life unedited

A nice little review for Mia Jae

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:33:00 +0000

Well, it appears that my naughty side, Mia Jae, is coming into her own. She received a very nice review this week from Coffee Time Romance -- a 5 cup review -- only the second one that a Resplendence title has received, I've been told. I guess being naughty has nice perks. :)

Lust, Lies and Tinsel Ties was released in late September and is part of the Red Garters, Snow and Mistletoe series from Resplendence. I really liked this part of the review:

Mia Jae has an amazing way of presenting her characters in such a realistic light with intriguing personalities that sucks the reader in. I was rooting for each character and emotionally invested in Jacks happiness. I will be keeping this book on my TBR for any time I want to visit a good friend.

Click here for the full review!

Icing on the cake? The book went live on Kindle last night. Yes!

Thanks for indulging me. :) Now, back to writing (or twittering or something...)

Hey there Little Red Riding Hood...

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Just in time for Halloween. Interested in a little paranormal fairy tale romance? There is a full moon, a wolf, magic, and of course, a grown up Little Red Riding Hood!

Here is the blurb:

Garnet Boudreaux is going home. Not back to her nice little apartment in New York City, but to her childhood home in the bayou. She doesn’t want to go, and isn’t certain what will be waiting for her when she arrives. But standing there in the voodoo shop on Bourbon Street, in the middle of one helluva party, she’s told by Madame Madeleine Dupuis that she has no choice. She presses two pouches into Garnet’s hands, wraps a red cape around her, and tells her she must go—and go now—to see to her grandmother.

Max LeBlanc spies the lovely red-head across the street and knows in a heartbeat she is the one. A rougarou always knows when he’s met his mate. Some may call him a lycanthrope, a werewolf if you will, but in Cajun bayou lands he’s known simply as The Rougarou. He’d waited several hundred years for this moment, and for her. There is nothing left for him to do, but mark her and claim her as his mate. Soon.

Read an excerpt.

Red: A Seduction Tale can be found at www.fictionwise.com and www.resplendencepublishing.com.

And just for fun, I came across this really cool video. I think it's perfect for the book. What do you think?

Barnes & Noble unveils new eReader: The Nook!

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:17:00 +0000

Move over Kindle and Sony, there is a new eReader on the block. His name is Nook and you can make friends with him right now at Barnes & Noble.

Romance readers are huge buyers of eBooks, so it is no surprise that romance authors and readers are becoming fans of eBook reading devices. I know many of us read on our Blackberries, Smart Phones, and IPAQs. Others read from their laptop (me). And still others love a dedicated eReader. I, for one, have been lusting after a dedicated device for a while now.

I may have just met my new eReader. Nook, come to Mama.

So in case you are Christmas shopping early, Ms. Romance Reader, here is a breakdown of the three popular dedicated eReader devices on the market right now.

Barnes & Noble's Nook

Touted by Barnes & Noble as the worlds most advanced eBook reader, you can pre-order it right now for $259 with free shipping. The reader is not yet available. Besides having access through AT&T’s wireless 3G network or on Wi-Fi to over a million book titles, you can access newspapers and magazines, as well as thousands of free eBooks. The E Ink display makes reading easy and customizable. As it comes you can store up to 1500 eBooks and you can purchase a memory card to upgrade. There are features such as picture and text storage and designer covers. See the Barnes & Noble website for more detailed information.

Amazon

The latest generation (U.S & International wireless) Amazon Kindle now sells for $279 and also uses a wireless 3G network to download books directly into the device from Amazon. It also sports the E Ink, customizable display. Lightweight and portable, as is the Nook above, this Kindle is said to hold the same number of books, about 1500, with access to over 350,000 titles, plus newspapers, magazines and blogs. There are three versions of the Kindle available and prices range from $259 to $489. Visit the Amazon Kindle store for specifics on each version.

Sony Reader

The comparable version for Sony is the Reader Touch Edition™ which currently sells for $299. It can hold up to 350 books without an expansion memory card, which can be purchased. Books can be accessed via Sony’s eBook store or through Google’s public domain titles, and supports multiple file formats. The Reader Pocket Edition™ is also available for $199 and a Reader Daily Edition™ is coming soon. More information about Sony’s Reader devices can be found on its website.

So there you are. Ready to shop? Go!

Step Out On Nothing by Byron Pitts

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

If you are here, there is a good chance you either write or you read -- probably both. Since this is a writer's blog, you probably come to check out the latest romance writing news, or other ramblings of this author. In order to do that, there is one essential thing you must be able to do -- read.

Sounds easy enough, huh? Not so for everyone. Yes, even in today's world.

CBS national news correspondent Byron Pitts was one of those children who was on his way to being an adult with low literacy. At twelve years of age he was diagnosed as functionally illiterate.

Recently, he released a book about his struggles. Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life's Challenges tells his story. You can buy his book at Better World Books and by doing so, are also helping others get help learning to read. 100% of the net profit of the sale of the book from the Better World Books website will go to the National Center for Family Literacy to support literacy efforts worldwide.

Byron Pitts was recently named to the board of advisors for the National Center for Family Literacy. You can read more here. Watch and listen to the recent interview with Byron on the CBS Early Show below.

News and Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:46:00 +0000

I've been hopelessly AWOL the past couple of weeks... I know. Chalk it up to fall and school starting and my day job travel heating up. I work in schools nationwide during the school year so I'm getting my body adjusted to time-zone hopping again. Last week was New Mexico, this week Arizona, next week South Dakota and I think Mississippi after that. I'm not sure I want to keep anything further in my head right now!

But I did want to pop in and give you some updates.

My alter ego Mia Jae had a release this week and is also featured on The Romance Studio starting today for the month of October. So, if you get a chance, drop by and check out these links.

New release: Lust, Lies and Tinsel Ties -- this is a great holiday menage! Very spicy and naughty, so beware. :)

And be sure to stop by The Romance Studio, if you can, to read Mia's interview.

In addition to all that, the last two books of The Matchmaking Chef series are now available. That means the entire series is ready for your reading pleasure!

Side Dish just became available on Fictionwise and it is now #7 on the bestseller list for Resplendence Publishing at FW.

Mate to Order, the last book in the series, just became available last week at Resplendence. Coming soon to Fictionwise!

I also wanted to let you know that I have a brand spanking new website for the matchmaking chef books, based on the chef herself, Suzie Matthews. You can visit her at Suzie Cooks!

We should see all of the books in the series together in one print volume after the first of the year.

So, that's my news! I hope everyone is doing well. Toodles! Off to work....

Western Romance Author Paty Jager

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Western Romance Author Paty Jager is visiting today. Let's welcome Paty!

Hi Paty. Welcome to Life, Unedited! Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in Central Oregon with my husband of thirty years. We raised four children and currently ranch 160 acres. We built the house we are living in. It was a wonderful experience even though many people said we'd be divorced before it was through. Ironically, we had few arguments and when we did start getting on each other's nerves we'd take a break from the house for a couple days. I started writing when the kids were small, making up children's stories for them. When I was told I wrote too adult, I wrote two mysteries to exorcise (murder off) a person who had wronged both my husband and myself. Then I read LaVyrle Spencer's Hummingbird and I knew I had to write historical western romance. At this time, I was also writing freelance stories for the two local newspapers. Once I joined RWA, a whole new world of people and learning opened up to me. And after eight years of honing my craft, I became published with a new publisher, The Wild Rose Press.

