Female readers flock to Christian chick lit

I did not know that.

I'd agree with you, except evil should not melt if left on the car seat on a hot summer day.

waves paw Dogbert-like

Methinks I have already overindulged, and the work-day has yet to start.

Yup. You should see the writers' guidelines; they're hilarious.

Here we go. (These are for Steeple Hill.) [link]

Although the faith element is an important part of these stories, the degree of religiousness can vary. We would prefer that specific Christian denominations not be named, e.g., we prefer "Good Shepherd Christian Church" to "Good Shepherd Baptist (or Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.) Church." Though the heroine can be conflicted about being "cool" or finding her place in the contemporary secular world while maintaining her Christian values, her behavior cannot stray from acceptable CBA norms.

Because Steeple Hill Books sells to both CBA and ABA bookstores, we must adhere to CBA conventions. The stories may not include alcohol consumption by Christian characters, dancing, card playing, gambling or games of chance (including raffles), explicit scatological terms, hero and heroine remaining overnight together alone, Halloween celebrations or magic or the mention of intimate body parts. Lying is also problematical in the CBA market and characters who are Christian should not lie or deceive others. Possibly there could be exceptional circumstances (matters of life and death), but this has to be okayed by an editor.

In summary, our readers are Christian, but judgemental as Hell.

Hivemind question - can you get Lyme disease from non-deer ticks?

You know how Jesse assigned us specalities? I think I missed one of mine. I live in East Lyme, CT. No, this is not a coincidence. Most of the people I know (including both of my parents) have had Lyme Disease, and my community has been dealing with it (and learning about it) since the early 80's. I'm not a doctor, but I have a lot of personal experience that might deflate some of the fear if anyone does end up getting bitten or suspecting they might have it.

In general terms, the best advice I can give to anyone who even suspects it--even if the test comes back negative--is to get the antibiotic treatment anyway. It's a fairly simple treatment, and the disease is completely curable if caught early.

::tosses out planned novel about the Christian chick who farts::

Not while I'm drinking tea, please, tommyrot. The fizzling sounds and ozone smell of dying keyboards are not welcome additions to the workplace environment.

looks for some napkins

As far as I know, farting is an etiquette violation but not a sin.

The Christian chick who plays pinochle with her aunt, though, is Right Out, even if her aromas are pure.

Not while I'm drinking tea, please, tommyrot. The fizzling sounds and ozone smell of dying keyboards are not welcome additions to the workplace environment.

My work here is done.

No really; I'm leaving the office and going home.

As far as I know, farting is an etiquette violation but not a sin.

Although calling it that is right out.