Monday, February 09, 2015

Guest Blog and Giveaway: The Man on the Midnight Train by Elinor Diamond





Looking Good on the Road

There’s nothing like stumbling off an eight-hour flight, skin dry and oily at the same time, hair flat, and clothes rumpled, to make a person feel attractive.  For all the wonders of modern travel, it seems that too often there’s a choice between comfort and looking good – and really, when you’re dragging luggage between platforms or sleeping in your clothes, comfort is the obvious way to go. 

Still, I like to do what I can while traveling to make myself feel a little more put-together.  Not only does it make me feel physically better, but it boosts my confidence and allows me to view the whole travel experience with humor and enjoyment rather than stress and frustration.  Over the years of trains, planes, boats, and cars, I’ve picked up a few tricks to travel in comfort and still come out the other end feeling human.

1. Underpinnings
Shoes can make an entire outfit.  I like cute black ankle boots with enough of a heel to make me feel worldly and lots of cushion on the inside.  You can also look for slide-ons, but the main idea is to get something that you can slip on or off easily at airport security.  Don’t skimp on the comfort here; it may take some looking, but you want shoes in which you can walk several miles.  Bonus if you can sprint for the bus in them.

Underthings should absolutely be the most comfortable bra and panties you own, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look good.  There are lots of great seamless or jersey sets out there that are a dream to wear – and just knowing you look good under your clothes can give your confidence a boost.

2. Layers
Layers.  You absolutely want layers.  If you’re flying, you’ll be at the mercy of the airline and if you’re on the train, chances are really good that train station isn’t going to be extremely well insulated.  I like dark stretchy jeans, a soft stretchy top, and depending on the season, either a light sweater or wrap followed by a heavy jacket or a large scarf and light jacket.  Large scarves are great for draping over your knees when you’re freezing on a plane.

3. Toiletries
Always bring a small bag of essential toiletries in your carry-on if you’re flying.  Here’s my list:

A.    Facial cleansing towelette – great way to combat oiliness prompted by dry air and give yourself a little pick-me-up after the flight (or mid-flight, if it’s a long one.)
B.    Moisturizer – planes are incredibly dry.  I usually take my heavy-duty night cream.
C.    Chapstick/hand lotion – see above.  You can take tinted chapstick if you like!
D.    Hairbrush – to smooth out those traveling tangles.  I’ve found that flying with my hair wet (and deep-conditioned) prevents it from being quite so flat when we land.
E.     Deodorant – your fellow passengers will thank you.
F.     Make-up – I usually bring eyeliner and mascara for a quick touch-up upon arrival, but if you have a little sample bottle of concealer that’s a nice thing to have in your kit.

When I’m really pressed for space, I use a contact lens case to hold a little dab of moisturizer on one side and a little dab of hand lotion on the other.  It’s usually enough for two or three uses and prevents me from having to bring larger bottles. (Just make sure you mark the contact lens case and don’t use it for contacts!)



What are your travel tips and tricks?


The Man on the Midnight Train
Elinor Diamond

Genre: Contemporary Hot Romance

Publisher: SilkWords

Date of Publication: January 31, 2015

Word Count:  Reader-vote story

Cover Artist: Indie Designz

Book Description: 

Who knew traveling home from a business trip could be so interesting? 

Will Nicole choose dinner with the sexy international businessman (sure to lead to naughtiness), or sandwiches with the adorable humanitarian (definite boyfriend material)?

About the Author:

Elinor Diamond is a writer, classical musician, and geek aficionada currently dwelling in the Seattle area.  The Man on the Midnight Train is her fourth story published with SilkWords.  When not composing romances, she enjoys writing genre fiction, poetry, and fairy tale retellings.



@DiamondElinor






SilkWords is the go-to source for interactive romance and erotic fiction.

With gorgeous custom covers and a clean, sophisticated design, the SilkWords site offers a secure, upscale reading environment. In addition to content on their web site, they offer stories for purchase in the standard e-book formats.

SilkWords is owned and operated by a full-time mom with a background in genetics and an RWA RITA-nominated, multi-published sci-fi romance author.

Their technology guy and site designer was the founder of Microsoft Xbox Live.

SilkWords features two formats that allow readers to choose how the stories will proceed.

Pick Your Path:

Will she or won't she? With which man (or woman) in which location? With Pick Your Path romance, you decide. Romance and branched fiction are made for each other, like picking your favorite flavor of ice cream...positions, partners, and paraphernalia, oh my!

Reader Vote:

Readers vote at choice points and decide how the story will continue. These stories are a great way for readers and authors to connect. It’s exciting to be part of a developing story!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 2 Interview
Shut Up and Read 

February 2 Guest blog
Bookin' It Reviews

February 3 Spotlight
The Creatively Green Write at Home Mom

February 3 Spotlight
Lisa’s World of Books

February 4 Interview
Eclipse Reviews

February 5 Spotlight
Fang-tastic Books

February 6 Spotlight
Celebrating Authors

February 9 Guest blog
Roxanne’s Realm

February 9 Spotlight
Underneath the Covers 




0 comments: