Under and Over with Denise Rossetti

1. TarotByArwen Said,

   OOOH! I want that book wing pin!

   Here’s a great one from Denver: Wok n’ Roll (yes, it’s a Chinese place)

2. Denise Said,

   Gosh, you’re quick, Arwen! Wok ‘n’ Roll? Hoo boy!

   Hope you’re well settled into the new place, BTW.

3. Serena Said,

   Hi Denise,
   We have a Pick A Part Wreckers here in Melbourne. Somewhere near where I live (Tullamarine). I know because the car mad men in my life talk about it a lot

   Best Chinese Restaurant name was one in Torquay (many years ago, not sure if it’s still there) The Kum On Inn. Very cute. Nice food too!

   Geez both enamels are gorgeous but I do like the magnet. It has a message for us writers. OK maybe I should take note…

   Hugs
   Serena

4. Louise Said,

   Very cute. We also have Wok On and Wok This Way here in Melbourne.
   Love the enamels - I’d pick the fridge magnet.
   Louise

5. Denise Said,

   Hi Serena! It looks like Pick a Part might be a chain or a franchise. I like the Kum On Inn. You’re right, it is cute!

   I just loved the Write Hard one. Have to confess I bought one for me and that I should take notes too - given I’m procrastinating on the WIP Big Time! *sigh*

6. Denise Said,

   Ah Louise, another Write Hard devotee. I think it’s terrific. And I laughed out loud when I saw it.

7. Meryl Said,

   Can’t go past the wings… butterflies/books/blue… what more could I ask?
   A name: ‘Do drop in’ (chicken shop/cafe)… and loved the comment outside a fast food cafe in the country… “Come on in before we both starve.”
   Meryl

8. Alexis Fleming Said,

   Not here for a prize, Denise, but had to share a lovely name with you that always used to make me chuckle when we drove past his business in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
   Dr. Pullem Yes, he was a dentist and that was his real name. lol

9. Lindsey Ekland Said,

   I love clever names, which make them interesting and memorable. I am sure we have some in Washington and will have to pay more attention. I like the books with wings enamal as it always seems stories take you there. BTW which WIP? Word count? Plot? Details PLEASE!!! Glad you enjoyed your trip.

10. Denise Said,

    Hi there, Meryl. Lovely to have you visit! And yes, I think the wings are truly lovely too. They are so pretty when you actually see them.

    Hope you did go in and prevent starvation!

11. Denise Said,

    Hi there, Alexis, my friend! That is indeed the perfect name for a dentist. Wotta hoot! A bit like having a surgeon called Dr Slaughter.

12. Denise Said,

    Hi Lindsey!

    Thanks for asking about the WIP. It’s driving me crazy! It’s the second in the Four-Sided Pentacle series after THE FLAME AND THE SHADOW, which comes out 4th November. Flame was about a fire witch (duh!) and a sorcerer of shadows, this one (no title as yet) is about an air wizard. Lord, he’s gorgeous. He’s a singer. I adore a good baritone - but he’s oh-so-stubborn. Just as well his heroine is an immovable little object.

    I keep eyeballing the deadline, which is coming up waaaay too soon. The book will be over 100k and I’m only about 10% in. Lots of skullduggery and magick and hot lurve to go!

    Speaking of which… Must go WRITE! Write hard - die free. Everyone says it.

13. Nina Pierce Said,

    Denise! Welcome home. Of course I had to mine through your whole blog. I’m not sure where the summer went. I haven’t seen any of those gorgeous pictures! Your trip looks like it was wonderful.
    Congrats on the Passionate Plume. Well deserved. Hugs.

14. JC Said,

    I love the butterfly. Both the symbolism of books taking flight and the prettiness of the piece.

15. Susan Bussey Said,

    Hi Denise,

    I enjoyed reading the blog & the pictures were awesome while you were gone. I live in Northeast Georgia, USA-East Coast and when I moved here 17 years ago the town I lived in had this sign. Now I’m from Orlando, Florida born & raised & had moved to what I considered hillbilly country so I took pictures of this sign & sent it back to friends. When ever I see it to this day I cackle. It is a green & white information type sign. It says:

    Cumming——> It means the town of Cumming is in the direction of the arrow but every time I see it I see “Cumming? this way” (My interpretation)

    Can’t wait for November & December!!! Books, Books, Books!

