I’m surprised how defensive I felt when I was watching a TV movie based on an Agatha Christie book and a totally different person was revealed as the murderer. How dare they second-guess the Queen of Crime? I was outraged – in fact, I was so outraged it came as a bit of a shock.

My daughter recently complained about a TV series she enjoys  - it’s based on a series of vampire books, and for the most part, she likes it. But she mentioned that a character who, in the books, dies in book two is still hanging around several episodes into the series. Much as she likes the show, this kind of bugs her.

I’m a big fan of Tess Gerritsen’s books, and I really like the TV series, Rizzoli and Isles, which is based on her characters. The TV series differs from the books in many ways, and Maura Isles backstory, in particular, is different in the show than in the books. But, maybe because I like the cast, I find myself forgiving of these differences. Or maybe it’s just that I know Tess Gerritsen is involved with the show – if it’s okay with her, then who am I to complain?

What about you – does it drive you crazy when movies based on books you like change key details? Readers of the Harry Potter books seemed very supportive of the movies, even though they were hardly carbon copies of the books.

What are some movies or TV shows that did a good job adapting the books? Which ones drive you nuts?

J.A. Saare

Diane J. Reed

Simone St. James

Lucy March

Lots of great authors in this fabulous anthology:

Have lots more recent additions to my reading pile – now all I need is time to read them all!

Still, it would be pointless to pretend looks are completely irrelevant. Physical attraction does play a part in the mating game, both in fiction and in real life. I’ve read that women instinctively seek out big, strong men who can protect us and father healthy children. Maybe it was true once, but today I don’t think most of us factor that in – at least not consciously.

I’ve also read that we subconsciously seek out mates with similar features, which I think is a crock. It’s not a popularity contest, either – I don’t think we’re attracted to guys just because our friends are. Several of my close friends list Gerard Butler and Vin Diesel as the Men They’d Most Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With. Another friend is all about Dwayne Johnson, The Rock. Still another friend is drawn to muscular wrestlers, while yet another friend prefers tall, slim, pale British aristocrat-types. There is no one-size-fits-all Perfect Guy.

With that in mind, I thought I’d take a little survey. Yes, it’s shallow of me to objectify men like this and I apologize in advance. I’m having a shallow moment – bear with me.

So, assuming you could piece together your perfect man like a Playgirl-style Frankenstein, what are the top five features you’d select?

This is my top five list:

1) Voice. No matter what he looks like, if a guy has a wimpy voice, all bets are off. Alan Rickman gets my vote as one of the sexiest voices around.

2. A great smile. Michael Weatherly (Anthony DiNozzo on NCIS) and Robert Redford tie for this spot. Extra points for dimples, like the guy in the State Farm ad, Eddie Matos.

3.  I know a lot of you will disagree, but I like facial hair – not beards, but I do like goatees and five o’clock shadow. I have a tie for this spot, too – Ben Affleck and Paul McCartney. I admit, I have a thing for guys with shaggy dark hair, too.

4. Interesting, clever face and soulful eyes. Robert Downey, Jr. and Brad Pitt win this one. It’s a bonus that they happen to be gorgeous, too.

5. Okay, okay, I’m as shallow as they come.  Men have objectified women for yonks, so it’s only fair we should get to share the fun, right? So here’s number five – the chests (preferably not greased, waxed or shaved), the sexy tattoos, the whole kit and kaboodle. This collection includes vintage Pierce Brosnan and my current stuck-in-the-elevator-guy (if only I could magically lose thirty years and a bunch of pounds), True Blood’s Alcide – Joe Manganiello.

Now it’s your turn – what are the top five traits you look for? Who are your stuck-in-the-elevator guys? Let’s compare notes!

Sorry for the temporary blog silence! I’ve got a couple of interviews with debut authors coming up, but here’s the thing – once they sell, they instantly become incredibly busy. So bear with me while I recruit some more authors for interviews.

If you are a writer and would like to be interviewed here, post a comment with your contact info. Thanks!

In the meantime – THINK SPRING!