Jenn Nixon

Fun Friday - With Cover Designer Taria Reed

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today's blog is FUN FRIDAY! I've given over the post to myfriend Taria Reed, a up and coming Book Cover designer. I know you've seen herwork on the internet already, so I asked her a few questions!

Enjoy & Comment!

How did you getinvolved in cover design?

I always loved looking at beautiful covers. For years Ispent countless afternoons in Barnes & Noble drooling over all the coversin every genre. Last January I started photographing stock for stock sites. Iwould see my photos and create digital art photo manipulations just for fun. Iworked with design and Photoshop in my photography business (www.TariaReed.com)so one day I was asked to do a cover for a self published author who followedmy art work on twitter. I loved that process and from there I decided that thisis something I could do professionally. I started looking up tutorials andlearning about the book design and publishing process. Once I felt I was up topar I sent inquiry letters to a few publishers and here I am today doingsomething I love very much.

What artists inspire you?
Art in general inspires me. I could see a photograph and think how great thatwould look manipulated into a cover, or I can hear a song and think of a scenethat would be great for a cover using that song as inspiration. With all thatsaid, I wanna be Dan Dos Santos or Tony Mauro when I grow up.

What are your favorite type of bookcovers to design and why?
I would LOVE to get more into romance covers, but I seem to excel at youngadult and concept covers. Young adult covers hard at times because you have tobring this book to life without it being all sexed up. It’s easy to take a hotshirtless and stick him on a cover with a wolf, a sword, or a hot chick (notthat I’m knocking that…lol.). I like doing any cover that challenges meartistically.

If you could be an exclusive coverdesigner for any author or publisher who would it be?
I am thankful for every publisher and author I get to work with, but I’d LOVEto be a part of the St. Martin’s Press, Simon& Schuster, Random House, or Carina Press team. Oh wait, that’s more thanone, “Dammit Jim, I’m an artist not a mathematician”...lol.

facebook - www.facebook.com/TariaDigitaArtist
twitter - www.twitter.com/TariaReed
website - www.TariaR.com

Q&A Thursday with Jordan K. Rose

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Q&A is with Author Jordan K. Rose!

Enjoy & Comment!

Hi Jenn. Thanks so much for having me on your blog today.I’m looking forward to sharing a little about myself and meeting your blogfollowers.

What is the worstthing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did youlearn from it?

Well, I think the worst thing I’ve ever written was the veryfirst draft of Perpetual Light. I’d never written anything before, just a fewterm papers in high school and college-- and I’ve been out of school for quitea long time. I knew it wasn’t good, but I didn’t really know anything aboutmaking it better. I attended my first writer’s conference a few weeks afterfinishing that first draft and then edited like a maniac. I learned I needed athesaurus and that the reader needed to experience the story rather than betold what was happening.

Why did you startwriting and when did you decide to go professional?

I started writing about three years ago after readingseveral vampire stories, some romance, some horror. Right from day one I knew Iwanted to be published and to make writing my career so I always planned to bepublished with the goal of making writing my full time career and not justsomething I do early in the mornings and late at night and every free minute ofthe weekends.

Do you write in morethan one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I don’t really. Most everything I write is a romance, eitherparanormal or urban fantasy. I’d love to write a horror novel someday, but fornow I’m very pleased with writing romance.

Do you read otherauthor’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre orsomething different?

I do read other author’s books when I write, though veryslowly because I don’t like to spend too much of my writing time reading. Itypically read in the same genre, mostly vampire stories, but I like anysubgenre of romance. As long as the story grabs me, I’ll read it. I love toread a good horror novel, too.

What is the mostdifficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches,editing. etc.

Time management. I’ve become fairly comfortable withquerying and pitching and I love to write and write and write. But managing mytime so that I’m able to write my current work and promote the one that’s beingreleased as well as promote myself as a writer is very challenging. Facebookand Twitter can really waste a ton of time, if I’m not careful.

If you could have thesame type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

Hmm, this is an interesting question. I think CharlaineHarris might be a very good answer. She writes series, which I like to do. Shesells tons of books, which I also like to do. Her books have been made into atelevision series, which I’d love to have happen. She’s been able to tell a storythat’s grown and changed and introduced so many characters with intricatestories interwoven into the heroine’s. It’s really fantastic.

PerpetualLight

Fate is cruel.Especially when the one you’ve sworn to love for all eternity, the very soulwho changed your destiny is the last person you should trust.

After morethan three hundred years of running, Lucia Dicomano must make a choice.

Forced to takeher place as a Pharo of Redemption, the divine slayer needs to master herforgotten powers. Lucia turns to Vittorio, the one vampire she’s failed todeliver from eternal damnation. But overcoming smoldering remnants of love,lust and anger aren’t their only obstacles.

Samuel, whomay know Lucia better than she knows herself, hunts her with a fervor stoked bya thousand years of vengeful hatred. His plan—capture and enslave the weakenedPharo then take control of her elusive power.

Can Lucia trustVittorio long enough to reclaim her powers? Or will she have no choice but tokill him and battle Samuel alone?

Author Bio: After trying herhand at many, many things- from crafting and art classes to cooking and sewingclasses to running her own handbag business, Jordan finally figured out how tochannel her creativity. With an active imagination and a little encouragementfrom her husband she sat down and began to write, each night clicking away atthe keys with her black Labrador, Dino curled up under the desk.

A few shortyears later she’s entered the publishing arena with no plans to ever turn back.

Jordan’s a member of Rhode Island Romance Writers, as wellas RWA National, and the New England (NEC), Connecticut, and Fantasy,Futuristic and Paranormal (FFnP) Chapters.

Her first book, Perpetual Light, releases in February of2012 from Crescent Moon Press.

Find Jordan onher website at www.jordankrose.com.

Follow hertweets on https://twitter.com/#!/jordankrose

Friend her onFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/jordankrose

Trust Me, Tell Me Give-A-Way!!

2012-01-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

My third and final novella in the Mason/Veronica story hits Amazon tomorrow!! Are you excited? Me too!

What's it about you ask?

Mason Storm is set to marry Veronica Chance in seven days. When he receives a mysterious text message he immediately packs and leaves without saying a word to anyone. After meeting with his former boss, Mason knows his past has finally caught up with him. In order to clear his name of false charges he returns home to Boston ready to put the issues to bed. Veronica, however, isn’t making it easy. She’s determined to help despite his claims of being the only one to make things right. As the investigation intensifies, Mason is captured and Veronica holds the key to his release. Will she make it there in time to save him and their wedding or will everything fall apart?

In celebration of the release, I'm giving away two copies today to a couple lucky friends. If you want to be one, simply leave a comment. Winners will be picked at random and receive the ebook tonight! You don't need an account to comment but please make sure you leave your email!

Good luck and thank you so much for stopping by!!
~Jenn

P.S. Here's a little tease to hold you over:

Mason sat on theedge of the bed, pulled out the pre-paid, and stared at it for a few minutes,trying to think of the right words to say so he wouldn’t outright piss Veronicaoff. Eventually he tapped her number into the phone and hit call. He didn’teven hear it ring on his end.

“Storm?”

“Yeah, Veronica,it’s me.” He shut his eyes, picturing her face, keeping him calm.

“Good thing youcalled, I was checking flights,” she said. He smiled, imagining the cute wayher brow furrowed when she was ticked. “I need to talk to you.”

“Okay.”

“Are you safe?”

“Yes, I’msafe…making headway.”

“I foundsomething.”

“What?” His eyespopped open, body leaned forward and tensed. Paper rustled in the background.

“This ToddJackson guy is on the evidence logs from the Masterson case—”

“I know.”

“Did you know heand Ben Carter worked together during your case?”

“A passingmemory of it, but that’s not important.”

She huffed.“Well did you know there are only three business cards logged in from herpurse?”

“Three?”

“Yeah.”

“Fuck.” Masonknew every single piece of evidence tied to the Masterson case. They accusedhim of stealing her clothing, the actual police reports, and the lipstick fromher purse. The business cards weren’t even mentioned during his trial. Moreproof his gut was right. Someone was covering up Tiffanie’s murder.

“Yeah,” shereplied, snarky. “Still don’t want my help?”

“I appreciateit, but no. I don’t. I’ve got everything under—”

“So you know theother piece of evidence that’s really missing that’s not in your case file?”

Mason sighed.She wasn’t giving up. Deep down he loved her more for it but wished she’d letit go. He’d never forgive himself if she became a target. “No, I haven’t eventouched the Masterson file, Veronica. Tell me.”

“The first timewe talked about it you said you sent a piece of her skirt with a blood stain tothe lab. Well it’s not in the evidence logs or the final lab report. It nevergot processed.”

“Son of abitch,” he spat, ran his hand over his skull. He was so screwed. “Anything else?”

“Not much else Ican do from here.”

“It’s more thanenough already. Thanks.”

“Don’t shut meout, Storm. You know I can help.”

“I’ve alreadygot too much on my mind…you gotta let me do this my way. Give me a little moretime—twenty four hours. If I’m not closer to figuring this out you’ll be thefirst person I call.”

“I don’t believeyou,” she said. “I know there’s something you’re not telling me, Storm. I’venever pried because I didn’t want to be thatgirl, but you’re not making this easy for me.”

“Please,Veronica, you have to trust me. I need to stay focused.”

“I won’t get inyour way, Storm…be careful,” she replied, sniffled.

His gut twisted,but didn’t change his tune. “I will. And I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Okay.”

“Hey. I loveyou.”

“Me too,” shesaid then ended the call.

The pit in hisstomach increased, a frown creasing his mouth as he stared at the phone. Herattitude toward him was already changing, and not for the better. He had littletime to resolve this and get back to his life before the rift ripped themapart.

Mason refused tolet that happen.

ATTENTION AUTHORS & READERS!!!

2012-01-13T14:32:00.003-05:00

Liberty States Fiction Writers Create Something Magical Conference

March 17, 2012

Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, New Jersey

http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/conference

Do you love to read? Do you want to write? Are you already published and looking to further your career in publishing? Then join us for the Liberty States Fiction Writers 3^rd Annual Create Something Magical Conference being held on Saturday March 17^th 2012 featuring New York Times Best Selling Author Larissa Ione as the Keynote Speaker.

The LSF Writer’s Create Something Magical Conference is the perfect place for writers and readers to share and enjoy their love of books as well as mingle in an after-conference party!

Writers at any stage of their career from Pre-Published to Best Seller will have a choice of a variety of workshops, Editor and Agent Pitch Appointments, lunch with Keynote Speaker Larissa Ione , Lady Jane’s Salon, a Networking Reception as well as the after-conference party which are all part of the Writers’ Track. Published authors in the Writers’ Track will also be able to participate in a book fair that is open to the general public.

Readers can take advantage of this marvelous opportunity to meet and greet some of their favorite authors as part of the Create Something Magical Conference Readers’ Track as well as:

Participate in a variety of discussion panels that will enable you to get an inside look at the creation of some of your favorite books and what’s happening in the various genres
Go home loaded with goodies and swag from various authors and Secret Cravings Publishi ng and Carina Press
Free books from Avon and Grand Central Publishing
Sip a libation and snack on dessert while enjoying readings from some fabulous novels at a special edition of Lady Jane’s Salon
Check off some of those books on your to buy list at our multi-author book signing
Dance & snack the night away with some of your favorite authors at the after-conference party

All attendees will also be eligible for drawings to a number of gift baskets including one from Secret Cravings Publishing which includes a Kindle!

Our workshop presenters this year include a number of NY Times and USA Today bestsellers, up-and-coming authors and bloggers, such as Jonathan Maberry, Caridad Pineiro, Virginia Kantra, Terry Kate, Sarah MacLean, Jenna Kernan, Maria V. Snyder, Leanna Renee Hieber, Katharine Ashe, Tere Michaels, Ally Blue, Shelley Noble, Lisa Dale, Lisa Verge Higgins, Maya Rodale, Hope Tarr and more!

All who register before February 1^st are eligible to win a Sony e-Reader and get early-bird pricing. Non-Member Writers’ Track registration is $120. Readers’ Track registration is $40 ($55 with the lunch option).

For more information or to register for the conference visit: http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/conference.

Jenn Nixon’s Romantic Suspense E-Book Release and Give-A-Way!

2012-01-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

Jenn Nixon’s Romantic Suspense E-Book Release and Give-A-Way!

Q&A Interview with Noah Chinn!

2012-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today's interview is with Noah Chinn, author of Bleeding Heart Yard.

Enjoy & Comment!!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learnor know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

It's easy to go with the obvious, but it also happens to betrue: my first serious attempt at a novel.

I was in a high school that had a final year creativewriting class, and there had been a rule that if you got anything published youautomatically got 100%. I spent the yearbefore working on a cyberpunk action/adventure story which clocked in at over120,000 words.

Not only did it not get published, but as a year-endassignment it only got 78% – 2% of which was for a bonus for effort. The teacher couldn't even be bothered to readit all, and told me so. For a long timeI was indignant about that. Sure, itwasn't great literature, but I thought it was better than a lot of tripe thatgot published! But as time went on Irealized just how wrong I was.

One of the lessons I learned was that all stories have to beabout something. It can't just be about whathappens, but the characters it happens to.

I think Arthur C Clark said that he remembered his firstattempt at a book, but was very glad he still didn't have a copy around tohaunt him. I've still got a hard copy ofmy first book lurking in my files, reminding me just how bad I used to be.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to goprofessional?

In my own limited way I considered myself far sighted. Unlike many professions, with a bit of luckwriting is something you can do to the day you die. And of course I loved reading good stories,so why wouldn't I want to create my own?

Technically, I decided to go professional in high school,because I sent that first novel I mentioned to a half dozen majorpublishers. I apologize profusely towhoever was in charge of their slush piles at that time. After that it was a matter of makinghalf-hearted and whole-hearted attempts with short stories and articles yearafter year until the rejections started getting replaced with acceptances.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and whichdo you like the best?

I've currently got four complete novels in various stages ofpolishing, and another in the works. Each one is in a completely different genre from the others: urbanfantasy, post-Apocalypse, light mystery, romance, adventure... the only thingthey have in common is comedy, which I can't seem to shake no matter how hard Itry. I can't stand the idea of beingserious for eighty-thousand words.

I suppose the genres I like most are the ones that make lifemore interesting in my mind. Sciencefiction, fantasy, mystery, adventure. I'm a sucker for a strong romantic sub-plot in any genre as well.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? Ifso, do you read the same genre or something different?

I think I need to read while I'm writing to help keep memotivated. Generally doing one longenough will make me want to switch over to the other anyway. I know some writers are worried about readingthe same genre because they're afraid of unconsciously plagiarizing what theyread, but I don't think that's really a concern.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writingprocess for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

Funny you should put queries and pitches up first. Yes, as frustrating as writing a storyand editing can be, it's a cakewalkcompared to trying to write a good proposal, or create a synopsis of the booksummarizing ALL the events to a few pages and still make it sound good. You just spent all your time trying to make abig fleshed out world, then you have to make it bite sized. No matter how many times I do it, I hateit. It never sounds good enough.

If you're a starting writer trying to get your first bookpublished it's even worse, because you'll always blame that for why a publisheror agent won't give your finished masterpiece a chance.

If you could have the same type of career as any authorcurrently publishing who would it be and why?

Obviously any author who can make writing novels theirprimary job. It's not about the money,but the freedom to spend as much time as you like doing it (rather thanconstantly balancing it against work and other concerns). Getting specific, I'd probably say someonelike Stephen King. Not because of hischoice of genres, but because it's clear no matter what he's writing he'salways writing what he enjoys. You can'task for more than that.

Noah Chinn was born in Oshawa, Ontario, and has never really forgiven it for that. After high school he fled his hometown in favour of the freezing winters of Ottawa. Three years later it dawned on him that higher education and frostbite did not have to go hand in hand, and finished his degree in Toronto.

Learn More: http://noahjdchinnbooks.com/

Teaser Tuesday with Noah Chinn

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is from Bleeding Heart Yard by Noah Chinn!

Enjoy & Comment!

Excerpt:

When Peter got home he had almost forgotten about hisother problem. The thrill of victory offset other thoughts of defeat. As far ashe was concerned Amy was just some girl he couldn't help but swear around.Worst came to worst, he'd simply avoid the tavern.

Except that tavern was a block away from where he worked.It could still cause problems. But the thought of someone being his soul mate. It was...well, it was irresistible, wasn't it? How could you be told about somethinglike that and not want it to find out more? The fact he knew nothing about heronly made it more exciting. It was like one of his high school fantasies, theone he had after the desert island with the supermodels, but before the Xenaphase. Peter shook himself out of it. It was ridiculous. And if it was true,what did it say about the past? What did it say about Carol?

He opened the door and jumped when he saw Red lying on hissofa watching TV, eating a bowl of cornflakes on his stomach.

“You know, I figured out how much icing sugar you have toadd to make Corn Flakes taste like Frosted Flakes.” He held in a burp. “It's alot. Your place is a bit of a mess, you know.”

“It's not a mess, it's homey. How'd you get in?”

“Door was unlocked. Well, it was after I unlocked it. Youwere late.”

He set his shoulder bag down and crashed into a chair. “Iwas celebrating. They liked my design.”

“Cool. By the way, your girlfriend is really messed up.”

“Who, Eve or Amy? Either way, she's not my girlfriend.”

“Amy. There is something very strange about her.I was watching her at the tavern for a few hours. I wanted to see if your cursehad any noticeable effect on her. Nothing. But that's the way it's supposed tobe, she's supposed to be clueless. But she has her own unique weirdness going onthat has nothing to do with us. Cool, huh?”

“I guess. What kind of weirdness?”

“What do you know about past lives?”

Peter shrugged. “Some people believe in directreincarnation, that is, I could have the same soul as Julius Caesar. Othersbelieve all souls end up in a kind of melting pot and each new life is made upof a bunch of different souls, that is, I could be one-fiftieth Julius Caesar.Some believe we keep running into people we knew from previous lives, tied intokarma or something, that is, I could keep getting stabbed by Brutus every fewdecades. Before eleven PM yesterday evening I would have said it's all a bunchof hooey.”

“Not bad,” said Red. “They've all got something to them,except the hooey bit. Would it surprise you to find out that Amy experiencedone?”

Peter laughed. “In the last twenty-four hours I've had tocome to grips with the fact that I was cursed by a witch when I was a child,that soul mates exist but I can only swear around mine, and that my mini-mallproject that should have failed miserably didn't. So no, I'm not surprised.Also, a minute ago you asked 'What do you know about past lives?' so I countthat as a give-away.”

“Fair enough. But this is a bit different. We've all hadpast lives of one sort or another, but I saw Amy relive hers. Heraura changed; for a moment she was two different women, overlapping oneanother. I saw the aura argue, fall to the ground and die while the real Amystood perfectly still. When she snapped out of it she freaked out. I've readabout this in the Big Book, but I've never actually seen it.”

“Do you think that could somehow be connected to my curse?Some kind of side effect?”

Red sat up on the sofa, cleared a spot on the coffee tableand put the bowl down. “Well, yes and no. When the curse kicked in it was likean arcane A-bomb going off. If I had been in London I'd have seen it a mileaway. But it wouldn't have been able to create anything new any more than abomb could. It's just raw release of energy.”

“So what happened?”

“The way I saw Amy react, I think she's experienced thisbefore, a long time ago, but had it under control. What you did was trigger arelapse.”

“You really shouldn't be smiling when you say that.”

Red stopped. “Oh, sorry. It's just really cool. I want tosee if I can talk to the past life, see if it's aware of what's going on, or ifit's just a recording. Not nearly enough legitimate research has been done inthis field.”

Peter sighed. “Don't you have something a little moreimportant to take care of first?”

“Past lives can be pretty distressing, you know. I wouldhave thought you'd be a bit more concerned about your sweetheart's welfare.”

“Oh, for the love of... she's not mysweetheart! Yes, I hope you can do something about her problem too, butit's not like I know her. I don't believe in thateyes-met-across-a-crowded-room nonsense, regardless of Rule One.” Red began tosing 'Some Enchanted Evening' and Peter had to speak up to get him to stop.“I do believe that the Bleeding Heart Tavern is a block away from myoffice and if she accidentally gets too close to me I might curse my way rightout of a job.”

“Relax,” said Red. “I'm here. I'm on the case. You need tobuy some Frosted Flakes.” His arms danced to an imaginary rhythm.

“I think you're coasting a sugar high.” Peter said, thenfrowned. “You know what bugs me most? I never believed in soul mates becausethey represent ridiculously high standards. I've always hated those insipidHollywood rom-coms that tell us there is a single perfect someone out there forus and we should never settle for second best. Now I find out there is a singleperfect someone and I've found her.”

“I never said she was the only one.”

“There's more?”

“I also didn't say she was perfect. Maybe soul mate is thewrong term. How about soul match? We're not talking about you two being madefor each other on some divine workbench. It's a compatibility issue, andperfectly compatible is not the same as perfect. Perfect is boring. There arethree billion or so women on earth. Maybe half a billion of them are withinyour potential age range. Maybe fifty million of them speak English. Of them,you might find a dozen like Amy. Of course, if you did you'd run into the exactsame problem. Okay, shall we get started on some simple counterspells?”

“Do you think they'll work?”

“Probably not. But how they fail might point me in theright direction.”

“Fine.” Peter looked around, but saw only Red's smallknapsack next to the sofa. “Where did you put that Big Book you were talkingabout?”

Red reached into his backpack. “Right here.”

“Oh. I thought it would have been a lot bigger than that.”

Red pulled out a small leather bound book, the size of ahardback novel, but only as thick as a pen.

“Um, a lot bigger.”

“Check it out,” he tossed it to Peter, who fumbled andalmost dropped it. It was heavier than it looked. “Oh geez, I forgot you were aklutz. Careful!”

Peter opened it. “The hell? An eBook reader?”

“Top of the line! I wanted one big enough to have a touchscreen and handwriting recognition. It's got every book in mom's library on itin .pdf format, and a bunch more I've added in the last few years.”

“So the Big Book is a .pdf? Does that even work?”

“Why wouldn't it?”

“I don't know, I'm not the expert. I assumed you neededthe old books to make it work.”

“They weren't old when they were written.”

“The originals, then. Like the spell was imbued right intothe page.”

“You're thinking back to our Dungeons and Dragons days.Doesn't work that way. Come to think of it, aside from that I'm kind ofsurprised how much the first edition got right. Maybe Gygax was one of mypeople. Now, I just need a few minutes to raid your kitchen and we'll getstarted.”

“What, didn't you bring what you need? I don't have anyeye of newt on my spice rack.”

“No, I need to make myself a decent sandwich. That sugarbuzz is wearing off.” He snickered. “Eye of newt. Noob.”

Learn More: http://noahjdchinnbooks.com/

Buy the Book: http://noahjdchinnbooks.com/2011/08/ordering-bleeding-heart-yard/

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T12:14:00.002-05:00

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy Holiday!! Enjoy the long weekend if you have one!

I'm on Amazon!!

2011-12-19T11:32:00.004-05:00

New on Amazon: Wild &Wicked and Chance of aStorm from Tease Publishing LLC.

"I devoured every word and I don't know if I'll haveenough patience to wait for the next book written by Jenn Nixon" All ThingsBooks

"Chance of a Storm is hasromance, suspense, and mystery are rolled into a few short pages. Chanceof a Storm makes for a great bedtime read or something to read if you just needa short break from daily life." SizzlingHot Books

Q&A Thursday with Kimberly Dana

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Q&A is with Author Kimberly Dana!

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’vewritten, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

The worst thing I ever wrote had to be a love letter begginga high school boyfriend not to break up with me. I stayed up all night stating my case - toldhim how awesome we were and it was meant to be. The upshot? He must not have feltthe magic because it was over the next day. Not that I can blame him – I’m sure the letter smacked of crazedadolescent desperation. But hey – whenyou speak from the heart, you can’t go wrong, right? My hindsight lesson: practice your craft onthe exes - LOL!

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to goprofessional?

Around eight or nine years old, I started writingplays. A week before a family reunion,I’d crank out a script on my parents’ old Smith Corona and cast my brother and youngercousins in roles. On “opening night” we’dcharge admission by passing around one of my mom’s Mason canning jars. So I guess you could say that was my firstpaying gig as well. Fast forward many yearslater – in grad school, one of my papers won a prestigious award, and aroundthat same time I was published by the National Council of Teachers ofEnglish. It was probably in the late90’s that I knew I wanted to write professionally.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write children’s books, middle grade, and youngadult. I also dabble in poetry althoughI’m not very good at it. ShelSilverstein’s my idol when it comes to verse. I did recently write a book in verse about creepy creatures. Here’s my poem on Zombies:

Brains for breakfast – brains for lunch

Brains for dinner – brains for brunch

Flesh with fries is what they crave

When they burst out from their grave

The walking dead’s alive and well

Most come from a voodoo spell.

Do you read other author’s books when you're writing? If so, do you read the same genre orsomething different?

Oh my goodness – yes! I’m like the fourteen-year-old who never grew up. I love Rachel Cohn, Francesca Lia Block, SaraShepard. I dig graphic novels likeJennifer Holm’s Baby Mouse and Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. My students will often suggest books to me soI get a lot of recommendations from them as well. In the interest of full disclosure, I’venever read the Twilight series or Harry Potter. Shameful, I know.

What is the most difficult part of the entire wiring processfor you? Queries, pitches, editing, etc.

Definitely revision. To take out a line or a scene or even a character that I have fallen inlove with is a real drag. I might thinka line is funny or clever but if three people are telling me it doesn’t work, Ihave to go with that. Majority rules…

If you could have the same type of career as any authorcurrently publishing who would it be and why?

Judy Blume – she’s my idol. Loved her growing up – love her now. And if I had to guess, I’ll bet Margaret Simon of Are You There God is onebuxom agnostic hottie today!

Author Bio: An award winning author and teacher, KimberlyDana enjoys teaching writing to middle school students who give her muchinspiration and insight into the world of tweendom. She is published by theNational Council of Teachers of English and the recipient of several writinghonors from Writers Digest and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. Otheraffiliations include the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustratorsand EPIC, the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition, where she serves as ajudge for the annual eBook competition. Kimberly's most recent books include herYA thriller, Cheerage Fearage (Wild Child Publishing, 2012) and the delightfulpicture book, Pretty Dolls (Tate Publishing, 2011). A lover of photography andexperimental cooking, Kimberly lives in Los Angelesand Nashvillewith her husband and spoiled shih tzu, Gizzy. Kimberly invites her readers tovisit her at kimberlydana.com.

Pretty eyes and pretty hair. We’re the best dollsanywhere.

If you were a pretty doll, you’d be up here standing tall.

It’s a pretty doll’s world. Just ask beautifulEmily-Nicole, Lilly-Kate, and Chloë-Anne who perch on the tippy top bookcaseshelf in little Tasha’s bedroom. Yet it’s Gracie, the purple-eyed,one-armed, spiky haired doll who’s won the snuggly arms and heart ofTasha. Only Emily-Nicole will have none of it. Little does Tashaknow that when the lights go out in her room, the doll wars begin…

Social Media and Web Links

kimberlydana.com

prettydolls.tateauthor.com

http://www.amazon.com/author/kimberlydana

http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Dolls-Kimberly-Dana/dp/1613464169

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pretty-dolls-kimberly-dana/1105650703

Never Give Up, Never Surrender...

2011-12-09T12:32:00.001-05:00

The mantra of Galaxy Quest is Never Give Up, Never Surrender.

If you haven't seen the movie, you should, it's HILARIOUS!

The cast is amazing, including Tim Allen (Arh Ar Arh), Sigorney Weaver(Aliens), Tony Shalhoub (Monk) and believe it or not Alan Rickman (in my 3rd fave character roll of his!) and not to mention very young Sam Rockwell and Justin Long. It's a spoof on Sci-Fi shows & movies. So, go watch it. Then tell me what you think.

Anyway, I've said this mantra over and over many times since the movie came out in 1999. And guess what? It WORKS!

You should never give up on a dream.

My dream, long ago, was to be the next Debbie Gibson. As I got older and realized it wasn't going to happen for me, I found a new dream. Acting! Problem is, I can't act. Okay, so then in early 2001 I rediscovered my love for writing. Granted, I've been writing in one form or another since I was in elementary school: poems, stories, and even a Unicorn Video Game! I didn't take any of it seriously until I finished my first shore story from beginning to end. Then I wrote a novel. Then another. I was hooked.

The first novel-which I don't talk about much-was decent, for the time, but overall, horrendous. I didn't know JACK SQUAT. So, I remedied that, joined writers groups, did my homework on queries, agents, publishers, etc, and learned, learned, learned as much as possible.

Novels 2-3 probably will never see the light of day.

Novels 4 & 5 are Tiva's. I originally found a publisher in 2005 but the company went under. Now, it's back in the revision & query stage after 50+ rejections.

Novel 6 is Lucky's Charm. I'm not lying to you when I say I have a spreadsheet of over 100+ rejections. After getting feedback from many agents, publishers, and writer friends, I revised it while writing other works. After the revision, I went back and submitted once more. Worked out well because I found a home for Lucky at Wild Child Publishing.

Novel 7 turned out to be 3 separate novellas, two of which are out now from Tease Publishing.

Novel 8 was a dud, a NaNo project I never finished.

Novel 7 is MIND:The Beginning. When I was through with this novel, I thought I had a gem and was VERY excited to start querying. I submitted it to the bigger publisher thinking I had it in the bag! Not quite. More rejections. So I went back, revised a bit, found smaller publishers that I liked and submitted again. Within a few weeks of the second submission round, I had another contract, this one from Crescent Moon Press!

Here it is TEN YEARS later. I have three novellas out now (one on the way), and two novels coming out next year (each with sequels in the works). I have a nice following on Twitter and Facebook. I've been through the editing process with different editors, each time learning more which ultimately helps me write better. While I'm starting out small, as many authors do, I'm building a platform for my writing but more importantly growing as a writer.

Some people say it's easier to get published today than it was ten years ago. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not, it all depends on what your goals are and how you want to go about fulfilling them. I never started writing to be the next NY Times Best Selling Author (Though I'll take it one day!), it was just a dream of mine that I needed and wanted to see through to fruition. I may not make millions of dollars writing, but I'm writing and I'm getting paid for it!

I never gave up.

I almost said "I SURRENDER" a bunch of times over the years, but never did.

Don't psych yourself out by making unrealistic goals, but do everything in your power to improve what you need to so you have the best chance of achieving them!

Don't give up your dreams.

Q&A Thursday with Shannon Eckrich!

2011-12-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today's Interview is with Author Shannon Eckrich!

Enjoy & Comment!

Hi Jenn! Thanks for having me on your blog today. It’s superawesome to be here.

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn orknow it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

The worst thing I’ve written had to be the rough draft toOther Side of Forever, which actually had a totally different title when Ifirst started out. I knew absolutely nothing about writing a novel, characterdevelopment, or story structure. It was a complete disaster. No wonder my queryletters kept getting rejected. J

It wasn’t until I joined a few writing websites, and hookedup with some really great writers, that I realized just how much the originalmanuscript sucked. After that, I researched everything I could about writing anovel, read other peoples work, and just kept chugging along until my novel wasthe best it could be.

I think the biggest lesson I learned from my experience isto never give up. Keep writing, keep smiling and, eventually, everything willwork out.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to goprofessional?

I actually started writing to escape the reality of everydaylife. Let’s face it, stuff happens, and writing became my outlet. Writing tookall the negativity spinning around in my head and turned it into something positive—amazingcharacters and a world I could control. I couldn’t imagine not writing now.It’s a part of who I am.

It wasn’t until I had finished the third draft of Other Sideof Forever that I decided to take it a step further. Of course, I had no idea howdifficult it was to break into the publishing world at the time. But if I hadto, I would definitely do it all over again. It’s been quite an experience.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which doyou like the best?

