Romance Books '4' Us

My Love For Opening Scenes in the 1st Place

2013-05-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

For the past two months, I've featured some of my favorite openings from a few memorable books I've read throughout the years. And can you believe, I've found some more?

After searching through my kindle, I couldn't help but share a few attention-grabbing paragraphs and/or lines from several amazing authors I've read recently. I hope you enjoy them!

Sinful

By Sharon Page:

He had caught gangs of murderers in the stews off Whitechapel High Street. Arrested opium dealers in seedy brothels near London docks. But in all the years he had worked for Bow Street as a Runner, Trevelyan Foxton had never been required to investigate in a more foreign and intimidating place.

His Magick Touch

By Kimberly Killion:

The bastard was finally going to kill her.

Touch

By Julie Destry:

It was midnight dark in the room - the kind of blackness that was almost, but not quite, absolute. It wrapped a sense of privacy around her, the same as she'd done with the complimentary satin robe. Anonymity. Such a strange concept for a woman used to being in the spotlight.

Written in Blood

By Elaina Lee:

A strong curl of anxiety bunched in Lyndi Crisdean's stomach. Three days wasn't long enough to recover from what she'd done. Yet, the choice was out of her control. Either she returned to work today, or she turned in her resignation. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the button to her law firm's floor. Defense attorneys didn't get the luxury of guilt.

I'd also love to know some of your favorites too. So, at the end of this post in the comments section, please feel free to let me know what opening paragraphs have caught your attention. It means so much to me to see your smiling faces show up in the comments section so I'll thank you all ahead of time for doing so!

Renee Vincent
http://www.reneevincent.com/

Oh, and by the way, I am also blogging at Sweet N Sexy Divas where I feature hot snippets from authors whose heroes weren't afraid to be a little soulful, sappy, or even suggestive when it came to the heroine. I'd love for you to hop on over and visit me.

Have a great week!

Guest Blog: Melissa Keir: Mothers and Sons

2013-05-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

With Mother’s Day happening this month, I decided to share about why I feel parent/child relationships are important and why I include them in my books.

Just as fathers and daughters have a special bond, so do mothers and sons. I’m fortunate to have one of each. My daughter is a lot like me, driven and a type-A personality. She knows what she wants and goes after it fill throttle. I’m very proud of her dedication and hard work. We are close and good friends, but it is the relationship with my son which always amazes me.

My son is very different than my daughter but I’m just as proud of him. He plans his life around a balance of work and play. He is more laid back on the surface but worries a great deal about other people and how he impacts them. At eighteen he started his own IRA in order to make sure that he was ready for retirement. Mind you, he had only had one job so far at a local retail store. Each day he calls me when he is on his way home from work or college so that I don’t worry and shares his thoughts about his day. He constantly makes sure that I’m okay financially, emotionally, and physically. It is those feelings that we each have to take care of each other that makes our relationship truly exceptional.

Because of my relationship with my son, I incorporated two little boys for the the main character of Second Time’s the Charm and the sequel, Three’s a Crowd. Lissa would do anything for those boys. One of my favorite scene in the story is the one where Lissa is getting ready for her best friend, Chloe’s son’s birthday party. The goofy accident that happens is exactly what could have happened in my own house. While the nose accident is completely made up, all too often for my taste, my son had quite a few accidents over the years. Each time, I ended up seeing a unique strength in my son.

When my son was younger we used to spend a couple of minutes before bedtime, laying in his bed and talking about his fears, feelings, and dreams. That time was the most precious time for me. It helped established the close relationship we have. My children are a huge part of my life and made me who I am. It’s that connection that I hope to convey in my stories. After all, being a parent is a lifetime job and one I’m very proud of.

BLURB:
For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairy tales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

BIO:
As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and EPIC. Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars. She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.

http://www.melissakeir.com
http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)
www.twitter/melissa_keir

Introducing The Ladies of Wild At Heart

2013-05-19T03:30:00.000-04:00

Today I have the honor of sitting down with Angela Clayborn and Emma Nichols, co-heroines from Wild At Heart.

K: Greetings ladies:)

A: Hello again!

E: Hi Kenzie:) Thanks for having us back in better weather this time!

A: It's not snowing this time, but the rain can stop anytime now. I'm ready for more 80 degree weather.

K: I hear you! My son's playing baseball and we've already endured one rainy game, plus a few practices have been cancelled due to the weather.

Is everything still okay between you two?

A: Definitely. I think we're all happier now. Wouldn't you say, Emma?

E: Yeah. I like the new cover! I'm glad we're being-what did you call it?-re-released closer to our timeline.

K: That's exactly what's happening. I'm not going to bad-mouth anyone, so suffice it to say, things didn't work out the first time around, so I was graciously granted my rights back. My new publisher is totally in love with you two, and fast-tracked it.

E: I see.

K: How's Brad? I've tried to get him to talk to me, but he won't.

E: I've kept him pretty busy:) I'm also training him as a part-time stable hand.

K: What about you, Angie? Are you happy with the new cover and the re-release?

A: I like the depiction of Indiana better on the other cover, but I'm happy with the new one. It's more like a 'Little House on the Prairie' look. And in case people don't remember, I can't believe I was in such denial about Steve. I had started dating Brad because my friends thought he was perfect for me, but it just goes to show you can't force chemistry.

E: And you and Steve definitely have it. We went out to dinner last night before the rain arrived, and Steve couldn't keep his hands off of her.

A: Well neither could you and Brad.

K: I also want you both to know that your story will be available on Kindle the first week in June, and I'm going to be in Estes Park late July/early August, Emma, so I hope to present Nicky's manager with a signed cover flat.

E: Cool; I know she'll like it! Brad's getting me one so I can find that scene in Anny's book.

A: Who's Anny? And she wrote a book?

K: Anny's a good friend of mine, Emma. Contact me when you get your Kindle and I'll email Anny's website to you. She's got a lot of other books you might like, plus I'll introduce you around to other wonderful e-books and authors.

E: Awesome! Thanks!

A: I told Steve I wanted a Nook for my birthday. After that controversy on Amazon a few years ago, I'll buy from somewhere else.

E: They pulled the book, Angie....but I see your point.

K: My books are on the Nook, so if you want to read them, either way is good. Time's up ladies; I need to fix dinner for the family. Thanks for coming by!

A: Thanks for the yummy cookies! I need your recipe.

E: Don't tell Nora, but your chocolate chips are better than hers.

K: Who do you think gave me the recipe? I've improved on them, that's all.

Wild At Heart,
Available May 31st at Secret Cravings Publishing

I also have another book releasing this month, to my surprise!

This is what happens when you have two publishers; sometimes the timing overlaps. I never ever thought this would happen to me, but it did. So indulge me a few more minutes of your time? This book releases May 29th and you can pre-order it at Freya's Bower.

Here's the blurb and a short excerpt. Enjoy!

Blurb:
Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

Excerpt:

Austin captured her once inside the darkened office and swung her into his arms for another kiss. Her shoes hit the floor as she moaned, and felt his tongue slip past her teeth.

Cara struggled and tore her mouth from his. “Wait. This can’t be happening.”

“Why not? I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks of getting to know you. I’d like to get to know you a little better, that’s all.” Austin pulled her back and covered her mouth with his.

She hesitated a moment. How long had it been since her last kiss? It’d been two years since David had broken up with her, not understanding her responsibilities to her mother. With a muffled groan, Cara tossed her purse to the floor and twined her arms around his neck. Moisture pooled between her thighs as his tongue explored the corners of her mouth. She eagerly returned the kiss, and was rewarded when one of Austin’s hands slid upwards to palm her breast. Cara didn’t pull away; soon his cool fingers slid inside her bodice and nudged the lace of her bra aside. She moaned when he rolled the nipple between two fingers and pressed herself closer to him. Dimly in the background, she heard the vague tones of Bette Midler singing “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

“Wait. My phone’s ringing. Austin,” she pleaded and forced herself to pull away.

“Can’t you ignore it?” He panted, reaching for her waist.

“I can’t. This one is important.” Cara stepped to the side and fumbled with the clasp with shaking hands. Doreen wouldn’t have called unless something happened! One look at the clock on the outside told her it was past ten o’clock. “Hi, it’s Cara.” She cleared her throat to sound normal. “I’m sorry, Doreen, I just looked at the clock–What?” She reached back for Austin’s hand to steady herself. “Oh my god, which hospital? Thanks. I’ll be right there.” She snapped her phone shut and whirled around. “I have to go.”

“Wait a moment, Cara. Hospital? Let me go with you.”

Cara shook her head as she tried to shove her feet into her shoes. “No, this is something I have to do. It’s my responsibility. Besides, you have guests.”

Remember; you can pre-order this book here:)

See you next month!

Guest Blog: Caridad Pineiro: Challenging Myself as an Author

2013-05-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

Thank you for letting me visit to chat about my two new releases. As an author, I always strive to create something new for readers and to challenge myself as well. I hope that readers will definitely think I’m bringing something different with my two new novellas.

I have to confess that it was a challenge to create a romantic arc in so few pages. It was also tough to create a mystery plot in GHOST OF A CHANCE and a new shifter mythology in THE SHIFTER’S KISS in shorter works.

I set GHOST OF A CHANCE along the Jersey Shore and wrote a story where the mystery revolved around a murder/suicide that had happened during Prohibition. It was fun doing the research and working in facts about what happened along the Jersey Shore during those years. It was also a lot of fun to add not only the ghostly element to them, but the romance between true crime writer Tracy Gomez and sexy Peter, the lawyer who has put together the crew he hopes can solve the mystery.

To read an excerpt from GHOST OF A CHANCE, you can visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/124143411/ghost-of-a-chance-paranormal-mystery-e-novella

For THE SHIFTER’S KISS, I went for a totally different feel for the novella by choosing the San Blas Islands. The indigenous people there believe in shark gods who protect their islands and I used that to create a mythology about Nali, a shark-shifting goddess who is the last of her kind.

It became a very emotional story for me as I imagined how lonely Nali would be as the last one of her kind. It also upped the kind of sacrifice she would have to make to find and keep the man she came to love. It was a challenge working in the romance arc with the erotic story elements, but for me the romance has to be there otherwise the sexiness falls flat.

To read an excerpt from THE SHIFTER’S KISS, you can visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/126375941/THE-SHIFTER-S-KISS-Erotic-Paranormal-Romance-Novella

BIO:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and RITA® Finalist Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word and in 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released. Over a decade later, Caridad is the author of nearly 40 published novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife, and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information, please visit www.caridad.com.

I hope you will enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoyed writing them! Thank you, for letting me visit!

The Parade Inside !

2013-05-17T01:00:00.000-04:00

Here's two covers from my Passionate Pursuit series. And a blurb from Dangerous Pursuit. No. five in the series, Daunting Pursuit is being edited so I'm delighted with that. And here are some words of wisdom from a world famous artist. I love this thought. Words of wisdom indeed.

Joan Miro, one of the most celebrated artists in the modern world, had this marvelous sentiment on his 85^th birthday. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times, he urged reporters not be deceived by his demeanor.

Deprecating his fame, he said, “I live like a normal citizen. But there is a Catalan saying that the parade marches inside you. What happens is inside.”

The world knows that what happened inside him produced a lifetime of sometimes amusing, sometimes thoughtful, but always powerful abstract paintings that changed the world’s view of modern art.

So what’s going on inside you? It doesn’t have to be earthshaking, but it IS important. Like a pebble dropped in a pond, the widening circles of your action might astonish you if you could only know. My personal philosophy is that every one you pass by can be affected by a smile on your face. So I’m a Pollyanna! I like being one.

Naturally I have to include an excerpt from my latest release, Dangerous Pursuit. From the Passionate Pursuit series of eight books from Ellora’s Cave. This is mild erotica.

“Nicki looked at the handsome face slowly descending to hers and knew she should run. Once she let him kiss her, she sensed she’d never escape. Not until he wanted her to go. Ordinarily that thought would have had her scooting out of his reach, trying to protect herself from the heartbreak that would come from loving Vale. Every woman who saw him wanted him. Why should he stay constant to one?

But his eyes were heavy with desire, and she’d never seen anything like their narrow-minded intent. Such beautiful eyes. He was about to kiss her with the passion she’d always longed for, and never expected to find.

She’d fought off groping hands as many nurses had, and she never let herself be alone with Pringly. He’d tried to take her to dinner in spite of the stricture against hospital staff dating. He’d tried to corner her in the hall, in the clean-up room after an operation, even in some of the patient’s private rooms. Always the ones who were too sick to be believed if they reported such an unlikely thing as a doctor raping a nurse. Finally, fearing for her virginity, she’d left the hospital. Although she liked nursing, she didn’t think she’d go back to it as a profession. Genealogy was fascinating, and a much safer occupation for a young woman.

Now she’d found the one man for her, even though her mind told her it was temporary. Vale would be hers only for a brief time, but perhaps she should taste love while she had the chance. Surely she’d never match the intensity of her feelings for Vale with any other man.

Her lips felt hot, her body throbbed in a manner that surely was indecent, but she couldn’t possibly turn her face away from his. Her lower body in particular pulsated as she felt his lower body pressing against hers. More than anything else she wanted his kiss. His kiss that she knew would open a new world for her. And she craved whatever else he chose to show her. Anything he wanted she wanted. He’d leave her eventually, she realized that, although she strove to smother the thought. Perhaps she could somehow learn to be such a passionate lover he would stay with her for a glorious while.

She never thought she’d allowed herself to be so passive. But he’d become irresistible. His fantastic and alluring looks, his eyes that bored into her very soul and made her feel she was the most desirable woman in the world. Even the way he moved. Like some jungle creature sure of his power and narrowing in on his prey. But his manner did not seem that of an overbearing and arrogant male animal. She thought him above resorting to domination. Never ruthless. He seemed as anxious to please her as she was to please him.

She was completely confused but she no longer cared.”

Available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. And of course my website, www.jeanhartstewart.com

Guest Blog: Kim McNiel: I'm a "Pantser"!

2013-05-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

Panster! I realize that I am a complete panster and it’s just something I have to accept.

I’ve tried several times to plan out my writing, made an outline and everything, only to have my characters not cooperate. My muse can be quite difficult sometimes and very determined. Even if I have something lined out sitting next to me, when I begin typing my brain and fingers deviate from any plans I have. Over time I finally dismissed even making an outline, it never works for me.

As I begin typing, the story tells itself. It kind of surprised me because normally during the other things in my life, I seem to have things somewhat planned and organized, but not when it comes to writing.

That is completely a fly by the seat of my pants, but it works for me.

BIO:
Kim McNiel is a good ole' country girl at heart. She was born and raised in a small Texas town called Spring. As the mother of three, she spent most of her adult life dedicated to raising her family. With her children almost grown, she decided to fulfill her dream of writing. Her best friend, told her "pen to paper sweetie, never give up, and never let anyone tell you that you CAN'T--" she heeded his advice and didn't. She writes contemporary and steamy romance and several memoir pieces on the back burner.

BLURB:
Caleb loves the ladies and can't keep his ego in his pants. With a new set of legs to wrap around him every two nights, he never thinks about what he'd do if Sarah caught him - until she does.

he repercussions are cataclysmic, giving him a second chance at life. Who is Caleb really? The ego or the man he professes to be? This playa plays to win.

SYNOPSIS:
Living a double life, Caleb is a hard-working and self-assured man, who doubles as an arrogant, cocky and womanizing prick. With his choices of women on a layaway plan, he’s never lonely.

Caleb believes he’s nailed the market on being the ultimate playa and never wonders what the consequences could be if Sarah, his live in, ever found out…until she does. When Sarah turns his life upside down, Caleb loses it and catastrophe follows not far behind.

When his world gets flipped right size up, he begins to realize the things that are really important to him. Although Caleb makes some ultimate sacrifices to save his pride, ego and relationship with Sarah, he still hides one very important secret.

FB author Page
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon author Page
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17315790-caleb
Goodreads author Page
Google + : https://plus.google.com/106521405824328559113/posts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimMcNielauthor

I have moved my computer back into my own bedroom again...

2013-05-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's wonderful to have my own space again...

Without having to share it with a young adult male whose guitar, amp, dirty clothes, and the scent of dirty socks permeates the room. Sigh. A few months ago, just before the holidays, my grandson asked if he could come home (this was his home from the day he came home from the hospital in his mom's arms until he chose to see what the world was like outside). He spent time living with his dad, his dad's brother, and then his dad again...and found that the only place he had felt safe and loved was the one he had so eagerly left at age 16.

Over the past four years, I had moved my office into the bedroom he vacated. But having him move back in made that a very messy and crowded room. He needed his privacy in the evenings, and I was used to being on my computer in the evenings. I cannot seem to write in the daytime. LOL! So, when he returned to my house and moved back in, he agreed to share the room with my computer. The problem is, he never really had privacy if I needed to use it.

He got a job, works hard, and comes home stinky and filthy, covered in sawdust and grime. When he comes home, I vacate the room, shut down my computer, and leave him to his peace and quiet...but that means I cannot go in and write when the urge to put something on the computer strikes.

So it's much better this way...and maybe I will actually find the desire to write again. Who knows?

Hugs!

Fran Lee

RWA Membership...to Renew or Not to Renew

2013-05-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

For those who don't know what RWA is, it stands for Romance Writers of America. I've been a member since 1994...and find myself wondering if I want to remain a member.

Which way should I go?

Can you publish without being a member? Yes.

Have I found them helpful in the past? Yes...but not the recent past.

Has any fan ever asked me if I'm a member at a book signing or anywhere else? No.

Their magazine is full of interesting articles...but I now have access to so many interesting articles on the Internet.

Their switch to forums/whatever they call the new system they use is somewhat confusing and annoying. I've dropped out of a group that used their system because I felt it was time consuming to "join" different themed forums/loops/whatever.

PAN. I'm a member. Got in before the decision to make it hard for ebook authors.

Twice (with two chapters), people were removed as members...without the other members knowing why. When I asked for answers, they went unanswered. When I asked for help with one chapter seriously depleted by their actions, I got no response.

The past five years, I've paid my dues, only because I'd miss my local chapter. I stopped going to the big RWA conferences after the shabby way epubs were treated in 2007 (?). While RWA is improving in it's attitude toward epubs (and I think that's due to the advent of Carina Press - a Harlequin imprint), there's still a long way to go.

I'm annoyed that RWA can't create a category for erotic romance. The reason given to me? They couldn't come up with a definition of erotic romance. Lame excuse, and pitiful.

The Golden Heart Contest is a great contest. The RITA...more of a popularity contest...makes it difficult for epubs to enter since most have ebooks done first, and print versions published later. It's a matter of timing, and this makes it hard for epubs to even think about entering the RITA.

So many things to consider. More in the minus column than in the plus column.

In the end, I'll probably join for another year...because of my local chapter...hoping for better treatment/acceptance of epubs.

These are just my opinions. What do you think?
Photo: Flickr: massdistraction photostream

Mother's Day Retrospective

2013-05-13T00:34:00.001-04:00

I'll admit to enough hedonism that I enjoy milking Mother's Day for all it's worth. I consider this a survival mechanism, since I live my life surrounded by men. Of course, since most of them are 20-somethings, my MD spoiling comes mainly from my husband, who made me breakfast in bed, then steak for dinner. I got haphazard "Happy Mother's Day" tossed in my general direction from the others, although the one who sometimes lives here though he's not biologically related DID take a moment to stand in front of me and say the words with sincerity. I thought that was a really nice touch.

This year is my first Mother's Day as a grandmother, and that's a special milestone. Unfortunately, I haven't seen my granddaughter in a while, and I did miss her. With my mother gone for several years now, and my m-i-l living across the country, we no longer have to bounce from one house to another. That's bittersweet, and I spend more of the day reflecting now than I did as a younger mom.Watching Facebook during my day of leisure, I watched friends grieve the loss of their mothers, grandmothers, or even a child--a devastating holiday in that case. Some folks whose mothers were dysfunctional find the idea of celebrating awkward or worse. Other women felt slighted, as aunts, stepmoms, foster parents, teachers, counselors, and other people who go out of their way to care for children who aren't even theirs by birth. As on commenter said, "Being a mother is genetic. Being a MOM is entirely by choice." I was forcibly reminded that for all my flip, princess-like behavior, a lot of people had a tough time yesterday. To them, I want to send hugs, and these belated greetings:

If you've ever taught someone to read or ride a bike, or any other skill, Happy Mother's Day
If you've ever held a crying child, your own or otherwise, Happy Mother's Day.
If you've ever given a teenager advice that kept them from doing something stupid, Happy Mother's Day.
If you're grieving a loss or never had a mother's love, Happy Mother's Day
If you've ever held someone's hand while they waited for news, Happy Mother's Day.
If you've ever sat up all night with someone sick or in tears, Happy Mother's Day.If you've ever given up your portion of a meal, dessert or snack so someone else could have it, Happy Mother's Day.
If you've ever skipped buying something for yourself so you could buy one for someone else, Happy Mother's Day.
If you've ever scolded while choking back tears, Happy Mother's Day.
If you've ever loved so fiercely that you would do anything for someone, Happy Mother's Day.

While I was lucky enough to be born into a mostly-functional family (come on, no one's family is perfectly functional!), I'm also well aware of the concept of family by choice. (In fact the theme crops up in my books--a LOT) A lot of women were mentors to me along my life's journey, and I'm grateful for every one. That's the best thing about love--it doesn't worry about genetics, and there's always room for more.

Square Peg

2013-05-12T02:00:00.000-04:00

I do a lot of things that seem a little out of the norm.

None of it was planned really.

I guess you could say I'm a real pantser, even in life.

I don't brew beer. There was a time I knew very little about it (like five years ago). Then, about five years ago, a couple of guys came to me with a six pack, a business plan and a proposal. Now, I have my own "persona" and well-known caricature ....

I never read romance novels. But someone put a book in my hand five years ago by a woman named Shayla Black (Wicked Ties. I will never forget it). And a whole new world of reading was opened to me. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Reader, big time. My parents used to half-joke that I would weed the garden with a book in my hand (I did). I write reviews of books actively on Goodreads. And I still prefer my "romance" tinged with realistic heat and more complex characters and plots.

