs with!
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 9:14 am:
Thanks, Marisa! I’ve heard of Twitter, but don’t know what it is. Probably that’s a good idea given that I’m a techno dummy, lol!
)
Hey Stacy–so glad you’ve enjoyed the books and that you’ve found friends via FB. I have no idea what Plaxo or Yaari are. Never heard of either (see techno dummy comment above
Buffie–I can’t believe you found the person who introduced you to your hubby! How cool is that?!?! So–you didn’t even marry your highschool sweetheart, you married your middle school sweetheart!
PJ–how great about you and your former roommate! Are you going to make her some of that delicious chocolate?!
Thanks Rhonda–I’m delighted that you enjoyed the book!
Andrea
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 9:38 am:
Hey, Jacquie! Welcome back to RNTV! Congrats on the release of SAM. It’s up next for me. Then it’s the wait for Logan… *sigh*
I love Facebook. I’ve reconnected with a lot of old friends that I used to work with when we lived in Tampa. It’s nice to see how they’re doing.
Gannon
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 10:10 am:
Hey, Jacquie! I’m so glad you’re here today. SEDUCED AT MIDNIGHT is at the top of my TBR pile–can’t wait to read it.
I’m a Facebook addict! I have reconnected with so many friends from high school and college–some that I haven’t seen or heard from in at least 20 years! Obviously, FB keeps me from getting work done, but it’s too much fun to stop.
Buffie
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 10:46 am:
Jacquie — nope, didn’t meet the hubby until my first year in high school, but became friends with Jennifer in 7th grade. I’m just happen to reconnect with her.
Kamlyn
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 10:52 am:
Hi Jacquie-I am one of your friends on Facebook and like you I am a total techno-don’t know how. I signed up, connected with friends from all over the world, since I am former military and was able to get you as a friend. Sadly, I haven’t even downloaded pictures, yet. You have inspired me to work on that this weekend as well as read your newest novel Seduced at Midnight. I can’t wait. I just finished all four of the Twilight series after my Mom, her coworker, my teenage daughter and her friends, plus a teacher from the school said I had to read them. They were right, I did enjoy them, but now I am ready to get back to Regency England and my first loves–the handsome aristocrats that aren’t pale and kill you at first bite. Thanks for the encouragement about Facebook and it was nice to see that sometimes others are tackling the never ending chore of laundry that you did last night.
Cindy
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 10:53 am:
I recently Facebooked my 2nd grade friend. Its like a blast from the past.
Maureen
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 12:08 pm:
Hi Jacquie
I think it would be great to reconnect to people from my old neigborhood. I don’t have a Facebook page but my daughter does and I think it’s great that it’s so easy for her to keep in touch with her old friends.
cheryl c.
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 12:12 pm:
Hi, Jacquie! Thanks for visiting today. I must confess that I am terrible at keeping in touch with old friends. I have thought about joining Facebook, but I have always been apprehensive. Maybe I will give it a try since all of you here seem to like it.
I haven’t read your Mayhem in Mayfair series, but it sounds wonderful. I do love to read books that feature strong, enduring friendships.
Maered
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 12:21 pm:
Hi Jacquie! I’m like you! I am so intimidated by Facebook, although I have heard great things about it. I am also a computer idiot. *sigh* It would be great to get in touch with friends I’ve lost track of.
Joy
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 1:06 pm:
Hi Jacquie! I love the Mayhem in Mayfair series. I have 10 of your books and have enjoyed each one.
I am not on Facebook; but, I’ve been using LinkedIn for the past year to connect and reconnect with people. I have really enjoyed getting back in touch with so many people.
I believe Stacy asked about Plaxo. My understanding is that Plaxo is like a “super-white pages” or “super-rolodex”. It retains contact phone numbers, titles, and addresses. Like Stacy, I’ve received multiple invites to it — so far, I haven’t connected to Plaxo.
