Kristina Knight - Romance Author

The Dreaded Thank Yous

2012-05-24T05:30:00.000-04:00

I hate writing thank you notes. With a passion, I hate writing them. I feel like I'm constantly writing thank-yous - there are birthday parties, adoption parties, adoption days, graduations (yes, she received a few presents for pre-school graduation - and she hasn't even graduated yet; that comes next year!) and anniversaries to celebrate. It isn't that I don't appreciate being remembered, it's the action of sitting down and finding the exact right thing to say - but saying that exact right thing in a different way for 15-20 people. It's stressful, even for a writer. I would much rather tell someone thank you, so I can explain why that writing board for bebe was the perfect gift or how we used that gift card to that fancy restaurant...

To me, a thank you has always been like a query letter in reverse - instead of expressing my appreciate, I'm trying to get an editor/agent interested in my 'gift' (the manuscript) and then expressing appreciation for their time. So it's kind of similar.

The editor or agent needs to know what the book is about, what the length is and maybe a little about the author - emphasis on the 'little'. They don't have the time or even interest in reading every detail of our lives or a full page of backstory for our characters. This is where queries have to be succint. The editor needs to know very specific stuff from the query: what obstacles are in the way of the hero/heroine? what preconceived notions do they have? what will they try to accomplish through the story? More than those little details are too much for a query - save the rest for the synopsis (all 2 to 5 pages of it!) and wrap up that query.

Do you readers have any tried and true query Do's or Don'ts?

Beginning With a Bang

2012-05-22T05:30:00.000-04:00

So, my fellow Crimson Romance author D'Ann Lindun shared the first line of her debut romance "Wild Horses" last week. And that gave me an idea...but since I don't want to totally steal her idea, I'm tweaking a bit. As you do.

Because I think beginnings definitely need to bang. There are many beginnings in books - there are new chapter beginnings, there are scene stealing moments, there are those life-changing moments and the list goes on. All of these moments need to grab the reader, to not let her close the book, earmark the page or otherwise set it down.

I do, however, think the first two beginnings - the first time the reader gets into the Hero's POV and the first time she gets into the Heroine's POV - are two of the most important. So, here are the rules:

Open your WIP document (published or unpublished work, either works). Grab that first paragraph of the first scene either your Hero or Heroine star in and share it in the comments. Wow us! Have fun! I'll go first.

This is the opening of the second scene, Kathleen's POV, from What a Texas Girl Wants:

The earth was moving. And not in a good way. Kathleen Witte reached out, trying to grab on to something. Anything. But her hands met only with air.

She shifted, and her shoulder dug into damp sand. Where was she? Her eyes flew open, and she winced at the bright sunlight.

The beach? What happened to the villa? And her. . .Sweet Mary, Mother of God, what happened to her clothes?

This Is Why I Love My Job

2012-05-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

My debut romance novel releases in a little less than three weeks and I've been talking about it. A lot. Not just online - and I swear I'm not trying to annoy you guys or just say the name of my book every 5 seconds. Its simple excitement. I'm a lot like Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride that way..sometimes I just spazz out and have to say one more thing - but to my husband and my friends and my daughter (who wants to know if my book will have pictures).

But as I was going on to my husband about the process and the fun of editing (yes, the fun. Seriously.) and his eyes started to glaze over I realized that while I love writing and books and all things geek...he doesn't. So I'm letting a little of my spazz out on the blog today so I don't kill the remaining 2 brain cells he has that are willing to listen to me. And, so I can share with y'all why I love what I do so much. And why I'm hoping you'll let me keep doing it for a long, long time.

I never know who I'm going to 'meet' in a book. Or what I'll do with 'em once we do meet!

I love watching 2 people fall in love...it makes me fall in love with my husband all over again.

I like putting people in ordinary circumstances and then turning things upside down for them.

I totally get to stalk images of hot guys and beautiful women for the sake of creating a collage that represents the books for me. Pinterest is my friend.

Exploring character's plans, wants and needs can be very therapeutic - without the expense of a therapist!

Each ending is really just the beginning and sometimes - this is where my nuttiness comes in - I revisit them in my mind to see how things are going now.

I've met some truly amazing people, both in the Crimson Romance family and in my general wanderings around the web.

I get to spend all day with my favorite people in the world - both the real people and the imagined ones!

What about you guys? Why do you love your job - writing related or not??

Free Read ~ The Beginning!

2012-05-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

So, this is so not a secret, but my first book, 'What a Texas Girl Wants' releases in just a few weeks. June 4 to be exact. But before this book starts, a little history must happen - it is a reunion romance, you know. Even if Kathleen and Jackson were more crushee/crush than actual lovers. I might call them star-crossed. Maybe.

But I digress.

As I was writing the book, the beginning of their romance kept bugging me. I didnt want to add in a prologue, and there are hints to their way-back story, but mostly those are just hints. But their beginning did make me wonder. And then a good friend suggested I write that beginning, or at least a part of it and see where it went. I did.

I wrote Kathleen and Jackson's 'meet cute'. It was just a single scene, from both their POVs, but it was fun. It reminded me of them. Of course, there wasn't room for that scene in the book. And then two more scenes came to me, one just before the beginning of the book for both Jackson and Kathleen. Hesse scenes have been sitting on. My hard drive, waiting to be recognized. When the story was accepted by Crimson Romance, I thought, what about offering them as a free read? And so that's what I'm doing today. If you want a little teaser to 'What a Texas Girl Wants', check out the prequel. You'll find it here, and it's short, but you'll get a taste for Kathleen and Jackson and what sets them down the strange path they will take starting June 4.

I hope you enjoy it!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2012-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

We disrupt this usual blog schedule to wish all you moms and soon to be moms and aunts and grandmothers and stand-in moms a very happy Mother's Day!

I've been a mom now for just over three years and I have to say it's been the most fun time - and the most draining! - of my life. But I wouldn't trade bebe in for anything in the world. I might change her sleep patterns...but I digress. Mothers, whether ours by birth or choice, are the most important people in our lives. I've been lucky in my life. I have a great mom, a wonderful mother-in-law and a core group of strong women in my past who have helped make me the woman I am today.

There was Grandma Grice (who was always referred to by both names, I don't know why, but wouldn't her last name make a great first name?). She was my great-grandmother on my mom's side of the family. She would wake up early with me in the summers when I visited her in North Carolina and walk with me for miles along the beach looking for shells. She helped me catch those little sand-bugs and fill up a jar to take home.