What drew you to Romance?

Reading LaVyrle Spencer's books I realized I wanted to bring characters to life like she did and entertain people with history. But the best part about writing romance is the dawning of attraction between the hero and heroine and the gripping moment when all seems lost and the wonder of the happy ever after.

Of all the past great Romance authors, who would you say had the greatest influence on you/your writing style?

As a teen I read Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, and Mary Stewart. I read the stories because they took me to far off lands. ( I grew up in a very rural secluded area) I always wanted the hero and heroine to experience more intimacy I those books. Now, I write spicy stories where the hero and heroine always make love in a heated fashion. I think the somber mode of those books and my desire for more intimacy has made my books hotter.

I, too, am a huge fan of Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart, so can definitely relate! How do you find ideas for your books? Real happenings? Dreams? A great imagination?

Everywhere. Often when I'm researching for a book I'll run across something that will make a good story for another book. I've come up with ideas for books from songs, something I read in the newspaper, see on TV or hear on the radio. That's the fun part about being a writer- your mind is always thinking in terms of a story. Anything that catches your attention immediately gets attached to the story board in your head. Will it work? Can I make it stretch for a whole book? How about a short story? Would there be enough tension/conflict?

How difficult is it for you to get into “writer’s mode”?

Some days are more difficult than others, but I keep a pretty good schedule. Every morning I get my husband out the door to work and sit down at the computer. I go through e-mails and read blogs and write my blog. Then I do PR work and have breakfast. After breakfast I sit down and write for 3-4 hours. In the afternoon, depending on my deadlines, I either work on my writing or freelance editing for three hours. By keeping my schedule on track I can slip into writer mode quickly and get my 10-15 pages a day written. Now this is an ideal day- some days I have to feed animals or check on cows birthing, rake hay, bale hay, change irrigation, or run errands.

You have a new book out. We’d love to hear about it.

My current release is Miner in Petticoats. It is the third book of a historical western five book series about the Halsey brothers. Ethan, Hank, Clay, Zeke, and Gil grew up in the mining country of NE Oregon. After the murder of their parents and youngest brother, Ethan took over the parental duties of the other four. Having finished raising his brothers and working to build their mine into something that will sustain all their families, Ethan isn't looking for marriage or a family of his own. To fulfill his commitment to enhance the Halsey family future, he plans to build a stamp mill and he needs property the widow Miller refuses to part with.

Aileen Miller is twice widowed and has a twelve-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. Her first marriage was for love. When her husband was killed she had to flee Ireland and found herself married to an abusive alcoholic. When that husband came up dead she vowed to never let another man into their lives.

This story is about learning to bend and compromise and realize fate can sometimes throw you a curve. It is also about overcoming fears and learning to trust again.

How did the inspiration for this work come to you?

This is the third book in the series, and I decided I needed to have the oldest brother fall in love before he would be dating an old woman. LOL Since the series titles all have predominantly male occupations-Marshal in Petticoats, Outlaw in Petticoats- I had to give the heroine a male occupation. And since they live in mining country I made her a miner, having been left the claim when her husband died.

Since Ethan is all about his family and not motivated to have a family of his own but definitely motivated to provide for his brothers, I had to place a roadblock in his grand plan to build a stamp mill. So I plopped in a stubborn Scots woman with children who refuses to be battered or used by a man again. And she has a goal to get her son's inheritance back. Giving into Ethan's plans won't help her with her goal.

Do you identify with the characters you write about?

I recently blogged about this topic on my RWA chapter blog. In some ways I think all writers identify with their characters, they have to, to make the character believable and real. But the good thing is you can give them traits you wish you had, like courage, or the ability to be outspoken. In a way, I live vicariously through my characters.

You have several books in print (or upcoming releases). Is there a favorite among them? Why?

I have the three books in the Halsey brother series, a historical western, Gambling on an Angel about a saloon owner and a sister of the Temperance movement, and a contemporary western, Perfectly Good Nanny which won the 2008 Best Contemporary EPPIE. (Electronic Publishing award) I don’t have a favorite among them but I have a reason why I like each one. Marshal in Petticoats was a fun story because the heroine was accident prone and it made for fun writing scenes where her clumsiness got her in trouble. Outlaw in Petticoats pitted a staid, stand-offish heroine against a hero who was bound and determined to make her love him. Miner in Petticoats I pitted the hero and heroine against each other in a battle of wits and showing their admiration and attraction grow. Gambling on an Angel I incorporated some history about the sternwheelers traveling up the Columbia River and how people with strong beliefs can learn to see both sides. Perfectly Good Nanny was written on a dare by another author, and after I wrote it, found I had the capability to write contemporary and to enjoy doing it.

What does your writing schedule look like?

I kind of covered this up above. I usually do my writing in the morning and research or edit in the afternoon. But I also find I get scenes or ideas for books while I’m driving the tractor, so I always keep a notebook and pen with me when raking, baling or harrowing.

Do you have a “writer’s cave”? Where do you do your best work?

I guess you could call my loft the "writer's cave". I have my desk facing the windows looking out at the Cascade Mountain Range. I also have a 10 x 16 cabin I spend considerable time in during the summer when I go to our other property and change the irrigation pipes. I have electricity but no phone or internet. I use a microwave and electric skillet to cook and have a small refrigerator. My running water is outside(from the irrigation pump) and I use an outhouse. This is my "writer's cave" when I am on water detail. It works well because there are no distractions. Well, an occasional call of the chukar, quail, ravens, or eagle. Oh, or the chhh, chhh, of a rattlesnake.

Do you have a “day” job?

See above. I have two jobs besides my writing. I help ranch our 160 acres and I'm a freelance editor.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

You're writing because you have a passion. Don't let naysayers or overly harsh critics get you down. Critiques are needed to make sure you are polishing and making your work the best it can be, but if someone is harsh or negative, don't keep them in your circle of creativity. Keep only those you know are there to help you get better. And when you do come across someone (like a contest judge) who is overly critical, read what they have to say, take a step back, then review their words again. There may be some truth in what they said, they just didn't say it in a constructive manner.

What is your next project?

I just finished the fourth Halsey brother book, Doctor in Petticoats. And I have a contemporary western out to an editor, my historical paranormal set among the Nez Perce Indians is being evaluated by an editor, and I also have, what I hope will be the beginning of a series, out to another editor. It is a historical western about a female Pinkerton detective and a U.S. Marshal.

Do you have any writing rituals?

My ritual is always going through e-mails and blogs before I start writing. It's like my little warm up to get my fingers working.

Today, writers need not only write great books, but be great promoters of their books, too. What kinds of things do you do?

I have a monthly contest on my website- http://www.patyjager.com, I try to get as many blog spots on other people's blogs as I can, and I showcase other writers to my blog on Wednesdays,http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com I contact bookstores to set up book signings, participate in online chats at reader loops, and give workshops at conferences. And I've participated in several blog talk radio shows as well as get on the local TV station when I have a new book out.

What else would you like to tell us?

My books so far are all set in Oregon. I love introducing readers to my state and the history and lifestyle of the people who tromped across the continent to live in "Eden". They were a hardy group who took on challenges and worked hard to build family legacies.

