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Sunday, April 30, 2017

Susana and the Scot named 2017 RITA® award finalist

Romance Writers of America® is pleased to announce that the novel Susana and the Scot (St. Martin’s Press) by author Sabrina York has been named as a finalist in the Long Historical category of the 2017 RITA® awards. The RITA, the highest award of distinction in the romance publishing industry, recognizes excellence in published romance novels and novellas. The author is a a member of the Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.



Winners of the awards will be announced Thursday, July 27, 2017, at an Awards Ceremony to be held at the 37th Annual RWA Conference in Orlando, Florida.



RITA, the RITA Statuette design, RITA WINNER, RITA FINALIST, the RITA WINNER and RITA FINALIST Medallion designs, RWA, and ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA, are trademarks/service marks, registered trademarks/service marks, and/or copyrighted works of Romance Writers of America, Inc.

Learn more about Sabrina York's books at SabrinaYork.com




Friday, April 28, 2017

Who is Lillith? Find out in KISSES FROM LILLITH by @Adele_Downs


Short fiction is fun to write and a good way for authors to experiment with romance subgenres. Though my published stories are typically contemporary romances, I like to write the occasional paranormal, also set in the contemporary world. In Her Immortal Viking, a warrior cast into eternal servitude by an angry god returns to earth in the modern world to help a woman in need. Lip Service features an overprotective ghostly aunt who stands in the way of true love. My new release Kisses 



From Lillith is a steamy vampire story and my third paranormal romance.
Though much of the action in Kisses From Lillith takes place inside a cave as old as the earth, what happens there is…well, you’ll have to read the story to find out. And I hope you will! For only 99 cents and an hour of your time, you can immerse yourself in paranormal entertainment with a twist. Find out why Readers’ Favorite reviews gave the book 5 Stars and said: “Adele Downs has presented something fresh and new.”

KISSES FROM LILLITH by Adele Downs
A sizzling short story with bite.
When Hunter receives an invitation for a group tour of an ancient cave to celebrate his cousin’s birthday, he and his girlfriend Rosa unwittingly attend a party…with unusual refreshments.
Summary:
Hunter’s relationship with his girlfriend Rosa is on the rocks, and though his love for her hasn’t wavered, she has never said she loves him in return. When they accept an odd invitation for a group tour of an ancient cave to celebrate his cousin’s birthday, Hunter and Rosa’s fragile bond is tested to its limits when the powers of love and trust become their only weapons against the dark forces waiting inside.
 “Wow! For a short story, this was a long, thrilling ride.” 5 Stars! ~Will Work For Books
Buy The Book for .99!
Nook, Tolino, Page Foundary, Scribd, 24 Symbols https://www.books2read.com/u/b5OEak

Bio:
Adele Downs is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than 20 romance titles, including those written under another pen name, and a former journalist with hundreds of articles to her credit. When not writing in her home office in rural Pennsylvania, she can be found reading a book on the nearest beach, taking photographs, or riding in her convertible.
Find books by Adele Downs on Amazon!
Visit Adele Downs on her website http://adeledowns.com
Subscribe to Adele’s blog https://adeledowns.wordpress.com
Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns
Follow @Adele_Downs on Twitter!  https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs
Sign up for Adele Downs’ Newsletter http://www.adeledowns.com/newsletter.html



Thursday, April 27, 2017

Paradise Video Sample Read

Why Do I Write Science Fiction? By Janice Seagraves

I was recently asked on a facebook party why I wrote science fiction romance?

I told her, that it was because of all the possibilities, which are infinite.

Which is true.

But there is a more closer connection.

Back when I was little, I watched Star Trek with my father.

I'd lay on the floor or sit on the couch and he'd be in his big recliner. We'd always laugh at the antics of the crew (usually between Spock and McCoy) or be appalled when one the badies would do to something mean or kill one of the poor red shirts.

You know, the ones who always got killed.

Sometimes when Dad read a science fiction book, I'd ask him to read it to me, and he would read a few pages. He wouldn't read all of it because he said I wouldn't understand or maybe the next scene he thought was inappropriate for me to hear.

About the time I entered High School, I found science fiction books. I'd bring them home and share them with my Dad.

We also saw the first movie in the Star Wars saga together. I still remember see those big words scrolling across the screen that introduced us to the Star Wars universe:

In a galaxy far, far, away...