The degree I earned in English Literature at the University of Louisville (Go Cards) implied that I read for days at a time for four years straight (Ok, four and a half, I had a very fun "lost semester" in there somewhere). I can have conversations about Milton, Dante, Shakespeare, Moliere, Shaw, Blake, Austen, Bronte...the list is endless and somewhat boring. However, having come in to my own to a certain extent as an author I have a renewed respect for using many of the literary stalwarts as your guide through the minefields of "getting better."

I never dreamed of living overseas. When my spouse called me as I sat trying not to puke, coming to terms with a third, very accidental, pregnancy and said, "well I took the job in Japan," I had no clue I'd be embarking with my two and nearly three small children on a 7-year, 3-country stint as semi-professional ex-pat American. And I have channeled it accordingly.

Yet, here I sit, part owner of a successful microbrewery and beer bar, manager of staff, inventories and promotions, and asked to speak more and more about my "role as a woman in the beer industry."

I also have 20 books published now and can say that at least a few people have heard of me. And I have a shelf and head full of memories from Japan, England, Turkey and all the places we visited in between.

All of this came with a price, mind you. I no longer consider a tidy and perfectly clean house a priority like I once did. I am positive my kids can get very well fed via the delivery and carry out menus around Ann Arbor. I'm only half a believer in the power of small businesses--we only are as strong as we are willing to support one another and have been disappointed by a few in this town lately. My natural, very not-latent cynicism has been magnified a thousand fold by the eye-popping levels of professional jealousy and bizarre need for certain in the writing profession to thwart those of us merely attempting to make a living. As well as the level of ego that abides amongst even "fans" of certain famous writers and the lengths they will go to make sure "their writer" is always considered better than all others.

Oh, and "small business owner-slash-semi-best-selling-author" implies a few things (sans the blood and gore I guess)

It's a bit of a jungle out here. But I will tell you whenever I get frustrated, unhappy, or hurt by what some folks say about me in public (or on the internet, if you consider that "public") I turn my full attention back to the brewery, which gives me a reality break, big time, moving among folks who are less concerned about tearing down the competition and more about making a great product and selling it. Oh, professional jealousy exists in the brewing industry to be sure, especially among the zillions of us scrabbling around at the bottom of the pan for scraps of drinker attention.

And I will say without a doubt that the group affiliated with this particular blog: Romance Books 4 Us, is hands down the MOST supportive, LEAST judgmental or snarkily jealous of any I have yet encountered and for that I am ever grateful.

I like to think all these slightly less-than-normal choices I've made have allowed me to concoct stories and characters who defy the "norm" as well. There is room for it all, of course. And the plethora of authors who have gone before me are a mere testament to the fact. But as I approach 50 years old I look back and say that I'm proud of the choices I've made, even the bad ones. And that calling my books "character driven fiction" as opposed to "romance" is probably a fairer representation of what I do. I love to experiment with styles and genres and have done the gamut of things available to me within "contemporary erotic romance." From menage, to man-love, to cougars, overt BDSM action and less obvious "themes," I do at times set these stories in less-obvious places....like breweries.

My life has been, in a couple of words, messy and complicated--less that some, more so than many. And that translates directly to how I craft my stories and the characters in them.

I'm on the cusp of something new as I work my way through the final novel of my best selling Stewart Realty series. I'm dealing with clear and very challenging issues of addiction and how one young man's compulsions can destroy lives, no matter how many people keep trying to love him. It has opened up options in my own head as I write and I find myself doing different things with "love scenes" (hinting at them, talking about their aftermath as opposed to the nuts and bolts of the actual act for example) and with dialogue (using fewer "tags" and making it more direct and brutally real). It's been a real trip I tell you and it has me in its grip, especially as I miss one of my characters within it desperately but since I was the one who took that person away, I guess I must deal with the consequences.

Forgive the rambling but as I am very very deep in the writing cave I tend to wax philosophical, especially as I face down my own fears about how I plan to end this thing.

Take care and happy reading, writing, drinking, or whatever it is you do that brings you joy.

(And Happy Mom's Day to those celebrating. I am by writing for 5 hours, uninterrupted while my spouse carts our son up North to his May semester Zoology class in the field. Then by going to see my first and only book boyfriend: Jay Gatsby, on the big screen. I know it's gotten meh reviews but I don't care. I can't wait to see the spectacle the way I have always pictured it)

Feel free to leave an equally rambling comment about your inspirations as an author. Or, as a reader, which authors transport you the way Fitzgerald has always done for me. (and yeah, that book contains the Death of a Major Character too).

P.S. If you have not given my Stewart realty series a shot (and I know some of you have and I thank you) you can now get the first three books (a.k.a. The Jack & Sara Trilogy) in a cool "boxed set" book bundle.

Interview with Author, Carla Cassidy

2013-05-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

I'm so happy to announce that I interviewed one of my favorite author's, and I consider her a dear friend.She's a very prolific author, and I have never read a bad book from her.Please welcome, Carla Cassidy.

Bio:
After a stint as a professional cheerleader and a singer/dancer in a touring show band, Carla sold her first book, a young adult romance in 1988. In 1991 she sold to Silhouette and since that time she’s written and sold over a hundred and forty books for publication.

Her work has earned her a Career Achievement award from Romantic Times Magazine, three Rita nominations and most recently her Harlequin Romantic Suspense, The Mercenary’s Perfect Mission is a finalist in the Readers Choice Awards.

Carla has written for Silhouette, Harlequin, Dorchester and NAL.

The only thing Carla likes better than reading a good book is to write one.

Carla, I read your April release, Scene of the Crime: Deadman's Bluff, from Harlequin and enjoyed it very much. This is an excellent story.

BLURB:
Buried Alive
FBI agent Seth Hawkins was on a mission to catch a serial killer. Yet his only lead had no memory of how she'd been abducted...or anything else about her identity. The only thing Tamara Jennings knew for sure was the undeniable attraction she felt for the strong, handsome man who saved her life. But as memories of her forgotten past return, would they lead her to the killer — and to a life she could share with Seth?

Now, we're ready to find out a bit about you, Carla.

Q: When did you start writing? Were you serious about your writing then?
A: I first started writing around 1980. At that time I was focused on bad poetry and even worse short stories. It wasn’t until around 1987 that I decided to try my hand writing an actual book. I sold my first book, a young adult, in 1988.

Q: Do you have a set time to write during the day?
A: I write all day every day. The computer goes on at the same time I pour myself my first cup of coffee and the computer doesn’t go off until I’m ready to go to bed. I take breaks to do the usual housework or whatever else needs to be done, but I spend at least eight hours with the butt in the chair and working on a project.

Q: What's your favorite genre to write or read?
A: Definitely romantic suspense. I love both writing and reading it.

Q: What's the hardest part of the story to write for you?
A: The love scenes. Maybe it’s because I’ve done so many and there’s only so many ways to write them or maybe it’s because after all the years of my marriage, I’m just tired!

Q: Who's your favorite author?
A: I have tons of authors I love to read, but Lisa Gardner is one of my very favorites!

Q: What do you do to relax?
A: I write, I sit on the back deck with my hubby and I love to go to casinos!

Q: There are times when life interferes with an author's writing. During those times are you still able to write?
A: I have a disabled daughter, have gone through breast cancer, hip surgery, a heart replacement valve surgery for my daughter’s partner, a fire that moved my son, daughter-in-law and two teenage girls in with us for nine months, and my daughter almost died when the lower half of her stomach perforated. Yes, there has been many reasons to take me away from the writing, but instead throughout everything I realized the writing was the one thing I could depend on. It became the world I could control when real life had been uncontrollable.So, yes, I write through good times and bad times. It’s my sanity.

Q: Was there ever anything you wanted to do besides be an author
A: My original goal was to be a dancer. I even went to a private college to major in dance, and then took off for New York City to become a Broadway star. Along the way instead of stardom, I found a husband.

Now, I'm going to throw in a couple of fun questions. We don't want to be too serious today. Wink!

Q: Do you have a bucket list of things you would like to do?
A: Sleep until noon, buy every piece of bling I see, wear high heels until the day I die. I’d like to laugh more often, make others feel good about themselves, do something charitable. I have no desire to sky dive or travel, no adventures on my bucket list…just a gentle, kind life with peace in my heart.

You have always been a sweet, gentle and caring soul, Carla.

Q: What is the most fun thing you've ever done?
A: Oh goodness, I don’t have a definite answer for this one. Sometimes my idea of fun is just laughing with my husband or dancing in my living room when nobody is home.

Q: If you had a chance to be anyone besides yourself who would it be?
A: On most days I kind of like being me, but I would like to be younger!

Q: If you wanted to escape your life where would you go and would you take anyone with you?
A: To be honest, I know escape isn’t possible, but peace is in my office all alone. My office is a sanctuary with scented candles and things I love surrounding me. I even bought a full size tree that has pink lights all over the branches because it feeds my soul on a dark and stormy night. My best escape is into the world of fiction and the lives of my characters. Face it, no real bucket list, no real plan for escape…I sound so boring!

Believe me, when I say she's not the least boring, folks.

You can find Carla at her website, http://carlacassidybooks.com and on Facebook.

Here is a blurb for Confessing to the Cowboy, a June release from Harlequin. It can be preordered at Amazon at this link.

BLURB:
The Price of Deadly Secrets…
Someone is killing waitresses at the Cowboy Café. Three women are dead, and Sheriff Cameron Evans means to find out why. But as he works to solve the case, the hunky sheriff must push beyond his feelings for the café's owner. There's a murderer on the loose. Passion has no place here.

For Mary Mathis, the crime is personal. Not only are the victims her employees, they may be a sign of something deeper. Eight years ago she came to Grady Gulch fleeing a violent past that has scarred her for life. Now she has to discover if that history is dooming the women who work for her. She already knows it has made new love impossible—no matter what she may secretly desire.

EXCERPT:
Sheriff Cameron Evans was tired of finding women dead in their beds. He stood in the doorway of Dorothy Blake's small bedroom and took in the tragic scene before him. It was definitely a bad start to a new week.

A light breeze fluttered the blue-flowered curtains hanging at the open window, blowing in the cold November early morning air.

Dorothy was clad in a pale pink nightgown and covered by a blue bedspread. Blood stained the spread around her neck but without that telltale sign it would appear that Dorothy slept peacefully. Her eyes were closed and her features showed no sign of stress.

Cameron tightened his hands into fists as two of his men wearing paper booties moved in to collect any evidence that might lead to a clue to the killer. He had little hope that they'd find anything. Two previous deaths in the same manner had yielded nothing. The murderer was smart and meticulous in his efficiency. Get in, slit the throat of a sleeping woman and then get out, leaving nothing behind for law enforcement to work with.

The window appeared to be intact, suggesting that it had been unlocked and had provided easy access. Cameron's frustration grew as he thought of the town hall meeting where he'd cautioned all women living alone to make sure their windows and doors were locked at all times. Apparently there had been some at the meeting who weren't paying attention.

"Where's the kid?" Cameron asked. He'd been told before he'd arrived on scene that the body had been discovered by a teenage kid.

"In the kitchen with the dog," Deputy Adam Benson said from behind Cameron. "He's pretty freaked out."

"I can imagine," Cameron replied. He moved past Adam and headed down the hallway to the kitchen. There was nothing more he could do in the bedroom. His team was well trained and the coroner stood by to move in after the crime-scene team had taken their photos and done their work. In the meantime he had to speak to Jeffrey Lawrence, the young man who had found Dorothy an hour earlier.

