Wynter Daniels

Guest Blogger - Em Petrova

2012-02-20T04:00:00.006-05:00

Hopes, Dreams and Writing Resolutions…Oh My

By Em Petrova

January is the month of resolutions and dreams for a new and better upcoming year. We vow to quit smoking, lose those last five pounds, drink less, and be happier. Typically by February, all these resolutions are tossed into the dumpster, buried under life, and we return to our former, more comfortable selves.

While I might let my diet slide, I do continue to reach for my hopes and dreams in my writing career. Each New Year, I compile a list of goals—both large and small. This year I plan to write more, promote less. I hope to dip my toes in the self-publishing waters. And I want to break into a big NY publishing house.

One goal I already reached this year when two of my books reached print. The Tempest and My Sexy Valentine are now out on Amazon. Woot!

In my personal life, I hope to make more time for those I love, effectively train a puppy (coming in April!), and to go a more holistic route with everything I put into my body. (yeah, that brownie I just ate counts!)

I won’t lose sight of my goals, but will plow forward. At times my hopes might morph into something new, and that’s okay. I’ll roll with it! In the end, I know I’ll have a very happy 2012!

What are your hopes and dreams for 2012? I’d love to hear them! Please read on for an excerpt from my latest release Outlaws of Love.

Blurb:

Upon traveling west to marry, Annabelle Stephens longed to leave her nickname of Sweetheart Annie and the strict rules of Boston society behind, but the taboo freedom she faces wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. When a sexy outlaw storms into her rented room and kidnaps her, she’s embroiled in a dangerous game with not one man, but two.

Until now Xander Hollis wanted one thing—or maybe two—to stop the Southern Gorge Railroad from stealing the homesteaders’ land, and to act on his desires with his partner in crime James. Like Robin Hoods of the old west, he and James embark on a mission to rob from the rich and give to the poor. When he refuses to let go of the woman who could identify him, he finds he’s in true danger. Danger of losing his heart to the heiress of the very railroad corporation he struggles to bring down.

EXCERPT RATED PG-

With a shiver of apprehension, Annabelle sank into the hip bath that was filled with tepid water. She glared at the wooden plank door of her rented room, daring anyone to come through it uninvited. What kind of place was this? She’d heard the West was uncivilized, but had never dreamed that there wouldn’t be locks on the doors. What was she going to do tonight?

She cast a glance around the small, dingy space, hoping to see a piece of furniture substantial enough to stop an intruder but light enough she could shift on her own. Her gaze lighted on the single set of drawers -- tall and as broad as a man. Well, she mused. Not any man. She’d seen her fair share of stout, pasty men on her travels across the country by stagecoach. Knowing she now had the freedom to look at whomever she chose without the intrusive gazes of society on her sent a thrill through her.

Of course, there was the small matter of her escort, a newly married couple who were friends of her father. But they were often too caught up in each other to notice where her gaze landed. Now the Clarks were on the other side of the hotel, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they’d gotten a room with a lock.

She wished she had thought of the unlocked door before slipping into the bath. She should have moved that chest of drawers first. But the heated depths had called to her. After her dusty travels, she wanted nothing more than to peel off her grungy clothes and enjoy a soak. It wasn’t until she had gotten into the water that the problem occurred to her. After all, she didn’t need a lock to bathe back in Boston.

I’ll hurry.

Quickly, she lifted the linen cloth she’d brought all the way from home and began washing. At one time the cloth had been white as a dove and scented with lavender. Now it was stained from the road dust that had caked her skin daily for the past month. But it was the cleanest she had.

She hastily swirled the cloth in the water and ran it over her sticky throat and down her shoulders. Just as she reached the crest of her breasts, the door burst inward.

A shrill scream bubbled up her throat. Before she could let it out, a huge brute of a man stomped across the room and clamped a hand over her mouth. She struggled beneath his steely grip, tasting the salt of his flesh and drowning in the musky scent of male mingled with leather and horses.

She jackknifed into a ball instinctively, curling up like a possum as she tried to hide her soft, womanly parts from this monster’s gaze -- and worse -- his touch.

Again, she opened her mouth to scream.

He leveled his gaze on her, the depths of his eyes speaking to her loud and clear.

If she wasn’t quiet, he’d kill her.

She swallowed the cry, staring over his fingers with horror as he one-handedly unbuttoned his shirt and tore it off. The thick cloth hit the floor in a cloud of dust. And then he was stepping into the tub with her, lifting her and plopping her smack dab across his hard thighs to claim her mouth.

Her heart drummed nearly out of her chest. What was he going to do to her? At this point, death seemed a better alternative to being violated by this man. She’d be soiled forever -- and her fiancé wouldn’t accept her.

A squawk escaped her, and her attacker sealed his mouth more securely over hers, cutting off all noise and air.

At that moment, the door burst open again. A whoosh of cool breeze washed over her bare shoulders and back. Help me! Before she could utter a sound, the man restrained her further by slipping his fingers around her throat.

To an outsider, it might have seemed a loving gesture, but any thought of escape fled as his rough fingertip settled over her pulse. His thumb pressed the hollow of her throat. If she dared to move, he could choke the breath from her. Or snap her neck. Judging from the hard muscles beneath her, she knew a flick of his wrist would break her neck.

“Oh! Sorry, madam.” A man gulped a breath of air from the doorway. “I mean no disrespect. I was looking for a criminal.”

The man in the tub with her kept on kissing her like they were alone, angling his head and plunging his tongue deep into her mouth until she was dizzy for air.

Em Petrova

~where words mean so much more~

www.empetrova.com

BUY OUTLAWS OF LOVE http://www.loose-id.com/Outlaws-of-Love.aspx

Em Petrova lives in backwoods Pennsylvania, where she raises four kids and two feral kittens and pays too damn much for utilities. But seeing her sexy husband tromp out back with a chainsaw in hand is well worth the frustration of living miles from a mall. She adores writing sex scenes and anything paranormal. When she has the opportunity to mix the two, she’s in her element.

You can learn more about her smutty reads at www.empetrova.com.

The Best Gifts

2012-02-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Valentine's Day Blog Hop is here. This means your chance to win! I will be giving away a copy of Burning Touch to one commenter.

Let's talk about Valentine's Day. What do you like to give your sweetheart? What do you like to receive?

Frankly, I am open to all sorts of gifts (Winks at DH). Jewelry is great, but please don't buy me any of those heavily advertised necklaces or bracelets that jewelry stores want you to buy. You know the ones - they always look way prettier on TV as some celebrity pimps them.

I'm also a sucker for flowers, but be original. Don't go for the red roses everyone else does. How about some irises or roses in an unusual shade. And if you are smart, don't get me a live plant because the poor thing won't live long under my brown thumb!

I love all sorts of chocolate (unfortunately). So if you want more of me, this is the gift that keeps giving;-) Seriously, I don't need any more calories.

Okay, so I'm being picky, right? Well, truth is, I don't really need a gift. A card is nice, but what I enjoy most from my honey is his time. I want to know he's thought about making the day special for me and I will do the same for him. A long walk in a romantic spot is great. Stepping up a date night to make it a little more special is perfect.

But what about you? What do you want your honey to do for you?

2012-02-06T02:23:00.000-05:00

I'm over at Not Your Usual Suspects today talking about Supernatural Stakes.

Judging a Book by its Cover

2012-01-17T10:18:00.001-05:00

We all say we don't, but I have a sneaking suspicion we're not being completely honest. How do I know this? Personal experience. Of all my self-published books (seven in total), one has outsold the others by at least a five-to-one margin. The reason? In my humble opinion, it's the book cover. Consider this.
Sales for Employee Relations were slogging along at a moderate pace with the original cover I'd made for it, which was the very first cover I'd attempted after taking Photoshop classes at my local library. I played with the design and came up with a much more professional looking cover than the original, so I switched the covers out and voila! My sales skyrocketed.

So, I was looking at my sales numbers recently and was wondering why one of my other IR romances, Fading Star, was lagging behind the others. I decided a change up was in order. I removed the cover and made one that had a whole bunch more sex appeal, and guess what? Sales followed. But you be the judge. Does a better, sexier cover entice you more to one book than another? To satisfy your curiosity, I've posted both covers.

***Note: Sales figures didn't change overnight. It took a couple weeks to see the difference the new covers made***

A Bargain for the New Year

2012-01-04T19:27:00.003-05:00

For a limited time, I am offering Game of Smoke and Mirrors at a reduced price of $.99 at all venues including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and All Romance EBooks.
This top rated book is a Recommended Read at ARe Cafe. and now at The TBR Pile! You can even win a FREE copy today at The TBR Pile!!!

Check it out for only $.99!

When Jia Mason is accused of murdering her husband, she flees the Florida police and escapes to New Hampshire. Tasked with extraditing the fugitive, lawman Zack Sizemore gets stranded with his beautiful prisoner in a blizzard. What neither counts on is their mutual attraction. Or the danger awaiting them in a remote cabin.

Free Stuff!

2011-12-27T15:43:00.003-05:00

My good friend and awesome critique partner, Katie Reus is giving away a Kindle and all sorts of other goodies to celebrate the release of Alpha Instinct and His Secret Past. You can learn more about her giveaway HERE

Below, find all the info direct from Katie on the contest, then get started building points!

Starting January 1 - February 18, 2012 (that's less than a week away!) I'm going to be giving away fun prizes each week. Each entry will also be included for the Grand Prize drawing of a new Kindle (US only for the Kindle). Here is the list of weekly prizes:

Week 1 (1/1-1/7): $15 Amazon Gift Card or a copy of Alpha Instinct (as soon as I get my author copies), a digital copy of His Secret Past, & a digital copy of Touch Me by Callie Croix (her latest release!). Week 1 winner announced by January 15, 2012.
Week 2 (1/8-1/14): Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares or a copy of Alpha Instinct & a digital copy of His Secret Past. Week 2 winner announced by January 22, 2012

Week 3 (1/15-1/21): $15 Amazon gift card or a copy of Alpha Instinct & a digital copy of His Secret Past. Week 3 winner announced by January 29, 2012

Week 4 (1/22-1/28): A copy of Eternal Hunger by Laura Wright + a Mark of the Vampire swag bag. This is the first book in her Mark of the Vampire series. The 3rd book releases 2/7/2012 so if you haven’t started this series here’s your chance. I’ll also be giving away a copy of Alpha Instinct and His Secret Past. Week 4 winner announced by February 5, 2012.

Week 5 (1/29-2/4): A copy of Alpha Instinct & a digital copy of His Secret Past. Week 5 winner announced by February 12, 2012

Week 6 (2/5-2/11): $15 Amazon gift card or a copy of Angel of Darkness by Cynthia Eden, a copy of Alpha Instinct and a digital copy of His Secret Past. Week 6 winner announced by February 19, 2012

Week 7 (2/12-2/18): Amazon’s newest Kindle (the one without the annoying splash ads, US only eligible), a print copy of Alpha Instinct and digital copies of five of my books to download to your new Kindle (Books include: Destined Mate, Killer Secrets, Dangerous Secrets, Deadly Obsession and His Secret Past). Week 7 winner announced by March 3, 2012.

To enter, please visit my website contest page here. Complete list of entry instructions (please remember to fill out the form letting me know you're entering!) and official rules are listed there. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-21T12:54:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of Hanukkah. Whatever you celebrate, may you be surrounded with love, light and good fortune! Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Win Loads of Books!

2011-12-07T10:25:00.007-05:00

Check out the JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE Christmas Giveaway HERE. ONE insanely lucky person will win all these books on the night of December 19th:

Dee J Adams – Dangerous Race

Becky Barker – Cade’s Challenge

Anne Marie Becker – Only Fear

Allison Brennan – Love Me to Death

Lorelei Confer – Deadly Revenge

Wynter Daniels – Sizzle At Sea

Lena Diaz – He Kills Me, He Kills Me Not

Marcelle Dube – On Her Trail

Misty Evans – Operation Sheba

Adrienne Giordano – Risking Trust

Angela Henry – Paris Secret

Rita Henuber – Under Fire

Betsy Horvath – Hold Me

Victoria Howard – Ring Of Lies

Autumn Jordan – In The Presence Of Evil

Sylvie Kurtz – A Little Christmas Magic

Gennita Low – Hunter

Kat Martin – Tin Angel

Dana Marton – Guardian Agent

Julie Miller – The Shadow Of The Hawk

Maureen A. Miller – Endless Night

Terry Odell – When Danger Calls

Anne Patrick – Fire and Ash

Patricia Rasey – Deadly Obsession

Christy Reece – Sweet Justice

Jaime Rush – Unforgivable

Carol Stephenson – Courting Death

Carla Swafford – Circle Of Desire

Debra Webb - Obsession

Norah Wilson – Guarding Suzannah

The Most Unappealing Kiss Ever

2011-12-05T23:21:00.003-05:00

It takes a lot to shock me. Hell, I write about kinky sex! But now I've seen the most unsexy kiss ever! I watched an episode of The Virgin Diaries on TLC, which chronicles snipets of the lives of several people in their twenties and thirties who are still virgins for various reasons -- some by choice, some not by choice.

One of the vignettes is about a couple about to get married. The show follows the thirty-ish pair in the days leading up to their wedding. Not only have they not yet had sex, but they've never even kissed -- anyone! When the minister pronounces them husband and wife, they embark on what can only be described at eating each other's mouths. All I can say is it's totally icky. They kiss and kiss and kiss and as I watched, I was so glad I had nothing in my stomach.

Okay -- am I being a total prude, or a bitch? Watch the video and tell me what you think. The couple's first...and second...and third kiss are the most unappealing thing I've ever seen. What do you think?

The Dreaded Slump

2011-11-28T08:18:00.001-05:00

Some people call it writer's block. I call it a slump -- that time when I seem incapable of writing anything new. I might be in the middle of a book or maybe I haven't yet begun a new one. Either way, it can be really depressing to be in that space where I can't seem to write. It happens to me and many other writers, so I have developed a few behaviors to overcome the stagnation. I hope they help anyone else out there who suffers a similar affliction.

1. Put my current WIP on ice and start something new. That something doesn't have to be an epic novel. It can be a short story or a novella. That change can often push me out of a creative rut.

2. Adjust my daily word count goal. Sometimes taking off some of the pressure can help. If my current daily goal is 2,000 words and I'm overwhelmed by the idea of writing 20, I change that daily goal down to 500 words. That little mindset switch can re-energize my creative juices and the decrease in pressure sometimes does the trick. I switch it back up once I have my mojo back. Hey, I figure 500 words is better than no words.

3. Take a breather. Sometimes I allow myself to take a little time off. Life happens. I might have company in town or just lots of things in my mind. I have to tell myself it's okay to take a vacation from the writing as long as I set the parameters of how long that break will last. I try to keep it to a max of a few days.

4. Write with friends. I occasionally go to a cafe with members of my RWA chapter to write. Sure, we spend part of the time catching up with each other, but we also get some writing done. Seeing others working can kick-start my On button.

5. Break up that daily word total into manageable blocks. I allow myself a short email break every 100 words or so. Or I do a 250 word sprint then take a break to get outside or get some chores done.

What about you? Do you sometimes get creatively blocked? Do you have any suggestions for ways out of the dreaded slump.

Book Three in Long and Hard Series!

2011-11-16T02:00:00.000-05:00

It's here! The third book is finally out. Crescendo completes the Long and Hard trilogy. Comment here and I will pick one name win the book!

Crescendo

After a painful break-up, concert violinist Chloe Carmichael just wants to be alone. But when she is targeted by a stalker, she’s forced to allow a sexy stranger into her life.

Security expert Wyatt Long is trying to protect Chloe. Staying as close as he dares to the beautiful musician proves difficult when she insists on performing a public concert. When the job becomes personal, he has way more to lose than a client.