And then there was Big Mommy (who stood 5-feet flat and was dwarfed by my 6'0 "Big Daddy"), who talked to me and listened to my stories. She was my paternal grandmother. She's probably the reason I'm writing today. I remember one morning when my brother and I were staying at the farm, the guys were out in the field and I was "helping" Big Mommy cook. And telling her a story of some sort. She turned to me and said, "Kristi, why don't you write this one down, so I'll always have it?" So I hopped off my high stool and headed to the front room for pencils and paper. After 30 minutes I was done and took the story in to the kitchen -- and proceeded to read it to her. I think that was the opposite of what she'd hoped for --a few minutes of quiet without my story echoing in her ear. But she just smiled and hugged me.

There is my Aunt Cleon, my maternal grandmother's sister, who gave me a spiral notebook one summer and asked me to write things down in it. She inscribed it on the inside front cover, telling me that I could be or do or dream anything I wanted.

So to all my 'moms' and to all the moms reading this today, Happy Mother's Day! I hope you are rich in hugs, kisses and all things love today and always. Here's a song for you:

When the Good Just Gets Better

2012-05-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

So everyone is probably tired of hearing me say in blog comments or Facebook or even Twitter that writing the book was the easy part. Even though it was. Writing the book, I was on my own schedule. Now that it's sold and coming out in (gulp) less than a month, the real work has started. There are initial edits and then cover art sheets and marketing plans and galley edits and cover art to pet. There are blog posts to write and blog tours to start and more social networking to do and then the good news just starts snowballing because...

I sold book two! Didja catch that? Yep, I sold my second book, tentatively titled The Saint's Devilish Deal, to my publisher Crimson Romance. I <3 my Saint so so so much. He's all tortured and a little bit broken, and Esme, the heroine, is strong but a little bit lost at the same time. They made me cry when I was writing the book (am I supposed to admit that?!?), and now as I'm waiting for another set of initial edits and filling out cover art sheets and dreaming of what the cover will actually look like...

I'm supposed to write another book. I'm a little bit freaked about that because with one book set to come out - and all the extra stuff that entails! - and another book just starting the process - and all the extra stuff that entails! - and my freelance stuff and being a mom and wife I'm feeling the pressure.

So, here's my solution: I'm only going to do what I can do. And I'm not going to stress about the rest. Maybe. Okay, probably I'll just tell myself not to stress and will actually stress a little. But you'll bring me back, right?

First, I'm setting up a schedule - for email, social media, writing/researching/editing. I've done this for a long time because of my nonfiction deadlines. There are only so many minutes in any day so I give myself a half-hour for email. I read, reply, make notes about whatever I need to make notes about. Then off goes the wireless. No wireless = no little time sneaks of 'I'll just look at Pinterest for a minute. Pinkie swear'. And I write or research or whatever. In the mornings I'll stick with nonfiction. Write what I need to write. Then lunch, another email check and it's on to Fiction. Whatever my goals are for the day (both fiction and non-fiction), my reward will be some time on the ~~crack~~ social networks. Then back to work.

Second, I'll take some me time. A walk around the neighborhood, a little Zumba (yes, I have an addictive personality and I'm currently addicted to Zumba, too. I know, it's a sickness), playing with bebe or hanging out with RadioMan. Reading a favorite author or re-reading a favorite book. I'll figure it out, but I'm building in me-time every day because I know me - if I don't I'll live at the computer.

Third, I will repeat - over and over if needed - 'I can only do what I can do'. If I find I'm better at FB or Twitter or Pinterest, I'll focus my social media there. Another writer might have 20 books out this year, that isn't me. I can't compare my release schedule or writing schedule to any other writer's. Because I'm me. I have limitations and I will not beat myself up over that.

How about you? How to you stay on-track when life gets really crazy?

Welcome Rachel Brimble!

2012-05-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Rachel Brimble (L) with Jodi Picoult

Hey, blog readers! So my guest is a new friend, Rachel Brimble. We met online - in the only place people meet nowadays, Facebook! She's a funny lady who writes wickedly good books, and she's here today to answer 5 simple questions. On with the interview!

Kristina: Do you have (or do you aspire to have!) a writing process?

Rachel: Yes, I do! When I’m starting a new book or story, I usually have a premise or maybe a problem the hero or heroine has to deal with. I then write a two to three page synopsis so that I have a clear outline of the entire plot in my head.

Then comes an in-depth character sketch for both my hero and heroine. This always brings through the plot conflict and romantic conflict.

Once the characters are established in my head, I write the entire first draft from start to finish – draft two is where the hard work comes in!

Kristina: When the writing gets tough, where do you get going?

Rachel: I stick my butt in the chair and go nowhere, lol! I don’t believe in writer’s block. The answer is there you just have to find it. I keep writing and see what happens. If I don’t like it or it’s not working, I cut it – more often than not, something you thought was really bad looks a lot better when you go back a few days later and re-read.

Writing is always tough – that’s why everyone else isn’t mad enough to do it!

Kristina: What are you listening to right now and does your listening choice influence your writing?

Rachel: I listen to all sorts of music but I’m a complete ‘80s girl at heart so that’s what I tend to stick on the iPod to relax. Everything from rock to ballads, I love it all. Oh, I have quite a soft spot for Lady Antebellum right now too J

My music choices don’t really have any bearing on my writing. I’ve used music twice in all the years I’ve been writing. Once for a scene in The Arrival of Lily Curtis when they waltz in the manor grounds and once in Transatlantic Loving when they attend a Class of ’85 reunion dance.

Kristina: Coffee, tea, soda, hot cocoa w/ extra marshmallows – what's your beverage of choice?

Rachel: Coffee with lots of hot milk by day and crisp white wine by night. Hmm…and it’s just creeping into evening here in the UK right now J

Kristina: Tell us one interesting thing about this book or its characters that didn't make in 'between the covers'?

Rachel: This book was originally planned as a romantic suspense and the scene when the hero and heroine meet was entirely different. The heroine was originally being attacked and very close to being killed but I changed the parking lot scene to something else entirely…

Paying The Piper is Rachel’s latest contemporary release and available now from Lyrical Press. Here’s the blurb:

Nightclub manager, Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother’s ashes are scattered – except the vendor wants to sell to anyone but her. And the vendor happens to be her father…with a secret Grace will do anything to uncover.

Social worker and all-round good guy, Jimmy Betts needs cash to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. In a desperate bid for cash, he agrees to a one-time ‘job’ for bad-man Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl’s beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace.

Their lives are so different except for one unifying thread – they are both trying to escape the binds of their tyrannical fathers. But is the key to their liberty each other?

Buy the Book:

http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=424

Find Rachel here:

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Brimble/181873201887441

Twitter: @rachelbrimble

http://www.lyricalpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_25&products_id=424

Find Rachel here:

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Brimble/181873201887441

Twitter: @rachelbrimble

How Do You Create?

