tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post4610263150605807713..comments2023-08-10T13:07:36.990-03:00Comments on Author Roast & Toast: Voodoo Dreams - Alana Lorens celebrates at the Madi GrasAuthor Roast and Toasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168000760283530981noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-51656152659140851632014-02-09T18:10:16.239-04:002014-02-09T18:10:16.239-04:00It's been a real pleasure for us having you he...It's been a real pleasure for us having you here, Alana! Wishing you many sales and much success.Hywela Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13789711554354184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-9778435557659850502014-02-08T22:22:43.364-04:002014-02-08T22:22:43.364-04:00It's quite a spectacle. I'm glad you enjoy...It's quite a spectacle. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I've had such a lovely time here with y'all...Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-35074181301185402252014-02-08T15:16:51.049-04:002014-02-08T15:16:51.049-04:00Oh another fantastic excerpt, thank you so much, A...Oh another fantastic excerpt, thank you so much, Alana, I just got sucked into the story by them. And this last one was so descriptive and colourful - a great way to experience the Madi Gras for someone who's never seen one! Sorry not to have been around for so long - I tried to climb up the beanstalk and fell asleep and dreamt about Jack - and he sort got confused with Evan, who, by the way is a real hunk! :)Hywela Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13789711554354184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-75362550797774102562014-02-08T11:43:52.255-04:002014-02-08T11:43:52.255-04:00Might be time for another excerpt... while I drink...Might be time for another excerpt... while I drink some more chicory-laced coffee and get my eyes open. <br /><br />A buzz of excitement moved up the street, heralded by the brass and drum of a marching band. A sea of waving arms rippled through the crowd, closer and closer to where Brianna stood, and voices called out, “Throw me something, mister!”<br /> The first float came into view, a vision of tropical color. Black men balancing long metal poles topped with flaming coffee cans walked before the float, moving in a jerky, rhythmic dance, bending gracefully to pick up silver money tossed by the crowd. These were “flambeaux,” traditionally carriers of lights by which spectators could see the parade after dark. Even though modern street lights provided enough illumination, the reminder of the old tradition put the<br />event in context and allowed her to imagine what it might have been like many years before.<br /> Twenty to thirty people rode on the decorated float base, about the size of a semi-truck bed. The masked riders, costumed in white satin, sequins and feathers, held brightly-colored prizes, displaying them to the almost deafening roar of the crowd. More daring crowd members approached the float with a personal plea, receiving LED-lit strings of beads and even artificial red roses directly from the gloved hands. Beads flew at the crowd, whirling spots of color, snatched in mid-air. In their enthusiasm, some Krewe members threw necklaces too high for the masses, and the trinkets lodged themselves in trees along the street, suddenly revealing an explanation for those she’d seen from the streetcar along St. Charles Street that morning.<br /> The noise level grew, people jostled her in their excitement, and she became aware of the sheer size of the crowd around her, everyone a total stranger in a city she didn’t know. Despite her own enthusiasm and determination to be independent, she’d brought herself to a place she was very much alone in the midst of thousands.<br /> Had she made a mistake?<br />Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-67067053475080625482014-02-08T11:03:38.881-04:002014-02-08T11:03:38.881-04:00Morning! Now, let's see what kind of trouble w...Morning! Now, let's see what kind of trouble we can get into today. ;-) Great excerpt, BTW, Alana. Yet another new book to add to my TBR list!Lilly Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12085355337721818824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-67897086107336485032014-02-08T10:57:02.768-04:002014-02-08T10:57:02.768-04:00Wow, is that the sun coming up? Girls, I think we ...Wow, is that the sun coming up? Girls, I think we partied all night. And where's my shoe? *stretches* The nice thing about Mardi Gras season is that it goes on for weeks...we just have to look around and find another party today. Maybe those nice young men over there know where we can find one. :)Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-24148495293226387102014-02-07T22:12:10.222-04:002014-02-07T22:12:10.222-04:00Wonderful! NOW, you got me, love those excerpts. A...Wonderful! NOW, you got me, love those excerpts. A snippet to grab me!Thanks!Mary Ricksenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12676306822821614446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-72571255238915323922014-02-07T21:52:39.079-04:002014-02-07T21:52:39.079-04:00here's where Brianna and Evan meet:
Footsteps...here's where Brianna and Evan meet:<br /><br />Footsteps bounded down the stairs. Hank ducked aside, stepping in front of Brianna in case the runner fell. “Slow down there, son,” he said. “No need to trample the other guests.”<br />“Negligence is not my style, buddy. Not to worry.”<br />Brianna peered around Hank’s arm, that voice sounding familiar. Sure enough, it was the John Grisham reader from the plane. He was show-stopping in a very loud Hawaiian-style shirt in blues and a tight pair of black jeans. But what really grabbed her attention was the brilliant red derby with alien antennae on it.<br />When he saw her, he broke into a smile. “Hello! You again? Must be fate.”<br />A little overwhelmed by his sudden appearance, she could only shrug. “Must be. I’m Brianna Ward.” She gave him a firm handshake, noticing his eyes were just the color of summer asters. Since he wore glasses, they weren’t contacts—they were natural.<br />“Evan Farrell,” he replied. “No need to be formal. Call me Evan.”<br />Terri beamed like she’d just won the lottery. “I hoped you two would hit it off.”<br />“Could be.” Evan winked at Brianna, openly appraising her.<br />She, in turn, found herself admiring his casual attitude and the hint of mischief in his outlandish outfit. Maybe she’d underestimated him on the plane. That kind of slightly delirious distraction was just what she needed. Something completely different. No lawyers, no papers, no filings. Just fun.<br />Terri went on in a flood of introductions, gesturing at several people in the kitchen congregating under the shiny foil ornament hanging over the table, which was decorated with purple, green and gold candles. She finished with, “Both of you are from Pittsburgh, too. Isn’t that a hoot?”<br />Interesting. Pittsburgh was a hub for several airlines—he could have been from anywhere. Or even coming home to New Orleans. She looked him over again, her heartbeat quickening. Evan could be more than a casual holiday acquaintance. The thought gave her a little thrill of anticipation. She didn’t really need any complications, but when she imagined him for a moment on the cover of a magazine, dressed in an expensive suit, instead of this weird get-up, she imagined him delicious. <br />“A hoot,” Evan agreed, his initial enthusiasm fading under the group’s attention.<br />Terri went bubbling on. “What a coincidence. Both of you from Pittsburgh, both of you lawyers...” She trailed off as they both reacted to her revelation.<br />Brianna froze, sure the expression of horror on Evan’s face mirrored her own. A lawyer? The last person she’d wanted to meet! So much for that warm glow.<br />Evan stared over the top of his glasses, his relaxed posture stiffening. “A Pittsburgh attorney. Certainly is a coincidence.”<br />Her initial disappointment seemed magnified in his tone. She could tell he disliked her, and fidgeted with her suitcase strap. The Worleys hovered, Terri’s chagrin that her matchmaking plans had gone awry clear on her face.<br />“What firm?” Evan persisted.<br />She blurted out, “Brannigan and Strauss.”<br />“Givens, Dellenbach and Spicer,” he said, words clipped short.<br />Brianna was so shocked she actually shuddered. This man worked for that pig Frank Dellenbach? She’d barely escaped from her humiliating Artotech defeat, just to find a member of the enemy camp at her lodgings? Unreal. A nightmare, even.<br />Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-10591397303958674242014-02-07T20:32:51.814-04:002014-02-07T20:32:51.814-04:00Off what chain?? And yes, please another excerpt!!...Off what chain?? And yes, please another excerpt!! Great idea. While I wait I'm looking for Brianna, she'll know how to where to get the best beignets!!! I want one!!Mary Ricksenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12676306822821614446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-84774833530184803472014-02-07T20:23:33.493-04:002014-02-07T20:23:33.493-04:00This party is off the chain! Wow! Seems like a goo...This party is off the chain! Wow! Seems like a good time for another excerpt. What ya got for us, Alana? Lilly Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12085355337721818824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-4465454565213422292014-02-07T20:22:25.669-04:002014-02-07T20:22:25.669-04:00Okay. Now I'm scared. OLIVER!Okay. Now I'm scared. OLIVER!Lilly Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12085355337721818824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-82377933223041807522014-02-07T20:21:20.254-04:002014-02-07T20:21:20.254-04:00No! I don't dare you, Mary because I know you&...No! I don't dare you, Mary because I know you'll do it and with your luck, there is no telling what will sprout up. lol!Lilly Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12085355337721818824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-53178291285451319422014-02-07T20:20:17.729-04:002014-02-07T20:20:17.729-04:00Becky, I have not heard THAT story about you and J...Becky, I have not heard THAT story about you and Jack. You know I'm gonna want details. lol! So