Yes. While I was waiting to hear back from my editor atCrescent Moon Press, I wrote a short story called After the Rain, which Iconsider more spiritual than paranormal, and targets a more mature audience dueto the subject matter.

I’ve always been a paranormal freak, so I would have to sayI enjoy writing that genre the most.

Do you read otherauthor’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre orsomething different?

Yes, I constantly read. I basically read anything that pullsme in at the beginning. The book doesn’t have to necessarily be paranormal, butit has to have a great hook with characters I can relate to, and a wonderfulvoice.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writingprocess for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

Queries are my nemesis. I absolutely hate trying to sum upan entire novel in a paragraph or two. But it is definitely something a seriouswriter has to learn to do if they want to break into the publishing world.

If you could have the same type of career as any authorcurrently publishing who would it be and why?

Wow, that’s a hardquestion. There’s so many wonderfully talented authors out there. But, I guessI would have to say Stephen King, because I grew up reading his books andwatching his movies. He truly scared the crap out of me, which is why Iconsider him my idol. J It’s so hard to believe that he struggled in thebeginning, especially with where he is today.

~Other Side ofForever~

Coming soon fromCrescent Moon Press

What if your life finallyseemed to make sense? But, what if—in an instant—everything is taken away? Howfar would you go to get your life back?

Seventeen-year-old Allie Anderson's telekinetic powers areanything but useful—she can't bring her father back, can't stop her mother'sdownward spiral into alcohol, and can't keep her from falling in love withEthan Bradley. Loving Ethan is easy, but it comes with a hefty price: Ethan is
prohibited by his people from interacting with mortals—because he isn't mortalhimself.

When Allie and Ethan's love is discovered, there's someone who will do anythingto keep them apart. If Allie can't learn to control her powers and fight tosave Ethan, this dark entity will make every attempt to stop her beating heart.And if that happens, not even the energy of an immortal
can bring her back.

~After the Rain~

Available now atamazon.com and other ebook retailers

Janie Chanson leaves, Adam—her seven-year-old son—with hersister while she runs to the store. When she returns, her house is fullyengulfed in flames, and her son is trapped inside. Powerless to save him, Janiecan only watch as firefighters attempt to rescue him.

Author Bio: Born and raised in Delaware, Shannon lives with her husband, two children, andchocolate lab, Chewy. She has always had an interest in the paranormal, soresiding just outside of a historic town, an old Civil War prison, and one ofthe top Halloween attractions in America, she can’t think of anyother place she would rather be.

Along with reading and writing, Shannon enjoys communicating with spirits through dowsingrods and EVPs, exploring creepy, abandoned dwellings, and telling and listeningto stories of real ghostly encounters.
She also likes spending time at the beach, volunteering at the Odessa FireCompany, and just hanging out with her family.

You can visit Shannon online atwww.shannoneckrich.weebly.com, or you can contact her directly atshannoneckrich@gmail.com.

New Cover!

2011-12-03T12:10:00.001-05:00

Trust Me, Tell Me, coming soon from Tease Publishing!

Q&A Thursday with Renee Sherkness

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Interview is with Author Renee Sherkness!

Enjoy & Comment!

Why did you startwriting and when did you decide to go professional?

I’ve always enjoyed writing since I was small: poems,letters, stories, but never thought to pursue it as a career.. Tooimpractical.. Instead I studied Biology and later Education and became aneducator and later yoga instructor. Itwas only after I remarried10 years ago and relocated to the country when I grewinto my truer self so to speak and felt inspired enough to begin writingchildren stories professionally. Having found the right editor: Donna Ericsonand great layout designer: Heather Paye my books come to fruition.

Our world today seems to be facing enormous challenges tokeep our environment and “us” healthy. Knowing my grandchildren will be the ones maneuvering through more ofthese challenges in the future it seemed the right time to “plant the seeds”and nurture healthy awareness in our young to help create a healthier world anda healthier us. Through my story books from my Nurturing Nature Collection: connecting “with care” to our world, I feel I have accomplished this.

My first book is: StoriesThat Come Alive Through Yoga. A fun, entertaining, instructional bookwhere children and adults experience yoga with stories.

Mybook out in the fall of 2011 is: TheDay Mother Nature Decided To Paint Her House. A whimsical story ofMother Nature and the creation of autumn.

Coming in the spring 2012: Winston The Whale And The Blanket Of Darkness

It tells the tale of Winston, a humpback whale and theperils he must face because of the pollution contaminating his home.

All stories are from the Nurturing Nature Collection: connecting “with care” to our world. These books are a collection of fun,educational and entertaining stories that teach ways to create a healthier “us”and a healthier” world”.

All stories include a summary filled with educationalinformation on the stories topic as well as a glossary and educationalresources and web sites to educate and help our environment.

Do you read otherauthor’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre orsomething different?

I read constantly and surprisingly or not am a fan ofmysteries and suspense... Give me a James Patterson book any day!!

What is the mostdifficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches,editing..etc.

I have found the most difficult part on this writing journeyhas been the marketing of my books. I seem to be faced with, as many otherunknown writers, the daunting task of getting my books out there and spreadingthe word of my books to as many people as I can and do so while trying to staytrue to myself and my books.

AUTHOR’S BIO

Renee Sherkness attended Philadelphia College of Pharmacyand Science where she majored in Biology. She earned her degree, Summa Cum Laude and her Academic Excellence Awardfor achievement in Early Childhood Education from Montgomery County CommunityCollege.

Renee went on to work in various schools with children as ateacher and administrator for over 18 years. She later became certified as aYoga instructor for children.

Her passion for teaching, her deep love of nature and herrespect for the environment are interests that are combined in her children’sstories. While her stories are educational and informative, they are written ina kid friendly manner meant to entertain children as well as awaken a child’sinterest in nature and an awareness of the connection we all share with ourenvironment.

Renee, wife, mother and now Grandmother, lives inRoyersford, Pennsylvania with her husband, Joe and two dogs, Kiki and Maggie.Here she continues to enjoy writing children’s stories and continues to teachYoga to children.

Social media &Web links

Websitefor complete "Nurturing Nature" Collection and programs to extendyour reading experience: http://reneesherkness.web.com/

VisitHome Education Magazine(HEM) andeverythingmom.com for information on Nurturing Nature Collection of books

See Stories ThatCome Alive Through Yoga reviews at:www.yogawithjohn.com and

David Romanelli on www.LivinTheMoment.com

Purchasebooks in print and e book on Amazon.com, Barnes andNoble, Borders.com, and apple I pad. Visit web site for more information: http://reneesherkness.webs.com/

Teaser Tuesday with Jodi Langston

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Teaser is from Jodi Langston!

Enjoy & Comment:

Homicide cop, Nick Dempsey’s life is filled with turmoil and tough decisions after a near-fatal injury. He realizes his career and relationship with actress, Kathy Tyler, are both at a standstill and reluctantly leaves L. A. and Kathy behind. Nick takes the job of sheriff in a northern Minnesota town. Can Kathy and Nick rekindle their love before a serial killer takes her from him forever?

When the doors open at the Star Light Casino, a serial killer turns it into his hunting ground. The challenge of two unsolved murders and a chance at a fresh start prompts maverick cop Nick Dempsey, to leave L. A. and his actress girlfriend Kathy Tyler behind. This lone wolf must learn to be a team player when he takes the job of sheriff.
    After a one night stand with her ex-husband, Kathy follows Nick to Minnesota.Tempers flare when Kathy arrives in Brody to find Nick has taken a new lover, Angie Reynolds, a beauty nearly half his age. Fearing for Kathy safety Nick moves her into his house. Kathy finds herself a new playmate in Nick's Deputy Ben. Nick and Kathy struggle with their strained relationship as they both date other people.
    As Brody celebrates Heritage Days, Nick has his hands full with a town full tourists, a serial killer and two angry girlfriends. Victim number three is found alive but lapses into a coma before she can identify her attacker. Deputy Russ Thompson conceals a clue from the crime scene, then struggles with his decision to remain silent about what he found.
    A violent storm descends on Brody putting everyone's nerves on edge. When both women turn up missing, Nick must use all his skills to figure out who the killer is before one of his women becomes the next victim.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Nature-of-the-Beast-ebook/dp/B004BA5FGE
Barnes and Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Nature-of-the-Beast/Jodi-Langston/e/9780983016014/
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29489
Link to my blog http://jodilangston.blogspot.com

Author Bio:
Jodi is a lover of nature and all things creative. She's been writing poetry and prose since since she first picked up a pencil. Drawing and take photos of nature in her spare time. Her favorite author is Robert Crais, she has written several fan fiction stories based on his characters, but she enjoys a variety of genres. Jodi has taken up screenwriting and hopes to see her books turned into movies in the future

Q & A Thursday with Tanya Contois

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Q&A Interview is with Tanya Contois!

Enjoy & Comment:

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn orknow it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

Hmm.. I know I've written things that were terrible in high school but I can't remember what any of the stories were about now lol. I'd have to say that what I took away from those stories was how to take criticisms without letting it ruin my whole day.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to goprofessional?

I've always been good at writing but I didn't start writing professionally until this past March or April when I submitted a short story to be considered for an urban legend anthology.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which doyou like the best?

I've only written stories in two genres - paranormal and horror but I am open to trying other genres in the future especially if it means I gain more readers. My favorite genres are a tie between fantasy and horror.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so,do you read the same genre or something different?

I haven't done much reading the last couple of weeks because things have been insanely busy so the answer would be no. That may change once I have more works finished.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writingprocess for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

The most difficult part for me is writing the interactions between the characters because I don't want anything to come across as forced to the readers.

If you could have the same type of career as any authorcurrently publishing who would it be and why?

If I could have a similar career to any author today I would definitely want it to be like Amanda Hocking because she is a very talented writer who is going to be around for a long time.

Wicked Little Lies

Jocelyn hasjust turned 18 but instead of having the big celebration she was lookingforward to for so long she finds out that not only is she not fully human butthe people who raised her aren’t her real parents. Instead of staying to listento her parents’ explanation she takes off and ends up going to live with herbiological parents Jacoby and Adeline. Jocelyn quickly makes new friends andgains a potential boyfriend named Sonny but things are far from safe when Kane,another cambion makes his presence known. Now Jocelyn is left with many questions but few answers. What does thefuture hold for her and will she end up with Sonny? Only time will tell.

TanyaContois was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. After living in a few differentsmall towns she moved back to Worcester in 2008. In 2010 she created theFacebook page All Things Books http://www.facebook.com and the blog All Things Books http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com. Tanya Contois got her first tasteof success when a short story she wrote was chosen to be in an anthology to bepublished by Firefly and Wisp publishers. In October 2011 she signed withTrestle Press and is currently working on Wicked Little Lies and a full lengthnovel titled Cloaked in Darkness.

Teaser Tuesday with Leon Steelgrave

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today's Teaser is from White Vamprye, by Leon Steelgrave!

Enjoy & Comment!

In the second month, the seventeenth day of themonth, the same day were all the fountains of the deep broken up, and thewindows of heaven were opened. And therain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. Genesis 7:11-12

Global warming has decimated the planet; and thirtyyears after the Great Flood the remnants of Europeare crowded together in a vast conurbation that occupies the remaining highground. Old racial hatreds have re-emergedin the face of growing unemployment and civil unrest, and human vice remainsunaltered.

As Europa City spirals intoanarchy, Detective Kurt Brecht finds himself forced to confront both the demonsof his past and those of his present drug addiction. Aided by the mysterious Lady Methedrine, hemust defeat Isaac Vaughan, the head of the powerful Tessler Corporation, andthwart his ambition to seize control of the city.

White Vampyre will be published on Amazon and SmashwordsDecember 12th.

EXCERPT:

Sajer drew up alongside the patrol car andlowered his window. The uniformedofficer nodded a greeting and quickly broke eye contact. His knuckles showed white as he gripped thewheel, his attention fixed upon the dashboard.

‘You called in the ten-double zero?’

‘No, sir. Falconer responded to an anonymous tip off. He and his rookie are in the alley with thecrew of the meat wagon.’

Sajer drove on and parked the cruiser onthe sidewalk. A cordon had been set uparound the entrance to the alleyway, on the other side of which stood the usualrubberneckers and press parasites. Sajerignored the pointing video cams and ducked under the yellow incident tape. He badged the uniform guarding the cordon andentered the alley. Temporary spotlightssilhouetted two paramedics as they secured a body to a backboard. Another pair of uniform officers stood off tothe side watching them work. Sajerrecognised the older uniform as Sammy Falconer, a fifteen year street veteran. The boy next to him looked barely old enoughto be out of school, surely a sign of his own advancing years.

Sajer took in the scene with a disciplinedeye, noting the police issue automatic and com-unit lying next to the victim,the surrounding blood splatter black in the sodium glare. The drawn weapon meant he had seen hisattacker and either been too slow or otherwise dismissed the threat, the latterunlikely in a dead end alley.

One of the paramedics turned as Sajer’sshadow fell across him. The movementgave him his first clear view of the victim’s face. He recognised Brecht even through the oxygenmask.

‘What are his chances?’

‘About eighty-twenty against. There’s an infected GSW to the rightshoulder, plus your man took three shots to the gut – hollow points, judging bythe tissue damage. If he lives, he’llprobably spend the rest of his life shitting into a bag.’

The paramedic motioned Sajer aside andgestured to his colleague. They liftedBrecht on to a gurney and wheeled him in the direction of the waitingambulance.

Sajer squatted beside the pool ofsemi-congealed blood and lifted the com-unit. He wiped the blood from its case with a handkerchief before slipping itinto his overcoat pocket. His knees crackedas he stood. The wail of a siren markedthe ambulance’s departure. A one in fivechance. Not odds he would personallycare to play.

Sajer addressed Falconer. ‘I want the scene processed and scrubbed. No press access. No comment. Keep this off grid. Understood?’

‘What about the com-unit, sir?’ the rookieinterrupted. ‘Isn’t it evidence? I mean you shouldn’t handle it like that.’

Sajer’s gaunt features turned pale. ‘There are a couple of things you shouldlearn if you intend to have a career in the Department, son. First, never quote procedure to me. Second,’ he looked at Falconer, ‘did you seea com-unit?’

‘No, sir. Duvall must be working too hard - imagining things. Y’know what these double shifts are like.’

‘Ah,’ Sajer sighed. ‘Perhaps it’s time he had a rest? Have him transferred to Records.’

‘Very good, sir.’

Falconer ran a finger around the edge ofhis grime-stained collar as he watched Sajer exit the alley. ‘Bad move, Duvall. You just couldn’t let go, could you? Have you listened to a single word I’ve saidover the past month? Apart from InternalAffairs, Vice is the one other squad whose men you never question. Sajer’s unit is an autonomous state all ofits own. When one of his people goesdown everyone else with an ounce of smarts starts looking for a rock to hideunder.’

Sajer polarised the cruiser windows,shutting out the glances of the curious. He ran his fingers through his iron-grey hair before pulling the com-unitfrom his pocket. Department issue, sameas the pistol that he’d left in the alley. Sajer keyed in his master code, a backdoor password held by each squadcommander, and browsed through the file timestamps. The most recent entry was less than two hoursold.

21/12/85, 21:40: Lady Methedrine has madeit clear that she’ll never relinquish her claim on me. I’ve been running on luck for far too longnow, but Slinky finally delivered the goods and I might just have a chance toget out from under before she plays her end-game.

Sajer slammed the door to his office,strode angrily to his desk and threw his coat across the back of his chair. His emotions seethed as he tried torationalise his actions. Brecht was asgood as dead and he might as well have pulled the trigger. It didn’t matter how much he tried to dressup the truth or justify his actions, one fact remained the same; his was thehand that had authorised the sanction.

He slumped into his chair and stared athis hands, seeing, like Lady Macbeth, imaginary bloodstains that would neverwash clean. ‘So it was wrong!’ heshouted. ‘But if I have a credo it is“never regret, never apologise”, and by God I am going to live by that.’ Voicing a defence against his self-doubt lenthim strength and composure. He retrievedBrecht’s com-unit from his coat and flipped open the case. His finger hovered uncertainly over thetouchscreen, but he had already come too far to shy away from the truth. He navigated to the first of the journalentries and started to read.