2012-05-03T09:02:00.003-04:00

I'm a naturally curious person. New book at the bookstore? I have to check it out. New show on TV? I"ll usually check it out. New designer who promises jeans will instantly slim you? You can bet I'll try a pair on. Curious. I have a need to know.

This feeds nicely into my writing. A song or a snippet of conversation or a phrase in the newspaper will spark my imagination and I'll be off and running. I may not know the how or why of that song or conversation, but I'll figure out the how and why of my characters in a book. I'll fumble it a little and revise and edit and my characters will - at some point - hate me. But in the end we'll find our happily-ever-after.

There are times, though, when I'm completely blocked. When I have an idea or when I'm half-way through a book and I have no idea where to turn. I'm lost. Those are scary moments, but I've learned that when I have those lost-and-freaked moments I shouldn't push through. Warning: This is true for me, it may not be for you.

When I come to those moments, I need a break. I'll take a walk around the neighborhood and when I get home, I'll keep that file closed. I'll read a book. Watch a favorite television show. Play with bebe. Do something out of my chair and away from my computer. It helps my mind rest and allows my subconscious time to work on the problem. Many times I'll pull out my sewing machine to work on a crafty project - a new sundress for bebe or the block of a quilt. These non-writing but creative tasks give my brain a rest - time to not actively think about the characters or the plot or chapter and instead to focus in a different way.

That focus invariably leads to a solution for the manuscript. Do you step away from the computer when you're stuck? Or do you push through?

One Month & Counting!

2012-05-01T08:27:00.000-04:00

So, we are just over one month from the launch of my debut novel, What a Texas Girl Wants! To say I'm excited and scared and a little freaked out ... doesn't begin to cover it. I'm also ecstatically happy and bouncing off the walls - just ask my daughter and husband. But, I wanted to share my official cover and my official blurb for the book today, May 1st, and let you know I've got a lot of fun stuff planned for the next few weeks.

Several blog stops - I'll be sharing part of my WIP Playlist with my friend, author Constance Phillips, in a few days, I'll share a great empanada recipe later on this month - a recipe that is featured in the book! - on the fab Romance Recipes blog and there's lots more. So report in here to find out what's next on my hit parade. Don't forget to follow my author page on Facebook for the latest deets, and I'm starting a hashtag over at Twitter to talk about all the amazing Texas women who came before my character Kathleen. Follow #texasgirl on Twitter to get your daily dose of strong, stubborn, Texas women!

And now, the cover and blurb!!

Kathleen Witte is a down-to-earth girl. She has to be, with the family ranch on the verge of success. After seven months of keeping it all together by swearing off men, however, Kathleen needs a bit of fun in the sun. Waking up with a husband she can’t remember isn’t how she planned to blow off steam.

The last thing Jackson Taylor wants in his life is a down-to-earth girl. He has four weeks of freedom in which to find his birth mother. He’s done well avoiding commitment until now, so when he wakes up on a Mexican beach with Kathleen his first reaction is curiosity. When he spies the matching wedding rings on their left hands curiosity turns to concern.

Neither Jackson nor Kathleen want to stay married, but when her family shows up, they have no choice. Once back in Texas, however, can they keep this all-business marriage from turning into an all-consuming love?

Getting Ready!

2012-04-24T08:09:00.003-04:00

So, the release of my debut novel, What a Texas Girl Wants, is just over a month away - cue deep breath and calm breathing exercises. I'm putting together some cool fun facts for the blog, Facebook and Twitter this week to get ready - so the blog is going on vacation! Don't worry, I'll be back with new, fresh content next Tuesday. Until then, here's a link to keep you happy - it's to my Pinterest board for the novel...and will give you a little taste of all things Texas!

The Things We Learn

2012-04-19T06:00:00.004-04:00

My friend Moriah Densley blogs now and again about the crazy things her kids say and do, and her posts are always an 'ah-ha' moment of 'thank God I'm not the only one' for me. This week was picture week at bebe's pre-school. And I was reminded - yet again - how out of my depth I am a lot of the time as a girly-girl pre-school mom.

we call this the 'veil style', usually put beads at the Xs

Let me first say that, although I write romance novels and many of my heroines are smart and savvy and up-to-date on the designers of the moment....I'm so not. I've never been a girly-girl. Yes, I have a slightly-above-average shoe fetish and yes I probably own too many dresses. But my favorite outfits include track pants, jeans and tees. bebe? No, she is a girly-girl. She wants dresses and crowns and painted nails and her hair done just so and...every.single.day.

So, when I realized at 8:15 Wednesday morning that it was picture day - and we had to leave for school in 15 minutes, I knew there would be trouble. Threw bebe in the shower, did the fastest wash routine - like ever - and made sure her hair was nicely wetted down. Ran with her down the hall and into her room where every flippin' outfit I chose was 'not right, Mommy', 'no, I don't have the right shoes, Mommy' or 'it's not pink enough, Mommy'. bebe ~~was finally satisfied~~ settled for a way too cute pink-and-white plaid dress and the glittery-est pink shoes she owns and we were off. Oh! But I forgot her hair and, bebe being African-American means we can't just comb-and-go. No. There was de-tangling to be done and she wanted braids (only there was no time, bad mommy) so she wanted a veil-style with twists (only, again, no time, even badder mommy) and so she settled for 3 puff-balls after a lot of 'but we'll make them loose-and-free' cajoling from me - (In our house, loose-and-free means un-twisted, so very curly but gathered in 3 different ballies). Five minutes of de-tangling, conditioning and we were set.

an example of '3 balls'

And we got to school with a whole two minutes left.

Knowing how girly bebe is, I'm usually much more prepared - clothes laid out, hair done the night before. It's been a crazy week, though, and we haven't 'done' a big style. But lesson learned - always laying clothes out the night before. And no more laziness on hair day - there will be a style! In other words: Prepare! Always prepare!

One of our recent conversations:

bebe: Mommy, when are you going to be a girl?
Me: I am a girl, bebe, all the time.
bebe: No, girls wear dresses, Mommy.
Me: I wear dresses. Sometimes (muttering).
bebe: Girls wear dresses all the time, Mommy.

What have you learned from your kids? Or another unexpected source?

Tasty Tuesday: Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

2012-04-17T07:00:00.002-04:00

We've been making this recipe in my family for a lot of years. My mom created it first, and we call it Slow Cooker Chicken Gumbo - but since it's 1) not spicy and 2) doesn't have rice and 3) doesn't have sausage or other Cajun stuff I thought I'd just re-name it for this blog. Don't wanna be falsely advertising ya know!

