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Friday Funny

Reading, Writing, & Stuff That Makes Me Crazy

27 Jan 2012 | 4:13 am

That's all for your well-wishes for the fridge. I cleaned it and tinkered with the thermostat a bit and it seems to have helped... for now. It's old, so I know it's only a matter of timeFor now, though, I leave you with some funnies:Sounds like a typical, brilliant decision by your local politician.Civil War planes? Let me know how that works out.Must have been a GREAT paint job."We had no idea anyone was buried there."I didn't know we could choose.Thanks for the depth of insight.What are the odds of that?I would have guessed after age 19.Hope this started your weekend off with a laugh! Have…
Wild Cat Release! And other things

Writer's Blog: Blog of romance author Jennifer Ashley

2 Jan 2012 | 10:09 pm

Lots of news! I’m pleased to announce the release of WILD CAT (Shifters Unbound Book 3), on Tuesday January 3.This book is out in both print and e-, available wherever you shop for books, as well as online at Books on Board, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iTunes, Sony, etc.When Diego Escobar assists in what should be a simple task of arresting a trespasser, he comes face-to-face with his first Shifter--the beautiful feline Shifter Cassidy Warden. Assigned to watch over her, Diego learns more about the lonely, wild Cassidy than it's safe to know. Diego might be human, but he's virile and darkly…
23 Jan 2012 | 10:19 am

The Crayon Box

23 Jan 2012 | 10:19 am

It's a dreary day here. I really would love to curl up with a book and cup of coffee. Let's hope I do some writing!
My new enabler

Meg Allison

26 Jan 2012 | 3:51 pm

My family gave me a Kindle for Christmas. I've been having so much fun! I haven't read this much in ages, even though I have plenty of books in the house. I also love the games.I have found the Kindle is a wonderful device. Will I give up print books completely? Probably not. Those are still my first love. However, there are some great things about ebooks and having an actual reader.1. Instant gratification. Want a book? Press a button, confirm, it's there. Wow. :)2. Hides my tbr pile. No one complains about all the books taking up room on the table; dresser; desk; etc. No puzzled looks when…
my favourite...apps

Ally Blake Romance Author - Blog

27 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm

Got a brand new smart phone for Xmas - a Sony Experia Arc. My god is it lovely! All smooth and dark and delicious. Like a good romantic hero really ;). I love being able to email and blog and tweet but there's just a whole world of time wasting fun out there to be had! Apps, backgrounds, widgets. Boy do I love the widgets. Here are my current faves: IMDB - the Internet Movie Database website is the most perfect treasure trove for movie buffs. The relief of seeing some random actor in a movie and being able to track down…

Reading, Writing, & Stuff That Makes Me Crazy
Friday Funny

27 Jan 2012 | 4:13 am

That's all for your well-wishes for the fridge. I cleaned it and tinkered with the thermostat a bit and it seems to have helped... for now. It's old, so I know it's only a matter of timeFor now, though, I leave you with some funnies:Sounds like a typical, brilliant decision by your local politician.Civil War planes? Let me know how that works out.Must have been a GREAT paint job."We had no idea anyone was buried there."I didn't know we could choose.Thanks for the depth of insight.What are the odds of that?I would have guessed after age 19.Hope this started your weekend off with a laugh! Have…
This and That Thurday

26 Jan 2012 | 4:23 am

Got "The Happiness Project" at the library yesterday. I need it. My fridge has been running non-stop since last night. You know how, when you open the freezer and the cooler is running, it will stop when you open? Mine doesn't. For HOURS it has just run, and run, and run. Fridge and Freezer part. I finally pulled it out and unplugged it because the noise was making me crazy.Do refrigerators reboot? I really, really don't want to buy a new fridge right now. This couldn't have come at a worse time.Dru Ann asked yesterday if I had a publisher for "Now and Forever" -- Dru, I'm going to…
How Can It Be Wednesday?

25 Jan 2012 | 4:29 am

Hey all! ::waves madly::It's been a crazy few days, and I apologize for my absence. I took the day off working (mostly) on Sunday to watch football and I paid for it on Monday. Not only was I up until REALLY late (Overtime! And, I'm still sad about those Niners... *sigh*) and insanely tired Monday, but our woodstove had gone out and I had to start it from scratch Monday morning (and Tuesday). This stove burns like a champ when it's going, but getting it started is a major undertaking. I only just managed to get it done before I had to wake the kidlet up for school.Then, I had to pay penance…
I'm Alive...

20 Jan 2012 | 4:26 am

But have nothing to say today. Sorry. I was just going to skip posting, but then I get emails: "Are you okay?" so I figured I'd put something. :-)I leave you with this video that impacted me yesterday (the song lyrics, actually). Give it a listen.
For Bonny

19 Jan 2012 | 3:59 am

(Private note: Mom, this is going to make you cry ... so stop now if you don't want to.)Yesterday, my mom had to make the difficult decision to put her 13 y.o. Yorkshire Terrier to sleep. She's been terribly sick and in heart failure over the last few months, but this last week she declined quickly and it was clear it was time.That never makes it easier.Mom brought Wee Bonny Blue ("Bonny") home when she was just eight weeks old, though she knew the breeders and was able to go visit her puppy soon after she was born. Even at eight weeks, Bonny pushed my 85 pound Bailey around. She was silly,…

Writer's Blog: Blog of romance author Jennifer Ashley
Wild Cat Release! And other things

2 Jan 2012 | 10:09 pm

Lots of news! I’m pleased to announce the release of WILD CAT (Shifters Unbound Book 3), on Tuesday January 3.This book is out in both print and e-, available wherever you shop for books, as well as online at Books on Board, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iTunes, Sony, etc.When Diego Escobar assists in what should be a simple task of arresting a trespasser, he comes face-to-face with his first Shifter--the beautiful feline Shifter Cassidy Warden. Assigned to watch over her, Diego learns more about the lonely, wild Cassidy than it's safe to know. Diego might be human, but he's virile and darkly…
Wild Cat ARC Giveaway!!

14 Dec 2011 | 11:03 am

This contest is now closed. Thank you for entering! Four winners will be drawn today (Dec 19th) and posted when I get confirmation from them.~~~~~~~~~~OK, ladies and gents: I have four bound galleys of Wild Cat sitting on my kitchen table needing good homes. These are large copies of the page proofs, with the cover, that my publisher made for me. (I like them--the words are big enough to read, LOL).To enter to win a copy, leave a comment here (with your email--you can disguise it from the evil spam bots if you wish; e.g., jenniferashley(at)cox(dot)net would be mine), and tell me why you…
BodyGuard Now Available in Print!

6 Dec 2011 | 9:49 pm

Bodyguard is now available in print! Order fromAmazon:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1467974676/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_alp_0R52ob0J3DCVFor CreateSpace (ships internationally): https://www.createspace.com/3730742I was very thrilled to see Bodyguard make the Amazon Kindle Top 100! Thank you, readers!Bodyguard is still available electronically for 99 cents on Kindle, Nook, and from Smashwords (and is wending its way to other vendors).Thanks for all the terrific feedback I'm getting on this book! If I don't answer your email right away, it's just because I'm swamped. I will try to get to all the…
Bodyguard is OUT!

19 Nov 2011 | 10:06 am

Bodyguard, Shifters Unbound, Book 2.5, is now available!! This is a category-length novel (approx 46,000 words; 16 chapters). It is on sale for an introductory price of 99 cents from:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bodyguard-Shifters-Unbound-ebook/dp/B0069ZBY3C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1321711113&sr=8-2Barnes & Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1036544275?ean=2940013493667&itm=1&usri=jennifer+ashley+bodyguardSmashwordshttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/106434The print edition should be available in a couple of weeks--I will keep you posted. The book started out to…
Update on Bodyguard

17 Nov 2011 | 3:42 pm

Bodyguard (Shifters Unbound 2.5) will release this Saturday, the 19th (e-book vendors willing). It is not available for preorder, unfortunately. That's out of my control. The e-version will release first, with a print version in a couple of weeks.If you'd like an email blast when Bodyguard is available for purchase, sign up to my newsetter either at:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JenniferAshleyNews/Or email me at jenniferashley @ cox.net (no spaces), and I'll add you to my list! Don't worry; I'll broadcast loud and clear when the book is out! I'm getting excited.Best,Jennifer…

The Crayon Box
23 Jan 2012 | 10:19 am

23 Jan 2012 | 10:19 am

It's a dreary day here. I really would love to curl up with a book and cup of coffee. Let's hope I do some writing!
18 Jan 2012 | 9:59 am

18 Jan 2012 | 9:59 am

Still working. Still determined. Trying to ignore the heavy machinery taking down a tree a couple of doors down. Writing ho!!
12 Jan 2012 | 8:26 am

12 Jan 2012 | 8:26 am

I have my nose to the grindstone. I'm determined to finish Fire Riders 3: Beyond the Fire in the next couple of weeks. I WILL NOT GET SICK!
6 Jan 2012 | 12:45 pm

6 Jan 2012 | 12:45 pm

I blogged at TRS about being a kid at heart: http://ping.fm/4svII
3 Jan 2012 | 10:45 am

3 Jan 2012 | 10:45 am

Little late but Happy New Year! I'm determined to write more in 2012!! Here is to health and happiness as well.

Meg Allison
My new enabler

26 Jan 2012 | 3:51 pm

My family gave me a Kindle for Christmas. I've been having so much fun! I haven't read this much in ages, even though I have plenty of books in the house. I also love the games.I have found the Kindle is a wonderful device. Will I give up print books completely? Probably not. Those are still my first love. However, there are some great things about ebooks and having an actual reader.1. Instant gratification. Want a book? Press a button, confirm, it's there. Wow. :)2. Hides my tbr pile. No one complains about all the books taking up room on the table; dresser; desk; etc. No puzzled looks when…
A moment of clarity

6 Jan 2012 | 4:27 pm

I love those "Ah-ha!" moments. Suddenly, out of the blue, something that should have been obvious lights a bulb within the gray matter. In other words: I get it!I get these insights every now and then. In one case, the meaning of something I had read many times over became more clear. It had a deeper meaning -- one I hadn't previously considered. In other cases, these moments involve how to do something more efficiently or effectively. This clarity doesn't come with force or magic. It seems to come when I least expect.For instance, I've been stuck -- good and stuck -- in a certain story. I…
Rainy, Rambly Mondays

14 Nov 2011 | 10:58 am

"Rainy days and Mondays always get me down."Sound familiar? Maybe not, if you're under the age of ... maybe 40? LOL! It's a line from an old Carpenters song that was very popular years ago. A song I always wind up singing along with -- on those rare occasions that I hear it played -- because I remember most of the words. Nostalgia times a hundred, in this case. :)I remember songs from way back -- from catchy jingles, to Christmas carols, classic top 40, and classic rock. True confession: I even remember most of the School House Rock songs. I can recite the Preamble to the Constitution only if…
Table for Two, ready to read

3 Nov 2011 | 6:18 pm

Finally finished my edits and revisions for TABLE FOR TWO. This story was originally published with By Grace Publishing. It actually received quite a number or wonderful reviews -- however, because of the publisher's issues at that time (namely, going out of business), only a handful of reviewers ever read the story. No other readers had a real chance to buy it. Until now. :)Table for Two(A Harris Grove story)(C)2011 Meg AllisonLove is found in unexpected places.Sandra Larsen and David Jenkins have nothing in common—except that their best friends just got married.Despite their petty…
The editing dilemma

30 Oct 2011 | 1:18 pm

I'm working on the next story in my Harris Grove series. These are the final, refining edits -- and maybe a little re-writing. I really don't like this part.The main problem? I wrote the story quite a while ago -- and with a particular audience in mind. Now that audience has changed since that publisher closed its doors. My style of writing isn't precisely the same, either. It's not a drastic change, but it isn't the same. Every time an author writes, they refine their style or voice. Which is hopefully what I've done. However, I also have a slightly different voice when I write comedy over…

Ally Blake Romance Author - Blog
my favourite...apps

27 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm

Got a brand new smart phone for Xmas - a Sony Experia Arc. My god is it lovely! All smooth and dark and delicious. Like a good romantic hero really ;). I love being able to email and blog and tweet but there's just a whole world of time wasting fun out there to be had! Apps, backgrounds, widgets. Boy do I love the widgets. Here are my current faves: IMDB - the Internet Movie Database website is the most perfect treasure trove for movie buffs. The relief of seeing some random actor in a movie and being able to track down…
I'm reading... Jennifer Crusie

26 Jan 2012 | 6:12 am

MAYBE THIS TIMEJenny Crusie's books are an auto-buy for me. Charlie All Night was inspired and Welcome to Temptation is on my top five books EVER. In fits and spurts - which is the only way I get to read nowadays (picture three toddlers climbing over me at any given moment of the day) it took me a few pages to get back into the rhythm every time I picked it up, but the times I was able to read in a good solid chunk it just flew!And for writers with a few hours to spare, her website and blog - Argh Ink - are magic caves of delight! Her interest in the romance genre and willingness…
ebook of the month... inspiration

23 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm

First published June 2007eBook out now! BILLIONAIRE ON HER DOORSTEP :: ebookInspiration:Trish Wylie and I had an infamous - good-natured - online spat about Nathan Fillion while I was writing this book. I inadvertently revealed her plans to marry him, and she set to barring me from using any of her favourite bits of him as inspiration for this story. It was war ;). And you wouldn't believe the thousands who weighed in at the time! But take into account the rugged handsomeness, the glint in the eye, the big strong manliness of the guy - how could I not be inspired while…
my favourite...romantic moments on tv...the west wing

20 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm

Season Two, Episode Eighteen: 17 peopleJosh and Donna. 'Nuff said.What's your favourite romantic TV moment?
I'm reading...Fiona Harper

18 Jan 2012 | 5:00 pm

SWEPT OFF HER STILETTOSIam a big fan of Fiona Harper’s work. Herrich detail, her humour, her smarts. AlsoFiona’s books are always full to the brim with oodles of context whichin short romantic fiction is a hard thing to achieve.SWEPTOFF HER STILETTOS is an absolute gem. Written in the first person it presents Coreen, a woman who is so intoall things vintage she’s like a walking cheesecake poster. She has a plethora of puppy dog suitorspanting in her hip-swinging wake. Butthere’s one man who’s never fallen under her spell. Enter her best…

Elizabeth Boyle Blog
Five Things about Carla Swafford

Elizabeth

26 Jan 2012 | 11:45 am

Always fun to meet new authors, especially brand new authors. And Carla Swafford comes to publishing via the Avon Impulse line, which is a digital imprint that was launched last year. So I thought it would be fun to invite Carla over and let her meet all of you. 1. Did you have a nickname growing up? Yes. My granddaddy was hard of hearing, and we believed he misunderstood my name. He called me Polly. 2. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? My husband and I fell in love…with Denali, Alaska. EB: I think we could be twins–I love Denali. So gorgeous. Have been…
Planning a Writer’s Retreat

Elizabeth

24 Jan 2012 | 9:57 am

Or any old retreat for that matter. I’ve listened to friends go on and on about writing retreats for years. Holing up in a hotel for a weekend to escape family demands and meet a deadline. Taking off for a family cabin with a group and spending a weekend plotting. Finally it was time to dive in and here is what I learned: 1) Find friends who share your goal for the retreat. If everyone is on the same page (literally)–writing pages or plotting or critiquing–then things will most likely run smoothly–as no one is interrupting another’s pursuits. For our weekend, the…
I Blame the Snow Day

Elizabeth

16 Jan 2012 | 9:43 pm

So nothing got done around here. Because it snowed. Truly, life comes to a grinding halt in Seattle when it snows. And that is my excuse and I am sticking to it. I did though get a bunch of stuff done over the weekend, including cleaning out my office closet, wherein for a while it appeared my office had exploded. But do know that everything found its way back to where it belongs and I know I need to do some fun prizes that include bookbags. I have a plethora of bookbags. LOL. And penchant for buying notepads from Levenger. Some women buy shoes. I buy office supplies. And apparently cart home…
Feeding the Muse

Elizabeth

10 Jan 2012 | 4:46 pm

I wrote last week about welcoming in 2012 with grand enthusiasm and my desire to make this “My Best Year Evah” continues by seeking out the books and teachers who inspire and motivate writers and non-writers alike. To that end, I polled a bunch of friends, tweeps and writers from all over and asked them: What writing books do you love? What has done the most for your creativity and career? What I was looking for were books to fuel a year of creative growth, gaining and honing my skills and perhaps learning a few new tricks. Who doesn’t like new tricks? So I present this…
Five Things about Cecilia Grant

Elizabeth

5 Jan 2012 | 3:19 am

I always love meeting debut authors. They have that starry-eyed glow about them. And of course, it gives us all a chance to discover a new favorite author. So let’s start the New Year off right with debut author, Cecilia Grant and Five Things: 1. Where is the most beautiful/romantic place you’ve ever been? I once journeyed by bus from Aberystwyth, on the Welsh seacoast, to the inland mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. I was traveling alone, and didn’t know anybody in either place (I’d sort of picked them off the map), so it was just me and the craggy, impossibly green Welsh hills…

heidibetts.com » Blog
Sexy Fail Saturday

Heidi

28 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am
Free Book Friday (with a side of Funny)

Heidi

27 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

A FRIDAY FUNNY FREE BOOK FRIDAY This week’s Free Book Friday title is The First Love Cookie Club by Lori Wilde. Looks kinda perfect for winter, right? To enter the giveaway for this book, simply leave a comment to today’s post that includes the code FBF—for “Free Book Friday,” of course—to let me know you’re interested in the drawing. (U.S. residents only for the prize, please, but everyone is welcome to chat.) Winner will be announced during our Happy Sunday post on…well, you know, Sunday. Winner is responsible for contacting me with her…
Merry Christmas to me (from me) – the saga continues

Heidi

26 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

Last time on “Merry Christmas to me (from me)“… You remember, right? I was recapping my super-awesome post-holiday shopping binge. The one that singlehandedly renewed our economy & provided jobs to millions of previously out-of-work store clerks. Yeah, it was that kind of spree. The bills for which I am just now being asked to pay. What I really want to share, though, is my absolute delight over something I’ve been wanting, but did not think I’d manage to get for another couple of Christmases…at least not at a price I was willing to pay.
Hunk of the Month

Heidi

25 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

It’s time to vote in a new Hunk of the Month, this time for February. And since February is Valentine’s Month…well, let’s see who Mistress Heidi can shake out of her hottie-filled cages… (I you) (Roses Are Red) (I’ve got a heart-on for you) (Waiting for you)
Merry Christmas to me (from you)

Heidi

24 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

Yes, I’m still on Christmas. Deal with it. I got a few lovely surprises for Christmas this year, too. First was a package from our very own Darling Hollie. Completely unexpected, & so much fun to open! Darling Hollie sent me a treasure chest of booty that totally made my holiday. The picture is sucky, but I shall esplain: Hand-crocheted treats covering birthday to Christmas—an adorable cupcake with candle centerpiece … a pumpkin pie magnet … & a Santa ornament. Adorable! A box of Nutcracker Sweet Christmas tea, because she apparently knows about my…

JEN BLACK author
Reluctance

26 Jan 2012 | 3:33 am

I've been working really hard these last few days. My left shoulder aches to prove it, though I don't know why sitting at a computer should make one shoulder ache and not the other! As I think I've said on this blog, I'm going through a second draft of the first Matho Story. I had named this volume Treason, but as my wonderful critique partner pointed out to me, an Englishman can't commit treason in Scotland, though he can in England. So as well as a second draft, I'll have to rethink the title. The second volume of Matho's Story is written, but also needs that vital second draft…
Romance secrets

23 Jan 2012 | 5:53 am

OvinghamIn lots of romance stories, two charactersmeet – no, sorry, they more often collide – and claim they dislike each other, whileas writers we expect our readers to understand that love is simmering just below thesurface. Is this premise truly believable or should we dismiss it as absolutetosh? Always in the romance genre there areproblems as to why the two couldn’t possibly be thought of as lovers. He’s tooproud, she’s too prejudiced. Rhett Butler is no certainly gentleman, whileScarlett is your true ladylike southern belle. (Put in your own names and see ifthey match what…
Oxford commas

21 Jan 2012 | 5:05 am

It was my local authors' lunch yesterday, hence my dereliction of duty regarding a new blog post. After a lovely lunch and much general chatter, we got down to talking about writing. The Oxford comma became a topic. Now I was interested in this because having done edits with more than one US indie publisher, I've noticed how much more frequent is their use of a comma.I'm not denying commas are important. As Truss says in her book Eats, Shoots & Leaves, a humble comma can change the sense of a sentence. Take for example:"Verily, I say unto thee, this day thou shalt be with me in Paradise"…
E-Publishing

18 Jan 2012 | 5:53 am

frozen delightsI should have entitled my last post as E-Publishing rather than Self-Publishing, and I'm surprised I didn't get a host of comments pointing out my basic mistake. So let me say right away that self-publishing is either a)Vanity publishing or b) publishing yourself via Amazon Kindle. (I've not investigated Smashwords, Nooks, Kobos and the like yet. My learning curve has reached astronomical heights in figuring out the Kindle process, and I'm resting on my laurels for a while.)I think we all know that in Vanity Publishing, the author pays someone to publish his or…
Self Publishing

16 Jan 2012 | 5:05 am

There is still a lot of confusion about self-publishing out in the writing world and I suspect the lines are blurring again. There are various options: Pay someone to publish your book for you. This used to be called vanity publishing. Basically it doesn't matter how good or bad your book is, there is always someone who will publish it simply because you are paying them to do it.Small independant firms, mostly in the US, may choose to take up your book and publish it in e-format. This route requires that you submit the usual partial chapters, synopsis, cover letter and sometimes a…

Jenna's Romantic Notions
Blog Happenings Today

Jenna Bayley-Burke

24 Jan 2012 | 2:23 pm

It's release day! FOR KICKS has arrived. Today, I'm spreading the word at...http://redheadsreviewitbetter.blogspot.com/2012/01/author-interview-with-jenna-bayley.html ( & Dinner contest for a $5 Amazon e-giftcard)Samhain Publishing feature - with review highlightsFirst Chapters - features the first chapter of For Kicks
Blog Happenings Today

Jenna Bayley-Burke

22 Jan 2012 | 8:28 pm

The Pink Heart Society: Male On Monday :: David Beckham: The Pink Heart Society editor Jenna Bayley-Burke shares the hero inspiration for her latest release, the ever ogleable David Beckham.Do you want to win a $5 Amazon e-giftcard? Just head over to The PHS and comment on this question...What is the sexiest thing about a man? For me it's not about his ability to attract a woman, but how he keeps her interested in him forever. Now that is a skill.Jenna Bayley-Burke with Interview, Review and Giveaway!!! @ Romance Book Craze. Find out what I do in my free time (HA!) and comment to win a…
Blog Tour

Jenna Bayley-Burke

20 Jan 2012 | 2:13 pm

I'm wandering the internet, passing out $5 Amazon e-giftcards at most stops. That way, if you've already picked up For Kicks, you can use it to buy one of my other titles. Or gum. I can't stop you. :DPlaces to find me this month ::9 - Authors On The Cheap13- The Pink Heart Society (Fill The Well column)16 - Books & Kisses (interview & comment contest)22 - Guilty Pleasures (review)23 -The Pink Heart Society (Male On Monday & sexy man contest)23 - Romance Book Craze (interview & comment contest)24 - My Book Addiction (interview & comment contest)24 - Red Heads…
Pink Macaroni & Cheese

Jenna Bayley-Burke

19 Jan 2012 | 2:36 pm

My kids love mac & cheese...from a box. We've gone through a half dozen recipes trying to find what they dislike about the homemade version. We finally figured out they don't like the consistency of a flour thickened cheese sauce. OK...I was flattened to find out how easy it is to make mac & cheese if you don't bother making cheese sauce. Ready for it?a box of mac, cooked and drained.a can of crushed tomatoesa pint of 1/2 & 1/2 (even the fat-free version)a bag of shredded cheese...we like the mexican blend, but cheddar, colby jack, and Italian have all done right by us. This is a…
Books-n-Kisses Interview

Jenna Bayley-Burke

16 Jan 2012 | 11:53 am

Be sure to check out my author interview and giveaway today at Books-n-Kisses!

JESSICA BURKHART
Team Canterwood reader with Initiation

15 Jan 2012 | 4:01 pm

As part of the INITIATION contest, here's an entry! Connie with Initiation! Her mom sent the photo and gave me permission to post it. Thank you for being a part of Team Canterwood, Connie!!Happy Sunday, all! Busy writing COMEBACK. :)xoxo
3 NEW cover reveals! Plus, extra special surprise!

10 Jan 2012 | 7:02 pm

#16 MASQUERADE Clare and Lauren#18 ONE (See cover #15 in yesterday's post) Clare and New Girl Holiday special! HOME FOR CHRISTMASClare and Lauren I have the full covers and they're GORGEOUS. Thank you so, so much Jessica Handelman, Monica Stevenson and my fabulous models. Many hearts!So, ready for *another surprise*? The real life model who plays the New Girl on the right side of cover #18 is on Twitter! She's a big fan of the series and was soooo excited when she was booked to model for the covers. We've exchanged several emails and Tweets and she's the sweetest girl. I'm not…
Canterwood cover reveal!

8 Jan 2012 | 3:43 pm

I'm soo excited to be able to share the cover of Canterwood Crest #17 (JEALOUSY) with you! :) I have three more covers ready to be shared as soon as I get them. I can't wait and I hope you love this one as much as I do! We've got Lauren on the right and a new (!) character on the left. And doesn't Whisper look gorgeous?!Thank you to everyone at Simon & Schuster for creating such a lovely cover that embodies the Canterwood spirit.Happy weekend!xoxo
Initiation's almost here! I think it's time for PRIZES!

2 Jan 2012 | 11:20 am

**I added a new way to enter below!It's almost heeeeerrrreeee!! (Can you tell I'm excited? Cuz I'm not. I mean, why would I be freaking out that Team Canterwood gets INITIATION tomorrow?! :D)Some of you have already found it in stores (thank you, booksellers!) and a lot of you haven't yet. Whether you've grabbed your copy or not, I think it's time to party with prizes! How else are we supposed to welcome Lauren to Canterwood?In honor of book number lucky 13, I've got some fab stuff (my faves!) up for grabs. Check it:That's right! We've got AMAZING Hair Tinsel and Gelly Roll pens. (Thank you…
Win a signed copy of Initiation!

17 Dec 2011 | 2:13 pm

So . . . anyone interested in winning a copy of INITIATION? (Out Jan. 3rd). :) If so, I'm giving away TWO signed copies!The rules are easy:You must be a US residentYou have to comment on THIS post and leave your email address so I can get in touch with youYour comment topic is: "How are YOU going to celebrate Initiation release day?" :)You get extra entries if: you reblog about the contest, tell your friends about Initiation (I trust you!), Tweet, Facebook, or do whatever you like to let other people know about it's release. If you leave what you did in your comment, I'll add it as an extra…

Joely Sue Burkhart
Friday Snippet: Lady Wyre’s Regret

Joely

26 Jan 2012 | 8:42 pm

Continuing the free read prequel for Lady Doctor Wyre: As Queen’s Physician, Charlotte had enjoyed every luxury Londonium had to offer as well as full backing for every scientific exploration she’d ever wanted to undertake. Yet she’d never crashed a ship on an unknown planet before. “Another thing I need to learn,” she muttered, pushing up out of the cupboard into which she’d tumbled. Sig was sprawled on the floor and half buried by rubble. From the brief look she’d gotten at his chest before the crash, she didn’t hesitate to grab the small black case containing her most…
Dressing For Success

Joely

25 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

I’ve always believed in the power of dress and appearance to influence my thinking. I can remember getting dressed up for exams in college, because I felt like I’d be more successful showered and dressed nicely instead of showing up haggard in sweat pants, even if I studied all night before the exam. Did it help? I don’t know. I did get great grades – but how much of that was work and how much of “dressing for success” was just a mental exercise I did before the exam? I have realized on this diet journey that I tend to eat better if I “dress for…
Unfair

Joely

24 Jan 2012 | 8:41 pm

I can remember as a kid just SOBBING, heartbroken, because I felt that something unfair had been done to me. It’s a childish complaint that the monsters shout at each other (and me) all the time. That’s so UNFAIR!! And even though I’ve got a few years on me ::cough:: sometimes unfairness – and my childish demands – crop back up. Especially at my weigh in today. I’ve been sooooo good. On program, tracking all food, no slips, no late-night binges on Lays, no coconut pie, no homemade bread… I’ve exercised more this month than I probably…
Good News Monday

Joely

23 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

It’s been dreary and chilly here (but thankfully no snow or ice) and I feel like I’m running on half empty thanks to our busy schedule lately…so I need some good news!! I’ve completed three full weeks of Power 90 and started week 4 yesterday. I haven’t been rewarded on the scale (yet) but I can definitely feel muscles! I can do more pushups now than when I started. I can hold a plank from my toes, though I still do the pushups from my knees, and I can’t do that one downward dog to runner’s stretch move yet. We’re loving the Vitamix and have…
Friday Snippet: Lady Wyre’s Regret

Joely

20 Jan 2012 | 9:11 am

Continuing from last week, the free read prequel to Lady Doctor Wyre: “So you’re a pilot as well as an assassin.” Lady Wyre had traded in the slightly scorched gown for a high-waisted spotlessly delicate linen that made Sig shake his head. “What other talents do you possess?” The linen was so fine and thin he could see the darker hint of her thighs despite the petticoats she wore. The hem and bodice were thickly covered with silver embroidery and pearls. On Britannia, she’d be the perfect picture of a genteel lady heading to her country house. She’s got a lot to learn…

Meljean Brook » Blog
Diary of an Author, Day 5 – 365

meljean

13 Jan 2012 | 4:31 pm

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Woke up. Googled self. Oh my God! Shocked. Who has the power to do this to me? Am suddenly terrified. Check romance sites. Can’t believe it. Everyone has turned against me … but it’s not as if anyone outside Romancelandia really cares! Am flabbergasted. The power of those 10 real readers is astonishing! They must have minions everywhere. Well, I won’t be cowed! I won’t! Went to Starbucks to begin “Reclaim M.B.’s Google” campaign. Was immediately uneasy. Some guy reading a book glanced up at me as I walked in the…
Diary of an Author, Day 4

meljean

12 Jan 2012 | 2:45 pm

Woke up. Googled self. Found new review of latest release, but the reader spelled my name wrong – the J is not supposed to be capitalized! E-mailed publicist. Asked her to e-mail reader, force a retraction, and demand public apology. Refreshed review for an hour, waiting for correction and contrition. Finally went to Starbucks and made anonymous comment pointing out the spelling error. Sent irritated e-mail to publicist. Why do I have to do all of the freaking work around here? Looked over story notes for WIP. Can’t remember the last time I had time to write. All the promo and…
Diary of an Author, Day 3

meljean

11 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

Woke up. Googled self. No new mentions or reviews. I hate everyone. Checked Twitter. Saw an author mention they are not enjoying a recently released book. Didn’t mention the title, but I just know she is talking about my book, because I haven’t seen her mention it on her Twitter stream before this. WHY DON’T YOU GROW A PAIR AND JUST SAY IT, YOU JEALOUS COW? Went to Amazon, gave three star review to her latest book. “Thought this was only okay. Much preferred other recent releases, like M.B.’s. She rocks!” Blogging day. Scoured internet for blog topics. Used…
Diary of an Author, Day 2

meljean

10 Jan 2012 | 12:39 pm

Woke up. Googled self. Found a “new” review on the twentieth search page. Written in 2008. How did I miss before? Copied and sent to publicist, with note that there might be more coming as I search through that blog’s archives. Remembered that it’s Tweet Day. Pulled up social media guidelines. Must not put readers off by too much promo. Must mention something of shared interest. Must be friendly and open. Looked on Twitter to see frequent topics — pets, food. Spent an hour composing and editing tweet. My fluffy cat looks at me while I eat. LOL! Does yours? Plz RT…
Diary of an Author, Day 1

meljean

9 Jan 2012 | 12:54 pm

Woke up. Googled self. Found a new positive review. Sent quote on to publicist. Compiled all quotes ever received and sent to publicist. Just in case she lost the last quote. Cc’d to editor, and editor’s assistant. Bcc’d to self, in case they pretend they never received them later. I will know. Put the best 25 quotes in my e-mail signature, and the signature for all of my Yahoo loops. Opened Google reader. 1000+ review blogs to read. No mention of me or my work, except one who said “If you like M.B.’s work, you will like this new author’s work, too.”…

Beth Ciotta
Joy!

1 Jan 2012 | 10:42 am

One of my new fave pics! Cheyenne and Nia settling in for NYE. A movie, champagne (for Steve and I, not them), and cuddling on the couch. JOY!Happy 2012!
New Year Treat

30 Dec 2011 | 9:28 am

Quick reminder... Only two days left in the special promo for SCANDALOUS SPIRITS! Click here and download this humorous, sexy paranormal romance for FREE today and tomorrow. Don't own a Kindle? No worries. You can download a Kindle app to your computer or smart phone--also free! If you read, enjoyy, and crave more of the Van Buren ghosts, check out the sequel, KINDRED SPIRITS for the low price of $2.99!In other news... For my writer friends. If you're looking for a cover artist for your new indie release, please check out Elle J Rossi at EJR Digital Art! She's fabulous and…
Post Holiday Treat!

27 Dec 2011 | 9:08 am

BREAKING NEWS!One of my publishers just informed me of a special promo. From now until 12/31 Amazon is offering the e-book version of SCANDALOUS SPIRITS (my paranormal romance co-written with Cynthia Valero under CB Scott) for FREE! If you don't already own the humorous, sexy, ghostly tale, now's the time to snatch it up! Download to your Kindle or... via the (free) Kindle app, download to your computer or smart phone.Share the news and spread the love. Click here for to read more about or to download now for FREE!Marcus Van Buren's family has been a thorn in his backside since the day…
Seasons Greetings!

23 Dec 2011 | 2:50 pm

Imagine Cheyenne Singing "Silent Night" and Nia listening in wonder. Yeah. That's it. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Lida's Hot Milk Sponge Cake

16 Dec 2011 | 7:47 am

Happy Friday and behold a yummy cake (or cupcake) recipe submitted by our latest Honorary Cupcake Lover, Mary Stella! Mary (who is also a close friend and an amazing writer) said that this recipe was handed down to her by her mother (who got it from her mother, who got it from her mother!) Enjoy and spread the cupcakian love!Lida's Hot Milk Sponge Cakesubmitted by Mary Stella (Florida)4 eggs2 cups sugar2 cups flour2 tsps baking powder1/2 tsp salt1 cup milk (heated just to boiling)1 Tbl butter1 tsp vanillaBeat eggs, then add sugar and beat well together. Sift flour, baking…

Life Write Now
Across the pond

Cindy

9 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

As I said last week the boyfriend and I spent New Year’s Eve in England. We flew out Boxing Day and arrived the morning of December 27. For years I’d been hearing what was better in the UK compared to Canada. It seemed like in almost every situation (driving, watching TV, shopping, chocolate) I would hear how it was better there. Finally I got to experience it first hand. And I have to say SOME things ARE better in England than they are in Canada. So, to me, what’s better and what’s not? Better: Bookstores – Five floors of books. I was in Heaven. Television…
New year – same goals

Cindy

1 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

Happy New Year from England! The boyfriend and I are visiting the UK to see old friends, see family and do some sight seeing. Posts about England will follow later this month. This post is about my yearly goals. As usual I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted to last year. I did not submit ten short stories and one novel. Though I did submit short stories. I did not read twenty-four books. I read five. The workshop goals I always manage to do. And the movie goal is easy to accomplish as well. I watched movie 100 in England. Onto this year’s writing goals: 1. Write every day with…
Writers should not…

Cindy

23 Nov 2011 | 10:05 am

I’m not talking about cheating the reader or being predictable or having clichéd characters. No, I’m talking about what writers shouldn’t do to other writers. Especially newbie writers who don’t know any better than to take what a published writer says as gospel. Me, I don’t care. I listen to advice, use what I want and toss the rest. But I’ve been writing for a long time, belong to writing groups that share information, done the research on agents and editors, taken the workshops (countless workshops). A newbie writer is looking for guidance. A lot of new writers want to know…
John Carpenter – the early years

Cindy

7 Nov 2011 | 9:00 am

So to make my quota of movies for the year, the boyfriend picks movies for us to watch. He’s introduced me to a lot of new movies I might never have tried on my own. Some of them quite good. Some are just plain weird. We had a John Carpenter weekend this past weekend. Now, I like John Carpenter. I’ve seen a number of his movies and liked most. The first Carpenter flick up was They Live. Not a bad little movie. The acting could have been better. But overall I thought it was entertaining. I called the contacts in it before they happened. I found some of the actions of the characters…
NaNoWriMo Progress

Cindy

2 Nov 2011 | 10:00 am

As promised here’s the progress post. I wish I could say I had a stellar first day. Sadly, I did what I usually do, what I do best. Procrastinate. I had dinner with my writing group but got home in plenty of time to get lots of words in. But then I had to unwind, chat with the boyfriend, hug the cats. I did get in 1688 words before going to bed. I forced myself to write to at least the minimum. I wanted to give up at 1029 words, rationalizing that it was good enough on the first day. It was ten to midnight, I was tired. I decided that if I let myself slack off on the first day it would…

Dawn Chartier's Blog ~ Lagniappe for Readers and Writers
Diamond Diva's over at The Book Boost today!

26 Jan 2012 | 5:27 pm

I totally forgot I'm over at The Book Boost today giving away the second (and last) Tivoli Heart Necklace (see pics of necklace on my older posts).If you want to win, check out The Book Boost rules. (I'm chatting about the Golden Globe, but really more about the dresses.)Good luck! And if you win, Diamonds (the ebook), please let me know what you think. I'm always happy to hear from my readers. Good luck everyone!Hugs,DawnDawn Chartier Not An Angel, May 12, 2010 www.thewildrosepress.com www.dawnchartier.com
Winners Announced for the Tivoli Heart Necklace and Ebook....

19 Jan 2012 | 1:02 pm

NOTICE::::MY GUEST POST ON THE BOOKBOOST BLOGSPOT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. I'll let you know when my post is up for your 2nd chance at the necklace and ebook. Sorry for the delay....-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------First, I want to thank everyone for swinging by my DIAMONDS Release Party and wishing me well. It truly means a lot! "Thank ya. Thank ya. Thank ya." Second, if you haven't read my comments on some of the posts below, Not An Angel is up on Amazon for FREE, today only. Go grab your copy if you like Paranormal Romance.Third, if…
Diamonds Release Party ~ Win a Tivoli Heart Necklace or free ebook!

18 Jan 2012 | 6:56 am

I'm so excited! Break out the Bailey's and Beignets! (or whatever you enjoy).My second novella, Diamonds (1st novella in the Stiletto Millionaire Club Series) was released today and I want to celebrate with a gift for two people who leave a meaningful comment. Because the story is about Holly and her diamond necklace, the first prize is a Tivoli Heart Necklace and the second prize is a free copy of my novella, Diamonds. Good luck. Check back tomorrow to see who won.(Isn't the locket cute!)Blurb for Diamonds:Self-made millionaire Holly Charleston has come a long way since her homeless days.
Latest Reviews, Interviews and Blogs spots I visited....

16 Jan 2012 | 10:37 pm

This last week was insane. Seriously. I couldn't keep up with the reviews, interviews and guest blog spots. So instead of sending out a bunch of posts I decided to post it all in one blog.Below are a few places where Not An Angel was in the spotlight.Jan 12th - Interview - www.bookbagsandcatnaps.comJan 12th - Review and Interview - www.placeofreeds.blogspot.comJan 13th - Guest Blog - www.gnbstacks.blogspot.comJan 14th - Guest Blog and Review - www.roroisreading.blogspot.comJan 14th - Review - www.toreadperchancetodream.blogspot.comJan 15th - Review -…
New Review in for Not An Angel from Place Of Reeds...

12 Jan 2012 | 2:58 pm

My latest review from Place of Reeds by Cana. (Thank you, Cana!)My rating: 4 of 5 starsLife hasn’t been easy for Kira. After loosing her husband and child, and her brother-in-law going psycho-obsessive, she finds herself on the edge of a bridge in an attempt to end her life. Trace, a Poryria Vampire Guardian, was not expecting to save a woman, let alone not being able to leave her side. He struggles with the darkness of his past, and the potential darkness of his future. It is only when they both accept their bond with each other and face the darkness together that they can win the battle,…

Dee Carney
Wednesday’s Words: Romance Authors Who Cook~

deecarney

25 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

RomanceCooks.com. Have you heard of it yet? No? Well let me tell you a little about my brain child because it’s a week away from launching. Quite frequently on Twitter, people will mention some great new recipe they’ve tried or post pictures of something they’ve just cooked or baked. The result is a number of followers asking for a recipe. Those with a web site will post it on their blog, and others will simply post the recipe to Twitter. It struck me that what better way to promo ourselves, our recipes and our books than to combine them all in one place? So in a stroke of…
Six Sentence Sunday

deecarney

22 Jan 2012 | 6:26 am

#sixsunday is succumbing to a lover’s ardor in my vampire romance, PASSION AROUSED. (Yeah, I’m thinking that name is going to be changing soon. Stay tuned.) This is from the same scene as last week. “I’ve changed my mind. You’re going to kill me,” she complained. Her eyes were unfocused, her breathy statement almost unintelligible. He ran his lips over the sensitive skin of her thighs. Alice twisted beneath his scorching touch, almost as if he branded her with his mouth, a moan spilling from her in approval. “Would it be such a horrible way to die?” For more authors…
Six Sentence Sunday

deecarney

15 Jan 2012 | 6:45 am

#sixsunday is telling him he’d better keep going. 40K in and Sebastian and Alice have *finally* put an end to their suffering. Bast clenched his jaw, fighting for control of his body. He tried to distract himself. “I would stop if you asked me, Alice. It would kill me but I would stop.” She lifted her head and gifted him with a wry smile. “Stop and I’ll be the one to kill you.” For more authors who don’t usually threaten to kill you, please visit the official Six Sentence Sunday site here.
Six Sentence Sunday

deecarney

8 Jan 2012 | 6:15 am

#sixsunday is a tortured hero being…well, tortured. PASSION AROUSED is just past the halfway mark and things are getting dire. Growling, he pushed up. Demanded his body to heed the command to rise. There was a split-second of victory, when he was certain he could move without collapsing again. But as he looked toward the back door, figuring it would only take half a dozen steps to make it inside, his vision narrowed. And pain exploded down his back. Bast screamed, unable to hold back the cry of being tortured by a body that was no longer under his control. For more authors, most of whom…
Six Sentence Sunday

deecarney

1 Jan 2012 | 6:30 am

#sixsunday is trying to forget what shouldn’t be remembered. I know what poor Sebastian’s going through having been through a miserable year. So glad to see 2011 gone! I’m looking forward to a fantastic year in 2012. I hope you are too. Walking with the silken grace he’d adopted after becoming a warrior, he changed direction to go to the kitchen. There was a disquiet within him and perhaps a good old fashioned snack of cookies and milk would help calm what ailed him. Of course, it didn’t take a psychiatrist to tell him that the munchies had little to do with food or even…

Diane Craver's Blog
Welcome, Author Celia Yeary!

Diane

27 Jan 2012 | 7:10 am

Today I’m excited to feature Texan Celia Yeary! An accomplished author, Celia is sharing a blurb, excerpt and review of her book , “The Stars at Night” with us. Thank you for visiting, Celia, and welcome! If you leave a comment on Celia’s post, your name will be entered to win an ebook. The winner gets to choose one of the following ebooks: Celia’s THE STARS AT NIGHT, Regina’s PRAISE OF THE HEART, OR K.Dawn’s THE SECRETS OF THE LOVE LETTERS. CONTEST ENDS: FEBRUARY 3rd! Be sure to come back on Monday to learn more about another featured January author - Regina…
Chance to win one of 3 fantastic ebooks!

Diane

25 Jan 2012 | 9:05 am
Welcome, Author K.Dawn Byrd!

Diane

23 Jan 2012 | 5:50 am

Joining me today is fellow Desert Breeze author K.Dawn Byrd to talk about her new book, The Secret of the Love Letters. K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense with five books published so far. Recently, she tried her hand at young adult fiction and found that she really enjoyed writing it. Three books in the Zoe Mack Mystery Series are scheduled to release January, June, and December 2012. Shattered Identity, the sequel to Mistaken Identity, will release in April. K. Dawn Byrd is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at…
Today’s Wish!

Diane

20 Jan 2012 | 4:41 pm

It is cold here in Ohio. It was 16 degrees when I got up early this morning but the chill factor was only zero! Tom drove the girls to the end of our driveway to wait for their buses. Before he was retired, I used to do this on cold or rainy mornings for our kids. It’s nice to have him helping out - both daughters with special needs are NOT morning people. I know our electric bill will be high for January. I’m cold even though I’m wearing a heavy rose-colored top with jeans. I have the temperature set at 67 degrees during the day. Okay, here is my wish for today. I’d…
MARRYING MALLORY is on SALE!

Diane

18 Jan 2012 | 7:35 am

My inspirational romance, MARRYING MALLORY,is on sale on Christianbook. com for $3.99. Click here to buy. It was voted BOOK OF THE WEEK for the LASR WEEKLY POLL! BLURB: Is Mallory Harrington jinxed because her name means luckless? Things have gone wrong for Mallory since she was a small child. All she ever wanted was to have a complete family and live happily ever after. It appears she has it all when she marries Toby Harrington and they have a son. Unfortunately, their marriage ends when Toby has an affair with his law partner. After their divorce, Mallory feels guilt that she couldn’t…

Mina Carter
Some Etopia covers

Mina Carter

11 Jan 2012 | 2:46 pm
More Summerhouse…

Mina Carter

11 Jan 2012 | 4:45 am
A few covers for Summerhouse Publishing

Mina Carter

11 Jan 2012 | 4:42 am
Available now: Between a Rock and a Hard Place…

Mina Carter

24 Dec 2011 | 10:00 am

There's nothing like a bit of Gargoyle lovin'... Unless it's double the lovin' Iliona is used to dealing with all kinds of paranormals thanks to her job with the Paranormal Protection Agency. Even so, an office break in by a banshee nearly has her heading for the pearly gates, and she needs a little 'me time' with her live-in, live on the building lover, a gargoyle named Cal. But Cal's got some plans of his own. Plans that involve Iliona, a candle-lit room and some up close and personal time with himself and his 'twin' Granite. Two sets of hands, two ridged tongues, two hot bodies...Being…
And for tonight…

Mina Carter

4 Nov 2011 | 1:35 am

see more Lol Celebs

Space Snark™ A blog by Rowena Cherry
Sword Master Bob Anderson has passed.

3 Jan 2012 | 7:14 am

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/02/bob-anderson-dead-sword-master-darth-vader_n_1179324.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl2|sec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D124264
Mating Net: First Chapter read aloud

14 Dec 2011 | 2:43 pm
Politicians (Wyden, Issa) and the Press (CNBC) Protect Piracy

10 Dec 2011 | 11:05 am

An hour ago, Barnes and Noble emailed me (I subscribe) to let me know that Patricia Cornwell's latest book is now available for NOOK, presumably as of today, for $14.99. Red Mist (KayScarpetta Series #19)by Patricia Cornwell$14.99 NOOK Price This surprised me, because four days ago, December 6th, one of the most unscrupulous pirates I follow (who is allegedly funded and supported by Filesonic.com, by Google, by Yahoo, and by SocialGo, and by corporate advertising) notified me that Red Mist is available free to their VIP subscribers who pay something around $10 for…
You'd Think EBay Would Smell A Rat

17 May 2011 | 7:54 am

But no...200000 EBOOKS for Ipod laptop Kindle Ipad reader DVD !! | eBayhttp://cgi.ebay.com/200000-EBOOKS-Ipod-laptop-Kindle-Ipad-reader-DVD-/110686519556?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19c56e4104Do not believe this:"ALL BOOKS ARE PUBLIC DOMAINED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE GNU AND THERE IS NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT"Why doesn't eBay notice this contradictory claim?INCLUDES BEST SELLERS AND LEADING AUTHORS !EBay obliges would-be sellers to publish lies.... if they are determined to sell ebooks. Check the contents listed below. You can see that many of the books are most certainly NOT in the…
New Copyright Bill Targets ISPs, Search Engines | PCWorld Business Center

15 May 2011 | 7:57 am

New Copyright Bill Targets ISPs, Search Engines | PCWorld Business CenterNow, to find out how to get a court order!

Laurie Laudanum
"Weigh in" on Paula Deen's Type 2 Diabetes announcement

19 Jan 2012 | 1:37 pm

A blog post appearing on Twitter this afternoon has prompted me to post on this topic as well. I loved Paula Deen to bits when she first came on the "cooking" scene. We've even been to her restaurant a couple of times and I wanted so badly to someday get to go to her live audience show. She began to lose appeal once she attained fame and fortune and became shrouded in a falseness that I did/do not enjoy. Her belly laughs became cackles and calling her guests, including her sons by their names or son every single time she speaks to them was also grating. Now I have another, more…
RGINA HART WINNER!

14 Jan 2012 | 7:51 am

Sorry I'm late again, ladies, but this time my internet connection is to blame. We had cable/internet issues all evening and I finally gave up. The winner of the Kindle copy of FAST BREAK is Lynda! Lynda, please email me at ljodamron@gmail.com with the email address I should use for your ebook!Thanks to everyone for your interest. I truly hope you'll get your hands on Regina/Patricia's books - I promise you won't be disappointed.Have a great weekend and if you're in a cold weather area like I am, stay warm and be careful on those snow covered roads!Laurie
Brand spankin' new from Regina Hart - SMOOTH PLAY! Check out the giveaway!

8 Jan 2012 | 7:56 pm

The second release in Regina Hart's Brooklyn Monarchs series is now available and I'm suggesting that you run, don't walk, to get your hands on a copy. This series had an excellent beginning with FAST BREAK and will continue with a third release, although I don't recall the title or proposed release date.About SMOOTH PLAY:A passion for the game is what it takes to win. But off the court, it takes a different kind of savvy to heat things up. . . He's part problem-solver and dream-maker. There's not a crisis he can't avert. And handling the NBA's most explosive team has put PR…
Happy New Year!

31 Dec 2011 | 7:00 pm

Happy New Year, ladies! I hope you're all blessed with a healthy, happy New Year! Please be careful if you're out and about - make sure you have a designated driver! We're going to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets game at Nationwide Arena, so I know we'll have a good time. I wish they were having a better season, but no fair weather fans here - we love them anyway! Laurie
New Years Eve, 1951

30 Dec 2011 | 10:06 pm

Those of you on Facebook already saw this pic, but I wanted to share it here too. This has long been one of my favorite photos. These are my parents on December 31, 1951, the night they were engaged. They married on December 27, 1952. My father died at 49 in 1978, cutting short one of the most perfect marriages ever. My mother is almost 82 and still alone after all these years.I know that there isn't a New Year's Eve that my mother doesn't reminisce about that special day in 1951.I hope you all have a great celebration of the incoming new year!

Lori Devoti, Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy Author
Another Winner in 30 Days of Vampires!

Lori

27 Jan 2012 | 12:17 pm

I knew this would happen. I knew somehow I would miss a giveaway! Don’t you all know you need to watch me? Anyway, late, but still great….LadyVampire has won a copy of one of Sharon Ashwood’s Dark Forgotten books. Congrats to LadyVampire and thanks to Sharon Ashwood for keeping me honest!
Monthly Contests starting now!

Lori

8 Jan 2012 | 10:57 am

Starting this month, January 2012, I’m restarting my monthly contests. Each month I will give away a book to a reader who has filled out the form on this page (subscribes you to newsletter). I have three months worth of prizes listed so far starting with the House of Whispers: Book One Of The Supernatural Properties Series by Margaret Lucke. Claire Scanlan is launching a new career in real estate and has a chance to sell a spectacular oceanview home designed by a world-renowned architect. But the home has a problem that frightens off buyers – it was the site of a vicious mass…
30 Days of Vampires Dec. 2011: The Winners!!

Lori

5 Jan 2012 | 11:01 am

Thanks to everyone who blogged, read and played along during this 30 Days of Vampires event. I had a blast reading everyone’s comments. I hope you had as much fun too. Now for the winners! Everyone should have been sent an email, but if you haven’t been notified and see your name listed below, drop me a note and I will get things sorted out. Also, if I missed a prize, let me know. There were a lot and I may have lost track during the crazy month that was December here. Note: For daily prizes you had to comment on that day. For grand prize there just had to be a comment sometime…
30 Days of Vampires: Happy New Year & Last Chance to Win!

Lori

1 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

First…. Hope everyone had a safe and fabulous New Year’s Eve and is now in their jammies eating black eyed peas or taking part in whatever tradition you have for New Year’s Day. Second, this is your last chance to get in all those comments for 30 Days of Vampires and try for the win of either one of the daily prizes or the $100 gift card grand prize. So while you are sitting home eating those black eyed peas, visit the posts you missed and comment! All comments must be made by January 3rd to count. Direct link to all the 30 Days of Vampires fun!
30 Days of Vampires: Romantic Predator

Lori

31 Dec 2011 | 8:00 am

Welcome to 30 Days of Vampires 2011. Stop by every day in December for a new post on vampires and a chance to win a $100 gift card from the bookstore of your choice. (gift card must be available for Lori to purchase/send with reasonable shipping) Also watch for numerous daily prizes offered by the individual authors. (some restrictions may apply) To enter just comment! One comment per post will be counted. So stop by every day! Comments must be posted by January 3, 2012 Linda Robertson writes the Persephone Alcmedi series for Pocket/Juno books, the fifth book was released just a few days ago,…

Delilah Devlin » Blog
One last poll–come on, tell me what you want!

Delilah

26 Jan 2012 | 7:50 am

You have spoken. My series of erotic shorts for Kindle will center around the hotties in a firehouse! Looks like I have some research to do! And I’ll be back for help with a series title. How do you like the title “Drinking from a Long Hose” for the first installment? Too crass? Makes me smile! In the meantime, help me choose my first long project for Kindle. This time, you get just one choice! Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
Guest Blogger: Jenna Bayley-Burke (Contest)

Delilah

25 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

Remember! The Three Signed Books Contest continues. Find the details here! ~DD * * * * * The Reading Rush My Mommy Wine Club friends think I must read very fast. It’s funny for me because to my online circle of avid romance readers a book a week is a crawling pace. It’s all about perspective. I learned to speed read in high school, and it did make college textbooks easier to plow through. I still like the technique for non-fiction, but I like to enjoy my novels. I like to read them slow, chapter by chapter, a small sip of loveliness before I fall asleep each night. Which, as any romance…
Tell me what you want…

Delilah

24 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

I’m currently busy finishing up stories I’ve already committed to write, but I’m also makin’ plans for what’s next. Yes, more Lone Star Lovers and even a new My Immortal Knight are in the near future, but I’d also love to write a continuing series of short erotic stories—fast lunchbreak reads—that I could put up on Kindle in a hurry when you get hungry for a quickie. I have ideas, but would like for you to tell me what you’d love most. These may or may not be romances and would definitely lean more toward erotica. Don’t worry, I have…
Guest Blogger: Kari Thomas

Delilah

23 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

Kari Thomas Interviews a Dragon! Since the Dec. 7, 2011 release of my latest book, SURRENDER HER TOUCH, I have had so many Readers write me and ask that I do MORE Dragon Shapeshifter stories. Writing Slade Stryker’s story was my first foray into the fascinating world of Dragons, and now I have this sneaky suspicion it won’t be the last time. As I was sitting at my desk contemplating this, in walked my sexy Alpha Hero. Or should I say, he “stalked” into my office. Dragon shifters seem to stalk everywhere, as though anyone or anything in their path is prey. It must be…
Sunday Report Card

Delilah

22 Jan 2012 | 10:16 am

Let me get a couple of announcements out of the way, then I’ll get to business! This is one of my New Year’s rezzies, so put up with it already! * * * * * Last Day to Get It Free! It looks like folks are finding the story. As of this morning, there had been 2500 free downloads in the States, and more in England and Germany. The point was to: 1) reward my loyal readers, and 2) perhaps, pick up some new readers—if they liked what they read. Tonight at midnight, the offer goes away and the price will go back up to $2.99. I’d like for it to finish strong so that when it…

HelenKay Dimon
Saturday Snippet

HelenKay

28 Jan 2012 | 6:15 am

Today is an author’s choice day. I’m thinking it’s a good time to talk about some Navy SEALs. By now you know I wrote a short story for the charity anthology SEAL OF MY DREAMS. I love this book. I love that the authors and everyone at the publisher dedicated their time. I love that we raised (and continue to raise) money for veterans. And I love this hero… Hal guided her through the room to the far hallway. Gun up and ready to pounce, he planned to get them out through the kitchen and through a planned zigzag of small homes and dirt alleys. He had to take care of a few…
And We Have A Cover

HelenKay

27 Jan 2012 | 6:50 am

I just got a slick cover and some cool cover copy for my May Intrigue – yay!: SHE WANTED TO TRUST HIM WITH HER SAFETY—BUT NOT WITH HER HEART… No woman could deny the appeal of the sexy deputy sheriff Jonas Porter. But to Courtney Allen, Jonas has one major flaw— his badge. Years ago, Courtney’s father was wrongfully convicted of a crime and she vowed to never trust a cop again. But when Jonas becomes the only man to believe in her father’s innocence, Courtney begins seeing the brooding lawman in a whole new way. Jonas knows in his gut that the real killer is still out there…
The Other Blog

HelenKay

26 Jan 2012 | 1:26 pm

Blogging at Genreality today. Come over and say hello. And, for the record, I’ll be blogging at Genreality on Thursdays from now on.
Saturday Snippet

HelenKay

21 Jan 2012 | 6:13 am

The theme today is friends. This is a component in every book I write. I love creating these relationships and dealing with the connections we make as we go through life. The book that popped into my head when I saw this week’s topic was IMPULSIVE. This is one of my Hawaii-based romances. The cover should give you a little warmth inspiration during the cold winter months. Check it out… “You look like shit.” Seth Freeman delivered his assessment with a huge smile as he plopped in the small black chair across from Eric. The same seat designed more to keep visitors off…
Over There!

HelenKay

19 Jan 2012 | 11:05 am

I’m blogging at Genreality today about having some career and writing perspective in 2012. Come say hello.

Kate Davies Blogs!
Inspiration Friday - Damian Lewis

20 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

I've been a fan of Damian Lewis since Band of Brothers. Ain't he inspirational?
Stop SOPA

18 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

Missing Wikipedia today? Or Reddit, I Can Haz Cheezburger, or Mozilla? They've gone dark to protest the Internet piracy bills under consideration by the US congress, SOPA and PIPA. These bills attempt to stop piracy, but are so broad and poorly-written they're like trying to kill a mosquito with a Howitzer. I stand with the many, many interested parties who are working to stop these bills from becoming law. Find out more here.
Winner! Winner!

11 Jan 2012 | 12:58 am

To celebrate the print release of Take A Chance On Me, I've held a couple of contests lately, and it's time to announce the winners!First, the winner from the Nine Naughty Novelists blog isRISSA!And the winner from my mini-blog-hop last week commented on Carrie Ann Ryan's blog. Congrats to GENA ROBERTSON!Just send me your address at kate AT kate-davies DOT com, and I'll send the signed print copy as soon as possible!If you didn't win, thanks for entering - and if you'd like a romance trading card for Take A Chance On Me, send your addy to the same email and I'll send it your…
Book BIN Tuesday - Bonds of Earth

10 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

You met GN Chevalier yesterday - now here's her debut book, out now! In 1918, Michael McCready returned from the war with one goal: to lose himself in the pursuit of pleasure. Once a promising young medical student, Michael buried his dreams alongside the broken bodies of the men he could not save. After fleeing New York to preserve the one relationship he still values, he takes a position as a gardener on a country estate, but he soon discovers that the house hides secrets and sorrows of its own. While Michael nurses the estate’s neglected gardens, his reclusive employer dredges up…
Meet The Author Monday - GN Chevalier

9 Jan 2012 | 4:00 am

NAME: G N ChevalierBLOG: http://gn-chevalier.dreamwidth.org/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/#!/gnchevalierTITLE OF FIRST BOOK: Bonds of EarthRELEASE DATE: January 9th FAVORITE WRITING STORY/SAYING/MEMORY: Ithink it would have to be the first time I finished writing a scene andrealized I wasn't entirely sure where all the dialogue had come from. I don'thave a supernatural theory of writing, but it certainly does feel like thecharacters are taking over your brain now and then. Interestingly, those linesof dialogue are usually the ones that people quote back to me as theirfavourites, so…

Margaret Daley
Heroine Interview from Deception by Lillian Duncan

Margaret Daley

27 Jan 2012 | 1:41 am

This week I’m hosting Staci Stallings with If You Believed in Love, Daniel Darling with iFaith, Lisa Grace with Angel in the Shadows, and Lillian Duncan with Deception. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (January 29th) evening. Heroine Interview from Deception…
Heroine Interview from Angel in the Shadows by Lisa Grace

Margaret Daley

26 Jan 2012 | 2:03 am

This week I’m hosting Staci Stallings with If You Believed in Love, Daniel Darling with iFaith, Lisa Grace with Angel in the Shadows, and Lillian Duncan with Deception. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (January 29th) evening. Heroine Interview from Angel in…
Interview with Daniel Darling

Margaret Daley

25 Jan 2012 | 1:45 am

This week I’m hosting Staci Stallings with If You Believed in Love, Daniel Darling with iFaith, Lisa Grace with Angel in the Shadows, and Lillian Duncan with Deception. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (January 29th) evening. Interview for Daniel Dalring: 1. …
Heroine Interview from If You Believed in Love

Margaret Daley

24 Jan 2012 | 1:44 am

This week I’m hosting Staci Stallings with If You Believed in Love, Daniel Darling with iFaith, Lisa Grace with Angel in the Shadows, and Lillian Duncan with Deception. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter you without an email address (my way to contact you if you win). If you don’t want to leave an email address, another way you can enter is to email me at margaretdaley@gmail.com. The drawings end Sunday (January 29th) evening. A Brother’s Struggle, A…
This week Staci Stallings, Daniel Darling, Lisa Grace and Lillian Duncan

Margaret Daley

23 Jan 2012 | 1:27 am

Congratulations to Shirley for winning Lynette Sowell’s Cherry Blossom Capers, to Mary for winning Ronie Kendig’s Firethorn, to Karen for winning Ada Brownell’s Swallowed by Life and to Glenda for winning Grace Fox’s Moving from Fear to Freedom. This week I’m hosting Staci Stallings with If You Believed in Love, Daniel Darling with iFaith, Lisa Grace with Angel in the Shadows, and Lillian Duncan with Deception. If you want to enter the drawings for the books, please leave a comment on one of the post during the week with your email address. I will not enter…

Monique DeVere
So Near And Yet So Far!

25 Jan 2012 | 5:32 am

Have you ever felt the devil is out to get you? I have to say I've been under this impression for some time now. Talk about distractions and discouragements. At the end of December I decided that since Meg's chemotherapy was scheduled to finish at the end of this month I would get January out of the way then work till I sweat to get stories and scripts out this year. Then Meg caught a cold in December which weakened her already weak immune system and she ended up in hospital with Pneumocystis Carinii pneumonia. We only just got out of hospital. Praise God she's almost back to normal, but for…
Just Getting Out The Duster

12 Dec 2011 | 4:00 pm

I can see cobwebs growing over the door and in all the corners of my blog! So I thought I'd get out the duster and do a little dusting.It's been a hard two and a bit years where I saw my world come to a horrifying standstill. On one hand, it feels as though Meg was diagnosed with Leukaemia only yesterday, and on the other, it feels like a lifetime ago. I guess you can say it's been a lifetime. Everything--life!--as we knew it imploded that October just over two years ago. And now finally we are at the end. In approximately eight weeks Meg is scheduled to finish her chemotherapy, praise…
When You Can't Please Everyone

24 Oct 2011 | 4:52 pm

I have a confession. I've been sitting on my hands for a few months now. Yes,I've been writing, but not as much as perhaps I ought to be. I get so far, putthe story aside, and start another one.After writing several half stories I had to ask myself what gives? Then itfinally came to me. Each day I begin my writing day with one glaring thought—I'mnot good enough. I mean I can't please every reader, so that must mean I'mreally not that good, right? Sure, lots of readers love my stories, but I still lacktotal faith in my talent—much like every other author out there.Recently I started…
The Scary Beast Called Book Marketing

8 Oct 2011 | 4:27 am

With four months to go until my little girl is finally finished chemo I findmyself looking at my writing career once again. It was in 2009 that Meg wasdiagnosed with Leukaemia. Needless to say the diagnosis totally turned mypriorities on its head. Before that, I had a great plan--which fell by thewayside for the last two years. Now I can see light at the end of the long chemotherapy tunnel I realiselife will soon return to normal...what's that again? Before I know it, she'll returnto school fulltime and back to her independent self which will leave me free toget some serious work out into the…
If It's Good Enough For Films, It's Good Enough For Books!

5 Sep 2011 | 8:54 am

Recently I found myself appalled by the stuff that's making it onto the book market. There are certain things I don't want to read. I'm not speaking of genre--we all have our preferences--I'm speaking of language. For many years I stuck closely to Harlequin Mills & Book Modern Romance because I knew when I picked up one of those romance novels, I was assured a clean read. I loved the sexual tension, banter, emotion, characters etc and I knew I could relax and simply enjoy because I felt assured I wouldn't encounter my absolute pet hates--the use of the F word or having to read…

Indulge Yourself
My Kids are Backwards

27 Jan 2012 | 3:43 pm

I'm sure all families are different, but there's an expectation that siblings fight a lot until one of them gets too big. Usually it's when the younger one gets big enough to hurt the older one back. (With me and my brother, it stopped when I tried to hit him with a garlic press, missed and hit my hand instead, and cut myself. I was so shocked at my capacity for violence I made sure it never got physical again.)My kids have never fought. Two girls, 3 years and 8 months apart, you'd think they would have. Number One should have been overly annoyed by Number Two, who was certainly crafty enough…
My Daring Escape, Hero Wars, and Okay, Yeah, More Football

25 Jan 2012 | 6:51 pm

I don't know how much time I have. I've just escaped from the dark, terrifying world of Mary Kay, and I it may be only moments before I am dragged back in, kicking and screaming.Okay, that's an exaggeration. I did spend last evening, and a previous Tuesday evening, tortured with MK propaganda as a trade-off for a free eye makeup training seminar. Our consultant is one of my coworkers at my day job, and she's cool. We were with cool people. And we got free eyelash curlers. Which I have never in my life used. But that's beside the point. I bought the skin care products and totally fell in love…
My iPod is Ruining My Life

31 Dec 2011 | 3:48 pm

I know. I've been complaining for six months (exactly) about my old iPod (Remington) being stolen, and how awful it is to have to listen to the radio. My long-suffering husband is now reunited with the iPod Classic he let me use for months, and I have a fantastic new iPod Touch.It's too fantastic.I can't put the damned thing down! The first night, I just kept checking Twitter. Then Facebook. Then mail. Then playing Angry Birds. When I forced myself away from Angry Birds, I had to do one more check of e-mail. Then Twitter. Then Facebook. Then Twitter again. Okay, maybe I'd play more Angry…
Birthday and Christmas Highlights

26 Dec 2011 | 8:10 pm

I've been meaning to post ever since Friday, but I've been held hostage. By, yes, Angry Birds.My big birthday gift was an iPod Touch to replace the iPod that was stolen in NY in June and so my husband could have his iPod back. I love the damned thing so much. I keep going back and forth between e-mail and Twitter and Facebook and the Patriots app and Angry Birds. I spent much of Christmas day troubleshooting my in-laws wireless network so we could all connect to it. (And much of the rest of it getting my father-in-law started with the Kindle he didn't want. He likes it, though!)I did go get…
I Would Take a Breath if it Didn't Hurt So Much

22 Dec 2011 | 10:52 am

I don't know if I slept funny, or if it's from all the cleaning and hauling and everything, but my back is killing me.Luckily, I work for a chiropractor.Unluckily, I can't get adjusted until Tuesday, and that will be iffy. We're closed on Thursdays, tomorrow I'm off because it's my birthday, then the weekend, we're closed for the holiday on Monday, so Tuesday will be the busiest Tuesday EVAR, and I don't like to ask for an adjustment when the docs are that busy. So it will just have to resolve itself.Anyway. I have cleaned the entire upstairs (except the bedrooms). I've done the dishes and…

Nell Dixon - Romance writer
Fabby Friday!

27 Jan 2012 | 2:23 am

Brief Encounters is now just 99p on AMAZON for a short time. So if you haven't got a copy of our collection of short stories, two by me, two from Phillipa Ashley and two from Elizabeth Hanbury, then go get a copy! It's also available as a paperback - the perfect birthday, valentines or mothers day gift.The other reason it's a fabby Friday is Elizabeth Hanbury, my friend and fellow coffee crew member has sold her book, A Bright Particular Star to Astraea Press. Four publishers wanted to buy and having read the book I can understand why. It's a gorgeous regency romp with a delicious hero and a…
January blues

21 Jan 2012 | 2:48 am

It's that time of year when everyone gets the blues. Bills are in, money is short. All the work that didn't get done in December hits your desk and it's cold. But, on the upside, the days are getting lighter, snowdrops are open in my garden, PLR (Thats a small sum of money paid by govt to compensate for library loaning) has been announced and the holiday brochures are out.I'm planning to crack on with Radio Gaga to get this last 10k done - I always procrastinate at the end of a single title. Then, I need to polish and submit my Easter short. I got a nice surprise to find A Cornish Christmas…
Writing

13 Jan 2012 | 7:17 am

I thought I'd better give you all an update on where I am with my writing since New Year! I've almost half a brand new short and sweet story done which I hope will be right for Astraea Press. It's another New Bay set story so a couple of previous characters step in and out of the pages but the focus is on the outskirts of the town on a farm. It has a very lovely farmer called Noah and a city girl turned reluctant camper called Posy. Poor Noah is being tugged in all directions thanks to his matchmaking sister, Emma.I've just 10kish left to go on Radio Gaga so that should be wrapped up in the…
Chugging along

7 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

Eldest, middle and youngestIt's too early in the New year for me to think about the usual goals for the year. I never attempt my getting fitter, maintaining/losing weight until the middle of the month. That gives time for the goodies to go and life to settle down. This year is extra slow as my eldest belle will be 18 on Wednesday! I can't quite believe the years have gone by so swiftly. She arrived by C section on a cold January day - overdue and breech, her hips stuck firmly in my pelvis so her hips were dislocated. She spent the first six months of her life encased in double nappies and a…
Guest Blogger - Julie Day

2 Jan 2012 | 3:28 am

I'm thrilled to be kicking off the New Year by introducing my lovely friend, Julie Day, author of young adult book The Railway Angel. Julie is a fellow RNA member and writes romance and young adult. She kindly agreed to be interviewed and to tell us a bit about her new book.Julie, how did you become a novelist?I became a novelist following recurring dreams in the night. This dream stayed in my mind during the day, and I realised the only way to get it out of my head was to write it down. Once I started writing, that was it. Ideas and more ideas came. That was over 10 years ago now.Tell us…

Cynthia Eden
Katie Reus Has An Alpha Instinct (and a Giveaway!)

Cynthia Eden

27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

Time for some guest author fun!! My writing buddy Katie Reus is joining me today (welcome to the blog, Katie!). Katie writes some great romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels–she’s also a great ghost hunter, too (but that’s another story). Katie’s all set to launch a new series with the upcoming release of ALPHA INSTINCT, and, today, one lucky commenter will win that great book! Thank you so much to Cynthia for having me here today! Alpha Instinct, the first book in my new paranormal series from Signet Eclipse is releasing in about a week and a half! I…
BOUND IN SIN–Available for the Nook

Cynthia Eden

16 Jan 2012 | 12:08 pm

Just a quick post to announce that BOUND IN SIN is available for the Nook (the novella is priced at .99). I want to thank everyone who has already helped me to spread the word about the Nook availability–thank you! I love writing these werewolf and vampire pairings, and I sure hope readers have been enjoying them, too. I’m going to be back soon to post some book news (what’s coming in 2012?), so please, stay tuned. Have a great Monday. (Can’t leave without shaving one of my favorite Martin Luther King, Jr., quotes: ‎”…only when it is dark enough, can…
Adventures in Publishing with Fran Fisher (And Giveaway!)

Cynthia Eden

12 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

Update: The winner of FOREVER, MY LOVE is…Moundsbar! Congrats!! I love it when guest authors come to visit. And today, I’m very excited to have my friend Fran Fisher as my guest. Fran is a fabulous lady and one extremely hard-working writer. Thanks for coming over, Fran! I want to thank Cynthia for allowing me to visit her blog today to talk about my new adventure in publishing. Since 2006 I’ve written for Avalon books under my real name Fran McNabb. My fourth book with them will be released by them in June 2012. Last month I took my first step away from publishing sweet…
ANGEL OF DARKNESS–German Sale

admin

7 Jan 2012 | 8:48 am

My lovely editor has let me know that ANGEL OF DARKNESS just sold to Germany. Yay!
BOUND IN SIN–Free until 1/13/2012

Cynthia Eden

3 Jan 2012 | 8:25 am

Happy New Year!!! I hope you enjoyed a great holiday, and, as we begin 2012, I wanted to start by offering a free novella to readers. I receive so much incredible reader support, and I just want to say thank you for that support. Thank you for reading my books. For talking about my characters. For sending me so many great emails, tweets, and Facebook messages. Thank you!!! And, as my way of saying thanks, I am offering my latest paranormal novella, BOUND IN SIN, as a free read until 1/13/2012. Blurb: What’s the price of sin? Human Paige Sloan once loved werewolf Drake Wyler more than…

Bonnie Ferguson Writer
Spontaneous Haiku XII (New Year’s Edition)

Bonnie

1 Jan 2012 | 12:24 am

When the clock strikes twelve A new year is ushered forth And so it begins ~by Bonnie Ferguson
Season’s Greetings

Bonnie

23 Dec 2011 | 6:46 am

Christmas Graphics Plus
Quack Quack

Bonnie

18 Dec 2011 | 8:19 am

File this under things that don’t happen everyday. Yesterday afternoon, when I took the woofie for a walk, we were strolling along, the dog sniffing the dusting of snow that had fallen, when we crossed the street. Nothing unusual in that. What happened after, well. . . So, we get to the other sidewalk, when from the shrubs, which aren’t very big, something flies out at us. It started quacking immediately, waddling down the sidewalk, talking away. Seagulls, yes we’ve got them, ravens too, along with many other types of birds. But ducks? Nope. Bemused, we followed along…
Yuletide Limerick

Bonnie

10 Dec 2011 | 6:04 pm

“Oh no,” said a sad Christmas tree, “An ornament has fallen off me. But there’s no need to feel blue, I’ll fix it with glue, And a merry time it will be.” ~by Bonnie Ferguson
Holiday Frosted Sugar Cookies

Bonnie

6 Dec 2011 | 12:21 pm

I tasted a delectable treat on the weekend in the form of holiday frosted sugar cookies. They came in a candy cane shaped container, and had either pink or white frosting, complete with sprinkles on top. Now, I love me some sprinkles, but the entire cookie was sweetness and joy. It was a major nomfest.

Lilli Feisty
My Top Ten Books!

Lilli

11 Jan 2012 | 3:36 pm

I wrote an article listing my current favorite erotic novels. You can read about here on the Hachette Book Group’s website! What are yours?
So how’s everybody dooooin? And my purple life in pictures.

Lilli

7 Dec 2011 | 3:29 pm

Sorry, that’s my kid’s new favorite phrase. And he says it with a lisp. But I’m not judging. Would you? Just look at that attitude! Anyway, I went away to the ends of the earth for Thanksgiving and we had NO internet for SIX days. Then I came home and we had no internet for another WEEK because one of my housemates moved on the first and it took AT&T that long to get us hooked up. In fact, the AT&T box just came yesterday. Thankfully I live with two awesome chicks who work for Apple and got us hooked up last weekend. So I’m getting caught up. So I was with a…
Five things Go! (also win free books and a pair of feather earrings!)

Lilli

22 Nov 2011 | 11:20 am

Book release Day! That’s my friend Marc. This picture really has nothing to day with Book Release Day, but we look really happy. Or drunk. Probably both. I love Marc! So I LOVE book release day! Today my third book for Grand Central Publishing, Deliciously Sinful, is available for purchase from all major book retailers. Just in time for the holidays! While I would absolutely love for you to go buy the book (and I’m pretty sure my publisher would too), I’m gonna have a contest and give away FIVE free books! That’s right, FIVE books. Of Deliciously Sinful. All…
Interview and Giveaway!

Lilli

7 Nov 2011 | 1:36 pm

I’m Turning Up the Heat over at“My Book Addiction and More!” Go Check it out!
Battery Life.

Lilli

2 Nov 2011 | 5:10 pm

Cars hate me. I spent all of last year of trying to keep my 1979 Mercedes alive. This required plugging it in every night and jump-starting it about every day. Bessie finally kicked the bucket. Now I have a 1990 4Runner. This is my friend Will. Here is Will welding the exhaust back onto my car after I ruined my catalytic converter while using my car how God intended me to: running over things, getting stuck in the mud and jumping over hills on the Playa. Will is my…

A WRITER'S LIFE WITH LIZ FIELDING
MORE ON MEASUREMENT

26 Jan 2012 | 11:31 am

First of all, thanks to everyone who offered suggestions to get me out of the “six inch” bind. There were lots of great ideas and I really appreciate you all taking the time and trouble to help out. I’m really glad I posted this because I discovered that it’s not quite such a problem as I had imagined. The first hint that “inches” might not be a dead word in UK English came from those of you
Feet and inches...

23 Jan 2012 | 11:34 am

Aaargh! I am so frustrated. Today I was writing a scene with my heroine with head in a freezer, skirt up to her knickers, and discovering, too late, that she’s being observed by some bloke she’s never met. How do I describe the length of her skirt? My natural inclination is to describe it as six inches above her knee, but then I went to school before decimalisation. No British woman under the age
SIX SENTENCE SUNDAY

21 Jan 2012 | 7:46 pm

It's been a few weeks since I've played Six Sentence Sunday and I've missed it, so here's a clip on the subject of character from my new book for writers. To come alive on the page, your hero and heroine must be more than two-dimensional cardboard cut-outs that you move around the stage. You should not be asking yourself “what can I make them do next”. If your characters are blood-and-bones,
CHARACTER BUILDING

20 Jan 2012 | 7:05 am

To write their story you will have to know your characters intimately. For this, you need to do more than fill out a character worksheet with all their physical characteristics, their birth sign, their place in the family hierarchy, the names of their siblings. — from Liz Fielding’s Little Book of Writing Romance When most people talk about “character building” they mean doing hard stuff that
Liz Fielding's Little Book of Writing Romance

17 Jan 2012 | 2:55 pm

It's on sale now! It seems to have taken forever to launch my latest project, but it's finally available on Kindle and will be appearing on other platforms in the next day or two. I'm just about managing to contain my excitement long enough to tell you that this little book is a primer - an entry level aid for the writer who has a story to tell, but is struggling to get it out of her head and

Marie Sullivan Force
Dear Diary: One Word—OUCH

27 Jan 2012 | 7:23 am

The new mattress is here. They told us it would take some getting used to. We aren't sure we'll survive the "getting used to" phase. Dan suggested we both might need a sick day to recover from the first night. In the store it was soft and squishy and lovely. In our house, it's made of concrete. The good news is that Brandy had no complaints and slept like a baby. And of course that's really all that matters because the new bed is for her. Ahem.... We can return the mattress within 60 days if it's not working for us. They suggested we give it two weeks before we decide anything. I wonder if…
Dear Diary: This is Why I Read Romance

26 Jan 2012 | 9:07 am

Another crazy day in house renovation land. Have I mentioned that I'll be glad when this is all over? Yes, I thought so! I need to compliment the speedy customer service of the furniture company, which set my mind at easy that they can send us a new drawer to replace the damaged one. As a result, we were able to complete the furniture set up and get the old stuff ready for pick up by the Salvation Army today. It pains me to get rid of a bed and dresser that belong to my grandmother, but you can't keep everything. If I had a bigger house, I'd stash it away, but I know it would stay stashed for…
Dear Diary: Best Laid Plans

25 Jan 2012 | 8:26 am

The furniture I ordered on the Internet arrived yesterday in five boxes so heavy we couldn't budge them when they were placed in our dining room. We had put Brandy on the back deck for the delivery since she would've been totally underfoot greeting the delivery men if we'd let her run free. So now we have five stupendously heavy boxes blocking the sliding door. Dog is trapped, quickly figures that out and begins to panic! Thirteen-year-old son to the rescue! Jake devised a plan to bring her in through one of the windows that face the back porch. Success! Brandy was none to keen about being…
Dear Diary: Reader Mail

24 Jan 2012 | 10:28 am

Before I get into today's post, I have an update from yesterday. We broke the news to Brandy that her under-the-bed office is shutting down, since our new bed will have drawers and not provide access to her favorite hideout. Later in the evening, I went into my room and noticed Brandy had barfed on the bed, which has never happened before in the two years she's lived with us. And they say animals don't understand English? Mine does! I've always thought so, and now I have proof. She's pissed, and she's letting us know it!Yesterday was a really good writing day that took me up to 41,000 words…
Dear Diary: What Weekend?

23 Jan 2012 | 7:36 am

Another weekend has flown by in the blink of an eye leaving me to wonder what happened to the last two days. We spent some time on a snowy Saturday getting ready for the next phase of our home renovation project. Our new king-sized bed arrives tomorrow. I ordered it online and "some assembly required" has Dan up in arms about just how much assembly may be required. We went with a storage bed with drawers underneath since we have a small room and can use all the storage space we can get. Brandy the dog will be bummed to lose her under-the-bed "office" hideout, but it's her fault we needed the…

Megan Frampton
Yeah, Well…

Megan Frampton

11 Jan 2012 | 8:55 pm

Yes, it is 11 days into the New Year, but that’s okay. Because look what I can say! –the revisions were absolutely and completely accepted for the book that will be titled Vanity Fare by me under the pseudonym Megan Caldwell. –I’m working with a chef to create recipes to be included with the book. So nobody will have to cook up the lame stuff I could possibly create! –I am loving my Kindle. I completely did a 180 (and doesn’t it crack you up when people say 360, because that just means no change at all?), and am now e-reading all of the time. The library…
My 2012 Vow:

Megan Frampton

22 Dec 2011 | 5:11 pm

I am a huge one for making resolutions in the New Year (not to mention, actually, making resolutions on the first of each month–that’s how nutty I am). So my 2012 Vow is to return here in regular fashion, even if all I blog about is how tired I am, how great my job is, and how much I need to lose weight. Ahem. Meanwhile, I will stay away, likely, until 2012 (not that I’ve been here in an AGE!), but then will try to keep my resolution–I love blogging, I love sharing with people, I just haven’t had the time (because of my great job), not to mention I’m so…
Second Round–No Split Lips Yet

Megan Frampton

20 Nov 2011 | 12:08 pm

So this week I received the second round of revisions from my New Editor (until I get used to it, which is to say never, I will be capitalizing New Editor for the joy of it all). Not too bad, and I hope to finish in about a week. Meanwhile, I’ve finished revising the first five chapters of the never-ending opium-addicted Marquess and his illegitimate vicar’s daughter bride book (the Regency-set historical, not a contemporary, in case you were confused), and I hope to send that along to the Fabulous Agent soon. And…this week Thanksgiving, which means I don’t have to…
BIG NEWS!

Megan Frampton

27 Oct 2011 | 2:03 pm

This is what I’ve been hinting at lately; the deal has just been finalized: Megan Frampton writing as Megan Caldwell’s VANITY FARE, about a 40-year-old Brooklyn mother, recently divorced with a son, who starts writing copy for a bakery, discovers a knack for food-related literary puns, and becomes entangled in a love triangle, to Wendy Lee at William Morrow, in a nice deal, by Louise Fury at L. Perkins Agency (World). The book will come out in trade paperback at the end of next year. The second round of revisions is done, so hopefully there won’t be too much work left to do…
Inked!

Megan Frampton

14 Oct 2011 | 8:46 pm

I got my tattoo today–no pic of the actual thing yet, since it’s all still red and weird-looking. This is the sketch, but the artist added details when he did it for real. It went well, it was painful, yeah, and I got dizzy in the middle, but it looks gorgeous, and by tomorrow morning the pain memory will be gone. I’ve got a ton of work to do, in general, but more of it will be done in front of the computer here, so hopefully more sharing with y’all. I would snark, but I’ve had two beers and artisanal pizza from the fabulous place down the street, so I’m…

Sonja Foust
10 Things I’ve Learned from Ally McBeal

Sonja

27 Jan 2012 | 5:17 pm

No one is wiser than David E. Kelley, I’m pretty sure. Also, no one’s skirts are shorter than Ally McBeal’s. Here are 10 lessons I’ve learned from the show: Any problem can be dealt with by walking slowly home from the office and playing a sad song (preferably sung by Vonda Shepard) in your head. Weird is ok. Don’t get too attached, because your favorite people will leave in creative ways (and only some of them because they got caught doing cocaine again and got fired off the show, ahem, Robert Downey, Jr.). If you say something you don’t want someone to…
Weirdest Week Ever

Sonja

20 Jan 2012 | 8:50 am

My day job office is in the process of moving, and we’re a little bit homeless right now, so everyone’s been given the option to work from home. I have long lamented the fact that I have to put on pants and show up to the office every day, so I was very much looking forward to this week. But you know what? Staying home all day all by yourself is a little bit boring. It’s been a weird week of sitting on the couch with bad posture, folding laundry on my lunch break, and yelling at the dog to pipe down. The jury is still out on whether working from home is a good thing or not.
Calling In Sick

Sonja

16 Jan 2012 | 10:06 am

I was sick all week, but I couldn’t call in sick to work, so I called in sick to this blog. Sorry about that, dudes. I spent my blogging time doped up on Nyquil staring at Ally McBeal episodes and crying into my herbal tea for the plight of the young, beautiful, rich, single Bostonian lawyers. But I did other stuff– just not here. What I Wrote On Examiner.com, I gave a run-down of upcoming romance events in the Triangle area. You’re too late for the January 14th event, but you can still catch the rest of them. On Pintester, I tested buttons-on-bobby-pins, which was actually…
How Could a Week With The Bachelor In It Be Bad?