Author Bio: Raised and educated inwhat he describes as a town of narrow streets and even narrower minds, LeonSteelgrave was afforded plenty of opportunity to hone his acerbic wit. Ifhe never looked back, he certainly spent a lot of time looking inward, apractice that has stood him in good stead.

At twenty-one he decided to try and earn acommission for writing one of a series of Judge Dredd novels thenbeing published by Virgin Books. The commission proved beyond hisyouthful reach but he did keep the rejection letters, their content being suchto persuade him that he might one day become a professional writer.

While a career in electricalengineering provided the means to pay the mortgage, it was a youth spentreading seminal British comic 2000 AD and an involvement in the Gothscene of the late 1980’s that inspired the creation of Lady Methedrine and thesetting of Europa City. The early works of MichaelMoorcock and Neil Gaiman also played their part in warping his young andimpressionable mind, for which he remains indebted.

For those who may be interested: heprefers his music fast and loud, takes his coffee black, is partial to maltwhisky and willing to discuss sponsorship deals with BrewDog and HarleyDavidson. Though not conjointly as driving under the influence is bad.

White Vampyre, his first work offiction, was originally published as a Print On Demand paperback byBooklocker.com in the USA in2003. Out of print for a number of years, a revised edition is now inpreparation, along with two sequels.

The author currently resides with inAberdeenshire with his record collection. Plans are in progress torelocate to a walled compound in the Highlands. You can assist by purchasing his books.

Thanksgiving Week!

2011-11-21T13:07:00.001-05:00

Yes, if you haven't noticed, the holidays are here. Shoved upon us by commercials and whatnot...of course, the day BEFORE Halloween this year *ugh*.

Guess this gives us extra time to share what we're thankful for!

I have plenty this year. Family and Friends, of course are at the top of the list, I wouldn't be me without them.

All our Service Men & Women, Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, and Health Workers, and (most) Public Officers. They do the jobs the rest of us can't or won't do to keep us healthy, free, and safe.

I'm thankful for the companies who employed me this year to help me pay my bills! It's a rough economy out there.

I'm extremely thankful to the publishers who accepted my works to help me further my dream of writing.

I'm also very, very thankful for my Writer's Group and Friends, both in person and those I've made online. They are invaluable in their experience and helpfulness. I've learned more from them over the years than I can ever repay!

I'm thankful for everyone who has ever taken the time to read my Blog, post on Facebook, re-Tweet me (hehe) or read my stories and novels, even if I don't know you!

It may seem weird to thank people you've never met face to face, but I can honestly say, I've made awesome friendships with people with similar interests, across the world, over the years, and so, I guess that means I'm thankful for the internet too, huh? Thanks internet! *hugs*

And THANK YOU!

So, what are you thankful for?

Q&A Thursday with D.X. Luc

2011-11-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn orknow it was bad, and what did you learn from it? My first short story Iwrote in my college creative writing course. I didn't know about “show don'ttell” then.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to goprofessional? I always have stories roaming in my mind. Some stronger thanothers and I just have to get them down on paper. It was a great friend ofmine, also an author, who told me that I should try to get one of my workspublished. I made the leap of faith and well, now I'm a professional author!It's a total dream come true.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which doyou like the best? I try to. My first book is an erotic fantasy, I have afuturistic WIP and my upcoming book is a humor/horror erotic romance. Honestly,I love them all.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so,do you read the same genre or something different? I read a lot when I'mwriting just to let my brain breathe. I love all types of genres.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writingprocess for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

The most difficult is coming up with names. I don't wantthem to be too odd where a reader is having trouble figuring out the pronunciation.And ending a story is hard because I really never want my stories to end!

If you could have the same type of career as any authorcurrently publishing who would it be and why? I do love Sherrilyn Kenyon,but I wish I could be like my favorite classic authors. I feel the beauty oftheir writing and how even to this day, they have such great value, issomething I want for my own writing.

Author Bio: I was introduced into the world of romance at age 14 thanks to my older sister. It was as though a spark was ignited and soon, need for romance became a craving for the erotic. Even in school, the idea of human sexuality was always at the forefront of my mind, to the point I majored in it!

Sex, love, and face it, more sex is what I know and my husband can attest to it! Unique in every way, I'll tell anyone that asks, if it isn't hot, maybe it needs a touch of vitamin D!

Blurb:
Imagine having someone so devoted to you and you don't even know it. What if that person, that perfect one was right under your nose? What if that person was not only the hero of your heart, but a savior to many?

Dorothy Gale found herself growing older and was stuck in neutral. She wanted adventure and love. Yet her love life was non-existent, with only fantasies of hot sex and being dominated keeping her company. Lacking in human companionship, she felt blessed to have her devoted dog, Toto. He was her solace. Little did she know, her dog had a big secret and an even greater destiny.

Facebook Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-D-X-Luc/127121317364246
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002897872356
Website: http://www.freewebs.com/authordxluc/
Blog:http://welcome-to-the-island-of-dxluc.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/dxluc

Chris Redding Guest Post & Giveaway!

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Even if youdon’t describe it explicitly, every story has a context. A novel is its ownworld. Living, breathing, changing.

You must build this world. The worldin the novel goes beyond descriptions of rooms and landscapes. It includesfashion, history, outlook and mood.

Physical surroundings can have apsychological influence. The beach always makes me happy. I have a room in myhouse that I and most people find very soothing. I usually nap in that room.

A setting can have an impact oncharacters. I’ve talked about the conflict arising from the setting, but howdoes your setting make your characters feel? That is more important than whatit looks like. You can illustrate a place by how a character’s views of itchanged.

I used to hate hospitals. I oncealmost passed out from the smell. Not really sure why I had this aversion. Now,I work in a hospital.

Give place an active role in the storyby giving character active relationships with it.

A story needs a sense of place, butalso a sense of time. As much as you can mark your character’s change inperception of place, you can mark their change in perception of time.

The setting must be observed and thenconveyed in its particulars. The devilis in the details. Emotions are more easily evoked when the details arespecific.

Perfume a novel by PatrickSuskind is set in 18^th Century France. How it really was. No onebathed. There was raw sewage. In other words it stank.

In the period of which we speak, therereigned in the cities a stench barely conceivable to us modern men and women.The streets tank of manure, the courtyards of urine, the stairwells stank ofmoldering wood and rat droppings, the kitchens of spoiled cabbage an muttonfat; the unaired parlors stank of stale dust, the bedrooms of greasy sheets,damp featherbeds, and the pungently sweet aroma of chamber pots.

The author catalogs the odors, butnever describes what they smell like. He lets the reader fill in the rest.

From Layering: Not Just for Cakes

Chris Redding lives in New Jersey with her husband, two kids, onedog and three rabbits. She graduated from Penn Statewith a degree in journalism. When she isn’t writing and giving workshops, sheworks part time for her local hospital.

Her latest release is Blonde Demolition out November 15,2011.

You just can't hide from the past...

Mallory Sage lives in asmall, idyllic town where nothing ever happens. Just the kind of life she hasalways wanted. No one, not even her fellow volunteer firefighters, knows abouther past life as an agent for Homeland Security.

Former partner and lover,Trey McCrane, comes back into Mallory's life. He believes they made a greatteam once, and that they can do so again. Besides, they don't have much choice.Paul Stanley, a twisted killer andtheir old nemesis, is back.

Framed for a bombing anddrawn together by necessity, Mallory and Trey go on the run and must learn totrust each other again―if they hope to survive. But Mallory has been hidinganother secret, one that could destroy their relationship. And time is runningout.

Thank you for having me today.

For one lucky commenter I have an assortment of notecards.Winner must be in the United States.

cmr

Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference Announcement!

2011-11-03T10:27:00.001-04:00

I'll be there, will you?

Liberty States Fiction Writers is pleased to invite you to their 3rd Annual Create Something Magical Conference being held on Saturday March 17th 2012.

Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel

515 Route 1 South & Gill Lane

Iselin, New Jersey 08830

The theme of the 2011 Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference was "Create Something Magical." Mission accomplished! Breakout sessions were intimate and informative. Pitch sessions were fantastic. (I've got a lot of work to do.) … Thanks a million!

~ Regina Sokas, 2010 Brenda Novak auction high bidder

The LSFW’s Create Something Magical Conference is for writers at any stage of their career from Pre-Published to Best Seller! Our conference features a variety of workshops for writers, Editor and Agent Pitch Appointments, plus a Multi-Author Book Signing, Lady Jane’s Salon, and Networking Conference Party!

Liberty States Fiction Writers is proud to announce a new addition to our conference this year for readers! Join our Reader’s Track with discussion panels, games and giveaways and more.

Our workshop presenters this year include: Jonathan Mayberry, Caridad Pineiro, Virginia Kantra, Terry Kate, Sarah MacLean, Jenna Kernan, Maria V. Snyder, Leanna Renee Heiber, Katharine Ashe, Tere Michaels, Ally Blue Shelley Noble, Lisa Dale, Lisa Verge Higgins, Eileen Watkins and More! Featuring Keynote Speaker: New York Times Best Selling Author, Larissa Ione.

Liberty States Fiction Writers is a multi-genre non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of all fiction writers. LSFW’s provide workshops and networking events to aid both published and pre-published writers.

For more information about Liberty States Fiction Writers and their upcoming Create Something Magical Conference, please visit their website: http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com

To stay advised about conference details, editors and agents, attending and other conference related information, please visit this link: http://groups.yahoo.com/subscribe/lsfwritersconf

Pricing $130 Dues and Conference Fee/ $120 Non-Member Conference Fee/ $40 Readers Track.

For More Information Contact:

Rayna Vause – Conference Chair

Conference@lsfwriters.com

http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/conference/

Teaser Tuesday with Chris Redding!

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is from Blonde Demolition from Chris Redding.

Enjoy & Comment!

You just can't hide from the past...

Mallory Sage lives in asmall, idyllic town where nothing ever happens. Just the kind of life she has alwayswanted. No one, not even her fellow volunteer firefighters, knows about her pastlife as an agent for Homeland Security.

Former partner and lover, TreyMcCrane, comes back into Mallory's life. He believes they made a great teamonce, and that they can do so again. Besides, they don't have much choice. PaulStanley, a twisted killer and theirold nemesis, is back.

EXCERPT:

The dream had come out of the bluefor firefighter Cal Stedman. He didn't put much stock in the everyday dreamspeople had, but he knew this one meant something. He'd been tired. More tiredthan he should have been and came home early from setting up the fair at hisfirehouse.

Maybe that was why he'd dreamed.

Having lost his wife five yearsago, he now lay alone in bed. His bones ached from the physical labor of movingcinderblocks and putting up snow fencing around his beloved beer tent.

The dream rolled around in hismind. The woman in it...

Ithought I'd put her out of my mind a long time ago. I did worship her. Too badshe left me when I went into the military.

He shifted onto his side, notingthat darkness had fallen while he'd been asleep. He saw midnight on his clock.

"You have a child," thedream woman had said.

But he didn't. He and his wife hadtried for years with no heirs.

Whywould I dream about a child at this late date in life?

He groaned at his ailing muscles,feeling his own mortality in their hum. Maybe it was that very sense of hisgrowing old and closer to death that led him to think about a child. One hehadn't had with his wife.

Thewhole time I was a cop, I never felt this vulnerable, this...mortal.

His eyes drifted closed as his mindreturned to dreamland.

Whatif I do have a child?

Chris Redding lives in New Jersey with her husband, two kids, one dog and three rabbits. She graduated from Penn State with a degree in journalism. When she isn't writing she works part time for her local hospital.

Links:

www.chrisreddingauthor.com

http://chrisredddingauthor.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/chrisreddingauthor

www.twitter.com/chrisredding

Teaser Tuesday with Pamela Beason!

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is with Pamela Beason!

Enjoy & Comment!

Blurb: When Terrence Langston ran Langston Green, the plant nursery sailed along like a well-run ship. But when his daughter Elisa takes over after his sudden death, she feels more like the Captain of the Titanic. First the business is struck by vandalism, then an earthquake, then arson. And now a hunky insurance investigator believes that Elisa's behind all the destruction? Does she have to get killed to prove her innocence?

Excerpt:

When the first ripple of earth surged toward her, ElisaLangston stood up and stared, not trusting her eyes. The field around her wasquiet; all she heard was the rasp of rubbing branches overhead. Even after thewave had lifted her and set her back down, then rolled on toward wherever itwas going, she didn't quite believe it. Was she hallucinating?

But then a second wave, this one more malevolent, roaredthrough the ground, driving her to her knees. Ridge after ridge of earth rolledthrough her field like breakers surging toward the beach. Car alarms sounded indistant parking lots. Increasing in speed and size, undulations of soil roseand fell around her, tearing landscape fabric, noisily tossing her neat rows ofpotted plants into mangled piles. Overhead, branches cracked and popped as thetaller trees around her shimmied and swayed like crazed hula dancers, showeringher with red and gold leaves.

A streak of black-and-white fur flashed past.

“Simon!” she shouted, but the panicked cat was gone. Shedidn’t blame him. If she had four legs, she'd be running, too.

This was the biggest earthquake she'd ever experienced. Andthe weirdest. It felt as if the planet had suddenly returned to its oceanorigins, and the whole world was liquid again. A large wave swelled up beneathher, toppling her backwards, and she was nearly buried by a sudden deluge of rainbow-coloredfoliage. A tremendous ripping sound came from the north, followed by athundering crash that reverberated through the ground and rattled her teeth.The old homestead! Elisa dug her fingernails into the dirt, trying desperatelyto regain her feet and turn toward the noise. Snapping sounds erupted allaround her. A sweet gum crash-landed a few feet away, its impact jolting everybone in her body. She flailed wildly, struggling to find purchase in theroiling soil. A rush of cold air blasted her face, and then she felt a crushingblow to her legs and chest. After a brief close-up of speckled bark, her worldwent black.

Author Biography:

Pamela Beason lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes novels and screenplays and works as a private investigator. When she's not on the job, she explores the natural world on foot or cross-country skis, in her kayak, and underwater as a scuba diver.

Pam is a recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. She is currently working on a new mystery series that will debut with ENDANGERED from Berkley Prime Crime in December of 2011.

Website: www.pamelabeason.com

Twitter: @PamBeason

Friday Fun! I'm crazy for TV.

2011-10-14T12:10:00.001-04:00

I haven't blogged about TV in a while. There are SO many great new shows out there. Let's see if you agree with me!

Monday:
Gossip Girl - Lots of 20-Something Soap-Opera type drama. Cute boys! B+
Terra Nova - Watched the first two so far. It's interesting and looks amazing, not sure if I'll keep with it. B
Sing Off - I watched last summer. LOVE this show. Some of the groups are outstanding! A
The Playboy Club - Yep, canceled already. *sigh*
Hawaii 5-O - Great action, amazing banter, hot guys & Locke. A
Castle - Yep, I'm finally caught up, sorta, missed a few eps from Season 3. I love the one liners & puns A+

Tuesday:
Biggest Loser - I will always watch this show as long as its on and Bob is there. Season is going well. B
Glee - I'm still waiting for the Glee Project winners. So far, not very impressed. C
Ringer - Watched the first ep, it was good, just didn't dazzle me enough to keep watching. B-
New Girl - Zooey is hilarious, it's finding it's footing. B
Unforgettable - One of my new early faves (so far), she's like Reid from CM on crack. B+

Wednesday:
Survivor - Coach! Ozzy! Russell's Nephew! Jeff! Only thing missing is Colby, because he's hot. A
X Factor - Simon! Crazy Paula! Fake Randy! That other chick! Okay, it's a bad AI clone, but there are some amazing singers on this show! B-
Criminal Minds - JJ is back! Prentis is alive! Hotch had a beard? Morgan is so damn hot! A-
Law & Order SVU - Watched 2 eps, deleted this weeks, meh. Not the same without Stabler. C
DROPPED: CSI

Thursday:
Big Bang Theory - If this show got any funnier, it would be Family Guy. A
Secret Circle - Charmed meets 90210 with better plots and dialogue. Dekker is so cute. B+
Person of Interest - Ben & Jesus use numbers & lists on the island (of Manhattan) to save people. Fun. B
The Mentalist - I will figure out who Red John is. I swear. B+
Prime Suspect - Tough Cop Chick takes on the boys club in Homicide. Bello is a trip. B

Friday:
Supernatural - I will watch to the bitter end. Castiel better come back. Love Crowley. A
Fringe - John Noble deserves an Emmy. He's spectacular. I found Peter. He's locked in my closet! A
Strike Back - 24 on Super Crack. This show is fucking awesome! A+

Sunday:
Simpsons - Ditto on the bitter end. This season so far is better than many from last. B-
Cleveland Show - Still going strong. B
Family Guy - The first 5 mins of this show always seems to have me peeing in my pants. A+
American Dad - Rogercentric gets me every time. B+
Against the Wall - Think it's almost over, but I really enjoy this show. Worth watching. B

Late Starts & Midseason Shows
Can't wait:
Walking Dead A+
American Idol B
Covert Affairs B+

Will check out:
Touch
Grimm

What are you watching? Have a suggestion? I'm all ears!