I love this because I can throw the ingredients in a crock pot in the morning and by dinner the whole house smells mucho-yummy! Try it on a rainy day - I think you'll love it!

Ingredients:
1 can of chicken broth
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
4-5 stalks of celery, chopped up
4-5 large carrots, chopped up
1 onion, chopped up (this isn't mandatory, if you don't like onion don't include it)
4-5 chicken breasts, shredded (if you prefer dark meat, use thighs instead)
1 handful of Angel Hair pasta, broken up

Directions: Bake the chicken at 350 for 1 hour, allow to cool - you could even bake the chicken the day before, if you have a super busy day planned. Once cooled, shred up the chicken. NOTE: You can leave the skin on or take it off. Either way works. Toss the soups, celery, carrots and onion in a crock pot and stir. Add the shredded up chicken. NOTE #2: if it doesn't look like you have enough pasta, add a bit more. Put the crock pot on low if you're slow-cooking all day, on high if you only have 3 or so hours, put the lid on the crock pot and forget it.

5 Questions with Author Lala Corriere!

2012-04-12T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hello, lovely readers! So, a few months ago I was invited to a join an online critique group. What I found, in addition to amazing critiques and a ton of writerly information, was a new group of friends. We talk writing, we critique for one another, but we also share our little ups and downs. One of the women from that group is here today. Lala Corriere is warm and friendly - and writes truly mind-scaringly-great books. Welcome, Lala!!

Do you have (or do you aspire to have!) a writing process?

My writing has evolved to where I definitely have an indefinite writing process! I start with a strong plot idea that very well may morph. In fact, I expect it to morph. Next up are my characters. I want to know them intimately, as if I were their mother, their lover, and their teacher, and all at the same time. Every strength. Every weakness. Every nuance that might make them do what they do. I work from an outline, even if sometimes vague. Often I’m writing full scenes before that outline is complete. When I dream of my characters I know I’m onto something.

When the writing gets tough, where do you get going?

I can honestly say that I rarely get writer’s block. I keep a notepad with me at all times, divided into sections. When I’m at a great people-watching location like a restaurant, the airport, or the beach, I listen. Some call it eavesdropping. If I hear an extraordinary name I write it down under my ‘name’ section. Sometimes I hear entire scenes. Maybe a one liner. Even possible future titles. If I ever do get stuck I open my notebook and get unstuck.

What are you listening to right now and does your listening choice influence your writing?

Okay. You asked. Right now—the evening news. How dreadful. Mostly I have my scruples! And a regimen. A steamy love scene brings Bolero. More intimate moments require Ottmar Leibert. Broken hearts and scorned love means Christina Perri, and redemption is Perri’s Bang, Bang, Bang. When moving into unchartered waters of my manuscript it’s Andreas Vollenweider, and finally—when I’m doing my last read-through, it’s Yanni, with no good reason but that he moves me and his violinist is both riveting and mesmerizing at the same time.

Coffee, tea, soda, hot cocoa w/ extra marshmallows – what's your beverage of choice?

I adore my wines, both a buttery chardonnay and an oaky Cabernet Sauvignon. BUT, I also have a killer non-alcoholic drink that is perfect for our desert summer afternoons. Here’s my recipe for a LALA-RITA: A glass rimmed with salt, and if you can find it use the lime flavored Mexican salt by Trechas called SaLimon Powder. In a blender combine crushed ice, Bacardi margarita mix, and half portions of diet tonic and Fresca. Voila! You have yourself a Lalarita!

Tell us one interesting thing about this book or its characters that didn't make in 'between the covers'?

Do you mean the scenes I nixed? No can tell. I may resurrect them! I can share some secrets from my last release, CoverBoy. I love surprises, especially when my readers think they have it figured out. I love to tie up loose ends. It’s like the best of any puzzle! What don’t readers know about CoverBoy? One of the characters will not survive. And one of the characters has landed the lead role in my next book. I think you’ll like it!

Endorsed by the late Sidney Sheldon

Widow’s Row blurb: Her father left her a legacy. A legacy of lies.

CoverBoy blurb: He prays for prey. His prayers have just been answered.

Lauren Visconti loses everyone she loves. They don’t walk out the door. They die. The Lauren Visconti Curse.

Her in-your-face magazine, CoverBoy, might have crossed a few lines. Now it appeared the curse had morphed. Now anyone Lauren had any emotion toward, good or bad, was doomed to be slaughtered.
Success came with the magazine’s dichotomy—photos of almost naked men juxtaposed between serious investigative reporting. Her articles ran true stories. Most readers had heard of sex-slave trafficking. Most didn’t know it occurred in their own backyards. Some readers knew about podiatry mutilations—the hacking off of elongated second toes and even the total amputation of little toes, all in order to fit into the expensive designer shoes. Very few had heard about revirgination.

Both titles are available exclusively on Amazon.

Read with me Read with me and save a tree.™

Buy The Books: Amazon

Author Interview: MK Chester's Surrender to the Roman!

2012-04-10T07:00:00.018-04:00

...and we're back with another installment of '5 Questions with. . .' Today, the fantabulous MK Chester, who writes historical romances - but not the kind you're used to. Forget Regency, Highlanders. . . her latest book, "Surrender to the Roman" takes us to ancient Rome with a yummy hero and a prickly heroine who isn't about to be walked on. Welcome, MK (and that's a lovely cover, btw)! And on with the interview.

Kristina: Do you have (or do you aspire to have!) a writing process?

MK: I endlessly aspire to have a writing process! Well, I guess I do have a process, I’m just a little weak in the “habit” area. I’m a character-driven writer, so that means I usually have the people before I have the plot. I will do some first-person narrative writing for each main character so that I can get a feel for them, their time and place, and use Deb Dixon’s GMC charts to see if they have enough conflict and were it is. By that point, a storyline is typically falling into place for me. I’m also a pantzer, which can be treacherous, so I’ve committed myself to outlining three chapters ahead. That usually gives me enough structure to forge ahead and enough fluidity to change directions organically.

Putting my butt in the chair? That’s another story…

Kristina: When the writing gets tough, where do you get going?

MK: When I hit a rough spot, I rely on a couple methods to pull me through. The first is that I rely on music. I’ll find music that represents the story, the characters, or the era, and immerse myself in it while I (attempt to) write. I may also take some time away from the computer screen and watch movies or TV shows that are of the same genre to get that creativity back. If I find I’ve written myself into a corner, I may send out the WIP to one of a handful of trusted critique partners to see if I need a change of direction. When all else fails, I’m not above disconnecting all together for a bit. Giving myself permission to walk away can be liberating. That’s usually when inspiration will it in some random place and time, like when I’m playing with the puppies—or cleaning up after them.