Sonja

6 Jan 2012 | 6:36 pm

The Bachelor returned to TV this week, rather triumphantly, I thought. So, because of that, and because of my continually very, very low standards, it’s been a good week. Thanks, life. Here’s some stuff you might have missed this week, if you weren’t following me around all slobbery and devoted. What I Wrote I’ve been a busy little so-and-so this week. I made resolutions, despite my attempts not to. But they’re kind of easy, cop-out resolutions– don’t worry. On Examiner.com, I pulled together a round-up of other authors’ resolutions. Also, I…
Clutterfat Challenge

Sonja

4 Jan 2012 | 2:38 pm

I know some of you have been following my Project 333 adventure and the other decluttering projects I have going on around here. If you’re interested in joining me in a clutter challenge of your own, there’s one starting up right now called the Clutterfat Challenge. From Courtney of Project 333: Big change can come with big reservations, guilt about past behaviors and trouble finding the perfect place to start. If you want to finally live a clutter-free life, Leo Babauta and I invite you dump the guilt, planning and excuses and join the 30 day Clutterfat Challenge. How to get…

Inside an author's mind....
Happy New Year!

3 Jan 2012 | 10:38 pm

Well, it's the new year. The dawn of new chances, new opportunities, new... well, new resolutions.I can't say that I have a whole lot of them this year.The biggest one, being that at least once a month, I will hit the Michelle Pillow writing assignment. Of course, if I hit her writing assignments every week, I would be chucking out 400 page books every month... She's bossy, wants me to be all productive and stuff. (You know I jest, she's truly been a great inspiration when it comes to moving forward in my writing and staying on task.) I appreciate her "smackdowns," because…
Idea Journal

7 Dec 2011 | 12:23 pm

I have given up, and decided to keep an Idea Journal.I blame my muses. They are forever dropping awesome story ideas. Right now, I'm in the middle of my Charming Nobles series for Lyrical Press, and while I'm super excited about this particular series, my muses seem to think this is open season for ideas.So we have a couple of scifi ones, a paranormal comedy series, and a couple more contemporary books all looming in the back of my mind, ready to be spewed out as soon as I'll let myself.And there in lies my problem. I want to work on everything at once, and I know I can't because I…
New Cover: Rescuing Rapunzel

12 Nov 2011 | 7:46 pm

The cover for Rescuing Rapunzel, due out Spring 2012!
Inspiration

26 Oct 2011 | 10:58 am

Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from the strangest places. Last night, when frustrated with a few details from a book I got the best line of inspiration I'd had in a long time.Go with your gut.I seem to forget that on occasion when I'm writing. I get lost in the details, trying to make everything lace together and forget the most important part.Yep, I'm a pantser, and while a lot of my stories are at least roughly plotted out, I have learned that the more plotted it is, the more stale it feels to me as a writer. I love the organic growth and gut feeling I get when I grin, laugh, cry, or…
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to work I go

25 Oct 2011 | 10:59 am

Insert corny whistling, because you know I can't whistle. You'd think someone who played a flute in school, I'd be able to whistle. Nope, not me.Anyway, I'm just doing a quick update, to tell you all that Rescuing Rapunzel is coming, spring of 2012, along with two top-secret sequels (Yeah, okay, not really top secret, but I am paranoid about naming anything on the public blog, for fear I won't finish it).Rescuing Rapunzel is the first in a series, called The Charming Nobles, about three noble men, who grew up together, Nicolas, Penn, and Bryan. All three trying to avoid the…

For All the World to See - Colleen Gleason
On Connections to Loved Ones Who Pass On

Colleen

20 Jan 2012 | 5:28 pm

A friend of mine always knows when someone close to her passes away. She’s visited by what she calls a dragonfly. She describes it as a sort of quick, sharp vibration or buzz that zaps her somewhere around the head or face, often waking her in the night. The first time it happened to her, she didn’t realize exactly what it was until later, when she learned that someone close to her had died at that time. But then when her mother died, my friend woke in the middle of the night to a snapping buzz at the base of her skull, just above her neck, and she knew it was her…
Excerpt Saturday: Sanctuary of Roses

Colleen

14 Jan 2012 | 2:56 pm

(Excerpt from Sanctuary of Roses) She was in the garden when he came for her. After two fortnights spent trying to banish Gavin Mal Verne from her memory, Madelyne sensed his presence even before she heard the clink of sword against his mail chausses. A shadow, long and heavy, fell across her lap where she was forming rose beads. The black mush of stewed rose petals covered her hands and arms and spotted an old gown. The air was heavy with the scent of the flowers, nearly as smothering as the weight that settled over her when she realized he’d come. And yet, at the same time, a rush of…
End of Book Giveaway Winnah!

Colleen

14 Nov 2011 | 5:08 pm

And…courtesy of Random.org, the winner of her choice of any of my currently available books (e or print) is: Michelle (commenter #5) WOOT! Congrats, Michelle. Please email me at books at colleengleason dot com for further info! Thanks everyone for playing!
End of Book Giveaway!

Colleen

8 Nov 2011 | 7:27 am

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED. I just finished my latest book and I feel like celebrating. Which book did I just finish, you ask? Well, it’s the first in a new series for teens coming out in 2013. (That’s a really long time, isn’t it? Yikes.) It’s a gaslight fantasy set in a very steampunkish Victorian London, starring Miss Alvermina Holmes (the niece of Sherlock) and Miss Evaline Stoker (the half-sister of Bram and a descendant of none other than Victoria Gardella). It was a lot of fun to write and I can’t wait for it to be released! But until…
Tonight.

Colleen

14 Jul 2011 | 8:25 am

Need I say more? So. We’ve been with this franchise for ten years now. We got to watch them grow up! Are you as obsessed as I am? (Of course you are.) As it winds down, what are your: favorite scenes/memories from the movies? favorite quotes? biggest disappointment? For me, some of my favorite scenes were in The Half-Blood Prince–the scenes with Ron and Hermione dealing with their feelings for each other (or not dealing, as in the case with Won-won and Lavender *snicker*). I also love it when Hermione says, in the first movie, “I’m going to bed before either of you…

Kimberly Gardner
A nice review for Too Soon For Love

kimberly

2 Jan 2012 | 8:21 am

It’s always nice to be surprised by a good review. This morning I found a lovely review of TSFL in my inbox. The review is from Barbara at PNR and it says in part, ” Kimberly Gardner challenged my feelings over the question “How soon is too soon?” The answer, I suppose depends on the individuals involved. I found the two men’s battle with their feelings heart rending and ultimately, uplifting.” Read the entire review. http://tinyurl.com/7kvhowl
Drag And Drop Now Available!

kimberly

31 Dec 2011 | 10:29 am

Happy New Year! Or New Year’s Eve anyway. My holiday story, Drag And Drop is available today from MLR Press. It’s a short novella about how two young lovers celebrate New Years in Key West Florida and I hope you’ll have a look. http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=KGDRGDRP
Slave Master’s Choice Releases Today!

kimberly

21 Nov 2011 | 11:45 am

My new novel, Slave Master’s Choice is available today from Loose-ID. http://www.loose-id.com/Slave-Masters-Choice.aspx The book is my first attempt in the fantasy subgenre of m/m romance and it has a beautiful Anne Cain cover. Read the blurb and an excerpt after the jump.
Kindlegraph now available for my titles

kimberly

21 Nov 2011 | 11:41 am

This morning I signed up for the Kindlegraph program in which you can get my electronic autograph for any of my titles from both MLR and Loose-ID. You don’t even have to own a Kindle to participate. How cool is that? Just go to the following link, choose the book you want the autograph for and that’s it. Easy peasy, right? http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/kimberauthor,
Signing books at Giovanni’s Room!

kimberly

7 Aug 2011 | 6:41 am

This Friday, August 12th, from 5:30 to 7:00, I will be joining a group of fabulous authors at Giovanni’s Room in Philly for an evening of gay men’s romance. I’m incredibly excited as this will be my first signing and because I am a long-time fangirl of so many of these writers. Here is a link to the event. I hope to see you there. It promises to be a fun evening. http://www.giovannisroom.com/event/evening-gay-mens-romance

LINDA GOODNIGHT
Where the Wildflowers Bloom Review

2 Jan 2012 | 2:32 pm

I just finished Ann Shorey’s new book, Where Wildflowers Bloom, a gentle, smoothly crafted prairie romance from Revell perfect for reading on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The heroine, Faith, longs to follow the Oregon Trail and leave behind the sad memories of the loss of her brother and father in the Civil War. Though, at times, I was frustrated with Faith’s immaturity, the other characters, especially the hero, were endearing. Additionally, I appreciated the author’s subtle hand in addressing the prejudice against women prevalent at that time. I was also impressed with Shorey’s knack…
Susan Mallery Cooks: Linda Goodnight's Light Chocolate Peanut Butter Ch...

8 Oct 2011 | 10:00 am

Susan Mallery Cooks: Linda Goodnight's Light Chocolate Peanut Butter Ch...: Linda Goodnight is the author of heartwarming, inspirational romance novels, including her latest, THE CHRISTMAS CHILD . Linda has won the...
THE CHRISTMAS CHILD

11 Sep 2011 | 8:30 am

Available October 1 - Book 4 in the Redemption River series. Preorder: at Amazon.comREDEMPTION RIVER series in order of release:Finding Her Way Home - book 1 - still available on Amazon The Wedding Garden - book 2 - on Amazon nowA Place to Belong - book 3 - on Amazon nowThe Christmas Child - book 4 - Oct. 1, 2011The Last Bridge Home - book 5 - winter of 2012Thank you to reader "Rose" for asking!
THE CHRISTMAS CHILD

5 Sep 2011 | 10:33 am

Coming October 1! THE CHRISTMAS CHILD, book four in the Redemption River series. I hope you'll love this heartwarming story of a battle-weary cop, a lost mute boy, and the small town that cared.
ACFW Carol Awards

16 Jul 2011 | 9:11 am

I'm thrilled to announce that THE WEDDING GARDEN is once again a contest finalist! This time, it is one of three finalists for the Carol, American Christian Fiction Writers' top award, a huge honor.

Spinsters and Lunatics
Cover!

17 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

Just got the cover for my April book, Secret Hideout. I love the feel of the image—two lovers, isolated and in danger. Perfectly captures the tone of the book. I particularly love this book because it plays on one of my favorite themes—partners who become lovers. Hey, there's a reason I was a Mulder and Scully 'shipper, right?So, here it is. Pretty good representation of the hero and heroine as
Merry Christmas, Y'all

25 Dec 2011 | 9:02 am

Tried to embed this, but it didn't work. So here's the link:Merry Christmas from the FamilyBut on a serious note, there's real meaning in Christmas for people like me, who are Christians. It's a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and redemption. So here's a classic video of the late, great Mahalia Jackson singing "Sweet Little Jesus Boy."Sweet Little Jesus BoyHave a wonderful, meaningful
Secret Identity - now with a cover!

21 Dec 2011 | 9:26 am

I've been a bit out of pocket for the last three weeks, dealing with a bad case of cellulitis in my left leg. I'm still not back at my day job (though I'm working it from home), and I've been doing a lot of extracurricular napping to regain my energy. All that to say, I've been a complete slug at the whole blogging/social media thing. But I do have something to share: the cover of my March
Much to be thankful for

24 Nov 2011 | 7:13 am

In a bad economy, with wars still going on and much to worry about, I'm glad we have a day like Thanksgiving to remind us that we also have much to be thankful for. I'm thankful to be alive, on this pretty November morning, with my family safe and sound and surrounding me with love and support. I'm thankful to have not one job but two in this troubled economy, and an income that allows us to live
Interview with Aimée Thurlo

18 Nov 2011 | 9:06 am

I interviewed fellow Intrigue author and Ella Clah mysteries author Aimée Thurlo on the Intrigue Author's blog today. Check it out.

A Writer's Diary
21st Century Classroom

cindy

26 Jan 2012 | 9:54 am

When I started writing, I idolized writers like John Updike, Erica Jong, Raymond Carver, Margaret Atwood, and Alice Hoffman. I still do. I have always loved to write, and when I started writing those first tentative novels, I assumed my career, if I was lucky enough to have one, would be something like they had. On a much less grand scale. But it would work the way their careers did. They wrote the book and their agent and publisher and publicity agent did the rest. That is all I wanted. Just to write. Very 20th century thinking. Little by little, just about the turn of the century, I became…
The Paris Notebook Cover!

cindy

20 Jan 2012 | 1:39 pm

I’m so excited! Just got the cover for The Paris Notebook which means we are getting close to a pub date. Plus I love this awesome cover by the very talented Angela Anderson! The main character is a teacher, so she put an apple on the books! Too cute. And she also used my favorite color: pink! I know. So many !!!!s
The Business of Being a Writer

cindy

20 Jan 2012 | 10:21 am

There is something so charming about the image of a writer insulated from the world, creating fantasy towns and people in her mind. But if you’ve been a writer for any length of time, you know those charming moments are rare. You may also know that there is more to writing, when you really get serious about publishing your work, than writing. Submitting my work to editors and agents was the first non-writing hurdle. I had to learn to write non-fiction things like cover letters and synopses. Linda Gardner has a great lecture series on writing a synopsis in her writers’…
Deja Vu

cindy

19 Jan 2012 | 12:45 pm

I had a long fun day yesterday and today I’m tired. Not in the mood to work on my new novel. Can not get movtivated. So I typed “motivation” into my own archive search box and deja vu! I have been here before. Think I’ll take my own advice and start fresh Monday since I have a ton of non-writing things to do this week leading up to the weekend, when the writers descend upon my dining room chairs. And also things worked out just fine after that post. Was offered a contract with TWRP. (Still no pub date yet). I finished Luke’s #1 Rule and though it didn’t…
Freebie Results

cindy

17 Jan 2012 | 10:34 am

It was sure a fun week giving away books. The aim of giveaways is to pull people to your website and in that regard, I messed up. The link I sent was directly to Amazon. I should have sent people to my site and then had a little blurb and then they could click on Amazon. Live and learn. Have a new lead on another marketing possibility. Goodreads. Also, I should be finding people to review my book. I am working both of these angles but at heart, I am just not a bookseller. I am a book writer. That’s okay. I saw a significant jump in my numbers for both books. Really? I think all the…

Heather Hiestand's Musings
BUBBLE BATHS AND STEAMY ROMANCE BLOG HOP TOUR (JAN 27-29)

Heather Hiestand

27 Jan 2012 | 1:29 pm

1) HAVE FUN!!! 2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!! 3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Friday, January 27, at Midnight (Arizona Time)THIS TOUR ENDS: Sunday, January 29, at Midnight (Arizona Time)***Winners will be drawn and posted Monday, January 30th! *** 4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS & BOOK PAGES! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!! 5) PARTICIPATION AT ALL BLOGS IS RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. REMEMBER, THE MORE BLOGS YOU HOP, THE…
Fantasies of Long Ago Places

Heather Hiestand

27 Jan 2012 | 1:29 pm

I'm guest blogging with Jolyn Palliata today and discussing the fantasies we have about long ago places today and the comments are very interesting. Stop by! One commenter will win the first Steampunk Smugglers story, "Captain Andrew's Flying Christmas."Now through January 29th!Blog link
Slinky vintage-ish Valentine's wear

Heather Hiestand

21 Jan 2012 | 7:06 pm

I saw these on eBay and thought they were very sexy Valentine's wear. A hint of the late Victorian bustle in the style. They are from a British tutu shop! Store linkCan you imaging the tongues hanging out if you wore this with a catsuit or some simple black lingerie?Of course, a proper Victorian would have hidden her bustle. Here is a fashion plate to give you an idea of the real look of the day:
Quick-fixing burrito casserole recipe

Heather Hiestand

20 Jan 2012 | 3:27 am

This one comes from my mother-in-law and is one of my husband's favorites. He does have Puerto Rican heritage, but I think we can safely say this recipe is not exactly quality ethnic cuisine. Yummy though!1.25 lb 7% fat hamburger1 onion6 or more flour or corn soft taco-size tortillas1 packet taco or burrito seasoningwater per seasoning packet1 lb salsa1 lb sour cream1 cup cheddar cheese1 can refried beansHeat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x12 baking dish.Chop onion. Brown meat with onion. Tear tortillas into small pieces and layer half of the pieces into the bottom of dish. When meat is brown,…
More fashion

Heather Hiestand

19 Jan 2012 | 11:25 am

I was paging through the January 2012 Vogue yesterday and came across this picture of Amber Le Bon. I immediately thought, "Steampunk heroine!"What do you think? Something about the hat, the earring, the braid and the challenging, yet thoughtful way she stares out from the picture say steampunk and heroine to me. I may have to plan a story around this photo.Incidentally, that hat looks like nothing special, but it's designer product and costs over $400. (Jil Sander knit cap, $440) Wow, I swear I have a cap just like it gathering mildew on the floor of my garage!

Kate Hardy
rip it up and start again...

26 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am

Current work: new bookListening to: BachReading: next on TBR (but I’m reading Locatelli’s ‘Made in Sicily’ at lunchtimes – fabulous and a bit inspirational as well)So there I was, stuck on the book. Choice of tortoising away or playing with iPhoto… well, you know what I’ve been doing all week. (I am a bad puppy. I know.)And then at 5am this morning I was wide awake and realised what the problem was. I'd started the book in the wrong place, because I was so keen to get the backstory in. (This is my 52nd M&B. How can I still make such basic errors?) Oh, and I'd started with…
Liz's Little Book

25 Jan 2012 | 1:00 am

I have a very special guest on my blog today - one of my all-time favourite writers (and I'm speaking about reading as well as in person - I have a shelf of her books and they're what I reach for whenever life is tough, because she takes me to another world and puts a smile on my face for the right reason).I'm delighted to introduce Liz Fielding.A hero has to be strong, tender, a man who would never let down the woman he loves. But he has to be flawed. If he were perfect there would be no story.— Mollie Blake’s Writing Workshop Notes from Secret Wedding by Liz FieldingMollie Blake is a…
technical hitch

24 Jan 2012 | 7:24 am

Current work: new bookListening to: Joe BonamassaReading: next on TBR (but I’m reading Locatelli’s ‘Made in Sicily’ at lunchtimes – fabulous and a bit inspirational as well)I was planning a special guest today, but had a technical hitch in that some of my mail got eaten (which included her piece for the blog - arrgh! Luckily she's a good friend and forgave my ineptitude). (Question for next Apple training session, I think – if I delete something from the iPad, I don’t necessarily want it deleted from my desktop!)Anyway. My special guest will be here tomorrow and she is…
awesome sauce

23 Jan 2012 | 7:13 am

Current work: new bookListening to: Joe BonamassaReading: next on TBRAm now officially in love with my iMac. And playing with photos is definitely on the ‘not allowed until daily word quota done’ list. iPhoto is just AWESOME, and I don’t use that word a lot – it really has stunned me that I can put in keywords, so for example I can press a button and pull up all the photographs I’ve tagged as son’s or daughter’s birthday, or all the sunsets, or all the rainbows. For a nerd like me who’s built databases from scratch (so I get how it works)… I just love this, and I am so…
busybusy

19 Jan 2012 | 4:45 am

Current work: new bookListening to: BeethovenReading: Jessica Hart, The Secret Princess (enjoyed this one, too)Thursday already? Where has the week gone?Tuesday was guitar lesson (droppeddown to fortnightly at the moment so I can manage my workflow better) and we messed about with Pachelbel and building up variations (i.e. play the root of each chord in the bass with the first four notes of Frère Jacques – that was fun). Yesterday was various school stuff in the morning, and dance class in the evening; we started learning the waltz (excellent for research purposes as well as being…

Captive Dreams of an Erotic Pen
I'm still alive!

23 Jan 2012 | 1:53 pm

I know it has been a while since I managed to post - but I wanted to assure everyone, I am still alive. Life has been crazy the last year or so, so I am still struggling to get to where I used to be with writing and all.I started graduate school a couple weeks ago, so things have the potential to be interesting the next two years.Rest assured, I am still around thought, and I do still have
Now Available - Cup of Josie and Love Among the Stars

21 Aug 2011 | 5:27 pm

Cup of JosieAn office romance brought about by a cup of coffee -- Well, a cup of coffee, a rainstorm, and a flat tire. $0.99 4000 words Content warning: F/F Available at All Romance eBooks and Smashwords ~ * ~Love Among the Stars Stargazing: Mornings after can be a bitch, filled with regrets and what ifs. For Adara it wasn’t regrets that were overwhelming her after a night of passion in the
Shall we dance ...?

12 Jun 2011 | 3:10 pm

For those of you that know that is a song in the Rogers and Hammerstein musical - The King and I - bravo! For those of you that don't, why on earth not? LOLAs I said in my last post, this week has been BUSY! Part of that busy-ness was going up to Kansas City's Starlight Theater and seeing the revival of THE KING AND I starring - Lou Diamond Phillips!I adore this story! I know it is mostly
Adding another "zoo" to the list!

12 Jun 2011 | 3:00 pm

This week was a VERY busy week for me and my family. To celebrate the end of the school year, we decided to visit a town I haven't been to in about 15 years. We went to Wichita, KS where I got a chance to see all of the updates to the Sedgwick County zoo.I have to say the jungle is still my favorite exhibit, even if we did go when it was 102 degrees outside, and with the humidity inside the
New Reviews for some of my lesbian stories

5 Jun 2011 | 9:10 pm

PRIVATE EYES"...Michelle defines each of the women beautifully, providing just enough background and context to create erotic and meaningful stories, rather than just individual scenes of sex. Crazy, wild, and undeniably hot, "Private Eyes" is definitely worth a read." ~ Siren Book ReviewsHER MAJESTY'S MAIDEN"As a fan of Ms. Houston's works, I was astonished by this book. The story is so

Sandie Hudson
A Goal Review

23 Jan 2012 | 4:34 pm

Hello world I’m back! I thought it was time I reviewed my goals so far. I can tell you know they are not going as well as I had hoped, but there is still time to get my act together.Writing:Finish editing first 3 chapters of Lady Mounthall by 21st January to send off to be critique by Michelle Styles. I’m still working on this hoping to get it send off tonight or tomorrow at the latest. So that will be 3 – 4 days behind scheduleEdit short story for anthology by 7th January. Okay, I’m hanging my head in shame here, I’ve hardly looked at this and I’m not even sure if I’ll get done…
2012 Goals

31 Dec 2011 | 4:20 pm

HAPPY NEW YEARNew Years Day and time to set some goals for 2012. I’m not calling them New Year resolutions as I never keep those things. These are the goals I want and need to achieve this year. My best writing buddy Suz (S E Gilchrist) is big on setting goals, in fact not only does she keep track of her goals she is the minder of goals for our F2F writing group. She is also great at pushing me to reach for more when it come to what I need to achieve. There’s that old saying writing your goals down so you are accountable, well here are my goals for 2012:Writing:Finish editing first 3…
A Victorian Christmas Dinner for 18 Persons

23 Dec 2011 | 5:54 am

I thought this year for Christmas I’d share with you what might have been on the menu during the Victorian Era.MenuFirst Course Rabbit Soup removed by Soles aux flues herbeBaked SmeltsFried WhitingClear Vermicelli Soup removed by Codfish au gratinEntreesScalloped OystersLobster PattiesFowl and Rice Croquettes Mutton Cutlets and Soubise SauceSecond CourseRoast BeefRoast Goose with Sage and Onion StuffingRoast PheasantRoast Haunch of VenisonBaked PotatoesBaked Spanish OnionsBoiled Brussels Sprouts Boiled CarrotsRed CabbageJerusalem Artichokes with White SauceSaucesGravyApple…
September Regency Dinner - Friday

23 Sep 2011 | 6:52 am

Our Friday dinner comes from the recipes of Elizabeth Lea. I hope you enjoy what has been dished up today.FIRST COURSETO ROAST a TURKEY--TO MAKE GRAVYA very large turkey will take three hours to roast, and is best done before the fire in a tin oven. Wash the turkey very clean, and let it lay in salt and water twenty minutes, but not longer, or it changes the color; rub the inside with salt and pepper; have ready a stuffing of bread and butter, seasoned with salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, an onion, if agreeable, and an egg; if the bread is dry, moisten it with boiling water; mix all well…
Regency Meets Victorian Dinner in September - Thursday

22 Sep 2011 | 11:27 pm

Yes, I’m a day late with my Thursday dinner menu. I knew I should have had the whole week sorted before I started this little adventure.Anyway, today we are joined by William Kitchiner and Mrs. Isabella Beeton both reknown for their recipes of the day.On the course for Thursday we had:First course: Curry, or Mullaga-Tawny Soup – William KitchinerEntrees: Vol-au-vent of Lobster, Scalloped Oysters, Tete De Veau en Tortue – Mrs. Isabella BeetonSecond course: Roast Suckling Pig, Asparagus, Fried Vegetable Marrow, Turnips in White Sauce. – Mrs. Isabella BeetonThird course: Almond…

Sara Hantz
GCC Presents…… Lucienne Diver

Sara Hantz

19 Jan 2012 | 4:13 pm

I’m excited to be touring Lucienne Diver and her book Fangtastic. What do you wear to face down a cadre of killer kids? Gina Covello would rather be working on her manicure than missions for the Feds’ paranormal unit to which she’s been recruited. That changes when a group of killer kids takes out a family in the sunshine state and disappearances begin to plague the lifestylers who only play at the kind of existence our fanged fashionista leads. She and her crew are sent undercover into the vampire clubs…which turn out to be run by real vampires. While Gina’s BFF Marcy hangs with…
GCC Presents…… Eileen Cook

Sara Hantz

9 Jan 2012 | 3:38 pm

I’m very excited to be touring Eileen Cook and her latest book Unraveling Isobel Isobel’s life is falling apart. Her mom just married some guy she met on the internet only three months before, and is moving them to his sprawling, gothic mansion off the coast of nowhere. Goodbye, best friend. Goodbye, social life. Hello, icky new stepfather, crunchy granola town, and unbelievably good-looking, officially off-limits stepbrother. But on her first night in her new home, Isobel starts to fear that it isn’t only her life that’s unraveling—her sanity might be giving way too. Because either…
GCC Presents………. Laurie Faria Stolarz

Sara Hantz

22 Dec 2011 | 3:45 pm

This is the last GCC tour for 2011 and I’m excited to be touring Laurie Stolarz and her latest book DEADLY LITTLE VOICES part of her Touch series. Camelia Hammond thought her powers of psychometry gave her only the ability to sense the future through touch. But now she’s started to hear voices. Cruel voices. Berating her, telling her how ugly she is, that she has no talent, and that she’d be better off dead. Camelia is terrified for her mental stability, especially since her deranged aunt with a suicidal history, has just moved into the house. As if all of that weren’t…
GCC Presents……. Kristin Springer

Sara Hantz

14 Oct 2011 | 6:41 pm

I’m thrilled to be touring JUST YOUR AVERAGE PRINCESS by Kristina Springer Jamie Edwards has loved everything about growing up on a pumpkin patch, but ever since her cousin Milan Woods arrived, things have really stunk. Jamie can’t imagine it was easy for Milan to leave her life back in Los Angeles and move to Average, Illinois, population one thousand. But it’s kind of hard to feel sorry for her since (a) Milan’s drop-dead gorgeous; (b) she’s the daughter of two of Hollywood’s hottest film stars; (c) she’s captured the attention of everyone in town, including Danny, Jamie’s…
GCC Presents…………. Jeri Smith-Ready

Sara Hantz

24 Sep 2011 | 5:06 pm

I’m excited to be touring Jeri Smith-Ready and her story BRIDGE in the anothology ENTHRALLED: PARANORMAL DIVERSION, edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong This collection of original paranormal YA short stories grew out of the 2010 Smart Chicks Kick It Tour, a multiauthor, multicity, author-organized tour of the US and Canada. With it, these 16 authors hoped to bring a little taste of the Smart Chicks experience to readers everywhere. Contributors to ENTHRALLED: Claudia Gray Carrie Ryan Margaret Stohl Kami Garcia Jackson Pearce Rachel Vincent Melissa Marr Kelley Armstrong Sarah…

Stacy Dawn
New Cover

26 Jan 2012 | 3:35 pm

It's always exciting to get a new cover--you never know what to expect....and when it comes back like this, you can't help but let out a big squee!Is this dynamic or what!The Golden Rule of Friendship: Do not covet thy best friend’s fiancée. An easy rule for Shane Gallagher to obey when he meets Eden, as staid and business-minded as his good friend, Brad, whom she is about to marry. But when she unexpectedly blossoms before his eyes, temptation takes seed. Eden is happy with her calculated marriage plans until she is forced to spend a day with her fiancé’s best friend—minus her…
25 Jan 2012 | 3:50 pm

25 Jan 2012 | 3:50 pm

Man the weather this year has been something else! Highs and lows in the same week. Tell me how you can go from -9 to +6 in the same week and not be affected by it.For me, it's all in my head--well, it always has been LOL. In this case, I mean my sinuses. They are pulsating like an accordian with the atmospheric pressure going up and down and up and down all the time. Makes things hard to concentrate on....and I have to. There are A LOT of exciting things coming up in the next few months and I have to get things done!I'll tell you about them all as soon as I am able!
Oops

20 Jan 2012 | 5:55 am

Yeah, funny how things get forgotten in the loop of life LOL.Neglected would be more like it. I want to say that I made a resolution to keep more updated, but let's face it, that hasn't worked the last few years LOL.Is it a goal this year? Yes. So we'll leave it at that and hope for the best as always.For now, I'm working on a new story for the Honky Tonk Hearts series coming out at The Wild Rose Press. Fingers crossed!I've got a few other projects going on as well--and I think that might be part of my problem. Focus. In trying to do a little bit of everything, nothing is getting finished. My…
Merry Christmas

23 Dec 2011 | 5:56 am

I wish all of you the very best for the holiday season and a wonderous New Year!!
Release!!

9 Dec 2011 | 4:58 am

AVAILABLE NOW FROM THE WILD ROSE PRESS!Helping out in hope of reaping a veterinarian partnership, Dr. Holly Night winds up in her own version of a Christmas nightmare--Santa Claus, reindeer games, babies born in a stable. Raised in a family that didn't "do" Christmas--or family--she is unprepared for a town filled with an overwhelming holiday spirit. Add in a handsome mechanic who finds amusement in her obvious misery, and not only is her patience tested, but unexpectedly, her belief as well.Amusement isn't the only thing Rev Johnston feels for the pretty doctor or her situation; he's been…

Amarinda Jones
Wandering off here today…

27 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pm

…Yungaburra - http://www.yungaburra.com/ - first stop the markets to buy fruit/veg, more than likely plants, books and assorted crap that I cannot live without. Then I’m hitting the trail to look at lakes, craters and waterfalls followed by some wildlife spotting and a stay in a local B & B. Life? Get out there amongst it I say. http://amarindajones.blogspot.com/google0cbd4098fb476cec.html
Toughening up…

26 Jan 2012 | 2:42 am

I got an email from a friend that confused the hell out of me and frankly wounded me. Being misunderstood does that to you. Especially by friends. Some things just hit you from out of left field and it makes you realize how very little people know or understand you. Finding that out is a good thing. It toughens you up that little bit more. I need that every so often. I move on. Stronger, more wary but infinitely okay with who I am as a person. http://amarindajones.blogspot.com/google0cbd4098fb476cec.html
‘Stralia Day…

25 Jan 2012 | 1:00 pm

So, on January 26th 1788 this Pommy (English) bloke called Captain Arthur Phillip landed in Sydney with a mob of convicts and started the first known white settlement with a bunch of rule breakers and ne’re do-wells. The Jones family had a couple of ne’re do-wells of their own turn up in chains several years after that and I thank the cosmos that my ancestors had enough sense to either nick things and get transported or they made the decision to leave Scotland for a better life in a new country.Australia day is about celebrating who we are. Aussies are unique, smart, charming and good…
Cop out...

24 Jan 2012 | 1:53 pm

When I read stuff where people blame the government for kids growing up useless and unable to cope with failure and life in general, I think bollocks. Yep, governments are a collective of stupidly, anal people who enjoy dumb arsed antiquated rules. I had a job with the government once. I didn’t last. I have issues with dumb arsed antiquated rules. However, blindly using Big Brother as a scapegoat for personal failure? For kids growing up useless and unable to cope with life? Get real.When I look at women like my mother who married poor, whose kids wore second hand clothes from the Op shop…
Couple of thoughts...

23 Jan 2012 | 1:15 pm

- I read this job advert this morning. This phrase in the middle of a sentence made me smile ‘we have a no 1 in teamwork concept’. Yes. Exactly. I think that sums up nicely how workplaces are going. ‘It’s not me…it’s you…blame them…I adhere to the no one in teamwork policy.’- I have been getting an email from a romance reader’s loop advising e-book authors over and over again what the rules are and they’re only to post excerpts or whatever once. That means one time only. Uno. Stick one finger in the air. That's how much we want to read your excerpt. Why do authors have…

Crystal Jordan » Blog
Author Copies!

Crystal

26 Jan 2012 | 1:29 pm

I got my author copies of NIGHT GAMES! I do love a shiny, pretty, lovely new book. And it’s always awesome to come home from the library and find a box of them waiting for me. I’m giving away copies over on my Facebook Fan Page, if you want to check it out. (You may need to scroll down a little to get to the right post). But here’s what the book is about, it’s the sequel to EMBRACE THE NIGHT, and comes out at the end of February. Woot! Over time, the Magickals have learned to live in the company of humans and keep their extraordinary abilities a secret. But despite…
It’s 2012, baby!

Crystal

31 Dec 2011 | 10:23 pm

Happy new year to everyone! I hope this one is even better than the last (especially since it may be the apocalypse and stuff this year, so smoke ‘em while you got ‘em, right? Make this year count!). And if it’s not the apocalypse, then you’ve had a year to practice living life to the fullest, and you can keep doing just that. See? There’s always a method to my madness. HAPPY 2012! Copyright © 2012 Crystal Jordan. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is…
Happy birthday to me!

Crystal

27 Dec 2011 | 10:17 pm

The Prof and I are taking off on a post-Hawaiian road trip up the California coast, and we’re stopping in the town where we met (and had our first kiss, awww!). Knowing my slight obsession with cupcakes, the Prof has promised to take me to a cupcakery in town that I tried when we were there on our anniversary trip in summer call Crushcakes. It’s going to be soooooo good. I can’t wait. This baby? Has my name on it. It’s calling to me. And it says HAPPY FREAKING BIRTHDAY, CRYSTAL, NOW COME EAT ME! Copyright © 2012 Crystal Jordan. This Feed is for personal…
Merry Christmas!

Crystal

24 Dec 2011 | 10:15 pm

A very merry Christmas to all from the Prof. Moriarty and me! Right now, we’re lounging on a beach in Hawaii, since that was our gift to each other this year. Trust me, we needed the break. I hope everything has as wonderful a holiday season as we’re having! Copyright © 2012 Crystal Jordan. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact legal@www.crystaljordan.com so we can take legal action immediately.Plugin by Taragana
Smutty Xmas!

Crystal

6 Dec 2011 | 6:29 pm

A preview of some awesome stuff we have in store for you on the Smutketeers. There will be guests galore and a boatload of prizes to be won. We’re doing a HUGE blowout this year! Copyright © 2012 Crystal Jordan. This Feed is for personal non-commercial use only. If you are not reading this material in your news aggregator, the site you are looking at is guilty of copyright infringement. Please contact legal@www.crystaljordan.com so we can take legal action immediately.Plugin by Taragana

Stephanie Julian On a Moonlit Night
SEX, LIES & SURVEILLANCE: A different kind of family business

17 Jan 2012 | 7:23 am

The DeMarcos are not your typical family and DeMarco Investigations is not your typical family business. Grace and Frank are former decorated US covert intelligence operatives. Oldest son Nic is a former Army Ranger and middle son Jimmy is a genius inventor.And then there's Janey. There's no code she can't crack or firewall she can't breach. If it's floating around in cyberspace, she can find it. She keeps DeMarco Investigations running like a finely tuned machine. She gets Nic's reports written and makes sure Jimmy occasionally eats. She helps her mom keep her dad from doing too much work…
Teo: Seduced by Chaos

4 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

Teo is a little rough around the edges.He's mostly a loner and he's got that flash of the devil in his eyes. Josh Holloway as Sawyer in Lost was the perfect model for Teo. Beautiful but in an unrefined way and that's Teo, all the way. Teo doesn't have Sawyer's offhand sense of humor but he's definitely the man you want at your back in a fight.
Book Bargains

3 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

AllRomance eBooks is giving 50% off all Ellora's Cave books so now is a good time to stock up. You can read the Magical Seduction and Lucani Lovers series and start the Fringe series, all for less than $20.You can also get SPELL BOUND, Darkly Enchanted #1, at Amazon and B&N for $1.99.
Rio: SEDUCED & ENCHANTED

30 Dec 2011 | 7:00 am

Rio is the baby of the de Feo brothers. He's much more easy going than his older brothers. He's had to be considering he had to put up with them.Here was another case of not having a specific guy in mind when I wrote Rio. The model on the cover is very nice but again, he's a little too bulked up for Rio.The picture on the left is much closer to what I imagined. Hot but not hulking.I think this one deserves to be pinned up on the Wall of Hotness, don't you?AmazonB&NAllRomance eBooks
Cam: SEDUCED & ENCHANTED

29 Dec 2011 | 7:00 am

When I opened the email containing the cover for SEDUCED & ENSNARED, I did a little happy dance.There was Cam, pointed ears and all. And, oh my God, the man was HOT. I'd never had that happen before. The model on the cover was a perfect match for the ruggedly handsome Cam de Feo, oldest brother and general hard ass.Cam is out to seduce Stella and use her as leverage against her evil uncle but Cam ends up falling for his mark instead. When I was writing, I had an image of Vin Diesel in my head. That's the kind of guy I had in mind for Cam. Big, hulking, a little scary.

Belinda Kroll, Quirky Historical Romance
Smashwords Gifts and Underground Railroad Stealth

Belinda

17 Jan 2012 | 9:50 am

Dear Reader, I sit here at my desk eating a McDonald’s McGriddle and pondering the odd combination of a sandwich that uses pancakes for bread. The rain is pouring though it is the middle of January in Ohio. The world is an odd place. Last night, I decided I would redesign the cover for my short story, Mad Maxine. The first cover was, admittedly, thrown together. I thought I needed a photo-realistic cover for whatever reason, and that it needed to match my historical fiction covers. Fact is, Mad Maxine is a contemporary short story that is so different from my historical fiction,…
Reading: Cry Wolf

Belinda

11 Jan 2012 | 7:13 am

Title: Cry Wolf Author: Patricia Briggs Genre: Supernatural (Science Fiction Romance) Length: 294 pages Summary: Anna didn’t believe werewolves existed until she was bitten and became one. For reasons unknown to her until Charles came into her life, she was sexually abused by those in her pack. Charles, son of the leader of the North American werewolves, appears in Anna’s life to reveal she is the Omega, a rare wolf that is meant to be protected and treasured, not abused. Together, they work through the residuals of Anna’s abuse while hunting a rogue werewolf bound by black…
Interviewing Linda McCabe

Belinda

30 Nov 2011 | 5:04 am

Dear Reader, Today I’m interviewing Linda C McCabe, author of Quest of the Warrior Maid. As a bit of housekeeping, don’t forget that I have a giveaway from December 2 – 6 where Haunting Miss Trentwood is 50% off! All right, onto the interview… 1. Learn more about Linda… I have been a bookworm since I was a small child. I obsess over small details in drama and I hate continuity errors. If I spot an historical anachronism I want the author to mention it in an endnote so I understand this was a conscious choice for dramatic purposes and not due to ignorance or…
Bleeding on the page

Belinda

22 Nov 2011 | 10:59 am

Dear Reader, Life has been rather rough on me lately, testing my character in ways I never expected. I have been terrified, startled, shocked, ashamed, depressed, angry, despairing, hopeful, and ultimately, numb. I have struggled with facing adversity and prejudice when it slapped me in the face, and trembled when tempted with something I wanted so badly but couldn’t have because it didn’t belong to me. When it came down to it, I lost my grip on reality and retreated into my mind, seeming somber to others while fighting my way out of the battle with my demons. In the end, my…
The Big Question

Belinda

2 Nov 2011 | 8:24 am

Dear Reader, As of writing this post, I’m 17k words into The Rebel’s Hero, which is about 24% toward my word count goal. Without fail, when I get to this percentage mark, I get cold feet. I don’t know why. It’s very frustrating. I start to doubt my ability to write, to craft characters, to weave details, to drive the plot forward. I think this is because the beginning is complete. Now the meat of the story takes over, the plot thickens, and more questions are thrown to the reader. I’m standing in place, deer in the headlights, frightened by this monstrous train…

Beth Kery
News and Books on Sale!

Beth Kery

17 Jan 2012 | 9:29 am

Happy New Year, everyone! I know, you might have thought I fell off the face of the earth, but here I am. In fact, I have a lot of deadlines up through April, and I’m really having to do what we authors do–write. :) I’m currently crafting away on the second book in the One Night of Passion series–Everett’s story, along with two short novels in the same series to be released as Berkley Especials. Look for the first of those–Bound to You–late spring or early summer, the other this fall, and Everett’s story (as yet unnamed) this November. In other…
Goodreads Giveaway–Claiming Colleen!

Beth Kery

19 Dec 2011 | 3:16 pm

Goodreads Book Giveaway Claiming Colleen by Beth Kery Giveaway ends February 15, 2012. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
I Have a New Cover, CLAIMING COLLEEN

Beth Kery

15 Dec 2011 | 8:39 am

Hi all, I wanted to share my cover for the newest book in the Home to Harbor Town series, Claiming Colleen! CLAIMING COLLEEN FROM FORBIDDEN CRUSH…TO FOREVER LOVE? In high school, small-town princess Colleen Kavanaugh had had it all, and Eric Reyes was the outsider with his nose pressed against the glass. Then a sudden change in circumstance led to a reversal of fortune. Now Eric was a wealthy, successful, arrogant surgeon who rubbed the onetime golden girl the wrong way. When an ironic twist of fate forced Eric and Colleen back together, the single mom found herself drawn to the…
The Winner of Four Signed Books is

Beth Kery

15 Dec 2011 | 8:30 am

#7, Jamie Lowe! Congratulations, Jamie! Write to me at bethkery@aol.com to claim your four books!
The Naughty and Nice Book Signing and a Big Giveaway!