Dorothy's kitchen was painted a cheerful bright yellow, with white and yellow gingham curtains hanging at the window. Despite the day's chill the sunshine streamed into the windows with welcome heat that battled with the cold air drifting down the hallway from the bedroom.

Jeff Lawrence sat at the small, wooden kitchen table, his blue eyes red-rimmed as he hugged a wiggly, small furry mutt close to his chest.

"I can't get the picture of her out of my head," he said as he swallowed hard in an obvious effort not to cry. "It's like burned in my brain all that blood and the smell."

"I'm sorry you had to experience that. What were you doing here so early in the morning?" Cameron took the seat opposite the young man at the table.

"It's my jobto walk Twinkie every morning before I go to school. I'm a senior and trying to save up some extra money for college." Twinkie whined at the sound of her name and licked the underside of Jeff's pointy chin.

"How long have you had this arrangement with Dorothy?"

"Since the beginning of summer. She and my mom are good friends and that's how I knowknew Dorothy." His eyes welled up with tears once again. "My mom is going to be so upset about all of this."

Cameron waited a minute for the kid to get himself back under control and then continued, "How did you enter the house this morning?"

"I have my own key. Sometimes Dorothy worked the night shift at the Cowboy Cafe and she'd sleep in late in the mornings. If she didn't answer when I knocked, then I used my key to come in and usually found Twinkie on the foot of her bed. Whenever Twinkie saw me she'd jump down and we'd go for our morning walk."

"Is that what happened this morning?"

Jeff's head bobbed like one of those big-headed dolls people put on their dashboards or desks. "Everything was the same as usual. I knocked on the door and when Dorothy didn't answer I went ahead and let myself in. I walked down the hallway to her bedroom and Twinkie was curled up at her feet, just like usual. But this morning Twinkie didn't jump off the bed when she saw me. She just whined and whined and I thought maybe she was hurt. So, I walked over to her and that's when I noticed the bloodand the smell. I didn't touch Dorothy, I knew she was dead. I just grabbed Twinkie and left the room and then called 911."

"You did the right thing," Cameron replied. There was no way Jeff was involved in the crime, at least not at the moment. The kid had the green cast of somebody on the verge of puking. He petted the dog as if the silky fur were the only thing holding him together.

"What's going to happen to Twinkie? Dorothy doesn't have any family, and I can't take her. We already have a big dog, Zeus, who would eat this little girl for lunch." Jeff looked distraught. "Twinkie is a great dog, friendly and well trained. I mean, I'm sorry about Dorothy, but you need to find a good home for Twinkie." Jeff looked at him pleadingly.

Great, Cameron thought. Not only did he have another murder to try to solve, he also had the faith of a softhearted kid depending on him to find a tragically orphaned mutt a good home.

"Gather up all her doggie stuff, and I'll see what I can do," Cameron said. "Then go home. We'll probably have more questions for you later, but right now I'd prefer you not talk to anyone about this crime except with your parents."

Jeff nodded and got up from the table. As he began to gather up all things Twinkie, Cameron went back down the hallway where he met the coroner, who told him what he already suspected.

Time of death was between one and three in the morning, cause of death was a quick, clean slice across the throat. Dorothy's hearing aids were on the night-stand. She'd never heard her screen being removed and the unlocked window sliding open. She'd never heard her killer's approach.

"It's just like the other two," Deputy Benson said. "Three women killed in their beds, their throats cut."

"And all three worked as waitresses at the Cowboy Cafe," Cameron added. He frowned, thinking of how this latest murder would affect Mary Mathis, the owner of the cafe.

Carla, thank you for letting me interview you for Romance Books '4' Us!

BACK TO THE SALT MINE - Ann's TravelBlog

2013-05-10T01:00:00.000-04:00

We all know the cliche "back to the salt mines" means it's time to return to school, work or something unpleasant (like finishing the scene that's been so hard to write), by implying the speaker is a slave in a salt mine.

Yet the Wieliczka Salt Mine in southern Poland was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and proclaimed by Poland as a national monument in 1994.

A salt mine?

Table salt is a commodity we take for granted these days. You can get it anywhere for a reasonable price, but that wasn't always true. In ancient times, it was quite precious, and until the industrial revolution, it was hard to come by. Roman soldiers were paid in salt, and as early as Roman times, being sent to work in the salt mine was tantamount to being sent into slavery with a very limited life expectancy.

So why would a salt mine end up on the list of World Heritage sites?

The Wieliczka Salt Mine

Four hundred and forty-three feet beneath the City of Wieliczka (population 20,000, in the metropolitan area of Karków, Poland), the Wieliczka Salt Mine has continuously extracted table salt from the time it was constructed in the 12^th century by a local duke. The salt mine was first mentioned in 1044 and didn't cease operations until 1992 (some sources say 1996 and 2007), due to heavy flooding. Regardless, it's one of the oldest and longest operating salt mines in existence and still produces brine. That's impressive! From the outside, the mine appears exceptionally well kept but ordinary, and on the interior, you will find the expected look and equipment of a salt mine.

This mine reaches depths of 1,075 feet and is over 178 miles long. The salt deposits formed here in the Miocene Epoch, some 13.6 million years ago. The rock is varying shades of gray in color resembling granite instead of the tiny white crystals we know and love.

Interesting, yes. But World Heritage Site quality? I don't know.

This Ain't Your Ordinary Salt Mine

The salt mine itself, while interesting and how housing a museum of the history of the salt mining industry, isn't what attracts over a million visitors a year. Over the centuries, tens of generations of miners not only extracted salt, but they also left behind them a record of their time there in awesome sculptures and architecture, all made of salt.

The tourists who visit have to descend 378 wooden steps to enter an unexpected and amazing world where they can take a 2 kilometer tour (some sources say 2 miles and 3.5 kilometers) of the mine corridors, sixteen lakes, twenty chapels (including the Cathedral), and incredible art works. There is an elevator to go up to the surface which rises at twelve feet per second, but to get in you have to walk down the stairs shown below.

The works of art and architecture in the mine weren't created by great artists under commission to some King, but by the workers themselves, from the middle ages to the present, by hacking rock from the walls and sculpting statues and reliefs in the salt rock which resembles unpolished granite. These chapels were places where the miners could capture a few moments of retreat to worship during their labors. There are twenty chapels, the largest and most magnificent, the Cathedral.

The Cathedral is astounding in terms of sheer size and the way in which the miners breathed their Catholic spirit into the cathedral and art works. It took 68 years to complete, and everything, even the lighting fixtures, are made of salt.

Interior of the Cathedral

Structure of the Cathedral
Photo by dgies on Flickr

Many of the scenes represent well-known stories from the Bible. Others represent other historical events and also the imagination of the miners.

One wall is dedicated to the 14^th century warrior Casimir the Great, shown below.

The origins of the mine are depicted in the Janowice Chamber. In medieval times, the Hungarian Princess Kinga, married Polish Prince Boleslaus the Chaste. When Mongols invaded Poland, Kinga went to her father asking that he help the Poles. In response, he gave her the sale mine of Maramaros, in Transylvania, where she threw her ring into the shaft.

No references explained why she did that. The story goes the ring was found in the first block of white sand dug in Wieliczka, which ultimately provided a third of the income to the Polish crown. Below a knight is returning the ring to Kinga.

The amazing salt chandeliers are not simply sculpted from salt, but by using a process which requires the salt rock to be dissolved. Then the impurities are extracted, and solution dried to achieve a glass-like finish. Even the floor, which looks like tiles, is made of salt.

Photo of Chandelier by Matthew.kowal on Wikimedia Commons

In the Spalone Chamber there are figures of the men who worked as the mine's "Pentinents". Before there was proper ventilation, these men worked were responsible for burning off the methane that accumulated in the ceilings of the mine's chambers.

They dressed in wet clothing and crawled along the floor of the mine with a long pole holding a lit torch at the end. It was a dangerous task and those workers were rewarded with extra bags of salt, which was an extremely valuable commodity in the Middle Ages.

Visitors who commented on the many articles and blogs, tag the Wieliczka Salt Mine as a "don't miss" travel destination. Now I see why it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and I can't wait to visit.

Resources
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Poland/Wojewodztwo_Malopolskie/Krakow-490219/Things_To_Do-Krakow-Wieliczka_Salt_Mine-BR-1.html

http://www.kuriositas.com/2011/08/wieliczka-salt-mine-astounding.html

http://www.lindsayfincher.com/wieliczka-salt-mine-goin-deeper-underground.html

http://www.insidethetravellab.com/wieliczkas-salt-sculptures/

http://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/visiting/pilgrims-route/wieliczka-chapels

http://twistedsifter.com/2013/04/wieliczka-salt-mine-polands-underground-salt-cathedral/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieliczka_Salt_Mine

http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/wieliczka-salt-cathedral-polands-underground-wonder.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-underground-salt-cathedral-of-poland

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/wieliczka.html

http://www.insidethetravellab.com/wieliczkas-salt-sculptures/
http://www.traditioninaction.org/HotTopics/c022ht_SaltMine.htm

Could it Get Any Hotter ...

2013-05-09T02:00:00.000-04:00

... than an interview with Reese Colton, the hero of my vampire novel, SHADOWS OF FIRE (And yes, he's also a firefighter)? This sexy vampire arrived on the page as a complete surprise (who knew someone this dark, sexy and irresistible could also be an immortal?)

Nina: Welcome to RB4U, Reese. I know there are many readers who would love to meet you. I'm really glad you found some time to visit.

Reese: Nice to be here. I've been wondering why it's taken so long for you to invite me. *leans forward and whispers* You know all my secrets, you've delved into the deepest part of my psyche, don't you think it's time to share? *leans back with a satisfied smile*

Nina: *blushes* Yes, ah hem ,well, I didn't realize how anxious you were to bring everything to light.

Reese: Oh, aren't you the wordsmith? The whole vampire and daylight thing, I get it. Ha ha. Yes, fine, I'm an ancient vampire ... it's out there, big deal--

Nina: But Reese it is a big deal. It's part of your sex appeal. And I should have asked if it's too bright in here for you.

Reese: This space is very comfortable and you know daylight isn't a huge issue for me. I just can't be out in it for long periods of time.

Nina: Is that why you worked the night shift at the fire station?

Reese: It certainly does simplify things. But being part of RISEN, we've found it easier to do our undercover work at night.

Nina: Tell everyone about RISEN. This whole military operation is one of the things I found fascinating. How did you get involved with them anyway?

Reese: RISEN stands for Rogue Investigative Seizure and Elimination Network the acronym is meant to be funny, but what we do is deadly serious. You see, not all vampires live well with humans. You are rather delicate creatures *winks* Anyway, we find rogue vampires and bring them to justice--vampire justice. *shrugs* Not really a big deal.

Nina: Is that what brought you to the mountains of California? A rogue vampire?

Reese: We were called there by the man who saved my life over two centuries ago, Glenn Karr. He's mentored a lot of young vampires. He and Alexandra Flanagan manufactured and ran the blood wine out of the basement of the local tavern they ...

Nina: Still hard for you to talk about them isn't it?