    Thank you & best wishes,
    Susan B.

    Bookwings, which is a PIN (brooch)

16. Scottieluvr Said,

    The only contribution I can add to witty titles is (although not very funny), “Jenewein’s Nuts”. My hubby and I have a nut grove. I’m all for marketing and advertising, but should I promote my husband’s attributes? He’s not Fabio, instead more like a Japanese Budda.

    However, he’s MY Budda… *rubbing hubby’s tummy for good luck* - OH, TMI!!!!

    Both enamels are beautiful… *S*

17. Denise Said,

    Hey Susan! Good to catch up with you and glad you enjoyed the blog. I still can’t quite believe all the fun’s over. *sigh*

    Oh dear. Cumming? Fancy living there! But I suppose you’d get used to it after a while. After all, it’s probably named after some local pioneer - it’s not an uncommon surname.

    And I can’t wait for Nov and Dec either. It’s going to be insanely busy, but incredibly exciting! Yay!

18. Denise Said,

    Hi there, Scottieluvr! Welcome to the madhouse!

    Perhaps you should make your husband the nut farm cover model? He sounds delightful. Romance heroes are all very well, but I often have a sneaky feeling they’d be…um…exhausting to actually live with, you know? There’s something particularly lovely about a man built for comfort, and for the long haul. Best of luck with selling those nuts!

19. Denise Said,

    Nina! How lovely to hear from you! Hope you’re writing up a storm, as usual. And so glad you enjoyed the blog. Still can’t believe the Great Adventure is over. *droop*

20. Denise Said,

    Jen, the bookwings are lovely, aren’t they? Perfect for anyone who loves books and reading. It truly is gorgeous in reality. The colours are so true.

21. Little Lamb Lost Said,

    I love coming across funny business names. A couple that I have heard are:

    The Daily Grind Cafe
    C’est Cheese
    Many Happy Returns (Tax preparation service)

22. Little Lamb Lost Said,

    OOps, forgot to put a preference on choice of enameled item. I really like the winged book…flights of fancy, you know.

23. Cindy Said,

    Bookwings looks great. Welcome back Denise.

24. Cin Said,

    Bookwings are so cute. Enter me into the contest please.

25. JC Said,

    I have a random question for you. Would you consider your stories that feature three people romances? I was recently reading Pamela Regis’s A Natural History of the Romance Novel, found her definition of a romance novel to be rather constraining (IE: between a heroine and a hero). After going to the Romance Writers of America site and realizing their definition was not gender specific, but did say it must be between two people, I winced, because I thought of your novels. I wanted to get your input.

26. kayelle allen Said,

    Hair Place back home: The Hair-um. Their motto was, “We will curl up and dye for you.”

    I’d like the butterfly.

27. danette Said,

    Hi Denise,
    I like the bookwings too:D

    There are a couple of restraunts in in Hawaii that I like their silly names:
    Bada Bings and Anna Bananas.

    Hugs, Danette

28. Michelle B. Said,

    Hello, you had a really great trip…I’ve always wanted to visit Alaska. My Dad & Stepmom just went this summer to see my stepbrother & his family as he is stationed there.

    I would love the bookwings pin if I’m lucky enough to win.

    I live in WNY about 20 miles east of the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area and we have an aptly named business:

    AMIGONE Funeral Homes -the family name is Amigone and quite appropriate for the business (Am I Gone)

29. Kim S. Said,

    I was reading along here trying like crazy to think of any business name I’ve seen that was unusual and of course my mind blanked out!!

    The only one I could think of was Dr. Footer a Podiatrist.

    Then….I read Michelle B’s and it popped into my head……..
    Horizontal——Funeral Home. I went to school with the two children years ago(boy & girl), and boy did they get some wild teasing.

    I would be proud to wear the bookwings!!

    Welcome Back Denise!!

30. Jean Said,

    Welcome back!!

    Now those are funny!

    We’ve got a little company here called Dirt Cheap Inc, their motto = “I Move The Earth”.

    There’s also a bookstore in the town over called Reid and Wright.