Taking Research to the Next Level

2011-11-13T13:29:00.001-05:00

I'm just beginning work on a new project -- a series of paranormal romances set in my home state of Florida. If you're familiar with my books, then you know the paranormal genre is new for me.

I have one short story out that deals with a psychic. But Spirit of Seduction only scratches the supernatural surface.

The new series will go way deeper into several occult topics, the first of which is wiccan magic, or witchcraft.

I took a big step and signed up for a six-week course on basic wicca, which is turning out to be great. I've now attended an authentic wicca Samhain (pronounced sah-ween) ritual. I've also started devouring everything I can get my hands on about witchcraft, magic, casting spells and pagan rituals.

Frankly, the class is so much more interesting than anything I did in my years of collegiate learning. I don't know why I didn't take this step a long time ago. Next on my agenda will be research on the subject of the next book -- either reiki healing, tarot cards or astrology. I haven't worked up the outline yet.

What about you? What's the most extreme step you've taken in the name of research?

Thursday with an Editor - Angela James

2011-11-03T09:19:00.000-04:00

Today is the final installment of Thursday with an Editor. Today's guest is industry icon, Angela James, always a fount of great information. Thanks for joining me, Angela.

Apparently I'm the wrap-up crew here at casa de Wynter. Whenever you have a wrap-up post you usually get a highlight of what's come before, but given the number of awesome editorial posts she's managed to snag, I don't think that's possible, so I suggest you go re-read those earlier posts from the last few months. The other thing we usually get with wrap-up posts is some kind of predictions or things to think about as we move forward. Now THAT I can do.

So, without further ado, here's 3 things I want you to think about as we move forward into publishing in 2012.

1) It doesn't have to be self-publishing OR traditional publishing OR digital publishing.

Honestly, there's room for all kinds of publishing. There's no either/or situation here and we should all stop presenting publishing as if there are no shades of grey. That type of thinking doesn't lead to logic-supported arguments. Nor does cult thinking or drinking the kool-aid, so knock it off and let people decide how THEY want to publish, not how you THINK they should publish.

When you choose one of these paths, than I assume it's because you did your research and concluded it was the right path for you to achieve your career plan. I'll hope you didn't do it out of visceral reactions, or because you were told publishers pull the wings off butterflies, or because you think every single self-published book is dreck. Don't do it for those reasons. Do it because what you choose is good business for YOU.

2) If you're self-publishing, and millions of you will in 2012, don't skip all of the steps that go with publishing.

Just because you don't think solid editing and good cover art and excellent formatting and a well-thought-out story aren't important doesn't mean your readers don't. Every time you skip one of those, you damage your brand. And your brand is how you sell books. Don't damage that which makes you money and builds your publishing career. It's foolish.

3) Last, my favorite quote, the one I'll probably have engraved on my grave marker some day: Never, ever forget that there's a difference between CAN publish and SHOULD publish.

Just because you wrote it doesn't mean people should get the opportunity to read it. Remember your brand? Everything you write and publish (whether available for free or for sale) adds or detracts from your brand. Don't foolishly damage what you've worked to build just for the sake of a quick buck, or because you can't bear to write it and never have it seen. Not everything everyone writes is meant to be published. There. I said it. I'm sure most of you actually agree. You just don't think it applies to you.

So there you have it, three things I think authors should keep in mind as we move into 2012. There are a lot more things I think you should keep in mind (always wear clean underwear when you leave the house, realize there's a difference between signing terms of service and a contract, embrace the opportunity for choice as one that's good for an industry, and follow @angelajames on Twitter) but we'll stick with these three highlights for now. There will be plenty more time to dissect publishing, both past and present.

Executive editor of Carina Press, Harlequin’s digital-first imprint, Angela James is a long-time advocate for digital publishing after nearly a decade in the industry. She frequently travels to conferences around the world to meet with authors and readers, and to drag them to the digital dark side. You can find Angela on both Twitter and Facebook.

Sue Grimshaw, Editor for Random House Publishing

2011-10-27T04:00:00.041-04:00

It's my pleasure to have Sue Grimshaw here on my blog today for this edition of Thursday with an Editor.

Sue was the romance book buyer for Borders and Waldenbooks stores for more than a decade. As of April this year, Sue is Ballantine Bantam Dell’s Category Specialist & Editor At Large. At BBD, Sue is working primarily with the digital end of the business thus learning how to ride the waves of the changes that are ongoing of late in the romance industry. Sue is actively acquiring for BBD’s Loveswept digital imprint relaunched in Fall this year.

What does your job entail?

As Category Specialist & Editor At Large for Ballantine Bantam Dell (Loveswept), I report directly to Gina Wachtel, VP Publishing Director/Associate Publisher. I’m very involved with the social media aspect of Romance At Random.com website; Facebook; Twitter; Tumblr; Google Buzz & Plus communities implementing posts; in general, facilitating daily communications. As Editor At Large, I acquire, edit, & implement new titles for primarily, the Loveswept digital line. As you can imagine, I do lots of reading . . . much of what I read are submissions from agents, authors, and even from un-published authors– it is great fun & I could not have wished for a better organization to work for. I also attend many conferences through-out the country, taking pitches & facilitating workshops usually discussing the industry and its trends, as well as, what readers are looking for. I guess I’ve become an author liaison of sorts, unbeknownst to me <G>

I enjoy meeting unpublished authors & hearing about their books . . .then finding that diamond in the rough that you know readers will love & adore. BECAUSE OF YOU, by Jessica Scott, is our debut for Loveswept (11/2011) & I believe this is a story readers will enjoy – the emotional level is high with a hero to die for; our heroine is strong, confident & caring --- & above all, their romance is sizzling!

2. How many authors do you edit and how do you choose them?

Depending on the manuscript, I’m reading two to three unpublished authors a week. I’m working about 4-5 mos out, meaning that if I received a MS today it would take me that long to get back to the author/agent with a response. I think I’m like most editors & I choose manuscripts based on whether I think they can be a good book or not, but above all, whether I think the reader will enjoy the story. Having had a bookseller background, I believe it has given me an insight into what readers enjoy. As I read the manuscripts, I tend to use this knowledge as a benchmark, which is just another tool to help me decide whether or not the story is something we would publish. On top of all that, Gina is a romance maven – she has an eagle’s eye for what works, so by the time we’ve acquired & edited a story it is golden <G> I work very closely with Junessa & Angela, two of BBD’s savvy editors, who help me with lines edits and the other details of publishing.

3. What are the perks of your job? The pitfalls?

Finding that ‘diamond in the rough’ – finding that debut author & being able to help deliver her story to romance readers everywhere. The feeling you get from making that happen is the biggest perk for me J

Pitfalls . . . probably not being able to read everything, or being able to respond with a detailed critique to help authors with their books.

4. What’s your favorite type of submission? Is there a specific genre you love (more than others) to edit? I used to have a favorite sub-genre, but now, I’m more about characters . . . their development & journey. I find I’m reading more contemporary than ever before, but I believe that is because there is more out there. Similar in opinion to that of many romance readers, it is really all about the characters. I guess that is why I’ve loved Nora Roberts & her stories for all these years. Nora nails characters.

5. What do you like to read for pleasure (assuming you have any time left over in your busy schedule)? LOL – lately, my work is my reading pleasure – I love to read new submissions! However, at some point I’m sure I’ll have to back away & read other things although they still will be in the romance genre. One of my favorite authors (besides Nora) is Catherine Anderson, I am so looking forward to her next release. Mary Balogh is another author who never disappoints & I’m behind on her latest books. And some day I’d like to get back to reading Nelson DeMille – sarcasm through-out which is always laugh out loud great fun.

6. Have you ever written and published any fiction? If not, do you secretly aspire to be a writer?

God no. I’m not a storyteller – the best authors are storytellers at heart.

7. Are you planning to attend any conferences in the near future?

Yes, I’m heading out to Silicon Valley – CA, RWA chapter meeting this Fall & then have several conferences planned for 2012 including: RWA; RT & Romcon.

8. What’s the best advice you can give aspiring writers?

It sounds cliché, but really, write the best book ever! The book of your heart --- because if you feel what you’re writing the reader will feel it too.

Thursday with an Editor - Theresa Stevens

2011-10-20T02:00:00.002-04:00

Please welcome independent editor, Theresa Stevens for today's edition of Thursday with an Editor.

In my career, I’ve been an agent, an in-house acquisitions editor, and a freelance editor. Of these three roles, which do you think gives me the most opportunity to dig into manuscripts and nurture writers? Most people guess wrong, but if you guessed freelance editing, you’re right.

Agents have priorities which allow them to shape some manuscripts and groom some authors, but they also have other demands on their time. They must maintain their networks with authors, with organizations, and perhaps most important, with editors. They must review royalty statements and contracts. They must train staff, read queries and submissions, and (depending on their policies), send out rejections. These are important jobs, things you want your agent to do, but they take away from the time they can spend on development.

Ditto for in-house editors, who function partly as project managers. They must shepherd the manuscript through pre-press, which means coordinating with sales, art, and other departments to create the physical book and get it into the distribution stream. Important tasks? You bet. Nevertheless, these things do cut into the time available for actual editing.

As a freelance editor, I have one job and one goal: making your manuscript as good as it can be. I do that not only by marking up the pages, but by demonstrating techniques which can be incorporated in future manuscripts, too. For example, if I see an issue with dialogue tags, I don’t merely fix the punctuation and edit the tag. I explain in a note why I’m doing that, the difference between a tag and a beat, and when and how to use them. I also did this sort of thing when I was editing in house and agenting, too, but it was not my primary focus. Freelance editing gives me more time and flexibility to focus on the teaching side of the process.

Now, here’s a dirty secret from behind the scenes. Some industry professionals – and no, I won’t tell you which – scorn the notion that they have any responsibility for training or nurturing authors. I’ve heard more than one of them openly mock the idea of “teaching moments,” and the prevailing attitude during these conversations seems to be, “If the writer doesn’t already know these things, why should I hire them in the first place?”

This attitude is both wise and foolish, wise because authors should certainly be writing to a certain competence level before publication, and foolish because no writer ever stops learning. Nor ever should. The curiosity and inventiveness that drive the learning process are key ingredients in the makeup of a career author, the kind who generates book after successful book. Failing to respect and nurture those impulses is a mistake, in my opinion.

Obviously, others disagree. I once had a senior editor at a “Big Six” house tell me that she would never even think to point out to an author when she’s doing something right. Another editor at another traditional press insisted that it was the agent’s job, not the editor’s, to show them how to fix an error. They have their reasons, and I understand those reasons, but I disagree with the result.

So, for me, freelance editing gives me the freedom to focus on the manuscript, and only the manuscript. I don’t have to drop my red pen to scamper off to a staff meeting. I don’t have to wonder whether marketing will want the romantic suspense to be more suspenseful or more romantic this time around. I don’t have to run up sales projections or quibble over contract terms or fret over whether an artist will hold it against me if I request changes to a weak cover. All I have to do is analyze the story and edit the prose. My goal is – because it can be – showing the author how to make the book better. And most days, much as I miss the pace and perks of life in-house, this goal is more than enough to satisfy both me and my clients.

After earning degrees in creative writing and law, Theresa Stevens worked as a literary attorney agent for a boutique firm in Indianapolis where she represented a range of fiction and nonfiction authors. After a nine-year hiatus from the publishing industry to practice law, Theresa worked as chief executive editor for a highly acclaimed small romance press, and she is currently the Publisher of STAR Guides Publishing, a nonfiction publishing company. Her articles on writing and editing have appeared in numerous publications for writers.

Visit her blog at http://edittorrent.blogspot.com where she and her co-blogger share their knowledge and hardly ever argue about punctuation.

Thursday with an Editor - Kelli Collins

2011-10-13T02:00:00.001-04:00

My special guest for today's Thursday with an Editor series is the brilliant and sarcastic Kelli Collins, Editor-in-Chief of Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

1. Did you always want to be editor-in-chief for a publisher of erotic books?

Can’t say it ever crossed my mind. In school, I leaned toward science and mathematics, but I was also a rapacious reader, never went anywhere without books. My careers ended up following that path organically and, I have to admit, rather effortlessly.

2. How do your husband and family feel about your job?

They don’t feel any particular way about it. It’s what I do, not who I am, and they get that. I certainly don’t hide it, nor do I edit under a pen name (many do and that’s fine; it’s a highly personal decision). The hubs enjoys my wackier author stories. And owing to the size of my family (17 kids; hard to keep track of all those careers!), I suspect some of them probably think I’m still working in a bookstore in Florida (2 states and several jobs ago). :)

3. What is your educational and career background?

I relocated from Michigan to Florida halfway through a finance degree. As much as I love math, I ultimately didn’t love it enough to make it a career. While living in Tampa, I charmed my way into a journalist job at a chain of alt-weeklies. (Note: I have the most amazing job luck.) I really had nothing to recommend me but a sparkling personality (*smirk*) and some natural writing talent. Ultimately, that was enough. I had worked my way up to associate editor when, in 2004, I edited a cover story about a little e-book company owned by Tina Engler… It was inspiring, to say the very least. The next thing I knew, I was freelancing for EC. In February of 2009, I accepted the Editor-in-Chief position.

4. How many authors do you edit yourself and how do you choose them?

Technically I have 59 authors in my stable, but their writing schedules are such that I’m working on projects for perhaps a third of them or less at any given time (barring those rare times when they submit en masse; an evil plot to make me go mental, I’m sure). And I use several criteria to choose authors, all important to me, but item #1 is imagination. I can explain technical stuff; I can teach grammar and structure and the particulars of characterization, world-building, etc. I can give authors a lot of tools, but I can’t give them an imagination. If a story is unique and inspiring, if I fall in love with the characters, I’ll do what it takes to help an author translate her/his vision to the page.

5. How many editors do you manage?

I’m personally responsible for talking 14 content editors and 9 copy editors off the occasional ledge. ;-) The publisher, Raelene Gorlinsky, edits a small group of authors as well. We also employ 2 acquisitions editors, who work more closely with the COO.

6. What are the perks of your job? The pitfalls? (It’s okay to dish, we won’t rat you out to your boss ;-)

Great conversation is high on the list. Lol! Both in the office and with authors. I go to several conferences each year, which are a blast (I love just hanging with and meeting authors, EC’s and others). And I’ve never worked at a more fun office; we have some seriously funny people at HQ (CEO Patty Marks being the funniest of all), which is important to me. If I can’t laugh, I die. The company is also extremely generous. We all know it’s impossible to please all people, all the time. But EC really does do everything within its power to keep the authors happy. I’ve also witnessed truly extraordinary kindnesses during my time here, the sort of behind-the-scene things you’ll certainly never read about in the blogosphere. As for pitfalls…reading about sex for 7 years can make you jaded. :) It’s a rare day when an author surprises me with his/her sex scenes. And because of the digital nature of the job, the potential to overwork is high. I’m at home, relaxing, playing on my laptop…why NOT edit some more? I have to force myself to turn off my computer most evenings.

7. What do you like to read for pleasure (assuming you have any time left in your busy schedule)?

I rarely ever have time, but when I do…horror, suspense and a wide array of nonfiction.

8. Have you ever written and published any fiction? If not, do you secretly aspire to be a writer?

God no. And I could if I wished; EC has no rule against editors writing. A long time ago, I thought I might one day publish something, have even started a few projects over the years. But despite that aforementioned modest writing talent, I simply have no love for it. I can happily edit for 12 hours but I can’t force myself to write for 20 minutes. Editing is what I’m crazy-time passionate about, so I don’t push it. I know too many people who aren’t even doing something they like, let alone lucky enough to do what they love.

