And I didn't even notice it until now! I'm both absentminded and apparently quite determined to work myself to death... A bad combination!

But it really is true: The readers of Goodreads M/M Romance have nominated Alphabet Soup in the BDSM category of the 2011 Members Choice Awards. If you feel like it, you can vote for it here - and you can see a lot of other great books nominated (among other several stories by Kate Sherwood).

By the way, the M/M Romance group is wonderful - I can recommend it. Ironically, I've banned myself from going there very often; it's that good. I would never get anything written if I allowed myself to go! But if you haven't got a novel to finish, it's a wonderful group:).

Merry Christmas to all of you! May your holiday be relaxing, may your presents be plenty, and may your food be amazing. And may you not kill any of your family, not even your in-laws who point out that you've forgotten to water the plants and that you've gained five pounds.
And if everything fails, then do like me: Escape into the world of hot fictional men.

So. I've been a bit quiet lately - in real life as well on this blog. The reason is that Christmas is getting closer and closer. And with Christmas comes drama.
My family loves drama, and they especially love to put me in the middle of it, it seems. The reasons are many, and convoluted, and for a large part, incomprehensible to me. It has something to do with the fact that I've chosen to live my life differently, including getting a university degree and insisting on using it, even though it's posh. Sigh. (And no, there's nothing as boring as reading about other people's family issues, is there?)

Well, here's what I do when I've got the blues, Christmassy or otherwise: I read. And I don't read just any book; i want Comfort Lit. So, if you've got your own family hassles, here are some good escape tips:
Kate Sherwood's Dark Horse stories. I've mentioned her before, but her work is still wonderful - and some of it is even free.
The Gaucho Code. I've read and enjoyed Julia Talbot's stories before, but this is really a gem. I also like her Just Like Cats and Dogs.
Baker's Dozen. I read this book a couple of years ago and really, really loved it.
And something quite different: The Administration. A free online story which absolutely isn't feel-good Comfort Lit. But hell, sometimes you want something different.
Another free story is Noel Blue's The Groupie. I'm saving the last chapter for when I've survived my Christmas ordeal:)

I hope that's helpful in fighting your own Christmas blues - or just reading some good books.