    I can remember a trip to Acapulco where on the menu of a restaurant was printed — The
    manager has personally passed all the water served here. I didn’t drink the water.:???:

    I love the book/wings.

31. Shelley Said,

    Unfortunately my memory goes blank at times like these, have seen plenty in my time but forget them when I want to give examples. Nothing like reminding us on a daily basis that we are supposed to be writing not just reading. Slave to a keyboard.

32. Lindsey Ekland Said,

    Hi Denise, I will preorder The Flame and The Shadow this week. And then wait until you finish book two. Thanks for the update. I agree with JC that romance novels do not have to be two people but 3 or more can be workable. Traditional romances seem to only involve 2 people and after reading so many poly stories can be limiting and staid. Lindsey

33. Hannah Said,

    Hi Denise - welcome home from the big adventure, glad you had such a fab time.

    My other half makes wine racks and other timber originals in his spare time. About two years ago he finally went formal with a business name, ABN etc and I persuaded him to call his business “NICE RACK”.

    The ladies at the business registration dept were a little concerned so they took it to the oldest, stuffiest, cardigan-wearing woman on staff and Pete heard her guffaws from through two glass partitions. They approved it immediately and the rest is history.

    LOL

    There’s also a groovy dog-wash place over here in Perth called DIRTY DOGS DONE DIRT CHEAP (one for the ACDC fans…)

    Love the “Write Hard/Die Free” enamel. It rather sums up my new take on life

    Hanging out for November.

    *Hannah*
    (aka Nikki)

34. Tamsyn T. Said,

    There was one clothings shop where I sometimes pass by, “Bassett Walker” and I keep wondering where they kept the dogs! LOL! Welcome back, Denise.
    Tamsyn

35. Tamsyn T. Said,

    Oops! I forgot to mention. I would love to have the bookwings if I win. Thanks again.
    Tamsyn

36. Caitlin Hoy Said,

    My favorite would have to be Light’n'Your Load Laundry with Site For Sore Eyes Optometrist as a close second. I unfortunately don’t have a nifty name to tell but I’ll keep on the lookout for them in future.
    Caitlin
    ckh988@aol.com

    P.S. I love both prizes but if I have to choose I would love to win the Bookwings.

37. Denise Said,

    LLL, we have a Daily Grind here, so it must be a chain or a franchise. I remember thinking how clever it was when I first heard it. But Many Happy Returns takes the cake! Wotta hoot - I love that one!

38. Denise Said,

    Welcome to Under and Over, Cindy - great to see you here!

39. Denise Said,

    JC, I would most definitely consider every book I’ve ever written a romance. That’s what I do, write romances. My fundamental interest is in the relationship and how obstacles are overcome and a life commitment made. If it’s erotic or has fantasy or adventure or comedic elements, that’s all subordinate to the romance.

    The number of protagonists, or their gender, is not especially material, though I’m not at all sure I could manage more than three. In fact, strictly speaking, the Aetherii aren’t even completely human.

    In my menage books, that is, GIFT OF THE GODDESS and TAILSPIN, I tried to the best of my ability to make a three-way relationship believable, though I must say I think it would be extraordinarily difficult to sustain in real life.

    By that I mean a genuine menage a trois in every sense, where no one is the “third wheel” or has less power/importance than the other two. Which is one reason there’s a love relationship between the men as well. (The other is that I enjoy m/m Big Time. heh heh)

    To be frank, I found it took enormous concentration to get it right (or as close as possible anyway). I had to think about every facet of every character in the menage all the time. It got pretty exhausting! I may not do another. Though, come to think of it, THE FLAME AND THE SHADOW has elements of menage, in that Gray and his shadow are separate entities, physically and emotionally.

    It’s a great topic, Jen. Thanks for raising it! I see you’re discussing it on your own blog. If you don’t mind, I might raise it here in a proper post, perhaps next week?

40. Denise Said,

    Oh Kayelle, I LOVE that hairdresser! It’s so clever I’d be tempted to go there just to give them a try. Did you?

41. Denise Said,

    Hi Danette, they’re really cute, the Hawaiian restaurants. It must be hell on wheels, trying to think of a business name that’s clever and funny as well as descriptive. And it also has to be easy for people to remember and say and spell. Oh dear!