9. What’s the best advice you can give aspiring writers planning to pitch to you at a conference?

I don’t bite. So take a few deep breaths and relax. I feel just wretched when someone is so nervous during a pitch that they can’t speak. And here’s the thing about that—I’m really no big shot. I don’t get my jollies by intimidating authors. And I truly believe I can’t edit effectively, certainly not with the author’s best interest in mind, if I let my ego go unchecked. I’m not in this for worldwide editorial domination, don’t treat bestsellers differently than I would an unpublished author, and have no interest in popularity contests. I never want an author to feel as if I hold the fate of her/his career in my hands—just one particular book’s fate at EC. The worst I can say is, “No thank you”, and if I do, I wholeheartedly encourage authors to try again.

10. Chocolate, vanilla or something entirely different?

Which day? Which hour? You know what they say about variety… ;-)

Thursday with an Editor - Rhonda Helms

2011-10-06T02:00:00.006-04:00

Please welcome the lovely and talented Rhonda Helms to Thursday with an Editor. Thanks so much for stopping by, Rhonda!

Writing and Editing--Living on Both Sides of the Desk

by Rhonda (Stapleton) Helms

I started in publishing as a writer, snagging an agent and finally selling a teen romance trilogy to Simon and Schuster. But somewhere along the way I also discovered and cultivated my love of editing. Now I'm fortunate enough to write fiction and work as a freelance acquisitions/developmental editor.

Editing isn't for everyone. Writing isn't for everyone either, come to think of it. But these two aspects of publishing both appeal to me in different ways, and each has helped strengthen the other.

THE WRITER:

The writerly side of me has benefited from my editing job because I've learned a lot about craft, the industry, and the like. I've read a LOT of manuscripts--hundreds of them--and have learned how to quickly evaluate a manuscript for its potential, analyze the plot, characters, pacing, setting to see if they intrigue me, if they feel realistic and yet compelling, if the writing is sophisticated and interesting. The first five pages hook me into a story.

So as a writer, I know I need to make the first few pages of my story shine. But not only that, I've read manuscripts in an editorial capacity where the first 3 chapters are amazing--polished, well-plotted, fascinating characters--but the story falls apart after that. If I can't keep that sparkle going throughout the whole manuscript I know my story will be rejected. It happens ALL the time.

THE EDITOR:

The editor side of me has benefited from being a writer too. I know how nervous writers get (especially new authors); they need to be kept in the loop on how the process is going to go, what to expect, how I work, what I need from them, etc. I try to explain the whole process to my authors so we're all on the same page. I offer comments in the manuscript--both positive and constructive--so they see what they're doing right and what can be strengthened. I reply to emails as quickly as I can, usually within 24 hours. I'm honest and open and professional and fun because the point is to create a collaborative environment that encourages and fosters a healthy working relationship.

As an editor, I know the anxieties my authors face. I know how they worry about sales, promotion, craft, and so on. I try my best to be transparent and answer questions so they feel a little less lost in this massive industry.

YOU CAN BE A WRITER AND EDITOR:

I know a number of editors who are also writers. But guess what? You can do this too...it's not just for people who work for a publisher. Authors can develop their inner editors. Here are a few tips/thoughts on that:

1--learn how to read analytically. When I read a novel, I have a hard time shoving that inner editor aside. But that's not a bad thing. Yes, I read for leisure, but I also read to analyze how an author's craft works and doesn't work. I read published novels to learn how author A makes her characters resonate, how author B weaves intricate pacing that makes me turn the pages, how author C makes setting feel alive. Pick up novels in the genre you're writing. Pick those books apart--what works for you? WHY? And what doesn't work--what would you do differently?

2--learn how to critique. Man, I could write a whole book on this art, haha. Critiquing not only benefits the author whose manuscript you're evaluating, it also benefits you. With novels, you're reading stuff that's already been polished and through editing. Here you can see the story in its most raw form--the SAME way you draft. You'd be surprised how much you learn by reading manuscripts in volume. So branch out and find critique partners. Ask that person what his/her strengths and weaknesses are. Learn how to not only do a general crit, but how to read for characterization. For plot. For pacing. For setting. For subplot. For sophisticated prose.

3--talk, talk, talk to other industry pros. Most editors, agents, writers are happy to answer questions. Check out their blogs, their websites, their twitter feeds, their Facebook and Google+ pages. We're giving you information on what we see, and it's all free. So take it! Editing isn't just about picking a manuscript apart. It's also the art of relationships, of communication. As an editor I interact with industry pros every day. I build those relationships. You should be doing the same.

Any questions? Ask away, and thanks for tuning in!

Rhonda Stapleton Helms is experienced on both sides of the editorial desk. She's a published author with Simon and Schuster's young adult imprint, Simon Pulse--visit her website at rhondastapleton.com to learn more about her as an author. Rhonda is an acquisitions/developmental editor for Carina Press, and she also freelance edits manuscripts--check out rhondaedits.com for services, rates and testimonials.

Another Day, Another Release!

2011-09-30T02:00:00.011-04:00

Book 2 from my Long and Hard series is out today!!! Yippie. Loose Lips makes its debut on the Ellora's Cave website. So, without further ado, here's the blurb:

Olivia Worthington has a problem. A guy she barely knows stole precious jewels from the museum where she works and it was all her fault. Distrustful of the police, she seeks her ex-boyfriend’s help. But when she draws him into a hornet’s nest of trouble, will he walk away for good?

Computer geek and security expert Grady Long was just starting to get over Olivia when she showed up on his boat begging for his help. How was he supposed to resist the woman who regularly walked through his dreams? Will his weakness for her cost him more than he has to give?

If you'd like to read an excerpt, you'll find one HERE. Comment to be entered in a drawing for a FREE book!

***Update - winner is Ranae. Please email me at wynter@ wynterdaniels. com (no spaces). Congrats!***

Thursday with an Editor - Stacy Boyd

2011-09-29T04:00:00.078-04:00

Please welcome Editor Stacy Boyd to the blog today.

Senior editor of Harlequin Desire, watching publishing respond to digital media, living HEA in NYC with a five year old, missing my family in Georgia, wanting time to be lazy.

1. Would you tell us what your typical day looks like?

My typical day is filled with email! I’m usually answering requests from marketing about book covers or copy; from authors about submissions, contracted materials and scheduling; from production about the status of edits; from art about cover information and proofs; from upper management about my strategy for the line and our authors’ career trajectories; and from many others about special projects, conferences, social media, etc. In the midst of all of this, there are many, many meetings. I love how busy my days are, and the diversity of my responsibilities. The best part, of course, is that I get paid to read romance novels. J

2. What’s your favorite thing to read for pleasure?

I read a lot of non-fiction and YA when I’m outside the office, and I especially love magazines. Right now, Bloomberg Businessweek is my favorite.

3. What’s the best perk of your job? Any pitfalls?

The best perk is being able to read really great stories from my favorite authors before they’re available elsewhere. Oh, and free books. The biggest pitfall is that I never have time to read everything I’d like to read.

4. How many authors do you edit yourself? On average, about how many new authors do you take on each year?

I have an author base of about twenty, a number that fluctuates, and I take on about one new author each year. The entire Desire editorial team, however, usually takes on 3-5 new authors a year.

5. Do you enjoy going to writers’ conferences? Which ones will you be attending in the near future?

I love writers’ conferences! It’s so fun to gather with people who love books as much as I do. I’m attending the New Jersey Romance Writers of America conference on October 22^nd, and I’ll be at the Liberty States Fiction Writers conference in the spring of 2012.

6. What’s the best advice you can give aspiring writers planning to pitch to you at a conference?

Think about your story as you would think about a published book. What’s the one thing about your story that would hook you, if you were reading back cover copy? Pick what intrigues you the most, and open with that.

7. Is there a set number of books you expect your authors to pen a year?

For series romance, prolific authors have an advantage. They can more easily build their audience by appearing on the shelves more often. I usually ask new authors to do at least two books a year. Some of our top-selling authors do 3-5 books a year, or more.

8. How would one of your authors describe your editing style?

My authors are always very polite, so they may be thinking one thing and saying another. J Hopefully, they find my editing style to be supportive of their voice and helpful in making their narrative intentions clear to readers.

9. What’s the most common question you’re asked by aspiring writers? And the answer?

The most common question is “What are you looking for?” In broad terms, I’m looking for a good story. More specifically, I’m looking for sexy, short contemporary romance with a lot of drama, an alpha hero with a heart of gold and an unexpected take on plot or characters.

10. What was the last movie you loved?

I’ve been glomming on long-form TV—watching several episodes back-to-back. Longer than movies, but just as engrossing! My recent favorites have been Game of Thrones and True Blood.

Got Hero?

2011-09-20T01:15:00.000-04:00

I do, actually. Yeah, I can brag on him cuz he's just that awesome. Our family has had some difficult situations to deal with lately and every single time, my man has stepped up to the plate and taken control.

I don't know about you, but that's the sort of guy I want to fashion my heroes after in my books. Lucky me that I have such a great role model. And trust me, I've patterned more than one of my leading man after my own leading man.

Romance is fantasy, right? Escapism and all that stuff. I can deal with the guy who leaves peanut butter fingerprints on the cabinets and doesn't put the seat down every single time because he sure makes up for it in other ways.

So here's to you, babe! It's so nice to know you've got my back.

Thursday with an Editor

2011-09-15T04:44:00.022-04:00

Welcome to the first installment of my Thursday with an Editor series with Kensington Publishing's Megan Records, who has graciously agreed to kick off the series with an editor's interpretation of what your cover letter/query really says.

Megan Records has a B.A. in English and a M.S in Publishing. Before Kensington, she worked at an educational publishing house. Now, she’s found a job that actually pays her to do what she was already doing in her spare time—reading romance. For reading recommendations, tips for aspiring authors, and random comments from daily life as an editor, follow her on Twitter @meganrecords.

What we REALLY think when reading your cover letter/query

We editors are masters at tempering rejections. I have at least 5 stock phrases that sound much nicer than “I was bored by this book.” But what’s really going through my head when I read queries? Take a look:

I haven’t seen anything like this in the bookstore, so I decided to write it.

I think: Yeah…there’s probably a reason you haven’t seen this premise before. Or: Yeah, you clearly haven’t been in a bookstore in the last 10 years.

I can’t wait to go on Oprah and to see my book made into a film.

I think: Good luck with that. Clearly you are super out of touch with publishing reality. And I don’t feel like being the one to burst that bubble.

I’m a published author.

I think: Why don’t you list who you are published with? *googles your name* Oh, PublishAmerica.

I’ve been published in my high school newspaper, and had several letters to the editor printed in my local paper.

I think: This doesn’t count as published.

It took me thirteen years to write this book.

I think: I need you to write at least a book a year, if not two books a year. I’m thinking that’s going to be a problem.

I’m a mother of two high-schoolers, so I know how to write YA that appeals to all teenagers.

I think: I manage to dress myself every day, but that doesn’t mean I’m qualified to be a fashion designer.

If you are not the appropriate editor for my project, please give it to the correct one and send me their contact information.

I think: Riiight. If you can’t do your own research, I’m not going to do it for you.

I’m sending this to you exclusively.

I think: Why? I haven’t asked for one. Your query process is going to take forever if you give everyone exclusives.

The main characters are based on real people.

I think: In other words, you fictionalized your own life story. I’m guessing you probably won’t be open to editorial changes regarding plot or character…

This is a women’s fiction romance mystery with vampires.

I think: I don’t know how to sell this.

This manuscript has been a finalist in 17 contests.

I think: 17? And yet no editor/agent has picked it up yet? Most likely you’re spending too much time entering contests and not enough time revising the bulk of your book.

I’m a member of RWA (or ITW, MWA).

I think: Hooray! This author is definitely interested in writing as a career.

Editor Series Begins This Week!

2011-09-12T16:15:00.003-04:00

As my guest editor series draws near, I thought it would be helpful to say a few words about what editors can do and what they mean to writers.

First and foremost, an editor is your first reader. Sure, they are gatekeepers and as such, they must bar the work that isn't up to par for their company. But gatekeepers also let the worthy in.

An editor is way more than a proofreader. He or she is tasked with making your work the very best it can be. And hey, who doesn't want their work to be its best when it rolls off the line?

An editor is someone who knows the publishing world (probably a lot better than you do) and she knows where your work fits into that world. She's not your mother or your friend. If she says likes something it's because it's good, not because she doesn't want to hurt your feelings. And the opposite is true, too. She won't let you slide on something that just isn't right to avoid hurting your feelings.

An editor is a teacher. If you pay attention, editors can teach you a lot. I've learned something from every editor I've worked with and to date, that's more than a dozen of them. I still get an occasional grammar lesson - usually about some obscure rule or exception to one. But more importantly, they point out things like plot holes and characterization issues and big things that can make or break the story. Some editors even teach courses and write books chock full of awesome information for writers. Want to learn a whole lot about writing? Think about taking the Before You Hit Send workshop by Carina Press Executive Editor Angela James. There's one starting in a week!

More than anything, an editor is a purveyor of the written word. She can do for your work what the fairy godmother did for Cinderella's look. Yeah, she's that amazing. Stay tuned for editorial wisdom.

2011-09-10T13:24:00.003-04:00

Under Pressure

2011-09-07T14:22:00.000-04:00

I think we've all had this happen. Someone gives us a book and says you MUST read this. It's awesome. Then they gush about while you smile politely because you know it isn't your taste in reads.

As a writer, there are literally dozens of books on my TBR shelf at any given moment. From craft books to novels written by writer buddies to those my agent thinks I ought to read, to the monthly read my book club has assigned, I am inundated with books, books, books. And I love to read - heck, it's one of the great pleasures in my life.

Recently a relative (whom I love dearly) gave me a book and insisted it had to be next on my TBR pile. Okay, because I love her so much. But then I saw it was over 800 pages. Uh oh. What's a slow reader to do?

So far, I've read a chapter or two and honestly, it's just not grabbing me. Now this is a very well known, popular book. It's just not my thing.

So I'm curious. Has this happened to you? How did you handle it?

Thursday With An Editor Series

2011-08-30T11:53:00.003-04:00

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about a new series I've come up with for this blog. Beginning in mid-September, I will host an editor every Thursday either for a guest post or an interview.

Now I am not talking your run-of-the-mill line editor, no. I've got some of the best and brightest editors out there. Who, you ask? I have interviews with Harlequin Desire's Stacy Boyd, Ellora's Cave Editor-in-Chief, Kelli Collins and Random House's Sue Grimshaw. I also have guest posts by Carina Press Executive Editor Angela James, Carina Press editor Rhonda Stapleton, Kensington editor Megan Records and independent editor (and former Red Sage Managing Editor) Theresa Stevens.

Is than an amazing lineup or what? The generosity of these ladies is humbling. I can't begin to imagine how busy they are and I am so grateful that they will donate their time and expertise to the series.

Stay tuned. The series begins on September 15th with Megan Records and Angela James will wrap it up on November 3rd. It's going to be great!

If you have any questions you'd like me to pose in advance to any of the interviewees, please leave a note in the comments.

Book Club Nirvana

2011-08-27T08:34:00.001-04:00

I can't wait to read the next two selections for my book club. The first is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Yes - half the readers out there are probably reading this one, but one of our founding members chose this one long before the movie came out. I've just delved into the first few pages and I'm already hooked. This is good news because I absolutely hated the last book, The Law of Love by Laura Esquivel, a book that scoffs at the all-important writer rule of showing rather than telling. Every emotion is told to the reader and there's hardly any dialogue. Honestly, I couldn't finish that one, but my reading group buds are cool about that. Part of why we meet is to discuss the book, part of it is merely intelligent conversation with some interesting women.

After we meet next month to discuss The Help, we'll make a date to go see the movie together. I can't stand seeing a movie first then reading the book. When I ordered this book, I went ahead and bought our next selection as well - Some Girls: My Life in a Harem, which is a true story by Jillian Lauren. This one is calling me, too so I'd better hurry up and read The Help!