Beth Kery

12 Dec 2011 | 6:25 pm

So you made it to the Naughty and Nice Book Signing at Rose’s Bookhouse in the St. Louis area…or…you didn’t? Well, no worries. There’s going to be another next year! I can’t wait. This was a very high energy, fun event taking place at a cozy book store–the kind of place where you could spend a few hours drinking a coffee and browsing the shelves. On the night of the bruhaha, however, it was all about wine, appetizers, friendly (rowdy) women, and oh…even a male model from Kim Killion’s graphic design company, Hot Damn! Myself, Shayla Black,…

Kristina Knight - Aspiring Romance Author
Sometimes You Just Need To Read

24 Jan 2012 | 8:48 am

I've been feeling a little...overworked, lately. Not because I actually *am* overworked - oh the joys that will bring. And I'm so not kidding. I dream of days when I have fiction deadlines to meet and I'm trying to squeeze out more time to work on my stories. Seriously. Dream of it. But still I've been feeling drained and overworked and generally blechy.So over the weekend I took some 'me' time. With the family right down the hall. Buried my nose in a book or three and just read. Yeah, I broke to play with the kiddo, make meals (or at least call in the orders) and talk to my husband. But…
Going Back...To My Own Piece of Hollywood

19 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

So last spring I made my first foray into Los Angeles. Before that I'd only ever been as far west as Nevada. It was a really quick trip smashed into our Vegas/Anniversary get-away. But it was perfect. Sure we were in a luxury bus for four-ish hours as our driver (literally) sped us to L.A. Sure, I thought one or twelve of those drivers might actually cause an accident that might kill me. But it was still breathtakingly fun. Went to the Hollywood sign, wandered all over Rodeo Drive and Melrose, saw Santa Monica Pier...all the touristy things you want to do.And then I realized we have a little…
Pumpkin Spice Tea & Author Liz Flaherty!

17 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

Hiya, my friends! It's a busy month here - we've got a ton of authors stopping by to talk books and publishing. I'm really excited about today's guest - not that I'm less excited about any other guests, mind you! - because she's a good friend of mine. I first met Liz Flaherty in a critique group a couple of years ago. She intimidated. Totally. She wrote such clear scenes and with such emotion and her grammar! I have issues with grammar, not because I don't know the rules but because of my years in journalism (when you write for TV you put commas in weird places...and that habit is hard…
5 Questions with Debut Author Calisa Rhose!

16 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

I first met author Calisa Rhose lurking around the boards at eHarlequin; I thought she was a hoot - plus she wrote a good cowboy story. As you guys may or may not remember, I have a serious soft spot for cowboys - the historical and the contemporary. And I was thrilled when, just a few months ago, she told me her debut novel (not with a cowboy, sadly) was coming out from The Wild Rose Press. That book, called Home, is now out and it's fabulous. See the cover below? Isn't that fabulously vintage? LOVE IT! So, I just had to have Calisa come by to talk writing - and her new book! On with the…
Welcome Author Susan Carlisle!

12 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

GIVEAWAY WINNER: the random number giveaway has drawn....and Cathy Shouse is the winner of Susan's book! cathy, look for an email from Susan...Hello, All! So, my author interview series continues this week - today we have Harlequin Medical author Susan Carlisle! I first 'met' Susan through the Heartbeat RWA Chapter - she's a funny lady and so genuinely warm that I just had to like her right away. And her writing! Wow! If you're a fan of heart-stopping medical heroes and heroines, you have to read her books! They are simply fab!! On with the interview - and don't forget to comment because…

Once Upon A Time...
Frankly - It's Not That Interesting

Ryshia Kennie

27 Jan 2012 | 8:43 am

I'm exhausted and frankly, even that isn't all that interesting. But it's that middle ground of winter and I'm sick of it. Most especially as this has been a particularly unusual winter. There aren't many where you can look outside and see no snow on the deck. Of course all this warm then cold then warm again weather has made the streets rather deadly. There hasn't been a lot of snow and what there has been should have had Hollywood on speed dial - yes, the fake looking stuff that isn't fake at all. Let's say my left elbow is getting a workout - wiped out…
Eat My Exhaust

Ryshia Kennie

17 Jan 2012 | 7:37 pm

I didn't mean that literally - really, I like all you people who read my blog. I'd say love but that may be too strong a word for people with whom I have yet to have a face to face meeting. It's the weather who "Eat My Exhaust" is really targeting. Why? It's just that today it's freezing cold - not scary cold, just bordering on that. Now for all of you from cold climes you know what I mean. There's the point where you can see the cold in the air and it's awful uncomfortable to be outside too long and then there's cold that goes one step further into the…
Stark White and Naked - Yikes!

Ryshia Kennie

11 Jan 2012 | 9:59 am

Stark white - glow in the dark. Isn't that one of the tricks of Halloween - white sheets glowing in the darkness, ghosts reaching quivering hands to frighten little kids. I know, you're not all into Halloween but it's my thing. And yes, sheets well positioned may be rough forms of scary fun but they can be effective. Footprints in the snow White sheets - brings me to the topic of this post. Yes, in a round about fashion. I'm talking about paper not snow, like the only picture I had, but kind of comparable. Blank paper without even a footprint, a smudge -…
The New Years Hop - Shake Out

Ryshia Kennie

5 Jan 2012 | 8:13 pm

And the results of The New Years Hop - I wish I could say that you all won! Alas, there was only one prize. So by random draw, the winner has been chosen. Everyone listen for the imaginary drum roll.... The Winner of a hard cover, first edition copy of "The Tommyknockers" is.... Tiffany! Congrats Tiffany!! Ryshiawww.ryshiakennie.com
Missing E-mail - New Years Blog Hop

Ryshia Kennie

4 Jan 2012 | 4:29 pm

Lucky1fader - you entered the New Years blog hop without an e-mail. If you're still interested in signing up for my newsletter "The Walkabout" or, if when I draw in the next hour - you are lucky enough to win the copy of The Tommyknockers, I will need your e-mail. If you're still in fire an e-mail back to me at ryshia@ryshiakennie.com. Ryshia

Susan Says
Influence From the Past

27 Jan 2012 | 8:17 am

I loved to read from the first day my first grade teacher gave us those 'Dick and Jane' readers. Our little country school didn't have kindergarten, so we dove right into reading. When our little school added a real library a few years later, I spent every morning before school searching the shelves. I couldn't get enough. Entering high school and discovering a library many times the size of my previous experience, I made a good friend of the kind lady who ran the place. How I envied her job, spending the entire day among all those books. I read nearly every type of fiction I could get my…
They Know Me Here

25 Jan 2012 | 7:54 am

From FBLater today I'm going to finally make one of the writer's meetings organized by some other writers in neck of the woods. The meeting place is a little inconvenient for me, a library on the other side of a tangle of traffic. I'll have to traverse the busy highways at rush hour to make it to the meeting. I've only attended one of these meetings before but it was great. Everyone brings a few pages of their current WIP with enough copies for everyone. We take turns reading each other's writing, mark it and give a brief oral critique. There's a great variety of genres represented,…
Stormy Predictions

23 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

The weather reports for this past Saturday called for our area of Penns Woods to receive 1-2 inches of snow followed by a short period of sleet and freezing rain, all to end by the middle of the morning. For lots of different reasons including our day jobs and our recreational interests, my family always checks the weather forecast a number of times per day. As experience weather watchers, we didn't trust a thing the TV said. How often are those reports correct, after all? Around six inches of snow fell upon us with no sleet or freezing rain. We weren't…
What's Up and What's Down?

21 Jan 2012 | 12:00 pm

I recently visited my elderly mother and helped her understand her bank statement. New technologies allow the banks to include more and more information on something as simple as her monthly feedback from them. If she would use a computer, she would even need to get that paper statement. Along with her bank statement, she also had her electric bill waiting to be paid. She lives in a small apartment and only heats three rooms yet her bill was nearly $200. Taking a closer look at the bill, I saw she used only $54 dollars of electric and the rest of the bill was fees and delivery…
The World As Our Characters Know It

18 Jan 2012 | 9:00 am

One of the really fun parts of starting a new fantasy series as a writer is creating the world the story will take place in. Some created worlds are so different from ours the world is a story unto itself. Brandon Sanderson is a good one for creating settings that are more than just background noise for his characters. In the first three books of his Mistborn series, the world is a gloomy place on the verge of total annihilation. Only as the reader gets toward the end of the novel, does one come to understand that the reasons behind the harsh conditions of that world…

Reading, Writing, and Life...Oh My!
I'm Alive, Happy New Year & Other Stuff

14 Jan 2012 | 2:51 pm

So, once again, I've disappeared from the interwebs. I have a really good excuse though...I'm writing. Yes, the dreaded "W" word. I'm determined to have something to present at the Lori Foster Event this year. Last year it was about meeting Nalini Singh & having fun. This year is about being a "serious author." *snorts* Me? Serious? PfftWe had a lovely Christmas. Spent it with the family. Had a peaceful, relaxing day. I think those are my favorite kind of holidays. :) Got some lovely gifts from the family…
So Much

27 Nov 2011 | 6:51 pm

Sometimes I feel like I'm continually running in circles. I have no idea why I get that feeling. It could be that even though we've been here almost nine months, it still feels like I'm not settled. I don't know why I feel this way. I've had vacation time. Holidays. Great trips. But, I still feel like I'm not here yet. I dunno how else to explain it.I don't miss Portland at all. In fact, I think it would be downright weird to go back. Michigan is home now. I love it here, which still surprises me. I would like to go back…
Song I'm Addicted To

19 Nov 2011 | 10:19 pm

I've said it before & I'll say it again: I HATE TWILIGHT! *ahem* That being said, I absolutely LOVE this song from the Twilight: Eclipse Soundtrack. Beck & Bat For Lashes "Let's Get Lost."
Eep!

19 Nov 2011 | 9:48 pm

Y'all, I've been VERY remiss in my blogging. *ducks* Obviously, you know that, but I took a little vacation from 99% of the interwebs. Just a lot of stuff going on and needed some me time. Not to worry. Things are great! Well, as great as they can be at the moment. :) Work's good. Family's good. I've got a killer headache, but that's par for the course. Bleh!Lots of holiday stuff coming up. Went to a lovely dinner at the church my parents started attending. It was a ladies night and we had it catered from an Italian…
*yawn*

25 Oct 2011 | 8:06 pm

Y'all, I'm pooped!!!! It's only Tuesday night, but it feels like it should be Friday! *sigh*Got done with my laundry about an hour ago. Am now just sitting here relaxing for a bit before I go to bed. At least I got a half hour of OT today. My paycheck will thank me. :)I honestly don't have tons to say. Busy working. My life, it is exciting, no? :P

Daily or Not
Writer's Jumpstart Tips for '12

15 Jan 2012 | 12:15 pm

When Night FallsAt the Top of '12, I'm looking back at my goals, and prioritizing. One long-term goal for some time now has been to return to painting. I've almost completed 2 paintings. Another goal was to write a mystery short story (humor), and The Coupon Killer was born. I plan more of Jemma Kowalski, named after an old wrestling favorite, Killer Kowalski. :) And I'd intended to launch the L.E. Klein name somewhere, so The Coupon Killer was a two-fer.Due to seasonal flu stuff I missed doing a workshop on Writers Block, which will come later. So sorry, local Write-In people. But look…
Pseudonym or Not

4 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

NIGHT FIREThe use of a pseudonym is constantly on the tabletop of writer issues. My personal experience is: I started with Cait Logan, this because my real name is too long and unappealing, according to editors. Since I wanted to be published after 7 years of effort--back in the typewriter/carbon days--I went with a pseudonym.So that's how it began. Then Silhouette wanted a different pseudonym, despite writing in the same subgenre as my Cait Logan name, so Cait London came along. I thought that was clever at the time, the use of CL and developed all sorts of CL stuff for marketing. (Please…
Farewell 2011

31 Dec 2011 | 10:41 am

With a brand new year at hand, I'm lining up my business projects along with personal goals. One of the most important skills any self-employed, including writers and artists (I'm doing a little of that now) can do is to learn to prioritize.At the end of the year, a time I really enjoy, I think back upon the past year and what I've learned. Now that's a priority. What's important, and what isn't. Revamping some of the covers shown at the side was a must.With respect to indy publishing my backlist, the building blocks of learning this whole thing were huge. I thought I'd share a little:1.
Writing: What Works/Sales

20 Dec 2011 | 10:36 am

When Night FallsWhat works best in marketing books?It’s all debatable. The topics on the table right now are: Titles, Reviews, Bonus Material, Benefits of Twitter and Facebook, and always Covers.Right now, I’m dealing with replacing a blah title on book I wrote years ago and am now publishing in eformat. Not a clue why the publishers wanted that title, but blah, blah blah. I’m indy publishing, so I can darn well do what I want with it.When the book is originally published in traditional or legacy as some term it, it will already have reviews under that same title. That means when the…
Contest Time

14 Dec 2011 | 8:25 am

Flashback is doing well in sales, so I'm pretty happy about that. Here's the blurb:Rachel Everly won’t stop until she uncovers every painful secret that led to her sister’s tragic decline and suicide. Who was the monster that drove Mallory into death? Facts point to Kyle Scanlon, a sexy mechanic and a thorn in Rachel’s side for years.As Rachel returns to her oceanside home town and her sister’s haunting memory, she carries her own hidden terror. Driven to unravel her sister’s desperate passages, Rachel is also driven toward Kyle, who holds secrets of his own. He fears Rachel will…

Jenyfer Matthews
Yoga, You’re Doing it Wrong

Jenyfer

27 Jan 2012 | 11:29 am

I started doing yoga about 7 years ago when a friend in the United Arab Emirates volunteered to lead a class, took a couple years off, then got back into it in Cairo when a neighbor of mine adopted a studio and started a cooperative effort with some other instructors. I’ve tried going to gyms and also swimming but with the exception of water aerobics, which I also love once I get over getting into a cold pool (yikes!), yoga is one of the few exercise oriented activities that I will stick with. I despise gyms and swimming is boring. As much as I love yoga, I rarely do it at home on my…
You Can Take the Girl Out of Cairo

Jenyfer

25 Jan 2012 | 8:11 am

A year ago today I was putting my children on the bus to school in Cairo. It was a national holiday, Police Day, so most other people had the day off. Even taking that into account, the streets were exceptionally quiet and the bus driver and monitor quite jumpy. They obviously knew more about the situation than I did. A year ago today, my life began to change course tremendously. If anyone had told me that the scheduled protest that occurred that day and continued into the weekend would topple the president of Egypt and that a year later I’d be living in Michigan waging war on mice…
Off Schedule and Out of Sync

Jenyfer

24 Jan 2012 | 4:16 am

I’m not normally a hugely superstitious person, but lately, I’ve been doing everything I can to improve my luck. Can’t hurt, might help, right? In that line of thought, I’m really mad that I missed the fact that it was Chinese New Year yesterday. There are some things you are supposed to do to prepare for Chinese New Year – one is thoroughly clean your house on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Hmmm… I did a bunch of laundry on Sunday but I didn’t do much else. Then on Chinese New Year’s day you are not supposed to sweep and are in fact supposed to…
It Was a Dark and Dreary Day

Jenyfer

23 Jan 2012 | 7:04 am

We had bitter temperatures (to me anyway!) and snow late last week and over the weekend but this morning I woke up to thunder, lightening, and rain. It’s supposed to get up around 40F today, then in a couple of days the temperature will drop again and there will be more snow. While I suppose I am glad we haven’t had any truly bad, record-breaking, storm-of-the-century blizzards or ice storms (yet) this year, this weather is kind of getting on my nerves. I grew up in Louisiana and the winters there are fairly mild overall. There were some cold days – and cold down there might…
A Twofer Sort of Week

Jenyfer

20 Jan 2012 | 4:10 am

They say bad things happen in threes. All of mine came in pairs this week. I’ve had two children home sick from school all week. For once, I followed my instincts and took them to the doctor sooner than later and it was a good thing I did because they both had strep throat. They are both on antibiotics now and have a four day weekend over which to fully recover (and catch up on all their homework). I myself have spent most of the week washing my hands, washing clothes, fetching snacks and drinks for my patients, and continuing to unpack boxes. I can finally see some progress! In spite…

On Writing & Publishing by Robin D. Owens
Cutting and Revising

20 Jan 2012 | 11:49 am

Still cutting and revising Heart Secret, got last beta reader's comments last night. I WILL have to also add words to make some scenes clearer. But you can see how I'm working so I can cut the least amount of full scenes. This DOES modify my voice and my characters voices, but it's better than whole scenes going.So, into the 12-15 hour days.Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again.Robin
Elements of My Books

15 Jan 2012 | 9:05 am

I juggle various elements in my books, in Celta it is the romance, character development (including Fam comic relief), a small mystery/suspense, world-building, a dash of the past and set up for the future. I admit that I am reluctant to cut any world-building/Fams and set up. I should probably cut more, but I am of the opinion that ESPECIALLY in the Celta books, my fans like the world-building, like knowing about HouseHearts or magical systems...or a touch of a different religion. And set up...well, I'm working on the intelligent Turquoise House right now....Merrry meet and merry part and…
Heart Secret is DONE!

14 Jan 2012 | 6:24 pm

Whew! I thought as late as this morning that I wouldn't be able to finish. But it is done, and as always, WAAAY long, 112K+, so I'll be cutting about 6-7K, hopefully just tightening will be sufficient.Whew.Robin
Climax Settings Quick List

14 Jan 2012 | 12:40 pm

Climax Settings Quick List: I keep lists to try and avoid duplicating myself. Like opening scene settings, etc. Here's today's :)Climax settings;HeartMate, estate groundsHeart Thief, councilroom chamberHeart Duel, city street/castle courtyardHeart Choice, house mainspaceHeart Quest, warehouse/streetHeart Dance, laboratoryHeart Fate, parkHeart Choice, estate (previous in river)Heart Journey, car/roadHeart Search, warehouse/streetHeart Secret, gulchAs always, may you enjoy the worlds you visit,Robin
Pandora Music Genome

13 Jan 2012 | 10:59 am

Music Genome: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Film Score: Finaleby Danny Elfman on Music From The Films Of Tim BurtonFeatures of This Track:a tranquil mooda bittersweet sentimenta well-known composera Romantic-Era styleThat pretty much describes a large part of my music, and, well, maybe me. May you love what you hear today.Robin

O Muse, Where Art Thou?
JUST Pick one....

9 Jan 2012 | 7:00 pm

Yep, that's me, shouting at myself...In the last week, I've written about 4500 words and they were on two different WIPs..and then started eyeing WIP #3 this morning..Like a monkey jumping from tree to tree, I keep switching WIPs for two major reasons...I think there's not enough conflict, hook, character growth, sizzle, glamor etc. to the idea...That other idea (which felt like utter crap only yesterday) is absolutely the best..Part of this might be because I haven't spent enough time mulling over either idea before I started writing....And this is a direct result of the high from…
Waiting....

5 Jan 2012 | 1:19 pm

Only 5 days into the new year and I'm kind of resigned to the fact that my word count is not going up, at least over the next few days as I try to make sense of the words I have done now...The worst case- I might have to ditch them and start over again....But I'm determined to not jump into another tempting, fresh idea before the end of the month...So while I slog through the mess I've created, I thought I would post the picture of the fabulous love triangle and especially one man that I can't wait for to come back to my tv....Damon Salvatore....That's where I will be at eight tonight...;-)
We're off..

1 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

It's a shiny, bright new year and we're off...Keeping in line with my resolutions to plan what I want to accomplish in a given month, I'm setting a goal for January..especially as I wait for good, something, any news on the full submitted to SYTYCW. The month will definitely be a lot of highs and lows of it's the best ms ever written on the planet to it's utter crap, I wonder if they stopped reading after ch1...The other reason I need to focus on just writing this month is that, every time I finish something, I fluctuate so much over which idea to focus on next that I waste…
Looking ahead again!

31 Dec 2011 | 3:13 pm

Am sitting here while kiddos and Smart Guy (for once) are napping upstairs, reflecting on the past year and looking at the next year....I've done more than I did the year before but it's not enough....I need to write more, and write efficiently...but as always I am optimistic about the coming year so here are a few of my goals..Plan what I want to work on each month writing wise and try to meet that goal...Exercise more so that I can lose the #$ pounds that are still hanging on from having the now 16 month oldLive in the moment and enjoy life--with princess 1 turning four in a little…
Looking Ahead

1 Jan 2011 | 10:31 am

I'm one of those eternally optimistic people who always thinks the year ahead will be a better one. I always sit down and write my resolutions, and seeing that life is only getting busier and busier, it is even more important this year I think to note down what I want to accomplish this coming year.And before that, a quick look at the last year:I started a new job last year and got a new baby in August :-) , so it was quite busy. But writing wise,I definitely did better than previous year so not too bad. I had resolved to complete two manuscripts in the year but I did only one though I have…

Life in the Eververse
2012 is HERE, and the New is All kinda crazy!

2 Jan 2012 | 6:02 pm

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I'm now in our new house and getting everything unpacked, and getting ready for the year from hell. Why the year from hell? Well I have recently moved, So there is that, As well as AAD, Audra having another baby (A girl!) and I'm getting married in October! Busy as hell year I will tell you!There obviously is going to be a ton of writing happening, and some new work as well as re releases! First, All the Eververse series and Dragon Elementals books will be re released via print starting in Feb, with new editing and new covers! So? Shall I show you the…
Breaking Silence: Help! Seriously, HELP!

5 Dec 2011 | 7:46 am

So yesterday, I lost my engagement ring at the palisades mall. And of course, whoever found it didn't event bother to bring it to the management,or the security office. I normally think horrible things about people in general because everyone is usually out for themselves, and it looks like I was right. Whoever it was that took my ring, I hope they die a painful, scabies filled death as their fucking fingers and toes fall off. I'm a good person. Had I found a ring I would have turned it in, mean its a sapphire engagement ring, its not gold, or diamonds, someone specific obviously loved it...
breaking radio silence...

18 Nov 2011 | 1:03 pm

Just needed to stop by and mention something. Please do not buy our book The Soft Edge of Midnight from any retailers or from the publisher site, Siren/ Bookstrand. We have a year left on the contract and apparently they feel that 129 copies of the book sold in 4 years is average, and wont be giving us our rights back. Hell you couldnt even FIND the book on their site all of 2009 without doing some creative naming (and no, when you put our name in on there, it didnt come up, nor was it listed under paranormal.) We made 8$ last quarter, and really, it would be more beneficial to everyone,…
Decisions had to be made.

