Really relieved. I had no idea how tense I was about this one.

So what if the conversation's moved on, my ISP was down yesterday.

Editing as you write. I generally do edit as I write, especially on fic that's getting "published" before the whole story's done. I can't leave grammatical or word choice problems alone, because I know I made the mistake, and it sits there like a big hunk of garbage in the middle of the floor as I'm trying to create something better all around it. Much simpler to swoop down and grab the thing and fix it so it's not continually distracting me.

Susan, re: bitchy Portia: I had the same thought regarding critiquing clothes choices, but I was thinking more on the line of "Really, dear, I'm simply amazed at how well that color works on you. I would never have thought it would work. And what a unique choice of ornaments." Just enough to make Lucy start double checking herself--unless she's on to Portia's games.

It depends on the nature of your virus.

Right. Also, you might want to be parsimonious about how many different results happen from this one virus. It's possible to create an array of symptoms, that are all related to one underlying cause (e.g., Dostoevsky Syndrome, with the pixie face and the hyperverbal abilities, goes back to a flaw on one gene that happens to affect both facial bones and brain structure). But too many mutations at once will result in miscarriage.

Actually, as harbingers of a germ cell virus go, a spike in the rate of miscarriage is a pretty good one.

On the Portia/Lucy dynamic, maybe the answer is for Portia to be bossing Lucy around on the dress's design/colors? Like, that fake-nice "Oh, no, sweetie, I know best and will pick something for you that you would never be able to pick yourself." Especially if Portia is the avowed visual artist of the pair, Lucy might defer to her despite the snottiness of the tone, or be unable to object without sounding ungrateful.

Wish me chutzpah, you guys...cause I'm gonna be in the same room with Diana Kerry tonight and I want to have the guts to give her "my" Mouth(Not my mouth, although God knows I kiss well enough that Senator K. might have to rethink that marriage thing.;)) But I'm thinking it could be a real education for Mr. President...uh, the Senator to read some unvarnished disability stuff. And I'm thinking my showing up=photo op in a can. Might as well use it. If I don't chicken out. I could sign my piece, too.

Deb, that's a great review from PW.

Susan, I'm more familiar with novels of the latter half of the 19th century, but in those, the catty types were always saying things like, "You have such a ... healthy waistline" and suggesting fussy hairstyles for the heroines (who always looked best in simple styles, of course) and dresses and colors that would make the heroine look bad. The catty types also tend to say things like "That's such a timeless style, which is good because not everyone can have the latest things" and "Not everyone can pull off that color" in an extremely dubious tone.

Great review Deb!!

Susan, I'm more familiar with novels of the latter half of the 19th century, but in those, the catty types were always saying things like, "You have such a ... healthy waistline" and suggesting fussy hairstyles for the heroines (who always looked best in simple styles, of course) and dresses and colors that would make the heroine look bad.

This is what I had in mind too, Susan. Something like, "Oh, I'm suprised you measure as small as you do. You always strike me as hale like the other [common side of the family] women.

The catty types also tend to say things like "That's such a timeless style, which is good because not everyone can have the latest things" and "Not everyone can pull off that color" in an extremely dubious tone.

Yes, this.

The dress she ends up choosing is an extremely flattering pure white with crimson trimmings (which will no doubt delight the 'Bama fans among my relatives). I guess Portia could hint that white just makes her look that much darker, or try to talk her out of the red trimmings and into something a bit less brunette-flattering?

Would pure white be an issue with her age or marital status (I've no idea, but I just wondered).

As to commenting on color, "I always think that shade makes women look sallow, but you...carry it off nicely."

I'd think Portia might imply that crimson trim is fast and not be wrong. Lucy's a young girl at her come out, after all.

Heh... I'm starting to be intrigued by Portia. I think she should be the third book. With a little work (and trouble and hardship), she could be made quite likeable and readers like (imo) reading about the redemption of a villain, if it's well done.

Deb, great review, and so nice to have the book in your hand. Go you!

I'd think Portia might imply that crimson trim is fast and not be wrong. Lucy's a young girl at her come out, after all.

I skimmed, and missed that it was at her debut. Thanks, Deena. Sorry, Susan.

Grabien's grasp of theater, folklore and history provides a feast of enjoyment

Oh, that's especially nice. Yay for a lovely PW review! And a book in hand -- it's such a wonderful feeling to be able to actually hold it for the first time.

Susan, insent on the kiss contest.