Amy, I really wish I could, but I'm already way behind on a promised critique or so, plus I need to really push myself to meet my self-imposed 12/31 deadline on the Lucy edit. Next time?

Amy, send it to my profile addy and I'll do my best to get it back to you by Sunday afternoon. I'm going to be offline Sunday evening to Monday noon, but I'll try to read it by the time I have to leave and get back to you.

No, no, I only need feedback whenever anyone gets around to reading it, even if it's months from now -- that's the thing, since it's already in copyediting, I'm not going to be able to use beta remarks for anything other than my own "don't do that next time" edification. I don't have the time to use them to improve this book, but I'd still like to know what readers think, if that makes sense.

Wouldn't send it till Monday at the earliest, and you can provide feedback whenever you like. And no problem if no one can do it -- it's a lot to read, especially on the screen.

Okay, send it then, and I'll read for fun and feedback.

Kewl! Send it on, then.

I've just got to the point where I've introduced Penny's older banker brother Stephen, and his new wife, Tamsin. I love writing surprises. Penny and Ringan are expecting a trophy wife, a leggy blonde in her twenties.

Heheheheheheheheh...

Deb and Bev, thanks so much. I know neither of you are romance readers, but it's got some mild snark, too. The mystery is fairly mild, though, which is what worries me, and while my editor loves the first 300 pages, it's the wrap-up (which she'll get on Monday, too, and send right to the copyeditor after she reads it -- hopefully) that is making me nervous.

Cinnamon poptarts:

Deb, I just saw you mention the Johnny Cash story in Bitches -- could I read it? I don't know if it's too late for beta-ing, but I'd love to read just for enjoyment.

And Susan, no big at all. I know how busy you are!

I had skipped earlier and went back to give people's stuff the time it deserved. I loved Victor's piece and Liese's stuff was gorgeous. Erika, do you need another beta reader? If not, can I read it anyway? Please? I really liked what you posted.

Congratulations, Amy. I know that's a weight off your shoulders. I'd like to take a look at it, although it will probably be several weeks before I could give you any feedback. I'm not really a romance reader, but I am a Crusie and Evanovitch reader, so I have some sense of the genre.

Amy, sure, I'll send it.

Ok. take a deep breath and spit out all liquids before reading.

Amy, profile addy?