Reese: Yeah, I shouldn't have mentioned Glenn and Alex. Memories of those fires still shake me up. *inhales deeply* Yeah, let's not talk about them. Where was I?

Nina: Telling me what brought you to South Kenton.

Reese: Right. The fires. Accidental fires were escalating. At first we found burned vampires and then humans. We suspected it was a vampire all along. We just didn't expect to find the answers we got. Really, I'm not a firefighter anymore. *flashes a trembling smile* I rebuilt the tavern and I'm running that. Don't you want to talk about that?

Nina: Sure. Tell us about the blood wine you mentioned.

Reese: *smile broadens* Well, I took the formula that Glenn and Alex had nearly perfected and made a few modifications with the pig blood and the chemical balance. Now I produce enough to support all the vamps in the mountains and the tribunal has opened up two more wineries on the west coast and we're looking at expanding down south using my new formula.

Nina: Congratulations I can see how proud you are of doing that. Is there anything else you want to tell my readers?

Reese: I suppose I should mention I did bring the vampire in South Kenton to justice as much as I hated how it all ended. On a happier note, should I mention the hot romance in the book?

Nina: *blushes profusely* My readers are very aware I write sexy stories. I think they'd already guessed that passion definitely sparks between you and Alex.

Reese: *runs a knuckle down Nina's cheek* You're too cute. I guess you enjoyed writing that part about me. *leans in close to Nina's ear* Though I would have enjoyed a few more opportunities to strut my stuff as they say.

Nina: *clears throat* Well, that's all the time I have today, Reese. I don't want to keep you from the tavern. Let me just remind readers they can find this book at most online retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and iTunes.

BLURB
A woman forced to live a life she didn’t choose …
Thirty years ago, a horrendous attack in the California mountains thrust chemistry student, ALEXANDRA FLANAGAN, into the secret world of vampires. Now, unable to stomach the thought of drinking blood from another person, she survives on a chemical blood wine. But there are some who secretly disapprove of her clandestine activities and will do anything to stop her.

A vampire of honor protecting humans …
Ancient vampire, REESE COLTON, is part of an elite military operation seeking out and eliminating rogue vampires. Undercover as a firefighter, he and his team have been called in to investigate the unusual number of fires covering up the murders of vampires living on Alex’s blood wine.

A murderer seeking revenge …
When chemistry ignites passion, Reese and Alex find themselves embroiled in an affair that catches them both unaware. With the number of fires escalating and evidence against Alex mounting, Reese isn’t sure whether to follow his heart or the clues as he seeks to find a murderer in the Shadows of Fire.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUDIO FORMAT (Read by Becca Battoe, narrator of the "FiftyShades" Trilogy) from Amazon and iTunes

Guest Blog: Sabrina York: The Thrill of Working Without a Net

2013-05-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

I love romance. And I especially love writing erotic romance. It’s hard to believe I’ve only been a published author for a little over a year. Last April my first book, Adam’s Obsession, came out and since then, I have sold more than a dozen titles and garnered some pretty awesome reviews.

I was so gratified by the reader responses to my books, I wanted to do something to show my thanks, so I wrote a novella, self published it and put it up for free on Amazon to celebrate my anniversary and thank my readers.

Self publishing is a scary thing, much like walking on a high wire without a net…but it’s pretty exciting too and it allowed me to do some things with Rebound (such as give copies away with abandon) that I can’t always do with contracted books.

I think it’s important to push ourselves out of our comfort zones every once in a while. Yes. There are risks, but the rewards are worth the potential cost.

My biggest worry was that no one would buy the book.

I shouldn’t have bothered worrying.

First of all, worrying accomplishes nothing but the graying of the hair.

And trust me, I have enough gray hair as it is.

At some point in our careers we need to stop worrying and just wallow in the joy. Savor the thrill of creation. Of the ability to share whatever talents the world can absorb.

Secondly, the whole point of the exercise was to thank my readers. If even one person loved the book, it was worth all the effort. Rebound did make my readers happy. And people did buy the book. In droves. Imagine my delight when, on that day, Rebound shot up to #3 on the free erotica list (right next to Fifty Shades…)

And as a result, I am going to do it again. Yes, walk out on that thin wire…without a net. It is, I find, a little addictive. How funny that after we take a dare, it suddenly, somehow, becomes “old hat.”

I’m planning more books in the Tryst Island Series—following the romantic adventures of a group of friends sharing a vacation house on the fictional Trystacomseh Island in Washington State’s San Juan archipelago. There are nine more books coming. What would you like to see in this scorching erotic series?

BLURB:
Rebound- A Tryst Island Erotic Romance

Kristi Cross has had the hots for her friend, Cameron Jackson as long as she can remember, but she knows she’s not his type. She’s nothing like the women he dates. So when he suggests they play for a kiss over a game of Hearts, Kristi can’t resist. Even if she loses, she wins. Because she’s finally going to taste him.

Of course, one kiss can quickly become something altogether steamier, especially when both parties are on the rebound…

BIO:
Sabrina York, Her Royal Hotness, writes naked erotic fiction for fans who like it hot, hard and balls-to-the-wall, and erotic romance and fantasy for readers who prefer a slow burn to passion. An award winning author in multiple genres, Sabrina loves writing hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers.

Other Books by Sabrina York
Adam’s Obsession (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)
Dark Fancy (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave)
Extreme Couponing (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)
Five Alarm Fire (Erotic Contemporary for the High Octane Heroes Anthology, Cleis Press)—coming soon
Folly (Erotic Regency, Ellora’s Cave)
Lust Eternal (Erotic Fantasy, Ellora’s Cave) —coming soon
Pushing Her Buttons (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)
Making Over Maris (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave) —coming soon
Man Hungry (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)
Rebound: A Tryst Island Erotic Romance (Erotic Contemporary, Available on Amazon)
Rising Green (Erotic Horror, Ellora’s Cave)
Saving Charlotte (Erotic Contemporary for the Smokin' Hot Firemen Anthology, Cleis Press)
Training Tess (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)
Trickery (Erotic Contemporary with Magical Elements, Ellora’s Cave Hex Line)
Tristan’s Temptation (Erotic Contemporary, Ellora’s Cave)

BIO:

Sabrina is an award winning author of erotic romance with nearly a dozen titles available, ranging from sweet & sexy erotic romance to BDSM to erotic horror. Connect with her on twitter @sabrina_york or http://www.facebook.com/sabrina.york.14. Check out her books, contest, blog and reviews on www.sabrinayork.com.

Guest Blog: Anna Stewart: Brenda Novak's Annual Auction

2013-05-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

NOTE: Brenda Novak's "Online Auction for Diabetes Research" Auction Information: http://www.brendanovakforthecure.org/
See what you can bid on:
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf
Romance Books '4' Us is offering a one-year, full page, advertising page at our website: http://www.romancebooks4us.com

Thank you, RB4U, for inviting me to join your blog today. And for your donation to Brenda Novak's Online Auction for Diabetes Research! Can you believe our 9th Auction began on the 1st?! Our goal is to hit the $2 million mark this year--and it's doable, especially with the amazing contributions our generous donors have made and the dedication of our shoppers. Where else can you shop for birthdays, the holidays and yourself all in one place!

In the years I've worked with Brenda on her quest to fund a cure for diabetes (her youngest son has the disease), I've come to the conclusion that this event is akin to opening an enormous shopping mall that's only open for one month out of the year. We spend the year stocking the shelves, finding new vendors, and marketing to the masses. We gather books, jewelry, beauty and fashion items, find amazing trips to offer and open doors to aspiring authors with reads from some of the top houses and agencies in the publishing industry. And when the doors burst open on May 1st, let the craziness begin!

The surprise of what's donated next is part of the fun of running the auction. We never know what we're going to get--like the concert and personal meet and greet with Bret Michaels (author Nancy Naigle wrangled that one!), or being able to see Celine Dion in concert and chat with her. This year we have an autographed leotard from Olympian and Dancing with the Stars contestant Ali Raisman up for bid along with numerous writing conference donations and unique experiences. And that's on top of the donations from authors like Nora Roberts, Sylvia Day, Meg Cabot...the list is exhaustive and the energy that accompanies their donations is palpable. Imagine me squealing as new donations arrive via email. Needless to say we're on an adrenaline rush for months on end.

Don't get me wrong. While the auction is fun, it's also a lot of hard work with long hours (I don't sleep much in April). And I'm so grateful for the volunteers who have come on board to help. But when I know every penny we raise brings us that much closer to a cure, how can I not acknowledge I have an incredibly rewarding job. Who knew my love of reading would lead me to writing, which led me to RWA (Romance Writers of America) and my local chapter where I met Brenda. To work for a woman I greatly admire in the industry I'm working to break into (I write paranormal/UF romance under the name AJ Stewart)--being able to contact anyone and everyone I want in the hopes they'll join the fight against this disease...life does not get any better than that. And the bonus--the number of authors' books I now read in part because they were so generous and kind in donating to the auction. I'm a big believer in karma. Our donors have a ton of good luck coming their way. And so do our shoppers! Hope to see you all bidding up a storm! We are SO close...and as much as I love my job and being employed...I'm okay being put out of work if it means a cure for diabetes!

BIO:
When not at work at her day job as assistant to NYTimes Bestselling Author Brenda Novak, Anna J Stewart writes contemporary, urban fantasy and paranormal romance. A past RWA Golden Heart nominee and a three time past president of her local RWA chapter, Anna firmly believes in the law of three--what you put out comes back to you threefold. You can find her online at www.ajstewart.net.

A voluptuous heroine, two alpha males and a naughty birthday wish leads to Illicit Intent

2013-05-06T02:00:00.000-04:00

Illicit Intent – Book Three of my Appointment with Pleasure series – coming soon from Ellora’s Cave!

What’s your wildest erotic wish?

For Piper, that’s easy. Two Alpha males who ravish her like marauding pirates and find her curves beyond luscious. She knows her type isn’t for every man…certainly not Guy and Joel, right? Guy’s tall, dark and sinfully virile. Joel’s blond and bronzed. They’re freaking gods, escorts her friend hired so Piper’s thirtieth birthday is unforgettable with the bondage and submission she’s fantasized about. Carnal games that awaken Piper’s sensuality, while her voluptuous figure and sweet vulnerability fuels both men’s animal hunger.

One evening of decadent pleasure isn’t enough. Piper aches to perform ménage acts with them for agency clients who like curvy women. A wicked idea, except for her family’s ties with law enforcement, the threat of exposure. Is it worth the risk?

Hell yeah. By day, she’ll be good. During their wanton acts, the three of them will explore their growing bond as they’re very, very bad…

Losing Control - Book Two - Appointment with Pleasure

When it comes to passion, there are no rules…

She wasn’t supposed to hunger for him. Tim Bellamy was off-limits to Catherine, a high-priced call girl with an uneasy past. Indulging in his raw desire shouldn’t have happened, especially at a District party attended by the nation’s elite. Tim doesn’t know she works for the agency. If he did… That’s not something Catherine wants to confess. Drowning in his strength and heat, aching to see him again, she keeps her secret.

From old wealth, Tim has never met anyone quite like Catherine. Exotic, elegant, earthy, she’s the best of all worlds. Their evenings are sensual delights where voyeurism, bondage and a growing bond satisfy carnal needs and stir something deep within…until he stumbles upon the truth.