Lisa H
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 1:47 pm:
Hi Jacquie! I am one of your friends on Facebook! I love your writing. I have read all your Historicals and most of your contemps for Harlequin Blaze. I can’t wait to get your new release in my hand. It is next on my TBR list.
I have not yet reconnected with anyone from my past, but I really wish I could. There is this certain old boyfriend….
I ask my teenagers for help with downloading photos and other techno questions. They are naturals at the entire process.
Please never stop writing HIstoricals, yours are bar none, my favorite!
Tracy
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 2:07 pm:
Hi! Followed you over here from your Status Update on Facebook, so you’re not as much a techno dummy as you think you are. You do write the books I hate to see the end of, and that’s probably why I’m a fan of your writing of contemporary novels. I haven’t read the Hystericals…I mean Historicals, but if I get bored enough, and run out of reading material, I’ll probably do that.
Since joining Facebook, I’ve reconnected with cousins I hadn’t seen in ages; friends from high school (and it’s wonderful to see that we’re all getting older!), plus it’s easier to talk to family and friends in one spot instead of sending out a mass email.
Thank you for being so kind to your readers. I truly feel like I have a vested interest in the books I read, and it’s fun to “meet” the creative minds behind them.
Karin
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 2:18 pm:
Hi Jacquie! I’ve not read any of your historicals, but I love your contemporaries. The Mayhem in Mayfair series sounds interesting, though.
I have both a Facebook and a Myspace page. The Facebook page was a way for me to keep in touch with some friends I made on a tour through the UK in 2006. I’ve connected with a number of people from that tour and my recent one in Russia through Facebook, as well as a few people I used to do some online volunteer stuff with. I haven’t actually searched for anyone on either page but have had a few people search and find me. There was one person from my HS class who found me on myspace through my sister’s myspace page.
However, my reconnection story doesn’t have to deal with the internet. On Halloween, the university where I work does a safe trick-or-treat for all the little kids. The stepdaughter of one of my co-workers brought in her baby so my co-worker could show him around. Well, it turns out the stepdaughter had been my friend from kindergarten through third grade until she moved. I hadn’t seen her since we were 12 and had no idea that I was working with her stepmom. It was good to see her after all these years.
orannia
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 2:43 pm:
HI Jacquie,
I have a confession too. I’ve never ever been to a Facebook page. Friends have suggested I join but…I’ve just never looked into it. As for connecting with people – I just have. A old work colleague from the UK (who I still exchange Christmas cards with) included her email address in her most recent card. So, we’ve started emailing again. The good thing is we both like to read so I can pimp more books to her and vice versa
All the best for the release of Seduced at Midnight!
Holly
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 3:57 pm:
Hi Jacquie, I’m very excited to read Seduced at Midnight. Congratulations on the new release.
I started a Facebook page this year and it has been so much fun. Like so many of the stories I’ve read about here I’ve come into contact with people from my past. And luckily they were people I wanted to connect with. I had a best friend in high school, we did everything together and her family moved to Germany our senior year. We kept in touch through college but sort of lost touch after that and I haven’t seen or heard from her in 8 years. All of the sudden there she is asking to be my friend on Facebook. It was so exciting. Since then we’ve been catching up and plan to have a re-union this summer.
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 4:44 pm:
Wow! You gals have been busy chatting! So happy you’ve been reconnecting. Sorry I was away for so long today. You know how they say “life happens”? Well, life happened. My son attends a college about an hour away and he and a friend slept at our house last night because they had tickets to see Cirque du Soleil in the city. They drove back to school early this morning to go to class. Late this morning we get a call from the son. “Hey, have you guys seen my phone?” (he was calling from a friend’s phone). So, we spend an hour looking for his phone. Which we don’t find. BUT–we find his wallet instead (insert blank stare followed by rolling eyes here). Yes, his wallet–which he hasn’t even missed yet! But he would have when he tried to eat lunch on campus and didn’t have his ID. Good grief. Minutes after discovering the wallet, he calls–from his phone. He found it. Yay! We tell him about wallet. Much apologizing from abashed teenager ensues. So, since it’s only an hour away, we drive up to school to give him the wallet. If he doesn’t nominate us for Parents of the Year we’re going to hang a For Sale sign around his neck, LOL! So–we just got home, I’m going to make a cup of tea, then answer all your wonderful posts! xox
janeybooks
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 4:54 pm:
Hi Jacquie, you should be nominated for parents of the year! Loved Seduced at Midnight! Really looking forward to Logan’s story.