Kristina: What are you listening to right now and does your listening choice influence your writing?

MK: Definitely! I love music and enjoyed studying it when I was younger. While writing Surrender to the Roman, I listed to a lot of movie soundtracks, including Rome, Spartacus, 300, Gladiator, and Troy. I don’t have to have it to write, but like I said before, it helps get me un-stuck and stay focused when I’m not writing the most exciting parts of the story.

Kristina: Coffee, tea, soda, hot cocoa w/ extra marshmallows – what's your beverage of choice?

MK: Coffee in the morning…but aside from that, I’m not much of a drinker.

Kristina: Tell us one interesting thing about this book or its characters that didn't make in 'between the covers'?

MK: The opening scene! Having done the research for how the Dacian War ended, it didn’t seem to be the “super exciting” page turner I had hoped, so I left parts of it out, hoping to piece together a more attention-grabbing start. It just didn’t work for my editor, and she pushed me to rewrite it to include more personal elements for the hero. I found that including the bits of history I’d left out allowed me to do that, and made for a deeper, more exciting start.

Book Blurb:

As the Romans storm the last stronghold of Dacia, Princess Ademeni awaits her fate. Taken as a slave, she is deposited into General Marcus Cordovis’s home as a gift.
Driven to avenge her family, Ademeni plots to kill her captor and escape. Though not the cruel victor she expects, Marcus keeps her too close to make escape easy—so close that Ademeni is soon tormented by an unbidden, traitorous attraction. In a moment of weakness, a passionate kiss almost undoes them both.

But the handsome, widowed general has another surprise for Ademeni: a young daughter. Marcus dares ask Ademeni to help him bridge the gap between him and his little girl. And now, Ademeni is growing too fond of those she is supposed to despise. As Marcus prepares for the triumphal march and the opening of the gladiatorial games—where captives of her homeland will be sacrificed—Ademeni readies for her own battle between revenge and love.

Okay, readers, Surrender to the Roman is available now! Grab your copy at Carina Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Are You A Dream Chaser?

2012-04-05T07:00:00.030-04:00

Being a romance author, it probably won't surprise any of you that romantic movies - of the comedy, mystery, suspense and all other varieties - are my favorites. Ryan Gosling? Check! A little silliness? Double-check! Great chemistry - think Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey - triple check! But one of my all-time favorite movies is Pretty Woman. It's a movie that has heart - a heroine who is feisty and looking for more, a hero who is severely wounded but won't show it...and it has some great lines.

But probably one of my favorite lines is not from Julia Roberts or Richard Gere. It's from the rasta-dude walking the neighborhood shouting, "Hey! What's your dream? Everybody comes to Hollywood has a dream...." Because we all have dreams. In the movie, I think Viv's dream is just to get out of the bad situation she's been in her entire life - to have someone believe in her. I think Edward wants the same thing - someone to love him and believe in him not because of his money...but because of who he is inside.

We all chase dreams and sometimes we reach our dreams and find out they aren't what we imagined and sometimes we reach them and realize there is more road to be traveled to an even bigger dream.

I realized one of my bigger dreams a few weeks ago when I signed a contract to sell my first book. And I realized another one this week when I saw the cover of my book - and, yeah, got a little teary! - but there are more dreams to chase. Selling Book #2. Getting a great review. Getting fan mail. Selling Book #3. And there are dreams that aren't related to my writing career - seeing my daughter fall in love and live her own happily ever after. Sailing around the world with my personal romantic hero...the list goes on.

I started thinking about dreams not because of my book sale, but because I got more news this week - my niece, who is graduating college next month, just landed her dream job: teaching English to students in France. She's been dreaming of living and working in France since...well, basically birth. We don't know where it comes from, but that dream and drive is there. She visited twice on school trips and was an exchange student last spring. And all of those trips just made her drive to move to France more solid. And it makes me a little teary to think how lucky she is that she has that drive and that she's realizing this one dream so soon...because it opens up a whole new world for her.

So, from Megan and me and for all the other dreamers out there...keep dreaming! Keep working and keep your eyes on that big dream you have. Because we all have dreams, even if we don't live in Hollywood!

So, what's your dream?

Tasty Tuesday: Peanut Butter Pie!

2012-04-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

Okay, so my Tasty Tuesdays are kinda turning into a calorie, sweet-tooth fest. Sorry about that, but I do love sweets...and why not share something good and fun on a Tuesday, right? Right! So, on with today's entry: Peanut Butter Pie.

Why? Because my mother-in-law had peanut butter pie over the weekend to celebrate Radio Man and my 13th wedding anniversary! Yeah, she's a keeper. Now, the picture to the left is that pie, which technically came from Perkins. But the recipe below is mine. All mine! But MIL didn't have time to bake, so she took the short route, and that's fine by me.

If you choose the short route, run - DO NOT WALK - to the nearest Perkins. Ask them for a slice (or, heck, the whole pie) of Peanut Butter Silk Pie. And a glass of milk. Sit down. Eat up.

For the long route, on with the recipe!

Ingredients:

8 ounces cream cheese - room temperature, please
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, plus 2 tablespoons - keep this divided
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter - again, room temp, please
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup whipped cream - Redi-whip is my fave...use what you like
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ounces shaved milk chocolate
8 ounces milk chocolate - melt it, baby!

Directions:

In a double-boiler, melt the 8 ounces of milk chocolate - I use milk-chocolate chips because I find it melts better. Use what you're comfortable with. Once melted, pour the melted chocolate into the pie crust and allow it to sit and cool at least 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl combine cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and the peanut butter until it is light and fluffy. Three minutes usually does it. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until its thick and light. Then, add the separated-out 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form.

Now, fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Pour the batter into the pie shell - over that yummy chocolate you just melted - and sprinkle with the shaved milk chocolate bits. Freeze for 4 hours. Use the Redi-Whip or whatever you choose to garnish the finished product and serve.

Blog Vaycay!

2012-03-27T07:00:00.001-04:00

Kristina is taking a blog vacation this week. Don't worry, she'll be back - with fun, exciting stuff like author interviews and maybe some excerpts and special pre-release info on her debut novel, "What a Texas Girl Wants" ~ which releases June 2012 from Crimson Romance!

Check back for new blog posts beginning April 3!