What about you? Are there any books you're dying to read? If you are a member of a book club, have there been any selections you hated? If so, did you finish the book?

Guest Author - Bonnie Paulson

2011-08-25T04:00:00.001-04:00

Please welcome today's guest author, Bonnie Paulson

Own your Genre

Romance is known for its steam scenes, happy endings and men with muscles that go on forever.

I’ve been teased for reading “smut”. I hid my genre when I started to write it. I claimed I wrote mysteries, thrillers. I went so far as to say I wrote literary. I even tried writing that way. Then I had an epiphany.

I couldn’t figure out why it was so dang hard to write. Everyone says write what you know. Finally, I acknowledged to myself I know romance. I’ve been reading the awesome genre since I was 8. It’s my fall back. I’ll stray and check out other genres (Harry Potter, for example) but I always return to romance.

What I learned is no genre is “more” prestigious than another. To the reader, whatever genre they like is the royal genre to them.

This is a subjective business and not because of agents and editors. Subjectivity comes from the different tastes of the readers. People like different things at different times – like food.

Whatever you write or read, be proud of it. Say it clear – don’t mumble like I used to. Jeesh, you would’ve thought I was an alcoholic or something.

I’m a romance writer. I like the mushy stuff. I like a solid, well-delivered line that creeps under my skin and kisses my bones.

I’m Bonnie R. Paulson and I read and write romance.

How about you?

Find Bonnie at http://bonnierpaulson.com

********Bonnie has graciously offered to give a digital copy of Breathe Again to one commenter***********

2011-08-24T09:35:00.000-04:00

I am over at Not Your Usual Suspects today dishing on the lessons I learned on my recent family vacation. Also, we have a new member at Naughty Author Chicks! Callie Croix, a talented author and all around sweet lady is now officially naughty.

Guest Author - Dianne Venetta

2011-08-16T04:00:00.003-04:00

So glad to be here! Thank you, Wynter for inviting me to blog this week. Hopefully you'll still be happy upon your return. J Never know what kind of trouble these guest bloggers can get into while the home blogger is away…especially with the mood I've been in!

I've been discussing guilty pleasures of late; a topic that is oh-so-appealing but oh-so-troublesome! When there's guilt involved, you can be sure trouble is right behind. Whether it's my guilt over that second brownie or third scoop of ice cream, the trouble to my thighs is sure to follow.

Or how about that sprint to the mall? It was more of an "I-had-to-get-out-of-the-house escape than an I-had-to-buy-something-new kinda spree which is never good. Impulse buys not only ding the wallet but they attract all sorts of unwanted looks from your husband.

Followed by the questions. "What do you need with that? Don't you have enough skirts? How many pairs of jeans can you wear at one time? Don't we have enough dishtowels?"

"It's an herb keeper and it will save money by keeping our herbs fresher, longer. Now that you made me return to work part-time, I need more skirts. One—obviously—but jeans shrink (really, it's the dryer—not me). And no, you can never have enough dishtowels."

Didn't even try to explain to him how cute these particular towels were or how styles change when it comes to jean fashion. He simply wouldn't understand. Speaking of things he wouldn't understand, one of my secret guilty pleasures is reading yummy books (the likes of which I wouldn't let my husband see the movie version!).

Yes, I'm talking bodice rippers, sexy contemporary flings, erotic romance... You name it, I'm reading it. Funny, isn't it? How we humans are still engaging in the same types of behavior all these centuries later; tearing into clothes, tearing off clothes, passing time enmeshed in passionate lovemaking…

But allow my husband such spicy reading material? Well, isn't that what he has me for? :)

Oh—is that what he's for, too? But he's never ripped my bodice before and for good reason—those things are expensive! My last trip to the mall proved as much, though he has yet to see that little gem. Though he did slip those fishnets off with without incident…

I'm sorry. Am I revealing too much? Dang if that isn't the problem with indulging in guilty pleasures—eventually one can get caught!

Perhaps I should stick with the exorbitantly priced glass of wine. You know, the Chardonnay that tastes like butter with a hint of oak and apricot? Or how about the Cabernet that rolls over the tongue with a rush of blackberry and tannin, followed by a smoky finish?

Hmmm... I'm craving one just thinking about it. Can't usually afford the good stuff but I do like to splurge on occasion. And by the way, splurging is good for the soul, kinda like purging, only better. By releasing pent-up desire, you don't allow it to fester. Festering of any kind is icky and highly undesirable. Get it out of your system. And stay healthy!

Now how's that for clever rationale? Works for me! Now I think it's time to get back to the old work-in-progress and start putting some of these "clever" ideas to work on my next novel. How about you? Any guilty pleasures you want to share?

There's a free copy of my debut novel in it for you! Simply leave a comment on today's post and you'll be entered to win a free copy—print or ebook—of my recent release, JENNIFER'S GARDEN.

In a race against time, cardiologist Jennifer Hamilton is caught between her mother's dying wish and taking the risk of a lifetime with Jackson Montgomery. He's the man hired to complete the landscaping for her new home; the venue for her upcoming wedding. Jackson's everything she never wanted in a man, but as the job progresses, his lure pulls strong. It's an attraction she cannot deny.

And one that puts her career on the line.

Jennifer has some decisions to make, choices that pull her in opposite directions. Her best friend Samantha Rawlings is pulling her toward new horizons yet her traditional mindset resists. And then there's Jackson.

Personally, I'd follow him anywhere! In fact, I could use a personal landscaper. When not whacking away at the keyboard crafting my next novel you'll find me in my very own organic garden, chasing grasshoppers and plucking hornworms all while crafting wild analogies between kids and plants and men. Definitely men.

A girl's gotta have fun, right?

You bet. With guilt or not. J

Happy Release Day to Me!

2011-08-12T04:00:00.003-04:00

Yup, another one. But this one is the first book in my very first series. My Long and Hard Series is about Long Shot Security, a company that specializes in protecting the rich and famous.

Book One is Sizzle at Sea. Here's a little about it:

All heiress Kara Mikos wants is a vacation cruise and a hot shipboard fling. When her father phones to say there is a plot to kidnap her, she brushes it off as another of his many attempts to control her life.

Private security expert Harper Long doesn’t mean to fall for his client’s sexy daughter but what better way to keep her close enough to protect? Granting his libido free rein comes with a price, though—a treasure he’s not willing to lose.

You'll find an excerpt HERE, but beware, it's smokin' hot! I will give a copy of the book to one commenter here and over at Katie Reus's blog, where I am hanging out today.

***UPDATE: We have a winner! I drew Taryn's name for a download of Sizzle at Sea! Congrats, Taryn***

Two Hawt New Covers

2011-08-04T20:38:00.003-04:00

I can do a little happy dance today. Getting a new cover is a lot like Christmas! Check out the revised cover for the revised Employee Relations (Which I made myself) and the gorgeous one for my upcoming release, Sizzle at Sea, first in my Long and Hard series from Ellora's Cave.

It's a Brave New World for Readers and Writers

2011-07-29T14:51:00.000-04:00

I just signed up at Kindlegraph, a brand new site that allows readers to have Kindle ebooks autographed. How is that possible? Technology, of course. Kindlegraph allows authors to send personalized inscriptions and signatures directly to the electronic devices of their fans.

I was amazed that when I signed up yesterday, I already had requests for autographs waiting for me! What a huge ego stroke;-)

Here's a little about the process. I'm amazed at the ingenuity it takes to think up and put such technology into action. All I can say is, it is truly a brave new world.

For readers, will you get your embooks autographed? For writers, have you signed up for Kindlegraph yet? Do you plan to?

Keeping it in Perspective

2011-07-21T08:38:00.000-04:00

The publishing business is not for the fainthearted. It requires perseverance, dedication, patience and humility. There are all sorts of giant rocks littering the path to success. And that success is relative.

I remember when I got my first contract with an up and coming ebook publisher. I was so excited that I cried, my husband took me out to celebrate. Eventually I took my rights back for both books I had with that company because they were about to implode. Then there was the next publisher and the next. Each time I got a foothold in what I perceived to be a better, stronger, more discerning publishing house, I was uber excited.

But there are always pitfalls. In this business one of those is rejections and I have had my share. Some hit me harder than others. Thank goodness I have a husband who always reminds me of the milestones when I want to wallow in a pity party. He also has a way of pointing out what's really important.

Recently, one of my daughter's friends had an awful, life-changing experience. It made me stop and realize how little any of professional hopes and dreams matter in the big picture. I have my family, I have a home, clothes on my back and food on the table. If my next book is rejected, well, it would be a disappointment, but it won't destroy me.

I have to remind myself that it is what it is. I wish it didn't take tragedies to bring this point home. Are you able to keep things in perspective or do you need those jarring moments to remind you what's really important?

Guest Author - J.K. Coi

2011-07-14T04:00:00.001-04:00

Please welcome today's guest author - J. K. Coi.

A lot of people ask me if I believe the things I write about. Well, I write about a lot of different kinds of creatures, including vampires, werewolves, ancient Chinese zombie warriors… so I can honestly say that my own personal beliefs aren’t really what it’s all about.

However, now I’m writing about angels, and that seemed a little bit different.

Except that my angels aren’t quite like any angels I had ever read or heard about before. My angels aren't sweet and pure. They aren't peaceful and helpful. My angels are selfish and powerful and a lot of them are out-and-out crazy psychopaths that would kill anything that moves.

But not all of them.

Some of my angels are bound by duty and honor. They’re trying to do the right thing. They make choices and mistakes just like every average person does, and they have to deal with the fall-out of those choices and mistakes.

The bottom line is that whether or not I believe in the paranormal creatures I write about, I always believe in their struggle. In the emotions and experiences that drive them, because deep down that’s what we all relate to as readers. Whether they’re working to save the world or just trying to keep out of the sunlight, my characters’ journeys are much like our own in that they have strong emotional conflicts to overcome, and I like to think that’s what makes them memorable to my readers.

What is it that makes a character or story memorable for you?
I’ll be giving away a digital copy of FALLING HARD to one randomly chosen commenter.

In FALLING HARD (buy link: http://tinyurl.com/6klp9r5 ), my July 18 release from Carina Press, Gabriel’s poor choices have shaped him into the man he is, but he’s worked hard to overcome that. Except, the choices still to come are not going to be easy and he might very well lose everything in the end.

Blurb:

After a life filled with tragedy, rocker Gabriel Gunn thinks he's finally getting the better of his personal demons. Then he's attacked after a concert—and rescued by a warrior goddess brandishing a sword and white wings. As hard as it is to believe in an angelic bodyguard, Gabriel must face an even more impossible truth: he carries the devil's soul within him.

Amelia has been watching over Gabriel for years, using her angelic powers to prevent Lucifer's return. Now she must also protect him from warring angel factions with their own agendas. Amelia would do anything to avert another angelic war, even sacrifice her own emotions to avoid temptation. Yet with Gabriel she feels things she no longer wants to deny, and pleasure she never imagined.

But the closer Gabriel and Amelia get, the stronger Lucifer becomes. Will Amelia be forced to kill the man she's come to love to stop the war she's always feared?

J.K. Coi is a multi-published, award winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She makes her home in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son and a feisty black cat who is the uncontested head of the household. While she spends her days immersed in the litigious world of insurance law, she is very happy to spend her nights writing dark and sexy characters who leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.

Website: www.jkcoi.com

Blog: www.jkcoi.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jkcoi

***Update - The winner is KC Burn! Congrats.***

Guest Author - Adrienne Giordano

2011-07-13T04:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome my very talented guest, Adrienne Giordano to the blog.

Please tell us a little about yourself. Which publisher(s) do you write for? What genre do you write?

I am a Carina Press author and I write Romantic Suspense. My debut book, Man Law, just released on July 4. It's the first book in the Private Protectors series. Book two, A Just Deception, will be released on September 5^th and the third on November 7. I'm currently working on book 4. Busy couple of months!

What is your workday like? Are you a full or part time writer? It's crazy, that's what it's like! LOL. I work part-time as a marketing consultant. My background is in newspaper advertising and twelve years ago I decided I to work part-time. Working at home has allowed me to chase my dream of becoming a published author. I'm typically at my computer by around 6:15. I work for about 90 minutes and then get my son off to school. It's been a little rough with him out for summer vacation, but thankfully he's a trooper and gives Mom some space. During school though, I work until my guy comes home and we get busy with his activities, homework, etc. I do take an hour 3-4 days a week to go to the gym or out for a brisk walk. I find the exercise helps the creative process. And really, I just need it! LOL. Plus, it's a nice break during a busy day. When things quiet down at night, I settle back in at the computer.

Did you always know you wanted to pen books?

I was a junior in high school sitting in English class the day I decided I'd someday write a book. That dream went to the backburner until I hit my thirties because I was a career girl and had rent to pay. I always knew I'd write that book. Didn't know when, but I knew.

How long did it take you to get published? Was the first book you write published?

This is actually a great story. At least I think so. It took me almost four years to finish my first book. Actually, that was my second book. The first book (my practice book) sits in my desk drawer and will never see the light of day. Never! The second book though, I thought maybe had a shot. That book got me my first final in the Linda Howard Award of Excellence contest. I had received a couple of requests for fulls on that manuscript, but never had an offer. The rejections piled up and I moved on to my next book which is a spin-off of the previous book. That book (Man Law) poured out of me. I love, love, love the hero in Man Law. I tell everyone I want to be Vic when I grow up. After a few years of submitting my books, during which time I received requests for fulls and some contest finals, I got the call from Carina Press. By that time, I'd finished the third book in the series. I sent the other two books to my editor hoping they would buy the whole series. Well, they made an offer on the third book (so they wanted the second and third books), but wanted revisions on the first one. They hadn't made an offer and wouldn't guarantee an offer, but I knew if I wanted to see that book published, I had to nail the revisions. The revisions were not horrible, but I had to take out subplots so it was a fairly major rewrite. Still, I jumped at the opportunity. I had always believed that book had a chance and I knew my writing had improved, so I wanted to take the opportunity to revise the book. I tore that book apart, made the heroine a little tougher and tightened the screws on my hero. Then Carina made an offer. So, yes, after a major rewrite, my first book sold. My advice to any aspiring novelist is to never give up on your first book. The book may need extensive revisions, but don't give up on it.

How many books have you sold to date? Do you have a favorite?

Four. I'm currently working on the fourth. Do I have a favorite? That's like asking a mother of three who her favorite child is. The truth is, I love them all differently. I love the first book because that's a book I started while sitting next to my father's hospital bed before he died. I love Man Law because I adore Vic and I love A Just Deception because the heroine has tremendous trust issues she has to overcome, but she is a fighter and always bounces back.

How extensive is your research? What are the greatest lengths you’ve gone to in the name of research?

I'm a big external plotter so I like to have at least a middle and an end of the story figured out. I tend to do a lot of my research up front and recently hit a brick wall with my WIP. I had to hire a professional researcher to help me. That was fun because she came up with some great information that I would never have found. Otherwise, I'm fairly lucky because I have a huge family and someone always knows someone who can help me. Plus, I'm on several fantastic writing loops where I can usually find the answers to questions.

What do you find the most difficult aspect of being an author?

For me, the difficulty usually hits about three-quarters of the way through the book when I'm bone tired and so sick to death of my characters that I want to scrap the whole thing. That's when I really have to dig in and convince myself to push through. I always do though. I don't have any manuscripts that I've abandoned. Finishing them brings a tremendous amount of satisfaction.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Hopefully still writing books and getting published!

Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry?

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate. I actually eat an ounce of dark chocolate every day because I read an article that said dark chocolate (has to be 70% cacao) is great for the immune system. As good a reason as any to eat chocolate every day!

Tell us about your current or upcoming release.