glad you made it. let's go see what Oliver has to drink on that tray!Lilly Gaylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12085355337721818824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-84197142631901114482014-02-07T19:46:20.080-04:002014-02-07T19:46:20.080-04:00Arrested naw, what happens here stays here, beside...Arrested naw, what happens here stays here, besides virtually I can have you released any time I want to, never fear!!!Mary Ricksenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12676306822821614446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-42883438444566658472014-02-07T19:45:23.900-04:002014-02-07T19:45:23.900-04:00Has it gone that far??? The vine it's...it'...Has it gone that far??? The vine it's...it's... OH NO it's grabbing hot looking men as it crawls through the French Quarter, and people are screaming!!! Women are chasing it!<br />No wait, that was just my imagination. Wonder what it really is??Mary Ricksenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12676306822821614446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-18018437989492019682014-02-07T19:17:48.375-04:002014-02-07T19:17:48.375-04:00Well the cops are busy chasing after nude people a...Well the cops are busy chasing after nude people and folks using the sidewalk as a toilet. So we are pretty sure not to get arrested. At least.Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-54119472388008016042014-02-07T18:34:04.042-04:002014-02-07T18:34:04.042-04:00I agree with Alana, Mary. Look it's grown ov...I agree with Alana, Mary. Look it's grown over the houses already - and what's that, it's growing purple, gold and green beads, and they're spreading, they're creeping down the vine and covering everything - aaargh!Hywela Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13789711554354184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-53600314174322899772014-02-07T18:22:23.295-04:002014-02-07T18:22:23.295-04:00*eyes the vine* I don't know, Mary. I'm n...*eyes the vine* I don't know, Mary. I'm not sure tourists are allowed to just create vegetation. What if it gets out of control? What if... *gasp* what if it finds some leftover voodoo curse and....?Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-14437719513796240942014-02-07T17:00:30.954-04:002014-02-07T17:00:30.954-04:00Okay, hole dug, covered and watered. Now let'...Okay, hole dug, covered and watered. Now let's see what grows!! There it's starting, some kind of vine, woo, it's growin' fast!!!!Mary Ricksenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12676306822821614446noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-28842298014368875272014-02-07T16:37:47.791-04:002014-02-07T16:37:47.791-04:00What happens in NOLA stays in NOLA, that's wha...What happens in NOLA stays in NOLA, that's what I say. :)Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-57198669325796644632014-02-07T16:23:42.839-04:002014-02-07T16:23:42.839-04:00Mary, there are a few hunky guys over there that l...Mary, there are a few hunky guys over there that look *perfect* for helping us..er...you dig a hole for your beans! Now, where'd I leave my phone. Something tells me I'm going to need to snap a few pictures!!! AJ Nuesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16010557416505335378noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-26915428818833487372014-02-07T16:21:11.729-04:002014-02-07T16:21:11.729-04:00Hi AJ - waves to sister hostess - and Rebecca - I ...Hi AJ - waves to sister hostess - and Rebecca - I nearly didn't see you behind that mound of beautiful beads! :)Hywela Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13789711554354184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-76773485505238162102014-02-07T16:19:05.625-04:002014-02-07T16:19:05.625-04:00I dare you Mary - only our Mary would sell her (mu...I dare you Mary - only our Mary would sell her (much needed) bra for Madi Gras beads and end up with magic beans!<br /><br />I'll join you for that drink Alana, I've just spotted some hunky guys over there and all of a sudden I feel a little warm! :) Oh I do agre about your cover too - absolutely stunning!Hywela Lynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13789711554354184386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-63111230038149067132014-02-07T16:10:09.866-04:002014-02-07T16:10:09.866-04:00It's so nice to be here with you all! I defini...It's so nice to be here with you all! I definitely need a drink. *fans self*Alana Lorenshttp://alanalorens.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4418615068820902521.post-37140821060511317742014-02-07T15:52:21.195-04:002014-02-07T15:52:21.195-04:00I went to New Orleans in October for one of Heathe...I went to New Orleans in October for one of Heather Grahams conferences. It was one of the weekends a small hurricane came through. So we missed a lot, no parades or beads, guess I'll have to settle for these. Hey, they aren't regular beans, they are magic. Wonder if I plant them what will grow??? Dare me anyone?Mary Ricksenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12676306822821614446noreply@blogger.com