I'm not one to toot my own horn, so I'll leave you with some reviews:

Marshal in Petticoats

For a trip back to the raw, wild days of the silver and gold rushes, with a bit of romance thrown in for added effect, this book is perfect. ~ Charissa, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance

Outlaw in Petticoats

With an intriguing mystery, an action-packed adventure, fully realized characters and a story filled with surprising twists, Ms. Jager has crafted a sensual and gratifying romance that will have you turning those pages. A keeper for any lover of romance or the Old West. Love Western Romances

Gambling on an Angel

Ms. Jager tells an emotional tale full of characters that you’ll take into your heart and want to remember long after you’ve read the last page. www.romancejunkies.com

Where The Wild Things Are

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Are you a follower?

I'm a follower and so is my son. We LOVE the book, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. My son says that those of us who love the book are followers.

Last night I shared a late text message conversation with him that warmed my heart. The conversation went something like this:

Son: Holy Shit! They are coming out with a "where the wild things are" movie!

Me: LOL I saw that over the weekend. Will you go see it? By the way, you made me laugh out loud.

Son: Hell yeah I'm gonna go see it!!!! Wanna go?

Me: Sure! Would be fun. Gonna take your wild thing doll?

Son: I don't have it, and it's not a doll! Do u have it?

Me: I don't know. I'll have to check. Oh, right, not a doll...

Son: Yeah. Action figure.

Me: LOL

Oh, in case you haven't guessed, my son is not a little boy anymore, he's 24 years old and married! And yes, the book is probably his fave of all time. (and no, it's NOT a doll!)

Here's a sneak peek of the movie!

Release Day! Mate to Order

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:24:00 +0000

Matchmaker, Matchmaker bake me a match?

Oh, sorry, that’s make me a match.

No, really, it’s bake me a match…

Released TODAY! from Resplendence Publishing

Mate to Order

Book Five in The Matchmaking Chef series

Here is the blurb:

Patricia Plum has an agenda and a list. A husband list, that is.

When Suzie’s success as The Matchmaking Chef hits the national scene at the same time as her debut cooking show on The Food Channel, her new producer comes to her with a list of requirements—not for Suzie’s job, but for a husband.

Patricia Plum has a specific list and if Suzie really wants to make it big in New York City, she’ll make every attempt to deliver, Patricia’s “Mate to Order.”

Food photographer, Ames Cooper, possesses not one characteristic on that list of Patricia’s. In fact, if you could make a list of everything that Ames is not, Patricia’s list would be it. But Ames never let not being on the list stop him before, and he doesn’t intend to let it stop him, now.

Excerpt:

“And that, ladies, is how you set a cozy desert table for two, complete with a warm and gooey Double Chocolate Decadent Delight Brownie ala mode with my signature Buttered Almond Toffee Topping followed with a Bourbon Coffee chaser.” Suzie learned closer to the camera and brought a bite up to her mouth, stringing fudge from plate to spoon. “All I can say is this.” She took a bite of the gooey confection and savored it. “Yummmm. I’m Suzie Matthews and this is one way to bake you a match, girls.”

There was a second’s pause and then, “That’s a wrap.”

Suzie whooshed out a breath. “Okay, I’m officially tired.”

“Same.” Patricia swept up next to Suzie and gave her a hug. “Perfect, hon. It was classic. You are a world class pro in front of the camera now.” Glancing down at the dessert, she wanted to swoon from lack of food since she’d skipped lunch. “That brownie is absolutely sinful.”

With her pointer finger she reached to scoop up some fresh whipped cream.

“Stop!” Ames caught her wrist.

A bit flustered, she turned what she hoped was a serious-as-hell scowl on him. “Take your hand off me, Ames.”

“Don’t touch that. It’s perfect. I need a shot.”

“It’s melting, Ames.”

“No, it’s perfect. Move your ass, honey.” He crowded up to her and shoved her aside with his hip. “This will only take a—“

For the likes of her she didn’t know what possessed her to do what she did next. Maybe because it was Ames, and maybe it was because she was hungry, and maybe, just maybe, it was because she didn’t like being hipped out of the way.

She wanted like hell to pick a fight with him. Some sort of weird payback?

“Go home, Ames. We can do this tomorrow.”

He was hunched over the desert with his camera poised, snapping away.

She bumped him in mid-snap.

He turned an annoyed but wicked grin on her. “You don’t really want to do that, Plummish.”

“Do what?”

“Interrupt me while I am in pic mode.”

“Well, I’m in ala mode and I want that ice cream.”

He turned away and positioned himself again to take a shot. “You’re going to have to wait another couple of minutes.”

“By then it will be too melted.” Why was she goading him? “Even though I have to work with you doesn’t mean you call the shots, Ames. I do.”

“Not when you’re in my arena. I—”

He started to snap and Patricia shoved her hand forward and simultaneously scooted him out of the way. With two fingers, she scooped up a huge dollop of semi-melty ice cream and whipped cream topping.

“What the hell?” Ames lowered his camera and squared himself in front of her.

Uh oh, she had angered him now. For some odd reason she giggled inside. “Oh, you weren’t finished?” She brought the ice cream up to her mouth and sucked her fingers dry.

There was a distinct twinkle in Ames’ eyes. The outer corners crinkled. Without hesitation, he set his camera down, picked up the brownie plate, and took a step closer to her. “No, I wasn’t finished.”

“Hm.” She swiped her finger into fudge this time, then again, brought it to her tongue and licked. Damn, it was almost like a dare. Maybe closer to a tease.

Before she could react, Ames took a couple of fingers full of the brownie goo as well, and without words, crowded closer and smeared it down the side of Patricia’s face, raking his chocolate-covered fingers across her lips.

“Oh, now you’ve done it.”

She stood steadfast but truth be told, the act of his hand smearing chocolate over her face and lips was way too sensual. The way he lingered, smoothed....

Dammit.

She scooped up another finger of cake and ice cream and slung it. The sticky mass splatted across his nose.

Ames palmed a handful of the dish and smeared it across her chest.

Patricia dove for the table and the other dessert. Unfortunately, just as she scooped up the second plate, her heel slipped in melted ice cream on the floor and down she went. But not before she fisted Ames’ black t-shirt at his chest and pulled him down with her.

The second dish of Double Chocolate Decadent Delight Brownie ala mode with Buttered Almond Toffee Topping tumbled from her fingertips and landed on the floor between them.

Soon, cake, ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and topping were flying, and Ames and Patricia were rolling on the floor of Suzie’s new kitchen set, squealing and shoving and pushing, while the crew jeered and hooted, and Suzie fretted about her tablescape, until…

A deep voice, reminiscent of the voice of God, boomed out over the chaos. Patricia knew that voice and also knew that things weren’t going to bode too well for either of them.

“Ahem,” the voice said and then paused. “You know, when I was a child we used to fetch the water hose to separate dogs in heat from their rather aggressive suitors. Anyone have a hose handy?”

Patricia immediately stopped shoving cake in Ames’ face. His eyes were wide and his smile broad. He looked like a candied chocolate confection laying there on the floor opposite her. His hands were on her waist and the look in his eyes was one of…

Shit.

She pushed back and stood. Ames followed.

Like it? Get you own copy at Resplendence Publishing.

Lazy Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Every once in a while we get one of those, you know? A lazy Sunday.

I woke to thunder rippling through overhead and rain gently beating down on my roof. I glanced at the clock, realized that it was Sunday, smiled and turned over in my covers. Nice. I slept another couple of hours. That set the tone to the rest of my day very nicely.