I loved it, my dad not so much.

"Too much noise and not enough story" is how I think my Dad put it.

 A love of well written science fiction connected me to my father.

I lost him in 1982. I'll always miss him and in my heart I'd like to think my Dad would enjoy the science fiction books that I write. Inappropriate scenes and all.


The Chronicles of Arcon book one:
aliencover333x500
Alien Heart
Alien Heart, the first of a whole new SF series.
https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Heart-Chronicles-Arcon-Book-ebook/dp/B01N0N73OF/
Blurb: Divorcee and single mom, hardworking Audrey Westberry is the host of a cable TV show called Miz Fixit.
Romance was the last thing on Audrey’s mind when two handsome extraterrestrials join the audience of her show.
Soon Audrey finds out a single word “mated” has different meaning when you are born a galaxy away. After a wonderful night of passion, Audrey finds herself far from home, impregnated and her life turned upside down.
Will she ever be able to leave the alien compound, see her son again, or get home in time to film the fall season of her Miz Fixit show?
But what’s a girl to do with two aliens that smell like candy, and their kisses taste like it, too?

Excerpt:



After filming, Audrey sat at the vanity table, while the makeup girl, Kendra, helped her remove the heavy camera makeup.
“Good show, everyone.” Derek, the director, walked through the dressing room. Tall, dark-haired, with hazel eyes, and oh so married. He leaned on Audrey’s chair and peered into the mirror at her. “So, Audrey, how are you going to spend your summer hiatus?”
 “Oh hi, Derek.” Kendra made eyes at him again.
Audrey frowned at her. If his wife ever saw her do that, she’d go ballistic. To Audrey he was just a dear friend and director, who’d guided her through the complexity of cable television.
“I was going to spend it with my son, but I got a call from my ex. Tony is going away to camp for eight weeks.”
“Camp?” He blinked in surprise. “Whose idea was that?”
“Tony and his best friend decided they wanted to go. My ex put him on the phone, so he could tell me.”
“Ouch.” Derek pulled down the corners of his mouth. “Best friend one, mom zero.”
“Yeah,” Audrey sighed, still feeling the sting of rejection. “He’s at an age now when friends are more important than mommy.”
“And, this is the dressing room where our star puts on her makeup for the camera.” Fox Watanabe, Audrey's agent, was nattily dressed. His straight midnight hair and dark eyes marked him as pure Native American. He seemed to be acting as a tour guide to the aliens.
A cameraman entered the dressing room ahead of the aliens, walking backward as he snapped pictures.
Audrey grimaced. God, what’s Fox doing now?
“The aliens look like elves,” Derek muttered under his breath.
“Yeah, they do.” Audrey noticed their pointed ears and long faces. “They could’ve played extras on the Lord of the Ring movies.”
“Got to go, things to do.” Derek headed toward the exit, but he slowed, and his back stiffened as he got near her agent.
Audrey tensed. Please don't let them get into another argument over me.
“Fox.”
“This is our little show’s director, Derek Alcorn.” Fox gestured toward him.
“Nice to meet you.” Derek gave a nod to the aliens. “I’ve got to button up the set.”
He hurried out of the room.
Fox turned back to the aliens. “He’s a busy man, lots of responsibilities.”
Audrey let out a breath. Fox had once again ignored the subtle dig Derek’s quick exit meant. The show's director didn't like chitchat, but he hated her agent even more.
“They have three penises each,” Kendra whispered in Audrey’s ear. She used a soaked cotton ball and ran it over the side of Audrey’s face to clean off the makeup.
Audrey turned to stare at her. “What?”
Kendra pinched Audrey’s chin, moving her head over to clean the other side.
“I saw a picture on the internet.” She whispered, “Two long ones and a little one. It makes you wonder what their women look like down there.”
Audrey licked her lips, trying to imagine the male aliens naked. Would their equipment look like my favorite toy?
Kendra moved back and smiled. “All done.”
Fox walked over to her, with the aliens in tow. “Here’s our Miz Fixit, Audrey Westberry.”
God, what a thing to tell me, just before I’m introduced to them. Standing, Audrey held out her hand and tried not to glance at their crotches. “How do you do?”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Heart-Chronicles-Arcon-Book-ebook/dp/B01N0N73OF/

Janice Seagraves website:  https://janice-seagraves.org/

Monday, April 24, 2017

History of the Romance Novel



We’re all romance readers here, right? Did you ever wonder about their history? It might surprise you.