Facebook has been so much fun. I get so sucked into all the things you can do with it. I really enjoy looking at what everyone is reading on the goodreads program. I’ve gotten a lot of good recommendations that way. I also connected with some friends that live cross country and we can keep up with each other on a regular basis. the only problem with facebook is I’ll go in the morning for just a few minutes and before I know it its been 2 hours. *groan* So now I’m setting an alarm clock for 30 mins when ever I go on.
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 4:59 pm:
Hey Andrea and Gannon! Great to see you gals here! I hear ya about FB taking up work time. I let it be my reward–every time I get a page or two written, I can check FB, LOL. I’m like the rabbit with the carrot dangling on the stick!
Buffie–okay, high school sweetheart. But think when I write your romance, I’ll take creative liberties and make it middle school
Kamlyn–I devoured the Twilight series along with my book club. In November, instead of our regular meeting we saw the movie then went out for lunch. Great fun! What branch of the service were you in? My son will be commissioned in the Army when he graduates from college. Hopefully he’ll get better at keeping track of his phone and wallet by then, lol!
Cindy–congrats on reconnecting with your 2nd grade friend! Re finding one of my kindergarten friends–our class put on the play Cinderella in kindergarten. I played the Fairy Godmother and he was the Prince! We’ve had fun recalling that.
Maureen–get your daughter to help you set up the page. I swear, these teenagers can do this stuff with their eyes closed. I’d love to be your FB friend!
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 5:15 pm:
Hey Cheryl C and Maered–so glad you gals stopped by! About Facebook–be like Nike and Just Do It! Seriously, if *I* can do it, you can do it.
Hi Joy! So glad you’ve enjoyed the books! I’ve never heard of LinkedIn. I think I may have to rest on my FB laurels, lol. I think my memory chip is full. At this point, for anything else to go it, something would have to get tossed out!
Lisa H–hey there! Totally agree about the teenagers knowing all this stuff. Mine taught me how to text. Of course, the price for that is having his mom text him once a day and expecting an answer, heh, heh, heh!
Hi Tracy–so glad you followed me over from FB and that you’ve liked the books! I’ve also found a couple of cousins on FB and I’ve shared some nice messages with my new sister-in-law who is from Scotland whom I’ve never met!
Karin–I love your trick-or-treat story! Talk about a small world!
Orannia–the only thing better than reconnecting with an old friend is reconnecting with one who loves books as much as you do! Good for you!
Thanks, Holly! How great about your planned reunion this summer! I hope you have a wonderful time.
Actually, my high school reunion is this summer. And wouldn’t you know it, it’s the same weekend as the annual Romance Writers of America conference! Waaahhhhh! I haven’t yet decided which one I’m going to attend. Out of all the weekends in the the summer WHY do they have to be on the same one?!?! No fair!
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 5:19 pm:
Hey Janeybooks–thank you for your vote for Parents of the Year
and I’m so glad you enjoyed Seduced at Midnight. I like your idea about setting the timer for 30 minutes. I know exactly what you mean about blinking and discovering that 2 hours have flown by.
One thing I’ve really found to be fun on FB–one of my high school group has posted a bunch of pictures from marching band! Yes, I was in marching band. I played the drums (I actually play the piano, but since it’s REALLY difficult to lug a piano around the football field, I played percussion in marching band). It’s been a real kick seeing those photos. WHERE have all those years gone?!?!