The Muses agree. They've been lazy all day with me. Clio is at her perch at the back door, watching the rain come down and wishing for an occasional bug to come by so she can make an attempt to pounce on it through the glass door. Of course, she can't get to it but she still loves to try. Calliope has been at my side most of the day, curled up next to my legs and sleeping. I think they missed me last week while I was out of town in New Mexico.

So, today is a great day to catch up and that is what I have been doing. I've already done a couple of blogs, updated my Facebook page, and plan to work on a short story later in the day. I have an article to write, too, and pictures to select and send to the editor for that piece. I'll probably just get the pictures ready today, doubt that the article will find it's way onto my list. Still, I'll be happy to lazily run through my day's to do list and check a few things off.

Lazy days are nice. I can handle them. My comfy chair, my feet up, my Muses occupied with sleep and bug-watching, laptop on my lap and the Food Network on the tube. What else could I want?

Bug Watchin'

A visit to Cupcakeology!

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:18:00 +0000

I think many of you know that I have a little thing for cupcakes. It waxes and wanes, and over the summer, I didn't break into cupcake mode one time. I suppose that is why when I was driving down the road in Albuquerque this week, and this big CUPCAKE sign jumped directly into my line of vision, my rental car made a hard right turn and suddenly I was pulling into a parking space in front of Cupcakeology.

You may also remember that several months back I tinkered with the Iron Cupcake Challenge and submitted several entries. You can read some of my cupcake recipes here. I am quite the amateur cupcake baker. Even though I have a degree that says I might know something about baking (I was a Home Economics teacher for 16 years) I don't believe I practice enough to be good at it, so I'll take the amateur status and run with it. Still, it's fun.

And cupcakes are pretty. I'm not sure if I'm attacted so much to eating them or just looking at them. See? Pretty, huh?

Okay, so I had to buy the cupcakes. I had a meeting going on down the street and why not take some to my co-workers? I walked right in to Cupcakology and felt like I just stepped into a pretty pink confection.

Here is what I saw.

I had a nice talk with the owners' hubby and I believe he said that the cupcakes from Cupcakeology were voted the best cupcakes in Albuquerque. I can certainly see why! They were a hit with my co-workers. And...since I frequent old ABQ for my day job work, I know I'll be back.

If you would like to visit Cupcakeology, they are located at 2000 Carlisle Blvd, NE. You can also visit their Cupcakeology Flickr group for more cupcake pictures. Yummers!

The National Day on Writing

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 01:26:00 +0000

The National Day on Writing, October 20, 2009, is an effort to celebrate the written word. Established by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), a professional association of educators in English Studies, Literacy, and Language Arts, the day features writing in all its forms—fiction, non-fiction, letters, emails, text messages, and so on.

We all use writing everyday and in many ways. We use it to inform and entertain, to provide direction or explanation, to alert and to notify, and in many other ways. Technology increases the opportunities for us to write on a daily basis. Just think how many different ways we can spread the written word today, than say, twenty years ago. This blog being one example.

Even our government is getting in on the act. The House of Representatives will be considering a resolution declaring October 20,2009, the National Day on Writing.

Part of NCTE’s Day on Writing is to showcase writing from people all over our country. To this end they have created the National Gallery of Writing. NCTE has created partnerships with several national organizations, such as the National Center for Family Literacy, in hosting a number of partner galleries within the site. Anyone can host a gallery and I have decided to host one of my own.

Romancing the Written Word is a local gallery I am hosting within the National Gallery and I invited you to submit! This is a chance to showcase an unpublished work of yours you would like to share with others. These short works of romantic fiction must not contain explicit, graphic sexual situations. The guidelines are posted on the site.

You may submit your writing anytime starting now through next summer. The galleries will not officially open to the public until the launch on October 20.

So please consider submitting a short piece of romantic fiction to this gallery! Visit the Romancing the Written Word gallery and follow the sign-up directions. You’re invited!

You may also want to follow the National Day on Writing on Facebook, Twitter, or Ning.

Jeanne C. Stein pens the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:12:00 +0000

Vampires.

Jeanne C. Stein writes vampires. Enough said, huh? Just when you've heard that books with teeth were so yesterday? Not. Let's meet Jeanne as she talks about her Anna Strong Vampire series.

Hi Jeanne. Welcome to Life, Unedited. You have a new book out. We’d love to hear about it.

Thanks for inviting me today. And yes, the fifth book in the Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles has just been released. Retribution finds Anna facing a foe from a previous book, the black witch Belinda Burke. It also features a character from a short story I wrote for the anthology Many Bloody Returns. Sophie is a witch with a real split personality—she shares her body with a vampire. She and Anna team together to save the lives of Culebra and Daniel Frey.

You have several books in print. Is there a favorite among them? Why?

I think my favorite book is always the one I’ve just finished—in this case, the sixth book, CHOSEN, which will be released next August. It completes Anna’s first year as a vampire and answers the question of what it means to be The Chosen One.

Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantzer?

I’m a little of both. Two years ago, I would have said I’m a pantzer. But I found myself stalled on the fourth book, Legacy, partly because I had only four months to write it and partly because I realized I didn’t know the story question. I had to write a detailed thirty-two-page synopsis before I could complete that book. Now I begin with the story question, fill in key scenes and turning points and go from there. It seems to work.

That's a great piece of advice that I could use, as well. Thanks! What drives your story, your characters or the plot?

Characters. Everything that happens in my books revolves around Anna’s reaction to what’s happening in her life. Her loyalty to her family and friend’s is always her first consideration. It is more and more difficult to maintain that focus, though, when her place in the vampire hierarchy becomes clear.

What does your writing schedule look like? Are you a morning writer? A night owl?

Morning. Definitely. I’m at my computer by 5:30. Work until eleven or so. Take a break. Back at one until about five. I treat writing like a job (the best one I’ve ever had) and try to maintain the same hours every day. I have to. I’m easily distracted. If the writing is not going well, I can find a million excuses to do something else.

Do you have a writer’s cave? Can we see a picture?

I do. Here it is. I love my writing space.

I like it, too! Reminds me of mine. (grin) What is your next project?

I just completed two short stories for anthologies. One comes out next month (The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance) and one in February of next year (A Girl’s Guide to Guns and Monsters.) I have a third short to complete and of course, book seven. There’s another project I’m working on with another writer, but we don’t have that firmed up yet so I can’t say much more except that it involves angels and demons.

Thanks, Jeanne! Wow, your upcoming works sound exciting. Thanks so much for being with us today. Jeanne would like to leave us with the blurb from Retribution.

With her partner out of town, her family abroad, and her mentor estranged, newly-turned vampire Anna Strong is keeping a low profile.

But now young vampires are turning up dead, completely drained of their life force. And though Anna wants to say no when Williams, her former teacher and now leader of a supernatural enforcement squad, asks for her help, she can't.

But soon, she'll wish she had.

Available at Amazon

Barnes & Noble

And an independent near you.

Places you can find Jeanne C. Stein on the Web.

Jeanne's Website

Her Blog with fellow author Mario Acevedo

An Urban Fantasy Hot Spot

And with an eclectic bunch of crazy UF authors

More Interviews: Did you see author Linda Hilburn's recent interview? She talks about her vampire psychologist series.