Some Thursday Inspiration

2012-03-22T07:00:00.015-04:00

I've been feeling a lot inspired lately, both with the writing and with life in general, so I've been trying to come up with an inspiring story to blog about today. Alas, everything I came up with was inspiring to me for personal reasons (which wouldn't necessarily be understood by you, dear readers, without pages and pages of explanations). So, I'm stealing inspiration this morning by delving into some famous writers' rejections.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English language." Editor of the San Francisco Examiner to Rudyard Kipling.

Classic writer Colette was told in a letter of rejection: "I wouldn't be able to sell 10 copies."

A rejection letter to Pierre Boulle about his "Bridge Over River Kwai" said, "A very bad book."

Jean Auel, author of "The Clan of Cave Bear" was told, "We are very impressed with the depth and scope of your research and the quality of your prose. Nevertheless ... we don't think we could distribute enough copies to satisfy you or ourselves."

"Jonathan Livingston Seagull will never make it as a paperback." From the publisher of a magazine refusing an offer to bid on the paperback rights to Richard Bach's best selling novel. Avon Books eventually bought those rights and sales totaled more than 7.25 million copies.

A rejection for H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" that said, "An endless nightmare. I do not believe it would "take"...I think the verdict would be 'Oh don't read that horrid book'."

Madeleine L'Engle's A WRINKLE IN TIME was turned down 29 times.

Beatrix Potter's THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT was turned down so many times she initially self-published it.

Dr. Seuss got rejection letters, too: "too different from other juveniles on the market to warrant its selling."

Here's a rejection letter for THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK:
"The girl doesn't, it seems to me, have a special perception or feeling which would lift that book above the 'curiosity' level."

Mystery writer Mary Higgins Clark was sending out her manuscript “Journey Back to Love” in the early 1960s: “We found the heroine as boring as her husband did.”

Jacqueline Susann’s “Valley of the Dolls” received this response, “…she is a painfully dull, inept, clumsy, undisciplined, rambling and thoroughly amateurish writer whose every sentence, paragraph and scene cries for the hand of a pro."

An editor once wrote to Emily Dickinson, “(Your poems) are quite as remarkable for defects as for beauties and are generally devoid of true poetical qualities.”

Jack London heard, “(Your book is) forbidding and depressing.”

Ernest Hemingway, regarding his novel, “The Torrents of Spring” was rejected with, “It would be extremely rotten taste, to say nothing of being horribly cruel, should we want to publish it.”

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos
‘Do you realize, young woman, that you’re the first American writer ever to poke fun at sex.’

Carrie by Stephen King: ‘We are not interested in science fiction which deals with negative utopias. They do not sell.’

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov: ‘… overwhelmingly nauseating, even to an enlightened Freudian … the whole thing is an unsure cross between hideous reality and improbable fantasy. It often becomes a wild neurotic daydream … I recommend that it be buried under a stone for a thousand years.’

Hey, they may have stung in the short run, but in the long run these writers certainly proved people wrong - which is why the list inspired me! What inspires you?

Meet Debut Author Cynthia Racette!

2012-03-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hiya, readers! So, this week marks a debut author's first release ... er, releasing into the world at large! Cynthia Racette's "Windswept" (isn't that a GORGEOUS cover?) releases this week...and if you love sailing or just think sailboats are pretty, this is a book for you. On with the interview!

Kristina: Do you have (or do you aspire to have!) a writing process?

Cynthia: I'm not a pantser. It would drive me nuts trying to write a book without a plan. I usually start out with an idea I've been letting incubate in my head for some time. I like to have a fairly complex idea fir the book before anything goes on paper. The first thing I put down is character sketches in this order: heroine, antagonist, closest person to heroine, closest to hero. Then an outline and a few whole sentences to guide me and I'm off. Then I spend a loooong time on the first sentence, paragraph and chapter.

Kristina: When the writing gets tough, where do you get going?

Cynthia: Sometimes I just get up and go do something or play a computer game but that's dangerous because I'm addicted to free cell. My daughter and I (Cassandra Carr) go write every Friday at a cafe or Panera. That, too, is dangerous because I loooove Panera's cinnamon crisp bagels and pecan buns. We both find that the habit of writing there helps us to sit down and be immediately ready to write.

Kristina: What are you listening to right now and does your listening choice influence your writing?

Cynthia: I just finished listening to the Sabres hockey game while I did final revisions on my book. I prefer quiet when I write. I don't like to listen to music because it's distracting. Oftentimes I write to the tippy tap of my hubby typing across the room. He is sooo addicted to FB and spends hours on it going back and forth with his buddies over politics. Gag me with a spoon!

Kristina: Coffee, tea, soda, hot cocoa w/ extra marshmallows – what's your beverage of choice?

Cynthia: I'm a soda person-- diet Coke, and I have a pet peeve. So many people drink diet sodas, why oh why do they only serve diet Coke or Diet Pepsi in restaurants or fast food places? Look at your demographics people. Add diet root beer or diet ginger ale. Something!

Kristina: Tell us something interesting about this book or its characters that didn't make in 'between the covers'?

Cynthia: This book is about a sailboat and the family that loves it. Their happiest family moments take place on it, sailing the Chesapeake. So what didn't make it in? A whole passel of sailing descriptions, terms, etc. Each time I edited it, I took out more. All that's left is what is absolutely needed to move the story forward. It's okay, you can say whew and I won't be offended. Much. *Sniff*

**No chance, I'm a sucker for sailing. I'm not good at the actual work, but I make a great passenger... ;)

Buy The Book:

Read the Blurb:

Windswept is a romantic novel of redemption and family values and fighting for what is important. Sailing Windswept has always been a family affair and many of Caroline and David Hartford’s fondest memories have taken place on Chesapeake Bay sailing in all kinds of conditions and exploring the bay.
When husband David is unfaithful and commits the ultimate betrayal by bringing his mistress aboard Windswept, Caroline’s world is shattered. He leaves her and she is forced to rely solely on herself for the first time in her life. She has to be a single parent to her daughter, Lily, and to decide if she can forgive David for tearing her family apart.

As David and Caroline work to put their marriage back together, events and other people conspire against them, over and over. As their relationship begins to heal, the couple is caught in a horrific storm and waterspout on the bay, heading straight for Windswept. They want a chance to love again but Mother Nature might have other ideas.