Kamlyn
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 6:28 pm:
Jacquie-I was in the Marine Corps. I know, pretty hard stuff. No one believes me when I tell them. There are some pretty fierce stereotypes about what a female Marine looks like. My youngest sister, 19, is on her way to Iraq right now, too. She joined the USMC last year. I was a third generation Marine and a third generation American, so I am very proud of the fact that we believe in service to country. I have other siblings that are either in the service, married to a serviceman or are police officers. It’s amazing how uniforms just attract some families.
I am sure your son will do well in the Army. Sometimes it is the best ticket for those that are a little absent minded. Self control and self respect along with lots of discipline will make him into more of a gentleman and officer than you could possibly have dreamed of for him. (I happen to believe this because I married and officer and a gentleman–19 years next month).
Just a quick question for you about your writing–how do you do your research for the period pieces, specifically the towns and customs. I am at a loss on to go about this. Do you recommend any specific books or websites?
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 7:23 pm:
Hey Kamlyn–First, blessings to you and your family for your service to our country. My son is excelling in the ROTC program and I think he’ll make an excellent officer (once he learns to keep track of his phone and wallet, lol!). Congrats on your upcoming anniversary! Do you have something special planned, or just a quiet evening at home (which can be just as special as a night out!).
As for research–I have my basic knowledge of the period based on reading many books about it, then, as things come up, I research them. Google is a very good friend. I also have a ton of research books I’ve collected over the years–I prefer to buy them rather than using the library because the darn library wants you to actually RETURN the books?!?! I want to KEEP the books! My favorite go-to books are The Regency Companion by Laudermilk and Hamlin, (this book is pretty pricey to buy as it’s out of print, but many libraries carry it), and the much more reasonably priced What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool, and Georgette Heyer’s Regency World (I LOVE this book–extremely informative) by Jennifer Kloester. I also make a lot of use of my 20 volume set of the Oxford English Dictionary, which my husband and son got me for Christmas a few years ago. It was my favorite present ever–I’d much rather have books than jewelry! Author Candice Hern has a fabulous website filled with Regency information, including a terrific timeline and just tons of info.
Kamlyn
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 8:38 pm:
Thanks so much for the head’s up. I have the ideas for a couple of books, but get stuck with the places and clothing for the time. You know the simple stuff–would she wear pearls, how many maids would she have, how would a single lady get around town, plus the “in” places of the time. I too read a ton. And isn’t that a shame about the library wanting their stuff back so they can share with others. That always gets to me, too. Again, thanks for the advice and I hope you had a great time chatting today. See you soon on FB.
December
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 8:45 pm:
I like Facebook, its a great time suck when I’m bored at work! Great to ‘meet’ you here Jacquie – you’re on my autobuy list.
Can’t wait to get my hands on the next books!
Jacquie D'Alessandro
on Jan 21st, 2009
@ 9:31 pm:
Best of luck Kamlyn! And hello to December–thank you so much and thanks for stopping by!
Thank you all so much ladies–I had a great time with you today!
Don’t stop keeping in touch!
xox Jacquie
Marisa
on Jan 22nd, 2009
@ 6:04 am:
Thanks so much Jacquie for visiting with us today – we had a great time!
The random lucky posters who have won signed sets of the first two Mayhem in Mayfair series–Sleepless at Midnight and Confessions at Midnight are: Maureen and Kamlyn – thanks so much for stopping by and visiting with us. Jacquie will be in touch with you very soon.
Andrea
on Jan 22nd, 2009
@ 8:20 am:
Thanks so much for visiting with us, Jacquie!!
Congrats, Maurenn and Kamlyn!!
Karin
on Jan 22nd, 2009
@ 2:13 pm:
Congratulations to Maureen and Kamlyn!
Thanks for visiting, Jacquie!
orannia
on Jan 22nd, 2009
@ 3:09 pm:
Congrats to Maureen and Kamlyn!