Man Law is my current release and it's about Vic Andrews, a maverick government assassin who has his cover blown and is forced to protect the family of his closest friend's widowed sister. In the process he breaks all of his man laws by falling in love. As I mentioned above, Vic poured out of me. He's a guy's guy, living by his sometimes crazy man laws and getting along just fine. Then Gina forces him to face the fact that he's completely useless when it comes to understanding women. And his man laws aren't doing him a damned bit of good. He has a vulnerability to him that I really tried to tap into.

Where can we find you on the web?

I have a Facebook page, I'm on Twitter, have a website and a Harlequin author page. I'm also part of a group blog called Romance University where we have industry professional blog about various craft and career related topics. Here are the links:

http://adriennegiordano.com/

http://community.eharlequin.com/users/adrienne-giordano

http://www.facebook.com/AdrienneGiordanoAuthor

http://twitter.com/AdriennGiordano

http://romanceuniversity.org/

Thanks, Wynter for having me!

Adrienne Giordano writes romantic suspense and women's fiction. She is a Jersey girl at heart, but now lives in the Chicago area with her work-a-holic husband, sports obsessed son and Buddy the Wheaton Terrorist (Terrier). She is a co-founder of Romance University blog. Adrienne's debut romantic suspense, Man Law, will be released by Carina Press on July 4, 2011. Her second book, A Just Deception, will be available from Carina Press on September 5, 2011. For more information please visit www.AdrienneGiordano.com.

Release Day is Here

2011-07-06T05:00:00.003-04:00

As many book releases I have -- I think I am a little past 25 now -- release day never loses its luster. Burning Touch, which was one of the toughest books to name, is out today.

Devon, the heroine, started out in another book that I wrote a long time ago. The book didn't make it, but I recycled Devon because I thought she was particularly likable and real.

So, without further ado, here's the blurb for Burning Touch. Comment and I will enter you in a drawing to win a download of the book.

When Devon Wise’s massage clients start turning up dead, she reluctantly leans on the sexy guy next door to help her clear her name. Having lost her parents at an early age, she doesn’t trust that anyone she cares about will stick around. Devon never lets her feelings get involved, keeping everyone at arm’s length. But after their first sizzling night, she can’t get enough.

Real estate investor Ben Stafford can’t keep his mind—or his hands—off the earthy beauty who happens to be his new neighbor. When the bodies begin piling up, he wonders if she’s as innocent as she claims or if he’s been spending all those lust-filled nights with a killer.

Want another chance to win? I'll be hanging out with the wonderful ladies of Writers Gone Wild today. Comment there and I will enter you in another drawing to win the book!

**Update - I drew Elle for the winner! Congrats Elle. Email me at WynterDaniels @ gmail.com**

I Love Summer

2011-07-01T10:48:00.000-04:00

My first summer as a full time writer was five years ago. Before that, summertime had only meant finding camps or other activities for the kids since both my husband and I worked during the week. But that first summer after I'd left the nine-to-five world taught me how wonderful summer could be.

The first thing that hit me was that I didn't have to wake up in the wee hours to take kids to school. I could sleep until I woke.

The next thing that thrilled me was that I could go swimming without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. You see, the nasty bugs love me and while I was working during the day, my only opportunity to get in the pool was after work -- when mosquitoes were swarming. But now I can swim in the middle of the day.

I've always loved berries and other summer fruit, not to mention vacations. All in all, even though the temperature and the humidity in Florida stay in the nineties, I love it. What about you? DO you love it, hate it or are you somewhere in between?

In other news, I have a new release, False Pretenses. Here's a little about it:

When hotel CEO Brady Travers hires Sarah Powell for his Bermuda resort, she's thrilled with the opportunity to work with the sexy millionaire, especially since they shared one night of passion a month earlier. But when Sarah learns she is pregnant, her life turns upside-down.
Brady secretly hoped to keep Sarah safe since she carries a tiny piece of his dead wife inside her. But when his ruse is discovered, will the betrayal be too much for Sarah to bear?

Purchase on Kindle HERE

Purchase for Nook HERE

Purchase other formats HERE

Yeah for New York!

2011-06-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

You did it, New York! You took the next step in creating a more perfect union with marriage equality for all. Although I no longer live there, I've never been more proud to hail from the great state of New York.

Guest Author - Lucienne Diver

2011-06-22T04:00:00.008-04:00

Please welcome today's guest blogger, Lucienne Diver.

When my grandmother died, she left me two things that I cherish to this day: a coffee table book on Broadway musicals and a Larouse Encyclopedia of Mythology. Probably unsurprisingly in my world, the Larouse gets a lot more use.

I can’t say when I first became fascinated by Apollo. It might have been back in the fifth grade when I started taking Latin. Along with declining verbs (which I hated), we learned an awful lot about Greek and Roman mythology and civilization (which I loved). Apollo, interestingly, was “Apollo” in both pantheons. It might have been later than that, perhaps in college when we got more in depth in the course I took on Greek archaeology. Either way, I’m quite sure it started whenever it was I discovered that this Greek deity was said to have turquoise eyes and golden curls. It’s a stunning combination, to be sure, but it wasn’t the aesthetics of it that caught my attention so much as the seeming incongruity compared to his brethren and sistren, with the exception of his twin sister Athena/Artemis. I started wondering, which started me reading. According to Larouse, “Some authorities believe that he came from Asia and was either a Hittite god, a Hellenic double of the Arab god Hobal, or a god of Lycia. Others, because of his close relations with the Hyperboreans, think that he was a Nordic Divinity.” Now, either way, my first thought was “oh cool!” Apparently, Apollo so enticed the hearts and minds of the cultures he touched that he was not only adopted, but given over attributes of other divinities who had come before him. By the time he was finished, he’d not only more or less taken over for the sun god, Helios, but had also become the god of music, prophecy, the harvest, archery and pastoral life.

In fact, on the tour of Delphi my family and I took earlier this year on our trip to Greece, I learned that Apollo was so powerful that supposedly at four days old he set off to found his own sanctuary and discovered the perfect spot on Mount Parnassas. Of course, it was already dedicated to the mother-goddess, Rhea (Roman: Gaia), and guarded by the enormous Pythian serpent, which he defeated single-handedly. Interestingly, he punished himself (or Zeus punished him, depending on who you ask) for the act of murdering the mythic creature, exiling and humbling himself for a period of time (while his sanctuary was established).

Even more interestingly, Apollo was said to go walk-about during the winter months, giving his sanctuary over to the god Dionysus, who was honored in his absence. Where did he go? Well, that’s a matter of some debate.

In many ways, Apollo’s origin story echoes that of Heracles (or Heracles’ story mimics his)…the childhood wrestling of the serpent, etc. In other ways, his story is unique among the myths.

All of this led me to wonder…what would the Apollo of today be like? Would his ego have diminished along with his worship? What about his allure? How would he react to a hard-as-unpainted-nails woman who could see right through the dangerous attraction? I won’t say these questions led me to the writing of Bad Blood, because that all started with Tori Karacis, former circus brat and current P.I. But it did lead me to a potentially deadly love triangle. You see, Apollo has a rival for Tori’s affections, and gods don’t like to lose.

Bad Blood, first novel of the Latter-Day Olympians

Available digitally June 28, 2011, print in 2012

www.luciennediver.com

Facebook fan page

Twitter

Lucienne Diver is a literary agent by day, a writer and journeyman jeweler by night. She started writing in her teens because talking back to the voices in her head wasn't socially acceptable—and she already had enough to deal with being a drama and AP English geek.
Her credits include short stories and a romantic comedy written under the pseudonym Kit Daniels. With her young adult novel Vamped, she's taking off the mask and stepping into the full glare of ... indirect sunlight. Because as her heroine would tell you, anything else is hazardous to your health, especially once you've been Vamped.

PSSST!

2011-06-16T00:06:00.001-04:00

I'll let you in on a little secret, but you have to promise to keep it just between us, okay?

But first... Don't you hate it when someone promises to tell you something, then backs off? How annoying is that? Authors do it all the time. You're sure the big secret will be revealed by the end of the chapter, but no! The chapter ends and still, you haven't learned the identity of the killer or what one character's answer was to an all-important, life or death question.

So I won't do that to you. I'll tell you, even though it's not official yet. Just please, don't let it get out. I can't give you many details yet, but I will say that I'm now expecting contracts on a three-book series with Ellora's Cave. The stories are related and are romantic suspense. I'll share details after that contract is signed, sealed and delivered.

And that's all I have to say about that. What about you? Any juicy secrets you want to blab about? I promise, it'll be our little secret;-)

Medical Speak

2011-06-13T10:21:00.003-04:00

I am over at Romance University today, guest blogging about how to find the medical information you need for those injuries and diseases that often creep up in our stories. Please come by and say hello.

Also - please check out my friend Julie Moffett's brand new book, No One to Trust from Carina Press.

One More Time ... Please!

2011-06-10T14:48:00.000-04:00

Well, Belle Behind Bars came in second last week for Book of the Week at Whipped Cream Reviews. And second place gets you... well, nothing.

But wait - another of my short stories, Customer Service got a stellar review this week! That gives us one more shot to take home the prize. That prize is a custom made video from Goddess Fish Promotions to publicize the review and the win.

So I ask you again - no, I beg you. Please vote Saturday, June 12 - Sunday June 13 for Customer Service at Whipped Cream Reviews.

Up for Book of the Week!

2011-06-04T03:00:00.003-04:00

I'm soooo excited! Belle Behind Bars, my very first BDSM short story got a fab review at Whipped Cream Reviews. Not only that - now it is up for Book of the Week at the site. So - I would be so very appreciative if you would click on the link and vote for it. I'll do your laundry for the next year and even iron your husband's socks. Well, no I won't, but you'll have my eternal gratitude.

Reading Like a Snail

2011-06-01T10:05:00.000-04:00

As a writer, few pursuits are more important to my craft than reading. Unfortunately, although I've been a steady reader all my adult life, I am painfully slow at it.

This truth has plagued me in recent years when my Kindle and my book shelves are filled with author friends' books, recommended writing craft books, you name it.

So I decided it was time to be proactive. In two weeks I begin an online speed reading class through a local university. I have high hopes for the six-week course since DH took a similar program when he was in high school and he still reads about twice as fast as I. Sure wish I'd thought of that years ago, like before I started college. But better late than never, right? I'll let you know how it goes.

What about you? Are you a fast or slow reader? Have you ever taken speed reading? If so, did it help?

Guest Author - Jenny Schwartz

2011-05-28T04:00:00.002-04:00

Please welcome Carina Press author Jenny Schwartz to the blog:

Hi Wynter! I'm delighted to be visiting. I was thinking of a topic to post about, and as always, once I started dreaming, my mind drifted to food. So, I thought, why not go with it? Hence, today's guest post is "Food as Inspiration, or Feed Your Muse".

Three Wishes released this week. It has a Syrian setting, and writing it I became addicted to raw pistachios. Heaven knows why, but something in my brain was adamant pistachios were the Mediterranean snack food, and who am I to argue when they're so yummy?

I always thought pistachios were nuts, but technically they're kernels and you need a male and female tree to grow them. I know this because once I became addicted to them, I naturally wanted to see if I could grow them. This is what a pistachio tree looks like (with thanks to Oceanbaby via Flickr).

I don't think I can squeeze two more trees into a suburban yard.

Kebabs are my favourite fast food--and a great Mediterranean meal. I'm lucky. Our local kebab shop is also a Turkish bakery, so in addition to takeaway meals and dips (hummus, anyone?), we have yummy sweets, baklavas and Turkish delight.

Did you know true Turkish delight is made without gelatin? Maybe everyone but me knew this. You use cornflower instead, adding it to the boiling toffee and beating hard. Me, I've given up making toffee since I burned my little finger. Thankfully, there's aloe vera in the garden and that stopped it scarring.

Hmm, I'm rambling a bit. But that's what Mediterranean food inspires--a leisurely, indulgent approach to life and all the good things in it, casual conversation and siestas. My kind of life!

***

She is the Bringer of Death

Cali, a djinni, has sworn to twist the wishes of humans so they die by their own greed and evil. Her latest master is arms dealer David Saqr, a man Cali believes deserves the fate she has in store for him. But this time she finds herself up against Andrew, David's guardian angel.

He is a Protector of Life

Andrew believes David can yet find redemption. He fights Cali for the man's life, even as he tries to persuade her to give in to the sizzling attraction between them. He shows Cali another side of David, and invites her to trust again, to hope. But centuries of being enslaved have hardened Cali's heart--it's going to take all of Andrew's love to convince her to open it and let him in.

from Carina Press

***

You can find Jenny at her website, on Twitter and Facebook and indulging her love of pretty pictures on Tumblr.

A Mother's Work...

2011-05-25T23:25:00.000-04:00

On the home front, we are waiting for permits to be approved before our contractor can start on a big plumbing project. Until we get the job finished (and our bank account cleaned out) we can't do any laundry or run the dishwasher. We have to take short showers which is an unbelievable and totally cruel punishment for our seventeen-year-old daughter. (Yes - we planned this all for her inconvenience!)

This all leads me to why I haven't gotten a thing written today. After five days without use of a washing machine, everyone in my family suddenly realized they were running out of important clothing items -- DH was actually cleaning out his dresser drawers in search of the black t-shirts he must wear under his uniforms. DS discovered that two work shirts were not enough (which I told him a year ago). DD decided she needed to go shopping because she refused to resort to the secondary or tertiary wardrobe that resided in the back of her closet.

So who do you guess paid the piper for all of them? Moi, of course. I had to shlep three laundry baskets to the homes of generous friend willing to share their working plumbing with me. (God bless them). But after hauling around the heaviest laundry baskets ever (I brought all the clothes home wet since I do have a dryer I could use) and then had to fold and hang for hours.

All this to say I had no time or energy to write today. But there's always tomorrow, thank goodness.

Friday, May 27, I will be over at Borders True Romance Blog, which is very exciting for me, as a fan of the blog. I will be discussing Dedications and some interesting quotes from authors. Although I know you are dying to read my scintillating discourse about dedications, I am entering all those who comment in a drawing for a $25 AMC Theatres gift card (US addresses only) or a free download of Protective Custody or their choice of any book from my backlist (for those outside the US).

A New Book...Sort of

2011-05-22T20:30:00.002-04:00

Early in my career as a writer, I published a novella titled, BRIDE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON about a couple that goes on a reality show to win a hundred thousand dollars. It was a cute story that got some good reviews and one of my very few attempts at a comedy-laced romance.

I've been thinking about this story, mulling over re-editing it, tweaking it and giving it a new life. There's something about having the opportunity to go back and make a story better than is incredibly appealing to some writers, including me. So I took that opportunity. I secured my rights back from the publisher and polished and shined it, gave it a brand new cover and voila!

Here's a little about the story:
Jodi and Kip are drowning in debt so they sign on for Bride from the Black Lagoon, a competitive reality show, to win the hundred-thousand-dollar prize. But will the challenges on the lush tropical island where the show is filmed save them or tear them apart?

If you'd like to check it out, you can get it at All Romance EBooks for only $2.99.

Another Chance to Win!

2011-05-20T13:23:00.000-04:00

I'm over at The Romance Studio's Blog today about the all important first kiss in a romance novel. Please come by and comment. I will enter you in a drawing for a copy of Protective Custody.

Interview with Author Maureen A. Miller

2011-05-18T04:00:00.003-04:00

Welcome, Maureen and thanks for stopping by today. I can't wait to read your brand new book, Endless Night.

How long have you been writing? Did you always know you wanted to be a writer?

It feels like I have been writing since sometime in the late 1700’s, but in actuality on a dedicated level it has been about ten years. I always wanted to be a writer, but it’s not as simple a task as some people make it out to be. Nine years ago I received a Golden Heart nomination from RWA, which at that naïve time I thought would open all sorts of doors for me, but I learned like everyone else that nothing comes easy. You have to persevere and maintain a day job while your writing is still in the ‘hobby’ stage.