Teaser Tuesday with Cindy Young Turner!

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is from Cindy Young Turner!

Enjoy & Comment!

Thief of Hope blurb:

Sydney, a street urchin and pickpocket in the town of LastHope, has managed to evade the oppressive Guild for years, but there is noescaping fate when she's sentenced to death for associating with theresistance.

After she's rescued by a wizard, Sydney is forced to acceptthat magic--long outlawed throughout the Kingdom of Thanumor--still exists, andthe Tuatha, a powerful faery folk, are much more than ancient myth and legend.When the wizard offers a chance to fight the Guild and bring Willem, bastardprince and champion of the Tuatha, to the throne, Sydney embraces the cause asa way to find her own redemption.

But Sydney's fear of the Guild, distrust of authority, andsurprising connection to the Tuatha threaten Willem's success. Can she untanglethe strange threads that entwine her life not only to the fate of the kingdom,but also to Willem himself?

Thief of Hope Excerpt

“Magic.” She could think of no otherexplanation for the strange light. Standing together in awe, they heardwhispers echo once more, louder this time, coming from within the tunnel. Theelusive tones ebbed and flowed, in the pattern of words and phrases. None ofthem made any sense.

“I’ve seen this placebefore.”

“That ain’t possible. Wehaven’t been this way before.”

“I’ve seen this tunnel in adream.” Willem stepped forward and put a hand on the wall, as if to reassurehimself it was real.

“How can you dream of aplace you’ve never seen?”

“Sometimes I dream things,and later they prove to be true. I dreamed about this tunnel, the light, the sounds.”His brow creased. “Vadnae said the gateway to the realm of the Tuatha is withinthe tunnels. Maybe this is it.”

Her legs trembled. Likethe tunnel Bill had led her away from, the certainty they wouldn’t be able toreturn if they entered sent shivers through her. “We should tell Vadnae andbring her back here. I can remember where the tunnel is.”

“We can’t go back. Therewas someone else in my dream.” His blue eyes met her gaze. “Until now, I neverrealized who it was. Now I’m sure; it was you, Sydney. We must go in together.”

She backed away. It wasone thing for Willem to dream of a place he’d never been, but another thingentirely for him to dream about her. Before they’d even met. “That’s daft,Willem. We ain’t-we aren’t wizards. What if the Tuatha are really as dangerousas people say? What if we don’t come back? No point making you king if theytrap you in the faery realm.”

“This is something we’remeant to do. I’m sure of it.”

As he spoke, her neckpouch grew warm. She set the lantern on the ground. With shaking hands, shepulled the leather cord over her head and loosened the drawstring. The marbleglowed, like the stones in the passage ahead of them. She shook it into herpalm.

Willem stepped toward her.“What’s that?”

“Picked it up in Oryn’s tower.”The glowing orb reflected the light from the lantern and the stones.

“Is it magic? Be careful.”

The glow changed from asoft yellow to orange to red—and then to black. Durok’s power assailed her. Hishatred and malice chilled her to the core. Blackness engulfed her.

Two gleaming eyes gazedout of the void. They pierced her soul, probing her innermost thoughts, herfears, her desires. She sought to cry out, but no sound escaped her lips.

“Sydney!”

Willem’s voice grew faint.Unseen hands clawed at her. Blindly, she struck back. Her mind reeled, and sherelived every painful moment in her life, every loss, every hurt, everybetrayal. Unbearable pain. No way to fight back.

“You are strong, Sydney,”a voice murmured. “Don’t let him defeat you.”

The voice reminded her ofEdgar, bringing with it memories, not of Edgar on the scaffold, but of himtucking her into bed when she was a child and telling her he’d keep her safe.“You’re safe now, Sydney. Give me your hand and you’ll be free of him.”

She let him take her hand.His fingers pried open her fist. The darkness lifted.

“Sydney, can you hear me?”

She forced her eyes open.Willem’s stricken face hovered above her. With a steady arm around her, hehelped her sit. Her heart thudded in her chest. She made an effort to stand,but the ground spun beneath her and pain stabbed behind her eyes.

“Easy.” Willem’s armrested on her waist, solid and comforting. “Just sit here for a minute.”

“The marble.…”

He held up her neck pouch.“Safely put away. I took the marble from you without being affected myself.”

Her hand ached. Openingher fist, she gasped. The middle of her palm was red and blistered.

“Let me see.”

“It’s all right.” Sheclutched her hand to her chest.

“Here, let me help.” Hepulled his handkerchief from his pocket. Gently, he took her hand and wrappedthe soft fabric around her palm. “We’ll deal with your wound later, whensomeone can tend to it properly. Vadnae or one of the monks, perhaps. We’relucky you weren’t more seriously hurt.”

“What happened?”

His gaze searched herface. “I was hoping you could tell me.”

He still held her hand.The flickering lantern light softened his expression, and she glimpsedsomething more than compassion.

Then the image of theprobing eyes flashed before her. Shuddering, she shifted away from Willem andgulped a deep breath. “It was Durok. He saw me. We have to get away from here.”She struggled to get to her feet. Willem helped her up, steadying her, hisstrong hands gripping her waist.

“We can’t go back the waywe came.” He inclined his head to the wall blocking the end of the tunnel. “Itclosed up when you touched the marble.”

Sydney stumbled forwardand ran her fingers over the wall. “There’s gotta be a way out.” She startedwhen Willem touched her arm.

“There is a way.” He puthis hands on her shoulders and turned her to face the tunnel with the glowingstones. “We can wait for Durok to destroy us, or we can move forward. Those areour options.”

His mouth set in adetermined line. Vadnae, Gregor, Erik, Bill’s children, and Anaria—so manypeople depended on them to succeed. She made a fist, wincing at the pain. Shewasn’t going to let Durok get the best of her. Willem wasn’t giving up, andneither was she.

She reached up to brushher thumb across his cheek. He drew in an uneven breath, and she smiled shyly.“All right. Let’s go in.”

Author's Biography: Cindy hasalways been an avid reader and became fascinated by mythology and Arthurianlegends at a young age. She quickly decided she enjoyed creating her own worldsand characters and set to work writing her own stories. She won her firstwriting contest at age twelve, a short story inspired by the style of EdgarAllan Poe. Branching her interests from mythology to classic supernatural talesto medieval history and then to fantasy seemed to be a logical progression.

A nativeNew Englander, Cindy currently lives in the Mid-Atlantic region with her familyand each year wishes for more snow.

Website: http://cindyyoungturner.com

Blog: http://cindyyoungturner.com/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cindy-Young-Turner/206268086074718

Q&A Thursday with Pamela Beason

2011-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Q&A Thursday is with Author Pamela Beason!

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’vewritten, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

What?! Everything I write isamazingly good!

Okay, okay, I do have thistendency to write really snarky conversations. In my mind, they pass for wittybanter, but some people don't appreciate my sarcasm and think I'm just plainmean. My critique partners have set me straight on that a few times, and I'velearned that I really need my critique partners to tell me when I'm making mycharacters unsympathetic. Actually, it would probably be a good idea if mycritique partners would follow me around and prevent me from getting intoscrapes in real life, but they seem to want to focus on their own lives.

Why did you start writing and whendid you decide to go professional?

Does this mean I'm now considereda professional writer? Yippee! Seriously, I think I've always written. When Iwas really young, I used to write various scenarios about how I'd kill off mylittle sister. (Stop worrying, she's fine.) Then I wrote an ongoing saga abouta canine secret agent when I was around 13 or so. In college, I always got Asif I could take an essay exam; a multiple-choice test always ended up muchlower because I would start to think about all the ifs, ands, ors, and butsassociated with each choice. As an adult, I made a living from technicalwriting and editing and from private investigation work, in which writingreports that can stand up in court is very important. I spent a lot of timestudying screenwriting. And now I'm finally starting to make a living fromfiction, which is my true love.

Do you write in more than onegenre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write mysteries and romances. Iam most naturally a mystery and adventure writer, so my romances have a lot ofsuspense and action in them, but there's some romance in my mysteries, too. Ilike strong active characters, and I am personally a real nature lover, so mystories have a lot of animals and outdoor activity in them. You'll never find mewriting about shoes or recipes (although I do wear shoes on occasion and I alsolove to eat good food).

Do you read other author’s bookswhen you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

I read about six books a month. Iread in all fiction genres and nonfiction, too. The story and the charactersjust have to be interesting to me. When I get stuck in my work in progress, Iread my favorite authors in the genre I'm writing in—that often jogs my mindback onto the right track.

What is the most difficult part ofthe entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing, etc.

Synopses! I'd rather write anentire novel than a synopsis! That said, writing one really helps the author tofocus on what's important about the book. Often I find in writing a synopsisthat I haven't emphasized my theme enough, and I go back and revise themanuscript to strengthen it.

After the book is written, thehardest part for me is marketing. I'm pretty darn clueless about how to dothat. For example, people have told me that I should have a natural tie-inbetween my novel THE ONLY WITNESS and the current movie about the Planet of theApes, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to take advantage of that.

If you could have the same type ofcareer as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

Tough question—I can't make up mymind. Nevada Barr, because I love her books and we write a lot alike, or JodiPicoult, whose books I always adore and who has the courage to write aboutdifficult subjects. And of course they are both always bestsellers! CJ Box isanother author I'd love to emulate (we both write outdoor mysteries); he's donea fantastic job of writing and creating a wildly successful career for himself.

Author Biography:

Pamela Beason lives in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes novels and screenplays and works as aprivate investigator. When she's not on the job, she explores the natural worldon foot or cross-country skis, in her kayak, and underwater as a scuba diver.

Pam is a recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award.She is currently working on a new mystery series that will debut withENDANGERED from Berkley Prime Crime in December of 2011.

Website: www.pamelabeason.com

Twitter: @PamBeason

Teaser Tuesday with Renee Sherkness

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is from Author Renee Sherkness!

Enjoy & Comment!

From Stories ThatCome Alive Through Yoga: Chapter 1:

We begin and end all ofour yoga practices with the word Namaste. Broadly translated, it means:the heart in me honors the heart in you. What better way to begin this book!

If I had to convey the essence of this work in afew words, they would be: stories to nurture the mind, the body, and thespirit. It provides a way to express to children and their parents,grandparents, teachers, and fitness instructors (or anyone, for that matter,who interacts with children between the ages of four and eleven years old) howto nurture the mind, body, and spirit through yoga. As a tool, it can helpadults connect to children with whom they interact. It can also serve as agreat resource for kids and adults by assisting them with staying healthy whilehaving FUN!

Through the practice ofyoga, this book can help adults similar to myself—who often become bogged downwith the mundane in their everyday existence—enter a child’s world for the purposeof adult and child experiencing a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.The “gift” shared is not only one that is fun and entertaining, but one that iscertain to become a memory you and

yourchild will cherish for a long, long time. Namaste!

From The Day MotherNature Decided To Paint Her House: Chapter 4

……Notwanting to waste any time, Father Time began opening the doors of the rooms tobe painted. Over and over, they heard a loud CRASH! Not realizing that Mother Nature had placed apaint can behind each door, Father Time had knocked over every can of paint inthe house! Paint spilled out everywhere! Trickling down through the floorboardsand over the sky, gobs of paint landed on every treetop on Earth.

MotherNature and Father Time looked down at Earth, dumbfounded! What had theydone! They were afraid to keep looking.But their fear soon turned to excitement…Autumn was created.

From Winston The WhaleAnd The Blanket Of Darkness: Chapter 1:

Winston the whale marveled at the beauty of the sinking sun as itblanketed his ocean home with its shimmering rays. No matter how many times hesaw the sun set on his home he never tired of its sight. The day was ending andhe popped his head above water one last time, completing an enjoyable round of spyhopping for his captive audienceaboard the whale watching cruiser. He joined the other humpback whales that hadgathered, and together they watched as the cruiser left their home, growersmaller and smaller as it headed back to port.

Social media &Web links

Websitefor complete "Nurturing Nature" Collection and programs to extendyour reading experience: http://reneesherkness.web.com/

VisitHome Education Magazine(HEM) andeverythingmom.com for information on Nurturing Nature Collection of books

See Stories ThatCome Alive Through Yoga reviews at:www.yogawithjohn.com and

David Romanelli on www.LivinTheMoment.com

Purchasebooks in print and e book on Amazon.com, Barnes andNoble, Borders.com, and apple I pad. Visit web site for more information: http://reneesherkness.webs.com/

Q&A Thursday with Kinley Baker

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's interview is with Kinley Baker!

Enjoy & Comment!

Why did you startwriting and when did you decide to go professional?

I’m not sure what made me decide being a writer was a goodidea. I just wanted to do it, before I even tried to write a book. My first majorchoice when I was looking at colleges was Creative Writing. After I startedcollege I switched majors, tried a number of different classes, and ultimatelysettled on Creative Writing again. So I have a degree, but I wrote mostlycreative nonfiction because of the classes I was involved in. I didn’t reallyunderstand the fiction professors who spoke of “showing vs. telling” and“voice”. But after college I started reading a lot. That led to frustration atwaiting for books in series to come out. This led me to writing my own seriesso I wouldn’t lay awake at night wondering who was going to be Hawke’s heroine(from Nalini Singh’s Kiss of Snow). There was no moment when I decided I wasgoing to try to get published. It was always just a goal and seemed like anatural progression. With all that said, looking back, I get what they weretrying to teach me in college now. Lol. Just took me a while.

Do you write in morethan one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write paranormal romance, fantasy romance, urban fantasyand my latest novella is a post-apocalyptic/futuristic romance. I guess thatshows I just need a little magic, a little romance, and of course a happyending. I’m having a blast with the futuristic romance, but I think that’smostly because the characters are really fun.

Do you read otherauthor’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre orsomething different?

This constantly changes for me. Right now, I can’t reallyread paranormal or fantasy. Something about the genre isn’t working for me,which is strange because it is by far my favorite genre and I’ve read hundredsof these types of novels. Recently, I’ve been escaping into Harlequin contemporaryromances.

What is the mostdifficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing…etc.

Do I have to pick just one? Lol. I think every part of theprocess has its own challenges. Queries are hard because a lot rides on yourability to write a good one. Pitches in person to Editors are terrifyingbecause I’m shy and have a bad habit of turning bright red when I’m nervous. Editingis tough because it’s a constantly evolving process and there’s always more tolearn. Marketing and getting your name out there is difficult in a crowdedmarket. I could go on, but to sum it up, writing isn’t easy. For me, lovingromance makes it worth the difficulties.

Author Biography:

Kinley Baker read her first romance novel at the age ofthirteen and immediately fell in love with the hero and the genre. She liveswith her husband and her dog, Joker, in the Pacific Northwest. As a firm supporter of all supernatural lifestyles, shewrites fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy. You can findKinley at www.kinleybaker.com.