Shaken by her lies, Tim needs to prove the depth of Catherine's lust and yearning once and for all. For him, their erotic adventure has only begun...

Claiming Magique - Book One - Appointment with Pleasure

A man at the center of power…a woman who won’t be ruled…

They call her Magique.

Sought out by the District’s elite, she’s no ordinary call girl, deciding who will pleasure her for the evening. Her preference is for several men at once. Games of bondage and submission heighten her arousal and desire to have a strong male take her…to be adored.

Lobbyist Hunter Prescott was only looking for a good time, not a woman who unleashes a hunger so deep it changes his world. He won’t stop until Magique is his alone, a prisoner of his lust, powerless against his growing need for her body and heart.

With this man, resistance isn’t allowed. For this woman, he’ll create a world of sensual delight and yearning like none she’s known. Proving that only with trust and true surrender will she find unparalleled rapture.

Tina

Tina Donahue

“Heat with Heart”

SHAMELESS DESIRE (5 FLAMES - The Jeep Diva)

COME FILL ME (4 STARS - The Jeep Diva)

ILLICIT DESIRE (4 STARS - ROMANTIC TIMES)

SENSUAL STRANGER (BOOK OF THE YEAR 2010)

DEEP, DARK, DELICIOUS (HOLT MEDALLION AWARD OF MERIT)

Website: http://www.tinadonahue.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinadonahue

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tina.donahue.75

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authortina/my-books/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/tinadonahue

I Can't Be The Only One...

2013-05-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

It’s finally starting to warm up in our neck of the woods and I actually feel like doing something besides griping about the weather. I’ve given myself permission to step away from the WIP so that I can finish up some last minute stuff for RT. Usually when I do this, I end up thinking about the WIP so in effect, I’m sort of working.

This morning, while eating breakfast I was watching some science program on how the size of any given species is factored. So, I’m watching a brontosaurus munching vegetation (that was so plentiful because of the large amount of carbon dioxide present) while listening to a scientist theorize about how much muscle it would take to hold up his neck. To make a long story short, the vertebrae of the neck were hollow and didn’t weigh the massive amount that the fossilized bone they were putting through some sort of x-ray machine did. As with everything else, I filed this away in the part of my brain that may one day need to develop a creature with a long neck and a massive body. You never know, I could venture into the science fiction genre, one of these days.

A couple of hours later, I’m taking a coffee break and learn that at one point in time, there were mayflies as large as a blue jay. It was speculated that because there was so much oxygen, the insect population grew larger. Good to know that I probably can’t have a brontosaurus and a giant insect on the same planet at the same time. Unless of course, some mad scientist…oh darn, there I go again.

I don’t have time to venture into the sci-fi genre. I have pants to hem, an RT promo basket to pick up from the florist, not to mention finding the last minute items that didn’t make it to the original “to do” list that I started in January.

What is it about authors that their brains never tune completely out of either the story they are writing or one that is suggested when they are supposed to be doing something else? I can’t be the only one.

Until next month,

Happy Reading!

Paris Brandon

http://parisbrandon.com

Menage? Oh pick me!

2013-05-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Well, that sounded dirtier than I expected. I meant to say that I wanted to pick ménage to read and then…well…

So, why am talking about ménage today? Well, it helps that I have a ménage romance out as my latest release. Also, I love reading and writing the genre. I love looking at the different romances within the relationship. Yes, the sex is hot while reading it, but I like looking at the actual connections more than just the ins and outs.

Again, I keep writing dirty things and I don’t mean it…but I’ll just stick with it. LOL

I think the first ménage I read was either Marie Harte or Maya Banks. I read them in the same month and they were completely different ménages. One was a m/f/m the other a m/m/f.

Just a clue, if the m’s touch, the dudes do in bed. J

I like knowing that each relationship between individual “duos” within the triad (or larger) will hold up on its own. It can either be a friendship or other type of relationship or it can be a romantic and sexual one. I like that each “set” can have its own history that it brings with it to the overall relationship.

Below I have a couple of my ménage romances, plus others that I’ve read in the past that I think touch on different aspects of ménages. Sometimes the girl is the center of the romance, sometimes the man.

Sometimes it’s just m/m/f or m/f/m. Sometimes you’re Liz Crowe and write amazing romantic and sexy romances that are on its own in terms of what people thing “should” happen in romance. I love all these books below (including mine *cough*).

Have you read these? What are some of your favorite ménage romances? I KNOW I forgot a few of my favorites, but here are some that came to mind.

Her Warriors’ Three Wishes (Dante’s Circle 2) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Humans aren’t as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes?

Ambrose Griffin is older than most, if not all, civilizations. As each year passes, he submerses himself into his training, only relaxing around his protégée and friend, Shade. After losing his wife and children in the last Angelic Wars, he guards his heart and has no desire to share it with another.

Bookkeeper and romance novel enthusiast, Jamie Bennett dreams of being swept off her feet by a white knight. However, her life is no romance book. Since meeting Ambrose—a sexy, delicious angel—she’s been twisted inside out and doesn’t know why. Things are happening that she can’t control and now her life is in danger.

Balin Drake is stuck in hell, literally. His life of refusing to take souls, even though it’s part of his demon nature, has caught up with him. He’s dying and now must search for his true half, but even a mating may not save him. When he meets the two people who could fill that part, he’ll need to fight for something he hasn’t felt in over a century—hope.

Warning: Contains a rigid angel who needs a certain sexy woman to help him unwind, a book keeper who finds herself the creamy center of the best cookie ever, and a demon who has a certain taste for pressing them both against walls.

Blurred Expectations (Redwood Pack 4.5) by Carrie Ann Ryan

Hannah Jamenson has babies on the brain. It seems that her sisters-in-law are expanding their family in the blink of an eye, but Hannah feels left behind. Every time that little test reads negative a little part of her dies and she feels like her Healing powers are failing her. Her mates, Josh and Reed, are doing everything they can to help her deal with their trials and losses, but they too feel like there is nothing they can do.

Just when the lines of what they mean to each other go out of focus, an enemy from Josh's past is back to prove the things that go bump in the night are real and everything they had held dear is now in jeopardy. In order to fight back and find their way, they'll need to put everything on the line before they lose it all.

Author’s Note: This is a novella set between books 4 and 5 to give you a taste of Reed, Josh, and Hannah. It is best that you have already immersed yourselves in the Redwood Pack world, however even new readers will enjoy a glimpse of the Redwood’s favorite triad.

Tart (Delicious 2) by Lauren Dane

Juliet Lamprey is having the time of her life running her successful bakery, TART, when Gideon Carter comes back into her life. Returning home to help his grandfather run the family on the farm, Gideon is back for good. When they meet again, the spark between them is immediate, and it isn’t long before the former childhood friends play catch up in bed.

That’s not good news for local lawyer Cal Whaley. Though the sexually open but strictly monogamous Cal has loved Jules for a long time, he’s hardly ever taken it further than friendship. When he sees her start to fall for Gideon, he knows he has to make his move or risk losing her forever.

Who would have anticipated that all three of them would connect on such an intimate level? The trio’s scalding liaisons take them places they’ve never dreamed. But such an intensely passionate and unusual relationship comes with equally as complicated emotions, and when Jules must suddenly leave town, she wonders if she’ll have a choice to make when she returns

Laid Bare (Brown Siblings 1) by Lauren Dane

Unexpected Desire...

It's been ten years since clean-cut, sexy-as-hell police officer Todd Keenan had a white-hot fling with Erin Brown, the provocative, wild rocker chick next door. Their power exchange in the bedroom got under his skin. But love wasn't in the cards just yet...

Now, life has thrown the pair back together. But picking up where they left off is tough, in light of a painful event from Erin's past. As Todd struggles to earn her trust, their relationship takes an unexpected and exciting turn when Todd's best friend, Ben, ends up in their bed--and all three are quite satisfied in this relationship without a name. As the passion they share transforms Erin, will it be enough to help her face the evil she thought she had left behind?

Colters’ Woman (Colters’ Legacy 1) by Maya Banks

Adam, Ethan and Ryan aren’t looking for women. They’re looking for a woman. One woman they know will share their lives and their beds. They’re losing hope they’ll find her, that is until Adam discovers Holly lying in the snow just yards from their cabin.

Adam knows she’s the one the minute he holds her in his arms, and as soon as his brothers see her, they know it too. The only problem is convincing Holly of that fact—and protecting her from the danger of her past.

Zach and Ace (Circe’s Recruits 2) by Marie Harte

In the three years since Project Dawn disbanded, Zack and Ace continue to fight the good fight.

Now civilians, their squad - Circe's Recruits - works for a private organization bent on cleaning up the mess left in its wake. Pearson Labs continues to create Circs, people who have been genetically changed. When needed, these Circs take on an altered form neither man nor animal, but something in between.

Unlike Zack and Ace's squad, the Circs coming out of Pearson Labs aren't sane. Zack and Ace have been dancing around their "just friends" relationship for years. Being Circ means unavoidable intimacy when the mating heat strikes, and it's putting a strain on their friendship.

They're finally nearing an understanding about what they truly mean to each other when they're stunned by Kelly, the woman they've been lusting after for years. Suddenly she's available to both in a way she's never been before. Lust and love confuse the issue, until wounded emotions pull the threesome apart and Kelly is captured by the enemy.

Can Zack and Ace come to grips with their differences in time to save Kelly, or will their difficulties lose them the loves of their lives?

Essence of Time (Stewart Reality 4) by Liz Crowe

For years, Rob Frietag has resisted anything resembling a true emotional connection, preferring instead to explore life, and his own desires, without committing to anyone for very long. The reason remains known only to a few, among them Jack Gordon, his college cohort in female conquests, and life-long friend. At thirty-seven, while he is close to achieving his career goal, head chef at a five-star restaurant in Chicago, he is still very much alone.

After an intensely emotional relationship with Suzanne Baxter in Ann Arbor, Blake's heart is left shattered. Completely broken by what he believes was his one true love, he arrives at a Chicago food and beer festival, prepared to drink his sorrow away. When the two men meet, their lives change forever. But time is of the essence. When Rob acknowledges his true feelings, he will stop at nothing to keep them together, including finding a surrogate mother for the child Blake so desperately wants.

Lila Warren is recovering from a nasty divorce, needs cash and believes carrying their baby will fulfill her in ways marriage never did. None of them could suspect that the connection they share would provide the final emotional key to their life-long puzzle.

When Rob s secret is revealed, time becomes the one luxury they don't have, setting in motion a chain of events that destroys the fragile illusion of happiness for them, and everyone who loves them.

I’M GETTING WANDERING FEET AGAIN!

2013-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, Bonjour, Hola, Guten tag, Bon georno, Ni Hao, Shalom, Salut, Dia Duit, nuqneH?

Being a Navy “brat” and then marrying a career naval officer, I’ve been traveling or moving to a new base literally since I was born. I guess it’s in my blood now after fifty-odd years. Springtime tends to bring out my wandering ways. Since I practically consider myself a recluse, writing has a funny way of keeping me hold-up in the house, I have this uncontrollably urge to pack a suitcase and go somewhere.