Excerpt:
David, his white windbreaker tied now around his waist in the late afternoon sun, puttered around the cockpit. He was tall, and his light brown hair was windblown after the spirited beat upwind. But he seemed to be trying to keep from looking at Caroline.
Caroline tried to catch his eye but his tinkering today seemed distracted. He was uncharacteristically silent. Whenever she was not at the helm when they sailed, she relaxed and watched the water and the sky and the sails. David, however, kept up a never-ending ritual of adjusting sails and halyards. He was a perfectionist with the details on the boat. Today, though, it was more than that. He wasn’t being a perfectionist. He was avoiding her.
“Want to put up the spinnaker?” He asked, as he stood, hands on hips staring up at the mast.
“It’s pretty windy for it.”
“Yeah, I know. I just wanted-”
“I know. Long winter.”
He caught her eyes and immediately his gaze slid away. “Yeah.”
“Okay,” she said with a smile, anxious to please him and make this last run home just right. “Go for it. We can handle it.”
After they put up the spinnaker their speed picked up some. It was nerve-wracking, keeping it under control - the light sail was so huge. It was gorgeous, though - hundreds of square feet of blue and green nylon in a huge billow of color that undulated and swayed with each subtle change in wind direction.
“It’s good to be back out on the water, isn’t it?” said Caroline, staring skyward and enjoying the ripple of color.
“It’s fantastic.” answered David wistfully. “Want a soda? I’m going down for a beer.”
“Sure! Lily! Want a soda?”
“Yes, please,” Lily called back, scrambling back from her perch at the bow. She plopped down on a bench in the cockpit and put her feet up on the opposite bench.
David fetched the drinks out of a cooler below and turned to head topside. His heart stopped. It was dark in the cabin so behind the wheel Caroline stood out like an angel in the sun. There was a shimmer around her body as she stood behind the wheel concentrating on controlling the spinnaker. What in the world had he done?
Topside, Lily asked her mother, “Think we’ll be back by five? I told Debbie she could come over to help me with some of the data I recorded the other day. She’s way better at statistics than I am.”
“We should be back in time. But I think Dad has some more work to do on the boat before we head home.”
“Aw, Mom, please. I’ve got stuff to do!”
“You made the decision to come on this trip. We have to clean up some things when we get back. We didn’t have time to do much cleaning down here after the marine upholstery company got done making our new cushions.” She ran her hand over the fine, soft material on the settee. It was a color halfway between the blue of the sky and the green of the bay. It had cost the earth to do the entire interior of the cabin and cockpit cushions. She’d spent hours scouring fabric catalogues, but she was delighted with how it turned out.
She pulled herself away from admiring the new upholstery and turned to Lily. “You know your father won’t leave it until it’s perfect.”
“Don’t I know it! He’s a stickler about everything. Especially this boat!”
Her mother raised her eyebrow at her, letting her know she was on the verge of disrespect. “Resign yourself. If you help, we’ll get home sooner.” She smiled at Lily’s huge sigh of acquiescence. When they got close to their slip, David took the spinnaker down.

Mark Your Calendars - It's the BLE!

2012-03-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

That would be the BookLover's Event, put on each year by my RWA Chapter... Deets:

It's that time of year again. Maumee Valley Romance Writer's of America is hosting our Spring Book Lover's Event:

MVRWA invites you to attend the second annual

Spring Book Lover’s Event

Saturday, March 24, 2012

10 am – 2 pm at the Sanger Branch of the Toledo Library

Public is Welcome—Bring a Friend!

Meet Local Authors
Listen to Book Readings
Sign Up to Win Door Prizes
Book Signings
Author Q&A

FREE BOOKS! FREE FOOD! FREE BOOKS!

Whether you stop in for fifteen minutes or stay for the duration—we’d love to see you!

Want to hear a little more about the event? Listen to the podcast, hosted by me and featuring the fantabulous Patrice Kavanaugh and Constance Phillips...just click over to my website and click the player.

A Call Story

2012-03-13T09:09:00.000-04:00

So, I've been sitting on this news for a little over a week now, waiting for the official word...but I now have the official word - in the form of signed & counter-signed contracts and a art request form (for a COVER, I'm going to have a cover!!) - and so I'm officially sharing.

Floopy, that's how I felt immediately following what I'll call the ca-mail. Because I technically got an email, but this is a call story...and if you were a 'Friends' fan, you'll already be picturing Phoebe waving her arms in a circle with her head bobbing side-to-side. If you're not, well, floopy basically means...slightly freaked out, a little bit nervous and happy.

And yet throwing up wouldn't be out of the question.

So, I'm on the phone with two fab ladies from my RWA chapter, finishing up a podcast for an upcoming event - different times, but within about a 5 minute window. We finished up and my iPad bleeped at me to remind me that I had corn ready to harvest in Smurfs Village - because, yanno, Smurfs work trumps real work. I mean, they could starve if I don't feed them - and I noticed that my email icon had a little number 2 on it. So I harvested my corn and put the iPad down to go finish real world work. And then picked it up again, as I do, because I can't not read email.

And inside was a note from MY EDITOR. She loved my book, she thought it was perfect for a new line of romance from Adams Media and would like to offer me a contract. I sold my first book!

Cue hysterical crying jag and a husband who thought someone had died - after the year we've had it wouldn't have been all that surprising. And then a loud cowboy whoop - from him, I was still crying - and a giant bear hug because that's the only kind of hugging he does. And a little more crying from me. And I kept hearing Sally Field in my head saying, 'they like me, they really like me'

As soon as I accepted the offer, my editor - I can say that. I have an editor. Oh my god, I might throw up - emailed the contracts, which I signed with shaky hands and a few more tears. They were fed-exed to her the next morning and...

I sold my first book.

That was just over a week ago now. I'm currently waiting on copy-edits, filling out my art sheet for my cover and my first book comes out from the Crimson Romance line at Adams Media - the people who bring us the 'Everything..' series, the 'Cup of Comfort' series and others - in June. JUNE! When things move fast, they really, really move fast.

Are Cowboys on Your Keeper List?

2012-03-08T07:00:00.004-05:00

Photo courtesy Cor23

I'll readily admit that I used to worship at the Louis L'Amour altar a couple times a month (thanks in part to my older brother). I loved those alpha guys, standing up for the little guy...and their strong women backing them up and sometimes leading the way. In college I got hooked on Diana Palmer's Long Tall Texans (Calhoun, Justin and Tyler to be specific). Ahhhhhh...

Oh! Sorry, I was blogging wasn't I? Okay, refocusing. Those books were a nice comtemporary alternative to true Westerns, which I still love but don't read often. It's been fun to see the resurgence of historical romances set in the West. I love a good Regency Rake, but cowboys are just so... Ahhhh...

Like the image above - isn't is beautiful? And a little romantic...like you could reach out and touch the past. I love that.

Okay, refocused. Again. As I was avoiding research for the new wip cleaning the house, I saw my dog-eared copy of Long, Tall Texans, which made me think of those great L'Amour books and the new Westerns I've seen on bookshelves lately. I think I might pick one up.