42. Denise Said,

    Hi there, Michelle - great to see you here!

    And OMG, the funeral home name is just so black and funny! I imagine they’re Italian and it’s pronounced with a long E on the end? I wonder if it puts people off? Or perhaps it pulls them in? I also wonder if they’ve thought of changing to something like Ever Rest?

43. Denise Said,

    Hey, Kim! Thanks for the welcome back. I’m kind of glad and sorry, all at the same time, you know? Was showing friends the photos last night and it seemed impossible that it was all over. Kaput! *sigh*

    Horizontal Funeral Home? Really? That’s so weird. I’m amazed they didn’t change it, though I’m not at all surprised the kids got teased! It would twist you for life, I imagine!

44. Denise Said,

    Jean, those are great names - love ‘em! I wonder if the bookshop people really are called Reid and Wright? I’d be so tempted to ask!

    And welcome to Under and Over. Great to see you here! And I’m not surprised you passed on the water the manager passed! English is a funny old language sometimes.

45. Denise Said,

    Hey there, Shelley - welcome to the salt mine! (And to Under and Over as well.) That’s why I think the Write Hard fridge magnet is just perfect for authors - ‘cos when you’ve typed those magic words, THE END, you’re free! To die or to party or whatever!

    I don’t think most people realise what an incredible achievement it is to finish writing a book - any book. And it doesn’t matter how “good” it is or whether it sells, it’s a coherent body of work, with a beginning, a middle and an end.

    That’s really something to be proud of and it only happens one word, one sentence, one paragraph at a time. And the only way to do it is - to do it! So if you’ve finished a book (or more), heartiest congratulations to you and if you haven’t, keep on going, one word at a time. It works, honest!

46. Denise Said,

    Ah Lindsey, you sweetheart! A sale - yay! Thank you.

    And here’s JC’s blog again - http://romanceresearch.blogspot.com/2008/09/weekly-essay-1-what-is-romance-novel.html - if you want to put in your 2c worth on three-way romance. It’s an interesting topic.

47. Denise Said,

    Oh Hannah, in the Pacific Northwest we saw endless cartoons, T-shirts, cards etc with girl mooses on them, where the punchline was something to do with a “nice rack”! But also perfect for the wine rack business.

    And I do love the dog wash place. I’d use it on the strength of the name alone - it’s terrific, really rolls off the tongue!

48. Denise Said,

    Hi there, Tamsyn! (Speaking of beautiful names, that has to be one, surely?)

    You do sort of imagine a basement or a backyard where they keep all these gorgeous basset hounds raring to go, ready for walkies, don’t you? Big beseeching eyes and those looong silky ears… *sigh*

    And yep, I’ll put you on the list for the bookwings. It’s getting longer.

49. Denise Said,

    Heya Caitlin! Glad you enjoyed the nifty names. I had a lot of fun collecting them. I carried a notebook and jotted them down straightaway. Writers tend to do that, they don’t like to let ideas get away!

50. Louise Said,

    Great to have you back Denise. I don’t have time to read all the other comments so I don’t know if you’ve got these two but I like Mick’s Nuts at West End in Brisbane and The Inconvenience Store in Maryborough also in Queensland. I also like my own business name *blush* Mudlarks. Sorry, couldn’t help myself. And though both enamels are great I vote for the fridge magnet. Have fun settling back in.

51. Denise Said,

    Hi Louise. I’d completely forgotten about Mick’s Nuts. And I think The Inconvenience Store is brilliant - hadn’t heard that one.

    Everyone, Louise is a talented potter and she teaches pottery too, so Mudlarks is a great name for her studio! http://www.potterybrisbane.com/

52. Lisa Said,

    Ooh, I love the wings pin. I like Mick’s Nuts.

53. Helen Said,

    Welcome back Denise sounds like you had a wonderful time

    Some of these places are really good I can’t think of any that I have seen although I am sure I have seen some good ones over the years but it is early in the morning too early to think and both of the prizes are beautiful I don’t think I could choose between them.

    Have Fun
    Helen

54. Melody Said,

    I would love a chance to win the bookwings, please!

    A few funny ones here - “Junk in the Trunk” junk removal service, and “Hog ‘n Claw” Catering company, specializes in BBQ and seafood.

