Yep, it’s 2:28 a.m., and I’m up writing/editing. Hubby and baby are sleeping, so it seems like the perfect time.
I’ll probably regret doing this tomorrow (um…I mean later today), but right now…well, I’m on a roll, baby!

Okay…I’ve got a bit more info on the previously mentioned Harlequin line. The tentative title for the line is Nocturne, and there’s a thread on it over at the eHarlequin site. Check it out!

Heroes are supposed to be alpha, romance is supposed to be very important, and the story should be dark–by that I mean no light comedy stories.

There are many superheroes out there–Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman–and while they’re all great, they just can’t compare to my favorite hero, Commander USA.

Oh, Commander USA. What fond memories I have of you! You…and your pal Lefty. Because when you used the cigar to draw Lefty’s face–well, that was just pure genius.

I watched Commander USA every weekend when I was a child. I watched his “Groovie Movies” eagerly–for it was those movies that first got me hooked on the paranormal. The good old Commander (“Soaring Superhero, Legion of Decency….retired”) would show an interesting variety of old horror flicks. Tons of Dracula movies, zombie shows, and just about every Vincent Price movie that you can name.

Oh, the joy.

I was actually a proud member of the Commander’s fan club. Had a membership card and everything.

And, then, one day…the Commander went away. And there were no more good movies for me to watch on the weekend. Sigh.

It’s so painful when a hero vanishes…

Now, for those of you who know the Commander, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. But, everyone else, well, you probably will just think I’m a little crazy. But that’s okay, too.

Yes, it’s that time again. The streets are flooded with fire breathing dragons, with ancient tombs, with masked strangers, and…moon pies. Yep, it’s Mardi Gras time here in Mobile, Alabama.

Now here’s a little known fact: Mardi Gras actually started here, instead of in New Orleans. Of course, the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration has generally overshadowed Mobile’s celebration (on account of the fact that the folks in New Orleans do their party on a much larger scale). Personally, I prefer Mobile’s celebration. Not too many people, but the floats are still cool.

The floats are all I really care about. I’m not too into the whole figthing-for-a-plastic-necklace thing. And I don’t really–gasp, shudder–like moon pies. Sorry, but I don’t. I just like seeing the floats.

If I make it to any of the upcoming parades, I’ll post some pictures. In the meantime, here’s some info on Mobile’s Mardi Gras celebration.

Laissez les bon temps rollez!

Okay…recently on one of my groups, a big discussion ensued regarding “Vampire Rules.” Personally, I like to think that there are only a few hard and fast rules about vampires:

1. They drink blood. I mean, come on, vampires have to drink blood–that’s what their fangs are for! It’s not like they can go around slurping slushies.
2. They don’t age. Once a vampire turns, he stays at the age he was at his “death.” So, if he was twenty when he turned, he’ll be forever twenty. And if he was ninety, well, you get the idea…
3. They are super strong. Thus, they are able to seriously do damage to any enemies they have.

Now, there are lots of other rules about vampires that people often quote. Frankly, I feel if you cover the above three, you’re fine. But here are some of the other rules that people often mention:

1. A stake through the heart will kill a vampire. Hey, it worked for Buffy, and it generally works for me. Sometimes, though, I think a good decapitation is a necessary follow-up to this.
2. They have psychic powers. Specifically, vamps usually have mind-control. Oh, yeah, they can make you do their bidding.
3. They can’t go out in daylight. Okay…I actually don’t always follow this rule when I write about vamps. That’s why it’s on my “sometimes follow” list. Stoker let his vamps go out in the daytime, they were just weaker then. They didn’t instantly burst into flames. The bursting into flames thing, that’s another “sometimes” rule for me.
4. They sleep in coffins. Um…maybe back in the day, but I don’t think so–not anymore.

Have you heard any other vamp rules? “Sometimes” or “Always” facts that you want to list?