BOOK BLURB

Jessa is one healing away from death. Under the thrall of hergift, the Court's Senior Healer risks giving her life in exchange for herpatient's.

Vale is a rebel ruler. When his brother is killed,he's given the throne and the decree from the Court to produce an heir or losehis family's hold on the land--and his deceiving advisors aren't afraid to usemurder as a weapon if their directive to stay away from the Senior Healer goesunheeded.

But Vale burns to possess Jessa. The heat betweenthem leaves a wake of smoke, and even the powerful forces above want to bindthem in a union that lasts forever. Vale taking another would be a betrayalneither could survive.

Their enemies fear a child born of such a powerfulHealer and Warrior, but the true threat lies in the bond forged in shadows andfused in fire.

SOCIAL MEDIA &WEB LINKS:

www.kinleybaker.com

www.twitter.com/kinleybaker

www.facebook.com/kinleybaker

http://authorkinleybaker.blogspot.com

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11925534-ruined

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kinley-Baker/196649877015210

New Review!

2011-09-28T11:55:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to share my latest review with everyone! http://beeskneesreviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/wild-wicked-review.html

If you've read any of my novellas, you can post a review on Goodreads too! http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/712429.Jenn_Nixon

Teaser Tuesday with Lynn Rush

2011-09-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is from Lynn Rush's Ruined from Crescent Moon Press!

Enjoy & Comment!

Book Blurb:

Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.

The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractedly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.

Excerpt

"One more dance?" Shefocused on me, her lips puckered out. "That song was half-way through, soit doesn't count."

"I should g-"

"Just one."

She gathered me to her,flattening her breasts against my chest. So close she had to put one of herfeet between mine so we could move. Her warmth seeped through her thin shirtinto mine. Hunger for her forced the air from my lungs. The demon demanded tobe let out.

"So, do you have aname?" Her minty breath washed over me, and I put my hands on her hips.

"What is yours?" Iasked.

"Rebeka, but everyone callsme Beka."

"You frequent thisestablishment?"

Her inner thigh skimmed my leg asshe leaned into me more. My hold on her hips tightened, keeping her core frommine. The prickle of my demon sliced at my heart, urging me to pull her close.My heart pounded and body tightened. I couldn't handle much more touchingbefore I lost control.

"Yes. I'm here often."She held my gaze. "Tell me your name."

"I am David."

We swayed in silence, her bodydangerously close to mine, yet I absorbed every touch. I played with fireremaining in her embrace, but for unknown reasons, I dove in further.

"Where are you from,Beka?"

"Here. I was raised here.You?"

"Nowhere special. Passingthrough town."

Her gaze inched down. "Justpassing through? How long will you be here?"

"Not sure yet."

Her teeth sank into her lipagain.

I stiffened. That gesture withher mouth was too much. "I should be going now."

"Will you be back?" Sheloosened her grip.

Frigid air seeped between us, andI wanted to pull her close again. She felt like heaven against me. "Imight be."

"Hope so." She winked.

My gaze swept over her body,taking in the soft, delicate skin held captive by her tank top. With eachbreath her chest swelled. We hadn't danced quickly, but she was winded.

A thin, black line of ink peekedout from behind her earlobe. The beginnings of a tattoo. Possibly marking heridentity. Guardians bore a tattoo distinguishing them from humans. I drew in abreath, strengthening my resolve to remain in control, and cupped her cheek.She gasped and leaned into my hand like I'd hoped.

The fury of blazing heatstreaming from her face in my grasp threatened to distract me. My pulsehammered. But I had to see the mark. A thin line followed the curve of her lobeand disappeared into the shadow behind her ear.

Her teeth grated her lip. Must bea nervous habit. But the action chipped at my resolve each time.

One quick taste.

I brought my other hand to herface, the side with the mark, and curled my fingers around her neck, moving mythumb behind her ear. Her hands cuffed my wrists, but not to push me away.Instead her stare bore into mine like a freight train. The flashing lights ofthe club bounced a coral, teal, and violet rainbow over her shimmering skin.

The people surrounding us blurredinto oblivion, and the music faded into a storm of muffled pitches and tones.

I concentrated on her shininglips and took in the warmth of her body so close to mine. I wanted only thesense of touch to be awake while I reveled in the silky texture of her skin.For so long I'd touched nothing. If I was going to break my rules, I wouldenjoy it.

Her hands glided from my wristsdown my forearms and up my biceps, sending a ripple of desire through my soul.I could resist no longer. I brushed my lips against hers and tasted melon. Sheheaved a sharp breath and clamped her fingers around my shoulders, holding mein place.

Scents of lilac permeated me. Myheart hammered, and my demon pounded, wanting out.

Wanting her.

I turned my head, severing ourconnection. Too intense. Must stay in control. She let out a whimper. I pressedmy mouth to her cheek and tilted her head.

I almost wished I hadn't.

She bore the mark of a Guardian,immortal protectors of the humans.

I drank Bekain for three long breaths, knowing it may be my last chance to hold her close.Because if Beka truly was guarding Jessica Hanks I would more than likely haveto kill her to get my Mark.

Short Bio:

Lynn Rush beganher writing career in 2008. She has both an undergraduate and graduate degreein the mental health field and has enjoyed applying that unique knowledge todevelop unique characters.

A former inlinespeed skater and mountain biker, Lynn has been known to test the limits of herathletic endurance. So, when she's not writing, she spends time enjoying theArizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband offifteen years and going on jogs with her loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Catch theRush: www.lynnrush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa

Amazon: http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

All Romance Ebooks: http://bit.ly/nujjjp

You Tube Trailer: http://youtu.be/k-KRE1yMiNk

Interview with Gabrielle Bisset

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Q&A Thursday is with Author Gabrielle Bisset.

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn orknow it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

I wrote some poems years ago, and I just knew they werebad. Some people have a knack forpoetry, and some don’t. Let’s just sayI’m one of the don’t people. However, it made me realize that while I wasn’tsuited for poetry, I did have creative ideas that were looking for anoutlet. From there, I began writinglonger pieces, which are definitely more my style.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to goprofessional?

I don’t know if I can remember exactly when I beganwriting. It seems like it’s always beena part of me. I wrote a lot as a girl,but then because of school and work, I left it behind for years. I picked it back up a few years ago, slowlyat first, and then it became very much who I am. It was after I wrote my novel, StolenDestiny, that I decided I wanted to go professional, and the rest is history.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which doyou like the best?

I write in paranormal romance and historical romance, oftenblending the two. Because I’m a historyprof, the historical side is always there, in some fashion. Sometimes it’s in the form of memories andflashbacks, such as in my new novel, Destiny Redeemed, and other times it’s thefocal point, as in my novella Masquerade. I love both paranormal and historical romance equally, but I do have tosay writing paranormal romance allows me to create all sorts of fantasticcreatures and people, which is fun.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so,do you read the same genre or something different?

I have to read for work, so I spend my time with a lot ofnon-fiction. However, when I’m readingfor pleasure, I often turn to paranormal or historical romance. However, I’ve recently been dabbling in contemporaryromance with a BDSM leaning, so that’s been interesting. That may become agenre I explore as an author someday.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writingprocess for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

This may sound bizarre, but the most difficult part of theentire writing process is the typing. Ihand write everything first—even 300+ page novels—so the entire book iscomplete when I finish and even basically edited because I edit along as Iwrite, but it’s nowhere close to being finished since then I have to typeit. I hate typing. Weird for a writer to say that, I know, but Ido. When friends ask me what I’d do if Ibecame a rich and famous author, I always answer the same thing: “Hire someoneto type my work!” Everything else, fromoutlining to drafting to editing, is a chance to explore something about mywriting, but typing is just a chore, and an odious one at that.

If you could have the same type of career as any authorcurrently publishing who would it be and why?

I think my knee-jerk answer is J.R. Ward. She’s loved by paranormal romance readers andincredibly successful. As far as a careergoes, that sounds great to me.

Author Bio

By day, Gabrielle Bisset is a college history prof, but bynights and weekends, she’s an erotic romance author. Her first novel, Stolen Destiny, waspublished by Siren Publishing in June, 2011, and since then, Gabrielle hasreleased a trio of novellas set in Victorian England: Vampire Dreams, Love’s Master, andMasquerade. Together they make up theVictorian Erotic Romance Trilogy. InOctober, she’ll release the second Destiny Ones novel, Destiny Redeemed. She lives in Pennsylvania with her son and fivecats. What can she say? She can’t say no to a stray.

Book blurb

Masquerade

Annelisa Fielding has had the blessings of wealth her entire life, thanks toher industrialist father. However, there is one thing even he can't giveher: a title. So he arranges a marriage between his daughter and the Earlof Swindon, Thornton Sutcliffe. As long as his future bride is a virgin,the Earl will tolerate the marrying down because in return for taking Annelisaas his wife, her father will pay off his debts. Everyone wins, as far asthe men are concerned, but Annelisa wants more out of marriage than a title andis willing to wait.

But she won't be able to wait if she doesn't find some way out of themarriage and fast because the deal is in one month she'll become Lady AnnelisaSutcliffe. The solution to her problem? Count Nikolai Shetkolov, adiplomat in the service of the Tsar and stationed in England. An honorable man, he's theperfect person to help a young lady lose the one thing her odious futurehusband prizes most. But Annelisa must watch out or she may get more than shebargained for with Nikolai.

Link to Masquerade excerpt: http://gbisset.blogspot.com/p/masquerade.html

Social media & Web links

Blog: http://gbisset.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.gabriellebisset.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002481284652&sk=info

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/gabriellebisset

Wacky Wednesday

2011-09-14T13:33:00.002-04:00

Most of my summer TV shows are winding down.

That means NEW FALL SHOWS START SOON!

Sorry, didn't mean to yell.

People tell me I watch too much TV. Well, I say, it's research. Seriously. Earlier this year I was writing Chance of a Storm and found myself stuck. I knew what I wanted to do, but I just didn't have the right feeling for the scene. After a few days of staring at the screen, I put it aside and decided to watch some TV. There was a new episode of Chase on (now canceled) but it was as decent show, so I watched. One episode had this awesome scene in it where one of the MC's was looking for another MC who'd been kidnapped. A powerful moment happened in the show and I knew right then that was the emotion I was searching for. Of course I tweaked it a bit to fit my story, but it worked. TV helped me write.

Has a TV show or Movie helped you write a scene?

Fun Friday, Girl Crush-Jeri Ryan

2011-09-02T11:20:00.000-04:00

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far...oh, sorry, wrong franchise...

Many of you know Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine from Star Trek Voyager. Lots of fans agree, she saved the show.

I, as many of you know, have a sick fascination with Time Travel, so some may be surprised to know I first saw her in Time Trax, a show from the mid 90's about a man who goes back in time to catch criminals. I happened to love the show but it didn't last long. Imagine my surprise when she showed up as a Borg on one of my other favorite shows in 2001!

I recently went back (Thank you Netflix!) and watched all the Seven related episodes again. Aside from being super hot, Seven was a character I instantly loved. I felt sorry for what the Borg put her through, wondered if she could actually become Human again, and enjoyed the early interactions between her and the crew. I thought her relationship with Janeway was awesome, they filled a familial void in each other, and when they butted heads, man was it good. When Seven and the Doctor (not Who--though that would be an awesome crossover!) became friends, it gave us some of the best and funniest moments of the show.

It's taken a while, but the strong, kick ass girl character is everywhere these days, and Jeri Ryan has played a few of them since Voyager. (And I thought it was hilarious seeing Jeri Ryan in Warehouse 13 followed by Kate Mulgrew a couple weeks later!) Anyway, Seven was a strong, tough, female character, who had an amazing journey and story arch. Something, as a writer, I truly appreciate.

When I decided to create another character for my Online Star Trek group, I took two of my favorite characters at the time, Seven and Data from TNG, and used them as a template for Tiva Boon. Tiva doesn't look like either of them but aspects of their character's personalities can be seen if one pays careful attention. The Tiva character eventually took on a life of her own, threatened to keep me awake for the rest of my life if I didn't write her story, which I did, turning her story into a three-part 400K epic. Talk about a tough character, huh?

Well, Tiva is still one of my favorite characters, even if I can't get her story published, and it goes to show you that inspiration can be anywhere!

Have you ever used an established character as inspiration?

Who is your favorite fictional character on TV right now?

HURRICANE CONTEST!

2011-08-26T10:32:00.001-04:00

We're getting a big storm this weekend on the East Coast, what better way to celebrate than with a contest?

So, charge up your phones and ebook readers today this way you have it ready if the power goes out.

After you've done that. Comment here, say hi, and I'll enter you to win BOTH my novellas from Tease Publishing: Wild & Wicked and Chance of a Storm.

That's it. Simple and easy!

I will pick a winner after 12PM EST Saturday 8/27!

Good luck!

(and P.S. I'm working on #3)

Q&A Thursday - Interview with Sherri A. Dub

2011-08-25T08:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks for joining us Sherri!

Comment with your name and email and Sherri will pick one winner to receive her e-book Witch Ball

Enjoy!

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I started writing as a young girl, in journals and school poetry contests.

I always loved going to the library and finding new authors and types of stories.

When I was 20 years old I won the Golden Poet award in California, and was hooked. I knew this was what I wanted to do. However, because I also love Archaeology, I followed that career path in college.

My first type writer was a Smith Corona word processor. Today, I use an HP computer and the software, WriteWayPro.

Turning 42, I was nearly finished with my second novel, and had been submitting to agents and publishers whom were interested but not picking me, when I had to step back and look at what I wanted out of my writing life. I wanted to get out of the slush pile and into the hands of readers.

This year, I decided to self-publish with the encouragement of my husband and several writing groups. On April 21^st, 2011 my wedding anniversary, I published Goddess Cottage a paranormal romance, on all E-book formats. I chose Bookbaby.com to use for my publication needs, and I have never looked back. I love their cover artists, too.

Recently, on July 23^rd, 2011 I published my second paranormal romance The Witch Ball.

I don’t expect to get rich, but I wanted to get out there and begin my career. My third book will be out on October 31^st of this year. You can view my website for details: http://www.sheropatra.com

Next, I’ll shop around for an agent.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing…etc.

I love writing. I find it soothing, exciting and an essential part of my life. I don’t mind pitching, as I fully stand behind my writing. And, I love working on queries, because it helps me to have a clearer vision of my work.

That being said, I know I have to find an agent, editors and publishers to advance my career in a positive direction. But, the part I find most annoying isn’t any of those chores.

To me, contests are very difficult. While bragging rights would be ideal, some contests aren’t accomplishing what they should, and they are very costly to invest in.

For instance, when I entered my first paranormal romance (Goddess Cottage) into RWA’s Golden Heart contest (twice), the most frustrating part of the process was the fact that my work was being judged by such a scattered array of judges that I’d truly have to have luck on my side for great scores.

What I mean is, I’ve entered and due to the process of 6 separate judges scoring 1-9, I’ve received completely different scores. I’ve received 4 high numbers and two terrible numbers that won’t allow me to advance. The odds are worse than Vegas numbers, that you’ll actually get a group that can assess your manuscript in an equal light. Therefore, those two bad numbers or judges, who may have zero writing credentials and are just a volunteers, are going to ruin your chances of winning.

I know there are many contests out there, but I’m an RWA member and it was always my dream to win a Golden Heart. However, I’ve come to realize that until it is judged by all published authors, agents or publishers, I really didn’t stand a chance at having a solid representation of fair scores.

So, for me, contests are the worst part of a writing career. I’d love the recognition, but is the pricey process really worth it? I don’t think so.

If you could have the same type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

Barbara Michaels aka Elizabeth Peters is the woman whose career I’d love to parallel. First, she’s not just an awesome writer with fantastic novels of mystery, romance and adventure. She’s also an Egyptologist.

She interacts with her fans, too, doing many promotional tours that coincide with her love for Egyptology and her own Amelia Peabody series about a female Indiana Jones type adventurer, in Egypt.

I love that kind of commitment to her work, fan base and her own passions.