More About: authors

Paranormal romance author Lynda Hilburn's Vampire Psychologist series

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:02:00 +0000

Author Lynda Hilburn is a whole lot more than a paranormal romance author--one quick look at her Web site makes that abundantly clear. Lynda is nationally-known for her psychic/intuitive abilities and she is a frequent guest on radio and TV programs. She writes for mainstream and metaphysical publications, and she teaches seminars, workshops, and classes on psychological and spiritual topics.

Hi Lynda. I'm very happy to have your here as a guest and I look forward to exploring your Web site in more depth. What else would you like to tell us about you, up front?

I live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in Boulder, Colorado. In addition to being a paranormal writer, I’m a licensed psychotherapist, certified clinical hypnotherapist and professional intuitive. I work four days per week at a community mental health center and see private clients another day or two. I used to sing professionally and I really miss performing (there are so many hours in the day!!) I have a grown son who lives in a nearby town with my two furry grandchildren (my son loves dogs).

Congratulations on your latest release! How many books do you have in print now?

Two books in my Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series are out so far: The Vampire Shrink and Dark Harvest. They’re in trade paperback from Medallion Press. In addition, I’ve sold 4 short stories and a novella to epubs. I’m currently working on the third book in the Kismet series, plus expanding the novella into a novel and brainstorming an outline for a series about a couple of psychics in Boulder, where I live.

I loved reading about your new book, Dark Harvest. The Vampire Psychologist series is exciting! Tell us more about that?

My most recent release is Dark Harvest, the second book in the Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist series. Here’s a blurb:

Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight counsels vampires. Her life changed forever when she discovered a preternatural underworld, met Devereux, the powerful leader of a vampire coven, and was forced to rethink her notions of “reality.”

Still adjusting to her new role as an expert on all things paranormal, she schedules what she believes is simply another radio interview. She couldn’t be more mistaken. Not only does the radio host behave very strangely, but an ominous, on-air call from day-walking vampire Lyren Hallow turns Kismet’s world upside-down -- again.

Shortly thereafter, Maxie Westhaven, a tabloid newspaper reporter in search of a juicy story, befriends Kismet, leading her into a bizarre world of role players, lost souls and death. Enter Victoria Essex, Devereux’s building manager and resident witch, who discloses a startling secret of her own.

Meanwhile, Luna, Devereux’s hostile femme fatal personal assistant, recognizes a perfect opportunity to throw a wrench into her boss’s blossoming relationship with the human psychologist, and, to complicate matters further, Kismet’s old boyfriend, self-absorbed Psychologist Tom Radcliffe, shows up with his own outlandish request.

I also have a short story, “Blood Song,” in the recently released anthology, Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance.

What does your writing schedule look like? Are you a morning writer? A night owl?

Since I’m working so much these days, my writing schedule is chaotic: I just try to sit in front of the keyboard whenever I have a minute! I used to write in the evenings (before I took the structured position at the mental health center), but now I come home so tired it’s a challenge to even think, much less type. But I’m rethinking my priorities and expect to move writing back toward the top of the list.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

I’ve learned a lot about the business of publishing in the last few years. I learned through making every mistake possible! Here’s what I think now: write what you love to write, and don’t follow trends and fads. Find your voice/style and don’t let anyone talk you out of it. Explore critique groups until you find the one that is right for you. Being with the wrong critique partners can kill a writer’s creativity, confidence and growth. Remember when you’re looking for an agent that you’re hiring her/him – not the other way around. That individual will be working for you. Ask lots of questions and make sure you find someone who believes in you, your writing and who shares your goals for your writing future. Make sure the two of you are similar in communication expectations. Submit, submit, submit. Never give up. Begin again, begin again, begin again . . .

Book promotion seems to be on every author's mind these days. What kinds of things do you do?

I do everything! Discovering the amount of promo I’d be responsible for as an author was eye-opening! I had the fantasy that my publishing company would handle all my promotion – that I would just show up for the book signings, author events, conference appearances, presentations they set up for me. That I’d bask in the excellent book sales triggered by their awesome marketing campaign for me. Uh, nope. My publisher ran ads for both my books in several appropriate magazines, which was great, and I did the rest. I have an author website (and a different website for my clinical work), several blogs, a myspace page, a facebook page, I belong to 90 yahoo groups/loops where I promote when they allow promotion. I have an author group. I schedule book signings with other authors every weekend I can. I give talks/workshops/presentations for writing groups, conferences, community organizations. I guest blog and comment on other authors’ blogs. I have other authors guest blog on my blog. I take every interview opportunity that comes my way. I belong to many writing organizations (online and in person). I record portions of my books and post them on my website so people can listen. I have book trailers made. I have begun exploring Second Life. Whew! I’m tired just thinking about it. Name recognition is key!!

If you could interview any of the characters in your books, which one would it be, and why? What shocking thing might that character say?

My psychologist character, Kismet Knight, Ph.D., has asked me to let her vent a little about a question that comes up often from readers: Why did it take you so long in the first book to accept the reality of vampires, even after you met several real vampires?

Kismet: I was very surprised by this question when it started showing up. I’m a psychologist – a scientist. Why on earth would I believe in vampires just because certain mentally ill individuals insist they’re the undead? I have clients in my practice who say they’re demons, possessed by demons, alien abductees, aliens, angels, walk-ins, zombies – the list goes on. I’ve worked with these clients for years and have never been persuaded to believe their delusions. But, suddenly, I’m supposed to throw my clinical training and professional discipline out the window because a few strange folks insist they drink blood? Hey! Claiming to drink blood isn’t specific to vampires! I’ve worked with many individuals who are fixated on blood. Even now, as I look back at the situations I shared in the first book, I can come up with logical, linear explanations for most of them. I’ve seen young women move objects with their minds. I personally know many psychics who can “read” emotions/thoughts. Even I have the ability to simply “know” things. And, most important, I’m acquainted with professional hypnotists who can trick subjects into believing whatever they wish them to believe. So, having seen all that, why would I believe in vampires? I think I should be given credit for being willing to open my scientific mind as quickly as I did! After all, the events in the first book took place over a few days – not a few months!! I think I got with the program very quickly. But I do understand the frustration, since so many paranormals these days start with the assumption that preternatural creatures exist. Maybe readers expect that now. But my experience wasn’t like that and it isn’t likely that I’ll ever accept things at face value. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts! I’ve got to run now. My “fear of sharp, wooden objects” therapy group for vampires starts any minute...

How can we find you online?

Here are my links:

http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com
http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/lyndahilburn

Do you like learning about new authors? Check out additional romance author interviews by Maddie James.

An excerpt from Dates du Jour

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:39:00 +0000

Available NOW at Fictionwise!

Maddie James Romance Novella
by Maddie James

Speed dating? Speed eating is more like it. When Suzie sets up lunch date after lunch date for Lyssa Larkin, Legend's homegrown homecoming queen of 1992, she knows she's about bit off more than she can chew. Lyssa inspects and rejects her dates in two bites and then sends them on their way. Suzie wonders if she really wants to date or just eat two lunches, and worries that soon Lyssa's hips won't fit on her dainty chairs.

That is, until Suzie takes a risk with a man the exact opposite of what Lyssa describes as "perfect for her." A man that Lyssa knows, but doesn't know, and is falling for her hard and fast. Suzie just can't help but work some of her matchmaking magic behind the scenes....

Chapter One

“Lord. I think I might just marry the first man who pops his head into Sugar High, just so I can get a divorce and get it over with.”