I do have plans for a few conferences this year and this time last year wanted to go to RT in Kansas, but that didn’t work out. To all those who got to go, I’m jealous. But, next month I’ll be on the road to Lori Foster’s Reader Together. Yeah! This will be my third year and looking forward to meeting up with a few of my favorite authors and hope to meet others. It’s always nice to put a face to a name from the Internet. Next one will be the end of July for Fandom Fest in Louisville, Kentucky. Should be an interesting one. My husband and I planned to go for fun, but turned out we might be on an author panel—an interesting turn of events. We’ve been to Lexington, Kentucky, and have always wanted to go to Louisville, especially for the Kentucky Derby. Which by the way is this weekend, hint-hint reminder. Then, we have a few month rest and we’re off on the road again to New Orleans. Anne Rice’s Vampire Lestat Fan Club Masquerade Ball and Undead Con takes place the week of Halloween. This will be our third year as well and this year is the twenty-fifth ball and the theme is Lestat!

Vampire Lestat from ARVLFC Poster

Anne Rice and her son, Christopher, will be headlining the events, along with many other authors in attendance. Anyone interested, let me know. Will be a great time, always is.


Oia, Santorini - Greek Isles

I did have one more trip, a cruise to be specific, but that fell through because was the same time as the ARVLFC Ball. Oh well, going to the Bahamas was nice but not that exciting since I’ve done that before. Now if the itinerary was the Greek Isles, I may have given up vampire fun in favor of the high seas and some ouzo. Darn!

All those scheduled road trips will probably keep the wandering feet syndrome down for the rest of the year. Then again, there’s always the Holidays. Actually, it’s probably best because I have a few deadlines for contracted books. Sure would be nice to get some “research” or “inspiration” for new stories. Guess I’ll just have to put some shackles around my ankles to keep me tethered to the house instead of wandering the streets. Next year? A little less on the conferences and more for personal fun.

Do you use your travels in your stories? Do you dream of visiting an exotic locale and use it as the setting for a book? I did start to create my first stories around places I lived, but since have ventured out and included those countries I’ve vacationed in stories. I think it has enriched the stories. What do you think?

If you see Louisville as a backdrop for one of my future books, you’ll know why.

Until next month,

Cynthia Arsuaga

Blog: http://romanticwordsbycynthia.blogspot.com
Website: http://cynthiaarsuaga.weebly.com
Publisher Page: http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=products_all&filter_author=1&zenid=7ea916acb5075615d6f30b6f25e77c3e
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CynthiaArsuaga?ref=tn_tnmn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#%21/CynthiaArsuaga
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4715026-cynthia-arsuaga
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cynthiaarsuaga/
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/cynthia-arsuaga/30/101/49b
Vampire Book Realm: http://www.vampirebookrealm.com/cynthia-arsuaga.html
Amazon Author Central: https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Romance Books 4 Us: http://www.romancebooks4us.com/Romance%20Author%20Cynthia%20Arsuaga.html

P.S. The last salutation above is Klingon. : >)

Who Done It?

2013-05-01T01:44:00.002-04:00

Don’t those three little words just send a chill up your spine? I know they do for me. Ever since I was a little girl I was intrigued with mysteries. I used to love to play CLUE with my friends. I was never into those typical teenage girl games like, Girl Talk or Mall Madness. Does that make me weird? I don’t know…maybe? As I’ve gotten older though, my thirst for suspense hasn’t dwindled. I love all genres of books, all types of movies and television shows. But, when I write, I find I have a nasty little habit. I’ve gotten a teensy weensy bit better about it, but have found myself slipping lately. So, I guess what I’m here to do is confess. I refuse to hang my head in shame though, instead I will stand before you and say it loud and proud…

Hi everyone. My name is Nicole Morgan and I’m a Discover ID addict.

Now, if you have the Discovery ID channel and/or you’ve ever watched it, then you know what I’m referring to. And if you don’t, well then… stop whatever you’re doing and call your local cable provider because you are missing out big time! LOL. Or, you can click on the link to learn a bit more.

One of the things that I love about this channel is that not only does it inspire me for some great stories, but it also offers great research for those who write suspense or mystery into their books. Sure you can spend your time using Google or Bing trying to find out which forensics test will help you catch your villain. That’s the hard way though. And not nearly as fun. Why not curl up with a bowl of popcorn, a pen and notebook and relax a little while doing some legwork for your books? That’s what I do and I have to say, the popcorn tastes great, the entertainment value is there and I even boost up a few points on my IQ.

Speaking of suspenseful romance stories, here’s one of mine that was released last summer. It’s got a Marine turned police chief, a bad guy and one smoking hot relationship! It’s really a win/win any way you slice it!

When Promise Meets Passion

When Cole Bottego met Leah Allbright she was just a girl, the younger sister of his Marine buddy, Dex. Both of their lives were changed forever in 2007 when an IED killed Dex. In his friend’s final moments, Cole promised to always look out for Leah.

Years pass and Cole keeps his promise. Now grown, Leah is a rookie police officer under the watchful eye of her police chief, Cole. The dynamics of their new roles prove to be more than either of them were prepared for. After years of being best friends they find their feelings changing and complicating their once-easy camaraderie.

Will temptation prove to be too strong for either of them to resist as they’re given a chance to have something neither of them knew they wanted? Or will Cole push his desires aside because of a promise he made years earlier to a dying friend?

Purchase link: http://bookstrand.com/when-promise-meets-passion

Find out more about Nicole and her books by visiting her:

website, blog, Google + Page, Twitter and Facebook

Until next month guys ~ Nic :-)

Writers Working to Get Published

2013-04-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

You think you're working to get published, but are you really? I wrote and submitted manuscripts for years, and then one day my mentor asked me; Sandy, are you sure you want to get published? At first, I was offended by the question, so I thought about it before answering her.

What I finally realized is that I was afraid of the unknown. All this time, I had basically been shooting myself in the foot. Oh sure, I was going through the motions, and I thought I was serious, but I was afraid. Afraid I would never be good enough, and afraid of what would happen after I was published. Just how much was getting published going to change my life. These were the thoughts running through my head and many more.

I decided I loved to write, so I might as well keep learning and improving my manuscripts for submission. Why not? I was still doing something I loved. Even blogging is writing, and I do that all the time. It's fun.

Okay, I must admit it; it did change my life. Nothing could have prepared me for all the work involved in promoting my books after they were published. Promotions took over my life so much that I burned out on writing altogether. It took awhile to happen, but it wore me out, and it was impossible to write on new stories for awhile. Finally, I gave up promoting and went back to writing, but promotion is essential to sell your books. You have to market your books, or people will never learn about them.

Ask yourself if you really want to get published?

You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/sandra.marshall.98

My books can be found at http://www.eirelander-publishing.com under author, Sandra K. Marshall.

Guest Blog: Renee D. Field: Can an Erotic Writer Write Sweet?

2013-04-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

I think for many women writing romance can reflect where they are in their lives. When I started writing romance in my early 30’s I loved to write hot erotic romance. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to write the hot stuff, but personally, after being married for over two decades, I’m finding value in writing sweet romance. OMG did I just say that? Yes. Why? There is power in loving a man who has life experience, maybe some baggage with him and just maybe my heroine is now looking for something sweeter after having made her own way in her life.

I admit I never thought I could write a sweet romance but I have learned to trust my characters. The premises for this story I just finished writing was about two thirty-year-olds who had been high school sweethearts and who after years of going their separate ways realized they truly were right and meant to be together. The tone was extremely charming and light compared to what I usually write. I love that I created this sweet rural town and set it just outside Cape Code and my secondary characters and setting really added to the hometown charm. I plan to write the three-book series completely and then delve back into another new series I’ve mapped out and yes that will be a lot hotter.

One thing I discovered when writing sweet romance is that the limit on how far my characters can go when really getting it on was hard. How do you write without detailing all those passionate love scenes? I decided to leave a lot up to the reader and simply stated what had happened. Now, there are a few scenes, I’m sure my critique partners will get me to change as they might be a little too hot for sweet but until she gets back to me, I’m keeping them in.

I’d love to hear from both authors and readers? Readers when you pick up a sweet romance what are you looking for? Authors who write romance, I’d love to know how you tackle just how far to go with your characters?

BIO:
Renee Field has been writing romance, erotic and sensual paranormal for well over a decade. She has over 12 books published with Ellora’s Cave and HQN Spice Briefs for her spicy erotic works and for the past two years has delved into the Indie world as a self-published author. She is a member of the RWA, and her local Atlantic Canadian RWAC chapter, and the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia.

Renee Field also writes nitty gritty and paranormal young adult under the name Renee Pace and in July 2012 created an on-line advertising company called StoryFinds, which is committed to showcasing both Indie and traditionally published authors.

She calls Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada home and is happily married to her hubby of over twenty years and is attempting to keep her sanity raising four active children.

She loves her view of the Atlantic Ocean and can be reached at renee@reneefield.com.
www.reneefield.com
twitter@Pararomance

BLURB:
Mermen aren't real. That's what biologist Jamie Winters thinks until a gorgeous Greek god enters her life and drowns her, forcing her to rapture into a Siren. Used to logic, she can't quite come to terms with Seth Cutter's magical undersea realm or the fact that he's a macho Titan.

Being a Siren causes Jamie's hormones to go into overdrive, which isn't good when she realizes that's exactly what Seth was hoping for. Sure, the sex is out of this world, but she's not about to change her character.

As Prince of the North Seas, Seth is used to having his commands followed. A decade of exile on land was easier than having to deal with the sexy-as-sin Siren who tips the scales of his existence and doesn't listen to one word he says.

They must overcome their prejudices to recover stolen relics that are key to the undersea kingdom, stop a deadly plague and destroy an underwater diva who wants to rule the roost. Are they two souls destined for each other or will the Fates decide otherwise? Seth knows firsthand, Fate can be a bitch.

Buy Link:
http://amzn.com/B0068OWVZE

Tension by Janice Seagraves

2013-04-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tension

by Janice Seagraves

In any story you read, there’s conflict or should be.

Conflict leads to tension and tension leads to darn good story telling.

No tension, no story. It’s as simple as that.

In Windswept Shores, my heroine, Megan, thinks her husband is still alive even though she saw the plane sink underneath the waves. She tries not to fall in love with the hero, Seth.

Another thing weighing on her mind is her husband’s unfaithfulness. She’s a moral person, so how can she be unfaithful like her husband had been to her?

Of course this is a romance, so feelings are bound to happen.

Excerpt: “How’s the leg?” Seth asked.

“Better. It doesn’t hurt.”

“Let me have a look.” He removed his blood stained shirt, washed his hands, and sat sideways at the dining table.

Megan walked over, showing him her injured thigh.

He pulled her closer so she stood between his legs. Running his hands down to the bandage, he asked, “Megz, have you been shaving?”

“Um, no.” She gazed down at his warm hands on her tanned skin.

“Blimey, no hair or stubble. Not even one.” He carefully examined her leg.

“That is the wonders of modern technology.”

“Howzat?” He furrowed his brow.

“I had my hair removed with laser treatments.”

“Smooth like a baby’s bum.” He grinned. Gingerly, he took off part of the tape so he could peek under it. “It looks a bit better. Just a small pink ring around the wound, but it has a decent scab.”

“Oh, good.” She briefly closed her eyes as relief washed through her.

He smoothed the bandage back down, then smiled at her.