The story is as old as time: Boy meets girl, boy loses girl. Against all adversity, the couple finds their way to happy-ever-after. This is the description of all romance novels pared down to their essence.

The readership for the romance genre continues to expand. Romance is the highest selling fiction. According to Romance Writers of America, the total annual sales value of romance in 2013, the latest date available, was $1.08 billion. The romance novel share of the total fiction market is 34%. Eighty-four percent of romance book buyers are female, with an average age of between 30-44 years.

Romance is in our DNA. I wondered how long romance novels have been around. A long time, it turns out. With a little research I found this: Scholars cite Samuel Richardson’s Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded as the first modern romance novel. The story of a teenage maidservant courted by her landowner master, it was enormously popular when it was first published in 1740. Sound familiar? Young virginal girl, wealthy, older man.

While Pamela wasn’t the first novel about a romantic relationship, it was the first to be presented from the heroine’s point of view. The novel’s happy ending was also unique for the time.
Then, of course, there’s Jane Austen, beloved and revered by legions of romance authors and readers. I’m sure most of you Austen fans know this, but when Sense and Sensibility was published in 1811, Austen couldn’t use her name as the author. The cover said only that it had been written “by a lady.” Writing a novel, especially one about relationships, was considered unseemly for someone of Austen’s upbringing. (We’ve come a long way, baby).
Austen paid to publish Sense and Sensibility herself, paying roughly one-third of her yearly income to publish 750 copies. Austen was an indie author! All copies sold out and she did a second printing. Yay, Jane! Austen’s beloved novels have inspired modern retellings like Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones’s Diary and Seth Graham-Smith’s parody Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Austen’s novels are unique because they are some of the very few romance novels considered “literary.” Unfortunately, romance novels have gotten a bad rap by people who don’t know them or read them and have judged them “trashy” or “bodice rippers.” Some of the criticism is misogynist as most romance readers are women. The novels have this bad reputation despite the fact that 75% of romance readers hold college degrees, with 39% holding advanced degrees. A very substantial number of romance authors hold degrees.
Harlequin, the publishing giant, has been around since the 1930’s. Their original covers were plain brown wrappers. In the 1970’s, in an effort to increase sales, Harlequin began stocking their books on supermarket and drugstore shelves. They also sponsored giveaways, putting their books inside boxes of sanitary napkins, cosmetics, and household cleaners. Their ideas paid off, and sales took off, both for Harlequin and for romance novels.
There are many sub-genres of romance, such as: romantic suspense, erotic romance, gay romance. According to the Romance Writers of America, to be a romance, a book must focus on a central love story and have “an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending.”
Now, of course, we have ebooks and indie publishing, and the romance market is evolving again. Romance novels have often been on The New York Times bestsellers list. Don’t expect to see romance novels reviewed in that newspaper though. Even the reigning queen of romance, Nora Roberts, has only had two of her books reviewed in The New York Times.
There you have it, a capsule history of romance novels. The romance genre is here to stay and will only get better and stronger. Because who doesn’t love a good love story?
I'm proud and happy to announce the release of Brandywine Brides: A Blackwood Legacy Anthology. Available for pre-order now at the special price of 99 cents. Release is tomorrow, April 25.
We authors are friends who've met monthly for lunch for the last several years. We call ourselves The Writers Who Lunch. We decided to do an anthology together with stories set in our local area. I'm totally thrilled to be in a set with these talented women.

BRANDYWINE Brides ~ A Blackwood Legacy Anthology
One Family – Seven Generations – A Legacy of Love

Almost three centuries ago, a Scottish convict was sold into indentured servitude in Philadelphia and given a second chance at a life far from the country of his birth. In the years since, the farm secured by Finlan Blackwood’s efforts would grow and thrive in the Brandywine River valley just as his family and descendants did. Today, Blackwood Farm is one of the largest and most successful farms in Chester County. But it took the sacrifices and best efforts of each generation to make it so. 

1721 – In A Traitor’s Heart by Terri Brisbin, a convicted traitor from the Jacobite Rising must find a way to rescue a widow from an unscrupulous man’s plans for her. . . and for the lands she holds. 