She’s very admirable to me, and her published works are always a delight that I read and re-read when I need a strong go-to book to occupy my mind.

Visit Sherri online: http://www.sheropatra.com/

Teaser Tuesday! Featuring Betty Carlton

2011-08-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is with Betty Carlton!

Enjoy!

Betty Carlton is a relatively new writer. Haling from the southern USA. Betty lives with her husband and their faithfully stubborn beagle. She has written three novels at Sizzler Editions, Mine Alone, The Kincaid Way and His Fifteenth Victim. Also on Amazon she has a couple of self-published works. She writes what she calls "a different type of romance story, which has been referred to as dark and irresistible, but always a Happy Ending." To repay the all the help and advice she received from other writers along the way Betty has started a blog called http://bettyandfriends-wip.blogspot.com/ where she showcases other authors and the new pieces they are working on.

Blurb:

His Fifteenth Victim: a story about Understanding.

Brad eliminated evil people. His fifteenth victim lined up in his scope’s cross hairs. The pieces did not fit and he needed to understand why.

Sandra would become his living victim instead, until all questions were answered. To save her life she needed to learn to trust him a hundred and ten percent. The easy way or the hard way he would see that she understood.

His Fifteenth Victim: a story about Forgiveness.

An accident results in a serious change of directions for them both. With new eyes, Brad discovers things making him question his own decisions about Sandra and himself. Is the one executing just or more evil than his targets? Who does the forgiving?

His Fifteenth Victim: a story about Love.

The excerpt:

Brad has already been paid and maneuvered Sandra's roommate to be out of town for a few days, so no one would be missing her right a way. He has picked the spot. Hiding in the weeds he waits:

For most people today was a perfect May day. Sunny and warm a get outside and enjoy the weather day. He picked the spot. It would happen at the intersection of Stillmore Road and Valley Lane.

She would need to stop at the stop sign there before turning onto Valley Lane. It was Tuesday and today was her night to get off early. He could expect her between five and five-thirty.

Just in case, she was early, he already was kneeling in the bushes and watching the road. When two vehicles came and neither not bothered to stop, he wished for a moment he was a police officer and could dispense tickets.

The quietness agreed with him. When no more vehicles came the birds began to chirp to each other again. Ten minutes later not having moved a muscle, he heard a car as it sped up the road toward the stop sign. It gave no indication it intended to stop either. The squealing brakes surprised him. He thought maybe the driver did not know the road and the stop sign surprised him.

The cry of pain from an animal made him stand up. The fool driver had hit a dog and sped away.

What kind of low-life hurts an animal and not stop to help it.

There in the middle of the road a golden-haired dog lay dying. The poor dog's body jerked a few times and flipped over dead. Before he could do anything another car came up the road. He ducked. It was her's.

He placed the rifle and aimed. The sound of brakes squealing again filled the air as she slammed her brakes on. He heard the thump as she rolled over the dog's body.

Through the rifle's scope he watched her stop the car and get out. She walked back to the dog in the middle of the road. She went over and touched him. Brad could hear her start to cry.

“Oh, doggy I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hit you.”

She apparently thought she was the one that killed the dog. And she began sobbing. She picked the dog up and stroked its head. She begged the dog's forgiveness. Struggling to stand with her burden she walked to her car's passenger door. The burden of the dog dead weight caused her to struggle, but finally she opened it. She placed the dog on the seat. When she stood back up: she was his.

The cross line of the scope was dead center. He had his shot. She sniffled. She still was crying. His finger cautiously let go of the trigger and he lowered the weapon. Something did not feel right. Moments later he watched her blue car turned right and moved down Stillmore Road out of sight.

He needed a new plan.

****

She never saw him. He followed her all day from the moment she left the apartment. While she drove to work, through her break, through lunch at the small diner on the corner, and through the trip home with the stop at the grocery stop where she purchased a rotisserie chicken for dinner, milk, and two rolls of toilet paper.

“No, no, no. Come on you stupid car.” She slammed her fist against the steering wheel as the vehicle slowed to a stop. She closed her eyes to block out the sea of red anger she felt as she continued to beat at the wheel.

Finally reason and balance returned. She was laughing at herself. Every one does it and it usually doesn't do a thing. But, she did it anyway. Getting out she moved to the front of the car and raised the hood.

“Yep, the motor's still there.” That statement was the total of her mechanical expertise. She knew an engine when she saw one.

“Can I...”

She screamed and turned. Then she burst out laughing.

“I'm sorry, you startled me. I didn't hear you come up.” With heart still racing she eyed him up and down hoping he was friendly.

Teaser Tuesday! Featuring Dawne Prochilo

2011-08-02T09:00:00.002-04:00

Today's Teaser is from Dawne Prochilo!

Dawne Prochilo is a multi selling erotic and contemporary romance author of six novels, two more being released later this year, a freelance online writer and blog queen. She oversees eight blogs daily, is the administrator of seven facebook pages and groups and loves promoting other authors.

When We Meet Again can be found at Secret Cravings Publishing.

http://www.secretcravingspublishing.com/DawneProchilo.html

http://secretcravingspublishing.mybigcommerce.com/products/When-We-Meet-Again.html

Book Blurb:
How many of us wish we could turn back the clock? Go back to one specific time that would change our lives forever and it would be exactly how we wanted it.

Brynn Saunders has wished that for over two decades and while she can't change her life, a strange twist of fate is giving her a second chance at her one true love.

Teaser:

When We Meet Again

Dawne Prochilo

When he got in the truck he asked, “So, where to?”

“Hmmm,” she thought, nibbling on her lower lip. “Not much to do around here.”

He started the truck, “Well, we’ll find something.”

As he pulled out of the parking lot, Brynn remembered a park on the other side of the town and directed Ethan where to go. It was dark and the park was empty, so they parked near the entrance.

He removed his seatbelt. She followed suit and readjusted herself to be more comfortable. She turned to face him and sat with her legs bent beneath her.

She could still make out the contour of his face even though it was dark. Even though she could barely see his eyes, she knew they were gazing at her. She shifted a little and Ethan leaned in and kissed her. He placed his hand under her cheek and his fingers entwined with her hair at the nape of her neck. He pulled her closer to him and into the heated moment.

His mouth was so sensual she could’ve stayed here forever. When his tongue slipped into her mouth, she inhaled with exhilaration. She met each of his tongue strokes with a feverish desire of her own tongue.

She leaned over the center console of the front seat and wrapped her arms around his neck. The kisses were becoming so deep and intense that before Brynn knew it, she was sitting on his lap in the front seat. She needed to be closer. His arms wrapped around her waist and she was running her fingers through his hair.

“You can’t be very comfortable,” he said when their lips finally parted.

“I’m fine,” she said breathlessly and swallowed.

“Are you sure?” he asked, trying to reposition to give her more room. He put his arm under her bent knees that were dangling over the console into the passenger seat. He tried to pull her body more onto his lap.

“I’m fine, really,” she said, smiling in the darkness.“What are we doing?” he asked her. “Are we going to stay here, park and make out all night?”

Just then a vehicle coming up the street shined its lights on them. She squinted at the bright intrusion.

“Not exactly a lot of privacy here,” he said holding his free hand up to shield the car’s lights from her vision.

“So I’ve noticed,” she smiled. “Well, I guess it depends on how much privacy we need.”

She kept running her fingers through his hair and he laid his head back on the headrest. He shut his eyes enjoying the tranquil moment and arousing caress.

“Oh, babe, that feels so good,” he moaned and began lovingly stroking his hands over her waist. His hand was under her cotton shirt, touching her flesh. It felt so warm and smooth; Ethan thought he’d lose himself in her softness.

“I’ve been thinking about this night and moment forever,” she admitted and stopped touching his hair. “It’s almost surreal.”

He raised his head and looked at her. She appeared so innocent, with a hint of alluring charm. Her presence captivated him.

For a moment, Ethan was twenty-four years younger and they were up on Hannaford Hill. Her soft body and sexuality hadn’t changed, it became more enhanced, and he felt his own enhancement growing in his jeans. He shifted again.

Q&A Thursday - Interview with Tonya Kinzer!

2011-07-28T09:00:00.018-04:00

Today's interview is with Tonya Kinzer!

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

Tonya: It was my first book I’d written and we all learn from our first book. I belonged to a critique group and they taught me so much! They were a group of writers willing to help newbies; that is why I love helping other authors look over their work to see where to improve. My work is far from perfect, but I’ve come a long way from where I started. The main thing I learned was not to head hop between your characters which made so much sense once I learned what that meant. I had to rewrite that entire book, but it came out better. I also learned to use the five senses as I write so that my readers can relate better to the story and characters. My website has a page of articles for new authors. I hope they’re able to take away at least one item to use in their own editing to make their stories better.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

Tonya: I started writing several years ago, many in fact. I decided only last year to publish my erotic writing…mainly because self publishing is easy for me. That’s not to say I would never submit to a publishing house because someday I may do that with one of my books. I’ve had a few editors ask but so far, I’ve not sent in anything to anyone.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

Tonya: Yes, I write in more than one genre. I keep them separate and secret…is that bad? LOL The other is still in the romance genre but I don’t think those readers would appreciate my erotic writing nor would my children. So…my readers will just have to enjoy my ‘Tonya’ personality. Who knows, you may already be reading my alter-ego! Hubby always tells our friends he never knows who he’s going to bed with…his wife or one of her writer personalities! But he loves us all!

Tonya Kinzer writes erotic romance for readers who love to become a silent character within the story! You will be pulled into scenes to partake of the activities, to feel what her characters feel and taste what they taste...strong sexual desires! Be prepared to enter a world you'll not want to leave and can't wait to get back to. Their future holds new submissives and demanding Doms.

Her series, The Boss's Pet, will take you on a journey alongside Nick and Sondra as they venture into a lifestyle that pulls them deeper into a world of sensuality and submission. You'll not want to miss any of the books in this series so stay locked on her website to know when the next books get released.

Read an Excerpt: http://www.freado.com/users/26001/tonya-kinzer

Buy Links

B & N: http://tinyurl.com/6cgprjf

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/3fetwfq

All Romance & OmniLit: http://www.omnilit.com/category237.html

SmashWords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tonyakinzer

Site Links

Blog Site: http://tonyakinzer.blogspot.com

Website: http://tonyakinzer.com

FB Fan Page: http://tinyurl.com/4sh37tk

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_163160073732655&ap=1

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/tonyakinzer

BookBuzzr: http://www.freado.com/users/26001/tonya-kinzer

IAN: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/tonya-kinzer.html

Author’s Den: http://www.authorsden.com/tonyakinzer

Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/TonyaKinzer/

Book Trailer

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HykMSl9FYvY

Teaser Tuesday! Featuring Leigh Ellwood

2011-07-25T09:00:00.002-04:00

Today's Teaser Tuesday is with Leigh Ellwood!

Enjoy!

Sheer Bliss - Leigh Ellwood

Shapeshifter Erotic Romance

DLP Books, $2.99

Living in Bliss, New Jersey has it perks, unless you're a shifter looking for love or a human looking for peace and quiet. Not only does Calla Savitch, owner of Shear Bliss salon, have to deal with warring panthers and werewolves with overlapping appointments, she's fed up with their constant matchmaking attempts. The last thing she wants especially is a hook-up with the one shifter who broke her heart years ago.

Handsome were-panther Caleb Houlihan still nurses the guilt of Calla's heartbreak, but when presented with a second chance to woo her he is reluctant. Calla may forgive his youthful indiscretions, but when she discovers his aunt's true motive for wanting them together, will she send him packing?

On this stretch of the Jersey Shore, it's a different "situation"!

Leigh Ellwood is an award-winning author of erotica and erotic romance fiction. Following the release of her first novel, Truth or Dare, in 2004, Leigh has since written several novels, novella, and short stories. She is an EPIC Award winner and has been nominated for many reviewers awards for her works.

Leigh welcomes reader mail at kspatwriter (at) yahoo (dot) com.

http://www.leighellwood.com

http://leighwantsfood.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/LeighEllwood

http://www.facebook.com/LeighEllwoodAuthor

http://www.arecafe.com/members/leigh.ellwood

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sheerbliss-578015-140.html

Excerpt (c) Leigh Ellwood

Still in cat form, Caleb took to the sand with graceful stealth, staying to the shadows behind the light posts lining the edge where the sands met the residential area. Closer to Calla’s beachside home, he caught a familiar scent in the air—shifter, yet unmistakably female—and followed it directly to the brick wall that separated Calla’s property from the public walkway to the sea.

Interesting, Caleb mused to himself, and wondered if Calla herself had the ability to give off such a scent considering her alleged genetic makeup. He hadn’t intended to come here—he’d originally started in this direction to track down Trisha and her friends at The Wall, a favorite night club situated on the shore. If necessary he could shift partially—covering all the essential parts—and order the girl home if she appeared to be having too good of a time to threaten her betrothal to Malcolm Weaver.

And if I keep telling myself that, I can justify spying on Calla Savitch as a happy accident, he thought as the entranceway to her backyard came into view. On light paws, Caleb bent low and crept closer to the wall, picking up bits of conversation drifting from her porch. He stilled and kept out of view, tuning out the roar of the ocean behind him.

“So, how goes the search?” asked a woman sounding way too sultry to be Calla.

A barking laugh broke the short moment of silence that followed. “It’s not so much a search as it is a complete lack of interest.”

“Cute, Calla.”

Breathless silence followed. Though curiosity burned through Caleb’s senses, he didn’t dare raise his head even a centimeter over the top of the wall. He inhaled the crisp, heady scent of she-wolf and knew immediately the other voice belonged to a Winston—most likely the uninhibited Maya. He knew the two women were close, but the direction of their conversation—coupled with the amorous heat given off by the shifter—implied to Caleb a more unconventional relationship than friends might have suspected.

He closed his eyes to better detect their movements. He heard hands smoothing over skin, quiet sighs of pleasures, and finally a juicy, smacking liplock. Sweet Calla, I hardly knew ye. With Maya, of course, he expected a fondness for both genders—the she-wolf was a self-proclaimed trisexual.

Try anything sexual.

Caleb grinned to himself, remembering her drunken proclamation at a past Indian Summer Ball. He then wondered if the breakdown of his fling with Calla all those years ago precipitated this broadening of his old flame’s sexual horizons.

Sighs turned to steady moaning now, and by damn if Caleb didn’t begin to harden in panther form. That’s it, he decided, and shifted to human form. Given the vibes thrumming from the back porch, Caleb doubted either woman would spot him peeking.

Still crouched low in the sand, he bent his fingers over the brick and lifted his head to skim the yard area. In the glow of porch light, Calla and Maya stood locked in a tight embrace. Calla, willowy and pale in her nightshirt, rested one hand on Maya’s bare bottom, kneading the ample flesh while her other hand cupped a breast. Maya’s hand had to work as well, though with their position Caleb couldn’t readily see where the she-wolf touched her…friend. Wherever Maya devoted that attention, though, Calla appeared to enjoy it. Caleb’s keen eyesight picked up on the rapid flittering of the woman’s eyelids, her face twisting with ecstasy as she moved with Maya to deepen and prolong their kiss.

It seemed to go on forever, and Maya finally broke free and moved to Calla’s side, pressing her breasts against the other woman’s shoulder. Here Caleb made out Calla’s inviting shape underneath the skimpy shift—rock hard nipples denting the fabric, which dipped at the delta between her quivering thighs. Unconsciously he grasped the base of his cock, and his fingers curled around his sac, tugging and massaging to full arousal.

Maya lifted the hem of Calla’s short gown high enough to reach the waistband of her floral-patterned panties. She slipped her hand underneath the slim triangle—Caleb watched fingers flex and bend as Maya presumably worked Calla’s pussy and clit to a near-liquid state.

“Let’s go inside,” he heard the she-wolf buzz in Calla’s ear. “We can do so much more, comfortably.”

No sooner were the words said, though, when Calla’s heavy-lidded expression slowly sobered. She seemed to awake from a dream and turned to Maya as though seeing her for the first time. Her hand fell limp from Maya’s backside and she gently extracted the she-wolf from her private parts.