Lyssa Larkin daubed at the sugar rim gracing her upper lip and dipped a cinnamon-powdered doughnut into her heavily-creamed coffee one last time. Sydney Schul, owner of Sydney’s Sugar High Coffee Stop and Bakery, frowned and watched Lyssa dunk, dunk, dunk the thing and then lean gingerly over the coffee cup. Her long brunette pony tail slid over her shoulder while she stuffed the rest into her mouth.

Sydney handed Lyssa a napkin.

“Your chin,” she said. Lyssa nodded and swiped again. “And why would you want to go and do something like that?”

Lyssa rolled her big brown eyes. “I’m an old maid, Sydney. And no one wants an old maid. Men expect that a thirty-six-year-old woman has had some experience with men. Most men assume that you’ve already been married and divorced by my age. Had kids even. Me? I’ve only had sex with two men and have never been married, no kids, and no stinking divorce!

“I’m nothing. And men just don’t understand that. They wonder what is wrong with me.”

“There is nothing wrong with you, Lyssa. You’re beautiful, smart, and a catch.”

“Tell that to the guys who look at you cross-eyed when you say you’ve never been married.”

“That’s ridiculous. Women older than you marry for the first time all the time!”

“Maybe in the big cities. But Sydney, this is Legend. Population 6,232. Small, southern, Bible-belt and all that. It’s weird here.”

“Hm.”

“So now you get it?”

“Let me get this straight.” Sydney braced herself against the counter, her palms flat on the Formica top. “You’re out to get married just so you can get a divorce? How very Bible-beltish of you.”

She shrugged and reached for another sugared treat.

Sydney put her palm over her hand. “That’s three. Don’t you think…?”

Lyssa’s baby brown’s narrowed and Sydney jerked her hand back. “Listen to what I am saying. I don’t have sex, Sydney. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke pot or do drugs. I don’t even drink diet soda laced with artificial sweetener, although some would say that I should. So let me have the damned doughnut, you hear me?”

Sydney nodded. She would give her that.

Poor thing.

The bell over the bakery door tinkled and she glanced away from the sugar-coated disaster. Sighing, she moved around the counter and rushed to take a box from the woman struggling with the door.

“Give me that.”

Suzie Matthews blew out a breath. “Thank you!”

A breeze whipped in behind them and slapped the door flat open against the wall. “Oh!” Sydney angled the box on the counter and raced before the wind caught it again and broke the old glass window pane insets.

“A bit brisk,” Suzie said, straightening her jacket about her.

Sydney firmly shut the door. “You can say that again. Thunderstorm coming, I think.” Turning, she glanced toward her cousin, Suzie, and then at Lyssa, who was dabbing off another round of powdered sugar on her Dusky Pink-lined lips and staring into her empty cup.

She glanced up. “Mind if I refill my coffee, Syd?”

“Have at it.”

Both Sydney and Suzie watched as Lyssa slid off the counter bar stool and waddled in her black stretch pants around the counter and toward the Bunn coffeemaker. Suzie sidled closer to Sydney and whispered. “Put on a tad bit of weight lately, huh?”

In a low voice, Sydney replied, “She’s depressed. Wants a divorce.”

Suzie slanted a gaze her way. “But she’s not married.”

“Yeah. Well, she needs to get married so she can get a divorce. It’s part of her grand plan.”

One corner of Suzie’s mouth drew up. “What the hell?”

Lyssa shouted out from across the room. “I took the last of it, Syd. Should I make a new pot?”

“Sure thing, hon. Go for it.”

They watched her twiddle with the carafe and the filter and the basket, punching buttons and watching the first drips hiss against the bottom of the glass pot.

“So, what do you think?” Sydney prodded.

“What?”

“Can you fix her up with someone? It’s not like it’s forever, so this one should be easy.”

Suzie turned her body fully toward Sydney. “I’m not getting caught up in this. I’m exhausted after that last bout with Chris and Katie.”

“But that worked out fine. Chris said yesterday morning they set a date. November, right? And Mary and Nash are already building a big cabin up in the mountains. Not to mention how you got Chelly and Matt back together. You’re good, Suzie. You can do this for Lyssa.”

“I know. But she’s doing it for the wrong reason.”

“Maybe you can turn things around for her.”

Suzie shook her head. “I dunno. This will require…” She glanced again at Lyssa, who was waiting for the carafe to fill while inspecting her teeth in the wall mirror behind the counter.

“Oh hell, face it Syd, Lyssa is just…different.”

*****
Read more about The Matchmaking Chef series by visiting Legend, Tennessee.
Or visit these links for:
Perfectly Matched, book 1

Hot Crossed Buns, book 2

Side Dish, book 4

And coming in September, Mate to Order

Lisa Alexander Griffin and A Celtic Lover's Magic

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:10:00 +0000

Welcome to Liza Alexander Griffin.

I met Lisa a few years ago when we were both trying out Yahoo360 as a networking venue, then later connected again via MySpace, and we have shared off and on conversations over time about our writing. I'm proud to call Lisa a friend and am celebrating her new release with her!

Hi, Lisa, tell us a little about yourself.

I live in rural North Alabama with my husband and eleven-year-old daughter, three cats, a dog and a red leopard appaloosa, oh… and let’s not forget the goldfish and parakeets, Buttercup and Curio. * weary smile* If left to my daughter we’d own a zoo.

My two older children have left the nest and given me three wonderful grandchildren. As a result I stay pretty busy. My writing journey started almost eight years ago. At first my stories were an outlet of sorts for my innermost thoughts. Now I write for pleasure. Honestly, I don’t think I could stop.

You have a new book out. We’d love to hear about it.

Actually, I have two, and both are with Freya’s Bower Publishing. A Celtic Lover’s Magic/contemporary fantasy, and a story titled The Unexpected Gift in One Touch, One Glance, A Sweet Romance Anthology. I consider it an honor to be among the seventeen authors chosen for this book. Each story gives a different perspective on life and love, and guarantees to touch your heart in a unique way.
What do you love about your editor?

Faith Bicknell-Brown is a true inspiration. She gently prods, bringing out the best in me without trying to change my voice. Her zany humor keeps me laughing and laughter makes the edits less painful. Lol. Marci Baun, editor-in-chief cares about her authors and her door is always open.

What does your writing schedule look like? Are you a morning writer? A night owl?

I write some mornings, but mostly at night when the house is quiet and everyone is asleep. No one shouts Mom I’m hungry or help me with homework. No one grumbles, honey, I need clean clothes, or is dinner ready yet?

Do you have a writer’s cave? Can we see a picture?

Can’t show a picture of my writer’s cave, as it’s a recliner in the living room with a laptop table. Mom has to keep an eye on things, make sure the house runs smoothly, and keep everyone from feeling neglected.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Don’t give up, no matter how many rejections you get, or how discouraged you become. Perseverance is key, along with talent and a little luck. Learn all you can, join writer’s groups for support. A group that has helped me tremendously is Avoid Writer’s Hell. Faith Bicknell-Brown, my editor, is the owner. The group is open to, and welcomes new members.

The link is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Avoid_Writers_Hell/

Mini lessons are sent through, every writing topic imaginable is discussed. We lend support, answer questions, and boost spirits. The camaraderie is phenomenal. Writing is a continual learning process. Guidelines and standards change. No writer ever knows all.

What is your next project?

