(no subject)

I'd like to say something regarding certain matters that have been happening recently on the EAA.

I am, as you probably know, Director of the Erotic Authors Association. It's not the biggest association in the pond, and it's free to join. There's only me mainly, running it, although other web presences are maintained by Jolie de Pre and James Buchanan. I have some admin assistance and a lot of support from Gehayi. I am attempting, by galvanising the networking group, getting articles published on the site, and attracting new members to breathe new life into it.

I'm also trying my best to do right by the members. So when someone approaches me with concerns over a publisher's contract I am duty bound to look at it.

I am not, nor have I ever said I am, a lawyer or a solicitor. I am a "paralegal" only. I have half a qualification. (Ilex Part One) This doesn't mean that I have dropped out, but it does mean I need at least another year of night school to be a qualified Legal Executive.

That being said, I have done a lot of contract law, and I work with Agreements and contracts all day. I can see when things might not be as written as well as they might. The contract in question needed revision and I said so: to the publisher themselves and to EPIC (no response). I also asked for a second opinion from those more qualified than I - a contract lawyer at work, Preditors & Editors and Piers Anthony - All three concurred with me. The contract needed revision and should not be signed as is. I therefore advised the members of the EAA accordingly.

I have been criticised for doing this by a third party - even though the publisher itself has been professional and polite in their response and has said that they will amend the contract and will forward me a copy when that has been done, which I greatly appreciate.

I stand firm on my actions. As Director it's my job to investigate and to advocate on behalf of my members - and if - as has happened in this case - it improves matters - then I've done the right thing.

(no subject)

And some NICE news.

Two lovely reviews for Standish

One from the new (and much needed) Rainbow Reviews, where it gets Four Stars.

And a nice one on Amazon too. I don't normally point out Amazon reviews because, well, everyone gets them - but this one (the top one by Shelly Hart) although you won't recognise the name is from an author whose work I admire very greatly and the fact that she liked Standish makes my toes curl in squeeness. I'm such a fangirl.

I took my dad to word today and got an Enduring Power of Attorney signed. I felt horrible about doing it (I've seen so many cases of King Lear Syndrome - where the children get an EPA and then shove parent into home and proceed to spend all their money) but to be honest, it's a relief to have it done. At least I know I CAN deal with his bank and pension and stuff if necessary because he does get confused.

The laws change in October which will make them more difficult to get - you have to go through the courts which will be time consuming and expensive, so if you DO have a failing parent - Get one done NOW. My firm advises that everyone - hale and hearty or not - should have them done and they have a point, if I went into a coma tomorrow - who the hell would sort my life out? No-one! eek! But then - would I care? A Living Will might be a good idea - at least the cats would be sympathetically looked after...

Started positively, ended in gloom and doom!

And I say to myself, this is not my beautiful house

HAPPY BIRTHDAY gehayi !!!!  A talented writer, a fierce activist, a hilarious sporker and a great friend.  I hope you have a good day - how could you NOT with "Blink" to watch?

This Hornblower Auction is very exciting and I'd like one of those coats, BUT - this probably means they definitely aren't making any more, and that upsets me a LOT.

I'd like Lot 14 please.

Thoughtful posts of reflection and sharing from musesfool and  from junediamanti - go and share.  I will never forget the impact of September 11th, the day is emblazoned on my mind and will be forever.  In a quiet and sleepy part of Norwich England I sat and watched it online as it unfolded, and we all stayed on after work ended because one of the secretaries had a son on a plane who she couldn't contact. It turned out he was fine, but it really brought it home to us.  I realise now that it affected so many people for so many reasons.  They had travelled to NY - like me, they had stood on the top of the twin towers and had taken pictures, they had friends on holiday there, they had friends and family who lived there. There are few people I know who were unaffected in some way.  Yes, there have been other tragedies, other terrorist horrors, and I'm not putting this at the top of the list, but I doubt that many Global Friends remember the Omagh or Enniskillen or Oxford Street bombings in the same way as the Twin Towers.

As musesfool says - and as I have said for different reasons. Ring your family and tell them you love them. Don't ever be in the position to say "I wish I had..."