“You are definitely tempting me tonight,” Calla said, appearing to ignore Maya’s look of confused disappointment, “but I’m sorry. I’m just not feeling it right it.”

“I didn’t get that impression a second ago,” Maya said accusingly.

Calla, however, just smiled and offered a chaste kiss to Maya’s nose. “Come by the salon for a freebie. I’ll make it up to you.” Without another word, she backed into her house and slid the glass patio door shut.

“Calla?” Maya called after her, but her plea met with the quiet swish of a curtain blocking her—and Caleb’s—view of Calla’s kitchen. The she-wolf growled and turned sharply away, storming down the path toward the ocean. “I doubt it’s the kind of ‘freebie’ I’d want,” she grumbled.

Still in human form, Caleb pressed his back to the wall and hoped the aborted seduction preoccupied Maya enough not to detect his scent. At it was, he expected her to shift back to wolf form once she hit the beach, and dash into the dark.

Instead, Maya fulfilled half his prediction. Not seconds after shifting, those white socks trotted over the sand to where he hid. Caleb glared uneasily into bright blue eyes and the best approximation of a canine grin.

Hello, Caleb.

Friday Fun - Learning from the BBC

2011-07-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

I've long had a fascination with the UK. I love the literature, architecture, the culture, the landscape, but mainly, my love for the UK started with castles. Who doesn't love castles? (Yes, I took that picture of Warwick Castle!)

Us Americans don't see castles on a day to day basis, and it really is a shame because I love looking at them.

Anyway, as a kid I watched a few BBC shows like Blackadder, Are You Being Served, Ab-Fab, etc. More recently I've gotten into Doctor Who, Being Human, Law & Order UK, and Torchwood.

Watching these shows is a completely different experience than watching American TV.

Here in American we LOVE our characters. We make websites and Facebook Pages, we write Fan-Fiction, create Fan-Art and so on. Of course people around the world do it too, but it seems Americans are very character oriented.

Then I started noticing how BBC shows get rid of their characters WAY more than frequently than we do on American shows...well, except for the L&O's and LOST.

Imagine my surprise after the 9th Doctor was gone after one season, or how they kept revolving his companions just when I was starting to like them, or when they killed off just about every main character in Torchwood one by one or how they got rid of a couple central characters in Being Human. Man, talk about a new way of viewing TV.

I read an article that sort of explains why this happens on the BBC shows and mainly it's about money. It's harder for them to keep actors for long periods of time because of budgets. Okay, I totally understand that, but it doesn't make it easier when you fall in love with a character and they're gone after 6 or 7 episodes. Grr!

Yet the more I continued to watch, the more I realized that they are mimicking real life more so than we do over here. Yes, it's true many people stay in the same job or neighborhood for years, however, we all know that people always come and go from our lives all the time and there's little we can do to control it. The BBC shows certainly make you feel that way and rarely do they sugar coat it.

So now, any time a main or semi-main character gets the ax on a TV show, I consider them BBC'd.

Do you have any favorite characters on TV that have been BBC'd before their time? Tell me!

Answering my own interview questions!

2011-07-21T12:01:00.000-04:00

I figure it's only fair that I answer the same questions that I ask my guest when they stop by...so here we go!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

The worst thing I've written was probably something back in High School, but my first "novel" fits into that category too. I learned that my descriptions were TOO long, I learned my dialogue was decent, I learned that I actually knew how to plot, but also realized that I told a lot of the story instead of showing it. The main thing I learned, however, was that I loved writing. So, I never stopped.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I started writing in elementary school, poems and short stories mainly. Right now, I consider myself still trying to get to a professional level. Yes, I've gotten paid for writing, but I have my own "professional" goal I'm trying to achieve!

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write in many, many genres. Suspense, Thriller, Science Fiction, Mystery, Romance, YA, and sometimes a combination of those. My favorites to write are the Suspense/Thrillers and Sci-Fi. You can get away with almost anything as long as the reader believes it!

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

I used to read when I was writing, but I realized that the book had a slight influence on what I was writing at the time so I stopped doing that. If I do read something, it has to be a completely different genre then I'm writing.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

Queries and the dreaded synopsis used to be my crutches, but I've learned how to manage them these days. Now, I'd say the editing is the tough part, especially since I'm more versed in the rules of writing. I still hate doing a synopsis, but at least now I know how to do them right!

If you could have the same type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

I have a few authors whom I admire and would love to have a sliver of the career they've had. Mary Higgins Clark was my first author crush. I've since moved on to other writers, (for various reasons) but her career is still going strong and her reader base is enormous! On the flip side, I'd be happy simply paying all my bills with my royalties from writing...even if that means I never get on a best sellers list!

Current releases:

Time Healers - YA

Wild & Wicked - Romantic Suspense

Chance of a Storm - Romantic Suspense

RELEASE DAY!!

2011-07-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

Yep, today is the day! Chance of a Storm is out on E-Book!!

http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-chanceofastorm-574220-149.html

It's very exciting to hear from people who read your book, especially when they say they can't wait for the sequel!! I don't exactly feel like JK Rowling today, but she's an inspiration to many authors me included!

Here's to hoping one day something I write makes it to the big screen! Hey! We're allowed to dream, aren't we?

So, nice and easy. Comment here to win a free copy of Chance of a Storm! If you don't have an account to post email CONTEST to jennafern @ gmail.com and you'll be entered too!

Thanks for all your support and I hope you enjoy the novella!

TOMORROW IS...

2011-07-14T18:03:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is the release day for Chance of a Storm! Woot! I've been super busy, so there's no blog tour this time. But never fear! I'm going to run a contest on my blogs tomorrow and maybe even a guest blog or two.

I'm working on a press release now! Fun.

So, make sure you come back tomorrow and check out the contest details.

In the meantime, here's a little tease for you:

“I need to talk to the general,” Veronica said, her back straightening, detached eyes focusing beyond him to the door.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Mason asked. She shook her head and stood up. She grabbed her head as her legs buckled. He jumped to his feet, caught her before she fell. “Easy.”

Veronica melted against him, arms stretching around his waist, taking hold. She trembled and buried her face in his chest. Mason died a little more when she tilted her head up. He brushed the silky dark hair to reveal her brilliant blue eyes. So much emotion hidden behind those eyes: pain, anger, and the slight flicker of fear. He needed to learn more so he could do more. “I wanted to call you, to explain…”

“I’m here.” Her hands slid up his back as she pressed her body flush to his. Mason cupped her face. “Don’t have to worry about that now.”

She moved her hands to his chest. “I’ve missed you.” That was all the encouragement his body needed to react. She stretched her arms up and around his neck, elongating her luscious body on his. Veronica’s eyes widened when his pelvis crushed her, a wild smirk laced her mouth. “Missed that too…”

Mason couldn’t hold her any longer without tasting her. He dipped his head, angled her chin and tenderly brushed his lips to hers.

“Roni!” the general shouted from the hall. She broke from his embrace, cursing under her breath. “Where are you?”

With hands balled into fists, she stomped past him, grunting the entire time. He followed.

“What?” she spat when she reached the hall.

“Why aren’t you—” The general glared at Mason. His whole body tensed. “You. Get the hell out of my house!”

“Dad!” Veronica screeched, whipping her head back and straight-arming Mason’s chest. Good thing too, he was ready to pounce, father or not. He was tired of the general’s attitude and the way he spoke to people. Veronica, however, intervened. “He’s staying or we’re both going, end of story. Storm already helped me remember some shit, and I was coming to tell you.”

“Don’t threaten me, Roni,” he grunted through a tight jaw.

“Ultimatum, not a threat. You know the difference, General,” she said, removing her hand from his chest and placing both on her hips as she stared up at her father. “Now, do you want to know what I remember or not?”

He frowned. “Yes.”

WINNER!

2011-07-13T14:26:00.000-04:00

Congrats to Lindsey Hutchinson on winning a copy of Chance of a Storm!

CONTEST!!!

2011-07-12T13:43:00.000-04:00

Since I've run out of Teaser Tuesdays for the time being, how about a contest?

Want to read Chance of a Storm before it comes out?

Email me at: jennafern @ gmail.com (take out the spaces!)

Put CONTEST in the subject line and you're automatically entered!

Deadline 7/13 at NOON! (EST)

GOOD LUCK PEEPS!

Chance of a Storm - All Romance Ebooks

2011-07-09T09:39:00.002-04:00

PRE ORDER CHANCE OF A STORM!!!!

Chance of a Storm

By: Jenn Nixon | Other books by Jenn Nixon
Published By: Tease Publishing LLC
ISBN # 9781607671534

Word Count: 27600
Heat Index
Available in: Adobe Acrobat
Read More

About the book

Mason waited three months to hear from Veronica after she walked out of his life. Instead her sister calls, begging him to come to California. After learning Veronica was kidnapped and her mother’s still missing, Mason joins the investigation while trying to figure out where he stands in Veronica's eyes.

Q&A Thursday - Interview with K.M. Fawcett!

2011-06-30T09:00:00.044-04:00

Today's Interview is with K.M Fawcett!

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

The worst thing I’ve written was my first manuscript. I didn’t have a literary background (I graduated with a Bachelors in Science). I didn’t have a critique group. I had recently learned about the Romance Writers of America, and saw that a chapter was holding a contest. I entered. When I received my submission back, there was A LOT of feedback written all over the pages. Apparently, my heroine was feral (she’d been angry at the hero and had barked at him, growled and probably made other animal noises I can’t remember), I head hopped too much, and included way too many tag lines. To which I responded, “What’s a tag line?” The judges were very nice and wrote helpful advice. One judge even included handouts on tag lines. I’m so glad they didn’t tell me, “You suck. Don’t quit your day job.” Because if they had, I might have cried and stopped writing. Instead, I continued to learn, grew thicker skin and have found an agent.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I started writing in 2003. I always wanted to write books and thought that when I have kids, I’d have time to write. I don’t know where that delusion came from, but when my second child was born, I decided it was time to sit down and start. I wrote on and off for the first few years, but then something clicked and I was determined to become published. I grew more serious about my goals and discipline. Last year, two fellow writer and martial arts friends and I created a group blog, Attacking The Page, where blog about martial arts and writing action. We also have been giving workshops (including at this year’s RWA conference) on Kick Butt Heroes: Using Martial Arts in Your Action Scenes.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I write paranormal romance. My first manuscript - that will never see the light of day, and took 4 years to NOT finish – was a time travel. I call that my learning manuscript. Every time I learned something new, I would go back and rewrite my chapters. I don’t suggest doing that. It takes too much time. My second manuscript (that my agent is currently shopping) is a sci-fi romantic thriller, and my third manuscript is a shape shifter romance.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

I do read other books while I’m writing. I like to relax with a book rather than TV. So I usually read before bed or while waiting for a piano lesson or dance lesson to finish. I read all different genres. Unfortunately, I don’t get to sit and relax for extended periods of time, so it takes quite awhile to finish a book.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

The most difficult part of the writing process is the actual writing. I love it, but I am a slow writer. I know what I want to say, I have no problems with the ideas, but it takes me longer than others to say it just right. I’m constantly searching the thesaurus for the precise word. I’ve learned to get the first draft out there as quickly as possible without worrying about grammar or word choice, etc. It’s the second draft that takes me the longest.

If you could have the same type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

I’d love to have the career of any best selling prolific author. In order to generate the sales, you need a good book, and you need to be able to crank them out to get a following. I would love to be able to write

Bio: K.M. Fawcett was a born romantic. At six years old, she would beg her parents to take her a restaurant with “soft music and candles” where she could drink Shirley Temples and twirl on the dance floor. As she grew, her desire to be whisked into a romantic adventure by a knight in shining armor also grew to the point of annoying her friends and family.

When she received A Knight In Shining Armor (a novel by Jude Deveraux) on her eighteenth birthday, she fell head over heals in love…with the romance genre. K.M. now writes paranormal romances and enjoys stories filled with adventure and strong, kick butt heroes and heroines. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Liberty States Fiction Writers. K.M. is a Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate and co-owns and operates the Tenchi (Heaven and Earth) Isshinryu Karate Dojo with her husband in Lebanon, NJ.

She is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. When not working on her novels, blogging about martial arts and writing action, or working out at the dojo, she is home with her children. K.M. is thrilled to be working with the 3 Seas Literary Agency and looks forward to publication.

Visit K. M. Fawcett’s website http://www.kmfawcett.com
Visit K. M. Fawcett’s Martial Arts/Writing Action Blog http://www.attackingthepage.wordpress.com
Join K. M. Fawcett’s Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/km.fawcett
Twitter K. M. Fawcett http://twitter.com/KMFawcett

What's up Wednesday? (AND CONTEST)

2011-06-29T11:25:00.000-04:00

Hi, what's up?

How's the weather?

Guess what? I'm going to give away another copy of Wild & Wicked today!

Many of my writer friends are in NYC for the RWA conference, but sadly, I couldn't go, so let's have some fun online!

Read Wild & Wicked before the sequel Chance of a Storm comes out in July!

What others have said:

Jenn Nixon’s Wild and Wicked takes readers on a very hot and suspenseful joyride they won’t want to miss.
Surrounded By Books

I devoured every word and I don't know if I'll have enough patience to wait for the next book written by Jenn Nixon.
All Things Books

If you like characters who are well-balanced and also quite intriguing and edgy, Wild and Wicked is the book for you.
Book Wenches

Comment on this blog to be entered to win a free copy!

Deadline 11PM EST

GOOD LUCK!!

Interview with Jaime Samms!

2011-06-28T13:09:00.000-04:00

An extra bonus this week! Two interviews!!

Today's is with Jaime Samms.

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

Wow. Now this is a fun and daring question O.o The worst…Apparently, the questionnaire that was supposed to show how effective I am at interactive Communication at the day job. According to that, I suck at communicating. What did I learn? There's no accounting for upper management's insanity.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I think I started for the same reason a lot of others did: I had nothing left to read! lol! hat and no one seemed to be writing what I wanted to read, which was men falling in love with one another. How's hat song go? "I was country when country wasn't cool." I was in love with gay romance before gay romance really existed. I decided to 'go pro' a couple years ago. It felt like the right step to take at the time and I haven't looked back.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

No….not really. The man!love does it for me.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

I read all the time. Mostly the same gene, but once in a while a fantasy or urban fantasy book catches my attention. My sister just gave me The Clearing by Tim Gautreaux and The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I think she's trying to broaden my horizons, but they do look interesting.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

Hmmm…mostly putting the pen down going the hell to bed at night!

If you could have the same type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

That's really hard to say. I suppose I'd pick someone who makes enough to actually pay the bills….Tanya Huff seems to do all right for herself, I don't have a lot of interest in being famous or rich. Just comfortable and with enough time to do my thing.

Bio: Jaime Samms has been writing for various publishers since the fall of 2008, although she's been writing for herself far longer. Often asked why men, what’s so fascinating about writing stories about men falling in love, she's never come up with an easy answer.

These days, you can find her work on her website. If you flip through the pages of her site, you’ll find plenty of free reading and a bit of art, as well (Gotta use that Fine Arts Diploma for something!). she also writes for Freya’s Bower, Loveyoudivine Alterotica, Pink Petal Books, Dreamspinner Press and Total E-Bound Publishing.

Spare time, when it can be found rolled into a ball at the back of the dryer or cavorting with the dust bunnies in the corners, she spends in the garden, at the loom, or with a pencil and sketch book. She graduated from college with a Fine Arts diploma, with a major in textile arts, which basically qualifies her to draw pictures and create things with string and fabric. Fun times.

Book blurb: Coming next month from Dreamspinner Press: New Linen

Until now, Drew and Garrett had been playing at the whole dominance thing, but this weekend is different. Drew is already losing himself to the implacable will of his new Master and they have yet to make anything official. That’s what this weekend is supposed to be about – Garrett making Drew his – unless the memories from Garrett’s past are too strong to let him meet Drew’s ultimatum of the real thing or nothing at all.

Social media &Web links
Jaime Samms website
livejournal
Face Book
Twitter: JaimeSamms