1779 – In A Patriots’ Heart by Gwendolyn Schuler, a wounded British officer hiding a secret puts the daughter of Blackwood Farm’s owner in danger by his presence in their home.

1865 – In Wounded Heart by Martha Schroeder, a damaged Union soldier arrives home to find his childhood sweetheart is the one trying to save his family’s farm. 

1919 – In Heart’s Song by Georgia Dickson, when the current owner of Blackwood Farm returns from the Great War, everything looks different to him, even the possibility of love.

1943 – In Painted Promises by Kate Welsh, the Blackwood heir, working for the war effort at home, is the only one who can help a woman who fought with the resistance in Europe before she escaped the horrors of war. 

1971 – In We’ve Only Just Begun by Cara Marsi, the Blackwood son, suffering from the effects of Vietnam, meets exactly the kind of woman he needs, even if she doesn’t want to be the one. 

2017 – In Finn’s Legacy by Mariah Stewart, when a writer comes to Blackwood Farm to interview the family matriarch, the last thing she expects is a reunion with the man who broke her heart before he left for Iraq four years ago. 

Seven Blackwood generations. Seven loves worth fighting for!

 Get it before the price goes up. 



Print edition coming soon!







Thursday, April 20, 2017

WRITING SHORT, WRITING WITH OTHER AUTHORS

BY SHARON HAMILTON

We are always looking for new ways to reach our readers. I've been doing a couple of new things this year. I enjoyed the boxed sets and anthologies I have been in. Went back to thinking I should just write in my cave and forget everything else, and now I'm out socializing and working with other authors again.
http://amzn.to/2m5gmYA

Our newest venture was doing a promotional set (20 authors, all heat levels) with a branded theme, selling for .99 each, set to lead up to the RT Convention in Atlanta. So, our theme was that we had to have something that took place in Atlanta. I wanted to write a SEAL story, so chose a place I actually knew a little about, the Georgia Aquarium, and had the Hero and Heroine meet there. Then they hooked up at Dante's bar, which also used to be an Atlanta hot spot, owned by a former Navy SEAL Dante Stephenson. The place was torn down some years ago, but I found some neat pictures of the interior. Yes, that's a real pirate ship in the middle of the bar.

I never met Dante, but I read enough about him and his Vietnam-era service, that I knew I'd love spending time with him. I made up everything, of course, just like I always do, including the bar area name: The Plank.

http://amzn.to/2m5gmYA
The plan is to release a new book every day from April 10 to the RT convention on May 5th. At the convention, there will be a regular country faire, complete with Georgia-themed items that won't get them bounced from the hotel. I cannot attend, at the last minute, but I'm supporting the group anyhow financially, and I did send 400 pieces of peach-section-scented soaps. If any of you go to RT, save me a bag. It will have only cost me $500. LOL.
http://amzn.to/2m5gmYA

In March, I wrote a novella in The Trident Legacy, a paranormal SEAL medic who just happens to be the halfling son of Poseidon, and he's immortal. His coupling with a human woman is dangerous for him. I plan on writing a full book with his story later in the summer, I enjoyed him so much! Working with veteran Medeival writer Kathryn LeVeque, was a real treat. It was her attempt to bring in some contemporary readers, and my attempt to connect to some of her historical readers, and I think we succeeded.

http://amzn.to/2lf8uVK
I also am writing in a group called Sleeper SEALs with 10 other authors. We'll be releasing 2 new books every month, the first to come in August. Mine is due to publish 10-31-17. Not quite sure why they gave me the scary time, but that's the way it goes. That premise is these SEALs are called back into service by the President himself, to take care of some national threat. These will all be full length novels. Mine is only available on preorder at iBooks, but will be available on Amazon and other places in August when we begin promoting them.
http://apple.co/2lI9a89

I also elected to take Nashville SEAL: Jameson, and put him into an anthology with some other authors, and give him a KU run. It's a cross-promotional idea that I've not tried before.

I'm also writing another novella called Paradise, which will be an older SEAL-turned-stockbroker. Just started that one and I already am in love with this guy who will get the wanderlust of his life!

Yesterday was my launch for the Magnolias & Moonlight series, so I apologize for being late. But the excuse was good, right?

What do you like to see as far as author collaborations? Or, as an author, which ones did you like doing the best?


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