26 Oct 2011 | 3:25 pm

Going to be taking a break for a while, so this blog won’t be updated till morale improves. I have reached a breaking point that I can no longer ignore without real issues with health (both mental and physical) and straining relationships with friends and coworkers. Suffice to say this decision didn’t come lightly, but with the daily reminders of things that I cannot change or help, it’s probably better if this all just fades into the background until something good happens. Something I don’t see coming any time soon. I’m hoping that 2012 will be a better year. The New Year will…
Naughty books for the Paranormal Season... and a HUGE CONTEST!

9 Oct 2011 | 9:41 am

Hello All!October is the paranormal season and we have written some very sexy, very naughty paranormal books! And how would you like to win a FABULOUS contest? Well read on.. till the end...How do you feel about weresnakes? ooh you have problems with snakes? You wont with these... I promise you!Beyond the Vision of Dreams: What do you do when the woman of your dreams shows up on your doorstep?Remy Crane, an unmated were python, has been having some extremely erotic dreams for the past week about a woman he's sure doesn't exist. Imagine his surprise when he wakes up one morning and finds the…

Riley's Ramblings
The Great Remodel of 2011, Before and After

Jess Riley

20 Jan 2012 | 12:28 pm

First, some history. My parents bought the old farmhouse in which I grew up at an auction for less than $30,000. Guess what happens when you buy an old farmhouse for less than $30,000 in the mid-eighties?You live with perpetual, inconvenient renovations!J bought the house we now inhabit back in the late nineties for $40,000. It was built in 1885 and stood vacant for 13 years before he bought it. Guess what happens when you buy an ancient, 13 years-vacant farmhouse that used to be a rental unit for $40,000? You live with perpetual, inconvenient renovations! Now don’t get me wrong. I no…
Looking for Ms. Vadino

Jess Riley

18 Jan 2012 | 7:56 am

It's my turn in the rotation at CBGB....I mean GBCB. Less punk, more writing. Stop by and tell me about your favorite elusive author! Subscribe with Feedburner
I Gave Birth to This Blog (For You)

Jess Riley

3 Jan 2012 | 8:24 pm

Wouldn't that be a great song title?Anyway, hi! Welcome back to the place I infrequent. How were your holidays? My Christmas was chock-full of kiddos, as Christmases are wont to be. So naturally, conversation during one get-together eventually touched on the fact that I remain securely in the “Godmother, I love you THIS much!” card section at Hallmark. I got a bit of ribbing about the barren state of things, tick-tock and such, though I can’t imagine this type of teasing lasting many more years. (Though science continues to advance...Onward, science!) At one point, I good-naturedly…
Patience, Old Grasshopper

Jess Riley

22 Dec 2011 | 9:28 am

Last night I made the mistake of stopping at Target on my way home from work, when every other resident of my community got the same idea at the exact same time. I only ended up with a handful of things in my cart, because the store was out of several key items on my list. This Christmas, if anyone asks you during an after-dinner trivia game, “Which major U.S. retailer was completely out of Rolos three days before the second-largest candytastic U.S. holiday?” you can now answer with confidence. The lines to check-out were endless, streaming into jewelry and inappropriate tween wear. I…
Half-Assery Abounds

Jess Riley

30 Nov 2011 | 4:19 pm

We are at the point in our DIY adventure where it feels like we'll never see the finish line...who knew five rooms could have so much trim to prime, sand, putty, paint, and re-paint? The tedium is exhausting, and I'm battling a strong urge to do a totally half-assed job. My wrists have told me in no uncertain terms that they are not in their twenties any longer. Unfortunately, J has suddenly become more detail-oriented than a Swiss watch maker, re-puttying nail holes I filled yesterday, insisting on sanding and re-painting when I think it's just fine.We also realized that we have no stairwell…

Camy's Loft
Guest blog and Street Team Book List excerpt - Allie Pleiter

Camy Tang

18 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

Camy here: Here's another book I added to my Street Team book giveaway list! You can win this book by joining my Street Team--Click here for more info! Falling for the Fireman by Allie Pleiter There's something achingly familiar about the look in fire marshal Chad Owens's eyes. Widowed mom Jeannie Nelworth knows firsthand what it is: loss, hurt and yes—bitterness. Ever since the fire that changed their lives, Jeannie's young son has borne that same look, pushing everyone away. So she's grateful when Chad tries to get through to the boy with the help of his trusty fire station dog. But the…
Booksigning schedule in OK and TX!

Camy Tang

16 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

I finally figured out how to add events to Goodreads! I hope this works: http://www.goodreads.com/event/list_author/291940 I think this link will lead to all my current "events," which are some booksignings and a couple writing workshops in Oklahoma and Texas both this week and next week. I hope you guys who are near some of these cities will come by to say hi!
Excerpt - Stalker in the Shadows by Camy Tang!!!!!!

Camy Tang

14 Jan 2012 | 6:37 pm

Some of you have been asking about it, so here it is! Available at retail stores this month only, and some online stores will have it for a few months longer, or order it on ebook (see links below). Stalker in the Shadows by Camy Tang "Consider this a warning." Lately, nurse Monica Grant feels she's being watched. Followed. And then she receives a threatening letter—accompanied by a dead snake. If she doesn't stop her plans to open a free children's clinic, she'll end up dead, too. Terrified, Monica turns to former lawman Shaun O'Neill—who believes the same madman murdered his own sister…
Street Team Book List excerpt - His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons

Camy Tang

13 Jan 2012 | 2:17 am

Camy here: Here's another book I added to my Street Team book giveaway list! You can win this book by joining my Street Team--Click here for more info! His Steadfast Love by Golden Keyes Parsons It isn't until the Civil War comes to her doorstep that Amanda Bell must choose between love and family. It's the spring of 1861 on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Amanda never thought she would marry because of a promise she made to her dying mother, but her attraction to Captain Kent Littlefield is undeniable. When Texas secedes from the Union, her brother Daniel aligns with the Confederate States, while…
Redux: Reading goals for 2012

Camy Tang

11 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

Captain's Log, Stardate 01.11.2012 I know I just posted about this but I read this post by Danica Favorite and am inspired to challenge myself with new reading goals this year. 1) Read the 4 Love Inspired Suspense novels each month. I should be doing this already, but I’ve been bad about keeping up with them. I’ll usually only read two Love Inspired Suspense novels each month, and after looking at my book catalog, I realized that I’ve been reading all backlist books, not current ones. So I will be trying to read all current Love Inspired Suspense novels each month. 2) Start at least one…

Terry's Place
Friday Field Trip - Colorado Mornings

27 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

Remember, there's still some time to comment on both my Monday post and Mike Nettleton's Tuesday post to enter to win books. Winners will be picked this evening and announced over the weekend, so be sure to check to see if you're a winner. We've had some glorious sunrises recently. Thanks to Jason and Hubster for these pictures. Some are mine, but I'm sure you can spot the ones taken with good cameras. (Not to mention they put their names on their shots) Like this post? Please share by clicking one of the links below.
Whose Story Is It?

26 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

What I'm reading: Contest entry #4 of 8; The Affair, by Lee Child. Remember, there's still plenty of time to comment on both my Monday post and Mike Nettleton's Tuesday post to enter to win books. And another reminder about my POV workshop at Savvy Authors. I'll be giving books away there, too. If you know someone who might benefit from a basic craft workshop, point them that way. (Link in the sidebar) In the world of romance fiction, reader expectation dictates that you have (at least) two Point of View characters: hero and heroine. They both must have complete story arcs, almost equally…
What's Cooking Wednesday - Tomato-Spinach Soup

25 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

What I'm reading: Contest entry #3 of 8 Thanks to Mike for his great post yesterday. Remember, there's still plenty of time to comment on both my Monday post and his Tuesday's post to enter to win books. And another reminder about my POV workshop at Savvy Authors. I'll be giving books away there, too. If you know someone who might benefit from a basic craft workshop, point them that way. I'm blogging about it today at their site. Please pop over. And, I'm still open to more easy gluten-free desserts for our neighbors. I live in the boonies, so fancy ingredients, like gluten-free flours, are…
A Pacificist Writes About Violence

24 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

Today my guest is author Mike Nettleton, a retired survivor of 43 years in the broadcasting business. Mike's career included stints as a deejay in top-forty, adult contemporary, country and album-rock formats. He's co-written five books with his wife, Carolyn J. Rose. His hard-boiled detective novel Shotgun Start is his first solo effort. Mike will be giving away two autographed copies of Shotgun Start. Winners will be selected randomly from the comments, and announced over the weekend. And I'm giving away a download of any one of my books to one commenter on yesterday's post as well. How did…
What Do Authors Owe Readers?

23 Jan 2012 | 6:00 am

What I'm reading: Contest Entry #2 of 8 First, a warm welcome to my newest followers. Thanks for coming on board, and I hope you'll stop by often. Next, please check the sidebar. I'm teaching an on-line workshop on Point of View next month, and would love to see some of you there. There's been a lot of heated discussion on the new Amazon Kindle Select program for indie authors. In case you haven't heard, Amazon created a new program which benefits authors. It makes books available for readers to borrow (provided they've paid the $79 to become a member of Amazon Prime), and also gives authors…

Laurie J. Edwards ~ Author, Artist, Dreamer...
Angel in the Mist

lje1

26 Jan 2012 | 6:54 pm

Photo Credit: Zsolt Zatrok Just got word that my short story “Angel in the Mist” will be published in the charity anthology A Community of Writers (Sunbury Press, 2012). Even cooler: All my CPs will also have stories in the book. Joint booksignings, here we come. Royalties from the sale of the book will be donated to the Fredricksen Library in Camp Hill, PA. What if you sacrificed your life so others could live? A different kind of ghost story.
What If You Were Cloned?

lje1

15 Jan 2012 | 2:00 am

Whoot!! So excited! Got a copy of Jill Williamson‘s latest book from Zondervan. It came when I had stacks of work to do, including major writing deadlines, so my plan was to read the first page or two, then save it for later. OK, so I read the first chapter, and the second, and… I’m sure you get the picture. Several hours later I’d read the whole book and still can’t get it out of my mind. I’ve included a synopsis below, but that doesn’t do the book justice. So much of the heart-pounding excitement is left out. And it doesn’t capture the humor…
Back in the Saddle

lje1

11 Jan 2012 | 6:54 pm

Image: Witthaya Phonsawat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net I began January by submitting the beginning of a YA set in the Old West. I love how my projects dovetail with each other and with my life. The first connection is that the heroine falls in love with a boy who was adopted into the Shawnee tribe. So how perfectly does that fit with the project I just finished–the 5 vol. Encyclopedia of Native Tribes? But the connections don’t stop there. My father bought a house in an Arizona ghost town near the Sonora desert. That mining town is now being rehabbed, but I got to see it before it…
There I Go Again, Being Rude…

lje1

18 Dec 2011 | 3:58 pm

As we’re hustling and bustling to get the last of the holiday shopping done, it’s so easy to get annoyed with slowpokes who block our speed-walking through a store on our lunch hours or with rude people who push ahead of us in line. But recently I heard a suggestion that totally revolutionized how I feel when that happens. Whatever label you’ve just given that person who’s upsetting you–irritating, pushy, nasty, inconsiderate–put it into this sentence: There I go again, being… There I go again, being pushy. There I go again, being rude. Wait a…
I Did It!!

lje1

30 Nov 2011 | 3:23 pm

Whew! I made my goal of 50,000 words. The word count in Word showed exactly 50,000 words, but when I put it in the validator, it showed less than that, so I had to type in another paragraph. It should feel terrific to reach this goal, but secretly I’d been hoping to complete an 80,000-word novel, so I ended up feeling disappointed. I do wonder if setting such high standards is good or if it only makes it tough on yourself. I think we need to spend more time on congratulating ourselves for what we’ve accomplished–and that goes for all you NaNo participants who didn’t…

Susanna Carr's Blog
Artist’s Date #3: Trying a new recipe

Susanna

25 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

A lot of people recommend cooking new recipes for Artist’s Dates. I decided to give that a try this week. I’m not familiar with Asian cuisine so I chose to cook a few traditional items for Chinese New Year. Shopping for ingredients was a bit of a journey. I made quite a few mistakes! And why is it so hard to find mirin, the cooking wine? Most importantly, why was I carded when I bought a bottle at the grocery store? I was more bewildered than flattered. One recipe I was hesitant to make was the jien duy. They are balls made of sweet dough, rolled in sesame seeds and fried until…
Hot Blogging with Heart

Susanna

24 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

Today I’m over at Cassandra Carr’s Hot Blogging with Heart discussing why I made a commitment to do Artist’s Dates every month. Please drop by when you get the chance! ©2012 Susanna Carr's Blog. All Rights Reserved..Related posts: guest blogging
Monday contest

Susanna

23 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

I’ve gotten into the habit of reading my weekly horoscope every Sunday evening. But I don’t just read one site. That way if the first horoscope is negative I can keep looking until I find one that is more positive. It’s basically the same prediction, but some are kinder and gentler. My twin sister refuses to read horoscopes, so I feel it’s my duty to inform her of the highlights. It drives her crazy when I start a sentence with “Our horoscope says…” The only time I know if she listened is when she tells me how wrong the predictions were. Do you read your…
Weekend Read: A Dangerous Infatuation by Chantelle Shaw

Susanna

20 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

Emma is a widow with a child. While everyone knows her husband had been a firefighter who had died heroically, she has kept his serial cheating a secret. It’s better for everyone to believe that her marriage was the stuff of fairy tales. But then she meets Rocco who is a famous playboy. Not only is he wildly handsome and successful, Rocco is also known for his scandalous affairs. Emma does her best to ignore him while she’s working as a nurse for his grandmother, deciding that this playboy is a lot like her late husband. But Rocco proves to be everything Emma wants in a man and he…
Artist’s Date #2: Reading outside your comfort zone

Susanna

18 Jan 2012 | 3:00 am

I’m a contemporary romance reader. I don’t care if the story is sweet, spicy, short or gigantic as long as it’s a romance and it’s based in today’s world. The problem is, when you have a steady diet of one genre, you become firmly entrenched in your comfort zone. There are a few authors I turn to when I want a comfort read, but the familiar isn’t going to spark or strengthen my creativity. So this week I decided to spend my Artist’s Date reading a book I normally wouldn’t. I went for young adult dystopia. That’s right. I read The Hunger…

Fierce Romance
Behind Closed Doors

Cameo Brown

26 Jan 2012 | 5:03 pm

I've been thinking lately. Oh, I know that's kind of unusual for me because usually I'm daydreaming, lost in a story somewhere. However, I've been downright pondering. You see, I keep getting story ideas that...well, they...I mean my thoughts are sort of...the stories don't have...*whispering* S-E-XThat's right. I'm thinking of going rogue, and, at the point when the heroine and hero are about to give into their attraction, close the bedroom door. No one will know anything has happened, possibly not even the main characters, until she wakes up in his arms the next day.Don't get me wrong. I…
Reading Recommendations

Esmerelda Bishop

25 Jan 2012 | 2:07 pm

So I've been on a reading hiatus for a few months and feel so out of the loop. My daughter stepped on my purse back in October and broke my Kindle. I didn't believe I would be able to get it replaced since it was a Christmas gift from last year. After my SIL urged me to at least call and ask, I finally did and was sent a new one. Man, I was super excited.The new one got here, downloaded a couple of books and then it broke. Defective. Seriously?After working with the Amazon troubleshooter team to figure out why it kept rebooting, and rebooting and rebooting and then completely froze, they…
Secondary Characters Who Demand Their Own Stories

Vonda Sinclair

24 Jan 2012 | 8:56 am

When I was writing My Fierce Highlander and the hero’s brother, Lachlan, stepped on stage, he instantly came to life. I knew he would need his own story. He was such a rake and a rogue and the fun-loving, adventurous type. He loved teasing Alasdair, his more serious older brother. I thought, won’t it be fun when the tables are turned and Alasdair can tease Lachlan? Here is Lachlan's second scene in My Fierce Highlander where he is still a secondary character.A knock sounded at the door, then it opened and a tall man stuck his head in. He grinned.“Lachlan, come on in, then.” Alasdair…
Snow White and Her Seven Lovers - Jenna Ives-Guest Author

Natasha Moore

23 Jan 2012 | 5:00 am

Snow White And Her Seven Lovers… Did that surprising twist on the classic fairy tale title get your attention? Hope so, LOL! I’m Jenna Ives and I write contemporary erotic romance and BDSM novellas. (I’m published with Fierce Romance’s own Natasha Moore in the Binding Ties anthology from Samhain, with my sorority-inspired story, The Initiation Of Isabella.) I love novellas, because with so much technology at hand these days (texting, tweeting, e-readers, smart phones, video game players, etc) it seems everyone is developing a shorter attention span. And novellas are the perfect way to…
Celebrate Life

Cameo Brown

20 Jan 2012 | 5:47 am

I'm filling in today because I missed last week, and I was going to continue my soapboxing from yesterday. However, I received some unhappy news recently that a dear family member suddenly passed away, and I lost my steam somewhere between ranting about bra straps showing and jeans that don't fit the human body.We writers thrive on using life experiences in our writing, both the sad and happy, and that's what I'm doing today. I don't want to leave you with a bummer post on a Friday, and I won't. Any loss has the potential to bring back memories of loved ones and past events, and this loss is…

Keta's Keep
Welcome to the Reader Rally!

16 Jan 2012 | 7:15 pm

WELCOME TO THE READER RALLY!PARTICIPATE FROM JANUARY 17th THRU JANUARY 31st By popular demand, we're offering a GRAND PRIZE DRAWING at ROMANCE AT RANDOM WEB SITE Please hop on over there when you're done here. See who else is participating in the Reader Rally and leave a comment to be entered into the Grand Prize Drawing!Winner for the Grand Prize will be announced onFEBRUARY 2nd at the link above. Now . . . for my contest!I'm offering a $10 Amazon Gift Card!Winner will also be announced on February 2nd. My latest release, Dark Night of the Moon will be available January 20th -…
Laurie's Thoughts & Reviews on Land of Falling Stars

8 Jan 2012 | 8:20 pm

Land of Falling StarsKeta DiabloMy Review - 4 Stars - Keta Diablo never fails to surprise me with her talent for creating characters that come alive – passionate, obstinate and wholly believable. Then by placing them smack in the middle of one of the most tumultuous eras in American History, she spins her magic. Keta has created a story that is like a majestic tapestry. The characters seem to live and breathe within the framework of a grand story rich in historical detail. Three childhood friends are divided by horrific, gut-wrenching circumstance, forced into…
Four & Five Star Reviews Just in! ★★★★★

6 Jan 2012 | 9:41 pm

This review is for: Land of Falling Stars (Kindle Edition) I am not normally drawn to read historical romances set in the United States, but I thoroughly enjoyed Keta Diablo's Land of Fallen Stars. Gavin and Sophie's struggle to come to terms with the disasters that have befallen them during the Civil War is gripping and gritty, and is heightened by the intense passion they feel for each other, but that they are bound by circumstances and convention to deny. Anna Markland (Victoria, BC) BUY ON KINDLE (Click Here) BUY ON KINDLE (Click Here) This Review is for Where The Rain Is…
HAPPY NEW YEAR - My Favorite (NOT) New Year's Memory

3 Jan 2012 | 9:34 pm

So this is going to be a post about my favorite (NOT) New Year’s memory. That’s not difficult for me to remember. In fact, I doubt I’ll ever forget the incident. Several years ago, my sons dragged me to the local casino on New Year’s Eve. They convinced me it would be festive, celebratory and fun. And it was . . . until midnight rolled around. About thirty minutes before the clock struck twelve, my eldest son and I sat down at a row of poker machines. I wanted to make sure I was seated when the New Year came—out of the way of all the people jumping up and down and blowing whistles.
Dark Night of Moon - Excerpt

1 Jan 2012 | 4:38 pm

Mark Your Calendars . . . Don't Miss the Blog Tour (Dates Above)For Schedule of Bloggers, check here soon! RomFan Reviews - Host DARK NIGHT OF THE MOONParanormal Shapeshifter (Wolf) Coming to a KINDLE near you mid-January 2012 Dark Night of the Moon is the second book in the series and the sequel to Holding on to Heaven. Creed Gatlin flees to Arizona intent on eradicating the haunting memories of his brother’s wife. Brand Gatlin, presumed dead, resurfaces after a long absence and with his re-emergence, the destinies of those he loves is altered forever. In a land rife with war and…

Falling In Love With Romance
Thursday Writing Quote

Suzie Quint

26 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

Each story involves a race against time. That time bomb is set to explode at the climax of the story; its ticking should be heard on every page. - Ben Bova
Thursday Writing Quotes

Suzie Quint

19 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

Nothing, not love, not greed, not passion or hatred, is stronger than a writer's need to change another writer's copy. --Arthur Evans
Thursday Writing Quotes

Suzie Quint

12 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. --Mark Twain
Thursday Writing Quotes

Suzie Quint

5 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

Writing advice is a dangerous beast: what's perfect advice for one sort of person can deadly for another. So if you're the sort of person who cranks out page after page of clunky prose and never edits themselves, ignore this. But if, like me and lots of people I know, you obsess about every comma and agonize over the sound of every sentence, put this up on a card above your desk: BASH IT OUT NOW, TART IT UP LATER. - Ellen Kushner
An Interview with Author Success Coach Deborah Riley-Magnus

Suzie Quint

30 Nov 2011 | 3:20 am

I have a guest today. Deborah Riley-Magnus is the author of Finding Author Success: Discovering and Uncovering the Marketing Power Within your Manuscript. She writes fiction in several genres as well as non-fiction. She's also an Author Success Coach with a twenty-seven year professional background in marketing, advertising, and public relations as a writer for print, television and radio. She writes fiction in several genres as well as non-fiction. She’s lived on both the east and west coast of the United States and has traveled the country widely. She is a native of…

Romance Novels

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