“I want to thank you for taking care of me.” She cupped his face, leaned down, and kissed him on the forehead.

“Try a little lower, love.” He tilted his head back.

“Well, since you went to all the trouble of shaving.” After a moment’s hesitation, she bent down, giving him another kiss on the lips. The moment she did, his arms went around her waist. Seth pulled her against his bare chest. He deepened the kiss, brushing his tongue against hers. Megan melted against him, making a small noise in her throat as an incredible flare of desire took her completely by surprise. The kiss was long, deep and very intense, while his large, warm hands slipped under her shirt, massaging her back.

Megan pulled back, looking down at the passionate expression in Seth’s gray eyes. “That was…”

“Bloody amazing,” he finished for her.

Megan’s eyes went wide. She took several steps back out of his embrace. She leaned against the counter. “Oh, I really shouldn’t have done that.”

“Don’t whinge, love. You needed that and so did I.” He gave a lopsided grin.

Megan found she wanted to trace his full, kissable lips with her fingers. Oh, no.

She ran outside, breathing deeply of the clean evening air. What’s the matter with me? I’m married. You don’t kiss other men when you’re married.

“Megz,” Seth called, ducking as he stepped through the doorway. “It’s okay, love.”

“No, it’s not.” She wrapped her arms around herself, even though she really wanted to throw them around Seth. Megan bit her lip. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I shouldn’t feel anything for Seth. He is a big happy-go-lucky lug, also handsome and sexy as hell. Oh, damn.

He walked up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders, sending warmth right through her. “When’s the last time you and your bloke threw a leg over?”

“That’s none of your business,” she snapped. Heat rose to her face.

“Megz,” he said gently, “ya act like yer haven’t been touched in a very long time. A lot longer than the two weeks that yer been here.”

She didn’t answer him. He’s right. Jonathan hadn’t slept with me in six months. I must be touch hungry. “Are we going to cook that pig or what?”
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Trade paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4084680
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AS9NDNO

Janice Seagraves’s website: http://janiceseagraves.org/
———————

I’m running a contest on the Tortured Hero Blog op that had been canceled. You’d do me a huge favor if you’d drop by and leave a comment for a chance at a prize: http://janiceseagraves.org/2013/04/24/tortured-hero-blog-hop/

Endurance and Stupidity

2013-04-26T00:03:00.000-04:00

Endurance is not just the ability to keep on trying but being stupid enough to believe you can make it.

Ever feel like your sheer grit and determination to finish got you through a difficult task? If so, you know that sometimes determination and endurance will get you much farther than talent and IQ. It’s true as a writer and also in life

I’ll use myself as an example. I didn't learn how to play tennis until I was in college. Now, I was never known for my athletic ability. In fact I often tell folks I’m something of a klutz. So, it is no surprise that I couldn’t master the game in one semester. Or two. Or three. In fact, to this day I think the instructor passed me to keep me from being in her class another year. After graduating, I joined a tennis team. It was only after playing two to three hours every day for two years that I got fairly good. It was good timing, because that year we ended up in the city championship for our division, pitted against our arch rivals.

The finals were played outdoors in early May. Virginia at that time of year is full of life, think blooming flowers, leafing trees. Also envision everything covered in a thin layer of yellowish green pollen. By the way, I didn’t mention one important detail about myself. Besides having a major case of severe klutz syndrome, I also have really bad allergies. I see a lot of readers nodding their heads, thinking theirs are awful as well. But, I’m talking really bad. When I was tested, I was allergic to all but five of the eighty-plus allergens they checked. My allergist could have used me as his disclaimer, my picture on the wall of his waiting room, eyes puffy and nose red from blowing. The inscription would read, “I can’t help everyone.”

At eight a.m. on a windy day, we hit the tennis court. At nine a.m. I left the court, hacking and sneezing, after losing miserably in straight sets. With my loss our team also lost the championship. But as luck would have it, perhaps tweaked a little through an intervention from the big guy, we got another chance to win a year later. I was ecstatic, a chance to vindicate myself! This time my doubles partner and I ended up anchoring the team. Our game was last and everything balanced on our win or loss—nothing like a little pressure. But, thanks to a double dose of allergy medicine and more than three hours on the court, we went on to win the city championship and then even further to be the victors in the tri-state championship.

My point is that no matter what the level of your ability, with enough focus and endurance, you can get any job done. However with endurance, as with everything, there are some points you have to keep in mind in order to succeed.

1) You have to be constant and consistent. Your purpose cannot waiver. When you have a task to do, know specifically what it is and what that task looks like when it is perfectly complete. Stay true to that goal. The more specific the task and the goal to be reached, the better. Also, decide the best way to approach the goal and stay the course by performing it as envisioned. For me in tennis it was to practice the basics until they were performed with a low error rate before moving on to more complicated tasks like strategy.

2) You must act. Staying in the same spot is not an action. Endurance suggests movement, not immobilization. Don’t lose momentum by stopping to rest, but continue on, only changing your speed if you tire.

3) You must adapt to changing conditions. A tennis player may run to the net to then angle the ball in a shallow maneuver, placing it out of bounds where the opponent will have difficulty reaching it. But the player must adapt by moving back to the baseline when the opponent gets to it and lobs it over her head.

4) Strength of purpose is what sees you through. When you have a team behind you, it is more likely for you to accomplish a well-focused task and goal.

The minds and efforts of many assist in exponentially ensuring the success of a project.

So remember the importance of endurance and stay focused on this formula:

Consistency + Adaptive Action + Purpose = Success ³

And if you’re like me, practice a lot and then some more. As a writer, learn and write, learn and write some more—plus in life and writing always take your allergy medicine with you.

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Bobbye Terry writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, suspense, fantasies and dystopian fiction. Recently she has branched out into inspirational nonfiction. Her latest work is A Murder in Every Port, Book 4 in the Briny Bay Mystery Series, published by Turquoise Morning Press. For more about Bobbye, visit her at BobbyeTerry-MysteryHappens.com and DarynCross.com For her inspirational work, go to BobbyeTerry.com

Interview of Author Johanna Rae

2013-04-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

Today it's my pleasure to present an interview of romance author, Johanna Rae.

Latest Book: In August 2012 Therian Secrets 1 – THE MERCENARY was released. In June/July this year it will be re-released with a brand new cover! Not only that but Therian Secrets 2 – THE FURY is also due out then. Two books within 6-8 weeks!
Buy Link: (old cover)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Mercenary-Therian-Secrets-Johanna/dp/1458205282/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366484891&sr=8-1&keywords=the+mercenary+johanna+rae

BIO:
A shy girl from a small town in New Zealand that never quite seemed to fit in, Johanna had more imagination than she knew what to do with and learned to immerse herself in a good book at a very young age. Not good at sports and an only child for the first eight years of her life, Johanna started concocting stories and dreaming up whole new worlds to while away the hours. As she got older, she made it her goal to get published and tell her stories to others. Now married with three young children, it has been a challenge to juggle her writing with the commitments of her growing family but Johanna has now achieved that goal with her poetry book, two short story publications and paranormal romance series.

Q: What part of the book is the hardest for you? Why?
A: In every piece I’ve written the beginning has given me the most stress. Often I will begin writing somewhere in the middle instead, trying to get the scenes that are prominent in my mind onto the page first. Then I’ll go back and link everything together. The beginning and the end often come last in my order of creation.

Q: Do you eat comfort food when writing? If so, what food inspires your imagination?
A: No, I do not have a comfort food. However, I am caffeine dependent. I’ve found that if I don’t sit down with a fresh cup of coffee when I’m about to write, the words don’t come as easily. The same goes for music. If I don’t put on the appropriate playlist for what I’m working on, I find that I get very distracted.

Q: What hobby do you enjoy when not writing?
A: In addition to my writing, I’m also an artist. I enjoy sketching and painting among other media, though sketching is my preference. I’ve drawn/sketched a huge variety of subjects but I would have to say that portraiture is my favorite. Another hobby of mine is cooking, I feel very at home in the kitchen.

Q: What’s your strongest point as a writer?
A: I’ve been told that I have a way with dialogue. A writing supplement I read a long time ago suggested that dialogue should be kept to a minimum but I have found my style refuses to comply with that! I’m a character driven author, therefore my characters have difficulty in keeping quiet when I’m trying to tell my stories.

Q: What genre would you like to try writing in but haven’t yet done so? Why?
A: So far most of what I have written both published and unpublished has been either romance and/or some version of paranormal. I would love to try my hand at the horror/thriller genre. I also have it as a future goal to publish one of my fantasy ideas that I have in my “work in progress” folder.

Q: Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Chats, or Twitter. Which do you like best and why?
A: Facebook would have to be my first choice. Despite the frequent technological glitches every time there is an update, I like how it works and I’ve found that it is here I have the most contact and following from my readers.

Tell us where to find you: website(s), publisher’s page(s), blog(s), Facebook page(s), etc. List them all!
Author page - http://www.facebook.com/johannamrae
Series page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Therian-Secrets
Blog – http://www.johannamrae.blogspot.co.nz/
Web page – http://www.johannarae.com/
Twitter - @JohannaMRae
Lazy Beagle Entertainment - http://www.lazybeagleentertainment.com
Also on Goodreads!

BLURB:
When twenty-three-year-old Jodie Fletcher realizes shape-shifters are real-and that they're trying to kill her-she finds herself thrust into a life of danger and unimaginable intrigue. With her parents away and her alcoholic and newly single brother, Luke, camped in her spare bedroom, Jodie feels like she's drowning in a world she doesn't understand. The only thing she can count on is the leopard who has apparently taken it upon himself to protect her. She cannot ignore the raw emotion he awakens in her, and she longs for more. The leopard becomes not only her savior, but her escape.

Mysterious and unpredictable, leopard shifter Danny Archer hides behind his dimpled smile and pretty boy façade. What's more, he has a second job the human population doesn't know about-the one that leads him to Jodie and Luke. Archer feels an instant connection with Jodie, and he must find a way to balance his volatile lifestyle to include her.

Luke Fletcher became an alcoholic long before his wife left him. Now he faces the brutal reality that his past has caught up with him. He made a series of bad choices while under the influence, and these choices have placed him, his sister, and his two young daughters in danger. Luke must try to find the man he used to be if he is to survive the chaos he's inflicted; he knows he won't be able to live with himself if anything happens to his family.

EXCERPT:
The leopard continued to advance, taking his time. About an arm’s length away he stopped, sniffing the air between them. Lying down in front of Jodie, he never broke eye contact and she was too damned afraid to. When she refused to move a muscle, the leopard slowly inched closer, keeping his pale furred form low to the ground. He appeared to be gauging her level of fear.

When paw touched the tip of Jodie’s shoe, she startled. The leopard shuffled backward with alarming speed, dragging himself up into a sitting position. Barely daring to breathe, she squeezed her eyes shut and counted to ten under her breath. It’s going to be okay, I’ve just been working too hard. My brain has gone a little crazy and none of this is real.

Jodie opened her eyes and stared directly into the gaze of the leopard. The majestic animal sat at a respectable distance, calm and relaxed. It watched her with intelligence, never missing a single tiny movement. It’s waiting for something, she thought. Jodie felt drawn to the animal and she couldn’t understand it. I should be paralyzed with fear but I want to touch him. Why on earth do I want to touch him?