More random stuff

There's an interesting thread going on over at AAR on the Reviews Message Board about the new dust jacket photo of Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb. Nora Roberts has created a new thread in answer (sort of) to the poster's concern about projecting the authorial self onto a character. It's an interesting question, and Robin (the poster) brings up some other good points about the "personal" nature of relationships between romance writers and romance readers. I posted my opinion about the new photo, which is that Eve/NR are distinct for me, and a photo won't make a difference. About Robin's point re: reader/writer relationship, I don't have an opinion to share, primarily because I don't have a personal relationship with any romance writer. I check out author websites to read excerpts, check on upcoming books, etc., and I'll even check out a message board if it is available, just to see what other readers are talking about. But I don't imagine that checking out a website makes the author my friend, nor does exchanging a cordial email about backlist or future books. And I don't ever forget that I am buying a product of author; it's a business relationship only.

Unrelated to romance novels, I went to the National Zoo yesterday and saw the baby panda Tai Shan. It was cute enough, I guess. I kinda liked the emus better. It was freezing out and I was in a dress and heels, not ideal zoo apparel. Maybe I'll go back next week properly attired and be able to appreciate him better.