What genres do you stick to?

Romantic Suspense has always been my forte, but the novel I am currently working on is more of a romantic adventure, along the lines of Indiana Jones…but maybe with a little more heat.

Do you read the same type of books that you write?

Absolutely. I am very fond of the genre and the bevy of talented authors out there inspires me in my field.

Where are you from? Tell us a bit about your home life.

I am a bit of a mutt. I am from New Jersey but have spent a vast amount of time in the Tampa region, and I now reside in North Carolina. This mixture provides the components for a unique accent.
Home life is all about writing until football season comes around. I am a die-hard Tampa Bay Buccaneer fan, and you can rest assured that on Sundays in the fall I have to take a time out from the keyboard.

Tell us about your current release.

ENDLESS NIGHT is a romantic suspense with a gothic feel to it. The gothic influence comes from the dark setting on the blustery Maine coast in a sinister mansion perched on the cliffs. The heroine, Megan Summers is hiding in the most remote place she can find after having witnessed a murder in Boston. Jake Grogan shows up on her doorstep with a letter in his hand from a woman claiming to be his biological mother. The woman has told him to locate his grandmother in the very house Megan is now occupying. A storm stands Jake there with Megan and together they band to discover his heritage and to battle her enemy.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

At a poolside with a margarita in my hand. I see myself there tomorrow as well, but neither will probably happen.
In ten years I hope to be doing what I enjoy doing the most…writing romantic suspense.

Where can we find you on the web?

Website: www.maureenamiller.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaureenMillerBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MaureenAMiller

**** I will be giving away a free copy of ENDLESS NIGHT in either ePub or PDF formats to a random commenter.****

Summertime and the Winning is Easy!

2011-05-15T23:00:00.005-04:00

Want another chance to win a copy of Protective Custody? Come and say hello at Coffee Time Romance on Monday, May 16th and I'll enter you in a drawing.

How about doubling your chances? I'll also be at Lovin' Me Some Romance today. Comment there and you could also win.

If you miss those blogs, come over to Tawny Taylor's blog on Tuesday, May 17.

And in other news, the lovely and talented Maureen A. Miller has her first release with Carina Press today - please check it out HERE.

Now that the announcements are out of the way, I have a movie recommendation for you. DH and I had a date night Saturday and I got to choose the flick. So, we went to see Bridesmaids and even he had to admit, it was damn funny. This might look like a chick flick and in some ways it is, but there are plenty of laughs even the guys enjoy. The audience was almost half men. So there.http://tinyurl.com/3dxg49p

My Big Week Continues...

2011-05-13T12:50:00.000-04:00

And today you can find me at Maureen A. Miller's blog and over at Tracey Kitts' place. Please come by and say hello.

A Giant, Big, Awesome Week

2011-05-09T04:00:00.005-04:00

This is a big week for me. Tomorrow is my birthday and today is release day for my first book from Carina Press, Protective Custody. I'm also doing a blog tour and will be all over the blogoshere. If you'd like to find me and have a chance to win some of the prizes I am giving away, here's my schedule for the next couple of days:

Monday: Not Your Usual Suspects, Naughty Author Chicks, You Gotta Read and Book Junkie. Tuesday: Manic Readers and Book Junkie. Wednesday: Carina Press Blog, Romance Junkies, The Romance Dish. For a full list of blog stops and interviews, check my website.

Here’s a little about Protective Custody from Carina Press:

Witness to a murder, but no one will believe her…

Shocked by the brutal crime she witnesses through the window of her small office, Megan Jackson calls the police and is devastated when they question the truth of her story. With no body and no evidence of a crime, she’s written off as a nutcase.

Megan suspects the killer saw her face. Terrified, she calls the only person she can trust—her ex-boyfriend and former police officer, Will McCoy.

Despite a devastating breakup, Will jumps at the chance to help the woman who broke his heart. When the killer ramps up the stakes, Will is forced to take her into hiding—where the passion they once shared reignites, deeper and hotter than ever. But can Will keep Megan alive long enough to win back her heart?

Permission to reproduce text granted by Harlequin Books S.A. Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved. ® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Cheers to Mom

2011-05-08T09:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. So many authors and readers I know are also moms. Since today is your day, I hope someone will be pampering you, doing at least some of the millions of chores and tasks that normally fill up your plate.

I for one, will happily give over much of the cooking and clean-up (although I may have to redo some of my husband's and kids' attempts to help).

Now if only I could get them to continue their suddenly helpful ways beyond today.

I also plan to call my mother to wish her a wonderful day and to thank her for a lifetime of fulfilling a vital role in my life.

What will you be doing for Mother's Day? Just remember to give props to your mother if you're lucky enough to still have her in your life.

Want to Win a Book?

2011-05-02T09:58:00.002-04:00

I'm guest blogging today at Whipped Cream Reviews about Too Stupid to Live Characters. Please stop by and comment to be entered in a drawing to win a book!

Adventures and Lessons in Self-Publishing

2011-04-30T10:09:00.002-04:00

As an author with many published books in the realm of digital first publishing, I had always looked down upon self-publishing as a second class citizen of sorts. I figured only authors who weren't able to get their work published through a legitimate publishing house would go to that extreme.

Self-publishing, only a few years ago, meant paying sometimes big bucks to a company that would offer their services to design a cover, maybe edit your book, create the digital file for you and maybe even help with distribution channels. All of these services could be purchased a la carte or in packages. The whole notion of the money flowing from the author to the publisher was against everything I believed in.

But very recently, all that changed. Digital publishing was made nearly free through outlets like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and other sites if you were somewhat technically savvy. And the money started flowing immediately in the right direction - straight to the author.

Successful self-publishers like J. A. Konrath and Amanda Hocking emerged and more and more traditionally published authors started taking notice. Barry Eisler turned down a half-million-dollar deal from a New York publisher to self-publish a series on his own. More and more mainstream authors started giving the self-publishing route a try, most using the technology to get their backlists out there or maybe offer a shorter book or something that didn't fit the much more rigid confines of traditional publishers.

So I decided to dip my toes in the water. I took a manuscript that didn't fit the romance convention of the hero and heroine meeting in the very first chapter. The story required more setup but I loved the story and so did my crit partner. Since said partner tried self-publishing first and was having good luck with it, I went for it.

My friend Jax of Jaxadora Design made me an awesomely hot cover for Game of Smoke and Mirrors, an erotic romantic suspense. I was very pleasantly surprised when the Kindle book started selling well immediately. Smashwords and B&N were slower going. I listed it on All Romance EBooks as well and it quickly became my fastest selling book there out of the eleven I had at the time. The best part about it was that I could neurotically check my sales several times a day, rather than wait for a royalty statement every month or every quarter, as I do for my regularly published books.

Next I decided to re-edit an older book I'd published under another name. I'd gotten the rights back months before. That book, however, was not erotic. And it dealt with the heavy subject of drug addiction, but it was the book I'd gotten the most fan mail about. So I put Not Enough up for sale and it sat. I didn't make my first sale for several days and I started to get nervous. It did start selling, but it still hasn't come close to the level of my erotic romance.

I wondered if my first experience had been a fluke. So I started looking at books I'd written more recently but for one reason or another, I hadn't sold. I had a book I loved, but again, it didn't fit my publisher's unofficial guidelines for a different reason - the hero had a teenage daughter who played heavily into the plot. My erotic romance publishers don't usually want anything with kids in the story.
Since Not Enough hadn't even earned enough to pay for the cover, I decided I'd have to make my own cover for the next one, just in case it too didn't sell well. So I took four Photoshop classes at my library then bought a scaled down version of the program on ebay for $50.

My first attempt at a book cover came out pretty well. (It helped that the photo I bought for it was uber hot!) So I loaded Employee Relations yesterday and crossed my fingers. Thankfully, it is already starting to sell well.

Lesson learned. For me at least, erotic romance sells best. It's where I've made my name and my brand.

Do I plan to quit writing for my publishers? Hell no! I'm only self-publishing books that I've already written, books that I love, hoping other people will love them, too. And I figure that expanding my backlist and hopefully growing my fan base can only help. Time will tell if my plan works. In the meantime, I'm supplementing my income and learning some new computer skills.

For readers - have you bought any self-published books? For writers - have you tried self-publishing? If so, how is it going for you?

Color, Color Everywhere ...

2011-04-29T04:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome my guest blogger for today - Nina Pierce:

Winter in northern Maine is very long. Up here our four seasons are: almost winter, winter, still winter and preparing for winter. The cold and snow comes around Halloween most years and lately has been staying through most of April. Yeah, winter just goes on and on and on and … you get the idea.

When the first flakes of snow fall in late October, they float gently to the ground coating the green grass in a lacy layer of white. It’s beautiful. But after shoveling, snowblowing and clearing cars for 5 months, that *@^%*# white stuff isn’t even sort of pretty. It’s a real pain in the … oh, sorry. I lost myself for a minute. Anyway, suffice it to say snow and white gets tiresome.

When the first soft winds of spring warm the gray branches of the trees and the gentle rains wash the dirty, muddy remains of snowbanks down the culvert, the ground begins to warm. Tiny sprigs of green shoot out of the damp earth and blossoms of crocuses, tulips and daffodils bloom. Oh, the color! After months of monochromatic white, the flowers are welcome. As trees fill out in the green shades of spring, window boxes and hanging baskets of flowers adorn homes. And my heart smiles with the return of all the hues of the rainbow.

There is something about flowers that lift spirits and gladden hearts. Flowers help us celebrate the important moments of our lives; births, deaths, marriages, and graduations. They show up on every holiday, sent by people we love. Florists in a small town, like where I live, have their finger on the pulse of the townspeople. All the big news sorts right through their workbench as they create bouquets for the residents of their community.

So it was an easy choice for me when I set my erotic suspense series in Maine, to have the Tilling sisters own a floral shop and landscaping business. What better way to get a feeling for the small town of Delmont where they live? The first book, Blind Love is my newest release. It introduces the Tilling family and finds oldest sister Julie investigating her best friend’s death.

BLURB:

He’s a shock jock looking to reform. She’s an accountant hoping to cut loose. Can love open their eyes to forever?

Uptight CPA and oldest sister, JULIE TILLING, is the glue that binds her family. Everyone depends on her to do the right thing. When her friend from high school dies and Julie is the only one who believes he didn’t commit suicide, she takes it upon herself to investigate his death.

DAMON COREY didn’t come to Maine to become a shock jock. But when his dream career of becoming a concert pianist seems unobtainable, the radio station’s offer is too good to pass up. When mysterious brunette Jewel, hooks up with him at the night club run by a college frat brother, their one night fling wraps around his heart and makes him believe in love at first sight.

But can Damon expose his inner soul without pushing Julie away or will his enigmatic shock jock persona become Julie’s sexual undoing and reveal him as the missing piece that solves the puzzling questions surrounding her friend’s death?

EXCERPT:

Julie hauled up the leather corset that had dropped a quarter of an inch on her rapid walk in from the parking lot. She hadn’t expected the outfit to expose so much of her bosom. But that’s what she got for indulging in fantasies and shopping on the internet. She yanked on the hem of the leather skirt trying to keep it from exposing her lacy thong. But pulling on it only dropped the corset again. She needed to stop fiddling. Sex kittens on the prowl didn’t worry about exposing too much skin. And that’s who she wanted to be tonight—a voluptuous vixen cruising for a wild night of uninhibited sex with a stranger. Hopefully that would get her into see the owner, Elvis Castonguay.

Standing just inside the door of Starry Knights, Julie caught a couple of guys ogling her. Heat rushed up her neck, and instinct had her hand splaying over her cleavage. They both turned away. Stupid. The bulging eye reaction was exactly what she’d been hoping for when she decided to venture out of her comfort zone and buy the outfit. Maybe she just wasn’t cut out to be Julie Tilling, shameless sex goddess.

And maybe she had simply expected too much from herself on her first visit to a bar. Julie hadn’t done the usual college experimenting that so many people enjoyed in their carefree youth. Valedictorians didn’t have much time for frat parties and bar hopping. But maybe it was time to change all that, even if it was nearly a decade too late.

“Just go with it,” she mumbled, trying to boost her waning confidence. No one knew her here. She could be or do anything she wanted without repercussions. Buoyed by that thought, Julie threw back her shoulders and let her chest lead the way. Undulating to the thunderous cacophony of music and voices, the throng of people on the dance floor moved as a single mass of heated bodies. Someone grabbed her butt. Too stunned to acknowledge the intimate touch, she continued to maneuver her way to the bar. How did people do this night after night?

“I’ll have an iced tea,” she shouted into the bartender’s ear.

“Long Island?”

“No, Delmont.” That was a strange question. Why would he care where she was from? Maybe he was just hitting on her.

BUY Link for KINDLE Lovers: http://tinyurl.com/6gp5f5a

BUY Link for NOOK Lovers: http://tinyurl.com/3u49gby

All other formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54268

Happy Release Day to Me!

2011-04-26T04:00:00.011-04:00

Does it ever get any less exciting? I love when my books release. It's like giving birth without all the pain and suffering;-) Belle Behind Bars will be my very first story under the Taboo banner at Ellora's Cave.

This story is special to me in another way, though. Part of the story takes place in a county jail, a setting where DH—who calls himself my "Head of R&D"—has been working for many years.

In celebration of the release, I will give one commenter a free download of the story. Here's the blurb:

Jail Sergeant RJ “Ram” Ramsey is incensed when he learns he’s losing a promotion to a less-qualified woman who’s learned all she knows about the job from behind a desk.

Lieutenant Belle Buchanan has a lot to learn. Ram has been an enigma to her since he threw her over years earlier. When they end up alone together, the attraction that first drew her to him flares hot. She wants the hunky sergeant to master her in other, more intimate ways.

You can find an excerpt HERE.

The Library - An Awesome Resource

2011-04-24T11:28:00.002-04:00

With the ready access most of us have to the Internet, it's easy to overlook one of the best resources out there -- your local public library.

I was reminded of this last week when I decided I wanted to learn how to use Photoshop, which is an extremely complex piece of software. It didn't take me long to look up computer classes on my library system's website. I learned they actually had online classes as well as in-person ones.

I signed up to take the four available online classes on successive evenings. But after the second level, I realized that in order to learn a new software, I'd be better off actually using that software, which I hadn't yet purchased. The branch closest to my home actually had the next two level classes scheduled the following day so I signed up.

When I arrived for my classes, I couldn't believe how busy the branch was in the middle of a weekday afternoon. Every area was being utilized to its fullest. And I'd been correct in my assumption that I would pick up the technology faster if I could actually play with it.

I still have a long way to go in mastering the program but the experience gave me a new respect for the library system. Unfortunately, in my state of Florida as well as many others around the country, government funding of libraries is drying up. It would be a terrible shame if this fabulous resource ceased to exist. I, for one, plan to lobby my state legislators not to reduce library finding. I urge you to do the same. You can take action HERE.

Lesbian Romance: Why are people fascinated by girl on girl action?

2011-04-23T04:00:00.002-04:00

Please welcome today's guest blogger, Berengaria Brown

As soon as there’s an item in the news about two female celebrities kissing, men swarm to the site, attracted by it. Women have always kissed each other in public. Yeah, sure, mostly its air kisses, but the concept is older than time. So what’s the attraction? Why all the hype?

Are men worried about the whole idea of women satisfying each other romantically, and men finding themselves no longer needed? Or do they lust after seeing twice as many breasts, twice as much female flesh to taste and touch?

More recently women are openly finding and reading lesbian fiction. Is it something they’ve always enjoyed, but previously hidden? Or is it something new, that fulfils a need they weren’t previously aware of having?