Danielle’s Touch, a full-length contemporary romance targeted for Harlequin. The story addresses domestic violence issues, a woman’s strength to break free, overcome obstacles and find her HEA. Wish me luck. It’s in editing stages as we speak, and I hope to find a home for it soon.

I’ve also recently started a Native American story titled Perigee Moon, set in the Tennessee- Alabama area in1775. This is my first try at a Historical and may take a while. Lots of research!

Do you have any writing rituals? Like special music, times of the day, food quirks, etc?

I sometimes listen to music, but mostly I like quiet. When my reservoir runs dry I replenish it with books and movies. Hey! Let’s not forget the caffeine. I couldn’t function without it.

Today, writers need not only write great books, but be great promoters of their books, too. What kinds of things do you do?

I still struggle with that aspect of the business. Promotions are hard. I post in-groups, my web site and myspace, do interviews and contests. Most importantly I try to stay in touch with readers. Wish I had a magic formula but I don’t.

What else would you like to tell us?

First: I’m extremely nervous with interviews. Thank you Maddie, for making it so painless.

Second: For updates on new releases, where my published works can be found, and current works in progress, check out www.lisaalexandergriffin.com or www.myspace.com/destinyschoice8 If you stop by, leave a message. I love to hear from readers and authors alike.

Third: Six wonderful authors have banned together to form a new group. Faith Bicknell-Brown/Zinnia Hope, Adrianne Brennan, Trinity Blacio, Debbie Gould, Jaime Samms and myself. Stop by and visit us at Six Dream Weavers. You just might like what you see.

We can be found here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SixDreamWeavers/

A Celtic Lover’s Magic Blurb:

Liam Macauley inherits what he believes to be a mansion in Ireland from an uncle he’s never known. The moment he sets foot on Irish soil, nothing is as it seems.

Caileaan, descendent of the Sidhe, ancient gods of Eire, the Tuatha De Danann, longs to dig her toes into freshly turned earth, toil side by side with a husband, birth his children, know what it is to be loved and alive as one with humans.

In a battle of darkness and light, will the evil Fomhoire destroy the promise made to Caileaan, and thwart Liam’s chance to gain his hearts desire?

Check out the book trailer!!
http://www.blazingtrailers.com/show.php?title=417

Click here for more Author Interviews by Maddie James on Examiner.

Double Release Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:07:00 +0000

Side Dish
Book 4 in The Matchmaking Chef series
Now available at the Resplendence Publishing Web-site

Becca North doesn't want a boyfriend but her BFF Nora certainly does--even if she won't admit it. Becca is so off men.

But when Nora, owner of Nora's Novel Niche, meets Suzie The Matchmaking Chef during a booksigning, she finagles a way for the matchmaker to arrange a picnic lunch date for her--on television, no less! Nora drags Becca along for moral support and to check out her date.

Thing is, Nora's date would rather check out Becca, instead.

Sam Ackerman is a busy man with a business to run and no time to pursue a relationship. The last thing he needs is to be hooked into a matchmaking scheme played out for the world on national television, but he reluctantly plays along for his friend, Suzie. He knows right away that his "date" Nora, as beautiful and smart as she is, isn't for him. Her raven-haired BFF hanging around on the sidelines, though, is a tempting candidate.

So, he decides to forgo the entree and head straight for the Side Dish.

Available starting TODAY at Resplendence Publishing.

Dates du Jour
Book three in The Matchmaking Chef series
Just released today on Fictionwise.

Speed dating? Speed eating is more like it.

When Suzie sets up lunch date after lunch date for Lyssa Larkin, Legend's homegrown homecoming queen of 1992, she knows she's about bit off more than she can chew. Lyssa inspects and rejects her dates in two bites and then sends them on their way.

Suzie wonders if Lyssa really wants to date or just eat two lunches and worries that soon Lyssa's hips won't fit on her dainty chairs.

That is, until Suzie takes a risk with a man the exact opposite of what Lyssa describes as "perfect for her." A man that Lyssa knows, but doesn't know, and who is falling for her fast.

Suzie can't help but work some of her matchmaking skills behind the scenes...

Available today at Fictionwise.com

You can read about all of the books in the Matchmaking Chef series at Legend, Tennessee.

Contest! Contest! Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:23:00 +0000

I'm holding a contest starting right now and going through next Thursday, August 20, for a chance to win one of two of my print books--A Perfect Escape, a romantic suspense/thriller or Ladies of Legend: Finding Home, an anthology I co-wrote with authors Jan Scarbrough, Magdalena Scott and Janet Eaves

Here's a shot of the books!

How to enter? Well, you are already halfway there. Just scroll down the page and find the box to join my newsletter list and sign up. That's all you have to do! Sign up for my newsletter and you are automatically entered. I will pick two winners through random drawing Thursday evening, August 20. I'll post the winners here, in the comments section of this blog, and also email the winners directly.

So hey, go sign up! You win either way, right? Because in every issue of my newsletter, not only are there articles about writing, sometimes a recipe, and news about my releases, there are chances to win free books.

More books! How can you beat that?

A banner contract signing day

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:22:00 +0000

Wow. I just finished signing several contracts that landed in my inbox today. All of this should keep me busy for...oh, a couple of years?

Of course, I knew they were coming. I had pitched them and had verbal agreements a while back. But it's always kind of cool to get the actual contracts to make it all feel official. And doubly exciting to see them all lined up in my inbox on the same day!

Here is what's upcoming for me in the next couple of years.

- A cookbook titled, The Best of Legend's Landing Bed & Breakfast, written by Maddie James with Suzie Matthews

- Books 4 and 5 in The Legend of Blackbeard's Chalice series, titled Wanderlust and The Chosen: Full Circle.

- An erotic short story collection by Mia Jae.

- An erotica menage a trois romance novella by Mia Jae.

- And three more additions to The Matchmaking Chef series, titled Romancing the Scone, Better than Chocolate, and Hard Candy Kisses.

All of this ought to keep me off the streets at night, huh?

Deer Be Gone!

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:22:00 +0000

See these?

I brought them in this evening from my small suburban, backyard garden. Yesterday, these two green tomatoes had about a dozen siblings hanging around on the tomato vines with them. Tonight, no siblings. Gone.

This is not the first time tomatoes have vanished. I had two large ones on the vine a few days before the 4th of July. I was going to visit my parents for a couple of days and figured by the time I got back, those two would be very near ripe. So I came home, meandered into my backyard, looked at my garden and...

No tomatoes, green or ripe. What?

I glanced around. Which of my neighbors...? No. I couldn't imagine that any of them would swipe my tomatoes. Then I stepped away from the garden and onto a half eaten tomato in the yard. Half-eaten. With teeth marks.

A deer? Raccoon? I suspect a deer because lately I'd noticed the tops of my hosta flowers broken off, too. And, a green pepper plant that had obviously been chopped.

So, now, here I am, with two lonely green tomatoes in my kitchen. I guess I'll fry them up tomorrow evening for dinner. I can only assume that their siblings were lunch today (or a midnight snack) for a deer family.

Sigh...

Wait! No! No no no no noooooooo.... Calliope, get away from those tomatoes!

Today's Recipe: Easy Sausage Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 01:08:00 +0000

Last night was one of the evenings when I craved something different for dinner, but not sure what that might be. So, I inspected the fridge and the pantry and came with this. (I love creating something with only the ingredients on hand!)