What's on your keeper list? Are all of the books there sure to bring a smile to your face just by looking at the cover? There to take you to a simpler time, maybe when you were curled up in bed, too sick for school and too bored to stare at the ceiling for another minute?

Tasty Tuesday: Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie!

2012-03-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

Hey, Gang! So I'm starting a new lunch counter special. It won't be an every week thing, but every couple of weeks I'll share a new recipe or tasty treat with y'all. And to start it off, I'm talking chocolate strawberries because...who doesn't like chocolate and strawberries together? Okay, on with the recipe!

1 Cup Fresh strawberries - if you can freeze them overnight, even better, they'll act as ice!
1 Cup 2% milk - or whatever style of milk you prefer
1/2 packet Carnation Instant Breakfast, either the milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Your preference!
2 Scoops protein shake powder - I use Visalus, which is a protein/diet shake mix. Yummy!

Toss all that in a blender, pulse it for a few seconds to chop up the strawberries and then change to pulse for about 30 seconds. Pour into your favorite glass, grab a large straw and enjoy! It's a meal that tastes like a treat.

What I love about this smoothie: It's good for you, especially those of us who need a little more protein. It tastes delish - I'm talking better than Mr. Smoothie smoothies. If you're trying to lose a little weight for swimsuit season, try it as a breakfast substitute or an afternoon snack, you'll be surprised how filling it really is.

My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor or a nurse. I'm not suggesting you go on a smoothie diet or anything. But if you're looking for a filling, not-candy-bar-calorie treat, try this.

5 Questions with Author Sandra Sookoo!

2012-03-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Hey there, readers! Time for another 5 Question with... Today on the blog author Sandra Sookoo. I first became acquainted with Sandra through her blog, and then on Twitter, where she can be found posting about writing and cooking and. . .well, whatever strikes her fancy. When she mentioned she had a few promo openings I thought it would be fun to have her visit here to talk about her latest release A Wolfish Scandal (isn't that cover fab? scroll down, we'll wait).. So, welcome, Sandra!! And on with the interview.

Kristina: Do you have (or do you aspire to have!) a writing process?

Sandra: I definitely have a writing process. I try and write every day except for the weekends. Those are usually reserved for spending time with my husband. In the mornings I clear emails and most of the admin stuff that needs to be done. After lunch I get to work on the writing, and depending on how well it goes, I’ll write until late at night. Every Wednesday is reserved for promo stuff. Of course, everything always goes much smoother because I outline my books/chapters ahead of time to give me a clue of where I’m going for that writing session.

Kristina: When the writing gets tough, where do you get going?

Sandra: To the kitchen! Sometimes when I’m stuck on a plot issue or on a difficult scene, I hit the kitchen and start baking or cooking. It frees up my brain and I usually find the answer to the problem by the end of creating in the kitchen. Barring that, I also like to drive around with no destination in mind. Something about driving gets the creative juices flowing too.

Kristina: What are you listening to right now and does your listening choice influence your writing?

Sandra: During my writing session today, I listened to Disney World music from the parks. I like the instrumental tracks for each “land” or waiting area. It’s relaxing LOL At times I will create playlists for my works in progress.

Kristina: Coffee, tea, soda, hot cocoa w/ extra marshmallows – what's your beverage of choice?

Sandra: Most of the time it’s ice tea (unsweetened). If not that, then just water.

Kristina: Tell us one interesting thing about this book or its characters that didn't make in 'between the covers'?

Sandra: Ooh, good question! I had to rummage around my notes for an answer to this one. Originally, A WOLFISH SCANDAL was slated to be a Regency-era book, and the heroine was going to be part of the Reformist party in England. However, prior to writing the story, I became fascinated with the Civil War era and after doing some research, I decided to switch time periods as well as adding in the paranormal element.

Book Blurb

A WOLFISH SCANDAL: He has nothing to live for. She has nothing to lose. Together, they have everything to gain.

Lyndal Carson's life is at a premium. Afflicted with a heart ailment wherein she can drop dead at any time, she makes a pact with herself to create one scandal and to really live before she dies. Tired of being a handmaiden to her family, she writes the letter that will change her destiny.

Grey Rutledge, a werewolf who is hounded by a reporter and haunted by memories, endeavors to provide a diversion large enough that the paper will forget its interest. He invites twelve women to his estate on the premise of choosing one of them for his mate. After the loss of his family, the only thing he wants is heirs and a woman by his side.

As the days go on, both Lyndal and Grey find that elusive piece missing from their lives. When their respective secrets are revealed, they both run the risk of losing everything. Danger catches them unaware during an innocent afternoon but it's what is decided as life hangs in the balance that will change their lives forever

Buy the Book: ARe, Amazon, Liquid Silver Books

Figuring Out What You Want

2012-02-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I googled for 'hot shoes'. A million and one pictures of trendy stillettos popped up...and one pair of shoes that would melt an eskimo's igloo. They were really, really hot shoes. Had I not known I was actually looking for the trendy shoes, I could've soooo gotten lost in those ugly, warm-toes shoes. But I knew what I wanted.

You know that old saying, 'those who want can't all have'? No? I'd never heard it until a few years ago when I started dating my now-husband. It was a phrase his grandmother said. A lot. It went along with whatever whining was going on in her house that day. Whine too much? You didn't get a kind shoulder and a little cheese...you got a 'those who want can't all have'.

But I found it funny, in a ha-ha mixed with huh kind of way. Because my own grandmother listened to us whine and gave us hugs...and, you know, grandmothered us. Not so, the DH's grandma. She was more of the 'buck up' grandma, the you got knocked down? Well, do something about it. She kind of scared me. But the more I thought about her phrase the more I wondered if I was setting myself up for success or more whining. Did I really know what I wanted? And was I willing to put in the work to get it done? That is when I started really developing my plans for what I wanted out of life - not just a murky image of a girl at a typewriter, but my face on a book jacket.

It's the same with search engines. Someone, somewhere is googling for 'hot shoes' and failing miserably because they haven't looked past that first page of trendy shoe results...

Here's my goal-setting list: First, visualize where you are when you're 'successful' - get detailed. Are you sitting in an office, surrounded by family, madly writing with so many deadlines your calendar is full of markings? Second, take a hard look at where you are now...and what needs to change to get to your visualization area. Third, make a list of things you need to do (finish the book, polish the book, query the book, etc. Again, get detailed), a list of things you're willing to do to accomplish this (getting up earlier, staying up later, skipping 'girls night' a few times, etc). Fourth, tell your loved one. Demand their attention and respect and start moving forward.

Do you know what you want?