There’s something exciting about a kick-ass heroine who can save herself from danger finding romance for herself too. Finding her perfect match in maybe another kick-ass type, or possibly in someone softer, sweeter, gentler. Either way, the sex is sure to be explosive. After all, no one knows what turns a woman on, like another woman does. Likely because it turns her on too.

My fourth lesbian erotic romance novella has just been released. If you’ve never yet tried lesbian erotica be daring, give it a try!

"Paige's Passion" blurb

Paige is sent on a business trip and invites her good friend Madeline to go with her. They’ve been lusting after each other for some time but Paige was worried that taking the step to a sexual relationship might destroy their friendship. At the end of the second night they are committed to an ongoing relationship together.

But when they get back to their ordinary lives Paige is consumed by her job. Paige desperately wants the relationship to work, but her career is very important to her and Maddie is so easy-going. Can they ever be happy together?

STORY Excerpt WARNING Lesbian Romance

"Shit, Paige, this's a really nice suite. Are you sure it's okay for me to be here with you?" asked Madeline, looking around at the solid wooden doors hiding the huge flat-screen TV and mini-bar, and at the ultra king-size bed.

Paige opened the drapes wide, exposing a fantastic view across to the river, which was dotted with yachts and other sailing boats. "Of course it's okay. Wait 'til you see the bathroom, Maddy. It's something special. Go, look at it."

"Oh, wow, this is great. Two would definitely fit in this Jacuzzi and in the shower. And there's a separate room for the toilet. That's really classy." Madeline's voice echoed back to Paige.

At forty, Madeline's hair was still a shiny chestnut with no signs of gray, her hazel eyes were always alive with fun, and she flitted from job to job as the mood took her. Paige, ten years younger, considered her short, dark brown hair and brown eyes positively dull beside the vivacious Maddy.

Paige grunted some affirmative noises, but her eyes and her mind were on that huge bed. She sat on the side of it and sank deeply into a cushy mattress and puffy quilt.

I'll finally be sharing a bed with Maddy. It's what I've wanted to do for so long. She turns me on so much more than any man ever has. And I know she's bisexual, she makes no secret of that. But does she desire me in that way? And if we fuck, will that ruin our friendship? We get on so well together. Will taking our relationship to a sexual level destroy our ability to have fun together? Gods, I wish I knew what to do here!

"Hey, wake up! Let's go try out the pool and hot tub on the roof," suggested Maddy, bouncing back into the room.

"Good plan. You change in the bathroom and I'll change here. But you have to put your clothes and shoes back on; they don't let you in the hallways just in swimwear."

"Not a problem," responded Maddy, grabbing her tote bag and heading back into the bathroom.

Paige changed into her plain navy one-piece and hastily dropped an equally plain navy A-line skirt over it. She was buttoning up a pale blue shirt when Maddy called out, "Okay to enter?"

"Yeah, sure," Paige replied, moving over to her luggage to grab her flip-flops.

Paige's heart began to beat so hard it almost drummed its way out of her chest as she looked at Maddy. Her friend was wearing a bright candy pink and orange tankini that should have clashed horribly with her hair, yet somehow looked stunning. Maddy's lush breasts stretched the top enticingly, her hips rounded out the bottom, and her belly protruded just the slightest bit, making a smooth-flowing curve across the garment that was very enjoyable to look at. Her legs were long and straight and slightly muscled, yet very feminine.

Maddy dropped a pink sundress over her head, slid her feet into matching pink sandals, and asked, "Are there pool towels, or do we need to take towels with us?"

"When I went up to look at it before you arrived, there was a stack of pool towels on a table by the door."

"Excellent. Let's go."

Paige grabbed her keycard and followed Maddy to the door, trying not to drool at her friend's yummy ass swaying beneath the sundress. It was even worse as they got off the elevator and walked up the few steps to the pool entry. Maddy's calf muscles flexed and stretched. She's my friend. Just a friend. Someone to hang out with and talk to. Not a lover, she told herself sternly.

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3121

Berengaria Brown

http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/

http://berengariabrown.webs.com/

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Switching Genres - Sort of

2011-04-22T12:47:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm still writing erotic romance, but my upcoming release, Belle Behind Bars is definitely a kinkier tale than my others. With a bit of BDSM, it's being released under the Taboo line at Ellora's Cave. This is a story near and dear to my heart since it is set in a county jail and my own DH works at one. His coworkers are anxiously awaiting the release, or so DH tells me. You can find this Quickie on sale on Tuesday, April 26. You can find the blurb and an excerpt HERE.

I also have a non-erotic offering now available. Not Enough is now available in all ebook formats. This book was one of the first I wrote and was originally released years ago as The Kitten Club under another name, a story that garnered much praise from reviewers and fans alike. It's very different from most of my other books in that it deals with the very serious subject of drug addiction. Plus, it is in the middle of the heat scale, rather than tipping the end of it!

I hope you'll check out Not Enough, offered at an introductory price of only $1.99. And please notice the awesome cover, done by my multi-talented friend, Jax of Jaxadora Design.

And lucky me - I already have my first review of this novel from Romance Junkies, which you can read HERE.

So here's my question. Do you think an author should use a different name when switching genres (not from erotic to BDSM, but from erotic to straight romance)?

Out Damned Spot

2011-04-15T21:53:00.002-04:00

I was cleaning my wood floor today and I knew there was a spot in one place because it had been bugging me for days. I made the overhead lights brighter, but I still couldn't find it. Finally, I shut off the lights all together and low and behold, there it was.

I got to thinking that sometimes -- just like on my floor -- shining a more subtle light on something is more meaningful. When it comes to writing character emotions, the same can hold true. Just like the scene from MacBeth when Lady MacBeth continually tries to wash away the sight and smell of blood from her hands rather than admit her guilt directly.

Donald Maass, literary agent and educator, suggests finding a strong emotion then replacing it with a secondary one. Or find a throw-away moment and infuse it with rich emotion. Great advice to draw your characters with a more precise brush

Alicia Rasley, editor for Red Sage and author of The Power of Point of View, talks about evoking emotion subtly to pull the reader deeper into the character's head. In one of her workshops, she reads a passage about someone visiting a relative in the hospital and the visitor sees an Amish family sitting with their child, who is ill. A few days later, the visitor passes a procession of black Amish wagons and knows the child has passed away. The image holds more power and speaks of a more skillful writer than if the scene had depicted the parents weeping as the doctor pulls a sheet over the child's head.

Writing the secondary emotions or the peripheral observations that figure in to a story take more effort and more skill than being more direct. But the technique deepens both the characters and the story.

The EBook Reader Jungle

2011-04-10T16:16:00.001-04:00

Nearly everyone I know got an ebook reader recently, myself included. My husband surprised me and gave me a Kindle 3 for the holidays. I wasn't sure about the idea of reading all my books on the device. I figured I'd read some things in hard copy and others on the reader. But once I started using my gift, I knew I wasn't going to buy very many paperbacks anymore. The best part about the Kindle was I could finally read as I walked on the treadmill, something I'd found challenging with a paperback. You see, I am a klutz. If I neglect to hold on to both bars on the treadmill, I tend to stumble! But I digress.

Now that all my books are available for Kindle as well as all the other devices, I'm curious about the differences between the popular ebook readers. So I did some research.

The Nook Color looked intriguing. Its colorful displays make magazines and books with lots of illustrations come alive. But when I considered that I never read magazines and rarely download anything with pictures, the added features would be wasted on me. Plus, I use a computer all day long. The LED screen would only be more of the same punishment for my eyes.

The standard Nook is similar in price to the Kindle and features an integrated dictionary, a nice touch. The selection of available books is definitely smaller, but is growing every day.

The Kobo eReader also has a similar price tag but it has a quilted back, which makes it more comfortable to hold. A nice feature is the SD slot. A card up to 4G can be added to boost the 1G memory.

There are many other readers out there and they all have pros and cons. Me, I'll stick with my Kindle. The one downside? It's so easy to download books that I am feeling the pinch on my credit card!

Have you joined the ebook revolution yet? If so, which device did you choose and how do you like it?

Lucky Me

2011-04-05T21:33:00.001-04:00

I had an awesome weekend. Part of the reason was that my husband was around for all of it, instead of working as he so often does on the weekend. The fact that he was home was the luckiest thing to happen to me in a while.

You see, Friday afternoon he happened to be in the garage cleaning it out and listening to the radio. I was inside, writing in silence, as I always do.

Suddenly he came running inside and said that my name was called on a radio station. I had half an hour to call in to win a prize. Now mind you, Friday was April Fool's Day. Traditionally, I am the one in the house who pulls the most April Fool's Day tricks. So I said, "Sure, right."

He practically jumped up and down and told me to find the number to the station on the Internet. That's when I realized he wasn't April foolin' me, so I called. The DJ told me that she had indeed called my name. I'd won a thousand dollars.

Now I've never won anything so this came as quite a shock. Heck, my luck is usually so bad that I refuse to even play the slots the few times we've gone somewhere we could gamble.

On Sunday I realized that we'd acquired a couple of uncommon expenses that same day. Between our tax bill, the accountant's fee and the cost of having several tree branches removed that had cracked a few days earlier during a bad rain storm, there went my thousand bucks.

But there was enough for DH and me to go out for a nice Italian dinner. And it was all good. At least I had it for a moment.

Have you ever won anything totally unexpected? How did it make you feel?

The Kindness of Friends

2011-04-01T08:18:00.000-04:00

You know how they say what goes around comes around? Doesn't always work, but sometimes it does. I have a friend who needed some serious help a couple weeks ago. Several people told me what a good friend I was to her, but honestly, I didn't even think about not coming to her aid because she was in a very bad way and she's a good person who would have done for me all the things I ended up doing for her.

Now I've always considered myself very fortunate to have a large number of awesome friends. That point was brought home to me recently when a few of my friends each did something really nice for me. I started thinking about kismet and all that. Maybe there is such a thing, maybe not.

First, my wonderful critique partner and friend, Katie Reus walked me through the formatting jungle to self-publish a story (which you can now find on My Books page or here).

Then my friend Randy, who had made me a book trailer for Protective Custody, decided that book trailer wasn't professional looking enough. So he went and bought a new program then made me a page on YouTube and sent me a brand new book trailer!

Lastly, my writing buddy, Jax Cassidy, aka Jaxadora Designs, made me a gorgeous book cover for Game of Smoke and Mirrors. Then she revamped my website and gave it a fresh new look.

Frankly, all the wonderful thinks my friends have done lately outweigh the help I gave my other friend. So now I am a believer. Not only does what goes around come around, but it comes in spades.

When Hate Turns to Love

2011-03-29T19:11:00.000-04:00

I'm working on the synopsis for a new story, one that's been rattling around my head for a while. This story isn't a romantic suspense, the genre I've been sticking to for the last year. The new book will be an uber hot contemporary romance in which the hero and heroine go from hating each other in the beginning to being in love by the end.

I've read many of those hate to love stories and I got to thinking about why that trope is seen so often. I don't know how often such a scenario plays out in real life, but it actually makes sense to me that it would. Why? Hate is a strong emotion. We can hate someone for perpetrating a heinous crime or doing something equally reprehensible. But sometimes a person might feel hatred for a competitor or a person with an opposing viewpoint. Those strong feelings can be harnessed and mixed with a bit of attraction to swing to the other side of the scale.

Such is the case in my Work in Progress. But that switch doesn't just happen. The hated one must act heroically or selflessly or do something to prove they are worthy of powerful emotions, but not hatred. It's true what they say. Love and hate are very close.

Do you buy it when you see two characters make the switch from hate to love?

Book Trailer

2011-03-26T22:55:00.002-04:00

Want a sneak peek at Protective Custody? Thanks to my good friend, Randy, here it is:

FREE Read - No Kidding!

2011-03-22T18:41:00.000-04:00

How many things in life are really free? Well, this story is. If you have a Kindle, you can download The After Party HERE - yes it is really FREE. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download other formats HERE. Now - go enjoy The After Party.

Victoria meets a handsome stranger at a relative’s wedding. When he asks her out for a drink after, she invites him to her place. After a steamy encounter, they discover they have more than their profession and their love of cats in common. Their paths have crossed before. But will that connection end what they’ve just begun?

Movie Review

2011-03-19T22:45:00.000-04:00

I've never done a movie review so I thought it would be fun to tell you about Red Riding Hood, which DH and I saw on our Saturday night date.

I must say - this is not the fairy tale of our youths! It's rated PG-13 for a little gore and a mildly suggestive love scene. The first thing that struck me as very cool was the amazing set, like a medieval European village in the Bavarian mountains. It was exactly the sort of place I've always pictured Little Red Riding Hood living. Amanda Seyfried plays Valerie, the girl with the red riding hood, with just the right balance of innocence and chutzpah.

Instead of a wolf, it's a werewolf that's been plaguing the town for generations. He's always been appeased with livestock offerings until he goes for Valerie's sister. The wolf has broken his bargain with the town. The menfolk go on a wolf hunt and one of them is killed. They come back with a dead wolf and are celebrating when Gary Oldman, aka a werewolf hunter complete with his own entourage and an assortment of silver weaponry, arrives in town and tells the villagers they've only killed an ordinary wolf. The real werewolf is among them -- he or she is one of them.

I won't spoil the story, but I will say there's a bit of a love triangle, a lot of suspense and of course, an odd Grandma played by Julie Christie. Now, the movie does have its hokey moments and at parts is overdone, but all in all, it's worth the price of admission.

If you've seen the movie, what did you think?

A Little Help From my Friends

2011-03-16T22:08:00.000-04:00

I've always been a bit of a social butterfly. Ever since high school, being with friends has been a priority in my life. These days my time is pulled in many directions and I find I have distinct groups of friendships that sometimes overlap, a little like Venn diagrams!

Some of my closest and longest standing relationships stem from people I met through my kids many years ago, moms whose children went to school with mine. Others are from college and a few (including my husband) I met at a business I bought shortly after college.

The biggest group, by far, is the people I've met through my writing endeavors. Some of the ladies in my RWA chapter, my critique partner, even other writers I've met online have become great, supportive friends. The community of writers as a whole is an awesome asset to any writer. (And I include some editors and agents in this category.)

And although you'd think there would be lots of competition and jealousy, there's really very little. Maybe that's because no two authors create the exact same product. No two voices are identical, no two stories indistinguishable.

I remember one of my first discussions about writing when I'd barely finished my very first chapter. I was speaking to a published author who had graciously offered to read my work. The writing was awful, I knew nothing. Instead of giving me the litany of everything I'd done wrong, she gave me one important tip - she explained what point of view was. Then she complimented my descriptions. That was really sweet of her. She was my very first writing friend and she even introduced me to RWA.

What about you? Whatever you do for a living, was there any act of friendship that made a big difference in your career or your life?

Guest Author - Taige Crenshaw

2011-03-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

Spin on Reality

By Taige Crenshaw

One of my favorite parts of writing is being able to put my own spin on reality. Taking something that is not of the real and making it so. Making it real to this world that readers want to live in that world. Be a part of the story as it unfolds.

To do this I can make it up totally in my thoughts and build it or take pieces of history, folklore and other interesting tidbits and molding it into what I want to. Doing this is a powerful aphrodisiac. The balance of creating a story that brings a person into it is just like a seductive dance. First you have to let them get a feel of your rhythm. Once they do then you move to the groove. Spinning it around. Weaving that reality to bring them deeper into the reality you’ve built. This is what I strive for in each world I build.