55. Kiki Said,

    Oooh, I love a good punny name. And that writer magnet is made form awesomeness, clearly.

    I used to work for a catering company called “Wokkin’ It” (which were later bought out by the much less funny “Flying Woks”).
    I also love the “Silly Yaks” gluten-free cafe near my place. It took me ages to even get that one. >_< I’m smart that way.

56. Denise Said,

    Hi Lisa! Come on in and make yourself comfy.

    And yes, I suspect Mick is also pretty fond of his own nuts. You’re on the bookwings list.

57. Denise Said,

    Thanks, Helen - I sure did have a fabulous time. Can’t wait to go again! And I’ll put you on both lists.

58. Denise Said,

    Welcome to the madhouse, Melody!

    I do like “Junk in the Trunk”. Descriptive as well as creative! I’ll put you on the bookwings list.

59. Denise Said,

    Welcome to Under and Over, Kiki! You’ve put your finger right on the appeal of a nifty name. For me, most of it is in the pun, the play on words. But my brow furrowed over “Silly Yaks” until I said it out loud. So you’re not the only one! It’s clever though.

    And yes, all the writers are going for the Write Hard magnet. Which is great cos I bought it for you guys.

60. JC Said,

    Denise, I wouldn’t mind at all. I’d be interested in reading what you write- simply because in my own research I’ve come across very little analysis of the romance genre between more than two characters (heck, I’ve found little thus far looking at the romance genre and homosexual relationships). Though I’m persistent… and there’s a few avenues I haven’t looked at yet.

    Please, I look forward to your entry.

61. Denise Said,

    Sure thing, JC. Give me a little while to get my thoughts in order…

62. Susan Said,

    Hey Denise,

    welcome back and so pleased you enjoyed the trip. The names had me flabbergasted and giggling I remember when I went to the States I saw Body Shop and I thought they must sell cosmetics and was shocked it had to do with CARS! I don’t have any funny name ones, because plays on words in Greek make no sense in any other language, but had tremendous fun reading all the other comments.

63. Denise Said,

    Good to see you here again, Susan-from-Greece! Haven’t the responses been great? Some of them have had me giggling out loud. And aren’t you lucky (and clever), having another language to make puns with?

64. Susan Said,

    Knowing multiple languages are great but puns are few and far between in Greek. Greek humour goes more towards farce. Ancient Greek is full of puns, but modern Greek a lot less.
    So welcome back
    and now unpack,
    we’re waiting for
    Denise once more.

65. Denise Said,

    Oh, Susan! I’m buried in deadline hell right now and having a terrible crisis of confidence about this book. I’m quite certain no one will like it. *whimper, whine* Yes, I know I’m being silly and self-indulgent, it happens to me every time.

    In the meantime, I am entertained by the sound of a waterfall in the background. We can’t turn off the shower tap. Waiting for the plumber… A little hot fantasy sex sounds like a great idea… *Rolls up sleeves and approaches the keyboard with determination*. Just get over it, woman!

66. LINDA B Said,

    well dang it i thought i’d be FIRST! LOL

    love to win the pin as i have a frig full of magnets! lol

67. Denise Said,

    Ah, Linda, it’s the quick and the dead, as they say. I’ll put you on the list for the bookwings. And welcome to Under and Over!

68. Susan Said,

    Well Denise, I hope the plumbing problems are resolved. Believing as I do in tough love I can tell you, if you write it, I will read it. So at least one reader will purchase it. Make it good and she’ll purchase the next one too You can do it, girl!

69. Denise Said,

    Okaaay, Susan-from-Greece, you got it! Plumbing problem is solved and I’ve written 1700 words today (a lot for me), been for a walk and watched four episodes of the West Wing as a reward. I feel pretty damn good.

70. Susan Said,

    High five Denise!

71. Caffey Said,

    Someone already mentioned this one that we have a place here in Buffalo NY, funeral home, called AMIGONE (yes AM I GONE). We also have BURY & ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME. Sorry on just funeral homes, but they are what I remember, LOL.

72. Denise Said,

    Bury and Roberts?? Honestly, I wonder about some people! I would have changed it to Ever Rest or something like that. I wonder if they get more business, or less?

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