Easy Sausage Roll

Ingredients

2 sheets of frozen puff pastry
1 lb sausage
1 small onion
Dijon Mustard
1 pkg of frozen spinach, thawed
6 eggs
Melted butter

Note: This makes two sausage rolls. Halve ingredients to make one roll.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degreesF
2. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray
3. Lay the puff pastry out to thaw on the cookie sheet. As it thaws, unfold on the pan. Work quickly through the next few steps so the puff pastry doesn't get too soft (will be difficult to roll)
4. Drain the spinach and squeeze out all excess moisture.
5. Fry the sausage and the chopped onion in a skillet until cooked through.
6. In a separate pan from the sausage, scramble the 6 eggs.
6. On one square of puff pastry, layer first half of the sausage/onion mixture, spread over the entire pastry. Drizzle Dijon mustard over the sausage. Next, layer on 1/2 of the spinach, followed by 1/2 of the scrambled eggs.
7. Work from one side of the pastry to the other. Gently lift and roll over the pastry approximately 1 to 1 1/2 times. Press ends of pastry together gently.
8. Repeat the process for the second roll.
9. Brush melted butter over the pastry.
10. Bake at 400degreesF for 10-15 minutes until pastry is cooked and brown.
11. Remove from oven and let sit for a moment or two before slicing.

Hint: Dip your slice in a little Dijon mustard while eating. It's great!

Enjoy!

Help for the Louisville Free Public Library

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:58:00 +0000

Yesterday, August 4, 2009, Louisville, Kentucky was hit with a powerful thunderstorm that left inches of rain behind in a very short period of time. Some estimates were up to 7 inches within an hour. The rain stopped for a while, then it came again.

Louisville had no shortfall of rain prior to this and there simply was no place for all of this water to go, so it chose to run down streets, flood parking garages, homes, businesses and university classrooms, and dump several feet of muddy water into the local downtown library.

Today, the Louisville Free Public Library, is pumping and mucking out water and sludge. In it's wake, is an estimate of upwards of a million dollars in damage. This damage not only includes books, but computers and other technology equipment destined for the Newberg Center. It includes the library technology server, the air conditioning and heating systems, the electrical system, and more.

My heart breaks at the loss of the books and other library equipment. Just seeing the books floating in the murky water touched something in me. I want to do something, so today I contacted The Library Foundation for what I could do to help.

According to Mary Hunt, of The Library Foundation, the most urgent needs are for cash donations. Perhaps later, there will be a need for book donations and other kinds of support. So for now, this is where I start.

If you love books, live in the Louisville community, and would like to support the rebuilding of the Library by donating to the Flood fund, please send your donations to:

The Library Foundation
301 York Street
Louisville, KY 40203
Please note on your donation: Flood Recovery Fund

This is a start. I have other ideas for support and will be keeping in touch with The Library Foundation. I welcome your ideas, as well. Stay tuned.

Additional articles:

Louisville surprised by damaging flood

Louisville Libraries Hit by Flooding

Louisville Free Public Library on Facebook

Sweet Tooth

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:04:00 +0000

Today I came home from work and felt like baking something--something sweet and gooey and with chocolate, of course. I wasn't sure I had the proper ingredients in the pantry but forged ahead anyway. Without thought or reason, I started pulling things out and placing them on the counter.

An Oreo cookie pie crust, a can of sweetened condensed milk... Then to the fridge and a plan started coming together.

It was impromptu. It was fun. It was, ah yes, sweet and gooey. It was...

Perfection on a Plate

And here is how you can make it, too.

Ingredients for Perfection on a Plate:

1 6 oz Oreo pie crust
1/2 of a 12 oz bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 of a 14 oz bag of sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup of chopped pecans
1 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

1. Remove plastic wrapper from pie crust.
2. Cover bottom of crust with the chocolate chips. Reserve a few for the top.
3. Layer the pecans over the chocolate. Again, reserve some of the nuts for the top.
4. Layer the shredded coconut on top of the nuts.
5. Open the can of sweetened condensed milk and pour the entire contents over the top of the layers in the pie crust. Yes, the entire can.
6. Garnish the top with the remaining chocolate chips and nuts.
7. Place pie shell with contents on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degreesF about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and turning brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool. When cool to the touch, pop in the refrigerator and chill until it's hard.
9. Slice and enjoy!

Warning! Perfection on a Plate is very rich and extremely additive! I recommend making and then taking to the office the next morning, so it's not hanging around your kitchen (and on your hips.)

A Sweetheart of a Review

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Time out from your regularly scheduled programming to bring you this commercial interruption. Drum roll, please. Ahem. Maddie's naughty other half, Mia Jae, has snagged herself a nice little review. In fact, it's the best review of all the reviews last week on The Romance Studio. So please, check it out, 'kay?

Yes, that's two men on the cover. Two. Count them. One. Two. And they are both quite yummy. :)

This week's 5 Heart Sweetheart...

"This was only the second time that I had ever read a menage story that I truly enjoyed. I like the way it was written and the way the story flowed along. I also loved the fact that there was an actual plot to this book. The situations in which the main characters found themselves were realistic, believable, entirely possible, and totally probable. Not only did I absolutely love "Nice and Naughty", I will be recommending it to my friends and family. "Nice and Naughty" will be put permanently into my "to be read" pile." - Alyna Couture

Buy it today!

Accountability: Places, everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:15:00 +0000

So, yesterday, I came out to the world about my terribly unorganized office. I admit it, so that is the first step, correct? That is, indeed, what they say. I even asked you all to hold me accountable and my dear friend Magdalena took that request seriously.

She's been very kind this morning not to bug me about it. I really do think, though, that she is waiting to see my progress. I'm taking a deep breath now and unveiling...

My writer's cave. No, my clean and organized writers cave.

A nice cat perch, huh? Clio definitely loves this new spot. I bought this little bookshelf from a surplus furniture sale from my day job office. I think I shall always have to leave the top uncluttered because Clio has definitely staked her claim to it. Lots of birdies and bugs to watch, not to mention people walking their dogs.

And a clean and uncluttered desk. Sigh...

What? You want this chair, too? No way, sweetheart... It's time for Mama to get back to work.

p.s. I didn't show you the closet on purpose. Phase two. :)

Places, everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Maddie James) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:20:00 +0000

I'm organizing. Again. It feels like I have been organizing both my house, and my life, since about...oh, January. I believe I may even have made a New Year's resolution to get organized. I'm sure at the time I envisioned that task taking a couple of weeks, more or less.

Naw.

Not this life. Not this house.

It's not that things are so out-of-control, it's that I've been extremely busy the past year. Hence, things get out of their places.

Get thee back in your places! I demand. I strongly feel this need. I mean, deep.

So this morning, I made a decision. I either have to write or clean/organize. I decided the house needed me today. I can write tomorrow.

Perhaps with house of the way, the mind can feel uncluttered and free to write? That's the theory; let's see if the practice follows.

First order of business? The office. Here is a former picture. I hesitate to mention that this was the before picture back in January when I started pulling out stuff in an attempt to pitch and organize. Let's forget that today is August 1. It is the cold, hard truth, however, that I've progressed some since then, but not nearly enough. In fact, as I look around, hm....

So hold me accountable. Please! I've already moved a lot of crap, er, stuff, and hauled in two old bookshelves from the garage. Let's see what I can report tomorrow, okay?