In the world and myths of my upcoming release Indigo Rain this is what I’ve done. I’ve taken many parts of history, folklore and other interesting tidbits to create the world of the story. In writing the book I sank into the myths that I was creating. It was fun to bring in various things I find fascinating. Kalina Erutan, my heroine is an Amazonian Warrior and I was able to create a mythology of her. This mythology is embedded into the very earth. Ryne Garon, my hero is a firebird and I put a major spin on what they are. I’m being deliberately vague about both because I don’t want to give away anything too much about the story. In building the world of the Phoenix Intelligence Agency there are so many beings and things to explore. I’m having a wonderful time laying down the layers of the world.

Each time I write a new book I wonder where I can go next. That is the thing with writing you get to do a spin on reality.

****

Taige Crenshaw is a multi-published author with books available at Ellora's Cave Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, Loose Id, and Total-E-Bound. Taige has been enthralled with the written word from time she picked up her first book. It wasn’t long before she started to make up her own tales of romance. With novels set in today, in alternate dimensions, or in the future she writes with adventure, fun sassy heroine’s, and sexy hero’s. Always hard at work creating new and exciting places Taige can be found curled up with a hot novel with exciting characters when she is not creating her own. Join her in the fun, frolic, interesting people and far reaches of the world in her novels. You can find out more about Taige at her website: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com or blog: http://www.taigecrenshaw.com/blog.

Making the Rounds

2011-03-14T09:25:00.001-04:00

I'm a blogging fool today. You can find me over at Naughty Author Chicks talking about my favorite addiction and at Not Your Usual Suspects discussing real life villains. Please drop by and say hello!

Guest Author - Paige Tyler

2011-03-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today my friend and fellow Naughty Author Chick, Paige Tyler is taking over my blog. She pointed a gun at me, what could I do. Not really, actually, I'm honored to have Paige here.

I'm so excited to announce I have a new book out with Ellora's Cave! It's a paranormal romancecalled GHOST HUNTER, and it's got a hunky hero, a kick-ass heroine and a serial killing ghost that's scary as hell! Not to mention a smokin' hot cover!

I love when I come up with an idea for a book out of the blue, which is what happened with GHOST HUNTER. When I heard my local RWA chapter set up a lecture with a team of paranormal investigators, it got me thinking right away about writing a book about a ghost hunter. Because the chapter is far from where we live, though, we didn't actually go to the lecture. I was a little bummed about that, especially since they were giving out EMF detectors. On second thought, maybe it was better we didn't go. Ghosts freak me out, so having something that can detect them probably wouldn't be a good idea.

Enough about me, back to the story behind the story. While I knew the hero was a ghost hunter named Trace, I wasn't quite sure how the heroine fit into the story, or even who she was. So, my hubby and I played around with a few ideas at our local PF Chang's (we come up with a lot of story ideas there!) We both decided that having the heroine Cassidy need the hero's help because her house was haunted or something like that didn't seem original enough, so we made her a budding romance writer who tags along with the hero and his team to do some research. Like any good story, though, it had to have some conflict, which is why Trace and Cassidy completely rub each other the wrong way right from the beginning. Actually, he thinks he's a jerk. But don't worry, Cassidy discovers underneath that rough ghost hunter exterior, Trace is just the man she's been looking for. It doesn't hurt that he's hot!

Okay, so we had our hero and heroine. Now we needed a bad guy. That's where the ghost comes in. He's not your standard, everyday ghost, though. He's a serial killer who attacked Cassidy that comes back from the grrave to continue his string of grisly murders, and she's at the top of his list. To make things even more interesting, not only can he do all the regualar ghostly stuff like walk through walls and materialize out of thin air, he can also take solid form.

I'm not going to tell you any more than that, though. Don't want to give too much away, you know. I will add that my editor at Ellora's Cave told me she got so caught up in the story, she completely forgot she was reading a submission!

Now that you know the story behind the story, I think I'll tease you with an excerpt. Enjoy!

BLURB:

Almost getting murdered by a serial killer gives Cassidy Kincaide a new lease on life and convinces her to go ahead and tackle that ghost-hunter novel she's always wanted to write. So, she hooks up with a gorgeous paranormal investigator named Trace McCord to do some research.

Cassidy and Trace rub each other the wrong way right from the beginning, but they have to put aside their differences when the serial killer who attacked her comes back from the grave to continue his string of grisly murders, with her at the top of his list.

Trace has to keep Cassidy close to keep her safe, and as they try to stay one step ahead of the ghost while figuring out how to stop it, he and Cassidy end up in each other’s arms. While Trace has a whole list of reasons why he shouldn’t get involved with her, he finds himself falling in love with the beautiful blonde anyway. And even though Cassidy started out thinking he was a jerk, she learns that underneath the rough ghost hunter exterior, he’s just the man she’s always been looking for. Now, all they have to do, is live long enough to be together.

EXCERPT:

Trace was only a few miles from the address Robert had given him for Cassidy when his cell phone rang. At first he wasn’t going to answer it, but some sixth sense made him change his mind. Now he was glad he had.

He was about to disconnect the call when he heard a muffled scream on the other end of the line. It was quickly followed by a loud clatter, then nothing.

“Cassidy!”

No answer.

Trace felt his chest tighten. Swearing under his breath, he shoved his cell phone in the pocket of his jeans and floored the pedal on the Hummer, running a red light to get through the intersection. The other drivers honked their horns as they squealed to a stop, but he ignored them. There was no way he was going to let Cassidy die.

Five minutes later, he slid into the parking lot outside her apartment, running over an ornamental fence and a flower bed to come to a screeching halt a few feet from the front door. Jumping out of the Hummer, he ran around to the back and grabbed his duffel bag full of gear. Throwing it over his shoulder, he raced up the steps and charged through the door into the building, scaring the hell out of two women carrying laundry baskets.

“Where the hell are the stairs?” he demanded, not wanting to waste time with the elevator.

The women timidly pointed around the corner.

Trace didn’t thank them as he ran in that direction. He hit the steps hard, taking them hree at a time. Once on the fourth floor, he ran down the hall, checking the room numbers on he doors. When he came to the right one, he didn’t even bother to slow down. Instead, he icked the door in as hard as he could, reaching into his bag for his shotgun as the frame plintered and the door flew open.

He looked left and right as he entered the apartment, but there was no sign of Cassidy or el Vecchio. Trace’s blood ran cold at the scene that met his eyes. The living room looked s if a cyclone hit it. The couch and throw pillows were sliced to shreds, stuffing still floating hrough the air. The coffee table was lying on its side, as were the two end tables, and the amps that had been on them were smashed to pieces along with practically everything ele in the place. Even the walls had been slashed.

“Cassidy?” Trace called.

“In here.”

Trace followed the sound of her voice until he came to the kitchen. Cassidy was standing in the center of the room inside a wobbly drawn circle of salt, ready to throw a handful of something in his face. She sagged with relief at the sight of him, letting the stuff in her hand trickle out onto the floor. That was when he realized she was holding a big container of oregano.

“Is he gone?” she whispered.

Trace nodded. “Yeah, he’s gone. But I’m getting you the hell out of here anyway.”

He didn’t wait for an answer, but simply slung the shotgun over his shoulder by the strap, then walked into the kitchen and swung Cassidy up in his arms.

She put one of her own around his neck. “Is it safe for me to leave the circle?”

“Yes. I’ll keep you safe. Trust me.”

Apparently she must have believed him because she didn’t resist. She cuddled the container of oregano close to her body and leaned against his chest.

He frowned. “Cassidy, you did great with the salt circle. It saved your life without a doubt. But what are you doing with the oregano?”

She looked up at him with big, blue eyes. “Isn’t it what you used to get rid of ghosts?”

His mouth twitched. “That’s sage and garlic. You can ditch the spaghetti spice.”

“Oh,” was all she said. Resting her head on his shoulder, she let the container of oregano tumble to the floor, then put that arm around his neck, too.

Giving the place one more look to make sure Del Vecchio hadn’t come back, Trace carried her out of the apartment and right passed the alarmed neighbors who had come out into the hallway to see what the ruckus was all about. Trace imagined they got their money’s worth seeing a big guy with a shotgun and a duffel bag slung over his shoulder carrying a beautiful half-naked woman in his arms. He abruptly realized he probably should have taken a few minutes to let Cassidy grab some clothes. But then the lights in the hallway flickered and he decided he could get her clothes later. They were getting the hell out of there.

“Is she being kidnapped?” one elderly woman asked another in a low voice as he and Cassidy passed them.

“If she is,” said the other old woman, “then I want to want to be kidnapped next.”

Any other time, Trace would have laughed, but right now all he wanted to do was get Cassidy someplace safe. Fortunately, he knew exactly where to take her.

Watch the Trailer Here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7c6DgZ-fHs

Get your copy of GHOST HUNTER at Ellora's Cave!

http://www.jasminejade.com/p-9148-ghost-hunter.aspx

http://www.jasminejade.com/m-615-paige-tyler.aspx

*hugs*
Paige

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com

http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com

It's a Writer's Life for Me!

2011-03-09T13:27:00.000-05:00

Damn, I love being a writer. I love that I can work in my pajamas if I want and that if I have a doctor's appointment or I have to pick up my daughter early from school, I don't have to clear it with anyone. I love that I can plot out stories then watch them unfold and grow in unplanned directions.

All I have to do is uphold my end of the bargain—park my butt in front of the computer and write. Sure, I have to spend a fair amount of time on promotion, but what business doesn't have to sell itself?

I love that all my writer buddies are smart cookies. There aren't a lot of unintelligent authors out there, although certainly the profession has its bottom-dwellers, but I haven't ever run into any.

One major perk of the job is watching people's reactions when I tell them what I do. They get so excited, tell me how they should write too because, you know, they have the best story idea ever. And maybe they do, but they haven't written it and probably never will.

I love when visitors come into my office and gasp at my wall full of book covers (even though the majority are for short stories and novellas). They always say, "Did you write all those books?"

What I love most of all is that I can say, "Yeah, I did."

If you're a writer, what's your favorite thing about it?

Back to Normal - Whatever That is...

2011-03-07T10:42:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of back-to-normal. My snowbird parents flew back up north on Saturday then we had a quick visit with my in-laws Sunday. Now I must either put my nose to the grindstone and start putting out some serious word count or else come up with an even better excuse than two months of company!

Unfortunately, the day didn't start as I'd planned. DD woke up feeling sick so I couldn't go to the gym. Two hours later she felt better so I dropped her at school then headed to the green grocer for some fresh produce. After that I spent an hour downloading music for my MP3 player only to discover that I had no idea how to get it onto the device from my new computer. (No - I am not so technically adept that I can figure that stuff out).

Enter my son - yeah! He got the music onto the device in three seconds. Seriously - three seconds! So now I must write and take breaks to walk and listen to my newest songs (I go way faster with up tempo music). Word goal here I come!

In the meanwhile, I hope you enjoy another excerpt from Tropic of Trouble:

What the hell was she up to? He held a fist to his mouth and studied her on the

video on his computer. He’d expected the hidden camera to catch her banging some

young stud but after weeks of surveillance, the worst he’d observed was her smoking

inside the house. Something he’d expressly forbidden, but hardly what he’d

anticipated.

That gut feeling he’d been having lately—as if she was up to no good—clawed at

him. He’d put units in their bedroom, the kitchen, the living room. None showed her

doing anything she shouldn’t. Except being the lazy, spoiled bitch she’d always been.

Unless her trysts took her elsewhere. Maybe he ought to hire a private detective to

follow her. No, he didn’t need someone else knowing their secrets, giving them fodder

for blackmail.

Would she have an internet affair? Probably considered herself too highbrow for

something like that. She never let him forget how much better than he she thought

herself, with her hoity-toity pedigree and her privileged upbringing. Bastard father of

hers had never tired of reminding him how she’d lowered herself to marry him. But

he’d put an end to that.

As the video progressed, she seemed nervous suddenly. She stood at her dresser

but kept glancing toward the door as if she were afraid she’d be caught doing

something she shouldn’t. Easing open the top drawer, she lifted out a small black book

and flipped to the middle. Another glance at the door. She took a phone out of her

pocket and called someone.

Damn it!Why hadn’t he bought the camera with audio? She pressed a couple

buttons then returned the cell to her pocket. He stopped the frame, backed it up and

zoomed in. What happened to the pink phone he’d given her? This one was larger and

silver.

His chest tightened and rage coursed through his veins. That lying bitch. Should

have known he couldn’t trust her. Of course, he had known. Otherwise he wouldn’t

have filmed her. He backed up the video to the part where she took out the book. He

froze the frame and enlarged it.

Leaning his head closer, he squinted, made out numbers hand written on the page,

too faint to read. Fighting his instinct to go upstairs, yank her out of bed and beat the

living shit out of her, he merely fisted his hands. If he tipped her off, he might not find

out what she was really up to. He thought she’d learned her lesson the last time she’d

disobeyed him, but apparently she needed more incentive not to fuck with him.

After she woke her lazy ass up tomorrow morning, he’d send her shopping or

something. She loved spending his money now that she had none of her own.

Bitch.

With her gone, he’d search for that silver cell phone and her little black book.

God help her if he learned she was up to no good. He’d kill the bitch for cheating on

him. Whoever she was screwing would pay the price too. No one would make a fool of

him. He’d make them both wish they’d never been born.

Snipet by request

2011-03-03T09:20:00.000-05:00

Thanks Maureen for the idea to post excerpts of my books. First on the menu is Tropic of Trouble from Ellora's Cave.

Jail Sergeant Jason Jones is heading to Kelsey's place since he suspects the person who murdered Kelsey's employee at her used bookstore isn't finished yet:

Jason fastened his seat belt in his truck and started the engine. A detour past Kelsey’s place would hardly take any extra time. The peace of mind would help him sleep after he got home.

He turned on to Thirty-Sixth Street and noticed the same dark sedan behind him he’d seen immediately after leaving the jail complex. Blinded by the car’s high-beam headlights, he adjusted his rearview mirror to cut the glare.

Slowing a little, he eased the truck to the right, giving the car a wide berth to pass, but it didn’t. On a hunch, he took a left on to Eighty-Seventh Avenue. The sedan did the same, sticking close to him.

Suddenly the other driver accelerated and bumped his tailgate.

Son of a bitch. That was no accident. He swerved into a parking lot, but the other driver refused to quit. The car pulled alongside him and jerked hard to the left. The truck lurched, but he immediately righted it. He tried to glimpse inside the driver’s window but the tint proved too dark and the sky still too black.

Abruptly as it had started, the game ended and the sedan sped off. He tried to make out the license plate, but couldn’t. He gave chase for several blocks until he caught sight of a woman crossing a street pushing a stroller ahead. Easing on his brakes, he prayed the other car would slow down and avoid hitting the mother and child. The sedan continued on, barely missing them.

The vehicle zoomed away, then veered on to a side street. No way could he catch up now.

Drawing a deep breath, he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Any doubt that Margaret’s murder had merely been an unfortunate accident during a random robbery vanished. This had become way too personal.

Want to read another excerpt? Click HERE.

Welcome!

2011-03-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks for coming to check out my brand new blog. I've been blogging for years now on my group blogs, but I've opened this spot just for me and some special guests to hang out. I'd love to hear what sorts of posts you'd find interesting—stuff about the craft of writing, day-to-day ramblings, marketplace news. Also, what DON'T you want to hear about? In the meanwhile, I'll share a little about myself.

I live in sunny central Florida and I write erotic romance and hot romantic suspense. Most of my books as yet have been published by Ellora's Cave, but I also write for Carina Press, Loose id and Red Sage.

Writing is my full time job but I'm also a wife and mother. My two cats are my constant companions. I like to walk with my hubby, to swim (if the water is warm as a bath) and to shop if the deals are red hot! I'm one of those neurotic people who checks email ten times a day so I am never hard to reach. I tend to go on rants about things I feel strongly about. I'm blessed to have not only a wonderful family, but also lots of supportive friends. (Yes, I am a social butterfly).

So now it's your turn. Help me shape my new blog by sharing what you'd like this to be about.